Issue 1 | Volume 107

@TheColonnade

@TheColonnade

The Official Student Newspaper of Georgia College & State University February 3, 2026

Single Copies Free

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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

Courtesy of Georgia State Senate Press Office

more vulnerable targets.”

See SENATE | Page 3

A SPOTLIGHT ON GCSU’S POWERLIFTING TEAM James Cordero

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

Contributing Writer

Courtesy of Hampton Pelton, GC Power

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

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

Is 2026 the new 2016?

Rosalie Ritz Staff Writer 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

Courtesy of Sicilia Reed | Digital Engagement Coordinator for University Advancement

NEWS | PG. 3

SPORTS | PG. 5

ARTS & LIFE | PG. 9

THE CATERWAUL | PG. 12

The app “Pocket Ace,” created by Will Means, helps users organize their busy schedules.

Students have called for updated equipment at the Wellness Center following the recent pool closure.

Fans express their reactions to his new release and reflect on past albums.

From protests to weather changes, students express their experiences through poetry.

GCSU STUDENT CREATES USEFUL APP

UPDATED EQUIPMENT AT THE WRC

HARRY STYLES RELEASES NEW SINGLE

STUDENT POEMS AT GCSU

2

JANE CARR, NEWS EDITOR ANNALIE PARKER, ASST. NEWS EDITOR

02.03.2026

NEWS

Local $50,000 drug bust raises safety awareness Jadyn Howson

Contributing Writer

until proven guilty in a court of law.

second-highest correlation for crime.

what is around you, always listening

On Jan. 14, 2026, after a two-year in-

Other assisting agencies were the

The level of organized crime oc-

to yourself, and that safety is critical.

vestigation with the Georgia Bureau of

Department of Community Super-

curring in Milledgeville has led stu-

Students should also be aware of

Investigation, the Middle Georgia Gang

vision, the Baldwin County Sheriff ’s

dents of GCSU to be cautious of their

the app “Ravanguard,” used for the

Task Force and the Ocmulgee Drug

Office, the Milledgeville Police De-

surroundings in order to maintain

protection of students, including call-

Task Force successfully conducted a

partment and other southern agencies.

their safety. Clara Sewell, a fresh-

ing for help, talking to public safety,

major drug bust in Baldwin County.

The agencies that worked together by

man public health major, explains her

walking alone at night, anonymous

The GBI recovered $50,000 worth of

contributing knowledge, communi-

concern after noting the drug bust.

tips and more. The university and

illegal substances, including over 500

cation, and safety for this operation.

“I feel confined to the universi-

public safety offer many different

grams of methamphetamine, 84 grams

Continuing to ensure safety in Milled-

ty and do not want to be going out-

classes advancing in self-defense and

of marijuana, two grams of fentan-

geville, GA, by fighting the gang

side the campus because of danger-

active shooter training to ensure cam-

ous activity, especially late at night

pus officers are adequately prepared.

or when I am alone,” Sewell said.

GCSU public safety and other law

According to the GBI, the operation

enforcement agencies, including the

was conducted to ensure safety for the

GBI work together, communicat-

neighborhood and to make an impact

ing as a team. This helps to intercon-

on the drug distribution and gang ac-

nect the GCSU and Milledgeville

tivity in the Baldwin County area.

communities,

The

protection

of

the

yl, 36 grams of cocaine and firearms,

and drug-related crime in the area.

leading to nine arrests. Those charged

In 2024, Baldwin County’s most re-

ranged in age, the youngest being a

cent report included the drug arrest rate

man of 20 and the oldest a man of 64.

of 27.98 per 1,000 residents, meaning

The suspects were charged with

around 28 arrests for every 1,000 peo-

trafficking

drugs,

possession

and

ple living in the county that year were

the intent to distribute. They were

arrested for drug affiliation crimes.

booked into the Baldwin County Jail.

According to GBI crime statistics, the

All suspects are presumed innocent

crime level in Baldwin County is the

VOLUME 107 | NO. 1

Editorial Board

Mary Ciucevich.............. Editor in Chief Amelia McEwen............. Managing Editor Julia Jensen...................... Art Director Jane Carr............................ News Editor Annalie Parker................. Asst. News Editor Bryan Cade....................... Sports Editor Joseph Palmese..............Asst. Sports Editor Arts & Life Editor Kate Walker...............

Sydney Williams.............Asst. Arts & Life Editor Isabella McComis..........Digital Media Editor Reaghan Shehee............Digital Media Editor Rebecca Ocampo..........PR Manager Haley Quimby.................. Ad Sales Manager Mikkel Christensen....... Faculty Adviser

*All Opinion columns are the opinion of the columnist, not of The Colonnade.

timely

re-

stu-

sponses to incidents and a collabo-

dents at GCSU is the main priori-

rative effort toward reducing crime.

ty for the police department. Chief

Julia Jensen | Art Director

allowing

“Even

though

we

are

sepa-

of

Police,

Wesly

Hardin,

works

rate organizations, we work very

hard

to

maintain

their

welfare.

closely together; we just wear dif-

“Campus is an extraordinarily safe

ferent

uniforms,”

Hardin

said.

environment, as the police department

This collaborative effort extends

is open 24/7, during breaks and holidays,

toward the people of these commu-

to prioritize campus safety,” said Hardin.

nities as well. In order to continue

The crime rate on campus is low,

the containment of this threat, any-

as it consists of petty theft or small-

one with further information on

er charges, which are resolved within

the recent drug bust should contact

the university. Chief Hardin expresses

the Ocmulgee Drug Task Force at

the importance of situational aware-

478-414-5997 or the Baldwin Coun-

ness to know who you are with and

ty Sheriff ’s Office at 478-445-4893.

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3

JANE CARR, NEWS EDITOR ANNALIE PARKER, ASST. NEWS EDITOR

02.03.2026

NEWS

GCSU graduate creates app for students Annalie Parker

organized schedule for

aspects of his journey.

out Means’ journey, but it

“I spent roughly 900

“He just knocked it out

Asst. News Editor

him, and noticing the flaws

“His AI app won’t write

was neither an easy pro-

hours over the past 11

of the park.” said President

On Jan. 12, recent GCSU

and errors in that meth-

your papers for you, but

cess nor a short one lead-

months learning how to

Cathy Cox, who was in

Means

od, decided to improve it.

it will ensure you are or-

ing up to that presentation.

develop the features and

attendance at his presenta-

launched an app he created

“I’ve always been kind

ganized to the point that

He began by entering his

working on the actual

tion. “He was calm, collect-

to aid college students in

of all over the place when

you’ll be far more like-

idea into the Venture Capi-

software,” Means said. “It

ed, smart, well-spoken---

organizing their schedules

it comes to organizing my

ly to do the best work

talist Competition, a con-

has been my only priority

everything you would have

and managing their course

schoolwork, and I hat-

for the past year, besides

loads. He was recently se-

ed how long it took to

graduating,

lected to present his idea

manually create a plan-

He worked tirelessly with

to the University System of

ner schedule or online

Professor Creel and other

Georgia’s Board of Regents.

calendar,”

said.

professors of business to

Means’ app, “Pocke-

PocketAce is a reimag-

build and perfect Pocke-

tAce,” is an organizational

ining of the use of AI in

tAce into the stress-reliev-

calendar that tracks every

schools. Its goal is to allow

ing tool he had imagined.

upcoming assignment, due

students to benefit from

“Will’s success on this

date, exam and all import-

the advances of AI tech-

project can be attributed

ant meetings the student

nology in a way that doesn’t

to his dedication, creativity

has. The app utilizes sched-

sacrifice their academic

uled notifications based on

integrity or their learning.

the calendar it creates to en-

Nicholas Creel, GCSU

graduate

Will

Means

sure that students are noti-

Associate

Professor

of

fied of due dates frequently.

Business Law, served as a

He got the idea from his

mentor to Means during

own method of upload-

the development process,

ing his syllabi to ChatGPT

helping him to navigate

and asking it to create an

the legal and financial

Courtesy of Will Means

you

can,”

Creel

said.

test where entrepreneurial

was

students pitch business

Creel who recommended

ideas to several prestigious

Means for the opportunity

judges. Means decided that

to present to the Board of

if he won the competition,

Regents. The business idea

he would pursue the idea,

was well received through-

and he did exactly that.

Additionally,

it

of

hoped for. I was so proud.”

course.”

and his eager embrace of new technology,” Creel said.

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

With Creel’s recom-

career is.” Means said.

mendation, Means then

He hopes that his success

presented his idea on

will serve as encourage-

the

level,

ment for students aspiring

and was the first of the

to start a business to utilize

young

entrepreneurs

their campus resources and

in attendance to do so.

not be afraid to take risks.

professional

Mary Vinson Memorial Library’s $1.4 million makeover Jillian Thompson

the community knew that

visitors are greeted by a pair

browse the selection of books.

ing resources,” Bendall said.

Staff Writer

Milledgeville needed a li-

of sliding glass double doors.

Upstairs, visitors are wel-

“They’re just for you to use.”

After 10 months of reno-

brary in the town once again.

The circulation desk at the

comed into the official li-

One student believes that

county

center of the building is where

brary space by a portrait

lar budget, The Mary Vinson

moved its various donated

visitors can check out books,

of Mary Vinson. This sec-

Memorial Library is officially

and purchased books into

ask questions and learn more

tion also includes dozens of

up and running once again.

its

18,900-square-

about the library’s resources.

computers and a plethora

The library, located at 151

foot building and renamed

To the right of the library’s

of books, CDs and movies.

S Jefferson St NE, has recent-

it the Mary Vinson Memo-

entrance is the historic and ge-

The Mary Vinson Memo-

ly reopened its doors to the

rial Library. The library was

nealogical records room. This

rial Library has many events

our footprints beyond our

public. The renovation fea-

named after former Con-

room has everything from city

that are intended to foster

college campus,” said Wandi

tures several key upgrades,

gressman Carl Vinson’s wife.

plans, information on various

community engagement. On

Hadebe, a sophomore theater

including modern lighting,

Mary Vinson was “Very

cemeteries, maps of waterways

their website, visitors can find

and English major. “I feel like

a high-tech smartboard and

dedicated to literacy and in-

and even diaries written by

a calendar with various events

college can be such a bubble,

fully remodeled restrooms.

creasing the ability of peo-

locals who worked at Central

to draw the public out with

ple in Baldwin County to be

State Hospital during its prime.

crafts, yoga and baby story-

ma-

able to read and write,” said

“They’re very rare resourc-

time. The library also pro-

jor, said she had visited the

Deborah Taylor, the Refer-

es,” Taylor said. “Some of the

vides free Wi-Fi, menstrual

library before its renovation.

ence Manager at The Mary

books and things that we

products and various other

Vinson

Library.

have down there are the only

items to aid the community.

er library, but that there was a

Throughout the years, the li-

ones that we know to exist.”

“A public library benefits

Students interested in visit-

lot of history involved in the

brary has adapted to the needs

Further back in the library,

the community in a positive

ing the Mary Vinson Memorial

structure and the way the li-

of the times. In an excerpt

brary is oriented,” Bendall said.

from The History of the Bald-

Baldwin County’s first li-

win County Public Library

brary began in 1923 and was

(Carpenter & Reese 2007),

housed in a building on South

the library was created to be

Wayne Street. The building

a “multi-generational system,

served as a trading post of

offering programs to meet the

sorts, outfitted with baby beds

needs of young children as well

for mothers and eventually

as young adults, senior citizens

a collection of books to keep

and every age in between.”

patrons busy as they waited

“This building is just com-

for streetcars to ferry them be-

pletely reimagined from what

tween Hardwick and Midway.

it was years ago,” said Jenni-

In 1931, with the looming

fer Lautzenheiser, the Mid-

shadow of the Great Depres-

dle Georgia Regional Library

sion, the library-trading post

Director,

closed its doors. Over time,

with The Union Recorder.

the economy healed from the

Upon entrance to the Mary

By

vations and a 1.4-million-dol-

Haydn Bendall, a senior elementary

education

“You could tell it was an old-

blows of the depression, and

1938,

current

Vinson

the

Memorial

in

an

Memorial

interview

Library,

GCSU students could benefit from visiting the Mary Vinson

Memorial

Library.

“I think it’s really important because it would spread

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.”

Mary Vinson Memorial Library

past the circulation desk, is

way because you can have free

Library can visit its website at

the children’s reading sec-

access to books, and you can sit

https://bibblib.org/directory_

tion. Children and families

for however long you like and

page_T49_R59.php or locate

can come here to listen to sto-

use their resources without

ries, watch puppet shows and

having to spend money on buy-

the building at 151 S Jefferson St SE, Milledgeville, GA 31061.

4

JANE CARR, NEWS EDITOR ANNALIE PARKER, ASST. NEWS EDITOR

02.03.2026

NEWS SENATE

assisted her in pursuing the internship.

International students here at GCSU

Continued from page 1

have the opportunity to develop in their

When Rahman first came to GCSU,

careers with the perk of staff support

staff from the International Education

“I think the most rewarding part

Center supported her journey. One

of working with international stu-

staff member in particular helped her

dents is getting to know them per-

with the necessary steps to becom-

sonally, helping them grow and

ing a student in the United States.

watching them achieve things after

“She did a lot of the work on her

leaving Georgia College,” Wynn said.

own; she worked with her depart-

Other

international

students

ment, I believe, in political science as

have witnessed Rahman’s success in

well as her advisor,” said Jason Wynn,

real time. They admire her for be-

Assistant Director for Internation-

ing able to stand out among others.

al Student & Scholar Services. “She

“I was really surprised because it is

came to me largely for regulatory

not everyday that international stu-

support to make sure that she could

Reaghan Shehee | Digital Media Editor

the hard work she put in to be able

calling in about their concerns and

to stand out and get this internship.”

knowing that their voices are being

Rahman’s

dedication

is

show-

heard and taken care of,” Rahman said.

through

her

enjoy-

Rahman plans to continue pur-

dents get incredible opportunities like

ment of her position. As she con-

suing law when she finishes this in-

legally do this while she was here.”

this,” said senior Nhu “Anna” Nguy-

tinues the internship, she reflects

ternship. Although she is unsure

Wynn encouraged Rahman’s in-

en, Co-President of the Internation-

on the importance of her work.

what the future holds, she is deter-

volvement in the International Club and

al Club. “I really admire her for all of

“It is beautiful to hear constituents

mined to make a positive difference.

ing

returns

GCSU RECEIVES NATIONAL COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT CERTIFIATION Jane Carr

vate, across the country

organizational support.

shared that participat-

With more than 200

service-learning

News Editor

hold this classification.

In 2024, GC Gives

ing in outreach events

student

organizations

community-based proj-

earned

The Carnegie Elective

Day generated an es-

allows her to connect

on campus, GCSU pro-

ects into their courses,

the 2026 Carnegie Elec-

Classification for Com-

timated economic im-

personal passion with

vides numerous leader-

allowing

tive

munity

Engagement

pact of $120,000 in do-

campus

engagement.

ship opportunities tied

apply academic knowl-

recognizes

institutions

nated labor, with more

“I was so happy to be

to service and advocacy.

edge to real-world chal-

first-year

able to table and spread

These organizations ad-

lenges while support-

participating.

awareness for [event] and

dress critical community

ing

with local, regional and

Students say the expe-

such an amazing philan-

needs across health care,

schools and businesses.

global partners through

rience reinforces a sense

thropy that is so close to

education,

service, teaching and re-

of purpose and pride

my heart,” Carey said.

ty and social support.

search. For GCSU, the

in the university’s phil-

GCSU’s commitment

Among them is GC

honor reflects the cu-

anthropic efforts. Jalyn

to public service efforts

Miracle, a student-led

GCSU

has

Classification

Community

for

Engage-

ment, a national recognition

highlight-

ing

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

commu-

nity,” 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 nonprof-

that demonstrate deep,

than

reciprocal relationships

students

1,600

accessibili-

mulative impact of thou-

of

through a rigorous application

and

sustained

review practices,

partnerships

and measurable impact.

ners to address shared

For GCSU, the 2026

advanc-

Carnegie Elective Clas-

ing students’ academ-

sification affirms years of

ic and civic learning.

intentional work embed-

One of the university’s initiatives is GC Gives

awarded

vice activities, but also

closely

most prominent service

is

only participation in ser-

with community partwhile

sification

must demonstrate not

vice’s mission statement,

needs

The Carnegie clas-

involvement. Institutions

Communi-

works

nonprofits,

comes related to civic

the

ty Engagement & SerGCSU

to

infrastructure and out-

dents, faculty and staff.

Office

local

institutional

logged annually by stuto

students

process that evaluates

sands of service hours

According

and

Courtesy of University Communications

ding civic responsibility

Fish, a sophomore busi-

spans decades. Over the

organization

has

into the student experi-

ness major, shared on

past 25 years, the Office

raised more than $1 mil-

ence while encouraging

that

its and local businesses.”

Day, an annual event

Awarded during the

launched in 2018. The

GivePulse, the universi-

of Community Engage-

lion for Georgia’s Beverly

a campus culture where

week of Jan. 14, the des-

program introduces first-

ty’s platform for logging

ment & Service has facil-

Knight Olson Children’s

service remains central to

ignation places GCSU

year students to civic in-

service hours, that partic-

itated the participation

Hospital. Another is Best

learning and leadership.

among a select group of

volvement by connecting

ipating in service oppor-

of approximately 25,000

Buddies, which promotes

For students interest-

institutions nationwide

them with nonprofit or-

tunities allows students

volunteers.

Collective-

inclusion by fostering

ed in getting involved

recognized for mean-

ganizations throughout

to advocate for causes

ly, those volunteers have

friendships between stu-

in community service

ingful

Milledgeville and Bald-

larger than themselves.

contributed an estimat-

dents and individuals

or learning more about

communi-

win County, allowing

“It is always a priv-

ed 1.1 million hours of

with intellectual and de-

engagement

ties. According to the

students to participate

ilege

more

service, representing an

velopmental disabilities.

nities,

information

is

Carnegie

Foundation

in projects that support

about our philanthro-

estimated $26 million

available

through

the

for the Advancement of

local agencies through

py and how we help

in

Teaching, only 277 col-

hands-on service, from

leges and universities, both public and pri-

with

collaboration their

to

share

Faculty

involvement

opportu-

impact.

also strengthens GCSU’s

Office of Community

those in need,” Fish said.

Student organizations

community engagement

Engagement & Service.

environmental cleanups

Anna Carey, a senior

further amplify the uni-

mission. Many faculty

The office can be con-

to food distribution and

honors pre-law student,

versity’s outreach efforts.

members

tacted at give@gcsu.edu.

economic

incorporate

5

BRYAN CADE, SPORTS EDITOR JOSEPH PALMESE, ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

02.03.2026

SPORTS GC Power

grueling,” Daniel said. “It can mates during competitions. lifting are welcome to join be a very uplifting experi-

Continued from page 1

The idea of putting mind ence as well! Showing off all of that hard work can be a over matter and to keep pushvery satisfying experience.” ing even when things are hard Daniel and Antwine get a is a way Pelton motivates his therapeutic effect from liftlifter. He believes that lifting; they feel a sense of relief ing is a slow burn, a matter of from stress and other strong emotions.

Sometimes

“Getting to show off all and learn from the club. of the hard work that you

Many club members are will-

put in…is such an exciting experience,” Daniel said.

“Words

cannot

complete-

ly describe the atmosphere that a competition brings.”

Powerlifting has also given

lift- students the opportunity to

ing induces more stress, es- reflect on their past, not just pecially during competition. on how they used to be physStress can fall on both ically, but also on the mental

Courtesy of Hampton Pelton, GC Power

Courtesy of Hampton Pelton, GC Power

coaches and lifters during state they were in when they ing to help with any questions competitions. Coaches feel were using lighter weights. about the process, and they love

willpower and small growth. pressure about how well they have prepared the lift“Lifting is for everyers, and lifters are stressed one; not everyone is about how they will perform. for lifting,” Pelton said.

This stress is similar to Pushing past their limits that in any sport that inand dedicating themselves to volves competing against othlifting are what make sport ers. In comparison to other

“I am most proud of my seeing new people. Anyone 512-pound squat,” Daniel looking for personal growth, said. “I had previously missed to make some friends, to learn 507, it felt good to finally a new skill or just to get in betbreak the 500-pound barrier.” ter shape should try GC Power.

“You have to give up part of This article isn’t meant to scare anyone away from the your dignity to start lifting at club, but to show the public first, because honestly it’s a lit-

worth it for some students. sports, lifters get to show off the passion and love every- tle embarrassing, but be will“I generally do 12–16-week their hard work to others and one has for their craft. Peo- ing to laugh at yourself and preps, which can be long and support friends and team- ple with no experience of 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 JWest Productions

6

BRYAN CADE, SPORTS EDITOR JOSEPH PALMESE, ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

02.03.2026

SPORTS

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 doubl e- el i m i na tion 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,

Courtesy of Alexus Duncan, GCSU Athletics

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

Courtesy of Alexus Duncan, GCSU Athletics

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

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.

letes along with the CFP

while the teams that are

of

strength

ally deserve a bid that

nior marketing major,

now including automat-

in the playoffs are forced

compared to other pro-

would be much more

said the growing em-

ic bids for five confer-

to mix their time of fo-

grams left out of the field.

likely to compete and

phasis on money has

ence champions, which

cusing on the playoffs.”

Colby Avery, a junior

give the fans what they

weakened the sense of

aims to provide more

The portal window

want to see: higher qual-

community that once

ity teams and the biggest

defined college football.

games and moments.”

“I feel like the authen-

access to the postseason.

However, these changes have not come without criticism. Some col-

perceived

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-

criminal

justice

ma-

overlaps with the playoff

jor, believes the current

schedule, forcing some

structure may be lim-

programs

iting the quality of the

to

balance

Some fans argue that postseason

expansion

lege football fans believe

has cut the importance

the sport’s rapid change

of the regular season

has

competi-

outcomes and traditional

tive balance across the

rivalries between teams.

sport and created con-

Conference

trasts between programs.

ment has already altered

One student in partic-

matchups, and frequent

ular states that the time-

player movement has

line should be changed

made it harder for fans

for the team’s advantage.

to build lasting con-

“I do think that the

nections with rosters.

college football transfer

With increased player

altered

portal timeline should be altered because it is put-

and students at GCSU

ting players and coaches

started

discussions

that are actively compet-

about fairness, sustain-

ing in the playoffs at a dis-

ability and legitimacy.

advantage against teams

The transfer portal

that are not,” said Saxon

now lets players move

Anderson, a sophomore

more easily between pro-

finance major. “Teams

grams. This gives athletes

Arizona State University college football stadium

postseason preparation

postseason

matchups.

with roster decisions.

“I do believe that the

Although the roster

College Football Playoff

movements have been a

format should be adjust-

concern, the expanded

ed because in the last

playoff format has also

two seasons the fourth-

raised questions about

and fifth-best champi-

that are not in the play-

competitive

consisten-

ons that automatically

more control over their

offs can spend all of their

cy. The 12-team playoff

future careers. NIL has

resources actively going

guarantees

opened up new financial opportunities for ath-

rearrange-

movement and financial motivation, some fans believe college football is beginning to resemble a professional sports system rather than a campus-based tradition.

ticity 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 chanc-

While changes such as

es and player freedom

NIL and the transfer

show progress, many feel

portal were designed to

changes will be needed

got bids have yet to get

benefit players, they have

to keep the competitive

automatic

a win,” Avery said. “I

also altered how fans

spirit, tradition and emo-

out to find the coach

bids to five conference

feel that it is taking away

experience

sport.

tional bond that have

and players they need,

champions,

from teams that actu-

Walker Bell, a ju-

defined college football.

regardless

the

7

BRYAN CADE, SPORTS EDITOR JOSEPH PALMESE, ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

02.03.2026

SPORTS

GCSU basketball midway recap 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

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

Courtesy of Alexus Duncan, GCSU Athletics

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

Courtesy of Alexus Duncan, GCSU Athletics

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

former franchise quar-

has made his plan clear

the Cleveland Browns

put their trust into. Until

to the New England Pa-

terback, Matt Ryan, as

that he wants to win,

in the five seasons he

something goes bad, you

triots sent the franchise

After

president

football.

and win now. Blank

was the head coach.

should trust Matt Ryan”.

into the wrong direction.

Kevin Stefanski is the

is yet to win the ulti-

This includes winning

Falcons fans across

“Since the disappoint-

new head coach and

mate prize in the NFL:

two NFL Coach Of The

campus recognize where

ment of the Super Bowl,

Ian Cunningham is the

a

ring.

Year awards in 2020 and

the franchise has been

all we have tried to do

“Stefanski has multi-

2023, as well as a 5-12

in the past decade. and

is rebound back to that

another

los-

ing 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.

of

new general manager

Super

Bowl

Falcons fans across GCSU’s

are hopeful for a turn-

campus

around, with Kevin Ste-

have reacted to this

fanski calling the plays.

news,

se-

“As a life-long [Fal-

Steinberg.

cons] fan, this fran-

“I love the moves this

chise has suffered more

nior

including Zach

offseason. Raheem Mor-

than

ris needed to go” Stein-

the Browns]. A new

berg said. “Stefanski is

hire means new hope”,

a great coach. You don’t win the NFL Coach Of

Merecedes-Benz Stadium

ple losing records on his

record in the 2025 sea-

anyone

[except

said Matt Mulero, junior business major. “I

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

Mer-

Falcons’

The Year twice with-

resume”, said Michael

son, leading to his de-

can only believe in it.

8-9 season, they decid-

out being a great coach”

Fazio, senior account-

parture from Cleveland.

The end goal is a Super

ed to fire head coach

The Falcons are in

ing major. “The team is

“Stefanski was a 2x

Bowl. Is Stefanski the

in September this year,

Raheem Morris, along

the midst of an eight-

ready to win, and they

COTY [Coach Of The

guy to get us there?”.

with a brand new look.

with

General

year

drought,

have the talent to do it”.

Year] for the worst or-

Some GCSU students,

A new coach on the

ager,

Terry

Fontenot.

which is the second-lon-

The criticism on the

ganization in football”

including

In

the

following

gest active streak be-

hiring of Kevin Stefanski

Fazio said. “He was hired

Scott

believe

manager making person-

weeks, the Falcons made

hind the New York Jets.

is that he had an overall

by Matt Ryan, someone

that the franchise’s Su-

nel decisions and a new

multiple fires including

Owner Arthur Blank

45-58 (.455) record with

Falcons’ fans love and can

per Bowl loss in 2016

President of Football.

After

the

Man-

playoff

sophomore

Brinson

cedes-Benz

Stadium

sidelines, a new general

8

KATE WALKER, A&L EDITOR SYDNEY WILLIAMS, ASST. A&L EDITOR

02.03.2026

ARTS & LIFE GCSU creative writing professor releases new novel: “Grace” Elizabeth Kohler

cently, an acquaintance

same

transgressions

gate

my

own

writ-

GCSU and fellow pub-

cluding the $100,000 Ni-

Staff Writer

took in a baby aban-

men routinely get away

ing,”

Unigwe

said.

lished

praises

geria Prize for Literature

doned near her home,

with, and I wanted to

Lucy Whitener, a ju-

prominent

in 2012 for her novel,

and it got me thinking of

explore that power im-

nior English major, is a

career for her contri-

“On Black Sisters’ Street.”

those abandoned babies,

balance and its conse-

student of Unigwe’s and

butions to the GCSU

quences,” Unique said.

writing

program.

She has also served as

and I wanted to write a

finds her teaching style

happy ending for them.”

As a creative writ-

very helpful and pro-

“Her

internation-

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 to give up at 15 when her

estranged

moth-

er

abruptly

appears,

threatening the fragile life she has built and protected for decades.

Unigwe was inspired to write this novel be-

Courtesy of Chika Unigwe

Unigwe’s novels and

ing professor, Unigwe

short stories often ex-

works to encourage her

plore themes of family,

students’ dreams while

resilience

wom-

helping them to hone

don their children due

en’s struggles to sur-

their skills and style. By

to

societal,

financial

vive and thrive in a

doing this, she is also

or

familial

pressures.

male-centered

able to further exam-

cause of instances she had heard about in her past of mothers forced to give up or aban-

al presence and prolif-

“She always has a

ic publishing put GC-

very hands-on approach,

SU’s

which is something I

program on the glob-

deeply

about

al stage,” Evans said.

her,” Whitner said. “She

Evans went on to talk

loves to interact with

about Unigwe’s achieve-

your writing and find

ments as a professor here

ways to improve it with-

at GCSU, both for her-

out putting you down.”

self and for her students.

her

“As far as her con-

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 novel,

“The

Daughter”,

previous Middle published

novels, Unigwe inspires

tributions

go—beyond

in April of 2023, is a re-

her creative writing stu-

her students going on to

imagining of the Hades

dents with her achieve-

publish their work in top

and Persephone myth, as

ments

success-

journals and with great

Nani, the main charac-

ful author and shows

presses—her own pub-

them that their writing

lications, most recently

ter, must fight to reclaim

dreams

possible.

“The Middle Daughter”

“It is so encouraging

and even more recent-

to have someone like

ly in the UK, “Grace,”

[Unigwe]

at

represent what our pro-

GCSU, because, as some-

gram is founded on—

one who would love to

extraordinary

publish her work some-

writing,”

as

a

are

teaching

literary

Evans

said.

day, I’d be able to go to

In 2023, Unigwe was

her for advice and talk to

knighted into the Order

her about the publishing

of the Belgium Crown, in

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 informa-

process,” Whitener said.

recognition for her con-

tion

of babies abandoned in

been troubled by how

own work and style.

Kerry James Evans,

tributions to literature,

please visit the Canon-

unimaginable

patriarchal

associate professor and

and is a winner of mul-

gate

MFA

tiple literary awards, in-

https://canongate.co.uk/

Unigwe said. “More re-

also

publishing

writing

literary

ine and improve her

places,”

have

society.

admire

creative

a judge for many other

long

“Growing up, I heard

“I

and

Unigwe’s

ductive for her writing.

By

the daughter she had

author,

cultures

punish women for the

“Teaching

writing

forces me to interro-

coordinator

at

about Books

“Grace,” website:

Celebrating American Heart Month Clara Sewell Contributing Writer 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

Reaghan Shehee | Digital Media Editor

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

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-

Julia Jensen | Art Director

zations is a great way to

life; as Benjamin Frank-

contribute to awareness.

lin once said, “an ounce

GCSU and the town of

of prevention is worth

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

featur-

ing heart-healthy foods, informational

booths

about healthy habits and CPR training exercises.

Starting

prevention

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

young is a great way to

at

https://www.face-

form healthy habits for

book.com/chsiatgcsu.

9

KATE WALKER, A&L EDITOR SYDNEY WILLIAMS, ASST. A&L EDITOR

02.03.2026

ARTS & LIFE GCSU students return refreshed after winter break Maggie Hinton

centered

relaxation

for my family and friends,” Lodato said.

Staff Writer

and visiting his family and friends.

After Christmas, Lodato traveled

As students return to GCSU for the

“Since school was out, it was nice

to Key West, Florida, where she spent

spring semester, many say winter break

to relax and just enjoy being home

a week visiting state park beach-

gave them the opportunity to reset af-

without worrying about classes or

es and enjoying warmer weather.

ter a demanding fall semester. Through

assignments,” said Joseph McKin-

travel, hobbies and time with fami-

ley,

ly, students said stepping away from coursework helped them return to cam-

a

around

freshman

fun,

business

major.

He spent much of his break golfing

before traveling to Florida to visit

from the fast pace of campus life.

Without the pressure of exams and deadlines, students said the extended time off allowed them to focus

ter

was

amazing,”

Lodato

said.

shops and cafes downtown, enjoying the

Christmas at his grandparents’ house

offered an opportunity to slow down

es were beautiful, and the wa-

ley said this is what made the break

during the holidays. McKinley spent

For many students, winter break

beach-

She also took time to explore local

He also spent time with his family

pus feeling refreshed and motivated.

man-made

and catching up with friends. McKin-

feel both enjoyable and low-pressure.

Courtesy of Joseph McKinley

“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,

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 hol-

played pickleball, continued golfing

idays feel really special,” Kerce said.

and enjoyed the warm weather. He

Winter break served as a reset af-

also spent time exploring local areas,

ter a busy fall semester. Activities like

trying out local restaurants and shops

baking, golfing, traveling and spending

and celebrated New Year’s Eve with

time with family and friends helped

friends before returning to campus.

students relax and recharge. As the

Vanessa Lodato, a junior pub-

new semester begins, students are ad-

lic health major, said she spent her break

baking,

traveling

joying

time

away

from

and

Courtesy of Vanessa Lodato

en-

school.

said her break was important for resting

justing back into coursework, schedules and responsibilities. Many said the combination of rest, travel and

after a difficult and demanding semester.

time with loved ones helped them re-

a lot of time baking different cookies

“I went on a cruise to the Bahamas

turn to campus feeling refreshed and

for Christmas to make cookie boxes

and really enjoyed just relaxing and tak-

motivated for the spring semester.

“At the beginning of break, I spent

school ready for the new semester.

One student said his break was

Students anticipate Harry Styles’ return GCSU

ing time off from studying,” Kerce said.

other relatives. While in Florida, he

on personal interests and return to

Maggie Scarbrough

Courtesy of Kayla Kerce

students

similar vibe to his first

Benjamin, a senior con-

overlap,

Staff Writer

shared their expectations

album. Maybe a little bit

tributor to Forbes.com.

ideal conditions for see-

lege

After Harry Styles re-

and thoughts for the up-

more upbeat and happi-

Some GCSU students

ing a favorite artist live.

have shared their per-

leased his top-hit album

coming album release.

er songs, though,” said

have

listened

“I’m looking at get-

sonal experiences be-

“Harry’s House” in May

“I honestly don’t have

Phoebe Davis, a freshman

to the song and expect

ting last-minute tickets

many expectations as

exercise science major.

for London since I’ll

yond the catchy lyrics.

2022, the pop singer

a new range of sounds.

“Based on his sin-

be visiting at the same

gle that he just re-

time as the Wembley

leased,

expecting

shows, so I’m hopeful

a bit more techno or

to get tickets,” said Lily

club vibes,” Lovell said.

Walsh, a freshman busi-

went quiet for four years following Love on Tour and the tragic death of his friend Liam Payne.

On Jan. 15, 2026, he bum, “Kiss All the Time, Occasionally.”

listening to former boyOthers

One have

Direction. recently

discovered his music.

Still, listeners are excited to see what Styles has in store with this album.

shared

Julia Jensen | Art Director

the

of Styles’ music on colstudents.

Others

“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

her

ness management major.

plans for getting tickets

Styles’ music is popu-

to the upcoming tour.

lar among college-aged

him from One Direc-

individuals

tion to his solo career.”

“I’m definitely plan-

Some fans grew up band

I’m

Lovell

announced his newest alDisco,

already

creating

for

many

of us have grown up with

Many

students

ning on attending [the

reasons. The pop-rock

tour] and I’ve already

genre with hints of tech-

have found an over-

signed

pre-

no pulls the listener in,

all theme among the

sale for a few shows in

and the lyrics evoke

messages in the songs.

New York,” Lovell said.

images of individuali-

“His music and the

Styles announced his

ty, belonging, self-ex-

way he presents himself

pression

encourage people to tru-

up

for

tour through Instagram,

and

change.

which blew up online.

“I think his music is

Many people were al-

very personal,” Lovell

ready eager to get tickets.

said. “They [the songs]

However, the popularity

all tend to have a much

of the tour means tick-

deeper meaning. I feel

ets sell out fast, espe-

like his music can reso-

cially in the “Big Apple.”

nate with anyone, but es-

“I would love to go

pecially college students

ly live, to be fully them-

Harry has always done

Shortly after announc-

something different with

ing his new album, Styles

each album,” said Grace

released the album’s fea-

Lovell, a sophomore mid-

ture single, “Aperture.”

nounced that he will hit

dle grades education ma-

“An hour after the

the road this year for a

jor. “I’m quite open to it.”

song’s release, the offi-

trot around the world

Other students are

cial audio for ‘Aperture’

in what Styles is calling

looking back at past al-

was already within You-

to his new tour, but the

since we are in such a

ture” and the quick-sell-

the Together, Togeth-

bums and letting those

tube’s Trending music

only shows are in New

time of change and fig-

ing tickets of Together,

er tour,” said Bryanna

shape their expectations.

chart, earning more than

York,

probably

uring out who we are.”

Together show this year’s

managing

“I think the new al-

360,000 plays in its first

won’t get to,” Davis said.

Lovell is not the only

pop culture is about to

editor for Today.com.

bum is going to have a

90 minutes,” said Jeff

one who sees the effect

take a sensational turn.

However, it is not the only project of his that will set the stage for 2026.

“The music icon an-

Cappadona,

so

I

Sometimes,

plans

selves and to feel things deeply,”

Walsh

said.

Four

years

have

passed, and Harry Styles is back with a new tour on the horizon. “Aper-

10

KATE WALKER, A&L EDITOR SYDNEY WILLIAMS, ASST. A&L EDITOR

02.03.2026

ARTS & LIFE 2016

Continued from page 1 Many students have noticed this comeback, including Sydney Auterson, a sophomore biology major,

meme,” she went on tour to perform

posted it on Instagram with all of the

ular in 2016 were the dog ears, flower

her new album and classic hits. A dance

filters that were popular,” Baum said.

crown, face swap and face-altering filters.

to her song, “Lush Life,” has been going

Social media was a big element of the

Many students and GCSU stu-

viral, displaying the fun and whim-

2016 culture. Musical.ly, Snapchat filters

dent organizations have taken to In-

sy of her tour and the vibes of 2016.

and Instagram poses were all the rage.

Another reemergence from 2016

Musical.ly, a lip-syncing and danc-

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

is

clothing

style.

2016’s

leading

ing video app, was incredibly popu-

trends were bomber jackets, chok-

lar in 2016. It allowed users to post

ers, off-the-shoulder tops and ul-

lip syncs and dancing videos for up

tra-skinny jeans. Off shoulder shirts

to 15 seconds, including their favor-

stagram 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

from 2016 were “Closer” by The

give a casual, laid back vibe that

ite songs and fun filters. In 2018 it

Chainsmokers ft. Halsey, “One Dance”

dominated the 2016 fashion sphere.

merged into TikTok. But with the re-

by Drake, “Love Yourself ” by Jus-

“The off-the-shoulder shirts have

emergence of 2016 trends, many Tik-

tin Bieber and “Cheap Thrills” by Sia.

had a big comeback,” Auterson said.

Tok users have been posting lip synch

According to Spotify, the top lis-

Summer Baum, also a sopho-

videos in the style of Musical.ly videos.

tened to artist in 2016 was Drake.

more biology major, gave her take

“I would make like 30 Musical.

back the good vibes 2016 in 2026.

Zara Larson has made a big come-

on the 2016 trends reemerging.

lys in my room in the same shirt

“I think that [2016 trends re-

back this year as well. Continuing her

“Me and my friends brought back

and I’d post them all,” Giusti said.

emerging]

is

success from 2025 and the “dolphin

2016 by doing 2016 makeup and we

Some Snapchat filters that were pop-

happier

again,”

them and displayed fashion and poses that were popular in that era.

In

short,

the

reemergence

of

trends, music and fashion has brought

making

life

Giusti

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 Advancement

2016 Courtesy of Sicilia Reed | Digital Engagement Coordinator for University

feel said.

11

KATE WALKER, A&L EDITOR SYDNEY WILLIAMS, ASST. A&L EDITOR

02.03.2026

ARTS & LIFE

Exclusive look into weather impacts on GCSU students Lillian Winn

omore

major,

and made the necessary deci-

ing if I had groceries, warm

a video to watch and come

Staff Writer

shares about her experience

sion to alter class operations

blankets, water, et cetera.”

to class today with thoughts

with

Fern.

for Monday, Jan. 26. GCSU ad-

of Georgia was threatened

“I thought if anything,

ministration sent emails to stu-

how

the

by a record-breaking weath-

it was just going to rain

dents, faculty and staff, encour-

spent

their

er system. In advance of the

a

aging safety as its top priority.

storm, GCSU strongly en-

overnight,”

On January 23, the state

psychology Winter

lot

and

Storm

maybe

freeze

Rainer

said.

Despite

advisories

Melton

describes

about

roommates time

it,”

Melton

said.

A variety of learning op-

indoors.

portunities were displayed for

“We did watercolor painting

the day, and some classes had

urg-

and played cards,” Melton said.

no meetings or assignments.

couraged students to go home

She elaborates on how

ing students to return home,

The students did not seem

Students spoke on their

in order to ensure safety.

she believed black ice would

freshman roommates Carson

to be concerned, nor affected a

opinions of the school’s safe-

GCSU switched to asynchro-

be the biggest danger due

Melton, a nursing major and

great deal by the winter storm.

ty

nous virtual learning on Mon-

to

tempera-

Bella Barksdale, also a nursing

“We were prepared with

sions regarding the storm.

day, Jan. 26. The uncertainty of

tures

precipitation.

major, stayed on campus over

snacks anyway,” Melton said.

“I think for how much

the

freezing and

As

weather impacts left students

asynchronous was

learn-

implemented

precautions

and

deci-

it was built up everywhere,

to form their own opinions

ing

on

I think they did the right

and make decisions regard-

Monday, students were giv-

thing just in case there were

ing their safety and wellbeing

en

various

assignments

any issues on the road and

during the rare weather event.

and

meetings

to

whatnot,”

attend.

Barksdale

said.

After receiving nearly one

Rainer speaks on asyn-

Melton also shares her

inch of snow in the Milled-

chronous learning for Mon-

thoughts. She refers to the

geville area on Saturday, Jan.

day, Jan. 26. She referred to

campus-wide announcement

17, 2026, GCSU students

the struggles of participating

of alternative learning and the

braced themselves for a new

in an outdoor education class.

recommendation to go home.

threat: Winter Storm Fern.

“It was a bit of a chal-

“I feel like they were just be-

lenge…”

Meteorologists spoke of cripJulia Jensen | Art Director

pling ice, snow and freezing

The

Rainer

said.

ing safe,” Melton said. “Some

alternative

learning

decisions were more last-min-

rain that could create dangers

Rainer describes deciding

the weekend. The students talk

style seemed to be a challenge

ute than I would’ve liked.”

for the impacted areas. The im-

to stay in Milledgeville over the

about why they decided to stay.

for GCSU students, especially

Though GCSU managed

pacts of this storm posed risks

weekend with her roommates.

think

if the class requires hands-on

to escape the dangers of win-

or

learning. However, online re-

ter storm Fern, the threat

said.

sources proved to be helpful

of snow is still prevalent.

The students prepared for

during the uncertain time.

said.

the potential dangers of winter

“We still did our read-

concerns

weather, yet they felt that the

ing

used their weekend to spend

spurred Georgia residents to

precautions were not necessary.

time with roommates, nav-

stock up on groceries and ne-

“I honestly think it was

igate online classes and find

cessities in preparation for the

overhyped for where we are,”

rates

indoor activities to enjoy.

weather ahead. Georgia uni-

Barksdale said. “My mom

with

Haylee Rainer, a soph-

versities monitored the storms

was freaking out and ask-

for fallen trees, power outag-

“We

baked,

watched

es and transportation issues.

some

movies,

played

During

this

uncertain

time, GCSU students chose to

remain

positive.

They

“I

didn’t

about

going

anything,”

some games and did some homework,” The

Rainer

weather

even home

Melton

and

“Bring snow.!”

on

more

Melton

said.

questions

like

In the event of another

normal,”

Rainer

said.

winter storm, students are

Melton

also

elabo-

encouraged to check their

her

experience

school email and GCSU’s offi-

virtual

learning.

cial social media pages for up-

“I had one teacher send me

dates and safety information.

on

Visiting writer brings inspiration to the GCSU Creative Writing Program Anakate Cox

versity students and the public, the

SU’s Undergraduate Creative Writ-

dance expressed how they were im-

Staff Writer

series gives attendees direct access

ing Coordinator, Kerry James Evans.

pacted by the writer’s words and ad-

to writers and the opportunity to

Evans even remembered readings

vice. Asher Balmes, a junior English

gain insight on the inspiration be-

that he attended when he was a student,

major, said he felt more encouraged

hind a writer’s works, as well as a pro-

and said many of his colleagues remem-

to use some of Oberman’s writing

fessional career in creative writing.

ber them as well. Evans also described

techniques in his own work after lis-

Oberman has published two books

an example with a student who attend-

tening to the public reading of “Im-

of poetry and has also published poems

ed a reading with a visiting writer. The

in several magazines, including “Poet-

possible Things.” Balmes explained

student was so inspired that she later

his belief that going out of person-

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 intro-

ry Magazine” and “The New Yorker.”

al comfort zones and taking creative

“Poetry is a place where anything

duced Oberman after reading several of

is possible and where feelings can

her own poems and noted that he was

be shared to others,” Obermain said.

the inspiration for some of her works.

At the reading, he read several po-

The event took place on January

ems about memories from his past

28 and is part of the university’s Vis-

and childhood, and described how his

iting Writer Series. Open to all uni-

book is intertwined with pieces from

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 work-

his late father’s unpublished memoir.

ing writers to campus communities.

He enjoys talking to students and

These visits allow students to see that

young writers when visiting schools

the skills they are developing in class

and other literary communities, and said they are an inspiration to him.

“Their

work

Miller Oberman

a

place

in

Christina Faber

can translate into published work and sustainable careers after graduation.

the world, and it is meaningful

made her first submission to a literary

By connecting current students

to other people,” Oberman said.

journal, leading to her first publication.

with accomplished writers and alum-

events

“It is no surprise that these alumni

ni, it reinforces the idea that stu-

are important for students so they

readings hold a special place for our stu-

dent work matters and deserves se-

have the opportunity to “see a pos-

dents—hearing authors who once sat

rious

sible future in which their own

where they sit and can relate directly to

mentorship, and community, a place

work moves from draft to published

our students’ experiences,” Evans said.

in the literary world is not only pos-

book and public reading,” said GC-

GCSU students who were in atten-

sible but is actively within reach.

Professors

Courtesy of Kate Walker | Arts & Life Editor

has

Courtesy of Kate Walker | Arts & Life Editor

noted

these

attention.

With

persistence,

12 AMELIA MCEWEN, MANAGING EDITOR

02.03.2026

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.

“Body Shape” By: Maggie Creekmore Milly snow The sleet slides Slickness coats Under the shadow My toes are up, I flatten ice Plastered with pain In school’s strangest

conjures my outing— beneath my shoe, my sole and breath, of frost and stems— my noggin down, in a body shape and shimmery cold version of spring.

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.

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!

Follow our instagram @thecolonnade or scan the QR code

4. Submissions are due on Fridays to be included in the following Issue.