The Colonnade, Feb. 9, 2022

@GCSUnade

@TheColonnade

The Official Student Newspaper of Georgia College Feb. 9, 2022

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Bobcats drop pivotal game to conference foe Flagler

Amidst a two-game skid, GC looks to regain momentum in the PBC tonight at USC Aiken Katie Futch News Editor

Olivia Wilson | Staff Photographer

Wesley Simpson takes on a Flager defender during GC’s 82-66 loss on Wednesday, Feb. 2.

The GC men’s basketball team is amidst a record-breaking season. They are 16-5 overall and 8-4 in PBC play. They had won four games in a row against conference opponents, but their streak was broken Wednesday Feb. 2 in a devastating home loss to Flagler.

Flagler is the top-ranked team in the PBC, and they are nationally ranked. The game was intense, consist-

ing of 18 ties and 14 lead changes. However, with just over five minutes left in the game, Flagler pulled away with an 82-66 victory.

While the game marked a tough loss for the Bobcats, GC still has a great chance of qualifying for the PBC Tournament in March. They are currently fourth in the league standings; they must remain in the top eight to qualify for the regional championship.

GC has an impressive squad this season, including a star in Jordan Thomas who is

INAUGURAL STATE OF THE UNIVERSITY ADDRESS Courtesy of Anna Leavitt

GC President, Cathy Cox, delivers her inaugural State of the University address on Friday, Feb. 4.

Katie Futch

G

News Editor

C’s President, Cathy Cox, gave her Inaugural State of the University Address on Friday. In her speech, she acknowledged the many accomplishments and highlights of 2021.

When president Cox arrived at

Hannah Adams Staff Writer Human nature wants an answer for everything and to make sense of the unknown. Conspiracy theories began as a way for people to take matters into their own hands when piecing together the puzzle of unanswered questions.

People cannot help but to be curious, and oftentimes this leads to them speculating their own conclusions that simultaneously feed into their own personal desires.

Sometimes, these theories gain popularity despite the words of experts or professionals as individuals’ imaginations get carried away.

Conspiracy theo-

GC’s campus, she began a series of listening sessions across campus. She said that this was done in an effort for her to understand campus culture.

“I wanted to make sure that I had ample opportunities to meet students, faculty, and staff, and gather your ideas, thoughts and observations about this special place,” Cox said. “I learned a lot about our strengths, challenges, and opportunities, and have considered the

ries range in plausibility—some are more far-fetched and illogical than others.

Given the age of social media, conspiracy theories have an easier network to spread.

In many cases, they can be found on Twitter threads, Instagram posts, and Reddit forums.

Some people even feel compelled to find evidence that supports their theory. Marissa Augello, a senior art major, expressed interest in the Paul McCartney conspiracy.

“Just growing up listening to The Beatles all the time, Paul McCartney was someone I was interested in so that’s

many suggestions that you offered.”

After Cox mentioned the listening sessions, she thanked the campus community for welcoming her. She acknowledged that life in the pandemic has been hard and described the perseverance of organizations, students and staff as “herculean.”

Cox said that there were a few suggestions she acted on rather quickly. One of the suggestions Cox mentioned was

breaking record after record.

Thomas recently became the school’s all-time scoring leader, as well as the first GC player to score 2,000 points. He and his teammates have come up clutch in some big moments throughout the season.

In last week’s game against Columbus State, sophomore guard Brandon Thomas hit a three-pointer with just one second left on the clock, leading the Bobcats to a 69-68 win.

See BBALL | Page 5

institutional branding. She felt that the emphasis on the “university” aspect of the name is important for certain uses.

“Our efforts to expand international education would benefit greatly from emphasizing the fact that we are indeed a university,” Cox said. “So would our marketing and outreach for graduate students in general.”

She mentioned that GC will become more actively involved in the community and outreach by participating in local programs and activities that would make the campus more welcoming to the Milledgeville community.

Cox also addressed compensation for faculty and staff. She discussed the issues with the Board of Regents.

Gov. Kemp addressed the issues and recognized the difficulty that faculty and staff had during the pandemic.

He recommended that every full-time USG employee receive a $5,000 pay raise. The Speaker of the House indicated his support for this as well.

“It is still early in the legislative budgeting process, but the signs are good that well-deserved pay raises may indeed be coming our way,” Cox said.

Cox said that before her presidency, she was impressed with GC being the state’s designated public liberal arts university. She said that she is committed to the liberal arts mission.

“It really is what drew me to pursue the presidency here,” Cox said. “The deep commitment to using the tools of a broad liberal arts education to teach the essential skills of critical thinking, written and oral communication skills, leadership and teamwork are evident See COX | Page 3

CON SPI TH RA EOR CY Y

See CONSPIRACY | Page 7

NEWS | PG.

HOMECOMING HOAX? GC recently announced the homecoming conert artist. For many students, Flo Rida was not their first choice. The question is: will GC students attend the concert?

SPORTS | PG. 5

ARTS & LIFE | PG. 6

MEN’S BBALL FALLS TO AUGUSTA

VALENTINE’S DAY IN MILLEDGEVILLE

The GC Men’s Basketball team fell to #23 ranked Augusta 77-55 on Saturday, Feb. 5.

Several shops and restaurants downtown are rolling out the red carpet with special deals this Valentine’s Day including The Brick, Buffingtons and French Vill’Edge.

2

KATIE FUTCH, NEWS EDITOR JAYLON BROOKS, ASST. NEWS EDITOR

2.09.22

NEWS

Katie Futch | News Editor

Paul Oneill Staff Writer GC announced that 2022’s

homecoming

concert will feature Flo Rida as the headliner.

Along with Flo Rida, the concert with feature local band Highway 49 and GC’s Battle of the Bands winner.

Flo Rida has accumulated several hits over the years, including 13 platinum selling songs such as “Wild Ones” and

“Right

Round”.

His best-selling song, “Low (feat. T-Pain),” released in 2007 went on to get a diamond certification. This means his song

were candidates for the

said she is still excited to

down with the headliner.

will be a big turnout just

be a good turn out and

Homecoming

concert.

attend this year’s concert.

“I mean I definite-

from Flo Rida’s name.

people will want to go.”

Jack Harlow and Wiz

“Yeah, I would say

ly prefer Wiz [Khalifa],

“I would think a lot

While Flo Rida may

among

[my friends] are pret-

but Flo Rida is still a

of people are coming,”

not be every student’s

the potential headlin-

ty excited,” Bellak said.

big name. But again, it’s

Sposato said. “Maybe

first choice, this year’s

ing artists in a survey

She said that she be-

just not the same as Wiz

the younger classes won’t

homecoming concert is

go but I feel like every-

looking to be met with

one will know some of

a

his older songs. Some

with throwback songs

of them are classics be-

that everyone can enjoy.

cause they are always

Tickets went on sale Jan.

played at events so for

31 and the concert will

that reason, I feel like it’ll

take place on Feb. 25.

Khalifa

were

sent out by GC’s Home-

lieved

students

[Khalifa],” Sposato said.

coming

Committee.

would feel the same way.

There were several

Both artists have re-

“I feel like because

artists listed in the email

leased albums in the

it’s a throwback, and

sent to students regard-

last two years. Many

everyone likes throw-

ing the headline perfor-

GC students are ques-

backs, so I think it will

mance. But similar to

tioning how Flo Rida

be a good turnout espe-

Bellack, Sposato could

became the headliner.

cially because it’s only

not remember any of the

most

GC

senior

mar-

15 dollars,” Bellak said.

names except for Jack

keting

major,

Hallie

“I mean everyone who

Harlow and Wiz Khalifa.

Bellak,

was

skeptical

is going to be in town

“[The shortlist] was

about how plausible the

that I know is going.”

jack Harlow, Wiz Khal-

shortlist for the home-

GC senior Gabriella

ifa and I can’t even re-

was.

Sposato said she is ex-

member any of the oth-

“Yeah, no way Wiz

cited to attend her first

er ones. But I honestly

coming

concert

over

10,000,000

Khalifa was going to

homecoming concert in

kind of doubted if Geor-

in

counting.

come here,” Bellak said.

four years. She has al-

gia College can even

However, Flo Rida’s

“But I don’t know who

ways had a conflicting

get someone like Wiz

last studio album came

would have voted Flo

schedule, but this year

honestly,” Sposato said.

out 7 years ago unlike

Rida over Wiz Khalifa.”

she will finally be able to

sold units

the other artists who

Nonetheless,

Bellak

Regardless,

attend despite being let

VOLUME 99 | NO. 2

decent

attendance

Sposato

said she believes there

@GCSUnade

Flo Rida

@TheColonnade

Editorial Board Eric Boyd............................Editor-in-Chief Wendy Cravey..................Managing Editor Katie Dean.........................Art Director Katie Futch........................News Editor Jaylon Brooks...................Asst. News Editor Ben Grunert......................Sports Editor Hayden Flinn....................Asst. Sports Editor Lilyana Kovacheva........ Arts & Life Editor Rebecca Meghani..........Asst. Arts & Life Editor Marissa Marcolina.........Digital Media Editor Carrie Grace Irwin......... PR Manager Rob Trotter.........................Ad Sales Manager William Burke...................Faculty Adviser

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3

KATIE FUTCH, NEWS EDITOR JAYLON BROOKS, ASST. NEWS EDITOR

2.09.22

NEWS COX

Continued from page 1 here. It is a distinctive part of what we do.”

Cox challenged the faculty and staff to think

ity that we might adapt

President’s Award for

or customize here to

Academic

differentiate our univer-

The GC athletic depart-

sity in strategic ways.”

ment had the highest

Excellence.

academic success rate of

several awards and rec-

any Division II public

ognitions in the past

university in the country.

year. Five accreditations

At the end of her ad-

were awarded to GC

dress, Cox said that she

in 2021. The chemistry

found the state of the

program was included

university to be in a good

will take to get to the

on a list of institutions

place. She encouraged the

next level of excellence.

approved by the Amer-

faculty and staff to keep

“I am going to ask

ican Chemical Society.

striving for more and

our faculty and staff to

The nursing program is

better accomplishments.

identify and refine a list

pursuing

certification

“I encourage you to

of our aspirant schools,”

of its simulation center.

think creatively, to find

to be in the future. She wants the GC community to be ambitious with their goals so they can identify what it

February is financial aid awareness month.

Here’s how to know if you are elligble for assistance.

ly awarded the NCAA

received

about where they aspire

Katie Futch | News Editor

glean the marks of qual-

Cox said. “Universities

GC

also

promi-

out of the box strate-

that are similar to us

nent universities all earn

gies that will help dif-

in many ways to which

and maintain these types

ferentiate us,” Cox said.

we think are the best of

of markers of quality,

“Let’s find out what is

“Nationally

February is a busy

of which are outlined

without taking out loans.”

month for different cel-

on the Financial Aid

Simmons also rec-

ebrations and awareness

page of the GC website.

ommended that students

the best. I would like

and we have to do the

possible and go after it.”

plan a budget out at the

for us to visit some of

very same,” Cox said.

need to do a better job

beginning of each year

them this Spring and

to help with money man-

campaigns.

The

twen-

Shannon

Simmons,

ty-eight days include Val-

the Director of GC’s Office

entine’s Day, Black His-

of Financial Aid, empha-

tory Month, Superbowl

sized how important it is

LVI, Chinese New Year,

for students’ financial aid

Groundhog Day and the

futures that they take time

Winter Olympics in Bei-

to complete the FAFSA.

jing. February is also Fi-

FAFSA is an acronym for

nancial Aid Awareness

the Free Application for

recent-

being mentally tough.”

The National Scholar-

also have great rewards.

Center, and maintaining

ship Office, located in the

Nadya Gutierrez is one

good grades throughout

Humber-White

Build-

such student. Through

school,” Gutierrez said.

ing, is coordinated by

her hard work, she was

“I cannot speak more

Anna Whiteside. White-

awarded a 2020 Hollings

highly of the National

side does not work with

Scholarship

the

Scholarships Office. It

penses for the year, then

the Financial Aid Office;

National Oceanographic

is one of the best offices

seeing how much is cov-

she works with external-

and Atmospheric Asso-

on campus in promot-

ly and nationally com-

ciation. She was the first

ing

agement. A good way to start setting a budget is by looking at the ex-

ered by their personal-

month – something cru-

Federal Student Aid, and

cial for college students.

it is how students learn

ized financial aid pack-

“The first thing that

Financial aid is money

which financial resourc-

age. Sometimes students

any student who’s work-

allocated to college stu-

es they are eligible for.

might have to take out

dents to help them pay for

“I encourage students

loans to help meet their

higher education. Some of

who know they need

payment deadlines, but

the money, such as loans,

funding for their educa-

must be paid back years

tion to apply through the

down the road. However,

FAFSA so that we can re-

scholarships and grants

view them for all federal

are often awarded with no

eligibility that they are el-

expectation that the stu-

igible for,” Simmons said.

dents will pay them back.

“My

GCs own Office of Fi-

recommendation

would be for students to

that is not always the case.

Another

resource

that might help students overcome financial barriers is Georgia College’s National

was

from

scholarships.

ing with me needs to do is they need to have a very high GPA,” Whiteside said. “They need to develop leadership and be involved, either in campus or the community. I also really rec-

student

success.”

GC also uses the platform

I cannot speak more highly of the National Scholarships office. It is one of the best offices on campus in promoting student success -Abby Davis

Scholarship

Universe to connect students to private scholarships that they are eligible

for.

Students

can create an account with their bobcat credentials

and

answer

personal questions to be matched with schol-

ommend students get

arships to apply for.

involved in undergrad-

The Office of Finan-

uate research and to get to know their faculty.

Georgia College student

cial Aid is planning sev-

to receive this award.

eral events throughout

Scholarships

Those are some of the

“I think the prima-

February, so be on the

Office. This department

first steps to be compet-

ry things that helped

lookout around cam-

itive for nationally com-

me become a successful

pus for updates. Anna

petitive

Hollings applicant were

Whiteside is available

work-

conducting undergradu-

by appointment at the

ing with the National

ate research, working as

National

Scholarship Office takes

a Supplemental Instruc-

Office to talk to stu-

much more work on

tion Leader at the Geor-

dents about their schol-

the student’s end, it can

gia

arship

also has a page on GC’s

nancial Aid is in Parks

review their award pack-

Hall 103. There are many

age once it’s given to them

different types of finan-

to see if they can have

it to search for different

cial aid and ways for

enough funding for their

scholarship

students to apply, many

educational

ties by class year or major.

expenses

petitive

GC

website. Students can use

opportuni-

scholarships.”

Although

College

Learning

Scholarship

opportunities.

4 BEN GRUNERT, SPORTS EDITOR HAYDEN FLINN, ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

2.09.22

SPORTS

GC Softball brings in five new recruits Bailey Clark

Senior Writer

TH E

The GC softball team added five new transfers to the 2022 roster.

The transfers include two sophomore pitchers, two junior catchers and a sophomore infielder.

The first roster addition is the sophomore pitcher Montana Ledbetter, who grew up in Illinois. She is a transfer from the junior college Georgia Highlands College (GHC) where she held an 11-5 record in her 19 games as a starter, including three shutouts.

Ledbetter toed the rubber in a total of 106.1 innings with 137 strikeouts.

During her final season at GHC, she had the lowest ERA on the squad at 3.16. Ledbetter is a psychology major with a minor in criminal justice. Once she graduates from GC, she plans to

attend graduate school to get a masters degree in forensics to become a forensic psychologist.

“I played a tournament in Colorado, and that’s where I met the head coach at GHC,” Ledbetter said. “I knew I wanted to play somewhere warmer than Illinois. I decided to stay in Georgia to further my softball career because I love the culture in Georgia. It’s so different from Illinois. When I came on my visit here, I felt that college life vibe that I was missing at GHC.” The next addition to the roster is also a GHC transfer in Madison Bennett. She played infield for two years at the junior college in Cartersville. Bennett played in 44 games during her final year, batting .358 with three homers. She had 151 at-bats, knocking in 14 runs and scoring a squad-high of 47 runs.

Bennett was a menace on the basepaths, leading the squad with 20 stolen bases on the season. She is a pre-nursing major with hopes of becoming a nurse after graduation.

“I feel my success in softball comes from how much I love the sport and not being too hard on myself,” Bennett said. “I chose GC because the nursing program here is amazing. I also wanted to be closer to home as I continued my softball career.”

Georgia State transfer Macy Banks is the next addition to the Bobcat bullpen. The pitcher appeared in 15 games, getting the start in six.

She pitched in a total of 39 innings, posting the third-lowest ERA on the pitching staff at 4.85. Banks also had 17 strikeouts and had a .978 fielding percentage as she patrolled the circle.

During her stint at

Georgia State, Banks pitched against The University of Georgia, recording a 1.09 ERA with a strikeout through four innings. Banks is pursuing her degree in nursing to work in the medical field after graduation.

“I want to have a big impact on a program,” Banks said. “I wanted to play new teams and get more reps and more opportunities, and I thought GC would be the best place for me to do that. I am really looking forward to playing conference games and making it to postseason play.”

The next transfer is catcher Shea Zweifel, who originally hails from Florida. She played at USC Salkehatchie, where new softball assistant coach Kenneth Bellamy coached for eight years.

Zweifel spent the 2021 fall semester at Mercer University before coming to GC. During her tenure

at Salkehatchie, she was named Female Student Athlete of the Year and selected to the All- Conference first team. Zweifel is a marketing major.

“I chose GC because when I entered into the transfer portal, Coach Bellamy reached out,” Zweifel said. “When I came on my visit, I loved the smaller school and family atmosphere.

“I am super excited for the season! I’m ready to win and kick butt.”

The final transfer added to the roster was Jessica Owens, a catcher from Social Circle, Georgia. Owens played two seasons at Georgia Military College, securing Conference Player of the Year honors during her time there.

In her final season, she played in 53 games and drove in 61 runs. Owens had a phenomenal .424 batting average with 15 homers, and she also

scored 50 runs. Owens is a political science major.

“I was drawn to GC straight out of high school,” Owens said. “I knew that once I finished up at GMC, I wanted to come to Georgia College.

I am super excited for

I’m ready to play ball and take names -Jessica Owens

this season. I’m ready to play ball and take names.”

The Bobcats kicked off their season with a tough 0-4 start at the Georgia College Invitational last weekend.

They will look to bounce this weekend when they take on North Greenville Saturday Feb. 12.

fi nal

GC Score Recap

MENS MENS BASKETBALL BASKETBALL 77

55

Home

MENS MENS BASEBALL BASEBALL 11

4

Game 1

5

4

Game 2

6

4

Game 3 Katie Dean | Art Director

5 BEN GRUNERT, SPORTS EDITOR HAYDEN FLINN, ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

2.09.22

SPORTS BBALL

their success. He said

Continued from page 1

he is looking forward

veteran

to continuing to win

guard Wesley Simpson

and improving his play.

is averaging 14.3 points

“As long as you play

per game and 6.1 re-

as a team, you can beat

bounds per game. He

anybody,” Chism said.

also leads the team with

“As long as we stay to-

3.8 assists per game.

gether…coach

Meanwhile,

always

Thomas’ new scoring

says that we are like

records have positively

sticks. We stay togeth-

impacted the atmosphere

er, so as long as we do

and culture of the team.

that, we can continue to

“Jordan is an amaz-

win and better our play.”

ing player, and he really

Likewise,

Brandon

deserves all the credit

said that the togetherness

for breaking the record,”

of the team makes the

said junior forward Luke

hard work worthwhile.

different style of play.

Chism. “He can really

“We are a very close

“Last season showed

score the ball, and that

team, more than we’ve

that we were capable of

has really brought a

ever been,” Thomas said.

good atmosphere here.

Olivia Wilson | Staff Photographer

GC point guard Richard Crawford III runs the floor against Flagler Wednesday, Feb. 2.

that the end of last

been positive thoughts,

the team is for them to

season

good thoughts, and hap-

play to their best ability.

team.

py thoughts. The team

being very good, so we

“I think that our suc-

deserves success; they

team is for us to play

“We have all been togeth-

built our confidence and

cess starts with our guys

come in, work hard,

as well as we can pos-

You know the fans get

er for three years now.

worked harder, and it

being very disappointed

and

coachable.”

sibly play every single

into it, and it helps us

It is like a family unit.”

is starting to pay off for

that we did not qualify

Gainous said that he

game,” Gainous said. “I

to play the best we can.”

Thomas said that last

us now,” Thomas said.

for the in-state tourna-

would love to win the

want the team to reach

Chism also believes

season encouraged and

Mark Gainous, the

ment last season,” Gain-

regional and national

their full potential, even

head coach of the men’s

ous said. “Our keys to

tournaments, but one

though we don’t quite

basketball

success this year have

of his main goals for

know what that is yet.”

that the team’s comrad-

influenced

the

team

ery has contributed to

to work harder for a

team,

said

ed

the

disappointentire

are

“My

goal

for

the

GC Men’s Basketball falls short to #23 Augusta

Olivia Wilson | Staff Photographer

Luke Chism hits a left-handed layup against #23 Augusta on Saturday Feb. 6.

charity stripe, but Craw-

bounds, and Bobcats all-

ford proved to be a good

time scoring leader Jor-

free throw shooter as he

dan Thomas racked up

sunk 9 of his 14 attempts.

16 points and 9 rebounds

With this loss, the

on the night. It was just

Bobcats fell to fourth

one

of

those

place in the confer-

where nothing was fall-

ence.“They are a better

ing for the Bobcats. As

team than us right now.

they fell behind, they

That does not mean they

continued to force shots

will be better than us in

from beyond the arc

a month, but they are the

further contributing to

better team right now,”

their offensive drought.

Gainous said. “They also

“After a game like

have the best coach, so

that you just flush it,”

give them a lot of credit.”

Gainous

said.

nights

“There

shooting

Crawford would have

Entering his 18th sea-

is really no reason to

struggles, they played a

71.4% from the field

to wait until the second

son, Augusta coach Dip

talk about this game.”

C men’s basketball took a tough loss on

much better second half

along with 4 rebounds.

half as Crawford went

Metress has a career re-

The Bobcats have now

outscored

“He is probably the

on to score 17 of his 19

cord of 368-143 (.720)

lost their last two games

Feb. 5 to the Augusta

by Augusta by one, 32-

best center in the coun-

points in the first half.

as Augusta’s head coach.

and are currently 16-5

31. The team showed

try,”

head

Defensively, the Bob-

He won 19 games in

on the year. With six re-

tremendous toughness,

coach Mark Gainous.

cats did a better job of

his first season as head

maining regular season

even when the score was

“He

probably

defending Crawford in

coach for the Jaguars

games left on the sched-

looking out of reach.

start for ¾ of division I

the second half. They

and has brought noth-

ule, the team will look

GC’s main problem

teams in the country.”

started making it difficult

ing but consistency and

to overcome this minor

was the size of Augus-

With such a talent-

for him to get the ball

winning to the program.

hiccup that they have

ta University and ju-

ed player on the oppos-

in the post by fronting

On the bright side

endured. In their next

making it tough to win

nior

Tyshaun

ing side, slowing them

him when matched up.

for the Bobcats, red-

matchup, the team travels

any game, while Au-

Crawford. Standing at

down must become the

They also tried fouling

shirt-freshman

guard

to USC Aiken Wednes-

gusta went on to shoot

7’1 and weighing 264

main priority. Unfor-

Crawford, making him

Luke Chism dropped 13

day Feb. 9 for another

44.4% from the floor.

pounds, Crawford had

tunately, slowing down

earn his points from the

points and collected 7 re-

conference

Ty Peavy

Despite their shooting

Staff Writer

G

University Jaguars 77-55.

Overall, it was a rough game for the Bobcats offensively.

The

team

only shot 33% from the floor the entire night,

only

being

center

19

points

said

could

GC

showdown.

6 LILYANA KOVACHEVA, A&L EDITOR REBECCA MEGHANI, ASST. A&L EDITOR

2.09.22

ARTS & LIFE

Celebrating Valentine’s Day the Milly way Charlotte Joiner

food specials. Amici says

an eye out for other mar-

“Tangled” or “Grease.”

Contributing Writer

they’ll bring back their

keting deals not offered

I haven’t decided yet.

is

fried artichoke hearts.

in store; Firefly Boutique

right around the corner

Though some Mil-

recently had a giveaway

and GC students, taken

ly hot spots like Black-

on their Instagram page.

or single, are celebrating.

bird, The Brick and

With love in the air

Whether you spend

Local Yokel aren’t sure

around downtown, GC

with

how they’re celebrating

students are also excited

a significant other, a

the holiday, plans are

to partake in Valentine’s

group of friends, or

underway to make Val-

festivities

curled up with a blan-

entine’s a special day.

friends

ket reading The Colon-

Local boutique French

Valentine’s

Valentine’s

Day

Day

with and

the Eiffel Tower and the

nior marketing major,

Louvre with support-

“This Valentine’s day

promised

I am spending it sin-

shops around downtown

that on Valentine’s Day

gle but I’m spending it

are spreading the love.

they’ll offer shoppers a

with some of my closest

Buffingtons plans to

free necklace with the

friends,” said AJ DeBose,

celebrate by offering pa-

purchase of a dress from

senior management in-

trons a candle-lit dinner

their Valentine’s Day col-

formation systems ma-

along with drink and

lection. Be sure to keep

jor. “Our plans are to go to a nice restaurant and then come back and out

Courtesy of Savannah Wellman

This Valentines day The Brick is here to fill our stomachs and hearts with dessert calzones.

decisions!”

is spending this holi-

ive friends surround-

Sophomore computer

day (and the rest of his

ing them. My plans on

science major Jon Ham-

semester)

in

Valentine’s Day consist

lin plans on spending the

the real “city of love.”

of walking through the

day with his girlfriend.

“Being in Paris, I’ve

city and hoping I see a

“I’m spending Valen-

been able to experience

happy couple getting en-

tine’s Day with my love-

why it’s called “the city

gaged because if I had a

“I’m planning to see

ly girlfriend,” Hamlin

of love” through the art-

special someone in my

a few of my friends and

said. “I’m planning on

work, culture, architec-

life, Paris would defi-

hopefully have a pic-

going to Kai Thai with

ture and overall approach

nitely be where I’d go.”

nic so I can enhance

her as she’s started to like

to daily life they have

my charcuterie board

sushi as much as I do.”

here,” Heltzer said. “The

Day—no matter where

skills,” Hope said. “After

Bobcats all over the

romantic atmosphere is

you are in the world—

and watch some movies.”

Some

students

are

still deciding plans for the special day such as sophomore

manage-

ment information systems major Sophie Hope.

Sweet Snacks for a Sweet Day - Spend Valentines the yummy way!

ju-

partners.

Vill’Edge

Courtesy of Savannah Wellman

Heltzer,

their

nade, restaurants and

Delicious sweet calzones await at The Brick this Valentines day.

James

Decisions,

and

the

abroad

This

Valentine’s

that, I’m going to come

city,

world,

almost breathtaking at

spend some time shar-

home, put on my snug-

are making plans for

times as I’ve seen mul-

ing love and candy, even

gle, and watch either

the upcoming holiday.

tiple wedding photos at

if it’s just to yourself.

7 LILYANA KOVACHEVA, A&L EDITOR REBECCA MEGHANI, ASST. A&L EDITOR

2.09.22

ARTS & LIFE CONSPIRACY

ingly being disproved

a cigarette in his right

the center of the Earth

societies like Illumina-

believe this theory to be

by Paul himself, some

hand, even though he

and in society,” Britt

ti and the Freemasons.”

fans still believe it to be

was known to be a lefty.

said.

fact. To the general pop-

so that’s what caught

true. Many followers of

Despite the denial of

are waiting for the right

Public

my attention and then

this conspiracy theory

both the band mem-

moment to emerge and

determined in a na-

I was just drawn in by

have noted references in

bers and Paul, people

take over. Some people

tion-wide poll that about

the Beatles album “Ab-

have elected to believe

even think that they are

4% of Americans be-

bey Road” that insinuate

the story that satisfies

hiding out in import-

lieve in lizard people.

truth behind the rumor.

their mind the most.

ant positions. Like, the

“I don’t believe that the

ous concept to ponder

“There’s a song in the

Gracie Britt, a junior

Queen and the Royal

Lizard Theory is true, but

what prompts certain individuals to believe in

Continued from page 1

what I was seeing,” said Augello. “The amount of evidence and pictures that seem to back this

“Basically,

In

they

April

of

Policy

2013, Polling

ulation, this conspiracy seems wildly impossible and humorous, but there are those who believe in it. It is a curi-

album called Strawber-

criminal

and

Family or the President.”

I find it really interest-

ry Fields,” Augello con-

psychology major, finds

Gracie’s older broth-

ing,” Britt said. “What’s

tinued. “At the end John

the concept of conspir-

er, Nick Britt, also took

the most interesting part

Lennon sings the lyric,

acy theories extremely

interest in the Lizard

of it to me is why some

‘I buried Paul.’ I always

thought-provoking.

People

Conspiracy.

people genuinely believe

thought it was kind of

a psychology student,

“They say to watch out

this is happening. It’s also

weird that he would sing

she enjoys looking into

for people with character

cool to think about how

that unless there was a

these theories to try and

traits like red hair, green

people could have come

evidence against them.

reason for it. The whole

get a glimpse of various

eyes,

to

conclusions

It is also an unsettling

thing is just suspicious.”

perspectives to broad-

scars because they could

or beliefs from a psy-

Along with this, there

en her perspective. One

be a lizard person, “Nick

chological

proposition that these

were many photographs

of her favorite theories

said, “They also believe

Like, what caused them

that were picked apart

to discuss is the ‘Liz-

that the Earth is hollow

to hear this theory one

by viewers claiming that

ard People Conspiracy.’

and that is where the

day and think to them-

appear-

“It’s the theory that a

Lizard People live and

selves, ‘yeah this is true.’”

ance and demeanor had

group of lizard-like peo-

hideout. I think the ar-

It is fascinating to

still speculated upon to-

changed. In one photo

ple that like to eat hu-

gument is that it is these

contemplate the men-

be capable of having an

day. Regardless of seem-

he can be seen holding

man flesh are living in

people that started secret

tality behind those who

answer for everything.

cial to the student body.

People find that these organizations are vital to student success because of the benefits that come from being involved within the school.

Within the discussion of what the QEP should focus on, students can think about what they wish existed on campus for their learning.

“Financial literacy is something that is really important for us to learn,” said Zayne Kemler, a senior political science major. “It would benefit everyone if they were learning about their taxes, how their jobs work and what their options are so that they can be financially stable in life.”

Kemler discusses

what this could look like.

theory is crazy. I wouldn’t go so far as to say I believe it, but it is easy to get caught up in it when you’re seeing all of these articles and evidence.”

The theory originated from the strange rumor that The Beatles member Paul McCartney was killed in a car crash in 1966 and replaced by a look-alike. The rumor continued to run rampant for decades and is

McCartney’s

justice

As

or

unexplained

GC’s Quality Enhancment Program Rebecca Meghani Asst. A&L Editor The Quality Enhancement Plan is a requirement by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

(SACSCOC)

for GC to remain an accredited university. It’s a 5-year initiative created by members of the university to enhance student

learning

and

success. GC’s previous QEP

was

ENGAGE.

Created in 2014, the focus of it was community-based

engaged

learning. Though it was retired in 2019, it continues to be in practice by faculty members in their courses. They emphasize the importance of the

QEP in terms of it being a part of GC’s mission.

GC is currently in the midst of choosing the next QEP that will begin in 2024 and run through 2029. Because this is a collaborative project, students get the opportunity to be part of the plan chosen. During the process of the implementation of ENGAGE, students helped create the QEP and how it would look on campus. Faculty were able to apply for $500, $1,000, $2,500 and $10,000 grants to incorporate community-based service learning projects in their classroom. GC desires for the QEP to have a significant impact on campus for students and for it to address

and fill campus-wide gaps and issues to enhance student success.

“If a student comes up with a topic, an idea that everyone loves, then comes money and resources,” said Cara Smith, Director of Institutional Effectiveness.

“It’s not often you get to dream up an idea and it’s going to be successful because there’s going to be an entire team of resources behind it.”

Smith emphasizes how student involvement is important in regard to the QEP. Because it is for the students and needs to impact a significant portion of the student body, the most effective way to create and implement a plan on cam-

pus is by understanding what student needs are.

Students on campus constantly discuss what they believe needs to be improved and why the issues are important.

“There should be more funding into student life and organizations,” said Deidra Kellerman, a freshman business management major.

“For example, Georgia is one of the top states for swimming and we lost our club swim team, we don’t have an intramural swim team and it would be an efficient way to utilize the pool.”

Kellerman discusses how putting more funding into student life and their organizations would be benefi-

these

perspective.

concepts that others do not. Many firm believers of conspiracy theories have even chosen to go against the factual

theories may never fully be proven or disproven.

Some people are unable to accept the proposition that society will never

“I think one way to focus on including a bunch of ideas would be in freshman seminar with doing something new every week for freshmen to get an introduction to many topics,” said Kemler. “There should be

• • • •

covered front porch covered parking in rear big backyard three blocks to GC’s campus

$1,500/month $1,500 security deposit Available July 1, 2022

opportuni-

ties for students to take classes that would be beneficial outside of college, in their daily lives.”

The QEP is a highly supported initiative by the SACSCOC, faculty and students. Because its purpose is to benefit students, they can submit their own proposal for an idea that they believe would enhance student success until Feb. 18.

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