Offices compete in Ram spirit competition

Imagine the shock of a student walking into an administrative office [in the Thompson Center] during homecoming with expectations of the usual "strictly business" zone transforming into a music-filled, interactive experience.

During homecoming week, enrollment management organized the first Winston-Salem State Staff Decorations Contest, themed: "Ram Pride All Day Every Day."

"This competition gives us an opportunity to invest in WSSU and care for students as a team," said Tomikia LeGrande, associate vice chancellor of enrollment management.

Staff members from participating offices were Billings and Receivables, Financial Aid, Registrar, Admissions, Integrated Student Services, and Recruitment and Enrollment Services.

"Events like this help to build alma mater love and pride," LeGrande said.

Five judges evaluated the office decorations on originality, creativity, neatness, artistic design and adherence to the theme.  

Financial Aid, the winning office staffers, transformed their lobby into a football field with Ram fan pictures.

  A slide show of various Ram football images aired on a flat screen TV.

They also gave a mini-performance featuring the WSSU mascot, Amon.

Financial Aid counselor Treva Baldwin said that the competition gave the office employees an opportunity to work as a team in a competitive manner.

Contestants were required to use all supplies they were given in a box provided by enrollment management – including the box.

The staffs were permitted to purchase additional supplies or decorations out of pocket, but their total cost could not exceed $100.

They were required to submit all receipts. They were also allowed to use music in their showcase, as long as it did not disrupt the work environment.

The office staffers not only decorated their lobbies, but they also dressed to match their theme.

Throughout the offices, homecoming spirit -- from past to present-- was exhibited on the walls, mirrors and floors.

The Admissions Office staff displayed a scene featuring tailgating, including food and two pull-out chairs in the waiting room.

The Registrar Office staff used a freeze frame camera to show the flow of homecoming.

A mock funeral service scene was displayed by the Solution Center, using its box as a coffin for Johnson C. Smith.

"It's a great feeling for homecoming," said Bendie Eliassaint, a graduate student mastering in information technology.

All of the staffs included archive photos, slideshows and vintage Ram memorabilia including quilts and yearbooks in their decorum.  

"We hope and trust that this win helps to demonstrate our commitment to WSSU and the ideal of "Ram Pride All Day Every Day Baldwin said.