November 2

Second home p. 2-4 Tuition cut for hurricane victims p. 7 ʻMe Tooʼ campaign p. 9 Game of the Week p. 12

November 2, 2017 Vol. 86, Issue 6

2 HOME Students separated from pets find ways to cope JESSICA LIVINGSTON SGA Beat Writer life@florala.net Pets are some people’s best friends.

However, some UNA students have to live without them because of the no-pets rule in the residence halls.

Sophomore Kaitlyn Kennedy said her dog is her life, so living in the residence halls affects her personally.

“I got my dog, Dixie, my freshman year of high school, and ever since we got her, she’s been a positive impact on my entire family of four,” Kennedy said.

Kennedy said she presented an informative speech on how well pets benefit humans.

“I read from one source that it’s been proven that pets are better than pills when it comes to emotional health,” Kennedy said.

Junior Anna Beth Franks said she believes having a pet gives college students responsibility as caregivers.

“The first two years I was not allowed to have any animals in the dorms, except for a fish,” Franks said. “I moved out of the dorms and now I live in a house, where I own a pet. Having a pet not only gives my house a positive atmosphere, but it gives me something to look forward to when I get home.”

Franks said pets rely on their owners for everything, so students would benefit from having the responsibility of caring

for an animal.

Director of Housing and Residence Life Jennifer Sutton said while no pets, except for fish in up to a five gallon tank, are currently allowed in apartments or residence halls, there have been exceptions.

“We have made accommodations for service animals and emotional support animals in the past,” she said.

Sutton said she does not think the rule will change anytime soon because of challenges students can face while residing in a confined living area with a pet.

Resident student organizations and other students have been finding ways to cope with missing their pets, while at school.

The university has been allowing several RSOs to host events raising money for the Florence-Lauderdale Animal Shelter and involving animals.

The Student Government Association Freshman Forum hosted a Puppy Pageant Oct. 26, raising $211 for the shelter. Five puppies were adopted at the event.

In 2012, around 47 thousand animals were handled at the Florence-Lauderdale Animal Shelter. Out of those, the shelter euthanized 987.

“The animal shelter is a great place to volunteer,” said junior Molly Welch.

“You can show animals love and be in a positive, stress-relieving environment.”

The shelter needs volunteers for different areas, including dog walking, kennel assistance, adoption promotion and assistance, general cleaning and temporary foster care.

Visit http://www.florenceal.org/ Public_Safety/Animal_Control/ Volunteer/index.html to fill out a volunteer form and volunteer at your convenience.

CALEB COLE | Staff Photographer

Students pet one of the Student Government Association Freshman Forum’s Puppy Pageant participants Oct. 26 at the Memorial Amphitheater. This event served as a chance for students living in residence halls and apartments to spend time with animals since pets are not allowed in these respective areas.

5 restaurants with home cooking CIERA GOLLIVER News Editor news@florala.net As the holiday season approaches, some students may begin to miss some of the comfort family food can bring. Here are The Flor-Ala’s top five picks for comfort food with a family atmosphere.

1. Mama Jean’s This is a traditional southern family restaurant in Petersville off of Cloverdale Road. The menu offers everything from meat and threes to strawberry cobbler. The staff always greets customers with a smile, and the small town atmosphere fills the room. This place allows anyone the opportunity to indulge in their southern cravings without the high price. They even make it alright to have an extra serving of dessert by offering banana pudding as a side dish.

2. Garden Gate This is a meat and three restaurant off of Florence Boulevard. The menu changes daily, but the quality does not.

Garden Gate treats guests with meals like country-fried steak with turnip greens and brisket with mac and cheese. This place is always busy, but

the workers still take the time to treat every guest like he or she is special.

3. Newbern’s A local favorite on the outskirts of Florence, Newbern’s is a great place to visit for anyone looking for seafood.

Located on Florence Boulevard, the family-run business has been running for years. Locals know it for having some of the best catfish in the area.

The parking lot is constantly packed with people anxious for fresh seafood with a family atmosphere. Despite their popularity, the family still allows time for a non-traditional weekend by closing the restaurant on Sunday and Monday.

4.Cracker Barrel It may be a chain restaurant, but Cracker Barrel still has one of the best atmospheres around. The restaurant offers great food and service with an at home feel. Guests can spend time sitting on the porch in the rocking chairs, warming up by the fireplace or playing friends in a game of checkers. The food does not taste like a traditional chain restaurant, and the menu offers variety so patrons can find almost any comfort food they want.

Cracker Barrel is located on Florence Boulevard.

5. Curtis’s For anyone willing to drive 20 minutes for great food and a familial atmosphere, this is a great familyowned restaurant to try. Workers tend to remember customers names if they

visit enough.

The restaurant can become like family as it is full of the small town atmosphere. It is a great place to go when someone is in need of a home away from home.

HOME 3 3 desserts students can make in a microwave HANNAH ZIMMER Managing Editor managing@florala.net When students move into the residence halls, they often cannot create home-cooked meals because they do not have kitchens. Have no fear, The Flor-Ala created a list of sweet treats that students can make even in a residence hall.

S’mores S’mores are a classic, and even the student with no cooking experience can make this dessert.

Ingredients: • Graham crackers • Marshmallows • Hershey’s snack size chocolate bars Directions: 1. Place graham crackers on the plate.

2. Top each graham cracker with a marshmallow and a piece of chocolate.

3. Warm the treat in the microwave for 20 seconds or until marshmallows rise.

Finished product: The s’mores I created were gooey and delicious. The total time I spent making the dessert was five minutes. I highly recommend students try making s’mores when they have a sweet tooth.

Brownie in a mug This dessert required more time and ingredients than the s’mores, but the taste was quite delightful.

Ingredients:

• • •

1/4 cup of all-purpose flour 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder • a pinch of salt • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil • 2 tablespoons of milk • 2 tablespoons of chopped Hershey’s dark chocolate Directions: 1. Pour all ingredients into a coffee mug.

2. Mix until there are no lumps and the ingredients form a thick cream.

3. Warm in the microwave for 45 seconds.

Finished product: I enjoyed the brownie in a cup, but because there are more ingredients, the cost to make the treat was somewhat pricey. All the ingredients cost around $10. For students who want to save money, I recommend the other two desserts on this list. Students may be able to try this with boxed brownie mix.

Marshmallow chocolate fudge Of the three desserts on this list, my favorite was this fudge, which was quite simple to make.

Ingredients: • 1 teaspoon of butter • 1 can of chocolate frosting • 2 cups of chocolate chips • 1/2 cup of chopped pecans • 1/2 cup of miniature marshmallows Directions: 1. Line a pan with aluminum foil

HANNAH ZIMMER | Managing Editor

S’mores are a classic, and even the student with no cooking experience can make this dessert. This treat is microwavable, so students can make it in the residence halls.

2. Grease the foil with butter 3. Pour frosting and chocolate chips into a bowl 4. Melt the frosting and chocolate chips in the microwave for 1 minute 5. Stir in chopped pecans 6. Let the ingredients sit for 10 minutes 7. Stir in marshmallows 8. Pour ingredients onto pan and refrigerate until they firm 9. Cut fudge into pieces after they firm

Finished product: Even though this product had more steps to create, the fudge recipe was easy to follow. Chocolate lovers would adore this fudge. I would certainly make it again.

College is often when people leave home for the first time. With these simple recipes, students can make UNA feel like their new home. Dorm rooms may be too small for dinner parties, but, with these sweet treats, friends will flock to the tiny rooms to get a taste.

Tips on making the residence hall more comfortable MONDAY SANDERSON Editor-in-Chief editor@florala.net For many first-year students, and even third or fourth year students, staying in the residence halls can cause them to feel homesick.

While some students are able to drive home on the weekends, there are those unable to visit their home until lengthy

breaks. I have lived on campus for four years, and over the years, I have learned of ways to make the residence hall feel more like a second home.

For those who want to know how to make their residence hall feel more like home, here are some tips.

Decorations When students first move into the residence halls, the walls of their rooms are bare and may seem intimidating.

AMBREIA MCDANIEL | Student Photographer

It can be difficult for students to find a way to turn their residence hall into a home away from home. Decorating the room can help.

One of the easiest ways to make the room feel like home is by adding decorations. Whether these are for the wall, bed or floor, adding some personal touches may make students feel more comfortable.

Posters are a personal favorite. With these, not only can students bring in a splash of color, but they can also show off some of their interests, such as favorite TV shows or movies.

During the holiday season, students can add decorations to create a Halloween or Christmas atmosphere.

These decorations do not have to be expensive. Students can find most of what they need at Walmart, the Dollar Tree or Five and Below.

Photos For students who are unable to visit their family and friends for a while, photos can help them feel connected to them.

Students can include photos as part of their decorations. Whether these photos are on the desk or on the walls, it helps to see this reminder of home.

If students do not want just the plain photos, they can create photo frames or hang them on the wall with lights.

Candles Missing homes deals with more than specific items. It can also involve missing

certain scents.

Whether it is the smell of fresh clothes, desserts or plants, students can try to recreate these smells in the dorm.

Even though the residence halls do not allow students to use candles, due to them being a fire hazard, students can still have them as decorations. If students place these candles in front of their fans, then the scent can spread across the room.

Renzuit air fresheners are a personal favorite. They are only 98 cents at Walmart, and they have a variety of scents.

Cooking Most residence halls have a kitchen students can use.

While there are some students who may not be the best cooks, they can use these kitchens to create home-cooked meals.

Even if it is only once a week, students can take the time to create a simple homecooked meal.

Plants If students want to liven up their room, they can add plants.

The easiest plants to take care of on a busy college schedule are succulents.

For students who want the illusion of real plants without the responsibility of taking care of them, students can buy fake flowers to add to their room.

4 HOME

CALEB COLE | Staff Photographer

Freshman Abdullah Al Nasser points out his home country of Saudi Arabia to graduate student Hannah Rowe, senior administrative assistant of the Office of International Affairs. Al Nasser is one of the international students who does not go home during holiday breaks.

International students face holiday dilemma TYLER HARGETT Life Editor life@florala.net When holiday breaks arrive, the campus closes and students are able to go home and spend time with family and friends.

However, while some international students go home and visit their families in their home countries, some stay behind in America and find other activities to partake in during the holidays.

“It can be sad for them, because it’s expensive to go home,” said graduate student Hannah Rowe, senior administrative assistant of the Office of International Affairs.

Rowe said the office tries to get the students involved with a host family or local holiday events, which can help them feel less homesick.

Graduate student Lina Barragán, a worker in the Office of International Affairs, came to America from Colombia

in 2011 for her master’s degree.

“The people are really, really nice,” she said. “I was used to living in a big city where nobody had any time for anything.

Then, here, I came to a more conservative place.”

Barragán said when she first arrived in the U.S., she could not go home for around two years because of Visa rules.

“It was really sad because we celebrate Christmas,” she said. “It’s a huge, huge holiday. It was the first Christmas I was away from home. So, I was so depressed, even though I was with people.”

Colombia’s Christmas differs from the U.S. by being more of a festive celebration.

Barragán said she spent her first Christmas in the U.S. with her thenboyfriend and his family. The next year, her parents were able to come up for the holiday.

She now visits her family more often and texts her mother every day.

She said Thanksgiving is not as big

of a deal because it is an American-only holiday.

“It’s nice when people invite you to their house because it’s just opening their doors to strangers, and it’s a gathering for family that you feel really, really welcome (at),” she said. “But, if nobody invites you to anything, it’s fine, because you don’t really celebrate it.”

Freshman Abdullah Al Nasser came to UNA in 2015 after graduating high school in Saudi Arabia to get his bachelor’s degree.

Al Nasser said after coming to UNA, he was happy to learn about American culture, including its holidays. “(The holidays) are so cool,” he said.

“The first year I attended the Christmas holiday, I loved it. I love how people give presents to someone, and they welcome people to come to their house.”

Al Nasser said the family he has visited in the Shoals since he came to America is like family to him.

He joins the family every year for

Thanksgiving. For Christmas, he spends the break either with them or friends.

“I feel like I am with my mom and dad when I (spend a holiday) with them,” he said.

Al Nasser said he has gotten better about being homesick since arriving in America. He keeps in touch with his family every day through FaceTime, but hopes they get to visit him for the holidays one year.

Rowe said she encourages the rest of campus to get involved with international students by reaching out to them during the holidays.

“There are benefits on both sides,” she said. “You are helping (an) international student find a home away from home during this time to just relax and celebrate with a family. They’ll have a sense of belonging and a sense of family.

As an American student, you’re getting this opportunity to say, ‘Hey, what do you do in your home country?’ It’s a time to have a cultural exchange.”

Soccer player leans on teammates away from home JACOB COLE Sports Editor sports@florala.net Being away from home can be hard, but being out of the country is a different challenge.

Senior midfielder Kristen Sinden is in her last season for the Lions. Sinden is from Belle River, Ontario, Canada, which is 684 miles from UNA. Sinden said leaving is a big challenge, but her team helps with the process.

“My biggest challenge with being so far away from home is definitely being away from my family, but at the same time, the team feels like my family,” she said. “With the team being so close together and having great coaches, it

pretty much feels like a family, which doesn’t make living away from my family back home as hard.”

Sinden said even with the distance, UNA was the school for her. The coaches, team and Leo and Una helped her make the decision to attend UNA. With no schedule conflict when the fall semester ends, most players get to go home for the Christmas holidays. Sinden said when the players cannot get home for holidays, the other players invite them to their homes.

“My team and coaches always give girls on the team who can’t go home the opportunity to still enjoy the holidays we miss by inviting us to join their families,” Sinden said. “No one on the team ever has to miss a holiday, because so many

of our teammates offer us to be with their family.”

“I think that is great and shows that everyone on the team cares for each other and everyone wants to make sure no one is missing out, because during the holidays that you are away from your family is never the easiest,” she said. “When you have such amazing teammates and coaches, we never have to worry about that.”

Soccer head coach Chris Walker said the preseason is a key moment to build up the chemistry between the team.

“We use preseason to kick start the team bonding,” Walker said. “I feel the closer the team is, the harder they will work for each other. The more they get to know each other’s personalities,

the stronger they all become. Team chemistry is one of the most important things when building a team.”

Beside playing soccer for the Lions, Sinden said going to McFarland Park and hiking in Florence is her favorite activities to do in the area. When she gets to go home, Sinden said roller blading with her dog down to the lake by her house is another fun activity she likes to do.

The people Sinden meets at UNA will become people she cherishes for the rest of her life, she said.

“Being away from home for months and months is never easy, but it’s made a lot easier when you have such a team that provides you with life-long friendships,” she said.

NEWS 5

Courtesy of Dalton Shorette

Students showcase their UNA banner on a summer 2017 study abroad trip in Spain. UNA is doubling its study abroad scholarships from $800 to $1,600 effective immediately.

Students can expect increase in study abroad scholarship CIERA GOLLIVER News Editor news@florala.net Ross Alexander, vice president of Academic Affairs and Provost, said he wanted to increase globalization when he came to UNA. Three months later, Alexander moves in this direction.

The university will increase the scholarship for study abroad trips from $800 to $1,600 effective immediately.

He said he hopes to eventually increase this scholarship even more.

Alexander said he believes in the value of studying abroad because of the lessons it can teach.

He never studied abroad as a student, but he wishes he had because of the lessons traveling internationally taught him as an adult.

Alexander said employers want those they hire to have a diverse background, and a study abroad allows students the opportunity to

become well-rounded.

This scholarship applies for study abroad or study away, which are similar to study abroad but in the U.S. Sophomore Spencer Finch said the increase in scholarships will allow students who normally would not be financially able a chance to study abroad.

“People should have more of a chance to study abroad,” Finch said.

“This is a great thing all around.”

These scholarships are available

for semester study abroads or study abroad trips over the summer, which are the most common trips UNA offers, Alexander said.

Freshman Shannon O’Neill said study abroad allows learning opportunities for a lot of majors by allowing students to experience how things are done in a different country.

“I’m a theatre major, so if I study abroad and study accents and culture and stuff, it allows me the chance to benefit my major,” O’Neill said.

Two departments add new online programs CIERA GOLLIVER News Editor news@florala.net After only three months on UNA’s campus, Ross Alexander, vice president of Academic Affairs and Provost, announced the addition of two online courses within the next year.

“Overall, our strategy is to take the very good online programs that we already have and market them better, engage new groups of students from well beyond our region and have them be of the utmost quality, “ Alexander said.

The university will offer a Bachelor’s of Business Administration as an online degree program beginning spring 2018.

Alexander said this is an example of an online undergraduate degree program geared toward working professionals all across the world.

Sophomore Sebastian Motley said the online programs are a great option for students who have to work multiple jobs to pay for school and other

responsibilities.

“It allows you to have a little more peace of mind in a situation that doesn’t really have financial comfort because you don’t have to set aside part of your time to come take classes on campus,” Motley said.

The university will also add a master’s degree in mathematics in fall 2018.

Alexander said the university wanted to capitalize on the market for this program because there are very few universities offering this online.

He said he is proud of the mathematics faculty at UNA and the way they stepped up to the task of creating a new graduate program online.

“This is an incredible opportunity for us to capitalize on our mathematics faculty,” Alexander said.

“Our mathematics faculty are some of the most scholarly and productive members on campus.”

Alexander said he would be comfortable comparing UNA’s

mathematics faculty to larger universities because of their hard work and knowledge.

Senior math major Cody McCrary said he does not think an online program is beneficial.

“The program is a good thought, but you benefit the most in math by taking classes in person,” McCrary said.

Along with these new programs, the university will take a new approach to UNA’s existing online programs.

The existing undergraduate and graduate online programs will transition from the traditional 16 week courses to eight-week courses.

Alexander said this will allow the university to enroll students more often and keep these enrolled students involved at UNA by allowing them to start classes eight weeks sooner.

He said research shows adult learners and graduate students typically prefer the eight-week courses more.

All programs the university adds will be eight weeks. The rest of the online

programs will gradually transition to an eight-week schedule.

The first program UNA will implement as an eight week course will be the Bachelor’s of Business Administration program when in begins in spring 2018.

Alexander said UNA hired people to come teach professors how to set up an online class and effectively manage it.

Freshman Austin Lee said online programs are a good market for UNA. “If people have young children, they can’t always afford to pay for childcare,” Lee said. “Online programs allow them the opportunity to take care of their child and better their life at the same time.”

Alexander said he hopes UNA’s new online programs will complement the traditional courses the university offers and the revenue it generates will support the campus.

He said UNA will look strategically for new online programs to implement in the future.

6 NEWS

DYLAN BAKER | Graphic Designer

Freshmen veterans petition for on-campus parking CIERA GOLLIVER News Editor news@florala.net Students can find signatures around campus of people rallying around advocating for veterans the university classifies as freshmen to park on campus.

Veterans Affairs is collecting signatures of students in support of this. They will gather all of the signatures and present them Nov. 2 in Student Government Association Senate. If Senate approves this, a resolution would go to the Parking Shared Governance Committee and Shared Governance Executive Council, said SGA President Hugo Dante.

All of the petitions are expected to contain around 1,000 signatures.

Two SGA Senators, Seth Callahan and Rachel Smith, are sponsoring this resolution.

Dante said in order for freshmen veterans to have a commuter tag allowing them to park on campus, Shared Governance Executive Council would have to issue a new policy.

If this policy goes into effect, the university will begin issuing commuter tags to freshman veterans in fall 2018.

As of 2015, the university required all freshmen to live on campus except in a few circumstances. Veterans are one of the groups who are not required to live on campus.

Veterans Affairs Vice President Joseph Dailey said there are currently around 50 veterans who are classified as freshmen, and this number is

expected to grow as the university begins promoting veteran friendly status.

He said Veterans Affairs Specialist Michelle Dailey started pushed for military-friendly status on campus and having parking for veterans is a requirement for this.

Dailey said many of the students who are veterans have injuries that make walking from downtown difficult on them, but they do not have enough of a disability to qualify for handicap parking.

“We are not asking for any special treatment,” Dailey said. “We just want the opportunity to compete for parking like every other student.”

Senior Chris Whitt said he does not support a designated lot for veterans because of the limited number of

spots, but he fully supports giving all veterans the opportunity to park on campus.

The majority of veterans at UNA are non-traditional students. The average age of veterans classified as a freshman is 30-years-old, Dailey said.

Dailey said there is a 59-year-old man who has to park in downtown because he is still classified as a freshman.

Freshman Hammy Webb said allowing freshmen veterans to park on campus is the least the university can do.

“They are veterans, (and) they served all,” Webb said. “They earned their position to be able to park on campus. We wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for veterans. Without them, no one would have a parking spot.”

Student Affairs uses proactive approach on Greek trouble CIERA GOLLIVER News Editor news@florala.net All members of UNA Greek chapters met Oct. 22-23 to discuss previous alleged physical altercations which put the entire Greek community on notice.

Vice President of Student Affairs David Shields said the purpose of this meeting was to make sure all members heard the same warning about the severity of recent physical altercations and the punishment associated with that.

There have been five different physical altercations so far this semester. These altercations resulted in students going to the hospital, police charges and individuals filing campus Code of Conduct charges against various Greek chapters and individual members, according to a letter from Shields.

Shields said it is not uncommon for a Greek chapter to have cases go before the Code of Conduct board, but

it is unusual for UNA to have so many different cases in such a short amount of time.

Shields said alcohol was a factor in all of these altercations.

Although some members may feel they did everything possible to stop these altercations, Shields said each member needs to be aware of their responsibility to stop trouble before it gets out of hand.

He said bystanders could have stopped these events but chose to wait until things were too late.

Freshman Alex Phillips said it is good the university is holding Greek members responsible for their actions, but the entire system should not have to suffer for the actions of a few members.

“At some point, you have to step up and take responsibility for your actions,” Phillips said. “That is what being an adult is about.”

Shields said he wanted to take a proactive approach to make the Greek organizations aware the university does not support the trend it is seeing.

Shields said he does not want to insinuate all Greek members are guilty, but he wants members to be aware when they wear Greek letters, people group them with the guilty party.

He said if an event happens on campus, all the public hears is a chapter at UNA was involved. The public does not know which chapters or individuals.

He said he hopes his letter made Greek members think about why he wrote the letter and encourages members to evaluate themselves and their members and hold each other accountable.

“If you want the benefits that come with being a Greek system for a university, (you) have to be a little better than everybody else,” Shields said. “You say you stand for all of these different things, hold yourself and others accountable.”

Shields said he strongly believes in the positive impact a Greek system can have on a university because he was a member of a fraternity, but the negative

actions do just as much harm as the positives do good.

He said he hopes to hold the individual members accountable for these actions because they should not be able to hide behind an organization.

Freshman Hannah Thomas said she believes punishing an entire organization will not do any good.

She said she hopes the university is able to find the individuals responsible and punish them accordingly.

Shields said he is unable to share any specific details about which chapters are involved in these Code of Conduct violations because university officials are still investigating these instances.

Shields said he has not heard about the alleged videos circulating campus of activities violating university policy at various Greek events, but he encourages anyone who may have physical evidence of any activity going against university policy to share the video with the Code of Conduct office so the university can hold individuals accountable.

NEWS 7 University offers discount to hurricane victims CIERA GOLLIVER News Editor news@florala.net Although the initial relief efforts to help hurricane victims are over, UNA is not through extending aide to those Hurricanes Harvey and Irma affected.

The university is waiving the application fee and offering in-state tuition to current high school seniors living in these areas, said Julie Taylor, director of University Admissions.

“UNA cares about students who are impacted in such a terrible way,” Taylor said. “This is just our way of trying to help.”

Taylor said the university wanted to help students who are currently living in these disaster areas.

The university is extending this offer to students who would begin UNA in fall 2018. This offer will only last one year, Taylor said.

Any area the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency deemed a federal disaster area is eligible. This offer is not open to students who live in these areas and are currently enrolled at UNA. Taylor said Kim Mauldin, former director of University Admissions, came up with the idea to offer in-state tuition to those natural disasters affect.

Taylor said the university liked this idea as a way of showing support for those the hurricanes affected. The next step will be to inform high schools in federal disaster areas about UNA’s

Disaster Areas DYLAN BAKER | Graphic Designer offer for in-state tuition.

She said the university wanted to give the area time to recover from the hurricanes since students’ initial worry would not be attending college.

Now that some time has passed, the university will look into ways to best contact these areas to inform the schools of the university’s offer.

Sophomore Chuck Davis said the university offering in-state tuition to hurricane victims is admirable, but he believes the university does not have the resources to accommodate a large increase in students.

“That’s awesome that they’re doing that, but that being said, there are a lot of areas affected,” Davis said. “If a lot of students take advantage of that offer, it could potentially hurt the university. We don’t have the parking or faculty for that.”

Taylor said she does not know if the university will continue to extend this offer to other areas natural disasters affect in the future.

“I hope students will know we care about them and the things going on in their lives,” Taylor said. “UNA is a community, and we are all in this

together.”

Sophomore Hayden Suddith said he is glad university officials is trying to help, but they need to remember high school seniors are not the only ones who will suffer from money shortage because of the hurricanes.

“Something is better than nothing, but the university should look into extending the offer to include those entering fall 2019 as well,” Suddith said.

Students interested in learning more about this offer can contact UNA Admissions at admissions@una.edu.

Event encourages women in STEM careers TAYLOR SIMPSON Staff Writer tsimpson4@una.edu The UNA College of Arts and Sciences 2017 Sunseri Series hosted a panel of women UNA graduates working in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics Oct. 26.

“The turnout was great,” said Carmen Burkhalter, dean of UNA COAS and event organizer. “There were representatives from community colleges, high schools (and) all across UNA.” Approximately 100 people attended the event, including local high school students, local community college students and UNA students and faculty.

University President Kenneth Kitts and Vice President of Student Affairs David Shields were both in attendance.

Sophomore Cayman Gardner said the panel is an opportunity to discuss the efforts of all women in STEM. “This (event) is very productive for the community and the university alike to lift the veil off these largely male dominated fields,” he said.

Burkhalter said UNA has had a long history of successful women graduating and going into STEM careers.

“I wanted to highlight that with this event so that the next generation of women in college can understand that there are great pioneers, even here at UNA, that have gone before them and not to give up,” she said.

Panelists included Lacey Reinoehl, the vice president of customer experience at Lojix Software LLC, Jessica Williams, an environmental health and safety engineer for 3M in Decatur, Hannah Hopkins, a software developer for NASA, Anne Whitaker, current president and CEO of KNOW Bio and Respiratory LLC and Deborah Hellums, who served as the director of fertilizer research at the International Fertilizer Development Center, according to biographies published on UNA’s COAS Orgsync.

“The panelists did a great job of communicating what a spectacular education they got at the University of North Alabama in order to contribute to their success,” Burkhalter said.

Leshan Kimbrough, assistant professor

and program director of industrial hygiene, moderated the panel and asked questions the UNA COAS ambassadors submitted.

Topics included workplace discrimination, travel opportunities, university experiences and career advice.

Reinoehl said it is important for women to not lose their perspective in male-dominated fields.

Burkhalter said the Sunseri series is an opportunity to host groups of people or individuals who bring together arts and sciences.

“I want attendees to know they can do anything, that success is limited only by a person’s imagination and if you dream big, you will achieve big,” Burkhalter said.

A donation from UNA alumnus David Sunseri in honor of his late sister Jennifer Leigh Sunseri made it possible for UNA to host the series.

The series has been part of campus events since Spring 2016.

For opportunities in STEM careers, students can attend the UNA Majors Career Fair Nov. 9 in the Guillot University Center Banquet Halls.

DYLAN BAKER | Graphic Designer

8 NEWS Sophomore fights for opportunities in government JESSICA LIVINGSTON SGA Beat Writer jlivingston2@una.edu While some 18-year-olds imagine beginning their future career, sophomore Chase Holcombe started early in pursuing his in government.

The day before Holcombe turned 18, he ran for Florence City Council District Five in his hometown of Florence.

“Government is an important tool for any society, but can be a dangerous tool if left unchecked since governments tend to be inefficient, wasteful and self-serving,” Holcombe said “I have always had a desire to get involved in government to fight these trends. “ Holcombe said he fought a battle to get his name on the ballot. He had to get an attorney involved due to his birthday being the day after the ballot went public. Holcombe’s attorney cited a Federal Appeals Court opinion stating the government should consider him 18 the day before his birthday.

Holcombe said even though he lost to current Councilman Blake Edwards, he received over 40 percent of the vote.

“My future in government depends on a few different factors that cannot be determined until reelection comes back around,” Holcombe said. “I would not run for city council again for selfish gain. The factors that would determine my involvement, would be who (was) running against me and what projects were currently in place, at the time of reelection.”

Holcombe started UNA fall 2016 and is currently a sophomore economics

major. He said he plans to graduate UNA in spring of 2020.

Junior Karina Cisneros Juarez said she has several classes with Holcombe.

“I can say that he always has a positive attitude,” Juarez said. “He is the type of person who is always involved and wants to give back to the community that he loves. That, in my opinion, is admirable.”

Senior Matt McGinnis said Holcombe is a friend of his.

“The passion Holcombe has that compels him to serve the university also makes him a wonderful friend,” McGinnis said. “He cares about those around him, and he genuinely wants to serve them and spend time with them.

Whether it’s late night conversations about philosophy or simply grabbing a bite to eat, Chase is always up for some quality time with his friends.”

Holcombe currently serves in the Student Government Association as Chief of Staff. President Hugo Dante appointed Holcombe in April 2017.

Holcombe joined student government starting with Freshman Forum last year. Holcombe served as the vice president.

“I would say it certainly helped prepare me for a future in the SGA,” Holcombe said. “As Chief of Staff (this year), I have been able to continue serving students.”

Dante said Holcombe was his first choice for Chief of Staff.

“The greatest piece of advice I have ever been given is to surround yourself with individuals more intelligent and talented than yourself,” Dante said “Holcombe is a great reference when making tough decisions, and his

Courtesy of The Student Government Association

Sophomore Chase Holcombe(left) stands at the state capitol Aug. 24 with Alabama Governor Kay Ivey and various other Student Government Association members for the college colors day proclamation. Holcombe is currently working as the SGA Chief of Staff to president Hugo Dante. reasoning and critical thinking skills help make every meeting far more efficient.”

Senior Alexandria Buttgeriet said Holcombe always conducts himself very professionally and is a powerful addition to SGA. “He is a great example and works hard behind the scenes to manage his various duties,” Buttgeriet said. “I have been assigned to work with him on the Tuscumbia Task Force, and he

keeps us updated as we look forward to partnering UNA with Tuscumbia.”

Holcombe is unsure of his future plans, but he said his experience in government will help him in whatever career path he decides.

“I have thought about getting my graduate degree in economics,” Holcombe said. “While doing so, I could influence public policy, put out studies, make policy primers and influence economic feasibility.”

Engineering team places 3rd in competition Applications available for positions in student media CIERA GOLLIVER News Editor news@florala.net In its second year as a program, the UNA Engineering Technology Chem-ECar team placed third in the American Institute of Chemical Engineers 19th Annual competition.

This was an international competition in Minneapolis with teams from Greece, Hong Kong, India, China, South Korea, Indonesia, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia and Colombia.

UNA’s Director and Department Chair for Engineering Technology Peter Rim said he is proud of this victory for his team since this is the team’s first year competing in the Chem-E-Car competition.

“We knew, due to extensive practice sessions, the team was prepared to do well,” Rim said.

“However, to maintain the poise and success the team demonstrated when matched against leading engineering schools like Cornell, Nebraska, Texas A&M, Maryland, Virginia Tech, and Georgia

Tech, was remarkable” The team qualified for the national competition April 1 after ranking fourth out of 16 teams representing various universities from across the southern U.S. at a competition at the University of Tennessee.

The competition engages students by having them design and construct chemical energy powered car. The car has to carry a specific amount of weight over a given distance and stop accurately, according to aiche.org.

The vehicle must use a chemical reaction to start and stop at a given distance. The teams are given the distance the vehicle must travel while carrying a certain amount of water minutes before the competition begins.

The purpose of this competition is to highlight chemical engineers and the role they will play in discovering alternative fuel options.

UNA is currently in the process of adding a Chemical Engineering Technology program through a grant.

Stick with The Flor-Ala for more updates on this program.

THE FLOR-ALA STAFF REPORT editor@florala.net Every year at this time, the Student Media begins looking for new members to join the staff. No matter if students like writing, photography, graphic design or public relations, the Student Media has a job available.

We are accepting applications for 19 scholarship positions at The Flor-Ala and the Diorama through Dec. 31.

Students may apply through Lion Jobs at una.edu/career/lionjobs or by sending a cover letter and resume to Student Media Adviser Scott Morris at smorris4@una.edu.

“Working for The Flor-Ala has given me the opportunity to expand my horizons and learn more about the field I am in,” said News Editor Ciera Golliver. “I have no doubt I will have a successful career in whatever I choose because of the lessons The Flor-Ala has taught me.”

Students can apply for multiple positions, but they should indicate

which position(s) they are seeking.

Scholarships range from $1,076 to $2,900 per semester, and the top positions include a monthly stipend.

These positions are for the 2018-19 academic year.

The Student Media Board will conduct interviews of potential employees in late January.

Positions for The Flor-Ala Editor-in-chief Managing editor News editor Life editor Sports editor Social media coordinator Two graphic designers Chief photographer Three staff photographers Business manager Graphic artist for advertising Circulation (delivery) manager Positions for Diorama Executive editor Life editor Greek editor Sports editor

LIFE 9

Campus voices support for sexual assault campaign MONDAY SANDERSON Editor-in-Chief editor@florala.net Sexual assault is a topic some people feel uncomfortable discussing.

However, with the multiple allegations in Hollywood, more people are addressing this topic.

Actress Alyssa Milano started the “Me Too” social media campaign to help victims add their voice to the conversation.

“It really perpetuated itself in a way that you often don’t see (in) many service announcements,” said Assistant Professor of Sociology Andrea Hunt.

“So, it really became this social media phenomenon.”

Junior Kacey Womack said she loves the idea of the campaign.

“It allows people to say that they are a victim without having to explain the circumstances,” Womack said. “It also brought attention to sexual harassment, as well.”

Hunt said the campaign shows sexual assault affects both men and women.

“As the campaign was going on, I saw people changing the wording of what was copied and pasted to make it more inclusive,” she said. “Men coming forward has sent a powerful message to other male victims, because men who have been victims of sexual assault and harassment do not come forward for a

DAVID SAN MIGUEL | Graphic Designer

variety of reasons.”

One out of six women are victims of rape, and one out of 10 men are victims of rape, according to the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network. These numbers increase on college campuses.

Senior Brittany Rogers said the amount of men sharing the post amazed her.

“I’m glad to see so many men speak up about cases that affected them or female family members,” Rogers said.

Hunt said it shocked her to see how many people posted this message.

Theatre production brings Picasso, Einstein together MONDAY SANDERSON Editor-in-Chief editor@florala.net The year is 1904, and Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso meet at a café in Paris.

This is the setting for UNA Theatre’s production of the Steve Martin comedy “Picasso at the Lapin Agile.”

The play will open Nov. 3 at 7:30 p.m. at the George S. Lindsey Theatre.

“When the play was originated, it was really like a toast to the 20th century,” said Associate Professor of Theatre Charlton James, the play’s director. “It was (also) kind of a toast to the main two features who kind of changed the way of thinking in arts and sciences.”

The comedy has many secrets, said sophomore Jake Skinner, who plays Albert Einstein.

“It’s laughter with substance,” he said. “There’s a lot of subtext with every line.”

The play shows a comparison between the arts and sciences, said junior Eric Bjork, who plays Gaston.

“I like to think it shows the similarity between art and science by showing the similarities between Picasso and

Einstein,” he said. “Some people may understand why art is so important when compared to science.”

James said they chose the play, because it offered different challenges for the cast.

“I think we always try to choose plays that offer a different set of obstacles for the students to deal with,” he said. “We always look at who we have and what they need. It felt like the right time for this play, and we had the right number of students.”

Bjork said one of those challenges was avoiding playing the character realistically.

“You can read the play and think of it realistically, but, really, it’s supposed to be this absurd crazy thing,” he said.

“We’re basically cartoon characters.

So, it was hard for us at first, because we were playing it so realistically. Even though I’m (portraying) this old French pervert, I was being a realistic old French pervert.”

Senior Edwin Huertas, who plays Pablo Picasso, said the characters are caricatures, which makes the play interesting.

To read more about the production, visit florala.net.

“All of the people just on my newsfeed shocked me,” she said. “(Having) one is too many.”

Womack said it was hard for her to see the large numbers of people participating.

Hunt said she believes one of the reasons the campaign became so popular is because of the saying.

“There’s something very comforting about the words ‘me too,’” she said.

“When you can sit down with somebody and use that phrase, it allows people to see that there is no shame and that they didn’t do anything wrong.”

Hunt said this is not the first case of this saying attached to a sexual assault awareness campaign. Tarana Burke, the founder of Just Be Inc., began the original campaign in 2007 as a way to reach underprivileged sexual assault survivors.

“We need to recognize that this work has been going on for a long time,” Hunt said. Without this new campaign, many people would not have known of this movement before the hashtag.”

To read more about how to get involved with the campaign, visit florala. net.

10 LIFE

UNCOVERED SECRETS

ANDREA BELK | Staff Photographer

Kenneth Kitts may be UNA’s President, but he is still like everyone else, with several life stories to tell. Besides being a professor of political science, he has also been a high school football announcer, tuba player and a potential agent for the CIA.

President Kitts shares personal stories TYLER HARGETT Life Editor life@florala.net Kenneth Kitts may be UNA’s President, but he is still like everyone else, with several life stories to tell. He recently sat down with The Flor-Ala to share five of his personal stories.

1. Kitts played tuba in high school.

During his four years at Tuscola High School in North Carolina, Kitts was a tuba player for the Marching Mountaineers band.

He started with the trumpet, but began playing tuba after the band needed a player for it.

During summers, he attended band camp. He said the band’s practice field was an asphalt parking lot, which was not helpful in hot August weather.

Kitts played a few more times after high school at different events.

He said he has not played the tuba for around ten years, but would love the chance to play at UNA for the Pride of Dixie marching band.

2. The CIA recruited Kitts after college.

After Kitts received his bachelor’s in political science from Appalachian State University, he met with CIA recruiters.

“As graduation neared, I was thinking about government jobs,” he said. “Federal law enforcement, like FBI, appealed to me. “ Kitts conducted an interview with them in Washington, D.C. and took an exam.

Kitts said, despite how far he got, he decided to pursue his master’s degree. Soon after, he became a college professor in political science.

He has since attended CIA conferences and taught CIA courses. He said he would like to teach one at UNA one day if his schedule permits.

3. Kitts was a football announcer for nearly 10 years.

In 2001, while Kitts was teaching at a nearby college, Latta High School asked him to be a football game announcer.

Kitts said the high school was small.

“A lot of players would also be in the marching band,” he said. “So, you’d

have football players who would take off their jerseys and be out there with a trombone marching with the band at halftime.”

Kitts also did some announcing for the school’s pep rallies and homecoming.

He said he stopped announcing around 2010 after work and family made it harder to attend home games.

4. Kitts researches World War II submarines.

Kitts said his interest in WWII submarines comes from his father, who served in the U.S. Navy during that time.

Kitts’ said his particular interest was in the USS Bullhead, the final U.S. Navy ship enemies sunk during the war.

His father almost served on the vessel.

“I always found that part of my father’s life, and his story, really fascinating,” he said.

Kitts has met with several relatives of victims of the sinking.

“It’s just kind of affirming and nice to be able to connect with those people and help them connect with the memories of their loved ones,” he said.

5. Kitts and his wife are fans of “The Walking Dead.”

Kitts said there is not much time for him and his wife to watch television in their home, but they never miss “The Walking Dead.”

“The show is very well-written, and there’s a lot more to the show and the plot than you would think,” he said.

Kitts said the show could make a good political science course.

“There’s no government, there’s no political system, and, yet, they still have to make decisions,” he said.

“That’s Political Science 101.”

Kitts said his wife did not see the first season with him, but eventually began watching it.

“I think that she got tired of hearing me talk about how good it was,” he said. “So, probably to humor me, she agreed to watch an episode or two in season two. All of a sudden, she said, ‘This is good.’”

If you know a student or faculty/ staff member you would like The Flor-Ala to feature in an ‘Uncovered Secrets’ story, email life@florala.net.

SPORTS 11 Scoreboard

Oct. 17 - Nov. 11 Football Oct. 21 at Central Wash.

Loss, 17-10 Oct. 28 vs. Delta State Win, 20-7 Nov. 4 at West Florida Nov. 11 vs. Miss. College MELANIE HODGES | Chief Photographer

Junior Madison Ruble celebrates after scoring a point against Union Oct. 20 at Flowers Hall.

Head volleyball coach Stephanie Radecki surpassed former coach, Matt Peck, win record with 313 wins and counting in her career at North Alabama.

Volleyball coach sets records for Lions MACIE PIGG Staff Writer mpigg@una.edu North Alabama head volleyball coach Stephanie Radecki broke records in her 14th year with the Lions.

Early this season, she broke the record for most wins by a volleyball coach in Lions’ history by passing the 313 mark. Although this is a huge accomplishment for her, Radecki said Matt Peck is still the official “winningest coach” of UNA Volleyball.

“His winning percentage at UNA is so impressive,” Radecki said. “It is because of Matt that I have even had a chance to be a part of UNA Volleyball.

Surpassing career wins is a huge accomplishment and it is exciting, but it is not just mine. I have been so fortunate to work with outstanding coaches and players and because of them we were able to achieve a lot of success and have a lot of fun.”

After graduating from college with a bachelor of science in Health and physical education, Radecki served as a student assistant coach at Edinboro for one year. Then, Peck offered her a graduate assistant position at UNA, where she stayed for two years during 1998 and 1999. Radecki returned as the head coach in 2003.

Throughout high school and college, Radecki said she was always coaching, but the profession seemed to find her.

Radecki would take over practice when her college coach was out recruiting, which she says was not necessarily positive.

“I was head strong and stubborn,

but there was a part of coaching that was always inside me,” Radecki said.

Radecki achieved numerous accomplishments as a coach, but she said being inducted into the Edinboro Athletic Hall of Fame was special to her.

“I am very proud of my alma mater and the opportunity I was given to represent them on the court while receiving my degree,” Radecki said.

As a coach, Radecki said she tries to hold herself and others to a high standard and laugh a lot in the process.

“I try to do what I can to help our players get better every day, as a person, student, and player,” Radecki said.

In Meadville, Pennsylvania, Radecki’s volleyball journey started in junior high school, but sports was not the one to catch Radecki’s eye.

“I was a huge basketball girl,” Radecki said. “That was my first love.

My friends had to convince me to try out for volleyball and the rest is history.”

Volleyball quickly made its home in Radecki’s heart. She was offered to play at Edinboro University in Pennsylvania and was offered a $500 scholarship to

“

play volleyball in college.

Radecki graduated from Edinboro in 1998. During her time there, Radecki achieved the following accomplishments: team captain, Female Athlete of the Year, Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Player of the Year, All-PSAC and All-Atlantic Region twice.

Lexie Bradley, a senior volleyball player, said Radecki has been a great coach through the years, and she exceeds at obtaining the UNA tradition of winning.

Bradley also said Radecki knows when to be tough on the team, and when to take it easy on them.

“She had taught me how to have fun through the sometimes ‘monotonous’ parts of any job,” Bradley said. “I never thought coming in as a freshman how strong, mentally and physically, I would learn to become. She has played a huge part in that.”

Radecki said that UNA has always been enjoyable to her.

“I have had a lot of fun at UNA,” Radecki said.

I was head strong and stubborn, but there was a part of coaching that was always inside of me.”

Stephanie Radecki | Volleyball Head Coach

Volleyball Oct. 17 at Montevallo Loss, 3-1 Oct. 20 vs. Union Win, 3-0 Oct. 21 vs. Christian Bros Win, 3-0 Oct. 27 at Miss. College Win, 3-0 Oct. 29 at West Alabama Win, 3-1 Nov. 3 at Christian Bros Nov. 4 at Union Nov. 7 at UAH

Soccer Oct. 20 vs. Albany State Win, 5-0 Oct. 22 vs. Spring Hill Win, 1-0 Oct. 26 at West Georgia Win, 2-1 GSC Tournament Oct. 31 vs. Valdosta State Games continued at roarlions.com

12 SPORTS

Interim coach helps cross-country JACOB COLE Sports Editor sports@florala.net When the North Alabama crosscountry team needed a coach, Heath White stepped up to lead the Lions.

Scott Trimble resigned from the cross-country coach position in April 2017 of this year after 14 years on staff.

White stepped up as the interim head coach for this season. White got his start with the Lions as a runner.

White came to UNA after transferring from a junior college as a cross-country runner. His journey as a coach started when White has the opportunity to coach at his alma mater.

White said his love for running helped him decide to coach crosscountry.

“I have always loved helping people with running especially the ones coming up through the same program (at UNA) I did,” White said.

White said coaching is a rewarding task, but the credit should go to the runners.

“Helping someone achieve their potential and succeed is the best part

of coaching,” White said. “It’s really all the individual’s hard work. I just like having a seat near the front row to see it.”

In White’s free time, he said he enjoys running to relieve stress. He also enjoys watching TV, playing video games and, when he has the chance, napping. He said free time does not come often with the busy schedule of coaching.

Sophomore Emma Knight and junior Justin Watson said Coach White is helping them with running, but he has other great qualities that set him apart as a coach.

Knight said White’s patience helps him be a great coach.

“Patience is by and large the most outstanding quality of Coach White,” Knight said “At many points during this season, I have been frustrated because of a circumstance or a time that I thought would set me back, but he was constantly reminding me to trust the hard work and training that we had laid as a foundation for this season. His encouragement and constant reminder to be patient has allowed me to overcome much of the excess stress and anxiety that I place

on myself and to run without holding back.”

Watson said White has the potential to create a special time for the Lions.

“I’d say his best quality is his passion in his work,” Watson said.

“He’s not doing this for himself but for the bigger picture, the team and this university. I don’t know where UNA found him, but he’s the best coach anyone could find. Run the numbers, UNA cross-country will become a championship dynasty under this man.”

The men’s team finished in the top three of competition multiple times this season, including Watson, who finished first in the Stan Sims Invitational.

The women’s best team finished second at the Watson Ford Invitational Oct. 8.

With only one more meet this season, the Lions cross-country teams will finish the 2017 season this weekend.

White’s future with UNA is still yet to be decided, but for now, White is leading the UNA cross-country teams in the future.

Courtesy of Sports Information

Senior wide receiver Dre Hall goes to stiff-arm an opposing player Oct. 28 against rival Delta State at Braly Stadium. The Lions move to fourth place in the Gulf South Conference with a 4-2 conference record after its 20-7 win over the Statesman.

DAVID SAN MIGUEL | Graphic Designer

CIERA GOLLIVER News Editor news@florala.net The weather may have been cold, but the North Alabama defense stayed hot the entire game for a 20-7 victory over Delta State Oct. 26.

Delta State added seven points to the board early in the first quarter, but this was the only time the Statesmen saw the end zone.

“It was a much-needed win,” said UNA head football coach Chris Willis.

“Once again, our defense, those guys played extremely hard.”

UNA’s defense held the Statesmen to 148 total yards.

Seniors Maurice Carnell and Dorsey Norris and junior Chris Johnson each intercepted a Delta State pass to regain possession for UNA. Junior field goal kicker Chandler Carrera added the first UNA points to the board with a 31-yard field goal at the end of the first quarter.

UNA’s offense had a difficult time capitalizing in the first half, but junior quarterback Rico Bruton’s 89yard touchdown run gave the Lions the motivation it needed going into halftime with a 10-7 lead.

Bruton went out of the game due to injury at the end of the half, and junior Matt Markham took his place.

Carrera added another field goal to increase the UNA lead.

Markham completed a 27-yard pass to Alex Norwood to seal the Lions’ victory late in the third quarter.

The Lions will travel to West Florida next week in a critical Gulf South Conference game as the Lions are sitting at fourth place with two regular season games left.

The Lions’ record gets a boost putting the record at 4-4 overall and 4-2 in the GSC. The Lions and the Statesman ended its long-time rivalry, due to UNA transitioning to Division I, with the Lions holding the all-time record with a 34-26-1 after Saturday’s victory.

OPINION 13 Students should remember the less fortunate

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MONDAY SANDERSON MANAGING EDITOR H ANNAH ZIMMER NEWS EDITOR CIERA G OLLIVER LIFE EDITOR TYLER H ARGETT SPORTS EDITOR JACOB COLE SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR ASHLEE CARTER BUSINESS MANAGER KARA D UCKETT CIRCULATION MANAGER ALLEN CHILDERS GRAPHIC DESIGNERS D YLAN B AKER D AVID SAN MIGUEL CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER MELANIE H ODGES STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS ANDREA B ELK CALEB COLE VIDEOGRAPHER H ILLARY TAYLOR

MONDAY SANDERSON Editor-In-Chief editor@florala.net With the end of the year comes holidays where families can spend time together, eat large amounts of food and celebrate the season. This is a time many students look forward to, if only for a break from school.

However, not everyone has this opportunity.

Some families are unable to provide food, shelter or clothing for themselves.

In 2016, there were 40.6 million people in poverty in the U.S., according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

For a family of four to be in poverty,

COVER PHOTO BY MELANIE H ODGES

The Flor-Ala is distributed biweekly on Thursdays at 70 locations on campus and off.

The staff strives to maintain the integrity of The Flor-Ala through accurate and honest reporting. To report an error, call 256-765-4364 or email editor@florala.net.

pantry for students at UNA. These places are always in need of monetary or food donations and volunteers.

Students can begin helping close to home this holiday season with donations to UNA’s Feeding the Pride Food Pantry.

If students decide to donate to any food bank or pantry, the most important step to take is to get in contact with the organization, according to feedingamerica. org. There are times when these organizations need certain foods, and it is best to ask them what they are lacking.

2. Basic Necessities Every year, organizations ask for certain basic hygiene necessities for people who are unable to afford them.

Whether it is toothbrushes, toothpaste or socks, every piece helps.

3. Toys In the U.S., around 15 million live in poverty, according to the National Center for Children in Poverty.

The parents of these children are unable to buy toys for them. While toys are not a necessity, they can bring joy to children who may not have much to celebrate.

On campus, the Delta Chi Fraternity will host a Toys for Tots Toy Drive beginning Nov. 13.

Students, alumni should wear school colors

ADVISER S COTT MORRIS

Corrections

they must make less than $24,600 a year, according to thebalance.com.

Alabama is the sixth poorest state in the U.S. with 900,000 people in poverty, according to the 2017 Alabama Poverty Data Sheet.

While poverty plays a role in how families can celebrate this holiday season, people also have to consider another factor.

Hurricanes Harvey and Irma blew through Texas and Florida, respectively, causing severe amounts of damage. These areas are still rebuilding.

Many people are doing their part to help the people who had to relocate because of damages.

UNA officials recently made the decision to allow students who are in affected areas to pay in-state tuition if they begin school fall 2018.

While students are unable to help in that manner, students can help in other ways.

Whether students want to help those in poverty or hurricane victims, there are many ways to offer aide.

1. Food There are eight food banks and more than 100 food pantries in Alabama. While there are no food banks in Florence, there are four community food pantries, and a food

HUGO DANTE SGA President hdanterivas@una.edu For most of us, college is one of the most costly investments we will ever make, both financially and in the countless hours spent in class and studying. Our end goal is to receive a degree from our institution that signifies that we have completed our education and are prepared to enter employment

or a graduate program. Hopefully, the degree we acquire is worth all of the effort. In my case, I can definitely say my soon-to-be acquired degree from UNA is worth it.

What makes a college degree valuable? While I, along with any other alumni or students at UNA, can attest that our education is first class and rigorous.

Its primary value comes from the fact that employers and other universities recognize the UNA brand and the value of the work needed to obtain a degree. It is all about brand recognition.

This is where students come in. While it may seem small, wearing school colors and being visibly proud of the university helps make a degree more valuable. It is our responsibility as students and alumni to make sure the so-called “Best Kept Secret in the South” does not stay that way.

The reverse, however, is also true when students wear the colors of other universities. When they wear another university’s colors and logo, students

CONGRATULATIONS

boost the brand of that university and make the degree of the students at that university more valuable. Jobs, like everything else, are governed by scarcity. This means students are always competing with peers for employment.

By wearing another university’s logo, they are potentially giving competitors, in job or grad school applications, a leg up.

If someone owned a business, would they advertise for competitors? College is an investment, too. The goal should be to make the investment worth it.

UNA is great for many reasons and students should be proud of their school. However, with all the awesome experiences and opportunities that come with being a UNA Lion aside, students can still think selfishly about the reason they are here. The next time someone thinks about throwing on crimson or navy, think about UNA. Put on some purple and gold, and represent the UNA Lions. Play a part in getting the word out about the best school in the south.

Letters Policy

WRITER AND PHOTOGRAPHER

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OF THE WEEK!

or mailed to:

MACIE PIGG AND

CALEB COLE

The Flor-Ala, UNA Box 5300 Florence, AL 35632

Letters must include name and telephone number for verification. Please limit letters to 400 words. The editor reserves the right to edit or refuse to publish a letter.

14 PHOTOS

Tune out

stress

Shake it off Most people have those days when they just want to dance in public like junior Jessica Fricus. Plugging in headphones to listen to music improves health.

ANDREA BELK Staff Photographer abelk@una.edu We all have that one band we can listen to at anytime, but why do we react to them the way we do? Is it just because we like the lead singer because they are dreamy, or is it because we feel something when we listen to their music? It might sound common enough to know that music can affect our mood, but it might come as a surprise to think music can change our mental state in a positive way.

Both listening and playing music can affect people.

Playing music to an audience is not only something that can build confidence, but also one can receive almost instant gratification from the cheering of a crowd.

Music has long been recognized as an effective form of therapy to provide an outlet for emotions, according to

American Psychological Association.

There are also many individuals who benefit from a process called music therapy. Music therapy can address people’s needs physically, emotionally and cognitively.

There have been many studies over the years centered on this concept, so this idea is not new, but I feel it is not talked about enough.

Music has even proven to be useful in hospitals.

“We’ve found compelling evidence that musical interventions can play a health-care role in settings ranging from operating rooms to family clinics,” said Daniel J. Levitin, author of the book “This is Your Brain on Music.”

Mona Lisa Chanda, Levitin’s postgraduate research fellow, found that music improves the body’s immune system function and reduces stress.

Long story short? Plug in a pair of headphones, it is good for people.

Learn a new trade Studies show music therapy alleviates levels of stress. This includes not only listening to music but also learning and playing a new instument.

Ivory strokes Getting rid of stress can sometimes be a strenuous task. A simple stress reliever could be sitting down for thirty minutes to play, like junior Anthony Samuel.

Little drummer boy The Mane Room hosts many artists. People can rock out to bands like Mr. E & The Qlue drummer Taylor Edwards.

CALENDAR 15 Thurs., Nov. 2 What: Mental Health Awareness When: 10:30 a.m.

Where: GUC Atrium What: Paris 2018 Study Abroad Meeting When: 11 a.m.

Where: GUC 200 What: International Tea and Coffee When: 3 p.m. (Nov. 2) Where: Powers Hall What: Senate Meeting When: 3:30 p.m.

Where: SGA Chambers

Fri., Nov. 3 What: Alpha Jamathon When: All Day Where: Student Recreation Center What: The Flor-Ala Writer’s Meeting When: 3 p.m.

Where: Student Publication building What: Freshman Forum Meeting When: 3:30 p.m.

Where: SGA Chambers What: Picasso at the Lapin Agile When: 7:30 p.m.

Where: George S. Lindsey Theatre

Sat., Nov. 4 What: Lambda Psi Fall Musicale When: 3 p.m.

Where: Music Building Recital Hall What: Picasso at the Lapin Agile When: 7:30 p.m.

Where: George S. Lindsey Theatre

Sun., Nov. 5 What: Picasso at the Lapin Agile When: 2 p.m.

Where: George S. Lindsey Theatre What: Book Talk and Panel Discussion with Ronald Rand When: 2 p.m.

Where: Florence-Lauderdale Public Library

Mon., Nov. 6 What: UPC Meeting When: 3:30 p.m.

Where: SGA Chambers

Tues., Nov. 7 What: Seasonal Wraps Table When: 11 a.m.

Where: GUC Atrium

MELANIE HODGES| Chief Photographer

The sisters of Phi Mu perform their rendition of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” at the Oct. 20 Step Show. Phi Mu and Zeta Tau Alpha tied for second place in the women’s division.

What: Erase Gender Roles When: 3:30 p.m.

Where: Women’s Center

Wed., Nov. 8 What: Financial Literacy Event When: 11 a.m.

Where: The Commons What: Departmental Recital When: Noon Where: Norton Auditorium

What: Dr. John Lowe When: 5 p.m.

Where: Stevens Hall Auditorium What: Bingo Tournament When: 6 p.m.

Where: GUC Atrium What: Pool Tournament When: 7 p.m.

Where: Lion’s Den

What: Freshman Forum Meeting When: 3:30 p.m.

Where: SGA Chambers

What: Movie Nights When: 7 p.m.

Where: GUC Performance Center

What: Mean Girls Trivia When: 6:30 p.m.

Where: Singin’ River

What: Picasso at the Lapin Agile When: 7:30 p.m.

Where: George S. Lindsey Theatre

Thurs., Nov. 9

Fri., Nov. 10

What: My UNA Majors Fair When: 10 a.m.

Where: GUC Banquet Hall

What: UNA Veterans Day Ceremony When: 11 a.m.

Where: Memorial Amphitheater

What: T-Shirt Swap When: 11 a.m.

Where: GUC Atrium What: Little Women Musical Preview When: 12:30 p.m.

Where: Florence-Lauderdale Public Library What: Senate Meeting When: 3:30 p.m.

Where: SGA Chambers What: Walk for Wellness When: 3:30 p.m.

Where: UNA Fountain

What: The Flor-Ala Writer’s Meeting When: 3 p.m.

Where: Student Publication building What: Freshman Forum Meeting When: 3:30 p.m.

Where: SGA Chambers What: Picasso at the Lapin Agile When: 7:30 p.m.

Where: George S. Lindsey Theatre

Sat., Nov. 11 What: UNA Volleyball vs.

Mississippi College When: 6 p.m.

Where: Flowers Hall What: UNA Football vs.

Mississippi College When: 7:30 p.m.

Where: Braly Stadium

What: Picasso at the Lapin Agile When: 7:30 p.m.

Where: George S. Lindsey Theatre

Sun., Nov. 12 What: Picasso at the Lapin Agile When: 2 p.m.

Where: George S. Lindsey Theatre

Mon., Nov. 13 What: Toys for Tots: Toy Drive When: 10 a.m.

Where: GUC Atrium What: UPC Meeting When: 3:30 p.m.

Where: SGA Chambers

Tues., Nov. 14 What: Friendsgiving When: 8 a.m.

Where: Memorial Amphither

Wed., Nov. 15 What: Peace Tree When: 6 p.m.

Where: GUC Atrium

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