North Carolina Wesleyan College, Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27804
CAMPUS LIFE
April 2, 2010
NCWC Community Remembers
John Adam Larue (1989-2010)
By Jacqle Flynn
Decree Staff Writer
Adam Larue was a well-known
figure around the North Carolina
Wesleyan College campus and in the
community. Many called him friend,
classmate, student; and many will
miss him terribly. If you were one of
the lucky ones who knew Adam, it is
impossible to walk around campus
and not notice his absence from the
school. Quite a few Wesleyan students
and staff attended his funeral but many
were unable to go to that service. A
memorial service was held for him in
Russell Chapel March 9 after students
came back from spring break.
More than 100 attended the service
held in Adam’s honor. The Voices of
Triumph honored Adam at the begin
ning of the ceremony with a song
called “Always in Your Heart.” One
of the lyrics says: “sad you’re gone
but not forgotten, you’re still here
with me, you’re in my heart...” The
song managed to bring tears to the
eyes of many in the assembled group.
Then students Juliana Richardson and
John Williamson were invited up to
lead prayers, and Theresa Hurley led
in a recitation of Psalm 23.
The main speaker was Reverend
Barry Drum. When Reverend Drum
came to the podium, he put a post-it
note on the front, showing a dash. For
all of us, he said, there will eyfintually
be a dash between two sets of numbers.
The dash signifies not just the time
one spent on Earth, but holds “all your
accomplishments from the first set
of numbers to the second,” he said.
Though short, Adam’s life was filled
with wonderful achievements, said
Reverend Drum, who noted that Adam
was described as a genius, whose sense
of humor often brought a smile to the
faces of friends and acquaintances.
Reverend Drum summed it well when
he stated that “Adam was a bright,
special young man.”
During the course of the service, the
gathered crowd was told about planting
a tree in front of the local Habitat for
Humanity store, in memory of a young
man who dedicated much of his time
to that community organization. That
cererhony will be on April 10, and
will be followed by a day of volunteer
service in Adam’s memory.
President Gray announced that Adam,
an honors student who was supposed
to graduate in May, will still receive his
business degree, pxjsthumously.
Students Reflect during
Black History Month
By Rodney Holley
Decree Staff Write
Black History month has come and
gone, allowingj^friean-American
students to reflect on their history.
Multiple student organizations held
events throughout February as a way
to highlight African-American history.
Programs ranged from “Black History
Bingo Night,” sponsored by the Black
Student Association on February 2,
to a one-man dramatic performance
sponsored by AKA sorority on Febru
ary 4. Titled “And then We came to
Memphis,” it focused on the life of Dr.
Martin Luther King Jr.
Among the other events was “Who
Am I?” on February 8. It consisted of
two five-member teams, one male, one
female. Based on a description offered
by a team, the audience was given one
minute to identify an African American
historical figure.
On February 17, BSA and the
Sociology Club led a presentation on
the origins of Black History Month,
which, according to BSA President
Chardae Smallwood began as “Black
History Week.”
The program featured NCWC’s
Gospel Choir and the musical group
Chivalry while other performers re
cited poetry, danced or sung. Between
individual performances, the event
organizers offered a “Did you know?”
fact related to black history
Students took pride in recognizing
the month.
“Black history month means that as
African Americans, we have a whole
month to ourselves to celebrate and
teach others about the legacies of those
who put forth their lives to give the
next generation a better chance at life,”
said Destiny Pinckney.
Lorenzo Whitley said that the month
offers a chance to celebrate the ac
complishments of African Americans.
"And it reminds me of the struggles
that African Americans have had to
overcome,” he said.
Anthony Tyus agreed with Whitley.
"Black history month is a chance to
reflect on the past tragedies of African
Americans and serves as motivation for
me to be successful as a black male.”
Eddie Arrington said that the month
"gives me a chance to learn about the
lesser known people and facts that
aren't highly publicized.”
Gregory Spence exclaimed that
the month is overwhelming. “But in a
positive way because it reminds you
of the good that African Americans
have done not only with civil rights,
but in the field of entertainment,” said
Spence, a Wesleyan student thespian,
citing the actors Don Cheadle and Will
Smith as examples.
SPRING from pg3
from future Hall of Famer Ken Griffey
Jr., the Mariners may unseat the Angels.
The Reds feature a bunch of young
guns on the mound. Edison Volquez is
healthy and looks to return to All-Star
form, Homer Bailey was 6-1 with a
1.70 ERA over the last six weeks of
the season and then there’s defector
Aroldis Chapman. The 6’4” Cuban’s
fastball has been clocked at 102 mph
and he’s said to have the best slider
from the left side since Randy Johnson.
But will he maintain arm stamina and
control over the long season?
One of the biggest question marks
is in Queens. Last year the Mets were
expected to be among the World Series
favorites, but then suffered through a
70-92 season, even without their usual
September collapse. Many expect the
team not to contend in the NL East, but
once Carlos Beltran and Jose Reyes
become healthy, David Wright finds
his power, and newly added Jason Bay
becomes comfortable at Citi Field, the
Mets may reach the playoffs.
The 2010 season is looking to be
one of the best in recent memory, with
many storylines for fans to follow. Will
Roy Holliday dominate the National
League? Will Mark McGwire save face
as the hitting coach in St. Louis? And
will the Red Sox slow down the force
that is the Bronx Bombers?
With all the changes and expectations,
I am almost giddy for Opening Day.
There are uncertainties throughout the
league, but at last it’s time to play ball.
When Reverend Drum opened the
floor for comments from the audience,
Leslie Veach praised him and ended with
“I feel so blessed to have known him.”
A Personal Memory
By Jade Johnson
The last few weeks have been so dif
ficult for those of us that were fortunate
enough to be able to call John Adam
Larue “friend.”
I can’t exactly remember the first
time I met Adam, but I’m positive that
he must have greeted me with the same
wide grin and kind heart that he always
displayed. Adam and I had several
classes together but we got to know
each other best when we worked for
the 21st Century After-school Program
at a local elementary school. After our
classes each afternoon, we would make
the trek to downtown Rocky Mount
to begin our tutoring sessions. The
greatest memories I have of those times
were when the kids would have recess.
Adam, Brad Wolford and I would be
playing our hearts out on the basketball
court, and a lot of the time we would
let the kids stay out a little longer, just
so WE could play!
Since Adam’s passing, I often find
myself smiling at the thought of his
laugh or the little inside jokes our
group of friends would share. I only
had the opportunity to be in his pres
ence for a few years, but I can say that
I was truly honored and blessed to have
such a remarkable person in my life.
m
Mims Galley will exhibit "Ann Harwell; Visionary Quilts" (pictured)
from March 26-April 25. Beginning April 8, the Civic Gallery will show
drawings by Wesleyan senior Edgar Zaldivar.
Film Review: ‘Alice in Wonderland’
Alyson Matarazzo
Decree Staff Writer
Directed hy Tim Burton. Cast: Mia Wasikowska
(Alice), Johnny Depp (The Mad Hatter), Anne
Hathaway (White Queen), Helena Bonham Carter
(Red Queen), Matt Lucas (TweedleDeelTweedie-
Dum) and Alan Rickman (Blue Caterpillar)
In this new Tim Burton film, “Alice in
Wonderland 3-D,” Alice is all grown up.
Instead of having a little giri fall down
the rabbit hole, the movie shows Alice
returning to Wonderland, or Underland as
it is called in this version, as an adult and
the White Queen’s reluctant champion.
As a little girl Alice was haunted by a
recurring nightmare and feared she was
losing her mind. Her father, a briUiant
businessman, comforted her. She grew
into a woman with a serious habit of
questioning the status quo. But was the
nightmare really a nightmare? Or, was
it in fact a reality that was turned into a
dream? WTiile in Wonderland, Alice ques-
Dorm Room Selection
To Take Place April 20
By Decree Staff
The Office of Residence Life will
conduct the room-selection process on April
20'in the Hartness Center.
Next year will see the integration
of more upper-class male students in
Petteway Hall, which has predominantly
been a freshmen residence. It will stay an
all-male hall. “Most of our halls are already
integrated among classes,” said Randy
Williams, vice president for student affairs.
“Next year will just be a more intentional
approach to assist freshmen in becoming
acclimated to Wesleyan quicker. This
model will create stronger bonds among
the classes and cultivate a stronger sense of
campus community.”
TTie new amn^arient ccxiKS in tte wake rfa
fyi semester wtei Petteway ejqieiienced a lash rf
misdiief, indudirg a series rf^se file alarms.
Other residence halls will remain co-ed,
except for Edgecombe, which will house
only females, with a mix of first-year and
upper-class women.
Room selection numbers will be based on
a formula that weighs credit hours earned and
a student’s GPA, according to Deborah Drye,
assistant director of residence life. So, in
general, students have got a better chance of
securing a desired room if they’ve maintained
a high GPA and earned a high number of
credit hours.
Drye reminds students that they must
be registered for fall classes in order to
participate in the room-selection process.
“Late registrations will result in assign
ments made on a space-available basis
after all new students have been accom
modated,” she said.
On April 5, housing applications will
be sent to the campus mailbox of students.
who must indicate their intent to live on
campus by submitting the paperwork
to their RA or RD by April 12 at 5 p.m.
Between April 17-19, students will receive
their room selection number and instruc
tions on when to appear at the Harmess
Center on the 20th.
Upcoming Activities
April S
Mix-tape Monday featuring the Cash Cube. How much can
you grab in 20 seconds? Enjoy music and win lots of fabulous
prizes. 1-5 p.m., Hartness Patio. Sponsored by CAB.
April 7
—Spring Fashion Show. Tme TEA, MingesAudtorium. Sponsored by V.O.B.
April 8
—SGA meeting, open to student body. Note: Ail student organizations
must send a representative. 8 p.m., school cafeteria.
April d
—Wesleyan Cinemas—“The Spy Next Door," 8 p.m.,
Powers Recital Hall. Sponsored by CAB.
April 12
—Mix-tape Monday. Music, fun, and Build a Bear.
1-5 p.m., Hartness Patio. Sponsored by CAB.
April 14
—Powderpuff Football Championship. 5 p.m., Edgecombe Reid.
Sponsored by the Office of Student Activities & Intramural Sports.
—Ice Cream Social & S’Mores Night 7 p.m., HarWess Patio.
Sponsored by Psychology Club.
April IS
—UpSync Competition. 7 p.m. Hartness Center. Sponsored by CAB.
April ie
—"Red Light Special" Spring Formal: Food, drinks, gifts, and
dancing. S5 for singles; S7 for couples. 9 p.m., Garner Lobby,
Dunn Center. Sponsored by CAB, Spectrum Club, and FAA.
April 17
—Road Trippin'to Virginia Beach. Enjoy a day at the beach
with your friends. Sign up in the Office of Student Activities
beginning on April 5. The trip is free, but seats are limited.
—Midnight Lounge; Enjoy an upscale late night of fun, games,
music, food, and mocktails. A game night with a twist. Admission
is free. 10 p.m.-1 a.m., Hartness Center. Sponsored by CAB.
April 19
—Mixtape Monday featuring Wax Hands. Make a wax mold of
your hand using any shape and color combination. 1-5 p.m.,
Hartness Patio. Sponsored by CAB.
—Awards Banquet 6 p.m.. Garner Lobby. Sponsored by the
Office of Student Activities.
April 21
—Spades Tournament 7 p.m. Hartness. Sponsored by CAB.
tions her dream state versus her conscious
state of mind.
She follows the White Rabbit into the
hole and while he and other “Underland”
creatures watch, they wonder if this is
the right Alice that White Rabbit brought
back. Even though the White Rabbit said
he was almost certain she was the right
one, even Alice didn’t remember being
there when she was younger. She was told
that it was a dream all her life so she stood
there and denied the reality of this with all
her heart. When she was a litde girl, her
father told her that, to wake from a dream,
all she had to do was pinch herself. So, she
pinched herself but was unable to awake
from this dream.
They take her to the blue caterpillar,
who has the magic scroll which tells of
past and future events. In this scroll it
is said that Alice will face off with the
Jabberwocky—a. powerful dragon-like
creature who is controlled by the Red
Queen. Alice again denies this reality and
tells them that this is just her imagination
running off in her dream.
There is a creature that is sent to
capture the White Rabbit and TweedleDee
and TweedleDum. As they run for their
lives, Alice is on her own, only to meet up
with the Cheshire Cat who said he could
lead the way to the Mad Hatter, but only
that and nothing else.
The Mad Hatter sees Alice and is thrilled
to have her back. He and Alice have a
sibling-like bond. When the Mad Hatter is
kidnapp^ by the Red Queen’s cohorts, Alice
goes into the castle and poses as a made-up
person, “Um” from Umbridge. Alice, or
should we say Um, sits next to the Red
Queen as she brings out TweedleDee and
TweedleDum. The Red Queen sees them
and says, “I love my fat boys. Entertain us.”
Later that night, Alice searches for the sword
that was taken from the White Queen which
will help defeat the Jabberwocky.
This fast-paced movie was filled with
imagination. The make-up and costumes were
amazing and weD thought out The set was
darkly coloiiul. Burton has a knack fw doing
movies with daik comedy and coinpelling
character and this was not a let dowa I
enjoyed the adult Alice having to find her way
back to herself throughout the movie and in the
end standing fw what she believes in and not
conforming to what othras think she should do.
This is a comedy fw all ages. Kidsand
adults alike should enjoy die drama which is
brought m screen by ttiese charactas. Four
stars fcr the cast and its director This movie is a
laugh riot if you actually listen to the dialogue.
Students participated in a recent yoga class organized by the
Psychology Club. Photo by C. Thomas
CRIME from pg 2
Security had an idea of which stu
dent committed the crime and used the
video footage to prove their suspicions
true. The student and an accomplice
were both expelled, Crociata said.
Incidents such as that are why
Crociata is an advocate for even more
security cameras on campus. “Anything
to make students, especially females,
feel safer in their own dorms,” he said.
Crociata said that security has
continued to investigate the bookstore
theft case from last fall, noting recent
developments. He said one student
has been expelled for involvement
and three more will soon go before the
college judicial board to face charges.
“It was really just good police weak,”
Crociata said. “Randy Williams and security
wotked closely together, tracking tips until
we found what and who we needed.”
Another recent case involved a small
fire in the Hartness Center on January
11. In describing the incident, Crociata
said that a pair of officers making their
routine building checks encountered
three students running from the Hart
ness Center. Upon entry, the officers
discovered that a banner had been set
on fire. The officers put out the fire and
then apprehended the students.
Crociata reported that all three students
were sent in iront of the campus judicial
board and received punishment, though
that punishment was not disclosed.
“I really have to commend Randy,”
Crociata said. “He’s kept his finger on the
pulse. He’s even ridden with security as late
as 3 am. just to see what we’re up against.”
Crociata expressed the hope that
students hearing about the punishment
given to law-breakers will help deter
future crimes on campus.
“I’m doing the best I can,” Crociata
said. “I feel the rest of the staff does
the same. We’re here to be friendly and
helpful, but at the same time firm.”