The
DAILY
HELMSMAN
For info on possibility of graduation postponement, see page 23 Independent Student Newspaper of the University of Memphis
Basics of graduation answered By L. Taylor Smith
news@dailyhelmsman.com Va n e s s a Muldrow, commencement and student affairs special events coordinator, answers questions about graduation preparation. Muldrow How many people will be at FedExForum on graduation day, including students and guests? The FedExForum holds a little bit over 18,000, and we could get pretty close to maxing out the place in May. Both of our ceremonies probably run about 12,000 for each one. The graduating class is around 2,300, and everybody brings around eight to 12 guests. The Forum opens an hour before each ceremony starts, and the guests come in at the same time the students do. The guests stay upstairs, and the students have clearance to go downstairs and get ready for their processional. Have you ever had to turn people away because the Forum was at capacity? We’ve never had to turn anyone away because of space. Our numbers keep going up, so we’re graduating more people, and we’re always excited about that. I don’t know if we’ll ever max out the Forum, maybe in like 15 years. One of the reasons we’re at the Forum is because we want to make sure all of our students are able to bring as many people as they want because our students have big families, and that’s great, we want them all to attend, just as they want them to attend. So, if we had to, we’d look into other options. For instance, instead of two ceremonies, maybe doing three in one day rather than turn people away. What is the process for applying to graduate? Most colleges want their students to file a year ahead of time, so we have an online system now through [MyMemphis], where the student fills out their cap and gown measurements all at the one time. As soon as they file, that information is put into the system, which is really great.
Tuesday 04.09.13
1
Vol. 80 No. 096
Student Debt
What to Wear 12 for Graduation Graduation 17 Race Statistics
www.dailyhelmsman.com
9
NUMBER OF TIMES GRADUATION HAS BEEN MOVED DUE TO THE GRIZZLIES
NUMBER OF YEARS GRADUATION HAS BEEN HELD AT THE FEDEXFORUM
see Q&a on page 12 The Daily Helmsman is a “designated public forum.” Students have authority to make all content decisions without censorship or advance approval. The Daily Helmsman is pleased to make a maximum of 10 copies of each issue available to a reader for free. Additional copies are $1. Partial printing and distribution costs are provided by an allocation from the Student Activity Fee.
Advertising: (901) 678-2191 Newsroom: (901) 678-2193
index
Opinion Career Campus Life
3 Local 4 Sports 10
9
20 23
2 • Tuesday, April 9, 2013
www.dailyhelmsman.com
Daily Helmsman
TIGER BABBLE
Volume 80 Number 96
Editor-in-Chief Michelle Corbet
thoughts that give you paws
Managing Editor Evan Lewis
“Fresh Foods should reconsider the waffle station! Smh #Gross #Unsanitary” @KENgdomTweets
Design Editors amanda Mitchell Faith Roane Hannah Verret
“All these hipsters smoking at #BlueTomFest make me giggle. This is a smoke-free campus, y’all.” @tayroars
Sports Editor Bryan Heater
“@RussellBorn43 “Shawn Johnson Monday Night book it Rose Theater 7pm.” Nice try but I’m not falling for that April Fool’s again!” @jiminybrisket
General Manager Candy Justice Advertising Manager Bob Willis
“I hope the UofM is ready to see the Lambda Ladies out and about!” @morningmarbibi
Administrative Sales Sharon Whitaker Advertising Production Hailey Uhler
“It looks like my prof just drew a dick on the board.” @0hlucy
Advertising Sales Robyn Nickell Christopher Darling Brittney Block
Tell us what gives you paws.
Send us your thoughts on Twitter @dailyhelmsman or #tigerbabble. Or post on our Facebook Wall at facebook.com/dailyhelmsman.
Contact Information news@dailyhelmsman.com Advertising: (901) 6 78-2191 Newsroom: (901) 678-2193 The University of Memphis The Daily Helmsman 210 Meeman Journalism Building Memphis, TN 38152
Solutions on page 16
DOMINO’S PIZZA Across 1 Tip, as one’s hat 5 Empty spaces 9 Subsides 14 Suffix with switch 15 Wilson of “Wedding Crashers” 16 Texas shrine 17 Tall tale teller 18 “Deck the Halls” syllables 19 Tear to shreds 20 Residential loan 23 About to happen 24 Bronze from a day at the beach 28 René’s friend 29 Appear to be 31 __ Lingus: Irish carrier 32 Russian fighter jets 35 “I’d like to hear the rest” 38 Italian violin maker 40 Squeak stopper 41 Rigs on the road 42 1974 Jimmy Buffett song 45 Reasons for extra innings 46 “Tastes great!” 47 Poet’s inspiration 48 Sow or cow 50 What social climbers seek 52 Curtail 56 Office communication, and what can literally be found in 20-, 35- and 42-Across 59 Gangster John known as “The Teflon Don” 62 Twice-monthly tide 63 Paths of pop-ups 64 Place on a pedestal 65 Show some spunk 66 “That makes sense” 67 Saunter 68 Vehicle on runners 69 Proof of ownership Down
550 S. HIGHLAND
No Waiting! 323-3030
S u d o k u
Complete the grid so that each row, column and 3-by3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit 1 to 9.
Bird is the word. Follow us, and send us your #tigerbabble!
@DailyHelmsman @HelmsmanSports 1 New __: India’s capital 2 Hunter constellation 3 Heads on beers 4 Hint of the future 5 “Take a shot!” 6 Informed (of) 7 Attack, as with snowballs 8 Stocking tear 9 Military practice 10 Visitor from afar 11 Treat jet lag, perhaps 12 Earthbound Aussie bird 13 Dip, as bread in gravy 21 Dad’s partner 22 “Lemme __!” 25 Vocalist Judd 26 Really strange 27 Bride’s purchase 29 Base runner’s option 30 Scat legend Fitzgerald
32 Flagship store at New York City’s Herald Square 33 Words from one with a bad hand 34 Letter after beta 36 Long, long time 37 Parking ticket issuer 39 Resistance to disease 43 Expel 44 Like a slingshot handle 49 Christmas, e.g.: Abbr. 51 Proof of ownership 52 Simple trap 53 Far from talkative 54 Intro giver 55 Snooped (around) 57 Pulls the plug on 58 More than lifelike 59 Precious stone 60 Big name in kitchen gadgets 61 Profs’ helpers
The University of Memphis
Tuesday, April 9, 2013 • 3
Opinion
Keep the weird hat. I won’t be needing it. By Evan Lewis
elewis@dailyhelmsman.com
Lewis
Lots of people have asked me why I’m not attending my own college graduation. Some have even demanded that I write an
editorial about it. Most seem unable to fathom why I would put so much work into such a major part of my life and then skip the final day of triumph. I could say I’m just not one to stand on ceremony or that I don’t like to be the center of attention, if only for the seconds it takes to walk across a stage. Both of those excuses are somewhat true, but if I had to boil it down to a few words, I suppose the reason is that I just don’t
see the point. That’s not to say I’m not happy to be done with this phase of my life. I’m positively thrilled — ecstatic, even. After wasting a few years in a false start at UT-Chattanooga, battling depression, moving back home to Memphis, taking a year off and trying out my fair share of majors, I’ve put in six years for this degree. That’s certainly nothing to brag about, but sometimes it takes a while to find something you truly enjoy and want to do with your life. So especially after such a personal struggle, they wonder why I wouldn’t want to celebrate. I assure you, celebrating is not the issue. There will be much. Perhaps my idea of a celebration just doesn’t involve sitting in an assigned seat in a weird hat waiting for my turn to shake the hand of a stranger for whom I have little respect. My intention is certainly not to belittle the ceremony or dissuade anyone else from participating. By
all means, graduates have worked their asses off and deserve some recognition. Strut that stage, throw your hat high and take generic pictures with your friends. I get it. I just don’t care. (Grandma, still feel free to send a congratulatory check, though. Love you!) I don’t feel the need for head measurements, speeches, sitting in rows with strangers and shuffling in lines toward a piece of paper with my name on it. I’d much rather spend that time with my friends and family enjoying conversation, a nice meal and some well-deserved drinks. For most, that will come immediately after the ceremony, but I don’t feel the need to keep everyone waiting on my behalf. Perhaps it’s just that I want college to be over so badly that I don’t want to drag it out a second longer than necessary. Thousands of dollars of debt and countless hours wasted on classes in which I learned
little probably don’t help. I’ll be the first to admit that I was never the most studious kid … in case my six-year college tenure didn’t make it obvious. Still, I can say with all honesty that being forced through intro to this and survey of that did nothing but discourage me from ever focusing on my true passion for writing snarky half-drunk rants about things that irk me. (Now accepting job offers, by the way.) Regardless, I’ve learned a lot through the ups and downs of my time in college. I’ve learned how to speak Spanish on an almost third-grade level. I’ve learned how to park in the gated lots on campus without a pass card. I’ve learned how to give damn good CPR while floating in full SCUBA gear … although I got an “F” in that class. Long story. I’ve learned to triple-check spelling in a headline and how to give
descriptions of crime suspects without sounding racist. Most importantly, I’ve learned how to set goals, apply myself, reach for the stars and speak in bad clichés. Mainly, I’ve realized through the years that the bulk of the learning experience doesn’t come from a classroom. That’s not to discount this school entirely. I’ve had some wonderful teachers and some truly helpful classes. I didn’t major in space rockets or open-heart surgery (those are majors, right?), but regardless of technical difficulty, I wouldn’t be prepared for my field without this education. That said, the few semesters I got to spend learning advertising seem somewhat dwarfed by those I spent “learning” to jog and how to tell the difference in a trombone and an oboe. So you’ll forgive me if I want to skip the whole robes and ribbons thing. I just want the diploma so I can move on to the next phase of my life … where people pay you for your work, they tell me. I wish nothing but the best for all of my fellow graduates and hope everyone at graduation has the best day of their lives so far. I just won’t be participating. Thus, the ceremony will go by that much faster. You’re welcome. n
Bird is the
WORD.
Follow us! @DailyHelmsman @HelmsmanSports
4 • Tuesday, April 9, 2013
www.dailyhelmsman.com
Career
LinkedIn connects graduates to jobs By Joshua Cannon
sports@dailyhelmsman.com In the ever-growing world of social media, college students are finding more and more ways to pass time on websites like Facebook and Twitter. Most sites are more or less the same. You create a profile, upload a picture and share your thoughts and ideas. In 2003, LinkedIn was launched — a website that would not only redefine social networking, but the way graduates would go about finding jobs, and employers would go about hiring for those positions. According to Casey Hilder, a University of Memphis alumnus who will receive his masters from the University in May, LinkedIn is a “place you could post a résumé and leave it open to people looking to fill positions in jobs. It’s an all-in-one repository of what you can do inside and outside of a job.” While at the U of M, Hilder worked as the editor-in-chief of The Daily Helmsman along with coordinating job listings on the
former “Journojobs” website that was previously used by the department. Like LinkedIn, the website assisted in finding internships and career opportunities for graduates who were getting closer and closer to walking. In 2013, the department switched from the “traditional, wordpress-looking website” and began to use LinkedIn exclusively. According to Hilder, the website is “constantly evolving, changing, and adding functionality.” While it shares similarities with “Journojobs,” LinkedIn is also reaching potential employers on a much larger scale. According to a 2011 study done by TechCrunch, the website gains two members every second. Hilder, who is now the managing editor for Click Magazine as well as a reporter for The Desoto Times, likes being able to endorse friends and colleagues on the website, which essentially means suggesting others to potential employers based on their set of skills. “People you worked with are acknowledging you have these
PHOTO BY NATHANAEL PACKARD | STAFF
Journalism students are using LinkedIn as a primary source to find jobs after they graduate. skills,” Hilder said. “It’s sort of going out on a limb for somebody.” According to him, if someone has an impressive portfolio and recommends you, companies will see that, making you appear more marketable. LinkedIn offers many other features, too. Once you sign up,
you can post your entire résumé, allowing employers and companies to view all of your accomplishments without directly contacting you. Like Facebook, users can upload pictures and customize their profiles. You can make connections through mutual colleagues and employers, much like
finding mutual friends on other social networking websites. Many people have come to see the website as social networking for the professional world. Jared Stanfield, a senior finance major who will be walking this
see LINKEDIN on page 15
The University of Memphis
Tuesday, April 9, 2013 • 5
Nursing students find job surplus By Corey Carmichael
news@dailyhelmsman.com When a class of seniors graduates, the important question is “Do you have a job yet?” For nursing students, the answer is usually a resounding “Yes.” A national nursing shortage, paired with an ever-expanding field, gives University of Memphis nursing graduates a positive outlook on the job market, whereas other majors and students are concerned. The Loewenberg School of Nursing at the U of M offers several degree programs for undergraduates, including a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing for undergraduates and a BSN option for those who are already registered nurses. Assistant Dean of Student Affairs Sheila Hall talked about how these students are prepared for a variety of jobs and will be able to succeed in many different places, such as hospitals, mental health institutions and pediatric care facilities. “Once Loewenberg School of Nursing students graduate, they take their registered nurse licensure, passing at a pretty high rate for our school,” Hall said. “Once they get that, they can pretty much go anywhere they want.”
She also talked about the high demand for nurses, one of the constants throughout history. The Loewenberg School of Nursing has 650 undergraduate students and 350 graduate students enrolled with a graduation rate higher than 75 percent. Between 80 and 85 percent of those who graduate will find a job. Associate Dean Linda Finch said those numbers don’t really reflect the huge nursing job market. “Of the students that don’t get a job within six months, most decide not to work, either because of traveling or taking time off from work,” Finch said. “The majority of graduates have the ability to stay in Memphis, but choose to go elsewhere for various reasons.” Factors include the numerous fields a nurse can participate in and the needs of an aging population. At the Loewenberg School of Nursing, Finch said that students are prepared for almost any field. “Students are prepared at the general level for many forms of care such as bedside, acute care, long-term care, home care and many different specialties,” Finch said. Preparing students for the professional field is very important for
MCT
Education Specialist Pamela Pascarelli (left) works with nursing student Corynth Torres at an orientation session for student nurses at Hackensack University Medical Center. the nursing school, as the school is committed to the highest quality of nursing care at the local, regional and global levels. U of M nursing student Colette Williams, who is graduating in August, said that the school of nursing has prepared her for life after graduation.
“I feel very prepared because of the clinical experience at Memphis and our lecture experience,” Williams said. “I am confident that I will have a job when I graduate in August.” Feeling secure about the job market is one of the benefits that a nursing school degree provides. With employment rates as high as 85
percent, nursing students are getting jobs when they want them. Of the more than 300 students graduating with a nursing degree after the spring semester, it is assured that they will not be worried about finding a job as they walk across the stage to receive their diploma. n
6 • Tuesday, April 9, 2013
www.dailyhelmsman.com
The University of Memphis
Tuesday, April 9, 2013 • 7
U of M graduate perseveres through employment woes By Margot Pera
news@dailyhelmsman.com The spring semester is coming to a close and one thought pervades the minds of many graduating seniors: “Will I ever be able to find a job with my degree?” An undergraduate degree is simply not worth as much as it used to be in terms of opening the door to a stable career path. “I have a degree in English, and it is basically just as useful as not having a degree at all,” said Brooke Palvado, a 2008 University of Memphis graduate. “I was always told having a degree, regardless of what it is in, would get me somewhere.” Palvado said the English major appealed to her the most because it was her favorite subject throughout elementary and high school. She said she had “no idea how tough the job market would be after she graduated.” Working as a receptionist at Pavo, an upscale hair salon in Laurelwood Shopping Center, has paid the bills, but just barely. In January of this year, Palvado enrolled in graduate school at the University to pursue a master’s degree in library science. Palvado’s boyfriend of almost three years, Matthew Burns, also
graduated from the U of M in 2001 with a degree in management information systems, but that was not his first choice for a major. “I originally was going to major in commercial music recording, which is the business and managing aspect of the recording industry, but I just did not think there would be any money in it,” Burns said. “The entertainment industry is just too cutthroat, you cannot make much per hour simply recording people.” Jeff Bennett, a realtor for Hobson Realtors, was Burns’ roommate in college. Bennett said Burns never seemed like the type of person who was interested in computers. In fact, when the two roomed together, Burns didn’t even own one. “Matt was an okay student; I don’t remember him cutting class, but I don’t remember him being super studious either,” Bennett said. “Honestly, I think we talked about girls more than school.” Jeremy Yow, a human resource specialist for Shelby County Schools and longtime friend of Burns, said although Burns did occasionally cram for tests, he was always interested in learning and took college very seriously. Yow also emphasized that Burns held a steady job throughout his
college career. “He was a MIS major, so he was always trying to learn more about computer applications,” Yow said. “He always tried to use his musical strengths to his advantage and looked for projects that would allow him to do so.” Burns attributes the ruthless nature of the industry to the emergence of high-quality and more affordable home recording technology. Burns made the switch to his IT-based major out of his childhood interest in Apple computers, and unlike his girlfriend Palvado, he found a job here in Memphis within six months of graduation at the Data Company. “Basically, I just went on Monster.com, submitted my résumé, showed them my degree information, got an interview and was hired,” Burns said. At the Data Company, Burns developed courtroom presentations in Microsoft Powerpoint and administered evidence and exhibit databases. When he would travel with the company, he would make up to $70,000 a year. “My least favorite part about the job were the long hour stretches where I would have to work literally 24 hours a day for three days straight,” Burns said. “It was crazy because I gave up caffeine
and just ate lots of chocolate to stay awake.” Burns said he was willing to put up with the occasionally chaotic scheduling because it was part of the job and he was “warned up front.” “Matt was definitely one of the most knowledgeable and reliable people at the Data Company, and one of the biggest things he struggled with was knowing that the company was not being managed well and that it was losing business,” Yow said. Sadly, the Data Company began to lay off most of their employees early this year. Burns said it came down to him and the owners when he decided it was time to leave and start his own business; in March of 2013, Insight Discovery LLC was born. Insight Discovery provides litigation-related technology services for law firms and corporate legal departments and is the product of a merger between Burns and two other companies. “I felt like there was a unique opportunity to fill a need in the litigation field in Memphis,” Burns said. “Two other companies, Empire Imaging and Flying Paper Document, heard about the demise of the Data Company and inquired about my particular skillset and how it could be incor-
porated into their business.” Zack Jamison, partner at Insight Discovery, said Burns is the right candidate for the job because of his in-depth knowledge of electronic databases and his ability to translate it into layman’s terms for customers are crucial to success in the IT world. “Typically, IT language is intimidating to someone if they don’t speak it,” Jamison said. “Matt bridges that gap for them in an easy way so the customer is not frightened off.” Burns said if he could rewind the clock back to his graduation year, he would pursue a different path. “I would probably go to medical school, I always thought I would be good at that,” Burns said. “I feel like that would guarantee more income than trying to operate a business.” Burns said he did not go to medical school after graduation in 2001 because it would have taken a lot of time to complete the program and would have cost too much money. “Nowadays, even certain graduate programs are dicey in terms of a job guarantee upon completion,” Burns said. “Taking out money for graduate or even law school is somewhat of a catch22.” n
8 • Tuesday, April 9, 2013
www.dailyhelmsman.com
‘Til Debt Do Us Part
The University of Memphis
Tuesday, April 9, 2013 • 9
Student loans may make recent grads hesitant to walk down the aisle By Samuel Prager
news@dailyhelmsman.com Student loan debt is a troubling and not-so-distant reality for many currently enrolled students. However, recent studies show that it might not be just an economic problem. A recent Princeton study conducted by Fenaba R. Addo suggests that student loan debt could possibly leave some partners with cold feet — particularly
men. The study suggests women who have accumulated student loan debt are less likely to marry as opposed to men in the same financial predicament. Although this seems strange, there are some explanatory theories, as well as controversy from both sides of the argument. “One interpretation of this study might suggest that women with more debt are more likely to be pursuing professional degrees and careers, which
might simply mean they are putting off marriage until a little later than average so that they can build a career first and then a family on their terms,” Seth Abrutyn, a sociology professor at the University of Memphis, said. The United States has a federal student loan debt that resides somewhere between $902 billion and $1 trillion, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. “In times of economic recessions and
uncertainty, both women and men tend to put off marriage and children until they feel financially secure,” Abrutyn said. “This answer doesn’t really explain the differential in rates between men and women, but it could explain why the data is saying one thing, when in five years, it might be saying something else.” Though it could be just a misinterpretation of statistics, the classic American culture could be an explanation of why some men might be wary of
taking on a traditional potential housewife fully loaded with money to pay back. “I could understand how some men might be hesitant to marry a girl with debt, for financial reasons,” Addison Piggott, a junior criminal justice major, said. “Though the economy could be a primary issue, it seems the statistics could be distorted by the fact more people are simply waiting until later in life to get married, so that they’re financially stable.” Sophomore Haley Hanners, an English major who has accumulated student loan debt over the past few years, believes that debts shouldn’t play a part in marriage, stating that a mutual education is well worth the burdens. “I’m not worried about loans being a factor in my love life. I don’t value wealth and I don’t mind spending the majority of the rest of my life paying off loans as long as I can have an education and do what I want to do, career wise,” Hanners said. “And whoever I choose to marry will value the fact that I have an education and career regardless of loans and vice versa.” Though there is little evidence of these financial issues actually interfering with “true love,” a debt can last as long as marriage, if not longer in today’s world, so it is definitely something to consider when finding a potential life partner. “I think statistics are a way of making people believe things that aren’t solid,” Hanners said. “They’re generally circumstantial, so I don’t put a lot of faith in them.” n
10 • Tuesday, April 9, 2013
www.dailyhelmsman.com
Campus Life
Fifteen-minute late professor policy is a myth By Alexandra Pusateri news@dailyhelmsman.com
There you are, sitting in a classroom with a few classmates. Class was supposed to start five minutes ago, but the professor hasn’t shown up yet. Usually, someone remarks that there’s ten minutes left before everyone can leave. Someone else gets an attendance sheet started. If you sign it, they say, the professor will know everyone was in class, and nobody will be docked for attendance. Thomas Nenon, vice provost for
institutional research and reporting, said he has heard this rule, and some variations, for more than 25 years, and students have fallen for it for just as long. “I’ve heard you had to wait five minutes for an instructor, 10 minutes for an adjunct [professor], and 15 minutes for a full professor,” Nenon said. “I don’t know how students are supposed to keep track.” If students leave after 15 minutes of waiting, professors have the ability to give those students zeroes on a quiz that may have occurred that day, even if they never told students
about it beforehand, but it’s up to the professor. Toni Davis, sophomore German major, recently had a professor for a general education class exact revenge on students who left after 15 minutes. “He gave us extra credit answers that would be on our exam,” Davis said. “If I’m [teaching] an hour and a half class and I show up after 15 minutes [to an empty class], I don’t think I’d be very happy if it were an important day or exam,” Nenon said. “The expectation is that professors
are supposed to be there at the same time as students. Normally, they will find someone to let you know what’s going on [if they are running late].” William Dwyer, psychology professor, said he doesn’t believe a policy exists. “I think that ‘rule’ has been around for half a century,” Dwyer said. “Each professor handles it differently.” The faculty handbook only mentions when a professor misses a class entirely. “A faculty member who must be absent from class for any reason is
responsible for seeing that the class receives instruction,” the handbook reads. “If the absence is unanticipated, the chair will make emergency arrangements and notify the college dean as soon as practicable.” If a professor is habitually late, Nenon said, be sure to meet with the dean of that department and let them know the situation. However, no rules are clearly specified or named in the handbook or anywhere else for when a professor is late due to unforeseen circumstances. “There’s no rule,” Nenon said. “There’s just using common sense.” n
To Walk or Not to Walk The University of Memphis
Tuesday, April 9, 2013 • 11
Students must decide if they will participate in the graduation ceremony By Jennifer Rorie
news@dailyhelmsman.com Ceremonies like awards banquets, weddings and graduations accompany many life events. These ceremonies are recognitions of achievements and a sign of triumph over odds. In an ever-changing society, priorities are shifting and students are choosing whether or not they want to participate in rites of passage like graduation. In May, when University of Memphis seniors walk across the stage and shake the hand of University President Shirley Raines, not every graduate will be present. Some will walk with their fellow colleagues of the class of 2013 and others will abstain. “I felt that walking the line was a right that [I] earned by all of the hard work that [I] put in over the years,” Houston Davis, criminal justice graduate of 2012, said. Davis said he always intended to participate in his commencement
son graduates choose not to walk is money as it took,” Doyle said. ceremony. She didn’t want to be surrounded “I guess that it’s not important to the time it takes. She doesn’t believe by people who thought their degree cost is a large factor. everyone,” he said. “You don’t necessarily have to was the best thing to happen to them He recalls being disappointed by the way other graduates were acting buy the packages of invitations,” she when they barely graduated by the said. “You could make them your- “skin of their teeth.” during the ceremony. “I graduated in the top 15 perCaitlyn Harrison graduated with self, so there are ways to get around cent of my class with cum laude a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing some of the expenses.” “If you can afford the cost of col- status and incredible credentials,” in 2011. Doyle said. “The cere“I made it mony is just a show to through,” Harrison I felt that walking the line was a right announce one thing you said. “My emoaccomplished.” tions during the that [I] earned by all of the hard work Doyle says that she ceremony were that [I] put in over the years.” would rather celebrate relief, excitement and, again, HOUSTON DAVIS, getting published, writing grant proposals, that feeling of 2012 Criminal justice graduate obtaining funding for accomplishment.” farmer’s markets and She remembers her undergraduate degree being lege, you should be able to afford editing business proposals than getvery difficult. She wanted to walk the cost of walking the line,” Davis ting a round of applause from total strangers. at graduation to show her family, agrees. “To this day, I don’t regret it For creative writing graduate friends and peers, along with herself, that she had reached a milestone in Emily Doyle, cost and the desire one bit,” she said. “If I graduated at to showcase her successes weren’t the University of Michigan with my her life. same degree, there’s no doubt in my “I never considered not walking,” issues. “If I had graduated from a top- mind [that] I would have walked.” Harrison said. “Graduation is a long Doyle admits that she isn’t too tier school I was proud to go to, I process, but, to me, it was worth it.” Harrison believes the main rea- would have forked over as much proud to say she graduated from the
“
U of M. “[The English] program gets overlooked and has little to no funding,” she said. “If you’re in a sorority or fraternity, then it makes more sense to walk.” Doyle didn’t see the point in walking because her mother and father live in Singapore, her closest relatives live in Michigan and she held no other ties to the school. “If I had pride in my school, was active in different programs or even gave a crap about their sports teams, then my mind would have changed about walking,” Doyle said. Advertising senior Zoheb Rupani plans to walk at his upcoming commencement ceremony, but only because his family wants him to. “I could care less, but with a big family, my parents want to call everyone from out of town and make it a big deal,” Rupani said. The U of M’s graduation ceremonies will take place on Saturday, May 12 at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. unless otherwise postponed by the Memphis Grizzlies’ playoff game. n
12 • Tuesday, April 9, 2013
uuGrad Continued from page 1 How long does planning graduation take and what goes into it? We start planning for each event roughly five months in advance. We’re building the program, because that’s a huge part, because we want to make sure everyone’s name is in the program and it’s right. We do the seating for the students, making sure everyone is lined up correctly and they’re in order. How has putting cap and gown measurements online affected preparations? It’s so much easier since we’ve gone online; I love it. It’s easy, because we don’t actually let the students choose their gown type or their hood for masters and doctoral students, it actually looks at their degree in the system and it tells us. We just started that system for the December graduation. We used to do it manually. A lot of students would sometimes mistakenly choose the wrong color or something like that, and we’d have to go through and make sure
www.dailyhelmsman.com
everything is right. Now the system chooses it, and it’s perfect. We order them, and the vendor puts the order together. We then have cap and gown distribution two days before the event in the University Center Ballroom. If a student forgets their cap at home or it doesn’t fit, what do they need to do? I am an over planner, so I always make sure there’s more for the students. We always have extras. We always tell students, because students will say, “Oh, I put the wrong cap size, I think my head’s smaller or bigger than that” and we’re just like “Don’t worry about it, we have extras.” We bring extras of everything for those “just in case” moments. What kind of help do you get setting up graduation? The whole staff is there, and we have a crew that we have on the day that helps us with setting up the stage and helping us line the students up. It really is a team effort. I’m the coordinator, but I do not do this alone, thank goodness. I have a great office here, and a crew there, and the faculty helps out on the platform so everyone is involved in trying to give them an extra special day. We have an event coordinator, Diane, at the Forum. They are there ushering and handling security and all
of those things. Our staff is just for our needs, lining students up, setting up the stage, putting programs in chairs, the details for the commencement day, etc. What speakers will be at this year’s graduation? The student government president speaks, and then we have two main speakers. For the first ceremony, it is Senator Lamar Alexander and then for the second one it is Tre Hargett. They are chosen out of the president’s office. We’re also giving an honorary degree to James Ayers. How long does it take to set up? We’re there at 6:30 in the morning, some of us get there at 5:30 and then we leave about 6 p.m. I want to make sure everything is done before we open the doors, so we are typically done by 8:30. The second ceremony goes a little faster in terms of set up, so it takes two and a half hours on the first one and hour and half for the second one. What do you like about your job? I really enjoy it, and I love planning for it because it’s such a special day. It’s like you’re doing the same thing, but it changes all the time because they’re new students, and my goal is to make sure students are happy and the guests are happy. I want to make sure once they’ve filed to graduate, everything else should work like clockwork. n
Is your outfit diploma-ready? By Shelby Smith
news@dailyhelmsman.com Hats off to the graduating class of 2013. Speaking of hats, many students want to get creative with the caps for graduation by adding some decorative flare for accepting his or her diploma. “I think decorating our caps is fun, because it can show our personality and creativity among the other thousands of people wearing the same outfit,” said Shelby Wilson, senior film and video production major. Because the caps and gowns are rentals from school, students have been known to buy their own hats from separate organizations to add their own spin on them. Websites like Graduationsource.com sell graduation attire and offer a free cap and gown sample for students to try out before ordering.
“The rental caps and gowns must be returned to the university without damage or we have the authority to hold the student’s diploma.” Vanessa Muldrow, coordinator of commencement and student affairs events, said. “Making students buy their own hats has definitely not gotten in their way of decorating them. I have seen many fancy hats during graduation that make the student wearing it stand out from the norm.” Many seniors decorate their caps based on their majors, interests or organizations they were involved in throughout college. There are various crafting websites that are filled with ideas for designs and materials to use to make a cap unique to its owner. “Pinterest is definitely the best site to find a big range of ideas for
see CaPS on page 17
The University of Memphis
Tuesday, April 9, 2013 • 13
14 • Tuesday, April 9, 2013
www.dailyhelmsman.com
The University of Memphis
Tuesday, April 9, 2013 • 15
uuLinkedIn Continued from page 4 May, learned about LinkedIn through his ACAD class. “It offers increased visibility for potential employers who may have not seen you in the first place,” Stanfield said. “There are more connections on the basis of knowing people. It gives you a mobile format to put your résumé up, and [employers] don’t have to contact you to look at what you have accomplished.” While he thinks the website is a good resource, the four job interviews that he has had have come from making connections through career services on campus. “For me, I’ve just had a lack of reaching out on the website,” he said. “Job postings are pretty funky. They sometimes look legitimate and then just end up being a sales job, and sometimes they are not even in Memphis.” Carrie Brown-Smith, an assistant professor at the University of Memphis, teaches a social media class, and thinks that while a graduate student looking for a job still needs to go to networking events and meet people face to face, there is no disadvantage to being on LinkedIn. “I think it is a useful site for professional networking,” Smith said. “In the business world, employers are using it to find out more about potential employees. One of the most important keys to getting a job is who you know, and LinkedIn helps you maintain that professional network.” While the professor admits she is “somewhat biased,” she strongly encourages making a profile on the site. From the journalism department’s own LinkedIn group that spawned after the Journojobs page, to discussing the continually growing website in her class, she recognizes LinkedIn as another tool in getting a job after graduation. “I have heard of one or more cases of someone who wasn’t even looking for a job getting recruited on LinkedIn,” she said. “You might as well get on the site as soon as you can and start figuring it out.” n
16 • Tuesday, April 9, 2013
www.dailyhelmsman.com
Tigers’ Ta es By Nathanael Packard
“If I had a month notice I wouldn’t have a problem with it.”
Brian Smith, Biology junior
Solutions
“It depends on how far graduation would be pushed back.” Curtis Glasgow, Computer engineering freshman
“If it’s just postponed that would be fine.”
Dierre Howell, International business major
How do you feel about graduation possibly being postponed if the Grizzlies make the playoffs?
“I wouldn’t like that. I would want to know when my graduation was.”
Naomi Everson, Biology junior
“I work for the graduation committee and graduation will most likely be pushed back at least a day or two.” Twana Smith, Chemistry freshman
The University of Memphis
uuCaps Continued from page 12 designing caps. I have seen it all on there, from rhinestone caps, to Greek letter caps to engineerinspired caps. It is easy to grab aspects from all of them and compile them into one cap that is personal to you,” Jennifer Allen, senior dietetics major said. Although the cap and gown are crucial attire for graduation, the clothes underneath are just as important. There is not a strict dress code, but it is recommended that students dress up for the occasion. “The only information we provide for them is that their caps and gowns will be black. After that, it is left up to the student to coordinate a fitting outfit for the occasion,” Muldrow said. “I personally think students should dress church-time casual for the event. Families usually go out for a nice lunch after graduation so it is best to dress
Tuesday, April 9, 2013 • 17
the part.” For women, a nice day dress and wedges would be suitable attire for the event and men typically should wear dress slacks, a button down, dress shoes and a matching tie. “I would say dress as if you were going to church; not too fancy, but do not come strolling in with jeans and a T-shirt,” Kellyn Turner, senior marketing major, said. “Ladies, I recommend minimal jewelry for a classic look. You want to keep your appearance for pictures timeless on such a special day.” Whether it is the decorative cap or the outfit underneath the gown, students should let their personalities sparkle when walking across the stage. “As we walk across that stage for that split second, that is our time to shine. We have worked hard and I think our outfits should reflect that and how proud we are,” Allen said. n
Make sure that little bird in our ear is you. Send us your thoughts @dailyhelmsman.
Grad rates vary by race UM black students’ graduation rates remain below average By Hassan Allawi
Special to the Daily Helmsman While black students have the lowest graduation rate and the lowest GPA’s among all races at the University of Memphis, some other universities have found solutions to the same problem. According to the Education Trust, a non-profit student advocacy foundation, the 2010 six-year graduation rate for black students at the U of M was 24.7 percent, while it was 48.5 percent for Asians, 43.7 for whites and 38.5 for Latinos. While U of M’s black students’ graduation rate has dropped by 6.5 percent, whites have improved theirs by 6.7 percent, Latinos raised it by 5.17 percent and Asians lost half a percentage point but remained in the lead. Of the 109 research universities that have more than five percent black students in their student bodies, The U of M is in the bottom nine in graduating black students,
according to the Education Trust. “What we looked at when we saw these numbers was something interesting-troubling and, for us, gives us a real direction about what the next steps are,” said Thomas Nenon, the U of M vice provost of assessment, institutional research and reporting. Nenon said statistics showed that 80 percent of students who discontinue their education at the U of M have a GPA of lower than 2.0. “That indicates to us that academic success is the key to improving retention and graduation rates here,” Nenon said. He said that the University has historically focused its efforts on programs that benefit all students and that the University has undertaken many programs to improve graduation rates. “Unfortunately, however, it’s worked dramatically much better for students overall than it has for African-Americans, or first genera-
tion students, or low-income students,” Nenon said. James Murphy, a psychology professor at the U of M, said that academic success can be affected by psychological factors. “As a University, we still have more role models who are white as compared to non-white. I can see that posing a problem,” he said. Murphy said that role models are important to student motivation, because they illustrate the tangible benefits of success and thus make those benefits seem more attainable. He said that not feeling a part of the University can hurt a lot of students because it makes the work seem harder. “To improve the situation, we should be trying to make students feel more like campus is their home … it’s where they spend a lot of time, and it’s where they get a sense of their identity” he said. Underlying sociological and economic issues can also be a big predicament, according to sociology Professor Zandria Robison. “When you have to work to support the family, you have to take grandma to her doctor appointment and play all these roles, you can’t focus on school. School will always come last,” she said. Robinson said that the lack of social support and “social capital” are factors that pull back black students. “Across (all) races, to be successful in school — we know from research — students need a social support network of peers who are successful and motivated,” she said. Robinson says that faculty and staff ’s support to students can make up for a lot of the social support students miss, but “a lot of times universities and faculty do not communicate to students in ways that let them know that we are here for [their] success. We are not here to punish [them] or drive [them] insane.” Social capital is a subtle under-
see RaCe on page 27
18 • Tuesday, April 9, 2013
www.dailyhelmsman.com
Tigers’ Ta es “Yeah it’s what I’m working towards. It’s the final step in the process.”
Bryn Chambers, Dietetics sophomore
Bird is the
WORD.
Follow us!
@DailyHelmsman @HelmsmanSports
“Yes, it’s important to my family to see me walk.”
Chris Calderazzo, Theater sophomore
“Yeah, I’ll be walking from my bed to the fridge.”
Haley Hanners Creative writing sophomore
Do you plan on walking at your college graduation? By Nathanael Packard
“No, because I graduate in December and it’s not a good time for my family to travel. I would be walking for strangers.” Standrew Parker, Theater senior
“Yeah, a lot of people don’t graduate so it’s special.”
Keegan Mattox, Biochemistry sophomore
The University of Memphis
Tuesday, April 9, 2013 • 19
20 • Tuesday, April 9, 2013
www.dailyhelmsman.com
Local
Overton Square getting an artistic facelift By Melissa Wray
news@dailyhelmsman.com Thanks to the commitment of real estate development agency Loeb Properties, as well as the assistance of various artists and businesses, Memphis’ historical hotbed of arts and entertainment, Overton Square, is currently undergoing a renovation that is supposed to help bring in more visitors and rekindle a newfound appreciation for all things culture-related. Carey White, senior vice president of asset management at Loeb Properties, said the agency’s reasons for sponsoring this project lie with the current owners. “Loeb Properties has been incorporated into Memphis since 1870,” he said. “The current owners, Robert and Louis Loeb, are very pro-Memphis and feel a sense of commitment to this city.” Among the buildings and areas included in the renovation are the former Yosemite Sam’s building with the Local Gastropub recently opened in its place, the old Paulette’s restaurant, as well as various breezeways, public spaces and walkways that will be completely renovated. New buildings in the project,
PHOTO COURTESY OF LOEB PROPERTIES, INC.
The recently completed Overton Square mural designed by local artist David Lynch is located on the side of Bari Ristorante (22 S. Cooper St.). according to White, include one movie theater, six restaurants and one yoga/massage outlet. “Our tenet is 60 percent restaurants and 40 percent retail/service,” he said. In corresponding to the Overton
Square renovation, the city of Memphis is building a three-level garage in the same area, which will be completed in September. “Our plan is to lease the area and time the renovation with the release of the garage,” White added. “We
hope to have everything completed by 2014.” Olivia Lomax, owner and cofounder of Delta Groove Yoga, said that their involvement in the project stemmed from an encounter with the Cosmic Coconut, an organic
juice bar located in East Memphis at MemShop, a temporary Overton Square market. “We were asked to be a part of MemShop pop-up shop this previous
see SQUaRE on page 22
The University of Memphis
Tuesday, April 9, 2013 • 21
22 • Tuesday, April 9, 2013
uuSquare Continued from page 20 December,” she said. “Our meeting with the Cosmic Coconut signified our first encounter with Overton Square.” Lomax claimed that Overton Square’s walking atmosphere encourages some of that “neighborhood feel.” “I hope that the greater Memphis area can see that multi-urban culture is fun,” she said. “Multiple things like yoga, music and art are all different pieces from Memphis being put together.” In addition to renovating buildings via construction, Loeb Properties plans to integrate various public art projects, one of which includes a mural created by Memphis artists David Lynch and Anthony Lee being placed on the side of Bari Ristorante. “The message of the mural is to capture the essence of the entire Overton Square area on one wall with 13 windows and two doors,” Lynch said. “The Square is the heart of Memphis and has some of the richest history to it.” As the first real entertainment district in Memphis, Overton Square’s role in the city’s history is quite significant, White said. “There weren’t a lot of retailers and restaurants prior to Overton Square’s creation,” he said. “It needed to be brought back to life, not torn down; it’s new, yet still retains elements of its history.” White hopes that Overton Square will be a place where local Memphians can come together and partake in what it has to offer. “Overton Square is a place where something is always happening,” he said. n
www.dailyhelmsman.com
Graduates take the road less traveled By Lisa Elaine Babb
news@dailyhelmsman.com Graduation can be as exciting as it can be intimidating. One chapter of life is closing, while a whole new one is on the horizon. Some students embrace this ambiguity and follow nontraditional routes after receiving their diplomas. After class, Mai Orsino sipped a hot cup of coffee at a café as she looked out of the window toward the snowcapped mountains in the Middle Atlas region of Morocco. “Ifrane is the only city in Morocco that snows so people come all over the country to see the snow,” Orsino said. Orsino graduates from the University of Memphis in May with a double major in political
science and history and is currently studying at Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane. Recently, she received her acceptance letter from the Peace Corps. “I feel nervous and excited to be joining the Peace Corps. It’s hard leaving your home base for 27 months, but at the same time, I’m in that stage in my life where traveling and living abroad are doable,” Orsino said. “Overall, I’m honored to be accepted in such a great program, and I’m sure I’ll gain a lot from it.” Professor Robert Blanton of the international studies department at the U of M sees several benefits to postponing beginning traditional career pursuits right after graduation. “These types of experiences are not necessarily unhelpful towards
finding a better career. The Peace Corps is very highly rated as a first step towards international careers, and many students are able to find their ‘calling’ while traveling or working abroad,” Blanton said. In the blog “African Spirit: A Peace Corps Blog,” Namibia-based Peace Corps volunteer Caitlin Gokey wrote about what she has gained from the experience. “This experience has changed my life in ways I cannot articulate. What I gained professionally during my three years with Peace Corps is definitely tangible, but what I experienced personally means far more to me,” Gokey wrote. “I was a wide-eyed 22-yearold when I left for Africa. I am coming home a different person (not to mention 26).” Some students who are not
willing or able to dedicate more than two years of their lives to join Peace Corps take time, either weeks or months, to travel and gain new experiences. “Traveling directly after graduating may help you to be more content with yourself after you become focused in your career,” Blanton said. Blanton has some key advice for students seeking travel and adventure after graduation. “Pick something that you enjoy doing in a place you want to be and think about how your experiences can help you in the long term,” Blanton said. Although she has not received her official placement, if Orsino’s most recent dream is correct, she will soon be volunteering for the Peace Corps in the Ukraine. n
The University of Memphis
Tuesday, April 9, 2013 • 23
Sports
Grizz playoffs may postpone graduation
By Hunter Field
Special to the Daily Helmsman University of Memphis graduating seniors are busy finishing up classes, lining up jobs and sending out invitations for people to come see them walk across FedExForum’s stage as they receive their college diploma. All their hard work will soon culminate in one moment on stage, but one thing remains uncertain: the exact day they graduate. The U of M set graduation day for May 11 at FedExForum, but the Memphis Grizzlies will do their best to push it back one day to May 12. The $250 million building, which was completed in 2004, became the site for U of M graduations at its conception. However, the city of Memphis built FedExForum for the Grizzlies organization, which also operates the building. This means any Grizzlies-related event takes precedence over all other activities — including graduation. The U of M’s commencement
office, which handles everything related to graduation, has been warning graduates since 2004, but the Grizzlies never threatened to push the date back until two years ago. “We’ve always had this warning because the Grizzlies cannot play back-to-back games in the playoffs,” the commencement office coordinator, Vanessa Muldrow said. “It has just been more emphasized in recent years after 2011.” The graduation in 2011 took place on Sunday, May 8, which marked the first time the Grizzlies had pushed back the U of M’s commencement ceremonies. Graduation was scheduled for the day before, but the Grizzlies won their first-round series against the San Antonio Spurs to force a series against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Game three against the Thunder fell on May 7, the scheduled U of M commencement date. However, every other graduation since 2004 has taken place on the scheduled day inside FedExForum. Although the
Grizzlies made the playoffs in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2012, they were knocked out in the first round each time. Senior fine art major Lauren Cook hopes graduation stays on Saturday, but she will not be too concerned if it does get moved. “My close friends and family will come regardless,” Cook said. “If it gets moved to Sunday some friends that would have been there Saturday may miss it because of church or something.” This year the Grizzlies have clinched a spot in the playoffs, and they have five more games to determine which seed they earn. They are currently ranked fourth in the Western Conference slated for a rematch with the Los Angeles Clippers, who beat the Grizzlies in seven games last spring. The Grizzlies would have to win their opening round series to interfere with the U of M’s commencement. If they do make the second round, their series could very well push back graduation a day. “I hope graduation gets pushed
back,” Andy Britton, a senior philosophy major and Grizzlies fan, said. “That would mean the Grizzlies are doing well.” Britton made sure to include the possible date change on his invitations. Most people he invited should not be affected by the potential date change. The U of M has explored other options, but FedExForum is the only venue offering enough seating to allow students as many guests as they wish. “This May, the U of M will graduate nearly 2,300 students,” Muldrow said. “Our students bring enough guests to almost fill the 19,000 seats in the FedExForum. We want everyone to have the opportunity to invite the people they want. The FedExForum is the only place that offers enough seating.” Muldrow expects to know if graduation will be moved one to two weeks before commencement. Until then, graduates will just have to watch some basketball to find out the exact day of their commencement. n
WWW.FREETHEHELMSMAN.COM WWW.FREETHEHELMSMAN.COM WWW.FREETHEHELMSMAN.COM WWW.FREETHEHELMSMAN.COM WWW.FREETHEHELMSMAN.COM WWW.FREETHEHELMSMAN.COM WWW.FREETHEHELMSMAN.COM WWW.FREETHEHELMSMAN.COM WWW.FREETHEHELMSMAN.COM WWW.FREETHEHELMSMAN.COM WWW.FREETHEHELMSMAN.COM
FREE
WWW.FREETHEHELMSMAN.COM WWW.FREETHEHELMSMAN.COM WWW.FREETHEHELMSMAN.COM WWW.FREETHEHELMSMAN.COM
THE
WWW.FREETHEHELMSMAN.COM WWW.FREETHEHELMSMAN.COM
HELMSMAN!
WWW.FREETHEHELMSMAN.COM
Bumper stickers & buttons WWW .FREETHEHELMSMAN .COM free in Meeman 113 & 210
WWW.FREETHEHELMSMAN.COM WWW.FREETHEHELMSMAN.COM WWW.FREETHEHELMSMAN.COM WWW.FREETHEHELMSMAN.COM WWW.FREETHEHELMSMAN.COM WWW.FREETHEHELMSMAN.COM WWW.FREETHEHELMSMAN.COM WWW.FREETHEHELMSMAN.COM WWW.FREETHEHELMSMAN.COM WWW.FREETHEHELMSMAN.COM WWW.FREETHEHELMSMAN.COM WWW.FREETHEHELMSMAN.COM WWW.FREETHEHELMSMAN.COM
Four years in sports is an eternity 24 • Tuesday, April 9, 2013
www.dailyhelmsman.com
By Bryan Heater
bheater@dailyhelmsman.com Almost four years ago, I got my acceptance letter to the University of Memphis. A young 18-year-old, my career path remained uncertain until I took my first journalism class out of curiosity in the spring of 2010 and knew that this was the field for me. Now, I am one short month away from walking across the stage with my degree. In those four years since I got my acceptance letter, the University has seen major changes and landmark events, especially in athletics.
Former men’s basketball head coach John Calipari was officially introduced as the new head coach at Kentucky. Days after hearing Calipari’s speech in an auditorium of incoming students, I was surprised to hear he would be leaving. He has since won a national championship in 2012 with the Wildcats.
April 1, 2009
When I sat down to think about it, everything that had happened in four short years was quite remarkable. In fact, it took ‘til only days after my visiting the campus for change to begin. I compiled a list of events that have occurred in my four years as a student, beginning after my visit in late March.
After nine seasons, football head coach Tommy West was fired. I was one of many who watched his exiting press conference, as he urged the University to put more time and effort into the program, a statement that has since begun to take shape.
November 10, 2009
April 6, 2009
Five days after Calipari left for to Kentucky, his assistant Josh Pastner was named as the 17th head coach in men’s basketball history. I was familiar with Pastner and felt his recruiting would keep the Tigers in the national spotlight. Four years later, he has won more games in his first four years than his legendary predecessor.
November 29, 2009 Former Tiger running back Larry Porter was hired to replace West and rebuild the program. Like Pastner, I knew that Porter could recruit, but was not sure about how he would fit as a head coach. It would not take long for the program to decide it was not the right fit.
April 25, 2010
The jersey of Tiger baseball batboy Stan Bronson, who was recognized in 2008 by Guinness World Records as the “Most Durable Batboy,” was retired by the team. He has served as the team’s batboy since 1958.
Former Tiger basketball star and NBA player Lorenzen Wright was found dead in a field. Though grief was felt throughout the city and people vigorously called for his murderer’s capture, the case remains as open as ever, still with no suspects.
July 8, 2010
The University of Memphis Victor Trezevant was found guilty and sentenced to 51 years in a state prison for his part in the murder of former Tiger football player Taylor Bradford on Sept. 30, 2007. Devin Jefferson was also found guilty in May of 2010 and sentenced to 51 years. Though the convictions did not make up for the loss, the city and Bradford’s family felt a sense of closure as his killers were convicted.
January 9, 2011
Tuesday, April 9, 2013 • 25 A day after Porter was fired, longtime athletic director R.C. Johnson announced he would step down at the end of June. Johnson’s tenure was marked by a failing football program and seeing competing universities surpassing the U of M into new conferences and in revenue.
November 28, 2011
November 27, 2011
September 4, 2011 After West pleaded for more money and support to be given to the football program, the University opened Tiger Lane for the first home game of the season for fans to tailgate. The opening symbolized for many the start to a more relevant football program.
After two seasons and a 3-21 record, Porter was fired as the head coach of the football team. His stint was marked by forgettable lopsided losses and, overall, was a disaster.
December 8, 2011 Former TCU assistant Justin Fuente was hired as the head coach of the football program. He brought a new sense of toughness and credibility to the program, winning four games in his first season.
February 8, 2012 The University announced that athletics would begin competing in the Big East in the 2013-2014 season. The move was considered to be a landmark development for Tiger athletics after years of trying to be accepted into a more prominent conference.
April 16, 2012 Tom Bowen was introduced as the successor to Johnson as the school’s next athletic director. Bowen helped improve the state of athletics at San Jose State tremendously and vowed to usher in a new era of Memphis athletics, particularly in football.
September 1, 2012 For the first time, fans were given the opportunity to see the new scoreboard and sound system in action at the first home game of the season, as well as new Astroturf for the field.
continued...
>
see TIMELINE on page 27
26 • Tuesday, April 9, 2013
www.dailyhelmsman.com
The University of Memphis
Tuesday, April 9, 2013 • 27
uuTimeline
uuRace
Continued from page 25
March 27, 2013 Pastner agreed to a new contract to stay with the program. After much speculation surrounding him leaving for UCLA and USC, Pastner told the city that Memphis is where he wanted to be.
non-engaged student,” Smith said. The University of North Carolina Continued from page 17 at Wilmington raised its black students’ graduation rates by more standing of how to navigate settings than 20 percent, almost closing the such as financial aid, the library, gap. etc., which many first-generation “Our success reflects our total college students lack, Robinson said. institutional commitment to our “Middle class students don’t even students from the time they are think about these things,” she said. prospective students until the time She also said that having we celebrate their graduation,” African-American faculty is vital said Terrance Curran, to improving the associate provost graduation rates of All the research shows that as for enrollment African-Americans. “All the research the number of African-American management. Curran said their shows that as the faculty increases, Africansuccess was by-andnumber of AfricanAmerican faculty American students’ performance large a result of the efforts of Africanincreases, Africanincreases.” American students American stuthemselves; “most dents’ performance increases,” she said. ZANDERIA ROBISON, importantly the per“The University of Sociology Professor severance of those students who are Memphis does not not only academically have the best track record in recruiting and retaining the achievement gap, but all cam- motivated, but also presented a lot puses have improved their rates,” of hard work.” African-American faculty.” Curran says that challenges to Robinson said that most African- said Ephraim P. Smith, executive American faculty who work at the vice chancellor and chief academic student success are always present, and that one can never over-estiUniversity end up leaving the aca- officer of the CSU system. He said that their success could mate the investments made to maindemic force, because they don’t feel be attributed to student engage- tain students’ academic success. comfortable at the University. “We deserve to take a moment “It’s kind of like corporate ment, which was achieved through America — there is a lot of racism, community service, internships, and be pleased with our success, but and it’s difficult to navigate around student-faculty research and other only one moment, because there will always be challenges to mainpractices. that,” she said. “We know that an engaged stu- taining our success” he said. n At some other universities, however, a way out of these dilemmas dent persists at a higher rate than a
“
April 4, 2013 Formerly the Big East, the conference announced it would change its name to the American Athletic Conference as a part of the shift in teams.
In my four years here at Memphis, the only certainty there has been is that change is an inevitable part of sports and life. With the move to the American Athletic Conference and plans for new facility upgrades, the next four years for Memphis athletics is sure to continue to change. n
has been found. California State University has reduced the graduation gap between black students and other races on its 22 campuses with different percentages of success. “We have a team on each campus, led by the provost and on some campuses co-chaired by the vicepresident. Some campuses have done better than others in closing
28 • Tuesday, April 9, 2013
www.dailyhelmsman.com
UM student-athletes see improvement By Austin Reynolds
sports@dailyhelmsman.com Those who follow college athletics have seen the story more times than they can remember; the National Collegiate Athletic Association brings its hammer down on a university’s athletic program for academic scandals or failures. Currently, Auburn University is under fire for allegedly changing the grades of football players so that they could remain academically eligible. This season, the NCAA banned 10 Division I men’s basketball teams, including the 2011 national champion Connecticut Huskies, from postseason play for failing to meet Academic Progress Rate requirements. The University of Memphis’ 2007-2008 men’s basketball season was vacated of all wins and their national runner-up status when it was discovered that star point guard and 2012 NBA MVP Derrick Rose had someone take his SAT for him. Since the Derrick Rose scandal, however, Memphis has taken great strides to set itself apart
academically from other athletic departments. The NCAA uses a metric called the Academic Progress Rate to grade sports teams on their performance in the classroom. When a team’s four-year rolling APR dips below 930 the collegiate governing body can begin to invoke sanctions, which could range anywhere from a loss of scholarships to postseason bans. A perfect APR score is 1,000. The most recent report of APR scores available on the NCAA website are for the 2010-2011 academic year. Three University of Memphis athletics teams achieved a perfect 1,000 rating; the women’s golf, women’s tennis and men’s basketball teams. Additionally, the baseball and women’s volleyball teams received outstanding scores of 991 and 995, respectively. The football team received the University’s lowest APR score of 932. The most remarkable improvement in APR scores is that of the men’s basketball team. In 20042005, the team posted a lowly score of 902. Since then, the score has improved every single year, until it eventually reached the perfect score of 1,000.
The team’s 1,000 score landed them first in Conference USA, beating second place Tulane by 20 points. Memphis was also one of just 11 Division I schools to have a men’s basketball APR rating of 1,000 in 2010-2011. “They are a student before they are an athlete,” U of M basketball coach Josh Pastner said about why he has high academic expectations for his players. “I’m so proud of our guys for the job they’ve done academically.” A knock on the APR rating is that it only takes into consideration a team’s graduation rate. A student-athlete with a 4.0 GPA does not count any more than one who does the bare minimum needed to graduate. But several Memphis teams have excellent GPA’s as well, such as the women’s golf program. In 20112012 the women’s golf team was nominated for the National Golf Coaches Association All-Scholar Team GPA Award for earning a team-wide 3.711 GPA that was ranked 8th in the nation. One student-athlete at Memphis who stands above the others is women’s basketball starting point guard Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir. When
she’s not knocking down jump shots or dishing out dimes on the court she’s hitting the books so that she can maintain her 3.71 GPA. She is currently set to graduate in August with a degree in exercise and sport science. Abdul-Qaadir has been a member in the Tiger 3.0 Club every year, made the Dean’s List three times and was a selection to the 2013 Conference USA All-Academic Team. However, the grades did not come easily. “It was really tough,” AbdulQaadir said. “I had to really sit in my room and study during study hall or when we didn’t have practice or anything like that, and especially on the road. The fact that we get to have our academic advisors come with us and help us out on the road really helped a lot as well.” Abdul-Qaadir plans to enter graduate school or pick up a second major after graduation. “I just know that bas-
ketball isn’t going to be a lifelong thing. When I tore my ACL, that was kind of like an eye opener. I really don’t want to play for that long after college, and I kind of just want to start my [non-basketball] career and actually have a decent career.” More recent APR scores have not yet been released, but Memphis’ rating appears to be in good hands as all four seniors on the men’s basketball team are currently set to graduate. n