The Chanticleer - April 2012

April 2012

Yearbook Edition 90 Years in Print fb.com/cnm.au twitter.com/ChantiNews

THE CHANTICLEER 90 years of student media

Editor-in-Chief Assistant Editors

Staff Writers

Photographer Advisor

Bobby Allen Roach Sarah Jones Courtney Martin Chris Alderson Brandon Burnett Brian Daniels Matt Johnson Christal Pinchback Shannon Smith Josh Taylor Shane Brogden Dr. Susan Huckstep

For 90 years, The Chanticleer has served Averett University by providing meaningful, timely news and features relating to the lives of university students, faculty and staff. The cover for this issue represents the first cover of The Chanticleer, printed in 1922. The Chanticleer News Media staff presents our 2012 yearbook edition and we welcome you to connect with us. cnm@averett.edu fb.com/cnm.au @ChantiNews

USA Today Pulled from Paper Boxes as Online Usage Increases

by Brandon Burnett

The USA Today newspaper is one of the most recognizable and most read newspapers in America.

As of this semester the paper, in its print form, is no longer available to Averett students for free.

As recently as last semester, Averett offered free issues to any students or faculty. They could retrieve the paper just by swiping their ID card. Last semester, the number of USA Today picked up on campus continued to decline, leading the university to end distribution of paper copies.

“The distribution of USA Today papers did not truly stop at Averett.

Students here can now view digital copies of the full USA Today papers online,” said Mary Vanderlinden, the dean of student success.

Due to the advancement of technology, most printed materials are losing readers because of the

more convenient digital news stories.

“When students were asked to bring a USA Today paper to discuss articles, most of the students brought electronic devices to download the current edition of the paper.

We are all in favor of allowing the students to engage with material in a way that they feel most comfortable and this is digitally,” Vanderlinden explained.

Despite this, there are still some fans of newspapers in print format.

“I would look at the USA Today paper when it was available in printed form,” said Ray Bare, a senior sports

management major from Roanoke. “I did not always take it home with me, but I normally checked the sports and money sections at least three to four times a week.”

“I really liked the USA Today paper being available for us students to pick up,” said Jon Cook, a junior psychology major. “I have to come to campus every single day and being able to just swipe my ID card and pick up a USA Today newspaper was very convenient for me.”

Students wishing to access newspapers online may do so through the Averett library and numerous other sources.

twitter.com/chantinews - 3

Students Question “Lock-Out” Fee

by Shannon Smith

Many students would agree that they are very unhappy when they get issued a fine. One reason students get issued a fine is for locking themselves out of their dorm room.

If students lock themselves out of their room and call security to open their door, they are charged $10 that must be paid in exactly a month from the date they were issued the fine.

The $10 fee charged for the lock-out service provided by campus security is sent to a student’s account in the business office. Failure to pay these charges can result in penalties such as a hold on the student’s account, hold on class registration, etc. It is important that a student pay the $10 lock-out fee to avoid these types of holds to their student account.

“I have locked myself out of my room twice this semester, it’s unfair to fine students because our campus is so small and security is always on duty anyways,” said Julianna Prus, a biomedical science major and Fugate Hall resident.

“I have been locked out of my dorm room four times this school year, the University is way too picky when it comes to fines,” said Ashley Washington, an accounting major and Main Hall resident.

“I have been locked out of my room a couple of times throughout my four years here at Averett,” said

4 - fb.com/cnm.au

Todd Blanton, a senior and theater/ pre-law major. “I have known many friends that have been locked out of their rooms and sometimes they get fined and other times they don’t, it seems like security guards give it out if they want to.”

A common question asked among students is why fines are enforced.

“I equate the lock-out fee on our campus to a charge one might pay a locksmith or lock company to come help them if they are locked out of an apartment, house, vehicle,” said Marsha Foster, assistant dean of students and director of residence life. “It is important for students to know and understand how important it is for them to have their room keys and IDs on them at all times to access buildings/rooms/apartments.”

Students are either in a hurry to get to class or have a lot on their minds and end up leaving their keys inside their rooms. Sometimes it’s not the students’ fault they end up locked out of their room because of miscommunication between roommates. Students should always make sure they have both their I.D. and keys on them at all times. This would eliminate getting locked out of the residence halls and dorm rooms which would then eliminate fines.

“

Todd Blanton received this fine recently after being locked out of his on-campus apartment. The document indicates “students who do not pay their fees will not be able to receive grades, obtain transcripts, register for a subsequent semester, or even graduate.”

“

I have known many friends that have been locked out of their rooms and sometimes they get fined and other times they don’t, it seems like security guards give it out if they want to.

Todd Blanton Senior Theater/Pre-Law twitter.com/chantinews - 5

Campus Plans Include Possibility of Tennis Complex and Upgraded Stadium

by Matt Johnson Summertime is a time of lying out on the beach, vacations and, for most college students, going home to see the family. For Averett University, it is a time of change and renovation.

Upgrades have been completed as recent as last winter around campus, but the plans do not stop with what has been done so far. Charles S. Harris, executive vice president of Averett, has nothing but bold ideas for the school.

“We like to work in four to five year increments, these things take time,” Harris said. “But we have a strategy for what we want, and what we feel is best for not only Averett, but the community as a whole.”

One possible change would be the closing of Woodland Drive to create more green space. However, that change will require approval from the community.

Another potential change involves building a tennis facility on the North Campus. This would open up the possibility of using the space currently occupied by the tennis courts as additional parking.

After the tennis courts, comes the possible renovation of the Cougar Den Football Stadium and the addition of a track and field team that would come along with that.

“We would like a new stadium, which has artificial turf, it lasts longer, and the less wear and tear would allow the whole community to use the field,” Harris said. “We think this upgrade plus the addition of a track and field team would attract more students.”

If all of these plans happened, Averett may see its undergraduate enrollment increase by 100 to 200 students, which causes a problem— classroom space.

Harris described this scenario, and explained that if this were to happen, a building would have to be built for more classrooms, probably where the old “house” is in the Fugate parking lot, along with more residence halls near Pritchett.

“It’s a hip bone connects to the back bone type scenario,” Harris said. “Once one card falls into place, another will, and then another. The possibilities are endless for Averett and this growing community.”

6 - fb.com/cnm.au

This is all just in the planning stages right now, but Averett is working hard with VMDO, the architectural firm that designed the Student Center. While Averett is just in the preliminary stages at the moment, they will find out the cost for this whole grand plan at the end of April. “Everybody has the desire to see something today, but it’s a matter of priorities,� Harris said.

With these plans possibly coming to fruition, we could see a whole new look for Averett in the future.

Baptist Students Encouraged to Apply for New Keese Scholarships

by Courtney Martin, Assistant Editor Averett University has been recognized as eligible to receive financial aid from the Charles B. Keese Educational Fund for the 2012-2013 academic year. Mr. and Mrs. Charles B. Keese of Martinsville, VA established this fund in 1941 and its purpose is to provide aid to worthy men and women, aiding them in obtaining an education.

Students selected for this funding must be residents of Virginia, North Carolina, or South Carolina, must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher, and be enrolled as traditional undergraduates. Students enrolled in the master’s level, IDEAL or GPS programs will not be eligible for the Keese Scholarship Program.

First priority for this award will go to Baptist students who are planning to enter full- time Baptist work. Second priority will go to Baptist students who not plan to go into 8 - fb.com/cnm.au

Baptist work. Baptist students applying for the award must submit a letter from their pastor on church letterhead requesting consideration for the Keese Scholars Program. The letter should be signed and dated by the pastor and list the student’s name, address and current membership status with the church. It is recommended that these letters be submitted

by May 1, but the Keese Program will continue to take them after that date. Students are asked to mail the letter to Averett’s Student Financial Services Office.

Remaining funds will be rewarded to non-Baptist students. The amount of this award will be based on need, which will be determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

It is important that students apply via the FAFSA to be eligible for scholarships and other forms of financial aid. The maximum award

amount cannot exceed $5000 per academic year.

Funds like the Charles B. Keese Educational Fund are also tied into the University’s Averett Assistance Grant (AA). The Averett Assistance Grant awards funding based on student need.

based students this year. This would not have been made possible without these donors,” said Carl Bradsher, director of student financial services.

“If you receive the Averett Assistance Grant, it is being funded through one of these programs.

Without the generous gifts from these programs, we wouldn’t be able to get you the funds that you have now,” Bradsher said.

Photo by Shane Brogden

Bradsher hopes students who are receiving this grant (AA) are aware that the funding comes from programs like “We’ve spent $1.7 the Keese Scholars million on need-

Program or the Endowment Fund.

Spring Convocation marked the beginning of the Keese Scholarship opportunity for students at Averett. twitter.com/chantinews - 9

New General Education Requirements Designed for Flexibility

by Sarah Jones, Assistant Editor

This fall, the students of Averett will be seeing a change in the general education requirements lineup. Under the new requirements, students will need a minimum of 30 credits, with a maximum of 48 credit hours, if the courses that they choose only meet one requirement.

“Whether students should switch to the new general education requirements should be a conversation between the student and the academic advisor. Students who already have completed most of their general education requirements will probably not want to make the switch,” said Janet Laughlin, the vice president of academic affairs at Averett.

new set of general education requirements. Depending on the academic year of the student, it may or may not be beneficial to make a change. A junior or senior, for example, may already be nearly finished with his/her general education requirements, making a switch unnecessary. For students interested in making a switch, it is best to discuss all possibilities with your advisor before making any final decisions.

These changes will give students more options when they are choosing the direction that they would like to take their education.

Anyone who has made the decision to switch to the new requirements will need to fill out a change of major, minor, advisor, general education form. This form will need to be signed by the student and his/her advisor before being returned to the Registrar’s Office. These forms can be turned in when the student returns for the fall 2012 semester.

“Students will have more opportunities to declare a minor and to participate in service learning, internships, or a capstone project in their program of study,” Laughlin said.

A detailed list of changes to the general education requirements for both the BA and BS programs can be obtained from any of the faculty advisors or from the Registrar’s Office.

Students should consider carefully before switching to the

10 - fb.com/cnm.au

Woman-to-Woman:

Breaking the Glass Ceiling & Accelerating

by Courtney Martin & Sierra Young Courtney: Ladies, we have come to the end of another school year. There are many of you who will be graduating and pursuing future endeavors. Whether it’s starting a new job, exploring new opportunities, or attending graduate school, I encourage you all to break the glass ceiling and accelerate towards your goals.

When you get that dream job, do not let the value of your degree go to waste because your male colleagues are praised for what they do. Your goal should not be ignored because of their accomplishments.

The glass ceiling only exists because we allow it to. The sky is your limit if you believe it. I didn’t always push myself to be the best that I could be.

I realized that I was the only person suffering from my lack of motivation because I would be unprepared for the leadership roles that I hold now and will hold in the future.

Let’s say you want that new job as a sports commentator but no one believes you have the skills to do it because, well, you are a woman. You start believing them and what they’ve said causes you to abandon the pursuit of that job. News flash, no one is going to tell you to go after the same position that they want. Instead, they are going to eagerly wait for the position to open up and take it right from underneath you. Do you

want to accept what others see fit for you? Or do you want to push aside those invisible boundaries set in front of you and establish your own beliefs about what you are capable of accomplishing?

Start being your own pusher. Push yourself to focus in class and ask questions.

Push yourself to apply for and pursue that job, internship, or graduate school that you were too afraid to pursue. Push yourself to break that glass ceiling and accelerate in living your dream, and one day you will be able to reach up and touch the sky.

Sierra: Yes, ladies, Courtney is completely right.

As we approach yet another graduating class and a whole new batch of upcoming freshmen, I challenge you to walk the walk. If you believe in yourself so will others, and hey, along that path you may even inspire someone else.

Senior women, I challenge you to be the best you can be. Show off that degree and flaunt that newly educated mind like you paid millions for it, because I can guarantee that if it were a brand new pair of stilettos you would do the same. You are worth every penny and more that you put into your education, so stick up for it and defend it no matter what obstacle may come your way.

Freshmen ladies, take what I say into consideration as well.

You are more than a pretty face or a textbook, you are a person and it is well worth it to find yourself. However, make sure you remember what brought you here. No, it’s not the super, hot senior quarterback who likes your eyes and thinks they light up the world. That’s a lie. It’s your mind that lights up the world, and there are tons of women from history to prove it. Allow Averett to be somewhere for you to grow and discover that sexy, yet educated mind that you may have been hiding all this time.

Finally, to all women it’s always important to realize that we are more than the world perceives us from time to time.

It is unfair to ask someone to do something that you will not.

If you will not stick up for your career, education, or yourself don’t give that advice to others.

Only when you believe that sports position is yours, will it actually become yours. No man can talk you out of that.

Confidence is a key ingredient to being and getting exactly what you want.

This is our monthly dose of woman to woman advice and is not to be seen as professional information.

Thank you for reading and as always, if you would like to see a question answered here in this column about women feel free to email us at woman2woman@averett.edu.

twitter.com/chantinews - 11

Two Years and One Lifetime:

Reflections on the CNM Experience

by Bobby Allen Roach, Editor-in-Chief The past two years on The Chanticleer staff have been truly remarkable. From format changes to wide-range staff sizes, every week seemed to bring new challenges-challenges I have faced with aggression and tenacity.

The practical experience I have gained as a staff writer, production editor and, ultimately, editor-in-chief have been invaluable in shaping my interest in publishing and layout and my future in marketing and communications.

Having the opportunity to work with McCain Printing and learn more about how the printing process works as well as the more technical aspects of printing have enriched my experience base significantly. Averett University does an excellent job of bringing students to experiential learning opportunities in Danville and the surrounding area.

On a more personal note, The Chanticleer has meant more to me than what might be expected--not only with regard to the development of my expertise, but the major role it has played in my life over the past two years. The publication has been an incredible learning tool as well as a grand distraction when other elements of my college experience were overwhelming.

I have enjoyed layout and design for years. Having the development mobility this experience has provided has been encouraging. To go from staff writer to editorin-chief within one year tells me that, with hard work and commitment to professional development, any dedicated staffer can rise through the staff structure and shine even more brightly.

With that said, I am so thankful for the opportunity to work with so many wonderful people during my time with CNM. I extend heartfelt gratitude to Sierra Young, who taught me that I had a lot to learn about friendship;

to Courtney Martin, who showed infallible support during the time we have studied and worked together; to Dr. Susan Huckstep, for putting up with my incessant antics and hyperactive imagination; and to Dr. David Hoffman, for everything he taught me about being a good journalist. I would also like to thank my mother, Debra, and

father, Mark, without whom, I would be absolutely nothing.

They have cleared the way for me to be anything and everything--I can pursue my dreams thanks to their guidance, support, encouragement, and love. To everyone else that has been a part of this experience, I thank you. You have allowed me to shine, to fly--to be who I am.

To my classmates and incoming students, I leave two words of wisdom: get involved. Averett University is a place of opportunity and there is room for every student to succeed. You are welcome here.

New Chef is Cooking Up Changes in the Dining Hall Photo & Article by Brian Daniels

Averett’s Dining Hall welcomed Mike Moroni to the university staff in late February 2012.

Prior to operating in Averett’s Dining Hall, Moroni worked at banquets, banquet services, bed-and-breakfasts, clubs, hotels, and privately owned restaurants. The successor to former Chef Terry McGhee, Moroni has ten years of experience in the food services field.

The changes the new chef is making to the campus food services include updates to the online menu and the introduction of pre-made deli wraps for diners. Moroni worked for Bon Appétit for seven years and enjoys the mutual relationships that continue to develop between students, professors, and staff members during daily breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.

“I came to Averett University from a very large operation,” he said, “and I enjoy the true sense of community I see when the faculty and the staff are dining together and when the students are readily available. Here, there’s not a hierarchy or bureaucracy that is prevalent to larger operations.”

Since 2005, Bon Appétit has provided the food services for Averett University. With a current staff of 28, the mission of the university’s food services is to provide a well-balanced dining option for all students and faculty as well as a space that is conducive to fostering enjoyable communication amongst diners. Moroni is glad that he is able to both improve and influence the dining experiences of people who come to learn and work at Averett University.

Otis Johnson prepares a sandwich in the stacks station for dinner on March 19, 2012.

Greek Fair Showcases New Student Organizations Photo & Article by Josh Taylor Greek life is coming, and it will be here to stay! On Tuesday, March 27 Averett held a Greek fair to showcase the new Greek life coming to campus.

The organizations that were represented at the fair were the already established Pi Kappa Phi, which will celebrate its 23rd year at Averett this semester, Theta Chi, which will be a colony next semester, and a sorority interest group.

“It’s to get the students on campus aware that there are Greek organizations on campus,” said Justin Cozart, a senior majoring in aviation and vicearchon for Pi Kappa Phi. “I would say to advertise for anyone

interested in pledging,” said Owen Hayden, a junior majoring in history, and representing Theta Chi, “getting our name out there, let people know our colony will be on campus soon.”

There are several perks with Greek life including leadership opportunities, networking in and outside of the school, alumni connections and most importantly brotherhood and sisterhood.

“We’ve been around for 23 years,” Cozart said. “We had over 300 members, and we have brothers in every field.”

Some students believe Averett will benefit from this new surge in Greek life.

“I think with more charters it will attract more prospective students,” said Morgan Epstein, a freshman majoring in psychology, and representing the sorority group. “It will make the school more appealing with new diversity and student activities.”

“I think it will help social life as a whole, it will bring more interactions with people of different backgrounds,” Hayden said. “(Students will) have the opportunity to do new and fun things on campus.”

It looks like Greek life will be here to stay for a very long time. Be on the lookout for these groups in the fall.

twitter.com/chantinews - 15

Students Named to Residence Assistants Staff

by Courtney Martin, Assistant Editor

As this academic year reaches its end, new beginnings arise for several students. After heavy deliberation, the Residence Life staff has chosen their 2012-2013 Residence Assistant (RA) staff.

Among next year’s staff is Brent Simmons, a junior majoring in music performance.

“I decided to be an RA because I wanted to be in a position to help others, and make a difference on campus,” Simmons said. He will be an RA in Fugate Hall at the start of the fall.

With this position, Simmons hopes to bring something new to the table for his fellow peers.

will be a better place for students after me.”

This position is a great opportunity for these students to polish their leadership skills. Ciearra Dalton, a graduating senior and current RA in Averett Commons (apartments), feels that the position has helped her become a great leader and has prepared her for life after graduation.

Dalton encourages the new staff to go in with open minds.

“In your RA experience, come in with an open mind and know that this journey that you are about to take will lead you to your big dreams and bold futures,” Dalton said.

Congratulations to all the “I’m going to try to change RA’s. some things so that Averett 16 - fb.com/cnm.au

Communication Studies & Journalism at Averett Growth in 2011 - 2012 Established the Alpha Alpha Sigma Chapter of Lambda Pi Eta, national communication studies/journalism honor society Provided hands-on, practical experience in journalism, communications, marketing and public relations Invited professionals to share their experience and provide guidance

Be major.

Major in CS/J.

Senior Spotlights

by Christal Pinchback

Ana Areas-Fodor, history major Some students really appreciate the studies and discipline that Averett offers and Ana Areas-Fodor notes this as her favorite thing about Averett. She will miss the professors the most because they taught her and became her warm receptors on campus. Ana has many hopes and aspirations for her future.

“I want to work for a nonprofit (organization) in the future. There are many paths open to me, for which I am grateful, indeed. For me it is most rewarding to get involved with charitable organizations—right now, I work as much as I can with Care.org, Children International, and Catholic Relief Services, as well as the American Red Cross. When the Haiti and Chile Earthquakes happened in 2010, and then the next year amidst all of the political turmoil in the world we had the Japan earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disaster, and the famine in the Horn of Africa---just to name a few of the most complicated tragedies we have faced as a planet in recent years, I was really conscious of this. And I feel more than ever that it is my duty to do all I can to help.”

Her advice to upcoming seniors would be to make Averett a better place and embrace their fellow classmates.

Ciearra Dalton, pre-law major Dalton, having enjoyed every moment thus far at Averett reflects on her time here. “What I have enjoyed most about Averett is the quality of the education, the family-oriented environment and the memories that I have that I will cherish forever,” said Dalton.

As she continued she expressed how deep her love for Averett ran, by noting that she wouldn’t change anything about Averett. Dalton is no strangle to campus participation being the Captain of the cheerleading squad, Student Ambassador, Phonation participate (caller), Resident Assistant and Homecoming Queen, which she notes as her fondest memory.

She will miss the bonds and connections that she has made with her friends, faculty and staff. Her post-grad plans are to start Law school in the fall in preparation of becoming a high powered lawyer one day. Her advice to upcoming seniors is to stay focused, be determined and to know that anything is possible when they put their minds to it.

18 - fb.com/cnm.au

Stephanie Walker, business major Stephanie is very excited about graduation. She has enjoyed her peers and notes that she will miss her professors most. Her favorite Averett memory is the senior pinning ceremony.

“The pinning ceremony was very special to me; I got to see other seniors that I knew and also Dr. Franks spoke personally to me and what she said really stayed with me.”

Her advice for incoming students includes not being intimidated by the professors because she feels that they are genuinely there to assist students. The only change she recommends to Averett is to enhance the IDEAL program, enabling students to receive Master’s degrees.

Christopher West, history major and political science and English minor “I have enjoyed building relationships with people at Averett the most. Attending such a small campus has allowed me to get to know my professors and the staff really well.

These relationships have been critical in shaping what my life will look like after graduating.”

“I would change the mindset of the students who are apathetic and do not get involved on campus. There is always something going on at Averett for students to participate in and if you don’t like what is offered, the door is always open for you to provide your input.”

His advice to upcoming seniors is to find a place on campus where they can make a difference.

twitter.com/chantinews - 19

Photos by Bobby Allen Roach

Chris has been very involved at Averett and has greatly benefited from programs such as the study abroad program.

He was able to travel Eastern Europe, which he notes as his favorite memory. He will miss the students on campus most.

He has also paved the way for his future by being the Regional Field Representative for Rep. Robert Hurt. Christ plans to become a full-time employee with Hurt and an active alumnus.

The thing he would like to change about Averett is attitude of the students.

Students Prepare for

Summer Livin’

by Shannon Smith

With semester’s end rapidly approaching, more and more students are talking about what they will do with their hard-earned summer vacation. Averett students have different ways of spending their time at home over the long summer break.

“I plan on going to places such as The Dominican Republic, Las Vegas and Miami for vacation with a few close friends,” said Chapal Walker, a sports medicine major. “I enjoy traveling a lot and having fun.”

“I will be working at a factory called Swedwood here in Danville,” said Dustin McClanahan, an accounting major. “The job pays pretty well, so I’m excited to make a lot of money, hopefully enough to visit some friends in Miami.”

“This summer I plan on spending a lot of time at the beach and playing a lot of basketball,” said Essence Burns, a sports management major.

Whether you are resting at home, playing video games all day or going on vacation, make sure you enjoy your long summer vacation. Classes will resume in the fall before you know it, so soak up the sunshine!

20 - fb.com/cnm.au

Averett Warming up for Summer Classes by Chris Alderson As the final weeks of the 2012 spring semester wind down at Averett, students and faculty alike are preparing for summer school.

The ability to take summer classes helps students make quicker progress towards earning their degree.

In some cases, a class that a student needs in order to graduate early may not be offered in the summer. This can be an issue, but according to Laughlin the classes that are offered for summer sessions are decided by each individual department of study.

One of the main factors of attending summer school or any semester of college is cost. The cost of a full-time (12-18 credit) student attending Averett in the summer is $12, 240.

There are also different rates for seniors ages 62 and over who wish to attend summer classes. There are also different dollar amounts and costs for aviation and equestrian students during the summer. You can visit the Averett website to view the entire listing of prices, fees, and costs for summer.

For students enrolling in fewer than 12 hours during the summer, the cost is $510 per semester credit hour. This would bring the cost of one three-credit class during the summer to $1530.

“Averett’s costs are comparable to other colleges our size,” said Janet Laughlin, vice president for academic affairs.

Nearby Ferrum College charges $525 per credit hour for students taking one to six credit hours and $730 per credit hour for students taking seven to eleven credit hours.

Some students decide to take summer classes at community colleges, which they can then transfer towards their Averett degree.

However, the last 30 credit hours of their education must be taken at Averett in order to graduate.

Students attend summer classes for a variety of reasons. Some hope to graduate early and others hope to lighten the workload for the upcoming school year.

“I’m going to take summer classes so that I only have to take 16 credit hours in the fall and graduate in December,” said Stephanie Young, a student majoring in biology.

There will be numerous classes offered for the summer of 2012. Visit PC Self-Service for the complete list. In the end, the lighter workload during the regular semester can make up for the loss of summer fun.

twitter.com/chantinews - 21

W.C. Daniel Archives: A Landscape of a Life

Photo & Article by Brian Daniels

Housed on the second floor of the Mary B. Blount Library, the W.C. Daniel Archives preserve a wondrous collection of items belonging to former congressman and World War II Navy veteran, W.C. “Dan” Daniel.

Born on May 12, 1914 near Chatham, Virginia, William Clarence “Dan” Daniel embarked on a long career that would be remembered and recited by many within Averett University and beyond.

Dan Daniel was raised on a tobacco farm in Mecklenburg County and later graduated from the Dan River Textile School.

He subsequently starting working for Dan River Mills in 1939 as an hourly, bluecollar employee. Daniel served as the National Commander of the American Legion in 1956 22 - fb.com/cnm.au

and was later elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in 1959. By 1968, Dan Daniel had become the Chairman of the Board at Dan River Mills and a national congressman representing Virginia’s Fifth District.

Dan Daniel served on the U.S. House of Representatives until his death in 1988. He also was a member of the Board of Trustees at Averett University (then known as Averett College) from 1967 to 1975 and from 1983 to 1988.

Following his death on January 23, 1988, Daniel’s family bequeathed Averett University with many of the former congressman’s possessions which were later stored in the Blount Library. Among them are Dan Daniel’s chair and office desk, personal photographs, newspaper clippings, his

golf bag and clubs, his collection of baseball caps, awards, miniature air craft models and seals of major federal agencies and departments. There is also a bust of Dan Daniel that was sculpted by John Bannon which stands on a pillar at the left corner of the Archives.

“There are a lot of interesting mementos here,” said Patrick Wasley, assistant professor, archivist, and bibliographic services librarian at the Blount Library.

In addition to the W.C. Daniel Archives, Daniel was remembered by Averett University when they established a professorship in his honor in 1990. The W.C. “Dan” Daniel Professorship was first awarded to Dr. Jack I. Hayes Jr., professor of history who also wrote Daniel’s biography, “Dan Daniel and the Persistence of Conservatism in Virginia” which was published by the Mercer University Press of Macon, Georgia in 1997. The City of Danville also honored Daniel by opening the Dan Daniel Memorial Park in June 1993.

The W.C. Daniel Archives preserves a brilliant variety of Dan Daniel’s life as a legislator, a worker, and a serviceman.

This place shows examples of a man who led a dynamic life in which he served Averett University, the American Legion, and the state of Virginia.

Wasley said, “If anyone wishes to see the W.C. Daniel collection, they should contact me.”

twitter.com/chantinews - 23

Averett Parking:

A Battle for Space

by Chris Alderson & Brandon Burnett

As a student at Averett, one of the main challenges to begin a day is trying to find a parking spot. One way students avoid the hassle of finding a parking spot is by arriving a little earlier to classes. Like with any business or crowded public area, parking spots can be difficult to find.

“There are approximately 413 available parking spaces for students (including commuter students), faculty and staff,” said Jamie Walker, chief of security for Averett University. “These numbers includes Frith, Averett Commons, Student Center, Fugate/library parking lot and the Lutheran Church parking lot (located off of Townes Street). In addition, there are approximately 187 additional parking spaces on the side streets of Averett University (Main Street, Mt. View, Woodland, Townes, Robertson and Surry Lane). Parking in restricted areas, such as fire hydrants, drive

24 - fb.com/cnm.au

ways and spaces that are marked ‘parking by permit only,’ handicap areas etc. are not included in that number.”

Students have offered suggestions for how Averett can improve parking. The ideas have ranged from extending the parking lots, to building a whole new parking lot and even building a parking garage.

“As of this time, there is no immediate plan for future expansion of parking spaces,” Walker said.

“The problem stems from the fact that Averett University main campus is landlocked by the surrounding neighborhood. With the campus being ‘landlocked,’ there is no availability for parking space expansion.”

Some universities and colleges do not allow freshmen and sophomores to have cars on campus.

Students have noticed the challenge of finding spots on campus, especially in the middle of the day when most classes are in progress. It can be difficult and even dangerous at times for students searching for parking spots.

“I don’t like how the parking lot is so crowded because it seems it is an easy way to have a wreck. I also don’t like how there isn’t enough parking spots for everyone who goes to Averett,” said Stephanie Young, a junior majoring in biology.

Some students also have noticed how some of the faculty parking spots are not taken and could be used for student parking. This, to some, is a way to increase the number of parking spots for students and provide easier access to parking spots closer to school buildings.

“For the most part the parking locations are okay at Averett, however, there are a large number of commuter students and additional parking is needed. Some of the faculty parking spots could be made available to the students as well because they are never all completely occupied,” said Ryan Atkins, a junior majoring in environmental science.

The Averett parking situation is a work in progress. The distant future may hold some resolution on Averett’s parking difficulties, but for now students will have to work with the parking spots that are available.

twitter.com/chantinews - 25

Photos by Shane Brogden

“There is no easy solution to the parking space issues that the Averett community faces,” Walker said. “Most universities have a policy that restricts first year students, such as freshman and even sophomore’s privileges of having a vehicle on campus.

In retrospect, I would like to point out that Averett University does not have such restrictions. Again, we must remember that there is no easy solution. Any solution to this issue will require compromises and sacrifices.”

Coca-Cola Executive to Speak at Commencement

by Josh Taylor

Graduation is always a busy time of the year for both the students and the faculty and staff. The graduating seniors are trying to make sure everything is line for them to graduate and the university is preparing for the event.

This year’s graduation will be held at 10:30 a.m., April 28 in the Grant Center.

Chairperson of Averett’s Board of Trustees and CocaCola Company executive Mary Riddle will deliver the commencement

address.

A native of Java, Riddle is vice president of The Coca-Cola Company and is the director

Mary Riddle

of Confidential Ingredient Supply Department. In addition, she is a member of the American Association of University Women

26 - fb.com/cnm.au

(AAUW), member of the board of directors of Dress for Success and member of the Thomas Carter Chapter of the DAR. Averett’s Career Services Center is named in honor of her late father Colonel Stone Gregory Jr. Between 250 and 290 students are expected to graduate this month. The ceremony will include the presentations of the top academic and service awards.

Go Retro Did you know Averett used to have a yearbook?

It was called the Pendulum, but the past-tense reference doesn’t mean the days of annuals are over for Averett.

If you are interested in reviving the Pendulum and being a part of an amazing new staff, contact Shane Brogden at sabrogden@ aumail.averett.edu.

Interest meetings will be held during the Fall 2012 semester You are already a part of Averett’s history. It’s time to share your experience.

Fun fact: Dr. Hoffman was the advisor!!

Autographs The greatest celebrities you will ever meet are your friends.

28 - fb.com/cnm.au

twitter.com/chantinews - 29

Thank You

for Reading

from The Chanticleer Staff Spring 2012

Honors and Scholars Banquet: A Photo Essay by Brian Daniels