Graduation

Will Hamlin: ... the graduating examinations would be set—for the few students who wanted BMC "Certificate of Graduation"—by outside examiners (faculty from Ivy League or other prestigious colleges) whom we and our faculty advisors chose when we and they decided we were ready to take the exams.

Gisela Kronenberg Herwitz: My final third year at BMC was spent preparing for graduation. Erwin Straus became my advisor .... My senior plan included his course on Psychology for the Human World, a tutorial on General Psychology (advanced) and one on Abnormal Psychology as well as research and preparation of my senior thesis. Also included was History of Music with Lowinsky and a French conversation course.

John  Stix: I was not however, as a theatre major at the college, receiving an education. It was this realization which led me to switch to music and musicology, largely because of the cultural and philosophical prowess of the brilliant conductor Heinrich Jalowetz. Jalo had an irresistible gift to capture the essence, often humorously, of whatever subject he addressed. I proceeded to tutor with him. An intense and immensely rewarding year later, I graduated—in music.

Betty Young Williams: The comprehensive examinations prior to graduation were very stimulating and I was glad to have some very positive feedback from the examiner who came from Harvard for the purpose.

Marilyn Bauer Greenwald:  I found as I was graduating that there was a vast difference between having a flamboyant, outgoing, outside examiner as opposed to a rigid, up-tight examiner. Outside examiners were of course chosen by whatever faculty member one was working with. Thus personality was sometimes as much a factor as was objective evaluation in determining whether the candidate graduated with applause or with mere acceptance.