Augusta University
Summer 2021
ADVISER Dr. Debbie van Tuyll Dylan Wilson EDTOR-IN-CHIEF Lauren Ramos ASSISTANT EDTOR-IN-CHIEF Madeline Burgin ONLINE EDITOR
WRITERS Madeline Burgin Jenna Ingalls Justin Brosemer WINGSPAN Design Madeline Burgin Savannah Tardy CREATIVE DIRECTOR Savannah Tardy
Jenna Ingalls
PHOENIX STAFF
1 • Phoenix
A Note from the Editor When coming up with a theme for this magazine, the idea of the future kept popping up. All eyes are focused on the future and how things will change in this vaccinated world. On a small scale, the Phoenix is going through changes as well. Our adviser, Dr. Debbie van Tuyll, is handing over her role to Dylan Wilson. It seems only fitting that we look at the future. Inside this magazine I hope the reader finds a look into the future of AU and maybe even a glance into their own. Thank you to the staff for working so hard during the pandemic. It hasn’t been easy, but the work they’ve produced has been top-notch. Their funky ideas and creativity is what made this edition so unique. This summer edition is dedicated to Dr. van Tuyll. Her commitment, mentorship, and knowledge has always helped the Phoenix fly. It has been an honor and a blessing to be able to learn under your tutelage. Thank you for the late night explanations and your patience in listening to me holler about InDesign. I hope you all enjoy the future themed edition of the Phoenix Magazine.
Summer 2021 • Phoenix
5
TE
BY LEH Jen E na AL ing TH al ls
7
M
BY AS TE JU ST IN B RS RO SE
9
ME
CO BY VID MA
DE
ta b
RE
S
E B PON UR GIN SES
LIN
le
Loo king
3 • Phoenix
R
o f to
war ds t
co
he f
nt
utur e
ent
s
13 15
BY JEN SU M NA ING ME RH AL LS & M OR O AD ELI SC NE OP BU RG E IN
17 18
BY JEN HEL L NA ING O G O A BU LLS & OD RG MA BY IN E DE LIN E
BY JEN TA NA RO T ING AL LS
&M AD E
LIN
CR OS
EB UR GIN
SW OR
D
19
WINGSPAN Summer 2021 • Phoenix
A Telehealth Future
by Jenna Ingalls
“We have moved forward a decade in the use of telemedicine in this country and it’s going to become, and will remain, an increasingly important part of physician practices going forward,” said Todd Askew, the American Medical Association’s senior Vice President of advocacy. In a report from McKinsey & Company Health Care Systems & Services, some physicians are seeing up to 50 to 175 times more patients
5 • Phoenix
via Telehealth compared to pre-COVID years. Though the use of telemedicine has significantly increased through the pandemic, it was not an entirely new concept to many health systems. “Telemedicine was something we were already using,” said Katie Lawhead, lead Patient and Family Centered Care coordinator at Augusta
University Medical Center. Telehealth was used to connect physicians across the state and for certain subspecialties to schedule virtual follow-up appointments. “But when COVID hit, it became necessary to figure out how we can still provide exceptional patient care but also keeping everyone safe, including our staff.”
Augusta University Medical Center placed restrictions on the number of family members or guests that were able to come with a patient. “It’s been hard for those families because they couldn’t be here, they couldn’t be at bedside. And that’s hard, sometimes you just need to see how they’re doing even if it doesn’t look different from day to day,” said Lawhead. Though face-to-face contact was limited throughout the pandemic, keeping patients connected with their loved ones and engaged in their care was a major focus for the Center for Patients and Families. “It was important that or patients, especially our patients with chronic illnesses, felt that they were still getting the care they needed,” said Lawhead. According to the Center for Disease Control, 60% of adults in America have a chronic disease. With telemedicine, these patients were able to continue managing their care without putting them selves at risk for catching COVID-19.
“Groups that are absolutely helped by telemedicine are rural populations, people living with disabilities where getting to an appointment can be an ordeal for a short check in or getting a quick prescription filled. Instead you can log in an get access to the medicine or information you need. It’s life changing,” said Dr. Elizabeth Culatta, assistant professor in the Department of Social Sciences at Augusta University. As the use of Telehealth continues to expand, it is giving increased medical access to more people. Instead of having to travel long distance or spend hours in waiting rooms, Telehealth has allowed patients to get the care they need without putting themselves at increased health risks during the pandemic. Patients could also find telemedicine empowering in terms of finding the right doctor for their care. “As patients, we might say the doctor wasn’t really listening to my concerns but I already have the appointment or I know here the office is or I know what the staff is like. You may not want to switch even though its not the best fit. But with telemedicine, you may have more options of physicians.” In some cases, patients would be able to connect to specialists across the state or even state lines to receive necessary care without having to travel great distances. “With
Telehealth I might be seeing a physician licensed in California practicing under different regulations and the legal ramifications are interesting,” said Dr. Culatta. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services made significant changes during the pandemic that made Telehealth more accessible. These changes include: physicians are able to see patients without have in an existing relationship, physicians are allowed to see patients outside of their licensure, physicians are allowed to waive costs for Telehealth visits, and Medicare will pay physicians the same rate for Telehealth as they do for in-person visits. “When we think about medicine, its something that should be widely available to everyone, regardless of their cultural competency related to technology,” said Dr. Culatta. Some patients may lack the necessary health and technological literacy that helps them navigate the Telehealth system. “But as telemedicine becomes more widespread and publicly available, we’re all going to find ways to get used to thy system.” Regardless of the inevitable limitations of a new system, “The benefits are there. If we can target the people who need it most, rural populations, people living with disabilities, it has to help them have access to better care. It has to,” said Dr. Culatta. Summer 2021 • Phoenix
Unraveling Augusta National’s Best Kept Secret: The Master’s Economic Impact by Justin Brosemer Photo by Soheb Zaidi
In a lot of ways, 2021 has been an extension of 2020 due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, especially when considering hardships endured and lifestyles enforced. For the annual Masters tournament hosted by Augusta National, however, major changes were seen when comparing 2020’s event which was postponed until September with no public attendance, to the 2021’s regularly scheduled and limited public attendance Masters showing. The implications on the Augusta economy will certainly be better than 2020’s, but how much so is a question made harder by Augusta National’s keeping so much of the famed event behind closed doors. The choice for the 2020 Masters tournament was an inevitable conclusion made by officials at Augusta National. Nonetheless, it brought even more obstacles to the forefront for the Augusta community who relied on the tournament to stimulate the economy for a large portion of the fiscal year. That numbering exceeds $100 million in conservative past projections. Thankfully, the Masters golf tournament, a competition comprised of the highest ranked golfers internationally competing for the prestigious Green Jacket with a victory on the storied course, returned to some level of normalcy in 2021. While face
7 • Phoenix
coverings, social distancing, contactless payment and sanitization were all still required, this year’s tournament was a far cry from the mid-September showing. Maybe the most important distinction from this year and last year’s tournament was the allowance of patrons in 2021. While Augusta National does not release solid numbers regarding attendance during the Masters, a general idea can be conjured thanks to trends seen from the PGA so far in 2021, as well as financial reports released by local businesses and hotels monthly. For reference, two PGA sponsored golf tournaments, the Arnold Palmer Invitational and The Players Championship capped their attendance at 25% and 20% respectively during early March 2021. It has been heavily rumored by media outlets and professional golfers that the attendance numbers on an unaffected Masters day will be around 40,000. Using these attendance caps placed as a guideline for the 2021 Masters, it can be inferred there will be a total 8,000-10,000 people will be at this year’s Masters tournament. Vice President Jennifer Bowen of the Destination Development & Community Engagement at the Augusta Convention and Visitors Bureau spoke about the aforementioned
financial reports. “The financial reports showed an enormous increase of commerce within the local businesses and hotels in Augusta,” said Bowen. “When compared to April of 2020, the Augusta community saw a 781% increase in revenue for the same month in 2021.” Just by that single statistic, the impact of the Masters for Augusta’s economy can be realized. However, Bowen provided even further statistics to reenforce that very impact. These statistics included a population report of hotels from the Augusta area, in which there was a 133% increase in hotel attendance within the month of April since last year, as well as a reported 76% total capacity. For context, in 2019— the last Masters before the COVID-19 pandemic—hotels were at a capacity of 87%, and in 2020 hotels were at a reported 37.7% capacity. While Augusta National was not at pre-COVID-19 numbers for the 2021 golf tournament, it is a strong indication that they will return to form in the coming years. Upon learning these statistics, one may be able to understand the magnitude of the impact, but the bigger obstacle lies in how this giant influx of revenue directly stimulated the Augusta economy.
On a basic level, a huge sporting event such as the Masters can result in economic stimulation from various factors, including the generation of visitors’ spending, public spending, employment opportunities, tax revenue, among other things. “Every year in Augusta, people rely on the revenue increase and job opportunities from the month of April,” Augusta University economics professor Simon Medcalfe states, “Each year the number of people employed in the Augusta Metropolitan Statistical area increases by about 3000 workers compared to the average of March and May. This has increased slightly from a bump of 2,000 employed citizens ten years ago.” Even with the plethora of information given to us, gauging the impact of the 2021 Masters still proves to be a near-impossible task. An example of why this is can be seen in the House Rental business. The renting out of households holds true to be an extremely lucrative activity for Augusta locals in the month of April, usually resulting in at least a $1,000 per night fare on house rental platforms such as
AirBnb. While the general public is unable to view plain statistics on the housing market during this time, it is said by Masters Housing Bureau’s President and Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce CEO Sue Parr that the rental business for houses is “not as brisk as past years, but homes remain in demand and inquiries continued to come every day leading up to the tournament.” With the information given to the public, the most accurate assessment of the economic impact of the 2021 Masters tournament is that it will have a greater impact than the 2020 Masters, the tournament held without patrons, and a lesser impact than the 2019 Masters, the last one held at full capacity. That answer may seem like a given, but it is really a testament to how secretive Augusta National is with their financial information.
However, the people of Augusta can infer that the economic impact will be significantly more than the 2020 Masters, while only slightly less than the 2019 Masters, according to the reported numbers by hotels and local businesses. The Augusta community can rest assured that if public health permits, the economic impact can return to the height seen in its storied history in the coming years.
Summer 2021 • Phoenix
Responses to Covid:
A Look at the Community by Madeline Burgin A U G U S T A U N I V E R S I T Y 9 • Phoenix
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Augusta University (AU) was thrusted into the 21st century. Associate Vice President and Dean of Students, Dr. Scott Wallace is responsible for student advocacy and the well-being of students. During this pandemic, Wallace and the Dean of Students office addressed disparities of accessibility and health. “Across the world, the pandemic thrusted us into the 21st century. There were things that we were doing because that was the way we had always done them. Now, we have the opportunity to use technology to improve our services and expand our services,” said Wallace. The first hurdle AU had to solve was moving fully online. The university had to address student’s accessibility to technology. “We realized that a lot of students [utilize] the computer labs or that they don’t have computers. There are students going back to homes where they don’t have Wi-Fi or appropriate internet. We have several students that are homeless. There were all these concerns that we had to address in a short amount of
time,” explained Wallace. In collaboration with AU’s Cyber Campus and Informational Technology Services, the Dean of Students office set up an online form to assess student’s situations, distribute technology and highlight resources. “We called students to speak about what options they had,” said Wallace. This program along with disability services helped students understand their options for continuing education and alternate education arrangements. The program will continue in the future due to its success in addressing student’s needs. Many students rely on AU’s food pantry. The Dean of Students office adapted the in-person pantry to an online form and delivery system to supply students. “The other piece to solve when we were teleworking was the food pantry. We developed another form for students who needed to use the food pantry,” he said. In the Dean of Students holistic approach to wellness, Wallace and his team developed the JagsCare call campaign to check on students and provide them with re-
sources during the pandemic. The campaign called over 5,000 undergraduate students. “We did get several students on the calls that said that I’m struggling, I’m lonely, I’m by myself, I haven’t left my house and having trouble connecting with people, I don’t have great internet, I’m using my phone. The various things that we heard were numerous. There were numerous issues. So, what we were able to do was provide them with the resources that we have,” explained Wallace. Both Student Health and Student Counseling & Psychological services began to offer additional programming and information for students through telehealth. Through telehealth, telemental health and virtual programming, “[The Dean of Students office] has been able to do more outreach. We feel like we have the need to do more outreach,” added Wallace. Due to the vaccine, the Dean of Students office is planning to be mostly in-person as an institution and will continue to advocate for students and keep them holistically healthy. “We’ve created things that are going to be lasting because of our response. There are things that came out of the pandemic our students are much better off and we have progressed as an institution tremendously,” said Wallace.
A U H E A L T H
Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of Augusta University Health System, Dr. Phillip Coule is responsible for patient safety and quality of care at AU Health. He was also one of the main leaders of the COVID-19 response. “The idea of health disparities is not a new concept to me. I see it every day,” said Coule. As an emergency physician, Coule is all too familiar with health disparities. Oftentimes, the Emergency Room becomes a catch-all for indigent patients and patients who do not have great health literacy. “This disease really just exploited these underlying health disparities regardless of the cause. This disease essentially exploited all those weaknesses in the system,” He added. Early on, Coule made the connection when looking at the impact of COVID-19, whether it be mortality numbers or case rates, it matched the health index. According to BlueCross and BlueShield, A health index measures the impacts of health conditions to identify the diseases and conditions most affect citizens’ longevity and quality of life. “Any weaknesses or problems within the [health] system, it exposed them and made the gap even bigger,” said Coule. “It’s just heart-wrenching. Especially, Summer 2021 • Phoenix
the way that it has disproportionately affected certain communities.” AU Health addressed these disparities by leveraging their ties with Augusta University, the Medical College of Georgia and with the surrounding community. “AU Health is fortunate because we have a team of people looking at these issues with the Medical College of Georgia… We were fortunate to leverage the health system’s existing relationships with Medical College Georgia and the Georgia Cancer Center [both of which have already been studying health disparities,” said Coule. AU Health also sponsors research and initiatives to help bridge the gap of care that the disparities create. AU Health recently partnered with local Black pastors and churches to help create vaccine distribution sites and address vaccine hesitancy within Black communities. “There’s a distinct pride in this institution and especially [the way] AU Health has [responded] during this pandemic. [It] is a point of pride. We have stepped up and done amazing things for not only our local community but for the state of Georgia and the region. We should carry that as a badge of honor moving into the future,” said Coule.
11 • Phoenix
Early on, Coule made the connection when looking at the impact of COVID-19, whether it be mortality numbers or case rates, it matched the health index.
A U G U S T A
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the city of Augusta has seen a stark increase in unsheltered homelessness and visible encampments as well. In light of the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES), Augusta’s Housing and Community Development (HCD) has been thrust in the spotlight. Director of HCD, Hawthorne Welcher Jr., explained that Augusta is an entitlement city that receives direct funding from the federal government each year based on a variety of factors, which is spread across HCD programs. Augusta’s HCD job is to determine how to allocate these federal funds and create programs for Augustans. “We received $5 million in CARES act money. HCD focused on two main programs at that time. It was funding to be able to help the homeless [and] people who were greatly affected because of [the pandemic] as well as entrepreneurs and small businesses,” said Welcher. The first program that HCD created in March 2020 was Housing First, a hotel relief for the homeless to address people displaced who did not have anywhere to go. “We were able to secure six hotel partners. We worked with Marion E. Barnes Resource Center for the Homeless for intake and assessment. Then, we temporarily placed them in a shelter
or hotel for 60 to 90 days” explained Welcher, “The whole intent is to rapidly rehouse and then formulate a plan to help the persons restabilize. In the end of the day, regardless of cause, we are able to help prevent them from becoming homeless.”
received $6 million in federal funding to help with rental and utilities assistance. “We created a program called Sigh of Relief by partnering with United Way. This allows us now to help tenants within a larger range of income,” said Welcher.
The Housing First program had around 416 nights with a total value of around $200,000.
The Housing First program had around 416 nights with a total value of around $200,000. Part of the CARES act money was allocated to Housing Opportunities for Persons With Aids (HOPWA) to create the Health You Program. “What we created was free nutrition services for these families. We were able to create an infection control, provide PPE and cleaning and disinfecting supplies,” said Welcher. HCD then rolled the Small Business relief program which allowed small businesses to receive forgivable loans. The program assisted around 400-500 local businesses that totaled $750,000 in relief. In January of 2021, HCD
Welcher admits that the way city government is run is much like a business, but he believes that HCD is working to create a lasting impact in Augustans’ lives by creating accountability. “We are making sure that we are not just passing out funding. We are creating an intake process to create housing plans for anyone that we touch. We create plans for people to have stabilization,” said Welcher.
Summer 2021 • Phoenix
H e llo
AN INTERVIEW WITH THE FUTURE PHOENIX ADVISER: dylan wilson
by Jenna Ingalls 13 • Phoenix
How did you find yourself in this new role? I’m a photographer by trade and did my undergrad in journalism at the University of Georgia. After that I worked at a number of newspapers all the way up the east coast and spent some time working at the New York Post. I moved to Savannah where I was a freelance photographer and I got my masters in photography at Savannah College of Art & Design. Now I’m finishing up my third year teaching at AU. I teach a variety of visual communications courses and journalism courses. I’ve been the advisor for The BellRinger student newspaper for three years, so I have some experience in student publications. I’m really looking forward to working with a new publication, the challenges and the excitement that comes along with that. And continuing to serve as a mentor for young journalists.
What are you looking forward to in this position? I’m really excited about the students at the Phoenix continuing to produce amazing journalism and being able to work on longer form stories and really to create some really nice feature pieces for the magazine. What would you like to see the Phoenix accomplish in the coming years? I am really impressed by the Phoenix winning the award last year at CMA. I think the caliber of the students we have working here and the pieces that they’re producing are definitely award worthy pieces. So I think that’s something we should continue to pursue. Any involvement in the community would be great. We’re here to serve the community, and that’s not just the Augusta University community, it’s the wider Augusta community. Any way that we can get involved in the community is going to really help build those relationships which will result in better stories and better journalism.
What were some of your favorite moments as a faculty adviser for the Phoenix magazine? I think the magazine is a chance for students to explore the depth and extent of their own creativity. I like to get out of the way and let them go for it. I’m here to give advice and, hopefully, keep anyone from doing anything that could get them sued. My favorite moments have been when I’ve seen students accomplish something they had no clue they could do—like write an award-winning story or take an award-winning picture or touch someone’s life with a story.
What was your favorite part about being the faculty adviser for the Phoenix? Being able to work so closely with students, especially the student staffs. You really have a chance to get to know that particular group of students, and I enjoy that. Lastly, what piece of advice would you share for future journalists who may join the Phoenix? Get outside of your comfort zone. Do things creatively that scare you, that you don’t know whether you can do successfully. When you do, you’ll see your creativity grow exponentially.
goodbye goodbye
AN INTERVIEW WITH THE CURRENT PHOENIX ADVISER: Dr. van tuyll
by Madeline Burgin Summer 2021 • Phoenix
SUMMER
Aries March 21st – April 19th
Taurus April 20th – May 20th
Gemini May 21st – June 20
Take a hike! Literally. You need adventure, especially as you are transitioning out of pandemic life (safely!). Go somewhere you haven’t before.
Get out of your quarantine nest and nurture your relationships. There’s a difference between relaxation and isolation.
Focus on what you truly want whether academically or romantically. Make the best decision and execute it.
Cancer June 21st – July 22nd
Leo July 23rd – August 22nd
Get out of your shell and your comfort zone. It’s Summer – the time to try new things!
Work on creating a supportive environment, not everyone deserves your energy.
Virgo August 23rd – September 22nd
15 • Phoenix
Make actionable steps to your goals and make sure that the goal is worth it. Keep an open mind for new possibilities.
HOROSCOPE
Libra September 23rd - October 22nd
Scorpio October 23rd - November 21st
Sagittarius November 22nd - December 21st
It’s important to remember that life is short so you need to live it how you want this summer. Find your favorite people and and go on an adventure this summer.
Now that school is over and the world is opening back up, use this summer to catch up on lost time. Open up, meet new people and try out the new local businesses this summer.
It’s no surprise that you like to experience new things Sagittarius, use this summer to do just that. Travel if you can, but you can experience and learn new things at home. Read a book, pick up a new hobby, use this time for self-improvement.
Capricorn December 22nd - January 19th
Aquarius January 20th - February 18th
Pisces February 19th - March 20th
This might feel just like any summer, but recognize it as a new beginning. Say yes to plans and opportunities when they present themselves.
If you’re prone to thinking up fantasies, this is the time to have the summer of your dreams. Whether that means staying in or traveling everyday, live each day however big or small that you want.
All work and no play makes the Capricorn a dull sign. Your time is precious, but don’t over do it this summer. Be sure to take breaks and spend time with the people you care about, work will always be there tomorrow.
Summer 2021 • Phoenix
Tarot Reading
by Jenna Ingalls & Madeline Burgin
Past: Wheel of Fortune The upright wheel of fortune is associated with good luck, destiny, and turning points. This card is a reminder that life is in a constant state of change, and that the bad won’t last forever. For many, 2020 was a terrible year, but the wheel of fortune encourages you to remember that life is never stagnant. As we said goodbye to the year, a new season of highs and lows were on their way. Be optimistic for what is to come.
17 • Phoenix
Present: The Hermit The hermit is a card of introspection, being alone and inner guidance. After 2020, we might still be reeling from the effects of the pandemic, social unrest and upheaval of normal life. This card is encouraging you to slow down and reflect on how you’re feeling and who you want to be. Learn to tune out your distractions, don’t let anything stand in the way of becoming your truest self. It won’t always be an easy journey, FOMO is a very real feeling, but enjoy the process of learning to put your needs first.
Future: The Chariot Pulling the chariot means control, success and action. The year of introspection has lead you to know what you want, and the chariot is telling you to act on it. It’s a card of encouragement, telling you to actively pursue what you know to be best for you. If you’re passive or lose focus, your goals could slip through your finger tips, but remain confident! Have faith in yourself and be ready to fight for what you need as challenges are an inevitable part of life.
IN THE KNOW
ACROSS
2. This company had an unexpected rise in the stock market thanks to a Reddit Meme 4. The wealthiest person in the world 5. She became the first female and black Vice-President 6. This CEO stepped down from Amazon 8. The team that won the Super Bowl 10. This Emmy-winning broadcaster died at the age of 87 in January
DOWN
1. This country banned the wearing of hijabs by minors 3. The first President to be impeached twice 7. This ship caused a halt in global trade operations when it blocked the Suez Canal 9. This person has become the most awarded woman in Grammy history
Summer 2021 • Phoenix
wingspan wingspan wingspan wingspan wingspan wingspan Take a look into the creative expression of Augusta University’s student body.
19 • Phoenix
n n n n n n
Caged, yet feathered. Apart, but together. Separate, yet tethered. Distant, but not a forever. –Rakiyah Lenon
Summer 2021 • Phoenix
Augusta’s Winter by Rakiyah Lenon
21 • Phoenix
Summer 2021 • Phoenix
ZHADEZ by Aryanna Harmon
Senior Graphic Design Major
23 • Phoenix
This senior graphic design student created a magazine company, Shadez, directed towards young adults and college stuents within the African American community. Concept, designs, and photography by Aryanna Harmon
Summer 2021 • Phoenix
by
Ted
ra
Fo
rd
Photography 25 • Phoenix
Summer 2021 • Phoenix
Ceramics
by Mary Besel
27 • Phoenix
Mary Besel is a ceramic artist currently based in Augusta,
Ga. Her work uses fantastical and whimsical creatures as a vehicle to explore internalized perceptions of the human body and mental state. She combines intimate scale and texture in ceramics with themes from childhood fairytales to create positive associations and interactions with her figurines. She will receive her Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts in May of 2021 and plans to continue her education at a graduate level in the near future.
Summer 2021 • Phoenix
Want to see your work here? Contact augustaphoenix@gmail.com
29 • Phoenix
ingspa ingspa ingspa Summer 2021 • Phoenix
THE
PhoenixNEEDS
WRITERS & designers Contact augustaphoenix@gmail.com
