My Memories of Walker College: Leslie Berry Harrell

Words by Leslie Berry Harrell | Image by Ryan McGill

I attended Walker College from the fall of 1993 until the spring of 1995. I’ve never regretted my decision to attend a junior college so close to home, not only because of the valuable education I received, but also the memories that I consider a much greater treasure. Many of the friendships I formed there remain strong even 25 years later.

At the heart of campus life was the Jesse Student Center. It was THE spot to meet up with friends between classes. Clusters of friends could be found catching up on schoolwork, watching the latest episode of Days of Our Lives, or simply deciding where to go for lunch—although it was hard to beat the Rice Crispy Treats in the vending machine. The Student Center housed dances, toga parties, and even aerobics classes.

The faculty made the transition to college a much easier one. Mr. Amundson will be remembered by many for his willingness to explain higher math until everyone understood. Mr. Sandlin was a gifted storyteller with a knack for making a class like anthropology remarkably interesting. And who could forget Ms. Elliott in the library? She could remember every person’s research paper topic and would bring you new articles on that topic, even a year later.

A highlight of my time at Walker College was attending Walker Rebel basketball games. I grew up attending these games with my family, so it was natural for me to be drawn to this part of student life. Coach Clem was as entertaining as the game itself!  Running sound for the games, I made sure to keep the cassette tapes with 2001: A Space Odyssey and Hit the Road, Jack close to the top of the shoebox that contained them. I think of Coach Clem every time I hear those songs.

The one game you did not want to miss was against our rivals down the road, Bevill State. You had to get there early if you expected to get a seat! The student section was always packed, games were intense, and we couldn’t have been happier at an NBA game.

Life has taken me far from my hometown and back again. It’s nice to be able to show my children, and now my grandchildren, the campus where so many amazing memories were made. The name can change, buildings will rise and fall, but thankfully the memories will remain. 78