SOU’WESTER JANUARY 2025
THE VOICE OF GSW
VOL. 94 NO. 8 SINCE 1934
A FAREWELL TO PRESIDENT CARTER FROM THE STEPS OF JACKSON HALL
Zac Monnier Staff Writer
At 17:00 Eastern Standard Time on January 9, two men played from the heart of our campus to honor one of its most cherished alumni with an echo rendition of Taps. Across the globe, hundreds more trumpeters played with them.
Taps is a haunting and distinctive American melody – comprised of only 24 notes – that conjures memories of those lost, kindles hope for the dawn and brings solace to the memory of those who have served with honor. The non-profit, Taps for Veterans, assists the military with providing live buglers for military funerals.
Saliba and Jordan perform taps
Michael “Mike” Saliba, a member of American Legion Post 2, Bugles Across America, and Taps for Veterans, has been playing Taps since 1945, when he was 15 years old. He has been called upon to play Taps many times over the years, with most of those callings asking him to play at the Andersonville National Cemetery. He was joined by GSW sophomore Mychael “Myke” Jordan for a modified echo rendition of Taps. Myke is a Music major and has been playing his trumpet since 2015.
Echo Taps is a custom of sounding the call with two buglers standing at some distance apart to achieve an echo effect. Mike and Myke stood together on the western stairs of Jackson Hall, playing out to a small crowd of two dozen faculty, students, and community members. Saliba sounded the call, with Jordan playing the response. While Echo Taps is not authorized by the U.S. military, this listener felt the effect was profoundly moving. Besides, the man it was meant to honor, President James Earl Carter, was a fellow known to step outside what was permitted for the sake of what he felt was right. A little riffing would be most acceptable to him, I suspect.
IN THIS ISSUE
ENZO BRINGS HISTORIC SNOWFALL
PAGE 2
Images from 2025’s surprising winterstorm.
KAPPA ALPHA SI CELEBRATES FOUNDER’S WEEK
PAGE 4
A series of images from the events.
DELTA SIGMA THETA FOUNDER’S DAY
PAGE 5
The sorority celebrated the day with a “Meet the Delta” event.
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND SPORTS RESULTS
PAGE 5
Jackson Hall
The crowd watches
SOUTHEASTERN US RECEIVES
HISTORIC SNOWFALL
Winter Storm Enzo brought record breaking amounts of snow from Houston to Virginia Beach. Cities across the Gulf Coast, including our community, received upwards of a foot of snow. Experts called this a ‘once-in-a-generation snowfall’ for the South. Areas of Sumter and Schley County had six inches of snow. The following are photos of GSW or from GSW students and Sou’Wester staff.
Arial view of the campus, from GSW’s LinkedIn
Sunrise, Zac Monnier
The Rylander, Zac Monnier
Presidential Plaza, GSW College of Business and Computing
The Windsor, Zac Monnier
The Windsor, Zac Monnier
Panoramic shot of downtown, Zac Monnier
Snowmen at BHP, GSW College of Business and Computing
Art Hive Studios, Zac Monnier
Scoops, Zac Monnier
Madelyn Dunston
Madelyn Dunston
Colby Hernandez
Presidential Plaza, GSW College of Business and Computing
Zac Monnier
“Snowcycle”, Zac Monnier
Dylan Tracy
Americus Municipal Building, Zac Monnier
The same spot about 24 hours apart, Colby Hernandez
Sumter County Courthouse, Zac Monnier
Bell tower, GSW College of Business and Computing
Lee and Lamar, Zac Monnier
A fire hydrant, Zac Monnier
KAPPA ALPHA PSI CELEBRATES FOUNDER’S WEEK
Amari Rudison Editor
The Lambda Psi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi celebrated their Founder’s week with week-long events January 6th11th. The men of the fraternity started the week off with Community service and a park clean up. Then serviced their community on the 7th. They hosted a PHI NU Pie event where students of Georgia Southwestern were able to enjoy a night to throw pie into the brothers faces. January 9th was Kasino Night where the men of Kappa invited students to come out for a game night. Lastly, the brothers ended the week with dropping off the donations and supplies to Canes Harvest, ending their week on a high note.
GREEK LIFE
CELEBRATING LEADERSHIP: DELTA SIGMA THETA
FOUNDER’S DAY
Amari Rudison Editor
On January 13th, The Theta Sigma Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc, invited students to celebrate their 112 years of sisterhood, scholarship, service, and social action. Students enjoyed the “Meet the Delta” event which was a nice opportunity to connect with the President and learn more about their initiatives and how their mission is supported here on campus.
PREVIEWS AND ANNOUNCMENTS
Calling ALL Creative Minds: Submit to Blue Fire!
UNLEASH your Creative Storm: Submit to Blue Fire!
Attention writers, poets, artists, and comic editors! Blue Fire is now accepting submissions in fiction, creative non-fiction, poetry, comics, and art. This is your chance to showcase your talent and share your creative work in a Journal of Literary Artwork! Whether you’re a seasoned creator or a new artist exploring their path, Blue Fire offers an inclusive platform for diverse voices and perspectives.
The deadline for submission is February 20th, 2025, so don’t hesitate! Send your original work to BlueFire@gsw.edu and be a part of this exciting opportunity to celebrate creativity and self-expression. Shine your light on your art – let Blue Fire ignite your passion!
Undergrad Research Symposium
• Please mark your calendars for the Annual GSW Undergraduate Research Symposium on April 18, 2025! If you have mentored a student on an undergraduate research project, please encourage them to present at this event. Students can present their work in either oral or poster format. All disciplines are welcome!
• The abstract submission process has been updated from last year. We will still be using a Dynamic Form for abstract submission, but we now ask that all students submit their title, authors, and abstract as a separate Word document that they attach to the form. A template abstract document is available on the website. Faculty mentors must still sign off on the abstract before submission is finalized.
• Abstracts are due by March 14, 2025. We ask that all faculty mentors work with their students to ensure that this deadline is met. Please remember that the student must submit their form and the mentor must sign off on it by this deadline.
• To learn more about the Symposium and the abstract submissions process, you can visit the Symposium webpage here: https://www.gsw.edu/academic-resources/experiential-learning/undergrad-symposium
• If you have any questions, please reach out to anne.jacobs@gsw.edu.
Need Summer Classes? Want to Travel this Summer?
Try the London 2025 Summer Study Abroad Program!
While in London for four weeks, from June 27 – July 24, you will:
• Take six credit hours, with general education and upper-level courses available in Literature, Writing, Business, and Political Science
• Go on field trips and enjoy free weekends for your own travel
• Explore the city, shopping, landscapes, history, theater, and art of London!
• Need more info? Ready to apply by March 7th to reserve your spot? You can find the link to the application and program information at the USG Goes Global Study Abroad. You can also reach out to the Director and the other London 2025 faculty, Carola Mattord (cmattord@kennesaw.edu), Rochelle Harris Cox (rharri81@kennesaw.edu), or Ted Rossier (ted.rossier@ung.edu).
Library Services at the Marshall Student Center (MSC)
The JEC Library’s temporary location in the MSC is situated across from Human Resources and next to the Coffee Shop. MSC Library Hours:
• Monday – Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
• Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Saturday – Sunday: Closed
Library Lab at English Building (Room 118)
• In addition, the library will be operating a relocated lab in English Building Room 118, located next to the elevator.
• ENGL 118 Library Lab Hours:
• Monday – Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
• Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Saturday: 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Sunday: 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Valentines Day CandyGram February 1-14
• Spread love this Valentine’s Day! Send a sweet candygram to someone special! This event is open to all students, and it allows students to submit who they would like to send candy grams to. Whether it’s to themselves, friends, special someone etc. The link to the Google Doc is in the BSU Instagram.
The GSW Chamber Concert Series presents Project Trio (flute, saxophone, double bass) on Monday, February 3, 7:30 pm, in Jackson Performance Hall. Tickets are $10 for GSW Staff and Faculty ($12 for general public); the concert is free to all students.
Manly Deeds
• The Mu Delta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. proudly presents Manly Deeds, an impactful event where members of the chapter will mentor young men on the principles of professional attire and presentation. This initiative is designed to empower and equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to make a lasting impression in professional settings. Join us for this meaningful opportunity to inspire confidence and success. Hosted by: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc
Souper Bowl Party Fundraiser- Feb
5
• Join the School of Nursing for our third annual Souper Bowl Fundraiser. Fill your bowl with your favorite soup and receive a bowl cozy, and drink, and dessert for $15. Proceeds go toward School of Nursing trips and supplies. Please help us reach our goal of $2000. Hosted by: College of Nursing and Health Sciences
First Friday: Chili Crawl- Feb 7
• Join Downtown Americus for their kickoff event of 2025! The Annual Chili Crawl competition allows for guests and visitors to sample various chilis from our top contenders in the community and vote on their favorite. For more information on how you or your organization can compete in the competition, contact Jennifer English at jenglish@ americusga.gov or call, 229-924-4411 ext. 235. Visit the Facebook page for Downtown Americus Main Street for more information. Hosted by: Community Connections
Super Bowl Watch Party- Feb 9
• The Mu Delta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. invites you to our Super Bowl Watch Party, an evening of excitement, camaraderie, and football. Join us as we gather to enjoy the biggest game of the year in a fun and engaging atmosphere. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect and cheer on your favorite team! Hosted by: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc
BASKETBALL RESULTS
MEN’S
Dec 18 – Win 70-61 vs Fort Valley State
Jan 04 – Loss 75-73 vs Lander University
Jan 08 – Loss 94-89 vs Columbus State
Jan 11 – Loss 92-91 vs USC Beaufort
Jan 15 – Loss 80-71 vs USC Aiken
Jan 18 – Loss 77-69 vs Augusta University
Jan 25 – Win 89-57 vs Georgia College
WOMEN’S
Dec 19 – Win 74-65 vs Fort Valley State
Jan 04 – Loss 79-75 vs Lander University
Jan 08 – Loss 85-72 vs Columbus State
Jan 11 – Win 88-51 vs USC Beaufort
Jan 15 – Win 73-69 vs USC Aiken
Jan 18 – Win 74-61 vs Augusta University
Jan 25 – Win 70-41 vs Georgia College
IMPORTANT DATES
March 3 – Midterm
Monday, March 3 marks the halfway point of the spring semester.
March 14 - Withdrawal Deadline
The last day students will be able to withdrawal from classes without academic penalty is Friday, March 14. A withdrawal will result in a grade “W” on the student’s official transcript. Consult with instructors and advisors before withdrawing from any class
March 17-21- Spring Break
There will be no classes during Spring Break which runs between March 17 to March 21. All resident halls will remain open during the break.
March 24-28- Fall Priority Registration
Continuing & online students will be able to register for Fall 2025 courses.
April 30- Last day of class
Wednesday, April 30 is the last day of class for the spring semester
May 2-7 - Final Exams
Final exams will be held from Friday, May 2 to Wednesday, May 7. Students should be aware of the specific time and meeting place of their exams.
May 9 - Commencement
Spring 2025 commencement will be held Friday, May 9 in the Storm Dome. A web recording will be available for those who are not able to attend in person, and the recording will be located on YouTube.
May 12 – All Grades Due
Instructors must have grades for students by Monday, May 12th. Students can check Rain to view their final grades.
MEET OUR WRITERS
Amari Rudison
Editor
arudison@radar.gsw.edu
Colby Hernandez
Media Editor
chernan4@radar.gsw.edu
Dr. Elizabeth Shiller
Faculty Advisor
elizabeth.shiller@gsw.edu
Zac
Monnier
Staff Writer
zmonnier@radar.gsw.edu
Tyeshia Walker
Staff Writer
twalke36@radar.gsw.edu
Bristol Cox
Writer
Dylan Tracy Staff
dtracy1@radar.gsw.edu
Staff Writer bcox5@radar.gsw.edu
Have a story idea or news tip? Let us know! souwester@gsw.edu
