ARKATECH THE OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1923
THE
ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY // THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 2017 • VOL. 93 NO. 22
'Project 14' in full effect
News briefs
THURSDAY
Artist Deondra Swanigan's collection: included here are three digital prints and a product line.
Graphic artists show off their many talents AMBER QUAID
Managing Editor
“Project 14” held its opening reception on Saturday, April 22, in the Norman Hall Art Gallery. The gallery is filled with 14 dif-
ferent student exhibitions, each showcased in their own section. “This was the pinnacle event for the graphic design students,” Lyn Brands, associate professor of art graphic design, said. “They picked which works they wanted in the exhibit; they were only limited by space.” The exhibit included “digital art, interactive, web, animation, packaging, digital paintings, type—it’s everything,” Brands said. “This is the fullest it’s ever been.” The artwork included many different pieces, with the product lines taking up a majority of the floor space, and digital
AMBER QUAID/THE ARKA TECH prints taking up much of the wall space. The 14 students that made the pieces include: Shelby Taylor, Colleen Wooten, Carlee Williams, Jackson Schmitt, Lexie Wood, Hanna Bauer, Carter Smith, Deondra Swanigan, Christopher Nam, Zeke Mascuilli, Amanda McCormick, Trang Nguyen, Kimaly Ballard and Santana Foster, with Kimaly Ballard taking home the Senior Recognition Award for graphic design. “Everyone here is so talented and passionate about what they do,” Ballard said. “I was surprised I won because everyone
(PROJECT 14 page 4)
Retirement ceremony honors thirteen BECCA MOSLER
Contributing Writer
This year, Arkansas Tech will have 13 faculty members retiring, and they will be recognized in a ceremony on May 10 at 1:30 p.m. in Doc Bryan Lecture Hall, with a reception to follow in Doc Bryan Room 242. According to the office of Academic Affairs, the following faculty members will be recognized for their retirement: Dr. Michael Benefield, associate professor of finance - 21 years Mr. Ty Brunson, associate professor of art - 18 years Ms. Linda Buckholtz, assistant professor of nursing - 18 years
Dr. James Collins, professor of agriculture - 34 years Dr. Diane Gleason, associate professor of history - 11 years Dr. Theresa Herrick, professor of recreation and park administration - 32 years Dr. Annette Holeyfield, professor of health and physical education - 32 years Ms. Theresa Johnson, education coordinator, curator, and interim museum director - 26 years Ms. Brenda Lauffart, visiting instructor of chemistry - 10 years Mr. Gary Morris, visiting instructor of music and director of choirs -15 years Dr. David Roach, professor of
management - 33 years Dr. Rebecca Shopfner, associate professor of teaching, learning and leadership - 17.5 years Dr. David Underwood, associate vice president for Academic Affairs and professor of education - 16 years. Sara Bailey, administrative specialist in the Academic Affairs office, said, “The faculty recognition ceremony, which recognizes emeritus faculty, retirements, and years of service, will be on Wednesday, May 10 immediately following Dr. Robin Bowen’s, university president, and Dr. Mohamed Abdel-
(RETIREMENT page 4)
Contributing Writer
The Arkansas Tech spirit squad will host tryouts on May 11-12 in Hull. There are 17 open spots for the cheer team and 15 open spots for the dance team. Among other spirit squad members, sophomore Caroline Weaver will host tryouts. Weaver said that the students trying out for cheer must be able to do a running-back handspring tuck and a standing stuck. She said it is also preferred if
students trying out are knowledgeable in pyramids and basic stunts. Weaver said that for both dance and cheer, students must know the fight song and the dance to the fight song. “You have to know the words because you sing it when you dance, and you don’t want to look like you have no clue what’s going on,” she said. Weaver said that for dance tryouts, students must be able to do a triple turn on the right and left leg, right and left leg leap and right and left splits.
'13 REASONS WHY' BOOK, SHOW REVIEW - PAGE 6
Practices for members are held four times a week with 6 a.m. workouts twice a week. Weaver said that time commitment is essential. “Our teams are really close and almost like family, so we like to have good attitudes among us,” she said. The spirit squad provides opportunity for students to get involved on campus. Sophomore Liz Weaver said that the squad has several student ambassadors and they are required to go to almost every campus event.
REJECTING THE EXPECTED - PAGE 5
FRIDAY
Graphic Design Senior Exhibit - See senior graphic design majors’ artwork from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at Norman Hall Art Gallery. Interdisciplinary Research Series – Join Dr. Suveyda Karakaya, Turkish citizen with a Ph.D. in political science, in a discussion about Islam, violence and civil war at 3:30 p.m. in Brown Hall 105. 2017 Mosaic: A Scholarship Benefit – Attend a scholarship benefit for the students of Tech from 6-8 p.m. at Tucker Coliseum. Tickets are $100 per person.
SUNDAY
RICCI LOGAN/ THE ARKA TECH
Dr. Collins is one of thirteen faculty members retiring on May 10.
Spirit squad hosts tryouts for cheer, dance team SHAYLEY SAMS
Early registration for summer and fall semesters (until May 2) Graphic Design Senior Exhibit - See senior graphic design majors’ artwork from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at Norman Hall Art Gallery. Tech Talk – Participate in an open forum and share your thoughts, beliefs and comments with the topic of the day from 12:30-1:30 p.m. in Baz Tech. Game and 3D Design Open House –View the new Game and 3D Design building from 4-6 p.m. at 1111 N Arkansas Ave. Summer Send Off – Hang out with friends and experience carnival rides, free food and lemonade from 6-11 p.m. in the Witherspoon parking lot. ATU Symphonic and Concert Band Concert – Listen to the Symphonic and Concert Band perform at 7:30 p.m. in Witherspoon Auditorium.
“It’s a great way to be a role model for younger kids and build your character in general,” Weaver said. “We are the face of Arkansas Tech.” Dance member Kaylee Lawrence said that being on the spirit squad has shaped her in many ways. “It has taught me patience, brought me friends that will last for a lifetime, communication and time management,” she said. Lawrence said that she encourages any student who is looking to get involved to join the spirit squad.
ATU Symphonic Wind Ensemble Concert – Listen to the ATU Symphonic Wind Ensemble perform from 2:30-4:30 p.m. in Witherspoon Auditorium. Guitar Ensemble Concert – Listen to the Guitar Ensemble perform at 7:30 p.m. in Witherspoon Auditorium.
MONDAY
Students follow regular Monday class schedule Graphic Design Senior Exhibit - See senior graphic design majors’ artwork from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at Norman Hall Art Gallery.
TUESDAY
Students follow regular Wednesday class schedule Graphic Design Senior Exhibit - See senior graphic design majors’ artwork from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at Norman Hall Art Gallery.
WEDNESDAY Reading Day
TECH'S DANCE CO. FINAL PERFORMANCE- PAGE 8
PAGE 2 | Opinion
Graduate school, the truth
EZEKIEL MASCUILLI/THE ARKA TECH
According to a student demographics chart on atu.edu, graduate school enrollment is up from 530 students in the spring of 2008 to 849 in the spring of 2016. Going to graduate school has apparently become a trend, and more and more people are considering going to graduate school either here at Tech or at other colleges. We at The Arka Tech have two graduate students on staff, and we believe that there are many misconceptions that come with being a graduate student and we would like to dispel some myths and give some advice. Many people believe, or assume, that to get a graduate degree you must go immediately after earning your undergraduate degree. However, according to a report by the Council of Graduate Schools, in 2007, 31 percent of all graduate students are 25-years-old or older, and that number has only grown. You do not immediately have to go to graduate school, unless you are wanting to do something that requires an upper lev-
el degree. You can take time off, go out into the workforce, explore the world and then make a final, well-informed decision. A professor in the English department, who has a doctorate degree, once told an Advanced Composition class, “A master’s degree opens a lot of doors.” What this professor meant, is that getting a master’s degree allows students to unlock a slew of opportunities that a bachelor’s degree just can’t give them. Teachers who hold graduate degrees are paid better, and this is the case in many fields. According to an article on usnews.com, graduate degree holders between the ages of 21 to 64, make over $10,000 more than their undergraduate holding counterparts. Earning a master’s degree can also help you earn a job. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 2.4 percent of master’s degree holders are unemployed. This means that only around three master’s degree holders out of every 100 are unemployed.
Editorial: ed·i·to·ri·al
[ed-i-tawr-ee-uhl, -tohr-] noun: An article that represents the official viewpoint of a newspaper on a topic of public interest. While earning a master’s degree is incredibly beneficial and allows you to explore your interests more fully and in-depth, it’s tough. Earning a master’s degree, is a lot like climbing a mountain. You start out doing it because you enjoy it, then it gets tough and painful, and then it gets to that point where you’re just trying to get done because it’s much easier than turning back. It becomes a pride issue. More than likely, your future career employers will know this and it will give you an edge because they know you can persevere and have the tenacity to make it during challenging times. The decision to get a master’s degree should come from you and not
from your parents or your friends or because everyone else is doing it or because you have no other plans after graduation. Climbing a mountain isn’t a light, easy decision. Neither is getting a master’s degree. We encourage you to further your education if it’s something you want to do, and we encourage you to do extensive research before you settle on a college and a program. Beware taking the GRE, some degrees require it and some don’t, so look into your degree and know before you go. And to all you grad students out there yanking your hair out this semester, you’re not alone. We’re all going through it. And you are smart enough to do this.
The cowboy rides away —my farewell address
RYAN HARMON
Entertainment Writer
Well kids, as Kris Kristofferson once said, “This may be our last good night together.” It seems like it was just a few months ago that I began working on the Arka Tech staff. From day one, my goal with these weekly musings of mine was to discuss albums and topics that you wouldn’t necessarily hear about in mainstream outlets. With my background being rooted in country and rock, that was what I ended up gravitating to, and there’s a lot to cover just in those two genres. As I sit here writing my final ramble, I’m looking back on the things I’ve written in the past few years. Although I’ve never been perfect (what a shocker to hear me say that), there’s not much I would change, except for one big thing that I must address: One of my early articles was a review of Van Halen’s 2015 live album, “Tokyo Dome Live In Concert.” In that article, I gave a fairly negative review of the album, which understandably made some fans a little unhappy. I’ve always regretted not making an immediate clarification as to why I gave it such a negative review. I saw the band on its 2008 reunion tour with, original vocalist, David Lee Roth. I felt like the band, especially Roth, put on a killer performance that night, and to me, “Tokyo Dome Live In Concert” didn’t reflect that at all. My feelings were and still are that Roth’s performance on the album was not as good as he’s capable of. I’ve seen him do a great performance, so I know that he can do it. That’s all. Now that we have that out of the way, I’d like to leave you with a few final nuggets of wisdom that relate to this art that I love so much:
1. If you like an artist and believe in that artist, support them. Buy their music, go to their concerts, wear their shirts and tell everyone you know about them. Like Willie Brown said in the 1986 film, “Crossroads,” - “Take it past where you found it.” It’s not easy to make or maintain a career in music these days, so now more than ever, artists need help from their fans. 2. If you’re hearing music in your head that nobody else is doing, grab a guitar and make it yourself. You never know when it’ll be the next big thing. I mean that. 3. Nobody can stop you from working towards your goals. If you believe you have a talent, and you want to pursue that talent, you have to do it. You either use it or lose it. You owe it to yourself to give it at least a couple of good, honest attempts. When somebody tries to tell you that it’s impossible or a waste of time, ignore them. Johnny Cash’s first wife tried talking him out of music. 4. The good stuff always lasts. Don’t worry about making music that fits the trends. Just focus on making good music that you believe in. This really applies to everything, not just music. I’m not sure that I’ll have the opportunity to do something like this in the future, but whatever the future happens to hold for me, you can bet it’ll involve music. Music is such a huge part of who I am, and it’s very important to me. I hope you’ve enjoyed any of my articles that you’ve read.
THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 2017
To Tommy Mumert, our faculty adviser, and all of the wonderful editors and staff members I’ve had the privilege of working with: Thank you. Your support and friendship is something I’ll always cherish. And to anyone who’s ever taken the time to read any of my articles: thank you. Please feel free to find me online and come to one of my shows. Let’s keep the music going. I can’t think of any better words to end this with than those of an old George Strait song. “Oh the last goodbye’s the hardest one to say. This is where the cowboy rides away.”
Campus | PAGE 3
MAN ON THE STREET “HOW ARE YOU PREPARING FOR FINALS?”
“I’m studying my butt off for every class about 2 hours a day per subject.” Ben Quattlebaum Bio-Chemistry Benton
Pieces of advice CLAUDIA YOUNG
Editor-in-Chief
A good chunk of our staff is graduating this semester. Some of us are coming back for graduate school, some are not returning to staff, others are moving on. I am a part of the latter. I have been on an emotional roller coaster this semester, but not because I’m sad about leaving (sorry, guys). I’m more focused on how I don’t have a job lined up and what I’m going to do after this. I’ve been ready to move on since I started my senior year. I love to experience new things, so I am anticipating this change. But change is scary when you don’t have a plan. That being said, I have a few pieces of advice from things I’ve learned leading The Arka Tech for those willing to read my ramblings.
DON’T TAKE YOURSELF SO SERIOUSLY
“Going to the library or using my laptop at my house to get the study guides already out, using notecards and getting study groups together of anyone in the class that wants to help.” Traliese Ford Psychology Eldorado
“I haven’t really started yet... I usually wait last minute to study.”
People are labeling themselves more and more as “awkward.” I say own it. I am one of those who is actually awkward. I’m quirky, dorky and punny. People don’t always get me. I’ve let that affect my work and my confidence in the past, but I’ve learned that if you just count to five after an awkward moment and move on, it doesn’t matter. It’ll pass. Don’t beat yourself up. On the other side of the spectrum, you are not the most incredible person in the room. Ever. If you think that, you are closing off your mind to so many opportunities. Remind yourself that there is always room to grow. If you don’t know that, you will get knocked off of your high horse at some point. But then again, everyone gets a cruel slap of humility at some point in his or her life. So when it happens, own up to it and move on to be a better person.
JENNA SUEN/QUARTZ BLOSSOM PHOTOGRAPHY
STOP TELLING YOURSELF YOU AREN’T GOOD ENOUGH
I have doubts about jobs I’ve applied for or am thinking about applying for. How am I qualified? Sure, I have experience, but that was in college. How am I going to be good enough for a real job? If you’re thinking like that, pretend I just slapped you. Stop it. Dream big. Apply to jobs, make good impressions, take risks. What will you gain from holding back? The worst they can say is “thanks, but no thanks.”
BE GENUINE AND CARE ABOUT OTHERS
In my opinion, relationships are more important than climbing the ladder. If you can’t be a team player, no one will want to work with you. Set aside your personal issues (vent those feelings to a friend or significant other at home) and do good work. It’s hard. It takes dedication and patience. But you will not go far if
you cannot work well with others. Care about them, ask them about their life and remember that you are not the greatest thing alive (see: “Don’t take yourself so seriously”).
AND LASTLY, SOME PARTING WORDS TO MY STAFF
I’m not good at talking, but I’m good at writing. So here goes nothing. I’m quirky, awkward, funny? Please think I’m funny. Everything I say is to make you guys laugh. I’m only partly joking… I love you guys. You have been the most incredible staff to lead. You are passionate; you care so much. I only know that because our meetings are so, so long. I would rather have long meetings with great discussion than short meetings where I just hand out assignments. Whatever you do after you graduate, don’t let that passion die. And truthfully, I am sad to be leaving. But I’ve been your fearless leader (that was a joke) for three semesters. It’s time to pass the torch.
Trent Williams Psychology Benton
“Just getting lots of sleep, studying my butt off, and cramming before the week of.” Victoria Teague Physical Education Russellville
“Studying but not overdoing it though, max 2 hours study time in the library and studying with a group.” Stephen Watson Psychology Pine Bluff
“I am scheduling time out of my day to go to the library and make study guides for every final.” Allison Holloway Rehab Science Alma
ANSWERS FOR APRIL 20
THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 2017
PAGE 4 | News
Student Government elects new representatives ALLISON EDWARDS
Contributing Writer
Arkansas Tech students made their choices clear in the results of a recent election for new campus representatives. Fall 2017 will welcome the beginning of terms for the recently elected Student Government Association executive board and senators. The senate consists of 21 newly elected members including campus-wide representatives and senators elected to represent the colleges in which their majors are affiliated.
Kaylee Lawrence, management and marketing major from Bauxite, was elected to serve on SGA. Lawrence will represent the entire student body in one of eight senator-at-large positions. Lawrence said she was ecstatic when she saw the election results and is excited to represent her classmates and peers. All seven positions for the new Student Government Association executive board were also filled. Positions include the president, vice president and secretaries of SGA. Together they will advise senate members, coordinate
RETIREMENT From Page 1 rahman’s, vice president for Academic Affairs, addresses to the faculty.” The addresses will begin at 1:30 p.m., and the ceremony will begin at approximately 3:00 p.m. Dr. Annette Holeyfield, director of the College of Education Partnership Office and professor of health and physical education, will be retiring after 32 years at Arkansas Tech. Holeyfield joined the Arkansas Tech family in the fall of 1973 as a student. “Arkansas Tech gave me the knowledge and skills to follow my passion for teaching—six years in Russellville Public Schools and thirty-two years at Arkansas Tech with seventeen of those years devoted to serving as the Department Head of the Health and Physical Education Department,” Holeyfield said.
“I will miss the daily contact with students the most. I will also miss the academic culture and environment,” Holeyfield said. As far as future plans, Holeyfield said she plans to spend more time with her family. She also said she isn’t done with education just yet. “I am a lifelong learner, so I plan to expand my knowledge/skillset in areas outside my current content area,” Holeyfield said. “I also plan to continue to support Arkansas Tech University as I believe that its best days are yet to come.” Dr. Theresa Herrick, professor of recreation and park administration, will be retiring after 32 years at Arkansas Tech. “When I came to ATU in 1985 enrollment was a little more than 2,000 students and you can see how much it has grown in 32 years,” she said.
Herrick describes Arkansas as an “outdoor recreation paradise.” Herrick said she was recruited out of college to come work for Arkansas State Parks and stayed here to teach at Arkansas Tech. “A colleague once asked me why I stayed in Arkansas since I could live anywhere I wanted and I was not a native, and my response was ‘Obviously you never been there or you would not be asking that question,’” Herrick said. “One of our COAPRT accreditation visitors said when he visited campus in 2001 that we had ‘jewel of a program here at ATU’ referring to the Recreation and Park Administration Program,” Herrick said. “I agree wholeheartedly with that statement and am proud to have been a part of it for 32 of its 50 years of existence.”
PROJECT 14 From Page 1 else is just that qualified.” Other award winners include: Lauren Keck, Senior Recognition Award for art education and Taylor Garrett, Senior Recognition Award for fine art. The choices came “down to tenths of a degree of points in GPA” after they were reviewed for internships and volunteer work. “Each individual project for a single class you have thirty plus hours of work,” Ballard said. “Now imagine having to take 15 hours.” Ballard displayed her paint product line, four digital portraits and four
animations during this exhibit, all of which took her a year and a half to complete. Carlee Williams’s exhibit, which took her “a few years” included mostly product lines because “the product lines were more of what my career is focused on,” while Carter Smith, who does “not like packaging (product lines),” focused more on low poly digital prints and it took “this semester” to complete his. Whether they agree or disagreed on what art was best for them, the different art showcased in the exhibit gave exam-
ples of the many styles, types and uses of art today. “Everybody helps everybody else,” Brands said. “ It’s all been a team effort.” The exhibition offered the artists professional world experience by learning how to run the exhibition from start to finish, including setting up their own work and doing public relations to get the word out. Students reached out to friends to provide music for the event and to local businesses, which donated food for the event.
events and serve at the interest of the student body. Matthew Smith, agriculture business major from Hermitage, will begin his term as president of SGA. Smith served as vice president for the fall 2016 and spring 2017 semesters. Smith said he has some specific ideas in mind for campus development. “I would like to see Doc Bryan become more of a student-focused area, and I look forward to continuing SGA’s involvement on campus,” Smith said. Jayson Simmons, emergency man-
agement major from Little Rock, will assume his new role as vice president of SGA. Simmons served as the secretary of public relations during the fall 2016 and spring 2017 semesters. Simmons said he is eager to keep up the momentum from previous semesters. A complete list of SGA election results can be found on arkatechnews.com Student Government Association meetings take place every Wednesday at 12:15 p.m. in the Mary Ann Salmon Senate Room in Doc Bryan Hall. Meetings are open to students and faculty.
BECCA MOSLER
Arkansas Tech Presidential Leadership Cabinet for 2017-2018 are: Kristina Asencio of Springdale Sydney Blackwell of Alma Kaitlyn Bradke of Heber Springs Rachel Brannon of Gans, Okla. Sidney Burgess of Shirley Brett Calhoun of Centrallia, Mo. Maranda Coffey of Little Rock Aaron Collier of Charleston Hanna Colvin of Russellville Ryan Davis of Fort Smith Danielle Duggan of DeQueen Chris Eastburn of Hot Springs Ashlyn Elliott of Alma Audrey Fitts of Little Rock Chris Fleming of Harrison Kaelyn Greer of Sherwood Allison Holloway of Mountainburg Blake Hurley of Clarksville Michael Ikwuyum of Makurdi, Nigeria Blake Jenkins of Alexander Olivia Karnes of Springdale Chloe Lance of Rogers Kaylee Lawrence of Bauxite Sam Leek of Maumelle Maria Marasco of Russellville Makenzie Martin of Heber Springs Seth Mays of Mansfield Seth McCammon of North Little Rock Blair Miller of Rison Kenzie Nash of Sherwood Mackenzie Oliver of Van Buren Morgan Poague of Van Buren Grace Rice of Greenbrier Mikah Short of Pottsville Hannah Simmons of Subiaco Jayson Simmons of Little Rock Hannah Spandle of Greenwood Esther White of North Little Rock Sarah Whitley of Houston, Texas Shaylee Williams of Ozark Ariyana Woodson of McGehee Brooklyn Woodworth of Springdale Alexus Yarbrough of Houston, Texas
Arkansas Tech Presidential Leadership Cabinet selected Contributing Writer
Forty-three students from Arkansas Tech University have been chosen to serve on the Presidential Leadership Cabinet for the 2017-2018 academic school year. According to the Arkansas Tech website, members of the Presidential Leadership Cabinet (PLC) serve as representatives of the President’s Office and the Alumni Office. Members work in cooperation with the Tech administration to advance Arkansas Tech University and enhance its mission through outreach to prospective and current students, alumni and friends. According to a news release from Arkansas Tech, “Students selected [for PLC] must be full-time students who have completed at least 12 semester hours at Tech and are in good standing with the school, hold a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 and be of good moral character.” Morgan Poague, a management and marketing major from Van Buren, is one of the 43 selected to serve for the upcoming academic year. “I think PLC is a great opportunity to get more involved on campus, connect & network with alumna, and practice being a leader,” Poague said. Kaelyn Greer, a rehabilitation science major from North Little Rock, said she is looking forward to the opportunity to serve on PLC. “Presidential Leadership Cabinet is an awesome opportunity to serve on tech campus,” Greer said, “I love being able to connect with alumni and to show parents of students what makes Tech so special.” The members selected for the
The Arka Tech
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News stories printed in The Arka Tech must be accurate, fair and as unbiased as possible. Any mistakes in fact found in an issue of The Arka Tech will be corrected in the first possible issue. Opinions expressed in The Arka Tech are not necessarily the opinions of Arkansas Tech University or its students. Individual copies of The Arka Tech are free to members of the Tech community. Contact the adviser for pricing of multiple copies.
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THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 2017
Faculty Advisor: THE OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPER SIN TOMMY MUMERT
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Features | PAGE 5
Rejecting the expected
ELEXIS HARPER
Online Editor
Holly Ruth Gale’s office is a picture of organized chaos. Papers, folders, binders and books adorn the surface of her desk and the piano. The walls are papered with drawings, letters and playbills. The sound of her piano and a student singing scales can be heard through the closed door. The office’s appearance is reflective of Gale’s energy. Her age is of no consequence in her life and work. Rather, she allows it to inspire her. While her children moving out of the house could have been a chance for her to settle back and enjoy the empty nest, she decided to reject what was expected and continue forging her own path. Her work at Arkansas Tech University as a professor of music takes the highest priority, but to stay sharp in summer, she regularly performs. Lately, her summer months have been spent cultivating a new project: a one-woman play, entitled “Femme Vítal.” The theme of the play is something near and dear to Gale’s heart – the idea that a woman’s age does not define her, and that someone must forge their own path to happiness. While the show is a huge point of pride for Gale, she still takes a huge amount of pride in her work as a professor. Her career as a professor started almost by accident. “I had been performing for a while, and then I was here in Russellville and Arkansas Tech needed an adjunct voice professor,” she explained. “They knew of me and I had been singing professionally, and I was teaching private lessons in a private studio, and I’ve been doing that for years.” “It kind of fell in my lap,” she later said. The decision to accept the adjunct position was in part influenced by
PHOTOS BY ELEXIS HARPER/THE ARKA TECH Holly Ruth Gale's, associate professor of music, office is a picture of organized chaos. the fact that she’d been married for several years and had recently had her oldest daughter. Her husband, who she refers to as “Dreamy John Gale,” was supportive of her choice to remain in the workforce. “I was never an athome mom; I was so fortunate because both sets of parents were close by, so between John and myself and the grandparents, we were able to stay busy, and I needed to work,” she said. Her time as an adjunct professor allowed her to realize her passion for teaching at a college level. “Most of the students I had been teaching up to that point were more junior high and high school age,” she explained. “I liked the college literature; I really enjoy the college age group a lot because you guys are just kind of on the precipice of adulthood.” “It’s really exciting to watch you guys grow up,” she said.
"It is a rare and special person who can teach"
Despite having a new child, giving lessons, and having the adjunct position, Holly Ruth pursued a Master’s degree at the urging of Bob Casey, the music department head at the time. She attended the University of Central Arkansas and maintained a full-time visiting professor position at Tech, while also caring for her baby. In four years, she received her Master’s of Music and Vocal Performance. “Those were four crazy years while I was in school,” she laughed. “After that I applied for a tenured position that came up and happily got it.” The position at Tech has helped her maintain her skill as a performer as well. “When you’re teaching voice, you’re having to think about that craft all the time,” she explained. “It’s interesting because no two voice lessons are the same; as a teacher, you’re having to stay on your toes and help problem-solve issues that are unique to a single voice.” Along with helping her stay on top of her game, Holly Ruth said that one of her favorite things about the
private lesson aspect of teaching is when certain concepts just “click” with students. It’s one of many small things that give her a greater appreciation for the work that she does here at Tech. While she did enjoy teaching younger students as well, certain aspects of teaching at a college level appeal to her a bit more. “I enjoy what’s happening with [college student’s] voices as they come into young adulthood,” she commented. “They’re capable of understanding the literature and the poetry that you use.” No matter who she teaches, Holly Ruth has a passion for education. The reverence she has for educators of all kinds is evident any time she speaks of them. And to anyone who wants to be a teacher and has been told they were “settling” or perhaps had been told they were not good enough for a “real” profession, she has one reassuring thing to say: “Students who have been told that teaching is to settle, so to speak, that is flat out a bogus thought process,” she said, quite firmly. “It is a rare and special person who can do that,
Gale performs in a one-woman play, entitled “Femme Vítal.” The theme of the play is something near and dear to Gale’s heart – the idea that a woman’s age does not define her, and that someone must forge their own path to happiness. and I would even say if you don’t really want to teach, please don’t. Because our children need people who want to be there with them.” Holly Ruth could be considered a rare and special person. There are many aspects of the growing diversity of the student body at Tech that could pose a challenge to a conservatively raised, religious woman of her age, but Holly Ruth’s outlook on it is simple: be kind to everyone. “This is going to sound cliché, but the more I learn, the more I don’t know, and the more I am at peace with not knowing the mysteries of the world,” she said. “I’ve become more laid back with age… I hope I’ve become less
judgmental, and I’m really at peace with people being who they need to be, and the one thing I think we all need to do is to be in service to each other, and giving and helping and kind, and if we’re there, everything else falls in line.” “I think being polite to each other should be an assumed,” she said. “I think being kind should be an assumed.” Holly Ruth’s inherent kindness and passion for her work creates an environment unique only to her. Her eyes, with 54 years of wisdom, are just as youthful as her smile, her laughter and her voice, all of which overflow with mirth. Her life and heart are full, and it shows in everything she does.
THE ARKA TECH TAKES HOME MORE AWARDS
PHOTO COURTESY OF EDWARD MATTHEWS
On April 7, four members of The Arka Tech staff, two former members and the faculty adviser went to the Arkansas College Media Association conference in Bentonville. All together the journalists brought home 21 awards. The rest of the story can be found online at arkatechnews.com
THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 2017
PAGE 6 | Entertainment
Stuart goes 'Way Out West,' digs into California sound RYAN HARMON
Entertainment Writer Country music icon, Marty Stuart, has been pickin’ and grinnin’ for several decades, from his early days, playing for Lester Flatt and Johnny Cash, into his solo career. Often seen as a champion of traditional country music, Stuart is branching out into slightly different territory on his new album. “Way Out West” finds Stuart and his band, The Fabulous Superlatives, delving into the California sound, something that Stuart hasn’t often had the chance to explore on records. Depending on who you ask, the California sound could be anything from Buck Owens to The Byrds. Stuart and the Superlatives touch on all of it, with the help of Mike Campbell, guitarist for Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, as the album’s producer. The album opens with “Desert Prayer - Part 1,” a short, haunting mix of music and strange sounds. From there, it kicks right into “Mojave,” featuring the band doing its country rock version of what’s often referred to as “surf guitar music,” pioneered by players, such as Dick Dale, whose iconic song, “Misirlou,” was part of the cult classic film, “Pulp Fiction.” Anybody who’s seen Stuart’s popular music show, “The Marty Stuart Show,” knows that every episode of the show begins with an instrumental that’s in the same vein. I have to wonder how long they’ve waited to make a record like this. “Lost On The Desert,” the album’s first track with vocals, is an appropriate way to start this musical journey. With a very heavy Marty Robbins influence, the song feels like the first scene of a movie, with the previous tracks serving as more of a theme.
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This isn’t Stuart’s first time doing a concept album like this. “The Pilgrim,” released in 1999, is a favorite among fans, although MCA Records, Stuart’s label at the time, was not necessarily in love with the idea. Because of that, the album perhaps didn’t get the kind of promotion and support that it deserved. The album’s title track is a story all by itself. The song’s character goes on a deep journey, thanks in part to hallucinogens, which combined with the storyline makes it one of the edgiest songs Stuart has done.
“Air Mail Special” showcases the tremendous talents of Stuart and his band, while songs like “Time Don’t Wait” and “Please Don’t Say Goodbye” showcase how well Campbell fits as the producer for the band. I don’t know how the combination would work on one of Stuart’s more traditional country albums, but for this style, it’s the perfect fit. In an article from January of this year, I said “there’s a good chance that this will be my favorite album of the year.” I had
high expectations for “Way Out West,” and I was far from disappointed. Not only does the music live up to the high standards you would expect from Stuart, the album truly feels like a classic western film. It’s a fresh take on a classic artform, and I truly believe it is deserving of a Grammy next year. Marty Stuart is still in his prime. “Way Out West” is available in stores and online now. For more information, visit www.martystuart.net.
'The Fundamentals of Caring' tickles the funny bone GABBI CALABRESE
Staff Writer
I have a fairly dry, sarcastic sense of humor, and movies, though they often try, rarely appeal to that humor. Rob Burnett’s “The Fundamentals of Caring” is one of the rare films that managed to tickle my funny bone. I was surprised to find myself laughing out loud—quite frequently, too. Aside from the film’s particular brand of humor, there were also interesting characters and a quirky adventure. “The Fundamentals of Caring” follows Ben, a writer with a traumatic past who gets a job caring for Trevor, a teen with muscular dystrophy. The two head out on a journey to find the world’s deepest pit, meeting different obstacles and characters along the way. I thoroughly enjoyed the dynamics between these two characters. Their relationship is far from perfect, but it is clear they provide the kinship that the other needs most. They have some truly delightful banter along with some sincerely touching moments. Trevor is definitely my favorite character in the movie. He’s complicated and relatable. He can be timid at times, but he doesn’t let his muscular dystrophy keep him down. He covers insecurities with sarcasm. He likes to dream of deep pits in the ground but has hardly even left his home. I was rooting for him the entire time, and I was quite satisfied with where his character ends up.
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There are some sub-plots I didn’t care all that much about or find too engrossing. A pregnant woman named Peaches comes along, and while she has the potential to add a lot of energy to the story, she mostly feels like she’s there to help Ben’s character arc come to fruition, which is frustrating. I also wasn’t really sold on the romance between Trev and runaway teenager Dot.
While I think they could have made a fascinating couple, their relationship is not developed the way it should have been to make me root for them to be together. This movie really is a hoot and a half, though. It’s weird enough to stand apart from other teens-finding-themselves stories, and funny enough to make me want to watch it again.
If you read my review last semester, you know that I did three weeks of Stephen King for Halloween. You also know that it was my first experience with King’s writing and that I really enjoyed the books I read. So when I was re-watching “Friends” (for the fourth time, judge me) and I noticed that Joey’s favorite book is “The Shining,” I had to read it. “The Shining” follows the Torrance family as Jack Torrance begins his new job as the winter caretaker of the Overlook Hotel, which is a beautiful old hotel nestled in the mountains of Colorado. The Overlook requires a winter caretaker because the hotel shuts down for the winter months due to the impassable snow. Jack has a history of alcoholism that has gotten him fired from his teaching job. The Overlook is the Torrance family’s last hope. But the Overlook is hiding dark secrets; dark secrets that could spell the end for the Torrance family. “The Shining” is told in alternating points of view from Jack to his wife Wendy to their young son Danny. Danny has a special gift, and he can see the sinister forces gathering in the hotel. But would anyone believe a 5-year-old boy? This novel is one of the ones that made King great, (along with “Carrie” and “’Salem’s Lot) and you can tell he really shows off in this novel. It packs a punch. It can be cloyingly cliché one chapter, and then absolutely terrifying the next chapter. The reader watches three separate descents into madness, and it’s not something that can easily be cast aside, especially when you see what’s in room 217. Joey got at least one thing right on “Friends,” “The Shining” is an incredible novel. I literally could not put it down, and I still stay awake half the night terrified because my cat is staring at the door to my bathroom transfixed.
'La La Land' soundtrack an emotional roller coaster ride CLAUDIA YOUNG
Editor-in-Chief
I grew up in choir. I was always around people who loved jazz hands and musicals. Oddly enough, I was not one of them. I rolled my eyes at them and thought musicals were overrated. I disliked more musicals than I liked. Before I saw “La La Land,” I didn’t realize it was a musical. The preview I had seen months before was very inconspicuous, which was one of the reasons I want-
ed to see it. Plus, Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling? Those two are perfect on-screen lovers. I was definitely thrown off guard when the first scene started with a bunch of strangers in stand-still traffic singing and dancing, but I warmed up to it. I listened to the soundtrack for about three weeks after seeing it (and may or may not have seen the movie two more times in theater). I’ve heard and read a lot about how Stone and Gosling weren’t right for the roles and they aren’t good singers. Per-
THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 2017
sonally, I would rather have phenomenal actors who are average singers rather than phenomenal singers who can’t act. And coming from a person who has had professional training, I think they were perfect for the job. They weren’t auto tuned and they weren’t pitchy. I’m wracking my brain, and I honestly can’t think of better actors or singers for the parts. I was surprised to find out that Gosling learned jazz piano for this movie, so he was doing both his own singing and piano playing.
There are so many things I could talk about with this soundtrack. Like all musicals, it has a few motifs that are repeated throughout. The two motifs are introduced in “Mia & Sebastian’s Theme” and “City of Stars.” The motifs are so simple, yet they tell so much about the story. Justin Hurwitz, the composer, couldn’t have done a better job. They resonated in my heart. FOR THE REST OF THE REVIEW go online www.arkatechnews.com
Sports | PAGE 7
Wonder Boys take possession of second in GAC standings NOAH DELASHAW
Contributing Writer
The Arkansas Tech Wonder Boys baseball team picked up a series win against the Southern Arkansas Mule Riders in a three-game series last weekend. Looking forward, the Wonder Boys will play the Harding Bisons on Friday, April 28, at Tech Field. First pitch is at 7 p.m. The Wonder Boys, 29-17 and 22-8 in Great American Conference play, will take on the Bisons, 19-24 and 13-16 in GAC play. The Wonder Boys have moved up to second in the GAC standings after the series win over the Mule Riders. The Bisons are seventh in the standings following a series win over the Boll Weevils last weekend. The Wonder Boys were able to retake their spot at second after being tied in the standings with the Boll Weevils. “This Weekend was a lot of fun, we really were just able to show the potential our team has,” said Parker O’Dell, from Branson, Missouri. After winning the first two games of the series, the Wonder Boys dropped the third and final game. “We had a ton of hits but no big hits when we needed them,” said Dave Dawson, head baseball coach. “We played well overall, it is hard to beat a team three times in a row especially a team that’s as good as them.”
RICCI LOGAN/THE ARKA TECH The Wonder Boys were able to retake their spot at second after being tied in the standings with the Boll Weevils. The Wonder Boys won the first game against the Mule Riders with a final of 4-0. Kyle Wilson, from Flagstaff, Arizona, earned his seventh win of the season. Wilson has not allowed a run over the last 22 innings on the mound. Seth Wheeler, from Ozark, Missouri and Cody Wescott, from Phoenix, Arizona, both collected two hits. Marcus Wilson, from Bryant, Jake Harvey, from Overland Park, Kansas, and Wheeler each had an RBI in the win.
In the second game the Wonder Boys won 2-1, cutting the deficit to three games behind the Mule Riders for first place. Trent Armstrong, from Waxahachie, Texas, allowed only one run and five hits during five innings. The only scoring play for the Wonder boys came in the fourth from a single from Korey Thompson, from Bryant, plating two runs. In the final game of the series, the
Wonder Boys lost 12-4 after being tied up at 4-4 late in the game. “We had a few chances to put them away and we never did that,” said Dylan McDearmon, from Greenbrier. Wilson was 4-for-4 in the loss. McDearmon went 2-for-4 with two home runs. Wescott and Thompson each had two hits in the game. Issac Hale suffered the loss after allowing three runs on three hits in four innings.
Golden Suns split series with Mule Riders RICCI LOGAN/THE ARKA TECH This was Macarena Sedano Acosta from Buenos Aires, Argentina last match.
Suns season ends with loss to Harding RICCI LOGAN
Staff Writer
The Arkansas Tech Golden Suns’ tennis season came to an end last Friday, April 21, against the Harding Bisons in a 5-3 loss. The Golden Suns No.2 doubles team, Annabel Rowlands, from Wigan, England, and Kami Ward, from Hot Springs, gave the Golden Suns an early lead with an 8-2 win. The Golden Suns would fall in a tough match, 8-6, in the No.3 doubles bracket. Going into singles play, the Suns were down 2-1. Rowlands ended her season with a 6-3 win in the No.4 singles match. Rowlands finished the 2016-17 season with a 21-8 mark in singles play, and a 19-8 record in doubles action.
Ward picked up a three-set victory in the No.3 singles matches, 6-1, 0-6, 6-4. Ward finished her season with a 19-13 record in singles play, and a 15-6 mark in doubles competition. This was the last match for Macarena Sedano Acosta, from Buenos Aires, Argentina, Tamara from, Bell La Paz, Mexico, and Vandella Suico, from The Woodland, Texas. Bell finished her four-year career with a 77-32 doubles record as well as a 59-37 singles record. Suico closed out her Golden Suns career with a 41-13 record in doubles play, and a 31-12 mark in singles competition. In her two years at Arkansas Tech, Acosta finished with a 37-18 mark in doubles play and a 30-24 mark in singles play. Arkansas Tech finishes the season with a 16-8 overall record.
SINGLES COMPETITION
Piper Huey (HU) def. Macarena Sedano Acosta (Tech) 7-6 (5), 6-1 Laura Golubic (HU) def. Teresa Sanchez (Tech) 4-6, 6-2, 6-0 Kami Ward (Tech) def. Gabriella Alves (HU) 6-1, 0-6, 6-4 Annabel Rowlands (Tech) def. Brittany Smyser (HU) 6-3, 6-3 Arielle Butler (HU) def. Haeleigh Long (Tech) 7-5, 6-1 Maria Vlaskina (Tech) vs. Emily Faulkner (HU) 6-1, 4-6, 2-5, unfinished
DOUBLES COMPETITION
Piper Huey/Laura Golubic (HU) def. Macarena Sedano Acosta/Teresa Sanchez (Tech) 8-3 Annabel Rowlands/Kami Ward (Tech) def. Gabriella Alves/Milou Dalmolen (HU) 8-2 Brittany Smyser/Arielle Butler (HU) def. Haeleigh Long/Vandella Suico (Tech) 8-6
This week in Tech sports
Player of the week (Combined Stats) • Shot 73, 76, 72 for a total of 221, finishing +5. • Finished second in the GAC Championship tournament. • Received All-GAC Tournament honors. • Helped lead Golden Suns golf to its third straight GAC Championship.
FRIDAY 4/28/17
SB vs Southwestern Oklahoma. Chartwells. 3 p.m. SB vs Southwestern Oklahoma. Chartwells. 5 p.m. BB vs Harding. Tech Field. 7p.m.
SATURDAY 4/29/17
SB vs Southwestern Oklahoma. Chartwells. Noon. BB vs Harding. Tech Field. 1 p.m. SB vs Southwestern Oklahoma. Chartwells. 2 p.m.
THURSDAY 5/4/17
SB vs Great American Conference Championship. Bentonville. TBD.
NOAH DELASHAW reached base each bat going for 2-for-2. Jalissa Contributing Writer Gum, from Red Rock, The Arkansas Tech Oklahoma, suffered the Golden Suns softball loss allowing two runs in team split a series with six innings of work. the Southern Arkansas In game two, AshMule Riders last week- ley Landry, from Krum, end. The Golden Suns Texas, went 3-for-4 in will take on the South- the loss. Cara Tolar, from western Oklahoma Bull- San Antonio, Texas, aldogs Friday, April 28, lowed eight runs in five at Chartwells. The first innings of work. Tolar pitch will be at 3 p.m. also allowed 10 hits and The Golden Suns, 32- three walks. 20 and 26-14 in Great The Golden Suns American Conference bounced back and won play, will take on the the remaining two games Bulldogs, 18-30 and 12- to split the series. 26 in GAC play. The Golden Suns won The Golden Suns the first game 5-0. Megan remain in fourth in the Goodnight, from Cabot, GAC standings after last had three hits in the win weekend’s series split. while Vasquez, Landry, The Bulldogs sit at the Tolar, and Gum each had bottom of the GAC af- two hits. Gum allowed ter a series loss to the three hits and walked six. Ouachita Baptist Tigers In the final game the last weekend. Golden Suns won 3-2. The Golden Suns Vasquez and Tolar both lost the first two games had two hits in the win. to the Mule Riders, 2-0 Gum allowed two runs and 9-2. Gaby Vasquez, and seven hits while from Lewisville, Texas, pitching seven innings.
Caroline
Fredensborg THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 2017
PAGE 8 | Community
Arkansas Tech Dance Co.
ATU Dance Company performs their last dance of the night with a hip-hop routine that included all memebers.
ABOVE LEFT: Amber Thompson from Crossett shows her moves with the ATU Dance Company. ABOVE RIGHT: Jerry Anderson from Wrightsville feels the rhythm while dancing to hip-hop BELOW RIGHT:Diana Ramierez from Fort Smith performs a solo dance with a latin vibe. BELOW LEFT: Alexandreia Nelson from Ashdown performs her solo hip-hop dance while the rest of the members watch from the sidelines.
Photos by Ricci Logan
Amber Thompson from Crossett and Diana Rameriez from Fort Smith perform to Beyonce's "Beautiful Liars."
THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 2017