The Lion's Roar 05/08/2018

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

Hammond, LA

Celebrating with a splash

see PAGE 2

Gun control and why it matters

see PAGE 3

The conclusion of a season

see PAGE 5

May 8, 2018

Lady Lions host ‘Bunko for Basketball’ see PAGE 6

For the Finals Week Schedule and other information

see PAGE 9

Spring Commencement From UPD

o

1

Date and Time “Spring Commencement” 2018 is scheduled to happen Saturday May 12 at the University Center. Candidates for a degree are expected to assemble in lower level of University Center of the University Center at 9:00 a.m. The procession is expected to begin at 10 a.m.

Seating Arrangement

to NASA:

How Murden found a unique career in law enforcement

Candidates participating in the “Spring Commencement” are expected to enter the lower level of the University Center at designated entrances. The entrances for different colleges are as follows: -College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences - Gate 3, Lower Level -College of Business - Gate 1, Lower Level -College of Education - Gate 5, Lower Level -College of Nursing & Health Sciences - Gate 5, Lower Level -College of Science & Technology - Gate 7, Lower Level -Graduate Studies - Gate 3, Lower Level

Guests Guests should enter the University Center only from eight main entrances on the second level.

Diplomas The diplomas will be mailed on June 11, 2018. For changes in diploma address, a letter stating the correct address should be sent to Office of Records and Registration.

LARSHELL GREEN

Traffic

Editor-in-Chief

-The section of University Avenue between West Tornado Drive and SGA Drive will be restricted from 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

-Prior to commencement, traffic on University Avenue will be diverted to main campus via North General Pershing Street and SGA Drive. Eastbound commencement traffic will be diverted to West Tornado Drive for parking at the University Center, and westbound commencement traffic will be diverted to the campus at SGA Drive.

- Additional parking spaces around the University Center will be set aside for vehicles with appropriate handicapped placards.

-Residents of Oaks/Greek Village are requested to use the back gate near the laundry facility and maintenance warehouse for entering and exiting between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.

-Lion Traxx shuttle buses will be in operation before and after the ceremony to accommodate those parking in outlying areas.

-Drivers not attending commencement are asked to use U.S. 190, Thomas Street and Morris Street, or Natalbany Road, Hwy. 1064, to avoid University Avenue traffic.

Student pedestrian fatality ZACHARY ARAKI A&E Editor

Student Agustus Cooper Jr. was involved in a pedestrian fatality accident. He passed away on Saturday, April 28 after being in critical condition.

The Hammond Police Department received the call on Wednesday, April 25 shortly after 11 p.m. and reported to the scene of the incident on West University Avenue in front of Rende’s Quick Stop #3.

According to the driver of the car that hit Cooper, a witness and video from Rende’s, Cooper walked in front of a car while looking down. Though the driver was following the speed limit and braked upon noticing Cooper, the car struck Cooper.

“He was headed towards Rende’s and walked across the roadway, crossed both eastbound lanes, got into the turn lane, and there was some video from Rende’s that caught the actual impact when you see him step into the left travel lane,” said HPD Lieutenant Randy Miller. “He stepped right out in front of a westbound car.”

Peter Ring worked at Rende’s on the night of the incident. He Weather

Tuesday H 78 L 54

described his perspective of the events.

“I had a few customers in here, and the next thing I heard, something ran on the ground like it was being dragged,” said Ring.

“I didn’t see nothing, but there was a guy here in a white shirt. He ran outside, ‘Oh, guy got hit.’ We both came outside, and I looked. I got scared ‘cause I saw him right on the street with his face down.”

Ring believes the speed limit in that area should be reduced to avoid recurrences.

“Why put this at 45?” said Ring. “There’s a school over there. All of the students, some of them can’t drive or too tired to walk all the way. They’re gonna cross, make it easier. Why not make it 35 or 15?”

Sophomore communication major Alexis Minor met Cooper when they attended Baton Rouge Magnet High School. She recounted her experience with him.

“I often saw him working in the market in the student union,” said Minor. “Visiting the market during the day just to go mess with him was a highlight of my day. He was always open to conversation, and

see AGUSTUS COOPER JR. , pg. 8 Index

Wednesday H 76 L 57

Southeastern alum and UPD officer turned federal agent for the National Aeronautics Space Administration’s John C. Stennis Space Center David Murden. Courtesy of David Murden

Campus Life.....................2, 9 & 10 Opinions.....................................3 A&E............................................4

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

David Murden’s expertise in law enforcement and criminal justice has taken him from being a University Police Department intern to a federal agent for The National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s John C. Stennis Space Center in Hancock County, Mississippi.

Murden graduated from the university in Fall 2017 with a degree in criminal justice. He was offered the position with NASA in January 2018 and began on March 3.

At the space center, Murden is responsible for protecting and policing the center as well as guarding and protecting top-secret information on the site. He also protects property like passports, government documents and military documents while doing routine patrols in the police units, air, boat or maritime. He finds satisfaction in completing these duties.

“It’s rewarding to know that we’re making a difference for the entire United States,” said Murden. “We’re a small, integral part of keeping secrets.”

Murden’s original major was art with a concentration in photography. After a hit-and-run opened his eyes to the need for pursuing crime, a new passion emerged for criminal justice.

“The suspect fled the scene,”

said Murden. “We chased him.

I was on the phone with UPD guiding them. We led UPD to the suspect’s location. The girl that was the victim, I didn’t want to see that happen to anyone else. If I could do it for her, I wanted to keep the community safe.”

UPD Lieutenant and Uniform Patrolman Patrick Gipson shared that Murden was an intern with UPD during Fall 2016. Gipson described Murden as a positive, skilled and curious intern.

Murden still keeps in contact with some of the officers, who are following his career.

“He got along well with everyone and took the opportunity to learn as much as he could about law enforcement operations,” said Gipson. “We are delighted for him to be moving into his new position at NASA security and hope he does well.”

Murden is thankful to UPD for the opportunity to learn more about law enforcement and the principles behind it through traffic stops, ride-alongs and by policing during campus incidents.

“UPD gave me my foot in the door for law enforcement,” said Murden. “It was nice to be able to give back to the Southeastern community and keep them safe.

It helped me learn the proper ways of law enforcement and community policing.”

see NASA, pg. 8

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Page 2 | May 8, 2018

The Lion’s Roar | Campus Life

‘Fais Do Do’ and ‘Swamp Bowl’ collide NIKISUN SHRESTHA Staff Reporter

“Swamp Bowl” collaborated with “REC Fest” and University Housing’s “Fais Do Do” to host 32 teams with over 200 students participating at the events.

Associate Director of Operations & Facilities for Recreational Sports and Wellness Jean Bernard was pleased with the turnout and gave her thoughts on the event.

“I think it went great,” said Bernard. “The atmosphere was better than it had been in the last couple of years. Everyone hung around. It made for a more enjoyable atmosphere for the entire event. We’re trying to do programs for people who don’t traditionally participate in intramurals, and ‘Swamp Bowl’ gives us an avenue to do that. Having a one-day event like this that really gets the students involved, allows them to have fun and blow off some steam ahead of the finals week.”

Freshman middle school education, grades 4-8 major Destiney Robertson enjoyed participating.

“It was honestly crazy,” said Robertson. “I come from a more country family, and I’ve played volleyball all my life. So, having a mud-filled volleyball tournament was a blast.”

Bernard described this year’s “Swamp Bowl” as the biggest in the years she has been involved with the event. She credited the collaboration with “Fais Do Do” for the increased participation.

“I think it was mutually beneficial for them as well,” said Bernard. “I think the fact that we had the food and the DJ out there with us made the environment more enjoyable.”

Director of Recreational Sports & Wellness Seth Thomas described his experience organizing his first “Swamp Bowl.”

“It was great just looking out over the crowd of people and seeing all the students have a good time,” said Thomas. “They came in early, and they stayed late. The smiles on everyone’s faces, I can tell people are having a good time. Seeing all those students at one place being able to relax and have a good time was awesome.”

“When I got here, we had ‘Swamp Bowl,’ and we had ‘REC Fest’ a week apart,” said Seth Thomas. “Then the housing does their ‘Fais Do Do.’ I was talking about, ‘Let’s just combine it.

Let’s just collaborate our efforts and bring them together.’ That was my experience, what I wanted to do.”

Both Bernard and Seth Thomas feel the event had challenges coordinating with Dining Services.

“I think our biggest challenge was with Dining Services, just figuring out how to get them over here,” said Bernard. “Getting them set up with their card readers. The only other challenge was that we had more teams than we had in the past.”

Seth Thomas understood the challenge offered by shifting the location for Dining Services and thanked them for the cooperation.

“With Dining Services in the past, was doing it at the student union where they had all the equipment, the logistics with that was tough,” said Seth Thomas. “I appreciate them being able to do that.”

Bernard pointed out that free registration for the event played a part in an increase in attendance.

“In the past, we used to charge $10 a player,” said Bernard.

“That would go toward their ‘Swamp Bowl’ T-shirt. This year, we made the event free so we could get more participation. I didn’t hear complaints about not doing T-shirts.”

With the success of “Swamp Bowl,” Seth Thomas is optimistic of future events.

“I left yesterday feeling really excited,” said Seth Thomas.

“Not only about the event but excited about the things we’re going to do in the future. I think there’s just a whole lot of opportunity for us coming up.”

Junior psychology major Anna Watkins competed in the 2018 “Swamp Bowl” Junior psychology major Anna Watkins shared her experience volleyball tournament as part of team Just Spike It. Nikisun Shrestha/The Lion’s Roar competing.

“My favorite part was being a part of a team and having a Thomas explained how he got together with Assistant Director little bit of light competition,” said Watkins. “It was a fun and for Training and Programs for University Housing Tarra Thomas low-stress event.” and representatives who organized “Fais Do Do.”

Following the budget: A year of the Southeastern Promise

ZACHARY ARAKI A&E Editor

The administration looked back on nearly a full academic year with this fiscal year’s university budget as well as the first year of The Southeastern Promise scholarship and considered the future.

Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management Dr. Kay Maurin discussed how the first year of implementing The Southeastern Promise has gone.

“It is early, but preliminary data indicates that students, freshmen in particular, are enrolling in and completing more credit hours in the academic year than in the previous year,” said Maurin. “The Promise requires that a student complete 30 hours toward degree by the conclusion of each academic year. We will have definitive data on the impact to the progression of beginning freshmen at the end of the Summer 2018 semester.”

According to Maurin, “approximately 850 qualified students from the 2017 beginning freshmen class enrolled” in the Promise. Maurin discussed the reception to The Southeastern Promise.

“Parents, in particular, are very pleased with The Southeastern Promise in that it allows for more approximate cost planning for earning a four-year degree,” said Maurin. “We have received inquiries from universities out of state that are interested in implementing similar programs because they see the benefit to students in not only managing costs but encouraging progression and graduation.”

The Southeastern Promise will also be offered to 2018 beginning freshmen who can sign up at

their orientation sessions.

“We have made several changes to the Promise for the incoming freshman class based on input and experience with implementing the 2017 Promise,” said Maurin. “The changes include extending the enrollment period from the first day of fall classes to the last day of fall classes to ensure we communicate the responsibilities and expectations of the Promise and encourage participation.”

The administration also modified the Promise by changing the date to declare a major.

“The date to declare a major was moved from the first day of the second fall semester to the week prior to priority registration in the first spring semester,” said Maurin. “Many students have satisfied general education requirements by that time, and a major needs to be declared so students can be advised and register for the correct sequence of courses.”

Vice President for Administration and Finance Sam Domiano discussed priorities for the next fiscal year’s budget.

“The greatest priority as of now is that higher education receives stable funding for the 20182019 fiscal year,” said Domiano. “Given the challenges the state is facing with covering a nearly $692 million budget shortfall, amount after the estimated adjustment for changes in the federal tax laws, maintaining stable funding would have to be our single, most important priority.”

Concerning next year’s budget, Domiano’s greatest concern is if state funding will be reduced.

“Added to that concern, however, is the uncertainty around the TOPS funding, which has a tremendous impact on current and

Sherman Family Scholarship Awarded of Ponchatoula, a 1971 Southeastern graduate who was killed in an automobile accident in 1976. The scholarship supports students seeking careers in medicine. Pictured are, from left, Danny Acosta, a friend and mentor of the late Dr. Sherman; Falgot; Kenneth Sherman; and Southeastern Donor Relations Coordinator Lisa Patti.

Courtesy of Communication & Creative Services

HAMMOND - The William F. Sherman, M.D. Memorial Scholarship was presented to Southeastern Louisiana University student Lacy Falgot

of Folsom, second from left,

by Hammond dentist Kenneth Sherman. The Sherman family endowed the scholarship in memory of the late Dr. Sherman

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potential students,” said Domiano. “With nearly 35 percent of our students receiving TOPS, this unknown poses a real threat to our efforts of recruiting and retaining some of the best and brightest to Louisiana and more specifically, to Southeastern.”

According to Domiano, no major issues or concerns related to this year’s budget have surfaced yet.

“I feel much of this can be attributed to the fact that the university has a well established budgeting process enabling funds to be allocated to identified priorities based on the availability of funds,” said Domiano. “Enrollment has also remained strong and consistent with the budget, which is a critical component given that the majority of our operating dollars are self-

generated from student tuition and fees. While there remain questions about next year’s state funding, state funding for the current fiscal year has also remained stable.”

Domiano discussed budget planning for the next fiscal year.

“We continue to strive for budget stability, which includes our ability to continue to enhance our efforts in recruiting and retaining a quality workforce, especially our faculty,” said Domiano. “While we were fortunate to provide a merit increase for the first time in nearly a decade during the 2017-2018 fiscal year, it will remain a goal for us to continue to offer some form of adjustment should funding be sufficient to support it.”

Opinions | The Lion’s Roar

Never give up: It has taken me four and a half years to reach this point in my collegiate career. I have made so many friends and have so many memories. Even though not everything has gone exactly as planned, I will still say that I have had one of the best college Jonathan Rhodes experiences possible.

Senior Reporter I have seen other seniors give a lot of advice about what undergraduates should do while they are still in school. If I am to give any advice, it is to never give up doing what you want to do.

How

In my junior year, I got put on academic probation. I was not a very good student, and I gave my other extracurricular activities higher priority. But, I had communication professors, friends, family and an amazing girlfriend who encouraged me to pursue my goals.

Last year, I had to stop my training to become an editor at the school newspaper.

I wanted the position very much, but I had to focus on my grades to make sure that I reached the point that I am at now.

This past semester, I failed a class that I have to take in the summer. It hurts to see one more obstacle get in my way from completing my degree, but I’m not going

has

May 8, 2018| Page 3

Pursuing end of

to give up.

As long as you are alive, you can keep moving forward. I am so thankful for the people who would not let me fall in despair when I did not live up to my own expectations.

God blessed me with wonderful parents who support me no matter what. The people that I have worked with these past three years have been the best. They have influenced me in positive ways with their colorful personalities.

The entire communication department has motivated me each year to be bold and to get involved as much as I can with the profession of journalism. Dr. Joe Mirando

your the

dreams collegiate

and Dr. Amber Narro pushed me and never let me settle for less than what I am capable of achieving. The success that my friends in communication have achieved inspires me and shows me what can be accomplished if you work hard enough for it.

If there is a student organization that does things in your department, I suggest that you join that student organization.

I am so glad that I joined Press Club, an organization dedicated to advancing the knowledge of journalists. The networking opportunities and the friends that I made have helped to make me into a professional journalist.

But, mostly I thank Jesus because

“Southeastern has helped me really become a better me, and it really has opened my opportunities to many things.”

Kayla Clayton Freshman, Kinesiology

impacted

“The professors, especially in my own degree program, inspire me in my pursuit to my career.”

Teresa Caire Sophomore, Kinesiology

the line

without him, I would not be here and would not have this peace that surpasses all understanding. It’s because of him that I can be patient and not be afraid to fall down. Even when I do, he will pick me up.

I have enjoyed my time at this university.

The skills and lessons that I have learned from writing for Student Publications these past three years are irreplaceable.

If anyone is interested in journalism, I suggest working for this publication.

I know that it will not get any easier as I continue down this journey as a journalist and becoming an adult, but I am determined to succeed.

SPEAK OUT

Southeastern

until finish

you?

“Southeastern has impacted me by meeting new friends, teaching leadership skills, education and getting involved on campus.”

Aliyah Floyd Freshman, Nursing

“Southeastern has impacted me by showing me independence. Being away from home, I made friends, an academic setting has really allowed me to be successful. I really feel like Southeastern is home.”

Megan Kelly Freshman, Nursing

“Southeastern has impacted me in some of the best ways possible. Going to school every day reminds me that knowledge is power, and I think that’s gonna help me find my ultimate success.”

Thomas Swindle Sophomore, Art

“Southeastern has taught me that things don’t come easy. You have to work for your grades, work for a lot of things, and kind of space out between your social life and academic life and learn to balance in between.”

Micayla Mendel Freshman, Biological Sciences

“Southeastern has a more advanced system of learning. You have a lot of opportunities to learn outside of just the classrooms. There are a lot of clubs and lots of resources that can be used and utilized.”

Tyler Tran Freshman, Biological Sciences

“Southeastern has impacted me by helping me become a better leader. Being involved on many organizations on Southeastern campus, it has helped me with my networking skills.”

Dajon Beard Sophomore, Early Childhood Education

“Southeastern impacted me in a good way. It got me ready for college. Organizations have really impacted me by making me want to do better in life. It’s a good college.”

Wallace Harris Sophomore, Sports Management

“Southeastern has impacted me by its friendly environment. Even though I commute and don’t live on campus, I can feel the friendliness.”

Grace Butzman Sophomore, Communication

“Southeastern has exposed me to many different types of people due to the diversity on campus, let me immerse myself in different people’s culture and become a more wellrounded individual.”

Colby Dillon Junior, Kinesiology

“Southeastern wasn’t really my first choice, but ever since I came here, it has impacted me a lot. It has got me to get more involved in school. The people here are extremely nice.

They’re very outgoing.”

Jenny Bodden Freshman, Kinesiology

What must be done to create stricter gun control Time and again, some tragic news of mass shootings and gun violence strikes the nation. News headlines tell of the number of dead and injured, and news feeds in social media overloads with comments on whether or not stricter gun control measures should be adopted.

Tragedies such as the latest mass shooting in Marjory Stoneman Prakriti Adhikari Douglas High School in Florida Staff Reporter make people question the second amendment that grants Americans the right to possess guns. While some people believe guns are required for self-defense, stricter gun control measures should be adopted to create a utopian world that every citizen is dreaming of.

Guns are easily available in America. According to gun.laws.com, in Louisiana, the only necessary requirement for the purchase of gun is “a valid driver’s license which can prove the buyer meets the federal age limits: 21 for handguns and 18 for shotguns or rifles.” In a country where one requires a license to drive a vehicle and a legal permit by the State Barber Board to open a barber shop, there is no such law on requiring a license to own a lifethreatening weapon like an assault gun. As a result, there is a rapid proliferation of guns and an increase in the count of mass shootings across the country. Guns are no joke. They are lethal and have the potential to take lives. Therefore, stricter gun control measures must be adopted in the country to ensure people’s safety.

Gun control measures do not just include setting an age bar for the ownership of guns. There must also be preliminary health monitoring to ensure that the owner of guns is mentally sound to use guns.

Criminal records should also be checked to ensure that guns are not handed to those who are looking for an opportunity to kill people. Teaching a gun owner proper ways to handle guns and safe ways for its storage could be another measure taken. Having stricter gun control measures does not necessarily

mean banning guns, but policies must be strict enough that innocent people and young children do not lose their lives. Playing a blame game after a tragedy is not the solution to stop future incidents. Proper decisions about whom to hand guns is.

The only places where guns are not allowed are on school campuses and properties that specifically prohibit guns. Hospitals and places of worship mostly do not allow guns. In our university, students are not allowed to have guns on campus. The Student Handbook clearly states that “possession or the use of guns or firearms and knives with blades longer than five inches on university property” is subject to violation of school rule. Despite such regulation, we recently had an unfortunate case of gunshots near the University Center on Feb. 23. Fortunately, there were no deaths. In such cases of violence, who do we blame? The minority of irresponsible gun users? Or the legislation? No matter who we put the blame on, the harm is done, and even a single life lost is a great loss for the country. The children who lost their lives in the Florida shooting could have been the future doctors who could have saved lives of millions by discovering medicines to disease, or they could have grown to be leaders of the country had they survived.

In the end, the country bears the loss, and that loss can never be recovered.

A long distance needs to be walked to create the utopian society everyone is dreaming of. Such a world cannot be created where people are freely allowed to carry and use guns, creating terror and fear. To stop repetition of violent activities such as the Florida shooting and other gun shootings across the country, the government must be cautious as to decide who to grant access to the use of weapons, risking the idea of creation of utopia to dystopia. Even if it takes small steps like having childproof locks, making sure the owner knows how to use guns, checking criminal and psychiatric history, enforcing gun control policies definitely makes huge differences in the long run.

After all, every individual’s life is precious and worth living.

Policies and Procedures The Lion’s Roar is the official newspaper of the students of Southeastern Louisiana University. It has been in continuous publication since 1937.

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

Organizational News space is provided at no charge as a courtesy for university recognized Greek and Student Organizations. The space of such articles is limited to 150 words. Submissions of this Organizational News must adhere to the same polices as other submissions or letters to the editor, but must also include the name of the organization.

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

A single issue of The Lion’s Roar is free. Additional copies may be purchased for 50 cents in the Student Union suite 1303. Annual mail subscriptions are $35 within the continental U.S. The Lion’s Roar, in its print form, and associated online or digital versions, are designated public forums. Student editors have the authority to make content decisions without censorship or prior approval. The Lion’s Roar also defends the rights of student journalists relative to freedom of speech and press as stated in Amendment I of the Constitution of the United States of America.

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

The Lion’s Roar Staff Editor-in-Chief - Larshell Green A&E Editor - Zachary Araki Senior Reporter - Jonathan Rhodes Distribution - Jesse Salminen II Office Assistant - Alyssa Larose Administrative Assistant - Gemma Carter Coordinator - Lorraine Peppo Director - Dr. Lee E. Lind

General Offices Student Union 1303 Mailing Address The Lion’s Roar SLU 10877 Hammond, LA 70402

Telephone Numbers 985-549-3527 (newsroom) 985-549-3842 (fax) 985-549-3748 (advertising) 985-549-3731 (Student Publications)

Like and follow @lionsroarnews.

www.lionsroarnews.com www.selu.edu/lionsroar lionsroar@southeastern.edu

Page 4 | May 8, 2018

The Lion’s Roar | Arts & Entertainment

Students hone their skills in ceramics club ZACHARY ARAKI A&E Editor

Students improve and profit from their craftsmanship through the Ceramics Club on and off campus.

“Throughout college, they say you meet your best friends for life and whatever, and I didn’t join a sorority or do anything like that, but my ceramics friends for sure, they’re the best,” said junior art major and President of the Ceramics Club Olivia Goll.

Goll discussed the benefits of being in the Ceramics Club.

“When you’re in the class, you make a lot of work, a really excessive amount of work, and there’s only so much you can put in your own house, and there’s only so much you can give to your family and friends,” said Goll. “So, after a while, you have way too much pottery, and you have to sell it. So, this is the best way of doing it. Once you start selling, then you start making more work and getting better. So, it’s kind of like a cycle.”

The Ceramics Club held a spring pottery sale from April 30 until May 1 in front of the War Memorial Student Union.

“We just try really hard to come out here and sell some of our work and what not,” said Goll.

“It’s a lot of work that goes into it. So, we just want people to kind of consider that and appreciate it, but I think it’s going well.”

Club members have sold pottery on campus during their Christmas sale, and they have also

sold their pottery at Nicholls State University.

According to Goll, the club holds more sales during the fall semester than during the spring semester.

“I really look forward to it every semester,” said senior general studies major Jill Rocquin. “It goes really well, and I feel like I sell more and more each semester as I get better.”

Goll started in art education and got into ceramics when she had to decide on an art medium concentration.

“I watched a couple of people on the wheel, and I had seen videos of it, and I really thought it was interesting,” said Goll. “So, I took the beginning class, and then I took the pottery class, and I just absolutely loved it. I don’t know anybody who’s ever done it and didn’t like it actually, so we all just get wrapped up in how good it feels.”

Rocquin shared how she got into making ceramics.

“I was always really, really interested in it, and growing up, I never really had a talent or anything I was really good at,” said Rocquin. “I realized we had a class for ceramics here. So, I decided to take it, and I was really good at it, and I just kept on taking it, kept on taking it. I’ve grown obsessed with it, and I love it.”

Rocquin explained the process that goes into making pottery from making the clay to the finished product.

“You have to go into a mixing room, and you have to scoop all your clay in there, scoop your dry products in,” said Rocquin. “Once you’ve made your clay, you weld your clay, and then you either

hand build, or you throw it on a wheel, or you’re a Once it’s bisqued, you glaze, and then even once sculptor, so you have to do that. Once your product it’s glazed, sometimes you have to sand the bottom is dry, you sand. Once it’s sanded, you bisque. because the glaze may have dripped down.”

Students in the Ceramics Club put their wares on display at their pottery sale from April 30 to May 1 in front of the War Memorial Student Union. The Ceramics Club holds sales on and off campus to promote the members’ craftsmanship and raise funds. Zachary Araki/The Lion’s Roar

Hammond celebrates Cinco de Mayo at La Carretta

Locals and visitors celebrated Cinco de Mayo at La Carreta on Saturday, May 5. Junior occupational safety, health and environment major Kyle LeGrange and senior Julia Smith pose for a picture. The event included live music for attendees. Eva Royer offers paints the Superman symbol on a child’s face. Zachary Araki/The Lion’s Roar

The Southeastern Louisiana Writing Project offers an enriching experience for teachers of all grade levels JACOB SUMMERVILLE Staff Reporter

The Southeastern Louisiana Writing Project provides teachers of all grade levels the opportunity for personal growth through summer programs, allowing them to share classroom ideas with other teachers.

Founded in 1992, the SLWP is one of six writing projects in Louisiana, and the SLWP is accredited for the nationally acclaimed “New Orleans Writing Marathon.”

Professor of English and Director of the SLWP Richard Louth discussed one of the programs that the SLWP offers, the 2018 Invitational Summer Institute in Teaching Writing.

“The institute is a National Writing Project Summer Institute and is ran according to the National Writing Project model of ‘teachers teaching teachers,’” said Louth. “That model includes putting the teachers who participate at the center of what we do and what we know. They share their best practices with each other and teach each other, under my guidance, during the institute.”

There is also an English 646 class where participants can earn three credit hours towards a graduate degree for participating in the institute.

Instructor and Academic Advisor Karen Shields participated in the summer institute in 2016 and shared how the program helped fix her attention on writing.

“Focusing all day, each day on writing allowed me to refocus and recognize how important writing is to me,” said Shields. “The SLWP structure points the participants in a general direction but allows each writer to choose their own path. It gave me the opportunity to work with other

writers/educators and share our work and our ideas with one another. The program allowed me to return to the classroom with a new perspective and new energy.”

High school English teacher at St. Charles Catholic High School Kimberly Stewart also attended the institute that summer and explained that she found it helpful to relate her experiences in the classroom with other teachers.

“I learned from my peers through presentations of their best practices, and I reflected greatly on my philosophy as an educator and as a writer,” said Stewart. “I then spent a week in the French Quarter, journaling and sharing my writing in small groups filled with the people I’d grown to know through the institute.

This type of writing is unlike anything I had experienced before Richard Louth, organic and uninhibited. As an ending to the institute, we returned to the classroom where we workshopped each others writing and shared our final products with our classmates.”

Stewart added that she took her students to the French Quarter for the New Orleans Writing Marathon in the hopes that they “experience the world through writing in the fresh, meaningful way.”

Since the SLWP invites teachers of several grade levels to this summer program, Louth explained that “the great equalizer is that they are all treated as writers and expected to write.”

Louth shared that the recession greatly affected the

amount of funds the SLWP was able to receive.

“We had received between $35,000 to $45,000 per year from NWP, with the university being required to match that amount each year,” said Louth.

“Then NWP’s new federal funding provided a different kind of grant to sites, called SEED grants, and these were smaller, $15K, and did not require a university match.”

The SLWP used to hold an advanced institute for veteran teachers, but Louth described how the lack of federal funding affected the program.

“The funds covered teacher tuition, stipends and operation of the institute,” said Louth. “When the funds became reduced after 2011, we held invitational institutes some summers and advanced

institutes other summers. Last year, the NWP did not receive any federal funds, and so this coming summer, the summer institute will not be able to provide tuition or stipends for teachers.”

Louth explained the history of one of the SLWP’s most renowned contests, the “New Orleans Writing Marathon.”

“I developed the concept of the ‘New Orleans Writing Marathon’ at our site, and it began essentially in 1996 as a one-day visit to New Orleans by summer fellows who went to the city as writers wanting to write their way across the city following a protocol I’d developed for small groups.

By 2000, the writing marathon grew into an overnight writing trip for institute, and not long later, it had turned into threeday advanced institutes that invited teacher/writers from across the country to attend.”

Since 2015, the marathon has turned into a five-day event where teachers work in small groups for eight hours a day under his direction. According to Louth, the NOWM sparked the beginning for other National Writing Project sites across the nation.

Once a former participant of the Writing Project, Louth summarized the essence of the

see SLWP, pg. 5

Arts & Entertainment | The Lion’s Roar

May 8, 2018 | Page 5

Symphonic Band wraps up its season NIKISUN SHRESTHA Staff Reporter

The Symphonic Band performed its “German Baroque Masters” concert to finish this season’s performances.

The Symphonic Band featured music by Johann Sebastian Bach and George Frideric Handel in its performance on May 3 in Pottle Auditorium at 7:30 p.m.

Orchestra Director Dr. Victor Correa-Cruz gave his thoughts on the concert.

“It went well,” said Correa-Cruz. “I think it is a very nice program. Baroque music is very truthful and has a lot of energy. I think for young students, the ones I’m working with, it works perfectly. We had the luxury of having Dr. Rowe singing with us some arias. Overall, I’m satisfied, and the audience appreciated it. I’m glad we did

this.”

The event opened with “Concerto Grossi Op. 6” by Handel followed by “Concerto for Two Violins and Orchestra in D minor” by Bach.

Correa-Cruz was pleased with the audience that came to appreciate the orchestra’s effort. He looks forward to bringing more attendees to the performances and to make the concerts a part of the Hammond community.

“You can always have more,” said CorreaCruz. “We’re building the program. So far, the people that came supported us. In the future, we have to reach more people and make our concert a part of Hammond tradition and culture. That takes time. I’m satisfied by the audience and the people who appreciate music. I think there are many more in Hammond or elsewhere that could benefit from coming and listening to beautiful music that we play. I’m hoping that in future

things will change.”

According to Correa-Cruz, the orchestra was formed in a class with a set schedule where the performers went over all the pieces. He described the challenges faced during practice.

“The music is very exposed because it is very transparent,” said Correa-Cruz. “Intonation, articulation, it has to be very clear. I think it is very challenging overall. It is very easy to listen to it, but it’s difficult to play. We have to show the freshness of the music, and behind that, there’s a lot of work.”

Correa-Cruz described the progression of the orchestra, which he had led since October of last year.

“The orchestra was a smaller project,” said Correa-Cruz. “Now, we’re trying to expand into a symphony orchestra. We have done some symphonic concerts before. This last concert

was chamber music. It’s a smaller orchestra with strings and harpsichord. We’re trying to cover everything from smaller to bigger formats.”

Correa-Cruz also shared the recent accomplishments of the orchestra.

“There is a festival in Philadelphia that is recognizing youth orchestra around the country,” said Correa-Cruz. “They had some reports from people that listen to us, and they named us ‘Collegiate Program of the Month’ for April. It’s something very nice when you’re recognized.”

With the season coming to a close, CorreaCruz gave a preview of his plans for next season.

“We have some big programs,” said CorreaCruz. “We have some collaboration with some singers. We have guests, soloists and conductors coming in next year. We’ll make sure we have a stable system, at least two concerts a semester.”

Left, Associate Professor of Voice Dr. Alissa Mercurio Rowe joined the Symphonic Band in its last performance of the season. Right, Dr. Victor Correa-Cruz leads the band in its rendition of Johann Sebastian Bach and George Frideric Handel’s music.

Nikisun Shrestha/The Lion’s Roar

Music program for all ages comes to campus this summer JENNIFER DETTWILLER Staff Reporter

The university’s Community Music School is scheduled to host a summer music program as an outreach in the community for music education.

Interim Director of the Community Music School Jivka Duke explained that the program is for students of any age, offering lessons on several instruments and vocals for students at the beginner level to the advanced level, and the main location will be in the Pottle Music Building on campus.

“The students do not need to be associated with Southeastern as college students or as an employee in order to take advantage of our

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October 22) Taking time out of your busy schedule might be the best way to handle that sensitive private matter. It will help reassure everyone involved about your priorities.

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program,” said Duke. “We have students as young as five years of age and as old as retirement age.”

Duke explained how the summer program is an outreach for the community and why it exists.

“The program exists to partially offset the shortage of music education in the public schools, but also as an outreach in the community to allow for anyone who likes music, to take lessons and learn to play the instrument of their choice studying with Southeastern’s wonderful college students, faculty and professional instructors,” said Duke.

In the summer, they operate in a seven week portion of instrumental or vocal lessons. However, they additionally host a High School Band Camp and Middle School Band Camp, as well as four workshops. Duke discussed who will be directing each of the bands and workshops for this upcoming summer and the changes that are happening.

“Our Middle School Band Camp has been an annual event for over 15 years now, but this year for the first time we are adding a

High School Band Camp,” said Duke. “Both Middle School and High School Band Camps will be under the direction of Derek Stoughton, Southeastern’s Interim Director of Bands. The newly formed Choir Workshop will be conducted by Dakota Jenkins, a graduate student in choral conducting, and the Guitar Workshop is under the direction of Southeastern’s guitar faculty Mr. Patrick Kerber.”

Duke will be teaching the Chamber Music and the Beginner String Orchestra workshops.

The goal for these programs, Duke explained, “is always to bring the students’ skill, knowledge and musicianship to the next level,” while also providing a platform for young musicians to learn and get acquainted with the university’s faculty and students so they can bring what they learned wherever they may go in the future.

To sign up for the Community Music School visit the website, www.southeastern.edu/cms to find and complete the information and registration materials provided. Registration can be done fully online or can be printed and mailed in.

by many teachers as a transformative when you are in a room, or out writing on experience,” said Louth. “It certainly the streets, with some of the best teachers transformed me as a teacher and continues in LA.” SLWP. to re-energize me every year because it’s “The Writing Project is looked upon hard to not be transformed or re-energized SLWP

continued from pg. 4

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Page 6 | May 8, 2018

The Lion’s Roar | Sports

Lady Lions host bunko for community

Senior basketball players Bre’Zall Warren, left, and Taylin Underwood, right, pose for a photo using the Cinco de Mayo themed props in the photo booth. Roomie, right, waves while enjoying the night’s festive theme.

JENNIFER DETTWILLER Staff Reporter

The Lady Lions basketball program hosted “Bunko for Basketball” to help raise money for a foreign tour.

“Bunko for Basketball” took place in the Student Union Grand Ballroom on Friday, May 4 at 6 p.m. with food and refreshments to match the Mexican theme for Cinco de Mayo.

Head Coach Ayla Guzzardo explained that they chose their theme because Cinco de Mayo was the next day. She further explained how the PRIDE organization has been a helping hand throughout the years with “Bunko for Basketball” and that they did not want to change the event too much.

“It’s not really changed too much,” said Guzzardo. “Our PRIDE organization has been spear heading it for the past seven events. So, this is our eighth. It’s the first time our coaching staff is really running it, but we do themes every once in a while. Last year, was just green and gold. This year, it falls close to Cinco de Mayo. So, we’re having like a Mexican theme along with our green and gold extravaganza.”

Guzzardo credited the past success of this event to the women of the PRIDE organization. Guzzardo explained what PRIDE does for the team and this event.

“As you look around the room, take notice to a great group

of women who not only support this community, but support women’s basketball here at Southeastern,” said Guzzardo. “This group of women known as PRIDE is a support group just for Lady Lion basketball. They have been instrumental in planning, organizing and running the past seven bunko events. This year they have passed the torch on to us, and we are forever thankful for everything that they do, not only during bunko but the continued support during the season.”

Guzzardo said that women in PRIDE go to every basketball game. They help with the team’s socials and help the Senior Day each year to show their support for the team.

Senior guard Bre’Zall Warren discussed why getting involved with the community is important to her and the rest of the team.

“It’s a game that is very interactive,” said Warren. :You get to talk amongst the players, and you get to meet people all from the community.”

According to Guzzardo because of the support the team is receiving from the community, the team is getting closer to its goal to tour.

“We’re here to raise a little bit of money for a potential foreign tour to kinda do some things that we want to do,” said Guzzardo.

“We want to be a championship program, and it’s no surprise that it takes money to win games and be a championship program. It costs close to about $40,000 to go on a foreign tour, you could do

Jennifer Dettwiller/The Lion’s Roar

it every four years. It’s something that’s in our reach, and these type of events help that out.”

Junior guard Ashailee Brailey discussed why the community’s support in this event is a step towards bettering herself and the team.

Brailey said, “It means a lot that people in the community are helping us, first of all, and like with travel and everything, that allows us to go to further places and not only play against like really good teams, but also just have the opportunity to go places that we’ve never been before just to be able to tour those places and see what they have, like in Colorado or Texas and things like that, so I think it’s really important for us to be able to do a fundraiser like this to help us see places we’ve never seen.”

Warren discussed the roles she and her teammates played during the event.

“Basically, making everyone feel comfortable and making everyone feel welcomed and just helping everybody stay organized and have fun,” said Warren.

Guzzardo credited the players for the success they have accomplished over this past year.

“This group of women, young ladies, has excelled on the court, in the community and most importantly in the classroom,” said Guzzardo. “They dedicate a lot of their hard work, blood, sweat, tears for us, and we could not be any prouder.”

Gaconi leads Lions to victory over Sam Houston HUNTSVILLE, Texas – Junior pitcher Corey Gaconi tossed a two-hit shutout Sunday at Don Sanders Stadium, 6-0, and the Lions became the first team to win a Southland series against conference-leading Sam Houston State in 2018.

The Lions (32-18, 19-8 Southland) pulled within 1.5 games of the firstplace Bearkats (33-15, 19-5 Southland). The Lions, who have already clinched their spot in the upcoming conference tournament, sit in second place in the Southland standings.

Gaconi had his breaking ball working early, keeping the Sam Houston hitters offbalance. After a two-out single

by Bearkat first baseman Blake Chisholm in the first inning, the junior right-hander from Metairie, Louisiana, retired the next nine batters.

The Lions provided Gaconi all the run support he would need in the third.

Nathan Pilutti, a junior from Destrehan, Louisiana, ripped a two-out double into the gap in left-center field and scored on Drew Avans’ single through the right side.

The Lions threatened to add to its lead in the fourth, but the Bearkats cut down Taylor Schwaner at the plate on a nice defensive play by shortstop Andrew Fregia.

In the bottom half of the inning, Gaconi experienced a momentary lapse in control.

He walked cleanup hitter Clayton Harp on four pitches, breaking his string of nine-ina-row retired, and fell behind 2-0 on right fielder Hunter Hearn. Gaconi battled back and got Hearn to fly out to end the inning, beginning another string of nine-consecutive batters retired.

Knocking Sam Houston starting pitcher Hayden Wesneski out of the game in the seventh, the Lions created some breathing room for Gaconi.

Daniel Wasinger, a senior catcher from El Paso, Texas,

pulled a one-out double into the gap in right-center, advancing to third on Brennan Breaud’s single through the right side.

With runners on the corners, the Lions swiped a run on a double steal. The pair of stolen bases puts the Lions’ season total at 122, three shy of the program’s single-season record.

Cody Grosse added to the score, driving a two-out triple into the right-center field gap.

He scored on Pilutti’s slowrolling infield single to short.

Pilutti capped off his day driving home the final two Lion runs in the ninth, smacking a ground-rule double to leftcenter with two down.

Gaconi continued to roll, allowing just a pair of base runners in the final three innings and retiring the side in order in the ninth. He needed just 93 pitches to go the distance, tossing his second complete game of the season

Junior outfielder Nathan Pilutti, left, had 3 RBIs from 5 at bats in the series decider against Sam Houston State University. Junior pitcher Corey Gaconi, right, sealed the series win for the Lions with a shutout in the third game. File Photo/The Lion’s Roar and the first shutout of his career. It also marked the first time this season Sam Houston has been shut out.

En route to the win, Gaconi

(5-1) scattered two hits, a hit play with a three-game series at in Conway, Arkansas. batter and one walk. He struck Central Arkansas, May 11-13, out six.

The Lions wraps up its road trip and Southland Conference

What’s your favorite KSLU program?

Sports | The Lion’s Roar

May 8, 2018 | Page 7

On to the tourney

Lions support blood drive JONATHAN RHODES Senior Reporter

The Lions football team sponsored a blood drive by the United Blood Services in front of the Dugas Center.

Lions players along with other students walked into the bloodmobile in between their classes to make a donation.

The blood drive was held on May 2. Donors received a free “Cinco de Mayo Blood Donor” T-shirt as they walked out of the bloodmobile.

Senior wide receiver NihJer Jackson was passing by before he and his teammate sophomore defensive lineman Tainano Gaulua went into the bloodmobile to make a donation.

“I’ve donated blood before, and I was just walking past not really thinking about going Senior outfielder Kinsey Nichols scored a run for the Lady Lions during the third game of the series against McNeese State in, but the girl outside the bus University this past weekend. File Photo/The Lion’s Roar convinced me by saying, ‘Why JACOB SUMMERVILLE Staff Reporter

Closing their regular season schedule this past week, the Lady Lions finished the season with an overall record of 35-19 and a conference record of 18-9. They concluded with a threegame series against McNeese State University with both a 6-2 win and a 12-4 loss on Friday as well as an 8-4 loss on Saturday.

Head Coach Rick Fremin stated what led the team to the first victory last Friday.

“We had great pitching by Alley McDonald,” said Fremin. “She did a good job of keeping the ball in the ballpark, and the team played with confidence and executed the game plan.”

Finishing the series with two losses, Fremin explained the factors that led to the outcome.

“McNeese has a great hitting team,” said Fremin. “The ball left the yard quite a bit in games two and three. There were some questionable calls that didn’t go our way, which didn’t necessarily help. We were on the road, so we can expect that not playing on your home field. So, as far as the players and how they fought in games two and three, in both games, they put up points late.”

Throughout the series, the team scored a total of four points in the first three innings combined.

Fremin further explained how scoring earlier

Senior outfielder Maddie Edmonston scored two runs during the third game of the series against McNeese State University this past weekend. File Photo/The Lion’s Roar

would have benefited the team.

“I don’t just mean one run because we started out game three with one run, but in the early innings, continue to apply pressure,” said Fremin. “That’s what we do well. So, if we continue to run up against them in the tournament, we need great pitching. The ball has to stay in the park along with us applying pressure throughout the entire game.”

Senior outfielder Peyton Sutton expanded upon Fremin’s statement.

“I believe we could improve on attacking the opposing pitchers earlier in the game rather than waiting until the fourth or fifth inning,” said Sutton. “Looking back on the season, we have been more successful during the later innings.”

Sutton shared a couple of improvements the team can work on during future conference play.

“I think we could clean up our base running as well as scoring when we have runners in scoring position,” said Sutton. “We had some missed opportunities this weekend that could have possibly changed some of the games.”

As the regular season closes, Fremin stated that the senior class and pitching staff were the two driving factors that led the team to a record of most wins in a season.

“We have a great senior class with good leadership,” said Fremin. “They trust me. I trust them. They set a good chemistry throughout the team. We continue to put a fast, aggressive team on the field. Our pitching staff has stepped up this year as well, so that has helped. I think we understand the game a little bit more and how to manage the game.”

Reflecting on the season, Sutton explained that she used difficult situations as learning experiences.

“A big challenge that I had, as well as my fellow seniors, was making sure the freshmen adapted well to the system that coach Fremin has been trying to implement,” said Sutton.

“We want to see this program succeed once we graduate, so we have oftentimes tired ourselves out trying to pour ourselves into the younger players.”

Sutton stated that this year was her favorite one wearing the university’s uniform.

“It’s really hard to choose one specific moment when your team has been breaking records all season,” said Sutton.

Fremin congratulated to the team for a successful year.

“I’m really proud of this team,” said Fremin.

“It’s been a good journey throughout this year. The seniors are going to be missed, and hopefully we can continue to climb the ladder in the Southland Conference in years to come.”

not come and donate blood to help someone else,’” said Jackson.

After giving a donation, Jackson was proud that he gave his blood in order to save lives.

“It’s giving back in a different way,” said Jackson.

“You can always go out into the community and serve, but being able to probably save someone else’s life, something that means more.”

According to United Blood Services Donor Recruitment Representative Katherine Nielsen, one pint of blood can save up to three lives.

“How we do that is we separate it into your red cells, your plasma and your platelets so it can go to three different people,” said Nielsen.

United Blood Services sends the blood to aid accident victims, cancer patients, sickle cell patients and people with other blood disorders. The

blood donated will also be used to help with surgeries, routine or emergency situations and premature babies.

“We have one special blood type, O negative,” said Nielsen.

“That is the universal donor. It can go to anybody in case of a trauma. It is very valuable to us because it can go to anybody.

If you are O negative or CMV negative, you can give to babies in the hospital.”

Donations can be made at the United Blood Services office in Baton Rouge off the Essen Lane exit or in other locations in Louisiana.

“We do have the fixed site blood drives in our center, and then we have blood drives all over the state,” said Nielsen.

“We supply over 30 hospitals in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. For our center, we need 2,000 units of blood each month in order to meet our needs.”

Left, Lions football senior wide receiver Nih-Jer Jackson and right, sophomore defensive lineman Tainano Gaulua gave blood to the United Blood Services during a blood drive that the Lions sponsored. Jonathan Rhodes/The Lion’s Roar

Donna shines in San Antonio SAN ANTONIO, Texas – Junior Brian Donna took home gold in the men’s decathlon, while senior Cliff Resias, sophomore Grant O’Callaghan and junior Alexia Stein each set new school records as the Southland Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championships wrapped up Sunday on the UIW campus.

On the men’s side, the team finished with 72 points, good for sixth in the league standings. The Lady Lions finished 10th with 31 points. Sam Houston State took home both the men’s and women’s outdoor titles.

Donna was the lone Lion to earn an individual title at this season’s outdoor meet, finishing first with 7,006 points. Coming in to the day in second place, the Boston, Massachusetts native took the lead by finishing first among his fellow Southland decathletes in the 110-meter hurdles and second in the discus.

He maintained his lead in the pole vault and javelin, before securing the victory with a third-place showing in the 1,500 meters.

“Brian has worked hard to maximize his immense talents and this weekend was his reward,” said Head Coach Corey Mistretta.

“He put himself in a great position after day one. Brian’s a day two guy and he proved it today. He did an excellent job closing it out with a personal-best in the 1,500

meters.”

Resias was the high scorer on the day for the Lions, finishing third in the 100 meters and second in the 200 meters, breaking former standout Shannon Grover’s school marks in both events.

“Cliff had an outstanding meet for us,” Mistretta said. “If he can clock a similar time at regionals (scheduled for May 2426 in Tampa, Florida), he’ll have a good shot to advance to Eugene.”

Rounding out the Sunday podium performers for the Lions were O’Callaghan and sophomore Gerald Coleman.

O’Callaghan finished second in the 1,500 meters with a time of 3:47.81 to set a new school standard, while Coleman was third in the 400-meter hurdles with a personal-best time of 52.72 seconds. The team garnered nine points in the latter event, as junior Michalis Andreou and senior Albert Martinez finished seventh and eighth, respectively.

“We always want to have our student-athletes put together their best performances in the postseason,” Mistretta commented. “Grant and Gerald are perfect examples. We knew from training that both of them were poised to put up some fast times. They rose to the occasion this week and we’re extremely proud of their efforts.”

Sophomore Justin Taylor

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just missed the podium in the 110-meter hurdles, finishing fourth and matching a personal best with a time of 14.55. Junior Stevon Crooks scored for the Lions in the men’s shot put. He finished fifth with a throw of 56 feet, 4 inches..

Rounding out the scorers for the team on day three were the two relay teams. Junior Devin Dixon, Resias, junior Jebarri Cumberbatch and Rodney Ruffin finished fourth with a time of 40.35 in the 4x100 meter relay.

Coleman teamed with senior Tahj Lewis, freshman Tahrike Jones and sophomore Martavius James for a time of 3:13.21 and a seventh-place finish in the 4x400 meter relay. Both relay times were the best of the outdoor season for The team.

“Overall, we had a pretty good meet on the men’s side,” Mistretta said. “Between the school records and podium performances, we were pretty pleased with our showing this weekend.”

Stein was the top performer on the day on the women’s side, setting a new school record in the shot put with a throw of 161-10, besting the previous school mark by over a foot. In addition to her performance in the discus, Stein finished fifth in the shot put with a personal best throw of 46-11.75.

“Alexia had a great meet for us with a couple of personal bests,” Mistretta commented. “She, Vigdis and Charlotte were able to reach the podium for us and they led the way for the women.”

Also scoring for the Lady Lions today included the 4x400 meter relay team of junior Dekayta Alex, freshman Angel Collie, junior Milica Ozegovic and junior Aareion Jackson finished seventh with a time of 3:46.97 – The team’s best time of the 2018 outdoor season.

“We had a tough weekend on the women’s side,” Mistretta said.

“A lot of that was due to injuries.

We weren’t able to bring as many as we would like to conference.”

Page 8 | May 8, 2018

The Lion’s Roar | News

People are our greatest assets Greeks back the blue

Left to right, Former NAACP President Larry “Trai” Snyder, 2018 Woman of the Year Kadra France, 2018 Man of the Year Jody Bennett and former Vice President Jasmine Bickham. Don Lawrence/The Lion’s Roar DON LAWRENCE Staff Reporter

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is a civil rights organization in the United States formed in 1909 to ensure the political, educational, social and economic equality to everyone and to eliminate race-based discrimination.

This year, the university’s chapter of NAACP chose the gala “A Night in Egypt” to recognize its members’ accomplishments.

The event was held in the Student Union Ballroom B on Thursday, May 3 at 7 p.m.

Sophomore music major Jody Bennett

received the Divine Heart Award for having the most community service hours earned in the organization, and the Man of The Year Award.

Senior management major Larry “Trai” Snyder stepped down from presidency, and expressed how the opportunity enlarged him as a person.

“Overall, tonight was a bittersweet moment,” said Snyder. “NAACP has helped me grow so much as a leader and be a better person overall. I gained a family through NAACP, and as my time at Southeastern nears its end, I am glad I always have my family to come back to.”

In addition to recognizing members’ accomplishments, “A Night in Egypt” brought awareness to the importance of

humans working together regardless of ethnicity to create a lasting legacy.

Snyder explained why the Egyptian theme was chosen and the importance of it.

“We chose to do an Egyptian theme this year because Egypt is where civilization began, and we wanted to bring awareness to the fact that in Egypt everyone worked together to build monuments such as the Sphinx and the pyramids,” said Snyder.

“Back then, everyone worked together to build a lasting legacy. This is the message we wanted to convey. We must continue to work together to build lasting monuments.”

The Egyptians worked together to build a 66 feet high, 241 feet long and 62 feet wide monument, The Great Sphinx of Giza, for Egyptian Pharaoh Khafre. Nearly 4,500 years later, the monument is one of the most well-known parts of Egyptian history.

Guest speaker Byron Lee used the Egyptian analogy to explain the importance of people working together to complete tasks that seem impossible.

“Working together works,” said Lee. “It would have been impossible for one person to build a pyramid. People had to work together. From the creation of first pyramid in 2611 B.C. to today, the same theory applies. We must work together to build a legacy. Nowadays, we lack unity, but it’s merely a state of mind. If we are optimistic, we will have more opportunities than burdens.”

Left to right, Kappa Alpha Order faculty advisor Gerard Laborde, KAO President Tyler Olivier, Director of University Police Harold Todd and KAO Treasurer and Philanthropy Chair Peyton Hanegan. Jonathan Rhodes/The Lion’s Roar JONATHAN RHODES Senior Reporter

Kappa Alpha Order raised $3,000 for the University Police Department at their fundraiser “KA Backs the Blue.” KAO raised about $4,500 in total, and they took a small portion out for their organization and donated the rest to UPD. President of Kappa Alpha Order Tyler Olivier, Treasurer and Philanthropy Chair Peyton Hanegan and Alumni Faculty Advisor for KAO Gerard Laborde presented the check to Director of UPD Harold Todd in front of the UPD office on April 30.

According to Olivier, KAO came up with the idea to have the fundraiser because they feel that the image of the police portrayed through the mass media has been

Southeastern honors former President Clausen for lifetime achievement HAMMOND – Former Southeastern Louisiana University President and lifelong educator Sally Clausen will be honored with a Southeastern Lifetime Achievement Award as part of the university’s commencement ceremonies at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 12, at the University Center.

That morning the university will confer more than 1,000 degrees on students who are graduating with bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees.

Recognized as one of the nation’s most dynamic and effective leaders in education, Clausen began her career as a classroom teacher and has been a constant champion

of education and student success. She served as the 12th and first female president of Southeastern from 1995 until her appointment in 2001 as head of the University of Louisiana System.

“Dr. Clausen’s accomplishments during her tenure at Southeastern are numerous,” said President John L. Crain. “She was particularly effective in her work with legislators and other elected officials, advocating on behalf of Southeastern and its students, obtaining $80 million in state capital outlay funds for campus improvements, as well as achieving a 51 percent increase in state appropriations

NASA

continued from pg. 1 Director of Graduate Studies and Institutional Effectiveness and Professor of Criminal Justice Dr. John Boulahanis met Murden as an instructor of courses related to statistics and juvenile delinquency. He described Murden as a passionate and hardworking student in criminal justice.

“He’s hardworking and is passionate about criminal justice related issues,” said Boulahanis.

and a 23 percent increase in faculty salaries. She led the university through one of its first comprehensive strategic planning processes, ultimately leading to, among other achievements, a large increase in private funding and a 68 percent boost in AfricanAmerican enrollment” Prior to coming to Southeastern, Clausen served four years as Louisiana’s Commissioner of Higher Education, a role she reprised in 2008, making her the only person to serve as Louisiana’s Higher Education Commissioner twice. She also served as Louisiana’s Secretary of Education from 1992 to

“I’m really proud of him. The whole department is.”

Murden studied about community policing to learn how to avoid having bias towards a certain class or group.

“When you have a badge on, you are serving your entire community and serving your country,” said Murden.

Although Murden enjoys his job at the John C. Stennis Space Center, he explained what difficulties he has encountered within the position.

“Working nights and staying awake is

AGUSTUS COOPER JR.

continued from pg. 1

there was never a dull moment. Unfortunately, those visits to that market will never be the same. I still walk past it sometimes hoping to see him there and that his death is not real.”

Former student Alieyah Johnson knew Cooper since high school. She shared what she misses the most about his personality.

“My best friend didn’t deserve what happened to him,” said Johnson. “His family is one of the strongest people I’ve ever met, which is where I believe Agustus got his strength. His devotion to his church and his studies was one a person would envy. I envy.

Every day I wake up, I have to tell myself that he’s gone because it’s just unbelievable to think that in just a second someone you love can be taken away from you.”

Director of the University Police Department Harold Todd encouraged students to use the tunnel west of Rende’s rather than cross the street.

“Even if it’s not very much traffic, just get into the habit of doing it whenever you go over there,” said Todd. “So it just gets to be second nature and they’ll always use that tunnel just because it’s so dangerous. A car traveling 45 miles an hour, it can come up to you pretty quick, and you just don’t realize how quick a car can come up to you at 45 miles an hour, especially if you’re not paying attention.”

According to Miller, no pedestrian incidents such as the one with Cooper have occurred in that area for “quite some time.”

Miller stressed the importance of being attentive when crossing the street.

“Students walking out in the roadway, they don’t ever look to see if there’s anything coming,” said Miller. “Most of them are on their cell phone. They’re looking at their cell phone, and it’s like they have this mentality of, ‘I’m in the road. You’ve got to stop.’ They don’t have the right of way. They’re stepping out, eventually it’s gonna happen again.”

Sally Clausen Courtesy of Communication and Creative Services 1995.

Her many honors include induction into the Louisiana Center for Women and Government Hall of Fame in 1998 and receiving the

“Thinking Outside the Box” Award from U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu of Louisiana in 2000.

She was also inducted into the Louisiana Political Museum and Hall of Fame in Winnfield

difficult,” said Murden. “We’re also trying to change the leadership there is between the NASA employees and engineers to get them to see that we’re not just security guards. We’re sworn in police officers there to protect them and the information that they have there.”

Murden is thankful for the skills he learned as a member of Ducks Unlimited and his fraternity Pi Kappa Alpha.

His roles in the fraternity in 2014 afforded him the opportunity to inspire growth as well as network with people around the campus and

negative and does not show the good things that police officers do. KAO wanted to show their support for law enforcement and gratitude for what the police officers do.

“We have a lot of members who have relatives that are in some sort of police force,” said Olivier. “We just see a lot of negative attention that they have been getting lately. We just want to show that there are people still out there who are all for backing the blue. Regardless of what is going on, we understand that there will always be good policemen out there doing what they need to do to keep people safe.”

KAO hopes to continue to show their support for UPD by making the fundraiser a yearly event. in 2007.

During her career, Clausen held leadership roles with numerous professional education organizations including serving as Vice Chair of the National Association of University System Heads, Executive Committee Member of the Board of Directors of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, and member of the Southern Regional Education Board. She also served as the executive director of the Ingram Center for Public Trusteeship and Governance, an affiliate of the American Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges.

Clausen received a bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate in education in 1967, 1971, and 1980, respectively, from Louisiana State University. She was inducted into the LSU Alumni Hall of Distinction in 2004.

country.

“They taught me leadership,” said Murden.

“They really pushed me to be a scholar, leader, athlete and gentleman.”

Boulahanis shared his take on the importance of training for a career while attending a university. He believes that Murden’s decisions have contributed to his current success.

“We think it’s important for them to have real world ready skills,” said Boulahanis. “I’m confident that he’ll do well in his new position.”

CAMPUS LIFE | The Lion’s Roar

MAY 8, 2018 | PAGE 9

How to make the most of finals week Several departments and organizations are making accommodations to help reduce the stress levels of students during finals week. *Nursing students: Please refer to the School of Nursing for final exam times for nursing courses. *Prospective graduating students taking Saturday classes and any student in a class time that is not listed should check with instructors for exam times. The university has no policy of exempting seniors or other students from final examinations. * Remember to return your rental textbooks to avoid late fines. Students must return books before 6:00 p.m. on the first business day following the last day of final exams. Rental textbooks must be purchased at full retail price if not returned by 12:30 p.m. on Friday, May 18, 2018. *The deadline for faculty to submit prospective graduating students’ grades is 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 10, 2018. All other grades are due by 9:00 a.m. on Monday, May 14, 2018.

The following graphic and accompanying information provides information about finals week testing, extended hours Verify exam times by visiting this link on the university’s website: http://www. southeastern.edu/admin/rec_reg/exam_sch/index.html#sprday. Event dates, times and locations may be subject to change. Follow the organization’s social pages for updates.

Spring

2018

DAY CLASSES

Freshman biological sciences major Sydney Stockman prepares for exams in the War Memorial Student Union.

EXAM

JACOB SUMMERVILLE/ THE LION’S ROAR

SCHEDULE

EVENING CLASSES

EXCEPTIONS

MW classes from 8:00 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. MW classes from 5:00 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.

Thursday, May 10, 7:15 p.m. - 9:15 p.m.

Thursday, May 10, 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 Monday, May 7, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. a.m.

Monday classes from 5:00 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.

MW classes from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.

Monday, May 7, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Monday, May 7, 10:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Wednesday classes from 5:00 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.

MW classes from 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Wednesday, May 9, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

All sections ENGL 93, 101A, 101, 102, 121, 122, 123, and 124

Tuesday, May 8, 10:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Monday classes from 6:30 p.m. to 9:15 p.m.

MW classes from 12:30 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. Monday, May 7, 7:15 p.m. - 9:15 p.m.

Wednesday, May 9, 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 MW classes from 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. p.m.

Wednesday, May 9, 7:15 p.m. - 9:15 p.m.

MW classes from 2:00 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.

Wednesday classes from 6:30 p.m. to 9:15 p.m.

Thursday, May 10, 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Wednesday, May 9, 7:15 p.m. - 9:15 p.m.

MW classes from 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. TTh classes from 5:00 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.

Monday, May 7, 2:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.

Tuesday, May 8, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

TTh classes from 8:00 a.m. to 9:15 a.m.

Tuesday classes from 5:00 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.

Tuesday, May 8, 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Tuesday, May 8, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

TTh classes from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Thursday classes from 5:00 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.

Wednesday, May 9, 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 Thursday, May 10, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. a.m.

Tuesday classes from 6:00 p.m. to 7:50 p.m.

TTh classes from 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Tuesday, May 8, 7:15 p.m. - 9:15 p.m.

Thursday, May 10, 10:15 a.m. - 12:15 Tuesday classes from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. p.m.

Tuesday, May 8, 7:15 p.m. - 9:15 p.m.

TTh classes from 12:30 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.

Tuesday classes from 6:30 p.m. to 9:20 p.m.

Monday, May 7, 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday, May 8, 7:15 p.m. - 9:15 p.m.

TTh classes from 2:00 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.

TTh classes from 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.

Tuesday, May 8, 2:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.

Thursday, May 10, 7:15 p.m. - 9:15 p.m.

TTh classes from 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.

Thursday classes from 6:30 p.m. to 9:15 p.m.

Wednesday, May 9, 2:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.

Thursday, May 10, 7:15 p.m. - 9:15 p.m.

Monday, May 7, 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

All sections MATH 177, 277, and 287 Wednesday, May 9, 10:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. *Early exam time for prospective graduating students Monday, May 7, 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Monday, May 7, 7:15 p.m. - 9:15 p.m.

Tuesday, May 8, 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Wednesday, May 9, 10:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. *All classes not otherwise listed Tuesday, May 8, 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Thursday, May 10, 2:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.

Friday, May 11, 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. *Saturday instructor

Classes--Students

must

check

with

EVENTS ORGANIZED BY THE DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS *Stress Less Breakfast: Tuesday, May 8 from 7-9 a.m. *Late Night Breakfast: Free meal for meal plan holders and $6.75 for nonmeal plan holders will be provided on Tuesday, May 8 from 9 -11 p.m. in The Mane Dish. *Scantron and Bluebooks will be provided outside the Office for Student Engagement from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. from May 6-11

FINALS WEEK DINING AND SIMS MEMORIAL LIBRARY HOURS OF OPERATION Chick-fil-A: Friday – closed Monday-Thursday – 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Pizza Hut: Friday – 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. M o n d a y - We d n e s d a y : 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Mooyah: Thursday-Friday: closed Monday-Thursday – 10 Taco Bell: a.m. to 9 p.m.

Monday-Wednesday: 10

a.m. to 12 a.m.

Friday: closed Thursday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Java City: Friday: closed Monday-Tuesday: 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Panda Express: Wednesday: 7:30 a.m. to Monday-Thursday: 10 9 p.m. a.m. to 7 p.m.

Thursday: 7:30 a.m. to 3

p.m.

Friday: closed

Monday-Thursday: a.m. to 4 p.m.

Friday: closed

Subway Café: Monday-Thursday: a.m. to 3 p.m.

Friday: closed

7:30

7:30 Mane Market: Monday-Wednesday: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Wednesday: 10 a.m. to The Mane Dish: 10 p.m.

Monday-Thursday: 7 a.m. Thursday: 10 a.m. to 9 to 8 p.m. p.m.

Friday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Friday: 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Mane Market Too: Monday-Thursday: 7:30 Starbucks: a.m. to 6 p.m.

Monday-Wednesday: 7 Friday: closed a.m. to 11 p.m.

Thursday: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The Marketplace: Friday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

M o n d a y - We d n e s d a y : 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Thursday-Friday: closed Union Market: M o n d a y - We d n e s d a y : 7:30 a.m. to 12 a.m.

Thursday: 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Friday: 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Mane

Market

SIMS: Sunday, May 6: 2 p.m. to 1 a.m.

May 7-9: 7 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Thursday, May 10: 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Friday, May 11: 7 a.m. to North: 12:30 p.m.

Page 10 |May 8, 2018

‘Fais Do Do Swamp Bowl’

“Beach volleyball is fun and all, but I found this to be so much more fun.”

- Freshman middle school education, grades 4-8 major Destiney Robertson

The Lion’s Roar | Campus Life

“I had a great time splashing in the mud on a hot day.”

- Junior psychology major Anna Watkins

“The music was great. The games were fun, and the people were a blast. I’m looking forward to next year’s already.”

- Robertson Students formed teams to participate in “Fais Do Do Swamp Bowl.” The teams competed in a volleyball tournament where courts were mud pits. “Fais Do Do” provided music and food, such as crawfish, for attendees. Previously these were separate events, but Recreational Sports & Wellness decided to combine them this year. Nikisun Shrestha/The Lion’s Roar