the campus digest - Tuskegee University
Transcription
the campus digest - Tuskegee University
Tuskegee University Battle of the Bands THE CAMPUS DIGEST SEPTEMBER 2008 WWW.TUSKEGEE.EDU What’s Inside What do you have planned for the year? Digest reports on the students who didn’t. page 2 Hey Tuskegee! New editor-in-chief, Rozena Henderson gives her thoughts on the “Tuskegee Experience.” Moton field reopens Grand opening to highlight Tuskegee Airmen Oct. 11-12 page 6 new e-mail service on campus page 3 Harris From Staff Reports In an exclusive Q&A with the Campus Digest, Erick Harris layed out his plans for the upcoming year, and what he hopes to accomplish for the students of Tuskegee University. What experience you think will help you in being SGA president Prior to becoming SGA President, I served as SGA Judicial Advisor, SGA Judicial Board member, Student Senate president Pro Tempore, sophomore Class President, and a member of the Marching Crimson Piper Band. President Payton stresses importance of education at 127th Convocation Payton On Sunday, Sept. 7, President Benjamin F. Payton officially welcomed the new students into the Tuskegee University family. Tuskegee University’s 127th Convocation was held at 9 a.m. at the University Chapel. This program was the first convocation of the fall semester, although it was Barry Seawright Staff Writer Campus News 3 SGA President outlines plans for new year Did you get into the commons? PAGE 4 Send the Pipers back to ATL! the second address from the president to the freshman students. Payton encouraged the students to shift into the right mind set and to solidify their focus on gaining a quality education. Opening the ceremony was the entrance of the teachers and faculty, some Tuskegee graduates themselves. Showing in large number, Tuskegee alumni were introduced by class ranging from the class of 1975 all the way back to the 1940s, further See ‘Convocation’ page 5 with Rashim McKinney and Lee Harris all took it upon themselves to expose me to every aspect of SGA. “Well I have several things that Through planning and executing a I’m focusing on. Housing on campus successful event to working with is one of the major areas of campus life university administrators to get a goal that I want to work on. I don’t expect accomplished. I really credit David as the university to build new housing he often calls to give me advice that during my tenure as SGA President, only an older brother could.” but I do want to begin the dialogue and conversation of when the new dorms Do you have any new activities can be expected and what is going to planned? be done to keep the current housing up to standard. I’ve also moved the SGA “Yes, I plan on working with Miss into being more like a business with its Tuskegee University to start a ‘Clean officers elected by the students. You’ll Up The Campus Campaign,’ an idea soon see work-study students assisting of hers. I also plan on working with me and the other officers in carrying Assistant Provost Dr. Roberta Troy out our duties, along with posted to have a series of lectures. I believe office hours for all of the officers.” that things that encourage scholarly learning among the student body can serve them better than a fashion show What distinguishes you from other could. SGA Presidents? How do you think people will “I’m a go getter and I don’t tolerate remember you at the end of your foolishness. If I want something done, term? I don’t complain about it, I’ll find the best possible solution and implement “I think people will remember me as an innovative, fun, and a businessit.” like SGA President. I also think that How did you get involved in SGA? they’ll remember me as someone who always tried to make their lives better at Tuskegee.” “Jeffrey Taylor, David Milledge, both former SGA presidents, along Students look forward to presidential debate Kim Love Staff Writer The presidential debates are scheduled to begin on Sept. 26 amid close scrutiny of the candidates by Tuskegee University students. Tuskegee’s students have shown quite an interest in this particular election, some speculate it is because of a black candidate running for president. According to many political spectators, the 2008 presidential election is perhaps one of the most important elections in the history of America. Whatever the reason for tuning in, many students are eager to hear the candidates expound on their platforms. Each debate will have one moderator and will begin at 9 p.m. EST and last for 90 minutes. The first presidential debate will be held at the University of Mississippi in Oxford, Miss., and focus on foreign policy and national security issues. This year’s two presidential campaigns have been devoted to bringing awareness among the younger voters of America, like past campaigns. Students at Tuskegee have embraced the campaign for awareness and have their own opinions about issues concerning the presidential debates. Antoinette Evans, an aerospace engineering and physics major said, “During the debates, I would like to hear real issues such as health care, education, taxes and America’s Debate Schedule First Presidential debate Friday, Sept. 26 The University of Mississippi, Oxford, Miss. Vice presidential debate Thursday, Oct. 2 Washington University in St. Louis, Mo. Second presidential debate Tuesday, Oct. 7 Belmont University, Nashville, Tenn. Third presidential debate Wednesday, Oct. 15 Hofstra University, Hempstead, N.Y. dependency on foreign oil discussed. I hope that each candidate can clearly state what his plans are to combat these issues.” A common desire among the Tuskegee student body is that the candidates clearly speak to Americans and explicitly state their goals and plans for America, not just talk around issues and attack each other. “I would like to hear real plans for higher education and affirmative action,” said Jessica Holley, a freshman electrical engineering major. She also expressed that she would like presidential candidates to discuss plans for social security. Because of the current disappointment America has with its government, change is a common See ‘Debate’ page 2 2 Campus news Students, administrators address housing concerns By Chris Ford Managing Editor Last semester’s sophomores were excited about the option of moving into the Tuskegee University apartments on campus this semester. However, based on eligibility and the amount of vacancies open, not all students that applied this past semester were able to receive housing in the these apartments, known as the Commons. This left some students waiting at the housing building for cancelled vacancies to open up a slot, or to figure out why housing wasn’t granted to them over the summer. Joseph Ijeh, a 19-year-old sophomore finance major, said he applied for the Commons in March, yet did not know he didn’t get in until July. “I went to get my billing statement from financial aid in June, and I didn’t see any housing on my bill,” Ijeh said. This was a prevalent problem among some juniors and seniors this year. Students not awarded housing are not notified during the summer. Their only indication is the absence of a housing charge on their billing statement and the term “Housing 100” on their yellow housing registration card or billing statement. According to Belinda Patrick, business manager for the housing department, “Housing 100 was placed on (yellow cards) for students who have less than 60 hours but applied for the Commons,” Patrick DIGEST EDITORIAL STAFF E d i to r - i n - c h i e f Rozena Henderson m a n ag i n g e d i to r Chris Ford Re p o r t e r s Kim Love Toni-Ann Falconer Brandiece Berr y Rachael Anderson Nikia Pope Barr y S eawright Felicia Simmons Bridgette Williams G r a p h i c Des i g n e r Chris Ford P h oto g r a p h e r s Raymond Moore Dara Eskridge Tmasia Crowder Co n t r i b u to r s Ian Evans E d i to r i a l a d v i se r Janene Tate The Campus Digest is the voice of Tuskegee University students. It is a reflection of the Tuskegee experience in an informative, entertaining and inspiring way. The Digest delivers information—both news coverage and opinions—in a way consistent with the highest standards of journalism. Our goal is to provide students with a reading experience that is enlightening, motivating, inspiring, entertaining and fun. The Campus Digest Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL 36088 334-724-4245 [email protected] said. This meant that students were clearance at the student health center placed in the dorms and would receive in the Bioethics Center, and was a room assignment upon return to informed during the summer that when Tuskegee University. an opening became available she could Students who could, chose to move off campus, while others stayed in the dorms. Not wanting to wait until school started to find out if an opening in the Commons would be available, Ijeh looked for an apartment off campus. “I didn’t want to be in the dorms again. On the 9th of August, I applied for an apartment in Auburn and got it that day,” Ijeh said. “A lot of students did not get assigned housing because of a high number of renewals,” Patrick said. About 225 occupants renewed their leases out of 488 spaces available. Darrian Davis, a senior and electrical engineering major, however was shocked to find that his lease was not renewed this semester, even though West Commons he spent junior year in the Commons. “I applied earlier than I did last time to get an apartment for this fall get into the Commons, which would semester,” he said. enable her to cook her own food. Davis said he has been making Avery Akers, a junior and multiple trips to Housing to see if any elementary education major, did not vacancies had opened up. have any problems when it came to Sophomore Segrid Archield does moving into the Commons. He said not have enough credits to be eligible he received his housing assignment to stay in the Commons, but claims during the summer and moved in when because of her medical condition, the Commons opened. she tried to anyway. During the last Only, Akers never applied at all Christmas break, Archield said she to stay in the Commons. “I applied was told by a doctor that she had food for the Emerys,” said Akers, refering allergies, among other allergies such as to Tuskegee University’s single-room mold. dorms. “I called during the summer She said she applied for medical and nobody could really come up with an answer as to how I got put into the Commons.” Akers said he might have received housing because one of his friends listed him as a potential roommate. “When housing applications are processed and a student meets eligibility, he or she will be housed, and if space permits, that applicant’s preferred roommates will be housed as well if they meet eligibility,” Patrick said. If a student gets into the Commons that way their housing application for alternative housing is disregarded. This semester, large numbers of students lined up at the Housing building for various problems. If it pertained to the Commons, Patrick was the only one who could handle it. So many students filled the tiny office during the days the upperclassmen returned that some had to stand outside for fire-safety reasons. Patrick could only handle one at a time. “We could use assistance in terms of inspectors for the apartments and answering the office phone,” said Patrick. Work-study students have been a big help to housing, but they aren’t allowed to handle housing applications. For students that applied and did not get housing in the Commons this semester, Patrick said those students’ applications would be looked at first if any vacancies open up during the upcoming spring semester. Students can go to Housing for more details. University switches to direct deposit for refund checks ‘debate’ from PG 1 By Chris Ford Managing Editor Students awaiting a refund check no longer have to look in their mailboxes, but in their bank accounts instead. Starting this fall semester, students will have the option of going online to sign up for direct deposit for refund checks. Students can sign up on Tigerweb, said Barbara Tucker-Chisholm, head of the Bursar department. “Students can click on Bank Information and it will take students to the page for direct deposit.” Students will need their routing and bank account number to sign up, and should make sure the e-mail they see on the page is the Tuskegee address and not any other e-mail account, so students can get an e-mail saying their check cleared. The process is faster than receiving checks in the mail. After federal money has been received (i.e. Pell grants, subsidized and unsubsidized loans, etc.) the federal government requires that money to be refunded within 14 days, if their is a balance on a student’s account. “I plan to cut this in half and have checks refunded within seven days” Chisholm said. Eniola Dipeolu, a senior platform for all of the 2008 presidential candidates. The presidential debates will expose which candidates are actually promoting change and which are merely using the word to incite voters. ELECTION 2008 Under Financial Information, students should click Bank Information (shown above) to apply for direct deposit. psychology major, said she was happy about the University’s change to direct deposit. “An email was sent to me in Tiger-Mail in August, and I signed up then.” Chisholm is encouraging all students to sign up for direct deposit as it will be a requirement in the future. “In the next academic year, Fall 2009, this will be the only way students receive refund checks,” said Ms. Chisholm. For students that have expressed concern over their bank accounts, Chisholm assured that the University does not have access to the bank accounts of students when they sign up for direct deposit. If you have not registered to vote and would like to vote Absentee in your home state, please visit www.fvap.gov for more information. * On Sept. 29, CNN will be on campus for the “Express Yourself on Campus” tour. Campus news Battle for top band rests on voters By Rozena Henderson Editor in Chief Tuskegee University students get new enhanced e-mail service on campus Photo courtesy of Foster-Vision Crimson Pipers performs at the 2008 Honda Battle of the bands. presented their award on Sept. 20 in Tuscaloosa, Ala., at the Tuskegee vs. Stillman football game. The 10 marching bands who will participate in the Invitational Showcase are chosen based on the results of the opinion poll found on the Honda Battle of the Bands official Web site (hondabattleofthebands.com) as well as votes from the respective schools’ band directors, and votes from the college or university’s presidents. Supporters can vote once a day, until the polls close on Oct. 31. “If they want to see us back in Atlanta in January, they should hit the site every day. Supporters should also choose TU as the SIAC band,” Duncan said. The 10 bands that are selected will be announced on Nov. 14. By Tuskegee News Service In an effort to enhance services provided to students, Tuskegee University’s Office of Campus Technology is introducing a new e-mail service, Live@Edu. This service will offer students all of the features they enjoy in many of the popular Webbased e-mail accounts. They will also be able to keep the account after graduating. It is the first in many steps to keep current students and alumni in touch with the University. Live@Edu accounts feature a personal calendar, real-time chatting, file sharing, video calling and PC-to-PC voice calls, and 24-hour online support. These accounts are also protected by Microsoft’s spam and virus prevention software. Additionally, there is one- click control over junk and scam e-mail and anti-phishing features. According to Campus Technology, students will be able to store class and research papers, or even publish research findings from a project to a selected audience for comment and edit. Students will be allowed 10GB of storage space. The transition will be transparent to students currently using First Class. Campus Technology has set up the First Class accounts to transfer new e-mail to Live@Edu until students are able to notify contacts of the change in address. Live@Edu can be accessed on all popular PC, Mac and Linux Web browsers. For additional information on new service, contact Campus Technology Customer Service Center at 334-727-8040. ©2008 Charter Communications. Valid service address required. Credit approval, prepayment or major credit card may be required. All services provided are subject to the subscriber agreement which is subject to change. Services not available in all areas. Other restrictions may apply. Call for full details. All other trademarks belong to respective owners. The Marching Crimson Piper Band is one of 44 black show bands that will participate in Honda’s Battle of the Bands Celebration Tour, which will run from Aug. 30 to Nov. 15. This 30-city tour showcasing Historically Black Colleges and Universities, which celebrates the Battle of the Bands’ seventh anniversary, is the first part of the program and is the beginning of the polling process that will decide which 10 bands will move on to the Invitational Showcase in January at the Georgia Dome. Each band participating in the Celebration Tour will receive a $1,000 grant for their music program. Schools that advance to the Invitational Showcase will receive an additional $20,000 grant to go towards their band scholarship funds. “This year, the award money has doubled to $20,000. This buys uniforms and equipment... it goes a long way,” said Warren L. Duncan, Director of Bands. During the Celebration Tour, representatives of the Honda Battle of the Bands will be visiting each school and presenting the band with their $1,000 grant check and a trophy. The Marching Crimson Piper Band was 3 .*/%&91"/%*/( .57 6*4/08"7"*-"#-&0''$".1648*5)$)"35&3$0..6/*$"5*0/4 $BMM(&5$)"35&3GPSB30$,*/EFBMPO $IBSUFST%JHJUBM57TFSWJDFBOETNPLJOGBTUJOUFSOFU 4 expressions Hey Tuskegee! Wanted: Tiger Pride By Rozena Henderson Editor in chief Upon arrival at Tuskegee University, I mapped out my fouryear stint here. I wanted to pledge a sorority by my sophomore year, be a Pipperette first semester of my junior year and Miss Tuskegee by the second. None of that happened, but one day the Campus Digest slipped into my life. I’ve always loved to write, yet I never realized the impact writing could have on people. I harbored a secret desire to become the next editor in chief of the paper. I prayed about it; I considered what a powerful tool it was for the student body; I thought about what an honor it was to even be a part of it. Unfortunately many of my fellow Golden Tigers don’t share my Tiger Pride in the paper or in the school in general. There is trash on our beautiful grounds, graffiti on our precious walls and a deep displeasure on the countenance of our dear students. Why? Even basic human courtesy is lacking on this campus. Students have stopped saying “excuse me”, “thank you”, and even “good morning.” (No, pushing is not an acceptable replacement for “excuse me” and “mmm” is not “good morning.”) Simple things like crossing the street have become a game of Tuskegee students speak out: Pull up your pants! By Brandiece Berry Staff Writer On the Tuskegee campus, many students are speaking out about the “saggy pants” epidemic. The style was first introduced in the 90s and often sported by people fresh out of prison, since the trend originated there. The exact origin has two versions, the first being the fact that prisoners could not wear belts therefore their pants usually hung below their waist. The second theory is that the men who were sexually available in jail wore their pants in this manner. This spilled into the mainstream entertainment industry when rappers like Tupac came onto the scene. He proudly sported his “Thug Life” tattoo on his stomach, a pair of plaid boxers, and then, around his knees, his jeans. That was almost two decades ago, and young black men are still clinging to the fashion. Unfortunately, black men are oftentimes harassed and even racially profiled just because of their dress. Blake Underwood, a sophomore business major said, “Guys who sag their pants now, while they’re in college, and not out on the streets, (they) just feed into that whole collegiate gangster thing—which is a total oxymoron.” It seems now that everywhere, to other cultures besides our own, a black man who is wearing sagging, baggy pants is seen to have more potential to be a criminal than to be a student. Even black women are speaking out against the fashion. Ashley Heard, a sophomore chemistry major said, “People wouldn’t like it if I showed my underwear all the time. I don’t like it when I see theirs.” According to many students, the women on campus would rather have their boyfriends be dapper and neat than sloppy and unkempt. Some students speculate that this “jail house fashion” continues because some people don’t know any better. Their role models are the thugs and the gangsters. In this day and age, it is important that young black men understand that they have other options besides becoming that thug, rapper or professional athlete. Now more than ever, black men should aspire to be CEOs, lawyers, and even the leaders of our country. But in order to gain those high paying, amazing careers, they must dress for the job. The Campus Digest wants you! The newspaper is looking for reporters, graphic designers and photographers. If you are interested in joining the staff, please contact the editors at 334-724-4245 or through e-mail at thecampusdigest@ gmail.com. You are also welcome to stop by the office located in the Student Union. Office hours are from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Russian Roulette. If you are having a bad day please walk to class. Students are NOT speed bumps. The little things go a long way, such as not running over your fellow human beings. Be nice to one another, exchange greetings with your fellow ’Skegeean. Why must everyone be so miserable? This school is not a terrible place; if you feel that way either leave it or fix it. We are in the midst of a social revolution and it WILL NOT be televised (but you can purchase it in a nice three- disc box set). I love this school. It’s not perfect and sometimes I get as mad at it as everyone else does, but this school is MINE. It is MY school and yours too. That is the way we must think about things as black people especially at a black institution. You hardly see Auburn students complaining too much or any other students at predominately white schools. That is not because they are at perfect schools. It is because they understand that each school is THEIRS and that their children go there. If we use that same simple logic we can make this school better too. I claim Tuskegee University with all my heart and I appreciate the people who strive to make it better, on the newspaper staff and on the campus in general. The Campus Digest is YOURS and it needs your attention too. We want to make this paper truly the voice of the students, but without your voice ... who is talking? Word on ‘The Yard’: By Bridgette Williams Staff Writer Freshmen survival tips “Allow God to lead and direct you down the path He has chosen for your life.” Eterria Bowles, senior, biology and business Columbus, Ga. “Keep in mind, not everyone has your best interest at heart.” Brittani Nelson, junior, animal science St. Louis “Be safe. Don’t walk outside the gates while it’s dark.” Donald Ray Tab II, senior, management science, Huntsville, Ala. “Figure out your priorities and stick to them. Don’t let the fun of college consume you.” Rahman McGill, senior, political science Kansas City Mo. “Surround yourself with individuals who will have a positive influence on you. Nine times out of 10, this will be the company you keep for your remaining years at Tuskegee.” Terrica McClendon, senior, English Atlanta “Exude confidence in every way.” Stevie Clark, senior, English Los Angeles “Maintain a positive attitude in all situations so that you will be able to obtain the best possible outcome.” Kelsey Parker, senior, business Atlanta “SAVE YOUR MONEY!!! Eating McDonalds and partying at the Soul (Inn) may sound good when, but those few dollars can be invested.” JD Snell, senior, management science Annistion Ala. 5 hbcu news Students, professors debate the necessity of class attendance Black College Wire It is common knowledge that in order to teach an academic course, a professor must have a number of students enrolled. Every semester history seems to repeat itself as teachers deal with tardiness and students who opt not to maintain perfect attendance. Florida A&M University affords its pupils three unexcused absences after which professors have the right to lower students’ grades and possibly even fail them. Most professors feel the punishment is fair, while some students believe the penalty is a bit harsh. Their argument is simple and straight to the point - if they can pass the course without going to the class then why should they be forced to show up? The topic has often been debated and has garnered a variety of mixed answers. Trevor Owens, 20, said the attendance policy should be mandatory. He said it should be beneficial in the long run. “I feel that class attendance should definitely be enforced,” said Owens, an education major from Tallahassee. “If a student can’t come to class then they are setting bad habits. If a student is late to class then they will most likely be late to a job. I believe attendance is important in every aspect of life especially education.” Larin Eddings, an economic student, shares Owen’s philosophy. “I do believe attendance is important,” said Eddings, 21, a resident of Ohio. “If you don’t come to class then you can’t learn. There are some things that you can’t just get out of a book.” While Owens and Eddings are of the same opinion, other students beg to differ. Orlando native Ebony McDaniel, 22, is one such student. She said attendance should never be obligatory nor should it be worth a grade. “If you can get an A by not going to class then I don’t think a student should be forced to go,” said McDaniel, a fourth- year political science student. “Students are paying their teachers to be in class. That is their job. If we don’t show up, they still get paid. Attendance should not be forced. Some students don’t need teachers to help them. They do fine just on their own. Who is to say that student doesn’t deserve the A they worked for?” McDaniel’s reasoning is an argument that some professors have heard before. Margie Rauls, a professor in the department of English, said attendance should never be a choice. “A lot of students are too immature to make the decision of whether it should be mandatory or not and therefore they will follow the crowd, especially the freshman and sophomore students, and before they know it they are failing,” said Rauls, who has been teaching the university since 1988. “If attendance is mandatory then they have something to buffer them and hopefully make them more successful just by their being there.” When it comes to this issue, mixed opinions are a given. However, one thing is certain: Attendance will continue to be a topic of debate for students and professors for many years to come. ‘cONVOCATIon’ from PG 1 demonstrating the long history of education Tuskegee University represents. “The future belongs to those who have a vision,” Payton said to the attentive crowd of faculty, students, and alumni. “And to those who believe, no matter the past.” This message served as an entry point for the president’s speech highlighting Tuskegee’s humble beginnings originating in a humble shack. People from all over the countryside would walk miles to this shack knowing that with this knowledge, they could rise higher in society. Shifting the focus, he turned to the upcoming Presidential elections, urging the need to elect someone with their mind set on helping the people and promoting change. “We need a leader who cares about the country, its people, and someone who leads with intelligence and wisdom and who honors the Constitution.” Taking this fact he stressed the need for students to get out and vote this November, letting it be known that this country belonged just as much to them as it did to anyone. Payton said students should take an example from newly freed slaves who enrolled at Tuskegee University and used what little they had to accomplish major strides. “What a ways we have come and what a ways we have to go,” he said. “The future belongs to those who have a vision and to those who believe, no Dr. Benjamin F. Payton matter their past.” President of Tuskegee University Congress, students find ways around high cost of textbooks Black College Wire With the recent passage of the College Opportunity and Affordability Act of 2008 by Congress on July 31, college students can expect a decrease in educational expenses and better accessibility to college. One of the initiatives involves textbook prices. The cost of textbooks is at an all-time high and beyond the affordability of many students. According to a 2005 report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), within the past 20 years textbook prices have tripled, an overall increase double the general inflation rate for that time span. The Howard University Bookstore Web site shows some of the factors of price increases include “author royalties, publisher costs, marketing, publisher and author taxes, and bookstore expenses.” The HUB sets retail prices of textbooks based on the industry’s standard 25 percent margin. The National Association of College Stores’ “Student Watch 2008” report says during the 2006-2007 academic year, only 26 percent of students were able to purchase course materials, a large part being textbooks, using grants and scholarships. With many students left making educational sacrifices, when it comes to textbooks and other materials, some students have been resorting to other outlets to get the materials at a lower cost. Sophomore nursing major Lynn Pierre buys her books at reasonable prices from her peers. “It’s hard for some people to get books,” she said. “Students are spending too much money on books, and losing money during buyback period.” Obed Eugene Howard University student Some end up with the hassle of sharing books or “may even take their first test without having a book,” Pierre said. Madyson Mitchell, a junior biology major, mainly exchanges her books with friends or gets them from upperclassmen instead of purchasing them from the bookstore. “If I do buy a book from the bookstore, it usually pertains to my major,” Mitchell said. The GAO report states that the addition of CD-ROMs and other supplemental materials adds to increases in textbook prices. Often publishers only offer these bundled versions of textbooks to bookstores. Also, the GAO reports, prices rise as a result of new editions of books created on an average of every three to four years. Under the legislation, a provision aims to require publishers to offer bundled and unbundled textbook versions without withholding their full pricing to bookstores, and to provide students with advance details about textbook prices before semesters begin. In the meantime, students may turn to student-founded resources that offer textbooks at lower prices. One of those, Textbook Pals, was started by Howard senior economics major Obed Eugene near the end of 2006 to help students save time and See ‘Textbook’ page 7 Interested in being on staff for the Tuskeana Yearbook? Call 334-724-4245 or visit the Campus Digest office in the Student Union Got service? Report campus service issues at [email protected] 6 National news Tuskegee Airmen historic site to re-open From Staff Reports The Tuskegee Airmen National Historic site in Tuskegee, Ala., will be renovated and is set for a grand opening in October. The historically prominent Airmen — fighter pilots in World War II amid brazen racism in America and within the U.S. Armed Forces — will have yet another platform to tell their story. “Between 1941 and 1945, nearly 1,000 African-American aviators completed the flight course at Tuskegee University and the U.S. Air Corps Base to become the famed, courageous soldiers we know as the Tuskegee Airmen,” Tuskege University President Benjamin F. Payton said. “High recognition for their valor, impeccable flight records and pioneering efforts is truly deserved.” The Airmen were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian award bestowed by the U.S. Congress, in March 2007. About 300 airmen and their relatives attended the ceremony held in the Capitol Rotunda in Washington. “Even the Nazis asked why African-American men would fight for a country that treated them so unfairly,” President George W. Bush said during the presentation. “These men in our presence felt a special sense of urgency. They were fighting two wars. One was in Europe, and the other took place in the hearts and minds of our citizens.” Before World War II, blacks Photo by Tuskegee News Service The tower (left) and barracks (right) have undergone reconstruction for the grand opening on Oct. 11. were denied the right to enter the U.S. Army Air Corps to train as combat pilots. Then, Tuskegee University — named Tuskegee Institute at the time — won a request to help the Air Corps train the first unit of black pilots. Tuskegee University’s Moton Field served as the site for training the renowned aviators. Many of them lived in the dormitories on campus and ate their meals in the campus dining halls. Hundreds of the Tuskegee Airmen saw combat in Europe, the Mediterranean and North Africa, escorting bomber aircrafts on missions. Dozens died in the fighting, while others were held as prisoners of war. Moton Field, constructed in 1941 as a new training base, was named after former Tuskegee Institute principal Robert Russa Moton. Established on Nov. 6, 1998, the National Historic Site was placed on the National Register of Historic Places the same day. The first day of celebration, Oct. 10. will include static aircraft displays, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, public guided tours, panel discussions and a Chapel service at the University. On the second day, Oct. 11, a gala honoring the Tuskegee Airmen will be held at the Renaissance Hotel. Tuksegee alumnus Lionel Richie is slated to return from an overseas concert to perform at this event. On Sunday, Oct. 12, President Payton will host a special recognition service at the Tuskegee University Chapel, which students are invited to attend. Moton Field Grand Opening Schedule Friday, Oct. 10 9:00 a.m. - Static aircraft display Saturday, Oct. 11, 2008 9:00 AM - Static Aircraft Display 1:30 p.m. - Historic site ribbon ceremony 9:00 AM - Historic Site Tours, Panel Discussions 12:00 PM - Porgy and Bess Brunch immediately following the service (invitation only) at the Tuskegee University Kellogg Conference Center 6:00 PM - Evening Gala "Honoring Tuskegee Airmen" (ticketed event) at the Renaissance Hotel Guided tours of Tuskegee University, the George Washington Carver Museum and the Daniel “Chappie” James Center are open to the public *Schedule subject to change 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 Public guided tours Theatrical Production at the Chappie (limited to groups of 50) James Arena 7:00 p.m. - “Lonely Eagles” theatrical production (TBD) Sunday Oct. 11, 2008 9:30 AM - “Tuskegee University Day” Special Recognition Service at the Tuskegee University Chapel (Hosted By Dr. Benjamin F. Payton) Educators urge lower drinking age to cut bingeing The Washington Post WASHINGTON — Scores of college presidents, including the head of Maryland’s public university system and the president of Johns Hopkins University, have an unexpected request for legislators: Please, lower the drinking age. The Amethyst Initiative, launched in July, is a coalition of college presidents who say that the legal drinking age of 21 encourages binge drinking on campuses. William Kirwan, chancellor of the University System of Maryland, William Brody, president of Johns Hopkins, C.D. Mote Jr. of the University of Maryland and the presidents of Washington and Lee, Sweet Briar, Towson, RandolphMacon, Duke, Tufts, Dartmouth and others have signed on to the effort. Other Eastern U.S. school leaders to sign on include those from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland, Goucher College, Hollins University, HampdenSydney College, Washington College, Gettysburg College and Dickinson College. Several state legislatures have considered lowering the drinking age from 21, which has been the national standard since the mid-1980s. Drinking is so pervasive on college campuses that Ames, Iowa, is installing rubber sidewalks next week in an area near Iowa State University — the many kegs unloaded for parties have smashed the concrete. Despite efforts to rein in binge drinking over the years, it has remained a stubborn problem for administrators, campus police, neighbors and emergency medical workers. It is likely to be a difficult political struggle to change the drinking age. In a survey released by Nationwide Insurance, which is hosting a symposium on binge drinking in Washington in November with Mothers Against Drunk Driving, 75 percent of adults said they support tougher enforcement of existing drinking laws. In Maryland, the House drug and alcohol committee chairman called on local colleges to not take part. “Far more teens die in alcoholrelated incidents than (in those caused by) all the other illicit drugs combined,” said Del. William Bronrott, who cofounded the Washington Regional Alcohol Program, which fights drunken driving and underage drinking. “Lowering the drinking age to 18 will only make the situation worse.” 7 SPorts Golden Tigers continue 18-game winning streak over Miles and Benedict This is the second-longest consecutive winning streak in Tuskegee University football history From Staff Reports Tuskegee’s Golden Tiger football team defeated their first two opponents of the year, raising their consecutive winning streak to 18. Tuskegee’s season-opening game was played against Miles College Golden Bears (0-2, 0-2 SIAC) on Sept. 6 at Cleve L. Abbott Memorial Alumni Stadium. The defending and undefeated 2007 SIAC Champions the Golden Tigers started the season off spectacularly by devastating the Golden Bears 34-0. The Golden Tiger’s defense held Miles to just 75 yards rushing and 128 passing. The defense forced three fumble recoveries, had two quarterback sacks and two interceptions, one by Rodney Anthony for a 65-yard touchdown in the third quarter. The defense held Miles to 203 yards in total offense. Tuskegee’s offense finished with 598 yards of total offense, 336 coming on the ground and 262 through the air. All-American quarter back Jacary Atkinson, who was named as the SIAC Co-Offensive Player of the Week, completed 18 of 30 passes, throwing only one interception. He tossed one touchdown and ran for 139 yards and two other touchdowns. Tuskegee then hosted the Benedict College Tigers for the second game of the season on Sept. 13. The Golden Tigers started quickly, scoring on each of their first three possessions en route to amassing 623 yards total offense, but kicker Dmitri Pelaez did not get the extra point on the first two attempts. Tuskegee’s defense dominated Benedict’s attack. The Golden Tigers forced four turnovers, two interceptions and two fumble recoveries, and held Benedict to just 295 yards. Benedict only had one drive that took more than seven plays the entire game. That was when they drove 80 yards in 13 plays in the third quarter for their first score. In the end, Nykeem Barton rushed for 60 yards, and Atkinson completed 15 out of 24 passes. The resulting 37-14 win was the 18th consecutive victory for the Golden Tigers (2-0, 2-0 SIAC), the second-longest winning streak Photo by Dara Eskridge in Tuskegee University football history to the 26 consecutive All-American quarterback Jacary Atkinson sailed passed Miles College , rushing for victories that Coach Cleve 146 yards and completing 18 out of 30 passes. i Abbott’s teams had from 1925-27. P[f_hnch ‘textbook’ from i P[f_hnch <_hG[l] ^[s @c`nbMoh cham h p_ ? ihs Mn(;hnb Ho\c[hi [llc H[n[ffc< _ F[@_gg c ll _ b 'M G <_hG[l] ^[s @c`nbMoh hcham | p_ ? s h i R I D AY Mn(;hnb RTINI F HF oL I \c[hi lc [l < fc H[n[f _ F[@_gg c G'Mb_ll AVAILABLE I M AT T H E U LT AL E SOCI KLIMAX X NOW! 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