The Lion's Roar 02/27/2018

’ 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

Hammond, LA

Campus system used to promote caution and awareness JACOB SUMMERVILLE

February 27, 2018

Student-involved gun shooting sparks discussion about safety

Workshop offers skills in combat

Staff Reporter

In addition to the Emergency Alert System, the university offers an app to aid with student safety.

According to the university website, the Safe Campus app gives students advice on campus emergencies that include active shooter or stabbing on campus, bomb threat, fire or explosion, and intruder/mental health emergency. The app can also directly contact the University Police Department from its home page.

Executive Director of Public and Governmental Affairs Erin Cowser explained why the app was created.

“The Alumni Association requested the creation of an app that would link its members to their benefit offerings,” said Cowser. “The design ended up as a class project for several computer science students with oversight from the Office of Technology. Once that app was completed, it was suggested that an app to connect the campus community with safety guidelines and measures also be created.”

The app provides the procedures to take in cases concerning sexual assault,

see EMERGENCY ALERT, pg. 8

see PAGE 5

Tubman’s legacy is examined see PAGE 3

Track and field racks up honors

Channel 26 WGNO reporter Jacki Jing, far left, is one of many reporters that visited campus on Friday, Feb. 23 after news broke of a shooting that occurred in the parking lot near the University Center, above right. Senior and redshirt forward James Currington, bottom right and an unidentified student-athlete were injured. Don lawrence/The Lion’s Roar STAFF REPORTS The campus community was stunned to hear reports of gunshots last Friday.

The incident, which resulted in the injury of redshirt senior forward James Currington and an unidentified student athlete, occurred in a parking lot outside of the University

Center around 2:20 a.m. on Feb. 23.

In an interview with The Lion’s Roar, basketball Head Coach Jay Ladner shared his thoughts on the shooting in regards to Currington’s absence on the court and the future of all the parties involved.

“Whoever the young man was that shot

into the crowd and injured several people, his life is changed forever as well as the young men who were injured,” said Ladner.

“Thank goodness that there wasn’t a death involved, but this certainly is a tragic thing

see SHOOTING, pg. 10

see PAGE 6

Students recount journeys in military see PAGE 9

‘Black Panther’ inspires students to celebrate culture JONATHAN RHODES Senior Reporter

Project P.U.L.L hosted a showing of Marvel’s “Black Panther” at the AMC Hammond Palace 10 as part of the celebration of Black History Month. According to variety. com, the film has been setting records in the Box Office, and although it is not the first film about a black superhero, “Black Panther” was the first black superhero in mainstream American comic books.

Coordinator of Project P.U.L.L Cedric Dent Jr. explained why this movie should be celebrated and how important it is to society.

“I feel like it’s needed in this time and place that we are living in,” said Dent. “There is a lot of inequality. After this movie, we are hoping for people to push for more black culture and embrace more black culture.”

Student organizations and other departments on campus kicked off Black History Month with a celebration on

Feb. 5. Since then, student organizations have put together events such as “Culture Night,” “Bake Sale Fundraiser” and the annual “Young, Black & Gifted.”

Students were amazed by how well the film was done and to see black people represented in an action-packed and entertaining way.

“Honestly, it was perfect,” said freshman general management major Timothy Chandler. “I didn’t get anything negative from the movie at all. This movie was extremely important because we don’t get the recognition we deserve in films. There are a lot of, and I hate to say it, white films, but there is, and this means a lot to us.”

The representation in the film was what stood out the most to students and is what they hope to see more of in film in general.

“I thought it was really cool,” said freshman kinesiology major Caitlin Harris. “I have never seen anything like it.

I don’t normally like action

Project P.U.L.L helped students see a screening of the new Marvel movie “Black Panther” as part of the campus wide Black History Month celebration. The film has been a box-office hit due to the representation of African-Americans in the film. The Black Panther was the first black superhero to be featured in mainstream comics when he first appeared in 1966. Jonathan Rhodes/The Lion’s Roar movies, but this was really good. Usually we don’t see a lot of films like this, but I think it coming out at a time like this will help people to become more aware of what is going on around them.”

To finish Black History

Month, tonight from 7-9 p.m.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. are hosting “Back to Your Roots.” The Multicultural and International Student Affairs will have Happy Hour on Feb 28. from 4-6:30 p.m., and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity will

host “Definition of Black” from 6:30-8 p.m.

Dent hopes that the Black History Month events will encourage all African-American students to be proud of whom they are.

“Just doing this all black

thing I think is very beneficial, and we are going to post pictures on Snapchat, Instagram and Twitter to make sure that we are doing it right and are letting these kids be able to change their mentality,” said Dent.

The prospect of championship play is in near sight SARAH HESS

While the team is happy with the achievement and recognition, they aim to set even higher goals.

“It’s exciting that our players and coaching staff are being recognized in such a positive way, but we don’t want to be satisfied with that,” said Ladner. “We want to continue to set the bar higher and continue to strive and each and every year to better what we’ve done in the prior year. So far in the last, this is my fourth year here we’ve been able to kind of do that each year. That’s very gratifying.”

Ladner discussed how this year’s team was the one that has achieved the most accolades during his four years with the university.

“I think that we have a very talented group of young men, and the second thing is we have a number of players that have been in our program

Staff Reporter

The men’s basketball team made program history by winning the most road games with nine away games this season.

Their last game against Northwestern State University added their ninth away win with a score of 86-62. Head Coach Jay Ladner described the players’ and staff’s reaction.

“We’re certainly excited about this as we continually build our program in a positive way, hit these milestones,” said Ladner. “It’s always a good thing to happen. I just think it’s a byproduct of the process, and it seems like Senior forward Jordan Capps scored 21 points against every game we’re doing something either that Northwestern State University to set up the Lion’s 13th has never been done or hasn’t been done in a conference win of the season. File Photo/The Lion’s Roar long time, so that’s exciting.”

Weather

Tuesday H 75 L 65

Index

Wednesday H 82 L 66

Campus Life.......................... 2 & 9 Opinions.....................................3 A&E............................................4

Horoscope, Crossword, Sudoku....5 Sports.........................................6 News..................................8 & 10

now for a few years,” said Ladner. “That key component to all this is experience. They have the experience of playing tough games, tough schedules and playing on the road. So, I think we have a talented team, but I also think we have good experience and good character on our team with these young men.”

Northwestern has been a longtime rival of the team, and the win on their senior night was welcomed with much enthusiasm.

“We were very concerned,” said Ladner.

“Northwestern is the longest playing series historically versus Southeastern. They’ve played Northwestern the most times of any team since the inception of the basketball program at Southeastern we have not had over the course

see BASKETBALL, pg. 6

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Page 2 | February 27, 2018

The Lion’s Roar | Campus Life

Developing sales skills through competition PRAKRITI ADHIKARI Staff Reporter

The college of business organized “Southeastern Sales Challenge” to help develop “real world ready students” who roleplayed as sales representatives.

The competition was held in Garrett Hall on Friday, Feb. 23.

11 students participated in the competition as a part of the new Advanced Professional Sales course offered by the marketing faculty in the college of business. The students faced a buyer for 15 minutes where they convinced the buyer to buy their item. The video was livestreamed to the judges sitting in a separate conference room.

Junior marketing major Richard Mathis Jr. looks forward to participating in an internship this summer. He shared his experience of role-playing as a sales representative.

“It was definitely an eyeopener,” said Mathis. “I am studying marketing, and I always wonder what it’s gonna be like when I graduate, when I actually step out into my field.

Going into the room, it just made it kind of surreal.”

The students prepared for the challenge by working with a professional salesperson who coached them.

Associate Professor of Marketing Dr. Terri Tara Lopez shared the reason for organizing the competition.

“We have a lot of employers

Marc Jones from The Pro Companies, left, and Kaitlyn Campbell from AMBA, right, judge students’ performances whose interactions with their buyer are screened live from a separate conference room. Prakriti Adhikari/The Lion’s Roar who come to us looking for higher students who can transition from college into the sales profession,” said Lopez.

“In order to make that transition easy for students, it’s better for them to have real, practical experience.”

Lopez discussed the further benefits of the competition.

“There are studies of other sales programs, and they find that students from sales programs are more likely to stay with the company,” said Lopez. “They’re also more productive once recruited. So, a lot of companies actively recruit specifically from universities that have sales programs, and it’s because they can participate

in programs like this and see the value. The employers can come and see our students role-play and see the skills they have, and they can recruit the students.”

Retired hospitality sales executive Brink Grush judged the program and was happy with the students’ performance.

“They did a really good job,” said Grush. “You could tell they were prepared. They did a fantastic job. Their interest level was extremely high.”

District Manager for Humanities and Social Sciences at Pearson Education Julie Morel was another judge. She reasoned how the program helps students face the outside world.

“I think having sales training

in a class environment or campus environment like this really prepares them for the kind of sales training that we would put them through once hired,” said Morel. “So, it gives them a competitive advantage over other students who may be applying for the same position.”

Senior marketing major Dillon Cockerham, who was the runner-up, talked about the challenges of the competition.

“It was pretty tough, not a lot of information on the product,” said Cockerham. “But, it wasn’t that bad. You just kind of had to twist it into how you can help them and prove them and answer their problems and how you can have solutions.”

Director for Office of Student Advocacy and Accountability Gabe Willis role plays as a buyer for the competition. Prakriti Adhikari/The Lion’s Roar Senior business management major Joshua Balli was pleased with the addition of Advanced Professional Sales classes.

“This class just started this semester,” said Balli. “So, this is something new Southeastern is doing, and I believe this is stepping in the right direction for business school.”

The winner was senior marketing major John Roberts while the three runner-ups were

Cockerham, junior marketing major Abigail Benson and senior business management major Joshua Sapp. The two alternates were senior marketing majors Justin Molina and Kristal Terrell.

The winner, three runnerups and two alternates of the competition will participate in the “Bayou Sales Challenge” at Nicholls State University on Friday, March 2.

38th DSA ‘Awards Convocation’ to Tea time with FoSL recognize students and organizations SARAH HESS Staff Reporter

Excellence,” said Gallagher.

“Recreation Sports and Wellness, they have certain awards related to intramural participation.

Multicultural and International Student Affairs has awards that highlight international students and leaders on campus. Greek life has several awards that highlight their contribution throughout the year, and other than that, some departments may have specific awards that they give.”

The DSA “Awards

Convocation” will host more than 20 awards.

This year, DSA has placed the nominations link online allowing organizations to submit nominees through the DSA Convocation Recommendation Letter Submission Form. The form is available at www. southeastern.edu/admin/ose/ how_do_i/dsa_awards_packet/.

The nominations will close on Friday, March 2 at 12 p.m.

Different awards have their own criteria. Gallagher explained the process that follows after the nominations are closed.

“Each award has its committee that is composed of faculty, staff from across the campus, and they get together,” said Gallagher. “They review all the applications, and they select the winners for those awards.”

Different faculty members will attend the event. Families of nominees are also invited for the program.

“We do ask that students who are going to receive an award, receive an invitation for their family members or friends to come as well,” said Gallagher.

Student Engagement is expecting over 500 members in the program including nominees, staff, faculty members and family members of the awardees.

More information on the convocation can be accessed through the Student Engagement webpage.

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2017 Homecoming Queen Mattie Hawkins shares the stage with Assistant Director for the Office for Student Engagement Kyle Gallagher during the 2017 DSA Convocation. File Photo/The Lion’s Roar PRAKRITI ADHIKARI Staff Reporter

The Division for Student Affairs is hosting its 38th annual “Awards Convocation” to recognize students who have demonstrated outstanding service and commitment to the university community.

Assistant Director of the Office for Student Engagement Kyle Gallagher explained that the reason for hosting the convocation is “to honor students and the student leaders who have really gone above and beyond throughout the year supporting in the mission of the university.”

The event is scheduled for Tuesday, April 24 at 7 p.m. in the War Memorial Student Union

Ballroom.

Gallagher shared his thoughts on why he thinks students should be awarded.

“Our students are doing phenomenal things, and they are really taking Southeastern to a new level,” said Gallagher. “And so, we really need to sit down and acknowledge what their accomplishments are and what they mean to Southeastern.”

Gallagher discussed the variation of awards that will be handed out during the evening.

“There is an award for outstanding student organization, one for outstanding student organization advisor, Outstanding Freshman Man and Woman of the Year Award, the Vice-President’s Award of

Journalist John Pope is scheduled to speak at the seventh annual “Friends of Sims Library Marjorie Morrison Members’ Tea.” The tea will be held on Saturday, March 3 at 2 p.m. This fundraising event will be held in Marjorie Morrison’s honor at Sims Memorial Library.

Sims Library Director Eric Johnson discussed the price of the tea’s tickets and the purpose of the event.

“The tea is actually a gift to members of the Friends of Sims Library,” said Johnson. “Members may attend at no cost. Their guests and the general public are also invited and pay $25 to attend.

In addition to enjoying the tea, paying guests will receive a oneyear membership in FoSL.” Johnson discussed having John Pope as a speaker at the fundraiser.

“John Pope has lectured widely to great acclaim,” said Johnson. “He is a delightful and entertaining speaker. His book will be available for purchase at the event, and a book signing will follow the tea.”

Johnson explained that the funds raised from the tea will be put back into the library.

Johnson said, “About 99 percent of the money raised goes into a special account for Sims Library to purchase books, videos, electronic items, furniture, charging stations and anything else that we might need for which we don’t have funding in our regular In this world, two things are certain. One of those is taxes.

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budget. A negligible amount is used for dining supplies for the tea and the fall wine tasting, and any other programs or events that we sponsor. But again, most of the refreshments for our events are donated.”

Johnson shared his opinion on why community members should attend the tea.

“First, by attending, you are helping provide materials and equipment for Sims Library, which is the reason that we started the organization,” said Johnson.

“Secondly, it’s a fun event. The tea and foods are delicious, and everyone will have a wonderful time.”

Johnson described the accolades of the guest speaker.

Johnson said, “Our author this year is John Pope, longtime contributing writer for NOLA.com and The Times-Picayune, who is a witty and entertaining speaker and part of the newspaper’s team, which won two Pulitzer Prizes, a George Polk Award, a National Headliner Award and the Medill Award for Courage in Journalism for coverage of Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath. He also has turned the writing of obituaries for the newspaper into an art form, and he will talk about and sign his book ‘Getting Off at Elysian Fields,’ a collection of his wonderful essays.”

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Opinions | The Lion’s Roar

An unsung hero

SPEAK OUT

February 27, 2018 | Page 3

What historical figure, event or celebration most impacts Black History Month?

“Martin Luther King Day because he was the voice for us, and he paved the way for us black people to be here.”

Byron Walker Freshman, General Studies

“Harriet Tubman played a very big role in what we celebrate for Black History Month. She was someone who pioneered the way to help get slaves out of their slavery environment and bring them to the free north.”

Jill Munchausen Senior, Accounting

“Rosa Parks because of the whole movement that she started wanting black people to sit in the front of the bus. It sparked the whole movement.”

Christian K. Ransom Freshman, Social Studies Education Grades 6-12

“Free speech rallies because it gives everyone the opportunity to equally have a right to speak out and be treated equally.”

Dylan Gilbert Freshman, Physics

“The remembrance of Martin Luther King.

Without him, a lot of us wouldn’t have the voice that we have. We would be scared to portray our feelings and how we see things.”

Marcus Cooper Freshman, Business Administration

“President Obama. He was the first black president, and I think it opened a lot of people’s mindset that it can happen. It’s something that can be achieved.”

Alana Collins Sophomore, Nursing

Harriet Tubman, civil rights activist, dedicated the majority of her life to improving the conditions of slaves. She is most well known for being a conductor on the Underground Railroad, a plantation system that was used to help slaves escape in the middle of the night. Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons Starting your first job at the age of five, withstanding racism throughout the entirety of life and being treated as nothing more than property, yet Jacob Summerville finding a way Staff Reporter to overcome the misery by helping those with a similar past escape their horrifying circumstances by running an undercover operation during your country’s civil war. That’s a lot to take in, but I don’t apologize.

What seems to be a great plot to a movie turns out to be a summary of one of the most influential figures in African-American history. This is the history of the woman whose face will be printed on 20-dollar bills in honor of women’s suffrage. This is the legacy of Harriet Tubman.

The first thing that comes to mind when I think of Harriet Tubman is the Underground Railroad. It’s what the history books in middle school always told us during the chapters on the Civil War. But did you know that her first heroic attempt to free a slave happened when she was about 12 years old?

She was in a store and saw a wanted slave down the road.

Tubman blocked the door whenever the slave’s owner, who was also in the store, tried to chase the wanted slave. Tubman was struck across the head with a metal weight.

She recalled the scene many years later, as described in “Bound For the Promised Land: Harriet Tubman, Portrait of an American Hero.”

“The weight broke my skull and cut a piece of that shawl clean off and drove it into my head,” said Tubman. “They carried me to the house all bleeding and fainting. I had no bed, no place to lie down on at all, and they laid me on the seat of the loom, and I stayed there all day and the next.”

This act alone could leave people with chills throughout theaters.

I believe there’s nothing more influential than to help a stranger knowing that you can legally be murdered, and no one would care about your death. Tubman had her life to lose over this incident, yet she gave her life for this man’s chance to embrace what was referred to at that time as freedom.

Fast-forward to around 1850, and Tubman’s main contribution to African-American history started to be unveiled. Not only did she organize a system of checkpoints throughout the country for the Underground Railroad, but she also made the trip from the South to the North 19 times to free about 300 slaves.

This seems like a happy ending,

right? Well, on September 18, 1850, the Fugitive Slave Act was passed by the United States Congress, allowing owners to retrieve their slaves from free states.

This added some serious difficulty to Tubman’s plot for freedom, but she outrivaled Congress by adding connections with freed people in the North including William Still, Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony.

Still, Douglass and Anthony helped slaves make their way to Canada.

This way, the Fugitive Slave Act will not affect them, and they will reach true freedom.

And that’s probably all that was mentioned of Tubman during seventh grade social studies.

Her leadership and bravery carried through the Civil War as well, serving as a nurse, spy and commander. Yes, Harriet Tubman was a commander.

Under Generals David Hunter and Rufus Saxton, she was the leader of 150 black soldiers during the Combahee River Raid.

She freed more than 750 slaves from their masters because of this successful raid.

She’s not the typical hero in a movie who gets loathed in public recognition after the grand war and receives this cute, happy ending as a reward. Even after all her accomplishments during the preCivil War and Civil War period, it took her over 30 years to receive compensation for her duty.

After the war, her life slowed down, and she passed away in 1913.

In my opinion, the thing that sets Tubman apart from other notable African-American figures is that she was never given a solid ground. Even as an illiterate black woman from a time where she had no legal rights, she was shrewd, physically and mentally capable, and determined to fight for civil justice. The highest she climbed in the social ladder was to the status of a common person, but she accomplished so much without obtaining a celebrity status during her lifetime.

Tubman is a staple for the black civil rights movement as well as the women’s movement, although she wasn’t directly connected with either. She gave one speech for women’s rights, but the peak of that movement occurred after her death.

Finding a way to inspire AfricanAmerican women, let alone any marginalized person, couldn’t be easier than to promote what Harriet Tubman accomplished.

Imagine if all her hardships were produced into a 100-minute film that accurately portrays the brutality she faced. It wouldn’t be a bland autobiography or a fictional action movie, but an authentic representation of leadership.

Hollywood, you have a task at hand.

Sultry rendition lands artist in hot water: Should artistic expression always override patriotism?

“Let’s play some basketball.”

This is what singer Fergie said after performing what seemed to be a bad delivery of a “sultry” Brianna Hawkins rendition of Staff Reporter America’s n a t i o n a l anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” at the NBA All-Star Game on Sunday, Feb. 18. The performance left many viewers watching amused, confused and outraged at what is normally viewed as a patriotic moment to honor America.

After countless mixed reviews on social media, Fergie released a statement to TMZ apologizing to people about the lackluster performance. “I’m a risk taker artistically, but clearly this rendition didn’t strike the intended tone. I love this country and honestly tried my best.”

Despite the apology, many people felt that Fergie should not have taken any risks at all and just stuck to a “traditional”

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performance with the original sheet music.

The first time I saw Fergie’s performance, I really didn’t think it was major news because this isn’t the first time someone has unsuccessfully delivered the national anthem. There have been worse. For example, comedian and actress Roseanne Barr at a 1990 San Diego Padres game basically yelled out the song instead of singing it. Also, former track star Carl Lewis couldn’t hit any notes at all back in 1993 during a regular NBA basketball game.

So, there are two things I learned from this incident. The first one is don’t take risks on the national anthem unless you want backlash, and that people put musicians under too many standards and expectations that they really should not have to worry about meeting.

The main issue that people seem to have a problem with when it comes to Fergie’s performance is that it was too sexy, and it should have been taken more serious and patriotic.

But why should Fergie have to follow this expectation when she, as an artist, has a right to express her artistic freedom in whatever way she desires?

Fergie’s decision to change the style of singing was nothing new, and it doesn’t really have an expectation since artists have been adding their own spin to it since the song was written over 200 years ago.

Another thing that stood out to me in Fergie’s apology was that she called herself a “risk taker.” I feel that’s a trait every artist should have because if they didn’t have it, how would they stand out from other artists?

It’s one of the reasons why we love listening to music so much.

One thing that I constantly hear when it comes to artists and their artistry is that they don’t want to sound like someone else. When I hear people judging Fergie’s style of singing, it sounds like they are critiquing her for expressing who she really is as an artist. For an eight-time Grammy award winner, I’ll say she’s doing a great job as an artist.

Many people would probably refute this by saying that even though Fergie was utilizing her artistic freedom, they still have the right to express how they feel, which is totally fine. However, if you were an artist, do you think it would be fair and interesting if every artist who performed the national anthem had to perform the song one way every time?

What about if your favorite artist sung it in a style that wasn’t their own and it ruined the song?

Would you still be interested, and do you think they had a fair chance? Some people also looked at Fergie’s performance as disrespectful to what the song stands for. But what does her style of singing have to do with how much she loves and respects this country?

So, the next time you see someone perform the national anthem or any other performance that you don’t like, think about how artistic freedom differentiates artists from other artists and ask yourself, if every musician performed the same, what would music be like today?

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Page 4 | February 27, 2018

The Lion’s Roar | Arts & Entertainment

Theatre takes Shakespeare play to stage ZACHARY ARAKI Staff Reporter

A performance brought a Shakespearean classic on revenge to the local stage.

Aquila Theatre performed “Hamlet” at the Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts on Saturday, Feb. 24 at 7:30 p.m. Lewis Brown, the actor for the character Hamlet, shared his thoughts on the performance.

“I kind of think about it over the couple of hours after the show’s finished to really think about what’s going on and what’s happened,” said Brown “I enjoyed it. I felt a connection with the audience, which was lovely, but I just need time to analyze it really and let the experience settle in.”

Brown discussed the primary challenge he faced in portraying Hamlet.

“I found the main crux of it being the connection with his father just because personally I don’t know my dad,” said Brown.

“I never have, and then on top of that, I haven’t lost a dad. He hasn’t died. So, I had to do a lot of talking to people about their relationships with their dad and how that felt. I found out that was something I had to completely create because I never had that relationship before. So, I didn’t know how it would feel like.

My mom lost her dad, so I spoke a lot to her about it and what that was like.”

For Michael Rivers, who played Bernardo, Guildenstern, and Laertes, the most difficult part was “to bring truth to losing a sibling.”

“I find that hard to get into that space because I’ve not had an experience yet touching that, and I just think it’s so momentous,”

The actors of ‘Hamlet’ perform a scene following the death of Ophelia. Aquila Theatre brought the Shakespearean classic to the Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts stage. Courtesy of Aquila Theatre said Rivers. “It’s hard not to go too far, and it’s hard not to do too little. You just have to react. You just have to see.”

Hyla Beachy decided to attend the play for a class.

“One of the requirements is we have to see a live performance, and I figured since this was a play I had already read, it was the perfect one to come see,” said Beachy.

Beachy shared her thoughts on the performance.

“I really enjoyed it,” said Beachy. “I especially liked the use of the screen. I thought that was really cool. I haven’t seen a whole lot of theatre performances, so this is one of my firsts.

Sometimes, they talked a little fast, which was hard to follow, but overall, I really enjoyed it. I had a good time.”

Rivers had three roles to choose from in deciding his favorite part of the performance.

“They all have their moments each, so to pick one is tough,” said Rivers. “But I would say I do very much enjoy the sword fighting, the end scenes. It’s good fun.”

Brown enjoyed the language in the play.

“It just takes you on a journey,” said Brown. “The language is like a river, and it just takes you places. It creates emotions inside of you because it’s such a beautiful language.”

Brown shared how he got into theatre.

“I just didn’t like much about anything else about life,” said Brown. “I didn’t really like school. I didn’t like many people, and I just found lots of joy in creating characters, telling stories, being not me really.”

Rivers’ interest in theatre stemmed from preferring storytelling over school.

“I think maybe even at the start it may have been making people laugh, and then it moved into I enjoyed taking people on a journey with me,” said Rivers.

Brown and Rivers encourage people to help theaters.

“You need to support your theaters and donate to theaters whenever you can ‘cause they need your help,” said Brown.

“You’ve got some beautiful theaters, but they can’t last without support.”

The Origins of the Inkslinger: Emerging playwrights

Professor of Theatre and Directing James Winter oversees a rehearsal for “Life on the Moon,” the 2017 Inkslinger winner. Annie Goodman/The Lion’s Roar ANNIE GOODMAN Staff Reporter

For the past four years, the university theatre program has produced an unpublished play as part of their main stage season.

The chosen play is the winner of the Inkslinger Playwriting Competition.

“Inkslinger is my way of helping emerging playwrights keep our art form vital,” said

Professor of Theatre and Directing Jim Winter. “My hope is to help these playwrights get their work published. In the playwriting world, an author must show proof that theaters are staging the play in order for it to get published. I think this is also a great way for our students to learn more about the process of developing new works while learning directly from contemporary playwrights.”

Winter created this contest.

“Six years ago, I received an endowed professorship from the university,” said Winter. “I used the money from that to start up the Inkslinger Playwriting Contest. Since our program had shown a previous commitment to staging new plays, it was easy to get my colleagues to support the endeavor.”

Winter feels that new plays keep theatre fresh and alive.

“I am a playwright, and I am also a director who specialized in developing new plays,” said Winter. “I really enjoy the process of working with a group of theatre artists to help a playwright fine-tune his or her work. New plays don’t get enough attention these days.

It’s all well and good to keep restaging Tennessee Williams and Shakespeare, but if we don’t cultivate emerging playwrights, our art form will become irrelevant, stagnant and possibly obsolete.”

This endeavor that Winter embarked on six years ago has exceeded his expectations.

“It has already grown into

something far larger than I ever anticipated,” said Winter.

“We receive between 150 and 200 submissions annually.

Playwrights from all over the world know about Inkslinger, and our previous winners have all commented on how positive the experience was for them.”

With its success, Winter hopes to expand upon his project.

“We are considering adding a workshop component to the process for the winner,” said Winter. “This would mean that we would work with each winner in a further developmental capacity each fall prior to producing the play.

We believe this would make the actual productions stronger and the scripts more likely to be published.”

Since Winter does not get to read all the submissions, he is left wondering about the possibilities.

“I’m only a judge for the final round each year, so I read the top four to five submissions,” said Winter. “The material is always very strong. Though as an

author, I can’t help but wonder what great plays didn’t make the cut in the earlier rounds of judging.”

Winter feels theatre is sometimes the best place to go to hear the truth.

“If you don’t cultivate new artists, an art form can quickly become irrelevant,” said Winter.

“Theatre has been, and always will be, a reflection of the society in which it is created.

To study the history of dramatic literature, is to study the history of the world. It is important to stage the dramatic voices of our time. Besides, with the news being as biased and corporatecontrolled as it is, maybe future generations will look to these plays to get a more accurate and honest portrayal of our times.”

Winter hopes this competition will help the winners grow as playwrights and go on to be published.

“I’d like to see them getting their works published,” said Winter. “But there’s more to hope for than just that. Having a play produced can really help a dramatist to further revise his

or her work. When they see it under the lights with all of the costumes and effects, they’ll quickly learn what works and what doesn’t.”

Anyone is eligible to enter a submission, according to Winter.

“We only charge $10 per submission, and anyone who wants to submit a play can,” said Winter. “There are only a few requirements. It needs to be a full-length play that is intended for a college cast and audience, and it cannot be published.

Previous productions of the play are OK. All rounds of judging are blind, so there is no bias in the selection process.”

Winter encouraged playwrights to submit to the Inkslinger Playwriting Competition.

“If you’re a writer, check out www.selu.edu/inkslinger for more details,” said Winter.

“There’s still time to submit this year. If you’re a student who wants to get involved in an Inkslinger workshop or production, you can contact me at james.winter@selu.edu.”

Students learn at stop motion animation workshop from guest artist and filmmaker BRIANNA HAWKINS Staff Reporter

Artist and filmmaker Martha Colburn taught students how to produce stop motion animation.

The workshop was held in East Stadium Room 131 on Tuesday, Feb. 20 through Thursday, Feb. 22 from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. on Feb. 21.

Assistant Professor of New Media and Animation Cristina Molina invited Colburn to teach so students could see what it’s like to work as an independent artist.

“I wanted students to get direct exposure to an artist who works independently in the field that they’re studying,” said Molina. “Martha also has experience with teaching these workshops.

She goes all around the U.S. doing them, and she has a great system.”

When asked how she became interested in the craft. Colburn cited three things.

“I was a painter, and I was writing poetry, and I was playing music,” said Colburn. “I took all those three things, and then I put them together.”

Colburn discussed how these three things are incorporated into the process of making a stop motion animation.

“Like a lot of these students, I had to do some drawing,” said Colburn. “So, you include composition for instance. You include in this field rhythm, and then we include ideas, you know scenes, which is kind of theatrical. It’s poetic. It’s telling a story.”

Colburn explained how students can benefit from participating in this workshop.

“It’s interesting that say when someone graduates, you can do commercial work, you can do music videos, and you can do work for an art gallery,” said Colburn. “You can do many things with the same craft.”

What makes the workshop stand out is how the students have to work together to complete their project.

Molina believes that by getting the opportunity to showcase their artwork at a museum, students are gaining real life experience, and they are also getting something to use for their resume and portfolio.

After students complete their artwork, they will have their artwork presented in the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum on Monday, Feb. 26 from 6-8 p.m.

“I think that each student has their own contribution to make to the project,” said Molina.

“We’re going to do a public screening at a museum. I think it’s a very good opportunity for the students in their professional development.”

Colburn thinks that because students are getting an opportunity to present their artwork at the museum, it helps them to branch out and work outside their comfort zone.

“I think it’s important for students to learn to work with people outside their own group, to be part of society in a way and not be in your studio,” said Colburn.

Sophomore art major Madison Dean shared the process of how students will showcase their art in the museum.

“These pictures all came from the Colburn Pharmacy Museum, and they’re actually gonna play this stop motion video that we’re making, and all the students get to be a part of it,” said Dean.

Dean illustrated what the attendees could expect their video to look like.

“We did a guy being stabbed by a syringe, and then he dies,” said Dean. “Rich people would eat silver and gold pills, but it made them sick.

But they ate it because they were like, ‘We’re rich. We must have to eat this.’”

Dean enjoyed the process of creating stop motion animation.

“I never did stop motion before,” said Dean.

“This is my first time. So, this is like really cool to me.”

Sophomore art major Monica Copping shared what she though made her and Dean’s

video stand out.

“We actually painted in this like in the beginning,” said Copping. “So, people will actually realize that we actually drew onto the pictures, not just moving the pictures.”

see WORKSHOP, pg. 5

Arts & Entertainment | The Lion’s Roar

February 27, 2018 | Page 5

Combat workshop teaches broadsword skills ANNIE GOODMAN Staff Reporter

This semester marked the first time that the university offered a Stage Combat Workshop where people could receive a certification from Dueling Arts International, which trains individuals worldwide in theatrical combat and related theatrical movement.

“The Stage Combat Workshop is an intensive two weekend 16-hour training for anyone from beginner to intermediate level on how to use a broadsword for the stage, how to use stage weaponry, and how to keep your partner safe on stage,” said Technical Director and Adjunct Instructor of Theatre Benjamin Norman.

A few years ago, the Student Government Association awarded Norman a grant to purchase the proper equipment for this workshop.

“SGA has been really amazing,” said Norman.

“It was a grant from SGA that bought these practice broadswords. They bought every single one of them. I applied for the grant, and they were super kind and gave them to us. We thank them every day. We couldn’t have done ‘She Kills Monsters’ last semester without them, and we certainly couldn’t be doing this workshop without them. I couldn’t have taught my class without them.”

Although Norman specializes in lighting design, he took an interest in stage combat while in graduate school at University of Southern Mississippi.

“They offered us a stage combat course,” said Norman. “I was in school for lighting design, so I was a bit of an oddball taking an actor’s course.

But I took it, and I enjoyed it. So, I ended up finding other ways to get involved with it, other

workshops, other courses over the course of the last six years. Recently, I have begun to transition into teacher training, and I am now an apprentice teacher at Dueling Arts International.”

According to Norman, a need for stage combat courses at the university began before he started working here.

“A couple years ago, they did a show called ‘Peter & Tink’ with the theatre program, and they brought in somebody to choreograph the fights,” said Norman. “This was long before I was a member of the university. I think that put a bug in some people. Then they hired me, and I randomly went to Dale Newkirk, my department chair, and Steve Schepker, the director of theatre, and said, ‘Hey, I’d love to offer an introductory class.’ And they were like, ‘Sure, that sounds like a great idea.’ So, we offered it here at Southeastern as a special topics course that would kind of rotate every semester. They had 14 people enroll. They learned broadsword, single sword, knife and unarmed combat. From there, it just snowballed.”

Norman believes last semester’s production of “She Kills Monsters” created a larger interest in stage combat at the university.

“We did ‘She Kills Monsters’ last semester, which I was the fight choreographer for that,” said Norman. “That got a bunch of people really involved and wanting to do more of this. So, this semester is the first time that we are offering what we call a certification workshop, which for Dueling Arts International, is a very specific program where students get 16 contact hours with a weapon and with an instructor. They will then perform a fight scene at the end as a sort of test. If they pass the test, by doing everything they need to do properly and safely, they will

Dueling Arts International instructor Courtney Callais and Technical Director and Adjunct Instructor of Theatre Benjamin Norman demonstrate a fight sequence from “King Henry VI.” Annie Goodman/The Lion’s Roar then earn themselves a recognition for being a level one theatrical combatant.”

Norman wants to continue teaching this workshop in the future and is looking to hold the next one over spring break 2018.

“Right now we are doing four hours Saturday, Sunday, Saturday, Sunday, and it is intense,” said Norman. “It is really rough on both myself as an instructor and the students. We are completely

gassed by the end of it because we are working so hard for so long. Not just our bodies, but our brains because there is so much information.

Ideally, over spring break, I would like it to be more classes but shorter and all sequential, which helps with retention and everything else.

Yes, I definitely want this to happen again, and I am going to keep working to make it happen again.”

Lecture honors Morrison’s memory discussed a few chosen pieces from the “Marjorie Morrison work and comparing it with other attendees’ thoughts on the pieces.

“I like having the chance, kind of like what I did today to walk Sculpture Biennial” exhibition. He elaborated on pieces from artists around and look at everything myself, then having more of an open and professors Jean Flint, Ernest Milsted, Steven Schepker, Dale discussion with either the artist or someone who is interpreting it for Newkirk and Benjamin Netterville during an open-ended discussion themselves,” said Hall. “It’s going to be different for every person. with the audience.

No matter what you look at, whenever you look at it, it’s going to be “I think it went really well,” said Mickey. “We had twice the your own interpretation, your own baggage, which you bring to it.” anticipated participation, so that was good. We had about 30 people Mickey expressed how flattered he was that university students here, so that was a positive. We talked about things that everybody here enjoyed speaking about or listening to someone speak about.” came to hear his lecture.

Mickey explained the theme of the night and his choice behind Senior art major Veronica Hall used the lecture to support and the pieces he chose to discuss. learn more from her mentor Mickey.

“As a curator, you’re giving a charge to produce a show, and the “My mentor is Jeff Mickey, so anything that he does, I try to support him,” said Hall. “That’s my main reason, but also I love theme of the show was sent by the board of directors,” said Mickey.

“They wanted to talk about the memory of Marjorie Morrison who sculpture, and I love art, so I figured I’d stop by.”

Hall has become a regular at HRAC, especially after working was an outstanding arts supporter in our area. So thinking about Senior business major Haley Washington admires a sculpture during the Hammond across the street at the Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts. that memory, that was the theme for this show, but there’s a lot of She enjoys shows where art discussions are created such as Mickey’s other things that go into that process. I think it’s hard not to make Regional Art Center’s exhibition honoring Marjorie Morrison. Sarah Hess/The Lion’s Roar art with an absence of memory, and so all art in a sense is about how discussion on sculpture design. we’ve interacted with our own experiences. And so, I think that’s a “I really like when Jeff talks,” said Hall.

“I always come SARAH HESS lot about memory.” whenever he lectures.

It’s kind of a really good twist on what you are Staff Reporter This memorial of Hammond art helped Morrison’s legacy live experiencing. It makes sense, and it makes you feel more connected on by inspiring and creating a gathering of local artists. Mickey to the works that you are viewing whenever he talks about something The Hammond Regional Arts Center honors one of its founders described his thoughts on this form of a memorial. like this.” with an art lecture.

“I don’t know that any one particular piece is representative of Hall compared the lecture to Mickey’s discussions during courses.

On Thursday, Feb. 22, Professor of Sculpture Jeff Mickey “I’ve been to some of his talks, and I’ve had his classes,” said her with the exception of Steve Schepker who did something directly takes an unwelcome turn. While Hall. “This is regularly the way he lectures in class. It kind of makes referential to Marjorie Morrison,” said Mickey. “I think what it others might be looking around you as a student connect to the artwork that you are looking at and speaks to is the fact that we have people in this space engaged in a conversation about art, and that’s what’s wonderful about Marjorie for answers, you’ll soon sort it all critiquing whatever we happen to be talking about.”

Morrison’s legacy.”

Hall enjoyed having the chance to form her own opinions on out logically, and the matter will be resolved.

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) were back in that time,” said Dean. “This artists.

SCORPIO (October 23 to WORKSHOP You could have some problems November 21) Someone might continued from pg. 4 is how it was. You could have died at any “I was making films before social media, with doubters who don’t share try to create doubt about your moment. It doesn’t matter if you took these and I would say put no more than 10 percent your enthusiasm for that new reliability for his or her own Dean discussed what she hopes people pills or not. Death was waiting around the of your time in that,” said Colburn. “I’ll say project you’re supporting. But use agenda. But your reputation and get out of the work. corner for everybody.” it’s important to experience things in the real the facts to win them over to your your colleagues’ long-standing “I want people to get a sense like they Colburn offered advice for aspiring world, see real things, meet new people.” side. faith in you saves the day.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) SAGITTARIUS (November Someone is impressed by how 22 to December 21) An you managed to get your case to unexpected change of plans forces the right people, despite attempts you to come up with an alternative to keep you on the outside looking by the end of the week. Look in. Expect to hear more about this. for colleagues to offer valuable Sponsored By GEMINI (May 21 to June suggestions.

SPONSORING 20) Good for you -- your gift for CAPRICORN (December 22 seeing both sides of a dispute helps to January 19) Nothing upsets the cool down a potentially explosive Goat as much as broken promises. workplace situation. Some family- But before you vent your anger, related tensions also begin to ease. consider that this could ultimately CANCER (June 21 to July prove to be a blessing in disguise.

22) Your determination to AQUARIUS (January 20 to prove yourself is put to the test February 18) An old workplace by midweek. Counting all the problem you thought you had positive factors you have going solved for good resurfaces. But for you will help you get over your this time, co-workers will take a self-doubt. Good luck. more active role in helping you LEO (July 23 to August deal with it.

22) Several co-workers are still PISCES (February 19 to determined to resist coming over March 20) Be careful not to be to your side. But don’t let that misled by a negative reaction stop you from presenting your to one of your more important proposal to the people who count. projects. If you believe in it, then it Stay the course. has worth and is, therefore, worth VIRGO (August 23 to staying with.

September 22) You might prefer BORN THIS WEEK: to be taken on faith and not have Everyone appreciates your gift to prove yourself. But the truth is, for finding beauty, even where it you need to offer more facts if you seems least likely to exist. hope to persuade people to accept (c) 2018 King Features Synd., Inc. what you say.

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Lions basketball sets the bar higher Page 6 | February 27, 2018

The Lion’s Roar | Sports

Redshirt freshman small forward Brandon Gonzalez, left, scored career-high 15 points against Northwestern State University to set up the Lions’ 13th conference win of the season. This win ties the program record of 13 conference wins, which was set by the conference champion 2004-05 team. Head Coach Jay Ladner, right, is pleased with how the season is going but expects the team to challenge themselves to perform better. file photo/The Lion’s Roar BASKETBALL

continued from pg. 1 of the history great success playing at Northwestern. I can’t tell you exactly, but I think it’s like we’ve only won 16 times out of 57 games played at Northwestern.”

Redshirt freshman forward Brandon Gonzalez set a personal record of career high 15 points.

“Absolutely, really excited about Brandon and his future,” said Ladner. “We feel like Brandon has the potential if he’ll continue to work as hard as he’s been working by the time he’s a junior or senior to be an all-conference type player. He’s a long player at 6’7” that has the ability to play inside and outside.”

Ladner explained his theory on why the team solidarity in the conference this season has fluctuated.

“That’s a good problem to have, meaning that it’s very difficult first off to win Division I level at all, but I think we’ve had to learn from some mistakes,” said Ladner. “What we have to realize is we have to play with great intensity and focus, and when we haven’t done that,

there’s such a razor-thin margin to determine victory or defeat that if we haven’t been quite at 100 percent on our game, then we haven’t been successful. Then we’ll bounce back. That’s what I like about our team we’ll bounce back. I think we’ve won six in a row now, and I think that we’ve learned from prior games what it takes to win, and that’s part of the process too.”

The program staff and players work as a team to eliminate their shortcomings. Ladner believes this attention to detail and desire to improve their play led to the team’s success.

“We’ve gotten much better defensively over the course of the season, individually and as a team,” said Ladner. “I think that’s one of the big reasons we’ve been so successful. I think that defensively we give up the fewest points of any team in the league as compared to the other teams.”

The team has two more games of the season against the University of New Orleans and Nicholls State University. If the team wins both, they will become conference champions. The match against UNO is an away game held on Feb. 28. The final match against Nicholls State

will be a home game with a tailgate before the game. Ladner talked about the skill level of their upcoming opponents.

“We’ve got two very tough games against two really good teams that are well coached and that we’ll be well prepared,” said Ladner. “These are high stake games, and it’s exciting to be playing a high stakes game this late in the season because that means we’ve had a good year. But we expect two really, really hard fought games.

Like I said, high stakes and highly motivated opponents, so it will be a great test for us.”

Ladner believes these two last games will push the team further than they have all season.

“We’ve got a lot to play for ourselves,” said Ladner. “Our guys have been doing a great job meeting all of the challenge, and this is certainly going to be two of the biggest challenges we’ve had all season.”

While the team has been earning wins in the conference, the program had a loss last week.

Redshirt senior forward James Currington was shot in the chest in an isolated incident near the University Center. Currington survived the shooting, but due to hospitalization, he will

be unable to support his team on court as they compete for the championship. Ladner shared his thoughts on the incident.

“One, it’s just a terrible tragic situation for all involved, and there are some young men who have made some very poor choices that are going to affect them the rest of their lives,” said Ladner. “It altered our team in a sense that one of our players is out and received a gunshot wound, and this is something that is a problem all over our country and how people are settling disputes with guns and they end up making mistakes.”

Ladner described his thoughts on how the recent events could affect the team for the rest of the season.

“Obviously, James is always a part of our family and is a big loss to our team to not have him there,” said Ladner. “He’s one of those experienced guys we were talking about. So hopefully, we can turn a negative into a positive.

We’re in the business of teaching young men lessons, and hopefully, this is a lesson others will not associate with our program.”

Young team breaks records at Championships NIKISUN SHRESTHA Staff Reporter

The track and field team competed at the Southland Conference Indoor Championships last week in Birmingham, Alabama. The men’s team came in eighth with 41 points while the women’s team finished ninth with 38 points.

The two-day championships, held on Feb. 21 and Feb. 22, saw the team continue its progression in breaking multiple personal and school records.

Head Coach Corey Mistretta was pleased with the showing of his team.

“It was really exciting from a personal standpoint,” said Mistretta. “We took 36 kids at the championships, and 20 of them had personal bests.

That’s really good. Our kids go and perform to the best of their abilities and reach all time high.”

Sophomore distance runner

Grant O’Callaghan described the team’s performance during the championships.

“We had a lot of great performances across the events,” said O’Callaghan.

“Most of the best performances came from veterans in the program, but we had a few people who were performing in their first conference meet who turned up.”

One of the main attractions of the event was sophomore thrower Ashley Davis’ display at the shot put event. Davis broke the championship record by recording a throw of 54 feet, 6 inches.

Senior Maverick Bowleg set his career-best time of 47.71 seconds in the 400-meters at his last collegiate meet.

Bowleg described how he felt after winning a championship event.

“In September 2017, I said I wanted to win conference, and God presented me with the opportunity,” said Bowleg. “I know my body could’ve went

faster if I changed up my race plan, but I’m thankful for the result.”

Bowleg explained how the team has continuously improved throughout the indoor season despite facing several injuries.

“There were a lot of unexpected injuries that hindered the team,” said Bowleg. “So, we never got to see how great the team could’ve done. But times were falling, throwers were throwing further, and continuous improvement says a lot for the team.”

O’Callaghan came in fourth in the 3000-meter category, setting his personal best at eight minutes 22.68 seconds.

He discussed his progress at the event compared to his performance last year.

“Last year, I wasn’t even in the conversation to score for my events, so it was exciting to be talked about amongst the favorites coming in,” said O’Callaghan. “I had very high expectations going in and

was kind of let down by how things turned out. I think I raced decently well but made some tactical errors that I will learn to correct with more experience.”

The team is composed of young student-athletes.

O’Callaghan is excited by the prospect of the team’s future.

“The majority of our team are freshmen and sophomores, and that makes me excited for the future of this program,” said O’Callaghan. “I think we have a lot of talent, and the fact that we scored more points this year than last year with such a young squad is a good sign.”

Bowleg pointed out the positives from the indoor championships.

“Supporting teammates,” said Bowleg. “It’s a loud crowd at conference, so being able to hear your team chanting and screaming does a lot while in competition. We had people injured who still got out there and competed, and that says a lot about character, being

Parking changes for LSU baseball game Parking Impacted by Louisiana State University Baseball Game blocked on Feb. 28 - Parking Garage floors 1 - 3 (in addition to 4th floor blocked the night before) blocked Due to the Lions vs. LSU televised baseball game on Wednesday, - Lot C East Stadium blocked Feb. 28, upperclass commuter parking areas will be impacted.

- Lion Traxx shuttle Green Route stop #3 (“Parking Garage”) will be closed.

Please note the following blockages and changes West Dakota St. will be blocked from N. General Pershing to On the night of Tuesday, Feb. 27: Strawberry Stadium Lot entrances beginning at 4:00 p.m. on - 4th floor of Parking Garage blocked Feb. 28. Suggested alternative parking are in lots on Texas Ave., - Strawberry Stadium Lot Extension (across from Garrett Hall on North Campus, and North Oak Park.

Ned McGehee Drive) blocked - Courtesy of Communication and Creative Services Wednesday, Feb. 28 at 2:00 p.m- vehicles may exit, but must pay to enter after 2:00 p.m.

- Lot B (Strawberry Stadium Lot - surrounding Parking Garage)

selfless and scoring points for the team.”

With the commencement of outdoor season on Friday, March 2 at Tulane Early Bird Twilight, O’Callaghan gave his thoughts on the outdoor season.

“Even though I love indoor, it really just feels like a tuneup for outdoor to me,” said O’Callaghan. “In outdoor, we’re only gonna keep getting stronger and faster, and I’m really excited about it. We’re gonna be hungry, ready to go, and I think we’re going to have some real special

performances.”

Bowleg described his plans after the end of his collegiate career.

“I’ll still be training with the team,” said Bowleg. “So, I’ll make sure they continue to work hard. However, I’ll be running unattached where I’ll get to race a few of them in the relay and have some fun with other SLU alumni. It is great being a Lion, and that’ll always be a part of me. Since I came here in 2015, I really wanted to live up to my name and also do great things for the team.”

What’s your favorite KSLU program?

Sports | The Lion’s Roar

February 27, 2018 | Page 7

Softball bags mixed results Lady Lions chase tournament spot

SARAH HESS Staff Reporter

Last week, the Lady Lions softball team finished the 2018 Ragin’ Cajun Classic with two wins and three losses.

The tournament lasted from Feb. 22 to Feb. 24 in Lafayette. Head Coach Rick Fremin said their performance could have been better, especially after coming off a tournament win the week before.

“I didn’t think it was our best weekend, but we did show a lot of fight throughout,” said Fremin. “We played some very good teams. We saw some great pitching, and I just challenged the team on the last day to go out and play our style of ball, to go out and do their very best, compete at a high level, and we did just that by wrapping up the tournament with a five-inning victory.”

The opponents for the tournament included host University of Louisiana at Lafayette, University of North Florida, University of Maryland, Baltimore County and the University of Memphis. Fremin explained the difficulties the opponents posed in the tournament.

“High-level pitching,” said Fremin.

“Seeing high-level pitching in every team had very strong pitching in a circle, they are very well recognized on a regional and national standpoint. So, for our hitters to see that type of pitching was good for us to see that early in the season, to prepare us for conference play.”

The team began the tournament with a 4-0 loss to the Ragin’ Cajuns. On Feb. 23, the team fought to win a close game of 4-3 against UMBC. Fremin explained that the rocky start to the tournament may have been affected by their previous TV game against Mississippi State University.

“We went 2-3 in the event and played some very tough quality teams, and I just think it was probably a combination of things,” said Fremin. “We came off a TV game against Mississippi State where we played an extremely high level, and it’s very hard to continue to maintain that style of play throughout a season, especially being on the road, but for us to end it the way we did was great.”

After the game against UMBC, the team played North Florida and received a 3-0 loss,

but was able to end the tournament strong with a 9-1 victory against UMBC that ended the game early.

“You always want to play well on your last day, and I think we accomplished that goal,” said Fremin. “And hopefully we can take that momentum to Mizzou ’cause we head there to play another tournament in Mizzou and also very tough opponents there as well.”

Fremin discussed the level of their next competitors.

“Here’s another tournament that has some extremely high-level pitching,” said Fremin.

“Mizzou is obviously a power five SEC team.

We’ll also face Creighton and Drake. Drake has one of the best pitchers in the nation, so it’ll be a tough test for us once again.”

Fremin described how the program is preparing for the 2018 Mizzou Tournament.

“Get some offensive reps and tweak some things with some of the players’ offense ice technique, their stance their approach in the box and their pitch selection,” said Fremin.

“And I think if we can kind of dive into it a little bit, we’ll be fine going into the Mizzou tournament.”

Early errors results in series loss Sophomore guard Charliee Dugas led the Lady Lions by scoring 18 points in the game against Northwestern State University. The win against the Lady Demons was the eighth win of the season for the team. File Photo/The Lion’s Roar JACOB SUMMERVILLE Staff Reporter

Finishing their last away game of the season, the Lady Lions basketball team came out victorious earning their eighth win this season.

The women’s basketball team beat Northwestern State University 64-54 on Feb. 24 with the game starting at 4 p.m.

This was the second time the Lady Lions played the Lady Demons this season, and the Lady Lions won both games.

Head Coach Ayla Guzzardo shared her satisfaction from beating the team twice.

Senior infielder Taylor Schwaner prepares to take a swing against University of Connecticut at the Pat Kenelly Diamond at Alumni Field. He had two runs and two “Anytime you can sweep a hits in the second game of the series. Brianna Hawkins/The Lion’s Roar team in your conference, it’s a huge success,” said Guzzardo. three-game winning streak, Breaud feels despite the two losses “Northwestern is an in-state which was against Alcorn the team had, they still did well. school, so we consider all in“We knew coming into it state schools rival schools.

State University, University of Louisiana at Lafayette and we had the doubleheader,” said We’re recruiting the same type Breaud. “We just tried to take it of kids. We’re trying to compete UConn.

In the first game of the one game at a time and not look in the same type of condition. doubleheader, UConn took at the third one. We tried to get We’re trying to beat them in an early 2-1 lead as a result of the second one, and we tried to that. We’re trying to beat them unearned runs. The Lions soon get the win. I thought we did an in our campus, everything. So, tied the game to 5-5 in the fifth excellent job competing, and I it’s a rival school for us. They’re inning with a run. By the ninth think we played the whole game, well coached. They’re down inning, the Lions lost a double to and we just came out short on that with injuries this year, but you UConn who also came out ahead one. This last game we had a few know, so were we. We got three with a home run giving them the mistakes that I think hurt us a few down right now with injuries as runs, but overall, I think we did well. So, it feels good to sweep win to the first game.

In the second game of the pretty well.” the school, especially a rival Breaud shared his best moment school.” doubleheader, the Lions made a few plays that gave UConn the of the game.

The Lady Lions never Junior pitcher Mason Knopp started the final game of the series against the lead in the game.

“Honestly, whenever Jace Nini allowed Northwestern to take University of Connecticut. Brianna Hawkins/The Lion’s Roar Junior infielder Kyle Schimpf came in and he shut the door on the lead in the game, and the described how he feels the games them that one inning, we caught team held the largest lead of the that spark back, and everybody game during the first quarter of BRIANNA HAWKINS against University of Connecticut went.

Staff Reporter at the Pat Kenelly Diamond at “The energy was really high,” was ready to get back to the plate 13 points.

Alumni Field. said Schimpf. “We fought as hard and scratch a few runs,” said Guzzardo mentioned two The Lions baseball team The first game ended with a as we could. Couldn’t be prouder Breaud. players who she thought were When it comes to why the team key players to the team’s lost their last two games in a score of 7-6, and the second game of this team, the way we fight each lost the two games, Schimpf said success. doubleheader this past weekend ended with a 6-4 loss for the Lions. and every day.” there were no changes to their during the three-game series The losses ended the team’s Junior infielder Brennan “Charliee Dugas and Kyla strategy on the field.

Williams came in the game for “We are still sticking with the us, and they stepped up big same plan coach has given us, time,” said Guzzardo. “Kyla which has been successful all year didn’t necessarily have the so far,” said Schimpf. “It’s just a points Charliee had, but what good ball club that we had to fight she did on the defensive end and with, and they fought as well, just the offensive end, she was the as hard.” star player of the game, almost The Lions will return to the an unsung hero. You know, she baseball field on Wednesday, Feb. stepped up, had some charges 28 to face off against Louisiana and stuff like that, but we got a State University at 6 p.m. lot of stops, and we came down

This Week’s Puzzle AnsWers

and scored off their turnovers.

We pulled 20 turnovers, and anytime you can force 15 or more turnovers in a game, that’s a good game for you to have.”

Dugas scored 18 points and had nine rebounds during the game while Williams scored 10 points and made four steals.

Junior guard Ashailee Brailey gave her analysis of the game.

“Early on, we were attacking, and that’s what really helped us out,” said Brailey. “We were getting to the basket. We were attacking and keeping it out to the open shooters, and that’s what really helped us maintain the lead. We had some miscommunication on defense, but I think at the beginning, it was offense that helped us.

At the end, it was defense that helped.”

Since this game was the Lady Lions’ last away game, some players felt the relief of coming back home to finish the season.

“It’s definitely nice, especially since they’re games we need to have,” said senior guard Taylin Underwood. “It’s nice to have it at your home court because it always feels like you have an advantage there.”

Brailey discussed her level of confidence heading into these last games.

“I think we will be able to focus for the last two games that are at home,” said Brailey.

“We’re in front of our home crowd, and we’ve been doing well at home. So, I think our momentum right now, that was our last away game. With that and the win, it’s really going to help us with these next two games that are huge for us, and it’ll be in front of our home crowd.”

Guzzardo expressed how eager the team is to compete against the University of New Orleans on Feb. 28.

“We’re going to have to get better when we play UNO on Wednesday,” said Guzzardo.

“We owe them. They beat us on their own court pretty bad, but we were playing with one of our senior guards Taylin Underwood for half the game.

She went out with an ankle injury. So, we got her back.

She’s healthy. The kids that I have right now are healthy, and they’re hungry. They’re ready to get to the conference tournament. They know if we take care of our game and we take care of business, we’ll have a chance at the conference tournament, which I think Southeastern hasn’t done in over, I think, four or five years.

So, we got our eyes on the prize, and we’re ready to go.”

PAGE 8 | FEBRUARY 27, 2018

The Lion’s Roar | NEWS

‘Black Panther’ blows away box office with $192M weekend NEW YORK (AP) — A wave of feverish anticipation, fawning critical acclaim and groundbreaking cultural meaning pushed “Black Panther” to a record-setting $192 million debut in U.S. and Canada theaters, firmly establishing the superhero sensation as a box-office landmark.

The Marvel film from the Walt Disney Co. blew past expectations to become the fifthhighest-grossing debut ever, not adjusting for inflation, following only “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” ‘’Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” ‘’Jurassic World” and “The Avengers.”

In estimates Sunday, Disney predicted a four-day holiday weekend of $218 million domestically and a global debut of $361 million.

Though the film’s international footprint doesn’t include several of the largest markets — China, Russia and Japan — it still ranks among the top 15 global debuts ever. It’s also the highest-grossing February opening weekend.

“All hail the King of Wakanda!” Disney declared, referring to the movie’s mythical and highly advanced African nation.

Ryan Coogler’s film, which cost about $200 million to make, is the most expensive movie with a largely black ensemble and among the few to be centered on a black superhero. The strong opening suggests “Black Panther” will easily set a boxoffice record for films directed by a black filmmaker.

The previous best is Sidney Poitier’s 1980 comedy “Stir Crazy,” which took in $322 million domestically, when inflation is calculated.

“Black Panther” set pre-sale records and saw lines around theaters over the weekend, including some who came costumed for the event.

“This is the very definition of a blockbuster: People lining up around the block to see a great movie,” said Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst for comScore. “A movie like ‘Black Panther’ is a cultural event that nothing on the small screen can really match in that way.”

Chadwick Boseman stars as T’Challa/ Black Panther in the first stand-alone film for the superhero created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in 1966. The cast also features Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o, Daniel Kaluuya and Letitia Wright.

The movie has been hugely acclaimed, with a 97 percent fresh rating from Rotten Tomatoes. Audiences agreed, giving it an A-plus CinemaScore. The film especially resonated among African-Americans, who

made up 37 percent of moviegoers, according to comScore.

Dave Hollis, distribution chief for Disney, called the film’s success “a real source of pride” for Disney.

“Inclusion and representation matters,” Hollis said. “We know that great stories can come from anywhere, and our goal is to make films that reflect the wonderful diversity of our world and resonate with audiences everywhere — no matter who they are, no matter where they come from.”

Coming at one of the slower periods of the year, “Black Panther” benefited from little competition, and it can be expected to dominate the marketplace for weeks.

Last week’s top film, the erotic romance sequel “Fifty Shades Freed,” slid to third place, with $16.9 million in its second week for Universal. Sony’s children’s book adaptation “Peter Rabbit” held much stronger, taking the No. 2 spot with $17.3 million in its second week.

But moviegoers — and Hollywood — were focused on “Black Panther,” including how it would fare overseas. Though considered by most to be an outdated myth, some have claimed that foreign audiences have less appetite for films with largely black casts.

“Black Panther” vanquished those notions with $169 million in ticket sales. It was No. 1 in most international markets, though “Fifty Shades Freed” bested it in Germany.

Its release in China will come later. This weekend, the Chinese New Year holiday, local productions led by “Detective Chinatown 2” and “Monster Hunt 2” dominated Chinese theaters, with more than $140 million in ticket sales each.

“Black Panther” also performed especially well on large-format screens. Imax reported $30 million in ticket sales for the three-day weekend.

“There was a groundswell of wanting this movie to work, and then when it actually did as a film, itself, it just kicked it up a notch to a level no one could have ever predicted,” said Greg Foster, Imax Entertainment’s chief executive. “That makes me feel really good about the movie business.”

Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to comScore. Where available, the latest international numbers for Friday through Sunday also are included. Final four-day domestic figures will be released Tuesday.

Courtesy of Associated Press, Jake Coyle

EMERGENCY ALERT

continued from pg. 1

lockdowns and weather emergencies. Cowser said that “SE 101 professors include an overview of the safety features on campus during their courses.”

Being the safest campus in the state in 2016, according to College Choice, Cowser added how safety will be promoted to students.

“A concentrated push for safety awareness, to register for the Southeastern Emergency Alert System, to download the Safe Campus app, and among other things, is scheduled once a semester,” said Cowser. “This usually coincides with a test of the alert system when people may realize they didn’t

Dear Editor, In light of Ronald Gasser’s recent conviction of manslaughter in the death of former NFL running back Joe McKnight, I felt compelled to share why I believe road rage is a huge problem in the United States.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA, around 66 percent of traffic fatalities are caused by aggressive driving. Around 37 percent of aggressive driving incidents involve a firearm.

These are alarming statistics and give a great perspective on how serious an issue road rage can be.

Recently, I got into a minor altercation while on the road. I was traveling to Hammond from Covington on a spare tire. I was driving around 45 mph to ensure my safety. A gentleman driving behind me was very displeased with my driving and gave me a piece of his mind. I returned his words with my middle finger. I’m usually a mild-mannered person, but in that moment, I felt a certain urge of rage.

As I reflect now, I think about how dangerous that situation could potentially have been. I could have been the next Joe McKnight or Ronald Gasser. It just frustrated me that someone could get that mad as a result of me just practicing good safety. The hard truth is I should not have even dignified him with a response, but that is certainly easier said than done. For some reason, for me personally, it is way harder for me to compose myself behind the wheel than it is outside of my vehicle.

Apparently, I’m not alone. According to slate. com, psychologists call this “deindividuation.”

Mari Copeny, third from left, watches a free screening of the film “Black Panther” with more than 150 children, after she raised $16,000 to provide free tickets in an entire theater on Monday, Feb. 19, 2018 in Flint Township, Mich. As “Black Panther” debuts in theaters across the U.S., educators, philanthropist, celebrities and business owners are pulling together their resources to bring children of color to see the film that features a black superhero in a fictional, un-colonized African nation. (JAKE MAY /THE FLINT JOURNAL-MLIVE.COM VIA AP)

Gold and red eyeshadow covers the eyes of Korie Harden, 34, during the “Black Panther” private screening on Friday, Feb. 16, 2018, in Grand Blanc, Mich. This is Harden’s second time seeing the film. “It’s very important for kids to see that we are super that we are important and that we can be something very large,” Harden said, “It’s not just going to be the same old superheroes with the same old story lines it’s that if you can think it, you can dream it and you can be it.” (Bronte Wittpenn /The Flint JournalMLive.com via AP)

receive the notifications via text because they had not yet registered.”

The use of social media will boost publicity.

“We are always grateful for promotion of any and all of the safety measures via campus media,” said Cowser. “Regular posts via social media and the webmail page also serve as reminders.”

Currently, there are no features that will be added to the app. Cowser stated that the university is, “always open to suggestions if a need exists.”

Students can register for the Emergency Alert System through the link provided on LeoNet below the “General Settings” tab. Safe Campus can be accessed at www.southeastern.edu/about/safe_ campus/.

The word indicates a loss of self-awareness and along with it, individual accountability.

Anonymity seems to always be a key ingredient to deindividuation. This is why many people feel more comfortable cursing out a complete stranger that can’t even hear them.

Psychologist Dr. Jerry Deffenbacher notes that even typically calm, reasonable people can sometimes turn into warriors behind the wheel.

When provoked, they yell obscenities, wildly gesture, honk and swerve in and out of traffic, and may endanger their lives and others.

“Anger is not a chronic experience for high-anger drivers, but something prompted by different triggers or events on the road,” Deffenbacher said. “It’s about encountering provocations, events on the road that are frustrating and provoking in some way, and then what they bring to the wheel [that determines] how angry they will get.”

Sometimes, we are prone to making rash decisions when we are angry. Typically, when our houses are on fire, we call the fire department. When a loved one needs medical attention, we call the ambulance. If you feel like you are in danger on the road, call the police.

Don’t take matters into your own hands.

One minor incident could have landed me in jail or put me in an early grave. From now on, I’m going to make a concerted effort to control my emotions while behind the wheel. You should too because your life could literally be at stake.

Senior communication major Tarrik Roberts

This image released by Disney and Marvel Studios’ shows Chadwick Boseman in a scene from “Black Panther.” (MARVEL STUDIOS/DISNEY VIA AP)

Campus Life | The Lion’s Roar

P a t r i o t i s m & e d u c a t i o n

FEBRUARY 27, 2018 | Page 9

Sophomore biological sciences major Precocia Parlow is a soldier in the U.S. Army and a part of the university’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corps. While wanting to help and serve her country, Parlow decided to go to the reserve and focus on education. Sarah Hess/The Lion’s Roar SARAH HESS Staff Reporter

The United States armed forces defend the rights of American citizens by risking their lives so that their nation can be secure.

Sophomore biological sciences major Precocia Parlow is one of those soldiers that put her country before herself. Parlow joined the National Guard in 2015.

Parlow explained why she joined the military.

“I wanted to do something, and I wanted to help,” said Parlow.

“I feel like it was a way to serve people, but I did want to get my education first. That’s why I didn’t go active. I decided to go reserve.”

Parlow hopes to be a physician assistant after graduation and may decide to do active duty at a hospital on a military base. She has to attend drills one weekend every month and work at a medical unit where they perform periodic health assessments to around 300 soldiers, taking blood, giving flu immunization and updating any information on personal mental health among other duties. Parlow must also prepare for missions in case of hurricanes or other national disasters and wishes to help on missions when states are in distress and has opportunities for volunteers.

“I have to look at the bigger picture there,” said Parlow. “There are enough people who volunteer that everything’s fulfilled, so they don’t really need it. But one day, I’d like to help.”

Parlow has to manage her time wisely between taking classes and her commitments to the National Guard.

“I believe because college is a challenge by itself, trying to learn so much, having that major and doing the National Guard, sometimes it can be hectic,” said Parlow. “It’s stressful trying to study for tests when I have so much work already, and I take about 17 to 18 hours each semester. So, it’s stressful time management.”

Parlow found alternatives to finding time to sleep. She learned to sleep while standing. The drill sergeant nicknamed her “Sleepy Smurf.” While it is a demanding job both physically and mentally, being a part of the military also helps university students financially.

Tuition for state exemption for state colleges is waived, and the GI Bill allots her a monthly stipend. Parlow expressed her thoughts on the financial aid military personnel receive for their education.

“I honestly think it’s really great because it gives you a variety of choices,” said Parlow. “Even if you go active when you get out, you can go to college, or you can do college while you’re serving.

So, I think it’s a good program because not everyone can afford to go to college. I think it’s a really good opportunity for those people because education is important, and that is how the world is able to move forward, through education.”

Parlow believes that since most students have to take out student loans, it is a significant factor that deters people from attending college.

“I think it’s just a really good opportunity to keep pushing education forward and then also an opportunity to have people serve their country and do something great,” said Parlow.

Alumnus Jeff Garland found his passion, job aspirations and wife when he joined the Air Force. Garland attended the university in 1986-91 as a social studies education major. He was a member of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity and served as a senator in the Student Government Association. He joined the Air Force in between getting his bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

While serving in North Dakota, Garland met his wife.

“I just decided to go do it,” said Garland. “I was just spinning my wheels in college and not really knew what I wanted to do yet. So, I just decided to go into the Air Force. I went in there, and I figured out what I wanted to do with my life, met my wife, got out and went back to college.”

Working in North Dakota during his time in the reserves and active duty took him to countries such as Africa and Germany.

Spending three years on active duty and seven years in the reserve, Garland reminisced about some of his favorite memories in the military. His time in the reserves got him accustomed to northern winters playing snow softball in T-shirts and shorts. Garland’s active duty years allowed him to see new cultures and meet new people.

“In the reserves wherever we went, it was such a great thing to go

on tours and visit,” said Garland. “Whenever we would be able to see the different counties and stuff, Africa was beautiful. We went to Germany. Several days we had off. We were able to go to Brussels, see the flowers and stuff in Brussels, which was really nice. One of our trips we went down to Argentina. It was really difficult being on the beach almost every day.”

Parlow salutes on campus in her military uniform in the Student Union Breezeway. Sarah Hess/The Lion’s Roar

Edwards calls for special session to address nearly $1 billion fiscal cliff ANNIE GOODMAN

end by March 7.

“The Louisiana Legislature is required to convene at the Gov. John Bel Edwards State Capitol each year for called for a special session regular, general, sessions,” starting on Feb. 19, which must said Communications Director Staff Reporter

for Governor John Bel Edwards Shauna Sanford.

“During even-numbered years, a general session is limited to non-fiscal matters. Fiscal matters can only be taken up during odd-numbered years.

An extraordinary or special session is called to deal with matters that cannot normally be addressed during the regular session.”

The special session brought state legislators back to the state Capitol at 4 p.m. on Feb. 19 to discuss the looming “fiscal cliff.”

“A special session may be called by one of two ways, either by the governor or the legislature, in which case a majority vote is needed from both the Louisiana House of Representatives and the Senate,” said Sanford. “A special session can only last for a limited amount of time but no more than 30 days. Bills proposed by state lawmakers must all pertain to the scope of the subject matter as outlined in the proclamation issuing the call for the session. This current special session is set for 17 days, Feb. 19 to March 7, 2018.”

Sanford explained Edwards’ reasoning for this session and that Edwards is not hoping to fully fund the cliff.

“Gov. John Bel Edwards called this special session specifically to deal with the

looming fiscal cliff, which is when nearly $1 billion in temporary revenue will expire on June 30, 2018,” said Sanford.

“If that money is not replaced, drastic cuts will have to be made to critical state services and programs that many people rely on. That is exactly what Gov. Edwards wants to avoid, which is why he is asking for state lawmakers to replace the portion of the temporary revenue that will go away and stave off the cliff. Out of the $1.3 billion in temporary revenue that is expiring, Gov. Edwards is asking the legislature to replace only $994 million. This is a top priority for the governor.”

According to Sanford, legislators had the opportunity to avoid this special session.

“No one is surprised by the fiscal cliff,” said Sanford.

“State lawmakers have known about this for well over a year.

As Gov. Edwards reminded them during his opening speech of the special session, the temporary measures they approved two years ago were supposed to serve as a bridge to long-term tax reform. Had they made those reforms, there would not be a need for this special session.”

Since Edwards’ inauguration in 2016, he has called for five special sessions.

“Each one he has called has been convened to deal

with the state’s budget crisis,” said Sanford. “When Gov. Edwards was first elected in 2016, he inherited a $1 billion budget shortfall that had to be addressed within three months and a second shortfall of more than $2 billion that had to be addressed for the following fiscal year. A fiscal year runs July 1 to June 30. While special sessions have certainly been called under other governors, the financial problems Gov. Edwards inherited from his predecessor have been unlike any in recent state history.”

Higher education is an at risk area for funding if the fiscal cliff is not resolved.

“Gov. Edwards has not only talked about his commitment to reinvesting in higher education, but he has worked with others in a bipartisan way to take the necessary steps to make that happen, and the positive impact is being felt statewide,” said Sanford.

“However, if the current state budget crisis is not resolved, students and the state will lose ground on the progress that has been made. The truth is there are only two main areas of money to pull from to prevent the cuts, higher education and health care. Constitutionally, the governor is required to present a balanced executive budget. Last month, Gov. Edwards met his constitutional obligation, but it was not the

budget he wanted to present, nor is it the one he wants to see implemented. The cuts are too deep. While it is an honest budget, it reflects that state’s obligations and the current state funds that are available to cover those obligations.

Sanford expressed Edwards’ support for funding higher education across Louisiana.

“To be clear, Gov. Edwards wants to fully fund TOPS and keep the state’s commitment to students,” said Sanford.

“Under his administration, funding for higher education has been stabilized for the first time in almost a decade, which is important for parents, students and the future of the state.”

Sanford explained the effects Edwards’ commitment to higher education has had so far.

“Because of the strides we have made, Louisiana landed the largest economic development deal in the state’s history last year and the second best in the country in large part because we are doing a better job of funding higher education,” said Sanford.

“Southeastern Louisiana University is one of the nine members of the University of Louisiana System, which is the largest in the state. As a result of fully funding TOPS and

see SPECIAL SESSION, pg. 10

The Lion’s Roar | News

Page 10 | February 28, 2018

Relaxing atmosphere for district rally students JACOB SUMMERVILLE Staff Reporter

The university hosted its annual event for high school district rally students this past weekend.

“Rock ‘n Roar Fest” celebrated its 22nd year on Saturday, Feb. 24 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event works in conjunction with the “Southeast Louisiana District Literary Rally,” and students were provided with more than just classrooms and tests.

Associate Director of Alumni Programming Jennifer O’Neil explained how the event operates.

“The ‘Rock ‘n Roar Fest’ portion of the event features a collaboration of student organizations, educational departments

and alumni chapters who work together to provide food, fun and education to all of the visiting students,” said O’Neil. “It’s an opportunity to showcase what Southeastern has to offer to potential future students. It is our hope that high school students walk away from the event with a positive experience of being on our campus and will consider Southeastern a top choice when applying for college.”

O’Neil also talked about the event’s size and importance.

“The ‘Literary Rally’ is one of the largest and oldest competitions for academically talented high school students,” said O’Neil. “This year, we will host over 3,400 students from nearly 90 high schools as they compete in 49 different academic areas.”

Catholic High School junior Allen Duggar shared his experience at “Rock ‘n Roar Fest.”

“It was a lot bigger than what I was expecting, so that was cool,” said Duggar. “I think maybe live music would be a nice addition, but I thought overall, it was pretty cool. I enjoyed buying some Girl Scout Cookies, and I think I liked the drunk goggles thing. It’s a good opportunity for education.”

Baton Rouge Magnet High School senior Felix Harrison enjoyed the animal display put on by the department of biological sciences.

Harrison shared his experience with the psychology testing.

“I did do some reading because there were a lot of units we haven’t covered yet in class, and so we used practice cards for the AP exam to study for that,” said Harrison. “I think it went OK. There were definitely questions for units we haven’t covered yet that I just did my best to guess on, but overall, I think I did well.”

Sophomore elementary education major and volunteer Lynzee Orillion participated at a district rally competition at McNeese

State University when she was in high school. She compared her experience volunteering at the university to her time as a high school student.

“Where I went, we didn’t have games or anything,” said Orillion. “Here, they have the games going on, and they have the booths set up to where they can be like, ‘Here, come to Southeastern. Here’s some groups you can join,’ to feel like you’re involved in the college as soon as you get here. You know some people, and then, we helped them find their classrooms.

We were always off on our own, like fend for yourself, go find it.

Here, they help you find the classrooms. So, that made it easier.

I’m sure they felt less pressure going into their tests.”

High school students enjoyed events that were held during the 22nd “Rock ‘N Roar Fest,” including a bean bag toss and an exhibit run by the department of biological sciences. This is part of the “Southeast Louisiana District Literary Rally.” Jacob Summerville/The Lion’s Roar SHOOTING

continued from pg. 1 and something that we’re just sick about. We’re doing all that we can do in terms of keeping things together and trying to stay focused.”

Some of the individuals involved in the incident on North Campus shared their accounts of the initial event and perceptions of what followed.

Freshman accounting major and member of Pi Kappa Alpha Brandon Stewart recounted waking up around 2:30 a.m. to gunshots. He witnessed some members of other fraternities and sororities peaking out of their windows and saw a university police car outside of a sorority house.

“It didn’t sound like gunshots at first,” said Stewart. “I thought it was fireworks. I started texting everyone to see if they were OK. I have friends on campus including some in Greek Village.”

Upon finding out about the incident, University President Dr. John L. Crain admitted that his first concern was that of the safety of the students. According to Crain, he felt relieved after finding out that the incident was isolated. It followed a dispute between individuals off campus.

He believes that it was not an act of aggression towards the university in general.

Crain said, “The investigation has determined that both students and non-students were involved with the incident. The University Police Department has good working relationships with all neighboring law enforcement agencies. Offers to assist from HPD, the TPSO, LSP and ATF were not turned down. All of those involved in the incident, who are believed at this point to have broken the law, have been arrested, charged with crimes, and are in the custody of appropriate authorities. Disciplinary action will be pursued against all students involved who violated the university’s relevant rules

Around

the

of conduct. Students and nonstudents, who are believed to have done anything that leads us to consider them a possible danger, have been barred from campus.”

Alerts from the university’s emergency app were sent at 4:01 a.m. and again at 7:35 a.m. in the hours that followed the shooting.

The initial alert said that the University Police Department would be investigating a report of gunshots that were heard near the University Center and that there was no immediate threat to campus. At 7:35, the alert clarified that UPD would continue to investigate an incident involving gunfire near the University Center.

Throughout the day and evening of the incident, the university released reports through email and social media platforms such as, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, detailing that two arrests had been made in connection with the shooting incident and that the two students involved were student- athletes and were being treated at a hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Gov. John Bel Edwards issued a statement, offering his assistance to the university during the investigation.

“I have promised Southeastern that the state stands at the ready to mobilize every available resource we have to assist them in this investigation,” said Edwards. “We will support Southeastern and law enforcement as they aggressively pursue the criminals who are responsible for the shootings. As we await more details, I encourage students, faculty and parents to continue to pay close attention to information from school officials and local law enforcement, and would remind them to report any suspicious activity to the proper authorities.”

Crain stated that those arrested will be handled through the criminal justice system, and the two student athletes involved are expected to recover following medical treatment for their wounds.

Although the Hammond Police Department had previously stated that they were not assisting in the investigation on Friday, the university stated that following the two suspects going into custody, they will assist in the ongoing investigation with UPD and the Tangipahoa Parish Sherrif’s Office.

Following the incident, Stewart explained why he believes that the university responded to the incident in a positive and efficient manner.

“I feel like the school responded in a good way,” said Stewart. “The email said that there is no longer a threat on campus. I guess they stopped it all. I think they did good. One of the guys in our fraternity called UPD, and they said they would watch over everybody.”

Sophomore criminal justice major Cameron O’Neil revealed why he felt unsettled by the way that he believes UPD responded to the incident. He shared what changes can be made to campus safety.

“The police didn’t come until other people had called them,” said O’Neil. “Gates aren’t necessary because we have emergency polls.

We just need more university policemen patrolling the areas at all times. I would like to see some walking on their feet sometimes.”

The alerts that the university sent out following the incident were well received by Crain.

He feels that this incident has prompted a significant lesson about security and safety on campus.

“We all have to be vigilant and report anything of concern to the appropriate authorities,” said Crain. “I am pleased that many of the security measures we have implemented in recent years helped safeguard our campus community.”

Contributers: Larshell Green (Editor-in-Chief) Sarah Hess (Staff Reporter) Don Lawrence (Staff Reporter)

State

Louisiana touts renewed production of 2 TV series BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Louisiana’s economic development department says two television series made in the state are resuming production, with multimillion dollar payrolls for state residents.

The department says Delta Blues Productions LLC —

which is part of Warner Bros.

Entertainment — will produce a third season of “Queen Sugar” for the Oprah Winfrey Network.

And, the department says in a Monday news release, the company has begun filming on the second season of “Claws” for Turner Network Television. The

department estimates that “Queen Sugar” production costs for the third season will be more than $33 million, including nearly $9 million in resident payroll.

Louisiana expenditures on production of the second season of Claws are expected to surpass $35 million.

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bringing stability to higher education, the admission requests for schools in the UL System next fall have increased dramatically.”

However, Sanford described the potential dangers of the current fiscal cliff.

“There is no denying that significant gains have been made,” said Sanford. “There is also no denying that not solving our current fiscal problems poses a real threat to halting that momentum. It could reduce opportunities for students to go to school or continue their education. Funding for TOPS is in jeopardy, which means thousands of students, just like those at SELU and their parents, can’t move

forward with plans for college because they simply don’t know what will happen with TOPS. This is what Gov. Edwards and many lawmakers are fighting to prevent.”

Sanford believes the solution can only be found through teamwork.

“Finding a solution to our fiscal problem will take a bipartisan effort, everyone working together to reach a compromise,” said Sanford.

“This is something Gov. Edwards emphasizes repeatedly. Although it’s proving to be challenging, he believes it can be done and is optimistic that a solid solution will emerge.

There’s too much at stake. He and members of his administration are meeting regularly with lawmakers from all political parties as well as with the leadership of the House and Senate.”

Olympic medalist to speak at conference interacting with college students.

Southeastern student leaders will facilitate workshops based on the four main topics of the conference: leadership coaching, collaboration techniques, communication, and achieving balance.

Workshops will also be available for high school faculty and staff attending the conference.

Two-time Olympic medalist Hollis Conway is the keynote speaker for “EvolveU,” For more information, visit Southeastern Louisiana University’s first leadership conference for high school southeastern.edu/evolveu or sophomore, junior and senior students. Courtesy of Communication & Creative Services call 985-549-2120.

- Courtesy of Communication HAMMOND – Two-time their leadership skills while and Creative Services Olympic medalist Hollis Conway is the keynote speaker for “EvolveU,” Southeastern Louisiana University’s first leadership conference for high school sophomore, junior and senior students. The theme of this year’s conference, which is scheduled March 9 in Southeastern’s Student Union, is “World of Opportunities,” an athletic theme centered around the 2018 Winter Olympics.

A dominating athlete, Conway is a six-time NCAA All-American and three-time NCAA champion. He was the top ranked high jumper in the U.S. seven straight years from 1988-94 and the top ranked high jumper in the world in 1990 and 1991. Conway completed a 16-year successful athletic career and is considered one of the best high jumpers in all of history.

Conway is now the president of Overcoming Obstacles, Inc., a non-profit motivational speaking company and is the author of “Yes I Can” and “Grasshopper.”

EvolveU entails fun, interactive and educational experiences where student leaders will be able to develop, cultivate, and evolve