It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.
The colored lights illuminate neighborhoods. The trees are up too, decorated with ornaments, tinsel and candy canes. Even Kmart is decked out with stockings and holly on store shelves.
With the holidays come family gatherings, caroling and chestnuts roasting on open fires. Some will say it’s a magical time of the year. But we all know everyone’s favorite part of Christmas — the presents. America is much too commercialized and capitalistic not to enjoy a few material gains.
Yep, in just 21 days Santa will be visiting all the children across the world. The good ones get toys and the not-so-good ones get coal. If I had to guess, most of you readers are going to rack up.
Recently, I’ve come to discover the joy of giving instead. As much as I always enjoyed ripping open the packages from mom and dad, I’ve lately adopted the philosophy that it is truly better to give than to receive. Watching other people’s faces brighten as they tear through wrapping paper makes the season extra special for me.
With that said, I’d like to give a few Christmas gifts to the people who run N.C. State throughout the year. Most of our faculty and staff deserve the best gifts you can find, but there are a few who will find coal in their stockings this year. So, here’s my list:
Coach Sidney Lowe: An Ecstatic Student Section
With a powerful opening season, basketball coach Sidney Lowe has recharged Wolfpack athletic fans with an almost undefeated start. Although we have been disheartened with the football program, students across campus are looking forward to a breath of fresh air at the RBC center this winter. Coach Lowe — the students will be out in force with cheers and enthusiasm to welcome your new direction and energy. Go Pack!
Evelyn Reiman & Deb Luckadoo: A Personal Adviser
You can’t help but love liberal feminists. Evelyn Reiman and Deb Luckadoo are the two of the top directors of the programs and departments that make up our Student Centers. Although their often radical left-wing ideologies should prevent them from finding solace in restrictive regulations and rules, these two ladies continue to draft poorly constructed policies year after year.
Last year, students wouldn’t buy into their elementary Union Constitution. This year, they constructed a policy that requires student leaders from Student Government, Greek Life, UAB and others to give full authority to a University adviser — including budget decisions, governing documents and personal information. Bad move, ladies. As a gift to you, I would like to offer my service as your personal adviser on writing University regulations. We need more positive solutions from Student Affairs.
Provost Larry Nielsen: A Chinese-English Dictionary
A dynamic and friendly leader, Provost Nielsen is popular among both students and the faculty. Not only is he accessible to students and a pragmatic thinker, but our provost also is taking academics to soaring new heights. This year he helped form a partnership between our University and universities throughout China — including the nation’s top three institutions. Provost Nielsen recognizes the importance of studying abroad and collaborating internationally when it comes to education and research. Good work, Provost.
Board of Trustees: A Heart
The Board of Trustees is composed of 13 members including our student body president. Many of North Carolina’s wealthiest and most influential citizens sit on this board, including Chair Wendell Murphy and the wife of SAS’s CEO, Ann Goodnight. While many members have made significant contributions to our University, they continue to raise tuition and fees by hundreds of dollars each year. Like the Tin Man from the The Wizard of Oz, I am giving this board a heart. Please remember the poor students who come from farms and trailers across North Carolina. You owe it to us.
The Alumni Association: A Welcome Mat
Finally, the Alumni Association gets a “Welcome” doormat this year. Its extravagant Park Alumni Building is classy and inspiring. Most importantly, common students have been able to hold meetings and dinners within its walls — just like the wealthy alumni. Thank you Alumni Association.
Well, that’s all the gifts for this year. Be sure to save the bows for next Christmas!
Send Forrest a gift by e-mailing him at [email protected].
