August 30 2012

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THE COLONNADE The Official Student Newspaper of Georgia College

August 31, 2012

www.GCSUnade.com

Volume 89, No. 2

Single copies free

Kappa Sigma banned from campus MARK WATKINS SENIOR REPORTER Georgia College’s former chapter of Kappa Sigma is banished from any and all campus recognition and involvement for the next four years almost two years of grievances led to a hearing held June 21. The fraternity was found responsible for 10 of 12 charges including multiple instances of hazing, criminal trespass, larceny theft, damage to property, assault, hosting an open party that encouraged drinking, submitting false rosters, initiating nonmembers of GC and lying to university officials. They were found not guilty of kidnapping and threatening/ intimidation. The punishment given, categorized as the most severe possible, is known as a student cycle, and lasts

four to five years or until the last recognized member leaves the institution, whichever is longer. “In any hearing, the least amount of punishment you can get is reprimand. In the extreme of cases you can get removal of an organization or an individual from campus,” Tyler Havens, director of fraternity and sorority life, said. The ban intends to give organizations a fresh start by removing any former members who were associated with the fraternity at the time of the crimes. Havens served as hearing officer and decided on the sanctions the fraternity received. “I have the opportunity to review all of the information that was provided to me from the university, who filed the charges, and their statements and the evidence … and make a de-

cision based on that for the charges; should they be responsible or not,” he said. The fraternity was presented with the sanctions during the hearing and given the opportunity to submit any further evidence on their behalf. Havens took any new evidence into account, revisited the original sanctions and made a final decision. The original punishment was set at five years. The fraternity appealed the charges to former Interim President Stas Preczewski in the following days. “He upheld my decisions with the exception of one: reducing the period of time with which the organization would not be eligible to seek recognition,” Havens said. “He reduced that by one year.” Preceding the trial, Kappa Sigma sent an appeal to postpone the date of the hearing to no earlier than June 29,

2012, an eight-day extension. In the letter, Kappa Sigma states that they were not informed of the full list of charges until six days before the hearing. “Until [June 15, 2012], Kappa Sigma had not been presented with a full explanation of the charges against us and the relevant allegations. As we have just now been presented with the charging letter, we kindly request some additional time to gather documentation, evidence and potential witnesses.” The fraternity also requested additional time to allow an attorney to be present on their behalf. “As we have been offered the ability to be represented by an advisor who is an attorney, we would like

Kappa Sigma page 5

Kappa Sigma charges Found responsible for: • Hazing Pledges • Stealing Kappa Alpha property • Damage of KA property • Assault of a KA • Trespass on KA property • Falsifying rosters • Lying to university officials • Hosting an open party and disregarding policies • Initiating non-GC students • Initiating a pledge class while suspended

Library hosts a new space for learning, student success

JEN HOFFMAN / PHOTO ILLUSTRATION

Petition for gay rights takes a bite out of Chick-fil-A SCOTT CARRANZA / SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER Expecting nothing less than a full house, the new location for the Learning Center provides more than enough space to accommodate the growing number of faculty and students in need of tutoring.

Learning Center moves to new location to accommodate student demand, receives new director MEREDITH BARNES STAFF WRITER Relocation of Georgia College’s Learning Center is underway. The staff, including new Program Director Jeanne Haslam, transitioned from the second floor of A&S to the second floor of the LITC in 252. “Although the (old) location is convenient for students, we feel as though the new location in the library has more to offer,” Haslam said. Also participating in the Learning Center’s relocation is Library Director Joe Mocnik. “There has been an ongoing discussion for a while to explore which complementary services could be moved into the library,” Mocnik said. Haslam and Mocnik share their excitement for the center’s relocation and hope to ensure student excellence and success through this complimentary service. “The idea is to follow national models of creating better synergies and space utilizations to enhance the quality of library service,” Mocnick said. “The plan is to monitor and assess the success of the initiative during the semester.” Students are impressed with the level of efficiency and customer service the Learning

Learning Center overhaul New director Jeanne Haslam New location LITC 252 ...and a new name is in the works! Center provides. “I have always been able to go in the Learning Center and know that the tutors will do everything they can to help me, and I always leave feeling better than I did when I went in,” junior Biology major Jordan Prescott said. Students rely on the staff of the Learning Center to provide them with the help they need but recognize the need for larger facilities. “There just aren’t ever enough spaces for students to have the space and quiet they need. It can be a hectic atmosphere and I think that having a larger space will make everyone a lot less stressed,” Prescott said. The Learning Center is also working toward a new name.

NEWS FLASH

“I have always been able to go in the Learning Center and know that the tutors will do everything they can to help me, and I always leave feeling better than I did when I went in.” Jordan Prescott, junior biology major Before the semester began a name changed was proposed. “CAT,” or Center for Academic Tutoring was discussed but no name has been decided upon yet. By clustering GC student resources in one place, students can better access the help they need to be successful. “My goal is to make sure we are available and visible to students as much as we can,” Haslam said.` The new Learning Center has five large library tables that seat six students each, two small tables that seat four and five computers brought from the old center.

QUOTABLE

GC Recognized

Georgia College was named as a 2013 “Best in the Southwest” college for the sixth consecutive year in the annual survey from The Princeton Review. GC is part of the 133 schools that earned the distinction of regional best and among the 633 colleges nationwide that received the award.

KYLE SHANAHAN STAFF WRITER In the wake of the nationwide conflict between Chick-fil-A and the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) community, a petition written by Georgia College student Connor Johnson calls for the expulsion of Chick-fil-A from GC’s campus. The petition was created in July 2012 and asks GC, Sodexo and the Student Government Association to end their relationship with Chick-fil-A. “By allowing Chick-fil-A to stay, you are giving fellow students reason to doubt the way that we operate as a university, and are saying we do tolerate hate and bigotry, as long as it only comes in the form of a chicken sandwich,” the petition states. The controversy surrounding the fastfood chain began in January 2011 when several media publications reported that Chick-fil-A donated approximately $5 million during the 2000s to various organizations who opposed LGBT rights, including Exodus International, the Family Research Council and the Marriage & Family Foundation. The WinShape Foundation, a non-profit charity created by Chick-fil-A founder Truett Cathy, received $8 million in donations from Chick-fil-A in 2010, and has been used by Chick-fil-A to provide money to groups who are distinctly anti-gay. Over the summer, Chick-fil-A President Dan Cathy made several remarks over the company’s support for traditional family values that were considered inflammatory . While being interviewed in June on the Ken Coleman radio show, he stated, “I think we are inviting God’s judgment on our nation when we shake our fist at him and say, ‘We know better than you as to what constitutes a marriage.’ I pray God’s mercy on our generation that has such a prideful, arrogant attitude to think that we would have the audacity to try to redefine what marriage is all about.” In response to these remarks and the media coverage on Chick-fil-A’s donations, reactions ranged from protests and boycotts

News

“It is an issue dealing with student funds being used to bankroll Chick-fil-A’s nonprofit agenda that helps limit the rights of LGBT Americans. In my eyes, that is a civil rights issue.” Connor Johnson, creator of the petition of the fast-food chain to attempts by the mayors of Boston and Chicago to prevent Chick-fil-A from opening more restaurants within the city limits. At GC, response to the Chick-fil-A controversy has been anything but stagnant. The school’s Times Talk discussions began its 2012-13 series on Aug. 22 with the issue of Chick-fil-A and it’s effect on the campus. Those in attendance included members of a diverse collection of organizations including from Pride Alliance, the Catholic Church and other partisan groups from all along the spectrum of support. Some discussion about Chick-fil-A points out that the company was well within its First Amendment rights to speak its stance on gay marriage. Furthermore, the company has always been public about its views and Southern Baptist background. “They’re allowed to believe what they want to believe, and so is he. For that, it shouldn’t be closed. It gives everybody the opportunity to see what they believe and he did the same thing,” Jordan Purser, freshman exercise science major, said. But Johnson says the issue “… is not one of religious freedom or freedom of speech. It is an issue dealing with student funds being used to bankroll Chick-fil-A’s nonprofit agenda that helps limit the rights of LGBT Americans. In my eyes, that is a civil rights

INSIDE

SGA presidential transition.....................................2 Beeson Hall next in line for update.......................5 “The father’s suicide was my favorite scene. It was really powerful.”.” - Sarah Harrell, freshman theater major

See page 11

A&E

“Forget me not”......................................................11 From office paper to brush and charcoal..........11

Sports

Student Fee generates over $2 million..............16 Fans earn swag........................................................16 Leisure................................................................14 Community News........................................8

Chick-fil-A page 6

NUMBER CRUNCH

$181 per person per semester makes up the majority of monetary support for the sports teams and other athletic expenses.


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THE COLONNADE

Editor, Nick Widener

2012 marks largest freshman class

AUGUST 31, 2012

SGA appoints treasurer NICHOLAS WIDENER SENIOR REPORTER

SCOTT CARRANZA / SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER The Napier Hall community rooms can be quickly taken over by a large study group of freshmen from various majors.

The largest freshman class to attend GC enters its dorms and classrooms, students arrive from all over Georgia CAITLIN MULLANEY STAFF WRITER The start of the 2012-2013 Georgia College school year marks the entrance of the biggest freshman class in the school’s history. The freshman class consisting of 1,295 students is in contrast to previous freshman classes that have never gone above the cap of 1,200. The record-breaking class was the result of over 3,880 freshman admission applications that the school received for this year. With this class came an increase in the minority ratio with 189 freshman

minority students compared to last year’s 132. Following in the patterns of past years, a majority of the students come from the northern Atlanta area with the top five contributing cities including Marietta, Roswell, Cumming, Alpharetta and Atlanta. The freshman class also has 12 students coming from across the globe including countries such as China, Germany, Russia, France, Denmark, Kenya and Sweden. With so many students interested in attending GC their reasons for wanting to come range across a large spectrum from the appeal

of front campus to the option of on-campus apartments at West Campus. Freshman biology major Emily Ward has many reasons why she chose GC.“I chose it because it was a small school but still big enough to meet a whole bunch of new people. I love everything it has to offer like clubs, sports and sororities. Plus everyone is super nice, so that’s an added bonus.” While the sports and a variety of student involvement are selling points for some students, others

Freshman page 6

Student Government Association Treasurer Sean Espinosa resigned from his duties on May 14, 2012. Espinosa served as treasurer for the 2011-12 year and was elected to serve a second term. “I realized that I need to reallocate more time and focus on my academics now more than ever,” Espinosa said. “I was involved in a handful of organizations, and … I knew that out of all the organizations I was involved in, SGA was the most time consuming.” Taking over Espinosa’s duties is former SGA Senator Aubrey Ethridge. Ethridge was the runner-up in the race and was appointed to the position by order of former SGA Vice President Maxwell Pichan. “As the runner up in the race, I stepped up and moved into the position,” Ethridge said. This year will be Ethridge’s third year with SGA. He has served as a senator and as the chairman of two committees: the Student Services Committee and the Textbook Assessment Committee. “Of course having Sean serving in a second term was an advantage going in to this year, but Aubrey is going to do a fantastic job,” SGA President Cody Allen said in a press release. “The executive board is working as hard as ever, and we are excited about the projects to come in the new school year.” The treasurer sets the budget for SGA and serves as the chair of the Academic Travel Fund Committee, which provides students with funding who are traveling to present research or participate in academic conferences. “The treasurer position is mostly about … working with the students that receive funding through SGA … and making sure we don’t spend way too much money,” Ethridge said. The treasurer also provides weekly budget updates to the senate to monitor it throughout the year. Although Espinosa will no longer be serving on executive staff with SGA, he will still be a part of the organization. “I am serving a staff position, special

projects coordinator,” Espinosa said. “That won’t be as time consuming. But I feel like I can still get some side projects I wasn’t able to get done last year get taken care of this year.” Espinosa said he worked with Ethridge to ensure as seamless of a transition between this year and last year as possible. “He has everything that he needs to know,” Espinosa said. SGA’s executive staff will not be officially sworn in until Sept. 8, but the staff is still at work with the SGA senator campaign beginning this week. New senators are elected each year for all four classes as well as senators at large for a total of 25 positions. Elections for senate run from Sept. 4 through Sept. 6, and election results will be announced on Sept. 7. Espinosa said he would miss being able to serve on executive staff this semester, but he is certain he made the right choice. “I’m definitely going to miss serving as treasurer this year,” he said, “but we’re all students first; that’s why it’s student government.”

Treasurer duties • Sets budget for SGA • Serves as chair for the Academic Travel Fund Committee • Provides weekly budget updates to the senate • May serve on other statutory councils or university committees to represent students

CAB gears up for new Sandwich shop opens year of events, outings CONSTANTINE KOKENES STAFF WRITER With its new structure up and running, Georgia College’s Campus Activities Board begins the Fall semester with many on and off-campus events. Two years ago CAB changed its structure, adding an executive board, president, vice president of administration, vice president of programming, director of communications and secretary. “Last year was the first year it was implemented,” said Jamie Knox, graduate assistant for Campus Life and adviser for CAB. “A lot of the members of the executive board are seniors and are trying to help younger students get more involved with CAB. One of our biggest goals is to have at least one event every other week.” The events are divided into four programs: arts and culture, live entertainment, Bobcat events and Student Activities Center events. These programs are led by directors who individually work on them. “This is the first year that we’ve been up and running at the beginning of the year. We’ve had a solid group of people during the summer planning events for the fall semester. Usually we have a transition period, but we didn’t this year,” said Victoria Quante, senior English major and director of arts and culture programming for CAB. “I’m also hoping to plan field trips around Milledgeville to help students get to know the community.” Three events will be held this September by CAB. The first is CAB’s Comedy Night on Sept. 13 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. The comedians will all be students and there will be a panel of judges who will provide a cash prize to the top comedian. The location of this event is yet to be announced but will appear on CAB’s website closer to the date. The second event is a trip to the Braves game held at Turner Field in Atlanta on Sept. 15. Tickets will be on sale at the Den for $20 and will include transportation, grilling out at Turner Field, a free T-shirt and seeing O.A.R. in concert after the game. This event will only be available to the first 90 students who sign up. The last event is a Disney trivia night on

“This is the first year that we’ve been up and running at the beginning of the year. We’ve had a solid group of people during the summer planning events for the fall semester. Usually we have a transition period, but we didn’t this year.” Victoria Quante, senior English major Sept. 20 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. The location is to be announced, but there will be prizes for certain winners. Many students have expressed great interest in attending these events, especially the Disney trivia night. “I’m excited for the trivia night! I really love Disney movies, and I would really enjoy a night full of Disney references. It’d be a lot of fun,” Nia McRay, junior English major said. These events not only provide entertainment, but also an opportunity to meet new faces from around campus. “The biggest reason I would go to a CAB event would be to meet new students who have just arrived at GC,” said Jack O’Connor, a junior community health major. “I would probably go to whichever one worked best with my schedule.” Most CAB events are free with the exception of “to-go” events which cost between $15 and $20. “To-go events cost money because they provide transportation, food and other things,” Knox said. Information for upcoming events can be found through CAB’s OrgSync page and Facebook page, “Campus Activities Board at Georgia College.” If you would like to become involved with planning or volunteering for CAB events, email membership.cab@gmail.com, or if you have any ideas to propose, email CAB at gcsucab@ gmail.com.

CAB September events Comedy Night on Sept. 13 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Disney Trivia Night on Sept. 20 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Braves game at Turner Field in Atlanta on Sept. 15. This event will only be available to the first 90 students who sign up.

MARIICELA RUIZMENDOZA / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER More Than A Sandwich is a new restaurant located in downtown Milledgeville on North Wayne Street. Open for just under two weeks, More Than A Sandwich serves a simple menu of sandwiches, soups and salads. The shop, operated by Carolyn Scott and Rhonda Draper, welcomes to the entire community, but caters to students with the low prices of their meals. Currently the restaurant’s walls are empty, but the duo hope to fill them with artwork from local artists.“It’s all on loan,” Scott says.“It’s on the students’ terms.” The owners hope to provide a valuable addition to the downtown eatery scene. Specials are posted to the restaurant’s Facebook page and are changed daily.


AUGUST 31, 2012

Think it. Type it. Text it.

THE COLONNADE

3

Graduate starts delivery business

#@*$!%?! DAVID WICKER / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Amos Harper (left), owner of Real Deal Grill and More, stands next to Kenny Donovan (right), creator of K&G Delivery. The two recently partnered together, making Real Deal’s food available to anyone who places an order through K&G Delivery.

A recent GC alumnus opens a delivery service geared toward students and busy professionals KATE FEDERMAN STAFF WRITER

Colonnade Vents

(708) 949-NADE or on GCSUnade.com

vents can also be tweeted to twitter.com/gcsunade, emailed to colonnadeletters@gcsu.edu or sent via facebook to facebook.com/gcsunade

K&G Delivery recently began delivering take-out orders to students, faculty, and community members from their favorite restaurants around Milledgeville that don’t offer home delivery options. K&G offers on-demand delivery, scheduled delivery or take-out from the restaurants Milledgeville residents crave. To ensure the quality and freshness of each meal delivered, they take orders from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. seven days a week days Currently, patrons can order off menus from Kai Thai, Metropolis Café and The Real Deal Grill. Kenny Donovan, a recent Georgia College graduate and K&G owner, is working on adding more of Milledgeville’s classic restaurants to that list, such as Amici and AJ’s wings. Customers can order from K&G’s website or by calling them. The full menus, including the various prices and delivery rates, can be found on K&G’s website.

“It is great for students who may be studying and are too busy to go pick something up. It gives them other options besides just ordering pizza,” Donovan said. K&G is also accommodating for business professionals and their hectic schedules. “This service is perfect for doctors, lawyers or any other professional in Milledgeville. With our scheduled delivery feature, the professional can schedule their favorite lunch to be delivered at the beginning of their break. It is great for busy people who are sick of fast food, but love the convenience factor,” Donovan said. The poor economy, lack of other job opportunities and a life-long dream of owning his own business were among the factors that influenced Donovan to develop K&G. “I love working for myself. I knew I always wanted to open my own business after graduating college. I just figured Milledgeville and this delivery service was a good place to start,” Donovan said.

K&G page 5


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THE COLONNADE

AUGUST 31, 2012

Jewish group promotes diversity “ The first duty of a newspaper is to duty “ The first ofbea accurate. newspaper” -Herbertis Bayard to Swope be accurate. ” -Herbert Bayard Swope “ The first duty of a newspaper is to

COURTESY OF KAREN BERMAN Students and professors gather at a Hillel meeting to enjoy Jewish food and culture. Hillel recently won the multicultural program of the year award at the Bobcat Awards. Members invite students of all races and backgrounds to participate in their events and spark discussion.

Hillel builds its resume around campus by participating in fundraisers, outreaches and promoting social change around the world. CONNOR JOHNSON STAFF WRITER Hillel is an RSO that has been taking on strides in recent years in bettering Georgia College and the Milledgeville Community as a whole. Last week, Hillel held their annual Bagel and Shmear Welcome Event, where they invited everyone of different cultures and nationalities to join them for lockes, cream cheese, and of course a bagel. Founded by Karen Berman, the organization has always aimed to create a social network among Jewish students on

campus,participate in charitable events, and take part in cultural and religious activities. “Last year, Hillel won the Multicultural Program of the Year in the Bobcat Awards,” said Berman. “We brought in multiple speakers from all different religions during the holiday season, discussed each one, and then partook in the food from each culture. We really had a wonderful party.” Yet Hillel is not only hosting parties within the campus, but also spreading their charitable works to the nearby Boys and Girls Club of Oconee. ‘Tzedekah,’ Hebrew for righteousness, is a principle

Hillel was built off of. ‘Always aiming to make the world better’ is one of their focal points for social change. “We purchased and wrapped small gifts, delivered them, and then the students dressed in Santa hats,” Berman said. “They helped hand out candy and presents. A lot of these younger children are from single parent households with low income levels. We help out with the Boys and Girls Club every year around this time as a way to give back.” Hillel also has an Israeli Outreach pro

Hillel page 5

be accurate. ” -HerbertBayardSwope


AUGUST 3, 2012

THE COLONNADE

Kappa Sigma

Continued from page 1 to ensure that such an advisor is available. However, the extremely short notice makes it difficult if not impossible to coordinate this.” Kappa Sigma also asked for extra time so that Tom Miles, who led the investigation into hazing allegations, could be present at the hearing, saying, “We feel it is imperative that he be in attendance for, if not presiding over, the hearing of these charges.” Their appeal was denied. Former Interim President Stas Preczewski responded to concerns stating that “the evidence alleging violations has been made available to Kappa Sigma for several months, and the notice of this hearing was presented five to six days prior to its scheduled date. Kappa Sigma has had adequate time to prepare for the hearing.” He elaborated further on their request for an attorney stating “There is no ‘right’ to have an attorney present, though any individual or organization could choose to have an attorney attend a hearing if they so wish.” He informed Kappa Sigma members that attorneys do not represent charged parties, but serve only as an advisor and

Hillel

Continued from page 4 gram that helps to provide aid to the state of Israel, as well as their soldiers abroad. Netta Ben-Hashal, head of the Israeli Outreach program, successfully held an event last semester writing letters to the brave men and women of the Israeli military. This semester, the club hopes to bring even more students to their events to participate in social and religious ac-

Additional details of the story will unfold over the next two weeks. Pick up next week’s issue for details surrounding the charges of hazing, trespassing, theft and other charges.

“would not speak or address the hearing in any way.” In regard to Miles being in attendance, Preczewski stated that his attendance was not relevant considering that the information gathered from the hazing investigation was documented and available. During a yearly assessment of all Greek organizations on campus, Kappa Sigma received a five out of 15 for risk management during the fall semester of last year. The standards guidelines for risk management states that “any organization with substantiated claims of hazing by the membership, national organization, or the university will not be eligible to receive any points in the risk management category.” The report was published before Kappa Sigma’s hearing took place. In comparison, Pi Kappa Alpha scored 10, Pi Kappa Phi scored 13 and Delta Sigma scored 15. Despite their current situation, members remain loyal to the fraternity. “We’re still Kappa Sigmas, we’re always gonna see ourselves that way,” Ethridge said.

tivities. Bowling night, Jewish game night, and Friday night Shabbat dinners are all on the schedule and promise not only good company, but good food as well. “Hillel has an amazing Passover supper every year open to everyone,” said Junior Mass Communication and French Major Kirsten Cornay. “I am definitely looking forward to their event this year.” For more information in regards to Hillel and their meetings, please visit their “GCSU Hillel” group on Facebook.

Kappa Sigma punishments • Withdrawal of registration as a fraternity (or any other student organization) for a minimum of five years or until such time as all initiated members of the Lambda Xi chapter of KS are no longer enrolled at GC, whichever is longer.

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This week in history

• Should KS wish to return to the campus in the future, all restitutions to KA must be paid in full prior to GC’s agreement to allow the organization back on campus. • Should KS wish to return to campus in the future, any advisory board prescribed will exclude any alum from GC that played a role in the development of the current culture.

Reflections of the man on the moon

For inquiries or additions to our coverage, or a request for documents referenced in this story, please send correspondence to markpwatkins@gmail.com.

K&G

Continued from page 3 Donovan had help from his best friend and business partner Stephen Garapola, sophomore English major at Georgia Military College. The two created the K&G name by combining the first letter of Donovan’s first name and the first letter of Garapola’s last name. “Kenny came up with the idea for the business and I am more of a helping hand for him. I am extremely excited about what we are going to do with this company, and I can’t wait to be a hands-on manager. We are still evolving, but the people really seem interested and open to our idea,” Garapola said. Many GC students have expressed their excitement about the business’s arrival in Milledgeville. “I think it is a good idea

for them to market to students. I feel like everyone always makes comments about why no one else delivers besides Chinese restaurants and pizza places,” Amanda Schmidt, junior math major, said. “This will be very convenient for students and I think most people will take advantage of this service.” Donovan and Garapola said they work hard at keeping the restaurant’s management happy with their services and menu selection. “The people at K&G Delivery are very reliable people. I am very happy that I get to work with them,” said Amos Harper, owner of The Real Deal Grill. “They do their best to get the product out to the customer on time. I look forward to furthering our working relationship with their business.” To place an order, visit www.kngdelivery.com or call at 478-234-5825

Benedict Esposito The other night, as I was walking back to my apartment, after listening to Frank Sinatra sing “Fly Me to the Moon” in honor of Neil Armstrong, I noticed the moon was a little more than half full. I couldn’t help but think how appropriate it was. Neil Armstrong had died earlier in the day and his family said, “when you “see the moon smiling down at you, think of Neil Armstrong and give him a wink.” I did, but as I looked at the moon, I couldn’t help but think of how perfect the moon is right now. We are mourning the passing of an American legend, hence the black/covered part of the moon. But there is a reason why it was more bright than dark. Because while it is sad he is

gone, it is more important not to dwell on it and instead to celebrate his life and what he and America, accomplished and what we can still accomplish. He helped prove that the sky is literally not the limit. We can go further. We just landed a new rover on Mars. Mars! Armstrong was the first human to set foot on the moon. Mankind has gone beyond the realm of this planet and stepped foot on the moon. He and America worked hard and believed that we could do it, and we did. We set a goal and we accomplished it. We are all college students with dreams of what we want to do. Armstrong helped prove that if you dream and work hard, you can accomplish literally anything. Next time you look up at the moon, do what Armstrong’s family asks you, and just remember that mankind has been there. You could be next. You can accomplish anything if you set a goal and work at it. If we can do that, imagine what you, America, and mankind can do. Rest in peace Neil Armstrong. Thank you for your service.


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THE COLONNADE

Chick-fil-A

Continued from page 1 issue.” Johnson’s petition asks for the aid of Sodexo, the company in charge of all food services at GC, to rid Chick-fil-A from the campus. The petition pleads for Sodexo to stand by its policies of nondiscrimination and support “those who don’t want to see hate tolerated on our campus,” Even students that haven’t signed the petition side with Johnson. “I believe he does have the right to do [make a petition], because all the money Chickfil-A is getting from the students on this campus is going directly towards groups that directly negate everything our own Pride groups are standing for,” Brad Loapel Rhoden, sophomore rhetoric major said. “Personally, I would

feel no sadness if Chick-fil-A was gone and I can see how it would bother a lot of people.” The Sodexo Code of Conduct, which is reprinted in the petition along with the company’s statements responding to Chick-fil-A’s actions, states, “Sodexo requires its Suppliers to uphold a commitment to basic principles of human rights . . . Suppliers should not discriminate against employees in hiring, promotion, salary, performance evaluation or any other term or condition of work, on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law in the applicable jurisdiction.” The current petition has been posted online at Change. org. As of Aug. 29, the petition has gathered a total of 87 signatures, including those of GC students, alumni and Milledgeville citizens.

AUGUST 31, 2012

Freshman class

Class of 2016 stats

Continued from page 2 are sold purely on the look of the campus. “I chose Georgia College because when I stepped on this campus I knew this felt like home, and I wanted a smaller school where I would actually get to know my professors and people on this campus,” said freshman pre-mass communication major Nicole Gilmartin. “I wouldn’t be just another face in the crowd.” In addition to individual student interests in the school, the recruiting of the Department of Admissions works year round to promote GC and garner interest from future students. “We start recruiting through word of mouth. Then when students come here on tours, we collect their information to send postcards and emails as application time comes around,” said Suzanne Pittman Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management. “We also work with the SAT and ACT agencies around Georgia and key areas outside the state to buy names of students that appear to be a good fit for Georgia College.” One of the most common ways admissions recruits future students is just by getting the schools name out into the mainstream and getting people to remember them. One tool the school uses to accomplish this is college fairs and high school visits. “We participate in the PROBE tour, this is where we have a representative travel all over Georgia attending these college fairs looking for potential students,” Pittman said. “In addition we also make visits to high schools throughout the year and invite high schools to come tour the campus.”

Largest freshman class 3,880 applications 1,295 admitted Top 5 contributing cities Marietta Roswell Cumming Alpharetta Atlanta

Help Wanted: The Colonnade is looking for: Writers, Photographers, Ad Reps Designers, Editors, or Webmasters Email colonnadeletters@gcsu.edu for more info!

SCOTT CARRANZA / SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER Counter-clockwise starting at the left: freshman music therapy major, Amanda Jernigan; freshman pre-mass communication major, Anna Mullins; freshman management major, Hayden Rankin and freshman pre-mass communication major, Shayna Enick play a card game as a brief study respite.

Milledgeville City Council DAVID COX STAFF WRITER

Tuesday’s Milledgeville City Council was business as usual. One matter of note, however, was the council’s approval of a resolution to authorize the city and Mayor Bentley to enter an agreement with Baldwin County to amend 2005 and 2011 contracts regarding the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax. The agreement aims to settle money owed to the city by SPLOST. Mayor Bentley also introduced a member of the audience to the council: Frank Baugh, Milledgeville’s new Public Works director. A former resident of Milledgeville, Baugh returned to the city after about 30 years away.

August 28, 2012 “It’s a privilege to serve with such a fine group of people,” Baugh said at the meeting. “It’s great to be back.” The Public Works Department is responsible for maintenance and repair of streets, sidewalks, parks and cemeteries. Subsequent to Baugh’s introduction, the council approved a resolution for the city to provide new uniforms for Public Works employees. The council also recessed to a lengthy executive session to discuss an undisclosed legal matter as well as a possible property acquisition, but no action was taken. The next city council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 11 at 6:30 p.m.

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Community

August 31, 2012 • Editor, Constantina Kokenes

WHAT’S HAPPENING PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT

Friday, August 31 6 - 8 p.m.

6

Bobcat cross country home meet (West Campus cross country course)

Monday, September 3 All day

10

Labor Day holiday (No classes)

Wednesday, September 5 12 - 12:50 p.m.

Times Talk: Race and the Media (MSU Donahoo Lounge)

5 p.m.

StuOrg Registration Deadline

7:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Bobcat soccer vs. Nova Southeastern (Bobcat Field)

8 - 9:30 p.m.

Stand-up Comedy in the Black Box (Campus Black Box Theatre)

NOTE: If you would like to see any events incorporated on the calendar, please send them to colonnadenews@gcsu.edu.

1

PASS THE DUTCHIE ON THE LEFT-HAND SIDE

Aug. 10 8:46 p.m. Officer Tron Smith and Sergeant Jamaal Hicks were called to Foundation Hall in response to a plastic bag and wooden box containing marijuana that was found. The officers contacted two students who stated they had just gotten high. The students were placed under arrest and transported to Milledgeville Police Department (MPD) detention center.

2 THE MOST UNFORTUNATE HOUSEGUEST Aug. 10 2:40 a.m. Officer Megan Frasier was called to the Grove in response to a man vomiting. The residents of the apartment told Frasier that the man followed him home from downtown, and they let him stay the night at their apartment. Upon seeing the man lying on the floor continuing to vomit, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) was called to the scene to take the man to Oconee Regional Medical Center (ORMC).*

3 CANDY IS DANDY, BUT LIQUOR IS QUICKER Aug. 11 12:32 a.m. Sergeant Jamaal Hicks was called to Napier Hall in response to a student vomiting. The student told Hicks that he consumed large amounts of liquor and beer at his fraternity house earlier that night. The student was then arrested and taken to MPD.

4 AN UNEXPECTED EMERGENCY Aug. 11 3:35 p.m. Sergeant Hal Ennis was called to Foundation Hall in response to a sick student. Ennis made contact with the student who was extremely nauseated. She said she had been drinking the night before and had just gotten sick. EMS was called, and the student was taken to ORMC.

5 ACCIDENTS HAPPEN Aug. 11 4:39 p.m. A student was reported to have injured herself at the Grove. Officer Earnest Spikes and Sergeant Hal Ennis observed blood on the student’s face and hair, and a cut on her chin. The student appeared to be intoxicated and, as told by another student, had fallen inside the women’s restroom at the Grove Clubhouse. She was taken to ORMC.*

6 ONE WAY STOP

3

1

Friday, September 7

Aug. 15 1:20 p.m. A vehicle was pulled over at the intersection of McIntosh and Wilkinson streets for having an expired vehicle registration. Officer Earnest Spikes and Sergeant Hal Ennis made contact with the driver and asked for his identification. Spikes was told by the dispatch officer that the driver had a suspended license. The driver was arrested by citation for driving with a suspended license and driving with an expired registration.

4

Hear the report on our podcast channel

GCSUnade.com

*Incident does not appear on map

7 ENOUGH IS ENOUGH Aug. 17 9:05 p.m. A man was seen attempting to drive drunk out of the Golden Pantry parking lot. After almost backing into two pedestrians, Officer Gary Purvis had the man stop his vehicle and asked him how much he had to drink. The man replied, “Not enough,” and was then asked to exit the vehicle. He was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence.*

8 YOU TALKIN’ TO ME? Aug. 18 2:14 a.m. Officer Gary Purvis was called to West Campus Village in response to a panic alarm going off. Purvis and the Community Assistant contacted one of the residents who did not know why the alarm had gone off. Purvis then noticed another resident sleeping on the couch. He and the CA investigated her room and saw vomit all over the bed and floor. Purvis woke up the student and tried talking to her, but she could barely form a sentence and could not tell that Purvis was talking to her. EMS was called and she was taken to ORMC for further treatment.*

9 DEER CAUGHT IN THE HEADLIGHTS Aug. 18 3:17 a.m. A vehicle was pulled over at the intersection of Greene and Jefferson streets for not having its headlights illuminated. Upon talking to the driver, Officer Gary Purvis smelled alcohol emitting from the driver’s breath. Purvis asked for the driver’s license only to be told that his license had been suspended for a prior DUI. The driver was arrested for suspicion of DUI and transported to MPD.*

10 RUN, BABY, RUN Aug. 19, 1:09 a.m. A golf cart was seen weaving and speeding through the intersection of Wayne and Hancock streets. Officer Reid White proceeded to follow the golf cart and pulled the driver over at the intersection of Montgomery and Clarke streets. White asked the student how he got the golf cart and what he was doing with it. The student told White that he was the designated driver for his fraternity. White asked him to pull over to the side of the road. The student pulled over and proceeded to jump out of the golf cart and run down Montgomery Street. White pursued him and after some resistance, restrained him. The student admitted to being intoxicated and to stealing the golf cart. He was charged with a DUI, underage alcohol possession and disorderly conduct.

BY THE NUMBERS

1 Medical Emergency

1 Theft

2

Fire Incidents

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Opinion Our Voice

freedom. Within hours of the walkout, the student journalists holed up in an apartment and launched the “Red & Dead” movement, beginning with a Twitter account that was quickly followed by a website and Facebook page. The Red & Dead’s tagline simply read, “The former staff of The Red & Black.” The move was ballsy, without a doubt. A media frenzy followed, with news outlets like The New York Times, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Gawker picking up the story and quickly transforming the Red & Dead’s woes into a full-blown national issue. The Red & Dead didn’t miss a beat – the newly-uprooted staffers began regularly uploading news stories and photos to their site, steadfastly continuing to serve UGA and the Athens community with timely and accurate news – all from the comfort of their apartment headquarters. The students dealt with the sudden media storm with grace, some even experienced being followed by reporters while walking to their cars after school. Suddenly, they were on the other side of the recorder as the recipients of the hard-hitting questions, yet the student journalists handled the entire situation

Freedom of press in journalism is worth fighting for It’s unsettling when our First Amendment right to freedom of the press is threatened. It’s even more unsettling when it hits unnervingly close to home at a fellow student-run newspaper. Shockwaves of surprise and outcry rocked the media on Aug. 15 when student staff members of The Red & Black, the independently-run student newspaper serving the University of Georgia, staged a walkout upon reading a memo from The Red & Black’s Board of Directors stating new policies that would infringe upon the students’ editorial

August 31, 2012• Editor-in-Chief, Lindsay Shoemake

with composure. A week and several negotiations later, The Red & Black had its staff back, with UGA students once again in the driver’s seat of creative and editorial control. The Colonnade fully understands and recognizes the importance of editorial freedom and holding the responsibility to make the important calls on what content is included in each and every issue of our newspaper. We commend The Red & Black staffers for their perseverance, unwavering integrity and deep-rooted dedication to the craft of journalism. As easy as it could have been to wave a white flag in defeat upon getting wind of the new directorial changes, the journalists held strong and fought for what was ethical and right. Most importantly, The Red & Black staff proved that student media outlets truly matter and are fully capable of serving as a catalyst for the preservation of our First Amendment right to freedom of the press. The long hours of researching, investigating, interviewing and reporting can be taxing at times, and the even longer nights spent producing a weekly newspaper can be momentarily arduous. However, our beloved craft of journalism is certainly worth fighting for.

Something old and something new-ish An in-depth look at modern-day linguistics in collegiate society JESSICA DIAMOND COLUMNIST

culture. I fear that we may actually come full circle and communicate through pointing and grunting like our cavedwelling ancestors. While at karaoke night one Tuesday, I witnessed several girls communicate with the entire establishment through hip movement. After this, several guys did begin pointing and grunting at them. We hardly even use vowels anymore in our messages. Some of us choose to avoid speaking altogether in favor of text messaging and virtual scrabble. Together, we can find a compromise. Allow me to provide you with a few examples to get you started. Picture this: you and your companion are enjoying lunch at the Max. Said companion has just come from the gym and smells less than appetizing. The stench is putting you off your pizza, but you need a

In today’s modern Renaissance, we seem to have resurrected a number of old trends. In this decade alone, cutoff shorts, black and white photos, and plastic-rimmed glasses have all made a comeback. Incredible new technology is in use to make everything look as old as possible. My household, for example, has abandoned the Q-tip in favor of Native American ear candles. They may be less efficient, but we feel more in touch with our roots. The creative capacity of such a movement is limitless! But friends, I am troubled. Our linguistic capabilities seem to be suffering under the weight of our ever-expanding

Information Technology welcomes new CIO Information Technology at Georgia College can best be described as “in transition” upon my arrival as the university’s chief information officer. Allow me to thank students, faculty and staff for the opportunity to join the GC family. Having completed a number of years in higher education, I can honestly say that GC is where I want to be. Speaking of transitions, a major project is underway to redesign our username and password environment, reducing the number of these needed to access various systems. Team members of Information Technology are working on projects to provide new services while using current resources more efficiently. We are developing a “Georgia College Cloud” environment, which may be coined “Thundercloud.” As a suggested name, our “Thundercloud” is being designed to provide access to campus software and computing resources from any networkable appliance, including laptops, iPads or smartphones. Expect to see more information on this project later in the semester. Working in partnership with other offices, expect to see a new emergency notification system and additional text messaging capabilities coming in September. We are also updating those policies and procedures that are essential in keeping your information safe and secure and the campus in compliance

with system, state and federal laws, and guidelines. Our network team is busy with the campus network, looking at ways to increase redundancy and reduce network outages. Students should notice enhanced network speed in the Residence Halls, as we have ramped the bandwidth and have installed new equipment to spot potential bandwidth issues and to proactively intervene. Productive conversations have

Editor-in-Chief

Asst. Ad Manager

Nick Widener

Scott Carranza

News Editor

Asst. Photo Editor

Anna Morris

Mark Watkins

Bobbi Otis

Powell Cobb

Features Editor Sports Editor

Marilyn Ferrell Photo Editor Leisure Editor

Jen Hoffman Ad Manager

Asst. News Editor

Asst. Sports Editor

Laura van Tuyll van Serooskerken Designer

Kathryn Shadden Asst. Features Editor

Community News Editor Spotlight Editor

Bryce Martin

Business Manager

Matt Brooke Web Master

Morgan Wilson Asst. Web Master

Macon McGinley Faculty Adviser

Amy Landau Copy Editor

“Have you been keeping up with 2012 pre-election coverage? Why or why not?” “Not really. I know who’s running, but that’s it. If you count Twitter, I know what’s going on, but that’s it. I don’t really have the time to watch the news.” Taylor Jones, junior early childhood education major “I have not been keeping up. It’s important, but I just haven’t had time to watch the news. I get all my updates from Facebook and Twitter.” Mary Frances McGahee, junior early childhood education major “I’m keeping up with the elections because I want to know if the parties are keeping the same values that they’ve always had. I will be voting for Obama.” Jody Titshaw, junior management information systems major

“I haven’t been keeping up with it because I’m not too much into politics ... I think Obama could win, but he did make a lot of people mad about immigration rules. That may deter him this year.” Arba Hosey, sophomore French and management major “My thinking is that over the years, the incumbent president has been winning the elections. So I think Obama has more of a chance in winning.” Nilantha Abeyrathne, senior physics major

That Q&A with Cody Allen is weak and he’s just beating around the bush. I could have said all of that in my sleep. What are your REAL goals for the year?? RAWR!

THE LITTER BOX THOUGHTS AND RANTS OF GEORGIA COLLEGE

My vent is that the The Village Market does not open until 7:30 and I have an 8:00 class every morning therefore I am unable to purchase breakfast at all. Dear Georgia College Republicans "Be there or be donkey" is one of the most stupid slogans I have ever heard. Not to mention, was it really necessary? It's not like we are politicans running for office. Insulting other groups will not help you in any way. It just reflects poorly on you. It shows you have a lack of maturity.

Scott Carranza, assistant photo editor

“ Oops, I stroked your leg.”

RAWR!

“So am I stupid, or ... ?”

Are you kidding me Georgia College? Seniors have given you over $40,000 for their stay here, and the senior picnic consists of ONE hotdog and a T-Shirt that looks like something from a middle school day camp.You want alumni support, show us that we are worth it.

Marilyn Ferrell, photo editor

- Mickey Mouse laughter in the corner-

I’m crushin’ so hard on a boy. It’s true life. Don’t know what to do.

Nick Widener, news editor

“If I look anything more like Tom Cruise, I could be in ‘Top Gun.’” Mark Watkins, assistant news editor

Orr

AD DISCLAIMER Constantina Kokenes

REPORTED BY SCOTT CARRANZA

That Q&A with Cody Allen is weak and he's just beating around the bush. I could have said all of that in my sleep. What are your REAL goals for the year??

Bobbi Otis, sports editor

already occurred with SGA President Cody Allen, and my meeting with SGA is set for early September. In addition, I look forward to working closely with students on the Student Technology Fee Committee to explore ways to push technology capabilities closer to where students gather and live.

Morgan Andrews

“ ... were you using it to curl your leg hair?”

“Turn the lights on, this ain’t no Club Colonnade.”

Robert Orr, chief information officer

EDITORIAL BOARD Lindsay Shoemake

That Q&A with Cody Allen is weak and he’s just beating around the bush. I could have said all of that in my Overheard ingoals for sleep. What are your REAL the year?? RAWR! The Colonnade

Anna Morris, A&E editor

“Having completed a number of years in higher education, I can honestly say that GC is where I want to be.”

- Dr. Robert

diplomatic way to inform your friend. Instead of texting “U stnk like a ded hrse,” which may later prove offensive, try calmly telling them “Bathe thyself, thou rank reeling-ripe canker-blossom.” Your friend will likely be so impressed by your eloquence that they will forget to be offended while still receiving the message that they should at least spray some Febreze before joining you at the table. Everyone wins. Our words should be used to help, not hurt. The average range of vocabulary for an English speaker today is significantly less than the common British peasant of Shakespeare’s time. This should not be! We have learned so much. The next time you tease up your hair and pull on your bell-bottom jeans, don’t forget to pay equal homage to the heritage of your own language.

Bobcat Beat

The Colonnade is not responsible for any false advertising. We are not liable for any error in advertising to a greater extent than the cost of the space in which the item occurs. The Colonnade reserves the right to edit or reject any advertising copy submitted for publication. There is no guaranteed placement of ads. The Colonnade does not accept advertising concerning firearms nor guarantee ads concerning alcoholic beverages.

COPYRIGHTS All stories and photographs appearing in this issue and previous issues, unless otherwise noted, are copyrighted by The Colonnade.

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A&E

August 31, 2012• Editor, Anna Morris

From office paper to brushes and charcoal Dean of Arts and Sciences recognized for artisitic talent reveals his technique and natural inspirations

Q & A

CONSTANTINA KOKENES STAFF WRITER

Kenneth Procter, Dean Arts and Sciences at GC, gained regional attention for his powdered charcoal drawing “Flash,” 2010. The piece was on view this year at an exhibition for contemporary Southern art located in Alabama. He is represented by Alan Avery Art Company in Atlanta and shares with The Colonnade his inspirations and his artmaking process.

Q: How did you become interested in art? A: My grandmother was an artist. My dad had a lot of artistic ability as well. It kind of ran in the family. Q: Where do you get your inspiration? A: I get it from being out walking. My art is based on landscape, trees and atmospheric effects. Q:

Do you only use powdered charcoal? A: No, I’m also a painter, but these days I don’t have a lot of time to paint. Drawing is easier to pick up and put down. If I’m painting I can’t make the changes I want while keeping it fresh looking. Drawing is also

by choice; it’s my first love. It works out nicely with the time that I have. Powdered charcoal is pretty unusual and also not that common. I don’t know that many people who do what I do exactly.

Q: How does powdered charcoal

work?

A: People always wonder about powdered charcoal and how it works. You need a jar of powdered charcoal and various brushes and other tools to put the charcoal on paper. All of the drawings are brushed along the paper like watercolor, but it’s dry, so that means I can change it or erase it and still have it looking fresh. However, you need to be careful because you could bump the drawing and blur it or blow on it, and it will blow away. You definitely can’t whistle while you work. Once you’re done, you brush fixative – a transparent varnish – onto the underside of the paper. This soaks through the paper and varnishes the drawing onto the paper which glues it all together. Q: What is your process when creating your pieces? A: I’ll start with ideas, little sketches called thumbnails and work through those. I’ll pick one that has Dean Procter page 12

‘Stories on My Back’ explores diversity ARIANA YANDELL CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Student Allison Blanchard publishes her first novel KRISTINA BAUSUM CONTRIBUTING WRITER Sitting in study hall, Allison heard a faint voice in her head: “I almost lost my breath when he walked through the door.” “It wasn’t my voice,” said Allison Blanchard, a sophomore French and creative writing major. “It caught my attention because it was a female’s voice. It was Adeline’s voice.” After hearing this voice repeat the same sentence over and over, Allison finally pulled out some paper and scribbled it down. One sentence turned into a page and finally many pages. For the next three to four months, she wrote nearly every day, not telling anyone that she was writing. When she finally showed the story to her friends and mother, they were ecstatic and encouraged her to publish it. Her mother was especially proud of her.

“Something about him caught my attention the moment he walked through the door, like some magnetic pull. Nothing I could possibly explain, not even to myself.” -Excerpt from “Forget-Me-Not” “Allison celebrated her fifteenth birthday on the edge of her Dad’s sick bed,” said Tonya Blanchard, Allison’s mother. “A month later, he went home to be with his Lord. In April of that year, Allison began writing as a way to cope with the grief. I was amazed at the way she poured herself into this novel. She seemed to be turning a corner. It gave her hope and a focus.” But that was not the only reason Allison began to write “Forget-Me-Not.” When she first thought of one of the main characters of the book, a young man from a Native American ancestry, she began researching tribes that would fit him. She stumbled upon the Little Shell Reservation in Great

“Forget-Me-Not” page 13

SCOTT CARRANZA / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Visiting artist Richard Lou breathes new life into the idea of a culturally diverse America in his installation “Stories on My Back.” He utilizes graphic imagery, three-dimensional design and photography in order to paint a vivid picture of Hispanic and Chinese culture.

America is a cultural melting pot, but the great diversity that makes this country what it is and brings people together is sometimes taken for granted. This is the primary concern that Georgia College’s visiting artist Richard Lou tackles. His focus is on the expression of cultural identity and the process of healing the wounds of transgression between races. It was a full house at Blackbridge Hall on Thursday, Aug. 23 for Lou’s anticipated talk about his multimedia installation. In his installation, “Stories on My Back,” he uses stories as a way to connect with others, along with referencing both his Chinese and Hispanic background. Lou articulates to others his relationship with the power contained in stories, sharing snippets of tales passed down from his own family. During the reception students and faculty milled about, taking in the work of art before them. The elaborate structure of Lou’s work gave the feeling of an Agrarian sanctuary, incorporating tales of strength and wisdom. Indeed, there seemed to be a soft glow emanating from within the columns that drew the attention of most of the students. “I liked the material he used for the columns,” said senior studio art major Erica Lummus. “The overall color choice fit well with his theme.” Lou addressed his reasoning for using such an elaborate display of intertwined cornhusks and soft light. “We are so used to seeing reflected light around us,” Lou said. “I enjoy the idea of emanating light; it is a structural twist that I enjoy. One has to think ‘how do you translate material to something more spiritual?’” Art history professor Tina Yarborough mentioned that the cornhusk-covered columns served as a symbol both for the Chinese dragon as well as the Serpent Quetzalcoatl. These symbols connect his father’s Chinese heritage with his mother’s Mexican symbology. Lou has been dreaming about this work for three to four years, dealing with smaller scales previously.

Stories on My Back page 13

‘The Flights of Jan Wiener’ World War II play brings tears of joy and sorrow KRISTINA BAUSUM CONTRIBUTING WRITER “The Flights of Jan Wiener” opened on Aug. 23 to a much larger audience than expected, as three extra rows of spectators sat on the floor of the Campus Black Box Theatre. Filled with song, dance, death, tears, passion and love, this play offered a little for everyone. The play, directed and co-written by Karen Berman, chair of the Department of Theatre, is composed of mostly movements and music, the only props being very plain chairs and the actors’ costumes. The movements are choreographed by the actors, who try to portray the story of Jan Wiener by acting as the set and wordlessly dancing so that non-English speaking audiences can understand. The play is about a young Czech man, Jan Wiener, and how he fled his Nazi-occupied homeland, joined the war against the Germans and later

fought for democracy. The play had a very emotional effect on the audience. Sarah Harrell, a freshman theater major, came to support her fellow theater majors and felt the play was very expressive. “The father’s suicide was my favorite scene,” Sarah said. “It was really powerful.” Tears were shed and laughing ensued over certain moments, like the scene in which Jan joins the British Army and is learning how to fly an airplane. The audiences reacted the same way in Prague, where the actors first performed their play this past summer. In the Czech Republic, the acting group visited different places that tied in with the play and the time period. They even visited Terezin, a Jewish concentration camp, where Jan’s mother was tak

The Flights of Jan Wiener page 12

ALEE OLIVERI / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Leah Keelan, senior theater major, acts out a scene in “The Flights of Jan Wiener.” Carefully choreographed movements were the primary means of comminucation so any audience member could understand what was happening, regardless of what language they spoke.


12 Dean Procter

Continued from page 11 potential and possibility. Then I choose the size – some need to be big, some need to be small. Then I go through the making and revising. Sometimes it takes a long time, other times it doesn’t. It’s done when it feels right.

Q: Did you want to be an artist when you were younger or is it something you began to love over time? A: Really all of that. I thought about it on and off. It wasn’t until my senior year in high school when I seriously thought about it. Q: What are you hoping to convey with your art? A: A special world. That world is of my invention

because I base my art on my memory and imagination.

THE COLONNADE Mostly the time is twilight and night — the darkening sky transforms the landscape in surprising ways. I try to make worlds that are beautiful and mysterious, maybe even sublime.

Q: Do you have any advice for aspiring artists? A: As a student, you want to look at three kinds

of teachers: your professors, art history and how other artists got their inspiration for their art, and nature because the world around you is something to look at and learn from.

Q: Your piece “Flash” gained regional attention. What inspired you for that piece? A: That’s one of those mystery pieces. I wanted to get a sense of the wonders and mystery of nature. There’s a quietness there. There’s also a sense that you’re the only one there, so the mystery is there just for you.

AUGUST 31, 2012 The Flights of Jan Wiener Continued from page 11

en and later died. The actors performed at four different venues: two professional theaters, one academic theater and the European Regional Theatre Festival in Hradek Králové, a city just outside of Prague. The group was the only non-professional group performing at the festival and Berman was very proud of them. “This was an exciting and powerful experience for all of us to tell the story of this man who fought for freedom his entire life,” Berman said. “The play was a wonderful educational experience for our students who learned about the history and culture of the Czech people through this story of one man’s struggles.” In his first lead role in college, sophomore theater major Zack Bradford portrayed Jan Wiener. He said that the actors paid attention to the audience to try to see how much they understood given the likelihood of a language barrier.

“This was an exciting and powerful experience for all of us to tell the story of this man who fought for freedom his entire life.” Karen Berman, Chair of the Department of Theatre

SUBMITTED BY KENNETH PROCTER, DEAN OF ARTS AND SCIENCES “Flash,” 2010 (top) is a piece by Kenneth Procter, Dean of Arts and Sciences; it is made using powdered charcoal. “Flash” was featured at an exhibition in Alabama and reflects Dean Procter’s main inspiration--nature and darkness. “The darkening sky transforms the landscape in surprising ways. I try to make worlds that are beautiful and mysterious, maybe even sublime.” Works like “Stand” (bottom) stem from inspiration that Procter takes from his surroundings. “I get it from being out walking. My art is based on trees, landscapes and atmospheric effects.”

Berman felt “a responsibility to tell the story” to younger audiences because Jan Wiener’s generation was dying. When she composed the play, she wrote each role for the actors she was taking with her to Prague. What she didn’t know was that Zuzana Weiner, Jan Wiener’s widow, would attend the play as well. She was worried that she had gotten her facts wrong, or even worse, that the play would upset Jan’s widow. To everyone’s relief, the widow was so moved by the performance that she ran onto the stage crying and asked the group to continue to share the story. Zuzana also shared more of their story and even gave advice to the students. “When we met her this past summer she told us about their life in many different countries, including Germany, the Czech Republic and the United States,” Berman explained. “She said that they lived an exciting life, and she told our student actors that they never had much money, but always worked on things that they enjoyed and that were meaningful. Zuzana told us that she still teaches dance in Prague and currently spends her time in both Prague and with family in Massachusetts. She urged the students to ‘find what you love, and you will always be happy.’” According to Berman the rest of the Czech audience also came up to the group after the play and said, in broken English, that they understood the story perfectly.


S

AUGUST 31, 2012

THE COLONNADE

13

potlight: Q-&-A with Kathryn Mann, one of roller derby’s fresh meat

Kathryn Mann, senior music major, gives an update of Georgia College’s roller derby team and explains just how similar the sport actually is to the 2009 film“Whip It.”

Q: Where do you practice? A: At the beginning of the year we’re going to be practicing at the Fun Factory on Highway 441 because not everyone has equipment. Once everyone gets equipment, we’re moving our practices to the indoor soccer court at the Wellness Center. Q: Who do you play against? A: Not anyone yet. We’re just trying to build a team, so it’s good for beginners. We’re planning on seeing bouts - roller derby games - this semester. Q: How do you play?

The movie is a bit more violent, though. There aren’t any punches or elbows in real matches. Those are fouls, and you can get thrown out of the bout for that. Q: Is there a limit to the number of team members? A: No, but you have an actual core team. However, there are so many injuries that people need to be replaced in games so the more, the merrier. Q: What are the qualifications to joining the team? A: Really, enthusiasm, a want to join and a want to be involved. We’ll teach you how to skate.

A: There are five girls on each team on a surprisingly small track. Three are blockers, one is a pivot, and one is a jammer. Blockers make sure the opposing team’s jammer doesn’t score points. The pivot sets the pace for the bout and also acts as a blocker, and the jammer scores points. The jammer has to break through the pack of girls, go all the way around the track, catch up to the pack, and break through it again. However many girls the jammer passes is the number of points scored.

Continued from page 11

A: Vaguely. They have a lot of comraderie, and they do dress up into what are called “boutfits.” Professionals also have the nicknames like in the movie.

For more information on GC’s roller derby team, upcoming practices and membership, contact the team at RDCClub@yahoo.com or join the Facebook group (Roller Derby).

By Constantina Kokenes

Continued from page 11

Fall, Montana that isn’t recognized by the government as an official reservation. She wanted to bring attention to it, hoping that knowledge of the place would cause people to accept it as an official Native American reserve. “Forget-Me-Not,” planned to be the first installment of a trilogy, is written from Adeline Jasely’s point of view. A boy, Cole Dyami, who transfers to an off reservation school to be more normal, intrigues Adeline, a girl with few friends. They become friends, and he takes her onto the reservation to a campfire ceremony where the elders retell old tribal legends. His tribe and their legends begin to fascinate Adeline. Throughout the book the characters try to come to terms with reality and learn to accept the things that are happening in this paranormal novel. Getting a book published is no easy feat. “It’s scary,” Allison admitted. She sent over 50 query letters to literary agencies and publishing companies. Some said no, some never replied, and some even gave advice on how she could better her manuscript. Her mother encouraged her every day. “You don’t need 100 yeses; you just need

Send a jpg of your work along with your year, major and a small statement about your piece to colonnadefeatures@gcsu.edu

Stories on My Back

Q: Is it anything like the movie “Whip It”?

“Forget-Me-Not”

Do you want to see your artwork published in The Colonnade?

one,” Tonya said. Finally on Apr. 1, 2012 Allison checked her email on her iPhone before going to bed. She had gotten an email in March from Martin Sisters Publishing asking for her entire manuscript. “I felt an overwhelming sense of peace,” Allison said. She read the miniscule print on the small screen of her iPhone: “Forget-Me-Not Contract.” Allison ran to her mother’s bedroom and shared the exciting news. In all her excitement, her mother did not realize, or care really, that it was late at night and called every relative that came to mind to share the exciting news. Her family members weren’t the only ones proud of her achievement, though. “She loves to write!” said Kelly Carelson, sophomore theater major and Allison’s best friend. “It is a talent she was blessed with, and I was crazy excited to know that others get to have a chance to take part in her passion.” The contract was signed on Apr. 6, and the book is hoping to be released by the end of this year. Allison is thrilled that her mom was there to support her the whole way. “I could not be more proud and excited for her as I know her dad is,” Tonya explained. “What a joy it has been watching her grow in her faith and excel in so many ways, all to the glory of God.”

“This installation is the closest yet I have gotten to my dream,” Lou said. When entering the installation area, spectators have to encircle and interlace themselves between the columns to read the stories displayed above, written over foreshortened maps and lands. With imagery of food such as rice, beans and the previously mentioned cornhusks incorporated into the structure, viewers can feel the significance and warmth of the family meal, which appears in all cultures and religions as a staple of togetherness. “I went in before the talk wondering what certain things meant,” said Brianna Williams, sophomore pre-nursing major. “With art I see it and feel what it means, but I can’t exactly articulate what it is. After Lou’s talk it clicked and meant something more [to me].” Lou’s previous work has ranged from pho-

tography to performance art, using any and every medium possible. With his “Inner City Portraits,” completed when Lou was a graduate student, he explores the stereotypes of Chicano culture with photography. He juxtaposes his written biographies of recurring stereotypical characters and then uses himself as a medium to dress up like the characters, much like how Cindy Sherman has famously tackled female stereotypes with her photography. In the late 80s and early 90s, Lou worked with groups such as the Border Art Workshop using sledgehammers to secure massive symbolic staples on the U.S. and Mexico border as a way of expressing the desire to heal the separation between the two nations. Lou is also not unknown to this campus as he was once part of the GC family, previously serving as chair of the Department of Art. “Stories on my Back” is open for individual viewing in Blackbridge Hall until Sept. 7.

SUBMITTED BY ALLISON BLANCHARD AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY MACKENZIE BURGESS Allison Blanchard, sophomore French and creative writing major, turned her sadness into creativity by writing her debut novel, “Forget-Me-Not.” Focused on the friendship between a Native American boy seeking normalcy and a girl named Adeline seeking friends, the book is due for release by the end of this year. She intends to continue the story by writing a second and third installment.


Leisure

August 31, 2012 • Editor, Marilyn Ferrell

New year, new you? How to stay fit in college Making nutrition important in college – how students can maintain a healthy lifestyle and how GC helps KATIE PRUITT CONTRIBUTING WRITER It often seems difficult to set aside time for working out or eating healthy, but it is essential to personal well-being. Making time to become healthier simply requires a few adjustments. “It’s all about modification,” said Sarah Rose Remmes, junior exercise science major and group fitness instructor at the Wellness and Recreation Center. “Instead of driving, walk to campus. Work up to it, even 30 minutes on the treadmill. Be active. Don’t binge drink on soda or alcohol. It’s all about the little changes. Those are the things that stick.” Exercise is crucial to remaining healthy in college. The WRC is open starting at 6 a.m. during the week, allowing students and faculty to get their workouts in at almost anytime during the day. The WRC also offers a variety of group fitness classes. Group fitness classes are perfect for the student who is struggling with selfmotivation because it serves as an accountability tool. The WRC offers many classes such as yoga, spin, abs and Zumba. For the more independent student, the WRC has state-of-the-art equipment: a pool, basketball courts and a running track. Exercise is not the only way to stay healthy

in college, but having a healthy diet is important too. When it comes to nutrition, simple changes can be made in every student’s lifestyle, such as preparing a lunch the night before so one doesn’t end up grabbing fast food. Eating a small snack, such as nuts or fruit every three to four hours prevents students from gorging on higher calorie meals. It tricks one’s mind into believing that one is fuller than one might feel skipping meals. Drinking as much water as possible is also healthy. Eating healthy in college can be tough, but dining at The MAX makes it easy. All of the stations offer healthy options, including gluten-free desserts daily. Since The MAX has been revamped, Manager Brian Lee advises students to choose the unlimited meal plan option. He also promotes eating breakfast, which is the most important meal of the day. “You have to eat something. Our bodies are like cars. If you don’t fuel them right, you can’t expect them to run right,” Lee said. The MAX has a Facebook page, “GCSU Dining,” and hosts events throughout the year. Lee stresses that students should not be afraid to voice their opinions or concerns with him. “We want people to feel this is the meal they are looking for away from home,” Lee states.

Sudoku

Solutions from 8/3/12

The organization P.A.W.S. bounces back – learn what they are about and their goals for this school year KATIE PRUITT CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The campus organization Peers Advocating Wellness Successfully (P.A.W.S.) is back, and it is here with a vengeance. P.A.W.S. is lead by Rachel Sullivan, a former student who has been on Georgia College’s campus for over a decade, and now is serving as the adviser for P.A.W.S. and the Student Health Educator at GC. Sullivan organizes information for the organization, decides what it will focus on, handles budgeting and organizes information sessions. The goal of the P.A.W.S. – not to be confused with the GC website PAWS – is to inform students of healthy lifestyle choices and is not limited to exercise and dieting. The organization focuses on a variety of topics including alcohol awareness, mental health, sexual awareness, highway safety, finance and general health. Sullivan describes P.A.W.S. as a way to to convince students to make healthy choices in their everyday lives that will help them not only not, but in the long run when they have left GC. P.A.W.S. is an organization that many students can get involved in with hopes to become healthier while also helping to promote health to their peers. “I think it would be good to get involved with P.A.W.S. because it’s important for the students at GC to be educated on health and exercise,” said Janie Pickett, freshman undeclared major. Sullivan organizes many events through P.A.W.S. every semester such as the “Welcome Back to Wellness” event held on Aug. 30. Several events are in the works for this semester, including “Healthy Tuesdays” which will begin Tuesday, Sept. 4 at the WRC. Sullivan has large plans for P.A.W.S. for the Fall semester, but she needs passionate, motivated student volunteers to help her achieve the organization’s goals. Sullivan’s long-term goals for P.A.W.S. are to have freshman seminars on alcohol poi-

Requirements to be a peer educator

• Complete a 6 hour training through the Bacchus Network • Have personal and creative skills to brainstorm activites and talk to students • Pay $5 training fee • Attend a meeting once every 2 weeks • Have a passion for health and fitness • Work 1 - 2 hours at P.A.W.S. events Rachel Sullivan, P.A.W.S. advisor

soning and information sessions led by Peer Educators for students living in the Residence Halls. “I (would) just really like to see students get excited about health … promoting health is really fun for me too,” said Sullivan. Sullivan loves to see students take ownership over their health goals and is exhilarated when she sees that they want to make a change for the better because, as she puts it, “the choices you make now affect your entire future.” Sullivan emphasizes that students do not necessarily need to be a health major to become involved with P.A.W.S. Her office is located in the Student Health Wellness Center on the first floor of the WRC. “I think that a lot of students don’t realize that the choices they are making today can greatly impact their health in the future, and that’s where P.A.W.S. plays a major role,” said Caroline Martin, junior criminal justice major. “(P.A.W.S.) provides ample opportunity for students to live a healthy lifestyle.”

Crossword



Sports

August 31, 2012• Editor, Bobbi Otis

Fans earn swag Centennial Center court floor with QR codes prepares for new logo design Bobcat Athletics rewards loyalty with the chance to win prizes for game attendance, purchases Powell Cobb Senior Reporter Rewards are a good incentive. Companies like CocaCola Co. and Barnes & Noble, Inc. offer programs that give back to loyal customers for their purchases. Now Georgia College Athletics can too. Teaming up with Rojo Research, the Department of Athletics is offering a brandnew system for sports fans called LOYALTIVA Bobcat Fan Rewards. Designed to draw in a larger crowd at sporting events for the 201213 seasons, fans are awarded points for attending games and making concession purchases at any athletic event. “We’re excited about the opportunities this presents,” Sports Information Director Al Weston said in a press release. “We have a number of rabid Bobcat fans out there

Despite charges cyclist can still ‘LIVESTRONG’

that we’d like to reward for their support.” Points will be accumulated by scanning QR codes, so fans with smartphones can easily jump on board and collect points to redeem for prizes. Rewards range from USB flash drives, T-shirts decorated with the words “Refuse to Lose,” and even a pop-up tailgate tent. “There’s a lot of potential from other business in town to donate prizes, too,” Trevor Kuss, sports information assistant, said. Fans without smartphones are still able to sign up by registering at a marketing table at athletics events. “I didn’t go to games very frequently in the past,” junior biology major Jim Mcphail said. “But this sounds awesome, because I love the fact

David Wicker/ Staff Photographer Daniel Wallin from Praters Hardwood Flooring and Supply uses a grinder to sand away the old layers of wax on the Centennial Center basketball court floor.The newly renovated court will feature a new GC logo at its center. See next week’s issue to read about the upgrade in detail.

Rewards page 18

Mandatory student fee generates over $2 million for Department of Athletics Athletic Department’s budget Approx. $3 million Amount student fee generated this year Approx. $2.35 million

Student Athletic Fee $181

Basketball revenues* Men: $361,944 Women: $292,117

(per student)

Basketball expenses* Men: $365,915 Women: $293,506

Athletic Fee almost exclusively supports GC sports programs Bobbi Otis Senior Reporter The Department of Athletics operates on a budget of close to $3 million each year. The Athletic Fee, paid by students, furnishes almost $2.35 million of that budget. Athletic Director Wendell Staton says the $181 fee is

integral for Bobcat athletics. “Essentially, that’s the almost exclusive support of all of our programs and out of that we sponsor 10, now 11 sports, with volleyball, and then into that is going to fund everything from some salaries of the coaches and staff, including sports medicine, athletics communications and everything else in between,”

*These sports used their “Foundation accounts” (fundraising accounts) to offset the difference. Reporting year 7/1/2010 - 6/30/2011 Sources: Wendell Staton, Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act

Staton said. “After that, of course, is scholarships and operating budget, so whether it’s buying uniforms or traveling on a bus to go play another team and officials, anything inclusive about running our program.” According to Staton, personnel costs are roughly $900,000 and the price to operate all of the programs rings in at approximately $1.4 million. The new fee Last year the Athletic Fee was set at $175 per semester,

but in order to offset the costs of the new collegiate sport, an increase of $6 was requested and put to a vote by the Student Mandatory Fee Committee. The committee is comprised of a mix of 11 students and faculty members. Susan Allen, assistant vice president for Budget & Planning and non-voting member of the committee, says that of the nine committee members present for the vote, the Athletic Fee increase passed unanimously. Some students think the

Coaches spend year recruiting Chad Patterson Contributing Writer The process of recruiting new athletes for Georgia College is an arduous one. Nights are spent scouring videotapes and letters of interest, and days are spent driving across the Southeast and beyond to scout for the next Georgia College athlete, which makes recruiting a yearlong process. Men’s basketball coach Terry Sellers and women’s soccer coach Hope Clark know the ins and outs of recruiting through their own experience of scouting potential athletes. “The process is very, very different depending on each year and what we’re looking for and what our needs are as a team,” Clark said.

The Short Stop

Powell Cobb

“As we forecast recruiting in the coming years we’re typically two years ahead.” Clark says the team has already lined up six recruits for 2013, but notes they have all already been signed up for the last five to six months. “In soccer, recruiting is just extremely advanced,” Clark said. “But we’ll basically search everywhere. We try to catch them in multiple venues such as with their club teams at tournaments where we can sit and watch hundreds of players at one time.” Typically, the majority of athletes at GC come from the state itself, but athletes also come from across the nation and international sources as well.

Recruiting page 19

Upcoming Games Soccer: Aug. 31 Sept. 2

7:30 p.m. @ Lenoir-Rhyne 2:00 p.m. @ Lees-McRae

Cross Country: Aug. 31 6:00 p.m. Sept. 8 @

Bobcat Invitational Fordham University

fee should not be mandatory. “I think you should only pay the fee if you want to,” sophomore mass communication major Kim Fowler said. “But it’d be best if we only had to pay a part of that.” Others think it’s necessary to fund athletics through the fee. “I think the fee is a fair price to pay,” senior psychology major and former Sassy Cats dancer, Sarah Mead

Fee page 18

Recruiting high school athletes Expenses for GC recruiting from 7/1/2010 to 6/30/11 Men’s Teams $10,028

Women’s Teams $21,190

Total $31,218

Requirements for recruiting • Graduate from high school • Complete a minimum of 16 core courses • Earn a minimum required grade-point average in core courses • Earn a qualifying test score on either the ACT or SAT • Request final amateurism certification from the NCAA Eligibility Center Sources: www.ncaa.org, Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act

Quote of the Week

“If we’ve got a guy on our list that has 10 Division I offers, there’s no sense in us using our resources to pursue him... We know we are not Duke.” -Men’s basketball head coach Terry Sellers on Bobcat recruiting strategy

Cutting corners is something we’ve been trained not to do for our entire lives. To reach a goal, proper planning and hard work are the most effective routes to take. Cheating to gain an edge is completely missing the point. Otherwise, there’s nothing to be proud of. So, why do I still view Lance Armstrong as a hero in the athletic community? The past week has been a difficult time for the winner of seven Tour de France cycle marathons, primarily because those titles don’t belong to him anymore. Based on blood samples collected from 2009 and 2010, the United States Anti-Doping Agency accused Armstrong with the use of illegal performanceenhancing substances throughout his career. Despite initially challenging the agency’s claims in federal court, Armstrong eventually announced he would give up the fight against the USADA, and for the first time ever, gave up. Stripped of all awards and prizes earned after Aug. 1, 1998: most notably his tour victories, and banned for life from cycling, Armstrong has faced disgrace and disappointment from fans and professionals alike. It must be particularly tough for him to know that dozens of past teammates have provided testimony on his trafficking and consumption of these performance-enhancers. But let’s call the cards like we see them. To put it bluntly, he cheated to win. In Georgia College athletics, performance enhancers are just as intolerable as they are at a professional level. Tarnishing permanent records and potentially damaging one’s body is not worth the short-term benefits. I have faith that Bobcat athletes are clean, and train the correct way to achieve their victories. Self-control and diligence are the greatest lessons that sports teach us. But despite the USADA’s discovery and the ridicule Armstrong is facing, there’s one thing we can’t forget. This man turned his name into one of the most inspirational brands the world has ever seen. After conquering testicular cancer in 1997, he created the Lance Armstrong Foundation, a nonprofit organization designed to inspire those affected by cancer. Since then, numerous patient-athletes have taken on the most difficult times of their lives and emerged victoriously, overcoming sickness through strength and motivation. The good that Armstrong has done for athletes all over the world doesn’t outweigh the fact that he cheated to win. That can never be forgiven; however, the good he has done does signal his enthusiasm and care for other athletes who strive to defeat cancer. My respect for him as an honest athlete is destroyed, but the brand he created can still provide support and inspire those who need it most.

Notable Stat

2

Women accepted into Augusta National golf club: Condoleezza Rice and Darla Moore. This marks the first time women have been accepted in the club’s 80 year history.


AUGUST 31, 2012

THE COLONNADE

17

ScoreTrax helps Bobcats stay informed NICK BURGESS CONTRIBUTING WRITER The Georgia College Department of Athletics rolled out its new score update service, ScoreTrax, this week. ScoreTrax is a messaging service that sends its users scores from every collegiate sport to which they subscribe to their cell phones. Sports Information Director Al Weston was instrumental in introducing the system at GC. “The whole goal is to help people from two angles,” Weston said. “We’ve got the people that can’t make it to the games, and to help people come to home games as well.” Weston is looking to use the system as a type of knowledge base for

GC students and Bobcat fans alike. “It’s a great way to find out about Bobcat athletics,” Weston said. “Our goal is to get fans as much information as possible in as timely a manner as possible. Our world is so timely, with the use of Twitter and Facebook among other social media, this information needs to be quick and hard hitting, which is really the advantage of using a system such as Scoretrax.” Weston uses ScoreTrax to send mass texts to subscribers with scores, but the messages can also contain much more. “I have a score that I enter in, then I have an area to put any open ended text I want to put,” Weston said. This can include reminders about different scheduled games starting times, statistics, scorers and even web

links to listen to the game live online. “We want to use that space to include quick-hitting news to keep people up to date on stuff,” Weston said. The service replaces the one provided by Presto Sports used previously. “It’s something that we started last year, and we went with a different company last year,” Weston said. “Last year’s model was very basic and there wasn’t an ability to sell advertising at the bottom, allowing us to make money for the athletics department.” ScoreTrax’s ability to advertise is in contrast to the previous year’s system which cost the department between $250 to $500 to use. So far, GC is the only college to use ScoreTrax.

“They came to us last year, when they were a fairly new company out of California. Unfortunately, I had already committed to the old service, so we decided to give them a go this year,” Weston said. While GC is the only college to use ScoreTrax, the use of live score messaging systems is nothing new to collegiate athletics. “Two years ago, David Bell of North Georgia College & State University introduced me to a different text alert service. I thought this would be really cool because it can tell parents and students that can’t make it to the game what the score is,” Weston said. The reaction to the system among students is mixed. Ashley Lollar, a senior mass com-

munication major, is not impressed with ScoreTrax. “The only way I would use this system is if we had a football team. Other than that, I wouldn’t use it,” Lollar said. Some students are embracing the change, however. “I might use the system when it becomes available,” senior environmental science major Clayton Hardman said. Fans can select from any Bobcat sport that they wish to be updated on, or select all sports to receive updates. The ScoreTrax service works on any cell phone on any provider, and standard text messaging rates apply. To subscribe to the service, send the code of the selected sport to (919) 283-5123.

Wellness and Recreation Center offers more group fitness classes

MACKENZIE BURGESS / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER On Aug. 24 students spend their evening cycling for 30 minutes and then cooling down with a half hour of yoga. The class is taught on Thursdays in the studio of the WRC.

Yoga, Spoga, Hip hop among new offerings STEPHANIE HOUSE CONTRIBUTING WRITER A classroom is filled with laughing students who move to the beat of contemporary music while they motivate their bodies toward greater fitness. In response to numerous suggestions brought up by students, the fitness staff at the Wellness and Recreation Center will introduce new classes this semester. Also, due to popular demand, students will notice that classes will be offered at more times and on more days. Included on the list of new courses is the unique hybrid Spoga. The class consists of 30 minutes of spinning (or cycling) and 30 minutes of yoga. These two exercises combine to create a workout that is both cardio and resistance training; however, this is a popular class and only 20 people can participate at a time. Assistant Director of Fitness Operations Laura Childs says group fitness classes appeal to many college students. “It’s socializing at the same time you’re getting your fitness in,” Childs said. “Group fitness in general is fun. It removes that aspect of it where you’re in there with a lot of people doing the same thing. You have an instructor who is there to teach you and guide you and show you what to do.” Also new to the WRC is a yoga class taught by Georgia College alumna Xan Nichols on Fridays from 9 to 9:50 a.m. Nichols found a passion for yoga through a meditation retreat during her time at Berry College.

“I try to keep it beginner friendly,” Nichols said. “Because no matter what class you teach, you’re always going to have someone who has never tried yoga before.” Nichols considers yoga to be an important part of a healthy lifestyle.

Classes page 19

MACKENZIE BURGESS / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER GC students work out at Spoga, one of the newest additions to the WRC’s group fitness classes.


18

The Colonnade

Collegiate

Cross country teams prepare for season Evan Senken Contributing Writer Both cross country teams start with a home opener on Aug. 31 at 6 p.m. This year, the women’s team is ranked seventh in the preseason coach’s poll, the same position the team finished in the Peach Belt Conference championship last October. The women’s team is returning a high number of runners, losing only one from last year’s team. Senior runner Victoria Dobson says all of the returning athletes will have a big impact on the team’s season. “Experience is a very big advantage we have,” Dobson said. “Learning from last season and knowing how hard to train in the off-season was huge for this year.” Allison Lones looks to repeat last season’s great success, since she became the first woman to be named to the All-Region team in Georgia College’s history last season. In his 13th season as coach, Joe Samprone believes that this year’s women’s team is even better than last season’s. “Practices have shown great potential for this upcoming season. The returners have stepped up and the new runners challenge the veterans, improving the quality of everyone,” Samprone said. The coach has high hopes for the team this year, looking to qualify for nationals for the first time in school history. The men’s team finds themselves in almost the complete opposite situation as the women, losing four of the top five runners from last season’s team. The transition for the four incoming freshmen on the team – Paul McNeil, James Ryden, Michael Ziegler and Dylan Price – will be difficult, according to Samprone. There is a large

“Practices have shown great potential for this upcoming season. The returners have stepped up and the new runners challenge the veterans, improving the quality of everyone.” Joe Samprone, cross country coach transition from high school cross country, where a race is only 5 kilometers, but in college the distance is 8 kilometers. Despite the newcomers’ inexperience, the team was still selected sixth in the preseason coach’s poll. “The freshmen have really pushed the upperclassmen to work harder,” Philip Laskey, one of the three returning runners said. “They came to practice well-conditioned and they raise the level of everyone around them.” The team is planning to learn their way around the race in the first five meets in order to be in the best mental and physical shape before the PBC Championships. “I’ve been very pleased with the way the newcomers arrived for practice,” Samprone said. “We have a talented bunch of freshmen and we’re looking for a few competitors for Freshman of the Year.” All in all, the team looks to improve on last year’s fifth place finish in the PBC. The Bobcat Invitational is the only home meet the cross country teams run this season. It is also one of the first opportunities fans have to earn points for the new LOYALTIVA Bobcat Fan Rewards system.

Fee

Continued from page 16... said. “I know people may not like paying it, but every penny is needed and the school and athletes really appreciate it.” “We certainly depend on our students to support everything we are doing and we are very appreciative of that support,” Staton said. “So, when we ever submit a fee increase – for example last year we did volleyball – without the support of the students, we just couldn’t do it.” Breakdown The Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act requires colleges and universities that take part in a Title IV federal student financial assistance program and have an intercollegiate athletic program, to prepare an annual report. Included in the report for the Department of Education is athletic participation, staffing and revenues and expenses, by men’s and women’s teams’expenses, according to

Rewards

Continued from page 16... that I can win free merchandise for going to games and cheering on my Bobcats.” In addition, Bobcat Fan Rewards also has a leader board that displays who has the most points, creating potential competition between Bobcat fans. Kuss hopes this program will reach fans who are on the cusp of

August 31, 2012 the U.S. Department of Education’s website. GC athletics’ latest reporting data is from July 1, 2010, to June 30, 2011. Athletically-related student aid, or scholarships, totaled over $1.1 million for all men’s and women’s sports for the year. The basketball program has the largest operating budget at GC. The women’s team’s total expenses were $293,506, while the men’s team’s expenses reached $365,915. The total expenses for all other teams, both men’s and women’s, were over $1.6 million. Revenue for both basketball teams was $654,061, which shows a negative difference between their revenue and expenses. Golf also shows a negative difference. The report says the teams use their “foundation accounts (fundraising accounts)” to offset the difference. Referees for home basketball games cost the Department of Athletics roughly $750 per game according to Staton.

“So, for a doubleheader, if we host, it would be $1,500 just for the officials,” Staton said. “If we have 10 (home) games on average, that would be $15,000 for officials for men’s and women’s basketball combined.” Staton says uniforms are not a big factor in the budget, as they only get replaced every three to four years as they wear out or if the logo changes. Cloth items, such as socks, practice gear, etc., cost approximately $50,000 every year according to Staton. Staton says the Department of Athletics is thankful for the funding it receives from the Athletic Fee. “We’re certainly very pleased with what we have and appreciative, like any organization,” Staton said. “We would always aspire to continue our growth and excellence. To grow in excellence, funds are almost always certainly associated with those things.” For the full EADA report visit http://ope.ed.gov/athletics/.

becoming greater fans. “This will hopefully motivate the potentially fringed fans,” Kuss said. “We want students to choose a (Bobcat) basketball game instead of something on television.” The QR code sign-up will be displayed on all Bobcat game schedule posters, magnets and any GC athletic contest. Housing is also on board with the program, making it possible to gather reward points by attending any Housing event on campus.

To sign in, there are five easy steps: scan the code, sign in with a Facebook username and password, select “install” connection (upon prompt from Facebook), update your Facebook timeline with comments, and view any available points, milestone prizes, and other fans on the Loyalty Club page. “The program that this company is doing is fairly new,” Kuss said. “Only a few other schools are using it.”

Five steps to join Bobcat Rewards 1. Scan the QR code

2. Sign in with your Facebook account

3. Select “Install” connection

4. Update your Facebook timeline with comments

5. View any available points, milestone prizes, and other fans on the Loyalty Club page


AUGUST 31, 2012

THE COLONNADE

19

Former basketball player travels Thunder Crew plans to Germany for pro ball career events for fall sports POWELL COBB SENIOR REPORTER Former Georgia College basketball player Ryan Aquino (2009-12) has decided to play abroad by signing a contract with the German professional team, Finke Baskets Paderborn. The team based in Paderborn, Germany just recently changed its name from Webmoebel Baskets Paderborn. Currently playing in the ProA league, which is the secondary German professional league, the team finished in fifth during the regular 2011-12 season. Aquino got to play in his first game on Aug. 18 in an exhibition game, where he scored 15 points, had seven rebounds and four steals. He is the only listed center on the team. Four of his teammates are also from the United States. Aquino’s prominent time as a Bobcat is accompanied by exceptional statistics. During his junior year, the forward averaged 10.5 points and eight rebounds per game. He did even better his senior year, averaging 17.6 and 10.4 rebounds per game. His accomplishments on the court earned him a spot on the Division II Senior All-Star Game roster, making him the third player in Bobcat history to make the list. He was also awarded All-Southeast Region and All-Peach Belt Conference First Team Honors during his career at GC. Aquino excelled off the court as well, proving himself as a well-rounded athlete by earning the PBC All-Academic Team as a sophomore.

Classes

Continued from page 17... “When you’re doing yoga, you are becoming more aware of your body,” Nichols said. “You get more in touch with your body’s limits and what it needs.” Nichols believes yoga can lead to better choices not only in diet, but in life, and can also improve concentration and balance. According to Childs, the WRC works to make the gym environment as accessible to as many people as possible. “Doing something is always better than doing nothing,” Childs said. “The gym exercise setting, for a lot of people, can be very

MARY THOMAS / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Students attend Thunder Crew’s first interest meeting of the year on Monday, Aug. 20. The organization holds meetings every Monday at 8:30 p.m. in Centennial Center 104. Thunder Crew’s goal is to increase school spirit and attendance at athletic events.

JENNA BRYAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

FILE PHOTO ON JAN. 28 Ryan Aquino looks for an open teammate against Lander in the Jan. 28 game. The Bobcats walked away with a 71-68 victory. Aquino got 16 points and four rebounds in his 37 minutes of play. In his senior year Aquino averaged 17.6 points and 10.4 rebounds per game. He was also the third player in athletics history to play in the Division II Senior All-Star Game.

intimidating and we try to reduce that as much as possible here in the facility so that it is a place where everyone can feel comfortable.” Childs says trying new things is important. “Try to move a little bit more than you did yesterday,” Childs said. “Try new experiences, you never know what you’ll like until you’ve tried it.” In addition to yoga and Spoga, the center also offers a class called Saved by the Bell, which uses a Kettle Bell. This calorie burning workout utilizes a bell shaped weight that is manipulated in order to build muscle tone in target areas, and also in those hard-to-develop areas. Zumba classes are also avail-

Recruiting

Continued from page 16... For Sellers and the men’s basketball team, the coaches not only watch nonstop video and recruit through letters, but also subscribe to recruiting services to aid in their search for the best student athletes. “Parents and athletes pay a service to market them,” Sellers said. “So I just get emails, and if the player looks like he is at a position of need for us and has the academic record we want, we’ll email them back or make a phone call just to get more information and make that first contact.” Sellers and his staff travel to several tournaments in the off-season. “In the summer, we went to multiple AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) tournaments in Augusta and Orlando and we watched games all day long and we just make notes,” Sellers said. “We evaluate them and get all their information and gauge their interest in us and go from there.” Sellers and his crew constantly add and take off names of recruits during the scouting process. Since Georgia College is a small school in Division II, Sellers knows when to use his time wisely and when not to waste other recruiting opportunities. “If we’ve got a guy on our list that has 10 Division I offers, there’s no sense in us using our resources

able as well as Hip Hop. Cycling is another class taught at the WRC. Although it isn’t a new class, new technologies have made it more accessible to a greater number of students. Senior mass communication major Rebecca Thuns enjoys cycling because it works out every part of the body. “I like it because I can use my own speed, whereas in other sports and exercises, you have to work at everyone else’s speed.” If you are interested in attending one of the classes, a schedule can be downloaded from the WRC website at www.gcsu.edu/wellness/groupfitness.htm or can be picked up at the front desk as you enter the building.

to pursue him,” Sellers said. “We know we are not Duke.” The list is always changing as players occasionally slip through the cracks and are not seen by Sellers and his coaches. Sometimes recruits also do not meet the academic and character standards the Department of Athletics and coaches have set. “Usually we like to call the coach first to figure out what kind of attitude, work ethic and academics the player possesses,” Sellers said. “Because here, if they don’t have a high character, we don’t recruit them. I think we work hard to recruit high character guys that have the high grades and potential we want.” Both Sellers and Clark also stress the importance of building a relationship with recruits so they know interest is there from GC. Former baseball player and junior accounting major Cal Milano says a connection with coaches was important when he was recruited. “I first got in contact with the GC baseball when I played overseas in Amsterdam my sophomore year,” Milano said. “The head coach of GC was one of the coaches on that team. I was able to stay in contact with him, and my senior year I was invited down to GC for a workout in front of the coaching staff. I went down for the workout in January and about two weeks after my visit I received a phone call from the head coach offering me a spot on the team.”

Thunder Crew, the school spirit section which was created four years ago, has many activities planned for all sporting events. The group that has received the Bobcat New Program of the Year award for the past two years and has been nominated for the best student spirit section in Division II is in charge of organizing tailgates before select athletic events. At GC, Thunder Crew generally provides free food at tailgates. Alcohol consumption is also allowed by those over 21 and is permitted three hours before specified events. Every home basketball game will have a tailgating party with free food before the action starts. There will be six to seven tailgating events for baseball and five have been planned for soccer. Select softball games will now have tailgates as well. On average, 300 people attend the tailgates, according to Thunder Crew President Tyler Kemp. Some events already have themes. There is going to be a White Out, a Green Out and a Pink Out for women’s soccer throughout the Fall. At these games attendees are asked to wear shirts reflecting the color listed for the event. The first White Out will be on Sept.12, when the Bobcats face Anderson at 7 p.m. at the field on West Campus. The first 300 people who arrive will receive a free T-shirt. “At the White Out game, Thunder Crew hopes to set a new attendance record for soccer games,” Kemp said.

“Our goal is to get over 500 people to come out.” The Green Out event is set for Sept. 19, when the women’s soccer team plays Lander at 7 p.m. The Kick for the Cure, or Pink Out, game supporting breast cancer awareness will be on Oct.18 when the women play Newberry at 6 p.m. There will be a corn-hole tournament at the women’s soccer game on Oct. 6 hosted by Thunder Crew, where GC plays UNC Pembroke at 3 p.m. On Senior Night, Oct. 27, there will also be a tailgate. Tailgating isn’t the only place Thunder Crew draws a crowd. The Crew increases attendance at games and matches by about 30 percent, according to Kemp. “Thunder Crew plays a very important job in raising school spirit,” senior economics major TJ Cornay said. “In my four years here, I’ve seen a steady increase in school spirit.” Thunder Crew member and junior mass communication major Mark Moughamian says Bobcat Madness, which is on Oct. 17, is a chance for students to get excited for basketball season. “Bobcat Madness is really a chance for the school to have its first big pep rally of the year and not only meet and pump up the basketball team, but to pump up each other,” Moughamian said. Thunder Crew meetings are every Monday at 8:30 p.m. in Centennial Center 104. Kemp is available after the meetings to offer more information.

WANTED: Fan photos Send us your photos from sporting events (including Intramural and club games) for a chance to see them in print. Submissions should be sent to colonnadesports@gcsu.edu - Include your full name, year, major, name of people in the photo and when the photo was taken.

I have seen the critical role that the arts play in stimulating creativity. – PAUL G. ALLEN, CO-FOUNDER, MICROSOFT



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