’ 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
August 22, 2017
Welcome Week block party Moon vs. Sun: solar eclipse of the century unites students and faculty
North America viewed the total solar eclipse yesterday. Students on campus viewed the eclipse on a solar projection telescope near Pursley Hall. Annie Goodman/The Lion’s Roar ANNIE GOODMAN Staff Reporter
Block Party was held Aug. 18 at the end of SGA Drive. Students had the opportunity to play games, watch showcases from the National Pan-Hellenic Greek societies The first solar eclipse visible and visit food trucks. Zachary Araki/The Lion’s Roar in totality to pass across the United States since June 1918 ZACHARY ARAKI Shilling, Coffee Rani and Kenny’s Cajun “Bringing food trucks on is something that was visible as a partial eclipse in Staff Reporter and Creole. Colleen Fidod with Coffee Rani we’ve never done before,” said Parker. “This Louisiana. The eclipse crossed the United from Covington discussed her thoughts on the is the first time Southeastern ever had that. Food trucks, games and Greek showcases event. We wanted to do something that represents States on Monday, Aug. 21 entertained students at the end of Welcome “Very good,” said Fidod. “I was worried all students and have a really big inclusion between 9:05 a.m. PT in Oregon Week. about the weather being so hot.” factor. Something to do, something fun for the and 4:10 p.m. ET in South The Block Party was held on Aug. 18 Carolina. Locally, the eclipse A desire to show campus life and unity students as well.” on SGA Drive, starting at 6 p.m. The event inspired the idea for Block Party. Organizing and preparing the event was visible between noon and 3 was sponsored by the Student Government p.m. with the peak of visibility “I wanted to do something where students required a coordinated effort. Association, the Office for Student Engagement felt like there was campus life even on the “Having to connect with the food trucks was occurring around 1:30 p.m. and University Housing. Marjorie Parker, “A solar eclipse happens the coordinator of Student Engagement and when the moon passes between Multicultural and International Student Affairs the Earth and the sun,” said Head was on the Welcome Week committee and of the Department of Chemistry helped organize the event. This was the first and Physics Gerard Blanchard. year the event was held. “This happens when a new “I feel like this went very well for a first moon occurs at the same time time,” said Parker. “We had an excellent as the sun is near the line where the Earth’s orbital plane and the turnout. The students look like they’re having moon’s orbital plane intersect. a great time. I’m very pleased.” Otherwise, the new moon Chambria Harrison, a junior communication passes over or under the sun major worked Block Party for the National from Earth’s point of view. This Association for the Advancement of Colored give us two ‘eclipse seasons’ People. “It’s a good way to let the students know each year, and one or two solar what organizations are available on campus, eclipses occur somewhere on the get them a way to meet other people, interact Earth each season.” with other students on campus, and it’s just a An eclipse is classified based way to get them out of the dorm rooms,” said on how much of the sun is Harrison. “No one wants to be a hermit crab covered at the peak of the eclipse. their whole semester.” Though this is classified as a total Sushant Gupta, a freshman computer solar eclipse, it will not be visible science major shared his reasons for attending Block Party, a new event of Welcome Week, was the first time the university brought food trucks on campus in totality from Louisiana. the event. for an event. Students socialized at this event on the last day of Welcome Week. Zachary Araki/The Lion’s Roar “The eclipse seasons occur “All of my friends are coming, so I thought slightly earlier each year so that why not visit a new culture and new things,” weekends and on Fridays,” said Parker. “I a huge endeavor,” said Parker. “Making sure the dates of eclipses tend to get said Gupta. “I have learned some things from wanted to definitely get them to see that, and that the students were all on board, the Pan- slightly earlier each year,” said this.” then we wanted to try something different.” Hellenic Greeks were on board to do Informal Blanchard. “Even though solar Food vendors included Taco de Paco, City Parker shared why she wanted to include a Social. Just having everybody coming together eclipses happen fairly frequently, Gelatin, Dat Dog of New Orleans, Grilling new dining aspect to the event. and having a successful event.” one geographical location on Earth sees them rarely because
the size of the moon’s shadow on the Earth is fairly small and the eclipse happens fairly quickly.” Just as it is not safe to stare at the sun on a regular day, Blanchard explains that looking directly at a solar eclipse can be harmful. “Watch safely,” said Blanchard. “Get certified glasses from a reputable supplier, or use a projection method such as a pinhole camera, easy and quick to make, or a solar projection telescope. Weather permitting, I will be on the lawn between Pursley Hall, Mims Hall and Tinsley Hall with a solar telescope for viewing on Monday between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.” According to Blanchard, it will be six and seven years before Hammond will see another solar eclipse. “The next solar eclipses visible from Hammond will be on Oct. 14, 2023, 44th eclipse of Saros Cycle 134, and April 8, 2024, 30th eclipse of Saros Cycle 139,” said Blanchard. Blanchard explains how this solar eclipse is different. “What’s special about this eclipse is that it is the 22nd eclipse in Saros Cycle 145,” said Blanchard. “That is a series of 77 eclipses that recur every 18 years, 11 days and eight hours. The cycle started in 1639 with a partial eclipse near the north pole and will end in 3009 with a partial eclipse near the south pole. In between those, the location of every successive eclipse moves southward and westward in spiral around the Earth.”
Merit-based pay raises for faculty Fall updates to campus parking ANNIE GOODMAN Staff Reporter
At the Fall 2017 convocation, President John L. Crain announced the first merit-based pay raises for university faculty since 2009-10. “This is the first year over the past decade that Southeastern has not sustained any budget cuts from the state,” said Executive Director of Public and Governmental Affairs Erin Cowser. “A stable budget along with strong student enrollment and conservative fiscal practices allow us to provide raises this year.” Approximately $3 million from the budget will be used to fund this raise plan for a total raise pool increase of about 5.25 percent from the current salary. “Please keep in mind that individual employee raises may be more or less than this amount, as
recommended by the supervisor, and will vary based on the amount of the departmental pool, each employee’s prior years’ merit evaluations and other relevant factors,” said Crain. Employees who are full-time as of June 30, 2017 will be eligible to receive a merit-based pay raise, and supervisors will take into account merit evaluations up to the 2008-09 fiscal year for those eligible. “This includes eligible unclassified faculty and staff members, as well as classified employees, whose raise was included as a provision in the compromise budget passed by the legislature for this fiscal year,” said Cowser. Individual departments will receive a raise pool of .75 percent of the eligible employees’ current salaries for the past nine years with
Weather
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departments with low turnover receiving a larger raise pool than those with high turnover that more accurately represents the current market. “Please also keep in mind that all raise recommendations will be reviewed up the administrative line through the president prior to submission to the board of supervisors for final approval,” said Crain. “Once approved by the board, raises will be reflected in the next regular pay period, hopefully by Aug. 31 for faculty, Sept. 1 for staff, and will be effective retroactively to July 1.” Cowser believes the current faculty deserves this because of years of service to the students when there were no pay raises. “As always, Southeastern faculty and staff are expected
see PAY RAISE, pg. 8
Upperclass parking zones along with other parking zones have been affected due to the construction on campus. However, certain measures to tackle these problems have been taken. “Two new resident halls are under construction where a large parking lot was located,” said Director of University Police Harold Todd. “The spaces that were lost were made up by telling students to park in the garage because it has never been utilized 100 percent for years. Also, a new gravel lot was created at the corner of North Oak St. and West Dakota St. The lot and garage will make up for the lost spaces from the construction.” West Dakota St. parking along the sidewalk has been declared an Upperclassman Commuter zone while parking spaces have been added between Lion Traxx, the Division for Student Affairs and the University the new technology building and Pursley Hall to Police Department are among the departments that have accommodate with the changes. aided in on campus parking changes. Nikisun Shrestha/The Lion’s Roar Students are also advised to arrive at least 30 minutes before class or appointment time. Lion Traxx NIKISUN SHRESTHA will also be running additional shuttles to facilitate the Staff Reporter students. The beginning of the fall semester has seen many Todd further explains the changes going on in changes made to the university. One of the major changes has regarded parking spaces. see PARKING, pg. 8
Index
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Campus Life.................................2 Opinions.....................................3 A&E............................................4
Horoscope, Crossword, Sudoku....5 Sports.........................................6 News..........................................8
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Volume 89, Issue 3
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Page 2 | August 22, 2017
The Lion’s Roar | Campus Life
Campus police officers continue to make connections RIANA BRASELMAN Staff Reporter
The University Police Department engaged with students by handing out water bottles and informational business cards. On Aug. 17, UPD hosted Blue and You, designed to allow students to interact one-on-one with a university police officer in a non-emergency situation. “Most students that have interacted out here yesterday or today were great,” said police lieutenant Patrick Gipson. “They talked with us. They asked questions. We helped students find their classes. We were able to give them information about services that our department offers to them. It’s a very positive event.” The Division for Student Affairs’ leadership ambassadors set up a tent outside the Pennington Student Activity Center, offering water bottles and directions to passing students. Gipson was representing the UPD and handing out business cards to students on their way to class. The card provided contact information for the UPD in a form Gipson feels is easy for students to refer to and carry around with them for whenever they need it. “We’ve developed the cards because it’s smaller and more portable,” said Gipson. “It’s easier to hand a student a business card that has information than to hand them a brochure or something that takes up a lot of space that might just get shuffled off. It’s a little bit more of a quick interaction so you’re not holding a student up, so they’re still going to class. You’re not stopping them. You’re not taking time. You’re
just ‘Here you go. As you’re going to class, take this.’ We have the opportunity to read it over, so you’ll have information about what you might need in case there’s an emergency.” Many students were given contact information for the department via the business cards. Scott Callais, a freshman nursing major expressed his perspective as a student seeing a UPD officer interacting with his peers. “It’s good that they’re here,” said Callais. “They’re reaching out, trying to show that they’re with us, they’re here to help us, and do whatever they can to support while we’re here to feel safe and help us find our way around. It’s good support.” The UPD provides services many new or experienced students may not commonly know about. “We’ll do after-hours escorts for students,” said Gipson. “We’ll help with jump-starts with students’ cars. We do educational programs around campus. That’s something many students will see, officers arriving at buildings or in classrooms, and they immediately wonder, ‘Who’s in trouble?’ or, ‘What happened? What’s wrong?’ We want them to understand just because you see a police officer doesn’t mean someone’s in trouble. We also help with medical emergencies. If a student has a medical issue, they can contact us, and we will get a medical service to them. Many students don’t know that. They’re not sure who to call. They know if there’s a crime to call the police, but they don’t understand that there’s a medical emergency to call the police department, and we’ll have
The University Police Department held Blue and You outside the Pennington Student Activity Center on Aug. 17. At the event, students interacted with university police who handed out water bottles and business cards. The department offers several services from escorts to medical emergencies. Riana Braselman/The Lion’s Roar somebody on the way.” Gipson feels students may have the misconception that the UPD’s only job is to respond to crime when he feels the more important role is preventing crime before it happens. “Most everybody thinks about the police department as somebody you call when something bad happens,” said Gipson. “They seldom realize that the police department is here to try to keep those bad things from happening in the first place.” Gipson’s favorite part about being out at the
event was interacting with the students. “Events like Blue and You give us that opportunity to meet with students face-to-face in a non-emergency setting so they can understand we’re not here just to react to bad things,” said Gipson. “We’re here to try and stop them. We’re here for students wherever they need us. If they need us to help them find their class, ask a police officer to help you find a class. If you need someone to just give you some guidance about a law you heard about or about a rule that you’re confused about, ask a police officer.”
Campus dining options expand to What does the Campus Activities offer more variety in fall semester Board really do for campus? SARAH HESS
at the Mane Dish. “Campus dining is a very enjoyable experience that I believe everyone on campus should try at least once in their college career,” said Gioe. “It provides a pleasant atmosphere for a group of close friends to have a high quality meal.” The Mane Dish incorporates special dining events to offer students fun eating experiences to liven up their college days. The upcoming dining events for the fall semester include a Wing Night on Sept. 7 from 4 to 7 p.m., Student Choice Event on Sept. 19 from 4 to 7 p.m., Oktoberfest on Oct. 24 from 4 to 7 p.m., Tricked Out Treats on Oct. 31 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thanksgiving Day Feast on Nov. 21 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Late Night Breakfast on Dec. 5 from 9-11 p.m. Offering exciting dining events for each month provides students with an even wider food selection throughout the semester. One of the dining events that has been held before and was a success among collegians was the Late Night Breakfast. Normally,
the breakfast selection closes at 10:30 a.m. However, in December, Late Night Breakfast is held during finals week to help students de-stress from studying. At the fall 2016 Late Night Breakfast, the line to the event started at the Mane Dish entrance and wound down the stairs to the west exit of the union. Gioe was one of those students lined up for breakfast, and she had waited in line for an hour for the Late Night Breakfast. “One of my favorite experiences with campus dining was the night breakfast around finals,” said Gioe. “Myself and a few of my friends went and had a blast eating the cafe’s crispy bacon and fluffy eggs. It was a nice little break from the stress of my upcoming finals.” The university’s dining services are continuously expanding and offering a variety of food for students, and with the addition of two new dining facilities and themed dinners the dining, services are always creating dining opportunities that will spice up campus eating.
our fellow lions for the fall 2017 semester. We are sending out an invitation to all Southeastern students to join us for a weekly bible study every Monday night at 7:30 p.m. at the Student Union food court. Please
note that the SCA will not be meeting on Sept. 4 due to Labor Day. Our next meeting will be Aug. 28. You can also connect with us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/ SoutheasternChristianAssociation/
Ra’s
lives of members of the Southeastern community. Students interested in the resident assistant position are required to attend at least one informational in order to gain insight as to what being an RA entails. Once students attend at least one informational, they may be eligible to interview for the RA position if meeting all position qualifications. To apply for the position, visit selu.edu/admin/ housing/empl_opp/ra/index.html.
Applications are due September 30, 2017. Informational sessions will take place at 6 p.m. on the following dates: Tuesday, September 12, 2017(Student Union Theater), Thursday, September 14, 2017(Student Union Theater), Wednesday, September 20, 2017(Student Union room 2207) For additional information email: amanda.robbins@selu.edu or dequaz.humphries@selu.edu
APO
of William Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing.” Please come out to our interest meeting on Aug. 29 at 5:30 p.m. in the Student Union and then join us
at 7:30 p.m. for a performance of “Much Ado.” Come out, see what we’re about and discover what it means to #seekalifeuseful.
Staff Reporter
The Mane Dish is a dining facility located on the second floor of the War Memorial Student Union. The Mane Dish offers a variety of food options to students year round. With many different food stations, they offer several meal choices from healthy eating to regional foods. Marketing Coordinator of dining services Fallon Myers explains all the changes happening to dining facilities for this semester. Some new additions were made to the dining services offered on campus. “Pizza Hut has replaced Popeyes this fall semester, and then we opened up Subway café over in Tinsley Hall, and Quiznos has been closed down due to the entire building being under construction,” said Myers. “Those are probably the top three dining updates that we have for this fall semester.” Junior computer science major Meagan Gioe enjoys both the atmosphere and food offered
Southeastern C h r i s t i a n Association The Southeastern Christian Association would like to welcome
University Housing at Southeastern Louisiana University will be conducting informational sessions about the resident assistant position as well as interviews for spring 2018 positions. Candidates must be highly motivated individuals who want to make a difference in not only the lives of University Housing’s residents but also in the
Welcome back, everyone, to a new semester at Southeastern. Alpha Psi Omega is hitting the ground running with a production
Campus Activities Board organizes events for students to have fun and socialize with new people. These events can range from CAB After Dark held during Welcome Week to movie nights. An informational will be held Wednesday, Aug. 23 at 4 p.m. Annie Goodman/The Lion’s Roar ANNIE GOODMAN Staff Reporter
The members of the Campus Activities Board host many of the events around campus throughout the year. “The Campus Activities Board is a direct avenue to an exciting variety of entertainment,” said McKenzie Tolson, CAB president. “We sponsor outdoor activities as well as lectures from prominent speakers. Add into this mix the Miss Southeastern pageant, movie nights, comedians and numerous special events, and you have CAB.” On Monday, Aug. 21 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., CAB tabled in the east end of the Student Union to tell students about an upcoming informational meeting they will be holding. This meeting, called Learn More About CAB, will be tomorrow at 4 p.m. “We’re the Campus Activities Board, and we are setting up a table today because we have an informational meeting on Wednesday,” said Kirsten Babin, a sophomore biology major. “We are trying to get people to sign up to help
us with all of our events.” CAB is an organization comprised of students for students. “The mission of the Campus Activities Board is to provide a wide range of educational and entertaining programs to meet the needs and wants of the Southeastern Louisiana University students,” said Tolson. “Through the use of student interaction on campus, Campus Activities Board encourages a diverse range of involvement and ideas to facilitate these programs.” After being uninvolved, Babin thinks students should strive to be more involved on campus. “I think this is important because we really want to get everyone involved on campus,” said Babin. “We want everyone to be able to come to our events and feel special and feel welcomed. I just think it’s really important for everyone to get involved because I know that when I wasn’t involved, I didn’t have any fun at Southeastern.” Tolson believes it is important for students to socialize.
“CAB is important because students need other avenues to connect on a college campus,” said Tolson. “Classes are structured and stressful. It’s hard to be able to relax and get to know your fellow students.” Babin believes joining CAB is a good way to meet people and make friends. “Students should join CAB because it helps them get involved,” said Babin. “It helps them to meet new friends and meet new people and just to learn about Southeastern and have a fun time.” CAB designs their events to allow student to have fun and learn lessons with more than fun in mind. Tolson said, “Whether that be making new friends, learning something new, or just having something to do once they finish classes, we like to create an environment where students can connect and make friends to go through college with.” Pay off your student loan, secure your future and achieve real independence with a proven company. Amazing income potential. Signup is free. To learn more, call or text Grady: 225-978-7466
OPINIONS | The Lion’s Roar
AUGUST 22, 2017 | PAGE 3
Why we should be aware of racism in our own lives: The lesson we should all learn from what happened in Charlottesville Racism is treating another group of people unjustly based on their skin color. It can come in the form of alternative-right white members rallying in support of racist ideologies or in the simplest act of not sitting next to someone in class due to their skin Riana Braselman color. STAFF REPORTER T w o weekends ago, the country was reminded of the seemingly ever-present racist mentalities still existing within the nation. In case you weren’t able to catch up on the details, here is a quick run-down of what took place. On Friday, Aug. 11 and Saturday, Aug. 12, alternative right groups protested the removal of a Robert E. Lee statue located in Charlottesville, Virginia. Titled the ‘Unite the Right’ rally, it was organized by members identifying with groups such as neoconfederates, neo-Nazis, the Ku Klux Klan and the list goes on. The rally first got attention when protesters marched through Charlottesville chanting racist phrases and carrying tikitorches. The next day members of church groups, the nearby Virginia State University and several left-wing groups formed a counter protest in response to the rally. Tension between the two assemblies was high, and Virginia governor Terry McAuliffe declared a state of emergency when the rally soon escalated into a riot. The height of the conflict occurred when James Alex Fields Jr., protester from the alt-right group drove a car through the crowd, injuring over 30 people and killing counter protester Heather D. Heyer, a 32-year-old paralegal. Seeing all of this happen in 2017 United States of America, it is hard to deny that racism, hatred and bigotry are not alive and thriving within our nation. Unless you stand with those on the alt-right, I’d say the
majority of Americans would agree that the display that happened in Charlottesville is a very disheartening one. Many are rightfully upset, discouraged and angry when they hear about the rally and realize that, yes, there are still people in this country today who stand by racist ideals. I am personally disappointed and outraged that there are still citizens of my own country who truly believe that a fellow human being’s value is determined by their skin color. This kind of presentation of hatred reminds me that I can’t slack on showing individuals respect no matter what. It has me wondering what we, right here in Hammond, Louisiana, or wherever you are, can do to combat racism within our own communities. So, let’s start off at the macro level. On a national scale, there are a few avenues to stifle the growth of racism in our culture. Vote for a political candidate who seems to show respect to people of all nationalities and ethnicities. We can keep present political representatives in check. Call them out on their disrespectful ways. Write to senators or members in Congress about your concerns about racist policies or misrepresentation in media. We can combat racism within our own area. Be on the lookout for ways racism may occur in your community. If you feel called to make donations to local organizations that promote messages of respect, acceptance and racial harmony. Attend racially diverse events. Talking with people about this subject is critical. We have opportunities on our university campus in that we have students walking around with all shades of skin, and with these varying pigmentations sometimes come diverse cultural backgrounds with them. Talk with your friends of various ethnicities about their thoughts on racism and how they feel it may affect them on an individual level. If you hear
family members, coworkers, friends or classmates making racist comments or jokes, call them out on it; it may start an important conversation that needs to happen. Racism may start and can end with you. Yes, you on a personal level. There’s a view in sociology that society is made up of each individual action among the people within the society. So, if you and your friends are interacting in a room, some sociologists would claim this is society in action as views and ideas are being exchanged and you all as individuals are interacting. With this mentality, it gives you as an individual some responsibility to keep your own ideals and behaviors in check. If you catch yourself making racial slurs, jokes or comments, ask yourself how it could be a reflection of harmful mentalities you may not even realize you hold to. Be cautious of the assumptions you make as you pass up large crowds made of people with a
different skin color than yours. What kind of thoughts or assumptions are you making as you pass by? Don’t be afraid to call yourself out on your own racist mentalities and challenge yourself to stay open-minded and respectful. That’s what it all comes down to. If we are people of integrity and desire to show other human beings respect, we should be striving to look past the presumptions that we may have been taught as we have grown up, and that goes for anything ranging from race to sexual orientation to other cultures. I realize here in America, we tend to focus on the prejudices that happen between white and black populations, but really, we should open up the conversation. Racism is happening to all ethnic minority communities. No matter which ethnicity you identify with, we should all be looking to better ourselves in order to better the community so that we can bring more peace and understanding into our culture and society.
Why do we have syllabus day every semester? Last week was the start of my senior year and the seventh time that I have gone through syllabus day during the first week of classes. I can honestly say that it is the most important day of class. Yeah, it is boring, but it is important information that Jonathan Rhodes you need to know. STAFF REPORTER It’s better to hear it directly from the professors because the syllabus is law, and you need to know the law so you do not break it. Professors also use the first day to go over the course objectives that students should be completing throughout the semester. So many students get themselves into trouble and get confused nearly halfway through the semester. Syllabus day should help students plan out their whole semester for that class and know how hard they have to work to get the grades they want.
Now, I can understand that some students might want to get the ball rolling on the first day, and I have been in some classes like that. Other students like syllabus day because there is no work and class ends early. I’m sure if all students could be trusted to read the entire syllabus by themselves that the teachers would not devote a whole class period to just the syllabus. These professors are told to make sure they mention the parts about students with disabilities and that there is a punishment for cheating. Students also need to know when the drop date is for the class, so they do not have to accept a bad grade. The first class is usually the class where the professor tells you that they are there to help you, and they show you through the syllabus how you get that help. I know there were plenty of times that I should have listened to my professor and talked to them one-on-one. Sometimes professors will put study tips on the syllabus.
Going through the syllabus does not take very long usually. So, depending on your professor, they might try to get to know their students beyond just remembering their name. That’s what happened in my very first class last Wednesday. The professor created a game for each of the students to remember each other’s name. Granted, this was because we have to do group projects later in the semester. However, it was fun, and it was a good icebreaker to start the semester. Syllabus day is necessary to let students know what they are getting into before the semester starts. Embrace it for more than just a short class day. Look at it as your professor handing you a contract and telling you to read it while they explain each part of it to you. Students are given all of the information they need in that first class to finish the semester with an A. It is up to the students to take advantage of syllabus day and use it to help them throughout the rest of the semester.
Dear College
s p e a k
o u t
Are syllabus days helpful? “It’s very helpful. We’ve got freshmen coming, and not too many people are familiar with the campus, so the syllabus and the way the professors work in class will help the students work in college.” DEROLDICK JEFFERSON FRESHMAN, KINESIOLOGY “I feel like syllabus days are helpful just to get all the students familiarized with the course and for the teachers to kind of ease the students into the school year.” JULIA TORRES SENIOR, ART “I think it can be, but you can also just go to Moodle and look at the syllabus yourself. But a lot of people don’t do that.” NAVID ASHRAF SOPHOMORE, ART
“I feel like it could be cut down a little, maybe just take half the class period to do the syllabus, and then kind of dive into the subject you’re teaching.” AUBREE WELDON SOPHOMORE, ART “Absolutely not. It’s a waste of time and paper.” JESSICA FIRMIN GRADUATE STUDENT, ENGLISH
“No, not really. It’s basically just a five-minute period between reading a syllabus and normal class.” MATTHEW BOUDREAUX SENIOR, MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTER SCIENCE
“Yes and no. I’ve already gone through all my syllabuses. As long as the information is there on the syllabus, I don’t see why we need a syllabus day.” MICHELLE MARTINEZ JUNIOR, BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES POLICIES AND PROCEDURES The Lionʼs 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 Lionʼs Roar reserves the right to edit all submissions for grammar, libel and available space, or refuse publication without notification. Submissions must include the authorʼs 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 Lionʼs Roar are those of the author or, if unsigned, those of the staff of The Lionʼs 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 Lionʼs 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 Lionʼs 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 Lionʼs 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 Lionʼs 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.
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PAGE 4 | AUGUST 22, 2017
The Lion’s Roar | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Female alumnae finds roles behind the spotlight
Cody Sires and Emery Foster play Claudio and Hero in “Much Ado About Nothing.” Elisabeth Odom and Katy Baronich decided to spin William Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing.” It will run Aug. 28-29 in the Vonnie Borden Theatre. Odom and Baronich discussed their passion for theatre and what they have learned from the craft. LARSHELL GREEN/THE LION’S ROAR LARSHELL GREEN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
After finishing their collegiate careers at the university, two women have returned to make their marks in the Vonnie Borden Theatre by spinning a William Shakespeare classic. Elisabeth Odom graduated from the university in May 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in general studies with a concentration in theatre. She joined Alpha Psi Omega in 2012 and gained national membership status in 2016. Her most important lesson that she learned from the theatre organization occurred beyond the stage. “APO taught me many things but, most importantly, to always strive to be the best you can be and seek a life that is useful,” said Odom. “When you try to do and be your best, you will inevitably find yourself alongside others of the same mindset.”
While considering Shakespeare’s thought process when writing “Much Ado About Nothing,” Odom noticed that each character had their own plot. Odom explains how her version of the play will be seen onstage. Odom said, “Two young lovers, Claudio and Hero, have plans to be married, but of course not everyone is too happy about this. Meanwhile to pass the time, many of our characters band together to bring Beatrice and Benedick, two witty rivals, into a mountain of affection, the one with the other. Will Claudio and Hero withstand the trials put against their bond? Will Benedick and Beatrice ever concede and marry? Only time will tell.” Although the content of the play had the potential to be challenging, Odom admits that she found comfort in focusing on the theme of growth during the production. “This has been an amazing learning process for me, and going into it, I wanted to focus
on growth and discovery for everyone,” said Odom. “Shakespeare can be a little intimidating sometimes, and I wanted to show that he really isn’t all that scary.” Odom urges audience members to come expecting to have a good time and expects them to be surprised during the play. During the beginning stages of production, Odom spoke with APO President Madison Paulus to search for designers and actors capable of fulfilling unique roles. “Through the audition process, I was really looking for actors who could communicate well non-verbally,” said Odom. “Shakespeare is not and should not be unapproachable and scary, but his plays can be challenging at times since he writes in a style of English we are not incredibly familiar with these days. I looked for actors who showed me they could take more complicated language and communicate it in a way that was easily understood. You would be amazed at how much intention behind the words matters compared to the words themselves.” Fellow theatre and APO alumna at the university Katy Baronich joined the organization in 2011 and exited in 2014 after fulfilling a role as vice president. Baronich admitted that as the play’s stage manager she hopes that “Much Ado About Nothing” runs as smoothly as possible during its run from Aug. 28-29 at 7:30 p.m. She credits her training in APO for being able to handle her new job. “To make the show run smoothly, it takes experience and also being thrown into the lion’s den,” said Baronich. “It takes being calm, but being hard when you need to be. Being organized and keeping everyone on track.” Media Coordinator for the Hammond Regional Arts Center and APO alumna Tara Bennett is double cast as Ursula and one of the Watch in the production. She shares how her prior knowledge of Shakespeare shows has helped her process of preparation.
“The Shakespeare productions that are painful to watch are products of clichés,” said Bennett. “Whenever a play consists solely of actors saying ‘thee’ and ‘thou’ in period garb, people see it as something that should be in a museum. Audiences don’t embrace Shakespeare because they believe they can’t connect to it. Connecting to my characters was a big part of my preparation for the show. Breaking down the context of my lines, how they help shape the story, really helped bring my character to life, and it was through that I was able to make some very hilarious choices.” As a performer, Bennett explains how she wants audiences to feel following her performance. “I don’t want to perform with the audience scratching their heads,” said Bennett. “I want to make my performance to be very accessible so that they enjoy it and have fun because the play really is hilarious. I’m thankful for it being set in contemporary times because we all know people who squabble with their love interest as Beatrice and Benedick in the play.” Post-graduation, Odom has managed a few shows at the university and hopes to become a university theatre professor following “Much Ado About Nothing.” “I hope to see internships, MFA, a lot of self-producing and directing in my future,” said Odom. Odom accredits communication and collaboration as being two significant skills that she acquired in APO that has prepared her to direct a play that will pique the interest of audience members. “Communication and collaboration between the director, actors, crew and even audience drive theatre,” said Odom. “When you find those individuals who are excited and passionate just like you, you can do wonderful things together. My hope is that someone will be able to say, ‘I did not think I would enjoy Shakespeare, but I did’ by the end of the final curtain call.”
Exhibition honors ordinary things Coming soon to the Columbia Theatre ZACHARY ARAKI STAFF REPORTER
Julie Crews is presenting her artwork in “People, Places, Things” at the Hammond Regional Arts Center Aug. 4 to 25. Crews’ artwork is influenced by what she sees in her everyday life. ANNIE GOODMAN/THE LION’S ROAR ANNIE GOODMAN STAFF REPORTER
To start their fall season, the Hammond Regional Arts Center is featuring artist Julie Crews with the exhibition “People, Places, Things.” The exhibit, on display in the HRAC Aug. 4 through the 25, showcases a painter from Ruston, Louisiana. “The Arts Center enjoys exhibiting local art, and we love providing the Hammond community with a chance to see up-and-coming artists right from their own state,” said HRAC Media Coordinator Tara Bennett. Crews displays her version of finding a silver lining in this exhibit. “In the exhibit, ‘People, Places, Things,’ the viewer gets a remote glimpse into my personal life, exposing the delicacy of monotony and repetition in regard to domestic affairs and how I choose to see a beautiful life amidst the mundane,” said Crews. Bennett admires Crews’ skill in painting realistic pictures. “I admire Julie’s keen eye in her paintings,” said Bennett. “The subjects, be they places or objects, are something we see nearly every day of our lives, but she revitalizes them in a new way. At first glance of her work, I thought her paintings were photographs. The way she can render creased pants and striped tops is enviable, and I love her use of color.” Crews uses her paintings to reflect her day-to-day life.
“There is an unapparent irony in my studio practice,” said Crews. “My work concentrates on the very scenes of domestic life that take me away from the studio. Somehow, this oscillation yields a stabilizing effect on me and my work. While painting, I escape certain domestic tethers, yet there remains on the easel in front of me the scenery of my life: people waiting, dishes stacked by the sink, the car line. How areas of the home are treated, the traffic and landscapes encountered while running errands, and the moods of people engaged in banal tasks influence my life and, therefore, art.” Since childhood, Crews has based her life around determination and creativity. “I recall being a stubborn and strong-willed child, kindhearted and generous, but very determined,” said Crews. “I have the heart of an artist, and painting, as I matured, became the most fitting path for my expression. I think I have always known I would make an image-rich, creative life for myself.” Crews is an oil painter originally from North Carolina. She received her associate of art from Brigham Young University – Idaho. “Many of Julie’s paintings in this exhibition are taken from her daily life experience,” said Bennett. “Her work begins with snapshots of daily living, which she then transforms into oil paintings. This series of work addresses the idea of
finding beauty in the repetition of domestic life, and the images give permanence to things otherwise overlooked.” At the upcoming Downtown Development District’s event Hot August Night on Friday, Aug. 25, Bennett suggests visiting the gallery to view the exhibit. “Join us for Hot August Night and share in how she sees the beauty of life,” said Bennett. “What is commonly considered mundane and ordinary is turned into something extraordinary.” The next HRAC exhibitions will be “Arboreal Musings” Sept. 8 through the 28 by Linda Beach, “Seldom Seen” Oct. 6 through the 27, “Fine & Functional Show” Nov. 3 through Dec. 20 and the “Marjorie Morrison Sculpture Biennial” Jan. 8 to Feb. 23, 2018. All events are free, and they are open to the public. Crews’ favorite part of being an artist is expressing herself through a medium she loves, painting. “I get to paint,” said Crews. “Not only do I get to paint, but I get to paint things that are very personal to me without apology or permission.” Crews will be showing in the FW Gallery Sept. 8 through Nov. 4 and The Vendue Inn Oct. 19 through April. To view more of her work, visit juliecrews. com. “I will also be giving an artist talk Friday, Aug. 25 at the Hammond Regional Arts Center at 4 p.m.,” said Crews. “I would love to see the students.”
The Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts prepares to show audiences a new season of performances. A schedule of events will be posted to the Columbia’s website within the next month. The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, Opera Theatre Workshop and Wind Symphony will perform this season. The first main stage act, “Heart Behind the Music,” will be country music with two musicians from the group Alabama and Lauren Duski. The next main stage act will be the tribute show “Ultimate Michael Jackson.” “I’ve seen this show, and it is startling how much this guy was Michael Jackson,” said Executive Director of the Columbia Theatre Roy Blackwood. “You are convinced that it’s Michael Jackson. His singing, his dancing, costumes. It’s just uncanny, the resemblance to that. That’s gonna be a great show.” The “Nutcracker Ballet” will return in December. The Aquila Theatre will return to perform “Hamlet.” “We haven’t done any pure Shakespeare for a while, so I’m excited about that,” said Blackwood. “The Aquila Theatre always has a little bit of a twist to their shows. The year before last we did the Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, and it was hysterical. It
was so funny. The stagecraft was really creative and interesting.” A performance by Mummenschanz, a Swiss mask theater troupe will close the main stage season. “The big unknown is Mummenschanz,” said Blackwood. “The opportunity to share the excitement of that show with the community and the campus, I think that’s probably going to be my favorite one in terms of it’s an opportunity to help people understand and broaden their perspectives.” For a younger audience, the theatre will include Broadway Junior as well as Pajamas and Play. Pajamas and Play, done once in the fall and again in the spring, invites children to see a show then have cookies and milk in the lobby. The Upward Bound program at the university performs in June. Blackwood shared his thoughts on the program. “It’s an amazing experience for these young people who are mostly disadvantaged,” said Blackwood. “This past June, they did something that I thought was brilliant. They got people who’d come through the program, who had become very successful to come back and do testimonials, and it was amazing to see what some of these young people had gone on to do. It also served as a great inspiration for kids in the program to see what possibilities are out there through an avenue such as this.”
Rather than following a theme, the performances were chosen based on financial feasibility and giving audiences a high-quality show. Blackwood discussed the differences between a live performance and watching a video online. “Live audience is a shared experience,” said Blackwood. “If something’s happening on the stage, maybe you find it really funny and nobody else does. You laugh out loud. It affects somebody else over there, and maybe all of a sudden, they think maybe I didn’t look at that right, and they look at it. So, maybe you affect them in a positive way.
The Columbia Theatre has a mix of new and returning performances to thrill and entertain attendees. FILE PHOTO
Arts & Entertainment | The Lion’s Roar
August 22, 2017 | Page 5
A niche for printmaking, a passion for education LARSHELL GREEN Editor-in-Chief
Associate Professor of printmaking Ernest Milsted recently received the President’s Award for Excellence in Artistic Activity at the faculty convocation. Although Milsted’s talents in printmaking were confirmed on Friday, Aug. 11 at the annual faculty and staff awards ceremony, his passion as a multi-talented artist was confirmed over a decade ago. “I’m an artist,” said Milsted. “The methodologies of printmaking seem to make sense to me when it comes to being creative.” However, Milsted remains inspired by his award and feels that he is in good company with past honorees and colleagues. Milsted explained, “When you go back and look at some of the past winners of this award, four other professors in my department won the award. Dale Newkirk, our current department head, has won the award. I really look up to them for what they have accomplished in their careers, and that award is quite an honor. It feels good to get acknowledged for what you do and to receive support from the university. My full-time job is that I’m a teacher here, but also my full-time job as an artist is to make work and get that work out and so that kind of support really helps.” Newkirk talked about his
colleague Milsted. “Ernie Milsted is an energetic teacher who is committed to teaching students the art of printmaking and art practices in general,” said Newkirk. “Under his leadership, the printmaking studio attracts some of our best students. The studio work that he is currently involved in is important in that it explores issues surrounding coastal erosion and land loss in southern Louisiana through powerful visual imagery.” Milsted is known for using photography and printmaking pieces to inform audiences about coastal erosion and climate change in south Louisiana. The Houma, Louisiana native was inspired after he took trips with university Ceramics Instructor Dennis Sipiorski and Nicholls State University biologist Dr. Gary LaFleur Jr. “They were teaching a course at the Louisiana University Marine Consortium that was a combination of science and art,” said Milsted. “I had visited these places as a kid. I grew up in Houma, which is just north of the islands. I was amazed at how different these places were and how much the landscape had changed.” In his 11th year at the university, Milsted remains an educator in all of the printmaking courses at the university that span across a variety of concentrations such as etching, screen printing, photography, relief printing and digital printing.
Milsted found his inspiration for printmaking while attending Nicholls as a general studies major. During his last semester at Nicholls, Milsted gained an interest in becoming a film director and made plans to attend the University of New Orleans to study film. After developing a relationship with former Nicholls photography instructor Sipiorski, Milsted decided to take more photography courses and study printmaking. “I had taken all of the photography classes that I could take, and I sort of hit a dead end with my photos,” said Milsted. “I was like, ‘I can make black and white photos, now what?’” Inspired by his newly acquired skill, Milsted began researching the work of artists Robert Rauschenberg and Jasper Johns who found success as photographers and printmakers in the ‘50s and ‘60s. “Printmaking was sort of a way that I could use those photos to reprint them, layer them on top of each other, and it opened me up to another world of art that I hadn’t seen before,” said Milsted. “I fell in love with that sort of work and finished up at Nicholls in 2002 with an undergraduate degree in art.” After graduating from Nicholls in 2002, Milsted attended graduate school at the University of Notre Dame and earned a master’s degree in fine
arts. After completing studies in printmaking, a visit to the local area revealed a job opportunity at the university following Hurricane Katrina. “There was a printmaking and a drawing class that I taught here when I first got here in 2006,” said Milsted. “They were doing a national search for a tenure track position, which meant not instructor, but assistant professor. In 2007, I got that job, and I started here in 2007 as an assistant professor of printmaking.” After being promoted to associate professor in 2012, Milsted began to take new roles in the art department. “I am also the foundation’s coordinator,” said Milsted. “I see all of our students in the capacity of they do a sophomore review, which is a check on other foundation’s courses like drawing and design. I’m in charge of getting that together. I am also the lab technician. If something breaks in here, I’m the one that fixes it. It’s all specialized equipment, so I’m the printmaking guy at Southeastern.” Despite his many roles in the Department of Fine and Performing Arts, Milsted is grateful that his role as an instructor allows him to teach constant lessons of creativity and passion. Madison Lane, a senior art major with concentrations in visual art and printmaking describes the impact that
Associate Professor of printmaking Ernest Milsted was honored at the Fall 2017 convocation with the President’s Award for Excellence in Artistic Activity. He is distinguished by his passion for art and teaching. Larshell Green/The Lion’s Roar Milsted has made on her. “Ernie Milsted is the kind of teacher that you don’t want to disappoint,” said Lane. “He is so enthusiastic about art that it is contagious. It encourages his students to create extraordinary work.” Milsted explains the practices that he hopes students take with them upon graduating. “What I try to tell my students is that when they leave the motherly arms of the institution, they won’t have us there to tell them,” said Milsted. “Nobody’s going to care if they make this stuff or not make this
stuff, so it’s really important that they develop a practice while they’re here and stay true to that practice because it’s very important to mankind.” Milsted instills this way of thinking about the importance of art into his students. “Creativity is very important, and it’s very important for all of the students in the department to continue that artistic practice when they leave here even if they don’t get a job as an artist,” said Milsted. “They have to something that they want to do and make sure that they are thinking about it and
A different truth visits Contemporary Art Gallery in the Heating up Hammond with Hot August Night first exhibit of the fall semester to open the season ANNIE GOODMAN Staff Reporter
To start the fall semester, the Contemporary Art Gallery will be showcasing the works of Gus Bennett Jr. and Michael Alford. Director of CAG Dale Newkirk describes “A Different Kind of Truth” as an exhibition that documents the artifact that Charity Hospital in New Orleans has become. “This long-term project examines Charity Hospital post-
ARIES (March 21 to April 19) A change that you’d hoped for is down the line. But you still need to be patient until more explanations are forthcoming. Continue to keep your enthusiasm in check. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Your social life expands as new friends come into your life. But while you’re having fun, your practical side also sees some positive business potential within your new circle. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Your workplace situation continues to improve. Look for advantages you might have missed while all the changes were going on around you. That trusted colleague can help. CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Resist the urge to hunker down in your bunker until things ease up. Instead, get rid of that woe-is-me attitude by getting up and getting out to meet old friends and make new ones. LEO (July 23 to August 22) Now that you’re back enjoying the spotlight again, you should feel re-energized and ready to take on the challenge of bringing those big, bold plans of yours to completion. VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) A former friend would like to repair a relationship you two once enjoyed. Your positive response could have an equally positive impact on your life. Think about it. LIBRA (September 23 to
Hurricane Katrina,” said Newkirk. “The hospital was closed after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The hospital served the city for 300 years, but today, it is a time capsule that reveals the story of events from the past and the drama that took place there during Hurricane Katrina and before.” Newkirk feels the photographs displayed portray a story of Louisiana. “When seeing this work for the first time, I felt that these were powerful images that told an October 22) Resist making impulsive decisions. Stay on that steady course as you continue to work out workplace problems. Be patient. All will soon be back in balance. SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) You might feel confident about taking a promising offer, but continue to be alert for what you’re not being told about it. Don’t fret. Time is on your side. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) People dear to you might be planning a way to show appreciation for all you’ve done for them. Accept the honor graciously. Remember: You deserve it. CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Congratulations. Your selfconfidence is on the rise. This could be a good time to tackle those bothersome situations you’ve avoided both at home and at work. AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) You feel obligated to return a favor. (Of course, you do.) But heed advice from those close to you and do nothing until you know for sure what’s being asked of you. PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Your loving reassurance helped revive a once-moribund relationship. But be wary of someone who might try to do something negative to reverse this positive turn of events. BORN THIS WEEK: You are a wonderful matchmaker who can bring people together to form long-lasting relationships. (c) 2017 King Features Synd., Inc.
important story,” said Newkirk. “A story that is moving and relevant to the people of Louisiana. All artworks in this show are exploring one subject and are an on-going series of photographs.” Newkirk chose this show to start the season due to its impact. “I felt that this would be a powerful show to start the exhibition season off with,” said Newkirk. Newkirk believes local art defines and explains the culture of an area. “Art is an important part of our culture,” said Newkirk. “The measure of a great culture is reflected in the art that is produced. The art gallery services the campus and the larger community of the Northshore. It is part of the university’s mission to contribute and to encourage the development of the arts.” Newkirk hopes to use the CAG exhibitions to engage and to
educate students about art. “The Contemporary Art Gallery is committed to offering relevant exhibitions to the students and surrounding communities,” said Newkirk. “We strive to create students who are engaged in artwork and who are life-long educated viewers. That has to start on college campuses.”
ANNIE GOODMAN Staff Reporter
To celebrate downtown Hammond, the Downtown Development District will once again be hosting Hot August Night. “It’s a crowd favorite,” said Chelsea Tallo, Executive Director of DDD. “It started 22 years ago as a simple wine walk where people walked door to door to each business. It gained more and more attraction, and we’ve added hot spots in the event like live music and Southeastern Lionpawlooza. It has become the second largest event in Tangipahoa Parish right behind Strawberry Festival.” Hot August Night will be held on Aug. 25 from 6 - 10 p.m. in downtown Hammond to attract tourists. “Hot August Night has tourist motivations,” said Tallo. “It’s “A Different Kind of Truth” opens CAG about getting people to Downtown exhibit season. file photo/The Lion’s Roar that may have never been here
before. In the beginning phases of Hot August Night, this event was important because it gave the downtown businesses a larger customer base.” Due to a good response last year, the event will now be happening later in the month than it did in previous years. “Last year, because of the flood we pushed the date back, and it got a lot of positive responses,” said Tallo. “So, we decided to give it a try and push it back a little further in August this year.” As a part of Hot August Night, there was a poster contest. Tallo describes the prizes that Staci Montgomery received. “She received a $100 gift card to any business she wants in Downtown, lots of publicity, and she’ll have her own booth set up at the DDD office for Hot August Night to sell her artwork and sign
SPONSORING
see HOT AUGUST NIGHT, pg. 8
Page 6 | August 22, 2017
The Lion’s Roar | Sports
Soccer maintains strength, vigor and tempo in season opener
The Lady Lions started the season off with a 3-0 win against Jackson State University at home. Left to right junior midfielder Vanessa Arzaluz, senior defender Kim Porche and junior forward Sofia Olsson helped the Lady Lions to put 27 shots on goal. Each of the three goals were scored first by forward Amber Marinero, second goal by junior defender Christina Cutura and the third goal was scored by senior midfielder Maddie Kresevic. Nikisun Shrestha/The Lion’s Roar NIKISUN SHRESTHA Staff Reporter
The Lady Lions soccer season got off to a great start with Head Coach Christopher McBride at the helm as the team registered a 3-0 victory over Jackson State University at home. An early own goal broke the deadlock in the sixth minute. The team motivated by the early lead were eager to add more goals and were creating several chances in the opposition half. “It was a great team performance,” said McBride. “Everyone put in a shift today. We started with a lot of new people and got a lot of people from the bench as well. It was a real team effort, started off real hot. The tempo was pretty high. I felt like we defended pretty well in their half and we got the ball into areas we wanted.” The Lady Lions doubled their lead at 26 minute mark after junior defender Christina Cutura headed in a corner while a 66 minute penalty from senior midfielder Maddie Kresevic sealed the victory. McBride was pleased with the performance of his team both on the offensive and the defensive front. He saw all his players on the field execute his plans well.
“Tactically, we did everything we wanted to do going into the game,” said McBride. “The backline did a phenomenal job, the midfielders were stepping in. Attacking wise, we had chances from everyone today. You know, building up the attack, we had defenders, midfielders and forwards, everyone getting their shots off. So, it was a really good all round team performance tonight.” The game featured many new faces in the roster, and the coach was happy with their effort. The team has 11 new players added to the squad for this season. Two of the standout freshmen were Larissa Galvez Estrada, who recorded an assist and Jessi Cooper with two shots on goal. “They’ve done really, really well,” said McBride. “We started five of them tonight. We started five freshman in a Division I game and came out with a 3-0 victory. You know it’s really good. They’ve done really well. The biggest change for them has been the change of pace and play but they’ve adapted to it.” McBride was happy with how the experienced players helped the incoming players adapt to college level soccer by setting a great example during the training sessions.
“We’ve got a good junior and senior class setting an example for them, getting them to play at a tempo, making sure the practice is always intense, making sure they’re always executing the right skills at right time,” said McBride. “So, overall it’s been really good for us.” The victory displayed the hard work the team had put in during the preseason. “It’s a great start to the year to get the momentum started,” said Kresevic. “Our preseason was really successful and everyone came in ready to work. It was a new style of play that we had to get used to, and it’s gonna benefit us obviously as you can see in this game.” Cutura added to how important the preseason has been for the team. “Preseason has been amazing,” said Cutura. “You know we got a whole new crew, new coach. He’s taught us so much in the short two weeks. It just has really paid off. It’s his first game, and we’re moving forward and learning more things. I think that we can incorporate those little things and really make them better.” McBride gave his opinion on the preseason and added how the team has been working on fitness and game
plans. “Preseason’s been really good,” said McBride. “We’ve had everyone healthy, and we’ve been building on fitness every day. So, it’s been really good having everyone available for the session. From here, we’re still figuring out tactically what we wanna do and where we wanna go. Today was a good game plan for what we had and executed it well. So just going forward we want to adapt to a different game plan and make sure we understand different tactical situations and what we need to do.” With the team built on a new coaching setup, the players believe that the team has progressed and expect a good season ahead “I’m a senior, and this is the best team chemistry hands down from the start,” said Kresevic. “So, I think it’s a really good year.” The team is hungry for success and have set up a clear goal for the season. “We want to get that ring in the end,” said Kresevic. “We have the same goals. We have little things here and there that will help us get there, so, we just take it game by game.” Cutura believes consistent hard work can take the team all the way
towards getting the ring at the end of the season. “It’s super exciting to get that first win under the belt,” said Cutura. “I mean that just shows what we’ve done and how much more we can do to just work harder towards that ring. Everybody worked hard together, and I think it’s gonna be a great year.” McBride said that it is best for his team to operate with a one game at a time approach. He feels that focusing on the next game ahead is key to moving forward. “We’re just taking one game at a time,” McBride explains. “With 11 new players, we just take one game at a time. We don’t focus on the end product or the end of the season right now. We’ll build game by game, we’ll take one game as it comes. Right now, our focus is on Georgia State University next Friday. After that, we’ll look at Alabama State University and go from there. Just one game at a time right now, focusing on the little things building up, and we’ll see where we are in the post season. I’m just proud of the team tonight and looking forward to the rest of the season.” The Lady Lions will play at the University Center on Friday, Sept. 1 at 7 p.m.
Athletic trio succeeds in MBA Program Roberts outlines goals for fall season JONATHAN RHODES Staff Reporter
Former Lions football players left to right Brent Wagner, Chase Keller and Pierson Villarrubia continued their academic careers through the Master’s Business Administration program. Keller and Wagner graduated last semester while Villarrubia will graduate this semester. Courtesy of Randy Bergeron JONATHAN RHODES Staff Reporter
Student athletes work hard to perform well on the field and the court, but not all athletes only have goals to be reached in athletics. Three former Lions football players Brent Wagner, Chase Keller and Pierson Villarrubia pursued their goals to get a masters’ in business through the Master Business Administration program. Keller and Wagner graduated last semester, but Villarrubia will graduate this December. Villarrubia is proud of what he is learning through the MBA program and how it is helping him to get the career that he wants. “It’s been an incredible experience,” said Villarrubia. “Excellent instruction along with classmates that continuously push each other. I pursued my masters for a better understanding of the field of business. Also as Dr. Cresson repeats, ‘Education is the best investment.’” Villarrubia transferred from Washington State University to play football for the Lions. Villarrubia thinks he made the right move. “My favorite aspect of Southeastern compared to Washington State University is the sense of community not just in the school but Hammond as well,” said Villarrubia. Wagner is originally from
Houston, Texas and enjoyed his time at the university and how the MBA program prepared him to be a professional. “The MBA program was awesome,” said Wagner. “My undergraduate degree was in management at Southeastern, and then I decided to enroll in the MBA program as well, and I thought it was just a wonderful education. The quality of the professors that we had was unbelievable. Dr. Honorée did a great job leading the MBA program. He did an awesome job hiring good professors and bringing in students who really wanted to be there. It was a great experienced. I learned a lot, and I will take with me all of those life lessons.” Wagner will start law school at the University of Pennsylvania this fall and will be moving there on Thursday. Playing football for most of his life has an influence on who Wagner is today and what he is able to accomplish. “Playing football made me a lot tougher,” said Wagner. “It kind of made me see the reality of situations. Football is such a physical game. It’s very hot outside, and it’s demanding. If you can succeed in football then I think you can deal with a lot of things in life, and you will be prepared and mentally tough when adversary hits.” Lions football Head Coach Ron Roberts coaching style had an influence on Villarrubia and taught him to have a strong
resolve and keep his eye on his goals. “I greatly admired Coach Roberts’ relentless attitude,” said Villarrubia. “He has high goals and no matter the situation or attitude of the team, he is pushing the team and staff around him forward. He always has an overarching plan that he is working every minute towards. If I can harness a piece of his relentless attitude, I can confidently say I’ll be just fine.” Villarrubia is getting as much experience on campus as he can before he goes off to the world of business off campus. “I work as the graduate assistant in the Student Union,” said Villarrubia. “I help the director Eric Aymond maintain the complex as well as help facilitate events held daily at the Student Union. It’s fulfilling to work at a location central to the university and the students, gives for a great pulse of the campus.” Despite not being on the field anymore, Villarrubia still keeps his eye on his former team and is anticipating a successful season from them this year. “I expect a big season for the Lions,” said Villarrubia. “Roberts and staff consistently bring in serious talent and will pair them with an exceptional group of experienced upperclassmen. It’s a blend that is often followed with success. With Roberts at the helm to boot, shoot, I’m talking playoffs.”
The Lions football team has put in 18 practices and two scrimmages worth of work into deciding who will be the starters for this upcoming season. Players had the opportunity to show they deserved a starting position at the final scrimmage of fall camp. Lions football Head Coach Ron Roberts began the annual Southland Conference Football Media Day by saying that he likes the work that has been put in by the team in practice and in the two scrimmages. “I think our guys have worked really hard for fall camp,” said Roberts. “We are not where we want to be yet. We’ve got two weeks left. The biggest jump for football teams is always in scrimmage one and scrimmage two.” Players from almost all positions have been competing for their starting job this fall camp. Roberts believes that competition for starting positions is good for the team during the off-season. “We’ve had some really good competitions across the board,” said Roberts. “Any time you get in a situation where you have a competition, it brings the intensity and brings out the best in the players. Our guys have done a really exceptional job of handling that. Our effort this off-season has been outstanding. I say this early that I really enjoy this group. I think every group that comes in has to build their own identity and their own team. I think we have identified ourselves early that we are a bunch of workers that have a great attitude. I think our chemistry is a little better than it has been in the last two years.” Roberts noticed how the identity of the team has changed the closer they get to the first game of the season. “The biggest difference this year is our attitude,” said Roberts. “Our guys have bought in, and they are hungry. The best teams that I have been around have this type of mentality.
You can be as talented as you want, but if you think you have arrived already then that is not a good sign. I think they are little hungrier which is an indication to me that these guys are gonna find a way to get things done.” The Lions have a defensive line that has a lot to prove in the next two weeks to become game ready for. “Our defensive line is young and inexperienced,” said Roberts. “That’s probably our biggest question. I think they are going up against a very good offensive line, so they are getting tested. I would like to be in a situation too deep where we are playing six guys. Which six of those guys are going to be consistent is unknown. We got nine guys fighting for those six spots.” Junior running back Julius Maracalin, who had a surgery
in April for his meniscus, had limited physical activity during fall camp. “He’s gonna be a day by day,” said Roberts. “It will probably be week one before he gets cleared. He doesn’t need to take that beating during fall camp.” The quarterback competition was one of the bigger battles going on at the final scrimmage of the season. Quarterbacks Coach and Offensive Coordinator Matt Barrett noticed strengths and weaknesses from the quarterbacks in the final scrimmage. “They all did some good things and missed a few things,” said Barrett. “It always turns up a notch when you get in a scrimmage like this. It’s full go, and the intensity is high. That’s good. We were in some situations
see MEDIA DAY, pg. 7
SPORTS | The Lion’s Roar
AUGUST 22, 2017 | PAGE 7
Alex Young represents Lions in IAAF championships SARAH HESS STAFF REPORTER
Alex Young represented the university as a member of the United States team in hammer throw at the International Association of Athletic Federations World Championships in London on Aug. 9. Young was ranked 20th in the world with a throw of 236 feet and is the first Lion chosen to represent the university on this national stage of track and field. Assistant Lions track and field coach Amin Nikfar who specializes in throws traveled with Young to the world championships in London and discusses his views on Young’s ranking. “Alex went in number 30 in the world and came out number 20 in the world,” said Nikfar. “So, I think that’s a success. It was his first senior major international competition, and it was his first world championship. For somebody who has never been in that scenario before to move up ten spots, I think we can count that as a win.” Young has accumulated many track and field accolades during his collegiate career. Some of Young’s titles include 2016-17 Southeastern Male Athlete of the Year and the Louisiana Sports Writers Association All-Louisiana Field Athlete of the Year. “He works hard, he’s determined, he’s gifted and he’s grateful for everything,”
said Nikfar. “He’s a wonderful athlete to work with, and I think that this year there is much more to come from Alex Young in the future.” Young talks about his experience of representing the university as a member of the United States team. “It’s really cool to represent the school most have never heard of,” said Young. “It’s great to be a part of such a great USA team, with all these amazing athletes coming from such big schools. Knowing the fact that coming from a small school proves the saying, ‘It doesn’t matter where you go, but what you do when you get there.’’’ For Young, a native of Nashville, Tennessee, this was his first time competing at this level of competition, and he describes how he dealt with the pressures that come along with such a high level of competition. “I handled the competition really well,” said Young. “I had about two practice sessions that were simulations of what competition day was going to be like. I had mentally cleared my mind and stayed focused leading into competition and during competition. My training program was also a big contribution to my preparation for this competition.” He attributes his calmness to his preparations that were done beforehand at the university.
“Overall preparation leading into competition was probably the biggest reason as to why I handled the level of competition so well,” said Young. During his week-long trip to London, Young was able to make memories and milestones for both himself and his university from the realization of competing on a national stage to placing 20th in the world. Young talks about some of the moments that stuck out most to him. “The most memorable moment was when I stepped out on the field for competition,” said Young. “Seeing the sold out London crowd of 66,000 people as you walk out to competition was incredible. Just competing in such an atmosphere was unreal”. Young marks his first time representing USA and competing in the IAAF World Championships as a milestone in his career and something he will always remember. “The fact I had USA on my chest during that made it all the much better,” said Young. “I had great memories of meeting a few world champions and expanding my knowledge with former Olympic hammer thrower James Parker, as well as other known figures in the sport. The ability to learn from world champions and Olympic champions on the team about the business and performance side of track and field was something I’ll never forget.”
Alex Young finished in eight place in the semifinal round of the International Association of Athletic Federations hammer throw competition. Young is now ranked 20th overall and finished at the highest ranked of any of the American competitors in the hammer throw. COURTESY OF AMIN NIKFAR
An athlete, a coach, a winner Teammates battle for lead positions MEDIA DAY
continued from pg. 6
Lady Lions soccer Head Coach Christopher McBride won his first game in his debut against Jackson State University. McBride is only the fourth head coach in the history of the program. JONATHAN RHODES/THE LION’S ROAR NIKISUN SHRESTHA STAFF REPORTER
Lady Lions soccer team Head Coach Christopher McBride has been selected as one of 30 coaches to join 201718 United Soccer Coaches 30 Under 30 Program. McBride cherished this opportunity as it will be a great learning experience for him. “It’s fantastic,” said McBride. “I’m really honored to be a part of that. They had a lot of applicants, and I feel really honored to be chosen. It’s gonna be really good in the first year as the head coach.” The program had over 300 applicants who were keen to get the opportunity to get a year-long education program and mentorship opportunity. “It’s an education program,” said McBride. “So, the biggest thing for me is learning from the coach who’s been there and done that. Basically, he’s been a head coach for 15 years and getting some ideas from him on little things that you can only learn as a head coach. There’s some things you learn on the job, so I’ll bounce some ideas off of him and get his ideas and opinion and get some answers from him. It’s gonna
be fantastic.” The selected coaches for the program also receive an educational scholarship for an Advanced Diploma of the coach’s choosing as well as get a registration for the United Soccer Coaches Convention. The program was started in 2013 and has provided a great educational and networking platform for coaches of many levels. McBride one of 19 college coaches was who were selected for the program also include seven club coaches, two high school coaches and a pair of professional coaches. McBride further spoke about how observing a veteran coach can benefit him. “It’s nice to have a mentor now who’s been in the game for 15 years has been successful,” said McBride. “I can run ideas by him, bounce ideas off and communicate and talk about leadership and culture and teams, and it’s really good. So, I’m honored to be a part of it, and it’s a great learning experience for me in my first year as the head coach. So, it’s been great.” In his first season at the university, McBride has made a positive impact on the players. Junior defender Christina
Cutura reflects on what the coach has brought in to the team. “Definitely a lot of positivity and confidence in the girls,” said Cutura. “He truly believes in us and what we can do and what we’re capable of doing. He really loves us bonding and meshing, and we’ve spent a lot of time in these past two weeks together. It really pays off in the field with that chemistry.” Senior midfielder Maddie Kresevic was also appreciative of the new coach and how he has operated so far. “We all really like him as a coach and as a person,” said Kresevic. “He cares about us, and he knows what he’s talking about and he can implement his plans.”
that we needed to be in from a learning standpoint. Some of them we did well in, some of them we didn’t. But, we will get better from them.” Junior quarterback Donovan Isom is hoping to help the team not only as a quarterback but to also encourage his teammates and set an example. “I want to become more of a leader and just help and encourage my team to do well in everything,” said Isom. “If I can do that and do my part, I think we will do pretty well this season.” For the next two weeks, Roberts and the other coaches will have to decide whether Isom or Lorenzo Nunez will lead the Lions offense this season. “Donovan Isom is the more experienced, and he has been a little more consistent at this time,” said Roberts. “Lorenzo
has a great arm and is able to create plays. He has proven in the last scrimmage that he his truly dynamic. With those guys, it’s really who is going to lead the offense the best and get it done. It’s kind of up and down, and they go back and forth, which is good. You want to have two guys you go out and win with. You’ve got to give them the opportunity to fight for that job.” The secondary is very well experienced with eight seniors competing for a starting spot. “That group right now is playing fundamentally sound and playing with a lot more technique and have a good understanding of what we are doing coverage wise,” said Roberts. “Last year at this time, we were pretty green. This year is the total opposite. There is some stiff competition out there. It’s been a dogfight, especially for the cornerback position between Ryan Sigers, Mayori Ellison, Courtney
Rutledge and Shamar Busby who is a new name that’s been in there. Those guys really compete on a day-to-day basis.” Senior defensive back Max Lyons is focused on getting better and helping his team to get where they need to be. “Every position on the field still has a lot of improvement,” said Lyons. “We’re looking to keep getting better. We are nowhere near what we need to be. We got to keep getting better every day.” The Lions will start preparing for their first game of the season against the UL Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns about 10 days before the game. “I love the game because it is a in-state game, and our people will go out and travel for that game,” said Roberts. “We haven’t really turned our focus on to them yet, but we expect to go down there and compete, and we will see what happens.”
The Lady Lions soccer team has remained impressed with their performance under new leadership. NIKISUN SHRESTHA/THE LION’S ROAR
This Week’s Puzzle AnsWers
Lions football has finished the last scrimmage of fall camp and has some decisions to make about who will start this season. JONATHAN RHODES/THE LION’S ROAR
The Lion’s Roar | NEWS
PAGE 8 | AUGUST 22, 2017
Students lend a generous hand to campus locations
ANNIE GOODMAN STAFF REPORTER
To start the Fall 2017 semester, the university hosted a string of events known as Welcome Week, which included a community service event called Team Up! on the last day. “It’s put on by the Welcome Week committee, which is done through the Division for Student Affairs,” said Tyron’E Hawkins a graduate kinesiology major and DSA leadership ambassador. “Angela James is like the head honcho in charge. She is the interim director of the Office of Student Engagement right now.” Welcome Week lasted from Sunday, Aug. 13 through Friday, Aug. 18. Team Up! was on Friday at 12:30 p.m. For this community service event, students registered to help athletes clean up and perform maintenance on athletic facilities. “We are, I guess, making it a mini Big Event,” said Hawkins. “So, we asked athletics if they had anything they needed us to do, and we partnered with the athletes and some of the students coming in. We just kind of went out to all of our athletic areas.” Hawkins led the group that On the last day of Welcome Week, the Division for Student Affairs partnered with student athletes for a community service went to the Naquin Strength event called Team Up! Students who registered visited various athletic facilities on campus along with the athletes to and Conditioning Center where clean and maintain the facilities. RIANA BRASELMAN & ANNIE GOODMAN/THE LION’S ROAR students cleaned the walls of
the weight room. Welcome Week was organized to help incoming freshmen integrate into college life at the university by displaying the kind of campus events the university hosts. “It’s a part of Welcome Week, and that was an initiative to let freshmen know how much we do on campus,” said Hawkins. “Things that there are to offer them on campus and everything, but one thing that we really do stress at Southeastern is community service.” Since 2011, once a year the university holds a community service event known as The Big Event where students help out the Hammond and Ponchatoula area. “It is important to your organizations, resume, future endeavors,” said Hawkins. “We are real world ready. So, we wanted them to see that we do community service all the time. So, it’s our, like I said, mini Big Event that is held in the fall. Just something for them to get their feet wet, campus beautification.” Members of the baseball, golf, tennis, track, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, soccer and volleyball teams participated in cleaning the Naquin Strength and Conditioning Center, University Center, North Oak Park and the Track and Field Complex.
DSA decided to incorporate athletics to help athletes socialize with students outside of their respective sports as well to clean their facilities. “So many of our athletes are here all the time,” said Hawkins. “They’re either studying, in class, in the weight room, training, in practice. So, they get to get out and mingle with the other sports. Some of the other students, they may not always get to meet and help out around campus.” Hawkins feels that not only is community service important, but it is also beneficial. “It’s definitely important,” said Hawkins. “You definitely want to get at least Southeastern’s name out there in the community, but it warms your heart just to know that something you are doing, like volunteering your time I know that you could be doing something else, but you’re serving your community.” Hawkins believes participating in community service events such as Team Up! benefits everyone involved. “It feels good,” said Hawkins. “It makes the community feel good. It lets them know that we care. The students care. It gives the students a chance to be out there.” For more information on future DSA events, visit the Office of Student Engagement.
Student Conduct is rebranding with a new title and programing changes SARAH HESS
The university looks towards a new branding STAFF REPORTER to focus on the well being of students. The Office of Student Conduct has been rebranded with the title of the Office of Student Advocacy and Accountability. The office has decided to make this marketing move so that students are not only informed about the university’s disciplinary procedures, but also all of the resources and information their offices have to offer. The Director of the Office of Student Advocacy and Accountability Dr. Gabe Willis explains why the department has decided to brand in this new direction “The name change came along with the disciplinary process as a whole,” said Willis. “I Formerly known as the Office of Student Conduct, the Office think some of the concerns we were seeing from of Student Advocacy and Accountability hopes the name students and the incidents happing on campus change will better represent the office’s responsibilities lent more towards us needing to be advocates and goals. ANNIE GOODMAN/THE LION’S ROAR and provide resources for certain students
because not every issue that we have coming through our office is a disciplinary issue.” Many issues arise on campus that need to be taken into account, and Student Advocacy and Accountability is branching out to cover all areas that students will need help with. Willis states why this name change was needed for the office. “The game has changed a little bit,” said Willis. “It’s more issues that require resources and help more that conduct issues. That’s really what spurred the name change. We saw what was going on with our students and campus.” With the new marketing of Student Advocacy and Accountability’s image, the office is also implementing new programs to upgrade its services for students. “Conversations are taking place right now about programs opportunities,” said Willis. “I
think the name really leads to more opportunities to do programming here with our resources on campus.” For upcoming programming, the office is looking into collaborations with the University Health Center, the University Planning Council and the Pennington Student Activity Center. These upcoming collaborations would be done to better the mental, physical and spiritual well being of students. Willis hopes the new marketing of Student Advocacy and Accountability will create a better image for the office. “Hopefully, it will change their views about our office as a whole, and we won’t just look like disciplinarians that are only here when students get in trouble,” said Willis. “We want students to know that we are committed to their growth and development by giving them the proper resources.”
Orientation leaders welcome incoming students during summer SARAH HESS STAFF REPORTER
Each summer the university offers a two-day orientation to help students prepare for their first semester of college. This summer, six orientations were held where over 400 students per orientation would visit the university’s campus for tours, scheduling, activities and acclimating to college life. To help the incoming students, the university’s orientation leaders, who are college students themselves, led the new students through their daily activities. The orientation leaders are there to be role models for the incoming freshmen. Daryl Julien, a junior communication major and orientation leader explained what the job of an orientation leader entails. “We’re expected to be the people the incoming freshmen would come to when asking questions, and be able to get familiar with the university,” said Julien. “We were the incoming freshmens’ first interaction on campus. We were expected to have fun and enjoy being orientation leaders and representing what we love and that’s Southeastern.” PAY RAISE
continued from pg. 1 to help our students succeed,” said Cowser. “This is why our university exists. Our faculty and staff are to be applauded for keeping the best interests of our students in mind even when there were no monetary rewards for doing so.” The past four years of merit evaluations will also roll over into any future raise plan. “Since it is unrealistic to fully address up to nine years of unrewarded merit with the amount of funds available for the current raise plan, the most recent four years of merit evaluations will continue to be carried forward for consideration in future raise plans,” said Crain. Cowser hopes that even though faculty members deserve more of a pay raise, this plan motivates them. “Even though the pool of
Julien decided to become an orientation leader to be a positive role model in the lives of incoming freshmen and help them get excited about college and their new home away from home. Orientation leaders help with the transition to college life by helping students register for class, answering questions about college life and more. Brian Williams, a sophomore communication major and orientation leader describes how he felt this summer’s orientations went. “I think the summer orientations went great,” said Williams. “The energy was definitely there, and knowing that I helped future lions be excited to attend the school I love made the entire experience perfect.” What makes summer orientation different from fall and spring tours is that in the fall and spring they mainly focus on scheduling while summer orientations allow the orientation leaders to get incoming students excited about college. With games, a spirit competition, the option to sleep in dorms, a chance to look at campus organizations and the newly added late-night portion of the program with a DJ and laser tag, summer orientations prepare incoming students not just for their classes but for
money available to give raises PARKING is not nearly equal to what our continued from pg. 1 employees deserve for their efforts over the years, our parking. ability to give raises at any level “Yes, there are enough to should provide a morale boost,” deal with the parking changes,” said Cowser. said Todd. “However, we do have more freshman students than last fall that makes their north campus parking more difficult. The parking area behind the library is under construction and will add 200 plus spaces in approximately two weeks. Approximately 10 percent of resident students must park in overflow areas marked for upperclassmen.” The Division for Student Affairs has assisted with communication to students along with the UPD to get the word out on the solutions to the parking situation. President John L. Crain announced “We’ve put up a lot of merit-based pay raises for the first information to our resident time since 2009-2010 at the university students and to our freshmen during the Faculty Convocation on about where they can park,” Friday, Aug. 11. ZACHARY ARAKI/THE LION’S ROAR said Todd. “We have told the
Orientation leaders introduced and helped incoming freshmen on the campus as they attended their summer orientations. SARAH HESS/THE LION’S ROAR college life. Orientation leader Taryn Arcement, a sophomore marketing major believes these summer orientations are beneficial to students. “There is so much information that is given in our two-day program of orientation that is vital for them to know before coming to college,” said Arcement. “For example, we show them around, and we give them the resources to answer any upperclassmen to go to the upper garage. The garage was very rarely used until this semester. Now, it’s used a lot. We’re trying to direct the students to where the available parking was available.” The UPD has also used other means to help students with parking. “We’ve been trying to work with people who are parked illegally and telling them to not park there again,” said Todd University Parking Operations has been lenient with writing citations. . “We haven’t been issuing a lot of citations right now because we know that parking is very, very strange.” said Todd. Students can visit the University Parking Operations website or their office to get further information and solutions to the parking changes.
possible questions they may have now or in the future.” Orientation was put in place to make the stressful transition into college life as stress free as possible for incoming students by employing trusted and knowledgeable lions with leadership skills to lend guidance in this new chapter of the incoming students’ lives.
HOT AUGUST NIGHT
continued from pg. 5
posters.” Hot August Night is an event made up of smaller events happening throughout the night. University cheerleaders, Lionettes and the “Spirit of the Southland” marching band and colorguard participate in Hot August night as well. They will be performing for Lionpawlooza at the start of Hot August Night. Followed by the traditional wine walk and a new craft beer walk. “Todd O’Neill will be at the DDD main stage, along with Lionpawlooza, Gnarly Barley and the mayor and lieutenant governor kicking off the events,” said Tallo. “We’ll have our annual wine walk and new craft beer walk. Krewe of Omega will have a block party with a dance floor. Kid Zone
on North Cypress St., a family zone at Cate Street Seafood Station and lots of vendors in Art Alley. Tallo explained that all participating business will have their own specials and events with eateries also having live music. There will also be a car show and setups from Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts and Hammond Regional Arts Center. Numerous downtown businesses support the community by participating in this event. “All restaurants and bars, and we have 20 business on the wine walk and 18 businesses on the beer walk that will be participating,” said Tallo. “Even businesses in the district that aren’t in walking distance, like Hammond HarleyDavidson, will have booths set up at the event.” For more information on this event, visit dddhammond. com
News | The Lion’s Roar
August 22, 2017 | Page 9
Antoinette Phillips appointed new leader of business RIANA BRASELMAN Staff Reporter
The College of Business has appointed a new leader to guide the program. Dr. Antoinette “Toni” Phillips has been named the new dean for the college using her years of experience and knowledge from past administrative and managerial positions. Phillips explains how she did not originally start out on the administrative side of the university. “I was an assistant professor to start off with,” said Phillips. “And then worked gradually through associate professor and basically was in those positions for 16 years.” She explains that going from interim department head to assistant dean to interim dean and then finally the dean of the College of Business had been a new path for her in her career. “I had never been in administration at a university before, but I’ve enjoyed many managerial positions before I went back to get my doctorate,” said Phillips. “I thought it’d be a good challenge, and it turned out I enjoyed it.” Along the way, she feels she has faced similar struggles that anyone may have to face when taking on new administrative positions.
“When I became interim department head, again my first administrative position here, there was just this whole world that went on that I really as a faculty member knew nothing about,” said Phillips. “That was fascinating to me. So, that’s kind of a learning challenge I really enjoyed. Another challenge that many administrators have faced in the past nine years has been financial situations of the state. Southeastern has been blessed with good leadership, and I think we’ve done a really good job in protecting our students to let us do our central mission without too much interruption to students.” Before accepting the position, however, Phillips felt it was necessary to self-reflect and evaluate if she had the resources to fulfill the role of dean. “Really, what I did personally is just be very self-examining,” said Phillips. “I felt professionally this was something I was ready for, but I had to take a good, long look at my life as a whole and see if I had enough resources in terms of time to bring to the position.” She expresses that her time as a faculty member has helped her to prepare for her current position and understand her colleagues at the faculty level. “Professionally, I think that I’ve done
enough activities that, for example, the faculty are still doing. As a faculty member, I did those things, so I understand the challenges they face and the energies and talents they have to bring to that, so that was integral for the preparation,” said Phillips. Phillips feels she has good support coming from department heads and her administration members. “In terms of impact, I’m looking to continue some things that we really started in the past three and a half years,” said Phillips. “We have a really strong administrative team with great department heads who are very interested in doing the best we can do for our students, for our faculty.” Overall, Phillips’ goal is to keep the needs of the students first and to prepare them for their futures. “We have a really strong program started to involve students in world-ready activities,” said Phillips. “Very excited about that. I think that’s probably the best thing we can do for our students. We also have made some changes in curriculum and probably continue to do so. Really, most of those are marketbased, based on what do we think we need to provide students in terms of having them be ready to accept jobs and equipping them with the skills that they need to do that.”
Dr. Antoinette Phillips took on the position as dean for the College of Business. Phillips feels past struggles as well as positions in other administration helped prepare her to be the dean. Her focus in the position will be to help and prepare students. Courtesy of Communication and Creative Services
Students and alumni are encouraged to be career ready this fall
Director of Career Services Ken Ridgedell encouraged students to be career ready by polishing resumés, practicing and dressing professionally. Zachary Araki/The Lion’s Roar ZACHARY ARAKI Staff Reporter
Students and alumni are encouraged to be career ready by networking and finding an internship or job position at Career Fair or Part-Time Job
Fair. Part-Time Job Fair is scheduled for Aug. 31, and Career Fair for Sept. 21. The Office of Career Services organizes both events. PartTime Job Fair helps students looking for work in the area.
Career Fair is a more formal event that requires attendees to wear business casual. “If you’re a junior, senior or graduate student, you know when you graduate, you’re going to need to have gained employment,” said Director of Career Services Ken Ridgedell. “Even if you think you’re gonna graduate and your plan is to pursue a graduate degree, a higher-level degree, the rule of thumb is to always think about your options and have a backup plan because not everything we plan to do is what really happens. I think it’s always important to keep your options open and to think about other possibilities.” Ridgedell suggested students polish their resumes, present themselves well by considering their wardrobe, and practice face-to-face interactions. “The recruiter’s are going
to really see how you approach them, your communication skills,” said Ridgedell. “They’re looking to see are you making eye contact. They’re looking to see do you respect them by calling them by their salutation, Mr. or Ms., not just Sam. The employers sometimes have name badges. It may say Sam Wilson. ‘Hey, Sam.’ No, you would say, ‘Mr. Sam, how are you?’ Just paying attention to those little things are part of what’s adding up to an evaluation of that student and their capabilities.” Although Career Fair is directed more towards future employment, Part-Time Job Fair responds to a more immediate need. “Part-Time Job Fair is really set up to offer students that are coming back from the summer looking for jobs in the region and hoping that they can find
employment,” said Ridgedell. “Many of our students do have to work part time. Many of our students already have part-time jobs, but many of them are coming back from say wherever they live for the summer. They’re coming back to live in this region, and so every time they do that, it’s like trying to start over looking for a part-time job. We saw a need for that.” Career Services offers resources to help students prepare for Career Fair such as reviewing and critiquing student resumes. “If you don’t have a resume at all, in LionHire we have a build your resume system,” said Career and Employment Specialist Blake Thomas. “You can literally put in your information, and it’ll spit out a resume for you. We can further from that critique and give you
feedback and again help you polish that resume.” Students and alumni are urged to be resourceful and not to let cost bar them from attending. For example, they can find something affordable that meets the business casual requirement. “Some other options available to students, believe it or not, are Goodwill, St. Vincent de Paul and Salvation Army,” said Ridgedell. “Those three have, believe it or not, some decent either business casual or dress options. In those three locations, you can find something. When I hear students say, ‘I have nothing. I don’t have anything but shorts and T-shirts,’ there’s other options out there. You can get a full suit if you find your size and it’s appropriate. You can do that for $20, $25. You can do business casual.”
Campus gets active shooter course led by UPD LINKS program connects students with on campus resources
Director of the University Police Department Harold Todd prepares to lead an on campus active shooter class. Nikisun Shrestha/The Lion’s Roar NIKISUN SHRESTHA Staff Reporter
The University Police Department has been making the campus community aware of active shooters for years through its website. Director of University Police Department Harold Todd has started an initiative to build a presentation on active shooter awareness. “The chances of anyone being involved in an active shooter situation are very small,” said Todd. “The probability is most people will never be involved, but because the consequences of an active shooter situation is so horrendous and so life threatening, we want our students and our campus community to be aware. If something ever would happen, they would at least have some knowledge about what to do,
where to go and so forth.” Todd explains the content of what is taught in the class. “The active shooter training consists of three basic terms,” said Todd. “How to get out if there’s an active shooter, how to get someplace where the shooter is not. That’s the first thing you’d want to do. We’ll talk about where you should go, what you should look for whenever you’re trying to get out of the building and so forth. Then, we talk about hiding out. We talk about how some rooms are better to hide out than others. We talk about how to secure the doors. The third thing we talk about is take out the shooter.” Todd shares the reason behind his initiative to make campus community aware of the issue. “I came to Southeastern about three years ago, and I
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The Office of Student Advocacy and Accountability created the Lion Intervention wanted to create a face-to-face Network, or LINKS, to identify and help students exhibiting behavior that class on active shooter because impedes their academics. Riana Braselman/The Lion’s Roar it’s not only the university,” said Todd. “Active shooters SARAH HESS second semester that the LINKS have been in movie theats, in Staff Reporter program has been implemented night clubs, and in churches. It with last semester being a can happen anywhere. I started The Office of Student trial run for the program. The giving the class last year.” Advocacy and Accountability Director of Student Advocacy There were certain has created a program to help and Accountability Dr. Gabe qualifications and credentials students connect with campus Willis explains how the program that allowed Todd to start resources called the Lion came to be. making presentations. Intervention Network. “The Lion Intervention “I went through a two-week The Lion Intervention Network came about based on FBI instructor training school,” Network also known by its some of the concerns that we said Todd. “I have a master’s in acronym LINKS is an early were seeing on campus that criminal justice where I gave intervention system that we always assess and build many presentations as part of will assist faculty and staff programs based on what the my course work. I enjoy getting in identifying students that campus tells us,” said Willis. in front of people.” exhibit concerning behavior “All the concerns and feedback Todd explains how valuable that may hinder their academic we’re getting from faculty is the knowledge can be and takes performance. The program what triggered us to believe that a short amount of time to learn. acts as an early alert system we needed a more in-depth early “I’ve been giving some for faculty and staff to reach alert system.” presentations,” said Todd. out at the earliest moment of Student Advocacy and “There’s information on the concern with students. Things Accountability is the branch police department’s webpage. such as falling asleep in class between reporting and getting Hopefully, after the campus or not coming to class could the resources for the students. community has an opportunity be indicators that students need The department has distributed to take some training, they extra attention for their well- pamphlets to help faculty don’t have to think about it very being and for their successful become aware of the program much. If something happens, academic career at the university. and how to use it. There is also you kind of thought about what LINKS has been put into place to a section of their website that you want to do. You’ve got help direct students to resources describes the process. Willis some tools in your toolbox to they may need. Whether that describes the steps of the LINKS try to survive an incident. The be the University Counseling process of getting students the training’s not gonna hurt you, Center, the Office of Disability resources they need. “First, to it doesn’t take that long, half Services, the Office of Financial report, a faculty members would hour, 45 minutes.” Aid, the University Police go to southeastern.edu/LINK, Organizations, classes Department or the University and once they submit a report, or groups interested in the Health Center, LINKS is there someone in the Office of Student awareness class can contact to help students be aware of the Advocacy and Accountability Todd or visit the University free services offered on campus. will receive that report, analyze Police Department’s website. This fall term will be the it, figure out what needs to
happen as far as resources go, collaborate, then reach out to that student with soft language,” said Willis. There are high hopes for the program to provide adequate resources for each student’s individual needs. Willis describes the reactions that the program has had so far. “It’s received well because it lines up with our mission of excellence and care,” said Willis. “It really shows that we’re really caring for our students. We’re trying to meet them wherever they are.” Willis also explains why he thinks everyone on campus has had such a positive reaction to the program. “I think the faculty really appreciate it because now they can actually report to somebody who gives them a voice, and students appreciate it because it shows we care about more than just tuition,” said Willis. LINKS was implement last semester , but this will be the first time that the Office of Student Advocacy and Accountability will be stressing the marketing and promotions of the LINKS program so that students are aware of this free service offered to them. Willis compares the approach of marking the program from their efforts of last semester and this fall semester. “We did a soft run last semester with two programs and offices,” said Willis. “We really didn’t do any marketing for LINKS. So I would say this is the first semester that is a full go with marketing.” The university cares about the students’ well-being and not just the numbers on a roster. The LINKS program has been put into place to help students have a fulfilling collegiate career. The implementation of LINKS has created an intermediate that connects students to the free campus resources they need.
PAGE 10 | AUGUST 22, 2017
The Lion’s Roar | NEWS
50 year commitment in review
Dr. Charles Dranguet Jr. ZACHARY ARAKI STAFF REPORTER
Dr. Charles Dranguet Jr., professor of history and political science has enjoyed his 50 years of teaching at the university. The university honored Dranguet for 50 years of service at the Fall 2017 convocation. He was the second recipient of this honor in the university’s history. “It has been a very gratifying experience,” said Dranguet. “Fifty years went by very quickly for me because I enjoy my job, which was never a job. It was always a pleasure to come to school to teach, interact with the students, enjoy my colleagues.” Dranguet was attending medical school at Louisiana State University when he
decided on a career change. “After three months, I realized that was not what I wanted to do for the rest of my life, for the next 50 years,” said Dranguet. “So, I came back to LSU in Baton Rouge, and I took a history degree. After a few years of graduate school, I was offered a job here at Southeastern, actually the geography department because that was my minor in graduate school. I took the job with the understanding that as soon as a job in history would open that I would be considered.” Dranguet has been the director of the study abroad program and co-author of “Backdoor to the Gulf.” He has taught geography, history and political science. Department Head of History and Political Science Dr. William Robison discussed Dranguet’s other activities on campus. “He was faculty leader for a long time,” said Robison. “He was the faculty ombudsman here, which means he looked after the legal well-being of faculty members. He’s been on the faculty senate. He’s probably served on virtually every committee on campus
just because he’s been here that long. He’s been a confidant of the past several presidents in the sense that after you’ve been here that long you become a good source for advice. He’s been an invaluable source of advice for me.” Dranguet has seen the university change in several ways, ranging from a larger, more diverse student population and physical campus modifications to his profession. “When I was hired 50 years ago, there was really a shortage of people who wanted to enter the teaching profession at the university level,” said Dranguet. “We couldn’t find enough professors. Universities were growing so fast that there was just a shortage of people who wanted to teach at a university. Today, there are really a lot of people who have entered the professorial ranks at the university level. Jobs today are a little bit harder to find than 50 years ago.” Robison recalled when he joined the university and met Dranguet. “We hit it off immediately,” said Robison. “We had a lot of things in common. We both
liked to eat. We both liked to cook. We both played music. We both like history obviously. We just got to be good friends from the get-go.” Despite plans to retire in December, Dranguet will still have the university in mind. “I am retiring, but I am not going to turn my back on the university,” said Dranguet. “Once you are in the academic profession and you get used to scholarly pursuits and research, you never really get away from that. It’s always, even in retirement, a part of your psyche. I’m looking forward to retirement, and I’m looking forward to continuing some of the work I have been able to perform for the last 50 years.” In his free time, Dranguet enjoys farming, hunting, fishing and music. “My wife and I have a farm here in Hammond,” said Dranguet. “In the springtime, we grow cucumbers and squash. In the summertime, we grow okra. In the wintertime, we grow mustard greens. It’s a year-round small farm, which is very gratifying. I enjoy playing music. I play music in a little trio in the Hammond area.”
Student Government makes image change in logo RIANA BRASELMAN STAFF REPORTER
With a new wave of officers entering the Student Government Association during the spring semester comes a new look for the organization this semester. SGA has designed a new logo to represent their organization and reflect the fresh, new approach to serving the campus. “We felt like it was time for an upgrade,” said Seth Leto, president of SGA. “We had the logo we had previously for a long time, and we liked it. We thought it looked good, but we thought with our incoming administration, we had a lot of ideas and goals in mind. We thought there’d be a lot of change in student government, so we thought, ‘Why not bring about a whole new look as well?’ and kind of let it be a physical representation of the change that’s going to be occurring.” To create the new logo, the SGA officers gave direction to graphic designer for the
Campus Activities Board Victor Betancourt Linares. “We kind of found different pictures and other logos we liked and just kind of said ‘We like this part. We like this part,’” said Leto. “I was a tough customer. He did a really good job.” The concept of the logo started in the officers’ imaginations, going all the way to SGA Senate and now to the public. “It started as an idea, of course,” said Leto. “And really deciding if it was even worth even trying to do it. We pretty much determined we would be looking to change it to bring about that facelift if we could find something that we liked. So, we started looking for different designs. We brought them to Victor, and he was happy to help us. Then, we just kind of went through a process of maybe about a month where he was creating designs, getting our feedback, so we finally found one that really myself, the vice president and the chief justice liked. Once we did that, we brought it to the Senate,
just showed them what we had and got their feedback. They all loved it. Once we did that, we just decided to pull the trigger on it, publicize it and officially change the logo. I think everybody’s excited about it. It’s a facelift. It brings about a new look.”
STAFF REPORTER
Resident assistants, more commonly known as RAs, are the student workers who assist with all dorm problems and needs of the student body. Senior psychology major Dequaz Humphries explains why he decided to become an RA. “I decided to become an RA because it was a great way to become involved on campus,” said Humphries. “I saw how
much of an impact they had on Southeastern, and I was truly captivated and inspired to lead in this capacity.” Raegan Varnado, a junior social work major describes her favorite parts of being an RA. “Definitely the people I get to work with,” said Varnado. “I am constantly meeting new people from all backgrounds and majors through my job.” Varnado also breaks down some of her favorite moments from her RA responsibilities. “Working the Oktoberfest and
THE
STATE
Improvement grants available to poor-performing La. schools BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Louisiana has launched a $20 million annual effort to improve poor-performing public schools. The education department announced Monday it is seeking applications for school improvement grants, with the first deadline set for Sept. 29. The effort stems from an accountability redesign plan to comply with the federal Every Student Succeeds Act. The Advocate reports the
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plan requires school district officials to devise improvement proposals for schools rated D and F in Louisiana’s accountability system for three consecutive years. The state has 225 public schools repeatedly rated D and F, 17 percent statewide. State officials will award improvement grants for the best ideas. Schools will get the assistance for three years, financed through a 7 percent set-aside of certain federal education dollars.
NATION
Damaged USS John S. McCain arrives in Singapore; 10 missing SINGAPORE (AP) — The USS John S. McCain guided missile destroyer docked Monday at Singapore’s naval base with “significant damage” to its hull after an early morning collision with an oil tanker, as vessels from several nations searched for 10 missing U.S. sailors. The collision east of Singapore between the destroyer and the 183-meter (600-foot) Alnic MC, which has recent safety violations, was the second involving a ship from the U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet in the Pacific in two months. Vessels and aircraft from the U.S., Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia are searching for the missing sailors. Four
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sailors were evacuated by a Singaporean navy helicopter to a hospital in the city-state for treatment of non-life threatening injuries, the Navy said. A fifth injured sailor did not require further medical attention. The McCain had been heading to Singapore on a routine port visit after conducting a sensitive freedom-of-navigation operation last week by sailing near one of China’s man-made islands in the South China Sea. The Navy’s 7th Fleet said damage to the McCain’s hull flooded adjacent compartments including crew berths, machinery and communications rooms. A damage control response prevented further flooding, it said.
WORLD
Barcelona fugitive shot dead had knives, wore fake bomb belt
The Student Government Association designed a new logo to replace the old one. SGA President Seth Leto explained the reasoning for this image change. COURTESY OF SETH LETO
The responsibilities and perks of housing jobs SARAH HESS
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Fais Do Do events that we put on as a committee within Housing is my favorite thing to do,” said Varnado. “I get to engage with residents in a different setting. I love watching everyone enjoy the events we work so hard to put on. Another thing I really enjoy is giving tours of resident halls. I love to talk to future Southeastern students about our department and ways they can plug in on campus.” Being an RA requires some nights where they are on call 24 hours, and they also have many
daily responsibilities. Being an RA is not the typical 25 hours a week student worker positon. Despite all the work that is required, Humphries focuses on what he gains by being an RA. “I gain the opportunity to be the best leader that I can be on a daily basis,” said Humphries. “I learn more and more about myself and how I should lead from not only working with my fellow RAs on Housing’s Recruitment Committee. This has truly been an experience that is worthwhile.”
SUBIRATS, Spain (AP) — The lone fugitive from the Spanish cell that killed 15 people in and near Barcelona was shot to death Monday after he flashed what turned out to be a fake suicide belt at two troopers who confronted him in a vineyard just outside the city he terrorized, authorities said. Police said they had “scientific evidence” that Younes Abouyaaqoub, 22, drove the van that barreled through Barcelona’s crowded Las Ramblas promenade, killing 13 people on Thursday, then hijacked a car and fatally stabbed its driver while making his getaway. Abouyaaqoub’s brother and friends made up the rest of the 12-man extremist cell, along with an imam who police said died in a botched bomb-making operation. After four days on the run, Abouyaaqoub was spotted outside a train station about 52 kilometers (33 miles) west of Barcelona on Monday afternoon. A second witness told police she was certain she had seen the man whose photo has gone around the
world as part of an international manhunt. Two officers found him hiding in a nearby vineyard and asked for his identification, according to the head of the Catalan police. He was shot to death when he opened his shirt to reveal what looked to be explosives and cried out “Allah is great” in Arabic, regional police chief Josep Luis Trapero said. A bomb disposal robot was dispatched to examine the downed suspect before police determined the bomb belt was not real, Trapero said. A bag full of knives was found with his body, police said. A police photo of the body seen by The Associated Press showed his bloodied face, bearing several days’ stubble on the chin. With Abouyaaqoub’s death, the group responsible for last week’s fatal van attacks has now been broken, Trapero said. “The arrest of this person was the priority for the police because it closed the detention and dismantling of the group that we had identified,” he said.
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Resident assistants work to help and engage students residing in campus housing. University Housing organizes activities such as Paint Party that RAs work for the benefit of residents. The position requires RAs to be leaders that can aid resident students even in the middle of the night. Some RAs decided to take the position to become more involved on campus or to interact with new people. ANNIE GOODMAN/THE LION’S ROAR
Employees invited to participate in the university’s upcoming Career Fair HAMMOND -- Southeastern Louisiana University’s Office of Career Services is recruiting employers and businesses to participate in its annual Career Fair scheduled this year for Thursday, Sept. 21. An event planned exclusively for Southeastern students and alumni, Career Fair 2017 will be held in the Pennington Student Activity Center on the corner of University Avenue and General Pershing from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Ken Ridgedell, director of Career Services, said that with an average of well over 1,100 graduates each fall and spring
semester, employers will have no shortage of qualified applicants from which to choose. The fair typically attracts more than 130 area and national employers. “Career Fair 2017 gives employers the ability to conveniently interact directly with over 1,000 students and alumni ready to learn about career opportunities,” Ridgedell said. “The event allows employers to more effectively identify candidates with the right mix of qualifications, personality, attitude, ability, and desire that best fits their organization’s culture, philosophy, and job openings whether those openings are
available now or in the near future.” Ridgedell added that many Southeastern students express an interest in meeting with employers who offer national, regional and local opportunities. With an average of well over 1,100 graduates each fall and spring semester For additional information on Career Fair 2017 or to register as an employer participant, visit www.southeastern.edu/careerfair or contact Career Services at (985) 549 2121 or careerservices@southeastern.edu. Deadline to register as an employer participant is Sept. 7.
Taneshia Drake Graduate Student, Organizational Communication
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