The Chanticleer: April 2017

APRIL 2017

River district provides fun options for studentsPAGE 6

Calendar of events*

April 2017 Sunday

monday

*Dates subject to change.

tuesday

wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

1

• sb 1 P.M. • bB 1 P.M. • sb 3 P.M.

2

• bb 1 P.M.

3

4

5

6

• WTEN 3 P.M. Movie on the lawn 7 P.M.

Last day to apply for graduation

• BB 1 P.M. • WTEN 2 P.M. • mteN 2 P.M.

16

10 Engage showcase 5:30 P.M. Honors Recognition program 7 p.m.

17

11 haley klinkhammer 11 A.M

18

12

13 easter egg decorating 6 P.M.

housing applications due

19

20 street signs 11 A.M.

Easter

23

24

25

26

27

last day to withdrawal wp/wf

30

Key

8

• WTEN 12 P.M. • BB 2 P.M. • mteN 3 P.M.

Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike Pritchett auditorium 7 p.m.

Day to Engage

9

7

• BB 3 P.M.

14 good friday (No classes)

21

28

Exams begin.

• Athletic Home Games COUGAR ACTIVITIES BOARD EVENTS Academic dates

22

Music department spring concert 7:30 P.m.

throwback thursday 10 A.M. reading day

15

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Table of

ESTABLISHED 1922

contents

The Importance of Gender Neutral Bathrooms

04 05 Dining Hall Seeks Student Input 05 Students Connect with Alumni through Phonathon River District Provides Fun Options for Students 06 08 Refocus Your Week with CSF 09 A New Campus with New Experiences 10 Safe Zone Training Embraces LGBTQ Community Bowling into New Relationships 10 11 International Students Speak out on Ban 12 What’s Next for Averett Athletics?

13 Support for Women’s Athletics Needs Improvement 14 Cougar Nation Welcomes Curry High Expectations for Golf and Tennis Teams 15 16 Live, Love, Lacrosse 18 Being the Best You 20 Inside the Man Cave with Joe Franks 22 Untold Stories of the Civil Rights Movement Beyond Stalls and Urinals

Make Your Voices Heard by Leaving Comment Cards for Staff

Evening Opportunity to Earn Extra Cash and Raise Money for AU Downtown Danville Offers New Things to Do for Little to No Cost Merging College Life with Spiritual Life

Cover photo by Ashley Bowman

Executive Staff Advisor Dr. Susan Huckstep

Layout & Design Editor Brianna Shelton

copy & Design Editor Ashley Bowman

Copy Editors Lanie Davis, Clarice Ellinger

Staff Writers Josh Boggs Andrew Cannon Taylor Cook Lauren Cowling Lanie Davis Clarice Ellinger Lindsey Fulcher Jenny Gregory Adrianna Hargrove Nate Lake Khalil Lloyd

3 • The Chanticleer

A Student’s Experience Transferring to AU

Understanding and Creating Safe Spaces for Students

Students Bond with Community at Weekly Special Olympics How will the Immigration Ban affect those at Averett?

AU to Focus More on Academics with Addition of Three New Teams Stereotypes of Women’s Sports Lead to Drop in Attendance

Coach Adams Explains Relationship to NBA Superstar Steph Curry Student-Athletes Seek to Improve Previous Season Records An In-depth Look into AU’s New Lacrosse Program

One Student’s Advice about Being the Best Version of Yourself

How One Room Holds Decades of Memories for Franks’ Family What happened in Danville in 1963?

the importance of gender-neutral restrooms on campus

by Andrew Cannon

It’s a fact of life. Using the restroom is something which we all, as humans, experience.

But what happens when you don’t feel comfortable performing such a basic task in life?

For one student in particular this struggle to feel safe and comfortable in the space they have to call home is harder than most. Zachary Parham, a sophomore theatre and computer science major from Charlotte, NC, is a transgender male and a student at Averett. He prefers a neutral restroom space rather than a space designated as specifically male or female.

Averett recently took steps to address the concerns of Parham and other transgender students by designating 10 Main Campus restrooms as “all gender restrooms.” These restrooms were already single use spaces, meaning they are restrooms with only one stall.

The newly designated restrooms are located in the Bookstore (two- second floor), Fugate Lobby, Health and Wellness Center (two), outside and inside of Main Hall mailroom, Student Center – first floor/Jut’s Café (two) and fourth floor.

There are currently no all gendered restrooms in Frith Hall and no truly inclusive new public spaces since the newly designated bathrooms were already single use. Parham, however, is pleased with the progress. He just hopes it doesn’t stop there.

“I wish there was more gender-neutral ‘stuff’ and more support for trans and non-conforming students,” Parham said.

On Averett’s main campus the living spaces of students are generally divided into “male” and “female” spaces, without much room for those who are in between or don’t conform completely to one stereotypical presentation of gender. A safe, gender-neutral space is one which could be used by all without fear of persecution or embarrassment.

“It’s exciting to see them, and the fact that there have been no rude comments is nice,” Parham said.

For most trans and non-gender-conforming people it is a daily struggle to feel as though they fit into society in a comfortable fashion. Such neutral spaces become necessary to provide that safe space. Parham wishes, however, that creating such spaces was not so controversial.

“Who is it hurting? If you have a problem with trans people using the restroom of choice, why not have gender-neutral restrooms?”

Averett University has a history of shifting its campus to become more and more inclusive as time ticks on. However, these shifts sometimes occur behind other schools, such as the late integration of people of color. The creation of these new safe spaces is instrumental in creating a foothold for change and inclusion on Averett’s campus.

Locations

Zachary Parham in a promotional head-shot for the Averett Player’s production of “The Pillowman.” Parham contends that gender-neutral bathrooms are “super useful and avoid awkward situations for trans and non-conforming people.”

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Health and Wellness Center • Inside facility (2) Schoolfield House Bookstore • Second floor (2) Main Hall • Outside of Mailroom • Inside Mailroom

Student Center • First floor near Jut’s Cafe • Fourth Floor Bishop Hall • Basement Fugate Hall • Lobby

Dining Hall seeks Student input

by Khalil Lloyd

Bon Appetite is the food service provider for Averett’s dining hall. General Manager Michael Moroni does his best by keeping the cafe properly functioning from their mandatory tasks to their attempts to appeal to a variety of cultures.

The cafe creates a weekly menu that includes a mix of “straight forward” dishes and “ethnic” dishes. Examples of “straight forward” dishes are meatloaf and spaghetti with meat sauce. “Ethnic” dishes can range from a variety of meals and use a variety of spices such as curry.

They also try to keep in mind the need to “please the largest groups of people,” according to Moroni.

There are different ways to make recommendations to the cafe. The most common way is through the comment cards. The comment cards are located next to the conveyor belt where dishes are taken into the back for cleaning. There is also a way to suggest comments online. Clicking

contact us on the Averett Café Bon Appetite website brings you to options on how to leave a comment.

Suggestions are reviewed by their marketing team to determine how realistic that implementation could be. The Averett staff is required to Michael Moroni follow Bon Appetite’s guidelines and philosophy, so everything may not be possible.

“Students have a lot of influence as far as what they want to eat,” Moroni said. “We do have a company philosophy to follow, but we have the freedom customize the menu to their liking.”

Fried chicken Wednesday is one of the fan favorite meals provided at Averett, however other favorites tend to vary. There are different ways the staff figures out the favorite meals on campus.

“An easy one is feedback from students,” Moroni said. “How often we might have to make that certain dish, and sometimes it’s just instinct.”

Averett students connect with alumni through phonathon

by Lanie Davis

Throughout the year Averett students gather to call alumni and former faculty and staff to update them about happenings on campus and ask for gifts to the university. This is called the Phonathon, and it is a way to keep the alumni informed, as well as generate donations for Averett.

Approximately eight students meet in Alumni Hall three to four nights a week from 6-9 p.m..

The students call for three consecutive weeks and then take a break before starting up again.

Taylor Mahaffey, assistant coordinator of student engagement, and Dan Hayes, director of alumni and friend development, are in charge of the Phonathon.

“The overall purpose is to continually keep alumni updated with new information from Averett, as well as to raise money for departments, clubs, sports teams, upcoming projects, etc.,” Mahaffey said.

The funds donated through the Phonathon can be designated to a specific area or go to general university expenses.

In addition to securing funds, students also

benefit from conversing with alumni.

“The students really enjoy calling these alumni and getting to tell them about updates that are happening around campus, as well as sharing personal experiences throughout their journey here at Averett,” Mahaffey said.

Sophomore education major Josh Davis works with the Phonathon. He says that it can get a bit overwhelming, but it is worth it for the experience.

“Talking to alumni who attended Averett over 40 years ago and being able to compare their experiences with your own is great,” Davis said.

As far as getting donations, Davis says it all depends on the night.

“Sometimes you have a really great night, and other times it can be really slow where nobody answers the phone,” Davis said. “I’ve had nights range from $50 to $800.”

Calling alumni through the Phonathon is a paid position. If a student is interested in learning more about the Phonathon or trying to join the team, they can contact Mahaffey at temahaffey@ averett.edu or Hayes at dhayes@averett.edu.

The Chanticleer • 5

River District provides fun options for students

by Lanie Davis

Local students often get the question, “what is there to do in Danville?” The most common answers involve going bowling, to the movies, or to the mall. However, Danville’s River District offers many options for college students as well.

Downtown Danville forms the heart of the River District and is with walking distance of campus. There students can find, restaurants, coffee houses, shops and entertainment.

Different organizations in Danville, such as the River District Association, hold several events throughout the year in the River District, including those with live music and food.

River District Fridays at the Carrington Pavilion are held in the spring and summer, which bring live music for the community. There is also Music on Main, another live music event that happens on Main Street during the warmer months.

The River District Association sponsors the Sip and Shop event as well, where restaurants and stores in the River District offer deals and

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refreshments for shoppers. One was held in December before Christmas, and the next one will be on March 30th.

“It’ll be a lot more fun this time I think because the weather will be nice,” said Erin Gusler, events and communications coordinator for the association. “Most of the merchants pull out all the stops for things like that to get you in there.”

The River District doesn’t just offer events; there are also several places that college students may like to go on a regular basis. Dell’Anno’s Pizza Kitchen located on Main Street is affordable for a college budget and has a discount for students.

There are two coffee shops in the River District, Main Street Coffee Emporium and Brewed Awakening.

“That’s a perfect spot to get coffee, study and spend time with friends. They both have really nice atmospheres,” Gusler said.

The North Theatre on North Main Street offers live bands, plays, magic shows and a comedy club. The Danville Science Center has Science after Dark on every third Thursday of the month from 5:30-9 p.m. Students with a college ID get free admission to enjoy studying the night sky in The Dome and with telescopes.

Students can also enjoy the new art that has been displayed around the River District. Six new pieces have been installed, and they will be up for 18 months before the next six pieces are introduced. All of the pieces are within a mile radius of the JTI Fountain at the end of Main Street.

The next Sip and Shop in the River District will take place on Thursday, March 30 from 5 until 8 p.m. Merchants will offer free refreshments, snacks and specials.

The Music on Main Concert Series takes place by Main Street Plaza during spring and summer months.

Participants gather around Main Street Plaza to enjoy ice cream, snacks and music before the River District Scavenger Hunt winner is announced.

down. It’s just we don’t exactly know what would bring them,” Gusler said. “We’d appreciate any feedback from anybody that has an idea.”

Gusler can be reached at erin@ riverdistrictassociation.com. Students can keep While there are many options available for up with events by looking at the River District college students, Gusler would like to hear about Association’s Facebook or following their Twitter what college students would like to see in the at @DowntownDanVA. River District.

“We definitely want to get more college students

The Chanticleer • 7

Refocus your week with csf

by Taylor Cook

Spiritual life and attendance at worship have grown on campus over the past few semesters.

There have been many changes in order to help accommodate the expansion. The front rows in Blount Chapel have been removed in order to give more room for the band, games that are held, and so speakers have more space. Skyler Daniel is the chaplain on campus, and he is doing his best to help fit schedules of all the students and faculty so they can attend one of the two worship services on campus per week.

Christian Student Fellowship, also known as CSF, is held every Thursday morning from 11:30 to 12:30 in Blount Chapel. During the service, students and faculty join in a game to help break the ice. They can participate in singing three songs, and then there is a different person each week who speaks for 30 minutes.

“I think it’s a very welcoming environment,” junior Hannah Mattson said.

In hopes of maximizing attendance, Daniel was able to prevent all meetings, practices, and student organizations from happening during this time period every first Thursday of the month.

“I’m really excited about the positive things that are happening with CSF right now,” Daniel said.

Focus is the other service held on campus, and is held every Thursday night from 8:30 to 9:30 in Blount Chapel. This service is similar to

Above: Elizabeth Kueng and Taylor Cook particpate in the Focus band.

At right: Chaplain Skyler Daniel speaks in Blount Chapel during Focus.

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Jessica Long and Samm Chandler pose for a quick photo in between ice breakers at Focus. Held on Thursday nights in Blount Chapel, Focus, although similar to CSF, has a band and they play games in between speakers.

CSF, but is geared more to the students.

“It’s the perfect way to refocus your week,” Matteson said.

During Focus three songs are sung by students. They play a game, and then a leader of Focus speaks. The Focus band has grown in size, and is incorporating new equipment and instruments. They now have a piano, microphones, and a bass guitar.

“The Focus band has become more devolved in the past two semesters,” Daniel said.

Focus has become more exciting, welcoming, and the attendance is steadily rising.

“Focus has helped me keep my faith throughout college,” junior Ryan Smith said.

“It gives me something to look forward to every Thursday of every week.”

A few members of CSF/Focus unwind after worship by trying to lift Skyler Daniel, AU’s Chaplain, off of the ground.

A new campus with new experiences: students transfer

by Andrew Cannon

Not all Averett students start out their collegiate experience navigating the halls of Bishop and Frith. Transfer students are an integral part of the Averett family, and just because this school wasn’t a student’s first choice doesn’t mean it can’t end up being the best choice.

According to the Averett website, transfer credits from other colleges and universities are considered if the following standards are met: ● The courses were taken at a regionallyaccredited college or university in the United States, and an official transcript has been provided to Averett; ● You provide Averett with a class-by-class transcript evaluation by World Education Services for courses completed at a foreign institution; ● You provide official scores from CLEP or DANTES examinations; ● You provide appropriate transcripts for military experience; ● You earned at least the equivalent of a 2.0 grade in all classes to be considered for credit.

Graduate-level classes may require higher grades.

Students transfer from one school to another for different reasons, such as they don’t like the environment they’re in socially or academically.

They may change their major or decide to move to a school with a better program for what they’re studying.

For Allyson Dodson, a senior theatre major from Locust Grove, the decision to transfer to Averett was made for many reasons. Dodson previously attended the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, not too far from her hometown. When she decided to switch her major from music education to theatre, her first choice was Averett University after hearing about the school from her sister who had planned on attending.

“I wanted a small school with individual

attention and not too much competition in the theatre department,” Dodson said.

Dodson transferred her sophomore year in the second semester to Averett and jumped right into the swing of things by auditioning and getting cast in the show “Noises Off” within her first week on campus.

“I felt very welcomed, especially within the theatre,” Dodson said. “It was smooth.

Transitioning into classes was easy because the professors make an effort to personally connect.”

Not all transfer students come from outside of the area, however. Nate Soyars, a senior history major from Danville, attended Danville Community College before coming to Averett.

The deciding factor in Soyars’ decision was the convenience and price.

“I’d say it’s been pretty positive (transferring),” Soyars said. “It was an overall good idea and I got an honors scholarship, so that’s nice.”

All transfer students have their stories.

Whether you chose to come here out of necessity or desire, Averett has become a home away from home for many, even if it wasn’t their first.

Allyson Dodson dazzles the stage among the cast of “Anything Goes” in the fall of 2016. “I’m extremely glad I did transfer,” said Dodson. “It put me on the right career path and gave me more confidence.”

The Chanticleer • 9

safe zone training embraces lgbtq community

by Clarice Ellinger

Safe Zone training will enable students to take a journey through culture to examine ways that members of the LGBTQ community are labeled, and how those labels are often wildly misinformed. The training also grants members of the LGBTQ community at Averett a safe space filled with allies.

Several members of Averett’s faculty and staff have already participated in and completed Safe Zone training in order to become more informed about the LGBTQ community. DeAndre Howard, Kyle Patterson, Jill Adams, Sierra Braxton-Sears, Skyler Daniel, Joan Kahwajy-Anderson, Marc Muneal, Adrienne Brune, and Taylor Mahaffey have all completed the training and are allies for those in the LGBTQ community.

The training will enable practitioners and allies to become more informed when interacting with members of the LGBTQ community. Training has also allowed allies to question why traditional beliefs allow us to normalize traits of those in the LGBTQ as negative.

“Safe Zone training encouraged me to have

a more opened mind to the challenges in the LGBTQ community, not just when faced with a heteronormative society, but within its own community,” Kyle Patterson, assistant director of housing and residence life said. “The training encourages a deeper understanding of individualized populations that fall within the LGBTQ umbrella, and those that do not fall anywhere due to binary systems.”

Those who have undergone safe zone training can be identified by a placard in their window or on their door in order to show that there is a safe environment within the space. Those who hold the placards are considered allies for the LGBTQ community.

“This information is provided in an effort to create a safer space for our LGBTQ community, one in which the students feel comfortable examining their sexuality without retaliation or criticism from others,” Patterson said.

If you would like to be a part of safe zone training contact Lesley Villarose to schedule a safe zone training session with a group of student leaders, faculty, or staff.

bowling into new relationships

by Taylor Cook

Every Wednesday from 4-6 p.m., the Stonewall Therapeutic Recreation Center, a center for those in the community with impairments, reserves the Riverside Lanes bowling center for their participants. This league is called the Special Olympics, and it gives them the chance to get out

Emily Stanley, Devin Merritt, and several other AU students spend time with the residents of Stonewall Therapeutic Recreation Center at Riverside Lanes.

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in the community, be social and participate in something fun.

Averett students come out to help them bowl and cheer them on. They love the support Averett brings and the joy it brings.

“I love getting to know them, and seeing them have a normal life,” freshman Graham Swanson said. “Seeing the smiles on their faces makes it worth it.”

The Stonewall Therapeutic Recreation Center hopes to have more and more help from the community each week because the participants love the interaction. This makes them feel as if they are a part of something more than just bowling.

“Not only do you get to help them bowl, but you can also make friendships,” junior Samm Chandler said.

Stonewall Therapeutic Recreation Center welcomes all who want to come and interact with their members.

international students speak out on ban Ariel Prieto is a sophomore communication Immigration has been a big debate in our studies major from Ecuador located in South country. Some people strongly support it, others America. Prieto is on the tennis team and has very are totally against it. President Trump wants to strong emotions about the criticism of immigrants deport illegal and undocumented immigrants and the banned countries. with criminal records and wants to build a wall “I feel really bad, but not because I’m between the U.S and Mexico. He’s also attempted, international, but because we’re all human through executive order, to ban people from beings,” Prieto said. “This is the 21st century, and primarily Muslim countries from entering the it’s sad how society is becoming.”

United States.

Prieto’s brother lives in the U.S also. His International students are an important part of brother is 25 years old and has been living and Averett University. Averett has students from all working in Miami as a wood-worker for the past walks of life, countries, and cultures. The diversity three months. His brother has a tourist visa and at Averett is what sets Averett apart from many is currently working on getting his green card. other small, liberal arts universities.

According to Prieto, his brother isn’t having any Even though Trump and his supporters troubles. have been hard on immigrants from mostly “My brother doesn’t feel like it will be hard for the Middle East, him,” Prieto said. “He’s Asian, and Hispanic doing the right thing countries, students by being a good person from countries and paying his taxes.” who have not been The executive order criticized as much, attempting to ban do not support harsh immigrants from treatment against certain countries has immigrants. caused an uproar within Joonas Mattila is the country, sparking a freshman business protests and social major from Finland. media blowups. It has Dr. Tiffany Franks, “I don’t feel like it also created divisions president of Averett University affects me,” Mattila within the country. We said. “He’s a smart as a country don’t know guy but I feel he doesn’t say the right things.” what is to come with the executive orders in place, Despite the fact Mattila is not from one of the or how it will affect the U.S or the world. countries Trump is attempting to ban, he still has sympathy for international students like him, who want to come to the U.S for their education.

“I feel awful for the people in the countries who can’t come here or finish their degrees,” Mattila said.

Sebastian Juuri is another freshman business major from Finland. Juuri believes Trump’s decision wasn’t the best decision.

“Immigration issues aren’t the biggest issues we should be dealing with right now,” Juuri said.

“On a personal level, it hasn’t really affected me, but 99.9% of people’s lives will be ruined, so yea, I feel bad about the people who are banned.”

by Adrianna Hargrove

“Educating students from diverse backgrounds, cultures and nations in a personal, collegial, interdisciplinary environment is our mission, and we are deeply grateful for the diversity our international students bring to our campus community.”

The Chanticleer • 11

what’s next for averett athletics

by Nate Lake

Averett athletics has been on the up and coming since 2014. Since 2014 they have added a new turf field along with lights for night games, as well as created a contracted with NIKE. This past year they opened a new stadium, named in memory of former Averett President Dr. Frank R. Campbell.

They have also added new jerseys for every sports team, along with fan gear.

There is not as something as big as a new stadium on the horizon, but there are some changes being brought to Averett. With the three new sports teams being introduced there is a lot to be excited about.

“We are looking to increase our academics,” Athletic Director Meg Stevens said about Averett athletes.

Stevens has a motto called “32-1.” This means she wants every athlete have a 3.0 GPA, every team to be in the top two in the conference and the number one thing is being one team throughout Averett, and not just with athletics. This motto is something she brought with her three years ago and since then Stevens has focused on just that.

“This fall we are coming off our best academic semester since I’ve been here,” Stevens said.

Stevens isn’t hiding anything when it comes to her competitive aspect. She strives to give students-athletes a great academic experience, while also focusing on the athletic experience as well.

“The athletic experience is 2 of 3-2-1,” Stevens explains. “I want wins.”

Now even though she cannot be on the field or court physically, she can still do her part in

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trying to get Averett on the winning side. Stevens helps by hiring the best coaches that she thinks can complete the job and work in to our athletic program.

“I think the thing that goes along with wins is game day management… Are we continuing to make games look better whether that’s football, volleyball or baseball?” Stevens said.

Along with the game day atmosphere, fans are a huge part of every collegiate sport. Fans can always help out their team by showing up to home games, especially for the students who attend that school. That is one thing Stevens tries to express with the 1 in the 3-2-1 motto.

“One way students can help is just by showing up…,” Stevens explains.

“If you’re a theater major you want people showing up to your play, so if you’re a student athlete you want people to come to the games.”

From having members of the Averett Singers singing at basketball games to aviation majors doing a fly over at home football game, Stevens demonstrates how she wants to involve the entire Averett student body.

Now even though there is no big project like the stadium, there is always something going on with Averett athletics. Like for example be on the lookout for lots of improvements around North Campus for the upcoming seasons. Even keep an eye out for new gear that they might be selling next year at games and other Averett activities.

Support for Women’s Athletics needs improvement

by Lauren Cowling

Sports are a large part of Averett’s culture. With many established teams and incoming ones, there are several games to attend and friends to support.

However, the support does differ between men’s and women’s athletics.

For some athletes, they find that for the most part women have a less overall attendance.

However certain sports do get a decent amount of support.

“I think there is a difference between the support of men’s and women’s athletics at Averett, everyone talks about the fans and how there are more fans at men’s than women’s games. Being a student athletic trainer, I am able to work with many teams and see how sometimes men’s sports have more fans,” Irania Ventura, a sophomore on the women’s soccer team, said.

There are certain stereotypes of women’s sports that lead to a drop in attendance. Many believe the games are slower paced and that women are less athletic than men.

“Usually if there is a comparative sports team for men, you are going to see a difference between them and the women’s team. Historically women haven’t received as much credit or support and it’s hard to break those cultural norms that have been instilled since women were first introduced to sport,” Alixis Roccia, a sophomore on the women’s basketball team, said.

Sports vary in how much support they receive.

Some, like football, enjoy widespread popularity.

“I believe football does really well getting supporters because football is probably the most popular sport in America to watch live. Football also has more players, so there are more players’ families to attend the games and the majority of campus normally looks forward to going to football games when we are playing well,” Garret Touchard, a junior football player, said.

A winning record and a big game can bring fans no matter the sport.

“We usually only have our family and close friends attend. However we recently did have a slight uptick in attendance due to success and holding part of the conference tournament,” said Roccia.

There are certain times during seasons when

there is a peak in attendance for all sports.

Families that can’t normally attend come down and the whole atmosphere changes.

“Most of the time there is a peak in attendance when something is on the like, for instance a championship game or a highly anticipated rivalry game,” TJ McAllister, a sophomore on the men’s basketball team, said.

Volleyball is a popular sport to watch at North Campus. The team has won several championships and has built a devoted fan base.

“From playing my first season on the women’s volleyball team, I think we regularly have decent attendance to our games. But when we are playing for something like our USA South Conference tournament, when we got to host and specifically the championship game, there was a real spike in attendance,” Brianna Williams, a freshman on the volleyball team, said.

Women’s athletics is ever-growing and with the family attitude that Averett has, there are always teams supporting one another.

“I think that just as sport has changed drastically since the introduction of Title IX, we will see support for women sports increase. It also helps that Averett does its best to give both female and male athletics equal attention on social media and coverage,” Roccia said.

With the 2017-2018 school year, new sports teams will also be added to the Cougar family.

Women’s and men’s lacrosse and men’s wrestling will make their debut soon.

“With having three more teams coming in and having more student athletes, I think there will be more support just because student athletes like to show support to one another. This year there were teams breaking records and having an incredible season. I think because of that, there will be a change in support,” Ventura said.

There may be a difference in support for men and women’s athletics at the University currently, but hopefully our “One Team, One Family, One Averett” motto will change that perception. Don’t forget to keep up with all Cougar athletic schedules by going to www.averettcougars.com.

The Chanticleer • 13

Cougar nation welcomes curry

by Nate Lake

Stephen Curry, otherwise known as Steph, is the current reigning National Basketball Association MVP, but he is actually a part of cougar nation as well. Curry did not attend Averett. He does, however, have family here— Averett’s head football coach Cleive Adams.

“Stephen is my nephew. He is my oldest sister’s son,” Adams explains. “He is the first grandchild to my mom and dad.”

This seems pretty amazing, being related to someone as high achieving as Curry, a 2015 NBA championship (2015), four time all-star player (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017), most 10 plus three pointers in NBA history (8), ESPY best male athlete of the year (2015), NBA record for most made three pointers (402) and many other achievements. However, Adams just sees another one of his family members.

“I’ve know him since he was born. To me and to the rest of the family he is Stephen,” Adams said. “He is someone who loves his family, who is a normal person, who is a genuine person.”

With a person of so many accomplishments many look to Curry for inspiration, including his uncle. Curry is just a guy who just naturally brings out the winner instinct in some people.

Curry went from an undersized, unable point guard to an NBA all-star, and Adams was there to see it.

“To accomplish the things that he has accomplished is an inspiration to me because I’m involved with sports. That’s my profession, and to watch someone over achieve like that against the odds inspires me to take Top: Showcasing pride for Averett football and his uncle, Steph Curry poses with a jersey while in his kitchen.

At right: Coach Cleive Adams and his family travel to visit Curry at a Golden State Warriors practice facility in California.

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my student-athletes and athletes I am associated with and give them hope,” Adams said.

Curry attended an Averett event in 2014, a football game at Guilford College. Adams hopes to have Curry visit the University soon, but who knows when that day may come.

high expectations for Golf and tennis teams

by Khalil Lloyd

The golf and tennis teams are deep into their seasons with team expectations on the rise.

Golf was picked to finish ninth in the USA South preseason poll. Team captain and physical education major, Marc Wallstedt is aiming higher.

“Well, we are in the toughest conference for golf in division three,” Wallstedt said. “Three of the teams are top 10 in the nation. So top four I think is good.”

Fellow teammate Tuomas Tyry believes they can do slightly better by finishing top three in conference as well as top 100 in the national rankings, with the help of the head coach.

The team has a new head and assistant coach, father and daughter team, Mark and Mariah Hopkins.

“I think our new head coach can be our x-factor,” Tyry said. “He’s introduced some new work ethics, and offered tools for individual development that can really help the team.”

Building team effort and improving the chemistry as a team is important because it can lead to a stronger mentality. Being mentally tough is a critical role to be successful in the sport of golf. It is just as important as being skilled.

The role of being captain may have a different meaning for everyone.

“I definitely have more responsibility as being in a leadership role,” Wallstedt said. “I think I get more recognition from Meg [Stevens] too.”

Tennis has growing expectations for their program as well. The men were picked third, receiving one first place vote in the USA South preseason poll. The women were picked to finish fourth.

Business management major Nicolaus Quevedo has team goals to finish in the top two in conference and is aiming for top 15 in regional rank.

“The main goal is definitely to win conference, but with N.C. Wesleyan, it’ll be tough. They are our biggest rival and have won the last eight conference titles,” he said.

Consistent play is key for them to win. Quevedo believes the top five players can play consistently.

The most important one may be Caius Blomqvist

playing as number one.

“I think development of Caius throughout the season will be key for us to truly win,” Quevedo said. “He should be the best, and when we are playing well, it will be very tough to beat us.”

Quevedo has high expectations for his fellow Cougars as a team. The team has improved each year since Quevedo has been playing tennis here at Averett. They are striving to be the best that they can be to try and capture the conference title.

Sophomore Heidi Sarkkinen is playing number one in singles and doubles for the women’s team.

It will be hard for her to improve from her great record and accolades last year. Sarkkinen went undefeated (16-0) in singles and 13-3 in doubles.

To top it off, she was also named both USA South Rookie and Player of the Year.

“I want to improve my game, so I play even better than last year,” Sarkkinen said. “I want to beat the best schools in singles and doubles, and hopefully be the player of the year again.”

The women would like to improve on their 4-8 record from last year. Sarkkinen gave insight on the teams’ goals as they look to “work hard every day, and win against teams that are better.”

Nicolaus Quevedo, a senior business management major, aims to finish in the top two of the conference and in the top 15 regionally.

The Chanticleer • 15

live, love, lacrosse

by Lauren Cowling

Exciting things are happening with Averett’s sports departments. With the addition of lacrosse, there’s a lot of work going on behind the scenes. The lacrosse program is quickly getting up and on its feet with players, equipment and future goals.

A new program requires a lot of work to start up but it’s an exciting process. With lots of new equipment and players, everyone is very busy.

A large part of the process is promoting the program and getting as many people interested as possible.

“Lots of emails, phone calls and social media usage. Going on campus and having lunch and meeting people. Running clinics and camps to get people excited,” Anthony Mackin, men’s lacrosse head coach, said.

The university’s location puts it in a great spot as it is only a few hours away from lots of renowned lacrosse areas. This is convenient when it comes to recruiting and getting the word out there about the program. They have already received a lot of interest and attention by possible players.

“It’s new so it’s enticing that anyone could be the impact player right away and play. There are lots of opportunities for leadership and freshman playing time which they wouldn’t normally.

It’s a unique opportunity where everyone has

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potential,” Kelly Ryan, women’s lacrosse head coach, said.

Just like the other established sports at Averett, the lacrosse programs have been able to conduct recruit visits and overnight stays, even with the lack of a current lacrosse team. All of the other sports have been incredibly helpful and supportive in the whole process.

“We’ve had a recruit stay with a volleyball player, go to class with a soccer player and have lunch with a basketball player,” Ryan said. “The support system here is unbelievable. It really gives the recruits a good experience of who they will be friends with.”

When it comes to student-athletes, they are students first. Education is very important at Averett, and the sports teams are always encouraged to do their best. Study hall hours are a requirement. It’s not easy with the busy schedule they have, but the coaches are always there to help.

“With a master’s degree in education, I think it’s very important,” Mackin said. “Monthly meetings and progress reports to stay updated.

I want them to be involved in other clubs and student bodies, to become part of the bigger Averett family, not just the sports side.”

A new team means new goals. As they are just starting out, it is to be expected that they are going to have different goals compared to already established sports with history. Winning is of course something everyone would like but it’s not the main goal for these new coaches.

“My number one goal is to create atmosphere of a family away from home. To make sure there is a support system with good chemistry on and off the field,” Ryan said. “Obviously we want to win and be successful but we will work hard and get better. It’s so much more than a score on a board. We want players who will do the right thing on and off the field.”

The men’s coach has similar goals. “My biggest expectation is that I want the group to come here for the right reasons,” Mackin said. “I want us to be cohesive and team oriented, getting into the flow of things. Starting our own traditions, that’s what I want for the first year.”

However, the coaches’ goals change for five

years in the future.

“In 5 years time it would be great if we could make tournament past regular season,” Ryan said. “We want chemistry and the environment to be successful, and I think the first couple of years we could really turn heads.”

The coaches were very excited beginning this new program and have worked to get prepared quickly. They are making progress and have made a big impact within the school, receiving interest from students and other athletes.

Averett’s first laccrosse clinic was held earlier this semester on February 21. Students learned more about the sport and were given a chance to play with one another.

The Chanticleer • 17

Being the Best You

by Lindsey Fulcher

Being the best version of yourself is possible with just a little effort. Everybody wants to feel like they are being a good and genuine person.

However, sometimes people don’t know how to strengthen their character and become the best version of themselves. There are several ways that people can go out and serve people, the community and the organizations they represent.

“Being the best person you can is to treat other people like you would like to be treated— the golden rule,” Communication Studies and Journalism Professor David Hoffman said.

Being the best version of yourself starts with simply being kind. This doesn’t just mean being kind to others, but also to yourself and the community around you.

Smile

People are always saying to use your smile to change the world, so do it. Smiling at someone as you pass them by can make a huge difference in their day. You never know who might need a smile.

“You can always help others or say something to cheer someone up. Say ‘hi’ and smile at everyone you pass during your day. I like to wave at people around campus. I try to live in a way that if someone said something bad about me, that nobody would believe it,” sophomore Jenny Gregory said.

Enjoy your time with people and learn more about them by inviting someone new to sit with you at lunch, or grabbing some coffee with an old friend. Other small ways to be kind are giving genuine compliments, asking someone how they are doing, and just looking for something awesome in everyone you see.

“I try my hardest to be kind to everyone I encounter, no matter how they treat me. I make it a point not to judge anyone because people are so much more complex than what meets the

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eye,” senior, Elizabeth Kueng said.

Something people can do to better the community is volunteer work. Volunteering is defined as freely offering yourself to take part in a task. Volunteer work is a great way to give back to your community and even the people who help out your organizations or University.

A small action you can take that makes a big impact is picking up a piece of trash on the ground instead of walking by it. In doing so, you may encourage others to do the same. This can help the Earth and save the environment. The small act of picking up trash around your campus or community can make it a healthier and prettier place to live in.

Ever received a random act of kindness from someone when you were least expecting it?

Regardless if it was a good or bad day, the act of kindness is bound to make someone feel even better.

“When I used to work at Chick-fil-A, customers would start a chain of paying for the person behind them in the drive thru line. It was amazing to see how that small act of thoughtfulness could light up a person’s face when they found out a stranger paid for their meal. Since then I have promised myself that when a homeless person asks for money I will give them what I have or go get them a fast food meal if I only have a card with me. It is not my place to judge what they will use the money for. It is only my place to give,” Kueng said.

“I went to the grocery store and saw a woman unloading her groceries. A man walking towards the store stopped her after she had finished and took the grocery cart back up to the store for her.

I try and do that every time now,” Hoffman said.

Being a college student is seen as a huge opportunity and privilege in today’s society. With Averett University being a small, private school with a family like atmosphere, it is important to have good character and want to better yourself and the community around you. Averett students and faculty spoke out about how they can be kind and go the extra mile in order to represent the University in a positive way.

“First of all, I make sure that I smile and say good morning, even if they don’t speak back.

Averett students can always think positive and speak positive no matter what they are going through. When I’ve been feeling down, one of the students will give me a hug and say ‘Mama Jean, I love and appreciate you for all you do,’” Averett Housekeeping Staff Member “Mama Jean” said.

“I have seen someone open the door for people, even if they were late for class. I try and always open the door for people now that I have seen that,” junior Taylor Cook said.

“Averett students should always think before they speak. We live in a society that feeds off of loud opinions and arguing, but people too often speak before thinking and are unaware of how they may be hurting someone sitting right next to them. Not everyone grew up with the same opportunities, and I feel it is insensitive to view the world based off of only your own experiences,” Kueng said.

“Averett students are very diverse. Different races, different political views, different sports etc. Student at Averett need to just look at themselves and look at others and see that we are really all the same,” junior Dallas Smithers said.

“We all come from different places and families, but all deserve the same amount of respect.”

Lindsey Fulcher and Erica Skiddle participate in the MLK Day of Service held at North Campus on Jan. 16. Students could choose to package food, make winter scarves, or make Valentine cards for veterans all while learning about Dr. King.

There is nothing to lose in always trying to be kind, encouraging, positive, and the best version of yourself. So go out and be the best you for yourself, the community and people around you, as well as the organizations you represent.

in a

WORLD

where you can be anything, Students can be the best they can be by picking up trash around campus to improve the cleanliness and overall look of Averett.

The Chanticleer • 19

Inside the man cave with joe franks

by Jenny Gregory

Joe Franks, husband of Averett President Dr. Tiffany Franks, is often seen on the Averett campus at both academic and athletic events.

Franks is usually dressed in blue and gold, but his heart is half blue and gold while the other half is orange.

Joe Franks has a very special tie to Clemson University, his alma mater. Franks was an athletic trainer at the university from 1978 to 1983. In 1981, Clemson won its first national championship in football, at the Orange Bowl, and Franks was on the sidelines.

The game also has another special importance to Franks, as unknowingly he and his future wife were both at a game in 1978. “The neat thing is Tiffany was a high school freshman, and I was a freshman in college and we don’t meet for another 16 years,” Franks said.

Franks love for Clemson is on display in his “man cave,” located upstairs in the house that he and Dr. Franks share on Hawthorne Lane.

The room includes a stained glass Clemson light.

When the light is lit at night, the window of the room glows orange. Franks said that the first Christmas they were at Averett, everyone wanted to see where the orange glow was coming from.

Since then, the man cave has been putting smiles on student’s faces for nine years.

The man cave has become a permanent part of Averett as well as the Franks’ home. The man cave was created when the Franks came to Averett in 2008.

The Franks previously lived in Greensboro where their den was painted Clemson orange and contained everything that the man cave houses today. Franks said when they moved to Averett, they know they could not paint the room orange so Dr. Franks found a rust orange couch and the man cave was born.

Students are usually having too much fun while visiting to see the special stories that are found on the walls of the man cave. All 12 football programs from the championship season hang on the wall, along with a two-dollar bill signed

by Clemson President Robert C. Edwards and the renowned football coach Frank Howard.

Edwards was president of the university when

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Franks attended the school.

The man cave however does not house only Clemson items. People often notice that one part of the man cave is full of an Ohio State collection.

Dr. Tiffany Franks grew up in Ohio and attended Ohio State University. “She gets a corner,” Franks said.

Out of all the items in the man cave, there is one piece that is the Franks’ prized possession

Dr. Franks displays her Ohio State memorabilia in one side of the Man Cave.

not because of how much it cost or where it came from but because of the moment it captured. It is a picture of the Franks in the Clemson stadium, taken moments after the couple was engaged. He had taken a weekend off in November 1994, to take the future Dr. Franks to a Clemson football game against Georgia Tech. Everyone knew the real reason for the trip except for Dr. Franks.

“I have terrible times keeping a secret,” Franks said.

Franks hired a plane to fly over the stadium flying a banner that read, “Tiffany, will you marry me? Joe.” “There was an elaborate scheme that my college roommate was going to fly something around the stadium,” Franks said. “She fell for everything hook, line, and sinker.”

He wanted to make sure Clemson had a special meaning to Dr. Franks as well.

Joe Franks stresses that his love for Clemson is matched with his love for Averett. “The nice thing is when people say, ‘Who’s your team?’

Averett’s my team and Clemson’s my team,” Franks said. “Averett has a beautiful home and we’re just happy to be here.”

Franks makes sure that all visitors to the man cave understand his mentality of the room and the idea that it is not special because of the items but because of what they represent.

“All this stuff is a reflection of who we are,” Franks said. “I love it when we have move in day

and the parents come up. It is amazing four years later when (the students) graduate (the parents) say ‘I remember coming and sitting in your man cave.’”

While the Man Cave is mainly Joe Franks’ space, Dr. Franks also enjoys spending time there.

Below: This photo was taken moments after Joe and Dr. Franks were engaged in the Clemson stadium in 1994 and is the most important piece in the Man Cave.

The Chanticleer • 21

untold stories of the ‘63 danville Civil Rights movement

by Lindsey Fulcher

“You have my full personal support,” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stated while standing in High Street Baptist Church in Danville, Virginia.

He spoke in regards to the Danville Civil Rights Movement of 1963. This was the second of four times King spoke in the city and this time he had come to support equal rights for all citizens and publically denounce brutality. King came to encourage and inspire the community, as well as to commend the courage of local demonstrators.

Averett University students and Danville residents often have no idea of the history that is held here in the city of Danville. Students and residents walk daily right where the Danville Civil Rights movement happened, but have no idea due to the stories being untold and kept silent for so long. For 40 years most residents of Danville feared speaking of this history and their very own experiences.

High school students played one of the most important roles in the 1963 Danville Civil Rights Movement. Students as young as 14 years old were leaders in the movement and were considered the agents of change. Students went as far as leaving school to participate in the marches and demonstrations in Danville. Students today can still serve as agents by going out and learning, listening and sharing this untold history.

The untold stories of the Danville Civil Rights Movement are of demonstrators afraid to share their experiences because they could lose their jobs or suffer from repercussions. People threw things at protestor’s houses. Teachers were afraid to tell children what was happening and would teach in secrecy. Some teachers would even follow students home to be sure they got there safely. This was a time when people were in prison just for walking down the street.

Some people still won’t talk about the Danville Civil Rights Movement, or even tell their own children that it happened to them personally.

But with the help of Emma Edmunds, the untold stories are able to safely be told, further allowing people to learn about Danville’s history.

Edmunds recently created the Civil Rights Exhibit at the Danville Gallery on North Union Street. Once she started receiving and sharing

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stories, there were people who were still afraid, but also people who welcomed it. Suddenly, people started to share more and meetings and events started to take place for people to share their stories with others.

King came to Danville for the first time in March of 1963 and spoke to a crowd of 2,500 at what is now called the City Auditorium. In Danville during this time hotels were segregated so he stayed in a private home belonging to Beatrice Hairston, a teacher at John M. Langston High School. King was famous and was being hammered by the press, but he could always be at home and just be himself at the Hairston house.

The Danville Civil Rights Movement started peacefully in May 1963 as demonstrations were done showing the injustice of segregation and inequality in Danville.

But on June 10, 1963 peacefulness turned into Bloody Monday. Bloody Monday is the day that police made mass arrests, and attacks were made against demonstrators. The demonstrators were marching from Bible Way Baptist Church on Grant Street in Danville, Virginia to the court house jail for a prayer vigil to honor those arrested earlier on in the day. They suddenly were attacked by fire hoses, billy clubs, and dogs. Police gave authority to garbage men and janitors to attack demonstrators with this type of brutality resulting in more than 40 injured and 11 hospitalized.

In the fall King came back for the third time and planned a major campaign led by the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) of which he was both a founder and president. The fourth time he returned he spoke at High Street Baptist Church and again declared that they meant business. The demonstrators had planned to go out into the white community to talk about the immorality of segregation. Unfortunately, they received news that President Kennedy had been shot and SCLC abandoned the Danville campaign.

There were a total of 300 arrests during the Danville protests. City Council had been making strict rules that demonstrators were not even made aware of. One law stated they had to walk 10 feet apart from one another or they would

be arrested. City Council, judges and the police force were doing everything possible to keep these demonstrations from happening by making arrests and even making bonds as high as $5,000.

A common myth about the Danville Civil Rights Movement is that whites were not involved.

However, this is false as some whites were also demonstrating. White ministers petitioned the city council to find a solution to unrest. They stated they were dissatisfied with the disturbances and that equal rights needed to be granted. Whites were also criticized and had to pay the price in relationships with others in the community who disagreed with their stance.

The Danville Civil Rights Exhibit has all of this history in it and much more. It created open conversations about human impact and allows people to learn how everything in history is so connected. How history is recorded or told can be different from how it actually happened so it is important to hear from people who were actually there. The exhibit shows what made King visit and what made him stop visiting. It shows how changes were starting to happen in Danville and how demonstrations and picketing eventually made a difference. People in the community understood the important role that they each could play in speaking out against prejudice behavior.

Brigid Belko, director of experiential learning at the Center of Community Engagement and Career Competitiveness on Averett’s campus recently did a historiography while working on her Ph.D at the University of North Carolina Greensboro. Belko did her historiography on education leadership and cultural foundations.

She chose to do it on the Danville Civil Rights Movement and spent a good amount of time with Edmunds finding out about the Danville Civil Rights Exhibit, the history of Danville and the untold stories.

“When Emma Edmunds came in and created the opportunity for people to share those stories, it opened the doors for people to come together and talk about it,” Belko said. “I think Danville is doing a great job. The opening of this exhibit was a great success. But if the exhibit were to ever close, we would lose momentum and it’s on citizens of Danville and students to keep it going.

Paint murals, visit sites, learn the history and

remember what happened.”

Belko said that cities should celebrate rather than hide the history. She said it should in fact be showcased, just as the Danville Civil Rights Exhibit is doing. Students, as well as citizens and visitors of Danville should pay respects and choose to re-visit, and re-learn this history. Other cities that were a part of the Civil Rights Movement created different ways to remember and tell that history. Something as simple as paint on the side of the road can share the stories of a march and allow people living in or coming through Danville to learn about that history for free.

“It’s not the same to drive around Danville, knowing what has happened in certain places,” Belko said. “I can’t drive by High Street Baptist Church and not have a sense of remembrance of what transpired and pride for the hard-fought changes it created.”

To be human is to think critically but for humans to accept one way of thinking is unproductive.

Danville was a city that had national spectrum and it is possible to make Danville a destination again. It’s possible to make people want to know what happened and want to learn about it.

“Now is a really good time in Danville’s history because for the first time since the Civil Rights Movement, people can talk about it freely and openly,” Belko said. “For the first time as a community we can really talk about it together.”

To engage critically in an idea or conversation is bringing humanity to life. Be a part of a conversation and listen to someone share their story. For if we remain silent, history will only repeat itself.

In 1963, 60 high school students marched to the Municipal Building in downtown Danville to discuss police brutality, the immorality of segregation, and inequality.

The Chanticleer • 23

dID YOU

Students were asked to take a picture that (1) represented the rich civil rights history of the region or (2) represented what they would stand for. Above are the first and second place winners from Averett.

[

[

Danville Civil rights Movement of 1963

Reverend Thurman Echols, photographed above, was the first person arrested during the June 10th protest. Echols currently lives in Virginia and is the pastor at Moral Hill Missionary Baptist Church.

First place

kNOW?

During the Civil Rights Movement, leaders from the Dan River Region stood up with Dr. King in the face of injustice.

by Blair Bolton

second place

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2017 Photo COntest

by Brianna Shelton

#Chantishowcase

Q: What have you done for your community? “ “ Last semester through KDA, I volunteered to play bingo with residents at the Danville House and also I participated in the Angel Tree project. KDA will also work an event for the Rotary Club where we donate Elizabeth Kueng ‘17 close to $400 to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

“

For my IDS class community service project I tutored kids at Cedar Terrace.

Cameron Carrico ‘20

I’ve volunteered with the Special Olympics at the bowling alley. I’ve also participated in day to engaged and I will also be working the Martinsville NASCAR race.

Sean Bowman ‘19

“

For my IDS class, I ate lunch with an elementary school student. I’ve also done tutoring at Cardinal Village Center, and I’m in the Teach It Forward! program as well.

Amy Wayland ‘20