94 NO. 11
NURSING STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN FEMA DISASTER SIMULATION
Colby Hernandez Media Editor
On April 15, GSW Nursing students participated in a disaster simulation in collaboration with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The simulation ran from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m., where students learned what professionals would do in stressful situations, how to adjust their triage training to a mass casualty event and were quizzed by the teachers on how to act in stressful environments.
Workers from the Center of Emergency Preparedness gave lessons to nursing students involving situations that feature chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) attacks, as well as simulations emulating those attacks with patients that emergency response would have to deal with.
The purpose of the simulation is to get “new nurses mentally prepared on how to deal with those types of patients coming to a medical facility” said Gary Mackey, one of the teachers. “It’s mass casualties,” he said, “your resources are overwhelmed. There’s more patients than beds.”
Students also donned Class C personal protective equipment, better known as PPE gear. Nursing students wore full hazmat suits and air filters specifically designed to use while training. They were then tasked with using needles, splints, and tourniquets on mannequins while in their PPE suits. After this, they went through decontamination training, learning how to properly clean themselves and their gear.
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IN THIS ISSUE
CLASS OF 2029 FRESHMAN PICNIC
PAGE 5
2025 BAND AND CHOIR SPRING CONCERT
PAGE 6
2025 GAMMA PHI BETA INDUCTION
PAGE 8
Nursing students put on Class C PPE gear.
Students, workers, and volunteers.
Students practice with gear on.
Air filters worn on the back.
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So, how is GSW prepared for emergencies? GSW’s Office of
Public Safety has published an Emergency Procedures Quick Reference Guide, which is easily available on GSW’s website. The plan details how staff and students should act in almost every emergency, from storms and disasters to mass casualty events and shootings. The guide also contains evacuation plans and ways you can help if you’re qualified.
On March 1, 2007, a deadly EF-3 tornado struck Americus and demolished Sumter Regional Hospital. The closest hospitals were miles away in Albany, Columbus, or Macon. It was decided to ensure that once a new hospital was built, something else needed to be done to ensure that Americus was ready for another emergency. When Carter 1 was being designed, the ability to cater to Sumter County residents in an emergency was factored into its design.
“The Carter 1 fundamentals labs are set up to be converted into a functional triage center,” Jessica Ouzts, Simulation Education Coordinator for the nursing program, told me.
If something were to happen to Phoebe Medical Center, GSW would be prepared to take on the role of emergency medical care. Carter 1 is set up with oxygen lines running to the rooms in the lab. It’s safe to say that if something were to happen, GSW is ready for it. For more information and a link to the guide, go to https://www.gsw.edu/public-safety/emergency-management/. To sign up for emergency alerts for GSW, https://www.gsw.edu/campus-technology/emergency-notification-center.
Students practice triage.
Ella Devers practices giving a shot.
Nursing students after the simulation.
Hannah Harris uses a tourniquet.
Jazmin Artiga during decontamination.
Kaylen Jones puts on her hood.
A group puts on their jackets.
Students identify a patient for triage.
Cameron Barnes prepares his hood.
HOT GLASS AND COLD BEER DRAW CROWD
Zac Monnier Staff Writer
On April 5, the 7th annual Americus Hot Glass Craft Beer Festival brought over 600 people into the heart of the city. Americus Main Street hosts the event as part of their role in overseeing economic development for the Central Business Improvement District — a 13-block area of the city.
This year’s event took place at Lenny’s Farmers Market and the macadam behind the 1800 Mexican Restaurant. While the event officially kicked off at 2:00 p.m., VIP guests could sneak in an hour earlier with their custom handblown tasting glasses, crafted by Hot Glass Academy. The unseasonably warm weather proved perfect for drinking a remarkable variety of chilled craft beers, ciders, and meads by attendees.
The glass blowers, meanwhile, buzzed around a hot zone circle of furnaces to put their fiery creativity on full display. The arrangement and recruitment of artists is largely thanks to Mobile Glassblowing Studios, LLC. This Americus gallery and workshop provides all those with an interest in glass blowing with access to an affordable, simple way to experience hot glass in a wide range of environments.
Artists —from studios located across the United States and several GSW students —
Arthur Wilson, Silica Burns Glass took turns at the bench to blow glass at incredible temperatures while shaping the molten material through manipulation by shears, paddles, marvers, and molds. If the piece survived the ordeal (a few did not), it was then put into an annealer. The annealer permitted the glass to cool slowly over time, so as to prevent shattering until it was fully hardened.
Mobile Glassblowing Studios also supervises the artists market, where event goers were also able to peruse tables laden with finished glass art by these studios and support them by buying some to take home. Even a guest on a reporter’s salary was able to become the proud owner of an oddly tactile glass mushroom brought to life by Muffinjaw Desings. The pieces ranged from classic pumpkins and hearts to funky faced vases and creations that defy description.
Several delicious food trucks were on-site to pair off against the frothy beverages. VIP guests also had access to a buffet table of BBQ classics and specialty drinks using spirits from Richland Rum. There was a dizzying variety of drinks to choose from, showing just how far craft brewing has come in the last 100 years. My personal favorite incorporated pineapple and peppers into the drink, hitting the tongue with sweet before leaving a fire burning in the throat after every sip.
In between the bites and sights, guests could pull up a chair or dance to music provided by several bands jamming in the center of the venue. Thanks go to Patrick Owen for music and entertainment. Musical acts included Pat’s Place Bluegrass, Rebecca Ferguson, and The Palace Jesters. The final entertainment of the event was a pair of fire performers, the Delightflow Duo. Pallet of beer.
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The welcome banner.
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An event this large requires many hands. The Americus Police Department provided setup before, security during, and breakdown after the festival.
J & R Event Rentals furnished the event with tents, tables, chairs, and similar hardware. Golden Gourmet should be credited for the cooling truck that kept beer & water nice and cold. Visit Americus hosted an information booth and assisted vendors for beer, wine, and food. And a special thanks to the many, many members of the community and GSW athlete volunteers for cracking open each cold one to pour out for attendees.
Those in attendance seemed to enjoy themselves tremendously, although the following day may have been a day of hangovers and badly sunburned legs for some.
ORGANIST COMES HOME TO WRAP UP CHAMBER CONCERT SERIES
Zac Monnier Staff Writer
The final performance of GSW’s 2024-2025 Chamber Concert Series provided a chance for the City of Americus to welcome back one of its own homegrown talents, organist Brink Bush.
Brink first got his start by playing the organ at Calvary Episcopal Church as a 13-year-old boy, so it was fitting indeed for the March 27 recital was performed on those selfsame pipes and pedals. Brink is a leading interpreter of German Romantic organ music and started off the night with a precursor to that period, “Vater Unser in Himmelreich” (Our Father Who Art in Heaven), by Johann Sebastian Bach. This was followed by a toccata composed by Georgi Mushel that sounded like a song one might hear as a child on the county fair carousel. Next, a trio of pieces were performed one after another before the audience was permitted to clap. Two sonatas, by Domenico Scarlatti, served as context for an ornate and energetic piece, “4 piezas, para la Misa”, by José Lidón. Lidón was clearly building off the earlier works of Scarlatti, though its complexity and verve were something new. The final piece before the midway pause in the recital was “Fantasie in E flat”, Camille Saint-Saëns composing, which Brink said reminded him of a good French bread. The piece started off soft and bouncy before deeper notes came in after a ritardando. As the speed slows to a crawl...BAM! A whole new song presented itself loudly to listeners ears, direct from Brink’s fingers and feet.
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The Palace Jesters perform.
Jacob Pfeifer, Hot Glass Alley. Cold beer.
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After the pause, Brink came back to the organ to play “Rondo alla campanella, Op. 156” by Sigfried Karg-Elert. The piece seemed to be stolen straight out of Dracula’s castle. It was followed by a very different light and cheery “Ou s’en vont ces gais bergers” (Where are these happy shepherds going?) by Claude Balbastre, which had variations throughout the runtime to keep the piece from feeling repetitive. “Suite Gothique” (1895) by Leon Boellman was a quintessential Phantom of the Opera project.
“Everyone wrote a toccata in 1800s Paris,” quipped Brink, before he set about throwing his appendages around in a frenetic affair.
C.P.E. Bach, son of J.S. Bach, composed the next one, “Sonata No. 6, G Minor, Wq 70/6” for a sister of Frederick the Great, Princess Anna Amalia of Prussia. While Amalia was a huge patron of music, her talent was less grand, so C.P.E. wrote this piece to be performed without needing to use the organ pedals. (Brink put the pedals in anyway.)
The recital ended with an incredible performance of toccata “Thou art the Rock” by Henri Mulet. Brink made tremendous use of the swell pedal (like an accelerator in a car) to plunge the music from soft to loud in forceful spits. All the while, he kept the keys hot by playing nonstop 16th notes until the Fantasia worthy piece concluded.
A post recital dinner allowed the Sou’wester a moment to learn more about the man behind the organ. While indeed a native of Americus, Brink has lived in Boston for the past 12 years with his partner. Although the musical world shifted from Germany to France in the late 19th century, more space and memory should be given to the Romantic period of organ music (especially Wilhelm Middelschulte!).
Brink would like to encourage more readers of this paper to ask questions about the music they hear, so they may better understand and enjoy it. When was it written? What were the challenges and recent advancements in music surrounding the composer when they wrote it? Has it led to other musicians to adapt or reexamine it for their own stuff? A great world of sound can be unlocked by seeking answers to questions like these. If you have questions about Brink, you can read more about him at brinkbush.us and hear some of his work by searching for his CD, Heavy Pedal.
2025 FRESHMAN PICNIC
Amari Rudison Editor
The vibes were high, and the energy was unmatched at this year’s Freshman Picnic! Our newest Hurricanes showed up and showed out—turning up the heat with games, music, food, and a water slide! The picnic wasn’t just an event—it was a chance for freshman, upperclassmen, faculty, and staff to form connections, and memories were locked in. The Class of 2029 have definitely made their mark.
ANNUAL SPRING CONCERT SHOWCASES GSW STUDENTS’ MUSICAL TALENTS
Colby Hernandez Media Editor
On April 8, the GSW Concert Band, GSW Concert Choir, and the Southwest Civic Chorus gave their annual spring concert in Jackson Hall. The band, largely made up of students and staff from GSW and directed by Cynthia Richmond, played six pieces. Notably, they performed “Second Suite in F for Military Band” by Gustav Holst, a four-movement piece for wind instruments, and “Baba Yetu” from Civilization IV, a Swahili translation of the Lord’s Prayer and the first video game composition to win a Grammy Award. They also performed “Amparito Roca” by Jaime Texido, “Evening Song” by Josef Rheinberger, “Serenade, Op. 22” by Derek Bourgeois, and “Cool” from West Side Story.
“I felt it went well,” said Grace Layman, sophomore percussionist, “I enjoyed being able to perform for everyone. It’s always fun being able to show off what we’ve been working on for months.”
Following a brief intermission, the choirs gave their performance, directed by Dr. Julie Megginson and accompanied by Alwen Young. The choir opened with “The StarSpangled Banner” and invited the audience to stand and sing along. They sang “Be Thou My Vision”, a favorite of Dr. Johnston, who was in attendance, and “Crucifixus” by Johann Sebestian Bach in Latin.
Students Katana Glover and Dylan Tracy, who both took the choir conducting class, led the choir in two pieces of their choice. Glover chose “The Tortoise and the Hare” by Darmon Meader. The song’s lyrics are from the famous Aesop fable. Tracy’s song, “Stardust,” is a solo piece rearranged for a choir by Roy Ringwald.
“Conducting the choir was an amazing experience!” Glover said. “Through it, I learned more about beat patterns, cues, breathing, and so much more. I feel that learning to conduct has definitely helped me grow as a musician and will be a huge benefit to me as I find my way through my career in the future. Not only does it allow me to understand my musicianship better but it also opens more doors for me within my career path.”
The choir finished the night with “The Heavens are Telling” from The Creation. The piece featured soloists Angelina Brazil, freshman music major, Katana Glover, senior music major, Beau Palmer, retired lecturer of music and member of the Southwest Civic Chorus, and Yvette Lapeza, member of the Southwest Civic Chorus.
The concert was a hit! The audience moved along with the upbeat pieces and cried to the melodic ones. This was truly another successful performance from the students in the Concert Band and Concert Choir!
The band plays.
Take a bow!
Junior Dylan Tracy
Senior Katana Glover
The choir finishes.
Across
2. The break after finals.
5. Use a number _____ pencil when filling out your answer sheet.
6. Multiple _____: when in doubt, answer ‘c’ instead of leaving it blank.
7. GSW’s mascot; he’s rooting for you!
10. You may have pulled an _____ to cram last-minute.
11. What your brain feels like after studying too much.
12. It is important to get around eight hours of this before your test.
13. “I’ll just rest my eyes” outcome.
15. Leaving your bubble _____ won’t help you at all.
16. Opposite of calm; feeling during a hard test.
17. Student’s potion of choice.
Down
1. Software used for your final paper or essay.
2. Your favorite student-created newspaper!
3. Located in Collum Hall 102; they can help you with your final paper.
4. Instant noodle meal. You probably ate it while studying.
8. A medium of studying that allows you to learn a term and its definition.
9. You might study in _____ Central.
14. Studies show that this meal is very important on test day.
ANSWERS ON PAGE 9
PROGRESSUS PER ERUDITIONEM: PROGRESS THROUGH EDUCATION
Zac Monnier Staff Writer
On April 10, The Gamma Beta Phi Honors Society inducted its latest members in a ceremony. These students were invited to join the society and met the recruitment criteria of being in the top 20% of the university (by GPA).
The society’s Advisor Member Mr. James E. Smith along with GSW’s Inductees of Gamma Beta Phi. co-advisors Dr. Anne Jacobs and Dr. Alwen Yeung gave welcoming speeches. All attendees loaded up with delicious snacks and drinks while Acting President Gillian Garcia handed out membership cards to each new member.
GSW President Michelle Johnston also gave a short speech, commending the students for their academic excellence and her expectations of more good things to come from them on their collective horizon.
After the speeches, new members rose to accept their certificates, recite the Membership Pledge, and take a group photo.
SUMTER PLAYERS PERFORM “MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS”
Zac Monnier Staff Writer
The Sumter Players put on a tremendously good showing of “Murder on the Orient Express” at The Rylander Theatre from March 6-9.
The stage play is an adaptation of Agatha Christie’s 1934 novel of the same name featuring a splendidly mustached Danish detective, Hercule Poirot, who finds himself crammed into train cars with the most eclectic bunch of murder suspects this side of the Bosporus. Hercule was played well by Barry McConatha, who blended humor with gravitas throughout his performance.
The stage design was quite clever, creating the sense of two train cars – one a sleeper carriage and the other the dining car – simply by putting on some well-placed PVC skeletons, rickety sliding doors, and carefully crafted backdrops.
Repeat visits to the play also rewarded patrons with clues they may have missed at the first showing. The players made good use of downstage left (DL) to sneak in elements of the plot while actors spoke in a spotlight over on stage right (R).
The next and final show of the season is “Steel Magnolias” runs from May 8-10 at 7 p.m. and May 11 at 2:30 p.m. The beloved classic play takes place in Truvy’s beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana, where all the ladies who are “anybody” come to have their hair done. Take your mother along in honor of Mother’s Day weekend. The student rate is $12.
FIVE WAYS TO KEEP YOUR BRAIN HAPPY
AND HEALTHY FOR FINALS WEEK
Colby Hernandez Media Editor
As finals week approaches, it’s important that we prepare ourselves for our exams, both mentally and physically. It’s important to keep ourselves healthy by being prepared for it. The following are a few tips I’ve learned through personal experience.
SPREAD YOUR WORK OUT
Cramming is one of the worst things you can do! According to an article from Stanford, “the majority of the information gained through cramming sessions ends up being forgotten not just over a period of time but even during the actual test itself.” Cramming only serves to make you face the information, not remember it. Additionally, cramming stresses your brain, causing you to lose sleep and gain stress.
USE THE WRITING CENTER
Located in Collum 102, the Writing Center will help you brainstorm for your final papers. They’ll also review your work to ensure that it is high quality. You can make an appointment at https://gsw.mywconline.com/.
GET GOOD SLEEP
Seven to nine hours of sleep is essential for physical and mental well-being. In addition, sleeping is your brain’s way of saving and locking-in information that you have studied. It does this during deep and REM sleep. The only way to ensure these stages is to sleep all night.
EAT A GOOD BREAKFAST
Foods with protein, whole grains, and healthy fats provide long-lasting energy to keep you sharp throughout the exam. These nutrients keep you awake and energized and can even help you recall information. Foods like fruits, eggs, oatmeal, and nut butters provide carbs and proteins needed to sustain energy. Even if you eat something else, your brain won’t interrupt you during your test with hunger.
REWARD YOURSELF
Even if you aren’t sure how you did, rewarding yourself helps you relax and recover from the stress of studying and testtaking, giving your brain and body a break. Do something you love to do, buy yourself something small, or eat your favorite ice cream. As long as it’s a reward, your brain will benefit.
CROSSWORD ANSWERS
4. RAMEN, 8. FLASHCARDS, 9. CANES, 14. BREAKFAST
SUMMER,
TWO,
17. COFFEE Down 1. WORD, 2. SOUWESTER, 3. WRITING CENTER,
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REMINDERS
First Friday: Multicultural May
May 2 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. at Downtown Americus
Come celebrate the diversity of our world for Multicultural May! Guests can explore our downtown area and enjoy various different activities and cultural groups while they shop and take advantage of specials from participating businesses. If you are a part of a cultural group/club that would like to come and participate in this event, or for more information on how you can sponsor, contact Jennifer English at jenglish@americusga.gov or call 229-924-4411 ext. 235.
Romance Through the Ages
May 4 5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. at the First Methodist Church of Americus, 200 S Lee St, Americus, GA 31709
Join us for an unforgettable evening of timeless classical masterpieces at Romance Through the Ages. Experience the passion and elegance of the Romantic era, featuring brilliant works by composers such as Saint-Saëns and Glinka. This captivating concert, performed by the talented Americus Trio, will also showcase fresh, original arrangements that blend the sounds of piano, violin, and cello in a way you’ve never heard before. Performing live: Alwen Yeung, Piano Sicong Chen, Violin Jamie Simonsen, Cello Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of classical music in an intimate and welcoming setting. This event is free to attend, so bring your friends and family for a night of musical magic. We look forward to seeing you there!
Steel Magnolias
May 8–11 at The Rylander Theatre 310 W Lamar St, Americus, GA
Sumter Players, Inc. presents Steel Magnolias. Get ready to laugh, cry, and celebrate the strength of Southern women as Sumter Players, Inc. proudly presents Steel Magnolias! Join us at the beautiful Rylander Theatre for this heartwarming and hilarious production that has touched audiences for generations. With sharp wit and emotional depth, Steel Magnolias is a tribute to the bonds that hold us together through life’s most joyful and challenging moments. Show Dates & Times: Thursday, May 8 at 7:00 p.m., Friday, May 9 at 7:00 p.m., Saturday, May 10 at 7:00 p.m., Sunday, May 11 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets will be available soon at www.rylander.org. Don’t miss this unforgettable night of Southern charm, sass, and sisterhood!
Spring Wine Festival
May 10 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. at Wolf Creek Plantation
Join Wolf Creek Plantation for their 9th Annual Spring Wine Festival from 11-5! We will have local food vendors, arts and craft vendors and wine and wine slushies all day long!! Free wine tastings for those over the age of 21. This event will be free to attend and includes free vineyard tours. Bring your family, friends, dogs (on a leash of course!) and have a grape time! For more details, check out the Facebook event.
Pancakes with the President
April 29 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. at The Cafe Surf’s Up, Canes! Join us for this semester’s Pancakes with the President!
Course Evaluations
Due April 30
Finals Week
May 2-7
Good luck on Finals!
SPORTS
SOFTBALL
Mar 25 – Loss 5-3 vs Valdosta State
Mar 25 – Win 6-5 vs Valdosta State
Mar 26 – Loss 7-0 vs West Alabama
Mar 26 – Loss 13-2 vs West Alabama
Mar 28 – Win 3-0 vs USC Beaufort
Mar 29 – Loss 5-3 vs USC Beaufort
Mar 29 – Win 6-2 vs USC Beaufort
Apr 02 – Win 8-0 vs Savannah State
Apr 02 – Win 19-2 vs Savannah State
Apr 04 – Loss 5-4 vs Lander University
Apr 05 – Win 11-3 vs Lander University
Apr 05 – Loss 3-2 vs Lander University
Apr 11 – Loss 7-3 vs Georgia College
Apr 12 – Win 10-1 vs Georgia College
Apr 12 – Win 12-2 vs Georgia College
Apr 18 – Loss 7-5 vs Flagler College
Apr 19 – Win 10-9 vs Flagler College
Apr 19 – Loss 6-3 vs Flagler College
MEN’S GOLF
BASEBALL
Mar 28 – Win 8-3 vs Flagler College
Mar 29 – Win 5-0 vs Flagler College
Mar 29 - Win 10-3 vs Flagler College
Apr 01 – Loss 20-13 vs University of Montevallo
Apr 04 – Loss 5-4 vs North Georgia
Apr 05 – Win 9-2 vs North Georgia
Apr 06 – Loss 7-1 vs North Georgia
Apr 08 – Win 14-1 vs Auburn Montgomery
Apr 11 – Loss 6-5 vs Columbus State
Apr 12 – Win 5-4 vs Columbus State
Apr 13 – Loss 10-7 vs Columbus State
Apr 15 – Loss 6-5 vs Valdosta State
Apr 17 – Win 9-3 vs Augusta University
Apr 18 – Win 21-1 vs Augusta University
Apr 19 – Win 11-6 vs Augusta University
Mar 24 – 1st of 13 teams at Southern Arkansas University
Mar 25 – 1st of 13 teams at Southern Arkansas University
Apr 7 – 1st of 14 teams at Argonaut Invitational
Apr 8 – 2nd of 14 team at Argonaut Invitational
Apr 18 – 4th of 8 teams at Peach Belt Conference Championship
Apr 19 – 3rd of 8 teams at Peach Belt Conference Championship
Apr 20 – 5th of 8 teams at Peach Belt Conference Championship
WOMEN’S TENNIS
Mar 29 – Loss 7-0 vs Augusta University
Apr 03 – Loss 7-0 vs Columbus State
Apr 11 – Loss 7-0 vs Lander University
April 18 - Loss 7-0 vs Flagler College
THE SOU’WESTER STAFF
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