GCSU INTERNATIONAL STUDENT EARNS POSITION IN GEORGIA SENATE
Rosalyn Chapman Staff Writer
British exchange student Ayomide Rahman is a current intern as a senate aide at the Georgia Senate after only six months of being in the United States. Doing her senior year abroad here, she is one of only 35 students in the entire state to be accepted to her position.
Rahman’s career goal, as of now, is to help underprivileged people in any way she can. By
having insights on both U.K, and U.S. law systems, Rahman would have a broader range of legal knowledge to accomplish this goal.
Rahman is in pursuit of her undergraduate law degree from De Montfort University in Leicester in the U.K. When the opportunity arose to study abroad here in Georgia, she took the chance to educate herself on how the American government operates.
Upon coming to GCSU, the full-time paid
Georgia Legislative Internship Program is what moved Rahman from Milledgeville to Atlanta for the spring semester. As a senate aide, she will assist State Senators Kim Jackson, Sonya Halpern and Josh McLaurin.
To earn this internship a student must apply, pass an interview with House and Senate staff and interview for a specific job in the Georgia Senate. Rahman’s placement allows her to perform jobs such as assisting with compiling
folders and communicating with constituents.
The reason for Rahman’s pursuit of law comes from her ethnicity. Her family’s environment sparked her passion for taking advantage of important opportunities.
“The thing that inspired me the most was coming from an immigrant background,” Rahman said. “Knowing that people of my parents’ generation or before that do not have the opportunity to be fully conscious about laws makes them
more vulnerable targets.”
A SPOTLIGHT ON GCSU’S POWERLIFTING TEAM
Is 2026 the new 2016?
Peak pop music, Instagram poses, Snapchat filters and funny, timeless trends are all vibes from 2016 that have remerged within only one month of 2026, which is starting to feel a lot like 2016 all over again.
For most, 2016 truly felt like a simpler, happier time. That’s what it felt like for Molly Giusti, a junior elementary education major.
“I think 2016 was very nostalgic because life was so saturated back then, so I think life just seemed brighter and happier back then,” Giusti said.
2016 was also the birth of many iconic
trends. For starters, the bottle flip challenge. It first became popular when a high schooler successfully landed a water bottle flip in a school talent show. The video of it went viral and inspired many others to take on the challenge, sparking a trend. In late 2016, the mannequin challenge became popular. It was a short video of a group of people posed frozen, like mannequins. Videos got more and more elaborate and humorous as the trend went on.
Another trend was the continuation of the dab. Even though it originated in 2015, it continued to be a staple in the trends of 2016, and
even reemerged in 2026.
But did the dab ever really go away, or did it simply evolve alongside the music and pop culture of the time?
The music that was popular in 2016 has also made a comeback in 2026. Rihanna, Drake, Justin Bieber, Zara Larsson and Sia, all helped define that year in pop music.
Many students have noticed this comeback, including Sydney Auterson, a sophomore biology major, who enjoys a wide range of genres.
“[Lately] I’ve definitely been listening to the same music that was really popular in 2016,” Auterson said.
See 2016 | Page 10
James Cordero Contributing Writer
GCSU’s powerlifting team, GC Power, was created in 2022 and started in their coach, Hampton Pelton’s, basement and has been competing since the beginning. New and experienced lifters find a sense of community in the club and feel welcome among its members. Those who don’t know what they are doing are helped by more educated lifters.
“My love for the sport has always stemmed from the sense of community it brings,” said Dawson
Daniel, a junior middle grades education major.
Club members enjoy the atmosphere of competitions and appreciate the opportunity to make friends. Pelton is always excited to see new people find a love for powerlifting, especially when they stick with it.
“Seeing the fire in their eyes pushes me to be a better coach, athlete, and person every time I step into the gym,” Pelton said.
No matter how long they have been lifting or how much experience they have, club members were all learning
the same lesson in life. A lesson coach Pelton tries to teach the lifters is getting the job done.
“Life doesn’t care… even if you have had a long day at the office, you still have to hit your session and get the job done,” Pelton said.
Pelton isn’t the only one who has this perspective on weightlifting and its lessons.
“When I’m lifting, I tell myself: one more rep, one more minute, one more set,” said Payton Antwine, a freshman pre-nursing major.
See GC POWER | Page 5
Rosalie Ritz Staff Writer
Courtesy of Hampton Pelton, GC Power
Courtesy of Sicilia Reed | Digital Engagement Coordinator for University Advancement
Local $50,000 drug bust raises safety awareness
Jadyn Howson Contributing Writer
On Jan. 14, 2026, after a two-year investigation with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Middle Georgia Gang Task Force and the Ocmulgee Drug Task Force successfully conducted a major drug bust in Baldwin County.
The GBI recovered $50,000 worth of illegal substances, including over 500 grams of methamphetamine, 84 grams of marijuana, two grams of fentan-
until proven guilty in a court of law.
Other assisting agencies were the Department of Community Supervision, the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office, the Milledgeville Police Department and other southern agencies.
The agencies that worked together by contributing knowledge, communication, and safety for this operation.
Continuing to ensure safety in Milledgeville, GA, by fighting the gang
yl, 36 grams of cocaine and firearms, leading to nine arrests. Those charged ranged in age, the youngest being a man of 20 and the oldest a man of 64.
The suspects were charged with trafficking drugs, possession and the intent to distribute. They were booked into the Baldwin County Jail. All suspects are presumed innocent
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and drug-related crime in the area.
In 2024, Baldwin County’s most recent report included the drug arrest rate of 27.98 per 1,000 residents, meaning around 28 arrests for every 1,000 people living in the county that year were arrested for drug affiliation crimes.
According to GBI crime statistics, the crime level in Baldwin County is the
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second-highest correlation for crime.
The level of organized crime occurring in Milledgeville has led students of GCSU to be cautious of their surroundings in order to maintain their safety. Clara Sewell, a freshman public health major, explains her concern after noting the drug bust.
“I feel confined to the university and do not want to be going outside the campus because of dangerous activity, especially late at night or when I am alone,” Sewell said.
According to the GBI, the operation was conducted to ensure safety for the neighborhood and to make an impact on the drug distribution and gang activity in the Baldwin County area.
The protection of the students at GCSU is the main priority for the police department. Chief of Police, Wesly Hardin, works hard to maintain their welfare.
“Campus is an extraordinarily safe environment, as the police department is open 24/7, during breaks and holidays, to prioritize campus safety,” said Hardin.
The crime rate on campus is low, as it consists of petty theft or smaller charges, which are resolved within the university. Chief Hardin expresses the importance of situational awareness to know who you are with and
what is around you, always listening to yourself, and that safety is critical.
Students should also be aware of the app “Ravanguard,” used for the protection of students, including calling for help, talking to public safety, walking alone at night, anonymous tips and more. The university and public safety offer many different classes advancing in self-defense and active shooter training to ensure campus officers are adequately prepared.
GCSU public safety and other law enforcement agencies, including the GBI work together, communicating as a team. This helps to interconnect the GCSU and Milledgeville communities, allowing timely responses to incidents and a collaborative effort toward reducing crime.
“Even though we are separate organizations, we work very closely together; we just wear different uniforms,” Hardin said.
This collaborative effort extends toward the people of these communities as well. In order to continue the containment of this threat, anyone with further information on the recent drug bust should contact the Ocmulgee Drug Task Force at 478-414-5997 or the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office at 478-445-4893.
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Julia
GCSU graduate creates app for students
Annalie Parker Asst. News Editor
On Jan. 12, recent GCSU graduate Will Means launched an app he created to aid college students in organizing their schedules and managing their course loads. He was recently selected to present his idea to the University System of Georgia’s Board of Regents.
Means’ app, “PocketAce,” is an organizational calendar that tracks every upcoming assignment, due date, exam and all important meetings the student has. The app utilizes scheduled notifications based on the calendar it creates to ensure that students are notified of due dates frequently.
He got the idea from his own method of uploading his syllabi to ChatGPT and asking it to create an
organized schedule for him, and noticing the flaws and errors in that method, decided to improve it.
“I’ve always been kind of all over the place when it comes to organizing my schoolwork, and I hated how long it took to manually create a planner schedule or online calendar,” Means said.
PocketAce is a reimagining of the use of AI in schools. Its goal is to allow students to benefit from the advances of AI technology in a way that doesn’t sacrifice their academic integrity or their learning.
Nicholas Creel, GCSU Associate Professor of Business Law, served as a mentor to Means during the development process, helping him to navigate the legal and financial
aspects of his journey.
“His AI app won’t write your papers for you, but it will ensure you are organized to the point that you’ll be far more likely to do the best work
out Means’ journey, but it was neither an easy process nor a short one leading up to that presentation.
He began by entering his idea into the Venture Capitalist Competition, a con-
you can,” Creel said.
Additionally, it was Creel who recommended Means for the opportunity to present to the Board of Regents. The business idea was well received through-
test where entrepreneurial students pitch business ideas to several prestigious judges. Means decided that if he won the competition, he would pursue the idea, and he did exactly that.
Mary Vinson Memorial Library’s $1.4
Jillian Thompson Staff Writer
After 10 months of renovations and a 1.4-million-dollar budget, The Mary Vinson Memorial Library is officially up and running once again.
The library, located at 151 S Jefferson St NE, has recently reopened its doors to the public. The renovation features several key upgrades, including modern lighting, a high-tech smartboard and fully remodeled restrooms.
Haydn Bendall, a senior elementary education major, said she had visited the library before its renovation.
“You could tell it was an older library, but that there was a lot of history involved in the structure and the way the library is oriented,” Bendall said.
Baldwin County’s first library began in 1923 and was housed in a building on South Wayne Street. The building served as a trading post of sorts, outfitted with baby beds for mothers and eventually a collection of books to keep patrons busy as they waited for streetcars to ferry them between Hardwick and Midway.
In 1931, with the looming shadow of the Great Depression, the library-trading post closed its doors. Over time, the economy healed from the blows of the depression, and
the community knew that Milledgeville needed a library in the town once again. By 1938, the county moved its various donated and purchased books into its current 18,900-squarefoot building and renamed it the Mary Vinson Memorial Library. The library was named after former Congressman Carl Vinson’s wife.
Mary Vinson was “Very dedicated to literacy and increasing the ability of people in Baldwin County to be able to read and write,” said Deborah Taylor, the Reference Manager at The Mary Vinson Memorial Library.
Throughout the years, the library has adapted to the needs of the times. In an excerpt from The History of the Baldwin County Public Library (Carpenter & Reese 2007), the library was created to be a “multi-generational system, offering programs to meet the needs of young children as well as young adults, senior citizens and every age in between.”
“This building is just completely reimagined from what it was years ago,” said Jennifer Lautzenheiser, the Middle Georgia Regional Library Director, in an interview with The Union Recorder.
Upon entrance to the Mary Vinson Memorial Library,
“I spent roughly 900 hours over the past 11 months learning how to develop the features and working on the actual software,” Means said. “It has been my only priority for the past year, besides graduating, of course.”
He worked tirelessly with Professor Creel and other professors of business to build and perfect PocketAce into the stress-relieving tool he had imagined.
“Will’s success on this project can be attributed to his dedication, creativity and his eager embrace of new technology,” Creel said.
With Creel’s recommendation, Means then presented his idea on the professional level, and was the first of the young entrepreneurs in attendance to do so.
million
browse the selection of books.
visitors are greeted by a pair of sliding glass double doors. The circulation desk at the center of the building is where visitors can check out books, ask questions and learn more about the library’s resources.
To the right of the library’s entrance is the historic and genealogical records room. This room has everything from city plans, information on various cemeteries, maps of waterways and even diaries written by locals who worked at Central State Hospital during its prime.
“They’re very rare resources,” Taylor said. “Some of the books and things that we have down there are the only ones that we know to exist.”
Further back in the library,
Upstairs, visitors are welcomed into the official library space by a portrait of Mary Vinson. This section also includes dozens of computers and a plethora of books, CDs and movies.
The Mary Vinson Memorial Library has many events that are intended to foster community engagement. On their website, visitors can find a calendar with various events to draw the public out with crafts, yoga and baby storytime. The library also provides free Wi-Fi, menstrual products and various other items to aid the community.
“A public library benefits the community in a positive
“He just knocked it out of the park.” said President Cathy Cox, who was in attendance at his presentation. “He was calm, collected, smart, well-spoken--everything you would have hoped for. I was so proud.”
PocketAce is available for download in the Apple App Store, and Means plans to continue modifications and updates based on student feedback to ensure its sustained usefulness.
“Having unshakable belief in yourself is a value that can take you far in life, no matter what your career is.” Means said. He hopes that his success will serve as encouragement for students aspiring to start a business to utilize their campus resources and not be afraid to take risks.
makeover
ing resources,” Bendall said. “They’re just for you to use.”
One student believes that GCSU students could benefit from visiting the Mary Vinson Memorial Library.
“I think it’s really important because it would spread our footprints beyond our college campus,” said Wandi Hadebe, a sophomore theater and English major. “I feel like college can be such a bubble, and you kind of forget that there’s a world beyond the GCSU campus. I think that coming to the library would be a great way to get plugged in.”
Students interested in visiting the Mary Vinson Memorial
past the circulation desk, is the children’s reading section. Children and families can come here to listen to stories, watch puppet shows and
way because you can have free access to books, and you can sit for however long you like and use their resources without having to spend money on buy-
Library can visit its website at https://bibblib.org/directory_ page_T49_R59.php or locate the building at 151 S Jefferson St SE, Milledgeville, GA 31061.
Mary Vinson Memorial Library
SENATE
Continued from page 1
When Rahman first came to GCSU, staff from the International Education Center supported her journey. One staff member in particular helped her with the necessary steps to becoming a student in the United States.
“She did a lot of the work on her own; she worked with her department, I believe, in political science as well as her advisor,” said Jason Wynn, Assistant Director for International Student & Scholar Services. “She came to me largely for regulatory support to make sure that she could legally do this while she was here.”
Wynn encouraged Rahman’s involvement in the International Club and
assisted her in pursuing the internship. International students here at GCSU have the opportunity to develop in their careers with the perk of staff support
“I think the most rewarding part of working with international students is getting to know them personally, helping them grow and watching them achieve things after leaving Georgia College,” Wynn said.
Other international students have witnessed Rahman’s success in real time. They admire her for being able to stand out among others.
“I was really surprised because it is not everyday that international students get incredible opportunities like this,” said senior Nhu “Anna” Nguyen, Co-President of the International Club. “I really admire her for all of
the hard work she put in to be able to stand out and get this internship.”
Rahman’s dedication is showing returns through her enjoyment of her position. As she continues the internship, she reflects on the importance of her work.
“It is beautiful to hear constituents
GCSU RECEIVES NATIONAL COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT CERTIFIATION
vate, across the country hold this classification.
GCSU has earned the 2026 Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement, a national recognition highlighting the university’s sustained commitment to civic involvement, service-learning and community partnerships.
“This Carnegie classification reflects the dedication Georgia College has to a culture of serving our community,” said Dan Nadler, GCSU’s vice president for Student Life and interim dean of students.
“Our students give their time and talents to hundreds of organizations, and our faculty lead co-curricular projects for learning outside the classroom with nonprofits and local businesses.”
Awarded during the week of Jan. 14, the designation places GCSU among a select group of institutions nationwide recognized for meaningful collaboration with their communities. According to the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, only 277 colleges and universities, both public and pri-
The Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement recognizes institutions that demonstrate deep, reciprocal relationships with local, regional and global partners through service, teaching and research. For GCSU, the honor reflects the cumulative impact of thousands of service hours logged annually by students, faculty and staff.
According to the Office of Community Engagement & Service’s mission statement, GCSU works closely with community partners to address shared needs while advancing students’ academic and civic learning.
One of the university’s most prominent service initiatives is GC Gives Day, an annual event launched in 2018. The program introduces firstyear students to civic involvement by connecting them with nonprofit organizations throughout Milledgeville and Baldwin County, allowing students to participate in projects that support local agencies through hands-on service, from environmental cleanups to food distribution and
organizational support.
In 2024, GC Gives Day generated an estimated economic impact of $120,000 in donated labor, with more than 1,600 first-year students participating.
Students say the experience reinforces a sense of purpose and pride in the university’s philanthropic efforts. Jalyn
shared that participating in outreach events allows her to connect personal passion with campus engagement.
“I was so happy to be able to table and spread awareness for [event] and such an amazing philanthropy that is so close to my heart,” Carey said.
GCSU’s commitment to public service efforts
calling in about their concerns and knowing that their voices are being heard and taken care of,” Rahman said. Rahman plans to continue pursuing law when she finishes this internship. Although she is unsure what the future holds, she is determined to make a positive difference.
With more than 200 student organizations on campus, GCSU provides numerous leadership opportunities tied to service and advocacy. These organizations address critical community needs across health care, education, accessibility and social support.
Among them is GC Miracle, a student-led
Fish, a sophomore business major, shared on GivePulse, the university’s platform for logging service hours, that participating in service opportunities allows students to advocate for causes larger than themselves.
“It is always a privilege to share more about our philanthropy and how we help those in need,” Fish said.
Anna Carey, a senior honors pre-law student,
spans decades. Over the past 25 years, the Office of Community Engagement & Service has facilitated the participation of approximately 25,000 volunteers. Collectively, those volunteers have contributed an estimated 1.1 million hours of service, representing an estimated $26 million in economic impact.
Student organizations further amplify the university’s outreach efforts.
organization that has raised more than $1 million for Georgia’s Beverly Knight Olson Children’s Hospital. Another is Best Buddies, which promotes inclusion by fostering friendships between students and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Faculty involvement also strengthens GCSU’s community engagement mission. Many faculty members incorporate
service-learning and community-based projects into their courses, allowing students to apply academic knowledge to real-world challenges while supporting local nonprofits, schools and businesses.
The Carnegie classification is awarded through a rigorous application and review process that evaluates institutional practices, infrastructure and outcomes related to civic involvement. Institutions must demonstrate not only participation in service activities, but also sustained partnerships and measurable impact.
For GCSU, the 2026 Carnegie Elective Classification affirms years of intentional work embedding civic responsibility into the student experience while encouraging a campus culture where service remains central to learning and leadership.
For students interested in getting involved in community service or learning more about engagement opportunities, information is available through the Office of Community Engagement & Service. The office can be contacted at give@gcsu.edu.
Jane Carr News Editor
Reaghan Shehee | Digital Media Editor
Courtesy of University Communications
GC Power
Continued from page 1
The idea of putting mind over matter and to keep pushing even when things are hard is a way Pelton motivates his lifter. He believes that lifting is a slow burn, a matter of
willpower and small growth.
“Lifting is for everyone; not everyone is for lifting,” Pelton said.
Pushing past their limits and dedicating themselves to lifting are what make sport worth it for some students.
“I generally do 12–16-week preps, which can be long and
grueling,” Daniel said. “It can be a very uplifting experience as well! Showing off all of that hard work can be a very satisfying experience.”
Daniel and Antwine get a therapeutic effect from lifting; they feel a sense of relief from stress and other strong emotions. Sometimes lifting induces more stress, especially during competition.
Stress can fall on both coaches and lifters during competitions. Coaches feel pressure about how well they have prepared the lifters, and lifters are stressed about how they will perform.
This stress is similar to that in any sport that involves competing against others. In comparison to other sports, lifters get to show off their hard work to others and support friends and team-
mates during competitions.
“Getting to show off all of the hard work that you put in…is such an exciting experience,” Daniel said. “Words cannot completely describe the atmosphere that a competition brings.”
Powerlifting has also given students the opportunity to reflect on their past, not just on how they used to be physically, but also on the mental state they were in when they were using lighter weights.
“I am most proud of my 512-pound squat,” Daniel said. “I had previously missed 507, it felt good to finally break the 500-pound barrier.”
This article isn’t meant to scare anyone away from the club, but to show the public the passion and love everyone has for their craft. People with no experience of
lifting are welcome to join and learn from the club.
Many club members are will-
ing to help with any questions about the process, and they love seeing new people. Anyone looking for personal growth, to make some friends, to learn a new skill or just to get in better shape should try GC Power.
“You have to give up part of your dignity to start lifting at first, because honestly it’s a little embarrassing, but be willing to laugh at yourself and you will be ok,” Antwine said.
Update on GCSU Wellness & Recreation Center
Bella Russell Contributing Writer
Opened in 2011, GCSU’s Wellness and Recreation Center (WRC) supports student well-being through fitness facilities, intramural sports and on-site health services. Recently, the WRC has seen an increase in student use, especially when it comes to workout and recreation needs.
“Our gym is truly diverse in what it offers. It offers workout classes, every workout machine I could think of, intramural sports and even a rock climbing wall,” said Mackenzie Geddings, a student employee at the WRC.
The WRC also houses courts for volleyball and basketball, an indoor track, and a studio space, with multi-purpose
outdoor fields for intramural flag football, soccer, lacrosse and more.
According to Drew Bruton, Director of the Wellness and Recreation Center, peak hours typically fall between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., and some students may have difficulty finding available equipment due to high demand. Free-weight and machine areas often experience the most congestion at these times.
“I can meet almost all my workout goals, but sometimes some of the machines are too light, or I have to find substitutions,” said James Addis, a sophomore who visits the WRC almost every day.
Limitations like these have prompted discussions about expanding and updating equipment through repurpos-
ing the former pool area.
The indoor swimming pool was open to students and community members until May 2025, when the WRC staff decided to close it. The decision to close the pool arose from pump issues, the high cost of maintenance and upkeep and low student usage, according to Bruton.
This prompted Bruton and the WRC staff to reconsider the space.
“If we’re going to spend this much money to fix or repurpose the pool, let’s take a step back and figure out how we can best do that for what students need and want,” Bruton said.
Now, the 11,000-square-foot space sits vacant, with students wondering what it will become.
A student survey was
conducted in which 700 students filled out, and about 90% want some sort of additional fitness component to go into the space.
Some suggestions from students included a wide range of ideas, such as a nutrition station, an indoor turf field, table tennis, pickleball courts or an additional fitness floor with more weight machines and cardio equipment.
“I would love to see a studio space for dancers, it would be nice to have a space for dance on West Campus,” said Haley Hart, a student employee who assists students at the rock climbing wall.
However, a few students were upset about the pool closure and wished it could reopen.
“I was extremely upset when the pool closed. I
used it very frequently for cross country, and almost every weekend with my friends to swim and enjoy the diving boards,” said Jaycob Wagner, a sophomore on GCSU’s men’s cross country team.
“We’re still in the early stages on what the pool space will turn into, in a perfect world, ideally it would turn into additional studio space and free weights and machines,” Bruton said.
While a specific timeline has not been finalized, students are encouraged to continue sharing feedback through surveys given by the Wellness and Recreation Center and remain patient as the university considers future updates.
Courtesy of Hampton Pelton, GC Power
Courtesy of Hampton Pelton, GC Power
Courtesy of JWest Productions
GCSU baseball season opener
Bryan Cade Head Sports Editor
With the end of winter comes spring, and with spring comes new Georgia College & State University baseball, as the team opened its season at home with a doubleheader against the nationally ranked No. 1 team, the University of Tampa, at John Kurtz Field, Friday, Jan. 30.
The team finished the season under the guidance of long-time GCSU coach Nolan Belcher, posting a 30-24 overall record and 19-8 in conference. The team later took down Flagler University and the University of South Carolina-Aiken in the Peach Belt Conference before falling to Lander University for their second time in the double-elimination tournament.
However, with the new season comes new opportunities. With the departure of Belcher
to the University of North Georgia, Department of Athletics, Wendell Staton looked to Flagler College’s pitching coach, Jeff Pelkey, to lead the team during the 2026 season.
“Coach Belcher did a great job here, and the coaches in the past have all been very good,” Coach Pelkey said.
“The one constant here at Georgia College of the years, that I’ve noticed, is it’s not really the coaches but it’s the players, and that we’ve always had really good players that have turned into really good alumni, and it’s been a great legacy that basically started with John Kurtz. My job is to organize everything, make sure practices are growing smoothly and hold guys accountable.”
Pelkey leads a different team from the previous one, with quite a few graduations, such as seniors Mitch Cowan, Matthew
Mebane and Bradley Wilson, as well as the transfer departures of Gold
of the returners have gotten better,” Pelkey said. “I think the Evan Cowans,
Glover Braeden Smith and teamace John Luke Glanton. Pelkey was gifted a tall task to answer to.
The Bobcats will look to many of their then non-seniors to step up in the 2026 season, such as Carson Phillips and Evan Cowan on offense, while Christian Donaldson and Jake Beaver become seniors on the pitching side. The Bobcats will also get their first looks at now-sophomore Blake Bellflower, freshman catcher Carson Vick and freshman infielder Cole Huddleston.
“I think some
the Carson Phillips of the world. They’ve gotten significantly better. I think Bobcat fans need to take a peek at the Luke Boone kid, [he’s a] very talented player. We got an incoming freshman, Carson Vick, who has done a great job.”
While the Bobcats struggled against the number one team in the season-opener, 151, with the pitching staff sadly giving up a run in each of the innings aside from the fifth, they fared much better in the nightcap of the doubleheader.
“I think it’ll be competitive,”
Pelkey said. “I think our guys are ready to go. Obviously, they’ll be talented on the other side, but I think if we play our style of baseball and we play good baseball, I think at the end of the nine innings, it’s got to be a dog fight.”
The Bobcats faced former ace Glanton in the second game. Tampa struck for three in the first off the Bobcats’ Keaton Prior; however, that would be all the Spartans scored
my Beir came out of the bullpen to collect the three-out save to shut down the Bobcats’ hopes of a win on the first day of the season.
The Bobcats’ season continues Tuesday, Feb. 3, at 5 p.m. against Albany State University in Albany, Georgia. Afterwards is the first three-game set of the year against Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Dayto-
throughout the remainder of the contest. GCSU went on to score a run in the seventh, putting the team within two on a Keagan Baxter groundout to shortstop to score Ty Petrocih. However, Tampa’s Sam-
Shifting rules reshape college football
Lily Mahaffey Staff Writer
Following Indiana’s College Football Playoff National Championship win, fans across the country and students at Georgia College and State University are questioning whether recent changes to the transfer portal, name, image, and likeness (NIL), and the expanded playoff have improved fairness or harmed the sports legitimacy.
As the season finished with Indiana winning the College Football Playoff National Championship, fans across the country and students at GCSU started discussions about fairness, sustainability and legitimacy.
The transfer portal now lets players move more easily between programs. This gives athletes more control over their future careers. NIL has opened up new financial opportunities for ath-
letes along with the CFP now including automatic bids for five conference champions, which aims to provide more access to the postseason.
However, these changes have not come without criticism. Some college football fans believe the sport’s rapid change has altered competitive balance across the sport and created contrasts between programs.
One student in particular states that the timeline should be changed for the team’s advantage.
“I do think that the college football transfer portal timeline should be altered because it is putting players and coaches that are actively competing in the playoffs at a disadvantage against teams that are not,” said Saxon Anderson, a sophomore finance major. “Teams that are not in the playoffs can spend all of their resources actively going out to find the coach and players they need,
while the teams that are in the playoffs are forced to mix their time of focusing on the playoffs.”
The portal window overlaps with the playoff schedule, forcing some programs to balance
of perceived strength compared to other programs left out of the field.
Colby Avery, a junior criminal justice major, believes the current structure may be limiting the quality of the
postseason preparation with roster decisions.
Although the roster movements have been a concern, the expanded playoff format has also raised questions about competitive consistency. The 12-team playoff guarantees automatic bids to five conference champions, regardless
postseason matchups.
“I do believe that the College Football Playoff format should be adjusted because in the last two seasons the fourthand fifth-best champions that automatically got bids have yet to get a win,” Avery said. “I feel that it is taking away from teams that actu-
ally deserve a bid that would be much more likely to compete and give the fans what they want to see: higher quality teams and the biggest games and moments.”
Some fans argue that postseason expansion has cut the importance of the regular season outcomes and traditional rivalries between teams.
Conference rearrangement has already altered matchups, and frequent player movement has made it harder for fans to build lasting connections with rosters.
With increased player movement and financial motivation, some fans believe college football is beginning to resemble a professional sports system rather than a campus-based tradition. While changes such as NIL and the transfer portal were designed to benefit players, they have also altered how fans experience the sport.
Walker Bell, a ju-
na Beach, Florida, with the first game of the series on Friday, Feb. 6, at 6 p.m. and the final two in a doubleheader on Saturday, Feb. 7, with the first game at 1 p.m. and the second at 4 p.m.
nior marketing major, said the growing emphasis on money has weakened the sense of community that once defined college football.
“I feel like the authenticity of college football is not as apparent as it used to be,” Bell said. “With the transfer portal and NIL deals becoming such a big factor, the sport feels much more like a business. Players are not building the same sense of community with their coaches and teammates when they know they can leave for more money at another school.”
As college football keeps changing, fans are still split about whether the sport’s path now can last. Though increased access, financial chances and player freedom show progress, many feel changes will be needed to keep the competitive spirit, tradition and emotional bond that have defined college football.
Arizona State University college football stadium
Courtesy of Alexus Duncan, GCSU Athletics
Courtesy of Alexus Duncan, GCSU Athletics
GCSU basketball midway recap
Bryan Cade Head Sports Editor
GCSU men’s and women’s basketball teams have each entered the midway point of their respective seasons playing above expectations, with the women’s team overcoming preseason obstacles and the men’s team marching towards the Peach Belt Conference playoffs.
Beginning with the women’s team, Coach Catrina Green entered the season as the newly minted interim head coach, with several players either graduating or transferring. Green worked hard to put together a solid roster ahead of the 2025-2026 season.
“Expectations were to build consistency,” Green said. “Coming in with a very new group experience-wise and age-wise. I wanted to build consistency, start building a culture of winning habits, get some wins if they come, but definitely trying to build some
added depth to the roster.
While incoming freshmen, such as Center Elizabeth Wynn, sharp-shooter Caroline Beavin, and the sister of Bailey Vick, Sloane Vick, have added a powerful first-year class to the squad.
“[I’m] excited about their growth,” Green said. “They’re willing to work and they trust me to help lead them. Super excited about the season that they’re having, and that years two, three and four are going to be really, really big for them.”
The team struggled to open the season, dropping the season-opener to Young Harris College 61-49 and losing the next three; however, while the team’s morale may have dwindled, things ticked up for the team come Nov. 25.
Off of a 25-point, 18 rebound double-double from Wynn, making her the Zaxby’s Player of the Week, the Bobcat women’s basketball team collected their first win of the
consistency and confidence in kids that haven’t had the opportunity to showcase their skills.”
Transfers such as Celeste Scott from East Georgia State College, DeJanae Dennis-Cassanova from Cleveland State Community College, and Molly Burns from Peach Belt rival University of South Carolina-Aiken have
season over Mars Hill 67-63.
GCSU dropped its next three, including an overtime thriller loss to Middle Georgia State University 67-60. The Bobcats won their second of the season, 70-45, in an Education Day thriller in front of the big home crowd. The Bobcats won their next three of four, including their first conference
victory over Georgia Southwestern State University 61-51.
The biggest win of the season came Jan. 14, defeating No. 18 Columbus State University 7068, as Guard Deshona Gaither put up 18 points to steal the victory from the then number one team in the conference.
The Bobcats’ next women’s basketball game comes against the University of South Carolina-Beaufort in a Peach Belt Conference matchup on Wednesday, Feb. 4, in Bluffton, South Carolina.
The men’s team tells a different tale. The Bobcats entered the season losing one of their larger scorers in Zyair Greene; however, coach Ryan Aquino did not crumble underneath losing such a powerful offensive force, far from it.
“We just have to keep getting better every day, and that’ll get us to the goal at the end of the season: to be playing our best basketball,” Coach Aquino said.
Transfers C.J. Jones out of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and Devin McClain have done a lot for the squad, while redshirt freshmen from the previous year, such as Cam James and Gabe Bolden, have stepped into clutch roles.
Aquino’s team opened up the season with a fierce 99-70 victory over Shorter University, stemming from three 12-point performances from Jones, Luke Krawczyk
and Austin Mosby-Weems.
After losing the next two, the team then went on an unstoppable seven-game win streak, including four conference victories, with wins over Clayton State University, Middle Georgia State University, a 99-91 overtime victory over Augusta University—coming from a 42-point performance from Jones and an Education Day victory over the University of South Carolina-Beaufort.
“I think a big strength, these guys, the experience, the returners, the relationships that they’ve built, the trust that they’ve built,” Aquino said. “I think that’s been a big strength for us. The biggest thing we need to keep improving on. Early in the season, we were really strong offensively. I think our defense wasn’t all the way there, and I think we’re slowly getting there.”
The Bobcats played streakily, however, winning only three of their next 10. Building off two consecutive conference victories over Clayton State University and Middle Georgia State University, the Bobcats’ men’s basketball team looks to continue its win streak. The team matches up against the University of South Carolina-Beaufort on Wednesday, Feb. 4, at 7:30 p.m. in Bluffton, South Carolina, as they march toward the Peach Belt playoffs.
Falcons shake up staff; GCSU students react
Joe Palmese Asst. Sports Editor
After another losing season, the Atlanta Falcons hit reset – and fans at GCSU are not shy about what they think of the new direction.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home of the Atlanta Falcons, is approximately 99 miles away from Georgia College. 94% of GCSU’s students are natives of Georgia, meaning there are plenty of Falcons fans on campus.
After the Falcons’ 8-9 season, they decided to fire head coach
Raheem Morris, along with General Manager, Terry Fontenot.
In the following weeks, the Falcons made multiple fires including
former franchise quarterback, Matt Ryan, as president of football.
Kevin Stefanski is the new head coach and Ian Cunningham is the new general manager
Falcons fans across GCSU’s campus have reacted to this news, including senior Zach Steinberg.
“I love the moves this offseason. Raheem Morris needed to go” Steinberg said. “Stefanski is a great coach. You don’t win the NFL Coach Of The Year twice without being a great coach”
The Falcons are in the midst of an eightyear playoff drought, which is the second-longest active streak behind the New York Jets.
Owner Arthur Blank
has made his plan clear that he wants to win, and win now. Blank is yet to win the ultimate prize in the NFL: a Super Bowl ring.
“Stefanski has multi-
the Cleveland Browns in the five seasons he was the head coach.
This includes winning two NFL Coach Of The Year awards in 2020 and 2023, as well as a 5-12
ple losing records on his resume”, said Michael Fazio, senior accounting major. “The team is ready to win, and they have the talent to do it”.
The criticism on the hiring of Kevin Stefanski is that he had an overall 45-58 (.455) record with
record in the 2025 season, leading to his departure from Cleveland.
“Stefanski was a 2x COTY [Coach Of The Year] for the worst organization in football” Fazio said. “He was hired by Matt Ryan, someone Falcons’ fans love and can
put their trust into. Until something goes bad, you should trust Matt Ryan”.
Falcons fans across campus recognize where the franchise has been in the past decade. and are hopeful for a turnaround, with Kevin Stefanski calling the plays.
“As a life-long [Falcons] fan, this franchise has suffered more than anyone [except the Browns]. A new hire means new hope”, said Matt Mulero, junior business major. “I can only believe in it. The end goal is a Super Bowl. Is Stefanski the guy to get us there?”.
“Since the disappointment of the Super Bowl, all we have tried to do is rebound back to that moment. Not rebuild, but rebound”, said Scott Brinson, sophomore business major. “We don’t take our time, we are not wise. We bet, we don’t take risks. Until Atlanta is a contender, I won’t believe we ever will be one”.
The Atlanta Falcons will return to Mercedes-Benz Stadium in September this year, with a brand new look.
A new coach on the sidelines, a new general manager making personnel decisions and a new President of Football.
Some GCSU students, including sophomore Scott Brinson believe that the franchise’s Super Bowl loss in 2016 to the New England Patriots sent the franchise into the wrong direction.
Courtesy of Alexus Duncan, GCSU Athletics
Courtesy of Alexus Duncan, GCSU Athletics
Merecedes-Benz Stadium
GCSU creative writing professor releases new novel: “Grace”
Elizabeth Kohler Staff Writer
On Thursday, Jan. 15, Chika Unigwe, an associate professor of creative writing at GCSU and prolific author, published her new novel, “Grace,” through the publishing firm Canongate Books.
“Grace” is a thought-provoking novel about family, resilience and confronting your past. Grace, a successful doctor and mother of twins, must face the daughter she had to give up at 15 when her estranged mother abruptly appears, threatening the fragile life she has built and protected for decades.
Unigwe was inspired to write this novel because of instances she had heard about in her past of mothers forced to give up or abandon their children due to societal, financial or familial pressures.
“Growing up, I heard of babies abandoned in unimaginable places,” Unigwe said. “More re-
cently, an acquaintance took in a baby abandoned near her home, and it got me thinking of those abandoned babies, and I wanted to write a happy ending for them.”
same transgressions men routinely get away with, and I wanted to explore that power imbalance and its consequences,” Unique said.
As a creative writ-
Unigwe’s novels and short stories often explore themes of family, resilience and women’s struggles to survive and thrive in a male-centered society.
“I have also long been troubled by how patriarchal cultures punish women for the
ing professor, Unigwe works to encourage her students’ dreams while helping them to hone their skills and style. By doing this, she is also able to further examine and improve her own work and style.
“Teaching writing forces me to interro-
gate my own writing,” Unigwe said.
Lucy Whitener, a junior English major, is a student of Unigwe’s and finds her teaching style very helpful and productive for her writing.
“She always has a very hands-on approach, which is something I deeply admire about her,” Whitner said. “She loves to interact with your writing and find ways to improve it without putting you down.”
By publishing her novels, Unigwe inspires her creative writing students with her achievements as a successful author and shows them that their writing dreams are possible.
“It is so encouraging to have someone like [Unigwe] teaching at GCSU, because, as someone who would love to publish her work someday, I’d be able to go to her for advice and talk to her about the publishing process,” Whitener said.
Kerry James Evans, associate professor and MFA coordinator at
Celebrating American Heart Month
To promote awareness of heart health across the nation, the month of February is recognized as American Heart Month. According to a 2023 study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a person dies of heart disease every 34 seconds. This is equivalent to nearly 1 million citizens per year, making cardiovascular disease the leading cause of death in the United States.
system. According to the CDC, the most common type is coronary artery disease, or CAD, and the leading determinants are high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and smoking. According to the American Heart Association, nearly 50% of adult U.S. citizens have high blood pressure, 10% have high blood cholesterol, and in 2021, 11.5% of Americans reported smoking regularly.
“I think it is really important to share information on ways of heart disease prevention and
Heart disease refers to any type of condition that affects the cardiovascular
find ways in your community to contribute to the advocacy of healthy
habits. That can probably save a lot of people,” said Cara Tipiani, a freshman public health major.
Although, through education and changes in lifestyle, heart disease can be an easy bullet to dodge. Enacted in 1964 by President Lyndon B. Johnson, the American Heart Month helps U.S. citizens each year combat the widespread impact of cardiovascular disease.
During February, many health organizations release information, blogs and articles about heart disease. The American Heart Association (AHA) highlights wearing red in support of cardiovascular health, while promoting CPR training, volunteer opportunities and donations. The CDC also puts together an American Heart Month “Tool Kit” that contains facts and articles on the many ways of heart disease prevention.
American Heart Month helps bring awareness to disease prevention, which is the number one way to protect heart health. Experts in public health emphasize that awareness is
GCSU and fellow published author, praises Unigwe’s prominent career for her contributions to the GCSU writing program.
“Her international presence and prolific publishing put GCSU’s creative writing program on the global stage,” Evans said.
Evans went on to talk about Unigwe’s achievements as a professor here at GCSU, both for herself and for her students.
“As far as her contributions go—beyond her students going on to publish their work in top journals and with great presses—her own publications, most recently “The Middle Daughter” and even more recently in the UK, “Grace,” represent what our program is founded on— extraordinary literary writing,” Evans said.
In 2023, Unigwe was knighted into the Order of the Belgium Crown, in recognition for her contributions to literature, and is a winner of multiple literary awards, in-
a key part in reducing the risk of heart disease.
A 2019 AHA survey highlights that young Americans are becoming less aware of risks from heart disease, when early adulthood is a critical period of time to start heart-healthy choices.
“Chronic illness takes time to develop. Some of these metabolic dysfunctions start to develop much earlier in life,” said Sparkle Springfield, an assistant professor of public health science at Loyola University in Chicago in an American Heart Assocation interview conducted by Laura Williamson.
The American Heart Month is in place to make sure American citizens are well-informed and have access to heart health information. The emphasis on education and taking early action encourages Americans to take control of their health.
The American Heart Month sparks action across the country. Experts say that participation in community events and volunteer work with heart organi-
cluding the $100,000 Nigeria Prize for Literature in 2012 for her novel, “On Black Sisters’ Street.” She has also served as a judge for many other literary competitions.
The release date for the U.S. has not been set yet, but “Grace” is available for purchase in hardback, paperback and ebook format through many online U.K. bookstores.
Unigwe’s previous novel, “The Middle Daughter”, published in April of 2023, is a reimagining of the Hades and Persephone myth, as Nani, the main character, must fight to reclaim her life from her abusive husband. The novel, which explores themes of grief and sisterhood, is available for check out from GCSU’s Ina Dillard Russell Library and for purchase at the GCSU Barnes & Noble.
For more information about “Grace,” please visit the Canongate Books website: https://canongate.co.uk/
zations is a great way to contribute to awareness.
GCSU and the town of Milledgeville offer multiple opportunities for students to engage with during Heart Month.
The GCSU Center for Health and Social Issues includes a calendar of health events students are able to attend throughout the year.
In the past, the February events were focused mainly on heart health. These events include tablings of cooking demonstrations featuring heart-healthy foods, informational booths about healthy habits and CPR training exercises.
Starting prevention young is a great way to form healthy habits for life; as Benjamin Franklin once said, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” The American Heart Month helps millions of Americans recognize the prevalent problem of heart disease across the nation and invites citizens to begin working towards better cardiovascular health. For GCSU students looking to take better care of their hearts, the GCSU Center for Health & Social Issues will be offering free screenings and heart-healthy activities throughout the month of February. To learn more, visit the center’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/chsiatgcsu.
Clara Sewell Contributing Writer
Reaghan Shehee | Digital Media Editor
Courtesy of Chika Unigwe
Julia Jensen | Art Director
ARTS & LIFE
GCSU students return refreshed after winter break
Maggie Hinton Staff Writer
As students return to GCSU for the spring semester, many say winter break gave them the opportunity to reset after a demanding fall semester. Through travel, hobbies and time with family, students said stepping away from coursework helped them return to cam-
pus feeling refreshed and motivated.
For many students, winter break offered an opportunity to slow down from the fast pace of campus life. Without the pressure of exams and deadlines, students said the extended time off allowed them to focus on personal interests and return to school ready for the new semester.
One student said his break was
centered around fun, relaxation and visiting his family and friends.
“Since school was out, it was nice to relax and just enjoy being home without worrying about classes or assignments,” said Joseph McKinley, a freshman business major.
He spent much of his break golfing and catching up with friends. McKinley said this is what made the break feel both enjoyable and low-pressure.
He also spent time with his family during the holidays. McKinley spent Christmas at his grandparents’ house before traveling to Florida to visit other relatives. While in Florida, he played pickleball, continued golfing and enjoyed the warm weather. He also spent time exploring local areas, trying out local restaurants and shops and celebrated New Year’s Eve with friends before returning to campus.
Vanessa Lodato, a junior public health major, said she spent her break baking, traveling and enjoying time away from school.
“At the beginning of break, I spent a lot of time baking different cookies for Christmas to make cookie boxes
for my family and friends,” Lodato said.
After Christmas, Lodato traveled to Key West, Florida, where she spent a week visiting state park beaches and enjoying warmer weather.
“The man-made beaches were beautiful, and the water was amazing,” Lodato said.
She also took time to explore local shops and cafes downtown, enjoying the unique sights the city had to offer. Lodato added that walking around, seeing the shops and tasting local food made the trip feel special and memorable.
Kayla Kerce, a senior nursing major,
said her break was important for resting after a difficult and demanding semester.
“I went on a cruise to the Bahamas and really enjoyed just relaxing and tak-
Students anticipate Harry Styles’ return
Maggie Scarbrough Staff Writer
After Harry Styles released his top-hit album “Harry’s House” in May 2022, the pop singer went quiet for four years following Love on Tour and the tragic death of his friend Liam Payne.
On Jan. 15, 2026, he announced his newest album, “Kiss All the Time, Disco, Occasionally.”
Some fans grew up listening to former boyband One Direction. Others have recently discovered his music. Still, listeners are excited to see what Styles has in store with this album. However, it is not the only project of his that will set the stage for 2026.
“The music icon announced that he will hit the road this year for a trot around the world in what Styles is calling the Together, Together tour,” said Bryanna Cappadona, managing editor for Today.com.
GCSU students shared their expectations and thoughts for the upcoming album release.
“I honestly don’t have many expectations as
similar vibe to his first album. Maybe a little bit more upbeat and happier songs, though,” said Phoebe Davis, a freshman exercise science major.
Harry has always done something different with each album,” said Grace Lovell, a sophomore middle grades education major. “I’m quite open to it.”
Other students are looking back at past albums and letting those shape their expectations.
“I think the new album is going to have a
Shortly after announcing his new album, Styles released the album’s feature single, “Aperture.”
“An hour after the song’s release, the official audio for ‘Aperture’ was already within Youtube’s Trending music chart, earning more than 360,000 plays in its first 90 minutes,” said Jeff
ing time off from studying,” Kerce said.
The cruise gave Kerce a chance to rest and step away from school for a while. She also spent time with family and friends, participating in holiday traditions such as baking.
“Spending time with my family and baking together made the holidays feel really special,” Kerce said.
Winter break served as a reset after a busy fall semester. Activities like baking, golfing, traveling and spending time with family and friends helped students relax and recharge. As the new semester begins, students are adjusting back into coursework, schedules and responsibilities. Many said the combination of rest, travel and time with loved ones helped them return to campus feeling refreshed and motivated for the spring semester.
Benjamin, a senior contributor to Forbes.com.
Some GCSU students have already listened to the song and expect a new range of sounds.
“Based on his single that he just released, I’m expecting a bit more techno or club vibes,” Lovell said.
Lovell shared her plans for getting tickets to the upcoming tour.
“I’m definitely planning on attending [the tour] and I’ve already signed up for presale for a few shows in New York,” Lovell said.
Styles announced his tour through Instagram, which blew up online. Many people were already eager to get tickets. However, the popularity of the tour means tickets sell out fast, especially in the “Big Apple.”
“I would love to go to his new tour, but the only shows are in New York, so I probably won’t get to,” Davis said. Sometimes, plans
overlap, creating the ideal conditions for seeing a favorite artist live.
“I’m looking at getting last-minute tickets for London since I’ll be visiting at the same time as the Wembley shows, so I’m hopeful to get tickets,” said Lily Walsh, a freshman business management major.
Styles’ music is popular among college-aged individuals for many reasons. The pop-rock genre with hints of techno pulls the listener in, and the lyrics evoke images of individuality, belonging, self-expression and change.
“I think his music is very personal,” Lovell said. “They [the songs] all tend to have a much deeper meaning. I feel like his music can resonate with anyone, but especially college students since we are in such a time of change and figuring out who we are.”
Lovell is not the only one who sees the effect
of Styles’ music on college students. Others have shared their personal experiences beyond the catchy lyrics.
“I think his music provides a wide range of emotions and stories that almost anyone can find a song they connect to,” Davis said. “Also, most of us have grown up with him from One Direction to his solo career.”
Many students have found an overall theme among the messages in the songs.
“His music and the way he presents himself encourage people to truly live, to be fully themselves and to feel things deeply,” Walsh said.
Four years have passed, and Harry Styles is back with a new tour on the horizon. “Aperture” and the quick-selling tickets of Together, Together show this year’s pop culture is about to take a sensational turn.
Courtesy of Joseph McKinley
Courtesy of Vanessa Lodato
Courtesy of Kayla Kerce
Julia Jensen | Art Director
ARTS & LIFE
2016
Continued from page 1
Many students have noticed this comeback, including Sydney Auterson, a sophomore biology major, who enjoys a wide range of genres.
“[Lately] I’ve definitely been listening to the same music that was really popular in 2016,” Auterson said.
Some of the most popular songs from 2016 were “Closer” by The Chainsmokers ft. Halsey, “One Dance” by Drake, “Love Yourself” by Justin Bieber and “Cheap Thrills” by Sia.
According to Spotify, the top listened to artist in 2016 was Drake.
Zara Larson has made a big comeback this year as well. Continuing her success from 2025 and the “dolphin
meme,” she went on tour to perform her new album and classic hits. A dance to her song, “Lush Life,” has been going viral, displaying the fun and whimsy of her tour and the vibes of 2016.
Another reemergence from 2016 is clothing style. 2016’s leading trends were bomber jackets, chokers, off-the-shoulder tops and ultra-skinny jeans. Off shoulder shirts give a casual, laid back vibe that
dominated the 2016 fashion sphere.
“The off-the-shoulder shirts have had a big comeback,” Auterson said.
Summer Baum, also a sophomore biology major, gave her take on the 2016 trends reemerging.
“Me and my friends brought back 2016 by doing 2016 makeup and we
posted it on Instagram with all of the filters that were popular,” Baum said.
Social media was a big element of the 2016 culture. Musical.ly, Snapchat filters and Instagram poses were all the rage.
Musical.ly, a lip-syncing and dancing video app, was incredibly popular in 2016. It allowed users to post lip syncs and dancing videos for up to 15 seconds, including their favorite songs and fun filters. In 2018 it merged into TikTok. But with the reemergence of 2016 trends, many Tik-
Tok users have been posting lip synch videos in the style of Musical.ly videos.
“I would make like 30 Musical. lys in my room in the same shirt and I’d post them all,” Giusti said.
Some Snapchat filters that were pop-
ular in 2016 were the dog ears, flower crown, face swap and face-altering filters.
Many students and GCSU student organizations have taken to Instagram to reshare photos from 2016.
“Heard it was 2016 so we brought it back to founding year!” students from the Delta Gamma organization posted on Instagram.
All the photos had a filter on them and displayed fashion and poses that were popular in that era.
In short, the reemergence of trends, music and fashion has brought back the good vibes 2016 in 2026.
“I think that [2016 trends reemerging] is making life feel happier again,” Giusti said.
Courtesy of Sicilia Reed | Digital Engagement Coordinator for University Advancement
Courtesy of Sicilia Reed | Digital Engagement Coordinator for University Advancement
Courtesy of Sicilia Reed | Digital Engagement Coordinator for University
Courtesy of Sicilia Reed | Digital Engagement Coordinator for University Advancement
Courtesy of Sicilia Reed | Digital Engagement Coordinator for University
ARTS & LIFE
Exclusive look into weather impacts on GCSU students
omore psychology major, shares about her experience with Winter Storm Fern.
On January 23, the state of Georgia was threatened by a record-breaking weather system. In advance of the storm, GCSU strongly encouraged students to go home in order to ensure safety.
GCSU switched to asynchronous virtual learning on Monday, Jan. 26. The uncertainty of weather impacts left students to form their own opinions and make decisions regarding their safety and wellbeing during the rare weather event.
After receiving nearly one inch of snow in the Milledgeville area on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, GCSU students braced themselves for a new threat: Winter Storm Fern. Meteorologists spoke of crippling ice, snow and freezing rain that could create dangers for the impacted areas. The impacts of this storm posed risks for fallen trees, power outages and transportation issues.
During this uncertain time, GCSU students chose to remain positive. They used their weekend to spend time with roommates, navigate online classes and find indoor activities to enjoy.
Haylee Rainer, a soph-
“I thought if anything, it was just going to rain a lot and maybe freeze overnight,” Rainer said.
She elaborates on how she believed black ice would be the biggest danger due to the freezing temperatures and precipitation.
and made the necessary decision to alter class operations for Monday, Jan. 26. GCSU administration sent emails to students, faculty and staff, encouraging safety as its top priority.
Despite advisories urging students to return home, freshman roommates Carson Melton, a nursing major and Bella Barksdale, also a nursing major, stayed on campus over
Rainer describes deciding to stay in Milledgeville over the weekend with her roommates.
“We baked, watched some movies, played some games and did some homework,” Rainer said.
The weather concerns spurred Georgia residents to stock up on groceries and necessities in preparation for the weather ahead. Georgia universities monitored the storms
the weekend. The students talk about why they decided to stay.
“I didn’t even think about going home or anything,” Melton said.
The students prepared for the potential dangers of winter weather, yet they felt that the precautions were not necessary.
“I honestly think it was overhyped for where we are,” Barksdale said. “My mom was freaking out and ask-
ing if I had groceries, warm blankets, water, et cetera.”
Melton describes how the roommates spent their time indoors.
“We did watercolor painting and played cards,” Melton said.
The students did not seem to be concerned, nor affected a great deal by the winter storm.
“We were prepared with snacks anyway,” Melton said.
As asynchronous learning was implemented on Monday, students were given various assignments and meetings to attend.
Rainer speaks on asynchronous learning for Monday, Jan. 26. She referred to the struggles of participating in an outdoor education class.
“It was a bit of a challenge…” Rainer said.
The alternative learning style seemed to be a challenge for GCSU students, especially if the class requires hands-on learning. However, online resources proved to be helpful during the uncertain time.
“We still did our reading and questions like normal,” Rainer said.
Melton also elaborates on her experience with virtual learning.
“I had one teacher send me
a video to watch and come to class today with thoughts about it,” Melton said.
A variety of learning opportunities were displayed for the day, and some classes had no meetings or assignments.
Students spoke on their opinions of the school’s safety precautions and decisions regarding the storm.
“I think for how much it was built up everywhere, I think they did the right thing just in case there were any issues on the road and whatnot,” Barksdale said.
Melton also shares her thoughts. She refers to the campus-wide announcement of alternative learning and the recommendation to go home.
“I feel like they were just being safe,” Melton said. “Some decisions were more last-minute than I would’ve liked.”
Though GCSU managed to escape the dangers of winter storm Fern, the threat of snow is still prevalent.
“Bring on more snow.!” Melton said.
In the event of another winter storm, students are encouraged to check their school email and GCSU’s official social media pages for updates and safety information.
Visiting writer brings inspiration to the GCSU Creative Writing Program
Anakate Cox Staff Writer
Miller Oberman, award-winning poet and GCSU alum, returned to campus for a public reading and conversation of his book “Impossible Things” and other recent works. GCSU graduate student and poet Christina Faber joined him for a discussion and Q&A, followed by a book signing. Faber introduced Oberman after reading several of her own poems and noted that he was the inspiration for some of her works.
The event took place on January 28 and is part of the university’s Visiting Writer Series. Open to all uni-
versity students and the public, the series gives attendees direct access to writers and the opportunity to gain insight on the inspiration behind a writer’s works, as well as a professional career in creative writing.
Oberman has published two books of poetry and has also published poems in several magazines, including “Poetry Magazine” and “The New Yorker.”
“Poetry is a place where anything is possible and where feelings can be shared to others,” Obermain said.
At the reading, he read several poems about memories from his past and childhood, and described how his book is intertwined with pieces from his late father’s unpublished memoir.
He enjoys talking to students and young writers when visiting schools and other literary communities, and said they are an inspiration to him.
“Their work has a place in the world, and it is meaningful to other people,” Oberman said.
Professors noted these events are important for students so they have the opportunity to “see a possible future in which their own work moves from draft to published book and public reading,” said GC-
SU’s Undergraduate Creative Writing Coordinator, Kerry James Evans. Evans even remembered readings that he attended when he was a student, and said many of his colleagues remember them as well. Evans also described an example with a student who attended a reading with a visiting writer. The student was so inspired that she later
made her first submission to a literary journal, leading to her first publication.
“It is no surprise that these alumni readings hold a special place for our students—hearing authors who once sat where they sit and can relate directly to our students’ experiences,” Evans said.
GCSU students who were in atten-
dance expressed how they were impacted by the writer’s words and advice. Asher Balmes, a junior English major, said he felt more encouraged to use some of Oberman’s writing techniques in his own work after listening to the public reading of “Impossible Things.” Balmes explained his belief that going out of personal comfort zones and taking creative risks when writing can strengthen and improve the overall skills of a writer. Through events like Oberman’s visit, the Visiting Writer Series helps students to bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional creative writing careers by bringing working writers to campus communities. These visits allow students to see that the skills they are developing in class can translate into published work and sustainable careers after graduation. By connecting current students with accomplished writers and alumni, it reinforces the idea that student work matters and deserves serious attention. With persistence, mentorship, and community, a place in the literary world is not only possible but is actively within reach.
Lillian Winn Staff Writer
Courtesy of Kate Walker | Arts & Life Editor
Christina Faber
Courtesy of Kate Walker | Arts & Life Editor Miller Oberman
Julia Jensen | Art Director
The Caterwaul
CATERWAUL: a shrill howling or wailing noise like that of a cat; commonly associated with a bobcat
“Why do I protest?”
By: James Cordero
I protest because if I stay quiet, they win. They win when we are too afraid to act and too afraid to stand.
If I let others speak for me my voice will never be heard.
Never louder than a whisper in a crowd of screams.
I protest because I refuse to get a letter from Guantanamo Bay.
Because words can only go so far
A person can only watch injustice and sit idle For so long...
I protest because the melanin in my skin Leaves me marked by society, By a system unwilling to change, An institution built off hating those who are different
I protest because I cannot watch as they get taken, For my tíos, whose names I don’t know, Mis tías, quien I have never once met Mis primos, quien no me comparte la sangre.
Protesto porque es lo correcto hacer. Para personas que se paracen a mí, esta peligroso Pero necesario.
Protesto porque solo soy un niño que quería hacer algo.
“Body Shape”
By: Maggie Creekmore
Milly snow conjures my outing— The sleet slides beneath my shoe, Slickness coats my sole and breath, Under the shadow of frost and stems— My toes are up, my noggin down, I flatten ice in a body shape
Plastered with pain and shimmery cold In school’s strangest version of spring.
A message from the Colonnade staff
On behalf of The Colonnade staff we would like to present our newest submission column, “The Caterwaul.” This is an opportunity for students to share their poetry, flash fiction, photography, drawing, comic strips and more. We are extremely excited to give students more of a place in the paper and for their creativity to be acknowledged and published. We encourage any and all students to reach out and ask questions. In the spirit of GCSU’s mascot, Thunder, the name of this column takes inspiration from all that is a bobcat. Caterwauling is the noise bobcats make often, and that is what The Colonnade intends to do with this column: make noise with your voice.
Interested in submitting?
If you are interested in submitting your work to be featured in The Caterwaul, consider this general info!
1. The content relates to or is catered toward GCSU students.
2. Your specific piece has not been published anywhere else.
3. Examples of submissions include; Photography, drawing, flash fiction, comic strips, poetry and more!
4. Submissions are due on Fridays to be included in the following Issue.
