Welcome home Rams! The highlights include a comedy show, coronation, tailgating and the Greek step show. Victoria Staples online news editor
vstaples107@rams.wssu.edu
Homecoming 2011 began Sept. 25 with the 90s pre-dawn party featuring 9th Wonder. Other events in the lineup include a gospel play, a lecture featuring the Rev. Run and the Alumni Scholarship Gala. Winston-Salem State homecoming activities culminate with a vendor fair, carnival, and the homecoming game. The vendor fair and carnival will be Sept. 29 and Sept. 30. More than 40 vendors are expected. Five dollar all-access wrist bands are available for carnival activities, including the ferris wheel and a train ride through campus. The Rams (4-0) will take on the Johnson C. Smith’s Golden Bulls at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 1. The CP3 All-Star Pickup benefit game will take place later that evening.
Eco-friendly living coming to WSSU
Grace Anderson Contributor
Eco-friendly living in the guise of “themed housing” is coming to WinstonSalem State. High-recycled content carpeting, programmable thermostats, energy efficient appliances and compact fluorescent light bulbs are just a few of the upgrades that will be used in a four-bedroom unit in Rams Commons this semester. The upgrades, funded by Housing and Residence Life and donations from businesses such as Shaw Floors, are part of the University’s sustainability initiative. The installations, set to begin fall break,
will serve as test plans for University themed housing. Peter Blutreich, interim director and associate director of Housing and Residence Life, proposed the idea of themed housing. He said that themed housing is more conducive to student learning and student living. Projected themes include arts and drama, future teachers, and women in science and health professions. Select students who meet University requirements will have the option of living among like-minded students. The sustainable housing initiative is one of the first housing options tested.
Four students were chosen to be in the pilot program. David Butler is one of them. “It’s a great initiative for the school to take on and will teach students about sustainable living,” Butler said. “We live in a microwave society, ” he said. “Everyone is looking for a quick fix, but sustainability ensures long term success.” Butler is a junior business management major from Charlotte.
Eco-friendly
continued on Page 3
Outdoor activity can stave off dreaded ‘freshman 15’
Get ready to turn your ‘Bounce’ on
September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
Research suggests that as many as 70 percent of college students gain a significant amount of weight between the start of college and sophomore year. In addition to the brain benefits of exercise, burning just an extra 143 calories per day can mean 15 fewer pounds at the end of one year.
Bounce TV network is a new Blackowned TV network launched this week in more than 18 cities including Charlotte and is geared predominantly toward African-American audiences. Its lineup features a mix of programming including theatrical classics from Pam Grier [movies] to “Ali” with Will Smith, and HBCU sports.
More than 21,000 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer and 15,000 women will lose their lives from the disease this year alone in the United States. If detected early and treated properly, survival rates increase to more than 90 percent.
SOURCE http://uwirepr.com/
Source: BlackAmericaWeb.com
Source: butyoudontlooksick.com
Founder’s Day Founder’s Day activities begin Sept. 30 at 8:45 a.m. in front of the statue of Dr. Simon Green Atkins, Winston-Salem State’s founder. The formal Founder’s Day Convocation will begin at 9:45 a.m. in K.R. Williams. Stanhope A. Kelly, regional president for Carolinas Community Banking will be the speaker. He has been in this position since 2009. Kelly leads the retail, small business and business banking operations for Wells Fargo in the region, serving customers through 467 stores and approximately 900 ATMs.
News & Features Page 2
The News Argus
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
SU Radio to return with new staff, programs Lena’ Kithcart Staff reporter
lkithcart107@rams.wssu.edu
A resurgence of SU Radio – with a new staff and new programs is in the works this semester. SU Radio is the student Internet radio station at WinstonSalem State. In 2009, the station was taken off the air for a FCC violation. The station returned Sept. 26, 2010. “In prior years, it felt like the staff didn’t take the station as serious as they should have,” said Caneisha Smith, a junior mass communications major from Woodbridge, Va. “This year we are going to be more professional.” In 2010, the operation manager of WSNC-FM, Ben Donnolley, prepared a policies and procedures handbook for SU Radio. WSNC-FM is a NPR-affiliated public radio station broadcasting jazz from campus.
WSNC-FM’s station offices are in Hall-Patterson. Training for the new SU Radio staff began earlier this month by executive board members: La’Tia Johnson, Chalae Mills, Dion Curtis, and Caneisha Smith. The new SU staffers are being taught how to use the station’s new switchboard and the software used for recording and editing. Since the end of spring semester, the station has been playing music and public service announcements. SU’s new programs are scheduled to be on air Sept. 26, in time for homecoming. The new lineup will include sports broadcasts and various music genres including old school, hip-hop and new school. “We plan to do actual live stream in the cafeteria and broadcast from the Breezeway,” said Mills, senior mass communications major from Monroe, N.C.
The Campus Crime Blotter is a concise summary of the upto-date incidents that affect the Winston-Salem State campus and community. Certain incidents may lead to News Argus articles that discuss them at great length. Tuesday, Aug. 23 A Campus Police officer was dispatched to Brown Hall to take a stolen property report from a student. The student later came in the Campus Police office and said he had found his camera tucked beside his bed; however, the other items were not found. There is nothing further at this time. Thursday, Aug. 25 A Campus Police officer was conducting a security check outside of K.R. Williams Auditorium. A female said that she had become stressed out with school, family and friends, and could not handle the pressure anymore. The University’s psychiatrist and an on-duty R.A. were notified of the situation. There is nothing further at this time. Wednesday, Aug. 31 Campus Police were notified of a breaking and entering in a car in Parking Lot E. The student said that his vehicle rear and front windows were all broken. Items were stolen from the vehicle. There is nothing further at this time.
SU Radio is also seeking writers and actors for a new weekly soap opera they are developing. Along with new programs and live remotes, the station now has a dedicated phone line so listeners can call in during shows. SU Radio is streamed on the Internet and can only be heard online on campus. But that may change also. “There’s a strong possibility that once things get up and running, we will air off campus,” said Elvin Jenkins, SU Radio faculty adviser. Jenkins is also the general manager of WSNC-FM Radio and a faculty member in the Mass Communications Department. Jenkins said that he wants all the University’s student media to engage in multimedia projects. “It will be good if we could have people from The News Argus and RAM TV on the air,” Jenkins said.
Monday, Sept. 12 While on patrol in Parking Lot M, a Campus Police officer witnessed a vehicle driving in the wrong direction on Price Street. The person was cited. McCauley’s Towing service removed the vehicle. There is nothing further at this time. Monday, Sept. 12 Campus Police were notified that several students were stuck in the Atkins Hall elevator. The students were freed, and “Out-of-service” signs were placed on the elevators on all floors. There is nothing further at this time. Friday, Sept. 16 While on foot patrol, a Campus Police officer detected the odor of burning marijuana in Foundation Heights. Resident advisers were contacted and both individuals have been referred to Housing and Residence Life. There is nothing further at this time. The times of these incidents were not made available on the University website.
Source: WSSU Department of Police and Public Safety Compiled by The News Argus Staff
www.thenewsargus.com
Rams H.O.P.E. ready to provide relief assistance Jamal Williams Staff Reporter
jwilliams210@rams.wssu.edu
Rams Helping Others Prosper Everyday kicked off the 2011-2012 academic year with a room full of 40 students in the Thompson Center at their first interest meeting. The organization was established in 2009 by WSSU alumni, students and adviser, Chelii Broussard. Rams H.O.P.E. is dedicated to providing emergency and disaster relief assistance to local, national and international victims. Some emergency relief help included providing aid in 2009 for people affected by Hurricane Katrina, in 2010 for the earthquake victims in Haiti, and the tornado victims at Shaw University earlier this year. Rams H.O.P.E. is offering a $250 “Roots & Wings Scholarship” for two eligible students. The scholarship was inspired by Brittany Dennis, a WSSU student who died from heart failure the 2011 spring semester.
“She was a good friend of mine, and her passing was the first time someone that close to me had passed away, so we took the pastor’s encouragement and came up with the scholarship fund,” Desmond Barnes said. Barnes is a senior marketing major from Hampton, Va. Rams H.O.P.E is funded by membership dues - - $10 a semester or $20 a year. The members choose the different committees to participate in. Rams H.O.P.E. members must be involved in community service as well as fundraising. Responsibilities include participating in ‘dorm storms’, food banks and car washes. The dorm storm involves members walking door to door in residence halls, collecting items and money to help in relief efforts. “We try to give whatever we can,” said Donica Harper, president of Rams H.O.P.E. Harper is a senior biology and psychology double major from Maryland. “It can be only 50 cents; we will take it to help,” Harper said.
Car, bus, or train: Commuting options Mallory Green & Staff Staff Reporter
mgreen107@rams.wssu.edu In these difficult economic times, driving a car is becoming very costly for WinstonSalem State commuters. There is the cost of the car, maintenance, personal property taxes, tags, parking fees and the list goes on. Several students, staff and faculty commute from High Point and Greensboro to Winston-Salem. The average price for regular gasoline is $3.33 in the Triad, according to GasBuddy.com, a site that provides real-time,
national average price searches for gas by city, state, and zip code. Prices at the two gas stations near the campus on Martin Luther King Drive this week average $3.40. These prices fluctuate throughout a day because the cost of gas is directly influenced by the cost of crude oil, according to Financial Nut, a business, finance and economics website.
Commute options continued on Page 6
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News & Features Page 3
The News Argus
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
PAST DUE: Inspections in Kennedy, Ram Shack Jennifer Rooks Staff Reporter
jrooks109@rams.wssu.edu
The two main dining areas at Winston-Salem State are past due on health inspections. WSSU’s last inspection for Kennedy Dining Hall was reported April 29, 2010, and the last inspection for the Ram Food Court [Ram Shack] was June 14, 2010. WSSU is a Risk Category IV establishment because Kennedy Dining and the Ram Shack use multiple areas to create complex meals, to cool and to reheat food. Risk Category IV establishments serve a highly susceptible population such as children, senior citizens, or those who may have a compromised immune system. By law, Risk Category IV establishments are supposed to be inspected four times a year. WSSU is five inspections behind the Forsyth County requirement. Aaron Singleton, WSSU media relations director, says that LaKeith Stevenson has attempted to contact the County Health Department about the past due inspections. The Health Department has not been able to send an inspector as a result of state budget cuts, Singleton said. Stevenson is an employee of Aramark, the company that provides the food and the food services. He is also WSSU’s Food and Food Services director. Stevenson said that the meals in both Kennedy and the Ram Shack are the same high quality they have always been. Stevenson said that the Aramark mandate is to be No. 1.
“Being No. 1, we [Aramark] sometimes add on extra rules and policies for ourselves,” he said. Stevenson said that Aramark hires Ecolab, a sanitation company, to perform a health inspection on Aramark’s behalf. Stevenson is also required by Aramark to perform his own inspections. As of Sept. 20, Kennedy Dining’s score is 95.5 percent and the Ram Shack’s score is 98.5 percent. The past due inspections are the result of the state-wide budget cuts which were passed into law May 26. This resulted in layoffs of seven of 10 health inspectors assigned to the Forsyth County’s Environmental Division of the Public Health Department. “We are currently understaffed, and I predominantly work for another program,” said Doris Hogan, the inspector assigned to the Ram Shack and Kennedy Dining. Hogan’s primary position for the Environmental Division is in the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Department. “That keeps her very busy,” said Kentt C. Long, the previous health inspector responsible for the two dining areas. Long said that temporary events occurring during weekends are inadvertently added to everyone’s workload and may have further delayed WSSU’s inspections. “She just hasn’t gotten to it yet,” he said. Hogan said inspections are unannounced and by law she is not permitted to say when she will inspect Kennedy Dining or Ram Food Court. “It should be soon,” she said
Eco-friendly continued from Page 1
If the program is adopted, WSSU will be one of the few HBCUs providing sustainable student housing. “Offering sustainable housing is not only the right thing to do, but it is also an educational opportunity for students to see the life cycle cost of products and see firsthand how they can do their part,” Blutreich said. Timothy Richardson, a senior healthcare management major from Goldsboro, N.C. said that there is a need for the University to be involved in sustainable growth. “It’s important because if the student population is aware of sustainable activities they can do, then they are able to take
w w w
It’s one thrill after another at this year’s super amazing Dixie Classic Fair. Defy gravity on the Midway. Try your hand at games of skill. Or put your iron stomach to the test with BBQ, roasted corn, pizza and everything deep fried. Plus, don't miss the dynamic line up in the Grandstand nightly.
Wed Oct 5 – Kutless Thurs Oct 6 – Demolition Derby Fri Oct 7 – Figure 8 Racing Sat Oct 8 – OTTPA Tractor Pull Sun Oct 9 – Rodeo
what they’ve learned home and pass it on to their friends and families,” Richardson said. Richardson said he would like to see the school offer more environmental-focused programs so that students can learn to do their part. Students will be educated about the products, terminology and results associated with sustainability and living ecofriendly. WSSU has gradually offered eco-friendly services on campus such as eliminating trays in the cafeteria, recycling bins throughout the campus and providing environmental friendly products in the cafeteria.
m o .c
ng i m
o c e
m o h
r. am
GO FROM ORDINARY TO EXTRAORDINARY.
Fri Sept 30 – Demolition Derby Sat Oct 1 – Figure 8 Racing Sun Oct 2 – Rodeo Mon Oct 3 – Colt Ford Tues Oct 4 – Mark Lowry
www.thenewsargus.com
Opinion Page 4
The News Argus
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
www.thenewsargus.com
A true self-reflection Attitude not only reflects leadership, but it also reflects success. Although I was raised to be a strong woman, I was not taught to go above and beyond my best to accomplish what I wanted out of life. I had to learn on my own through life experiences. With a poor attitude, I approached my journey in 2009 to become the Editor in Chief. I always had an excuse, and it seemed as if I did not care. The only work I did was submit my news report and waited to see it published in The News Argus. After I won my first award with a lack of effort, I wondered how far I could go if I NATALIE worked harder. I began to realize that this is what I had DAVIS Editor in Chief always dreamed of. It was staring me right in the face and I was letting it pass me by. So fall 2010, I tried a different approach. I put forth more effort without compromising my character. I stepped up to the plate physically, but verbally, I was still too laid back and would let people talk over me. Now, I express my opinion and I am more positive than ever. I had to learn that being a successful leader means being a strong, positive-minded person. Mostly, I had to learn to separate business from personal matters. For example, although we have different titles, the Argus staff is a team. It is hard to work as a team if one person has a negative attitude. A team is only as strong as its weakest link. When we step into the office, the other things that are occurring in our lives are put aside. We keep positive attitudes so that we can accomplish our goals. When we approach an obstacle, we try our best to think positively to come up with the best outcome. In life, you will experience setbacks, but you must still push forward. If you have a positive and respectful attitude, you will go further in life. The positive energy will also reciprocate. If you walk around with an “I don’t care about anything” attitude, it shows through everything you try to do. This negative attitude will reflect in your work ethic, and you will never get to your destination. You are a college student because you were motivated to finish high school and do well in your studies to receive college admission. So while you are a Ram, be the best to qualify for any career that you wish. You want to have options after you graduate. A job is something that you settle for; a career is your passion.
Argus Letter Policy
As a matter of policy, The News Argus will publish corrections for errors in facts. The corrections will be made as soon as possible after the error has been brought to the attention of the Argus Editor in Chief at
thenewsargus@yahoo.com
The News Argus is a student publication of Winston-Salem State University. The News Argus encourages written comments to the editor and guest columns, but some rules apply: q A signature, address and phone number must accompany all letters. Letters should be double-spaced and no more than 250 words. q Letters will be verified by The News Argus by a phone call prior to publication. If The News Argus is unable to contact the writer of a letter, the letter will be held until contact is made. Letters intended as advertising will not be published. q The News Argus does not publish “form letters”or letters sent to multiple newspapers outside the Triad unless the issue discussed in the letter is of importance to the WSSU community. q The News Argus reserves the right to edit letters and guest columns for clarity, length and libel. The News Argus will edit letters that are grossly inaccurate or cross the boundaries of good taste. q The News Argus allows readers to reply to someone’s response to any earlier letter only once. q Guest columns may be no more than 400 words. The News Argus will accept endorsements of candidates, but only one per writer per candidate. The letter may challenge a candidate’s record, but no intensely personal attacks will be printed. The News Argus permits candidates to write letters to the editor to specifically respond to another letter. Photos and Interviews by Amber Taylor
WSSU students, faculty and staff are selected randomly to answer a provocative question from The News Argus. Comments do not represent the opinions of the Argus staff. To hear the complete responses visit www.thenewsargus. com and listen to the podcasts.
Homecoming is a time to celebrate Winston-Salem State, and everyone has his or her own idea of what WSSU means to them.
Whatever the reason, one thing that we can agree on is that we are all Rams for a reason. This issue’s Campus Crew asks...
What does being a Ram mean to you?
JULIAN BEVERLY LARGO, Md. JUNIOR, ENGLISH
CHERICE MITCHELL CHARLOTTE SOPHOMORE, BUS. MGMT.
JEFFERY JOLY SYRACUSE FRESHMAN, HISTORY
It is something extraordinary. It is better than being an Aggie. We are leading the pack as something great.
It’s being a motivation for my younger siblings and graduating in 2014.
It’s an expression of doing your best and representing your school. It’s about pursuing your goals and being part of a family.
JASHANTA BROWN CHARLOTTE JUNIOR, HISTORY It means being able to have fun with your friends and maintain your schooling to graduate on time.
AMBER WILLIAMS DURHAM SOPHOMORE, BIOLOGY It means being a scholar, being a leader, and being sociable.
Opinion
www.thenewsargus.com Tuesday, September 27, 2011
The News Argus
Page 5
Cursing has no place at work
Should samesex marriages be legal in North Carolina?
Yes. Same-sex marriages should be decided by the two people involved not courts.
43%
No. Marriage is sacred and should be between a man and a woman.
46%
No. Same-sex marriages could lead to all types of “strange” behavior.
3%
I don’t care.
8%
To participate in the poll, register online @ thenewsargus.com
I recently read a story on CNN online about the former CEO of Yahoo, Carol Bartz, and her reputation of using curse words. She criticized board members that fired her and some of her famous quotes were published in The Wall Street Journal. Society expects women to have a feminine demeanor. Women are not expected to use foul language in the workplace and to communicate in a calm and nurturing way where there is an understanding. Is there a double standard of workplace decorum for men and women? Being successful in the career field that you are in can be stressful at times. When a man uses curse words while communicating with co-workers, he is generally viewed as powerful and dominant. He is not seen as someone who is weak. Women, on the other hand, are more emotional, which is often mistaken for weakness. It is much harder for women to get ahead in the corporate world because men are viewed as natural leaders.
Women should refrain from using curse words in the workplace. Some might feel that it helps to get their point across, while others just want to be disrespectful. It could be sending a negative message to co-workers. It is natural to want to be taken seriously, but the important message may be overshadowed. Women in the corporate world have to fight harder to prove that they are capable leaders -- just as capable as any man with the same credentials. It is inappropriate for both women or men to use curse words in the work place. As an employee, each person is representing the business. As the copy desk chief of The News Argus, I not only represent the student media at Winston-Salem State, I also represent those who were an influence to me. As a female journalist, situations may occur that may seem unfair, and I may feel disrespected. I should not compromise my character by cursing or exhibiting any other inappropriate behavior.
At WSSU, I look at faculty and staff as examples of how a professional should behave in the workplace. When I hear administrators use inappropriate language, I get the impression that they do not follow the same professionalism that they are attempting to impress upon the student body. Using curse words shows the unprofessional side of people, and they do not have anything intelligent to say to express how they feel. Those who hold higher positions should not curse at their employees to show how tough they can be. Instead of making employees feel comfortable enough to talk to them, they intimidate them, resulting in a loss of respect from their subordinates. Every company has different rules that are set for office decorum, but both women and men should refrain from cursing in any professional setting.
Bianca Pender Copy Desk Chief
Wal-Mart: Low prices at what cost? After reviewing the film “Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price,” my view on the Wal-Mart Corporation has completely changed. I was most surprised at the mistreatment of Wal-Mart workers, pay cuts, lack of insurance, sexism and racism. Former managers confessed to being trained on how to cheat workers out of overtime hours and to cut regular hours. Many of the workers expressed that the corporation’s insurance cost around $75 out of each check, not including the copay required at each doctor’s visit. More than five workers, previous and current, also mentioned having to seek government assistance in addition to their jobs at Wal-Mart. A group of African American former Wal-Mart associates and managers
shared their stories of racism. One female, middle-level manager went through numerous evaluations where it was insisted that she be promoted, but she never was. When she questioned a caucasian male, upper-level manager, he told her it was because she was a female and Black. She filed a suit against him and nothing was done. Watching the film made me think differently about WalMart. It enraged me because the demographics that utilize or operate Wal-Mart the most, are receiving the most unfair treatment. Being a college student is similar to being a part of the working or middle classes. Most students’ families are from these classes and live on a budget. It feels as if we are paying to be mistreated.
I know many people who work or have worked at WalMart for years. I have always heard complaints about hours and that management “sucks,” but I thought, “people complain about their jobs all the time.” The consequences of the policies and practices adopted by Wal-Mart have left many people unemployed, others dependent upon government assistance, and tax payers responsible for the corporation’s lawsuits and other messy actions. According to the film, the “low prices” are based on tax subsidies. Statistics show that Wal-Mart drives retail down by $3 million each year. There are more than 26 billion square feet of vacant Wal-Mart buildings. The upper class shareholders seem to be the only ones who benefit from Wal-Mart,
while the working and middle classes seem to “pay for it”— literally. I do not think it is possible for companies like Wal-Mart to balance worker benefits, low prices for consumers and high profits for shareholders because they [corporations] do not take the time to plan accordingly. No one should be held responsible for the way WalMart and large corporations carry out business but them. On the other hand, we should be held responsible for not being knowledgeable of corporations we invest so much money into, whether it be buying [and standing] in line, purchasing online, or paying tax dollars. Victoria Staples Online News Editor
News & Features Page 6
The News Argus
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
www.thenewsargus.com
BWC continues mission Natalie Davis Editor in Chief
ndavis107@rams.wssu.edu
Photo Courtesy of PART
PART Express, an economical option for the WSSU commuters, provides free park-and-ride lots throughout its routes.
Commute options continued from Page 2 Brandon Delaney, a junior business major from High Point, drives his car every day from High Point to WinstonSalem. “I spend around $40 to $45 a week in gas,” Delaney said. Corbin Bradford, a senior sports management major from Greensboro, says she spends about $100 a week on gas. “I waste so much money on gas because I drive here [to WSSU] five times a week, and I drive a “gas guzzler”, a Ford Expedition,” Bradford said. “If I could carpool I would, or if no one would see me, I would ride the bus.” North Carolinians spend on average $2,800 a year for gas, said Brent McKinney, director of Piedmont Authority for Regional Transportation. Alternatives and less expensive solutions for WSSU commuters are the Triad’s public transportation options: PART, Winston-Salem Transit Authority, High Point Transit, and Amtrak. “It’s less expensive to use public transportation to commute than to drive,” McKinney said. For example, he said driving
from downtown High Point to downtown Winston-Salem is 38 miles. At 62 cents a mile, it would cost the driver about $27 one way. “If a student used PART, the
“T
price fares for students and seniors were not changed. A new Regional Fare Pass became effective Sept. 12. This pass replaced ticket books and can be used on PART, GTA, Hi tran
he train has power outlets, so I can plug in my laptop and go to work while I ride, and they give you complimentary water,”
— Cole Russing, professor in the Mass Communications Department trip would cost $1.20,” he said. PART provides connections between major cities and counties throughout the Triad. PART works in cooperation with WSTA, GTA, and Hi tran which provide transportation access within the city limits. PART provides free parkand-ride lots throughout its routes. Its schedules are posted on www.partnc.org. Earlier this month, PART’s Board of Trustees approved fare hikes from $2.40 to $3 one way for adults; and from $20 to $30 for the 10-Ride Pass effective Oct. 1. The rates for the 31-Day Pass -- $74.50 and half
The Yard by Brandon Coley
and WSTA buses. The regional pass can be purchased in increments of $5, $10 and $20. WSTA has 24 daytime bus routes and seven nighttime routes. It operates between 5:30 a.m. to midnight, Mondays through Fridays and from 6:30 a.m. through 6:30 p.m. Saturdays. WSTA does not give discounts to students. Fares are $1 per trip with a complimentary transfer that is valid for connecting trips only. The service offers $10 FullFare Ten-Ride that covers 10 one-way trips. The transfers can be
requested upon boarding. The $30 Full-Fare Monthly pass is good for unlimited rides. No transfer pass is required. Also, WSTA bus routes are just for Winston-Salem residents, but most bus systems have connectors. N.C. Amtrak Connector offers a one-way ticket for $2, and half price for students, seniors, and disabled passengers. The service operates Mondays through Fridays. “I love the train,” said Cole Russing, a new professor in the Mass Communications Department. Russing, commutes from Raleigh, and said he drives 100 miles each way. “If the train schedule worked with my class schedule, I would ride the train all the time,” Russing said. “The train has power outlets, so I can plug in my laptop and go to work while I ride, and they give you complimentary water.” Russing said that the ticket price for the train is cheaper than what he spends in gas. “I spend $100 in gas, and I pay $17.50 round trip when I ride the train -- a big difference.”
Black Women for Change is working to empower Winston-Salem State females and will spend the semester doing community service. BWC was founded by Ariel Hope and Aiesha Truesdale September 2009. Truesdale, a senior political science major from Durham said that as a freshman, she was not involved on campus and did not know what she wanted to be involved in. “There’s a Black Men for Change so there needed to be a Black Women for Change,” Truesdale said. “We are a support group for women of color on campus that focuses on community service and outreach programs.” BWC will sponsor its Third Annual “Think Pink” event Oct. 5 in the Breezeway to inform WSSU about breast cancer. During the program, the organization will give out cotton candy, release balloons and distribute breast cancer information. Stations to make ribbons will also be available. “I love to give back by helping out with functions, like the Multiple Sclerosis Bike Ride we just attended,” said Jessica Riley. Riley is a junior healthcare management major from Mebane, N.C. “We volunteer for a cause, and it makes you feel really good inside.” Truesdale and Sade Powell, BWC president, have similar wishes for the future of the organization. Powell is a senior marketing major from Raleigh. “I would like to see Black Women for Change grow,” Powell said.
Sports www.thenewsargus.com Tuesday, September 27, 2011
The News Argus
Page 7
CIAA championship: volleyball coach’s goal Amber Taylor
Assistant Sports Editor
ataylor109@rams.wssu.edu
Despite the volleyball team’s current losing record 7-9 (7-3), the team has plans to win the CIAA championship. Edric Poitier is the head coach of the Winston-Salem State volleyball team. The team didn’t make it to the CIAA championship last season, but Poitier said that the team’s main goal is to win the championship. “I motivate the players by advising them to focus on the goal of the season: The championship,” Poitier said. “Last season, they didn’t understand what it meant to have something to play for.” Poitier’s goal of reaching the championship is further driven by the fact that senior starter, Kiara Brown, will be graduating in May. “She’s the captain, and I want us to win the championship for her before she leaves.” Brown, a setter for the team, is a nursing major from Raleigh.
She transferred to WSSU from N.C. Central in fall 2010. After the team lost its first three matches, Poitier made changes that have been implemented for the remainder of the season. “We’re a new team and [we’re] still learning each other,”Poitier said. “We’re trying to make sure we find the right people for each position.” Poitier said that a typical practice lasts two-and-a-half hours and during that time, players focus on conditioning and team-oriented drills. “Students come in during their free time for individual training,” he said. “At practice we go hard,” said Lauren Aikens, a freshman middle blocker from Conyers, Ga. “We focus on the things that we didn’t accomplish during a previous game,” Aikens said. The team scrimmages after each practice. Queens College Royals have been their biggest competition thus far. Poitier said that if WSSU can win against Chowan
University, then they stand a strong chance of winning the CIAA championship. The Chowan Hawks are the defending conference champions. Poitier said he feels optimistic about the team’s future, as well as its performance thus far. “I like what I see; however, we haven’t done as well as we have liked,” he said. Poitier said that handling tough opponents at the start can condition players for the rest of the season. Off-season conditioning is also a vital aspect of the team’s performance. Poitier required players to run at least six miles each week. The Lady Rams also participated in an intensive weight training program. Poitier said he wanted each player to engage in “free-play” when they had access to a volleyball court. Poitier is using a lot of playing experience to advise the team. He played volleyball professionally in the Bahamas for 13 years.
Awarded to Kameron Smith
Amber Taylor
Assistant Sports Editor
Garner, N.C. native Kameron Smith has been selected by head coach Connell Maynor as the game ball recipient because of his performance during the Virginia Union game on Sept. 10. His actions helped Winston-Salem State to win with a score of 67-16. “He really set the tone for the game,” Maynor said. Smith threw four touchdown passes. Smith is a junior, economics major. He said he couldn’t do it without his parents or teammates. “If I don’t have them, I can’t do anything,” Smith said. The 6’1” starting quarterback said that being chosen for the game ball inspires him to keep working to get even more awards. Smith was named Boxtorow National Player of the Week after his six touchdown game against Chowan Sept. 17.
Rams basketball team seek ‘tall’ walk-ons during tryouts Daniel Braswell Contributor
dbraswell110@rams.wssu.edu
Tryouts for the men’s basketball team were Sept. 20 in the C.E. Gaines Center. “I’m looking for a couple of guys,” said Bobby Collins, head men’s basketball coach. “We have 12 players and normally I like to carry 13 to 15 players. So I’m really looking to fill my roster.” Height is the characteristic both players and coaches are looking for in prospective players. “Anybody over 6 feet 8 inches is guaranteed a shot,” said guard Marcus Wells. “There is always room for a big man.” Wells, who’s entering his third season is one of the most experienced players on the team. He averages 5.7 points per game. Wells, like his coach, also says there’s a need to fill out the roster. A benefit in doing so would give the team more players available for practice. The Rams are missing players due to injuries. “We have two that cannot play until January, and we have one that just tore his ACL,” Wells said. Dominic Alston, the player with the torn ACL, is still supportive of his
team despite the fact that he’s injured. “They [walk-ons] need to be ready to fit in offensively and defensively and just be ready to take part.” Wells said that one attribute that a walk-on player should display is humbleness. “For a walk-on that makes the team, I would say, he has to be humble and satisfied with being a part of the team,” he said. “It’s all about a building process.” Former point guard, Andrew Jackson, has seen walk-ons come without a scholarship and work their way into the playing rotation. “They can end up receiving a scholarship,” Jackson said. “It depends on how hard they play and how much they listen and want to be coached by this staff.” Jackson averaged 8.1 points per game and dished 145 assists during his career. The Rams’ last walk-on was point guard Ricky Bolton. He played 20072011 and scored 32 points during his career. “The campus has a host of talent,” Collins said. “I would obviously like to have some size, but I see that most of the players that showed up were wings.” The Rams, were 19-8 during the 2010-2011 season their first year back in the CIAA.
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A historical timeline of WSSU Football History