Letter printed in The Times,
Sadly 1967/68 remains fixed in public memory of the University of Sussex as the year of the "red paint". That this incident - an assault by two individuals on the US Embassy Press Attaché (and his daughter) at the end of a Teach-in on Vietnam - was deplored by a record 2,000 strong EUGM which went on to reject a strike call in support of the suspended assaultants, rarely gets any mention.
1967/68 was much more important, in terms of the development of the university, in that it was the year that Asa Briggs succeeded John Fulton as Vice Chancellor, and that McKinsey & Co handed over their recommendations for the management of the university which included student representation at virtually every level from the Council downwards. So, it was an exciting year to be involved with Union Affairs.
It was a highly political and social year too. The Union was closely involved with support for the locked-out workers at the CBR Jersey Mills plant in Brighton. It staged a monster concert in The Dome starring Françoise Hardy. Jimi Hendrix and Chuck Berry played at Union dances. Joint University/Union funding saw the appointment of music and sports directors.
Tom Macan, USSU President 1967/68
Four Union Presidents from the University's first decade were at the reunion. Standing behind Asa Briggs are Adrian Mugridge (62/63), Tom Macan (67/68), Tez Quirke (68/69) and Malcolm Reid (67).
10 of those who sat on the Executive made it to Brighton for the 40th anniversary reunion in 2007. Seen here, standing behind Asa Briggs (seated) are (L to R): Tom Macan (President), Tez Quirke (Sports Fed Chairman) Malcolm Reid (previous President), Hermione Lovel (Vice President), Imogen Dawson (External Relations) David Valls Russell (Secretary), John Oswin Smith (Treasurer) and Dudley Coates (Chairman of Council). Roger Martin (Social Secretary) and Steve Bill (External Relations) were also in Brighton but, sadly, did not make it for the photo!