Cheers to Oberlin College

To the Editors:

During my four years as an Oberlin student, my “Learning and Labor” included cheerleading at football and basketball games — HOLLERS FOR SCHOLARS! — was great fun jumping, leaping and yelling on the sidelines, seeking spectator support (vocal, at least) for our teams. In my senior year (1949 - dark ages), on the front cover of the Oberlin Alumni Magazine, there was a picture of three cheerleaders, in uniform, doing a leaping-cheer! ‘Twas me and two classmate cheerleaders! Well, we three are still enthusiastic supporters of our alma mater — and — we made the Alumni Magazine, again, Summer ’02, in our senior-citizen faces/bods. This time the picture is on the back cover — still “the cover,” right? I don’t want you to think being a Cover Girl was the main achievement of my four years. I benefited in so many ways emotionally, intellectually, socially from my Oberlin education — being part of such a stimulating “community.” Used my Phys. Ed. major, teaching just one year before marriage (to classmate), then, many years “teaching” my eight kids all about life. Had little contact with Oberlin or classmates, during those years, until -- I was asked to be Gift Chairman for our 50th class reunion (where had all those years gone?!) to be held in 1999. I jumped at the opportunity (not too high, at this age) and immediately dug out the ‘49 Alumni Magazine cover picture. Who better to ask for support (from peers) for our class/college than a cheerleader? — HOLLERS FOR DOLLARS!! Coupled with Class Agent, I enjoyed getting reacquainted with the College and my classmates. Being on the Executive Board of the Alumni Council brings me back on campus three times a year. The September weekend is my favorite! Students/Faculty returning — new students arriving — all full of vim and vinegar for the new school year. Usually there will be a football game to attend and I’m thrilled seeing cheerleaders back on the sidelines after a multi-year hiatus. With some winning scores on the books, I’m sure all that jumping, leaping, and yelling by the cheerleaders has contributed to the teams’ success. Yea Team/YEA OBERLIN!

–Patricia Cobb Tarnow
OC ’49
Alumni Council Executive Board