Issue 7 | Volume 105

@TheColonnade

@TheColonnade

The Official Student Newspaper of Georgia College & State University bobcatmultimedia.com

April 1, 2025

Single Copies Free

March madness Brennan Schmitz Sports Editor

Matthew Malkowski | Digital Media Editor

GCSU farmer and artisian market Sarah Barnhart Staff Writer Each year at GCSU, the Farmers and Artisans Market is held on Front Campus. The vendors make a circle with their tables, and students make their rounds to see what items are in store.

This year, there were over 40 tables, which included jewelry, clothes, 3D-printed animals and 3D-printed “Dungeons and Dragons” memorabilia. There were also a variety of tables with handmade earrings made of either clay or beads.

Some tables had art,

from little prints or entire canvases. Some art tables took commissions, where they would paint whatever was asked of them.

Front campus was filled with vendors selling stickers, books, bookmarks, flowers and flower arrangements, baked goods, pins and woodworkings. The most popular items sold were crocheted; every other table was swimming in yarn, with items like hats, tops or little animals. The animals seen most were cats, bees, octopi, jellyfish and more.

Although it was a GCSU event, locals of Milledgeville came to see

what the vendors had.

Many families with their children stopped by.

Ellen Patton, a senior art major, has been selling her earrings since her senior year of high school.

“My favorite part about the market is getting to create connections with students and see them return year after year,” Patton said. “It has been an incredible way to watch the student body grow and change throughout the past four years. Hearing that people make connections with each other over my earrings as they walk around on campus has to be one of the great-

est things I hear every market. I love that my art is able to create a mini community.”

Attendees were welcomed with live music performed by several performers throughout the market as well as free items from the GCSU office of sustainability.

“I love it when students have small businesses and they are selling to other students,” said Chloe Butts, a junior theatre major. “I think it is a good way for students to express themselves through their artwork and a good way to support fellow students.”

Senate Bill 260 pushes for redevelopment of Milledgeville’s historic hospital site Amelia McEwen

nificant part of Milled-

State’s

mental

tearing down the old

Staff Writer

geville’s history. On the

hospital. Over 12,000

buildings would be a

other hand, economic

patients

mistake,” said Annie

development is on the

within the 200 build-

Rogers,

a sophomore

rise in the quaint town.

ings on the property.

graphic

design

A new legislative proposal, Senate Bill 260, has been created by Georgia

largest were

housed

ma-

re-

Baldwin County and

jor. “They are more

spect for the city’s histo-

Milledgeville once re-

than just abandoned

ry and the strong need

ceived notable econom-

spaces—they’re

for revenue within the

ic benefits from the in-

of Milledgeville’s sto-

city has been a hot topic

stitution by providing

ry. Getting rid of them

for debate. The hospital

employment

by

would feel like erasing

shut down in the 1980s,

supporting local busi-

a piece of who we are.”

and since then, the de-

nesses through visitors

bate on what to do with

and the workforce that it

the once lively facili-

had. Additionally, Cen-

Representatives.

ty has been prevalent.

tral State Hospital was

The general goal of

Central State Hospital,

equipped with its own

the bill would be to revi-

which opened in 1842, is

police force, fire de-

talize the property of the

a significant symbol rep-

partment and utilities.

former hospital. There

resenting the history of

Many locals and col-

has been recent debate

Milledgeville. It started

lege students are proud to

on the acceleration of

as Georgia’s first men-

live in a city with so much

this proposal because the

tal

historical

hospital has been a sig-

grew to be the United

state legislatures to redevelop the property of the Central State Hospital in Milledgeville, Ga..

The bill was passed through

the

Georgia

Senate in early March and is currently under

consideration

the

Georgia

of

in

House

Balancing

the

institution,

NEWS | PG. 3

which

and

influence.

“Honestly, I feel like

See MADNESS | Page 5

See MARKET | Page 8

part

Rogers feels a strong connection with the hospital as it is very well known around the community and even the entire country. She feels as though it is a direct representation of the identity of Milledgeville that must be preserved for cultural reasons.

See BILL | Page 4

Julia Jensen | Art Director

Midterms & finals Limiting stress and prioritizing time management

Molly Goff Opinion Editor

OPINION

In recent memory,

Crochet, jewelry and books galore

With the conclusion of the Elite Eight in the men’s college basketball postseason tournament and the Sweet 16 in the women’s tournament, 2025 March Madness is off to a not-so-mad start.

In the men’s tournament, the Final Four is set to be a matchup of all four No. 1 seeds, Auburn University will face the University of Florida on the South/ West side of the tournament, and Duke University will face the University of Houston on the East/Midwest side.

Leading up to this point, there have been far fewer upsets and unexpected outcomes in the tournament compared to previous years, where fans can typically expect a handful of double-digit seeds to prevail over some college basketball blue bloods.

This year, the lower

seeds mostly handled business in the first round of the tournament, with the biggest upsets being 12-seed Mcneese State University over five-seed Clemson University, 11-seed Drake University over six-seed University of Missouri and 12-seed Colorado State University over five-seed University of Memphis.

Since the first round, upsets have been few and far between, but 10-seed University of Arkansas did beat twoseed St. John’s University, who many predicted to go deep in the tournament, in the round of 32.

The back-to-back defending champion University of Connecticut had an early round of 32 exit as well. Despite seeing lots of success over the last two years, the Huskies did not look like the same caliber of team as they have been, and they lost to Florida in a very tight game.

Midterms and finals are coming up at GCSU! While we anticipate finally getting to the sweet summertime, there is a lot of work to be done with midterm exams and the notorious final exam week.

I always say to my friends, “Oh, how I wish I had a guide to get me through midterms and finals.”

Then, I realized I could share a few of my favorite things I do to stay prepared and confident for this exam season.

The first step in preparing for midterms and finals is organization. It might seem simple, but a clutter-free space can significantly impact mental clarity and focus.

As I’ve discovered, the process starts with

cleaning the areas where one studies. My roommates and I engage in group cleaning sessions; we tackle our living room, ensuring it transforms into an “academic weapon” ready for strategic study marathons.

A clean, organized environment reduces distractions, making it easier to concentrate on the material at hand.

“I always keep my spaces clean especially during finals so I have a clear mind as well. A clean room makes for a clean headspace,” said Lily Kenyon, a sophomore marketing major.

Additionally, creating a designated study space enables a more effective learning experience. Whether it’s your own bedroom, a quiet corner at the library, or a local coffee shop, having a consistent study area signals to your brain that it’s time to focus.

See FINALS | Page 10

EGG-STRA PRICES CONTINUE TO RISE

SPORTS | PG. 5 RODRIGO PÉREZ CRESPO NAMED POTW

ARTS & LIFE | PG. 7 FLANNERY O’CONNOR’S 100TH BIRTHDAY

OPINION & MISC. | PG. 10 SABRINA CARPENTER TO OPEN SPRING CONCERT?

Despite being a hot topic of debate during the presidential election, egg prices are increasing in 2025.

The men’s tennis player earns the Peach Belt Confernce Player of the Week for the week of March 10.

The Milledgeville legend was honored with a never-before-seen showcase of the author’s personal art collection.

In addition to Wallows, pop’s newest phenomenon will take the Centennial Center stage on April 25.

2 SHADIMON SMITH, NEWS EDITOR RYLEE HOLLAND, ASST. NEWS EDITOR

04.01.2025

NEWS

GCSU Career fair Shadimon Smith News Editor GCSU

Patrol, Gwinnett Police

working opportunities.”

Department,

Georgia

its

Students are encour-

Bureau of Investigation

Graduate

aged to attend the fair

and Jackson and Coker

School Fair on Wednes-

after

the

were present at the fair.

day, March 26, in the

companies and schools

The Georgia Depart-

Centennial Center from

in attendance to be bet-

ment of Human Ser-

11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

ter prepared for conver-

vices also had a table

sations with recruiters

with a recruiter who

and

staff.

answered any and all

wear

“I would definitely

questions students had.

and brought with them

tell them to make sure

“We are the second

10 copies of their re-

you come with plen-

largest state agency with

sumes in hopes of mak-

ty of resumes already

ing a lasting first im-

a little less than 10,000

made,”

employees,”

Career

hosted

tions, even just for net-

and

GCSU

students

dressed in their business-professional

pression on recruiters and graduate schools.

At the entrance to the event, students checked in to the event using a QR code and then could have free headshots taken by the GCSU career center. They were then

researching

admission

Groves

said.

“Visit the Career Cen-

makia Bray, a recruiter

ter to get your resume

for DHS. “We have three divisions and about eight

were lip balms, note-

Behavioral Health and

these

sure that you are being

administrative offices. In

pads, sticky-notes, stick-

Developmental Disabil-

with mental issues, so

approachable

em-

our division of agent ser-

ers,

backpacks,

cups,

ities and Central State

there has to be more

ployers and talking to as

vices, what we do is target

pens

and

sunglasses.

Hospital Recruiters were

so that it’s not, you’re

many people as you can.”

our senior population.

Some students, es-

in attendance looking

not afraid to be around

for social workers, psy-

this type of person.”

Recruiters

to

such

as

We do it for students to be able to find internships, full-time job panies and schools in positions, even just for attendance and where networking opportunities. names of all the com-

-Brooke Groves

they were located on the Centennial gym floor.

reer and graduate fair every

semester,”

said

Brooke Groves, a career peer advisor for the GCSU Career Center.

“We do it for students to be able to find internships, full-time job posi-

Auto-Owners

Insur-

ance Company, Baldwin

County

Sheriff ’s

Office,

Bankers

Life,

C.H.

Robinson,

Cen-

tral Garden and Pet, Clayton County Public Schools, Georgia State

are

individuals

So if there are reports of

pecially

abuse and neglect, our

and juniors, showed up

chologists,

case managers will go out

in between classes just

assistants

nurs-

ed the career fair spent

and do an investigation.”

to see what was offered

es to meet the needs

their time speaking with

for future job searches.

of their patients. They

recruiters

all

were looking for candi-

ing about each compa-

pamphlets and business

across Georgia were in

dates to fill these posi-

ny’s open positions and

cards for students to grab

attendance such as Emo-

tions as soon as possible.

where to apply, as well as

and use for reference on

ry University, Morehouse

“We are a hospital,

making business connec-

each company or school’s

School of Medicine, Life

more of a forensic hos-

tions through LinkedIn.

mission

and

University,

LaGrange

pital, and our individuals

The Career and Grad-

The

companies

in

College, Mercer Univer-

here are court-ordered

uate Fair helped students

gave

sity- School of Law and

to be in our facility,”

build their networking

away plenty of compa-

School of Medicine and

said Charlotte Pearson,

skills and find potential

ny-branded swag to stu-

Piedmont

University.

a Central State Hos-

employers in fields they

The Department of

pital recruiter. “Again,

may not have explored.

Each

table

provid-

ed informational flyers,

attendance

focus.

also

dent attendees. There

VOLUME 105 | NO. 3

Editorial Board

Delaney Derry................. Editor in Chief Paige Blakemore............ Managing Editor Julia Jensen...................... Art Director Shadimon Smith............ News Editor Rylee Holland................. Asst. News Editor Brennan Schmitz........... Sports Editor Benjamin Clark............... Asst. Sports Editor Mary Ciucevich............... Arts & Life Editor Kennedy Welker.............. Asst. Arts & Life Editor Molly Goff......................... Opinion Editor Isabella McComis.......... Digital Media Editor Matthew Malkowski..... Digital Media Editor Rebecca Ocampo.......... PR Manager Kassie Arps....................... Ad Sales Manager Scott Dillard..................... Faculty Adviser

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

Isabella McComis | Digital Media Editor

reviewed and just make

given a sheet with the

“We put on the ca-

said Tia-

Schools

sophomores

from

@TheColonnade

physician and

Students who attend-

and

learn-

@TheColonnade

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

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3 SHADIMON SMITH, NEWS EDITOR RYLEE HOLLAND, ASST. NEWS EDITOR

04.01.2025

NEWS

Cracking the cost of eggs

nity is less than 1% of

three weeks,” said Hil-

continue to decline, but

the national population,”

lary Henderson, a soph-

the reduced costs are not

Brianna Heard

supply, which is lead-

below $3 per dozen un-

Jones said. “I feel that if

Staff Writer

omore graphic design

hitting stores just yet. Re-

ing to the shortage,’”

til the surge in October

the administration were

major. “Now that the

tailers typically set prices

Egg prices have soared

said Corky Siemaszko,

2022, illustrating the im-

to focus on other task-

18-count is $8.99, I have

based on their acquisi-

in recent months, driven

an NBC News reporter.

pact of the bird flu out-

ing issues, like egg pric-

gone to the 12-count

tion costs, meaning that

by the outbreaks of bird

When President Don-

breaks on the egg market.

es, our economy would

because I really can’t af-

they must sell through

flu. According to CBS,

ald Trump took office

Josh Jones, a sopho-

be much better off.”

ford spending $9 on eggs

their existing inventory

as the virus spreads, mil-

this past January, the

more mass communica-

Consumers across the

when I have other im-

of higher-priced eggs be-

lions of chickens are be-

issue fell into his lap.

tion major, believes the

country are feeling the

portant groceries to get.”

fore they can offer low-

ing killed to prevent fur-

He initiated a biosafety

However, some have

er prices to consumers.

ther contamination. This

strategy to fight the bird

not felt the financial

has led to a sharp de-

flu because he believes

strain. Many consum-

shared concerns about

cline in egg supply caus-

this is causing the rise in

ers do not buy eggs fre-

keeping inventory once

ing prices to skyrocket

egg prices. This includes

quently and are not af-

prices drop. There may

and leaving consumers

vaccines and medica-

fected by the high prices.

be a surge in demand,

looking

answers.

tion that will be given to

“The egg issue has

and stores might strug-

For years, presidents

chickens when the virus

not affected me person-

gle to keep eggs on the

have mentioned reduc-

is detected. Since going

ally,” Jones said. “I do

shelf. Some places, such

ing the cost of eggs, but

into effect in February,

not

eggs

as Trader Joe’s and Cost-

the issue remains un-

egg prices have dropped

into my diet much.”

co, have limited egg

solved. Some blame for-

nearly

according

A skincare brand, The

purchases to a certain

mer President Joe Biden

to Gabrielle Etzel with

Ordinary, began selling

amount per customer.

for the egg prices as they

Washington

eggs at their store in New

However, the March

York City on March 22,

2025 World Agricultur-

for

$2

Examiner.

Eggs

incorporate

Some

stores

have

began to notice the issue

According to the Bu-

while he was in office.

reau of Labor Statistics,

Trump

Administration

pinch of rising egg pric-

2025 as a marketing stunt.

al Supply and Demand

the

egg prices reached an av-

could help solve the is-

es. Many have reduced

Estimates

Agriculture Department

erage of $5.90 per dozen

sue by focusing on eco-

their purchases or sought

On their social media ac-

shows that egg produc-

‘directed the mass killing

by the end of February

nomic and health issues

out cheaper alternatives,

counts, they addressed

tion is recovering and

of more than 100 mil-

2025. This marked a sig-

rather than social issues.

but for some, it’s become

how there are egg short-

the supply is stabilizing.

lion chickens, which has

nificant increase from the

“The Trump Adminis-

a matter of necessity.

ages all over the city, so

Cost

led to a lack of chicken

$3.20 per dozen reported

tration has been targeting

“I used to buy an

they decided to sell them

dictable as production

supply in this country,

in September 2024. Be-

trans rights and athletes

18-count, and that would

for $3.37 per dozen.

costs are high as the bird

therefore a lack of egg

fore this, prices remained

when the trans commu-

last me about two to

On a national level, wholesale egg prices

flu continues to spread.

“Under

Biden,

document

remains

unpre-

United States Department of Agriculture cuts $1 billion in funding Allie Smith

banks,

them

in August 2022. This

the way Baldwin county

this will have on public

es will have negative ef-

Staff Writer

buy fresh local food for

grant allows the district

gets their food to their

health and education.

fects on both children

students. With this cut,

to grow produce using

students. It will definite-

The free or discount-

and parents,” said Finley

schools might not be

hydroponics and aqua-

ly restrict healthier food

ed

programs,

Burns, a sophomore fi-

able to provide this now

ponics which is grow-

options and the quali-

which serve thousands

nance major. “The cuts

and struggle to keep the

ing food without soil

ty of food because they

of students in and out of

will impact the quality

same quality of food.

and all together a way

will no longer have easy

Baldwin County, are ex-

of the food that schools

The United States Department of Agriculture recently announced that they are cutting more than $1 billion in fund-

helping

lunch

are able to feed their

ing for programs that

students. Obesity is al-

support local food pur-

ready a huge issue in the

chases by schools and

U.S., and the fund cuts

food banks. This decision

will contribute negative-

was a part of a bigger fac-

ly towards that issue.”

tor by the Department of

The cuts come af-

Government Efficiency,

ter Congress has had

or DOGE, which belongs

long debates about how

to the Trump adminis-

to balance the federal

tration and Elon Musk to

budget.

reduce federal spending.

“DOGE are

says

slashing

they may think it is un-

feder-

necessary or inefficient.

This is hard-hitting

government waste,” ac-

news for people across the

cording to CBS News.

nation, especially schools

“The USDA programs funded

through

the agency’s Commodity Credit Corporation, a Depression-era fund created to buy products directly from farmers.”

This funding being cut will have significant impacts on school meal programs,

especially

free lunches, including schools in Milledgeville.

The funding was used to connect local farmers with schools and food

cutting

this funding shows that

they

al spending to reduce

were

Their

USDA Sign

They say that the cut

of sustainable farming.

access to get their food

pected to be hit hard by

will reduce what they

“When Susan Nel-

straight from local farms.

these cuts. They will have

see as a wasteful pro-

son started her post as

This decision has cre-

fewer resources avail-

gram,

some

Baldwin County Food

ated a debate nationally,

able from local suppli-

people argue that this

Services Director nine

with some people ar-

ers, and concerns about

decision can harm vul-

years ago, the district had

guing that the cuts will

food quality are high and

nerable populations such

about a dozen gardens in

diminish the promotion

prices might increase

as children in school and

total,” WGXA reported.

of healthy eating hab-

for both school systems

Now, there are about

its among students. The

and students. This could

though

low-income

families.

Baldwin

County

100

gardens

plant-

USDA’s funding cuts for

leave

gained the support of

ed

districtwide

due

food assistance programs

without access to meals

the USDA in the form

to

Nelson’s

efforts.

will cause problems with

during their school day.

of a $50 thousand Farm

With this new fund-

local farmers and cre-

“The USDA cutting

to School Turnkey Grant

ing cut it will change

ate a rise in the impacts

funds for school lunch-

some

students

in

Baldwin

County,

due to the recent grant that helps them collaborate with local farms to bring fresh and healthy food options for the students of Baldwin.

Many students rely on free lunch programs and food assistance programs to get their needed meals throughout the school day. This funding cut will potentially make healthier school lunches not easily accessible.

4 SHADIMON SMITH, NEWS EDITOR RYLEE HOLLAND, ASST. NEWS EDITOR

04.01.2025

NEWS BILL

still in the planning and

This reiterates the fact

necessary in the eyes of

order to allocate them

lem that needs to be

Continued from page

proposal stages. How-

that Central State Hos-

many Georgia legislators,

towards the restoration

solved for locals who live

Ambryo Design, an

ever, the final decision

pital no longer serves as

college students and lo-

practices. Local com-

in Milledgeville,” said

engineering firm in Per-

on these plans depends

a large economic out-

cals. The CSRA proposal

munity members even

Tamara Bean, a junior

ry, Ga., has expressed in-

on the establishment of

put for the Milledgeville

would work toward this

have

opportunity

philosophy and interdis-

the Central State Rede-

community. While it still

change with its highly

to serve on these sub-

ciplinary studies major.

velopment Authority, or

holds historical signifi-

thought-out committee.

committees as a way to

Bean’s statement em-

CSRA, through Senate

cance, the property usage

Four board members

incorporate

Bill 260. If the CSRA is

could be administered to

will be appointed by the

representation.

created, it will have the

various other beneficial

Governor, President of

this responsibility, this

oversee

authority

approve

additions such as a new

the Senate, Speaker of the

authority will be able

changes that would pos-

the proposal generat-

school campus or a park.

House of Representatives

to make final decisions.

itively impact the econ-

ed by Ambryo Design.

At its peak, Central

and the state property

State functioned as a

officer, with each mem-

scholarly

ment is still one of the

self-sufficient

commu-

ber serving a four-year

various

or

its journey through the

main focuses of Senate

nity that largely aided

term. They would have

even community centers

legislative process, the

Bill 260, and it is hard

the community. Since

the final say on what

where locals can gather

Milledgeville

and community spaces,

to say how impactful

most of its buildings

happens, how it happens

would be able to replace

nity awaits the decision.

according to 13WMAZ.

the

are

there

and when it happens.

the abandoned buildings.

While

many

moving

forward

terest in the past to buy some of the buildings to combine preservation with conservation.

Renovating

the

three

buildings of interest is an effort to save at least a part of the hospital from

being

removed.

The firm has proposed plans for a walking mall

The

to

Economic

develop-

Ambryo

Design

abandoned,

the

residential With

Affordable

housing,

institutions, businesses

phasizes the importance of the CSRA’s ability to

omy

the

of

potential

Milledgeville.

As the bill continues

commu-

support

redevelopment

proposal can be in com-

is a significant decline

Subcommittees would

“This reasoning stems

of the Jones, Walker

parison to other poten-

in its economic impact.

be created through the

from the desire to in-

recycling the grounds,

and Green buildings at

tial institutions that can

With this, redevelop-

CSRA to accept loans

crease the economy for

others are hesitant to see

Central State Hospital is

be

ment efforts are deemed

from federal agencies in

local business, a prob-

the local facility changed.

constructed

there.

and

American Red Cross blood drive Mary Ciucevich Arts and Life Editor

vice to Armed forces and

student

recognition

Greek

Week

points.

“I think the best ben-

cess may make a donor

international

services.

of the organization in

The

blood

drives

efit of donating blood

feel uncomfortable, but

In collaboration with

“Our network of gen-

the services they pro-

offer students the op-

is the feeling of saving

that it takes about 30

the American Red Cross,

erous donors, volunteers

vide, like their blood

portunity to get vol-

lives,”

Williams

said.

minutes out of their day.

GCSU hosts many blood

and employees share a

drives and disaster relief.

unteer

“How

awesome

that

“I have friends that

drives throughout each

mission of preventing

“A few of our orga-

blood and most impor-

something so small can

have had to have blood

school year. In 2025, they

and relieving suffering,

nizations have the Red

tantly, help save lives.

have such a big impact.”

hosted a blood drive on

here at home and around

Cross as their designat-

transfusions, so I would

the world,” according to

ed philanthropy,” Cope-

volunteered many times

land said. “It fills their

at the blood drives here

March 1 and March 2, and another one will be

the American Red Cross.

taking place on Tuesday,

At GCSU, the part-

“I

hours,

donate

personally

have

Students

interested

in donating at the blood drives can do so by making

an

appointment

April 1, from 11 a.m. to 5

nership

the

ahead of time by using the

p.m. and on Wednesday,

American Red Cross and

QR code placed on the

April 2, from 10 a.m. to 4

GCSU’s GIVE center has

fliers spread throughout

p.m. in the Maxwell Stu-

been active for over 15

campus, on the Amer-

dent Union, or the MAX.

years. The GIVE Cen-

ican Red Cross blood

The American Red

ter’s creation took place

donor app or on the Red

Cross was founded by

between 1996 and 1997,

Cross website. For those

Clara Barton on May

with the Red Cross being

who want to donate

21, 1881, with the goal

a long-standing partner.

but have yet to make an

of serving people in

“We’ve had a good

appointment are wel-

need. The organization

partnership for so long

come to drop-in during

received

that

the

congressio-

between

we’ve

continued

nal charter in 1900 and

hosting those events, and

was tasked with pro-

traditionally, we meet or

viding disaster relief in

exceed their donation

the United States and

goals because they work

around the world, as well as

Julia Jenson | Art Director

blood banks, especially in times of need and big

at

Georgia

said

Reese

College,” Williams,

available

hours,

with an expected wait.

Students or locals who donate at the April drive

hope

that

someone

would want to give to save their friend,” Pope said.

Pope, who is an avid blood donor, expressed how donating is the easiest way to help others and to give back to the community. She recognizes that giving blood can

be

intimidating,

especially for students who have never donated.

“I think it’s nice to go in there with a friend and not do it by yourself because I’ve seen so many people come in

disasters like we’ve seen

a senior nursing stu-

in the past couple years,

dent. “As a nursing stu-

on a regional basis,” said

especially in the south.”

dent, I think it’s a great

well as a $15 Amazon gift

providing ser-

Ashley Copeland, direc-

April’s drive will be

idea to get exposure to

card with a valid email.

Pope said. “So read-up,

vices to the members

tor of community en-

sponsored

helping people in a mi-

Rachel Pope, a health

don’t watch any videos

of the American armed

gagement and service at

nity and Sorority Life

educator for the Well-

or anything. They take

forces and their families.

GCSU’s GIVE Center.

as a part of their Greek

Williams,

who

has

ness

Recreation

your blood for a finger

detailed

Week. The blood drive

volunteered

in

past

Center, encourages stu-

prick, take your blood

nization’s services in-

that the benefits of the

provides a competition

blood drives, expressed

dents to donate blood at

pressure and make sure

clude:

relationship

between

for a Greek letter orga-

the importance of these

the drives, emphasizing

your iron is high enough

blood services, training

Red Cross and the uni-

nization to win a tro-

blood drives and do-

the need for blood. She

before they start the

and certification, ser-

versity stem from the

phy that can go towards

nating blood in general.

expressed how the pro-

blood donation process.”

The Red Cross orga-

disaster

relief,

Copeland

by

Frater-

nor

medical

setting.”

will receive a t-shirt, as

and

and they’re unsure of what’s gonna happen,”

5 BRENNAN SCHMITZ, SPORTS EDITOR BENJAMIN CLARK, ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

04.01.2025

SPORTS

Courtesy of GCSU Athletics

Crespo named PBC Player of the Week Bryan Cohen

last season with a lot of injuries; the

On

Contributing Writer

luck wasn’t on our side,” Crespo said.

numbers,

“We’re putting all the pieces together,

teammate

of

the

mances against Young Harris and

Crespo

partnered

with

North Greenville, Crespo has won

junior

Chase

Mar-

six of his seven last matches, with

trying to find a way to help each other

tin to go undefeated in February.

the only loss coming from a close

in practice and during the matches. It’s

Crespo and the Bobcats then faced

doubles match against Spring Hill.

time to focus on the conference now.

off against the Young Harris College

For the remainder of the season,

It’s the most important part of the sea-

Mountain Lions and North Green-

GCSU is set for four more competi-

son, and I hope we can do well in that.”

ville University Trailblazers. These

tions: an away series against Flagler

Before the season began, there was

contests earned him Peach Belt Con-

College on April 4, two consecu-

a noticeable divide in roster structure,

ference Player of the Week honors.

tive home stands against Abraham

with a third of the team being new from

“I was not expecting it, especially

Baldwin Agricultural College and

the previous year. As a junior entering

in our conference,” Crespo said. “There

the University of North Georgia on

his third year on the tennis courts, a

are a lot of good teams and players, and

April 8 and 12, respectively, and a fi-

leadership role needed to be devel-

I’m not the type of guy who is always

nal contest against Columbus State

oped to help these new GCSU athletes.

looking at the stats and results. At the

University on Wednesday, April 16.

tions against No. 37 Augusta Universi-

“You’ve got to play that role of be-

end of the day, if you put in the work,

This final stretch of the season is

ing a leader of the team, of helping

you’re going to see results, and I couldn’t

crucial to the Bobcats. Currently, the

ty, Delta State University, No. 46 Spring

everyone and trying to get the best

have won it if the team didn’t win

men’s tennis team sits amid a four-way

Hill College and Tuskegee University.

version of everyone,” Crespo said.

those two matches during that week.”

tie for first place with the 10-2 Bear-

GCSU has improved to an 11-1 over-

Crespo started hot to open the

To open his day against Young

cats, 7-3 Nighthawks and 8-7 Cougars.

all record and a 1-0 conference record

spring season, winning four of his

Harris, Crespo partnered with Mar-

As always, every game in the Peach

since the win over Augusta and is cur-

six singles contests throughout Feb-

tin. However, the two could not

Belt will be challenging, so the Bob-

rently on a six-game winning streak.

ruary,

bagels,

get the job done and finished with

cats are looking to lock things down

“I think, as a team, we’re doing

or winning a set 6-0, and not need-

a loss to end their perfect streak.

for the final month and push for the

pretty well, especially coming from

ing a third set in three of the wins.

Since his award-winning perfor-

Peach Belt Conference Tournament.

GCSU men’s tennis player Rodrigo Pérez Crespo was named the Peach Belt Conference Player of the Week for the week of March 10.

Crespo went 2-0 in singles and 1-1 in doubles as the 50th-ranked Bobcats won against Young Harris College and North Greenville University.

Following the contests, Crespo improved to 6-2 in dual match singles and 6-1 in dual match doubles.

Since the contest at North Greenville, GCSU has gone 4-0 in competi-

MADNESS

accumulating

three

see,” said Dylan Lew-

State University, who de-

Continued from page 1 is, a senior marketing

feated seven-seed Okla-

Perhaps the biggest

major

and

Alabama

homa State University.

story coming from the

fan.

“They’re

known

One of the hottest

past few rounds was

for

being

football

teams in the tournament

the University of Ala-

school, so setting that

right now is two-seed Tex-

bama’s unreal shooting

kind of record in bas-

as Christian University.

ketball is unbelievable.”

The Horned Frogs, led

night against Brigham Young The

University.

Crimson

Tide

could not seem to miss against

the

Cougars,

shooting

25-52

from

three-point range, setting the men’s tournament record for three-pointers made. The Tide won

The

a

men’s

Fi-

by veteran guard Hailey

Four

begins

on

Van Lith, defeated their

Saturday,

April

5.

first-round

nal

The round of 64 in

the

doubles

side

opponents

by 22 points and their

March Madness Logo

oppo-

Similar to the men’s

despite having a phe-

they will not go into

et saw even fewer up-

nents by 15 points. In the

bracket, all of the No.

nomenal season behind

their Final Four matchup

sets

men’s.

Sweet 16, they defeated a

1 seeds have a chance

star guard JuJu Watkins,

with a losing mentality.

Many of the lower

very talented Universi-

to make it to the Final

will likely have the most

seeds staged blowouts

ty of Notre Dame team

Four, with the defending

trouble moving on due

by 9 off of a 26-point

champion University of

to Watkins’s season-ending ACL injury against

the

women’s

than

the

brack-

against the higher seeds,

second-round

The

women’s

Elite

Eight

concluded

on

Monday,

March

31.

113-88 before losing to

and the biggest upsets

game from Van Lith.

South Carolina and the

Duke with a score of

came from 10-seed Uni-

TCU will face the Uni-

University of Califor-

Mississippi State Uni-

85-65 in the Sweet 16.

versity of Oregon, who

versity of Texas at Austin

nia, Los Angeles claim-

versity.

Alabama

defeated seven-seed Van-

next, who have won their

ing the first two spots.

Trojans bested Kansas

fans eagerly watch to see

go deep in the tourna-

derbilt University, and

games up to this point by

The

of

State University with-

who will be crowned

ment was really cool to

10-seed South Dakota

a combined 69 points.

Southern

California,

out their star player, so

the

“Seeing

University

However,

the

As teams fight for their spot in the tournaments,

2025

champions.

6

BRENNAN SCHMITZ, SPORTS EDITOR BENJAMIN CLARK, ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

04.01.2025

SPORTS

Streaming platforms Lily Reynolds Staff Writer Over the past decade,

streaming

plat-

forms have become the dominant way to watch sports, and fans are rewriting

the

rulebook

on how they consume their

favorite

games.

The global sports TV market was sitting at $62.4 billion in 2024. The NFL is the undisputed champion,

raking

in

$12.4 billion. According to digital sports platform Sportico, traditional cable is on life support.

Sportico’s

report

shows that about 40% of American cable subscribers have already cut the cord not necessarily all due to either wanting to transition to streaming platforms or the pricing of cable/bundles. While this number does not exactly break down the percentage of people who left specifically, it presents price increases as a notable factor in the exodus from traditional cable. Yet somehow, sports ratings

are

climbing.

Streaming platforms are the new MVPs of sports content. Amazon Prime, Netflix and ESPN+ are not just alternatives anymore— they’re taking over. 23% of fans are now streaming games online, and social media sports viewing has skyrocketed by 34%, according to a study conducted by Marketing Brew. Disney even tried to launch a joint streaming service called Venu but quickly pivoted to an all-inclusive ESPN “Flagship” service instead in 2025.

The current uprising is being led by Gen Z, who are not your typical sports fans. Many in this generation are playing mobile games, scrolling through social media and watching the game all at the same time. They have mastered the art of digital multitasking while keeping an eye on the score. Gen Z is 21% more likely to game on mobile during a match and 20% more likely to be on social media simultaneously, accord-

ing to a study conducted by Marketing Brew.

“I watch all of the sports I like on YouTube TV,” said Tate Young, a sophomore mass communication major. “I use it because there are always multiple games on at the same time, and you can watch up to four games on the screen.”

Younger viewers, like college students, prefer YouTube TV for sports because it delivers a customizable, watch-whenyou-want experience that fits their digital habits, with extras like multiview, highlight summaries, and NFL Sunday Ticket access—all without being locked into traditional cable contracts.

“In the morning, I watch sports highlights on YouTube for each game I want to catch up on,” said Dennis Walton, a marketing professor.

Sports content isn’t just about live games anymore, as fans now gravitate towards podcasts, documentaries and social media highlights.

A recent report by Mar-

Julia Jensen | Art Director

keting Brew shows that 64% of sports fans are tuning into sports audio content, with each generation having its preferred flavor. Gen Z loves podcasts, while older fans stick to traditional radio.

“While I am in the car, I will listen to the radio like Sirius XM and ESPN stations,” Walton said. “Because of the radio and YouTube, I haven’t watched a game beginning to end in a long time.”

These audio listeners are marketing gold. A recent study from marketingbrew.com reports that they’re more likely to buy merchandise, more receptive to advertising, and deeply engaged with their favorite sports.

The connection goes be-

the reason for its plan to

yond just watching—it is

gradually cut MLB cov-

about total immersion.

erage from 90 to only 30

Brands

are

getting

smarter about this connection. About a third of fans say sponsorships make them feel more positive about a brand.

Betting

and

gaming

partnerships are becoming a big deal, especially in countries like Brazil and

Australia,

trans-

forming how fans interact with sports content.

The landscape is shifting dramatically. Major League Baseball recently ended its decades-long partnership

after

the

2025 season with ESPN,

regular-season

games.

Another popular topic in the sports world is the explosive growth of women’s sports. The WNBA draft went from a niche event to a major spectacle, pulling in 2.4 million viewers in 2024 — a mind-blowing 300% increase, as reported

by

Sportico.

Sports media in 2025 is a choose-your-ownadventure

experience.

Brands and marketers have one job now: be everywhere. The future

signaling that everyone’s

of sports media isn’t

looking for the next big

about choosing one way

thing. The network cited

to watch, it’s about hav-

financial responsibility as

ing every way to watch.

neers, he is anticipated to compete for a starting role in Las Vegas.

The Raiders have quietly improved with the additions of White at linebacker and Geno

they’ve been missing.

And Devin White to the Raiders? That defense just got a whole lot scarier. Both of these guys are going to make an immediate impact.”

While many big names have already signed into teams, others remain unsigned, with the addition of these players contributing to a change in the balance of power among NFL teams.

The Bears are making strong moves to protect their quarterback, signing Joe Thuney to solidify the offensive line. If they also draft a franchise quarterback, they could become a serious force in the NFC North, especially with Green Bay and Minnesota in eras of rebuilding.

The NFC East remains unpredictable, but teams like the Eagles and Cowboys could still make big moves. The Eagles have been linked to potentially sign cornerback Asante Samuel Jr., while the Cowboys may need to address their offensive line after losing Tyron Smith.

Teams like the Patriots, Raiders and Bears have made the biggest improvements in the signing season, while the Bills and Cowboys must make additional moves in order to stay competitive.

The NFL free agency period Benjamin Clark Asst. Sports Editor The 2025 NFL free agency period has been filled with exciting events and major moves for each team. As teams look to strengthen their rosters for the upcoming season, high-profile signings, surprising trades and key contract extensions have been in the limelight and have reshaped the leagues’ landscape.

NFL free agency is the period when players who are not under contract with any team can sign with a new team. It allows teams to acquire talent outside of the draft or trades.

Some notable signings include Stefon Diggs joining the Patriots, Devin White heading to the Raiders and Jameis Winston signing with the Giants.

Meanwhile, star player Aaron Rodgers visited with the Steelers and sparked speculation about his next destination. With teams aggressively pursuing top talent, this off-season is proving to be one of the most exciting in recent years.

“I don’t think he’ll sign with the Steelers,” said Andrew Young, a junior accounting major. “I honestly think he’s just going to retire. He’s like 42, and football is an extremely

demanding sport, especially as you get older.”

Including Rodgers, several other notable NFL free agents remain unsigned. Wide Receiver Amari Cooper is be-

draft, the pool of talented quarterbacks remains rather barren, so teams will need to ignore their most important position and build their team based on the im-

The Patriots have struggled offensively since the retirement of star quarterback Tom Brady, but adding a star receiver like Diggs gives them a true No. 1 target.

March Madness Logo

ing watched by several teams who lack consistency in their offensive game. Teams like the Chicago Bears or Baltimore Ravens could benefit substantially from the addition of Cooper on their O-line.

Additionally, the Indianapolis Colts or New Orleans Saints, both seeking to bolster their receiving game, might pursue free agent Keenan Allen or Cooper.

Within free agency and the upcoming

pact of supporting roles.

Despite the shortcomings in the free agency pool, many previously mentioned notable signings have been underway in the past few weeks.

The Patriots have secured veteran wide receiver Diggs on a three-year, $69 million contract, with $26 million guaranteed. Diggs is a two-time All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowl selection and is expected to enhance New England’s receiving.

This could make them serious playoff contenders again, especially if their young quarterback takes a step forward.

With Diggs, the Patriots’ offense becomes much more dangerous in the competitive AFC East, challenging the Bills, Dolphins and Jets.

On the other side of the country, linebacker White has signed a oneyear deal with the Las Vegas Raiders. Drafted fifth overall in 2019 by the Tampa Bay Bucca-

Smith at quarterback.

White brings speed and leadership to the defense, while Smith provides stability to the offense. Should Smith demonstrate consistent QB play, the Raiders could challenge the Chiefs and Chargers in the AFC West.

“The Patriots just got a total game-changer in Stefon Diggs,” said Jackson Harrison, a junior marketing major. “He’s going to bring the explosiveness

7 MARY CIUCEVICH, A&L EDITOR KENNEDY WELKER, ASST. A&L EDITOR

04.01.2025

ARTS & LIFE

Flannery O’Connor art exhibit at GCSU Madison Hummel Staff Writer The week-long celebration of Flannery O’Connor’s 100th Birthday brings never-before-seen artwork created by the author to GCSU. The art show highlighted a special aspect of O’Connor’s life and connected to the greater goal of the “Flannery at 100” celebration honoring the Milledgeville legend.

The art exhibit was open to the public on March 26 in the Magnolia Ballroom from 9 to 5 p.m.

Attendants were able to view 70 pieces of artwork created by O’Connor, ranging from portraits, wood carvings and a doll.

The exhibit featured pieces made from all stages of O’Connor’s life.

One section displayed many carvings made into wooden canvases, for which O’Connor would later gain notoriety while working with the Georgia State College for Women newspaper, “The Colonnade,” and the school magazine, “The Corinthian.”

Another portion of the exhibit showed paintings created in the later years of O’Connor’s life.

After being diagnosed with lupus and moving back into her childhood home, O’Connor began to paint images of Andalusia Farms and scenes of nature, many of which were on display at the exhibit.

O’Connor’s art focused on similar themes or nature, birds, which O’Connor was a known admirer of, and

day-to-day life within Milledgeville.

The showcase embodied the Southern Gothic style and reflected themes of O’Connor’s literature into visual arts.

Cassie Munnell, curator of Andalusia, home of O’Connor, was involved in the planning process for the pop-up exhibit.

“This artwork was all in the care of Louise Florencourt, Flannery’s first cousin, and in the Mary Flannery O’Connor Charitable Trust,”

Matthew Malkowsi | Digital Media Editor

Munnell said. “In 2023, the paintings were brought over to Andalusia.”

The pieces were stored at Andalusia while agreements were made to showcase them.

The exhibit was officially announced earlier this year, just in time for O’Connor’s 100th birthday.

“We’ve been planning on it for a while, so it’s really good that we are able to share it with the public,” Munnell said.

O’Connor is one of the most fa-

SPRING FASHION TRENDS Hope Martin Staff Writer Spring has officially sprung, and with the weather heating up, the seasonal fashion is slowly transitioning.

Fashion is constantly changing, and predictions for each season are imminent. Fashion cycles often repeat in 20-year increments.

This is noticeable in the current Y2K trend, a term for the fashion and aesthetic of the 2000s.

While 90s and 2010s fashion is still in, Y2K fashion has especially taken over social media.

Fashion can also be affected by a region’s economic or political state.

For instance, some believe that when economic times get worse, skirts tend to become longer, something referred to as the “hemline index.”

As economic status gets worse, conservatism tends to become more popular, which can lead to more modest fashion becoming trendy.

“I feel like modesty is coming back,” said Ella Swartz, a senior psychology major.

Tradwives and modesty influencers have been rising in popularity on TikTok and Instagram in recent years.

“I think long flowy clothing is in, and maybe baggy clothing might come back,” Swartz said.

Students have expressed that there might be foreign influences that

mous authors of the Southern Gothic genre and a cherished figure in Milledgeville history, however, until recently little was known about her artwork.

“She herself was a big believer that all authors should also do art because it helps you think about the world and visualize what you’re thinking,” Munnell said.

O’Connor felt that creativity was something intentional that could only

become trendy, but only specific styles versus foreign fashion in general.

Evangelina Ochoa, a sophomore Spanish major, believed that specifically Scandinavian influences might come in style.

“I think we could see Parisian spring or Italian summer styles,” Swartz said. “Elegant styles, neutrals, linen and flowy clothes, I think will be in.”

Pantone, a company that developed a standardized color matching system, announced in Dec. of 2024, that the color of the year would be mocha mousse. Many predicted that bright colors would dominate 2025, but soft neutrals might be more popular than people thought.

With the 2024 pop culture phenomenon of Brat summer coming to an end, some felt that neon or bright colors were going to be trending, but Pantone’s color might be more accurate than originally thought.

While pastels and soft colors tend to always trend in spring clothing, there are some interesting trends this fashion season.

Many sites, such as NYTimes, Vogue and Glamour, have predicted simple styles with neutral or pastel colors to be trending. All three sites make a commission on products sold, which can lead to potential bias in the colors or styles.

Behind green and brown in popularity

were traditional spring colors, such as lighter pinks, baby blues, whites and yellows.

GCSU students agreed that simple styles with neutrals or pastels would trend this Spring, but there were some variations in opinion.

“It’s not a trend; green, yellow and pink are just spring colors,” Swartz said.

Ochoa felt that it might be more about tones than colors, and that we could normally see fall-themed colors continuing into spring.

“Warm colors will definitely be the vibe for 2025,” Ochoa said.

Across both social media and fashion sites, beige and light brown were strongly trending, a trend that did not go unnoticed by GCSU students. The use of certain colors can be linked back to certain trends or aesthetics like modest fashion and the clean girl look.

Clean girl is a style that is focused on simple, neutral-colored clothing and dewy “no-makeup makeup” looks. It often includes slicked back ponytails or buns, light brown or white outfits with jeans and natural-looking makeup.

Many influencers and stars have possibly affected fashion trends, whether intentionally or not.

Selena Gomez has been doing the clean girl style for a while, while Billie Eilish has

be formed through dedication to her work; she believed in the habit of art.

The term was mentioned by O’Connor several times in her collection of essays and speeches, “Mystery and Manners.”

“I think it is a way of looking at the created world and of using the senses so as to make them find as much meaning as possible in things,” O’Connor said in the collection.

The pieces of artwork showcased at the exhibit give deeper inworn baggy alternative streetwear for years.

Swartz predicted that there would be baby pinks and lots of lace this spring.

“I never thought about it, but it could be related to Sabrina Carpenter,” Swartz said. “A lot of her fans have the clean girl aesthetic too.”

Carpenter has worn a lot of pastels or bright pinks, yellows and blues recently on her “Short n’ Sweet” tour.

Many people also noted an uptick in thrifting and predicted this would continue to become more popular.

“Thrifting is popular; clean girl is definitely still rising too,” said Justine Savizon, a health promotion postgraduate student.

The style boho, short for bohemian, is also predicted to trend. Similar to the clean girl, boho combines many characteristics that people thought would start trending or are already trending, such as neutral colors, flowy clothing and patterns.

“Boho never left; it’s only popular with a specific demographic, but it never really left,” Savizon said. “I could see maybe tie-dye or crazy patterns coming into style.”

Nikki Ofori, a senior public health major, agreed that boho was strongly in and that patterns might trend this spring season.

“I see people getting into patterns as well, like florals, gingham or cherry,” Ofori said.

sight into O’Connor’s creative process and how she viewed the world as inspiration for her writing.

“The paintings give us views into how she saw things, how the farm and Milledgeville looked in the past, and also potential hints of newer connections and understandings of her childhood with some of the wood carvings,” Munnell said.

Many people, including GCSU students, members of the Milledgeville community and fans of O’Connor’s work, came to the art show to view the works in person.

Anabel Kissel, a sophomore mass communication major, visited the gallery and enjoyed the art.

“I heard about it from the Georgia College press release,” Kissel said.

“I keep up with it for the WGUR news segment I do, and I thought it would be a unique event to attend.”

Kissel is familiar with O’Connor’s literature but had not seen a lot of the author’s art before the event.

“It was really interesting,” Kissel said. “I liked all of the paintings and seeing O’Connor’s work. I didn’t know she was an artist and an author.”

J.D. Caulley, a junior English major, also appreciated seeing O’Connor’s art.

“All of the paintings were really cool to see,” Caulley said. “My favorites were the self-portrait and the wood carvings.”

The art exhibit and other events that occurred during the week are reminders of GCSU’s most famous alumni and renowned author O’Connor.

Julia Jenson | Art Director

Predicting trends becomes harder with fashion and social media’s prescribed micro trends, a term for a trend that is niche and short-lived, sometimes lasting only months or even weeks.

Some students brought up barrel jeans, neon suede shoes or micro shorts, but there were no shared answers between students on examples of micro trends.

“I really like the concept of microtrends and how it affects a generation as a whole,” Ochoa said.

As micro trends are so fleeting and happening only on certain platforms or spaces, there are many micro trends happening at once, and it becomes difficult to determine what even counts as a micro trend.

“There are so many microtrends it’s hard to pinpoint,” Swartz said.

“Microtrends can be fun, but I don’t like overconsumption. Be sustain-

able and thrift instead.”

Savizon felt that overconsumption itself was almost a trend. While students had many opinions on whether microtrends were fun or concerning, what is clear is that microtrends will not be going away any time soon.

Unlike the decades before the rise of the internet, fashion has become diverse with the influence of today’s media environment. While fashion trends used to be more uniform, the rise of the internet lets everyone self-separate into filter bubbles based on their interests.

What one person perceives as trending may not be what the next person thinks is trending due to using different social media or different algorithms. This raises the question of how to accurately predict trends as our media environment continues to widen and diversify.

8

MARY CIUCEVICH, A&L EDITOR KENNEDY WELKER, ASST. A&L EDITOR

04.01.2025

ARTS & LIFE

GCSU Thunderton OPINION

their chances to have

nology, games and any-

Rylee Holland Asst. News Editor

a

childhood.

thing else that makes

“It is such a sweet

a kid feel like a kid.”

moment to be with the

Thunderthon is not

kids we fight so hard for

only an opportunity to

to have a better future

give to the local chil-

and the chance to be a

dren but also a great

kid again,” said Abigail

way to make friends,

Lee, a junior psycholo-

explore

gy major and executive

tion at GCSU and have

director of GC Miracle.

a super fun day dancing.

Each hour a fami-

GC Miracle’s Morale

ly shares the story of

team is made up of 21

their child which is a

students who take time

sentimental

moment

out of every week start-

that is shared with ev-

ing in January to learn

eryone. Some of the

the dance. They are split

families stay through-

into groups of two and

out the entire event and

each group teaches one

spend time with ev-

minute of the dance to

raise an additional $55

eryone in attendance.

the participants on the

through donations from

“Over the last three

In

recent

memory,

Thunderthon is GC Miracle’s biggest event of the year where GCSU students learn a six minute dance over the course of eight hours in order to raise money for the local children’s hospital, Beverly Knight Olson.

On Saturday, April 5, in the Centennial Center, any student can attend Thunderthon by registering for $15 (or $3 using the discount code “SBRK”) and then

healthy

day

of

an

organiza-

Thunderthon.

themselves.

years, there have been

“Morale leaders help

others

be-

many sweet moments

teach the dance that par-

lieve that the heart of

shared with the kids,

ticipants learn during

Thunderthon’s

cause

but my favorite is get-

Thunderthon,”

is raising money for

ting into a dance bat-

Emily Tipsword, a se-

the children over at

tle with Cassius Finch

nior psychology major

BKO, the nearest chil-

[one of the BKO kids],”

and director of the Mo-

dren’s hospital to GCSU.

Lee said. “Cassius is

rale team. “Think like a

“Seeing everyone who

not afraid to show he’s

6-minute long TikTok

has been fundraising all

got some groove, and

dance that is broken up

year long in the same

his joy is contagious.”

into 6 sections taught

others

or

I

and

thon introduces a new

cise science major and

past, present and fu-

theme

a Morale team leader.

ture children at BKO

what kind of songs will

Besides learning the

who aren’t able to stand.

be used to make the

six-minute dance, there

I was a participant for

dance and which dec-

are fun games to play in

the very first time and

orations

between, pizza to eat for

last year. Thunderthon

will put up. This year’s

lunch, a snack and GC

that year was a 12 hour

theme is the Olympics

Miracle merch to buy.

event where I stood the

and GC Miracle is “Go-

It is an absolute blast.

whole time, so in com-

ing for the Gold,” setting

“You receive a t-shirt,

parison to that, eight

a record-high goal for

a meal and I believe there

hours should be easy.

donations at $100,000.

are some prizes you can

My favorite part of

Along with the Olym-

receive according to the

Thunderthon last year

pics theme, GC Mira-

amount of money raised,”

would be hard to nar-

cle has a campaign for

Hewitt said. “If you have

row down to just one

this

a passion and desire to be

thing. I got to make

thon: “Cool to Care.”

there, it’s definitely worth

new friends, play four

“‘It’s cool to care’ is

your money and time.”

square, eat a pina colada

something I just started

Miracle

Kona Ice and sing ka-

saying to get people to

team is bringing much

raoke on stage with my

donate a few years back,”

more excitement with

best friends. All of these

Lee said. “But now, it’s

this

Thunder-

things combined make

become my own motto

thon, introducing ac-

for my favorite parts

for Miracle and has be-

tivities

that

they’ve

of Thunderthon, hav-

come this year’s slogan.”

never

done

before.

ing fun all while giving

With Abigail Lee be-

“This year, we are go-

money, time and effort

ing one of my room-

ing to have a huge in-

towards a worthy cause.

mates

flatable obstacle course

“One thing that hap-

friends, I remember the

there that anyone can

pens every year and is my

first time I heard her say

use,” Tipsword said. “We

favorite part: At the end

“It’s cool to care” with a

also will be doing Zum-

of the event, Miracle does

huge smile on her face. I

ba like we have in the

a total reveal,” Goodel-

think that genuinely de-

The

GC

year’s

which

GC

year’s

decides

Miracle

Thunder-

over the span of 6 hours.”

greater than themselves

team has seen a huge

The mashup dance

is truly the most spe-

impact on BKO from

is fun but without the

cial feeling,” said Sara

the donations received.

right group of people to

Goodelman, Student En-

“With the fundrais-

be on stage and teach it,

gagement Program co-

ing, Miracle was able to

things could quickly be-

ordinator and GC Mira-

donate enough money

come chaotic. The Mo-

cle’s on-campus advisor.

to have an activity room

rale team takes pride in

and

built at BKO,” Goodel-

choosing their morale

past. To find out what

man said. “The total re-

picts how exciting and

families at BKO who are

man said. “The activ-

leaders to be exciting

else we will have, you

veal is very powerful be-

cool it is to care and sup-

healthy enough to at-

ity room is a space in

and

just have to be there!”

cause this is when all of

port the children at BKO.

tend Thunderthon do

the hospital that allows

“I would describe mo-

so to share their story,

kids receiving treatment

explaining how GC Mir-

The

children

GC

hour event to honor the

Miracle

room fighting for a cause

The

said

Rylee Holland | Asst. New Editor

Hewitt, a junior exer-

outgoing

people.

and

chal-

the fundraising is done,

rale as a group of people

lenges participants the

and everyone gets to see

come out for Thunder-

to escape the hospital

who have a fire, a burn-

day of Thunderthon to

all the money being do-

thon to support and cel-

acle and Thunderthon

walls. It’s filled with toys,

ing passion for what we

stay standing for the

nated to the kids at BKO.”

ebrate the children at

have impacted them and

arts and crafts, tech-

are doing,” said Cater

duration of the eight

Each year, Thunder-

BKO who need our help.

GC

Miracle

Everyone

closest

should

Matthew Malkowsi | Digital Media Editor

MARKET

students that she nor-

junior mass communi-

of their annual March

Shelter Buddies’ main

Continued from page

mally would not talk to.

cation major, is the vice

fundraising

events.

goal is to achieve maxi-

“I wanted to sell at this

president of marketing

“The money raised

mum engagement with

market because I love the

for GCSU’s Shelter Bud-

from the Farmers and

others at the market.

environment and the fact

dies, which is a service

Artisans Market will go

“We want to sell used

that we don’t have to pay a

organization that works

towards the club fund in

clothes at this GCSU

to connect and have

booth fee to participate,”

with the Baldwin Coun-

order for us to continue

market because it is such

fun, support their class-

Walker said. “Also, it’s so

ty Animal Shelter. They

putting on member meet-

an easy way to connect

close to home, and most

have been selling clothes

ings, future fundraisers

with students,” Walk-

ers and Artisans mar-

of the other artisan mar-

at the Farmers and Ar-

and keep things running

er said. “No matter how

ket for three years. She

kets I do are hours away.”

tisans Market for many

in general.” Walker said.

much we sell, we are

loves to chat with GCSU

Savannah Walker, a

years, serving as one

Walker explains how

still getting the Shelter

Carly Walker, a junior psychology major and market vendor, has been making jewelry for five years, and she has been selling at the Farm-

Buddies mission across to

the

community.”

This market is a great way for students

mates or friends’ small businesses and engage with the local Milledgeville

community.

9 MARY CIUCEVICH, A&L EDITOR KENNEDY WELKER, ASST. A&L EDITOR

04.01.2025

ARTS & LIFE

The benefits of joining campus clubs at GCSU Kate Walker

“Join the ones that you

being part of a small-knit

ly do it because you find

all college experience.

ronmental Science Club

Contributing Writer

are 95% sure you won’t

community that helps

the best people who are

For students interested

and History Club also

enjoy because those are

me challenge my faith

the most interesting to

in pre-professional clubs,

allow students to deepen

the ones that you end up

and

be around,” Kroll said.

there are options like

their academic interests.

In addition to fos-

Pre-Med, Pre-Veterinary

For those passionate

tering friendships and

and Pre-Pharmacy clubs.

developing personal in-

Community

Campus clubs and organizations play a vital role in every student’s

sticking with for all four

grow

Even

spiritually.”

academic

or

years,” said Kayley Ow-

professional clubs pro-

ens, a sophomore chem-

vide chances to meet

istry major and member

new friends while learn-

of the Chemistry Club,

ing and gaining industry

offer

Braveheart and Delight

experience. Anna Kro-

Faith-based

Ministries. “Go to as

ll, a sophomore math

tions such as the Bap-

many clubs as you can,

major, has found that

tist Collegiate Ministry,

meet as many people as

the GCSU Math Club

Awakening

you can, and find what

allows her to connect

Fellowship and Kudzu

really sticks with you.”

with others who share

also

Each club and orga-

her passion for math.

growth

nization offers unique

“We have a lot of

For students who en-

opportunities, such as

fun talking about dif-

joy staying active, there

community service and

ferent games that use

is a wide range of intra-

leadership

positions.

math,

the

mural sports, including

example,

Math Jeopardy team is

soccer, lacrosse and bass

is currently the secre-

a lot of fun to meet and

fishing, as well as intra-

tary for Braveheart and

practice with because

the events and meet-

we joke around while

ings

for

doing math,” Kroll said.

Delight

Ministries.

Joining a new group

“With

Chemistry

can feel intimidating,

spires all students to get

Club, I really enjoy the

especially later in the

involved

through

the

outreach and getting to

semester, but it’s never

Student

Engagement

work with students from

too late to get involved.

en-

K-12,” Owens said. “For

courages each student

college experience, offering opportunities to meet new people, pursue passions, develop industry and leadership skills and make a meaningful impact on the community.

At GCSU, there are over 150 clubs and organizations for students to

explore,

including

pre-professional groups, community service organizations,

academic

clubs, ethnic and international clubs, arts and entertainment

groups,

faith-based

organiza-

tions and sports clubs.

GCSU’s Office of Student

Engagement

in-

Owens,

for

coordinator

and

then

service

Julia Jenson | Art Director

terests, the Office of Stu-

organizations

dent Engagement notes

groups like GC Shelter

research that shows how

Buddies and GC Miracle.

students

involved

in

include

Ethnic

organiza-

about the arts, the Literary Guild, Film Club and Shakespeare Circle creative

outlets. organiza-

Collegiate

provide

spiritual

opportunities.

mural leagues offered through fraternities, sororities and other campus clubs and organizations.

Students

interested

in joining a new club

clubs and organizations

tions such as the Black

tend to perform better

Student

Kroll encourages stu-

academically and grad-

Latino Student Associ-

Braveheart, I love the

dents to put themselves

uate at higher rates. By

ation can also provide

information on how to

to join at least one or-

supportive

out

start

staying connected, these

a sense of community.

join them on GC Con-

ganization within their

of women we’ve built,

connections.

students leave with a

Academic clubs like the

nect located on GC-

first month of classes.

and with Delight, I enjoy

“You should absolute-

more enriching over-

Psychology Club, Envi-

SU’s

Challenge,

which

community

there

making

and

Alliance

and

can find a complete list of GCSU’s student organizations and more

official

website.

GCSU’s disability accommodations Kennedy Welker

a willing student taking

pus with lounge space,

cess of developing out-

erations & maintenance,

will be,” Mason said.

Asst. A&L Editor

the same class. In most

dim lighting, herbal teas

reach services such as

most of the issue with

According to Frank

cases, when this accom-

and sensory activities.

the “Speaker’s Bureau,”

inoperable

modation is needed, an

Service animals are

which will consist of stu-

assist buttons has to

president for facilities

email will be sent to stu-

also registered through

dents who wish to ed-

do with faulty wireless

management, GCSU re-

dents taking the same

the SDRC and are usu-

ucate the campus com-

transmitters in the doors.

quested around $555,000

class, offering volunteer

ally in the form of a

munity about the SDRC.

To address this, GCSU

note-taking as an op-

specially-trained

dog.

For students requir-

recently invested in an

ments for consideration

tion for gaining com-

However, according to

ing physical assistance

$85,000 program to re-

in the statewide ADA

munity service hours.

Graham and Anderson,

with transportation to

place

this

Facilities

The SDRC also gives

miniature horses are also

and from classes, there

with

hardwired

students access to digi-

an

service

are several Parking and

tems with much higher

tal recording devices and

animal

certain

Transportation

reliability.

assistance with digital-

conditions under a sepa-

ly-formatted

Disability accommodation is an important aspect of GCSU campus services that strives to create a welcoming and equitable living experience with

for

students

varying

needs.

There have been many questions raised across campus in regards to what

accommodations

look like, what programs are offered and

textbook

materials. If necessary,

acceptable under

equipment

in

assistant

facility

vice

improve-

Improve-

ment Program Capital Budget

last

summer.

“These included a new

tioned shuttles and bus-

automatic door mech-

lift to the Herty Hall ob-

rate American Disability

es that are wheelchair

anisms are soon to be

servatory — which will

Association

accessible.

Inter-

installed in the College

be incorporated into the

The

These

sys-

Baugh,

new

provision.

sanc-

wheel-chair

there are also coach-

Entities covered by

active GCSU Campus

of Arts & Sciences, Kil-

building’s larger reno-

ing sessions offered on

the ADA must modify

map found online also

patrick Hall and the

vation — and a request

skills such as time man-

policies to permit min-

displays accessible fea-

Peabody

Auditorium.

for audible pedestrian

students.

agement and organiza-

iature horses as service

tures across the univer-

Any

ADA-related

systems at all intersec-

to

Jen-

tion for students regis-

animals where reason-

sity, including parking

maintenance

requests

tions on main campus,”

nifer Graham, associ-

tered with the SDRC.

able. The reasonabili-

and

doors.

the school receives are

Baugh said. “Unfortu-

ate dean of students for

Students with food-re-

ty of miniature horses

While many students

automatically elevated in

nately,

and

lated disabilities have ac-

within facilities depends

have noticed that wheel-

priority, and the main-

were not approved, but

success and David An-

cess to meetings with the

on four factors: wheth-

chair-assist

buttons

tenance team itself is

we’re continuing to look

derson, director of the

chef in the Maxwell Stu-

er or not the horse is

across campus frequently

continually looking for

for

Student Disability and

dent Union dining hall

house-broken,

under

malfunction, specifical-

ways to improve its suc-

improve

Resource

Ac-

in order to create food-

the control of its owner,

ly those at the main en-

cess with these orders.

commodations at GCSU

based accommodations.

can be effectively accom-

trance of the Arts & Sci-

Mason welcomes any

commodate

are personalized, deter-

One place that is open

modated by the facility

ences building and the

suggestions in helping

to a certain extent often

mined on a case-by-case

to all students is the Se-

and that the horse will

Maxwell Student Union

his team best accommo-

hinges on whether or

basis. The SDRC web-

renity Den, located on

not compromise legiti-

dining hall, maintenance

date mobility-impaired

not the state decides to

site lists many import-

the first floor of the Stu-

mate safety requirements

for these access doors

individuals on campus.

fund certain projects.

ant

accommodations

dent Activity Center or

necessary for operation.

is held as a top priori-

“The more our main-

Though this is a hin-

for students to explore.

right below the Magno-

Students who need

how GCSU is constantly improving

accommo-

dations for the welfare of

disabled According

student

integrity

Center,

According

to

automatic

requests

opportunities

to

accessibility.”

GCSU’s ability to acdisability

Gra-

ty and the malfunction

tenance

knows

drance, GCSU is dedicat-

lia Ballroom. This room

ham, in addition to

is responded to quickly.

about how to assist stu-

ed to doing whatever it

support in note-taking

offers a sensory-friendly

these accommodations,

Ben

dents, the better — and

can to make the campus

can receive notes from

environment on cam-

the SDRC is in the pro-

Mason, director of op-

faster — our service

more accessible to all.

According

to

staff

these

10

MOLLY GOFF, OPINION EDITOR

04.01.2025

OPINION FINALS

your energy levels up.

The importance of Continued from page 1 evaluating study habits cannot be overstated.

Include all necessary Many students fall into materials — textbooks, the trap of memoriznotebooks, stationery, ing facts instead of unand snacks — so you derstanding concepts. won’t be tempted to get The best resources I up frequently. Ensuring have found at GCSU inthat your study space is clude the Learning Cenwell-lit and comfortable ter for extra practice and will also set the tone for understanding concepts focused study sessions. in class, as well as the Next, developing a Writing Center for any study schedule is essen- essay help or guidance. tial. Drafting a timetable Active learning stratethat outlines what sub- gies, such as teaching the jects to focus on and when material to someone else can alleviate feelings or discussing it in a study of being overwhelmed. group, can enhance comStart by identifying prehension. Additionally, the subjects that require practice tests and quizzes the most attention based can be invaluable tools on personal strengths for gauging readiness. and weaknesses. Break Bundling these activities each subject into man- into your study sessions ageable sections and adds variety and helps assign specific days to reinforce knowledge. dive into those topics.

Another significant When creating your aspect of preparing for schedule, consider incor- exams is maintaining porating short breaks to mental and physical recharge your mind. The well-being. The stress Pomodoro Technique, of impending assesswhich encourages work- ments can easily seep ing for 25 minutes and into daily life, leading then taking a five-minute to anxiety and burnout. break, can be particu“There is a very relarly effective in keeping liable pattern, which

is that people’s depression tends to get worse as they approach finals and midterms, and tends to drop a lot over the break,” said Dr. Charles Raison, a professor at the University of Wisconsin.

Integrating self-care practices into the studying routine is vital for sustaining motivation and health. Simple actions like getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, exercising and practicing mindfulness techniques — such as meditation or yoga — can make a remarkable difference.

Social connections can also serve as a support system during exam season. Engaging with peers who share similar challenges offers a sense of camaraderie.

Study groups allow students to motivate each other, share resources, and clarify difficult concepts; leaning on friends and family for encouragement can ease the pressure and promote a positive mindset.

Study groups not only promote social activity but accountability to actually get

work done effectively.

“Accountability is a great advantage provided by study groups,” Midland University said.

“Since college students still tend to be sensitive to peer pressure, having a set study schedule for final exams with other participants counting on everyone else’s participation works well to offset anyone putting off study time.”

Staying connected with professors and utilizing campus resources can further prepare students. Establish office hours as a prime opportunity to ask questions or clarify points of confusion with instructors.

Many professors appreciate students who take the initiative to seek additional support.

Additionally, the university may offer workshops focusing on study skills or exam strategies, so taking advantage of these opportunities can provide students with useful insights.

As the exam week approaches, it’s essential to simulate the testing environment during study

sessions. Take the time to complete practice exams under timed conditions.

Familiarity with the structure and timing of the actual test can reduce anxiety and build confidence. Moreover, understanding the format of the exam — whether it be multiple-choice, essay-based, or a combination of both — can help you tailor your study methods accordingly.

As exam week dawns, manage your expectations. It’s vital to remain flexible and adjust your study strategies based on what works best for you. Everyone learns differently, and some students thrive under pressure, while others prefer a more relaxed pace.

Finding balance is essential. Trust your preparation process and be kind to yourself during this stressful time. Embrace the journey, and remember that exams are simply a means to measure knowledge, not the full measure of your worth or potential!

Finally, my biggest tip of advice is to get some sleep!

“While getting sleep isn’t exactly a study strategy, it may be just as important as anything else you can do to prepare for midterms,” said Dhara Singh, a senior associate for JP Chase. “Open overlay suggests that all-nighters harm a person’s short-term health.

Because of this, you may want to ensure that sleep and rest are embedded throughout your midterm exam preparation.”

In conclusion, midterms and finals may bring about stress and anxiety, but implementing effective study habits and organizational strategies can significantly ease the burden.

At GCSU, student success flourishes not just through hard work and determination but also through a supportive community that believes in collaboration and growth. While summer may be just around the corner, let’s conquer this exam season together, one organized step at a time.

Sabrina Carpenter opening for the spring concert?

What can we believe is true versus what is all nonsense?

Molly Goff

one in a humorous way.

or even no school. I re-

moderation, but not a

people

member as a kid in grade

whole day dedicated to

want the holiday to be

school having a par-

the madness that we of-

forgotten

altogether.

ty for the holiday with

ten forget is a real hol-

on the GCSU campus.

“I think that April

funny party favors, and

iday unless reminded,

From the good weather,

Fool’s Day can be fun

even classes being can-

or something is posted.

beautiful scenery and

and lighthearted, but it

celled in middle school.

“I think April Fool’s

the exciting news about

can also easily be tak-

As we get older, hol-

Day pranks are funny,”

en too far,” Said Mol-

idays seem to fade! This

said Giusti. “I like them

ly Giusti, a sophomore

poses

question:

up to a certain point.

education major. “I do

should we cancel class

They can be funny but

celebrate

holiday

in college for April Fool’s

also have potential to

but with my family, not

if some classes use that

be hurtful or damaging,

usually

friends.”

as an opportunity for

making jokes about ru-

Part of the holiday

students to be pranked

ining someone’s lawns or

is all of the pranks in-

into thinking it is a nor-

putting the wrong gas in

volved. They can be as

mal day in class anyway?

the car but doing pranks

Opinion Editor

For

April is all about the introduction of spring

the spring concert, there is so much to look forward to this month.

Did my headline catch your eye? Are you confused about the news of Sabrina Carpenter opening for the spring concert?

In addition to GCSU’s spring concert, do you know what event is also in April, specif-

others,

the

my

small as moving around daily

household

ob-

jects to sticky notes

the

“I don’t think that

that could leave more

classes should be can-

than like 2 minutes of

celled on the holiday, I

Sabrina Carpenter

a step back and evaluate

April Fools’ Day. There

how we choose to cele-

is no doubt that laugh-

brate holidays like April

ter enhances our college

Fools’ Day. While enjoying a good laugh is essential, the cost of such en-

damage are not funny.”

joyment when it involves

experience,

but

how

we achieve that laughter must be scrutinized.

Pranks can serve as

all over someone’s car.

think that would be too

As college students,

distressing others is not

“I think some April

much,” said Ava Joninas,

balance is vital. Some-

worth the fleeting joy.

Fools’ Day pranks can

a sophomore mass com-

times holidays such as

Our

focus

should

done thoughtfully, but

be funny, as long as the

munications major . “Al-

April Fool’s can throw

remain

on

fostering

we must prioritize kind-

person being pranked

though I would love an-

us off balance and even

healthy

relationships

ness over carelessness.

will also find it funny,”

other day off class, I think

damage

built upon respect and

Instead of encouraging

said Lily Kenyon, a soph-

that would be a bit much.”

understanding

rath-

a culture of deception,

To reiterate, Sabrina

omore marketing major.

I personally believe

de-

er than on moments of

Carpenter is not open-

let’s foster one of em-

“I like the ones where it

that we shouldn’t be ac-

ception, and the joke is

temporary amusement at

ically which event falls on today, April 1st?

The

notorious

day

of the year where you get

FOOLED!

Hap-

py April Fool’s Day!

relationships.

“Pranks often involve less-than-innocent

a fun diversion when

pathy,

understanding,

ing for the spring con-

mostly results in con-

knowledging

day

usually made at another

someone else’s expense.

cert. Did I fool you?

fusion for a second, but

to encourage harmful

person’s expense. This

As we embrace the

April Fools’ Day is a

no one gets hurt, emo-

pranks. Humor is subjec-

can wreck the foundation

joys of spring on the

holiday full of tricks and

tionally or physically.”

tive, and supporting days

of trust and security rela-

GCSU campus, includ-

laughs. Some people love

April Fool’s pranks

off in a place of learning

tionships are based on,”

ing the excitement sur-

the idea of comical de-

often end in something

would not be the move.

As college students

rounding the Wallows

ter and experiences that

ception, where we can

surprising, as impact-

I think that jokes and

striving for balance in

concert, we should re-

bring us together rath-

essentially “fool” some-

ful as cancelling classes

pranks can be funny in

our lives, we must take

flect on our approach to

er than drive us apart.

the

and genuine connection.

After all, true humor arises not from trickery, but from shared laugh-