In the summer, the central quadrangle is grassed, primarily due to the energy of two Grace Scripps Clark Hall residents from the class of 1936: Cynthia Criley Williams and Helen Ely Brill. In their sophomore year, the two women began an adamant “Grass Before We Graduate” campaign. For two years, students opted without dessert two days a week to raise money. When they had raised $1,500, Mrs. William Honnold supplies the balance to install the expensive sprinkler system, while Mr. John M. Ely of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, generously supplies the grass seed. The Slocum Award, which rewards those seniors with the best book collections accumulated during their college career, is established. The Slocum Award is still given today.
