Energy Conservation

In 1974 Chancellor Jack Reese initiated an energy conservation program as part of the overall effort to reduce costs. Among the changes were the following: lighting was reduced in hallways and offices; the temperatures of hot water heaters—including those in residence halls—were lowered to 110 degrees; timers were placed on lights in classrooms; and portable heaters were confiscated by Facilities Services. The flame of the Volunteer Statue would continue to be lit only on special occasions such as homecoming—it had been extinguished to save money during the Arab oil embargo of 1973, following a student protest of the waste of energy used by the flame in which students roasted marshmallows in the flame and stuck them on the statue.