Theodis Chunn and Alonzo Turner are two WSSU students who share many things in common, including the fact that they resemble but are not related.
Faculty, staff and students have a hard time telling them apart.
What they have in common:
- – Chunn is 5 feet 8 inches tall- Turner is 5 feet 7 inches tall- Both are majoring in mass communications – Both are graduating seniors- Both have taken the same classes at the same time – Both have worked on university projects together
The duo first met two years ago in the Hall Patterson mass communications computer lab.
At that time, Chunn was an actor for the reality campus TV series, “Trapped on Campus,” which was similar to BET’s “College Hill.”
Chunn played a character named Alex. Students began referring to Turner as Alex, although he said he did not understand why.
“I don’t think we look alike, but we do have the same southern hospitality,” Chunn said.
He said he feels that he and Turner share a dedication and a love for the university. They are both eager to participate in school activities and campus organizations.
Turner calls it an “identity mistake.” The mix-up seems to happen so often that he’s used to it now.
“I don’t get upset by it,” he said.
“People often ask me if I have a twin or a brother on campus,” Chunn said. “Before I used to be confused by this question, but now I already know who they are talking about so it’s easier to respond.”
They have traveled together with the Mass Communications Club to the Howard Job Fair, and they both went to Jena, La., to support the Jena Six.
Occasionally Turner and Chunn can be seen at lunch with a group of friends, including several other mass communication majors.
More people confuse the two now that Chunn is Mr. WSSU. It is not unusual for students to greet Turner as Mr. WSSU.
Shante Ross has known Turner and Chunn since August. She has also dealt with the “identity mistake” — of mixing up who is who. Ross said just recently she was able to tell them apart.
“It took me a couple months,” Ross said.
“It’s just weird. They favor, but they don’t look alike. Once you get to know them personally it’s easy to tell them apart.”
She feels that they both have a friendly personality which adds to the confusion.
“No matter which one I speak to, they both respond with a smile and a warm greeting,” Ross said.
Turner and Chunn say they have become more like brothers since meeting each other.
“I would tell anyone that Theodis is my brother,” Turner said.
“I see Alonzo as my brother,” Chunn said.
“He is dependable. Last year during my campaign for Mr. Ram, Alonzo offered his time and his camera expertise to assist me.”
“Although we are not biological brothers, we have found brotherhood through our friendship over the years,” Turner said.
Chunn, 23, is from Salisbury, N.C. Turner, 21, is from Raleigh, N.C.