Hunter Cunningham

Ferguson Student Center renamed Once known as the Ferguson Student Center, it will now be named the University of Alabama Student Center (Photo by al.com) By Hunter Cunningham TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - On Sept. 17, The University of Alabama Board of Trustees voted to change the name of the Ferguson Student Center, originally named after alumni William Hill Ferguson, to The University of Alabama Student Center after an appointed group of trustees reviewed building names. According to resolutions issued by the Board of Trustees, the Trustees have the right to amend, remove, or withdraw any name at any time for any reason. The trustee board said, “Mr. Fergusons’s racial views were not consistent with the goals and aspirations of the University of Alabama today and respected the working group’s recommendation to rename the Ferguson Student Center.” While still wanting to honor Mr. Ferguson, the board said it will name the theatre inside the University of Alabama Student Center the Ferguson Theatre. Mike Andrus, a freshman, said his initial reaction was “I’m still gonna call it the Ferg, it's gonna take some getting used to, but I understand why they did it.” Matt Mizerany, 20 said when he first heard the news he was “not surprised by it, I like that they did it, and I believe it is a small step in the right direction.” Hudson Bridges, 19, said “Personally I didn’t care anyway, people are still going to call it the Ferg, I believe they did it to save their face.” When asked about his initial reaction. Mr. Ferguson will still be honored by the university, “the working group recommended that the Board of Trustees name the theatre inside the University of Alabama Student Center the Ferguson Theatre.” When asked if it bothered them that Mr. Ferguson will still be honored. Ryan Gonzalez, a sophomore majoring in criminal justice, said “naming the theatre after him is a double standard, either you take his name out completely, or keep it the same.” Cody Geist, 24, said “it doesn't bother me too much, I understand honoring everything he’s done.'' when asked if it bothered him that Mr. Ferguson would still be honored. -30Word Count: 362 Mike Andrus - Matt Mizerany - Hudson Bridges - Ryan Gonzalez - Cody Geist - The University of Alabama Board of Trustees resolution