The
S TUDENT P RINTZ www.studentprintz.com
SERVING SOUTHERN MISS SINCE 1927
August 22, 2013
Volume 98 Issue 1
ON CAMPUS
Construction on campus continues Yolanda Cruz Printz Writer The face of The University of Southern Mississippi is constantly changing due to ongoing campus construction. Numerous campus buildings are undergoing repairs as a result of February’s tornado. Michelle Shinall, assistant director of marketing and campus relations for the Physical Plant, said one of the buildings that sustained the most damage was the Ogletree Alumni House. Contractor BW Sullivan was given notice to proceed with the restoration process on the Alumni House on Aug. 12. Repairs are set to be completed October 2014. Repairs to the George Hurst building, Marsh Hall and the Mannoni Performing Arts Center are nearly complete. The renovations to these buildings will offer better facilities to the art and music departments, including a jazz rehearsal space and additional graphic design studios. Elam Arms, the former men’s dormitory located across from the university, was demolished in July after the severe damage it suffered from the tornado. Conner Miller, a junior international studies major, isn’t happy about the closure of Black and Gold Boulevard. “That cuts off one of the only connections to the east part of
Zachary Odom/Printz
Construction continues on August 16, 2013 on the site that will become the new Century Park South residence halls.
campus,” he said. “I don’t want to have to go all the way down to Fourth Street or Hardy Street to get from one side of campus to the other.” In addition to ongoing renovations, several new campus buildings will be under construction this fall. Scott, Vann, Bond Halls have
been completely demolished and construction has begun on the new residential complex, Century Park South. Century Park South will be made up of three buildings, each with five floors. Buildings B and C have an estimated completion date of July 2014. Building A is set for completion in January 2015,
and will include the new student health clinic that will be known as Moffitt Health Center. Construction on the new College of Business building, Scianna Hall, is on schedule and should be completed by fall 2014. “We are not only excited to bring online projects that will provide state of the art learning spaces
such as Scianna Hall and the College of Nursing, but quality residential facilities that will suddenly impact the learning experience of the students,” Shinall said. For more information about campus construction, visit the Physical Plant website at www. usm.edu/physicalplant.
FROM THE EDITORS
What’s new with your news Printz Editorial Board
Each new school year brings changes, and this one is no exception. The Student Printz is undergoing many changes from produc-
tion dates, to a new website to the way we communicate with each other as a student body. Starting this year, the Printz will be published on Mondays and Thursdays, which is a change from last year’s Tuesday and Thursday publication days.
The Printz also has a brand new website designed by Chris Greene, senior computer science major, Printz webmaster and founder of www.nyctodesign.com. Our website has a new layout, an easier method of posting and viewing student shoutouts and a mobile-
friendly template for those who view the site on their phones or tablets. The changing media climate has caused us to begin the transition from the print medium to an online presence. Please be patient with us as we begin this big transition. The Student
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Printz has always and will always be a voice of the students, for the students, by the students. Visit the revamped Student Printz website at www.studentprintz.com to view web-only articles, photo galleries and multimedia content.
INDEX Calendar .......................2 News .............................3 Feature..........................4 Opinion .......................... 7 GEWW ............................ 8
Calendar
Page 2, Student Printz
The
Student Printz
Serving Southern Miss since 1927
Executive Editor Carly Tynes carly.tynes@eagles.usm.edu 601.266.4266 Managing Editor Kathryn Miller kathryn.miller@eagles.usm.edu Chief Copy Editor Chris Greene chris.greene@eagles.usm.edu Copy Editor Courtney McNichols courtney.mcnichols@eagles.usm. edu News Editor Monicia Warner monicia.warner@eagles.usm.edu Sports Editor Joshua Campbell joshua.m.campbell@eagles.usm. edu Design Editor Taylor Fesenmeier taylor.fesenmeier@eagles.usm. edu
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Mark Your Planner 22 23 24 25 26 9 a.m. CRU Recruitment Tabling TCC Atrium 9 a.m. RUF Info Table Shoemaker Square 11:30 a.m. Church of God in Christ: See You at the Fountain Shoemaker Square
8:30 a.m. The Legacy Information Table TCC & Library Plaza
2 p.m. Interfraternity Council Cookout Intramural Fields
11 a.m. CPC Recruitment Tabling TCC Atrium
5:30 p.m. Wesley Foundation “Splash” Weekend Wesley Foundation Building
3 p.m. Eagle Connection Fall Retreat TCC 218 A/B
5:30 p.m. Wesley Foundation “Splash” Weekend Wesley Foundation Building 6 p.m. Phi Beta Sigma Pageant Informational TCC 228
11:30 a.m. Stage Monkeys of Hattiesburg Improv Comedy Joseph Greene 116
Webmaster Chris Greene chris.greene@eagles.usm.edu
8 p.m. Generation 6:20: Thursday Night Live Wilber Stout Hall A
9:30 a.m. AASO Membership Recruitment TCC Atrium & Shoemaker Square
11 a.m. CPC Recruitment Tabling TCC Atrium 5 p.m. Delta Sigma Pi Interest Meeting JGH 116
5:15 p.m. Alpha Kappa Alpha Social Hub Plaza 7 p.m. RUF Bible Study Wilber Stout Hall A
8:30 a.m. The Legacy Information Table TCC & Library Plaza
11 a.m. Alpha Kappa Psi Recruitment JGH & R.C. Cook Union Lobby
12 p.m. Student Activities Orientation Student Session TCC 214
Art Director Christopher Little christopher.little@eagles.usm.edu
8 a.m. SGA: Smoothie King Handout Shoemaker Square
5:30 p.m. College Panhellenic Council Recruitment: Sorority 101 TCC Ballrooms 2 & 3
Designers Joshua Byrd Gerri Ducksworth News Content Adviser Chuck Cook 601.266.4288 chuck.cook@usm.edu Ad Graphic Designer Katherine Frye katherine.frye@eagles.usm.edu Advertising Manager Lesley Sanders-Wood 601.266.5188 lesley.sanders@usm.edu Advertising e-mail printzad@usm.edu Turtle Creek Crossing 6117 US Hwy. 98 Hattiesburg, MS 39402 601-296-2000
Find us online at: www.studentprintz.com
The Student Printz is published every Tuesday and Thursday during the fall and spring semesters. Signature Offset of Hattiesburg provides printing services. Opinions expressed in The Student Printz are those of the writer and not necessarily those of The Student Printz, its publications manager, USM, the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning or the USM Board of Student Publications.
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News
Thursday, August 22, 2013
ON CAMPUS
Student Printz, Page 3
Staff changes occur at USM Monicia Warner News Editor Staff changes and appointments dominated the second half of the summer at The University of Southern Mississippi. University President Rodney Bennett announced Bill McGillis as the university’s sixth athletic director at a press conference July 18. He will succeed Jeff Hammond whose one-year contract expired on June 30. “I have no doubt that Bill is the right person to best build on our tradition of athletics excellence and position us for future success,” Bennett said. McGillis comes to Southern Miss after a five-year stint as executive associate athletic director at The University of South Florida. While there he served as the sports administrator for the football, baseball
and softball programs. His long-term plans for Southern Miss include building event attendance, overseeing facility improvements and focusing on student athletes. “Initially I want to come in and learn the people, the place and get a better understanding of what Southern Miss is about,” McGillis said. “For a university and community of this size, there is tremendous support and there’s nothing more important than reaching out to them.” Former AD Jeff Hammond accepted a position with the university as special assistant to the president for military and veterans affairs. In his new role, he will help raise money for veterans and their families, serve as USM liaison to Camp Shelby and Keesler Air Force Base and assist with the
development of a veterans student service center on campus. “As a former service member, I’m very passionate about our soldiers, their families and Southern Miss,” Hammond said. “We have a great opportunity to enhance conditions for veterans and accommodate their unique interests as students.” He will also assist approximately 1,000 students on campus who currently receive military benefits to obtain their degrees from Southern Miss. “I look forward to continuing to work with Gen. Hammond in this capacity,” Bennett said in a press statement. “We anticipate that this work will create additional pathways to completion for students who serve in the military, their dependent family members and veterans.” Two university departments will also begin the search for
new faculty members. Kim LeDuff, former associate director of the School of Mass Communication and Journalism, recently accepted a position at the as chief diversity officer at The University of West Florida in Pensacola, Fla. The department isn’t expecting to fill the position until January. The search for a permanent dean for the College of Science and Technology will commence at the beginning of the fall se-
mester. Joe Whitehead, former dean, departed USM to start his work as the new provost of North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, N.C. Patricia Biesiot will serve as interim dean of the college with Chris Winstead as interim associate dean. The search process will involve university students, faculty and administrators.
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Feature
Page 4, Student Printz
Thursday, August 22, 2013
on campus
“Dr. B’s Book Club” sparks conversation Mercey Livingston Printz Writer The University of Southern Mississippi President Rodney Bennett has been working to creating ways to encourage Southern Miss students, as well as ways to connect with them. In May, he started “Dr. B’s Book Club” as a way to encourage students to read and remain engaged in their studies over the summer. The club started as a Facebook page where students could post what they were reading and interact personally with the president. Bennett said this idea was inspired by the concept that stu-
dents forget what they learn over the summer, and reading helps make up for some of what is lost. “I was just sitting here one day and I thought, ‘wouldn’t it be cool as a university community if we focused on reading and trying to connect what we are reading back to our academics’?” he said. In an effort to encourage students to read more, Bennett wanted to offer some other incentives for participating in summer reading. Once fall classes start, he will invite a few book club participants to his home for a reading reception. He also plans to select a group of students to join him in the President’s skybox
for a home football game. “The selection for the invitation list is going to be totally random,” he said. “We’re just going to go back to the Facebook page and select people that made posts on there and try to get together an interesting group of people.” Bennett said he wants to encourage the university community as a whole to take part in a more academic conversation this year. He saw “Dr. B’s Book Club” as a way to spark that academic conversation among the Southern Miss community. “As a university, we have got to focus this year on recruitment of good students, retention, progression and graduation rates,”
he said. “I think if we can get our arms around that, then a lot of the other things that have been challenging for us will really start to balance out.” Junior speech pathology major Rachael Luckett, participated in “Dr. B’s Book Club” this summer. “Usually I take a break from books during the summer, but his passion to feed our learning outside the classroom really inspired me to actually read a few books this summer,” Luckett said. Ned Nelson, a senior Business Administration major, likes that President Bennett is taking the time to connect with students.“It’s really great to have a university president with a student affairs mindset,” Nel-
son said. “He brings a friendly enthusiastic personality to a job that isn’t traditionally engaged in student life.” Bennett also hopes that Southern Miss students will become more engaged and interested not only in academics on campus, but will take advantage of the privilege of being a student. “Your travels and interactions outside this community are going to expose you to a lot,” he said. “I think the way you maximize that is by being a lifelong learner, and reading just allows you to go places that you would likely otherwise would not be able to go.”
Music
The summer hits that are hard to forget Emily Evans Printz Writer Summer almost always involves those catchy anthems that remind us of the great memories we made during the carefree days of June and July. The summer of 2013 came and went and was accompanied by an interesting array of tunes. It is nearly impossible to say that we were not slightly in love with Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines,” with its constant repetition of the Fat Albert-esque “Hey, hey, hey.” Its continuous popularity has solidified this song’s place as the number one theme song of the summer of 2013. Miley Cyrus’s catchy creation “We Can’t Stop,” was strange and shocking to most fans. Regardless of the fact that the music video most likely left you slightly (or extremely) traumatized, Cyrus still managed to get most of us to sing along a time or two when no one was watching. Imagine Dragons, though a rather fresh act in the pop music scene, had held their spot at the top of the charts, according to Billboard Top 100, for over 50 weeks with their innovative track “Radioactive.” This dark and poignant song has continuously held the attention and affection of listeners throughout the span of the summer. After falling off the map for a while, Daft Punk made a victorious return with the release of their song “Get Lucky,” which immediately rose to popularity and took the nation by storm. Pharrell’s soothing voice helped guide this song and its sensual lyrics to the top of the charts.
During the summer, most people around the college age have an attitude of “I don’t care. I love it,” and that is exactly what Icona Pop successfully conveyed in their catchy summer tune “I Love It.” Summertime brings along a sense of adventure and spontaneity and this song captured those emotions flawlessly. Justin Timberlake continues to impress his fans with each new album release and his newest album, “The 20/20 Experience,” is no exception. He had multiple hits this summer, but his biggest single was “Mirrors.” This tune was a great song to listen to while riding around with the windows down. Numerous hits came from some unknown artists including “Safe and Sound” by Capital Cities. This would be one of the best summer hits to send you to the dance floor. The exciting beat and carefree lyrics in this number make it an unmistakable summer anthem. Macklemore and Ryan Lewis took over the summer with their party hit “Can’t Hold Us.” Macklemore’s upbeat message made us want to go back to the moments where we felt truly alive. Disney Channel star Selena Gomez’s song “Come and Get It” rose to the top of the charts this summer. The not-so-innocent pop singer caught people’s attention with this song and basically made us want to “come and get it” on iTunes. Lana del Rey’s “Summertime Sadness” really caught fire this summer. It is no wonder people could relate to the soft and soothing sounds of del Rey’s voice as she sings us back into the fall semester.
Top Five Songs of Summer 2013
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Thursday, August 22, 2013
Feature
Student Printz, Page 5
Local
“subSIPPI” speaks subculture Ardan Thornhill Printz Writer “An honest portrayal of Mississippi. A search for diversity that is found within a state that has gone otherwise unnoticed.” That was the vision Vincent Chaney, a 22-year-old senior at The University of Southern Mississippi, set out to achieve in May 2011 when he created “subSIPPI,” a documentary that sheds light on various subcultures within Mississippi. Chaney collaborated with artist Greg Gandy and urban gardener Lauren Chioffi to seek interesting narratives throughout the state. The visionaries wanted to showcase the present inner workings of Mississippi despite its past. The documentary presents many non-traditional cultures that offset some hostile generalizations about the state. “What we hope will transpire from the film is a good resource to take inventory on what is going on here in Mississippi; many people do not have the time to explore the state, to see the many different communities doing many different things,” Chaney said. “Within an hour long segment, all of these people are given a voice and [the “subSIPPI” team] hopes this enables inter-community engagement.” The Student Printz had the opportunity to speak to Chaney and executive producers, Jason Le Viere and Adam Myrick of Click Boutique about the project. ---------SP: Why “subSIPPI”? Can you let our readers know what is implied by that title? Chaney: The name derives from combining the two words “subcultures” and “Mississippi.” We decided early on that it was catchy, so we stuck with it. SP: Mississippi is a landscape that has seen blood and grievances in its past. Do you see an art in the way we operate as a state and as Mississippians? Chaney: I think what is peculiar to Mississippi is our heritage. We are the underdog story in many cases. I think art is born from suffering in that a person is able to analyze and interpret his/her situation with a creative consciousness and express himself/herself and [that has been the case with many of the great Mississippi artists]. Le Viere: I believe Mississippi’s rich history and tradition
Vincent Chaney/subSIPPI
makes it unique. Mississippi is special because there is still so much room for growth and innovation – like a blank canvas. SP: Creative activism is a field that uses media and the arts to ignite community interest in hopes of social change. “subSIPPI” is a quintessential example of this. In the best of all possible worlds, what is it you hope to see achieved by “subSIPPI?” Chaney: I hope “subSIPPI” aids as a resource to educate people about the diversity in MS as well as excites in a way to get people involved within these communities and build infrastructure. Myrick: I became very emotional and connected to the vision of “subSIPPI.” I knew what outsiders’ perceptions were of Mississippians. When I lived in New York, people assumed that I was ignorant, unmotivated and uneducated. (I might have proved them wrong a few times) I hope “subSIPPI” changes people’s perceptions about our state and inspires the children of Missississippi to embrace our history and work towards a bright future because change in any community only happens when the people share a common vision of what Mississippi can be. [For instance, Click is] still here because our community believed in us and the vision of change that we
brought downtown. Le Viere: My desire is that “subSIPPI” will take a far-reaching leap forward for Mississippi and the perception of our state to the media. Why couldn’t I point out Mississippi on a map three years ago? Because in my mind, based upon my perceptions, Mississippi was a place I would never have a reason to go. I didn’t belong in Mississippi, but now it is my home. SP: Why is creative activism important in your eyes? Chaney: Because open communication and a respect of persons (beliefs/values) is important to me. I want to make sure that I can understand where a person is coming from Hostility to open communication leads to suffering. I think “creative activism” is important insofar as it continues the conversation. Myrick: I believe that there is hope for the state to move forward. There is a lot of work to be done and now is the time to identify the individuals to are creative, passionate, and motivated to actually work for change. SP: Vincent, your major is philosophy. How has that influenced your work, if at all? Chaney: Studying philosophy has taught me how to cultivate the desire to learn for the sake of learning and it has also taught me perseverance. Both of these things were important in the filming process. I had to teach
myself, largely, how to make a film with little background knowledge prior to starting. SP: Vincent, what tips do you have to offer to someone who feels a similar internal desire for change and chooses filmmaking? Chaney: I’d like to cite someone who has much more clarity when it comes to these types of decisions. “Follow your bliss.” – Joseph Campbell Secondary advice includes finding pleasure in the process. It’s a hell of a lot of work, but the axiom rings true…”if you find something you like doing, then you’ll never work a day in your life.” At least, partially…but be ready to commit and run with it! SP: Surely as a first-time filmmaker, you have some lessons learned and viable tips for those seeking to proceed in the field. What can you provide to readers that has been valuable to you in your journey? Chaney: Finding people that are smarter than you and spending as much time as possible with them, learning as you go. That is the best advice I have when beginning any new craft or endeavor. Q: Tell us about the historic Saenger Theater and why the premier will be held there. Le Viere: The location is significant due to historical relevance and because we are the “Hub City” of Mississippi. The
Saenger Theater was built in 1929 and was one of the first air conditioned places in the state. The theater changed with the times – originally being split with segregated seating areas. The 2013 Saenger seats is 20,000 sq. ft 997 and hosts [many major local events]. ---------Tim Benoit of Hub City Music, thought “subSIPPI” was able to achieve a stark, honest presentation of the state and mindset of its residents. “subSIPPI felt like a beautiful love poem to a place and its people,” Benoit said. “subSIPPI” will premiere at 7 p.m. at the historic Saenger Theatre in downtown Hattiesburg on Fri., Aug. 23. Doors open at 6 p.m. There will be a cash bar and photobooth in the lobby area. Tickets are $5 cash/$6 credit card, and can be purchased online at www.etix.com. The “subSIPPI” crew invites attendees to give their feedback before and after the event using the hashtag #subSIPPIPremiere on various social media sites.
Feature
Page 6, Student Printz
ON CAMPUS
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Move-in Day 2013 Southern Miss students moved back into campus housing on Aug. 16 and 17. Upperclassmen helped freshmen students move their belongings into the dorms.
Michael Kavitz/Printz
Garrett Simino, a student worker in Counseling Services, helps students move items to Century Park on Saturday.
SPORTS
Former USM punter for Hall of Fame Joshua Campbell Sports Editor Ray Guy was announced Wednesday as a senior finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. This is Guy’s eighth time as a finalist, but his first as a senior finalist. A senior finalist is categorized as being retired for at least 25 years.
Guy played for the Golden Eagles from 1970-72 and the Oakland Raiders from 197386. He was elected to the Pro Bowl seven times and was a First-Team All-Pro selection six times for the Raiders. The former Southern Miss punter is already a member of both the Mississippi and Georgia’s Sports Halls of Fame, the College Football Hall of Fame and the National High School
Sports Hall of Fame. The Pro Football Hall of Fame does not have any players who were strictly punters within their revered fraternity of elites. However, Guy has accomplished impressive firsts before as he was the first pure punter to ever be selected in the first round of the NFL Draft. He will need to receive at least 80 percent to be enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of
Fame. The Selection Committee consists of 46 members who will vote on the candidates on Feb. 1 in New York/New Jersey. Those who receive 80 percent or more of the votes will be enshrined in Canton, Ohio in August. The official date is yet to be announced. Guy currently serves as the director of the M-Club and community relations for the Southern Miss Alumni Association.
Ray Guy
Courtesy Photo
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Opinion
Thursday, August 22, 2013
on campus
Student Printz, Page 7
GEWW Crew: A USM tradition Kristy Shelley Printz Writer Close your eyes and try to remember your first day of school at The University of Southern Mississippi. Whether that day was yesterday or three years ago, try to remember it. I certainly remember mine. The band was playing outside all afternoon, along with the Dixie Darling practice that I stood and watched for at least 20 minutes. There were a bunch of people dressed in black and gold asking if I needed help - I’m assuming I looked lost. I got a parking ticket the first day of class because I parked in a faculty and staff zone - and to no one’s surprise - it was raining. But the main thing that stood out to me were all the GEWW Crew members that looked familiar from the few days before. Those members stood out in my mind that day - and to this day - still do. Golden Eagle Welcome Week kicked off on August 18, 2013 and lasted until August 20, 2013. This three-day period changed my life. Golden Eagle Welcome Week, better known as GEWW, is an event – full of events – to help freshmen and transfer students learn more about being a Golden Eagle. These
incoming students are put into “GEWW Groups” that are led by two GEWW Crew members. I had the opportunity to be a GEWW Crew member this year and I couldn’t have asked for a better way to start off my senior year of college. I showed up for training bright and early on a Thursday, where I met my GEWW partner, Rhea Phillips Valentine. Her compassionate heart, sweet spirit, and love for Southern Miss is unmatchable and working with her was the highlight of my year. So, now we’ll fast forward to Sunday. I met my GEWW Group for the first time. I got nervous, excited, and suddenly just felt this connection to them that I’d never felt before. In that moment, it hit me. I’d immediately become responsible for 25 students and not only was I supposed to keep them safe, but I was supposed to keep them excited and engaged for three days straight. Rhea and I started off our first meeting by teaching our group a cheer. We, of course, chose Booty Pop. Most of the students in our group just stared at us. But on day three, almost everyone in our group knew the words and booty popped with us. We even made up a cheer for our
group number, which was 52, and at the closing pep rally, when they called our group, we yelled that cheer loud and proud. It warmed my heart to see the enthusiasm that had grown in my group over that three day period. I got the chance to really get to know some of the members in my group. It was nice talking about campus involvement and my love for Southern Miss to all of them. I got to witness a friendship truly blooming between two of my members, who didn’t know each other prior to GEWW. Some of the more quiet members in my group became the most outspoken by day three. I honestly can’t wait to see how my group, and all the groups, grow and get involved and truly make Southern Miss their own. I’ve gotten a lot of texts from different members of my group asking where buildings are, what certain abbreviations mean and when certain classes start. It’s been awesome being a source of information and someone they feel like they can come to for help. It is such an incredible feeling to know that my love and knowledge for Southern Miss is being transferred to these students. Something many people may not know is that being a GEWW Crew leader doesn’t stop after GEWW.
Sam Bass/Printz
Students show excitement before the painting of the Eagle Walk on Sunday during Golden Eagle Welcome Week.
Each group has a group on Facebook where the GEWW Crew members will stay in contact with their GEWW group throughout the year. I love that we get to do this because I feel like I’ve grown so close to these students over the three days I’ve had with them. I wanted to be a part of GEWW Crew because I love my Southern Miss, I wanted to serve USM and leave it better than I found it. I wanted to make a difference in someone’s life and make the transition from high school to college a lot easier for students. I love this university with every ounce of my being. I’ve always
felt like I belonged here, that this was my home. Being given the opportunity to help incoming students find their place and make Southern Miss a home away from home is something I will never forget and definitely one of the most rewarding experiences of my college career. GROUP 52 TTT!!!!!!!!!!!!
This was an article of opinion by Kristy Shelley, a writer for the Student Printz. Email questions or comments to kristy.shelley@eagles. usm.edu.
Page 8, Student Printz
on campus
GEWW
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Sam Bass/Printz
Top: New students gather together before the painting of the Eagle Walk on Sunday during Golden Eagle Welcome Week. Zachary Odom/Printz
Left: Freshman Randarius Murry tosses a bucket of fresh paint onto the Eagle Walk on Sunday during the painting of the Eagle Walk. Zachary Odom/Printz
Bottom: Austin Brewer waits for the announcement of which team won the painting of the Eagle Walk competition. Freshmen painted the Eagle Walk on Sunday during Golden Eagle Welcome Week.
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