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TUESDAY FEBRUARY 7, 2017
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131st YEAR ISSUE 32
THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY SINCE 1884
Bettering the University: Tyler McMurray by Samantha Neargarder Contributing Writer
Kip Evans | Courtesy Photo
Robert Ballard, professor of oceanography, discovered the sunken RMS Titanic in 1985.
Robert Ballard: conquering uncharted territory by John Lee Staff Writer
On the night of April 12, 1912, the Titanic set sail on its first and only voyage. It was deemed “unsinkable.” It was thought nothing could stop the ship, until it met an iceberg. After hitting the iceberg, the mighty ship sank into the depths of the Atlantic Ocean, taking 1,500 of its 2,200 passengers with it. The Titanic was seemingly lost forever- for 73 years, that is. The wreck was discovered by one man: Dr. Robert Ballard who is speaking at Mississippi State University tonight at 7 p.m. in Bettersworth Auditorium in Lee Hall. Ballard is a renowned oceanographer and retired United States Navy officer. He discovered the remains of the Titanic in 1985, gaining attention from around the world. In summer 1985, Ballard was aboard the French research ship Le Suroît, which was using the side scan sonar SAR to search for the Titanic’s wreck. It was a secret expedition. Ballard’s life dream was to find the most famous shipwreck in the world, but if not for the Cold War and two missing submarines, the Titanic might never have been found. In the early-morning hours of Sept. 1, the image of a boiler in the sand 12,000 feet beneath the surface signaled the discovery of the Titanic. Dr. Ballard had done it. Jay Curtis, junior marketing major and SA cabinet member, said Ballard will speak about exploring the last uncharted territory on Earth: the ocean. BALLARD, 2
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Tyler McMurray, a junior animal and dairy science major, will take the office of Student Association president after today’s election, as she is running unopposed. From Flowood, Mississippi, McMurray is a 20-year-old junior ready to take the seat of president with her campaign focusing on enrichment, engagement and empowerment. McMurray chose to run for president for many reasons, one being her experience at the Southeastern Conference exchange last year, an event where the student governments of all SEC schools come together. She saw and heard what other schools do for students and wanted to bring those ideas to Mississippi State University. When she ran for secretary last year, McMurray described a different mindset she had and felt she should run for president because her motives were different. “When I ran for secretary it was like I need to do graphics, I need to do a campaign, I have to get this done, get these people on my team…but when I decided to run
Alayna Stevens | The Reflector
Tyler McMurray ran unopposed taking Roxanne Raven’s place as Mississippi State University’s Student Association’s new president.
for president it was like what can I do to better the university,” McMurray said. Her experience through many different organizations has led her
to believe she is qualified for this position. Just in SA alone McMurray has been in freshman council and held the positions of co-director of student association late nights
and secretary. She had leadership positions outside of SA as an orientation leader, she is involved in the preveterinarian club, and is an MSU roadrunner.
Being involved in all of these things, McMurray feels has molded her into the person she is today, and that is why she is running for president. Running for president takes a lot of time and effort. According to McMurray, she started preparing about a month before Christmas break, getting a team together, and developing a platform. The cost of campaigning can be steep also, given the budget is $1750. However, compared to many other SEC schools, that is a very low number. McMurray plans to give out phone wallets, and many other campaign materials, all of which can quickly add up. When McMurray was told she would not be running against another person, she said she had a huge weight lifted off her shoulders. As the position of president presides over all other cabinet members, McMurray said she wants to start strong. “Come out guns blazing, and then back off later. I want to have weekly reports where every single officer tells what occurred last week, and then what will happen in the next week,” McMurray said. “One of the things apart of my campaign, empower, is something I want to show and empower them to lead.” MCMURRAY, 2
MLK inspires students to speak up by Sean Mccarthy Staff Writer
The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Oratorical Contest celebrates the life and legacy of Dr. King, and seeks to inform the university community of the value in public presentation. Applications for this annual public speaking contest are due for those interested by 5 p.m. Feb. 8. Sponsored by the African American Studies Department and the Mississippi State University Speech and Debate Council, the event is open to all majors and classifications. The MLK Oratorical Contest was established four years ago, in order to foster an annual forum for students to improve upon public speaking skills. Participation requires no prior public speaking experience and all interested students are encouraged to apply. Cheryl Chambers, communication instructor and coach within the Speech and Debate Council, said
she wishes to see students delve into the legacy of Dr. King. “We have sometimes seen more of a focus on biographical information, and I believe the legacy and the impact he left is really what is relevant to students today, especially in the political climate that we currently have,” Chambers said. Chambers said this is the Speech and Debate Council’s second year cosponsoring the competition. The team assists applicants in outlining, writing and presenting their speeches. “The speech team serves the purpose of helping students present themselves in a professional way, so their advice to applicants is invaluable,” Chambers said. Dr. Stephen Middleton, professor within the African American Studies Department, explained the goals and mission of the MLK Oratorical Contest. “We were moved by two considerations in doing so; we want more people of this generation to be aware of Dr. King as a leader,
Dick DeMarsico | Courtesy Photo
Martin Luther King Jr., 1929-1968, was a prominent leader during the Civil Rights Movement. He lead the movement nonviolently.
philosopher and a thinker,” Middleton said. Middleton understands the importance of Dr. King’s work in seeking to resolve the racial volatility
of the 1960s. He said he believes students can benefit from researching more on his history, and what his legacy means for students in today’s political
environment. Middleton said he also supports the use of oratory in empowering individuals and motivating them to be agents of change. ORATORICAL CONTEST, 2
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
HI: 70 LO: 56 SKY: Rain
HI: 75 LO: 38 SKY: Cloudy
HI: 52 LO: 31 SKY: Cloudy
POP:90%
POP: 20%
POP: 0%
FORECAST: There will be rain today with a chance of severe weather. The rain will bring in a cold front, making Wednesday and Thursday colder. Have a good week Bulldogs!
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