MARCH/APRIL 2016
Students gathering their belongings and moving into new dorms.
B-CU opens new dorms Officials celebrate as students move back on campus into “state-of-the-art facilities”
The key to Bethune-Cookman University’s newly constructed residence hall, Phase 1, was recently presented to President Edison O. Jackson during an on campus ceremony. This event signified a new chapter for the historic institution and its effort to continue to build for the future. Excited supporters, including the university’s Executive Cabinet members, were on hand to witness the occasion. During the ceremony, university officials were given a tour of the new state-of-the-art facility, which will become the new home to more than 300 students. The key presentation ceremony was a proud moment for university officials.
“These new residence halls will help our students achieve their goals and dreams. The students who were living in off campus housing can now move on campus and can enjoy campus life,” said Jason Glenn, vice president for student affairs. In addition to state-of-the-art living accommodations, the residence hall also features other amenities including a fitness center, computer lab and multipurpose room. Jackson shared his enthusiasm about the residence hall project. He said he is extremely happy for students who will enjoy the new residence halls and thanked everyone who assisted
photo by Petra Merrick
the institution in achieving this milestone. “The building itself is made of quality materials. This will last for generations to come. I can’t even imagine how our students will feel once they walk through these doors and begin to select their rooms,” Jackson said. Students have begun moving into the new residence halls. The building is named after Thomas Moorehead and his wife Joyce Hanks Moorehead, who is a B-CU alumnae.
Officials still struggle for solution to county’s homeless issue By Christina Sloan Staff Writer
“Safe Harbor will be a place for people to focus on recovery before being placed back into the community,” the organizers wrote in a prepared statement.
When Edward Barnes was released from prison, he was given a bus ticket and $50.
During the meeting, officials announced that Catholic Charities of Central Florida has committed to be the lead agency responsible for the facility, which would seemingly bring closure to one of the issues surrounding the plan.
It was tough going for him, Barnes said during a community rally sponsored by FAITH that was aimed at drawing attention to the less fortunate in the community. “It would have been helpful in my transition” back into society, said Barnes, referring to Volusia Safe Harbor, a homeless shelter that has been at the center of debate within the county for more than a year. Supporters, including FAITH, which stands for Fighting Against Injustice Toward Harmony, have been pushing it as a solution to the county’s homeless program.
New Smyrna Beach resident Edward Barnes was among the speakers at the F.A.I.T.H. rally in March.
The coalition of 32 congregations that comprise FAITH came out strongly in favor of the proposed 250-bed shelter at its March 14 action assembly at the Performing Arts Center here on campus.
“We believe that we can do what’s necessary to pull all the partners together in support of this project,” said Gary Tester, spokesman for Catholic Charities. Volusia Safe Harbor is based on two models—one in Miami and another in Pinellas County—that have been credited with reducing the street homeless populations in those continued on page 3
photo by Brenda Starr
OPINION SEE PAGE 2
FEATURES SEE PAGE 4-5
COMMUNITY SEE PAGE 6
SPORTS SEE PAGE 7-8