Inside:
Presidential Luncheon Provides Student Forum Naomi Pearson
Letter to tke Editor: LU Spirit Opinion, Page 2 Activist: In Praise of tke Non-Voter Opinion, Page 3 Rotunda Celebrates Filtietk Anniversary Remember When?, p.6
Features, p.13
Index 2-Op/Ed 3 - Opinion 4 - News 5 - Opinion 6 - Remember When? 7-A&E 8 - Calendar 9-A&E 10 - Features 11 - Features 12 - Features 13 - Sports 14 - Sports 15 - Sports
November 17, 2005
Waiting for ping pong glory since 1920
Volume 84, Number 10
Cofr) lidi/or
"Lunch with the President" in the Dorrill Dining Hall Annex on Monday, November 13, was well-attended by many members of the Longwood student body. Representatives of many student organizations as well as an alumnus were also present. The informal event was sponsored by the senior class to provide a relaxed atmosphere for interested students to meet with Longwood president Patricia Cormier and discuss issues important to them. Topics discussed ranged from the graduate school plans of the seniors in attendance to the excellence of Aramark's service at the charity basketball game. Students expressed appreciation for Cormier's understanding of the difficulties facing student athletes as they balance their academic and sports life. Cormier expressed surprise at the negative response of some Longwood students to "The longwood Show", especially the disparaging of the basketball team. Craig Smith, the senior class president, said that he thought it was hilarious. Another student pointed out that making fun of the team may be considered acceptable among current students, but it should not be part of the recruitment of prospective students, because it could send the wrong message. Also on the subject of athletics and recruitment, Cormier remarked that it is time to update the mascot design, which presendy is too intricate to be duplicated on things like t-shirts. She also mentioned that there will soon be billboards along Route 360 and Interstate 95 advertising I.ongwood athletics. Cormier said that many students wonder, "What do we even need a president for, anyway? What does she do?" She then explained that she is the external spokesperson for Ix>ngwood University.
"1 try to prepare the institution (longwood) for the future, so that your diploma increases in value over time." In 1996, university endowment was s at $900,000, with most of it designated for scholarships and has grown steadily since, increasing $30 million to $70 million over the last ten years. Cormier plans to raise it to $100 million, but that depends on her ability to get more money from the Virginia General Assembly and from private donors. Cormier is personally responsible for the budget and reports to the Board of Visitors, which is appointed by the governor. She also said she gives at least seven speeches each month, serves on several committees and chairs yet another. With all that she does, she said that she regrets the lack of time she can spend with students, but the trade-off is more money for the school. Her topic then turned to campus construction. Cormier said that when the science, theater and communication building are all completed, 90% of all classrooms will have been replaced. Some of the projects planned include the expansion of Willet Hall to accommodate the physical and recreational therapy program and the demolition of Wynne to add more green space. Intramural field space and more housing units are also planned for Stanley Park. The IT department may actually be moved into French Hall to make more room for the business school. Hull will also be expanded for the quickly growing Education department. Stevens may be turned into much needed office space' or perhaps a residence hall. The conversation then returned to a discussion with questions and answers. Cormier was asked why lancer Hall was renamed Willet Hall. She said that up until last year, all but three presidents have had buildings
named for them. Presidents was also addressed. Cormier said Willet, Greenwood and Dorrill that most of the professors simwere all instrumental in the con- ply retired or took early retirestruction of the buildings now ment, and that all universities saw named for them. Cormier said a faculty exodus. Many others that naming the buildings was a were victims of the recession and way to say, "Thank you for all left to find better-paying work. She was asked if the turnover rate they had done." Another student asked why may have been due, in part, due Longwood does not have a foot- to her presence as president. She ball team. Cormier said, "We replied that usually they left for would if we had the money." She personal reasons or money. If any explained that building a football left because of her, "they didn't team and its supporting facilities tell me," she said. The meeting soon afterward is extremely expensive. She also said that a lot of people, includ- came to an abrupt end just before ing alumni, are against it. The 1 pm, when most of the students funds for athletics are instead present had a class. Cormier thanked everyone for being directed to improving the coming and expressed a wish to sports Longwood already has. The exodus of many faculty lunch with the students again. members over the last ten years
Construction Update: Recreation Center Dan Steek Ytatnrts liditor
Construction has begun on the new Recreation Center causing a temporary closing of the upper Frazer parking lot Work was scheduled to begin earlier in the semester but was delayed due to a rise in construction costs. "The overall cost of construction has risen an estimated 20% nationwide from the damages caused by the hurricanes and other natural disasters," according to Director of Capital Planning and Construction Galen May. "As a result, the original projected cost of roughly $11 million was no longer valid on the bid we submitted to the state. That meant we had to do a complete financial re-evaluation of the project and go through the submission process again." The estimated cost of construction now stands at about $13.7 million. The closing of the parking lot was announced via email on Monday. The closings allow Facilities Management to deliver supplies, the construction trailer, and prepare the job site. The lot is scheduled to be partially re-
opened by Friday. "We're trying to avoid creating any parking problems at the same tirne we're trying to get back on schedule with the project," said Vice President for Facilities Management and Public Safety Dick Bratcher. "It's a serious concern of the students and the faculty alike." The Recreation Center would have occupied the upper Frazer lot according to the original design plans, but efforts to pro cure the private residence on Pine Street were unsuccessful "We negotiated with the Town of Farmville and they gave us Franklin Street," said Bratcher. "The building's plans are completely unchanged by this; 1 doubt anyone would be able to tell the difference if the Recreation Center wasn't going to cut the road off." The building is being built by ).K. Jamerson & Sons of Appomattox. Construction is expected to last about 18 months, with the Center opening in the spring of 2007. This is the second I/mgwood construction project undertaken by J.F.. Jamerson; the first was the Dorrill Dining Hall which opened in April 2000.