DUE WEST, SC - Erskine College alumna Angela McNeill Grooms delivered the Cardwell Lecture at Erskine Feb. 10, urging students to develop "initiative, risk taking, and leadership" while pursuing their college careers.

Erskine chemistry professor Dr. Howard Thomas, called on to introduce Grooms, told of her days as a student in his class. "I noticed that Angie was sitting very still during class one day," he recalled. Even when class was dismissed, Thomas said, Grooms continued sitting very still in her chair. The explanation for her immobility was that a classmate (now a surgeon) had tied her waist-length hair to the chair.

Grooms, whose hair is now cut short, described a little of her college days and her decision to go immediately to work for Duke Power upon graduation. She capped her many successes with the Carolinas utility company when she was chosen a team leader for the World Association of Nuclear Operators/Duke Power exchange on environmental issues at Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant in the Ukraine.

Her fellow team members who chose her as leader did not realize the honor accorded such a position by the Ukrainian scientists, Grooms explained. It was not until accommodations for the night were arranged that they realized their mistake - Grooms's room was much larger than theirs and luxurious by comparison.

Grooms expressed gratitude for her supportive family and the academic scholarship she received at Erskine, and cited her college experiences, including service on Judicial Council, as having helped her develop skills that have served her well in her career.

As to her own expanding horizons and continuing learning, she told of how she and her husband took up long-distance motorcycle touring after they had enjoyed riding mopeds during a trip to Bermuda. They began their adventures with a couple of used motorbikes they saw advertised on a grocery store bulletin board. Now they zip through the countryside on BMW motorcyles.

Her work with Habitat for Humanity led to her participation in a house - building project in which all the workers were women. "In case anyone is wondering, the house is still standing," Grooms said. Her father had taught her how to use a hammer, but she said others who wish to acquire new skills might check the local community college for courses in their area of interest.

Grooms spoke of the fulfilment she has found in working with Junior Achievement, teaching children as young as seven years of age that "science can be fun." She advised students to "expand your horizons," "never stop learning," and "take the opportunity to help kids."

The Frances Cardwell Lecture Series honors Dr. Frances Livingston Cardwell, Dean of Women, Academic Counselor, and Professor of English at Erskine between 1953 and 1977.