(WUCB letter and Alice’s flyer: Special Collections Research Center, University of Chicago Library; Muddy Waters poster: The Chicago Maroon; Halloween party photo: The Gargoyle 1988; women’s rugby photo: Special Collections Research Center, University of Chicago Library; Alumni Weekend photo: photography by Anne Ryan)
... WUCB was looking for new members? ... the RSO Alice’s Restaurant formed? ... Muddy Waters played Bartlett Gymnasium? ... costumed students celebrated Halloween in Ida Noyes? ... Whitney Houston dominated the charts with her Dolly Parton cover? ... the 2008 women's rugby team wore gowns for an end-of-the-season scrimmage? ... the Class of 2011 celebrated at their first Alumni Weekend class dinner?
In 1953 student-run radio station WUCB calls for new members to man its carrier-current station in the basement of Burton-Judson Courts. According to Richard Karlin, AB’55, SB’57, who was station manager at the time, WUCB was “virtually all classical,” but very diverse in its programming. “Certainly, there wasn’t the sort of Top 40 syndrome you see today. For one thing, the classical repertoire was immense.” He also noted of his experience: “There were a number of problems. One of them was that the station itself was in poor repair. We did a lot of work to repair it, some of which got us in trouble because we weren’t supposed to be doing electrical. Buildings and grounds got a little upset.” In 1968 WUCB switched over to FM and changed its name to WHPK.
Named after the 1967 Arlo Guthrie song and album, the registered student organization Alice’s Restaurant was formed “to discuss the alternatives open to graduating seniors in light of the draft.” Posters invited students to explore the possibilities and ethics of draft dodging.
Published in the short-lived weekly Chicago Rap, this February 1973 advertisement announces a Muddy Waters concert in Bartlett Gym. The concert featured “rock ‘n’ roll.”
Costumed students pose at a 1987 Halloween party sponsored by the Student Government Activities Committee, hosted at Ida Noyes. Three bands—the Farmers, a local band; Terrance Simien from New Orleans; and the Johnny B. Moore Band—were a part of the festivities.
Top 10 singles from Billboard’s Top 100, 1993
- Whitney Houston “I Will Always Love You”
- Tag Team “Whoomp! (There It Is)”
- UB40 “Can’t Help Falling in Love”
- Janet Jackson “That’s the Way Love Goes”
- Silk “Freak Me”
- SVW “Weak”
- Shai “If I Ever Fall in Love”
- Mariah Carey “Dreamlover”
- Wreckx-n-effect “Rump Shaker”
- Snow “Informer”
Taking a break from end-of-quarter stress, the 2008 women’s rugby team donned old gowns and took to the Midway for the annual prom dress rugby scrimmage. Held each year during Alumni Weekend, the game marks the end of the team’s season.
Reunion cheers: Members of the Class of 2011 enjoy their Alumni Weekend class dinner at Goose Island Brewpub in Wrigleyville.