Nixon: a) the Nevra nuclear space engine to be used in interplanetary space travel; b) a "space
shuttle" from earth to orbit around the moon utilizing spacecraft that could be reused many
times and would carry a dozen or so passengers each trip; c) a permanent space station that
would be launched from earth in module form and would be built up gradually so that within a
decade it might be able to house 50 to 100 scientists and engineers.
Following his remarks, Mr. Paine was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science degree
for his outstanding work as the administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration (NASA). Music for the processional was played by the Crane Wind Ensemble
of the State University College at Potsdam, led by Professor Robert Washburn. Prof. Robert
John McGill III was the marshal of the procession.
Distinguished Teaching Award.
President Graham announced the reestablishment of the
Distinguished Teaching Award. (See 1960 and Appendix III for full list of winners)
Student "Riots."
On Friday evening, May 2, students from both Clarkson and Potsdam State
left a beer blast at Zeta Nu fraternity at 7:00, and rather than continue drinking in the local bars,
they gathered in groups along the downtown streets to enjoy the balmy spring weather. Over
the course of a few hours, these small groups swelled until Market Street from Main to Elm was
completely filled with college students and town residents just milling around.
Within an hour, a small group of troublemakers, reportedly Potsdam High School
students, began throwing beer bottles and glasses into the street in the midst of this group that
by then numbered between 600 and 700. That was followed by others throwing small rocks,
two of which were hurled through the front store window of Calipari's Music Store marring the
spinnet piano on display. Traffic was routed around the traffic loop [Elm, Park, and Main
Streets] to avoid the crowd.
By 9:00 p.m., Potsdam Police Chief King believed that the situation had become so
potentially unstable that he called for reenforcements from the Sheriff's Office, and from police
departments in Massena, Norwood, Ogdensburg, Canton, and Gouverneur. Sometime after
midnight, and without any warning, the enlarged police forces charged from Raymond Street
onto Market Street with nightsticks and tear gas to disperse the crowd. Their actions included
accidental gassing of individuals who obviously were trying to leave the scene and were
offering no resistance to the advancing police.
One student, in fact, heading toward Potsdam State with his date, saw the commotion
downtown and went to investigate. He and his companion arrived just as the police made their
appearance. Trying to leave the scene, they retreated into an alley off Main Street. A policeman
followed them into the alley and clubbed the student who could offer no resistance because he
had been tear-gassed. The student required medical attention and spent the next 10 days in the
hospital with a concussion; he also was arrested. That night, 10 other people were arrested:
seven were Clarkson students, six of whom were fraternity members. Two of these were
charged with assault, and the rest with public intoxication.
By 2:00 a.m., the police considered the situation to be under control. A slight breeze had
cleared Market Street of the first volley of tear gas, but the breeze had died down, and so the
remains from the second volley of tear gas just hung over the area, affecting the residents in
apartments along Market Street, including one infant reportedly overcome by the fumes. By
3:30, a group of concerned Clarkson students under the leadership of Mark Scherer, president
