94 NO. 4
SOU’WESTEROCTOBER 2024
AUTHOR DR. BARABARA HONG SPEAKS AT THIS YEAR’S FRESHMAN
CONVOCATION
Tyeshia Walker Staff Writer
On October 16 the 2024 freshman cohort of Georgia Southwestern got the opportunity to meet the author of their group read, Falling Up by Dr. Barabara Hong. The freshman class has been reading Dr. Hong’s inspirating autobiography that told of her life from childhood to her current self. The book tells her story of poverty, child abuse, and the realities of growing up in an area that did not value education, learning, Dr.
and self-development. Dr. Hong used her humble beginnings as a way of motivation to get to her current standing as an advocator for learning, a doctorate, and educator.
Dr. Barbare Hong earned her Ph.D. from Columbia University in Special Education and an additional three masters in Instructional Practices for Diverse Learners, Educational Leadership and Policy, and as a Learning Specialist. Dr. Hong has dedicated her life to breaking down barriers for students when they transition to college. She does this by helping students gain college-readiness skills and determination
Dr. Hong with Staff and Stormspotters. to look past their hurdles and see through their degree. Dr. Hong has published many other books about this topic, her most prominent works being Handbook of Adult Learning and Wiley Library of Higher Education. In addition to her novels Dr. Hong is a recipient of the International Teacher of Honor and the University Exemplary Faculty Awards.
Dr. Hong’s dedication to education and learning is shown through every facet of her life. During the Freshman Convocation, Dr. Barbara Hong described her hardships in her childhood and the challenges she faced before and during her college career. She spoke about her own journey of learning how to learn, how to hold onto dedication, and not let your past hold you back from your future. Dr. Hong presented the hero’s in her life that accompanied her in her journey. Dr. Hong ended her presentation by giving encouraging words to the freshman class and anyone listening.
Dr. Barbara Hong is currently the Vice President for Student Success at San Antonio College where she oversees the affairs of almost 20,000 students. This is her second visit to Georgia Southwestern State University as she makes her way to different schools around the United States to spread her determination, college advice, and values.
IN THIS ISSUE
ENGLISH
DEPARTMENT’S 2024 FALL FROLIC
PAGE 2
The English department celebrates a special birthday for a very special Hobbit.
LUKE HANSON, SGA, AND OTHERS PREP FOR “OPERATION: CHRISTMAS CHILD”
PAGE 3
GSW students kick off the holiday season with by decorating 100 boxes for children worldwide.
ANNOUNCMENTS
PAGE 3
SPORTS
PAGE 4
Along with our usual coverage, an article detailing the men’s soccer game against the Flagler Saints on October 23rd.
Hong delivering her speech.
The crowd of freshmen.
Dr. Hong with the freshmen.
STUDENT ENGAGEMENT
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT CELEBRATES
BILBO BAGGIN’S BIRTHDAY
Colby Hernandez
Media Editor
To help relieve the stress of midterms, the English department throws a Fall Frolic annually. Department Chair Dr. Michael Moir oversaw the celebrations this year, and, for the first time, this year’s celebration had a theme. “This is the first year we’ve chosen a theme,” Moir stated, “Some of us felt that an English department party ought to have some kind of literary theme, though. A few of my colleagues and I were looking up ‘literary holidays’ in the autumn, and we ran across ‘Hobbit Day.’ As a lifelong Tolkien fan, I remembered that Bilbo and Frodo Baggins’s joint birthday was in late September. So we were originally going to host the part on September 26th, but Hurricane Helene had other plans.” Thanks to our gracious visitor, the Fall Frolic was pushed back to October 10th.
When discussing why the English department throws the Fall Frolic, Dr. Moir explained that “[t]he ‘Fall Frolic’ is a party that the English department hosts every autumn, usually around midterm. We see it as a way to get to know students in a relaxed environment - and who doesn’t like homemade snacks?” One of the highlights of the party was the food that professors and students brought in. Senior English-History dual major Megan Ogden made Lazy Pierogis, a simplified version of a Polish recipe. “I wanted to make a dish that involved my Polish heritage,” she explained to me, “I had to triple the recipe, and it ended up taking me two hours to make. The recipe also called for farmer’s cheese but that was way too expensive, so I just used shredded cheddar.”
A myriad of people from the English department attended. All sorts of English majors, professors, and even alumni came to the party. Professor Penny Dearmin’s whole class came to the Frolic under the stipulation that they help set up for it. Nearly 50 people attended the event this year, but the English department hopes that more students will come to future events. When asked who is welcome, Dr. Moir answered, “anyone and everyone.” Don’t worry if you missed out on this oarty, Hobbits typically eat seven meals a day anyway. There’s always time to eat with friends!
Dr. Moir as Gandalf, with his wife, Rachel, and son, Connor as Bilbo Baggins.
Megan Ogden (Senior, History-English) and her son, Sam, as elves.
Students discuss the adventures of the Fellowship of the Ring with Gandalf.
Professor Penny Dearmin’s class enjoying some free time after midterm season.
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD: BOX PAINTING
Tyeshia Walker
Staff Writer COMMUNITY SERVICE
The Christmas festivities have begun early! On October 12th, 2024, Georgia Southwestern student Luke Hanson in collaboration with the SGA Service Committee hosted a box painting event, named “Operation Christmas Child” in the Private Dining Hall. The goal of the event is
to paint Christmas boxes for young children around the world and donate the designs to make their Christmas presents even more
The goal of the service event was an ambitious 100 boxes in two hours. The box goal was achieved with the help of several campus organizations and individuals. Organizations such as the National Panhellenic Council (NPHC), the Student Engagement Team (SET), GSW Young Democrats Club, the Interfraternity Council (IFC), and the President Jimmy Carter Leadership Program (PJCLP) all showed to support in an amazing turnout and collaborative team effort. All boxes were painted with holiday cheer and packaged afterwards.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Sou’Wester is hoping to start a series highlighting the pets of students and staff. If you are interested, please submit a photo of your pet by contatcing Colby Hernandez or the Sou’Wester email. One pet will be featured once a month and winners will have their pet photo featured or can have a portrait taken by a staff member with their pet*. Our staff will vote each month on a winner and they will be contacted. Check out our Instagram page for more info.
Issue 5 will be published on or around Veteran’s Day. If you or a student you know have served or are currently serving, please email us. We are hoping to run highlights in order to thank the veterans of GSW.
GSW’s Halloween Havoc is on Tuesday, October 29th. The Halloween Costume baseball & softball game will start at 5:30 p.m. followed by Trunk-orTreating and kid friendly haunted house. Cheer on our women’s soccer team as they kick-off at 7:00 p.m. against Middle Georgia and be sure to enter the costume contest at half-time for a chance to win prizes!!
The Department of Visual Arts is hosting a Senior Exhibition by Ivon Perez titled Tender Thoughts In the James Earl Carter Library Gallery. The exhibition opens Tuesday, October 15 and runs through Saturday, November 2.
The Sou’Wester is looking for more writers. Please contact Dr. Shiller for more information.
If you would like to announce something in the paper, please contact us at souwester@gsw.edu.
*In order to have your portrait taken, you must live on campus, in Sumter County, or in Schley County OR be willing to bring your pet to campus.
GSW Young Democrats club painting boxes for the cause. Photo by Chaylia Brown.
GSW ’s National Panhellenic Council in the process of making Christmas art. Photo by Luke Hanson.
GSW ’s National Panhellenic Council in the process of making Christmas art. Photo by Luke Hanson.
GSW ’s National Panhellenic Council in the process of making Christmas art. Photo by Luke Hanson.
festive.
SOCCER
Men’s
Sep 28 - Win 3-1 vs Lander
Oct 02 - Loss 3-0 at Flaglar
Oct 05 - Win 1-0 vs USC Aiken
Oct 09 - Loss 1-0 at Clayton State
Oct 12 - Loss 2-1 vs North Georgia
Oct 19 - Loss 1-0 at Lander
Oct 23 - Tie 1-1 vs Flaglar
CROSS COUNTRY
Women’s
Sep 28 - Loss 2-0 at Clayton State
Oct 05 - Win 2-1 vs Flagler
Oct 12 - Win 2-0 at USC Aiken
Oct 16 - Win 4-0 vs Albany State
Oct 19 - Win 1-0 at North Georgia
Oct 23 - loss 5-0 at Columbus State
Oct 26 - Homecoming Game vs Lander at 5pm
Sep 28 - At GCSU Bobcat Invite; Men’s 7th of 8 teams, Women’s 6th of 7 teams
Oct 04 - At Georgia Tech XC Invitational; Men’s 16th of 16 teams, Women’s 23rd of 23 teams
GSW AND FLAGLER CLASH AT HURRICANE FIELD DURING HOMECOMING WEEK, ENDS IN 1-1 TIE
Colby Hernandez
Media Editor
The air was electric. Arriving at Hurricane Field proved that tonight’s game against the higher ranked Flagler Saints out of St. Augustine would be an important one, especially since we had more to play for. Not only was it homecoming week, but the men’s soccer team was also undefeated in our conference at home. The stats were stacked against us. We went in with a conference record of two wins and five losses while the Saints had five wins and three losses. On top of that, their scores were higher, and they’ve defeated teams worse than us. Given the stakes, I felt it was imperative that I attended. The match started at seven at the two teams immediately got to work. The ball kept switching sides as the two teams remained physical throughout the entire game. Both teams played good defense, with the defenders stealing the ball and the goalies blocking scores. Finally, both teams would score almost back-to-back goals with less than 20 minutes left in the half. The crowd was electrified. We were screaming at the top of our lungs, excited that we got back at Flagler and hopeful for the rest of the game. The physicality remained in the second half, where the defenses of both teams played their hardest. While neither teams would score again, it was made clear that the Hurricanes will not be silenced.
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
Dylan Tracy
Staff Writer
dtracy1@radar.gsw.edu
Tyeshia Walker
Staff Writer
twalke36@radar.gsw.edu
Bristol Cox
Staff Writer bcox5@radar.gsw.edu
Have a story idea or news tip? Let us know! souwester@gsw.edu
