OVER 520 FRESHMAN WELCOMED AT NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION
Colby Hernandez Editor-in-Chief
New Student Orientation was held August 9 to 12, ending with the annual Freshman Convocation Ceremony.
One of the things GSW prides itself on is a ceremony for incoming freshmen. First-year students were treated to an extended weekend of fun and preparation for the upcoming school year.
“At first it was terrifying because I knew that I’d be socializing a bunch, and they’d force me to do events,” said Biology Major Michaela Harris. “But I kind of did enjoy it, especially the showdown.”
As some upperclassmen may know, GSW used to host Thunder Camp as an extra orientation meant for residential students. Due to low interest and budget concerns, Thunder Camp was not planned for this year. Because of this, FYE wanted to add a “camp” element to orientation this year.
“Showdown is us competing to see who has the most spirit,” Michaela explained. “We get to be creative with it. Our Storm Spotter would have us create a chant or a parody of a song, just something in GSW spirit. Sometimes they
made us dance, other times we’d have props. We got to practice the entire NSO week, and at the end we got to face-off and the judges voted on who had the most spirit. The entire NSO week felt like a camp experience. I got a little more camp experience since I live in the dorms, and I was just right there.”
At convocation, students received a silver challenge coin. Hurricanes are meant to hold on to this coin throughout their time at GSW. Upon graduation, they will receive a gold coin. Traditionally, students give their silver coins to someone who helped them through the good and bad times here.
President Johnston provided her thoughts on this year. “While our enrollment is not final until the census date in October, which is set by the University System of Georgia, we welcomed over 1100 new undergraduate students to campus in August. With our returning and graduate students, we expect enrollment to exceed
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IN THIS ISSUE
ALLIGATOR SPOTTED IN COLLEGE LAKE PAGE 2
SGA MEMBERS SWORN IN PAGE 4
2025 ASN SUMMER COHORT PAGE 6
SPORTS PAGE 9
Photo provided by GSW.
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3900 this semester. That’s a GSW record! New Student Orientation provided the opportunity to learn about what college life is all about, what resources we have available for support, what a growth mindset is, and what a life-changing, transformational experience lies ahead. The Georgia Southwestern faculty, staff, and administration are committed to challenging, supporting, and engaging our students. We are asking all of our students to do something in return – to make a commitment to your future! Take your academics very, very seriously; build positive relationships with everyone you meet; and enjoy your college experience.
As you see the GSW diploma covers displayed in every office on campus, it is a reminder for all of us that we are moving toward this important goal every single day. Our wish is for you to be able to say proudly, ‘I am a college graduate.’ And not just ANY College Graduate…a Georgia Southwestern State University graduate!”
Here at the Sou’Wester, we welcome all freshmen to campus. Go Canes!
SET HOSTS TYE DYE EVENT FOR FRESHMEN
Tyeshia Walker
Amari Rudison Copy Editor
This semester’s Tie-Dye Event was a colorful success!
The Student Engagement Team (SET) brought students together in the Oaks Courtyard to bond, share laughs, and enjoy a nice afternoon as they created their own unique t-shirt designs. Lots of memories and bright shirts were made and it was the perfect way to connect and unwind with the freshman class of 2029!
KG and AD
ALLIGATOR SPOTTED IN COLLEGE LAKE
Olivia Register Reporter
GSW’s Department of Public Safety has issued a warning about an unexpected visitor at the campus lake: a 4-to-6-foot alligator. It was spotted once but hasn’t been seen since.
There are plenty of fish to keep the gator well-fed and unlikely to bother people, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
Students are strongly advised to stay out of the water and away from the shoreline.
Plant Operations is monitoring the situation, and if the gator shows up again, DNR officers from Columbus will step in.
The only image of Cane. Photo provided by GSW.
Believe it or not, this isn’t the first time an alligator has turned up here—apparently our lake is a popular hangout!
An Americus local commented on the warning on Facebook suggesting the alligator be named “Cane”, dedicated to the Hurricanes on campus.
UPDATE: Georgia DNR and President Johnston have decided to reopen the lake to the public. The email from Donna Tissue reads as follows:
“There has been no sighting of the alligator in the last several days. If you see wildlife, do not approach or feed, back away slowly, and watch children and pets. Signage will be posted in the near future at the lake as a reminder to always be cautious when you’re in the area. We appreciate your cooperation. Contact Public Safety should you need assistance at (229) 931-2245.”
2025 RSO FAIR
Hello Walk came alive at the RSO Fair on August 14. Students connected with organization leaders, discovered ways to get
Olivia Register Reporter involved, and made new friends along the way.
“It was a good experience,” said Freshman Kayden Poole. “I got to learn more about the organizations on campus, from Greek Life to different clubs.”
The Office of Campus Life hosted the event.
Students learn about RSOs
Black Student Union
Zeta Tau Alpha
2025-26 SGA MEMBERS SWORN IN
Tyeshia Walker Reporter
New members of GSW’s Student Government Association were sworn in at the August 19 meeting.
These students will use their voices to represent their classmates, colleges, and organizations to bring attention to current issues and topics around the GSW campus.
GSW President Dr. Michelle Johnston emphasized the vital role SGA plays in the connection between staff, faculty, and the student body and how that connection can bring positive changes that can be felt all over campus. She stated that every SGA student body will leave a legacy that can be seen by future students, leaving a permanent impact on Georgia Southwestern.
Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Gaye Hayes spoke about the importance of using your voice and not being afraid to speak up about transgressions, positivity, and voice constructive criticism for the student body, both on and off campus.
Also at the meeting, Dr. Johnston gave updates on facility plans. The James E. Carter library’s new, studentcentered renovations will be completed by the end of October, and the construction of the new science building will be underway soon.
The next SGA meeting is September 2 at 5:30 p.m. in the Nursing Auditorium.
MEET THE GREEKS
Amari Rudison Copy Editor
The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) hosted Meet the Greeks, where students could learn more about the “Divine Nine.” The event highlighted each organization and their members and gave the students a chance to connect, ask questions, and learn more about the exciting opportunities of membership into each individual chapter.
Photo from Dr. Michelle Johnston
Across
4. The new people on campus.
6. Members of this organization help govern the student body.
7. If you join a fraternity or sorority, you are part of _____ Life.
9. HIST 1111: _____ Civilization I
10. Join one of these to meet similar people.
12. Needed to swipe into the dorms.
13. Modern technology used to take notes.
16. Written assignment that may require five or more paragraphs.
18. The class of 2026.
19. Incoming freshmen attend _____ to learn about GSW.
20. POLS 1101: American _____
21. Your field of study.
Down
1. UNIV 1000: The GSW _____
2. Must have to do online classes; magic connection through the air.
3. What a professor gives during class.
5. You need at least 120 of these to graduate.
6. Course outline received on day one.
8. ENGL 1101: _____ I
11. Holds loose-leaf paper.
14. A short assessment that’s sometimes a surprise.
15. Half of the academic year.
17. Gets you to class on time.
ANSWERS ON PAGE 7
ASN CLASS OF 2025 PINNING CEREMONY
Colby Hernandez Editor-in-Chief
The Georgia Southwestern School of Nursing held its Pinning Ceremony to celebrate the 45 Summer 2025 ASN graduates on July 29. The graduates were honored with a gold pin that nurses wear to proudly show the school they graduated from. Speakers at the ceremony included Dean Dr. Courtney Ross and University President Dr. Michelle Johnston. Natasha Snider delivered one last lecture to students, telling them the importance and legacy of nurses, including U.S. Army Colonel Dr. Ramona Mulliens-Foreman, who passed this year. Dr. Teresa Teasley then talked about the significance of the pin and its history. After everyone received their pins, graduates recited the Nightingale Pledge. The following are pictures from the event.
Dr. Courtney Ross, Dean of the College of Nursing
Lighting of the Latern Ceremony
Dr. Ross poses with a graduate
Dr. Ross pins graduate Cameron Barnes
Natasha Snider delivers the “Last Lecture”
NEW VOLUME, NEW LOOK: INTRODUCING SOU’WESTER HORIZON
Colby Hernandez Editor-in-Chief
Last year, my job was to create and maintain the uniform look of the Sou’Wester. When I first started, I had to use a Word document because we weren’t sure how I could access Adobe InDesign, the program I use now. Word was a struggle. Consistent readers will remember the dip in quality between volumes 93 and 94. I had no idea what I was doing, but finally, in October, I realized I had access to InDesign through my school account as long as I was on one of the Macs in the Collum Hall computer lab. Trial and error, as well as help from Dr. Shiller and Dr. Annie Laurie Nichols, have led to me being confident in my InDesign abilities. Over the summer, I’ve worked on this. While not officially my senior project, I’d like to think of it as my final sendoff, one last hoorah before I graduate. Yeah, I’m taking classes to help me in my career and future, but this paper is my legacy at GSW. I currently have no idea who will be taking my position after I graduate, but I hope whoever does respects my legacy and the legacy of the Sou’Wester.
Sou’Wester Horizon is inspired by the past but looks toward the future. The horizon symbolizes many things. You can look back on it as well as look towards it, much like looking into the past and the future. As I worked on it, I kept asking myself:
• “Is it easily readable?”
• “Can I print out any random page and use it as a poster?”
• “How can I play with the layout?” “What makes the Sou’Wester a GSW paper?”
Sou’Wester Horizon answers those questions. My biggest supporter, my mom, would only read the paper on her work computer. She complained that the words were just too small. I took that advice and rolled with it. Students can’t always read the paper on a big screen; they’d read it on their phones. I purposely chose a more readable and rounded font with more spacing, making it easier to read across the board. I also wanted a “pretty” paper. This is my work, and I should be able to take pride in it. While I can’t say if everyone would agree that it’s prettier, I have taken steps to ensure an even layout that is modular and aesthetically pleasing. Personally, I would display a blowup on my wall. The modularity also helps with the next question. I have made a style guide that has the exact measurements of each and every text and image box. Finally, is the Sou’Wester spiritually GSW? Besides just using the colors, Sou’Wester Horizon uses the font Norwester, an on-brand name. But other than those, it’s up to you, the reader, to decide that one.
I sincerely hope you enjoy what the paper looks like this year. I’ve already put long hours into it, and I’m writing this before the rest of this issue is started!
Sept. 3— Canes Rainbow Game Night, 6-9 p.m., Collum 205.
Sept. 3— Cozy Dreams with Queens vision board party, 7:30-9 p.m., SSC second floor conference rooms.
Sept. 4— Campus & Community Kickoff Cruise, 6-7 p.m., corner of GSW Dr and Anthony Dr (near tennis courts). For more details visit https://www.sumtercycling.org/onthemove
Sept. 5— First Friday: Back to School Party, 5-8 p.m., downtown Americus.
Sept. 11— 9/11 Stair Climb, 8:30 a.m.-10 a.m., Sumter County Courthouse. Register at https://www.surveymonkey. com/r/H6QRMHC
Sept. 13— Heart & Sole 5K, 8-10 a.m., Central Baptist Church. Register here: https://runsignup.com/Race/GA/ Americus/TheHeartSole5K
Sept. 13— 9th Annual Grape Stomp Festival & Cook Off, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Wolf Creek Planation.
COACHES CITE COMMON THEMES FOR THE UPCOMING SEASON
Dylan Scott
Athletics Correspondent
Fans can expect new faces and depth in GSW fall athletics.
New faces add to the depth and talent of a team. When you have more viable players than another team, you can afford to rest each individual player more, allowing players to be more effective and less fatigued on the field. This culminates into better production on the field.
Cross Country welcomes two very excited freshmen to the roster, Joseph Esco and Graham Harrod.
“Joseph Esco finished 14th in the state in his classification of 5A and his high school personal record for the 5k was a 16:09, which is the fastest high school kid that has ever come into GSW,” said Coach Danny Zarzutzki. “Graham Harrod has been running 50 to 55 miles all summer long and he’s right there with Joseph.” For the first time ever, the men’s team has no dual-sport athletes and the women’s team has less dual- sport athletes than last season meaning the teams can focus on breaking school records.
According to Coach Darcy Donaldson, the team lost four of their starting six but added four newcomers to their list of returning players. These four additions means the team will see less roster turnover and have time to experiment with different starting sixes to figure out the best way to utilize the team’s talent.
Basketball follows this pattern with the women’s team seeing a complete overhaul of their roster as 10 of the 11 players did not attend GSW last year and the men’s team adding “10 new guys and four returners,” according to the men’s basketball coach Kevin O’Connor.
The coaches are not worried because this still means the team has a backup player for every position, which is a luxury not many Division II colleges have. This influx of players is a huge advantage for sports like basketball that have very little stoppages as the players can rest when they need to without the production on the floor dropping off.
“We have quite a few really talented newcoming kids that I really think are going to be successful,” women’s basketball coach Missy Tiber said.
The addition of so many new faces means that fans and players are guaranteed an exciting fall season. So, make sure to come out and support our fall sports teams so you can get to know these new players as they take the field.
SOCCER
Women’s
Sept. 4- vs Brewton-Parker College 7 p.m.
Sept. 6- at Rollins College 7 p.m.
Sept. 10- at Abraham Baldwin 4 p.m.
Sept. 14- vs Valdosta State 6 p.m.
Sept. 17- vs Saint Leo 5 p.m.
Sept. 20- vs Columbus State 5 p.m.
Sept. 24- vs Georgia College 7 p.m.
Sept. 27- at Middle Georgia State 1:30 p.m.
CROSS COUNTRY
Women’s
Sept. 12- HOKA + Nights of Thunder Cross Country Fest hosted at Apalachee Regional XC Park time TBA
Sept. 19- Willie Laster Invitational hosted by Albany State University 6 p.m.
Sept. 26- Bobcat Invitational hosted by Albany State University 5:40 p.m.
MEN’S GOLF
Men’s
Sept. 5- vs Embry-Riddle 7 p.m.
Sept. 7- vs Converse College 7 p.m.
Sept. 11- at Alabama-Huntsville 6 p.m.
Sept. 17- at Middle Georgia State 7 p.m.
Sept. 20- vs North Georgia 7 p.m.
Sept. 24- at USC Aiken 7 p.m.
Sept. 27- vs Florida Southern 7 p.m.
Men’s
Sept. 12- HOKA + Nights of Thunder Cross Country
Fest hosted at Apalachee Regional XC Park time TBA
Sept. 19- Willie Laster Invitational hosted by Albany State University 6:50 p.m.
Sept. 26- Bobcat Invitational hosted by Albany State University 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 15- Rounds 1 and 2 Mizuno Intercollegiate hosted by the University of North Georgia time TBA
Sept. 16- Round 3 Mizuno Intercollegiate hosted by the University of North Georgia time TBA
Sept. 22- Rounds 1 and 2 Hurricane Invitational hosted by GSW time TBA
Sept. 23- Round 3 Hurricane Invitational hosted by GSW time TBA
