Phantom plans return to CSC
Even “The Phantom,” a mysterious character from Chadron State College’s past, is planning to attend the institution’s centennial homecoming celebration this week. And, he’s kept up with the times.
The Phantom sent a PDF of a poster to the news media from his personal email account in recent days and wrote that he’ll be on campus throughout the week. He is even offering a prize package to a lucky entrant who captures a photo of him and posts it to his Facebook page titled “The Phantom of Chadron State.”
“Thought I should let you all in on my little contest. In honor of CSC's centennial celebration, I plan to re-appear on campus next week. Not familiar with my story? Check me out on Facebook for excerpts. See you in the news,” he wrote.
The Phantom, a mummy-like character, first appeared on campus in September 1963, with his face wrapped in bandages and adorning a white trench coat, sunglasses and fedora.
Word of his mysterious appearance caused a stir about the community and was even picked up by the United Press International wire service. It was front page news in Chadron and women were advised to stay indoors.
Despite The Phantom's bold appearance on horseback during a homecoming spirit rally and bonfire, law enforcement officials were unable to track him down and his true identity was kept under wraps for more than 20 years. Former students Ken Eby, John Moulds, Cliff Reisig, Terry Thompson and Jeanne Goetzinger are credited for bringing the prank to life.
The Phantom’s antics have been re-enacted numerous times since, but the appearances haven’t matched the commotion of his heyday. When Moulds, a specialist of transfusion medicine, was awarded CSC’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 2009, four friends showed up at the ceremony dressed in Phantom garb to mark the occasion. Sadly, Moulds, 67, died this June after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Category: Campus News