The Sou'Wester: January 2024

THE VOL .93 NO.4

SOU’WESTER

JANUARY 2024

THE VOICE OF GSW

HONORING MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. AT 45TH ANNUAL MLK CONVOCATION

SINCE 1934

IN THIS ISSUE MAIN SEMESTER GOALS PAGE 2

In the first Campus Forecast question of the semester, students share their goals for the new semeser.

CHAMBER CONCERT SERIES PAGE 3

The 2023-2024 Chamber Concert Series is set to continue with 3 talanted groups coming to GSW.

Dylan Tracy Staff Writer

Sumter County Sherrif Eric Bryant speaks at the MLK Convocation. Photo by University Relations.

PAGE 4

Earlier this month, Georgia Southwestern hosted its highly anticipated annual Martin Luther King Jr. convocation at the Storm Dome. The event served as a powerful platform for advocates of equality and justice within educational systems and across the nation. This year’s convocation was particularly noteworthy, featuring Mr. Eric Bryant, the distinguished Sheriff of Sumter County, as the keynote speaker.

Throughout the event, there was a showcase of diverse musical performances by groups, including the GSW Concert Choir, Southwest Civic Chorus, Sumter County High School Gospel Choir, and the GSW Gospel Choir. Each group brought forth unique and captivating styles, adding to the celebration.

Before Mr. Eric Byant took the stage, many speakers such as Mr. Rylan Jackson, President of the GSW National Pan-Hellenic Council and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc, made their mark on the occasion. Mr. Jackson’s recitation of a poem dedicated to the memory of Martin Luther King Jr. resonated deeply with the audience, leaving a lasting impact. Additionally, Mr. Deshaun Simmons, President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc, played a signif-

2ND ANNUAL GOLD FORCE GALA GSW’s 2nd annual Gold Force Gala brings the community together to raise money for student scholarships.

GULF COAST GETAWAY PAGE 5

GSW’s Christian Student Center travels to Orange Beach, Alabama, for the annual Gulf Coast Getaway conference.

Wreath layed at MLK Convocation. Photo

by Dylan Tracy.

icant role by introducing the dedicated wreath bearers. Together, they solemnly carried a wreath in honor of Martin Luther King Jr, symbolizing a collective commitment to his enduring legacy and the pursuit of justice.

With a brief introduction by Mrs. Suleania Bryant, Mr. Bryant took center stage, immediately capturing the audience’s attention. His message was clear and resonant: the call for a new dream. While acknowledging the progress made in equality and justice over the years, Mr. Bryant em-

SGA President Alejandro Espitia opens the convocation. Photo by Dylan Tracy.

Kenneth Daniels speaks at the MLK Convocation. Photo by Dylan Tracy.

PAGE 2 phasized an underlying imperative—the necessity to embrace one another with equal love.

Afterwards, I had the privilege of a brief interview with Dr. Weaver. I posed one question: What is one key takeaway you wish the student body to remember about equality and justice? Dr. Weaver’s response carried a thoughtful resonance: “We believe that education is the pathway to equality and opportunity, ensuring our campus is a space where every student, no matter their origin or background, not only feels welcomed but supported. It’s about creating opportunities for themselves. If we can foster that, then our campus community embodies its true Gospel Choir performs at MLK Convocation. Photo by Dylan Tracy. purpose.”

Members of the GSW Concert Choir eagerly await their performance at the MLK Convocation. Photo by Dylan Tracy.

Rylan Jackson, President of the National Pan-Hellenic Council at GSW, delivers a poignant poem at the MLK Convocation. Photo by Dylan Tracy.

PAGE 3 CAMPUS NEWS

A SYMPHONY OF TALENT: GSW’S 2023-2024 CHAMBER CONCERT SERIES CONTINUES Jackson Carlstrom Editor-In-Chief Georgia Southwestern State University is resuming its highly anticipated 2023-2024 Chamber Concert Series this Spring, featuring a lineup of exceptional musical performances. These concerts are set to provide enriching cultural experiences to the university community and the public, showcasing the talents of renowned musicians and ensembles.

One of the highlights of the series is the performance by Ensemble Schumann. This ensemble, formed by a group of skilled musicians, has a notable history in the classical music sphere, marked by appearances at prestigious venues and a repertoire that spans classical to contemporary pieces. Their unique blend of individual musical backgrounds contributes to their distinctive sound, characterized by technical skill, emotional resonance, and expressive depth. Known for their precision and cohesive interpretations, Ensemble Schumann’s performances are a celebration of both well-known and obscure compositions, offering audiences a rich and varied musical journey. Their commitment to chamber music excellence is evident in their attention to detail and their ability to engage and connect with audiences, making their upcoming concert a highly anticipated event for both classical music Group photo of Ensemble Schumann. Members include Thomas aficionados and newcomers​The concert will take place Gallant (Oboe), Steve Larson (Viola), and Sally Pinkas (Piano). on February 6 at 7:30 PM at Jackson Performance Hall.

Group photo of Trio Lucente. Members include Jisoo Ok (Cello), Olga Gurevich (Piano), and Claudia Schaer (Violin).

Following this, the series will present Trio Lucente. Trio Lucente is an esteemed New York City-based ensemble composed of violinist Claudia Schaer, cellist Jisoo Ok, and pianist Olga Gurevich. Each member brings a wealth of individual accomplishment, enriching the trio with diverse experiences and skills. They have performed in prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall and in various countries worldwide, from Azerbaijan to New Zealand. Cellist Jisoo Ok, a Latin Grammy nominee, has worked with notable artists and brings a varied repertoire to the trio.

Violinist Claudia Schaer, acclaimed for her recordings of Bach Sonatas and Partias, has performed at major festivals and with members of the Berlin Philharmonic.

Pianist Olga Gurevich, a winner of international competitions, has a rich experience in solo and collaborative performances. Together, they share a special synergy. Their performance is scheduled to take place on February 19 at 7:30 PM at Jackson Performance Hall.

The Spring 2024 Chamber Concert Series at Georgia Southwestern State University is set to conclude with a performance by the distinguished Ukrainian pianist and composer Anna Bogolubova. Celebrated for her significant contributions to classical music, Bogolubova’s career took off with a solo debut at age 8 at the Odessa Philharmonic Hall and continued at the prestigious Stolyarsky Music School under Prof. Anatoly Kardashef.

Her repertoire for the upcoming concert includes a blend of classical masterpieces and modern compositions, showcasing her versatility and range as a performer. A graduate of The Juilliard School, she has been a top prize winner in several international competitions and has performed solo recitals worldwide. Bogolubova’s career is also marked by her pedagogic contributions, including over twenty years of teaching experience and co-founding BOMAA (Beauty Of Music And Art) in New York City. Her concert is set to Portrait of pianist Anna Bogolubovo, who is set to conclude occur on April 2 at 7:30 PM at Jackson Performance Hall. GSW’s 2023-2024 Chamber Concert Series on April 2.

PAGE 4 These concerts are part of GSW’s broader engagement with the arts, supported by the Department of Music, Communication, & Emerging Media. Students at Georgia Southwestern have the opportunity to attend all these concerts for free. Tickets for the broader community are $10.

IMAGE SERIES

GSW HOSTS GLAMOROUS GOLD FORCE GALA

Photos submitted by University Relations Georgia Southwestern recently celebrated its commitment to higher education with the second annual Gold Force Gala, a black tie event dedicated to raising funds for student scholarships. The gala commenced with a social and silent auction, followed by a sumptuous dinner and the prestigious 2024 Outstanding Alumni Awards ceremony. The night’s festivities wrapped up with attendees enjoying dancing and live music. In total, since September 2022, $1,250,053 has been raised for student scholarships, with a total of 631 donors making contributions.

PAGE 5 WORLD NEWS

FROM CAMPUS TO COAST: CHRISTIAN STUDENT CENTER EMBARKS ON GULF COAST GETAWAY 2024 Jackson Carlstrom Editor-In-Chief

Georgia Southwestern State University’s Christian Student Center recently participated in the Gulf Coast Getaway 2024 retreat, a conference aimed at fostering spiritual growth among college students.

Held in Orange Beach, Alabama, from January 4-6, the event featured impactful worship sessions, insightful keynotes, and a variety of breakout classes addressing contemporary Christian living.

The students attending Gulf Coast Getaway with the Christian Student Center enjoy their final day at Orange Beach. All photos submitted by CSC.

“I’ve been to Gulf Coast Getaway a few times now, and I’ve had some great experiences,” Elizabeth Haire said. “GCG is a weekend to be with friends and grow closer to Jesus. It is a conference that really makes you think more about your relationship with Jesus, and it’s a time to reflect, to pause, to engage with scripture, and to discuss its implications for our lives with others who are walking a similar path.”

The conference’s keynote sessions included dynamic worship led by Chris Shields and his team, and sermons by Phil Brookman, pastor at Memorial Road Church of Christ. Brookman’s messages were designed to challenge and inspire young adults to live out their faith actively. Outside of the keynote sessions, students got to choose between several different breakout sessions. Topics ranged from navigating dating in a Christian context, understanding the role of campus ministries, to making real connections in a digital world. All throughout the conference, students had the opportunity to interact with peers from various universities, sharing experiences and fostering a sense of community.

The conference also included ample free time, allowing students to explore the local area, including coffee shops and stores near the conference center. A highlight for the GSW CSC students was the “Polar Plunge,” where they went to the beach and braved the cold waters, sprinting in as a group.

CSC’s men gather for a moment of camaraderie by the sea at Gulf Coast Getaway.

CSC’s women embrace seaside fellowship at Gulf Coast Getaway.

On Sunday, the GSW CSC group organized a unique “1st century” style home church service in their accommodation. Everyone shared personal spiritual insights, including scripture that resonated with them, a worship song that spoke to them, or reflections from the conference. This church session also included communion with homemade biscuits, adding a special touch to the experience.

“I always enjoy these kinds of conferences because it gives me a chance to be in a room with 700 other Christians my age. Being in that atmosphere encourages me and makes me feel like I’m part of a family,” Jake Eubanks said. “I also like when there are topics and discussions that I don’t agree with or challenge something about my faith. I feel like I grow more when I’m forced to reason with my faith versus just talking about it. And conferences like GCG are good at bringing that out.”

As the weekend drew to a close, the students from GSW’s Christian Student Center returned home with hearts and minds full. The conference, full of thought-provoking sessions and community-building activities, equipped them with practical approaches to living out their faith in the modern world. Now back in Americus, the students are ready to bring the spirit of GCG back to their campus and into their everyday lives.

The over 700 students in attendence at Gulf Coast Getaway take part in worship.

CSC students brave the cold during the Polar Plunge.

PAGE 6

ASK THE CANES

What’s your New Year’s Resolution as a student, and how do you plan to achieve it?

Senior Exercise Science Major “My personal goal for the semester is to strengthen relationships with people and Christ! I’m going to achieve this by getting to know those around me more and diving deeper into God’s Word. My academic goal this semester is to make the Presidents List! I am going to do this by studying more diligently and believing in the abilities that God has given me!”

Senior Elementary Education Major “As I’m finishing up my last year of college as an elementary education major, my goal is to enter the teaching profession with confidence and a strong foundation. Currently, I’m actually student teaching at a primary school!

So, my goal is to successfully complete my student teaching experience and gain practical classroom experience under the guidance of my mentor teacher. By actively participating in lesson planning, teaching, and reflecting on my practice, I hope to develop effective teaching strategies and build strong relationships with my students. It’s an exciting and challenging time, but I’m eager to learn and grow as an educator!”

Freshman Nursing Major “My goal for the semester would be to pass all of my classes of course, and to get to know more people. I’m planning on acheiving that by making more time for myself to study and do my homework. I also try to talk to whoever I can and just get to know people as much as I can.”

MEET OUR WRITERS

Junior Computer Science Major “My main goal for this new semester is to bring my GPA up some, and also be more involved on campus. To bring my GPA up, the plan is to organize my time better so I can study more effectively. And as being more involved on campus, I’m planning on doing that by looking at different clubs, as well as looking out for different events on campus.”

Zac Monnier Staff Writer zmonnier@radar.gsw.edu Amari Rudison Staff Writer arudison@radar.gsw.edu

Jackson Carlstrom Editor-In-Chief jcarlstr@radar.gsw.edu

Dylan Tracy Staff Writer dtracy1@radar.gsw.edu

Colby Hernandez Staff Writer chernan4@radar.gsw.edu

Dr. Ashley P. Jones Faculty Advisor ashley.jones@gsw.edu

FIND US ONLINE!

gsw.edu/souwester @gsw_souwester