According to the Microcosm, the Aquacades was the largest women's organization on campus in 1960. The Aquacades prepared Dickinson's annual water ballet under the direction of Dotti Lee Gayner.
The 1960 Microcosm recruited two judges to select the year's Miss Microcosm. They chose Paula Shedd from among Dickinson's "prettiest girls." Her court included: Shirley Bahrs, Mary Fox, Sonja Gohn, Dottie Gayner, Susan McDowell, Joan Spire, Judith Simoni, and Mary L. Thomson. According to the Microcosm, Paula represents "the ultimate of beauty of Dickinson."
As an annual tradition for five years, the Microcosm selected one female student--based "strictly on beauty"--as the 1959 Miss Microcosm. Unlike 1958, the Microcosm outsourced the selection of Miss Microcosm to James "Maverick" Garner in California. James Garner chose Anne Briner.
Seven senior women were tapped to become members of the Wheel and Chain, a local society honoring women with outstanding scholarship, leadership, and service to the college. The "blue hats" tapped for membership for 1959-1960 include Sandra Deichler, president; Nancy Cross, Marjorie Crowley, Dottie Lee Gayner, Elizabeth Griffith, Merle Tegtmeier, and Carolyn Wherly.  "Blue Hats" serve the college by maintaining a freshman orientation program, mediating between the administration and women students, and promoting an Honor Code on campus.Â