North Carolina Central News October 13, 2010 Giving Voice to Action and Activism in the Student Union To the outside observer, the Alfonso Elder Student Union on the campus of North Carolina Central University looks the same as it did in 1968 when it first opened. But step inside and the interior tells another story - from the new information desk that greets each visitor to the updated stage, baby grand piano and the wall of mirrors. But the greatest change is not in the brick and mortar but in the revitalized spirit of this 42 year-old campus hub. The Student Union staff will open the facility to the public on Oct. 19 at 9 a.m. when they host "Giving Voice: A Celebration of Student Leadership and Campus Life." Chancellor Charlie Nelms and SGA President Dwayne Johnson will deliver remarks, after which guests will be encouraged to tour the 22,000 square-foot facility. Among the new elements are a Centennial Salon and Barbershop; Eagle Embassy, which pays tribute to the many international students enrolled at NCCU, and a Student Leadership, Training and Development Library and Training Room. Durham Mayor William Bell will also attend and present a proclamation to the university. The Chuck Davis African-American Dance Ensemble will perform and breakfast will be served. Dr. Maria Lumpkin, Student Union director, said the makeover serves a far deeper purpose. "This stage is more than wood and metal," she said. "It is a platform for activism. The wall of mirrors is all about reflections, personal reflections that challenge the students to see the world and their place in it." The idea for the reflections mirror came from Brian Kennedy, SGA vice president. Periodically, the Student Government Association will post provocative questions on the mirror. Kennedy's hope is that students will post their answers directly to the mirror, creating a literal reflection of what students think. Lumpkin is also a new addition to the Student Union; she became director in June. She said the Student Union is poised to become the preferred place on campus for students to congregate, express themselves and illuminate their best gifts. Lumpkin says she is thrilled when in the middle of a workday, she hears a student playing the piano and singing. She also recognizes a need to reconnect the Student Union to the surrounding community. Civic organizations can rent the space for meetings and luncheons. And the Union hosts Monday Night Jazz. "Jazz Night is our gift to the community every Monday night," said Lumpkin. Four offices are housed in the Student Union: Student Activities, Student Leadership, Training and Development, Greek Life and the Student Activities Fund Office. SANDRA M. PHOENIX Program Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org www.hbculibraries.org 404.592.4820 1438 West Peachtree Street NW Suite 200 Atlanta, GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (Lyrasis) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org Honor the ancestors, honor the children.