Sean Oakley - Features Beat

Dr. William Derrick has been helping afflicted students in the infirmary since 1968. It has been a period of heartbreak and joy for Derrick, and one that has also witnessed many changes in both the school and the practice.

Growing up in Spartanburg, S.C., Derrick's father worked on the railroads in the area. As a boy, Derrick knew he was going to attend college and he always had an inspiration to be a doctor.

However, in his senior year of high school he was intrigued by physics and so he attended Duke University on a scholarship in an attempt to complete a physics degree. After second thoughts, Derrick realized that his true love was medicine and so after a short hiatus he returned to his original ambition.

"Choose what you do in life depending on what you like doing," said Derrick. This was his rationale for the change in plans back at Duke.

"Being a doctor was the job of my dreams," said Derrick.

So after Duke, he attended Wofford College where he finished his undergraduate work and then moved to the University of South Carolina, where he did his graduate work. Yet after receiving his license to practice, there were still decisions to be made.

"I always wanted to practice medicine in the mountains," said Derrick. And with those thoughts in mind he narrowed his decision of where to practice down to Brevard, Boone and Eastern Tennessee. In the end, Boone was his decision.

Yet, fate would still play a role in finding him here at Appalachian State University. He originally came to Boone with the hopes of starting a private practice. When he first came here, there was a shortage of staff at the infirmary. So while his offices were being built, he helped out at what was then the teacher-training college.

In those days, the infirmary was a building right in front of Founders Hall, which coincidentally happens to be the old county hospital. The infirmary was a two-story building, but was also put on the lowest spot on campus. Flooding was often a problem. That building was only 3,400 square feet, compared to the current infirmary, which consists of 30,000 square feet. For a while, his private practice was going well. During that period, he was one of only five doctors in the area. He handled mostly everything for his patients: child birth, sicknesses, broken bones and just about anything else you could think of.

"The most exciting thing is to be present at the birth of a baby and to see them take their first breath," said Derrick.

Yet more specialized physicians began moving to the area, and soon there were pediatricians, gynecologists and orthopedic doctors in the area. This dwindled his patient base to mostly older people and he realized that he was not doing what he had wanted to do. So one morning he woke up and decided he wanted to go to Appalachian.

That was in 1976. Since then, said Derrick, "I can't remember a single Monday morning that I dreaded going to work. Every Monday morning is a high point."

He loves working with young people and though he admits they do not always take his advice, being able to reach some make his work joyful and fulfilling. Yet, though his work has had many fulfilling moments, there have also been plenty of ones filled with frustration and sadness.

"The hardest part was having to tell someone who's 18 that they have leukemia," said Derrick. "We frequently see students with life threatening diseases. It's different when a 73-year-old finds out they're terminally ill. At least they have lived a good part of a life. But having to tell someone who has just begun their life that they are very sick and might not make it is hard."

Derrick has seen cases of brain cancer, testicular and pulmonary cancer, leukemia, meningitis and AIDS since he has been here. But he also admits that advances in the medical profession have come closer to finding cures and vaccines for some of these diseases.

Yet the frustrating part, for Derrick, is that once cures are found for one disease, new diseases sprout up. A good example is the amount of antibiotic-immune bacteria that have begun to appear due to the over-prescription of antibiotics.

In 1990, Derrick was appointed Director of Health Services. Yet even after all the additional paperwork, he always found time to see the students, which were the reason why he enjoyed working so much. He also points out that nurses are the ones who make the infirmary run. Without their hard work, things would be impossible for the doctors, he said.

Yet on the eve of his retirement, Derrick looks back on his profession and admits that it, "creates an appreciation for life and for the potential of students." And though he realizes it is time to retire, he is finding it hard to imagine walking away from the job he loves so much.

"Everyday of my life I'm going to miss coming to work here, I have mixed emotions: one of joy and sadness," said Derrick.

Though he is not sure whether or not he is going to give up his license to practice, he is sure that his wife, Elizabeth, who worked in Morganton for 20 years at a school for the deaf and teaches a sign-language course here at the college, is going to make him complete the "Honey-Do" list that has accumulated due to his time-consuming profession. He also plans to spend time with a lot of his neglected hobbies, such as woodworking, carpentry and photography.

But most of all, he said that he is looking forward to "spending time with my best friend, my wife. I'm looking forward to just sitting on the front porch with her, holding hands and rocking."

"I wrote my retirement letter with fear and trembling," said Derrick. I want to do things with my wife that we have not been able to do. I will still miss my work, though. I only hope that I have been good for the university, for the students and for the health service."

Staff reports

Vice Chancellor for Student Development Gregory Blimling appointed the 67th editor-in-chief of The Appalachian late last week.

Current interim editor-in-chief John T. Bennett will assume the role on a full-time basis during the 2001-2002 academic year.

The Kings Mountain, N.C., native served as the newspaper's associate editor of production operations before filling the vacancy created when former editor-in-chief Gerald Witt stepped down in mid-March.

"Next year can be a very positive year for this newspaper," Bennett said. "To have a good newspaper we have to put together a talented staff that wants to make a difference on this campus."

Bennett said he plans to begin interviewing applicants for beat reporters, copy editors, photographers and layout and design personnel this week, and hopes to have next year's staff in place by Reading Day.

"I know there are some talented and capable writers who are journalism and communication majors," Bennett said. "One of my goals is to work with the (communication) department to get more of those students on staff so we can improve the quality of this newspaper."

The junior communications major said one of his primary aims next year will be to improve the style of news reporting found in The Appalachian.

"I see a lot of good things in our newspaper right now, but next year we must start acting like real journalists by asking tough questions and getting the entire story," Bennett said. "We have a responsibility to our readers to do those things."

Bennett joined the staff of The Appalachian as a sophomore in January 2000 after transferring from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He covered the administration beat during the spring 2000 semester before becoming summer editor-in-chief last summer.

Bennett said he has specific goals for next year, but hopes to add to that list this summer when he will be participating in The Institute on Political Journalism at Georgetown University. Part of the program will see Bennett complete an internship at a yet-to-be determined Washington, D.C., news organization.

"This summer is going to allow me to get a first-hand look at how a major news organization operates," Bennett said. "I'll be able to bring that knowledge back here and apply it to this newspaper."

David W. Freeman, director of student publications, said Bennett's interest in news events will help motivate the future staff to gather information and present the findings to the public.

"He's a very bright individual," said Freeman. "He's very interested in what's going on at the university and has a lot of questions about what's going on."

Freeman also said Bennett possesses many characteristics that will make him an effective editor-in-chief.

"John's a detail-oriented person," he said. "He has good organizational skills, and he follows through. I think those are some of the qualities you would want to see in an editor-in-chief."

Nation's craft industry a $14-billion business, according to ASU study

Jane Nicholson - Director of Public Affairs

Baby boomers are fueling a renaissance in cultural heritage and the craft industry -- a renaissance that has helped create a $14-billion industry, according to two Appalachian State University business professors.

Dinesh Dave and Michael Evans of Appalachian's Center for Business Research have conducted an economic-impact study of the nation's craft industry, the first of its kind, for the Craft Organization Directors Association (CODA).

They estimate more than 126,000 people in the United States make their living from crafts. Many of the craft households fair better economically than the average American family, earning $50,000 annually versus $39,000 in terms of median income.

North Carolina's craft industry is the fourth largest in the nation.

Dave said the study shows that the crafts industry is strong and that craftspeople are good risks when it comes to business loans.

"Crafts is a growing industry," Dave said. "People want to work at home and make a good living."

Approximately 63 percent of craftspeople responding to the survey work alone in a home-based studio, Evans said. But for those willing to expand their business, the results can be dramatic.

"Some (craftspeople) are doing very well," Evans said. "But what was more interesting is that there is a dramatic increase in incomes for craftspeople who employ others."

Those moving from a home-based business to a studio with employees report incomes up to $85,000, according to the survey.

The survey showed the majority of craftspeople are women (64 percent), Caucasian (93 percent), and in their late 40s (49 years for the mean and median age of the group).

Those working with glass have a higher income than those working in fiber and textiles.

The crafts and arts sectors have become more aware of the need for information regarding their economic contributions to their communities, states and the nation at large, Evans explained.

"The arts not only are a quality of life vehicle but an economic contributor to the community, especially with tourism," Evans said. About 60 percent of craft sales are related to tourism -- people traveling to purchase crafts. "People are willing to pay better prices for certain items and things that are different," Evans said.

The study provides craftspeople with current financial data on the industry, information they need when applying for business loans. Directors of craft guilds and organizations will be able to use the data when applying for state economic development funds, and funds from Small Business Administration and private foundations.

The survey indicated the retail sector is the largest crafts distribution method (52.9 percent), followed by wholesaling within the United States (27 percent) and consignment to galleries (11.2 percent). Only 0.47 percent of crafts were distributed outside the United States.

Evans says Asheville is emerging as one of the real craft centers in the United States. The area is home to the Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Southern Highlands Handicrafts Guild fairs, and a variety of arts and craft galleries.

In addition to Asheville, craft fairs are big business for local communities, such as the Valle Crucis Fair in the High Country.

Baby boomers are the people who attend and shop at these fairs and combine vacations with visits to artists' studios and galleries, Evans said.

Evans said some communities and states are looking at crafts as a way to boost their economy. Mississippi, for instance, which for years has had an agriculture-based economy, is now promoting the arts with the slogan "The Arts Mean Business."

"Many communities are actively recruiting business and industry to their areas, but if you can cluster artists together with studios and galleries, it can be good, nonpolluting economic development," Evans said.

Major funding for the survey was provided by the Philip Morris Companies Inc. and the Thomas S. Kenan Institute for the Arts.

For more information about the study, call Appalachian's Center for Business Research at 262-6239.

Chris Baucom - Academic Affairs Beat

Appalachian State University is again among the leaders in the University system of North Carolina in drug violations.

Appalachian had reduced its number of drug violations on campus in the 1999-2000 school year, but already this year that number has been overcome. In 1998-1999 Appalachian had 119 alleged drug violations according to the Annual Report on the University of North Carolina Policy on Illegal Drugs. The following year that number fell to 70 violations according to that same report.

Campus drug education programs and enforcement took some of the credit for the fall in the number. This year, however, the number has begun to rise again. The number was already up to 89 violations as of April 6 this year according to Judy Haas, assistant director of Student Judicial Affairs.

That rise in the number with a month of school still remaining is a cause for concern for the administration.

Bob Shaffer, associate vice chancellor for Public Affairs, believes the rise in numbers here at Appalachian is due to enforcement.

"We take the policy seriously and enforce it," said Shaffer.

Shaffer does not believe that drug use is any higher on this campus than any other campus.

"The enforcement accounts for the higher numbers," said Shaffer.

The Board of Governors of North Carolina adopted a policy on illegal drugs for anyone attending or employed by a University of North Carolina.

The policy was put into effect on Jan. 15, 1988. Each year the universities in the system must give a report on where they stand in enforcement of these guidelines.

In this year's report Appalachian gave its updated numbers, and its most successful educational activities.

"At Appalachian State University, an extensive training program for Residence Life staff members and parental notification have been effective tools in reducing the number of substance abuse incidents on campus," as stated the Annual Report on the University of North Carolina Policy on Illegal Drugs.

Despite all the efforts and programs, Appalachian is still the leader in drug violations.

The administration has high hopes this number will be reversed in the year to come.

Robyn Dailey - Business Affairs Beat

The chancellor's new residence is scheduled to be completed by late summer or early fall, according to construction design technician Walt Lewis.

The dual facility will be ready for an open house, which is tentatively scheduled for October.

"It's running fairly close to schedule," said Lewis.

Lewis is Appalachian State University's representative and project manager for the new house.

The new residence, located on Bodenheimer Drive across from Appalachian Heights, will have 9,300 square feet of heated space, 300 feet of unfinished space and a three car garage.

It is a home for the chancellor and his family, as well as a place for students to come and spend time as individuals or groups with the chancellor.

It has been designed with ample space for social events.

"I think the concept of that is really good," said Lewis.

The $1.8 million project is funded primarily from the Appalachian Foundation.

There has been no state funding of the project.

Lewis said that the construction is about 66 percent completed.

"They've installed all of the sheet rock on the walls and are installing plaster right now," said Lewis.

Construction on the new house is taking place every day, regardless of the weather, said Lewis.

Weekly meetings are conducted with the architect, builder, interior decorator and committee to monitor progress, said Lewis.

David Patrick Moses from Newland is the residence's architect.

"He's got a lot of perception and vision and he applies that in his design," said Lewis, "I think anyone that goes in the chancellor's house will see that."

Albert Olszewski is the general contractor.

"Their expertise is just about unlimited," said Lewis.

Appalachian staff and faculty is involved with the project as well.

Appalachian's mechanical engineer designed the heating and air system, and the university is responsible for all of the landscaping, said Lewis.

According to Lewis, the next phase in construction is to paint the outside, hang doors, and finish plumbing and electrical wiring.

Ballenger supports repeal of Section 484

L. Nicole Tallent - SGA Beat

United States Congressional Representative Cass Ballenger gave his support for the repeal of section 484 of the 1998 federal amendments to the 1965 Higher Education Act at a town hall meeting April 11 in Grandfather Mountain Ballroom.

Ballenger said, "People who are older and who have a drug conviction on their record from when they were younger should be able to get federal financial aid and go to college."

However, despite his stance on older people receiving federal financial aid, Ballenger is against younger drug offenders being allowed to receive federal aid. "Younger people who get a drug conviction should not be allowed to go to college," he said. "The best punishment is to get their education taken away."

The Appalachian State Student Government Association Senate voted last week to support the repeal of Section 484 of the HEA Resolution as well.

Ballenger is also working to help address drug-related issues. "We have to fight the drug war everywhere," Ballenger said, "But we've got to start here ... somebody has to do something about it."

Also, Ballenger was questioned by John Hunt, a local activist in Boone, concerning the United States' relations with Colombia (concerning Colombian drug manufacturing and illegal exportation). "Thousands of people are dying in Colombia...because of our problems with the Colombian government and their products ... and this needs to stop," Hunt declared.

However, Ballenger argued that he would continue to vote against better relations with Colombia, "because human rights are being violated there ... drugs are being manufactured and shipped out of there ... and the United States is against that."

Ballenger also discussed several other platform issues, such as the need for education reform.

Ballenger is working to develop more education for the Hickory area. According to Chancellor Francis T. Borkowski, "There is a possibility of building an Appalachian Learning Center in Hickory, which countless young people would benefit from."

Also, Ballenger stated that while teachers are in need everywhere, "They are in critical demand in Hickory."

Ballenger co-sponsored the House of Representatives Bill 1494 which would provide additional money for classrooms.

Ballenger was asked about AIDS education funding as well. Ballenger has consistently voted against giving federal aid to Africa to help combat the AIDS Virus, and is against needle-exchange programs "because they encourage drug use."

In addition, Will Braun, a local environmental activist, questioned Ballenger about his concern for the last family of bald eagles in Hickory, who may be getting ready to lose their nest for good. Braun said, "Even though Ballenger has voted against 12 of the 13 proposed environmental bills in the House of Representatives, he is a passionate person ... I believe he wants to do what is right."

Moreover, Ballenger was praised by the campus College Republicans Co-President David Schaaf. Schaaf thanked Ballenger for his "loyalty to his party, and his willingness to stand up for what he believes in."

Will Braun also commended Ballenger, and said "Despite our disagreement on the bald eagle habitat preservation issue, he is worthy of respect."

However, Ian Mance, co-president of the campus ACLU, said "Ballenger often came across as hypocritical and contradictory ... because of his concern for AIDS patients in America, but not for those in Africa." Mance was also disappointed that Ballenger was against needle exchange programs, "which have been proven to help prevent the spread of AIDS." Mance continued,

"I find it ironic that the only things he, and many other Republicans, are interested in discussing is money. Ballenger avoided many issues, put profit over people ... and I do not know why he was even there."

Ballenger was given a portrait of a Boone landscape by SGA Director of State Affairs Katharine Allen in appreciation for coming to Appalachian.

He was second in the Student Government Association's political speaker series.

Ballenger was born in Hickory, N.C., and attained his bachelor of arts degree from Amherst College. He served in the United States Navy, and is the Founder and Chairman of Plastic Packaging, Inc., out of Hickory.

He has served in Congress since 1974, and has had seats not only in the House of Representatives, but in the Senate as well.

Ballenger represents North Carolina's 10th district and currently serves on the House of Representatives Committee on International Relations and the Committee on Education and the Workforce.

He may be contacted in his office at (202) 225-2576.