The Swans of CSU

When you think of Clayton State University (CSU), what visual images come to mind?  Students gathered in the quadrangle talking and laughing, the beautiful wooded campus, or the modern, brand-new buildings are just a few that popped into my thoughts.  CSU does not have the storied history of schools like William and Mary, Harvard or Notre Dame but the supporters of my soon to be alma mater are not to be out done.

 One of the memories that I will take with me are of the images of the swans silently paddling around Swan Lake.  There are photographs of these iconic birds all over campus.  In the halls of the buildings, large poster size photographs adorn the walls.  On the brochures advertising the many advantages of an education from CSU are tranquil pictures of the lake.  The S.W.A.N is the acronym for the Secure Web Access Network that the students and faculty use for access to the many computer based portals used on the campus.

The first swans were donated by a professor in 1995 and they were named Rhett and Scarlett.  Rhett was killed by a dog while defending the nest and since then there have been several replacements all with names from the book Gone With The Wind.[1]  It is a common sight to see photographers wandering around the lake snapping pictures of these magnificent birds.  The students will sit on the park benches to read or watch.  I have taken leisurely strolls around the lake snapping pictures and stopping to reflect on the time that I have spent at CSU.  As one of the swans glides elegantly by, I note that this will be the image I take with me.

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[1]  "Legends." 2012. Clayton State University. 21 January 2012 http://www.clayton.edu/about/university/legends.

A Recipe For Success

When I try to think of an image that properly represents what Clayton State University means to me, the first thing that comes to my mind is a huge pot. While the swans, the lakes, the blue and orange school colors, and the Laker mascot are all visual images that stand out, Clayton State is so much more. I guess to a young and eager freshman, all of these things do make up our school. However, I am not a traditional student, so my perspective is a little different.

When I first moved to Clayton county twenty-two years ago, Clayton State University was Clayton Community College. I was only sixteen at the time and was preparing to go off to college. Clayton Community College was not even on my short list of schools to attend. I wanted to experience dorm life and all of the other activities that a four year institution had to offer. Clayton Community College offered none of these things.

As the years passed, this little unknown community college changed. It became a full four year college. Clayton State University grew in leaps and bounds. All of a sudden, there were four year degree programs, sorrorities, fraternities, and even dorms. People from all over were choosing to make Clayton State University the college of their choice. Young people were excited by the thought of attending CLSU.

Because of the peaceful environment that CLSU is nestled in, it also appeals to many non-traditional students like myself. When I step into my classrooms here at CLSU, I find myself among all types of people. There are young and older people. There are students of all ethnic backgrounds. This is also true of the faculty here. This is why I think of a pot whenever I think about Clayton State University. Clayton State is a huge melting pot that contains many different ingredients. In the near future, I can see my school contending with the bigger universities because in our very diverse melting pot, we are cooking up one sweet recipe of success.

                                                                                                                      By: Tamika R. Huff