College Stud^
V
i*. -fc
The
Pen
Vol. A1 No A
NOVEMRF.R 1QQ7
Dr. Prezell R. Robinson
"Strive to be the best,"
says President Robinson
. "Through haid work and
perseverance you can be as good as,
and better than anybody else," said
Dr. Piezell R. Robinson at vSt.
Augustine's College's 126th formal
openino convocation in the Emery
Gymnasium, October 8.
Addressing approximately 300
students, faculty, staff, and guests,
Dr. Robinson encouraged students
to strive for the best and realize that
it is important for minorities to
cultivate a positive self-image in
t(xlay's competitive world.
"Adversity is no excuse for
failure," he said. "You must know
your strengths and weaknesses, and
be able, to take criticism from
others. You aie somebody and can
do anything."
Dr. Robinson, who has led the
college for 25 years, is presently
away from the college until
December, on an appointment from
l*resident Bush as Public
Ambassador to the United Nations.
He encouraged students to think
globally and be aware of
international issues.
He said 'his appointment to the
U.N. was an opportunity of a
lifetime and will bring valuable
experience to the school. A trip to
the U.N. for students was being
organized to motivate them to think
globally, he added.
Other speakers who featured in
the program also urged students to
achieve academic excellence.
Dr. George Brown, president of
the National Alumni As.stxriation,
urged students (o have hope and
never give up.
Student Government AsscKiation
President Sean Mack emphasized
that students should have pride in
their sch(X)l. "Foundation is pride,"
Students should be proud of what
tiiis institution is founded on, he
said. He also f(x:used on student
support and on helping one another.
Cykeithia Burnette, Miss Saint
Augustine's College, said, "Think
positive. Be proud to be black and
don't let anything get in your way as
you work to reach your goals.
President Robinson:
ambassador to U.N.
I^Y Al.I.IM Mil.A/I
"As a black man and president of
an historically black college, I feel
that this appointment will afford me
an opportunity to share my
experience with students," said
President Prexell Robinson.
Dr. Robinson was recently ap
pointed by President Bush to serve
as one of four public delegates to
the United Nations, after being
recommended by the current head of
tUSwirtf IC**"WrTaff§«i^e U.N.,
appointment lasts until The
19, when the cuneni session ot the
world body ends.
Dr. Robinson is a mefgber of a
nine-person delegation, ^ which
includes Margaretta Rockefeller and
singer Gloria Estefan.
President Robinson said that his
primary motivation for accepting
the appointment was the students.
"I hope that sharing my experience
at the U.N. with students will
motivate them to think globally. I
wish the appointment had come
earlier. However, it's better late
than never," said Dr. Robinson.
He admits that being president of
a college and a diplomat at the same
time is very demanding, especially
as a 12 hour working day at the
U.N. is common. Most of the time
is taken up by attending sessions in
.the Political, and Economic and
Social Committees.
"I use a taping system to main
tain contact with the school. At the
end ol the day, I check my
answering machine for messages
from the school and respond by
calling or dictating letters,
statements and memos to my
secretary. However, an
administrative cabinet, headed by
MQiell, is n>nning the
r>r r»-
uo/npanng u
previous diplomatic
the state department,
it is an extension of the sai>
He said the state depalji'.^*-
missions dealt with specific
problems, while the U.N. agenda i.s
broader and deals with matters such
as poverty in third world countries,
and the World Health Organization.
Responding to student and
faculty criticism about the
announcement of his appoinment,
Dr. Robinson said, "At the time I
was not sure whether it was
appropriate to publicize my
appointment. I did not want to go
.out on a limb and raise unnecessary
attention."
INDEX
St. Aug. prepares for NCATE pg. 3
Black students gather in downtown Raleigh pg.4
Performing Arts Series pg. 10
Men’s & Womens Basketball previewfpg. 12