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| Resurrected–and final–JB awards |
Adam Bennett
Editor-in Chief
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The time is up for my term in office as your student newspaper’s
editor-in-chief.
In my four years on staff I have witnessed a tremendous change on
campus from construction to Appalachian’s administration.
As the senior member of this publication’s staff, I have become
well versed in many aspects life on this university campus.
I have followed many issues that have been important to students
over the past years. As a student journalist, I have made it my
goal to bring student issues and campus life to the forefront in
this publication.
My experience has given me the opportunity to
target the following list of issues, groups and people that have
touched university life over the past year.
Campus Issue of the Year: Construction
It almost seems as if this publication
and I have spoken and written too much of this subject, but construction
has truly has been the one thing that has changed campus life most
dramatically over the past year.
Think about it. Where do you walk on campus where you are not in
the shadows of a new building or site office trailer? I remember
only fours years ago when lush grass covered half the campus and
there was a “back way” to anywhere. Today, routes must
be planned well in advance to arrive at your final destination on
time and out of harm’s way.
Through the pain and suffering, OK, minor inconveniences
that come with heavy campus restructuring, comes the joy of knowing
your alma mater is being improved, increasing the value of your
diploma and securing the fact that Appalachian will be around for
another 104 years. The Dougherty brothers would be proud. Let’s
suck it up and go with the flow of campus construction.
Campus group of the Year: Student Government
Association
I will start by tipping my hat swiftly
to this student organization that usually seems to strive for what
is best for student interests. Personalities and individual political
affiliations get in the way of most issues presented on the senate
floor while senators usually tend to spend time debating those issues
that are not actually issues (read, Amy Greer and cabinet member
plaques).
This publication has highly criticized this organization constantly
year after year and this volume has been no exception. It’s
our job to report to Appalachian students what their elected officials
are doing with their resources.
My challenge for next year’s administration is to continue
building upon previous administration’s stronger points and
strive to be an invaluable sounding board for student issues.
Respect: Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor
Harvey R. Durham
After 36 years of service to the Appalachian
community, Dr. Durham will retire as provost June 30.
Beginning his career in 1966 as a math professor, Dr. Durham has
help make Appalachian State University what it is today. He is a
large part of the history of this place and will be missed by many
people throughout the community. Thank you for helping pave the
way for the future of academics here at Appalachian.
Rip-off of the year: Athletic Fee Increase
While the proposed enhancements and renovations
to our football program sounds like a good deal (yes, even in these
tough budget times), the way administrators handled the situation
was atrocious.
Who would have thought a committee formed to look into converting
our football team to Division I play would turn into a plan to totally
renovate our football stadium and gymnasium into football powerhouse
facilities – on the student’s dime? Never.
What will students pay for next, and can I just write a check?
A last-minute effort by the chancellor to rally the troops for this
proposal was well done. Thank you and the BOT for not listening
to a word of opposition from students, faculty or the staff.
I guess we should thank you for not using the
Quinn as the new weight room, right? Either way, students are paying
for it. No disrespect to athletes, but athletics generate revenue,
students generally don’t.
And finally: The Appalachian Staff
Again this year, staff members of The Appalachian have proven themselves
to be a great asset to the Appalachian community by seeking the
truth and reporting on it.
Over the past four years, the staff as a whole has surpassed the
levels of previous groups, building upon the foundation laid by
previous editors and staff members.
Producing a campus newspaper twice a week is no easy task and this
year’s staff has done a superb job in rising to the set standards.
Thank you, past and present staff members. You all hold a place
in my memory.
Along with the staff, I have had the extreme pleasure or working
and learning beside my two associate editors, James Nix, who will
take over the ship this summer, and Bethel L. Barefoot. I feel blessed
to have had the experience and wish them the best of luck in the
future.
The future of this publication is bright and I have no doubts future
staffs will continue to serve the Appalachian community with its
best interests and students at heart. |
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