Walker College Memories: Suzie Walton
Words by Suzie Walton | Image by Ryan McGil
It was 30 minutes past curfew when I heard the commotion. Late night gatherings at the girls’ dormitory on the Walker College campus happened more often in the spring after basketball games, while fall semester was generally calm and quiet. That is, until this night.
When I opened my second-floor dorm room door, I caught sight of a pantyhose-clad bandit waving high in the air two cans of shaving cream, its contents arching across the hall. This was one of the few raids the residents of the boys’ dorm had on the girls’ dorm, and although it took more than a week to get the Vaseline out of my hair, those dorm raids and retaliations are some of my fondest memories of Walker College.
As fun as those late-night experiences were, the allure of Walker College, for me, began at the Jesse Student Center. I remember passing the student center each morning on my way to high school and longing to be a part of the congregation of students that sat out front, chatting and socializing. I’ll never forget the morning of my first fall semester as a college freshman, standing outside that same student center listening to Dr. Jack Mott welcome us to the 1989-90 school year and inspiring us all to achieve great dreams. Coach Glen Clem’s strong presence among the other faculty may have intimidated many young people, but he is still etched in my memory as one of the great ones who loved us all.
The faculty and staff invested greatly in us, who were uncovering new discoveries as college students. I worked as a work study for D.J. Brasfield and Dr. Betsy Lavanna, who introduced me to a new career field in journalism. I also met one of the most important people in my life while on campus.
I’ll never forget the day I was perched on the cement bench outside the student center’s faded yellow doors, strumming a beat-up, borrowed guitar. That morning, I met my future husband when he strutted over to talk.
Other cherished memories include convocation in the courtyard, cheer practices, and weekend dances and socials. I didn’t realize at the time how important these events would mean to me later in life and the many lasting friendships with peers and instructors that were forged.
When a college experience impacts your personal life and helps guide your future career direction into areas you never imagined possible, you know that campus is one to be treasured. The rolling hills through the Walker College campus was that gem for me that captured my heart and changed my life forever.
Now as an adjunct teacher, every time I pass the Jesse Student Center on my way to class, a sense of nostalgia envelopes me. I am not sure where I would be today, or who I would be today, without the years spent at Walker College. 78