By Jaylon Brunson

Is Greensboro College really “One Pride?” This was the main question during a campus dialogue program last spring, where students gathered to think beyond the slogan and reflect on how unity, responsibility, and shared values can shape the Greensboro College community.

On March 25, I co-hosted a student dialogue program with GC alum Liya Veale that invited participants to discuss this very question. The conversation encouraged students to share honest perspectives about campus culture while offering practical recommendations on how the community could grow stronger together.

Greensboro College’s “One Pride” slogan is more than a phrase painted on walls or printed on T-shirts. For many students, it stands for belonging to something bigger than themselves. The dialogue highlighted that students often see “One Pride” as a call to unity across majors, teams, and organizations.

When we say “One Pride,” it should mean we have each other’s backs. One student shared during the discussion that, “It is not just about school spirit. It is about supporting people whether you know them or not.”

That sense of identity, students agreed, does not happen automatically. It requires intentional action—from showing up to campus events to simply being kind to classmates.

The March 25 dialogue generated several ideas for how students can embody “One Pride” in their daily lives. Some students suggested more collaboration between student organizations, while others pointed to the importance of consistent attendance at athletic and arts events.

“Even if you do not play a sport or sing in the choir, being there for your peers shows them you care,” a participant noted. “That is what One Pride looks like.”

Another recommendation was mentorship. Upper-class students expressed that guiding first-year students—whether academically, socially, or emotionally—could help strengthen community bonds.

Despite enthusiasm, the dialogue also acknowledged barriers. Some students admitted that cliques and busy schedules can make it hard to feel connected. Others pointed out that slogans sometimes feel hollow if not backed by genuine action.

“It is easy to say that we are One Pride, but sometimes you see divisions: athletes with athletes, artists with artists,” a student explained. “We have got to break those walls down.”

The dialogue did not shy away from these concerns. Instead, it recognized them as opportunities for growth and a reminder that living out “One Pride” requires effort from everyone.

The conversation emphasized that “One Pride” is not about sameness but about shared respect. Students concluded that unity is less about being the same and more about celebrating differences while holding a collective commitment to support one another.

For Greensboro College, that means carrying the message beyond events and athletics. It means building a culture where every student feels seen and valued.

As the campus continues to grow and change, the dialogue on March 25 stands as an example of how students can take ownership of community values. By turning a slogan into action, Greensboro College students are shaping what “One Pride” looks like for the future.

If we live it out daily through respect, support, and accountability, “One Pride” becomes more than words—it becomes who we are.