The Lion's Roar 04/12/2016

APRIL 12, 2016 VOLUME 87, ISSUE 24

’ 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

90s theme wins Greek Week

Opinions Page 3

Arts & Entertainment Page 4

Sports Page 6

News Page 8

LionsRoarNews.com

Alumna designs 45th Strawberry Festival poster

The Lion’s Roar / Morgan Ledet

see pg. 2

Seniors prepare for art show The Lion’s Roar / Larshell Green

During this year’s festival, Delta Tau Delta fraternity (left, top) sold concessions. Kendall Gordon, Addie Rosie Stevens and Vivienne Landry of the Hammond and Ponchatoula area await anticipation of festival fun while dressed in strawberry inspired gear (left, bottom). Allison Roques (above), artist of this year’s poster and Darrell Rousseau of the Kiwanis Club of Ponchatoula, assists Roques in signing autographs of the poster.

BY LARSHELL GREEN Staff Reporter

Courtesy of Jenna Hildebrand

see pg. 5

Eagles, birdies and more

Locals and visitors gathered to honor one of Louisiana’s prized produce: strawberries.

Blazing temperatures did not sway crowds from gathering to enjoy a delicious variety of foods, including strawberry inspired treats along with dozens of family friendly activities.

The 45th annual Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival began on Friday, Apr. 8 and ended on Sunday, Apr.10.

Locations for the festival spanned from Memorial Park and North 6th Street to downtown Ponchatoula.

The festival included carnival rides, competitions, music and more.

Admission to the festival was free to the public.

One of the main highlights of the

festival was, of course, the strawberry inspired food.

Many organizations from Southeastern joined the festival to serve various food and strawberry inspired treats.

The university’s Theta Phi Alpha chapter got in on the fun by serving strawberry shortcake to festival goers.

According to Theta Phi Alpha sorority member and senior general studies major Helen Claire Jewell, Theta Phi Alpha previously sold sand art, but started selling strawberry shortcake as a fundraiser for the chapter.

Jewell expressed the importance of participating in local cultural events.

“It brings everyone together for a common reason and to have fun,” said Jewell. “That’s what Louisiana culture is all about, food, fun and laughter.”

Pat Ezell who previously lived

in Folsom described her decision to return to the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival after almost 20 years.

“It has grown a lot,” said Ezell.

“It’s very important to bring money to the city.”

Other attendees like Jennifer Taylor of Bogue Chitto, Mississippi were attracted to the overall ambiance of the festival.

“It’s family oriented,” said Taylor.

“I love to see loving people because that’s the type of person I am. It’s fun here.”

One of the most important elements of the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival is the poster. Last year’s poster design

by Kalle Siekkinen was stricken with allegations of racism. This year’s poster was done by Southeastern Alumna Allison Roques.

Kiwanis Club of Ponchatoula

president Brian Steib explained that the posters are chosen by the Kiwanis Club board of directors and one member of the Strawberry Festival board. According to Steib, the artists are given creative freedom for the posters as long as it is related to strawberries or the festival overall.

“Last year’s poster was in no way meant to be controversial,” said Steib.

“He, Siekkinen, used some of his characters that he portrayed in his art.

We didn’t want to start controversy this year. You always look for something different. We didn’t want to cause any issue in the community, so that’s who we chose, she was the best.”

Roques, who is a 2005 alumni of Southeastern and a Ponchatoula native, expressed the importance of

see STRAWBERRY pg. 12

LAT hosted run to end human trafficking

BY WILLIAM SCHMIDT Assistant Editor

The Lion’s Roar / Heather Jewell

see pg. 6

Campus helps environment

The Lion’s Roar / Karson Sharp

see pg. 10

Runners, walkers, basketball players and those wishing to support Hope House came together to raise awareness of modern day human trafficking, hoping to see it abolished in the future.

On Friday, Apr. 8 from 7 to 10 p.m., Lions Against Trafficking held its Electrik 5k run/walk for the fourth year in a row at North Oak Park. All profits made through the 5k will be donated to the non-profit Hope House organization.

“Hope House provides certain residential assistance for those rescued from human trafficking,” said president of Trafficking Hope Louisiana George Mills. “The ladies either come to us through law enforcement operations or through any trafficking agencies that are doing streetcommunity outreach where they are actually going out and trying to find human trafficking victims.”

The Lady Lions basketball team helped LAT with the preparations for the event, registered, checked in participants and cheered on runners as they would complete one of the four laps needed to finish the 5k.

“We feel that it is important to be a part of our community so that people are aware of the women’s basketball team and know that we are involved not only on the court, but off the court as well,” said junior criminal justice major and basketball guard Asia Vetter. “I would like to see everyone get through this race and work together to do something. We are going to work together to cheer them on as if it was a game.”

At 7:50 p.m., participants of the 5k walked to the starting line. Since the main focus of the night was to raise money for Hope House, participants could run, walk or choose to not finish the 5k. However, prizes were given to the three participants that finished first.

Senior general studies major and basketball guard Erica Hernandez finished in first. Denham Springs resident Anthony Hall placed second and freshman

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The Lion’s Roar / William Schmidt

Lions Against Trafficking hosted their annual Electrik 5k. Events included the 5k, food, a speech by President of Trafficking Hope Louisiana and ended with a paint fight (above). The Lady Lions basketball team helped with the event as well as registering participants (below). All profits will be donated to the non-profit organization Hope House. psychology major Sophia Leone took third.

Leone attended the event because she believes that LAT stands for a strong ideal and wanted to show her support for Hope House. Leone hopes more people become aware of the issue of sex trafficking and LAT’s organizational involvement on campus and throughout the community.

“I came out here tonight because I knew we were all coming out for a good cause,” said Leone. “I heard it was a great event, and I wanted to be a part of it. I hope it grows and gets more awareness because I didn’t know this organization was on campus at first. It is amazing what they did to raise money for Hope House.”

see LAT pg. 10

Weather Tuesday H 57 L 38

The Lion’s Roar / William Schmidt

Reminders Wednesday H61 L 40

Open Registration began yesterday for Summer and Fall 2016 Classes

CAMPUS LIFE

PAGE 2 APRIL 12, 2016

THE LION’S ROAR

Greek Week Month 2016 has come to an end

The Lion’s Roar /Morgan Ledet

The Lion’s Roar / Larshell Green

Winners of the Greek step show. Theta Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha, Pi Kappa Alpha and Delta Sigma Theta (left) pose proudly while representing their sororities and fraternities. The winning team performed to various theme songs of popular ‘90s television shows. Phi Mu, Theta Xi and Zeta Phi Beta (right) placed second. The group of paired fraternities and sororities incorporated a mix of dance, step, stunts and original line formations in their performance.

BY MORGAN LEDET Staff Reporter

The Lion’s Roar /Larshell Green

Sigma Sigma Sigma, Delta Tau Delta, Sigma Tau Gamma and Omega Psi Phi (‘00s) incorporated stunts into their performance, as seen above, as well as, traditional and modern steps.

Last Wednesday, Apr. 6 at 7 p.m. Greek Week/Month came to an end in the University Center as the teams stepped through the decades.

With the theme of the Decades, sororities and fraternities were grouped together to tackle a period. Representing the 60s were Alpha Sigma Tau, Kappa Sigma and Sigma Gamma Rho. Taking on the 70s were Alpha Omicron Pi and Theta Chi. Tackling the 80s were Phi Mu, Theta Xi and Zeta Phi Beta. Representing the 90s were Theta Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha, Pi Kappa Alpha and Delta Sigma Theta. The final team of Sigma Sigma Sigma, Delta Tau Delta, Sigma Tau Gamma and Omega Psi Phi took on the 2000s.

What was meant to be only a week’s worth of activities for the groups to participate in turned into nearly a month’s due to inclement weather throughout March and then Spring Break. Kappa Alpha Order member junior Justin Bankston shared his group used

Spring Break as a time to relax rather than keep practicing.

“We practiced once after the flood,” said Bankston. “And right before we went on Spring Break we practiced one more time.

We did not practice at all Spring Break. We came back Monday, we practiced and yesterday we practiced and that was it.”

If a team placed first, second or third in any contest they received points. First place received five points, second place received three points and third place received one point.

The Pie Eating contest took place Sunday, Mar. 6 at 4 p.m. The winners were announced at the Greek Week Wrap Up after Step Show. First place went to Phi Mu, Theta Xi and Zeta Phi Beta. Sigma Sigma Sigma, Delta Tau Delta, Sigma Tau Gamma and Omega Psi Phi took second place. While Theta Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha, Pi Kappa Alpha and Delta Sigma Theta took third.

The Sheet Sign Competition was judged in the Student Union Mall at 12 p.m. on Monday, Mar. 7.

Theta Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha, Pi Kappa Alpha and Delta Sigma Theta took first place and received five points. Receiving three points for second place were Alpha Sigma Tau, Kappa Sigma and Sigma Gamma Rho. Ending in a tie and receiving one point each were the teams of Phi Mu, Theta Xi and Zeta Phi Beta and Alpha Omicron Pi and Theta Chi. The final opportunity for the teams to boost their final scores was the Step Show Competition.

The teams were given a set of rules and had 10-12 minutes to impress the judges. Their performances must have included 5-6 minutes of step without the help of music. The judges based their score on style/appearance, choreography, stepping, overall performance, creativity and theme.

Freshman and Theta Phi Alpha member Kayla Thorne worried that her team would lack energy after the break.

“We were so pumped and ready,” said Thorne. “But it was just dragging on and we lost a little bit of our energy.”

The teams also had extra time to practice with Spring Break, but senior and President of Theta Phi Alpha Kaitlyn Carroll thinks her team lost something important.

“It [Spring Break] helps us because we had extra time to prepare,” said Carroll. “But on the other hand you lose momentum.

Looking back I’m glad we had extra time to prepare because the step turned out great.”

After all the teams performed, the teams of Phi Mu, Theta Xi and Zeta Phi Beta and Sigma Sigma Sigma, Delta Tau Delta, Sigma Tau Gamma and Omega Psi Phi had to battle it out in a step-off.

The rules were their step could not have music, exceed two minutes or repeat a previously performed step.

In the end, Sigma Sigma Sigma, Delta Tau Delta, Sigma Tau Gamma and Omega Psi Phi placed third adding one point to their final score, while Phi Mu, Theta Xi and Zeta Phi Beta placed second adding three points to their final total. In first place receiving

see STEP SHOW pg. 11

Bourg to A galaxy far, far away comes to campus for a night Tammy return as new Provost

BY JONATHAN RHODES Staff Reporter

*WARNING: SPOILERS ALERT* The force was strong with students as they went to see recent blockbuster film “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” last week on Tuesday and Wednesday in the Student Union Theatre.

The Force Awakens came out on DVD and Blu-Ray on Apr. 5, which the Campus Activities Board (CAB) planned the movie night around. The showings were at 6 and 9 p.m. on Tuesday, and there were three showings on Wednesday at 12 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.

“I think we picked really good show times for the two days,” said CAB Coordinator Nick Elliott. “We tried to pick times that worked with students’ schedule, when they did not have class or anything like that. It was kind of trial and error seeing what times would work best for students, but it looks like we had good numbers for the times that we had.”

CAB also advertised this movie night differently than they did others, thus affecting the turnout. Things like the film poster on the floor in the student

union and using the TVs in the union are creative ways it was advertised.

“We promoted a lot differently than the way we did during the fall semester using different social media tactics and stuff like that,” said CAB volunteer Reggie Cockerham. “And after this experiment we may continue advertising it this way.”

Students met with friends as they took their seats inside the Student Union Theatre just as excited as they were when they first saw the film back in December.

“I am really excited because I saw this movie like three times and each time I saw it I found something different about it,” said senior communication major and entertainment host of the Broadcast Education Association (BEA) radio show Kalynn Barnum. “The movie is fantastic, I think it’s a wonderful addition to the Star Wars universe and I get to see it with some of my best friends and some of my new friends.”

Probably the most surprising and emotional scene for students is when popular character from the original trilogy Han Solo is killed by his son Kylo Ren formally Ben Solo.

“I do not have a favorite scene, but

when Han Solo or Harrison Ford pretty much got stabbed it pretty much got to me again,” said freshman Joshua Chapman.

Almost every Star Wars film gets capped off with a lightsaber duel.

The lightsaber is the most iconic item from Star Wars and the duel between characters Rey and Kylo Ren at the end just seemed to mesmerize all in attendance.

“Just because I love lightsabers I got to say the lightsaber fight is the best scene,” said junior communication major and co-host with Barnum on the BEA entertainment radio show Max Mazik. “They’re not as choreographed as the originals or the prequels for that matter they feel realistic, they feel like people whose lives are at stake and they are actually trying to fight each other.”

Something that makes this Star Wars movie stand out from the others is that the main character Rey is a female. While fans view the character differently, students feel that it was great to see diversity in Star Wars.

“My favorite aspect of the movie is Rey because she is such a strong female character and she is a strong female character done right,” said Barnum. “I

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

QC Theta Chi is quite busy extending the Helping Hand to others. We recently worked

with the Hammond Regional Arts Center to put on their literary festival, celebrating the Written Word. Eric Johnson and Catherine Tijerino of Sims Memorial Library faculty were featured authors for their new book “Hammond (Images of America),” and it was great to work with them. Last week we organized a clothing drive to help families affected by the recent floods in the Hammond area. We are also very excited to hold our annual GI Theta Chi

fundraiser April 11 to 14. We will have events each day including Pie a Theta Chi, a dunk tank and a dine out night. All proceeds support our national philanthropy, the United Service Organization (USO).

QFA

The ladies of Theta Phi Alpha and our Greek Week partners, Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta and Pi Kappa Alpha are very excited about winning step show and Greek Week overall.

We are so incredibly proud of our wonderful sisters for their hard work and dedication.

think that is what a lot of women my age love about this movie, that they are not getting a strong female character that is gimmicky. I think they did a wonderful job on that.”

Students hope that in the future they will have more influence over what movies CAB will show for movie nights.

“When Rogue One comes out, I definitely would like to see that here,” said senior sociology major Anthony DeGioia. “With superhero movies they could do ‘Ant Man,’ maybe ‘Thor: Ragnarok,’ I wouldn’t say Avengers.

They could also do classic movies like the ‘The Godfather,’ that is staple in any movie goer’s diet.”

Elliott explains how students can share what they want to see at future movie nights.

“The best way is through the survey on our website and it’s always on there,” said Elliott. “Or you can send us a message on our social media. The more voices we have, the better chance of them helping us pick out those movies.

We are always open to what the students want.”

To find this survey and to see what other events Cab has planned, simply visit southeastern.edu.

BY MORGAN LEDET Staff Reporter

When current university Provost Tammy Bourg returns to faculty status on Jun. 1, Dr. Tena Golding will then serve as Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.

“Dr. Golding is a highly respected member of our campus community, having served as an outstanding academician and faculty member during her time at Southeastern,” said President John L. Crain in an announcement to the campus on Mar. 24.

In her time at the university, Dr. Golding has served as Interim Department Head of Mathematics. She has also served as Director of the Center for Faculty Excellence for many years and has been a professor in the mathematics department.

Dr. Golding’s appointment is subject to approval of the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors.

OPINIONS

THE LION’S ROAR

APRIL 12, 2016 PAGE 3

Learn to grow up when on your own and attending college William Schmidt Assistant Editor Some students are able to finish undergraduate in four years or less. I was one of those that took just over five. By senior year, I noticed something different compared to when I was a freshman; it is harder for students to learn how to cope and figure things out on their own.

A non-technical term I learned in one of my psychology courses was that today parents are “helicoptering” their children more than in times past.

If you are like me, you may not know what helicoptering means. Basically, it means that parents are holding the hands of their children and not willing to let them go. A term that I prefer is babying. Most people are babied. Even in college.

I understand that life is difficult. And with more and more college aged students having to move back in with their parents due to the country’s economic issues, it is not that surprising that parents are holding the hands of their children.

But, an issue arises with that. More and more of my peers are not knowing how to figure out stuff on their own. I understand that if you move into the dorms and were never taught how to wash clothes, you may need someone to teach you. This is understandable.

However, when my peers start to not even try to figure out stuff on their own, but rely on other people, this is where I have extreme issues.

Yes, as an incoming freshman, you may be shy and timid. College life is a scary place. But at some point, you need to realize that you have to figure out things on your own or ask for help.

If you are having issues in figuring out how to properly do an assignment or figure something out in regards to college life, you have to ask.

In most instances, a professor will not come up to you and ask, “Do you need help figuring out how to properly turn in a paper?” Maybe if it is a predominately freshman class this will take place. But, we aren’t freshman forever.

Seek help, ask questions, ask your peers, but don’t expect someone to know you need help or expect them to simply do something for you.

Yes, in high school, we all may have had a teacher that looked out for us. Even in college we may find that professor or peer who solves our problems for us. But one day, we will be out in the world creating a life and future on our own. It is time to learn how to grow up, figure out things on your own, so you can fly and have a bright future. A bright future where you can survive on your own without needing to be “helicoptered.”

If everyone starts to become helicoptered, I fear for the next generation more than I fear for my own generation. We will live in a world full of adult bodies with the minds of adolescents simply because nobody was willing to grow up and function on their own. So, please grow up. If not for yourself, but the next generation.

Step out of your bubble and embrace differences Megan Ferrando Editor in Chief

I love America, but sometimes it’s embarrassing to be an American. I say this for mainly one reason and that comes down to the ignorance Americans seem to have about other cultures despite the fact that America is the melting pot of cultures. We are built on the existence of other cultures. Immigration in the beginning made up so much of who we are as a nation.

I’m considered white, but my family immigrated from Italy and Germany. I have friends whose families immigrated from Latino and African cultures.

“American” is not a race. Yet, I see so many Americans living in a bubble separated from the rest of the world.

I don’t blame people for this. You can’t blame people for what they were taught growing up, but that does not exempt people from what I see as the human obligation to understand what’s different from their own world.

It seems obvious to me that race is a huge issue today. Yes, I see progress we have made as a nation to remove ourselves from discrimination, yet somehow discrimination still exists. It’s hard to remove ourselves from it because people have stereotypes ingrained in them, preconceived notions embedded in them

from grandparents, a fear of what’s different and a lack of understanding.

I read a statistic today from the Bureau of Justice Statistics that said one in three black men can expect to go to prison in their lifetime.

This is a case of racial profiling. This is a case of someone seeing a black man walking down a street and suspecting trouble because they are black. This is seeing a Syrian and calling them a terrorist because they are Syrian. This boils my blood. This is the circle of injustice.

Education should come in here. Breaking out of our bubble and taking the step to understand a variety of cultures should come in here.

It is so easy to remain detached from something that is different than us. Sometimes things are so far away that they don’t seem real. It’s hard to understand. It’s hard to relate, but if you are going to have an opinion about anything outside your world, at least have an educated opinion. Learn about the Muslim religion, talk to someone about what it’s like to grow up in discrimination.

In a book by W.E.B. Dubois published in 1903, he says, “Do you know what it’s like to be different? To be a minority? To feel watched?”

If your answer to this question is no, then try to find out. Allow your mind to be open to take on the view of someone else. Ask yourself what it’s like to be them. Ask yourself what it’s like to grow up in another country where the only thing you are taught is to be a martyr for a cause you were born into.

What is the point of all I’m saying?

Make your best effort to understand those who are different from you whether because of race, sexual status, religion, socioeconomic background, country of origin, etc. Do not assume you are better or you are right.

I have my own beliefs and my own opinions, but that does not mean that is the only right opinion. Isn’t that crazy? That both sides can be right?

I find it so important to look at every issue from the other side before deciding for yourself where you want to stand. And when you stand there, do not leave room for judgment and hatred for those on the other side.

“There is a reason that 30 to 40 percent of LGBT youth have attempted suicide,” said writer Jedidiah Jenkins in an Instagram post. “I don’t know what to do with all this information.”

There is a reason that those facing discrimination try to escape the world. Is it because people feel they are right and others are wrong? Is it because they cannot accept those who live differently? That’s probably part of it.

Another explanation comes down to the human desire to surround ourselves with what is most similar to us.

In an article by New York Times reporter Nicholas Kristof, he states that 75 percent of whites have only white friends. This does not mean that this percentage of white people are racist. A large part of this statistic comes down to the desire to be with those we think we can

What habit do too many Americans conform to?

I’d have to say going to college because people expect they’ll get a job if they get a degree.

Austin Anderson Sophomore, Business Administration

I feel people follow social media to feel accepted and try to conform with the rest of society.

Morgan Jacobs Freshman, Athletic Training

Political conformity. An example is how everyone’s been jumping on the Donald Trump bandwagon.

see NO JUDGMENT pg. 5

Enjoy breaks when at home with family and friends Kelli Meynard Staff Reporter

Spring Break is probably the most talked about vacation time for college kids. Even in high school everyone wanted to have a crazy beach vacation with all their friends. Everyone wants to go to Florida’s beaches or Gulf Shores, or go somewhere other than where they live in general. Getting away is always refreshing and I personally love the beach, but what I don’t love is spending a tremendous amount of money. The cost of hotels and everything that comes with a vacation is expensive.

My ideal break is spending time with my family and high school friends whom I don’t see often because we go to different colleges so far away. So that is what I did. I hung out with my little sister and we went to the lakefront, got

snowballs and tanned outside. It’s nice because we never have a chance to just hangout and I would rather be making memories with the people I love at home than getting trashed on the beach spending all my money on some airbrushed t-shirt I’m never going to wear.

It is okay not to go anywhere or have something cool planned to do for spring break. I feel like most college students feel like they have to do something or they won’t be considered cool. They are afraid people will question them like ‘oh my god really, you didn’t do anything over spring break how lame’.

You can still have a good time in your home town with friends and drink if that’s what you like. I had a much needed girls night with three of my high school friend where we each brought wine and cheese with crackers. We caught up on all the latest gossip and filled each other in on what was happening in each other’s lives. We also played a few board games.

Those are my favorite kind of nights and you don’t have to spend much.

A few days over break were beautiful. The

weather was perfect the last day. My boyfriend and I went to a crawfish boil at Fontainebleau State Park in Mandeville. We went on nature trails and walked around the lake. It was so peaceful and I felt very adventurous, but what was great about it was that it is not far from my house. So I got to explore without having to buy a plane ticket to some great national park elsewhere.

Being on break was also the perfect time to catch up on school work. I had an art project that was due the week we came back from break so I worked on my project a little each day. Break also gave me extra time to catch up on my favorite thing to do, sleep. Early mornings are not my thing so let’s just say I got well over the required amount of sleep at night plus naps.

There is always something to do in everyone’s home town, you just have to look around. Having good friends at home and an awesome family makes me always want to be home. If you have trouble finding something to do near you, there is always Pinterest.

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.

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I believe many Americans follow a social construct of conversation because it’s easy.

Zachary Araki Freshman, Psychology

Religious ideas because that’s something that family values and you don’t really question it too much.

Anna Crawford Sophomore, Psychology

I think Americans follow the conformity of beauty standards too closely.

Reanna Lanoux Junior, History

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.

Jamie Dearman Senior, Communication

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

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Administrative Assistant Heather Collins Coordinator Lorraine F. Peppo Director Lee E. Lind

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

PAGE 4 APRIL 12, 2016

THE LION’S ROAR

Local artist Michael Ledet ushers in the spring season at HRAC

BY LARSHELL GREEN Staff Reporter

The Lion’s Roar / Larshell Green

“Interior Affair No.19,” “Greek Vase, Reflected,” “Zeus & Athena,” and “Big Lightning,” (above) by Michael Ledet are displayed during a public reception at HRAC. Ledet’s artwork will remain at HRAC for the month of April. Board member of HRAC Maria McLellan (left) and local artist Nancy Lowentritt dance in front of one of their favorite pieces in the gallery, “Ahura Mazda Concept” during the public reception. Ledet (right) tells the story behind his generational span of artwork to guests during what is possibly his final show in Hammond.

Melodious flute sounds fill Pottle

Whirlwind images and eyecatching colors helped local art lovers officially welcome the beginning of the spring season.

The Hammond Regional Art Center (HRAC) held a public reception for local artist Michael Ledet on Friday, Apr. 8 from 5 to 8 p.m.

Ledet’s work can be seen in the El Paso Museum of Art, the New Orleans Museum of Art and the Louisiana Art and Science Museum.

Ledet was previously on the Board of Directors at HRAC. According to Ledet, he held a show at HRAC about 8 or 9 years ago. His second show will most likely be his final show in Hammond. Ledet remains appreciative of the community supporting local art.

“It’s tremendous, especially in a really small community like Hammond,” said Ledet.

“HRAC has been very vital to the community.”

Media Coordinator for HRAC Tara Bennett describes Ledet’s unique aesthetic and how it contributed to him being chosen for the exhibition.

“This exhibition is a collection of his most recent works which contain beautiful use of color and a unique sense of style and imagery,” said Bennett.

Executive Director of HRAC Katherine Marquette explains why Ledet’s relatable scenes resonate well with audiences.

“One of the great things about Michael Ledet’s work is that his subject matter connects with everyone,” said Marquette.

“His acrylic paintings on display are comprised mostly of interior scenes executed in his signature artistic style which draws elements of inspiration from Fauvist master Henri Matisse.”

According to Ledet, he used some images from his earlier artwork and incorporated them into his new work.

“None of it is real; most of it comes from a combination of images that I see and that I got attached to,” said Ledet.

According to Ledet, preparation for his artwork begins with creating a foreground with some object to create ‘interior and exterior compositions.’

Ledet hoped to thrill the audience through unique perspectives and compositions during the exhibition.

“I would hope the color makes them feel happy and excited,” said Ledet. “The perspective is never quite true.

I want them to be on edge about how the composition jumps back and forth.”

Attendees of the exhibit seemed intrigued by Ledet’s unique interpretations of nature.

Friend of Ledet, Adele Bornkessel of Hammond was in admiration of Ledet’s spring themes in his artwork.

“As I look around and see his colors and the way he draws flowers, it is spring-like,” said Bornkessel. “He has a very unique style.”

Although Ledet creates a variety of works, he prefers to create non-threedimensional art. However, three-dimensional objects, like antique pottery, can still be

seen in his work.

“I did not pursue threedimensional stuff because I wasn’t comfortable working on it,” said Ledet. “I like flat surfaces.”

Ledet admits that he is mostly self-taught and although he majored in art in college, he didn’t graduate. Instead, he worked in a frame shop until he became an apprentice for artist Ida Kohlmeyer, eventually running a gallery.

“I learned more about art in those experiences than I did in school,” said Ledet.

Retired professor of health at Southeastern Linda Synovitz, was inspired by Ledet’s work because of her own interest in painting and drawing.

“It is absolutely astonishing,” said Synovitz. “His ability to put together common objects with the abstract and the colors are amazing. I understand what it takes to produce a work like Michael’s.”

Currently, Ledet is in the beginning stages of creating a book of illustrations about growing up in New Orleans during the ‘40s and ‘50s. He plans to move back there after living in Hammond for thirteen years.

“I’m at a change of life and what I want to do,” said Ledet. “I want to illustrate New Orleans memories in my style.”

For more information on Ledet, visit michaelledetart. com. Ledet will hold a lecture on Thursday, Apr. 12 at 5 p.m. at HRAC. For upcoming events at HRAC, visit their website at hammondarts.org or call 985542-7113.

BY TIFFANY NESBIT Staff Reporter

The annual Flute Studio Recital brought harmonious tones to Pottle Auditorium.

Last Tuesday, Apr. 5, at 7:30 p.m. the music department hosted the Flute Studio Recital. Directed by fine and performing arts professor Shanna Drescher and pianist Mary Bresowar, it consisted of seven major songs.

Sonata in D Major was played by flutists Missy Massey, Abbie Stevenson and Ashley Wolfe. Flutist Maryssa Chartier performed “Suite de Trois Morceaux.” Flutist Caroline Wright performed “Sonata for in a minor for solo flute.” Flutist Andres Chavez performed “Sonatine.” Flutist Taylor Garrett performed “Concerto for Flute and Piano.” Flutist Jordan Bergerson performed “Sonata for Flute and Piano.” “Tico Tico no Fuba” was performed by the university’s Flute Choir.

This past year was the first year that Drescher has been a part of the university.

“This is my first year here teaching at Southeastern,” said Drescher.

“I wanted to create the opportunity for my students to share their hard work each semester and share what they can do with each other and their guests. This recital has been a great way to show progress of the flute students throughout the semester.”

This event was a huge success according to the musicians and the audience.

“This was my first solo performance,” said music education major freshman Jordan Bergeron. “At first I was nervous, but once I stepped

The Lion’s Roar / Tiffany Nesbit

Performing solo, student flutists of the flute recital present their talents on stage, each performing their own version of the songs, each playing their instrument with care and emotion. on the stage and started playing, my confidence grew and the better I them feel great and happy with music.”

Senior vocal music education major Michelle Guillot was a guest felt myself perform. I have been playing the flute for about six years at this event. and I intend on continuing through my schooling.”

“My favorite piece had to be ‘Tico Tico no Fuba,’ ” said Guillot. “I Another performer also felt it was a great opportunity to play on loved it because as a vocalist, I was able to see similarities in the piece stage. between a vocalist performance and a choir of flutes. You get the same “It was a neat experience being able to play on stage with my fellow feeling when you have a group of great musicians all playing at once. classmates,” said freshman music education major Ashley Wolfe. “It Overall the performance was a great variety of old and new songs.” was a lot of fun. I am really passionate about music and my first year Performing with the Wind Symphony, the Flute Studio’s upcoming here at Southeastern has been great. Being in the music program has taught me a lot and I feel like I have progressed in my music skills. show is located at the Columbia Theatre on Apr. 21 at 7:30 p.m.

I hope to further my degree with music therapy, I feel using music To see dates for upcoming studio events, visit their Facebook page. therapy will give me the chance of working with children and making

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

THE LION’S ROAR

APRIL 12, 2016 PAGE 5

Senior Exhibition opening reception to be held

BY TIFFANY NESBIT Staff Reporter

The Lion’s Roar / Tiffany Nesbit

Above is work of senior ceramics major Aurora Olvera, one of many works which will be on display at the Senior Exhibition. This collection consists of nine pieces of pottery.

Senior artists will soon show off their hard work and dedication at this semester’s Senior Exhibition. The exhibition will open Apr. 14 and will last until May 14.. This show will be enriched with a mix of paintings, digital design, sculpture, ceramics, drawing and print making, along with other concentrations of visual arts.

The showcase is organized by the art departments’ faculty and students, including those who are being hosted. The opening reception will take place Thursday, Apr. 14, 5:00-7:30 p.m. in the Contemporary Art Gallery.

Concentrating in graphic design with a minor in computer science, senior Jenna Hildebrand is one of the seniors whose work will be displayed. Her pieces such as “The Plastics,” Plastic Utensil Package Design, “Equus,” Book of Horse Illustrations and “Still Life Herbology,” Herb Supply Company Package Design, will be hung for display.

Although her concentration is digital design, not all of Hildebrands’ work will be considered digital design. Her work shown will be an assortment from all classes throughout her time at Southeastern but primarily based off of her upperclassman work.

Hildebrand’s senior project, Herbology, involved creating her own company from the ground up, including all digital designs such as posters, packaging and logo. Her idea was to create a company

where clients could order garden materials and herbs through a web based company which would then be delivered to their doorstep.

Her packaging would also be biodegradable. Herbology is based on houseplants you can leave on your windowsill.

“Clients would order what they want, order a starter kit and it provides them with what they need for a windowsill plant,” said Hildebrand.

Hildebrands overall work represents harmony between elements of design and logic, and the relationship between each other. Her work represents understanding the importance and the quality of design.

“I want my work to effectively communicate the harmony between elements of both design and logic—the relationship that inspired me to pursue Graphic Design in the first place,” said Hildebrand. “I want to become proficient in portraying information in an appealing way and to study how the two subjects, logic and design can enhance one another. I more clearly understand the importance and relevance of quality design.”

Hildebrand is also actively involved with campus life. She preforms her talents at the office of career services by providing them with graphic designs on advertisement such as posters and flyers. She also is a part of the universities track team running as middle distance.

To see Hildebrand’s work along with many other seniors, attend the Contemporary Art Gallery located on campus.

17th Annual Guitar Festival Oedipus opening next week continues with festivities

BY KARSON SHARP Staff Reporter

BY WILLIAM SCHMIDT Assistant Editor

Those who missed the first three events of the 17th annual Southeastern Louisiana University Guitar Festival, can attend the last two shows.

The guitar festival launched Mar. 23, compliments of husband and wife.

“The first one was the guest artist one,” said guitar instructor and festival coordinator Patrick Kerber.

“I was very pleased with that one because that was David Bryan and Jessica Bryan.

They are both graduates at Southeastern.

They both got their undergraduate and masters here. They both teach, are very successful and professors at William Carey University. They are a husband and wife team and that was a beautiful kickoff to the program and the festival.”

Kerber performed on Apr. 4. Kerber played a more traditional style of music to remind audience members of the importance of where new

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Impatience is still somewhat of a problem. But a sign of progress should soothe the anxious Aries heart. Meanwhile, invest some of that waiting time in preparing for the change ahead.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Bovines tend to excel at solving problems, not creating them. But you risk doing just that if you’re slow to respond to a timely situation.

If necessary, seek advice from someone you trust.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) The Gemini Twin might need to do more than a routine check of both a job-linked and home-based situation. Dig deeper for more data on both fronts to avoid unwanted surprises later.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Moon Children facing an important workplace decision are encouraged to use their perceptiveness to see through any attempt to win them over with a supercharge of fawning and flattery.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) Good news catapults Leos and Leonas into reconsidering a deferred decision.

But time has moved on, and it’s a good idea to recheck your plans and make adjustments where necessary.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) The week favors relationships, both personal and professional. Take the time to look for and immediately repair any vulnerable areas caused by unresolved misunderstandings.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) A friend’s problems bring out

music originated from.

“I did a lot of things that have fallen out of favor over the last few years,” said Kerber. “It is a really nice thing to see more and more people are writing new things, but we shouldn’t forget what was already there, which is why I presented traditional pieces.”

The upcoming performance will take place Apr. 20 at 7:30 p.m. in the Pottle Auditorium.

The guitar ensemble will perform a variety of music.

The ensemble has been practicing on Mondays and Wednesdays from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m. since January. The students are excited to show off their hard work.

“I just love getting up and performing and showing everyone what I have been doing this entire semester with music,” said freshman music major Graham Guillory.

Other students suggest audience members come with an open mind.

“A lot of people think classical music is boring but your protective instincts. Be careful to keep a balance between meeting the obligations of friendship without being overwhelmed by them.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) The temptation to take an extreme position on an issue is strong, but moderation is favored both in personal and professional dealings. Move toward finding areas of agreement.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Getting another boss or teacher? Try to see the person behind the image. It will help you adjust more easily to the changes that new authority figures inevitably bring.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Much as you might dislike the idea, keep an open mind about using the assistance of a third party to help resolve problems that threaten to unravel an important agreement.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Music helps restore the Aquarian’s spiritual energies this week. Take someone you care for to a concert of your musical choice.

Also, expect news about a workplace matter.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) A challenge that seems easy enough at first could take an unexpected turn that might test your resolve. Decide if you feel you should stay with it, or if it’s better to move in another direction.

BORN THIS WEEK: You can be strong when standing up for justice, both for yourself and for others. (c) 2016 King Features Synd., Inc.

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Winters is directing an adaptation of the classic tragedy in his own new style, based on a 2007 interpretation by Frank McGuinness. He wanted to present students with a piece of Classical Greek tragedy, but also wanted to freshen the work for a current audience. To this end, he added fresh choreography, as well as music played by students. The music is crafted to reflect the mood of the play and will be featured throughout the performance.

Winters also praised the work of the set designers, saying that the sets, lighting and costume all “bring the show to life.” However, the set is hardly the only thing Winters is optimistic about.

“I always hope that we can sell out the show,” said Winters. “A lot of our audience comes from the student body, but classic plays bring a lot of people from our surrounding community.”

Actors in the show are also excited for their roles, Core amongst them.

“To be playing the role of

it is really speaking without For students who feel deprived lyrics,” said freshman music of Greek tragedy this semester, major with a concentration their annual dose can be received in instrumental Alexis Dunn. at this year’s production of “Like if you really listen to “Oedipus.” it, it is like telling a story On Apr. 19, the curtain will without lyrics.” rise on a production months in the If you are unfamiliar with making. The show is the revived the type of music that may be tragedy “Oedipus,” and will be played, it is still possible to directed by theatre instructor have fun with a bit of personal Chad Winters. Justin Davis stars investigation. in the title role of King Oedipus, “Some don’t understand while the role of Jocasta will be what is going on,” said junior played by Payton Core, Creon music major Kenaniah Turner. played by William Rushing, the “I would say do a little blind prophet Teiresias played by research on the music and the Misty Gros, the Shepherd played style you are about to go see; by Shelly Sneed, the Messenger just so you can understand played by Chris Dalton and the stylistically some of the things Stranger played by Anita Brewer. that are going to take place in Oedipus Rex, an ancient the performance.”

Greek tragedy by Sophocles, The final event will take has been loved by theatre fans place May 3 at 7:30 p.m. in since its creation. Oedipus, King the Pottle Auditorium. of Thebes, becomes determined “The last concert will be to investigate his past, and soon a little late this year and that discovers a horrible truth. is our All Styles Night,” said NO JUDGEMENT Kerber. “That will be fun. continued from pg. 3 Everyone gets to let their hair down and play pop, jazz and relate to most. original music. The students The problem with this, though, is that it will are studying classical guitar inevitably lead to false stereotypes and a lack of here but they can play all understanding for those we “think” are different from kinds of music and we put that us. on stage. That has become a I use the word “think” because no matter how popular part and we always different people seem, I’ve learned from personal try to do it last.” experience that all people of the world are more similar For more information, than we would originally believe. contact Kerber at 985-549I’ve been lucky enough to go out of the country four 2886 or email pkerber@ times in the past four years. I’ve traveled to Cambodia southeastern.edu. three times, and spent last summer in the Philippines.

The cultures there could not be more different than here in America. There were a few times that I felt like the outsider. I sometimes missed the food, showers and

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Jocasta is an absolute honor,” said Core. “Going into auditions, don’t get me wrong, I was confident and gave it my all, but I was intimidated by all the other actors who I could tell were well known here. I was stunned, to say the least, when I got the call saying I was going to be the Queen.”

Gros also shared her enthusiasm for the role of Teirisias and described the unique challenge she faced in learning the character.

“Learning this role has been a real challenge for me,” said Gros.

“Not only am I trying to flip this male character into a female but I was also trying to feel out how her reactions to different situations would be, learning her temperament has been probably the most challenging.”

“Oedipus” will premiere on Apr. 19 at 7:30 p.m. in the Vonnie Borden Theatre. Performances will continue until Apr. 22 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at the door and admission is free for Southeastern students with university ID.

comfort of America, but most of the time I felt at home because I was surrounded by people I could relate to.

Once I looked past the outward differences, I was able to see how similar we really were. For those who could speak English, we were able to hang out, crack jokes and have meaningful conversations just as I would have with my close friends at home. For those I couldn’t communicate with verbally, we were able to develop pretty powerful relationships based off body language and the human touch.

That fact never ceases to amaze me. Every person on this earth came into the world the same way. The years after may have formed aspects of their life, but the initial human feelings and instincts and desires are there in each person. They are the same.

As they would say in Cambodia, “Same Same, but Different.”

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PAGE 6 APRIL 12, 2016

Tennis wins Senior Game

SPORTS

THE LION’S ROAR

Golf prepares to be up to par come conference championship tournament

BY WILLIAM SCHMIDT Assistant Editor

After a win against Alcorn State on Apr. 5, the Lady Lions tennis team suffered an almost utter defeat against McNeese State University, only to turn it around again and celebrate a victory over Nicholls.

The Lady Lions took on the Cowgirls at the Southeastern Tennis Complex on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. on April 9.

In doubles, Renee Villarreal and sophomore Dalina Dahlmans were able to claim a 6-4 victory against Cowgirls Vivien Borbely and Giovanna Floretti. Sophomore Dany Raygadas and junior Margaux Kaltenbacher were able to claim the second doubles point for Southeastern with a 6-1 victory over McNeese’s Julia Kral and Charoline Erlandsson.

McNeese’s Klaudia Gawlik and Anastasija Trubich took the only win against Natalie Duran and Madina Vorontnikova for doubles.

“I thought we had a good effort in doubles,” said Head tennis Coach Jason Hayes. “We really managed to do the things we worked on and I think it turned out really well for us. We played good doubles all year.

I think it is because we really emphasized what we are doing in that and making sure we apply that.”

Outside of Villarreal, the Lady Lions were dominated during the singles matches.

“You have to give credit to McNeese,” said Hayes.

“McNeese is a great program with a lot of really good girls.

Today was not a good day for the Lady Lions and hopefully we will learn from this and not have a repeat of this tomorrow.”

On the No. 1 court, Villarreal was able to extend her singles win streak to a consecutive nine matches with a victory 6-2, 6-0 over Cowgirl Gawlik.

“Renee is amazing and she lost to that girl a couple of times,” said Hayes. “It is good for her to get that revenge open.”

Villarreal gave credit for her team doing so well in doubles to being pumped up about winning.

Villarreal also was glad that it was her time to win against the tough opponent Gawlik.

“She has been Southland player of the year her freshman and sophomore year,” said Villarreal. “It was nice to step up today and know that I can do it.”

Though the Lady Lions had already secured a spot in the Southland Conference, one of the goals of the final two home matches were to ensure practice in preparation for the Conference. Also, the Lady Lions tennis players wanted to show their best for two players’ final game of the regular season.

“We [were] going to go out there, especially since it [was] my senior day, and we [hoped it was] going to be a last good game for Margo and I,” said Villarreal.

The Lady Lions did not let their loss derail them and they came back in a 6-1 victory over Nicholls State University on Apr. 10 at 1:00 p.m. on the Southeastern Tennis Complex.

This was the final career match for Villarreal and Kaltenbacher who will both graduate this semester, Kaltenbacher a year early. Southeastern won with two doubles and five single matches.

Kaltenbacher and Raygadas won their doubles against Nicholls’ Clemence Krug and Andrea Mastrippolito. And though Nicholls would even the score on No. 2, Villarreal and Dahlmans would take the

see TENNIS pg. 7

The Lion’s Roar / Heather Jewell

Golfers on the Lions team Lawrence Allen (left) and Paul Obermann (right) spent their Friday afternoon at the Carter Plantation Golf Course, enjoying the continued cool weather and sunny skies to start off their weekend. While there, the athletes went to multiple spots on the course, practicing for any angles they might be faced with taking at the Conference Championships on Apr. 18 through 20.

BY HEATHER JEWELL Sports Editor

With their season in full swing, The Lion’s Roar met with Head golf Coach Jake Narro and seniors Eamon Bradley, Lawrence Allan and junior Paul Obermann to discuss their season, performances and team dynamics. Starting off the season as 122 in their division, the golfers have made their way to 97 and must win the Conference Championships in two weeks to compete in regionals.

The Lion’s Roar: How do you feel about the Old Waverly Tournament overall?

Jake Narro: It was good, in our last round we tied for the lowest score out of all 16 teams. Our challenges this year have not been playing good rounds, but playing consistent rounds. We’ll have a really good day, then we’ll have a really bad day. Golf is a game where that happens.

TLR: How do you feel about the season as a whole?

JN: We are division one, so there are about 300 golf teams out there and we started

at 122 and have progressively worked our way to 97.

I’m happy with the steady progression, however I do not think we have progressed as far as we could be. You have to be in the mid-sixties to play in post season regionals, which we will not make it to unless we win the championships.

We are ranked number two in the conference, which is good news, but the bad news is McNeese is the number one ranked team and we have had a hard time with them. They are better than we are, but that doesn’t mean we can’t beat them.

TLR: Who has really impressed you on the team this year?

JN: Of the guys I’d start with Paul Obermann, he’s had a really good year and is an eyelash away from really doing well. And James Anstiss. Those two guys have been our best performers, their scoring average is the lowest, and James is a little bit lower than Paul’s. And Lawrence and Eamon, I’m really proud of the example they’ve set for the rest of the team [as seniors].

TLR: You said y’all are having trouble with inconsistencies, what are the tendencies of your players for each game then?

JN: Oh yeah, everybody has strengths and weaknesses and all of them are a little different... Paul’s strength is to get that ball to the green.

James’ strength is getting them there also, but his main strength is putting and chipping. James’ strength is his short game ability and Paul’s strength is his long game.

TLR: What’s the team dynamic like?

Eamon Bradley: I hate all of them *laughs*.

JN: The truth is this, when you get a group of people together you’re going to have different personalities and backgrounds and not everybody agrees all the time.

However, what this is, and what is cool about being on a team is that- Paul’s from Germany, these guys are from Scotland, someone’s from Baton Rouge and so forth- they all think the same.

They all love golf, they’re the same age, they’re in school, they talk to each other about

The Lion’s Roar / Heather Jewell

what classes to take, bitch about professors, and they go out together and have fun

see GOLF pg. 7

Comeback year ahead in Lions football

BY IAN FISCHER Staff Reporter

As the Lion’s football team prepared for their third scrimmage, the Spring Game and a comeback year, they focused on hammering out rough edges.

The Lion’s had a rough 2015 season plagued with injuries finishing with a 4-7 overall record, 3-6 Southland Conference record.

Before the spring practices opened, Lion’s Head football Coach Ron Roberts said he would use the time during spring practices to get red shirts and new players up to speed. After a few weeks of practice, two scrimmages

and preparing for the third, Roberts was focusing on sharpening the Lion’s performance on the field.

“We got to limit the mistakes from the last one,” said Roberts.

“We got into it physically pretty good right before we went into Spring Break. But it’s important we come out here and eliminate the minimal mistakes from the last time we got on the field.”

The secondaries, receivers and running backs on the team have experienced significant change this year and according to Roberts, he was looking forward to the third scrimmage to clear it up.

“We’re really looking for somebody to step up in those three

groups,” said Roberts. “Hopefully on Saturday we’ll see some things.

We’ve seen some guys do it, but we’re trying to see who does it on a consistent basis.”

With new defensive backs on the team, he said they have talent and potential, but he is looking for more from them.

“Potential is not really a good thing for a player,” said Roberts.

“Potential means you haven’t responded yet. We’re looking for guys that can actually get it done on a production basis and consistently.”

Junior defensive back and business major Ryan Sigers said the Lion’s older defensive players are helping the younger players with filling gaps created by replacements.

“With coach Rob being the [defensive] coordinator, we’re really coming together,” said Sigers. “We’re replacing a lot of guys so it’s a lot of opportunity to step up.”

Sigers played 13 games in 2014 making two interceptions and 11 games in 2015.

Spring practices will end with the annual Spring Game in the Strawberry Stadium on Saturday

The Lion’s Roar / Ian Fischer

see FOOTBALL pg. 7

SPORTS

THE LION’S ROAR

APRIL 12, 2016 PAGE 7

Gauff picks up the mantle from Moore as team coach

BY JONATHAN RHODES Staff Reporter

Former assistant coach of the men’s basketball team Errol Gauff was named the new head coach of the Lady Lions basketball team by the Director of Athletics Jay Artigues on Apr. 2. Gauff was introduced at a “Meet the Coach” event last Tuesday in the Victory Club. Gauff is the sixth head coach in Lady Lions history.

“We were looking for someone who could provide long-term stability to our women’s basketball program and serve as a positive role-model for our student-athletes and Errol [Gauff] fits the mold,” said Artigues in a press release.

Gauff coached the men’s basketball team at St. Thomas Aquinas High School for 18 seasons before coming to Southeastern. He led STA to their first playoff appearance and victory, seven consecutive 30-win seasons and two state championships.

“It wasn’t easy leaving STA,” said Gauff. “A lot of great people who helped me in more ways than I could describe; people that I love and respect. However, it was a great opportunity to fulfill a dream of coaching in college and that opportunity was right here in Hammond where I would not have to relocate. It was a blessing from above.”

Gauff accepted the job as the new head women’s basketball coach and spoke to all friends, family and peers that were at the “Meet the Coach” event thanking them for their support.

“The emotions since coach Artigues called Friday night have been off the charts,” said Gauff. “This is home. Much to my surprise and honor to see this turnout today I know a lot of the people here through teaching their sons and daughters and working with them in a professional way however it may be. I am truly blessed. God has blessed me over and over and this is just another way that I know God has blessed me.”

Gauff was the assistant coach of the men’s basketball team for two seasons under current Head basketball Coach Jay Ladner. Ladner was proud to see Gauff become the new head coach.

“This is a great day,” said Ladner. “It’s a great day for Southeastern, certainly a great day for the women’s basketball program here and it’s a great day for us [men’s basketball team] too. I take it as a complement to our program that one of our assistants was thought highly enough to

see GOLF pg. 6 together. The cool thing is when they come to college, they’re in a group already.

They don’t have to join a fraternity, they already have that built in. The seniors, as much as they might mess with the young freshmen, they help guide them along. I would say it’s almost like they’re brothers. Siblings fight all the time, right, but no one can fight them. And that’s the way the team dynamic is. They encourage each other, they push each other, they love each other; but, they piss each other off at times as well.

EB: I think that’s what the strongest part of the team is: we hold each other accountable, but never put too much pressure on each other at the same time.

TLR: You all come from different cultures and communicate differently, so whenever a new guy comes on the team is it hard to cross that

see FOOTBALL pg. 6 at 2 p.m. Sigers said the defense has surprises for the offense.

“Similar to last year, a lot of people want to see points on the board,” said Sigers. “As the defense, we’re not going to let that happen.”

Junior and offensive lineman Cyrus Ekugwum responded.

become the new head coach of our women’s program. I’m really proud for him and his family, and he is going to do a great job.”

The Lady Lions finished last season with a 4-25, 3-15 SLC record and missed the conference tournament for the fourth consecutive year.

“I told them we won’t talk about last season or last year or the year before,” said Gauff. “I asked them if they know who Satchel Paige was.

One of them knew he was a famous African-American Negro League baseball player. And I said some people know that more people may know him for the quote he said ‘if you spent all your time looking back someone is gaining on you.’ I said ‘well girls, we are not trying to go backwards, so let’s keep our eyes on the prize, moving forward’. And that prize is every day we have to go to class and act like a champion, we have to get in the community and shake hands and talk to people like champions and we have to hit the floor practicing and hit the weight room like a champion. Let’s move forward.”

Junior guard Taylin Underwood was enthusiastic about her new coach and his plans for the team.

“I’m actually really excited to get something new from what we had,” said Underwood. “I’m ready to get started. He seems to be really focused on go ahead and getting to work and working hard and getting us better for the next season.”

Coach Gauff has been coaching men’s basketball for nearly twenty years and addressed how he would be making the switch to women’s basketball.

“People ask me about the switch going from boys to girls, ‘how are you going to deal with them’; you don’t deal with student-athletes, you treat student-athletes,” said Gauff. “So I am here to treat them in a way like I did the boys. I will treat them with respect, I will try to motivate them and I’m going to push them and demand of them that they get every bit of their God-given talent and put it together to use in a team effort.”

Gauff was glad to keep his family in Hammond, but says the new job does take up a lot of time.

“I admit I do not spend as much time with my wife and daughter as I want to,” said Gauff. “They are great. When we are together, it’s special even if it’s just going for a ride, watching TV at the house or going out to eat. I’ve got to learn to be available for them more frequently.”

bridge?

EB: Yeah it’s hard, everyone is different and I think it’s not just because of the cultures, but because we don’t know each other before [coming to Southeastern].

Paul Obermann: I think we are so accustomed to different cultures already, getting along with different people, speaking different languages- with accents- we are pretty much used to it.

EB: Honestly, I think the hardest people to adjust to are Americans. When a German comes we’re like oh, he’s alright, because when you’re in Europe you spend so much time dealing with people from different cultures. But in America its like, all you deal with are other Americans. So it’s sort of isolated and when you come meet the Americans they have literally no idea about what other people and cultures are like. I feel like the when we come in, the Americans change more than anyone else.

PO: I think all in all its more fun and a challenge to get to know all these cultures and gain life experience, whether you’re American or non-American. Just to be put in such a mixed and multicultural environment like our golf team.

“We’re going to take it head on, you know,” said Ekugwum.

“We’re ready for anything they’re going to throw our way.”

According to Ekugwum the team is healthy and ready from the strength and conditioning program.

Sophomore Quarterback Donovan Isom and Senior Quarterback D’Shaie Landor both threw touchdown passes at the

third scrimmage last Saturday.

The scrimmage was just under 100 plays in two hours. Roberts said both sides dominated each other.

The Lion’s football first regular season game will be against Oklahoma State next September.

“I can’t wait,” said Sigers. “It’s a redemption year. We got a lot of doubters and a lot of naysayers, but we’re just focusing in on what Coach Rob’s saying.”

TLR: So y’all are on a two week break, the Conference Championship isn’t for another two weeks, how are y’all feeling about it? What are you doing now to stay in the mindset?

EB: Preparing. Just trying to prepare for it like any other tournament and trying to get better at golf. The only part you can control in golf is how you prepare so when you go out there you are as ready as you can be and give yourself the best chance to perform well.

PO: Everybody has work to do, we have all got to prepare.

TLR: What are y’all going to do to work on improving

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The Lion’s Roar / Jonathan Rhodes

Head Coach Errol Gauff with his wife Medria, and his daughter Hailey Elizabeth at the “Meet the Coach” event that happened in the Victory Club last Tuesday.

Coach Gauff has been coaching in the city of Hammond for more than twenty years. For 18 years he coached the St. Thomas Aquinas High School men’s basketball team. He was the Lions assistant coach for the past two years.

Assistant coach Aja Gibson, who was assistant under coach Yolanda Moore last year and played for the Lady Lions (2010-14), will be returning as assistant coach under Gauff.

“She has more ownership to the program then I do,” said Gauff.

“She has sweat for the university, she’s bled for the university. Coach Moore did a good job bringing her in last year as part of the staff and I will retain coach Gibson as part of the staff. She has been invaluable to me already. She could leave August 1 and I could never repay her enough for what she has already done. She has taught me some things not only about the young ladies, but helping me to get organized as this transition takes place.”

For more information on Gauff and the Lady Lions, visit lionsports. net.

The Lion’s Roar / Heather Jewell

your consistency?

JR: There is one event left, it’s now or never, we are who we are. We are 97, its below where we wanted to be, so now we are in the position where we have to win to go to Regionals. We’ve been working on it, but sometimes

things don’t work out the way you plan. The good news is our good is good enough, the bad news is our bad is too bad. If we can bring our bad up, play our good round, we’ll be beating everybody. And in three days of golf, you’re going to play one bad day.

The Lion’s Roar / William Schmidt

The Lady Lions came back for a win in their final pre-conference match.

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For the full interview, go to lionsroarnews.net.

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victory on No. 1 against Isla Brock and Laia Charles.

For singles, sophomore Lucia Bustamante put the Lady Lions ahead early on with a 2-0 victory, with a 6-0 and 6-2 victory against Charles.

Villarreal continued her singles win streak moving the Lady Lions to a 3-0 lead. She was able to improve her lead to 72-9 and ranks fourth in the program’s career singles victories list.

Raygadas took a victory on the No. 3 court, Duran on the No. 6 court and Vorotnikova on the No.5. The only loss in singles for the Lady Lions took place on the No. 2 when Nicholls’ Milou Pieterz won a 6-1, 6-4 victory over Dahlmans.

The Lady Lions Tennis team will travel to the league tournament on Apr. 22 to 24 in Nacogdoches, Texas. The winner of the tournament in Texas will determine Southland Conference’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

The Lady Lions finished their regular season 14-8 overall and 6-5 in Conference play.

For more information on the Lady Lions tennis team, go to lionsports.net.

NEWS

PAGE 8 APRIL 12, 2016

THE LION’S ROAR

The voice behind the radio recognized for awards

BY HEATHER JEWELL Sports Editor

It is 7:30 in the morning and while many students use the KSLU radio as background noise to urge them into action, inside the station sits communication junior Miranda Fleig, coffee in hand, deciding what music to grace listeners’ ears with that day.

Sitting behind the large desk, she is confident and at ease, not at all daunted that her next words will be broadcast over the area.

Fleig has just been recognized by the Louisiana Association of Broadcasters and received $4,000 in scholarship money for next year.

The Lion’s Roar: What made you want to go into communication?

Miranda Fleig: So, I was about 13 or 14, living in Baltimore, me and my best friend would ride the bus to and from school.

We would just talk about politics and things going on, you know, in our state and the country, and we had so much fun with it, and we always had this idea that we should have a radio show, our own talk radio. [Then] I moved down here, and, in 12th grade, I took a broadcast class, which was just video. I liked it, so when I decided to come here, I was like, ‘I really want to try out communications,’ but I wasn’t into the video side of it. I liked working, I wanted to do talk radio, so I talked to Dr. Burns in my freshman year and I was like, you know, part of me wants to do public relations, because I think I’d be good at it, but the other part of me wants to do radio and I know that would be electronic media, even though we

don’t have focus groups anymore, but we still technically do. And he was like, ‘well, do both,’ and I was like, ‘What do you mean?’ And he said ‘take PR classes and go work at KSLU.’ So that’s pretty much the start of that, but yeah, it was just me and my best friend Chris and I loved talking, and I always wanted to do radio because I think of anything; I, not that I’m good at talking, but it’s fun. Especially when you can talk about your opinions and things that you enjoy, things that other people would want to hear on the radio.

TLR: How did you hear about the scholarship and go into that?

MF: The first time I heard about it was last year. My boss always keeps us updated on scholarships or workshops and stuff that can really help us and last year Amari Cordova, he actually won it and he still worked at the radio station at the time. And I was actually going to apply for it last year, but I had just started.

I started back in August and this was like December when I first heard about it. I was talking to [my boss] Todd [Delaney] about it, he was like ‘you should apply.’ But I didn’t have that much experience and wanted to have more. That way I could say ‘hey, I can back this up, not only do I love this, but I have skill in it.’ So this year when Todd sent us another email about it I really felt like I had experience, I could back this up, so I wrote. You had to have like a 3.0, be a communication major, a junior and all of this stuff. I had six recommendation letters, but I could only use three. It was just funny because I had Dr. Burns, I had Francesca Viomara and I had Todd and Burns’ letter made me

The Lion’s Roar / Heather Jewell

Miranda Fleig has been working at KSLU for two years; according to Fleig, her favorite music on the show is the Blues. cry. Todd’s letter didn’t make me cry, but when he emailed it to me he said “You deserve this more than anyone.” But I think the thing that was interesting the most was the essay that I wrote because I sent it to Deborah [Wickham], who works at the radio station, just to look at it. I was just honest, you know? I’ve always liked broadcast. I’ve always loved radio. I still love listening too.

I’ve always wanted to work for Sirius XM; I think that would be awesome.

TLR: Why did you choose radio over broadcast? Or does it make you feel more behind the scenes?

MF: I’ve always been a shy person. I think I have gotten out of that a lot since I’ve been in college, and I don’t have any problem with being on camera. I have been in

select things, a friend of mine, he’s done video things. I don’t have a problem with showing my face, I just, I don’t know, I’m very much a behind the scenes person. You know, you can go to work and you don’t have to be all dressed up. I think I would be a little bit camera shy if I’m just like, ‘Oh my hair’s not completely perfect.’ But I’m very much into the production side like, I like to produce shows.

So at the radio station, I produce BAM which is Best American Music. I help produce some of Dr. Burns.’ He’s got a show called One Question. I record it, I make sure it goes on and everything’s good. I’ve helped with the Point of View show at KSLU. I’ve pretty much helped with every specialty show that we have, and I like it because it’s kind of an art form.

TLR: How is it an art form?

MF: If you have a talk show that has music to it, you have to make sure that everything lines up, then you can fade songs into it and everything just flows together.

And I think a lot of people believe that, especially with radio, everything is just kind of a last minute type thing like ‘Oh just throw this in…’ No, with a lot of it you need to think about it or it’s like I want this song to fade in just about here and right when he starts to finish the sentence, then come back. It’s fun; I love putting things together.

TLR: So whenever you first started working at KSLU, how was that experience? You know, how was the ladder climb and meeting the people?

MF: Well, when I first started, it was nerve-wracking. When you first open up a mic, it’s scary. I

started out doing the morning show and Retro Reality. And it scares you [going on air]. The first time, I just couldn’t talk for like three seconds. I was like “uh, oh my God, I don’t know what to do.” And you just kind of have to ease into it. So, you know, you kind of just start off with the basics like, “this artist just sang” and “there is another artist coming up.” I slowly climbed the ladder.

I became production director in December of 2014 and I’ve been on and off because I don’t stay here during the summer, but pretty much I’ve been production director pretty much that entire time. Todd Delaney, my boss, he’s been out for a month because he’s on paternity leave. And so I took over his music director duties and I also create the logs for the actual playlist. If you don’t have the logs, there is nothing to be aired on the radio. So, it’s been interesting with the semester, but it’s been fun.

There’s so much you can learn with the radio, who you can be; you know you can always do OnAir stuff so you can be the On-Air talent. You can be a producer. You can be the person that selects the music, which is very important, you want people like, “Let’s play Fits and Tantrums” or “just add Eric Clapton to the playlist and the Foo Fighters.” So, you want to play people who are well known, but you can also throw in some people that aren’t well known, but the music is really good and you want them to take off. So there are a lot of aspects that I don’t think people really know about, but it’s just a lot of fun.

For the full interview go to lionsroarnews.com

Darriane Jones expands knowledge for NOLA Fashion Week

BY MORGAN LEDET Staff Reporter

Sophomore Darriane Jones expanded her fashion knowledge in the Cresent City by interning for New Orleans Fashion Week.

NOLA Fashion Week took place Mar. 13 through 19 and was held throughout the New Orleans area.

Business administration major and fashion merchandising minor Jones interned for NOLA Fashion Week and got a behind the scenes look into the fashion industry and what area would interest her the most.

“I plan to be in the fashion industry when I graduate,” said Jones. “I knew it would be good exposure and a great opportunity to figure out what realm of the industry I wanted to be in. I learned how much work it takes to put on a production. There are so many components to it and all must be covered to assure it runs smoothly and is a success.”

During her time interning for Fashion Week, she got to experience

many different aspects of the fashion world.

“Myself and some amazing fashionistas from all over Louisiana were invited to be a Fashion Ambassador,” said Jones. “The duties were to spread the word about fashion week along with all the events associated with it on all social media platforms.”

Jones was able to post outfits of the day, post sneak peeks of the attire throughout the week and help with selling tickets to come see the shows.

“I was very hands on with setting up and making sure the events for the day ran smoothly whether it was running the check-in table, managing the VIP section or working backstage,” said Jones.

Jones said that her overall experience was amazing, but her favorite part was Kid’s Runway Day. “The children looked absolutely stunning,” said Jones. “There was one designer that stood out to me that day. Her name is Alex Bujan.

She was a 10 year old designer and

that just inspired me so much. Her designs were gorgeous and people loved them so much she was brought back to showcase another day during Fashion Week.”

Jones loves the creativity and evolution of the fashion industry.

“The fashion industry is always changing and sometimes faster than you can keep up,” said Jones. “It is imperative to be original and creative in this industry to be successful.

There are so many designers and if you don’t stand out people won’t gravitate toward your work and move on to whoever is captivating their attention. Very important qualities to possess in my opinion.”

With a business administration degree and a passion for fashion, Jones has plans for the future.

“I plan to build my brand and open a storefront in Louisiana first and then expand,” said Jones. “I may even go back to school to study fashion design to produce my own line. I know I’ll be wherever there is fashion.”

The Lion’s Roar / Courtesy of Darraine Jones

Models walk down the runway at the NOLA Fashion Week show held earlier in March.

BCM helps surrounding community after floods

BY MORGAN LEDET Staff Reporter

While most students spent their time soaking up the sun on the beach during Spring Break, Baptist Collegiate Ministry students were serving the community.

This past Spring Break, BCM students took on the Hammond and surrounding areas to help people in need. More than 120 BCM students from all across the state were in attendance to help aid disaster relief.

The students were from University of Louisiana at Monroe, McNeese State University, Northwestern State University and our very own Lions.

One Lady Lion shared why she wanted to help and how she felt about

her experience in Ponchatoula.

“I went to a house in Ponchatoula,” said senior general studies major Savannah Kirkpatrick. “I chose this place because they needed help on that group and I was available. Serving people is such a beautiful thing.

It was awesome to get know the people at the BCM better, to be the hands and feet of Christ and to just enjoy Spring Break in a unique way.

I would do it again and highly recommend it.”

Kirkpatrick also explained the reactions from the woman she assisted.

“The lady was so grateful,” said Kirkpatrick. “She was grateful that we not only helped to clean her house up but also cared to talk to her and pray with her. She wanted to keep talking to us and engage in conversation.”

Marketing project works with Pelicans

BY WILLIAM SCHMIDT Assistant Editor

The New Orleans Pelicans suffered a defeat against the Phoenix Suns on Apr. 9 with a final score 100-121. However, a team of seniors and marketing, general studies, literature and language majors worked together in order to create a night where students and alumni could watch the Pelicans game at a group rate.

“One of the sales

representatives is a SLU grad,” said senior business administration major Joshua Barnhill. “We were able to talk to Matt Perrin and do a night.”

Students and alumni were able to purchase tickets at a discounted rate for the night.

Also, Southeastern was on a list of groups that were mentioned on the jumbo-tron during the game.

Barnhill is in a class for public relations. The goal of the Southeastern Louisiana

University Night with the Pelicans was to create a fun, public event for the university, off campus grounds.

“The marketing team wanted to do something exceptional for a marketing project to get a real-world experience in public relations,” said Barnhill.

A total of around 25 people purchased tickets. According to Barnhill, Group Sales Account Executive Perrin has shown an interest in making this a recurring event.

“Hopefully we opened the door with the Pelicans to future events,” said Barnhill.

“The students that participated brought in goodwill and a great experience.”

For information about the New Orleans Pelicans, visit their website at nba.com/pelicans. The Pelicans will play the Minnesota Timberwolves tomorrow at 7:00 p.m. at the Target Center in Minneapolis, MN. You can watch the game on FSNOLA or listen to WRNO 99.5FM.

NEWS

THE LION’S ROAR

APRIL 12, 2016 PAGE 9

SGA election results end with a shift in officers for next year

BY IAN FISCHER Staff Reporter

Just before Spring Break, the Student Government Association election polls closed resulting in a new constitution and new leadership including President-Elect and senior political science major Erin Fernandez.

At 5 p.m. on the Thursday evening before Spring Break, the SGA election polls closed. At 5:30 p.m. the Office of Student Engagement Administrative Assistant Alice Peltier announced the results to the candidates and supporters from the Student Union Mall’s crosswalk.

Sophomore kinesiology major Gabrielle Reynolds won Vice President and sophomore political science major Caleb Kerstens won Chief Justice.

Fernandez won 43.40% of the vote.

Fernandez said she was still processing the victory shortly after she heard the results and commented on SGA Senator and sophomore political science major Seth Leto’s campaign.

“I know that Seth ran a great campaign and I feel like we were pretty evenly matched,” said Fernandez.

Leto was optimistic about the results.

“I’m proud of Erin,” said Leto. “I know SGA will be in really good hands.”

Also running for president was incumbent President and senior political science major Alexis Quackenbush.

Fernandez currently serves as Senator and will be made President after the official convocation along with the newly elected candidates. Top items on her 2016-2017 SGA Presidential Platform included transparency, an increased presence on social media and student engagement with the SGA. Reynolds also said she also wants to increase the SGA presence.

“I’ve been campaigning so hard this week and I’ve heard a lot from the student body,” said Reynolds. “I feel like SGA can make a big difference and become more prominent throughout Southeastern.”

Fernandez also plans to address student parking which is something Kerstens supports.

Kerstens said he wants to increase the parking and would like to see the Administration create a plan to build a parking garage within the next five years.

“We’re trying to help with the parking around here,” said Kerstens.

The new Constitution of the Student Government Association achieved 87.90% of the vote with a for of 741 and against of 102 votes. It changed various aspects of student government and the SGA posted a copy on the university website.

Among the changes, the new SGA Constitution requires the Senate to approve members of the presidential Cabinet. The last constitution which the SGA ratified in 2010, did not contain a similar requirement.

The President of the University has authority to modify any part of the SGA constitution.

Seven more students won seats.

Neil Bourgeois won Senator of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.

Savannah Joseph won Senator of the College of Nursing and Health Studies.

Kelsey Johnson won Senator of the College of Business.

Richard O’Connell won Senator of the College of Education.

Richard Davis Jr. won Senator of the College of Science and Technology.

The Lion’s Roar / Ian Fischer

Senior political science major Erin Fernandez was elected president of the Student Government Association for the 2016-2017 year while standing in the Student Union Mall crosswalk. Friends embrace Fernandez as she celebrates the news.

Christians come together for a night of unity

BY KELLI MEYNARD Staff Reporter

The Lion’s Roar / Kelli Meynard

Avery Martin dances as The CREW, a Christian rap group, performs at LionNation Christian Invasion. The CREW performed as students walked around the room and greeted fellow students.

Varying denominations and campus organizations joined for one night of community and fellowship.

The event, LionNation Christian Invasion, was hosted by various organization who invited students and faculty to unite for a night of worship, speakers and more.

On Wednesday, Apr. 6 attendees gathered at St. Albert’s Catholic Church to celebrate being a child of God. There was an arrangement of food and a performance by Southeastern Alumni Rita West and John Finch. Junior general studies major Irene Marino and senior general studies major Derrick Faucheux coordinated this event to bring students together, no matter what background or organization they are from.

“I think that there are people on

our campus that struggle with so much and there is this theory that’s evolved that we are all separated

by Christian groups, Greek life and athletics,” said Faucheux. “We are all separated in our own thing and what this event does is that it brings us all together for one purpose, God. It breaks down those walls and these people can go back and tell their organizations what they experienced and they can start breaking down the walls themselves.”

Christian organizations want students to know that just because you are affiliated with Greek life does not mean you cannot also join a Christian group and have it be your second home.

“We want people to realize there are a lot of people in sororities and fraternities that feel like they aren’t accepted in Christian organizations,” said Marino. “We put on this event to help people know that you can

find a home here.”

Last year Christian Mingle was held and it was only the Christian organizations that were invited; however, this year the organizations decided to welcome other university organizations. LionNation Christian Invasion is meant to bring students to faith and show them how life is better when people trust in God. “I think that it is really important to have God in our lives and there are a lot of people out there who don’t have that,” Marino. “We put on this event to help bring people to faith and show people how important it is to have faith and that our lives can be so much better when we find faith.”

The Christian organizations have been looking to start a Christian Council so they can put on events like LionNation Christian Invasion in the future.

“We want to start a Christian

council where a representative from each Christian organization meets once a month to discuss meeting times and to plan future Christian nights,” said Faucheux.

“We eventually want to do a giant community service project where we can go and help local churches.”

Faucheux encourages students to be a part of the Christian groups at the university.

“A lot of these people don’t know about Christian organizations on campus so we really want to get everybody connected with an organization because by doing that they keep up their faith in college and a lot of people lose it,” said Faucheux.

The next event is going to be “All,” a Christian worship night hosted by the President of Lions for the Lamb, Zack Whitehead, in the Student Union. It will be held on Wednesday, Apr. 27.

Kevin Wilson leads this year’s Common Read

BY LARSHELL GREEN Staff Reporter

Since 2008, the university has been helping students, teachers and renowned authors connect through one common medium: a common text. The

text chosen, which ranges from fiction, non-fiction or poetry is presented each semester as a starting point to discuss and respond to the literature being covered in mostly English 101 and 102 classes through the Common Read program.

This semester, Kevin Wilson, author of “Tunneling to the Center of the Earth” and “The Family Fang” was featured on Monday, Mar. 21. Wilson received an Alex Award from the American Library Association and the Shirley Jackson Award.

From 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., student presentations were held in the Student Union Theater. Both dual enrollment and Southeastern students wrote papers involving the work of Wilson read them aloud on a panel as Wilson responded by asking questions and offering commentary.

“We start the day with the students presenting to the author and then the writer presents to the students,” said Department Head of English Dr. David Hanson.

Following was a question and answer session with Wilson from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

After, both Wilson and his wife, poet and writer Leigh Anne Couch, participated in a more advanced discussion about the craft of writing and publishing.

It was available exclusively to undergraduate and graduate English majors in the Writing Center.

The final session began at 6:30 p.m. in the Student Union Theater and was followed by a reception and book signing.

Wilson answered questions from the audience and read an original short story, titled “The Horror We Made.” The short story was about the frightening slumber party of teenage girls.

It was also a favorite among the crowd, including sophomore finance major Michael Seither.

“I enjoyed the slumber party story,” said Seither. “I enjoyed the way he contrasted the characters and the way Wolfgang took control of everything and the way he made his characters.”

According to Dr. Jason Landrum, head of the Common Read committee, authors are chosen from a running list of 10 to 15 authors each semester.

Landrum explained that the committee has meetings about who they believe would be a good fit for campus.

According to Landrum, Wilson’s youthful characters in their late teens and early 20’s piqued the interest of the committee, ultimately contributing to Wilson being chosen.

Hanson recognizes the importance of the authors being able to connect with students and the reputations some of them as good teachers, such as Wilson who is a professor at Sewanee: The University of the South in Tennessee.

“All of our authors are recognized nationally and internationally,” said Hanson.

“We work hard to find authors whose writing is appropriate for

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the campus and is of the highest quality that we can obtain.”

Landrum feels the Common Read programs keep the English department alive through crucial connections. According to Landrum, Common Reads are special and add energy to the faculty and students.

“It’s a vital component of the interaction between our students and teachers,” said Landrum.

According to Hanson, over the course of the history of Common Read, student questions for authors have gotten more sophisticated.

“Students are becoming better readers,” said Hanson. “It was very striking how good the questions were and how various they were.”

Wilson feels that the Common Read program is beneficial to his relationship with his audiences.

According to Wilson, he considers how his themes of adolescence and young adulthood are perceived by students in college.

“Well, my primary goal as a writer is to reach as many readers as I can,” said Wilson. “So, the Common Read allows a group of dedicated, careful readers to look at my work, which is all a writer can ask for. I guess I want the audience to feel like it wasn’t a waste of time. That’s all I can really hope for, that they felt that it was worth their investment.”

According to Landrum, Common Read proved to be successful drawing in about 1,000 students collectively from all of the sessions. Although the next text is currently being debated by the committee, according to Landrum, the next Common Read will occur in October of next year.

For more information on the Common Read program, visit english.selu.edu/commonread/ aboutCommonRead.

NEWS

PAGE 10 APRIL 12, 2016

THE LION’S ROAR

Reconnect brings Farmer’s Market to campus and honors Earth Day

BY WILLIAM SCHMIDT Assistant Editor

Reconnect will bring to campus the second Farmer’s Market of the semester to not only sell product, but also to promote sustainability and inform students of the importance in shopping for local healthy foods.

Reconnect will be hosting the Farmer’s Market outside the Student Union from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Apr. 20.

“Farmer’s Market is extremely important for America in general because we don’t have enough access to local sustainability options and that’s definitely true for Southeastern,” said junior management major Alexis Taylor.

The Farmer’s Market gives students the chance to give back and share their passion with others.

“I want to share my love of sustainable, organic food,” said applied sociology graduate student Stephanie Travis. “I love being able to offer individuals delicious jellies and jams that are locally sourced. It’s my hope that students will become educated on making smarter decisions when it comes to the food that they put in their bodies while providing

opportunity for individuals like myself to give back to the community.”

At the last market, Travis sold out of her jellies and jams. At this market, she will offer fresh batches of blueberry, apple, pear, figs and sweet pickles.

This upcoming Farmer’s Market will be celebrating Earth week.

Earth Day is on Apr. 22 and according to junior sociology major Kelsey Stratton, “Reconnect is an organization that focuses on our environment to help reconnect with our world and to help promote a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.”

Another goal of the Farmer’s Market is to support local businesses rather than large corporations such as McDonald’s and fix a possible food desert gap.

“There is a thing such as a food desert and that is when there is no fresh food and vegetables within a mile radius,” said Taylor. “Even though Hammond is not technically a food desert, we are pretty dang close.”

The Farmer’s Market provides a healthy lifestyle for Hammond

see RECONNECT pg. 12

The Lion’s Roar / File Photo

Applied sociology graduate student Stephanie Travis sells jams at a past Reconnect Farmer’s Market. She will once again be selling her homemade jams at the Farmer’s Market on Apr. 20.

Sustaining environment on campus grounds Bill Evans’ Jazz Festival returns for 15th year to Pottle Auditorium

BY IAN FISCHER Staff Reporter

The Lion’s Roar / Karson Sharp

The Sustainability Center hosts several ponds. The pond provides greenhouses with water, and the solar panel helps power irrigation systems.

BY KARSON SHARP Staff Reporter

Nestled amongst towering pine trees on North Campus, a secluded building houses one of the university’s most unique initiatives, one to renew the environment.

This building is the Sustainability Center. Students can reach it through a gate in the freshman parking lot.

Housed in the remaining buildings of Southeastern’s old horticulture program, the Center is like something out of a nature magazine. In a campus filled with concrete, glass and brick and mortar buildings, the Sustainability Center is an oasis of water and greenery. Several small ponds at the Center, as well as greenhouses, solar panels and a windmill are used for power generation.

Manager of Grounds, Landscape and Recycling Carlos Doolittle explained these in detail during a meeting of South Tangi Regional Environmental Advisory Council (STREAC).

Reports of environmental progress by activists throughout the Tangipahoa area and their work, the efforts of the Sustainability Center and a tour of the facility

were all given at the meeting.

The first thing the explained at the tour was the remaining function of the old horticulture program. Doolittle explained that while the program is gone, its greenhouses remain to grow and deliver plants for use as campus greenery.

Another effort by the Center is the use of solar panels. The panels line the roof of the old horticulture building, as well as the recently completed Outreach Center. They provide all power to the classroom, some power to other systems at the Center and some energy to the grid in Hammond. Ponds are used to irrigate the greenhouses as well as create closed loop geothermal systems. The Center also has a solar thermal system, which heats all water to the Center except during extreme cold weather.

Doolittle also noted progress on the Center’s budding biomass electrical generator, which produces electricity by burning wood pellets.

“So the biomass electrical generation part of the discussion, there’s fabrication happening right now for small systems that would be part of it,” said Doolittle. “If you stepped to the restroom, you had to pass through an empty

LAT continued from pg. 1 Senior with a double degree in business administration and accounting and President of LAT Jonathan Jee hoped that Friday night’s event not only raised awareness of the issue of human trafficking, but that those rescued from human trafficking will receive support.

“Some girls can get rehabilitated through the Hope House,” said Jee. “There are people that need to be restored. There are people that need help because they don’t have any hope.”

After the completion of the 5k, Mills spoke of the goals of Hope House, how human trafficking was affecting the community, nation and world, as well as mentioning that House Bills are in the process of being passed in order to help human trafficking victims.

“There are two bills going through legislation that changes the age of when you can use consent as a defense from 18 to 21,” said Mills.

“In other words, if I am a trafficker of a 19-yearold girl, right now, I can say, ‘She gave consent to do this.’ The way the new law would be, if she is 21 and under, consent is not a defense. It is a good law, it’s a good bill.”

After Mill’s presentation, participants were able to enjoy a meal, find out the winners of the one-dollar raffle and enjoy a neon paint fight. It was a chance for the community and students to help support a justifiable cause and get out of their homes.

“We are dedicated to bringing the community together and making it better and stronger,” said freshman communication major and basketball forward Kyle Felton. “It is a blessing and very fun to be out here and meet new people and encourage people to do more than just be out of their room.”

LAT hopes that the event helps to raise awareness of their presence on campus and

workshop space there, and possibly [noticed] a lean-to on the back of the building. [All of this] would possibly be a part of biomass electrical generation. And the biomass wood pellets on the wall of the classroom, that’s also a part of that.”

Doolittle also explained the presence of a windmill at the Sustainability Center.

“On the windmill, we know this is not necessarily a location for legitimate wind power,” said Doolittle. “However, one professor was really requesting we include it as a component. As students look at renewable energy options, there is one.”

Regarding STREAC, founder and OSH&E Coordinator Lawrence Mauerman shared the purpose of the organization.

“The reason STREAC was created was to unite environmental activists around the area,” said Mauerman. “Many activists are doing wonderful work, but STREAC allows us to pool our resources and energy towards common goals. We also just unveiled a new website, so that’s going to be a big help.”

For more information about STREAC, visit their newly created website at streac.org.

let people know that human trafficking is a predominant issue to watch out for.

“I would like the students at Southeastern to know we are the only organization on campus that raises awareness about human trafficking,” said senior kinesiology major and Vice President of LAT Lauren Larson. “People need to know it exists because it happens, globally, nationally, locally, it happens everywhere. I think people definitely need to know about it so they won’t potentially fall as a victim.”

Mills was glad that the philanthropy was able to collect donations for Hope House and wants the university to be aware of how human trafficking may be taking place in their backyard.

“I think any advocacy events done on college campuses is great,” said Mills. “We know that recruiters are on college campuses. I have had a female email me before that was recruited off a college campus, so it is happening on our college campuses. Plus, Southeastern is located strategically on the trafficking corridor on I-12 which is the southern trafficking corridor.”

Participants in the Electrik 5k encourages fellow students to do research of the horrendous issue of human trafficking.

“I think people need more awareness of the trafficking issues,” said Leone. “The issue itself, I think people misunderstand it because I know I did. Lauren [Larson] did a presentation of it at CSA [Catholic Student Association] and on what human trafficking was. I personally didn’t know what it was. I think if people were more aware that it is very common, because it has different types, I think people would work together to end the issue.”

To learn more about Hope House, visit traffickinghope.org. To learn more about LAT, visit their Facebook page at Lions Against Trafficking.

Famous and professional jazz musicians will be playing this week at Pottle Music Building for the 15th Annual Bill Evans Jazz Festival hosted by the Department of Fine and Performing Arts.

The annual jazz festival started on Monday and the last of the events will be held on Saturday.

It is named after the late, famous jazz pianist and university alumnus, Bill Evans. The festival will include performances from prominent musicians, alumni and students along with a competition for high schools.

This year, critically acclaimed trombone soloist, bandleader and Grammy-nominated arranger, John Fedchock, is coming to the university as the special guest of the festival.

According to the Associate Director of Bands, Paul Frechou, Fedchock will be holding a clinic for musicians at 1 p.m. on Saturday in the Recital Hall. He will be performing afterwards at 3 p.m., which will conclude the festival.

“Anybody is invited and it is free,” said Frechou.

According to Frechou, Fedchock is an in-demand clinician who conducts seminars and workshops at colleges and universities throughout the United States. Fedchock holds a master’s degree in jazz studies and contemporary media from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York along with degrees in music education and in jazz studies from Ohio State University.

“He is considered, by many, to be the finest jazz trombonist in the world,” said Frechou.

Fedchock began his career with the Woody Herman Orchestra in 1980. He has toured with numerous jazz bands and leads the John Fedchock New York Big Band. According to Frechou, Fedchock is one of New York City’s premier jazz artists. In 2003, Fedchock won a Grammy for best musical arrangement for his arrangement “Caribbean Fire Dance.”

On Fedchock’s trombone ability, the New York Times said

he plays with “dazzling trombone virtuosity.”

The professional band, John Mahoney Big Band, will play on Friday in the Pottle Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. and tickets will cost $15. According to Frechou, the band is known for playing in New Orleans at Snug Harbor jazz bar on Frenchman St. High schools jazz bands will be competing on Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

According to Frechou, bands will be judged on their performances of three selections and given a rating superior, excellent, good, fair or poor. Bands who are rated superior will win first, second and third place trophies.

Last night marked the first event of the festival. At 7:30 p.m., Dr. John Madere conducted university students in the Southeastern Jazz Combos in the Recital Hall.

The Alumni Jazz Band will be playing tonight in the Pottle Auditorium.

According to Frechou, it will be a full big band with alumni who are professional musicians.

NEWS

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APRIL 12, 2016 PAGE 11

Organizations step their way to the top STEP SHOW continued from pg. 2 five points were Theta Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha, Pi Kappa Alpha and Delta Sigma Theta.

The awards and Greek Month finally wrapped up with the announcement of Overall Greek Week winners. Taking third place was Sigma Sigma Sigma, Delta Tau Delta, Sigma Tau Gamma and Omega Psi Phi. In second place were Phi Mu, Theta Xi and Zeta Phi Beta. Finally with their take on the 90s, first place overall Greek Week winners went to Theta Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha, Pi Kappa Alpha and Delta Sigma Theta.

Thorne experienced her first Greek Week/Month with her team’s victory.

“I was so excited,” said Thorne. “We all just jumped up and screamed and ran to the stage.

It was the most amazing feeling because it was my first one, so it was a really great experience and being here tonight it was really fun.”

The Lion’s Roar / Larshell Green

The Lion’s Roar / Morgan Ledet

Order of Omega President Harli Manuel (left) welcomes the crowd to the 2016 Step Show Competition. Omega Psi Phi member Jeffery Martin (right) steps to music of the 2000s. Sigma Sigma Sigma, Delta Tau Delta, Sigma Tau Gamma and Omega Psi Phi placed third in the overall Greek Week ranking.

After being postponed for three weeks due to a flood in the Hammond area, Greek organizations were able to compete in the annual Step Show competition to conclude Greek Week on Wednesday, April 13 in the University Center. The overall theme was “Decades.” The decades ranged from the 1960s- 2000s. Alpha Omicron Pi and Theta Chi (above) prepare to step to the theme of ‘70s .

The Lion’s Roar / Larshell Green

The Lion’s Roar / Larshell Green

Phi Mu member Lauren Snowdy steps to ‘80s rock. Phi Mu, Theta Xi and Zeta Phi Beta placed 2nd in Greek Week.

Kappa Sigma members Coleden Heckman, Milan Love, Nick Wylie, Chad Thaiville and Tyron Mclemore perform to music of the ‘60s. Kappa Sigma was paired with Alpha Sigma Tau and Sigma Gamma Rho.

The Lion’s Roar / Larshell Green

The Lion’s Roar / Morgan Ledet

Pi Kappa Alpha members (left) take a celebratory selfie after winning step show. Delta Sigma Theta members (right) step to the beats of the ‘90s. Theta Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha, Pi Kappa Alpha and Delta Sigma Theta took home the grand prize of winning Greek Week 2016.

Sims Library celebrates 50 consecutive years as FDLP

The Lion’s Roar / William Schmidt

SIMS Memorial Library celebrated its 50th years as a Federal Depository Library. Professor of Communication Dr. Joe Burns (left) gave a presentation on music throughout the decades. One of the benefits of SIMS being a Federal Depository Library is getting free, governmental documentation that may not be found else where (center). Participants were able to enjoy the festivities (right) before and after speakers spoke on the history of Hammond, the library, the surrounding community, music and more. The library will continue to offer students access to the Federal Depository Library resources.

BY WILLIAM SCHMIDT Assistant Editor

Campus grounds has hosted a Federal Depository Library for 50 years now.

This momentous occasion was meant with celebration.

On Apr. 6 at 1:00 p.m., Sims Memorial Library held the celebration in the library’s first floor lobby. Met by door prizes, attendees took their seats to hear a bit of the history on Federal Depository Loans, history of the library’s influence on Hammond through the decades as well as a bit of musical history over the last 50 years.

Government Information Librarian Lori Smith began her presentation by explaining the history of the Federal Depository Libraries. The current mission is to provide free public and permanent access for the future.

The United States is the largest publisher in the world. The U.S. Government Publishing Office through the Federal Depository Library Program distributes free government documents to libraries throughout the United States. A Federal Depository Library must allow free, public access; even if the library was a part of a private institution.

Led by Smith, the library had a committee work together over the last

few months to create the program.

“I think they came up with a really fun, but informative program,” said Library Director Eric Johnson. “I really liked the combination of history of what was happening in the last 50 years along with a little bit of the history of the origin of the depository program. Especially with the Southeastern history of what has been going on for the last 50 years.”

After Smith’s presentation, Professor Emeritus C. Howard Nichols spoke on the history of Southeastern and the Hammond community. Audience members enjoyed the presentation. One student was glad to hear the history of the department she works for on campus.

“I am a student worker in the government documents department,” said freshman art major Caitlyn Clark.

“I was interested in going because it has to do with what I have to work with. It is really nice to hear the history of my department; to get a feel of where we started and where we are now.”

After Nichols’ history presentation, Professor of Communication Dr. Joe Burns spoke on the iconic musical moments in history. With the university being a depository library since 1966, Burns chose to speak on key historical moments from 1966, 1976, 1986, 1996, 2006 and this year as well as predict what

the rest of the year had in store musically.

After Burns finished his presentation, the attendees and presenters enjoyed some time with a cutting of cake and casual conversation.

Throughout April, a display of books and government documents highlighting events through the years will be in the library. Also, the U.S. Government Publishing Office awarded a commemorative plague in recognition of the 50-year anniversary and will be displayed in the library.

Johnson encourages students that have research for a class, or would like to do personal research of their own, to know that the federal depository has an abundance of available material.

“We get quite a few government documents,” said Johnson. “Mostly electronic now, it used to be paper. But on every topic imaginable. Both Lori and Howard covered that in their talks. It is everything from legal material, to forms, tax forms, things like that, to health information, to Civil War books, all kinds of things, anything that you can think of that the government published something on. We don’t get everything from them.

But we get a fair amount of material.

The material is so varied that just about any topic you could think about doing, especially anything with current events,

you’ll find some government documents on it.”

Not only are the governmental documents free, but they come to the university free.

Students may have already searched for government documents without realizing it through the library’s catalogue system.

“It is almost like a library within a library,” said Johnson. “A special collection from the main collection. But because it mirrors the main collection, it has something on just about everything.

It has its own numbering system. You are searching for government documents when you are searching for anything in the catalogue, they’ll come up as if they were a regular book or journal.”

Since 1966, Sims has been collecting government documents. One of the goals that Smith mentioned is that he is working with people to try and make sure that this same access is still available in 100 years.

Students are thankful that Southeastern has had a depository library and has made all the government documentation available.

“There is just a plethora of information that has accumulated in one area,” said Clark. “You can find all kinds of information.”

The Lion’s Roar / William Schmidt

Professor Emeritus C. Howard Nichols spoke on the history of Southeastern and the community in recognition of SIMS celebrating 50 years as a Federal Depository Library. Nicholas has written and released a number of history books.

NEWS

PAGE 12 APRIL 12, 2016

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SAINTS HALL OF FAME VOTED SMITH IN UNANIMOUSLY

The Lion’s Roar / Larshell Green

Members of the KA fraternity (left) deep fry fish and prepare other mouth watering delectables for crowds. Festival goers (middle) visit game booths to win the ultimate prize: an adorable stuffed animal. Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority members prepare their take on a local dessert, beignets. Amid rising temperatures, the sorority filled them with strawberries and served them to crowds with a smile.

STRAWBERRY continued from pg. 1 the Strawberry Festival.

“I grew up blocks away from here, so we could always walk to the festival,” said Roques. “It’s always been something I’ve looked forward to as a kid and my dad was on the board of the Strawberry Festival.”

According to Roques, her grandparents were strawberry farmers, so she considered them when designing the poster.

“Since it’s something I’ve always wanted to do, I’ve always wanted to make something historic, pretty and enjoyable,” said

Roques. “I didn’t really consider the controversy.”

Attendees of the festival gathered to get posters signed by Roques and reflected on the design.

Michelle Smith of Covington expressed her love of the poster’s and her opinion on the two designs.

“For me, I loved both posters,” said Smith. “It’s about the Louisiana folk art. This year’s poster is so conservative because of last year’s controversy.”

On June 18th, the Strawberry Festival Queen XLVI Pageant will be held in the Ponchatoula High School Auditorium at 7 p.m.

For more information on the Strawberry Festival, visit lastrawberryfestival.com.

RECONNECT continued from pg. 10

The Lion’s Roar / File Photo

Participants of the last Farmer’s Market serve food to those stopping by the vendor’s tables. Reconnect’s second Farmer’s Market of the semester will be held outside the Student Union on Apr. 20 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

along with economic benefits.

“Let’s bring the money back into the community, to the farmers who are doing ethical practices such as organic farming or not using pesticides or herbicides that may give us cancer,” said Taylor. “Farmer’s Market that is what we are showing, that there is a way we can grow our own food. That we can support our own local economy in a healthy way and we don’t have to rely on big corporations.”

Members of Reconnect want those wishing to visit the Farmer’s Market to know that vendors will sell only handmade and homemade items that are unique.

“Food vendors participating will include local honey, nondairy milk, hummus, smoothies, jams and jellies, blue ribbon pies and many more,” said Stratton.

“Non-food vendors will include

pottery from the Southeastern’s pottery club, all natural bath and beauty products, plants and seeds, jewelry and other crafts great for Mother’s Day gifts.”

Reconnect is the sustainability group found on campus. Along with the Farmer’s Market, Reconnect has taken on the task of promotion and improving the campus Community Garden.

“It is a great group if you are interested in community gardens because we have a community garden on campus,” said Taylor.

“We are hoping to grow it up where they can join the Farmer’s Market eventually.”

If you would like to join Reconnect, they host weekly meetings on Mondays at 5:00 p.m. in Fayard Hall Room 303.

Also, Reconnect will be hosting an Earth Day Speaker Series in Friendship Circle on Apr. 18 and 20 with the time to be announced. The speakers will cover topics of sustainability, urban gardening and eating locally.

Fire consumes restaurants Lee’s Drive-in and Superking Seafood on West Thomas Street burned down on Apr. 10.

According to Hammond Fire Chief Thomas, “We have just finished from two commercial structure fires in town, Lee’s Drive-In and Seafood King. These are two very popular eating places.

With today’s heat, multiple roofs and multiple buildings we appreciate mutual aid

from Ponchatoula, Natalbany and Independence Fire Departments. Our firemen knew they had a mission and extinguished the fires.

We’re thankful all employees, customers and firefighters were kept safe from harm.

We also want to thank PJs downtown for keeping the firemen hydrated.”

For a full story on these events, see next week’s issue of The Lion’s Roar newspaper.

s ’ QuickStop e d n e R

Rende’s

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame says defensive end Will Smith had been unanimously voted into the hall last month.

Hall of Fame President Ken Trahan (TRAY-han) says the announcement had been scheduled next month. He says the museum “expresses its deepest condolences and heartfelt prayers” to Smith’s wife, Racquel, and their three children, William, Wynter and Lisa.

He says Smith was a superb player for the Saints for nine

seasons, and an integral part of a team that won the 2009 Super Bowl.

He says a formal announcement and induction will be held, but has not yet been scheduled.

Police say Smith was shot and killed late Saturday in what appears to have been road rage.

Twenty-eight-year-old Cardell Hayes has been arrested on a charge of second-degree murder in the case.

Conviction would bring an automatic life sentence.

AP Photo/David Goldman, File

In this Dec. 27, 2010, file photo, New Orleans Saints defensive end Will Smith (91) celebrates a 17-14 win over the Atlanta Falcons in an NFL football game in Atlanta. Smith was fatally shot after a traffic accident in New Orleans.

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ICELAND FISHERIES MINISTER SAYS HE’S THE COUNTRY’S NEW PM REYKJAVIK, Iceland (AP)— Iceland’s fisheries minister emerged from the president’s residence Thursday and announced he has become the island nation’s new prime minister after days of political turmoil.

Sigurdur Ingi Johannsson told reporters that he had secured President Olafur Ragnar Grimsson’s formal backing after his predecessor resigned because of embarrassing links to an offshore account.

“This is a good thing” that will allow the center-right governing coalition to continue its policies, he said.

“This is of course an exciting opportunity, but it’s under bizarre circumstances,” said Johannsson, a 53-year-old who has combined his work as a veterinarian with his political career. “It is me as prime minister, but it’s important to be humble. It is a big task ahead to boost the confidence in politics and politicians. “ Johannsson said he doesn’t think the offshore accounts scandal brought on by a massive leak of financial documents held

by a Panamanian law firm has damaged Iceland’s reputation.

“We have been in bad cases before and we got through it,” he said.

But his coalition faces a stiff challenge in parliament from opposition parties that are demanding an immediate election.

The opposition introduced a no-confidence measure Monday aimed at then-Prime Minister Sigmundur David Gunnlaugsson, who has since resigned, but now propose a vote against the entire coalition government.

Gunnlaugsson has denied doing anything illegal and said he and his wife — also linked to the offshore account — paid all their taxes. He plans to remain in parliament and keep his post as party chairman.

A small group of protesters gathered outside the president’s residence Thursday while the new prime minister and other Cabinet ministers were inside — but there was no sign of the rousing protests held in Reykjavikreference to those who oppose President Bashar Assad.

The Daily Star/Jacob Rester

AP Photo/David Keyton

A small number of protesters and members of the media gather outside Bessastadir, the residence of Iceland’s President Olafur Ragnar Grimsson, in Reykjavik, Iceland, Thursday Apr. 7, 2016.

GROUP THAT HIT BRUSSELS PLANNED 2ND FRANCE ATTACK BRUSSELS (AP) — The extremists who struck Brussels last month and killed 32 people initially planned to launch a second assault on France in the wake of the November attacks in Paris, authorities said Sunday.

But the perpetrators were “surprised by the speed of the progress in the ongoing investigation” and decided to rush an attack on Brussels instead of going back to France, the Belgian federal prosecutor’s office said in a statement. It didn’t provide any details on the initial French plot or its targets.

Both France and Belgium warned it was no time to relax despite the recent spate of arrests.

“It’s fresh proof of the very real threat that weighs on all of Europe, and on France in particular,” French Prime Minister Manuel Valls said.

Belgian Justice Minister Koen Geens said it amounted to “a dirty war” when more attacks could be expected in Belgium, France or beyond.

“Once the intention is there,

the place of execution is rather secondary,” Geens told VRT network. “If we secure one place, another target opens up.”

Two suicide bombers killed 16 people at Brussels Airport on March 22. A subsequent explosion at Brussels’ Maelbeek subway station killed another 16 people the same morning. Investigators have found links between the cell behind those attacks and the group that killed 130 people in Paris on Nov. 13.

Sunday’s statement provides confirmation of what many had suspected: the series of raids and arrests in the week leading up to the Brussels attacks — including the capture of key Paris attacks fugitive Salah Abdeslam — pushed the killers to action.

In a separate development, Brussels’ STIB transport network announced that 12 stations closed since the attacks would reopen on Monday. Eighteen of the capital’s 69 stations will remain closed until further notice, including Maelbeek.