How Mudd Has Changed Over the Past 30 Years

Having been founded in 1955, Harvey Mudd is still a relatively new college. But it certainly still has significant traditions and fun stories from the past. In fact, Mudd’s history has a lot of character. And while some parts of HMC haven’t changed since that founding date, other parts have—quite a bit! I compared the Harvey Mudd of today with the Harvey Mudd that engineering majors Michelle Mann (‘93/’94) and Josh Mann (‘94) remember experiencing 30 years ago.

Now, we all know and love the Hoch and its amazing variety of food options (and creative ways to invent your own unique treats—stay tuned for our Instagram posts on that!). But the Hoch hadn’t been built in the 90s. Instead, students ate at Platt, which is now a communal lounge space with comfy couches and music rooms. The dining hall food was much more cafeteria-style, with food like burgers, tater tots, and a special treat of bubblegum ice cream. What is currently known as Jay’s Place, an underground lounge with food served until late into the night, used to be called the Mudd Hole (in Mudd’s signature punny style). Believe it or not, there was a pool where the Hoch now stands! 

There were also quite a few class differences. Today, E4 is an engineering elective where a big part of the course is building a hammer by the end of the semester. But 30 years ago, it looked a little different. E54 was a class taken in sophomore year. In addition to lab experiments, it included the manufacturing of a screwdriver, a hammer, and a tool tray. Students had to pass a swimming test to graduate, an essential for the California lifestyle. And Mudd had a graduate program for a very short amount of time, during which they provided housing in apartments where Sontag is now. In fact, Michelle Mann earned her Master’s degree at Mudd during this time.

In terms of dorms, Drinkward and Sontag didn’t exist in the 90s! Atwood used to be called “New” because it was the newest—until Case was built and dubbed “New 2.” Since Atwood was known as “New,” they would host two parties every year that were each called “New Year’s”— one at the start of the school year and one at the start of the new calendar year. SWE (Society of Women Engineers) would host a big Valentine’s dance every year in Platt.

Mudd certainly had some lively traditions 30 years ago. South dormers (affectionately known as Southies) were famous for their unicycling skills. Once a year, they would take an adventure down to Foster’s Donuts (which is now called Donut Man) on their unicycles to pick up donuts. Every Sunday night, students would gather to watch the Simpsons in various dorm suites. 

Finally, I’ll leave you with a few reminiscent parting song lyrics. Harvey Mudd’s theme song used to be sung to the Mickey Mouse tune!

“There’s a college way up north that’s made for you and me

H-A-R-V-E-Y M-U-DOUBLE D                                                      

Harvey Mudd (Harvey Mudd)

Harvey Mudd (Harvey Mudd)

Forever let us hold our slide rules high (high high high)

Calculus and Newton’s laws and relativity (ROCKS!!!)

H-A-R-V-E-Y M-U-DOUBLE D!”