April 12, 2016 Vol. 52 No. 27 by Pacer Times

University of South Carolina Aiken

Apr.12.2016

Vol. 52| No. 27

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INDEX.

pg. 2

Veterans Center

see pg. 2

Horses & Courses see pg. 3

Alumni Spotlight

see pg. 4

Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Not Dead

so b i

see pg. 5

AFA

see pg. 5

Baseball Softball

see pg. 6

Panama Papers

Key

see pg. 6

see pg. 8

TUES

72 53 WED

66 48 THURS

FRI

66 48 68 49

SAT

71 52 SUN

74 57 pg. 4

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Editor-in-Chief Thomas Gardiner Copy Editor Caitlin Butler Creative Director Brooke Clark News Editor Lizzie Abshire Sports Editor Jordan Phillips Opinions Editor James Paisley Arts and Entertainment Editor Amanda Askins

Business Manager Timothy Boerste Events Coordinator Jamacia Jimerson Adviser Peggy Elliott

ABOUT PACER TIMES Pacer Times is a weekly publication of the University of South Carolina Aiken. The opinions stated in this paper are those of Pacer Times and in no way reflect those of USCA. The student newspaper is distributed free on campus, one copy per student. To purchase an advertisement, parties must contact the advertising manager at (803) 641-3517 or by email to pacertimes@usca.edu. Advertisements are subject to rejection by the staff.

Pacer Times is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press and South Carolina Press associations.

About our cover Design by Brooke Clark Photo of Work those heels by Lizzie Abshire

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Keyah Gibson, a race run well

Pacer Times

Staff Writers Angelika Davis Meredith Hawcroft

news

2 | April 12, 2016

Submitted photo

Keyah Gibson rocked her “Think Pink” shirt and tutu.

SC Aiken suffered a tremendous loss Friday, April 1, when Yukia “Keyah” Gibson passed away. Gibson’s battle with stage four breast cancer was finally brought to a conclusion but the memories of her remain in many of the student’s lives. Gibson was an education major and was an avid member of Omega Phi Alpha and the Pacer Union Board. She is described by students as being full of life and being a big part of their day. Hy’keem KeeMii Frazier was close friends with Gibson and he shared that she would “stress the importance of enjoying life and to always smile and continue to walk forward” despite the troubles that were behind him, said Frazier. Fraizer went on to share the moment that Gibson told him, “When

you start to miss me Keemii, don’t just shed a tear but think about all the great laughs we shared!” The university held a memorial service in her honor for Gibson’s family and friends the week after her death. Many students came out to the memorial and wore pink for the occasion. Gibson was not just battling breast cancer, she was a student who was fighting for her life. “Despite such a devastating diagnosis, she was intent on coming back to school and completing her

With Relay for Life happening this Friday, April 15, students are encouraged to participate in the event. Relay for Life is where students come and walk around in the quad in memory of friends and family who have had cancer, or those who want to support those who are going through this tough time. Recently, students were asked to share

we always joked around and had our share of laughs. This girl was so strong! I’m going to miss seeing you around! I’m glad you’re not in any pain anymore” said Tiffany Morgan. “I always loved that she had long pointy bright pink fingernails. She rocked it everyday and always had a smile their personal memories on her face” said Anna about Keyah on the Logan. Student Life Facebook The one thing that page and many students students repeatedly said participated. was that Gibson was “From the time I met someone who was always Keyah she always stressed happy and was a strong the importance of young woman. enjoying life, to always Those who may need smile, and continue to emotional support walk forward no matter during this time are how bad the storm was encouraged to contact behind me,” said Frazier. the Counseling Center at “She was the type of 803-641-3609. person that lit up the In memory of Keyah room when she walked Gibson’s life, students in. She was full of life are invited to participate and had been fighting in the Relay for Life the cancer for a long from 10 p.m. to 10 a.m. time, and she just was Friday at USC Aiken. a happy person,” said -Lizzie Abshire Jamie Clifton. “We had class together,

“When you start to miss me Keemii, don’t just shed a tear but think about all the great laughs we shared!” - Keyah Gibson studies,” said Associate Director of Student Life Angel Miano. Miano explained that Gibson was directed by her doctor to take the fall semester in 2014 off, but Gibson was determined to return back to school. When she did return to the university, Gibson got involved with Relay for Life and became an advocate for the event. “Despite being sick, she often kept her head up and had hope. She always had a smile when I saw her and she was a huge advocate for breast cancer and early detection,” said Miano.

Keyah Gibson shows off her smile and long hair.

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News

April 12, 2016

USCA student veterans get updated space President of the Student Veterans Organization. Flippen said, “This new facility is definitely a step towards more recognition on campus for veterans. This new facility will help us reach our goal of helping veterans know that their success is important to us.” He explained that he has had great experiences with the Veteran and Military Success Center since entering the university because it has provided him with multiple points of contact and helped ease the Meredith Hawcroft transition into college life. Remiscing and sharing stories about their lives are Robert Murphy (far left), Sam Flippen Robert Murphy, director (center), and Medal of Honor Recipient Mike Thornton of the United States Navy (far right). of the Veteran and Military Student Success Center, The office was partially s one of Military On Monday, they hosted said, “Although our campus funded by community Times best for vets a reception to celebrate already does great things picks and a top school the opening of their partnerships with groups for our students, we have newly located office in the such as Savannah River for Military Advanced experienced a large growth Penland Administrative Nuclear Solutions. The Education & Transition’s in veteran students recently, Aiken-Augusta Charity 2016 Guide to Colleges Building. so we are striving to & Universities, USCA is Veteran and Military Golf Classic also presented support them and provide Student Success had been a check at the reception motivated to creating the holistic help.” best university environment located in the Greggfrom their fundraiser. Murphy explained that Graniteville Library These donations were possible for military the office provides help with greatly appreciated by members and their families. since its initial grand transitioning from military all who are impacted by The Veteran and Military opening in April of 2013, to community life, career the Veteran and Military Success Center has but the location became recently revamped their overcrowded and no longer Student Success Center, said networking opportunities, assistance navigating the GI met the needs of faculty Sam Flippen, sophomore office to help them better Bill and peer mentoring. accomplish their goal. and veterans. sociology major and Vice-

Zeta in Pink: The ladies of Zeta Tau Alpha held their annual Rock-A-Thon on Thursday, April 7. Every year, the ladies rock the night away from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. in rocking chairs to raise money and awareness for their philanthropy, Breast Cancer Education and Awareness.

Senior exercise science major and army veteran Bill Dreibelbis described the new office as “fantastic and much bigger than the old space” and “an ideal space to hang out with likeminded people.” Sophomore secondary education major Robert Franklin was also among those in attendance. Franklin explained that when he first attended USCA twenty-one years, ago there was no one to explain GI Bill benefits, but a year ago he came back to USCA and has had great experiences with the Veteran and Military Student Success Office. Franklin said, “They have been here to hold my hand every step of the way. Their service has been incredibly invaluable.” It is clear that the renovations and relocation for the Veteran and Military Student Success Center will make a lasting impact on student veterans, their families and the campus as a whole. - Meredith Hawcroft

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alumni spotlight

4 | April 12, 2016

Those who came before, where are they now?

Darren Dibenedetto Communication 2000

urrently employed in New York, not far from where he grew up, Darren Dibenedetto stated that “a big piece of his heart was left in Aiken.”  Darren, a 2000

graduate with a degree in Communication was involved in many activities during his years as a USC Aiken student.   Although not a member of a collegiate team, his love of sports provided him with many great opportunities and memories on Pacer athletic fields and courts. He became the public address announcer for several teams; baseball, volleyball and basketball.  In addition to his involvement with athletics, he was a founding member of Beta Omega Chi, a writer for Pacer Times, a member of Pacer Union Board (PUB) and a Pacesetter. When asked to recall his favorite memories,

Kristen Medlin Business Administration 2003

lthough Kristen has graduated from USC Aiken, she has not wandered far from campus as she is the Administrative Director of Human Resources at Aiken Regional Medical Centers.   Kristen, initially came to USC Aiken with the intention to transfer, but after receiving a scholarship she abandoned those thoughts, replacing them instead with

I Jamie Addison Business Administration 2008

n 2008 Jamie Addison graduated from USC Aiken with more than classroom knowledge under his belt. He credits his involvement in student activities to his professional success as much as the quality education and the support he received from USC Aiken faculty and staff. As President of his fraternity Lambda Chi Alpha, he developed many friendships that continue today. In addition, Jamie developed and fine-tuned skills such as prioritizing,

he responded there are “too many to count.”  He said, “The friends and relationships I made during my time at USC Aiken are still very important to me today.”    Darren commented that the local community and the campus are some of the most welcoming places he has ever been.  He also participated in several road trips, including PUB trips to Chattanooga and Nashville, which were two of his favorites.  In addition to the social aspects of college, Darren stated that he learned a lot about himself and the career path he decided to pursue.  He found that the classroom and the academic

environment was a place where he learned a lot of life lessons, spending time “learning life skills such as responsibility, integrity, and the value of hard work.”  In addition to the faculty, Darren credits caring staff members in Student Life and Athletics who served as mentors and gave him job opportunities. Darren has been working in the business of mortgage origination for the past 14 years and says that he has the goal every year to be a better producer and leader in his region. He expressed that he was grateful to have been a student here. “[I’m] so thankful that I chose USC Aiken,” he said. “In fact

USC Aiken may have chosen me by default.  I really wanted to go to USC in Columbia but they deferred me to USCA. Of course I had already decided I was only going to be at USCA for a year and then transfer. Something happened.   I enjoyed my time and met so many wonderful people that I never left.  Even to this day while I live and work in New York very close to where I grew up, I still believe that a big piece of my heart was left in Aiken.”

involvement in campus activities. She participated as a Pacesetter, a Student Government senator, and as a cheerleader. Kristen also took advantage of the study abroad opportunity to Prague, where she gained a better appreciation for “the world of work” as well as respect for other cultures. Kristen continued her education at Lipscomb

University where she graduated with a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (Healthcare Management) in 2006, a move she was prepared for with the abilities to manage time, prioritize responsibilities and live independently which she obtained as a Pacer.   Kristen’s commitment to the University has not stopped, as she serves on the Alumni Council to

give back to the University which provided her with the guidance of her professors and staff, and friendships she has developed and maintained. The skill set Kristen established at USCA has helped her to become a successful Human Resources professional.

managing time, asking for help and conducting himself professionally. Jamie credits his campus mentor, Dr. Ritchie, with helping him gain practical knowledge for life after college. While at USC Aiken Jamie constantly pushed himself out of his comfort zone, most notably by taking a Women’s Literature English class. He was one of the two males in the class, but his time in the class taught him to see things in a different perspective and better

understand himself and others. The knowledge he gained and the many activities in which he participated had a great impact in his preparing Jamie as a banker. He is currently a commercial banker at First Community Bank in Lexington, South Carolina. In retrospect, Jamie would advise every student to get involved on campus in some capacity. “Getting involved will present opportunities to meet new people and gain new

experiences,” he said. He stressed the importance of developing relationships with professors and staff members as they can assist students in understanding the importance of community, which is valued in the workplace.  Through involvement and relationship building while at USC Aiken, students can position themselves for success after graduation.

Prepared by Christian Medders, Student Intern, Spring 2016

Article written by Joe Berry, Alumni Office Intern, Fall 2015

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Arts and Entertainment April 12, 2016 5 Summer To-Do List: Movies, Books and TV Shows God’s back... and better than ever

rom college to high school, the question of God’s existence is still burning as the next installment of the God’s Not Dead series was released on April 1. Grace Wesley, the main character in the movie, finds herself in big trouble when she answers a question about religion in her classroom. Everything begins to spiral, and not only Grace but Christianity is put on trial to prove once and for all that God is not dead. Through the movie, many of the characters’ beliefs are tested. Some come out stronger, some don’t make it and others will realize that God was always there. It’s a heart-warming and powerful movie for Christians and it shows just how strong faith can be. But, not only does it bring faith into question but also

our society’s views on where God’s place is. In both of the movies, God and His existence is brought into question in a classroom. The movies reflect our culture in the way that God can go anywhere except in the classroom. Current legislation is a bit confusing on exactly where religion fits since it plays such a big role in so many people’s way of life. Nonetheless, if you’re a Christian or just in need of some encouraging, God’s Not Dead 2 is just as inspirational and moving as the first. “I’d rather stand with God and be judged by the world, than stand with the world and be judged by God,” said Grace Wesley.

-Angelika Davis

Interested in Arts & Entertainment? Join Pacer Times on Tuesdays at 5:15 in the Student Media office!

Alpha Phi Alpha steps up the excitement over campus events

his year, the Sigma Tau Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated has a few great events to end this school year on an exciting note in preparation for a highly anticipated fall semester. Next week, the chapter, presided over by Mr. Antonio Furtick, has three events to bring all the buzz to campus. The first event will be held on April 20 and is titled “The Black State of the Union Address.” The chapter has invited prominent voices in the Aiken community and many beloved students here on campus to shed light on problems and solutions within the local and national

African-American public. What is Greek Life without a good show on the yard? The annual Stroll Like An Alpha (SLAA) will have three different teams competing for first place with strolls, chants and steps. As a staple Spring event, the chapter will be hosting their Annual Miss Black and Gold Scholarship Pageant looking to award one lucky lady with an educational scholarship and a chance to compete at the District, Regional and National levels within the organization. -Eric Sanders

Legally Blonde directed by Robert Luketic

Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder

Grease directed by Randal Kleiser

Watership Down by Richard Adams

High School Musical 2 directed by Peter Barsocchini

Gulp: Adventures on the Alimentary Canal by Mary Roach

Pacific Rim directed by Guillermo del Toro Two Weeks Notice directed by Marc Lawrence

Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt created by Tina Fey and Robert Carlock Grey’s Anatomy created by Shonda Rhimes New Girl created by Elizabeth Meriwether Sense8 created by Lilly and Lana Wachowski, J. Michael Straczynski

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Sports

6 | April 12, 2016

Pacer baseball drops series finale to Augusta

Pacersports.com

Junior outfielder Mitchell Price’s homer wasn’t enough to carry the Pacers to victory on Sunday.

he No. 5 University of South Carolina Aiken baseball team lost a 6-2 contest at Augusta Sunday afternoon in the series finale. The Pacers fall to 30-9 on the season and 19-8 against conference teams. The

Jaguars improve to 27-11 overall and 16-5 in league play. Head coach Kenny Thomas’ team fell behind 2-0 after the home squad plated a pair of runs in the bottom of the first inning. After Augusta tacked on

a score in the bottom of the third, USC Aiken managed to get a run back in the fourth. Chaz Pal led off the stanza by reaching on a throwing error by the third baseman. Brian Parreira pulled a ball to right field, allowing Pal to

hustle into third base. Zach Moon reached on a fielder’s choice. Although Parreira was out at second base, Pal crossed home to make it 3-1. USC Aiken went quietly in the fifth and the Jaguars scored three runs, but only two were earned, for a 6-2 advantage. Pal reached base after he was hit by a pitch to lead off the sixth, but USC Aiken was unable to get anything else going in the stanza. The Pacers closed the gap in the seventh when Mitchell Price smashed a solo homer over the left field fence, making it 6-2. Thomas’ team tried to get things going in the ninth as Nile Goings reached on an error. However, after an out, USC Aiken hit into a gameending double play. For the game, Price led the team with a pair of hits, including the round-tripper

Joe Marlow suffered his first loss of the season, giving up six runs on 10 hits. However, only four of the runs were earned. Marlow struck out two batters in 4.1 innings while Nick Jobst held the Jaguars scoreless over 3.2 frames while striking out four. The Pacers return to action Wednesday when they host Newberry at 6:30 p.m.Newberry and the Pacers had a heated contest earlier this month that went into extra innings and resulted in a Pacer victory, so this one is sure to be just as exciting. Live stats and video will be available at PacerSports. com with commentary from Marcus Johnson. The boys will also take on Flagler this weekend in conference play, looking to regain a top two spot in the PBC. -Pacersports.com

Pacer softball drops doubleheader to North Georgia

Pacersports.com

Senior catcher Andrea Daring stares down the pitcher during Sunday’s doubleheader loss

he University of South Carolina softball team lost a pair of games to No. 7 North Georgia Sunday afternoon by scores of 6-0 and 6-1. The Pacers fall to 24-16 overall and 8-10 against league foes. The Nighthawks improve to 43-6 on the year and 19-1 against conference competition. Taylor Morgan was dominant in the early going, striking out two batters

in the top of the first. She kept North Georgia off the scoreboard for the first three stanzas, but head coach Jerry Snyder’s team was also kept scoreless. The Nighthawks got on the board with three runs in the fourth inning, but USC Aiken had a chance to cut into the deficit in the bottom of the frame. With one down, Sydney Murphy singled to left center field. Samantha Chubb

singled to shortstop, putting runners on first and second. However, the Nighthawks managed to force back-toback fly ball outs to end the threat. North Georgia added two runs in the fifth and one in the sixth for a 6-0 edge. Snyder’s squad had a hit in the sixth but was unable to do anything with it. In the seventh, however, the Pacers made it interesting. With two down, Morgan

singled to the left side of the infield. Andrea Daring ripped a single down the left field line prior to Julianne Leduc reaching on a fielding error to load the bases. Karly Kinard came in as a pinch hitter and roped what looked to be a double down the line, but the third baseman was able to make a leaping catch, ending the game. In the nightcap, the Nighthawks jumped on top with a solo homer in the first. Sarah Montei led off the bottom of the frame with a single and promptly stole second, but she was stranded in scoring position. UNG scored a run in the second and third innings, but USC Aiken’s defense stayed strong. The Pacers tried to cut into the deficit in the fifth with one away. Kinard belted a double into the gap in left center field, but a pop-up and a strikeout ended the inning. Although the Nighthawks scored a run in the sixth, a sensational play managed to get Katie Block trying to get back to first. After Block singled to left, Brielle

Jungblut threw a dart towards home plate that was cut off by Chubb. She turned and fired the ball to Magan Thrower at first base, who tagged Block for the second out. With one down in the top of the seventh, UNG’s player earned a walk. A base runner strayed too far away from third base and Daring fired a ball to Chubb. In one quick motion, she managed to blindly tag the runner for the second out. The visitors added a pair of runs for a 6-0 margin. Chandler Terrapin led off the seventh with a double into the gap. Taylor Allen came in as a pinch runner and moved to third on Kinard’s single to center field. With one down, Daring lifted a sacrifice fly to left field, making it 6-1. USC Aiken had runners on first and second, but was unable to push across any more runs. The Pacers return to action Wednesday when they travel to Montevallo in a make-up contest starting at 4 p.m. Live stats and video will be available at PacerSports.com. -Pacersport.com

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Sports

April 12, 2016

This week in sports: The weekly scoreboard Baseball Newberry

5 Augusta University

Softball USC Aiken

6 8

Men’s Tennis

5 USC Aiken

3 3

Young Harris

6 2

USC Aiken

8 16

Armstrong State

USC Aiken

North Georgia

Women’s Tennis USC Aiken

0 Pfeiffer

Armstrong State

9 Georgia College

Pacersports.com Congratulations to Ettore Damiani for being named the Student Athlete of the week.

USC Aiken

0 USC Aiken

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EDITORIALS

April 12, 2016 8

The Panama Papers deserve your attention The Panama Papers are kind of a big deal. Over three hundred journalists have spent nearly a year combing over the data. The 2.6 terabyte (or 2,600 gigabyte) leak detailing shell companies created by Mossack Fonseca, a Panamanian law firm and corporate services provider, has led to the resignation of Iceland’s Prime Minister, Sigurður Ingi Jóhannsson, and political troubles for British Prime Minster David Cameron and Russian President Vladimir Putin, as well as a host of other politicians and current and former world leaders. Jóhannsson bought Wintris in 2007 to invest millions of dollars

of inherited money in Icelandic bank bonds, which might not be so troublesome if Jóhannsson hadn’t been part of negotiations (since 2013) with the creditors of three major Icelandic banks after their collapse in 2008. He stood to lose money if foreign creditors were paid off first, so he has been accused of a conflict of interest. The Panama Papers also revealed that Cameron had benefited from selling his shares of his late father’s offshore trust that did not pay British taxes. As for Putin, two billion dollars of loans and investments are connected to him through the Papers. These revelations are only a

few of many. The cynical may scoff at horror that the rich are hiding their money in overseas tax shelters, given the claims of American oligarchy made by political scientists Martin Gilens and Benjamin I. Page in their 2014 study, “Theories of American Politics: Elites, Interest Groups, and Average Citizens.” Basically, policy changes supported by the top ninetieth percentile have a forty-five percent chance of going through, and an eighteen percent chance if they oppose the change. No matter whether a majority or a minority of American citizens supports a policy change, the probability of its acceptance

remains approximately thirty percent. The important thing is that while a shell company can be useful to hide money from criminals or an oppressive regime, it can also be used to hide away money that could solve problems. The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists released a video that tells the story of a criminal implicated in a Russian sex trafficking ring whose pedophilic activities Mossack Fonseca did not report to authorities. It also mentions how an oil company in Uganda had Mossack Fonseca set up a shell company to deny 400 million

dollars in tax revenues to the Ugandan government, which is more than the government’s health budget in a country where people are sometimes expected to bring their own medical supplies to health centers. I hope that leaks like the Panama Papers and Wikileaks’ release of American diplomatic cables signal an era of better moral choices by politicians and businesspeople. I hope for increased transparency amid public outcry. I don’t hear many people talking about the Papers. Please visit https:// panamapapers.icij.org/ for more information. This is important. James Paisley