Hammond, LA
November 19, 2019
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
MISS SLU PAGEANT CONESTANTS, pg.2-3
MOCKTAILS GUEST PANEL, pg.6
DEVONTE WILLIAMS, pg. 9
River Bell rivalry returns to Strawberry Stadium GERARD BORNE Staff Reporter
The university prepares to face off in the River Bell Classic game against instate rival, Nicholls State University, on Thursday, Nov. 21 in Strawberry Stadium. The Lions will put their four-game winning streak to test by facing the number 19 ranked team in the STATS FCS Top 25 poll. Frank Scelfo, head coach of football, explained how he felt his defense performed in the last three games. “I have been preaching turnovers for the whole season now,” said Scelfo. “I think we did a great job with their two quarterback system. When they brought their passing quarterback out, we did a good job pressuring him when he dropped back and then when they brought their wildcat quarterback out. We did a good job stopping the run.” If the team wins on Thursday, the Lions will earn a share in the Southland Conference Championship. Scelfo shared how it would feel to win the conference. “It would be great to win the conference,” said Scelfo. “This week there is not much motivation needed as the guys know what’s at stake. We take a week by week approach and try to go 1-0 week in and week out.” A victory against the Colonels will
Southeastern football players raise the River Bell Trophy after defeating Nicholls State University 21-17 in 2017. This will be the first time both schools are ranked in the River Bell Classic game. Nicholls and Southeastern will be playing for the Southland Conference title. File Photo/The Lion’s Roar guarantee the Lions a spot in the FCS Playoffs for the first time since 2014. Scelfo commented on how it would feel to reach the playoffs. “Everyone on the team and the coaches are striving for that,” shared Scelfo. “But, we have to focus on the tasks that lies ahead of us. We understand
that if we lose, it could be the last ever college football game for 23 seniors. We need to go out there, execute and do our job in order to win the game.” With a shorter than usual four days rest for the university, Scelfo shared how the team has prepared months in advance for the season finale.
“When we got the schedules, the coaches and I sat down and planned everything for this week,” said Scelfo. “We knew this game has been scheduled for Thursday for the whole season now. So, we are not surprised and we are well prepared. The players got their weekly schedule yesterday, and they know what
they have to do in order to win this week.” With Nicholls’ senior defensive linemen, Sully Laiche, winning Defensive Player of the Week, Scelfo shared how the Lions look to game plan for him. “We know he’s a physical, hardnosed lineman who’s not scared to get after you,” said Scelfo. “We don’t know how we are going to game plan against him yet. We may run right at him with a couple of blockers going after him, or we may try to run the opposite side of him. Regardless, he is a great athlete and football player, and I hope the next Sully Laiche comes to Southeastern.” On the offensive side of the ball, Chase Fourcade, the four year starter senior quarterback, will require a lot of attention from the defense, according to Scelfo. “He’s is an amazing quarterback who can run and throw the ball really well,” said Scelfo. “He knows how to read coverages really well, and he has two great outside receivers. He has helped Nicholls be a contender year after year, and he’s not scared to get after it. He is going to require a lot of game planning and attention.” This will be the 29th time that the Lions will be facing off against Nicholls State University, but the first time both schools are ranked with a conference title on the line.
Tacos & Beer relocates in downtown Hammond JACOB SUMMERVILLE Editor-in-Chief
Tacos & Beer is moving its location from down E Thomas street to the former Mojitos Bistro building. The decision to close Mojitos Bistro and move Tacos & Beer in its place was made in late September, and the renovation process for the new venue started on Oct. 1. The new location opens on Thursday, Nov. 21, and the old venue’s final day is Tuesday, Nov. 19. Jose Valencia, co-owner of Tacos & Beer, explained that Tacos & Beer’s original location was too expensive to maintain. “When we saw that the price was nonnegotiable, it was too expensive to buy the corner,” said Valencia. “That’s when we decided, ‘OK, let’s close Mojitos and move Tacos & Beer there.’” Jennifer Valencia, co-owner of Tacos & Beer, discussed why they did not want to leave the downtown area when choosing their new location. “Back when we first opened seven years ago, there was not much on this side of this street on this
side of town,” said Jennifer Valencia. “So, we’ve been really excited to be a part of the growth. For us to find this space just a few doors down – it’s a lot bigger and it’s able to accommodate our loyal customers - has been a godsend.” Jose Valencia shared that the new venue will bring more space. “Everything wasn’t a hard decision – it was a smart decision,” explained Jose Valencia. “We gave our customers a nicer venue, a place to be able to celebrate occasions.” The menu will remain mostly the same, with the exception of a couple additions. “It’s the same Tacos & Beer as before, we’re just going to be doing a little bit with some of the popular Mojitos dishes,” commented Jose Valencia. The new spot bring hopes of a more relaxed vibe to customers’ dining experiences. “We’re excited for customers not have to wait long periods of time for a table,” shared Jennifer Valencia. “They could not actually feel rushed – sit down, have some cocktails and enjoy the Previously Mojitos Bistro, the building has been renovated for the new location for Tacos & Beer. The business will be environment that we’re providing over here.” closed on Wednesday, Nov. 20 and will open at the new location on Thursday, Nov. 21. Jacob Summerville/The Lion’s Roar
Giving Day raises thousands for university departments and organizations DYLAN MECHE Staff Reporter
Hundreds of university supporters, community members and alumni were able to support the university by donating to several departments and organizations during Homecoming Week in the Southeastern Giving Day event. One month after the fundraiser, the money that was donated is being used to benefit students and faculty in all areas of the university. On Oct. 9, the Southeastern Giving Day was held. The event was a 24-hour fundraising campaign in which various
departments and organizations were able to participate. Unlike in previous years, the event was held during Homecoming Week, rather than in the spring semester, in order to increase awareness among the community. Ashlin Nicosia, development coordinator for the Southeastern Louisiana University Foundation, coordinated Giving Day and believes that the event was a massive success. “Giving Day this year exceeded our goals and was a big success,” explained Nicosia. “Our goal this year was to increase donor numbers, engagement and participation. We wanted to get
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about 400 donors, and we ended up 767 donors. That is roughly a 240% increase from last year.” Overall, the event raised $104,057. The department that raised the most money was the Athletic department, which raised $32,080 for the Lion Athletics Association. The College of Science and Technology was the college that raised the most money with $25,865 going towards new programs and initiatives. Nicosia feels that all students benefited from the campaigns and fundraiser. “I feel that everyone who participated
benefited,” shared Nicosia. “However, it is an effort and a promotion. So, we had little contests during the Giving Day that the foundation sponsored, and Nursing had a generous sponsor that donated some challenges for us. Cheer won our overall challenge of raising the most money and they won the other challenge of getting the most donors. They did well in that aspect. I saw their posts all day long and they were super consistent, but everyone who participated benefited greatly.” Out of all the programs and incentives that have been funded through Giving Day, Nicosia was most interested in
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Campus Life.................................4 Opinions.....................................5 A&E............................................6
Horoscope, Crossword, Sudoku....7 Sports.........................................8 News........................................ 10
departments and organizations that used their funds to benefit students’ direct needs. “I think that seeing, at the college level, individual program needs and everyday needs was super interesting to me,” said Nicosia. “I got my undergrad here, so being able to see what collegelevel needs were on that level was super appealing to us and was appealing to donors as well.” Nicosia noted that the impacts on the various departments and organizations will be more visible in the coming
Stay Connected With Us! Like and follow @lionsroarnews.
see GIVING DAY, pg. 8 Volume 91, Issue 14 A Student Publication www.lionsroarnews.com lionsroar@southeastern.edu
Page 2 | November 19, 2019
The Lion’s Roar
Miss Southeastern Louisiana
The Miss Southeastern Louisiana University 2020 Pageant will take place on Friday, Nov.
22 at the Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts. This year, 15 contestants will compete for the spot to become the next Miss Southeastern. In preparation for the pageant, each contestant answered two questions to explain why they are a qualified candidate and what winning the crown would mean to them. #1 - Paige Donaldson Classification: Freshman Major: Nursing Platform: Positive Body Image Talent: Gymnastics
#2 - Lily Gayle Classification: Junior Major: Communication Platform: Depression and Body Image Talent: Singing
#3 - Kimberly McClendon Classification: Senior Major: Business Administration Platform: Taking the Stage
TLR: What makes you a good candidate for the Miss Southeastern Louisiana University title? Donaldson: For the Miss Southeastern Louisiana University title, it kind of gives you a voice, especially to raise awareness for what you want to raise awareness for, which mine is for changing negative societal views on body image. Especially with that, I get to showcase that, try to raise awareness for it and get people to really change their views on what they think a specific body type is. Along with that, you get to go to events and you have the title, so people look up to you, and you’re just like a good role model for people. TLR: What would being crowned mean to you? Donaldson: It would mean a lot, especially because my mom, she used to do pageants, and this is my first pageant. So, it would just be like living up to her.
TLR: What makes you a good candidate for the Miss Southeastern Louisiana University title? Gayle: I was an orientation leader back in 2018. I’ve been really invested in the university. I’m a reporter: sports and news reporter. As a student in high school, I was always homeschooled. So, I never had a school to have school pride for, in a way. So once I came here I was like, “Oh my gosh, finally school pride.” I’m able to invest in the freshmen, invest in the people around me — my coworkers, my professors even. I feel like the amount of school pride that I have, it would make me a good candidate. TLR: What would being crowned mean to you? Gayle: Being crowned as Miss Southeastern would be almost like proving to myself that no matter what I do, I can accomplish what I want — my goal. I’ve accomplished a lot, but just to show my platform that I’m very passionate about, people actually do care about it, and for me to raise awareness for it would mean the entire world to me.
TLR: What makes you a good candidate for the Miss Southeastern Louisiana University title? McClendon: Honestly, I want to use the title to promote arts in public schools because I know my school in particular didn’t have a lot of funding. So, I would like to bring light to that and help increase funding. TLR: What would being crowned mean to you? McClendon: Honestly, the world. This is something that I’ve wanted for a few years, and I’m finally getting the chance to actually do it. I’ve been preparing and researching for years, and I’m ready and I want it.
Talent: Instrumental Solo
#4 - Leslie Jones Classification: Junior Major: English Platform: Wildlife Conservation and Pollution Control
TLR: What makes you a good candidate for the Miss Southeastern Louisiana University title? Jones: I believe that I’m a good candidate for the Miss Southeastern Louisiana University title because I’m very passionate about Louisiana as a whole, especially my campus and the students that are on campus and the teachers. I think that we can all make a difference together, and I want to be able to embody that belief and share it with people. TLR: What would being crowned mean to you? Jones: Being crowned would mean that I will be held accountable by my campus and that I would be able to fully participate and encourage people the way that I would want to be the same way.
Talent: Color Guard
#5 - Tayla Phillips Classification: Senior Major: Kinesiology Platform: Tiny House Foundation Talent: Dance
#6 - Victoria Reid Classification: Sophomore Major: Communication Platform: Dress for Success Talent: Monologue
#7 - Omaira Romero Classification: Freshman Major: Athletic Training Platform: Dress for Success Talent: Dance
TLR: What makes you a good candidate for the Miss Southeastern Louisiana University title? Phillips: I think what makes me a good candidate is the fact that I’m positive, and I’m always trying to make the world a better place. Other than the Miss Southeastern pageant, I’m in multiple things and organizations to help basically to make the world a better place. Miss Southeastern just basically gives me a bigger platform to spread the word. TLR: What would being crowned mean to you? Phillips: Being crowned means that my voice would be heard, so that’s actually good. I’ll be able to have a lot of people standing behind me with my social impact that I want to get out and spread the word to other people. So, being Miss Southeastern would definitely have a more positive outlook on the world and things that I want to change.
TLR: What makes you a good candidate for the Miss Southeastern Louisiana University title? Reid: I think one thing that makes me a good candidate for the title is this is actually my hometown. I’m from here. I represent the area well. I know it well, and I think that’s something that puts me over the edge from the other competitors. TLR: What would being crowned mean to you? Reid: Being crowned, to me, would mean a lot. Stepping out and doing a pageant is really something out of my comfort zone. I grew up playing sports. I want to be an ESPN sideline reporter when I grow up. So, I guess taking out the feminine side for myself and then it paying off and I win would be like, “Oh, you can be a girl and be successful at it too.”
TLR: What makes you a good candidate for the Miss Southeastern Louisiana University title? Romero: I feel like though I’m still a freshman, I still have a good amount of impact and I have a long duration of school time. So, I feel like if I do something now, I feel like I’d be a good candidate because though I’m a freshman, I could still make a big choice/decision. TLR: What would being crowned mean to you? Romero: It would mean that I am the face of Southeastern, and I represent Southeastern as a whole, and I feel like that would be a good thing because in my past, like in high school, I was very active in the school, being there and being very spirited and attending everything I could. I feel like now, though I’m in a sorority, I feel like being crowned Miss Southeastern, I can have an impact here - be very much a part of the school as I was in high school and also being the face. I would make the school a better place for everyone and in the future to come here, to choose Southeastern.
The Lion’s Roar
November 19, 2019 | Page 3
University 2020 Contestants #8 - Jayla Grayson Classification: Freshman Major: Athletic Training Platform: Body Positivity Talent: Poetry
#9 - Abby Eubanks Classification: Sophomore Major: Nursing Platform: Fighting Childhood Obesity: Let’s Move
TLR: What makes you a good candidate for the Miss Southeastern Louisiana University title? Grayson: I’m a good candidate because I’m caring, and I care about everyone. I’m compassionate as well, but I’m motivated to work to change things. I’m motivated, I’m not just gonna be like, “Oh, I have a crown.” No, I have a crown, and I’m gonna work for this crown. TLR: What would being crowned mean to you? Grayson: It means a lot. I was just telling someone the other day that I’m excited about the scholarship, but I’m more excited about the title because it’s like, “Hey, I’m Miss Southeastern. Let me show you why I represent my school.” Southeastern wasn’t my first choice, but I’ve grown to like it and I love it here. It’s like home.
TLR: What makes you a good candidate for the Miss Southeastern Louisiana University title? Eubanks: I was an orientation leader before I entered this pageant, and now I’m a campus tour guide. I just really want to advocate for this campus and to just become a different ambassador for the campus, and I feel like this is a unique way to do that. TLR: What would being crowned mean to you? Eubanks: It would mean everything. I’ve never done a pageant before. So, this is a brand new experience to me, and being crowned would make me so happy to be able to be an ambassador for the campus and promote Southeastern because I truly do love Southeastern.
Talent: Baton Twirling
#10 - Cameron Hooper Classification: Junior Major: Kinesiology Platform: Juvenile Arthritis
TLR: What makes you a good candidate for the Miss Southeastern Louisiana University title? Hooper: What makes me a good candidate is I would be able to spread light to the university, and it would give me an opportunity to talk about and inform people about my platform, juvenile arthritis. TLR: What would being crowned mean to you? Hooper: It would mean that I would have ample opportunities to spread awareness about my platform and show other organizations and the community what it means to me.
Talent: Monologue
#11 - Janine Hatcher Classification: Senior Major: Business Administration Platform: R.I.P - Respect Individual Potential Talent: Classical Cello
#12 - Maya Weber Classification: Junior Major: Marketing Platform: Childhood Cancer Awareness Talent: Motivational Speech
#13 - Catherine Spanogianni Classification: Junior Major: Management Platform: The Climate Mobilization Talent: Teaching
#14 - Erica Boudreaux Classification: Freshman Major: Mathematics Platform: Social Anxiety Disorder Talent: Teaching
#15 - Gillian Hebert Classification: Freshman Major: Early Childhood Education Platform: Women’s Wellness Initiative Talent: Dance
TLR: What makes you a good candidate for the Miss Southeastern Louisiana University title? Hatcher: My platform is Respect Individual Potential, R.I.P. So, R.I.P., we really usually associate with Rest In Peace. I come from an area where adolescent violence, children’s suicide, the rate of nongraduating teens was really an issue. We got tired of saying R.I.P. to the kids that were taking their lives or involved in violence and spent their life behind bars or didn’t graduate and didn’t reach their full potential. I just wanna spread that platform out from Miss Southeastern because I already have a voice, but it gives a bigger voice and a wider audience for me to share that. TLR: What would being crowned mean to you? Hatcher: Being crowned would be an opportunity and a means and a platform to spread my platform and my social initiative. Also, it would mean dedicating every ounce of will, effort, grace and diligence to better myself as a person and then inspiring everybody around me to do the same.
TLR: What makes you a good candidate for the Miss Southeastern Louisiana University title? Weber: I think that we’re all great candidates. I think that we’ll all do excellent, but what I believe makes me a good candidate is that I’m always ready to represent Southeastern in many ways, whether it’s within my organizations or whether it’s on campus or off campus. I am ready to promote my platform every single week on this campus and off campus. I think that I have the willpower and the hard work ethic to be able to fulfill my role as Miss Southeastern. TLR: What would being crowned mean to you? Weber: Being crowned Miss Southeastern would mean a lot to me because I tried to do it last year, but I had a complication in my family. Knowing that I’m doing this again for my uncle would mean a lot to me because I know this is something that he was looking forward to seeing me do, so it means a lot within just family sense for me.
TLR: What makes you a good candidate for the Miss Southeastern Louisiana University title? Spanogianni: I think I bring something different to the table because I’m not the everyday pageant girl. This is my first time doing this, and I’m stepping out of my comfort zone, but I want to bring more awareness to the fact that everyone’s different. I also want to showcase my culture as well because Southeastern’s very diverse, and I’m very diverse as well. I’m from Greece, I’m not from here. TLR: What would being crowned mean to you? Spanogianni: Being crowned would mean a lot to me because I would be able to promote my platform and promote diversity within our campus and our world.
TLR: What makes you a good candidate for the Miss Southeastern Louisiana University title? Boudreaux: My platform is Social Anxiety Disorder. I personally have this disorder and growing up, I knew something was wrong with me, but nobody ever told me what was wrong with me. I never understood myself. Growing up, I never got diagnosed by a doctor, but I diagnosed myself, but I know that I’m right. I really just want to make that known because all these kids that have this disorder, anxiety in general, that it’s okay to deal with this. It’s manageable. TLR: What would being crowned mean to you? Boudreaux: Being crowned would mean the world honestly because this is a huge step for me.
TLR: What makes you a good candidate for the Miss Southeastern Louisiana University title? Hebert: I think I’m a good candidate because I work well with people. I’m able to talk well with others, and I feel like I’m a good representative of my generation and definitely my area of college. TLR: What would being crowned mean to you? Hebert: It would mean a lot. Last year, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. For me, doing something where you put a body that’s failed you up in front of people and up on stage, it’s a real self-conscious kind of thing, and to me it would mean taking my life back from illness and really just throwing myself out there and getting over diagnosis and working through treatment.
PAGE 4 | NOVEMBER 19, 2019
The Lionʼs Roar | CAMPUS LIFE
Bourgeois and Elliott surprised with awards in campus roles ELANA GUILLORY STAFF REPORTER
Neil Bourgeois, alumnus of the university, and Nick Elliott, Interim Assistant Director of University Programming and Student Organization Development, were presented awards at the ACUI Region II Conference on Saturday, Oct. 26. COURTESEY OF NEIL BOURGEOIS, ELANA GUILLORY/THE LION’S ROAR
leadership and teamwork and those skills that what you do at college, and it enhances your really can’t be taught. I think it really enhances college experience.”
Organizational
News
A university faculty member and an alumnus received regional awards for their leadership and their contributions to campus. Neil Bourgeois, university alumnus, and Nick Elliott, Interim Assistant Director of University Programming and Student Organization Development, received awards at the Association of College Unions International Region II Conference on Oct. 26 at the University of Arkansas. Elliott received the Shirley Plakidas New Professional Award, and Bourgeois received the Graduate Rising Star Award. According to ACUI, the Graduate Rising Star Award “recognizes two student union or student activities students, one undergraduate and one graduate, at a Region II member institution who have made significant contributions through employment, volunteering, programming and/ or other union-related activities.” The Shirley Plakidas New Professional Award presented to Elliott, according to the website, “recognizes a student union or student activities professional of a Region II member institution who has made a significant contribution to the advancement of ACUI during their first five years of service in the region.” Neither of the awards can be applied for, and it is up to colleagues to nominate each other. In this case, Bourgeois nominated Elliott, who was unaware of the nomination. “It’s awarded based on nominations, and the nominee completes the application for you,” explained Elliott. “And I found out that Neil Bourgeois, after I had won it, that he nominated me. He did ask me several questions. He asked me for my resume, he said he was working on a project.” Bourgeois was also unknowingly nominated by Victoria Culver-Rice, assistant director of student engagement at Missouri State University, where he currently attends graduate school. The award he received served as confirmation that
his dedication and work is recognized. “It felt really great, actually,” said Bourgeois. “You don’t do things for the recognition, but I’ve really been working hard and for someone to see it and basically recognize all the work that you put in is great. The person that nominated me is my current supervisor. I do try to do the best that I can at my job. I’m a graduate student, and I am balancing school and classes and work. So, it’s really confirming that I’m in the right field.” Bourgeois elaborated on why he felt Elliott was deserving of the Shirley Plakidas New Professional Award for which he nominated Eliott. “Nick is everything a student affairs professional should be,” explained Bourgeois. “He encourages, but also challenges his students to reach their potential. He pushed me during my time at Southeastern and is a major reason why I pursued this field and a huge reason why I chose Missouri State University for grad school. He is student affairs professional goals.” To Elliott, his involvement in the university’s activities and leadership roles provides additional education to his degree, as well as a support system and networking opportunities. “It gives me a broader perspective of leadership from multiple institutions,” said Elliott. “It gives me continued education. Since I’m no longer in school, my involvement is how I build my network with other professionals in the field and see what they’re doing at their institutions, and see how we can improve at Southeastern. It’s also just a great way to build a network of people that you can rely on.” Bourgeois described that while obtaining a degree should be a student’s main priority in college, campus involvement can highly enhance the time spent doing it. “We go to college for our degree, and we get your degree to go into the work-force, and that is our priority,” said Bourgeois. “But the experiences you have in co-curriculars and the experiences in being involved, it’s where you get to really amplify what you learn in the classroom. That’s where you get to work with
HONORS PROGRAM – The Honors Recognition and Thirteen Club Induction Ceremony will be held Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019 at 4:30 p.m. in the Student Union Theatre. ALPHA OMICRON PI – This past Saturday, Nov. 9, Alpha Omicron Pi and Delta Tau Delta held their annual MADD Dash 5K. The color run raised money for Mothers Against Drunk Driving and awareness of the harmful effects of driving intoxicated in memory of organization members who were killed by drunk drivers. Both the organizations would like to thank everyone who attended the event to make it a success. SOUTHEASTERN CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION – The Southeastern Christian Association invites you to join us for our weekly Bible study on Mondays at 7:30 p.m. in the War Memorial Student Union food court. We’ll have large signs by our table in the food court to help everyone find us. Every Bible study is a group-led discussion centered around topics relevant to college life. We are nondenominational and welcome all university students seeking a Christian community on campus.
C RIME Log
SLU GAMING – SLU Gaming is a brand new student organization aimed at becoming the central hub for gaming and sports on campus. You can join our community by going to the following link: https://discord.gg/eXMUCVr.
Date/Time, Locations, and Nature of the Incident for the Crime Log are compiled by The Lion’s Roar from the Daily Crime and Fire Report provided by the University Police Department 5/1/2019 At 8:00 Am — Student Union — Harassment 9/17/2019 At 1:55 Pm — Ascension Hall — Harassment 10/1/2019 At12:00 Pm — Student Union — Harassment 10/30/2019 At9:30 Am — North Oak Street Gravel Lot — Vehicle Burglary 11/1/2019 At 9:00 Am — General Pershing Street Lot — Vehicle Burglary 11/1/2019 At 12:18 Am — University Avenue — Traffic Crash, Traffic Violations 11/2/2019 At 7:45 Am — University Avenue — Possession Of Marijuana, Traffic Violations, Outstanding Warrants, Fugitive 11/3/2019 At 11:06 Am — University Avenue — Resisting An Officer, Traffic Violations 11/3/2019 At 10:30 Pm — Pride Hall Lot — Vehicle Burglary 11/3/2019 At 4:16 Pm — North General Pershing Street — Traffic Crash With Pedestrian, Negligent Injuring, Traffic Violations 11/3/2019 At 9:00 Pm — Livingston Hall Lot — Vehicle Burglary 11/3/2019 At 10:30 Pm — Pride Hall Lot —
Vehicle Burglary 11/4/2019 At 12:05 Am — Livingston Hall Lot — Possession Of Marijuana 11/5/2019 At 8:00 Am — Pine Street Lot — Simple Assault 11/5/2019 At 1:42 Pm — University Avenue — Traffic Crash 11/5/2019 At 2:00 Pm — North Oak Street — Traffic Crash 11/5/2019 At 10:20 Pm — Louisiana Hall Lot — Traffic Crash 11/5/2019 At 3:49 Pm — Washington Hall Lot — Traffic Crash 11/6/2019 At 2:14 Pm — University Avenue — Traffic Crash, Possession Of Marijuana 11/7/2019 At 8:00 Pm – Village — Damage To Property 11/8/2019 At 12:01 Am – Village — Traffic Crash 11/9/2019 At 8:00 Am — SGA Drive — Theft 11/10/2019 At 5:17 Am — Pride Hall — Public Intoxication 10/14/2019 At 8:00 Am — North Campus Financial Aid — Fraud 10/15/2019 At 7:00 Pm — St. Tammany Hall — Criminal Damage To Property
NAACP – Please join us for our HIV/AIDS Awareness and Prevention Week ‘Sexual Healing’ on Nov. 18-21. Each day we have something for all university students to come out, learn and enjoy. For more information, check out our Instagram and Twitter @selunaacp.
Opinions | The Lion’s Roar
November 19, 2019 | Page 5
Thanksgiving is best spent with the family Besides Christmas, Thanksgiving is the time that I can see all my family and eat lots of food without being judged. Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays. Nearly all of my holiday memories are those of me bouncing from house to house with either my mother or my father. Both sides of my family are huge, so holidays were always spent hugging many Briyana Anderson familiar faces and catching up on Staff Reporter things that happened throughout the year. Every morning on Thanksgiving, I would set my alarm to get up and watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. In both my mother and father’s household, it was tradition to watch the parade. My favorite parts of the parade were seeing the spectacular floats and the musicians
Speak
performances. I would wake up my family by turning up the TV while the Jonas Brothers or Miley Cyrus performed on a giant turkey float. My mini concert would always end when I was called to the kitchen to help prepare our dinner. Both sides of my family would always start early with preparing Thanksgiving dinner. Both houses always had the scent of cooked turkey or the delicious smell of cornbread dressing. I would constantly lick my lips for a quick bite. In my family, the only time you could eat was when all the food was done and everyone had arrived. Whenever I was with my mother’s side of the family, we would always have Thanksgiving at my aunt’s house. Many of our relatives from out of state would come, and her tiny little house would be packed with lots of love. Our tradition included watching football games and playing ‘friendly’ games of cards that always ended up like a circus,
Out
but in a good way. We always ended up going home with laughter, full stomachs and ready to shake back with some Black Friday shopping. The only arguments on that day would be on who should host Christmas dinner at their house. On my dad’s side of the family, it is a little bit different. It is calmer, no offense to either sides of my family. Each side of my family is different in their own way, but on my dad’s side, it feels homier. Whenever I would stay over for Thanksgiving, I would always look forward to the most amazing sweet potato pie my stepmother would make. The pie was always cooked just right, warm enough to enjoy the sweet, airy texture of the heated potatoes. This is a favorite among all my family members, and it always was quick to go. Additional pies would always have to be made so everyone could
What is your favorite Thanksgiving tradition?
“Being with family. I’ve always loved my family and just being able to have a week or so where you just spend time with them, it’s really nice.” Haleigh Babin Freshman, Art
“Probably decorating the ham with my mom and putting food together and decorating the house with my family.” Brittany Greenhouse Freshman, Psychology
“Family dinner. Lunch and dinner because we eat all day.” Glan Grayman Sophomore, Engineering Technology
“Lately, going to the movies with my son, just having down time.” Alysia Anderson Instructor of English
“Eating. I’m a pescatarian, so I like to eat anything non-meat related. I’m really interested in collard greens right now, so that’s my thing.” Kyra Venible Senior, Nursing
“Going to my grandmother’s house. We sit and have usually chicken instead of turkey, so it’s flopped around from Christmas, but we have a cute time. It’s quite funny until somebody starts talking about weird things.” Calli St. Romain Freshman, Art
“My favorite Thanksgiving tradition is waking up at 4 a.m. to cook the turkey with my dad.” Blake Luna Junior, Health Systems Management
“The food.” Raquel Poche Freshman, Nursing
“Going around the dinner table and saying what you’re thankful for as a family.” Madison Gallagher Senior, Psychology
“Of course eating. Who answers that question differently? I think it would definitely just be getting together with family and playing basketball. We play basketball at my grandma’s house every Thanksgiving.” Ariel George Senior, Music
“My family hunts, and so our Thanksgiving, we never do like turkey or anything like that. We actually do anything that we’ve killed in the last year, so we have duck gumbo and deer and alligator..” Kassie deArmas Graduate Student, Counseling
“My favorite tradition is hanging out with the family, eating and having a good time.” Roosevelt White Sophomore, Art
“Playing card games with family.” Jennifer Williamson Sophomore, Elementary Education & Special Education
“I guess just like going around visiting all my family because we live all over the state, so we have a lot of driving to do Thanksgiving, a lot of food too.” Alex Muniz Sophomore, Art
Prevent the Flu at SLU: a message from the University Health Center KAYLA NOLL Wellness Coordinator
Influenza is probably not something students, faculty and staff at the university are just hearing about. Flu season is rapidly approaching, so that means advertisements for the flu shot and the importance of hand washing are everywhere. The University Health Center believes it is important for students, faculty and staff to know how to differentiate between common cold and flu symptoms, reduce their risk of contracting the flu virus and prevent spreading the flu virus. The common cold and
flu symptoms often express themselves in the same way. With both illnesses, a person may experience fever, headache, body aches and pains, tiredness/ weakness, extreme exhaustion, sneezing, stuffy nose, sore throat and coughing/chest discomfort. The main difference between these two illnesses that a person can easily differentiate between the flu and the common cold is sudden onset of symptoms. If an individual has contracted the flu, they can go to bed feeling fine and wake up the next morning to experience some or all of these symptoms suddenly. The University Health Center encourages students,
faculty and staff to practice preventative techniques to help decrease their chance of contracting the flu virus and to help stop the spread of the flu. Some simple preventative techniques include getting the flu shot, washing your hands frequently, covering your nose and mouth when you cough and/ or sneeze, staying away from sick people/staying away from people if you are sick, keeping your hands out of your face and disinfecting surfaces that may have been contaminated by the flu virus. Medical professionals encourage people to get the flu shot to help decrease their
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chances of contracting certain flu strains and to help from spreading the flu to people that are at high risk and/or cannot receive the flu shot due to medical complications. High risk people who are not medically exempt from receiving the flu shot are highly encouraged to get the flu shot every year. High risk individuals include people 65 years and older, anyone with a chronic medical condition, pregnant women and children younger than five years old. The flu shot may also decrease the duration and severity of flu symptoms if a person does contract the flu. Flu shots are available at the
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get multiple pieces of the delicious dessert. My stepmother’s desserts would constantly have everyone wanting more. The pie is not the only sweet memory I have of Thanksgiving at my dad’s house. Seeing so many relatives that I haven’t seen in so many years is also wonderful. When we all sit at the table and eat the feast of Thanksgiving, my heart warms up. Spending time with my distant relatives while doing one of my favorite things to do ever, eat, is and always will be my favorite memory and tradition of Thanksgiving. My family means everything to me, and even though I do not see them as much as I would want to, being around them for Thanksgiving has continually made me fortunate and grateful that I could share my warmest holiday memories with them and maintain the traditions for a lifetime.
Clinical trials on the flu will pay off, literally The National Institutes of Health is sponsoring an opportunity this flu season that allows healthy adults to participate in paid clinical trials on influenza. This will be the Hailey Bullock Staff Reporter NIH’s fifth time conducting this study. Scientists involved with the organization have developed a mild version of the flu, influenza A, Bethesda, MM2 and H1N1 virus. This virus will be contracted by the subjects through a nasal spray subsequent to their agreement. While in confinement to prevent any possible outbreaks, their immune responses will be recorded during the duration of the flu and will include a follow up about three months after their release. The procedures will be done carefully in a controlled environment. Specific qualifications are to be met that exclude any individuals whose health may fall into a detrimental state during any time of, or after, the study. Some may see this as an unethical opportunity in which the patient is pawning off his or her body to be utilized as a capsule solely to be invaded by the wretched virus. Or maybe even going through with the confinement and status checks for roughly two weeks reflects the situation of a lab rat’s mere existence too similarly. This opportunity would be unquestionably rejected if it weren’t for the subject being paid up to $3,300 for simply getting the flu and being observed. The ability to participate in this study should be taken advantage of. The subjects are fortunate to be granted their consent and payment. In historical and even recent trials, vulnerable individuals were tragically deprived of that, according to the International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology. Regardless of whether or not they get paid, the clinical trials on the flu should still be conducted in order to continue to further our
knowledge of viruses and how to deal with them. Clinical trials are nothing new and have led us towards prosperous outcomes throughout history. The NIH has reached a significant amount of medical milestones through clinical trials since as far back as 1953. The National Center for Biotechnology Information provides that references of clinical trials can be found in the history of multiple countries and even throughout the Bible. We can never know too much. These studies centered around the flu are relevant right now because according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimation of roughly 36,400 to 61,200 fatal cases of the flu have occurred during the Oct. 2018 to May 2019 flu season. Putting those stats into consideration, there is absolutely no reason why any research to accelerate our knowledge about the flu and how to prevent or manage it more efficiently should be deemed unethical, especially if the subjects are willing to participate and are being paid. What would be truly unethical is to not even bother with the research, despite people getting sick and dying at such rapid rates. The benefits branch out far from just the participants. The variety of immune responses provided by the patients have the potential to pave multiple pathways towards advancements in which scientists can begin to make against the flu. The studies may find anything from how to dampen flu symptoms to avoid getting it in the first place. Any discoveries could be shared on local levels, ultimately benefiting anyone who might already have the flu or may be at risk of contracting it in the future. Needless to say, the offered opportunity may seem sketchy until it is considered that the outcomes will not only financially benefit the participating individuals, but will also provide information that is crucial to our progress in developing healthier civilizations.
University Health Center. They are $20 for students, faculty and staff. Appointments must be made online to receive a flu shot. To make an appointment online, go to southeastern.edu/ health. For more information
about the flu, we encourage the campus community to visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at http:// cdc.gov/flu/about/viruses/ types.html.
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Page 6 | November 19, 2019
The Lion’s Roar | Arts & Entertainment
Mocktails guest panel creates dialogue with students
Matt Riser, head coach of baseball, shares his personal experience with substance addiction in college and discusses the importance of getting help. Zach Knippenberg, social worker at St. Christopher’s Addiction and Wellness Center, responds to students’ questions about obstacles he overcame throughout his career. In the first half of the Mocktails event, the guest panel had an interaction with students to raise awareness for substance abuse. Symiah Dorsey/The Lion’s Roar SYMIAH DORSEY Staff Reporter
Prior to attending an annual social engagement, students had the opportunity to learn about the repercussions of substance abuse in a college climate. The Office for Student Engagement and Campus Activities Board welcomed a panel of guest speakers for the Wild, Wild Western Rodeo Mocktails event. Each speaker shared their personal and professional experiences with alcohol and drug usage. The panel consisted of Jeremy Weatherspoon, a representative at Oxford House Inc., Zach Knippenberg, a social worker at St. Christopher’s Addiction and Wellness Center, Emily Simcoe, a registered nurse at St. Christopher’s, Emily Meyers, an executive director at the LongBranch
Healthcare, Matt Riser, head coach of baseball and Brian Abels, an attorney at law. Marjorie Parker, director of Student Engagement, explained how the addition of a panel provided a more interactive experience. “The panel discussion is a little bit different,” shared Parker. “Normally, it’s a speaker, but we figured the panel would be more interactive, especially with us launching our Collegiate Recovery Program with the University Counseling Center. I think the students will benefit from people’s stories, their testimonies, their knowledge and their experiences.” As the discussion commenced, members from the Collegiate Recovery Program and University Counseling Center navigated the dialogue by asking the panelists about the issues associated with alcohol and drug use. Riser discussed the social stigmas that revolve
around substance use and how it affects personal identity. “Let’s be honest,” began Riser. “Raise your hand if you drink for the first time for the taste of alcohol. Nobody. You’re drinking to try and fit in and have a good time and socialize. The problem for me is, when it comes to drugs and alcohol, it starts to cover up who you truly are identity-wise. You’re trying to fit in with others around you that you don’t know, and you’re fitting in through the acquaintance of drug and alcohol use as opposed to who you are personally inside.” Simcoe explained that genetics can play a role in a person’s substance addiction. “From a medical perspective, I think that what people don’t realize is that some are genetically predisposed to addiction,” stated Simcoe. “You may not even know that disposition at all until
you take that first drink and take it to the next level. So, it actually becomes something that’s much bigger than what your intentions were. It can spiral, and it can spiral very quickly.” Many of the panelists overcame addictions of their own and shared their stories to inspire and educate the students. Weatherspoon discussed how a support system helped him during his journey to recovery. “I know that my journey through recovery is partly based on the network of people that I have to support me,” said Weatherspoon. “I feel like I’m in a movie, and so I’m not really able to see the things that I’m engaging in or how my behavior is affecting others. My support system gets to look at that movie, so I think that would be a great preventative method, just surrounding yourself with good people that love you and have your best interest at heart.”
Mariah Clayton: Miss Louisiana USA 2020’s rise to the crown BRIYANA ANDERSON Staff Reporter
Mariah Clayton was crowned Miss Louisiana USA 2020 on Oct. 9 at the Lafon Performing Arts Center in Luling. Clayton explained how she
got into pageantry and rose to the crown. “When I was 18, my sister wanted me to do a pageant with her,” said Clayton. “She was the pageant girl. I was definitely the athlete. She wanted me to do this pageant with her because she wanted us
to be ‘sister queens.’ I ended up getting second runner up.” Clayton expressed how she got inspired to go for the crown again and how her sister, Shelby Clayton, influenced her with the decision to compete in pageants. “The next year, when my
sister went to go give up her crown, I was sitting in the audience,” said Clayton. “I was just watching the pageant and something just came over me. I was like, ‘I think I want to do this again’ and so, I competed in a pageant that next week and I won.”
Clayton comes from a world of sports, where her parents were both athletes, and she played volleyball. She explained how different the world of pageantry was from sports. “That was like a whole new world for me,” said Clayton.
“I was a volleyball player my entire life and the difference in makeup, hair and fashion was never my thing.” Clayton expressed how she felt that this year gave her a real purpose for competing in
see MARIAH CLAYTON, pg. 7
Arts & Entertainment | The Lion’s Roar
November 19, 2019 | Page 7
University alumnus grows into a local musician SAMANTHA GAMBINO Staff Reporter
Ameal Cameron, an alumnus and musician, is chasing his dream and having fun doing it. Cameron has been performing live music at various locations around Hammond, Baton Rouge and New Orleans. He mentioned when he began performing and how his biggest performance was in New Orleans. “Probably about 2014,” said Cameron. “That’s when I really felt comfortable playing in front of people. My biggest show was at the House of Blues in New Orleans and I’ve been playing ever since then.” Cameron has moved from city to city playing at live venues. Over the years, Cameron has started to recognize changes in his performance. “Yeah, back in 2014, I was getting shows very sparingly, like once a month or once every two months,” said Cameron. “But now I get one like once a week. I haven’t had to ask my parents for any money. It’s much better now.” With the ability to support himself from his music, Cameron has time to enjoy other things in life. Cameron graduated with a bachelor’s degree in graphic design and is able to get some use out of it between gigs. “I do freelance graphic design for anybody who needs a logo or a setup for a brochure,” expressed Cameron. “I do stuff like that. I enjoy going to movies. I enjoy outside stuff like farmers markets and flea markets. Festivals, I really like festivals, like food festivals. I like music festivals. Anything where people gather to enjoy things.” He actively plays at various farmers markets around the area, with one of his performances happening at the university’s farmers market.
Cameron talked about how he creates his music - the ideas and processes that go into his songs. “Anywhere to twenty minutes to a week,” spoke Cameron. “It depends. But most of the time it usually doesn’t take me longer than two days to come up with a good solid first version of a song. But I feel like two days.” Cameron shared what his first steps are in creating a song. “First I go chords, then like basic melody, then lyrics,” shared Cameron. Cameron’s songs have a wide variety of subjects and expressions about current popular topics. “Anything that usually happens to me, like a funny moment or emotion,” explained Cameron. “I have songs about love and jealousy, anger, being scared. I have songs about being at Walmart. Failures. Basically anything that’s on my mind at the moment, memes, popular memes, anything that I can think of really.” In 2019, Cameron wrote a song on the internet phenomenon of raiding Area 51. “I was trying to get that to be that song for that movement,” said Cameron. Cameron enjoys singing covers of songs to which he has taken a liking. He plays a wide range of genres and likes to play his songs based on emotions. “I like to perform a lot of pop songs and I write my own songs too,” commented Cameron. “R&B and oldies. I just released an album in September called ‘Cause I Felt Like It,’ and it’s basically silly songs and I sit in my room and talk about food. Silly stuff like that.” Cameron tries to sing a variety of songs at his live gigs, making sure everyone gets the chance to hear what they like. “Well, when I do shows I split them half and half,” explained Cameron. “I enjoy playing my own songs and having people react to
those, but I really love covers too. I really love singing other people’s songs, people who influence me. But, if I really could, I’d like to sing my own songs and have people come to my shows for that.” For more information about Ameal Cameron, follow his Instagram @musicbyameal and his Facebook page. Cameron’s music can be found on SoundCloud and Spotify..
Ameal Cameron performs at a venue. Cameron is an alumnus, singer, songwriter and guitarist. Courtesy of Ameal Cameron
Public speaking: a common fear but important career skill DANIEL MCCLAIN Staff Reporter
Public speaking is used from the classroom to the workforce, and practice can make one’s speech an effective tool. According to the article “What is Shyness?” published by Psychology Today, about 40% of Americans consider themselves shy, and of that demographic, the majority believe it is a personal problem. Dr. Claire Procopio, professor of communication, believes that practicing speeches allows students to reach their full potential with public speaking. “They always say, ‘Poor speakers talk at, good speakers talk to, great speakers talk with,’” shared Procopio. “So, if you can get that conversational MARIAH CLAYTON
continued from pg. 6
pageants, such as Miss Louisiana USA 2020, because in pageantry there is a lack of representation. “The first two times I competed, I had no idea why I was competing,” said Clayton. “I just knew my sister was making
ARIES (March 21 to April 19) While it seems that chaos is taking over, you get everything back to normal, even if it means being more than a little assertive with some people. Expect to hear more jobrelated news soon. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Expect to be able to move ahead with your workplace plans now that you have a good idea of what you might have to face. You also can anticipate a welcome change on the home front. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) A quieter period settles in, giving you a chance to catch your breath, as well as allowing for more time to handle some important family matters. The arts dominate this weekend. Enjoy them. CANCER (June 21 to July 22) The frustrations of last week have pretty much played themselves out. You should find things going more smoothly, especially with those allimportant personal matters. LEO (July 23 to August 22) Once again, you find a creative way to resolve a pesky problem in short order. However, a matter involving a possible breach of confidence might need a bit more time to check out. VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Reuniting with an old friend could lead to the sharing of some great new experiences. But be careful you don’t find yourself once again being super-critical or overly judgmental. LIBRA (September 23 to October
moment, you can give a good speech. But nobody starts off great at it. There’s this myth that ‘God’ll move you, and the words will come,’ or ‘Some people are born speakers.’ Honestly, with giving good speeches, half the battle is giving a couple, having them go well and giving them more. So practice. Practice. Practice. Practice.” Megan Mosher, instructor of communication, feels that even though public speaking can be learned, it should also come naturally. “I think some people have a more natural tendency,” said Mosher. “62% of people, the statistic that I read, are afraid of public speaking. So, if you are afraid of public speaking, you are not naturally going to be as good at public speaking as others are. I think that public speaking can be learned.”
me do this. It wasn’t until this year that I felt like I had a reason, to inspire young girls to show them that they can do anything they want to do. There has only been two other black Miss Louisiana before me. I’m the first one to only win with natural hair.” Clayton encouraged young girls to be proud of themselves 22) You should be seeing some positive results following your move toward repairing that unraveling relationship. There might be some setbacks, but staying with it ultimately pays off. SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Encouraging a friendlier environment in the home could go a long way to help dissipate anger and resolve problems, especially those affecting children. It won’t be easy, but you can do it. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) A recent act of kindness is beginning to show some unexpected (but very welcome) results. On another note, expect to hear more about a possible move to another locale. CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) The good news is that the sure-footed Goat can rely on his or her skill to get around obstacles in the workplace. The not-so-good news is that new impediments could turn up later. AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) A change of pace is welcome but also confusing. Before you make decisions one way or another, be sure you know precisely what it is you’re being asked to do. PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Don’t fret if you don’t get the gratitude you think you’re owed for doing a nice thing for someone. There might be a good reason for that. In any event, what’s important is that you did it. BORN THIS WEEK: You have a way of making the sort of wise decisions that ultimately shed new light on dark situations. (c) 2019 King Features Synd., Inc.
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According to Mosher, having a wellwritten speech allows for an easier presentation. Mosher explained, “If you have a well-written speech, and you have practiced it, then you’re going to be more confident when you deliver it because you’re not going to be constantly looking at your notes or trying to figure out, ‘Oh what was I gonna say here?’” Carol Madere, professor of communication, advocated that public speaking is important for civil engagement. “It’s the only way we really have a civic engagement,” said Madere. Elizabeth Hornsby, professor of communication, shared that even though people do not realize, people perform in public speaking every day.
and to be confident. She believes that the system is slowly turning towards more representation. “I want little girls to see us on that stage and be like ‘I can do that’ and ‘I can see myself doing that,’” expressed Clayton. “I think we are slowly getting there, and I think that is a big reason why I wanted to compete this year, because I just want them to know that they can do this too. You don’t have to be this or that. Pageants are steering away from the mold that they used to have.” Clayton described her time during the pageant and how it is not what people expect it to be like. She also explained that it is not always about winning and the opportunities that are provided
“There is a range of public speaking environments that students often find themselves in,” commented Hornsby. “Whether it’s providing a toast at a wedding to giving a presentation at your job/club/organization, that’s all public speaking is. It is a pervasive part of our lives.” For those who would like to be public speakers, but are nervous or afraid, there are tools and trainings available to improve their confidence and skills. “Your goal is to be confident, as calm and as poised as possible and to have good gestures that are not distractive,” said Mosher. “If you’re doing all kinds of distracting gestures, then it’s going to throw your audience off.” Mosher believes it is difficult to achieve perfection in public speaking.
with being in the pageantry. “It’s like a family,” expressed Clayton. “I know all of those girls. We mingle and we communicate with each other. You make so many friends and you network. It’s not always about winning and I had to learn that the hard way one time. The second time I competed I felt like ‘I have to win, I know I can do this,’ and I wasn’t trying to take in all the other experiences and so this time I want to get back into that grateful space and just be happy to be there. You never know what doors can open for you.” Clayton described the moment she was crowned Miss Louisiana USA 2020. “That moment was indescribable,” said Clayton.
“Martin Luther King’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech wasn’t perfect,” said Mosher. “There were places that he knew he messed up or he had pauses, but I’m sure he didn’t want to, but no one ever remembers those.” Fay Boudreaux and Shawndee Fluker, professors of communication, partnered up in creating a class for students wanting to improve public speaking skills, but have shy tendencies or fear crowds. “My colleague Shawndee Fluker and I co-developed a public speaking course for students who experience ‘higher than average’ levels of communication apprehension,” said Boudreaux. “Many people experience some form of public speaking anxiety, but these symptoms can be debilitating for some individuals.”
“I just remember time standing still for a split second. It was a moment I will never forget. I felt so grateful, so blessed and honored that the judges trust me enough with this title. It was just a beautiful moment.” Clayton visions of hosting a volleyball camp one day. “I want to host this huge volleyball camp at LSU,” said Clayton. “I’m going to get all these amazing college and club coaches from around the state and put on this huge volleyball camp and donate the money to different organizations throughout the state.” Clayton explained her upcoming plans as Miss Louisiana 2020 title holder. “I plan to do a lot of
Mariah Clayton, Miss Louisiana USA 2020 Courtesy of Mariah Clayton community service and be a leader in my community,” said Clayton. “I want to go talk at some high schools about self -confidence and self-love to young girls. I’m trying to get into acting and modeling. I want to squeeze every ounce out of this sash that I can.”
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PAGE 8 | NOVEMBER 19, 2019
The Lionʼs Roar | SPORTS
Lions knock off Rams to earn a second victory ANDREW JORDAN STAFF REPORTER
Senior guard Von Julien gets ready to catch a pass from freshman guard Byron Smith. With the 65-58 victory the Lions improved to 2-2 on the regular season. Southeastern’s next game will be on the road against the University of Tulsa on Nov. 20. ANDREW JORDAN/THE LION’S ROAR
The men’s basketball team took a win on Nov. 17, defeating the University of Mobile Rams 65-58. The team made 23 of 63 field goal attempts, had 18 defensive rebounds and 17 total steals. David Kiefer, head coach, was impressed with the underclassmen who played heavy minutes off the bench. “I’d say some of our young freshmen,” explained Kiefer. “Some of those who have never played heavy minutes tonight. They played a little bit more than usual and they stepped up and made some huge plays for us.” Ty Brewer, a sophomore forward, led the team with 20 points, grabbed 11 total rebounds and made six free throws. “Ty’s activity, he always plays so hard,” explained Kiefer. “Our style of play suits him perfectly and his effort, his activity and his disruptiveness once again showed tonight.” Brewer felt the team fell short of
expectations despite winning against Rams. “Honestly, as a whole, I don’t feel that we played as best as we could,” explained Brewer. “We had a lot of slippage and that hurt us going forward, but I got a lot of faith in my team. You know, they play hard, and I felt like everybody tried their best, but it was a lot of little things that added up to be big, but we got a break.” Kiefer stated why fouls are an area the team needs to focus on in order to get better defensively. “We tell the team every day ‘Great defensive teams don’t foul,’” stated Kiefer. “And, we have to continue to move our feet and not foul. We had a lot of avoidable fouls.” With the university hitting the road to face the University of Tulsa, Brewer looks forward to playing the Golden Hurricanes. “I am very excited,” said Brewer. “Kinda more excited than nervous.” With the victory, the Lions improve to 2-2 on the season with a three-game road trip starting Nov. 20.
Underclassmen help football team maintain Parking and Traffic Impacted winning record with playoff hopes Thursday’s Home Football Game GERARD BORNE
trying to get too ahead of myself when I was getting recruited. I was really surprised when STAFF REPORTER I found out that I would get the opportunity to play.” With two regular season games left on The linebacker explained what his the regular season schedule, the university favorite part about playing for the university football team has surpassed their 2018 win is. total. “We are like a big family,” expressed The Green and Gold, who currently sit at Huszar. “Not one player or coach is left out. a 6-3 record, have had help from some new We win as a family and lose as a family.” faces this season on all three sides of the ball. Along with winning the championship for Austin Dunlap, a freshman punter, the NCAA Division I Football Championship explained how it felt to be named the starting Subdivision, Huszar shared another goal he punter at the beginning of the season. planned to achieve before he graduates from “It feels really good to have everyone the university. trust in me and believe in me,” said Dunlap. “I want to bring a championship to “I just had to trust myself during the process Southeastern,” said Huszar. “After that, and it feels great to be part of a winning I want to try and be an All-American culture.” linebacker and get drafted in the NFL.” Dunlap, a native of Slidell, discussed how Ed Magee, a freshman wide receiver, was it is a dream come true to be punting at the also under the impression that he would not get much playing time in his first season when he was recruited. “I didn’t think I would get much playing time my first year, once I signed with the team,” commented Magee. “But I knew if I would work long and hard enough, I would have the opportunity to play.” Magee described how it feels to be a part of the fifth-ranked offense in the country. “It feels great to play on such a good offense,” said Magee. “As a freshman, it took me a little while to get used to the pace of the game and learn the playbook, but now I have the right confidence to move forward.” With the Nov. 16 35-14 win over Abilene Christian University, the Lions’ next battle The football team takes a timeout during the first quarter of the Aug. 29th Jacksonville State game. The will be on the road against Nicholls State Lions knocked off the sixth ranked Gamecocks 35-14. GERARD BORNE/THE LION’S ROAR University on Nov. 21 at 6 p.m. university. “I would have never thought that I would be doing this much at such a young age,” said Dunlap. “It has been a dream come true to come here, join the team and be able to perform during my freshman season.” Gladar Huszar, a freshman linebacker, shared how it feels to start as an underclassman. “It doesn’t feel like anything special to be honest,” shared Huszar. “I just try to come out here and play with everyone else like I have been here a while.” After being recruited from Destrehan High School in 2018, Huszar admitted he did not think he would get much playing time freshman year. “I thought it was going to take at least two years to get in the lineup and get some playing time,” stated Huszar. “I was not
by
HAMMOND, LA - Beginning Thursday, November 21, 2019, at 2:00 PM, parking areas around Strawberry Stadium will be restricted or closed for Southeastern’s home football game versus Nicholls State. This will impact parking in the Baseball Field parking lot, spaces on Ned McGehee Drive between Dyson Hall and Strawberry Stadium, North Spruce Street Extension between the Dugas Center and The Inn, the third and fourth floors of the parking garage and Pine Street Extension (west spaces across from Biology Building from West Dakota to the circle). Students parking in the garage will enter and exit on the south side utilizing the West Dakota street entrances and exit. Lion Traxx Green Shuttle Stop #3, located at Strawberry Stadium, will close at 2:00 pm that day. The rest of the Green Route including the stop at the Student Union will continue until 6:00 pm. At 2:00 PM, Ned McGehee Drive will be closed from North General Pershing Street to North Oak Street (Friendship Circle) so pre-game festivities may begin. Alternate parking for students and faculty members with Thursday evening classes will be in the Railroad lot on the corner of Railroad Avenue and West Dakota as well as the Union South lot behind Sims Memorial Library. GIVING DAY
continued from pg. 1 months. “The impacts won’t be shown until the coming months because they are still receiving their funds, they’re working through some things or they are purchasing the equipment they need in the classroom,” explained Nicosia. “In about six to eight months, when these departments and organizations get these things settled, we should be seeing significant impacts in each area that received funds.” Based on the success of the program this year, Nicosia hopes
to further expand the program so that even more students can be impacted. “We hope to gain more participation from our alumni and really build excitement and build a culture of philanthropy and giving on campus,” said Nicosia. “That’s what our students need sometimes. They need a generous and helping hand in the same way we give out student scholarships. We hope that in the future, Giving Day can reach out to even more students.” For more information regarding the funds raised on Giving Day, visit southeasterngivingday.org.
Schwebel gives praise to teammates for his success DANIEL MCCLAIN STAFF REPORTER
Bransen Schwebel, a senior tight end for the university football team, has been playing as a Lion for four years. A native of Amite, Louisiana, Schwebel plays on the offensive side. He shared what inspires him to perform better. “I think it’s just honestly the people around me,” said Schwebel. ”They take a lot of people to cover.” He also stated a few people who attract a lot of the defenders towards them, which leaves him open. “Like Jawan, A-Mitch and CJ Turner, all them guys, take a lot of the defense to cover them so it leaves me open a lot more.” Schwebel is a part of the offensive line, which means he still has the task of blocking to keep the backfield protected. “I think going against this defense,” stated Schwebel. “Coach Guidry’s defense and
these guys we play against everyday, I think it makes the games a lot easier so protecting the running back and the quarterback is something I do everyday, so my job is becoming a lot easier going against these guys.” Jarius Gooch, senior offensive lineman, also had some factors to add on what type of task they face. “My number one priority is to get the rest of my brothers to work hard each and every day,” said Gooch. “We work on our steps everyday. We try to finish through the whistle. We try our best to be coachable and do whatever they bring to us. We just try our best and do what we got to protect the QB.” Schwebel started playing football at a young age, and since the first time he touched the grass, pads and a football, it has stuck with him. “I’ve been playing football
see JUMP LEAD, pg. 9
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Senior, Psychology
won FREE Papa John’s pizza for being seen on campus reading
THE LION’S ROAR
12/31/2019
12/31/2019
This week in Sports
Volleyball
MBBall
Football
Volleyball
MBBall
vs. Nicholls State
vs. Grambling State
@ Abilene Christ.
vs. Sam Houston St.
vs. Mobile Univ.
W 3-1
L 70-81
W 35-14
L 2-3
W 65-58
SPORTS | The Lionʼs Roar
NOVEMBER 19, 2019 | PAGE 9
Devonte Williams reflects on childhood and life after college
Devonte Williams, a senior running back COURTESY OF CHRIS SALIM GERARD BORNE STAFF REPORTER
After senior running back Devonte Williams, finished high school at Bullis School, he chose to continue his athletic career at
Indiana University. Prior to his days playing at Southeastern, Williams won multiple accolades at Indiana University, before transferring his junior year. Williams started playing football at the age of seven in elementary school. “I started playing football at Cradlerock Elementary School,” said Williams. “I played for them, and then I went on to play for the Silver Spring Saints.” The Columbia, MD. native shared how his dad inspired him to play football when he was a kid. “My dad played college football at the University of
Pittsburgh,” explained Williams. “He played his entire life pretty much. He showed me everything I know today about the sport. He always calls me before the games to motivate me.” The 5’ 10”, 190 pound running back discussed how long he has been playing the position for and what made him want to be a running back. “My dad was the one who drew me towards being a running back,” said Williams. “He is really the whole reason why I am here today, still playing football.” Upon graduation, Williams hopes to play football in another league, but if his plan does not work out, he hopes to coach
football somewhere. “I want to be able to give back to the community,” stated Williams. “I want to try and coach at the youth level. I feel like I can impact the youth in a big way and would love to share my knowledge of the game with them.” Kerry Joseph, the running back coach and passing game coordinator, shared that Williams is someone with a good personality and quiet off the field. “He doesn’t say a whole lot, he is a quiet kid,” said Joseph. “He is a kid you know you won’t have to worry about once he leaves the building. He is going to do all the
right things. He is a good athlete to coach. As a father and mother, he is the kid you want because you know he will go out and conduct himself real well.” Joseph explained that Williams is an easy studentathlete to coach because of his willingness to learn new things. “When I first got here, he wanted all the information,” commented Joseph. “He asked me so many questions. He would ask ‘What does it take to get to the next level? What are the things I have to do to make it to the NFL?’ You can see him on the field doing all the little things I ask him to do. The best part about Devonte is I never had to coach
him about effort.” Joseph stated that he feels the running back will play in some sort of professional football league after he graduates. “I have had a few NFL teams call me about Devonte,” said Joseph. “I also have spoken to a few CFL teams about him. The best part about Devonte’s game is the fact that he is a three down back. Once he gets to showcase his game somewhere, I can guarantee you that he will have no problem latching on somewhere and being successful.” The Lions hope to wrap up their final game of the regular season with a win Thursday over Nicholls State University.
Women’s rugby looking for interested female student-athletes SYMIAH DORSEY STAFF REPORTER
Women interested in playing rugby have the opportunity to form their own club team and compete against other universities. Interest meetings will be held for females interested in the sport, and the development of the team will be dependent on the number of students who are willing to participate. Jason Templet, coordinator of competitive sports, shared that the idea was initiated by a student who contacted him. “I had a student approach me who is interested in starting a women’s rugby club,” said Templet. “Her name is Kayla Yarborough. Once the team
is established, they would have the opportunity to play against other schools that have women’s rugby clubs.” Kayla Yarborough, a graduate nursing student, discussed her motivation for wanting to start a women’s rugby club at the university. “I’ve been playing for three years,” explained Yarborough. “I started off at LSU, and then I went up to the Louisiana Lagniappe, which is a statewide women’s team. Then I started going to school at Southeastern for nursing and wanted to continue playing rugby.” The female players would have the opportunity to practice alongside the university men’s rugby club to gain experience. Yarborough discussed how practicing with
male players would help new members learn the game. “Rugby is a pretty complex sport, especially if you don’t know anything about it,” explained Yarborough. “It’s a great way to socialize and get to know a bunch of other people. It’ll be good working alongside the men’s team. They know what they’re doing. It’s good to show examples, so people can understand what the game is and how it works.” Templet explained the fundamentals of the sport and described the teammate characteristics that are often accompanied with it. “Each team tries to advance the ball down the field to score points,” said Templet. “It is a sport with a lot of discipline, passion and competitive
spirit.” All students are encouraged to participate in club sports regardless of their athletic abilities. These sports also provide students with more opportunities to socialize and build relationships. Yarborough explained how rugby allowed her to make new friends while staying fit. “It’s a great way to socialize and get to know a bunch of other people,” expressed Yarborough. “That’s what I’ve done for the past three years, just getting new experiences and also staying in shape while doing it.” The date of the interest meeting is currently undeclared, but students interested in joining the women’s rugby club should contact Templet or email Yarborough at kayla.yarborough@selu.edu.
Volleyball drops final game of 2019 regular season SYMIAH DORSEY STAFF REPORTER
The university women’s volleyball team ended their regular 2019 season 14-16 after a 3-2 loss against Sam Houston State University. After falling short in the first two sets, the Lady Lions fought to tie the match. In the final set, the Bearkats stopped the Lady Lions with a 15-12 win. Jo Simovic, a senior opposite, shared that a slow start caused errors to be more critical in the final set. “We started off really slow and really bad, but we picked it up,” explained Simovic. “We
had some really good plays. We also had some really bad ones. It all came down to who made more errors in the fifth set and unfortunately, we did.” Jodi Edo, a senior middle blocker, explained that the team also needed better execution. “We need to learn how to side out fast,” said Edo. “When we lose a point, we need to hurry up and get the ball back. We need to learn to how to execute better so we can side out and get the ball back fast.” Prior to the match, Simovic and Edo were honored for Senior Day as the two played their last game at the University Center.
This Week’s Puzzle AnsWers
Average cost of a DUI
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Jeremy White, head coach of volleyball, discussed how the senior players have improved throughout their time as Lady Lions. “They’re both great kids,” shared White. “They’ve done a great job of being great leaders by example and vocal leaders. I’ve seen a ton of improvement. Jodi, I don’t think I’ve ever seen anybody improve this much in their senior year. Jo, I’m really proud of her for taking and accepting a new role and being The volleyball team takes a photo with seniors Jo Simovic and Jodi Edo. The Lady Lions next game will be in Conway, Ark. a great teammate about it.” against Sam Houston State University. Ryan Maddera, junior outside hitter, hits over net in third set against Sam Houston White explained that State. The Lady Lions lost the tiebreaker match 2-3, finishing 14-16 for the season. SYMIAH DORSEY/THE LION’S ROAR consistent energy would be needed in order to bounce back for their upcoming tournament. “We got to come out aggressive and play tough and just be the team we are right now,” said White. “We’re a good team and we can compete with anybody here. The big thing for us is that we need to stay aggressive for the entirety of the match instead of just a part of it.” The Lady Lions will look to regroup with a rematch against Sam Houston State in the Southland Conference Tournament on Nov. 22 in Conway, Ark.
PAGE 10 | NOVEMBER 19, 2019
The Lionʼs Roar | NEWS
McPherson selected as Teacher of the Year
MAGGIE TREGRE STAFF REPORTER
University alumna Sydney McPherson was selected by her peers as the 2019-2020 Teacher of the Year at Southdowns School in Baton Rouge. McPherson graduated from the university in 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. She plans to begin pursuing her master’s degree in special education in the spring. Coming from a big family, McPherson has always enjoyed working with children. She explained what drew her to a career in teaching. “My entire life I have absolutely loved kids,” explained McPherson. “My family is big, and there were always kids around. I chose early childhood education in particular because I love the age. Everything is silly, fun, there’s still magic and innocence for them, and it really feels like you’re playing games all day long with them. Plus, there’s an added bonus that they think you’re the coolest person in the world because you can read them stories in cool voices,
tie shoes on the first try and you know Santa Claus’ phone number.” McPherson recalled an interaction with her father at a young age that also inspired her love of teaching. “I was studying for a science test with my dad,” shared McPherson. “I was learning about parts of a plant and photosynthesis, and no matter how we studied, I wasn’t getting it. My dad put down my notes, looked at me and said, ‘Let’s go outside.’ So I followed him outside and he literally pulled up a plant out of the ground and started showing me the different parts and letting me touch them.” Upon learning that she was selected for Teacher of the Year, McPherson felt grateful for the support of her fellow teachers. “It is very humbling to know that people that I work with, am friends with and that I look up to chose me to be Teacher of the Year,” said McPherson. “They all motivate me and give me advice daily, so I definitely would not be the teacher that I am without their friendship and support.”
McPherson feels that the university helped to fully prepare for her career. “I learned so much at Southeastern by going through their education program,” said McPherson. “They make sure that you have hands-on experience, learn from so many amazing professors who support you, and they make sure that you are in so many different schools throughout your program that you get the opportunity to work with so many different kinds of students.” Even during times when she doubted her career decision, McPherson felt that she could rely on the faculty to provide the support she needed to pull through. “There are going to be times when you are teaching that you feel like you are not good at it or that maybe it isn’t for you,” explained McPherson. “Everyone goes through that. They understand the stress and the struggles you face as a teacher, and they are always there to support you no matter what. Even after college, I still talk to some of my professors and still receive support from them.”
Sydney McPherson was awarded Teacher of the Year 2019-2020 at Southdowns School in Baton Rouge, LA. McPherson graduated from the university in 2015 and plans to get her master’s degree in special education in the spring. COURTESY OF MORGAN LEBLANC/THE LION’S ROAR McPherson believes that her success in the classroom is due to the positive experience she had as a student at the university. “Southeastern 100% helped to prepare me for my career without
a doubt,” said McPherson. “If I hadn’t had that hands-on experience and encouragement that I got from Southeastern, there is no way that I would have been prepared to step into a classroom by myself.”
Democrat Edwards wins reelection in conservative Louisiana BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Deep in the heart of the conservative South, Louisiana’s voters reelected Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards to a second term, shocking Republicans who had hoped to reclaim the seat on the strength of President Donald Trump’s popularity. With his focus on bipartisan, state-specific issues, the moderate Edwards cobbled together enough cross-party support Saturday to defeat Republican businessman Eddie Rispone, getting about 51% of the vote. Trump fought to return the seat to the GOP, but his intense interest in the race not only motivated conservative Republicans, but also powered a surge in anti-Trump and black voter turnout that helped boost Edwards over the finish line. Coming after a defeat in the Kentucky governor’s race and sizable losses in Virginia’s legislative races, the Louisiana result seems certain to rattle Republicans heading into the 2020 presidential election. Trump made three trips to Louisiana to rally against Edwards, and fashioned the runoff election between Edwards and Rispone into a test of his own popularity and political
Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards arrives to address supporters at his election night watch party in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019. MATTHEW HINTON/AP PHOTO prowess. In a victory rally of his own late Saturday, Edwards thanked supporters who danced, sang and cheered in celebration, while he declared, “How sweet it is!” He added, “And as for the president, God bless his heart” — a phrase often used by genteel Southerners to politely deprecate someone. “Tonight the people of Louisiana have chosen to chart their own path,” Edwards said. As he conceded the race, Rispone called on supporters to give a round of applause for Trump, saying: “That man loves America and he loves Louisiana.” Democrats who argue
that nominating a moderate presidential candidate is the best approach to beat Trump are certain to say Louisiana’s race bolsters their case. Still, while Rispone’s loss raises questions about the strength of Trump’s coattails, its relevance to his reelection chances are less clear. Louisiana is expected to easily back Trump next year, and Edwards’ views are, in many ways, out of step with his own party. A West Point graduate and former Army Ranger, Edwards opposes most gun restrictions, signed one of the nation’s strictest abortion bans and dismissed the impeachment effort as a distraction.
Meanwhile, Rispone, 70, wasn’t among the top-tier candidates Republican leaders hoped would challenge Edwards. He had ties to the unpopular former Gov. Bobby Jindal, started with little name recognition and offered few details about his agenda. Edwards, 53, also proved to be a formidable candidate, with a record of achievements. Working with the majorityRepublican Legislature, Edwards stabilized state finances with a package of tax increases, ending the deficit-riddled years of Jindal. New money paid for investments in public colleges and the first statewide teacher raise in a decade. Edwards expanded Louisiana’s Medicaid program, lowering the state’s uninsured rate below the national average. A bipartisan criminal sentencing law rewrite
he championed ended Louisiana’s tenure as the nation’s top jailer. Rispone, the owner of a Baton Rouge industrial contracting company, hitched his entire candidacy to Trump, introducing himself to voters in ads that focused on support for the president in a state Trump won by 20 percentage points. Rispone said he was like Trump, describing himself as a “conservative outsider” whose business acumen would help solve the state’s problems. The president’s repeated visits appeared to drive turnout for both candidates. Tour guide Andrea Hartman, 40, cast her ballot for Edwards in New Orleans. “I do not agree with what Rispone advocates,” she said. “I also don’t want Trump coming here and telling me who to vote
for.” Rispone poured more than $12 million of his own money into the race. But he had trouble drawing some of the primary vote that went to Republican U.S. Rep. Ralph Abraham, after harshly attacking Abraham in ads as he sought to reach the runoff. He also avoided many traditional public events attended by Louisiana gubernatorial candidates and sidestepped questions about his plans. He promised tax cuts without saying where he’d shrink spending, and pledged a constitutional convention without detailing what he wanted to rewrite. “We have nothing to be ashamed of. We had over 700,000 people in Louisiana who really want something better, something different,” Rispone said.
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