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Blue Ridge Community College Archive and Special Collections

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Student Newspaper Collection [BR2023.01]

Summary Information

Collection ID: BR2023.01

Title: Student Newspaper Collection

Repository: Blue Ridge Community College Archive and Special Collections

Date Range: 1974-2000 (missing volumes for 1978, 1979, 1981, 1983, 1985-1993)

Extent: 1 1/2 linear feet (one box)

Languages and Scripts of Materials: English

Name of Creator(s): Blue Ridge Community College

Preferred Citation: [identification of item], [Name of Collection], Blue Ridge Community College Archive and Special Collections, Blue Ridge Community College

Scope and Content

This collection is comprised of 60 newspapers from between 1974 and 2000. 42 of those newspapers are different issues, and 18 are duplicates of various issues. Some of the early editions have a mix of typed and handwritten components. The student-led newspaper focused on issues that directly related to and impacted the students, faculty, and staff of Blue Ridge Community College, such as classes, activities, new policies, the library, student services, and new faculty. Occasionally, student writing submissions were published as well. There are articles that addressed issues or news from the state or national level depending on how it affected the college, such as bonds, community college accreditation, North Carolina Community College System, the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), and general, primary, and presidential elections. 

Biographical History

There had been several attempts to start a school newspaper by Blue Ridge Technical Institute. This was the college’s name before being changed to Blue Ridge Technical College and changed again to its current name of Blue Ridge Community College. Such iterations include Renegade, Ridgerunner, Kudzu, The Messenger, and SGA News/SGA Views. The Connection was the most successful attempt. It was started by a journalism class, in the Spring Quarter of 1976, taught by Peake Dana who acted as an advisor. Various journalism classes worked on the student newspaper over the years. Gene Wittman, French and Spanish Instructor, also acted as advisor in later issues in the 1990s. The Connection received funding from a variety of sources with the Educational Foundation and Student Government Association being the most prominent.

Administrative Information

Conditions Governing Access: No restrictions. Collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Reproduction and Use: Copyright is retained by the creator, either person or organization, who created these items as outlined by United States copyright law. Collections created by Blue Ridge Community College are subject to North Carolina Public Records Law. Please request permission from staff before reproducing any records for public display or publication.

Rights Statement for Archival Description: Blue Ridge Community College Archive and Special Collections finding aids and their metadata can be used by students, researchers, and other institutions as needed for personal or educational research.

Sensitive Materials Statement: Archival records may contain sensitive or confidential information that is protected by federal or state privacy laws and regulations. When conducting research, please remember that the publication of information about identifiable living people without their consent could have legal ramifications, and Blue Ridge Community College holds no responsibility.

Processing Information: Originally processed by Rachel Quinn, September 2023.

Collection Inventory

Box 1

Series 1: Kudzu
Folder 1 of 1: Kudzu Volume 1, Number 1; October 25, 1974 (1 item)

  • Established by Blue Ridge Technical Institute as a student newspaper
  • Staff: Chris Drake (Issue Editor); ‘Crae Dalton, Pam Conrad, Bunny Styles, Roger Fox, Louise Bartruff, Carol Edwards, Karen Mullinax (Staff Writers); Jim Morton (Advisor)
  • Topics discussed include an introduction to the newspaper, BRTI’s sports programs, recommendations for SGA constitution revisions, ADA compliance of the campus, yearbook advertisement, and an opinion piece on student-instructor relationships.

Series 2: The Messenger
Folder 1 of 1: The Messenger Volume 1, Number 3; June 11, 1975 (1 item)

  • Name changed from Kudzu
  • Staff: Chris Drake (Editor); John Blocker, Marion Cantrell, Carolyn Carver, Peake Dana, Glenn Everette, Larry Freeman, Peggy Gardner, Doris Hinkle, Linda Hyder, Michelle King, Randy Levi, Janet Morgan, and Bernice Rhodes 
  • Topics discussed include 1975 graduating class (along with first time graduates for the General Education and Horticulture curricula), tuition increases, new academic policies, “For Sale” advertisement, Circle K Tea, gardening competition, participation in a tennis tournament, new curricula being added to BRTI, new SGA officers, and news that Western Carolina University will start accepting transfers with BRTI’s drafting and engineering degrees. 

Series 3: The Connection
Folder 1 of 12: The Connection 1976 issues (16 items: 8 issues and 8 duplicates)

  • Volume 1, Number 1 – May 7, 1976 (2 copies)
    • Staff: Bill Endres (Editor); George Alexander (Managing Editor); ‘Crae Dalton (Editorial Editor); Anne Woodle (Production Manager); Ken Burke, Leslie Danis, Mike Flanagan, Sharon Goins, Linda Mayhew, Edna MccGinnis, Carroll Osteen, Debbi Ross, Joe Sentelle, Steve Simpson, George Sitton, Mike Stephens, and Penny Taylor
    • Topics discussed include the recession’s impact on the college’s budget, a guest writer-lecturer (David Madden), the evolution of the student newspaper, a local walk-a-thon, a student focused feature, student activities, Hendersonville High School’s gym being landscaped by the horticulture students, the impact of the welding program’s students on the community, secretarial internships, Circle K news, new tennis courts on campus, and a new “swap shop” column for students to advertise any items people want to sell, swap, or give away.
  • Volume 1, Number 2 – May 21, 1976 (2 copies)
    • Staff: Bill Endres (Editor); George Alexander (Managing Editor); ‘Crae Dalton (Editorial Editor); Anne Woodle and Mike Flanagan (Production Managers); John Ferrell (Headline Artist); Ken Burke, Leslie Danis, Sharon Goins, Linda Mayhew, Edna MccGinnis, Carroll Osteen, Debbi Ross, Joe Sentelle, Steve Simpson, George Sitton, Mike Stephens, and Penny Taylor
    • Topics discussed include a continued piece on the college’s cut budget, survey results on student political views, carpentry students building homes, letters to the editor, a piece concerning student apathy, a petition sent to state representatives, faculty spotlight piece, visits to Carl Sandburg’s home by literature students, the start of the Film Society’s screening season, swap shop news, and the new visiting artist (Ralph Olson).
  • Volume 1, Number 3 – June 4, 1976 (2 copies)
    • Staff: Bill Endres (Editor); George Alexander (Managing Editor); ‘Crae Dalton (Editorial Editor); Anne Woodle and Mike Flanagan (Production Managers); John Ferrell and Rick Grasty (Headline Artists); Ken Burke, Leslie Danis, Sharon Goins, Linda Mayhew, Edna MccGinnis, Carroll Osteen, Debbi Ross, Joe Sentelle, Steve Simpson, George Sitton, Mike Stephens, and Penny Taylor
    • Topics discussed include the graduating class of 1976 and their future, faculty news, letters to the editor, an opinion piece on the use of nuclear power titled “Point of View: Nuclear Doom?”, an instructor spotlight feature, information on the Learning Center, a snake loose in the library, Circle K news, and a review of a new local dinner club called John Eltons. 
  • Volume 1, Number 4 – June 11, 1976 (2 copies) (Final Spring Quarter Issue)
    • Staff: Bill Endres (Editor); George Alexander (Managing Editor); ‘Crae Dalton (Editorial Editor); Sharon Goins and Penny Taylor (Production Managers); John Ferrell (Headline Artist); Ken Burke, Leslie Danis, Mike Flanagan, Linda Mayhew, Edna MccGinnis, Carroll Osteen, Debbi Ross, Joe Sentelle, Steve Simpson, George Sitton, Mike Stephens, and Anne Woodle
    • Topics discussed include a check-in on past graduates, Dr. Killian’s address to the graduating class of 1976, summer quarter registration, letters to the editor, road construction around the college, faculty and staff news, publication of tennis court rules, a student poem for the graduating students, and campus expansion news
  • Volume 2, Number 1 – October 29, 1976 (2 copies)
    • Staff: Bill Endres (Editor); Linda Mayhew, Lesa Pegram, and Bill Sherrill (Assistant Editors); Sharon Goins and Mike Flanagan (Production Managers); John Ferrell (Headline Artist); Jerry Bracket, Pam Clark, David Clement, Dizzy Duerr, John Fullerton, Buddy Gordon, Robin Gordon, Patsy Laughter, Martha McCoy, Penny Praytor, Ed Sanders, Liz Taylor, and Alan Ward
    • Topics discussed include BRTI receiving the Kellogg Grant, increased enrollment, campus Halloween party, survey results on student candidate choice for upcoming state and federal elections, update on 1976’s visiting artist (Ralph Olson), opinion piece on voter turnout, an introduction to a new column called “Viewpoints” for guest columnist, SGA elections, new volleyball teams, production of film about BRTI by Ralph Olson, cattle coming to campus for livestock science classes, and building construction updates.
  • Volume 2, Number 2 – November 12, 1976 (2 copies)
    • Staff: Bill Endres (Editor); Linda Mayhew, Lesa Pegram, and Bill Sherrill (Assistant Editors); Sharon Goins and Mike Flanagan (Production Managers); John Ferrell (Headline Artist); Jerry Brackett, Sherri Baldwin, Pam Clark, David Clement, Dizzy Duerr, John Fullerton, Robin Gordon, Patsy Laughter, Martha McCoy, Carroll Osteen, Penny Praytor, Ed Sanders, Liz Taylor, and Alan Ward
    • Topics discussed include the first in a series of interviews with Dr. Killian called “Dr. Killian Who?”, the new chairman of the night council, the sudden passing of a faculty member, new faculty news, humanities grant for BRTI, an opinion piece on the importance of SGA, letters to the editor, SGA election results, staff member feature on Johnnie Landrum, updates on veterans bill, BRTI’s Apple Queen selection, information on the Learning Center, a swap shop column, a spotlight piece on the library, and cattle herd updates.
  • Volume 2, Number 3 – November 24, 1976 (2 copies)
    • Staff: Bill Endres (Editor); Linda Mayhew and Lesa Pegram (Assistant Editors); Sharon Goins (Production Manager); John Ferrell (Headline Artist); Sherri Baldwin, Dizzy Duerr, Robin Gordon, Mike Flanagan, Patsy Laughter, Martha McCoy, Carroll Osteen, Penny Praytor, Ed Sanders, Kathleen Spratt, Liz Taylor, and Alan Ward
    • Topics discussed include a Christmas dinner-dance, Miss Blue Ridge Tech competition, campus blood drive, faculty news, letters to the editor, library etiquette, Circle K news, a swap shop column, new clubs,  the second in a series of interviews with Dr. Killian called “Dr. Killian Who?”, sports news, curricula news, the college’s snow policy, and registration information for the upcoming winter quarter.
  • Volume 2, Number 4 – December 10, 1976 (2 copies) (Final Fall Quarter Issue)
    • Staff: Bill Endres (Editor); Linda Mayhew and Lesa Pegram (Assistant Editors); Sharon Goins (Production Manager); John Ferrell (Headline Artist); Mike Flanagen (Poetry Section); Patsy Laughter, Carroll Osteen, Ed Sanders, Kathleen Spratt, Liz Taylor, and Alan Ward
    • Topics discussed include updates on articles written in the previous edition, faculty news, the third and final in a series of interviews with Dr. Killian called “Dr. Killian Who?”, The Connection updates, a guest column on the NC Equal Rights Amendment, feature story on Elizabeth Ann Taylor (a student who wrote and performed a song for the BRTI film by Ralph Olson), yearbook updates, registration information, student poetry, BRTI basketball schedule, Film Society schedule, Circle K news, and a swap shop column.

Folder 2 of 12: The Connection 1977 issues (12 items; 6 issues and 6 duplicates)

  • Volume 2, Number 5 – January 28, 1977 (3 copies)
    • Staff: Bill Endres (Editor); Linda Mayhew and Lesa Pegram (Assistant Editors); Sharon Goins (Production Manager); John Ferrell (Headline Artist); Mike Flanagen (Poetry Section); Patsy Laughter, Carroll Osteen, Liz Taylor, and Alan Ward
    • Topics discussed include faculty and staff news, college closings due to snow, the premier of the BRTI film by Ralph Olson, letters to the editor, a satirical piece written by a guest columnist on ACC basketball, a faculty feature on Al Worley, tutoring information, The Connection updates, Title IX information, SGA constitution to be reviewed, financial aid information, upcoming SGA survey, campus sports news, campus activities advertisements, Miss BRTI selected, and yearbook updates. 
  • Volume 2, Number 6 – February 18, 1977 (2 copies)
    • Staff: Bill Endres (Editor); Linda Mayhew and Lesa Pegram (Assistant Editors); Sharon Goins (Production Manager); John Ferrell (Headline Artist); Mike Flanagen (Poetry Section); Carroll Osteen, Liz Taylor, and Alan Ward
    • Topics discussed include SGA survey results, registration information for spring quarter, SGA opposition to HR 451, reflection on BRTI’s snow policy, letters to the editor, an appreciation piece to highlight the behind-the-scenes work of student organizations, opening announcement for new building, SGA constitution updates, survey of local community by college, faculty and staff news, drop in enrollment, new arts and crafts exhibition on campus, new books in the library, campus sports news, and the film screening schedule.
  • Volume 2, Number 7 – March 11, 1977 (2 copies)
    • Staff: Bill Endres (Editor); Linda Mayhew and Lesa Pegram (Assistant Editors); Sharon Goins (Production Manager); John Ferrell (Headline Artist); Mike Flanagen (Staff Artist); Carroll Osteen and Liz Taylor
    • Topics discussed include new SGA president, petition by students to Servomation about the vending machine food, registration information for the spring quarter, HR 451 updates, editorial reprint from an 1973 issue, editor’s corner, N4CSGA newsletter, letters to the editor, feature highlighting Isabelle Reed, failure to pass the Equal Rights Amendment in NC Senate, faculty news, Circle K news, forums on urbanization of Henderson County, college reaccreditation, student poetry, new psychology course, yearbook updates, new books in the library, sports news, film screening schedule, swap shop column, internships, and student lounge update. 
  • Volume 2, Number 8 – May 6, 1977 (2 copies)
    • Staff: Bill Endres (Editor); Linda Mayhew, Lesa Pegram, and Carroll Osteen (Assistant Editors); Sharon Goins (Production Manager); Paul Kreinhop (Headline Artist); Mike Flanagen (Staff Artist)
    • Topics discussed include SGA picnic and dance updates, saving the General Education programs, local walk-a-thon, letters to the editor, new SGA officer, faculty feature on Earl Medlin, bite sized editorials on local news, spotlight on foreign exchange student, new courses, new books in the library, yearbook updates, sports news, film screening schedule, and The Connection editor is honored at Appalachian State University.
  • Volume  2, Number 9 – May 27, 1977 (2 copies) (Final 1976-77 Issue)
    • Staff: Bill Endres (Editor); Linda Mayhew, Lesa Pegram, and Carroll Osteen (Assistant Editors); Sharon Goins (Production Manager); Margaret Crawford and Paul Kreinhop (Headlines); Mike Flanagen (Staff Artist)
    • Topics discussed include proposed tuition increases, spring dance updates, yearbook announcement, graduation information and congratulations, uncertain future of The Connection, an open letter to Dr. Killian, “Viewpoint” pieces written by The Connection’s editorial staff, a “Guess Who?” feature on Peake Dana, new books in the library, return of Ralph Olson as visiting artist, BRTI’s upcoming open house, staff and faculty news, student poetry, survey results on student demographics at BRTI, Circle K news, new programs announced for next year, column by SGA president, campus sports news, and registration information for summer quarter.
  • Volume 3, Number 1 – October 28, 1977 (1 copy)
    • Staff: Lesa Pegram (Editor); Linda Mayhew (Assistant Editors); Liz Taylor (Production Manager); Tim Sizemore (Production Artist); : Sunshine Baby”, Vonnie Fisher, Cheryl Hinkle, Gina Hubbard, Charles Johnson, Harry Ledbetter, Cindy Metcalf, Israel Price, Michele Raymond, Herman Soler, Joyce Staton, Sandy Stepp, Kay Summerford, and Angela Tegue
    • Topics discussed include new faculty and staff updates, course and program cuts at four year universities, student activity fees, improvements to vending machine food selection, halloween dance, letters to the editor, feature highlighting Michele Raymond, new programs to be added to college, reprint from a previous issue on student apathy, decreased enrollment, donation of silent film collection by Ralph Olson, Circle K news, SGA elections, and campus sports news.

Folder 3 of 12: The Connection 1980 issues (2 items)

  • Volume 6, Number 1 – May 29, 1980 (1 copy)
    • Staff: Conny Ward (Editor); Linda Corn (Assistant Editor); Lowell Fowler (Activities Editor); Teresa Sitton and Ellen Prim (Production Managers); Amy Carver (Headline Artist); Timmie Hunnicutt (Typist)
    • Topics discussed include an important bond vote to expand the campus, program expansion if new buildings are added, student activities, a new used book program, information on the career center and new faculty members, opinion pieces on summer activities and campus ducks, and poetry submissions.
  • Volume 7, Number 1 – November 25, 1980 (1 copy)
    • Staff: Amy Carver (Editor); Linda Corn (Managing Editor); Rod Dalton (News Editor); Freddy D. Moore (Sports Editor); Charles Johnston (Features Editor); Charles Taylor (Art Editor); Cosby Dudley, Bruce Hackett, and Pat McAvaney (Reporters); Peake Dana (Faculty Advisor); Timmie Hunnicutt (Typist)
    • Topics discussed include bond approval, SGA activities, Circle K elections, BRTC’s Halloween Dance, new faculty, 1980’s visiting artist (Jerry Miller), campus sports, financial aid, student demographics, personal piece on Gene Wittman, veteran news, a satirical piece on how to get expelled, information on BRTC’s job placement program and getting loans for students studying health sciences, and poetry

Folder 4 of 12: The Connection Volume 7, Number 1; March 17, 1982 (1 item)

  • Staff: Dianne Todd (Executive Editor); James Cannon (Layout Editor); Frank Wilder (Managing Editor); Cathy Holland (Co-Managing Editor); Judith Purdee (Feature Editor); James Cannon (Headline Artist); Cathy Sprengeler (Staff Artist); Don Ford (Head Typist); Peake Dana (Faculty Advisor); Todd Capps and Daniel Rogers (Copyist)
  • Topics discussed include memorial information and reflection on the life of LPN student Sima Ruff, new building construction update, potential start of a Dean’s List, handicap parking editorial, call to revamp SGA, end of two year visiting artist term for Jerry Miller, financial aid information, feature on Betty Endres, veteran student demographics, club news, enrollment statistics, expansion of transfer opportunities, end of the Buckskin (yearbook), division over the Personalized System of Instruction, new books in the library, campus sports news, YMCA memberships, student satisfaction survey results, parking lot expansion, and ordering computers for program use.

Folder 5 of 12: The Connection Edition 1, Volume 10; 1984 (1 item)

  • Staff: Billie Gayle Glunt (Managing Editor, Feature Editor, Layout Editor, Reporter); Peake Dana (Advisor)
  • Topics discussed include new faculty and staff news, job prospects for recent graduates, new federal aid programs to assist students with costs and training, campus theatre production, horticulture class news, BRTC’s new computer system, SGA buffet, summer plans of faculty, and graduation.

Folder 6 of 12: The Connection Volume 1; May 1994 (2 copies)

  • Staff (article credits): Simone de Kadt, Brian Nevius, and Tammie Steadman
  • Topics discussed include the 2nd Arida Arts Symposium with feature artist Michael Sherrill, past efforts to revive The Connection, renovations and renaming of buildings update, interview with Larry Hollar.

Folder 7 of 12: The Connection 1995 issues (3 items; 2 issues and one duplicate)

  • Spring 1995
    • Staff (article credits): Matt Beets, Lisa Cook, Efraim Flores, Emily Freeburg, Simone de Kadt, Halle Lentini, Samm Lewis, Virginia Trice, and Teresa Whitmire 
    • Topics discussed include performance by acclaimed violinist Sarah Johnson, a history of the Arida Arts Symposium, the growth of the art department and music program, new faculty news, feature highlighting Frank Byrd, student satisfaction, on-campus hangouts, national recognition for a BRCC student (Robbie Kirtley), and a Spanish immersion program in Ecuador.
  • Summer 1995
    • Staff: Samm Lewis (Editor); Gene Wittman (Faculty Advisor); Matt Beets, Simone de Kadt, and Penny Greene (Staff)
    • Topics discussed include interviews with the Spanish immersion students, restored employment for some faculty members after budget cut fears, faculty news, a farewell piece from Samm Lewis, feature on Janet Moore (pen name  Jan Marie), changes to the community college system, upcoming graduates and their futures, and a short guide to find certain amenities on campus. 

Folder 8 of 12: The Connection 1996 issues (5 items; 4 issues and one duplicate)

  • Winter 1996 (1 copy)
    • Staff: Gina Broadway (Editor); Michelle Ruhel, Doreen Webb, John Lockyer, Christian Justis, James Burr, Matthew Broadway, Stuart West, and Chris Michaud (Writing Team); Kevin Stipe (Graphics)
    • Topics discussed include the history of Circle K, immersion programs, college growth, building renovation, student profiles, new clubs, a new Q&A column, interview with Steve Carlisle, and a Ridge Writer advertisement.
  • Spring Volume 2 – 1996 (2 copies)
    • Staff: Matt Broadway, Gina Broadway, Doreen Webb, and Stuart West; Tammy Barnwell (Photographs)
    • Topics discussed include the Arida Arts Symposium with guest artist Jeremiah Miller, the “Celebrating Women in the Arts” exhibition, a feature on deaf-awareness tied to the American Sign Language program, Q&A on deaf-awareness, SGA budgeting, early childhood associate degree, faculty recognition, Music by the Lake, and changing career paths for women.
  • Summer Quarter Volume 1 (1 copy)
    • Staff: Gene Wittman (Advisor); Doreen Webb (Editor); Bree May, Ron Mount, and Barbara Sanchez (Writing Team); Terri Gatty (SGA)
    • Topics discussed include instructor Gene Wittman running with the Olympic Torch, the growth of the cosmetology program, service recognition for Rita Blythe and Ben Streets, faculty retirement, SGA welcomes students back, BRCC alumna, staff recognition article on Virgil Bodenhamer, tutoring services, club news, Q&A column, changing to semesters, and 26 reasons to choose Blue Ridge Community College.
  • Fall Quarter Volume 1 (1 copy)
    • Staff: Gene Wittman (Advisor); Doreen Web (Editor); Samm Young (Copy Editor); Michael Hunt (Layout); Bobby Kilpatrick, Melissa Morrison, Teresa Morrison, Ron Mount, Judy Sebren, and Melody Vogel (Writing Team); SGA
    • Topics discussed include the issue of smoking on campus, editorial on the switch to semester system, new environmental science and pharmacy technology programs, club news, Q&A column about the Learning Center, new additions to the library, handicap parking on campus, annual Christmas Celebration on campus. 

Folder 9 of 12: The Connection 1997 issues (4 items; 4 issues)

  • Winter Quarter Volume 1 (1 copy)
    • Staff: Gene Wittman (Advisor); Doreen Web (Editor); Samm Young (Copy Editor); Michael Hunt (Layout); Kenya Hill, Alicia Knighten, Teresa Morrison, Tony Patino, Caren Pittman, and Damien Laforenza – Transylvania Center (Writing Team); SGA
    • Topics discussed include a continuation on the topic of smoking on campus, an editorial by Doreen Webb on New Years, features highlighting Ruth Hunnicutt and Steve Carlisle, homework help via the internet, the new cafeteria, new programs at both campuses, building construction updates, the spring picnic, club news, and job placements.
  • Spring Quarter Volume 1 (1 copy)
    • Staff: Gene Wittman (Advisor); Doreen Web (Editor); Samm Young (Copy Editor); Michael Hunt (Layout); Jeanette Funkhauser, Kenya Hill, and James Mackenzie (Writing Team); SGA
    • Topics discussed include the 5th Arida Arts Symposium, a farewell editorial by Doreen Webb, the Light Construction program, a spotlight feature on Don Shoemaker, nurses’ pinning ceremony, summer language immersion programs, SGA news, special messages to the graduating students from Dr. Sink and other faculty, Q&A column, and the Phi Theta Kappa induction ceremony.
  • Summer Session Volume 1 (1 copy)
    • Staff: Gene Wittman (Advisor); Samm Young and James Mackenzie (Co-editors); Michael Hunt (Layout); Johnny King (reporter-at-large)
    • Topics discussed include the county commissioner approving a bond for the college, the completion of a new building on the Henderson campus, an editorial on the end of the quarter system at Blue Ridge, introduction to the new editor for The Connection, features on Lauren Yoder, Bert King and David Holcombe, language immersion scholarship winners, the new Transylvania Center, recognition of faculty members and a student at graduation, Q&A column, and changes to courses and program.
  • Fall Semester Volume 2 (1 copy)
    • Staff: Gene Wittman (Advisor); Marianne Patrizio and Allison Moffitt (Co-editors); Samm Young (Copy Editor); Michael Hunt (Layout); Shannon Hensley, Shirley Moody, and Nellie Prince (Reporters); Miren Ivankovic, Caroline Sneed, Michael Michel, Tory Claypool, and Dr. David W. Sink Jr. (Guest Writers); SGA
    • Topics discussed include interviews with students from the summer language immersion program, faculty spotlight articles, editorial by The Connection’s co-editor Marianne Patrizio, cafe closure, club news, motorcycle classes, the  Junior High Quiz Bowl, scholarship luncheon, faculty news, program hardships, bond defeat, and new ITT program.

Folder 10 of 12: The Connection 1998 issues (5 items; 4 issues and one duplicate)

  • Spring Semester Volume 2 (1 copy)
    • Staff: Gene Wittman and Betty Endres (Advisors); Kevin Kobos (Copy Editor); Marianne Patrizio and James Richard (Co-editors); Samm Young, Shannon Hensley, Annette Gibbs, and Tony Patino (Writers); Michael Hunt (Layout); Linda Finster and Kathy A. Wilson (Guest Writers); SGA
    • Topics discussed include a satirical piece about the ducks on the lake, local weather, JobLink, new cafe, transfer program changes, program spotlight, pond water health, campus programs, feature on Maxine Banks, recycling, walking for fitness, The Ridge Writer, and volleyball on campus.
  • Spring Semester Volume 2 (1 copy)
    • Gene Wittman and Betty Endres (Advisors); Kevin Kobos (Copy Editor); Marianne Patrizio and James Richard (Co-editors); Samm Young, Shannon Hensley, Annette Gibbs, and Tony Patino (Writers); Michael Hunt (Layout); Linda Finster and Kathy A. Wilson (Guest Writers); SGA
    • Topics discussed include the 6th Arida Arts Symposium with artist Stoney Lamar, instructor recognition for Randa Pinkston, open house on Transylvania Campus, update to student lounge, Cranston employees joining student body, deaf interpretation and horticulture program spotlight editorials, rising cost of colleges and universities, SGA award ceremony, and the upcoming graduation ceremony.
  • Fall Semester Volume 3 (2 copies)
    • Staff: Scott Pittillo and Yolanda Smith (Co-editors); Michael Hunt (Layout); Adam Brown, Marji Fisher, Shannon Hensley, Kevin Kerr, Jessica Morrissette, Tony Patino, Bryan Ray, and Jason Sentelle (October Edition Writers); Dr. Kevin Ayesh and The Green Club (Guest Writers)
    • Topics discussed include the dedication of the Sink and Spearman buildings, YMCA memberships for students, parking stickers, new computers in the computer lab, SGA news and events, Ridge Writer submission advertisement, guest column by the Green Club on water conservation, cafe closure, new phones for calling on campus, faculty and staff spotlight articles, concert series schedule, and a benefit concert for the music department.
  • Fall Semester Volume 3 (1 copy)
    • Staff: Scott Pittillo and Yolanda Smith (Co-editors); Michael Hunt (Layout); Adam Brown, Marji Fisher, Shannon Hensley, Kevin Kerr, Jessica Morrissette, Tony Patino, and Brent Thompson (December Edition Writers); Cindi Clemmer (Technical Assistance); Betty Endres (Faculty Advisor) 
    • Topics discussed include the Junior High Quiz Bowl, information on the Rotaract club, issues with smoking on campus, Helping Hands news, club news, financial aid information, new faculty news, new perks for Transylvania Campus students, issue of information privacy as a college student, journalism class update, and the academic calendar.

Folder 11 of 12: The Connection 1999 issues (4 items; 4 issues)

  • Spring Semester Volume 3 (1 copy)
    • Staff: Brent Thompson (Co-editor); Harmony Johnson (Co-editor and Layout); Elaine Eye, Lionhart, Danny Phipps, and Sarah Scoggins (March Edition Writers); Lee Anna Haney (Technical Assistance); Betty Endres (Faculty Advisor) 
    • Topics discussed include fine arts department news, transferring to Western Carolina University, dual enrollment, events calendar, growth of computer use by courses, Ridge Writer excerpts, new faculty spotlight, new student demographics, and job opportunities.
  • Spring Semester Volume 3 (1 copy)
    • Staff: Brent Thompson (Co-editor); Harmony Johnson (Co-editor and Layout); Ryan King (Photographer); Julie Bocchino, Elaine Eye, Melody Lindsey, Lionhart, Tony Patino, Danny Phipps, and Sarah Scoggins (May Editions Writers); Lee Anna Haney (Technical Assistance); Betty Endres (Faculty Advisor) 
    • Topics discussed include the Arida Arts Symposium with storyteller Donald Davis, Lt. General Kennedy as graduation speaker, teacher of the year award, information on the Career Development Center, paper vs computers debate, check in with past graduates, new faculty news, SGA award ceremony, VICA contest, information about UNC Asheville and Appalachian State University, satirical piece about aliens on campus, job opportunities, and graduation information.
  • Fall Semester October 1999 (1 copy)
    • Staff: Brent Thompson and Ken Worthen (Co-editors); Lionhart, Joyce Brown, Melissa Churchill, Pat Falls, Stan Kumor, Claire Sachse, Marsha Sackett, Jeanette Trimmer (October Edition Writers); Lee Anna Haney (Technical Assistance); Betty Endres (Faculty Advisor)  
    • Topics discussed include motorcycle bootcamp, internet courses, relationship opinion piece, the day care center, self-defense and canoeing classes, club news, academic calendar, job opportunities, and SGA news.
  • Fall Semester November 1999 (1 copy)
    • Staff: Brent Thompson and Ken Worthen (Co-editors); Lionhart, Melissa Churchill, Pat Falls, Kevin Kerr, Stuart A. McCall, Claire Sachse, Marsha Sackett, Travis Tolley, and Jeanette Trimmer (November Edition Writers); Lee Anna Haney (Technical Assistance); Betty Endres (Faculty Advisor) 
    • Topics discussed include a new lake bridge and manmade waterfall, ethics opinion piece, spotlight articles on acting classes and Lina’s Cafe, feature for a book about the college’s history, Y2K concerns, county toy run, club news, learning disabilities and study recommendations, and SGA news.

Folder 12 of 12: The Connection 2000 issues (3 items; 3 issues)

  • Spring Semester February 2000 (1 copy)
    • Staff: Brent Thompson and Ken Worthen (Co-editors); Lionhart, Joyce Brown, Jim Croteau, Melody Lindsay, Stuart A. McCall, and Jeanette Trimmer (February Edition Writers); Lee Anna Haney (Technical Assistance); Betty Endres (Faculty Advisor)
    • Topics discussed include journalism opportunities for students, internet classes, transferring to UNC Asheville information, reflection on Y2k fears, academic calendar, excerpts from The Ridge Writer, distance education courses, new drama program, SGA news, and job opportunities.
  • Spring Semester April 2000 (1 copy)
    • Staff: Brent Thompson and Ken Worthen (Co-editors); Lionhart, Jim Croteau, and Stuart A. McCall (Writers); Lee Anna Haney (Technical Assistance); Betty Endres (Faculty Advisor)
    • Topics discussed include Cranston Mill closure, graduation exercises, Arida Arts Symposium with actor Scott Treadway, reflection on time at Blue Ridge by Lionheart (The Connection writer), JobLink updates, student spotlight article, opinion piece on election, drama department news, and SGA news.
  • Fall 2000 (1 copy)
    • Staff: Andrew Schultz and Ken Worthen (Co-editors); Laura Harris (Copy Editor); Tiffany Blackwell (Layout); Doris Graef (Photography); Anna Herrada (Photography editor); Tiffany Blackwell, Shara Flax, Doris Graef, Leighton Grant, Laura Harris, Anna Herrada, Andrew Schultz, Alisa Spears, Jill Stanton, Michele Taylor, Calvin Ward, and Ken Worthen (Staff Writers); Lee Anna Haney (Technical Assistance); Betty Endres (Faculty Advisor)
    • Topics discussed include lake water health update, information on the cosmetology department, bookstore hours, technology issues on campus, religious expression on campus, JobLink information, faculty news, Helping Hands news, disability awareness on campus, new music practice facilities, career assessment help, transferring information, spotlight feature on David Hutto, and club and SGA updates.