On Jan. 18, 1994, then-university President John Worthen looked out his window and decided classes should remain in session, despite temperatures of 25 degrees below zero and wind chill factors that dipped to minus 46 degrees.
"No medical authority has told us it is dangerous to be outside and when I look outside my window I see several people walking around campus today. ... This is no threat at all since people ski in weather like this all the time," Worthen told the Daily News.
Meanwhile, then-director of the health center, Dr. Michael Seidle, had a different story.
"If you don't have to be outside, don't go. If you do go out, it is important to wear several layers of clothing. ... Everyone (should) stay indoors unless it is absolutely necessary to go outside," Seidle said.
Thus, President Worthen's place in campus infamy was ensured.
Students vilified Worthen for days to come. Letters poured into the newsroom, making the opinion section two pages long. Columnists devoted their space to the topic.
The Daily News editorial focused on the one question everyone was asking: How can classes remain in session with weather like this?
Students who lived in Schmidt/Wilson halls petitioned the administration for a formal apology, calling Worthen's treatment of the situation "wrongful," "cruel," and "flippant," among the cleaner choices.
Worthen did not apologize to the student body, but did commend students for caring.
As this winter's most severe series of storms hit Muncie over the weekend, we felt it important to look back.
Despite nearly a decade of reflection and a new president, if you expect this administration to cancel classes, expect something else.
Classes won't be canceled at Ball State University unless faculty members cancel them individually.
In the meantime, bundle up, leave early and study hard. Winter is here, so it's best to get used to it.
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