Driftwood: Volume 58 Issue 12 by Driftwood

Tution hike may halt next year See part 2 of Q &A with President Fos, Page 2

DRIFTWOOD The community newspaper of the University of New Orleans

Volume: 58 Issue: 12

November 19, 2014

driftwood.uno.edu

What are your travel plans for the holidays? Katherine Carroll Psychology, Junior

“My family is coming to my house this year . . . I do 80 percent of the cooking.”

Veronica Mansell Driftwood Staff Food, gifts, traditions and family are key elements to the holiday season, but what about the getting there part? Travel costs, schedule conflicts and distance are leading to many University of New Orleans students staying put for the holidays this year. International students, like Saurab Ghimire, a computer science major, have to make alternative plans to spending time with their family for the holiday break. Ghimire is from Nepal. The expensive and time-consuming trip home has lead Ghimire to start his own tradition. Last year, he spent his holiday

will be lots of parties around that time,” Aryal said, “I miss the food the most, and friends.” Naval Architecture junior Conrad Claycomb just returned from a trip to Jordan with a friend, but he plans on traveling back to Nashville, Tennessee for the holidays. “I have stayed here the last couple holidays, but when mom starts calling, it’s mandatory to go home. My sister goes to Louisiana State Universtiy (LSU), so we’ll drive up to Tennessee together for Thanksgiving,” Claycomb said. Travel ranks among the top 10 industries in 48 states and the District of Columbia in terms of employment, according to the U.S. Travel Association. In 2012, travel spending generated $2.0 trillion in economic output, which supported 14.6 million American jobs.

break drinking with friends here and plans to do the same this year. Mechanical engineering sophomore Pawan Aryal, also an international student, has a long couple of days to travel home. Aryal will be making the 37 hour journey back to Nepal over winter break. “We don’t celebrate Christmas, but there

Andrianna Lochner Chemisty, Junior

“I am heading down to Houma for dinner at my Grandma’s house with my family.” Steven Cai Business Administration, Junior

“I’m gonna try to get back to Minnessota for the holidays. But, its too far to drive, so I’ll definitely have to fly.” Pawan Aryal Mechanical Engineering, Sophomore

“I’m gonna go back to Nepal after a year and a half to be with my family. I’m gonna go visit some places in Nepal while I’m there. ”

Apps for Easier Travel Roadside Attraction: Make the drive home for the holidays more interesting with Roadside America. The app showcases roadside at-

tracons as diverse as caves, quirky museums, giant balls of twine and tiny chapels. Users can purchase one of seven US or Canadian regions for $2.99, or buy all of the guides for $5.99.

the best deal as well. Users can check their flight status and get alerts on price breaks. There’s an app and a website for added convenience. Popmoney: Don’t get stranded without cash while traveling. Popmoney allows anyone to send, request and receive money with a person’s name Kayak: and email address. Use the Find flights, hotels and rental app to pay back friends and cars with Kayak. The app lets family as well. Popmoney is users compare prices to get offered by 1400 financial in-

stitutions. Road Ninja: Find gas stations, restaurants and get real-time gras prices

with Road Ninja. The app offers coupons and special offers that users can share with friends on social media. My TSA: My TSA takes the second guessing out of what travelers can and can’t bring on airplanes. Wait times for the airport security line are crowd sourced. Search the database of acceptable items for checked baggage and carry ons and ID requirements.

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

NEWS

From the President’s office

Fos Q&A, Part II: Food, Fees, and the Future Kristi Martin

Managing Editor In last week’s edition, we published the first half of Kristi Martin’s question-and-answer interview with University of New Orleans President Peter Fos. Due to space limitations, answers were condensed and the story was continued to this week’s edition. DW: With the frequency of state budget cuts, how much have fees/tuition increased? Fos: “Every year since 2012, because of the Louisiana Grad Act, if we meet particular performance measures, we can raise tuition 10 percent without Legislative approval. We met it, so we raised it. A year ago in 2013, we met the measures again, raised tuition and the governor said he could take away that $4.2 million. This year, he said we can keep it. This is the last year, so we may not raise tuition next year. “The only fee increase has been a $48 deferred maintenance for buildings that need to be repaired, not counting the ongoing (maintenance). It raises about $900,000 per year. “For example, the tow tank in the naval engineering that can simulate oceanic conditions it had not been operational for years. The first thing we did was make it operational and put money aside to maintain it.” DW: What kind of a relationship do you have with legislators

at all levels of government, and mark that was signed before I got if we did that, it would improve how important is it for you to fos- here - for 20 years, we’re 10 years things – the quality of food, the ter those relationships? in. They have exclusive authority hours they’re open. Fos: “It’s very important - that’s of it all, that’s a Subway franchise “It sounds like taking advantage a large part of my job. that Aramark has. So if you want of students, but they can use it any“The local state representative Raising Canes, it has to be an Ara- where on campus. We did it for the who was just elected to the city mark franchise. students. We talked to student govcouncil - we have a wonderful re“They’re losing money at the ernment and representatives. We lationship. I’m also close with didn’t just do it. state Sen. Ed Murray, who is “We’re in a very bad ballchairman of the finance comgame position without any mittee, and the other surroundleverage at all.” ing legislators, I know very DW: What is being done to well. increase student interest and “The governor knows me attendance at athletic games I don’t know if that’s good or and events? bad. I’m also personal friends Fos: “One of the issues is with the president of the senthe facilities are half of a mile ate. I’m leaving Tuesday away. I had a choice where I morning (November 11) to see could have spent $30,000 on a everyone in the delegation involleyball floor for the arena. I cluding Sen. (Mary) Landrieu, decided not to do that and inand they’ve been very, very stead build a volleyball floor rehelpful to us. I’ve been relafinished in the HPC for $2,500 tively successful. People know and that’s their home. the University of New Orleans “To get students intereston ‘The Hill.’” ed, the first basketball game DW: In prepping for this is in the HPC - not the arena. Kristi Martin I wouldn’t be surprised if we interview, the number one issue students wanted to know President Fos speaks at Founder’s Luncheon didn’t play more games there. was if the quality of food be “We are also going to have improved. How are vendors Cove, so they closed on weekends, vans that will take students from chosen and could student input and there is nothing in the contract Pontchartrain Hall to the games change that? that says they have to stay open. and continually run until about 30 Fos: “The food could be better. “Students complained about the minutes after the game. I’ve been I try to eat there (the Galley) once Privateer Bucks, but the reason we promised – I’m waiting to see – a week and try to get the grilled did that was we wanted them to that two or three vans will run evcheese sandwiches. have the ability to easily get food ery 20 minutes to get more student “We’re in a contract with Ara- on campus. And Aramark told us involvement.”

DW: How long do you see yourself staying at UNO? What is your biggest achievement and what do you hope to achieve before the end of your tenure? Fos: “I serve at the pleasure of the board. I don’t have a contract. I’m a native New Orleanian. I graduated from here. I’m older than I look. I really don’t want to go anywhere else. I would like to stay here as long as I’m making a difference. So far, I think I am. It’s been a very frustrating, small incremental process, but I feel I am. “What keeps me awake at night is not having the resources to do what I know needs to be done. We’re running on fumes here, but we’re getting a lot out of it. The machine is still producing. I’ve got a couple things that aren’t finished yet. “Creating the PEC (Privateer Enrollment Center) was done for a couple of reasons. Before, you had to go to about eight places to register. The joke was if you survived registration, you could pass any curriculum here. The only challenge for the students should be in the classroom, which led to the PEC. In addition I started first-year advising and first-year experience, that’s why retention rate is high. Globally, I’m making the campus students-first. And the PEC is testimony and being able to honor and recognize our history.”

OPINION

Our view

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

UNO climate chilly towards news staff

Newspapers are more than just something to read to pass the time or to entertain; they act as a public service, informing readers of events that are happening in the local community, national and international stage. The Driftwood started with a blank slate and a completely new staff this semester. Students and faculty may have noticed the shift in content. Our goal is to better serve the University of New Orleans, covering subjects that are important, interesting and relevant. We publish an 8-12 page paper each week; it would be impossible to cover everything that happens on campus given our publication size and schedule. We rarely, if ever, “break” news but it is still important to get information to students in a timely manner. Morale on this campus is low; according to President Peter Fos’ interview in issue 11, the staff has not received a raise since 2007 thanks to budget cuts. Behind closed doors faculty and staff are willing to go “off record” on subjects that might paint UNO in an unflattering light. Several faculty and staff have made it clear they, or someone they know, are fearful of losing their jobs under the current administration. They are afraid to talk to the

press and either refuse to speak or go through UNO’s public relations department, which slows down the process of getting news out. Reporters miss deadlines as a result, which sends editors scrambling to fill pages. It is difficult and, at times, downright impossible to relay UNO news to the community. The Driftwood cannot provide students with the full story sometimes because of the challenges faced in obtaining interviews with key faculty and staff members. We are a student run organization; the paper serves as an exercise to gain experience working on a newspaper for students interested in journalism and related fields. We’re all students and we’re all learning; this isn’t an excuse for errors in print, but receiving e-mails that borderline on harassment from staff when reporters make mistakes creates an unnecessary air of hostility. Every newspaper and magazine runs the occasional correction; a student run publication is no different. In order to live up to our tagline of “the community newspaper of the University of New Orleans,” the Driftwood needs the full support of students, faculty and staff. We want to represent the campus as best we can and do it in the most accurate way possible.

THE DRIFTWOOD UNODriftwood UNODriftwood UNODriftwood

The Driftwood is the student run official publication for the University of New Orleans. It is published weekly and distributed at 24 newsstands on and off campus on Wednesdays. The newspaper does not publish editions the week of midterms, finals, Thanksgiving and fall break. All submissions are subject to editing by Driftwood Staff. The driftwood office is located in room 252 of the University Center, 2500 Lakeshore Drive University Center 252 New Orleans, LA 70148 Staff may be reached by phone at 504-280-6377 or email driftwoodeditor@uno.edu or online at www.driftwood.uno.edu. Ad sales inquiries should be directed to driftwoodads@uno.edu

Staff Christy Lorio Editor in chief Kristi Martin Managing Editor Abraham Thacker Business Manager Pawan Aryal Layout Editor Ashley deBaroncelli Visuals Editor Aviayna Thomas Copy Editor Kerry Leigh Pittenger Oﬃce Manager Willie Marsalis Distribution Manager Vickie Kennedy Faculty Adviser

The cost of being a jerk Kristi Martin

Managing Editor “I paid to be here.” That was the sentiment conveyed by one of my classmates last week when he was told he could not take an exam after we were told repeatedly that if we were late, we would not be able to take the test. That sentence was preceded by the student disrupting the class by arguing with the professor over his tardiness then muttering a few expletives under his breath, including not having time for the professor’s “bulls***”. The entire class encouraged the student to stop talking and get out – this chatter erupted after the professor stepped out of the classroom while on the phone with university police. And that’s exactly what it took to get this guy out of the room. A uni-

formed police officer. I bet that the check this student (or most likely his parents) cut to the university won’t be issued as a refund when he gets suspended for the incident. The thing is we all paid to be here in some shape, form or fashion. Whether we are here on scholarship, student loans, or from the pockets of our parents and selves, we paid dues to get that cash to fund our tuition. When I signed my life away on that student loan, I understood that I was not only agreeing to pay back the borrowed funds but also to come to class, complete my assigned work, adhere to the rules of each professor’s classroom and respect my fellow students. Higher education is a privilege. We are required by law to attend school in elementary and high school (to a certain age), but we can

choose whether to attend college. We are here because we want to be here. We are young (or in my case, not-so-young) adults preparing for the next phase in life. But in every phase of life, there’s that one guy. In elementary school, he’s the one that misbehaves on substitute teacher day, resulting in a lost recess for the whole class. In high school, he’s the one that starts the brawl at the football game, resulting in the (near) cancellation of the dance. At the office, he’s the one on a quest to make everyone healthy, resulting in the loss of the Coke machine. And if you were in that class last week, you now know who he is in college. Kristi Martin is managing editor of the Driftwood.

Don’t Attend the Feast For Crows! Black Friday starts earlier and earlier Charles Nicholson Driftwood Staff

With Thanksgiving break approaching, I am gearing up for a full day’s worth of eating. It’s the perfect opportunity to distract myself from the fact that finals are right after the break, and I have grades that need pulling up. Once the leftovers have been put away and the table cleared, what do you do? There are several options: you can gather round the TV with your family, go to a movie or, do what I do, and have a fourth helping of honey baked ham. No matter what you choose, I beg of you; don’t skip the Black Friday sales. Black Friday started as a harmless way to provide shoppers an early start on their Christmas gift lists and save a few bucks while they’re at it. Unfortunately, the tradition has turned into an ugly stain on a great

holiday. The trouble is Black Friday doesn’t just take place on Friday anymore. Retailers have begun advertising their sales for Thanksgiving night, and people are lined up (with some stores opening as early as 6 p.m.) to be the first ones through the door. Now the names Grey Thursday and Black Thursday have sprouted up to fit the occasion. This isn’t what Thanksgiving is about at all. It’s a day for us to be grateful and enjoy the people in our lives. We go against this creed when we’re shoving, punching and trampling each other to get our hands on a new iPad or smart watch. A troubling aspect of Grey Thursday is how it affects employees of retail chains who have to cut down their family time to go to work on a national holiday. The sales start earlier each year and the employees have to cut family time shorter.

Some employees are fighting to get their holiday back. On November 3, Target employee Justin Mills started a petition on Change.org to have Target stay closed on Thanksgiving Day so employees can spend the whole day with their families. I applaud his efforts. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve been enticed by the savings offered on Black Friday. I’d love to get my hands on a few cheap video games. However, retailers offer multiple sales during the season. There are plenty of chances to save money on holiday shopping. I plead with you again. Please don’t go shopping on Thanksgiving night. You and your family will feel better about it. It’s definitely not worth the hassle. That time is better spent playing Monopoly or watching Netflix at home. You also have a better shot at getting that last slice of apple pie.

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

FEATURES

Just around the riverbend: Discover the treasures of Bayou Coquille Veronica Mansell Driftwood Staff

Coquille Trail, one of Barataria Preserve’s most popular trails, allows visitors to experience the mystery and beauty of Louisiana’s wetlands. Many adventurers take the short drive across the Mississippi River to Marrero, Louisiana to enjoy the free self-guided swamp tour and learn about the vegetation, wildlife, and history of the bayou. “I’ve seen all kinds of wildlife along the trail. I just had a large black snake slither in front of me this afternoon on my walk,” said Marrero resident Amos Frazier, who has been visiting the trail for over 20 years. Alligators are one of the most popular residents of the preserve. While alligators can be spotted year-round along the trail, the number of sightings increases during the breeding season of April and May. Michael Constant and Stormie Guardipee stroll down the Coquille Trail hand-in-hand on a date with nature. A first time visitor to the trail, Guardipee said, “I’m hoping to see an alligator.” Constant, who visits the trail frequently, said “she won’t be disappointed.” Over 2,300 acres of marshes, swamps and waterways make up Barataria Preserve, one of the six sites protected under the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. It was established in 1978 and features nearly nine miles of hiking for wildlife lovers. The trail consists of an elevat-

ed walkway spanning about half a mile through the heart of Bayou Coquille, then turns into the Marsh Overlook Trail and continues for another half a mile. This short distance covers three different habitats beginning in the hardwood forest, then shifts into the cypress-tupelo swamp with lookout points and ends on a bridge overlooking a freshwater marsh. Along the walkway visitors can expect to see a variety of wildlife including dragonflies, spiders, snakes, frogs, turtles, alligators, wading birds, hawks, vultures and owls. The preserve asks that visitors do not attempt to feed, tamper with or remove any wildlife or vegetation from the habitat. The trail also offers brief descriptions of the area’s history, habitat, and former residents like Jean Lafitte and the Coquille Indian tribe. Both Lafitte and the Coquille Indians utilized the water ways for transportation, food and survival.

Visitors seeking more information than the plaques provide can take advantage of the cell phone audio tour by calling 504-799-0802 and entering stop numbers 1-7. Barataria Preserve is open daily all year, except for Mardi Gras day and December 25. For the adventurous visitor, the trails do not close and can be explored at night. The parking lot gates, however, are locked at 5 p.m. daily. The preserve recommends parking safely along Highway 45 after 5 p.m. The Visitor Center is open Wednesday-Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (except on federal holidays and Mardi Gras day) and provides trail maps, useful information about the area and a bulletin board of upcoming events in the preserve. For visitor safety and preservation, pets are prohibited, and leaving the walkways and/or designated paths is also strictly prohibited. For more information visit http:// www.nps.gov/jela/index.htm.

Christy Lorio

An alligator takes in some sun along the trail at Bayou Coquille.

Veronica Mansell

Barataria Preserve features nearly nine miles of hiking for wildLearn more about the spider species with the cellphone audio tour. life lovers. Christy Lorio

Alumni Spotlight

#UNOPROUD is a way of life for alumnus Pierre Champagne Veronica Mansell Driftwood Staff

UNO PROUD is just a phrase or hashtag for most of the University of New Orleans community, but for UNO alumnus Pierre Champagne, it’s a way of life. Champagne, an alumnus for the class of 1976, can be spotted around campus on a weekly basis, donning UNO gear from top to bottom. From t-shirts to Mardi Gras beads to his bag, everything represents his alma mater. Champagne’s passion and spirit for UNO suggests he might bleed blue and silver. He is perhaps one of the most active and long-standing volunteers and UNO’s biggest cheerleader. Champagne’s passion is derived from a trilogy. “It’s the ring trilogy,” Champagne said, as he held up his hands to display three rings,his UNO class ring, his wedding ring, and an engineering ring. “Because of UNO, I have my marriage, I have my career and I have my education.” His long history of appreciation for the university began in 1970, his freshman year. UNO provided Champagne an affordable education and the ability to stay close to his family and the city he loved. He attributes many of his life successes from his happy marriage, to his long career with AT&T as Loop Capacity Manager, to the university.

“My wife, Cheryl, and I considChampagne’s infectious spirit passion for UNO is always on with er the university our home. We met is just what the university needs a desire to connect things. Reach in the UC (University Center) on a during times of low enrollment, out across the university to connect Thursday at 10:30 in the morning in budget and program cuts and other departments, connect the commu1971, we were engaged two weeks various obstacles. “My switch and nity, and connect the students,” later and have been Champagne said. married for 41 years,” After 43 consecutive Champagne said. years of contributing UNO is not only through academia, vola source of pride for unteer work and donaChampagne; it also tions, Champagne and provided shelter and his wife, Cheryl, show no comfort in hard times. signs of slowing down. During the aftermath of Both have been active Hurricane Katrina, the members of PAF (Privapair resided at the uniteer Athletic Foundation) versity for days until since 1976, along with help could come. “We numerous university orspent that week after ganizations from Alumni Katrina on campus . . . Association to Ambassawe were where we were dors Committee. supposed to be, we were Throughout the years, at home,” Champagne Champagne has known said, “we weren’t commany successful UNO fortable, but we were graduates from all walks comforted.” of life. Diversity is one He considers the of the most important university not only his factors of the student home, but also his fambody according to Chamily. “Over the years, we pagne. “UNO provides never got around to havan educational experiing kids. We consider all ence where everyone students at the university can feel comfortable and to be our children, and learn from people of difthe alumni are our brothferent ages, backgrounds, ers and sisters, while the and nationalities. It’s trufaculty and staff are also ly wonderful what the Vernica Mansell campus provides for ina huge part of our famiChampagne proudly totes his copy of the Driftwood ternational students and ly,” Champagne said. around campus.

residents,” said Champagne. Champagne encourages all students, staff, and alumni to express their appreciation for UNO. “More enrollment means more opportunity for everyone. We can achieve more enrollment, by spreading the word about UNO,” Champagne said, “it’s all of our responsibility to share our stories and appreciation for the university with the community.” One of the simplest ways to show support and appreciation for UNO is by wearing university gear. “Wear something that says UNO on it,” said Champagne, “get people talking about it or asking you questions about the university. We can create a community outside of campus by spreading the word about UNO.” The success of the university can be achieved with a combined effort of all UNO affiliates. “We may be just a little set of hands individually, but together we can move the world, so let’s move together,” Champagne said. There is something special about Champagne. It’s not just his positive outlook on life and pleasant demeanor, but his passion and drive for the success of UNO is an unstoppable, inspiration to anyone who encounters him. If you catch Pierre Champagne on campus, give him just a few minutes and you will certainly feel #UNOPROUD.

UNO The

RING

A PRIVATEER TRADITION! KATELYN ALLEMORE BRANDON ALLEN NATALIE ALLEN LAITH ALSHAMAILEH SEAN ANDERSON PRECIOUS APEMIYE TATIANA BEGAULT JONTAY BENION KORY BILLIOT JENNIFER BORDELON EMILY BOUDREAUX JORDAN BRELAND ISIS BURGOS REXTER CHAMBERS ROBERT COTTIER STEPHEN COWAN MICHELINE CRITCHFIELD AMELIE DARDAR KODY DAUZAT DON DAVIDSON CHRISTY DAVIS NICHOLAS DUFRECHOU MARIA DUGUE BRENT DUPREE CARL DUVIGNEAUD JA’MECIA FALL MELANIE FINK KILEY GARIC RACHAEL GASPARD KATRIEL GIBSON

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF OUR FALL 2014 UNO RING RECIPIENTS!

ROSA GONZALEZ EMILY HARPER VANESSA HARRIS TORY HEARN KOLBY HEID WILHEMINA HERRING SARAH HILL BECKY HIMELFARB RACHEL HOFFMAN PATRICK HUTCHINSON CAROL INTERIANO MICHELLE JENKINS CALLAN JOHNS REESE KANTER CORY LANG CODY LASITER TABATHA MACERA JAHI MACKEY CHRISTOPHER MARANTO PAUL MARINO ALEXANDRIA MARSHALL NADIA MASSANA LAURANCE MAYEAUX MELISSA MAYEAUX BETHANY MCCURDY PAIGE MILLER BASHAR MOHD MONICA MONTALVO PAIGE NULTY JULIE PARKER

www.unoalumni.com/unoring

KEN PENOUILH URANIA PERALTA ZACHARY POLLOCK ALYSSA POMEROY JASON PRECHTER VINCENT PRIOR MILTON QUINTEROS AMY REA ELISBETH RIOS MUZAFFAR ROZIKOV KEVIN RUSH JONELLE SCHMIDT PHILIP SCHWARTZ WALKER SEVIN ARIEL SHERMAN LUKE SMAHA ERROLNISHA SMITH GARRETT STAPP JARED TASSIN HEATHER VALDIVIA CHRISTOPHER VEDROS BRIAN WALSH DEVIN WATSON WILLIAM WEAVER KAYLA WICHTERICH RACHEL WILLIAMS TIFFANY WILLIS ALEXANDRA WOODHAMS TEIRA WOODRIDGE TARA YOCUM

#unoring

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Wednesday, November 19, 2014

SPORTS

Paralympic Gold Medalist Trains with UNO Track Team my sight in order to also celebrate growing in my sport,” said Casinos. Casinos is diabetic, and he became totally blind due to diabetes retinopathy in 1998. “One of the worst trails that I suffered was losing my vision,” it reads on his webpage. It wasn’t until 1998 that he found a new place in his sport after calling personal friend and coach Jose Manuel Puchal who invited David

the Paralympic record holder in shot put. Driftwood Staff According to Casinos, the Paralympic games in Beijing, University of New Orleans stuwhere he was chosen to bear the dent David Casinos is a three-time flag for the Spanish team at the gold medal track and field athlete, opening ceremonies, were truly inholding world records in shot put. credible and have also been the best And he’s blind. games for him. The Valencia, Spain, native has “It’s a big responsibility to bear won three consecutive gold medthe flag for your country, and its all als in the Paralympics and recently eyes on you,” said Casinos. decided to spend 10 weeks training Casinos will be with the with UNO’s track team – university until Decemwhich will also strengthber. “Coming here was en his understanding Enabout training with Ben glish. and the other athletes, be“He is a very talented ing able to speak English athlete and was before with them and to experilosing his sight,” said ence New Orleans.” Coach Benjamin Dalton. While on campus, CasiDavid specializes in nos has also assisted stushooting which includes dent Margot Grozier with the shot, discus, and Spanish, her language of the hammer, but he did study. not only come to UNO “It takes a lot of courto sharpen his shooting age to come to America technique. and completely immerse “The main reason for yourself in a language, my choosing to come and that’s who David is... here, apart from my profearless. To overcome adfessional career as an athversity with positivity and lete, was to improve on hard work is something my English. I also give we all need to remember, speeches publically about and that is what he lives my life, losing my sight, by every day,” said Groand how I developed Courtesy of David Casinos zier. professionally after losingDavid Casinos celebrates with his national flag after winning a gold medal.

Rachel Friedman

to join a group of athletes in training. After many years in the international arena, he has competed as a Paralympian and a World Champion in shot put. As of now he is a three time gold medalist in the Paralympic Games. His three consecutive gold medals were won at the Paralympic games in Sydney, Athens, and Beijing. He is also the world record holder in shot put and

Casinos plans to compete in are the World Championship in Qatar in 2015 and the Paralympic games in Rio de Janeiro in 2016. According to Casinos, those will be the biggest upcoming events that he needs to win. For more information, Casinos’ webpage explains his professional history in his sport as well as his experience losing his eyesight. Visit http://www.davidcasinos.es/

Courtesy of David Casinos

Casinos competes in the discuss throw.

LAGNIAPPE

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Yak Attack I always thought they were playing bingo at the Cove but they were just calling food orders. Life was so simple back when everyone had the same iPhone charger. Throw back to yesterday when my English teacher lost her %$*! in front of the librarian and cursed at a student. Good times. $%^! went down in Bio. This douche refused to leave so she called the cops. BREAKING NEWS: white girl seen with two Starbucks. Ability to take pictures of them and post to Instagram unknown Vodka is made from potatoes. Potatoes are a vegetable. Vodka is a salad.

Bio 1053 is the Young and Restless of

Rants & raves A working group of UNO deans and faculty released their suggestions for degree programs that could be cut or restructured last week. Their suggestions will go to UNO President Fos and his version will in turn go to the Board of Regents who will make the ultimate decisions at some indeterminate time in the future. Jindal’s $1.8 million photo-op for STEM field education is just that. Does UNO have to grant scholarships to international students because there aren’t enough American (let alone Louisianian,-48th-in-the-nation-for-education*) students with the grades or the interest to major in these fields that our economy needs to thrive? Meanwhile, the elimination of tuition waivers disincentivizes graduate students at this purported Urban Research University. Two of the three programs suggested to be cut are Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education. Why? because of low completer rates. Studies report different numbers depending on their sample data, but most agree that financial hardship is a major explanation of college drop out rates. Let me break this down for you, Jindal, because I know you read the Driftwood and consider our opinions in your policy decisions: incentivize students to complete degrees in education. The post-Katrina bleeding-heart carpet baggers that are teaching in New Orleans charter schools now are going to move back to Minnesota or wherever to raise their own kids. You need long-term locals teaching in our schools and inspiring future generations to succeed and reach for those high-paying STEM field jobs. But that’s a hard policy to write a headline for, huh? h t t p : / / w w w. a l e c . o r g / p u b l i c a t i o n s / r e port-card-on-american-education/

uno.

I want to applaud those of you in college who work a job/multiple jobs, who have kids, and pay for tuition and bills. I can already tell it’s going to be another one of those mornings where I’m not rich and famous. If I had the chance to start this year over…I’d probably still be failing math… It’s human burrito weather. It’s so sexist that women’s studies exists as a major and there is no man’s studies. Oh wait, there is. It’s just called history… To the person playing the piano in the math building, you are making math

much more appealing actually. I appreciate you. There’s guys wearing trench coats and then there’s Trench Coat Guy The front of the library is a wind tunnel Shoutout to the girl walking around campus with the blanket. Just found an ant in my ramen. Protein? Parents weekend at Tulane. Cougars on the prowl all over uptown. Just saw a guy in a trench coat and flip flops. He needs his head examined. I can’t even spell my major, do they really expect me to graduate

Campus Calendar NOVEMBER 19 Space Day Exhibits Space Day displays set up in the UC Gallery Lounge from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Volunteer to assist by visiting spaceday.uno.edu. UNO Campus Community Gardening Club Hot Chocolate Fundraiser The UNO Campus Community Gardening Club will be selling hot chocolate from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. in The Earl K. Long Library. For more information email Jtcullif@gmail.com Kappa Sigma American Warriors’ Week Week-long fundraiser for the American Heroes Campaign hosted by Kappa Sigma Fraternity continues from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Every day will be a different event. Student Organization Orientation Student Involvement and Leadership hosts a Student Organization Orientation. For more information email sil@uno.edu. Kickback on Campus From 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. For more information contact cljohn11@ uno.edu. Purse Drive Sponsored by PHC and Sigma Kappa Sigma Kappa and Panhellenic Council co-sponsor a purse drive

to benefit the New Orleans Women’s Shelter. Please bring purse donations filled with women’s goods and toiletries to UC 211. NOVEMBER 20 UNO Filmmakers - Gumbo Ticket Sale Ticket sale from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at The Earl K. Long Library. UNO Space Day Guest Speaker Ricardo Navarro The Boeing Company Space Launch System Overview from 1 - 2 p.m. in the Engineering Building room 101. Open to all faculty, staff, and students. Poverty Point World Heritage Sight: New Name, Same Amazing Place Dr. Diana Greenlee discusses the site and the UNESCO inscription process from 2 - 3:30 p.m. in Milneburg Hall room 165. For more information contact the Anthropology department at (504) 280-6294. Diversity Book Discussion UNO Diversity Affairs and Honors Program present program from 3 - 4 p.m. in Kirschman Hall Atrium. NOVEMBER 24 Alpha Lambda Delta Holiday Card Station ALD hosts a Holiday card station from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at The University Center. For more infor-

mation email nralston@uno.edu. Official UNO Ring Ceremony UNO and the Alumni Association hosts the Fall 2014 Spring Ring Ceremony and Reception from 7 - 8:30 p.m. at The Performing Arts Center. For more information about purchasing a ring visit www.unoaumni.com/ unoring. NOVEMBER 25 SAC’s Open Mic Night SAC hosts open mic night from 6 - 8 p.m. at The Cove. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority/Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Probate Show Show from 6:20 - 9:20 p.m. in the Amphitheatre. For more information email greeklife@uno. edu. Official UNO Ring Ceremony UNO and the Alumni Association present rings to UNO seniors and juniors. For more information contact the Office of Alumni Affairs at (504) 280-2586. NOVEMBER 26 Thanksgiving Dinner at Newman Center The Newman Center will host its annual Thanksgiving Dinner on Wednesday, November 26 at 6:30. A mass of thanksgiving will be celebrated at 5:30. The dinner is open to all th students. The Newman center is located across from the University Center.

Wednesday, November 19, 2014