OBU Signal - May 1, 2013

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Volume 121, Issue 24

Ouachita publications honored at state conference By NOAH HUTCHINSON Opinions Editor

Ouachita hosted the 2013 Arkansas College Media Association (ACMA) annual convention on Friday, a conference recognizing the achievements of college publications across the state. The department brought in professionals to

hold workshops ranging from print and broadcast journalism to social media. Ouachita’s printed publications won numerous awards, while the online Signal and television programming also won high honors.   “Overall, we won around 70 awards,” said Dr. Deborah Root, chair of the Rogers De-

partment of Communications. “The Signal won second place for best paper, The Rundown won first, second and third for best podcast and yearbook did well also. It was a good day.”   Dr. Jeff Root, dean of the school of humanities and professor of communications, said several television segments were honored in their

first year to compete and that the online competition was growing.   “We had quite a bit more involvement from the online Signal than we had previously, and they did very well. Traditionally this has ben a newspaper and yearbook competition, and The Signal and The Ouachitonian always

do well, but to win the number of awards we did in both of those categories this year was unusual. The yearbook won multiple awards in several categories and the newspaper had a great day. Our editors should be proud.”   “It was a pleasure to host the see ACMAs z 2A

Students to journey, study across Europe By KELSEY LAMB Online Co-Editor

viding background vocals and a student led choir of 16 people. The mix was sent out to be mastered by Christen Nelson, a producer and mastering engineer in Las Vegas, Nev.   The EP was written, produced, recorded, engineered and mixed by Curtis, who spent around 120 hours total producing the record.   “We spent around 60-70 hours tracking, usually start-

For the 2013 European Study Tour, 21 Ouachita students will meet on May 12 at the Little Rock Airport and begin their three-week journey to Europe.   Dr. Barbara Pemberton and Dr. Terry Dewitt will take the students to Rome, Venice, Paris, Canterbury and London. Ouachita has been taking students on this trip for about 20 years.   The students will first arrive in Rome and spend three days there touring the city, roaming the Vatican Museum, the Roman Forum and also the Borghese Gallery. They will then take a bus to Florence where they will spend three days experiencing the Academia, admiring the Doors of Paradise, roam the Uffizi museum and the Bargello.   “European Study Tour is something I have been looking forward to doing my entire time at Ouachita,” said Amelia Lindsey, a junior biology major. “It seems so surreal that I have the opportunity to experience so many different cultures and see so many famous places and artwork with all of my best friends in just three weeks.”   After Florence, the group will then travel to Venice for a few days to see St. Mark’s Square, ride on vaparettos and admire the old architecture. They will then travel together on an overnight train to Paris. They will spend four days in Paris where they will see the

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Tyler Rosenthal z The Signal NOAH MITCHELL and Zach Zucha sing at the “Noah James and the Executives” concert. The event was held to raise money for Ouachita’s Campus Ministries so they can fund a mission trip to South Africa.

Noah James, Executives concert benefits Campus Ministries By DANIEL AYLETT Online Co-Editor

Ouachita Baptist is no stranger to musical talent. Not only the talent to perform in front of a live audience but also the talent to write, record and produce a high-quality record as well.   Teaming up in efforts to raise money for Ouachita Campus Ministries’ mission trip to South Africa this summer, several Ouachita stu-

dents have worked together to create a five song extended play (EP) self-titled album called “Noah James and the Executives.”   “Noah James and the Executives” consists of acoustic guitar player and lead singer Noah James Mitchell, a senior Christian studies major from Monticello, Ark., electric guitar player Taylor Lamb, a senior Christian studies major from Conway, Ark., bass player Michael Curtis, a se-

nior music major from Wylie, Texas, and drummer Zach Zucha, a senior business finance major from Wylie, Texas.   The songs are original renditions of classic hymns that include “Blessed Assurance,” “Nothing But the Blood,” “There Is a Fountain,” “Softly and Tenderly” and “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus.”   Others involved with the recording include Craig Hamilton with brass, Chris Mazen on the organ, Carli Sasser pro-

Steel drum ensemble performs tonight By RYLEIGH SALMON News Bureau

Ouachita Baptist University will host the OBU steel drum ensemble, Tiger Steel, in concert with the Boys and Girls Club of Arkadelphia’s steel drum ensemble, Club Steel, on Thursday, May 2, at 7 p.m. in Jones Performing Arts Center. The performance is free and open to the public.   Dr. Ryan Lewis, assistant professor of music and director of Tiger Steel, said he can’t wait to bring “parents and friends of the band members

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from around the community into JPAC to support a wonderful partnership and terrific music, both of which bring joy to others and make them smile.”   Tiger Steel is not exclusive to music majors, and each Ouachita student mentors one of the 6th-8th grade students at least one hour per week at the Boys and Girls Club.   “Ouachita students will get to perform side by side with the students they mentor and get to perform with an ensemble that is twice as big as what we are used to,” Lewis noted.

Members of Tiger Steel include Erin Cheshire, Chris Hogan, Cory Thackston and John David Whitmore on tenor pan; Leslie Colbert, Carter Harlan, Kristen Liles and Natalie Williams on double seconds; Ian Olmsted, Cody Osborn, Ben Lange-Smith and Sara Williams on guitars and cello; and Tori Clark on bass pans. Olmsted and Osborn also perform on drum set.   Tiger Steel will perform selections from their inaugural concert on April 16, and

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THIS WEEK AT OBUSIGNAL.COM

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Leader in training

shop will be serving a variety of pastries and juices. Officially called the Library Café, the old coffeehouse was referred to as Starbucks by the majority of students because of the brand of coffee they sold. “The Starbucks connection

Haney attends Institute in D.C.,

FEATURES, P. 4 Thursday, Oct. 4, 2012

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Volume 121, Issue 5

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Staff Writer

There are many questions students face when entering college and even more as they begin the voyage into the “real world.” What am I doing, where am I going and how do I get there? Where do my priorities lie and what will happen if I can’t do it all? Before getting too bogged down, students can rest assured that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Career Services is available as a launching point for every Ouachita student, no matter their classification. Whether you are an upperclassman preparing for your life ahead or a freshman that doesn’t know where to begin, you are not on this journey alone. Career Services is an organization at Ouachita whose main goal is equipping students with the answers, opportunities and connections needed to succeed both on campus and off. It’s never too early to start taking advantage of all that Career Services has to offer. “I really hope that more people will get involved with Career Services as a freshman or a sophomore,” said Aly Smith, a sophomore Mass Communications major, “be-

Tiger Tunes 2012

Dr. Jack’s legacy inspires sense of school pride By NOAH HUTCHINSON

JOEY LICKLIDER

By KATHLEEN SUIT

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The fact that there is a new coffee shop on campus is old news. However, just reading the name or looking at the logo, the significance might

Volume 121, Issue 2

Career Services offers students variety of tools, resources

News Editor

Photo courtesy of Dr. Barbara Pemberton.

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By Sam CuShman

Saudi Arabia, traditionally shy of tourism, invites student group for visit

PREPPING THE STAGE:

FEATURES, P. 4

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New Yorker publishes Curlin poem in July issue

On Jul. 30, 2012, Dr. Jay Curlin, professor of English, had a poem featured in The New Yorker. Curlin never submitted the poem, but after a remarkable set of circumstances, The New Yorker’s poetry editor, Paul Muldoon, contacted Curlin and asked him whether he might publish it in the magazine. The poem, entitled “Evidence of Things Not Seen,” was written in the fall of 2010 to feature By Tanner Ward two words that appeared in the Editor-in-Chief Daily Word Game utilized by ight students and two professors got what will professors to enhance students’ probably be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in vocabulary. The words were May. They, along with a community member, were “Higgs-Boson,” the legendary granted an almost unheard of invitation to tour god particle and “hirsute,” a Saudi Arabia, a country typically closed to tourism outword meaning hairy. The poside of religious purposes. em’s title is a reference to the Dr. Barbara Pemberton, associate professor of Christian Bible verse Hebrews 11:1. missions and one of the professors who attended, said “After a couple of years of the trip was the result of years of talks between herself, playing the daily word games, a tour company in Saudi Arabia and the Saudi Arabian [Jay] would put [them] in his Nicole McPhate z The Signal embassy in thethe United Theofcertainty of the trip was in the reading in poems he STUDENTS ENJOY newStates. features Dr. Jack’s Coffeehouse recentlyquizzes renovated Evans Student Center. The first president’s unknown evenhelp to the last minute. wrote that he called lexical iconic mutton chops to reinforce the sense of school heritage among students.

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son, vice president of communications. “He was elected president in 1886 at age 29 and was responsible for recruiting students, hiring faculty and developing the Arkadelphia campus.” As Ouachita’s first presi-

is important to have a reminder of where the school came from and the people who had a hand in making OBU what it is today.” Dr. Jack stands out as a symbol for Ouachita and is more

of it’s founding Hosts/Hostessesthanp. just 2 one • Tunes Effects on Clubs p. 3 • Tunescast 2012 p. 3 • Joey Licklider p. 4

The complete print edition in a new interactive format. Now compatible with iPhone/iPad.

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ACADEMIC AWARDS BANQUET will take place tonight from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in Walker. For more information, contact: Stan Poole at pooles@obu. edu

LIVE MUSIC at Dr. Jack’s Coffeehouse will take place tomorrow at 12:15 p.m. in the Evans Student Center. For more information, contact: Allison Sweatman at sweatmana@obu.edu.

MASS STEEL BAND concert will take place tonight from 7- 8 p.m. in JPAC. For more information, contact: Ryan Lewis at lewisr@obu.edu.

TAKE A SPIKE OUT OF HUNGER volleyball tournament will take place tomorrow from 3-5 p.m. at the sand volleyball court. For more information, contact: Robert Bond at bon49523@ obu.edu.

REFUGE will take place tonight from 9–10 p.m. at Second Baptist Church. For more information, contact: James Taylor at taylorja@obu.edu.

COMMENCEMENT will take place Saturday, May 11, in front of Cone Bottoms Hall from 9:30-11:30 a.m. For more information, contact: Judy Jones at jonesj@obu.edu.

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Arkansas Barbecue Joints Whole Hog Cafe in Little Rock Cross-Eyed Pig in Little Rock

McClard’s Bar-B-Q in Hot Springs Mean Pig in Cabot Penguin Ed’s Bar-B-Q in Fayetteville

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this weekzCALENDAR

Tweets of the Week

Carli Sasser @carlisasser R.I.P. motivation. You were taken too soon.

26 Apr

Devan Malone @devanamalone 29 Apr I have no shame in saying I plan days around happy hour and half price shakes. It’s a good life. A happy life. Macy Fouse @macyfouse *obligatory OBU-needs-a-dead-week tweet*

29 Apr

Ugo Nkalari @_iUgo I bet Dr. Horne sleeps in a suit.

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Heather Ellis z The Signal CHAD BURRIS sings during a recital in McBeth Recital Hall for Scholar’s Day 2013. Scholar’s Day featured student presentations across a wide variety of disciplines.

From Our

“Living in London, drinking tea.” Tanner Ward, Editor-in-Chief

If money were no object, what would you be doing with your life?

“Ruling the world.” Sam Cushman, News Editor

“Be a Kardashian, probably.” Emily Terry, Features Editor

“Buy every NFL team.” Chelsea Byers, Sports Editor

Tyler Rosenthal z The Signal TANNER WARD, editor-in-chief of The Signal, receives an award for second place website of the year at the 2013 ACMAs. The annual convention was held on Ouachita’s campus last Friday. Corey Nolen z Courtesy ERIN CHESHIRE performs in Tiger Steel in McBeth Recital Hall. Their concert with Club Steel is scheduled for tonight from 7-8 p.m.

STEEL

z Continued from Page 1A Club Steel will perform “Comedians’ Gallop” by Dimitri Kabalevsky and “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)” by Harry Belafonte. After performing separately, the two groups will come together to play “Jump in the Line,” also by Harry Belafonte, and “Marianne,” a traditional Calypso tune.   Club Steel is directed by Aaron Seel, assistant band director and percussion teacher

at Arkadelphia High School. Club Steel is comprised of 6th grader Ja’Vonte’ Brown; 7th graders Khennedy Brunson, Allis Harris, Ryan Motl and Ashlyn Taylor; and 8th graders Michaela Forthman, Addy Goodman, Tierra McCraney, Kierstyn Noel, Cristo Rivera, Alexis Summerford. They rehearse once a week at Goza Middle School, and they have access to the instruments to practice after school as well.   For information on Tiger Steel or Club Steel, contact Lewis at lewisr@obu.edu. n

ACMAs

z Continued from Page 1A Arkansas College Media Association on campus last Friday,” Deborah Root said. “It was an honor to have eleven schools represented on our campus for the ceremony,”   This was the first year that the ACMAs were hosted at Ouachita, and the department was supported by alumni who agreed to return to lead the sessions and students who acted as hosts.   “There are a number of advisers who are involved across the state,” Jeff Root said. “We

had a meeting so they could see the facilities since most of them hadn’t been here before. We showed them Hickingbotham and Walker, where the opening ceremony and closing banquet would be held, as well as Lile Hall where we held the workshop sessions. They were vey pleased with the facilities and that’s when everything started to come together. It took some time to line up the guests, but they were all folks who we’re close to, and they were all pleased to help.”   Deborah Root said it was exciting to host several graduates who returned to lead workshops. Alumni session leaders

included: Rex Nelson, a columnist, broadcaster and president of Arkansas’ Independent Colleges and Universities; Lannie Byrd of UAMS; Mitch Bettis of Arkansas Business Publishing Group; Sonja Keith of 501Life magazine; Tony Ranchino of KATV and Alyse Eady of KTHV. They were joined by Chris Hooten of Hooten’s Arkansas Football, Natasha Durham of Josten’s and HerffJones’ Danielle Kloap and Desiree Paulhamus.   “They really offered some good advice and insight to our students, as well as other students who were on campus,” Deborah Root said. n

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NEWS BRIEFS n Thirty second recaps of the biggest stories of the week. NATIONAL ― Rhode Island locals

discovered a 28-foot carcass of the world’s second largest fish, the basking shark, at Misquamicut Beach on Sunday. The massive sea creature, which is commonly found in New England waters, will be examined by a biologist at the Northeast Fisheries Science Center, according to local newspaper The Day. Tracy Marcus, of the Cornell Cooperative Extension, told CBS News that there was evidence of a boat strike, but no injuries that appeared to have caused the male basking shark’s death. The Northeast Fisheries Science Center will be investigating the cause of death of the animal. Basking sharks can grow as large as 40 feet, and while it is overfished in some areas, is not endangered. Basking sharks eat plankton and are generally slow moving. After the cause of death is determined, local authorities will bury the carcass in sand dunes, as reported by CBS News. n

WORLD ― A powerful bomb ripped

through a bustling commercial district of Damascus on Tuesday, killing at least 14 people, shattering store fronts and bringing Syria’s civil war to the heart of the capital for the second consecutive day. A day earlier, the Syrian prime minister escaped an assassination attempt after a car bomb struck near his convoy. The bombings appear to be part of an accelerated campaign by opposition forces to hit President Bashar Assad’s regime in the heavily defended capital. President Obama, who has said the use of chemical weapons by the Syrian regime would mark an unacceptable escalation of the country’s civil war, said the United States must be more certain of all the facts before he decides on how the country will intervene in the conflict. The White House said last week intelligence indicates the Syrian military has likely used a deadly nerve agent on at least two occasions. n

SCIENCE ― NASA’s Cassini-Huy-

gens spacecraft has provided scientists with some of the most awe-inspiring, close up images of a monstrous hurricane hovering over Saturn’s North Pole. In pictures and video taken by the craft, NASA announced Monday that they have close views of the 12,500 mile-wide hurricane - which is 20 times larger than the average hurricane eye on Earth. The Saturn maelstrom is also more powerful than any hurricane on Earth, with thin, bright clouds at the outer edge whipping around at 330 mph. The hurricane on Saturn will provide scientists with information that should help them gain insight into hurricanes on Earth. Though the hurricane over Saturn has no close body of water to feed off of like terrestrial hurricanes do, learning how it is using water vapor will provide scientists with an understanding of how our hurricanes are generated and sustained. n

HEALTH ― A large study of people

living in a region in Southeastern U.S. where health officials have found a higher incidence of strokes found that in healthy people, those who more closely followed the Mediterranean diet were less likely to develop a decline in their thinking and memory skills. A Mediterranean diet is rich in olive oil, fruits and vegetable, beans, nuts and fish, while it’s low in foods containing saturated fats, like meat and dairy foods. A growing body of research has found that eating a Mediterranean diet reduces risk of heart disease, cancer, and mortality and lowers the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. This type of diet is high in antioxidants and unsaturated fatty acids like omega-3, which may have a positive effect on the heart and the brain. The study, published in the journal Neurology, collected dietary information from 17,478 African-Americans and Caucasians with an average age of 64. n

Compiled by Sam Cushman, News Editor. Sources: usatoday.com, designntrend.com, cbsnews.com, foxnews.com, neurology.org.

Students, faculty present research at ACS

EXECUTIVES z Continued from Page 1A

ing around 10 p.m. ‘til around 2 or 3 in the morning in the recital hall or band room,” he said.   Producing a new album had been a desire for all of the guys in the group and the idea of redoing hymns was an easy choice, considering that they would not have to spend any extra time writing new lyrics. It also gave the group an opportunity to collaborate.   “Noah has been wanting to release an EP since finishing his last one,” Curtis said. “Realizing it’d be hard to make a full length album while being a full time student would be really difficult, he opted for a shorter EP.”   The group enjoyed bouncing ideas off of each other and agreeing on how the songs would all be structured.   “It was so much fun to take hymns that were so familiar and totally turn them upside down. Getting to put my own spin on something that’s been written for over a hundred years was really cool,” Curtis said.   One week after the album’s release, “Noah James and the Executives” has raised more than $1,100 for the Campus Ministries trip to South Africa in the summer.   As for Curtis, aspirations of furthering a career in music production are real possibilities.   “I would love to become more involved in the live music scene as well as grow in the studio environment,” he said. “I’d love to eventually open my own full-time studio, so any and all experience recording will be huge. I’d also love to keep playing bass, not just on my own stuff, but on other people’s records, too.” n

STUDY TOUR z Continued from Page 1A

Eiffel Tower twinkling at night, experience Saint-Chapelle and Notre Dame, take tours of the Orsay Museum and the Louvre. They later will have the chance to sit and read books where Shakespeare wrote some of his plays.   “I am excited for Europe because travelling is one of my passions,” said Taylor Tomlinson, a junior mass communications major. “So getting to knock off a few of the places on my bucket list in one place will be nice.”   The students will then jump on the Chunnel, which is an underwater train that will take them to England. They will start out spending one day in Canterbury looking at the cathedral and attending a church service and then move on to travel to Dover. Here they will see the White Cliffs and the English Channel. They will then take a bus to England where they will conclude their

By RYLEIGH SALMON News Bureau

Tyler Rosenthal z The Signal MICHAEL CURTIS plays the upright bass at the Executives concert.

Tyler Rosenthal z The Signal CARLI SASSER sings at the Executives concert.

trip by seeing attractions such as the British Library, Leeds Castle, Tower of London and touring Westminster Abbey.   “To be able to see the golden

It seems so surreal that I have the opportunity to experience so many different cultures and see so many famous places and artwork with all of my best friends in just three weeks. — AMELIA LINDSEY doors that started Renaissance, the restaurant where Hemingway was inspired to write some of his greatest works and walk the Champs de Elysees where Allied forces marched,” said Barrett Burger, a junior biology major.

European Study Tour is not just a trip to Europe for three weeks, it is also a class that takes place during the entire Spring semester. The 21 students meet once a week for three hours with Dr. Pemberton and Dr. Dewitt to discuss every aspect of the trip. They have memorized and learned to appreciate the art that they will see.   “The last time I went to Europe I was in the 5th grade, so I know I took the experience of being immersed in the culture for granted,” said Tomlinson.   These students have worked very hard to learn about multiple artists that range from Michelangelo and Caravaggio to Picasso and Van Gogh. Not only have they memorized paintings and architecture but they have also learned how to decipher between artists’ creative style.   As the semester comes to an end, the group is gathering their backpacks and packing the minimum necessities to take with them on this three week long journey. n

Eleven Ouachita students and two faculty members recently presented their independent summer research projects at the American Chemical Society (ACS) national meeting held earlier this month in New Orleans, La. Three of those students, Ryan James, Hollyn McCarty and Kelsey Willis earned the Chemistry Ambassador “Speak Simply” award during the Undergraduate Research Poster Session.   “It is always exciting to see Ouachita students recognized for their hard work and intellectual contributions they make,” said Dr. Marty Perry, Nell I. Mondy Professor of Chemistry and Ouachita’s ACS student chapter sponsor. “Ryan, Hollyn and Kelsey all excelled and were three of the 15 students who were recognized as ‘Speak Simply’ awardees. No other institution had as many winners as Ouachita.   “The ‘Speak Simply’ competition was new at the ACS national meeting this year,” Perry added. “Our students attended a session on oral communication skills the day prior to their research. One of the speakers challenged them to talk about why their research is important and not only about the how they did the work.” The students who presented in the “Speak Simply” division were judged on their ability to talk about their research to a non-scientist and were asked to avoid scientific jargon while explaining their research simply but compellingly.   “It was extremely challenging attempting to prevent the use of chemistry jargon,” said McCarty, a senior chemistry

and biology double major from Texarkana, Ark. “We are all so used to speaking with other chemistry and biology majors on a daily basis, so it’s integrated into our daily speech patterns. Shutting that off is equivalent to the difficulty it takes to prevent the use of the ‘um’ word filler.”   “It really was a good way to look at presenting research because the majority of people you come into contact with have no clue what you did, much less the significance of it,” added James, a senior biology major from Benton, Ark. “It helped me realize how important simplicity is.”   “Ouachita science students commit many hours to studying for courses, conducting lab investigations and completing their research projects,” Perry said. “Their scientific and communication skills are well honed—a tribute to their individual talents and all the Ouachita faculty who mentor and instruct them.”   In addition to James, McCarty and Willis, students who presented research posters at the conference were Elizabeth Blankenship, a senior biology major from Casscoe, Ark.; Shelby Cobb, a senior chemistry major from Pine Bluff, Ark.; Cara Cox, a junior biology major from Bentonville, Ark.; Tim Horton, a junior physics and professional chemistry double major from Arkadelphia, Ark.  Also presenting research were Valerie Nickel, a senior chemistry and biology double major from Richardson, Texas; Taylor Neeley, a junior biology major from Camden, Ark.; Crista Riggs, a junior chemistry and biology double major from Edmond, Okla.; and Taylor Stanford, a senior chemistry major from White Hall, Ark. n

Tanner Ward z The Signal THE EIFFEL Tower stands in Paris, France, which is among the stops on the European Study Tour.

Nicole McPhate z The Signal CANTERBURY CATHEDRAL in the U.K. is one of the oldest cathedrals in Europe. Students will visit the cathedral while on the tour.

4A n opinions Thursday, May 1, 2013

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Horde 2.0: Ultimate bro moment By NOAH HUTCHINSON Opinions Editor

What would happen if you dropped a bunch of professional wrestlers off on an alien planet, decked them out in crazy future armor, gave them chainsaw guns and told them everything with a glowing red light on it hated whey protein and America?   This exact question must have been asked at some point in a room full of game designers. Then “Gears of War” happened, and since the first game, it’s happened three more times.   This, however, isn’t a review of “Gears of War Judgment.” It’s third person “Call of Duty” with a cover system and a poorly done Gears of War skin laid over the whole thing. It’s not terrible, but save yourself some money and play “Blops 2” or “Gears of War 3” instead. As a matter of fact, “Gears of War 3” is exactly what I want to talk about. Specifically Horde 2.0.   Horde 2.0 is the ultimate bro game mode. It forms brotherhoods just as fast as “Monopoly” destroys them. With up to 5 players, all represented by space commandos who had to pass a minimum 20 in. bicep requirement to enlist, you hole up in your strategic locations of choice, build fortifications, earn weapon pick ups and try to hold out against 50 waves of Locust (the most

metal aliens to ever grace a video game) with a boss wave every ten waves.   This game will force you to work together. For the first ten waves, it might not seem that hard. Then, the boss wave will eat your children. For the next ten waves, all enemies gain double health, taking away the instant shotgun kills that are the meat and potatoes of “Gears of War.” After that, anybody who thinks they can cowboy their way through it is going to get curb stomped (literally) right off the bat. Within one failed round, everybody is huddled together in some corner at the back of the map while “that guy” is off screaming for somebody to revive him.   If you put a court reporter in the same room as a LAN party that was determined to play through the whole thing, at the end of the night you’d have the script for a blockbuster Vietnam War movie. The characters even spout off cheesy catch phrases for you.   By wave five, you didn’t just get a kill, you “Got you one.”   When you pick up a flamethrower, it’s almost a knee-jerk reaction to ask “Who wants toast?”   It’s like playing as Scorpion in “Mortal Combat.” You’re practically obligated to say the catch phrases, even if the character doesn’t.   For those thinking about fighting their way through all 50 waves, or even

INTEGRITY CONTEST: RESPECT JUDGE’S CHOICE – ESSAY

words over and over to a baby, trying to get them to say “Dada” or “Mama,” but this actually serves to stimulate their mirror neurons. When I refused to go to sleep as a child, my mother would pretend to yawn a few times. After mimicking her fake yawns, I would be out like a light.   If respect is in our biological blueprint, something we are designed for, then how do we show it? We reflect. We reflect the actions and intentions of the people we respect. At Ouachita, I think we can all agree that Rex Horne is one of the most respected men on campus. Whenever he walks into the room wearing a suit and tie, I find myself naturally standing a little taller, choosing my words with greater care, being more careful with how I choose my words. This would be considered “courtesy,” the outward indication of respect. Courtesy is unique in that it is a voluntary response, not an obligation, as one might show chivalry. We choose to be courteous, just as we choose to respect someone. We do all of these things because we see those traits as something worth having in our own lives.   You might be wondering whether Andy ever reached his goal at the Scranton branch. Unfortunately, he went a little crazy and had to attend anger management classes, but that’s another story. What we can learn from Andy, however, is how to show respect to others, mirroring them. n

Integrity Contest Winner   In season 3 of The Office, my favorite show, the Stamford and Scranton branches of the office merge due to corporate downsizing. In the midst of the ensuing upheaval Andy Bernard, a Stamford employee, explains his plan to become Scranton’s new second-incommand: “Name repetition, personality mirroring, and never breaking off a handshake.” It is this second tactic that I want to focus on.   Respect is being a mirror. It may sound a bit odd, but when I consider the idea of respect I have mental pictures of those people who helped mold me into who I am today. I see this influence as a mosaic mirror, each mirror piece reflecting one person I have grown to respect. Why do we look to certain people for answers to our questions? Why is it that we imitate the admirable characteristics that we see in others? What is it about a simple encounter with these people that completely change our attitudes? Respecting someone is not just something we choose to do; it is something we are designed to do.   Respect really does have its roots in biology. In Neuroscience, Dr. Wight discusses the “mirror neurons.” These neurons are what allow us to imitate someone else. They play a significant role in how children learn; we all know how silly it looks to repeat the same

completion.   #3- Buy the Silverback: One of the fortifications is a mech-suit called a Silverback. It’s the “Gears of War” equivalent of a tank. If that sentence didn’t make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up, go back to Canada. As soon as your group has enough money, pool it and buy a Silverback. You’ll need the extra firepower when you get into the higher waves, and the wide grouping on it’s turret makes it prefect for killing faster enemies. It’s not invincible though. Park it in a corner with a good vantage point and mow some grubs.   #4-Save the bosses for last: The boss waves will destroy everything you’ve ever loved. I’m not going to write an in depth guide on how to beat each one, but I will say that they’re a lot easier to beat if you take care of the normal foot soldiers first. The Silverback comes in handy here.   For anyone looking at the slim selection of summer videogame releases in woe, go try some Horde 2.0. It’s preposterously gory, replaces the faceless army guy hands of most shooting games with some of the coolest characters ever and will permanently bond you with whoever you play it with. The next time one of them needs to bum some cash off you, you may have to stop yourself from shouting “HAVE SOME AMMO!” n

Music reaches into your soul

People you respect evident through actions By RYAN JAMES

just giving it a try, I’ve got a few pieces of advice I wish somebody would’ve given me back when I was but a noob.   #1- Use the sawed off and the lancer: When you first set up the game, you’ll come to a character and weapon select screen. Everybody has to pick a different character. It’s an unspoken rule. Aside from that though, if you want to win, you have to use the sawed off shotgun and the lancer. The gnasher shotgun is the iconic gun of the multiplayer community, but it’s next to useless in Horde. The sawed off, on the other hand, can make a rhinoceros explode with one shot. You can kill any non-boss enemy with one pull of the trigger, all the way up to wave 11. As for the lancer, it has a chainsaw bayonet. Which doesn’t run out of gas. Enough said.   #2- Save your money and complete all the bonus waves: With each passing wave, you earn in game “money” for each enemy you kill. Save it. You’ll be tempted to spend it immediately to beef up your fortifications as quickly as possible, but you can easily fight your way through the first ten waves with only one fortification. I’ll get to that later. You’ll also be offered a few bonus waves that give you challenges (eight chainsaw kills, five headshots, beat the wave in three minutes) which will give you extra money and weapons upon

By ANDREA LOCK Staff Writer

There is not one human being in the entire cosmos that can say they hate music. Music is one of the few treasures that we have in this distorted world. It is constantly surrounding us and enveloping us in its warm embrace, and if you let it, it has the power to reach into your soul and lift you up into another dimension. It even has the power to heal. Stressed out?   Start blasting some David Bowie or Florence & the Machine and see if you don’t have a grin on your face afterwards. Need to relax? Try listening to the score of different films such as “DragonHeart,” “Gladiator,” “Pride & Prejudice” or whatever butters your biscuit. One of my favorites is Julie Fowlis, a Scottish folk singer. Another beloved favorite of mine is Celtic Woman, an all-female Irish musical ensemble.   One of the ways that music affects us is that it can trigger memories. When interviewing Nikki Kambanis, she said “When I listen to a certain Disney soundtrack, like ‘Aladdin’ or ‘The Lion King,’ it brings back memories of my childhood and it was fun.” For me, listening to the soundtrack of ‘Brave’ always brings back memories of how my mother used to read me to sleep at bedtime. It never fails, when I listen to Barbie Girl, I remember all those cheesy 90s songs that I love so much. Music can even boost your immune system by effectively lowering stress and creating more antibodies that help fight infection.   During your workout, try listening to exhilarating music that pumps up your blood and you will notice how good you feel afterwards. Music also helps exercising seem more like recreation and less like work. There are specific genres of music that are targeted to help you fall asleep. Studies have determined that there are certain songs that synchronize with your heartbeat and brainwave activity to help you relax and drift off into dreamland. One song, “Weightless,” by Marconi Union, is an eight minute song with a continuous rhythm that will leave you hypnotized.   Speaking of hypnotized, there is always that phenomenal moment in all of time and space when you’re listening to that one song that brings chills throughout your entire frame. Those are the little moments that bring joy to the heart and a smile on your face. One song that always gives me chills is “Immortals Battle” from the “300” soundtrack. Next time when you’re feeling down, I want you to pull out your computer and listen to that one perfect song that always brings a smile to your face and see how you feel afterwards. Billy Joel had the right idea when he said “I think music in itself is healing. It’s an explosive expression of humanity. It’s something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we’re from, everyone loves music.” n

Decorating dorm room can be practical, cost effective at same time By SARAH BAKER Guest Contributor

Have you ever wanted to decorate your room and begun by looking in magazines, in stores and online for inspiration, only to have your dreams crumble at the boulder of a price tag? Yes, we’ve all been there. Even if you do have a lot of cash on hand, a decorating project could cost millions. Well, maybe not millions, but it could mean a whole lot less of getting coffee with friends or whatever extras you allow yourself.   You could determine that decorating is one such extra, and not necessary. However, there is great benefit to creating a space of your own. Personally, if I have my house and office in order

theSignal

and looking cute, I am able to function at my best. My mind is clear and I am able to finish my work on time and innovatively problem-solve. I think this is true for everyone. Just think about it. When have you had your biggest aha moment? Or completed a project you are most proud of? You were probably in an environment that allowed you to calmly assess your situation and inspired you to come up with a superb solution.   That’s what decorating is! Creating an environment that is functional and fun for you. Then you are able to be at ease enjoying what is around you and produce your greatest work! We do have a problem—we need to decorate, but don’t want to break the bank doing it! So save that bank and facebook.com/obusignal twitter.com/obusignal instagram.com/obusignal

find your solution in a little creativity and extra elbow grease (eww; whoever came up with that term? Is there even grease on our elbows?!). Discover the art of making your own décor. Pinterest is a phenomenal free tool for decorating inspiration that I invite you to take advantage of. On this wonderful site, and on blogs or online venues, you will find many items such as ugly furniture turned into adorable pieces of décor or a piece of cardboard and pretty fabric that become a magnificent wall hanging.   To actually put these suggestions to use, you will have to go out yourself and collect. With minimal effort, you can go to a second hand store and buy a drab tan dresser for fifteen dollars, take it home and paint it and have a place to

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store your clothes. You could even put a sticker decal with a pretty design on it and add some shiny knobs! Also at second hand stores, you can find other items such as ceramic containers. Take them home and clean them up. Then, paint, or sharpie and bake, or sticker decal—now you have brilliant storage for items such as pens, makeup brushes, or remotes! And you can probably buy ten of these for fewer than twenty dollars compared to buying a single new, less personalized container at a store for twenty bucks.   A little of this here and there and you will soon have an amazingly decorated space thanks to your creativity and ingenuity—which will carry over into future work you do in your space! And the bank will be intact! n

The Signal is the student newspaper of Ouachita Baptist University, and is published every Thursday during the fall and spring semesters when school is in session. The newspaper is distributed free of charge; 1,200 copies are placed in more than 20 locations across campus. Opinions expressed are those of the writer and not necessarily those of the newspaper staff or university. The Signal is a member of the Columbia Scholastic Press Association and the Associated Collegiate Press and is printed by the Hope Star.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Letters to the editor are encouraged and accepted, unless libelous, irresponsible or obscene. Letters should be typed and include a signature and contact phone number, and must be less than 500 words. The Signal reserves the right to edit letters for space and style. Letters should be sent via campus mail to Box 3761 or via e-mail to signal@obu.edu.

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Save our world, click ‘like’ today By EMILY TERRY Features Editor

@EmilyMTerry

“Like if you love Jesus; scroll if you

love the devil.”   “This puppy rescued a kitten from a house fire. How many likes for this hero? 1 Like = 1 Respect.”   “This baby was born with an incurable disease. 1 Like = 1 Pray.”   Facebook has gone to the dark side. What started as a place where you could connect with loved ones who live hundreds of miles away turned into a painfully easy way to stalk any and every person you’ve ever come into contact with. That evolution was one that I, as a certified Facebook stalker, welcomed with open arms.   For example, I once went to dinner in Gulf Shores, Alabama, with my best

friend and aunt and had an employee take our picture. Since I am a girl who loves a challenge almost as much as I love a molten chocolate cake from Chili’s or white cheese dip from a Mexican restaurant, I took it upon myself to find him on Facebook. After returning to the condo, I pulled up Facebook and reviewed what I knew about him: his first name and employer.   Within 20 minutes, Turner Adcock, a junior soccer player from Gulf Shores High School, was pulled up on my laptop for everyone to see and admire. Whether they were admiring my skills or his beautiful face, I suppose we will never know.   That aside, the beloved corner of the internet we fondly refer to as “Facebook” has since taken a wrong turn and is headed straight for the trash bin icon on my desktop. This is all due to whomever at Facebook headquarters was

spinning around in a swivel chair while chewing on an inkpen and playing solitare that said, “Hey! Here’s a brilliant thing that people will LOVE. Let’s alert every single one of someone’s friends when they like a completely stupid picture that is chocked full of grammatical errors and guilt trips!”   I understand we all have our off days. While working on putting the Signal together a while back, I asked (out loud, mind you) why Obama’s picture was on the left and Romney’s was on the right. It was just one of those days. Just one of those instances where your foot is in your mouth before the words can get out.   However, this idea had by some unknown entity was not a one time thought or action. I’m not saying I’m an expert at how the inner-workings of a social media headquarters works, but I’m pretty sure decisions on things

that affect every single Facebook user go through several people and maybe even a focus group or two.   The thing that worries me most is the fact that enough people in the upper-tier of the Facebook ranks thought this was for the best of the company in some shape or fashion.   Maybe you enjoy seeing the most recent meme your friend mindlessly “like”-d take up the 84% of your timeline that isn’t covered in relationship status updates.   I don’t. That’s why if I could change one thing, I would rid us poor souls from this annoyance.   I would say that I would end world hunger or stop terrorist attacks or eliminate the untimely deaths of infants, but apparently the 1,573,241 people sitting on their computers and mindlessly hitting the “like” button in their pajamas are already working on it. n

Letter to my editors, staff: Thank you By TANNER WARD Editor-in-Chief

@TannerWard   This was supposed to be my goodbye column; the column where I thank all my editors, my staff writers, my professors for all the work they’ve done to help me put together the Signal this year. The column where I ponder what “real life” will be like, worry about not having a job, etc. etc. But I’m on the take-all-the-hours track here at Ouachita — for real though; I will have 187 hours by the time I graduate in December — so all that can wait seven more months.   Instead, I am writing this column to reflect on the past year — a year that has been a favorite of my life so far. Over the past year, I have been privileged to lead a team of eight editors and

sixteen staff members, and together, we have been able to achieve so much more than I ever thought possible with the Signal.   We’ve grown from six pages per week to eight, and twelve this week. We’ve seen our website grow to 50,000 page views since September. Our interactive eVersion has had 10,000 views in just its first year. Twice the number of people viewed our live Tunescast compared to last year. Our social media following and interaction rate has grown exponentially. We accidentally stirred up a giant controversy a few weeks ago. And we were named the second best newspaper and website in the state of Arkansas last week.   And though I’d like to personally take credit for all of these successes, I truly couldn’t have done it without each and every member of my staff.   Sam, you are one of the hardest

working people I know. Emily, you are an amazing writer, and I’m so glad we can keep each other sane at 5 a.m. on Thursday mornings. Tarah, you are an incredibly talented writer and designer, and I would not be able to do what I can do without you having taught me. Noah, I am continually amazed at the number of things you can relate to manliness, and you have a gift at telling stories. Chelsea, your gumption is inspiring, and I am so proud of the work you have been able to do both with the Signal and starting “The Rundown.” Daniel, you are always available to help wherever needed, and Kelsey, you are always willing to learn something new and get the job done. And Nicole, you have truly helped me survive this crazy year. The way you lead your staff is inspirational, and I am so glad we were able to share an office this year.   And each member of my staff — Ab-

bey, Tori, Mattie, Kathryn, Brad, Caylie, Breanne, Emily, Samantha, Anna, Andrea, Lauren, Hunter, Kathleen (even though you are leaving us for video production…), Taylor, Molly Anne — you all did amazing work this year, and I am so proud of each one of you.   And of course, none of this would be possible without our amazing advisers Dr. Jeff Root, Dr. Deborah Root and Ms. Tiffany Eurich.   I know this is oozing cheese, but I am truly thankful for my staff. Thank you for sticking with me as I learned how this whole editor-thing worked. Thank you for being dedicated to this newspaper.   Over the summer, we will be overhauling obusignal.com and launching a brand new look in the fall. We will also roll out a new logo and feel in the print edition. And we’ve already started planning Tunescast 2013. Get excited! n

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6A n sports Thursday, May 1, 2013

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GAC CHAMPIONS of 2013, the Ouachita Tigers, celebrate their conference title win following a hard-fought battle against East Central University.

Dr. Wesley Kluck z Courtesy

Ouachita men’s tennis wins GAC championship By JOSH FINK

Sports Information Director

Nicole McPhate z The Signal HELGE KNUTH prepares to hit the ball while playing singles in the GAC Division II Conference Championship. Knuth, along with his teammates competed for the title, and placed first for the second year in a row.

For the second year in a row, the Ouachita men’s tennis team has captured the Great American Conference men’s tennis championship.   The Tigers defended their title in a championship rematch from 2012 against East Central University.   Following the conference tournament, the NCAA announced this year’s regional hosts and the participants at each region.  Ouachita Head Coach Craig Ward and the Tigers added to their resume as they will host this year’s NCAA Central Regional for the second year in a row.   The Tigers hold the No. 1 seed in the regional, followed by automatic qualifier Northwest Missouri State University as the No. 2 seed, third seed Washburn University and fourth seed Southwest Baptist University.

Southwest Baptist finished the year with a record of 1010 and finished as the runnerup in the MIAA Conference Tournament   During the GAC conference championship, the Tigers kicked off doubles action with a win as GAC Player of the Year Marko Boskovic and GAC Freshman of the Year Vitor Oliviera took down East Central’s duo of Stefan Stein and Andrew Cabato by a score of 8-6.   They took the point in the second doubles match as well as All-GAC First Teamer Helge Knuth partnered with Marvin Muller to defeat Victor Blasco and Julian Caminos by a score of 8-5.   East Central got its first win of the match in the third doubles match as Max DeJuan and Marc Fillat gained a victory over Ouachita’s Teodor Anghel and Riccardo Bassani by a score of 8-5.   In singles play, the Tigers took four of the five matches

that were completed.  Ouachita’s Anghel and Knuth didn’t finish their singles matches due to Ouachita having already sealed the conference title.   Boskovic routed Stein in singles play, winning a 6-1, 6-0 match and giving the Tigers a 3-1 lead in team score.   His win was followed by a 6-4, 6-2 win for Muller over Fillat in the No. 3 slot.   East Central’s only win in singles play came in the No. 4 slot, as Blasco took down Ouachita’s Oliveira by a score of 6-3, 6-2.   Ouachita’s Leon Ferran, competing in the No. 5 match, sealed the championship for Ouachita, defeating East Central’s Cabato in a 7-5, 6-3 final.   Ouachita entered the tournament holding the No. 1 ranking in the NCAA Division II Central Region standings.   The Tigers advanced to the Elite Eight last year. n

Meet the Coaches: Assistant Baseball Coach Kyle Hope

PRESS BOX

How did you get your start in baseball?   I started playing baseball as a young kid and played through college. In my teens and young adult life, I also coached some Little League teams and did some umpiring. How did you get your start in coaching?   I had several influential teachers and coaches growing up, and I knew that I wanted a career that would be around sports. After graduating college, I began my teaching and coaching career.   In addition to coaching high school baseball, I’ve coached football, basketball and cross country. During the summers, I coached some summer high school select baseball teams, and I spent six summers coaching in the Texas Collegiate League. What is your favorite thing about coaching baseball at OBU?   After being in the high school classroom for thirty years, I’m enjoying the atmosphere and the new challenges here at OBU. I’ve always liked spending time with students and players; that part hasn’t changed. We have great young men on our squad and they’ve been a pleasure to be around. They have helped make my transition an easy one. Additionally, the OBU faculty, staff and all those who I’ve encountered, have been great to work with. What is the most memorable moment of your coaching career?   Two answers come to mind: I really enjoy hearing from or seeing a former player or student. To see them in their careers or with their family and being able to continue that relationship on a different level is special and rewarding.   Also, in 1998, I was coaching baseball at Highland Park High School in Dallas. That team won the state championship. The journey to get to Austin was unbelievable. Then, to win the championship - that was a lot of fun. What are your future goals?   One of my long-term career goals was to coach on the collegiate level. Now that I’ve accomplished that one, I want to do all that I can to assist Coach Haworth in moving the OBU baseball program to new heights.   On a personal note, there are some goals that I have that relate to my family and my spiritual life. God is working in each of these areas, and I’m looking forward to what’s in store. n

STATS & RANKS

Men’s Golf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–2, 10th Women’s Golf. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1–3, 12th Brand New Sports Talk Show OUT WEDNESDAYS AT 12:15 p.m. Baseball. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-23-1, 8th Softball. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18–31, 7th Weekly Topic: Seniors - Julian LaDay, Marcus Men’s Tennis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13–8, 1st Schlesinger, Josh Everett and Sam Dunnam Women’s Tennis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–13, 5th Round Table Topic: NFL Draft (wins – losses, conference rank)

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s e t e l h t A r e ics and Tig

t e l h t A a t i Ouach

sports top 10 n 7A

Thursday, May 1, 2013

CHELSEA BYERS

2 Sports Editor

Swimmer, Marcus Schlesinger, wins the gold medal at nationals in the 100 butterfly in April.

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Ouachita men’s tennis wins the GAC Championship title.

Tiger men’s basketball team wins the GAC Championship title. OBU Wrestling team sends three athletes to nationals.

Ouachita’s first student-run, studentproduced sports show premieres.

Head Football Coach Todd Knight is named to the AFCA Board of Trustees.

OBU football player, Brett Reece, starts training for the NFL.

Davis Ward receives GAC Player/Pitcher of the Week award after a complete game shut out.

Ouachita cross country runner, Johanna Casey, was named to the 2012 All-GAC Women’s Cross Country Second Team.

Tiger football started their season with a six game winning streak.

8A n backpage top 10 Thursday, May 1, 2013

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Top 7: Ouachita News Biggest campus and community stories of the year By TANNER WARD Editor-in-Chief

@TannerWard

2 345 6 7 L.J. Brooks Passes Away

Senior L.J. Brooks died unexpectedly Dec. 2 following a brief hospitalization at Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock. Brooks was an assistant pastor of Fellowship Church in Arkadelphia as well as a ministry leader and speaker for Refuge. President Dr. Rex Horne said L.J.’s life “has impacted our campus like few ever have.”

Student Center/Lile Hall Renovation

Lipdub

Ouachita’s Lipdub premiered Dec. 5 and has already received more than 17,000 views in more than 80 countries. The video includes various groups and was shot across campus, beginning at the Tiger and ending in a hot air balloon above the student village.

Nicole McPhate z The Signal

THV11 z Courtesy

Nicole McPhate z The Signal

Abbey Jamieson z The Signal

Evans Student Center and Lile Hall were renovated over the summer. The renovations brought the communications department to Lile Hall with a newsroom, high-definition television studio and upgraded classrooms and offices. Sandella’s Flatbread Café was added to Evans Food Court, and Dr. Jack’s Coffeehouse was introduced, which will carry Ouachita’s own brand of coffee beginning in the fall.

Matt Turner’s Death

Mike Ross Donates Papers

Alumnus and news anchor for THV11 in Little Rock Matt Turner was killed in a car accident on his way to Homecoming Oct. 6. Turner had just started his job as evening news anchor in Little Rock after moving from KNWA, channel 51, in Rogers. Turner is survived by his wife Julee and one-year old daughter Preslee.

Former U.S. Congressman Mike Ross presented his official papers to Ouachita during a Dec. 7 press conference on campus. Ross served six terms in the U.S. House from 2001-2013, which included historic events like Sept. 11, 2001, wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, health care reform and an economic recession.

Zack Towers Injured

Tyler Rosenthal z The Signal

Zack Towers, the high school brother of Ouachita quarterback Ty Towers, was injured during a high school football game Nov. 1 and remained comatose for months. The story has gained the attention of media outlets around the state, and Zack’s fan page on Facebook has nearly 25,000 likes. Zack has begun to communicate with his family in recent weeks, holding up one finger for yes and five for no. According to Fox16 News, doctors remain unsure of Zack’s prognosis, because they have never seen anyone in Zack’s situation survive past several hours.

Tyler Rosenthal z The Signal

“Hey Grude” Goes Viral

A video by Ouachita students Will Richey and Tyler Wilson and Henderson student Caleb Conrad went viral on YouTube in late November. “Hey Grude,” a cover of the Beatles song “Hey Jude,” was an effort to bring Jon Gruden to the Arkansas Razorbacks as head coach. The video has nearly 185,000 views on YouTube and was featured on USAToday.com and other local and national media.

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class of 2013 special section B

Thursday, May 1, 2013

it all started 8.21.09

THE CLASS of 2013 enters Fuller Amphitheater in August 2009 during Tigers and Torches to receive its traditional Ouachita beanies. Photo by Callie Stephens, The Signal.

World Race: Malone applies for global mission trip By ANNA KUMPURIS Staff Writer

As the school year comes to a close and with graduation just around the corner, this year’s senior class is getting ready to move on to a new stage in life. For some, the next step is a job or married life, graduate school or seminary. For senior mass communications and speech communications double major Devan Malone, the next step is traveling — a lot of traveling, in the form of the World Race.   The World Race is a mission trip sponsored by missions organization Adventures in Missions that takes racers ages 21-35 through 11 countries in 11 months.   “When I was a sophomore a Tri Chi alumna came to our Tiger Tunes practice and talked about the World Race because she was about to start on it,” Malone said. “She came as part of her fundraising.”   Since that time when she was first introduced to the World Race, and as graduation has drawn closer Malone has felt God laying the race on her heart.   “It was at Refuge a few weeks ago that I was just overwhelmed with how much I was focusing on a plan that I had created versus seeking God and what plan He might be laying out for me,” she said. “It’s something that I have been learning so much lately — that we are not the author of our own story and when we allow Him to write it, it will be better than we ever imagined. I think the opportunity to go on something such as the World Race is hard to pass up.”   Still in the application process for the race, Malone will find out for sure if she’s been accepted to the trip sometime in midsummer. If she is, her race will leave in

January 2014 and take her to South Africa, Mozambique, Swaziland, India, Nepal, Malaysia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Ukraine, Romania and Ireland.   “There is so much yet to learn about the world, about Christ and about my relationship with Him,” Malone said. “In America we don’t always need our relationship with the Lord to get us through each and every day; we find ways around it to where we are dependent on ourselves. On the World Race I think I would be forced to learn a dependence on Him like I’ve never known before.”   Malone is nervous about the fundraising and all the preparation that the race will require, but is thankful for the support system she has in her family and friends from her hometown and the Ouachita community.   “My family is a little bit frazzled by the whole idea so we are trying to give it some time,” she said. “The idea that their oldest daughter would choose to travel the world like that is really overwhelming to them. I think their protective instincts have kicked into full gear, but ultimately they will support whatever decision I make.”   Though sad to end her time at Ouachita, Malone is thankful for all her experiences here in the past four years, and the big influence this school has been in her decision to do the World Race after graduation.   “The support here from friends, faculty and staff constantly pouring into me was a huge influence, and their guidance on so many issues made it easier to deal with this one when it came up,” Malone said. “Ouachita has prepared me for something like this. Every circumstance I have been in and situation I have encountered here has been a continual building up to be able

to go on something like the World Race.”   Graduation is a bittersweet moment for most seniors, and Malone will miss all that she is leaving behind here but she is also ready and excited to take the next step that God has in store for her.   “This has been my world for four years and it has been a world I have loved and completely invested in,” she said. “It was a beautiful moment when I realized Ouachita will be just fine without me, she doesn’t need me. More than anything, this university has given me more than I will ever be able to give back. I will miss the fort-making, late night study sessions, Ti— DEVAN MALONE ger Tunes and Tiger Traks, constant social time and $450 of money for Chic-fil-A, but ultimately, it is time to see what is in store next.”   After the World Race Malone hopes to look for a communications job in the Little Rock area, but she is open to wherever God may lead her despite her plans. She encourages other students to make the most of their time at Ouachita and then to go out and share what they have learned with the world.   “Dr. Horne is constantly reminding us that we are called to be ‘difference makers’ and I think that is something that we need to take seriously,” she said. “We need to find ways to make a difference in this world not for our own satisfaction but for The Kingdom.” n Malone. Photo by Nicole McPhate, The Signal.

On the World Race I think I would be forced to learn dependence on Him like I’ve never known before.”

Brizuela, Snook prepare to attend law school By SAM CUSHMAN News Editor

@SamuelCushman   As students leave the undergrad years behind, realms of choice and opportunity open up before them. Do they go straight into the workforce? Or should they continue to enhance their education through graduate school? For senior psychology and business major Judith Brizuela and senior business major Jordan Snook, law school will be the avenue of choice after they walk the stage next Saturday.   “After taking the Business Law course at Ouachita, I realized that I really enjoyed studying law,” Brizuela said. “Additionally, I know several lawyers in Honduras and was able to get their perspective of the field.”   Brizuela, a native of Honduras, wants to use her law school education to participate in the creation and reformation of laws in her country.   “My hope is to be able to work for Congress,” she said. “And who knows, maybe even run for President of Honduras one day.”   Brizuela said another reason a law degree appeals to her is how versatile it is.   “I could work for a private firm, the government, nonprofits or corporations,” she said.   For Snook, the decision to go to law school was a “gradual process.”   “I came in as a sociology and psychology major and I later thought that it wouldn’t be Snook. Photo courtesy of the Ouachitonian. a good fit

for me,” he said. “So I moved over to business and then I looked at doing some FBI stuff for a while. One of the paths for that was becoming an attorney. So I started looking into that and shifted in that direction. I dropped the FBI thing and ended up picking up a political science minor.”   Snook said that a career as an attorney would suit his talents well. He describes himself as “analytical” and “task-driven.”   “I also feel like it would give me an opportunity to serve people, and I kind of have a desire to do that,” he said. “I’m not sure what that will look like down the road, but I’m sure it will open doors to opportunities.”   Snook says he only knows a few people in the classes near his age that went on to law school, but none of them very well.   “Dean [Bryan] McKinney over in the business school is an attorney and he’s the one I know the best,” Snook said. “And he is the one who helped guide me through the process of getting into law school.”   Snook said he has spoken with McKinney about the matter on multiple occasions.   “Basically what he’s told me is that it’s a career where you have so many opportunities,” Snook said. “I mean, you look at him and he’s the attorney for the university but he also teaches class and is the dean of the business school.”   Snook says that Ouachita has helped prepare him academically. He says he’s learned a lot of things in the courses he has taken. Among these classes was Constitutional Law with Dr. Doug Reed.   “I’ve also had some leadership opportunities here at Ouachita that I wouldn’t get at a larger school that will serve me well down the road,” he said.   Snook has been involved with the Ouachita Student Foundation and he serves on the Finance and Fundraising Committee, where he has worked to gain sponsors for events like Tiger Traks and Tiger Tunes. He is also a manger at the Ouachita Store.   Snook plans to attend William and Mary Law School in Williamsburg, Va., because he feels that it will be a good fit for him culturally. Brizuela, on the other hand, has plans to attend the University of San Pedro Law School in Honduras.   “What I like about his law school program is that

it provides students with hands-on opportunities,” she said.” Students are able to intern with the government during the summers.”   Brizuela believes that her Ouachita education has equipped her with the necessary tools to thrive in law school.   “I appreciate professors like Dr. [Randall] Wight and Dean McKinney who have pushed me and encouraged me to strive for excellence,” she said. “I am grateful for the liberal arts education I’ve received. It allows me to integrate knowledge and faith and challenges me to continually learn.   “Ouachita encourages all of its students to be difference makers and as a result, there are lots of organizations on campus that are committed to service while allowing students the opportunity to become servant leaders.”   Brizuela has served as the president of Enactus (formerly SIFE), where she has worked on projects that give back to different communities.   “I have been blessed to be a part of Enactus’ efforts my home country,” she said. “It has been truly humbling to be able to give back to my own country and though there is still much to be done, I am able to make a difference in the lives of my fellow Hondurans. This is what made me decide to go back after graduation. I hope that I can contribute to the betterment of my country.” n

Brizuela. Photo by Nicole McPhate, The Signal.

2B n senior section Thursday, May 1, 2013

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Emerson, Lambs prepare for ministry By BREANNE GOODRUM Staff Writer

Whether starting out as a mass communications major or coming into Ouachita as a Christian studies major, three students were given a specific calling into full time ministry.   Seniors Anthony Emerson, a Christian Studies major from Sugar Land, Texas,Taylor Lamb, a double Christian Studies and Biblical languages major from Arkadelphia, AR, and wife Jessica Lamb (Scoggins), an English major from Arkadelphia, AR are three Ouachita students embarking on their higher calling.   Emerson will be heading to Chicago this coming Fall to attend Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Taylor Lamb will move to Denver, Colo., with his wife, Jessica to attend Denver Theological Seminary   While many graduating seniors are looking to continue their education with seminary, both Emerson and Lamb have their goals set on doing whatever God calls them to do.   “I have learned to more fully and confidently plan on following the Lord’s lead,” said Emerson. “While I look ahead and make sure that I am being as financially responsible as possible, I have become much more comfortable not knowing what exactly what will happen in the future.”   While Emerson and the Lambs may have found it easy to choose a major going into college, finding a job and a future was a different story.   “I knew I wanted to major in Christian Studies, but I did not know what I would do after college,” Emerson said. “God tends to lead me one step at a time.”  Like all stud e n t s though, Emerson and Taylor and Jessica Lamb struggled to find their niche in Emerson. Photo courtesy of the Ouachitonian.

high school. Whether called during a worship service or pushed through daily Bible studies, the students received direct insight from God.   “I was at a worship service during the summer before my senior year in high school, and my pastor, who didn’t even preach that day, randomly got up and said someone needed to surrender to ministry,” said Emerson. “I immediately knew that was me, but I was terrified of the idea. I suppressed [the calling] and ran from it until the same exact thing happened the next spring with my pastor, and I thought at that point it would be foolish to ignore God if he was going to be relentless.”   Taylor Lamb has always had a niche for ministry but was not sure of his ultimate purpose until Ouachita. “In my time at Ouachita, God slowly brought me to a point where I realized that I really desired to teach scripture. Some key parts of this were my homiletics class and speaking at Refuge,” said Lamb.   Jessica Lamb, who started out focusing on mass communications, was given insight to her future through Bible studies geared towards children and teenagers.   “As a teenager wanting to live out my faith, I felt like every Bible study option was centered around convincing me to not date or to date smarter. While that discussion is important, I wanted more,” said Jessica Lamb. “Then, when I worked at a day care, it seemed everything available was geared towards pure entertainment, or moral instruction. I didn’t feel like there was much out there to help volunteers and kids seeking to grow in their faith where they were developmentally. So instead of complaining, I saw an opportunity to combine my three fields of study; English, psychology and Christian studies.”  Though Emerson and the Lambs are attending seminary, they are not Jessica Lamb. Photo courtesy of the Ouachitonian.

all focused on becoming pastors. Each student was given a specific calling.   Emerson’s ideal job would “be a seminary professor of theology who preaches and teaches in [his] local church and has the chance to travel and speak elsewhere.”   Taylor Lamb is looking to “be a professor at a college like Ouachita and be actively involved in a church at the same time, as most of our Christian studies professors are. I would also love to be a college minister at a university.”   Jessica Lamb has her eyes set on working in publishing “helping others write and develop Bible studies and discipleship material. Ideally, I would like to be on staff at a church developing Bible studies for children, youth, women and recovery ministries.”   While all three students have specific goals for furthering their education, their ultimate purpose is to do the work God has for them.   “Our ultimate goal in going to seminary is to be more equipped to further the kingdom in whatever way we are called,” said Taylor Lamb. Agreeing with Taylor, Emerson shared his viewpoint on his future. “My goal is to be prepared even more fully for the work God has for me to do, whether that be as a pastor, as a professor, or as the best Sandella’s worker of all time.” n

Taylor Lamb. Photo courtesy of the Ouachitonian.

Castleman heads to nontraditional mission field help them get excited about those things too.”   In addition to not knowing what she will be tutoring students in, Castleman doesn’t yet know what ages she will be working with, which will remain a surprise through training in July until school starts @emilymterry back in August.   Tutoring kids wasn’t the vision Castleman had for   As another year comes to a close, another batch of herself for after graduation, however. Ouachita students will start the march across campus   “Freshman year Mary thought that senior year as seniors and end on the other side of Cone Bottoms Mary would be packing up to go live in a third-world lawn as alums. country right now, honestly,” she said.   One of these difference-makers is Mary Castleman,   With a significant amount of missions experience a Church Media major from Batesville, Ark. Her plans under her belt, Castleman always thought it would are vastly different than what she might have expect- add up to going somewhere foreign to share the love ed for post-graduate life, leading her not to a foreign of Jesus. Instead, she has been called to a mission field country, but up the road to nearby Little Rock. much closer to home.   “I’m doing a program called City Year, through   “God’s really been opening my eyes to the need AmeriCorps,” Castleman said. “It’s basically a full here. There’s just need everywhere,” she said. “Anyyear of tutoring, mentoring and facilitating after- one who has worked much with kids in Arkadelphia school programs for students in underserved school knows there’s a need. This is a mission field, too, ya districts in basically every big city in America.” know?”   Because she has never lived in Little Rock, Castle  Whether on a foreign misman says she’s excited about living in a city slightly sion field or in a local school, larger than Arkadelphia with Amberly Green, anCastleman has learned countother current Ouachita senior. less lessons during her time   Prior to January of this year, Castleman hadn’t at Ouachita, although the heard of the program with which she will be standard of excellence working. That all changed with a text from her provided by Ouachita studad after hearing about the organization on dents tends to skew the the news after Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. mindsets of students all   “He asked if I had ever heard of City Year over campus. and I didn’t want to say no, so I Googled it   “The closer I’ve gotten really quick and started reading about it,” to graduation, the more I she said. “This was the first thing I had feel like I don’t know how seen that I had gotten really excited to do anything. I think about.” part of it is that so many   With the application date people at Ouachita are two weeks away, Castleman so good at everything, decided to apply quickly or are at least excepand think it through aftional in their field,” terwards. she said. “So you start   “I thought I could comparing yourself to go ahead and apyour peers here and ply and sort it out think you don’t know after that or miss the anything. But we do.” chance to do it,” she   Ouachita sets the said. standard for excel  After a series of inlence in more fields terviews, she was offered than just academics, the position over spring however. The leaderbreak. ship skills honed by   Castleman hopes to get to tutor many students, instudents in her favorite subjects: readcluding Castleman, ing and English. are things that sim  “That’s what I love,” she said. “I ply are not learned in love those things and get excited other places. about those things so hopefully I can Castleman. Photo by Nicole McPhate, The Signal.   “I’ve learned how

By EMILY TERRY Features Editor

These four years at Ouachita have taken up more than their fair share of space in my mind and my heart. In the end, it’ s just been home. — MARY CASTLEMAN to be thrown into a situation and make something happen. That’s been huge to me; The idea that I can graduate and stand up in a room of a thousand people and say, ‘Hi, this is what we’re gonna do,’” Castleman said. “Obviously, next year I won’t be standing in front of a thousand people, but 10 kids and saying, ‘Hi, this is what we’re gonna be learning.’”   Castleman has learned through time at Ouachita the importance of not being discouraged by failed plans or things that don’t work out perfectly the first time.   “I think people at Ouachita have been really good at encouraging you if it doesn’t work, not to give up on the first round. That’s something I’ve been really encouraged by,” she said.   The thing Castleman will miss most about Ouachita? Memories made while running.   “I’ve run a lot while I’ve been in school. I’ve been through a lot of different seasons of life running here,” she said. “I’ve probably run every road in Arkadelphia. Honestly, I think that’s what I’ll miss. Just seeing Arkadelphia from the road like that and time with those friends.”   That time spent with friends is part of what makes the Ouachita experience for Castleman.   “When I look back on life, these four years at Ouachita have taken up more than their fair share of space in my mind and my heart,” she said. “I feel like I’ve learned more here than maybe the other 18 years of life combined. In the end, it’s just been home.”   Some solid advice given to Castleman by her dad that she hopes others could learn from is simply, “Pray a lot, seek wise guidance, trust the Spirit, make some plans and live wildly for Jesus.”   Though God made different plans than she would have made for herself for after May 11, Castleman is along for the ride, wherever it may take her, beginning with City Year.   “This is my mission for a year, at least. After that, I’m not sure. But God said stay, so I’m gonna stay.” n

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senior section n 3B

Thursday, May 1, 2013

Photo: Guy Lyons z Courtesy | Illustration: Tanner Ward z The Signal

Lindsey Upshaw z The Signal HANNAH BISHOP and Meredith Reeves participate at Spring Fling.

Bekah Hall z The Signal Annelise Henley z The Signal TAYLOR LAMB headbutts a ball during an intramural RYAN JAMES at Luau TWIRP night. soccer game.

Pennington, Peckat, Blakenship: UAMS bound By CAYLIE GILLUM Staff Writer

As Ouachita’s graduation ceremony comes closer and closer, seniors are looking in a wide array of directions when it comes to what lies ahead. Medical school at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine (UAMS) in Little Rock is what occupies the immediate future for David Pennington, Matt Peckat and Elizabeth Blankenship. They have worked extremely hard during their time here at Ouachita, and their hard work and preparation is about to pay off—the real world is calling their name.   These three students are headed in different directions within the medical field. For senior biology major and chemistry minor David Pennington, pediatrics (“possibly emergency pediatrics”) is the route that he sees himself taking.   “I still have more than four years of medical school, another three years of residency, and a possible one to four years of fellowship if I choose to do so,” he explained.   Matt Peckat, a senior biology major, and Elizabeth Blankenshp, a senior biology major are both unsure about the specific profession that they want to pursue, but have a good idea of the general direction that they would like to head. For Peckat, radiology is what interests him the most. Blankenship knows that she wants to be a physician without a doubt.   “I want to be some kind of physician, but I’m not sure exactly what kind. Hopefully I will figure this out during my time in medical school,” she said.   Though Pennington, Peckat and Blankenship have all decided to pursue a profession in the medical field, they came about doing so in different ways.   “I have wanted to be a docPennington. Photo courtesy of the Ouachitonian.

tor for as long as I can remember,” Pennington said. sors that have poured into their lives in many differ“When other little kids played cops and robbers or ent ways. other similar games, I always played doctor.”   “The entire biology department has been a con  For Peckat and Blankenship, the desire to serve oth- stant encouragement for me,” Pennington said. “The ers in the medical field came from personal experi- time and effort they put into all of their students and ences. the level that they care for us is superior to any you   “I had a lot of severe health problems growing up would find on any other campus.” and I really want to be able to give the same help to   Of all of the amazing Ouachita professors, Peckat others as I have received my whole life,” Peckat ex- was able to narrow it down to one who has had a plained. huge impact on him over the years. “Dr. Jeffers was   Blankenship has grown up observing the day to my advisor and helped me out a lot in my time here day life of a family member that chose a profession in at Ouachita,” he said. the medical field. “My mom is a nurse,” she shared.   For Blankenship, Dr. Hensley is who came to mind. “So I’ve always been exposed to the medical field. The two of them spent time doing research together Also, I love science and math, so medicine seemed this past summer. like a good fit.”   “She has always been a huge encouragement and   Though they may not know what their life will great mentor.” she said. look like ten years from now, Pennington, Peckat, and   When it comes to students who are contemplating Blankenship are excited about the transition from the a career in the medical field, Pennington, Peckat and “Ouachita Bubble” into the real world that is com- Blankenship have a few words of advice. ing up. From social, academic, and religious clubs to   “It isn’t always easy and it isn’t always fun,” studying abroad for a semester, they have had some warned Pennington. “You will be challenged at times. incredibly memorable experiences here at Ouachita. Just keep in mind your final goal and if you really   “Living here in the Bubble has been fun, but it is want it, then you will get there.” time to move on,” Pennington reflected. “We live in   In addition to this, Peckat added, this world and must go out into it to serve and make   “Keep your GPA up. Also get as many medical it a better place. Even if that means stepping outside shadowing hours as you can!” the security blanket of Ouachita.”   In Blankenship’s opinion, the key to success can be   On a lighter note, Peckat mentioned (in found in two simple reference to the transition from Ouachiwords: ta to med school) that “a change of  “Study scenery will be nice. Also there is a hard.” n lot more to do in Little Rock than Arkadelphia.”   Admitting the bittersweet feeling that comes hand and hand with graduation, Blankenship said,   “I’m sad to leave the friends I have made, but excited to see what the future holds.”   As the three biology students approach the last week of their time at Ouachita, they are facing sad goodbyes with some of their favorite profes- Blankenship. Photo courtesy of the Ouachitonian. Peckat. Photo courtesy of the Ouachitonian.

4B n senior section Thursday, May 1, 2013

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Drs. Doolittle: Gill, Hemeyer prepare for vet school mals as I can as well as their people. People get very attached to their animals, and by helping their animals, I feel like I am helping the people too.”   Grade school— check. High school—check. Four   Hemeyer will be rooming with Gill during their years of undergrad—check. Next step—veterinar- schooling in Baton Rouge. They are both very thrilled ian school. And for two Ouachita seniors, that is one about the idea of getting to share this experience with step closer to their dreams becoming reality. In the fall another Ouachita student, having both come from the of 2013, Courtney Hemeyer and Caroline Gill, both same background. Ouachita biology majors, will be undergoing some   “I will have to do some adjusting to the bigger town major change in scenery as they further their educa- and the bigger atmosphere,” said Gill regarding the tion at the Louisiana State University School of Veteri- upcoming move. “But I am excited about it. It’ll be a nary Medicine in Baton Rouge, La. new step.”   “Being a veterinarian has been my dream since I   From an early on, Gill has been helping, taking care was born,” said Hemeyer, “I know that sounds cliché, of and growing her passion for animals. but I’ve wanted to be a vet forever. So to finally get to   Gill’s passion has few boundaries when it comes to pursue my dream is awesome.” size. She is interested in pursuing either a career help  And indeed, dreams she has. Hemeyer has a long ing small animals like cats and dogs, or a career on list of desires and goals that she wants to accomplish the opposite end of the spectrum, working with large, after vet school. This list includes helping animals exotic zoo animals. oversees for mission work and donating her time to   “I started working at the vet clinic in Dumas when helping abused shelter animals get a fresh start at life. I was 10 and I just I fell in love with it,” said Gill. “It’s “I think that’s just my calling in life,” she said, always exciting and always new. It’s nice to “Since I was born, that’s what I’ve wanted to do. see the patient and client interaction, how I have no plan B. I just want to be a vet and help people care so much for their animals; their owners.” kind of the same feeling as working in   Another dream that Hemeyer is passionate pediatrics. People care about their pets about is providing care for retired military and like their children.” police dogs.   One of the things that Gill is going   “I feel like they deserve to be very well takto look forward to about vet school en care of; even if it means not as much monis getting to work with the animals ey,” said Hemeyer. “I just really care about every day. Gill and Hemeyer both helping animals that deserve help. They shared their excitement about not serve people so much; it’s only fair that just learning all the background they get served too.” information, but now being able   Although being a vet is fulfillto focus specifically on what they ing one of Hemeyer’s biggest will be doing on a daily basis. dreams, every profession   Gill definitely wants to live has its downsides. But in and work as a veterinarian in her case, the pros far exceed Arkansas when she finishes her the cons. schooling. Her boyfriend, David   “Sadly, being the vet norPennington, will be living in Little mally means being the one they Rock and attending medical school end up hating,” she said. “But I at UAMS. think it will be worth it in the end.   “It’s going to be interesting doing That is the goal, to help as many aniGill. Photo by Nicole McPhate, The Signal. long distance,” Gill said, “We will

By KATHLEEN SUIT Staff Writer

both have very busy, stressful schedules. School is going to be fun but it’s intimidating and it’s going to be a long four years.”   Despite the tedious workload and distance from home, Gill feels like Ouachita has well equipped her to handle and excel in vet school.   “I feel at OBU they are all high caliber classes,” she said, “It’s shaped me academically, but it has also helped me gain a lot of confidence. I am better at forming and maintaining relationships. I feel like it has made me into a much more solid person all around. I don’t think every university has that.”   Both Gill and Hemeyer are in agreement about how much they will miss Ouachita and how it has prepared them for their road ahead.   “OBU has helped me be a better person,” Hemeyer said in happy remembrance. “I have learned a lot about being a good friend and a good leader through all my experiences here. It has really shaped me as a person, and I hope to be able to carry that on at LSU and never forget how to be a servant leader. The community here, I don’t think I will be able to find that again. People care here, more than they’re ever going to again in life. People here are really genuine. I’m going to miss that.” n Heymeyer. Photo courtesy of the Ouachitonian.

[Animals] serve people so much; it’s only fair they get served too.” — COURTNEY HEMEYER

Wide receiver Reece trains as NFL free agent By CHELSEA BYERS Sports Editor

@Chelsea_Byers   “Lord knows I love me some Brett Reece, and the Good Lord knows that I can talk about the man for days,” said Ugo Nkalari, a senior business administration major. For anyone who knows Reece, this is the common response to the question of, “Could you tell me a little about Brett?” His faith defines him; his elite football skills describe him.   Reece grew up in the state of Texas, playing soccer and dreaming of becoming an architect. It was not until his fifth grade year, when tryouts for the soccer team were full, that he discovered football.   Reece found his niche and a sport that he could excel at. He never imagined when he started out that he would be starting on a journey that would take him to a level in sports that the vast majority of people never come close to.   “Every kid wants to play a professional sport, but I didn’t realize it until my junior year, when scouts came to watch the seniors ahead of us,” said Brett Reece, senior kinesiology major. “My coaches were telling me that scouts were interested in me, and that’s when I first thought, man, I could actually do this. So ever since then, I have been working hard to reach that goal.”   Ouachita recruited Reece, starting the next chapter of his life under Todd Knight, Ouachita’s head football coach. He chose OBU specifically for the coaching staff and the campus feel. His coaches appreciated his hard work and standout skills on the field.   “Brett has a passion for the game and a desire to go

out and be the best wide receiver on the field,” said Head Football Coach Todd Knight. “His positive attitude is contagious, and he is very much respected among players and staff. Players with those intangibles make coaching a lot of fun.”   Reece’s teammates also enjoyed working with him, and valued his leadership as a teammate and player.   “Playing alongside Brett has been a blessing in itself,” Nkalari said. “He is such a talented athlete and an even better person. I would never want to play against him. His leadership was irreplaceable, and his calm and cool demeanor made our team feel like we never had anything to worry about. With 88 on the field, we were never an underdog.”   This year ends this chapter of his life, but he is just beginning the next. Reece travels to Benton every day for training, as he is planning to play in the NFL. His hard work and persistent will to excel in his sport has brought him to where he is today.   “I see Brett playing football on Sunday afternoons in NFL, no doubt about

it,” Nkalari said. “He is a diamond in the rough, and whichever team picks him up instantly gets better. Be it through the NFL or some other means, no matter what Brett does, he is going to be successful. He is a winner by nature, I would never want to be his opponent.”   With four teams already interested, Reece looks to have a bright future of football ahead of him. Whether it be the Texans, Bills, Rams or the Jaguars, he will be content wherever he ends up.   “I just want to play for as long as I can, not necessarily in the NFL if that doesn’t work out, but wherever I can, and eventually open up my own training facility,” Reece said.   No matter what Reece ends up doing following graduation, he will have left a lasting legacy on those who knew him on the Ouachita field.   “Once Brett puts on his helmet, he’s impactful,” Nkalari said. “Opposing teams always have to watch out for 88.   “He impacted our team with his statistics, year in and year out, but he impacted our lives with his work ethic, teamwork, sportsmanship and Reece. Photo courtesy of the Ouachitonian. leadership.” n

it all ends 5.11.13

THE CLASS of 2012 graduates in front of Cone Bottoms Hall last year. The Class of 2013 will graduate next Saturday at 9:30 a.m. Photo by Nicole McPhate, The Signal.