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clarion
Brevard College, Brevard, N.C.
Monday, March 8, 1993
Volume 60 Number 6
Snow Foolin’
BC freshman Teresa Buckley was one of hundreds of
students who enjoyed the recent snow. For more snow
photos, see page 10.
Bell Tower Trees Disappeared
Over Christmas Break
by Joanna R. Wilson
Clarion Staff Writer
The bell tower trees disappeared
over the Christmas holidays, causing
quite a stir around campus.
According to Reid Plemmons,
Maintenance Supervisor of Brevard
College, the trees were supposed to
complement the bell tower, but instead,
had become a hindrance. Evidently, there
had been some complaints about the
view of the bell tower being obstructed.
Also, some concern was raised about the
lower branches being a hazard to
pedestrians.
After almost a year of
consideration, an executive decision was
made by the Brevard College Board of
Trustees to have the trees removed.
Although the opposition on campus
was about 50 percent, Plemmons felt
the decision was a good one. he said
cutting the trees back would have made
them look “scrubby”.
The college considered relocating
the trees, but it was doubtful they would
survive. And, at a cost of $1800, the
idea was unwarranted. Plemmons said
the trees were ordinary barclay pear
trees, not outstanding, and could be
bought for $35 at any nursery.
“The trees are not as important as
the bell tower,” said Plemmons. “I feel
the opposition is unfounded.”
(See Trees on page 8)
B.C Displays Advantages
of Two-Year Colleges
by Will Parker
Sports Editor
Despite all the jokes about Brevard
College not being a “real school,” there
are numerous advantages to coming to a
two-year Junior school before going to a
four-year university.
Dean of the College Clara Wood
said, “The advantages are great for
students who come from either small or
large high schools. In the bigger
schools they don’t’ get as much
attention, whereas in small schools they
get more. So it’s actually good for both.
“Another advantage is that it’s good
for those students who haven’t found a
career direction,” Wood said. “For the
student who plans on not going beyond
the two-year program, it looks good for
the work force; and it also looks good if
they do decide to go on to a four year
school. The degrees are set up for
maximum flexibility for meeting
requirements with other schools. The
few courses that aren’t flexible are
transferred as electives, and even if they
don’t transfer, the student still has the
hours.”
Wbod went on to say, “Brevard is
very flexible for students who don’t get
the Associate of Arts degree in two
years. Brevard is also one of the few
junior schools that have international
programs in Austria during the spring
semester and a four-week summer
program based in Austria. Also, there
are many international students on
campus.”
Wood added, “It’s also easier to get
into various campus activities.”
When Steve Martin, College
Counselor and Assistant Professor of
Psychology, was asked the same
question he replied, “One of the greatest
advantages has to do with the change
that occurs between high school and
college. We have to teach the student to
become an independent learner. We can
pay much more attention to the
individual because we are such a small
school. Our professors are here to meet
with the students. The professors are
much more involved and interested in
the students. This helps the student to
make the transition from high school to
college. Also, you can’t get lost in a
class; the size is really small, no greater
than forty-five students per class.”
Martin went on to say, “There’s
probably not a faculty member here who
couldn’t make double their salary
somewhere else. They simply enjoy
being here. Brevard is better placed for
(See Two-Year Colleges on page 8)
Ross Throws Party For
A Terminally III Child
by Josh Markle
Clarion Staff Writer
What thoughts come to mind when
the phrase “the meaning of life” is said?
Wfell, in the eyes of a little girl named
Charlotte, who is terminally ill, life is
cherished and lived to the absolute
fullest.
On Sunday, Dec. 16, the residents
of Ross Hall gave one little girl a party
that she will always remember. Jon
Erickson, the Resident Director of Ross,
first met the little four-year-old while
recovering at the Transylvania Hospital
from an operation on his appendix.
Erickson told Ross residents about
how Charlotte came into his room one
day while exercising. She offered him
her walking cane. In return, Erickson
and the residents of his dorm decided to
throw Charlotte a birthday party.
Since Brevard’s community has
such a high rate of retired senior
citizens, there were only three people in
the hospital under the age of 65.
“Throwing a party for Charlotte would
give her a chance to have fun and
interact with younger people,” Erickson
said.
The residents of Ross threw
Charlotte a party for many reasons.
“They wanted to do an Adopt-a-Family
service hour. They also learned more
about Charlotte’s illness,” Erickson
said. “I did it because I wanted to help a
little girl in need,” one resident said.
Erickson still keeps in touch with
Charlotte, who is presently doing fine.
Everyone who participated in the party
got something positive out of this
educational social.
This event was made possible
through the cooperation of the residents
of Ross Hall, their R.D., and the nurses
at Transylvania Community Hospital.