Lauren Rippey

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Asheville Lights Up Western North Carolina

By Lauren Rippey | December 3

Christmas wreaths hang from light posts. Twinkling lights adorn store windows. Even the bright colors of the leaves seem to celebrate the holiday season. Although college students typically flock to Asheville in the summertime for Bele Chere, the Southeast's largest street festival, there is something special about mountain towns in the winter. Less than four hours away from UNC-Chapel Hill, Asheville is one of western North Carolina's most popular tourist destinations, as it boasts endless opportunities for shopping, touring, exploring and enjoying nature.

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Raising a Department at UNC

By Lauren Rippey | November 8

Despite all of her hard work and her successes, Asta Crowe would be quick to argue with anyone who praised her. "I do what I do because I enjoy it," she said.

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A Child's Life on Hold

By Lauren Rippey | November 1

Unlike most mothers who sing gentle lullabies to their children, UNC employee Tina Turner's songs to her son are accompanied by the continual pulses of his heart monitor. Albert Jeffries IV, her 4-month-old son, is critically ill and is waiting for a heart transplant. Albert's grandmother, Annie Foust, took him into the UNC Hospitals emergency room last month because, she said, he was grunting and fussy. "Al J. was a completely healthy child since he was born," Foust said.

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The Fruits of Their Labor

By Lauren Rippey | October 8

After wandering from table to table at the Carrboro Farmers' Market, Karen Armstrong stops in front of an arrangement of chili peppers. "This is the reason I come back here each week," Armstrong said, commenting on the peppers' freshness. "You can't find this in the grocery's produce department." Armstrong, a Carrboro resident, is among many who are familiar with the market scene -- one that has graced downtown Carrboro for 23 years. Long tables overflow with fresh vegetables, fruits, flowers, jams and poultry. Farmers, craftsmen, bakers and butchers eagerly talk to customers.

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Droughts Challenge Campus

By Lauren Rippey | September 27

On a campus known for its rich traditions, UNC students pass many things along to future generations when they leave. In addition to deep Carolina pride, one of these traditions is a history of dealing with water shortages and droughts on campus. Throughout the past 40 years, UNC officials and students alike have been challenged to change their consumption habits. In the fall of 1968, water levels reached the lowest since University Lake was created in 1930, forcing UNC officials to enact heavy water regulations to prevent suspending classes for the semester.

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Future a Little Brighter With UNC Altruist

By Lauren Rippey | September 13

From the way he leisurely sits in the UNC Student Television studio, leaned back and relaxed, people would assume Chandler Vatavuk has a lot of time on his hands. But they'd be wrong. When he's not working as the business manager for STV, acting in one of six television shows, working at the state historic site Bennett Place, or attending class, the junior history major is busy trying to change the world through community service.

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Religious Community Offers Support in Wake of Tragedy

By Lauren Rippey | September 11

While the world was still comprehending the unfolding events of Sept. 11, 2001, religious groups were preparing means of support for people anxious to discuss, pray and reflect on the tragedy. Religious leaders said that it is common for people to turn to religion during crises and that they saw a variety of reactions among students after tragedy struck. "Devastated by what they saw unraveling on television, people came to the church and stood crying with each other," said Stephen Stanley, associate for the Episcopal Campus Ministry at Chapel of the Cross.

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Looking for Love In All the Web Places

By Lauren Rippey | April 17

With eyes glued to the screen and mouse in hand, Abby Nathanson has spent hours massacring cartoon monsters in order to beat the high score. "Snood was the bane of my existence last year," said Nathanson, a sophomore psychology major. "As soon as I got bored, stressed or distracted, playing Snood would zap all conscious thought, and I'd be OK for a little while." Nathanson is one of many UNC students who use computers not only for word processing and research but also for games, AOL Instant Messenger, chat rooms and downloading.

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The Evolution of the Quest to Become SBP

By Lauren Rippey | February 18

During the past four weeks, student body president candidates have made their presence known. Campaign workers have flooded the Pit, and candidates' fliers have been taped and stapled all over campus. For years, candidates have used standard methods of campaigning -- posters, Pit sits and residence hall visits. But recently e-mails, Web sites and multimedia have been incorporated. Changes in technology have made the election process quicker and more efficient -- but also more regulated.

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Travel Agents: Still Time to Make Spring Break Plans

By Lauren Rippey | February 1

Colorful ads and Web sites promise bronze bodies, unlimited alcohol and 80,000 single young adults celebrating freedom and youth for one whole week. College students know the hype -- Spring Break is a big deal. And travel agents say it's not too late to plan your own tropical getaway.