A few years ago, as TCU Magazine staffers perused old yearbooks, they noticed the straightlaced student styles of
the 1960s suddenly shifted in the early 1970s.
“By 1971, not only had the university at long last integrated, but the hippie era had come to TCU — a few years later than it arrived on the coasts — with nifty ’70s-style haircuts, butterfly collars and a lot of student activism,” said Caroline Collier, editor. “We thought we would circle that year and look back in time to see what was happening at TCU and in the world in 1971. So we’ve been building toward this issue for a couple of years.”
The latest issue of TCU Magazine is largely organized around 1971, beginning with the cover. For the 1971 yearbook, TCU senior Charles Varner created an opening spread illustrating what was happening at the time. Now an adjunct professor of design at TCU, Varner picked up his pens again to capture 2021 highlights for the wraparound cover of the winter issue of the magazine.
“I love how we can take a full circle approach and bring in the exact same illustrator who can discuss what has changed and what has not changed,” Collier said, noting the magazine staff hopes to also create a puzzle from Varner’s artwork.
The cover package includes spotlights on trailblazing Horned Frogs like Ron Hurdle ’71, the first Black cheerleader at TCU and in the Southwest Conference, and Jennifer Giddings Brooks ’71 (MS ’74), the first Black Homecoming Queen at TCU and in the Southwest Conference. After serving in the Navy, Hurdle enjoyed a successful career in telecommunications before using a buyout package to fund law school in his 40s and then building a successful career as a trial attorney. As an educator, administrator and consultant, Brooks has made a lasting impact stretching from elementary school to higher education. Last month, the Fort Worth community leader was honored during Homecoming halftime festivities and with the unveiling of her portrait at the Dee J. Kelly Alumni & Visitors Center.
Another story looks back at the Vietnam War and the counterculture climate at TCU. The war was dragging on, the draft was incredibly unpopular following the leak of the Pentagon Papers — which proved the public had been misled about the war — and major protests were happening on campus. Renowned Vietnam War scholars Peter Worthing, professor and associate dean of graduate studies and research, and Kara Dixon Vuic, LCpl. Benjamin W. Schmidt Professor of War, Conflict and Society in 20th-Century America, offer insight.
“Their wisdom is very illuminating. It’s a good reminder of how the Vietnam War happened and why it was very different from every war that came before it,” Collier said. “Now 50 years later, TCU’s largest group of international students is from Vietnam, and we talked to several recent graduates and current students about how they understood the conflict.”
1971 brought the invention of the microprocessor, and TCU has an intimate connection with the tech revolution through former TCU Board of Trustees Chairman John V. Roach ’61 (MBA ’65), who led Tandy Corp. in its emergence as a pioneer in the microcomputer industry.
“It’s interesting to think how the world has changed in 50 years, thanks to the microprocessor, and TCU has such a strong tie,” Collier said.
Special 1971 coverage also includes a timeline of big moments on campus and in the world, details on the launch of TCU’s chapter of the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa honor society and a spotlight on the lively Jefferson Airplane concert at Daniel-Meyer Coliseum.
Other stories to look for in the winter 2021 issue:
Legendary era of Billy Ball: Charismatic coach Billy Tubbs led the Horned Frogs to a fifth seed in the NCAA tournament. This tribute to Tubbs, who died last year, relives the excitement, provides updates on key players and discusses what the culture was like as basketball fever swept through campus.
Emphasis on civility: TCU’s forensic speech and debate team has a rich history of success. This spotlight includes a podcast with Amorette Hinderaker, convener of debates and associate professor of communication studies, who offers pointers for engaging in civil discourse.
Research fun & games: Wendi Sierra, assistant professor of game studies in the John V. Roach Honors College and a member of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, developed a beautifully illustrated video game to teach the Oneida language and culture. Her work is supported by the National Endowment for the Humanities.
We got spirit: Maggie Martin gives a first-person account of heading up the Dutchmen, the Horned Frogs who sport purple-and-white-striped overalls and lead the student sections during football and men’s basketball games.
“I like how this issue fits together, showing who we have become in an amazing 50 years,” Collier said. “It’s a special opportunity to step back and assess all the forces that are shaping who we are now and who we can continue to become. Conflict, debate, music, technology, sports — we were living through transformative times, then and now.”