The Alumni Board President’s Column provides a personal glimpse into Amy Denton’s journey as both a Barton College alumna and the current Alumni Board President. Drawing on her own college experiences, Amy shares timeless memories, unexpected moments, and lessons learned, while keeping alumni informed about key initiatives and events. Join her as she reflects on the past and celebrates the future of our vibrant alumni community.
As Barton welcomed new students to campus several weeks ago, I think back to 34 years ago when I was a freshman at then, Atlantic Christian College…what became one month later, Barton College. It was the fall of 1990. Take a stroll back in time, whether four years ago or 40+ years ago, with me to reminisce about your first year on campus. I’ll never forget and I bet you haven’t either!
Walking into Hilley Hall and settling in on the 4th floor with 30 other young girls wasn’t as smooth as this nervous, shy 18-year old had hoped for. You see, I had never even been to summer camp or stayed away from home and my family more than a night at a time. And, there I was, moving off to college, and standing in the door of my assigned dorm room (“residence hall” became more proper in later years), staring at two other girls with luggage and belongings by their sides assigned to the same room. Immediately, I knew I had a problem! Three girls in the same room meant for just two…somebody had to decide to go. My mom, sister, and cousin were all about to cry for me and, I’m sure, scrambling in their heads how the heck they were gonna solve this. Truth be told, my mother would have probably been happy if I took my bags right back to the car and went back home with her to Louisburg, NC.
Well, let’s just say…it all worked out! In room 415, three doors around the hallway, a young woman from Virginia was alone and there I came to her rescue. Or was it the other way around? She came to my rescue. Likely both. We connected instantly and, in no time, with just two knocks on our door, we met our forever friends and future sorority sisters. It was the beginning of happy memories FOUR-evermore!
Four years living on campus with the same roommate. How lucky was I! We moved the following year to the 5th floor, pledged Tri Sigma, and then wrapped up our collegiate life in Harper Hall on the 2nd floor. To think that today’s Harper Hall was once a dorm still seems a little weird. BIG rooms, quiet, yet eerie, and the walk to the bathroom/showers felt like a ½ mile away.
Four years of fun, experiencing new things I had never done…Delta Sig toga parties and stair surfing, Sig Ep graffiti parties, late night at the Alpha house, dancing on the Pi Kapp floor that would bounce like a swinging bridge, and Thursday nights at Scooters. IYKYK!
Four years of unforgettable campus events: Lighting of the Luminaries, Greek Sing, Welcome Back Barton Day, Fall Fling, Pre-Exam Jam and “secretly” (we thought) toilet papering the tree-filled center campus. And, how could I not mention President Dr. Hemby and Tony Tilley…two of the greatest icons/legends of ACC/Barton!
Four years of hanging out at the Wilson Mall and witnessing the city of Wilson expand beyond Ward Blvd. When the new Walmart opened, where we thought then was in the middle of nowhere and so far from campus, we knew Wilson was a city on the rise!
Lastly, and mostly importantly, four years of an outstanding education in and out of the classroom, developing lifelong friendships and memories, four of the best years…that FOR-ever changed my life! I think back to that potentially devastating move-in day in the summer heat of August 1990, and I’m grateful it happened. I found my future that day….and the course of events that followed was meant to be. I hope you feel the same way, too. Whatever your day one was like, whether at Atlantic Christian College or Barton College, your today is better because of it!
With Bulldog Pride,
Amy Denton, Class of 1994