From the moment Iwalked unto the campus of Southern University as a precocious freshman, I knewthat I was about to embark on a journey that I will remember for the rest of mylife.
SU has provided mewith so many opportunities to expand my horizons and to pursue my career injournalism. The Southern DIGESThas come a long way since my freshman year. From publishing once a week to twice a week in color, I havewatch the DIGEST turn into an award winning publication.
I can go on and onall day about the DIGEST but it’s important for me to recognize and thank thepeople who have support me through my tenure at SU.
The DIGESTstaff: I spent moretime with you guys than I did with my own family over the years. From staying in the office until 5 a.m.in the morning editing the paper to representing the paper and our universityat conferences, the DIGEST would not be what it is today without you. I pray that you uphold the reputationthat we have established and remain dedicated to bringing the news to thestudent body in a fair and objective manner. Remember who you are and the power of the pen! I will be watching!
TheAdministration: I wouldlike to thank MY Chancellor, Edward Jackson for everything he has done for the DIGEST. I emphasize “my” because I have nevermet an administrator who genuinely cared for the students. No matter the time or place, ChancellorJackson was never to busy to talk to me or the staff about anything. He is a very straightforward, honest anddown-to-earth person. No matterwhat anyone may say or think about MY chancellor, I know that he always havethe student’s interest at heart. Iwould like to thank Mr. Robert Bennett, dean of Student Life for keeping meinformed on what was happening on campus. Mr. Bennett was like that cool uncle that you always like to talk to andkeep you laughing. Last but notleast I would like to thank the staff of the Offices of the President,Chancellor, Media Relations, Student Affairs, Academic Student Programs,Admissions, Financial Aid, Finance and Administration, and Publications andElectronic Media for supporting the DIGEST.
The MassCommunications Department: I must say that Ispent some of my best days at the end of the hallway on the first floor of StewartHall. I would like to especiallythank Marie Brown, for staying on me and making sure that all of my businesswas taken care of so that I could graduate. I would also like to thank Darryl Roberson, Deidre Givens,Marilyn Rutland, Michael Kabel and Dr. Terry Kennedy for contributing to mygrowth as a young journalism.
The HonorsCollege: While at SU, theHonors College set me on the track for academic success. Coming from Baton Rouge Magnet HighSchool, it provided me with the challenging learning environment that I wasaccustomed to. Dean Beverley Wademay have been tough but she only expected the best out of SU’s best andbrightest. Dean Wade and staff, I loveyou and I will always remember the lessons that you taught me. You helped me to succeed in theclassroom and supported me in all of my endeavors.
The BlackExperience Dream Team: Although we don’thave an African-American studies program here, I took several courses that gaveme a greater understanding of my people. I would like to thank Dr. Troy Allen (Black American History), Dr.Derryl Scriven (Black Philosophy and Religion) and Dr. Reginald Rackley (BlackPhilosophy) for opening my eyes and raising my consciousness of the worldaround me. I encourage everyone tostart petitioning the administration for a Black Studies Program.
My professorsand instructors: I would like tothank all of you for preparing me for the future by sharing your knowledge withme. Thank you for tolerating theuniversity excuses and make-up work that you accepted. I know I may have missed some classperiods but it was only because I was in the DIGEST office until 5 a.m. and Ifelt it would be disrespectful to sleep through your class.
I would like to givea special thanks to my fairy godmother Ms. Roena Wilford. I have known this remarkable womansince age seven as a Girl Scout and she has always followed my progress throughthe years. She has done so muchfor children in the community and students at SU that I think sometimes shegets looked over. I want to takethe time to let you know that I appreciate everything that has ever done forme. You are truly an angel onearth!
My family: I have learned that yourfamily and your true friends are all that you can sometimes depend on. I want to thank you for supporting mein everything that I have pursued while in college. You are the driving force behind my success and the ones topick me up when I fail. I want tothank my grandparents for leaving on the light for me and allowing me to get my”rest” after a long night at the DIGEST. I would like to thank my mom for being my biggest fan and I would liketo thank my boyfriend for being patient with me and for simply understanding.
If I left anyoneout, please charge it to my head and not my heart. I appreciate everything SU has done for me. I will never forget this fineinstitution.
I have been from thesmall town of Monroe to the big city in New York and I have realized that thereis no place like home. I will beworking at the Times-Picayune as a general assignment reporter on the Metrodesk after graduation. Pleasecontinue to keep me in your prayers and I would do the same.
I wish all Spring2004 graduates good luck in the future and remember SU everywhere you go. Be proud of everything you haveaccomplishments. After four years,I know that I can join the ranks of SU alumni and truly say, “Had it not beenfor Southern University!”
