From Playboy Magazine's "Women of the Ivy League" issue to Harvard's splashy 350th celebration, it was an unusually unusual year for the University community in 1986. Here's a tongue-in-cheek review of some of the year's best kept secrets:

Worst Defender of Free Speech

In his parting speech before the Undergraduate Council, departing Chairman Brian C. Offutt '87 suggested that the council get involved in entrepreneurial ventures--like helping out the Harvard Independent, which he said was in a "troubled state" financially.

Offutt proposed subsidizing the Indy in exchange for free space in the campus weekly. In an unusual editorial in the next day's Indy, President David E. Yarowsky '87 said there was no merit to Offutt's claim.

Best Defender of Free Speech

Then there was the Divinity School student who mutilated himself on the steps of the State House earlier this fall. Erwin L. Rupert II pierced his chest with wooden skewers in a ritual act to show support for four Vietnam veterans fasting in Washington D.C.

After performing the bizarre rite on Beacon Hill, Rupert said, "There's a little blood and pain...but no risk."

Still, It's a Remarkable Likeness

On October 8, the University planted a New Jersey-grown tree in Harvard Yard to commemorate the 15th year of Derek C. Bok's presidency. Pencil-thin, the young sapling had a mere seven leaves on its tender branches.

"It's balder than [Bok] is," said one irreverent freshman, Robyn Fass '90 of Canaday Hall.

You Really Didn't Mean That, Did You?

Harvard football Captain Scott Collins '87, after the gridders won The Game, 24-17: "It's not an Ivy title, and I wouldn't say it makes up for the rest of the year, but it's definitely a great way to go out." Collins missed the contest with a knee injury suffered the week before at Penn.

"Let Them Eat Cake" Quote of 1986

"It's not every day you meet a prince," said Cristina V. Coletta '87, co-organizer of the undergraduate 350th celebration about the impending visit of Charles, Prince of Wales. "It certainly is a shame that more students will not be able to meet him personally.

"It's up to the 350th Office to preselect if they feel that choosing people with whom the Prince would have something in common will make his visit more enjoyable," said Coletta, who did get to meet His Royal Highness.