61.10 Spartan Echo

03.28.14

Vol. 61, I ssue 10

Top

Stories Inside

P resident

Moore reveals plans for

NSU’s future

Mass Communication and Journalism teacher Duanne Hoffler-Foster’s introduction to university life class is going to team up with EdgyKated, to collect and provide prom attire for young adults in the community.

See “Going against the norm to make dreams come true” Page 6

By Brittany Elmore In an exclusive interview with the Spartan Echo, Interim President and CEO Eddie N. Moore, Jr. spoke on his plans for the future of the university under his leadership.

While President Moore does have some plans of his own for the university, he does plan on continuing some initiatives started by former president Tony Atwater.

Moore says he thinks 15-toFinish was “long overdue” and he “absolutely plans on

continuing it.” He did mention, though, that he thinks it should be 18-to-Finish.

Though he isn’t making plans to amend the initiative to 18-to-Finish, he encourages students to take 18 credit hours because of student teaching and other requirements that limit the number of credit hours students can take during some semesters.

He also said 15-to-Finish is especially important to NSU students because of the large

The Interim President and CEO of Norfolk State University spoke with the Spartan Echo to discuss plans for the future of NSU. Photo from www.nsu.edu/president/biosketch.

number of students using Pell Grants to fund their education.

“This is a financial aid issue, plain and simple, with

Pell Grants only being for eight semesters,” Moore said.

See plans for NSU’s future, page 2

Drinking game responsible for five deaths NSU football program welcomed 11 new members on National Signing Day in early February to make up for a disappointing 2013 season.

See “Spartans add speed and depth with 2014 recruiting class” Page 4

By Danielle Kirsh

Drinking has been a major issue and it has been the cause of death for many. Photo by Andrew Duorte.

Many college students are bound to try anything to avoid being ridiculed all over social media, and the drinking game "Neknominate" is the new fad that is slowly making its way into American colleges.

Thought to have originated in Australia, Neknominate is the newest drinking game that has so far killed five young

adults, all under the age of 30.

Challengers record themselves drinking excessive amounts of alcohol in a short period of time, nominate a few of their friends and post it on social media like Instagram and Facebook. If the people who were nominated don’t accept the challenge, they are ridiculed on the Internet.

Sophomore Kortrell Askew said he’s never heard of the game, but thinks drinking games are dangerous to an extent.

Most of the challenges include downing a couple of pints of beer under a minute See five deaths, page 3

SPARTAN ECHO| Norfolk State University 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504|NEWSROOM: 757.823.8200 E-Mail: spartanecho@nsu.edu

2

T he

Spartan News effects of

standing your ground

By Ciara Simmons

03.28.14

plans for

NSU’s future ■Continued from front page

Protesters observe five minutes of silence with their fists in the air during a Day of Outrage and Remembrance for Trayvon Martin and Jordan Davis near the Five Points MARTA station on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2014, in Atlanta. About two dozen protesters gathered for the event. The 2012 shooting death of 17-yearold Martin in Florida sparked a nationwide debate about race and self-defense. George Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch volunteer at the time, said he shot the unarmed teen to protect himself. Davis, a black teen, was killed in a November 2012 shooting, but the jury couldn't reach a verdict on the first-degree murder charge against Michael Dunn. A mistrial was declared on that count earlier this month. (AP Photo/ Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Curtis Compton).

Laws are created with intentions to protect citizens but can sometimes be misinterpreted or misused. One such law is the Stand-Your-Ground law.

The Stand-Your-Ground law was created so that an individual is able to defend themselves without first trying to remove themselves from the life-threatening situation. Previous to its creation, it was the responsibility of the person feeling threatened to remove his or her self from harm. Its main purpose is to provide protection to people who use self-defense in order to protect themselves.

What happens when selfdefense is claimed in what may seem like a false case?

Over the last two years, two highly publicized cases have been tried and seem to bring attention to the

Stand-Your-Ground law and the flaws it may hold.

The trials of George Zimmerman and Michael Dunn both involved the death of two African American teenagers, Trayvon Martin and Jordan Davis, by gun shot at the hands of adults who claim they felt threatened. In both cases, the teenagers were unarmed, and in the case of Jordan Davis, he was located inside of a vehicle with no direct contact with his shooter.

Based on the outcome of these two cases, where neither of the assailants was charged with the murder of these young men, what are the feelings of young adults as they go about their lives day-to-day?

Mass communications senior Travis Matthews says the ruling does have an effect on his attitude. "By me being a father, I worry about my son.

That these things can happen to African American children and it will get looked over."

"You have to be aware of what you wear sometimes.

Like, if I put this on, will they think I'm a criminal?

It’s raining and I have a black hoodie on, will people think I’m a threat?" says Daron Hunt, sophomore business major. “You think that if something happens to you that there will be justice, but at the same time, they [law enforcement] can just let the guy go like your life doesn’t mean anything."

Virginia, at one time, considered having a Stand-YourGround law. You must be aware of the laws that are passed and practiced in your state of residence because you have some input of the laws put in place in your community.

“67 percent…of our [NSU] students get Pell Grants, which means that if 67 percent of our students don’t finish in eight semesters, they lose a substantial part of their funding.”

Moore says he thinks this directly affects the university’s retention and graduation rates.

Flat-rate tuition is another initiative of Atwater’s that Moore plans to continue. This may be another way to improve the retention and graduation rates of students.

“I was hired as an interim president. I was hired with a specific task, which was to get the financial ship in order.

We are doing that, but I am also finding other things that need to be addressed.”

The “financial ship” Moore is talking about refers to the audits that were not completed by the university, which is one reason the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools gave NSU a warning in September 2013. Moore says the audits have been completed and the university is awaiting a response from their auditor, but he anticipates the university will have a positive revisit from SACS in September.

Other issues Moore said he thinks need to be addressed on campus include the faculty.

“I think our high use of adjunct faculty needs to be ad-

dressed, and we’re addressing that,” Moore said. “I believe actually the number of faculty, which appears to be high for our student body, needs to be addressed.”

There are also plans to put more focus on the academics of the university versus the auxiliary activities. Moore says, though he could not provide specific details at the time, that students can expect to see a reallocation of funds from the auxiliary side to the academic side.

“

67 percent…of our [NSU] students get Pell Grants, which means that if 67 percent of our students don’t finish in eight semesters, they lose a substantial part of their funding.”

Moore says he has nothing new planned for the university, “just more attention to what we’re required to do, more efficiency, and hopefully, better outcomes.”

Moore says he plans on upgrading and enhancing the university, but “we still have work to do.”

SPARTAN ECHO| Norfolk State University 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504|NEWSROOM: 757.823.8200 E-Mail: spartanecho@nsu.edu

Spartan News

03.28.14

3

responsible for five deaths ■Continued from front page while others show a deadly concoction of whiskey, wine, vodka and beer.

“You have to have somebody looking after you, but there is a limit to the drinks,” Askew said.

Medical adviser for the UKbased charity Drinkware Dr. Sarah Jarvis told CNN, “The point about alcohol is that it affects your ability to recognize that you’re in danger,

and it absolutely affects your ability to react to danger.”

The dangers of this drinking game are apparent. Neknominate is increasing the amount of alcohol poisoning deaths and some participants don’t realize they may be drinking their fatal last drink.

Askew said, “I think drinking games are peer pressure in the form of a game. It can be fun, but it can get out of control.”

So far, this drinking game has shown that it has no limits.

Challengers whip up various cocktails in order to upstage one another. The mixing of the different alcohols and the weird ingredients contributes to the fatality of this game.

One participant recorded himself mixing a dead mouse in to his drink, while another participant poured his alcohol into a toilet to drink out of.

Neknominate is slowly popularizing and getting publicity from social media and is becoming increasingly dangerous.

Other parts of the challenge are based on the approach. One man participated in the challenge by riding on horseback in the middle of a supermarket while downing the alcohol while another challenger downed a

pint of beer wearing a bathing suit in the bathroom of a McDonalds.

Junior Chrystal Kelly said, "It's always the stupid people doing ignorant things. Not only do you risk your life doing this, but what if future employers see it online? That stays with you forever."

Start PUSHING YOUrSELF EVEN FUrtHEr. START A NEW EXPERIENCE.

START YOUR JOURNEY.

START BUILDING YOUR CAREER.

START MOLDING YOUR STRENGTHS.

START AHEAD OF THE CROWD.

START DISCOVERING NEW TALENTS.

START STRONG. SM

There’s strong. Then there’s Army Strong. Many influential government and business leaders started with the help of Army ROTC. When you enroll in Army ROTC at Norfolk State, you get hands-on leadership training to give you a strong start after college as an Army Officer. Army ROTC also offers full-tuition scholarships to help pay for your education. There is no greater place to start toward a strong future than Army ROTC. Visit us at goarmy.com/rotc/leadership

Interested in joining Army ROTC and becoming an Army officer? If you are a Freshman or Sophomore, it's not too late.

Visit us in Echols Hall, Room 101 for more information. Or contact us at (757) 823-9296 or goldbar@nsu.edu. ©2008. Paid for by the United States Army. All rights reserved.

Start out on top.

SPARTAN ECHO| Norfolk State University 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504|NEWSROOM: 757.823.8200 E-Mail: spartanecho@nsu.edu

Spartan Sports

4

03.28.14

Both men and women fail to capture MEAC title

By Jason Gill

From left to right: Conner Dorris (Navy), Justus Reed (Florida), Clearwater Central Catholic coach John Davis, Caanan Brown (Virginia), Ethan Thompson (Black Hills State) and Diquan Walker (Holy Cross) pose at Clearwater Central Catholic's NCAA college football National Signing Day, Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2014, in Clearwater, Fla. (AP Photo/The Tampa Bay Times, Jim Damaske).

Spartans add speed and depth

with 2014 recruiting class

By Jason Gill The NSU football program welcomed 11 new members on National Signing Day in early February. The recruiting strategy was clear from the beginning as the Spartans look to bounce back from a disappointing 3-9 finish in 2013.

“You always want to fulfill areas where you have needs.

We wanted to improve our speed on offense, and we did that,” said Head Coach Pete Adrian. “We have three guys coming in at the skill positions who are really fast; they run in the 4.4, 4.5 range in the 40-yard dash. We also needed a few more offensive linemen which we were able to get three. It’s a real solid recruiting class that we’re looking at.”

Highlighting this year’s class is 6-foot-3-inch quarterback Terrance Ervin from L.C. Bird H.S. in Chesterfield, Va. Ervin finished his high school career with two state championships—in his junior and senior seasons—and a 29-0 record as a starter. Adrian believes he has the potential to have the

biggest impact on the Spartans going forward.

“You have to start with the quarterback. He’s [Ervin] never lost a game. He can run it, and he can throw it,” said Adrian. “It’s hard to win backto-back state championships in Virginia, so we’re very pleased about that.”

Running back Terry Polk is another big pick-up on the offensive side of the ball. Polk, out of Venice H.S. in North Port, Fla, rushed for 1,840 yards and 22 touchdowns in his senior season.

“He’s just a gifted athlete and extremely fast,” said Adrian.

“He’s a kid that any time he touches the ball, he has the potential to go all the way. He’s got breakaway speed; plus, he’s very shifty.”

The coaching staff is also excited about wide receiver Darius Wilson out of Amherst County H.S. in Amherst, Va. His combination of size and speed should help open things up for the Spartans offensively.

“He’s a big guy, at 6 feet 3

inches, who can catch the ball over the middle as well as go deep. He presents that deep threat that will definitely help us,” said Adrian.

Defensively, Adrian looked to add depth with linebackers Kyle Archie (Portsmouth, Va./ Norcom H.S.)—whose grandfather was the Athletic Director at NSU over twenty years ago—and Ricky Haley (Norfolk, Va./Maury H.S.), along with defensive back Ebenezer Agyemang-Kusi out of Forest Park H.S. in Woodbridge, Va. The Spartans will begin spring football on April 2.

They plan to hold 15 practices and have inter-squad scrimmages on April 12, 19 and 26. Their first order of business will be a familiar one.

“The first thing we want to do is try and establish a number-one quarterback,” said Adrian. All three will be back from last year, but hopefully someone will surface and become the starter.”

Hosting the MEAC tournament for the second year in a row proved unkind once again for NSU basketball. Neither team was able to make it as far as the championship game of the tournament that was held at the Norfolk Scope Arena from March 10-15.

As the No. 6 seed, the Lady Spartans up-and-down season continued into the post-season as they were upset in their first round matchup against No.11 seed University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

Senior Rachel Gordon—who was named as an ALL-MEAC first team selection prior to the start of the game—finished the game with just seven points.

“Individually, I did not make all the shots I should’ve made and missed some key defensive plays that sort of hurt down the stretch,” said Gordon. “I was also in foul trouble early on.

I played my hardest; we just came up short.”

The Lady Spartans led the game by as many as 13 points, but were unable to hold on to the lead and extend their season.

“I blame a lack of focus and the fact that we got complacent when we were up,” said Gordon on blowing the comfortable lead. “We allowed them to keep scoring while they were able to get stops on us.”

Earning a No. 4 seed in the MEAC tournament, the men’s team also faced off against UMES in the first round who were the No. 13 seed.

The Spartans led the Hawks throughout nearly the entire contest and opened up to a 23-point lead early in the second half.

UMES clawed their way back late in the second half thanks to some costly NSU turnovers and tied the game with just over two minutes remaining.

The crowd grew anxious

as a meltdown similar to last seasons MEAC tournament seemed on the horizon.

“There was definitely a little deja vu on that sideline, but we made the plays we needed to down the stretch,” said Head Coach Robert Jones.

Thanks to clutch foul shooting by senior Pendarvis “Penny” Williams—who led all scorers with 22 points to go along with seven rebounds and three assists—the Spartans were able to survive 78-74 and move on to the quarterfinals.

“It was either win or go home. I wanted to win,” said Williams. “Being 6-6, most guards in the MEAC are around 6-2 so I can shoot over the top of them, post them up and do a lot of other things.”

In their second round matchup, NSU took on No. 5 seed Savannah State University who they beat by seven on the road in late January.

Both teams played stifling defense in the first half, which led to a tight contest early on.

The Spartans took a one-point lead into the half and knew they were in for a fight.

The second half proved to be a game of runs with NSU leading by as many as 14 points.

SSU constantly battled back, but could never get within closer than seven points as NSU advanced to the semifinals.

Williams again carried the bulk of the load for NSU with 20 points and three steals.

Senior Malcolm Hawkins— who led the Spartans in scoring during the regular season— managed just one point on 0-of9 shooting from the field.

“I think at times I was rushing my shot,” said Hawkins.

“They did a good job of chasing me around and making me think too much. My teammates See fail to capture MEAC title, page 5

SPARTAN ECHO| Norfolk State University 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504|NEWSROOM: 757.823.8200 E-Mail: spartanecho@nsu.edu

03.28.14

Spartan Sports

5

Gordon says farewell to NSU

By Jason Gill

Being the lone senior on the team, Rachel Gordon had the weight of the basketball world on her shoulders this season.

Although difficult at times, she embraced all that came with it and the times she had with this team the last four years.

“I’ve been through so much with this team and my coaches; they were like my second family,” said Gordon. “I’m going to miss all the fun times we had.”

Gordon’s choice to follow in her parents’ footsteps was not originally a forgone conclusion. Her Mother Cherise—who was a cheerleader at NSU—and her father Jeff— also NSU alumni—were not initially sold on Rachel coming to NSU. With scholarship offers from Mt. Saint Mary’s, Colgate University, Coppin State University and American University, her parents felt it was best for her to weigh all of her options.

“My parents were a little “iffy” when I first told them I wanted to go to NSU,” said

Gordon. “Once I came for a visit on campus, I loved it here and knew that this is where I wanted to go.”

The Woodbridge native will surely go down as one of the greatest women’s basketball players in NSU history. In a road victory against Howard University, Gordon became the all-time career rebounding leader in NSU history with 1,015.

“It feels great to know that I made history and that I will be in the record books for a long time,” said Gordon. “I want to be remembered as a difference maker and that I was an important factor for my team’s success.”

A psychology major, Gordon has begun to contemplate the possibility of life without basketball. She has also not ruled out the opportunity of continuing to play overseas next year.

“I want to go to grad school and get my masters in sociology. I might also consider playing basketball at the profes-

Rachel Gordon showing why she deserves to be on the court. Photo by Donte Hayden.

sional level. It’s something I’m looking into now, so we’ll see,” said Gordon.

With the conclusion of her final collegiate season, Gordon values her

journey throughout NSU, and her only regret is not having enough time to do more.

“I just wish I had more time available to get in-

volved with more school activities,” said Gordon.

She will certainly be remembered for the positive impact she has had on NSU athletics.

fail to capture MEAC title ■Continued from page 4 stepped up and had a good game; they picked up the slack for me.”

Unfortunately, the Spartans run would end in the semis at the hands of No.1 seed and eventual MEAC champions North Carolina Central University.

Attempting to avenge a six

point home loss to the Eagles just a week prior, the Spartans battled hard in the first half as neither team could gain any separation.

“Defensively, we held them to 38 percent in the first half, which is a good number. 40 percent for the game, which is not a bad number, but offen-

sively, we just couldn’t get going,” said Jones.

The second half however was a different story. NCCU used its physical defense and caught fire on offense to pull away from NSU in front of a Spartan heavy crowd 68-45.

“They were being physical with us,” said Jones. “We

weren’t able to get the positioning and spacing on the court as we normally get.”

Williams—who will certainly go down as one of the all-time great Spartans—scored a team high 12 points as his lustrous college career came to a disappointing end.

“Norfolk State gave me a

great opportunity. Coach Jones and other coaches as well did a great job developing me into having a good career,” said Williams. “I didn’t want to end my career like this. I know all my seniors and teammates didn’t want to go out like this.

We wanted to win a championship.”

SPARTAN ECHO| Norfolk State University 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504|NEWSROOM: 757.823.8200 E-Mail: spartanecho@nsu.edu

Spartan Lifestyle

6

03.28.14

Professor-student Going against the norm

relationships:

to make dreams come true a college student’s

most important

By Ciara N. Simmons

relationship status

By Stephanie Cousins Building professional relationships and networking in college are some of the most important goals of college students. Lifelong friends are made in the classroom, but one of the most important relationships that can be forged throughout your college career is with professors.

Most students think that they’ll only see this professor for one or two semesters, but what most fail to realize is when you start your major courses you may have the same professor multiple times.

Building healthy relationships with your professors early can be very beneficial. They can guide you in the right direction and provide information on what steps to take to benefit students after their college career.

“I think it’s important for students to have a relationship with their professor," says sophomore criminal justice major Antwan Bynum. "Professors can provide you with connections outside the classroom such as internships and after school clubs and they can open doors of opportunity for you. You can also seek mentorship from them and gain an abundance of knowledge.”

Instructors value relationships with students as a way to bestow wisdom to their students beyond the books.

Gerald Thompson, professor of African American music, said, “The professor’s

perspective is to enlighten the students to the idea to go beyond the classroom. I think it’s very important to build healthy relationships because I like to provide my students with 'accelerated wisdom.’ If I can provide them with wisdom to progress, I believe that’s the general idea of the professorstudent relationship.”

All college instructors want to see you succeed, but it’s up to the students to show up to class on time, ask questions, visit during office hours and make appointments with professors. Remember, they are here to help.

Developing relationships is also about trust.

“We all need help sometimes, so it’s important to form a bond so you can better teach that student. I can relate a lot to my students so it makes it easier for me to relay information to them, and they don’t have to research certain material because they can trust what I’m telling to them,” says Lateef Gibson, mass communication professor and video specialist.

Of all the relationships formed on a college campus, the one developed with professors is the most important. Just by talking to them, you may find that you have a lot more in common than you originally thought.

Taking the time out of one semester to develop and understanding with an instructor could turn into a lifelong friendship in the future.

Teacher Duanne Hoffler-foster speaks to the students students of freshman introduction courses.

Photo by Danielle Kirsh.

Every semester, students of freshman introduction courses have to develop and complete a community recycling project. Normally, that would involve activities along the line of cleaning up the trash that may litter the surrounding area, but this semester, one class decided to do things a little differently.

Teaming up with EdgyKated, Duanne Hoffler-Foster’s introduction to university life class is going to collect and provide prom attire for young adults in the community.

EdgyKated is an event planning and community outreach organization. Founded by five educated young professional women, their mission is to “empower and educate mislead youth and adults to be productive members of society while looking virtu-

ous.” This program will help them begin to accomplish those goals.

The “Prom Queens with Dreams” program was developed by EdgyKated with the purpose “not only to make a teenager’s dream of going to prom more accessible, it is also to build self-esteem.”

“The prom apparel drive is also an effort to make prom more affordable for the lowincome family,” says the group.

There are a few requirements for involvement in the program.

“You must be a junior or senior enrolled in high school planning to attend their junior/ senior prom. You must also be willing to meet with the ladies of EdgyKated to retrieve prom apparel as well as be open to discuss your educational and

career goals, long and short terms goals and how you will pursue them.”

“Although this project is going to be ventured through NSU, we are opening it up to the community,” says Hoffler-Foster, student adviser and university life instructor.

If you or anyone you know has any gently used prom dresses and/or suits that are no longer being used, please contact Hoffler-Foster by email at dhoffler@nsu.edu, by phone at 757-823-2443 or in her office in Madison Hall, room 241 to make a donation.

If you have any question about the program, you can reach the coordinators at EdgyKated@gmail.com, Leticia Latham at (757) 3515888 or Shana Simmons at (757) 701-0762.

SPARTAN ECHO| Norfolk State University 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504|NEWSROOM: 757.823.8200 E-Mail: spartanecho@nsu.edu

03.28.14

Spartan Lifestyle

NSU Jazz Ensemble hits a high note

By Ephraim Pinckney

The E.L. Hamm Fine Arts Building is filled with the sounds of music from the Concert Choir under the direction of Dr. Carl Haywood to the Symphonic Wind Ensemble under the direction of Mr. Paul Adams. However, one ensemble in particular is filled with a musical zest that only competition can bring out. That ensemble is the NSU Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Ms. Stephanie Sanders.

The NSU Jazz Ensemble

is preparing for their annual trip to Villanova University for its Jazz Festival on March 29 and 30. “I feel pretty confident about it, we are having sectional rehearsals and doing a lot of sight reading to get prepared for the competition,” said Sanders.

All bands that compete in the competition have four songs they can play and are allotted 20 minutes to perform. Sanders will choose songs from different styles of jazz, these styles

including: Latin Jazz, 1940s Big Band and Avant Guard.

“It is important to play different styles of music, it makes your presentation more exciting,” said Sanders.

Last year’s festival was cancelled due to a major snow storm, so students and directors from all the schools are preparing to win this year’s festival.

“I’m excited about going; we didn’t go last year.

I’m ready to prove myself,” said Michael Minix, lead

alto in the jazz ensemble.

“I’m excited and ready to go and have a good time and show NSU’s true musicianship,” said trumpeter Briscoe Davis.

There is a special feeling that students in Sanders’ jazz ensemble get every time they perform. Whether it’s playing for kids in kindergarten or at a major jazz festival on the East Coast, the jazz band is always ready to excite, educate and entertain its audience with a high level of musicality.

Spartan Echo accepting applications for fall 2014 The Spartan Echo is accepting applications now for all editor positions (listed below). Editors will serve during the fall 2014 semester and receive a performance grant for their service. Amounts vary by position. Some work—done from home—will be necessary during the summer to prepare for the fall semester. Contact the faculty adviser at seopfer@nsu.edu or 757-823-2444 for more detailed information.

Students with previous professional or student media experience are strongly encouraged to apply, but previous experience is not necessary. Students from any major may apply. Applicants, however, must meet the minimum qualifications for all positions (listed below).

Applications are available online from Student Activities and Leadership. https://www.nsu.edu/Assets/websites/student-activities/ Student-Publication-Forms/Spartan-Echo-Publication-Application.doc Applications will be accepted via e-mail at seopfer@nsu.edu, or in-person at MAD 282, through April 4.

All potentially qualified applicants will be interviewed by the faculty adviser and must supply work samples at that time. Follow-up interviews and grammar testing may apply. Positions are awarded by the Student Publication Board after spring semester grades are posted.

Minimal Qualificatons for All Positions - pre-registered as a full-time NSU student for Spring 2014 - 2.5 cumulative GPA or higher - 2.0 GPA or higher for spring 2013 - agreement to adhere to journalistic standards - ability to follow instructions and meet deadlines - time and dedication to perform staff duties

Preferred Qualifications for All Positions - previously published as a journalist - medium-to-advanced computer literacy - leadership experience - ability to take photographs and email them - WordPress experience - Adobe Photoshop and In-Design experience - ability to shoot and edit video

7

editors Brittany Elmore Editor-inChief

DeVanique Riley Online/ Managing Editor

Danielle Kirsh News Editor

Ciara Simmons Lifestyle Editor

Jason Gill Sports Editor

Robert Hayden Multimedia Editor

Minimal Position Qualifications Editor-in-Chief: - leadership experience - administrative experience - student organization experience - copy editing experience - previously published as a journalist - mastery of Associated Press style - medium-to-advanced computer literacy - WordPress experience

Managing Editor: - leadership experience - copy editing experience - previously published as a journalist - mastery of Associated Press style - medium-to-advanced computer literacy - WordPress experience

Section Editor: - ability to gather information accurately from authoritative sources - ability to write journalistic material in Associated Press style - ability to edit copy according to Associated Press style - ability to recruit and supervise volunteer reporters - WordPress experience

Graphic Design/Layout Editor: - Adobe In-Design and Photoshop experience - newspaper layout/graphic design experience Multimedia Editor: - photography/videography experience - experience writing captions with accuracy and clarity

Trenton Fouche’ Entertainment Editor

It’s not too late to get involved with the Echo!

We meet every Tuesday and Thursday in room 344 at 12:30 pm. ALL majors welcome.

SPARTAN ECHO| Norfolk State University 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504|NEWSROOM: 757.823.8200 E-Mail: spartanecho@nsu.edu

Spartan Entertainment

8

Michelle Obama offers advice to Justin Beiber

By Ra'chel Crider First Lady Michelle Obama gave some motherly advice to pop-star Justin Beiber during her recent interview with Univision Radio host Enrique Santos.

When asked about Justin, Michelle said “I would pull him close. You know, I don’t know if it would be advice as much as action. I would be very present in his life right now. And I would be probably with him a good chunk of the time, just there to talk, to figure out what’s going on in his head, to figure out who’s in his life and who’s not, you know?”

Recently Bieber had been charged with a DUI, drag racing and resisting arrest while yelling profanities at police officers. He had been the topic of discussion on several televi-

sion and radio shows. A petition was filed for the pop-star after his arrest stating that people of the United States wanted him deported back to Canada and his green card revoked.

Although, Michelle Obama was not one to judge, she understood how the current generation is different from past and had a different perspective of Bieber.

“I found that to be the case with my kids,” she said. “They just want you near, you know they want that advice from a parent. They want to see you on a daily basis, you know?

Because the thing is, he’s still a kid. He’s still growing up. So, I would pull him close.”

The star, known for hits like “Girlfriend” and “Baby” could face a trial in Florida in March.

Tonight Show finds its way back to NYC

03.28.14

The tonight show returns to New York with Jimmy Fallon as host.

Photo from www.facebook.com/photo.php.

By Jamal Chatman Before reality shows invaded the airwaves, the big thing on television was talk shows.

Plenty daytime talk shows exist with loyal viewers and excellent ratings, but late-night shows have often been able to grab a younger demographic.

After nearly 42 years, Tonight Show returned to New York City with its current host Jimmy Fallon. Fallon is best known for being a Saturday Night Live cast member for six seasons and as former host of NBC’s Late Night.

According to Nielsen.com,

on the debut week of Monday, Feb. 17, Tonight Show racked up 11.3 million viewers. Because of the Winter Olympics coverage in Sochi, Fallon had temporarily taken the midnight slot following the popular sports competition. On the week of Feb. 24, Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon returned to its original 11:35 p.m. slot.

Thus far, Fallon’s guests have included actors Will Smith, Cameron Diaz, Reese Witherspoon, Will Ferrell, Bradley Cooper and more.

Although Fallon has changed his hosting duties, he will continue using the same format he used on Late Night, with segments such as “Late Night Hashtags” and “Thank You Notes.” Fallon makes an account of realizing that children sometimes sneak around their parents’ permission to stay up late to watch his show.

Fallon condones such behavior because he wishes to put a smile on viewers’ faces before bedtime.

If you loved Fallon then, you will adore him now.

Kid Cudi Satellite Flight:

The Journey to Mother Moon

By Trenton Fouche’

Graphic photos from www.facebook.com/300Moviev www.facebook.com/Official.NeedForSpeedMoviev www.facebook.com/MuppetsMostWantedMovie

In a hip-hop genre full of copy cats, Kid Cudi has remained unique. After being placed on the cover of XXL’s magazine in 2009’s freshman class of hip-hop artists at the time, Cudi has maintained a cult following. With the debut of his first album, Man on the Moon: The End of Day, up until his most recent album, Satellite Flight: The Journey to Mother Moon, his growth as an artist has become apparent.

The album’s first song, “Going to the Ceremony”, seems a celebration of life while reminiscing on his past substance abuse.

“Drinking again, drinking again bottles up. I'm in to win but none of my friends just me and this bottle.” He continues “People say that I'm on, say that I'm off I wouldn't doubt it.

If you were me free as a bird, flying over mountains.”

Although much of the 10 track album touches on his personal demons, Kid Cudi makes an attempt to find a balance. In the album’s title track, “Satellite Flight”, he seems more reflective on his success.

“Take a second to adjust to the ride. They say if this was a crime, it’d be federal. Lately I’ve been feelin’ invincible. As I’m tryna find my way can’t nothing hold me though.”

Although some casual listeners may not understand his unique approach, Kid Cudi has always remained honest with himself and with his fans through his music, and his latest offering is no different. Although the album is relatively short, it’s worth a listen.

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