Question on the Quad is Back!
An old copy of “Question on the Quad” I found in my dad’s newspapers
Over Thanksgiving Break, I was rummaging around my basement. It was partially out of boredom and partially to see what I could find in my messy storage closet. I stumbled across a box with old photos, newspapers and tchotchkes from Bates that my dad, a 1992 graduate, kept. I knew a fair amount about his time here, he talks about it constantly, but I never knew he wrote for The Bates Student.
Along with ads for The Goose, a particular column caught my eye in each edition I picked up. It was “Question on the Quad” and it is exactly what it sounds like. A question would be asked to Batesies on our historic quad. The best four answers were recorded along with a photo of the students who responded. The questions varied from ones about the incoming president, affirmative action, eating disorders and if the Muskie Archives serve a worthwhile purpose. Many of the questions (and articles) all the way from 1988-1992 are relevant today. It seems as if not much has really changed these last 30-odd years. Some issues facing Bates back then are ones we continue to deal with now.
After showing my dad all the old issues of paper that I came upon, he told me that I should bring back the question on the quad. He did it, so I should continue his legacy in that regard. The idea sparked my interest and well, here we are!
This was my long winded re-introduction of the Question on the Quad! I am glad it is back and you should be too. I will be out on the quad from time to time asking whoever will answer a question. It can range from topics of free laundry, Curb Cats, our new president or the reopening of our beloved Cage. So, if you’re lucky, you might just get asked a question on the quad.
Pranav Ghai • Mar 23, 2023 at 4:05 PM
Wow! Yes – bring it back!!! And great work!
Al Bruno • Mar 23, 2023 at 3:15 PM
Great idea, Sarah! I know your Dad is beaming. I answered a Question on The Quad once as a Bates student. Have fun with it!
Marianne Cowan • Mar 23, 2023 at 2:38 PM
Great idea to bring back Question on the Quad Sarah! I wonder if students 30 years from now will still be asking the same questions. -Marianne Cowan, Center for Purposeful Work, and Bates ’92 too!
Greg Guidotti • Mar 23, 2023 at 2:23 PM
Awesome article and brings me back to the days when your dad stalked Bobcats on the quad, getting great perspective.
Laurie Franzino • Mar 23, 2023 at 12:15 PM
Love this! I was a student when your dad was on the staff and I joined The Bates Student as an editor the year after your dad graduated (and I’m also a current Bates parent). So heartened to hear you’re bringing Question on the Quad back!!!