Newspaper Page Text
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Clark Atlanta University Panther
October 9, 1991
LIFESTYLE
FILLING GIANT FOOTSTEPS
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Jet Magazine
By Jayme L. Bradford
Contributing Writer
No one probably would have
ever known that Booker T.
Washington, a freshman at Clark
Atlanta University, was such a scholar
unless they saw the article written
about him in the July edition of Jet
Magazine, which is exactly how he
likes it.
Preferring to be judged by his
personality rather than academic
capabilities, Washington is somewhat
modest and humble. Experience has
taught him to allow his
accomplishments to speak for
themselves, because he said bragging
often causes downfall. "I give the
credit for all the things that I do to
God," Washington said.
He finds pleasure with simple
things such as talking on the
telephone, hanging out with his
friends and helping others.
Not only does his personality
win many second looks, but his name
also makes a few heads turn because it
is that of one of the most influential
Black leaders in history. In addition
to having the name, he was also the
valedictorian of his high school in
New Orleans that shared the same
name.
Receiving the most prestigious
academic scholarships in the high
school’s history, Washington not only
graduated with a 4.16 grade point
average, but he left with over $200,000
in scholarships.
Booker T. Washington
With that amount of money, he
could have attended any college in the
world. However, Washington said that
he realized the importance of
attending an exceptional Black
university, and that is why he decided
to attend CAU.
"CAU has always been my first
choice. I heard a lot of good things
about the instructors and the
institution," he said.
The five year scholarship,
worth $48,350, that he was awarded
from CAU's Office of Naval Research
program (ONR) allows him to pursue
both a bachelor's and master's degree
in mathematics.
By being affiliated with the
ONR program, Washington is one of 39
scholarship recipients who have
decided to dedicate their careers to the
betterment of Blacks in the fields of
mathematics and science.
Just like his name-sake,
Washington plans on being an
educator and using his talents to
rebuild and uplift the Black
community. Not only does he plan on
teaching mathematics, but he wants to
attain a law degree.
"People have always said that I
should go into law, and I believe that it
is something that I will be good at. I
definitely want to give something back
to the Black community because that
is the only way I can get something in
return," he said.
Due to conditions in his
scholarship, Washington is unable to
have a job during his college career
/
/
/r
By Sheryl Kennedy
Editor-in-Chief
Their carefree smiles quickly melted into
grim frowns. Some students laughed and whispered
jokes about the issue while others graveled and
snarled at the thought. The mere thought of Spelman
students living on CAU's campus.
Though it is only six students living in one
housing facility, you would think hundreds of
Spelman students invaded the campus not just
temporarily, but permanently.
"I don't know why they are over here,” said
Shaun Lucas, a second year graduate student." Not
once has Spelman tried as a school to destroy the
myth of separation and animosity between the
institutions by offering support through money or
just a having friendly attitude not just when they
want something in return."
Comments such as Lucas’ were not
uncommon among CAU students. Many students
were as anger as dissatisfied protestors picketing for
better conditions.
Not once has Spelman tried as a
school to destroy the myth of
separation and animosity between
the institutions by offering support
through money or just having a
friendly attitude just when they want
something in return”
"Communication sucks at the school," said
Joyce Banton, a freshmen at CAU. "I've only been
her a short time and it doesn't surprise me at all. The
Spelman incident is just the cherry on top of the
cake, and when students begin to assume the
administrations can’t seem to figure it out.”
Most students preferred to stand in small
intimate groups and utter comments such as
'snobbish girls,' or 'who needs them over here
anyway.'
’’I certainly don't care for the idea," said
Byron Mason, a sophomore at CAU. "One day I just
happened to notice a couple of them in the cafeteria
dressed in their school paraphernalia and that's
when I knew the rumor was true."
A few students took a different approach and
agreed with the idea on one condition.
"I support, if and only if the school charges
them the fee for housing plus a little extra to make
up for the inconvenience to our students," said
Michelle Trason, a junior at CAU.
unless it is directly related to
his major. Nevertheless, he
plans on keeping busy by
participating in various
campus activities.
Recently, he became
an official member of the
CAU Honors Program and he
is also interested in
becoming more involved
with the programs sponsored
by Brawley Dormitory.
In addition, he wants
to become a volunteer tutor
for the Black community
and the students of CAU, who
need assistance in
mathematics.
He admits that CAU
is challenging him
academically, socially and
spiritually. Washington is
optimistic and enthusiastic
about his future at the
university because he said he
will either "find a way or
make one."