Cheers
to Oberlin College
To
the Editors:
During
my four years as an Oberlin student, my “Learning and Labor”
included cheerleading at football and basketball games — HOLLERS
FOR SCHOLARS! — was great fun jumping, leaping and yelling
on the sidelines, seeking spectator support (vocal, at least) for
our teams. In my senior year (1949 - dark ages), on the front cover
of the Oberlin Alumni Magazine, there was a picture of three cheerleaders,
in uniform, doing a leaping-cheer! ‘Twas me and two classmate
cheerleaders! Well, we three are still enthusiastic supporters of
our alma mater — and — we made the Alumni Magazine,
again, Summer ’02, in our senior-citizen faces/bods. This
time the picture is on the back cover — still “the cover,”
right? I don’t want you to think being a Cover Girl was the
main achievement of my four years. I benefited in so many ways emotionally,
intellectually, socially from my Oberlin education — being
part of such a stimulating “community.” Used my Phys.
Ed. major, teaching just one year before marriage (to classmate),
then, many years “teaching” my eight kids all about
life. Had little contact with Oberlin or classmates, during those
years, until -- I was asked to be Gift Chairman for our 50th class
reunion (where had all those years gone?!) to be held in 1999. I
jumped at the opportunity (not too high, at this age) and immediately
dug out the ‘49 Alumni Magazine cover picture. Who better
to ask for support (from peers) for our class/college than a cheerleader?
— HOLLERS FOR DOLLARS!! Coupled with Class Agent, I enjoyed
getting reacquainted with the College and my classmates. Being on
the Executive Board of the Alumni Council brings me back on campus
three times a year. The September weekend is my favorite! Students/Faculty
returning — new students arriving — all full of vim
and vinegar for the new school year. Usually there will be a football
game to attend and I’m thrilled seeing cheerleaders back on
the sidelines after a multi-year hiatus. With some winning scores
on the books, I’m sure all that jumping, leaping, and yelling
by the cheerleaders has contributed to the teams’ success.
Yea Team/YEA OBERLIN!
–Patricia
Cobb Tarnow
OC ’49
Alumni Council Executive Board
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