CHANCELLOR BETS ON RAIN

           The opening ceremony at the annual Pembroke Day celebration was one of mixed emotions as various officials spoke about the importance of the festival.

Chancellor Allen Meadors took the stage and thanked the community for coming out and showing support of UNCP. Dr. Meadors chiefly addressed the cloudy weather at the opening ceremony.

           “There are three things you can count on at Pembroke Day,” Dr. Meadors said. “Community and campus fellowship, good food and rain.”

Pembroke Day is a celebration honoring both the town of Pembroke and UNCP. The event is designed to bring the two bodies of people together and to embrace both the similarities and differences of the town and the university.

“Rain comes with the territory,” remarked Dr. Meadors as he looked up to the gray skies.

As Dr. Meadors pressed on, he relentlessly commented about the weather to the point where it comprised the majority of his short speech.
           “I think out of the 20 years we’ve had Pembroke Day, we’ve had rain at all but two,” Dr. Meadors said.

Pembroke Day proceeded without rain and delighted the crowd. Although the humidity made the air uncomfortable, most people in the crowd considered it a small sacrifice compared packing everything up due to a sudden downpour.

The food, prepared by Sodexho, consisted of grilled chicken and barbecue pork sandwiches with all the trimmings. Lunch was free and provided an opportunity for members of the community to embrace the students and faculty of UNCP. The beverages consisted of iced tea and soft drinks, as well as lemonade. For dessert, wide arrays of cookies had been prepared and were waiting at the end of the serving line.

A variety of entertainers took the stage during the course of the day including Miss UNCP Jamee Hunt. Southern gospel performers, the Pembroke Singers and Miss Lumbee all made vocal appearances on the main stage.

The stage, located in front of Old Main, had speakers on both sides making it very loud and uncomfortable for those with booths in front of them.

“I think I’m going deaf,” exclaimed Pine Needle Editor Christian Felkl.

Dr. Meadors circled the booths after making his speech and ate lunch with some undisclosed university officials. It was obvious to onlookers that if the Chancellor had buttons, they would have burst with pride.

FACULTY SENATE CHAIR INSPIRES YOUNG AND OLD

            Dr. Anthony R. Curtis, Chair of the Faculty Senate, left a memorable impression on the minds of both students and faculty when he delivered an eloquent speech Wednesday morning at the 2008 UNCP convocation. 

            Dr. Curtis, a professor in the Mass Communications Department, extended greetings to all in attendance on behalf of the entire faculty.  Dr. Curtis’ message was clear – the university is an institution where you can truly succeed.

            “There’s no question that you can make it here,” remarked Dr. Curtis.  Standing in front of the crowd at the Givens Performing Arts Center, Dr. Curtis knew his position and took it very seriously.  He realized that the audience was 90 percent freshmen who, without a doubt, were required to be in attendance for class participation points.

            Without missing a beat, Dr. Curtis’ careful words poured forth as he praised the university while informing the students that attending a college is a privilege.  “This is not high school 2.0,” Dr. Curtis said referring to the fact that some students enter college thinking that it will require the same amount of effort as high school.  “UNCP is a place of remarkable practicality,” Dr. Curtis said supporting Chancellor Dr. Allen C. Meador’s comments that the university is an affordable place to achieve higher education. 

            While Dr. Curtis may have planned a moderately lengthy speech, his zest for the job and personality made the words leap off the page and into the hearts of the compelled crowd.  The regalia he adorned were honorable and distinguished.  He seemed to leave no detail out which truly made a difference to students who had never been to a traditional university convocation.  He began with an individual, formal greeting to everyone in attendance. 

            As Dr. Curtis continued his speech, you could practically feel the eyes of everyone upon him.  There was a sense of utmost regard and respect for the professor, who has lead a very interesting life.  The author of many books that have sold millions of copies, Dr. Curtis is regarded as one of the most proficient professors in the nation.  Although very much involved with amateur radio and NASA, Dr. Curtis’ passion is his students.  Never was this more evident than at convocation.

            As Dr. Curtis’ speech came to a close, he stressed the fact that you determine your own future by the decisions you make.  “We believe that you can succeed here,” Dr. Curtis said.    

CAROLINE GOINS: THE QUEEN OF HEARTS

Goins is circulation manager for The Pine Needle, a member of the Friends of the Library, a Sigma Sigma Sigma Honor Council member and the president of P.R.S.S.A.  Above all, she is a servant who has a passion for people. 

“I feel that I have no reason to judge someone. My goal is to be accepting.  I like to get to know people on a personal level,” said Goins. 

Goins has one of the biggest hearts around although she was born with a hole in it.  “Not many people know,” said Goins.  “I had surgery when I was little.” 

When Goins first arrived at UNCP four years ago, she lived on campus.  She currently resides in an off campus apartment where she enjoys painting and making jewelry.  Born with a remarkable sense of humor, Goins reflected on being a member of her middle school’s marching band.  “They made me play the triangle because I wasn’t good enough to play anything else,” said Goins.

Goins is a determined leader both on and off campus.  She hopes to one day be an events coordinator and with her unparallel people skills and compassion, that goal is just within her reach.

Hello!  I am creating this blog for Dr. Tony Curtis’ Feature Writing class.  Thank you for stopping by.  This will be a place for my work to be submitted and viewed by my professor. 

Best Regards,

Wade*