Ray Pospisil Day

It’s the end of a long, hectic semester, and it is time for a University of North Dakota story. Stories like these, that are passed down from generation to generation, are part of what makes our campus a special place: Many years ago — some say the 1950s others the 1920s or 1930s or even the 1970s or 1980s (or even 1880s!) — there was a man called Ray Pospisil. He worked in the registrar’s office. Toward the end of every semester, he would make the announcement at that final grades could now be submitted and were due at a particular date. This was usually with some fanfare: the ringing of the campus bells, a “huzzah” from the students and faculty as the news of the announcement would course across campus; some would raise a celebratory glass at the moment. Almost instantly, pre-printed flyers would appear around campus naming the location of student parties and dances. Throughout the day, people would wish one another a “happy Ray Pospisil day!” and the campus would embrace a…