Alumnae reminisce about school spirit

The alumni of Winston-Salem State have set a standard of school spirit.  

Avis Gray, a professor in the English and Foreign Languages Department, has fond memories of homecoming.   Gray is from Windsor,  N. C. and  a 1991 alumna.    

Gray said she always enjoyed the step show because it was one of the most popular events. 

"I participated in the show as a member of Zeta Phi Beta [Sorority, Inc]." 

 Gray recalls students being more socially active and supportive. 

"If the football team lost the game you couldn't tell," she said.  

"It was as if they won because being together was the cause of celebration."

She advises students to be proud of WSSU, despite the problems they [the students] may have. Gray returned to WSSU when the University contacted her.

  "I was honored by the invite. 

"It felt like it was my duty to come back."

Willie Mae Frazier, a native of Winston-Salem graduated in 1979 with a major in health and physical education. She works in the Computer Science Department and says she remembers playing alto saxophone in the marching band in the Mini [homecoming] Parade at the clock tower. 

 She said during the week of  homecoming everyone was close knit. 

 Since then, however, Frazier said she has noticed changes in school spirit in both the students and the faculty.  Frazier said she also remembers the football team having bad seasons. 

"There were occasions where the only people that were in the stands were the band and a few of the fans," Frazier said.

In 1982 Frazier began working at WSSU. 

Her advice for students: "Enjoy it [homecoming] and be supportive."

 Carolyn Thomas, a program assistant in the Honors Program, is a 1971 graduate. 

She said her favorite homecoming events when she was a student were the Mini Parade and the football game.

 "These events allowed time for us to get together and have fun," Thomas said.  

Thomas says that the students  were more involved at the time she attended Winston-Salem State. 

She advises students to get involved and participate in the activities. 

"It is an experience that they can never regain," Thomas said. 

 She says she returned to WSSU to give back. 

"I wanted to make a difference in student's lives and guide them on the right path."