First, his heart was thumping and his entire demeanor was solid and stiff. Next, the words trickled through his ears relieving him with pure amazement. His body became loose and free … almost weakened and limp. The announcement of the 2003-2004 Mr. Ram had just been declared. Alan Brown is now wearing the crown and title of Mr. Ram of Winston-Salem State University and, although he was shocked, he couldn’t be more excited. When they announced his name, he said the first thought that came to mind was, “I gotta’ pee!” This was quickly followed by, “I can move now!” Brown stood in a statuesque position during the entire final act of the pageant. Finally, he came to the realization that he had won and said, “What you say again? Oh, I made it … hot dog!” Brown is a 22-year-old political science major with a minor in mass communications. WSSU may be his educational and now reigning home, but he is also a native of the city of Winston-Salem.He said that he ran for one reason and one reason only. “I needed something for me, in my mind, where I could truly become that ram, [and] step out of that lamb status … When it comes to sports, I’m not that great. Basketball? Uh-uh! Football? Don’t even try it! Swimming? Somebody call 9-1-1!” Brown was disappointed that he missed the SGA campaigning, so being given the opportunity to participate in the Mr. Ram pageant was directly up his alley. Trailing behind this new, major position are also major responsibilities, which Brown said he is quite prepared for, although he understands that he can’t do it all by himself because, “No man is an island,” he said. He assured everyone, “The whole year is going to be ‘The Mr. Rams presents’, so whatever I do, the other guys (contestants) names are going to be on it.” Brown continued and said, “I called the guys up and said that I don’t want anybody’s idea…to go to waste, because you (they) don’t have the title.” Brown’s foremost goal and plan is to create a series of events by the name of ‘The Mr. Ram presents…Black Jazz.’ All of the former Mr. Ram contestants who desire to be a part of the show are welcome to participate. One of the purposes is to have somewhat of an introduction to who the Mr. Ram court is. Brown added that, “It’s basically introducing everyone to honoring the purpose of Mr. Ram and how each male is Mr. Ram, rather than degrading [people].” Brown went on to say, “It’s honoring those guys that open doors for ladies, and those guys that truly respect themselves enough not to curse in front of an elderly or seasoned individual.” He “stole” a much-liked quote from another contestant, Jay Murray, who said, “Each person on this campus is a ram, and should conduct themselves accordingly.” Brown already has a few of the acts in mind. Elliot Yourse, a sophomore contestant in the pageant, is one. Yourse serenaded the crowd with his saxophone during the talent portion of the pageant and wowed many. If you were to ask Alan Brown about the bunch of six males that he ran against, there would be many phrases that would flow off his tongue, but none would have a negative presence. Brown stated that, “These guys (contestants) are very honorable and dignified.” Although his feelings may be slightly mixed on if he was the most deserving of the Mr. Ram title, he contests that all things happen for a reason. “Among the gentlemen I was in the running for, they were definitely noteworthy and through them, I’m honored to be a part of a group of guys that have ambition and uphold themselves with respect.” Upon graduation, Brown plans to pursue his love for hospitality. Although he also expressed his love for music he said, “Serving is my passion … I’m going to go towards the hospitality realm and just advance through that field.” Brown said that he couldn’t be more excited about the year of his reign, and has decided to “serve” the WSSU family, fulfilling his duties as Mr. Ram. He knows he is in a position that is very demanding. “Integrity is the key,” and while under his sovereignty, the students at WSSU will all get well acquainted with his Indeed Philosophy: “Integrity, nobility, development, excellence, and dependability; for INDEED is not just a word, it is a way of life.”