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rage4 «P a, ^ Dr. Burns, where are you from? I was born in Arkansas, but I've lived in Fresno most of my life. I attended college at Fresno State and the University ol Southern California. I received my masters and bachelors at Fresno State and I received my doctorate at USC. My bachelors was in psychology, my masters in vocational rehabilitation counseling, and my doctorate in educational administration counseling. While in college were you involved in an"y type of political or social organization? No. because I was so busy trying to survive and keep my head above the water. I really didn't have any time for that particular endeavor. Plus you might recall during the late 50's and 60's there weren't many major political organizations taking place on this campus particularly activities that were related to blacks. Are you affiliated with any political or social organization right now? Yes. 1 belong to Black Educators Association of Fresno and 1 plan or should say I am going to get involved in a black political organization here at CSUF. What is your current position he" at CSUF and what are you major responsibilities? My current position is designated as Student Affairs Office 5 University counselor. The responsibilities include: providing academic, personal, vocational, and clinical rehabilitation counseling to students. In addition to those basic kinds of services I'm also involved in a number of center committees, as well as student affairs, personnel, division committee and a host of other committees. 1 also teach By Reynold Brown and Vincent Cunningham part time in Ethnic Studies program, teach Black Studies career exploration. What is the major problem students are faced with who seek counseling from you? Well, I would say the two major areas are: I. The academic vocational areas and 2. Coping with life, dealing with the pressures of living, relating to other people, managing their own lives of trying to develop maturity, trying to develop companionship, trying to develop self-confidence, and self-esteem. Dr. Burns, in your experience here at CSUF, have you ever counseled any student considering suicidal type tendencies? load. Sometimes it can be a big difference between 100 dollars and 200 dollars in coming to Fresno STafe. There are still a number of scholarships that are provided nationally. There arc some hundreds of thosuands of dollars that go unclaimed because they don't qualify or meet the standards. What is really happening is minority students have rclyed on "The Great White Hope." namely in the form of basic grants and a supplemental type grants. As a consequence many black students over extend themselves by using their money for luxury items. They assume the basic necessities will take care of themselves. Now that Rcagonomics have hit the scene, there has to be a complete assessment. And really, a coming to grips with reality for black students. So what we really have is a very sad. but a very real situation that isn't going to go away. This is the way it will be from now on. I'm sure we're going to lose a number of students as a result of it (fee increase). Do you feel the value ofa college education is the same now as compared to 20 years ago? I would say in general the value of a college degree is probably 10 folds more valuable it was years ago. First, with all the technological changes and increasing demand on talent and expertise, that a college degree is essentially a minimum. It's rapdily becoming a minimal standard that people won't marvel. They look at a college degree as if it were a 8th grade diploma. Dr. Burns, why do you think the black Over the years I counseled quite a few enrollment level is so low? students who have had various forms of The black enrollment is low for a var- depression and. as a matter of fact, a few iety of reasons. Some of these reasons who were down right suicidal. Some were relate to recruitment efforts not being involved with medication. In general. I maximized in the high schools and the haven't experienced an actual suicide community colleges. It also relates to the Surely your aware of the fee increase. Do you see an alternative for black students to turn to? How will they proceed in college? Difficult as it is to live these days, the fees will have a profound effect on college students in general, particularly black students. If you haven't completed your studies at the general education level. One could complete at least up to 70 units at the local community college (Fresno City College)! This is kind of a immediate remedy, however you must realize by the time you come back here, the less would have doubled or tripled again. So the bottom line is more bucks. More money to additional work, which is difficult to come by. Onealternativc is take a longer time to complete your studies by taking a few units (4 to 6 units) instead of a regular fact that, because of certain affirmative action demographics, efforts have not been made to go beyond minimum type of ethnic composition goals for blacks. Wc need to recognize the team spirit and team effort among the black professionals on campus. That may also contribute to the reason why there aren't as many blacks on campus as there should be. However. 1 must quickly point out within the last year, this team spirit and this commitment has been renewed and reinforced. Black professionals on campus arc now pulling in the same direction and working together to find all kinds of creative ways to increase black enrollment. Dr. Burns, you are aware of the rapid increase of individuals joining the military. Do you think they would benefit more by going to college and getting a degree? Ubviously with a volunteered army, the military complex, with its primary concern being national security, has to rely on some type of marketing program to get people to enlist. I think if one had to make the choice between opportunities in the military, and opportunities in college, one would have to rely mostly on individual choice. Woh' would you counsel a person in deciding whether~to enlist in the military or go to college? Well, it all depends on the person. The person needs personal readiness, long term aspirations, etc. 1 guess what I'm saying is the military is beneficial for some persons and it's not. beneficial for other persons. College, on the other hand, is beneficial for some persons and not beneficial for other persons. I think what's important is that one should clearly have the options and the alternative from both educational options presented clearly in an objective fashion as possible so one will be able to make his or her own choice. How do you see our race, as a whole, as\ far as continuing to exist in the future? I see hard times for black people as a whole. On one hand I see an opportunity for a higher level of consciousness, because when there is oppression going on black people pull more together and they become more conscious of their blackness so to speak. There's always going to be the element that there is going to be more crime. There will be factionism and people will have opposing ideologies. In general. I think what has happened in this past decade or so under the allusion of pro-) grcss and success and affirmative action in particular. That many blacks forget the government can be a temporary affair. The government is no stronger than the populace that changes its choice, it can have drastic, devastating impacts upon the people who are effected. In this instance, that was us. Out of this major shift in ideology, however it may come more healthier self determination and self initiative type mentality. Let's face it. many of us depend upon government support. To the extend that existence is no stronger than the government supports. I guarantee during the next 4 to 6 years, to try to come up with some innovative creative approaches to survival. Do you have any closing statements? If you don't succeed in one area have faith thai you wijl succeed in another. Do not be afraid to shift gears. Give a particular area all of your energy and all of your effort and your time and so what kind of( result it's yielded. If it isn't a favorable result than shift gear to another objective. Out of that you're bound to succeed. Comments from a Visitor LAURA D.CORSENT1NO Junior. Anthropology Major Dr. Francis A. Fajemirokun represents what the major portion of Africa and its residents are like today, however surprising that may seem to some Americans: strong, regal, educated and dedicated people. Dr. Fajemirokun is currently a Visiting Professor in the Engineering School at CSUF, on a one year Sabbatical from the University of Lagos in Nigeria. His home campus is only 19 years old with 860 acres of land (partially undeveloped) with three libraries housing approximately 200.000 volumes: all the major schools and professional studies and over 10.000 students. At the University of Lagos. Dr. Fajemirokun was formally the Head of the Survey ing Department before coming to CSUF and was recently appointed to a full professorship in that Department. He completed his undergraduate work at the University of Nigeria. Enugu Campus: then came to the United States in 1966 to begin his post graduate study. 1981 marked the tenth yearanniversary of him having completed his doctoral program at Ohio State University in Columbus. Ohio. He chose this significant anniversary date to return to the U.S. fq£ further study and enrichment. Upon contacting colleagues at the Ohio State University, it was recommended that he consider CSUF for this venture. What is Africa to me: Copper sun or scarlet sea. Jungle star or jungle track. Strong bronzed men, or regal black...' 'from the poem. HERITAGE by Black author Countee Cullen. 1 "We would accept anyone, he said, who generally wants to become a part of Africa and make them most welcome." He reports that he is enjoying this opportunity in Fresno primarily because it affords him the opportunity to complete some personal projects. Dr. Fajemirokun is currently working on a Surveying Astronomy textbook that he hopes to have completed by his departure in August. It is anticipated that the University of Lagos Press will do the publication. Even though his contact hours with students at CSUF is much more than what he had in Lagos. he is temporarily relieved of the administrative and social/political responsibilities that he has at home. Dr. Fajemirokun finds Fresno to be an enjoyable place with nice climate. He feels that the city is well laid out. except for a poor public transportation system. He particularly finds the staff here helpful and cooperative. When the weather improves he plans to do some state travel. On comparing the educational systems here in the U.S. with that of his home country. Dr. Fajemirokun states that in Nigeria the student assumes more responsibility for his studies than here. Example given is that the Nigerian Professor attends class, gives the lecture, then leaves. There are no or very few assignments, quizzes or examinations. It is the individual's responsibility to understand the material or to seek assistance. Here, of course, we are accustomed to regular checks in our understanding and progress in the form of tests, quizzes and assignments. Consequently, the Nigerian way has more student casualties than in the U.S. This creates more of a constant pressure on the student here to perform. Dr. Fajemirokun is personally impressed with the increasing number of women in the Engineering profession. During the last ten years at the University of Lagos only two females have completed the Surveying Degree Program, while a few more have graduated from other branches of the school. At CSUF. approximately 10% of the 1.200 Engineering majors are female. Obviously, the need for more, females in the profession is still great.both here and even more so in Nigeria. He attributes the increase to an awareness of the need and less attention being given to the heretofore feeling that the physical Continued on page 5 ^ m M IN s^ LESLIE KINNEY, FRESHMAN When you think of Bulldog Basketball, you think of Rod Higgins being the tea m's leading scorer and rebounder averaging 15.4 points and 5.4 rebounds per game, or Donald Mason being a member of last year's all PCAA squad and the team's most experienced guard. There are, however, newcomers worthy of recognition. They are center Sam Donnell, forward Desi Barmore, and guard Mitch Arnold. This article will focus on the freshman newcomer, Sam Donnell. Sam Donnell, at six feet-nine inches, two hundred and twenty pounds, is a graduate of Paschal High School in Fort Worth, Texas. There he received many special honors and awards for his outstanding achievements in basketball. Although Sam has previously played with a championship team, he is now faced with the challenge of playing with a team who also holds a title, but is staffed with more experienced and disciplined players. He has had to adjust to a new environment and at the same time adjust to playing with new team members, most of which have been playing basketball for twice as long as he has. Sam was introduced to the game during his Junior year in high school. Before then he concentrated mainly on football. When 1 asked him what made him change, he said, "It is too hot outside. The temperature gets as high as one hundred ten degrees in the Texas heat, and when we're in those football pads it's unbearable. It is much more comfortable practicing inside." When asked about his feelings on being the only freshman recruit, he rep-, lied. "I am forced to mature because I am in a new environment. 1 have to concentrate and discipline myself. Everybody else on the team knows what is going on. The transition I am making would be a lot easier if there was someone else making it with me. Rod has been helpful, because he too. had to make the same transitions that I am now making. In practice, if I seem lost. Rod will tell me what my next move is. I admire him because he keeps his poise and he is a natural leader. Although Rod has come to my aid many times, all of the guys have been of some help and I have a great deal of respect for each individual on the team." According to head coach Boyd Grant. Sam has struggled to make the adjustment from high school. Says Grant, "Sam has great ability, but before he can be a good Division 1 player he has to team to play with intensity. I think this is the first time Sam has ever had to play hard. He is a little overwhelmed with the way we practice. He comes from a situation where there is a soft program. They did not have to break down with drill work. I am not saying that their program is wrong, because basketball is played many different ways. We. as coaches put a great deal of pressure on the players." Because of the great competition. Grant feels Sam will have a hard time starting for the Bulldogs. He says, 'Unless Sam's intensity gets better he may not get much playing time" He thinks there should be a freshman basketball program to help prepare them for what is expected of them. At the same time they would be getting more playing time because the competition would not be as great. When asked about his own potentials. Sam modestly states. "I think I have excellent potential. With my abilities, and the coaching staff being as good as it is, I should be a successful college basketball player. 1 feel pretty relaxed before games because there is not much pressure on me. Page 5 . PHI BETA SIGMA CRESCENT DANCE <imis\mmmimt)m)mimieaMiaimimimm DATE: MARCH 13, 1982 : TIME: 9 P.M.-1 A.M. PLACE: OLD CAFETERIA wiMmmimmmimmimmi&Kmimci "SIGMAS DO IT ALL NIGHTLONG" wiwBwmtm/imwimwmmfmitmm The older guys will be on the floor. As ong as I do the things that IVe been taught, when I do play. Ill be okay." Even though basketball has opened a lot of opportunities for Sam. he feels very strongly about his education. "I chose Business Administration as my major because there are a lot of job opportunities in this field. There are many different directions in which I could go. I have not yet decided exactly what I want to do. I do feel that 1 am capable of being a leader. Being a Business Administration major. ITI be able to be the head of a cooperation. There are possibilities of my being President, or at least having an important position somewhere. There is always the possibility of being on a board of directors. 1 have looked into other areas for a major, but the one I've chosen seems as if it will be more beneficial to me in the future." Sam's first semester at Fresno State has been a learning experience. He feels that the freshmen are not as gullible as the upperclassmen make them to be. "College life is- wild, so one must discipline himself. Maturity is forced upon college students. Ourparentsareno longer around to tell us what to do or not todo. Every decision we make must be taken into careful consideration. One wrong decision or action could have very negative results. Whether or not - we make it. not only as college students, but as adults, is in our own hands." Sam has come in contact with many people here at Fresno State. He says, "It makes me feel good to see that the Blacks here have positive attitudes towards school Not only that, but we are becoming more involved in campus activities. Hope-' fully this semester ITI be able to take part in more activities." When asked about the differences bejween Fresno and Texas, he immediately comments on the difference in size. "Fort Worth}* twice as big as Fresno." He notices that (cople here like to jog and participate in other types of exercises. Sam misses Texas a lot. but other than being somrwhal homesick, he's had a pretty enjoyable Rfst semester at Fresno State. Sam's last comment is one that I'm sure most people will agree with. He says. "Any smart person knows that he can't ilay basketball forever. My main reason or being""*! Fresno State is to get an education Visitor requirements would be too strenuous for women. Some of the women Engineers in Nigeria work in the Planning Department which requires less of the physical portion of the work. Unfortunately, there are currently no Black females in any of Dr. Fajemirokun's classes here, although other Ethnic groups are represented- by their women. We suspect that the Engineering Profession is under-represented by Black Americans now, just as it was when Dr. Fajemirokun was a student; and that certainly is a matter to assess and to attempt to correct. While enrolled at the Ohio State University, Dr. Fajemirokun states that he never had a Black American classmate nor instructor. His academic major further inhibited his interaction with Black American students because, (1) the nature of his major did not afford contact with any Black Americans and, (2) the major also afforded limited time for socialization. Additionally, the few Black American friends that he did have failed to see the need for this type of major. These friends felt strongly that his talents would be of better service to our people were he matriculated in education or the social sciences. It appears to all our advantage that he persevered to a truly inspiring career goal. The current predominate religions in Nigeria are Islam and Christianity. There seems to be less interest and practice of the traditional religions. Personally on the topic of religion. Dr. Fajemirokun feels that religion is something that was devised by man in order to control the morality of fellow humans. He feels that all religions try to teach what is good and what is bad and to offer rewards and consequences for the choices made by man. If this is basically so. then one does not necessarily need to belong to any particular religion to be able to practice what is good. Continued from page 4 Dr. Fajemirokun is also in support of any movements and ideas bolstering unity 'between the Black people of America and the rest of the work), particularly Africa. "We would accept anyone, he said, who generally wants to become a part of Africa and make them most welcome." It would be imperative that (hose individuals understand that they must realize the cultural differences and to have a perspective broad enough to appreciate and respect a new way of life. Although there are less than 1% foreign students now attending the University of Lagos, Black Americans and other foreigners are encouraged to apply for admission. In fact. Dr. Fajemirokun feels that more Nigerian students should attempt todo their undergraduate studies at home before going abroad for several reasons: (I) it is much less expensive. (2) the studies are more relevant to the country's needs and (3) the human himself is more set in his values and convictions. In response to a question on his opinion of the current governmental administration. Dr. Fajemirokun is not really surprised at the actions of President Reagan and actually feels that he (Reagan) has only been doing what he promised. A query on the U.S. media brought the response that the U.S. media usually has a tendency to stress the negative aspects of any event it covers. We agreed that the media downplays the advances of most of the other parts of the world, particularly Africa. Dr. Fajemirokun is married and has one daughter and three sons at home. He misses them all as well as his extended family. To Dr. Fajemirokun and to his family who so graciously are sharing him with us this year, we say. Thank you. Tor being so informative, dedicated and caring. You are truly an inspiration.
Object Description
Title | 1982_03 The Daily Collegian March 1982 |
Alternative Title | Daily Collegian (California State University, Fresno) |
Publisher | Associated Students of Fresno State, Fresno, Calif. |
Publication Date | 1982 |
Description | Daily (except weedends) during the school year. Microfilm. Palo Alto, Calif.: BMI Library Microfilms, 1986- microfilm reels; 35 mm. Vol.1, no.1 (Feb 8, 1922)- |
Subject | California State University, Fresno -- Periodicals. |
Contributors | Associated Students of Fresno State. |
Coverage | Vol.1 no.1 (Feb 8, 1922)- to present |
Format | Microfilm reels, 35 mm. |
Technical Information | Scanned at 600 dpi; TIFF; Microfilm ScanPro 2000 "E-image data" |
Language | eng |
Description
Title | March 1, 1982 Uhuru Pg 4-5 |
Alternative Title | Daily Collegian (California State University, Fresno) |
Publisher | Associated Students of Fresno State, Fresno, Calif. |
Publication Date | 1982 |
Description | Daily (except weedends) during the school year. Microfilm. Palo Alto, Calif.: BMI Library Microfilms, 1986- microfilm reels; 35 mm. Vol.1, no.1 (Feb 8, 1922)- |
Subject | California State University, Fresno -- Periodicals. |
Contributors | Associated Students of Fresno State. |
Coverage | Vol.1 no.1 (Feb 8, 1922)- to present |
Format | Microfilm reels, 35 mm. |
Technical Information | Scanned at 600 dpi; TIFF; Microfilm ScanPro 2000 "E-image data" |
Language | eng |
Full-Text-Search |
rage4
«P
a,
^
Dr. Burns, where are you from?
I was born in Arkansas, but I've lived in
Fresno most of my life. I attended college
at Fresno State and the University ol
Southern California. I received my masters and bachelors at Fresno State and I
received my doctorate at USC. My bachelors was in psychology, my masters in
vocational rehabilitation counseling, and
my doctorate in educational administration counseling.
While in college were you involved in
an"y type of political or social organization?
No. because I was so busy trying to
survive and keep my head above the
water. I really didn't have any time for
that particular endeavor. Plus you might
recall during the late 50's and 60's there
weren't many major political organizations taking place on this campus particularly activities that were related to blacks.
Are you affiliated with any political or
social organization right now?
Yes. 1 belong to Black Educators Association of Fresno and 1 plan or should say
I am going to get involved in a black political organization here at CSUF.
What is your current position he" at
CSUF and what are you major responsibilities?
My current position is designated as
Student Affairs Office 5 University counselor. The responsibilities include: providing academic, personal, vocational, and
clinical rehabilitation counseling to students. In addition to those basic kinds of
services I'm also involved in a number of
center committees, as well as student
affairs, personnel, division committee and
a host of other committees. 1 also teach
By Reynold Brown and
Vincent Cunningham
part time in Ethnic Studies program,
teach Black Studies career exploration.
What is the major problem students are
faced with who seek counseling from you?
Well, I would say the two major areas
are: I. The academic vocational areas and
2. Coping with life, dealing with the pressures of living, relating to other people,
managing their own lives of trying to
develop maturity, trying to develop companionship, trying to develop self-confidence, and self-esteem.
Dr. Burns, in your experience here at
CSUF, have you ever counseled any student considering suicidal type tendencies?
load. Sometimes it can be a big difference
between 100 dollars and 200 dollars in
coming to Fresno STafe. There are still a
number of scholarships that are provided
nationally. There arc some hundreds of
thosuands of dollars that go unclaimed
because they don't qualify or meet the
standards. What is really happening is
minority students have rclyed on "The
Great White Hope." namely in the form of
basic grants and a supplemental type
grants. As a consequence many black students over extend themselves by using
their money for luxury items. They
assume the basic necessities will take care
of themselves. Now that Rcagonomics
have hit the scene, there has to be a complete assessment. And really, a coming to
grips with reality for black students. So
what we really have is a very sad. but a
very real situation that isn't going to go
away. This is the way it will be from now
on. I'm sure we're going to lose a number
of students as a result of it (fee increase).
Do you feel the value ofa college education is the same now as compared to 20
years ago?
I would say in general the value of a
college degree is probably 10 folds more
valuable it was years ago. First, with all
the technological changes and increasing
demand on talent and expertise, that a
college degree is essentially a minimum.
It's rapdily becoming a minimal standard
that people won't marvel. They look at a
college degree as if it were a 8th grade
diploma.
Dr. Burns, why do you think the black
Over the years I counseled quite a few enrollment level is so low?
students who have had various forms of The black enrollment is low for a var-
depression and. as a matter of fact, a few iety of reasons. Some of these reasons
who were down right suicidal. Some were relate to recruitment efforts not being
involved with medication. In general. I maximized in the high schools and the
haven't experienced an actual suicide community colleges. It also relates to the
Surely your aware of the fee increase.
Do you see an alternative for black students to turn to? How will they proceed in
college?
Difficult as it is to live these days, the
fees will have a profound effect on college
students in general, particularly black
students. If you haven't completed your
studies at the general education level. One
could complete at least up to 70 units at
the local community college (Fresno City
College)! This is kind of a immediate
remedy, however you must realize by the
time you come back here, the less would
have doubled or tripled again. So the bottom line is more bucks. More money to
additional work, which is difficult to come
by. Onealternativc is take a longer time to
complete your studies by taking a few
units (4 to 6 units) instead of a regular
fact that, because of certain affirmative
action demographics, efforts have not
been made to go beyond minimum type of
ethnic composition goals for blacks. Wc
need to recognize the team spirit and team
effort among the black professionals on
campus. That may also contribute to the
reason why there aren't as many blacks on
campus as there should be. However. 1
must quickly point out within the last
year, this team spirit and this commitment
has been renewed and reinforced. Black
professionals on campus arc now pulling
in the same direction and working together to find all kinds of creative ways to
increase black enrollment.
Dr. Burns, you are aware of the rapid
increase of individuals joining the military. Do you think they would benefit
more by going to college and getting a
degree?
Ubviously with a volunteered army, the
military complex, with its primary concern being national security, has to rely on
some type of marketing program to get
people to enlist. I think if one had to make
the choice between opportunities in the
military, and opportunities in college, one
would have to rely mostly on individual
choice.
Woh' would you counsel a person in
deciding whether~to enlist in the military
or go to college?
Well, it all depends on the person. The
person needs personal readiness, long
term aspirations, etc. 1 guess what I'm
saying is the military is beneficial for some
persons and it's not. beneficial for other
persons. College, on the other hand, is
beneficial for some persons and not beneficial for other persons. I think what's
important is that one should clearly have
the options and the alternative from both
educational options presented clearly in
an objective fashion as possible so one will
be able to make his or her own choice.
How do you see our race, as a whole, as\
far as continuing to exist in the future?
I see hard times for black people as a
whole. On one hand I see an opportunity
for a higher level of consciousness, because when there is oppression going on
black people pull more together and they
become more conscious of their blackness
so to speak. There's always going to be the
element that there is going to be more
crime. There will be factionism and people
will have opposing ideologies. In general.
I think what has happened in this past
decade or so under the allusion of pro-)
grcss and success and affirmative action in
particular. That many blacks forget the
government can be a temporary affair.
The government is no stronger than the
populace that changes its choice, it can
have drastic, devastating impacts upon
the people who are effected. In this
instance, that was us. Out of this major
shift in ideology, however it may come
more healthier self determination and self
initiative type mentality. Let's face it.
many of us depend upon government
support. To the extend that existence is no
stronger than the government supports. I
guarantee during the next 4 to 6 years, to
try to come up with some innovative creative approaches to survival.
Do you have any closing statements?
If you don't succeed in one area have
faith thai you wijl succeed in another. Do
not be afraid to shift gears. Give a particular area all of your energy and all of your
effort and your time and so what kind of(
result it's yielded. If it isn't a favorable
result than shift gear to another objective.
Out of that you're bound to succeed.
Comments from a Visitor
LAURA D.CORSENT1NO
Junior. Anthropology Major
Dr. Francis A. Fajemirokun represents
what the major portion of Africa and its
residents are like today, however surprising that may seem to some Americans:
strong, regal, educated and dedicated people. Dr. Fajemirokun is currently a Visiting Professor in the Engineering School at
CSUF, on a one year Sabbatical from the
University of Lagos in Nigeria. His home
campus is only 19 years old with 860 acres
of land (partially undeveloped) with three
libraries housing approximately 200.000
volumes: all the major schools and professional studies and over 10.000 students.
At the University of Lagos. Dr. Fajemirokun was formally the Head of the Survey
ing Department before coming to CSUF
and was recently appointed to a full
professorship in that Department. He
completed his undergraduate work at the
University of Nigeria. Enugu Campus:
then came to the United States in 1966 to
begin his post graduate study.
1981 marked the tenth yearanniversary
of him having completed his doctoral
program at Ohio State University in Columbus. Ohio. He chose this significant
anniversary date to return to the U.S. fq£
further study and enrichment. Upon contacting colleagues at the Ohio State University, it was recommended that he consider CSUF for this venture.
What is Africa to me:
Copper sun or scarlet sea.
Jungle star or jungle track.
Strong bronzed men, or regal black...'
'from the poem. HERITAGE by Black
author Countee Cullen.
1
"We would accept anyone, he said, who
generally wants to become a part of Africa
and make them most welcome."
He reports that he is enjoying this
opportunity in Fresno primarily because
it affords him the opportunity to complete
some personal projects. Dr. Fajemirokun
is currently working on a Surveying Astronomy textbook that he hopes to have
completed by his departure in August. It is
anticipated that the University of Lagos
Press will do the publication. Even though
his contact hours with students at CSUF
is much more than what he had in Lagos.
he is temporarily relieved of the administrative and social/political responsibilities that he has at home.
Dr. Fajemirokun finds Fresno to be an
enjoyable place with nice climate. He feels
that the city is well laid out. except for a
poor public transportation system. He
particularly finds the staff here helpful
and cooperative. When the weather improves he plans to do some state travel.
On comparing the educational systems
here in the U.S. with that of his home
country. Dr. Fajemirokun states that in
Nigeria the student assumes more responsibility for his studies than here. Example
given is that the Nigerian Professor attends class, gives the lecture, then leaves.
There are no or very few assignments,
quizzes or examinations. It is the individual's responsibility to understand the
material or to seek assistance. Here, of
course, we are accustomed to regular
checks in our understanding and progress
in the form of tests, quizzes and assignments. Consequently, the Nigerian way
has more student casualties than in the
U.S. This creates more of a constant
pressure on the student here to perform.
Dr. Fajemirokun is personally impressed with the increasing number of women
in the Engineering profession. During the
last ten years at the University of Lagos
only two females have completed the
Surveying Degree Program, while a few
more have graduated from other branches
of the school. At CSUF. approximately
10% of the 1.200 Engineering majors are
female. Obviously, the need for more,
females in the profession is still great.both
here and even more so in Nigeria. He
attributes the increase to an awareness of
the need and less attention being given to
the heretofore feeling that the physical
Continued on page 5
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m
M
IN
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LESLIE KINNEY, FRESHMAN
When you think of Bulldog Basketball,
you think of Rod Higgins being the tea m's
leading scorer and rebounder averaging
15.4 points and 5.4 rebounds per game, or
Donald Mason being a member of last
year's all PCAA squad and the team's
most experienced guard. There are, however, newcomers worthy of recognition.
They are center Sam Donnell, forward
Desi Barmore, and guard Mitch Arnold.
This article will focus on the freshman
newcomer, Sam Donnell.
Sam Donnell, at six feet-nine inches,
two hundred and twenty pounds, is a
graduate of Paschal High School in Fort
Worth, Texas. There he received many
special honors and awards for his outstanding achievements in basketball. Although Sam has previously played with a
championship team, he is now faced with
the challenge of playing with a team who
also holds a title, but is staffed with more
experienced and disciplined players. He
has had to adjust to a new environment
and at the same time adjust to playing
with new team members, most of which
have been playing basketball for twice as
long as he has.
Sam was introduced to the game during
his Junior year in high school. Before then
he concentrated mainly on football. When
1 asked him what made him change, he
said, "It is too hot outside. The temperature gets as high as one hundred ten
degrees in the Texas heat, and when we're
in those football pads it's unbearable. It is
much more comfortable practicing inside." When asked about his feelings on
being the only freshman recruit, he rep-,
lied. "I am forced to mature because I am
in a new environment. 1 have to concentrate and discipline myself. Everybody
else on the team knows what is going on.
The transition I am making would be a lot
easier if there was someone else making it
with me. Rod has been helpful, because he
too. had to make the same transitions that
I am now making. In practice, if I seem
lost. Rod will tell me what my next move
is. I admire him because he keeps his poise
and he is a natural leader. Although Rod
has come to my aid many times, all of the
guys have been of some help and I have a
great deal of respect for each individual on
the team."
According to head coach Boyd Grant.
Sam has struggled to make the adjustment
from high school. Says Grant, "Sam has
great ability, but before he can be a good
Division 1 player he has to team to play
with intensity. I think this is the first time
Sam has ever had to play hard. He is a
little overwhelmed with the way we practice. He comes from a situation where
there is a soft program. They did not have
to break down with drill work. I am not
saying that their program is wrong,
because basketball is played many different ways. We. as coaches put a great deal
of pressure on the players."
Because of the great competition. Grant
feels Sam will have a hard time starting for
the Bulldogs. He says, 'Unless Sam's
intensity gets better he may not get much
playing time" He thinks there should be a
freshman basketball program to help prepare them for what is expected of them. At
the same time they would be getting more
playing time because the competition
would not be as great.
When asked about his own potentials.
Sam modestly states. "I think I have excellent potential. With my abilities, and the
coaching staff being as good as it is, I
should be a successful college basketball
player. 1 feel pretty relaxed before games
because there is not much pressure on me.
Page 5
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PHI BETA SIGMA
CRESCENT DANCE
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