The Student Voice of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University Since 1900
WWW.THEFAMUANONLINE.COM
MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2011
VOL. 114 ISSUE 15
Alum fills university relations post Marie Eustache Staff Writer
Thomas Haynes, Jr.
A Florida A&M alum has been named to lead the university’s fundraising efforts as vice president of university relations. Thomas Haynes Jr. was selected as vice president of university relations above four other finalists who interviewed for the
job. Haynes is also a former FAMU employee. Haynes, a fundraising consultant in Maryland, earned his master’s in Counselor Education at FAMU and a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership at Florida State University. Haynes will be responsible for conducting a $50 million capital campaign for FAMU. He succeeds Carla Willis, who left the position during the spring semester. Haynes was also a finalist for the position in 2007, but Willis was picked instead. “I’m excited and I’m looking forward to rejoining the university in pursuing the goals of the campaign,” Haynes said.
He said he plans to assess the state of the university before he strategizes the fundraising plan. However, he said he wants to get everyone involved in the effort. “We have to engage the entire FAMU family, alumni and students,” he said. “This is going to be a family affair.” Haynes also wants to connect the university’s academic program with the missions of private corporations and public foundations by finding those that share a similar mission as the university and engaging them. In organizing the campaign, Haynes plans to not only engage students, but also encourage them to craft
the FAMU story in compelling ways. Raising scholarship dollars is also part of the alum’s plan. He said it is essential for continual growth and development of the university. His long-term goal is to build a fundraising infrastructure that will sustain the university, including generating resources outside the state’s allocation. Sharon Saunders, interim vice president for university relations, said she is optimistic about the new VP of university relations. “I think that he’s going to do an outstanding job,” Saunders said. “He has a strong background in fundraising, and he knows the FAMU culture.” Haynes
also has a plan to target a higher giveback rate among young alumni by using the Internet and social media. “We don’t want to leave anybody behind in this campaign,” Haynes said. During his earlier stint at FAMU, Haynes served as associate vice president for university relations and the executive director of the FAMU Business Industry Cluster from 1998 to 2003. After he left FAMU, he was the vice president for university advancement and executive director of university foundation at Montclair State University in New Jersey. Jeff Shaw, coordinator
of annual giving for the university, said Haynes seems to be very familiar with the university. “I think it’s going to work out very well with him having a relationship with our constituents and our alumni,” said Shaw. “He also seems like an easy person to work with.” Haynes said he is anxious to start in his new post. Haynes’ first day is Oct. 31. “I have a tremendous passion for the university,” Haynes said. “My two daughters graduated from the university so I am looking forward to talking to students to share the plan.” Marie Eustache famuannews@gmail.com
Hundreds ‘Occupy’ the steps of Old Capitol Marcus Joseph Staff Writer
Britney Buchanan The Famuan Students, middle-aged persons and activists protested outside of the capitol all weekend in support of Occupy Tallahassee, a local movement in solidarity with the Occupy Wall Street movement in New York City.
Hundreds turned out for the Occupy Tallahassee rally on Oct. 14 in front of the Old State Capitol to protest financial inequities. “There are so many people out here,” said Gabriel Paez, 21, a Florida State student. “I have been doing activism in the city of Tallahassee for awhile, and I have never seen anything like this.”Protest participants were lined together Friday, Saturday and Sunday screaming “People united will never be defeated” and “United Occupy” to cars and on-lookers passing the capitol complex. “I believe there are a lot of problems people are seeing all over the nation that are also dismissed here in Florida,” said Cecelia O’Brien, a 21-year-old history student at FSU. “We need to make sure we are standing up for our local concerns such as environmental regulations Occupy 3
Jobs already have started to trickle into Crestview, Fla., as work continues on renovations to the Alatex building to convert it to Florida A&M’s pharmacy school. Construction on the facility will bring 20 - 40 jobs alone.
The Board of County Commissioners will host the Leon County Legislative Delegation for a public hearing on Monday, Oct. 17, from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. in the County Commission Chambers on the fifth floor of the Leon County Courthouse. All residents and elected officials are invited.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The first U.S. bishop criminally charged with sheltering an abusive clergyman has been accused of failing to protect children after he and his diocese waited five months to tell police about hundreds of images of child pornography discovered on a priest’s computer.
Bright Futures funding down, Lottery revenue up Marcus Joseph Staff Writer With a decrease in funding to the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program, prospective college students may have to pay higher costs to attend college. For the eighth consecutive time in Florida Lottery history, the organization has transferred more than $1 billion to the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund, according to the Florida Lottery website. EETF was designed to supplement the needs of the state’s public
education system. The lottery-funded Bright Futures Scholarship Program also reached a milestone by providing more than 53,000 new students with financial aid to pursue a post-secondary education. Despite increased assistance, the Florida Lottery’s contribution to Bright Futures has declined by $41 million in transferred funds to the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program, according to Florida Department of Education officials. Deborah Higgins, Bright Futures information specialist with the Florida Department of Education, said funds have
decreased because the Florida Legislature appropriated less funding for the program this year. “The appropriation for 201112 year is a reduction over 2010-11 year by about $87 million,” said Higgins. Funding from the Florida Lottery is also used to help school district projects for new construction, renovation, remodeling and major repair and maintenance of educational facilities. Bright Futures was created in 1997 in an effort to keep the best and brightest Florida high school graduates in the state
by offering them scholarships to postsecondary institutions in Florida. For 13 years, the Florida Bright Futures Program has helped more than 500,000 students to receive scholarships worth $3.2 billion in total scholarship money allocated. According to the Florida Department of Education, during the 2009-10 school year, more than 177,000 Florida students were awarded a Bright Futures scholarship. The number equates to nearly 1 in 3 high school graduates enrolled in Florida’s private colleges, and Bright Futures 3
Charlie Crist gets friendly with Florida Democrats October is Domestic Violence awareness month. Florida A&M is participating in a domestic violence campaign that was created to help abused women and children. For the full story, visit www.thefamuanonline.com.
The Florida A&M football team avenged an embarrasing homecoming loss on the shoulders of Al-Terek McBurse and his 218 yard rushing outing. The team finished with a 47-7 blowout over Savannah State.
Brendan Farrington Associated Press When former Gov. Charlie Crist left the Republican Party, it was pretty clear there was no turning back. Not only did the party establishment kick Crist on his way out the door, they keep kicking him over and over again any chance they
get. But Crist, who lost his independent bid for Senate last year, is finding friends in the Democratic Party. Since leaving office in January and taking a job at a personal injury law firm, Crist has done events with a number of prominent Democrats, including Alex Sink, who was her party’s nominee to replace Crist; former Sen. Bob Graham, who has also
served as governor; and U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor. He’s donated money to Democrat Patrick Murphy, who hopes to challenge Republican Congressman Allen West, a South Florida freshman who is a national tea party favorite. And on top of all that, his wife, Carole, recently registered as a Democrat. It’s led to speculation that Crist will seek to return to
public office with the only party that will welcome him — Democrats. “Why would he do events with some folks who are trying to chop his knees?” said state Rep. Darryl Rouson, a Democrat from Crist’s hometown of St. Petersburg. “He would rather be with some folks who are accepting, tolerant and happy about you being around.” Crist 3
WWW.THEFAMUANONLINE.COM FAMUANADS@GMAIL.COM
MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2011
Events and Announcements Announcements October 2011 The Dynamic Brothers of the Delta Iota Chapter of Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity, Inc., are now accepting applications for their annual Miss Kappa Psi Pageant. The contest is open to all female pharmacy students who are at least a sophomore (PP2-P3) in the program. The pageant will be held in October in the new pharmacy building. Applications are available at www.deltaiota1975.com under the heading ‘pageant.’ They are to be turned in to any brother of Kappa Psi once completed. For more information contact Brandon M. Brown at (850) 443-7355. The Office of New Student Orientation is proud to present its 2012 Orientation Leader Recruitment Campaign, “Opportunity Knocks: Become a 2012 Orientation Leader.” Information sessions will be held the following dates: Monday, Oct 17 in A.L. Cooper from 3 p.m.- 5 p.m. and Tuesday, Oct. 18 in the Commons, Room 112 from 6:30 p.m.- 8 p.m. The 2011 Joint Student Research Forum presents “The Graduate Feeder Conference and the Graduate Recruitment Fair.” The event kicks off Monday, Nov. 7 with the Student Research Forum/ Poster Contests,
Classifieds Nov. 8 the Workshops on Graduate Education will be held, Nov. 9 The Graduate Feeder Recruitment Fair Open will take place. The fair is open to undergraduates and graduate students from all disciplines. The recruitment fair will be held in School of Architecture Atrium. For more information, contact Dr. Renee Reams at reneereams.famu@gmail. com. All abstracts must be submitted to 2011studentresearchforum@gmail.com by Oct 18.
Housing Looking for a non-smoking female roommate to share 3/br/3bth condo. It is walking distance to FAMU. The roommate would share the living room, kitchen and utilities. Rent includes cable, internet access and water. The apartment is furnished and costs $450. It can be seen upon request. For more information contact Lois at (813) 503-6412.
General October 18, 2011 The Beta Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. presents Jabberwork, a scholarship and community service program. The meeting will be held Oct. 18 in B.L. Perry, Room 100 at 6:45 p.m.
BOATWRIGHT BAIL BONDS “This Rattler Has Your Back” Specializing in Student Bonds Bonds for all Offenses Mobile Bonding Services Available Speak to me directly 24 hours/7 days a Week 850-559-2601
To place an announcement in the Calendar, email your submission to famuancalendar@gmail.com at least two days prior to the desired publishing issue. All submissions must include the student organization along with information in paragraph format to include “who, what, when and where.” A contact number and e-mail address is required to correspond with the individual submitting announcements. If you do not desire that number to be published with the announcement, indicate so in your e-mailed submission and provide an alternate method for readers to obtain more information. If you do not follow the paragraph format then your submission will not be able to be published.
Employment Bartenders Wanted!!! $250/day potential. No experience necessary. Training provided age 18+ okay. Call (800) 965-6520 ext. 189
WE ARE
AMERICA’S FRONTLINE
What’s your
reality? Plan To Attend:
THE VIRTUAL CAREER EVENT FOR COLLEGE INTERNSHIPS
Tuesday, October 25th & Wednesday, October 26th 9am-Noon & 1-4pm EST
Connect. With Recruiters...Virtually Join an elite group of Interns that will have a chance to go behind the scenes of the country’s premier law enforcement and domestic intelligence agency. All recruiter meetings with prospective FBI Interns will be held online in a password-protected virtual location.
VOLUNTEER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
You’re just getting started. College is behind you now and you’re ready to take that next big step: A career. The real world is waiting for you. With the knowledge and skills you’ve gained from Florida A&M University, you can do anything. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is looking for people like you to help secure our nation’s
• 10-Week Unpaid Internship (Summer 2012)
borders and facilitate legitimate trade and travel.
• Field Offices in the Northeast, Southeast, North Central, South Central, Northwest, Southwest or Washington, D.C.
Opportunities include positions in law enforcement,
If you’re one of the select few that qualify for an Internship with the FBI, you’ll work alongside Special Agents and other FBI personnel. You’ll contribute to projects of national significance, participate in experiences that you’ll never forget, and have some amazing credentials to add to your resume!
resources and congressional affairs, just to name a
information technology (IT), trade, law, human few. Plus, the salary and benefits are tough to beat. Check us out today.
Register Now:
www.exploreFBI.com
Real People. Real Opportunities. CBP. www.cbpcareers.com/diversity
The FBI actively seeks women, minorities and persons with disabilities.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Alloy Media 10/17/2011
WWW.THEFAMUANONLINE.COM FAMUANADS@GMAIL.COM
MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2011
and, in general, the line between corporations and government have become blurrier and blurrier.” Propelled by the protests
that have been going on for more than a month in New York, Florida residents also expressed their views on issues, like the global financial
crisis, government cutbacks and funding cuts to education. “What brought me as an individual out to the capitol is that I have been paying at-
tention. And I am one of the million and millions of Americans that now recognize that our system of economics have failed,” said Paez. “I did my research, and it just opened my eyes,” said Kinsley Telusme, a 20-year-old business student from Palm Beach, Fla. “I found out about the protest through research about the different issues and concerns that people are rallying on.” Demonstrations began on the same day that finance ministers and central bankers from the Group of 20 Nations met in Paris to discuss solutions to the debt crisis in Europe. “Not only in New York, but also in Detroit, Georgia and other places in the United States are also doing the something,” said Telusme, who found out about the rally through a National Association for the Advancement of Colored People meeting held on Florida A&M’s campus. “We’re trying to make an impact and show the government that we’re standing here and fighting back against the government and actually show them we know what’s going on.” Many students who at-
to make some compromises.” The 2,039,437 Florida voters who voted for the Article X, Section 15 of the Constitution of the State of Florida continue to see their vote in action, each year, as the funding is granted to the education system in Florida. In Leon County last
year, K-12 graded received $3,996,178 in funding, community colleges received $3,370,451, and universities received $37,316,679 in funding, according to the annual Florida Lottery report. “The award per credit hour to be funded was reduced,
therefore eligible students will receive a lesser award per their enrollment,” said Higgins about the effects of funding cuts on the Florida Bright Futures program and on Florida students. Overall, in Leon County, the Florida Lottery contributed
$44,683,308 toward education. “It is awful and unfair that we are unable to receive our full scholarship due to new government cut backs,” said Andrew Turman, a fourth-year student from Orlando and Bright Futures scholarship recipient. “It
plans to run, it doesn’t mean that won’t change. State Rep. Luis Garcia of Miami Beach, a former Florida Democratic Party vice chair who is running for Congress, said he called Crist about the speculation. “He told me he was happy doing what he was doing, but of course, that doesn’t mean a thing,” Garcia said. “Right now Charlie Crist is persona non grata in the Republican Party and I would be happy to have him as a Democrat.” Crist has been a politician for most of his adult life. He won a state Senate seat in 1992 before unsuccessfully challenging Graham in the 1998 U.S. Senate race. He then won three straight statewide offices — education commissioner in 2000, attorney general in 2002 and governor in 2006. He has a natural talent as a retail politician, working crowds with a comfort and ease and exuding a charisma that appeals to voters. Plus he has near universal name ID in Florida and is known as a tremendous fundraiser. His approval ratings were high through most of term as governor, and while Republicans abandoned him in droves, polls showed he still had support among many Democratic voters during his independent run for Senate. He was endorsed by several Democrats, including former Congressman Robert Wexler, who describes himself as a “fire-breathing liberal.” And right now his successor, Gov. Rick Scott, has a low approval rating. A recent Quinnipiac University poll showed only 37
percent of voters thought Scott was doing a good job. “I have no doubt Crist could match up well against Rick Scott as a Democrat. The question is could he get past a primary?” said Steve Schale, a Democratic strategist who worker for Sink last year and led President Barack Obama’s Florida operation when he carried the state in 2008. “The biggest challenge Crist has is convincing skeptical Democrats, and there aren’t just a handful of them, that he’s the real deal, that he’s someone that they can trust and someone that’s going to stick with them.” Schale said there isn’t a Democratic gathering he attends without the subject of Crist coming up, with half of those he talks to thinking it would be great to see Crist run for office as a Democrat and the other half opposed to supporting a man they fought for years as a Republican. Crist, however, can point to several actions in office where he scored points with Democrats, including vetoes of bills championed by Republicans that would have forced women to get an ultrasound before having an abortion and tied teacher merit pay to student test scores. Similar bills were signed by Scott. Crist was also a leader on climate change issues and expanding access to voting. Scott and the Republican Cabinet reversed a decision under Crist to automatically restore voting rights for non-violent felons who have completed their sentences. Republicans under Scott have
also passed an elections bill that Democrats say make it harder for some people to vote. He also famously hugged President Barack Obama in 2009 at a southwest Florida rally in support the president’s stimulus package. Some say it was the beginning of the end of Crist’s support among Republicans, but could help him with Democrats. Still, before leaving the GOP, Crist frequently called himself a conservative and “prolife” on abortion, but said he preferred to change hearts and not laws on that issue. Republicans fully expect Crist to join the other side and run for governor. “If I was in Las Vegas and someone gave me a $300 chip on whether he was going to do it or not, I would say he is,” said Tony DiMatteo, a state Republican Party executive committee member from Pinellas County. “He’s a political animal — that’s just his arena — and that’s his opportunity to get back into it. He has to do it as a Democrat.” And if he does, state Republican Party Chairman Lenny Curry said he won’t succeed. He said Crist has exposed himself to voters as a political opportunist last year. “Voters don’t like chameleons,” Curry said. “If he decides to run (as a Democrat) in the future, they’re going to see right through it.”
J. L. Evans The Famuan FAMU students parade outside the capitol for their voices to be heard as a part of the Occupy Tallahassee protest. Occupy being cut severely, funding for universities being cut severely Bright Futures universities and vocational schools. “I think our levels have been too low,” said Rep. Marlene O’Toole, a Republican who chairs the House Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee. “We may have
Crist Rouson has heard the open speculation about whether Crist will register as a Democrat to continue his political career, but says he has deliberately not talked to the former governor about it, saying they have been personal friends for years and he doesn’t want to put pressure on the governor, nor have to endure the questions from others trying to glean information about Crist’s future. Crist, 55, acknowledges that he has been courted by Democrats.“That’s always kind,” Crist said, but adding he plans to remain without a party for a while and has no plans to run for office again. “I’m enjoying the private sector so much. The freedom that it provides is so nice. ”He said, though, that his wife is now more comfortable in the Democratic Party — and considering what Republicans say about her husband, it’s probably not a surprise. When her party change was reported by The Associated Press last week, it was a hot topic among Florida political insiders on Twitter, many of whom speculated Crist would eventually join her.“Is anyone surprised? Guess who is next?” tweeted John Stemberger, a social conservative who helped Crist’s opponent in the 2006 Republican gubernatorial primary. “One step at a time,” tweeted Kevin Cate, who previously worked for Sink and now runs a public relations firm. And just because he has no immediate
tended the protest this past weekend brought up the issue of funding cuts on the Florida Bright Futures Program and funding cuts on Florida universities. “At FSU, our funding from legislation has dropped, and is still dropping, which has caused the school president to raise tuition,” said O’Brien. Protesters who attended the demonstration look forward to being fully prepared and organized by the start of the Florida Legislative Session, with their demands of changes that need to be made here in Florida. “We hope to get a general assembly of Occupy Tallahassee at least every week after this week,” said Katherine Sequra, a 21-year-old FSU student who is double majoring in women studies and political science. “One session comes around, we hope to go in and get as many people as we can at bill hearings to try and fight against the bills that we are going to be dealing with.”
made my parents and me pay more of my school fees out of pocket.”
Marcus Joseph famuan.metro@gmail.com
Marcus Joseph famuan.metro@gmail.com
MOVIES8 Ta l l a h a s s e e
HeritagePlaza - 2810 Sharer Road • 850-671-8080 TUESDAYS - $2.00 • ALL OTHER SHOWS- $3.00
FREE
POPCORN
BYOB
MONDAY
– (Bring Your OwnBowl)
Midnight in Paris (PG-13) Fri - Sun 1-3-7:30 Sarah's Key (PG-13) Fri - Sun 5:10-9:35 Cars 2 (G) Fri - Sun 12-2:25-4:50-7:15 Cowboys & Aliens (PG-13) P.M. Fri - Sun 9:40 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (PG-13) Fri - Sun 12:15-3:30-6:45-9:25 The Smurfs (PG) Fri - Sun 12:30-2:45-4:55-7:05-9:15 Rise of the Planet of the Apes (PG-13) Fri - Sun 12:20-2:40-5-7:20-9:45 Captain America: The First Avenger (PG-13) Fri - Sun 12:45-3:45-6:50-9:30 Spy Kids: All the Time in the World in 4D (PG) Fri - Sun 12:25-2:30-4:30-7 Horrible Bosses (R) P.M. Fri - Sun 9:20 Colombiana (PG-13) Fri - Sun 12:10-2:35-5:05-7:25-9:45
Brendan Farrington Associated Press
Monday thru Thursday showtime after 3pm College student Thursday $2 tickets with student ID.
Visit us at www.movies8tallahassee.com Like us at www.facebook.com/movies8
WWW.THEFAMUANONLINE.COM FAMUANLIFESTYLES@GMAIL.COM
MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2011
4.lifestyles
Restaurant hosts a father-daughter date Sydnee Mitchell Correspondent Fathers had the chance to take their daughters out for some quality time this weekend. The men and their daughters were greeted with red and white tablecloths draped across the vinyl tables, each with a single red rose and baby’s breath in a vase, lit safety candles inside glass contain-
ers, decorated books of “conversation starters” and family names on placecards. This was no five-star restaurant. It was Chick-fil-A. “It was really a double sword,” Chick-fil-A’s Marketing Director Tamara Gedeon said. “I wanted dads and daughters to have a special chance to bond with some good conversation and enjoy each other’s company.” She is in charge of every weekly activity for customers.
This was the first time the restaurant chain did this event in Tallahassee. James Middleton, a Tallahassee resident, jumped at the opportunity to treat his 11-year-old daughter. “I think this is a wonderful idea,” Middleton said. “Honestly, I rarely get to be alone with my daughter, being in a house with five people and she being the only girl in the house.” In the spirit of the upscale
dinner, Chick-fil-A offered customers a dessert platter of lemon pies, fudge nut brownies, ice cream, milkshakes, cheesecakes with strawberries, chocolate or blueberries. The dressed up “couples” even had a photo booth available to take father-daughter pictures. “Most dads wouldn’t think to bring cameras like moms would,” Gedeon said with a chuckle. “At the least, I wanted them to have a memory of the night to scrapbook.”
After dinner, dessert and a photo shoot, it was time for a ride around the town. A limo driver came inside to get the guests and lead them to their chariot. Each couple received a 15-minute ride around downtown with Top Hats limousine service. Tallahassee resident William Brim attended with his two young daughters. “I had a very enjoyable time hanging with my girls,” Brim said.“The conversation starter
kit was great. They changed their favorite colors on me and I didn’t even know!” Fathers were informed about the event when purchasing meals. Participants registered online at www.Chick-Fil-A. com.
Sydnee Mitchell famuanlifestyles@gmail.com
‘Fabulation’ promises laughs to broad audience Alisa Routh Correspondent
Britney Buchanan The Famuan Leading actress Chelsea Williams and actor Keith Oliver rehearse a scene for upcoming play Fabulation in the Essential Theatre.
Florida A&M’s Essential Theatre will present the Obie Award-winning play “Fabulation or, the Re-education of Undine.” Written by Lynn Nottage, “Fabulation” is a stimulating comedy that tells the story of a woman who loses her job, becomes penniless and is with child. According to scene designer Ruben Arana-Downs, the show is more than an outlet for comic relief. “It explores the mindset of someone going through a hard time, and can be a learning experience for others to see how people deal with various problems,” said Downs. Stage Manager Melissa Hicks, a junior theatre performance student, said the piece will reach and appeal to an au-
dience outside of FAMU. “The show speaks to the humanity of people and touches on situations that breaks racial barriers,” Hicks said. Valencia Matthews, assistant dean for the College of Arts and Science, is directing the production. Downs said the cast was chosen and began rehearsals almost five weeks ago. “There are projections and different locations depicted, so the audience should be in for a visual treat,” said Downs. Previews will be held Wednesday and Thursday in the Charles Winter Wood Theatre in Tucker Hall. Performances will run from Oct. 21-23. For more information, call 850-561-2425.
Alisa Routh famuanlifestyles@gmail.com
WWW.THEFAMUANONLINE.COM
MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2011
FAMUANOPINIONS@GMAIL.COM
Oops,where’s your net check?
Clarece Polke Editor-in-Chief For about 36 hours, I was banking. Then that alternate reality only existent at FAMU kicked in. I received a phone call from my parents inquiring about
a strange piece of mail with a FAMU letterhead. “Go ahead and open it,” I said, curious about what the letter could be about. A gasp came from my mom when she realized the envelope held a check for more than $1,200. A few expletives probably escaped my mouth because, in my two years at FAMU, I’ve never received that life-changing net check everyone always talks about. I’ve come to accept the fact; it’s just not a stipulation in my scholarship. That’s when the journalist in me kicked in, and I went to financial aid
to figure out why I suddenly was receiving a large sum of money. My scholarships had not changed and I had not accepted any loans. I made it to the front of the financial aid line at 1:30 p.m. I pulled out a copy of my financial aid disbursement and asked where the money was coming from. The financial aid employee told me the money was left over after all my fees were paid. My issues: a) the numbers on the paper and the numbers on the check didn’t add up and b) why hadn’t I received a net check before now?
45 minutes, 10 face palms, three phone calls and several impatient exchanges later, the employee looked at me wideeyed and mouthed, “Don’t spend that money. Send it back.” No duh. It was a clerical mistake. No skin off my back; the money was never mine in the first place. The only thought in my mind was how many other students had received grossly incorrect amounts of money in their net checks and thought nothing of it. How many other clerical mistakes have been made that, if no one raised the question and asked, could and probably
have cost the university hundreds of thousands of dollars? I could see the kids behind me shaking their heads as they probably thought, “Why did she bring the money back?” Because I’m not a thief. So the next time a necessary staff position or degree program is cut from FAMU’s budget, I can sleep with a clear conscience knowing the blood is washed off my hands.
Editor-in-chief thefamuaneic@gmail.com Clarece Polke Managing & News Editor: famuan.metro@gmail.com Jason Lawrence Deputy News Editor: famuannews@gmail.com Jorge Rodriguez-Jimenez Opinions Editor: famuanopinions@gmail.com Angie Meus
Clarece Polke famuanopinions@gmail.com
Deputy Opinions Editor: Kristin Broner Lifestyles Editor: famuanlifestyles@gmail.com Winnie Moime Deputy Lifestyles Editor: Roscoe Thompson Sports Editor: famuansports@gmail.com Royal Shepherd Photo Editor: famuanphotography@gmail. com Keenan Doanes Deputy Photo Editor: Britney Buchanan Assistant Photo Editor: Alvin McBean Visuals Editor: qjsgraphix@gmail.com Quintavious Shepherd Deputy Visuals Editor Marlon Wilson PR Coordinator: famuancalendar@gmail.com Chakiara Tucker Program Coordinator: Valerie McEachin Adviser: andrew.skerritt@famu.edu Andrew Skerritt
Fax 850.561.2570 Editor in Chief 850.561.2569 Secretary 850.599.3159 Newsroom 850.599.3011/ 561.2569
Weave: If you bought it, it’s yours
Bria Kelly Correspondent It is seen on women of all ages. Different forms, styles and colors are readily available to customers. Beyoncé, athletes and even women at Florida A&M use it. Not to mention, have become a staple
in the black community. What am I talking about? Hair weaves of course. All women want to feel valued and are constantly looking for ways to express themselves. In today’s society, hair has evolved into an important outlet of self-expression. Wearing a weave for some women is like carrying a wallet for men. They never leave home without it. Weaves reflect our personalities and attitudes. Unique styles help some become more individual among the crowd, while others gain a sense of comfort with their weave. Even though I
don’t wear weave, the saying, “If it’s nappy, no one’s happy,” is true from my standpoint. Appearance matters, because looking your best translates to feeling your best. Extensions are not a way for blacks to lose our heritage and become more European. In fact, it is strengthening and diversifying our culture. Heritage is something that is built within us over the years. Our culture is learned from our families and ancestors: that defines who we are. How we wear our hair is simply a matter of preference. Weaves bring versatility that no other hair product produces
and that is what people envy. A young woman could be walking through campus one day with long dark hair and have short light hair the next. The ability to transform at the slightest whim makes weaves highly valued and cherished. This unique product makes our culture stand out among others. These positive attributes define weave-wearing women. Over the years, negative labels have been associated with weaves and the women who choose to wear it. Weave has been a victim of “guilt by association.” Weaves off the shelves don’t look bad; it is
how people wear them. One bad weave does not represent all the women who maintain and take care of their hair. We do not wear weaves to mold into a social norm, but to enhance the beauty we already possess. We wear weaves for convenience, reliability and happiness. Regardless of the hair we choose to wear, being a happy and healthy human being starts with acceptance of ourselves, even if it means wearing hair that bought in the store. Bria Kelly famuanopinions@gmail.com
Fewer men on campus means lower standards Ashley Griffin Black College Wire Looking around the N.C. Central University, you sometimes might think you’re at a women’s college. For every male student at NCCU there are about two female students. And the gender imbalance is not just here on the verdant green. At NCCU, ratio is two to one It’s a national phenomenon. According to the U.S. Department of Education, by 2015 the average college graduating class will be 60 percent female. Gender ratios are not as imbalanced at N.C. A&T, which has 52 percent women enrolled, or UNC-Chapel Hill, which has 58 percent women enrolled. Winston-Salem State University tops the list for gender imbalance where
women’s enrollment is at 71 percent. This gender imbalance has led to significant changes in the so-called dating game. Changes that are sometimes referred to as “hooking up.” What many women would consider the ideal scenario — a prolonged period of dating, followed by a committed relationship — plays out less and less on today’s college campuses. “There are more females to choose from,” said history senior Hakim Muhammad. “I can turn down a dozen females and still know there are dozens more to pick from. Females don’t have that luxury. They have a small pool of men to choose from, and this has put pressure on them.” Some female students say they feel they have to compromise their values to attract males. “You start
to look past his flaws,” said Skyler McClellan. “Sometimes you feel he will leave you for another girl. You start to feel insecure and have a low self-esteem.” According to criminal justice senior Danielle Herring, male students seem to want to move too fast to becoming sexual. “The typical courtship is a guy meets a girl, ask a few questions. Then the guy will ask can he come chill? “If the girl is naïve, she will take it further sexually. And then the guys leaves the girl alone because he already got the milk. “So he doesn’t want to buy the cow. People don’t realize the emotional and psychological damage sleeping around does,” she said. Oddly, in a Campus Echo survey of 104 NCCU students, only 36 students answered yes
to the question “do you believe that guys have the upper hand in dating today?” But in the survey, 81 percent of the women described dating life on campus as either weak or non-existent. The gender imbalance is relatively new to college campuses. Over the last 30 years, the gender imbalance has significantly affected the college dating scene. According to the U.S. Department of Education, in the late 1980s there were more men than women attending U.S. colleges. As high school graduation rates for men have declined, while increasing for women, the percentage of men who continue their education after high school has declined. The problem is even more severe for minorities. According to
the Kaiser Family Foundation, just 7.5 percent of black men are enrolled in college. This compares to 17 percent for white males. “We see more inequality in the African-American male group. High incarceration rates, trouble in K-12, we don’t expect to see them in college,” said sociology instructor Michelle Laws. “The options for black women are very restricted. When options are restricted, people will look outside the norm,” she said. Ashley Griffin is editor-inchief of The Campus Echo at N.C. Central University student newspaper where this article was first published.
Ashley Griffin Black College Wire
The Famuan, an Associated Collegiate Press Association non-daily finalist, is published on Monday, Wednesday and Friday during the fall and spring semesters. The opinions do not reflect the administration, faculty or staff of the University. The editorials are the expressed opinions of the staff and columnists. The Famuan is funded partially by activities and services fees.
WWW.THEFAMUANONLINE.COM
MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2011
McBurse breaks out
Keenan Doanes The Famuan
Al-Terek McBurse provided the biggest spark of the game, rushing for 218 yards against Savannah State University. McBurse is the first Rattler to rush for more than 200 yards since Phillip Sylvester in 2007 in a match against the Howard University Bison.
Royal Shepherd Sports Editor Al-Terek McBurse became the first Florida A&M running back to post a 200-plus yard game in four seasons, as he carried the Rattlers (3-3, 1-2 in the MEAC) to a 47-7 victory on Saturday against Savannah State (1-5, 1-2 in the MEAC)
at T.A Wright Stadium. The blowout win kept FAMU’s record a perfect 4-0 against the Tigers all time, with 47 being the second-most points scored in the series. McBurse racked up 218 yards on 14 carries and scored three touchdowns. Phillip Sylvester was the last Rattler to rush for more than 200 yards, when he ran for 222 against
Howard University in 2007. Lenworth Lennon scored the team’s first touchdown on a 13-yard pass from freshman quarterback Damien Fleming, who finished the game 10-of14 for 83 yards. Fleming also added a score on the ground. He finished the game with nine carries for 29 yards. McBurse scored on a 5-yard run in the first, to give the
Rattlers a 14-0 lead. He had runs of 32 and 17 yards on the drive to set up the score. In the second quarter, McBurse took a handoff 60-yards for his second score of the game. The run was also his longest of the evening. Fleming followed suit with a 19-yard touchdown run with 37 seconds left to play in the half, to give the Rattlers a 28-0 lead at halftime. McBurse scored his final touchdown of the game on a 31-yard scamper, giving FAMU a 34-7 lead with 6:33 left in the third. Quarterback Austin Trainor saw action late in the game, going 5-of-6 for 74 yards a touchdown. Trainor connected with Edmond Baker on a 16yard strike with the clock at 5:33 left in the game. Eddie Rocker also added a score from five yards out in the games final minute. The Rattler defense continued its dominance against the pass, tallying three interceptions on the day. Jerral Stewart, Marvin Ross and Terry Johnson each recorded one, giving the team a total of 18 takeaways on the season. John Ojo led the Rattler defense with a season-high nine tackles, six solos. SSU was paced by Justin Babbs, who had a teamhigh 117 yards on 10 carries. Sheldon Barnes, who had the team’s only touchdown of the game, rushed for 61 yards on seven carries. Alfred DeFillips finished the game 6-of-19 for 97 yards. Chris Asbury led the Tigers defense with a game-high 10 tackles, four solos. The team’s next game will be against co-MEAC champions, the South Carolina State Bulldogs (4-3, 3-1 in the MEAC). The game will be on Saturday in Orangeburg, S.C., at the Oliver Dawson Stadium. The game will start at 1:30 p.m. and will be aired on ESPNU at 10:30 p.m. with a tape delay.
Royal Shepherd famuansports@gmail.com
FAMUANSPORTS@GMAIL.COM
Collins shines for Simply Marvelous
Special to The Famuan
Erika Collins has matured into a leader for Simply Marvelous. She is starting to embrace her role as one of the team’s premier athletes and commands respect on and off the field.
Kendra McLemore Staff Writer Florida A&M’s national championship flag football intramurals program is led by someone who is home grown. Erika Collins has become one of the team’s premier players in only a year’s time. Collins, a physical therapy student and graduate of FAMU DRS, is now a dominant player for Simply Marvelous. Since her days at the YMCA, flag football has always been a part of her life. It has since grown into a passion. “I love sports and any sport I can play I will play. Football was just another opportunity to do what I loved,” Collins said. Collins has been recognized as one of the best players in the All Big Bend festival throughout her high school career. She is also a two-time national champion with FAMU’s squad. When it comes to being a dominant player, Collins said the title comes more from everyone else than from her. She just loves to express the kid inside of her heart. “I just consider myself Erika,” Collins said. “I want to play, have fun, be cool with everyone and win.” Assistant coach Derrick Folsom
described Collins as an onfield assassin. He said her knowledge of the game allows her to use her physical gifts to her advantage with ease. “Erika is like a butcher; she slices through defenses like a sharp knife,” Folson said. “She’s humble, willing to learn and always has a smile.” Head coach Marvin Green said coaching Collins has been a pleasure. He also said her work ethic is what enables her to achieve heights other players cant reach. “Erika is an awesome player and an even greater person. She is a humble hard worker who is the epitome of silent leader,” Green said. “She embodies the motto ‘actions speak louder than words.’ It’s great to have a young player with those attributes who is already a star, but still wants to get better.” Collins’ ultimate goal is to make her parents, coach and team proud. She wants to complete the goals set by the team and build a sisterhood with the ladies of Simply Marvelous. Collins said she really wants to win more National Championships and go undefeated this season. Kendra McLemore famuansports@gmail.com
Men finish in third place at UCF invitational Brandon Lee Staff Writer
Keenan Doanes The Famuan
The men’s cross country team hopes to capture the MidEastern Athletic Conference crown this season.
With the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championship right around the corner, the Florida A&M men’s cross-country team is determined to prove it is a force to be reckoned with in the conference. Given its performance at the University of Central Florida Black and Gold Challenge, it is doing exactly that. The men walked away from Orlando’s challenge Friday evening with their spirits high and a 75-point third-place finish in the invitational. All season, the team has hoped to make an impact at the MEAC Championship. Because of its success, this
hope has now coalesced with confidence. “Everyone ran PR’s (personal records), pretty much. It was a plan wellexecuted,” head coach Wayne Angel said. “These guys really put it together. I think we’re rounding into the type of shape that will enable us to do something special at MEAC. I’m very proud of them.” Leading the way for the Rattlers was senior Shuaib Winters (24:04.12), who has had consistently strong individual performances all season long, finishing third overall and 12 seconds shy of first place. Winters said he was happy about his performance. Winters was not the only one making a solid impression. The meet was Kenyan runner Elias Chesire’s season debut. Judging by his performance,
his extended lay-off was no limitation. He trailed not too far behind Winters, finishing fourth overall with a time of 25:18.38. “I think I did pretty good,” Chesire said. “I did my best for my first meet.” Angel thinks Chesire did pretty well, too. “I think Elias’ performance was phenomenal,” Angel said. “It just goes to show that he’s a tough competitor. In a few weeks, we’re going to have two guys possibly in the top three at MEAC, which will make a serious impact. I’m really excited.” Entering the meet, the time difference between first and fifth place was a key issue for the Rattlers. Leaving the meet, that problem appeared to be resolved completely.
Junior Lamere Buchanan (26:52.57), who finished 22nd overall, was pleased with this achievement. “We ran excellent as a team. We all executed well,” Buchanan said. “I’m proud of how everyone competed.” Angel was equally satisfied with the team’s ability to close the gap between each other. “That was really a part of the things we wanted to do today,” Angel said. “Compared to last week, we actually focused in what needed to be done this time around.” FAMU will cap the 2011 season, in Princess Ann, Md., in the MEAC Conference Championship on Oct. 29.
Brandon Lee famuansports@gmail.com