WSSU Alumni Relations

In One Word

What is your favorite CIAA Basketball tournament memory? 2.10.12

How do you stay connected to WSSU? 1.27.12

How are you connected? 1.12.12

Which team is better - 1978 or 2011? 12.16.11

Why are you proud to be a RAM? 11.4.11

Are you connected to LinkedIn? 10.21.11

What are you grateful for? 10.10.11

What smart phone do you use? 9.23.11

What is your favorite homecoming memory? 9.9.11

What was your favorite "hang out" on campus? 8.5.11

Who was your favorite professor at WSSU? 6.16.11

How would you describe your University experience at WSSU in one word? 5.12.11



How would you describe your University experience at WSSU in one word?

In a recent RamBits email, we asked you - our Alumni - to sum up your Winston-Salem State University experience and what it meant to you in just one word.  Here’s what you said:

Family

Wonderful

Empowering

Reaffirming

Unforgettable

Long-lasting

Preparatory

Phenomenal

Committed

Awesome

Excellent

Enlightening

Blessed

Ramtastic

Challenging

Unforgettable

Extraordinary

Nerve-racking

Priceless

Unbelievable

Wonderful

Outstanding

For some of you, one word just wasn't enough...

  • The blog explains my Winston-Salem experience and how it saved my life and allowed me to reach out to help others along the difficult road called life! Bobby Garner and Carson Hankins in the class of 1973 were just two of many, many student/athletes I sent down "Tobacco Road" to play for Bighouse. Bobby a grad in 1973 just retired from the DC Government after 33 years of service and Carson recently retired from the METRO Subway System after 30 years of service.  The bottom-line: The experience saved our lives.  
  • Blessed. This is due to the organizations I had the pleasure of being apart of, friendships I created, networks built, knowledge I gain to lead to my success thus far...I thank WSSU...I'm proud to be a RAM!!
  • I Would call my experience Enlightening
  • One word I would use to describe my WSSU experience is "AWESOME". I enjoyed my years there.  GO RAMS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • Thank you very much for this opportunity to provide input.  Go Rams.  Regards to all especially to Chancellor Reaves for the EXCELLENT job he is doing for our beloved WSSU.
  • My University experience at WSSU was preparatory!

Who was your favorite professor at WSSU?
  • Dr. Hauser

    Dr. Joseph Patterson

    Joelle Davis Carter, Ph.D.

    Dr. Magruder

    Dr. Catherine Eilenberger

    Dr. Fred Eady

    Dr. J. Otis Haywood

    Katherine Thompson

    Dr. Althea Taylor-Jones

    Dr. Valerie Saddler

    Mia R. Wilson, Ed.D, LMHC, CAP

    Dr. Tanner

    Dr. Cynthia Kasee

    Dr. Audrey-Forrest Carter

    For some of you, one word just wasn't enough...
  • Dr. Rebecca Wall in the English Dept.
  • Dr. Subash Shah. Social Sciences
  • I have four, they are: Dr. Edward Opoku-Dapaah, Dr. Cecil Yancu, Dr. Janice Flazzani, and Mrs. Vickie Tamer.  They were the best. If it was not for Dr. Yancu and Mrs. Vickie Tamer really being there for me in the hardest time in my life, I would not be an alumn.
  • Cathy Canzona, Awesome Professor!!!!
  • Hi, I had so many great professors at WSSU! These individuals included Dr. Shirley Manigualt, Dr. Elwanda Ingram, Dr. Rebecca Wall, Dr. Kuhl, Dr. Saddler, and many others to name a few. However, the one that stands out to me the most is Dr. Manuel Vargas. Dr. Vargas was my academic advisor in the School of Education at the time. He not only challenged me as a professor but he was always available outside of the classroom and never hesitant to "advise and coach" students at any times. I was SGA President and a rising senior and he nicely reminded me outside of the old Student Union that my major was not "student government" but "middle grades education". I appreciated his candor and concern and changed my focus immediately to improve my grades! Thanks Dr. V!
  • WSSU provided me with the necessary tools I needed to be successful in my career. I often think of not only the skills, but the life lessons taught by my  favorite teacher, the late Mrs. Gladys Oldham, in the Business Department.? She was encouraging, a no nonsense person and one who took a personal interest in our attendance and appearance. She set standards for those who entered her classroom door. There was no way one would enter her classroom looking like they just got up from the bed and came to class. She was passionate not only about what she taught, but about the students that she encountered daily.  I occasionally saw her outside of the classroom after graduation and she was always pleasant, concerned, and dressed impeccably. I will always cherish my fond memories at Ole 'SU and count Mrs. Gladys Oldham among them.
  • I had two professors that stood head and shoulders above the rest.  I still keep in contact with Dr. Beall.  Both of these outstanding educators set the standard for me to follow throughout my career? They were Dr. Permilla Flack Dunston and Dr. Lee M. Beall.
  • Mrs. Elsie Blackman, a teacher in the Business Education department, was my favorite professor at WSSU. Why? Mrs. Blackman equipped me, better than any other professor, to be the outstanding Business Education teacher I am today. Her words of wisdom are still practiced and contributes to my success in my personal and professional life. It was Mrs. Blackman who called me at home when I wanted to drop out of college and talked me into finishing. It is the methodologies taught by Mrs. Elsie Blackman that I utilize in the classroom today with my students' which has contributed to high performance levels on the CTE EOCs. It was Mrs. Blackman's firm, but thorough, teachings in business that  allowed me to innovatively apply my business skills and knowledge to survive the many challenges that we are faced with in today's economy. "Thank you, Mrs. Blackman, for caring the OLD WAY." 
  • Dr. Faustina Holman!  Words cannot express how great a lady she was.  A building should be erected in her name.
  • MY FAVORITE PROFESSOR WAS DR. CLEVELAND WILLIAMS, POLITICAL SCIENCE DEPT. He challenged us to think critically and always be prepared.
  • Dr. Rebecca Wall, Dr. Shirley Manigault and Dr. Hazel Harvey
  • Dr. Fred Tanner (Music), He was an outstanding instructor, band director, and most of all a great human being.  Students that entered into a world of education and needed direction, he provided direction.  He was firm, understanding, and real with a capital R.  When Dr. T would speak it was like E.F. Hutton, everybody listened with respect.  I have found myself carrying on some of the traditions that he instilled in us as students.  Today I feel proud of the impact that Dr. Fred Tanner (retired) had on me as well as many other students. Thank you Dr. Tanner for being everything that we needed and more while away from home getting an education. Love you much!!!
  • Dr. Eady, Speech & Drama Guild
  • Mrs. Margaret Poston (Math Department)
  • Dr. Jo May, Dr. Charles Williams and Dr. Leila Vickers
  • My All-time favorite teacher was Rebecca Caldwell! She taught Computer Science well, and she related well with the students.
  • My favorite professor at WSSU was Dr. Althea Taylor Jones, (Gerontology) who expected nothing but the very best from you and shared with us so much professional knowledge in return.
  • Dr. Fred Tanner, Dr. Shepard and Professor Simpson
  • Carolyn Norris, Med Surg Nursing, 1961-65
  • Dr. Stephen Kwasikpui, Economics Professor was one my greatest instructors of all time while at WSSU.  Class of 1989!! Make it a great day! Dr. Joseph Patterson in the 70's was the greatest professor I ever had. I have had other professors here in Connecticut that is was no match for Dr. Pat.
  • My favorite instructors were Mr. Alfred McDonald and Dr. Okonkwo.  Mr. McDonald taught accounting where a baby could understand.  He was an instructor before his time where his expertise is needed in times as this.  Dr. Okonkwo was a magnificent man that could teach you the entire scope of how a corporation operates.  His class taught me how to research a company in the Standards and Poor and their financial spreadsheet.  These two men definitely deserve an award because if it wasn't for them I would not be sitting at the table when corporations want to relocate to Charlotte, NC.  I definitely THANK THEM for believing in me when I had the slightest idea of what I wanted to be when I grew up.
  • Maracelene Scales in Physical Education
  • I had several splendid professors, but I will name Mr. Harry E. Pickard and Dr. William Rice as being my favorite professors.
  • My favorite professor at WSSU was a Mr. Brown.  Don't recall his first name.  It may have been "Charles."  He taught Anatomy and Physiology during the 1960's.  His method of teaching was thought provoking as well as a lot of fun for a generic Nursing Major, leaning this subject matter.
  • My favorite was my philosophy professor, Dr. Joseph Patterson.  Although he was intimidating to this little shy freshman, he made me speak.  I could already write but used my writing to be my voice.  Not so in Dr. Pat's class.  I was to EXTRAPOLATE!!  God rest his soul.  I'll always remember him.
  • Dr. Earl, Speech Professor
  • Dr. Mustafa Atay Computer Science Department
  • My favorite professor was the late Dr. J. Otis Haywood.  He was too funny in class but I learned a lot from him.  They don't make them like him any more!?
  • Dr. Donald Ray McThompson was my favorite instructor while I was a student at WSSU.
  • The late Dr. Patterson, Philosophy and Religion Professor.
  • Ms. Manderline Scales is my favorite teacher from WSSU. Why?  Ms. Scales understood the need for students to be transitioned gently from high school to college.  She knew how to "give us roots and wings."  Her energy, dedication, spirit and enthusiasm were infectious.
  • Ms. Scales taught me Spanish II during my freshmen year, 1969.  Twenty years ago, I asked about her and was told that she had died.  I wished a thousand times that I had attempted to contact her earlier.  Most recently, upon learning about my illness, Ms. Scales contacted me with a most inspirational message.  I can' tell you how happy I was to learn that she is alive, well, and still spreading comfort and joy.
What was your favorite "hangout" on campus?
  • Rams Den
  • The canteen to play cards.
  • My favorite hangout on campus was the canteen and student union building.
  • Back in the day 76-80, one of my favorite hangout was the yard.  This was before the renovations reduced the area to what it is now.  The student union was a lot smaller but a lot cozier.  It had the feel of a time when you knew practically every one by first name at least.  The "Q" and Kappas would sport their sweaters on their respective plots and we would watch impromptu step shows any day of the week.  It was especially memorable because it was right in front of the library reminding us that constantly what our focus was.
  • My Favorite hangout during my tenure at WSSU was the "Day Student Lounge."
  • As a day student my favorite hang out was Atkins Hall. In between class I would head straight there with my  new out of town girl friends!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • I enjoyed hanging out in the courtyard near our student mailroom and bookstore. It was the perfect place to get the latest buzz around the campus as well as study between classes and work.  Mr. Bailey and Cassandra Davis' office was the best too! I worked for them during my years at WSSU in the media center at the time 1989-1993! Mr. Buford Bailey was a hoot!!!

  • The Block where the Greeks met to perform their songs, steps and competitive hype.
  • The Cafe!
  • My favorite campus hangout was the TV room in Moore Hall. Although I was a day student, I had friends who lived in Moore. I could always count on that room being quiet enough to study and watch my favorite soaps.
  • In front of Atkins as a freshman and later on the stoop of Colson.  Lived there my sophomore year until graduation. Loved the dorm steam pipes and all.  Also the benches in front of the old student union, met my husband Donald Evans there. WSSU has so many good memories for me. 
  • My favorite place at WSSU was the Student Union downstairs. I learned how to play pool. I loved it!
  • The campus grill on MLK Blvd.

What is your favorite homecoming memory?

All homecomings are the bomb, GO SU can’t wait to see our band when they come to Livingstone this year since that may be the only game I will see since I live in Charlotte.

What smart phone do you use?

Smart Phone Data Poll Results Chart

What are you grateful for?

Endless possibilities, sorry!  Homecoming 2011 was a huge success! Thank you for providing a variety of professional entertainment.  The campus is expanding and looking marvelous.  Keep up the excellent work, SU!

Are you connected to LinkedIn?

Are you linkedin poll results

Why are you proud to be a RAM?

I am proud to be a Ram because I believe in Ram Spirit. I believe in establishing goals and working hard to achieve them. Moreover, I believe in the spirit with which Winston-Salem State University was founded upon.

Which team is better - 1978 or 2011?

It's unanimous based upon those who responded - 1978!

How are you connected? 

How Are You Connected Survey Results

How do you stay connected to WSSU?

How Do You Stay Connected To WSSU Data

What is your favorite CIAA basketball tournament memory?

My favorite CIAA memory was when the basketball team won the CIAA in 1998 – the last year CIAA was in Winston-Salem before it moved to Raleigh.  I played in the Pep Band that night as a student and it was magical!

_____

I played women’s basketball for WSSU from 75-79.  To say the least, we were a young and awesome team in my sophomore year.  For the first time in WSSU CIAA’s  history this team competed for the women’s championship in Norfolk, VA, in the historic Norfolk Scope,. To make a long story short; anyone that new Coach Big House Gaines, knew that he could care less about women’s  basketball, or so it appeared back then.  He was too busy winning men’s championships of his own (lol).  Needless to say, it was my first time in the limelight.  Huge coliseum, thousands of people and more!


I’ll never forget it as long as I live:  I was on the basketball court and a foul had occurred and I looked up into the audience and sitting behind that Lady Ram bench, sat Coach Big Houser Gaines!  A site to be seen!  Coach had flown into Norfolk by way of a private plane to see us compete for the championship.  Who would have ever thought it?  We didn’t win the game, but just to see that “stoned-faced”, huge statue of a man, sitting behind our bench, was a win in itself.
 
1-27-11

May he rest in peace!

Winston-Salem State University

601 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive

Winston-Salem, NC 27110

Phone: (336) 750-2000



Library
Athletics
FOLLOW WSSU
FacebookTwitterYoutube
FlickrBlog
Copyright © 2010 Winston-Salem State University
Download Adobe Reader