
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, May 14, 1995                   TAG: 9505150014
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV2   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

GRAD GRATEFUL FOR TOWN'S SUPPORT

As I entered my last few undergraduate days at Virginia Tech, I thought back on my four-year journey and on how much other people played a role in my college experience. Too often, we move so fast we forget to stop and thank those who contributed to our lives.

Since my first few days at Tech, I was taken in by this gracious and warm community. For me, Blacksburg acted like a large family and served as a home away from home.

The town and its merchants sponsor student activities, donate to fund-raisers, and promote entertainment and enjoyment. In my role as student body president, I received unconditional support from everyone in the town during last year's campaign to address the decline in state support for higher education.

More recently, Blacksburg was subjected to an impromptu party following Tech's NIT victory. The Blacksburg police, guided by Chief Bill Brown, did not panic nor call in neighboring police units to help break up the crowd. Instead, with the utmost care and restraint, the police allowed the largely student crowd, estimated at 1,500, to celebrate and enjoy the moment. When it was all over, everyone, including students and police, went home happy.

This unity, commitment and care exemplified by the Town Council, the Police Department, merchants and town residents set this community apart from other localities and other regions. Blacksburg is a wonderful place that has made my four years the best possible, and I am glad that I have had the chance to take part in the life of this community.

Ronnie E. Stephenson,

Former president of Virginia Tech's$Student Government.

Blacksburg

Deadbeat dads should share blame

It doesn't take long for the government to blame "welfare moms," but nothing has been said about deadbeat dads. If the government put more effort into catching deadbeat fathers, then there might not be as many welfare moms.

Why does it take months and years for state governments to move against fathers who have not paid child support? If the government expects the deficit to go down, it should take the problem of deadbeat fathers more seriously.

Denise Hancock

Radford

Here's one thing they can't take

Except for a shortage of rain, is this not a glorious spring? Mother Nature's entries in the great planet Earth gallery can take one's breath away! Isn't it fortunate those philistines in Congress cannot take away grant money from that greatest painter, Mother Nature, by the National Endowment for the Arts? I am sure they would if they could. Aren't we all elitists when it comes to beauty!

Leonard J. Uttal

Blacksburg

by CNB