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Our Perspective...
Newspaper looks back on year
For the fourth consecutive year, The Appalachian presents its top 10 stories of the year as seen through the eyes of the editorial board.
Every year, Appalachian State University experiences events that shape both the present and the future of the university.
Those events held true this year as well.
The selection of a brand new chancellor, the Mountaineers losing the Old Mountain Jug to Western Carolina and the opening of the Summit Trail Solarium are events that were true campus newsmakers.
Several of these bear significance.
November brought one of the most contentious national elections in years. The campus, like the entire nation, stood divided. Even after the results were announced, some Appalachian students expressed elation while others displayed dissent through protests on Sanford Mall.
Another issue dividing the campus was the 60-acre purchase of the Edmisten property.
Several students and staff in the athletics department pushed for the proposition of a new stadium. Others thought it could be used to further the university through student housing or a new health facility.
Unfortunately, Appalachian was marred with an instance of great sadness. Joseph McClure, a senior set to graduate in December, was shot and killed last fall. The Appalachian would again like to offer condolences to his family and friends.
One of the biggest issues this semester has been the question of the textbook rental system. The Appalachian conducted its most comprehensive survey in its history to investigate an issue that has the campus community divided.
The underlying theme in almost all of the year’s events is the first year under the leadership of Appalachian State University’s sixth chancellor, Dr. Kenneth E. Peacock.
As Installation nears, The Appalachian encourages all students to attend the ceremonies. We have no doubt Peacock will lead Appalachian well into the 21st century.
With only one issue left, The Appalachian realizes the end of yet another academic year is approaching.
For those graduating, The Appalachian wishes you the best of luck in all future endeavors.
For those returning, we look forward to another successful year of bringing you the news every Tuesday and Thursday.
Have a safe and happy summer.
TO TOP
Norman looks forward to next year as editor
When I left my sports writing position to become an associate editor for the spring semester, I don’t think I knew what I was getting into.
Rather than attending Appalachian State University sporting events, I would be responsible for overseeing all written content in the newspaper.
It’s safe to say that being a news editor is not for the weak-at-heart.
However, being a part of this leadership crew for The Appalachian has been my most rewarding experience at this university. I think it’s safe to say that my term as Editor-in-Chief next year will be even more rewarding.
I can’t say enough about my writers this year.
Through all of the meetings, the suggestions, the praise and even the chewing-outs, they “brought it” every issue.
Meeting two deadlines a week can be tough, especially with classes being the No. 1 priority. But these writers, many of whom are very young, got better and better with each story they submitted.
To all writers on this staff, I don’t know the words to convey how proud I am of each and every one of you.
The efforts you put into this publication have not gone unnoticed.
I challenged a lot of you, and you answered my challenge by going above and beyond what was expected. That says a lot about your character and the type of people that you all are.
I know it was hard at times, but if it was easy to work here then I would not have been doing my job.
I am thrilled to have so many of you coming back next year.
However, there are still others who will be moving on. Whether you are graduating or leaving the publication for other reasons, I will miss everybody not returning next year.
David Forbes, I think you did an outstanding job this year. A lot of people on staff did not know what to expect from you this year, but you did an excellent job of leading this paper.
Don’t injure anybody too badly with your sword next year.
Hugh Kellenberger and Justin Boulmay, I know you will both succeed at whatever endeavor you set your eyes on. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with you and becoming good friends the past two years.
For everybody coming back, I am thrilled at what we will accomplish next year.
As the 2005-06 Editor-in-Chief, I can tell you, the reader, that The Appalachian will continue to grow and expand to suit your needs.
There will be an online editor next year to keep The Appalachian ahead in the changing world of journalism. The Web site will be updated to be even more modern than it was this year, and will include web exclusive stories and special interactive packages.
We will also have a more visible presence on campus next year as well.
Whether it is through contact tables, surveys or PANS announcements, I want to make sure we are receiving constant reader feedback.
That is, afterall, the reason why The Appalachian exists: to serve you.
I leave behind the position of news editor to Anna Oakes. I know Anna will contribute her ideas to the publication. Her passion for journalism and her ideas for next year will allow her to be successful at the position in ways I never could.
I also know Jennifer Schneider, as production editor, will make the paper look better than it ever has with her creativity and Alison Fosbenner, the first-ever online editor, will lead The Appalachian Online as one of the finest collegiate Web sites in the nation.
As future Editor-in-Chief, I feel truly blessed to have such a talented group of people returning.
I have no doubts that, through lots of hard work and dedication by my staff, both The Appalachian and The Appalachian Online will reach a level that has never been reached before.
We have a lot of plans to make next year extremely special, for us and for every single person on this campus.
I hope you all will join us for the ride.
TO TOP
Kellenberger remembers time at ASU
Attention members of the Mountaineer Message Board: this university is now a better place.
I am graduating.
In two weeks, I will walk across the stage at George M. Holmes Convocation Center and receive what is rightfully mine: a blank piece of paper. I have been assured a diploma will eventually arrive in the mail.
It’s a curious thing being the lead instigator of the opinion section at The Appalachian. Sean Oakley may have taken on all left-wingers, and Leslie Rasimas took on just about everybody on campus, but I took on other universities.
You may remember me. I am the one who wrote that black and gold are not everybody’s favorite colors and that the residents of Cullowhee are below us on the evolutionary scale. I wrote that John Kerry blew the election and Appalachian basketball is more important than “One Tree Hill.”
I was the man behind The Appalachian saying Elon does not belong in the Southern Conference and that it was time for Appalachian athletics to plan more than a month ahead.
This is not to say that I have merely preached to the masses in my four years at Appalachian State. I gained a great deal of knowledge.
Some of this knowledge is:
- Western Carolina University is not a second-rate university. However, I still think their students are; and I have 200 e-mails and threatening phone calls to prove it, too.
- In 15 years, you will not remember your grade on an Introduction to Philosophy test, but you will remember the night Appalachian basketball became an event.
- That nothing is better than a late night trip to Mel’s Diner with friends.
- “Napoleon Dynamite” is overrated. So is “The Matrix” trilogy. Nothing will convince me otherwise.
- The department of communication deserves its own building. It’s only the biggest department on campus.
As I head into the uncertain future of not having a job or even knowing where I will live this summer, certain memories come alive for me.
I will remember always the miracle on the mountain, when Appalachian defeated Furman in 2002. I will remember Derrick Black reminding everyone of the play every chance he got for the next year and a half.
I will remember Matt Jones coming up with two steals and a miracle dunk against George Washington last year.
I will remember this year’s basketball squad winning nine of 10 to make a serious run for the Southern Conference title.
I will remember D.J. Thompson putting the team on his back in the tournament semi-finals and nearly gutting out another victory.
I will remember that there is not a more majestic place on earth than Boone. Even when it snows in April, there is something surprisingly comforting about the place I have come to call home.
Now that I am done covering Appalachian sports for the foreseeable future, I am ready to take the next step: uber-Appalachian fan.
I have already joined Yosef Club. Road trips to Boone on Saturdays are definitely in the cards.
One of the downfalls of being young is you often turn your head and laugh at things those before you say.
When alumni talked about loving Appalachian, I politely listened. When they said they loved it because of Sparky Woods and long-forgotten traditions, I smirked. When they said they loved Appalachian because it’s where they found their significant other, I outright laughed.
Yosef Club Director Gerald Adams and his wife Julia had a black and gold wedding. When I heard about this, I mocked it relentlessly in private.
Now, I get it.
Your life isn’t about Appalachian. Your life is because of Appalachian.
In 40 years I hope I am lucky enough to come back to Boone with my wife and spout wisdom at a group of teenagers who wish they were at Chapel Hill.
I came here as a 17-year-old who viewed Appalachian as my safety school.
I leave four years later viewing Appalachian as my home.
TO TOP
Letters to the Editor
Fighting cancer low on ASU's priorities
I am appalled. ASU, stand up, look in the mirror, and be ashamed of yourself. I am well aware that our first annual Relay for Life was on very short notice, but people need to prioritize what is important. Fighting cancer is definitely on the top of the list.
I would like to first thank everyone who participated in this event. You owe yourself a pat on the back. Secondly, I would like to congratulate the participants for exceeding our goal.
Now that the people who are due credit, have received it, I would like to say shame on you to several people. I don't know if the students here at ASU are aware of the things I am about to say, but everyone needs to be.
Shame on you food services... I am sure exceptions can be made for such an important event. How could you not allow concessions not be sold to further cancer research? Check your motives...
Shame on you Stadium directors... It is somewhat understandable that you didn't want tents to be pitched on the precious AstroTurf, but it is completely ridiculous that we could not use the track as our walking area. If you would be paying attention, you would realize that Food Services was not allowing food, so there would be no mess. Not only that, but if there was food, it is called trash cans. How soon everyone forgets that ALL students paid for the football field, not just athletes, and that we should all have equal access to the facility. Rules are acceptable, but that kind of prohibition is not.
Shame on you Town of Boone... How could you not let us have amplified music for such a prestigious event? I understand the 'No loud music after 10 rule,' and appreciate that rule when my loud apartment neighbors start up, but come on. The Relay for Life. Don't you have bigger fish to fry? 'You might disturb the neighbors.' Is that so? Let's see...Middle of a college campus, Friday night...Bowie Hall, you sleepin'? NO. Didn't think so.
Lastly, shame on you ASU students... You could've given more, not just money, but also time. So it's Friday. Would it kill you to walk instead of get drunk and party for one night of you college life. I think not! There will be a second annual Relay for Life, and I hope to see some big changes of heart. Until then, I pray that cancer doesn't hit home for you, but if it does, I will be walking for you.
Bartley Bess
junior, elementary education
bb52704
Marijuana, alcohol not equal
It's hard to believe that the SGA sponsors of the bill to reduce the marijuana punishment at this school ignore the reason behind stiffer punishment: marijuana is an illegal drug. Although alcohol has an age under which consumption is illegal, marijuana's only requirement for punishment is use or possession. Argue all you want about why it's illegal, but can the SGA change that fact? No.
There is already a negative stereotype that this university is full of potheads, so why should the SGA, who are supposed to be leaders for Appalachian's students, work to reinforce such detrimental public opinion?
To be morally suasive, what parent wouldn't want to know his or her child is using a controlled substance? Upon first reading the headline, I was foolishly excited that maybe the SGA was getting serious about the huge underage drinking problem that has permeated this campus. And raising the penalty for underclassmen who get busted. But it's my opinion that this bill will do nothing except give people more incentive to break the law. Not the SGA's law, but the United States' law. The bottom line is, until the federal government decides that marijuana is on the same "level" as alcohol, then there's no reason for the SGA to lower the punishment here at Appalachian.
Will Gillespie
senior, public relations
wg41846
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