| What IS it about that school? |
| If each Purple Knight had a dime for every single time someone has asked us that question, we would be able to create a new scholarship fund! Relatives, peers, co-workers and old college mates seem to ask this question, sometimes ad nauseum. The worst part is that we give the same answers everytime, sometimes to the same people. Yes, it makes one wonder who the crazy people really are. It is simply about pride---Purple Pride. It comes from having a rich history and having respect for that history. It also comes from being a part of a tradition of excellence. Mostly, it comes from being surrounded by educators who did just that---educate. The St. Aug experience is all about memories. No matter who the graduate is, he is sure to find another graduate and share memories of their favorite teachers and how those teachers prepared them for success. Personally, I learned the value of dedication from Andrew Davis. I learned the value of articulation from Leonard Augustine. I learned the value of analysis from Carl Blouin, Sr. I learned how to appreciate history from James Curet. I learned to think logically from Fr. Patrick McCarthy. I learned to simply get the job done from Fr. Michael Coffey. As for Fr. Robert Pavlak, he probably rolls over in his grave everytime any Purple Knight is late for anything. Most of all, I learned what a leader is from Fr. Joseph Verrett. Whenever people ask me what St. Aug's secret to success is, I tell them that it's simple. St. Aug attempts to teach its students to do three things; SIT DOWN, SHUT UP and LISTEN. Any student who could not learn to do those three things either barely graduated from St. Aug or did not graduate at all. Those of us who took it to heart, however, have experienced the success that was meant for St. Augustine men. |
| "'Perhaps St. Aug's greatest achievement' observed Dr. Daniel Thompson of Dillard University, 'is that it has made academics a masculine thing.'" From "Between Law and Hope" |
| Over the past few years there have been numerous articles, studies and news stories about the crisis of the Black male. These commentaries paint a depressing picture for Black America. If it's depressing for Black America you can only imagine how scary it is for Black males who believe in giving life "the ol' college try." St. Aug, however, has been a little lighthouse that shines a big light for all to see. That light is the sense of dignity that it bestows upon its students. St. Aug students are encouraged to be the best. From day one, the expectation that is set is for every single Purple Knight is to do his best inside the classroom as well as outside the classroom. This is why we have such a healthy track record of academic, athletic, extracurricular and professional success. Some cynically look at us and say, "St. Aug ain't St. Aug no' mo'." What's upsetting is that some gleefully make that statement. Purple Knights, including yours truly, have even made that statement (obviously with disgust). It is true that St. Aug has fallen victim to changing times. This is simply because young men's social habits have become harder to break, especially with the development of the Hip Hop culture. It is a culture that rejects the studious Black male and embraces the individual who simply wants to get by in life. St. Aug's tough love policy, however, has hardly crumbled under the pressure of Pop Culture. Yes, the paddle still rules the hallways, and America is begging for tough love again. St. Aug is becoming St. Aug again. As long as alumni keep coming back to uphold the good name of St. Augustine the glory days will return soon. |
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| So "what IS it about that school" you ask? It's about teaching a young man to have a purpose in life. It's about teaching him to get everything that he can out of his life and abilities. If that means becoming a university president, beautiful. If that means being a garbage man (as Dr. King put it), then be the best garbage man! And don't sleep because there are those of us who firmly believe that a St. Augustine man WILL be President of the United States one day. THAT'S what it is about that school. |
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| Generations of Purple Knights |