In 1973, during a national fuel emergency, the University of Connecticut refused to extend its Christmas recess in order to conserve fuel.
Temperatures were turned from 74 to 68 degrees in many buildings across campus and “unnecessary” lights were turned off, according to then-Provost Edward V. Gant.
Gant had not yet negotiated a replacement contract for the soon-expiring heat contract and a new contractor would be bid on at the end of November.
The state administration gave $650,000, about $3.5 million today, in funds to UConn.
Gant said he was confident the university would not have to go back to the commissioner of finance for more money.
Ashley Anglisano is a campus correspondent for The Daily Campus. She can be reached by email at ashley.anglisano@uconn.edu.