WELCOME, NEW HURRICANES!
Amari Rudison Content Editor
From August 10th to 12th, Georgia Southwestern State University proudly hosted New Student Orientation (NSO), a dynamic and engaging introduction to campus life for our incoming freshmen. NSO was crafted to seamlessly transition our new students into their college journey, equipping them with the tools and confidence they need for a successful start!
Over the three action-packed days, our new Hurricanes were immersed in various activities including the Gold Force Rave where students danced the night away! Or the evening social like the Final Round of the Canes vs. Canes competition ending in a Dodgeball Tournament! Each day was filled with the opportunities to connect with students, faculty, and engage with their student leaders.
Key highlights included a panel discussion with the 2024-2025 Student Government Association President, Trinity Daniels Mcnear, including experienced students, Frederick Wright, Luke Hanson, AJ Foster, and our Provost Dr. Jill Drake who provided real-world advice on navigating the first year of college. Throughout the three days, our new Hurricanes participated in a series of vibrant events and strategic sessions designed to foster meaningful connections with their peers, build a strong sense of community, and ignite their Hurricane Pride! This exciting kickoff to their college career laid a solid foundation for the years ahead, setting the stage for their success here at GSW!
Welcome to the Hurricane Family!
IN THIS ISSUE
AMERICUS BUSINESS SHOWCASE
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Businesses from across the county visit GSW students.
CHI PHI’S FIRST ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT
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Chi Phi's first golf tournament on September 27th invites GSW students, faculty, and alumni for a day of fun and competition.
DJ TRAVIS TYSON PLAYS WELCOME WEEL
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Find out what happened at the First Day of Class Party if you missed out!
WHO PLACED IN GSW’S GOT TALENT?
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Plus, a series of images from the silent disco, all from Welcome Week 2024.
MEET THIS YEAR’S SOU’WESTER STAFF
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As we begin a new semester with new personnel, we look forward to another great year!
Dr. Michelle Johnston, GSW's new president, delivers the convocation speech to freshman.
SGA President Trinity Mcnear delivers a speech to freshman.
AMERICUS BUSINESS SHOWCASE
Colby Hernandez Media Editor
On August 19th, GSW’s First Year Experience invited local businesses from Americus and Sumter County to advertise their services and products to GSW students who may not know what businesses have to offer. Following is a handful of photos capturing the businesses interacting with students.
The view from the top of the stairs. Around 50 businesses had booths set up for the day.
Nicholas Allen represents Kairos PeMo ’s Coffee Shop. Kairos has two locations, 28 East Church Street in Ellaville and 131 West Forsyth Street in The Maze.
Above: Becky Belcher represents Georgia ’ s Own Credit Union, informing students about their banking and loan services. The bank is located at 602 Tripp Street, on the way to campus.
Bianca Ritchey with Sumter County Fire and Rescue shows off a helmet to a student. They also had the Jaws of Life in display for students to look at
Mallary Wiggins explains the products that Wolf Creek Plantation offers, such as wines and muscadine grapes. The winery and event venue are located at 207 Wolf Creek Road and they offer tastings in the Windsor located at 133 West Lamar Street.
GREEK LIFE
CHI PHI FRATERNITY HOSTS GOLF TOURNAMENT
Dylan Tracy Staff Writer
On September 27th, the Chi Phi fraternity will be hosting its first ever annual golf tournament at the scenic Griffen Bell Golf Course. This much-anticipated event is open to all students, faculty members, and alumni, providing a unique opportunity for the university community to engage in friendly competition while enjoying a day outdoors. The tournament not only showcases the golfing talents of participants but also friendship among the GSW community.
The Griffen Bell Golf Course, known for its well-maintained greens and challenging layout, offers the perfect setting for this event. Participants can expect a full day of golfing, with various competitions and prizes for top performers. The Chi Phi fraternity has organized the tournament with the intent of bringing together students, faculty, and alumni in a relaxed environment. Whether you're an experienced golfer or a novice, the tournament promises to be an enjoyable experience for all.
After the announcement of the upcoming tournament, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Matthew Wilson, the president of Chi Phi fraternity, to delve deeper into the event’s importance and what participants can look forward to. I asked him a few questions to get more insight: Is this Chi Phi’s first major tournament? Will it become an annual tradition? How did you secure so many sponsors for the event? Is there any prize money up for grabs? And finally, is there anything else you'd like to share about the tournament?
Wilson was enthusiastic with his response: "Yes, this is our very first golf tournament, and we plan to make it an annual event every fall. We were able to secure a large number of sponsors by maintaining strong relationships within the community. It's crucial for an organization to be active and recognizable based on its contributions. As for the prizes, first place will win $600, and second place will take home $300. The tournament is going to be an incredibly fun experience. It's all about teaming up with your friends, enjoying the day, and having an absolute blast while competing for a prize. I encourage everyone to come out, meet me, and the rest of the fraternity, and connect with people who are coming to Americus just for this event."
In addition to the main event, the tournament will include several side activities, such as a longest drive contest and a closest-to-the-pin challenge, with the winner of each winning a prize. Those interested in participating can register and pay through the Chi Phi fraternity's event posts on Facebook or Instagram
STUDENT ENGAGEMENT
SCHOOL MEANTIME TWEENTIME
Zachary Monnier Staff Writer
The first day of class ended with a night of fun. Students came into the circle at the heart of campus to see what's good and show off a bit of their own greatness. After a day of new syllabi, students cut loose to music, enjoyed complimentary food and drink, and got started making new friends. DJ Travis Tyson, of tnt_entertainment, lit up the night with his skills on the turntables. His music quickly became the heartbeat of the First Day of Class Party in the Marshall Student Center (MSC) Circle. When dancers needed to step off the floor for a recharge, the Crave food truck was ready to help. Then, as the evening air grew cooler, the food truck lines shifted to the sweeter offerings of Americus local truck, The Sweet Spot.
An inflatable football themed game and some classic yard games seemed to be forgotten by most of the partygoers, but it was of little consequence. Likewise, Greek larger-than-life letters bordered one radial of the circle, but no representatives of these fraternities & sororities were readily identifiable by this reporter. Even so, the food, drink, and dancing kept the crowd highly content. Not a bad way to usher in a welcome week, by any means. To coin a phrase from the DJ: in the meantime, tweentime, cha-cha real smooth.
Ian Jackson, Chi Phi Alumni, takes a swing.
STUDENT ENGAGEMENT
STUDENT ENGAGEMENT HOSTS
SILENT DISCO AND TALENT SHOW DURING WELCOME WEEK
Tyeshia Walker Staff Writer
On August 17th Georgia Southwestern’s Student Engagement Team (SET) hosted the well loved Silent Headphone Party for Welcome Week.
Photos by GSW’s Drop team.
First Place
Second Place
Third Place
Trinity Freshman
Talent: Singing
Edith Acevedo Junior
Talent: Singing
Britany Braswell Junior
Talent: Singing
The three winners together.
MEET THE SOU’WESTER STAFF
Bristol Cox Staff Writer
What’s up! My name is Bristol Cox, and I am originally from Leesburg, Ga. This is my first year of college, and I am a Communications major. Since I am a freshman, I am obviously new to the Sou’Wester, and I am excited to be able to get involved on campus and highlight student voices. I have always loved journalism and was an editor for my high school yearbook, so I knew coming into college, I would want to continue with journalism. When I am not writing or taking photos, I can be found hanging out with friends and listening to music. After college, I would love to enter the film industry or be a journalist for a big magazine/brand like Vogue or Rolling Stone. I am looking forward to this school year and the adventure it will bring!
Amari Rudison Content Editor
Hi everyone! My name is Amari Rudison, I am a Senior English major from Atlanta, Georgia. A fun fact about me is that my comfort/favorite food is meatloaf! I've always loved reading and writing for as long as I can remember and have had such a passion for it, I wanted to get better and grow especially within my college career. And I am so glad I can do it with the Sou'Wester! I enjoy hanging out with my friends inside and outside of classes as they are a few of my biggest supporters! On campus, I am a part of the Mu Rho Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc., SGA, FYE as a Storm Spotter, and have been a part of the Sou'Wester team for two years now. I am so excited to be back again this semester, and I can't wait to show our Hurricanes what we have coming!
Colby Hernandez Media Editor
Hello! I've been part of the GSW community since Spring 2022 and have called Ellaville home for nearly seven years. I have two dogs, Bailee and Chito, as well as a cat named Chetah (who just goes by Kitty most of the time). My career goals include managing digital media for the National Park Service, freelancing as a photographer, and eventually earning a master’s degree in education to teach photography. This is my third year as part of the Sou’Wester staff, and I am excited to operate in my new role!
Zachary Monnier Staff Writer
What’s good? I moved to Americus for work in 2021 and started picking up a few college classes last year. I attend Calvary Episcopal Church, volunteer and donate to the local arts scene, and love playing with quirky tech like Onewheels and electric unicycles. As a non-traditional student, I write so that I can connect to campus life and witness the diverse perspectives of my colleagues and classmates.
Dylan Tracy Staff Writer
Hello everyone, my name is Dylan Tracy. I am a music major with teaching certification and have been attending GSW since Fall 2021. I am involved in many on campus groups such as the GSW Band, Chi Phi Fraternity, and of course the Sou'wester paper. I have a dog named Weezie and she is the sweetest chihuahua you’ll ever meet. As for my career goals, I am working as an organist at a local church and as a sound technician at the Rylander Theater. After I graduate, I hope to become a music teacher in either middle or high school, teaching students how to play music and helping them learn more about what it means to be a musician.
Tyeshia Walker Staff Writer
Hi everyone, my name is Tyeshia Walker, commonly known as Tye. I’m a senior computer science major from small town Abbeville, Ga. I’m the youngest of my four siblings and an inspiring software engineer. In my free time I enjoy tennis, games, and attempting to learn instruments On campus I am apart of SGA, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., and the Storm Spotter team. Despite my career path, writing has always been a passion and hobby of mine I grew up reading and writing short stories, participating in writing competitions, and being in my high school’ s yearbook team. I am a new writer for the Sou’Wester and I’m excited for all the places that this new endeavor will take me!
