Where are the DAWGS that bleed garnet and blue?
Written by Deven D. Anderson
Published Spring 2004
The Collegian: Published by SC State Students since 1914
While listening to the many alumni of South Carolina State that bleed “garnet and blue” and reminisce on days past, I wanted to turn back the hands of time to those glorious and lively days of SC State. I wanted to go back to a time when the real meaning of partying consisted of partying all-night as a celebration for completing assignments and functioning properly for class the next morning. I wanted to venture back to the State that provided on campus activities that made campus the central hang out for all students. I wanted to take a journey to a place where the students united in one voice and protested if injustice arose. I wanted to travel back to the South Carolina State University where riding the loop was common past time and freshmen attending their 1:00 p.m. “Crab Lab” (University 101) were teased by the upper classmen who routinely positioned themselves along the wall in front of the Café. I wanted to take a pilgrimage back to a “STATE” that stressed academic excellence and produced great leaders such United States Congressman James E. Clyburn and our ninth President Dr. Andrew Hugine Jr.
When I blinked my eyes, realization forced me to comprehend that time is a nonrenewable resource and that events of the past can only come alive through memories, unless, there is a revival of the conscience mind causing a manifestation of the past into the present. Now that is the 21st Century, have the traditions of the “Garnet and Blue” evolved into something that is no longer appreciated by 5,000 students? Have the traditions changed and become more modern or has the today’s Bulldog Spirit been transformed into enjoying the “high” society of the Plaza, the degradations of academic buildings, and the low attendance at historical events, such as the President’s Inauguration and Founder’s Day. Year after year, students return with a lost interest in the institution. They spend the next four, five, seven, or even eight years as if they had been sentenced to “cruel” and “unusual” punishment.
Students complain about how run down and torn up the residence halls, academic buildings, and campus scenery seems to be, but what do they do to help improve the situation? The students, being the civilized individuals they are, throw trash on the grounds, commit inhumane acts throughout Bethea and leave litter on the President’s lawn. Nevertheless, students have the audacity to consistently complain about how terrible they consider the University to be. When asked to attend Fall Convocation, Founder’s Day, and other cultural events students come late and leave early (the eat and run mentality). When students do attend events, cell phones rang and are answered with no remorse, while the dress code seems to have transformed from casual business wear into jeans and t-shirts. Some students at SC State demoralize the real essence of and importance of Martin Luther King Jr. Auditorium and the Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center by confusing these sacred establishments with the atmosphere of local clubs or hangouts. But where is that good ole’ Bulldog Spirit? Has it evolved into a detrimental rabid dog that destroys, destructs, and cares nothing about its surroundings? Or has the Bulldog Spirit become something of times past?
Through our years of progression the Bulldog Spirit has been tainted. The good ole’ days of the past are now days rarely remembered. South Carolina State University is in serious need of a revival. Students need to stop complaining and start reclaiming the legacy that thousands of alumni are still holding dear. Why not bring life back to campus of SC State and restore it as the central hangout? Why not attend campus events that will strengthen your cultural awareness? Give me that ole’ Bulldog Spirit! It was good for President Hugine. It was good for the First Lady. It was good for the many alumni and it’s certainly good enough for me!!!
WE are the University! Revive the perpetual Bulldog Spirit that can be found in loyal, true, garnet and blue tenacious bulldogs. WE, the students, need to embrace the vision of Dr. Andrew Hugine Jr. and contribute to rebuilding the wall, by sealing the bricks of loyalty with the mortar and clay of devotion. Then and only then, will we declare that we are loyal sons and daughters proud to own the name we bea
Written by Deven D. Anderson
Published Spring 2004
The Collegian: Published by SC State Students since 1914
While listening to the many alumni of South Carolina State that bleed “garnet and blue” and reminisce on days past, I wanted to turn back the hands of time to those glorious and lively days of SC State. I wanted to go back to a time when the real meaning of partying consisted of partying all-night as a celebration for completing assignments and functioning properly for class the next morning. I wanted to venture back to the State that provided on campus activities that made campus the central hang out for all students. I wanted to take a journey to a place where the students united in one voice and protested if injustice arose. I wanted to travel back to the South Carolina State University where riding the loop was common past time and freshmen attending their 1:00 p.m. “Crab Lab” (University 101) were teased by the upper classmen who routinely positioned themselves along the wall in front of the Café. I wanted to take a pilgrimage back to a “STATE” that stressed academic excellence and produced great leaders such United States Congressman James E. Clyburn and our ninth President Dr. Andrew Hugine Jr.
When I blinked my eyes, realization forced me to comprehend that time is a nonrenewable resource and that events of the past can only come alive through memories, unless, there is a revival of the conscience mind causing a manifestation of the past into the present. Now that is the 21st Century, have the traditions of the “Garnet and Blue” evolved into something that is no longer appreciated by 5,000 students? Have the traditions changed and become more modern or has the today’s Bulldog Spirit been transformed into enjoying the “high” society of the Plaza, the degradations of academic buildings, and the low attendance at historical events, such as the President’s Inauguration and Founder’s Day. Year after year, students return with a lost interest in the institution. They spend the next four, five, seven, or even eight years as if they had been sentenced to “cruel” and “unusual” punishment.
Students complain about how run down and torn up the residence halls, academic buildings, and campus scenery seems to be, but what do they do to help improve the situation? The students, being the civilized individuals they are, throw trash on the grounds, commit inhumane acts throughout Bethea and leave litter on the President’s lawn. Nevertheless, students have the audacity to consistently complain about how terrible they consider the University to be. When asked to attend Fall Convocation, Founder’s Day, and other cultural events students come late and leave early (the eat and run mentality). When students do attend events, cell phones rang and are answered with no remorse, while the dress code seems to have transformed from casual business wear into jeans and t-shirts. Some students at SC State demoralize the real essence of and importance of Martin Luther King Jr. Auditorium and the Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center by confusing these sacred establishments with the atmosphere of local clubs or hangouts. But where is that good ole’ Bulldog Spirit? Has it evolved into a detrimental rabid dog that destroys, destructs, and cares nothing about its surroundings? Or has the Bulldog Spirit become something of times past?
Through our years of progression the Bulldog Spirit has been tainted. The good ole’ days of the past are now days rarely remembered. South Carolina State University is in serious need of a revival. Students need to stop complaining and start reclaiming the legacy that thousands of alumni are still holding dear. Why not bring life back to campus of SC State and restore it as the central hangout? Why not attend campus events that will strengthen your cultural awareness? Give me that ole’ Bulldog Spirit! It was good for President Hugine. It was good for the First Lady. It was good for the many alumni and it’s certainly good enough for me!!!
WE are the University! Revive the perpetual Bulldog Spirit that can be found in loyal, true, garnet and blue tenacious bulldogs. WE, the students, need to embrace the vision of Dr. Andrew Hugine Jr. and contribute to rebuilding the wall, by sealing the bricks of loyalty with the mortar and clay of devotion. Then and only then, will we declare that we are loyal sons and daughters proud to own the name we bea
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