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Dr. Jesse Hargrove - An Icon Departs
Pound! Pound! Pound! - I sound the drum in appreciation of Dr. Jesse Hargrove and all that he has done for the African American students at the University of Arizona. With little notice and even less fanfare, Dr. Jesse Hargrove, the director of the African American Cultural Resource Center, is moving on. I suppose we all arrive at that point when we must weigh where we want to be against where we have been. Dr. Hargrove ("Doc" to most everyone) has arrived at that most crucial moment and has decided to see what the future holds for him and his new family. I wish him all the luck.Doc is notorious for the enthusiasm and excitement he brings to every event. I have never heard anyone who can simply say the word "excitement" with such excitement... well, it can be down-right exciting, if you ask me! Many have wondered how anyone can continuously smile like he does, impart others with words of encouragement and sound advice, and never seem to get sick of the whole ordeal. A tempest of words, movement and almost fanatic exuberance, Doc's mood is infectious and welcome.
From the cries and pain of discontent and frustration, he was recognized as a leader. When African American students were more than a little dissatisfied with administrative representation, Doc was hired and given the task of making cultural diversity a real and tangible component of higher education at the University of Arizona. For Doc, cultural diversity has been more than a mere sound bite bellowed at the appropriate moments, but comes from the personal belief that it can, and has, made a difference not only in higher education, but for the entire community.
Doc's enthusiasm has manifested itself into concrete accomplishments. The African American Cultural Resource Center is one, the campfire around which African American students can gather for support, assistance and camaraderie. The annual Dr. Martin Luther King Day Celebration, including the march, panel discussions, presentations, and exhibits. Doc has always believed that the Resource Center and the King Day Celebration is not only for African Americans, but for everyone to discover and appreciate the richness of the African American cultural and history.
Graduation is a crossroads of sorts, similar in context to what Doc faces. Graduating is an accomplishment, in-and-of itself, and like Doc, we must look to what challenges lie ahead: Where will we be and how will we get there. We can be sure that what we take with us (education, experience, wisdom, common sense, etc.) will aid us in meeting those challenges and reaching new levels of achievement. Doc has set a standard in student and community involvement. Wherever he goes and whatever he does, his commitment to "getting involved" will be the foundation for his next great achievement. His love of community can only mean that whomever he encounters will become enriched and will embrace him as an old friend. I only hope they come to appreciate that never-ending smile of his.
If we all could approach the future with a continuous smile and belly laugh, we would be certain of attaining what Doc has acquired, and even more. I think I speak for everyone who has come met the Doc, who has visited the African American Cultural Resource Center, who has attended a Cultural Center function, who has received a leadership award, or been to the African American graduation ceremony - we will miss you Dr. Jesse J. Hargrove. Good luck to you!!
David H. Benton is a third-year law student, member of the ASUA President's Cabinet and Arizona Students' Association board member. His column, 'Another Perspective,' appears Tuesdays.
By David H. Benton (columnist)
Arizona Daily Wildcat
April 8, 1997
