The Gym jammed
• INSIDE • INSIDE • INSIDE
By Jamila Boozer
Banner Reporter
If Gym Jam '97 was an indication of
College spirit, than this school year is off
to a good start.
The recent event took place in Goode
Gymnasium Aug. 22 and raised close to
$2,000 that will be used to purchase ath
letic department equipment.
A highlight of the evening was when
the Belles presented their Bennett dance in
a line around the gym.
“I think it [Gym Jam ] was great,” said
Jennifer Gardner, a native of Washington
D.C. and a sophomore fashion merchandis
ing/business administration major.
“ Bennett should have a lot more activities
like that. There was a lot of participation.”
Loris Boyd-Groover, director of Student
Activities said that the Gym Jam went well.
“Students really supported it,” Boyd-
Groover said. “TheGymJam didalottoset
the tone for other activities throughout the
school year.”
ED!TORIAL*Coverage of crime criticized......
Page 2
BELLESPEAK* Gus is gone.
SPORTS* VoiieyBelies win opener.
CRITIC'S CORNER* Interesting incestous story. Page 4
THE BEXNETT BANNER
The Newspaper produced by the Phenomenal Women of Bennett College
VOL XX NO. 1
Septembef 12,1997
Bennett Colk^te
Gfeensboro, NC 27401
i
%
Class of 2001 formally
introduced to College
By Delanlssa A. Moody
Banner Reporter
History was made Sept. 9,1982 when
155 Belles participated in the first cer
emony of matriculation at Bennett Col
lege.
Fifteen years later, Aug. 28, the tradi
tion continues.
During this year’s Convocatum Est -
the official opening of the College’s
academic year—217 entering freshwomen
and 18 transfers were introduced to the
faculty, staff, and returning students.
The annual ceremony took place in
the Ida H. Goode Gymnasium while the
chapelisbeing renovated
The members of the class of 2001
Members of the class of 2001 at Convocatum Est, the official
opening of the College’s academic year. The annual ceremony
took place in the Ida H. Goode Gymnasium while the chapel is
being renovated. Photo by Camisha Gentry, Banner Photographer.
possess higher SAT scores and grade
point averages than the previous years.
In addition, four freshwomen were their
high school valedictorians.
During her address. President Gloria
Randle Scott encouraged professors to
teach to the best of their abilities and to
make their classes demanding tod inter
esting.
Scott also challenged students to be
accountable for their own education.
“If teachers don’t push you, you pull
them,” Scott said.
Some students said that they were
motivated by Scott’s address.
“Dr. Scott was very inspirational and
she impressed me,” said Melissa Clowe,
a freshwoman from Maryland.
Gus Is gone
Jones Hall repairs
near completion
By Brandy Jones
Banner Co-Editor and Staff
Returning students may have noticed
that the area across from the GorreU Street
entrance to the campus has been quiet and
empty.
For a number of years, residents and the
College community had been complaining
about the loitering taking place in front of
the store and the noise it was creating.
The complaints led to a petition that
forced the owner of Gus’ Grocerteria to
close in July, according to Ted Napper,
chair of Bennett and Gorrell Street Neigh
borhood Association.
The area has had its share of trouble. In
April 1996 the owner of a grocery store on
the same block was slain and his store
cleik was shot during a robbery. That store
has been closed since that incident and the
building is boarded up.
Other businesses,including abarber shop
and beauty shop have since relocated were
closed. All that remains is the Red &
White Supermarket.
Napper said that Gus' was reported sell
ing fortified wines and allowing loitering
and drug activity in front of the store.
TURN TO Gus on Page 3
By Ronda Stingley
Banner Reporter
Last spring Hurricane Fran “visited” the
campus. Her heavy rains uprooted the
magnolia tree in front of Jones Hall and
severely damaged ceihngs in seven rooms
in that dormitory.
Since that time, those rooms have been
under reconstruction, with four roomscom-
pleted. While the ceilings are being re
paired, some students have been relocated
to other dormitories.
Gina Griffith, a freshwoman from New
York, said that she stepped out of bed one
morning into a puddle of water.
"I really hked my room and I hope to
move back very soon,” Griffith said.
Freshwomen who were originally as
signed to Jones will soon be able to move
out of Reynolds Hall back to Jones.
"This would make room in Reynolds
for a few upperclasswomen that are still
waiting for room assignments," said
Amanda Williams, director of Residence
Life.
Moving days are scheduled from SepL
9 to 14.
“All the rooms in Jones Hall should be
complete by this time,” WilUams said.
A few years ago, the entire dormitory had
been closed for renovations.