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GCSU’s leadership programs encourage community engagment

Amelia McEwen News Editor

GCSU’s Leadership Programs are composed of three organizations that teach students how to engage in their community, ultimately to spark change in the world and to serve as leaders for the public good.

The three options for students to join are the Leadership Academy, the Leadership Certificate program and the Georgia Education Mentorship program. Each one is strategically crafted to cater to students, as

well as the community.

“In the Leadership Programs, we emphasize two things: How to be an effective leader and thinking about how you can use your leadership to have a positive impact on the world around you,” said Chelsey Brantley, the Assistant Director of the Office of Leadership Programs. Communities around the world can benefit from programs like these. Students who build this leadership style and foundation into their lives can drive positive change, whether

that is through volunteer work or advocacy.

Not only is the community benefitted, but so are the students themselves. These students are equipped with being able to apply their program experiences in career-based circumstances. Key words such as “innovation and creativity” and “leadership experience” are eye-catching to employers, and these terms can be included in their resumes.

“As the Leadership Programs Assistant, I cannot stress enough to students the long-term

impact that the Leadership Programs can have, not only on their outlook on life, but also on their future careers and the larger impact they wish to make on the world,” said Anna Cruickshank, an employee and student in the Leadership Programs. “Joining the programs is one of the best first steps you can take in starting your leadership journey, one that helps you grow personally, while pursuing goals that contribute to the greater good.”

See LEADERSHIP | Page 2

PETTING ZOO

Kate Walker A&L Editor

On Thursday, Nov. 6, the GCSU Office of Student Engagement hosted the Wildlife Critters Circle of Life Petting Zoo on the library green space, inviting students to relax and enjoy meeting a variety of animals. The event featured barnyard favorites such as goats, chickens, rabbits and pigs, along with more exotic creatures like alligators, hedgehogs, snakes and chinchillas.

Sara Goodelman, the Student Engagement Program Coordinator, organizes the petting zoo once every semester as a way for students to unwind amid the demands of college life.

Students were all smiles, snapping photos of hedgehogs in their palms and baby bunnies cradled in their arms. For freshman biology major Katie O’Brien, the petting zoo offered a chance to interact with animals she doesn’t normally get to see up close.

“I love animals, and then I saw all of the kinds of animals they have here, like the bunnies, the pigs, the chickens, the ducks, some animals you can’t touch every day,” O’Brien said.

“This is therapy for me.”

While cuddling a baby rabbit, O’Brien confirmed it was definitely the highlight of her day.

“I’ve never seen bunnies and Guinea pigs this small, it’s adorable.” O’Brien said.

“I try to bring them around midterms or right before finals, so it’s a big stress reliever for our students,” Goodelman said.

GCSU’s women’s Soccer & Volleyball season recap

Bryan Cade

Asst. Sports Editor

Georgia College & State University women’s soccer and women’s volleyball enter the final days of the regular seasons as they enter the Peach Belt Conference Tournament.

GCSU women’s soccer concluded its regular season with a 7-7-4 record, with a 5-3-2 record in the Peach Belt Conference. Their performance in the regular season gave the Bobcats a fourth-seeded position in the conference tournament.

This lined them up

for the ability to host the Flagler College Saints on Saturday, Nov. 8, in the quarterfinals; however, their second consecutive opportunity to host the quarterfinals was not as successful as the previous year, as they fell 1-0 to the Saints.

Coach Jack Marchant of the women’s soccer team.

“We obviously put ourselves in a good position to do a little bit better than that, but, ultimately, we’ve achieved what we wanted to achieve,” said

“Going back-to-back fourth-place finishes has been really pleasing, especially after losing 14 seniors last year and bringing in four freshmen.”

After losing many seniors in the previous year, the Marchant brought in eight freshmen: Kaisa Fagerström, Jenni Järventaus, Rachel Zetina, Taylor Horton, Izzy Sause, Darby Boran, Lillie Sheffield, Alayna Cobb and Brittany Bakke.

“The freshmen this year had to step up into certain roles, so to give them that experience, going into next year is really pleasing,” Marchant said. “I’ve been over the moon with them.

They’ve been awesome. They’re going to be future leaders of the program.”

While the Bobcats’ women’s soccer team was not able to make it past the quarterfinals, the season was anything but unsuccessful. The Bobcats’ Fagerström took home the honors of Freshman of the Year as well as an appearance on the All-Conference First-Team for the Peach Belt Conference.

Sarah Mason and Adriana Duque were also named to the All-Conference Second-Team.

See RECAP | Page 4

Courtesy of Austin Zscach, GCSU Atheletic Department

Bella McComis | Digital Media Editor

The team of Leadership Constultants for the Leadership Academy program

See PETTING ZOO | Page 6

Leadership

Continued from page 1

Cruickshank’s experiences, both as a student and as an employee, have shown her the true impact this involvement can have. She has seen positive changes in her academic and professional journey since she joined.

“The opportunities I’ve had over the past few years have been unlike any other, allowing me

to gain firsthand insight into how programming, event coordination and student engagement operate behind the scenes,” Cruickshank said. Each program uses some of the same framework. They all have a combination of oneon-one consultations, leadership coaching, small group sessions and a classroom setting. They also integrate

hands-on activities to give students the full leadership experience.

Though different strategies are tailored to each, The Leadership Academy is for freshmen and gives them a general foundation of leadership learning, the Leadership Certificate Program dives deeper into the theory behind serving the public good, while the GEM program

emphasizes more career development by pairing students with mentors from businesses that are a part of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce.

“It’s just a great opportunity for networking,” said Emily Wright, a junior philosophy and political science major.

“You get to build a really strong relationship with someone who is a professional in the field already.

It’s also a great opportunity for building leadership skills with your peers.”

The Leadership Programs are continuing to aid community and student success through its efforts. As of now, Dr. Harold Mock, the program director, is beginning to host interest meetings for the Intercultural Leadership Program study abroad trip to Strasbourg, France.

This is an opportunity for students to build cross-cultural communication and leadership skills across the globe. Students outside of the Leadership Programs are still eligible to apply for this trip. For more information, visit GCSU’s website and click on the tab, “Leadership Programs,” and navigate to “Intercultural Leadership in France.”

Milledgeville’s timeless treasure: The Old Govenor’s Mansion

Amelia McEwen News Editor

The Old Governor’s Mansion, located in the heart of Milledgeville, has been transformed into a museum as a way to remember its past, with its modern existence reflecting the political complexities of early America.

The mansion today is filled with collected artifacts, with the intention of preserving the history of its earliest inhabitants. Tours of the mansion are held during the week and during holidays to uphold its historical influence on the state. Weekly tours run from Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sundays from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Georgia governors resided in the Old Governor’s Mansion from 1939 to 1986 before it was seized and abandoned. At the time, Milledgeville was Georgia’s first state capital. The first of eight governors that lived here was Governor Georgia R. Gilmer, and the last was Governor Charles Jones Jenkins.

In 1864, General William T. Sherman’s Union army converged and passed through Milledgeville during their “March to the Sea,” burning military infrastructure as a way to break the Confederacy down. The Old Governor’s

Mansion served as General Sherman’s headquarters. America’s deep political history is thus remembered by the museum today. Students, even outside of the history department, have been encouraged to visit the museum through online promotion. GCSU’s website has a section dedicated to the Old Governor’s Mansion. It includes tour infor-

you’re doing that about the past and its issues, then you’re kind of training your brain to do that in the present.”

The political complexities remembered by the Old Governor’s Mansion, specifically, relate to slavery and the collapse of the Southern political structure. Enslaved African Americans lived and worked there, leading up to and during

mation, upcoming events and more.

“Contextualizing the things around us is one way to get interested in history and to sort of understand how we’ve gotten to where we are now,” said

James Welborn, a professor of history.

“I think more broadly, thinking historically is thinking critically. If

VOLUME 106 | NO. 8

Editorial Board

Mary Ciucevich..............

Rylee Holland..................

Julia Jensen......................

Amelia McEwen............

Editor in Chief

Managing Editor

Art Director

News Editor

Emma Tyler.......................

Asst. News Editor

Benjamin Clark...............

Sports Editor

Bryan Cade.......................

Kate Walker...............

Sydney Williams.............

Isabella McComis..........

Reaghan Shehee............

Reagan Robinson..........

Haley Quimby..................

Mikkel Christensen.......

Asst. Sports Editor

Arts & Life Editor

Asst. Arts & Life Editor

Digital Media Editor

PR Manager

Ad Sales Manager

Faculty Adviser

the Civil War. After the war ended, the capital was then moved to Atlanta and ceased to be the governor’s quarters.

“So many students say that they thought the mansion would be boring, but it ended up being one of their favorite assignments of the semester,” said Jessica Wallace, a professor of history.

GCSU prides itself in its first building being the Old Governor’s Mansion, back in 1889, because of its symbolism to Milledgeville’s deep historical roots. The building initially served as a dormitory, but since 2001, the state of Georgia and GCSU have put significant efforts into restoring it.

Since then, the structure has earned nine awards, with the most notable being the “National Historic Landmark Building” and “Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums” awards. This further emphasizes its true influence, not just locally, but nationally.

“I’ve heard that it’s really cool, I have a friend who’s also a history major and works there and she said she’s learned a lot about history in the area just from working there,” said Chloe Melton, a junior history major. “I’d be interested in a holiday event. I think it’d be really cool to host history guest lectures there.”

The next upcoming holiday event is “Prance N’ Dance” and it is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 15 from 6-9 p.m. Tickets are running at $35 per person and are available on GCSU’s official website. A previous hit was the “Death After Dark Tours” hosted in October in light of Halloween.

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Reaghan Shehee | Digital Media Editor

Indiren Pillay, the new Dean of Arts and Sciences

Emma Tyler Asst. News Editor

Professor Indiren Pillay assumed the permanent position of Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences on Nov. 1 after serving as chair of GCSU’s Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences for 14 years.

Pillay was asked by Provost Roberts to step into this position temporarily in January while a search was conducted for the new permanent position of Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. He expected this to last a short interim period before easing back to his former role as department chair.

With excitement for this new position also comes bittersweet feelings as he reflects on his love for teaching.

“I am very excited to be in a position to support our faculty and students in the college but I miss my department colleagues,” Pillay said. “I was chair for almost 14 years and hired a lot of my faculty, so that’s difficult. Most significantly, I will miss teaching. This is the first time in 29 years

that I am not teaching.”

Before his time at GCSU, Pillay began teaching at a community college in which he spent nine years dedicating his craft to students.

Pillay felt as though the time he spent there was the best training ground

chair, I still taught and had a modest research lab. I have consistently been inspired not only by the many students I taught in class, but especially by students I mentored in my lab. That is still probably the most rewarding part of my job:

her research considering she now has a PhD in virology. He feels as though this is a very rewarding experience and one that he shared with all his former students.

“I felt like a proud parent and it’s a feeling I am sure all the pro-

2011, he felt as though Herty Hall was extremely overcrowded, and there was a dire need for expansion.

He and former chair of chemistry and physics Ken Mcgill opted for a new building that would suffice their need

for his professional role because of the great diversity and academic readiness of his students.

“It taught me how to respond to students individually and take the time to encourage their success,” Pillay said.

“When I came to GCSU in 2011 as department

the teaching and mentoring of young minds.”

Pillay admires his students who love the study of science and those who continue to pursue academic research upon graduation.

Pillay invited former student Shea Lowrey to campus to speak on

fessors at GCSU can recognize,” Pillay said.

Along with Pillay’s large passion for teaching students also came his crucial role in lobbying both the Saladin Integrated Sciences Complex and the Aquatic Sciences Center.

Upon his arrival in

for room. They even had the space picked out, which is the current location of the ISC building and formerly a student parking lot.

“As department chair, I led a committee that represented my department in the planning,” Pillay said. “I got very involved in all aspects of the design and planning, learning new things about mechanical, electric and plumbing. I also learned how expensive it can be to construct a new building during a pandemic.”

Pillay is very grateful they named the complex after Professor Saladin, feeling this honor is permanent and well-deserved.

The Aquatic Sciences Center was proposed and developed by the faculty in his department, in which he mainly served as a facilitator and lobbyst for the project.

He credits professors Samuel Mutiti, Kris White, Matt Milnes and their colleagues for the work they put in so that he could easily advocate and negotiate with Provost Spirou for the establishment of the center.

Pillay’s time so far at GCSU has been influential for the college at large because of his efforts and developments.

Because former president Dorman was extremely supportive, they received support to develop plans for the new building in 2018.

Bird Flu cases on the rise: here’s what to know

Lucy Nunez Staff Writer

With the recent change of seasons, bird flu has hit another peak with cases among poultry, cattle and humans in the U.S. Bird flu is rare in humans, but can sometimes be spread through close contact with infected wild bird species, such as through consumption. Symptoms in humans can include fever, cough, sore throat and muscle aches.

The bird flu virus can be fatal in poultry, cattle, and in rare cases, humans. In humans, 70 people have caught bird flu, with one death reported and many more cases on the rise.

“I have heard about the recent surge in bird flu cases,” said Sarah Crowder, a junior criminal justice major. “My family members live with poultry and have taken extreme caution by dressing fully covered and sprinkling food on the ground when interacting with them.”

With the recent and ongoing government shutdown, the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health In-

spection Service is currently surveilling cases of bird flu through laboratory testing and human case monitoring.

While the current public health risk for humans is low, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is watching the situation care-

If an individual begins to show symptoms of bird flu, it is recommended that they immediately seek medical help. Then, they must be prepared for testing and a quarantine period.

The government continues to monitor wild birds, domestic ani-

loans, conservation payments, stalled economic and crop reports and certain regulatory programs. However, they will continue to maintain emergency response and food safety inspections.

The bird flu has infected millions of hens, causing an egg shortage, ulti-

ing for surveillance, enhancing biosecurity and aiding farmers.

“I shop at Publix and have noticed a recent upcharge in prices for a 12pack of eggs,” said Caitlin McGarvey, a senior mass communication major. “They are about $4.15 now, but know-

fully and working with states to monitor people with animal exposures.

“It is important to take the correct safety measures to prevent a bird flu outbreak across humans,” said Helen Dupree, a Public Health professor at GCSU. “Always wash your hands and keep pets away from birds.”

mals and humans. It has created education programs and has responded to emergency cases and scientists at the USDA have researched medical approaches to prevent continuous bird flu outbreaks.

Farmers now face hardship as the USDA is suspending new farm

mately raising prices. The Trump Administration has a plan to decrease egg prices, which are high due to the fatality of poultry from this virus.

This administration has a strategy to deal with both the virus and high prices. The $1 billion plan includes importing eggs and fund-

ing the reason behind it does not surprise me.”

Bird flu has also affected cattle, and prices in milk, veterinary costs and biosecurity measures have significantly increased, affecting the public financially as well.

When cattle are affected by bird flu it reduces milk output and pro-

ducers experience direct losses from decreased milk volume and quality as well as indirect financial pressures, such as increased veterinary costs, biosecurity measures and labor shortages.

“I have heard that the USDA announced a financial assistance program to support dairy farmers with affected cattle, including compensation for a portion of lost milk production,” said Scott Butler, a Public Health professor. Specifically, the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-raised Fish Program has been updated recently to provide financial relief for dairy farmers who lose milk production due to bird flu.

Regarding food safety, the USDA, Food Safety and Inspection Service and Food and Drug Administration are working to ensure the safety of consuming dairy and meat products through thorough inspections. It is reported that humans can only drink pasteurized milk and must make sure that eggs, meat and poultry are fully cooked to prevent infection.

Egg cartons at a grocery store

Courtesy of Anna Leavitt

RECAP

Continued from page 1

The Bobcats achieved some notable victories throughout the season.

After a semi-slow start to their season, they exploded for a 4-0 win over Valdosta State University on Freshmen Tailgate Day on Sept. 11.

They opened their conference play for the season with a 4-0 victory over Clayton State

er, Mason, Abbey Eison, Natalie Eydam, Bridget Johnson, Emma Danley and Sarah Charney.

Mason and Fuller led the Bobcays in goals during the season with four each, followed by Fagerström and Mia Palumbo, who had three apiece. Mason also led the assists category with four, while Järventaus followed up with three assists. Mason’s dominance in the stats category

Marchant said. “I want the program to finish in the top four every year consistently. Now, you’re hoping that you can maybe knock on the door to third or second.”

the stats sheet, fans need to look deeper to see the talent of the 2025 GCSU women’s volleyball team.

Entering the 2025 season, the Bobcats brought in five freshmen, who have all been integral parts of the women’s volleyball team: Milla Smith, Emmersyn Mullvain, Kendra Leboehi, Ile Bernis and Avery Huyck.

University, which led to an eight-game unbeaten streak capped off by their biggest win of the year, a 5-0 victory over Albany State University, which included a hattrick by graduate forward Ellie Fuller, earning her the Peach Belt Player of the Week award.

However, the Bobcats struggled entering the final stretch of the regular season, with losses to the ninth-ranked team, the University of North Georgia, Columbus State University, Lander University and a tie against Eckerd College in their final regular-season contest.

The Bobcats honored eight seniors during the 2025 season: Duque, Full-

continued into the shots category as well, having 16 shots on goal, while Bakke and Fuller had nine shots on goal each.

The Bobcats employed a tandem goalkeeping setup throughout the season, rotating between sophomores Kassidy Fortin and Ella Hayes, who each had a save percentage of .789 and .800, respectively. Hayes was named PBC Goalkeeper of the Week earlier in the season.

The Bobcat women’s soccer team was once again anything but unsuccessful as they look to regroup for the offseason, and Marchant prepares to bring in recruits for the 2026 season.

“The goal next year will be to finish fourth,”

GCSU women’s volleyball has also had anything but an unsuccessful season, bouncing back from an 8-21 record in the previous season and improving to an impressive 13-14 record overall. Coach Abigail King has worked well to bring this Bobcat women’s volleyball team towards the top in her three years with the program.

“We brought in a bunch of new freshmen and transfers that all bring new strengths to the team that we hadn’t had before,” said Sadie Parkerson, a sophomore on the women’s volleyball team.

On top of all the freshmen, the Bobcats honored six seniors during their five-set victory over the University

As they do yearly, the Bobcats opened up with the Bobcat Classic, winning three of their first four matches to open the season. While the sub-500 record is noticeable when looking at

cat deserves a deeper dive, as her senior year has been historic. On Oct. 21, in the Bobcats’ four-set victory against Coker University, she set the single-game GCSU record for most digs in a four-set game with 38. She also creeps closer to the individual career record for GCSU for digs in a career, currently sitting at 1609, which is 13 away from Jordyn Moellering’s record of 1622. She also spent her final season as a Bobcat alongside her sister, Ile, on the squad as a serving specialist.

Kaylee Weeks leads the Bobcats in kills for the season with 227, followed by Huych with 208 and Carlton with 164, even though she missed some time. Johnson leads the Bobcats in assists with 333, followed by Parkerson with 235 and Lexi Baum with 175. Parkerson has also contributed 23 service aces, while Johnson has collected 21 and Bernis has 17.

“My teammates have pushed me to be an even better version of myself this season, even bet-

nis’ 485 digs leads the Bobcats, followed by Johnson with 169 and Weeks with 162. Carlton leads the Bobcats with 50 total blocks, with Nya Warren and Shepherd contributing 48.

The Bobcats have four final regular-season matches before their appearance in the Peach Belt Conference Tournament. Their final non-conference contest takes place on Thursday, Nov. 13, against Emmanuel University at 6 p.m., followed by a couple of matches against newly minted Peach Belt member Middle Georgia State University in Macon on Nov. 14 and Nov. 15. The Peach Belt Conference Tournament is currently scheduled to begin on Nov. 21 and run until Nov. 23, with the number-one-seeded team in the conference, Flagler College.

“We’ve had numerous talks as a team about mindset, and we’ve made it our goal to put a good pressure on ourselves to beat the odds that were

of South Carolina-Aiken on Saturday, Nov. 8: Alanis Bernis, Camryn Carlton, Madeline Gilmartin, Riese Johnson, Lexi Polychrones and Hayley Shepherd.

Bernis’s time as a Bob-

ter than last year, and it’s thanks to them that I’ve achieved the goals that I placed for myself at the beginning of the season,” Parkerson said.

On the defensive side of the metrics, Ber-

stacked against us from the beginning of the season,” Parkerson said. “I’m confident in our mindset just to defeat the odds and make Georgia College a program that people are scared of.”

Courtesy of Austin Zschach, GCSU Athletic Department

Austin Zschach, GCSU Athletics

Courtesy of Bree Hicken, GCSU Athletics

NBA gambling scandal

Federal Authorities with the FBI have thus far arrested 34 individuals in a continuing gambling investigation tied to the NBA. Notably, Chuancy Billups (current head coach for the Portland Trail Blazers) and Terry Rozier (Guard for the Miami Heat) are under investigation for accepting bets favored against their teams, then purposely underperforming in those games.

Among these primary allegations, others include the use of insider information, connections to organized crime/mafia, and money laundering operations. Fans are understandably in uproar, as this investigation raises serious questions about the integrity of the game and the ethical behavior of its players and coaches.

“It’s affecting every sport, in my opinion,” said Charles Alfero, a sophomore theater major. “Especially baseball

as well with the Shohei Otani scandal. They say it was the interpreter, but it wasn’t the interpreter; in my opinion, it was Otani. We’ve seen it with Michael Jordan, too, with him and gambling. So now, especially with all the ads like with Prizepicks. It’s just shoving it in our face. It’s getting more and more profound.”

Ultimately, when coaches and players bet on opposing teams with knowledge of internal team information, they undermine the fairness of the games and the trust of fans. One intricacy involved is the use of prop bets, like players’ stats or minutes. Generally, these markets are at a higher risk for manipulation from coaching/administrative staff.

“I mean, with the consequences, they’re out of their league,” Alfero said. “Especially when the FBI gets involved, this is just a bad look for the NBA. If it gets this bad, they’re definitely going to make the punishment way worse.”

In response to the controversy, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has emphasized the league’s position on gambling: that it is a “cardinal sin” and should not be overlooked or underpunished, highlighting possible permanent suspension for those found guilty, as reported by AP News.

Internally, the NBA has issued a memo to each and every team, calling for a review of many reports relating to the use of prop bets. Such internal information includes reports on injury status for players and the education/training of players against in-league gambling.

According to the Sports Business Journal, the NBA is now reconsidering its previously mutually beneficial relationship to Sportsbooks, sites which allow direct betting, prop bets (through parleys) and other kinds of gambling.

So far, the league has cooperated with federal

investigations to accurately pinpoint the source of the gambling scandal; however, the league’s inability to take legal action has left its investigative measures more limited.

“They should punish the parties responsible (like the player and coach),” said Harrison Goldstien, a junior political science major. “But I think they should reimplement their expectations and policies, and I don’t think it would hurt to revisit this.”

An earlier lack of discipline within the NBA has shaken fans’ trust

Bobcat Insider: Michelle Aquino

Michelle Aquino may be the voice behind every Georgia College & State University women’s volleyball broadcast; however, her story of how she became a voice of the Bobcats is a long and winding road, tracing back to her playing days.

Before her stint at Davidson College in North Carolina, she competed for TOPSELECT Volleyball Academy, was later named the MVP for the 2011 season and was selected to the All-Star South team. Aquino was called to a multitude of athletic and academic teams and awards even before her time as a Wildcat at Davidson College.

Aquino’s junior year in 2014 was her best in her collegiate career, playing in 82 sets and accumulating 120 kills, 47 digs and an impressive 51 blocks. The opposite hitter also collected seven aces in her 2014 stint.

“When I ended my time playing there after four years, I wasn’t necessarily ready to give up the

sport yet,” Aquino said.

Gretchen Krumdieck became the Bobcats’ volleyball program’s first head coach, spending nine years in Milledgeville and helped GCSU set multiple firsts in program history, such as an appearance in the Peach Belt Conference Tournament. However, before her time as a Bobcat, Krumdieck served as the assistant coach for Davidson College’s volleyball squad.

“She had actually recruited me to play at Davidson, and then she left Davidson to come start the volleyball program here,” Aquino said. “That was kind of the best decision I ever made, coming to Milledgeville and still be able to be around the sport because of the great student athlete experience.”

Following her time at Davidson College, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Aquino later became an assistant volleyball coach, assisting Krumdieck while completing post-baccalaureate courses in mass com-

munication at GCSU.

“It was cool to see the other side of athletics,” Aquino said. “When you’re a student athlete, you walk in, and your jerseys are hanging up, all the buses are ready to go, your hotels are booked, everything is there for you. But when

game-day operations and student-athlete development, while also supporting Athletics Director Wendell Staton with various projects within the athletic department.

Aquino spent a handful of years at both Belmont Abbey College as an Assistant Athlet-

I moved to the coach’s side, it showed me all the behind-the-scenes stuff that goes on.”

Following that, she became a graduate assistant, assisting with NCAA compliance,

ic Director and Senior Woman Administrator and the University of North Georgia as an Associate Athletic Director, Business and Senior Woman Administrator. It would not be un-

in the league’s current approach to dealing with gambling, marking this recent controversy as a pivotal moment for the NBA’s relationship with its fans.

“I think it’s really disheartening when a player bets on themself,” Goldstien said. “There are a lot of people who enjoy the game, and realizing that a player has been gambling makes a lot of people think the integrity of the game is definitely hurt.”

This previous lack of willingness to punish players involved in gambling has also be-

til Aug. of 2023 that she made her return to Milledgeville, this time as the Director of Annual Giving & Digital Engagement, and made her first appearance on a women’s volleyball broadcast.

“There was an opportunity, the broadcaster at the time was on maternity leave, and so I was just kind of helping Wendell out, and it really surprised me how much I enjoyed it,” Aquino said. “Being able to be around the sport and just being able to bring the sport to other fans, family members and parents who are watching it.”

Besides her time on air for the Bobcat women’s volleyball team, she’s working for the GCSU Foundation, helping the Bobcats’ athletic department fundraise non-profitly, and working with everything in the realm of athletic state of giving. Aquino assisted with the Bobcats’ alumni days and the recent Hall of Fame induction, as well as other past events, including the Bobcat Bash.

“It’s a really fun way for me to still be in-

come a key point of scrutiny in light of federal indictments for certain players. Many fans question if the league’s investigations into gambling have interfered with the federal government and how previous investigations concluded differently from federal investigators. Overall, the complex nature of the situation, as well as the ambiguity surrounding the investigation, creates massive holes in reasoning where fans and skeptics will likely fill in information where they can.

volved,” Aquino said. “As well as to be involved in a way that we can enhance the student athlete experience, still for the student athletes. It comes full circle for me, in a way, that even though I’m no longer directly working in athletics, it still provides me with an opportunity to help serve and promote our student athletes.”

With every broadcast, Aquino’s goal is to teach someone one new thing about volleyball, using the GCSU broadcast as a platform to expand and promote the game to people who may not be familiar with all the different rules and characteristics of the sport.

“I know how proud these parents must be to be able to turn on their TVs and watch their daughters play at a high level,” Aquino said. “To bring them that experience and hopefully be a voice of comfort. Being able to bring that broadcast to those who aren’t able to make it here in the gym means a lot.”

Benjamin Clark Sports Editor

Bryan Cade Asst. Sports Editor

Bryan Cade | Assistant Sports Editor

Benjamin Clark | Sports Editor

ARTS & LIFE

Petting Zoo

Continued from page 1

The animals were brought by the Wildlife Critters Circle of Life Rehabilitation Center, a sanctuary in Shady Dale dedicated to rescuing animals in need.

According to the center’s website, “Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and release injured and orphaned native mammals, reptiles, and birds back to their wild habitats. Those that are not able to be released join our education ministry allowing children in the community an opportunity to experience the love, affection and responsibility we have to care for God’s creations.”

While some animals may not be able to return to the wild, they continue to make a difference by offering students hands-on interactions with species they would typically only encounter in a zoo.

“People can see the real animal besides looking on a TV, and they can have a real experience with animals,” said Hoa Ngo, a senior finance major.

Beyond meeting the animals, the petting zoo gave students a chance to enjoy being together and making memories with both furry and human friends.

“I think it really just brings a bunch of people together. People love it, and I also think it’s therapeutic for other people as well,” O’Brien said. Amid the stresses of midterms and the upcoming finals, spending time outside and engaging with na-

STRANGER THINGS:

GCSU’s thoughts on upcoming season finale release

As Netflix’s hit series “Stranger Things” prepares to return for its fifth and final season, excitement is growing among GCSU students who have followed the show since its 2016 debut. After nearly a decade, this upcoming season marks the end of an era for one of Netflix’s most iconic series.

The sci-fi drama, created by the Duffer Brothers, became a fan favorite through its mix of horror, humor and 1980s nostalgia. Set in the small town of Hawkins, Indiana, “Stranger Things” follows a group of kids who uncover a hidden world known as the Upside Down. Over the years, viewers have seen the characters mature and the storyline grow darker and more complex each season.

For many GCSU students, the final season brings both anticipation and nostalgia.

“I was excited but sad that it’s the end,” said Della Goines, a senior mass communications major. “I feel like ‘Stranger Things’ has been a constant in my life for the past ten years.”

Season four of the show was released in the summer of 2022. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2023 SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) strike, filming was delayed and caused the final season to be released in 2025.

“I think the wait has made fans more excited about the new season,” said Caitlyn Samples, a freshman exercise science major.

Netflix has also announced that the last season will be divided into three parts, a strategy that has mixed reactions among fans.

“I don’t love the threepart release, but I understand why they do it.” Goines said. “I honestly would have preferred a weekly release because

it builds more suspense and community, similar to how this summer’s craze with “The Summer I Turned Pretty” did with its release schedule,”

Volume One will be released on Nov. 26, Thanksgiving, containing four episodes. Volume Two will be released on Dec. 25, Christmas, containing three episodes. The series finale will be released on Dec. 31, New Year’s, with one final episode.

“I’m planning on watching the episodes right when they come out for each release date,” Samples said.

Actor Gaten Matarazzo, known for his role as Dustin, gave his input on the release schedule to SFX magazine.

“I’m glad they’re parcelling it up over the course of several release dates. I think that’ll bring a sense of engagement to the show over time that we don’t really see a whole lot of in the streaming era. I miss when there were weekly Game of Thrones and weekly Breaking Bads and engagement online and talking with friends about what’s happening, and watch parties.”

Students at GCSU have been rewatching past seasons to prepare for the finale and refresh their memories.

“I think the long wait impacted viewership.”

Goines said. “I’m rewatching the show right now because I genu-

ture allowed students a moment to breathe and remember there’s more to college life than just coursework.

“Maybe they just came from a test that they didn’t do so good on, so I hope as they’re walking away, they feel the weight lifted off after they have petted some animals,” Goodelman said.

A favorite tradition on campus, the event invites students to connect with each other while engaging with wildlife. Even those who are not particularly fond of animals found joy simply because it was an activity they could do with their friends.

“I’m not a big fan of animals, but I come for the fellowship,” Ngo explained.

While she preferred to admire them from a distance, Ngo admitted she enjoyed meeting a few of the wildlife.

“I think the rabbits are the cutest here,” Ngo said.

As the event came to a close, students lingered to take a few last photos and say goodbye to their new fourlegged friends. The laughter and smiles

across the green made clear that the event had achieved its purpose, creating a time of calm, connection and joy. As a nonprofit organization, the center relies on donations to provide for its animals and continue its educational outreach. To contribute, visit http://www.wlcritters.com/

monetary-donations.html or view the center’s Amazon Wishlist at https:// www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ ls/25C1GUQHS0BST?ref_=wl_share.

USG ETHICS WEEK

GCSU reflects on the importance of ethical culture during Ethics Awareness Week

tive year, approaching each celebration from a new perspective.

inely don’t remember what happened in the past season, but I feel like most audiences won’t put in that effort,”

The finale premiere will also be available in theaters on Dec. 31, giving fans the chance to watch it on the big screen.

On Tadum (Netflix’s official site), the Duffer brothers said, “We’re beyond excited that fans will have the chance to experience the final episode of “Stranger Things” in theaters. Getting to see it on the big screen, with incredible sound, picture, and a room full of fans, feels like the perfect — dare we say bitchin’ — way to celebrate the end of this adventure.”

For many students, the combination of rewatching old episodes, discussing plot theories, favorite characters and potential outcomes has helped build anticipation and community around the series.

As the countdown continues, fans are not just waiting for answers to the story, they are preparing to celebrate the end of an era together.

Whether watching at home, in a dorm room, with friends and family or in theaters, the final season of “Stranger Things” is set to be an event that brings the Hawkins adventure to a memorable close for viewers at GCSU and around the world.

GCSU joined the University System of Georgia in celebrating Ethics Awareness Week from Nov. 3 to 7, highlighting the importance of integrity, accountability, respect and excellence in campus life. Through educational activities, sustainability challenges and community discussions, the week encouraged students, faculty and staff to reflect on what it means to live and learn ethically.

According to the Georgia College website, “Ethics Awareness Week is sponsored by the USG each year to reinforce our collective commitment to an ethical culture and our shared values and expectations.

GCSU, along with the other 25

“I have been the coordinator for GCSU’s Ethics Awareness Week activities for three years, and each year I try to approach ethical awareness from a different perspective,” Fowler said. “Ethics is a broad topic that touches many aspects of our lives, from personal to professional, and private to public. Our students continually face ethical choices in academic, social and civic settings.”

One of the week’s most talked-about events was the Food Waste Challenge, which asked students to think about sustainability and responsibility through a simple but eye-opening activity.

“For example, this week we are promoting sustainable actions through the Food Waste

USG institutions and the University System Office, hosts activities throughout the week to raise awareness of the importance of an ethical culture and our shared Core Values: Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect.”

At GCSU, those values came to life through hands-on events that connected ethical reflection to everyday choices. Rhonda Fowler, GCSU’s chief audit officer, coordinated the week’s activities for the third consecu-

Challenge by raising awareness about the quantity of food collected in the dish return at the MAX in 24 hours,” Fowler said. “While students may have noticed leftovers on individual plates, they might not have considered the total amount or what happens to the waste. We are fortunate to have volunteers with the Office of Sustainability who process this organic material into valuable compost for our West Campus Garden.”

Faculty and staff were also invited to participate through a campus shred

event and leadership presentations, which emphasized accountability and transparency in professional settings.

“For our faculty and staff, we encourage responsible accountability through essential practices, such as the campus shred event,” Fowler said. “Leadership and compliance presentations offer valuable learning opportunities to highlight the importance of integrity.”

Fowler explained that while Ethics Awareness Week highlights ethical living for a few days each November, its lessons are meant to last beyond the week itself.

“It is our goal, through Ethics Awareness Week, to empower students to embrace an ethical culture and create an environment at GCSU that embodies our values of integrity, excellence, accountability and respect,” Fowler said.

“Our message this week is that every choice, every day, everywhere, is an opportunity to shape culture and continue to show why ‘It’s Different Here’ at GCSU.” Jim Winchester, professor of philosophy and coordinator of the philosophy program, said the week also offered a chance to talk about ethics in a deeper sense, beyond compliance or policy and into personal conviction.

“Being ethical is often not easy,” Winchester said. “It can be challenging to do the right thing. Sometimes it seems that so many are merely pursuing their own interests. At these times, it is good to think about people like Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks, who fought for a better world for everyone.”

From composting projects to community reflection, GCSU’s Ethics Awareness Week reminded the campus that ethical culture is not a single event. It is an ongoing practice that defines the university’s character and values.

Bella McComis | Digital Media Editor

Sydney Williams Asst. A&L Editor

Jane Carr Staff Writer

Julia Jensen| Art Director

Bella McComis| Digital Media Editor

MARY CIUCEVICH, EDITOR

The Caterwaul

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

A message from the Colonnade staff

On behalf of The Colonnade staff we would like to present our newest submission column, “The Caterwaul.” This is an opportunity for students to share their poetry, flash fiction, photography, drawing, comic strips and more. We are extremely excited to give students more of a place in the paper and for their creativity to be acknowledged and published. We encourage any and all students to reach out and ask questions. In the spirit of GCSU’s mascot, Thunder, the name of this column takes inspiration from all that is a bobcat. Caterwauling is the noise bobcats make often, and that is what The Colonnade intends to do with this column: make noise with your voice.

Signs of fall

“Milledgeville Mourning”

by M.N. Creekmore

The window blurs out the Milledgeville morning, Licked by the cold tongue of Milledgeville’s mourning, Wet and dreary with summer’s parting, Frosted over with stormy scorning.

Hoods block out the sky’s grey moaning, Drawstrings tight and pockets groaning, Gloves and hats, mothball-smelling, Swallow students with unloved loving.

courtesy of the editorial board in nature

Pavement stains with tears of ascension, Like a thousand hopes and dreams cashing in their pension Till feet, and feet, and feet, and feet, Pound out new wishes in the hints of sleet.

Ice cold bums on frosty damp seats, Spelling and yelling out for a detour street

Down springy lanes with warmer greets, With air smelling thick and fresh and sweet.

The window blurs out the Milledgeville mourning, As cold harks warm-blooded Milledgeville’s morning.

A reminder from the Editor in Chief

November is here, and December is approaching. Remember to stop and take a breath. The days are darker quicker and the weather is colder. Although the end of the semester is coming and finals are right around the corner, remember that school work is not your only priority, and should not be. Take time for yourself, reflect on your needs. Your well being is the most important thing to succeed. While life can seem bleak sometimes that does not mean you should give up. Believe in yourself, confide in friends, talk to strangers. Every student is scared, nervous, or even excited for the end of semester, let’s talk about it.

Interested in submitting?

Follow our instgram @thecolonnade or scan the QR code below