HAMMOND, LA
MARCH 26, 2019
Lions to serve the community
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
Financial aid processes clarified ZACHARY ARAKI
JOHNATHAN ZERINGUE
ASSISTANT EDITOR
STAFF REPORTER
“The Big Event” brings students together to give back to surrounding communities. Richard Davis Jr., president of the Student Government Association, discussed how the first “The Big Event” was created by a college campus. “The original ‘Big Event’ was started by student government members at Texas A&M University in 1982,” said Davis. “This was a way to say ‘Thank You’ to the surrounding community.” Madisyn Bankston, the outreach coordinator for “The Big Event,” discussed the program’s introduction to the university. “The first ‘Big Event’ took place at Southeastern in 2011,” shared Bankston. “With just over 34 job sites and 300 students giving their time to serve the community, Southeastern brought something to Hammond that would impact the community for years to come.” “The Big Event” provides the community with a way to interact with the students face to face. “Every time we call job sites that have continuously participated in ‘The Big Event’ throughout the years, they are always so thrilled to hear that our students will be providing a helping hand once again,” stated Bankston. “This has made such a difference by ensuring that our surrounding businesses and nonprofit organizations know that students from Southeastern are always here to provide a hand when needed.” Karley Bordelon, SGA director of traditions, explained how the event is a great opportunity to connect with classmates and university leaders. “At the end, we come together after ‘The Big Event’ for a nice group lunch,” shared Bordelon. “Faculty and administrators will be there, and everyone is very excited to see how the 2019 ‘Big Event’ goes with almost double the participants as last year.” In addition, “The Big Event” also offers various clubs the chance to join together to support their community. “This event has made a difference because organizations have come to rely on ‘The Big Event’ for huge, annual service projects,” explained Bordelon. “They get excited about having so many students come out and help them with whatever they need to get done.” According to Bordelon, the event led to increased
see BIG EVENT, pg. 2
Staying up to date on financial aid can help alleviate the financial burden and increasing costs of attending college. To start, students can complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Factors like expected family contribution affect how much aid a student will likely receive. According to Jacob Rester, financial aid counselor, one of the most common
CELEBRITY PRIVACY OPINION
See pg. 3
financial aid question is how much aid a student can receive each cycle. “The answer depends on many things such as the student’s EFC on their FAFSA, if they qualify for TOPS or scholarships and other factors,” explained Rester. “If a student or prospective student wants to know how much aid to expect and what expenses they’ll have, they should feel free to contact the financial aid office.” For Collin Waltz, a sophomore accounting major, his largest concern was where to send money to pay off
loans before finishing school. Waltz said, “I asked a lot of questions to a lot of different departments, and they never lacked to give me answers, but they always provided me with the right answers and the right people to go ask those questions to, and I never really had a problem.” Students may need to distinguish between subsidized and unsubsidized loans in their aid. “Subsidized loans are always a better deal in short,” shared Rester. “The longer answer is subsidized loans are
DANCE AS A STRESS RELIEVER
interest-free as the federal government covers the interest while the student is enrolled at least half time. Unsubsidized loans are not interest-free. Not all students qualify for subsidized loans, though, as it depends on the student’s EFC on their FAFSA. If the EFC is too high, then the student would only be eligible for unsubsidized loans, starting at $5,500 a year for a freshman.” Though international students may face different qualifications or available
see FINANCIAL AID, pg. 2
BASEBALL ATTENDANCE
See pg. 4
See pg. 6
Cooking up a good Cub Cash v. Lion’s Lagniappe time in Ponchatoula GERARD BORNE STAFF REPORTER
The arrival of spring brings with it fishing, crawfish boils and the annual “Jaycees Harry McKneely Melancon Memorial Jambalaya Cook-Off” hosted by the Ponchatoula Chamber of Commerce. According to Brad Matherne, chairman of the event, the cook-off is divided
by the Jambalaya Festival Association style. “The jambalaya cook-off is a local fundraiser,” commented Matherne. “In this fundraiser, teams compete in three different divisions for top cook. They are as follows: pastalaya, JFA style, the professional cooks and non-JFA - who are your amateur cooks. Both divisions
see COOK-OFF, pg. 2
Evan McCann, a freshman information technology major, purchases food from Yolander Henderson in the Student Union Market. Lion’s Lagniappe can be used on and off campus whereas Cub Cash only works on campus. ERICA WELTER/THE LION’S ROAR ERICA WELTER STAFF REPORTER
Cub Cash and Lion’s Lagniappe offer students convenient and easy-to-use options to purchase meals, but the two payment methods differ in key areas. “The primary difference is that Cub Cash is tied to meal plans and can only be used at campus dining facilities, and Lion’s Lagniappe is a debit account that can be used at a number of locations on campus and off campus,” shared Robin Parker, marketing and strategic initiatives director at the Office of Auxiliary Services. “The accounts are not interchangeable.” Resident students are required to have a meal plan. All plans include Cub Cash, which may be spent at any dining facility on campus except for the Mane Dish in the War Memorial Student Union. Cub Cash may also be used at campus convenience stores like the Mane Market or the Union Market. “Because Cub Cash is tied to meal plans, Cub Cash can only be used at campus dining A competitor checks his dish at the 2016 Gumbo Cook Off in Friendship Circle. facilities,” explained Parker. “No other locations Cook-offs such as the upcoming “Jaycees Harry McKneely Memorial Jambalaya on or off campus can accept Cub Cash as a form Cook-Off” are a common form of fundraising. FILE PHOTO/THE LION’S ROAR of payment.” All meal plans are per semester and are not
automatically renewed. For resident students, the Cub Cash balance expires at the end of the spring semester. For commuter students, Cub Cash rolls over until used, or until a meal plan is left dormant for over a year. Bailey Viator, a freshman athletic training major, feels Cub Cash is convenient. “I really like Cub Cash because it allows students to have other options besides the cafe, and not have to spend money out-of-pocket or use extra money that they could use for extracurriculars or something outside of school,” shared Viator. Tiondra Martin, a freshman biological sciences major, enjoys the versatility of Cub Cash. “I like Cub Cash just because it lets me buy whatever food I want,” shared Martin. Lion’s Lagniappe allows students, faculty and staff to use their university ID to make purchases on campus and at participating off-campus merchants. Albertsons Grocery, Eddie’s Famous Frozen Custard and Pita Pit are among the businesses that accept Lion’s Lagniappe. Campus Card Operations representatives meet with members of the Student Government Association, student advisory boards and other
see CAMPUS CARD, pg. 6
Majors: A big decision with an even bigger impact ERICA WELTER Choosing a major is one of the most important decisions a college student has to make. The choice not only determines courses of study but influences career paths and affects lifestyles. While there are resources such as the Center for Student Excellence to help students pick a major, the decision ultimately rests upon the student. Southeastern 101 instructors serve as a student’s academic advisor for their first two semesters. Students can meet with their advisors to discuss their academic focus and develop strategies for
overcoming problems. Some students decide their majors before they enroll at the university such as Alexander Craig, a sophomore history major, who decided his major in high school. “I decided that because I was good at history,” said Craig. “I have never thought about changing my major.” Other students choose to remain undecided to explore all of their options. The university allows freshmen to remain undecided for two semesters, or until they reach 30 hours. Betty Huffman, a senior English major, explained her decision to stay undecided when she enrolled.
Weather
Index
STAFF REPORTER
Tuesday H 71 L 44
Wednesday H 74 L 45
Campus Life ................................2 Opinions ....................................3 A&E ...........................................4
Horoscope, Crossword, Sudoku ...5 Sports & Fitness ..........................6 News .........................................8
“Even as an eager 18-year-old, it always seemed like a silly notion to me that I needed to have my life plans figured out immediately out of high school,” shared Huffman. “I entered college with an open mind and expectations that I would slowly discover what I enjoyed studying.” Huffman encouraged undecided students to explore their options by expanding the scope of their curriculum. “Don’t be afraid to use elective courses to figure out what you’re interested in,” advised Huffman. “If I wouldn’t have taken a creative
see MAJOR, pg. 2 Stay Connected With Us! Like and follow @lionsroarnews.
Volume 90, Issue 25 A Student Publication www.lionsroarnews.com lionsroar@southeastern.edu
The BIG
PAGE 2 | MARCH 26, 2019
The Lionʼs Roar | CAMPUS LIFE
Event continued from pg. 1
participation in the community. “‘The Big Event’ has had a huge impact on the community,” said Bordelon. “This year, we are seeing a huge growth in participation with the addition of Upward Bound students and alumni teams. It not only provides meaningful life lessons to students, but it also provides support to our local nonprofits, businesses and organizations.” SGA entered its ninth year of organizing “The Big Event.” “That is nine years of services, nine years of helping hands and nine years that our student body has come together to give back
to those around us,” expressed Bankston. “Our goal is to make ‘The Big Event’ bigger every single year.” Davis hopes students take advantage of this opportunity to give back to the community. “’The Big Event’ has had a large effect on Hammond and the surrounding community,” said Davis. “Over the years, we have given back through jobs such as painting, litter pickup, landscaping, free car washes, and I am extremely excited for this year’s ‘Big Event.’ I encourage all of our registered participants to show up with an open mind and a heart willing to Students participating in a past “The Big Event” gather in the Student Union Breezeway. “The Big Event” is to be held on Saturday, March 30 where students will serve.” work together to improve the community through the Student Government Association’s annual event. FILE PHOTO/THE LION’S ROAR
FINANCIAL AID
continued from pg. 1 aid, they are also encouraged to apply for financial aid. “In order to receive federal aid, an international student must be considered an eligible non-citizen,” stated Rester. “They would not be eligible for TOPS but could qualify for scholarships.”
Misconceptions can make the financial aid process confusing. The best way to know the facts is to contact the appropriate professional. “One we commonly hear are students comparing their aid to a friend’s and trying to find out why a difference exists,” said Rester. “The answer to that is each student’s aid is unique and depends on many factors.” Students can manage their aid
by checking the to-do list or the “Campus Finances” tab on LeoNet for any necessary documents or amount of aid received. “It’s recommended the student continue to check their account until the aid is posted as sometimes students turn in incomplete or unsigned documents,” explained Rester. “Should students have any additional questions about their aid,
FASFA or checklist items, feel free contact our office.” Waltz discussed the importance of financial aid for students. “College is a very hard place,” shared Waltz. “It can get very hard, and it can slip through your hands very quickly, so right when you get into college, you should ask as many questions as you possibly can to get any information you need answered,
COOK-OFF
continued from pg. 1 have very great recipes and can cook very well. Many delicious plates come from both sides of the event.” The cook-off will be held at the Ponchatoula Memorial Park. All-you-can-eat jambalaya is $7. For $30 and a valid I.D., alcohol will also be included. Matherne explained that about 30-40 teams participate each year and proceeds go towards cystic fibrosis research. “The cook-off is not just a bunch of guys making their best jambalaya,” said Matherne. “There are many things for everyone to do. We will have an inflatable obstacle course and bounce for the kids.” Tammy Murphy, president of the Ponchatoula Chamber of Commerce, believes the cook-off benefits the community. Left, Hannah Nemar, a senior communication sciences and disorders major, middle, Kayla Scurich, a graduate student, and right, “It is a great community-wide celebration Kassie deArmas, a graduate student, discuss the amenities offered by Center for Student Excellence. ERICA WELTER/THE LION’S ROAR
writing course as an undecided student, I wouldn’t be graduating with a degree I am so inspired by.” For students who have already declared a major, it may come as a surprise if they discover their chosen major is not a good fit. Devin Poissenot, a junior English major, described why he changed his major from civil engineering to English. “I realized I wasn’t suited for the material when I failed my introductory engineering course,” stated Poissenot. “After engineering, I switched to accounting and finally wound up in English when I finally realized that I should study what makes me happy, not what will make me most qualified for a job.” A student’s natural abilities can influence their choice of a major. The CSE provides a range of activities and services intended to help students explore their interests, personality, skills and values. The CSE website offers a decision-making activity, the Myers Briggs personality assessment and a skills checklist activity to help students make
an informed decision. Huffman credited two of her professors for helping her turn her natural talent into a potential career. “I have always loved to write but was afraid that choosing creative writing as my major would take the magic out of it,” expressed Huffman. “English professors Dr. Richard Louth and Dr. Jack Bedell have been pivotal in my understanding and love for the craft. I declared creative writing in the middle of my sophomore year and haven’t looked back since.” Poissenot believes people take advice from others too often when choosing or changing their major. “Even if you change it several times, it’s OK to listen to your ‘inner voice’ so to speak,” explained Poissenot. “Analyzing what you like and don’t like, and what you’re good at and what you’re not good at, is where you should focus most of your attention. Asking someone close to you to describe objectively your pros and cons will get you much farther than asking a counselor or professional what you should or shouldn’t go into.”
where everyone can display their cooking talents,” shared Murphy. “We always have great competition, and everyone loves walking and eating some jambalaya and pastalaya. The event is also great for the city of Ponchatoula as the businesses can display all of their products.” Murphy discussed the success of past cookoffs. “The competition continues to get better each and every year,” shared Murphy. “Everyone brings their best bowls of pastalaya and jambalaya to the cook-off. It’s great to see all of the smiles it brings to the community. The event raises a lot of money to go towards cystic fibrosis foundations. Many citizens of the surrounding cities show their support and come to the cook-offs every year. “ If interested in submitting a dish for judging, sign up at the ponchatoulajaycees.org.
Organizational
News
MAJOR
continued from pg. 1
answered immediately before it affects you in the academic standing.” Any additional questions can be addressed to the Office of Financial Aid, located on North Campus, by calling 985-549-2244 or going to the office. Students or parents can also check the website for the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Federal Student Aid for help getting started.
HSM– The Health Systems Management - HSM - Club hosts our meetings in White Hall room 222. The tentative dates are Feb. 7, Feb. 21, March 14, March 28, April 4 and April 18 at 4:00 p.m. and a tentative date for our final meeting party in May. Some meetings will be strictly informative, and some will include a speaker that will inform students regarding their experience in the field and their workplace. The last meeting will be a celebration for our members and a party to celebrate our graduates. If students are interested in more information and updates, they can follow our Instagram and Twitter @slu_hsmclub and/or email us at hsmclub2018@gmail.com.
SOUTHEASTERN CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION - The Southeastern Christian Association invites you to join us for our weekly Bible study on Mondays at 7:30 p.m. in the Student Union food court. We’ll have large signs by our table in the food court to help everyone find us. Every Bible study is a group-led discussion centered around topics relevant to college life. We are nondenominational and welcome all Southeastern students seeking a Christian community on campus.
OPINIONS | The Lionʼs Roar
MARCH 26, 2019 | PAGE 3
Modern singer will leave mark For me, listening to pop music has always been unintentional. Whether it is played at a high school homecoming dance or at the grocery store, I have always Jacob Summerville detested the STAFF REPORTER monotony of one-hit wonders such as Twenty One Pilots and bland music produced by Imagine Dragons. Although I cannot stand to listen to either band, how often do you actually want to listen to them? For me, these artists are over-hyped and usually are not creative. When it comes to musicians that will leave a lasting mark on the music industry, it is sad to think that the majority of the names and faces will derive from the pop genre. However, despite how dry I think the genre has become, Bruno Mars has created a legacy that will be remembered far past his lifetime. What sets him apart from other artists is his change in style throughout his career. Mars’ 2010 hit “Just the Way You Are” still resonates among millennial and Generation Z listeners. Even after nine years, the song is still distinct and adored by crowds outside the realm of pop music. Other hits like “Grenade” and “When I was Your Man” also carry out the theme of finding a lost sense of love.
What newer artist will stand the test of time? “Whitney Houston because she has a unique voice and a great vocal range.” DESTINI BRYANT SOPHOMORE, NURSING
In 2014, his career started to evolve. After the release of “Uptown Funk,” arguably his most famous song to date, his popularity increased exponentially. I doubt that “I think Post Malone would stand the test of anyone listens to any other song time because he’s a well-rounded artist, and from 2014 as often as “Uptown he doesn’t just make just rap music or rock Funk.” Some may argue that this song is overplayed, but music. He can do it all, and I think people are going to like that for a long time.” it is rightfully so. I would CHET NUNEZ rather listen to this track than FRESHMAN, ACCOUNTING anything produced around that same time period. “I think Beyonce will because she is just a Ever since 2014, Mars has really good live performer, basically just used ‘80s and ‘90s themed basing that off of her Coachella performance sounds and choreography to and her music videos. She puts a lot effort into his advantage. Releasing songs producing them, which I really respect.” like “24K Magic,” “Finesse” ABBIGALE GUIDRY and “That’s What I Like” SOPHOMORE, COMMUNICATION exhibits his ability to retain a unique sound in a diverse “I choose Michael Jackson because I feel like he industry while not seeming spoke on a lot of things that was happening in like a sell-out. His music has retained fans from his earlier, the real world, and I feel like he tried to make the lost-lover days while appealing world a better place for everyone and try to find to a more party-driven crowd ways to identify problems in life with his music.” IVORY FRANKLIN with his newer hits. It would JUNIOR, KINESIOLOGY not surprise me if he goes back to his original style at some point in his career. Critics may refer to him as a Michael Jackson wannabe, but having sold more than 130 Everyone loves gossip. From a part of people’s everyday million records internationally, there is no argument that Mars the gossip of a neighbor dating lives. And when these tales has made a name for himself. a cool dude, a colleague having are spiced up a little bit, they a extramarital go viral in the community. Although I will never strive to affair, or a While these tell tales might hear one of his songs on any distant cousin not follow an average Joe for given day, I do acknowledge coming out, a long time, for people reputed that Mars has accomplished to a celebrity in the entertainment industry, years of success and will be having a safari the paparazzi follow them like remembered for decades to Prakriti Adhikari vacation in a parent following their 3-yearcome. STAFF REPORTER Africa, gossip old. Irrespective of whether or is somehow not there is consent, the media relentlessly strives to dig up every inch of these famous people’s life history. There has always been a mutual relationship between celebrities and the general public. While these big names influence the society, the same society also chooses, through their support, who they want to follow. They all need one another. Celebrities greatly impact the society in many ways. Boys around the world follow Lionel Messi and his haircut. Kylie Jenner tells the world the best way to apply makeup, and a superstar’s Instagram page shapes a commoner’s way of life. A public figure should definitely expect to have their activities presented to the public, but
“I think Kendrick Lamar would be a great one to stand the test of time just because the music he puts out is great. It’s inspirational, and a lot of people can really kind of deal with the emotion.” DARIOUS ROBERTSON SENIOR, COMMUNICATION “I would say Bruno Mars due to the fact that he’s been able to expand and adapt his sound over the past decade and especially due to the fact that he can disappear entirely for four years and come back as relevant as you were in 2012.” SAM BRUCE SOPHOMORE, POLITICAL SCIENCE “Taylor Swift is an artist who stands up for women’s rights. Her songs are very relevant to people, and they connect to people on a different level that makes her very relevant but also very relatable.” HANNAH NICHOLS SOPHOMORE, MUSIC “Beyonce because she’s a very dedicated artist, and people love her because she’s very genuine, and she works really hard to put on very good performances for people.” BRIANA ROUSSELL FRESHMAN, PSYCHOLOGY
Does fame come at a price? when the paparazzi shovel digs deep, it can get bad. Need an example? Let’s see. Maybe like that of Princess Diana and the paparazzi that followed? A nobody becomes a somebody overnight with sudden appreciation, love and support from people all over the world. Therefore, it is understandable that people want to know about who they are and what makes them as an individual more than just what they do. However, every person has a private life, and they need a personal space. Cameras can be flashing on the celebrities when they are out in the public, but when they are normal people like you and me having a rough day, or wearing pajamas while watching cartoons and eating chips and cookies, or sunbathing in a foreign country, they should not be intervened. Fame means you are known and talked about by many people for the notable achievements you have made in life. It does not mean the loss of privacy. Most people who are famous worldwide were not born that way. They
worked hard to earn respect and recognition for what they do. So, they should be admired for that. An actor should be talked about for the performance he gave in a recent blockbuster. Gossip about a singer should be about her best albums. The paparazzi should figure out when public figures are in the public versus when they are in their personal space. Imagine yourself in the shoes of the famous people. Would you like it when people creepily try to figure out what you are doing in your kitchen? How would it feel when you cannot truly be yourself due to the fear of being judged? Would you like it when you were taking a break from your work, and the media followed you to write a news article about what bikini top you are wearing? Would you like it when you have a heartbreak, and the world pours down their sympathy, laughs at you or judges you? Celebrities are just like you and me, and their private lives must be respected.
A tribute to an expressive art form: Graffiti art Visiting downtown Baton Rouge is where I have seen the most graffiti art. There are many colorful and stylistic walls that never fail to catch my attention. Although some may perceive graffiti as a bad thing, I have never experienced negative feelings in response to seeing it. I feel it does no harm, and it is interesting to imagine Shaelyn Martinez why they were created. STAFF REPORTER As my thoughts may reflect your internal thoughts, have you also ever wondered if graffiti is considered art? The word graffiti is the plural form of the word “graffito,” which means “a scratch.” Graffiti can be considered to have been around since ancient times, but the modern form of graffiti - using spray cans - first appeared during the 1960s in Philadelphia. This practice has continued to modern day. There are many different types of graffiti. Graffiti can include tagging, phrases or words, slogans, political statements or simple drawings. I, however, believe that graffiti is art. What decides if it is art or not is the way it is carried out. Graffiti art is an effective way to impact people. If you see something inspiring that is sprayed across a large wall or billboard, it will encourage you to believe that you are not alone. If you see large words that are negatively targeting you, making you feel uncomfortable, it will also catch your attention. Either way, the artist
who created it will impact the viewer in some way. In the current world engulfed in social media, the artist’s work may become explosive through digital means. As consumers repost the work on their social media accounts, a domino effect occurs until it is all over the web. Whether their work may be shamed or praised, it is still getting many individuals’ attention. If the artist is using it to project violent and vulgar language, then I would not consider this art, but many artists use it as an outlet to send out a positive message, or to broadcast their opinion. I do not think this art is the best way to express one’s feelings simply because art can be expressed in alternative ways that does not violate others’ property. Graffiti is considered vandalism because the individual is on private or public property leaving behind sketches without permission. Ultimately, I feel that if graffiti is done in a way that is not offensive or meaningless, then it has a social impact that goes beyond vandalism. This impact may be inspiring and create a voice not only for the artist but also for others who feel the same way. While many may claim words do not affect them, I do not believe this to be possible. Words, symbols and phrases are our main form of communication, and each has a lasting effect on us. Dance, musical or theatrical art can each be interpreted in a distasteful way, but like graffiti,
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES The Lion’s Roar is the official newspaper of the students of Southeastern Louisiana University. It has been in continuous publication since 1937. Submissions and letters to the editor are welcomed, but the editor of The Lion’s Roar reserves the right to edit all submissions for grammar, libel and available space, or refuse publication without notification. Submissions must include the author’s full name and either phone number, e-mail or other contact information (not to be published). Faculty and staff members should include their title and department. Students should include their classification and major. By submitting an article for publication, the author understands that the submission will be edited. Organizational News space is provided at no charge as a courtesy for university recognized Greek and Student Organizations. The space of such articles is limited to 150 words. Submissions of this Organizational News must adhere to the same polices as other submissions or letters to the editor, but must also include the name of the organization.
All views expressed in The Lion’s Roar are those of the author or, if unsigned, those of the staff of The Lion’s Roar. These views should not be interpreted as the views of the administration, faculty or students of Southeastern Louisiana University. A single issue of The Lion’s Roar is free. Additional copies may be purchased for 50 cents in the Student Union suite 1303. Annual mail subscriptions are $35 within the continental U.S. The Lion’s Roar, in its print form, and associated online or digital 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.
each expression impacts society. The only difference between graffiti and these other outlets of art is that graffiti leaves behind an everlasting mark. I believe graffiti is an expressive tool that if
used positively does no actual harm. Next time you come across graffiti art, think about the effect it has on you. More importantly, think about how it makes you feel.
Graffiti art can be found under train tracks in Hammond. Although it can be an attraction, artists should consider the property of private and public businesses before creating their art. SHAELYN MARTINEZ/THE LION’S ROAR
STAFF Editor-in-Chief - Annie Goodman Assistant Editor - Zachary Araki Distribution - Lauren Walker, David DiPiazza, Garrison Dighton Office Assistant - Alyssa Larose, Ashlyn Harris Advertising - C. Ian M. Squires, Kyla D’Arensbourg Administrative Assistant - Gemma Carter Coordinator - Lorraine Peppo Director - Dr. Lee E. Lind
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Page 4 | March 26, 2019
The Lion’s Roar | Arts & Entertainment
How dance can function to alleviate stress MAIAH WOODRING Staff Reporter
Putting physical stress on the body can help relieve mental stress, according to Kerri-Ann Jennings, a dietitian. Exercise in the form of high-intensity bench presses, weight-lifting routines or dance can be a powerful technique to reduce stress. Keith “Skip” Costa, director of dance, explained that dance can be a great option for mitigating anxiety among students. “Dance can serve as a stress reliever by allowing students to take their minds off of the personal things that they are going through in their lives from homework to relationships,” said Costa. “Dance allows you to center yourself by fusing both body and mind as a meditative practice.” In the article “Dancing and the brain” published on the Harvard Medical School website, Scott Edwards discussed how dance relieves stress. “Dance helps reduce stress, increases levels of the feel-good hormone serotonin, and helps develop new neural connections, especially in regions involved in executive function, longterm memory and spatial recognition,” shared Edwards. Alaura Cervini, a senior history and general studies with a concentration in dance double
Members of Chi Tau Epsilon, the university’s dance fraternity, practice a choreographed routine. Dance has found to increase levels of serotonin and helps reduce stress. Maiah Woodring/The Lion’s Roar major, connects to dance emotionally. “I find a lot of myself in my movement, and I’m able to move through things going on in my life and feelings that I’m experiencing through dance because dance can be a very emotional art,” said Cervini. Having experienced stress relief from dancing,
Cervini believes that more people use dance in this way than they might realize. “I feel like everyone dances a little bit to relieve stress outside of dancing to dance,” stated Cervini. “Like, you’re in your kitchen, and you’re cooking. You got some music on. You’re jumping around a little bit. Sometimes I’m in my room,
Find affordable and quality food JACOB SUMMERVILLE Staff Reporter
Students do not need to resort to fast food to find a meal under $10. Whether it is time for breakfast, lunch or dinner, the Hammond area has restaurants that cater to the cravings and wallets of its customers. William Hall, owner of University Donuts, believes students are attracted to the eatery because the abundance of fast-food options on campus makes students want to taste something homemade every once in a while. “Sometimes, you want something that feels like your mom cooked for you or your grandmother cooked for you,” explained Hall. In addition to selling donuts and coffee, University Donuts offers breakfast platters and a lunch menu. “Once more students realize we offer more down-home cooking like the omelets and the biscuits and gravy, they’ll come in more often or we’ll start seeing new faces,” said Hall. One of the platters, called “Three Deuces From Opelousas,” includes two eggs, two pieces of bacon, ham or sausage and a choice between two hotcakes or two French toast halves for $8. The threeegg omelet meals range from $8-10 each. “I appreciate any and every face that walks through that door,” shared Hall. “We’ll treat you like family, and we’ll feed
you like family. You’ll get a lot for very little.” Hall explained that many teams from the university regularly visit the diner. “You’ll find the baseball team, the volleyball team, lady’s basketball, men’s basketball, softball team, the coaching staff,” said Hall. “They support us all, and we appreciate everything that they do.” Lee’s Diner, a ‘50s-themed restaurant, has entrees like spaghetti and meatballs as well as Louisiana classics including crawfish etouffee, charbroiled catfish and jambalaya pasta. In addition to the staple entrees, many of their sandwich and po’boy meals cost under $10. Rebecca Armanini, a junior special education major, explained why she enjoys the atmosphere of the diner. “The retro theme, the astounding menu selection and familiar faces, since I can’t go without seeing at least two friends, makes it feel very home-y,” said Armanini. Armanini enjoys two particular items whenever she visits Lee’s Diner. “I enjoy their shakes the most, especially their butterscotch flavor,” explained Armanini. “The shakes are thick, flavorful and never changing. Now, their chicken strips plate, I know, I sound like a 4-year-old, paired with their honey mustard is the best.” Cate Street Seafood Station offers customers a range of seafood, including sushi,
and I’m folding the laundry. I might be throwing out some crazy moves. I’m not doing it for any purpose but to do it. In my mood, that’s what I felt like doing, and that in itself is stress relief.” Hannah Tribou, a sophomore accounting major, shared an example of how dance serves to relieve her stress. “When I have been having a crappy day or something and then I have rehearsal or whatever it is later, you always come out of it feeling better even if you didn’t get to perform the best you could,” shared Tribou. “No matter what happened, you’ll always come out of it feeling better. It’s good exercise. So, it gets your body moving.” Cervini recommended students to dance whether they have prior experience or not. “Dance is something that all of us are capable of,” shared Cervini. “Dance is learned. You’re not born knowing how to dance. So, you may call yourself a bad dancer, but you have the capability to be a better dancer regardless, and sometimes it doesn’t even matter how good or how bad of a dancer you are because dance movement therapy isn’t about performance quality. It’s about feeling what you’re doing and feeling the movement that you’re experiencing.” For students looking to start dancing as a form of exercise, Recreational Sports and Wellness offers Zumba on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Pennington Student Activity Center.
A metal band grows in the local scene ZACHARY ARAKI Assistant Editor
Less than a mile from campus, University Donuts promotes school spirit though the building’s external appearance. Jacob Summerville/The Lion’s Roar tilapia, crab and catfish, and the restaurant also has a selection of burgers, po’boys and steak. Lexi Fiorella, a waitress at Cate Street Seafood Station, shared why the restaurant appeals to college students. “Most college students don’t have class on Friday,” explained Fiorella. “So, it’s very convenient and a good price just to go out and have fun. We always have really good music playing, and right now, the weather has been perfect.” Cate Street has a special on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-9 p.m. where customers can buy a dozen wings for $7. Armanini discussed some of the food choices like her favorite artichoke dip with fried pita that she enjoys at Cate Street Seafood Station.
“I have only recently discovered this, yet it is my all-time favorite appetizer,” explained Armanini. “Normally, I order several selections of sushi when I go, seeing as the name of the restaurant is ‘Cate Street Seafood,’ but I do enjoy their pasta and wings as well.” Fiorella shared that the managers try to check in on guests, especially on Fridays. “The managers try to make it a point to speak with every table about how their experience was because we really want our guests to enjoy every aspect,” said Fiorella. Regardless of the time of day, students at the university can find restaurants with a variety of options and affordable prices.
After its founding in 2018, Swamp Stank, a metal band based in Baton Rouge, looks forward to continued growth and camaraderie. Tyler Rockforte, lead guitarist, and Devin Thibodeaux, drummer, originally formed the band Swamp Stank with their friends Brendan Beach and Ian Babin. Over time, the band’s lineup changed as Babin and Beach eventually departed, and Connor Metrejean, vocalist, Chet Kolder, guitarist, and Jacob Chenevert, bassist, joined to complete the current roster. “Being able to share and collaborate on the energy we’re producing is something you cannot feel anywhere else,” said Rockforte. “Having your brothers play side by side with you is what I love about playing music. Solo isn’t for me.” Thibodeaux discussed the challenges of working in a band. “It took a good while for us to get things going,” explained Thibodeaux. “We’ve practiced for months and months without a vocalist, then when Connor came in, a few songs had to have been changed up a good bit in certain areas to better fit having a singer in the mix.” However, the difficulty of roster changes can be offset by the reward of performing. “I love performing our music and feeding off the crowd’s energy,” shared Rockforte. “It is an indescribable feeling and gets your adrenaline pumping like nothing else.” Though the band initially aimed to be more of a doom-
style group like Monolord, the members found they enjoyed southern metal music more. “When we started practicing together in the early days, we naturally starting playing music that leaned more towards a hard rock/southern metal sound with a lot of hooks and groove, but by no means did that limit our sound,” stated Thibodeaux. “Those heavier influences creep into our songs from time to time. I believe that our songs could hook a lot of people and will make them want to get out and have a great time at our shows.” Rockforte believes the current band members have developed good working relationships. “I didn’t expect us to ‘clique’ as well as we did,” shared Rockforte. “It’s to the point that we can pretty much tell what the next guy is going to do before he does it.” The community support and local talent attracted Rockforte to the metal genre. “You can go on a weekday to some random show and get absolutely blown away from the amount of talent some of these local guys have, and the support between them is insurmountable,” explained Rockforte. Rockforte’s favorite memory to date is the Ventruss extended play release show at the Varsity Theatre. “It was not only our biggest and most successful show yet as a band, but also the biggest and most successful show of my musical career,” said Rockforte. Thibodeaux recalled a performance at the Bald
see SWAMP STANK, pg. 5
Arts & Entertainment | The Lion’s Roar
March 26, 2019 | Page 5
Creativity beyond the arts and music JOHNATHAN ZERINGUE Staff Reporter
Innovation can be incorporated in all facets of the real world and not solely reserved for art-related fields. Jobs involving creativity can be found around local businesses and the community. For Sabrina Bickham, an employee for Sweet Rolls, innovation is used at her place of work in order to have more one-on-one interaction with the customers. “We have little videos that we make for our rolls,” shared Bickham. “They’re really interesting, and they show you how we make them. We always have different sales and various specialty rolls that come out all of the time. This entire place is very creative as we have doors hanging up and light bulbs coming out of ropes. People love taking pictures of the place while they enjoy the treats.” Gabby Carter, manager of the Brown Door, discussed how their business applies creativity for marketing purposes. “We have tattoo promotions coming up where we plan events,” explained Carter. “We also do a lot of socials for fraternities and sororities, and they are usually themed. We also use social media as that’s the best outlet to use for a college bar.” Ashlin Nicosia, an alumna who graduated with a degree in communication, incorporates creative aspects while working as interim development coordinator as part of university advancement. “I have made handmade martini glasses and props,” expressed Nicosia. “I have to design programs, I have to make bid sheets. We have a creative team at Southeastern that does our marketing. They create
the invitations, but it has to be approved by us and the Department of Advancement.” Having exceptional creative skills is necessary in order to properly coordinate a major event or program. “As an event planner, you need to have a creative eye,” said Nicosia. “We have to do floral arrangements and center pieces. We have to be able to do things together while keeping costs down, so we can raise more money for the students. It’s easy to buy extravagant centerpieces, but we don’t like to do that, though we still try to make things as nice as possible.” Emily Browning, a freshman marketing major, believes that creativity will play a role in her future in sales. “I will definitely have a sales job that involves creativity,” shared Browning. “I will need to be creative with the way I sell things. When talking to people, creativity has a lot to do with vibing off of energy in order to have an open discussion with someone. In sales, creativity helps convince someone and make them think it was their idea to make the purchase.” Lauren Leblanc, a sophomore marketing major, aspires to utilize innovative skills as she hopes to one day manage her own boutique store. “I use creativity to market anything I’m doing or selling,” stated Leblanc. “We market ourselves everyday with our own personal brand. In the future, I will have to be creative in the way my store looks, and I will have to market my boutique to make customers want to buy my clothes.” In addition, academic majors, such as communication, offer different concentrations that allow students to pursue multiple creative career paths.
Ashlin Nicosia, interim development coordinator for University Advancement, shows one of her handmade martini glasses. The glasses, along with other handmade crafts, will be used during “Chefs Evening.” Johnathan Zeringue/The Lion’s Roar “Communication is a field that allows you to be super creative,” expressed Nicosia. “You can do broadcasting and videoing and editing. You can go into event planning, journalism or public relations. In public relations, you have to be creative in how you write things and how you word things. All communication fields have a sort of sub-section and have a creative side. You definitely get to explore
them, and it’s up to you to find which way to go.” Nicosia offered some advice to current students about finding ways to be imaginative. “The biggest thing is to look at your classes,” said Nicosia. “I found event planning and fundraising in my communication major through our special event planning class. That’s when I realized that was what I wanted to do and had a knack for.”
Sax, song and photography piece the world of art together ERICA WELTER Staff Reporter
In the vast and varied world of artistic pursuits, each craftsperson advocates for their discipline. Brina Faciane, an instructor of saxophone, was drawn to music as a child. “At some point, I realized I had some talent, and I just needed to work a little bit harder, and I could go to the next level,” said Faciane. According to the article “The First Saxophone Was Made of Wood” published in the Smithsonian Magazine, the jazz icon was invented by a Belgian-born inventor named Adolphe Sax. It is one of the newer instruments in the musical landscape. “The saxophone is just a really cool instrument,” stated Faciane. “It’s the baby in this building, if I can say that. If you think about flute, the flute’s been around forever. Clarinet’s been around a long time. Violins have been around forever. Piano’s been around forever. Saxophone was patented in 1846. So, it’s a baby if you think about it historically.” While other art forms may require vision to appreciate, Faciane believes the best way to enjoy an orchestra is perhaps with one’s eyes closed. “Our art form is completely aural,” explained Faciane. “You can attend a recital or a symphony and sit in the audience with your eyes closed the whole time and maybe have an even deeper experience than you would if you had your eyes open and watched the conductor and saw the musicians move.” The Harry Ransom Center at the University of Texas at Austin dated
ARIES (March 21 to April 19) A suggestion from a colleague on how to work out a problem might not sit too well with you. But before you suspect his or her motives, why not just accept it as a friendly gesture? TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) An associate might seek your counsel on a workplace dispute with another co-worker. Listen to what she or he has to say, but withhold advice until you’ve heard the other side of the story. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Use your Twin gifts for creativity and practicality to score points in landing an opportunity that could open doors to a new career. Someone returns after a long absence. CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Although things are pretty hectic through much of the week, some quiet time with loved ones helps restore balance. An unexpected visitor brings welcome news about a mutual friend. LEO (July 23 to August 22) Getting used to change isn’t always easy for the Big Cat. But make the adjustments gradually, and soon you’ll hardly remember when things were any different from how they are now. VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Continue to stay the course you’ve chosen, and avoid distractions that could throw you off track. Some knowledgeable folks are happy to provide guidance if you need it. LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Although you earned plaudits from most co-workers for
your recent stand on a workplace situation, you also raised the envy quotient among others. Tread carefully for now. SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) You feel more positive about that delayed project, and you’re ready to pick it up on a moment’s notice. However, you might need to re-motivate those who have since lost interest. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Some welcome news should be coming your way. In the meantime, use that Sagittarius charm to convince some stillreluctant colleagues that your ideas have merit. CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Don’t wait for a misunderstanding to work itself out. Instead, ask for a chance to explain the circumstances before those bruised feelings lead to an irreversible break. AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) A physical problem should be checked out in order to avoid it going from just being a nuisance to something more serious. Your social life takes an unexpected but not unwelcome turn. PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Yours might be the wisest sign in the Zodiac. But you still could benefit from the wisdom of a close friend who has suggestions on how to handle a perplexing personal problem. BORN THIS WEEK: Your passion for doing the right thing inspires others to follow your welltrodden path toward justice. (c) 2019 King Features Synd., Inc.
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the earliest known surviving photograph as being taken in 1826 or 1827. Photography has come a long way since then. Lily Brooks, an instructor of photography, feels the craft has opened doors she may not have found otherwise. “Photography interested me because I thought it would be a vehicle for me to interact with the world, perhaps travel beyond the familiar, or interact with strangers whose experiences were different than mine,” explained Brooks. Brooks believes her work lends itself to interdisciplinary intellectual engagement. “I work in a research based practice, so I am often investigating topics that interest me, which have nothing to do with art or photography,” said Brooks. “For instance, right now I am working on a project about the Bonnet Carre Spillway. I’m thinking about how this specific landscape holds evidence of the ways we try to control the natural world, our history of land use there and the way that economics, politics and culture can shape a place.” One of Brooks’ favorite aspects of her craft is using her photography to create a connection with people. “I love that most people have a relationship to pictures,” said Brooks. “They are, after all, how we often validate our experiences, hold on to them and also how we get much of our information.” Alissa Rowe, director of choral activities and associate professor of voice, enjoys multiple facets of her craft. As a music teacher, conductor and singer, she landed her first stage role in the third grade. Rowe finds that the differences between artistic pursuits largely depends on the medium used. “I think if you’re a sculptor, you have to make the clay, or whatever SWAMP STANK
continued from pg. 4 Eagle Pub in Baton Rouge the weekend after the Ventruss EP release. “It was a small place but was jam-packed with a bunch of our friends, fans and fellow
members of bands we play with often,” shared Thibodeaux. “There’s no stage, so it was like playing a show in the crowd with all these people. It got a little rowdy, but it was such a fun time with all our friends having a great time. We can’t ask for a better music
Brina Faciane, instructor of saxophone, teaches Austin Hynes, a junior music major, on the instrument. Erica Welter/The Lion’s Roar you’re doing, come to life or mean something, and it’s whatever we’re using that makes our crafts a little bit different,” shared Rowe. “If you’re on stage, you’re taking the script, and you’re making it come alive. Each of us has our own tool with which we use to make that happen.” Whether it is from the perspective of a singer or a conductor, Rowe enjoys sharing her craft with her students. “I love interpreting the music,” said Rowe. “Bringing them my ideas and showing them what I love, that’s just the best just doing it and really feeling like I did that all on my own. I took that music, and I made it come alive off the page. It’s such an amazing feeling.” community to be a part of.” Looking to the future, Swamp Stank plans an EP release later this year and to play in bigger shows. For now, merchandise and upcoming shows can be found on the band’s website swampstank. bigcartel.com.
“We actively tour the metal bar scene,” stated Rockforte. “However, playing the Varsity recently for Ventruss’ EP release show has seemed to open some doors to play some bigger venues in the future.”
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Baseball enjoys high strides in attendance
PAGE 6 | MARCH 26, 2019
The Lionʼs Roar | SPORTS & FITNESS
The Lions baseball team discusses Sunday’s 8-3 victory over Abilene Christian University after the game. On Sunday, 1,236 fans attended the game in the Pat Kenelly Diamond at Alumni Field. Baseball has seen a steady increase in attendance and leads the Southland Conference in fan attendance since Matt Riser took over as head coach. GERARD BORNE/THE LION’S ROAR GERARD BORNE STAFF REPORTER
The university baseball team has seen a gradual increase in home game attendance since Matt Riser became the head coach. Since 2015, the team has been leading in the Southland Conference for fan attendance. In 2014, the university saw its largest attendance at a home game with 3,747 showing up in the 7-3 loss against Louisiana State University. During the 2016 season, the university saw its largest series crowd against the University of Louisiana at Monroe with 4,375 fans in attendance. In addition to the two record breaking years, the university saw its largest season attendance record broken with 43,463 fans in attendance at Pat Kenelly Diamond in Alumni Field in 2018. Jay Artigues, director of athletics, attributed the increase in attendance to the atmosphere at alumni field. “Our stadium has that ‘back in time’ feel that goes with college baseball,” explained Artigues. “We continually see our crowds grow because we have one of the best game day atmospheres not only in the state but in the country at our baseball games. Our games are a fun family atmosphere that keeps the fans returning
to The Pat.” He also believes school rivalries contribute to attendance. “It brings fans to our campus that might not otherwise be here,” said Artigues. “Playing in-state opponents such as the University of Louisiana at Monroe, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Louisiana State University, Louisiana Tech helps lure a crowd. The state schools are close enough for their fans to drive as well as their students.” Riser shared his thoughts on the 2014 matchup against Louisiana State University. “There was a couple things that went into that game,” said Riser. “It was my first home game as the new head coach at Southeastern. There was a lot of overwhelming emotions that went into it, to see the Southeastern support was great. There was tons of LSU fans, but there was a ton of green and gold in the stadium.” Scottie Sanders, senior infielder, remembers seeing the fans in the Pat Kenelly Diamond when the university faced off against LSU. “We have some of the best fans in college baseball,” shared Sanders. “It is an awesome experience to play in a big game like
that. All of our games, the fans show up and impress us. Last year against LSU, there was the most rowdiest fans, and one game that I will never forget. There was not a single seat open.” Sanders believes the addition of outfield bleachers would be beneficial. “In other stadiums I have been to, there’s always those few fans who are heckling you from the outfield,” expressed Sanders. “I think it would cool if they added outfield bleachers.” However, Artigues’ opinion on additional bleachers differs. “It’s rare that we sell out, and having the number of seats we have gives us a cozy home-field advantage,” stated Artigues. Riser explained the increase in fan attendance. “We really do have some of the best fans in college baseball,” said Riser. “We play a competitive form of baseball that people love to watch. It’s not just two very good teams squaring off against one another on the field. You have the game day interactions, the video board and the awesome family atmosphere.” The next home baseball game will be held on April 3 against the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
Hayes reflects on 16 years in tennis MAIAH WOODRING STAFF REPORTER
In 16 years of coaching the Lady Lions, Jason Hayes, head coach of tennis, secured eight Coach of the Year awards. In addition, Hayes represented the university at the NCAA and coached internationally. At the university, Hayes’ current record sits at 312-231. “I’ve never pursued anything for myself,” stated Hayes. “The awards I won are due to the fact that I have great kids playing for me, and when we’re successful, it makes it even more enjoyable.” Though winning can feel good at times, Hayes placed the true value of his profession in making memories with the student-athletes. “Winning is great, and representing Southeastern in the NCAA is a great feeling, but when they write me five to 15 years later about all the good times and memories we made, that to me, is the real joy of this profession,” shared Hayes. CAMPUS CARD
continued from pg. 1 focus groups for suggestions of local businesses to add to the list of off-campus participants. “While we look into all suggestions, some corporations such as Walmart, Dollar General, etc. do not allow their local stores to participate in such a program,” said Parker. “We are always pursuing opportunities with local merchants to have Lion’s Lagniappe accepted as a form of payment.” Lion’s Lagniappe can also be used at on-campus dining facilities. “Lion’s Lagniappe has nothing to do with meal plans, but can be used to make purchases at campus dining facilities for anyone without
Hayes influenced both Katya Cornejo and Kirsten Caldwell to join the Lady Lions. “When I came to visit, I just loved the atmosphere here,” explained Cornejo. “The relationship between the girls and the coach showed me that here we are more a family than just a simple team, and that was a really important factor of why I decided to come.” Caldwell described her experience with Hayes as a coach. “His sense of humor is a strong part of his personality,” shared Caldwell. “However, underneath is a caring interior. I believe the team thinks of him as a mentor.” With eight international students on the roster, Hayes enjoys the team’s diversity. “I love the interaction between the girls,” stated Hayes. “We all have tennis in common, and that is the glue that makes us feel comfortable with each. Sometimes there’s a language or a cultural barrier, and you need a meal plan,” explained Parker. The service allows a university ID to act as a debit card in the campus bookstore, laundry facilities, copiers, health center, game room, Pennington Student Activity Center and the Document Source. Though Cub Cash and Lion’s Lagniappe offer similar services, taxes are not applied equally. “Per state law, sales tax is not charged for meal plans or any component of meal plans, which means when Cub Cash is used as a form of payment for campus dining products, the buyer does not pay sales tax,” said Parker. “There is a sales tax charge for Lion’s Lagniappe purchases including any made at a campus dining location.”
to work through that and find common ground to build on.” Hayes shared his ultimate goal for the team. “I want my players to look back on their time at Southeastern as the best years of their life,” said Hayes. “I want them to get a degree and look back on all the memories and smile.” Caldwell hopes to make more memories with the team. “My favorite moment of coach Hayes was when he took us to Texas de Brazil for a team dinner,” shared Caldwell. “He paid attention to his players’ dietary restrictions by recommending the salad bar. This showcases the fact that he values quality and is generous.” To further his goal of creating memories that will last longer than a season, Hayes plans to stay with the team for a while. “I absolutely love Southeastern,” stated Hayes. “We have a great administration. The program is very well supported, Jason Hayes, head coach of tennis, left, and Katya Cornejo, a sophomore international student on the tennis team, right, and it gets better each year. This take a break during practice. Hayes has been coaching tennis for 16 years and has eight Coach of the Year Awards. MAIAH is a great place to work.” WOODRING/THE LION’S ROAR
What’s your favorite KSLU program?
Paul Bates
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Angela Barger exchanges Brenley Cooper’s identification card as part of the recarding process by Campus Card Operations. ERICA WELTER/THE LION’S ROAR
SPORTS & Fitness | The Lionʼs Roar
MARCH 26, 2019 | PAGE 7
Tape, training and passion in sports medicine
ensure full athletic potential. Benjamin Stewart, director of sports medicine, believes the people in the sports medicine department at the university make it unique. “We have a good mixture of athletic trainers from different parts of the country that have
done and seen many different things,” shared Stewart. “We have staff from here in Louisiana and around the south. We also have staff from up north like Pennsylvania. Some staff went to bigger Division I schools while others went to smaller universities for their
education. Also, our staff has a multitude of past experiences in different setting like high schools, small colleges with little to no budget and large universities with an unlimited budget.” Stewart explained why he chose to enter the sports
medicine field and to work at the university. “Helping others while being involved in athletics is a perfect world for me,” shared Stewart. “I am naturally a competitive person that has always enjoyed playing sports. I have also always enjoyed being able to help those in need. Athletic training allows me to do this every day where I never feel like I go to work. I truly enjoy every day and the things that it brings.” Stewart was drawn to Hammond because of proximity to his hometown, Mississippi. “Hammond also drew me in because I love towns that are not too big and not too small,” said Stewart. “Hammond has everything you would need right outside your door. “ Stewart explained that he enjoys the relationships built with the staff. “Everyone works very well together from top to bottom,” explained Stewart. “The athletic administration really understand what we do as a profession, and it makes our job so much easier. We really have no bad people in our department. We pick up
class of 2015, we had two guys sign up to play Division I golf. One of them is my roommate, William Meyers, and the other goes to UL. Playing against those guys every day and being able to compete with them was when I realized I had the chance to play college golf.” According to Wilson, the moment he first fell in love with golf was because of one of his closest relatives. “My great uncle first taught me how to play when I was 18 months old,” stated Wilson. “It was the first time I ever picked up a golf club.” A passion for several sports became focused on a single one for Daisha Nickelson, a sophomore hurdler on the track and field team, as she found the sport she excelled in. “I ran track, played softball and flag football,” explained Nickelson. “Growing up, I
was always working out, and in PE, the teachers were like, ‘You need to be doing a sport,’ and track ended up being what I was really good at.” Preston Faulkner, a sophomore utility player on the baseball team, explained how his competitive mentality ultimately drove him to become an athlete. “At a very young age, I was always playing up,” stated Faulkner. “Around 5 years old, I started playing tee ball with my 7 and 8-year-old brother and his friends. My brother, along with a ton of friends from the neighborhood, would always be at each other’s houses, and we would be throwing rocks or whatnot. Everything we did was competitive. I’ve always been around elite competition and higher competition. It’s the same now as I’m a young guy playing for my grade.”
Faulkner’s strong ties with his family and friends have also helped him stay motivated to pursue playing baseball at the collegiate level. “I’ve always had a great support system,” explained Faulker. “My parents never missed a day. My dad’s also out here every practice, and they’re here every single day. Family, friends, everybody from back home loves coming out and watch me play.” One of the factors influencing Wilsons’ decision to attend the university was being able to continue playing with a high school friend. “One of the biggest reasons I came here was because my roommate from high school came here,” commented Wilson. “It was nice to be able to come here and play four more years with him.” Wilson discussed the importance of aspiring
Daisha Nickelson, a sophomore hurdler on the track and field team, runs her event, the 100-meter hurdles, at the Strawberry Relays. Nickelson’s love of playing sports led her to pursue being a college athlete. JOHNATHAN ZERINGUE/THE LION’S ROAR
Michael Sproles, freshman linebacker, is taped up before Spring practice by Benjamin Stewart, director of sports medicine. The people in the sports medicine programs credit those in the department for making it special. GERARD BORNE/THE LION’S ROAR GERARD BORNE STAFF REPORTER
The university offers 12 Division I sports programs with over 200 student-athletes. These athletes depend on their coaches, teammates and the sports medicine department to
Destined to compete
JOHNATHAN ZERINGUE S TAFF R EPORTER
From a competitive nature to passion, different factors contribute to student-athletes’ decision to play at the collegiate level. Kia Coleman, a freshman jumper on the track and field team, knew she was meant to be an athlete from an early age. “I knew since when I was racing on the playground with all the little boys,” shared Coleman. “I was faster than them, and this led me to grow to like track.” For Connor Wilson, a junior golfer, it was not until high school when he finally knew he could pursue playing golf in college. “The high school I went to was Catholic in Baton Rouge, and we had a really good golf team,” said Wilson. “In the
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the slack for each other when needed and all make each other that much better.” Ebony Glascock, a graduate student in the health and kinesiology program, discussed what the sports medicine department offers. “Even with us being assigned to individual sports, we all work together and help each other when needed to provide the best care for our athletes,” explained Glascock. Glascock described what brought her to the sports medicine field at the university. “I chose the sports medicine field because of my interest in anatomy and my love for sports,” stated Glascock. “I am from Georgia and was looking to find a graduate assistant position outside of the state. I was told about the position at SLU and thought it would be a great fit after looking into the program. The staff seemed very close-knit.” The university’s sports medicine department is located in the east wing of the Kinesiology annex, and the sports medicine crew is on the sideline of sporting event.
athletes to keeping their selfconfidence when deciding whether or not to pursue playing a sport in college. “There is going to be times where you doubt yourself in your decision, and you don’t think you have what it takes,” expressed Wilson. “You just have to keep believing in yourself. That is the key to being good at anything. It doesn’t matter if others believe in you for as long as you believe in yourself and put your mind to what you’re doing, then you can do it.”
PAGE 8 | MARCH 26, 2019
The Lionʼs Roar | NEWS
Learning technology in a computer-driven world JOHNATHAN ZERINGUE STAFF REPORTER
The Department of Computer Science provides its students with the tools to be successful in a fast-growing market. Dr. Quoc-Nam Tran, head of the Department of Computer Science, discussed a renovation that the department recently went through. “Our department just split as before we were both the Department of Computer Science and Industrial Engineering,” said Tran. “The decision was approved by the Louisiana Board of Regents as it was mostly made by the demands of the students. We have about 500 majors and minors students. So, we wanted to have a separate department for the benefits of students.” According to Tran, the department offers the biggest undergraduate program in the entire state of Louisiana. “We have much more students majoring in computer science and information technology than any other university in the state,” stated Tran. “Also, we graduate more students as well. For example, about 67 computer science students graduate every year in comparison with about 50 students for LSU and 35 students for UNO.” The department provides variability to meet its students’ interests. “We have a bachelor’s of science in computer science and in information technology,” commented Tran. “Specifically, for the computer science degree, we have two tracks. We have a scientific and a pre-MBA concentration.” Within the department, students can explore deeper into the world of computer science outside the classroom through organizations such as the Association of Computing Machinery. Dr. Bonnie Achee, an instructor of computer science, is proud to be the faculty advisor for the award-nominated organization ACMWomen. “ACM-W supports, celebrates and advocates internationally for the full engagement of women in all aspects of the computing field, providing a wide range of programs and services to ACM members and working in the larger community to advance the contributions of technical women,” expressed Achee. “For their vision and hard work, ACM-W has also been nominated for the 2019 DSA Student Organization Award of Excellence.” The department is constantly expanding due to the rising importance of the field of computer science.
Dr. Quoc-Nam Tran, head of the Department of Computer Science, prepares a PowerPoint presentation about the importance of the computer science major for incoming freshmen. The university’s Department of Computer Science graduates the most computer science students in the state. JOHNATHAN ZERINGUE/THE LION’S ROAR “The job market for computer science is growing at two times the national average,” stated Tran. “Usually, a student has a job right after they graduate and can make in the range of 55 to 75 thousand dollars a year.” Achee mentioned a unique program that the Department of Computer Science will implement beginning in 2019. “The Lion’s Code coding camp for secondary students introduces students to computer science through an easy-to-learn program,” shared Achee. “This will allow them to create their own stories and games in 3D computer animation. Students will be introduced
to the visual programming language, Alice, and use it to code 3D animations. The camp will run from July 15-26 at a cost of $50 per student.” The main objective of the department is to prepare students for the real world. “We put the students’ benefits on top of everything,” said Tran. “We try to reach out to the employers in the area so we can offer real world projects for our students in order to give our students a chance to become familiar with their future professional jobs.”
up with that demand, and my tendons might not be able to do the same thing. So, I’m putting other parts of my body at risk for damage.” The infographic made by the NFHS showed that while 0.7 percent of NCAA male athletes reported using steroids, 7 percent of athletes reported a muscle-mass gain of more than 20 pounds in a year. Blood doping, considered subject to restriction by the NCAA, is when an athlete injects
Department of Psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin, published a journal in the U.S. National Library of Medicine that analyzes the history and effects of different doping drugs used by athletes. The study explained that the first step to addressing any type of drug abuse is drug prevention. “Drug screening is used in higher-level athletics both to deter athletes from using drugs and to punish and offer opportunities for rehabilitation to those who are found to have done so,” the study stated. “Didactic education is another method aimed at prevention.”
Temptations of athletes using drugs JACOB SUMMERVILLE STAFF REPORTER
Human growth hormones, including steroids, are one form of enhancement that some athletes use. Although the short-term effects may seem rewarding, Green explained a consequence from using HGH to increase muscle mass. “All of a sudden, they’ve put on 30 pounds of muscle in a short period of time,” discussed Green. “If I’m a 165-pound guy and now I’m a 195-pound guy, my bones aren’t able to keep
The urge to get ahead of the competition can drive athletes to unintentionally put their health at risk. The National Collegiate Athletic Association created a list of banned drugs for the 20182019 season. The classifications of illegal drugs include stimulants, anabolic agents, diuretics and other masking agents, illicit drugs, peptide hormones and analogues, antiestrogens and beta-2 agonists. Dr. Ryan Green, assistant professor of athletic training, explained that the body is only able to handle certain amounts of stress caused by performanceenhancing drugs. Green stated, “Regardless of the drug you put into it, when you have a performance-enhancing drug that has effects mainly on the heart and on other enzymes and glands that help maintain homeostasis, it puts everything into a system of having to work harder.” A 2017 infographic by the National Federation of State High School Associations reported that about 20 percent of males in the age group of 1825 years old considered using performance-enhancing drugs While performance-enhancing drugs allow student-athletes short-term as the only option to become a advantages, using the drugs are against NCAA rules and may result in long-term damage. JACOB SUMMERVILLE/THE LION’S ROAR professional athlete.
blood into their system so that the increase in oxygen within the red blood cells attributes to a higher aerobic capacity. Aside from its restriction, Green discussed the sanitation issues that accompany the act. “Anytime you break the skin, there’s a chance for infection and disease to spread,” shared Green. “So, I think just from a hygiene standpoint, your skin is your natural defense mechanism for anything. Any contagious disease can get into the body when you break the skin, that protective barrier.” Claudia Reardon and Shane Creado, professors in the
Having worked with athletes ranging from high school to the Olympic level, Green believes that illegal drug use should not be allowed because it gives the user an unfair playing field, but he also stated that athletes should not use them, even if only during practices. “First of all, there’s rules,” explained Green. “If you’re breaking the rules, you’re breaking the law, but secondly too, ethically and morally, you have an unfair advantage that you are hiding from competitors, hiding from oversight committees when you’re doing that.”