Vol 93 issue 21

ARKATECH THE OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1923

THE

ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY // THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017 • VOL. 93 NO. 21

ews Relay for Life Survivor Nbriefs Dinner getting revamped THURSDAY

Early registration for summer and fall semesters (until May 2) Graphic Design Senior Exhibit - See senior graphic design majors’ artwork from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at Norman Hall Art Gallery.

“The Anthropologist” Film Screening – Watch the award-winning documentary feature “The Anthropologist” at 7 p.m. in Rothwell 138.

ATU Trombone Choir Concert – Listen to the Trombone Choir perform from 7:30-9 p.m. in Witherspoon Auditorium.

CLAUDIA YOUNG

Editor-in-Chief

The Relay for Life Survivor Dinner is not a new event, but two twenty-somethings in Dardanelle are taking a new spin on it this year. The dinner will be held at the Dardanelle Community Center on April 24 from 6:30-8 p.m. and is open to the public.

Taylor Gamez, Arkansas Tech University graduate, and Rashad Woods, University of Central Arkansas graduate, have been planning a gala-type dinner to honor cancer survivors and their caregivers in Pope, Yell and Conway Counties. Woods said that he has talked to survivors in the area who have said they have not felt represented the best for what they’ve gone through, and he wanted to change that.

“If we’re going to do it, we’re going to do it right, do it big and set the bar for years to come,” Woods said. “This is a battle a lot of people didn’t win. A lot of people have lost a lot and done a lot to say they’re a true survivor, so we want to honor them in any way we can.”

The Pope and Yell County Relay for Life chapter adopted Conway County last year, but did not get more funding. Despite the setback, Gamez and Woods said they decided to do as much as they possibly could.

Woods came up with “100 For The 100,” where 100 businesses and individuals in the area can donate $100 to the American Cancer Society.

His idea will bring in $10,000 in total.

“People are very supportive of the cause just because of the name ‘Relay’,” Gamez said. “They’ve been absent for so long in this area that people are

(SURVIVOR page 4)

FRIDAY

SUBMITTED

Elizabeth "Whim" Guston, great-grandmother of Taylor Gamez, participated in Relay for Life after being diagnosed with cancer and is one of the reasons behind Gamez's dedication to the Survivor Dinner.

A little time makes big changes for kids SHAYLEY SAMS Contributing Writer

form into a new and improved Health and Wellness Center.

Phase one of the $2.1 million renovation for Doc Bryan is well underway as

An Arkansas Tech professor has been involved in the Russellville branch of Big Brothers Big Sisters for seven years.

Megan Toland, assistant professor of journalism, said that Big Brothers Big Sisters is designed to help children that are in need of a role model. The mentor is matched with a child that is considered “at risk.” Toland said that mentors (or bigs) are usually matched with children (or littles) that are not getting proper one-on-one time, home stability or attention.

There are two different ways to participate in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program—community-based or school-based. When acting as a community-based big, one interacts with the child outside of school one day a week. The big and their child can go watch a movie, go out to eat, go to the park, etc. A schoolbased big visits their child at the school for one hour each week.

Toland is a school-based big with her little. Every week on Thursdays, Toland goes to school to visit her little for 45 minutes. Toland said, “It’s crazy

(RENOVATIONS page 4)

(CHANGE page 4)

TOMMY MUMERT/THE ARKA TECH Phase two of the renovation, Doc Bryan Lecture Hall, is scheduled to be completed by Aug. 15.

Doc Bryan renovations underway TAYLOR BLEAKLEY

Contributing Writer

Doc Bryan renovations continue as the vacant spaces of the old Student Accounts and Financial Aid offices trans-

Last day to drop courses with a “W” or change from credit to audit Graphic Design Senior Exhibit - See senior graphic design majors’ artwork from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at Norman Hall Art Gallery.

Interdisciplinary Research Series – Investigate public health issues with Dr. Alan J. Tackett from UAMS at 12 p.m. in Brown 134.

ATU Jazz Ensemble Concert – Jazz Ensemble performs from 7:30-9 p.m. in Witherspoon Auditorium.

SATURDAY

Graphic Design Senior Exhibit Reception – See senior graphic design majors’ artwork at the reception from 6:30-8 p.m. at Norman Hall Art Gallery.

MONDAY

Graphic Design Senior Exhibit - See senior graphic design majors’ artwork from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at Norman Hall Art Gallery.

TUESDAY

Graphic Design Senior Exhibit - See senior graphic design majors’ artwork from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at Norman Hall Art Gallery.

LGBTQ Safe Zone Ally Training – Learn how to provide support, information and a safe place for the LGBTQ community from 4-7 p.m. in Doc Bryan 242.

WEDNESDAY

Graphic Design Senior Exhibit - See senior graphic design majors’ artwork from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at Norman Hall Art Gallery.

Study lounge offers alternative spot, food allowed

EVAN HANNA

Contributing Writer As a yellow and orange sun sets and the sky slowly fades to black, a student leans with his head in his hands over a table full of books, stacks of looseleaf paper and mountains of

handouts from teachers.

An audible rustling sound comes from the shuffling of his papers, and apart from the noise of the occasional cough or an automatic door slamming shut, there is only the residual sound of the faint music coming through his headphones.

'13 REASONS WHY' BOOK, SHOW REVIEW - PAGE 6

It is at that same corner table in Ross Pendergraft Library that Taylor Turnage, a sophomore criminal justice major from Memphis, Tennessee, spends his nights quietly studying.

“I just need a space where I can break out and chill,” Turnage said. “It’s so quiet that I

TRAINING HUNTING DOGS - PAGE 5

feel like I can’t sneeze without getting a look from people.”

The option for a study area that is less restrictive on noise and food is a necessity, Turnage said.

But now there is a new study lounge for students to use. The lounge, located in Doc Bryan,

provides students with a place to study, have a snack and listen to light music. Brittney Smith, a graduate assistant for the department for diversity and inclusion, said that it is an environment that encourages a more laid back

(STUDY page 4)

GREEK WEEK'S FUN AND FOOD COLLECTION- PAGE 8

PAGE 2 | Opinion

EZEKIEL MASCUILLI/THE ARKA TECH

Commercials get political This past year’s election has lit a fire under some companies and their owners are no exception. The fire lit within them has been expressed through their commercials, but we should not take it at face value. We, as a society, need to fight for what we believe in and when we see injustice, speak up and when we see justice, speak up.

Let’s start with Pepsi. For those who may not have seen Pepsi’s Kendall Jenner ad (You can still see the ad on YouTube) it has to do with people coming together to protest for what they believe in. This is a great message for #jointheconversation. The problem comes from the ending when the solution to all of the problems seems to be a simple can of Pepsi.

We get it Pepsi; you tried to get us actively involved in society but you missed the mark on your over all message, especially when your shot of Pepsi being handed off to a cop resembled Ieshia Evans facing down police in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, last year.

Pepsi’s response: “Pepsi was trying to project a global message of unity, peace and understanding. Clearly, we missed the mark and apologize. We did not intend to make light of any serious issue.”

This is not the first time commercials have tried to be political, and we doubt it will be the last.

Companies can align with certain political affiliations, that’s okay. They can express political views too but there is a thin line and to cross it is death to a company or near death in Pepsi’s case. Seeing how Pepsi survives this will help showcase the importance of messages in com-

mercials that represent a company.

Let’s take a look back to earlier this year to see other companies that have made political statements. This election really did get people riled up.

The first company on this look back is Audi. We chose this one because it speaks directly to unequal pay for women and this is an issue that has been in debate for over 100 years. Published Feb. 1, this commercial is about a little girl in a soapbox race competing against boys and the fears her father holds for her; that she will not be seen as their equal.

This was timed just after the Women’s marches protesting to resist Trump.

Audi did not cross the line in our eyes because it did not duplicate an important moment of protest and diminish it; it didn’t blame anyone outright but it did point out that we need to change this, not men need to change this, and it used an example that most people could relate to and understand. This is a good example of what a business should do if they want to make a political statement but viewers did give this more downvotes than upvotes.

Audi’s response: “Progress is in every decision we make, every technology we invent, every vehicle we build. It’s our past, our future, our reason to exist. Audi of America supports equal pay for equal work.”

The next company on our list is 84 Lumber. This ad, published Feb.5, became so controversial during the Superbowl that Fox only ran a few moments of the ad on air before it terminated the ad causing a surge of traffic to check out

#JOIN THE CONVERSATION

Editorial: ed·i·to·ri·al

[ed-i-tawr-ee-uhl, -tohr-] noun: An article that represents the official viewpoint of a newspaper on a topic of public interest.

84 Lumber’s website and crashed the site.

84 Lumber did not cross the line because it did not diminish either side of the argument, it just picked a side of “America is the land of opportunity and 84 Lumber is the company of opportunity.” The company did not blame anyone,;it did make the viewer assume some ideas of blame but it never outright said where the blame was placed, and it showed the impact of segregating opportunities based on a demographic. This is a great example of a serious topic and their solution without being belligerent. The ad ends by saying “The will to succeed is always welcome here.” We agree, we will welcome you always if you have the will to succeed.

84 Lumber’s response: “Ignoring the border wall and the conversation around immigration that’s taking place in the media and at every kitchen table in America just didn’t seem right,” Rob Shapiro, the chief client officer at Brunner, the agency that worked with 84 Lumber to come up with the ad, told the Washington Post. “If everyone else is trying to avoid controversy, isn’t that the time when brands should take a stand for what they believe in?”

The last commercial we wanted to look at is Budweiser. We do not condone underage drinking, let us be clear. We chose this ad, published Jan. 31, because it received the most buzz before it aired on the Super Bowl.

This ad was timed perfectly to air just after the president announced the travel ban. This ad did not diminish anyone; it did not call out blame to anyone but it did show a solution in a different light, a solution that had already happened. Budweiser showed the roots of where they, and most Americans came from, and the future we all have inside of us.

Budweiser did not cross the line. In their ad, they show the one of the founders of their company, Adolphus Busch, coming from Germany to the United States. From the moment he steps off the boat, he is met with criticism and hatred, but he still perseveres. He finally meets Eberhard Anheuser in a bar and the two begin to plan their dream of brewing the “King of Beers.”

From all of these ads we want to address that it is not about businesses having a political voice, in fact we encourage freedom of speech, it is about degrading others to achieve your point within an ad. In this most recent case of Pepsi degrading the rights of others by simply offering a can of Pepsi. If you feel that a business is misrepresenting, degrading or holding down anyone it is your duty to speak out, have a voice and fight for those who cannot. We are one people; we fight for each other so we can all become better versions of oneself.

Don’t be afraid to #JOINTHECONVERSATION.

Illegal downloading: the crime that slipped through the cracks

RYAN HARMON

Entertainment Writer I know you’ve all heard someone preach about illegal downloading before, and believe me, I’ve wanted to give my thoughts on it for a long time. I always chose to move on to something else, but now I feel like the time is right.

My words of wisdom will soon no longer grace these pages, so let’s get to it.

If you’ve read any of my articles before, I’m sure you know my stance on illegal downloading already. Obviously, I’m not a fan of it at all. To be brutally honest, I feel like it’s a crime that was justified by society.

Theft is theft. If you wouldn’t turn a blind eye to someone stealing a television, why would you turn a blind eye to someone stealing music? Do our morals only kick in at a certain price point?

I could talk about this all day, but to keep it simple, I’d like to address two of the main arguments often heard from supporters of illegal downloading. #1 - “(Artist name) has enough money!”

While it may be true that Beyoncé and Paul McCartney won’t miss your $10 for a CD, many artists feel the impact of illegal downloading, as many have their own record labels and pay for all album expenses themselves. #2 - “I believe music should be free because it’s a form of expression!”

This one’s my personal favorite. My argument is that everything you do in life is a form of expression. If you own a restaurant, and I come in and eat a big meal, and then leave without paying, you’ll probably call the cops.

Recipes are like songs, and a chef’s cooking style could be easily compared to a singer’s vocal style. I consider that a form of expression. So, how do you justify that one is worth money and the other isn’t?

To be fair, I haven’t heard a lot about illegal downloading since streaming services, like Spotify and Pandora, came into the business.

Even though many artists rightfully complain that the royalty payments are very low for these services, it does seem to be a way to curb illegal downloading. If someone has no intention of paying for the music, at least streaming it gives the artist some money.

Some lesser known artists have argued that illegal downloading can lead to exposure. I don’t necessarily agree. I can’t name any instances when I knew of someone using illegal downloading as a way to discover new talent. Generally, it was just to get whatever the popular song or album was at the time.

I don’t discourage artists from offering free downloads of their music. I’ve done it before, and it does attract people who may not have listened to you before because there’s no risk in it for them. I’ve made fans out of people that downloaded a free song from my website. But, the decision to make it available for free should be in control of the artist, not a piracy site.

At the end of the day, the fault is on the entertainment industry for not figuring out a way to keep media files from

THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017

being so easy to copy and share. And although there are ideas that come along every now and then, it’s far too late to figure it out now. The damage has been done, and many people are already in a “free music mindset.”

And though it would be helpful if I came up with some winning solution, I don’t have one. It’s not my job. My job is to write about it, and my job is complete. Music industry, do your thing.

Campus | PAGE 3

MAN ON THE STREET “WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT BACKLASH OVER ADS, SUCH AS THE PEPSI AND NIVEA ADS?”

Graduation Graduation Regalia: What to doRegalia on graduation day DOs:

DON’Ts: Wear your tassel on the left, it starts on the right

Disclaimer: Normally we don't ask other journalists to comment on Man on the Street, as it is a conflict of interest, but due to lack of knowledge or lack of participation we turned to our fellow journalists to give you a look into how we see this issue

“I can see where its being taken too far but everyone is trying to make it an issue, where there may not even be an issue."

Baylee Crook Nursing El Dorado

“So with the Pepsi, I think that it is a really great one because it is very inclusive. With the Nivea commercial, it is a sensitive topic. Seeing the commercial, I was like ‘What? No!’” Kirsten Dunn Speech Communication Mansfield

“As far as the Pepsi ad, it’s kind of downplaying a social conflict that is going on in the United States just to sell a product. As far as Nivea, it almost plays it as if white is the only thing that is appropriate or clear verses black being disgraceful or frowned upon.”

Decorate your cap Bring purses or anything you have to carry, you may not end up in the same seat Wear ATU affiliated pins, ropes, cords and sashes Forget to get your diploma and walk card 1 hour before graduation

Wear dark clothes

Have somewhere to put your cellphone when crossing the stage Remember to wear cap, gown and tassel GRAPHIC DESIGNED BY: AMBER QUAID

Wear high heel or uncomfortable shoes SOURCE: BRANDI TRIPP, SENIOR ASSOCIATE REGISTRAR

Bryan Allen Broadcast Journalism Forrest City

“I feel like the Pepsi ad was directly related to the Black Lives Matter movement and I feel like using a social justice issue to promote the selling of a product is just manipulation. I just think that’s wrong.”

Faith Nobles Print Journalism Russellville

“I feel that people are trying to drag out something that is not there.

But for the Nivea commercial, the advertisers should be more careful when advertising their products."

Rebekah Hughes Journalism Forrest City

“I think it is a bunch of non-sense. I mean it could be taken in different connotations. As long as someone is calling for equality, why does it matter who that person is, as long as that’s the message. For the Nivea Ad, I think people are just making mountains out of mole hills."

ANSWERS FOR APRIL 13

Colton Strader Broadcast Journalism Batesville

THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017

PAGE 4 | News

Health and Wellness renovations-Phase 1

CHANGE From Page 1 how much I’ve watched her grow up. We started when she was in fourth grade and coloring; now she’s in tenth grade and likes to talk about boys.”

Toland said the way that BBBS has impacted her is by challenging her not to be selfish and to think about others. She said it is always rewarding to see her little’s face light up when she walks into the room.

Nick Bradford, match support specialist for Big Brothers Big Sisters, said that the program teaches people to be mindful of others who might be more disadvantaged.

“This program teaches our volunteers how to be a good role model, a good listener and, ultimately, to be consistent.”

Bradford said. Not only

TOMMY MUMERT/THE ARKA TECH

RENOVATIONS From Page 1 the new Health and Wellness Center is scheduled to be completed by July 15.

Phase two of the renovation regarding the Doc Bryan Lecture Hall is scheduled to be completed

by Aug. 15.

Galen Rounsaville, construction manager for Tech, has been overseeing the demolition and renovations since they began on Mar. 27.

According to Rounsaville, the new Health and Wellness Center is “a very

light renovation” that will be beneficial to the future of the Health and Wellness Center, and it will be an upgrade that students will appreciate.

According to Kristy Davis, associate dean for Student Wellness, the new Health and Wellness Center in Doc Bryan will allow more students to be served, and give Student Wellness a chance to increase its staff.

“I think more students will be able to be seen in a timely manner and their

do the children take away from this program, but the mentors do as well.

Bradford said that volunteers are surprised at how much they learn and grow with their littles. Toland said that after the program ends, she will keep in contact with her little and continue to send her gifts throughout the year.

Although there is no longer a Russellville BBBS branch, students can still be involved in the Little Rock branch. There is a one year commitment, in order to give the child the most positive experience they can have.

Bradford said that if enough Arkansas Tech students were interested, there is a possibility the Russellville BBBS branch could be revived.

experience in this new setting will be more relaxed and pleasant,” Davis said.

According to Davis, the new Health and Wellness Center will provide a total of eight brand new exam rooms, spacious counselor offices and a new lactation room for nursing mothers.

“We also hope to offer a relaxation room which will help students to monitor their stress level and practice ways of reducing stress,” Davis said.

The current Health and Wellness Center is housed

in Dean Hall, Room 126, with a total of three exam rooms, two nurse practitioners, two registered nurses and four counselors.

The Health and Wellness Center hopes that students will continue to utilize its services like always, Davis said.

Students can schedule an appointment with the Health and Wellness Center online at atu.edu or by calling the Health and Wellness Center office at 479-968-0329.

atmosphere for studying.

The study lounge is aimed at providing under represented populations of the campus with a place to study.

“It’s just another place on campus where any student can feel comfortable studying without having to feel the pressure of that silence of the

library,” Smith said.

The lounge normally hosts around 15-20 students on the nights that it is open, Smith said.

The lounge is located in the upstairs area of Doc’s Place, and hosts study nights on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday nights from 7 p.m.- midnight.

seams because I want everyone to come and experience it.”

Gamez originally wasn’t a part of the Relay for Life team. Woods said that he had a meeting and lost his keys, which are still lost to this day, so he asked Gamez to drive him. Instead of waiting in the car, Gamez joined him at the meeting. They asked her if she wanted to be Rashad’s assistant and she didn’t hesitate.

“Just from a story of me losing my keys, all of this has happened,” Woods said.

When Gamez was 11, her great grandmother was diagnosed with cancer. Her family packed up their 2,000-squarefoot house in six days, and they moved to Arkansas.

“She was a go-getter,” Gamez said. “The one year we went to the Relay, they gave her a purple wrap for her head and a wheelchair so she could do the lap. I remember she pushed her wheelchair. She re-

fused to sit in it or let anybody push her. It’s one of the few photos I have of her still. It’s still hanging up on my wall.”

Gamez said that Relay for Life helped her family through the process.

“Even if it was just a walk in the park or ‘you can do this,’ it meant a huge deal for my life and for my family,” Gamez said. “That’s why I jumped right on this when Rashad said ‘Relay for Life.’”

Along with Gamez’s experience, Lackie’s father is a survivor and her uncle passed away, and multiple people in Woods’ family have had cancer.

“You hear the old adage ‘everybody knows somebody who has been affected by cancer,’ and it’s really true,” Lackie said.

This adage especially seems to apply to Marie Norris of Dardanelle. In 2011, Norris’ husband was diagnosed with colon cancer. Since then, they have been involved with Relay

for Life and have attended the Survivor Dinner every year.

For the first two years, Norris attended as a caregiver.

The third year, she was a survivor herself.

“I thought I had myself prepared for what I was going to find out, but when you hear the diagnosis that it’s cancer— it’s quite a shock,” Norris said.

She and her husband have had a lot of similar medical issues, including knee replacements and heart problems.

“It was kind of ironic that he got cancer and then two years later I got it,” she said.

“I always tease him and say, ‘I really didn’t think that was contagious’.”

“We have more than tested that vow ‘in sickness and in health’,” Norris said. “We’ve always been there for one another, which I think is important.”

Norris said she plans on attending this year and is excited.

“It sounds like it’s really going to be awesome,” Norris said. “They’ve put a lot of work into it.”

In the past, the Survivor Dinners have been held in Pope County. Gamez said that she is glad that it is in Yell County this year.

“It will definitely shed light to the area Relay chapters because it’s not been a big deal,” Gamez said. “Having it in Dardanelle will be a highlight for the surrounding area. Dardanelle doesn’t host a lot of things that have to do with Pope and Conway County, but people are coming in from both, so they’re obviously going to notice the community.”

In the future, Woods and Gamez hope the Survivor Dinner can be in Conway County so that all communities are given recognition.

For more information, visit Relay For Life of Pope/ Yell/Conway Counties, Ark. on Facebook.

STUDY From Page 1

SURVIVOR From Page 1 like, ‘Oh my gosh, yes, we want to be in on this.’”

10-year prostate cancer survivor Representative Fred Allen will be speaking, and Woods said that other state legislators will be attending along with the CEO for the American Cancer Society.

At the Survivor Dinner, there will be live music and a photo booth. Gamez said that there will be door prizes and that every person who attends will go home with something.

While there is no dress code, Woods encourages guests to wear their “Sunday’s best.”

“If you come in pajama pants, I’ll be excited to see you, simple as that,” Woods said. “But when you dress up a little bit, it’s an honor, so it’s going to set the tone for the night.”

Woods said he hopes in the future to be able to partner up with local barber shops, salons and boutiques to make

survivors’ experiences even better.

Jennifer Lackie, event colead, said that 186 survivors have been invited and 150 are planning to attend. They are also opening the dinner up to the public so they can see what they’re donating to. Survivors and their caregivers get in for free, and the public can buy tickets for $10.

“My hope is that we draw a bigger crowd where our survivors get to feel like they’re honored;they get to see that we put effort into this event to make them feel special, and that they will then go out and speak of Relay and spread information and knowledge about Relay and American Cancer Society,” Lackie said.

“In turn, there could be someone who doesn’t know about American Cancer Society and then they can use one of their services to help them get through their treatments.

I hope we are bursting at the

The Arka Tech

GENERAL POLICY

Editor-in-Chief: CLAUDIA YOUNG

News stories printed in The Arka Tech must be accurate, fair and as unbiased as possible. Any mistakes in fact found in an issue of The Arka Tech will be corrected in the first possible issue. Opinions expressed in The Arka Tech are not necessarily the opinions of Arkansas Tech University or its students. Individual copies of The Arka Tech are free to members of the Tech community.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017

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Features | PAGE 5

Training a man’s best friend BAYLEE LINKER

Staff Writer

Echo, Macy, Nyla, Drake, Smoke, Zoey and Cowboy might sound like normal dog names, but not to Jordan Ogle, an emergency management major from Morrilton. Ogle is a professional dog trainer and has been training champion dogs since he was 14-years-old.

It all started when he was in high school and went hunting with a friend who had a hunting dog for duck hunting. At that time, not only did he fall in love with duck hunting but also with the passion of having a furry friend in the woods.

Not long after his hunting trip, Ogle purchased his very own dog, a Labrador named Drake. He worked day and night to get Drake to his full potential, but he still needed advice from someone who had more experience. He got in contact with a dog training company called “Good Dog Kennels,” located in Bigelow. He was able to learn what dog training was all about. He learned what each command meant and finally understood that some dogs weren’t going to cooperate and were just plain stubborn.

After learning all the good tricks about dog training, he started training Drake. He worked every day getting Drake ready for competitions and the upcoming hunting season.

It was within six months that Ogle reached his goals with Drake and was ready to take him to his first competition.

Drake won his first competition and became Ogles’s first trained champion and set high expectations for the next dog that came into Ogles’s hands.

Having Drake well trained, Ogle decided to start his own dog training business in his own backyard— “River Valley Retrievers.” He built a kennel big enough to hold nine dogs at one time. The word got around that he could train a champion dog and clients came barking. Ogle didn’t want too many dogs the first go around, so he started with two to three dogs the first two years. “It ended up going smoothly and the owners ended up very impressed with their trained dog,” Ogle said.

“When I got the first few dogs under my belt, I started getting a system together. I started adding more dogs each time and finally worked my way up to nine dogs and had a full kennel. It was awesome knowing I was only a teenager at the time and people were wanting me to train their dogs,” Ogle said.

With keeping a steady nine dogs in his kennel, he came up with a set of different programs that a client could choose from.

The first program is the obedience program. Under the obedience program, the dog learns the standard training commands: sit, stay, no, mark, go, back, leave, load and how to fetch. Most of those commands are common for everyday dog training, but for hunting dogs, there are key words to get the dog to retrieve.

‘Mark’ would be the command when you want the dog to locate what you want it to retrieve, and then give the ‘Go’ command for it to start the retrieving process. ‘Back’ would then be used to tell the dog to go further away in the water to retrieve a duck that it might not have been able to mark.

‘Leave’ is when the retrieve was successful and the dog needs to bring the object back to the commander and leave it.

‘Load’ is another command ECHO where the dog is told to load Dog in into its dog box or simply in training the back of a truck or ATV. Next is the gun dog program. This program was when the client solely wants the dog trained for hunting. The dog is taught how to retrieve in various ways and is trained for duck hunting purposes. There was one dog who wouldn’t go near water. It was a female yellow Labrador named Macey. A dog having a fear for water is doomed if it doesn’t lose the fear because a duck hunting dog, it is in the water 90 percent of the time. It was hard at first for

SUBMITTED

ABOVE: Jordan Ogle, emergency management major from Morrilton, with his dog Drake after Drake recieved a champion ribbon. Ogle owns a dog training business in his backyard, "River Valley Retrievers," with its proceeds going toward his college education.

RIGHT: Drake, left, and Bear, right, take a moment to relax and pose after a full day of training. The first program is the obedience program.

Under the obedience program, the dog learns the standard training commands: sit, stay, no, mark, go, back, leave, load and how to fetch.

Ogle to get the dog to cooperate with the water. Ogle trained Macey for a while before any progress was made. After three months, Macey was more like a fish than a dog. Ogle knew that if he could get a dog that once hated water to become comfortable with it, he could train a dog no matter the obstacles the dog had.

“You have to go about training some dogs totally different than others. Some dogs cannot handle stress and need the more lovable approach while others are all about business, like Drake. I make sure that each dog can work together,” Ogle said. “It’s not a big deal for me to have three dogs out retrieving different things. I use Drake to help be a mentor to the other dogs. He knows what is going to happen, and it is almost like he helps them if they have a problem.”

Lastly, the shed dog program trains dogs for a more uncommon type of retrieving called shed hunting. Shed hunting dogs are trained to find antlers from animals that have shed them in the previous months. You train the dog the exact same way you would the dog retrieving a duck. However, you throw a set of horns in the field, make sure the dog gets the scent of the horns and teach him the same commands. Eventually, the dog will be able to go wherever you take it and fetch up a shed from various animals, such as: deer, moose, caribou and elk.

The last few years Olge hasn’t had the time to train any dogs due to being a full-time student at Arkansas Tech University. However, he will be starting back soon. May 9, he will receive nine Labradors to start training for the upcoming hunting seasons. “I am excited to get back into doing this hobby that I love. I have missed it so much,” Ogle said.

Ogle has saved his money from dog training since he first started. His college education is being paid for by his dog training business. “River Valley Retrievers has been the only constancies I have ever had. I have always had it to fall back on, and I always look forward to my next call from a client,” Ogle said.

Ogle is also an active tournament fisherman. He fished in high school and is now the president of the Arkansas Tech Fishing Club. “I have been very fortunate to rely on my dog training to provide income for me to do what I love. Fishing is not a cheap sport and having the extra money helps tremendously. I recently just bought a loaded, brand new 2016 Phoenix bass boat with my extra dog training money. I am very thankful for everything that I have had the chance to do, and I love getting the opportunity to train dogs,” Ogle said.

Being a dog lover, it is sad knowing that your furry best friend won’t here for forever. Hunting dogs have a rough life running and chasing after all the animals they want. “Drake is eight years old, and I already have a plan for when Drake gets older. It is hard to think about, but I want to get another yellow male Labrador, just like Drake and have him not to take Drake’s place but to help fill that void from when he gets too old to be my hunting buddy. I do not want there to be an empty place if something does happen to Drake. I love him and I know I’ll be distraught if something does happen to my best friend,” Ogle said.

Ogle wants to keep training dogs for as long as he can. He will focus on training more in the summer and fall seasons, and he hopes that each year he trains a new champion dog and gains another furry friend.

Saying goodbye while still on top, Dr. Collins retires AMBER QUAID

Managing Editor

At 28 years old, Louisiana State University PhD graduate Dr. Jim Collins and his friend applied to be assistant professor of agriculture at Arkansas Tech University; his friend was hired and Collins went back to Louisiana to work.

Little did he know, a year later he would receive a call to come for an interview at Tech. His friend who was hired at Tech had to leave, due to family issues, and Tech wanted to talk to Collins to see if he was the right fit.

While driving up from Louisiana he stopped in Morrilton to change, he had time to spare. Upon arriving at Tech, Collins sat in his car, still time to spare; he likes to be early.

While he was sitting, a red and white Cadillac pulled up next to him and the driver asked, “Are you Jim?” Turns out the driver was Dr. Kenneth Pippin, head of the department of agriculture at the time, and the person who would be interviewing Collins.

“I got out of my car and got in his and that’s how the interview started,” Collins said. “I thank God I changed my clothes in Morrilton.”

Thirty-four years later, Collins is the head of the agriculture department and is ready

to pass on the torch. As of May 13, he will no longer be a professor at Tech but he will continue his role in the Miss Tech pageants as pageant executive director and master of ceremonies.

According to Collins, he is the only horticulturalist on staff and in his 34 years he has taught every class imaginable for agriculture but now he teaches classes such as plant propagation, green house management, fruits and almost anything to do with the green house.

“I am not really a field crop person,” Collins said. Growing up, his family were not farmers, in fact when he started college he was a pre-med major.

The decision to retire has been on his mind “for a few years,” but when his best friend died due to side effects of Alzheimer’s, he “realized it was time to retire.”

“I’ve saved up enough money,” Collins said, “and why have I gathered this money if I am not going to enjoy it.”

Collins says he enjoys teaching students and being involved in Miss Tech but he “hates grading papers and going to meetings.”

“Dr. Collins is a hoot and makes class interesting and fun,” an agriculture alumnus said. “He is truly passionate about horticulture, the plant sale and the poinsettia sale.”

RICCI LOGAN/THE ARKA TECH Collins started the plant sales when he started here, a plant sale in the spring and a poinsettia sale in the fall. All the proceeds from the sales go back into the agriculture fund. With his retirement he “hopes the next person carries on the tradition.”

“I feel like I’m leaving on top, when they don’t want me to leave instead of saying thank God he’s finally gone,” Collins said.

Collins said he might teach an adjunct class now and then but he enjoys having the opportunity to say no but he doesn’t think he “needs to go to the greenhouses anymore, I don’t feel like I’ll ever go out there again.”

Collin plans to enjoy his retirement by slowly volunteering more, visiting family in California and being at home, enjoying all that he has done to make it his.

THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017

PAGE 6 | Entertainment

From a Room:

Vol. 1- Chris Stapleton’s return RYAN HARMON

Entertainment Writer Disclaimer: This review was written after hearing audio samples from the album, as well as live performances of some of these songs. No illegal copies were obtained.

It’s been almost two years since the mainstream country world was introduced to Chris Stapleton. His debut album, “Traveller,” won several major awards and created a fan base for the former “Steeldrivers” front man.

Although it seemed like Stapleton could make an entire career off of “Traveller” alone, many fans, like me, were anticipating new music. In the past year, new material began sneaking into the country star’s performances, only making that anticipation grow.

Earlier this year, it was finally made official that there would indeed be a new record from Stapleton. But at the time of the announcement, no details were given, creating speculation among fans as to which songs would be included. Finally, on April 6, the details were revealed.

“From A Room: Volume 1” will be released on May 5. The nine song collection seems to pick up where “Traveller” left off quite nicely, but with a darker emotion.

The album’s opening track, “Broken Halos,” has been released as the first single. The mellow, acoustic-driven song sets the emotional tone of the album, much like “Traveller.”

The song was performed on Dolly Parton’s “Smoky Moun-

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tains Rise” benefit telethon.

Also following Stapleton’s debut effort, the album contains Stapleton’s version of a country classic, “Last Thing I Needed, First Thing This Morning.”

With Stapleton having what appears to be a healthy marriage to his wife and collaborator, Morgane, it’s impressive that he can pull off these heartbreak songs with such honesty.

Another one of Stapleton’s road-tested tracks, “Either

Way” makes an appearance on the album. I was very pleased to hear that this song would be included. Its lyrics tell the story of a love that’s so far gone that a breakup would have no effect.

“Baby you can go or you can stay, and I won’t love you either way.”

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Chris Stapleton record without a little greasy rock and roll.

Songs like “Second One To Know” and, the album’s closer,

“Death Row” definitely deliver, with Stapleton’s electric guitar front-and-center.

As the title suggests, “From A Room: Volume 1” will have a sequel, to be released later this year. Although there’s certainly no information as to what direction Volume 2 will go in, the project is certainly off to a good start.

For more information, including album pre-sales, visit www.chrisstapleton.com.

'13 Reasons Why' adaptation expands on story GABBI CALABRESE

Staff Writer

News that Jay Asher’s novel “Thirteen Reasons Why” was being adapted into a Netflix series by Brian Yorkey had many people, myself included, buzzing with anticipation. The day “13 Reasons Why” was released into the world, I loaded up on snacks and made myself comfortable for a binge session.

“13 Reasons Why” is about a high school girl named Hannah Baker who killed herself. Before doing so, she made a series of tapes dedicated to thirteen different people she knows who contributed to her decision to end her life. Once she’s gone, the tapes are sent to each recipient one by one, leaving them to agonize over the role they played in her suicide.

I knew Yorkey was going to take a few liberties with this adaptation, but I kept my fingers crossed that he would stay true to Asher’s original story. Fortunately, all my hoping and finger-crossing paid off because the TV show follows the book remarkably well while also expanding the story, giving the audience many new perspectives to consider.

Throughout the series, we’re introduced to a slew of angsty characters who at first seem like massive jerks, but as I got to know them better, I began to sympathize with them and care about them. The problem is

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the more attached I became to those characters, the less I liked Hannah Baker. Being privy to the other characters’ sides of the story made me see how self-absorbed and inconsiderate Hannah could be while condemning others for those same crimes.

The premise is dark and emotional, but the show touches on other painful subjects such as alcoholic parents, stalking and rape.

However, there is a lot of ambiguity throughout the series. I had a lot of questions about plot, about character intent, about believability—most of which go unanswered. It was confusing and frustrating at times.

Other times, though, the ambiguity is fascinating, like at the end. The last couple episodes get dark and intense and utterly devastating. While a resolution is reached, many questions still linger in the air by the season’s conclusion and there is a gateway for more, potentially larger, tragedies to take place among these characters. I enjoyed the ending a lot and the way the show amps up in the final few episodes takes the series from decent to good. The ending makes me excited and hopeful for a second season.

So far, this show has some wonderful components—the way it deals with tough subjects and some of the characters introduced—but it also has some weaker aspects.

I wouldn’t label it the best series Netflix has produced, but I do think it is worth the watch. Granted, as someone who has read the book quite recently, I was less eager to unravel the truths of the tape because I already knew what they were, but even still, I stayed engrossed in the series. I imagine it would be even more addictive for those who don’t know as much. “13 Reasons Why” is thought-provoking, compelling, and extremely hard to break away from even when it’s over.

Tiara Thomas breaks out of shell on new EP BRITTANY WALKER

Staff Writer

Tiara Thomas is a singer and songwriter from Indianapolis who has been on countless remixes and has written for various artists.

“Don’t Mention My Name” is just her second EP but her music being authentic and real is what makes this project different than “Up in Smoke.” In this project, she plays her guitar on every song, which solidifies her artistry.

On this EP, she shows

how much of a savage she is but also how she can still be a little vulnerable at times.

The live instrumentations are my favorite thing about the project because of the simplicity that makes you feel at ease.

The first song starts off with guitar riffs, which make up a chunk of the production, and her soft melodic voice.

This sets the tone for the rest of this smooth body of work.

It’s deep and passionate but not too emotional.

Throughout this project,

THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017

she sings about not loving too hard and not caring what you or her lover thinks of her.

There are five songs on the EP, and what makes this interesting is the connection between her laid back vibe and R-rated lyrics.

She sings about lust, exes, being drunk, love and death so beautifully that I almost forget she is actually giving mixed signals to whoever these songs are about.

I give “Don’t Mention My Name” a hard 9 out of 10 because of her showcasing how

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rebellious and talented she is all within 13 minutes of the EP.

I read “Thirteen Reasons Why,” by Jay Asher, for the first time about a year after the novel came out. I was in middle school at this time and could pretty strongly relate to the angst of the teenagers in the novel, so of course I loved it.

I recently reread the novel, and a few things occurred to me that hadn’t when I read it the first time.

“Thirteen Reasons Why” tells the story of Hannah Baker, who, at the start of the story, has recently committed suicide. Hannah has left a set of seven double-sided tapes detailing each of the 13 people who contributed to her suicide. The tapes were sent to the person on tape one, side A, and when that person was done it moved to the next person on tape one, side B; the tapes were then sent in order of the people on them.

The reader jumps into the story as Clay Jensen receives the tapes. So we immediately know Clay is going to be on them. But how could he?

Clay had a crush on Hannah Baker. How could he have possibly done something to contribute to what she did?

It’s some pretty powerful stuff. The novel deals with several heavy issues, including: rape, stalking, alcoholism and, of course, suicide.

Now here’s where I get on my soapbox. The novel paints a picture of a girl who exhibited clear warning signs, which no one around her paid attention to. Which tells me that we as a society are not paying enough attention to teen suicides.

According to jasonfoundation.com, a website with resources for parents or teens who are concerned about suicides, suicide is the second leading cause among young adults ages 10-24.

School pamphlets and long lectures about what to look for are not working.

I don’t think I read a single pamphlet my school had about teen suicide rates and warning signs, and I will read anything.

Could we use this novel as a tool to get people invested? If we ask English teachers to teach this novel, are we overstepping our bounds and trying to reinvent the canon?

I’m not suggesting that I hold the answer to preventing teen suicide, and I know that there are many people who would say that the novel almost glorifies suicide.

However, I fully believe that if the novel is taught correctly, we could make some strides toward educating the future of our society.

And if you’re reading this and are thinking that suicide is the only way out, know this: this will not last forever. There are people and resources that can and will help you. You are loved much more than you know.

Sports | PAGE 7

Golden Suns set for GAC tournament RICCI LOGAN

Staff Writer

The Arkansas Tech Golden Suns will open Great American Conference tournament play Thursday, April 20, in Bentonville. The Golden Suns are coming off a loss last Friday to the Oklahoma Baptist Bisons, with a final of 7-2.

Vandella Suico, from Woodlands, Texas, and Heleigh Long, from Rogers, picked up a win the No.3 doubles match, 8-5, to tie the match up.

Annabel Rowlands, from Wigan, England, and Kami Ward, from Hot Springs, gave the Suns a 2-1 lead in the No.2 doubles match.

The Golden Suns struggled to answer a strong Bison team, 18-3, 3-1 in the Great American Conference play, dropping all of the singles matches to take a 7-2 victory.

SINGLES COMPETITION

Roxanne Van Rensburg (OKBU) def.

Macarena Sedano Acosta (Tech) 6-3, 6-0 Olivia Charvat (OKBU) def. Teresa Sanchez (Tech) 6-3, 6-0 Kim Moosbacher (OKBU) def. Kami Ward (Tech) 6-3, 6-1 Madeleine Boepple (OKBU) def. Annabel Rowlands (Tech) 7-5, 6-4 Alex Bowers (OKBU) def. Haeleigh Long (Tech) 6-3, 6-3 Caroline Abbe (OKBU) def. Vandella Suico (Tech) 6-2, 5-2, retired

RICCI LOGAN/THE ARKA TECH Vandella Suico, from the Woodlands, Texas in her last home game against Oklamhoma Baptist.

DOUBLES COMPETITION

Roxanne Van Rensburg/Kim Moosbacher (OKBU) def. Macarena Sedano

Acosta/Teresa Sanchez (Tech) 8-0 Annabel Rowlands/Kami Ward (Tech) def. Olivia Charvat/Madeleine Boepple

Wilson, Klockowski continue to shine NOAH DELASHAW

Contributing Writer

The Arkansas Tech Wonder Boys baseball team dropped two last weekend to the Arkansas Monticello Boll Weevils, in a three-game series. The Wonder Boys, 26-16 and 20-7 in Great American Conference play, will take on the Southern Arkansas Mule Riders, 32-7 and 25-2 in GAC play, this Friday, April 21, at Tech Field. First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m.

The Wonder Boys have dropped into a tie with the Boll Weevils in the GAC standings after the losses last weekend. The Mule Riders still hold the top spot in the standings after a three-game sweep of the Harding Bisons.

The Wonder Boys tried to hold onto their spot in the GAC standings but were unable to keep it after this weekend. “We have got to hit the ball the other way; we just refuse to drive it that way, but we have got a lot of guys capable of it,” said Kadem Tharp, assistant head baseball coach. “There are certain things you want to do with runners in position; we tried to do that,” said Dave Dawson, head baseball coach.

The Wonder Boys won the first game against the Mule Riders with a final of 2-0. Dylan McDearmon,

from Greenbrier, scored on a wild pitch in the third inning, and then singled in the fifth before scoring another. Six other batters recorded a hit in the game.

Kyle Wilson, from Flagstaff, Arizona, pitched his third complete game of the season and is the only pitcher in GAC with at least six wins and zero losses. Wilson held the Boll Weevils scoreless, allowing two hits and striking out eight.

The Wonder Boys dropped the final two games of the series, with scores of 3-1 each. “Everybody knows it’s tough to play on the road,” said Parker O’Dell, from Branson, Missouri. The Wonder Boys only score of game one came from Zach Klockowski, from Tinley Park, Illinois, who tallied his thirty-sixth RBI on the season. Trent Armstrong pitched his second complete game allowing three runs in six innings while striking out seven.

In the final game, the Wonder Boys scored their lone run on a single up the middle by Klockowski, giving him his thirty-seventh RBI. Geoffrey Birkemeier, from Papillion, Nebraska, started on the mound allowing three runs in four innings. Cody Wescott, from Phoenix, Arizona, Quentin Bowling, from Morrilton, and Branden Bohuslav, from Mansfield, Texas, all combined for four scoreless innings from the mound.

Player of the week (Combined Stats) • .300 batting average • 2 runs scored, 2 runs batted in • 1 homerun, 2 doubles, 2 walks

Janie

Knowles

(OKBU) 8-6 Haeleigh Long/Vandella Suico (Tech) def.

Alex Bowers/Caroline Abbe (OKBU) 8-5

RICCI LOGAN/THE ARKA TECH Ashley Landry, from Krum, Texas and the rest of the Golden Suns will return to action against Southeastern Oklahoma on April 28.

Golden Suns set for final spring road trip NOAH DELASHAW

Contributing Writer

The Arkansas Tech Golden Suns softball team split the series, 2-2, against the Arkansas Monticello Boll Weevils last weekend. The Golden Suns, 29-17 and 23-11 in Great American Conference play, will travel to Magnolia to take on the Southern Arkansas Mule Riders, 35-11 and 25-9 in GAC play, in a fourgame series, starting on Friday, April 21, with first pitch scheduled for 4 p.m. Golden Suns sit at fourth in the conference standings while the Mule Riders sit at second.

The Golden Suns won the first two games of the series, 2-1 and 1-0, against the Boll Weevils. Jalissa Gum, from Red Rock, Oklahoma, pitched 12 innings, allowing one earned run on five hits, fanning 17 and walking three. Janie Knowles, from Celina, Texas, and Sarah LaChance, from McKinney, Texas, both got two hits in the first game. Cara Tolar, from San Antonio, Texas, had a three-hit shutout, walking none and striking out six. Bailey Shaffer, from Guthrie, Oklahoma, collected a pair of hits in the win.

The Golden Suns dropped the final two games of the series, 4-1 and 3-2. Gum allowed two runs after allowing two hits in three innings of work. Knowles had two hits in the loss. In the final game, Tolar suffered the loss after allowing six hits in 4 innings allowing three runs. Gum pitched for 2 innings of relief while getting four strikeouts.

This week in Tech sports SATURDAY 4/22/17 THURSDAY 4/20/17

WTEN vs Great American Conference Championship. Bentonville. TBD.

FRIDAY 4/21/17

WTEN vs Great American Conference Championship. Bentonville. TBD. SB @ Southern Arkansas. Magnolia. 4 p.m.

SB @ Southern Arkansas. Magnolia. 6 p.m.

BB vs Southern Arkansas. Tech Field. 7 p.m.

WTEN vs Great American Conference Championship. Bentonville. TBD. SB @ Southern Arkansas. Magnolia. Noon.

BB vs Southern Arkansas. Tech Field. 1 p.m.

SB @ Southern Arkansas. Magnolia. 2 p.m.

BB vs Southern Arkansas. Tech Field. TBD.

SUNDAY 4/23/17

MGOLF vs Great American Conference Championships. Hot Springs. All day.

WGOLF vs Great American Conference Championships. Hot Springs. All day.

MONDAY 4/24/17

MGOLF vs Great American Conference Championships. Hot Springs. All day.

WGOLF vs Great American Conference Championships. Hot Springs. All day.

TUESDAY 4/25/17

MGOLF vs Great American Conference Championships. Hot Springs. All day.

WGOLF vs Great American Conference Championships. Hot Springs. All day.

BB vs Ouachita Baptist. Tech Field. 6 p.m.

THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017

PAGE 8 | Community

Greek Week Alpha Sigma Tau, Sigma Phi Epsilon and Kappa Sigma compete during the Greek Dance Battle.

Photos by Lakyn Kidd

Ladies of Zeta Tau Alpha bring in food during Greeks Give Back, sorting thousands of food items for delivery to those in need in Russellville.

ABOVE: Olivia Karnes, left, and Cherish Folck, show off the award Delta Zeta, Sigma Pi and Alpha Gamma Rho won for Greek Week.

RIGHT: Alaina Harpenau sorts food items used to stock the pantries for programs at five elementary schools in the Russellville School District that ensure that children have takehome meals and snacks for weekends and other times when they are not able to eat at school.

Kyle Hixon of Pi Kappa Alpha helps sort the thousands of food items that will be donated to local schools during Greeks Give Back.

THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017