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Letter From The Editor
The Tearing Down of Atkins Hall
Dear Ram Family-
As the Editor-in-Chief of this years News
Argus I would like to wish a hearty welcome
to all Alumni students, and, faculty here at
WSSU.
As we all gather here at Homecoming to
be reacquainted with family, old friends,
and former classmates, we here at the
News Argus appreciate the chance to in
form you of campus events. The fact that
this is my first semester as Editor makes it
an added challenge as well.
Our entire staff has worked diligently and
long hours to be able to give everyone the
newspaper that we feel our school deserves.
I truly hope that you find this issue in
teresting as well as informative as we
gather at Homecoming to fellowship with
friends and keep that Ram Spirit going.
From the entire News Argus staff I would
like to wish everyone a Happy and Safe
Homecoming.
Yours truly,
Terry Dunnings
Editor-in-Chief
I
Ifci
By Mark Sadler
Dr. Valerie Saddler
News Argus’ Advisor
by Cheryl Lide and
Constant Lowery
The introduction of a Mass Communica
tion’s curriculum at Winston-Salem State
University brought a new faculty member,
and advisor to the News Argus Staff, this
person is. Dr. Valerie S. Saddler.
“My interest was peaked when I learned
that WSSU was in the process of introducing
a Mass Communication program,” explain
ed Dr. Saddler. “I was excited about being
able to do ground work and have input on
the program’s development,” Saddler con
tinued.
Dr. Saddler obtained a bachelor degree in
Mass Media Arts from Hampton Institute; a
master degree in Information Sciences;
Old Atkins Hall, a dormitory on campus,
was built in 1915, but it was torn down dur
ing the latter part of the summer.
The hall was named after the founder, of
the university, Dr. S.G. Atkins. WSSU was
first called “Slater Industrial Academy.”
Old Atkins Hall was a monument to the
man who has sacrificed so much of his life,
without any regrets to the work of uplifting
and upbuilding his race.
In an interview with Robert Penning, vice
chancellor for business affairs, he explain
ed why this building was torn down and not
renovated. The decision was made based
upon the need for a new dorm. In 1973 plans
were being made to build a new dorm. In the
fall of 1979, Old Atkins closed, New Atkins
was used until 1983 for storing surplus pro
perty.
In 1983, it was decided that Old Atkins
should be torn down. This caused major
concern from alumni and members of the
community. The alumni and community
wanted the building to stay and serve as a
historical building. To refurbish the
building inside and leave the original brick,
would cost $2 million.
Since, the state does not pay for the
renovation of buildings, except academic
buildings, the fight was lost. The main
reason for tearing the building down was
that it was unsafe. As years past it became
more hazardous.
“I hated to see it come down myself as
well as alumni and the community. We have
saved 2,000 of the original brick when it was
first built, also the corner stone and lime
stone was kept," said Penning.
What will be erected on the now barren
site? No one is quite sure.
Currently, the site is now being worked on
so that Colson Hall, which was once con
nected to Old Atkins can be served with tlie
proper utilities.
The lot will stay as II is until ihe i)lan^
have been confirmed concerning wlial t>pi'
of memorial w ill be place on the site
Tijuanna Evans
Darrell Jeffries was selected to receive
the 1984 Outstanding Employee Award by
the Human Services Department of the City
of Winston-Salem.
journalism from Illinois State and a Ph.D.
in mass communications, journalism from
Ohio University, Athens, Ohio.
Saddler was Mass Media instructor at
Hampton Institute from 1975-79. Her main
interest lies in the print media having work
ed for “The Times Herald” in New Port
News, Va. and “The Charlotte Observer” in
Charlotte N.C.. She was also instrumental
in getting a newsletter started for the
Southeastern Tidewater Opportunity Pro
ject where she worked in public relations.
“I enjoy teaching on the college level.
There are trying moments but the rewards
are great,” she remarked.
Saddler has predicted a successful year
for the News Argus and hopes the paper will
be able to compete in collegiate newspapers
contests within the next two years.
Darrel Jeffries: Outstanding Employee
Jeffries participated in the Summer
Youth Employment Program. Part of the
programmatic thrust was to av^ard a $25 US
Savings Bond to the outstanding participant
within each of the programs operated.
Jeffries was judged on punctuality, atten
dance, initiative, attitude, understanding
and accepting directions and respon
sibilities and many other duties.
Hats off to Darrell Jeffries for a job well
done!!!!!!!
Congratulations!!!! '
The News Argus Staff
News Argus Staff
Terry B. Dunning Editor-In-Chief
Angela Corbett Associate Editor
Arthur Johnson Entertainment Editor
Beverly Guions Assignment Editor
Dojer James Jr Layout Editor
Tujuanna Evans Business and Office Manager
Cheryl A. Lide Sports Editor
Kenneth Raymond Assistant Sports Editor
Mark Saddler Assistant Entertainment Editor
Wayne Richardson Circulation Manager
Wayne Richardson Advertising Manager
Mickey Harris photographer
Victor L. Watts Layout Assistant
Charles “Freddie” Frazier Art Director
Angela Miller Reporter
Constance Lowrey Reporter
Victor O. Coffey ..Reporter
Angela C. Boone ..Reporter
Calvin Finger ^!! Articles Editor