While the Brown University class of 1988 participated heavily in various protests on campus throughout their time as students, their senior year was much quieter. Nationally, the stock market plummeted more than once, the winter Olympics were held in Calgary, the United States terminated financial aid to Panama, and Congress focused on trade debt. On campus, ground was broken for a new gymnasium. On November 4, the high temperature was 77 degrees – the highest ever recorded temperature for that day. Eight days later, on November 12, the campus was blanketed in over ten inches of snow – the worst November blizzard to hit Providence since 1904. Guest speakers included Jesse Jackson, Liv Ullman, Gordon Liddy, and Sam Nabrit. The class of 1988 was the last class to graduate under President Howard Swearer.