Ego
Student Magazine Southern University Vol. 5 - No. 1 Fall 2010 ISSN 1936-1793
MAGAZINE
Fired up Mitchell breathes new life into SU football
Two students share the path less taken in life Former Jaguar takes flight Whitney passes torch, gives advice
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30 Ego-Centric 02 From The Editor 04 Picture Perfect 12 "Whitney makes her mark Former Miss Southern, Sabrina Whitney talks about precidentas she has set and the foundation she has laid for newly crowned Kenya Warren.
16 Stump the Yard On the cover: Lyvonia “Stump� Mitchell Above: 2010 Jaguars scrimmage game Cover by April Buffington Above by April Buffington
Jaguar head coach explains what it takes to be sucessful on and off the field.
36 Student Interest 22 Common Ground
Two students discusss overcoming their curcumstances in college and everyday life.
30 From Roaring to Soaring
SU standout wide recieer talks about his journey to the NFL.
In Closing 36 ... in the upcoming EGO
Recent state imposed budget cuts take their toll on Louisiana university's.
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E G O
from the editor
ISSN 1936-1793 SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY Suite 1064 – T.H. Harris Hall P.O. Box 10180 Baton Rouge, LA 70813 225.771.3004 PHONE 225.771.3253 FAX The EGO magazine is written, edited and published by members of the student body at Southern University and A&M College. The EGO magazine is published fives times a year with a run count of 3,000 copies per issue during the Southern University – Baton Rouge campus fall, spring and summer semesters. The magazine is free to students, staff, faculty every publication morning on the SUBR campus. The EGO magazine student offices are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday. The offices are located on the first floor on T.H. Harris Hall, Suite 1064. Copyright 2007 by the Southern University Office of Student Media Services. All articles, photographs and graphics are property of EGO magazine and its contents may not be reproduced or republished without the written permission of the Editor in Chief and Director of Media Services. The EGO magazine is the official student magazine of Southern University and A&M College located in Baton Rouge, La. Articles, features, opinions, speak out and editorials do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the administration and its policies. Signed articles, feedback, commentaries and features do not necessarily reflect the views of the editors, staff or student body. Southern University and A&M College at Baton Rouge is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, telephone (404) 679-4500, Website: www.saccscoc. org.
Managing Editor Erica S. Johnson
Copy Editors
Norman Dotson Jr. Evan Taylor
Contributing Writers Patrick Galloway Billy Washington Mary Davis
Editor
fromthe
HELLO AGAIN, There have been many changes in the Southern University system since our last publication. Currently, we have a new system president, Ronald Mason, a new SGA President, Demetrius Sumner and have just crowned Miss Southern, Kenya Warren, to name a few. . .oh how could I forget, recent state imposed budget cuts have effected Louisiana universities so drastically, some courses and programs along with their professors, have been directly effected as a result. We wil visit each of those aspects of the university in our next issue. In this Ego.. We took the time to say farewell to a graceful Miss Southern University, Sabrina Whitney, as she has graduated on to brighter horizons. Speaking of brighter horizons, Ego sat down with NFL talent and former Jaguar standout, Juamorris Stewart, to discuss what it takes to “make it to the league.” Also we featured new Southern Jaguar play caller, Stump Mitchell, to see what direction he is planning to take the team into the future. Finally Ego found two students with a story to tell. These students are often overlooked, but if “you take the time to see for yourself,” would find two strongwil e, fascinating individuals. I have been granted the honor of returning as your Editor and Chief of EGO magazine, the feedback from previous works have been beneficial, thank you for assisting me in this learning process. Special thanks to Dr. Marilyn Goff, Dr. Yvonne Campell and Dr. C. Demarcus Manson for your expert advise and wilingness to challenge me -making for a better publication for this Jaguar Nation. Thank you, Enjoy!
Contributing Photographers Wil Norwood Norman Dotson Jr. April Buffington Trevor James
Student Media Staff
Camelia Gardner, Ad Man. Fredrick Batiste, Pub. Asst.
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picture perfect
Rallying the troops
Southern women’s basketball head coach Sandy Pugh led her team to a Southwestern Athletic Conference title and NCAA Tournament berth last season. Pugh’s crew returns virtually intact for the 2010-11 season, which begins Nov. 12-13 at the Islanders Tip-Off Tournament in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Photograph by April Buffington
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The Victory Shot
Freda Allen and Jamie Floyd celebrate as time expires in the Jaguars’ 2009 regular season title clinching game.
Photograph by April Buffington
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A New Era
Southern University starting quarterback Jeremiah McGinty drops back for a pass during he Jaguars’ final scrimmage game of the summer.
Photograph by April Buffington
E G O
ego interview
Sabrina Whitney
makes her mark...
By Mary Davis Photographs by Wil Norwood
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MISS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY not only for her community service work, but academically as well. She was hailed as marshal of the Spring 2010 graduating class, in respect to the Nelson Mandela School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs. Ego sat down with her as she reflects on her term, and the path she laid for her successor Kenya Warren.
Tallulah, La., Sabrina Whitney was praised and admired by the Jaguar Nation during her reign as 20092010 Miss Southern University. She intrigued many with her beauty, friendly nature and enthusiastic attitude. During her term, Whitney produced great results, specifically in the area of community services Despite many trials and tribulations, Whitney was triumphant
What did you accomplish as Miss Southern?
I had the opportunity of doing Showtime at SU parts 1 and 2. Those programs were talent shows used to raise money for St. Jude Hospital; at both of those events we raised over 1,200 dollars. I had the opportunity to have the Little Miss Southern pageant, started by former Miss Southern Myhkesha Evans. That event brought in about $2,500. Also, I put on something called Meet the Organizations, excluding greek affiliations. I facilitated a program about self-awareness, to teach women how to dress and present themselves in a positive manner. I also constructed the Letter Writing event.
What exactly is Up til Dawn? Up ‘til Dawn is a program that was started by former Miss Southern, Enitra Jones in 2004. It is active on about 50 college campuses and requires money to
be raised for people with sickle cell anemia, cancer and other catastrophic illnesses. It is basically a fund raiser (for St. Jude Hospital) on college campuses.
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What were your goals and ambitions after you won the Miss Southern race?
My goal was my platform, in which I stated my desire to help with college recruitment, revitalize the Up ‘til Dawn program and continue SU Feed the Children. We employed the SU Feed the Children over the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. I also wanted to bring awareness, wellness, and a more personable “Miss” to SU. I wanted to basically be more available to the students and let students know that Miss Southern should not be just a face but a well-rounded figure on campus.
What helped you stay focus and reach your goals as Miss Southern?
My e-board members, ranging from some of my very
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close friends, to people who I had worked with for the first time- worked very hard to help me stay focused. Also, the fact that I knew what my goals were when I was running and I wasn’t going to promise the students anything that I wasn’t going to keep up with.
What motivated you to run for Miss Southern? I’ve wanted to be Miss Southern since I was in High School. Just coming to the SU games and seeing the young ladies walk and parade around. My freshman year of high school I wanted to be Miss Southern, and I wondered what does Miss Southern do? I only really saw her during football season. So I wanted to change the whole perception of Miss Southern. Miss Southern University should be a position, not just a face. Simply, my motivation was to change the perception of Miss Southern.
What was the hardest part about being Miss Southern?
I think the hardest part was the beginning when it was all crazy because I wasn’t the typical Miss Southern. It was hard for people to accept me because I wasn’t the usual Miss Southern. I think that after the first couple of weeks everything else fell into place. It was hard trying to get people to understand that Miss Southern is more than just 5’5 and 110 pounds. Being Miss Southern is more than your physical appearance; it’s your personality and your character.
Did you reach your target for Up til Dawn and what was the final figure?
Yes, I did reach my goal for Up ‘til Dawn. As of now the final figure is about $10,200.
How important is Up til Dawn to Miss Southern University?
I think that Up ‘til Dawn is very important to Miss Southern. On a scale of 1 to 10, I would say it should be a 10. I say this simply because as Miss Southern you are required to do one big community service event each semester and I think Up ‘til Dawn should be the one. Also because it is something a former Miss Southern started, it’s important to keep the tradition.
Do all Historically Black Colleges and Univerisities participate in such type events?
No. Not all of them do; it’s a select few. Off hand, I know that Alabama A&M, Prairie View, and I want to say Texas Southern are the HBCU’s that participate. Also, Southeastern and LSU have a chapter.
What direction would you like to see Miss Southern go in after your term?
I want Kenya to move forward in the right direction. I want her to be better. I raised $10,000, and I want her to raise more, maybe $15,000. I want her to know and understand that nothing is impossible. You have to have the drive, ambition, and determination to want to keep up the tradition. I also want her to know that it’s possible to make a difference in someone else’s life.
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I wanted to basically be more available to the students and let students know that Miss Southern should not be just a face but a well-Sabrina Whitney
Providing Relief
Warren Anderson and colleagues gather supplies to sent to Hati after their January 12, 2010 hurricane disaster
Photograph by April Buffington
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‘Stump’ the Yard By Darrius T. Harrison Photographs by April Buffington
As I walked into the newly constructed
Af ter much ant ic ipat ion and some cont rovers y in naming Pete R ichardson’s successor, Lyvonia “Stum p” Mitchell has emer ged as the head of the Souther n Universit y Jaguar football program. With a new found disc ipl ine and new overall or ganizat ional direct ion, Mitchell bel ieves w inning games w ill only come natural as these jaguars begin to buy into his teaching philosophies, E g o sat down w ith Mitchell to see just what these philosophies consist of.
A.W. Mumford stadium field house facility, I could sense a new direction in our Jaguar football program--whether it was in the players’ collective attitude while weight lifting, or the historical/motivational images and pictures that captured my attention as they were coming in and out of the new workout facility. After admiring the new sports structure [field house], I walked up the stairway until it led me to coach Mitchell’s office… only to see the door closed. The coaches who were in their offices were engaged with students so I kept walking. Then, I heard a door open… so P N J. D ,J . I doubled back to Mitchell’s office; there stood a 5’9, wellgroomed man wearing a black and red Jordan sweat-suit. “Mr. Mitchell,” I asked; “yes,” he responded. hotograph by
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After introducing myself, I got straight to business. The first question I asked him was about the origin of his alias Stump. “I got my nickname from my brother, who is deceased now,” said Mitchell. “He was a couple of years older than me and I hung around him and his friends; I was the shortest guy of the group... that’s how I got the nickname,” he answered. Ego Magazine | Fall 2010
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Econ your ways coup
“Being around a lot of football,” as Mitchell admits he has been, has provided him with an assortment of coaches including Bobby Ross (San Diego Chargers, formerly with The Citadel), Mike Riley (Oregon State), Mike Holmgren (Cleveland Browns President), Jim Zorn (formerly with the Washington Redskins) and Ricky Diggs, currently at Southern. Although Mitchell has been around such an influential cluster of professionals, he attributes much personal success-and the obtainment of those discipline principles by which governs his life--to those individuals whom he associated with early on in life. “My character is built from people in my hometown,” proclaimed Mitchell, a native of Kingsland, Georgia. Before landing the head football coaching job at Southern, Mitchell was the assistant head coach/ running backs coach for the Washington Redskins. Before that, he held positions with the San Antonio Riders (WLAF), Morgan State University (NCAA) and also the Seattle Seahawks (NFL).
Arriving at Southern
“The process of coming here [to Southern] was all God’s doing to tell you the truth,” said Mitchell. “As you well know,” he continued, “I was coaching for the Washington Redskins, we happened
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to be playing the Saints and Mr. [Gregg] LaFleur the A.D. [athletic director] saw me coaching on the sideline. He and I played ball together. Later, he called and asked if I knew of anyone who would be interested in the Southern job had it come available. Of course, I told him I would be interested.” Due to the previous agreements of both parties, Mitchell thought it would be best not to “entertain the situation”
going to be the next head coach, had they offered me the job. I had already made up my mind about coaching at Southern and no money or anything like that was going to deter me from going to where I felt God wanted me to be.”
Discipline
The discipline instilled in Mitchell is apparent. His teaching methods just-sohappen to involve instilling that same concept of discipline into his student athletes. “What I will bring to these young men is what they need… DISCIPLINE,” Mitchell stressed. “Winning football games will be part of the process.”
Life’s Successes
until the Redskins season had finished. “He [LaFleur] got back to me later and informed me that they had decided to let coach Richardson go.” After Zorn got fired, “I was asked not to make a [coaching] decision before I gave the new General Manager, Bruce Allen, and head coach, Mike Shanahan, an opportunity to meet with me. I had given Gregg [LaFleur] my word that I was
When asked about the negative comments concerning himself that have surfaced on blog sites related to HBCU news and sports, Mitchell dismissed them. “That means nothing to me,” he said. “Whoever said that was probably the same person who said that I couldn’t play in the National Football League, said I couldn’t go to college, and said some negative things about other people who I am sure have been successful. I don’t let another man’s opinion of me dictate my destination. My successes or my failures all come from God. To that individual, I smile,” he finished.
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R efined R enovations By Patrick Galloway Photographs by Norman J. Dotson Jr.
In addition to bringing a new direction to the football program at Southern University, Head Coach Stump Mitchell plans to bring an artificial turf-field to A.W. Mumford Stadium. Heavy use from the Southerm’s football team, marching band, soccer team and the likenesses of sorrounding area highschools, has caused the natural grass field to wither and form several dirt patches that create a muddy mess during wet weather.
are talking with various alumni on donation strategies and other information to obtain financial assistance for the field. “We’re just hoping that the fans and alumni will chip in so we can get this thing done,” LaFleur said. The estimated price for artificial turf (including renovations for the track around the field) ranges from about $750,000 to $1 million. “Putting the field and the track down one at a time will be too expensive,” said LaFleur.
"There’s just so much durability and usage for an artificial field that, you cannot get from having natural grass!” -Stump Mitchell
The condition of the field has distorted the look of Mumford Stadium and increases the possibility for injuries because of the difficulties players have with maintaining proper footing. Athletic Director Greg LaFleur and coach Mitchell,
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Since his hiring in 2005, LaFleur has promoted the idea of artificial turf. His reasoning-- it’s good for schools that have limited resources. The field can be used for other campus activities like the soccer team and physical education classes.
Dude with the weird socks: Patrick Daniels
The main objective for the new field is recruiting purposes. With the new turf, LaFleur believes, Southern can invite high schools from around the state to use it for their own football games--which will bring visiting students to tour and see what the university has to offer. Now that Mitchell has also joined LaFleur’s campaign, the two have begun to work on reaching the goal of this upgrade to Mumford Stadium. Southern University’s new football coach is looking for help
from students and alumni to turn a $1 million dream into reality for A.W. Mumford Stadium. The current state of the natural grass field limits play to five home games a year to keep it in the best condition possible. According to the University’s athletic turf manager, maintenance on the natural grass field costs about $10,000 per year. In addition to those costs, there is also the $200,000 they use for equipment. With the artificial turf, the maintenance cost would be cut drastically.
Mitchell has agreed to donate $5,000 of his personal funds to begin the donation efforts. He said that he hopes other donors will match that amount to get this campaign started. Maintenance costs will be low, Mitchell said. “We have the equipment to do whatever is needed to maintain the turf; there’s just so much durability and usage for an artificial field that you cannot get from having natural grass!”
E G O student chronicles
Common Ground By Billy Washington Photographs by Norman J. Dotson Jr.
By Norman J. Dotson Photographs by Wil Norwood
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ome people may overlook him at first. As they pass by, ignore him even. But if you know Chad Murray, you cannot resist speaking to him; that’s mainly because he is one of the most unique people on Southern University’s campus and that’s not only because he is in a wheelchair.
Overcoming Obstacles “God has put me in a wheelchair to spread joy not depression,” said Murray. “My mission is to give that to others.” Now a senior, Murray has continued to overcome many obstacles and plans to maneuver through many more. Currently, he has a 2.5 GPA, which is considered “average.” That “makes me like everyone else,” he said.
Chad Murray, 23-year-old psychology major from Houma, La. is a prime example of someone who has been through many hardships and not let the trials and tribulations he has encountered throughout life deter him from achieving his goals. His challenges have encouraged him to set his goals “higher and higher.”
“During my freshman semesters (2006- 2007), I went to every party,” said Murray. “I even hitch-hiked a ride to a party one time,” he laughed. “Now I’m trying to graduate so I had to chill out a bit,” Murray claims.
Growing up Murray was born with scoliosis (a curving of the spine that can result in back pain, uneven shoulders or hips, and fatigue). Though he was treated by dialysis, Murray still was afflicted with kidney failure; however, that problem did not prevent him from joining a local basketball team.
Chad Murray During his “hoop” days, as Murray described it, he pulled his hip which caused a joint to slip out of place. Since the age of 12, Murray has been in a wheelchair as a result. Not only was he encountering further physical devastation, but arou nd the same time Murray lost his father, escalating his experience to emotional heart-breaking pain. Most people who encounter devastation like the events Murray dealt with early in life, can be depressed for life. Seclusion from society and even suicide are not unlikely conclusions for individuals who feel crushed by life. Murray, on the other hand, thought the opposite. He is a true living testimony to the power of endurance.
When Murray began this journey in a wheelchair, he admits, he had to get adjusted to it and take in the many awkward stares people would give him because of his disability. “When I was younger, I felt like an outcast. My homie told me that I’m the same as anyone else; I could do the same things anyone else could do. Ever since then, I’ve been pushing the bar higher and higher.” He has noticed how SU could better assist the disabled by providing separate buses for wheelchair users and building an elevator in Seymour. “It’s cool that they have the ramp but I don’t have a motorized wheelchair, and it’s a workout to get from down to up stairs,” Murray admitted.
Accomplishments When asked about his accomplishments and goals, Murray replied with humbly.“Seeing another day is an accomplishment,” he said. They told my mama I wasn’t going to make it. They told her I wasn’t going to live or see my third birthday. Every day I prove them wrong” Murray hopes to earn a doctorate in psychology in the near future.
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K
ayla Williams, 24, is someone who can be described as having a determined and disciplined character. Williams, born and reared in Baton Rouge, is currently in her first year in the MBA program at Southern University’s College of Business. She has also received three associate degrees from Baton Rouge Community College (BRCC).
Overcomming Obstacles
Accomplishments
Williams has been in a wheelchair for about 9 years now and says she is grateful for the people who have helped her during her complicated transition.
Williams’ future endeavors involve receiving a master’s degree, then, attending law school. She also plans to be a mentor for kids, helping them through tough transitions, much like the ones she has so gracefully overcome. “I want to be the best I can be and I want to help those with needs. People
Kayla Williams
Growing up When she was younger, she says, she was an average adolescent who “minded her own business,” and “stayed out of trouble by being involved in student activities such as ROTC and the cheerleading squad” she said. “One night,” Williams remembers, while she was waiting for a friend after a football game, tragedy struck. An “unknown man” concealing a gun at the sporting event shot an unsuspecting Williams. The injuries from the gunshot left Williams barely alive--consequently paralyzing her entire body. “When it first happened, I was wondering where would I go from here,” she said. “I became very depressed because I didn’t know what the next step would be,” continued Williams. “The next step was becoming accustomed to living in a wheelchair.”
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“Things that I used to do on my own, I now need help; I have received a lot of help especially from the teachers because they helped me out by encouraging me,” Williams said. Williams, too, has concerns with the accessibility accommodations provided by Southern. She noticed that more automatic doors are needed on campus. “While I was at BRCC, I saw a lot of automatic doors with the handicap button. We need that over here. Money also needs to be put toward the paving out of the roads and walkways, instead, for example, of building a stadium,” she said. Williams is also concerned about Southern conducting fire drills and designating fire escape routes for those who are disabled. She said she has not had a fire-drill since beginning at the university, but she knows that “when people are panicking, they won’t think about me.”
normally see the wheelchair but my aim is to make people see me as a person, see beyond the wheelchair,” she finished.
Both of these remarkable students should enable us to reflect upon ourselves and not take things for granted. Their stories should also motivate us to do better in our every endeavor. Being impaired has enhanced their work ethic and tenacity to succeed in life . We should never look down upon anyone who is different. Whether it be a wheelchair, speech impediment, or disfigurement, differences are , surprisingly enough, what tend to connect us. Murray and Williams have reached surmountable achievements and they deserve the utmost respect. But that’s if you take the time to get to know them.
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student chronicles E G O Jaguar Greatness
Pete Richardson and wife Lillian RainesRichardson celebrae the Jaguars’ victory in the MEAC/ SWAC challenge vs. the Flordia A&M Rattlers, Labor Day 2007.
Legal expansion
Southern University Law Center students have more room to learn, thanks to the recently-completed $4.1 million addition to A.A. Lenoir Hall. The addition included three classrooms, seminar rooms and faculty offices and lounges.
Photograph by April Buffington
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Its Lo
nely a
t the T op
Brian C woodc ain won firs t plac ut pr Arts St int in Southe e for his IL A do udent rn Univ artwor E ersity V re k is cur xhibition in isual Oc rently o n displa tober. Cain’s y at the Photo Visual g raph by Wi Arts Gallery. l Nor
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“Be clo the stil thin trat
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Top
Adore isual ain’s sual ery.
od
Photographs by April Buffington
“Just being with these boys; it’s like a family, you know; me being away from home, when I came down here I didn’t know anybody, but being around these guys, I started meeting their families and I got comfortable and this became my home for these four years. It’s been a great time here, but all good things must come to an end.”
Brian Threat
“Being around everybody, joking around, clowning around; we got so comfortable to the point where we could do that still and still be concentrating on the game, I don’t think a lot of teams can do that and concentrate on the game.”
Bryant Lee
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2nd All-time in recieving yardage (2,668)
SU leading pass catcher (201)
Juamorris Stewart, 88
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Baton Rouge native, and former Southern University standout wide-reciever, Juamorris Stewart had his dreams realized this past NFL off-season,when he had his pick of teams to chose from later in the 2011 draft.
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yard touchdown from then Tennessee quarterback, Johnathan Crompton.
round the sixth or seventh round of this years NFL (National Football League) draft, Juamorris Stewart, Southern star wide-receiver began to receive calls from several NFL teams. In an attempt to sign the undrafted, free-agent talent, teams began calling one after another-
Not having the opportunity to display his skill at the 2010 NFL combine, there was bit of uncertainty in Stewart’s future plans, as he was projected by ESPN as a sixth, or seventh round pick.
Miami. Dallas.. Buffalo... Seattle.... Cleveland..... Minneapolis......
In order to accomplish great things in life, there’s always a one aspect present- that driving force. For Stewart, that force was playing at the highest level of American Football- the NFL.
were some teams who were in the sweepstakes to sign quite possibly the greatest receiver in Southern University’s history. He chose Neither...
And he knew that cementing himself as one of the greatest receivers in Southern history would definitely give him a chance to get that call he has awaited since high
Photograph by April Buffington
From Roaring to Soaring school football.
Instead, he signed a two-year deal with the-
A
“I knew being one of the best guys here would give me a great chance at playing at the next level,” he said. And it did.
rizona Cardinals.
Road to the NFL If leading the SWAC in all major receiving categories was not enough for Stewart to get some attention by NFL
By Darrius T. Harrison
Istrouma high school Like many players who make it to the next level, Stewart pursued football unaware he had the potential to play in the NFL.
scouts, in his final collegiate performance, the Texas vs. The Nation college All Star game, he ended his day with 90-yards and a 36-
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Stewart said, “High school I would say...my junior year in high school. I heard my coaches say it throughout my sophomore year, but I really started believing it my junior year. I worked hard that summer and realized
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I really started believing it my junior year, basically that year I told myself I was going to play in the NFL.
”
“I looked at some options, if I was going to stay on the division I level, I was going to have to miss two years; and that was something I was not willing to do.”
Coming to Southern Although he did not sign with Southern initially, he and Southern wide-receivers coach Eric Dooley remained in contact thereafter. A decision which proved beneficial to both Stewart and the Jaguar program, as he began looking elsewhere for somewhere to hang his jersey. Stewart ended his collegiate campaign leading Southern University’s total receptions list with 201 catches, only trailing one receiver, Michael Hayes, with 2,668 career receiving yards and 25 touchdown catches. Photograph by Trevor James
hard work paid off, had a big year; realized I could play with any guys in the country.” “Basically that year I told myself I was going to play in the NFL,” he said.
Next for #88 “Next step is to become a big name in the NFL,” he said. “Get out there, get to know the guys, get to know the system and become one of those guys you see every Sunday on the field!”
Not only did that hard work pay off his senior year, but it was going to pay off in college with the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles Division I football program, as well... SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI?
Southern Miss After high school, Stewart decided to play on the Division I level, not an uncommon decision for talented atheletes. He chose Conference USA’s Southern Mississippi. While at Southern Mississippi, the coaching staff attempted to convert the high-school prized wide-receiver (offensive) to line-backer (defensive); a frustrating time he called it. “I felt a little betrayed, so I decided to leave,” he said. Photograph by April Buffington
J u a m o r ris Stewa r t
It was in his junior year at Istrouma, Stewart remembers, his coaches made him realize he had what it took to play at the next level.
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E G O n the next issue
Cheese Please
Southern University’s Beta Psi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. brought home regional, second place honors, in last year’s Sprite Step Off Competition.
Photograph by Wil Norwood
Enlighten Me
Students sit in on a legislative session to discuss the weight of the effects of these budget cuts on Southern University.
Photograph by Norman J. Dotson, Jr.
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Hell NO! ...we won’t go!
Students rally out side of the Smith-Brown Memorial Union to protest the state imposed budget cuts.
Photograph byNorman J. Dotson, Jr.
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Sara Barfield
I learned strength, mentally and characteristically (from Southern University). I choose SU bc it was a family traditon. I’d grown up loving the jaguar nation and aside from Spelman, I had no desire to be anywhere else.
Donyelle T. Chaney
I gained an even more in-depth perspective of who I am as an individual. I became fully aware of the things I desire and developed a drive to attain those goals.
Last Remarks from the
Graduating Class of 2010 By Sam D. Ross Photographs by Norman J. Dotson, Jr.
Brandon Leonard
“If I haven’t learned anything from Southern, I have learned to CYA (cover your assets)”
DeAndre Lloyd
I learned to develop good people skills, to network; and if things don’t work out for you the first time around, continue to follow up.
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Ego MAGAZINE
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