Tuesday, March 22 by The Appalachian

Mar.

22 2016

INSIDE

THE SHOW MUST GO ON

APP STATE COMEDY CLUB

Page 6-7

DIVERSIFYING HOLLYWOOD

Page 5

SOFTBALL GETS SWEPT Page 8

Pages 10

Forum Series Mae Jemison

“Exploring the Frontiers of Science and Human Potential” WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30, 7PM SCHAEFER CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 733 RIVERS STREET, BOONE, NC Free and Open to the Public Dr. Mae C. Jemison, the first woman of color in the world to go into space, served six years as a NASA astronaut and was NASA’s first science mission specialist performing experiments in material science, life science and human adaptation to weightlessness. Dr. Jemison is currently leading an initiative to assure the capability for human interstellar space travel to another star is possible within the next 100 years. Her technology consulting firm The Jemison Group, Inc. integrates the critical impact of socio-cultural issues when designing and implementing technologies, including the use of satellite technology for healthcare delivery in West Africa and solar dish Stirling engines for electricity generation in developing countries.

www.universityforum.appstate.edu w ww ww.univ ivers r ity tyforu r m.appstate.edu Sponsored by: University Forum Committee and University College with additional support from the Joan Askew Vail Endowment and the Office of Multicultural Student Development

Appalachian State University’s Faculty Senate presents:

The State of the State of North Carolina March 24 & March 31, 7pm Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts 733 Rivers Street, Boone, NC FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Faculty Senate presents these public lectures in advance of the 2016 election season to offer perspectives to the public about issues facing the citizens of North Carolina. Sponsored by: Office of the Chancellor • Academic Affairs • Business Affairs Student Development • University Advancement • College of Arts & Sciences Beaver College of Health Sciences • Walker College of Business College of Fine & Applied Arts • Hayes School of Music Reich College of Education • University Libraries

John Hood MARCH 24 President, John William Pope Foundation

William Barber II MARCH 31 President, North Carolina NAACP

E T

C E T E R A

THE TEAM Malik Rahili @malikrahili EDITOR-IN-CHIEF EDITORIAL MULTIMEDIA BUSINESS

Charlotte Wray @_charlottewray MANAGING EDITOR Aleah Warner @aleahwarner CHIEF COPY EDITOR

Ignacio Martinez-Alvarez @theappalachian BUSINESS MANAGER

Carl Blankenship @carl_r_blank NEWS EDITOR Katie Murawski @murawskikm A&E EDITOR

Stephanie Sansoucy @stephsans DIRECTOR OF MARKETING Allison Bennett Dyche @allisonbdyche ADVISER

Lee Sanderlin @theappsports SPORTS EDITOR Kevin Griffin @theappalachian OPINION EDITOR

CRIME LOG CAMPUS MAR. 20

MAR. 19

1:51 a.m. | Underage Consumption of Alcohol Bowie Hall Three students were arrested for underage consumption of alcohol.

1:59 a.m. | Underage Consumption of Alcohol White Hall A woman was arrested for underage consumption of alcohol.

MAR. 20

MAR. 19

12:09 a.m. | Underage Consumption of Alcohol Frank Hall Three students were arrested for underage consumption of alcohol.

1:16 p.m. | Larceny Sanford Mall Under investigation.

MAR. 18

10:01 a.m. | Larceny Belk Library Complex Leads exhausted.

11:50 p.m. | Underage Consumption of Alcohol Mountaineer Hall Four students were arrested for underage consumption of alcohol.

MAR. 19

MAR 17

3:18 a.m. | Underage Consumption of Alcohol White Hall Three students were arrested for underage consumption of alcohol.

10:13 p.m. | Drug Violation Bowie Hall A student was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia.

MAR. 20

Dallas Linger @littlelingerkid PHOTO EDITOR Carson Fletcher @theappalachian VIDEO EDITOR Dylan Dow @zen_dow WEB MANAGER

FRESH.

FAST. TASTY.

N E W S

PIE A PROFFESOR HALIE HAMILTON NEWS REPORTER

SERIOUS DELIVERY!

★ JIMMYJOHNS.COM ★

he American Sign Language Club raised money for the a North Carolina School for the Deaf in Morganton on Friday, by having students pay to pie a professor. A student could pay $3 to throw a pie at a professor once, or they could pay $5 to throw a pie at them twice. “This event is important because the proceeds go to a good cause,” Savanna Lupton, secretary for ASL, said, “and who wouldn’t want to pie a professor in the face?” In total, five professors volunteered to participate in the event. These included Alicia Toomey, Lisa Runner, Jennifer Dalton, Louise Keegan and Melissa Bright. Aside from Runner, all of these professors work in the Communication Sciences and Disorders department. Students were able to nominate professors to get pied, but only these five agreed. Dalton said that she invited all of her students to the event and would give extra credit to those who paid to throw a pie her. At one point, six of her students got in a line to throw pies at her.

“My favorite thing is the look of total discomfort of students right before they do it,” Dalton said. Savanna Lupton, secretary for ASL, said that she took two ASL classes and loved learning about sign language and deaf culture, leading her to join the ASL Club. This event started last fall as a fun way to raise money, and they have been planning the spring event since the first week of the semester. “I did the one last fall and I decided to do it because it is a perk of the job, something that is really fun,” Dalton said. “If I can use who I am here to help raise some cash for a population that my profession serves then let me have that chance.” Dalton said that the state cut funding to the deaf schools in North Carolina, which caused a lot of schools to close. One that has remained open is the North Carolina School for the Deaf. “We try to do what we can to support them so the money we raise today is going to go to them, they are likely to use it to buy materials for the classroom,” Dalton said.

A R T S

E N T E R T A I N M E N T

APP STATE'S FUNNY BONE ASU STAND-UP CLUB GIVES STUDENTS A VENUE FOR COMEDY

n the fall of 2015, a lecturer at Appalachian State approached several students with an idea to provide a venue for anyone with an interest in stand-up comedy to perform their routines. By the end of the semester, the club Appalachian State Stand-Up was officially founded. Danny Malloy, a philosophy lecturer, originally wanted to teach a class on the philosophy of stand-up comedy. The university denied his request, as the subject fell outside of his department. Instead of giving up on comedy altogether, Malloy emailed senior sociology major Eric Stevens and several other students about forming a club dedicated to stand-up comedy instead. “The first meeting was early last semester with just a few people from [Malloy’s] classes who were interested,” Stevens said. Over the course of the fall semester the club grew. What started as five comedically inclined students meeting to crack jokes has evolved into an organization with 20 writers and seven regular performers.The aspiring comedians meet three times a week, and Monday night meetings are dedicated to writing new material. “Everyone brings in whatever ideas they have,” sophomore English secondary education major Brooke Hayhurst said. “It’s pretty beneficial to be able to collaborate with other people.” Every other Monday, several members perform at The Local’s open mic night. The club meets for rehearsal on Wednesdays in room 119 of I.G. Greer from 8-9 p.m. before heading over to Appalachian Mountain Brewery. “AMB is one of the first places that really bought into us and had us perform,” Stevens said. The club is so well-received at the High Country microbrewery that they dedicated the last 30 minutes of their open mic night to the comedians. “The first time the club showed up, [AMB] was just so happy to have someone there who wasn’t playing acoustic guitar,” Malloy said. As the comedians perform their sets under ever-changing lights, the audience can be heard laughing and encouraging the performers. Some patrons even crack jokes back at the comedians. Every other Friday, the club has started hosting an on-campus show. During the weeks they are not performing, they screen stand-up specials that are available on Netflix or HBO. For now, the shows and screenings take place in room 119 of I.G. Greer. The club’s first on-campus show on Feb. 19 had the classroom packed to standing room only. This full house proved to be beneficial to the club which is trying to establish a bigger on-campus presence this semester, Malloy said.

Austin Hale

BY AUSTIN HALE A&E REPORTER

Grace Todd and Eric Stevens perform their sets at Appalachian Mountain Brewery. “We want to be able to sustain the live shows on campus and hopefully move to a better venue,” Malloy said. “[I.G. Greer] 119 is lovely, but it’s still a classroom.” Hayhurst said club meetings are structured in a way to help the members grow as comedians. “It looks like a bunch of students just riffing off of each other the entire time,” Hayhurst said. But the members have goals and they reach them, albeit in their own dysfunctional way, Hayhurst said. In the long term, Malloy hopes the club will be the start of a comedy scene in Boone. This goal, he said, is definitely feasible.

As long as there are talented young performers who continue to write and perform, there is no reason comedy can’t come to Boone, Stevens said. Boone is a perfect town for stand-up and the arts as a whole. Over the past summer Stevens went to New York City to perform at open mic nights at various comedy clubs. There, comedians perform almost entirely to other comedians, all waiting their turn to give their set. “Boone gets a really good turnout,” Stevens said. “The performers are supportive and there’s a big turnout of people who are interested in being at the

bar and seeing acts.” Stevens said the crowds in Boone are also much more forgiving. “I found it to be a really good place to get a start,” he said. Hayhurst never performed stand-up before joining the club, and as a transfer from Western Carolina, she never had the chance to perform. “I’m a giant stand-up comedy nerd,” Hayhurst said. “Once I found out there was a club I seized the opportunity.” Those interested in joining the standup club can attend their meetings in I.G. Greer 119 on Mondays and Wednesdays at 8 p.m.

SAVING THE APPAL

BY ALEAH WARNER C

ince 2008, The Appalachian Theatre has been empty. There is no longer a concession stand at the building’s entrance. There are no seats for attendees, and no screen to show films. Aside from the walls and floors, all that remains are the stage and the balcony. But it wasn’t always this way. When the theater was open, it had rows of seats for members of the community and students to sit, and a large screen that showed westerns, news reels and various films. It had an art deco style, with patterned carpeting and furniture. The exterior was a wall of black, white and bright green structural glass. The marquee extended out above the sidewalk, with a large “A” emblem in the center. Written on the neon marquee was “Breaking the Ice,” the first film the theater showed. It was November 1938, and The Appalachian Theatre had just opened. A PICTURE PALACE The theater had undergone drastic structural changes before it closed in 2007. The building sat empty for eight years, but now a combined effort from the Town of Boone and the Downtown

Boone Development Association has the theater fast-tracked to restoration with construction beginning this month. When it was open, The Appalachian Theatre was a source of entertainment for Boone for almost 80 years. Eric Plaag, the head of the theater’s archives and history committee, said that in its prime, the Appalachian Theatre was a place that held something for nearly everyone in the community. Teenagers went there on first dates and younger children were sent to the theater to watch the shows while their parents shopped in the downtown stores. “It was kind of a show place for Boone,” Plaag said. “You had this kind of crazy, gaudy, art deco carpet and furnishings in there. The movies here would change every day or every two days. This was the entertainment.” The theater held 999 seats, while the population of Boone was 1,788 in 1940, according to the United States Decennial Census. This meant that the theater only had to have two performances in a day to accommodate the entire town. Plaag said that the theater’s owner, W. R. Winkler, chose to only have 999 seats because there was a state tax for performances at venues with over 1,000 seats. Matinee showings were only nine

(Left) Theater facade in 1938 compared with today’s. (Right) Theater entran cents at the time, but the tax was ten cents per ticket. “So you may wonder, why is he building this massive movie theater at that time?” Plaag said. “Mr. Winkler was always ahead of his time from a business standpoint and he knew that things were growing here in Boone, between what was then Appalachian State Teachers College and various industries.”

AFTER THE FIRE In 1950, an employee at The Appalachian Theatre was heating oil to make popcorn in a small room next to the stage. The employee, a teenage boy, had a crush on the girl working the concession stand, Plaag said. After dropping off a batch of popcorn to the concession stand, the boy remained at the stand to talk with the girl, leaving the popcorn oil to overheat Images courtesy of the Sams Family and

LACHIAN THEATRE

CHIEF COPY EDITOR

Fischer said. “I remember going upstairs to watch movies and thinking ‘Boy, that screen is small, and it’s weirdly positioned.’” Carmike Cinemas purchased Essantee Theatres, Inc. in 1986, obtaining The Appalachian Theatre and eventually closing it in 2007 as its popularity decreased. “Most people don’t go to the movies anymore,” Fischer said. “In 1946, which was the height of film exhibition in America, every American went to the movie theaters once every 10 days. Back then it was the only thing in town, but ever since the rise of television, the film exhibition has declined.”

nce in 1947 compared with today’s. and start a fire. The fire caused the theater’s tiered ceiling to collapse and damage the upper walls. In the renovation, Winkler changed the ceiling to a barrel vault style and added an addition to the front of the theater’s stage to accommodate a larger cinema screen, ending the theater’s ability to host live performances. Essantee Theatres, Inc. purchased

the theater from Winkler in 1976 and continued making changes to the theater’s structure. The company turned the balcony area into a second room for screening and renamed the theater the Appalachian Twin in an attempt to increase profits. “A lot of the beautiful architecture that had been built in the 1930’s had been lost,” member of the theater’s archives and history committee Craig

the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE Frank Mongeluzzi, a developer, purchased the building in 2008 with the intent of creating a music venue, but he filed bankruptcy shortly after stripping the building of the major interior and exterior structure, according to a 2011 town council meeting revealing that the Town of Boone made an offer to purchase The Appalachian Theatre. The DBDA and The Appalachian Theatre of the High Country nonprofit group have since purchased the theater from the town and have agreed to try

to keep the restoration as close to the theater’s original design as possible. The theater will return to a tiered ceiling and similar carpeting and furniture. The exterior will have a marquee and the black, white and green facade that replicates the original building. “When we talk about the splendor of 1938, that’s what we’re kind of trying to restore it to,” Fischer said. “It’s the perfect example of a neighborhood picture palace.” When the theater is reopened, it will be equipped to host more than just film screenings. “One of the things we’re doing with this project is trying to create a space that is not only showing movies, but can do a wide range of performances,” Plaag said. “Live music, plays, ballet, opera and things like that. The only way to survive these days is to be multifunctional in that way.” In addition to the main theater, the task force is also planning to use second floor space next to the balcony as a community room for smaller theater performances. With $6.1 million raised of the $7.8 million goal, Plaag said construction on the building will begin in March. 7

S P O R T S

SOFTBALL GETS SWEPT

APP STATE SPUTTERS IN SERIES WITH TROY BY LEE SANDERLIN & JASON HUBER SPORTS EDITOR & SR. SPORTS REPORTER

GAME 1 Friday's first game in the double header wasn't a pretty one for the Mountaineers. App fell behind early against the Troy Trojans and never came back, losing 11-1 in just five short innings. The Trojans scored four runs in the top of the first inning and refused to look back as they cruised on to their 19th win of the year and second in the Sun Belt. Hannah Day got the day started for the Trojans, belting a three-run shot to left center. Day finished the game with four RBIs, the best on her team in game one. Heather Johnston, Becca Hartley and Erica Davis all recorded an RBI each for the Trojans. Johnston's came on a solo shot to left center, her first of the season. Freshman Annaleise Kennedy started the day in the circle for the Mountaineers, but wouldn't stay there long. Kennedy gave up seven runs, five earned, on seven hits in just 1.1 innings of action. Fellow freshman pitcher Claire Eosso came on in relief for Kennedy, and threw 2.2 solid innings, allowing just one run in that span, before giving up three runs in the top of the fifth, bringing the mercy rule into play for the Mountaineers. The Trojan pitching found a groove all game against the Mountaineer bats, giving up just six hits in one run. Senior Ashley Rainey started the game for the Trojans and went four innings giving up just one run on six hits. The lone run came in the bottom of the fourth when Pepper Butler smacked a two-out double to center field and was able to plate Heather Josey as a result. Despite the loss, the Mountaineers' Natalie Orcutt continued her torrid hitting this season, the lone bright spot for the team during the 11-1 loss. Orcutt went 2-3 in the game, improving her batting average to .362 on the season. "I'm really proud of [Natalie]," head coach Janice Savage said. "Since we put her in the lead off spot she's done really well for us." GAME 2 Game two started as a promising one for the Mountaineers, as they got off to a scorching start compared to game one. Junior Vanessa Ciocatto started game two in the circle for the Apps, and limited Troy's offense in the first inning, giving up just two runs. Then came the Mountaineer bats. Orcutt got things started with a first inning walk, and would eventually score on an RBI single from Heather Josey. Then, with two on base, senior Cara Parker ripped a three-run shot, putting the Apps up 4-2, which would be their only lead of the game. Troy responded quickly, scoring four runs of their own in the top of the second, anchored by two home runs, a solo shot by Hartley and a two run blast from Day. The Mountaineers responded in the bottom half of the inning, scoring two runs on an Orcutt homer to opposite field. The home run was Orcutt's second of the season. Troy burst open the floodgates in the top of the third, scoring 11 runs, all coming against Ciocatto. In total Ciocatto gave up 17 runs, 15 earned, on 15 hits. Day was the big story in both games. Day hit two more home runs in the second game, both in the third inning. The first was a two-run shot and the second was a grand slam. Day finished the game. 5-5 with two doubles, three home runs and nine RBIs. For the day she totaled four home runs and 13 RBIs. The Trojans continued to pour it on, scoring six more runs in the top of the fifth, giving them a 23-6 advantage, which would be the final margin after the Mountaineers failed to gain any ground in the bottom of the fifth. The Apps committed five errors in the game, something coach Savage was equal parts surprised and disappointed about. "We've been playing great ball defensively, I mean flawless ball defensively for the last three weeks," Savage said. "I think tonight came down to having to get up and go to class, and then having to [come play]." GAME 3 The Mountaineers fell 25-19 in a seven inning slugfest against Troy during the final game of the series on March 19, despite setting program records for home runs in a game with seven and total bases with 41, during a contest that lasted over four hours. App State honored their senior center fielder before the game, with the day being declared “Pepper Butler Day.” Ciocatto, starting in the circle for the Mountaineers, struggled early, giving up five earned runs to put the Mountaineers in a 5-0 hole. App State dug themselves out of it quickly when Orcutt got on the board with an RBI from freshman infielder 8

Freshman catcher Jenny Dodd prepares for a play at home in an attempt to prevent a run against Troy on March 18. Jenny Dodd. Parker then hit her first of two home runs on the night with a three RBI homer to right center which brought in Dodd and sophomore infielder Tiffany Taynor to bring the Mountaineers within one run, trailing 5-4. “I think knowing what they were throwing, watching film and expecting things just helped us come through,” Parker said when asked about their success at the plate in game three in comparison to their previous two games against the Trojans. The top of the third brought more damage from Troy’s Day and center fielder Carli Kayler as both homered, bringing the Trojan's lead to 9-4. The two would combine to go 9-for-12 (.750) with six home runs, eight runs scored and 15 RBI in the game. Day finished the three game series with 12 hits, 19 RBI and six home runs. After a three RBI home run from Dodd and infielder Josey in the fourth inning, App State once again was only trailing 9-8. “We threw everything at [Day] and we even tried to walk [Day] and she still hit the ball,” Savage said. “[Day] did a great job by making adjustments for our pitching staff but she had a great weekend.” Down in the sixth inning 16-10, Butler connected on her second home run of the game, a three-run shot, driving in Parker and Josey to make it a 16-13 game. “It felt really special, I never thought I would do that,” Butler said in reference to her two home runs. “Especially since it was a pressure situation since it was my day. It was fun and I felt really relaxed.” Trailing 16-15 after a seven-run rally with two outs, Savage made a coaching mistake by sending Dodd to the plate despite being replaced by a pinch runner earlier in the inning and never officially re-entered Dodd in the game. The Trojans took quick notice of the rule violation and called a challenge that would rule Dodd out and end the inning. Savage threw her own challenge flag, but after looking at the rulebook, the ruling stood and the inning came to an end. “It is my mistake, and that is something I need to get better at as a coach,” Savage said. “I definitely think it was a huge momentum change for us, but who knows what would have happened.” Troy took advantage with a nine-run seventh inning expanding the lead to 25-15. “After coming back and giving up nine runs the next inning, it doesn’t really help when you’re down one,” Savage said. The Mountaineers would score four more runs capping a game that had seven App State players hit home runs, a combined 44 runs, 52 hits and 91 total bases. “Every time we put up 19 runs, we should be winning a ball game,” Savage said. “But the exciting thing is we can put up 19 runs against one of the top teams in the conference.” Putting up an offensive showcase against one of the top teams in the conference, the team is taking away the positives. “I always knew we were a good comeback team," Butler said. "We just never give up.” “I think it is encouraging since it is the beginning of the year," Parker said. "We have a long way to go and we are just trying to make adjustments and get better everyday. It is a big fight for us and we know we can compete with anyone.” With the conclusion of the series the Mountaineers now stand at 6-23 on the season, 1-5 in the Sun Belt. Troy improved to 21-7 on their season and 4-2 in Sun Belt play. App State continues their home stand with a doubleheader against Morehead State on March 22. First pitch of game one is slated for 4 p.m.

Lee Sanderlin

S P O R T S

GROWING PAINS

Women’s basketball head coach Angel Elderkin draws a play during a huddle in their final game of the 2015 regular season.

ELDERKIN IS READY TO LOOK AT A CHAMPIONSHIP RUN BY COLIN TATE SPORTS REPORTER

hen the clock hit 00:00 on March 9 against Arkansas State, Appalachian State’s women's basketball season was officially over. With a record worse than last season’s by four games and a first round loss in the Sun Belt Tournament to Arkansas State for the second straight year, positives would be hard to come by for most teams. But that is not the case with the players and coaches. Both saw the team grow, improve and gain experience this season and look forward to the start of next year. “Some of the things we were able to do with this team I was really proud of,” head coach Angel Elderkin said. “However, if we would have given more of a consistent effort I think that it would’ve translated into a couple more wins. We gained valuable experience, so when you look at us moving forward for next year, it’s really exciting.” Whether it was injuries or inexperience to lack of consistency, players said the team faced a lot of adversity this season. Junior forward Mia Marshall said that adversity helped the team in the long run. “Sometimes walls are put in front of you as challenges and people will see it and take it as a sign like, ‘I need to turn around. Obviously I’m doing something wrong,’” Marshall said. “But with our team, something that really stuck with me is, ‘Delay is not denial.’ Although that wall is in front of us, it just gives us something to work towards.” One thing that the team learned this year was how important speed was to their playing style. In their victory against Troy, the team had over 100 possessions, a trend that continued for the rest of the season. Whenever the team had a high number of possessions, they were in a much better position to win. “When we played fast, we were successful,” Elderkin said. “We’ve got to train our team right now to be able to play that fast.” Playing at that speed will require players to put in a lot of work in the offseason. “You may think you’re working hard, but there’s people out there that are working just as hard as you are,” Marshall said. “So when you step on that court, always give your all.” Elderkin’s style includes playing and practicing with speed and passion. Players have picked up and embraced her influence. “I’ve learned from her a lot about heart and passion,” junior forward Ashley Bassett-Smith said. “She gives everything she has to the team, and it inspires you to want to dive on the floor and get those extra rebounds and hustle plays. She’s really instilled that in our team. In the future, it’s gonna be a legacy that we leave that you don’t step on the floor unless you’re ready to give everything that you got.” The players feed off Elderkin to work on that up-tempo style of play.

“Her love for the game is something that resonates with everyone,” Marshall said. “If you can’t feel it when she’s in there talking to us, this is not the game to play. This is not where you should be. Her passion is something that is undeniable. It makes you want to go out there every day and give 110 percent, not just 100.” While the fast-paced offense is still a go-to for Elderkin and her coaching staff, the team worked to come up with a defense that deviated from Elderkin’s typical man-toman. “Our defense definitely struggled early on in the season and through mid-season, but now we’ve finally come into our own, running this type of matchup-zone sagging-man, and that’s been working for us,” Marshall said. Elderkin said that the team had more success guarding the better athletes in the Sun Belt with the new defense. “That was what allowed us to be in a lot of games,” Elderkin said. “It allowed us to beat Lafayette. It allowed us to beat Troy. So when we’re overmatched from an athletic standpoint that was a better defensive scheme. Although I love man-to-man, I know that, in order to have our team be successful, we have to be able to commit to some kind of zone looks.” Late in the season, with that new defensive scheme in place and needing two wins to get into the conference tournament, the Mountaineers headed to Georgia in search of those victories. They got them. The team beat Georgia Southern and Georgia State in back to back road games, the first time the Mountaineers won two road games in a row all season, guaranteeing a spot in the tournament. “These were the determining games of our season, so we bought into the game plan, and we gave it everything we had,” Bassett-Smith said. “We made sure we had the hustle plays and second chance points, and we pulled out some victories.” While those would be the last wins of the Angel Elderkin season for Appalachian State, they give the team confidence heading into next year, which will see five new faces on the team. The Mountaineers had their first team meeting for next season March 16, and in it, for the first time since she has been a coach at Appalachian State, Elderkin spoke of championships, despite the subpar 2015-2016 campaign. Elderkin, who believes that championships are won in the offseason, said that part of the routine for the upcoming season will be to watch the final minute of the Sun Belt Championship from this past year. “Our mentality now is going to be, every time we get together to train, condition, [lift] weights, [and practice] on the court, we are training to beat the best team in the Sun Belt,” Elderkin said.

"If we would have given more of a consistent effort I think that it would've translated into a couple more wins. We gained valuable experience, so when you look at us moving forward for next year, it's really exciting."

Lee Sanderlin

O P I N I O N

HOLLYWOOD MUST INCREASE DIVERSITY

he Ralph J. Bunche Center for African American Studies at UCLA released a report which revealed a not-so-surprising conclusion: Hollywood is horrible at portraying diversity. In every category, Hollywood does a poor job at representing any group except white males. Around 40 percent of the United States population consists of ethnic minorities, according to the United States Census Bureau. However, only 17 percent of the lead roles in theatrical films were ethnic minorities. Furthermore, women, who make up half of the U.S. population, only held 23 percent of the lead roles in theatrical releases. As disappointing as this is, it is not unexpected, especially when you consider that all the CEOs in Hollywood’s 18 studios are male, and 94 percent are white. What is surprising about the report is that films with relatively diverse casts boast a higher median return on their investment, a fact that Hollywood executives seem to be ignoring. It seems that while they understand that diversity is good for the bottom line, they instead continue

QUENTIN RUSSELL

is a freshman journalism major from Charlotte, who is an opinion writer. with the current status quo because they feel that this is the “safe” investment. This way of thinking is flawed, and Hollywood needs to shape up and needs to diversify because representation matters. Representation is important because it allows people to feel heard, seen and understood. In a real sense, it makes people feel like they are part of the world. It helps individuals build identities and feel proud of who they are. Whether the issue is skin color, gender or sexuality, that validation is necessary. As a white, heterosexual male, there is no lack of representation for me in the media. I can look to Spiderman, Batman or Superman. But for a young black girl, a young Hispanic boy and especially for a transgender person, there is almost nothing in the media that says, “This is someone like me.”

And so they are stuck looking to heterosexual white men as their inspiration and they are left to feel abnormal and left out. This isn’t right, and it certainly isn’t fair. Just because of their individual characteristics and the prejudices of the dominant culture, many people don’t have heroes. Without characters they can identify with, these people could be left feeling like there is something wrong with them. They don’t feel that they can be as important or special as their counterparts who have more “mainstream” identities, which often becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. There is hope in television though. Over time, television has become more than doom, gloom and homogenized white men. With the popularity of shows such as “How to Get Away With Murder,” “Black-ish” and “Fresh Off the Boat,” cable television has increased in diversity. There are benefits to this aside from the social effects. In the case of both movies and TV, we see there is a higher return on investment when the casts are more diverse, the report

states. Because of this, it is highly probable that greater diversity will be on the way. As report co-author Ana Christina Ramón said to NPR, “Whenever TV networks see a formula that works and makes money, they want to also replicate that.” And right now, the shows that make money are shows that portray a greater amount of diversity that better matches the diversity within America. The fact that television is changing does also provide hope that movies will eventually follow suit, which is great and will definitely increase representation for those that don’t have it currently. The representation and depictions of people with the same skin, hair or orientation will help show them that they can be special. And that’s what everyone deserves: a symbol they can point to and say “They are special even with this trait. I have this trait so I can be special too.” Diversity and representation matter. That’s why its heartening to see television improve, and disheartening to see the state of Hollywood.

HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF OFFFICE HOURS

n more than two years of college, I have found that meeting with professors during their office hours has consistently brought me success in my classes. No matter what class it was, if I just took the time to meet with my professor outside of the classroom, my grades improved afterwards. For example, I am currently enrolled in a biology class and not doing well. I went to my professor for help and he not only went over my quiz with me, explaining why my answers were wrong, but he also gave me some extra points after I explained to him why I chose the answer I did. He also offered to sit with me and ask me questions pertaining to the next quiz, like a study group. But instead of a group of students guessing about the material on the quiz, it came from the person who makes the quizzes and tests. So if talking to my professors has helped me so much, what has kept other students from doing the same? Only eight percent of students out of a group of 625 reported that they have gone to a professor’s office hours more than once a month, according to a 2014 study published in College Teaching. The study’s result was in line with previous research on the subject. As Maryellen Weimer of the Faculty Focus blog noted, one reason 10

JAMES BRANCH

is a sophomore journalism major from Brunswick, Ga., who is an opinion writer. students do not come to office hours is fear. The thought of talking to someone who has the type of mastery over a subject that a professor does can be intimidating. This also makes asking for help embarrassing when the professor can explain an answer so easily and obviously. This fear factor is certainly a problem, but there are experimental ways of engaging students that bypass any intimidation. Weimer discusses an alternative to traditional office hours in her blog: course centers. Instead of one student going to a professor’s office alone, a group of students can go and get help either collectively or individually. Being in a group setting can take a lot of the fear out of the equation, and lets students see that they are not the only ones having trouble. Two professors conducted a small test of this concept which yielded positive results. A survey of participating students revealed that 54 percent preferred the course center concept to office hours. The professors involved added the course center idea in addition to their reg-

ular office hours, not as a complete replacement for them. Here at Appalachian State, I feel we pride ourselves on thinking outside the box and would love to see our professors adopt the course center idea. It would be a great way for professors to try to engage in a way that might be more effective than traditional teaching methods. Of course, students themselves also have to take some initiative in going out and discovering the benefits of office hours, to see what help is available and how it works for them. While professors should be accommodating to the needs of students, the study makes clear that there are some factors that are out of the control of professors. These include schedule conflicts, office location, whether the class was a major or general education class and class size. It can be difficult getting around these obstacles, but it is worthwhile to do what you can to attend office hours and to work with professors to make the process more convenient. Whatever reason is holding you back, keep in mind that a study done by Harvard University and Panorama Education has shown that knowing and meeting with your professor can lead to better grades. While professors will not likely shift your grade up an entire letter

grade, going and meeting with them can show you care and in turn might put you over if you are a point or so off from an A. Demonstrating your effort and concern to the professor can do a lot of good. All professors want from us as students is to learn the material and pass so we can move on to bigger and better things. I believe that professors truly care about their students’ grades and want to see us succeed. No professor is out to fail you. They will not give you bad advice on what to study, and they might even help you study if you ask for it. Of course, there will be a minority of professors who do not care and are not willing to help. You cannot know for sure until you go and find out. At that point I would suggest going to a different professor who teaches the same class and see if they would be more willing to help out. Until you find the help you need, do not stop. College is about learning and nothing should discourage you. If your professors see that you care, they will care, too. In the end, it will take students and professors working together to create an effective setup for office hours. Each side has to do its part to help reach the common goal of student success.

SUBMIT ANNOUNCEMENTS App News is a service of the Division of Student Development. Email dycheab@appstate.edu. Submissions should not exceed 100 words and must include the event title, date/time, location and cost, and a contact email, phone and/or URL. Announcements will be edited as needed and will run as space allows. Preference is given for events that are free or have a nominal cost.

A P P

N E W S

WHAT TO DO THE WELLNESS WORKSHOPS The Counseling Center presents “The Wellness Workshops: Feelin’ Good in the Neighborhood!” Space is limited. Reservations should be made at campbellha@appstate.edu. Extra credit slips will be made available. Visit counseling. appstate.edu or call 828-262-3180. • Mental Health: What Stops Us from Talking about It and What You Can Do To Take Care of YOURS, 6-7 p.m. March 23, Price Lake, PSU • What Shape is Your Personality: Learn more about Yourself and How to Relate to Others, 4-5 p.m. April 6, Linn Cove, PSU • Let’s Get Out! Explore the Connection Between Positive Mental Health and Being Outdoors, 5-7 p.m., April 14, workshop will take place outside, email to register

POP CULTURE IN THEORY MINI-CONFERENCE

and Star Wars” • 2-3:30 p.m. • Craig Fischer (English), “Always Crashing in the Same Car: Braiding and Trauma in Matt Fraction and David Aja’s Hawkeye” • Reeves Shulstad (Music), “The Angelus of Vietnam: Tui St. George Tucker’s microtonal interpretation of war” • Christopher Bartel (Philosophy), “Why would you want to do that?’: Violent Video Games and Violent Fantasies”

MORGAN SCIENCE LECTURE Dr. Robert M. Hazen, research scientist at the Carnegie Institution and professor at George Mason University, will be guest lecturer and will present “Chance, Necessity and the Origins of Life,” at 6:30 p.m. March 23, Schaefer Center. The event is sponsored by the Department of Geology and the College of Arts and Sciences and is free and open to the public.

DIGITAL DOCUMENTARY LECTURE Digital Appalachia lecture with Elaine McMillion Sheldon, Peabody Award-winning documentary maker, 5:30 p.m. March 30, room 114, Belk Library. Free and open to the public How are digital documentary projects changing the way we frame Appalachia as a region? Come join the Digital Humanities Working Group for a series of lectures and presentations over the next month that will explore cutting edge digital projects by nationally and internationally recognized artists, academics, and practitioners. Sponsored by Appalachian State Belk Library & Information Commons, The Digital Humanities Working Group, The Center for Appalachian Studies, The Department of Cultural, Gender, and Global Studies, and University Documentary Film Series.

VISITING WRITERS SERIES

ist Luis Rodriguez, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Craft Talk in Table Rock, PSU; 7:30-9 p.m. Reading in Blue Ridge Ballroom, PSU

SUICIDE PREVENTION AWARENESS WEEK The awareness week is scheduled for April 11-16. All are welcome to attend. Those interested in planning an event should fill out a project proposal as soon as possible. For information, email cavallaroe@appstate.edu.

FREE LEGAL ADVICE The Student Legal Clinic, in suite 324 in Plemmons Student Union, offers confidential advice, information, and referrals provided by a licensed attorney. The attorney can meet with any currently enrolled Appalachian State student and can advise students on any issue that is not directly adverse to the university. Make an appointment by calling 828-2628284. Information at legalclinic.appstate.edu.

The aim of this mini-conference is to highlight some of the workof faculty and to demonstrate the variety and depth that can be found within academic studies of pop culture. The conference will be held 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. March 23 in room 420, Plemmons Student Union. Free and open to the public. Email bartelcj@appstate.edu for more information. • 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. • Rick Elmore (Philosophy), “Faster Than You Can Imagine’: Violence, Racism, and Democracy in BioShock Infinite” • Anna Cremaldi (Philosophy), “It’s not just a story” • Laura Ammon (Religious Studies), “Mythology and the ‘Modern’ World: Star Trek

PUBLIC LECTURE Walter Mignolo will present “Decolonial Humanities and Geopolitics of Knowledge: Dwelling, thinking, doing and being in the Borders” at 1 p.m. March 25, room 114, Belk Library. Walter Mignolo is the Director of the Center for Global Studies and the Humanities, William H. Wannamaker Professor of Literature, and has appointments in Cultural Anthropology and Romance Literature at Duke University. He has published extensively on semiotics and literary theory, and has in the past years been working on different aspects of the modern/colonial world.

The Hughlene Bostian Frank Spring Visiting Writers Series Events will take place with craft talks and readings in Plemmons Student Union. Book sales and signings will follow each event. • March 31 (The Juanita Tobin Memorial Reading): Poet and former Charlotte Observer books editor Dannye Romaine Powell, 3:304:45 p.m. Craft Talk: The Art and Craftiness of the Literary Interview; 7:30-8:30 p.m. Reading; Table Rock, PSU • April 7: Travel and Adventure Writing with Peter Fish and Leigh Ann Henion, 2-3:15 p.m. Craft Talk: Travel Writing; 7:30-9 p.m. Reading; Table Rock, PSU • April 28 (with the Diversity Speakers Series): Poet, Memoirist, and Social Justice Activ-

TUESDAY, MARCH 22

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23

THURSDAY, MARCH 24

FRIDAY, MARCH 25

Storytelling with Warren Doyle

Mental Health Discussion

7:30 p.m. Whitewater Cafe Free

6 p.m. Price Lake, PSU Free

How to Hike the Appalachian Trail Talk

“Decolonial Humanities and Geopolitics of Knowledge: Dwelling, Thinking, Doing and Being in the Borders” Lecture with Walter Mignolo

Army Trombone Quartet Guest Recital

“A Walk in the Woods” Screening

8 p.m. Recital Hall Free

7 p.m. I.G. Greer Free

6:30 p.m. Whitewater Cafe Free

“Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” Screening

NAVIGATING COLLEGE The group will explore healthy lifestyle choices and the impact of alcohol and other drug use in college. Students are invited to the Wellness and Prevention Services office to join a mindfulness-based group focused on the impact of alcohol and other drug use while in college, incorporating resilience building, high risk substance use prevention and harm reduction strategies by way of stress reduction, healthy decision-making and group support to assist in personal growth and success as a college student.

1 p.m. Room 114, Belk Library Free

7 p.m. Greenbriar Theater, PSU $1

NouN Improv Panorama 2016 7 p.m. Parkway Ballroom, PSU Free

8:30 p.m. Legends $3

“Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” Screening 7 p.m. Greenbriar Theater, PSU $1

SATURDAY, MARCH 26

SUNDAY, MARCH 27

MONDAY, MARCH 28

TUESDAY, MARCH 29

State Holiday

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MANAGED RECONSTRUCTION OF AN INTERNATIONAL AIRSTRIP. HELPED BUILD A SCHOOL IN BELIZE.

INSPIRED HIS SOLDIERS TO CHANGE THE WORLD.

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To learn more about Army ROTC at ASU, call 828-262-2994 or visit us online at rotc.appstate.edu Army ROTC is located in the Varsity Gym.