Alabama State University News September 2, 10214 Students Host Roundtable Discussion on Value of HBCUs A diverse group of Alabama State University students led a panel discussion on the importance of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The roundtable discussion is one of numerous events taking place as part of the weeklong celebration of the Inauguration of President Gwendolyn E. Boyd. The roundtable was made up of students from as far away as Nigeria. Jimmy Iwezu, a sophomore studying social work, said he is grateful that he has the opportunity to study at a university that enrolls students from around the world. "I want to say thanks to my president of the Republic of Nigeria for giving me the privilege to study here. Having a diverse student body is necessary to become a global community, and ASU has a very diverse student population," Iwezu said. The students also were asked if HBCUs are still relevant. Arantxia Wijingaarde, a junior biology major from Paramaribo, Suriname, said she is getting life experience she would not have received if she hadn't decided to attend ASU. "HBCUs are still relevant because many students attending HBCUs are first-generation students. We are also all treated equally here, and I have the opportunity to learn from others, people who are different from me," Wijingaarde said. Jakeeta Murphy, a sophomore biology major, said the culture of HBCUs is worth fighting for. "I chose an HBCU because there is a legacy of leadership here," Murphy said. "I feel like our foundation is so heavy, and you really get a chance to know your identity here at an HBCU. You also get to build a unique character." SGA President Darren Dubose and others in the audience tweeted updates throughout the event. During a question-and-answer period, panelists also answered questions that were sent in via Twitter. SANDRA M. PHOENIX Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 800-999-8558, ext. 4820 404-702-5854 Skype: sandra.phoenix1 1438 West Peachtree NW Suite 200 Atlanta,GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (LYRASIS) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children. Register now http://www.hbculibraries.org/html/2014meeting-form.html for the October 26-28, 2014 HBCU Library Alliance 6th Membership Meeting in Atlanta GA!