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

getting paid too much to provide the service.”
He was emphatic in making the point that
tuition was necessary to pay a director of the
academy and instructors. Michael O’Connor, a
member of the academy advisory board,
remarked that the reserve officers “really have
just had it too good in the past,” and they
should anticipate paying “at least a part of the
cost” of the training. Another bone of contention
was that the students did not receive
college credit for the courses. Patrick Kennedy,
executive director of GCRPC, raised the issue of
college credits for the students. He remarked it
was the understanding of the regional planning
organization that the trainees would receive
credit toward an associate of arts degree.
Rosenquest replied there were discussions with
college officials on the matter and “we’re working
toward that, but we’re not there yet.” By the
time the parties involved in the dialogue aired
their views, most of the questions addressed
were satisfactorily resolved. The principal individuals
agreed that the dispute was due to an
absence of communications, and they were
“going to have to keep this from happening in
the future.” 57
Integration of the faculty became a reality in
the fall of 1983. African-American educator
Agnes Jewett was employed by the college as a
counselor, an administrative position. Jewett
recalled that she was told that she would not be
in the classroom but “ended up teaching psychology
and reading.” She remarked that at the
1983 fall faculty meeting an acquaintance of
hers, Dr. Michael Hummel, said, “Agnes, you are
not the first black faculty member.” She was surprised
and replied, “I thought I was.” He commented,
“No, Lorne Black was.” The two had a
hearty laugh. She further stated, “I was welcomed
with open arms. My colleagues are the
best in the world.” 58
Admiral Hyman Rickover, the father of
America’s nuclear navy, was the Lyceum’s inaugural
speaker for the 1983-1984 academic year. His
address was presented on September 27 in the
Fine Arts Auditorium and centered on the importance
of individual responsibility, excellence, creativity,
and ethical and moral conduct. During the
question and answer session, Rickover made
abrasive and insulting remarks. He characterized
one question as stupid and berated the person
who made the query. Before the admiral finished
his campus visit, the brilliant, cantankerous
octogenarian had managed to ridicule almost
✯
Agnes Jewett was the first African
American employed by the college as
a faculty member.
Bingdom ✦ 163