Famous Visitors from 1980's
Nov. 4, 1989 - Musical groups Cheap Trick and the Gear Daddies
As part of Homecoming week, Cheap Trick headlined a concert Nov. 4, 1989 at Halenbeck Hall. Minnesota rockers the Gear Daddies opened the show.
Cheap Trick first appeared at St. Cloud State on March 27, 1977, opening for Kansas.
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May 16, 1989 - Comedian Louie Anderson
Twin Cities comedian Louie Anderson performed to a sold-out crowd in Atwood Memorial Center's ballroom.
Tickets cost $7 for St. Cloud State students and employees. General public tickets were $12.
Jan. 11, 1989 - Billiards expert Paul Cernis
Sponsored by the Atwood Recreational Center, billiards trickshot artist Paul Cernis gave a demonstration at Atwood Memorial Center.
Oct. 8, 1988 - Musical group the Smithereens
Sponsored by the University Program Board (UPB), the New Jersey-based rock band, the Smithereens, led by frontman Pat DiNizio, played in Halenbeck Hall during Homecoming Week.
Tickets were $5 for students and $8 for the general public.
Feb. 18, 1988 - Politician Paul Simon
U.S. Senator from Illinois Paul Simon stopped Feb. 18, 1988 at Atwood Memorial Center during his campaign to run for president. Speaking before a packed crowd, Simon discussed higher education and student loans.
Feb. 6, 1988 - Mascot San Diego Chicken
Famed mascot the San Diego Chicken entertained 4,700 Halenbeck Hall spectators at the Feb. 6, 1988 men's Huskies Basketball game against the University of North Dakota.
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Nov. 14, 1987 - Politician Elizabeth Dole
Elizabeth Dole, former U.S. Secretary of Transportation and wife of Kansas senator and presidential hopeful Bob Dole, spoke at Atwood Memorial Center conference about problems facing Minnesota women.
Nov. 1, 1986 - Actor Larry Linville
Larry Linville, best known for his portrayal as Frank Burns in the long-running M*A*S*H television series, spoke Nov. 1, 1986 in the Stewart Hall auditorium. Linville talked about his career and his time on the series.
Tickets were free to St. Cloud State students and employees. General public tickets were $5.
May 13, 1986 - Musical group George Thorogood and the Delaware Destroyers
Sponsored by the University Program Board (UPB), George Thorogood and the Delaware Destroyers played to 5,500 rowdy spectators May 13, 1986 at Halenbeck Hall.
Tickets were $8 for St. Cloud State students and $13.50 for the general public.
May 2, 1986 - Actor Don Knotts
Actor Don Knotts, who appeared in many films and classic television shows such as The Andy Griffith Show and Three's Company, spoke to a capacity crowd at the Stewart Hall auditorium.
Knotts showed clips from the various television shows in which he starred. He discussed comedy from the days of radio to the present.
July 12, 1985 - Musician Reba McEntire
As part of the city of St. Cloud's "Wheels, Wings, & Water" festival, country music singer Reba McEntire performed two shows July 12, 1985 at Stewart Hall auditorium.
Backing up McEntire was the Chockie Mountain Band.
April 1, 1985 - Activist Jesse Jackson
The Rev. Jesse Jackson spoke to nearly 4,000 spectators April 1, 1985 at Halenbeck Hall. Jackson was touring the state to rally Minnesota farmers.
Jackson spoke about the farming crisis, the federal deficit, defense spending and education.
Oct. 8, 1983 - Actor Jerry Mathers
Jerry Mathers -- better known as Theodore “Beaver” Cleaver on the 1950s television show “Leave It to Beaver” -- appeared in the St. Cloud State University homecoming parade.
Mathers was visiting St. Cloud to promote a 24-hour "Leave It to Beaver" marathon on a local television station.
Sept. 22, 1983 - Journalist Hunter S. Thompson
Sponsored by the University Program Board (UPB), journalist Hunter S. Thompson spoke to a capacity crowd in the Atwood Memorial Center ballroom.
A free event, Thompson spoke about his career and experiences. He also talked about Mexico being annexed by the United States, drugs, the Middle East, the upcoming 1984 presidential election and football.
Nov. 6, 1982 - Musical group the Charlie Daniels Band
The Charlie Daniels Band, led by Charlie Daniels, played Nov. 6, 1982 in Halenbeck Hall. Tickets cost $8.50 in advance and $9.50 at the door.
Performing to a sold-out venue, the Charlie Daniels Band put on a long set, including "Lonesome Boys from Dixie," "Trudy" and "Can't You See?"
Oct. 26, 1982 - Professional wrestlers of the American Wrestling Association (AWA)
More than 2,000 spectators packed into Halenbeck Hall to see the American Wrestling Alliance (AWA) professional wrestling event. Stars on the card included Sheik Adnan El Kaissey, Baron Von Raschke, Ken Patera, Bobby Heenan, Rick Martel, Jerry Blackwell and Larry Hennig.
The main event was a 14-man battle royal that included Andre the Giant.
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April 15, 1982 - Twin Cities musical groups the Suburbs and the Replacements
Twin Cities musical act, the Suburbs, played a free show April 15, 1982 in the Atwood Memorial Center ballroom.
Another Twin Cities act, the Replacements, opened University Program Board-sponsored show.
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Jan. 19, 1982 - Politician George McGovern
Former U.S. senator from South Dakota and 1972 presidential candidate George McGovern spoke Jan. 19, 1982 to a capacity crowd in Atwood Memorial Center's ballroom.
Sponsored by the University Program Board (UPB), McGovern explained his "Americans for Common Sense" plan to counter attack "the growing right-wing influence."
According to McGovern, this campaign would target the "single-issue fanatics who sometimes divert attention from major problems to side-show issues."
Oct. 13, 1980 - Musical group Air Supply
About 3,600 spectators filled Halenbeck Hall on Oct. 13, 1980 to see Australian rockers Air Supply.
The duo performed a full set, including the songs "Chances," "Having You Near Me" and "Jealousy." The show was sponsored by the University Program Board (UPB).