2012_05_01

The

S TUDENT P RINTZ www.studentprintz.com

SERVING SOUTHERN MISS SINCE 1927

May 1, 2012

ON CAMPUS

Saunders steps down as president Mary Margaret Halford Executive Editor In a closed press conference that lasted just 10 minutes last Friday, Martha Saunders stood in the Aubrey K. Lucas Administration Building and announced her resignation as president of the University of Southern Mississippi effective June 30. She is planning to return to the classroom as a faculty member on the Gulf Coast campus this fall.

“After five of the most professionally enriching years of my career, I have decided to step down as president of The University of Southern Mississippi for personal reasons,” Saunders said. “It has

been an honor to serve with you as we, together, have moved our beloved university forward to great heights with record enrollments, increased private giving and exciting new building projects. I believe I am leaving Southern Miss better than I found it, and look forward to being a part of its future as a member of the faculty.”

Saunders stood before members of the media and a few Southern Miss officials, including vice president for student affairs Joe Paul and interim athletic director Jeff Hammond as she announced her decision to step down.

Flanked by Ed Blakeslee, president of the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, and Hank Bounds, Commis-

sioner of Higher Education, Saunders spoke for less than 30 seconds about her resignation before opening the conference to questions.

Blakeslee expressed his gratitude to Saunders for her time at Southern Miss “The future is bright because Dr. Saunders put together innovative and inclusive strategy for the future, and this university is in good hands,” he said.

Bounds echoed Blakeslee’s gratitude saying, “Being a university president is a difficult job; it’s 24/7, you’re never off the clock. During the five years she’s been here we’ve seen great improvements.”

See SAUNDERS, 4

Mary Alice Truitt/Printz

Volume 96 Issue 57

ON CAMPUS

USM reacts to Saunders leaving Mary Margaret Halford Executive Editor

When Martha Saunders announced her resignation as president of the University of Southern Mississippi Friday morning, it was met with varied reactions from students, faculty and alumni.

Tim Wells, a junior from Hurley, Miss., questioned the timing of her decision to step down.

“I think it is upsetting that Saunders will be leaving us, especially with how much this university has gone through this year,” Wells said.

“This university has made great strides under her administration.”

A few of those strides Wells referred to are the same accomplishments Saunders listed in her press conference Friday. She named record enrollment, fundraising and incoming freshmen, and she pointed out that Southern Miss has been recruiting more academically talented students.

“We even turned the budget in the worst economic situation in a century,” Saunders said Friday.

“And we did it together.”

Vice President for Student Affairs Joe Paul agreed with Saunders, saying that he appreciates the good she has done for the university.

“I respect her decision tremendously,” Paul said. “The job is so incredibly stressful beyond comprehension, and she’s leaving Southern Miss better than she found it.”

Wells shared Paul’s optimism, but with a few reservations.

“This may be a down time for Southern Miss, but it won’t last long,” Wells said. “Her timing is bad, especially after losing an athletic director and two head coaches. She just got her contract renewed last year by IHL and now this. It just doesn’t add up to me.”

Students and faculty were not the only ones affected by Saunders’ abrupt announcement, however. Southern Miss alumni across the country found themselves asking questions about the situation.

“I think stunned and confused would be my most appropriate words for the situation,” said David Hosemann, a 1978 USM graduate from Vicksburg, Miss. “I’m interested in my university, and I want a place that’s stable.”

Hosemann, like many others, pointed out the good things Saunders has done for the school but said things don’t seem to add up.

“You hear all these nice things happening at Southern Miss, like record enrollment and then wonder why this happened,” Hosemann said. “As an alum it is just confusing, and we’re all wondering what is going on at the university as a whole.”

The discussion about the time line for naming an interim, and eventually a permanent president will begin at the Institutions of Higher Learning meeting May 7.

Paul said that no one has been named yet.

“I have not been contacted about that position, and I have full faith and confidence in the commissioner of IHL in getting us a great interim president,” Paul said.

“It is often best in these circumstances that the interim be someone who is not a current part of the administration.”

Paul urged everyone to keep moving, and he noted that the university is still in good shape.

“I would encourage everybody to hold hands and keep moving,” Paul said. “This is not a time to panic, but to build on the great legacy that she (Saunders) is leaving us, and we can take it to the top.”

USM president Martha Saunders stands with Ed Blakeslee and Hank Bounds as she announces her resignation Friday morning.

SUBCULTURES

DANCE CONCERT

WEATHER

SOFTBALL

Tuesday

89/63

Wednesday

84/67 Thursday

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INDEX

Calendar ........................ 2 News .............................. 3 Feature ...........................5 Arts & Entertainment......7 Opinion ...........................8 Sports...............................9

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News

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Student Printz, Page 3

ON CAMPUS

Tuition increase probable after May meeting Tyler Hill Printz Writer The state College Board for Mississippi is prepared to make a final vote for tuition increases on Monday. The board approved preliminary requests for a tuition hike on April 19 and will vote on the increases for the next two years at its board meeting on May 7.

The request, which is expected to pass, means that Mississippi’s eight public universities will face increased tuition costs this fall. If approved, the chang-

es will be implemented July 1 at the beginning the new 2013 fiscal year.

Each university requested a certain increase percentage at the time of the preliminary request. The University of Southern Mississippi requested a 6.9 percent increase for the 201213 and 2013-14 school years.

However, the final percentages won’t be finalized until the final legislative budget is released.

If the request passes, the possible tuition rate will go from $5,814 this year to approximately $6,215 in 2012-13 and to $6,645 in 2013-14, which is over $800 more in two years.

“

increases, and Southern Miss ...the possible tuition will see average room and rate will go from $5,814 board expenses this year to approximately hover around $7,500 by the $6,215 in 2012-13 and 2014-15 aca$6,645 in 2013-14. demic year.

Earlier this The University of month, HighSouthern Miss. er Education Commissioner Hank Bounds Despite the staggering tuition was quoted by rates, the College Board also the Hattiesburg American, and approved another monetary he said that tuition increases increase. The board gave final can be pinpointed to “the diapproval to meal and housing minishing returns of a stagnat-

”

ing state appropriation.”

“Tuition increases have not maintained status quo over time,” Bounds said.

As mentioned earlier, these figures aren’t final, and the increase could be more significant. If state appropriations are reduced, then the eight universities will see an even greater increase, and the hike at Southern Miss could be as high as 9 percent.

College board members have stated that increases are necessary to offset reduction in funds. If the requests passes on May 7, it would make 15 tuition hikes in a 16-year period.

local Justin Sellers/Printz

$5

University of Southern Mississippi graduate Jay van Orsdol holds his young son Ignatius at the BBQ, Blues & Beer fundraiser at Keg & Barrel Sunday afternoon. Van Orsdol was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoa earlier this year, and without insurance his treatment costs are astronomical. To help his family with medical bills, Keg & Barrel cooked up pulled pork and brisket, potato salad and baked beans and served beer on tap in the parking lot. Plates cost $12, and raffle tickets for various local items were sold for $1. At the end of the event, nearly $11,000 was raised for van Orsdol and his family.

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News

Page 4, Student Printz

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

ON CAMPUS

Fraternity hosts annual Chili Cook-Off Arielle Edwards Printz Writer The Mississippi Gamma chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon hosted their annual Chili Cook-Off Saturday in The District at the University of Southern Mississippi. The cook-off is a community event in which teams from both Greek organizations and other campus organizations as well as community members come together to compete to have the winning chili dish.

John Barr, president of SigEp, said this philanthropy is an exciting event for the men of the fraternity.

“Proceeds from the event benefit YouthAIDS,” Barr said.

YouthAIDS is an HIV/AIDS fund-raising and awareness campaign targeting young people ages 15-24. The campaign began in 2001 with a small group of partners who were taking a chance to make a difference.

“This year we had a total of 16 teams competing, with eight Greek teams and eight community teams,” Barr said.

Chili entries ranged from extra hot to sweet with a dash of cinnamon. There was even a crawfish chili entry.

This year’s cook-off brought a diverse and delicious group of chili entries that definitely pleased the crowd’s appetites. It also continued the tradition of having a jalapeno eating competition, which had five competitors.

“Watching them devour as many peppers as possible in two minutes was quite entertaining for the crowd,” Barr said. “The winner of the competition ate three habanero peppers, which put him in the lead.”

The event also featured live music by various local artists, including John Causey and SigEp member Gary Stanton.

“Having the music to accompany the event really tied everything together and made it a wonderful experience,” Barr said.

Attractions such as a dunking booth, snow-cone stand, and silent auctions and raffles were also at the event.

The winners of this years competitions were the Beta Sigma chapter of Kappa Delta sorority for the Greek competition and Mortgage Connection for the other organiza-

tions. Bayou DeRe’ LaRouge also won the most original chili with their crawfish chili entry that crawfish sprinkled on top.

SigEp also started the Chili Queen competition in which sororities bid to win the title.

This year, the Alpha Omicron chapter of Phi Mu sorority won, and Tatianna Mondaini was crowned Chili Queen.

Other people who competed in the cook-off were Pi Beta Phi, Pi Kappa Phi, Chi Omega, Alpha Delta Pi, Delta Delta Delta Delta, Delta Tau Delta and Sigma Nu.

USM receives “green college” recognition The University of Southern Mississippi recently received a “green college” designation from the Princeton Review, alongside the University of Mississippi.

The Princeton Review’s annual guide reviews 322 secondary education institutions in

the United States and Canada that demonstrate dedication to sustaining academics, campus infrastructure, activities and career preparation.

The Princeton Review chose the schools based on a survey conducted in 2011 based on hundreds of colleges in the

U.S. and Canada in order to configure its annual “green rating” scores.

The survey asked school administrators over 50 questions about their institution’s sustainability, specifically, related policies, practices and programs. The green ratings for

768 institutions were counted last year.

Overall, 322 schools were recognized in the guide, receiving scores of 83 or above in the assessment.

Courtesy photo

Haley McMinn

saunders, from 1 After Blakeslee and Bonds spoke, Saunders answered questions, including some about the timing of her decision.

“It just seemed to be the right time for me,” Saunders said.

“I’m not easily persuaded once I make up my mind.”

With two other major positions to fill on campus - a basketball coach and athletic director - some questioned whether Saunders’ decision to step down was related to a struggle to fill those positions.

“Not everything is about athletics,” Saunders answered again.

“This was my decision alone.”

Since former athletic director Richard Giannini retired in December, Saunders has faced a struggle to fill the position.

Southern Miss graduate Jeff Hammond has been serving as interim athletic director since then, which has drawn both strong support and opposition from the Golden Eagle community.

When Saunders was asked whether her resignation was in relation to her support for Hammond, she again answered, “Not everything is about athletics.”

Tim Rehner, president of the faculty senate at Southern Miss, expressed his frustration at Saunders’s decision and questioned where the decision came from.

“I am extremely disappointed, and I’m angry that this has

come out like this,” Rehner said.

“I don’t know the reasons, but it’s not the right time for this to happen. I’m not sure what’s going on, but I think it’s a bad time for the university.”

Saunders has been president of USM since 2007, when she came from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, where she served as its first-ever female chancellor. She is a graduate of Southern Miss and a native of Hattiesburg.

The IHL Board of Trustees will begin the search process for a new president immediately, and the time line for the search will be discussed at the Board’s meeting in May. Saunders said she has enjoyed her time at Southern Miss and highlighted some of her achievements, including record enrollment and fund-raising.

“When I came here five years ago, the campus was really hurting. It was damaged from a hurricane, several years of tensions, and I came here and I promised to do three things,” Saunders said. “I said I would build trust, a team and a campus. We’ve all worked really, really hard, and we made it.”

“You never know when to leave,” Saunders said. “For me, I think the time is now.”

Feature

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

PROFILE

Student Printz, Page 5

An abnormal and paranormal life Hayley Bush Printz Writer A white wicker porch swing on Mobile Bay is where it all began.

Cecilia Harrison would sit with her four-year-old granddaughter Kaitlyn Mount as they dissected Kaitlyn’s horoscope.

They went to Mass each morning at The Cathedral of The Immaculate Conception, which was usually followed by reading tarot cards.

Mimi, as Mount called her grandmother, had a very exhilarating and somewhat abnormal way of life that she passed on to her beloved granddaughter.

Mount, now a senior at the University of Southern Mississippi, lives a relatively normal life, at least on the surface. She is a social work major and a member of Delta Gamma sorority, but below the surface, Mount carries out Mimi’s ways of life.

As a child, Mount lived with Mimi from the time she was three until she was six years old. Mimi liked to discuss such things as aliens, psychics and ghosts with Mount, and she felt that her granddaughter had a gift. It came as no surprise that Mount had a bit of a different mindset than the other kids in kindergarten at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School.

“In kindergarten, I was convinced I was not a real person and I was just a TV show for the aliens to watch,” Mount said.

Along with her early introduction to the paranormal world, Mount had a vivid and colorful imagination. In second grade, when asked to write what heaven would be like, Mount said heaven was hammocks, mini-golf and ice cream cones.

Mimi, a devout Catholic raised by nuns, assured Mount that there was nothing wrong with exploring the world of aliens, psychics and the paranormal. In fact, she believed that psychic senses were a gift from God, as long as they were used correctly.

“Mimi always told me that as long as you don’t let these things become the center of your life then there is nothing wrong with it,” Mount said.

Mount’s great-great-greatgrandmother was a practicing psychic, and Mimi said the gift runs in the family. “‘Psychics have little feet,’ is what Mimi always told me,” Mount said.

“And I wear a size six shoe.”

Mount’s inquisitive nature has only grown since she came to college, and she spends most of her free time doing research on the subjects that fascinate her.

“Kaitlyn is always researching conspiracy theories, ghosts, and anything else you could think of,” said Eileen Dominguez, a friend and sorority sister of Mount. “She’s definitely an interesting person at Southern Miss, and I don’t think there’s anyone at this school like her.”

During winter break of her sophomore year, Mount created a journal called her “ghost notebook.” In the notebook were stories and theories about the ghosts she researched.

When she returned to school for spring semester, the notebook went missing. Mount feels that was not a coincidence.

Mount’s most recent endeavor with her fascination was applying for Hub City Paranormal, Hattiesburg’s local paranormal society. She applied to be a historian or a ghost hunter, but the

Justin Sellers/Printz

Above and Below: Senior social work major Kaitlyn Mount spends time researching paranormal activity, while maintaining her life as a student at USM.

society has yet to respond.

Lesley Brumfield, a senior sociology major, lived with Mount for a year in the Delta Gamma house. She said Mount “was always researching something about the paranormal, and we watched hours of ghosthunting shows.”

“I think she is certainly connected to the world of the supernatural/ psychics/weird in some way because there is no way anyone should love this stuff this much,” Brumfield said.

“She had weird dreams you couldn’t make up if you tried, and she had to sleep with her glow-in-the-dark rosary to feel safe.”

Mount plans to work as a social worker when she graduates next week, but who knows what the future holds for her? Maybe she secretly does.

Feature

Page 6, Student Printz

state

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Student documents Miss. subcultures Rachel Beech Printz Writer “If you wanna talk beauty, if you wanna talk revolution, if you wanna talk change, you look at Mississippi. Look at how far we’ve come.” – Vincent Jude Chaney Vincent Jude Chaney has been a resident of Mississippi for the past ten years. The quirky, slender junior philosophy and religion double major decided to start on his senior thesis a bit earlier than most students.

Chaney can be seen clinking around campus on his cruiser bike with a peculiar, uncertain look on his face with a backpack in tow.

The natural-born free thinker has been mulling over the idea of making a real change in the state of Mississippi over the past three years. He’s figured out just how to do it, and Bill Maher, Alexandria Pelosi and honors research forum are to thank.

A popular Internet video produced by HBO documentary filmmaker Alexandria Pelosi and Bill Maher sparked outrage amongst Mississippi folk high and low. The YouTube video currently has about 55,000 views. It was released in March.

Maher and Pelosi went from town to town interrogating some of the state’s most uneducated, closed-minded individuals. Many have suggested the directors cherry-picked those interviewed.

The people interviewed in the video were predominantly white males.

One man bashed President Obama, calling him a “half-breed.”

Another dubbed him as “Muslim.”

Chaney has been inventing and reinventing ideas for a

Justin Sellers/Printz

Southern Miss junior philosophy and religion double major Vincent Jude Chaney is currently working a documentary titled SubSippi, which explores the subcultures and stereotypes present in the state of Mississippi.

documentary of his own that explains how Mississippi is misrepresented for a while now, but Pelosi and Maher’s video is icing on the cake.

“The mind sets of people in Maher’s and Pelosi’s video does exist in Mississippi, there’s no denying that, but that small group of people do not, in any way, reflect Mississippi collectively,”

Chaney said. “There’s been so much discontent with people who are so relieved to leave the state, and people are so quick to judge what’s in the state.”

The burning question is this what can be done to prove that the media constantly misrepresents Mississippi.

Mississippi is thriving with tiny subcultures (hence, the

name of the documentary) that many don’t have a an inkling of knowledge about, and to fix this, Chaney calls on viewers to capitalize on this and explore different ideas and ways of life.

“This film will be a collaboration of every voice present within the state from young to old,” Chaney said. “I want to hear what people feel about Missis-

sippi and find out what it means to be a Mississippian.”

Chaney points out that Socrates is written to have said, “There is only one good, knowledge, and one evil, ignorance.” The objective of the film is to aide in educating towards knowledge and the removal of ignorance on both parties, residents and nonresidents alike.

SubSippi will be filmed in August and September and edited the remainder of 2012. Funds raised from the film will be used primarily for gas.

The poignant sect of SubSippi’s Kickstarter video is when Chaney explains the significance of the documentary.

SubSippi will be filmed in the months of August and September and edited during remainder of 2012. The funds raised from this film will be used primarily for gas.

The poignant sect of SubSippi’s Kickstarter video is when Chaney explains the significance of the documentary.

“Mississippi is currently at a pivotal moment in history, a time where we can freely express ourselves and accept the diversity around us,” Chaney said. “It’s for this reason, due to this beautiful opportunity, that SubSippi is being made.”

Chaney said the difficulty Mississippians face is the space between locations, hence, the reason why it’s so hard for people to hear about Mississippi’s advancements in globalization, the Internet and social media.

He plans to reach out to the general public via social media, Internet and word of mouth.

“We launched a Kickstarter page about four days ago,” Chaney said. “So far we’ve raised about $925. It’s already Kickstarter’s video of the week.

I think we’re going to exceed our goal amount of $3,000 by our goal date, June 25.”

Chaney explained that SubSippi will do more than help residents have a sense of pride, but it will help people outside the state not be so quick to judge.

His main focus is to provide an honest, well-rounded account of what lies beneath Mississippi’s stereotypes due to its violent past.

“One thing that is fundamental for change to occur is for people to have resources so they will know there are thriving subcultures—Buddhists, Hindus, musicians, freethinkers, just to name a few— all over the state,” Chaney said.

SubSippi will be something Mississippians everywhere are invited to partake in.

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Arts & Entertainment

Student Printz, Page 7

on campus

Studio 115 Dance Concert opens Amber Grubbs Printz Writer While finals are bearing down on students, the Repertory Dance Company of the University of Southern Mississippi invites the surrounding area to enjoy an evening of dance.

The Repertory Dance Company includes students of all classifications and is holding its Studio 115 Dance Concert.

The concert, held each semester, is made up of six pieces, all performed by students from freshmen to seniors. Students choreographed five of the pieces, while faculty member Shellie Nielsen choreographed one.

Senior choreography major Kristina Hazelbaker choreographed the piece “Evolving Equilibriums.” She described the piece as a trio that explores seeing dance from an unbalanced place.

“It takes your world and turns it upside down,” Hazelbaker said.

“Nothing is what you knew before, and you’re just exploring the new environment.”

Hazelbaker said the modern piece casts two freshmen female dancers and one sophomore male.

“It was my first time choreographing a male student, so it was very different and exciting,” she said.

Junior dance performance and choreography major Tyler McCants also choreographed a piece. The second in the program, named “How We Mesh,” focuses on working with stacking dancers both in space and as a group with each other.

“It has five dancers, and you can look at it like stacking and un-stacking books on a shelf, McCants said.

McCants also dances in the first

Justin Sellers/Printz

Dancers in the Repertory Dance Company at the University of Southern Mississippi rehearse for the upcoming Studio 115 dance concert.

number of the evening, “Winding Down.” McCants said the piece looks at winding down age-wise.

“It’s about how children grow into elderly people,” McCants said. “It starts off with playful, more flowing movement, and the ending has the grown-ups in a bound, internal position.”

Kelly Ferris Lester, director of the Repertory Dance Company, said the concert has more of a serious tone.

“The pieces are mostly movement explorations that have been spawned by expression,” Lester said.

Meredith Early instructs the dance department’s choreography course.

Early described the concert as a host of dynamic variety, showcasing how versatile the performers is.

“The performers are sensitive, direct, supportive, and explosive,” Early said. “A foundation for the works presented reveal

Justin Sellers/Printz

The Studio 115 Dance Concert features work by students and faculty.

an inherent commentary on humanity and evolution.”

Early said concepts explored include “transitioning through different stages of life, acceptance and resolution, coming together and forming relationships with those around us, being inspired by the experiences of others and shifting one’s perspective of how we view the world.”

“I think this is one of the better shows of student work that we’ve had in awhile,” Hazelbaker said. “It

shows the integrity of the program.”

“People should come out because it’s only an hour long and five dollars to get in, and it can get you involved in what the university is doing through the arts.”

McCants noted that the show also gives the freshmen dancers an appropriate debut.

“It definitely showcases the work we’ve done artistically and technically,” he said.

“Our students audition to get into this program, and they work

very hard to maintain their skills and technique while maintaining their academics,” Lester said of the talent of the students in the concert.

The Studio 115 Dance Concert will be held in Studio 115 in the Theater and Dance Building on campus. The show will begin at 7:30 p.m. on May 3, 4, and 5. A matinee showing will be held at 2 p.m. on May 5. Tickets are $5, and a post-concert discussion with choreographers will be held after the May 3 performance.

Opinion

Page 8, Student Printz

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

LOCAL

Student Shout-outs

Hattiesburg offers summer of fun Dallas Medlin Printz Writer

“

In my opinion, Facebook is important to relationships. Not putting your other half’s name up is simply not a REAL relationship. So what if someone tries to get in your business... they only just want what you have. Post your lovers’ name...#SoWeKnowItsREAL It’s one of those days again at The Fresh Food Company when you ask the lady, “can i have some of that... meat...?” because whatever it is, is unidentifiable. #that’s never a good sign.

S/O to the Alphas for that #HOUSEPARTY the other night Am I the only one who’s seen USM employees working on the broken gates in Century Park dozens of times this year, but never actually seen any of these gates fixed?

Shout out to all the cute guys that stare at me but never actually approach me. Ugh:/ Please say something, ANYTHING! Shout out to the guy who almost ran me over while crossing the crosswalk the other day. You are the lucky one because I would have sued you and taken everything you had!

Seems like everyone is ‘leaving’ USM...why is it happening? And will this change be good? Snoop around SP! Frat guys are the unattractive social outcasts from high school and Sorority girls are the annoying attention seekers who think oversized man shirts and messy pony tails look cute.

FYI- Yall also look ridiculous.

To all the bike riders on campus, as a fellow biker I feel obligated to inform you that you’re NOT supposed to ride your bike on sidewalks.

You’re making the rest of us look bad.

”

To see your anonymous comment in The Student Printz, submit it under the ‘Contact’ tab on studentprintz.com.

If you are anything like me, you have been watching everyone make their summer vacation plans while knowing you are going to be stuck here in the Dirty ‘Burg.

How might you combat the summer blues if you are stuck here in Hattiesburg with nothing on your planner but a few summer courses? After experiencing my first summer here last year, I will be the first to admit it takes a little bit of effort to get off that couch to stop watching the Wife Swap marathon on Lifetime and do something worth your while.

If you would like to get in touch with nature, Hattiesburg offers a variety of outings.

Just down Highway 49 is Paul B. Johnson State Park, which boasts a great environment with camping facilities. This area is perfect for a weekend camping trip with a few of your friends who are all tired of lying out by the Crowne pool and listening to “Call Me Maybe” while drinking a few cold snacks.

Another outdoor opportunity can be found in a trip to canoe down the Okatoma. The Okatoma has a seven mile float and a thirteen mile float, both accompanied with sandbanks and beaches along the way to help you and your convoy rest and fuel up with food. The best part is that it is only ten minutes up Highway 49. Literally all you have to do is get in your car,

drive to the launch, pay a wee bit of cash, and you are off on a day of adventure that would make Lewis and Clark proud.

Not the outdoors type? Find a good read to bury your nose into that will take your mind places it has never been. While I am a traditional Dr. Seuss fan, I recommend The Hunger Games for those who have yet to read the series. There is something about a girl with a bow and arrow that really makes you want to take a mythical journey to District 12, which leads me to my last and most important tip on making the most of your summer in Hattiesburg.

Have fun. Turn the music up and dance in the revelries of summer. It really is the best time

of year, so whether you want to spend it downtown playing in the fountain by the train station or sitting around playing Call of Duty, do what you love.

Be spontaneous. Grab a friend and make that late night Sonic run. I have found in my years at Southern Miss that the smallest memories are the best, and the best way to make them is to just let go every once in a while. After all, what are summers for? I can promise you that Hattiesburg has an adventure waiting.

You just have to look for it.

This was an article of opinion by Dallas Medlin, a writer for the Student Printz. Email questions or comments to dallas.medlin@ eagles.usm.edu.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Bar criticized for dress code Jonnett Johnson MCJ Major With its free bus rides, cheap drinks and effervescent atmosphere The Frat House-Hattiesburg has become one of Hattiesburg’s most popular bars.

The Frat House is favorable to many, but not all appreciate its dress code. Its most talked about stipulations are no dreadlocks or hair braids. Hmmm. Who exactly are they trying to keep out?

“Mostly black people have dreads and braids. I mean, I’ve seen white people with them, but I’ve seen way more black people, so I assume that’s who they don’t want there,” senior business and

accounting major Dominek Morgan said.

This observation isn’t a rare one. I myself was surprised when I heard of the dress code at The Frat House. I refused to believe that The Frat House would seriously not allow someone in his or her establishment based solely on that person’s hairstyle. The last time I checked, neither John Wayne Gacy, Jeffrey Dahmer nor Ted Bundy had braids or dreadlocks. However, they all would get into The Frat House based on dress code.

Sophomore criminal justice major Courtney Jones was also outraged when she heard about The Frat House’s dress code. She has been growing

We are

taking care of ourselves

her dreads for 13 years.

“I feel left out. Like I don’t belong there,” Jones said.

According to data taken by State University, 27.7 percent of students at USM are black, so why leave some of us out depending on our hairstyle? Are dreads not neat enough? Are braids an indication of a criminal? Do braids and dreads suggest trouble?

I attempted to get answers to some of these questions by The Frat House but was rudely turned away.

I felt the way I’m sure some dress code violators probably feel - embarrassed. I wondered why people who fit The Frat House’s dress code would want to patron the bar.

“If I saw that I wouldn’t support them. I’d be upset. I’m trying to patronize them and give them money and they’re turning

me away,” Jones said.

I hope someone at The Frat House reads this article and truly rethinks their dress code. Turning people away for sagging pants and long shirts is understandable, because that is indeed a part of one’s dress. Dreads and braids, however, are cultural hairstyles that originated in Africa. Although they are popular right now, many people wear them for spiritual and artistic reasons.

“I was in the second grade when my mom asked me if I wanted dreads. I could’ve cut them when I was older, but I like them. I’m different, it shows a natural side of me.”

I am not asking for a boycott of The Frat House. I’m asking for people to speak out. Stop just whispering about the bias at the Frat House. They need us; they need USM. We can change this.

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Justin Mitchell/Printz

Patrons sit the Frat House bar, a Hattiesburg bar located off Hardy Street.

Sports

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Student Printz, Page 9

TRACK

Track and field teams finish on high note Jeff Haeger Printz Writer The Southern Miss Golden Eagle track & field teams set a school record with 29 top-eight finishes when they competed in the NJCAA Super Southeast Regionals on Saturday.

Junior Marcus Norwood highlighted the meet by becoming a member of the seven-foot jump club. He won the men’s high jump with a mark of 2.16m (7-1), while Courtland Wells finished second with a jump of 2.05m (6-8.75). Ke’Airra Jones also won the women’s high jump with a mark of 1.78m (163-3).

Ganna Demydova had a strong second place showing in

the women’s long jump with a mark of 6.05m (19-10.25), and Tamarra Bowie finished third in the women’s triple jump with a mark of 12.64m (41-5.75).

The women’s 4x100 meter relay team of Tandra Patterson, Brianna Rayfield, Jamie White and Tori Bowie clocked a time of 45.89 and finished second.

Sarah Omotayo finished second in the women’s 100m hurdles with a time of 14.47, and White finished second in the women’s 100m with a seasonbest time of 12.01. The men had strong showings in the 110m hurdles and 800m, as Randy McCoy and Dale Dunn finished first with times of 14.71 and 1:51.15 in the respective events.

Julien Bousquet finished second in the men’s 800m with a time of 1:53.97.

Southern Miss dominated the men’s hammer throw, as Suyi Georgewill, Napoleon Beniot and Robert Collingwood all placed in the top three with throws of 58.80m (192-11), 48.26m (158-04), and 45.28m (148-07), respectively.

Rachel Polk and Collingwood won the women’s and men’s shot with throws of 15.30m (50-2.50) and 17.09m (56-1), respectively. Polk also won the women’s discuss with a throw of 49.37m (162-0). Cara Wells placed third in the discuss and hammer with throws of 47.65m (156-4) and 50.38m (165-3).

The track & field teams will resume competition when they travel to the Conference USA Outdoor Championships at Tad Gormley Stadium in New Orleans, La., from May 10-13.

SOFTBALL

Softball falls to UAB Kyle Smith

! s U w o Foll om/USMiTech twitter.c

Printz Writer In the final home conference series of the season, the Southern Miss softball team was swept by conference foe UAB over the weekend.

In game one of a Saturday doubleheader, the Golden Eagles fell behind early when the Blazers scored in the bottom of the third.

The Eagles loaded the bases in the bottom of the inning, but failed to produce any runs. UAB added a three run home run in the fifth inning that would prove to be the difference in the game.

Southern Miss would add a solo home run by Mackenzie Sher in the bottom of the seventh inning to avoid a shutout, but they could not score anymore.

The final score was 5-1.

Beth Dietrich (7-12) took the loss for the Eagles, allowing 11 hits on five runs while striking out four. Amber Torres (10-3) recorded the win for the Blazers, giving up six hits and one run while striking out five.

UAB got off to a quick start in game two as well, going up 1-0 on a solo home run by Mandy Lowman. Southern Miss would even the score up in the sixth. Britney Dinelt belted a two out triple before Caroline Walker then singled to even the score. Lowman then added her second solo home-run of the day in the eighth inning, pushing the score to 2-1. Southern Miss was unable to score in the bottom of the

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Justin Sellers/Printz

Senior outfielder Stephanie Shiflet takes a swing at the ball during the Southern Miss vs. Mississippi State softball game last Wednesday.

inning, giving the Blazers the win.

Courtney Ramos took the loss for the Eagles, allowing seven hits and two runs while striking out four. Lannah Campbell (12-6) recorded the win for UAB, allowing just three hits and giving up one run while striking out 15.

Game three took place on Sunday, which was also Senior Day for six Golden Eagles. Unfortunately, the Eagles could not come through for the six seniors.

UAB once again got on the board first in the third inning.

In the bottom of the third, the Eagles responded. Gabby Luciani reached on an error before scoring on a Caroline Walker single. Leslie LeJune would also score in the inning, making the score 2-1 on favor of the home team. UAB would even things at two in the fourth, where the

score would remain tied until the eighth inning. This would be the second game in a row to go into extra innings.

UAB would score two runs in the eighth. Southern Miss could not respond, ending the game at 4-2.

Dietrich took the loss for the Eagles, giving up six hits and three runs in 5.1 innings. Lannah Campbell recorded her second win of the series, pitching four innings with allowing three hits and striking out five.

The Eagles take on Southeastern Louisiana Wednesday night for their final home contest. They will then travel to Houston for a three game series over the weekend to end the regular season.

Southern Miss is already guaranteed the final spot in the conference tournament in Birmingham, Ala. beginning May 10.

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Sports

Page 10, Student Printz

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

BASKETBALL

USM names new basketball coach Josh Seabrook Sports Editor

Justin Sellers/Printz

Donnie Tyndall speaks at a press conference in the Trent Lott Center Monday afternoon after being named the new head coach for the Golden Eagle men’s basketball team while interim athletic director Jeff Hammond looks on.

Baseball at Marshall

Southern Miss Box Score Baseball:

4/21 vs. Memphis W, 2-0 4/28 at Marshall L, 2-1 4/29 at Marshall W, 5-3

5

3

Softball:

4/28 vs. UAB L, 2-1 4/28 vs. UAB L, 5-1 4/29 vs. UAB L, 4-2

Women’s Tennis: 4/19 vs. UCF L, 4-2

Men’s Tennis: 4/20 vs. Memphis L, 4-0

Men’s Golf:

4/224 at Conference USA Championships 9th of 11

Much has changed since the Golden Eagles ended their season against the Kansas State Wildcats in the NCAA tournament. Soon after the buzzer sounded on the Eagles’ season, Southern Miss head coach Larry Eustachy left for the head coaching job at Colorado State University, leaving the Eagles in search of a new coach.

After much speculation and many interviews with possible candidates, the Eagle brass cut the list down to six candidates for the job. The searching committee in charge of finding a new coach met with the eight candidates individually in New Orleans to determine who would be the next head coach at USM. The group that met with the prospective coaches was lead by interim athletic director Jeff Hammond, who was very pleased with the choice to hire Donnie Tyndall as the nineteenth head men’s basketball coach in USM history. Hammond gave the panel a very detailed list of qualities that he looked for in the next head coach for the men’s basketball team at Southern Miss. Hammond believes that Tyndall was the best man for the job and that he filled all of the qualifications.

“The guidance I gave this great advisory panel was very simple,” Hammond said. “Here’s what I told them: ‘Number one, we want a head coach that fits the mission of the University of Southern Mississippi, and that’s to be bold, creative, and determined. It’s an academic mission where we graduate kids to go forth in their lives and make a difference. Number two, we want a head basketball coach that will lead a program of integrity and foremost to that is sportsmanship. Number three, we want a coach that not only knows the game, but he knows

how to teach these kids on their terms. I also told this group that we want a coach that wins championships but can communicate with you (the fans).

Finally, we want a coach that will make their experience so special for the rest of their lives that they’re going to want to come home to here and always call this their university and hold on to us who call it our university.”

Tyndall has been a successful coach thus far in his career. Most recently, he was head coach at Morehead State University where he compiled a 70-40 record over a six year span. His best season at Morehead State was in 2011, when the team finished 25-10 and knocked out Louisville in the second round of the NCAA tournament. Prior to being head coach at Morehead State, his only other head coaching job came in a one-year stint at St. Catherine, where he led the school to a 30-5 record and was voted the Region 7 Coach of the Year and took the team to their first ever appearance in the National Junior College Athletic Association National Tournament.

Tyndall hopes to bring a high speed, fun to watch offense and a pressure defense to Southern Miss.

“My style of play is going to be an aggressive style of play,” Tyndall said. “Most of you have never seen Morehead State play, but our defense would be similar to Louisville. We are going to press on made baskets, we’re going to press on dead balls, we’re going to get after people in the have court. We’re going to have an aggressive zone. Offensively, we’re going to play a lot like Kansas.

We’re going to run a high/low motion with a lot of ball screens and give our guards freedom to play, draw and kick off ball screens and shoot a lot of threes.

It’s going to be exciting and fun for you fans.”

Southern Miss Sports: Upcoming Games 5/1/12 6:30 p.m. Baseball vs. Ole Miss Pearl, Miss. (Trustmark Park) 5/2/12 6 p.m. Baseball vs. Gambling State Pete Taylor Park

5/2/12 6 p.m. Softball vs. Southeastern Louisiana Hattiesburg, Miss.

4/4/12 6:30 p.m. Baseball at Tulane New Orleans, La.

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

The Student Printz

Student Printz, Page 11

THE NEW EAGLES TRAIL new owners & new management

OFF-CAMPUS STUDENT HOUSING upgraded amenities coming soon: shuttle to campus + upgraded pool area & new sound system + new pool furniture + upgraded fitness center new sand volleyball court + upgraded computer center + upgraded tanning bed + new leather-style furniture options available

EAGLESTRAIL.COM • 601.264.6404 • 8 EAGLES TRAIL amenities are subject to change

Page 12, Student Printz

The Student Printz

Tuesday, May 1, 2012