@TheColonnade
@TheColonnade
The Official Student Newspaper of Georgia College & State University November 25, 2025
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Friendsgiving traditions Kate Walker
friends before heading
students said the tradi-
A&L Editor
home for the holidays.
tion gives them space to
Junior math major
breathe, eat good food
Anna Kroll mentioned
and enjoy good compa-
that for her, Friendsgiv-
ny. Whether they are cel-
ing is simply a time to
ebrating with roommates
be present with friends.
or friends they can only
“To me, Friendsgiving
catch between classes,
is just a time to sit there
for junior elementary
with a group of people
education major Kelsey
that you care about,” Kro-
Slinn, the chance to
Though the weather may be getting colder, hearts are warm on campus as GCSU students celebrate Friendsgiving. An
American
cultur-
al favorite, Friendsgiving blends the spirit of Thanksgiving with the comfort of community, giving students a chance to gather with the people who make campus
Turkey at a Thanksgiving dinner
INDOOR POOL CLOSURE ENDS SCUBA PROGRAM AT GCSU
good stuff that happens.”
native for those who
As finals season ap-
can’t travel to be with
proaches and students
their families or simply
become
want to celebrate with
in the holiday hustle,
In a Facebook post
Staff Writer
the facility. For Professor
be permanently closed,”
published on Nov. 4,
GCSU’s decision to
Scott Stefano, who taught
said the email. “Unfor-
Stefano expressed disap-
permanently close the
scuba at GCSU for 32
tunately, this means the
pointment in the deci-
years,
announce-
scuba class will no lon-
sion and frustration that
ment was both unex-
ger have a designated,
the program had been as-
pected and devastating.
approved
at
sured continued support.
GCSU to conduct its ses-
“Despite 15 years left
and
Recreation-
al Center has brought an abrupt end to the scuba diving program that
many
students
and alumni say shaped their college experience. The university cited
Stefano received an email
location
with, have fun with and
it’s a meaningful alter-
sity’s indoor pool will
ness
get to sit down and chat reminisce about all the
sons for shutting down
the
you might not always just
feel like home. For many,
Jane Carr
indoor pool at the Well-
ll said. “These are people
wrapped
up
spend intentional time together is what makes the gathering so special. “Just being around your friends, hanging out, getting to chat and having that time that you can devote to them, that’s really fun,” Slinn said. See FRIENDSGIVING | Page 6
from
universi-
sions. I sincerely apolo-
on a 30-year, $28,00,000
officials
informing
gize for this change, and
bond that students will
him that the closure
we are deeply grateful
continue to pay for, the
the Facebook post. “The
tain a commitment on
of the pool meant his
for the many years you
lack of desire to maintain
estimates to repair are
a
course no longer had
have dedicated to pro-
a world-class Olympic
likely less than the cost
ty
Bella McComis | Digital Media Director
ap-
viding this unique and
pool will now be closed
will be to ‘renovate’. It
the high cost of main-
proved space on campus.
valuable program to our
off for meeting space or
is a sad day that an elite
tenance and low overall
“We were recently in-
students in Health and
open space or pickleball
institution
usage as the primary rea-
formed that the Univer-
Human
courts,” said Stefano in
gia College can’t main-
a
designated
or
Performance
Academic excellence in GCSU athletes Benjamin Clark Sports Editor
Courtesy of GCSU Athletic Department
Across the nations Universities and Highschools, student-athletes juggle some of the most demanding schedules pressed upon young people. Between early morning practices, cross-state travel and academic/ social responsibilities, finding balance can become quite a challenge for many to overcome. As mental health awareness increases and universities reevaluate the systems in place to support their players,
like
Geor-
the task of balancing personal, academic and athletic responsibilities remains upon the college athletes themselves. For many students, competing at a collegiate level is a dream that is rewarded through the opportunity to play the game they love while also being paid to do so. Among these primary motivators, many athletes also note the ability to develop leadership skills, foster lifelong friendships and the opportunity be able to be a part of a team as benefits in col-
world-class
caliber
pool for the duration of the loan to past, present and future Bobcats.” See POOL | Page 2
legiate level athletics. Behind these benefits lie intense pressures rarely experienced by non-athletes. College sports require yearround commitment, including conditioning during the preseason and any postseason tournaments, like regionals or nationals. This intense pressure to maintain premier performance in athletics can lead to anxiety among many athletes, with the stress of expectations disrupting their academic stability. See ACADEMIC | Page 4
NEWS | PG. 3
SPORTS | PG. 6
ARTS & LIFE | PG. 7
CATERWAUL | PG. 8
GCSU’s Career Center helps students find and prepare for internships.
GCSU athletes write thank you letters to loved ones in honor of Thanksgiving.
How to prep for finals at GCSU.
From poetry to Thanksgiving recipes to pictures of what students are thankful for.
NEED HELP FINDING AN INTERNSHIP?
ATHLETES SHOW APPRECIATION
FINALS SEASON ALREADY?
STUDENTS’ VOICES AT GCSU