17.2.12

The Colonnade The Official Student Newspaper of Georgia College

February 17, 2012

www.GCSUnade.com

Volume 88, No. 17

First doctorate offered at GC

Back to the future

Kate Ramsey Senior Reporter Starting this summer, Georgia College begins its first program track for students to achieve a doctorate. Courses will be offered toward a DNP degree, or Doctor of Nursing Practice.

According to the Director of the School of Nursing, Judith Malachowski, “This program will prepare nurses with an advanced skill set for the practice arena; it was designed for nurses who want to focus on clinical practice.”

The first step in adding this program to the curriculum was receiving approval from the Board of Regents, which was granted in May 2011. After that, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools had to approve GC, as an institution, to offer doctorate degrees. In being granted this approval, GC is now permitted to add any doctorate degree to its curriculum without having to obtain SACS approval again. This was finalized in December. The final step in the process was for the school of nursing to have its own accrediting body.

“The school of nursing has been working on getting this program together for three years, and the word was starting to get out,” Malachowski said. “We had to take three rigorous steps in getting everything approved and prepared.”

Nursing majors are pleased with the new addition of the doctoral degree to the program.

“I feel like having the program here makes nursing students see how attainable getting a higher degree is,” senior nursing major Caity Kurish said. “Although they are available at other schools, having it close seems like getting a masters or a doctorate degree isn’t so out of reach.”

Games, music and community bring new and old friends to GC for Homecoming

This is a deckhead Center’s grand opening ribbon cut-

Alyson Crosby Senior Reporter

Georgia College Homecoming was a week full of events celebrating, school spirit and the 2012 “Back to the Future: Time Moves Forward but Memories Remain” theme. Some of these included the Blue and Green Trivia Bowl, office decorating competition, The GIVE

ting and the tailgate at Tent City.

Monday night’s Blue and Green Trivia Bowl, hosted by the Campus Activities Board, kicked off a week full of events. According to CAB President Britta Gervais, a company called ThinkFast Trivia was hired. This company provided the participants with questions about movies, music, television and in-

corporated questions about GC. Since they hired an outside company the members of CAB were also able to participate.

Teams of four or five students competed for a $200 prize. The competition was made harder by not just having to answer questions, but students also had to beat Homecoming page 2

GC is only the third public university in Georgia to offer this degree. The other two schools are Georgia Southern University in Statesboro and Georgia Health Sciences University in Augusta.

“The addition of this program makes GC more prestigious. It opens up opportunity for the futures of undergraduate nurses,” said Debby MacMillan, assistant director of graduate programs in the School of Nursing. “ I hope they would consider coming back for their master’s and stay on for doctorate nursing practices as well.”

Another benefit Malachowski hopes this program will bring is for more recognition and the spread of GC’s reputation across the nation. Malachowski also is hopeful that this will increase graduate enrollment on campus.

“The creation of this program took the work and help of a whole lot of people, and it was a lot like playing a team sport.

We always tell our nursing students that nursing is like a team sport—you have to work long hours, it takes a lot of thought, time and angst—the people who helped get this program together deserve a lot of credit for what they have done,” Malachowski said.

Kurish agrees with Malachowski. The doctoral degree will inevitably bring more students to GC and expand the reputation of the program.

“Opening up opportunities for higher education will bring in people who never really thought about this school in the first place,” Kurish said. “I think that this might make the nursing program even more competitive to get in to, because people might not want to leave to get their master’s or doctoral degree elsewhere.”

Health

City council

Gift-bearing pixie brings Week-long alcohol sales sexual safety to campus Caitlin Renn Senior Reporter

Some Georgia residents were able to make a beer run at halftime on Super Bowl Sunday. More than 100 cities now permit alcohol sales at liquor stores, convenience stores and grocery stores. Georgia voters in 128 cities weighed in Nov. 8 on a referendum to allow retail alcohol sales on Sundays, but Milledgeville and Baldwin County have yet to vote.

Including Baldwin County, most of Georgia’s 159 counties did not take up the issue in the November elections, but the majority expect to do so at the next voting opportunity.

“Anything like that requires some community action,” Joiner said. “There needs to

be a person or a group that approaches local government, county and city, to say they are interested in this, and ask us to please discuss it and consider it to be put on the ballot as a referendum locally, which they have done in other areas. To this point, as far as the city is concerned, nobody has approached us about it.”

Joiner said the issue also did not get a vote in Milledgeville last November because of the election cycle; no other issues needed a vote at the time, and to open the polls for one issue would cost taxpayers thousands of dollars. Cities like Atlanta, Savannah and other communities had other races to vote on in the November elections, so adding this referendum to the ballot for community input was

News Flash

practical. Joiner said if this vote will happen in Milledgeville, it makes much clearer sense to align the vote with the election cycle, which would be this November.

“I haven’t heard anybody say they didn’t want to do it. We just haven’t had anybody stand up and say this is something that’s important,” Joiner said.

If and when the issue makes its way to the polls in Milledgeville, liquor and package store owners will have some business decisions to make.

Roc Patel of Roc’s Cork Shoppe waits for the issue to come up for vote before declaring his plans, but he does not strongly advocate for the issue.

“I think it’ll go up for vote

Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy – such mythical characters are holiday and celebration fixtures. But perhaps the most elusive and rare of the gift-bearing individuals is Georgia College’s own Condom Fairy.

Mia McMahon, senior geography major and president of GC Pride Alliance, adopted the Condom Fairy persona two years ago. She is sponsored by the Great American Condom Campaign. It is a youth-led movement that aims to reduce unintended pregnancies and the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections by normalizing condom use on college campuses.

According to McMahon, the GACC provides her with 500 Trojan condoms every semester in hopes that she distributes them and

Alcohol page 4

Condom page 4

Quotable

Student competes in design contest

Sophomore fine arts major Jose Ibarra, in efforts to register Latino voters, designed promotional artwork for the Georgia Latino Vote 2012 campaign.

The piece is based on GC classmate Isabel Barajas.

In the piece, Barajas is holding her child, representing the future generations of Latinos.

For more information on the campaign, visit www.orale10.com

“In my opinion, and biblically, women are to be submissive to men in some ways. It is proper for women to do several roles that men don’t do and for men to do roles that women do not do.”

- Jonathan Chancey, senior rhetoric major.

Vanessa Whited Senior Reporter

News

Inside

Hope Scholarship changes.......................................2 Illumination in the garden........................................3

Features

Homecoming concert a success............................9 Graphic novels, politics and a spy story.............10

Sports

Men’s tennis sweep Anderson.............................13 Men’s basketball grabs PBC tournament spot 16 Leisure................................................................

Community News........................................5

The Truth about Condoms 39 percent of American high school students are taught how to correctly use a condom 68 percent of female teens and 82 percent of male teens use a condom the first time they have sex There is no medical reason someone can’t use a condom.

Latex-free condoms are available for people with latex allergies The cost of condoms is as low as 4 cents per unit Source: Planned Parenthood

Number Crunch

$10.35million Georgia College’s goal for the Pillars for the Future Campaign. The campaign aims to increase scholarship opportunities and enhance the campus experience as a whole.

See page 2 for more.

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The Colonnade

February 17, 2012

Senate

HOPE scholarship to see changes Noelle Brooks Staff Writer Since its creation in 1993, the HOPE Scholarship has undergone a series of changes. Its most recent overhaul decreased how much HOPE recipients are awarded. Coinciding with Georgia College’s current efforts to increase graduation and retention rates, HOPE is under review for even more adjustments that may not only further decrease the amount awarded to students but how many students receive the scholarship.

The HOPE Scholarship now only pays 90 percent of tuition costs per credit rate, which does not include any other institutional fees or book costs. This means that the scholarship is covering significantly less than its former one hundred percent, and for this year’s HOPE recipients at Georgia College, the amount of fund-

Homecoming

Continued from page 1 box, make animal noises and show other hidden talents. In the end four contestants, representatives from each group, battled for the prize.

Gervais came out on top for the Blue and Green Trivia Bowl but decided to dole out her winnings.

“This was some pretty fierce competition,” Gervais said. “As CAB president I didn’t feel right about keeping the money. I gave half of the money to my non-CAB team members and then the rest to Relay for Life. ” CAB was impressed with the overall turnout and the use of ThinkFast Trivia.

“It was a lot of fun and CAB will definitely being doing something on the same level of excitement next year,” Gervais said.

On Tuesday, the school spirit continued with an office decorating competition.

The Office of Financial Aid won the decorating competition with their office time machine.

According to Debbie Garrett, financial aid adviser, the project was a team effort from the whole office.

“The outside is a time machine. So, when you enter, you see the past, present and future of GC,” Garrett said.

The themed decorations included tables set up to represent GC, along with a homemade robot the ladies of the office affectionately call Thunderbot.

The judges were Michelle Berg, internship coordinator for the Career Center, Jennifer Cash assistant director of the Career Center and Jessica Rehling, University Housing area coordinator.

“We are judging based on the use of the theme, creativity and overall impression,” Berg

ing is closer to eighty percent since the credit rate is based on tuition costs from last year. This is an issue that Cathy Crawley, director of financial aid, plans to eliminate for the year 2013.

“This year, whatever our new rate is will be effective this summer, as long as we know ahead of time,” Crawley said.

In addition to the reduction of funding, HOPE has implemented a firm cap on its 127 hours.

Previously, if a student was enrolled during their last semester of college for more than 127 hours, HOPE would still cover all costs. Now, HOPE will only cover up to the 127 hours and students would need to find alternative funding for the rest.

Other current adjustments include a seven year limitation on HOPE eligibility once a student graduates high school, which can only be extended due to military service, and HOPE said. “They won the ‘Golden Slipper’ trophy to display in their office and a certain dollar amount at Einstein’s for an office lunch.”

The Business Office also decorated the hallway in front of their office as outer space with a Thunder astronaut.

The GIVE Center had a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday officially opening its new location, and celebrating their 15th Anniversary.

Unlike a traditional ribbon cutting ceremony, The GIVE Center had a reception type party.

The theme was “Worth its wait in gold.” There was a mat for guests to sign, finger foods and a sparkling grape juice toast where each guest got to keep their champagne flute.

“I think it went extremely well. We had a really good diverse crowd,” Director of The GIVE Center Kendall Stiles said.

Guests included staff and faculty from across campus, students, GIVE Center partners from the community and alumni.

Friday also marked a change in what GIVE means in the GIVE center. It now stands for “GC Inspiring Volunteers to Engage.”

Finally, all of the events throughout the week led up to Saturday’s tailgate at Tent City.

Despite the chilling winds, hundreds of people came together to celebrate school spirit. Tents from organizations and offices all across campus assembled in the courtyard between the residence halls.

“I think it gives us a visible presence. So whether people stop by the tent or not, it does allow people to know that we exist in this community, and we are here for anyone who wants a place that’s safe to be themselves,” Pride Alliance Adviser Jessica Rehlingn said.

Not only were most of the Greek organizations present, but also tents were set up for University Communications, Department of Mass Communication and its alumni, the College of Health Sciences, the Campus Activities Board and many more.

Kendyl Wade / Senior Photographer

recipients can only regain eligibility once. Despite these limitations, Crawley has seen little affect on student enrollment, attributing this to the relative newness of the HOPE adjustments and the support the Financial Aid Office offers its students.

“We hope (students) will contact our office because this is what we’re here for,” Crawley said. “I cannot think of one instance of a student or a parent where changes that would create a hardship and cause them to leave Georgia College that we were not able to find an alternative.”

One of those alternatives includes a service opportunity award where students work at different offices on campus and is given to hard

HOPE page 3

Changes to HOPE Scholarship HOPE Scholarship has undergone many changes since its creation in 1993 HOPE now only pays 90 percent of tuition costs, and the scholarship has implemented a firm cap on only funding 127 hours of credit Other adjustments include a seven year limitation on HOPE eligibility once a student graduates high school, and recipients can only regain eligibility once Source: Financial Aid Office

Alyson Crosby/ Staff Photographer Door decorating judges Jennifer Cash and Jessica Rehling take in the decorations of the Financial Aid Office. The office went on to win the ‘Golden Slipper’ trophy and a paid lunch at Einstein’s.

Kelsey Garrison/ Photographer The ladies of Kappa Delta sorority transformed their float into a mobile yearbook featuring pictures from the past and present (Right.) The annual Homecoming Parade was on Saturday, Feb. 11, and featured GC sororities, fraternities and other organizations on campus. Mr. and Ms. Georgia College announced at the basketball game on Saturday, Feb 11. The title of Mr. GC went to Ross Daniel and Ms. GC went to Sarah Mead.

February 17, 2012

Keeping the faith Cate Callahan Contributing Writer For many students, part of growing up in “the Bible Belt” means going to church on a weekly basis.

Though college comes with many distractions for students with a faith, students find they don’t stray far from their religion because of it.

For the first time in their lives students have the freedom to choose on their own if they wish to continue their religious involvement.

“I think it’s been harder to maintain my faith in college,” said sophomore education major Alexis Farmer. “In high school you are under constant supervision, but in college you have to make choices by yourself.”

Farmer is just one of the many students that struggles to follow God in college. Matt Weaver, senior Rhetoric major, finds the college environment challenging for his faith.

“Christians are called to live against the flow of the world and live a life that reflects Jesus in everything,” said Weaver. “It’s hard to resist the temptations and cravings of the world.”

However, Weaver and Farmer have found that joining a Christian organization helps them in resisting temptations and establishing a stronger relationship with God. Weaver joined Baptist Collegiate Ministry (BCM) when he transferred to Georgia College in 2009. “Since college my faith has grown. I have become more independent and reliant on the Lord,” Weaver said. “BCM has taught me to stay true to my core values and calling in my own life.”

But for some students, freedom leads to a more genuine faith. For Ben Battles, junior art major, college offers a great opportunity to

The Colonnade

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Students maintain their faith and activity in campus ministries while in college

“I didn’t truly start having a faith until I came here to Georgia College and became involved in Campus Catholics,” Van Buren said. “I went to church with my family before but never really got much out of it for myself. In college, it’s your choice whether you go or not.”

These students find the hardest part about being religious in college is not the temptations of partying but the struggle to relate to other students. The desire they have to share their faith is sometimes hindered by the fear that they may push their friends away.

Joseph Hoyt, recent Georgia College graduate, is now on staff with Campus Outreach. He feels God has called him to stay on Georgia College’s campus to share the love of Christ with students.

“It’s a challenge to live counter culturally on the campus, but I truly believe that the life I’ve found in Jesus is more satisfying than anything else I’ve ever encountered,” said Hoyt. “That’s why I want to share it with other people.”

These students long to connect with their campus by talking to their fellow classmates about God. “There is always the opposition I receive from non-Christians, but I try to be bold and step out in my faith,” junior rhetoric major Harrison Kone said.

Kone has been involved in both Wesley and House Church and urges all students to attend some type of Christian organization.

“Georgia College is full of believers that have Kendyl Wade / Senior Photographer Tate Welling speaks to the members of Wesley Foundation on Wednesday night. Wesley Foundation meets made it so much easier to experience growth in my faith,” Kone said. “It is absolutely amazing weekly on Wednesday nights in Donahoo Lounge for a night of worship and music. how faithful this community has become.”

House Church, Baptist Collegiate Ministries, grow as a Christian.

Foundation and House Church at Georgia Col“The freedom you have in college is a bit- lege. His involvement in these organizations Wesley Foundation, Fellowship of Christian tersweet gift,” Battles said. “No one is around has led to both a strengthened faith and a group Athletes, Hillel, Campus Outreach and Campus to watch over your shoulder and tell you what of friends that hold him accountable to follow Catholics are just some of the many groups that meet weekly on Georgia College’s campus. to do, and if you don’t act responsibly, it’s all in his beliefs.

For junior Jenna Van Buren choosing to at- The best way to find out more information is to on you.” join each organization’s Facebook group.

Battles has been involved in both the Wesley tend Campus Catholics was life changing.

Greek alumni come home Alyson Crosby Senior Reporter Homecoming is a busy week for Greek organizations of Georgia College. Alumni relations are a large part of Homecoming week, with chapters inviting past members to GC to experience the parade, basketball games and tailgating.

According to Lisa Lotyczewski, graduate assistant for the Department of Campus Life, the Greek organizations take an active role in Homecoming Week every year, and 2012 was no different. They participate in many events such as Paws for a Cause, campaigning for Mr. and Ms. GC, participating in the parade and being a part of the tailgate at Tent City.

On Monday, Greek organizations joined other organizations on campus in painting paws in the Centennial Center parking lot. Paws for a Cause is not only a way to show school spirit but also goes to help the Ferst Foundation, which focuses on Alyson Crosby / Staff Photographer youth education and literacy.

Phi Mu member Suzan Wills painted four pawprints in the Paws for a Cause contest. Alpha According to Eve Puckett, volDelta Pi won the Paws for a Cause contest for the second year in a row. unteer opportunities coordinator at

The GIVE Center, each paw print cost $40 and $36 of that goes to the Ferst Foundation to help promote children’s literacy.

“It will provide a book a month for a child in Baldwin County from birth to 5 years old,” Puckett said.

Alpha Delta Pi won the Paws for a Cause contest for the second year. Their paw was painted by Mary Parker Daughtrey and Shelby Rittweger. It featured a lighthouse as well as their well wishes for the Bobcats on the game Saturday. According to Taylor Green, a member of ADPi, the theme of their paw was “guiding light for the cause.”

The paws will remain in the parking lot for one year and then be painted over during next year’s Paws for a Cause.

“Hopefully, next year we can move over (to the next parking lot) so we can keep getting more and more paws,” said Suzan Wills, junior member of Phi Mu, and one of the members painting their paws.

Most of the fraternities and sororities had a float in Saturday’s homecoming parade. Zeta Tau Alpha won the float contest and a check for

$250 for their sorority.

The tailgate is one of the GCSUnade com more highlights of for information h o m e c o m i n g about Greek week for Greek Homecoming organizations.

They each had their own tent and spent the cold afternoon before the basketball game eating, drinking, playing corn hole and socializing with their fellow students.

“It’s really, really fun,” Jhadelys Reyes, freshman member of ZTA, said. “This is probably one of the reasons I like GC so much. I definitely think we should do this every single time there’s a game, because it’s a lot of fun and shows a lot of school spirit.”

All week long each organization campaigned for who would be named Mr. and Ms. GC. After Saturday’s game the winners were announced. The 2012 Mr. GC crown went to Ross Daniel from Theta Chi, and Sarah Mead,from Kappa Delta, accepted the tiara of Ms. GC.

Peabody Garden dedicated, newly decorated Benedict Esposito Contributing Writer Feb. 10 marked the dedication of the renovated Peabody Garden, after months of construction work. The new garden honors the former Peabody School.

The garden was originally a project undertaken by university president Guy Wells during his term in 1934 to improve the Peabody School’s appearance. During this time, the garden was across the street from its present day location but was lost when alumni decided to sell the Cathy Alumni Center to establish a scholarship endowment. But, former GC president Dorothy Leland said the college would re-establish the garden on the college campus.

The Peabody School existed from 1891 to 2000 as a public school for Baldwin County and

a practice school for education majors at Georgia College. For more than a century it stood, until finally budget cuts forced it to close in 2000. The garden is to be a symbol of the Peabody legacy by the alumni of the school, who were the driving force behind the project.

“The alumni are very dedicated to their alma mater,” said Stephen Stewart, an associate professor of reading at the John H. Lounsbury School of Education.

Stewart served on the original alumni board and was called back to help with the relocation and artwork for the garden. He said it was the alumni of the school, who are mostly women as there were few men at the school then, that were behind the garden’s re-dedication.

“They have such wonderful memories of being here, forming life-long friendships and the college understands that,” Stewart said.

HOPE Continued from page 2... ship students that qualify for the Pell Grant. Georgia College also has discretionary funds available for other hardship situations as well as a tuition payment plan to make paying for tuition less strenuous.

With more proposed reductions to funding, Georgia College will need as many alternative funding opportunities as possible to meet future graduation and retention goals.

“We’ve had conversations, but it’s still early,” said Suzanne Pittman, assistant vice president of enrollment. “I think as we move forward and see what the changes are we will be able to assess the needs of students.”

One of the biggest possible changes to the HOPE Scholarship is the implementation of an income cap, which was formerly a part of HOPE eligibility and quickly disappeared with the surge

During the ceremony, Interim President Stas Preczewski spoke of the Peabody alumni and how he hopes the class of 2012 will one day be as steadfast in their goals as the ladies of Peabody.

The alumni association, through various donations, funded the project. The donations helped fund the commissioning for the second piece of public art for the garden to honor the Peabody alumni.

The garden, while officially open, is not completely finished, as there are several flowers and shrubbery that will take a few months to fully blossom, and the grass is still not fully grown yet; however, this did not seem to deter the alumni at the ceremony, who were full of smiles and looked at the new garden with approval.

Artist Marc Moulton made the garden’s

in lottery funds. This potential adjustment is a change that senior psychology major Chelsea Carlson finds problematic.

“I think there are problems with merit-based and incomebased financial aid,” Carlson said. “You have to think of the socio-economic situations as well. Depending on the family, you may be in a situation where you are unable to go to school as much or have to get a job. I think merit based is more appealing because income is not really fair, but there are problems with each.”

Carlson had her own set of issues with financial aid when she lost HOPE two years ago. Her father lost his job and even with her mother being a single working parent, she was ineligible for any additional aid due to her family’s income. Carlson explained that based on this experience, income caps should be implemented carefully.

“If there is a financial cap, I think it should be a really high one.” Carlson said. “But everything is going to have a flaw. You can’t have a perfect system.”

centerpiece, which is a large, spiral cylinder with various letters, English grammar signs and mathematical symbols on it that lights up at night. Lisa Tuttle, the public arts consultant who helped find Moulton, sees the lights as representing abstract knowledge.

“The letters spread out in a circle, to display the widening knowledge,” Tuttle said. “The Peabody school did so much for schools in the south, and this display helps commemorate the school and the effects of philanthropy in a very contemporary way. It’s the ongoing legacy of students who became teachers.”

Amy Amason, vice prescient for external relations and university advancement, is very excited about the garden being re-opened and hopes, like Tuttle, that it becomes a way of hon

Garden page 4

To counteract any possible flaws with HOPE, Georgia College is currently promoting the Pillars for the Future Campaign, a three year program that has begun appealing to faculty and staff for donations. Harry Battson, associate vice president for strategic communications, is currently coordinating the fundraiser and is seeking the contribution of those employed at the college to help gain funding from other sources in future campaigns.

“Why should we invest in the college if your own people aren’t investing?” Battson said.

The campaign is quickly approaching its $10.35 million goal and Battson hopes it will be reached within the year. If successful, the funds will not only bolster endowments for scholarships that will provide additional financing for HOPE recipients but will also help enhance the campus experience as a whole. This will contribute to the current goals for higher graduation and retention rates and hopefully lessen the financial stress that HOPE adjustments create for students.

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The Colonnade Condom

Continued from page 1

Marilyn Ferrell / Staff Photographer The newly installed art piece in Peabody Garden glows steadily during the night. The sculpture represents the continuous influence that Peabody alumni have on Georgia College.

Garden

Continued from page 3. oring the Peabody school. “I’m very excited to re-establish the garden honoring our Peabody legacy as well as the enhancements to the garden for future use,� Amason said.

It’s the hope of those who helped fund it that it becomes not just a symbol for the Peabody school but also a place to hang out. “I have ideas that the school will use it as a meeting place, saying ‘meet me at the Peabody garden.’ I think it’ll be a place

for people to want to go to. It’ll compliment the front of Russell perfectly,� Stewart said.

It’s not only the faculty and alumni who hope it becomes a meeting place, but students as well are hopeful and looking forward to it becoming available for everyday use. “I’d come here to study now, if anything,� freshman undeclared Kevin Pfeifer said. “I’m pretty humbled by it. Seeing it as a mud pit, its nice to see it improved.�

The garden has benches, a paved area surrounded by shrubbery and is now open for all to use.

Alcohol

Continued from page 1 in November, and if they pass it we’ll just see what the demand is,� Patel said. “If they pass it, we’ll have the right to open or not, but I’m not really for it because you figure we’ll have to staff another day, hire employees who can work Sundays, and who really wants to work on Sunday? I don’t know if opening another day will cover the cost of staying open. Everybody in

educates students about safer sex and reproductive health. In the past, McMahon has garnished fairy wings and roller skates and distributed the condoms to students on campus. This year, McMahon collaborated with Student Health Services in organizing events for Sexual Awareness Week on Feb 13-15.

The week-long sexual responsibility events bore the slogan “before you surrender the booty, know your duties,� with the four emphasized duties being to know your own sexual heath status, knows your partner’s sexual heath status, know your expectations and know your boundaries.

The events kicked off Monday with “Sex and Chocolate,� a Q-and-A hosted by the Pride Alliance where students could anonymously ask University Health Educator Rachel Sullivan questions and dispel common myths and misconceptions about sex and sexuality. Those in attendance received free condoms, dental dams and other sex-related products. “It’s nice to speak to someone who can talk about things both clinically and eloquently,�

town already knows to come on Saturday.�

Senior Spanish and psychology major Kait Whitenack supports the option to stock up on Sundays. “What is the moral difference between being able to buy a 6-pack versus buying individual beers at a bar? If one is legal then they both should be,� Whitenack says.

Members of opposition to Sunday sales often cite the risk of more drunken driving, but Whitenack also said making alcohol available on Sundays could have the opposite effect, as fewer people would be drinking in public, be-

February 17, 2012 senior creative writing major George Hulbert said. “It’s an important barrier to break, and it’s good to create an atmosphere where people feel comfortable asking questions and sharing experiences.�

Sullivan addressed both lighthearted and serious issues, ranging from myths about penis size to HIV on campus. “I think students on our campus know what they should be doing, but they don’t do it, i.e. getting tested and using protection every time,� Sullivan said. “They have the knowledge, but not the mindset to use that knowledge. To have access to things that improve your health and not use them is why we have so many problems in our society.�

According to Sullivan, the “I’m invincible� mindset is prevalent on college campuses.

She is adamant, however, that the statement is not true.

A study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concluded that even though young people aged 1524 years represent only 25 percent of the sexually active population, they acquire nearly half of all new sexually transmitted infections. “The decisions you make in college decide what you do for

cause they have the choice to have their alcohol at home.

Last year’s Sunday alcohol sales referendum came to voters after a five-year battle at the state level, where the measure stalled as lawmakers faced resistance from religious groups and former Gov. Sonny Perdue. The discussion shifted from morality to individual liberty last year when Gov. Nathan Deal supported legislation to allow local control of the issue.

The resounding results from the election showed that 105 of the 128 cities with the referendum on the ballot chose to end the Sunday

“The decisions you make in college decide what you do for the rest of you life.�

Rachel Sullivan, university health educator the rest of your life,� Sullivan said.

Other Sexual Responsibility Week events included a Valentine’s Day dance and a screening of “Let’s Talk About Sex,� an award-winning documentary that highlights issues related to sex education and explores what the future could hold for more open discussions about sexuality in teens and young adults, according to McMahon. In addition, McMahon and health services partnered with the Women’s Resource Center in promoting the weekend-long run of the Vagina Monologues. “(Sexual Responsibility Week) is a really fun way for students to come out and get free condoms,� Sullivan said. “Even if it’s not for yourself, your friend will always need one.�

restrictions, according to the Georgia Food Industry Association, perpetuating the dissolution of a blue law more than a century old. Sales began as early as Nov. 13 in some cities, including parts of Atlanta.

Only two other states – Indiana and Connecticut – still maintain statewide bans on Sunday sales. Georgia’s statewide ban on Sunday alcohol sales dates back to 1937, a few years after prohibition ended at the national level. Georgia is now a patchwork of alcohol laws, but the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States expects the gaps to close over time.

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Early Spring Application Deadline Feb. 24

Community Public Safety Report 6

5 4

February 17, 2012 • Editor, Steffi Beigh

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The sprinkling terrorist

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Stolen goods

February 4 at 2:00 a.m. Officer Frasier saw a man urinating in someone’s front yard, according to Public Safety. When she walked up to the man, he ran. The man then fell. He told the officer he would not run again. Officer Frasier smelled alcohol on his breath, and after checking the man’s license, it showed he was under 21. The officer saw the man had dried blood in his hair and on his face from a previous injury. Emergency Medical Services took the man to the emergency room at Oconee Regional Medical Center. Officer Frasier then was called to ORMC to help medical personnel restrain the man. The man was using abusive language threatening to kill Officer Frasier, Officer Meyers and ORMC personnel. The man was charged with public indecency, obstruction of a law enforcement officer, underage possession of alcohol, disorderly conduct and four counts of terroristic threats and acts.*

February 2 at 12:20 p.m. Sgt. Baker was sent to Russell Auditorium about a theft. A man reported that four, 15-inch speakers and one horn speaker had been removed from speaker cabinets, according to Public Safety. The speakers and horn speakers are worth about $900. The case is under investigation.

Hear the report on our podcast channel

GCSUnade.com

*Incident does not appear on map

1

Ignored pleas

February 2 at 7:03 p.m. Officer Purvis and Officer Smith were sent to apartments on Grandview Drive by the Milledgeville Police Department, according to Public Safety. A man had locked himself in his apartment. He was threatening to kill himself with a knife. MPD, Officer Purvis and Officer Smith forced their way into the apartment. The man was sitting on his couch with the knife, ignoring the officers commands to drop it. Officer Smith used his Taser, striking the man in his chest and abdomen. The man dropped the knife and ignored the officers commands to place his hands behind his back. Officer Smith used his Taser on the man again, and the officers were able to place the man in handcuffs. The man was taken to Oconee Regional Medical Center for evaluation.*

2

Stumbling around

February 5 at 2:17 a.m. Officer Frasier saw a man slouched against a vehicle on South Liberty Street, according to Public Safety. When Officer Frasier made contact with the man, she smelled alcohol on him. He was also stumbling and using slurred speech when speaking. The man’s identification was run through the database and was determined he was under the age of 21. The man admitted to drinking alcoholic beverages earlier in the night. He blew a .183 on the Breathalyzer. The man was arrested and transported to Milledgeville Police Department.*

85

Dirty homework

86

Vehicle down

February 1 at 12:21 p.m. Officer Purvis was dispatched to Russell Library about to a staff member witnessing a man watch an obscene video on the computer, according to Public Safety.

Sgt. English and Officer Purvis also observed the man watching pornographic material on the computer. The staff member said she had previously had the man removed in December because he was viewing pornographic material. The man was issued a trespass warning him from all GC property indefinitely.

By The Numbers

February 4 at 4:56 p.m. Sgt. Miller responded to a private property accident called in from the Bobcat Village Apartments, according to Public Safety. A man reported to Sgt. Miller that a girl had backed her vehicle into his while she was leaving. No injuries were reported.

87

Hit and run

February 1 at 12:00 a.m. A man stated to Officer Smith that his truck was parked and when he returned to his vehicle, he saw his passenger-side front bumper had been dented in and knocked loose from the vehicle, according to Public Safety. Pictures were taken and case turned over to investigation.*

2

Threats

2 Vehicle damages

2 Alcohol violations

Information gathered from Public Safety records.

What’s Happening Tuesday, February 21 7 - 10:00 p.m.

Mardi Gras party (The DEN)

Wednesday, February 22 2:00 p.m.

Careers in government (TBA)

8:00 p.m. - Feb. 25

“The Wedding Singer” (Russell Auditorium)

Friday, February 24 All day

GEM early spring application deadline

All day

LCP early spring application deadline

7 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

“The Muppets” movie night (Magnolia Ballroom)

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

“There are basically two types of people.

People who accomplish things, and people who claim to have accomplished things.

The first group is less crowded.”

-Mark Twain

Accomplish things with The Colonnade.

Meetings every Monday at 5 p.m. in MSU Lounge.

Close up Themes, ideas and events of the 21st century

February 17, 2012 • Editor, Lindsay Shoemake

takes center stage at GC Annual production of ‘The Vagina Monologues’ emphasizes women while empowering audiences Marilyn Ferrell Staff Writer Georgia College puts on “The Vagina Monologues” every year in honor of V-Day, a movement dedicated to ending violence against women. These monologues aim to raise consciousness about the lives of women while empowering them. The play reveals a sense of feminism on campus while making people aware of the struggles women face each day.

Sixteen years ago, Eve Ensler wrote a book called “The Vagina Monologues.”

It is filled with a variety of monologues that an array of women can perform.

Each of the monologues somehow relates to the vagina. The monologues can relate through sex, love, menstruation, birth, masturbation and more. The theme of the monologues is that having a vagina is a sense of empowerment for women.

The monologues in the book are based on real-life stories of real-life women.

The monologues can be quite emotional and vivid while others can be humorous. Each year different people all over the world recite the monologues, and a new monologue is written and added to the series annually.

Each newly-added monologue highlights a specific issue that affects women. It allows the play to reach out and relate to women everywhere.

“The overall message of the play: love. Love all men and women, and love everything that has sculpted your life, even the bad moments, because they make you who you are as a person,” said sophomore math major, Jamie Ferreira.

Britta Gervais, senior art history ma-

jor, is one of the performers in “The Vagina Monologues” at GC. She has been in the production for four years, and she enjoys being able to relate to women.

“My role in the monologues is to reconceive the negative words one uses about women and their genitals. It’s funny, quirky, and one that really gets the audience to loosen up about talking about, you know, vaginas,” Gervais said.

“The Vagina Monologues” is the foundation of V-Day. Participants of the V-Day movement put on a performance of these monologues as a benefit production. V-Day is an activist movement to end all violence against females.

The “V” in V-Day stands for three words: Victory, Valentine and Vagina.

Each word is associated with females, and together they bring out a stronger meaning of how women can be powerful and equal.

According to V-Day, this movement is to “generate broader attention for the fight to stop…rape, battery, incest, female genital mutilation and sex slavery.”

This movement strives to make a better world for females, and in doing so, “The Vagina Monologues” becomes a production in many places all over the world to raise global awareness.

One of the directors, Lizzie Scarboro, senior studio art major, has been responsible for rehearsals, casting, folding programs and more.

“It is my hope that through seeing the show, one would leave with feeling more empowered and more aware of the woman’s perspective,” said Scarboro, “I think that any member of the community or campus would benefit from see-

Monologues page 7

Marilyn Ferrell / Staff Photographer (Top) Cast members of “The Vagina Monologues” sit in preparation for the recitation of womenempowering monologues. (Bottom left) Jamie Ferreira, sophomore math major, takes a stoic stance on stage while performing her monologue, “The Vagina Workshop.” (Bottom right) Natalie Sharp, junior English and history major, enters the most intense portion of her monologue, which deals with women’s intermittent wrath toward the treatment of vaginas.

Feminism Ov

First Wave 1850s

fem-i-nism (n): the advocacy of wom political, social and econom

1850

First organized feminist movement, which evolved in Britain.

1870

1895

Married Women’s Property Act of 1870 passed, giving married women property rights.

Second Wa 1960s

The term “feminist” is coined.

Women’s studies minor Program complements majors, sheds new light on women Kathryn Shadden Staff Writer One of several minors offered at Georgia College is a concentration in women’s studies. Not only can a minor complement one’s major, but it also has the power to change one’s point of view. In the case of the women’s studies minor, horizons are expanded while emphasizing the influence of women in society.

Veronica Womack is the current interim director for the women’s studies minor. According to Womack, a group of faculty members decided that because of GC’s extensive history as a women’s college, this minor was something the college needed. There is also the possibility that the program will expand beyond what it is now.

“The women’s studies program had a director for a long time, but we will now have a women’s studies advisory board,” Womack said.

This board will put together a plan for the future to better meet the needs of the students in the program.

Because there is no women’s studies major at GC, the minor can enhance the engagement of student learning. For Womack and others involved in women’s studies, the possibility of a growing program is very exciting. As it opens students’ eyes to new perspectives, women’s studies allows students the potential to broaden educational horizons.

“I can’t think of any profession where it wouldn’t be beneficial to have knowledge of women,” Womack said. “You’re talking about the lives of half the population of the globe — I don’t think you can quantify that!”

The requirements for the minor are fairly flexible — the only course that must be taken is the introductory course, “Women in Society.” The other four courses are then chosen by the student and range from a class on human sexuality to “Women and Art” and even literary courses on female writers.

Professor of English and rhetoric Esther Lopez has taught classes that are cross-listed with English courses. “I’ve always been interested in underrepresented groups,” she said, describing her interest in women like Emily Dickinson. “It’s only been fairly

“I can’t think of any profession where it wouldn’t be beneficial to have knowledge of women.

You’re talking about half of the population of the globe. I don’t think you can quantify that!”

Veronica Womack, Director of women’s studies recent that people have been studying literature by women.”

Students who have chosen this minor speak very highly of the experience. Caitlyn Robinson, a junior sociology major, has been working on completing the women’s studies minor.

“I took a class with Dr. Butler and learned about social and health issues related to women,” she explains, “and I realized that a lot of the information pertained to us.”

What surprised Robinson the most was that not more people study the material.

“It’s really interesting, and there are really great professors,” Robinson said.

Chelsea Carlson, a senior psychology major, is currently interning at the Women’s Center. For her, the women’s studies minor was extremely eye-opening.

There were so many aspects to it, and much of the subject matter was not solely confined to the U.S. “A lot of it is for the promotion of equality between the sexes,” Carlson said, noting that not every class was about advocacy. Many courses, especially those in art or literature, simply give the typical history lesson a new viewpoint. One of her favorite courses was Women in Pop Culture. According to Carlson, it had “an empowering, all-encompassing, humanistic perspective.”

Three different perspectives from GC men

By Alan Martin

“I think as far as rights go, everyone should have the same rights, and I am in full support of women being allowed to do everything men can do.”

Jonathan Chancey, senior rhetoric major “The only reason I can get bothered when the word ‘feminism’ or ‘feminist’ gets thrown up is mainly because it makes me think of certain friends in my life who go way too over the top about women and where they stand in the world.”

Stephen Goldman, sophomore athletic training major “Feminism is frustrating when it’s used as a crutch; it’s almost worse than not saying anything at all.”

Stephen Hogan, junior marketing major

February 17, 2012

The Colonnade

7

Women and Art class focuses on female creativity Professor of Art Tina Yarborough instructs class through important feminist artworks in history Kathryn Shadden Staff Writer Walk into the entrance of Mayfair Hall, and directly to the left is a room where a class of a different kind takes place. “Women and Art” is a class that seeks to answer the question, “Why have there been no great female artists?” This course is offered as a means to fulfill the requirements for the women’s studies minor and is also cross-listed as an art class.

Professor of art Tina Yarborough teaches “Women and Art” to a wide variety of students. Many are art majors and history majors, with several other majors represented.

The course itself is divided into thirds, with each segment focusing on a different, but related, topic. The first segment is based around the basics of feminisim and feminists throughout history. The second portion shifts the focus to reclaiming the female artists previously ignored by conventional history. The last section points out how films have typically targeted a male audience and how women had to find an alternative voice.

Because of the multiple elements the subject material covers, the class collectively refers to them as “feminisms.”

The answer to the previous question, “Why have there been no great female artists?” is actually rooted in inequality.

According to Yarborough, women were not allowed into the same institutions as men. They did not have access to the same level of study, if any at all. Women were also not permitted to draw from life with a nude model.

“They had to draw anatomy from cows instead of people,” Yarborough said, with a laugh.

The students of “Women and Art” are currently working on a project where they make and decorate plates based on something important to them.

This project is based off of a piece by Judy Chicago called “The Dinner Party.” The piece is a ceramic instillation on permanent display at the Brooklyn Museum, consisting of a large triangular table with several colorful plates. Thirty-nine historical figures, all female, are represented by a plate and with an additional 999 names in-

scribed on the ground contained by the table, known as the “Heritage Floor.”

The design of each plate is specific to each person. Some of the people represented by plates include powerful women of the past like Emily Dickinson and Sojourner Truth.

Overall, the students have nothing but good things to say about Women and Art. Kaitlyn Haley is a senior liberal studies major. She took Women in Art for her major and because she, in her words, “loves the teacher.”

“I like seeing how art pertains to feminism — you wouldn’t see it if you didn’t know it,” Haley said.

Many students had Yarborough as a teacher before taking this class.

“It’s completely full, and there are even two boys,” junior art history major Christina Turner said. “The atmosphere of the class has a fun, relaxed feel. I’m not stressed out by taking a million notes.

Students of “Women and Art” continue to work on projects while delving into various feminist themes. The class plans to hold a “Howl at the Moon” party in early April to celebrate the full moon and feminism.

Lindsay Shoemake / Staff Photographer Senior art history major Daniel Chamberlain and senior studio art major Lizzie Scarboro of Yarborough’s “Women and Art” class listen intently to an informative lecture on artist Judy Chicago’s piece, “The Dinner Party.” The artwork represents 39 influential female historical figures throughout time, including Emily Dickinson and Sojourner Truth.The feminist-fueled piece currently resides in the Brooklyn Museum.

Monologues

Continued from page 6... ing ‘The Vagina Monologues,’ because its purpose is to create awareness and raise consciousness, and what community couldn’t use a little of that?”

The actresses of the production definitely believe that this is something that GC is going to love, as “The Vagina Monologues” has always been a hit on campus.

“Our campus loves ‘The Vagina Monologues.’ Last year we had so many women participate, we had to break up the monologues into several different parts so everyone could be a part of it,” Gervais says. “Most people see the word ‘vagina’ on a poster and think it's some sort of comedy show, which it is to an extent. It's

“The overall message of the play: love. Love all men and women, and love everything that has sculpted your life.”

Jamie Ferreira, sophomore math major more than that, though. It's about helping women talk about things they might be too afraid to discuss.”

Actress Tenay Carty, senior Spanish major, says that her favorite monologue highlights the strength and significance

of one of the most intimate moments for a woman — childbirth.

“My monologue is entitled ‘I Was There in the Room,’ and is the telling of a grandmother’s powerful experience of witnessing the birth of her granddaughter,” Carty said. “Though graphic, we see through her eyes the magnificent capabilities of a woman’s vagina during labor. It truly makes you sit back and think, ‘Wow!.’ I think that’s the whole purpose of the production. It broadens people’s limited perceptions of the multi-faceted female organ.”

Tenay hopes students enjoy the uncensored, candid feel of the monologues

and take away a new point of view from the production.

“The campus will enjoy it because its such a raw production full of every emotion under the sun,” Tenay said. “Starting Thursday, many will definitely come away with more insight than they had when they arrived.”

“The Vagina Monologues” is sponsored

by GC’s Women’s Resource Center. There will be performances on Feb. 16, 17 and 18 at 8 p.m in the Max Noah Recital Hall. Tickets are $8 when purchased in advance online at wepay.com/events/ vaginamonologues and will be $10 at the door.

ver Time

men's rights on the grounds of mic equality to men

ave

1968 Feminist protest against Miss America beauty contest.

1968 Women workers strike at Ford for equal pay.

Third Wave 1980s - Present

1991

Rebecca Walker publishes “Becoming the Third Wave,” in which she states she is not a feminist, but the third wave itself.

Source: Georgetown College Women’s Studies Program

‘Worldwide Womanism’ talk highlights Liberia Matt LaMothe Contributing Writer The women’s studies program hosted an international guest speaker for its Spring lecture. Layli Phillips Maparyan, associate professor and women’s studies graduate director at Georgia State University, shared her multicultural perspective with Georgia College for the lecture on Thursday, Feb. 16.

Maparyan’s lecture, “Worldwide Womanism: Building Bridges to Liberia,” focused on the role of women inside the country of Liberia. Her attention centered on the women’s responsibilities in Liberia to compare and contrast them with women’s roles in the U.S., while also connecting the historical significance between the two countries.

Veronica Womack, associate professor of government and sociology, sponsored the lecture.

“This year we are focused specifically on the works of international women,” Womack said. “Georgia College is dedicated in internationalizing the curriculum, so we thought it would be useful to bring in women to speak about experiences, not just in the U.S., but what women are doing around the world.”

Maparyan earned a doctorate in psychology from Temple University; a Master of Science in psychology from Pennsylvania State University; and a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy from Spelman College.

“She is very well-known for her work in Liberia and is working with institutions of higher education in Liberia,” Womack said.

“She also is forming associations within the state of Georgia, between Liberia and here.”

Sunita Manian, professor of political economy and coordinator of interdisciplin-

ary studies, would like for students to have an understanding about the history of Liberia. People wanted a woman to lead them, so Ellen Johnson Sirleaf became the first female leader for the continent of Africa.

“Ellen Johnson Sirleaf won the Nobel Prize and became one of several women to win last year for peace,” said Manian. “We need to connect, at various levels, what’s going on in Liberia with the change in women’s roles here in the U.S.” Maparyan is the recipient of the nationally prestigious Elizabeth Hurlock Beckman Award for her encouragement to students in changing the world.

“I wanted her to come speak, because I wanted to focus on women beyond the U.S.,” Womack said. “By bringing her in, we are able to internationalize the speaker as well focusing on women in other places that are doing remarkable things.”

Olufunke A. Fontenot, associate dean and interim chair of modern foreign languages, is from Nigeria. She fully understands the importance of guest speakers such as Maparyan.

“Issues in third world countries, including Africa, have not been expressed here in the U.S., so I’m excited that Dr. Layli Phillips Maparyan will take time to explain matters that students will be able to get a better understanding of,” Fontenot said.

Nichole Houston, a junior mass communication major, heard about the Spring lecture through friends and flyers around campus.

“I’m very interested in women’s studies classes,” Houston said. “This Spring lecture will really give students like me a better understanding of women’s studies and the topics that come with it.”

At a Glance: Upcoming Women’s Center events “Take Back the Night”- Thursday, April 5 @ 6 p.m.

Join the Women’s Center on an annual march against harassment and assault on women. The event will include special speakers, music and more. The march starts at the Smith House on Greene Street.

“Women on Wednesday”- Wednesdays @ noon Weekly talks are held to discuss relevant women’s issues like health, finances and personal safety. Discussions include both lectures and workshops.

“Thursday at the Movies”- third Thursday of the month Movies with females as leading roles are shown the third Thursday of each month at 3:15 p.m. in the Women’s Center.

Attendees are always welcome to bring a snack for the movie.

All events are held in the GC Women’s Center located in the Smith House at 506 West Green St. For more information on upcoming events, visit gcsu.edu/womenscenter/index.htm

A&E

February 17, 2012• Editor, Lauren Davidson

Music

Homecoming Concert 2012

Matt LaMothe / Staff Photographer Julie Overvold, sophomore, singing “Crazy For You” by Adele.

Overvold took home the judge’s first place and $100 at last Wednesday’s Homecoming talent show.

Homecoming talent show spotlights student musicians, crowns Adele-esque winner Kendyl Wade/ Senior Photographer (Top): The Eric Dodd Band, Homecoming’s opening act, kicked off its performance with “All I Need,” a song from it’s newest album “Time to Decide.”

(Bottom): The pumped up crowd praises Third Eye Blind from its performance. The band performed old hits and newer songs off their current album “Ursa Major.” The band finished the show with and encore performance of the hit “Semi-Charmed Life.” Among other songs played by the band are “Bonfire” and a spead up version of “Monotovs Private Opera.”

Matt Lamothe Staff Writer

Kendyl Wade / Senior Photographer Stephan Jenkins, lead singer of Third Eye Blind, belted out ‘90s tunes and more current hits alike for a crowd of 3,500 during GC’s Homecoming concert. Jenkins was a natural entertainer, rousing the crowd with glowsticks and a highly-anticipated encore performance of radio hit, “Semi-Charmed Life.” Between songs Jenkins addressed the crowd by sharing personal memories of touring with his band through the years and giving studio updates on Third Eye Blind’s upcoming album.

Third Eye Blind, Eric Dodd Band success among students at Homecoming performance Lauren Davidson Senior Reporter Swirling glow sticks and colorful spotlights lit up a crowd of nearly 3,500 at the Centennial Center at last week’s Homecoming concert.

The concert had a good mix of music genres, offering students country with opening act Eric Dodd and alternative rock with headliner Third Eye Blind.

Haley Rodgers, a junior exercise science major, says that she was very pleased with the bands selected for this year’s concert.

“I think that having country and alt. rock as the genres were far more appropriate for Georgia College than having rappers,” Rodgers said. “The selections of the musicians were excellent because Eric Dodd was a fantastic performer and everybody knows at least some Third Eye Blind.”

With combined ticket sales to nonstudents and GC students alike, a total of 172 alumni tickets, 460 student/faculty/ staff tickets and 83 general admission tickets being sold. The Centennial Center was nearly filled to capacity for the annual concert. Anticipation hung heavily in the room as GC students took to the stage to warm up the crowd with free T-shirt giveaways.

Starting off the night was Georgia Col-

lege alumnus and country music singer, Eric Dodd. In a press conference before the concert he said that it meant a lot to him to be able to play at his alma mater.

“It means a lot, like I said I have roots here,” Dodd said. “I spent two great years at Georgia College, have a lot of friends here still (and) a lot of friends will be coming to town just to see me play the centennial center that we used to watch basketball games in. So it’s really nostalgic and its going to be a lot of fun.”

Dodd started out his performance with “All I Need,” from his new album “Time to Decide.” His set list included songs from the new album as well as two cover songs by Amos Lee and Counting Crows.

Dodd said he was very pleased with how the show turned out.

“We really felt good about our set, and our band really embraced the large crowd in the audience,” Dodd said. “It’s always rewarding to play our own material, and the GC crowd was really receptive to it and (I) noticed many singing the wordsthat’s an indescribable feeling” Lauren Lee, a sophomore exercise major, says she really enjoyed the performance by Eric Dodd, but felt that they weren’t the typical band that usually plays Homecoming shows.

“I really liked their music, but I think we should have gotten more of a pump up band for Third Eye Blind,” Lee said.

Kicking off the “Thanks A Lot,” 90s alternative rock outfit Third Eye Blind pumped up the crowd with its highenergy stage presence. Lead guitarist Kryz Reid says that the band is currently working on its new album, which is set year.

performance with

Check out

GCSUnade com for more information about Georgia College’s 2012 Homecoming Concert

to be released this

“We are in the studio at the moment, so we are kind of putting the finishing touches to the writing process of the new album,” Reid said. “We are really looking at guitar sounds and stuff like that.”

Third Eye Blind mixed up the show with old favorites like “Jumper,” “Never Let You Go,” and an encore performance of “Semi-Charmed Life” and “Bonfire.”

The performance also included a sped-up version of “Monotov’s Private Opera,” off of the band’s more recent album, “Ursa Major.”

Lori Nichlos, a sophomore biology major, says that she really enjoyed Third Eye Blind’s performance.

“I thought it was actually a really good performance,” Nichlos said. “I didn’t actually think it was going to be that good because they’re outdated.”

A sophomore marketing major’s rendition of “Crazy For You” by Adele came in first place at last Wednesday’s Homecoming talent show. Julie Overvold received the judge’s choice and took home $100.

“I feel very good after performing,” Overvold said. “The night turned out well and I had a blast with a lot of really nice people.”

Tori Quante, director of arts and culture for Campus Activities Board, was in charge of the talent show. Quante and her trusty team took care of the logistics for the event.

“I was hoping for things to run smoothly, but in the back of my head I kind of thought that something was going to go wrong,” Quante said. “But it was such a nice surprise when hardly anything did.”

Roughly 125 people were in the audience for the talent show. Enjoyment and anticipation filled the atmosphere throughout the entire talent show.

“During the talent show, I was working the sound board and making sure that all went smoothly,” Quante said. “I wasn’t familiar with some of the equipment on stage, so it was nice having people there that knew how to work the things that I didn’t.”

The talent show consisted of seven acts ranging from singing to the finale, which featured The Sassy Cats performing to wrap up the event.

Leading off the talent show, Devin McGinty, a senior biology major, sang and played the guitar.

Following him, Haley Steele, junior marketing major, sang “Baggage Claim” by Miranda Lambert. Steele received the people’s choice award and took home the second place prize of $50.

“I was so excited to perform and be a part of a school event. I’ve been singing since I was young, so it was nice doing what I love,” Steele said. “I’m using the money toward a summer-long training program that I’m going to be a part of called Beach Project with Campus Outreach.”

Overvold followed with her first place performance. As she finished, the audience broke into loud applause.

“My subconscious gets a lot more nervous than my conscious does, but I perform quite often, so I’m relatively used to it,” Overvold said. “I just get a little jittery at times.”

Next in line was Julie Coppedge, a freshman business major, singing solo, followed by freshman pre-childhood education major Colleen McGlade playing the violin in a

Talent Show page 10

Theater

Department of Theatre prepares for annual musical Noelle Brooks Staff Writer As their fellow classmates enjoyed the alternative rock stylings of Third Eye Blind, the cast of “The Wedding Singer” had its first working rehearsal, preparing for the play’s Feb. 22 to 25 run in Russell Auditorium. Settling for the occasional rendition of “Semi-Charmed Life” during sound check, the actors and dancers stretched and recited lines as they had for weeks — a ritual that musical director Wendy Mullin explained was essential to the theatrical process.

“They’ve been very mindful to pace themselves and not wear themselves out,” Mullins said. “They really had to take care of themselves, much like athletes.”

And much like athletes, each actor has their own way of preparing for the big night. For freshman theater major Kayla Carson, playing the role of Julia Sullivan, her primary focus has been developing relationships with her cast members.

“A lot of my process is really personal, just taking a look at relationships onstage and off,” Carson said. “It’s really important to have a good offstage relationship so that chemistry comes off onstage.”

This focus on relationships coincides with the premise of the play, which chronicles the love story of Julia Sullivan, a waitress stuck in a superficial relationship and Robbie Hart, a washed-up rocker left at the alter by his fiancé.

The play is based on the 1998 film “The Wedding Singer,” and takes place in 1985, which required the actors to become fully engrossed

with ‘80s pop culture.

Senior theater major Lizzie Spratt developed her role as Linda, Robbie’s ex-fiancé, for her senior capstone by studying 1980s groupie culture.

“I couldn’t have chosen better character for myself,” Spratt said. “She’s a lot of fun because she’s not me and it’s really fun to play someone different.”

This difference between herself and her character has created some challenges. The character of Linda requires a level of meanness and sex appeal that Spratt admitted were not innate traits of her personality.

“I feel like I’m the least sexy person on the planet,” Spratt said. “There is this one song, a very seductive song where she’s begging Robbie to take her back and it took a while for me to get it.”

Similarly, Jordan Hale, a senior theater major, has been struggling with balancing his own personal cool with the nerdy persona of Robbie Hart, the central character of the play.

“I’m kind of trying to figure out who he is,” Hale said. “I had to look at his nervousness and awkwardness to make him likeable and give (the audience) an awkward hero they can relate to.”

Other actors, such as Erin Borain, a junior theater major, discovered that the similarities that she shares with her character, Holly, helped drive the development.

“I think she gets the best of both worlds,” Borain said. “She gets to have the sweet mo

Wedding Singer page 10

10

The Colonnade

February 17, 2012

Graphic novelist visits campus Q & A with Lizzie Scarboro, director of “TheVagina Monologues” Georgia College’s annual production of “The Vagina Monologues” is in full swing, and The Colonnade had the chance to chat with the director of the show, senior studio art major Lizzie Scarboro. Take a glimpse at the planning that went into the show, the themes represented in the monologues and how GC’s Women’s Center played a role in bringing “Monologues” to campus this year.

Q: How are you involved in “The Vagina Monologues,” and how much planning and preparation went into this year’s performance?

This monologue is author Eve Ensler’s reaction to being present for the birth of her granddaughter.

It gives me chills every time.

Nick Widener / Senior Photographer Author Nathan Edmondson speaks about his career as a writer and his work in comics. Edmondson is the author of “Who is Jake Ellis?” as well as “Olympus,” “The Light” and “The Activity.”

A: I am the director of the show this year along with a co-director Kaitlin Mullins. I have been working on “The Vagina Monologues” since November. We had auditions then, and casted in December. So, my life has been these monologues for the past three to four months. It has been so mind-consuming, because these monologues mean so much to me and I want to represent them well.

Q: How long have you been a part of the Women’s Resource Center?

What made you want to become involved?

Nathan Edmondson speaks in conjuction with GC’s new politics of graphic novels course

Q: What is your favorite monologue from the show?

A: This is quite a difficult question, because they all hold such great reverence to me. The monologues are a collection of stories that will make you laugh, cry, fill with anger, but most importantly, it bonds you with the stories themselves.

However, one that always sticks out to me is “I Was There In The Room.”

A: This is my second year being on the Women’s Center lead team.

I became aware of the Women’s Center from a friend and former student of Georgia College. She invited me to a lead team meeting and immediately after the meeting I stayed and talked with Jennifer Graham, the director of the Women’s Center. She welcomed me with open arms, and from then on I have been involved.

“The Vagina Monologues” is sponsored

by GC’s Women’s Center. Performances will run from Feb. 16-18 at 8 p.m. in the Max Noah Recital Hall. Tickets will be $8 when purchased in advance and $10 at the door. The event is open to GC students and the general public.

By Lindsay Shoemake

Talent Show

Continued from page 9 down-South, hoedown style.

Whether waiting to perform or awaiting the judge’s results, the contestants played games and music to keep tension to a minimum.

“The atmosphere backstage was awesome,” Overvold said. “Everyone was just hanging out, so laid back, and very congratulatory of everyone else. ” The last two acts were the bands This Town Red and Holiday Way. Madii Davis, freshman math major and Duztin Hunter, a student at Georgia Perimeter College, created This Town Red. Holiday Way included four guys with a love for rock: Jason English, Ryan Walden, D’arius McGahee, freshman music major, and Alex Buzzell.

Jamie Colcord, junior exercise science major, said her main reason for being in the audience was to support her roommate, Overvold.

“Julie (Overvold) did an amazing job and I’m so proud of her,” Colcord said. “Everyone seemed so excited about the whole event. The audience had their favorites, but it completely changed after each student performed.”

This is the first talent show CAB has hosted in a number of years, but many believe they did a great job.

“I really believe after the success we had this year, the talent show will become a yearly event,” Quante said. “With getting this first one out of the way, I feel that we will be able to improve the show year in and year out.”

Upcoming CAB events include a comedy show, a movie event at the Wellness and Recreation Center called a “Dive In Movie” and Spring Fling.

Nick Widener Senior Reporter In his international thriller, “Who is Jake Ellis?,” author Nathan Edmondson sends spy-for-hire Jon Moore guntoting his way across Europe in search of partner Jake Ellis’ identity.

But Jake Ellis isn’t an ordinary partner, because Moore is the only one who can see him. And, Ellis also happens to be omniscient.

Illustrated in a subdued neo-noir style, artist Tonci Zonjic draws the action proficiently. Frames are dipped in shadows, as the spectrum of colors switch with each scene.

Moore, after a whirlwind of bullets and explosions, ends up where he and Ellis first met. And in a swashbuckling conclusion, the duo uncover the secrets of their union.

Writing predominately for Image Comics, Edmondson enjoys the liberty Image offers him with his own ideas.

“I definitely prefer the MO of working at Image,” he said. “It’s a much more fertile ground for my ideas.”

In 2009, Edmondson’s breakout series, entitled “Olympus,” hit the shelves.

The four-part miniseries details the quest of immortal brothers Castor and Pollux,

sent to track down a fallen Olympian messenger.

Though Edmondson predominately writes for Image, when DC Comics began its massive overhaul of all its characters in 2011, he began writing “Grifter.”

“I enjoy the challenge, but I will never have the passion of writing someone else’s character as I do my own.”

Unlike writing for other mediums, comics introduces the artwork element. He said the relationship between writer and artist is an ongoing conversation, as all elements of their craft must match up.

“I want to be able to know we’re going to be able to carry it across the finish line,” he said.

Edmondson is a native of Augusta, Ga. and attended Mercer University, graduating with a double major in art history and Spanish. He always knew he wanted to write, but he didn’t know comics would become his field.

“It’s a complete symbiosis of art and story,” Edmondson said. “That’s why I work well in comics, I’m very visual.”

This semester, Professor Hank Edmondson, who also happens to be Nathan’s father, began teaching the course “Politics, Comics and the Graphic Novel.”

Wedding Singer Continued from page 9

ments with Sammy and then she can be all over the place and out to party. I just get to do so much with her character.”

Overall, the cast hopes that those who attend the show will enjoy “The Wedding Singer” not

The course was the idea of Professor Steven Elliot-Gower in hopes of serving the GC Honors Program in a distinct way.

Throughout the course, students will read renowned graphic novels such as “Watchmen,” “V For Vendetta,” “Iron Man,” “Justice League” and “Persepolis.”

And some lesser-known ones as well, including Edmondson’s “Who is Jake Ellis?”

The course objectives are to take the comic book format and compare it to the writings of philosophers such as Friedrich Nietzsche, Abraham Lincoln and the founding fathers of the U.S. Professor Edmondson was surprised to discover the “sharp political critiques of national and world affairs” in the novels, as this is his first time reading the books.

In April, the course will also feature another guest writer, Robert Venditti. Venditti is best-known for writing “The Surrogates,” but in the course, his book “The Homeland Directive” is used.

Nathan Edmondson’s lastest development is a new series called “Dancer.” It debuts in May this year and is about a retired assassin and his ballerina lover on the run from a sniper.

only for the fun songs and comedic lines, but also for the sincere connection that Robbie and Julia develop throughout the play.

“I want people to take away the feeling of knowing what love is,” Carson said. “There are so many feelings of love in the show and sometimes it’s hard to distinguish, but I hope that the show helps (the audience) to understand.”

Movies

‘Safe House’

No haven from Reynolds’ realization Nick Widener Reviewer After writhing in pain through both “The Change Up” and “Green Lantern,” it was evident. Ryan Reynolds needed a decisive career evaluation. He needed a niche. And though he has a few standout performances, mainly “Adventureland” and a couple shameful snickers in “Van Wilder” and “Just Friends,” the phrase “a good Ryan Reynolds film” was nonexistent until “Safe House.”

Reynolds plays an inexperienced CIA operative named Matt Weston, who is stationed in Cape Town, South Africa and tasked with taking care of a safe house.

Condemned inside the house’s walls for a year, Weston is itching for a promotion. Yet, as he goes through his routine of bouncing a tennis ball

against the wall and learning a foreign language, he receives “a house guest.”

Swedish Director Daniel Espinosa and writer David Guggenheim combine the right amount of all-action with just enough conspiracy to craft a surprisingly well-acted, well-executed film.

The film draws a lot of of comparisons to the “Bourne” trilogy, both in substance and style. And, it should come as no surprise the cinematography for the film is by Oliver Wood, who also shot the “Bourne” trilogy.

Yet, “Safe House” doesn’t really attempt to delve deep into the mulling moods of Jason Bourne, nor the existentialism of the agent that “The American” perfected.

“Safe House” is more about the action surrounding the conspiracy than getting to the bottom of it. Wood en-

sures, with his in-your-face shooting style, all the action’s gravity is felt.

And, of course, Denzel Washington is on his game as well, playing rogue CIA agent Tobin Frost, a name expelling spy lore.

As the film opens, Frost acquires a delicate piece of intel capable of fracturing covert organizations around the world. But, he’s being hunted by a team that wants him dead. What follows is a collision course of destruction through Cape Town, ultimately ending in Frost turning himself in at the American Embassy.

But, when the same men trailing Frost show up at the safe house he has been taken into and blow its door off and kill all the Americans, Frost and Weston are forced to drive, shoot and gun their way across Cape Town.

Reynolds and Washington play off of each other exceptionally. In one of

the many scenes Frost gains an upper hand on Weston, Frost teases him, saying, “I only kill professionals.”

Supporting Washington and Reynolds are Brendan Gleeson, Vera Farmiga and Sam Shepard, all agents on the trail of the exacerbating situation with Frost.

Though Frost is described as “one of the most notorious traitors,” the film toys with his rogue status, perpetually tossing in details of disbelief, while he keeps it cool all the way through.

Yet, Weston isn’t so self-assured.

Since he’s had minimal field experience as an agent, watching him try to figure out his next move is a a compelling parallelism to Frost’s veteran rank.

In a scene near the end of the film, a fellow CIA operative tells Weston he hopes he learned something from

Courtesy of Universal Studios

being with Frost, that he wasn’t going to receive a better education elsewhere.

Throughout the film, predominantly in its nearly uninterrupted action, the color palette is lusciously bright.

In all of the chaos, South Africa is vibrant, bubbling with expression.

With the film’s action as its main trajectory, its plot taking the backseat is nothing to quibble over. “Safe House” takes the simple, while it may be hackneyed, government conspiracy and literally lets it loose in its setting. And somewhere in there, not only does Weston discover his capabilities as an agent and something about his government, but Reynolds finds himself as an actor as well.

Grade:B

Leisure

February 17, 2012 • Editor, Anna Morris

Macon Film Festival Preview Stephanie Reagan Columnist

Tarver Bechtel Columnist

“Downton Abbey”

Currently airing its second season on PBS, “Downton Abbey” is a BBC mini-series drama. Set in the years leading up to and following WWI in England, “Downton Abbey” follows a wealthy, upper-class family and the servants who work in their estate. This show can simply be described as a classy mix between “Gossip Girl” and the movie “Atonement” with just the perfect amount of drama, history and always-lovely British accents.

“Parenthood”

Currently on its third season, “Parenthood” is a family comedydrama. This heartwarming, gut-wrenching show revolves around three generations of Bravermans, a close-knit, slightly dysfunctional family living in the Bay Area of California as they move through their lives. Drama and struggles threaten the family, but their tight-knit bond keeps them strong. Created and produced by Jason Katims of “Friday Night Lights,” “Parenthood” has already reached television cult status but is deserving of so much more.

Beautiful music from bands such as The Head and the Heart and its ability to address tough familial issues such as divorce, drug addiction and infidelity with heart and strength makes this family drama one to watch.

“Parks and Recreation”

By the people who developed “The Office,” “Parks and Recreation” is a quirky one-camera comedy that centers around Leslie Knope, former “Saturday Night Live” star Amy Poehler, and her fellow employees, including Aziz Ansari, in the Parks and Recreation department in a small Indiana town. Between hysterical small-town drama and precious office romances, “Parks and Recreation” is an under-the-radar show worthy of the same attention as “The Office.”

“Portlandia”

Sketch-comedy show “Portlandia” is currently in its second season on IFC. This out-of-this-world satire is straight from the genius minds of Fred Armisen, from “Saturday Night Live,” and Carrie Brownstein. The show is essentially one giant mockery of the hipster culture and has included fabulous guest stars such as Jason Sudeikis, Selma Blair and Steve Buscemi. The show may take some getting used to, but at its core is an extremely critical, satirical show that appeals to anyone who has ever wondered what exactly is a hipster.

“The Walking Dead”

Now in its second season “The Walking Dead” is a zombieapocalypse drama on AMC. The show is filmed in Georgia and follows a small town sheriff, along with his wife, son and the few people left in the state that have survived, as they make their way across the state slaughtering “walkers” while protecting themselves from becoming walkers as well. The show is full of onthe-edge-of-your-seat thrills and heartbreaking storylines that will draw you in every week and leave you desperate for more during the show’s excruciating extensive breaks.

Sudoku

Solutions from 2/10/12

In seven years, the Macon Film Festival has established itself as one of the most unique cultural experiences one can have in central Georgia. With well-known guests and 125 independent film screenings, inspiration is but one of the things that aspiring filmmakers will walk away with.

Beginning Feb. 16 and continuing through Feb. 19, the festival is a celebration of the artistic vision and innovation of the modern filmmaker.

Being that it is open to the public, it is an event that can be enjoyed by filmmakers and film lovers alike. The guests will provide industry insight and knowledge that can only be given by people with hands-on experience.

“I know that people who attend the festival will walk away inspired and informed. I see it happen every year,” Director of Marketing and Publicity Terrell Sandefur said. “The Macon Film Festival offers an opportunity for people to experience independent films that they may not otherwise ever have the opportunity to experience.”

The guest of honor list for this year is rather extensive: actress Beth Grant from “The Artist,” Grammy awardwinning music video producer Joseph Uliano, the inspiration for Ryan Gosling’s character in “The Ides of March” Jay Carson and head writer of HBO’s “In Treatment” Sarah Treem. Macon native Carrie Preston will also be appearing for a Skype Qand-A after the screening of “That’s

What She Said.”

John Ewing, a sophomore pre-early childhood education major, is a past attendee of the festival. He primarily attended to support friends that submitted films but found the experience rewarding and thought-provoking.

“You would sit in a theater and watch the particular film and occasionally they would bring out the brains behind the operation to discuss the meanings and intentions of the film,” Ewing said. “It was just very interesting to see the films from several perspectives.”

The festival delves into all genres of filmmaking and is dedicated to providing a platform for independent filmmakers to test and build their aesthetic with the benefit of an audience. Multiple viewpoints is another strong advantage because there will be screenings of local films as well as international films from 15 different countries.

Aside from inspiration, there will be an array of options for filmmakers to gain tangible knowledge through workshops and networking opportunities. As artists, it is essential for filmmakers to constantly seek new routes of expression and ways to approach film as a medium. The festival will provide a foundation to do just that.

With four free workshops and Qand-A sessions after every screening, attendees will gain invaluable insight into the world of film.

“It’s truly an experience that you cannot get anywhere else around here,” Sandefur said.

Grammys 2012: Rolling in the Gold Marilyn Ferrell Reviewer

For the past 54 years, the Grammys have recognized some of the world’s greatest musicians, from Ray Charles and Michael Jackson to lady of the night, British singer, Adele.

This year’s Grammys opened with a rock ‘n’ roll-filled act from Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. It was a great opening and allowed everyone to reminisce on the passing of the remarkable saxophonist from the E Street Band Clarence Clemons.

The night continued on to recognize some more valuable innovators who have recently passed away: Amy Winehouse, Etta James, Steve Jobs and the most recent, Whitney Houston.

Whitney Houston’s death was unexpected, yet the people behind the Grammys still pulled together a tribute in less than 24 hours for her. Jennifer Hudson, who is a Grammy award winner herself, sang “I Will Always Love You.” She blew everyone away with her breathtaking rendition of one of Houston’s most famous songs.

Although there was a dark cloud over the award ceremony, the artists decided to allow the ceremony to be more of a celebration to music and the

people who made history because of their talents.

Throughout the night there were numerous tremendous performances from Chris Brown, Bruno Mars, Taylor Swift, Foo Fighters, Coldplay, Rihanna, Kelly Clarkson, The Civil Wars, Glen Campbell, The Band Perry and Alicia Keys.

A lot of performances stood out, but none as much as Adele’s performance of her award winning song, “Rolling in the Deep.” Not only was her performance show stopping, but she was also nominated for six awards and won every single one of them, including Album of the Year and Song of the Year. The only other artist to win six Grammys in one night was Beyoncé in 2009.

Katy Perry did not take home any Grammys, but she did give a very unexpected performance. She began with her popular song, “ET,” and then transformed into a new song, “Part of Me.” Perry’s current single is “The One That Got Away,” but instead of singing that sad song about a love that got away, she chose a song that shows she is a strong woman. Perhaps this was a reaction to her and Russell Brand getting a divorce.

The popular and always attentionseeking Nicki Minaj also performed.

She first appeared on the red carpet

dressed like Little Red Riding Hood with a man dressed as a priest escorting her. Her performance about the “Exorcism of Roman” was a bit shocking.

A surprising performance came from the revolutionary Beach Boys.

The surviving members sang “Good Vibrations” to celebrate their 50th anniversary. Both Maroon 5 and Foster the People collaborated with the California guys.

There were several unexpected winners throughout the evening. Bon Iver took away two Grammys for Best New Artist and Best Alternative Album.

Skrillex took away three Grammys for his dance/electronica (or better known as “dubstep”) music.

Overall, this ceremony was a great night for the music industry. The Foo Fighters were right behind Adele with five awards, followed by Kanye West with four. Some major musicians like Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj and Rihanna did not win at all, and others like Britney Spears, Madonna and Ke$ha were nowhere to be seen.

The Grammys ended with one of the greatest musicians of all time. Sir Paul McCartney brought the house down with some of The Beatles’ best. No matter how old McCartney gets, he still has it in him to put on a stellar performance.

Crossword

Opinion Our Voice

February 17, 2012• Editor-in-Chief, Bobbi Otis

Health Services is too far

Bobcat Beat Reported by Marilyn Ferrelll

Thunder&Lightning by

“What was your favorite thing about Homecoming?”

Zach Keepers

Don’t be upset about Valentine’s Day The time has come and gone, yet again, to break out the bitterness, cynicism and all of the self-pity one can muster in the span of 24 hours’ time. Just another Valentine’s Day has transpired at Georgia College this week.

The telltale Facebook statuses began to pile up at the stroke of midnight on that fateful morning: “It is officially the WORST day of the year. I HATE Valentine’s Day!!!,” “Valentine’s Day is stupid.

Who wants to be my Valentine?,” and a personal favorite, “If you’re sad about being alone on Valentine’s Day, just remember that no one loves you any other day of the year either.”

Somehow, it has become kitschy and cool to mutilate Feb. 14 into a day dedicated to unleashing the suppressed hatred of past lovers and wallowing over the state of singleness -- with an economy-sized bag of chocolates in tow, of course.

Have any of us really taken into account how truly undesirable, and not to mention unattractive, this behavior is?

If you’re single and looking for someone special, would Mr. or Ms. Wonderful really be into someone who celebrates the one day dedicated to love by throwing darts at a picture of their ex with one hand, while mercilessly jabbing a voodoo doll with the other?

Dramatic, we know, but you get the picture -- enough is enough when it comes to the over-the-top, anti-romantic tactics.

Save those for the unruly chick flicks and get on with it. What did Cupid ever do to you, anyway?

For the happily committed love birds out there, we commend you. It’s a tough job coupling up in the midst of the blurred-lines dating scene of college, but somebody has to do it.

In the mean time, the ladies and gentlemen in waiting should look on the bright side.

According to Statistic Brain, for every 100 single women there are 120 single men on Valentine’s Day. Love could be lurking just around the corner, ladies, but only if you keep your annual V-Day selfdeprecating comedy routine in check.

Furthermore, don’t forget the sweet monstrosity otherwise known as “leftover candy” that must be purged from grocery stores shelves ASAP after the sugar-laden holiday passes. Nothing warms our hearts like a dirt-cheap bag of chocolates with a side of sweet tarts.

Next Valentine’s Day, stow away all of the bitterness and disdain. It’s our one day out of the year to walk around with an open heart, proudly displayed on our sleeves or not. Tell someone you love them, take a chance, put it on the line. But, please, leave the darts, matches and old Polaroids of your ex at home.

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“I really like the dubstep drum solo thing that happened during the Third Eye Blind concert because it was unexpected and decent for a rock band.”

Alix Mushenko, freshman undeclared

“I loved all of the excitement at the fountain. I enjoyed getting all of the free stuff.”

Kayla Parel, sophomore early education major

Memes are offensive Bobbi Otis It started out as a seemingly harmless Facebook page. Its contents ran the gamut from making light of Georgia College’s unofficial status as a suitcase college to making run-of-the-mill complaints about parking.

But the posts also included racially and culturally insensitive remarks.

The “GCSU Memes” page came online on Feb. 11 and as of Wednesday, it had more than 1,700 “likes” and 270plus memes.

The same day, college administrators stepped in and offered advice about the page.

In a campus-wide email, Interim President Stas Preczewski wrote, “After viewing these ‘MEMES’ (defined as Internet images/postings that rapidly convey a concept or culture), I immediately and adamantly state my belief that the current postings are personally offensive and counter not only to our GC culture and values, but to any civilized culture or organization.”

Preczewski said he respects the freedom of expression, but urged those who see the memes to condemn them.

I agree to an extent.

On their face, the majority of them may be seen as mindlessly funny, but some of them are blatantly offensive.

The most obvious are the memes that many are dubbing as racist. They have been removed from the page.

The most offensive one read, “Went to GCSU and saw a brother. Yeah, he

Anna Morris

Aubrie Sofala

Nick Widener

Editor-in-Chief News Editor

Lauren Davidson Features Editor

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Leisure Section Editor Special Section Editor Multimedia Director Asst. News Editor

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Kendyl Wade

Taylor Seay

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was in Centennial talking to Terry Sellers.” The words were placed over an image of black children. For those of you who don’t know, Sellers is the basketball coach.

That is obviously racist in every sense of the word.

Posts that target organizations on campus are offensive, too, but have not yet been removed.

One reads, “DD’s are for pussies.

I’m in SGA” This is obviously offensive to the Student Government Association and should be offensive to any student at Georgia College.

“Big celebrity came to Milledgeville.

Didn’t rape anybody,” reads another.

Rape and sexual assault victims in general would be offended by this meme.

These are just a few examples; many more still remain on the page.

Though some of the memes are distasteful, I support their existence. The right of free speech and expression is something every person should covet.

Free speech is an integral part of our society, but I think the posters of this content should reconsider the places they are posting. A Facebook page bearing our university’s name might not be the best forum.

Post the stuff on your personal Facebook or blog instead.

Do you like the GCSU Memes page?

Yes

13

No

4

I don’t care

6 Survey of GC students

Letter from the Editor: Why we report SGA arrests and impeachments As a reader of The Colonnade you have probably noticed our coverage of Student Government Association members’ arrests and subsequent impeachments, removals and resignations.

You may have agreed or disagreed that we reported the stories. We respect your opinion.

Here, in brief, are some of the reasons we publish such articles: - Like most government officials, members of SGA must run and be elected to their seats. They willingly enter the public spotlight, opening themselves up to public scrutiny.

- SGA officials are leaders for our campus. They promote good behaviors for their constituents. When they get arrested, it is a matter of public record.

Considering the questionable behavior that some of them have exhibited, the

people who voted for them deserve to know.

If you are opinionated about any topic, you can write a letter to the editor for possible publication on our Opinion page.

For a letter to be considered for publication, the author must include his or her name, major, year of study, email and phone number. Only names, years and majors will be printed.

Unsigned letters will not be printed except in very special circumstances.

Letters over 300 words may be condensed. Letters will be edited for grammar, spelling and punctuation errors.

All letters become the property of The Colonnade and will not be returned.

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Editorial Board Bobbi Otis

“I can’t really say what I liked the most about homecoming week. I was not around much because I was studying.”

William Fleming, junior biology major

Lindsay Shoemake Asst. Features Editor Special Section Editor Spotlight Editor

Steffi Beigh

Community News Editor Special Section Editor

Michael Mertz Business Manager

Macon McGinley Faculty Adviser

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.

“I liked Eric Dodd. It was a nice choice as an opener for the Homecoming concert.”

Anna Hale, freshman undeclared Anna Hale, freshman undeclared

d on page 10

The Litter Box Thoughts and Rants of Georgia College

Is anyone on SGA ever sober enough to do anything productive?

Can we just disband SGA and end all this nonsense?

If I were a boss that was hiring, I would never hire a person that smokes. Smoking shows that a person has poor decision making abilites. I don’t need an idoit like that working for me.

You kidding me I, for one, am really offended by the offensive nature of the offenses in the offensive GCSU memes Facebook page. I am so utterly and completely offended by their offensiveness, and I would like to take this time to condemn those offensive students who told the truth about the way that they feel about things that happen on campus. It’s so offensive. I’m offended. All of my cats are offended. I know several other people and animals that are also offended by this type of offensive offense, including the Bobcat statues on front campus...so offended.

Posting a meme of a little African boy and calling them a Baldwin County student is NOT funny, and it is not the same was a South Park episode. It has more in common with a minstrel show than anything else. I am not being oversensitive. I can take a joke just fine. The people that think it’s funny are the ones that don’t have a good sense of humor. Go take Theories of Racial Stratification or something. Stop being ignorant.

Educate yourself.

Seriously people!? We have DESIGNATED smoking areas for a reason. Sorry I don’t like breathing in your cigarette smoke as I’m walking behind you to class. *insert meme with funny caption in GCSU Memes* *gets deleted* “Back to Reddit I go!”

Yea, Im jumping on the Lin bangwagon. Linfinty and beyond!

Text your message to (708) 949-NADE / 6233

Corrections •

The printmaking open house was planned by Professor of art Crystal Wagner, not Lena Thompson.

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Sports

February 17, 2012 • Editor, Sam Hunt

Collegiate

Tennis dominates Anderson GC women’s tennis starts Spring season with 5-1 win over Anderson University Sam Hunt Senior Reporter The Georgia College women’s tennis team came into the Spring season strong after winning its first match of the year over Anderson University 5-1.

“It was a good victory,” junior Kayla Barksdale said. “We started off a little rough but we’re looking good.”

The solo loss for the GC girls team came at the start of the match against the Trojans when the No. 1 Bobcat pair of juniors May Johnson and Michelle Lingner fell to the Anderson pair of Camie Beaulieu-Brune and Shelby Anderson 9-8 in a tiebreaker of the eight-game pro set.

“Some of their games were not like everything you normally see like some of their shots where a little different,” Barksdale said. “And they were also very consistent which was difficult.”

The Bobcats made up for their No. 1 doubles loss when the No. 2 pair Barksdale and sophomore Lisa Setyon-Ortenzio took an 8-3 win against the Anderson pair made up of Clair Larkin and Bianca Chequin.

“I think we look good,” Barksdale said. “We have room to grow but I think we’re going to be a good team by the end of it.”

In the final doubles competition of the match, GC secured a second win when the No. 3 duo of sophomore Ivana Marevic and freshman Leah Pridgeon overcame Avery Ownes and Lindsay Gregory of the Trojans in an 8-4 victory.

“The girls (greatest strength) this year is our depth,” head coach Steve Barsby said. “We’re just deeper than we’ve been in a while. We just need to relax and realize we’re pretty good and just play.”

In the No. 1 seed singles match, Johnson did not let her prior loss in the doubles match affect her mindset and she defeated Owens 6-1, 7-5.

Setyon-Ortenzio was victorious in the No. 2 singles spot and took 6-2 wins in both sets from Anderson’s BeaulieuBrune.

Women’s Tennis page 15

Josh Smith perplexed

by All-Star snub Chad Patterson Sports Columnist

Jen Hoffman / Staff Photographer No. 1doubles pair for the Bobcat men’s tennis team senior Jerome Leborgne (right) and junior Johan Wadstein face off against the Anderson University Trojans on Friday, Feb. 10. The Bobcat’s duo defeated Anderson 9-7 in the eight-game pro set.

Men’s tennis team takes second sweep victory of the year after defeating Anderson University 6-0 at home Sam Hunt Senior Reporter After jumping into its Spring season with 9-0 victory over Morehouse College, the Georgia College men’s tennis team played its way to a second sweep victory in a row when it defeated Anderson University 6-0 on Feb. 10.

“I think we played really good. It was a good test. It was a close game but we did really well,” junior Johan Wadstein said. “We played really good in doubles and we were pumped up in singles. We were focused and we were intense.”

Starting the match against Anderson, the No. 1 doubles team of Wadstein and senior Jerome Leborgne took the eight-game pro set against

the Anderson pair Stan Antema and Daniel Gonzalez 9-7, having to win the set by two games.

“Me and Jerome are playing really good. We’ve been playing with each other for one and a half years,” Wadstein said. “It takes some time to feel good about your partner where he’s going to go, where he’s going to serve and everything like that. But this year I think we can be really good.”

In the No. 2 doubles team, juniors Tyler Franks and Kasper Konyves took the solo eight-game pro set 8-5 over Krystof Gulbinovic and Deni Mehagic of the Trojans.

Junior Wictor Andersson and senior Leo Bernardes in the No. 3 slot quickly came on out top of the

Anderson pair Jerome Branker and Trey Halbauer 8-1 in the final doubles competition of the match.

The guys’ (greatest strength) is how they’re coming together and their work ethic,” head coach Steve Barsby said. “It’s a good group guys that love competing with each other.

“After taking all three doubles matches, the GC men’s tennis team began its singles play against the Trojans.

Starting off for the Bobcat men’s singles was the No. 1 seed Leborgne, defeating Anderson’s top man Atema 6-4, 6-2 in the match.

In the No. 2 seed, Wadstein

Men’s Tennis page 15

Collegiate

Bobcat baseball falls to Tampa, sweeps Clark Atlanta Powell Cobb Staff Writer The No. 30 Georgia College baseball team continued its season last weekend with a threegame series against the No. 5 University of Tampa, losing all three games at John Kurtz Field.

Game one saw the Bobcats (4-4) leading 5-3 in the seventh inning, when Tampa suddenly put four runs on the board behind a three-run homer from first baseman Jake Schrader and an RBI double from center fielder Conor Obrochta.

The Spartans continued to outscore GC for the final three innings, winning the game at 15-6.

The Bobcats were led by senior shortstop Tanner Funk, who was 2-for-5 with three RBI. Junior catcher Cody Maas slammed his second home run of the season.

GC senior Derek McGowan

The Short Stop

The Side Line

pitched 6 1/3 innings, allowing three earned runs while striking out four.

Tampa’s win was highlighted by designated hitter Heath Pritchard, who knocked in six runs on a home run and a double.

Pitchers battled it out in game two, where GC’s Mike Guinane and UT’s Ben Brown went head to head. Guinane debuted his 2012 season pitching 5 2/3 innings, allowing just three earned runs and striking out six.

Brown one-upped him by pitching a full six innings, scattering two hits and two runs while also fanning six.

Bobcat junior right fielder Bryce Williams ripped a two-run double in the second inning, but GC didn’t score again in the final seven innings.

“I was thinking it was two runs that we were going to need come the end of the game because we knew it was going to be a battle all game long for each team to

put runs across the plate,” Williams said.

Scoring a run in the fifth, two in the sixth and one more in the seventh, Tampa (5-0) came away with the late game win.

Pritchard saw himself adding two more hits and a run scored, while Spartan left fielder Damon Elder sent in a run on a 2-for-4.

The final run was scored on a wild pitch, capping off the game with a 4-2 Tampa win.

Junior Darin Wiltgen pitched 7 2/3 innings in game three on Saturday afternoon, but the Bobcats still fell short against the Spartans with a score of 1-0.

Wiltgen played sensational during his almost eight innings on the mound, giving up just one unearned run and finishing with six strikeouts.

“I was just focused on commanding my pitches and execut

Baseball page 15

Upcoming Games Basketball: Men’s

Feb. 18 4:30 p.m. @ Montevallo Feb. 22 7:30 p.m. @ Ga. Southwestern Women’s Feb. 18 Feb. 22

2:30 p.m. @ Montevallo 5:30 p.m. @ Ga. Southwestern

Jen Hoffman / Staff Photographer Freshman pitcher John Clark strides to the plate in a game against the Clark Atlanta Panthers on Wednesday, Feb. 15.

Quote of the Week “He’s done such a great job in our program. He’s had a great career, and he’s had an unbelievable senior season.”

-Head coach Terry Sellers on senior forward Ryan Aquino.

Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith got snubbed once more from becoming an NBA All-Star, but he’s blaming the politics behind the scenes as the reason why he has once again fallen just short for the sixth straight season.

In a season where the Hawks have lost All-Star center Al Horford for most of the year, and have been doubted since the get-go, Smith is the main reason why the Hawks are still playoff contenders for the fifth straight season.

Averaging just under 16 points a contest and a careerhigh 9.3 rebounds per game to go along with 2.1 blocks a game, it’s no wonder Smith came out last week publicly criticizing the way the NBA picks its reserves.

Last Friday, Smith told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, “You’ve got to factor in there is a lot of politics involved in the All-Star selection,” Smith said. “Once you get that, it’s really about politics, then nothing really surprises you. I call it ‘Nothing But Associates,’ NBA … I guess I don’t know the right people, or kiss enough (butt).”

Even with his superb statistics, there’s a reason behind Smith’s annual All-Star snub. NBA coaches pick the reserves, and in Smith’s case with the kind of player he is, coaches tend to look at what he does wrong, and not what he brings to the table.

With that being said, it’s Smith who hasn’t lived up to his full potential. With this being his eighth season in the NBA, Smith should no longer be sitting, waiting and wishing for the occasional three-point shot. Smith should be using the lane, and mismatches with larger, slower opponents to his advantage in order to become the player he should already be.

If Smith ever realized his full potential, we’d be looking at 20 points per game and not his career average of 14.7.

This season, Larry Drew promoted Smith to team captain, looking for him to become more of a leader to lend a hand in his maturity. It has worked.

Smith has filled Horford’s shoes to the best of his abilities, reaching double digits in rebounds nine times in the last 16 games since Horford went down. Whenever Josh Smith does learn to play within 15 feet of the basket, that’s when he’ll become the perennial AllStar that Hawks fans have been waiting for.

Until then, Hawks fans will be waiting to figure out whether this franchise will ever proceed past the second round of the NBA playoffs, where they’ve lost the last three seasons. Josh Smith is the key.

Notable Stat

17.9 The average points per game by senior forward Ryan Aquino, who won PBC player of the week, averaging 25.5 points in two games.

14

The Colonnade

February 17, 2012 Collegiate

Collegiate

Men’s basketball seals Softball sweeps St. Andrews in spot in PBC tourney doubleheader

After softball struggles in Eckerd College Spring Invitation, Bobcats shutout St. Andrews Knights twice Morgan Wilson Staff Reporter

Kendyl Wade / Senior Photographer Senior forward Ryan Aquino pulls up for a jump shot against Peach Belt Conference foe Columbus State on Saturday, Feb. 10. Aquino scored 23 points in the game, and added 16 on Wednesday, Feb. 15 in a 75-70 victory against North Georgia College & State University.

Men’s basketball win two straight against PBC conference rivals Columbus State and North Georgia, improve PBC record to 8-6 Chad Patterson Staff Writer On an emotional senior night honoring guard Jared Holmes and forwards Mike Augustine and Ryan Aquino, the Georgia College men’s basketball team defeated North Georgia College & State University 75-70, clinching a spot in the Peach Belt Conference Tournament.

“It was emotional, no doubt. I’ve been here for four years, and sometimes it feels like 20,” Aquino said. “It was tough. There were a lot of emotions, looking back on the past, looking forward. The season ain’t over, so it’s not our last game of the season, and I hope we have a lot more games.”

All three seniors reached double figures in the game with Augustine leading the team with 18 points. Aquino and Holmes scored 16 and 12 respectively.

“Those guys have done a really good job in our program,” Head Coach Terry Sellers said. “All of them are good citizens, and they’ve taken care of business in the classroom. Those are the kind of GC guys that we want to try to get more of.”

The PBC tourney starts March 1 in Columbus.

The Bobcats (15-8, 8-6 PBC) started slow, shooting just 36 percent in the first-half, but led 31-28 heading into halftime. Aquino started slow, and could never get in a rhythm offensively.

“My teammates tried to keep my head up at halftime because I had a terrible first-half, Aquino said. “It was maybe the worst half I’ve had all season, but the team made sure I wasn’t getting down on myself, and my shot started falling in the second-half.”

GC started the second-half with a 10-3 run aided by six points from Aquino, who finally was able to find

his shot. North Georgia was unable to recover after that point, and never got within three points the rest of the way.

With just over two minutes remaining, junior guard Ryan Lively knocked down a three-pointer extending the lead to 62-53, which put the Saints (9-16, 4-10 PBC) away for good.

“Guys just came out of the half did a good job, executed and made some shots,” Sellers said. “We had some good stops to begin the second half …

I’m really proud of all the seniors tonight.”

Last Saturday, the Bobcats, in front a season-high attendance of 2,712 fans, defeated PBC West Division leaders Columbus State 57-47 with key performances led by Aquino (23 points) and Holmes (10 points).

From the tip-off, both teams shot poorly minus GC’s Aquino who started 7-12 from the field with 17 points. Other than Aquino, the Bobcats shot just 33 percent (6-18) in the first half.

“Just being patient in the offense, and waiting for the good shots,” Aquino said. “I was trying not to take anything that was forced, just waiting for (the ball) to come to me.”

Ten minutes in, Aquino stole a pass from Columbus State’s Jarmarquis Steverson, and took it in for an uncontested two-handed slam and a 16-11 GC lead, pumping up the Thunder Crew student section on the opposite side.

“Oh, the crowd was excellent … it’s always good to have a lot of people come out and support us,” Holmes said.

“We haven’t seen a crowd like this in I don’t know when, but they bring a lot of energy. It really helped us out.”

Sellers was adamant about the advantage the large home crowd gave his team throughout the game.

“It was fantastic. It was great. The guys have been playing really hard, but I think (the crowd) gave ‘em that ex-

tra little bit of energy,” Sellers said. “I think they fed off the good crowd. I’d take half that many, and that would be a good crowd.”

After going in at the half ahead 3530, the Bobcats came back out and held onto the lead the rest of the way.

Holmes started just 0-3 from the field in the first-half, but came out in the second-half and redeemed himself with ten second-half points, which gave the Bobcats a much needed second option on offense other than Aquino.

“I was just telling myself I need to stay aggressive. First-half my shot wasn’t falling,” Holmes said. “Secondhalf I just wanted to stay aggressive, look for my shot and just play hard.”

The Bobcats never relinquished the lead after halftime, outscoring Columbus State 27-22 in the second half.

Aaron Robinson tallied eight points and added a career-high seven assists, and turned it over just once in the contest.

GC played relentless defense and forced 19 turnovers from Columbus state as the Bobcats controlled a plus10 turnover margin.

“Just great effort. Guys communicating and defense is what we’ve really relied on,” Sellers said. “We haven’t exactly scorched the nets, percentage wise, but we’ve gotten enough stops, and tonight we were able to win by more than just one or two, which was great.”

The Bobcats finish the season with three road games over the next eight days, all in-conference, starting with Montevallo on Saturday, Feb.18.

“I still don’t believe we’ve played our best basketball,” Sellers said.

“We’ve got to take each game one at a time, and try to get better each time out in order to get some momentum going into the tournament.

The Georgia College softball team was at home Wednesday Feb. 15 for a doubleheader against St. Andrews University and shutout the Knights in both games, winning 2-0 in the first game and 10-0 in the second.

The first game of the doubleheader was scoreless until the sixth inning, when a single from sophomore catcher/infielder Kelsea Martin brought in two runs from sophomore outfielder Whitney Okvist and freshman infielder Mikayla Sparks, setting the final game score at 2-0 in favor of GC. GC quickly took control over the Knights in game two when they scored seven runs in the first inning, resulting from a two RBI hit from freshman infielder Frankie Walls, an RBI hit from junior utility player Michl’le Hull and multiple errors from the St. Andrews defense.

In the second inning, the Bobcats secured two more runs when junior pitcher/infielder Dani Gallucci scored on an error by the Knights’ catcher and a run gained freshman outfielder Natalie Lampert earned by an error from St. Andrews’ pitcher.

Gullucci struck again in the third inning when she hit a solo home run over left field, giving the Bobcats their winning shutout score of 10-0.

“We showed some very good signs of success,” coach Bennett said.

The GC softball team was on the road to Clearwater, Fla.,

on the weekend of Feb. 10 to compete in the Eckerd College Spring Invitational, taking a record of 2-4 in the tournament.

The Bobcats began the tournament with a shutout defeat to Nova Southeastern University 4-0.

Nova Southeastern first pulled in the second inning when a single up the middle resulting in an RBI for the Sharks. Nova Southeastern scored one run in the third and fourth innings giving them a 3-0 lead. The Sharks scored another run in the bottom of the sixth, giving them their winning score of 4-0 over GC. In their second game of Feb. 10, the Bobcats overcame their defeat in game one and beat Eckerd College 9-5.

Going into the sixth inning, GC was down 5-1 when Gallucci fired up the team when she hit a grand slam, tying the game. Okvist also hit a triple in the sixth resulting in an RBI. The Bobcats lead 8-5 at the end of the sixth and scored a final run in the seventh to secure a 9-5 win.

“They were trying to set their own pace instead of letting the pace set them,” assistant coach Brittany Bennett said.

On Feb. 11, GC lost both games they played. The Bobcats lost to the University of Tampa 5-4 after nine innings.

Both teams were consistent in the first game of the day as Tampa tied up the score 1-1 in the seventh and sent the game into extra innings. After Tampa

Softball page 15

Kendyl Wade / Senior Photographer Junior infielders Natalie Bellatoni (left) and Michl’le Hull (right) attempt a force play at third base against Catawba College on Sunday, Feb. 5.

Collegiate

Women’s basketball loses seventh game in a row Taylor Lamb Staff Writer The women’s basketball team and its slew of freshmen are mired in a seven-game losing skid.

The inexperienced team fell to Clayton State 58-42 in last Saturday’s Homecoming game and lost to North Georgia College & State University on Feb. 15, 71-46.

Georgia College felt the momentum from the packed Homecoming crowd.

“It was nice having people come out and watch us and that usually doesn’t happen for women’s basketball,” freshman guard Shanteona Keys said.

The Bobcats set the tone for the night when Keys moved the ball upcourt and found freshman Belinda Schaafsma for the first points of the game.

But Clayton State pawed its way to a 10-5 lead and never let go. The 21-15 deficit at half was respectable considering GC had 13 of its 25 turnovers.

In the second, head coach Maurice Smith tried out some different options in his arsenal of rookies. Besides getting experience, GC could not handle Clayton State who outscored them by ten points in the second half to take the game from the Bobcats at home. Clayton State divvied up 14 turnovers to the Bobcats 25 in the sloppy contest while both teams shot below 20 percent from beyond the arc. In the midst of all the Clayton State offense, freshman Belinda Schaafsma nabbed 17 rebounds in the contest for her career-high.

“Belinda is by far our best rebounder,” Smith said. “She really gets after it; she sticks her nose in there and is tough. She has been rebounding the ball really well and it was good to see her have a career night with 17 as a freshman.”

The Bobcats hoped the Schaafsma excitement would carry into their PBC match against North Georgia and it never did. The Saints buried an early three pointer after winning the tipoff and continued to dig the Bobcats’ grave.

It was a more even match-up between the teams, both starting only sophomores and

freshmen, but the Saints ball movement was too much for the Bobcats as they outscored them 34 to eight in the paint, allowing zero in the first half. Shanteona Keys improvised when her team could not get to the glass knocking down five of her eight three pointers.

Five of the six successful GC three shots came from Keys who ended with a healthy 23 points. Keys continues to be the Bobcat leader and continues to be frustrated despite personal production.

“The way to break a zone is penetrate. If your shot is on, yeah that helps, but penetrating is what’s going to create the baskets,” Keys said. “We played into the hands of the defense and we have to be more aggressive going to the basket.”

The Bobcats only got to the line nine times against the Saints and capitalized on just four points. Still with no true point guard, Coach Smith has to rely on different positions to run his offense.

“They did a good job of shutting down the paint and forced us to shoot a lot of perimeter

shots,” Smith said. “Fortunately or unfortunately our for more better post-up players are information our guards. We post-up Enabout the isha, We post-up Keys and Bobcat women’s they present mismatches basketball team more so than our regular post. We tried to get it inside with post-ups from them, but North Georgia did a good job switching.”

Down the entire game, Smith exercised his bench players giving freshmen Hollyn Phelps and Mikalyn DeFoor solid playing time. The Bobcat bench only added four points, but their fresh legs and scrappy defense showed potential for the young team’s future.

“We have to try harder and pick it up before five minutes,” Keys said. “We have to make a concentrated effort to do that for 40 minutes and not just a half.”

The Bobcats have three more PBC games to close out the rebuilding season, starting with an away game Feb. 18 against the University of Montevallo.

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February 17, 2012

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15

Collegiate

Golf takes 12th at Matlock Collegiate Powell Cobb Staff Writer The No. 16 Georgia College golf team finished 12th in its first match of the Spring season, the 15-team Matlock Collegiate Classic, with an overall team score of 895. The tournament was hosted by No. 25 Florida Southern College. The first and second rounds of the tournament were played on Feb. 13 with the third and

Women’s Tennis

Continued from page 13 In the final match against the Trojans, Barksdale faced Anderson of the Trojans in the No. 4 seed match.

Anderson took the first set from Barksdale 6-2.

In the second set, Barksdale came out strong and defeated in Anderson 6-3. In the tiebreaker set, Barksdale only gave up one game to Anderson and secured the No. 4 seed win.

“We’ve been really practicing on working hard and going for every ball so I think that really helped,” Barksdale said. “A lot of the girls on Anderson were pretty consistent so we just hung in there and outplayed them.”

After securing enough wins over Anderson to claim the match, the Bobcats did not conclude matches in the No. 3, No. 5 or No. 6 singles spots for the purpose of letting the Trojans return back to Anderson.

“We just did it because they had four matches in four days so travel-wise, we had the match already so we just stopped the other matches so

final round the next day.

The champion of the Matlock Collegiate Classic was the Florida Institute of Technology with an overall team score of 871.

The three teams of No.1 Lynn University, host Florida Southern and No. 2 Barry University all tied for second place, all finishing one stroke behind Florida Tech each with a team score of 872. The individual tournament champion was Case Gard of of

they could get back to Anderson,” Barsby said.

Although the GC women’s team was supposed to play in an away match against Augusta State University on Feb. 12, the match, due to inclement weather the match was postponed.

“It was our girls’ first match (Anderson). We started a little slow and hopefully it will change this weekend coming up,” Barsby said. “I was hoping Augusta would be another match we could build on. The girls started a little rough but they’re working hard so hope-

Florida Southern, who set the pace of the tournament at a sensational seven-under par score of 209.

For the Bobcats, freshman David Sullivan led the charge shooting a 74 and a 70 in Monday’s two rounds.

On Tuesday’s solo round, Sullivan shot a 78 tying him at 23rd place in the overall tournament with a score of 222.

Trailing Sullivan’s total score by one stroke were juniors Patrick Gar-

fully it will turn around.”

The GC women’s team is back in action on Feb. 18, where they will face two teams in the same day at home. At 10 a.m., the Bobcats will play UNC Pembroke, then at 4:30 p.m., they will take on Clark Atlanta University.

“It’s so early in the season, so we’ll stick to our plan of trying to compete every day and just see what happens,” Barsby said. “This weekend for the girls is two matches we should win and then Armstrong comes in next week so we’ll see how we do.”

rett and Taylor Smith who tied for 31st place with scores of 223. Garrett came out with a 72 and 73 in Monday’s rounds and shot a 78 on Tuesday to finish the tournament. Smith scored a 75 and a 73 in the first two rounds and played a 75 in Tuesday’s round.

Tying at 46th in the Matlock Collegiate was sophomore Victor Monte who finished Monday’s two rounds with a 74 and 77. Monte shot a 77 in

Baseball

Continued from page 13 ing them at the same time,” Wiltgen said. “The defense is what helps me most. I can’t go deep into games like that without them always ready to make plays behind me.”

Closing out the game was junior Taylor Hart, pitching for 1 1/3 innings allowing two hits and striking out two.

Spartan pitchers Ben O’Shea and Eric Luksis gave the Bobcat offense a difficult time, who together allowed only one hit in the shutout.

The one hit for GC was picked up by junior third baseman Travis Echols, who sent one out into the left side at the bottom of the ninth.

Tampa closed out any possibility for a rally for the Bobcats with a double play.

On defense, Williams pulled off an incredible catch in left field in the first inning, crashing and flipping over the right field fence to catch a foul ball.

“I was fortunate the ball stayed within distance of me catching it before flipping over the

Men’s Tennis

Continued from page 13

Jen Hoffman / Staff Photographer Junior art major May Johnson hustles to the ball during the Bobcats’ match against the Anderson University Trojans on Friday, Feb. 10.

his opponent Gulbinovic 6-0 in the first set. In the second set, Wadstein only gave up one game before defeating his Anderson opponent.

“They’re a loud team. They try to intimidate you. There going to go hard, they’re going to scream,” Wadstein said.

“But we kind of dealt with that so it was good.”

Bernades fought in the No. 3 spot against Mehagic and defeated the Trojan 6-3 in

Softball

Continued from page 14 pulled ahead by three in the eight, Okvist singled to left and drove in two runs by freshman infielders Mikayla Sparks and Frankie Walls. Those two runs were followed by a single by Gallucci that drove in Okvist, putting the teams head to head and prolonging the game’s overtime.

In the ninth, Tampa managed to pull ahead and win by one and took the 5-4 win from GC, but the Bobcats were not discouraged by the loss.

“We actually played as a team,” sophomore catcher/ infielder Kelsea Martin said.

“It’s the best we’ve done.”

The Bobcats continued their second day of the tournament with a 6-2 loss against the Florida Institute of Technology.

the final round for an overall tournament score of 228.

Bringing up the rear for GC was freshman Ryan Trocchio, who shot a pair of 80’s on Monday and finished out the third round with a 77, giving him an overall score of 237.

The Bobcats are headed to Savannah to compete in the Armstrong Pirate Invitational hosted by Armstrong Atlantic State University on Feb. 2728.

fence,” Williams said.

On Wednesday, the Bobcats swept a doubleheader against Clark Atlanta, winning 23-3 and 15-0, dominating the Panthers with a neverending offensive onslaught in both games.

In the first game, after allowing a first inning run, the Bobcats added six of their own.

GC added on runs in every inning from than on.

Junior catcher Cody Maas led the Bobcats with another home run, his third of the season and six RBI. Maas is hitting at a .450 clip with three home runs and 11 RBI. In game two, GC continued the domination with a 15-0 shutout of the Panthers. The Bobcats once again scored runs in every inning en route to another easy victory.

Junior third baseman Travis Echols and junior designated hitter Karsten Strieby led GC with two hits each, and a combined eight pitchers combined for the one-hit shutout of the Panthers.

The Bobcats will continue their season with a three-game series against Pfeiffer on Saturday Feb. 18 and Sunday Feb. 19.

both sets.

Since the Bobcats had technically won the match after Bernades’ victory in No. 3 singles, both teams decided to call the remaining games early and let Anderson return home, resulting in seeds four through six of the singles matches not finishing.

“We played a real tight match with them last year and we hadn’t played good match this year against a quality team so you never know if the preparation was right so it (the biggest challenge) is just heading in to sort of the unknown,” Barsby said.

On Feb. 12, the GC men’s team was scheduled to have an away game against Augusta State University. However, due to inclement weather, the match has been postponed.

The Bobcats next match will be at home against Armstrong Atlantic State University at 2 p.m.

“The guys just need to continue down the same road they’re going. They’re working hard, they’re intense, they’re getting after it,” Barsby said. “We just need to keep that up for a long period of time.”

GC led by two at the beginning of the second game, but Florida Tech tied the game in the third inning and pulled ahead of the Bobcats in the fourth 3-2. Florida Tech continued to pull ahead with two runs in the fifth and one run in the sixth, giving the Panthers their victory over GC. “Florida Tech was the worst (game),” Hull said. “We didn’t hit well, and we didn’t do our job.”

The Bobcats closed out their tournament on Feb. 12 with a 7-3 loss to Barry University, but they later came back to beat Saint Leo University with the same score.

GC had an early 3-0 lead in the first game over Barry, but the Bucaneers came back in the bottom of the fifth inning as they scored all seven of their runs to take the win over the Bobcats.

GC’s offense was able to shine in their final tourna-

ment game against Saint Leo as they managed 13 hits and seven runs. The Bobcats were down 1-0 at the bottom of the first, but responded quickly by scoring three at the bottom of the first and three more in the second inning score and finishing the Eckered College Spring Invitational with a 7-3 win over Saint Leo. “We’ve been able to see what we can do,” Martin said.

Freshman utility player Kristen Humphries went 3-for-4 with a double and four RBI as a designated player.

Martin and Hull also helped the team scoring two and three runs, respectively.

Freshman pitcher Erica Bell took advantage of the team’s energy and got her first career win, allowing only two runs.

“We have all the bits and pieces, but we just need to put it all together,” Hull said.