MARCH 8, 2016 VOLUME 87, ISSUE 21
’ THE LION S ROAR S O U T H E A S T E R N L O U I S IA NA U N I V E R S I T Y
A Student Publication
Campus Life Page 2
INSIDE THE ‘ROAR’
Rock ‘n Roar boast record breaking attendance
Greek Week kicks off
Opinions Page 3
Arts & Entertainment Page 4
Sports Page 6
News Page 8
BY IAN FISCHER Staff Reporter
A record breaking number of students from high schools in the Southeast Louisiana District attended the Southeast Louisiana District Literary Rally and Rock ‘n Roar Fest, competing for the chance to go to the state competition.
see GREEK pg. 2
Olympian to give speech
Rock’n Roar instructors and students demonstrating various activities for high school participating in SE Literary Rally
LionsRoarNews.com
Almost 3,000 students were at the university on Saturday, Mar. 5. The Southeast Louisiana District Literary Rally is a competition held at the university, where high schools compete in various academic subjects by either taking a test or submitting work. Winners will move on the State Literary Rally in April and according to the Director of the Southeast Literary Rally Wendy Van Dalen, the recordbreaking turnout was phenomenal. Artwork was one of the subjects students could have competed in on Saturday. One high school student, Ava Perego submitted an oil painted portrait of an African woman with traditional beads. Perego said it took her around three months to complete the project for the competition. “I just hope that good artwork gets recognized and I think it’s fun just to put your stuff out there and see how it goes,” said Perego. According to Assistant Alumni
The Lion’s Roar / Ian Fischer
see ROCK pg. 8
Southeastern ranked 5th at SEJC BY IAN FISCHER Staff Reporter
The university ranked fifth overall at the Southeastern Journalism Conference due to the talent of students discovered by faculty from the Department of Languages and Communication. The conference involved 26 other universities and took place at Austin Peay State University during the last weekend of February. Students competed in different categories covering various aspects of see OLYMPIAN pg. 8 journalism. The individual awards in each category were combined to produce a score, which placed the universities with their overall ranking. Senior communication major Connor Raborn took home first place in feature writing despite his own disbelief. “After they had called third and second place, I honestly thought ‘well that’s it, I didn’t place because there’s no way I won first’,” said Raborn. “When they called first place and the first thing they said was Southeastern Louisiana University, as soon as they said
SGA to hold elections BY WILLIAM SCHMIDT Assistant Editor
The Student Government Association will be holding Spring 2016 elections. “The Student Government Association represents student’s interests,” said election committee chair, Chief Justice of SGA and applied sociology graduate student Stephanie Travis. “It’s a great place to pursue your passion in making Southeastern a better place.” Students may run for the positions of SGA President, Vice President and Chief Justice. Also, Justice and Senate positions are available. The voting process is as vital as the election. “It is important for students to exercise their democratic rights by both voting in our elections on campus and in choosing to run for office,” said SGA Vice President and senior business management major Bradley Watson. “By being a part of SGA, students are given the opportunity to represent their fellow students and protect student interests and values on campus.” Application deadlines for candidates are Friday, Mar. 11 at 12:30 p.m. Applications for those wishing to become a candidate can be found at southeastern.edu/sga. Students may turn in completed applications to the Student Government Association Office. Qualified candidates must attend the candidates’ meeting and be prepared to take a photograph that will be placed on the election website.
it, I was shocked.” Other award winners were senior Dominique Brogle and junior Jordan Reid who finished second in television news; junior Jaylon Morris, junior Justin Redman and senior Tyler Waggenspack who finished second in ethics; and senior Brooke Robichaux received an honorable mention in sports photography. The Press Club was among the university organizations involved in this conference. Press Club President, and senior communication major Heather Rogers was proud of attendees and said the performance was gracious. “It’s not how you celebrate, it’s also how you take failure,” said Rogers. “I think all of our members had really great character and they will learn from their mistakes.” According to Rogers, the conference is a great way for students pursuing a career in journalism to show their skills and meet professionals in the field as well as students from other universities. She also has advice for people looking to go to the conference next year. “If you’re going to go, give it your all,” said Rogers.
Lion Up Tuesdays
“Wake up early. It’s going to be a long day. It’s going to be hectic. It’s a really great learning experience.” Faculty from the Department of Languages and Communication help students by nominating them to compete. According to associate professor and Press Club advisor, Dr. Amber Narro, faculty is best suited to discover the talented student to represent the university at SEJC as the professor’s grade students’ work and see what they are capable of. “It’s an honor to be nominated because that means somebody has really seen some talent in you and thinks you can do really well,” said Narro. “We placed fifth overall so I think we did pretty well.” Campus broadcast also stood out at the competition. The Southeastern Channel ranked No. 1 for the best college television station and No. 2 for the best college video program. KSLU ranked No. 2 for the best college radio station. To find out more information on the Southeast Journalism Conference, go to website at www.sejc.org. To find out more about the Press Club, meetings are at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday nights in D Vickers room 384.
Students encouraged to show Lion pride BY KARSON SHARP Staff Reporter
Starting today Mar. 8, Tuesday is the new day for students to proudly show their Lion Pride. A new campus initiative, Lion Up Tuesdays, is designed to thank members of the campus community who display their Lion Pride. The initiative was announced by President John L. Crain in a campus-wide email. “Let’s wear our green and gold with gusto. Let’s Lion Up! Students, faculty, staff and community members are all vital to our success as we are all a part of Team Southeastern.” Said Athletic Director Jay Artigues. According to Artigues, who chairs the Green with Pride Committee in charge of the initiative, the goal of Lion Up Tuesday is to encourage students to show their Lion Pride. He hopes to accomplish this through prizes such as coupons to the bookstore, free Lions’ gear and possibly other items. They will be distributed every Tuesday to members of the community wearing green and gold. Members of the committee, along with Roomie and other university officials, will cross every corner of campus on a golf cart, giving prizes. Prizes will also be given to students’ vehicles. Those with Southeastern gear on their vehicle may find a ‘Pride citation’ attached to their windshields.
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Social media will be used to advertise the program under the hashtag #teamsoutheastern. “We’ll be using it a lot because that’s something we want people to understand, whatever department you’re in, we’re all on the same team,” said Artigues. According to Artigues, the event will continue into the foreseeable future.
The Lion’s Roar / Heather Jewell
The Lion’s Roar / Morgan Ledet
Students Lion Up during the Rooftop Baseball Bash hosted by the Campus Activity Board (above). Roomie (top) shows Lion pride during last year’s Hot August Night. All are encouraged to show Lion pride on campus every Tuesday.
Weather Tuesday H 75 L 64
Reminders Wednesday H 78 L 65
Term II classes begin Monday, Mar. 14.
CAMPUS LIFE
PAGE 2 MARCH 8, 2016
THE LION’S ROAR
Greek Week begins with fierce competition
The Lion’s Roar / Larshell Green
Members of several Greek fraternities and sororities (left and right) fiercely battled in sand volleyball amid blazing temperatures. Despite this, a constant feeling of respect, unity and cheerfulness echoed through Greek Village. Following was the annual pie-eating competition. Members of several fraternities got down and dirty with cherry pies in a delicious battle. In the end, Theta Xi fraternity member and sophomore business administration member Brandon Merwin (center) took first place.
BY LARSHELL GREEN Staff Reporter
As one annual competition heated up amid rising temperatures, a light hearted, delicious competition followed, signaling the beginning of Greek Week. The annual volleyball competition occurred on Sunday, Mar. 6 at 1 p.m. in Greek Village. Immediately following was the pie-eating competition at 4 p.m. According to Order of Omega President Harli Manuel, Greek organizations were required to have sheet signs displaying this year’s theme of “Decades” outside of their
houses. Yesterday, the signs were judged for first, second and third place. According to Manuel, there are a total of 10 sororities and fraternities participating in Greek Week competitions. The Greek organizations were paired together in sections of A and B, making 5 teams. Two teams played against each other at a time in a single elimination tournament, and the standard rules of sand volleyball applied. The first place winners of this year’s volleyball competition were Sigma Sigma Sigma, Delta Tau Delta, Sigma Tau Gamma and Omega Psi Phi (‘00s).
Theta Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha, Pi Kappa Alpha and Delta Sigma Theta (‘90s) placed second. The third place winners were Alpha Omicron Pi and Theta Chi (‘70s). Senior kinesiology major and member of Delta Tau Delta Beau Moore admitted how using strategy in his third year of the volleyball competition paid off. “It was really exciting,” said Moore. “I was really hoping to win. It was fun. I was telling them to set up spikes so we could really get quality hits against them.” Manuel discussed why it was important to continue the tradition of having the volleyball game start off
Greek Week. “It’s an all-day event,” said Manuel. “All of the teams are able to come. It’s good to have everyone in Greek Village to start off Greek Week. You kind of have that community feel, plus no one has classes on Sundays.” Following the volleyball game, members of the Greek organizations were hungry for another challenge; the return of the pie-eating contest. In the end, there could only be one winner: sophomore business administration major and Theta XI fraternity member Brandon Merwin. “It feels great,” said Merwin. “I feel full and I’m going to the fraternity house with my brothers to celebrate.”
The volleyball game and pie-eating contest proved to be an enjoyable experience for returning members of Greek organizations. Junior kinesiology major and Phi Mu sorority member Elizabeth Leboeuf reflected on how she felt attending her third Greek Week. “It’s so much fun to see all the organizations come together and compete with each other,” said Leboeuf. For a complete list of Greek Week activities, visit the southeastern website. Greek Week will end on Thursday, Mar. 10 with an Awards Ceremony following the Step Show competition in the University Center.
Office of Admissions begins recruiting new students BY ALEX BRAINARD Staff Reporter
Southeastern is the third largest public university in Louisiana. To reach this size, each year new high school students are introduced to the opportunities the university provides for their education. One of the ways the university accomplishes this goal is to conduct a year-long process to recruit high school students. Doing so is one of the best ways the university can continue to grow in size and academic success. The Office of Admissions works with student Orientation Leaders to hold tours throughout the year and present the campus to high school students who have an interest in applying to the university. “It’s important for us to recruit high school students while they’re still in high school because it makes them become more focused on high school, it makes them have a goal to set,” said Chadrick Jackson, a 2016 orientation leader and freshman communication major. “They
come here and go on a campus tour and figure ‘Okay, I want to go to college.’ They come looking at Southeastern and you make them feel comfortable. That way when they go back to school it gives a goal in mind, ‘Okay, I’m going to do good in high school and do good on tests.’ It makes them a focused student.” Jackson feels it’s important to find common interests with the incoming students. It helps them ease into the college atmosphere. “I’m only a second semester freshman so I’m not that too far out of high school myself,” said Jackson. “What I do is I try to keep it in a way they can relate to me. I tell them, ‘Yeah I was in your shoes just a year ago.’ I try to find something we have in common to make them comfortable.” Tours and orientations make up a large part in what the Office of Admissions and orientation leaders go through in order to make sure the university successfully recruits new students to the university. A part of what makes these events so important
is the information they provide for the newly incoming freshman. “We tell them what the school is about,” said 2016 orientation leader and freshman communication major Daryl Julien. “We tell them what we offer, what the criteria that’s offered is, the fun facts about the school, the good things about the school and the textbooks. That’s a big thing that persuades students, the fact that they don’t have to pay for the textbooks.” Director of Admissions Mike Rivault makes sure students from all around the state have a chance to apply and learn about the university. “There’s a variety of things that we do and it goes on all year,” said Rivault. “In the fall we’re heavily involved with going to college fairs which are where most universities set up a display and high school students come in. We go directly to high schools, and we have our recruiter counselors that are assigned high schools and regions. They visit with the high
Organizational News is due on the Friday before publication by 10 a.m., with a limit of 150 words.
AKD
The Sociology Honors Society, Alpha Kappa Delta, will be performing a series of tabling events to raise awareness about unjust laws imposed in Florida as it pertains to feeding the homeless. In addition, we are also holding a supply/fundraising drive for a local homeless shelter in Ponchatoula, House of Serenity. At the request of the shelter, the supplies we wish to collect are cleaning supplies.The next event will take place in Tuesday, March 8 from 10-2 in the East Lobby of the Student Union. We ask students to stop by, become educated on these issues, and support a local shelter in the process.
SGA
To apply for SGA President, Vice President, Chief Justice, Justice and Senate positions visit southeastern.edu/sga to download the candidate packets. All qualified candidates for Spring 2016 Student Government Association elections must attend the candidate’s meeting prepared to take a photograph that will be placed on the election website. No other photos will be accepted. The deadline to file your completed application for Spring 2016 SGA Elections is 12:30 pm on Friday, March 11, 2016, in the Student Government Association Office located in the Student Union Room 2307.
The Lion’s Roar / Alex Brainard
school guidance counselors and answer any questions they have and then meet with the students themselves.” The process of orientation is annual. Every single new student, whether they are a freshman or a transfer student, has to go through orientation. Covington High School students (above) toured Southeastern’s campus on Friday, Mar. 4. The tour was given by 2016 Orientation Leaders Chadrick Jackson (right) and Daryl Julien. The Office of Admissions works closely with Orientation Leaders and recruitment counselors to increase the success and population of campus. Currently, Southeastern is ranked as the third largest public university in the state.
The Lion’s Roar / Alex Brainard
OPINIONS
THE LION’S ROAR
MARCH 8, 2016 PAGE 3
Let every Party in Louisiana vote Louisiana needs to continue to fund TOPS for students Morgan Ledet Staff Reporter
William Schmidt Assistant Editor At the age of 18, I had the opportunity to register to vote. However, one party does not appeal to me over another. I look at the candidates and what they believe in. This is something I believe every American voter should do. On some issues I lean far left, on others I lean far right. Most times, I am more of a middle-the-road type of person. This is why I am registered as Independent. However, a person registered as Independent is not allowed to vote in the Presidential Primaries because in Louisiana, the Presidential Primaries is a closed primary. A closed primary means that one must declare their party affiliation to vote. Only Republicans and Democrats are allowed to vote for the Presidential Primary in our state. The Presidential Primaries are when the parties choose their Presidential candidates and they take place before the Presidential election. The dates for Presidential Primaries vary from state to state. Louisiana’s Presidential Primary took place Saturday, Mar. 5. Needless to say, my voice was silenced, a fact that I find absolutely absurd. It is as if my home took away my Constitutional right to vote along with anyone else who is not a
strict Democrat or Republican. Yes, I know that I can still vote in the Presidential election along with every other American voter, oh little comfort. In 2014, a Gallup poll showed that 42 percent of Americans are registered as Independent. Not every state has a closed primary election when it comes to the Presidential Primary Election. But, none the less, this means that if this trend continues, over half the country will identify as Independent. I believe that Louisiana needs to take this into consideration and give every other party the right to vote in the Presidential Primary, a right that has been denied for far too long. In fact, I go as far as to say that we shouldn’t even have a division of parties when it comes to voting. I believe that by picking a specific party when you register to vote, you are taking away a certain freedom of voting that every American citizen deserves. Unnecessary constraints have been created in who we vote for. I hear that, “Together we stand, divided we fall.” Maybe it is time for everyone to identify as Independent so we don’t have this division in America, a country that is ran as a two-party system. A two-party system is a party system where two major political parties dominate politics within a government and in America that would be the Republic and Democrat Party. How great of a country can we truly be when votes are being silenced in the Presidential Primary and we live in a country that is divided on pretty much every political point of importance that will impact future generations to come?
Taylor Opportunity Program for Students or TOPS is a state scholarship program for Louisiana students. The program offers four separate awards: TOPS Opportunity Award, TOPS Performance Award, TOPS Honors Award and TOPS Tech Award. These awards are part of the TOPS program that help hardworking students attend college. TOPS is awarded to those students who maintain a certain GPA and ACT score. With the state’s recent budget cuts, TOPS may not be able to be fully funded next year due to extensive budget cuts by the state government. Right now, this is concerning many students and parents. “A big part of my college funding is TOPS,” said freshman integrative biology major Jenna Melerine. “If TOPS is suspended by the government, my college plans will have to be altered because myself and plenty of other students cannot pay for college without TOPS.” According to our recently appointed Governor John Bel Edwards, he and every legislator want to continue funding for the TOPS program. I say we need to keep funding it, because there are many things that could go wrong without that funding. While there are so many other options for some students, many students will not be able to afford attending the university without the extra help. Without a college education and degree, it is becoming harder to get a job and trying to make a career out of this job is even harder. Let’s think of one scenario that could possibly happen. What if TOPS was taken from students? Some students use that money to attend school and rely on it to finish school. If it was taken from those students, many of them would have to work while in school and some may have to drop out because they cannot focus on school and work. Having a full time job to pay for school while attending school can be difficult. Most students get their degrees to get their dream jobs, but if they can’t afford school, that is unfortunately not possible. “I don’t like that TOPS might get suspended,” said freshman nursing major Dawn Dupont. “Out of everything that the government could have cut, they chose the one thing that is important. If TOPS does get suspended, it will be extremely difficult for my tuition to be paid. My family and I count on the TOPS scholarship to help pay for everything.” I have always been told that I need a degree to get a job. Distributing the money to students who have worked hard to earn it can reduce the graduation rate. Without a job, it is very likely that students will end up on welfare or another type of government money long term because they are unable to support themselves because they cannot afford to get a degree.
SPEAK OUT:
What do you believe the state should do to the current budget issues concerning higher education? Some fundraising. Maybe even get theaters involved and have fundraising done at shows.
Louisiana has the highest rate of incarcerated people, I feel like the money should go to other things.
I think they should make it more strict so more qualified students will fulfill the four years of a college education.
Camille Albarez Freshman, Communication
Gabrielle Filiberto Junior, Early Childhood Education
Brendan Sundrud Junior, Health Systems Management
I think they should rethink the budget all together and cut out a lot of unnecessary things.
Either taxation and raising gas prices or cutting down on things that the government doesn’t necessarily need.
Hopefully they can get it together, but I think it’s going to take a lot of cuts in certain areas, but they can do it.
Blase Courville Freshman, Nursing
Carl Monvoisin Sophomore, English
Kennedy Lejeune Senior, English
Letter to the Editor Dear Editor, Recently, “The Advocate” (Baton Rouge/ New Orleans), one of the state’s top newspapers, began an otherwise fantastic and informative series on the plight of higher education in Louisiana by complaining that “Louisiana has 14 publicly funded four-year schools compared with Florida’s 12, despite having less than a quarter of the population Florida has.” “The Advocate” called it a “University Glut” in Louisiana. In this, at least, “The Advocate” mirrored the work nine months earlier of a junk blog called “The Hayride,” which has a pattern of disregarding facts when the facts don’t suit its ideological purpose. I looked at the best available data on the characteristics of the higher education systems in each state, nationwide. According to the U. S. Dept. of Education, National Center for Education Statistics (https://nces.ed.gov/
collegenavigator/), Louisiana has 17 public four year colleges and universities, while Florida has 39. That’s right: 17 and 39 versus 14 and 12. There is a big difference between the real data and the data that is “commonly accepted,” but wrong. But, let’s continue this discussion into my larger argument and the most important reason why “The Advocate” messed up a perfectly good series of reports with the errant comparison to Florida. Post-secondary education is a system with many interdependent parts, public and private, large and small, four year and two year, general and specialized, each serving different needs and communities in order to serve the state as a whole. Nationwide there are 718 public four year year colleges and universities (avg. 14), 1705 private four year year institutions (avg. 33), 1173 public community colleges (avg. 23) and 284 private community colleges (avg. six), for a total of 3814
post-secondary institutions (avg. 75). Louisiana has 17 public four year colleges and universities (rank=11th), 12 private four year institutions (rank=34th), 16 public community colleges (rank=27th) and six private community colleges (rank=12th), for a total of 51 post-secondary institutions (rank=28th). Florida has a total of 193 post-secondary institutions (or 169 if we exclude 24 in which there is an overlap in public four and two year capabilities), and ranks 4th (or pretty high). Nationally, Louisiana ranks 25th in population size, but 12th (91,170) in population per postsecondary institution. Nationally, 77% of states are less burdensome to their higher education systems than is Louisiana. In the South, Louisiana’s higher education system is more heavily burdened than systems in 65% of all other states. In the end, our concern must not be just about the state budget at this moment in time. Such a view is
Organizational News space is provided at no charge as a courtesy for university recognized Greek and Student Organizations. The space of such articles is limited to 150 words. Submissions of this Organizational News must adhere to the same polices as other submissions or letters to the editor, but must also include the name of the organization. All views expressed in The Lion’s Roar are those of the author or, if unsigned, those of the staff of The Lion’s Roar. These views should not be interpreted as the views of the administration, faculty or students of Southeastern Louisiana University. A single issue of The Lion’s Roar is free. Additional copies may be purchased for 50 cents
-Dr. Kurt Corbello, PhD: Political Science
THE LION ’S ROAR - STAFF
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES The Lion’s Roar is the official newspaper of the students of Southeastern Louisiana University. It has been in continuous publication since 1937. Submissions and letters to the editor are welcomed, but the editor of The Lion’s Roar reserves the right to edit all submissions for grammar, libel and available space or refuse publication without notification. Submissions must include the author’s full name and either phone number, e-mail or other contact information (not to be published). Faculty and staff members should include their title and department. Students should include their classification and major. By submitting an article for publication, the author understands that the submission will be edited.
shortsighted because it ignores the fact that higher education is an investment in the future. Even then, the average college student at a public institution in Louisiana is struggling to fulfill dreams. Most students have little money, often working one, two or three jobs. Many have families. Others are changing careers. Most of our students in are able to go to college because they can drive to one within 30 miles of their families, children and jobs. Closing public colleges and universities in Louisiana negatively alters the logistics and deprives students of the promise of a better life. Anyone who wishes to engage in an honest and informed debate regarding higher education in Louisiana should maintain a high standard that requires access to the best available data, not the most readily available and unfounded assumptions.
in the Old Student Union 1303 (Student Union West 1303). Annual mail subscriptions are $35 within the continental U.S. The Lion’s Roar, in its print form, associated Web sites and CD/DVD versions are designated public forums. Student editors have the authority to make content decisions without censorship or prior approval. The Lion’s Roar also defends the rights of student journalists relative to freedom of speech and press as stated in Amendment I of the Constitution of the United States of America. The Lion’s Roar is published through the Office of Student Publications, part of the Division for Student Affairs. It is published weekly during regular semesters and monthly during the summer semester.
Editor in Chief Assistant Editor Campus Life Editor Sports Editor
Megan Ferrando William Schmidt Megan McCormick Heather Jewell
Distribution Jake Treadway Advertising Assistant Nicholas Walsh
Administrative Assistant Heather Collins Coordinator Lorraine F. Peppo Director Lee E. Lind
CONTACT General Offices Old Student Union 1303 Mailing Address The Lion’s Roar SLU 10877 Hammond, LA 70402 E-mail lionsroar@selu.edu Telephone Numbers 985-549-3527 (newsroom) 985-549-3842 (fax) 985-549-3748 (advertising) 985-549-3731 (Student Publications) www.lionsroarnews.com www.selu.edu/lionsroar
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
PAGE 4 MARCH 8, 2016
THE LION’S ROAR
Friends sip for annual ‘Tea with Friends’ BY TIFFANY NESBIT Staff Reporter
A tea of dedication was made to the grand lady of Hammond Arts and Cultural activities Marjorie Morrison. Morrison’s recent passing inspired this year’s annual Friends of Sims Library (FOSL) Tea with Friends. It was held on the second floor of Sims Memorial Library Mar. 5 at 2 p.m. As a sign of dedication for her contribution to the university and the city of Hammond, FOSL passed out specially designed cookies. The selected cookies were shaped like little heeled shoes, in honor of Morrison’s style. The cookies were kindly donated from Kookie Kreations by Robin Lindsey. Along with shoe shaped cookies, the tables set for Tea with Friends were garnished with bouquets of flowers straight from Morrison’s personal garden. The glassware was part of the director of the Sims Library Eric Johnson’s personal collection, and the fine chocolates were donated by local business Zocalisa Fine Chocolates. Board president of FOSL Michael Ledet had the honor of addressing the guest speakers and historians Johnson and Catherine Tijerino, who developed the book titled “Images of America: Hammond.” The two historians explained the information for each of
the historical images throughout their book along with left out images that did not make the cut. Each picture engaged the audience and reminded them of the earlier years of the town of Hammond. “The audience was excited,” said historian partner of Ledet, Patricia Brady. “They were trying to identify all of their family and friends.” The audience was intrigued with excitement and full of questions such as, “Where is this book sold?” and “How long did it take to find all this information?” “It was a lot of fun,” said new member of FOSL board Carole Lachney. “This is the first year I attended. I am a new member of the FOSL. It was great because the speakers talked about putting their new book together. In addition, we got to hear about the background information about the photographs that were not included in the fifty to seventy word count under the pictures.” Attendees look forward to more fun-filled Tea with Friends in the future. “This year was a record turn out,” said Johnson. “The food was wonderful and the audience was great and very involved with the event. This year is my fifth year attending, and it will not be the last. I am excited to see how the next turn out will be.” You can check out the book “Images of America: Hammond” at the Sims Memorial Library.
The Lion’s Roar / Tiffany Nesbit
New board member of the Friends of Sims Library (FOSL) Carole Lachney enjoys her tea as she speaks about Marjorie Morrisons contribution to Southeastern and the city of Hammond (left). Guest speakers Eric Johnson and Cathy Tijerino (right) signed their newly published book “Images of America: Hammond”.
Awards go out to theatre festival recipients BY ELIZABETH BROWN Staff Reporter
Recently, many faculty members and students from the university took part in the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF). The festival was located at Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas from Feb. 24 to 27. Attending students included Kalee Broussard, Chelsey Davis, Justin Davis, Rachel Davis, Neal Eli, Anthony Gary, Misty Gros, Michelle Guillot, Provence Hatfield, Jaimee Rome, Natalia Timotina and Olivia Waguespack. However, only one went to the finals. According to theatre instructor Chad Winters, senior music major Provence Hatfield received a certificate for being one of the 14 Music Theatre Initative (MTI) finalists in the festival. Going into the festival, Hatfield felt confident in herself, but once she actually made it to the festival, the reality exceeded her expectations.
“I felt really good going into the festival,” said Hatfield. “It was really overwhelming at first just because there was a lot of people there. Not only that, the climate, Texas climate is a lot drier than Louisiana climate so my voice was going out, so I had to buy saline solution and drink a lot of water to make sure my voice didn’t go out while I was auditioning. Other than that, everything was super cool. Everyone was really nice and I liked it.” After the festival, Hatfield felt positive about what she gained from the experience. “I’m really excited about everything that I learned from the master classes that I went to and the critique I got back on my performance,” said Hatfield. Hatfield also has newfound hopes for the future, pushing her closer and closer to her dream. “I just received an email earlier this week from the Open Jar Institute, a Broadway training institute, asking me to do an interview and I am being considered for
a possible student residency program in September where I’ll go and get Broadway training and an agent who will start getting me auditions for Broadway shows. So, that’s really exciting,” said Hatfield. According to Hatfield, she has always loved theatre because of all that goes into it and it allows her to express herself. “[Theatre] is always something I’ve really, really enjoyed doing,” said Hatfield. “I’ve always wanted to be on Broadway. That’s been my dream ever since I was a little girl, and I feel like this festival has helped me get one step closer in reaching my goal.” Alongside Hatfield, the university received a certificate from the Kennedy Center in honor of the presentation of the two musical numbers performed from “High and Mighty,” and by attending an open audition, junior general studies major Olivia Waguespack and senior art major Taylor Michel were cast in and performed in two 10-minute plays at the festival. As for the faculty, voice
professor Steven Rushing performed in a devised work created at the festival while multiple faculty members presented master classes. Theatre instructor Mignon Charvet presented a master class on making leather masks and other leather costume crafts; Winters presented on the actor’s studio and method acting; Rushing presented on back breathing and theatre associate professor James Winter and “High and Mighty” writer Donna Gay Anderson both presented on staging new works.
According to Winters, senior theatre major Anthony Gary was the only other student to be individually awarded by receiving an honorable mention for makeup design for “High and Mighty” in the Design/Technology/ Management (DTM) category. Once Gary found out he received an honorable mention, he was completely in shock and glad he could be a part of all of it. “To be very honest, I did not expect to win, being that honorable mention is one of the only things you can win
specifically for makeup design at the KCACTF festival,” said Gary. “There were so many amazing displays and responses at the DTM exhibit. I was just happy to be there with other designers and learn how other designers from different cities and states approach their shows. To say the very least, I was extremely overjoyed.” Gary, who is soon to graduate, has greater plans to continue pursuing his growing passion.
see FESTIVAL pg. 6
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
THE LION’S ROAR
MARCH 8, 2016, 2016 PAGE 5
Local authors to inspire community through ‘Celebrating the Written Word’ literary journey BY LARSHELL GREEN Staff Reporter
In Downtown Hammond, attendees will soon be taken on a literary journey during an annual celebration. According to hammondarts.org, Celebrating the Written Word will be returning for the third year on Saturday, Mar. 12 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. in various Downtown Hammond locations such as: The Hammond Regional Arts Center (HRAC), City Council Chambers, the Tangipahoa Parish Library, Sip & Spa Tea Room, Nortech and the Columbia Theatre. According to Executive Director of HRAC Katherine Marquette, Celebrating the Written Word was created by local author Katie Wainwright. According to Marquette, the festivities will include a closing reception complete with music, food and social networking. In addition, a new attraction will be included to enhance the ambiance of the festivities.
“This is the first year in which the Author’s Party is open to all registered attendees and provides folks an excellent opportunity for bragging rights,” said Marquette. “After all, how many people get to say they’ve rubbed elbows with a poet laureate? Those who attend will be able to do just that and show off at their next dinner party. That alone is worth the price of admission.” Erica Spindler will be a keynote speaker. A special reading by Louisiana poet laureate (a poet appointed by the government) Peter Cooley, will be included as well as participation from other local authors such as: Kurt Amaker, Lyn Gibson, Randolph Thomas, Pamela Cali Bankston, Barry Hebert, Cathy H. Tijerino, Barry Bradford, Eric Johnson, Kim Vaz-Deville, Deborah Burst, Howard Nichols, Wainwright, Mary Katherine Callaway, Matthew Sigur, Kent Wascom and Wendy Duhe Woods. Media Coordinator for the HRAC Tara Bennett describes the extensive
preparation that went into organizing Celebrating the Written Word. “It’s not an easy process that’s for sure,” said Bennett. “Like writing a book, it takes time to plan festivals such as these. You have to make time to build the literary community that you want to support, or it won’t happen. The committee for the festival spent weeks working together in order to bring a great festival and to ensure there was something for everyone, be it new book recommendations, how to promote yourself via social media or learning how to write food critiques.” According to Bennett, Hammond has an, “active literary community” which includes book clubs, writing groups and seasoned authors that help to make this event successful. “It’s always great fun at the festival each year, whether it is by listening to beautiful poetry or chatting with others who were also blown away by the great panel you’ve both attended,” said Bennett. “It can be a real joy to meet the gifted writer and make a
heartfelt connection that may even turn into a long-term friendship.” Sims Memorial Library Director and author Johnson has been part of the committee that planned Celebrating the Written Word for the last two years, as well as introducing some of the authors to their audiences. “I’m delighted to be part of Celebrating the Written Word as an author this time,” said Johnson. “I had a chance to listen to many different authors speak about their work. Hearing an author talk about their writing, whether it be themes, style or just the mechanics, enhances the experience of reading their books.” Johnson encourages attendance at Celebrating the Written Word to get more of an intimate connection between author and reader. “It’s not as large as other literary festivals, which results in a higher level of contact with the authors,” said Johnson. “Plus you have the opportunity to get signed copies of their books, which is also part of the fun.”
Marquette discusses the importance of arts in the community and how attending Celebrating the Written Word can be enjoyable for avid readers or authors-to-be. “An author doing a reading/ book-signing is a pretty common occurrence; however, a dozen makes this a game-changer,” said Marquette. “Access to the arts is an essential part of any strong community. The arts are important because they connect us to one another-across culture, ethnicity, religion, race, political party…you name it. The arts have the power to unite. They allow us to find commonalities, to connect with complete strangers in profound ways.” Registration costs $35 per person and includes access to a full day of workshops, panel discussions and master classes which will be hosted by the guest authors. For more information on Celebrating the Written Word, visit the HRAC’s website at hammondarts.org or call 985-542-7113.
Varied art styles showcased at juried exhibition BY KARSON SHARP Staff Reporter
This past Thursday, Mar. 3, students from different areas of the art department received a chance to showcase their work. This opportunity was the thirteenth annual Juried Student Exhibition that displayed over 300 pieces this year. The art pieces were a diverse collection containing concepts from graphic design, sculpture, painting and the occasional interactive piece. Several of the students received not only a chance to show their art but also awards. Respectively, the categories and winners of the event were: best in ceramics, Bibbet Robison; best in sculpture, Jordan Hartney; best in drawing, Jacob Roig; best in new media and animation, Ira Wayne Cook; best in
ARIES (March 21 to April 19) The week promises a calmer aspect. Although there might be some lingering effects of a recent job problem, things should continue to ease up. Also expect a change in a home-based situation. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) If you feel uneasy about a colleague’s suggestion, it might be that your wise inner Taurean guide is alerting you to a potential problem. Stepping away could turn out to be the right thing to do. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) A family get-together opens up new opportunities for renewing ties. It can be especially effective in dealing with disagreements that should have been, but never were, fully resolved. CANCER (June 21 to July 22) You might be surprised at the response you get to a recent decision. You might be even more surprised by the reasons behind it. In any event, you’ll learn something important. LEO (July 23 to August 22) Your aspects favor resolving any tensions left over from a recent incident. You might want to consider having a “clear the air” talk as soon as you can. A call can lead to a change of plans. VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Avoid repeating yourself. If your first few efforts fail to connect, maybe it’s because you haven’t found the right way to get your message across. Try changing your approach. LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Good intentions plus a strong
painting, Brianna Reeves; best of 3-D graphic design, Chelsea Penton; best in print making, Lauryn Lebouf; best in photography, Randi Major; best in foundations, Elisa Gauthreaux; best in graphic design and in typography in graphic design, Sarah Amacker; best in show, Trent resolve to succeed can take you where you want to go. Don’t give up just because someone suggests you might be pursuing an impossible cause. SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) An unexpected setback can be a blessing in disguise. Use it to recheck your facts and how you’ve presented them. Meanwhile, look for ways to expand your contacts. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) You should finally be seeing a positive change in a recent personal situation. However, an on-the-job matter might need more attention than you realized. Stay with it. CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) While you should be close to completing an important matter, you still need to focus on being focused. But things ease up in time for weekend fun with family and friends. AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) A certain matter might take an unexpected turn. Don’t simply accept it; ask for an explanation. What you learn might be helpful in shifting the situation around to your benefit. PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Projecting a positive attitude helps restore calm even when you’re confronting some pretty stormy situations. Stay the course. The outcome will be well worth your efforts. BORN THIS WEEK: While you enjoy tradition and stability, you also appreciate the good things that change can bring. (c) 2016 King Features Synd., Inc.
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Pechon. The award recipients all received gift certificates of $50 to various art suppliers along with more specific prizes depending on the award. Many of the winners, like Robison, provided commentary after the award ceremony. “I’m so excited,” said Robison. “It feels good to win, because I worked very hard for this, but I’m also very grateful.” Others who won explained inspiration for their work, such as Roig in his “Cosmic Love” piece. “The name of the piece is ‘Cosmic Love,’” said Roig. “My inspiration behind it was same-sex relationships
The Lion’s Roar / Karson Sharp
Senior art major Jessica Warner (above left) kneels beside one of her pieces in the show, titled “Sea pot with Sea cup.” Warner hoped to create something to resemble an old ship. To accomplish this, she used a glaze to create barnacles at the battom of the tea pot. The other sections are meant to resemble a hull of rusted iron. All artist stand together holding their rewards for the show. and the conflict that they go through and how media and society affects that. I used different colored threads to make the constellations on it: Watercolor paper, watercolor. I also used ink transfers to really put the stars and stripes look on it. It was my second attempt at watercolor. I haven’t really tried watercolor in a weave before, but it’s always an idea that’s appealed to me.
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The difficulty was definitely adjusting to a medium like watercolor. I haven’t dealt with it much before that. And also, I hadn’t worked much with ink transfers either, so a lot of it was just new stuff for me, very experimental through a lot of the concepts as well. So, the piece was absolutely a challenge, as I hadn’t worked much with thread, ink transfers or watercolor before.”
Refreshments were also provided at the event including coffee, punch, cubed cheese and a large assortment of fruit. The exhibition will last until Apr. 1. The Contemporary Art Gallery is free and open to the public. For further information, visit the university’s homepage or the gallery’s Facebook page “SLU Contemporary Art Gallery.”
SPONSORING
PAGE 6 MARCH 8, 2016
SPORTS
THE LION’S ROAR
A look into the career of Yolanda Moore
Courtesy of Sports Information
Head Coach Yolanda Moore came to Southeastern after successfully coaching the LSU Eunice women’s basketball team to their first conference championship in school history in 2014.
BY JONATHAN RHODES Staff Reporter
Head women’s basketball Coach Yolanda Moore is about to complete her second season of coaching the team. Moore is also a motivational speaker and wrote a book entitled “You Will Win If You Don’t Quit”. Before coming to Southeastern she coached the LSU Eunice women’s basketball team to their first conference championship. Before coaching, Moore was a women’s basketball analyst for Fox Sports South in 2005 and for the Memphis Grizzlies in 2007. She had a very successful playing career finishing as a three-time All-Southeastern Conference post player at Ole Miss and was inducted into the Sports Ole Miss hall of fame. Moore also won two WNBA championships in the inaugural years of the WNBA. The Lion’s Roar: How have you felt about the team this season? Yolanda Moore: I am pleased with the effort our team has shown all season long. We had a very grueling nonconference schedule, and we took some big losses early. I am proud that our team never lost their hunger or desire to come out and compete every night. TLR: Can you describe
see FESTIVAL pg. 4 “After graduating this semester, I am planning to attend graduate school for costume design either at Texas State, in San Marcos, or University of Southern Mississippi,” said Gary. “Like many, we plan to work for Broadway or off Broadway. My dream is just to do what I truly love, and that is theatre. No matter how I am working, it has to be in any relation to theatre. I have always been involved with the arts since I could pick up a color pencil. Needless to say, the arts are my life.” Looking back on the festival, Winters, along with other faculty and staff members, feel proud to call the students who participated their own and felt that their experiences of it was unlike any other. “We are all very proud of our students’ hard work,” said Winters. “I think they represented Southeastern very well and everyone made the most out of their time at the festival. The experience they received is priceless.”
your passion for the game of basketball? YM: My passion for the game of basketball is indescribable. Basketball has been a huge part of my life since I was eight years old, and it has afforded me opportunities that I would not have otherwise had. I am grateful for all of the lessons I’ve learned along the way and the skills and abilities that I have been able to transfer into other areas of my life. TLR: When did you start playing basketball? YM: I started playing basketball when I was in third grade. TLR: What was it like playing in the Women’s National Basketball Association in its early years? YM: The WNBA in its early years was phenomenal and being part of the history of the WNBA is something that I will always treasure. Winning the first ever championship in the WNBA was so meaningful for me because of all of the obstacles I had to overcome to reach that point in my life and in my career. TLR: When did you realize you wanted to start coaching? YM: I’ve always known I wanted to coach. I always wanted to give back to the game of basketball as much as it had
given me. For me, the best way to do that was to help other young ladies who, like myself, love the sport and wanted to be the very best at it. TLR: Why did you decide to coach at Southeastern? YM: I decided to coach at Southeastern because of the potential I saw in the program. The community connectedness to the university and the commitment to academic excellence among its studentathletes is one of the reasons I chose to coach here. TLR: Was it difficult to leave LSU Eunice after having success there? YM: It’s always tough to leave players you have created a bond with. Coach Jeff Willis, the athletic director at LSUE, saw my potential as a coach and gave me an opportunity, and I will forever be grateful to him for that. I appreciate my time in Eunice albeit brief. It was difficult to leave the players because of what we had accomplished together in such a short time and giving the school its first ever conference championship in women’s basketball is something that I will always cherish. TLR: What is life like away from basketball with your family? YM: Basketball takes up
a lot of my time. I have four children. My oldest is grown, my middle daughter is a freshman at ULL and the twins are in the second grade. I don’t see the others much, but the twins are with me pretty much all the time at practice and at games. My life is pretty busy, and I don’t get much “free time” away from basketball. Even when I am home, I am doing something basketball related, even if it’s just watching film. I try to do as much as I can when we do get a rare day off.
TLR: Do you get to write or do any motivational speaking now? YM: I am working on my second book, and I have been booked for a couple of speaking engagements but it is tough to do that during the season and even during the offseason. I love sharing my story to empower others so I do it as often as I can. TLR: What was it like working as an analyst for radio and television? YM: That was fun and I
hope to get back into it at some point. You get to see just how fast the game is being played. You don’t realize it while you are playing or coaching but as an analyst, you get to see all perspectives of the game. TLR: How do you think your team will fair in these next few games? YM: Even though we won’t make the tournament, I expect our team to come out and compete for our final two games of the season.
SPORTS
THE LION’S ROAR
MARCH 8, 2016 PAGE 7
Rooftop Baseball Bash hits off with team win, food and fun BY KARSON SHARP Staff Reporter
Lion spirit ran high at the first official rooftop pep rally for the baseball team’s game against Tulane on the evening of Tuesday, Mar. 2. The Lions baseball team in a joint effort with the Campus Activities Board hosted a pep rally that provided students with school spirit a chance to support the baseball team and receive free giveaways. Some items given away included Campus Activity Board T-shirts, as well as half-sleeve baseball shirts. Free beverages and Cane’s chicken fingers were also provided. According to senior criminal justice major Stephen Sommers, the rally was an idea of the Campus Activities Board. It was held on the fourth floor, the rooftop level, of the parking garage near Strawberry Stadium. “My new boss at CAB, Nick, he was brainstorming about what to do to get more people to the game,” said Sommers. “I was like, ‘You know, people come out here already. Why don’t we do a school sponsored tailgate to get people out here?’ We’ve come up here before, but it’s always been unofficial.” Along with the opportunity to hang out and support the baseball team, students had the opportunity to “Lion Up” with the new gear
provided at the pep rally. “We gave away 300 half-sleeve baseball t-shirts,” said Sommers. “Then we gave away, I think, 400 Raising Cane’s chicken fingers.” Sommers also pointed out that the weather could have helped with the event’s turnout. The air was cool without being cold; The sky was partly cloudy against a golden evening, and a light breeze further cooled those in attendance. “The weather is just awesome right now,” said Sommers. “We were actually worried last week because there was supposed to be an eighty percent chance of rain this afternoon, but it’s perfect today. This is a big game against Tulane, and we wanted a good turnout.” Approximately 300 fans were in attendance, ensuring the rally had a strong turnout and a life of its own long after it opened at 4 p.m. Other events have been held on the rooftop, but this is one of the first official ones this year. “The turnout here has been pretty good, I think,” said Sommers. “It’s our first tailgate, we just got a new director. He’s still getting used to things at Southeastern, but I think the turnout here is pretty good. Because people have come out before and done this, like Sunday, we did a mixer. It was a Greek event, a mixer between Kappa Sigma and Sigma Sigma Sigma. We probably only had about 30 to 40 people here. We just hung out, but this is like, a real Southeastern thing.”
The Lion’s Roar / Morgan Ledet
Organizations, including the Campus Activity Board (above) joined in on the fun during the Rooftop Baseball Bash he;d before the Lions team took on the waves.
Lions and Lady Lions shot down by Colonels Women’s Basketball
Men’s Basketball
BY JONATHAN RHODES
BY ELIZABETH BROWN
Staff Reporter
In the final game of the season, the Lady Lions lost to Nicholls State 52-70 this past Saturday at Stopher Gymnasium. The Lady Lions have lost their last six games, finishing the season with a record of (4-25, 3-15 in Southland). “We had 22 turnovers and we allowed them to get too many offensive rebounds and we didn’t make shots and that was the game,” said Head Lady Lions Basketball Coach Yolanda Moore. The Lady Colonels jumped to a 4-12 lead in the first quarter. A three pointer by sophomore guard Taylin Underwood made the score 11-15 with 2:45 remaining in the quarter. However, the Lady Colonels’ Cassidy Barrios put back her own miss at the buzzer to make the score 15-20 at the end of the quarter. The Lady Colonels scored the first five points of the second quarter. However, senior guard Peaches Anderson made a three-pointer, senior forward Nanna Pool made a layup, and Underwood hit another threepointer to cut the score to 24-25 with 4:34 to go in the quarter.
The Lady Colonels answered with a three-pointer and sophomore guard Bre Warren made a three also to keep the game close at 27-28. The only lead the Lady Lions had in the game was with 2:28 left during the 14-3 run. The basket was made by Underwood to make the score 29-28. Pool made a layup after the Lady Colonels answered the with a threepointer to tie the game. The Lady Colonels took back the lead with three free throws and a final layup with nine seconds left to end the half with a score of 33-36. The Lady Colonels started the second half with a 8-2 run. The Lady Lions pulled the game closer after a basket made by junior forward Chey Stewart assisted by Underwood to make the score 41-45 at the 4:15 mark. However, the Lady Colonels finished the quarter on another 8-2 run to make the score 43-53. Underwood made a layup early in the fourth quarter to cut the lead to 45-53. Underwood also made a pair of free throws with 3:22 left to cut the lead to single digits 51-60, but the Lady Colonels’ Taylor Morrison scored eight straight points to at the close of the game to put it out of reach. Underwood led the Lady
Lions in points with 21 and had six assists and seven total rebounds. Pool finished the game with nine total rebounds making it 1,002 rebounds for her career. She is now one of only of five Lady Lions players to have recorded at least 1,000 rebounds in her career. Four Lady Lion seniors played their last game of their college careers: Pool, Anderson, guard KaeLynn Boyd and guard Erica Hernandez. “Playing at Southeastern, I became a better person, and it helped me grow from where I used to be,” said Pool. Despite not finishing this season with a winning record, Coach Moore still sees a very bright future for the Lady Lions. “We have a team that works hard and plays hard from start to finish and that is the most important thing moving forward,” said Coach Moore. “I am excited about the future of our program. We have some good, talented kids coming in and we have some talented players returning. Just the fact that they work hard is enough for me. I can work with that.” To see the results of every game for the Lady Lions this season, visit lionsports.net.
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junior forward Jordan Capps, tried to retake the lead by tying the score at 9-9, but they remained behind. At 8:19, junior center Dominic Nelson added two This past weekend, the Lions basketball team more points to the score, 11-13, but the team could took on its in-state rival Nicholls State University not level the score. From here, the Colonels pulled in their final game of the regular season, but fell further ahead by continuing to widen the gap with short of victory. The team trailed the Colonels for the furthest, in the first half, by 11 points at 11-22. In the majority of the game, finishing with a 19-point the fourth minute, the Lions narrowed the gap with gap at 45-64. back-to-back plays by Jackson, junior guard Joshua On Saturday, Mar. 5 at 3:30 p.m. in Thibodaux, Filmore, freshman guard Marlain Veal and senior the Lions took on the Colonels. guard JaMichael Hawkins, but the team could not To start the game, freshman forward Moses manage to come out on top in the first half, finishing Greenwood made a good layup with an assist from with a final 3-pointer by Capps in the final second to senior guard Zay Jackson, advancing the Lions make the score 22-28. 2-0. Following this was another successful layup In the second half, Nicholls started off with two by Jackson advancing the team to 4-3, but from plays by Adam Ward in the 19th minute, advancing this point forward, the Lions trailed the Colonels. the score to 23-32. Following this, the Lions made A few minutes later in the 12th and 10th minutes, multiple turnovers and rebounds, but stayed behind the team, with the help of two successful plays by the Colonels. In the 12th minute, freshman guard Dimi Cook made a three-pointer followed by two back-to-back plays by the Colonels shortly after. Of those two Colonel plays, the second one at 9:29 created one of the largest point-gaps in the game at 28-46. In the sixth minute, sophomore forward James Currington made a good layup, but the Colonels continued to surpass the Lions with multiple back-to-back plays until the fourth minute where two good layups were made by Capps, breaking their streak. These two plays by Capps put the score at 36-58. Although the team remained behind, in the final two minutes, the Lions made multiple successful plays including a 3-pointer by Cook and four good free throws by Nelson, Cook and Veal. The game finished at the final score of 4564. In the game, the overall performance was far from the normal performance that the team usually puts on. With Nicholls now advancing to the tournament as the No. 7 seed, Head Coach men’s basketball Jay Ladner expressed his disappointment. “I was really disappointed,” said Ladner. “As the secured No. 5 seed, I was concerned about our motivation for the game as far as the players were concerned. An athlete should be motivated whether there’s anything on the line or not, but the reality of it is that I think our players took the attitude of The Lion’s Roar / Kelonda Dixon ‘well, we can’t increase our seeding or lose our Senior guard Zay Jackson was named to the All-Conference seeding.’ I don’t think it was a conscious effort. team as announced by the Southland Office yesterday. Subconsciously, we went through the motions. We Jackson was an honorable mention on the All-Conference played very poorly.” Looking forward to the Southland Conference team last season. Tournament, Ladner feels that the team needs to get more serious This Week’s Puzzle AnsWers about the games. “We’ll find out from this point forward, the games are for real, meaning that the next loss and we’ll be finished,” said Ladner. “We have to go take care of business and hopefully we’ll bounce back. We’ve got to get refocused and understand now that all the remaining teams Sponsored By have an equal shot at winning the THURSDAY, FRIDAY, & SATURDAY championship.” Up next for the Lions is their $1 Tacos first game in the post-season After 10 p.m. against the No. 8 seed on Wed., 201 E. Thomas St. Hammond, LA 70401 Mar. 9 at 5 p.m. in Katy, Texas. Staff Reporter
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THE LION’S ROAR
Christmas trees deployed in wetlands BY IAN FISCHER Staff Reporter
This past Friday, instructor of biological sciences and Director of Turtle Cove Environmental Research Station Dr. Robert Moreau and three students from his class took Christmas trees which were donated to scientists for research to the Turtle Cove Environmental Research Station. On Mar. 4, the trees were stacked up in the back of the research station, which sits on the bank of Pass Manchac. According to Moreau, scientists will come in at a later date and place the trees into ditches created by loggers. The effort is all part of a five-year research program to test whether or not the Christmas trees can be used to collect sediment and turn the ditches into restored marshland. “It was a nice, beautiful day to take Christmas trees out in the marsh,” said Moreau. Moreau took the crew on a tour of the marshlands behind the research station to a logging ditch where previous Christmas trees were dropped off. There was a flood earlier in the year which, according to Moreau, killed much of the marsh grass. Despite this, Bull’s Tongue, a species of marsh grass, was growing out of some Christmas trees from previous deployments in the ditches. The three biology students attending enjoyed the opportunity to have hands-on experience at the research station and on the boat. They were senior biology majors Kristen Holmes, Matthew Hoover and Amanda Bergeron. “It’s nice to be able to see what you’re learning in class actually does something,” said Bergeron. “As a biology student it’s nice to be out in nature and see it rather than just read about it.” According to Moreau, an estimated 35,000 Christmas trees have been dropped off in the past 20 years. The program used to be much bigger, but budgetary
The Lion’s Roar / Ian Fischer
Senior biology major Matthew Hoover loads Christmas trees into the back of the pontoon boat (above). Dr. Robert Moreau describes the experiment to biology majors, Amanda Bergeron , Hoover and Kristin Holmes (below). changes caused a change in strategy. “I really like the idea of this new experiment that we are doing, because I think that has a lot of value,” said Moreau. “In coastal Louisiana, one of the biggest problems is, in terms of wetland loss, canals and salt water intrusion. So, I’m very excited about this project and if it does work then maybe it’s something we can hand over to the Governor’s CPRA, Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority as a program that can be used around the state.” Turtle Cove Environmental Research Station is only accessible by boat. Moreau and his crew had to load the trees from their boat launch site in Galva Canal, then travel down the canal and into Pass Manchac where the research station is located. It takes nearly 30 minutes to reach the research station, with active wildlife along the way. Bergeron wished she would have had the opportunity to catch a ribbon snake the crew encountered during the drop off. Moreau was close to catching it but the snake slipped away under
ROCK continued from pg. 1 Director Julie Perise, it was Rock ‘n Roar’s 20-year anniversary. Rock ‘n Roar is an event which coincides with the Literary Rally. While visiting high school students are at the university waiting for their tests, members from student and alumni organizations and academic faculty set up stands demonstrating who they are. Student organizations raised money by hosting different activities for students and selling food. “This is one of those few times where all of these people come together for the good of the university,” said Perise. “And I think that’s really cool.”
The Lion’s Roar / Ian Fischer
the research station. According to Moreau, the snakes enjoy the warm sun in the cool air. Both snakes and alligators were visible on the boat trip. At the research station, Moreau talked about the history of the station. It was originally a hunting lodge built by a logging businessman Edward G. Schlieder in 1908. The university acquired a 99-year lease for it from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries in
According to Perise, the recordbreaking turnout was likely due to the high schools getting more students to show up. Each academic department had an interactive display with activities for the visiting high school students. For example, the Department of Educational Training had students take selfies with historical props, the Department of Mathematics tangled people in a rope puzzle and the Department of Chemistry and Physics had a variety of experiments on display. Computer science professor Dr. KouoPao Yang ran a stand demonstrating robotics to interested high school students. He demonstrated how Java was used for the sensors in both wired and wireless robots at his stand. He enjoyed presenting
1981. Moreau has been in charge of the station since 2001 after his predecessor, Dr. Robert Hastings, retired. Moreau said the area is favored by Gov. John Bel Edwards who comes to hunt and enjoy the nature. To find out more about the Turtle Cove Research Station and the Christmas tree drop off, visit the university home page and look under academics and academic programs, Turtle Cove.
to the visiting students. “I saw a lot of students who are interested in our robotics projects,” said Yang. Freshman orientation leaders took the opportunity to give visiting high school students tours of the campus. “It’s fun to try to recruit a little bit,” said freshman communication major and freshman orientation leader John Sartori. “All the kids were really great and really interested in it.” According to the Literary Rally website, first place winners were awarded a $100 scholarship if they attend Southeastern for both fall and summer semesters. The high school competitors can win up to four scholarships.
Retired Olympic athlete to speak about obstacles BY LARSHELL GREEN Staff Reporter
When an athlete sets remarkable goals and reaches them, the only other place to go is up. Olympian high jumper Hollis Conway is known for soaring above obstacles in his life and remains successful on and off the track field. Hollis will be giving a speech titled: “Overcoming Obstacles: Reaching Your Maximum Potential” on Tuesday, Mar. 15 at 1:00 p.m. in the Student Union Theatre. Conway has won state at Fair Park High School in Shreveport, Louisiana. He then became a college athlete at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette where he became a six-time NCAA AllAmerican winner and three-time NCAA winner as a track and field high jumper. Conway went on to compete in the Olympics in 1988 when he won a silver medal, and in 1992 when he won a bronze medal. “It’s always a great honor,” said Conway. “If you have an opportunity to win and you don’t win, it doesn’t feel as good.” According to Conway,
Department Head of Kinesiology and Health Studies Dr. Edward Hebert helped come up with the idea for him to speak. “Generally, I speak from my personal experiences and things I’ve seen across the country,” said Conway. “Life is full of obstacles and me being a high jumper, the goal is to get over obstacles.” According to Conway, he wants audiences to feel inspired and motivated after his speech. “What makes the difference is the stories that inspire people,” said Conway. “Inspirational stories motivate people and give them something to relate to.” Conway currently works as an area director for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes of Northeast Louisiana and often speaks at universities, middle schools and high schools. According to Conway, his decision to build a career in ministry, as an ordained minister, stems from some of his lifelong goals. “It’s something I’ve been doing all my life,” said Conway. “Lots of schools and groups ask me to come and share. I have a desire to give solutions to some of the problems in the community
and I want to be a part of the solution.” After retiring from high jumping in 2001, Conway has also founded and serves as the president of the nonprofit motivational speaking organization, Overcoming Obstacles Inc. “It’s another way to give back to the community,” said Conway. According to Conway, he believes that being successful in both athletics and ministry are similar. “One of the most important hindrances to people being successful in life is obstacles,” said Conway. “I think the underlying characteristics in being successful in anything is discipline, dedication and focus. You can use those same characteristics in any area of your life. There is no magic formula.” Conway has also written two books titled, “Yes I Can: Principles of Successful Living” and “Grasshopper: The Hollis Conway Story.” According to Conway, “Grasshopper: The Hollis Conway Story” is a children’s book based on his personal testimonies. He talks about his
childhood and dreams in the book. “It’s very inspirational for kids and lets them know they can be successful,” said Conway. According to Conway, “Yes I Can: Principles of Successful Living” is a compilation of illustrations and stories on what it takes to be successful. The book includes his life experiences as well as the experiences of people in politics, sports and movies. Conway remains thankful for his success in both his personal and professional life. “I’m thankful for God allowing me to live the life I lived,” said Conway. “That includes athletic success and success in my marriage and with my job and children. I’m thankful for the opportunity to give back and my job. Life is about appreciating every aspect of it and the people that helped you.” The presentation will be free and open to the public, but attendees are encouraged to bring canned food or other items to donate to the Southeastern Food Pantry. For more information on Conway, visit his website at www.hollisconway.com.
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NATION
CLINTON, TRUMP NOTCH WINS IN LOUISIANA PRIMARIES NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Both billionaire Donald Trump and former secretary of state Hillary Clinton will go into the next round of voting Tuesday with wins in Louisiana’s presidential primary. Louisiana was one of five states with contests Saturday. Clinton beat out Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders for the Louisiana Democratic primary win while Trump bested Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and Ohio Gov. John Kasich for victory in the Republican primary contest. For many voters Trump’s outsider stance and political independence added to his allure. “I’m tired of what’s going on in Washington. We need a change,” said Jim Gillen, 73, a retired oil refinery worker who voted in Baton Rouge. “Cruz and Rubio, they’re part of Washington.” In the New Orleans suburb of Metairie, Arnold Benitez, 80, voted with his son. Both cast their ballots for Trump. “Trump. I’ll vote for him all the time,” Benitez said. “He’s a better man. He’s what people really want to say, what people want to hear. And he’ll get the job done.” Cruz was running second in Louisiana as Rubio appeared a distant third. Trump also won in Kentucky. But Cruz victories in Kansas and Maine ensure that there will be no quick end to what has been a bruising Republican race. Many in the GOP worry that a Trump victory would lead to a disastrous November election and have been looking for a way to derail him. But both Benitez and his son cautioned that if there was a sense that the Republican establishment somehow maneuvered to keep Trump from the nomination, many Republicans might just stay home come November. “I think they fear him because if he gets in he will clean up Washington,” said David. Trump has tapped into a wellspring of frustration among many voters in Louisiana and elsewhere. While many economic indicators have been improving, stagnant wages for many bluecollar workers, rising rents or mortgages, and stock market
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volatility have all contributed to a sense among some voters that there’s little relief, said Joshua Stockley, associate professor of political science at the University of Louisiana at Monroe. Among those voters who feel economically and politically frustrated, Trump does very well, Stockley said. For Clinton, Louisiana marked another state in the South where she’s scored victory and this one by a large margin. Sanders won caucuses in Kansas and Nebraska on Saturday. Clinton said she was “thrilled” to add to her pledged delegate count. Speaking at a Democratic Party dinner in Detroit on Saturday night, Clinton congratulated Sanders and said she was grateful to people who supported her before turning her attention to one of the next big showdowns, this time in Michigan which votes Tuesday as does neighboring Mississippi. Clinton has drawn on strong African-American support throughout states such as South Carolina, Arkansas and Alabama to notch wins over Sanders. Jay Edwards, 78, in Baton Rouge voted for Clinton in the Democratic primary. For him, her experience was what counted. “She’s the only professional person that has worked in government and has enough competence to do a sensible job there,” he said. Edwards, professor emeritus of anthropology at LSU, said while he likes Sanders, he didn’t think Sanders could accomplish his campaign promises. Larrin Orellana, 43, voted with his family at a Metairie polling place. He said he voted for Clinton, albeit with some reservations about her trustworthiness. “I trust her more than I do the Republicans but I think she’s part of the whole, big machine. But anyone but Trump I guess,” he said. Orellana, who immigrated from Ecuador, said initially he’d been excited about a Trump candidacy but was later turned off by his rhetoric. When asked why he chose Clinton over Sanders, Orellana said Sanders was too far to the left. “I think Bernie is way too left and you need a centrist,” he said.
WORLD
NORTH KOREA AGAIN THREATENS NUKE STRIKES ON US, SOUTH KOREA SEOUL, South Korea (AP)— North Korea on Monday issued its latest belligerent threat, warning of an indiscriminate “pre-emptive nuclear strike of justice” on Washington and Seoul, this time in reaction to the start of huge U.S.South Korean military drills. Such threats have been a staple of young North Korean leader
Kim Jong Un since he took power after his dictator father’s death in December 2011. But they spike especially when Washington and Seoul stage what they call annual defensive springtime war games. Pyongyang says the drills, which started Monday and run through the end of April, are invasion rehearsals.
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