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Clark Atlanta University PANTHER Volume II Number IV Atlanta, Georgia October 4, 1990 PHOTO BY NANNETTE L. WILSON A tlanta hosts parade to celebrate winning Olympics bid. Atlanta To Host Olympics By TOYIA G. NASH Staff Writer Atlanta, Georgia is the home of the 1996 Olympics and Clark Atlanta University was instru mental in helping the dream become a reality. When the final decision was announced by the Internati onal Olympic Committee (IOC), that Atlanta won the Olympic bid, thousands of people had cause for celebra tion. Two members of the Atlanta Olympic Committee (AOC), which was responsible for preparing the bid to present to the IOC, are Dr. Thomas W. Cole, president of Clark Atlanta University (CAU) and Johnnetta B. Cole, president of Spelman College. The posit ions they hold are Co-Chair persons to the Summer Youth Opportunities Committee, which falls under the Public Support Committee. According to Mr. Getchel Caldwell, assistant vice-president of development at Clark Atlanta University, one of the responsi bilities of the committee was to develop programs for promot ing greater opportunities for children and young adults for mental and physical develop ment through participation in amateur sports. “There is no other single activity that could bring Atlanta together more so than the Olympics,” said Mr. Caldwell after discussing the details of the venue’s that have been proposed for Clark Atlanta University and the Atlanta University Center Area. The Olympic Village that will be located on the campus of Georgia Institute of Technology, will be the home to approximately 15,500 athletes and officials. It has been the subject of much dis cussion in Atlanta. According to the proposed bid devised by the AOC, twin towers will be constructed that will provide housing, dining, entertain ment, training, medical and other facilities necessary for the comfort of the Athletes. “After the games are all completed and everyone has left, the Olympic Village will be used to house students from the Atlanta University Center, Georgia TEC., and Georgia State,” said Mr. Caldwell. Most of the sports and facilities of various campus’ will be used for practice and other functions, according to Mr. Caldwell who is the resource person to Dr. Cole. “It’s really going to be neat. I think that all of the Atlanta University Center is going to benefit, but we (CAU) are trying to position ourselves to be a major force in the Olympics,” stated Mr. Caldwell. According to the proposed bid, several of the major events will be held on or near CAU. The water polo competition will be held at the new stadium that will be constructed next to the present pool located in the Vivian Wilson Henderson Gym on the campus. The indoor pool will serve as a practice facility while the stadium will be used as the site for the events. “There has been discussion of formulating a formal swim team for CAU, after the comp etitions, however it is still on the table,” said Mr. Caldwell. Although the new graduate dorms are already under construction, it is strategically placed by accident, close to the area that wil house the new practice field. The area be tween Holly Hill and Bumstead Ware Hall is going to be an official practice field that will become CAU’s after Dr. Cole Challenges Students By PA ULETTE V. WALKER Editor-in-Chief Dr. Thomas Cole, president, Clark Atlanta University, challenged students to become more concerned with global issues in the opening convocation last week. Speaking to a crowd of more than 1,000 faculty, students and staff in the Vivian W. Henderson Center, the president stressed that students should examine the problems of homelessness, unemployment, illiteracy, teen-pregnancy, violence, crime, poverty, drugs, apartheid and the impending doom in the Middle East. “We are here today to celebrate,”announced Dr. Cole. “Not because we have worked out all of our problems, or that we have all of the answers. We are here to celebrate because Clark Atlanta University is alive and well today.” Alive and well it might be, but Clark Atlanta has been criticized by parents, students and the Atlanta media. Despite this, Dr. Cole expressed hopes for better days. “The time since Clark College and Atlanta University consolidated has been a test,” said Dr. Cole. “The tough times are inevitable. They are not over, but we have passed the first test.” Dr. Cole stressed that to pass these tests would require patience, hard work and an understanding that people are accustomed to working in different ways. “We have learned from our expreiences, and the 1990-91 school year will be a better year,” promised Dr. Cole. “We will work harder to give you the best education that our resources can provide.” Dr. Cole spoke of the identity of Clark Atlanta University. “Our identity is in process, it is revolving — being shaped through sharing, cooperating and an occasional difference of opinion.” As part of this identity-shaping process, Dr. Cole mentioned three areas that would enhance the tangible identity of CAU. There are plans to increase the library resources, improve the quality and appearance of the dormitories, and to increase the efficiency of the registration and financial aid processes. Dr. Cole expressed pleasure at the increasing enrollment at CAU. One of the most glorious reasons to celebrate, said Dr. Cole, is the approximately 2,462 undergraduate, and 900 graduate students. “More students have returned and are defying the statistics, 1 salute you!” In a rap style, that surprised and delighted the students, Dr. Cole set out demands and expectations for the students. “Y ou can dance, rap and step, but work just as hard. Get high on knowledge and not on drugs. You can listen to ‘As Nastyas They Wanna Be’, but don’t use the profanity in these songs.” “Be special, confident, articulate and proud,’’demanded Dr. Cole. “Mediocrity has no place in this university.” The president concluded his address by giving meaning to the colors of Clark Atlanta University. “Red signifies hard work, Black is the intensity, and Grey is for creativity and imagination.” Dr. Cole explained that it is not enough to be in college and receive an education. “The importance lies in what we do with what we receive.” the gamec according to Mr. Caldwell. The existing Alonzo F. Herdon Stadium, located on the campus of Morris Brown College will not miss the path of reconstruction. The stadium will undergo major renovation and reconstruction in prepar ation for the Olympics. At this site, the primary field hockey competition will be held. Within walking distance will Continued On Page 2 Special Homecoming Issue