Newspapers / Winston-Salem State University Student … / Nov. 1, 1996, edition 1 / Page 6
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The News Argus November 1996 Page 6 NEWS FEATURES Remembering Homecoming Activities... Thompson Center Formally Dedicated on Founder's Day BY PERCY WIIITE AND DOUGLAS CLARK Staff Wriiers A crowd of anxious onlookers braved cool temperatures on Founder’s Day for the ribbon cutting ceremony of Winston- Salem State University’s newest facility, the Cleon F. Thompson Student Services Center. The event was part of Founder’s Day activities commemorating Homecoming Week at WSSU. Hundreds of alumni, students and faculty were on hand for the unveiling of the new student center named in honor of Dr. Cleon F. Thompson who served for 10 years as chancellor of WSSU. In his address to the crowd. Chancellor Alvin J. Schexnider spoke of the huge impact the new Thompson Center will have on the university. He said the building will serve as the center of student activity, will help attract new students and will help the registration process move faster. The chancellor also commented on the accomplishments Dr. Thompson made while he was chancellor at WSSU. These accomplishments include the building of Wilson Residence Hall and the Cleon F. Thompson Student Services Center. Cleon Thompson and Dr.. Schexnider at ribbon cutting Dr. Thompson helped cut the ribbon while school personnel unveiled the name of the new building to the crowd. In his remarks to the crowd he expressed his appreciation to the university. “On behalf of my family and me, I wish to thank the Board of Trustees and the WSSU family for naming this beautiful and functional building in my honor,” he said. Thompson also thanked the WSSU Foundation, the Irvin Hodge Group, and the O’Brian Atkins Architectural firm, as well as Contract Office Furnishings for their creative input. Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony the new Thompson Center, the new Kennedy Dining Hall was also dedicated. After both facilities were dedicated, student tour guides took faculty, alumni,’ students and friends on tours of the building. Harris Speaks At Convocation BY SHARONDA WILCOX Kmertainmcnl Editor Winston-Salem State University held its 104th Founder’s Day Convocation and thb dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony of the Cleon F. Thompson Jr. Student Services Center on October 4. The Founder’s Day Convocation is a ceremony that celebrates the date the university was founded. The ceremony also acknowledges contributions that have been made at the university throughout its existence and also contributions that will be made in the university’s future. Musical selections were rendered by the WSSU University Choir directed by Mrs. D’Walla Simmons Burke, and the University’s Wind Ensemble, directed by Dr. Lee David Legette. Dr. William Ussery Harris, the keynote speaker, is the regional executive director of the Middle States Regional Office of The College Board in Philadelphia, PA. Harris, who is an alumnus of WSSU spoke on, “The Paradigm is Shifting, How Will You Respond?” ^ Harris said, “If we don’t know about our past, how can we appreciate our future?” He also said that students should know the history of the university and the contributions that have been made to make the university what it is today. After Dr. Harris’s speech. Dr. Schexnider presented the honoree whose name the new student services building is named, Dr. Cleon F. Thompson, whom Dr. Schexnider succeeded. After the ceremony everyone was invited to the ribbon cutting ceremony that was held in front of the new student services center. Historical Marker Honoring Founder Dedicated BY DOUGLAS B. CLARK Managing Editor Not all schools have historical markers bearing only one person’s name. Dr. Simon Green Atkins was so instrumental in founding this university that it could not be overlooked any longer," said a researcher for the North Carolina Highway Historical Marker Program. Micheal Hill, the researcher, and members of the Atkins family, Winston-Salem State University alumni, faculty, staff, and students braved inclement weather to attend the dedication of a Historical Marker in honor of WSSU's Founder Dr. Simon Green Atkins. In his opening remarks. Chancellor Alvin J. Schexnider thanked everyone who made this event possible and added that its means so much to be a part of a special history-making event while you can appreciate it. t The marker was unveiled by Simona Atkins Allen, an Atkins family representative. Dr. Atkins’ granddaughter, Elinor Atkins-Smith and her husband, Gil, were also present at this great moment in our school’s history. “I’m very proud of all of what this university has become; because it was a big part of our family’s history as well,” said Atkins-Smith. Hill also mentioned that Dr. Lenwood Davis, a WSSU history professor, was a member of the N.C Highway Historical Marker Committee and has written a book tided. Guide to Black Landmarks in North Carolina. "The decision was made in Dec 1995 and they also decided that the best time to make the presentation would be on Founder’s Day,” said Hill.
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Nov. 1, 1996, edition 1
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