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WHO KEEPS THE SHINE ON CAMPUS
by Elisa Smith
While many of us spent our summer traveling,
resting, or visiting friends and family,
members of Spelman's Physical Plant formerly
known as Buildings and Grounds, spent the
summer painting rooms and stripping floors in
the residence halls to prepare for our return.
"Summers are really hectic. Since we don’t
go in the rooms during the regular school
year, we try to do a complete renovation of
the dormitories during the summer," said
John Bowden, Director of Physical Plant since
1973.
The Physical Plant at Spelman College
consists of about 60 people. Their year-
round jobs involve the upkeep or residential,
academic and administrative buildings.
"This job requires a lot of unnoticed work, but
we have a dedicated crew who enjoy their
work, by and large," said Mr. Bowden.
Although the maintenance technicians work
two shifts (7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 10:30
p.m. to 7:00 a.m.), many have to work
overtime in order to keep up the campus
adequately. To remedy this shortage, Mr.
Bowden says the Physical Plant is "trying to
establish a 7-day custodial service for the
dormitories."
Ms. Dorcas Wood, an alumna of Spelman and
assistant director of Physical Plant
Department, has already noticed changes.
She feels that "the morale of the employees
has improved and the department is a little
more organized." She also said when she
was a student, security was a part of the
Physical Plant.
Spelman students recognize the hard work
and appreciate the staff's devotion. Physical
Plant, we salute you for an outstanding job.
Mr. John Bowden and Ms. Dorcas Wood
EDITORIALS
Jesse Jackson:
Is He Just There, or Does He Really Care?
As Nelson Mandela embarked on his twelve-
day, eight city U.S. tour, a great American hero
planned his debut in the city of New York. While
Mayor David Dinkins declared June 17-23,
'Nelson Mandela Week', the Reverend Jesse
Jackson was planning to present himself to the
American public...again.
What was Jackson’s purpose? Was he really
interested in helping promote Nelson Mandela
or was he trying to promote himself? Is he
preparing us for another Presidential campaign?
Sophomore Tarshia Garrett feels that 'it is good
he [Jesse Jackson] is becoming more visible in
the public eye.' However, was he using
Mandela to do that? The July 2, 1990 issue of
Time magazine rates Jackson as being 'at the
top of the list‘ of American politicians taking
advantage of Mandela's presence and
attempting to upstage him, and from pictures in
various magazines and newspapers, Jackson
was doing just that. Jesse Jackson had a way
of getting into camera range along every point of
Mandela's New York route. However, Jackson
had to do that in order to be recognized for the
help he provided after New York based
Harlem rally organizers spoiled his plans to be
added to the list of speakers at Mandela's
reception.
Evidently, Jackson really does care. He spoke
to Hassan Hussan and made it possible for
American women and children to be freed, but,
the question still remains, 'Could Jackson have
been doing something for his race, for his
people, instead of venturing to other lands?'
Freshman Vera Jordan replies, 'Jackson has
done a lot for his people and people in general.
I think he cares a lot about them, but he is trying
to involve himself in too many causes.'
Is Jackson attempting to be Jesus Christ? The
Saviour of all people? He has been one of the
foremost leaders of our times
and I am sure that the American people will
continue to support him no matter how often we
see him or what he does. Jackson has been
directly connected to many solved problems
and answered questions dealing with our
people. Because of that, the man should get
the respect and support he deserves regardless
to how often his face is flashed in the camera,
or across the screen.
AIR FORCE ROTC MAY
BE IN YOUR FUTURE
EVEN IF IT’S NOTON
YOUR CAMPUS.
There are some colleges
and universities where Air Force
ROTC is not offered...
Which doesn’t mean it’s not available.
Call or visit the Air Force ROTC detach
ment listed and ask about the “crosstown pro
gram. All the benefits could still be yours: eligibility for
two- through four-year scholarship programs ... the lead
ership development opportunities ... the officer’s com
mission when you graduate ... and more. Call
CAPT CHERYL GREER
894-7379
Leadership Excellence Starts Here
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