Meredith Herald Volume XII, Issue 8 October 11,1995 Raleigh, North Carolina Forum sheds light on campus concerns by Mandy McClillen The Student Government Association and Student Life Committee co sponsored the first forum of the year last Thursday. The theme was “Free Your Mind, ” and it gave students an opportunity to voice their concerns and opinions for improving Meredith. Students were invited to attend and communicate to student officials issues that were important to them. The forum opened with the introduaion of the officers of SGA, as well as the members of Student Life. One of the major concerns to come up was the issue of parking. First, the problem of visitor parking near Poteat, Heilman and Barefoot. It was suggested that five spaces be put behind the dorms so guests would not have to park in front of Johnson Hall. Second, commuters had a concern with evening parking. The back lots are dark and not convenient for getting back and forth. The concern was countered with the fact that lighting will be added, but it is the last step in the development of the parking lots. Lastly, there was a concern with the flow of traffic between Joyner and the Alumnae House. While many are trying to turn in, they are blocked by others coming out. A question was raised as to whether students had a voice in the changes occurring in the Cate Center. Surveys and interviews had been taken into consideration as well as student centers from other colleges. It was suggested that more study areas be considered and that a suggestion box be located in the Cate Center for other recommendations from students. Suggestions were proposed to have more valid looking identification cards See Forum Page 6 Beardsley discusses self- taught artists by Beth Morris Meredith College was very honored to have John Beardsley lecture and present a slide presenta tion Thursday, Sept. 28. Beardsley, an independent scholar, curator and writer, spoke to students about creative environ mental works by self taught artists, according to Dr. Rebecca Bailey, Head of the Art Department. Some of these artists included James Hampton, Howard Finster, and Sam Rodia. Bailey said that the presentation reflected the artists’ “range of creativity which is much broader than what [students] were taught in school.” The Mecer-Kesler Endowment, which was created in honor of Isaac M. Mercer and John M. Kesler, See Beardsley Page 6 Hudson makes freshman year memorable by Dina Di Maio Ginger Hudson enjoys being president of the freshman class. While she says it’s fun, she admits, “It keeps me busy!” Hudson is president of the larg est freshman class ever at Meredith. She says the response of the fresh man class has been great. “They come up to me with ideas and suggestions all the time,” Hudson says. Friendly and easy to talk to, Hudson loves to travel and meet new people. She’s from Richmond, Virginia. She is part of the West Raleigh Presbyterian Campus Ministry and works at a Raleigh preschool. She hasn’t decided on a major yet, but is considering working with chil dren. Over 100 freshmen attended the first freshman class meeting last Thursday. Hudson says that officers’ meet ings are held weekly. Since all the offices have not been filled yet, in terviews were held Monday and Tuesday for the remaining offices. Hudson has three major plans for change this year. First, she wants the freshman class to bond as a class and work together. Second, she wants the freshmen to participate in service projects, .something that many freshmen have requested doing. Finally, Hudson wants to work on having more for the freshmen to do on the weekends. “A lot of people go home on the Ginger Hudson, Freshman class President weekends, so_we want to find more for them to do,” she says. On how to “sell” Meredith toa high school senior, Hudson says, “1 would let her know that Meredith is the best school in the world. You can make close friends here, class size is great, the faculty is great, and you get the individual attention you need as a stu dent.” Smiling, she adds, “1 don’t know why anybody wouldn’t be happy here." Hudson encourages all freshmen to be involved because there are many opportunities at Meredith. She says, “We re the ones who can make Meredith great. We re the last class of the century, so we want to make our experience memorable.”