The Lion's Roar 02/10/2015

FEBRUARY 10, 2015 VOLUME 86, ISSUE 19

’ THE LION S ROAR S O U T H E A S T E R N L O U I S IA NA U N I V E R S I T Y

A Student Publication

Campus Life Page 2

Opinions Page 3

Arts & Entertainment Page 4

Sports Page 6

News Page 8

LionsRoarNews.com

Wear Clothes, Give Clothes

Local designers to launch national T-shirt campaign

BY SARA PATRICK Editor in Chief

There are over 600,000 people across the nation without access to food, shelter and clothing. Two local graphic designers teamed up to create a clothing company, which will launch the “Wear Clothes, Give Clothes” campaign nationally to combat this statistic.

“We’re all wearing clothes, but there’s a lot of people that don’t have any,” said Tony Romain, a 2013 graduate in graphic design and past staff member at The Lion’s Roar.

“We want to make sure people that are impoverished and homeless have clothes.”

Romain teamed up with Dylan Wilkinson of Loranger to start up their business Blue Hawk Apparel in August 2014. Both wanted to design T-shirts for a while, but it was their mutual interest in giving back to the community that birthed the idea for their first campaign.

“Tony was working on a design that was just ‘Wear Clothes,’ and we were going to push it as that,” said Wilkinson. “Then we talked about it.

We came up with the slogan ‘Wear Clothes, Give Clothes,’ and then it all came together after we determined what we wanted to do and where we wanted to do it.”

The pair of designers decided that for every shirt purchased during the “Wear Clothes, Give Clothes” campaign, they will donate one plain T-shirt to someone in need, similar to how Toms donates shoes for every pair sold.

“We didn’t do much research,” said Romain. “We didn’t really know

anything about the logistics of starting a company. We just kind of jumped in.

We decided to take a risk and do it.”

Romain and Wilkinson were first coworkers at 5 Stones Media in Hammond when they started brainstorming ideas for their own clothing company.

Their bosses Brian Walker and Tim San Fillipo aided them in aspects of starting their own company such as marketing their “Wear Clothes, Give Clothes” campaign.

So far the two designers have printed a handful of the shirts themselves using their own screen printing equipment in Loranger, but their company Blue Hawk Apparel is licensed in Hammond. The few people currently wearing “Wear Clothes, Give Clothes” T-shirts are helping to advertise the campaign. However, the pair do not intend to sell any of their shirts in the traditional sense anytime soon.

“Our goal is to sell as many as possible,” said Wilkinson. “That’s not as feasible for us. If we sell 100 of the shirts, it’s not going to be as easy for us to go out and distribute every single one ourselves.”

For this reason, Romain and Wilkinson are utilizing Teespring, a website that helps designers print and ship large numbers of shirts when their goal is reached. The campaign will launch on Teespring on March 1 and remain open until March 22.

“We’re setting our goal pretty low at 50 shirts, just to make sure that we get this thing done and actually have something to give back to the community,” said Romain. “Hopefully it will grow later. If we can sell more than that, that would be great.

Partnering with Teespring is helping

Emerging Leaders retreat applications due

BY EMILY STEPHAN Copy Editor

Leadership is a skill that requires practice and cultivation. Luckily for students, the Office of Student Engagement is holding their annual Student Leadership Retreat this semester.

The Student Leadership Retreats have been held on campus for over two decades. According to Student Engagement, the purposes of the annual retreat are “to educate and inspire emerging leaders on Southeastern’s campus, to share ideas, projects and experiences with other emerging leaders, for emerging leaders to develop a stronger ability to work with diverse populations and for emerging leaders to gain a deeper awareness of their own leadership style and how that leadership style interacts with other styles.”

“This retreat is targeted to students who want to get involved on the Southeastern campus as well as students who are already involved,” said Pamela Rault, the director of Student Engagement.

“Students who are not part of an organization may be looking for ways to meet people and develop their own leadership skills. Organization officers also see the Emerging Leaders Retreat as a golden opportunity for leadership training within their new membership.”

The event is led by Leadership Ambassadors of the Division of Student Affairs. These ambassadors host and coordinate the retreat.

Applications are available in the Student Engagement office, located in Mims Hall. They are also available online on the Southeastern website.

Registration costs $20 per student. If an organization sends two representatives, then registration is only $15 per student. All application forms must be

see RETREAT pg. 8

The Lion’s Roar / Sara Patrick

Dylan Wilkinson (left) and Southeastern alumnus Tony Romain (right) are two graphic designers working in the Hammond area who decided to create the “Wear Clothes, Give Clothes” campaign to give shirts to the homeless and impoverished. The Blue Hawk Apparel owners will donate one plain shirt to someone in need for every “Wear Clothes, Give Clothes” shirt that is purchased through their Teespring campaign in March.

Shirts will be available in black, blue and green and will cost approximately $21. us to go national, whereas if we sold 1,000 shirts just the two of us, it would take us forever to print them all ourselves.”

When someone reserves a shirt

through Teespring, they will be able to select the size and color of their choice. If the campaign goal is met, those who have reserved shirts will be charged and the shirts will be shipped,

arriving to individual homes about two weeks after the campaign ends.

For additional information on the campaign, visit www. bluehawkapparel.com.

Alumnus plans film using old school technique

BY EMILY STEPHAN Copy Editor

In a world that is becoming more digital by the minute, cinema is no exception. The use of analog film is quickly dying out in mainstream cinema, which makes it all the more remarkable when filmmakers choose to use older techniques.

Southeastern alumni Stephen Pfeil is currently shooting a futuristic-based project entitled “Does God Hear Robots Pray” on 16 mm film. He hopes the mix of futuristic subject matter and older filmmaking techniques will create a unique cinematic experience.

Pfeil’s experience with film goes back nearly a decade, from humble beginnings in his own backyard.

“My younger brother and I started making movies during my sophomore year of high school,” said Pfeil. “We raised enough money to buy a digital camera and shot movies in the backyard.

We had to learn the rules from the big movies we saw, like how to edit.”

Pfeil’s cinematic influences are varied, from childhood favorites to current directors who have touched him on an emotional level.

“When it boils down to it, George Lucas and Steven Spielberg were big influences,” said Pfeil.

“With this project, the general aesthetic, it jives with how George Lucas created a universe. I’m really influenced by the solid cinematic storytelling they embodied in the late 1970s and 1980s. ‘Little Nemo: Adventures in Slumberland’ was a big influence as a kid. As an adult, I’ve been influenced

by Darren Aronofsky and Spike Jonze, because of the emotional strength [of their work]. Their films just get into you, which is really appealing to me.”

The film does not fit into any particular genre.

According to Pfeil, ‘Does God Hear Robots Pray’ is neither science-fiction nor does it qualify as a religious picture. He is more interested in raising questions and achieving emotional resonance with

Director Stephen Pfeil discusses final details about the robot suit with its creator Avery Brent.

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Courtesy of Tony Romain

Weather Tuesday H 65 L 37

audience members.

“The premise is encapsulated in the title, ‘Does God Hear Robots Pray,’” said Pfeil. “The story follows a robot questioning whether it can have a relationship with a higher power. He’s trying to find his way to a priest and this church, so that’s the frame story conflict.”

This project has been years in the making, according to Pfeil.

“The idea came to me two years ago,” said Pfeil.

“Last summer, I finished the screenplay. I sent it to Bruno Doria and Sarah Smith’s production company, and they liked it. We originally planned on shooting the film on Super 8, but they upgraded it to 16 mm. We’ve also been working on the robot costume, currently being created by Avery Brent, another Southeastern alumni.”

“Does God Hear Robots Pray” is Pfeil’s attempt to create a purely visual and emotional experience, using certain techniques from an earlier time in cinema when spoken dialogue was not an option for filmmakers.

“Silent films are an influence on this particular film, purely visual filmmaking,” said Pfeil. “A single image can show so much story. My problem with some current films is that they’re afraid the audience won’t get it. At times, there’s too much expositional dialogue. Sometimes I’m like, ‘Why would you say that?’ It’s like explaining a joke.

The audience is smarter than they’re given credit for and if something does go over their heads, then it challenges them.”

Pfeil feels the restrictions posed by using older filmmaking techniques aid him creatively. Unlike digital film, using real film means filmmakers cannot shoot as much as they please and that every inch counts. Pfeil feels that when shooting on film, there’s no room to be “indecisive.” He and his fellow filmmakers have had to make creative decisions farther in advance in order to make sure they do not run out of film while shooting.

Rather than cheers and applause, Pfeil hopes audiences will be awed into a different sort of reaction to the film.

see FILM pg. 8

Reminders Wednesday H 69 L 42

The university will be closed Feb. 16-18.

Classes will resume Thursday, Feb. 19.

Have a fun and safe break!

CAMPUS LIFE

PAGE 2 FEBRUARY 10, 2015

Chemistry passion inspires volunteering

BY ALLISON CRADY Assistant Editor

After lecturing, grading and researching at the university, one chemistry professor goes above and beyond to share his knowledge of the chemical world with the next generation.

Thomas Sommerfeld, associate professor of theoretical and computational chemistry, volunteers to teach and conduct experiments for students at the Oaks Montessori Elementary School in Hammond. He especially enjoys working with the younger students because of their heightened curiosity for understanding the natural world.

“They’re all entirely fascinated when I do an experiment.

They think it’s incredibly cool,” said Sommerfeld. “In elementary school, they want to know about the natural sciences. They’re really interested, and you can see that.”

Through the American Chemistry Society’s Science Coach program, the school was granted $500 to help pay for supplies. In return, Sommerfeld has promised to visit and teach a minimum of eight times for the school year. Outside of the ACS program, Sommerfeld has helped the school for over five years.

“I like two things a lot: research and teaching. I have found my niche here where I can go do both,” said Sommerfeld.

In addition to an opportunity to work with younger students, Sommerfeld volunteers because he feels that the students in Louisiana schools deserve better chemistry programs.

He believes the problem lies in the instructors’ lack of qualifications.

“Most schools in Louisiana don’t even have a proper chemistry teacher. They have

someone with a biology degree teaching chemistry and physics, which is contributing to problems we have here in college and qualifications for jobs in the chemical industry,” said Sommerfeld. “They were told to memorize the book because the teacher didn’t understand it.”

For one teaching approach, Sommerfeld conducts a detailed experiment for the seventh grade students who give a watereddown version to younger students under his supervision.

Sommerfeld chose to work with the school not only because his two sons currently attend, but also because he supports the Montessori’s alternative education structure.

“They’re self-motivated learners,” said Sommerfeld.

“Everybody is at some other spot in their curriculum. They don’t need someone with a whip behind them. With other schools, if there’s nothing assigned, people just stopped doing anything.”

According to Sommerfeld, the instructors work with the students individually and in small groups based on which subjects the students have chosen to focus on.

“Children can choose in which classroom they go and what kind of work they do,” said Sommerfeld. “The more they grow up, the more teachers will say, ‘You’ve done no math work, so you have to progress on your math work.’ There’s some pressure, but it’s very mildly applied over time.”

Additionally, Sommerfeld serves as the faculty advisor for the university’s ACS-approved chemistry club as well as judging and creating content for the national “You Be The Chemist” challenge.

For more information about the American Chemistry Society, visit acs.org.

THE LION’S ROAR

The Lion’s Roar / Emily Stephan

Dr. Robert Martin, professor of sociology and criminal justice, has been focusing on government interference with citizens’ right to worship.

Professor examines religious freedom

BY EMILY STEPHAN Copy Editor

Though the modern world offers many freedoms, religious freedom and religiousbased violence remain two of the biggest problems in the world today.

In this day and age, it is shocking for many to learn that large nations such as the Republic of China (Taiwan) and Brazil do not honor their promise to grant citizens religious freedom.

Dr. Robert Martin, professor of sociology and criminal justice, recently conducted a study on religious freedom with Dr. Roger Finke, a professor from Penn State University. The two have been working together since Martin’s days in graduate school.

“I’ve worked with Dr. Finke a few times before on issues regarding religious freedom and conflict,” said Martin. “He was also my mentor in graduate school and we started working together when I was a research associate at the Association of Religion Data Archives at www.theARDA.com, where he serves as director.”

Their aim was to examine government interference in the right to worship as one pleases, especially when the government promises citizens freedom of religion.

“My research with Dr. Finke tries to understand why countries’ governments place limits on people’s religious freedoms,

like interfering with their right to worship,” said Martin. “The vast majority of countries guarantee religious freedom in their constitutions, but they often don’t live up to those guarantees, or else they find ways to chip away at them. These types of limits are more common when there are more societal restrictions against religions, like when some religious groups try to shut out others or where there are hostile social attitudes toward certain religions.”

Martin listed common examples of government-inflicted religious discrimination.

“You also see more restrictions against some religions when governments give benefits and favors to other religions, like money or recognition as the official religion of the government, and where a country’s courts aren’t independent of other parts of government,” said Martin. “Another one of our big findings is that when you take other factors into account, government restrictions on religion are not more common in heavily Muslim countries than in countries with proportionally smaller Muslim populations.”

According to Martin, the United States government does well in enforcing religious freedom. Most of the religious-based friction comes from a societal level, due to negative depictions of non-Christians in the media.

This has provoked hate crimes against non-Christian groups in the United States, the highest amount of them aimed at the

country’s Jewish population, according to Martin. The reasoning behind such animosity mainly stems from an unfamiliarity with different religious perspectives and cultures on the part of the aggressors.

“Compared to other larger countries, the United States does a good job of ensuring religious freedom,” said Martin. “It’s important to make a distinction between limits on religious freedom imposed on people by the government and limits imposed by people in society, such as discriminating against people on a religious basis. I think a lot of the societal discrimination against nonChristians in America is due to many people not being familiar with members of nonChristian faiths on a personal basis. Like with any group, it’s more likely that people are going to have negative attitudes about members of minority religions if they don’t know anyone who belongs to that religion, or if they only hear negative messages about that religion in the media they consume.”

The two professors propose that these governments obviously need a separate body to keep them in check on this matter.

In their published study by the Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, Martin and Finke claim that “without an independent judiciary, the legislative will of the majority and the actions of rulers can routinely ignore or simply overrule constitutional promises.”

For more information, contact Dr. Martin at robert.martin-3@selu.edu.

Organizational News is due on the Friday before publication by 10 a.m., with a limit of 150 words.

AST

The ladies of Alpha Sigma Tau had a fantASTic Bid Day. Our theme was “Welcome to the Emerald City.”

All of our sisters worked very hard on preparing for Bid Day and we all had a great time. We had our first business meeting of the spring semester Monday, Feb. 2 and we have also been preparing for our upcoming philanthropy event, Project Prom, that will take place later in the semester. We are very excited. We will also start our softball intramurals next week.

NOCA

There are great things happening with

the National Organizational Communications Association for the spring semester. We are hosting several events aimed to prepare students for their future and assist students in gaining networking skills. NOCA is offering internships for members who have paid their dues and remained active in the organization. On March 9, we will be hosting a Finance Workshop to help students with loan management, earning credit scores and several other future finances. The workshop is open and useful to all majors and free of charge. There will be snacks and beverages. NOCA meets every Monday at 6:00 p.m. in D Vickers, room 283. Come check us out.

Psi Chi

will be having its first official meeting after the Mardi Gras break. The officers would like to wish you a safe and happy holiday.

Look out in White Hall for flyers about the first meeting that will be hung after the holiday break. For information about PSI CHI, email us at psichi@selu.edu.

QFA

On Tuesday, Feb. 3rd, Theta Phi Alpha’s Beta Epsilon chapter celebrated 25 years on campus.

We look forward to continuing to promote excellence,

scholarship and leadership to the young women in our sisterhood and watching our chapter thrive for many more

years at Southeastern. Lastly, our bid day is on Friday, Feb. 13. We could not be more excited to welcome our lovely

new sisters home. The ladies of Theta Phi Alpha hope our Southeastern family has a wonderful week.

OPINIONS

THE LION’S ROAR

FEBRUARY 10, 2015 PAGE 3

Singles Remember true meaning of Valentine’s Day unite Flowers, chocolates and aisles of cheesy joke laden cards are what I’ll be seeing the next Jay Love week when Sports Editor I visit the supermarket. As if some people forgot, Valentine’s Day is back again to remind those of us lacking a significant other that we just aren’t good enough to join in on the fun. Well, I have some news for all the single ladies and gents.

Despite being called “SAD” day by some, Singles Awareness Day is here for the rest of us to celebrate being single in a world that teaches us to pair up and find your soulmate as soon as possible.

For those of you that do not know, Feb. 15 has been designated as Singles Awareness Day. According to singlesawareness. com, “The goal of Singles Awareness Day is to let singles have celebrations, get-togethers, etc. and to exchange gifts with their single friends.”

This is such a delightful concept to me. Sure, the entire motive of Valentine’s Day is showing the one you love how you feel for them, but what about the folks who haven’t found that certain one yet? With 7.3 billion people in this world, it may take a while before you find that one.

Now, thanks to Singles Awareness Day, we can include everybody in on the love instead of excluding a large part of the population.

You may be wondering how one celebrates Singles Awareness Day, well it is simple. The way you can celebrate this joyous holiday is by doing exactly what you would do on a typical Valentine’s Day. Go see a movie and have dinner with a friend who is single. If you have quite a few single friends, try throwing a party so you can enjoy the holiday with others. One could take this idea one step further and give your friend, or yourself, a dozen roses and a box of chocolates.

Come Feb. 14 and 15, there is a holiday for you. If you happen to be flying solo for Valentine’s Day, know that there are plenty others out there in the same boat. Above all, do not be upset about being single. Go buy yourself that new pair of shoes you’ve been wanting and make your own happiness.

Whatever you do, just be sure to be happy. Who knows how to make you happier than yourself?

Valentine’s Day: the day of flowers, candy and googly eyes over your sexy significant other. It’s the day to buy oversized boxes of chocolate and share romantic dinners over candlelight. At least, this is how American chick flicks portray it.

But who was St. Valentine Megan Ferrando anyway?

Why does his name Staff Reporter immediately bring up the images of red hearts and love letters?

As it turns out, the factual origin of St. Valentine is not clear. Many fanciful legends have followed the few facts we do have from the Catholic Church.

The holiday roots likely emerge from a Roman fertility festival called Lupercalia celebrated on Feb. 15. Pope Gelasius I changed this festival into a Christian feast called Valentine’s Day to be celebrated Feb. 14.

The mystery continues, however, as the search for who Pope Gelasius I intended to honor begins. According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, there were three saints by the

name of Valentine. Coincidently, all three died martyrs.

Many scholars and priests believe the Valentine of the holiday was a priest who became an enemy of the Roman emperor Claudius II. One legend involves Claudius II prohibiting marriage for young people, yet St. Valentine still performing them behind his back. This act supposedly led to his imprisonment, torture and death.

According to americancatholic.org, Valentine’s Day was dropped from the official Roman calendar due to the lack of historical record on St. Valentine himself.

Today, the origins of Valentine’s Day hardly seem to matter. Through the centuries the holiday has emerged as a celebration of spiritual.

As kids, it was a fun day to hand out themed cards and candy to everyone in your class. As adults, it became a day to celebrate love with a romantic partner.

I am disappointed by the lack of facts on St. Valentine.

It is difficult to determine what the holiday was originally meant to celebrate without knowing exactly who he was.

It is clear that St. Valentine was martyred for love. This love could have been romantic, familial, friendly and even

spiritual.

Although most people today deem it a holiday for two, it seems as equally appropriate to be a holiday for spiritual love.

Valentine’s Day does not need to be celebrated as “Singles Awareness Day.” I have spent many and most Valentine’s Days with a group of friends, talking about love, watching cheesy movies and having some of the best times.

Who cares if you’re single? Singleness is a great time to grow and discover who you want to be and decide what kind of person you want to be in a relationship.

Do not let singleness ruin your Valentine’s Day. Help your roommate get dolled up for their fancy date and then enjoy a night of chocolate-covered strawberries and wine with the rest of your single ladies. Single men can find their own way of celebrating solidarity with fellow single men.

St. Valentine died for a cause. It seems unlikely he died only for couples. He died for love and love is found in more places than just that significant other.

Don’t forget President’s Day on Feb. 16 In America, we take our holidays seriously: Valentine’s Day, Christmas, Thanksgiving and even foreign holidays such as Cinco de Mayo. When it comes to that Monday in January, most people know why we honor Martin Luther King Jr., but President’s Day is William Schmidt often ignored.

Staff Reporter This year especially, President’s Day won’t just be pushed aside, but will most likely be forgotten altogether since it falls the Monday of Mardi Gras break.

President’s Day has roots going back to 1800, the year after George Washington passed. Washington’s birthday was unofficially observed until 1879 when President Rutherford B. Hayes signed it as an official holiday applying to only the District of Columbia until 1885 when it became recognized as an official federal bank holiday.

It was not until the 1960s that the observance of Washington’s birthday started to shift towards being called “President’s Day.” By the early 2000s, roughly

half of the 50 states of America deemed it President’s Day. Today, official calendars list Washington’s Birthday on the third Monday of February because the federal government holds onto the main piece of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act passed in 1968, officially taking effect in 1971.

I don’t care if you consider the third Monday President’s Day or Washington’s birthday; I believe it is still an important holiday that all Americans should ovserve.

Given that George Washington is considered “The Father of Our Country” by some, we need to remember he received this name for a reason. He led America when it was in a delicate state. He still found a way to balance it with law and order while maintaining an outlook to the people that we were no longer British.

Though Thomas Jefferson was far from the most righteous of presidents, we must remember he had a part in the Louisiana Purchase and we would most likely not even be considered a state without his hand with this transaction.

Though Abraham Lincoln did not free all slaves

through the Emancipation Proclamation, he opened the doors for the possibility. Lyndon B. Johnson eventually enforced the guarantee of the civil rights.

Harry Truman came in front of congress proposing federal offices devoted to issues such as voting rights and fair employment practices while Thomas Jefferson can’t be forgotten for writing the Declaration of Independence.

My point is that yes, we have had horrible presidents who made mistakes. That’s politics.

But we have also had great presidents who deserve to be remembered for shaping the nation.

I believe that we need to celebrate this on Feb. 22. And, I don’t mean by just having an extra shot or screaming, “It’s President’s Day” at a parade. I mean actually take the time to remember our past presidents.

Maybe put out that American flag saved for July 4 or just post a “thank you” through social media.

If we are willing to wear green and celebrate what was originally intended to be a religious holiday for the Irish, I fear that many people forget why we are able to call ourselves Americans.

For better or worse of presidents past, don’t make Washington’s birthday a forgotten holiday.

Seth Walker Biology, Junior

SPEAK OUT

Ulysses S. Grant, he was a general of the Civil War and one of those at the Appomattox making peace.

Who is your favorite president and why?

Amanda Sanches Kinesiology-Exercise Science, Senior

Bryan Covington Criminal Justice, Junior

Briana Brown Psychology, Junior

Thomas Jefferson because he gave good advice to our nation.

George W. Bush because when our entire nation was under attack, he invented the Homeland Security Act.

Barack Obama because he has kept us progressively moving forward from the decisions of past presidents.

Oren “Christopher” Lilly Communication, Senior

Chelsea Blankenship Nursing, Sophmore

John Carrigan Education, Junior

Teddy Roosevelt, he opened the national parks. It is good to maintain nature and species that live there.

Abraham Lincoln, he believed in equality for all. He believed in and fought the nation while he was alive.

Franklin Delanor Roosevelt because he did borderline illegal things to stop the Great Depression.

THE LION ’S ROAR - STAFF

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES The Lion’s Roar is the official newspaper of the students of Southeastern Louisiana University. It has been in continuous publication since 1937.

Submissions and letters to the editor are welcomed, but the editor of The Lion’s Roar reserves the right to edit all submissions for grammar, libel and available space or refuse publication without notification. Submissions must include the author’s full name and either phone number, e-mail or other contact information (not to be published). Faculty and staff members should include their title and department. Students should include their classification and major. By submitting an article for publication, the author understands

that the submission will be edited.

Organizational News space is provided at no charge as a courtesy for university recognized Greek and Student Organizations. The space of such articles is limited to 150 words.

Submissions of this Organizational News must adhere to the same polices as other submissions or letters to the editor, but must also include the name of the organization.

All views expressed in The Lion’s Roar are those of the author or, if unsigned, those of the staff of The Lion’s Roar. These views should not be interpreted as the views of the administration, faculty or students of Southeastern Louisiana University.

A single issue of The Lion’s Roar is free.

Additional copies may be purchased for 50 cents in Mims Hall Room 128. Annual mail subscriptions are $35 within the continental U.S. The Lion’s Roar, in its print form, associated Web sites and CD/DVD versions are designated public forums. Student editors have the authority to make content decisions without censorship or prior approval. The Lion’s Roar also defends the rights of student journalists relative to freedom of speech and press as stated in Amendment I of the Constitution of the United States of America.

The Lion’s Roar is published through the Office of Student Publications, part of the Division for Student Affairs. It is published weekly during regular semesters and monthly during the summer semester.

Editor in Chief Assistant/A&E Editor Campus Life Editor Sports Editor Copy Editor

Sara Patrick Allison Crady Megan Simon Jay Love Emily Stephan

Distribution Tyler Kennedy Advertising Assistants Ashley Guillot Administrative Assistant Heather Collins Coordinator Lorraine F. Peppo Director Lee E. Lind

CONTACT General Offices Mims Hall Room 128 Mailing Address The Lion’s Roar SLU 10877 Hammond, LA 70402 E-mail lionsroar@selu.edu Telephone Numbers 985-549-3527 (newsroom) 985-549-3842 (fax) 985-549-3731 (advertising) www.lionsroarnews.com www.selu.edu/lionsroar

PAGE 4 FEBRUARY 10, 2015

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

THE LION’S ROAR

Shattered African children’s Illusions choir spreads hope

BY EMILY STEPHAN Copy Editor

Review When shown at the Sundance Film Festival, some of the audience walked out on the latest Wachowski blockbuster, “Jupiter Ascending.” Having seen the film, I can now see why: for all its beautiful visuals and interesting ideas for a fictional universe, this movie is a galactic bore.

“Jupiter Ascending” is billed as “Star Wars” meets “The Matrix,” but from the general aesthetics of the movie, it looks more like the campy 1980 “Flash Gordon,” which for all its silliness was a visual delight. The movie’s costumes, makeup and backgrounds are all gorgeous in the classic space opera mode.

Unfortunately, they’re the only good things about the movie.

What we have is a group of talented actors phoning it in as they’re being wasted on paper thin, uncharismatic characters.

Each character is a cipher with the sole purpose of partaking in the next overblown CG action sequence, and because I care so little for them, the action scenes are thereby boring.

The plot is convoluted and takes itself way too seriously.

There are three villains and each one is lifeless; that each one is quickly succeeded by the next before we get to see much of them makes matters worse.

The most disappointing thing of all was that the heroine didn’t get to do much outside of spouting bad one-liners and having to be rescued by her hunky love interest. I was excited to see a female lead in an action film, if nothing else.

If you want to see a fun space opera flick, then look elsewhere.

BY MEGAN FERRANDO Staff Reporter

Orphaned children of Africa will travel to nearby locations to sing and dance in order to raise awareness for the orphaned and vulnerable children of Africa.

The Watoto Children’s Choir travel internationally, advocating for the millions of children orphaned from HIV/AIDS, war, poverty and disease.

The children will share their stories and provide a unique musical experience for all who wish to come to their many free concerts, including one in Denham Springs on Feb. 11 and Baton Rouge on Feb. 12.

“I would totally go to something like that,” said Caleb Porter, senior music major. “If you think about it, music is something that holds everyone together regardless of what we’ve been through or our languages, or even cultural upbringing. It’s a place we can all connect.”

The choir is used as an

evangelism tool, which reaches people, addresses global issues and fuels the mission of caring for orphans and widows.

The children will begin a new production called, “Oh, What Love.” The production will help envision a new Africa, which is “reborn, revived and rebuilt.” The children will express the journey from despair to celebration.

The production focuses on redemption and finding God’s love. One child expressed how he found love in God after losing his parents. Watoto founder Gary Skinner expressed how the children’s lives were not just rescued, but transformed through God’s love.

Nearly 20 songwriters contributed to creating songs that share the children’s stories.

The tour began in January and will continue for six months as worship and redemption are spread to the many stops for the Watoto Children’s Choir.

“It sounds like a really cool thing for them to be doing,”

Courtesy of Amber Sakis

The children’s choir, made up of orphaned Africans, sings their “Oh, What Love” concert. The groups goal is to raise awareness of the many vulnerable children of Africa, orphaned from HIV/AIDS, war, poverty and disease. said Terelle Bibbins, sophomore music major. “That’s a great opportunity for them. The music must be really cool.”

The choir has previously toured Uganda, Kenya, South Africa, Australia, Canada, Germany, France, China and more.

Watoto Church founded the Watoto Child Care Ministry in 1994, as a response to the number

of orphaned and vulnerable children in Uganda. The mission focused on rescuing a child, raising him or her as a leader and helping them rebuild their nation through their talents.

The children live in Watoto Villages, which house children and mothers. There are currently three villages, which provide schooling, medical care, church service and more.

Further stories and information will be told throughout the “Oh, What Love” tour.

The Denham Springs concert will take place at Christ’s Community Church and the Baton Rouge concert will take place at Church Point Ministries.

Further details and locations can be found on watoto.com/thechoir.

Faculty soprano vocalist opens recital series in Pottle

BY SAMANTHA STEPHAN Staff Reporter

The Fine and Performing Arts department’s staff will be preparing to showcase their talents in the upcoming faculty recital series. The first to take the stage will be Dr. Kristen Marchiafava, singing soprano. This free recital will be held Feb. 12 at 7:30 p.m. in the Pottle Music Auditorium.

The recital gives the audience and current music students a chance to see firsthand what is being taught in the music department.

“It is an opportunity for our students to see their teachers using techniques taught in the applied studio,” said Marchiafava.

Courtesy of Public Information She thinks this recital will stand out for Dr. Kristen Marchiafava, lecturer of voice, will being the first time Southeastern performs a be performing first in the faculty recital series. new composition by Jake Heggie.

“The piece is called ‘The Book of Nightmares,’” said Marchiafava. “These poignant song texts are by American Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, Galway Kinnell, and the settings by Jake Heggie are stunning.”

With Pottle Auditorim holding this new composition, Marchiafava reflects on how it will influence her future as well as having a unique view on Heggie’s piece having interviewed this composer in the San Francisco home.

“I will sing the cycle this summer at the Manship Theater in Baton Rouge when the composer is in town for some performances of his music by local artists,” said Marchiafava.

Some of the other music that will be performed is “Vier letzte Lieder” by Richard Strauss, “Metamorphoses” by Francis Poulenc and “Piangero la sorte mia” from

“Giulio Cesare” by George Frideric Handel.

She will be partnering up with two other faculty members for this recital.

“I am collaborating on this recital with Dr. Henry Jones, piano, and Daniel Cassin, cello,” said Marchiafava. “It should be an unforgettable collaboration.”

Before teaching at Southeastern, Marchiafava attended Mannes College of Music in New York and obtained her bachelor’s at Loyola University. She started off her professional career in the title role in the opera that won a Pulitzer-Prize, “Vanessa.”

To find out more about Marchiafava’s performance as well as the faculty recital series, contact the music department at 985549-2184 or visit Marchiafava’s website at kristenmarchiafava.com.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

THE LION’S ROAR

FEBRUARY 10, 2015 PAGE 5

Inspiring R&B album impacts lives

BY MARIA GODDARD Staff Reporter

One Southeastern student works to promote his new album, “Speak to Me Now,” and to connect with his audience.

One song from Jonathan Koeppel’s album even prevented someone from committing suicide.

When not studying, this sophomore Spanish major works part-time and looks forward to performing at special events.

The release of his new album prompted more performances and inspirational stories from his fans.

“I’ve received stories via emails or personal testimonies where people are saying things like ‘I listened to your music the night I was about to kill myself.

I decided not to commit suicide and it helped me to keep going,’” said Koeppel.

Koeppel’s uniqueness lies in his ability to connect to the audience and have a positive impact on their mood and demeanor.

Koeppel released his album last October and has diligently worked to produce it. Recently, he published his first music video entitled “Speak to Me Now” on YouTube. He sang the “National Anthem” at a New Orleans Pelicans game, won third place in the 2014 Southeastern Star talent show, performed at the 2015 Miss Southeastern Pageant and 2014 International Night.

Koeppel said the main intent of his music is to “bring the audience joy.”

“Another story that I heard was from a guy on Facebook [in the] early hours [of] the morning,” said Koeppel. “He saw my music video to my song, ‘Speak to Me Now.’ He was depressed [and] he was real sad. He said, ‘When I listened to your song, it just made me feel better and

I wanted to tell you that.’”

Even though this emerging artist from New Orleans had music lessons as a child, his musical performances started when he formed a passionate desire to help his church and began playing electric guitar in the church’s youth band at 13 years old.

When he started making appearances in 2009, Koeppel’s constant ambition and drive helped him shine, especially on the local level. His songs have played on KSLU and other local radio stations.

“Check out his new album,” said Amairi Cordova, on-air personality of KSLU and junior communication major.

“It truly lets people get to know the real him. I remember hearing his album when I debuted it on my show, ‘The Dirt Road’ for the first time. Honestly, I was shocked to see a person his age release a CD of this quality. I expected it to be good, but not this good.”

His songs are available on iTunes, where they are classified as easy listening or R&B. According to Koeppel, most people consider him a mix of Jason Mraz, John Mayer and Michael Bublé.

Koeppel is not planning to slow down any time soon. After going on his first mission trip to Nicaragua, he saw thirdworld poverty first-hand. Seeing the missionaries assisting those in need gave him hope.

After this eye-opening encounter he knew if his music became popular, he would be able to have enough money to support himself, a family and missionaries. He donates 10 percent of all proceeds to his church, White Dove Fellowship.

He plans on reaching even more people internationally by creating an album in Spanish. For now, Koeppel is working with the Spanish club to put

Courtesy of Jonathan Koeppel

Sophomore Spanish major Jonathan Koeppel has reached peers through his inspiring music and new album, “Speak To Me Now.” Koeppel creates a positive experience that has touched others during low points. The young musician currently donates a portion of his proceeds to his church and hopes to support missionaries later in his career. on a music festival he will perform on the night of April 28 outside the War Memorial Student Union. He is also preparing for an earlier performance he will give at REC Fest 2015, which will be held on April 23 from 3-9 p.m.

“I’m super excited about REC Fest,” said Koeppel. “I sang karaoke in one of the karaoke contests last year. They gave away free crawfish for the whole student body. Being a Southeastern student, I would rather play for the student body

here than any other university.”

Koeppel desires to help high school seniors as well as college students because he feels it is easier to connect to people in his own age group. Some have expressed praise of Koeppel’s artistry.

“It’s not often that I meet someone my age doing such big things for the Kingdom of God,” said freshman social work major Kristi Touchet. “It is a pleasure to know Jonathan and to be able to hear what he has to say. ‘Speak To Me

Now’ is incredible. Each and every song has so much meaning.”

According to Koeppel, the inspiration for his uplifting messages and music is his faith in Jesus Christ.

“People really get attached to the songs and they just feel some kind of overwhelming joy,” said Koeppel. “I accredit that to Christ being behind my music and being my inspiration for a lot of my songs. From here, the only way to go is up.”

New York Loadbang Ensemble to improvise modern jazz

BY TAMARA ALEXANDAR Staff Reporter

The Loadbang Ensemble, a group who creates a blend of rich sounds and jazzy influences from New York, will hit center stage in Hammond, Louisiana.

The Loadbang Ensemble will kickoff the Guest Artist Recital Series starting Feb. 13 in Pottle Auditorium at 7:30 p.m.

The Loadbang Ensemble is a quartet on a mission to compose contemporary works and develop a “unique language of improvisation.” This has led them to receive considerable praise and notoriety.

“Loadbang is one of a few performers kicking off our guest artist series. They are performing at Southeastern as part of a tour of the South,” said Dr. Philip Schuessler, instructor of theory and composition. “We are honored to have an ensemble

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) All that flattery and fawning shouldn’t affect any decision you have to make. Keep your focus on the facts and ignore all the hyperbole, especially if it gets uncomfortably personal.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Your Bovine instincts are on the mark about that “favor” you’re being asked to do. Agree to nothing unless you get a full explanation -which you would check out first, of course.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) A somewhat unsettled recent period should give way to a smoother time going through the week. Use this quieter time to catch up on matters you might have had to let slide.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Feeling a little confused is understandable with all those mixed messages. Take time to list the questions you have. Then present them and insist on answers that make sense.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) Cupid can be very helpful for Lions seeking a love connection. The chubby cherub also brings warm and fuzzy feelings to paired Leos and Leonas who already share a special love line.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Travel is favored this week, whether you’ll be globetrotting or taking a trip to a nearby getaway. You might be surprised (or maybe not) by who wants to be your traveling companion.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Getting advice on your next business-related move is a good idea, but only if your advisers are trustworthy. Get references that you can check out before you make any decisions.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Getting a boost in your self-esteem is one benefit that comes with a job well done. There are other plusses as well, including being noticed by all the right people.

Good luck.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Make time to deal with family matters, especially where they concern your elderly kinfolk. Being there for them from the start can help resolve problems sooner rather than later.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Getting a project started can often be difficult. But the good news is that you won’t want for lack of assistance from colleagues who would like to work with you. So, let them!

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) A lot of work-related issues might be raised this week, and you need to be prepared for whatever comes along. Things should be easier when it comes to matters in your private life.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) What might appear to be a very much unwanted change in your life right now could turn out to be a very welcome event after all. Give yourself a chance to see where it might take you.

BORN THIS WEEK: You exercise your strong leadership qualities well, which is why people believe in you and feel reassured by you.

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of such high caliber headlining the series. Loadbang is among the top ensembles from New York City who specialize mainly in contemporary, modern music repertoire, and it is thrilling to have this kind of music performed here. It’s not every day that you have such a specialized kind of music performed, especially music of such a virtuosic and demanding quality.”

Loadbang is well known for their passion of giving back to and working with the youth, including elementary school children in the New York Philharmonic’s as well as others in high schools and universities.

Students who attend the concert can develop a passion for their music and learn many aspects of the music industry.

“Students gain a lot by watching and hearing professional artists performing at such a high level. They learn what it takes to be a professional musician working and living in a big city and showcasing their art form to various audiences across the country,” said Schuessler. “These players are role models for our students, and they learn more than just how to play an instrument. They learn how to be a well-rounded, active musician by interacting with these players.”

The growth and blossom of Southeastern’s music department has led them to showcase their talent.

“I think that the Southeastern music department is truly making a name for itself as a top level host for contemporary music acts traveling through the area. Players want to perform here because of Southeastern’s growing reputation for receptive audiences and adventurous programming,” said Schuessler.

This great reputation of the music department has led many

Courtesy of Public Information

The Loadbang Ensemble consists of (from left to right) bass clarinet player and bassist Adrian Sandi, Andy Kozar on trumpet, baritone vocalist Jeffrey Gavett and William Lang on trombone. artists here, such as Iktus Duo, to showcase their talent, giving students great lessons of music.

For more information on the Guest Artist Recital Series or any other musical performances contact the Fine and Performing Arts department at 985-549-2184.

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PAGE 6 FEBRUARY 10, 2015

Athlete of the Week

Lady Lions remain undefeated

BY HEATHER JEWELL Staff Reporter

DeVonte Upson

BY MARIA GODDARD Staff Reporter

DeVonte Upson was born on March 23, 1993 in Augusta, Georgia and grew up in Amarillo, Texas. In August 2014, this senior general studies major joined the Lions basketball team.

Upson wants to get a master’s in sports marketing. After, he hopes to invest in sports equipment and acquire a sports facility in Amarillo, Texas to help youth.

The Lion’s Roar: Why did you choose to play basketball?

Upson: I chose to play basketball because I had a great love for the game. First, I was playing football. I decided to stop playing because I got a little bit too tall. I started watching clips of LeBron James and started to like it.

TLR: How did you get on Southeastern’s team?

Upson: Coach Alexander House recruited me. He’s no longer here, but he was a pretty good guy. He said interesting things that persuaded me to come here.

Louisiana food is spectacular [and] the environment is pretty clean [in Hammond].

TLR: What was your funniest basketball moment?

Upson: I was going up to block somebody from LSU last year, but I missed badly, flipping over him and landing on my butt pretty hard. I think they got a photo of that on the Internet and I have a pretty ugly face.

TLR: Do you think you will have a career in basketball?

Upson: Yes, I believe I can. I have enough confidence to know that I can work hard every day, stay on the path and I can get picked up.

TLR: If you could meet any basketball player, who would it be?

Upson: I like Kevin Durant.

He’s my favorite player. I compare myself to him because we’re not big [burly] guys, but he finds a way to get it done.

He’s an MVP in my eyes. [He is a] good inspiration and came from tough streets in Maryland.

He keeps his head focused.

TLR: What is your favorite part of basketball?

Upson: I like winning. Other than that, competing.

For the full interview, visit lionsroarnews.com

THE LION’S ROAR

The Lady Lions tennis team returned to the court this past Thursday and Friday for the beginning of their new season.

The new team is a young one led by their single upperclassman, junior Andrea “Renee” Villarreal. Aside from Villarreal, the team has two sophomores Margaux Kaltenbacher and Avika Sagwal and five freshmen, Anna Bryukhova, Lucia Bustamante, Natalie Duran, Daniela Raygadas and Madina Vorotnikova.

All the girls have varying international backgrounds and traveled far to play at Southeastern.

“I was really nervous at first, but we have a strong team; we get along really well, we support each other and we have become really good friends,” said Raygadas, a native of Mexico.

The girls played their first match against Alcorn on Thursday with a winning score of 5-2.

Their duel match victories included freshmen Bustamante, Raygadas and Vorotnikova.

The match opened with Villarreal and Bryukhova defeating their opponents at court number 1. They were followed by Bustamante and Raygadas winning 6-2 at court number 2.

The team’s two sophomores Kaltenbacher and Sagwal finished off their own opponents with a score of 6-0.

In singles, Raygadas won with 6-1, 6-1 scores, increasing the Lady Lion’s lead to 2-0.

Vorotnikova continued to amplify the score to 3-0 with her 6-1, 6-0 victories.

Villarreal, a two time All Southland Conference and All Louisiana Selection, won her match 6-4, 6-4, giving the Lady Lions their fourth point.

Then Bustamante closed out the match, fighting against her opponent with a near score of 6-4, 2-6, 6-2.

Following their Alcorn victory, the ladies immediately repeated the victory against Southern the next day. With their victory of 4-0, the Lady Lion’s increased their season’s score to 2-0.

In the double matches, on court 1, Villarreal again partnered with Bryukhova and won 6-0.

On court two, the freshmen

The Lion’s Roar / Heather Jewell

The pair of freshmen Dani Raygadas and Lucia Bustamante played a large role in the Lady Lion’s 2-0 start to the season.

Both Lady Lions went undefeated in single and double matches against Alcorn State and Southern University. team of Bustamante and Raygadas were also victorious against their own opponents.

“Our doubles today were better than what they were yesterday; we [as a team] were better also,” said Bryukhova, a native of Russia.

Going into their singles matches, the Lady Lions lead did not change for the worst.

They continued to pack the

heat and emerged victorious.

Villarreal increased the team’s score when she beat Southern’s Laura Syori 6-1-64.

Bryukhova won her first collegiate victory as a Lion when she defeated Southern’s Darnesha Moore 6-3, 6-3.

The match was put to an end when Bustamante won 6-3, 6-1 over Morgan Taylor.

“So far it’s been great, we’re going to have a lot of good days and we’re going to have a lot of bad days; I tell them, ‘you can always play twice as hard, or twice as smart,’ and they did that,” said head coach Jason Hayes.

The girls’ practice period will last until their next match against Southern Miss on Feb. 20, at 4:00 p.m.

Lion Classic I brings wins and losses

BY MELANIE MANN Staff Reporter

The Lady Lions softball team garnered mixed results in their first series of the season with two wins and two losses.

The 2015 Lion Classic I series took place from Friday, Feb. 6 to Sunday, Feb. 8 at Chappapeela Park. The location was chosen instead of North Oaks Park due to a high number of teams participating in the tournament.

The season started off strong with a 10-4 win versus Alcorn State. The Lady Lions’ most notable achievements during the game include freshman third baseman Sydney Booker’s four runs and freshman Nicole Ayala’s efforts on the circle, striking out four opposing players.

In the 5-1 win versus University of Nebraska, junior Katie Lacour set added yet another game to her now 14game hitting streak.

“Offensively, Booker stood out the most,” said Lacour. “She had a very consistent weekend at the plate. Defensively, freshman left fielder Kinsey Nichols had some great catches that really changed the game.

On the mound, freshman Nicole Ayala and junior Taylor Bishop both had great outings the two times they pitched.”

The Lady Lions’ victory dance was cut short with the 1-6 loss against the University of Tennessee and the 2-3 loss

against the University of Texas at Arlington. Though they did not come out on top in the last two games, the Lady Lions still feel they gave a commendable performance in the series.

“In the first game we lost mainly because the other team was doing a great job at the plate,” said Booker. “Spencer Adkinson was pitching for us.

She was hitting her spots, but they were simply just hitting her pitches. The second game was a lot closer. They went up on us in the first inning by two runs, but we answered back a few innings later with two runs to tie the game. In the last inning UT Arlington scored on an error. In the bottom of the seventh inning, we had bases loaded with two outs and the game ended on a strike out.

I believe we did well in this game, but we just didn’t get the

results we wanted.”

Overall, Booker takes pride in the team’s performance.

“I’m very proud of the way my team performed this weekend,” said Booker. “It makes me that much more excited to see what all this season has in store. After this weekend, I’m confident that we can really pull together and make a good run at winning conference.”

According to Lacour, this series pointed out a need for improvement at the plate. Her goals for the team this season are “to be more aggressive at the plate and finish, win those close games that come down to the last couple of innings.”

The season will continue with the 2015 Lion Classic II on Saturday, Feb. 14 through Sunday, Feb. 15 at North Oaks Park.

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The Lady Lions earned two wins and two losses in the Lion Classic I. They return to action this weekend for the Lion Classic II.

SPORTS

THE LION’S ROAR

FEBRUARY 10, 2015 PAGE 7

Alumni return to take on Lions

BY JAY LOVE Sports Editor

The Lion’s Roar / Jay Love

Junior transfer Jake Johnson (above) pitched several scoreless innings for the Lions during the alumni game. Freshman infielder Taylor Schwaner (right) tags out an alumnus sliding into third base.

The Southeastern baseball team welcomed some familiar faces back this past weekend for the annual alumni game. Despite being coached by current Boston Red Sox pitcher and former Lion Wade Miley, the alumni fell to the current Lions 10-1.

With the official start to the season coming this weekend, the alumni game gave the current Lion’s baseball team one last chance to warm up before the season begins.

Although playing against some tough competition among the alumni team, the current Lions squad got off to a hot start. The current squad scored two runs in each of their first two innings at bat before bringing in three runs in the bottom of the third, leading 7-0. Two more scoreless innings followed up before the current Lions found their way on to home base once more to bring their lead 8-0.

In the top of the eighth inning, the alumni broke through the defense of the current Lions to put a run on the board. Current Lions finished all scoring with a final run in the bottom of the eighth.

Head coach Matt Riser detailed how beneficial the alumni game was to the team.

“The biggest part was to finally play someone different. We have been playing intrasquads since September, so it was great that we finally got to compete against somebody else. Even though it is a friendly foe across the way, it was great to be on the same side,” said Riser. “Honestly, it was

good to see the alumni. They do a good job of showing us how to play.”

The game offered the Lions a chance to send some new faces onto the field.

Freshman Scott Sanders got into the mix, while fans also got to check out transfers Jake Johnson and Devontae Wilson.

Riser was satisfied with the work coming from the new members following the game.

“This was a good way to get that first game jitters out of the way,” said Riser. “We had the junior college transfer Devontae Wilson come in and the redshirt freshman [Dreagen] Bethel. It was nice to have those

guys out of the bullpin and get their first go at it out of the way.”

Coach Riser and the Lions do not have much longer to prepare for the start of the season, as the Lions open up against Louisiana Tech in a weekend series beginning this Friday, Feb. 13. First pitch is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. at Pat Kenelly at Alumni Field.

Saturday’s game is set to begin at 2:00 p.m. and Sunday’s contest will begin at 1:00 p.m. Southeastern students receive free entry into all regular season home games. For more information, visit lionsports.net.

Lady Lions fall to pair of Southland Conference foes

BY TAJA MORGAN Staff Reporter

Despite their best efforts, the Lady Lions basketball team fell short against the Central Arkansas Sugar Bears.

The game was held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 4 in the University Center with a final score of 60-48.

Junior forward Nanna Pool finished with 11 points and 11 rebounds also managing to lead Southeastern with her ninth double-double of this season. After missing a previous eight games and playing for her first time since Dec. 9, senior Symone Miller added 11 points for Southeastern along with senior guard, Elizabeth Styles adding a game high of four assists.

With the first half being evenly played, neither team led by more than seven points.

With eight points from Pool, the Lady Lions were able to trail just 30-33 when the halftime rolled around.

Head coach Yolanda Moore felt the Lady Lions could have done better throughout the game.

“We could have made more shots and we allowed their star player to get 25 points,” said Moore. “We did not rebound well and we did not play with the energy we had the night before.”

During the second half, the Lady Lions struggled with getting shots to fall. Southeastern was held by UCA without a field goal for the first 12:31 of the first period. The team managed

to score their first bucket of the half by senior forward Jameika Hoskins. With Southestern’s previous struggles, Lady Wildcats snagged a 49-36 lead with a remaining 7:29.

Southeastern’s lead was briefly cut down to single digits.

With a strict hold on Southeastern, UCA held Lady Lions to 17.3 percent (4-for-23).

On Saturday, the Lady Lions traveled to Abilene, Texas to head off against Abilene Christian Lady Wildcats. The game was held at the Moody Coliseum. The Lady Lions stumbled and fell short by a single point, ending the game with a final score of 75-74.

Southeastern managed to land 3-7 in league play along with an overall standing of 7-14.

Despite their loss, the Lady Lions rallied from nine points down and managed to gain seasonhigh 13-point field goals.

Before Saturday’s game took place, Moore sought out a strategic plan to defeat the Lady Wildcats.

“We plan to play with a lot more energy and a lot more intensity,” said Moore. “Then hopefully we won’t have a scoring drought and we will be able to score more baskets.”

Junior guard Erica Hernandez lead with 16 points among three fellow Lady Lions who managed to score in double figures. The three Lady Lions were senior guard Anessa De La Cruz with 13 points, junior guard Peaches Anderson with 11 points, senior guard Styles with six assists, two steals and 10 points. Senior guard Hoskins fell short of a double-double with eight points and 11 rebounds.

ACU had one single player to lead in double figures, netting 10-of-23 shots. The Lady Wildcats were able to gain a 39-30 rebounding advantage and amongst a single player hitting double figures, other team members rallied in their help of rebounds.

Nanna Pool made note of what could have went towards a greater improvement on Saturday against the Wildcats.

“We really need to improve and get better on our defense against the other teams,” said Pool.

The Lady Lions led with as many as 10 points in the opening half and traveled into break with a 47-41 advantage.

In the second half, the Lady Lions made 29 percent (9-of-31) of their field goal attempts.

Due to offensive struggles, ACU took advantage with a 71-62 lead and only 6:48 remaining in the game.

Styles three-pointer cut the lead to one with only 42 seconds left, which caused Southeastern to gradually hustle their way back into the game. Both teams traded empty possessions in the final seconds as Lady Lions gained one last try with six seconds left. With three seconds left, Pool managed to snag a rebound but unfortunately all hopes of a comeback by the Lady Lions was ended.

Southeastern will next travel to McNeese State for a 7 p.m. contest on Thursday in Lake Charles. The game will be broadcasted live in the Hammond area on KSLU-FM (90.9) and at lionsports.net.

Lions pick up conference win at Abilene

BY MORGAN LEDET Staff Reporter The Lion’s Roar / Taja Morgan

Junior guard Peaches Anderson battles her way to another basket during the game against Central Arkansas and finishes with 11 points.

Southeastern men’s basketball (6-16, 3-6 Southland) ended their conference-losing streak with a victory over Abilene Christian University (9-14, 3-7 Southland), 65-52 at Moody Coliseum.

DeVonte Upson scored a career-high in points with 24 total points.

He also contributed a game-high nine rebounds.

The first half of the game remained close with Southeastern leading by two points.

The teams were never separated by more than three points in the first 20 minutes. At the 16:06 mark, Onochie Ochie jumped and helped the Lion’s lead by three points, 6-3. The Wildcats only lead was at the four minute mark, 24-21 on a Harrison Hawkins jumper, but the Lion’s came back and tied the score. Justin Lobell untied the game less than a minute later with his first career basket. Lobell’s three pointer tied the game at three minutes left before the half.

Into the second half, Upson gave the Lion’s an early lead with a little over eighteen minutes to play. The Lion’s kept their lead by adding 16 more points to the board right before a Hawkins 3-pointer.

Adding 14 points to the score was graduate student, Cedric Jenkins.

Junior Daniel Grieves added nine points and contributed five rebounds.

Juniors Zay Jackson and Jimmie Duplessis both had five assists each.

The Lion’s shot 49 percent from the floor. The Lions were 9-of-14 from the free throw line (64.3 percent) and out-rebounded the Wildcats 37-31.

The Lions will be back in action for a conference match-up tonight against Central Arkansas at the University Center at 7 p.m. All faculty and staff will receive free admission into the game for Faculty Appreciation Day. For more information, visit www.lionsports.net.

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NEWS

PAGE 8 FEBRUARY 10, 2015

THE LION’S ROAR

AROUND

THE

NATION

N.O.P.D. MAY NOT REQUIRE COLLEGE EDUCATION NEW ORLEANS — The chief of this city’s troubled police department is seeking to scrap a requirement that new recruits must have some college education. Police Superintendent Michael Harrison made the request Monday to the Civil Service Commission, a board that oversees public employees.

The police department is desperate to hire more officers to

beef up its ranks. Police say they are understaffed by hundreds of officers. But the move — which has the blessing of Mayor Mitch Landrieu and the City Council — has been blasted by outside watchdog groups which warn that scrapping the college requirement is a troubling reversal for a police department seeking to improve itself. By Cain Burdeau.

GAY MARRIAGE MAY BE MADE LEGAL IN U.S. WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court is signaling it intends to clear the way for gay marriage across the nation in coming months, Justice

Clarence Thomas complains in a stinging dissent to the court’s refusal to block the start of same-sex marriages in Alabama. By Mark Sherman.

PRESIDENT MEETS WITH GERMAN CHANCELLOR

The Lion’s Roar / Tamara Alexander

The 29th annual Krewe of Omega Mardi Gras parade made its way through the Hammond area on the night of Feb. 6. This year’s parade had a theme of horror.

There were 10 floats and many cars, jeeps and bands from local high schools. Local Krewe of Omega members (above) throw beads at the crowd as they enjoy the annual parade.

RETREAT continued from pg. 1 turned in to the Office of Student Engagement by Friday, Feb. 13, though it may close early if the amount of applications received by the office reaches capacity.

Rault feels students will glean much from the event, not just in their professional lives, but their personal life as well.

“Whether a student is involved or just looking to become involved, attending the Emerging Leaders Retreat is a great way to develop friendships with other students, develop and/or enhance personal leadership skills and discover new ways to give back to

Southeastern through their leadership development,” said Rault.

Rault summed up the experience she hopes potential student leaders will find when participating in the Student Leadership Retreat.

“The Emerging Leaders Retreat will strengthen students’ leadership skills by fostering opportunities that nurture leadership development and personal reflection in a fun, interactive and collaborative manner,” said Rault.

For more information on the Student Leadership Retreat, contact the Office of Student Engagement at 985549-2120 or pay them a visit at room 123 in Mims Hall.

FILM continued from pg. 1 “I know it will sound weird, but it would be an incredible achievement for me if there was profound silence at the credits,” said Pfiel. “When

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel are trying for a public display of unity despite a potential split over arming Ukrainian fighters to better battle Russian-

A

backed separatists. That was the unstated point of a meeting at the White House where Merkel was to brief Obama on upcoming talks aimed at reviving a peace plan for besieged Ukraine. By Steven R. Hurst.

W

ROUND THE ORLD you hit that moment where you know you’ve created art, conveyed emotions from your soul to someone OLICE CAUSE DEADLY STAMPEDE IN GYPT else’s, that’s great.”

CAIRO — Survivors of if they’d be let in or not. Then Pfeil is using the IndieGoGo a deadly violence outside an police fired tear gas at hundreds campaign to raise money for the film Egyptian soccer stadium say fans packed into a cramped, fencedat tinyurl.com/dghrpMovie. were festive at first. But as they in corridor, sparking a deadly worked their way through tight stampede. By Sarah El Deeb and security, they grew restless, unsure Maggie Michael.

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SUICIDE BOMBER KILLS 15 IN BAGHDAD BAGHDAD — A suicide attack kills 15 in a busy Baghdad

square during rush-hour. By Sinan Salaheddin.

MALAYSIAN OPPOSITION LEADER AWAITS VERDICT

Courtesy of Tony Romain

Pictured above are the various stages of the robot suit, designed by Avery Brent.

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim says he hopes for a just decision when Malaysia’s top court delivers its verdict on his final appeal against a sodomy conviction but

is also ready to be sent back to jail for the second time in over a decade. His case has reinforced accusations at home and abroad that the government is using it as a weapon to vanquish a threat to its stability. By Eileen Ng

COMMUNITY

BE THE CHANGE THE CHICAGO SCHOOL AND XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA ARE PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THE PSY.D. PROGRAM IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY AT XULA. ENROLL TODAY.

THE CHICAGO SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL PSYCHOLOGY AT XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA EDUCATION

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THECHICAGOSCHOOL.EDU/XULA

504-656-4833