OCA (Operation Crossroads Africa) was founded at Dickinson by Judy Rogers, '65. Rogers was the College's first representative in Africa in the summer of 1963. The following summer ('64) three other Dickinson students followed her lead.
The purpose of the program was to "relat[e] students of high leadership potential and concerned faculty members of all religions, racial and national backgrounds of the Western Hemisphere to the African continent in creative, positive and constructive ways." Students who participated in the OCA traveled to various parts of Africa for a period of about six weeks and interacted with African communities in different ways.
Informational brochures were sent out by the Chaplain's office. These brochures contained information about OCA, as well as an "Interest Blank" which interested students could fill out in order to receive an OCA application for the up-coming trip.
In order to raise money for the trip, the committee hosted several "promotional activities," including a Fashion Show, a Faculty Talent Show, and an All-Campus Dance. The Dickinson OCA committee of this year (1966) consisted of two Co-Chairmen, Carolyn Buckley and John Gussow, Secretary Nancy Davidson, and Treasurer Michael McKee.