Jacksonville State University - Mimosa Yearbook (Jacksonville, AL)

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Where do they come from? Freshmen. How does one spot them? “They get dressed up to go to the cafeteria ' said junior Terri Glaze. “They ask where Bibb Graves Hall is, said sophomore Tim Casey. They show up on campus every year, those freshmen, uncertain of their step and their faces beaming in neon brightness, “Hey, I'm new here! They are hustled through orientation, given a seemingly never ending list of classes, promptly housed in a room much smaller than the one they left at home, and left to the mercy of funpoking. forgetful upperclassmen. Left to roam the campus in search of that dreaded English 101 classroom and a cafeteria they hope will feed then just like mom did. these green coeds are indeed hard to pick from among the crowd. Though their searches often end in frustration and their hopes be found in vain, a learning process begins—a process that will most certainly take all of that painful first year and even more for some. It is that first year that brings a number of emotions into the life of the entering collegian. They are depicted clearly in a number of scenes, fust watch the sad loneliness written distinctly across the face of one opening an empty mailbox. Or the ecstatic smile when sorority bids are announced. Or the previously unknown despair crawling across the face of one in the middle of composing that first essay. Or the satisfied look in the eyes of that one student who had no midterm grades sent home. It is that first year that introduces the young student to the rigors of academia. Facts fly like unexpected rockets in English 101, American History, and that favorite of all Instructional Media. Confused notes, frequent quizzes, and the headache of worrying about the grade sheet that will travel home—all make for a hectic first semester that formally brings the freshman into the real college world, however different from earlier imaginings it may be. A lot of decisions have to be made during that year, too. Finding the right major is a stressful situation. But. then again, so is deciding whether to stay in a cramped dorm room and study for a not-so-exciting psychology exam or head out on a late night search for pizza with the guys. What about the freshman’s reaction to it all? “It was definitely difficult at first, but I’ve really found it worthwhile,” said javella Gray. Upperclassmen shouldn't be snickering at this point. After all. we were all freshmen once. —Kim White-head 28

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. . . . but still growing JSU reaches 100 . With one hundred years of history to back it up, Jacksonville State University is continuing to grow. Only after properly celebrating the University's centennial is the progress again taking the spotlight; during the 1982-83 year, JSU faculty, staff, and students joined together to honor the institution and its history. Event after unprecedented event took place. Homecoming week in October was highlighted by the unveiling of the Hall of Presidents in the lobby of the Houston Cole Library, and the opening of a museum in TMB that displayed historic photos and memorabilia. One hundred JSU athletes were also specially honored in the fall; while a 15-foot long cake modeled after the time-honored building that stands as a trademark for the University, Bibb Graves Hall, was sliced by Dr. and Mrs, Theron Montgomery for a crowd of eager birthday wellwishers in September, Centennial week, February 21-25, itself, was marked by the dedication of the historical bell in the newly designed Bibb Graves Hall forecourt. The bell that graced Jacksonville State Normal School’s Hames Hall became the possession of the University again in recent years after being lost for a long period in history, In the forecourt among historic markers, park benches and flower beds the bell reigns as the central attraction. All this gala activity was supported by students, professors, staff members, administrators, and community residents alike. Car tags, coffee cups, buttons, not to mention the huge seal reading “Happy Birthday, JSU on the University's main marker—everything pointed to the special celebration going on. And on it did go. But the prevailing spirit did more than just play up years gone by. The memories are valuable, but the sense of progress and the certainty of future success born of a rich heritage has begun to appear even more impressive as a result of its emphasis. Jacksonville State University is the institution that is indeed 100 and growing. —Kim Whitehead 30