Issue 5 | Volume 107

@TheColonnade

@TheColonnade

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

Single Copies Free

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Guest Artist Recital at GCSU

Featuring internationally recognized violinist and GCSU instrutor Jillian Thompson Staff Writer

played in major concert

the stylistic range of Eu-

Torah.”

halls and festivals around

ropean violin music from

plained that the final

A Guest Artist and

the world. He current-

the early 20th century

movement draws inspi-

ly serves as a professor

through the post-war pe-

ration from Jewish cel-

violinist Ari Streisfeld

of violin at the Univer-

riod, highlighting works

ebration,

and pianist Lev Ryabi-

sity of South Carolina.

rooted in Jewish spiritu-

the holiday marking the

nin, a staff accompanist

Lev Ryabinin is GC-

al tradition,

modernist

completion of the annu-

and piano instructor at

SU’s own collaborative

experimentation and Ro-

al Torah reading cycle.

GCSU, was held Tuesday,

pianist

mantic

Feb. 24, at 7:30 p.m. in

tor. Ryabinin has per-

Max Noah Recital Hall.

formed

Faculty Recital featuring

Streisfeld

ex-

particularly

expressiveness.

“It’s a moment of

The recital opened

great joy and love for

internationally

with music from Baal

the text,” Streisfeld said.

the

and earned his Doctor

Shem by Ernest Bloch,

“That

guest violinist, is an in-

of Music Arts from the

a Swiss-American com-

ally captures that pas-

ternationally recognized

University

Iowa.

poser, including “Vidui,”

sion and excitement.”

The program explored

“Nigun” and “Simchas

See RECITAL | Page 5

Ari

Streisfeld,

performer

who

has

and

instruc-

of

movement

re-

Jillian Thompson | Staff Writer

GCSU’s Senior Daughter of Civil Rights leader Night celebration Bryan Cade

guard Deshona Gaither

Sports Editor

put together a 25-point

Kate Walker

National Association for

and

A&L Editor

the Advancement of Col-

efforts to preserve civil

urged

continued

Evers-Everette

Evers-Everette

said. also

performance

to

the

offense.

As part of the city of

ored People (NAACP)

rights history. In cov-

emphasized

following

Albany, Georgia’s 2026

field secretary who was

erage of the event, the

sonal value of preserv-

versity of North Georgia

the contest, explained

Black History Month

assassinated in 1963 for

Albany Herald reported

ing her parents’ legacy.

(UNG) on Wednesday,

not only how GCSU

theme,

his efforts to end segre-

that she emphasized the

Feb. 18, commemorat-

athletics

ent & Purpose,” Reena

gation and expand voting

responsibility of plac-

rights. Today, Evers-Ev-

es like the Albany Civil

erette serves as executive

Rights Institute to safe-

director of the Medgar

guard historical truth.

and Myrlie Evers Insti-

“We have to make

tute, where she promotes

sure that in this build-

civic engagement, edu-

ing we collect all of

cation and social justice.

our history, we collect

During her remarks,

the truth of our histo-

security knowing they

shared

ry so that the [young]

will always be with me,

personal memories of

generation I just spoke

no matter where I go.”

her

about will be aware,”

See ALBANY | Page 3

GCSU

men’s

and

women’s basketball teams faced off against the Uni-

ing both teams’ seniors before

each

contest.

Most of the seniors provided quotes to the GCSU Athletic Department following their senior nights, reflecting on their time on the team.

The women’s team de-

GCSU

Gaither,

helped

fuel

visits Albany Civil Rights Institute

her

during her time on the team, but also how it will prepare her for what comes afterwards.

“Balancing academics and collegiate basketball taught me leadership,

perseverance,

feated the UNG Night-

and the value of hard

hawks to open the day,

work,”

winning 67-65 as senior

See SENIOR NIGHT | Page 6

Gaither

said.

“Past,

Evers-Everette

Pres-

visited

the Albany Civil Rights Institute on Wednesday, Feb. 18, to speak about civil rights legacy, leadership and historical

preservation.

Evers-Everette is the daughter

of

Medgar

Evers, the Mississippi

Evers-Everette

parents’

activism

the

per-

“Our roots are critical,” Evers-Everette said.

“In the world, my parents are

frozen…documen-

taries, some sound bites, speeches…but to me it’s the [story] of their love.

It’s the knowledge, it’s the

“The Lightning Thief: Percy Jackson Musical” preview Sydney Williams

music and mythology on stage, the

more mass communications ma-

Asst. A&L Editor

work behind the scenes has been

jor who plays Luke, said stepping

With opening night just days

underway since early January.

into the story requires reconnect-

The cast returned to campus a

ing with a younger perspective.

week before the spring semester

“To step into the world of Percy

began to start rehearsals. Since

Jackson is to step into the world of

then, they have practiced almost

a middle schooler or something

daily, balancing coursework with

like that,” Pergham said. “For

choreography, vocal rehearsals

Luke’s case, he’s a big brother to a

and technical run-throughs. The

middle schooler for the entire time

schedule demands consistency

he’s there. I’m also an older brother

production runs March 5 and 6 at

and discipline, especially for a mu-

myself, so reflecting that and giv-

7:30 p.m. and March 7 and 8 at 3

sical that shifts rapidly between

ing the best performance possible

p.m. in Russell Auditorium. While

settings and emotional moments.

takes a good bit of commitment.”

audiences will see two hours of

Gabriel Pergham, a sopho-

See LIGHTNING | Page 10

away, students at GCSU are entering their final stretch of rehearsals

for

“The

Lightning

Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical,” a stage adaptation of Rick Riordan’s

bestselling

novel.

Directed by Amy Pinney, the

NEWS | PG. 4

SPORTS | PG. 7

GCSU’s students elect new members to the SGA board who will step intotheir positions this fall!

ELECTIONS REVEAL NEW SGA BOARD

Courtesy of Lauren-Avery Jones | Lighting Director

U.S. OLYMPIC HOCKEY TAKES HOME GOLD

ARTS & LIFE | PG. 9

WARM WEATHER IS BACK!

THE CATERWAUL | PG. 11

For the first time in Olympic history, both the men’s and women’s hockey teams won gold.

Students are beginning to feel the first days of spring, elevating their moods and spreading summer excitement.

Since the beginning of time, women have faced the brunt of societal pressure, especially objectification.

POET REVEALS THE STRUGGLES OF WOMEN

2

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

03.03.2026

NEWS ALBANY

the Student Nonviolent

recognizing her contri-

is recognized as a unique

civil rights history vis-

Coordinating

butions and her fam-

call to action, specifically

ible by hosting activi-

who were unable to at-

ily’s

legacy.

inciting activist move-

ties and events, inviting

tend the event, Brown

Leadership

On GCSU’s campus,

ment within the student

speakers,

said visits from the de-

tion of Black history to

Conference, the Con-

Dasia Brown, a junior

body,” Brown said. “The

field trips and creating a

present-day

challeng-

gress of Racial Equali-

es, noting the impor-

ty and the NAACP in a

tance of protecting it

sustained effort to end

for future generations.

segregation in Albany.

Continued from page 1 Evers-Everette nected

the

con-

preserva-

mittee,

Com-

the

Christian

Southern

enduring

organizing

Even

for

students

scendants of civil rights leaders can serve as a reminder to continue the efforts for justice that those leaders began.

“This is the 100th year

Part of the institute’s

of the celebration of Black

mission is to collect

history,”

Evers-Everette

oral histories from par-

said. “Black history is all

ticipants in the Albany

of our history. Over the

Movement and partner

years, I’ve talked about

with the school system

nect to our present pur-

how important it is not

in

Coun-

pose, in which the work

to be racist. We are now

ty and Albany State

is not done, injustice still

again in the fight of (the)

University

create

exists today. For students

erasure of Black history.”

educational

resourc-

who did not attend this

The event was hosted

es using the museum’s

event, you can still ex-

at the Albany Civil Rights

database of memorabil-

amine the history she

Institute, a museum and

ia, photographs, docu-

research center dedicat-

ments and recordings.

ed to commemorating

According to the in-

the 1960s civil rights

stitute’s website, “[The

Dougherty

to

According to Brown, Evers-Everette’s

serves “as a reminder that past struggles con-

comes from and inspire students to carry on that torch when these moMedgar Evers

movement in southwest

Albany Civil Rights In-

English creative writing

Georgia. According to

stitute] brilliantly cap-

and philosophy aesthet-

cy by maintaining a dis-

of color and their allies.

the New Georgia Ency-

tures the stories of ordi-

ics double major and

cernible mission to keep

“Beyond fun mem-

clopedia, the institute in-

nary people who became

president of the Black

Black history and culture

bership activities, the

cludes the Old Mt. Zion

effective change agents

Student Alliance (BSA),

alive

BSA ensures that the

Baptist Church, the site

in

said

organization

represented in a pre-

legacy

their

community.”

visit

the

BSA continues this lega-

safe haven for students

and

prevalently

placed

during

ments reveal themselves.”

To learn more about local civil rights history, visit the Albany Civil Rights Institute’s website at

downtown.albanyga.

of the first mass meeting

At the event, Albany

continues to promote

dominantly white cam-

the civil rights move-

gov/Attractions/Alba-

of the Albany Movement.

mayor Bo Dorough pre-

that legacy through pro-

pus and atmosphere.”

ment is shared openly

ny-Civil-Rights-Institute

sented

Evers-Everette

gramming and advocacy.

Brown said the orga-

and

across

or connect with BSA on

with a key to the city,

“Medgar Evers’ legacy

nization works to keep

campus,” Brown said.

Instagram at @gc_bsa.

The movement later drew support from

VOLUME 107 | NO. 5

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.

@TheColonnade

positively

@TheColonnade

Contributing writers are always welcome at The Colonnade. Contact thegcsucolonnade@gmail. com for more information.

If you have a tip or wish to contact The Colonnade, email thegcsucolonnade@gmail. com or message our Instagram @thecolonnade.

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Contact Us Office: Terrell 301 thegcsucolonnade@gmail. com bobcatmultimedia.com

3

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

03.03.2026

NEWS

Georgia Attorney General investigates Roblox Jane Carr

to determine whether

threats to children. This

explicit photos, or even

also relates to a broad-

supports

News Editor

the company has taken

includes the conviction

money,”

said.

er legislative effort in

bill, noting that stron-

adequate steps to safe-

of a Hart County man

She added that while

Washington to bolster

ger

standards

could

guard its youngest users.

who trafficked a 16-year-

some older players en-

protections for children

help

platforms

like

old

contacting

joy the game, “this is

online. He has joined a

online platforms like Ro-

her on social media.

an app that should be a

bipartisan coalition of

Roblox become safer.

blox to go after our chil-

Concerns about Ro-

safe space for the ma-

state attorneys general

dren, and we’re fighting

blox’s safety have reso-

jority of users, those of

urging Congress to pass

back,” Carr said in the

nated with GCSU stu-

whom are children fall-

the Kids’ Online Safe-

release. “As a father and

dents who say children

ing between 7 and 14.”

ty Act, a Senate-backed

Attorney General, keep-

frequently

encounter

Grayson Riggott, a se-

bill designed to require

ing kids safe will always

inappropriate

con-

nior middle grades edu-

online services used by

Georgia

Attorney

General Chris Carr has opened a formal investigation into the popular online gaming and chat platform Roblox, citing repeated

reports

that

predators are using the service to exploit children, according to a press release from his office.

Carr’s announcement on Tuesday, Feb. 17, said the probe will examine whether Roblox is violating Georgia’s consumer protection laws by exposing minors to abuse, trafficking and sexual exploitation. It marks one of the most forceful state actions yet against the

gaming

platform,

“Predators are using

after

Brown

be my top priority, and

minors to adopt stron-

any company that ex-

ger

poses them to harm will

safety

measures.

The bill, known as

“This act not only protects children from receiving any explicit messages or comments, but it also keeps Roblox accountable for what they need to do to change their program,” Riggott said.

Roblox, which mar-

KOSA, would compel

kets itself as a safe envi-

The investigation fol-

platforms that are likely

ronment for children to

lows several troubling

to be used by individu-

create, play and social-

incidents that state offi-

als under age 17 to im-

ize, has faced criticism

cials said originated on

plement safeguards to

from parents and child

the platform. According

prevent harm, such as

safety advocates who say

to the press release, ear-

harassment, exploitation

the company’s existing

lier this year, the Geor-

and exposure to harm-

tools and moderation

ful content. It would

efforts are insufficient.

held

gia State Patrol located

Julia Jensen | Art Director

two missing Florida girls and

require

companies

to

tent

solicitations

cation major and student

provide robust default

nicating with a 19-year-

when using the app.

teacher, said some of

privacy settings for chil-

old stranger they met on

Emma Brown, a soph-

her fifth-grade students

dren, tools for parents

The attorney general’s

Roblox. The suspect is

omore criminal justice

have expressed unease

to monitor and control

office said it has issued

now facing kidnapping

major, said her sister

about their experienc-

minor

a civil investigative de-

and related charges. In

regularly plays Roblox

es with the platform’s

mechanisms for report-

mand seeking internal

a separate 2023 inci-

and has experienced un-

communication

tools.

ing harmful interactions.

records and communica-

dent, an adult posing as

welcome

“Whether it is in the

Platforms also must

tions on age verification

a child allegedly coaxed

“My sister is 10 and

procedures, the effec-

a 12-year-old boy into

tiveness of parental con-

children and teenagers.

federal

accountable.”

be

who had been commu-

which is widely used by

the

interactions.

of

and

form employs automated filters and human reviewers, incidents of abuse

and

grooming

have persisted, raising questions about the efficacy of its protections.

Carr’s

office

said

inappropri-

exercise reasonable care

is in the 5th grade, and

ate language or explicit

in the design of features

sending explicit photos.

I have seen people who

messages, my students

that could increase mi-

and could lead to fur-

trols, chat moderation

In addition to the in-

have friended her on

have voiced their con-

nors’ online activity and

ther actions if the evi-

capabilities and reports

vestigation, Carr’s office

the game reach over pri-

cerns on the increas-

offer transparency about

dence shows the com-

of harm involving Geor-

highlighted other recent

vate chat to ask for more

ing issue,” Riggott said.

how they address risks.

pany has neglected to

gia users. The move aims

actions targeting online

personal

information,

form

accounts

Although the plat-

Carr’s

investigation

Riggott

said

she

the inquiry is ongoing

protect

young

users.

18-year-old Georgian charges U.S. Capitol building Lily Mahaffey

Officers

Staff Writer

standby

On Tuesday, Feb. 17, 18-year-old Georgia resident Carter Camacho was arrested in Washington, D.C., after authorities say he tried to charge at the Capitol building’s Lower

West

Terrace

with a loaded shotgun.

According

to

the

Department of Justice, Camacho was charged with unlawful possession of a gun on Capitol grounds. His next court date is set for March 2. As the investigation continues, questions remain about what may have influenced Camacho’s actions and how similar situations can be prevented in the future.

He arrived in a white

the

were

on

and

defused

situation

quickly.

No injuries were reported, and the suspect was taken into custody without further incident.

Many

GCSU

stu-

dents have recognized an increase in politi-

U.S. Capitol building

cal violence in recent

between

years.

and

Camacho’s

ar-

between

growing

opposing

Rory McIllis, a senior

garding maturity and

ability under law..Gentry

pitted against each oth-

accountability, highlight-

Lee, a junior political

er,” Lee said. “I think

with

ing how young adults

science major, believes

the way we communi-

viewpoints.

have recently been en-

that change and com-

cate and interact needs

like

gaging

politically

promise are the path to

to change because inci-

increase

rest has added to that discussion.

communities distrust

people

Incidents

this

in

political science major,

raise security concerns

motivated actions while

reducing political po-

dents like this, or worse,

shares her observations

around the U.S. Capi-

still

judg-

larization and violence.

will keep happening.”

regarding

topic.

tol. Even though no one

ment and mental control.

“I think we need to be

As the younger gen-

“Since the Jan. 6 in-

was harmed during the

“18 is such a pivotal

able to hear each other’s

eration becomes more

surrection, some indi-

charge, approaching a

age with a lot of socie-

opinions in a healthi-

active in politics, how

viduals may view po-

government

building

tal pressure, so it makes

er way to diffuse heated

they choose to react and

litical violence as less

while armed is an ex-

sense why he would

interactions,” Lee said.

communicate may be the

shocking than it once

ample of expressions re-

feel

enough

As of right now, an

shifting factor in the way

was,” McIllis said. “Re-

garding ongoing tensions

to act out in a manner

investigation is under-

political engagement will

spectful debate is rare-

tied to political spaces.

that’s

emotion-

way to determine the

proceed moving forward.

ly modeled in today’s

“I don’t know what his

ally charged than log-

motive behind Cama-

ical,”

said.

cho’s actions. Regardless,

responses to moments

strongly more

Community

leaders’

environment.”

motivation or goal was,

respectful

but I do trust our law

Camacho getting in-

GCSU students agree

like this can influence

building. He was wearing

political discussion is

enforcement,” said Isa-

volved in an act tied to

that there is a better way

broader

a tactical vest and had a

replaced with aggres-

belle Gonzalez, a senior

political violence at 18

to go about expressing

lence. It encourages re-

loaded shotgun in his

sive actions, it can con-

political science major.

demonstrates the rising

concerns and feelings.

flections on everyday in-

possession. While being

tribute

heightened

With the suspect be-

abundance of incidents

“Disagreement can of-

teractions, public actions

handcuffed, he stated he

tensions

surrounding

ing only 18 years old,

of early political beliefs

ten lead to achievement if

and civic responsibility

was there to talk to the

national issues. It can

conversation has been

and social pressure in-

both sides work together

that contribute to the tone

members of Congress.

also

sparked on campus re-

tersecting with account-

peacefully and don’t feel

of political conversation.

Mercedes SUV, jumped out and ran toward the

media

this

developing

When

to

deepen

division

Gonzalez

political

vio-

4

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

03.03.2026

NEWS

SGA elects new members Maggie Scarbrough

“The executive board con-

and outreach, SGA can be an

Staff Writer

tinues that legacy of listening

accessible and student-driv-

GCSU’s Student Govern-

to things where we may not

en organization. She hopes

(SGA)

know that’s an issue,” Semere

that student engagement will

held its elections from Feb.

said. “I hope that they contin-

contribute to SGA’s personal

18 to 20, announcing its

ue the same relationships to

and professional development.

new officers on Feb. 21 at

participate in creating through

“As I step into the presiden-

the student government and

cy next year, my focus is on

with the alumni association.”

strengthening trust, amplify-

SGA is a university-wide

ing impact and ensuring that

organization that was found-

student leadership continues

ed in 1936 on GCSU’s Milled-

to evolve alongside the needs

geville Campus. Its purpose is

of our campus,” Samiya said.

to allow student representa-

Both Semere and Sami-

tives to address concerns with-

ya have high expectations

in the student body by creating

for the future of SGA and its

a diverse community where all

presence on GCSU’s cam-

students feel welcomed, heard

pus. Students who voted have

and supported. SGA is made

an equally important role, as

up of the Executive and Leg-

their vote determines who will

islative branches, as well as a

fulfill these responsibilities.

Conduct board and Cabinet.

Lorren Connelly, a soph-

ment

Association

the Homecoming Men’s and Women’s basketball games at Centennial Center Complex.

The

2026-2027

execu-

tive

board

includes

Pres-

ident

Sam

Samiya,

Vice

President Samuel Kleppinger,

Secretary

Mary

Ward

and Treasurer Blair Bodell.

Serena

Semere,

a

se-

nior criminal justice major, served as the SGA President for the 2025-26 academic year. She believes SGA has a significant impact on student life and engagement.

“On one hand, I think that we have created a lot of change for students,” Semere said. “On

Sam

a

sopho-

omore

science

major

jor, shared her knowledge

and SGA’s next president,

of SGA and how she feels

shared her thoughts on SGA’s

her vote made a difference.

more

Samiya, data

significance

on

campus.

psychology

ma-

“My general understanding

Courtesy of Holly Cade

ported a positive experience.

Although the voting period

“Overall, I would say it is

has ended, students and fac-

very easy to find all the infor-

ulty alike can look forward to

mation to vote. You can also

SGA’s newest Executive team

look up the people you want

starting in the fall of 2026. The

to vote for,” Connelly said.

Like

Connelly,

students

from all majors and backgrounds come together to vote for SGA. Connelly’s vote was one of many that had an im-

2026 Fall elections will be held within the first 28 days of the fall semester, and candidates will be notified of the results no later than three school days after the close of the polls.

the other hand, there are still

“I believe SGA has a strong

of SGA is that they are rela-

pact on the results revealed

lots of opportunities for us to

and meaningful impact on the

tively in charge of the bud-

at the Homecoming game.

continue to improve the every-

student body,” Samiya said.

gets and laws of the clubs on

The event is an example of

day life of a student on campus.”

“Much of this work happens

campus,” Connelly said. “I

the power student voices have

Semere believes her role

quietly, but its effects shape

think they are beneficial to

in clubs and organizations.

all senators and the President

as President helped her fa-

the everyday student expe-

the school, especially if you

By sharing their opinion, stu-

Pro-Tempore (PPT). For more

cilitate

rience in ways that matter.”

are a part of the other clubs.”

dents have the opportunity

information, students can re-

the

to support their peers and

fer to the SGA Code of Elec-

past two elections and re-

represent their community.

tions on the GCSU website.

the

connections

to prepare the next executive

board

for

success.

Samiya

believes

that

through various committees

Connelly

voted

in

The positions fulfilled by this election will be those of the Senate, which includes

STEPHEN COLBERT RESPONDS TO CBS NETWORK James Cordero Contributing Writer The Late Show with Stephen Colbert posted an interview to its YouTube channel just recently, following newly implemented rules at the Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS), causing the network to later issue a statement addressing claims about the decision, and host Stephen Colbert responded on air.

Colbert interviewed Texas state Rep. James Talarico, a candidate for U.S. Senate.

Because of the equal time rule, which CBS said applied in this case, the interview did not air on the broadcast.

The equal time rule requires broadcast stations to provide comparable airtime to political candidates. The rule historically has not applied to late-night or talk shows, which have operated outside its scope since the format’s rise in the 1960s.

However, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair Brendan Carr recently said he was thinking about applying the rule to talk shows.

“I think it’s highly probable that the equal time rule would not survive a legal challenge to the Supreme Court today,” said Nicholas Creel,

a GCSU associate professor of business law. “It is incredibly problematic from a First Amendment perspective.”

After Colbert posted the interview on YouTube on Tuesday, Feb. 17, CBS said in a statement that he “was not prohibited by CBS from broadcasting the interview” and that the network “presented options for how the equal time for other candidates could be fulfilled.”

Colbert responded the following night, saying the rule was newly applied and that his material is reviewed by attorneys.

“Every word of my script last night was approved by CBS’s lawyers, who, for the record, approve every script that goes on the air,” Colbert said.

Late-night television has seen declining viewership as audiences increasingly turn to social media for a mix of news and entertainment. According to Variety, an American trade magazine, Colbert averaged 3.17 million viewers in 2015, compared with 2.69 million currently.

“Late-night shows aren’t what they used to be,” Creel said. “Their viewership numbers are now quite low. I think your average late-night

show probably gets less than maybe a third of your more popular Fox News audience.”

The YouTube interview has garnered more than 8 million views. Some observers said the controversy surrounding the equal time rule likely amplified its reach.

“People are definitely watching [late night shows] a lot less and finding their information and entertainment through other forms of media,” said Jackson Boyle, a freshman political science major. “I don’t think the interview would have gotten the same amount of attention if not for the situation.”

Colbert has previously hosted Rep. Jasmine Crockett, though she was not an active candidate during those appearances. Colbert has said he decides which guests to feature.

“I am well aware that we can book other guests,” Colbert said. “I didn’t need to be presented with that option. I have had Jasmine Crockett on my show twice.”

Some argue Colbert should be free to host guests of his choosing and express his views. “[Posting the interview online] is well within his rights, and he is allowed to have his opinion on his show,” Boyle said.

Colbert’s response drew at-

tention not only for addressing CBS but also for raising broader concerns about corporate influence and media censorship.

By posting the interview online rather than airing it on broadcast television, Colbert sidestepped the network’s interpretation of the equal time rule. The move raises

level can shape what audiences see, and don’t see, across platforms. Students can follow updates from national outlets, review FCC policy discussions and engage in campus conversations about media literacy and First Amendment rights.

Julia Jensen | Art Director

broader questions about how, and whether, such regulations should apply to modern entertainment programs.

For students at GCSU, the controversy serves as a reminder of how media policy decisions made at the national

“I’m not even mad,” Colbert said. “I really don’t want an

adversarial

relationship

with the network.… I’m just so surprised that this giant global

corporation

would

not stand up to these bullies.”

5

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

03.03.2026

NEWS

Student media organizations attend national conference Mary Ciucevich and Amelia McEwen

and Howell reminisced about

The Editors

his lifelong passion for radio,

GCSU’s own student-led

Andrew Brown, a senior mass

television newscast and radio

communications major and

station, GC360 and WGUR,

executive producer of GC360.

attended the Intercollegiate

Select GCSU students have

Broadcasting

(IBS)

attended this conference on and

conference in New York City

off over the past decade. This

from Feb. 19 to 22, winning and

year, WGUR was recognized

being nominated for multiple

as finalists, placing in the top

awards in recognition of their

10% of all their categories and

dedication to student media.

receiving four nominations.

The IBS conference is held

This student media organi-

annually,

System

recognizing

out-

zation was nominated for, “Best

standing college media outlets

Live Music Broadcast Radio,”

since 1940. Broadcasting stu-

“Best Community Outreach

dents from schools across the

Event” and “Best Production

country are invited to network

Director.” It was also nomi-

the steps he took to found the station and the importance of college radio today, ultimately leading to this nomination.

GC360 was also recognized

by IBS for its work over the past year, receiving finalist nominations for “Best Variety Show,” “Best College TV Station” and “Best Social Media Director (TV).” News Director, Madelyn Agostini, and former Executive Producer, Erin Finnegan, took home awards for the “Best

Courtesy of Kellen O’Neil, WGUR

News Director (TV)” and

and learning new things out-

wasn’t things to pick up from

“Best Station Manager (TV).”

side of one’s range in media.

other people in the industry.”

Agostini expressed her sur-

“These conferences are re-

WGUR and GC360 re-

prise and pride in receiving

ally important for so many

turned to Milledgeville on

the award, noting the compe-

reasons, they help us improve

tition GC360 was up against.

our stations as student media

Wednesday, Feb. 25, with

nomi-

groups, we get to see how oth-

Syracuse

er stations function, how their

University and Auburn, and

organization is structured, and

they

learn from them,” O’Neil said.

“The nees

other

were were

everything,”

two

from

nominated

for

Agostini

said.

Brown

also

highlight-

WGUR by plane and GC360 by train. The students returned with stories to tell, especially the GC360 students who travelled 19 hours by train due to the recent blizzard

“Their TV broadcast sta-

ed the conference’s collab-

tion

impressive.”

orative atmosphere by em-

Sessions of all varieties,

phasizing that the sessions

some of which included dis-

available were beneficial to

cussion of the music industry,

GC360, despite the heavy fo-

news reporting, station PR

cus on the radio stations rath-

Courtesy of Andrew Brown, GC360

and audio visuals, were pres-

er than television newscasts.

with industry leaders and share

nated for “Best Live News In-

ent. This allowed for a range of

“It’s very eye-opening to talk

their work during the event.

terview” for its interview with

media students to collaborate.

to other people who do things

“I feel like if you’re some-

the founder, Frank Howell.

Kellen O’Neil, a senior mass

in a different way, or might use

body in media I think it’s im-

Howell founded GCSU’s

communications major and the

different techniques and equip-

lect members of the executive

portant to go to one of these

radio station 50 years ago, but

general manager for WGUR,

ment.” Brown said. “Even for

board will travel to the city

things at least once, and to just

graduated before seeing its

described her conference ex-

us if there wasn’t a ton of spe-

on Wednesday, March 4, par-

be in the city because there’s so

first broadcast. During their

perience, detailing the impor-

cifically aimed at what we were

ticipating in the conference’s

many cool opportunities.” said

interview, WGUR students

tance of building connections

doing, that doesn’t mean there

exclusive networking events.

RECITAL

Continued from page 1 Streisfeld followed with the Sarabande from Partita No. 2 in D minor by Johann Sebastian Bach, using the Baroque work as a stylistic contrast to the 20th-century pieces on the program.

He later performed Grażyna Bacewicz’s Sonata No. 2 for Solo Violin, a technically demanding piece that reflects modernist trends in violin writing.

“She treats the violin in very novel ways,” Streisfeld said. “It’s less about melody and more about color and texture.

The last movement is very physically demanding, but once you find the flow, it becomes about creating a sound world.”

The recital concluded with Vio-

is

crazy

“They’re not well-advertised outside the music community,” Rogers said.

“When non-music majors do hear about them, they often don’t feel like events we’d naturally be interested in. But once you attend, the performances are often much more intriguing than expected.”

Rogers said that although she attended the performance because it was required for a class, she ended up more engaged and impressed than she expected.

“The artist’s stage presence was very welcoming and humble,” Rogers said. “He explained his personal connection to the pieces in a way that was easy to understand without

feeling

Streisfeld students

said

and

condescending.” he

hopes

audience

that

members

lin Sonata in E minor, Op. 82 by Ed-

walked away feeling emotionally im-

ward Elgar, a work Streisfeld described

pacted by hearing the music live.

as particularly meaningful to him.

“Music has the power to bring us

Ryabinin said that Elgar’s sonata

to emotional places we didn’t even

is written as a true partnership be-

know existed,” Streisfeld said. “If

tween the piano and the violin rather

I’m enjoying myself on stage and

than as a solo with accompaniment.

showing how much I care about the

“It’s not piano accompanying violin,”

music, the audience will feel that.”

Ryabinin said. “It’s two equal partners.

Ryabinin encouraged students to

The music is like a dialogue between

continue attending concerts across

us, which makes it fun to perform.”

different

For some students, the recital of-

preciation

styles, grows

noting with

that

ap-

exposure.

fered an experience that they may

“The more you listen, the more your

have previously felt unapproachable.

ear develops,” Ryabinin said. “You’d be

Lauren Rodgers, a junior psycholo-

surprised how your soul opens up.”

gy major, believes that events like these

For students wanting to attend a

are underattended by students outside

future recital, visit the GCSU Mu-

the music department because most

sic Department’s official page for

students are not made aware of them.

information regarding the season.

that struck New York City.

“I think it made for an interesting trip and a really good story,” O’Neil said.

The Colonnade will embark on a similar journey to New York City, instead attending the College Media Association Conference. Se-

6

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

03.03.2026

SPORTS SENIOR NIGHT

lines throughout the year in support

partment. Not only was he a force

Continued from page 1

of the team. The final women’s bas-

to be reckoned with on the court,

athletic

The GCSU women’s team and its

ketball senior commemorated was

but he also provided photographs

what

five senior players have been through

multi-sport athlete Hayley Shepherd,

of multiple GCSU sporting events.

ups and downs throughout the seniors’

who was celebrated during women’s

four years on the team, and, coming

volleyball’s senior day and also re-

into the season, also had a brand-new

basketball

meant

about to

him.

“All the memories and lessons I

said. “How to be a teammate, leader

ceived a nod of appreciation for her

“I have absolutely loved my time at

and competitor. How to win with hu-

coaching setup. Those same seniors,

efforts in helping the basketball team.

GCSU,” Lynch said. “Being a part of the

mility and fail without giving up. It has

even through hardship, have stepped

The final games of the women’s bas-

basketball team, being involved with

given me the ability to know what true

up immensely during their final season.

ketball seniors’ season will be during

Campus Catholics, making so many

hard work is. It has been my outlet,

Gaither led the GCSU team with

the Peach Belt Conference Tourna-

359 points in the regular season,

ment, as Gaither and Bolden teamed

while Natalia Bolden placed third

up for a combined 42 points, helping

in points on the team with 222, and

GCSU take down Flagler College, 71-

Bailey Vick approached the cen-

63, and secure a spot in the tournament.

tury mark with 95 points as well.

The men’s team fell to UNG

Following her career at GCSU, Vick

80-79 on senior night. Senior for-

shared with the athletic department

wards Oscar Lynch and Tony Carpio

advice for upcoming collegiate athletes.

had 14 points and senior guard

“I would say to enjoy every mo-

Aidan Kudlas contributed a pair of

ment and opportunity you are giv-

points as well in his limited time.

amazing friendships, enjoying the aca-

emotionally and physically, all my life.”

en,” Vick said. “Not everyone is

Following the conclusion of the men’s

demics of the CoBT (College of Business

The final games of the men’s basket-

given the chance to play a college

basketball senior night, the senior play-

and Technology) and so much more.”

ball seniors’ season will be during the

sport, so enjoy it while it lasts.”

ers reflected on their time as Bobcats.

Carpio, Lynch and Kudlas sit at

Peach Belt Conference Tournament,

Rose Bone, who was unable to play

During his time at GCSU, Os-

fourth, fifth and sixth in scoring for

as the Bobcats fell to Flagler College,

due to a season-ending injury early

car Lynch contributed in multi-

the Bobcats this season, with 189,

75-57, leading to the clinch of the

in the season, still stayed on the side-

ple ways to the GCSU athletic de-

169 and 145 points, respectively.

sixth-seed position in the tournament.

Joe Palmese

Asst. Sports Editor Pickleball courts are beginning to crowd around Milledgeville again as GCSU students await the return of warm weather to play.

Over 36.5 million people have played pickleball in the U.S., and Milledgeville has seen the effects of the growth in the game.

Students can find courts to play on at GCSU’s Wellness and Recreational Center and other public courts.

Walter B. Williams Park and Baldwin County Pickleball complex offer about 40 courts between them, giving students multiple options to play.

GCSU has seen a growth in the participation of pickleball, similar to the state of Georgia.

There are now over 3,000 pickleball courts in Georgia, compared to around 500 courts in 2021. In the past five years, participation has increased nearly 300% around the country. This makes pickleball the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. “Pickleball has become a constant part of my friend group in the past couple of years,” said Robert Long, a senior accounting major. “I started playing my senior year of high school. It’s

been cool to see a bunch of people kind of flock over to pickleball because of what it has to offer.”

GCSU has adapted to the surge in the growing sport. Pickleball is now offered as an intramural sport in singles and doubles. GCSU has created a club pickleball team that travels to other universities to take on other club teams, they practice every Wednesday evening in the spring semester.

“I would say that our club team serves as a safe space for anyone to come out and just play some pickleball,” said Clay Braswell, a senior business major. “I joined the team my sophomore year and it’s been a very stressfree environment and I have created a bunch of cool relationships too.”

For many students around campus, the

is made for anyone.

“I think pickleball is the best way to get active and have fun at the same time,” said Tate Hunter, a senior management major. “You can almost guarantee that there is a group of five plus people almost every day here in the spring that want to play after class. I love it.”

For some students, it is all about winning.

For other students, it is a way to socialize and provide a mental break from school. As the seasons continue to transition, pickleball courts in Milledgeville are filling up fast.

Pickleball is slowly easing itself into a part of GCSU’s culture, as it becomes a lifestyle for some.

For more information regarding the club

Pickleball Courts

pickleball courts serve as a home away from home.

Unlike tennis, pickleball requires less movement, making it more accessible to people of all ages. With quick games and a smaller court size, the game

pickleball team, please visit @gcsupickleball on Instagram. For information regarding Intramural pickleball, please visit www. gcsu.edu/recreational-sports/league-rules.

time

he

department

the

GCSU.

his

night,

to

could have ever imagined,”

about

senior

commented

spoke

Pickleball at GCSU

After

Kudlas

at

Kudlas

Courtesy of Alexus Duncan

Homecoming Basketball

GCSU basketball vs. Georgia Southwestern Annakate Cox Staff Writer On Saturday, Feb 21, the GCSU’s men’s and women’s basketball teams faced Georgia Southwestern State University in the homecoming games and their final home contests of the regular season.

The women’s game started the doubleheader and set the tone for the afternoon. With just 28 seconds remaining in regulation, the Bobcats scored and sent the game into overtime before later pulling away to earn a 65-50 victory over the Georgia Southwestern Canes.

Deshona Gaither, a senior guard and Peach Belt player of the week, led the women’s game with an impressive 28 points.

“I am most proud of our overall effort as a team. We were ready to battle from start to finish,” Gaither said.

“Even when the other team went on a run, we kept our heads up, stayed together, and continued to fight and believe in one another.”

During the break between the two games, GCSU honored and recognized alumni who were members of past championship teams, bringing a sense of history, pride, and tradition to the homecoming celebration.

Gaither describes how the recognition of alum did not go unnoticed by the current

Courtesy of Gray Sims

players, and the moment added extra meaning and motivation to the games.

“We wanted to show up and get the win for our alumni and also for everyone who came before us.” Gaither said.

“The crowd gave us an extra boost of motivation and helped keep our energy high throughout the game,” The men’s game followed the women’s intense matchup, and the energy in Centennial carried seamlessly into the second half of the doubleheader. Feeding off the lively atmosphere, the Bobcats claimed another victory against the Georgia Southwestern Canes with a final score of 75-68.

C.J. Jones, a sophomore guard, led the men’s team with 18 points, providing a steady defense throughout the game.

“Our game plan was to cut back on the turnovers and just play solid defense. Georgia Southwestern is really good in transition.” Jones said.

“But I felt like we did a really good job handling that and simply controlling the game.”

After highlighting the team’s defensive discipline and teamwork,

players also credited the homecoming atmosphere for fueling their strong performance.

Khalil Green, a sophomore guard, describes the impact of having students’ support for such big games.

“It always means a lot to see everyone come to Centennial to support us,” Green said.

“Seeing all of the alumni, students, families, and everybody coming together gave us energy for the game.”

With the men’s and women’s teams closing out their home schedules on a positive note, the homecoming victories not only strengthened their conference standing but also celebrated the tradition and community that define GCSU basketball.

The Bobcats now turn their focus to key matchups against Lander University and Flagler College. As the race in the Peach Belt Conference tightens, both teams will look to carry the momentum from their homecoming victories into these upcoming games and continue building confidence and motivation as they head into postseason play.

7

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

03.03.2026

SPORTS

GCSU baseball struggles to open season Annalie Parker Asst. News Editor

multiple recent replacements and addi-

dling stuff we can control, and then

pinpoint the main weaknesses and fo-

tions, including head coach Jeff Pelkey,

just trying to show improvement ev-

cus on those for this week’s practices.”

Since their opener on Jan. 30, GC-

assistant coach Jaiden Warde and

ery day and every week,” Beaver said.

Between daily training and working

SU’s baseball team has struggled,

graduate assistant Jackson Hoshour.

“Getting the guys rolling and getting a

As the Bobcats adjust to abrupt

kind of routine on when we’re going to

changes in their lineups, players are

throw and just stability, I think is the

working hard and feeling hopeful

biggest thing, so we’re getting there.”

about the season’s future. Jake Bea-

Keaton Prior, a junior business

ver, a senior exercise science major

management major and right-handed

and left-handed pitcher, attributes

pitcher, believes the claims regarding

the team’s early struggles to the cur-

the team’s pitching so far to be an over-

rent instability of positions but shares

simplification of its broader adversities.

an optimistic outlook on the efforts

“I think we have the talent, we just

made to combat these obstacles.

need to figure out how to play together

“We’ve got a good core group of

as a team,” Prior said. “We can be bet-

guys, but we can only pitch so much,”

ter at pitching, but I think if we play

Beaver said. “Gavyn Seitz had a re-

together as a team there’ll be more

ally good start last Sunday, so he,

competitive games, and overall ev-

I think, is going to be our Sunday

erything will kind of work itself out

guy going forward, which then gives

when we’re just playing better baseball.”

the pitching staff more stability.”

Despite their rocky start to the season,

Beaver named several other pitch-

the baseball Bobcats are increasing their

ers included in the new routine, in-

effort in preparation for the rest of their

cluding Keaton Prior, Owen Thom-

season. Harding Dennis, a freshman

not happy with the start of the sea-

as, Griffin Davis, Caden Tillman and

exercise science major and left-handed

son, but we’re gonna do a whole lot

himself. He hopes the establishment

pitcher, hints at behind-the-scenes ad-

better and hope we can catch more

of this new schedule, as well as con-

justments to the team and to practices.

people at some games, so it’ll be fun.”

tinuing to work hard in practice, will

“We practice every day that we don’t

Students who want to witness the

provide the consistency the team

have a game, and play four games a

needs in order to get back on its feet.

week,” Dennis said. “With almost a full

when adjusting for these absences. In

“We’ve worked a lot in practice

week off from games, our coaching staff

addition, the coaching staff has seen

on fixing the little things and han-

has been given time to evaluate and

beginning their season with a 1-10 record and 0-3 in conference play.

Multiple injuries across the team have led to shifted positions and disarray on the field, namely the starting Friday night pitcher, Christian Donaldson, being out of commission after an injury that occurred in the second inning of the season opener.

Courtesy of Emilie Theado

The current roster consists of many younger players who are newly starting out, which creates some difficulty

to find their rhythm as a team, the players believe GCSU students have a lot to look forward to for baseball this year.

“We’ve got a great group of guys that love each other, and we work

Courtesy of Emilie Theado

hard,” Beaver said. “Obviously we’re

Bobcats’ comeback firsthand can both view their schedule and purchase game

USA hockey wins gold at the Olympics Joe Palmese

Asst. Sports Editor For the first time in Olympic history, both the U.S. women’s and men’s hockey teams won the gold medal in the same Winter Olympic Games; each defeating rival Canada 2-1 in Milan, Italy.

For the men’s team, this is

tickets

at

gcsubobcats.com.

al game on Sunday, Feb. 22,

a history professor at GCSU.

them beat Canada for a gold

but I made sure to watch the

the

Broadcasting

“As someone who served in

medal was something special.”

gold medal hockey games.”

Company (NBC) stated that

the armed forces, I will always

Jack and his teammate and

After the men won, they

it averaged more than 18 mil-

cheer on whoever it may be

brother, Quinn, indicated that

lion viewers, resulting in the

in whatever way. I was super

he wanted to be a difference

most-watched sporting event

happy to be able to witness

maker. The night before the

in U.S. history that started

both the men’s and women’s

gold medal game, Jack told

before 9 a.m. Eastern time.

teams bring home the gold.”

Quinn he was dreaming of

game-winning

The Americans never gave

scoring a game-winning goal.

goal on Thursday, Feb. 19,

up in the men’s gold medal

Canada and the U.S. have

National

Keller’s

celebrated emotionally on the ice. They celebrated by bringing out a former teammate’s jersey,

Johnny

Gaudreau.

Gaudreau was killed last year after being struck by an al-

Hockey player on ice

their third gold medal, their

drew an audience of around

game. Canada attempted 42

never gotten along on the ice,

leged drunk driver. The U.S.

first since the 1980s, “Mira-

7 million viewers, making

shots compared to the U.S.’s

as the U.S.’s “biggest” rival

hockey confederation made

cle on Ice.” The women’s team

it the most-watched wom-

28. The American goaltender

would be Canada. The U.S.

sure

secured their third gold med-

en’s Olympic hockey game.

Connor Hellebuyck saved 41

lost to Canada in overtime in

al and first since 2018. Both

was present in Milan. John-

Both teams won with a fi-

of the 42 shots. The U.S. was an

the gold medal game in 2010,

victories came in overtime.

ny wasn’t out there on the

nal score of 2 to 1. This marks

underdog going into the game.

in Vancouver, Canada. 16

Megan Keller scored the

the first time ever in Olympic

“I feel bad for anyone who

years later, the script flipped.

game-winning goal in over-

history that the same two na-

didn’t get to watch that game,”

“It was a really cool mo-

time for the women’s team

tions faced off in a gold med-

said Roscoe Conrad, a fresh-

ment to watch,” said Katie

on Thursday, Feb. 19, while

al game with identical scores.

man business major. “That

Long, a junior nursing major.

the

“I am really proud to be an

was a moment that I will re-

“The women’s and men’s teams

game-winning goal for the

American and to be able to cel-

member exactly where I was

deserve so much praise for

Norway’s 41. For informa-

men’s on Sunday, Feb. 22.

ebrate these athletes’ accom-

at a point in time. I’m not a

their accomplishments. I have

tion regarding the Olympics,

During the men’s gold med-

plishments,” said Chris Reed,

big hockey fan, but watching

barely watched the Olympics

visit

Jack

Hughes

scored

that

Johnny’s

family

ice to celebrate a gold medal, but his jersey and spirit were.

The U.S. finished the 2026 Winter Olympics with a total of 33 medals, second to

www.olympics.com.

8

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

03.03.2026

ARTS & LIFE

GCSU hosts Southern Gothic Lecture Rosalyn Chapman

meanings

Staff Writer GCSU’s Flannery O’Connor Institute for the Humanities hosted its second annual

of

Gullah

and

spirituality with Catholicism.

“She does primary and sec-

where you honor the dead, but

Geechee, focusing on the dif-

“The word Voodoo is a

ondary research as well as in-

we have so much in our popu-

ferentiation of the two words.

slur,” Hamilton said. “The ac-

terviews,” Simon said. “She’s

lar culture that sort of vilifies it.”

“What surprised me from

tual religion is called Vodun.”

covering a lot of ground that

learning about the origin of

Similarly, Hamilton said

these words is that it had any-

that

thing to do with me,” Hamilton

tions of the Hoodoo spiritual

said. “When I grew up, we used

practice are that it is the same

the word ‘Geechee,’ but there

as Vodun and it is witch-

are parts of the coast in which

craft, when it is actually often

‘Gullah’ is more frequent.”

practiced with Christianity

In her book, she aimed to

and rooted in ritual practice.

reveal the true cultural history

“Hoodoo is about a cel-

of the Gullah Geechee Coast.

ebration of life, not death,”

“Scholarship can take some-

Hamilton said. “It is certainly

cal and cultural significance

thing that’s as familiar to you

not about Satan since peo-

of spiritual traditions in the

as your own family and make

ple who practice this don’t

context of early U.S. history.

it so that you can’t even rec-

actually believe in Satan.”

The event concluded with

ognize it,” Hamilton said. “In

Katie Simon, interim exec-

a signing of Hamilton’s book,

my book, I wanted to set that

utive director of the Flannery

“Romancing the Gullah in

story straight so that people

O’Connor Institute for the Hu-

the Age of Porgy and Bess,”

would be able to recognize

manities, introduced Hamilton

exploring

romanticiza-

themselves in their culture.”

before her lecture commenced.

tion of the Gullah Geechee

In her lecture, she addressed

culture and exposing the mis-

the misconceptions of the Vo-

ed on her book regarding

representations of the lifestyle.

dun religion and the Hoodoo

how it has impacted her.

Currently, Hamilton is an

spiritual practice. In early

“So far, I’ve read about

associate professor of English

America, these were practiced

half of it; it’s really quite a

and the director of South-

in New Orleans and the Low-

installment of the Southern Gothic Lecture Series on Thursday, Feb. 26, in the Pat Peterson Museum Education Room.

The lecture, delivered by Kendra Hamilton, was titled “Hoodoo, Voodoo and the Gullah Geechee People at the Nation’s Founding,” and examined the histori-

common

One

student

in

atten-

misconcep-

Reaghan Shehee | Digital Media Editor

is literary and historical.” read

graduate student earning her

Hamilton’s book at a slow

master’s degree in English,

pace to fully grasp its message.

is the graduate assistant for

“I’m working my way slow-

the Flannery O’Connor In-

ly through the book because

stitute for the Humanities.

it’s a lot to digest,” Simon said.

“I was impressed by all of

“It’s also so beautifully writ-

her research,” Aexel said. “I

read,” Simon said. “I will

ten and deeply felt that it’s a

think that she makes a re-

ern studies at Presbyterian

country coast, which originat-

be reading more because I

book to be reckoned with be-

ally important point about

College. Her research on this

ed in West African countries.

have assigned a chapter to

cause there isn’t one like it.”

the commodification of Af-

Hamilton,

my students to read that we

Before hearing Hamilton’s

a graduate student studying

common misconceptions of

will be discussing in class.”

lecture, Simon said she felt like

the history of her hometown,

the Vodun religion are that it

Upon

Charleston, South Carolina,

is about worshipping the dev-

Hamilton’s

and the Gullah Geechee Coast.

il and practicing black magic,

faculty

Her lecture began with an explanation of the true

the

According

subject began when she was

to

Simon

Simon

comment-

understanding

intends

to

dance, Charlotte Aexel, a

rican

American

culture.”

For those interested in

she was someone who misun-

learning

more

about

the

research,

many

derstood the Vodun religion.

Gullah Geechee, Hamilton’s

students

said

“I had no idea what Voo-

book is available for purchase

when it is actually a religion that

they were amazed by what

doo was,” Simon said, “It feels

through Amazon, Target and

developed in Haiti, blending

she was able to uncover.

like any other kind of practice

the University of Georgia Press.

and

Milly bucket list: things to do before graduation Lillian Winn

dent should try before

welcoming atmosphere.

Staff Writer

graduation is going to

“The food is so yum-

play pickleball … then

my and everyone there

happens

from there either going

While college life can be filled with deadlines, discussion posts and 8 a.m.

classes,

sharing

students

their

GCSU

bucket-list items indicated that the best college memories are rarely made in the classroom.

Students

say

that

Milledgeville is full of local favorite spots, spontaneous adventures and bucket-list-worthy traditions that are imperative to the full college experience. While preparing for graduation and next steps, seniors reflected on their time spent at GCSU. In regard to everyday life and spending time with friends, Macey

dent ministries enrich

out there and throwing

their daily lives through

a football or a frisbee

single

meetings and gatherings

and walking around the

is so nice,” Clarke said.

semester during finals

throughout the semester.

track,” Thompson said.

to Cookout or Bucky’s,”

“ My favorite food off

week, and it’s just so

“I love when BCM

“Some of the most beau-

Ainsworth

“Just

the menu is the bis-

much fun,” Thompson

does our front cam-

tiful sunsets I’ve ever seen

something fun and spon-

cuits and gravy with

said. “You go with a

pus

night,”

are when I go out there.”

the home fries or the

group of your best friends

Ainsworth said, as she

With the multitude

reminisced on her time

of activities and events

sight into her favorite

involved in the Bap-

occurring daily on cam-

moments spent on cam-

tist Collegiate Ministry.

pus,

pus, getting a specialty

“That’s always a really

able to attend them all.

coffee at the local coffee

sweet and special time

Ainsworth shared a sea-

shop, Morning Grind,

and a good time to bring

sonal event that she re-

and exploring new cui-

in the community as well.”

gretted not attending.

sines with the multi-

Though the campus is

tude of restaurants in

full of activities, Milled-

Christmas

Milledgeville. She men-

geville hosts a multi-

Ainsworth said, refer-

tioned

favorites

tude of outdoor oppor-

ring to the annual hol-

such as Shima, Huey

tunities that emphasize

iday light display at

Magoo’s and El Amigo.

Georgia’s natural beauty.

Lockerly Arboretum, a

Along with local food

According to Thomp-

local botanical garden.

son, the next location

While balancing the

on the bucket list is fur-

college workload, these

ther out from the GCSU

students have chosen to

said.

taneous and random.”

Ainsworth gave in-

local

options,

downtown

Milledgeville

is

filled

with shopping and dining opportunities that

favorite student events.

“Midnight

Breakfast

every

Bella McComis | Digital Media Editor

stuffed

French

worship

students

“Lockerly

aren’t

during time,”

toast.”

and y’all get to share a

campus. Sunset Fields,

make the most of their

meal together and enjoy

a local hot-spot for stu-

experience

Ainsworth, a senior psy-

are close to campus and

GCSU campus hosts

chology major, shared

convenient for a quick

a multitude of engag-

that time together be-

dents,

various

Their insight into var-

her

breakfast.

Madason

ing events for students

fore the semester ends.”

walking trails, frisbee

ious aspects of Milled-

during her time at GCSU.

Clarke, a senior market-

during the year. Kar-

orga-

golf courses and fields

geville helps create a

“I think one must-do

ing major, praised Local

men Thompson, a se-

nized university events,

for many types of sports.

bucket list of activities

experience in Milled-

Yolkal for its well-known

nior nursing major, gave

students said local or-

“Sunset fields is so

and experiences for cur-

geville that every stu-

breakfast favorites and

insight into one of her

ganizations

beautiful, I love going

rent and future students.

favorite

pastimes

Along

with

and

stu-

hosts

at

GCSU.

9

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

03.03.2026

ARTS & LIFE

Warm weather at GCSU brings students back outdoors Maggie Hinton

“I definitely feel more motivated,” King said. “I think

ment and more time outside, leading to a no-

Staff Writer

the sun energizes me and gets me outside. Getting out-

ticeable shift in how students approach their day.

After weeks of colder temperatures, warm

side always makes me get more things done through-

“My energy during summer is always signifi-

weather has returned to Milledgeville, bring-

out the day because my body is warm and moving.”

cantly higher than that of the colder months,”

ing students back outside and boosting en-

With clearer skies and comfortable tempera-

ergy and motivation across GCSU’s campus.

Life is returning to campus as students head outdoors to study, relax and spend time with friends in the sun. The front lawn has filled with

tures, students are finding small but meaningful ways to enjoy time outside between classes. Whether it’s choosing to walk instead of drive or bringing

King said. “So the sun coming out recently has positively affected my energy and, in return, my work ethic at school, home and my job.”

Olivia Icaza, a freshman pre-nursing major, said she has also noticed a shift in campus energy.

people lying out on blankets, working on assign-

“The warm weather has made me want to be

ments and talking with friends, while winter lay-

outside more, and it makes me feel more motivat-

ers have been replaced with shorts and T-shirts.

ed to sit in the sun on Front Campus and study,

Many students said the warmer temperatures have

which is what I’ve been doing a bit more,” Icaza said.

had a noticeable impact on their mood and daily rou-

The difference in campus life is noticeable not

tines. Lily Kenyon, a junior marketing major, said the

just in how students feel, but in how they are using

sunshine makes a difference in how she starts her day.

campus spaces. Areas that were once quiet during

“I’m always happy when the weather heats

colder days are now active throughout the after-

back up,” Kenyon said. “It’s a big contributor

noon, with students spreading out across Front Cam-

in helping me get out of bed in the mornings.”

pus to study, talk and take breaks between classes.

Outdoor spaces across campus have quick-

“I noticed there were a lot more people also

ly filled up, with students choosing to study,

enjoying the sun, and the energy on campus

talk with friends and unwind in the warmer air.

has definitely increased with most other peo-

“My favorite spot on campus when it’s sun-

ple either playing or studying outside,” Icaza said.

ny is in one of the rocking chairs outside of At-

For many students, the return of warm weather

kinson, which can double as one of my favorite places to get in some studying,” Kenyon said.

BriAnna King, a freshman marketing major, said the warmer weather has changed the way she approaches her day, affecting both her mood and her motivation.

“The warm weather has definitely positively affected my mood, and I feel overall happier,” King said.

Bella McComis| Digital Media Editor

homework outdoors, the warmer weather has shifted how many students are spending their free time.

“I have gone on so many walks around West Campus, car rides with the windows down and blaring music and sitting for hours do-

feels like a reset after the slower pace and heavier feeling of the winter months. Outdoor spaces that may have been quiet during colder days are once again filled with conversation, music and study sessions.

As the semester continues, students are embracing the sunshine as both a break from routine and a boost in motivation. Whether it’s study-

ing homework on Front Campus,” King said.

ing in a rocking chair, walking around West

how some students move through their day,

As the temperature rises, many students across

Campus or lying out on Front Campus with friends,

making it easier to stay active and produc-

campus seem to experience a boost in ener-

the warmer weather is helping bring renewed ener-

tive between classes and other responsibilities.

gy. The warmer afternoons lead to more move-

gy to campus, just in time for the busy weeks ahead.

The change in temperature has also shaped

Vegan Fest 2026 On

Elizabeth Kohler

SU’s Jain Studies Program, the De-

Staff Writer

partment of Philosophy, the Re-

Feb.

24,

GCSU

students

and faculty attended Vegan Fest to learn about the benefits of veganism and aspects of the Jainism religion with an open buffet featuring plant-based foods catered by Sodexo.

This event was created as a way for the community at GCSU to learn about

the

environmental

benefits

of veganism and share plant-based foods such as seitan cutlets, Indian stir-fried rice, vegan stuffed grape

ligion

&

Interdisciplinary

Studies

Program and the Rural Studies Institute.

Sunita Manian, the chair of the philosophy, religion and liberal studies departments, organized the event because she wanted to raise awareness and cultural understanding in the GCSU community about different practices surrounding food and its place in various lifestyles and religions. “[It is important for a liberal arts education] to know about different ways of living [and] different religions

leaves (dolmades), pita bread, hum-

— not because you want to become

mus and vegan chocolate chip cookies.

that, because that’s not the point — but

The event was sponsored by GC-

to have a broad-based understanding of different perspectives of the world,” Manian said. “This would be one of the many perspectives I would love for students to know about.”

Caley Smith, assistant professor of

Reaghan Shehee| Digital Media Editor

Sydney Williams | Asst. A&L Editor

ings, karma is released, which clouds

Don’t Want To Know About Fast Food,”

the soul and keeps it from enlighten-

by Eric Schlosser and Charles Wilson,

ment. As a result, Jainists try to mini-

which she said brought to light some

mize their consumption of living crea-

of the dark secrets of factory farming.

tures by only eating plant-based foods.

“I think everyone should try it or at

According to Causey, veganism is

least be ‘flexitarian’ and educate them-

a philosophy and lifestyle that seeks

selves on the harmful effects of meat

to reject, as much as possible, the ex-

factories and what it does to the envi-

ploitation and cruelty of animals for

ronment and the ethics of it, and should

food and clothing. The vegan lifestyle

try to eat less meat,” Bartleson said.

aims to be more ecologically friend-

Sodexo urges students to fill out

religious studies, and Mark Causey, se-

ly by reducing the environmental ef-

feedback forms if they would like to

nior lecturer of philosophy and religious

fects caused by the meat industry.

see more vegan options on the menu or

studies, spoke about the non-violent,

“To produce one pound of meat, we

other diet types. The feedback form can

or Ahimsa, concepts of Jain traditions

are using 16 pounds of food grains, so

be found at Sodexo’s website: https://

and veganism’s role in sustainability.

we are using a lot of land to produce

georgiacollege.sodexomyway.com.

According to Smith, Jainism is an

food to produce meat,” Manian said.

GCSU’s Vegan Fest began as a

Indian religion dedicated to teach-

Leah Bartleson, a junior environmen-

free dinner in April of 2025 to intro-

ing a path to spiritual purity through

tal science major, has been a vegetarian

duce students to veganism and Jain-

non-violence to all living creatures.

for six years. She became a vegetarian

ism, and has since become an annual

Jainists believe that every living thing

after reading a book in middle school

campus tradition, with the next Veg-

has a soul, and by consuming these be-

titled “Chew On This: Everything You

an Fest scheduled for spring 2027.

10

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

03.03.2026

ARTS & LIFE GCSU celebrates “Hannah Montana” 20th Anniversary

The 20th

Rosalie Ritz

and said it had an immense

self for that,” Crowder said.

with my family,” Henning said.

fashion that they grew up with

Staff Writer

impact on her childhood.

Crowder also mentioned

“At one point I even want-

and younger fans appreciate

“I want to watch [the re-

how she planned her soror-

ed my name to be Hannah

the nostalgia and aesthetic.

ity’s big-little reveal with a

because I loved it so much.”

“[Y2K] evokes this youth-

“Hannah

Montana

Anniversary

Special”

hits Disney+ on March 24, 2026,

and

features

Miley

Cyrus in conversation with Alex Cooper, the host of the “Call Her Daddy” podcast.

The

reunion

will

fea-

ture interviews with Miley Cyrus, reflecting on the experience that launched her career into stardom and influenced Y2K pop culture.

It will also likely look back at popular and impactful moments from the show, which first aired in 2006. The show produced hit songs like “The Best of Both Worlds,” “Nobody’s

Perfect”

and

“The

Climb,” sung by Miley Cyrus.

The show also inspired and fed Y2K fashion and culture.

The news of the reunion

union]

because

I

think

it’ll be really cool and also

ful feeling and trends tend

make you feel a little old

to come back around and

when you realize it was 20

we’re in that period right

years ago,” Henning said.

now

Tara

Middlebrooks,

a

freshman

marketing

ma-

too,”

Henning

said.

The return of Y2K contributes

to

the

cultural

jor, also grew up watching

trend cycle, where media

“Hannah Montana.” She said

and trends from the 2000s

the reunion is bringing back

are

being

rediscovered.

the nostalgia of watching

As for Alex Cooper host-

the show in her childhood.

ing, there are various opinions.

“It was always on when

“Call Her Daddy” is known

I came home from school,”

for candid conversations and

Middlebrooks

“The

raunchy relationship advice.

show kind of teaches us to

Cooper is reportedly Spotify’s

not hide who you truly are.”

highest-paid female podcaster.

said.

A central theme in “Hannah

Montana”

is

“I

don’t

really

know

identity

much about her,” Henning

and duality, resonating with

said. “In general, I know

young viewers because they

she’s very big. I’m not real-

are growing up and trying to figure out who they are.

Courtesy of Sarah Crowder

ly a podcast person, but I think it’ll probably be good.”

“Hannah Montana” theme.

The show also featured

“The theme was ‘The Best

outfits that contributed to

of Both Worlds,’” Crowder

Y2K fashion and culture.

said. On the box, I wrote,

“People wore whatever they

‘Jayden, you and I are The

wanted, like mix-matched out-

lieve her content to be more

Best of Both Worlds.’ I was

fits, whatever’s comfortable,

mature than “Disney Channel.”

se-

[dressed as] Miley, and then

that’s also cute and fun patterns

“I’ve only heard of ‘Call

inisce on fond memories of

nior criminal justice ma-

she was [dressed as] Hannah.”

and colors,” Crowder said.

Her Daddy’ for controver-

childhood and adolescence.

jor, also grew up with the

is gaining traction on social media and the reunion

“I

loved

childhood,”

it

my

whole

Henning

said.

is being coined with the

“I would watch it all the

hashtag,

time.

“#Hannahversary.”

Many fans are excited to watch the reunion and rem-

One of those fans is Madison Henning, a freshman

It

was

something

that I really, truly enjoyed.”

Sarah

show

Crowder,

“Hannah

a

influential

“‘Hannah Montana’ shaped

chandising

her candid and unfiltered interview style. Audiences be-

Montana

was

The reunion comes after a

sial reasons, but I’m sure it’ll

in

mer-

reemergence in Y2K fashion

be okay,” Middlebrooks said.

opportuni-

trends: low-rise jeans, chunky

Many GCSU students are

Hannah

Montana.”

Cooper is also known for

many

so-

my childhood by just making

ties, from toys to clothing.

belts, layered tank tops, baby

excited to tune in to the “Han-

ciology major. She grew up

me feel like I could be myself,

“I had a Montana trivia

tees and flared jeans. Older

nah Montana” reunion on

watching “Hannah Montana”

and be who I am and love my-

board game that I would play

fans are reminiscing on the

March 24, 2026, on Disney+.

political

science

and

LIGHTNING Continued from page 1

That

commitment

extends

be-

yond learning lines. Actors must coordinate with lighting cues, set transitions and sound timing, all while maintaining energy through musical numbers. The technical team works alongside them to ensure each mo-

to be able to be represented by just

ways they may not consciously notice.

what we have here, and not constant-

“So much of the work is behind the

ly changing scenery, because we don’t

scenes, and obviously, not discrediting

have the ability to do that with how

actors, but there’s so much that’s just not

our theater is set up,” Rogers said.

seen because it’s behind,” Jones said. “Ev-

Because the show travels across mul-

erybody works hard. It’s just that some

tiple mythological locations, the design

of the jobs are more visible than others.”

team had to think carefully about how

From adjusting color palettes to

to suggest new environments without

programming cues that match shifts in

relying on large-scale scene changes.

music and blocking, Jones said light-

“Trying to figure out how we can best adapt the space that we have and to represent all those places in the show has sort of been one of the more difficult processes,” Rogers said.

Instead of depending entirely on visual transformation, the production leans

Courtesy of Lauren-Avery Jones | Lighting Designer

ment lands clearly for the audience.

Ethan Rogers, a junior theater ma-

ing helps define each setting and guide the audience’s focus. The coordination between actors and crew becomes especially visible during technical re-

Courtesy of Lauren-Avery Jones | Lighting Designer

hearsals, when timing is refined and

said. “I hope audiences just get to see

transitions are practiced repeatedly.

everything we put together and it’s

After weeks of rehearsals and

really just a lot of combined work

on collaboration between departments.

to make something cool. It’s some-

“Thankfully, it is able to be com-

thing we worked really hard on. I

pensated with the actors, things

just really hope that they enjoy it.”

block-

As the cast and crew prepare for

ing and dialogue, so that we’re not

their first audience, the final days are

having to rely as heavily on making

focused on polishing details that most

like

props,

choreography,

viewers will never directly see. The re-

the audience believe, visually, that

Courtesy of Laurence Grau | Costume designer

they’re in a new spot,” Rogers said.

sult, they hope, will be a performance

said one of the biggest challenges

technical preparation, Pergham said

Lighting is central to the perfor-

the collaboration between cast and

that feels seamless, even if the process

has been adapting the many settings

mance. Lauren-Avery Jones, a senior

crew is what stands out most to him.

behind it has been anything but simple.

of the show to Russell Auditorium.

theater major and the production’s

“I feel like a lot of people say that

Tickets to see “The Lightning

“These places that the characters

light designer, said much of her work

there’s kind of a magic in the the-

Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical”

were traveling through the show have

shapes the audience’s experience in

ater space and it’s so true,” Pergham

can be purchased at tickets.gcsu.edu.

jor and assistant technical director,

11 AMELIA MCEWEN, MANAGING EDITOR

03.03.2026

The Caterwaul CATERWAUL: a shrill howling or wailing noise like that of a cat; commonly associated with a bobcat

“Tiger in a Museum” By: Annalie Parker She stands frozen behind glass Foam where her heart used to be With plastic orbs for eyes Unlucky to be stuck here Lucky enough to be behind the glass Blind to her own reflection She’ll never know her true face It was taken from her long before And shaped to be more entertaining They gawk and stare and judge They would touch if they could Thrilled by her helplessness under their hands She’s either hideous because she’s frightening Or beautiful because she’s still Her skin and fur are all that are her own Even if her heart was still beating Its rhythm would fall on deaf ears She would be treated the same, only With blades and bullets in place of camera flashes Kindness was always out of the question Frozen in her last moments of fear Stuffed and stuck cowering Was she a formidable predator? A mother? A runt?

Only what’s written on her exhibit Her height, her weight, how she was caught Boiled down to thirty words Written only when her eyes had lost their light She was free and wild once before Unbothered by anything but rain Now posed to resemble a cartoon Depending on who you ask and how much they’ll admit She can’t even dream of escaping it The memory of a life before escapes her first As far as she knows she was born to stand there Worth no deeper consideration She would rip them all to shreds To be stuffed in the case with her Posed in her jaws But she now only resembles a living thing As powerless dead as a woman feels living Nature’s cruelty is kinder than man’s gaze Both are displays of natural history

Interested in submit-

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