The Liberty Champion March 8 2011

Letter A5 from the Chancellor

flames win big

B1

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Movie goes to Vegas

Volume 28 Issue 16

baker trial

8,000 cupcakes to celebrate

Teen found guilty

Professor’s film premieres at festival

Crystal A. Heavner

Jessica Rowell

cheavner@liberty.edu

jrowell@liberty.edu

A simple DSLR camera, 500watt light bulbs and a shower curtain from Wal-Mart. This was the starting recipe for a short film worthy of the Dam Short Film Festival in Las Vegas.

Yet even with such basic equipment, Liberty University professor Chris Gaumer produced his first short film entitled “Terrific. With Love,” which later shared the screen with Academy Award-winning films at the prestigious film festival.

“This is one of my first efforts at short film,” Gaumer said. “It’s a comedy, somewhat drama. It’s pretty funny, but has darker comedic elements.”

Gaumer, a creative writing professor at Liberty, shot the film almost entirely in his See FILM on A2

Ruth Bibby

time for cake — Kathleen Ostrom, graphic designer, and Mollie Yoder, marketing manager, both from the Office of Promotional Publications help give away 8,000 cupcakes to students after Wednesday’s convocation, which kicked off Liberty’s 40th anniversary.

A Lynchburg teenager was found guilty of murder by the Lynchburg Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court on Monday, Feb. 28.

The boy is being charged as a juvenile since he was only 13 years old when the crime occurred. He faces a maximum penalty of custody of the Department of Juvenile Justice until his 21st birthday.

The youth, along with Vernon Jackson, 16, and Kenneth Jerome Davis, 17, was found guilty for the Sept. 5 killing of George Baker III, 81, of Tempe, Ariz.

Baker was the grandfather of former Liberty student, Leslie Gahagan and was in Lynchburg for his granddaughter’s wedding that day. He was attacked by the boys on Main Street in downtown Lynchburg as he was leaving the wedding reception.

According to Virginia law, those 14 or older who are charged with murder must be tried as an adult and have their records and proceedings open to the public. Since the boy was 13 years old, his sentencing will be determined based on the circumstances of the crime.

The youth is set for a sentencing on April 6. u HEAVNER is a news writer.

Ashley Elia

reaching nations — Students learn the impact of missions through short term trips

Light ready for trips

Trey Smith tsmith21@liberty.edu

Light Ministries (Light), a part of Liberty University’s Center for Global Ministries (CGM), offers students shortterm missions trips each semester. According to the CGM website, Light has existed for the past 20 years, fulfilling more than 220 evangelistic campaigns and sharing the gospel with more than three million people. Since Light began, more than 7,000 students have helped to spread the gospel all over the world.

“As a part of the Center for Global Ministries (CGM), Light Ministries exists to give Liberty students an opportunity to experience missions firsthand on a short-term trip,”

Riding with strangers Lessons to be learned from a murdered Liberty student Taylor Overhultz toverhultz@liberty.edu

O

n July 11, 1979, Liberty Baptist College student Steven John Hofer said goodbye to his friends and packed his car for his return trip home to South Dakota.

Before leaving campus, Hofer stopped to visit the family of Pastor Dane Emerick to drop off a gift for their newborn daughter.

“The day he left he brought a gift for our new baby, a hairbrush and a dress and things,” Pastor Dane Emerick remembered. “He was saying goodbye and see you next year, and then from that point on we never — no one had seen or heard from him again.”

Hofer never made it home.

“I can describe him — curly hair, tall young man and very conservative,” Emerick said. “Really sweet and he loved my daughter.”

Two years later, the body of a

Ruth Bibby

Hitching a ride — Students underestimate the dangers of accepting rides from strangers.

young male was found in a rural area in Clarke County, Ohio.

Officials noted a ‘Jesus First Pin’ and distinctive belt buckle on the body.

A church had paid for the burial of the boy after learning that he

fyi u Virginia Statute 46.2929 says, “Pedestrians shall not stand or stop in any roadway for the purpose of soliciting rides.” was wearing a Jesus First pin. A retired law enforcement official revisited the case of the missing

See MISSIONS on A2

Inside the Champion

News

A1

Opinion

A4

Sports B1

student and found similarities between Hofer and the body found. After linking the pin back to Dr. Jerry Falwell Sr., the official contacted Liberty.

“We told him there was a student missing and then he called the parents and described the belt buckle and they said, ‘That’s our boy,’” Emerick said.

After his true identity was discovered, Hofer’s body was exhumed and later laid to rest in his home state University security assisted in the search for Hofer, but the search focused on his expected route home and were unsuccessful in their efforts.

“The situation was (Clarke County), Ohio was out of the way from the direction he was going,” Emerick said. “There was a point where we were asking why — that’s why no one looked in that direction.”

See Hitchhiker on A3

Feature B6

NEWS

A2/Liberty Champion

March 8, 2011

Faith in action in the Senate

Liberty graduate brings conservative values to Colorado Senate JONATHAN PARKER jparker17@liberty.edu

Kevin Grantham’s journey to the Colorado State Senate began on a hog farm.

A 1992 Liberty University graduate, Grantham raised hogs on his family’s threeacre farm as a child.

His father took him to the bank for a loan and bought a boar, three sows and feed.

“After I turned 10, dad said, ‘Here’s what we need to do,’” Grantham said.

His older brothers learned the value of hard work the same way — raising and selling hogs into their teen years.

“You learn never to GRANTHAM be ashamed of bringing home your own paycheck,” Grantham said.

‘Land of make believe’ Elected to the Colorado State Senate in November, Grantham rolls up his sleeves each day, applying the same work ethic to represent his constituents.

Grantham calls the state capitol “the land of make believe.”

“You are not dealing with people that live in reality,” Grantham said of legislators. “Coming from reality, it’s a bit of a shocker. I think the ‘every man’ aspect of my life, certainly helps so we can bring a voice of reason and sanity in certain circumstances.”

A conservative Republican, Grantham fac-

“

You learn never to be ashamed of bringing home your own paycheck.

”

— Kevin Grantham

es opposition from a Democratic controlled Senate and Democratic Governor. Republicans in Colorado snatched away control of the House by a narrow margin in November.

“It’s not a pleasant atmosphere to try and promote principles of freedom and liberty,” Grantham said. “We still press forward.”

Second amendment rights The Democratic controlled Senate shot down Grantham’s bill aimed at extending the state’s “Make My Day Law,” to allow people to use deadly force to protect themselves at work.

The “Make My Day Law,” named after Clint Eastwood’s popular Dirty Harry character, gives citizens the benefit of the doubt when using deadly force to protect themselves at home, Grantham said.

“The Democrats don’t like the ‘Make My Day Laws,’” Grantham said.

A real estate appraiser, Grantham pushes for second amendment rights.

“Democrats have kept a tight fist on such

legislation,” Grantham said.

Grantham co-sponsored a House bill to create a Vermont-style concealed carry law, allowing citizens to carry concealed weapons without a permit. The bill, which requires citizens to pass the state’s criminal background check to carry, passed the House and awaits Senate action.

The senator also proposed a bill to tighten prosecution for unregistered sex offenders, which is moving closer to becoming law, Grantham said.

Legislative fights Grantham said Colorado’s Republican Attorney General John Suthers teamed up with other GOP leaders to challenge last year’s health care reform legislation in the court.

“ObamaCare is the 800-pound gorilla in the room,” Grantham said, adding states will be forced to implement the bill. “It’s going to add to the bottom line of the state.”

Grantham calls for “repealing that monstrosity.”

“It will cost millions on millions to implement, money that we are already behind the eight ball on,” Grantham said.

Grantham pushes for lower taxes, more freedom and less government, he said.

“I am pressing on how Colorado taxpayers are overtaxed through fees,” Grantham said.

Juggling duties A Colorado native, Grantham represents nine counties in the rural Senate District 2.

Grantham lives in Denver during the week and travels two and a half hours home on the weekend.

“It’s doing the impossible trying to juggle these things,” Grantham said.

Grantham and his wife, Caroline, saved money to avoid doing appraisals during the Senate session.

“I’m not independently wealthy so we had to plan for that over the last couple of years,” Grantham, who has two children, Raychel and Justin, said.

He conducts Town Hall meetings through the district on the weekends, meeting citizens and answering questions.

“Having the life of the ordinary businessman, husband and father helps to just keep you grounded to know what you are here for — to help the people that got you here in the first place,” Grantham, a former Canon City councilman, said.

For the full version of this article, visit our website at www.libertychampion.com. u PARKER is a news writer.

Ashley Elia

CHANGING LIVES — During the trips students are introduced to the impor-

tance of reaching the nations.

Photo Provided

IMPACT — Chris Gaumer stands in front of the theater where the film festival was held. His film “Terrific. With Love.” was well received.

FILM continued from A1 apartment. The lead roles were played by his neighbor Gwynne Gardner and Aadam Keeley, both Liberty students.

“It was a blast working with Chris and all the other people who were involved in the film,” Gardner said of her director. “He knows what he wants and communicates it well. He also encourages improv while shooting, which is always fun.”

The basic premise of the comedic drama follows the journey of a couple in a postfight atmosphere.

Keeley’s character, Josh, awaken to find himself locked in his bedroom, with the words “I’m still mad” scrawled on a window for him to contemplate.

The enigmatically humorous tone is set for the rest of the film, which follows his character’s journey to win back his beloved and regain freedom. In total, “Terrific. With Love,” took six weeks to plan, 10 hours to shoot, and approximately two months to edit.

Regardless of the low budget nature on set, Gaumer kept the atmosphere as profes-

sional as possible, which paid off when the film was later accepted into the Dam Short Film Festival.

“I chose to enter the film in this festival because it was just short films,” Gaumer explained. “It was a good test. It got in, and it was a good feeling. It definitely gave the actors and myself more confidence.”

The annual festival is held just Southeast of Las Vegas at the Boulder Dam Hotel.

Filmmakers, and their peers from across the country, gather to enjoy short films in a variety of categories.

One film featured in the drama category was entitled “God of Love” and went on later to win an Academy Award.

With his first film well received, Gaumer has already confidently embarked on another film project, challenging his creativity in the world of science fiction with a film entitled, “The Blanket Theory.”

“I think it is inspiring to see someone write a script that they are passionate about, then to put it on film and submit it into a festival for others to see,” Gardner said. u ROWELL is a news writer.

MISSIONS continued from A1 assistant director of Light Ryan Donald said.

“The purpose of this is to provide exposure to the needs overseas, specifically the need for Jesus Christ, as well as the opportunity to be involved in the work of missionaries throughout the world.”

Light works with students to prepare them for a future in missions of some aspect.

“Not only are we looking to positively impact the work of those we partner with, but we are also looking to mobilize our students to be passionate about making God known to the world,” Donald said. “Whether this means they will pursue full-time missions work themselves or invest in it as supporters, we desire that our students become lifelong participants in what God is doing throughout the nations.”

Each year, more than 200 students volunteer with Light. Light also has mission mentoring weekends called NextSteps for students who are going into missions fulltime. Up to 80 students volunteer with the program.

“Light Ministries approaches support raising with a biblical focus on relationships with family, friend and the church,” Donald said. “It is important for volunteers to communicate the opportunity and challenge they have been LETTER TO THE EDITOR

1971 UNIVERSITY BLVD, LYNCHBURG, VIRGINIA 24502

Taylor Overhultz EDITOR IN CHIEF

administration

Deborah Huff FACULTY ADVISOR

Ben Lesley

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Amanda Sullivan GRADUATE ASSISTANT

Dominique McKay GRADUATE ASSISTANT

content

Omar Adams

Ashley Bollinger

COPY EDITOR

Katie Bell

photography

NEWS EDITOR

OPINION EDITOR

Kelly Marvel SPORTS EDITOR

Nathan Brown ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

Tiffany Edwards FEATURE EDITOR

Trey Smith ASST. FEATURE EDITOR

Ruth Bibby

PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR

POLICIES & INFO

given by God through letters, e-mails, phone calls, planned events, speaking in churches and emerging forms of communication such as Facebook.”

According to their website, in May Light will visit Asia Minor, Ethiopia, North Africa as well as other places.

“In general, there are several reasons why we will visit the same place on a regular basis,” Donald said. “One reason is because when a team goes back year after year to work with the same ministry, the ministry of one team builds upon the ministry of the teams before it.”

At the beginning of each fall semester, Light presents its trips for the upcoming year at a promotional meeting. Following the meeting, Light begins accepting applications at the Light Ministries in Dorm 17.

“First and foremost, the students who desire to volunteer with us for a short-term trip must be a born-again follower of the Lord Jesus Christ,” Donald said. “In addition, they should be interested in serving others and willing to step out of their own comfort zone to serve Jesus.”

For more information about Light, trips, other parts of CGM and to find applications, visit luglobal.com/light. u SMITH is the asst. feature editor.

The Champion encourages community members to submit letters to the editor on any subject. Letters should not exceed 400 words and must be typed and signed.

The deadline is 5 p.m. Friday. Letters and columns that appear are the opinion of the author solely, not the Champion editorial board or Liberty University.

All material submitted becomes property of the Champion. The Champion reserves the right to accept, reject or edit any letter received — according to the Champion stylebook, taste and the Liberty University mission statement.

John Gosslee CARTOONIST

Chris Scott WEB DESIGNER

Levi Washburn VIDEO EDITOR

Arielei Kinzer

Send letters to:

Designers Briana Kauffman

Liberty Champion Liberty University, Box 2000, Lynchburg, VA 24502

Ryan Mercer

or drop off in DeMoss Hall 1035.

ASST. PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR

GRAPHIC DESIGN GRAPHIC DESIGN

VISIT THE CHAMPION’S WEBSITE AT WWW. LIBERTYCHAMPION.COM. CHECK US OUT ON FACEBOOK.

NEWS

March 8, 2011

Liberty Champion/A3

Exercise becoming extinct Less than 2 percent workout enough ALLYSSA HINCKLE ahinckle@liberty.edu

Pristine rows of treadmills, rowers and stepmills wait to be used.

According to ABC, Centers for Disease Control released a study saying less than two out of ten Americans are getting the recommended level of exercise. Professor Brianne Kilbourne did not bat an eyelash at the statistics.

“It does not surprise me at all. Just because of the luxuries we have in the terms of technology and the pace of life, it’s so fast,” Kilbourne said.

Kilbourne teaches health promotion, athletic training and kinesiology at Liberty University. She said college students typically fall right into that statistic.

The majority of students are simply not making the time to exercise like they should.

Kilbourne blames today’s extensive technology and lack of day-to-day activity. Students are overbooking themselves and exercise is not a priority.

Stephanie DiCesare is a sophomore who only makes it to the gym twice a week. Between academic coaching, tutoring and being a prayer leader, she cannot find time.

“Mentally, exercise helps people,” Junior exercise science major Bethany Smith said.

Smith is an exercise science major.

HITCHHIKING continued from A1 The car was later found outside of the Ohio area. It had been stripped and the license plate removed but officials were able to positively identify the vehicle as Hofer’s.

“That’s why they figure he picked up a hitchhiker,” Emerick said. “He was a timid kid — he wouldn’t have picked up someone that looked rough, but maybe someone who looked in need.”

Though the only memories left of Hofer at Liberty remain on the pages of a local 1981 Daily Advance and in the minds of a few faculty members, the moral of the

Bekah Lohr

STAYING ACTIVE — Deciding to get into shape is a decision that could change a life.

Through her exercise prescription course she is learning to work with individuals at different fitness levels. Smith sees the consequences of not exercising.

“You can see it in everyday things,” Smith said. “You know, walking up stairs. You can tell they have lower self esteem.”

Benjamin Cook, associate director of fitness, has seen an increase in students utilizing

story can still be applied to traveling students today.

“I know your heart aches and you want to help someone and that person hitchhiking could be the greatest person in the world, but you don’t know,” Emerick said.

“It could be a ministry that would be fatal to you.”

Liberty freshman Garrett Grindstaff views hitchhiking as just that — a ministry opportunity.

“This is a major ministry opportunity (because) you are doing this person a huge favor,” Grindstaff said.

“When you invite them into your car you are showing them you care and once they realize that you care about them, the next thing that comes out of your mouth to

Andre

434.660.4367

them is important.”

Most states have law prohibiting the solicitation of rides or assisting solicitors.

In the state of Virginia and specifically in the City of Lynchburg, hitchhiking laws are strictly enforced. Virginia Statute 46.2-929 says, “Pedestrians shall not stand or stop in any roadway for the purpose of soliciting rides.”

“I have been warned several times by different people but people have encouraged me as well,” Grindstaff said.

“There are stories of people who have robbed individuals and even killed them, but I think it goes back to the gut reaction — if your gut instinct is telling you no, then most likely it’s a bad decision.”

Steven

DIAMOND IMPORTS

the LaHaye Student Union’s resources.

“There has been an increase not only in the amount of participants, but also in the class average attendance,” Cook said.

Cook attributed this growing average in part to the growth of the school itself. Smith estimated the LaHaye Student Union accommodates about 4,000 students per day.

There are endless opportunities to be ac-

Despite the risks involved, Grindstaff said he would pick up a hitchhiker alone before doing it with others in the car.

“As a guy, I would much rather pick someone up by myself because if the situation did become dangerous I would be the only one in danger,” Grindstaff said.

Former Senior Campus Pastor Dwayne Carson has admittedly assisted a hitchhiker or two but reluctantly advises students not to follow in his footsteps.

“I attended school in Dallas, Texas but lived here — grew up in Amherst County.

I would have to drive from Dallas to Lynchburg and I would drive alone for 20 hours,” Carson said.

tive at Liberty University, but Kilbourne does not think students should overrate simply being active.

“Do not make the mistake of thinking you need facilities to be active,” Kilbourne said.

“All it takes is a choice. And it will not be easy. “ Kilbourne said the key is to schedule the gym in like schoolwork or any other activity.

“You’re going to have to sweat,” Kilbourne said.

Both Smith and Kilbourne advocate starters do not go too hard too fast. Kilbourne said students just starting can overwork it, then get discouraged and give up.

Smith added first-timers should keep it simple and make it something they enjoy.

Do not be afraid to ask for help, Kilbourne said. The LaHaye Student Center offers personal trainers that can help get students on the right track.

For freshman Alicia Kacinski, exercise is a vital part of her routine. Visiting the gym about five times a week, she enjoys it for more than the exercise.

“I usually use the gym as a study break, because for me running is a stress reliever,” Kacinski said.

Getting started is as simple as walking instead of taking the bus or parking farther away.

Either way, it is the itty-bitty steps that get you started.

“It’s important to remember that you don’t have to have facilities to exercise. It’s about making the choice to be active,” Kilbourne said. u HINCKLE is a news writer.

In his loneliness Carson welcomed a few strangers into his car, offering both a ride and conversation, according to Carson.

Carson advises students that if the decision is made to pick someone up, precautionary measures should take place before pulling over.

“If you pick someone up use your cell phone to tell your parents,” Carson said.

“I picked up — name — at this mile marker.”

Carson also recommends that females should never pick up a hitchhiker and that men should act in larger groups rather than on their own when offering a ride.

“A couple of guys, you’ve got an empty seat — I think you’ve got a Good Samari-

tan moment there,” Carson said. “But you have to always be alert — the last thing you need to be thinking is that every person you meet is going to kill you, but you should always be alert.”

Carson does not advocate breaking the law and advises students to hold the laws of each state in high regard.

“I encourage obedience of the law — know the laws of your state,” Carson said.

“That means if you’re picking someone up your most likely going to do it at a rest stop or gas station.” u OVERHULTZ is the editor in chief

Moes Southern Style Hot Wings Thursday: College Night 5:00pm - 10:00pm

Specializing In High Quality Diamonds For Engagements And Other Treasured Occasions.

• 6pc. $4.35 • 12pc. $5.75 • 20pc. $7.85 *College ID Required

We recommend ideally proportioned, colorless (D,E,F) diamonds that are certified by G.I.A. or A.G.S. and are laser inscribed for your protection.

Feel free to CALL with any questions you may have, or to schedule an appointment. It is our pleasure to be of any assistance. 434.660.4367

NEWS TIP? To report a news tip, call 582-2428 or e-mail luchampion@liberty.edu.

Caution: Flamable 20722 Timberlake Rd. Next to Big Lots Call: 434-237-9006

Opinion

March 8, 2011

The 2012 Olympic outcry ANDREW GULA jagula@liberty.edu

If you have not seen the official logo of the 2012 Olympics, then you are behind the times. In the past week, this little symbol has caused something of an uproar in the Middle East.

The logo itself is a pretty simple affair and is absolutely unworthy of any kind of controversy. It is a jagged rendition of the numbers, “2,” “0,” “1” and “2.” On the first “2” is the word “London,” signifying the location of the Olympics. On the neighboring “0” is the traditional Olympics symbol, the five interlocking circles.

“The London 2012 logo represents the figure 2012, nothing else. We are surprised that (a) complaint has been made now,” was the official comment of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to the Iranian complaints, according to an article on Guardian.co.uk.

Obviously, figuring out what this symbol is intended to “say” is not rocket science.

But, according to the Iranian National Olympic Committee, the symbol looks like the word “Zion.” Being a country that is strongly and openly anti-Israel, the Iranians seemed to take this like a blatant insult of their political and religious beliefs.

While it is clearly a bogus claim, it has expanded into a surprisingly messy ordeal. Since the Olympics is an international organization, the IOC has to go to surprising lengths to try to smooth over an issue that really does not even deserve a

As a 21-year-old woman, I still feel and act the same way about guys as I did during puberty.

I had just grown out of my baby fat and discovered contacts. I thought I was a goddess, despite the braces and lack of makeup how-to. I would station myself outside of Will Helms’ first period class just so he would see me. Of course, we had never spoken and he didn’t know I existed, but I still knew everything about him and hoped that one day he would walk out of that door and there I would be, hair blow-

Google Images

glance by an organization that has a world-wide event to plan.

Bahram Afsharzadeh, the secretary general of Iran’s National Olympic Committee, sent a letter of complaint to the IOC. The purpose of this letter was pretty straightforward — either change the logo, or run the risk of having other countries who are anti-Israel back out of the Olympics altogether.

“There is no doubt that negligence of the issue from your side may affect the presence of some countries in the games, especially Iran which abides by commitment to the values and principles,” Afsharzadeh said in the letter, according to a FoxNews.com article.

This letter is almost laughably serious and is certainly taking an extremely direct approach to this menial “problem,” if it can be called that.

Fortunately for all involved — excluding anti-Israel countries, of course — the IOC shows absolutely no signs of giving in to such absurd claims. In an interview with BBC sport, Jacques Rogge, the IOC president, seemed surprised that

ing from a manufactured wind and a faint, angelic glow radiating from behind me. Everything would slow down and he would begin walking my way, realizing the whole time that I was the 12-year-old girl for whom he had been waiting. Celine Dion would be playing softly from some far off place, and he would take my hand and walk with me down the hall as everyone else stood to the side and clapped.

This scenario never played out. Instead, I “dated” the kid with the rolling book bag that invited me to the 6th grade dance through a note given to me by his friend. He stood me up — I’m not bitter.

I say this because I am still that girl, wanting to be seen and set apart from the other girls. I still want someone to see me and say “her.” But like many girls, I analyze every word and hang on every kind gesture of guys that I am close to, hoping that he has realized he can’t live without me.

I was perusing Facebook yesterday when I clicked on a picture posted by one of my friends that captured a scene from the movie “He’s Just Not That Into You.” The photo is of Ginnifer Goodwin’s character, Gigi, and Justin Long’s

anyone would actually have expected them to change the logo.

“We will quietly reply, telling (Iran) the logo has nothing to do with racism or any political connotation. With the logo, with scissors and some glue you can do whatever you want,” Rogge said in the BBC sport article.

Well done, Mr. Rogge. I could not have said it better myself.

It is completely ridiculous that any country’s Olympic committee could expect the IOC to change its chosen (and expensive) logo on a whim, simply because it was offended by something that the logo clearly does not symbolize.

The real issue that the IOC has professed having with this complaint is that it comes at such a random time. The logo was announced sometime during 2007, not long after it was announced that the 2012 Olympics would be hosted in London. Yet here we are, four years later, and the complaints are just starting to emerge.

It seems odd that, at a time where civil outrage is so prominent in the Middle East, Iran would choose to try and make this into such a big deal. Is it a part of some grander scheme, perhaps, or just a country’s leadership showing that it is tired of how events are going in the world and wanting to try and change something?

There is no real way to know, but it is blatantly obvious that the IOC is hearing none of it.

Dear symbol of the 2012 Olympics, fear not. The IOC is on your side. u GULA is an opinion writer.

character, the relationship expert Alex, discussing guys over dinner. Scrolled across the photo is the advice he gives to Gigi: “If a guy wants to be with a girl, he will make it happen, no matter what.”

Shot to the heart — I literally clutched my chest after seeing it. Years of private conversations between my girlfriends, asking for advice and interpreting the words of the opposite sex were suddenly stupid to me. Who are we kidding, girls?

If a guy really wants to be with us, he’s going to make it happen. Here is what your friends will never openly admit to you — stop looking for signs and understand that if they aren’t downright telling us how they feel, they just aren’t that into us.

OPINION

March 8, 2011

Liberty Champion/A5

letter to the editor

From the Chancellor

Falwellcommentsonacademicchanges Editor’sNoteChancellorJerryFalwellJr.wrotealettertotheeditortofurtherexplainLibertyUniversity’sdecisiontomakechangesto thecurrentacademicprocessinreferencetoseveralcommentsreceived fromstudentsandfaculty.BelowisFalwell’snotetothestudentsand faculty.Studentsandfacultyareencouragedtosubmitquestionsand comments to luchampion@liberty.edu.

Google

BENCHED — BYU player Brandon Davies’ actions could cost his team their shot in the Big Dance.

Honor at all costs KELLY MARVEL krmarvel@liberty.edu

Losing a player to injury just a fewweekspriortoanationaltournamentisabigdeal,butithappens tomostteamsatsomepointintheir history. But losing a player to an honorcodeviolationissomething that few schools have to face.

Brigham Young University (BYU),affiliatedwiththeChurch ofJesusChristofLatter-DaySaints, wasforcedtosuspendsophomore forwardBrandonDavieslastweek becauseheadmittedtohavingpremarital sex with his girlfriend.

BYU’shonorcoderequiresthat studentsshould“liveachasteand virtuouslife,”accordingtotheWashingtonPost.Thisincludesrefraining frompremaritalsexualrelations.

Davies,whoaveraged11.1points andateam-leading6.2rebounds pergame,wassuspendedfortheremainderoftheseasonlastTuesday, anddecisionsabouthisfuturewith theschoolandteamarestillundetermined.

The6-foot-9forwardwasinstrumentalinBYU’ssuccessthisseason.

PriortoDavies’suspension,theteam wasrankedNo.3intheESPN/USA Todaycoaches’polland,accordingto AndyKatzofESPN.com,theywere put on the No. 1 seed line for the Westdivisioninthelatestbracketology report.

After Davies’suspension, the CougarslosttounrankedNewMexico,82-64,andlosttheirchancesofa topseed.Manypeople,fansandreportersalike,aresayingthatDavies’ punishmentistooharsh,orthathis suspensionshouldhavebeenheld untiltheteam’stournamentrunwas over.

BYU’sheadcoachDaveRosedisagreeswiththeseaccusations,according to an article on ESPN.com.

“EverybodywhocomestoBYU,

everystudentifthey’reanathleteor notanathlete,theymakeacommitmentwhentheycome,”Rosesaid in the ESPN.com article.“A lot of peopletrytojudgeifthisisrightor wrong,butit’sacommitmentthey make.It’snotaboutrightorwrong.

It’s about commitment.”

Collegesanduniversitieswhose basketballteamsplaywellenough togetintothebigdancegarnera greatdealofmediaattentionfrom theevent.BYUwillmostlikelynot makeittothefinalfour,butthey gainedplentyofmediaattentionby upholdingtheirprinciples.Itwould havebeeneasytoignoreDavies’ fauxpasandlethimplaybutschool officialsdecidedthattheuniversity’s integritywasmoreimportantthana potential seat in the final four.

NotableBYUalumniwhoparticipatedintheirathleticprogram supporttheiralmamater’sdecision.

DannyAingeeplayedforBYUprior to his long NBA career.

“Yougothroughtwointerviews andsignacontractsayingyou’ll upholdthehonorcode,”saidAinge, whoispresidentofbasketballoperationsfortheBostonCeltics,told FoxSports.com.

BYUmadethecorrectrulingregardingDavies’honorcodeviolation.LikeRosesaid,studentswho choose to go to BYU, including athletes,agreeandsigntoobeythe honorcode.Daviesbrokethecode, andheisnowsufferingtheconsequences.Anyotherstudentwould havethesamefate,sowhyshoulda studentathletebetreatedanydifferently?EventhoughBYUhad,and perhapsstillhas,averygoodshotat theFinalFour,BYUadministration waswillingtoforgoanalmostguranteedspotinthefinalfortouphold and enforce the honor code. u MARVEL editor.

is

the

sports

I

asked our Provost, Dr. Ron Godwin, andhisstaffaboutoneyearagotocarefullyreviewallofourexistingacademic programsbeforeweproceededwiththe launchofnewprogramsandtheconstructionof newacademicfacilities.Ibelieved this audit was the prudent coursetofollowbeforeamajor expansion.Ididn’treallyexpect muchtocomeofit,butwhatDr. Godwin’sstaffdiscoveredwas alarming.Althoughtheyfound thatalargenumberofveryworthy changeshadbeenmadetoshore upLiberty’sacademiccredibility, unfortunatelytheyalsofound manyinefficiencieshadcreptinto FALWELL our academic programs.

Forexample,Dr.Godwinfound asignificantnumberofcourses withfewerthanfivestudents;yetthesesame coursesweremeetingeverysinglesemester.He foundasignificantnumberofprograms(stringsof courses)withlessthan20students.Many“pilot” courseshadbeeninitiatedbutnoprocessexistedto evaluatetheirsuccessorlackofsameandveryfew “pilot” courses had ever been cancelled.

Largeamountsofreleasetimehadbeengranted tomanyprofessorsforawidevarietyofreasons.

Thismeansthattheseprofessorswerebeing releasedfromteachingsomeorevenmostof thehoursrequiredbytheircontractsforreasons likeservingonacommitteeorperformingsome administrativefunctionordoingpersonalresearch.

Whilemanyofthesereasonswerejustified,the sheeramountofthereleasetimethathadbeen awardedhadbecomeenormousOneproblem regardingreleasetimeisthatmanyofthereleases werebeingcontinuedlongaftertheoriginalpurposeforthereleasewasgone.Dr.Godwinfound theequivalentof60fulltimeprofessorsinthe residential program on release.

Oneofthemostamazingthingstomewasthat certainprofessorswhohadthemostreleasetime —upto30hours—werestillteachingthemost overloadcourses.Now,thismightbethenorm atolder,establisheduniversitiesbutitisapattern thatwewanttoavoidhereatLiberty.Wewillonly continuetogrowandachieveaslongaswekeep bureaucraticoverheadundercontrolandcontinue to operate efficiently.

Afterthesediscoveriesweremade,Dr.Godwin spentmonthsworkingwithhisacademicleadershipanddeanstocorrecttheproblems.Atmost universities,theonlyfixwouldhavebeenmass terminations,butbecauseLibertyhasabooming onlineprogram(240percentgrowthinthelast fewyears),wewereabletooffereveryresident

professornotbeingfullyutilizedbyLibertyajob atthesamepayandbenefitstheyarenowearning, teachingamixofonlineandresidentialcourses.

Notoneprofessorhasbeenterminatedaspartof thisplan.Instead,theyhavebeenreassignedwhere theyareurgentlyneededandwheretheirexperienceandspiritualmaturitywillgreatlybenefit thefacultyteamstheyarereinforcing.And,asour residentialprogramgrowsoverthenextfewyears, manyofthemmayverylikelymovebackintofull time residential teaching.

Thedeanofeachschoolchosewhich professorstomovetoFlexcontracts, meaningthatmostwillteachamixof residentialandonlinecourses.Iamnot surewhatallthecriteriawerethatthe deansusedtochoosewhichprofessorsshouldgotoFlex.ButIdoknow theypurposelyattemptedtochoose seasonedfacultywithsolidskillsand maturespiritualqualitiessothatwe wouldbeshoringupandstrengtheningtheonlineteamsthesereassigned facultyare,inpart,joining.Theideathat theprofessorschosenwereconsidered tobesomehowinferiorissimplyamyth.Nothing couldbefurtherfromthetruth.Wehavetorelyon ourdeanstomakethesedecisionsbecausethey bestknowtheteachingstrengthsofeachfaculty member.

The bottom line is that Liberty was able to reassignacertainnumberofprofessorswithout impactingnegativelythesizeofclassesorthefaculty/studentratiointheresidentprogram.Ifany programswithfewerthan20studentsenrolledare eliminated,allexistingstudentsinthoseprograms willbeabletocompletetheirdegreerequirements.Inthelongrun,thisisaverypositivething forLibertyanditsstudents.Now,wecanmove forwardtodevelopnewprogramsandimprovethe programswehavewithourresidenthouseinorder andouronlinedivisionnewlyinfusedwithveteran talent.

Dr. Godwin did a phenomenal job in my opinionofreassigningfacultywithoutnegatively impactinganyfacultymembersfinancially.One ofthecomponentsofthesepositivechangesisa newCollegeofGeneralStudies.Thiswillallow ustodeployfacultymemberstotheCGSwho feelcalledtoremediatestudentsweacceptthat havespecialneedsforhelpinonecourseareaor another.Notallfacultymembershavethiscalling andtheonesthatdonotwillcontinuetoteachin upperlevelspecializedcourses.IfeelthattheCGS willalsohelpmorestudentsgraduateontime.

Forstudents,thechangeswillmeananenhancedacademicexperienceacrosstheboard, plain and simple.We have to remember the studentsarethereasonwearehere.Asadministrators,wehaveafiduciaryobligationtostudentsto operatetheuniversityasefficientlyandaseffectivelyaspossible.Thesechangeswerenecessaryto accomplish that goal.

A6/Liberty Champion

NEWS

March 8, 2011

Sgt. Stephanie Gardner: Translating Babel OMAR ADAMS oadams@liberty.edu

Upon graduating high school in 2000, Stephanie Gardner followed family tradition and joined the military. She signed up with the U.S. Marine Corps just in time to take action when the world changed on Sept. 11, 2001.

Gardner was two months into her Arabic course at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, Calif. when the 9/11 tragedy happened.

Gardner and the other students were in formaSGT. STEPHANIE GARDNER tion that morning when the first plane hit, and none of their instructors showed up.

Gardner said it was “really intense” because the teachers were all native to Iraq, Egypt or Lebanon.

“None of the teachers from our teaching group … showed up that day, and most of them, when they came back the next day, had reported being harassed in some way or another,” she said. “By then everyone knew some Arabic terrorist group had done it.”

Gardner deployed to Iraq in 2004 as part of the 2nd Radio Battalion where she was the assistant team leader for a “Prophet Hammer” collections platform.

Prophet Hammer is an intelligence-gathering system, and Gardner ran a shift of cryptologic linguists who translated both audio conversations and printed documents non-stop.

According to Gardner, the work got tedious.

“That’s what people don’t understand,” she said. “Everything you do over there is boring until something happens, then you’re frantic for about 10 minutes, and then it’s all over, and you’re bored again.”

Photo Provided

WELCOME HOME — Stephanie Gardner along with two of her comrades at Camp Fallujah in Iraq. Gardner, a sergeant in the Marine Corps, signed up for service one year before the 9/11 tragedy.

Aside from the tedium Gardner said it was difficult just joining the military as a woman.

She had to work twice as hard to be accepted as equal, and some men still did not think she should be there. She said it would make a feminist out of any woman.

“I don’t want to make it sound like I was constantly harassed because there were plenty of guys who worked well with me and accepted me, and we helped each other,” she said. “But for every one of those there’s another one waiting for you to struggle with something so that they can point it out as a weakness and a reason you shouldn’t be there.”

Gardner said succeeding in the Marines was all about attitude.

“I would say that it takes a specific kind of

female to join and be successful in the military, and most especially the Marines, but it’s a mental effort more than a physical one,” she said. “Anyone can learn to run three miles and do some sit-ups, but from the beginning the goal of the Marines is to break you down and build you into something better, and if you’re not strong enough mentally to do that, that’s where your trouble starts.”

Gardner left the Marine Corps in 2005 to work with government contractors in Iraq.

She worked as a team leader for MVM, a private security firm, and a site manager for L-3 Communications Titan Group. All together, Gardner stayed 14 months in Iraq after leaving the Marine Corps.

After finishing her contracting work, Gard-

ner decided to return to school. Her Marine chaplain happened to be a graduate of Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary and directed her to Liberty University.

She started at Liberty in January 2008 and is studying music education with minors in linguistics and strategic intelligence.

Gardner intends to start her own school some day, but for now, she has no definite plans.

“People always ask me (what I’m going to do after graduation), and I give a different answer every time,” she laughed. u ADAMS is the copy editor.

NEWS

March 8, 2011

Liberty Champion/A7

Photo

provided

CHANGES TO COME— A welcome center will greet students to campus next fall. The center will be a one-stop shop for students, alumni and families and include a Liberty University Museum and Jerry Falwell Museum.

Out with the Old, In with the New BRITTANY LAIRD bhlaird@liberty.edu

In response to the rapidly growing school, Liberty has begun construction of a new welcome center where the old Hancock Athletic Center once stood. The goal is to better accommodate visitors and potential students who are interested in learning more about the school.

“As I have understood, its doors are to open Sept. 1,” caretaker of the Jerry Falwell Museum, Paula Johnson said.

Johnson was one of the first students to attend Liberty when it opened in 1971.

“I’ve seen it grow from absolutely nothing to this huge school on the mountain,” Johnson said.

“It is amazingly thrilling for me to see it and I am very grateful to be part of documenting that history.”

Based on the current plans, the new welcome center will be similar to DeMoss in its appearance.

“We are trying to continue on with the Jeffersonian architecture theme,” Askew said.

The building will consist of three levels, each having a specific, designated purpose. The plans for the top floor are still in the process of being determined.

The lowest level of the welcome center will be built in a manner similar to that of a full walkout basement according to Askew. This will be made up of the theater, which is currently located in DeMoss, the Jerry Falwell museum and the new 40th Anniversary museum.

The current welcome center in DeMoss will be relocated on the main level of the new building. This floor will also have a banquet facility

that will be used for Friendly Friday lunches according to Askew.

There will also be a large patio located on the back of the building, overlooking the soccer field. This will be used for outdoor functions.

The welcome center will be one of the first buildings seen upon entering the campus. Special effort has been made to give this building an appealing appearance.

“You know you only get one shot at a first impression,” Askew said.

A rotunda will add to the appearance of the building. Once inside the welcome center, visitors will be able to look up into the dome from every level in the building. An octagonal opening will be present in the floors of the top two levels.

The name of this new building will be the Hancock Welcome Center, transferring the

name from the old building which once stood in that location. The donation for the original building was given by Arthur L. Williams and his wife, Angela, in honor of her parents Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Hancock. Williams Stadium is a result of another large donation from the Williams family.

“We tried to figure out a way to remodel the old Hancock building but it didn’t make economical sense for where we wanted to go,” Askew said.

“I’m excited to see what the new building is going to look like when I come back next semester,” junior Casey Knight said. “I think it will represent our school very well.” u LAIRD is a news writer.

Stepson of C.S. Lewis speaks at convocation CRYSTAL HEAVNER

Gresham challenged students to be mindful of their conduct as Christ followers, and to be certain they were continually pursuing his will.

Gresham told students before he began his producing career, he had asked God never to make him a minister or a counselor. A few years later God made him both of those things when

cheavner@liberty.edu

Clad in knee high boots and a large cross necklace, Douglas Gresham, stepson of British author C.S. Lewis, addressed students in Convocation Monday Feb. 28.

Gresham is the artistic director of the Narnia series and recently wrote a personal biography of Lewis entitled Jack’s Life.

In a rich British accent, Gresham told of his testing American childhood, growing up with Lewis and his own producing, counseling, ministering and writing careers.

Gresham lived with Lewis for 10 years, from the time Lewis married Gresham’s mother until Lewis’ death in 1963.

His first impression of the man he already knew as the author of some of his favorite books was a scholarly-looking man “dressed in probably the shabbiest clothes I’ve ever seen with nicotine stained fingers and teeth.”

“I lost an illusion and gained a very great stepfather,” Gresham said of their meeting.

Gresham gave students a glimpse into the life of Lewis by telling about his life, growing up as Lewis’ adopted son.

“I just thought it was really neat to hear his stepson give a personal glimpse into a man’s life that we only know from the biographies we read,” Liberty student Lauren Umstead said.

Gresham attributes the success of Lewis’ writings over the span of several decades to super-

he and his wife managed a home for women struggling with psychological issues.

“When the Holy Spirit gives you a job to do it can be very difficult, but it can also be very rewarding,” Gresham said. u Heavner is a news writer.

w

University Advancement Photo

NOT A TAME LION — Douglas Gresham spoke at convocation last Monday on working with Narnia and growing up with C.S. Lewis.

natural forces.

“While Jack wrote all these stories down, I firmly believe the Holy Spirit was behind them.”

Gresham has dedicated his time to making Lewis’ works known to a new generation of readers and viewers. He has helped produce film versions of Lewis’ books, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, Prince Caspian and The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.

Come

’ n i k o o C s ’ t a h w e e s

at Doc’s!

Enjoy delicious food in an environment that is fun for the whole family.

Sunday - Thursday 7 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Friday & Saturday 7 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Weekly Specials • Monday: Buy 1 Entree, Get 1 Half Off • Tuesday: 50 Cent Wings • Wednesday: Buy 2 Entrees, Get An Appetizer Half Off • Thursday: All-You-Can-Eat Pasta Night for $12.99

3921 Wards Rd.

212 Liberty Mountain View Rd, Lynchburg VA, 24502 434-582-2888

NEWS

A8/Liberty Champion

March 8, 2011

Ending war one movie at a time

Invisible Children uses media to change the world BETSY ABRAHAM Babraham3@liberty.edu

T

wenty-five years ago, a war began in northern Uganda that has consequently robbed an entire generation of their childhood and caused the lives of millions to be ruled by fear and violence.

But it is time for the war to end.

The Liberty chapter of Invisible Children (IC) is seeking to end the war, which is taking place over 7,300 miles away, through awareness and the power of the media.

At the group’s movie screenings, representatives (known as roadies) from IC are present to tell students about what is going on in Uganda and how they can get involved.

At the chapter’s latest screening, which took place at the Residential Annex on March 3, a group of 110 students gathered to hear from these roadies and watch the documentary, “Tony.”

The film follows the story of Tony, a former night commuter in northern Uganda. Like thousands of other Ugandan children, Tony spent his childhood sleeping in abandoned buildings patrolled by one or two guards outside of his village so that he would not be kidnapped and violently forced to join the Lord’s Resistance Army.

In 2010, Tony was able to visit America as part of IC’s team and speak on behalf of the children in northern Uganda. The film follows him as he shares his story and becomes close friends with Nate Henn, an IC worker.

In July 2010, Henn was given the opportunity to live out his lifelong dream of going to Uganda to visit Tony and see firsthand all the things he had heard about and dedicated his life to. During his

Bekah Lohr

SPEAKING OUT — Invisible Children representative informs Liberty students of the needs in northern Uganda through a film entitled ’Tony.’

trip, Somali terrorists bombed the rugby field where Henn was watching a televised version of the World Cup Final and consequently killed Henn and more than 70 others.

A month after losing a close friend, Tony was on the road again, continuing to spread the message Henn died for and pleading with people to help Uganda.

“The movie gives a sense of urgency,” said Lauren Edwards, president of the Liberty IC chapter.

“Terror follows Tony everywhere.

Anytime something good happens to him, something bad happens in return. But he leaves his home country to come to America and pour out his entire life to beg

people to pay attention and to call them to action.”

Fellow IC member Gabriella Peguero said Tony’s life serves as a wake-up call.

What he’s doing is leaving everything that’s comfortable and going on behalf of Uganda and this tour. It brings an awareness that we can’t be confined to this day. We can’t live our lives as if the rest of the world isn’t being affected by evil. What action are we taking?”

Peguero said.

Junior Randy Carroll has been involved with the school IC chapter since its inception in 2009.

According to Carroll, though fundraising is important, the organiza-

tion needs more than money.

“The thing they need most are supporters,” Carroll said. “Throwing money at the problem isn’t what’s going to fix it. Ultimately it comes down to the dedication of the people raising awareness for it and talking about it,” Caroll said.

Peguero echoes this belief, saying that while there is nothing wrong with supporting a cause by buying merchandise, true support goes a lot deeper.

“This organization has really defined the T-shirt activist and those that actually do something,” Peguero said. “You could just buy the merchandise or actually find ways to be active in helping out.”

There are plenty of ways someone can actively get involved in the work IC is doing. Currently, the chapter is looking for more people to get involved.

According to Carroll, the chapter needs people to help set up and put on events, but also creative people who can think of and execute fundraising ideas.

Students can also participate in IC’s upcoming 25 event, which will help raise money for rehabilitation centers in Uganda. During the 25-hour event, which takes place in April, participants will take a vow of silence and raise money for the center by setting up their own personal page through the IC website.

At the end of Thursday night’s screening there was a worship and prayer time, intended to give movie goers the opportunity to reflect on what they had just seen and let them know the prayer needs of Uganda and IC. Movie attendees also signed two vintage quilt covers donated by Edwards’ mother. One of these will be given to Tony and the other to the Henn family.

“We want both bodies to know that while you may have never even heard of Liberty University, we are praying for you and thinking of you. We’re there for them,” Edwards said.

For more information about Invisible Children, check out www. invisiblechildren.com To find out how to get involved with the Liberty chapter of Invisible Children, visit their Twitter (lus4s), Facebook page (Invisible Children Liberty University Chapter) or e-mail them at invisible childrenlu@gmail.com. u ABRAHAM is a news writer.

March 8, 2011

Les Schofer

TEAM LEADERS — Senior Rachel McLeod and her family, along with fellow seniors Dymond Morgan and Kittery Maine, celebrated four years of success at Liberty Friday night. The night was capped with a 72-58 win over UNC Asheville to clinch the No. 1 seed in the Big South Tournament.

Lady Flames clinch No. 1 seed on senior night DERRICK BATTLE dbattle2@liberty.edu

Senior night for Dymond Morgan, Rachel McLeod and Kittery Maine ended with an exclamation point to usher out the trio’s careers. The Lady Flames topped UNC Asheville 72-58 in the second to last home game of the season.

The Bulldogs opened the game on a 13-4 run favoring execution to the Lady Flames emotion.

“There was a lot of emotion going on during senior night, but we have to give UNC Asheville credit for coming out a little more focused,” head coach

Carey Green said. “They are a well coach team and played better on the road this year.”

After settling down, the Lady Flames answered with a 13-2 run, eventually taking a thirteen point lead late in the first half. Although the Lady Flames played consistent defense, holding the Bulldogs to 34 percent shooting from the field, turnovers plagued them on offense. The Lady Flames committed nine turnovers in the first half which helped the Bulldogs reduce the double-digit lead to eight. By halftime Liberty led 33-25, thanks to Avery Warley’s 14 points and five rebounds. UNC Asheville

was able to stay relevant and kept the score close because of Kendall Shepard’s 10-point first-half effort.

The Bulldogs continued to claw their way back into the game, coming within five points of the Lady Flames.

Turnovers continued to derail the Lady Flames in the second half and the Bulldogs converted off of those mistakes. “(We knew) that it was a mistake and (it is) nothing we can do anything about, we just have to keep executing,” Warley said.

Liberty began to heat up in the second half, shooting 54 percent from the field, mainly due to half of their

total points in the paint. Liberty outrebounded UNC Asheville 47-26, which enabled them to scored 21 second chance points.

Towards the end of the game, Devon Brown began to stretch Liberty’s slim lead. Brown scored 13 consecutive points, ultimately finishing the game with a team-high 27 points.

“Devon is an elite player and she came ready to play, it was good to see her finish out strong and hopefully she can use this [game] to continue on into Monday’s game and into the Big South Tournament. It is good seeing the old Devon Brown back.” Green said.

See WOMEN’S BASKETBALL on B3

Women’s lacrosse begins second season with win KELLY MARVEL krmarvel@liberty.edu

The beginning of a season starts with a clean slate.

No games, no crowds. No goals, no assists. No wins, no losses.

Every team starts over at the beginning of a new season, no matter what happened during last season.

The Lady Flames lacrosse team knows what it feels like to have a disappointing season, but they realized that a new season means new beginnings. And for the Lady Flames, new beginnings means winning.

The Lady Flames opened their second season at home March 1 against St. Francis (Pa.). In front of a rowdy crowd, filled with posters and vuvuzela-blowing fans, the Lady Flames played an explosive game, winning a nail-biting 11-10 match.

“This year, having nine home games and having two of them being our first two games of our season, is amazing,” head coach Regan Denham said. “I know the girls were so excited at practice (Monday).

We practiced in the rain and even with that they were psyched to have the first home game, and to come

away with a win is just unbelievable.”

The Lady Flames had a busy first half, with nine goals scored by five different players. Several of the new freshman showed that they were out to win.

Freshman Nina Dunay scored four goals for the Lady Flames and added two assists. Freshman Karis Walborn added two goals and freshman Jen Moyer also found the net once for the Lady Flames.

With four goals by St. Francis, the second half started out quiet for the Lady Flames until junior captain Kristen Crowley put one on the board at the 12:53 mark. With St. Francis adding just one more goal to tie the game at 10 a piece, the Lady Flames shut down the Lady Red Flash offense. Dunay found the net with the winning goal — her fifth goal of the game.

With opening the season at home and coming off a tough first season, the win meant quite a bit for the Lady Flames. “(My goals for the team) are to win more games than last year,” junior captain Chloe McIntosh said.

“We’re tied right now with our record from last See WOMEN’S LACROSSE on B3

Arielei Kinzer

DEFENSE — Junior captain Chloe McIntosh intently defended the Lady Flames goal in the first two home games of the season.

B2/Liberty Champion

SPORTS

March 8, 2011

Chris Mabes

HOT START — Junior catcher Casey Rasmus and the men’s baseball team scored 28 runs against Binghamton and took two out of three games in their home opener.

Flames win two in first home series KATHERINE LACAZE kelacaze@liberty.edu

After a rough start to the season, the Liberty Flames baseball team managed to improve its hitting and work against the time constraints of two seven-inning games to win two of its three first home games against Binghamton this past weekend at Worthington Stadium.

“We had a pretty tough two weekends

before this, so we had to work really hard at practice to make sure we didn’t have the same mishaps as we did before,” junior shortstop Matthew Williams said.

Senior pitcher Keegan Linza said he feels that the team’s slower start impacts the rest of the season.

“Every game is important, but especially now that we have started out slower than we expected,” Linza said.

Although the team managed to get nine runs in its last game of the series against North Florida, the rest of the games this season have brought in very few runs for the Flames.

However the games against Binghamton were different. The Flames scored 12 runs in their win on Friday night and nine runs in their Saturday win. Even the game that they lost was a high-scoring one.

“Our bats have really come alive this weekend,” Linza said. “We’re starting to score more runs than we have the first two weekends, so that is a positive sign. Also, it’s nice to be home and have the fan support.”

The Flames had their struggles during the series with a loss in the first game on Saturday, but the explosion of the bats encouraged the team.

“We hit the ball pretty well,” Williams said.

“A couple of mishaps right in the middle of the game caused the loss, but the second game we came out and swung the bats like we know we can.”

Coming into the series, the Flames knew that Binghamton could hit fairly well, and they saw that proven during Saturday’s loss, according to senior second baseman Austin Taylor.

“We gave up two really big hits to them,” Williams said. “One ball down the baseline

brought in three runs, and they ended up hitting a grand slam … Just two big hits for them was the only difference.”

Taylor said that they were all disappointed with the loss on Saturday, but felt like they were able to gather themselves together and come back for a high-scoring win in the second game of the doubleheader.

According to Linza, Williams and Taylor, working with only seven innings in both games on Saturday forced the team to take a strong lead early on.

“Obviously the seven inning games go by a lot faster,” Taylor said. “We knew off the bat that we’d have to take advantage of every opportunity because we wouldn’t have a chance late in the game to make up for lost ground.”

According to Linza, they were able to do that in the second game with the team scoring seven runs on six hits in the fourth inning and an overall total of nine runs. Taylor put on a very solid performance, hitting his first homerun of the season and scoring four more of the Flames total.

The Flames next game will be at home against the College of William and Mary on March 8 at 3 p.m. u LACAZE is a sports writer.

wrestling recap

Ruth Bibby

The Liberty Flames wrestling team won its fifth-straight NCAA East Regional Champion Sunday in the Vines Center. Four Flames earned weight-class titles and head coach Jesse Castro was awarded Coach of the Year for the fourth time.

Freshman Robert Jillard won the 125-pound weight class with an advantage of 14-3. Redshirt junior T.J. Mitchell won the 133-

pound weight class and earned his way to his first national competition. Redshirt senior Chad Porter gave Liberty its third weight class title for the 165pound class. Liberty captured the 174-pound weight class with a win by freshman Royal Brettrager.

The 2011 NCAA National Wrestling Championships begin on March 17 in Philadelphia, Pa. at the Wells Fargo Center.

SPORTS

March 8, 2011

Liberty Champion/B3

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL continued from B1

Les Schofer

BACKUP — Guard Emily Frazier stares down UNC Asheville’s ballhandler as Avery Warley stands ready to help.

WOMEN’S LACROSSE continued from B1 year, so it’s looking pretty good.”

Lady Flames also faced a tough Monmount team on a rainy Sunday evening in Williams Stadium. The Lady Flames showed promise with a high scoring game, but could not get the win with a final score of 15-11.

Dunay had another record-setting day with six goals scored, the most by a Lady Flame in program history. Walborn scored three for the Lady Flames, and Crowley netted two.

The Lady Flames have been preparing all year for this important second season. Finishing last in the conference last season, Denham and her team knew they had work to do in order to compete.

“We’re really looking to get some wins, after our tough season last year, and to do really well in conference,” Denham said.

The Lady Flames have been working hard personally and as a team to stay fo-

cused and to keep improving.

“A lot of (preparing for the home opener) was a complete team effort,” Crowley said. “(We were) pushing each other hard in practice.”

With several new freshman and transfer students, the Lady Flames also had to learn how to mesh well as a team.

“I’ve already gained a lot of friendships with the incoming freshmen and transfers,” Crowley said. “They’ve been pushing me personally as a player and as a captain.”

The overarching goal for the team, however, is not to win. Crowley stressed that the Lady Flames also want to be a witness as they play their sport.

“One of our goals is to show God through our playing, just to be very sportsmanlike to show who we’re playing for,” Crowley said.

The Lady Flames go on the road with a 1-1 record to Siena College in New York March 12. u MARVEL is a sports writer.

Warley also contributed with 24 points and 10 rebounds; this was her fifteenth double-double this season. “I was able to finish a lot of shots, just taking advantage of the missed shots from others and putting them back up,” Warley said.

Liberty boosted their record to 19-9 (13-2 BSC) with the win against UNC Asheville. They also come in as the No. 1 seed in the Big South Tournament.

“One of our goals was for the season was to win the regular season and go into the tournament seeded as number one,” Green said. “We feel that there is an advantage to that.”

The Lady Flames host Presbyterian College in their final regular season game Monday, March 7 in the Vines Center.

Post-season run The women’s Big South Tourament begins March 11, in High Point, N.C. The Lady Flames take on the No. 8 seed Coastal Carolina Lady Chanticleers.

The semi-final round will be March 12 and the championship game will be played March 13. Radford, Gardner-Webb and High Point round out the No. 2 through No. 4 seeds respectively. u BATTLE is a sports writer.

Arielei Kinzer

FIGHT FOR IT — The Lady Flames fought to the end of each of their two home games, coming away from the week with a 1-1 record.

SPORTS

B4/Liberty Champion

March 8, 2011

Women’s tennis opens season on new courts JENNA VANDEN BROOK jvandenbrook@liberty.edu

The Lady Flames tennis team played East Carolina on the Hershey Tennis Courts March 1 at 7 p.m.

In their first home match of the season, the Lady Flames tied with the Lady Pirates in singles points, 3-3. The Lady Pirates secured the doubles points defeating Liberty overall, 4-3. Tuesday was the team’s ninth match of the season, bringing its record to 4-5.

“I was very proud of our girls as they played very hard,” head coach Christopher Johnson said. “(I) give a lot of credit to East Carolina for taking this one as it was very close.

We have a very young team, and they are getting better every week.

I look forward to watching their progress as we move toward tournament time.”

The match started off with the doubles games. Senior Jordan Jenkins and freshman Cameron Richard, playing at the No. 1 doubles position, had the only doubles win for Liberty. The duo defeated East Carolina’s Jessica Cook and Audrey LePottier 8-3.

“I felt like Jordan and I played well in our doubles match and it was encouraging to get a win, especially on our home courts,” Richard said.

Junior Carol Lobel and freshman Alexandra Sheeran played No. 2 doubles, losing 8-4.

“It was difficult to deal with the pressure of the first home match and with all the people who came

to support us,” Lobel said. “I started off, but I lost confidence in my shots. The doubles match is shorter, so we did not have enough time to come back.”

Playing at No. 3 doubles, senior Hannah Fick and freshman Rebekah Jenkins lost a close 8-6 game that was the deciding game for the doubles point.

“We got a slow start in doubles, and that cost us the match,” Sheeran said.

Being down one point, the Lady Flames turned to the singles games, hoping to take the lead. No. 3 and No. 4 singles were quick, straight-set victories for East Carolina. Carolina’s Natalie Collins defeated Richard 6-2 and 7-5 at No. 3 singles and Sheeran lost to Carolina’s LePottier in No. 4 singles, 7-5 and 6-4.

Jordan Jenkins fiercely combated Liberty’s point deficit of 0-3 by defeating Cook 6-3, 3-6 and 6-4 in their No. 1 singles game. Freshman Annisha Domenech followed suit and gave Liberty another point by defeating Lady Pirate Manon Bissat in the No. 6 singles game.

Domenech started slowly, losing her first set 1-6but recovered and was victorious in her second two sets, 6-0 and 6-1.

“I’m really proud of how I played,” Domenech said. “I never gave up.”

Lobel tied the match for Liberty at 3-3 by winning her No. 5 singles match against Carolina’s Nena Wanko, 3-6, 6-4 and 6-3.

In the deciding match of the day, playing No. 2 singles, Lady Flames senior Hannah Fick played Carolina’s Petra Vogel. Fick won the

opening set 3-6, but Vogel pulled out victories in the final two sets, 6-2 and 6-1.

The Lady Flames will continue their season Friday, March 11 in its second Big South match up. They will play Presbyterian College on the Liberty home courts.

“It is a very important match for us, since it is our second conference match and we need a win after our loss against Winthrop in our first conference match,” Lobel said. “We are working on our weaknesses to correct some mistakes from the last matches.” u VANDEN BROOK is a sports writer.

Track and field stand out at Big South Championships GABRIEL FOWLER gfowler2@liberty.edu

Liberty Flames track and field hurdled over the competition February 24 and 25 in the Big South Indoor Track Championships in Clemson, S.C. “The 2010 Liberty track and field team is, I believe, the strongest track team in Liberty history,” head coach Brant Tolsma said. “We would like to finish out the year with our best performances, many school records and notable performances at the Big South, regional and national levels.”

Flames track and field is on their way to a second Double-Triple Crown.

“If we can win back to back double-triple crowns in the Big South, we would be only

the third NCAA Division 1 team in the country to have ever done that in their conference, with Army and BYU being the other two,” Tolsma said. “We would also very much like to improve on last year’s 13th place finish at nationals.”

During the meet, there were plenty of standout performers. In the sprinting events, redshirt sophomore Taylor Courtney won the 400-meter dash. It was Liberty’s first conference title in that event since 2003.

After winning the mile, 3k and finishing second in the 5k, junior Jennifer Klugh was named the Women’s Outstanding Track Performer. Klugh scored 28 points for the Lady Flames at the meet.

After being 10 points down after the 200-meter, victory was just inches away for

Earn Extra Money & Help Save Lives!

You Could Earn Over $200 a Month!

General Requirements for Donating Plasma: 18-65 Years of Age Valid Picture ID Be in Good Health Proof of Social Security Number Proof of Current Residence Postmarked Bring this ad and receive a $5 bonus when you complete your first donation!

6015 Fort Avenue Suite 23 Lynchburg, VA 24502 (434)237-6861

CALL TODAY !

the Lady Flames. The most decided advantage over Coastal Carolina in the women’s meet as a whole came in the distance events.

Coastal took the lead during the final day, before Liberty roared back in three key events, the 5k, pole vault and triple jump.

Redshirt senior Sam Chelanga also made his mark by winning his third Big South title in a row, while redshirt senior Geren Woodbridge was victorious for the third straight year in the heptathlon.

With plenty of upsides to the season, there is always the somber feeling of saying goodbye to those graduating.

“We are recruiting for next year and that is going well, but we are also losing a group of exceptional seniors who will be sorely missed,” Tolsma said. “Although five of our victories

JESSICA GRIGG jgrigg@liberty.edu

Committed to providing intramural athletics to students and staff alike, the Liberty University intramural sports program allows students not only the chance to relieve stress, but also the chance to build endurance and compete through fellowship with other Christians.

“It creates friendships, promotes exercise and allows you to be involved in a team setting,” senior Ashley Keller said. “It also promotes stress relief. For me, I enjoyed getting away from the schoolwork.”

Keller played volleyball and soccer in high school and wanted to continue

were from freshmen and sophomores, seven of the victories were from seniors.”

In light of those graduating, Tolsma keeps focused on the upcoming outdoor season.

“Presently, we are more concerned and focus toward outdoors than toward next year,” Tolsma said.

Liberty University prides itself in faith in God and training of champions. Tolsma prides his team in this same doctrine.

“Every student at Liberty should be learning to be victorious at the things that are important,” Tolsma said. “Dr. Falwell called that ‘Training Champions for Christ,’ and there is no nobler calling for a university.” u FOWLER is a sports writer.

as a college student. This provided her and other students with an enjoyable and stress free opportunity to do so.

“It’s something to do in your spare time, and it’s fun,” junior basketball player Markita Martin said. “It gives students a chance to show their skills and share their passion for the game.”

Several sports are available for the spring intramural sports calendar, including tennis, disc golf, women’s flag football, men’s beach volleyball and men’s flag football.

All team schedules, information about how to create a time and locations of games will be posted at liberty. edu/ims. u GRIGG is a sports writer.

FEATURE

March 8, 2011

March 8

‘Enchanted April’ This month will feature the Theatre Arts Department’s third play of the semester, “Enchanted April.” The play follows the lives of two London housewives who rent a villa in Italy along with two English women in the hopes of briefly escaping from their bleak marriages. Tickets can be purchased at the Vines Center box office, online or by calling 434-582SEAT (7328). For more information, visit the Theatre Arts Department’s website which can be found through the Splash page.

Baptist Church’s Backpacks For Kids’ Sake program. For more information, visit the Theatre Arts website, which can be found through the Splash page or thepotentialinside.com.

the deadline to register is March 13.

To register for the event visit luonline. com or call 866-504-7540. For more information, e-mail estudia@liberty.edu.

March 24

Concert Choir and Roanoke Symphony Orchestra The event will feature Beethoven’s Symphony #9. The event will take place at the Roanoke Performing Arts Theater beginning at 8 p.m. For more information, contact the department of Music and Humanities at 434-582-2381 or musicandhumanitites@liberty.edu.

Wind Ensemble The event will be directed by Dr. Stephen Kerr and will be held in the Towns Alumni Auditorium beginning at 7:30 p.m. For more information, contact the Department of Music and Humanities at 434-582-2381 or musicandhumanitites@liberty.edu.

March 8

Brass Chamber Ensembles The event will be directed by Dr. Kevin Chiarizzio in Performing Arts 101 beginning at 7:30 p.m. For more information, contact the Department of Music and Humanities at 434-582-2381 or musicandhumanitites@liberty.edu.

March 10

Red Carpet Movie Premiere ­­— ‘The Potential Inside’ Tower Theater will be hosting the premiere of the feature film “The Potential Inside” at 7 p.m. Beginning at 6 p.m., attendees will have the opportunity to meet, take pictures, receive autographs and chat with cast and crew members. The film, which takes viewers into the world of Elite Bicycle Racing, was produced by Liberty alumnus Scotty Curlee. Tickets can be purchased until the day of the event for $12.50 at iTickets.com. Half of the night’s proceeds will go to the Liberty Godparent Home and Thomas Road

Liberty Champion/B5

March 24

March 28

March 29

Sign-up for Married Students Dinner The Office of Commuter Affairs will hold a dinner for married commuter students from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Executive Dining Room in the Reber-Thomas Dining Hall. The event is $5 per couple, with limited seating. Visit the Commuter Affairs Office, located on the second floor of the Schilling Annex, between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. To sign up for the event (bring your student ID). For more information, e-mail the Commuter Affairs Office at commuter@liberty.edu.

‘A Writer’s Life’ The Center for Professional and Continuing Education (CPCE) will be presenting this year’s writer’s panel in DH 1090 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The panel will include Dr. Harold Willmington, Dr. Ed Hindson, Professor Linda Nell Cooper and others. The cost is $15 for adults and $10 for college students and under.

For more information, visit the CPCE website which can be found through the Splash page.

March 25

‘The Out and Aboot tour’ — downhere with special guest Rush of Fools Student Activities will be hosting a concert featuring downhere and special guest Rush of Fools on Friday, April 1 in the Vines Center beginning at 8 p.m. Tickets are now available at ticketreturn.com. The cost for students is $7 in advance (use code sa2011 for student price). For more information,

The National Hispanic Pastor’s Summit Liberty University will be hosting this years National Hispanic Pastor’s Summit at the Snowflex Lodge from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Rev. Sam Rodriguez, president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC), will be speaking. The event is free and

e-mail studentactivitiesinfo@liberty. edu, call 434-592-3061 or visit the student activities website at liberty.edu/ campusrec/studentactivities/.

April 1

AWAKENING 2010 — Students and guest speakers worship at last year’s Awakening.

April 8 - 9

The Awakening — Raising Our Voices The Freedom Federation will be sponsoring the second annual Awakening Conference. The conference will be held at Thomas Road Baptist church (TRBC) and the Liberty University School of Law. The event will kick off Friday at 10 a.m. Speakers invited include Hon. Ken Cuccinelli and Hon. Newt Gingrich. Although the event is free, tickets are required and can be found at iTickets.com. For more information or to register, visit theawakening2011.com or call 877-810-1776.

The Lynchburg Hillcats are currently accepting applications for the following 2011 game-day staff positions.

• Cashiers • Food Prep/Runners • Cooks • • Stand Managers • Waitstaff • Gameday Ticket Staff •

Please fill out an application at Lynchburg City Stadium, Monday through Friday, 9 to 5. For more info call 434-528-1144.

Professional Grounds Maintenance Landscaping & Hardscaping Property Maintenance: Mowing / Pruning / Mulch / Fertilization Programs Leaf Removal / Weed & Insect Control / Snow Removal & Ice Melt Applications Hardscape Installations: Retaining Walls / Patios / Walkways Landscape Installations: Sod / Ornamental Plantings / Trees / Seasonal Color Class A Contractor #2705 122880A Licensed & Insured / I.C.P.I. and N.C.M.A. Certified

434-238-3385

www.schmittslawncare.net

FEATURE

B6/Liberty Champion

March 8, 2011

An Xtreme impact Photos Provided

GIVING GOD CONTROL — Xtreme Impact youth missions offers missions opportunities in the Bahamas, Brazil, Uganda, Thailand and many other countries. The organization is looking for college students to serve as small group leaders on upcoming summer missions trips. Group members work with children (left) as well as adults of all ages and backgrounds. In Italy, group members perform a skit explaining the Gospel (above).

Changing the world one high schooler at a time SASHA BRAITHWAITE smbraithwaite@liberty.edu

Xtreme Impact (XI) works to combine youth ministry and missions. This ministry is fully devoted to sending high school students from all over the country into other parts of the world on mission trips where they are able to impact lives regardless of their age.

XI is looking for two to four Liberty University students to serve as small group leaders on some of their mission trips taking place this summer July 9-30. Separate groups will be heading to the Bahamas, Costa Rica, Brazil, Italy, Uganda, India and Thailand to do various types of ministry such as children’s ministry, teaching English, sports, prayer,

preaching to locals, evangelism, drama, songs and a Bible club which is like a miniature vacation Bible school.

As a small group leader, it is the responsibility of the participant to attend regular meetings and keep contact with a small group of high school students who will be joining them on the mission trip. They prepare and disciple the group for ministry in that country.

Sophomore Jordan Swineford will be serving as a small group leader on the XI trip to Italy this summer. During her senior year of high school, she came to Liberty for College For A Weekend where she first heard about XI. Swineford decided to become a small group leader on a trip because of her

interest in small groups, leading and investing in others.

“I don’t think anyone would ever look back on their time as a small group leader and say, ‘I really wish I wouldn’t have invested into those people so much,’” Swineford said. “Overall, I think it is such an awesome way to serve others by being a small group leader, and you learn so much about yourself as an individual.”

This will be Swineford’s first time as a leader on an XI mission trip.

Liberty alumna Liz Lundberg served as a small group leader on a trip to Jamaica two summers ago. She said that she would tell future XI small group leaders to relax, be flexible and be sure to pray a lot because it is easy to get caught up in the responsibility of

being a leader and lose sight of the purpose of the trip.

“Then you get there, and God shows you who is responsible for every little detail of the trip,” Lundberg said. “It’s not you keeping your team safe and on time with some man-made agenda — it’s about allowing your team to be led by the Holy Spirit and letting God be in control.”

The positions to be a small group leader are on a first come, first serve basis. Leaders are especially needed for the Uganda and Bahamas trips. If interested, visit xtremeimpact.com/ for more information. u BRAITHWAITE is a feature writer.

Liberty Dining Services You do the dreaming, and we’ll take care of the rest!

We would like to thank all of the students who participated in our Valentine’s Celebration.

You want it you got it!!

Based on survey results, a Managers Dessert Competition will be coming soon Tuesday March 29, 2011 at Reber Thomas Dining Hall

Hope to see you there!

For more info, contact us at: libertydining@liberty.edu 434-592-4751

We offer a large selection of services, from plannnig to completion, including: • Boxed Lunches • Cookouts • Professional Uniforms • Delivery, Setup & Service Option • Tailgate Parties • Fresh Floral Centerpieces • Pick Up Services • Plated and Waited Meals • Buffets • China or Disposable Dinnerware

From picnic to black tie, we’ve got you covered.

434-582-2214 • www.FlavoursEvents.com

March 8, 2011

FEATURE

Liberty Champion/B7

Enchanted April

March 8, 2011

TIFFANY EDWARDS tredwards2@liberty.edu

T

hunder crackles and booms throughout the first act of “Enchanted April,” as two London women search for meaning and happiness within their marriages and themselves.

It started with a simple dream – a holiday far away from rainy post-World War I England. Housewives Lotty Wilton and Rose Arnott trudge through their daily lives, struggling with boredom and distant husbands. All is well and normal until Lotty decides to pursue the idea and rents a manor in the Italian countryside for the month of April. Ruth is convinced the plan will only lead to disaster for them and their marriages, but Lotty woos her with promises of sunlight, companionship and acres of fragrant wisteria. Ruth relents, and the two search for two other women to join them on their month-long holiday.

The group grows to four after adding a jet-setting young socialite and an austere British lady to their ranks with a wanted ad in the local newspaper. The four set off to Italy for their much needed change of scenery, as well as point of view.

Director Neal Brasher said that even the play’s set was used to emphasize the subtle themes in the story.

“The first act is actually supposed to (look) rather empty,” Brasher said. “The empty stage is supposed to be symbolic of what’s going on in the lives of the two women.

They are feeling sort of abandoned, unwanted, and maybe even a bit oppressed by the circumstances in their lives.”

Brasher said that the play, written as a novel in 1922 by Elizabeth von Arnim, focuses on hope and redemption, which is why the play was set in the years following World War I. A running joke throughout the first act implies that the two young housewives look like widows, most likely calling attention to their grim circumstances. The joke also points out the backlash from World War I and the following Spanish influenza epidemic, which killed millions and left millions more widowed or orphaned.

“When we reach the second act, you notice the stage is lighter and brighter, like to sun is shining, as opposed to the gloominess of the first act,” Brasher said.

The story progresses as the four very different women spend their holiday developing new relationships and repairing old ones.

Tickets can be purchased at the Vines Center box office, online or by calling 434-582-SEAT (7328). For more information, visit the Theatre Arts department’s website which can be found through the Splash page.

Arielei Kinzer

AN APRIL HOLIDAY — “Enchanted April” follows four British women, played by Ruth Hitchcock (top left), Emily Webster (top center), Hannah Blough (top right) and Lindsay Brown (bottom right), as they search for an escape from their mundane lives and marriages.

u EDWARDS is the feature editor.

RMA winner promotes Buy Local campaign Broadcast major wins graphics contest ALLYSSA HINCKLE ahinckle@liberty.edu

Jennifer Mellinger won a prize just for doing her homework.

Mellinger, who thought nothing of submitting a poster she designed to a contest held by Lynchburg’s Retail Merchants Association (RMA), was surprised when she was told over winter break that she had not only won but also would receive a prize of $500. Mellinger had never even pictured herself pursuing a career in graphic design.

“It was a shock. It was quite a shock,” Mellinger said.

The sophomore from Lancaster, Pa., was simply taking the obligatory desktop publishing course for her communications major. Specializing in broadcasting, Mellinger was never really interested in graphic design beside the recreational scrapbooking or art classes.

RMA sponsored the contest as part of the association’s recent Buy Local campaign. According to RMA’s website, the campaign’s purpose is to encourage citizens

Graphic Provided

HELPING HANDS — Sophomore Jennifer Mellinger won a $500 scholarship for entering her desktop publishing homework assignment into a local poster contest.

to buy locally, enriching the local economy.

The contest was open to anyone from high school juniors to college seniors. A $500 scholarship was the prize. The winner’s poster would be displayed in Lynchburg, Campbell County and Rustburg, Va. in the coming year.

Professor Sabrena Deal made the contest a project in her class

last semester. Deal assigned the poster to her students, leaving them the option of submitting it in the contest.

“I think the contests are valuable to students because they have the opportunity to design for someone other than themselves and their instructors,” Deal said.

As Mellinger worked on the design of her poster, she tried for

something different.

“You kind of get stuck in these design grooves. I wanted to do something that wasn’t in that,” Mellinger said.

The concept of the grocery bags on the front of her poster was one of those ways she tried to make her design different.

“I wasn’t sure if it was going to work out,” Mellinger said.

Along with the design of the poster, Mellinger needed to research local buying.

“One of the rules was that we found three facts about the topic we picked. That was difficult, too, because there’s not a lot out there,” Mellinger said.

Most difficult for Mellinger was the time invested into her project.

She estimates she spent four to five hours a night on the poster.

The final product is a colorful, educational and unique poster.

“I think her poster did a good job appealing to people across age groups and was very well organized,” Deal said.

Deal accepted the check for Mellinger, who was on Christmas break when the winner was announced. The check was officially presented to Mellinger in the grand lobby of DeMoss Hall on Feb. 17.

While this accomplishment has been exciting, Mellinger is not looking to make graphic design her career.

“I like doing it, but I don’t know if I want to do it for a career,” Mellinger said.

According to Mellinger, she believes the skill will come in handy in her search for a job. u HINCKLE is a feature writer.