Newspapers / The Guilfordian (Greensboro, N.C.) / May 2, 2014, edition 1 / Page 8
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F EATU RE S 8 WWW.GUlLFORDIAN.COM CCE students creating new justice and policy center BY ROBERT PACHECO Staff Writer An exdting new initiative finom two Center for Continuing Education students is being met witii great support from the Guilford College community. "We want to bring the means to help develop minds," said CCE senior Shawn Bowers. 'To take the education from the classroom to our community and develop skills to craft policy. "This center will gjve Guilford's unique minds a place to make impactful change and biuld upon the concept of a transformative education." Bowers and CCE junior Wyaman Simpson are hoping to acquire witii grant money the propeity tiiat was formerly tine Cheryl Davis law office on West Friendly Avenue. "This wiU not be a CCE student only or a traditional student-only facility/' said Bowers. "It is intended to be an open facility for aU students, including Early College, who want to engage in local politics while attending Guilford College." The center vdll also work to help establish internships and employment for graduating seniors who wish to develop a career in local, state and federal government "Throughout campus, there is a yearning to take the skQls we learn and apply them immediately," said Simpson. "There is no reason why we cannot apply these skills in local politics and hone our education through practical application." Bowers and Simpson are in the process of gathering support for their proposed Center for Justice and Policy, with notable administration officials and alumni voicing their support. "Even President Kent Chabotar communicated his support and pride in our initiative," said Simpson. The approval from Guilford College's president is especially noteworthy. "You have obviously put much thought and effort into the propo^ and I wish you and your colleagues the best," said Chabotar in an em^ to Simpson and Bowers. Other administrators were equally excited to voice their support. "Faculty members Barbara Lawrence, CCE Dean Rita Serotkin and Nicole Arnold have helped us with our proposal," said Simpson. "I am very excited to help," said CCE student success counselor Nicole Arnold. "It's fulfilling when we see our students take the skills they have learned and apply it directly CCE senior Shawn Bowers and junior Wyaman Simpson stand in front of what they hope to be the new center for justice and policy. back into the college." Simpson is a former member of Arnold's successful "Friend-to-Friend" mentorship program, which helps CCE studenti s transition into college life. "CCE students are increasingly visible on campus thanks to administrative support" said Arnold. The support that Simpson and Bowers have received extends off campus as well. Notable politicians like Guilford College alumnus Howard Coble and North Carolina representative John Hardister have sent their support through representatives. Traditional students are already engaging with Simpson and Bowers to ensure the success of the proposed center. "We have received interest from eight students to be members of our board," said Simpson. "Many of them are traditional students." The support that Simpson and Bowers have received goes against the stigma that many students have regarding the role of CCE students on campus. "CCE students are always engaged and bring life experience to the classroom, connecting the subject matter to their own lives," said Campus Ministry Coordinator Max Carter, who is a supporter of the Justice and Policy Center initiative. The combined experience of Bowers and Simpson indicates that their proposed Center may be successful. Simpson has worked in nonprofit management for over 15 years. Bowers, meanwhile, is a military veteran who has been a campaign affiliate for several local politicians. 'The center will not be about pushing a particular agenda. In fact we hope multiple political views are expressed, clarified and strengthened by engaging in discussion at the center." Though Bowers and Simpson have already received support across campus, they are hopeful more people will engage witli the Center for Justice and Policy. "We want to encourage anyone who wants to be politically active and build upon the Quaker principle of community to visit with us and the center," said Simpson. "We can be a clear example to naysayers that Guilford College is a place that raises each other up no matter your differences," said Bowers. BOYCOTT Exhibit features b(^ott posters throughout histoiy Continued from Page i When a company manufactures shoes that cost $1 to make and then sells them for $200, well, you do the math. Someone is being robbed. "It's emotionally crushing to know that some 'big name companies' fall short on human ethics," said Etheridge. "Looking at humans being deprived of what they work for, you have a gut feeling that it is wrong and you want it to change. "You have to make that change." Etheridge has been passionate about workers rights as long as she can remember. The exhibit reflects on Etheridge's feelings with pieces portraying boycotts of big name companies. So, why did the AFSC choose Guilford to host the exhibit? "The art gallery has collaborated many times in the past with the AFSC," said Terry Hammond, director and curator of the Hege Library art gallery. "It has always been great working with them." The AFSC and Guilford go hand and hand. The flame that once sparked between Guilford and the AFSC continues to grow. "I am a Guilford graduate," said Etheridge. "Guilford and AFSC have had a long-standing relationship. 1 am extremely appreciative for their relationship because it seems as time moves on their relationship continues to strengthen. "If you are fortunate enough to come to Guilford, you set yourself up in a place to spark change that stays with you." A new generation of activists has been inspired not only by Guilford's exhibit, but the AFSC exhibit as well. "We have groups that will travel to D.C. and all over," said Etheridge. "We send youth to spark their interest and become involved in their communities." Guilford could be the new starting line for boycotts and economic activism. As a community, we have the strength to reflect on this exhibit and change our surroundings, or even the w'orld. 'There is something in the water or the environment at Guilford College," said educator and storyteller Logie Meachum. "It is possible that Guilford affects all of North Carolina or perhaps the entire nation. "There are principles for change in all of Guilford County, whether at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical University, Guilford College or UNC Greensboro. There is change to be found here." How did the exhibit affect the Guilford community, and where will it go from here? "I'd have to say that those who stopped by shared positive words of personal change in the guest book," said Etheridge. "The Boycott Art exhibit will be leaving Guilford College campus and heading to Durham early next week." ' I ^ j{j\a I llmpensafctel I -j'.» THIS IS APARTHEID 0 S I T II Bim»TTSQimiAFRH^^ (NTEftNATIOWAt CONF£0ERAT(0« OF FREE TRADE ONIONS '■ i A . K»I »»i I»l n .■*'** ' *-«.' ' t t *'.»• '■ »«»>*»■- .-'-J
The Guilfordian (Greensboro, N.C.)
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May 2, 2014, edition 1
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