Students attend Big XII conference
Jared Wilkes
Issue date: 2/28/08 Section: Front Page
|
BSU members organized fundraisers beginning in August to help raise funds for the conference.
"We had car washes and a drawing for Kansas City Chiefs and Denver Broncos game tickets to help raise money," Eldred King, secretary, Thomaston, Ga., said. "We also volunteered to hang Christmas lights outside of businesses downtown on Main Street."
The theme for this year's conference was "The Revival: A New Blueprint for Success", which required a strict dress code for all participants involved.
"The conference required all students to dress in professional attire for the three days," Lesa Gilbert, admissions representative and BSU adviser said. "This was a great opportunity for our students to attend this conference."
Members of BSU attended workshops throughout the weekend that taught them leadership skills and how to become better individuals.
"The workshop I learned the most from was called 'You are What You Wear'," Ben Bell, president, Lawrence, Kan., said. "I learned being dressed appropriately, gives you a positive perception amongst your peers and instructors."
Many other workshops taught the conference members to use entertainment such as Myspace or Facebook as a way to get ahead in life.
"Most of us take Myspace and Facebook for granted, it's more than just for messaging our friends," J.R. Bryant, Jesup, Ga., said. "We can use it to network with others across the country and overseas."
The conference provided keynote speakers at every breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Dr. Calvin Mackie was a passionate keynote speaker who touched many audience members.
"I related to how he [Mackie] grew up, it was like he was telling my life story," Bryant said. "I remember he said that anyone can do anything, all you have to do is try and believe."
Dr. Mackie is one of eight African Americans with a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering. Other keynote speakers included: Patrice Gaines, Stedman Graham, Judge Vicki Miles- LaGrange, Rev. Bryan Carter and Mike Carolina.
The conference also included evening events that included a Greek Step Show and the Gospel Extravaganza: America Idol contest. King was chosen as a finalist in the Idol competition but failed to reach the final three, which performed at the Gospel Extravaganza. King looked at this situation as a learning experience.
"There is always someone out there who is better than you," King said. "As long as you work hard, you will always get something out of it, win or lose."
BSU members will be involved with upcoming events on campus and will continue fundrasing for next year's confercence which will be hosted on the campus of the University of Kansas.
Be the first to comment on this story