When Boston native Phil Javies visited Winston-Salem State University for the first time, he knew it was the place for him. The family atmosphere reminded him of the sitcom “A Different World,” and he was hooked.
Now a graduating senior, Javies, who is WSSU’s Mr. Ram, is certainly a beloved member of the family he adopted. And he, in turn, has not let his family down. Javies is a double major, studying elementary education and sociology, with a concentration in social work. He is the founder of Raging Rams, a member of Black Men for Change, the Campus Activities Board, Campus Pals, Ram Ambassadors, Mozik Modeling group, and he was the 2004-2005 senior class president.
Javies said a typical day for him involves “basically serving the school, along with being a graduating senior. I am doing my field work for sociology, my student teaching, attending meetings of the different organizations that I am a part of, sitting in the breezeway listening to students and their problems, and then going back to the room to sleep and start all over again.”
For his role as Mr. Ram, Javies said he received an initial clothing stipend to cover the cost of two suits and accessories, and he also gets free housing.
“I want to be remembered as that person who always speaks and talks to anybody, always willing to help anybody out,” he said. “I want to be known as the ear as well as the voice that stood up and spoke out for the students.”