Computer Cards
. Nearly all of Clarkson's 700 freshmen took a course in the computer
requiring the use of the school's new IBM System/360 Model 44 computer. Engineering majors
formerly identified by the slide rule hanging from their belts, now could be identified by the set
of punch cards in their shirt pockets instead.
Enterprising students set up their own service bureau in which they offered to do
keypunching for those too busy to spare the time. In those early days of the computer on
campus, each of the school's 20 departments was allotted only about five hours per week
working time on the machine to solve problems in its field of study.
During a five-hour work period, the Model 44 was capable of doing as many as eight
billion simple calculations. By contrast, in January 1995, the
New York Times
reported that by
1975 a $10 million IBM computer could perform 10 million calculations per second. And by
1995, a $500 tabletop box for use with computer games could run one
billion
instructions per
second.
Industrial Fair
. September 1968 saw Clarkson's first Industrial Fair which gave hundreds of
engineering, science, and business management students the chance to consult with
representatives of 20 of the nation's largest industrial firms about industry's opportunities for
college graduates. It was sponsored by Alpha Kappa Psi, Clarkson's national business fraternity.
NSF Grant
. To support an eight-week Summer Institute in Basic Engineering and Science for
Junior and Community College Teachers, the first of its kind in New York State, the National
Science Foundation granted $48,960 to Clarkson. This program was established to further the
education of junior and community college teachers for their work in engineering, science, and
mathematics. Main topics covered were modern physics, chemistry, mathematics, and basic
courses in chemical, civil, and mechanical engineering.
Teachers participating in this program for three years were eligible to receive their
master's degree in basic engineering.
Secretary of State
. William P. Rogers, who was appointed Secretary of State by President-
elect Richard M. Nixon, served as a term Trustee for Clarkson from 1962 to 1965. He resigned
as a Clarkson Trustee in 1965 when he became a member of the US Delegation to the 20th
Session of the United Nations.
Rogers, a Norfolk native, had been awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters
degree by Clarkson at its 64th Commencement in 1957. He was cited for being a distinguished
attorney, a competent public servant, and a North Country native who had gained nationwide
attention as Deputy Attorney General of the United States.
Hockey
. In December, Clarkson won top honors in the ECAC Holiday Hockey Tournament for
the third time. Later, in March, after defeating RPI 4-3, the Golden Knights ranked second to
Cornell in the ECAC Division I with a record of 15-5-1 overall, and 11-5-0 against league
opposition. They edged SLU from second place by .012 points. Unfortunately, despite being
out shot by Clarkson 47-34, Boston College defeated them 6-5 in the first double-overtime
game in ECAC history.
