I was living in Hardin House at the time of the lottery. I was a senior at the time and I graduated in January 1970. The draft had a bigger influence on my future career than it did on my education because regardless of the number, I probably would have completed my education.
The lottery seemed to be the main focus of conversation around the dorm at the time. There was a lot of anxiety as the numbers were drawn. I was lucky to draw No. 277, which almost ensured I would not be drafted. Those that drew low numbers mostly joked about it to keep the atmosphere light, but I am confident that they were probably worried and concerned inside. After I drew my high number, I felt much relieved that I would probably not be drafted. The possibility of being drafted faded from my mind soon after the lottery. I did feel bad for the students who were a long way from graduation and had drawn low numbers.
Economic times were tough around the time I was nearing graduation and I did not accept a job offer I had in California. I ended up taking a job with Union Electric (now Ameren) in St. Louis and I had a great career with that Company, retiring as District Engineer in Southeast Missouri, stationed in Cape Girardeau.