John Finley Hinds, known as "Ol' John," ran a shoeshine parlor in the Memorial Union during the 1930s and 1940s. He received letters, pictures and samples of foreign money from Oregon State students, alumni and faculty from all around the world.
The Choralaires were OSU's premier vocal ensemble for many years. Founded in 1950 by Robert Walls, Chair of the Music Department, the group performed throughout Oregon and internationally.