The Gold Torch The Class of 2011, p. 5
Spinning Wheels, p. 7
April 2011
Central State University, Wilberforce, Ohio
Rising Band Fees, p. 6
Page 1
Rest in peace, Jasmine Crenshaw Lawmakers push for Student drowned in Florida while on a trip with track team Colonel Young honor FIRST PERSON
By Carmalitta Wilson Contributing Writer
This past spring break was a lifealtering experience. It is still very unreal to me. In a matter of hours, my world was turned upside down. This year, the track team planned to go to Atlanta for a college visit and then to Florida for two meets. We stayed at the Summer Bay Resort
gym. I spent most of my time on the trampoline with the rest of the team. We spent the day jumping on the trampoline and climbing on the slippery slide with small children and their families. Around 7 p.m., I spotted my friend, junior Jasmine Crenshaw, on the shore. She had her goggles on her forehead with her
When the sun started going down, we took our last turns down the slide. A few students went to the hot tub; others went to a pool behind the lake. I realized that I hadn’t seen Jasmine ever since we were on the beach but I figured she went back to our hotel early. At about 8:40 p.m. one of my teammates got a call asking if she’d seen Jasmine. She said “no.”
Students saluted Jasmine Crenshaw before leaving Florida to return to Central State. in Clermont, Florida. At the resort, there were three pools, numerous hot tubs, a mini put-put, and a small beach on a man made lake. The resort was beautiful. We had a track meet on Friday and Saturday, so we didn’t get to use the resort facilities until after our meet on Saturday. The day started off great. Everyone was hanging out in the hotel rooms eating and preparing to spend the day on the beach. The lake was like something out of a movie. It was beautiful. The sand was white, the sun was shining, and the glistening water was irresistible. A few yards off the shore, people played in the water on a blow up slide and jungle
feet in the water. I yelled from the trampoline, “Jas get in!” Jasmine inched into the water. I remembered that Jasmine had taken a swimming course, but I wasn’t certain if she was a strong swimmer yet. So, I yelled out, “Jas, can you swim?!” She scrunched her face at me and said, “Don’t play me sucka! I can swim!”
The lake at Summer Bay Resort.
Soon, we discovered Jasmine’s bag – with her glasses, shoes and phone – still on the beach. We became worried. The last place we thought Jasmine would be was in the water. That night had to be the longest night of my life. The team split up into groups of four and five and went door to door around the resort showing people pictures of Jasmine hoping to learn some information about her whereabouts. As we looked for Jasmine, I tried my hardest to think positive thoughts and hold myself together. When I saw police cars speed past us and helicopters circling over-
Continued on page 3
By Andre Johnson Contributing Writer
Have you ever ridden down Route 42 and seen an old, empty house on the right hand side? It’s grey now, but it used to be white. This is the house of Colonel Charles Young, built in 1859, where Young and his family lived. Young was the third African American to graduate from West Point and the first to reach the rank of colonel. He also worked as a professor of military science at Wilberforce College (later, Wilberforce University.) Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. has owned and maintained the Colonel Young house since the 1970s, but it transferred the lease to Central State in February 2010. Central State President John Garland, U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown and Congressman Steve Austria now want the house to be part of the National Park Service.
Amir Howze, a member of Omega Psi Phi fraternity, supports the idea. “This will be great exposure for the house and the history behind it,” Howze said. Suppor ters say that bringing the house into the Park Service would generate jobs, increase tourism to the area, and improve awareness of the area’s history. “It was a major station of the Underground Railroad,” Austria said. Brown said the area has great potential for history tourism since it is the home to not only the Young House, but three historically black colleges: Central State, Wilberforce, and Payne Theological Seminary. Both Brown and Austria have introduced bills to study the feasibility of including the Young house in the Park Service. “The harder and faster this process is pushed, the faster the house will be opened to the public,” Brown said.
Photo by Andre Johnson
The house where Colonel Young lived is south of campus on Route 42.
NEWS
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The Gold Torch | April 2011
The tax man cometh
the tax preparation help. “I was slightly surprised but thrilled that Central is taking the Millions of Americans rushed to meet the initiative to look out for their students and April 15 tax deadline. However, many college help them,” Ruffin said. students — intimidated by the process — Many college students don’t take the time avoided filing he tax to file taxes. They feel that returns. This may have they don’t need to file a been a mistake. Many tax return because they students are eligible for don’t make much money. a tax refund. Or they leave the taxes up “Anyone who has a to their parents. “I honestW-2 (wage statement), ly don’t see why I should should file a tax refile taxes,” junior Kierra turn,” business profesThomas said. “I don’t sor Julia Blockberger even have a job.” said. Blockberger, who coThe Central State ordinated the tax-filing College of Business ofprogram, said that evfered to help students eryone should learn how who wanted to file tax to file their tax returns. returns. Blockberger College students may not Photo by Christian Joones and senior Kristin Edmake enough money to Business professor Julia Blockberger wards were trained as owe taxes, but they may tax return specialists be eligible for a tax reunder the Volunteer fund. Income Tax Assistant program. They offered If you have questions about taxes, whether free tax preparation assistance through April you are a student or not, contact Blockberger 15 in Smith Hall. at jblockberger@centralstate.edu or 937 376Senior Gabrielle Ruffin took advantage of 7243. By Christian Jones Contributing Writer
Photo by Christian Jones
Rain dampens SpringFest DJ “Drama” poses with some of his fans at Springfest.
By Christian Jones Contributing Writer
Central State University’s SpringFest 2011 began under a cloud. Administrators held an emergency town hall meeting April 17 in Paul Robeson auditorium warning students that the university would cancel SpringFest if students misbehaved. Administrators held the meeting after a number of fights broke out among students prior to the event.. Students behaved well throughout the week, though Mother Nature did not. Steady rain forced the university to hold the annual Block Party inside Beacom Lewis Gymnasium. “Maybe it was because of the weather, but this SpringFest didn’t seem half as fun as the ones I have experienced in the past,” Junior Jamia Skinner said. Despite the rain, students enjoyed a wide range of activities throughout the week including the Fashion Addicts show, the All White Affair featuring DJ “Drama,” the Glow in the Dark Party, and a special performance by Tra-
vis Porter. Students also crowned the new Mr. and Miss Central State University: Brandon Berry and Gabrielle Ruffin. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. and Tau Beta Sigma Band Sorority took first place in the Greek Stroll Off. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. came in second place. Students also competed in “budget ball” and enjoyed running through an inflatable obstacle course. Student Government Vice-President Lawrence Coursey was disappointed with the student turnout. “Students ask for special guests and events like SpringFest but don’t participate. This makes it hard to convince the administration to keep investing in such events. I just hope next year we see a lot more student involvement and more activities.” Junior Arielle Betts agreed. “Students here complain about how Central does nothing for us, but they brought two big celebrities and not many came out to support.”
AND THEN THERE WERE TWO
Three turkey vultures took up residence on campus spring term delighting many. A motorist, however, killed one. Watch out for the birds!
Marauder Zone vs. Speedway
during the day Monday through Friday. The bookstore does offer some popular Where do you go once you’ve spent your products. Bookstore employee Gregory Albook voucher money? Do you continue to shop exander says “Grippos” — a brand of chips at the bookstore? Or do you go to our local — are especially popular. The store is always Speedway? Each store has its advantages and trying to lure students away from Speedway. disadvantages. “We’re trying to keep students in the bookMany students go to the bookstore, because store,” Marauder Zone Manager Tracey Logan it’s convenient. In addition, early in the term, says. students have their book voucher money. The bookstore has held a number of con“I shop at the bookstore all the time, mostly tests to keep students happy. It sponsored a for food,” student Shanika Hailes says. “I shop T-shirt design contest spring term. The winthere, because it’s convenient.” ner received a Marauder Zone gift card and an Speedway has the advantage of selling a Mp3 player. The store gives out free popcorn greater variety of products including gas and and is offering a wider selection of snacks. tobacco products. Some students say it’s a “one Management redesigned the store’s interior at stop shop.” Rather than going to the bookstore the start of spring term. and then goT h e ing to the “ To r c h” gas station, compared students can bookstore get everyprices with thing at once prices at at Speedway. Speedway. Speedway is There wasn’t also open 24 much of a hours a day, d i f ferenc e seven days for candy a week. The and soft bookstore is drinks. only open A student browses at the Marauder Zone bookstore. By Cora Robertson Contributing Writer
NEWS
Rest in peace, Jasmine
The Gold Torch | April 2011
STUDENTS LEFT FLOWERS IN THE LAKE WHERE JASMINE DIED.
Continued from page 1
head, I lost it. The team stayed together outside the resort lobby waiting, praying, and making phone calls. We went inside of the lobby after a few hours and sat, waiting for anything. The team began getting the word out about Jasmine on social networks. We exhausted all of our resources, friends, family and even celebrities to help us find Jasmine. We returned to our hotel rooms at 5:30 a.m. Still no word about Jasmine. After a restless morning, we were called back to the hotel lobby. I knew something was wrong when I saw
my coach Jahan Culbreath. He hadn’t traveled to Florida with us this year. We got quiet waiting to hear something about Jasmine. Coach Lynn Smith’s voice cracked as he told us that divers had found Jasmine’s body that morning in the lake. I was in shock. I heard Brittany Brown say, “No! That’s my sister!” My heart broke into a million pieces. I couldn’t breathe, I couldn’t blink, I couldn’t think. Jasmine was dead. I could do nothing but sob. How could she have drowned? We were all right there. The only thing that I could think was that I told
her to come into the water. “I told her to come into the water, and I didn’t help her. I can swim, I could have helped her,” I thought. I went into the other room and found Brittany Brown. I wrapped my arms around her small waist and told her how much I loved her. Tears poured down my face, and she comforted me. Brittany walked out of the room and proceeded to lift everyone’s spirits with strong encouraging words rooted in her faith. How strong a woman is that? She just lost her best friend and she was encouraging her team to dry their tears because Jasmine knew the Lord. Jasmine was a small person, small in size, but she had a huge spirit. She was feisty and sassy. She had more attitude than she had body, and she was loved for it. Jasmine worked harder than everyone in all that she did. Jasmine lived. The ride back to Ohio was strange. At times, it was very quiet. At times, you could hear people already resuming their lives – making phone calls, listening to music, talking to each other. After 14 hours on the bus, we arrived back at campus. We parked outside the gym and were greeted by a small crowd of faculty and administrators. Nobody wanted to get off the bus. But we did. And then we walked to the track. We began running. Once around. One more time. One more for Jasmine.
Page 3
Succeeding in business Tevlin Petit-Frere Contributing Writer
From rural Greensboro, North Carolina, to the busy streets of New York City, Darriel Cannon knows what it takes to survive in corporate America. Cannon graduate from Guilford College, located in Greensboro, with a degree in finance. After graduating, worked at several banking firms before he reached JP Morgan. He is now a “private banker” for the company. Cannon spoke to business majors April 19 about life on Wall Street. Cannon stressed the importance of networking. He also stressed sustaining meaningful business relationship even after you have met a person. “After meeting someone, it is always important that you follow up” Cannon said. “Always try to remain relevant to the person you meet.” Cannon is still adjusting to life in New York City. “When I got to New York, I was blown away,” Cannon said. “The lifestyle is totally different from anything I have ever known.” He said it was difficult adjusting to life in New York City, which he describes as hot and overcrowded. “I miss the small things,” Cannon said. “Things like grass and trees. Those things are not
found in the city.” Many college graduates do not find work in their field of study immediately after graduation. Some have to work in other fields. Cannon was part of a program called In-Roads, a minority internship program that specializes in getting minorities from different campuses around the country and placing them in high level internships. Cannon credit his skills in corporate America to the internships he had as a sophomore and junior in college. In those internships, he learned how to dress and speak appropriately. He also learned what type of behavior would be expected in his line of work. While interning for RBC Centura, he learned how to use Microsoft Excel,. After completing the In Roads program, he received a job offer to work from the Department of Defense. “Interning is crucial to transitioning to a real job,” Cannon said. Cannon advises students who are pursuing jobs in the financial industry to make sure that it is what they want. He said that opportunities knock, but it only knocks once. You have to make sure that you maximize your chances. “He has been a great mentor,” student Jude Diegue said. “I feel that I am ready to work on Wall Street.”
I will not question
When you think nothing can go wrong, God slips you a memo By Brittany G. Brown Contributing Writer
I lost a true friend, but I will not question God. I believe the passing of loved ones are God’s memos that life should be appreciated. When you think nothing can go wrong and you’re caught up in the world, God slips you a memo. A wise person once said, “A friend is cheaper than therapy.” Whatever was going on, I could always depend on Jasmine to lend me her ear. If things were too hard to handle, I could always count on a laugh from Jasmine to turn my day around. She had a personality that carried a positive light that attracted many people. As a tribute to Jasmine, I will continue to be dedicated, passionate, and hard working. I will laugh as much as I breathe and love as long as I live, because she lived and enjoyed life to the fullest. I will celebrate my best friend, fellow teammate, and colleague, Jasmine Dominique Crenshaw, forever.
Photo by Tevlin Petit-Frere
Businessman Darriel Cannon speaks to a student.
ClassOf2011 ViewPoint
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Congratulations
The Gold Torch | Tuesday, May 31, 2005
to the Pre-Law Society Members accepted into law school!
Julius BeckhamCapital University Law School
Aminta MosesUniversity Cincinnati College of Law
Andrew HughesOklahoma City University School of Law
Lee IveyUniversity of Dayton School of Law
Madyson RoeThomas Cooley Law School
Taylor PorterAAMPLE- Phoenix Law School
These students were also accepted to the following law schools: • Salmon Chase College of Law- Northern Kentucky
• Texas Southern University
• DePaul University College of Law
• Florida Coastal School of Law
• New England Law; Boston
• Pace Law School
• St. Thomas University School of Law
• Florida International University College of Law Don’t delay!
Start your legal journey today! Contact the Pre-Law office
and learn the comprehensive strategy to a law degree: Smith Hall-Room 115 937-376-6685
http://csuprelawsociety.shutterfly.com/
**ALL MAJORS WELCOME!!!**
The GoldAcheampong Torch | Tuesday, May 31, 2005 Kevin
Nabil Ali Deidre Allen Donnie Allen Yessuneh Aman Olga Aquino-Rodriguez Kevin Arehart Antoine Ash April Avery Shinyonta Baldwin Erica Banks Kayela Barker Tabetha Barker Dominique Bell John Bell Shannon Bell Dwight Blueford Harry Blythewood Samuel Boahen Kimberly Bolds Robyn Bradford ChristopherBradshaw Joy Bray Cristin Brenham Kraig Brock Courtney Brooks Anthony Brown Kyya Brown Paige Brown Kevin Burke Ashley Burns Carolyn Burroughs Dontrallius Burrow Tschannon Calicutt Angelita Canada Jasmine Carmichael Quiana Carter Rosa Caskey Tammara Clark Kenneth Coker Jasmine Cole Jeremy Coleman Shallon Coleman Travell Coleman Treeial Collins Susan Combs Cameron Conwell Carlton Conwell Davida Cook Joylynne Cooper Michael Copeland Dennison Cordell Lawrence Coursey David Cousino Christian Craig Robin Creer Amari Crook James Crook Tiffany Cummings Amanda Cunningham Michael Cunningham Jesse Daniels Tommy Davidson Zachary Davis Mavis Delaine Dontae Dorsey Christian Drye Jennifer Dumas
ClassOf2011 MarauderTalk
Brittani Ealy Angela Edwards Chester Elliott Tiara Fairbanks Desiree Faulkner Helena Feaster Marcus Fikes Lydia Folks Kashmiere Foster Christina Francis Leonard Franklin Nicholas Frazier Kelvin Gaines Dameeca Garrett Emanuelle Gladney Jerome Grant Terry Graves Anthony Gray Alea Green AshleyGreen-McCant Ashley Griffin Stacy Gullatt Micah Gwin Christopher Haigh Marlin Hall Zena Hall Staci Hamilton Tyrone Hardamon Brittany Harris Janielle Harris Lance Harris Nolan Harshaw Charlette Hawkins Ladona Herd Jerred Hill Yolanda Hill Brandon Hodges Brittany Hogan Ian Hogan Candice Houston Darrnell Houston Kiara Huckleby Ismaila Igiekhume Lee Ivey Antoinette Jackson Dominique Jackson Jessica Jackson Justin Jackson Tiesha Jackson AdrianneJackson-Alexander Natasha James Robert Jarrett Renisha Jenkins Shaneka Jenkins Dustin Jeter Brandon Johnson Brandon Johnson Khadegiah Johnson LeQuita Johnson Krisheree Jones Montez Jones Tiffany Jones Morris Jordan Kardene Joshua Dominique Judkins Akilah Kelley Leslie Kinley Sakeita Langford
Lassiter Christian Alexia Lawrence Eugene Lee Markeata Lee Rashan Legard Candace Lewis Floyd Lewis Angela Lindsey Alfonso Lopez Terrence Louis Jane Marzette Quiara Mathis Michelle Mays Kamau Mbalia Kajuanna McAfee Janay McClain-Kelly James McConnell Andrew McElroy Bianca McGuire Almond McSwain Sewa Mensah Yolanda Millender Talmage Miller Andrew Miller-Babb ChristopherMontgomery Monique Montgomery Michael Moody Christopher Moore Brooklyn Morrow Andre’ Morton Aminta Moses Matthew Murphy William Murray Pape Ndiaye Sheryland Neal Subhadradevi Nedunuri Jasmine Nelson Tiffany Paige Ednette Parker Kierra Peoples Michael Peterson Tevlin Petit-Frere Antwan Pettway Brenda Phillips Stefanie Philpott Whitney Pickett Kimberly Pitts Loranthey Poole Taylor Porter Shardae Postway Brandon Price Max Pringle Khojdeshia Rawls Romeo Reese Destiny Reynolds Avina Richards Sherry Richardson Ashley Rimmer-Ratzel Brittany Roberts Constance Roberts Tiffany Roberts Laklesha Rodgers Jasmine Rowe Kiajanae Roye David Sawyers Kristen Scott Lauren Scott Anthony Sewell
Page 5 Utsey Shelton Shannon Shepherd Barbara Shoulders Kyle Sims Alicia Smith Brandy Smith Brian Smith Bryan Smith Christopher Smith Darrell Smith Jason Sorrells Jeffrey Southall Fenton Sparks Kristin Spearman Laurelle Stephens Brandy Stewart Crystal Stewart Shawn Stewart Tana Stewart Bryce Stokes Adrian Strickland Deandre Tanner Anthony Taylor Jeremy Taylor Michael Terry Danyae Thomas Dewayne Thomas Jr Takeshia Tillman Shamone Tripp Mia Truss Camille Turner Renault Turner Michael Tyler Jelissa Vinson Amaris Walker Valerie Walton DAnthony Ward Khrystal Washington Dominique Waters Keni Watson BrittneyWeaver Brittany White Courtney White Robyn White Aisha Williams Darrel Williams Donte’ Williams Jasmine Williams Jelisa Williams Kaleef Williams Kelvin Williams Kenneth Williams Lauren Williams Nathaniel Williams Roosevelt Williams Terrence Williams Edward Wilson Whitney Wilson Yvonne Wilson Stephanie Wise Horace Withers De’Angelo Worthy Melissa Worthy Kristopher Wright Richard Young
Prospective graduates must complete all degree requirements before receiving a diploma.
NEWS
Page 6
Rising band fees strike sour note By Andre Johnson Contributing Writer
Every year, Central State students in the choir pay fees to rent tuxedos. Band members pay fees for their uniforms. Student athletes, on the other hand, do not pay a fee to rent sports uniforms. Some students say that this is unfair. Dancing Bell Melody Wilson said the university should support the performing arts just as much as the sports teams. “It’s not fair that the athletic department gets funding from the school, and others don’t,” Wilson said. Band and choir members who do not pay their fees can find it difficult to register for class. The university places a hold on stu-
By Ashley Howell Contributing Writer
Around the yard, Central State police are issuing tickets to students for parking in front of residence halls, academic buildings, and in reserved parking spots. It seems to some students that the police department is patrolling campus more for traffic violations than public safety. “I feel as if the police department has nothing else to do with their time. Trying to find methods to get more money seems more important than the initial safety of students,” said junior Tiffany Shepard, slamming her traffic violations on the table. “To make matters worse, some of the officers are rude. I think they forget that we are adults as well.” Police officers say they’re only doing their jobs. “People parking in front of buildings and residence halls cause congestion and is a huge hazard if an incident was to occur such as a fire,” Officer Yount said. “There is no lack of parking. People just don’t want to walk.” Officer Slusher, another patrolman, said faculty members complain when students park in reserved parking spaces. (Faculty — and students — pay a $25 fee to reserve a parking spot in addition to $50 for a parking decal.) However, he acknowledged that it’s not always easy to determine which spaces are reserved. “During inclement weather, it gets hard to determine which parking spaces are reserved. Maintenance is working on posting more visible signs.” Students also complain that Central State Police are ticketing students off campus on Route 42. Police officers say they have the right to patrol the street. “We are not a security department, but a police department. Route 42 and campus is included in our district, and we have every right to patrol,” Yount said. Traffic fines go into the university’s general fund. Students who pay traffic violations within three business days receive half off the fine. Unpaid fines are posted to the students’ MyCSU accounts, which eventually results in a hold on students’ university accounts. This can prevent a student from registering or graduating. If you have concerns about a traffic citation, Chief Anthony Pettiford can be contacted at (937) 376-6368.
Coretta Scott King Center reopens Disclosure: This reporter was cited for parking along a yellow curb spring term.
Contributing Writer
Remembering one of its most esteemed alumnae, Antioch College in Yellows Springs reopened the Coretta Scott King,Center for Cultural and Intellectual Freedom April 27, 2011. Many people gathered in the Center to celebrate King’s life. The Reverend Barbara Reynolds, a personal friend of King’s, offered a glimpse into her life and reminded us of King’s legacy. Speakers read from King’s own words, including the commencement speech she once delivered at Antioch College.
The Gold Torch | April 2011
dent accounts when students don’t pay their fees. Band Administrator Lyndon Phillips said that the band fee changes every year. This year, band members paid $185 to participate. Phillips said the university offers a payment plan for students who can’t pay the band fee all at once. He said that band members do not have to pay the full fee after their first year, because some items — like the band members’ white gloves and marching shoes — can be reused year to year. Phillips said it would be helpful if the school included the band fee in band members’ tuition, so that the fee wouldn’t have to come out of the students’ pockets until they graduate.
Students complain about tickets
By Christian Jones
Music performers included several young girls and the Reverend John Freeman, formerly of Central State, on the piano. The Central State singing trio, EccentriKa, performed their rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” The entire night was a celebration. Students from Antioch, as well as surrounding schools, attended. Many local people, as well as visitors, came to celebrate the life of an amazing woman. The program was audio recorded and will soon be available on the Antioch College website.
When it rains...
It rained much of spring term. Photojournalists (from top) Hilary Taylor, A. Greene, and Maria Compton remind us what it was like.
it pours!
The Gold Torch | April 2011
Age of Aquarius? By Ashley Howell Contributing Writer
Many students have heard the rumor that the signs of the zodiac have changed and that an additional sign has been added. The truth is complicated: The zodiac that most people in the United States follow has not changed. The zodiac that people in other parts of the world follow has, in fact, changed. Indeed, there was a change in the order of the signs and a thirteenth sign was added. Astronomers at the Minnesota Planetarium Society say that people born between November 29 and December 17, formerly Sanitarians or Capricorns, now have a new zodiac sign: Ophiuchus. Ophiuchus represents a man wrestling a serpent, dividing the snake’s body in two parts. This is the only sign of the zodiac that is linked to a real man — an Egyptian doctor by the name of Imhotep, who lived around 2700 BC. Ophiuchus is considered a healer of men and a doctor of medicine. People born under this sign typically seek higher education and enlightenment. They are expected to achieve a high position in life. For some people, the introduction of this new sign explains why their personal traits did not seem to match their (former) zodiac sign. While some feel relieved, others are not happy about the change. Junior Bianca Anderson, who has gone from an Aquarius to a Capricorn,
LifeSTYLE/Entertainment The Gold Torch April 2011
CENTRAL STATE UNIVERSITY Wilberforce, Ohio
The Gold Torch is produced by Central State students. Views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of the university, the newspaper staff or its advisors. Letters to the editor are welcome. ADVISOR Mr. Michael Gormley DEAN Dr. Lovette Chinwah Our offices are located in
The Cosby Center doesn’t care. “I’m not really upset or concerned about the change. I just have a lot of questions,” she said. “I can’t seem to understand how they can just make a big change like that.” Junior Kierra Thomas, who has gone from a Gemini to a Taurus, isn’t buying any of it. “I will always be a Gemini,” she said. Of course, if you are bothered by the change, you can ignore it. It only impacts people who follow the sidereal zodiac based on constellations of stars. Here in the West, we follow the tropical zodiac based on the seasons. So, relax! There is no change in the zodiac for us Americans.
C om m u n ic at io n
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W ee k
Journalism students enjoyed a busy Communication Week April 11-15. A few highlights: (from top) Students pose at WMAQ in Chicago, a student enjoys the photo exhibit, “Islam in Asia,” Professor Lenora Brogdon Wyatt poses as “Judge Mathis,” and NBC News Consultant Frieda Morris speaks to students
Spinning wheels
By Jelisa Barringer Contributing Writer Something new has arrived at Central State University. Spinning. Spinning is a popular, indoor workout on stationary bicycles. It is an excellent cardiovascular workout. “Spinning is on a rise,” Walker Gym Coordinator Al West said. The university purchased 15 stationary bikes and began offering spinning as an extracurricular activity spring term. The bikes are located in a room above the racquetball courts in Walker Gymnasium. In order to participate in spinning, you must sign a reserve list prior to the class. The classes have quickly become popular and the university has scheduled a second day of class. Spinning is now offered on Tuesday and Thursdays. “Spinning has sparked that excitement and enthusiasm in people and has been the gateway to other physical activities,” said
Kirby Blackley, who is coordinating the program. “We just want to give students, faculty, and staff the opportunity to help themselves.” The bikes used in spinning class are not your typical bikes. They are high-tech machines. The spinning class is part of the university’s “commit to be fit” program. The university is also offering Zumba Dance Fitness and yoga spring term. The university will soon survey students to determine what other activities students want. Workers are hoping that the new classes will help students become healthier. “Becoming more active will save your life. Not only will you be more physically fit, but you feel better about yourself, you’ll have more energy and be in a better mood,” Blakey said. Spinning class is held on Tuesday 1 – 3 p.m., and Thursdays 2-5 p.m. Arrive early to reserve a spot.
Page 8
Artist Joe Ulmer By Nuri Flowers Contributing Writer
Many people admire the creativity of a Picasso or a Van Gogh. They enjoy visiting museums to see great works of art. However, you don’t need to go to New York or Chicago to find talented artists. You can find them right here at Central State University. Artist Joel Ulmer lives on campus in Hunter Hall. Hailing from southeast Washington, D.C., Joel “Waterboy” Ulmer is a junior and studio art major, concentrating in marketing fine arts. Ulmer has produced more than 50 paintings and hundreds of drawings. He has illustrated a children’s book named, “No, No, No!,” originally written by his cousin, Lavanda. Ulmer became inspired by art as a young boy. He remembers watching a show on PBS, “Papi Land,” which featured an old man who taught young people how to draw. Ulmer says his mother encouraged him to draw and to ex-
pand his artistic horizons. He believes that his art talent is a gift from God, though he also believes that everyone has talent. “Everyone is an artist,” he said. After graduation, Joel plans to attend The New York Academy of Art in New York City. He wants to start a fashion and design firm using his artwork as inspiration. He plans to create designs for shirts, hats, logos and more. He also wants to start a website, called “Water,” playing off his nickname. In addition to his website, Ulmer also wants to again work with his older sister. She manages a non-profit organization, “Full Load,” that helps single mothers. Ulmer has a twin sister, Noel, who attends Trinity University in Washington D.C. Ulmer wants to write a book called, “Hey, we’re twins too!” explaining what it’s like to have a twin. Ulmer is a member of the national honor society Chi Alpha Epsilon and has made the Dean’s List five straight semesters.
Trouble in Tahiti By Cora Robertson Contributing Writer
Central State’s opera workshop class performed “Trouble in Tahiti” the end of spring term. “Trouble in Tahiti” is a one-act opera of seven scenes composed by Leonard Bernstein. The opera is about a husband and wife, played by senior Joy Bray (“Dinah”) and voice professor Peter Keates (“Sam”). “I wanted to be in the show,,” Keates said. “We have a great opportunity here at Central State to have a really successful opera program. We have so many talented singers.” “Trouble in Tahiti” tells the story of one day in the life of a desperately unhappy, married couple — lonely, longing for love, and unable to communicate. At the end of the opera, Sam and Dinah are in essentially the same position as they were when the opera began with only a bleak hope of reconciliation. The play also features three other performers, the Vocal Jazz Trio, with
Brandon Berry, Chris Smith, and Lidice Aponte. “My favorite part in the play is a scene called ‘Island Magic,’ “ Aponte said. “I love this scene, because we get to be magical little characters.” Central State voice professor Lee Hoffman directed the production, which also featured choreography by the world-renowned Dayton Contemporary Dance Company. Hoffman also taught the Opera Workshop class for cast members. This is the second year that the Fine and Performing Arts department has offered the class. “I feel that the opera workshop is becoming bigger each year,” crew member Joshua Gooding said. “It’s making me happy for what’s to come next year.” Aponte is also looking forward to continued success. “I love Opera Workshop. This is my second year doing it, and I plan on doing it next year as well,” Aponte said.
CreativeArts
The Gold Torch | April 2011
Artist Erin Smith By Christian Jones Contributing Writer
Art professor Erin Smith has come full circle. Smith graduated from Central State University in 2007 with a fine arts degree, and she returned to Central State this past fall to teach art classes. She wants students to know that they can also succeed in the arts. ”You can be successful in this field and portray whatever you want even if others don’t agree,” she said. Smith’s artwork has been displayed on campus in the second floor art gallery in the Paul Robeson Performing Arts Center. Smith specializes in oil paintings on canvas. Many of her paintings contain meanings that are not always obvious. For example, one painting (seen to the left of this article) features an African woman wearing a plain blue dress and an elaborate headdress. The headdress is made of fabric and extends above and beyond the frame of the painting. The
woman, a medical professional, is carrying something. The painting is titled HNIC. “Head negro in charge” is a phrase used in the black community to describe a powerful person of color. Smith used this title to illustrate how many black people think less of themselves compared to people of other races. She said that the phrase pulls black people backward. “Anyone outside of the race is just called a leader,” she said. Smith said that Central State’s art department is, “One of the best kept secrets in Ohio.” She is a fan of her colleagues’ work. She especially likes Professor Olue’s series of sketches, Readers and Sleepers. All of Olue’s drawings were sketched in real-time on the New York City subway. Smith also speaks highly of Professor Dwayne M. Daniel’s painting, Conscious, which she says displays awesome color combinations and brush strokes.
Courtney White By Nuri Flowers Contributing Writer
Senior Courtney White is on a mission. She wants to bring high fashion to the masses – or at least, to Central State. In April, White presented The Brainteasers Clothing Fashion Show, a show that will inspire students long into the future. White says that entrepreneurship professor James Traylor inspired her to create the fashion show. White says the “brainteaser” theme came from a philosophy class. During class, professor Julius Bailey would administer daily “brainteaser” quizzes. After taking that class, White decided to start a line of clothing called, appropriately, Brainteasers Clothing. The business is currently located in White’s hometown, Indianapolis, Indiana, though White would like to expand the company nationally or even internationally. Traylor is confident that White will succeed. “Courtney is going to go places,” Traylor said. “I believe that God will take her to great peaks in her successful career.”
White introduced her clothing line at the The Brainteasers Fashion Show April 8, 2011, in the Norman E. Ward Center ballroom. About 100 people attended the event. Senior Tamra Edwards said White’s clothing is different from what students usually see. “She creates her own flavor in the way she likes,” Edwards said. “She likes to try new things and make it something different and spectacular.” White encourages her fellow student to be unafraid and to pursue their dreams. She says that any student who wants to create his or her own fashion show can do it, but the student will need a good support/ management team. As a spiritual woman, White credits her success to God. “God gave me the ideas for Brainteasers and the vision of a fashion show. I give all the glory to God,” she said. For more information about Courtney White and Brainteasers Clothing, visit btctshirts on Twitter.