In This Issue: Pg. 3 Director’s Letter Pg. 4 What is Love? Pg. 6 Tips to get healthy
A View From the
M OUNTAINTOP
This Black History Month we reflect on Memphis’ role in the civil rights movement Memphis is a city with an old soul. It has been seared by fires and barraged by the Mississippi waters. Its mud and sand have been faithful foundations for blues bars and gospel churches. The cobbled roads have carried soldiers marching to battle and vagabonds seeking shelter from desolation. In 1968, Memphis was a segregated city. Racial equality had been suppressed by the Mayor Henry Loeb administration even after Congress passed the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This act was supposed to guarantee that discrimination, against any minority was illegal. But African American workers still struggled under the oppression of unfair pay and racial segregation. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivering his On a rainy January 30th, the city sent all of its “Mountaintop” speech to Memphis sanitation workers African American sanitation workers home with partial pay, which was a fairly regular practice, but paid white workers the full amount. The next day, two African American men were crushed to death inside a garbage truck while trying to escape a heavy rain. These deaths resulted in 1,300 African American sanitation workers walking off the job and Mayor Loeb declaring their strike illegal. Daily marches were held around city hall. Warrants were issued to arrest union leaders. Ultimatums were given to protesters. Get back to work or be replaced. But equality was the only thing they wanted to take. Civil rights were the only things they would work for. On February 23rd, the City Council refuses to recognize the African American union despite meeting with black city leaders and the NAACP. Police attack strikers during a march on Main Street, using mace. By February 27th, a surge of relation by hundreds of protestors had flooded the courtyards of city hall. Dr. King and the SCLC were called in to maintain community morale and also to help bring national attention to the striker’s cause. Then a freak snowstorm in March blanketed the city. Dr. King couldn’t get into Memphis and the ice held everything and everyone hostage. The bitter cold stifled the bloom of the dogwoods and daffodils. The welcomed thaw of spring was driven away by winter’s last stand. But the protestors rallied on. Mountain continued on pg.2
Mountain cont’d from pg. 1 By the time Dr. King arrives in Memphis, over 120 protestors have been arrested and the National Guard is holding riot drills in the streets. The conflict was reaching an impasse and both sides had to make a stand. Protestors were marching in demonstrations for peace and the soldiers were marching in preparations for battle.
On March 28th, Dr. King’s peaceful march from Clayborn Temple erupts in sounds of shattering windows and commotion. Police rush into crowds with nightsticks, mace, tear gas and gunfire. A 16-year-old boy, Larry Payne, is shot to death. Authorities arrest 280 people and report about 60 injured, mostly blacks. State legislature authorizes 7 p.m. curfew and 4,000 National Guardsmen march in. Then spring arrives. In his last speech, before he was slain on that hotel balcony, Dr. King talked about his view from the mountaintop and how he has seen the promise land. “We've got some difficult days ahead. But it really doesn't matter with me now, because I've been to the mountaintop. And I don't mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life — longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over, and I've seen the Promised Land.”
Dr. King had death threats and many attempts made on his life. In this eerily prophetic portion of his speech he comes to accept that his life is only sustained through God’s will. In some way, all humans have a fear of what happens after life. But what is remarkable about Dr. King is that he preached his way through his fear. Fear was replaced by assurance of victory. And with that assurance, he led a movement that would secure equal rights for all minorities. Much of Dr. King’s dream has been realized, but there is still much to do. Each generation will have its portion of struggles but it is the faith in assured victory that helps to keep the dream alive.
University of Memphis Celebrates the 150th Anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation Commemorates the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington
Friday, Feb. 22 – Diversity and Pre-Law Day, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law. Actor, author and Harvard Law School graduate Hill Harper will speak at 1:30 p.m.; Wednesday, Feb. 27 – “Igniting Excitement,” 2-4 p.m., University Center River Room; Thursday, Feb. 28 – Closing Ceremony featuring the Rev. LaSimba Gray, 1 p.m., University Center Bluff Room. Parking for events in the Rose Theatre and University Center is available in the Zach Curlin garage. More information, including the complete Black History Month calendar, is available online at www.memphis.edu/multiculturalaffairs/PDF/2013-black-history-month.pdf or from the U of M Office of Multicultural Affairs at 901-678-2054.
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ACSS CONNECTION Jan/ Feb 2013
A Moment with the Director WELCOME BACK! Happy New Year!!! I hope that you have had an enjoyable holiday break. By now you should have had a chance to finalize your spring schedule and moving to attend your classes as scheduled. Warning: Don’ forget to use our campus shuttle during this unpredictable weather. Due to a constant change in weather, the flu season has entered into the lives of many. If you have not had it please take care and try to avoid getting it at all cost. If you feel ill, please visit our U of M Health Center for special health care advice. The ACSS has scheduled some activities that we hope will foster your participation and learning. Please review our newsletter carefully for an update on events that you may have missed or ones that you can put on your calendar to attend such as our off campus housing fair and our workshop on how to be an expert on rental agreements. Have a great semester and contact our office if you have questions Joy Rogers Stout, Director or need our service. Adult and Commuter Student Services Phone: 901-678-2644 Go Tigers! E-mail: jstout@memphis.edu
ADULT AND COMMUTER STUDENT SERVICES MISSION The mission of the Adult & Commuter Student Services office is to provide a supportive environment for non-traditional and commuter students that promotes intellectual, social and academic growth and development through services and programs that foster lifelong learning.
Would you like to be featured in the next issue of The Connection? For Women’s History month, ACSS will publish a newsletter featuring women writers. General Guidelines: Entries should be short poems (20 lines or less) Writers may submit up to 3 poems Submissions should be e-mailed to etwade@memphis.edu as an attachment All work must be submitted by February 25th We will select several of these submissions to be featured in the March edition of The Connection. For further questions contact etwade@memphis.edu
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ACSS CONNECTION Jan/ Feb 2013
I love you From the bottom of my Brain Boy goes off to college. He’s late on his first day of class and in his rush he bumps into a girl and knocks over her books. He bends over to help and reaches for a book at the same time as the pretty stranger. His hand touches hers and his heart starts to beat quickly and his thoughts are no longer about making it to class. Boy meets girl.
This scene is almost every romantic comedy’s go-to scenario about how romantic relationships start in a school setting. So whenever we do bump into a stranger that could be “the one,” how do we know that we’re falling in love? We all have a list of criteria that we seek in a mate. Many researchers have speculated that we tend to go for members of the opposite sex who remind us of our parents. Some have even found that we tend to be attracted to those who remind us of ourselves. “There are lots of factors and stages when it comes to love and what makes a good relationship,” said Dr. Ventimiglia a sociologist and relationship counselor at the University of Memphis. “Compatibility and demographic similarity are two key factors. People tend to stay in a relationship with others who are close to the same age, race, and background. Of course, I’m not saying that you can’t marry someone of a different age or race but sometimes those relationships have a lot of obstacles to get over and they don’t always last.”
the courtship has lasted for awhile?
According to Dr. Ventimiglia, love and relationships are two different things. First there is romantic love or erotic love, and then eventually, after 24-36 months, that love is replaced by one that is warm and fuzzy instead of hot and sweaty. This is what he calls the big transition or the “growing phase of love.” The brain still pumps out hormones in this phase to help create attachment to one’s partner. Endorphins, for example, are still providing a sense of well-being and security. Additionally, oxytocin is still released when you're having sex, producing feelings of satisfaction and attachment. Vasopressin also continues to play a role in attachment. Researchers have revealed the fonts of desire by comparing functional MRI studies of people who indicated they were experiencing passionate love, maternal love or unconditional love. Together, the regions release neuro-transmitters and other chemicals in the brain and blood that prompt greater euphoric sensations such as attraction and pleasure. Conversely, psychiatrists might someday help individuals who become dan-gerously depressed after a heartbreak by adjusting those chemicals.
So what happens to us whenever our hearts feel that magic spark? According to research, the hormones in our brains are what really become ignited. The nerve transmitters in the brain release a “love cocktail” of increased adrenaline, dopamine, and phenylethylamine (PEA-also present in chocolate) when two people are attracted to each other. Higher levels of norepinephrine, which is similar to adrenaline, bring on the crazy pitter-patter of the heart. Additionally, the relaxation, feel good hormone serotonin lowers. Studies done by the University of London have found that neural circuits associated with the way we assess others are suppressed when the brain has low levels of serotonin. These lower serotonin levels are the same as those found in people with obsessive-compulsive disorders possibly explaining why those in love "obsess" about their partner. This is why love can often feel like an addiction or a neurological disorder. Romantic, right? So what happens to the initial spark of desire after
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ACSS CONNECTION Jan/ Feb 2013
When subjects saw their loved one specific areas of the brain became active, suggesting that there is a specialized system in the brain relating to romantic love.
Of course, we can’t write off love as simply being nothing but a chemical reaction. What makes the human experience unique is our relationships and interactions with others. Just ride the high of love and don’t let the neuroscience stop you from falling head over heels for someone this Valentine’s day.
Terrible Pick-Up lines that won’t get you a date: “Excuse me, I think you have something in your eye. Nope, it’s just a sparkle.” “Hi, the voices in my head told me to come over and talk to you” “Life without you would be like a broken pencil…pointless” “ If you were a booger I would pick you first.” “ Do you have a library card? Because I’m checking you out.” “If you were a chicken, you’d be impeccable” “Is your last name Gillette? Because you’re the best a man can get.” “Does this rag smell like chloroform to you?”
Looking for a tasty challenge? The Adult Student Association is holding a contest that has some Memphis flavor. The first 3 members to post pictures of themselves on the ASA Facebook page with the featured dishes will win a PRIZE!
1. The fresh bruschetta from Bruno’s Italian 2. Chipotle Hummus with grilled pita at RP Tracks 3. The Rice Ball at Milano’s Pizza 4. Guacamole and chips at Las Delicias Mexican Bar and Grille 5. Barbecue Spaghetti at Bar-B-Q Shop 6. Barbecue Bologna Sandwich w/ slaw&hot sauce at Payne’s Bar-B-Que 7. Coconut Cream Pie at The Germantown Commissary 8. Milkshake at Wiles-Smith Drug Store 9. Sno Cream sno-cone at Jerry’s Sno-Cones 10. Meatloaf at Peggy’s Just Heavenly Home Cooking, 11. Desayuno (a savory breakfast pastry) at Caminos de Michoacan, 12. Original Steak Sandwich at Jack Pirtle’s chicken 13. Moussaka at Casablanca 14. Fried Green Tomatoes at Miss Polly’s Soul City Café 15. Red Velvet Donuts from Gibson’s Donuts
The list is based off of U of M professor, Pam Denney’s book A Food Lover’s Guide to Memphis
What would you like to see featured in the Adult & Commuter Connection? Contact the editor, Amy Gregory, at
acss@memphis.edu
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ACSS CONNECTION Jan/ Feb 2013
Go Tigers Go ! Men’s Basketball Schedule 02/20/13
vs. Houston *
FedExForum
8:00 p.m. CT
02/23/13
vs. Southern Miss *
FedExForum
12:00 p.m. CT
02/26/13
at Xavier
Cincinnati, Ohio
6:00 p.m. CT
03/02/13
at UCF *
Orlando, Fla.
12:00 p.m. CT
03/05/13
at UTEP *
El Paso, Texas
8:00 p.m. CT
03/09/13
vs. UAB *
FedExForum
11:00 a.m. CT
Conference USA Tournament 03/13/13
TBD (Opening Round)
Are you still sticking with your resolution to get healthy? Here’s some ways to be a healthier you!
Tulsa, Okla.
TBA
Walk around campus. Walking to your classes can burn several calories. Keep a pedometer with you to keep count of how many steps you’ve taken and calories you’ve burned.
Congratulations to the Tiger men’ s basketball team for being ranked #22 in the nation!
Find a workout buddy. Working out with friends can make the dreaded workout a more exciting experience. A workout buddy is also great for motivating you to stay with your workout routine.
Make better food choices. Taco Bell, Burger King, and Dunkin Donuts are all places to eat on campus that may seem unhealthy. However, they also offer a few healthy choices. So before you order three nacho supremes, ask for the restaurant’s nutrition facts.
Be creative with your workout. Sometimes there is just not enough time to hit the gym, but this doesn’t mean your workout has to suffer. Find exercises that use your own body weight that can be done anywhere. Jumping Jacks and crunches are a good start.
Plan Ahead. With a jammed packed school schedule it’s easy to make an excuse not to go to the gym. Make a schedule in advance and avoid going home before you hit the gym so you won’t be tempted to stay home and hangout after a long day. Get a Trainer. The U of M offers fit tests and personal training sessions to students. For a nominal fee, a trainer will give find a fitness plan that works for you and give you essential tips to reach your health goals. Join a team. The U of M has several intramural sports throughout the year students can sign up for. Take advantage of the opportunity to exercise and bond with other students. For info go to http://www.memphis.edu/intramural/
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ACSS CONNECTION Nov/ Dec 2012
Thanks to everyone who came out and joined us for our Welcome Back Chili Warm Up!
THE FACULTY SPOTLIGHT Getting to know the TRIO program at U of M To students, she’s a counselor, cheerleader, teacher and confidant. Dr. Alexandra Victor gladly takes on many roles to support her students and ensure their success. Before Alexandra Victor moved to Memphis from a town outside of Chicago, IL she knew that the most rewarding career she could have was one working with students. “ I have to have a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day. It’s rewarding to be able to empower students to achieve their goals,” Dr. Victor said. Dr. Victor is the director of the Student Success Programs department at University of Memphis. Dr. Victor, a first-generation college graduate herself, received her undergraduate degree in Management and Communication Arts from Calumet College of St. Joseph, Whiting, IN, her M.S.M. in Management from National Louis University, Chicago, IL and her Ed.D. from Benedictine University, Lisle, IL. Her department encompasses students that are first generation, low income, disabled or a combination of those three. About 320 students and first scholars are in her hands. That’s a lot of goals, dreams, accomplishments, and struggles to take on. So she has help from six other
TRIO counselors and coordinators to help keep student retention rate high. “The TRIO program is the safety net that helps students who fall through the cracks,” Dr. Victor said. “We’re there Dr. Alexandra Victor to provide academic support while trying to help students be ready for success in the real world.” Students who are accepted into the TRIO program will have access to a hands-on mentoring program, intrusive advising, and workshops that teach skills like seminars career development or financial literacy. There is also a TRIO club that provides a social outlet for students to grow in a social setting. “It’s rewarding to see students grow and being able to help them achieve those small successes that can lead to greater successes.” If you are interested in applying for the TRIO program or have questions contact Dr. Victor at 901-678-2351 or avictor@memphis.edu
ACSS CONNECTION Nov/ Dec 2012
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Take the Memphis Healthy U Pledge. Now that you have a few tips on how to stay healthier (pg.6), take the Memphis Healthy U pledge to ensure you keep the health goals. This pledge says you will commit to moving more, eating healthier, and being tobacco free.
If you’re reading our online edition, click here to check out the Student Health 101 newsletter
Visit their website or read the Student Health 101 for ideas on ways to get moving and get healthy. To get more details about healthy programs like Tigers Feel Great visit http://saweb.memphis.edu/health/TFG
Find a good parking spot? Need a bus schedule? Tweet us your stories & questions @uofmemphis_acss and use
#commuterbabble
CONTACT AND GENERAL INFORMATION The Adult and Commuter Student Services office is located on The University of Memphis campus in the University Center RM 243. Our regular hours are 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday. If you need after hours help, please call us to make arrangements. We welcome comments, questions, or suggestions. We can be reached by phone at 901-678-2644 during our regular business hours or after hours leave us a message on voice mail. You may also reach us through e-mail at acss@memphis.edu.
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