April 19, 2016 Vol. 52 No. 28 by Pacer Times

University of South Carolina Aiken

Apr.19.2016

Vol. 52| No. 28

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INDEX. Relay For Life Photos

j pa

tnm

pg. 6

see pg. 2

AOP

see pg. 2

Survival Guide

see pg. 3

Grad List

see pg. 4&5

Comic

see pg. 6

Baseball see pg. 7

TUES

86 56 WED

Senior Farewell

Letters pg. 8

80 57 THURS

80 61 FRI

from: The Editors

79 57 SAT

80 56 SUN

80 62 pg. 6

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news

2 | April 19, 2016

Students rally for Relay for Life

Pacer Times Editor-in-Chief Thomas Gardiner Copy Editor Caitlin Butler Creative Director Brooke Clark News Editor Lizzie Abshire Sports Editor Jordan Phillips

Laura Purdy, member of ZTA, cheers on a fellow student who is popping balloons filled with paint.

Gabriela Cepeda and Josh Imholte challenge each other at a game of cornhole.

The tent for children with cancer provided pizza and doughnut holes for a dollar each.

Keyah Gibson’s parents light a candle in her honor at the candlelight vigil.

Opinions Editor James Paisley Arts and Entertainment Editor Amanda Askins Staff Writers Angelika Davis Mikaela Ransom Meredith Hawcroft Ashley Conklin Josh Recor Business Manager Timothy Boerste Ad Manager Joshua Recor 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.

Students at USC Aiken came together during the candlelight vigil for Keyah Gibson, the closing event for Relay for Life on Friday. Photos by Lizzie Abshire

AOII “Strike out for Arthritis”

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

About our cover Design by the greatest designer an editor could EVER hope for, Brooke Clark. You’re the best!

Submitted Photo

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News

April 19, 2016

Advice from a sophomore during finals W

ith the end of the semester coming up, students are stressed out over finishing up their school work and doing well on finals in order to pass classes. Some simple study habits will help most students get through the end of the semester and into the summer. Study Groups: The good thing about study groups is that notes and information can be shared among everyone. Students are able to volley ideas off each other and those who understand different aspects of the class are able to help explain to those who donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t. Notes: As the semester goes by, most professors give notes for their students to review

Lizzie Abshire

Jennifer Bojescul, Page Watt, and Caitlin Adams prepare for finals on the SAC patio. throughout the semester. Whether the final is cumulative or only covers part of the material, make sure to review all notes. To review the material,

type it, color code the notes or make flash cards. Language Lab: The language lab is good for all students taking a foreign language. Computers

are set up with technology to help students hear and speak their language in order to better understand for future tests. That, coupled with the online

textbook, make it easier for students to learn the language. Quizlet: Quizlet is a website designed to create online flashcards. This can be used for most material, including vocabulary, study questions and practice quizzes. The website also generates three other unique ways to learn the information, and two practice games. Sleep: Sleep is one of the most important things before a major final. Studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brains needs to be able to rest and restart before a major final so the student doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t crash in the middle of the exam. Making sure studying gets done early ensures enough time for one to sleep the night before. -Ashley Conklin

4 | April 19, 2016

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Graduating Class

Congratulations to all

USCA Class of 2016

Master of Education Katie Lynn Reddington

Master of Science Amanda Catherine Atkinson Jessie Kaye Light Matthew Jordan Nelson Erin Elizabeth Stuck Kimberly Brooke Wiley

August 2016 Master of Education Lauren Elizabeth Blanton Katherine Lenore Head

Master of Science Brian Burke Johnson Martin Alexander Knoll Kirsten Elizabeth Shirley Megan Rae Stauffer Jaclyn Ciera Turner Matthew Nicholas Tyra Elizabeth Carol Willits Noah Remick Wolkowicz

May 2016 Bachelor of Arts Angel Janel Albright Brittainy Altemease Allen Shawna Marie Allinger Hannah Paige Allison Dyesha Deanise Baker Victoria Elizabeth Barbee Joseph Thomas Berry Elizabeth Lauren Bishop Cum Laude Rebecca Anne Bjork Mikayla Nachellle Bledsoe Kelsie Denay Blocker Kyara Dawnn Bolden Taylor Marlenia Lauren Boles Samantha Ann Bolton Kellyn Elise Brooks Cum Laude Olivia Grace Burbage Summa Cum Laude Zachary Whittaker Burch Jonathan Morgan Burton Summa Cum Laude Janice Caitlin Butler Magna Cum Laude Kirsten Kendrick Ceron Jamie Carmel Clifton Patience TyQuashia Davis Patrick Cambell Davis Cum Laude Paxton Ann-Elizabeth DeBeaugrine Ashley Nicole Diedrich

Ashley LaQuinn Dixon Carl Palmour Elliott Diani Chantell Ellison Bailey Lamae Gantt Joseph Michael Gill Jasielle Darlynn Gray Katelyn Elizabeth Grisillo Cum Laude Emily Catherine Haggard Lacey Alexandra Hampton Sarah Sabrina Hardwick Jessica Leah Hardy Brittany Ashton Hendricks Magna Cum Laude Jared Isaiah Hines Charles Robert Horton Cum Laude Chastity Dominique Houston Shana Elizabeth Ingram Cum Laude Jamacia Sheree Jimerson Jessica Nicole Jennings Emily Amanda Johnson Gabrielle Davinia Johnson Marcus Gregory Johnson Erika Monique Jones Leo Doral Jones Hazel Miriam Kelley Magna Cum Laude Ajay Sivan Krishnakumar Cum Laude Jennifer Louise Law

Abigail Catherine Sorrenson Gerry Jerome Stevens Jonathan Patrick Carpenter Stroupe Kayla Alexandra Tamas Cum Laude Courtney Elizabeth Templeton Cum Laude Melissa Shere Thompson Jemar Sinclair Trottie Connor Whitley Turner Rachel Ann Vaughan Asha Amira Washington Ashlyn Marie Washington Rachel Elizabeth Watford Rebecca Erin Weaver Magna Cum Laude Kelsey Rachelle Webber Brantley James Westbrook Tamara Paige Younce

Bachelor of Arts in Education Demetria Reneá Bannister Destiny Kamia Berry Candace Morgan Britt Cum Laude Shiniqua Keyandra Brooks Amber Dawn Bryan

Karson Michael Welty Cum Laude

Bachelor of Arts in Special Education Kerri Marie Busbee Megan Taylor Hunkins Cum Laude Cassie Nicole Shumpert Cum Laude Katherine Paige Silman

Bachelor of Science

Matthew Justin Aaron Arnisha Shondré Atkinson Angelica Antoinette Baylor Jenna Louise Beauregard Maijer Jibril Bell Quandaireal Leandrea Blue Brittany Dawn Bowen Jasmine Latia Byrd Sharcole Chaneé Canty Monica Michelle Cardona Magna Cum Laude Chitravati Devi Choony Magna Cum Laude Cody James Clester Cum Laude Ashleigh Jaleesa Coleman Andrew Steven Cornejo Margie Elizabeth Craven

“Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice, and most of love of what you’re doing.”

-Pele

Kelley Zane McElyea Satin Lee McIntosh Christian Lee Medders Sarah Anne Montei Taylor Paige Morgan Scott Joseph Netherton Christian Symone Nunnley Summa Cum Laude James Donald Paisley Rina Patel Sara Rebekah Rains Cum Laude Jelisa Tiera Audé Raysor Jackson Lee Redd Magna Cum Laude John Gator Reeder Holly Kathleen Reese Parker Alan Riggs Kevin Deyonta Roach Lakeisha Rudolph Sarah Lucille Samundsen Jennevieve Angelique Sevilla Kiran Maqsood Sheikh Magna Cum Laude Shayla Samone Simmons Alisha Marie Simpson Briana Drucilla Smith James Edward Smith

Sandra E. Chambers Cum Laude Kourtney Michael Chapman Magna Cum Laude Rachel Elizabeth Crosby Thomas Andrew Drafts Kimberly Jones Floyd Lee Ellen Fulmer Magna Cum Laude Stacey Marie Gilbert Summa Cum Laude Shawanda Norlisha Grant Stacy Coletta Hill Ashley Nicole Holtsizer Brittany LeeAnn Ivey Garrett Jackson Jones Kelsey Nicole Lankford Jonetia Marika Livingston Shelby Ann Malsbury Cum Laude Luke Wesley McClure Hannah Elizabeth McGee Victoria Elaine Padgett Nicole Marie Pearce Magna Cum Laude Tameika Latrice Tinsley Cum Laude

Hallie Denise Davidson Stephanie Sullymar Diaz Manuel Nicholas Dominguez Cum Laude Benjamin Keegan Donath William Allen Dreibelbis Magna Cum Laude Mariah Nicole Durian Cum Laude Skylar Elizabeth Eargle Jasmine Lydia Sharaé Ford Christina Lee Fowler Chandler Kennedy Frick Tyler James Gambrell Cum Laude Kristin Marie Garlick David Michael Gilbert Magna Cum Laude Kailaya Desarie Gordon Teagan Tretis Jarell Green Robert Abbott Hambrick Shoniquea Reneé Mona Harper Tyisha Jhana Henderson Rodney Raul Jaramillo Katrena Lavanda Jenkins Collin Thomas Jones Cum Laude

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Graduating Class

April 19, 2016

of our 2016 Graduates

Bachelor of Arts in Special Education

Joshua Daniel King Kayley Ellen Kirkland Magna Cum Laude Jennie Rose Lacaz Cole Travis Lee Micaiah Nissi Leslie Cum Laude KaDonna Lubertha Lewis Cum Laude Samantha Lynne Lisek Cum Laude Ca’Shara Latrice Lott Darren Thomas Loveday Cum Laude Daane Mallek Lauren Brooke Masanovich Caleb Morris McMahen Magna Cum Laude Manuel Medina Benjamin Thomas Mills Marya Renee Moultrie LaQuan Everett Nelson Brian Ralph Nichols Rebecca Ann O’Shea Cum Laude Jessica Lane Owens Daymond Romell’o Parrilla Cum Laude Rickaya LaRuth Peeples Corey Adam Pitts Shane Patrick Pyles Ryan Michael Rafanan Alexandria Rae Ravenell Crystal Marie Rish Latoya Nicole Ryant Kelsey Danae Sawyer Magna Cum Laude Victoria Mae Shores Summa Cum Laude Brittany Latrice Shorter Taylor Nicole Simmons Dean John James Smith Kayla Maree Smith Magna Cum Laude Taylor Erin Stacy Tori Bradley Starnes Olivia Leigh Stiltner Samantha Leigh Strock Camille Helen Summer Christina Nichole Thomas Cum Laude Contessa De’Shavor Thomas Kristen Brooke Thomas Cum Laude Vinh Phat Phan Ton Alexis La’faith Townsend Marquis Antwon Tucker Kayce Tai Vanpelt Cum Laude Madelyn Blair Wasden Cum Laude Denzel Maurice Washington Emma Watts Emily Morgan Webb Cum Laude

Jeremy Stephen Weeks Summa Cum Laude Monica Ashley Wheeler Ericka Nichole Wiley Thelma Adrienne Wilson Kendell Scott Woods Cum Laude Austin Nicholas Worden Cum Laude Tyler James Wright Tyler Stephen Young

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Mohammed Abdullah Massey Aldossary Cum Laude Nathanial Rivers Baker

Maximilian Christian Schoen Cum Laude Alisha Kristen Sculley Sharon Curtis Shelley Molly Louise Shuler Cum Laude Jarrel Dashone Smalls Ashlynn Leigh Stephenson Gavin Ernest Kennedy Stepehnson Karli Joanna Stone Cum Laude Justin Edwards Swearingen Ryan Paul Swygert Cum Laude Brian Nelson Washnock John Benjamin Webb Cum Laude Derek David Wiley Jasamine Shala Williams Cynthia Denise Willis

Walton Lee Satcher, Jr. Nicole Rachel Sela SUMMA Cum Laude Chasmine Sadé Smith Taylar Lynne Stewart Hannah Laura Beverly Taylor Magna Cum Laude Mistie Cheyenne VanPutten Scott Alan Walker Aubrey Ann Worrall Magna Cum Laude

August 2016 Bachelor of Arts Jordan Michele Abdella Ariel Charmain Brothers Jamesha Jychalle Covington Austin Timothy Deal Cara Brooks Dooley Hendrix Emu

Sallie Rebecca Stevens Sarah Lisa Swett

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Kendra Monique Allen LaToya Annette Ardis Brandon Scott Beverly Justin Chiron Brandon Christian Tyler Brooks David Bernard Brown Charles Edward Ferguson Kimberly NeAndrea Frost Nicholas Todd Grossman Andrea Sharnaé Hall Cum Laude Kellie Brisha Harris Ashley Nicole Henderson Ross Dale Jackson Patrick Kelly Jennings George Timothy Johnson

My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.

-Maya Angelou

Samantha Lynn Baker Matthew Ronald Bielewicz Aaron Lee Blackmon Timothy Frank Boerste Cum Laude Robert Kemper Green Cannon Alyson Reed Chain Ettore Damiani James Albert Deal Cum Laude Haiyen Do Shannon Torrell Duffins Rachel Nicole Economos Felix Louis Espada Wade A. Ford Cum Laude Deneshia Keyona Freeman Kimberly NeAndrea Frost Kenni Amaiya Gill Cameron Marshall Hasty Mitchell Heyward Higgins Brandon Michael Hilderbrand Tysherryca Taneecya Johnson Jeremy William Lacey Gabriel Macebo Locher Andrew Charles Lynch Jerry Russell Matthews Gregory Allen McLeod Kimberley Valentina Mickens Gabrielle Vernice Mullen Allen Shane Nicholls Quyen Ngoc Nguyen Cum Laude Michael Ellis Occhipinti Kendre’L Juan Pixley Brandon Sloan Lenair Poole Courtney Nicole Powers Andrew Michael Ridout Kendra Chantel Riggins Jerry F. Rogers Mora Dicks Sanders

Bachelor of Science in Nursing JonHenry Wayne Allen Kristen Lynette Anderson Cum Laude David Paul Bell Brent Joseph Blackmon Magna Cum Laude Lacey Jeanne Blair Ashley Nicole Brown Cum Laude Peyton Nichole Burger Cum Laude LeKisha Denise Cave Allison Kaydon Crider Cum Laude RacQuel Ann Fritts Cum Laude Heather Miranda Gagnon Cum Laude Nadira Louise Gary Lyntia Denise Graves Lisa Dianne Hersey Christopher Robert Buis Arielle Falan Jennings Alyssa Marie Johnson Magna Cum Laude Melissa Erin Lane Summa Cum Laude Anna Michelle Long Cum Laude Sophia Karina Martinez Magna Cum Laude Stephanie Paige Maynard Hannah Elizabeth Melancon Magna Cum Laude Whitney Ann Miller Magna Cum Laude Jenni Lisa Moseley Karen Angelica Pacheco Catherine Nicole Richards Cum Laude

Sarah Marie Evans Arielle Jaquarte Fogle Jordan Hakeem Foster Raul Gallegos Meghan Emily Gillam Taylor Erin Jackson Giselle Alécia Johnson Angela Lee Josey Reagan Chase Kelley Lesley Anne Koppert Andrew Tyler Miller James Edward Smith Michael Andrew St. John Cum Laude Megan Shauntaé Thompson Haley Nichole Willingham Bachelor of Science Nathan Lee Boyd Marie Dale Bragg Gulina Angelique Brown Shayla Chelsie Chavis Altomesha Elizabeth Childs Samantha Sarah Chubb Kathryn Ann Cochcroft Brandee Diane Desmarais Kelan Ryan Diehl Mustafa Elhallaoui Jared Ray Felix Austin Randall Fuchs Antonio Rodricus Furtick Ryan Perry George Alexis Raquel Harvin Cum Laude Samantha Dale Hodges Gabrielle Leigh Hopkins Marilyn Wreath Mason Summa Cum Laude Jonathan Ryan McCray Pragya Rajpurohit Katelyn Mariann Rearden Kelli Michelle Shealy Kayla Tiara Stephens

Meghan Louise Kellett Jason Adam King Michael Konstantinos Kokolis Keyana Nyisha Logan Javon D’andré McQueen LaShonda Denise Mobley Joseph Leon Morris Chaz Esteban Pal Andy Van Pham Kendrel Juan Pixley Mason Thomas Richardson Brandon Lewis RobinsonThompson Justin David Self Sharon Curtis Shelley Chelsea L. Smith Cum Laude Shelby Grace Walter Michael Scott Wethington

Bachelor of Science in Nursing Reginald Spann Bell Melanie Widener Brant Andrea Carnley Bruner Jeremy Burgess Tenake Shondelle Coard Amy Reneé Dugan Katherine Lee Germain Christine Louise Ryan Jackson Xiaolin Liu Brent Allen Mills Shannon Passmore Ormand **The list of candidates for graduation was prepared before final grades and inclusion does not constitute evidence of graduation. The listing of a name is not an indication that the person will in fact receive a degree from the USC Aiken at commencement.

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Editorial

6 | April 19, 2016

Stress stinks, know the signs and symptoms W

ith finals quickly approaching, the Counseling Center is offering some advice on handling stress, depression and suicidal thoughts. Jaclyn Turner is the graduate assistant at the Counseling Center, a second year master’s student in applied clinical psychology. She has provided a clinical version on how to take care of yourself during the school year. “Stress is something that everyone has, but it’s important to know how to manage it,” said Turner. Warning signs of stress are feeling exhausted, pain in the head, neck, back, or stomach, distancing yourself from relationships, and abusing drugs or alcohol. There are some free ways

students can relieve stress. Turner recommends being active, among other things. “Being active releases endorphins in your body. Laugh more, because you can’t be angry and happy at the same time. Connect with others. Yoga will help you relax by inhaling and exhaling. Try running, too!” said Turner. Turner explained that sleep is the most important stress relief. Without enough sleep, your daily activities are harder to accomplish and you are more likely to fall asleep in class and get behind. “I think people forget that not all stress is bad stress,” said Turner. “With graduation it’s really exciting, but you’re trying to get tickets and get your family in town, so it’s a lot of stress going on.”

Life in Windsor

by: Rhett Barnard

There is a bright side to being stressed. It can be an internal drive to help you get tasks completed. Although stress has a good side, it has a bad side as well. Untreated stress can lead to depression. According to an online study of depression at US colleges, 44% of college students report symptoms of depression, but do not seek help for their condition. Symptoms of depression include but are not limited to feelings of guilt, helplessness and hopelessness, forsaking responsibilities and personal appearance and lack of interest in previously pleasurable activities. Turner emphasized that students feeling stressed and depressed should realize they are not alone. Although depression often comes with the stigma

that something is wrong, those experiencing stress and depressive symptoms should realize that this is a natural response to overwhelming situations. Students struggling with depressive symptoms should seek support. According to another online study on college student suicide in the US, 7.7% of students seriously consider suicide, 2.3% of those made a plan, and 1.2% of those went through with their plan. Turner advised that if someone knows a friend or colleague who is depressed or having suicidal thoughts, the best thing to do is to “be supportive and let them know that there are resources available, and encourage them to come into the Counseling Center.”

While stress can be a good and bad thing, it is important to learn the warning signs of stress that can turn into depression and suicidal thoughts. If you or someone you know is in need of some advanced care, the Counseling Center encourages you to come to their office. They are located in Room 126 in the Business and Education Building and are open all year for free, confidential counseling. “Whether it’s something stressful like graduation or daunting like finals, stress is something that everyone has, but it’s important to know how to manage it,” Turner said. “Too much stress is where you get physical emotions that can turn into something else quickly.” -Lizzie Abshire

As virtually real as it gets

magine being at the Super Bowl and hearing the roar of the crowd around you. Imagine being on the field in the huddle. Imagine seeing the field the way the quarterback of your favorite football team sees it seconds before the snap of the ball. Imagine the thrill of seeing defensive linemen rushing at you just as the ball is lobbed into the end zone, and then imagine watching your favorite receiver leaping to catch that ball from his point of view. Now, imagine doing this from the comfort of your own home. This experience is not available yet, but it could be soon, thanks to the emergence of new technology. Virtual Reality is not a new concept. Early VR tech has been around for almost 30 years and the idea has been around even longer than that. But this year, multiple companies, including HTC, Sony and Oculus, are launching their own versions of VR headsets that have the capacity to actually deliver the types of immersive experiences many have been dreaming of since they were kids. So, if you couple that with

the palpable excitement for VR across the gaming industry and the fact that Facebook, one of the most forward-thinking and business-savvy companies in the world, purchased Oculus for over a billion dollars due to their development on their “Oculus Rift” headset a few years ago, success for VR seems not only likely, but inevitable. That’s not to say 2016 is the year of VR or that VR will take over the world overnight. Many pundits and members of the gaming industry believe consumer adoption of VR will be a slow burn. During an interview with Colin Moriarty and Tim Gettys of Kinda Funny, wellknown game developer Cliff Bleszinski said, “It will be the year your rich friend has VR.” Like any emerging technology, the equipment is expensive. Most VR headsets will cost anywhere from $400 to $800, not counting the hardware required to use them. If someone wants VR, but doesn’t have either a PlayStation 4 or a high-end computer, the minimum cost of investment will be around $900 with the average cost at

roughly $2500. But, over the next few years, it is a more than reasonable assumption that VR will only become more advanced and also cheaper, as all modern technology does. But what’s even more exciting is despite the fact that these headsets are being marketed as gaming consoles and entertainment machines, their potential application goes much further than that. Consider what happened late last year, when a surgeon used Google Cardboard (a relatively cheap and rudimentary piece of VR tech) to save the life of a child who was born missing a lung and half of a heart by examining 3-D images of the child’s heart to plan the surgery. With that in mind, it is astounding to think of what the potential effects VR will have on the world once they become commonplace and more and more independent developers create new and innovative content. It is impossible to say what will be created, but the potential here is limitless and from here on out, Virtual Reality is a very real thing. It will be as big as you can imagine. -Josh Recor

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Sports

April 19, 2016

This week in sports: The weekly scoreboard Baseball

Softball

USC Aiken

Newberry

2 USC Aiken

6 Fla. Southern

4 4

0 2

My name is Jordan Phillips and I’ve been your sports editor this semester. Due to an oppurtunity coming up that will allow me to pursue experience in my future career, this issue will be my last. Thank you to Tommy, Dr. Elliot, and all of the staff, as well as all of the readers. Writing about the thing that I am the most passionate about has been the experience of a lifetime. Catch me next semester as a broadcast voice for the Pacer volleyball team. And again, thank you to all of you.

Montavello

USC Aiken

1 3

10 6

USC Aiken

1 0

UNC Pembroke

9 10

USC Aiken

Georgia College

Pacer baseball picks up series win against FSC T he Pacer baseball team wrapped up a three game weekend series with Florida Southern University this weekend, winning the series two games to one. Friday’s game was a fairly routine one for the Pacers. The team got the runs going early, starting with Zach Moon’s tworbi single that scored Jonathan Banks and Mitchell Price. This moved Brian Parreira into scoring position, and he scored on a wild pitch from FSC P Ben Richardson. The inning ended shortly after with the score 3-0. The Pacers would go on to score again in the seventh when Price hit a SAC bunt and scored Tyler Ammerman from third. The score would be 4-0 for the rest of the contest and the Pacers picked up the victory.

In the second game of the series, the Pacers trailed for a majority of the game by a score of 2-0. However, in the home half of the eighth inning, the Pacers offense came to life. They started things off with walks issued to Banks and Parreira. After a strikeout from Chaz Pal, Moon would collect another rbi single, scoring Banks. After a fly out from Max Schoen, Nile Goings came to the plate with two on and down by one run. Goings then launched a ball over the fence, netting himself 3 rbi’s and giving the Pacers a 4-2 lead that they would carry into the end of the game. The final game of the series would go a bit differently for the Pacers. FSC came out with a flurry of offense scoring a total of eight runs in the first

three innings. They added nine more before the end of the sixth inning. The Pacers kept up for a bit, with an even 3-3 score at the end of the second, however a five run third inning for FSC would be just the beginning of the woes for the Pacers. The final score would end up a lopsided 17-8, handing the Pacers their eleventh loss on the season. The Pacers season continues on April 20, with a single game @Catawba, and then this weekend with a series @Flagler. The series with Flagler will be a PBC matchup, and as the Pacers are vying for position in the PBC Tournament, it will be a very crucial series for the Pacers. -Jordan Phillips

Pacersports.com

Zach Moon rounds the bases in a contest against FSC.

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Senior Send-off

April 19, 2016

Famous last words, graduating staff bid adieu I

t’s been a year and a semester since I started officially copy-editing the Pacer Times (let’s be honest: before that, I was doing it unofficially with a red pen in my spare time in the Writing Room). In that time, I’ve witnessed a complete change of staff, a creative format overhaul, and an incredible amount of dedication. I’ve also hit my head on the desk, hid under a table, passed out on the blue couch, wallowed in the floor, drank too much coffee, mourned the Oxford comma, and laughed til I cried. I’m incredibly grateful

to the faculty, staff, and student body for giving us writing material! Thanks for the newsworthy campus and community events and changes, the stories, questions, and even complaints. Your feedback, positive and negative, is a big part of what’s kept us working hard every week. Thanks especially for picking up the paper – there’s nothing like seeing copies disappear from the racks, knowing that what we worked hard for is out in the world, engaging people. I just want everyone to know how proud I am of this organization. Years from

now when I think back about my senior year at USCA, I probably won’t remember which classes I took or what my papers were about. But I will remember showing up every Monday to sit in that office for hours, working on a paper I’m really proud of with people who became my family. To the fam: Thanks. You made this year unforgettable. The unprecedented levels of stress have been buffered by unimagined levels of friendship and love. I’m glad we did this together.

hile I may not graduate until December, my only class this fall won’t be tied to a brick-and-mortar classroom. Besides, I’ve got a brand new career at the Aiken Standard to handle and my time in any official capacity with Pacer Times has come to an end. Thus, my senior letter found itself among these pages. This year has had its ups and downs and never settled into the comfort zone for more than a few hours at a time. My departure feels a

little bittersweet, but I’m glad this chapter is coming to a close. It’s an ending that feels a bit like how I imagine skidding across the finish line at Daytona with the engine on fire and the wheels straight metal to the pavement might feel. I’ve done what I do best, push the limits, make some enemies, make some folks angry, and create memories and stories for all. We published nervestriking stories about hazing, domestic assault, and oversensitivity (which garnered some very concerned responses from some sensitive individuals). It’s

been a pleasure getting to see your faces and hear your stories. I’ve been fortunate here to have the freedom (freedom of speech, freedom of the press) to hone my craft and try my best to inspire the next generation of journalism-supporting newspaper enthusiasts. If the print news industry is going to keep any kind of constitution in the future, we have to adapt to combat the ideology-inducing powers of the meme creators in the Twittersphere. Special thanks to Caitlin Butler, Sydney Herrick, TJ Wright, Jamacia Jimerson,

Ronnica Golson, Connor Burney, and Colleen Hart who were vital to my success (and sanity) here. I say, everyone needs a motto and it’s time I follow mine: onward and upward. I’ll leave you with a few words from my favorite journalist, Hunter S. Thompson. “When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro.”

was working to have us sponsor the Aiken Mayoral forum back in October. But, that was only a success due to the words of encouragement to push me along. I am truly appreciative of what this organization has given me. I have the tools to go out in this cold harsh world knowing that it’s all about what you make of it. I’m going to miss everyone but luckily I’ll only be about 6 minutes down the road. And Lizzie, as new Editor-inChief I have some tips. Don’t sweat the little things, do what you feel is best and keep the lines of communication open between you, the staff, the campus, and the community. I love you girl and you’re going to do great! Well it’s been real y’all but the story continues… -Jamacia Jimerson

o my Pacer Times people: Man! It’s crazy how fast these last two years have gone by. You guys have been so awesome. Not only have I gained great friendships but I’ve also had the unique chance to grow as person from being on staff. Just two years ago when I first joined I was shy and quiet and would only participate when asked. But, that didn’t last long. The warmth and closeness I have felt from you guys opened me up. You guys became my family and I knew I wanted to be become more active so I began helping with events. And, the biggest accomplishment for myself

-Caitlin Butler

-To the student body, Keep reading. The news season lasts all year and the writers appreciate your love and support. -Thomas Gardiner