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PAGE 2 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2007 UWG's own Sharon Kraemer proves why mom is the boss By Kandace Greenway Guest Writer Kgreenw2@my.westga.eilu In only four years my boss has become the mother to over 20 children. If helping students with projects,cooking meals,and giving heartfelt advice along with verbal spankings isn’t on Mrs. Sharon Kraemer’s job description as Assistant Director of Annual Giving at UWG, then maybe she needs a vacation. Most of her children consist of graduates, students, and colleagues who come in and out of her life every semester. Her three biological children however, smile at her through picture frames as she works in a light orange sundress, her eyes glued to the computer and her lingers typing faster than her brain can think. “Well hello Ms. Kandace,” she said. “I almost forgot you were coming!” Forgetfulness becomes habit for Mrs. Sharon, who reviews almost S(X) alumni records a day, while organizing Phonathon functions or handling donations and mailings. The two-part wooden desk seems almost UK) big for the 5-foot-3 supervisor. After making Carrollton her 13th home since her 34-year marriage to a businessman. Mrs. Sharon never expected to be working at the I New semester, new beginnings for SGA By Jerry Houston Staff Writer aaliyahandjerry@yahoo.com The Student Government Association is an organization led by students who advocate for the student body. This organization is the voice of the students with direct access to academic officials. SGA is welcoming Robert H. Kelly as their new president for the 2007- 2008 school year. Kelly, a junior psychology major, is full of ideas and is eager to work with the organization this year. Kelly brings plenty of experience to his new position. He has been a member of Phi Sigma Pi, Black Men with Initiative, Learning Community CUTE 2 BR 1.5 Bth Hz. 4 Rent Close to downtown C’ton and UWG Wood floors, tile in kitchen and baths Gas heat & cooking/CH& $650m0. $650 dept. $25 credit ck. Call: 770-616-5203 ollje West (Georgian The University of West Georgia University Community Center, Room 111 Carrollton, GA, 30118-0070 Editorial Line: (678) 839-6527 Advertising Manager: (678) 839-4783 Editorial E-mail: uwgpaper@westga.edu Advertising E-mail: paperads@westga.edu On the web at http://www.thewestgeorgian.com University five years ago. Her facial expressions and bright blue eyes could say everything she was thinking. Her voice is expressive, her northern accent is thick but, her tears reflect the sincerity in her words. “I wanted to be around kids, I love them,” she said. “My children were fortunate enough to always have someone be there for them and help them out, and I am honored to be able to do that for students.” When she isn’t pacing back and forth from her computer to the printer or jabbing away at the keyboard, Mrs. Sharon is all ears when it comes to student needs. The phone rings and after a quick conversation and apology she immediately starts where she left off. It was a student caller, letting her know she won’t be in tonight because she has a project due tomorrow. “Okay,” she said, “Thanks for letting me know.” Her "no lie" policy is one thing she stands firmly behind. It is a rule she tells students the minute they are hired. If you can’t work, tell her why and be honest. Her fist hit the desk however, when she declares she is no pushover. Being flexible and understanding holds mutual respect between Sharon and her students. for the African American Male Initiative program, and former vice- president of the NAACP. His leadership experience and positive attitude, along with his drive to make a difference, are all exceptional qualifications for a SGA president. Kelly and his staff are actively preparing to come up with ways to unify the campus. Also, the staff is try ing to improve academic policies and student faculty relations. The ultimate goal for SGA is to make sure students have the best possible experience here at West Georgia. Some events students can look forward to include a pep rally during homecoming and the Dormitory Tours, “With the no lie policy, students know education comes first,” she says. Sharon does not believe in asking anyone to do something she would not . : . ... fir'' * '' 1 mm W^MbML Vn ' j ■ifee . ■ ail Photo courtesy of westna.edu do herself “Students work harder knowing that." she said. As an unbiased and open minded person. Sharon believes everyone should “stretch outside their comfort zone” and embrace their education. The only one out of nine brothers and sisters who did not attend college, Sharon has no regrets. Her voice strengthens as she where SGA goes to the dorms and introduces themselves to students living on campus. There will be a house of representatives, where leaders of other organizations will have a voice on campus issues. Kelly stated that he would like to see more students involved in campus activities. With new plans in the making and a well prepared president, the university can expect to see West Georgia make positive things happen on campus this year. Students who are interested in joining SGA can pick up applications in room 321 of the campus center. Meetings are held every Thursday at 3:30 pm in the ballroom. Erik Waters, Editor-in-Chief Stephanie Smith, Advertising & Business Manager Larry Peel, News Editor Jesse Duke, A&E Editor Stephen Gilley, Sports Editor Terence Rushin, Photo Editor Tracy Ammons, Copy Editor Lauren Lovvom, Webmaster Chris Graydon, Distribution Manager Doug Vinson, Advisor Masthead Art by Jesse Duke vocalizes her opinion on being positive and always using what inspires you to mb off on others. After graduating high school, Sharon continued educating herself. Because she had the freedom of not needing to work, she was able to ch(x>se jobs that interested her. With post secondary education becoming the nomi, Sharon wants students to know learning d(xrs not stop after a degree is put in your hands. Thinking about seniors, her eyes close briefly and a smile emerges. Rush Week in full swing on campus By Alix Carnes Staff Writer acarnes / <§ my. we stga.edu The time of year has once again come for the University of West Georgia —the time to rush for the fraternities and sororities. The Greek Life at UWG offers many benefits to students, including creating lasting friendships, contributing to community service, excelling academically, and taking part in social, cultural, and athletic activities. There are 20 Greek organizations on campus, including 18 social Greek groups and two honorary Greek groups. The groups are broken up into three councils: The National Pan- Hellenic Council, Interfraternity Council, and Panhellenic Council, which govern the fraternities and sororities. The Saying gcxxlbye to senior workers is the worst part. “I get the same feeling I did when my children went off to college,” she said. “I get sad, but thrilled that they are going to start their adult lives.” What Mrs. Sharon d(x:sn’t realize is the impact she truly has on the students who leave her. Recent UWG graduate Erica Flynn, described leaving as “the same feeling I got when I left my mom to come back to schtx>l every time I visited home.” “She always bent over backwards to help out a student,” Flynn said. “If she was having the worst day and her head was about to explode, Mrs. S would drop everything to help someone. It’s sad knowing I won’t be able to see her everyday because she has grown to be like a second mom to me.” Another student referred to a time Sharon called her at midnight to see if she w as okay after her father had undergone heart surgery. Pushing tears back, the student said,“l had been up almost 24 hours straight and I didn't expect her call but it made me feel so happy to know she was at home thinking about me.” On her desk to the right of her computer, sits a three by five picture frame of last semester’s student callers, each one smiling ear to three councils also coordinate membership selection process standards. Formal recruitment, known as “Rush.” takes place early in the Fall semester, and begins next week. There is a minimal charge to cover the cost for the week, and during that week potential Greeks will participate in interview processes, community service, and other activities organized by the councils. There are academic requirements before a student may participate in Rush. In many cases, 'VV v 'is * ft 1 •• Photo by Kimberly Folkes Copyright Notice The West Georgian, copyright 2007, is an official publication of the University of West Georgia. Opinions expressed herein are those of the newspaper staff or individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of university faculty or staff. Letter Submission Policy The West Georgian welcomes letters to the editor. Letters may be mailed to: Editor. The West Georgian. University of West Georgia, Carrollton, GA, 30118, or sent via electronic mail to: uwgpaper(3>westga.edu. All letters must be signed and include a phone number and mailing ad dress for verification purposes Letters should not exceed 3SO words and should be submitted by S p.m the Sunday prior to publication Editors reserve the right to edit for style, content and length III!: YYT.ST GEORGIAN ear and standing outside Mrs. Sharon’s house. The picture was taken after the Christmas party Mrs. Sharon hosted, where students come to swap presents, eat a home cooked meal, and enjoy each others' company. year, she wouldn’t put a bite in her mouth until she knew everyone had eaten and received a gift. Just like the time she wouldn’t leave a restaurant until she knew everyone was safely in their cars headed home. Rewarding her students and making them feel comfortable comes as second nature. During their break at work, she once t<x>k her six student workers to a complimentary dinner at a Mexican restaurant that had just opened. She also tells every student to save her cell number so that they can call her anytime during the night if they need anything, even a ride home after a night at the bar. Leaning back in her black leather office chair, Mrs. Sharon seems right at home, as if she were on her couch telling one of her grandkids a fairytale. As she organizes papers on her desk, I ask where she sees herself in five years. After a quick glimpse out the window she replies with no hesitation. “On a boat with my grandkids, reading a newspaper with your picture on the cover.” the student must have a 2.0 GPA, though each chapter has its own requirements, and the councils suggest at least a 2.5 GPA. Most groups also have a one-time membership fee, which ranges anywhere from $350 to $450, and individual annual dues of $75 to SIOO. For more information and to contact a group of interest, visit the website at http://www\ westga.edu/~stuacts/ greeks, or call the Department of Student Activities at (678) 839- 6526.