Vol. 76 / No. 7
October 8, 2015
Photo: Charles A. Smith Chinese Students and Scholars Association members perform dance during Chinese Moon Festival.
Festival celebrates culture and diversity
Jackson State students showcase Chinese culture at Chinese Moon Festival Brittney Williams MC Contributor/Staff Sounds of laughter and conversation filled the air of the Jacob L. Reddix Complex General Purpose Room on Oct. 2 during the annual Chinese Moon Festival. The Chinese Moon Festival, also known as the Lunar MidAutumn Festival, always falls on the 15th of the 8th month, according to the Chinese Lunar Calendar. The festival originated from the Chinese belief that the moon had a connection with the seasons and agricultural production. On this day, Chinese families make sacrifices to the moon, eat
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moon cakes with their families, and express love for family and friends far away. It is known as the moon festival because at that time of year, the moon is at its roundest and brightest. The celebration, sponsored by JSU Global and the Chinese Students and Scholars Association, started with a warm welcome and traditional Chinese food. During the dinner, guests ate moon cakes. The cakes symbolize the reunion of family and evokes longing for relatives and friends. Yu Bao hosted the moon cake ceremony and said that the event reminded her of how she used to celebrate the festival
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with her family. “I’m homesick. This is the second year of my masters here... so I miss my family so much,” said Bao, a graduate student majoring in business administration from China. She added: “We get together and watch the moon and watch the ceremony on television and we will eat a moon cake together.” With a goal of promoting cultural exchange and diversity, attendees at the festival were also exposed to Chinese poetry, calligraphy, a tea ceremony, and singing. “Tradition is very important in Chinese culture,” said Courtney Walker, a junior English major from East St.
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Louis, Ill. “All the performances and speeches taught a lesson about how the Moon Festival started and how they still carry on the traditions today.” The evening continued with musical performances, dances, games. The Adhiambo School and JSU’s Chinese 101 class joined t to sing “Two Tigers” and a poem, “Contemplating Moonlight.” Later a performance from the Joy Luck Club Dance Team adorned in traditional Tangzhuang and Qipao clothing thrilled the audience. The event ended with Tangzhuang and Qipao Fashion show. Gerson Guevara, a freshman political science major from
Austin Hill, Md., said the cultural aspect of the event made it a must see. “I am a person who really likes to learn about other cultures because I love learning about languages especially. So the more you learn about them, the more worldly you feel even though you don’t get to travel. It’s sort of like traveling while staying on campus,” said Guevara. Other guests in attendance were impressed with the authentic performances, costumes, and music. “I feel like we should experience other people’s culture at least once,” said Stephen Diew, a junior biology/pre-medicine major from Yazoo City, Miss.
www.thejsuflash.com @thejsuflash
Tiger Events
Page 2 - October 8, 2015
JSU’s 5-Day Weather Forecast
The Blue & White Flash Jackson State University
P.O. Box 18449 Jackson, Mississippi 39217 Phone: 601.979.2167 / Fax: 601.979.2876 E-Mail: theflash@jsums.edu
The Blue & White Flash
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Awards & Honors The Blue & White Flash has received numerous awards and honors from the Mississippi Press Association, Black College Communications Association and the Southern Regional Press Institute. The Flash proudly hosted the 2003 and 2010 HBCU Newspaper Conference and Job Fair at Jackson State University.
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The Blue & White Flash SHANNON D. TATUM Publications Manager
KIERRA D. THOMAS Graphic Designer
WILLIAM H. KELLY III Associate Editor
JEREMY ANDERSON Associate Editor
Aneshia Becton Kayla Blue Gabrielle Brawner Aniecia Brewster Orionna Brumfield Jordan Darensbourg Cory Davis Deirdra Harris Glover Kristen Hudson Kennedy Jones
Myuna Jones Dwayne Joseph, Jr. Elissa McCool Jhade’ Norris Williams Owens Rashundra Powell Shane Savannah Breanna Stewart Haley Thomas Jennifer Wiles
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Letters to the editor are welcome. Editors reserve the right to print or reject for publication any letters received. Letters must include the author’s name(s), address, and phone number; phone number will not be published. All letters are subject to editing for space and libel consideration. Materials must be submitted by Monday at 5 p.m. for publication on Thursday.
Editorial Staff
The Blue & White Flash is open to contributions from all Jackson State University students. We encourage all students, regardless of major and/or classification, to participate in the production of their newspaper. For information concerning your contribution to “The Official Student Newspaper of Jackson State University,” call 601-979-2167 or visit room 211 in the Blackburn Language Arts Building.
Publication/Distribution Information The Blue & White Flash is a weekly newspaper written and edited by the students with the counsel of the adviser. Editorials and letters to the editor represent the views of the writer(s). Views expressed within do not necessarily represent the opinions of the faculty/staff, the administration, the student body, or the Board of Trustees. The editors determine the time of the publication and the ethical qualities of all articles. Articles and other materials in The Flash cannot be republished without the expressed written permissions of the editor, adviser and the Student Publications Board at Jackson State University. The Flash is published during the fall and spring semesters, but not during university-recognized holidays, mid-semester and final examinations. The Flash is distributed at various locations around the Jackson State University campus, free of charge to students, staff and faculty. Additional copies may be obtained from the Office of Student Publications.
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The Blue & White Flash
Opinion
“How do you prepare for midsemester exams?” Compiled by Cory Davis
Christopher Carter Freshman Criminal Justice Edwards, Miss.
“I plan to prepare for midterms by studying three times a day in between classes and testing myself on the things that I’ve studied.”
Jasmine McCloud Junioir Mass Communication Flowood, Miss.
“I am studying for midterms by reviewng my notes from the beginning of the semester up until this point and dedicating at least two hours per subject.”
Najja Collins Freshman Biology/Pre-med Greenwood, Miss.
“I just study about thirty minutes in each subject per day.”
Sierra Wilson Senior Mass Communication Indianapolis, Ind.
“I am prioritizing my courses from least important to most important and I am using my time wisely to study each of them individually.”
Ruqayya Calmes Junior Marketing major Little Rock, Ark.
“I usually make sure that I read before class and after class, so I can familiarize myself with the course materials, and sometimes I take notes.”
Christon Colemon Junior Music Education Chicago, Ill.
“The key to my studying year round is time management. Making sure I have everything planned out ahead of time.”
Breyionna Flowers Senior Mass Communication Little Rock, Ark.
“I study through the first half of the semester so I can remember as much as I can.This allows me to refresh, relax and relate the materials.”
John Hampton Jr. Junior Meterology Memphis, Tenn.
“I usually find the key points and phrases that I can memorize and write them down.”
Diamond Dortch Freshman Elementary Education Chicago, Ill.
August Augustus Freshman Computer Engineering Atlanta, Ga.
“I plan on studying at least thirty minutes for each subject and taking practice tests online to help prepare myself.”
“I plan on going to the library and studying my notes and reviewing the syllabus from my courses.”
David Jones Junior Business Hattiesburg, Miss.
Tiffany Davis Freshman Biology; Pre-med Pine Bluff, Ark.
“I actually don’t have any midterm examinations coming up, but I still plan on reviewing my notes and other course materials.”
“I plan on shutting off all of my social media and making a schedule of my classes so I can dedicate time to study for each one individually.”
Cartoon: Kristen Hudson
The dreaded midterm season has arrived here at JSU COMMENTARY
Jeremy Anderson Associate Editor If you are a freshman, you are probably just realizing how much of a joke high school midterms are compared to college midterms (if you haven’t realized it yet, I promise that you will soon). If you’re a sophomore or junior, graduation might seem so far away that you’ve contemplated dropping out a few times after asking, “Is college really for me?” After all, according to rapper Future, God’s blessing a certain group of people, and it isn’t the scholars. If you’re a senior, you might be so over undergraduate school that you just can’t wait to be done.
Wherever you are in your collegiate career, right now you probably have professors that are challenging your mind too much and changing your life in ways you aren’t too fond of. But one thing that we all have in common is that we need to push through. Hard times are a part of college. What’s the value of a college degree if it isn’t well earned? Going into midterms, it is important to not let stress get the best of you. Stress is good, it means you care, but too much stress can lead to health problems and probably low performances on your midterm grades. The key is to find a good balance between your studies and your health. If you have challenging classes that require a lot of time to study, break up your studying into intervals. Cramming usually doesn’t help you understand the material. Also, make sure you get enough sleep during midterms. The infamous all-nighters that many college students are
accustomed to may not always work for everybody. If you have to spend most of the night/morning studying, try taking short naps in between. It’ll help you focus and help you retain just enough energy to get through your week of examinations. Another tip is to make sure you eat properly. Healthy energy comes from good foods, not energy drinks. Furthermore, it is most important to remember that you still have time to achieve all of your goals. Whether you are a student looking for all A’s this semester or you go by the “C’s get degrees” motto, great midterm scores can boost your grades going into the second part of the semester and give you the confidence to still achieve whatever goals you’ve set for yourself. Happy midterm season! The views expressed in the commentary are those of the writer(s) and in no way represent the views of The Blue & White Flash.
News
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The Blue & White Flash
Zagster bike sharing program promotes fitness Gabrielle Brawner MC Contributor/Staff Writer
He adde d: “S o we lo oke d at it and we t r ie d to do it in-hous e f irst and The Z agster bi ke shar ing t hen we lo oke d at ot her prog ram is promot ing nat iona l prog rams such he a lt h, f it ness and a f un as Z agster and s aid t his way to commute around is a g re at way to faci lit ate c ampus for Jacks on St ate f it ness ac t iv it ies w hi le a ls o Universit y students. prov iding students w it h The prog ram, w hich is t ransp or t at ion f rom one a p ar t of t he “1 Fit JSU” side of t he c ampus to t he init i at ive, made its debut at ot her.” Jacks on St ate in S eptemb er. There are currently 12 The pr imar y pur p os e bikes available for use in the of t he Z agster prog ram, program. according to Mark Students can find the Dickers on, JSU R e cre at ion bikes at Zagster check-in/ C omplex Assist ant check-out stations located in Dire c tor, is to promote front of the Student Center, a f un way to t ravel and JSU Recreation Complex, exercis e. and the John A. Peoples “We re ceive d a g rant building. or ig ina l ly f rom t he The ser vice is free for the Blue Cross Blue Shield first two hours and $3 for Found at ion of Mississippi ever y additional hour. and or ig ina l ly in t hat According to pedbikeinfo. g rant t here was a pie ce of org, bike sharing is an it t hat was for a bi ke share innovative transportation prog ram,” s aid Dickers on. program.
In bike sharing, short distance point-to-point trips provide users the ability to pick up a bicycle at any self-ser ve bike-station and return it to any other bike station located within the system’s ser vice area. Not only are the bikes helping students zip through campus, but they are also helping students get proper exercise without even realizing it. “ The bikes are a way to break from the monotony of the g ym and have a fun free workout,” said Keleigh Williams, a junior psycholog y major from Sierra Vista, Ariz. To rent the bikes, students must go to their provider’s mobile app store and download the Zagster app. After following the directions and providing credit card information,
students must find the bicycle located at a Zagster dock and enter the bike’s number into the app and press, START RIDE. They are then given a code to the lockbox. Once done with the bike, the students must return the bike to a Zagster dock and close the lockbox. They must then go back to the app and enter, END RIDE. After your two free hours are up, the app will charge $3 for ever y hour after that. Shane Savannah contributed to this story. Photos by William H. Kelly III
JSU Tiger Battalion contracting ceremony held The Jackson State University Tiger Battalion conducted its contracting ceremony on Oct. 1 in the College of Liberal Arts Lecture Room. The ceremony recognizes qualified Cadets for their accomplishments. The Cadets will be formally inducted into the Tiger BN. The Cadets also gained an understanding for military decorum and traditions through the execution of the contracting ceremony.
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Photos by William Kelly III
1) Lt. Col. Dexter Brookins and Cadet Martin after being pinned. 2) Lt. Col. Dexter Brookins pins Cadets after reciting oath. 3) Cadets recite oath as they are getting sworn into ROTC. 4)Friends and fellow ROTC members came to support Cadet James Jefferson. 5) Cadet James Jefferson and close friend Kyren Garel after being sworn into the Tiger Battalion.
High School Day 2015
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The Blue & White Flash
Hundreds attend Jackson State’s High School Day Williams Owens MC Contributor/Staff Writer
Hundreds of eager high school students from across the state of Mississippi converged on the campus of Jackson State University on Oct. 3. The annual High School Day event provided opportunities for these students to see what JSU has to offer. Incoming freshmen and other prospective students were given information from various departments and organizations during the
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at High School Day,” said Garland. “They were elated with the opportunity to go and speak to the different representatives.” She added: “They didn’t think that it was an option to be able to dance without going to a dance school, and to be able to dance in college and receive a degree in something else, and they absolutely loved that.” Student Government Association President Rashad Moore, a senior criminal justice major from Jackson, Miss., feels
exciting event. Performances by MADDRAMA, the JSU Dance Ensemble, Blue Ambassadors and Greek organizations kept students attentive, and on the edge of their seats as they were eager to see what was coming next. Student Support Specialist for JSU’s Upward Bound Program, Courtney Garland, attended with many of the students in her program. “My students enjoyed the variety of information and entertainment provided
that the exposure from the performing organizations will have a positive affect resulting in students choosing JSU. “The experience that many of the organizations created together today is what truly makes my dear ‘ole college home so great, and I’m sure after today’s experience it’ll be the college home for many more”, said Moore. Students concluded the High School program with a tour of Jackson State, and everything it has to offer from the engineering building to
the recently built Apple Store. Students were also given the opportunity to attend the JSU versus Grambling State University football game. Jesse Gresham, a senior dual major in criminal justice and psychology, believes that High School Day should be a mandatoryl event. “High School Day helps give different visiting schools the opportunity to explore many great facets of the college life here at JSU, without actually attending the school,” said Gresham.
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Photos by William Kelly III
1) The JSU Blue Ambassadors perform dance for High School Day visitors. 2) Blue Ambassadors share history about JSU. 3) Blue Ambassadors give tours around JSU for High School Day. 4) Sylvia Watley shares information about The Department of Mass Communication Department to interested visitors. 5) High School Day visitors grab copies of The Blue & White Flash Official Student Newspaper. 6) Blue Ambassadors entertain High School Day visitors by teaching various school chants. 7) The Sonic Boom of the South and Jackson 5 stampede the Gibbs-Green Walkway. 8)The plaza became crowded with students from many high schools and JSU organizations.
Variety
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The Blue & White Flash
“What is winning: natural hair or bundles?” Compiled by Cory Davis
Sazara Edwards Sophomore Chemistry Jackson, Miss.
“I definitely feel like natural hair is winning. It’s versatile and low maintenance. We are really coming into our own.”
Google Images
This week in trending topics: Tamar Braxton releases a new album, there might be trouble in paradise on the set of “Empire”, and a Tidal concert with an allstar lineup is on the way.
Tamar Braxton is calling for all lovers
Singer Tamar Braxton released her fourth studio album, “Calling All Lovers”, on Oct. 2. The 14 track album is filled with mid-tempo’s and ballad’s. As you listen to the album, she takes you on a journey through the stages of love as she passionately croons about the highs, the lows, and the in-betweens of being in a relationship. Before the release of the album, Braxton released three singles: “If I Don’t Have You,” “Catfish,” and “Angels and Demons”. While singles “Catfish” and “Angels and Demons” were not so successful on the charts, “Let Me Know” proved to be a fan favorite, peaking at number 19 on Billboard Hot 100. The “Love and War” singer is one busy woman these days. On top of releasing a new album, she is also a contestant on “Dancing with the Stars” as well as a cohost on talk show “The Read”. She is also set to go on tour with Mary J. Blige later this month.
Is there trouble in paradise with Luscious and Cookie?
It seems as if there is a real life feud on the set of “Empire”. Allegedly, Terrance Howard and Taraji P. Henson are not getting along. According to In Touch Weekly, Taraji has become irritated by her co-stars “bigheaded attitude”. Sources at In Touch Weekly revealed that the two can’t be around each other for
more than 30 seconds without bickering. “In the beginning, Taraji was thea key supporter and apologist for his behavior. But as his arrogance increased, she began to get annoyed,” said the source. The feud between Henson and Howard may not be a bad thing. It is being alleged that the “Empire” producers feel that the tension between the two stars may work to the shows advantage, prompting amazing and volatile scenes, according to TheYBF. Henson’s representative shot down reports of a feud, while Howard’s team remains silent. Only time will tell.
Aspen Wilson Junior Mass Communication Memphis, Tenn.
“A lot of people like the weaves and bundles, but natural hair is definitely coming back.”
Jay Z announces star studded TIDAL concert
To celebrate the music streaming company, TIDAL, crossing the threshold of 1 million subscribers, rap superstar Jay-Z and other TIDAL artists are throwing a concert titled Tidal X: 1020. The concert will take place Oct. 20 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. The concert includes a star studded lineup with artists such as Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Prince, Nicki Minaj, Usher, Lil Wayne, and many more. TIDAL members were able to purchase tickets last week through a presale on the TIDAL website for a low price of $60. Tickets ranging from $60 to $244 became available to the public on last Oct. 2. All proceeds from the concert will be donated to The New World Foundation, a New York based organization which partners with various philanthropic enterprises. The concert will be streamed on TIDAL.com for fans who were not able to purchase tickets.
Cartoon: Kristen Hudson
Ruqayya Calmes Junior Marketing major Little Rock, Ark.
“I’m a little neutral on the topic. I think that whatever you feel most confident and secure with. As long as you are staying true to yourself that’s all that matters.”
Jasmine Williams Sophomore Biology/Pre-dental Byram, Miss.
“I would have to say both because natural hair is pretty awesome and I love my natural hair, but I like the bundles too.”
Summer Joiner Sophomore Business Admin. Jackson, Miss.
“I would have to so say natural hair is winning. Some girls that choose to wear bundles might be natural underneath their extensions.”
Rashundra Powell Sophomore Mass Communication
“Natural hair is winning. I think it’s great that people are starting to come into the mindset that natural hair is beautiful regardless if it is kinky, curly, or wavy.”
The Blue & White Flash
Sports
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Jackson State University Sports Hall of Fame inducts 11 Jeremy Anderson Associate Editor The greatest of the great athletes that have graced the campus of Jackson State University were honored on Oct. 2 as 11 Jacksonians were inducted into JSU’s Hall of Fame. Rob Jay, the host of the event, sat down with each hall of famer, or representative of a hall of famer, to have a question and answer session about their experiences at JSU. The first inductee was Willie “Doc” Barnes, head athletic trainer at JSU for over 30 years. Barnes reflected on his times at JSU with reverence and pride. Radious Y. Guess was inducted for a spectacular track and field career at Jackson State. Guess, known as Radious Jacobs during her career at JSU, led the Lady Tigers in setting two world record times for women’s track and field in a one-mile relay and a distance medley. “I’ve had so many wonderful career opportunities, and I know that it has so much to do with the work that I did here at Jackson State,” said Guess. James “Big Cat” Har vey Jr. was a four-year letterman on the JSU football team from 1983-1986. The former offensive lineman is now
Photo: Darek Ashley
Rob Jay, executive producer of JSU Sports Media, talks with 2015 Hall of Fame inductee Michelle Houston about her notable athletic contributions.
a head football coach at Columbia High School and was not in attendance due to a Friday night game. In his absence, a former Columbia High School player read a speech written by Har vey. “My life now is about tr ying to instill in young men the same things that I was taught will at JSU,” said Har vey in the letter. Tameika Hill-Brown was inducted after a four-year basketball career at JSU. She started all four years at Jackson State including the 1994-1995 season when the JSU women’s basketball
team won the SWAC championship. Reflecting back on her time at JSU, Brown said that “I absolutely loved ever y minute, ever y hour, and ever y second that I was here at Jackson State University. And I think it was the best decision I could have made coming out of high school.” Michelle Houston, also a basketball player at JSU, played from 1987-1991. She was awarded All-SWAC and All-American honors for her play for the Lady Tigers. Houston was also a SWAC champion in the 1990
season. Anna Eatmon-Jonhson was inducted into the JSU Hall of Fame for a stellar basketball career as a Lady Tiger. Johnson was selected as an All-SWAC performer and Best Offensive Player for the Lady Tigers. James Carl Marshall, a former writer for the Blue & White Flash, was a standout in both football and basketball, earning All-SWAC honors in both sports from 1970-1973. His stellar career landed him in Jackson State’s Hall of Fame. Marshall, who was
originally in the band, was convinced by former Coach W.C. Gorden, to play football for the Tigers. “If the Hall of Fame is supposed to be for the best athletes to walk these halls (Jackson State), then I belong,” said Marshall. Louis Antonio McRae Sr., was a football player for Jackson State from 1959-1963. He was a part of a Jackson State team that won SWAC championships in 1961 and 1962. McRae passed away shortly after he was nominated. Auber y Stewart ran track for Jackson State from 19731976. When Stewart came to Jackson State, there was no cross countr y team. So he decided to start the team himself. He did so, and never lost. Charles “Red Rooster” Williams was a football player at Jackson State from 1974-1978. As a star defensive back for the Tigers, Williams was selected to both All-SWAC and AllAmerican teams. Deatrich Wendell Wise Sr. was the final inductee of the night. Wise, a Dean’s list scholar at Jackson State, was a part of three SWAC championship teams at JSU as well as JSU’s 1985 Black College National Championship team. He was also a 3-time All-SWAC performer.
Jackson State relieves Harold Jackson of head coach duties, names McCall Interim head coach
Photo: JSU Athletics Media
Coach Derrick McCall JSU Athletics Media
Jackson State University announced today that Harold
Jackson has been relieved of his head coaching duties. Assistant Coach Derrick McCall has been named as the interim head coach. “Jackson State is a tradition-rich school and our athletics have always been an impor tant aspect of university life. We want to continue that spirit of improvement. In making this decision I considered both the recommendation of our interim director of athletics and responses from alumni and students,” said Carolyn W. Meyers, president of Jackson State University. “We have worked well with and fully supported Coach Jackson. We honor and love him and wish him success in
his future endeavors. Coach McCall has already proven his commitment to Jackson State as demonstrated by his work with our players,” Meyers added. The 2015 season is the eighth for McCall as a member of the JSU football coaching staff. This season marks his fourth as wide receivers coach, however from 2012-14 he ser ved as the offensive coordinator for the Tigers. Wheeler Brown, interim director of athletics, said, “ This was a difficult decision for me to make knowing how hard Harold Jackson worked here to make this a winning program. He is a man of high character and integrity. Although it has
been disappointing how we have started this season, I am confident that we can improve with the talent we have on our roster.” McCall said he is grateful for the opportunity to ser ve. “I want to thank Dr. Carolyn W. Meyers and Mr. Wheeler Brown for giving me the opportunity to lead the JSU football team for the remainder of this season,” said McCall. “I also want to thank Coach Jackson for allowing me to be part of his coaching staff.” Prior to coming to JSU as a coach, McCall ser ved as associate head coach/ offensive coordinator at Shaw University, where he helped lead the Bears to a CIAA Championship and
a historic NCAA Division II playoff berth in just two seasons. He also ser ved as interim head coach for the Tuskegee University football program and was part of a SIAC Championship and a Pioneer Bowl Championship. “I am confident that we can field a ver y competitive team for the rest of this season,” McCall said. McCall had a successful collegiate career as a quarterback at Jackson State (1979-82) as he helped lead the Tigers to two SWAC titles and two NCAA Division I-AA playoff berths. Following a bye week, the Tigers return to action Oct. 17 when they travel to Huntsville to play Alabama A&M.
For more information and a full listing of events visit www.jsums.edu/homecoming
#JSUHomecoming15