The Victoria College, 1925-2000: A Tradition of Excellence

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The welding program offers
students an opportunity to learn
a profitable trade.
one of the Lyceum speakers for the 1981-1982
academic year. Haley, author of Roots and a marvelous
storyteller, spoke to a packed crowd in
the Fine Arts Auditorium. In a captivating presentation,
he related his background and provided
insight into the events that produced his
major work. When asked by a member of the
audience why he accepted the speaking engagement
in Victoria, the author remarked that barbeque
was a favorite food of his, and Texas had
some of the best barbeque found anywhere. To
satisfy his craving, Haley was taken by some
members of the Lyceum Committee to Leo’s
Feed Lot, located at the regional airport, the
evening prior to his lecture. Afterwards, in a
most gracious manner, he commented that Leo’s
barbeque was the best he had ever eaten. 39
Following the Lyceum program, Haley was
escorted to lunch by several faculty members.
During a conversation at the meal, Mary
Doughtie, a member of the Lyceum Committee,
remarked how lovely San Antonio was with the
Alamo and the Riverwalk. Mike Hummel and
others from the college confirmed the comment.
Haley was so impressed with the descriptive
statements he canceled his travel plans to fly to
Senegal, drove to San Antonio, and leased an
apartment. In explaining his impulsive act, he
said, “It was the ambience that got to me. I just
got charmed like hell. The next morning I woke
up and said, ‘…I’d like to have an apartment in
this city.’” The author commented that his
Alamo City residence would be a hideout when
wanted to work. 40
Recognition came in triplets for Marylyn
Underwood, English instructor, during the fall of
1981. Her superb research and writing on science
fiction were rewarded with an invitation to participate
in the 19th International Festival of
Science Fiction Films at San Guisto Castle in
Trieste, Italy. Underwood was one of 300 journalists,
writers, film producers, and directors from
throughout the world who were invited to attend
the event. Although she was unable to make the
trip, the Victoria College English instructor was
permitted to cast a vote for the eight films she
considered classics worthy of saving. Meanwhile,
Underwood was also notified that two of her
essays were accepted for publication. 41
An unflattering report on the nation’s community
colleges was released by a wire service in
December 1981. The article stated that a threeyear
study headed by David W. Breneman, a
senior fellow at Brookings Institution, concluded
that standards at the two-year colleges were
grossly diluted to assure increased enrollments
and budgets. Bing rose to the defense of Victoria
College, and forcefully argued the study’s findings
did not apply to the local community college.
The president proudly proclaimed, “We
have standards higher than many four-year
institutions in Texas, and we intend to keep it
that way.” He further emphasized that the faculty
took pride in its work. In response to a statement
in the report that belly dancing, poodle
grooming, and Christmas caroling had “prolifer-
158 ✦ THE VICTORIA COLLEGE, 1925-2000