Volume 010 Issue 004 January 2016
Written by commuter student, Zachary Boyd
As President Barack Obama is winding down his presidency, I can only think about how far the African American community has come, starting from the slave trades to the Emancipation Proclamation to the Civil Rights Movement, and to now the Black Lives Matter movement. Although this month is mostly reflected on the struggle of gaining equal rights for everyone, the influence for the community could not be greater during this time.
Finally, you have the likes of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Frederick Douglass, During the Harlem Renaissance, artists Nelson Mandela, Rosa Parks, Oprah Winfrey, like Zora Neale Hurston, Maya Angelou, Malcolm X, and of course President Obama. Langston Hughes, Billie Holiday, and more They led by example by communicating gave the African American community a voice through the prism of representing the intelligent to let everyone know of the inequality that took side of African American community. They place, and empowered their culture not to also let the public know that they will not stop induce a situation that would endanger not only until each person has the same amount of equal themselves, but the entire community. rights as the next person. Then you have black inventors like George Washington Carver, Garrett Morgan, Madame C.J. Walker, and Lewis Howard Latimer, who changed the industrial landscape for society. These pioneers sparked the imaginations of young African American kids Designed, written and to not let discrimination dictate how far they edited by: Ericka Smith can contribute, and also to be creative and come up with new inventions and intricate devices that can better the world. The contributions that they made still impact society as a whole to make everyone’s life better.
For the African American community, the motivation to become better has never been more prevalent than now. With police violence being the heavy, maintained topic over the last two years, it is justifiable to be upset and angered by these series of unfortunate events. Talking about these issues with other people is the right way to simmer down the rage from the populace, but physically taking that anger on other people and businesses, will only enhance more violence. But if Black History has shown society anything, it is that the process for change is slowly coming around. 1
A Message from the Director During the month of February, we recognize several awareness days and holidays. Some of those annual events are Black History Month, American Heart Month, Super Bowl Sunday and Valentine’s Day to name a few. This month we celebrate Black History. The City and University calendar will be filled with activities that will highlight African Americans’ accomplishments and contributions to American society. You will be further educated on the history of African Americans in the military with the Buffalo Soldiers & Tuskegee Airman Exhibit on Friday, February 4, 2016 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the University Center Atrium. Keeping in the spirit of love and respect, we celebrate “love from the heart day,” Valentine’s Day on February 14th. In this newsletter, there are gift ideas for under $20, places to go for Valentine’s Day and information on healthy relationships. To ensure that your heart keeps beating strong, participate in the many American Heart Month events that will take place around the city. The events will educate you on how to maintain a healthy heart and lifestyle. Also remember to put on your brightest red clothing for National Wear Red Day on Friday, February 5, 2016.
Joy R. Stout, Director of Adult and Commuter Student Services and the Veterans Resource Center. Office: 901-678-2644 jstout@memphis.edu
Last but not least, millions will tune into Super Bowl 50 on Sunday, February 7th to watch the Carolina Panthers and the Denver Broncos battle it out to win the title of the greatest team in the world. Even if you’re not a football fan, it’s fun to watch the excitement, halftime show and funny commercials. Remember to stay focused on your school work and prepare for all tests and exams. I hope you thoroughly read the newsletter and attend some of the events that have been planned just for you.
Visit Adult and Commuter Student Services! SERVICES TAILORED FOR YOU:
Groundhog Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow at the annual February 2nd Groundhog Day ceremony. The Groundhog Club emcee proclaimed, "There is no shadow to be cast! An early spring is my forecast!"
Commuter student lounge Computer lab Veterans Resource Center Place to store/heat/eat meals monthly seminars monthly e-newsletter Campus services referrals Transportation information Off-Campus housing information
Located in Room 243 in UC Involvement Zone.
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Valentine’s Day Gifts for Under $20! Godiva chocolate, adorable teddy bears, flower deliveries and candlelit dinners—Valentine’s Day can be expensive. We know college students are on a budget so here are some gift ideas for under $20 bucks! ITunes Gift Card Price: $15 Where to buy: Walgreens, Kroger, CVS, Target, Apple.com Who doesn’t love music? This is the perfect gift especially with artists like Rihanna, Vera Bradley Zip ID Case Price: $12
Where to buy: Macy’s This is the perfect gift For Her! You can keep your keys, credit cards and ID all in one pouch, and it comes in an array of paisley prints. Cute and convenient.
Goodie Basket $20 Where to buy: Walmart, Kroger, local grocery store The way to a man or woman’s heart is through their stomachs! You can’t go wrong with a goodie basket. Find your significant other’s favorite snacks and put them in a basket. For a personal consider making it yourself. Memphis Grizzlies Basketball Tickets Price: approximately $20 Where to buy: Ticketmaster.com Men love sports, so this is the perfect gift For Him! You can get seats in the nosebleeds for around $20 a person. You may be sitting high, but at least you’ll be with your significant other and enthusiastic Grizz fans!
What Is a Relationship? Romantic relationships have definitely changed over the last 20 years. A nice date to a dinner and movie has been overshadowed with “Netflix and Chill.” What happened to flowers and romance, and how are college students defining relationships today? Ryan Anderson of Psychology Today wrote in a blog, “ Sure, people still connect, but what is ‘dating’ these days? If you hang-out with someone of the opposite-sex a few times a week are you dating? What about if you ‘hook up’ more than 4 times in a
month? When did the phrase ‘Netflix and chill’ become an acceptable descriptor of a relationship?” To answer his questions, we asked college students their definitions of relationships.
communicate, love and trust one another,” said Iesha Harris, graduate student.
There’s not one specific way to define a relationship, but according to Life Track Counseling, “Finding happiness in your partner’s relationships should be centered on 6 happiness,” said Evan Kelly, healthy components: trust, mutual graduate student. respect, good communication, “A relationship is enjoying moments common interests, absence of physical together and making memories,” said violence and independence. Ryan Williams, junior. For more information on healthy “A relationship should be between relationships, call the U of M’s two people who can fully counseling center at 901.678.2068.
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Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching and we know some of you are still looking for ways to celebrate! But don’t worry, Holly Whitfield of I Love Memphis Blog has wonderful suggestions on how to spend Lovers day!
1. Go to Dinner! Babalu will have lunch and dinner specials containing aphrodisiac ingredients from Friday the 12th through Sunday the 14th. B.B. King’s will have a special menu and live music. Lafayette’s will have a six-course meal for $65 per person. They’ll have four seatings: 6 p.m., 7 p.m., 8 p.m., and 9 p.m. Call for reservations.
2. Enjoy a Concert! Love Letters, 3037 Forest Hill-Irene Rd., Jan. 29 – Feb. 14, $12 – $24, all ages/kid-friendly Germantown Community Theatre brings a romantic two-person show about one couple’s love and love letters. The show goes on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and at 2 p.m. on Sundays. Germantown Symphony Orchestra, GPAC, Friday Feb. 12, 7 p.m., $12, all ages The GSO performs “Music for a Romantic Getaway” with selections inspired by Rome, Paris, and other European destinations. Marcus Roberts and the Modern Jazz Generation, GPAC, Saturday Feb. 13, 8 p.m., $35 – $75, all ages Jazz pianist Marcus Roberts performs with a 12-piece ensemble on Saturday night.
3. Do Something Different! Monster Jam, FedExForum, Feb. 12 – 13, 7 p.m., $10 and up, all ages/kid-friendly It’s basically a Memphis tradition by now: watch 12-foot-tall vehicles with names like “War Wagon” and “Raminator” smash each other to bits on Valentine’s Day Weekend. Chocolate Casting Workshop, Five In One Social Club, Feb. 13 / Feb. 15, 2 p.m. / 6 p.m., $32, 13 and up Create food safe molds and then make your own chocolates for your sweetie (or yourself). Be sure to reserve your spot before the Saturday and Monday workshops sell out. Valentine’s Day Dances, Blue Suede Ballroom (3675 Southwind Park Cove), Saturday Feb. 13 – Sunday Feb. 14, $30 per couple, 13+ Blue Suede Ballroom will host four dance classes on Valentine’s Day Weekend: at 3 p.m., 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 13 and at 5 p.m. on Feb. 14. Call 901-758-0032 to reserve your spots. To find more events in Memphis, visit: www.ilovememphisblog.com
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The University of Memphis 2016 Student Veteran and here to serve all of our student veterans.” Open House was a great success. The event was hosted on The open house allowed student veterans to see Friday, January 29th in the Panhellenic Building and the resources the Veterans Resource Center (VRC) can provided many resources for student veterans. provide. Representatives from the offices of Veterans “Our goal is to connect veterans to the services Educational Benefits and Certification, Counseling they need, so this is a great networking opportunity,” said Center, Disability Services, Career Services, Internships Corbin Reynolds, Coordinator of the VRC. and many more campus resources were in attendance, Students were also encouraged to join the Student along with off campus resources, such as VA Veteran Organization, which seeks to create a social and Readjustment Counseling, The Military & Family informational organization that will promote the academic Readiness Center, The Women Veterans Health Care and future success of students who have served or are Office and more. serving in the Armed Forces. Joy R. Stout, Director of the Veterans Resource “Getting involved helps increase the awareness of Center and Adult and Commuter Student Services, said veterans on campus and more importantly helps veterans it’s important for the university to connect with off add value to their time at the U of M,” said Michael campus resources for the benefit of student veterans. McCaffrey, member of the SVO. “It’s important for the community and university Overall, Students said that the open house was resources to come together, so students can see that we are informative and it allowed them to put faces with the working with them and connecting with the resources that are necessary to help them be successful,” Stout said. “To many campus and off campus resources available to them. have our Counseling Center and Disability Services here, along with the Women’s Health Care office from the VA Medical Center and more, shows that we are all inclusive
For more information on how the Veterans Resource Center can service you, call Corbin Reynolds at 901.678.4087 or email veterans@memphis.edu
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Heather Hampton, Adult and Commuter Student Services Office Coordinator For 10 years, Heather Hampton has been an influential force in the success of Adult and Commuter Student Services. Her dedication to students and staff will go unmatched as she accepts a new position at the university’s School of Music as the admissions and recruiting coordinator. Mrs. Hampton has been a right arm to Adult and Commuter Student Services Director, Joy R. Stout, over the years.
opportunities for collaboration in the future.” Mrs. Hampton’s impact will forever be remembered in the ACSS office.
“Heather is one of the kindest people I “I’ve watched Heather grow and evolve and this have ever met. She opportunity is well deserved. I’m glad our paths is always there to crossed during an early time in my administration,” help me out whether Stout said. “This is a bittersweet goodbye for me but the task is big or Heather Hampton, ACSS Office Coordinator success for her. Thank you Heather for your dedicated small,” said Evan performance during your 10 years in Adult and Kelly, graduate assistant for events and programs. Commuter Student Services.” “I’m going to miss Heather and her calming spirit. When asked what she will miss most about working She cares a lot about students and their success, and I in ACSS, Mrs. Hampton said engaging with students. admire that about her,” said Ahmaya Wright, student “I’m going to miss the students and all the activities worker. we do to support students. I’m going to miss Mrs. We wish Mrs. Hampton much success as she follows Stout, student affairs and the many teams I’ve worked her passion and embarks on this new phase in her professional career. on. I won’t be far, so hopefully there will be
Relaxation Zone Unplug. Remove the mental clutter.
Find some "you" time at the Counseling Center’s Relaxation Zone. Enjoy vibrating massage chairs, biofeedback computer stations, and small “Wellness Breaks” where students can get instruction on a variety of self-care skills.
Open Monday—Friday from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm in the Counseling Center (212 Wilder Tower)
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