Going green: In our September 3, 1991 issue, the story “Recycling program kicks off” talked about how Camosun College’s paper recycling program was just getting underway. Seems quaint to think of it now, but a lot has changed in 25 years. Back then, we reported that at least one paper recycling bin would be on every floor in every building at the college; these days, you rarely need to go more than a few steps before one is in sight. And here’s an enviro-tip: take your dead batteries and scratched-up CDs to Facilities Services (Dawson 200) for recycling.
Ombudserrific: This issue also had a story about how an ombudsperson was going to be instated in the college for the first time. Today, that position remains, with the ombudsperson being a very important part of college life for many students, acting as a neutral mediator in disputes involving students and the institution. Mainly, we’ve just always loved the word “ombudsperson” and always will because it sounds really funny when it’s said out loud. C’mon, admit it.
These student-loan stories are never good: We lamented in this issue that a new three-percent tax on student loans was “another brick in the wall” for students. Even though that’s a wildly overused cliché of a phrase (and it actually pains me to type it out today), it’s true: students didn’t need more barriers between them and an education, and that holds true today, many, many, many bricks later.