Newspapers / Elizabeth City State University … / Oct. 10, 1997, edition 1 / Page 5
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Tmr r!riMi>Afis Friday, October 10, 1997 5 / University Relations photo (From left) The faces of freshmen Tamika Watson, Jamila Miles, Kim Rascoe and Clarissa Williams capture the spirit of the Fall Convocation held Sept. 28 in Moore Hall. Following a speech by Chancellor Mickey L. Burnim, the freshmen were formally welcomed into the University. Dr. Burnim urges freshmen to ‘seize opportunity’ during fall Convocation by Troy Lewter "You, the class of 2,001, have the op portunity of a lifetime," ECSU Chan cellor Dr. Mickey Burnim told fresh men, during the fall Convocation, Sept. 28 in Moore Hall. "It is up to you," added Burnim, fea tured speaker for the event, "to take full advantage of the University's re sources." The Chancellor then chal lenged students to be serious about their educational mission. To emphasize how important it is for students to "seize opportunity," Burnim used the 40th anniversary of the desegregation of Central High School in Little Rock, Ark. as an illus tration. Burnim said the nine students who became the first African-Ameri cans to attend Central High school par ticipated in "the defining moment," in the history of the civil rights struggle in America. "These students were trying to seize opportunity no matter what the ob stacles," said Bunum. "They were try ing to get the best education possible, as they had a right to do. They were tr)dng to seize the opportunity the Su preme Court had afforded; them*. They . wanted an education not limited by dilapidated buildings and outmoded textbooks." Pointing out that ECSU has a 106- year history of providing opportuni ties "for thousands of students," in cluding doctors, lawyers, and elected government officials, Burnim added that the current class of freshmen have the same chance given to ECSU's graduates who have achieved success. 'This University continues the tradi tion, to help each one of you to shape your intellect and develop your talents regardless of your background." Opportunities available to students on campus included work in "exciting biotechnical projects in labs," said Burnim, and the opportunity to study jounialism from instructors with expe rience in the profession. Referring to problems with air con ditioning, parking problems and limi tations of facilities, Burnim admitted that "working conditions aren't per fect, but students shouldn't let the small imperfections make them lose sight of their goals." Burnim said it is "easy to complain and crilicize, but it takes a special kind of person to be part of the solution." The Chancellor also reminded ECSU's staff and faculty that they, too, had "the opportunity of a lifetime by having the chance to inspire students to greatness. "Individually, each of us can take advantage of the opportunity of a life time, and together we can achieve our shared vision of preparing leaders for the next millenium," he added. Following Burnim's speech, ECSU students conducted the formal candlelighting ceremony, officially wel coming freshmen to the University. Senior Fredrika Simons explained the purpose of the ceremony, to see that the "eternal flame of knowledge is passed to another generation of col lege students. Though there are times that the flame may flicker, it should never be extinguished." In a rich, statement and response litany, six members of the student class, led by freshman class president Albert Walker and SGA Vice President, Nathaniel Issacs, conducted the cer emony. Lighted candles s)anbolized the eternal ideals of beauty, wisdom, faith, love, hope, truth and knQ\vl^dge. "In this hour of darkness," said a speaker, "the world has nothing else to give you except this lighted candle. Into each generation we thrust the ashes of our failure." Addressing the collective youth of the world, a speaker said, "You give the worlds its dreamers—^Joan or Arc, John. F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Jr. When the dream smote them, they became as living flames." Freshman class president Albert Walker lit the candalabra on stage and then he and the other speakers lit the candles of students on the ends of each row. From the beginning of the ceremony, with the organ accompanying the en trance of the students and faculty, to the end, with the students leaving with their lit candles, the mood in the hall was solemn and dignified. Freshmen candlelighting participants were Joshua Henson of Elizabeth City, N.C., Renesha Collier of Richmond, N.C., Kizzy Crawford of Rocky Mt., N.C., Issac Lister of Elizabeth City, N.C., Howard Barrow of Fayetteville, N.C. and Deanna Morring of Elizabeth City, N.Q. , - .
Elizabeth City State University Student Newspaper
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