The Sou'Wester: September 2023

THE COLE VARNUM AGENCY HOSTS 4TH

ANNUAL HEART & SOLE 5K

SINCE 1934 IN THIS ISSUE

ABET ACCREDITATION

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GSW’s Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science recieves elusive ABET accreditation.

CONCERT CHAMBER SERIES OPENER

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SUMMER 2023 HIGHLIGHTS

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Image series looking at how students spent their summer in Americus and abroad.

REMEMBERING JAMAL FLOYD

The unexpected loss of GSW student Cole Varnum sent shockwaves through the community in 2018. Cole died of sudden cardiac arrest. Rather than dwell on his loss, his sister, Charley Varnum, decided to step up and help the community in memory of Cole. For four years now, the Cole Varnum Agency has held the annual Heart & Sole 5K to raise awareness of sudden cardiac arrest in young adults and raise money to provide the community with automated external defibrillators (AEDs). They also provide the community with CPR training.

This year’s race was held on September 16th. I met with Charley, Cole’s older sister, to interview her about the Cole Varnum Agency and the race. “This is our 4th race. In his memory, we started the Cole Varnum Agency and the Heart & Sole 5K. For four years now, we’ve had people from GSW participate. People who knew Cole, alumni, and even current students come out to do the race.

The Jimmy Carter Leadership Program sends volunteers to help us out. The BCM on campus, which Cole was active in, also comes out to race and support us. GSW also sponsored this year’s race as a Gold Heart.” Many students came out to race, including

You may be wondering, “Why is it called the Cole Varnum Agency?” I asked Charley and she chuckled. “Cole always answered his phone by saying, ‘This is the Cole Varnum Agency, how can I help you?’ He always said that one day he would open the Cole Varnum Agency. He never said what it would be, but he always wanted to open it. After he passed, we wanted to make sure this wouldn’t happen to anyone else. So we started an organization to raise awareness and provide prevention methods. When thinking of a name, it came to us, ‘This is it. This is the Cole Varnum Agency.’ We’ve used that name since.”

This year, 88 participants competed in the 5K, sprinting, running, jogging, and walking; ranging in age from just 11 weeks (in a stroller, of course) to the young age of 72! The race lasted about an hour. After everyone finished, workers served racers water, bananas, and chicken biscuits. After a 30-minute cool-down period, the placing ceremony began. Brian Miller, aged 25, won the race with a time of just 16 minutes and 41 seconds. The female winner, 34-year-old Cailtyn

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A reflection on Jamal and his impact on GSW.

SOU’WESTER STAFF

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Get to know this year’s Editors and Staff Writers for the Sou’Wester Newspaper.

Participants take off at the 5K begins. All photos by Colby Hernandez.

Colby Hernandez Staff Writer

Professional pianist Llewellyn Sánchez-Werner brings his talent to GSW.

sophomore Abby Williams and senior Jackson Carlstrom.

Abby Williams strides with determination during the 5K.

Jackson Carlstrom crosses the finish line.

Mixon, placed 5th with a time of 21:44. GSW’s Aaron Pinkard placed 4th with a time of 18:17. The race was a success, with people getting out, having fun, and staying active, something that can help prevent heart problems.

You may now be thinking, “Well, how can I help?” “Be here next year,” Charley told me. “And pay attention to our Facebook page. We also accept donations year-round.”

ACADEMICS

GSW’S BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE RECEIVES ABET ACCREDITATION

Jackson Carlstrom Editor-In-Chief

GSW’s College of Business and Computing recently celebrated a landmark achievement. The college proudly announced this month that, following an intensive and meticulous 2-year evaluation process, its bachelor’s degree program in computer science has officially received accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). This accreditation is not only a testament to the rigorous standards upheld by the institution, but it also underscores the dedication of its faculty and administration to delivering a quality educational experience in the ever-evolving field of computer science.

Dr. Gaynor Cheokas, dean of GSW’s College of Business and Computing (COBAC), expressed immense pride and gratitude in the wake of this news. “Receiving ABET accreditation is a significant milestone achievement for the Department of Computing at Georgia Southwestern,” Dr. Cheokas said. “This is an initial accreditation for our computer science program by ABET, and it ensures the highest standards of quality in teaching and student learning outcomes. I am extremely proud of the work Dr. Shannon Perry, chair of the department, and the computer science faculty put into accomplishing this goal.”

ABET, an internationally recognized non-profit accrediting body, is dedicated to upholding and endorsing excellence in post-secondary education across disciplines such as applied science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology. For a university to receive ABET accreditation is no small feat. Programs are subjected to thorough review, ensuring adherence to the comprehensive ABET criteria, which includes a detailed evaluation of the program’s curriculum, faculty qualifications, and institutional resources. These reviews are performed by teams of highly skilled professionals that are knowledgeable in the ABET disciplines. Currently, only 895 colleges and universities in 40 different countries offer ABET accredited programs.

For students at GSW’s computer science department, this accreditation further solidifies the promise of a superior educational experience. With an ABET stamp of approval, they can enter the workforce with confidence, knowing that their education aligns with global standards. Moreover, prospective students considering GSW for their computer science journey will now have an additional compelling reason to make that choice.

Cole’s sister, Charley Varnum, and his mother, Lynn Register.

Racers line up at the starting line.

Exterior of Crawford Wheatley Hall. Photo by Jackson Carlstrom.

2023-24 CONCERT CHAMBER SERIES KICKS OFF WITH LLEWELLYN SANCHEZ-WERNER

Zac Monnier Staff Writer

If you were not glued to a seat in the Jackson Performance Hall on September 19, this reporter regrets to inform you that you missed true magic that evening. Llewellyn Sánchez-Werner started off this year’s Chamber Concert Series with such skill and dexterity that ink and pixel fail to do the experience justice. Llewellyn performed for a half-empty hall with the same vigor he would display at any of his grander performances, like when he performed at the Royal Concertgebouw in the Netherlands, or the Louvre in France, or Ashford Castle in Ireland. Did I mention he he also played at President Obama’s Inauguration Concert at Kennedy Center when he was 16? A California native, Llewellyn began his first college degree at age 5, and at age 6, he began performing regularly with orchestras. Llewellyn holds Bachelors and Masters of Music degrees from Juilliard and happens to be the youngest admittee to each program at ages 14 and 18 respectively.

It felt like a cheat code had brought him to our institution. According to Professor Julie Megginson, Chair of the Department of Music, Communication, & Emerging Media, no cheats were enabled. Instead, performances are often scheduled after a manager for the artist reaches out. Her team then sees if the stars align before adding the event on the schedule to be enjoyed by students and community members. As Llewellyn was due in Macon the following Thursday night, our student body happened to benefit tremendously from being along the path.

Beau Palmer, Lecturer of Music, also attended the event. Dressed in a fine plaid blazer perfect for the wavering weather, Palmer shared that students in his classes may receive extra credit by appreciating the music in this Chamber Concert Series. A good number of his students seemed happy to take him up on that offer, too, filling out the back rows of the concert hall at this performance. The truly knowledgeable music aficionadas, however, sat on stage right — often down right near the edge of the stage. Why? To more easily watch Llewellyn’s hands manipulate the ivories of the Steinway & Sons grand piano, of course.

The music of the evening reflected Llewellyn’s diverse heritage and love for music of every nation and age. Dipping deftly from Danse Macabre to Nocturne in C Minor, Llewellyn seemed to be a man possessed by the music, often signaling hugely with his whole body whenever a piece prepared to shift in melody, mood, or modulation. Not one to stand on ceremony, he welcomed the audience’s applause as it came, even if it turned out that a piece was not quite done yet (curse you, Joseph Haydn). This reporter’s personal favorite was Estampes, which had Llewellyn’s left and right hand playing one atop the other on a single octave simultaneously. I confess, dear reader, I did not even conceive of this as possible until witnessing it directly that night.

While you may not have had the pleasure of seeing Llewellyn in person, some of his performances are on YouTube and linked to his webpage, llewellynsanchezwerner.com. The next Chamber Concert is on October 2, featuring Aimee & Mia, a harp/flute duo. If you’ve found this paper a bit later in October, Eleni Katz will be playing the bassoon on October 24. Students may attend for free. Tickets are $10 for community members.

Headshot of professional pianist Llewellyn Sánchez-Werner.

HIGHLIGHTS OF

SOFTBALL SUMMER PROSPECT CAMP

Several high school athletes interested in GSW participated in this year’s summer softball prospect camp, where they got to learn more and improve their skills with GSW’s softball team and head coach Nicki Levering.

FRIENDSHIP SUMMER CAMPS

The Friendship Baptist Association hosted it’s annual summer camps, where several students and alumni active in GSW’s Baptist Collegiate Ministry (BCM) volunteered as camp directors, counsolers, lifeguards, and more.

GREEK LIFE LEADERSHIP CONFERENCES

To prepare for the upcoming school year, leaders and representatives from several of GSW’s fraternities and sororities attended annual conventions and conferences, where they got to plan for the school year and interact with other greek life leaders representing universites across the nation.

THUNDER CAMP 2023

Incoming freshmen learned more about GSW up at Camp Grace during the 4th annual Thunder Camp

GSW BASEBALL SUMMER TOUR

11 student athletes competed in summer baseball season, representing GSW across 7 different states and 6 different leagues.

REMEMBERING JAMAL FLOYD

Colby Hernandez Staff Writer

Passing even into my purer mind, With tranquil restoration: feelings too Of unremembered pleasure: such, perhaps, As have no slight or trivial influence On that best portion of a good man’s life, His little, nameless, unremembered, acts Of kindness and of love.

From Lines Composed a Few Miles above Tintern Abbey by William Wordsworth.

Many find it hard to define Jamal Floyd in just one word. Student, artist, talented, friend. All of these are him, and yet they fail to convey the meaning and impact he had on the lives of students, faculty, staff, and everyone else who had the pleasure of meeting Jamal.

Remembering

Two vigils were held for Jamal; Chi Phi’s private vigil was on September 6 while GSW hosted a public one on September 7. University President Neal Weaver gave a speech and honored Jamal’s family with his gold coin, a gift GSW students receive upon graduation. Alejandro Espitia, the Student Government Association President, followed Dr. Weaver. SGA will be dedicating a tree in Jamal’s honor. Palmer Braunstein, Chi Phi’s president and long-time friend of Jamal, gave a speech honoring Floyd and his family. Following these speeches, friends of Jamal came up to say a few words. All of those who attended the vigil felt the weight of Jamal’s loss. His funeral was held on September 14 in Cairo, Georgia.

Call to Action/Honoring Jamal’s Legacy

Jamal was a light on campus that glowed brightly. We should honor his memory and legacy by being that light for others. If you wish to donate to Jamal’s family to help cover funeral costs, use Chi Phi’s Venmo (@chi-phi-9) or Cashapp ($gswchiphi97).

Interviews

Emma Cobb Sophomore, Psychology Major, Friend of Jamal

“I would like Jamal to be remembered as a legend! Jamal impacted my life more than he ever knew. He had such a positive impact on my life, and he pushed me to be a better person, and I will continue to be a better person and a positive influence for him. My favorite memory with Jamal must be when we went out to eat with friends and sang Morgan Wallen together, and they turned the radio up to tune us out.”

Emily Larkey

Senior, Fine Arts Major, Friend of Jamal

“I want Jamal to be remembered as outgoing, and having such a drive for the things that he cared about most and for the people that he loved. Jamal showed me what a true friend was. We went through the ups and downs of friendship since freshman year. I am a senior now, and we were seniors together, and he stuck with me through it all, and he made an impact on so many people, and he was just someone you knew you could count on. We made so many memories, but my best memories are of any time we went to a party together. No matter if we were partying together or if we were separate, he would run and find me, and we would take a party selfie together at every party we went to.”

“My favorite memory of Jamal was actually the first time I met him. I was walking by a Chi Phi interest table outside of the Caf, and he called me over. He started talking to me and asking how I was doing, and he was the first person on campus I didn’t know who made me feel included.”

Matthew Wilson Senior, General Studies, Chi Phi Brother

“Jamal impacted me in so many ways. He wanted to make sure we all kept a smile on our faces, told us to always show up and show out, and be extra where we can. He helped teach me art, compassion, and to try to make everything fun.”

Dylan Tracy Sophomore, Music Education Major, Chi Phi Brother

MEET THE SOU’WESTER STAFF

Jackson Carlstrom Editor-In-Chief

Hello everyone! My name is Jackson Carlstrom, and I am a senior computer science major here at GSW. This is my 4th year working with the Sou’Wester, and it has been such an incredible journey. My career in journalism started all the way back in my freshmen year, where I was a part of my high school’s newspaper and yearbook staffs. I’ve always loved writing, and journalism is such a great avenue for me to pursue that passion. I enjoy finding and hearing the stories of others and putting them into words. I am so excited to see what this year holds for the Sou’Wester!

jcarlstr@radar.gsw.edu

Amari Rudison

Media Editor

Hi everyone! My name is Amari Rudison, and I am a sophmore English major! I have been a Media Editor for the Sou’wester for a short time now but it’s so fun doing this job! I am from Atlanta, GA, and have never been so far from home before. I love it here at GSW, and I enjoy being with my friends and spending time with them. If I’m not with others, I am in my room asleep, where I love to be as well. I can’t wait to keep being the Media Editor for this semester, and I can’t wait to show everyone my writing and the writing of my peers. Stay tuned for all the news we cover here at GSW!

arudison@radar.gsw.edu

Hernandez Staff Writer Dylan Tracy Staff Writer

Hello, I’m Colby Hernandez. I’ve been on the Sou’Wester team for over a year now. In my time, I have written some articles I am very proud of, and I hope to continue that pattern. I am a sophomore communication major with an education minor. I’m from Warner Robins and Ellaville, GA, though I’ve lived all over southwest Georgia. My hobbies include playing video games, building model kits, and playing with my dogs and cat.

Hello, reader. I’m a gregarious gardener and gaming geek with a penchant for community organizing. Americus has been my home for a few years now, thanks to Habitat for Humanity. I grew up in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and spent most of my 20’s a little further north in that state’s lovely capital city, Harrisburg. May God lead my work to weave the planet and all its creatures together in kinship; revealing the interdependence of relationships in the complex world that He has made. Please get in touch if you’re in need of an open ear and a steady pen.

chernan4@radar.gsw.edu

zmonnier@radar.gsw.edu

Hello everyone! My name is Dylan Tracy, I am a sophomore music major here at GSW, and I am new to the Sou’Wester team. I have always had a good time writing compelling stories and creating interesting backstories for my classes and music pieces. I am from a town in Walton County called Loganville, which is less than an hour from Atlanta. I am used to city and big town life, so being in Americus is a bit of a cultural shift, but many kind people have made the adjustment very easy. I look forward to working on many stories and events that go on around campus, and strengthen my writing skills even more.

dtracey1@radar.gsw.edu

Zac Monnier Staff Writer

Colby