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BIO IN BRIEF

FORMERCONGRESSMANFor the fourth distr ict of Oklahoma from 1995-2003

CHAIRMANOF THE J.C. WATTS COMPANIESprovides program leadership strategies, executes market development and public affairs

CORPORATE DIRECTOROR ADVISORfor John Deere, Wells Fargo, N A S C A R , C l e a r C h a n n e l Commun ica t ions , D i l l a rd ’s Department Stores

GRADUATE OFUNIVERSITYOF OKLAHOMAwith a degree. in Journalism

Dist inguished Vis i t ing Professor Speaks at Elon

Jack of all trades J.C. Watts discusses politics and characterby Steven Ebert

He’s been to D.C., Canada and Oklahoma. He’s an advisor to John Deere, Wells Fargo and NASCAR. He’s a commentator, a strategist and an ex-congressman. He also has two Orange Bowl victories and a degree in journalism. More importantly, he has character. ! J. C . Wat t s v i s i t e d E l o n University Tuesday night to discuss his time as an Oklahoma congressman as well as his experiences over the past 20 years in the political arena. Watts discussed a series of topics, all related to his main takeaway from the event: the need for character." “ I h ave a f a i r l y s i m p l e definition of character,” he said. “Character is simply doing what’s right when no one’s looking. We have a character deficit here in America.” " Watts discussed the need for doing what’s right in the face of what’s easy. “The crowd can be so seductive in leadership,” he said, referencing leaders’ narrow focus on crowd response. “They forget the fact that what is popular isn’t always right, and what’s right isn’t always popular.”" Watts also discussed the need for the public sector to match the style of the private sector. “Two things drive the market economy,” he told the crowd. “Innovation and competition. In the public sector, there’s no i n n o v a t i o n a n d t h e r e ’ s n o competition.”

Watts called for the need to continue measuring the progress of public programs. “If you don’t measure, if you don’t keep score, it’s just practice,” he said." Watts is the seventh Isabella Cannon Dist inguished Visi t ing Profes sor o f Leader sh ip. The program, designed to enhance Elon’s current leadership program, receives

support directly from the students and faculty at Elon, including President Leo Lambert. “We hope students take away a different perspective on leadership and how they might apply those principles to their lives,” Lambert said." Watts urged the audience to realize the need for change and honesty. “We can’t continue doing what we’ve done,” he said. “It is important in leadership that you be honest with your troops.”" “I want the truth,” he said. “Give me the truth.” " He also explained the need to focus on the real issues at hand. “We willnever deal with health care until we deal with health,” he said. “We don’t just kill ourselves with guns and spears. We kill ourselves with spoons and forks.”" He urged the audience to continue looking for positive outcome. “If we were to get it half right, think of where we would be,” he said. “I’m afraid we’ve lost our heart to say ‘what possibilities!’ and have begun to say ‘what possibilities?’”

In the same vein, Watts discussed the importance of looking for answers on one’s own. “You may find the facts go against the grain of what you believe,” he said. “Look at the math.”" After eight years in office, Watts said he has enjoyed his time away from Washington as well. “I’m doing real people things,” he said, “like going to the movies with my wife.” When asked if he would ever consider running for office again, Watts smiled. “I can’t say I wouldn’t do it again,” he said, “but it’s not on my bucket list.”

WRITING PORTFOLIO! STEVEN EBERT

PHOTO COURTESY OF ELON UNIVERSITY MEDIA RELATIONS

LEADERSHIP PROFESSOR SPEAKS AT ELON

D i r e c t o r , k e r n o d l e c e n t e r f o r s e r v i c e l e a r n i n g a n d c i v i c

e n g a g e m e n t

Lifelong learner Mary Morrison discusses qualities of leadership

MARY MORRISON

! Mary Morrison, director of the Kernodle Center of Service learning and Community Engagement spoke at the induction ceremony for the newest initiates of the Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honor Society on Sunday. Morrison, a self-proclaimed “lifelong learner” discussed the beginnings of leadership and urged the crowd to question themselves.! “When did you begin to think of yourself as a leader?” Morrison asked. “I thought all you had to do the be a leader was to win an election.” Morrison notes her search for a role model, turning towards figures like John Kennedy and Martin Luther King, but completely overlooking a very impactful leader in her life: her mother. “It wasn’t until after college that I began to appreciate my mother’s leadership style,” she said. Morrison explained the first of three major characteristics to every good leader. “They try to bring their best selves to every task,” she said, citing examples of a student who went above and beyond as a secretary for the Kernodle Center. “She brought her best self to every task,” she said. “What is your best self, and what do you present to the world when you are feeling and acting your best?” ! Morrison described the necessity of balance, explaining that there are four rooms in the mind: intellectual, social, physical,

and spiritual, all which need to be inhabited regularly.Morrison noted the second leadership characteristic: integrity on and off the job. “Know yourself and be yourself,” she said. “College is a time where we question our parents values and struggle with defining them for ourselves.” ! She urged inductees to serve as much as possible. “Take advantage of service opportunities- we learn about ourselves by serving with people who our different from ourselves.”! Morrison explained the value of respect and trust. “They are essential, and must be earned,” she said. “Kindness is your most important gift.”! She then cited the third positive quality of leadership: the ability to ask for help. “The best leaders,” she said, “are people who know how to ask for help from mentors, advisors, coaches and counselors.”! Morrison finished by explaining the need to surround yourself with support and to be malleable to those around you. “Be coachable,” she said. “Think about their feedback and decide if you agree and then start making changes.”

Creatorof the Kernodle Center Advisory Committee

Previouslythe director of programs and outreach, GEAR UP NC, University of North Carolina General Administration; director of APPLES Service Learning Program, UNC Chapel Hill; continuing education specialist; William and Ida Friday Center for Continuing Education, UNC Chapel Hill; extension agent, Orange County 4-H Cooperative Education.

Winnero f t he 2011 C i v i c Engagemen t Professional of the Year Award.

by Steven Ebert

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Highlights

by Steven Ebert

The Elon Board of Aldermen approved two portions of Elon’s construction tonight at the monthly town hall meeting, allowing for the first four story buildings in the town of Elon to be built on campus. Ken Mul l en , a s s i s t an t v i ce president for building and finance at Elon University, says that the four new residence buildings will be erected by Lake Mary Nell. ! “Construction should begin right after graduation,” Mullen said. All board members voted in favor of the construction." The board also unanimously voted in favor of the zoning of the area that outlines construction of The Station at Mill Point, a new set of town-home style residences designed for upperclassmen at the

university. The construction will take place across from the firehouse on the Firehouse Fields. Brad Moore, the associate director of planning, design and construction management spoke about the new construction of the Station.! “Phase I will be complete in Ju l y 2012 , ” he s a id . “T he remaining 10 buildings will be completed by July 2013.”" Town Manager Michael Dula noted an interesting trend of growth in the population of Elon, explaining that the population is expected to grow by almost 3,000. Citing the last census, which was taken ten years ago, Dula reported that the town had group from around 6,700 residents to an estimated 9,419 residents.

Board also elects two to Parks and Recreation Commission

Elon Board of Aldermen approvesUniversity construction

Left: Design plan for The Station at Mill Point

Above: Design plan for the new Global Neighborhood

For more information on the Elon Board of Alderman: visit elonnc.com

To find out more about Elon’s construction:visit elon.edu and click on “building an incredible campus”

Other agenda points from the Board of

Aldermen:

LOREM ENIMR E A L E S T A T E

The Elon Board of Aldermen

• Approved the request by Elon University to rezone property on 762 and 764 East Haggard Avenue from an Industrial Zoning District to a Public and Institutional Zoning District. This is to allow for the Elon University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program and new Physician Assistant’s program to be housed there.

•Adopted a revision to the Alamance County Hazard Mitigation Plan

•Appointed John Peterson and Brenda Morris to the Parks and Recreation Commission

photos courtesy of Elon University Media Relations, elonnc.com

Insight from Solnit:

“Everyday life is a kind of disaster for most people.”

“Getting the story right matters for survival, as well as for justice and for history.”

“The rules are different in disaster.”

“Disaster is often a moment of liberation.”

“When you say there is no hope, there is no hope. But if you take a stand, there is hope.”

Disaster journalist speaks at ElonRebecca Solnit offers insight on disaster, hope, and the power of the human spirit

by Steven Ebert

Author and journalist Rebecca Solnit appeared at Elon University Monday evening, discussing the ability of humanity to rise to the occasion after disaster strikes. Focusing on her book “A Paradise Built in Hell: The Extraordinary Communit ie s that Ar i se in Disaster,” Solnit called the audience to think outside of the box about d i sa s te r and to cont inue to challenge leaders to do what is right in the face of what is easy. “Ideas matter,” Solnit explained to the audience. “Ideas shift our world.” " Solnit took a departure from her notes to discuss the recent upr i s ing in the Middle East , specifically, the changeover of power in Egypt and Tunisia. “The barrier of fear has been removed,” she said. “It really is the beginning of the end of the regime in the region. There were moments where people found they were powerful, that they were important. They had history in their hands.”" Solnit started researching disaster after her time in high school. Completing the tenth grade and graduating with a GED, Solnit spent a br ie f per iod of t ime studying in Paris before returning to California. There, she attended San Francisco State University and

the University of Cal i fornia at Berkeley, where she earned her Masters in Journalism. Having worked as both an art critic and a museum researcher, Solnit began writing independently in 1988. An advocate both on and off the page, she has been involved in numerous human rights campaigns, including the Western Shoshone Defense Project in the early 1990s." “Disaster is often a moment of liberation,” Solnit explained. “The point is not to welcome disaster, the point is that disaster offers a window into societal desire.”

Solnit took time to discuss the abuse the news media enacts upon the disaster-stricken. She cited a series of examples of print journalism characterizing citizens searching for food and supplies as “looters,” and discussed the damaging effects the media had on New Orleans post- Hurricane Katrina.

“The editors back in their safe offices cook up their crazy headlines,” she said. After incorrectly repor t ing death to l l s a t the Superdome and a series of other statistics, many newspapers offered retractions. Solnit said this was too late, however because “the damage had already been done.”

So ln i t cha l l enged the audience to ask questions of authority rather than accept what they say at face value. She cited a series of examples where those in a position of authority acted in a manner to prevent uprising. “We’re told we become sheep or wolves in times of crisis,” she said. “We need to be reminded that we have souls.”

Solnit was asked how to stand up to authority in times of

d i sa s te r. “Peop le s t i l l make mistakes,” she said. “Ask what their plan is.” She added that many cities now have emergency plan managers, and that things are getting better. Solnit briefly touched on why she researches and writes about disaster.. “There are a lot of disasters in store for us in the coming years,” she said. “There are more vulnerable people than ever before.” Solnit said that there is hope and even beauty in turmoil. “A disaster unfolds a little like a revolution,” she said. “Disaster reveals what else the world can be like. Making paradise is the work that we are meant to do.” “There are a lot of disasters in store for us in the coming years,” she said. “There are more vulnerable people than ever before.” Solnit said that there is hope and even beauty in turmoil. “A disaster unfolds a little like a revolution,” she said. “Disaster reveals what else the world can be like. Making paradise is the work that we are meant to do.”

Nathan Rode keeps a notebook with him everywhere he goes. “You can’t believe the places you’ll have an epiphany,” he says. It sits next to him while he sleeps, in his pocket while he sits in the bleachers at the high school stadium, and on his desk in the office. “You can’t force leads to come to you,” he says. “You have to be patient.”" He played 2nd Base in high school. “I think it’s one of the most underrated positions,” he says. “I was pretty good at defense.” But he doesn’t play anymore. “It’s hard,” he says with a sigh. “It’s hard as hell, man.”" Nathan knows a lot about basebal l , especial ly high school players. “I like doing the high school stuff,” he says, “because they’re not as arrogant yet.” As a journalist, he spends quite a bit of time in the bleachers, radar gun in hand. “You’ve got to be willing to do anything and everything,” he says. " He didn’t always want to be a sports writer. Before he started writing for Baseball America, Nathan was planning on majoring in Sports Management. That soon changed after he got involved with the Pendulum, Elon University’s newspaper. He spent a semester as a sports writer, and then took the position of sports editor the following semester. He then applied and was chosen for the prestigious position of editor-in-chief. " Having spent the past seven years of his life writing, he knows quite a bit about the process. “Write, write, write,” he says. “You can’t just write the stories that are assigned to you. You have to venture out.”He says mistakes are a necessary part of the learning process. “Learn and adapt,” he says, sharing an anecdote about a misleading headline. “Don’t dwell on the fact that you screwed up. If you make a mistake, that’s part of the process.”

" He tells another a story, this one about high school. He was inter viewed by a reporter and nothing he said made it to the article. He told himself when he became a writer that he would do no such thing. “I do everything I can to use the information,” he says. “If someone takes the time to talk to you, use their information. People l ike to see the i r name in the newspaper.”

" As far a s writ ing goes , there’s only one thing he finds more frustrating: incorrect information. “It drives me nuts when they don’t have the facts right,” he says, “because they don’t ask the experts. Ask the experts. Don’t sensationalize it.”" He talks about the balance between passion and payoff. “Have a backup plan,” he says. “A lot of things I did were risky. If you’re in Communications, be prepared not to work 40 hours. Be prepared to work 50 or 60. If you want to be a journalist, be prepared to not be the breadwinner. You gotta work for it. You gotta pay your dues.”" He explains that, at the end of the day, every opportunity is an opportunity to learn. “The biggest thing you can do is keep learning,” he says. “Every day is a learning experience. Understand you’re going to be learning every day.”

A DREAM DEFERREDBY STEVEN EBERT

Rode sits in the stands with a radar gun. Image courtesy of: Baseball America

“Don’t dwell on the

f ac t that you

screwed up. If you

make a mistake,

that’s part of the

process.”

POLICE BEATFEBRUARY 2011

ELDERLY WOMAN REPORTED MISSING! Rosa Rodriquez, 86, of Burlington was reported missing late Saturday night by her son Ricardo Rodriguez. Rosa, who also answers to the name “Lula” is described as weighing 150 pounds, five feet, four inches tall with broan hair and brown eyes and a scar on her right cheek. She was last seen at 6:30 a.m. Saturday morning wearing white shoes, black shirt and blue slacks. Those with information can contact Lt. Latawnya James at 555-6220.

SUSPECT SOUGHT IN CONNECTION WITH THIRD ASSAULT OF THE YEARA Burlington woman was shot yesterday, the third assault victim of the year. Police are still searching for her attacker.Jane Lincoln, 51, of 809 Driftwood Drive told police she was shot in the early hours of Friday morning after returning from her job as

a night-shift supervisor at Walmart on Huffman Mill Road. Police are now in search of the man connected with the crime.“A stranger - a male - approached her and demanded money,” Captain Billy Bob Johnson told the press. “She replied she had none,

and the man shot her in the arm, grabbed her purse and fled down Driftwood Drive.”This marks the third assault and robbery of this year, following incidents on January 5, where a man was shot in the leg and had his

wallet stolen, and February 13, where two victims were shot in the neck and arms and had their purses stolen. Only ten assaults/robberies were reported in Burlington last year.

FIVE INJURED IN CAR COLLISION" Five people were injured in a head-on collision that took place at the intersection of Church Street and Highway 87 at 7 a.m. this morning. Two cars collided in front of Jefferies Auto Supply, causing one of the cars to burst into flames. 16 emergency responders were on the scene using extrication tools to remove the victims. " Colby Richardson, 22, of 615 Blue Street, and his passenger, Guadelupe Rivas, 20, of 619 Pine Drive are currently in critical condition at UNC-Chapel Hill Medical Center after suffering severe burns on the scene, according to a hospital spokesperson. " Brenda Gee, 32, and her two children Luke and Laura are all in good condition at Alamance Regional Medical Center, according to a hospital report. The wreck is still under investigation, and charges are pending following interviews with witnesses. ! “The children in this situation were saved by the correct use of safety harnesses and their placement in the back seat,” said Police Captain Juanita Ramirez. “It’s a lesson for everyone.”

SHOTS FIRED AFTER POLICE SEEK SUSPECTED FELON" Shots were fired on Smithfield Road Sunday night at 8 p.m. after police stopped a taxi with a passenger sought in connection with domestic disturbance.! Arthur George McGregor, 27, of 1352 Westmoreland Ave fired at officers when they stopped the taxi on Smithfield Road near Roger’s Discount Barn. The two responding officers each returned one round of fire before apprehending the suspect. " A convicted felon with a lengthy record, police are holding McGregor on two counts of felony assault with a firearm on a law enforcement officer.! The cab driver, a native of Belize by the name of Enrique Mabnieux, was praised by Police Captain Juanita Ramirez, who noted that his “cooperation in the face of danger” was commendable. ! Mabnieux, who has been living in the Burlington area for the past 12 years, said he picked up McGregor at the Ajax Arms Hotel. “His clean looks and backpack made me think he may be a student,” he said. When police began to follow, McGregor panicked. “He started panicking, saying, ‘Man, get me out of here. I’ll pay you some money,’” Mabnieux said.! Mabnieux said he would have to take time to think about the situation. “I do not understand conflicts,” he said. “Why do people commit crimes? Why do they fight?”

News and Information

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE! ! ! ! Contact: Steven EbertMonday, April 11, 2011! ! ! ! ! 336.673.3700! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! sebert@ncdhhs.gov______________________________________________________________________North Carolina Department of Health to Provide Free Testing for West Nile

! In a joint effort by federal, state, local and private agencies, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced its sponsorship of the West NIle Surveillance program, which will offer free testing for the West Nile Virus for all North Carolina residents.! Last year, there were 27 human cases of mosquito-transmitted West Nile virus infection reported to the department of health, along with 759 horses and 185 birds. ! The surveillance program includes the reporting and testing of sick horses and dead bird, the trapping and testing of mosquitoes, and monitoring symptoms and illnesses in humans. All testing is being funded through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.! Most people are infected by West NIle through contact with mosquitoes and often have few to no symptoms. The virus cannot be caught by touching a dead bird, but health officials recommend wearing gloves as a precaution.! North Carolina health officials encourage citizens to report observation of any sick or dying birds, as bird testing is the best means to detect the virus. More information on the surveillance program is available through the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services at 1-800-555-1212. The program will remain in effect through November.

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News and Information

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE! ! ! ! Contact: Steven EbertMonday, April 11, 2011! ! ! ! ! 336.673.3700! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! sebert@elon.edu______________________________________________________________________Elon University Student Government Seeks Volunteers for Adopt-a-Street Program

! The Elon University Student Government Association announced the Adopt-a-Street Program today, a combined initiative of more than 600 students from eighteen on-campus organizations. The program, which involves students in the beautifying of the community in campus, is in need of volunteers from the Elon community.! The project is the latest volunteer service event organized by members of the university community, a large body that made up of students, faculty, and staff. Multiple on-campus organizations have pledged their support, including the Greek Affaris Council, the Resident Halls Association, Student Senate, Criminal Justice Club, ROTC, Public Relations Student Society of America, and the Womenʼs Caucus.! 14 streets are included in the cleanup initiative, and stretch from easternmost High Street all the way to Prince Street, as well as Orange Street directly south of campus to Richard Avenue two miles north. A full list of locations is available on the SGA website. ! The first cleanup is planned for the fall semester, and will include basic cleanup and leaf raking. Other projects planned for the springs semester include trash and debris removal.! The SGA is still looking for community and student volunteers. Members meet at 8 [p.m. on Tuesdays in Mooney 210. Those interested are encouraged to call the Office of Student Affairs at (336) 555-1111.! Elon students annually contribute more than 10,000 hours of volunteer service to the community, while faculty and staff contribute several thousand more hours within various community groups.

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News and Information

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE! ! ! ! Contact: Steven EbertMonday, April 11, 2011! ! ! ! ! 336.673.3700! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! sebert@niiuca.org ______________________________________________________________________Study Finds Weather Damage Resulted in $2.5 Billion in Insurance Payouts Last Year

! The National Institute of Insurance Underwriters and Claims Adjusters announced that over $2.5 billion was paid in the past year to repair or replace property damaged by hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods, an increase of almost 25 percent from the previous year. ! The President of the NIIUCA, James Addison, announced at the San Diego conference that hurricanes that struck Mississippi, ALabama, Louisiana and Florida caused $512 million in damage, while severe flooding in the Southeastern United States was one of the major causes for the increased insurance payouts. ! “These projects are very preliminary,” Addison said. “The total number of claims and their costs could vary depending on the amount of federal aid thatw as provided, but it still was a costly year for the insurance industry.”! Most homeowners who have flood insurance are insured through the National Flood Insurance Program, which is funded by the federal government. ! Some insurance experts are questioning whether global weather patterns are changing and could be responsible for the increase in severe weather.! For more information on the event in San Diego and the findings of the study, contact NIIUCA at 1-800-555-0000.

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NASA retires 30-year shuttle programElon residents respond with mixed reviews

By Steven Ebert

! The shuttle Discovery is on its last voyage as NASA shuts down its Space Shuttle program this week. After returning, Discovery will be brought to the Smithsonian for display, with the three remaining shuttles being retired this year.

The U.S. space agency’s goals to return to the moon have been placed on hold, a direct result of the 2011 budget request submitted by President Barack Obama. The cancellation of the program will cost roughly $2 billion, a figure that pales in comparison to the $19 billion budget allocated to NASA, a sum that will be used in part for commercially built space vehicles.

Reactions have been mixed across the board both nationally and locally.! “This new path is a big change. I realize that,” said NASA Administrator Charles Bolden. “But it is not a change from the guiding principles of NASA.”! Congressman Pete Olson (R-Texas) was not nearly as optimistic. “This is a crippling blow to America’s human spaceflight program,” he said. “It has taken over 50 years to build and develop America’s ascension to its rightful place as the dominant player in human spaceflight. That dominance is apparently no longer desired.”! Local residents were also split on the worth of space exploration. ! “It’s a big deal,” said K.C. Wood, a mechanic in Burlington. “It’s the answer to everybody’s question.” ! Ellen Smith, Elon alumna and graduate student at NC State, agreed with Wood. “It’s a great way to teach people about science,” she said. “Someday we’re going to ruin this earth and we may need to live in space. It’s NASA!” !

“I believe they could use the money for a lot better things,” said Stacy Cox, a construction worker from Burlington. “People are losing their jobs, people are losing their houses.”! Reactions were equally mixed on what NASA’s next step should be.! Smith said NASA has an opportunity on earth, and should focus on “anything they can to help conserve our planet.” Jesse Cox, a carpenter, agreed, noting they could do “research on our planet, anything long-term.”! John Morsten, a beer retailer and distributor, said he thinks money can be found elsewhere. “They should look for private donations,” he said. “Maybe even look for advertisers.”! Dan Jones, a construction worker, agrees. “Privatization is the way to go,” he said. ! Some, including Cox, are not as supportive of future endeavors. ! “What should they do next? What haven’t they done? I think they’ve done enough.”

Career Panel Speaks to Elon StudentsAlumni note the importance of networking and “the little things”

by Steven Ebert

A panel of four Elon University alumni spoke at the first panel discussion of Elon’s Professional Discovery Week, a week dedicated to helping students discover career opportunities in a variety of majors. The first panel, “How to Win Friends and Influence Your Career! Strategies from School of Communications Alumni,” was led by Ross Wade, the assistant director of Career Services for the School of Communications at Elon University. “It’s going to sound complicated and crazy, because it is,” said Eric Hall, speaking of his employment history since graduating. Hall, who works for CNN after graduating in 2005, was joined by Julie Marateck, a 2003 graduate who focused on documentary production after graduation. She now works at the High Museum in Atlanta. Laura Ward and Ryan Sweeney, both of whom graduated just last year, presented about their jobs: positions at National Geographic TV and Ignite Social Media, respectively. All four speakers referenced the importance of internships, the need to take risks, and, most importantly, networking. “Subtlety and showing your personality are keys,” said Marateck. “It’s the little things. Always send a thank you note, handwritten.” Hall echoed this, citing his experience working with Barbara Walters, CNN, Glenn Beck, and FOX. “You have to take risks. Good, calculated risks,” he said. “You can be confident, even if you don’t have the experience. Ideas go a long way.” As well, the panelists all noted the vital importance of networking. “Let them know that you can work on their team,” Hall said, a thought that was echoed by Ryan Sweeney. “Meet as many people as you can in the office,” Sweeney said. Most importantly, the speakers encouraged the students to follow their hearts. Ward remembered asking herself before leaving Elon, “what’s the last thing I want to do before I walk out of here?” Hall ended by noting the importance of not becoming arrogant. “Stay ambitious,” he said, “but stay humble.”

Panelists Discuss the Future and Hope for Things to ComeReporter: Steven Ebert

---Anchor Lead-in---The message was hope and commitment at this years’ much anticipated Spring Convocation. Brian Williams moderated this year’s event, which included top leaders from around the country. Our reporter Steven Ebert is live outside of the Alumni Gym with more details.

---Live Stand-up--- Shot in field with nat sound of students in backgroundEBERT: I’m here outside of the Alumni Gym where students are reeling after this year’s spring convocation. This year’s panel of speakers took part in what is being called “inspirational”, “incredible”, and a “huge success”.

---SOT (Patel)--- Shot of Patel speaking to audience“You have to do what you love.”

---VO--- Shot of standing ovation, nat sound of applause; quick shots of each speakerEBERT: Elon students responded with roaring applause and a standing ovation at this year’s panel of speakers for the 2011 Spring Convocation. Guests on the platform included political analyst David Gergen, former U.S. Comptroller David Walker, the President of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Shirley Ann Jackson, Founder of Interfaith Youth Core Eboo Patel, and co-founder of the Knowledge is Power Program, David Levin. The forum was moderated by none other than NBC Nightly News Anchor Brian Williams. The topics discussed varied between education, the environment, and the future wellbeing of the country.

---SOT (Gergen)--- Shot of him speaking“When they say you are the leaders of the future, they are wrong. You can be the leaders of today. We cannot wait for you to spend another ten years to jump in. You’ve got to commit yourself not only to improvement. You have to make this the work of a lifetime.”

---VO--- shot of scrolling webpage, pullout of quoted tweetsEBERT: Many students attending the event spent time relaying the panel’s discussion over twitter, quoting some incredible insight from the panelists. One student quoted Eboo Patel, tweeting, “Find what you love to do, and a find a way to give it away.” When Brian Williams’ called Stanford “The Elon of the West”, an explosion of tweets ensued. Convocation ended with Elon University President Leo Lambert addressing the graudating class.

---SOT (Lambert)---Shot of him speaking“You know our motto is Numen Lumen: intellectual light and spiritual light. Every year, Elon gives a great gift to the world. This year, we get to make that gift with the class of 2011.”

---Live Stand-up outside of Alumni Gym---The student body on campus seems to be overwhelmingly pleased with the platform of speakers, setting the bar high for future Convocations to come. Steven Ebert, Phoenix 14 News.

Footage of students walking off of bus

Shot of Juanita James

CG: Juanita James; President, Guilford County School Board

Live shot holding weekly agenda outside of school board building

Shot of ACLU BuildingGraphic of ACLU Logo

Shot of Lincoln Washington

CG: Lincoln Washington; Member, Greeensboro ACLU

Shot of Juanita James

-----VO-----Less creativity or more equality? that’s what’s at stake for the Guilford County School Board as they discuss creating uniforms for elementary schools in the county...Juanita James thinks it will make everything more fair.

-----SOT (James) ----- “Some parents and teachers have been urging that uniforms be required of students. They make for a level playing field. If students dress the same, they can all be treated with the same respect.”

-----Stand-up----- The proposal will be discussed here by the Guilford County School Board at Tuesday’s monthly meeting...If passed, it would require that students in all eight elementary schools wear white shirts and navy blue slacks or skirts each day.

------VO----- But not everyone is in support of the new proposal...The Greensboro chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union plans to speak out against the uniforms...Lincoln Washington will be there with them.

-----SOT (Washington)----- “A uniform requirement would stifle individuality and force conformity. Students would lose their right to send a message.”

-----VO----- James thinks that parents can benefit from the uniforms as well.

-----SOT (James)----- “It can also save money in the long run. Parents don’t feel they have to keep their children clothed in the current fashions.”

-----Stand-up-----Live from the Guilford County School Board Building...Steven Ebert...Phoenix 14 News.

Footage of people using disposals

Shot of garbage disposalShot of City Council Building

Shot of Jack Smith

Graphic of Agenda with callouts of Burlington Sierra Club and Home Builders’ Association

Shot of Lincoln

Shot of Home Builders’ Association HQ

Shot of Jack Smith

-----VO-----You use it to throw away your leftovers...but that may not be an option for much longer...garbage disposals are on the agenda at this week’s City Council meeting to discuss whether or not a ban should be imposed...City Manager Jack Smith says disposals aren’t all they’re cracked up to be.

-----SOT (Smith) -----“Misuse of disposals is to blame for many sewer backups. This is the only way we can avoid a major problem with sewers in this city.”

-----Stand-up----- The regulation on the use of disposals in the city of Burlington will be discussed right here at the City Council meeting on Monday night...if approved, the new regulation will ban the addition of disposals in all new construction in town.

------VO----- But not everyone is in support of the new proposal...both the Burlington Sierra Club and the Home Builders’ Association plan to speak out against the regulation Monday...Judy Lincoln says the new proposal is all trash.

-----SOT (Lincoln)----- “It is a negative development that must be stopped. The ban would lead to more trash and the need for more landfills.”

-----VO----- A statement from the Home Builders’ Association said that people will just add disposals later on...something the regulation would not affect...Smith says the problem will just get worse.

-----SOT (Smith)----- “It’s only a matter of time before this explodes in a nasty way.”

-----Stand-up-----The council will vote on the proposal after the debate this Monday. Live from the City Council Building...Steven Ebert...Phoenix 14 News

Yale Professor Lends Insight on Future of Health Care

Reporter: John Jacob

---Anchor Lead-in---Yale Professor Jacob Hacker spent the evening at Elon tonight, discussing the future of healthcare reform. His speech, “Reform 2.0, The Battle over the Future of American Health Care” is the seventh lecture in the Elder Lecture series. Reporter John Jacob is live outside of Whitley Auditorium. John? ---Live Stand-up---Students in line for book signing by Hacker.JACOB: I’m standing outside of Whitley tonight where lines to speak with Jacob Hacker are long after he finished delivering his speech on health care reform. ---SOT (Hacker)--- Shot of Hacker speaking to crowd from podium“I almost start to tear up up, because that’s what the essence of our education should be.” ---VO--- Shot of Hacker walking and speakingJACOB: That’s what Yale Professor Jacob Hacker said about Elon’s mission statement, one he said was extremely important to the future of our world. Hacker spoke to a crowd of students at faculty at Whitley auditorium on the future of health care in America. ---SOT (Hacker)--- Hacker speaking to crowd“I can’t think of a more important subject than Health Care 2.0. It’s going to change drastically, and we’re going to be experience Health Care 2.0. It’s within our power to change and create.” ---VO--- Shot of Hacker motioning at powerpointJACOB: Hacker said that the future of the economy needs to work for people like the Dorsett family, and that families like theirs are constant reminders of the importance of the debate. ---SOT (Hacker)---Shot of him speaking“At last count there were 50,000,000 Americans without health care. That’s not even the poorest of the poor, because they have medicare. Generally, that’s the middle class.” ---Live Stand-up outside Whitley Auditorium---Outside of Whitley Auditorium, this is John Jacob, Phoenix 14 News. ---Anchor Tag Out---Hacker also spent times in classrooms today getting to know more about Elon’s campus. He told the crowd to night that it was “great to hear from students.”