The uneasiness generated by threats from Russia was reflected in the commencement speech 50 years ago at UND.
U.S. Sen. Gale McGee, a Democrat from Wyoming, told the senior class of 1962, "First and foremost, be honest with yourselves to succeed. We are in a world of trouble and revolution, and graduates have a duty to mankind to make sound decisions.
"You owe it to yourselves not to be afraid of new ideas," he said, "and dream about a better tomorrow.
"Take note -- this is no joke -- Russia is trying very hard to overcome our economic superiority, and unless our youth meets the challenge, the predictions of President Khrushchev may come reality."
Events surrounding graduation 50 years ago included a meeting of the UND Alumni Association and a coffee at the home of President and Mrs. George Starcher.
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There also was groundbreaking for the Burtness Theater, which had been the dream of many Dakota Playmakers. The theater was a $100,000 gift from Zoe E. Burtness, wife of the late O.B. Burtness, district court judge and former congressman.
Downtown in Grand Forks in June 1962, 295 earned diplomas from Central High School. School principal was Lawrence Hanson. Diplomas were awarded by Edgar Haunz, a member of the school board, and Superintendent Richard Barnhart.
Also in June 1962, the Grand Forks Chiefs split a series with Minot Mallards to retain the edge in the Polar League. C.D. Locklin, Herald sports editor, in his column called Looking Through the Knothole, wrote, "Apparently, fans in this area and opponents in the Northern League can accept the Grand Forks Chiefs as a permanent contender.
"The local team has been no lower in standings than third since the season opened. It took sole possession of the lead during the series at Winnipeg and increased it to three games during the sessions with the Gold Eyes here in Grand Forks."
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On June 19, 1962, the Grand Forks fair opened with the race track reported in good shape by fair manager, Ralph Lynch.
On the same date, the Grand Forks City Council approved final plans for the new $2.5 million airport to be built west of the city. And the city reached an assessed valuation of real and personal property of $38.2 million. That was the highest ever recorded here, according to Charles Corrion, city assessor.
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Names in the news 50 years ago included winners of the annual North Dakota Peony Show in Grand Forks.
Loyde Thompson was the grand champion for the event that was held in the Armory-Auditorium. Mr. and Mrs. Donald Anderson won the sweepstakes award. The garden flower championship went to Mrs. Hugh Robertson.
Mrs. Ralph Asleson was winner of the garden flower sweepstakes.
Other names in the news 50 years ago:
** JoAnn Bethke and John Muus exchanged wedding vows before the Rev. Earl Butz in First Methodist Church.
