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Black alumni share stories of success |
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Tuesday, 20 February 2007 |
TREVA CARTER
Intern Lifestyles Reporter
Though Black History Month serves as a time for many to reflect on the contributions blacks have made to our society, for many black Appalachian State University alumni, those contributions continue past the month of February.
At Appalachian State, two of those alumni walk among us everyday.
Traci D. Royster, a career development coordinator, graduated in 2000 receiving her undergraduate’s degree in psychology. She returned to Appalachian as a graduate student where she received a master’s degree in student development in 2003.
Royster, born and raised in Burlington, N.C., first came to Appalachian State much like everyone else.
“I came here for the College of Business. My parents and I did the
whole tour, met with financial aid counselors, talked to several people
here on campus.” Royster said. “That really made me feel welcomed to
the point where I felt like it was OK. I was going to be OK here.”
The Gospel Choir, Ladies Elite service organization, French Club, Black
Student Association and the Council for Cultural Awareness filled
Royster’s schedule along with being a full-time student.
Royster said she felt like she had to take advantage of the opportunities being presented at Appalachian State.
Taking advantage of what was offered was exactly what Harry L.
Williams, the associate vice chancellor for Academic Affairs and
Enrollment Services, did.
Coming to Appalachian State for Williams meant running track and cross-country.
“I was offered a track scholarship. I ran the mile, two-mile and the steeple chase.” Williams said.
With numerous awards and accomplishments, Williams stands with the
top-five fastest mile times of all time and holds a school record in
track and field.
Both Royster and Williams graduated from Appalachian State, then came
back to attend graduate school, and they now hold positions where they
can use their experiences to help those trying to pursue a similar path.
Although some black alumni decided to come back to their roots, there are those who expanded their experience farther away.
Dwayne V. Elliott, director for New Student First Year Programs at
Vanderbilt University and Joe M. Dickson, a database administrator,
both said they loved their experience as undergraduates at Appalachian
State.
“I really liked [Appalachian State] the first year, though I didn’t
like the cold. It was just too much for me,” Dickson said. “But I began
to work with the faculty and staff here getting to know everyone. It
was a growing experience. I got out of my shell.”
Dickson received a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, while Elliott
received his undergraduate degree in psychology and his masters in
student development.
“I was born and raised in Morganton, N.C. I came to ASU because they
had a good, strong psychology program. It was kind of close to home and
different all at the same time.” Elliott said. “There was not a lot of
minorities here, I needed to make my mark.”
Like Williams, Dickson was also offered a track scholarship. He was one
of the founders of the Men’s Service Club, and he, along with others,
started what is now know as the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity chapter.
Elliott filled his schedule with clubs and organizations, such as BSA,
Gospel Choir, Student Government Association, marching band, Campus
Resident Student Association and helped to start what is now CCA.
“If I could do it all over again, go back, I would,” Elliott said. “I
learned a lot. I learned things I would have never touched if I had
gone to any other institution.”
Dickson stated that success is being able to fulfill your dreams whatever they may be.
All four alumni stated that their experiences were truly great.
The negative situations that could arise from being a minority in a
town where a majority of the people are Caucasian did not discourage
their perseverance.
“I came from a predominately white high school and area so [Appalachian
State] wasn’t a new atmosphere to me. Now some of my friends did
experience some negativity, but I didn’t,” Royster said.
“You have to get out of your shell and talk to those you may not like,” Dickson said.
Elliott stated he had the best time since the atmosphere seemed more like a family than strangers.
The alumni had some advice to give to future generations as well as those who are still at Appalachian.
They encourage students of all colors to get involved, to challenge yourself and embrace the differences within others.
“While you’re here, find your passion, find your motivation – the thing
that makes you tick in the morning.” Williams said. “Once you find your
passion, you find motivation, from there you find meaning, which brings
hope to do what you love.”
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