Students, community members, alumni, and faculty members alike noted the magical aura on campus.

“You see all the other classes. It’s a unique opportunity to pass through the walls and get an awareness of all the classes that came before you,” Dushay said.

Such a momentous event also called for a large budget. As a student, Charlene H. Li ’88 remembered calling stores to ask for donations in the form of cake, ice cream, and punch—whatever they could offer.

“I just remember how aghast I was,” Li said. “My impression as a student was ‘You want me to call up these people and ask them to donate?’ I didn’t know they would be happy to.”

A REGAL VISIT

Rumors and lore shrouded the visit of Prince Charles of Wales, according to Solomon.

“Someone told me that the prince traveled with a taster,” he said. “I heard it was an old vestige of the monarchy and that a person had to sample the prince’s food before he ate it so that he wouldn’t be poisoned or something.”

Solomon said that he caused hysterical laughter in the British Consulate General when he called to ask the information officer if this rumor was true.

Fifty chosen students were given the opportunity to personally interact with the much talked about Prince after the British Consulate asked the University to invite individuals whose interests overlapped with those of the Prince to attend a reception with him, according to a Crimson article at the time. Students who enjoyed “polo playing, architecture, music, student government, or third world issues” were in luck.

In his speech, Prince Charles acknowledged a possible lack of enthusiasm surrounding his visit, noting that “at least one American newspaper had said it was a definite mistake to invite someone as appallingly undemocratic as The Prince of Wales.”

Before he arrived, Prince Charles was rumored to be an “incredibly stiff” figure, according to Solomon.

Yet, his speech was a tremendous hit.

“He happened to be fantastic,” Solomon said. “He charmed the entire campus, especially with his humor.”

Michael D. Nolan ’88 agreed.

“He actually gave remarks that the listeners really enjoyed and responded to well,” he said.