The Samford Crimson Vol. 107, Issue 1

Meal Swipes Controversy Pg. 2

Remembering Bowden Pg. 6

Study Abroad is Back Pg. 10

THE SAMFORD CRIMSON PUBLISHED SINCE 1915

Volume 107, Issue 1 September 20, 2021

MEET BUXLEY Pg. 8

The bulldog that has captured the hearts of students

2 |September 20, 2021 | The Samford Crimson

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NEWS

The return of the Samford parking wars As the semester continues, students are desperate for any parking spot they can find.

By: Kate

Young

Staff Writer

A well-known grievance on college campuses has long been the inability to find parking, and Samford is no exception.

“There is always an adjustment period for every term,” Tommy Taylor, Chief Officer in the Department of Public Safety at Samford, said. “Fall term certainly has the most challenges as students return and learn to navigate the campus and better identify permit assigned areas, parking options, best availability times for specific areas, and when to avoid congested areas.”

Taylor reccmmends students ride the Sam Trams to reduce congestion and help students get to class on time.

Senior Psychology major Chloe Pappa commutes from an apartment building off campus. She said most days she has to park by the Art Lofts to find a spot.

“I show up to my classes usually 30 minutes before so that I have time to circle each commuter lot a few times,” Pappa said. “It usually takes me about 15 minutes to find a parking spot near my classes.”

Junior Theatre major Gracen Fisk is also a commuter student. Her experience has been that finding parking becomes more difficult the later in the day it is.

“I normally park in the Vail commuter lot or law commuter lot,” Fisk said. “Because I drive an electric car, I have a spot I park in at the law lot

One cause that is claimed to be the reason for limited parking spaces is campus renovations.

to charge my car during classes. Additionally, because I am a theatre major and study most often in the theatre building, I move my car after 4:30 to the staff lot next to the Wright Center loading dock.”

Taylor said he urges students to be patient, as multiple renovation and construction projects on campus have contributed to taking up parking spaces. Samford Hall, Sherman Circle, Buchanan Hall, and the Athletics Press Box are all undergoing

major projects that require construction equipment on site.

“A prime example is the Wright Center. If you look right beside the Wright Center, right next to Divinity, that entire parking lot now is empty,” Taylor said. “There’s a lot of spaces there that people are not allowed to park.”

Taylor said he believes that as these projects come to a close, it will become easier to find parking on campus.

Kate Young, The Samford Crimson

The Samford Campus Master Plan, published in 2016, offers even more hope that parking will become less of a problem in the future. The plan includes expanding existing parking throughout campus and constructing a new West Gate parking deck.

While finding parking can be frustrating, big changes are coming soon that have the potential to alleviate those challenges.

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Meal swipes corrected, but labor shortages continue Samford Dining made an exciting announcement to the student body this semester By: Rebekah

Crozier

Staff Writer

At the beginning of this year, Samford Dining made an exciting announcement to the student body.

Any students with the 19-meal swipe dining plan could now use five of those meal swipes per week on specific meals at food retail outlets across campus, such as Chick-fil-A, Moe’s, Einstein’s and Freshens.

Freshens was the only one of these retail outlets that already had meal swipe options for students. However, when students arrived back on campus, they found that some of the previously-existing options at Freshens were no longer available.

At the first SGA Senate meeting of the year on Tuesday, Sept. 1, the

Campus Services Committee reported the issue to the Senate. Because the Campus Services Committee had received so many constituent reports from students, the committee contacted Dining Services. Alan Crisologo, Committee Chair, announced at a later Senate meeting that from that point forward , all the options that used to be available for meal swipes had once again been made available..

“It brings variety to the students.

When you have to go to the Caf a lot of times, it can be tiring, even when it’s the best food,” Crisologo said. “And also, it lessens the load on the cafeteria to allow students to use other places, other retail locations, which will dissipate the load and should lower wait times everywhere.”

Staff shortages continue to be a widespread issue in the United States.

The Campus Services Committee continues to work with Samford Dining. One issue they are addressing in the coming week is making sure that students can use more than one meal swipe a day at the same retail location.

Richard Davis, General Manager of Samford Dining, expanded on the issue, saying that altering meal swipes is a very complicated process.

It took two months over the summer for Dining Services to accomplish this. Because Freshens was the only retail site on campus that already had meal swipe options, those meal swipes were confused somewhere along the way.

Sofia Paglioni, The Samford Crimson

On top of the meal swipe issue, the labor shortage has complicated the university’s ability to produce what they are usually able to. Davis explained that the university is currently at 60% of its usual work force.

All employees are working six days a week, and Samford is offering referral and retention bonuses, along with other benefits, to compensate for the long hours each employee is working.

“The reason for that is because so many people have just simply left the workforce,” Davis said. They’re not necessarily even on unemployment; they’re just not showing up anymore.”

Davis said that if any students on campus are looking for a job, he will hire them immediately.

“Any student can walk through my door today, and we will hire them.

We’ll pay well, we treat you well, we’ll feed you good, and we’ll work around your schedule,” Davis said.

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Students react to the return of in-person classes

As a new semester begins, students report mixed reactions to in-person classes their opinion on certain guidelines.

“I prefer the contact tracing that has been implemented because it keeps us each accountable. I also feel more comfortable being in an in-person class this year due to contact tracing,” Pappa said.

Dickey said she hopes students remain cautious.

“I’m really happy that things are getting back to normal but let’s not have a false sense of security. Let’s continue to take COVID-19 guidelines seriously,” Dickey said.

While there are contrasting opinions about in-person classes this semester, students said they are above all else, eager to get back to a sense of normalcy.

A survey by the Samford Crimson shows most Samford students perfer in-person classes.

By: Moriah

Mason

Senior Staff Writer

As a new semester begins, students report experiencing different reactions to in-person classes.

According to a recent Samford Crimson survey, most students have some concerns about in-person classes this semester, but many are glad to have normal classes once again.

In the online survey of 16 students, 93.8% of them said they preferred in-person classes.

“I am enjoying being back on campus.

Classes are a lot more enjoyable since I can actually discuss ideas and see my professors regularly. I no longer feel like just a participant, but an actual student,” senior psychology major Chloe Pappa said.

Other students expressed concerns about the return to in-person responsibilities.

“My only concern is for taking tests in-person,” junior Journalism and Mass Communication major Callie Morrison said. Everyone, myself included, has adjusted to taking tests online, so going back to taking them in person may be stressful and result in poor grades.”

The unpredictable nature of the COVID-19 pandemic has other students concerned about what may happen next.

“I’m not concerned about in-person classes in their current format.

I am concerned that the transition to online learning (if it happens) will be more difficult and stressful since we’re starting out completely in-person,” sophomore psychology major Sarah Woods said.

Moriah Mason, The Samford Crimson

As a person with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder transfer student Kimber Johnson said she is also thankful to be a part of in-person classes this semester.

“For students who have ADHD like me, it’s better to be a part of in-person classes because it’s easier to stay more focused rather than being a part of an online class and just looking at powerpoints,” Johnson said.

Junior Law Politics and Society/English major Megan Rose Dickey and freshman Kaylee Pappa offered words of caution for this year and shared

Students who don’t prefer in-person classes Students who prefer in-person classes These results are from Samford Crimson Survey Graph by Sofia Paglioni

5 |September 20, 2021 | The Samford Crimson

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SPORTS Remembering Bobby Bowden

By Haley Sue Staff Writer

Harbison

On Aug. 8, the world lost Robert “Bobby” Cleckler Bowden, one of the most respected and talented coaches in college football history. Since his passing, the football faithful across the country have paid their respects to the player, coach and legend whose humble beginnings belong to Howard College.

Bowden, born in Birmingham in 1929, played and coached at Samford University, which was then known as Howard College. Bowden, however, did not start at Howard his freshman year. He transferred to the college after losing his scholarship to the University of Alabama as a bittersweet result of marrying Julia Ann Estock, his high school sweetheart and wife of 72 years. His transfer back to his hometown was only the dawn of his successful career.

After three losing seasons as a backup, Bowen became starting quarterback his senior year and went on to lead his team to a 5-4 record. He was also named a Little All-American, a title given to only the best players in the whole country at small colleges.

After graduating in 1953, Bowden stayed with the Howard Bulldogs for two seasons as an assistant coach. In 1955, he went on to coach at South Georgia College for four seasons,

where he won three championships and was selected the Junior College Coach of the Year in 1955 and 1957.

During that time, he also wore the hats of the athletic director, basketball coach and baseball coach.

His return to his alma mater in 1959 came at just the right time as he revived a crumbling program.

Bowden led his team to a 9-1 season, six of which were shut-out wins. After bringing the Bulldogs’ program back to life and going 31-6 in only four seasons, he was hired by Florida State as a wide receivers coach.

After a nine-year stint as offensive coordinator and head coach at West Virginia, he was hired as the head coach of Florida State in 1976.

Most college football fans remember Bowden for the next 34 years of his life as the head coach of the Florida State Seminoles. Of those 34 seasons, only one was not a winning season, which was his first year in 1976. During his time with the Seminoles, Bowden won two National Championships and won 304 games.

In total, he won 389 Division-I FBS games, the second highest number of wins in FBS history. Bowden also won the 1980 Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Award and the 1991 Walter Camp Coach of the Year Award while at Florida State.

With so many amazing collegiate football accolades, the 2006 College Football Hall of Fame inductee nev-

Coach Bowden, Howard College.

Photo courtesy of Samford University Library

er let football become the main thing in his life. He made his outlook on balancing his life and football very clear to the public.

“Faith is the most important thing in the world to me. It’s the greatest strength I’ve had. It’s helped me get through the hard times,” Bowden said in his book, “The Wisdom of Faith.” “You’re not going to win every one of your football games. I’ve always said I’m not going to make football my God. A lot of coaches put so much into coaching football games that they have nothing left.”

After retiring from the game in 2009, Bowden went on to make his mark as a Christian speaker, inspiring players and believers years after his days coaching on the field.

Samford senior football player Will Hudson relishes in the wisdom he learned from Bowden.

“His faith came before anything,” Hudson said. “He never let football get in the way of that. He cared

deeply about his players and their well-being and always put others before himself.”

In addition to the Bobby Bowden statue outside of the stadium which was dedicated in 2013, Samford Athletics is honoring the legacy of Bobby Bowden by placing stickers on the helmet of every football player.

“It’s special to play at the same school he played at and started coaching at,” Peter Renkoski, a Samford football player, said. “It’s an honor to have a sticker of him on our helmet and see his statue in front of our stadium.”

Last Wednesday, Samford Athletics announced that the football field will be renamed to Bobby Bowden Field. A dedication ceremony will occur prior to Saturday’s game against ETSU at 2 p.m. A banner below the press boxes that once read “This is Bulldog Country” will now read “Bobby Bowden Field.”

6 |September 20, 2021 | The Samford Crimson

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Yelton, Bulldogs searching for eighth consecutive SoCon Title

By Austin Streitmatter Contributing Writer

For the past seven years, Samford soccer has ruled the Southern Conference with an iron paw.

Photo Courtesy of Samford Athletics

This year, the Bulldogs are looking to extend their success to eight consecutive SoCon regular-season titles. Over the past four years, head coach Todd Yelton’s Bulldog roster

has only lost one SoCon game, and he will look to continue this history of success during SoCon play beginning on Sept. 24.

In 2021, the Bulldogs will have played four Power 5 teams before starting their conference schedule against VMI on Friday. Currently sitting at a record of 3-3-2, Samford’s offense is led by senior Alyssia Frazier in the outfield and junior goalkeeper Morgan McAslan.

Both Frazier and junior forward Taylor Yount are leading the offensive scoring attack. Frazier has one assist and two goals on the year as well as her own SportsCenter Top Ten play against UAB. Yount leads the team assist total on the year (3) coupled with her one goal.

As for the defense, McAslan and crew have only allowed more than one goal twice all year with two impressive shutouts. McAslan ranks third in the SoCon in goals against

YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST

Texas A&M vs Arkansas

Carson Caulfield

Sports Editor

Haley Sue Harbison Sports Writer

Davis Domescik

Sports Writer

Austin Streitmatter Contributing Writer

Notre Dame vs Wisconsin

average with 0.94.

Over the seven games played so far, 12 players have tallied either a goal or an assist. The backline of Lindsey Origliasso, Kylie Gazza, Ella Simpson, and Alyssa Conarton have played 2,498 of the possible 2,680 minutes.

The Bulldogs are heading into this year’s SoCon schedule with an experienced and tested roster that has proven itself against big opponents. If the variety scoring and strong backline defending continue throughout the rest of the year, the conference schedule becomes mustwatch athletics.

The Bulldogs next game will be at home against the VMI Keydets on Sept. 24 at 6 p.m. Preceding the game, there will be a field dedication for Shauna Yelton, the late wife of head coach Todd Yelton.

The Samford Crimson staff makes their picks for the top college football games this weekend LSU vs. Miss. State

Samford vs. ETSU

7 |September 20, 2021 | The Samford Crimson

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Bulldogs returning home to play battle-tested ETSU on Saturday

By Carson Sports Editor

Caulfield

Samford Football’s Montrell Washington

Southern Conference football returns to Seibert Stadium as the Samford Bulldogs are set to face the ETSU Owls on Saturday.

Both teams have started the season red hot, and this game has the potential to be an all-time classic in Seibert Stadium.

The Samford Bulldogs are led by quarterback Liam Welch. After four years as a backup, Welch is one of the SoCon’s top talents and is competing for a Walter Peyton Award.

Prior to last weekend’s game, Welch was leading the conference in passing yards (587) and touchdowns (5). Look for Welch to lead the Bulldogs in the fight for their biggest win yet.

Samford’s defense saw significant improvement last season under

new defensive coordinator Nick Benedetto. His 2021 unit, which is ranked fifth in the conference for yards. allowed per game, is highlighted by ball-hawking defensive backs that recorded four interceptions in the first two games. This experienced DB squad will have to be the difference makers against a very talented ETSU offense.

ETSU pulled off a massive upset in week one against Vanderbilt. Not only did the Owls win, they also dominated 23-3. Though Vanderbilt might not be the best in the SEC, the game’s outcome was shocking and put the team in serious consideration for a SoCon title.

Last season, the Owls defeated

the Bulldogs in a tight 24-17 road loss. Samford’s 17 points were the fewest points scored all season.

Given the battle-tested defensive and uber-talented offensive units of ETSU, it is safe to say that this could be Samford’s toughest SoCon opponent this year.

Regardless of the Owl’s pedigree, it will be a great test of the Bulldogs’ hope for a SoCon title.

The Samford vs. ETSU game will be played this Saturday at 2 p.m. in Birmingham and will be broadcast on ESPN+.

NOTE: This article was written prior to the Samford vs WCU game on Sept. 16. A full recap can be found on the Samford Crimson website.

Samford Volleyball struggles in formidable pre-conference schedule

By Davis Domescik Staff Sports Writer

The Samford volleyball team is nearing the end of its pre-conference schedule, which has not been an easy month in the slightest. The Bulldogs are currently 1-8 on the season, with their only win coming against UT Martin in the Western Kentucky Invitational.

Bulldog fans should take this mediocre start with a grain of salt, though. None of the nine games played were in-conference, and consisted of some incredibly talented Power 5 teams, including Clemson, Florida State, Ole Miss and LSU. Still, the Bulldogs have repeatedly lost by multiple sets. Out of Samford’s eight losses, six of them have been 3-0 shutouts. In the other two, the Bulldogs only managed to claim one set. A possible cause

of their lackluster start could be experience. There are only two true seniors on the roster, Briana Holmes and Lauren Deaton.

However, that does not mean this Bulldogs roster lacks talent.

Kenya McQuirter and Kayla Keshock are two Bulldogs who have emerged as offensive leaders of this team. McQuirter has 112 kills, which is 40 more than the next best player, and Keshock leads the team with 277 assists.

And who could forget about Lauren Deaton, the senior outside hitter from Memphis, Tennessee?

Deaton won the SoCon Player of the Year Award last year, recording an astounding 297 kills. She will have another chance to lead her Bulldogs to a SoCon title, and be the centerpiece in turning this young season around.

The Bulldogs are led by head coach Keylor Chan in his sixth season at Samford. The Bulldogs have captured five SoCon championships in Chan’s six seasons, and with stars like Kenya McQuirter, Kayla Keshock and Lauren Deaton returning, the dynasty is in good hands.

Though the Samford volleyball team has not had an ideal beginning to its season, there is plenty of time to turn it around. With the core that this volleyball team has, there are hopefully better days on the horizon.

The Bulldogs will begin the 2021 SoCon schedule at home this Friday against Wofford. The game will be played at 7 p.m. in the Pete Hana center. The game will also be broadcast on ESPN+.

Lauren Deaton from Samford Volleyball

8 | September 20, 2021 | The Samford Crimson

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ARTS AND LIFE

Buxley the Bulldog charms all of campus

By Sophie Higby Contributing Writer

In 1916, the Samford University student body voted and declared the “Crimson Bulldog” as the official university mascot. Over the years, the bulldog has become one of Samford’s most recognizable symbols despite undergoing various updates. The most recent in 2016 with the unveiling of the university’s ​​new bulldog spirit mark.

More recently, another bulldog has been making a name for himself on campus. Over the past few weeks, Buxley, a four-month-old English Bulldog, has become a household name at Samford. Buxley may only weigh in at a mere 18 pounds but he has quickly become the biggest man on campus.

On June 23, 2021 Buxley’s owner, Bill Kugelberg, whose daughter, Maribella, is a sophomore at Samford, shared Buxley’s first post on Instagram. Over the next month, Buxley’s Instagram account received some attention but quickly grew after Buxley’s first trip to Samford’s campus on Aug. 2.

“We knew that we wanted to bring him around campus… We just love the campus, everyone is so friendly,” Kugelberg said.

Since Buxley’s first visit, he has returned frequently and has been quoted as loving to come to Samford.

Maribella started running Buxley’s Instagram page and posting for fun, expecting only family and close friends to follow.

“I didn’t expect strangers to follow him,” Bill Kugelberg continued, “I think what started it was student’s reactions when they would see him.”

The account now has over 1,500

followers, and students swarm to see Buxley and take a picture with him when he’s spotted on campus.

“We love that so many people like him and look for him. Students will say, ‘I miss my dog so much thanks for bringing him here,’” Kugelberg said.

Buxley’s presence brings students together from across campus.

“Buxley has the ability to bring a smile to every student’s face at Samford, and that’s why I love him.

No matter what walk of life or what area of campus students are involved in, there is an immediate connection to this sweet little bulldog, so it kind of brings everyone together,” junior Sophia Tuttlebee said. “Buxley is the mascot no one knew we needed, but everyone can agree we love.”

Though Buxley is likely not concerned about any potential titles, Kugelberg noticed how much Buxley loves Samford’s official mascot, and how much students love Buxley.

“My thought was that he could be like the school’s unofficial mascot,” Kugelberg said.

Many students have themselves helped declare Buxley as Samford’s “unofficial mascot.” However, according to Kugelberg, Buxley has a meeting this week with Samford’s Vice President of Marketing, Betsy Bugg Holloway, reportedly to discuss his current and future role at the school.

Samford has not had a live mascot for over a decade and students are hopeful Buxley can fill that position.

Regardless, Buxley will continue to visit Samford, and can mainly be found meeting students in the U.C. For more updates, follow Buxley on Instagram @buxleythebulldog or Twitter @BuxleyBulldog.

Buxley cuddles with his bulldog best friend.

Photo courtesy of Bill Kugelberg

9 | September 20, 2021 | The Samford Crimson

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Art season launches with Faculty Gala

Professors perform piece by Monteverdi.

By Mackenzee Simms Arts and Life Editor

On Tuesday Sept. 14, Brock Recital Hall rolled out the red carpet as Samford professors christened the stage for the 2021-22 School of the Arts season with the annual Patty McDonald Faculty Gala.

Ashley Smith, the Marketing and Communication Manager for

Mackenzee Simms | The Samford Crimson

the School of the Arts, explained the role of the Faculty Gala is to serve as the opening event for the art season.

“It’s traditionally been the opening of the events featured on our calendar,” Smith said. “It usually invites students to attend, faculty, faculty families, outside guests, and individuals from across the Samford campus. It’s meant to launch our

season,” Smith said.

From the works of Monteverdi to the compositions of Samford’s own Steven and Amanda Potaczek, this special night featured 18 performers collaborating on a total of 8 pieces.

Each performance was submitted by different department members to showcase their current passions.

Interim Chair of the Division of Music Cindy St. Clair discussed the decision making process for the performers.

“We just wanted our faculty to put forth something that they feel comfortable with that just says a little bit about what they’re working on right now,” St. Clair said.

This resulted in a variety of performances such as the Samford String Quartet’s rendition of a classic Haydn piece and a multimedia experience crafted by professor Joel S. Davis.

The Faculty Gala is unique because it showcases the talents and abilities of the Samford staff, and

offers the opportunity for music students to witness their professors performing together.

St. Clair shared how exhilarating it is to perform alongside her peers and especially in front of her students.

“Oh, it’s so much fun. You want to show them that we’re performers too; we’re not just teachers in the classroom,” St. Clair said. “There’s pride that you have with your students, but there’s also pride that they have for you as well.”

St. Clair hopes that people left the event with a renewed sense of creativity and mindfulness.

“I think with COVID people are just really hungry to get back to music. I hope that something in this program touched them to their core and their heart or made them feel good and took them away,” St. Clair said.

For more information about the School of the Arts and their upcoming events, visit samford.edu/arts/

‘Matter and Spirit’ on display in gallery

By Connor Loyd Staff Writer

“Matter and Spirit,” a travelling art exhibit, is currently on display in the Swearingen Hall Art Gallery at Samford, having arrived earlier this month. Curated by professor Rachel Hostetter Smith at Taylor University, “Matter and Spirit” is the third show of its kind sponsored by the Nagel Institute.

The international art project began by bringing together 10 artists each from the U.S. and China.

During the summer of 2018, the group met in China and spent almost three weeks there, during which time they learned about the arts in their respective countries,

discussed faith, education, and art, went to galleries, museums, temples and churches, and learned about and from one another. The artwork in the multi-medium exhibit was made in response to this immersive experience, with each piece of artwork taking a different approach to exploring the themes of being an artist and a Christian in increasingly secular societies.

Assistant Professor and Gallery Coordinator Lauren Evans, who also serves as the Gallery Coor described the exhibit’s initial arrival and installation process. The exhibit first arrived at Samford packed inside numerous crates filled with the artwork from the show. So many, in

‘Mater and Spirit’ is a traveling multimedia art exhibit. Connor Loyd| The Samford Crimson

fact, that not all the work would be able to fit inside the gallery. Curators first had to select which works would be included, a tough process, they said, given the quality of all

the artwork. After deciding on what works would be displayed, Evans set to work moving it all into the gallery with two fellow members of

See Art Gallery on 11

10 | September 20, 2021 | The Samford Crimson

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Bon Voyage, Bulldogs!

Samford students return to studying abroad

On her first Saturday in Paris, Ferris had a picinic under the Effiel Tower.

By Mackenzee Simms Arts and Life Editor

In the spring of 2020, study abroad student Mia Farris frantically packed her bags and booked an emergency flight home from Grenoble, France as she was amoung dozens of Samford students were ordered to return to the United States in the face of the daunting novel coronavirus.

“We didn’t know what was going on,” Farris said. “It was very stressful and frightening. I think I’ve mentally blocked it out of mind.”

Those days marked the beginning of an uncertain and unprecedented year for the Global engagement office.

Assistant Director of Global Engagement Jill Fisse shared the effects of COVID-19 evacuation.

“Of course, we were disappointed, and the students were disappointed,” Fisse said. “We not only had students in London, but we also had students in France, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. However, we were able

to work with the returning students to ensure continuity of the academic portions of their programs.”

Many study abroad programs were cancelled, but Fisse explained how the Office of Global Engagement used the time to improve all future study abroad experiences. These improvements include cheaper application fees, the new Go Farther Grant for students, and an improved system for faculty to submit international course proposals.

“Not sending students abroad afforded us the time to review our processes and procedures with a critical lens,” Fisse said. “We really want to improve accessibility to study abroad, ensuring that any student who wants the opportunity to study abroad can do so.”

Now, a year and an a half later, Samford has once again launched students across the world. Mia Farris never thought that she would get a second chance to study in France.

Photo coutesy of Mia Farris

This time around she is in Paris, and is one of 19 students currently abroad.

“I’m still awestruck that I’m even here,” Farris gushed. “Living somewhere with so much rich history and culture is amazing. I’m still in that honeymoon phase where everything is amazing and exciting.”

When Farris was originally approved to go abroad for the second time, the memory of being sent home last year weighed heavy on her mind.

But as she approached her departure date, things began to change.

“When it got really close leading up, I started thinking about where I was interning and looking into my classes, and looking everything up on Google Maps at the street view and getting really excited. It took me a while to feel the excitement to be going, but once that set in, I could not wait,” Farris said.

Farris is interning for a fashion designer at her Parisian shop in Galerie Vivienne. Here, Farris practices

her French as she runs errands, attaches tags to shirts and steams dresses, but over time, she will gain more responsibilities.

Although she’s able to study abroad, COVID-19 still impacts her experience. As an American, Farris carries her CDC vaccination card with her everywhere she goes, and is required to show it whenever she wants to enter public venues. Parisians, on the other hand, have a QR code on their phone that indicates their vaccination status. Farris experienced a stressful moment when rumors began circulating that France would no longer accept physical CDC cards and scrambled to get a QR code issued to her.

“Thankfully, my QR card came in by email and I haven’t had any problems doing that. But basically if you don’t have that QR code and your vaccination, it’s kind of hard to do anything,” Farris said.

Farris isn’t the only student coping with new protocols while abroad.

At the Daniel House in London, students are subject to bilateral flow testing twice a week and weekend travel is restricted to countries on the “Green List” in accordance with UK guidance.

In addition, all students are required to receive a vaccination to ensure the safest experience possible.

Despite the changes due to COVID-19, the Global Engagement office is confident that students will have an enjoyable study abroad experience.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been so excited to send students as I was this fall! It’s been so great hearing from them about the amazing experiences they are having,” Fisse said.

For more information, students can visit abroad.samford.edu or the Samford Abroad Fair in Ben Brown on Sept. 24 from 11am-2pm.

11 | September 20, 2021 | The Samford Crimson

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NPHC hosts Greek Speak event

Moriah Mason | The Samford Crimson

By Moriah Mason Staff Writer

On Thursday, Sept. 16, from 6-7 pm, the National Pan-Hellenic Council or NPHC held its Fall Greek Speak Event.

Nationally, NPHC is composed of nine historically black sororities and fraternities, otherwise known as the Divine Nine.

Every semester, NPHC Greek Speak is held on Samford’s campus, where interested students can get more information about different NPHC sororities and fraternities.

Phired Up Director of Growth-Cultural Based Fraternal Organizations Tenea McGhee began the event by discussing the significance of NPHC organizations.

Then, representatives from Delta Sigma Theta, Alpha Kappa Alpha and Alpha Phi Alpha shared information on how to join their organizations, updates on past activities, and details about future plans.

There were many students at the event, including sophomore history major Mikiah Dumas.

“I really enjoyed NPHC Greek Speak. It was nice to see everyone dressed up professionally and it felt like a welcoming atmosphere. I was able to learn a lot and everyone I talked to was friendly and more than willing to help me,” Dumas said.

Alpha Kappa Alpha President Ambria Underwood and President of NPHC for Delta Sigma Theta Kylar Pettway discussed how having an NPHC chapter at Samford has impacted their college experience.

“As a black student at a predominantly white institution, I love hav-

ing NPHC represented! It makes me proud to know that my sorority is being represented in a space where some may not know we exist,” Underwood said.

“I love that NPHC organizations are present on campus! I believe that these organizations remind us of how far we have come in terms of race relations. They are a part of Black history in the United States and I am glad we get to share this part of our culture with the campus community,” Pettaway said.

While Underwood and Pettaway are glad to have an NPHC chapter at Samford, Underwood went on to elaborate on how there is still growth that needs to happen for NPHC. “I look forward to seeing NPHC grow during my time here on campus because although we are represented, we still do not have all of the fraternities and sororities that fall under the NPHC organization,” Underwood said.

Students interested in joining an NPHC organization at Samford, visit samford.edu/greeklife/recruitment.

Art Gallery from 9 -Samford’s Department of Art and Design: Scott Fisk, professor and Chair, who was also one of the featured artists selected for the project, and Natalie Harrison, the Program Coordinator and Instructor who “helped keep everything rolling” as they installed the exhibit over this summer.

Having the Matter and Spirit exhibit “feels huge to us,” Evans said.

Not surprising, since the travelling exhibition has been making its way all across the U.S. throughout its tour. Samford is the sixth spot on the exhibition schedule, with plans to visit a slew of other places before eventually finishing its four-year tour in 2023.

The exhibit will be up through Oct. 7, and students are welcomed to come by and see it for free at the Art Gallery in Swearingen Hall. For more about the Matter and Spirit exhibit, visit the Samford Crimson website to read about Professor Fisk, one of the

Feature Column: New year, new Samford Crimson

By Katy Beth Boyers Editor In Chief

A few weeks ago, I started working on ideas for what would become the paper that is in the hands of students, faculty and staff as well as sitting on newsstands across campus.

For those who aren’t familiar with The Samford Crimson and the history behind it, this is a student-run newspaper for the Samford community that covers a variety of topics and events across campus and in Birmingham. Since 1915 and up until last year, The Samford Crimson, originally named The Howard Crimson, published every week. This paper has not only become the hub for all things Samford, but it has also become a historical publication that chronicled the

story of Samford spanning decades.

From covering the growth of Howard College into Samford University, to reporting on the recent COVID-19 pandemic, this newspaper has been through it all.

Last year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we could not create a print edition of the Samford Crimson and, like all students and faculty, had to adapt and adjust our schedules and how we conducted our weekly meetings, interviewed people and created content for our website. This was one of the few times in The Samford Crimson’s history that there was no print edition available.

Over the summer, we started looking into bringing back the print edition and along the way decided to

change the overall look of the paper.

Instead of the normal broadsheet style that people have become accustomed to, we went with a tabloid, or square-shaped, style to make it easier for students and faculty to grab and walk to class with it, put in their bag or read it while eating in the Caf. While this print edition may look different, it still has that Samford Crimson look that everyone can recognize.

So, here we are with a new look and a new staff. Let me take a moment to talk about this year’s Samford Crimson staff. This staff is a group of passionate, creative student journalists that have taken on the job of recreating this newspaper head-on both in writing and in layout design. We all have worked late nights writing sto-

ries, attending events and designing these pages so that our readers will have an enjoyable experience.

As I enter my senior year at Samford University and my second year as editor-in-chief of the Samford Crimson, I am excited for what’s to come and ready to learn and prepare myself for becoming a professional journalist.

The Samford Crimson staff is proud to introduce the new Samford Crimson print edition, which will hit newsstands on Mondays, along with additional stories and content available to view on our website. Be sure to also check out the back of the page for fun word search games, crossword puzzles and a look at events happening on campus this week.

The Samford Crimson Word Search G A A L N H P C H Z A N Y E N RWC B O Z U R V X S C L H C E I L Y P L E R G X I Z P P B

S F L M I A B Q A V F B U L OUMN I WE P M A F E WQ F A E R O L J HG YWT R J L E I DO E D M J L R D R T F F M L R P K A F E T E R I HMC F H N Y X G I U D K I Z I D B V H Z F OO T B A L M T Z E B BM

R L V O L L E Y B A L L C L G

O A D DOG P G C MB Q P O C AWL R D A I E S S N S QO S S L F T B I M T Z F U E H L O

V V V U P I A N O O K O C X J

Panhellenic

volleyball

football

Samford

homework

quartet

worship

bulldog

Buxley

cafeteria

abroad

Bowden

class

Paris

piano

The Samford Crimson 800 Lakeshore Drive Birmingham, Alabama 35229 crimson@samford.edu www.thesamfordcrimson.com @TheSamfordCrimson

Staff Editor-In-Chief Katy Beth Boyers News Editor Sofia Paglioni Sports Editor Carson Caulfield Arts & Life Editor Mackenzee Simms Senior Staff Writer

Moriah Mason

Staff Writers Rebekah Crozier Haley Sue Harbison Kate Young Connor Loyd Davis Domescik Adviser Ana Good arodrig2@samford.edu Business Manager Karen Ryan kryan3@samford.edu The Samford Crimson is the weekly student-run newspaper at Samford University provided for free to students and faculty. Submissions are accepted via mail or email and must be made one week prior to print date. Submissions may be editited for clairty and brevity. The Samford Crimson has the right to refuse to print a submission for any reason.

Copyright © 2020 The Samford Crimson

Follow Us fb.com/Samford.Crimson

@SamfordCrimson @TheSamfordCrimson

Events of the Week Send us your events: crimson@samford.edu

Sept 20

Sept 21

Women-led Worship Night 7 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Hodges Chapel

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®

Women’s Golf vs. UBA Fall Invite TBD. Hoover, Ala.

Campus Worship 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Wright Center

Sept 22

Sept 23

Thursday Convocation Center foratWomen in Build your own custom worksheet education.com/worksheet-generator 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Ministory Lunch Work© 2007 - 2021 Education.comReid Chapel Latino Student shop: Salary Negotiation Organization 12:20 p.m. - 1:20 p.m.

Meeting and Salsa Dance Divinity Hall N-101 Night Global Voices: 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Apostolic Harry’s, UC Imagination 12:05 p.m. - 1:05 p.m.

Mary Louise Hodges FacDivinity Hall N-101 ulty Series: Brian Viliunas, Clarinet 7:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Sept 24 A Capella Choir Choral Vespers 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Hodges Chapel Women’s Soccer vs. VMI 6 p.m.

Birmingham, Ala. Women’s Volleyball vs.

Wofford 7 p.m.

Birmingham, Ala.