Oct. 28, 2015

Oct. 28, 2015 | Midwestern State University | thewichitan.com | Your Campus. Your News. | Vol. 80 No. 10

Writing Center progress pays off Popularity, proficiency increase with new location

Lip Sync

SAMUEL SUTTON REPORTER

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pg. 4

Student organizations kick off Homecoming week with a lip sync competition.

Bumper Balls

pg. 8

126 people attended Bumper Balls, hosted

by UPB, an event that cost $2,000.

Soccer Streak

The mens’ soccer team beat Rogers State 3-0 on Oct. 26, bringing them to second in the national poll with a record of 12-0-1.

elping students with writing, giving professors helpful tips for their lectures, and boosting students’ confidence – with just some of the goals of the Writing Center. Despite staff members willing to help students improve their writing, the Writing Center wasn’t always easy to find. Because of this, it moved over the summer from Bea Wood Hall to Prothro-Yeager 201B. “With our old room, we didn’t get a lot of people since nobody knew where we were.

That’s why we decided to move to a classroom that was more out in the open,” Kristen Garrison, writing program administrator, said.

The move wasn’t cheap — $31,900 on relocating and renovating the room.

“We split a classroom in half with a soundproof wall so that we wouldn’t disturb the class behind us, and so that our students and tutors wouldn’t be disturbed by them,” Garrison said.

She also said they replaced the carpet and added computers and internet drops. Even though it was expensive, she said it was more than worth it.

“It was absolutely worth it. We have seen a 62 percent increase in students since we have moved,” Garrison said.

She said they get around 300 different people and hold about 700 tutoring sessions on a weekly basis. They have tutors and internship spots available.

While the writing center offers great opportunities, there are also some problems. Even though they have just moved into a bigger room, Garrison fears that they will outgrow this room quickly.

“We’ve seen rapid increase already. We actually exceeded the predictions for this part of the year, which is good, but it might mean relocating again soon,” Garrison said.

Fields also commented on the size of the Writing Center, “When you look at writing centers in other Universities, they are so much bigger than ours. Even some schools that are

PHOTO BY FRANCISCO MARTINEZ | THE WICHITAN

Madison Dodd, respiratory therapy freshman, receives help from Haleigh Wallace, mass communication sophomore, on her essay in Prothro-Yeager 201B. Dodd said, “It’s my first time coming. I didn’t feel confident in my essay and I want a good grade.” Wallace said, “I want to continue working to help students. I’d love to have an editing job.” Photo by Francisco Martinez smaller than we are have bigger writing centers. Being a liberal arts school, I think a bigger Writing Center is necessary.”

Another problem is that some of the tutors don’t have enough knowledge on the subjects.

Logan Lafoon, a senior in radiology, said, “I went there once to get help with writing a story with APA format. I had never used APA format before and I wanted them to help me out. Unfortunately, the tutor didn’t know how to use it either.”

Lafoon said it all worked out because the tutor was able to figure out how to use the format with a book, and he was able to pass the assignment, but it was a little discouraging.

“I love working for the Writing Center. I like helping people, and I like the other employees here,” Muñoz said.

She has been working there since the beginning of the semester, and has learned things

that her regular english classes never taught her. As an intern at the writing center, she gets to sit in and watch the tutors work. She also gets to tutor students during some of her weeks.

“Every intern gets to do it. It definitely helps to watch them. You get to learn how to tutor, and you even get to learn a few things about reading and writing that you might not have known before,” Muñoz said.

The writing center is here to help students with grammar, sentence structure, getting their point across, and broadening their knowledge about reading and writing.

Garrison said, “It’s such an amazing resource for students to know other students with a lot of knowledge about reading and writing. The primary mission of the writing center is to help students become better writ-

“It was absolutely worth it. We have seen a 62 percent increase in students since we have moved.”

KRISTEN GARRISON WRITING PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR

see WRITING pg. 5

2 | Oct. 28, 2015 |

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Custodial staff deserves congratulations

STA F F E D I T O RI A L

It takes a village

n today’s world, it’s the heroes who make the headlines. The athletes, the leaders, the trailblazers. It’s easy to let one person take the spotlight, but the success of a group or project is rarely on the shoulders of one person. Like the proverb says, it takes a village.

As a campus community, it’s important that we take the time to appreciate the contributions made by the people behind the scenes.

The Student Government Association did a nice job of highlighting those contributions in this paper by thanking the custodial staff, without whom this university couldn’t operate. Students walking through campus buildings may look right through the janitor emptying the trash cans, but the custodial staff’s absence would be surely missed if we were to lose their service.

Thinking about football games brings to mind the cheerleaders, football players, Stang Gang, and tailgating. And whether we win or lose, it’s the quarterback and the coach who get the fame.

However, this is just another instance where we can easily lose sight of all the moving parts that make a football game the exciting event that it is. The marching band works just as hard as football players – all for that eight minute performance. When’s the last time someone asked the band ‘How do you think you guys’ played?’

Leroy McIlhaney is another great example of one of those little but vital parts. Every game he gets the football players pumped up; he is MSU’s number one fan. We hope that featuring him in this paper is a step towards giving him the recognition he deserves.

The next time you attend a football game, don’t just watch the game, but pay attention to the halftime show and watch Leroy interact with the players. Be appreciative that so many people work so hard to make the Saturday Night Lights experience all that it is.

It doesn’t just stop there – for every movie screening or UPB party, people carefully set up each chair in perfect lines, setting up the stage and making sure all the sound and light equipment is ready.

Next time, show up early and thank them. Better yet, lend a hand.

Thank the custodians for their hard work. They aren’t our parents, yet they clean up after us day after day.

This paper is not just the names in the staff box. Countless eyes edit each page, and their names aren’t in a byline. The unsung heroes of the newsroom.

Here is a thank you to all the ‘little’ people on campus who play the biggest roles in our college experience. Even when we don’t realize it.

wichitan

the

Vo. 80 | No. 10

Midwestern State University Fain Fine Arts Bldg., Room B103 3410 Taft Blvd. Box 14 Wichita Falls, Texas 76308 (940) 397-4704 - wichitan@mwsu.edu

PHOTOS BY GABRIELLA SOLIS | THE WICHITAN

Ernest Cooper, custodian of 18 years, cleans the women’s restroom in Prothro-Yeager on Sept. 22. | Velia Lozano, custodian in the Clark Student Center, sweeps the food court on Sept. 21.

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n behalf of the SGA Executives, we would like to recognize the custodial staff on their outstanding job in maintaining the Clark Student Center.

The staff has worked tirelessly this fall semester to keep the CSC clean and welcoming to all visitors. Even though they are short staffed, the custodial personal have not allowed this issue to define their ability to continue to keep Midwestern State University beautiful. If you have a chance, take a walk around the Clark Student Center. You will see the custodial staff continuously working throughout the day. We ask that you consider giving thanks for their diligent work. It’s staff members like these, who make MSU a welcoming home to over 6,000 students.

Letter to the editor submitted by Shayla Owens

LAST SPRING, ADMINISTRATORS CONSIDERED OUTSOURCING SOME CAMPUS SERVICES POSITIONS SUCH AS CUSTODIAL STUFF TO REALIZE NEARLY $300,000 IN BUDGET CUTS. TO AVOID OUTSOURCING, FACILITIES SERVICES ELIMINATED NINE UNFILLED POSITIONS. NO ONE LOST THEIR JOB, BUT SOME CUSTODIANS NOW WORK DIFFERENT HOURS AND SERVICE MORE SPACE. READ MORE: THEWICHITAN.COM/OUTSOURCING-STAFF-AVOIDED/

PHOTO EDITOR: Rachel Johnson PHOTOGRAPHER: Kayla White, Gabriella Solis, Rawlecia Rogers, Francisco Martinez DESIGN EDITOR: Brianna Sheen DESIGNER: Justin Marquart ADVISER: Bradley Wilson

Copyright © 2015. The Wichitan is a member of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association and the Associated Collegiate Press. The Wichitan reserves the right to edit any material submitted for publication. Opinions expressed in The Wichitan do not necessarily reflect those of the students, staff, faculty, administration or Board of Regents of Midwestern State University. The Wichitan welcomes letters of opinion from students, faculty and staff submitted by the Friday before intended publication. Letters should be brief (250 words or fewer) and without abusive language or personal attacks. Letters must be typed and signed by the writer and include a telephone number and address.

The editor retains the right to edit letters.

Balanced schedule, diet key to fighting freshman 15 EMMA LABEDIS REPORTER

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aco Bell. Chick-fil-A. McDonald’s. Whataburger. Jack in the Box. Dairy Queen. Sonic Drive-in. Cane’s. Chipotle.

The list is almost endless.

The food is convenient. And relatively inexpensive.

It’s also full of calories.

And, for freshman, the convenience and calories lead to the infamous Freshmen 15.

According to a study published in 2008 in Nutrition Journal, one in four college freshmen gain at least 5 percent of their body weight in just their first semester.

Caleb Hannon, assistant director of the Wellness Center, said coming to college may be the first time students have had to be responsible for their own healthy lifestyle habits. Hannon said students may not have been challenged previously with picking out healthy food choices or have the same leadership figures telling them to work out.

Jane Leach, graduate coordinator of the master nursing program, said the typical lifestyle of a college student can also be to blame.

“There’s not somebody sitting there saying you should go to bed and keep your sleep cycle normal,” Leach said. “You still have to go to an eight o’clock class on Monday, which makes you grab things to drink or eat that aren’t healthy and it’s because your sleep cycle is all messed up.”

COLLEGE LIFESTYLE FOSTERS UNHEALTHY HABITS

Sometimes students fall into the habit of staying up late, snacking on unhealthy food and waking up late in the afternoon. This takes away from the ability to eat a protein-full breakfast.

“That encourages that late night eating that college students are so famous for,” Leach said. “If you’re awake at midnight, you’re going to want a pizza, you’re going to want to go to Taco Bell, you’re going to want to eat a bunch of stuff.”

Another routine that students may get into is the habit of eating fast foods because they are convenient and filling. Although fast food is easy to eat, it may not always be the best choice nutritionally.

“I remember as a freshman it was easy to get grilled cheese every day at lunch,” Stephanie Baker, assistant professor of the Wilson school of nursing, said. “It was quick and easy and good, but it wasn’t balanced nutrition. It’s something I struggled with in the cafeteria.”

Typical college events such as hanging out with friends after a game, while fun, can lead to unhealthy habits.

“Saturday night we went to the football game, and because somebody made a field goal, you could go to Cane’s chicken and buy one get one free,” Leach said. “Well, who didn’t go to Cane’s to get the buy one get one free? All those that had tickets to get into the game, you know they’re not going to waste it. Would they have eaten Cane’s chicken at

midnight otherwise? Probably not.”

Besides eating unhealthy foods, drinking certain things can also cause weight gain. Energy drinks and sodas contain large amounts of sugar and caffeine that can deteriorate your bones if consumed in large amounts.

“Where a lot of students get their extra calories is their drinks,” Leach said. “It’s so easy to think that it’s just one Coke or one Dr. Pepper, then next thing you know you’re refilling it because there’s free refills, then you’ve had three sodas with your meal.”

Leach recommends drinking coffee or tea without a lot of sugar to control the amount of calories consumed.

Baker said students can drink more water to avoid getting tired due to dehydration.

“If you’re tired and fatigued then you’re not paying attention in class, you’re less likely to work out, you’re not sleeping as well because your sleep isn’t quality if it’s artificial.”

FIND A ROUTINE

Establishing a work-out routine early in the semester and exercising with friends is an effective way to stay active, according to Baker.

“Some healthy habits that we like to tell people are getting into a workout routine,” Hannon said.

“Even if it’s just two to three times a week, having a routine that they know that their body is ready to work out is definitely a plus and a great way for them to start.”

The Wellness Center on campus offers group fitness classes and recreational sports. The advisers at the Wellness Center are available to help students get started on a workout routine.

“The food that students eat nowadays can add up a lot of calories quickly.,” Hannon said, “Being able to have somewhere to be able to burn those calories in a fun environment, a safe environment, is a great way for them to be able to burn off what they eat which may not always be the healthiest things.”

Both Leach and Baker said finding balance in a schedule is ideal for starting a fitness routine as a college student. Baker said doing something such as flag football or disk golf is a way to work out and still have fun while balancing a college schedule.

“Intuitively, we know that we need to have ‘x’ amount of hours of sleep, we know what we should eat,” Leach said. “People know what they’re supposed to do – it’s a matter of finding that balance.”

Leach said some students may find ways to cope with college stressors that are not always healthy.

“Yes, it’s normal to want to stay up later because you’re having a great time, but your full-time job is supposed to be to study,” Leach said. “On the other hand, nobody wants to study all the time. It’s all about finding that balance. How can you have that balance and still have a good time, and still make good decisions?”

| Oct. 28, 2015 | 3 UP C OM I NG E V E N T S Battle of the Sexes Oct. 28 at 6 p.m. | Bolin 100 | Free | Is there a superior gender? Are we similar? Come battle with the opposite sex!

Faculty Forum Series: Dr. Betty Bowles Oct. 28 at 7 p.m. | CSC Shawnee Theatre

Maverick’s Ninth Birthday Party Oct. 28 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Sunwatcher Plaza | Free for anyone on an MSU meal plan, otherwise it is $4.

Homecoming Dance Oct. 28 at 8:30 p.m. | Jesse Rogers Promenade | Free

EURECA Informal Wine and Cheese Social Oct. 29 from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. | Dillard 124 | Free | RSVP to brittany.coulter@mwsu.edu | The Office of Undergraduate Research cordially invites you to an informal wine and cheese social followed by an info session on the EURECA Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP).

Torchlight parade and Homecoming bonfire Oct. 29 at 9 p.m. | Meet on Comanche Trail (Daniel Building parking lot) | Free

Poetry Slam

Oct. 29 from 7-9 p.m. | Fuzzy’s Tacos | Free | Bring your own original work or read something from your favorite artist, or just come for the camaraderie and a healthy punch to the senses.

Annual Fish Fry and Cardboard Boat Race Oct. 30 from 5-7 p.m. | Sikes Lake | Free for anyone on an MSU meal plan; otherwise, $9 per person. | An annual favorite of university alumni. Serving catfish, french fries, hamburgers, hushpuppies, drinks, and more. | Get your building skills ready for this ever popular and growing tradition at MSU. Build a boat and race across Sikes Lake.

Friday Night Live Rave Oct. 30 at 9 p.m. | Don Flatt Gym (D.L. Ligon Coliseum) | Free

Volleyball v.

Cameron University Oct. 30 at 5:30 p.m. | D.L. Ligon Coliseum | Free with MSU ID

S.W.A.T. (Social Works Acting Together) Yard Sale Oct. 31 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. | University United Methodist Church | Free to attend, but donations are welcome | Funds raised will be used to purchase socks and other winter clothing for the homeless in Wichita Falls.

To donate items to the yard sale, contact the Department of Social Work 940-397-4437

Homecoming parade Oct. 31 at noon | Judging will be done in the Quad | Free

Tailgate competition and football v. Texas A&M Kingsville Oct. 31 at 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. | Memorial Stadium | Free with MSU ID | Teams show us what they have got at the annual tailgate party. Tailgates will be judged for best food and best decorations.

Social Sundays

Nov. 1 from 6:30-9 p.m. | CSC Shawnee Theatre | Food, refreshments, and door prizes will be given out during the viewing of The Walking Dead.

Dr. Ruth Morrow & Madeleine Mitchell Concert Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. | Akin Auditorium | Free

Women’s Soccer v.

Texas Woman’s Nov. 1 at 1 p.m. | MSU Soccer Field | Free with MSU ID.

Men’s Basketball v.

LSU-Shreveport Nov. 1 at 3:30 p.m. | D.L. Ligon Coliseum | Free with MSU ID

Campus Carry Public Forum Nov. 2 from 6-8 p.m. | Dillard 101 | Free | Individuals who wish to speak at the public forum must sign in between 5:30 and 6 p.m.

Comments will be limited to two minutes.

Artist-Lecture Series: m-pact Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. | Akin Auditorium | Free with MSU ID, general admission $20

4 | Oct. 28, 2015 |

Health center’s flu vaccine safer than previous years’ SAMUEL SUTTON REPORTER

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old and flu season goes from December to February and that means the virus will start spreading like wildfire soon. The Vinson Health Center is offering the flu vaccine free for students.

This year there is a new vaccine, the quadrivalent vaccine. It is the best vaccine in terms of limiting side effects and hospitalizations, according to campus health center officials.

Keith Williamson, MSU medical director, said the new quadrivalent vaccine has fewer risks than the trivalent vaccine.

According to Tiffany Kosse, the medical office manager, the current vaccine costs $8,000 per 500 doses. However, the shot isn't for everyone. Certain sickness and disorders can prevent people from getting the shot.

"I recommend the shot to everybody on campus that doesn't have a contraindication, which is a complication that prevents you from getting the shot,"Williamson said.

Williamson said the three contraindica-

tions are moderate to severe illness, Guillain-Barré syndrome within six weeks of a prior flu vaccine, or a severe allergic reaction to the flu vaccine.

People that have gotten the quadrivalent vaccine haven't yet seen any side effects.

Tim Biggs, a mechanical engineering junior, got his about a week ago.

"I haven't seen any complications so far.

I have had issues in the past with vaccines such as body aches and a small rash, but not with this one," Biggs said.

Williams said he has never seen complications with previous vaccines or with the one that the Health Center is offering this year.

However, some people are still worried about complications.

Cici Gossett, social work junior, said, "Every time I, or one of my friends have gotten the shot, they end up being a little sick, or getting some other sort of side effect, so I don't trust it."

The last day for appointment times is Oct. 30 from 1:30-4p.m.

HOM E C O M I N G

PHOTO BY KAYLA WHITE | THE WICHITAN

Sigma Alpha Epsilon performs at the Lip Sync competition held in Akin Auditorium on Oct. 27.

Lip sync contest kicks off Homecoming week MAKENZIE ANDERSON REPORTER

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tudent organizations including Greek life, Black Student Union, Residence Hall Association, Caribbean Student Organization and the cheerleaders performed in Akin auditorium on Monday night as part of the Thriller Homecoming Lip Sync Competition. The auditorium was so full that the homecoming committee had to stop letting students come in.

Staying true to the Homecoming theme and the times, a common theme throughout was death and the whip.

Courtney Waldron, psychology sophomore, said her dance background helped her perform with Alpha Phi and Sigma Nu. “Performing was a little nerve racking but I’m used to performing in front of people so it wasn’t half bad,” said Waldron.

Emilie Harris, mathematics sophomore, said she also experienced nerves before performing with Gamma Phi Beta and Kappa Alpha Order.

“I was terrified,” said Harris. “But the people in my group calmed me down and told me we were going to do great.”

Harris said she enjoyed being paired with Kappa Alpha Order.

“They were very dedicated but made practicing and performing so much fun,” said Harris.

Brandon Allen, mechanical engineering junior and Sigma Alpha Epsilon member, said he enjoyed being paired with Sigma Kappa.

“Pairing with a sorority is fun,” said Allen.

“Especially because it helps us get to know our fellow Greeks and further intensify inter-group bonds.”

Kenadi Campbell, computer science

PHOTO BY KAYLA WHITE | THE WICHITAN

Jorrey Martin, special education sophomore, represents Caribbean Student Organization at the Lip Sync competition. sophomore, said RHA started practicing a month and a half before the performance.

“We did really well,” said Campbell. “Everything went pretty much as we rehearsed.”

Skylar Franks, education sophomore, said the cheerleaders only prepared during one practice and Sunday night.

“We weren’t nervous,” said Franks. “We’re used to being in front of hundreds of people every Saturday night.”

Unfortunately, the cheerleaders had technical difficulties with their music during their performance.

“The music cutting out didn’t exactly affect us because we’re cheerleaders so we know how to improvise,” said Franks. “You have to prepare for the worst, so before we went on we clarified we would just sing a cappella if it happened.”

In the end, Gamma Phi Beta and Kappa Alpha Order, RHA, and CSO were named the three finalists that will compete at the bonfire, Thursday at 9:15 p.m., for first place.

Community service part of life for SAE, Chi-O KAYLA MEDEARIS REPORTER

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ommunity service can impact lives, not only for those who receive service, but also for those who chose to give back. All through winter, volunteers come to soup kitchens and homeless shelters, putting together meals for the less fortunate in their communities in hot, cramped kitchens. These volunteers only hope that their work is making a difference.

Service is not necessary as part of graduation requirements, but it is a part of life for some organizations on campus. For members of Sigma Alpha Epsilon and Chi Omega, community service comes with the territory.

SAE hosts at least one philanthropy event per semester and has held two events so far this fall, the most recent being participating in the Susan G. Komen North Texas race for the cure. All members are required to attend at least one event per semester.

“We care for this community,” said Romeo Botelua, president of SAE. “Since we are a working fraternity and everyone has different schedules because of school and work, we try to host as many events and be involved as much as we can, to make sure everyone gets the requirement.”

A few Wichita Falls organizations who have benefitted from SAE in the pasts have been the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Children’s Miracle Network at United Regional Hospital and Patsy’s House.

“We help out when they need us to,” said Botelua, a mechanical engineering junior.

“The last thing we did for Patsy’s House was work on the landscape last spring.”

And with the holiday season approaching, the fraternity is organizing a canned food drive for the Wichita Falls Food Bank.

The ladies of Chi-O also stay busy in the community by hosting events. Members of the sorority are required to have at least six hours of community service per semester.

The Make-a-Wish foundation is the national charity for ladies of Chi-O. They hold at least two events every school year, and proceeds go straight to MAW. After it became the sorority’s national charity back in 2001, the chapter has raised more than $125,000.

“I am very proud of my girls,” said Joellen Tritton, the Chi Omega advisee. “We have a very good reputation with this community.

The girls are always a part of something.”

Chi-O has participated in the Wichita Falls Cattle Baron’s Ball as well as the American Heart Association “Red Dress” brunch. Members have assisted downtown at the annual Ben Franklin spaghetti dinner and also ran a rest stop during the Hotter’N Hell races.

“It takes dedication to do what these girls commit to,” said Tritton. “I’ve seen them get

PHOTO BY RAWLECIA ROGERS | THE WICHITAN

Damian De Silva, economics senior, volunteers at the Sikes Lake cleanup on Sept. 12. there to have a stand ready by 7 a.m. and keep it running until the afternoon when it’s scorching outside.”

And if a Chi Omega member is ever short on hours, the Wichita Falls Humane Society is their number one spot to go and help with puppies to receive service hours.

In addition to the Wichita Falls Food Bank and the Humane Society, students can donate their time at The Boys and Girls Club.

There are eight branches of the Boys and Girls Club in Wichita Falls. All of them receive volunteers and some even employ students.

Director of Operations Carlos Martinez said there are four students employed at the club on 6th St. “What a lot of people aren’t aware of is that we have internships and many scholarships available for college students,” said Martinez.

“We want to get the word out and when people come in and volunteer, it helps put a face to a name.”

Portico, a college ministry life group affiliated with First Baptist Church, also has community service events throughout the year that students can join in on. An upcoming event is a coat drive to brace less-fortunate residents of the area for the winter weather soon to come.

But students don’t have to be affiliated to go out and perform community service; they just go out and do it of their own free will.

“I go downtown to the food bank and help assemble PowerPaks to be distributed,” said Savannah Luna, nursing freshman.

When a volunteer goes in and helps begin PowerPak prep, they help break down items that are in bulk and separate them into kid-friendly foods to be sent home with kids in need in the area.

Not only does Luna help out at the food bank here in Wichita Falls, when she goes home to Burleson she helps at her local soup kitchen as well.

“When I was in high school, my mom made sure I did 100 hours of community service because she told me that colleges wanted their students to be well rounded,” said Reba Moreno, exercise physiology junior. “I didn’t know it would be worth anything until I got a scholarship for it.”

Moreno tries to put in one or two hours a week just to keep herself in the habit. She said she believes that when she finishes college the established connection she has with different organizations will act as reliable references.

She also continues to volunteer different places because, “…you never know who you could meet and have a conversation with and that will lead to your career.”

Brittany Coleman, nursing junior, said she experienced what happens when volunteer work lead to something more.

“In the eighth grade a group of friends and I started volunteering to referee games at our local YMCA, and after the basketball season ended I was offered a job... five years later I was the aquatics department supervisor,” Coleman said.

| Oct. 28, 2015 | 5 from WRITING pg. 1 ers, not just get a better grade on an essay. We want them to feel more confident in their reading and writing skills.”

While they want to help, they do not want students to think they can leave their papers with the tutors and have them write it for the students.

“A good writing center should have trained tutors who help the students, and not do the work for the students,” Garrison said.

Some teachers like to recommend the writing center to some students during the semester.

“I sometimes recommend the writing center because it helps them in getting their point across in the essays that I assign them,” Peter Fields, associate professor, said.

Fields said that if he were to recommend it to the entire class, then it would destroy the overall purpose of the writing center. He said he also would like the students to come to them after they go to the writing center.

“It helps us professors as well because it shows us some things that we didn’t know about, that we can show to the class. Mainly things like how to quote characters from the readings so that they can do the best job of getting their point across,” Fields said.

He also said that when they do that, it makes the professors feel like they are a part of the editing process. He wants to be a part of helping the students broaden their minds on this topic.

Faith Muñoz, a sophomore in English, and an intern at the writing center said that she recommends the writing center to all of her friends when they struggle with writing.

“I definitely think you should go at least once. A lot of people I know who have only gone here once have seen improvement in their writings. It makes a big difference from what I’ve seen,” Muñoz said.

The Writing Center has been open since the 1980s, and was formerly a reading and writing lab. This lab had professors that would help the students with grammar and punctuation, while also giving them a quiet room to read and write. When the school hired Garrison in 2010, she decided to change it to a writing center so that they could further help the students with their reading and writing skills.

“The reading and writing lab was good because it gave the students resources, but it didn’t give them one-onone tutoring, which is what a writing center does,” said Garrison.

Garrison also said with this change, they were able to help students more, while also increasing the amount of students that used the writing center.

6 | Oct. 28, 2015 | WHO HELPED MAKE HHM HAPPEN? There were 12 sponsors who all worked together to create the month long celebration for Hispanic Heritage Month, including Student Development and Orientation, Sigma Lambda Alpha, Fain Fine Arts, El Norteños, Residence Life and the Foreign Languages Department.

HISTORY Hispanic Heritage Month was established as Hispanic Heritage Week under the Johnson Administration in 1968. It was later changed to Hispanic Heritage Month in 1988.

This annual tribute recognizes contributions made by the Latino and Hispanic Americans who have positively enriched the nation, as well as celebrate their heritage and culture.

The term ‘Latino’ or ‘Hispanic’ refers to Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish origins regardless of race.

The month begins Sept. 15, the anniversary of Independence of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Belize, Chile and Mexico share their independence during the month as well. Nearly 17 percent of Americans, or 55 million, are Hispanic or Latino, with another 3.7 million residents from Puerto Rico.

Students say ‘adios’ to Hispanic Heritage Month KATRINA PREHODA REPORTER

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ispanic Heritage Month, also called HHM, concluded on Oct. 15. There were 12 events held on and off campus to celebrate the month.

1.

The film PERIL AND PROMISE was held at the Wichita Falls public library at 6 p.m. on Sept. 15. This film was the sixth episode of the PBS series about Latino-Americans and undocumented immigrants. Following the film, there was a panel discussion initiated by Dr. David Barbosa where attendees could ask questions about the film.

COCINA Y BAILA was held at 6 p.m. at the Sunwatcher Clubhouse on Sept.

16. Students who attended learned how to cook Hispanic meals and got dance lessons from Claudia Montoya, associate professor of Spanish.

“It was a blast,” said Ashley Viar, marketing junior. “Dr. Montoya was great at getting people to come out of their comfort zone and in the mood to dance.”

Seth Miranda, history freshman, also attended. “It was a fun evening. We learned a few quick and easy Hispanic recipes as well as a few dance moves from Dr. Montoya.

That was my favorite part,” Miranda said.

On Sept. 17, COMEDIAN JOSE BARRIENTOS performed for students in the Clark Student Center at 8 p.m. The event was free for students with an MSU ID. Mary Whitaker, undecided sophomore, enjoyed the act. “I thought he was pretty funny,” Whitaker said. “Although I had never heard of him before, I would definitely go see him again if he came to Wichita Falls or even Dallas,” Whitaker said.

El Norteños hosted TACO TRUCK TUESDAY on Sept. 22 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Jesse Rogers Promenade. Most of the menu items offered were less than $6, including tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and taquitos.

Melissa Hayes, dental hygiene senior, said, “I loved being able to grab a quick bite to eat while walking across campus. I think the school could really benefit from having more food trucks available to students and staff on campus, instead of just having to choose between Chick-Fil-A or the Burrito Bowl.”

Also on Sept. 22 was the HISPANIC HERITAGE DISPLAY held all day in the Atrium. The displays gave information about Hispanic leaders in the United States and at MSU.

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PHOTO BY GABRIELLA SOLIS | THE WICHITAN

People wait in line to get tacos from El Norteno on Taco Truck Tuesday on Sept. 22 Colton Carlisle, athletic training sophomore, enjoyed the display. “I thought it was a great idea to have a walk-by display so those people who are limited on free time are able to learn a little about why the month is celebrated and about their independence,” Carlisle said.

Sigma Lambda Alpha, an AmericanLatina sorority organization, held a BURRITO SALE on Sept. 24 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Clark Student Center Food Court. Menu items included cheese, chicken or ground beef burritos, and specials such as buy three burritos and get a free soda. All menu items were made fresh.

MIDTERM PIÑATAS was held on Sept. 29 at 3 p.m. in the Atrium. Two life-sized piñatas were available for smashing and their insides consisted of Hispanic candy, snacks, and midterm supplies such as scantrons and pencils.

LATIN THEMED NIGHT was held on Oct. 1 at 6 p.m. in the Mesquite Dining Hall.

Devante Louis, undecided sophomore, was one of the students who participated.

“I spend a good amount of my time in the café,” Louis said, “I had no idea it was Latin Night until I walked through the doors in the student center and saw the line of people strung out the door. They were cooking up so many different things, like tacos quesadillas and Hispanic desserts. It smelled amazing in there.”

THE TWO PIANO LATIN AMERICAN CONCERT was held on Oct. 5 at 7 p.m. in Akin Auditorium. The concert included a performance from Martin Camacho, dean of Fain College, and Adonis Gonzalez. Gonzalez brought a special guest

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percussionist with him, a Latin-Grammy nominated pianist, Gordon Hicken.

“It was sensational,” said Gonzalo Ramirez, psychology senior. “I wish they would have had multiple nights to go see them play. I would have made time to go to all of them.”

THE CULTURE FESTIVAL, “calle ocho,” was held on Oct. 3 from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the farmer’s market downtown.

Cole Craigg, personal trainer, saw the festivities and said he had to stop by. “It was nice being able to try new foods and learn about another culture at the same time,” Craigg said.

The movie SPARE PARTS was shown at 7 p.m. on Oct. 6 in Shawnee Theater. The movie, starring George Lopez, is based on the true story of four undocumented Hispanic students who competed in a robotics contest with their teacher.

David Wirsch, finance sophomore, said the movie was life changing. “It really gave me the motivation I needed to keep on going through the second half of this semester and made me realize how easy I have it compared to other people,” Wirsch said.

The final HHM event was held on Oct. 14 at 6 p.m. in the Atrium.

TOP CHEF LATINO STYLE was a cooking contest based on the reality TV show ‘Iron Chef’. Judges chose three winners and the first prize winner won a gift card.

Michelle Fitzpatrick, nutrition junior, attended the event. “I thought it was really awesome seeing how different Hispanic foods are compared to the foods eaten here in the U.S.,” Fitzpatrick said.

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Leroy a campus

favorite

TAYLOR COURTNEY REPORTER

A “He is MSU.” Taylor Wilson, business sophomore

lways grinning ear to ear, Leroy McIlhaney, whether he is discussing the latest updates on campus athletics, chastising players, or flirting with the girls, is a campus favorite.

When Rob Mcllhaney, a former assistant basketball coach for MSU, found out Leroy was his cousin, he brought him to the Mustangs in 2005 and now Leroy, 64, gets up before dawn to ride his bike to his first job of the day, Taco Bell.

After spending a shift there, he rides his bike over to the school, which is three miles away to handle a myriad of activities.

Richard Renner, assistant football coach, said, “Well just for me, he handles all the tickets for our players, and the envelopes they have to fill out. He collects them and makes sure they are all there. He also keeps track of all of the flags during the games on the sidelines, he writes down the numbers.”

After the game, he also helps Renner out with film and putting everything else away, and then Renner takes him home.

One of the most important things Leroy does is a job he came up with on his own will. “He does a lot. He not only prays for the team, he also gives them encouragement,” said Renner.

Coleman Johnson, a freshmen in criminal justice and football player, said, “He is something else, he gets us pumped up for the game. He always has a lot of energy.”

Renner said Leroy is good at holding the players accountable for their wins — and losses.

“If you haven’t been put in the dog house yet, you are doing well,” Renner said. “He tells the kids he’ll put them in the dog house if they don’t stop the run, or they don’t win.

He gets real mad if we don’t win.”

Renner laughed and said, “He’ll even threaten to fire the coaches.”

And some of the players said they aren’t afraid to give him a hard time back.

Renner said, “Oh man, I’m tellin ya, someone put his bike in the locker room and hid it from him. He couldn’t sleep all night because you know, when you think about it, it’s like you losing your car.”

Back in 2003, the MSU Police Department employees put their own money together to

PHOTO BY RACHEL JOHNSON | THE WICHITAN

Brian Warren, finance junior, poses for a photo with Leroy Mcllhaney before the 2015 Convocation held in the D.L. Ligon Coliseum, Aug. 20.

| Oct. 28, 2015 | 7

“He is full on energy.”

buy Leroy a new bicycle. They reported that his old bike was falling apart so they took it upon themselves to buy him a new one.

Now, however, Leroy often doesn’t get to ride his bike. Nancy Halvorsen, secretary for football, takes Leroy to every game, and Renner takes him back after to ensure his safety of riding his bike to and from the stadium.

Renner told us the reason they started taking Leroy to games to ensure his safety is because he almost got in an accident once by riding back home in the dark.

“He has a route that he goes on, going and coming so he stays off the major road of Kell, because he almost got hit by a car one night leaving here from a soccer game, and he didn’t tell me this because he doesn’t tell you the bad stuff. I found out by someone else. A girl almost hit him, she was texting and driving and didn’t see him. Scared him to death,” said Renner.

But that hasn’t lessened the impact he has had on the lives of student athletes given how happy and committed to life he is. He doesn’t let his struggles get in the way of his happiness.

“He helps you remember you know if you’re worried about an exam, or a boyfriend, or something of that nature. He keeps you grounded, and helps you realize the important things in life,” said Renner.

Marissa Olivares, radiology senior and former volleyball player, said, “Leroy would be our unofficial, official mascot. He is at every single game, and so excited to promote MSU athletics, and just be a part of the team. Not only is he in love with all of the student athletes, but also just regular students on campus have a love for him.

Seth Phillips, marketing junior, said, “ He is always smiling, and plays tag with everyone. He is also informative of the upcoming games.”

Coleman Johnson, criminal justice freshman and football player

“Most teams have adopted him as their own.”

Marissa Olivares, radiology senior and volleyball alum.

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VOLLEYBAL L

PHOTO BY FRANCISCO MARTINEZ | THE WICHITAN

Guiherme Coldeiro, Intensive English Language Institute program student, high-fives his teammate Salman Shuqairy, IELI program freshman, after scoring a goal during a game of Bubble Soccer that the University Programming Board put on in the Quad near the Bolin Fountain Oct, 27.

225 people turnout to $2,000 event TAYLOR WARREN REPORTER

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he University Programming Board hosted Bumper Balls at the quad on Oct. 27 from noon to 6 p.m.

UPB paid Kramer Entertainment $2,000 to run the event, attended by 225 students.

"The company was going to other universities in the area and we were able to join in on a block schedule," Mario Ramirez, UPB adviser, said.

Bumper Balls is a game where students get inside a bubble suit and play a game of six on six soccer.

"I have played soccer but never like this before," Yvonne Mfonyo, nursing sophomore, continued, "It was harder than I thought because you have to control the bubble as well. My friends encouraged me to play and I really didn't think it would be this fun. I would play again."

Jeremy Burris, computer science freshman, said he felt the activity promoted friendly competition.

"This was a lot more fun than just playing regular soccer. You can knock people around with the inflatables," Burris said. "It is very tiring."

Alongside bumper balls, students could also race in Zorb Balls, simulation of a giant hamster ball.

"I've never been inside one or raced in one before," Savannah Luna, nursing freshman, said. "It wasn't too hard because once you got the ball moving, you can keep going."

This is the second year UPB has hosted Bumper Balls as an activity during homecoming week.

"A lot of people have come and participated this year.

Not everyone has played, but many have just watched the games that have taken place," Juan Mercado, UPB showcase chair and sociology junior, said. "We decided to bring the activity back after it was successful last year."

UPB's next event, the Hypnotist Show on Oct. 27 at 7 p.m., was canceled due to a family emergency of the hypnotist, Chris Jones, according to UPB's twitter account, and was replaced with a showing of the movie, 'Spy.'

PHOTO BY RACHEL JOHNSON | THE WICHITAN

Kiley Beaver, nursing freshman, tips the ball onto the other side during the volleyball game in D.L. Ligon Coliseum, Oct. 27. MSU lost to Eastern New Mexico University 1-3. | Kendall Chamberlain, nursing freshman, and Olivia Schiffner, exercise physiology freshman, go up to block a spike from an Eastern New Mexico University player during the game.

New style of leadership for volleyball

season, said Rawson changed the team’s path.

“I enjoy her take charge attitude, instead of just, fix it and espite a 5-19 record, 0-10 in conference play, volleyball doesn’t really give you away to fix it,” Porter said. “She shows you, and then she’ll break it down.” players say their coach, Natalie Rawson, has Last year, the team finished 9-20 overall and brought a new style of leadership and a can3-13 in conference pay. do attitude as the team enters the second half of the “We just had this dark cloud around us,” Porseason. ter said. “We were really the joke of the athletic “She really opened the eyes of the players that we program and that’s not fun, so I think we just can be more than what people were four years beneeded a change in general.” fore us, and that’s one of my big things. I know that Porter said she likes Rawson’s coaching style I won’t see the complete change, since this is my last and hopes it will help the team improve. year here. She raised the curtain to a bright future,” “Before we just weren’t at the same level as the Hunter Porter, a mass communication senior, said. other teams in the conference and now I feel like Rawson, who was the coach at Newman Uniwe are,” Rawson said. “Just the second round has versity in Wichita, Kansas, said she knew things started for us. It’s fun going into the teams we’ve wouldn’t change over night. seen before, knowing we’re a whole different “It’s most definitely a process, which I knew team now.” coming in,” said Rawson, an assistant coach at And Porter said she believes the players will MWSU from 2010-2013. “First year is a lot of recontinue to improve under Rawson’s coaching. building and retraining. You have to train the kids “There’s so much these kids are going to acto fit in to the system, which is going to work for the complish and they have no idea how amazing program down the line. It’s a lot of, you gotta get NATALIE RAWSON they will be in the next two years. She set the path worse, before you get better.”

VOLLEYBALL COACH and gave guidance,” Porter said.

At least one of the players said she was ready for a change. Porter, who leads the team in kills this PATRICK GERMAN REPORTER

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“Before we just weren’t at the same level as the other teams in the conference and now I feel like we are”

NEXT GAME: Oct. 30, 5:30 p.m., Cameron University