The
Collegi
September 16, 1981
Hobgood Remembleife
By Marly Wiliams
At Convocation a couple of
weeks ago, one member of the
faculty stood out from all the
rest because of his colorful robe.
Donning his blue gown
trimmed with leopard skin was
Dr. Ben C. Hobgood, business
manager. The robe came from
Africa, where Hobgood had
resided for a great deal of his
life.
The country where Hobgood
lived is Zaire, formerly known
as the Belgian Congo. It is the
second largest nation in Africa
and is located in the central
portion of the continent. It is
bordered by 12 other nations, so
it is noted for its diversity of
people.
Hobgood was born in Zaire
and lived there until he was 15.
His parents, who were mission
aries there, brought him back to
the U.S. where he completed his
high school and college educa
tion. He returned to Africa
upon completion of his graduate
studies and served as a mission
ary himself. While there, he
undertook many activities
ranging from sponsoring a
soccer team to working on the
establishment of a Protestant
university.
Commenting about the differ
ences between the educational
processes here and in Africa,
Hobgood noted that college
admissions are much easier
here in the U.S. Because high
school graduates in Africa must
take a national examination to
enter college, only 10 to IS
percent of them attend college.
The examination is somewhat
comparable to the SAT, but is
more difficult. This process
tends to eliminate unmotivated
students entirely. The African
government pays all expenses
for students who are admitted,
including room and board.
Zaire has only one political
party which all college students
must join. They are required to
te
jBlBR>ARX
StFl
attend all political functions as
well. Hobgood pointed out that
this political party cannot be
criticized by the people. He said
that on one occasion, a group
of students staged a protest
rally against the government.
As a result, the college was
closed for one year and the
participating students were
drafted into the military.
Hobgood feels that one of the
greatest aspects of Africa’s
culture is its art. Vivid colors
and forms in African art have
influenced many renowned
Western artists, one of whom
was Picasso. The people are
very proud of their art.
Hobgood’s office is practically
an African gallery. It features
paintings both traditional and
modern, hand-carved furniture,
and hand-carved ivory figur
ines, all done by native African
artists. Hobgood adds to Atlan
tic Christian’s rich mixture of
culture, a bit of Africa.
Photo of the Week
“The Collegiate is sponsoring a weekly plioto contest this year. The contest is open to all ACC
StodenU. Photos should be submitted to the PubllcaUons office for Judging by noon on Tuesdays.
Tlie winning photo will be posted at the Publications office and wlU be printed in “The Collegiate”.
Capping Ceremony is a higliliKhi of a nurse's training.
Nursing Program
Ranked No. 1
Ranked number one among Student retention in the nursing
the 11 baccalaureate degree program has also improved
nursing programs in North Car- greatly. These factors have
olina including Duke, East Car- contributed to a stable, high
olina and Chapel Hill, is ACC’s quality nursing program,
nursing program. Other contributory factors arc
Thirty-two of 36 ACC nursing the Wilson community, which
graduates (88.9 percent) passed has provided financial assis-
the State Board Examination to tance for the program, and its
become registered nurses, citizens who have participated
bringing this distinction to ACC in student learning experiences,
for the first time. Since 1977, The college administration and
the graduates have risen from non-nursing faculty have also
seventh place to first place in been very supportive, even
North Carolina. when being a nursing student or
Several factors have contri- faculty member meant having
buted to this success. In fall, exceptions made. Most of the
1977, nine faculty members, credit, however, belongs to the
including a departmental chair, graduates of 1981. They are the
joined the nursing faculty at ones who tried so hard to
ACC. Since then, the nursing of the credit, however, belongs
curriculum has been completely to the graduates of 1981. They
revised and a sophomore-level are the ones who tried so hard to
course instituted. The faculty achieve the goal of becoming
turnover rate has decreased to registered nurses. They are the
the point that only one faculty ones to be congratulated and
member left the department at thanked for helping to make this
the end of last spring semester. year such an exciting one.
r
Inside The Collegiate
Letters to the EJditor P«ge 2
Campus Patrol Highlighted Page 3
Calendar of Events P«ge 4
How to Survive in Class P»«e S
Movie and Album Reviews P««e6
^^ports Page 8