OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS
Salem Buzz
The Salem Buzz is a publication of the Salem College
Office of Admissions written by Salem students for
prospective Salem students.
Salem College offers equal opportunity in its employment, admissions, and educational activities, in
compliance with Title IX and other civil rights laws.
Welcome to the Buzz
Salem Community Swarms to
Hear Hotel Rwanda Hero
Good Times...Great Food!
Senioritis
First Year 101
Dates to Remember
Ask Suzie Salem
Senior Reflection
A Newsletter For
Prospective Salem Students
Buzz
Spring 2006
WELCOME
Salem Community Swarms to Hear Hotel Rwanda Hero
to the Buzz
Welcome to the Spring Issue
of the Salem College Buzz.
This official Salem newsletter
is designed to keep prospective students updated on life
here at Salem College.
English poet Christina Rossetti described spring as “a
time when life is alive in
everything,” and students
everywhere can agree!
High school seniors are making their final college decisions while at the same
time wrapping up their high
school careers. Dresses have
been bought for prom and
yearbooks are waiting to be
signed. High school juniors
are poised to take over the
campus, anxiously awaiting
the highs and privileges of
being a senior.
Life is very similar on Salem’s campus this time of
year. Seniors are waiting to
hear about various jobs and
graduate schools, confident
that their four years at Salem
have prepared them for life’s
next journey. Juniors are
busy squaring away summer
internships and jobs, knowing that these opportunities
will provide valuable life experiences.
There are also many exciting events taking place on
campus. Salem students
are getting ready for the annual Susan G. Komen’s Race
for the Cure , an event that
draws hundreds of people
to help in the fight against
breast cancer. Student government elections are taking
place, and those running for
office are looking forward to
being leaders next year.
We invite you to explore
these opportunities on Salem’s campus and to see the
ways that spring is alive in
everything!
S
peaking in a packed Salem auditorium, Paul Rusesabagina told
of his harrowing efforts to survive the 1994 Rwandan genocide and
save 1,200 refugees who swarmed into
his hotel to escape death. Rusesabagina, the real-life hero who inspired the
movie, Hotel Rwanda, spoke March
1st in Hanes Auditorium as part of the
Salem College Lecture Series.
of genocide started when two groups,
the Tutsis and Hutus, began killing
each other. More than 800,000 Tutsis
and Hutus were killed. Rusesabagina,
who has a mixed heritage as the son of
a Hutu father and a Tutsi mother, married a woman of Tutsi heritage, making
their own children of mixed heritage.
He brought his family to the Hotel
des Mille Collines for safety. Then
taking up his role as hotel manager, he
sheltered more that 1,200 Tutsis and
moderate Hutus from certain death by
Hutu extremists.
Anxious crowds gathered in the Fine
Arts Center as early at 5:00pm, crowding at the doors to Hanes, eager to
find a good seat. College 101 students
were let in half an hour early to get a
Rusesabagina works to raise internaseat to view the speaker whose work
tional awareness of persistent genocide
they had been reading and discussing
in Africa today. He founded the Hotel
by
in class this spring. When the doors
Rwanda Rusesabagina Foundation to
Sarah Webster and
finally opened to the public at 6:30pm,
provide financial assistance to women
Dianne Willard
crowds swarmed in and less than
and children affected by genocide in
fifteen minutes later it was announced
both Rwanda and Sub Saharan African
that those without a seat were to move
nations, especially Darfur in Sudan.
to Shirley Recital Hall, where they could watch the
To his large Salem audience, he gave a message of hope,
speech on a live video feed. Extra chairs were brought in
determination, and courage. He said, “Where there’s a
for a group of children from a local church. “It seems like will, there’s a way.” Rusesabagina went on to say that
everyone is trying to pack themselves into the auditohe spoke to “raise awareness,” adding, “let your leaders
rium,” said first year student Leigh Black, who was there
know there is help needed. It is up to you to make it
with her College 101 class. When all seats were full in
how you want it.”
Hanes and Shirley, people were still packed tightly at the
Asked what he thought would have to happen in Africa
doors trying to catch a glimpse of Rusesabagina.
to aid in its future, he explained that Africa needs more
Once the crowd settled, junior Stephanie Moser, a Comthan money. He believes that Africa needs a space in
munication major, introduced Paul Rusesabagina, who
world politics and that world leaders need to know
was met with a standing ovation as he came out from
what is going on and the do something about it. He
behind the curtain in Hanes. He began his speech by say- said Africa also needs a sincere dialog among its people
ing that he would point out the differences between the
to rid itself of dictatorships and bad leaders. Finally,
movie and what really happened to him and his family.
the continent needs to come to terms with itself and
Rusesabagina, now 51, is an educated man who grew up
reconcile its past.
on a farm in Murama, 50 miles south of Rwanda’s capital
Rusesabagina now owns a trucking company and lives
city of Kigali. He studied at the Faculty of Theology in
Cameroon and graduated from Utalii College in Nairobi, with is wife and four children in a suburb of Brussels,
Belgium. He said that he was not strong or brave but that
Kenya. His education led him to a career in hotel manhe knew one day he would die and that he did not have
agement, and it was a manager of the Hotel des Mille
time to hope that day could be postponed. So thrust into
Collines in Kigali, that his life was irrevocably changed.
a situation, he saved lives. Although Rusesabagina says
Rwanda is a small, densely populated country, land
he is not a hero, he received the Presidential Medal of
locked in central Africa. In the spring of 1994, 100 days Freedom from President George Bush in 2005.
Good Times...Great Food!
Looking for a great place to hang out off campus? We took a poll of Salem student’s favorite
local hang outs. Check out our list of Winston-Salem hot spots for more information on where
Salem students unwind.
Best Coffee Shops
Ollie’s
Starbucks
Borders Café
Best Pizza
The Loop
Mario’s
Mellow Mushroom
Best Live Music
Ziggy’s
Sixth & Vine
Speak Easy Jazz
Best Ethnic Food
Mi Pueblo (Mexican)
Arigato Japanese Steakhouse
Miss Annie’s (Jamaican)
Best Stores at Hanes Mall
The Gap
Abercrombie & Fitch
Nine West Shoes
Best Ice Cream
Mayberry’s
Coldstone Creamery
Carvel
Best Sandwich
The Carving Board
Jersey Mike’s
Jason’s Deli
Best Place For A Stroll
Old Salem
Reynolda Gardens
Hanes Park
Hot Tips for Seniors
Senioritis
Each spring, thousands of high school seniors across
the country are affected with a debilitating disease…
Senioritis. The causes for the disease are still unknown,
but reports have shown that cases increase with the
purchase of graduation caps and gowns. While there is
no cure, there are preventative measures students can
take in the coming months.
Although you may be tempted to take an afternoon
nap or spend hours at the mall preparing for prom,
don’t let your hard work fall by the wayside. With exams and final projects fast approaching, many students
find their senior year to be highly stressful. Remember
that you have spent the past four years cultivating great
study habits, and now is the time to tap into those
strengths. Keep up with project deadlines and avoid
procrastination. Continue to look for scholarship
opportunities, stay on top of your grades, and begin
working on important summer plans!
Dates to Remember
Seniors, mark your calendars for these
very important Salem dates! Here is
your sneak peek at semester dates,
campus holidays, and important Salem events.
First Year 101: Things You Won’t Find in the Catalog
Always remember to set your alarm clock, and
maybe your cell phone alarm, too!
Keep Hot Pockets, Easy Mac and Ramen Noodles on
hand for a late night snack.
Mid-day naps are a must.
It’s okay to schedule your classes around your favorite soap operas or Oprah.
Don’t forget to call mom and dad regularly.
Click “SAVE” after every sentence.
Separate your lights from your darks.
AIM is an acceptable form of communication with
your roommate.
Don’t forget to periodically look at your class syllabus.
Attempt to clean your room every now and then!
It’s okay to be on a first name basis with the pizza
and chinese food delivery guys.
Two words…shower shoes!
It is perfectly fine to be at Walmart at 2am.
Dining hall trays make excellent sleds. (Don’t forget
to return them!)
The library is a great place to escape residence hall
distractions.
August 20Residence halls
open for students
involved in cross
country, volleyball,
soccer, and WFU
Band
August 23 Summer Study
Program begins
August 26 Residence halls
open for new
students and
Orientation begins
The best way to make new friends is to get involved
on campus!
August 29 Register for classes
Don’t forget/lose your keys or student ID.
August 30 Fall semester
begins
September 27
Fall Fest!
Classes suspended
October 13-17
Fall Break
October 27 Family Weekend
Turn off your cell phone before going to class.
Facebook is a great way to keep in touch with friends
from home.
Take lots of pictures…they will make the memories
last forever!
November 22-26Thanksgiving Break
December 18 Winter Break
begins
January 3
January Term
begins
January 15 Martin Luther King,
Jr. Day
February 5Spring Semester
begins
March 16-25 Spring Break
April 9Easter Monday,
classes suspended
What to Bring
April 27 Curious about what to bring this fall? Here is a helpful list of a few necessities.
1. Shower Caddy – An essential for caring your stuff to and from the shower.
6. Sheet Sets (2) – Yes, you’ll need at least two sets…
you must change your sheets!
2. Laundry Detergent – Don’t forget to separate your
colors and remember that it can’t all fit in one load!
7. Favorite Pillow or Stuffed Animal – Don’t worry,
everyone brings one!
3. Favorite Movies – A must-have for late night procrastination and Salem Sister bonding.
8. Cell Phone & Charger – Not just for calling friends,
mom and dad do need to hear from you every now
and then.
4. Trash Can – A necessity that everyone always seems
to forget.
5. Flip-Flops – Great for running down the hall for
random visits and great for doubling as shower
shoes.
9. Your Parents’ Old Clothes – A “70’s Disco” or “80’s
Prom” themed party will definitely take place sometime during your college career.
10.Posters – A fun and easy way to decorate your room!
Founders Day
Celebration
May 16 Spring semester
ends
May 26Commencement
Senior Reflection
W
by Jessica Ramsey, Class of 2006
hen Salem sent me their application, I threw it in the trash without even
opening it, emphatically stating that I was NEVER going to a women’s
college. This May, Salem will give me another piece of paper, one that I
hope to frame and hang on my wall, representing four wonderful years of my life.
Still, that diploma fails to adequately convey all that I have experienced in my time
at this institution.
ASK
Susi e Salem
Dear Susie Salem,
Great news…I’m coming to Salem in the
fall! I’m so excited to be a part of the Class
of 2010! It’s been a long, and sometimes
difficult road, but I’m glad it has brought me
to Salem. I’m relieved to have made my final
decision and now I’m curious what steps I
need to take this summer. Is there anything
specific I should do before arriving in the
fall? I’m the first kid in my family to go to
college, so this is all new to me. Any advice
would be great!
Excited in El Paso, TX
Dear Excited,
Welcome Salem Sister! You are right, this
is a very exciting time, and the fun part is
just beginning. The summer before your
first year is all about getting ready, and as
always, I’m here to help! The first thing
you should do is check out the Class of
2010 website at www.salem.edu/2010.
There are message boards for connecting
and talking to other incoming first year
students, information on orientation, and a
cool new feature where you can actually
design your own room. Once you send
in your deposit you will begin receiving important forms to fill out from your
health records to your student life packet,
so keep an eye on the mail! The student
life packet will contain your roommate
questionnaire. This is very important as
it helps the Director of Residence Life
match you with your future roommate. My
advice is to be completely honest! If you
rarely see your bedroom floor, requesting
the neat roommate isn’t a way to change
your habits. Report the study habits and
traits you already have, not those you’d
like to have. This is the best way to avoid
conflict before it begins. By mid July you
will receive your housing and roommate
assignments, so you two will have a few
weeks to work out details and get to know
one another before move-in. Also, make
sure you have your bill cleared with the
business office on campus. If necessary,
choose your loan provider and make sure
all paperwork has been mailed and filed.
Don’t forget these important details and
never be afraid to ask questions. Finally, a
personal favorite…shop! Hopefully by then
you will know your roommate and the two
of you can figure out what you need and
want for your room. Just remember to save
a few dollars for books. See you soon!
Dear Susie Salem,
First of all, I can’t wait to get to Salem in
August! I’m just a little curious about something…my friends and I have started planning our summer excursions and we have to
work around their summer orientations. My
friend, Jessica, mentioned that during her
orientation in June she will get to register for
her fall classes. Does Salem have a summer
orientation? Will I get to Salem and have
to figure everything out on my own? Did I
miss something, or accidentally throw away
important information? Just wondering.
Curious in Columbia, SC
The memories of my time
at Salem are vividly etched
in my mind, and I smile
as I think back on times of
growth and change, times
of laughter and tears, times
of adding to the legacy of
all the women who have
walked these bricks before
me. Academically, Salem
challenged me to reach my
full potential, providing
Jessica clearing debris from under a house in Mississippi
very small classes with close
during hurricane relief work.
faculty-student relationships.
Through hands-on learning in the classroom and internships out of the classroom,
I learned much from my professors, whether the history of Spain or how to wield a
limb cutter during a hurricane relief project. Internships reinforced what I learned in
the classroom. I have wonderful memories of working with a learning-disability class
during Jan term my first year, shadowing an ER doctor my sophomore year, working
with an abstinence campaign my junior year, and working in Mississippi doing relief
work my senior year. In the summers, faculty members encouraged me to apply for
research positions, and I spent several months carrying out marine biology research,
which will be published soon in an international scientific journal.
Dear Curious,
No worries! You haven’t missed anything
and there’s no need for you to rustle
through last week’s trash. Some schools
do offer and require summer orientation,
but here at Salem our orientation is a little
different. Orientation will actually begin on
first year move-in day, which is Saturday, August 26…just in case you haven’t
already marked it on your calendar. When
you arrive on campus, an eager and
excited group of upperclassmen will help
you move things into your room and the
fun begins there. Throughout the next
few days you will have the opportunity
to meet most of your fellow classmates,
hang out with your Resident Assistants
(RAs), and settle into your room. You’ll also
get a chance to meet with your faculty
advisor, and you even get your own peer
mentor. Your faculty and peer advisors will
work one-on-one with you to make your
schedule and register you for your fall
classes, all in time for you to buy the required books and begin classes on
Wednesday, August 30. Whew!
Orientation is jam packed with
fun activities and important information. My best advice is to
sit back and enjoy the ride!
Although my academic
experience has been rigorous
and stimulating, my Salem
experience has gone beyond
the labs and classrooms.
When I first came to Salem
as a prospective student,
the sense of community
amazed me, and as a senior,
it continues to amaze me.
Some of my fondest memories are of the people around
me and the friendships that I
have
formed. I love being in a
Jessica at the Hatfield Marine Science Center in Oregon
place
where everyone knows
while completing an internship with the NOAA.
my name, from the cafeteria
workers to the president. I have great memories of going sledding down the hills on
lunch trays with some of my classmates and of philosophical discussions lasting long
in the night. I know that the friends I have made here will be friends for a lifetime.
Dear Susie Salem,
I cannot wait to get in my car
and drive down to Salem! Speaking of
cars, what is the vehicle policy at Salem for
first year students? I have heard stories from
my best friend’s older brother, how he and
his friends had to hide their cars at McDonald’s and the mall during the first year since
they weren’t allowed to have cars on campus.
Will I have to hide my car in downtown
Winston-Salem? I love the freedom of being
behind the wheel!
Roadrunner in Richmond, VA
www.salem.edu/2010
Dear Roadrunner,
Sounds like you are always set on go!
No, you will not have to hide your car in
downtown Winston-Salem. Salem does
allow first year students to have a car on
campus. Just make sure your car is registered through Public Safety. This is done
by filling out paperwork and paying $40 fee
for the year. Remember to pay attention
to where you can and cannot park, and at
what times, and you will steer clear of any
parking tickets. Safe travels!
As I prepare to embark on the next phase of my journey, I know that Salem has
prepared me well for what lies ahead. What I have learned here, both classroom and
life lessons, will carry me onward, hopefully towards my goal of being a fulltime
missionary doctor in Latin America. All of these wonderful experiences have shaped
me and changed me, challenging me to fulfill my potential. I know that Salem has
done the same for those who came before me, and that it will continue to carry this
legacy on, long after I leave.
Check out the Class of 2010 webpage!
Go to
for orientation schedules, first year forms, residence life
information, and access the Class of 2010 message board.
Create your own residence hall room
by visiting
www.salem.edu/2010/your_room.html
Enjoying creating and designing your own room!!
Just in time for the warm spring weather! Students can take
advantage of our “newest” wireless hotspot: Salem Square!
Editor: Breanne Clements
Contributing Editors: Jessica Cecil Rogers, Laurin Hoch, Stacey Marshall,
Sarah Webster and Diane Willard