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A R K A N S A S T E C H U N I V E R S I T Y / / T H U R S D A Y, N O V. 1 7 , 2 0 1 6 • V O L . 9 3 N O . 1 0
English and World Languages hosted visiting poet SAM HOISINGTON
Online Editor
Visiting poet Dr. Chelsea Woodard read a collection of her works Friday night at a reading hosted by the Department of English and World Languages. Approximately 30 audience members listened to a selection of works, some published and some not yet published, that were written by the poet. Woodard was introduced by Dr. Tori Sharpe, assistant professor of English at Tech. Sharpe called Woodard a friend of hers. The two met during their doctoral coursework at the University of North Texas. Woodard read multiple poems that spanned a variety of themes. The poems were mostly autobiographical, detailing events that happened in her life. Individual experiences that inspired poems included finding porn magazines at the age of 12, drawing nude models in an art class and the sale of her childhood home. Most of the works came from her two poetry anthologies, Vellum (published in 2014) and Solitary Bee (published earlier this year). Nelson Ramirez, associate professor of Spanish, was in the audience. Ramirez bought both of Woodard’s books in advance of the reading.
(POET page 5)
SAM HOISINGTON/THE ARKA TECH Dr. Chelsea Woodard reads from her work at an event hosted by the Department of English and World Languages.
Holidays away from home
International student partakes in American tradition
BRIANNA DAVIS
Contributing Writer
SUBMITTED
Arkansas Tech University is home to 392 international students from 42 different countries. While students from Arkansas, and even students from other states, have easier access to visit family on the long weekend holidays, for international students going home to their families can be difficult, if not impossible. Some international students, like junior health and wellness major Maria Vlaskina, make other accommodations for long holiday weekends. Vlaskina, junior tennis player for Tech, is from Moscow, Russia. Being so far away from home, she has made plans to spend her Thanksgiving weekend with teammates Alejandra and Maria Sanchez in their hometown of Houston, Texas. “Alejandra and Maria Sanchez are both my team-
Residence halls feed community BRIANNA DAVIS
Contributing Writer
Helping Halls is a holiday food drive hosted by the National Residence Hall Honorary. The NRHH has a goal of providing over 300 food kits to the Salvation Army. The donations will help feed approximately two-thirds of the families they are anticipating will need aid this holiday season. “I believe that my residents gain a sense of community and honor in being able to give back to the Russellville community that constantly gives to Tech,” Baswell Hall Resident Director Rachael Switzer said. “I personally believe this experi-
ence is amazing. Having the opportunity to give a family in need Thanksgiving dinner is amazing.” Each of the residence halls is participating in a variety of events. Many have done, or are doing, a Pie Your RA/RD, Penny Wars or change collection, bake sales and video game tournaments to raise awareness and funds to support Helping Halls. “Some neat and different programs this year is M Street did an art auction, in which residents painted canvases to be auctioned off,” Area Coordinator Samantha Piechocinski said. “Baswell is doing Bingo Night and a grilled cheese sale.”
Helping Halls gives the students the opportunity to help families around the Russellville community in need receive a Thanksgiving dinner. “I believe the community gets a sense of care and concern that the students have for the Russellville community,” Switzer said. “Often times there are divides between the city and campus in different areas across the nation, and this brings Tech and it’s residence halls into that community by giving back." On-campus residence halls are currently collecting donations and will bring donations to the Young Ballroom on Nov. 18. All of the items will be delivered to the Russellville Salvation Army.
INTERNATIONAL DISCUSSION PANEL
mates and their family invited me to their house for Thanksgiving break,” Vlaskina said. “My first year here I went to another house also.” With Thanksgiving being an American holiday, students like Vlaskina, who are fortunate enough to spend their long holiday weekend with another family, get to experience first-hand how significant this American tradition is through following along with family schedules for the holiday. Those who do not make other accommodations for the long holiday weekend do not get the opportunity to celebrate Thanksgiving. “I enjoy celebrating Thanksgiving a lot. It’s my third year in the U.S. now so I’m getting used to Thanksgiving, but it’s still new for me,” Vlaskina said. “It’s tough to be away from my family for so
(HOME page 5)
News in brief FRIDAY, NOV. 18
from 6-9 p.m. in Doc Bryan Lecture Hall will be the International Festival and Talent Expo. Nov. 18 in Witherspoon Auditorium from 7:30-9 p.m. will be the ATU Jazz Ensemble Concert.
SAT., NOV. 19
Women’s Basketball takes on Northwestern Oklahoma in Tucker Coliseum at 1 p.m. and at 3 p.m., the Men’s Basketball team takes on Northwestern Oklahoma in Tucker Coliseum.
SAT., NOV. 26,
the Men’s Basketball team takes on Graceland in Tucker Coliseum at 1 p.m.
TUES., NOV. 29
is the final LGBTQ SafeZone Ally Training session for the semester in Doc Bryan Multipurpose room 242 from 6-9 p.m.
WED., NOV. 30
at noon is the IMSSO World on Wednesdays event in Baz Tech.
SUN., NOV. 20 the ATU Symphonic Wind Ensemble Concert will be held in Witherspoon Auditorium at 2:30 p.m.
Nov. 30 at 4 p.m. is Major & Career Choices: Finding your fit for On Track in Doc Bryan Multipurpose room 242.
MON., NOV. 21
SUN., DEC. 4
at 7:30 p.m. there will be a Music Theathre Workshop Cabaret in Witherspoon Auditorium.
TUES., NOV. 22
LINDSEY INGMIRE/IMSSO Left to right: Hesham Alsayd, from Egypt; Mena Hanna, from Egypt; Abiola Sasore, from Ireland; Yasu Onodera, director for IMSSO and moderator for the event; Tahmid Shantanu, from Bangladesh; Annabel Rowlands, from the United Kingdom and Parash Rajbhansi, from Nepal. Each speaker talked about cultural issues such as drinking age, sports/games played and when males and females begin to interact during the International Discussion Panel on Nov. 15 in Baz Tech.
Classes resume on Monday, Nov. 28.
Women’s Basketball takes on Oklahoma Christian in Tucker Coliseum at 5:30 p.m.
WED., NOV. 23
is the start of Thanksgiving break.
is the Feast of Carols at First United Methodist Church from 2:30-4 p.m.
WED., DEC. 7
is Reading Day before finals. Good Luck on finals.
WED., DEC. 7
Women’s Basketball takes on Drury in Tucker Coliseum at 5:30 p.m.
PAGE 2 | Opinion
Goodbye to a hero RYAN HARMON
Entertainment Writer
TWITTER.COM
Higher education funding formula This July, Governor Asa Hutchinson announced a 21st century funding formula for higher education. The formula is an outcomesbased system, in which factors like degree completion and reducing costs will be something universities will be rewarded for. And our president, Dr. Robin Bowen, expressed her support of the Higher Education Productivity Funding Model. Arkansas News quoted her as saying, “the specific weights and measurements in the formula that have yet to be finalized and agreed upon will need to be transparent, easily understood and hold institutions to a fair and equitable standard. ‘This will need to be accomplished while simultaneously upholding academic standards.’ “ The fine-tuning of the model itself is in the works and final proposal is expected to be in 2017. The Arkansas Department of Education shared the press
release that reads, “the proposed… model…will place a higher priority on program completion than the previous formula. The proposal will now go before the legislature during the 2017 general session. If the measure is adopted, Arkansas will become only the fifth state to make significant progress toward funding higher education based on outcomes – joining Tennessee, Indiana, Ohio and Oregon.” As it stands, Arkansas Tech University is a state-aided, not a state-funded, university. The idea of state aided and state funded can influence several different aspects of collegiate institutions, usually public and private universities. Public universities get monetary aid from federal and state governments, have diverse student bodies and play to the strengths of one student over the other, usually because of degrees offered and the atmosphere kept on campus. Private
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. institutions, on the other hand, usually forgo federal funding and sometimes even state funding. Funding, though, being a key idea here. Federal aid for secondary education institutions has begun presenting itself in the form of direct aid to the students, as well as grants educators can apply for on an individual basis. But as a sort of branch of the state, universities are to receive subsidies to continue operating. This monetary aid allows schools to lower tuition costs, among other things. And as of the last few years, the Pew Trusts reports, “historically, states have provided a far greater
amount of assistance to postsecondary institutions and students, percent more than the federal government on average from 1987 to 2012.” What this means for Tech is proper funding under the rewritten guilde lines set forth by the state of Arkansas. Because funding is limited state wise, we as an institution will be able to keep up with other larger universities awarding degrees because of their large student population. Tech will also be able to continue to grow monetarily, which will help level out to the growth we are seeing in the student population, as well as the spike in degrees awarded.
Tis the season to think of others Giving back, a closer look
Sierra Murphy Managing Editor
Going into the holidays, we get the same feeling – give back. The holidays force us to look at our current relationships and evaluate them accordingly. Is what we were fighting about today really worth it? Does it really matter? That being said, strengthening your community is something that matters. It’s a great opportunity to learn about the world around you,
as well as satisfy that holiday urge to help someone who is less fortunate than you may be. And at Tech, there are plenty of opportunities for you to do so. The first is Helping Halls. This is an annual event in which the residence halls on campus gather foods for Thanksgiving baskets for community families in need. Closed to the residence halls themselves, I urge everyone living there to start exploring opportunities in how they can help. The second, the annual Angel Trees. To my knowledge, the Salvation Army usually sponsors these. The idea is to choose an “angel,” or a child in the community who isn’t expected to receive Christmas presents from family this year. The “angel” comes complete with a list of clothing sizes and wishes for presents. One can take the card and return the gifts to the Salvation Army, per the instructions on the card.
Caraway Hall had a Christmas tree posted in their lobby with children of varying ages asking for varying presents. Coming from families that can’t afford to buy their children Christmas presents, the community has an opportunity to sponsor these children.
Charity is in the air Karen Rickets Staff Writer
The holiday season is easily the most charitable time of year. It’s a time of year when people talk about what they are thankful for as well as sharing what they have by extending a helping hand to their neighbors in need. Whether it is serv-
ing meals at a local soup kitchen, donating goods for a food drive or buying toys for children in low-income families, people make a big difference in their local community this time of year. I think this is helpful since one in five people are food insecure in Arkansas, or don’t know where their next meal will come from. As of 2015, 2.8 million Arkansans live below the poverty line, according to talkpoverty.org. Understandably, I wish the same people that extend a helping hand during the holiday season would continue their donations and support throughout the year. People need to eat more often than Thanksgiving and Christmas. Granted, I’m not saying that everyone who donates during the holiday season only helps out once or twice a year. I know several folks that are advocates to low-income families and help out as often as they can.
There are several nonprofit organizations in our area that work hard throughout the year to provide commodities to low-income families. Such as, The Salvation Army, ARVAC Freedom House, Headstart, River Valley Food For Kids and Main Street Mission to name a few. Several Arkansas Tech organizations also work to provide items for local families during the holiday season. Arkansas Tech’s residence halls work with the Salvation Army for the “Helping Halls” food drive. This year “Helping Halls” celebrates its 10th anniversary. Public Safety will have its annual “Toys for Tots” toy drive and Greek Life has already adopted 100 angels from the Angel Tree program. There are plenty of opportunities for everyone to get involved and give back this holiday season; just don’t forget to stay involved once they festivities are over.
I think this is the perfect time to write about something that hit me very hard this year, which is saying something, considering we've lost legends like Glenn Frey and Merle Haggard. On May 17, one of my heroes, Guy Clark, passed away. Though the deaths of Frey and Haggard were difficult for me, Clark Guy Clark was different. One of my goals for when I graduate college was to go to Nashville and try to meet him. I was very excited about it. The way his death hit me goes beyond just wanting to meet him. It's why I wanted to meet him. His music has had a huge impact on my life and my own music. When I first started writing songs, I thought you had to write all of these big, complex lyrics with hidden meanings and clever phrases. The first time I heard Guy Clark, I was quickly corrected. His writing style is so simple, yet so hard to come close to. His songs tell stories exactly the way they happened. And most of his arrangements, particularly in his later records, are just as simple, helping to convey those messages. "I don't need to prove I'm a poet in every line and I'm not afraid to speak plainly in my songs," he said. That quote is still stuck in the back of my mind. Whenever I write a song, I think about that. One of Clark's closest friends, Tamara Saviano, just released a biography about Clark and is currently planning the release of a Guy Clark documentary. It's hard to find interviews with him, so I very much look forward to learning more about one of my greatest inspirations. Unfortunately there are many people who aren't familiar with Clark's work. Do yourself a favor and listen to "The Randall Knife" or "The Last Gunfighter Ballad." If you really want chills, listen to him doing "Almost Home" with Vince Gill. As for my goal of going to Nashville and meeting him, it's not all lost. There's nothing to stop me from trying to keep that kind of music alive. Guy Clark defines songwriting for me, and I believe that history will agree.
Helpful tips to help prepare for winter CLAUDIA YOUNG
Editor-in-Chief
Winter break is approaching quickly, and it’s time for a change of pace. From my own experience, as well as some help from ready.gov, wisebread. com and grit.com, I’ve compiled a list of simple to-do’s to remember before Christmas break that will save you time and money down the road.
GOING HOME FOR WINTER BREAK
First off, to those who live in dorms, double check that your door is locked before leaving for winter break. Make sure to return any textbooks you rented. After the RAs leave, you will not be able to enter the building until you return for the spring semester, so remember to double check before you go.
PREPARING YOUR CAR
Be sure to set up an appointment at a local mechanic to see if your car is living up to its full potential. If your car battery is more than five years old, consider replacing it before the cold sets in. A low battery can freeze solid; a fully charged battery won’t. If the tread is low on your tires, replace them. Keeping a first-aid kit, hand warmers, a few snacks and heavy blankets in your car can also help you out in case your car breaks down. Finally, try not to wait until your gas light comes on. Keeping your gas tank full will keep your fuel lines from freezing.
SICKNESS
Seasonal influenza can span from October to May, so make a pit stop at your local pharmacy for your flu shot or other seasonal medication.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2016
CLOTHING
Even though Russellville might not get snow and ice often, the temperature can still get below freezing. The lake wind coming from Lake Dardanelle makes the wind chill even lower, so make sure you have plenty of warm clothes. The most important articles during the winter are warm hats that cover ears, thick coats and thick socks. I suggest you invest in a good quality jacket. If you’re stuck outside, you’ll regret that Walmart peacoat. I’ve owned the same Columbia OmniHeat coat since my first semester of college and it’s kept me warm; it’s also very thin and can be stuffed into a backpack if needed.
CHANGE THE TEMPERATURE IN YOUR HOME, SLOWLY If you live off-campus, you know that
bills sky rocket in the winter. Luckily, there are ways to save. When the temperature drops outside, it’s tempting to turn your heat on and drastically change the temperature. Instead, consider changing your temperature a few degrees a day. By then end of the week you will have lowered your thermostat less and that equals money saved. In the meantime, bundle up in warm clothes and blankets. Also closing doors to unused rooms help keep the popular rooms of the house/ apartment better heated.
PETS
If you have an outdoor pet, bring them inside. To keep your pets warmer, you can increase the amount of food you give them. They’ll burn the extra calories, which produces heat. On a similar note, increasing your own amount of food will help you keep warm.
Campus | PAGE 3
MAN ON THE STREET
Finals Survival Guide
Advice from the ArkaTech staff KAREN RICKETTS
WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE FOR SURVIVING FINALS?
“Probably to get lots of rest and eat right.” Knoa Smith Nursing Sherwood
“The best advice for surviving finals is to not procrastinate and get plenty of sleep.” Jasmine Wright M.A. College Student Personnel Fort Smith
“First step would have to be get organized. Second step: make sure you’re getting enough sleep, drinking enough water and eating healthy. And the third step is always keep the big picture in your mind.” Brett Kelley Music Education Russellville
“Don’t do overnighters. You think it’ll help, but it won’t.”
Finals week isn’t fun, it’s stressful. You will probably eat an overwhelming amount of junk food, sleep in random places across campus and forget the last day you showered; but you’ll survive, everyone does. To the freshmen who are nervous about their first week of college finals exams here is my advice to you: get plenty of sleep, don’t skip meals, plan ahead and try not to watch too much Netflix. You will perform better on an exam if you are well rested. Make sure you take the time to eat a balanced meal. Eat something that will sustain you, keeping you focused and not leave you hungry a few hours later. Planning ahead: by scheduling time to spend on each of your classes and assignments, you will feel less overwhelmed. Take one thing at a time. I say these things because it is important to take care of yourself and not let the stress get to you. And as with Netflix and procrastination--I am the Queen of procrastination so I know---try try try to avoid it. Just buckle down, and get it done. Honestly, your assignments are the only thing separating you between your Christmas Break; let that be your motivation.
SAM HOISINGTON Remember that life is finite and no matter how hard you try, you will never be perfect. One day you will die. Tests and classes can be really stressful, but I think you should take some time to think about the fact that you will most certainly die. On that note, consider whether or not you are progressing towards your most important goals in life. Consider what it is
that you believe about the afterlife. Have you called your loved ones recently? It is important to do so before it is too late because, as previously mentioned, your life will end one day.
SIERRA MURPHY
Although it’s a little late to say this, my biggest advice is to learn the material throughout the semester instead of cramming last minute. But if you procrastinated (like I have done in the past) or if there is too much material to remember, use StudyBlue. It’s an online study service where you can create flashcards and quizzes to master your material. It’s saved me so many times. And for the love of all that is holy, don’t skimp on your sleep.
The best piece of advice I can offer going into finals is to take advantage of reading day, the day-long break from classes before finals. I’m graduating in December, and going into my last round of finals ever, I can tell you that every semester I’ve taken them there is always a party the Tuesday night before finals, and people use reading day to sleep in and recover from a party that lasted until 4 a.m. By all means, celebrate one last time with your friends! But don’t slack off on tests that could determine your final grade for the class. Put final touches on that study guide. Email your professor with last minute questions before the test. But don’t miss an opportunity to be absolutely prepared to finish that class.
RYAN HARMON
JAMES KNECHT
CLAUDIA YOUNG
My advice for a finals preparation is probably going to make most professors’ heads spin. Even at my freshman orientation, we were told that you need to study many hours to prepare for any exams, let alone finals. I honestly haven’t taken that approach. I always do the frownedupon last minute cram. My intentions are always to study for days, but it never happens. I find that when I’m down to the last minute, I feel more pressure and incentive to retain the information. So, my advice is to NOT intentionally try this method, but rather to not stress too much if you find yourself in that situation. If you pass, great! If you don’t, it’s not the end of the world. If failing a test is the worst thing that happens to you, it’s been a really good day!
Congratulations on making it this far, you have one test to go! For some of you it will be easy, for others it will be hard. The best thing to do is to be prepared. Finals are about a month away, and as far away as that seems, it isn’t. It won’t hurt to start breaking out older material to study now; especially if the exam is comprehensive. When it gets within a week of finals, I would try to put all non-school related activities that you can to the side and make time to study, and study hard, so you can finish the semester strong!
AMBER APPLEBY Finals are great! Okay, hopefully all the teachers have stopped reading now. Finals are pretty freaking stressful. I’m going on my fifth year of finals, but I probably don’t have the greatest advice. All I can tell you is that caffeine and
flashcards are your best friends. Also, seriously don’t go to that party on the Tuesday before finals. It’s not going to help you.
MATTHEW EMERY Do everything you can to be well prepared for your tests. If you have not studied for a single test this semester, let this be the first one. Try not to procrastinate either. Just spend a couple of days in serious preparation and studying to avoid last minute stress and worry. You are here and made it to this point for a reason, you can do it. Don’t forget that.
AMBER QUAID
Finals are stressful. They require extra attention and the constant use of your mental capacity. Remember to take breaks but set a timer. If the breaks become too long your productivity will go down. Also, dont get distracted once you start. Find a place where you can actually get stuff done. My suggestion is look outside your house, get away from the comfort areas of distraction. Lastly, you are going to lose sleep, try as you might lack of sleep will happen. It’s OK. Just focus and keep moving forward. Tests will happen but do your best.
RICCI LOGAN
Use your time very wisely during finals. Study as soon as possible don’t wait until one or two day before the exam to study. Study beforehand will help you be more relaxed and confident about the test.Feeling confident will help you do better. Also try to give yourself time to relax. Try to make studying fun with you friends by having study group. Good Luck on your exam.
Kayla Perkins English Poughkeepsie
“My advice is don’t cram last minute the night before an exam. Not only do you not get enough sleep, you don’t retain anything you study.” Brian Wyatt Music Education Cabot
“The advice I would give freshman to survive their finals would be to study all of your classes and to not play around and do all-nighters right before the test.” Holleigh Holt Bio-Medical Ozone
ANSWERS TO NOV.17 ISSUE
ANSWERS TO OCT. 27 ISSUE
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2016
PAGE 4 | News
Students give back to community KAREN RICKETTS
Staff Writer
On Nov. 12, approximately 250 Arkansas Tech students spent their Saturday morning volunteering at various locations throughout the Russellville community as part of the Green and Gold Give Back initiative. Coordinator of Leadership and Service Kara Johnson said that the purpose of Green and Gold Give Back is to provide students with an opportunity to connect with the community as well as show the community that Tech has a large population of students that are willing to give and help out in anyway they can. Arkansas Tech students work with a variety of local organizations including: The Salvation Army, the Dardanelle Chamber of Commerce, Dardanelle Elementary School, Paint the Valley, Equestrian Zone, ARVAC Food Bank, Headstart/Save the Children and Center for Service Learning. “We also had about 10 community sites; homes that needed yard work, windows washed or gutters cleaned, things like that,” Johnson said. “We also had trash pick-ups along the highway, Hickey Park and at Bona Dea trails.” Johnson said it’s a group effort to making the event a successful one. “It’s important to know some of the community members,” Jonson said. “I know Mayor Horton helped us with getting the leaves picked up at the end of the day and making sure they got deposited in
the right area. The Alumni Office got us connected with community members that needed some help and we had breakfast donated from Chartwells, which was a huge help.” Samuel Leek, a sophomore from Maumelle, said he spent his morning helping out with landscaping by raking and bagging leaves. “It’s crazy. Usually we would be sleeping this early on a Saturday, but we decided that there is something great out here for us to do; something we can do to serve the community,” Leek said. Several of the Arkansas Tech athletics teams took part in Green and Gold Give Back. Senior Tennis player Vandella Suico, from The Woodlands, Texas, said it was overwhelming at first, but a lot of fun. “When we first got to the house we were really overwhelmed by the amount of work we had to do,” Suico said. “There was a lot of land and a lot of leaves to be raked up but we had the volleyball team and members of Kappa Alpha come help so the time went by a lot faster. And we made connections with people we normally wouldn’t get to talk to.” Sucio said the team loves helping the community and doing community service. “It’s a big deal for Tech athletics to really get involved because we don’t just do sports and school; we want to be involved in the community as well,” Suico said. “We feel like this event is a great way to get involved and help.”
KAREN RICKETTS/THE ARKA TECH Haeleigh Long, Maria Vlaskina and Macarena Sedano Acosta raked and bagged leaves while volunteering for Green and Gold Give Back.
A letter of thanks to Tech Give Back Arkansas Tech University and the Russellville Community have always had excellent relations. The spirit of cooperation will continue and the Green and Gold Give Back operation is one reason. This good will was reinforced Friday, November 12, 2016, when five young men reported to my home for volunteer services. They raked my yard and put the leaves in yard
sacks. One of the students, Levi Koch, put up my Christmas tree, including the lights. With classes and jobs, I realize their time is limited…I truly appreciated their help! A big “thank you” to Tech for encouraging these awesome volunteers to work in their community. I was wondering how I was going to dispose of these bags of leaves; however on Sunday some ATU volunteers
(including a father and cousin) pulled up and loaded the bags onto a trailer to haul away. Well done my student friends and family members! Sincerely, Marian Bartlett
Students: Ryan McGhee, Christian Perez, Daniel Rivera, Justin Hibbs, Levi Koch Groups: Alpha Tau Omega, Sigma Phi Epsilon
Public Safety participating in Toys for Tots drive JAMES KNECHT
Staff Writer
With a little more than a month left until Christmas day, the department of public safety is hosting a drive from November through midDecember to collect toys for community children. The drive is being done through Toys for Tots, a program that collects new toys and delivers them to children in the community. The children come from families who can’t otherwise provide presents for their families. “There’s nothing worse to me than a kid waking up with nothing under the tree,” Anita
Riddley, secretary for the Department of Public Safety, said. Russellville and Tech community members can bring toys they wish to donate to the Public Safety office, where there is a box located just inside the lobby. The toys are collected each week until the week of Dec. 16. This is the last week to give to Toys for Tots. “Our box will typically fill up every week,” Joshua McMillian, chief of police, said. “Typically we’ll give about…a truckload or so of toys to the Toys for Tots drive.” The department has hosted the drive in the
JAMES KNECHT/ THE ARKA TECH
past and received an award in 2011 for the most toys given in this area. “It's a good opportunity for us to serve the community that we're charged with protecting,” McMillian said.
The Arka Tech
GENERAL POLICY
Editor-in-Chief: CLAUDIA YOUNG
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.
Managing Editors: AMBER QUAID SIERRA MURPHY Online Editor: SAM HOISINGTON Assistant Online Editor: AMBER APPLEBY Sports Writer: MATTHEW EMERY Entertainment Writer: RYAN HARMON Staff Writers: RICCI LOGAN JOLI DUPY KAREN RICKETTS
CONTACT US Office: Energy Center 138 General email: arkatech@atu.edu Ads email: arkatech.ads@atu.edu
JAMES KNECHT Advertising Manager: AMBER QUAID Faculty Advisor: TOMMY MUMERT
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2016
SAM HOISINGTON/THE ARKA TECH Miss Tech 2016 Carly Copeland poses with one of the many poinsettias that will be available for purchase Dec. 1-2 at the Arkansas Tech Greenhouses.
Greenhouse poinsettia sale University Relations Students from the Arkansas Tech University Department of Agriculture will put their fall semester work on display during a poinsettia sale at the Arkansas Tech Greenhouses on Thursday, Dec. 1, and Friday, Dec. 2. Poinsettias will be available for purchase from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. both days. Proceeds from the sale will be used by the Arkansas Tech Department of Agriculture to purchase greenhouse plants and supplies. Dr. Jim Collins, professor of agriculture,
is in his 34th and final year overseeing the poinsettia sale. He will retire at the end of the 2016-17 academic year. “Along with our usual reds and pinks, we also have several newer cultivars, including the speckled Jingle Bells and the Winter Rose,” said Collins. The Arkansas Tech Greenhouses are located on the north end of the Russellville campus near the Facilities Management offices. There will be signs on the days of the sale to direct shoppers to the greenhouses. For more information about the poinsettia sale, call (479) 968-0251.
THE
ARKATECH
Features | PAGE 5
Greek organizations involved, give back ELEXIS HARPER
Contributing Writer
Arkansas Tech boasts a wide variety of fraternities and sororities for students to join. Tech is host to chapters of Alpha Gamma Rho; Alpha Phi Alpha; Alpha Tau Omega; Delta Zeta; Kappa Alpha; Kappa Sigma; Omega Psi Phi; Phi Lambda Chi; Phi Mu; Pi Kappa Alpha; Sigma Phi Epsilon; Sigma Pi; Zeta Phi Beta; and Zeta Tau Alpha. And here at Tech, philanthropy is one of the main focuses of Greek Life organizations. “Most of the fraternities and sororities support a national philanthropy project and many also support a local philanthropy cause,” said Megan Edmonds, coordinator of Greek Life. Edmonds also outlined the various causes the fraternities and sororities support. Alpha Gamma Rho supports Farm-Aid, an organization that “works year-round to build a system of agriculture that values family farmers, good food, soil and water, and strong communities.” Alpha Tau Omega supports St. Jude Children’s
Hospital, the leader in childhood cancer and illness research. Phi Mu supports the Children’s Miracle Network, the national organization dedicated to the funding of children’s hospitals and healthcare services. Pi Kappa Alpha and Sigma Phi Epsilon support Big Brothers Big Sisters, an organization dedicated to “[helping] children realize their potential and build their futures” through “meaningful, monitored matches” between the adult volunteers and the children in the program. Delta Zeta has dedicated speech and hearing as their national philanthropy. Zeta Tau Alpha chose to focus on breast cancer awareness and education. Two Tech fraternities also support organizations members before them had a hand in founding. Kappa Sigma founded the Military Heroes Campaign, a campaign that “honors and aids thousands of military veterans and their families in communities throughout the U.S. and Canada.” Sigma Pi founded the Chana foundation, a Donate Life partnership that encourages members and
UNIVERSITY RELATIONS
Students interesting in getting involved in Greek Life can contact the Department of Diversity and Inclusion. students to save lives by being an organ donor. In contrast to the focus on fundraising for outside organizations, Arkansas Tech also boasts ten different service fraternities. Service fraternities focus on community service and other volunteer work, and the better-
ment of their members through improving their skills and relationships. Other service fraternities are the Nu Alpha Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, the Phi Theta Chapter of Alpha Phi Omega, the Coalition of Gentlemen, the Omega Chap-
ter of Delta Sigma Omicron, Kappa Kappa Psi, Phi Mu Alpha (also known as Sinfonia), Phi Mu Fraternity and Tau Beta Sigma. Students who wish to get involved or find out more about Greek Life can contact the Department of Diversity and Inclusion.
ATU debate team takes second place University Relations
This past weekend, the ATU Debate and Forensics team competed in their third and final tournament of the semester, the “Red River Swing” tournament hosted by Louisiana State University at Shreveport (LSUS). The ATU debaters competed in four divisions of the International Public Debate Association (IPDA) debate: team debate, individual novice debate, individual junior varsity debate, and individual varsity debate. The team won five awards overall at LSUS. They brought home their first team-wide trophy of the season, taking second place in the debate sweepstakes competition. In addition to the teamwide award, Micheal O’Brien tied for the 5th place speaker in team IPDA debate and won the 4th place speaker in the junior varsity division of individual IPDA. Both Michael O’Brien and George Wewer III also broke into out-rounds in the junior varsity division of individual
IPDA, placing as octafinalists. Seven debaters traveled to and competed in this tournament. In the varsity division, Faith Brown represented ATU. Three ATU students competed in the junior varsity division: Michael O’Brien, George Wewer III, and Matthew “Stone” Stevens. The novice division had three ATU debaters: Moses Farid, Tyler Johnson, and Kyle Russell. The ATU team IPDA debate squad consisted of three teams: Michael O’Brien & Kyle Russell, George Wewer III & Stone Stevens, and Tyler Johnson & Faith Brown. ATU student Daniel Aleman also traveled with the team to serve as a volunteer judge. The ATU debate team will travel to its next tournament at John Brown University early in the spring semester. The team has a very active tournament schedule this coming spring; they will participate in five regular season tournaments, and they will serve as hosts for the 20th Annual IPDA National Tournament and Convention.
UNIVERSITY RELATIONS
Anyone interested in further information about the ATU Debate and Forensics team may contact Dr. Gabriel
Volunteers needed to help with tree project University Relations
Arkansas Tech University students are invited to participate in a service learning project on Monday, Nov. 21, as part of the institution’s Tree Campus USA designation. The project will consist of spreading mulch around the new trees that were recently planted behind Chambers Cafeteria. Volunteers are needed from 1-3 p.m. Tree Campus USA is a national
program created in 2008 by the Arbor Day Foundation to honor colleges and universities for effective campus forest management and for engaging staff and students in conservation goals. Arkansas Tech earned the title by meeting Tree Campus USA’s five standards, which include maintaining a tree advisory committee, a campus tree-care plan, dedicated annual expenditures for its campus tree program, an Arbor Day observance and
a student service learning project. There are more than 250 colleges and universities across the United States that have achieved the Tree Campus USA recognition. Arkansas Tech began a tree planting program during the 2009-10 academic year. The trees are a continuation of a long-term landscaping beautification program made possible through the generosity of Tech alumni Robert and Sandra Norman of Tulsa, Okla.
Adkins, Associate Professor of Communication and Director of Debate and Forensics at gadkins@atu.edu.
POET From Page 1 Asked after the event how he thought the reading went, Ramirez said it was “excellent.” “She is an excellent poet,” Ramirez said. David Borengasser, English education major from Russellville, said the poetry reading was fun. Borengasser has written several poems and thought the event might have an effect on his work. “I thought this would
be a good chance to see where my poetry is going,” Borengasser said. Woodard received a BA in Visual Arts and English from Union College, a MFA from John Hopkins University, and a PhD in English from the University of North Texas. She currently teaches at New Hampton School, a college preparatory school in New Hampshire.
HOME From Page 1 long, especially that we are all very close. But it’s a part of growing up, and I’m glad I got the opportunity to study and play tennis in America.” International students also have the opportunity to travel to new places during the holidays, instead of staying at Tech or going home with a friend. Her sophomore year, Vlaskina took the opportunity to travel to Colorado over the holidays to meet some of her friends from Russia.
Out of the 392 international students who call Arkansas Tech home, only a fourth of them travel during Tech’s Thanksgiving break, while the remaining students stay in. However, during long holiday breaks like Christmas, around 50 international students stay on Tech’s campus. The only thing different about international students and Tech students, though, is the distance they have to travel to bleed green and gold.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2016
PAGE 6 | Entertainment Book review of “The Midnight Assassin”
Amber Appleby
Food Review Recap
PHOTOS BY SIERRA MURPHY/THE ARKA TECH
Final recap of the best and worst of the food reviews.
More than just a food review Sierra Murphy Managing Editor
Writing this is bringing tears to my eyes. I am so sad that I won’t be able to continue scouring Russellville for good, home town eats anymore. This series has been such a great way for me to get to know my community and the diversity we have here. That being said, Amber and I decided to reflect on the good, great and not-sogood places we have been able to taste during our time this semester. We’re doing things a little differently, though. Based on category, we’re giving you our best bang for your buck; best food; we won’t go back; and best atmosphere.
BEST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK
I have been dreaming of going back to El Noa Noa, and it’s not just be-
cause of the authentic soda or the off-the-beaten-path type feel. The Tech student discount, coupled with the already great prices and great food, makes El Noa Noa one of the best places in town to eat. Last Amber and I went, we both had left overs and we couldn’t stop raving about our experience. Just the other day, I was pressuring Amber (again) to go back.
BEST FOOD
Hands down this goes to Fat Daddy’s. Out of all the food reviews we have done this semester, I can’t stop dreaming about the food at Fat Daddy’s. The barbeque nachos are out of this world. Fat Daddy’s put a twist on a classic, the fried pickle, and made it its own. And the selection is so vast you can go every day, twice a day, for months and probably not eat the same thing twice.
WON’T GO BACK
I don’t think that I’ll be returning to La Villa, the Italian restaurant by Textbook Brokers. I don’t have much to say, other than I wasn’t a fan of the service or the food. It wasn’t what I was expecting. The one thing I do remem-
ber, though, is the bread. But as an establishment, I don’t think I would want to be remembered for the house appetizer.
BEST ATMOSPHERE
Old Bank Sports Grill. I think in our previous review of Old Bank, Amber commented on Old Bank being just a sports grill, and I can’t disagree with her. But I do think the environment lends itself to college students, is very welcoming and the management strives to make sure every customer is welcome. Having done interviews with the owners in the past, I can attest to the fact they’re genuine in the fact they don’t mind if someone comes in to take a load off and watch the game or if you’re bringing 50 friends with you to buy out the bar – they just want you to come inside and enjoy yourself. And with the peppy wait staff, music and televisions everywhere broadcasting every sport you can think of, this is definitely the place you can go to to escape the world for a little while. It’s a different kind of busy. It’s the be a little loud, laugh a little too hard kind of busy.
Bittersweet goodbye, great food Amber Appleby Assistant Online Editor
I have had more fun doing food reviews this semester than I probably should have had. Writing this list has been bitter sweet for as I look back on the fun and great food. Hopefully, The Arka Tech will continue doing food reviews next semester because there are a lot of great restaurants that Sierra and I didn’t get to, but we wanted to break the ones we did get to down into the best of the best, so here it is: the best bang for your buck, best food and best atmosphere, according to me.
BEST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK
I mean, honestly, no contest, Fat Daddy’s. I believe I paid around $25 for a soft drink, appetizer and two rib meals.
Granted that was for lunch, but that’s about the cheapest you can get lunch for two people unless you’re okay with fast food. It is definitely the cheapest you can get ribs for lunch anywhere that I have found.
BEST FOOD
El Noa Noa. No contest again. I love Mexican food, but there is just something about the way Martinez cooks his that just makes it out of this world good.
BEST ATMOSPHERE
This one was a tough one for me, but I have to say that Fat Daddy’s had the best atmosphere. Something about the combination of concrete floors, jazz and lots of natural light just appeals to me. I do have one honorable mention for best atmosphere: Old Bank. They have, probably literally, hundreds of TVs, so if you’re looking to get out of the house, or dorm, and be distracted from those finals you should be studying for, Old Bank is perfect. But you should study for your finals.
Ricochet's live album becomes a favorite RYAN HARMON
Entertainment Writer Every now and then I'm a little late in discovering great music. This is definitely a case where I wish it hadn't taken me so long. When I was little, there was a song called "Daddy's Money" that was wildly popular. Every time I listened to the radio that song would come on. About a year ago, I was in Hastings when I came across the first two albums from the band that recorded "Daddy's Money" — Ricochet. Since then, I'm surprised I haven't worn those albums out with as many times as I've listened to them. In my opinion, Ricochet is one of the most underrated bands in music history. My opinion got even stronger after I purchased "The Live Album," Ricochet's 2004 release recorded in Las Vegas. I've always heard that the band's live performances were great, and this album proves it. It opens strong with "Ease My Troubled Mind," from the
debut album. The incredible vocals and guitar playing of front man Heath Wright shine on this album. Most people I know aren't fans of live albums, but I love them when they're done well. In this case, I actually like the live versions even better than the studio versions. The quality of the production is top-notch. The band plays one classic after another such as a moving, energetic version of "What Do I Know," the band's first hit single. This album also features two covers, the Everly Brothers classic "When Will I Be Loved," and the Eagles' "Seven Bridges Road." With Ricochet, winner of 1997's "Academy of Country Music Top New Vocal Group," being known for its harmonies, these songs are a perfect fit. Of course, no Ricochet live album would be complete without "the one that brought us to the party," as the band says. The classic crowd-pleaser, "Daddy's Money," brings the house down. The album ends with a phenomenal rendition of "The Star Spangled Banner." I believe
RICOCHETONLINE.COM
Ricochet's version will become a classic. It's beautiful, traditional and respectful. The band's iconic harmonies are spot on. There's also an enhanced CD included that features three studio cuts, the music video for "Feel Like Fallin'," and exclusive
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2016
behind-the-scenes footage. As a fan of the band, this was a really cool bonus to have. If you're unfamiliar with Ricochet, this is a good place to start. For more information or to purchase "The Live Album," visit www.ricochetonline.com.
Assistant Online Editor
“The Midnight Assassin” by Skip Hollandsworth is different from the other books I have been reading this semester because it is a true story written by a journalist who has done extensive research on the subject; the subject being a string of gruesome murders in 1800’s Austin, Texas. So I guess not that different from my usual scary murder mysteries. The events take place before Austin was the booming metropolis that we know now. Back when a mayor was still trying to get people to move to Texas and when west Texas was still filled with outlaws and the rangers chasing them down. In this sleepy little prairie town, someone began killing women, and killing them indiscriminately. Most of the women were chopped to pieces and bludgeoned with an ax or an ax-like object. It started with servant women and, this being the 1800’s, no one really took much notice until two prominent Austin women were murdered on Christmas Eve, no more than an hour a part. The mayor and sheriff were frantic. The people of Austin were in an uproar. No one knew when this killer would strike next or who he was. It was an election year, and the mudslinging was something to rival this year’s presidential election. One of the men running for governor was even blamed for sleeping with one of the murdered women, and her husband was accused of killing her when he found out. It was a dark time for Austin, and it would get even darker before it was finally over. I really enjoy historical fiction, especially when it has all the intrigue, panic and scandal that this one has. However, it was a little slow in parts. You would think that a story about a murderer who was compared to Jack the Ripper couldn’t get boring, but, in places, it does. I would like to warn anyone who is thinking of reading this book that it is set in the 1800s, and there is some sexism and racism. Keep that in mind while reading, and know that I do not believe the author is promoting any of it; I think he’s just telling it the way it would have been back then. Overall, “The Midnight Assassin” is a good book if you like murder and gore. Push through the boring parts because they do have a purpose. You have to have a lot of background knowledge before the murders mean anything to you, and that is what Hollandsworth is trying to give the reader in the boring sections.
Sports | PAGE 7
Golden Suns win big in season opener RICCI LOGAN
Staff Writer
The Golden Suns defeated Lane College last weekend, 81-51. Leading the scoring for the Golden Suns was Cheyenne North, of Gallatin, Tennessee. North scored 13 points. Brianna Williams, of Dallas, Texas, and Ryann Goodsell, of Springdale, both scored 12 points each. The Golden Suns came out hot in the first three minutes of the game, going on a 7-0 run. Tech would soon push their lead to 17-7 with 2:09 to play in the first quarter. The Golden Suns would continue their success in the second quarter by extending their lead 41-21 with 50 seconds left before half time. Tech scored the first five
points coming out at half time. Lane College would continue to struggle to cut into the lead. After three quarters, Tech led by 31, with a score of 60-29. The Golden Suns would take their largest lead half way through the fourth quarter, going up by 39 points. Lane's biggest offensive push of the game came in the closing minutes of the game, cutting the lead down to 29, but it was too late. The Golden Suns found frequent success in the paint, outscoring Lane 50-14. Tech also took to the boards and got more rebounds than Lane, 56-31. The Golden Suns open Great American Conference play on Thursday, Nov. 17 against Southwestern Oklahoma. Tip-off from Tucker Coliseum is set for 5:30 p.m.
RICCI LOGAN/THE ARKA TECH Danielle Frachiseur scored 9 points in the Golden Suns win over Lane University.
Wonder Boys Wonder Boys wrap up exhibitions; season ends with regular season opens tonight loss, finish with winning record RICCI LOGAN
Staff Writer
MATTHEW EMERY
Sports Writer
The Wonder Boys saw their season come to a close on Saturday, as they lost to Harding with a score of 42-7. The Wonder Boys fell victim to the nationally recognized defense of Harding, fumbling on their first drive of the game. It was the first of five turnovers forced by the Harding defense, including four interceptions. The lone touchdown for the Wonder Boys came with 27 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, as Bruce Livingston, of Bradenton, Florida, forced and recovered a fumble, returning it for a four-yard touchdown. The fumble was the sixth of the game that the Wonder Boys forced, and fourth they recovered. Livingston accounted for two
of the recovered fumbles, while D’Vonta Derricott, of Richmond, Virginia, and Jandt Weary, of Mesquite, Texas, account for two more. Despite the loss, the Wonder Boys finished the season 6-5, finishing with a winning record for the second consecutive season. The Wonder Boys went 4-1 at Buerkle Field this year, their only loss coming from Henderson State on Oct. 1, 27-20. However, the Wonder Boys struggled on the road, touting a 2-4 road record. Their only road wins came against Ouachita Baptist on Oct. 8, and against Southwestern Oklahoma on Nov. 5. The Wonder Boys finish the season as the holder of sixth place in the Great American Conference, which is where they were predicted to finish in the preseason coach’s poll.
The Wonder Boys beat Livin' The Dream, 120-73, in an exhibition match last weekend. Brandon Williams, of Orlando, Florida, led the team in scoring by wracking up 20 points. Montrell Williams, of Rocky Mount, North Carolina, also scored 12 points. Seven of the Wonder Boys reached double digit scoring. The game started off going back and forth during the first five minutes. Williams tied the game at 14:51, and Tech would go on an 8-0 run to make the score 17-9 at the 10:01 mark. Tech extended its lead to 12 points after Mason Cline, of Springdale, hit a three pointer. After LTD answered back with a three pointer of their own, the Wonder Boys caught fire, scoring the next 11 points. LTD found themselves down by 20 points, 34-14, with
RICCI LOGAN/THE ARKA TECH Justin Graham scored 18 points in the Wonder Boys exhibition finale. 6:31 to play in the first half. Going into half time, LTD would cut the lead down 14, making the score 50-36. In the second half, the Wonder Boys extended their lead to 20, making the score 59-38. Tech
would hit the century mark, eventually winning with a score of 100-57. The Wonder Boys out rebounded Livin' The Dream 66-51, and held a 42.0 to 34.1 advantage in shooting. Tech also dished out 20 assists, led
by a game-best six from Aris Morton, of Anticoch, California. The Wonder Boys open the 2016-17 regular season tonight against Southwestern Oklahoma. Tip-off from Tucker Coliseum is set for 7 p.m.
Golden Suns open GAC tournament, play tonight in Hot Springs MATTHEW EMERY
Sports Writer
The fourth seeded Golden Suns open play at the 2016 Great American Conference Championships tonight at 7:30 p.m. as they take on fifth seeded Southwestern Oklahoma at Bank of the Ozarks Arena in Hot Springs. The Golden Suns closed out the regular season with a pair of conference matchups against Harding on Senior Night, winning 3-2, and the season finale against Ouachita
Baptist, where the Golden Suns dropped the matchup, 3-0. After falling behind 2-0 against Harding last Tuesday, the Golden Suns bounced back to win three straight sets and take the match. This was the first time the Golden Suns came back from a 2-0 deficit since Sept. 9 against Drury. The Golden Suns tallied 101 digs in the match, their most since 2013 against Dallas Baptist. Madison Nagel, of Rowlett, Texas, led the Golden Suns in digs, with 26. Matti
Dix, of Bushland, Texas, was right behind her teammate, tallying 25 digs of her own. Amanda Milnick, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, recorded 14 digs and a career high 54 assists in her ninth career double-double. Milnick was not the only Golden Suns to record a double-double, as Hunter Eshnaur posted 18 kills to go with 20 digs, her team leading 15th double-double of the season. It was a different story in the regular season finale for the Golden Suns, as they
were swept in straight sets by Ouachita Baptist. The Golden Suns held on in the first set, losing 26-24. The following sets would not be as competitive, as the Golden Suns would drop them 25-11 and 25-19. The Golden Suns finished the regular season with an overall record of 21-11, and a conference record of 11-5. The only previous matchup between the Golden Suns and Southwestern Oklahoma was on Oct.15, where the Golden Suns fell 3-0.
This week in Tech sports THURSDAY 11-17: Golden Suns Basketball vs. Southwestern Oklahoma at Tucker Coliseum. 5:30 p.m. Wonder Boys Basketball vs. Southwestern Oklahoma at Tucker Coliseum. 7:30 p.m. Golden Suns Volleyball vs. Southwestern Oklahoma at 2016 GAC Championship in Hot Springs. 7:30 p.m.
SATURDAY 11-19: Golden Suns Basketball vs. Northwestern Oklahoma at Tucker Coliseum. 1 p.m. Wonder Boys Basketball vs. Northwestern Oklahoma at Tucker Coliseum. 3 p.m.
VS VS
FRIDAY 11-18: (Potential) Golden Suns Volleyball vs. TBD at 2016 GAC Championship in Hot Springs. 6 p.m.
(Potential) Golden Suns Volleyball vs. TBD at 2016 GAC Championship in Hot Springs. 2 p.m. TUESDAY 11-22: Golden Suns Basketball vs. Oklahoma Christian at Tucker Coliseum. 5:30 p.m.
VS
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2016
PAGE 8 | Community
Fashion Show
PHOTOS BY CLAUDIA YOUNG
Paru Rajbhansi, graduate student fron Nepal, twirls around in her sari and blouse. This outfit is worn in marriage ceremonies and festivals in Nepal.
ABOVE: Tahmid Shantanu, sociology major from Bangladesh, models a lungi. LEFT: Yoshi Thao, broadcast journalism major from Dardanelle and of Mong heritage, shows off his Hmong attire. BELOW: Xuelin Shao, graduate student from China, models a hanfu.
Cynthia Esiaka, graduate student from Nigeria, models an igbo, the traditional bridal attire for wedding ceremonies in South East Nigeria.
Students, both American and international, stood together to show off their culture's clothes at the end of the fashion show.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2016