The Guilfordian

Issue date: 3/30/07 Section: Goofordian

Media Credit: Kevin Bryan

Guilford College came to a screeching halt in the wake of the January 20 incident in Bryan Hall. Students, staff, faculty and administration were at a complete loss of what to do.

In an attempt to problem solve, students organized a walkout in the beginning of February. People were given the opportunity to speak their mind and offer solutions for the problems with social divides and violence on campus. The situation seemed hopeless until first-year Steve Andrews offered the suggestion that the school create art.

"I've been at Guilford for a long time now and I've seen a lot of beautiful art," said Andrews at the rally. "If we all come together and collectively create something while we listen to the soothing sounds of djembe drums, we can mend the rifts of social divides and create peace."

The crowd readily accepted Andrews' suggestion. Art supplies were immediately retrieved from Hege Cox and the healing began.

"It was like, 'wow, this kid is so right," said junior Sarah Davis. "I thought that structured dialogue would help, but we were wasting our time. All we needed to do was create."

Within the hour, the artwork was complete. When the piece was held up and show to the gathered crowed a visible wave of calm washed over the campus. Social divides were conquered and violence ceased to exist.

"I used to hate all the athletes," said senior stoner James "Smokes" Johnson. "One I saw this community are piece I felt nothing but love."

Dean for Campus Life Aaron Fetrow was impressed by Andrews' instincts.

"This brave, intelligent young hippy was able to accomplish what we in the administration were unable to do," said Fetrow. "We were desperate up in Campus Life. Kudos Steve Andrews."

President Kent Chabotar had positive things to say as well.

"Guilford is indebted to Andrews' insight and talent," said Chabotar in a press conference with Fox affiliate WGHP. "I plan to take him under my wing and mentor him into the sort of man that can make a difference in this world."

Andrews has been discussing the possibilities of taking his self-titled "Peace-Creation Theorem" on the road with Campus Ministries Coordinator Max Carter.

"We're going to try the Peace-Creation Theorem in the Middle East this summer," said Carter. "I figure if a small painting worked at Guilford, a really, really big painting will bring peace to Israel and Palestine."

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