April 20 issue

Readersʼ Choice p. 2-5 Engineering teamʼs win p. 6 Fulbright Scholar feature p. 10 Wallaceʼs induction p. 11 April 20, 2017 Vol. 85, Issue 16

2 READERSʼ CHOICE

Best RSO on campus MONDAY SANDERSON Life Editor life@florala.net There are over 100 registered student organizations on campus, but one ranked the highest.

The music based fraternity Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia came in first place in The Flor-Ala’s Readers’ Choice poll for Best RSO with 14.3 percent of the votes.

The sorority Alpha Delta Pi and the Student Government Association tied for second with 6.3 percent each.

Jamal Kennedy, president of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, said he is excited the fraternity has made an impact on students at the university.

“I had heard of Phi Mu Alpha a lot when I was going through band my freshman year,” he said. “When I went to meetings, I discovered that it was more than just some fraternity.

It was group of people that really enjoyed music and wanted to really

express that joy of music to other people.”

Vice President Todd Erickson said students do not have to major or minor in music in order to join.

“You just have a (2.5) GPA and a love for music,” he said.

The fraternity is mixture of fun and business, Kennedy said.

“We know when it’s time to get things done and also relax and spend time with our brothers,” he said.

Kennedy said the fraternity performs on campus either by themselves or with other groups.

“Every year we put on an American Music Program,” he said. “We are also performing at the Culture Fest April 27, and the President Mentor Academy is hosting that.”

When the fraternity is not performing around campus, the members volunteer at hospitals and nursing homes, Kennedy said.

“We have a semi-annual Mills Music Mission,” he said. “It’s where we take time out of our schedule

and we go to a hospital or a nursing home, and we sing for (the residents).

We even get to serenade the elderly and pass out roses to them. We just want to show them that they’re appreciated and that people still care about them.”

Erickson said it is gratifying to interact with these residents.

“Sometimes we are those people’s only visitors,” he said. “We had one lady tell us that we were the only visitors she had in six months, and that was when a previous UNA group had came to visit. It’s really heartwarming to make their days a little bit better.”

Freshman Addison Willmon said the group’s main goal is to spread their love of music.

“Since we know the power music has on people emotionally, we try to share that with others,” he said. “We try to brighten their day. We try to make them happy. We try to provide some sort of motivation through music.”

Poll reveals top professor JASMINE FLEMING Editor-in-Chief editor@florala.net Director of Bands Lloyd Jones was “a little bit shocked and a whole lot honored” when he received the title of favorite professor in the Readers’ Choice issue.

“In the words of the great philosopher Clark Griswold, ‘If I (woke up) tomorrow with my (head) sewn to the (carpet), I wouldn’t be more surprised,” Jones said.

Since any professor could receive a nomination, there was no second

and third place, as all other professors received similar numbers of votes.

Jones conducts the Pride of Dixie, the UNA Wind Ensemble, the UNA Symphonic Band and the UNA Studio Jazz Band, in addition to teaching some courses.

Junior Mia Adams, a member of the POD, said Jones expects a lot from them.

“He’ll push you to your breaking point,” she said. “But without music, I honestly don’t know who I am, so I don’t mind being pushed to my breaking point and (him) saying, ‘Now give 10 percent

more.’

“Everyone is always saying how tough he is, but he also has a fun side. If you’re having a bad day, he knows how to make you laugh.”

He said he is proudest of the hardworking students he works with, especially in the POD, the largest organization on campus and that represents the university.

He has been the head director for 17 years and was an assistant director for two years before that, making 19 that he has been with UNA.

Which sport is most popular?

DYLAN BAKER | Junior Graphic Designer

Favorite study spot CIERA GOLLIVER Associate News Editor news@florala.net The Flor-Ala’s poll revealed students feel the best place to study on campus is Collier Library.

Over 53 percent of readers voted Collier as the best place to study. The residence halls and student’s home came in second place with 35.5 percent.

Here are five tips for surviving study sessions in Collier.

1.

Bring food.

Nothing encourages the late-night cravings like a long study session.

Instead of running to Chick-fil-A as an excuse to avoid studying, be sure to pack lots of snacks ahead of time.

Food is allowed in Collier as long as it is away from the computers.

2.

Be comfy, but not too comfy.

Comfort is key when it comes to a long study session, but be sure to avoid being too comfy. Sit in cozy chairs with blankets, but be sure not to allow the late hours to get the best.

Nothing ruins a study session like the warmth of the sun through the window causing sleep to cut a study session short.

3.

Take advantage of study rooms.

Study rooms are an easy way to get an area to spread out books and think.

Most rooms have markers, dry-erase boards and projectors for working out problems. The library also offers larger study rooms for groups. Rooms are not soundproof, so be sure not to make too much noise. Students can reserve a study room at www.libcal.una.edu Rooms are reserved for 30 minute slots. Study rooms are available on all floors, except the basement. Students can reserve a room for two hours.

4.

Use headphones to block out distractions.

The lowest floors allow group studying, but the upper floors are considered quiet floors. However, Collier is a public place, so distractions are inevitable. It is a good idea to bring headphones to help zone out any other noise or distraction. Music also helps break up the monotony of long study hours.

5.

Prepare for anything.

Be sure to have plenty of pens, pencils and highlighters. If there is a chance of needing paper, bring it. Be sure to have a charger in case a laptop or phone dies. Think of anything someone may possibly need ahead of time to ensure readiness for anything studying has to offer. The library offers a printer, but a student has to use lion loot to use the printer.

READERS’ CHOICE 3

FloBama wins praise for musical variety HANNAH ZIMMER Associate Life Editor life@florala.net Music lovers can get their groove on at FloBama which readers voted the best music venue in the Shoals, coming ahead of 116 E. Mobile (21.3 percent) and Mane Room (16.4 percent).

The restaurant opened in the community six years ago and has been entertaining music lovers for just as long.

Robin Blackwood, general manager, said owners Bart and Drew Davis decided to make FloBama a venue where community members could come and listen to music.

“Even though the Shoals has such a huge music history, there wasn’t a family-friendly place for people to come to eat and hear music,” Blackwood said.

FloBama has showcased musicians such as Billy Bob Thornton, Gary Nichols and David Allen Coe. FloBama’s Facebook page updates regularly with a list of all future performances “Our owner, Drew Davis, tries to cover a large demographic when he chooses which performers come to the restaurant,” Blackwood said.

The restaurant also has opportunities for less experienced performers,

“

Even though the Shoals has such a huge music history, there wasn’t a family-friendly place for people to come to eat and hear music.

Robin Blackwood | General Manager

including karaoke every Tuesday at 6 p.m. and open mic nights Wednesdays at 10 p.m.

FloBama is open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., so there is a large window of opportunity for people to come check out the food and music the restaurant has to offer.

Junior Sumeet Kapoor said he thinks despite the ranking of best music venue, FloBama is primarily for the older crowd.

“It’s a bar where old people hang most of the time, but sometimes on the weekends, it’s a pretty fun venue,” Kapoor said.

Blackwood said one of the goals of the restaurant is to be a venue for all people.

She said lunchtime is a blend of people,

old and young. At dinner, Blackwood said the crowd tends to be family-oriented or older people, but young adults, including students, stay at FloBama during the late hours.

“We carry on to a full stage (after dinner) for late night hours,” Blackwood said. “We transition to a 25 to 40-year-old crowd for late-night performances.”

As for the food, readers can buy wings, barbecue, chicken and ribs while listening to music.

“I would suggest the smoked wings because nobody else in Florence has them,” Blackwood said.

Readers can go to FloBama’s Facebook page to pick an artist to go listen to at this year’s best music venue.

Bargain Hunt brings best local deal JACKIE WILLIS Graphic Designer jwillis@una.edu

sections. In the women’s section, I found mostly XS shirts. My first purchase was an XL Merona tank top for $3. I thought it was a surprising find considering how quickly larger clothing sells.

It was mid-afternoon when I left for I wanted each item I bought to be Bargain Hunt with Life Editor Monday from a different section, so my next stop Sanderson. My goal was to buy as many was the household products. I found items as I could for $20.

Woolite dryer balls in dented plastic Bargain Hunt won 50.9 percent of packaging and a three-pack of Woolite reader votes for best bargain store in the lint rollers for $7.

Shoals. It competed against Salvation The next aisle was full of bed Army (38.6 percent) and Mike’s Hidden packaging, far outside of my price range, but next came the toy aisle.

I found a $3 Fisher-Price dog plush between action figures and boxes of puzzles.

For electronics and movies, we went to the back of the store. Individual DVDs sold for $3 or 5 for $10. I found a beginner’s yoga video and added it to my items.

Monday and I found the office supplies and considered getting rid of the price limit to buy a packet of nine Post-it stacks for $8. Instead, I found a package of tape for $2.

In the small decor aisle full of candles, I found a $2 sign of the letters “XO,” then I went to check out.

However, at the checkout, my total came out to $16.90 before tax. Two items sold at a discount price because of their MONDAY SANDERSON | Life Editor time in the store. After tax, my total Graphic Designer Jackie Willis browses through books at came to $18.34.

Bargain Hunt. Readers voted the discount store the best To read more about the total savings, visit florala.net. bargain store in the Shoals.

Treasures (7 percent) for this win.

The store gets its items from other retail stores by purchasing damaged items or ones having outlived their shelf life. These items go on sale for a discount, which prevents them from ending up in the trash. Over time, the prices drop through discounting.

Our first stop in the store was the clothing area. The store boasts a significant amount of clothing with women, men, children, and shoe

7 fun McFarland Park activities RACHEL DANIEL Student Writer rdaniel@una.edu McFarland Park serves as a beloved hangout for many people in north Alabama, especially UNA students.

After tallying the votes, McFarland Park took the lead for readers’ favorite park with 48.4 percent.

Delbert Park came in second place with 32.3 percent, and Cane Creek Canyon Preserve came in third with 11.3 percent.

There are many activities people can do at the park. Here are seven fun things to try at McFarland that make students come back for more.

1. Hammocking This activity has become very popular, especially with college students. With all of the trees at McFarland, there are many areas to tie a hammock and relax in the shade.

The breeze from the river makes it even better. Bring your favorite book and you have the perfect lazy day.

PARK | 5

Finest art attraction to visit 31.7% 38.3%

30%

Court Street Market

Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts

UNA Visual Arts Building

DYLAN BAKER | Junior Graphic Designer

4 READERS’ CHOICE

ANDREA BELK | Staff Photographer

Chimichangas are a fan favorite dish at Fiesta Mexicana.

Fiesta Mexican Restaurant offers quality food for an affordable price for college students.

Fiesta earns favorite Mexican restaurant award JASMINE FLEMING Editor-in-Chief editor@florala.net Readers voted Fiesta best Mexican restaurant in our Readers’ Choice poll, so I undertook the task of reviewing it April 8.

The restaurant, which won 28.3 percent of the votes, beat Rosie’s Mexican Cantina’s 25 percent and Casa Mexicana Restaurant’s 20 percent.

Fiesta beat El Pollito Loco and Taqueria Juarez Restaurant in the poll.

Seniors Savannah Thompson and Jared Collier, along with photographer Andrea Belk, joined me on my expedition to Seven Points Shopping Center. We arrived around noon, and there were not many patrons, which left the restaurant spacious and comfortable.

Our waiter brought us chips and salsa to start, and being the cheap college students we are, we all ordered water.

Collier and Belk, who enjoy mild food, loved the salsa, with Collier saying it was “not too hot, not too cold — like Goldilocks.” Thompson and I like our salsa a little spicier, however.

Collier, who ordered more salsa as his meal, said he would have liked it a little thicker, but he did enjoy the smoothness.

As we waited for our meals, we admired the creative décor, which consists of animated characters such as Shrek, Wile E. Coyote, Garfield and Mike Wazowski from Monsters, Inc. These seem to speak to the restaurant’s children-friendly vibe.

Thompson and I, the only two to

order entrees, selected pollo con arroz (chicken and rice smothered in melted cheese) and the chimichanga fiesta, which has shrimp, steak and chicken chimichangas.

The service was much quicker than I anticipated, and when the food came, it was obvious that aesthetics were important to the chef, as the plating of the food was beautiful.

The cheese-drizzled chimichangas came with refried beans, rice, guacamole, pico de gallo, lettuce and sour cream, and it tasted better than I ever could have hoped.

I was apprehensive about the initial bite because in my last experience there, all my food was extremely salty, and I ended up throwing most of it away. That was not the case this time.

I first tried the rice, which was soft and fluffy, and the refried beans, which were the most flavorful I have ever eaten. Then came the guacamole and pico de gallo, which both had a freshlyprepared taste.

Lastly, the chimichangas were the best part. Nothing makes me feel fancier than an affordable meal that includes shrimp. All three chimichangas were well-seasoned with the steak and chicken sliced into smaller pieces, which also made the chimichangas easier to cut and eat.

Thompson and I both enjoyed our meals with food to spare, which made for delicious leftovers. Mine totaled less than $12, which I had no problem paying with the amount and quality of the food.

To continue reading about Jasmine’s trip to Fiesta Mexican Restaurant, visit florala.net.

Designs by Graphic Designers David San Miguel and Jackie Willis

READERSʼ CHOICE 5

New year brings Facebook updates MADI WINKLER Social Media Coordinator online@florala.net The students have spoken, and with their voice, voted Facebook their favorite social media site with 36.1 percent of the vote in this year’s Readers’ Choice issue.

Instagram took second place with 27.9 percent of the votes, and Twitter and Snapchat tied for third place with 13.1 percent of student votes.

New social media sites appear almost every day, but Facebook seems to maintain its popularity among the platforms.

With Facebook’s rise and continued popularity come changes, as well.

During 2017, Facebook rolled out a variety of new features.

First, and most recently, users found stories, much like Snapchat and Instagram, on their home pages.

Stories are brief videos or glimpses of pictures different apps allow their users to share for a period of time on their personal accounts.

On the mobile app, stories appear on the top of the page in popular order,

PARK, continued from page 3 2. Picnics This activity will never go out of style. Who doesn’t enjoy a nice picnic along the river? Whether sitting on a blanket the old-fashioned way or on one of the many picnic tables along the river, it is sure to be a great time.

3. Swimming Yes, there is a place to swim at McFarland Park, along with a beach area. Students can get their summer tan, and then hit the water when they get too hot.

4. Exercising Many love to exercise in the presence of nature. No matter the workout you choose, McFarland is a scenic place to get fit.

5. Miami Ice Students who haven’t been to Miami Ice are missing out on a sweet and inexpensive treat. Located near the park entrance, students can grab their favorite flavor and eat it on their way down to the river.

6. Fishing Have a fishing license? Great.

Students can grab their fishing pole and tackle box and head down to the bank. The river at McFarland is a popular place to fish.

7. River Bottom Grille This restaurant is right on the river and is moderately priced.

They provide a variety of seafood, sandwiches and other dishes. Also, the riverside view is amazing, especially at sunset.

according to Facebook Help Center.

Senior Charles Wilson said he was not in favor of Facebook’s addition of stories to their app because it closely resembled what Snapchat and Instagram have already pioneered.

Junior Chandon Hines said Facebook’s new story feature is not needed, and stories are typically easier to access on Snapchat.

Additionally, Facebook users can find their friends who are in close proximity, using the new optional feature, Nearby Friends. Both parties

“

must have the feature enabled to find each other, and users will receive a notification, according to the Facebook Newsroom.

Next, Facebook released updates to their Trending feature, which allows users to find top content across the platform. Facebook describes the feature as a “new product that’s designed to surface interesting and relevant conversations,” according to Facebook Newsroom.

The three changes to the Trending feature include an “improved” system

I think that trending topics are relevant, mainly because some people get all of their news from Facebook instead of news sources.

Chandon Hines | Junior

that determines trending topics, a feature, which determines what topics appear in different regions and a headline below each topic, according to the Facebook Newsroom “I think that trending topics are relevant, mainly because some people get all of their news from Facebook instead of news sources,” Hines said.

These trending topics could help interest people in different issues, she said.

Additionally, Facebook users have a chance to benefit others.

They can donate to their favorite charities directly from the site.

Hines said this feature brings more awareness and accessibility to organizations that collect donations through Facebook.

Nonprofit organizations and fundraisers that are eligible through the IRS can create their own Facebook page. Users can locate the “donate” button on the page, enter their payment information and send money to the organization, according to the Facebook Help Center.

Facebook’s continued updates and adaptability will help keep them relevant, Wilson said.

Students decide on dating apps

DYLAN BAKER | Junior Graphic Designer

6 NEWS

Engineering wins big at competition CIERA GOLLIVER Associate News Editor news@florala.net The UNA Autonomous Vehicle Team had a strong showing at its first competition April 1.

The team competed at the Institute of Chemical Engineers car competition nationals at the University of Tennessee.

There the team qualified to attend the national competition.

The team placed fourth out of 16 teams representing various universities from across the Southern U.S. UNA was the highest ranking team from Alabama, including in-state rival AlabamaHuntsville, according to the April 6 announcement.

“We beat a lot of schools who have been doing this for a lot more than one year,” said team leader Caleb Beck. “We beat UAH. That is one I am definitely proud of.”

“

The competition engages students by having them design and construct a car which a chemical source powers.

The car had to carry a specific amount of weight over a given distance and stop accurately, according to aiche. org The vehicle used a chemical reaction to start and stop at a given distance.

The teams are given the distance the vehicle must travel minutes before the competition begins.

The team qualified to go to the national AIChE Competition in Minneapolis in October.

“To be able to successfully compete with prestigious universities such as Georgia Tech and the University of Alabama at Huntsville makes us especially proud of our students’ achievements,” said Department Chair of Engineering Technology Peter Rim. Sophomore engineering student Jaketa Harris said she is impressed by

how well her classmates ranked in the competition.

The purpose of the competition is to test a student’s ability to design a vehicle capable of precisely controlling its’ motion without the aid of a remote control system, according to an announcement from the UNA Engineering Technology Department April 4.

Beck said the competition challenged the students to use multiple aspects of engineering, such as chemical, mechanical, electrical and process engineering.

Beck said the level of interest in this first year team impressed him. Four students went to the competition, but

others helped with the project.

The UNA College of Arts and Sciences provided the startup costs for the team, according to the announcement.

The team is working to tweak the car in preparations for the next competition.

They are searching for potential corporate sponsorships to fund their trip to compete at the national competition.

Junior Alex Jones said the win is impressive a new program beat wellknown schools.

“I think we are probably more hands on where other schools may be more technical,” Jones said. “This comes in handy for competitions and real life application.”

“We beat a lot of schools who have been doing this for a lot more than one year. We beat UAH. That is one I am definitely proud of.”

Caleb Beck | UNA Autonomous Vehicle Team Leader

CIERA GOLLIVER | Associate News Editor

Engineering students work on a problem in class. The UNA Autonomous Vehicle Team was the highest ranking team at a competition April 1.

NEWS 7

Construction continues on campus CIERA GOLLIVER Associate News Editor news@florala.net Even though most classes stop for summer, projects at UNA continue to evolve to meet student needs.

Over the break, UNA Dining will add additional seating, new flooring, lighting and other aesthetic features to Mane Market. They will also reorganize the setup of serving lines, said UNA Dining marketing manager Daishu McGriff.

Mane Market will also receive an “enhanced salad eating experience” with the addition of a cook-to-order protein station for students to customize their salads.

Students can also expect Mane Market to receive frozen yogurt.

McGriff said students can expect to see more renovations to UNA’s dining options in the future.

“Overall, our students should expect the dining experience to evolve with the campus,” McGriff said. “UNA will grow each day, creating a better dining experience for tomorrow.”

UNA Dining will also spend the summer completing projects to add additional dining options, such as Panda Express in the Guillot

University Center. Construction for Panda Express began in March, and McGriff said they hope to complete this project at the end of May. McGriff said UNA Dining will add a dining option to the new nursing building. UNA Dining will release details of this project when construction of the nursing building begins.

Michael Gautney, assistant vice president of Facilities Administration and Planning, expects the new nursing building to open fall 2018.

Gautney said construction will block off Circular Road for short periods of time, but the road should remain open for the duration of the project.

The nursing building will include 10 study rooms, eight simulation rooms to emulate a hospital setting and a basic skills lab with 16 hospital beds.

The building will also include two computer labs and four classrooms each holding 72 students, said College Development Gift Officer Barbie Terry.

Freshman Jose Alba said the building will bring new life to the program.

“It will be great to have the

DAVID SAN MIGUEL | Graphic Designer additional space,” Alba said. “I know nursing is very popular on campus.”

Hugo Dante Sr, who was the architect for The Commons, is also the architect for the nursing building.

UNA made sure Dante designed the building to compliment the campus’ current architecture, Terry said.

Dante designed the building differently than Floyd Science Building, but it is in the original footprint, Terry said.

Gautney said other areas of campus

are currently getting a makeover.

Disability services is new carpet, paint and furniture, and Collier library will receive a new roof over the summer to fix issues with leaking.

Senior Ashleigh Shumake said fixing problems on campus will improve the atmosphere.

“It is a good thing to improve the appearance of a lot of places on campus,” Shumake said. “Most people judge things based off of the appearance.”

Culinary finds new home with department RACHEL DANIEL Student Writer rdaniel@una.edu Food is not the only thing cooking up in the UNA Culinary Department as it prepares to move to a new location.

All concentrations under the new Connie D. McKinney Department of Human Sciences, Hospitality and Design have moved into the new building, except for Culinary and Tourism.

The culinary and tourism department are currently located at the UNA East Campus. They will move into the new Human Sciences, Hospitality and Design building in downtown Florence upon completion of renovation.

Project Manager of UNA Facilities Administration and Planning Kevin Hudson said workers completed phase one of the building in January, and the design plans for phase two are almost complete.

“We are planning on finishing the design for phase two by this May and then putting out a bid to the public,” Hudson said. “We are hoping to begin construction work for phase two this summer.”

There are no specific dates for when phase three of construction will begin, Hudson said.

“We don’t have a timeline for the construction work,” Hudson said.

“However, we have started the design of the commercial kitchen.”

Phase two will begin the construction of the demonstration kitchen and gallery along with interior design and merchandising studios and technology labs, said Kendra Mclain, assistant professor of Interior Design. Phase three will begin construction of the culinary kitchen and finish the upstairs classrooms.

Freshman Mckenzie Ashmore said she is excited to see the new improvements within the Connie D. McKinney Department of Human Sciences, Hospitality, and Design Department.

“I think it’s time for improvement within the culinary program, so the fact that changes are being made shows me that they are improving the department,” Ashmore said.

The demonstration kitchen will be adjacent to the gallery, Mclain said. The plan is to build it as a residential kitchen to bring educational opportunities to the community and provide opportunities for community outreach.

Mclain said, the new location is a little more out in the open and that the hope is this location will bring about more awareness from the community.

“Right now the culinary school is kind of secluded at East campus,” Mclain said. “It has been a great place for them, but since they have grown so much, I think this will be better.”

Culinary and Hospitality are considered phase three of the construction plans, and when this phase is finished, they will move over to the new building, Mclain said.

ANDREA BELK | Staff Photographer

Freshmen Christian James (right) and Kainjal Patel cut apples in a class. The UNA Culinary Department will move to a new building after the university finishes construction.

8 NEWS

Student wins public relations award BREANNA LITTRELL News Editor news@florala.net Junior Madi Winkler was surprised at a conference when she won the title of 2016 Michael K. Simmons Student of the Year, along with two awards of excellence and an award of merit.

Winkler attended the 2017 Public Relations Council of Alabama State Conference April 3 in Birmingham with UNA Pride.

The Public Relations Individuals Dedicated to Excellence, is the student public relations organization on campus.

One of Winkler’s awards was for her work on a hypothetical campaign for one of her classes.

Winkler said the award was for a group project, so the entire group went on stage to accept the award.

Winkler also won an award for her writing skills.

“My other award of excellence was for my feature story on Jake Ellis from last semester,” Winkler said. “I got an award of merit for one of my editorial pieces for the Flor-Ala.” She said winning these awards was unexpected.

“I was definitely shocked whenever the state president called me up on stage to receive the award,” she said.

“She hugged me, and then I promptly said, ‘I’m going to throw up,’ and then the MC announced that I felt like I was going to throw up, so that was incredibly embarrassing.

“I was shaking, nervous and just not expecting it at all because the students in PRCA, the people that were competing for this award, I felt like were the best of the best and I didn’t feel like I was on that level. So, it was a good surprise.”

She said she did not anticipate the

amount of work it took to apply for the 2016 Michael K. Simmons Student of the Year Award.

“There was a lot of blood, sweat and tears that went into this,” she said.

“It ended up being 24 pages worth of material.”

She said it was exciting to see the work she does for The Flor-Ala translate into the field she is excited about.

“UNA Pride was sort of the gateway to this because when I was elected president as a sophomore, I feel like there was a whole new world of experience that opened for me,” Winkler said.

Senior Olivia George said she met Winkler when they began public relations classes together.

“Madi is spunky, quick-witted, very hard-working and determined,” George said. “As Pride president, she was a great leader. She is always there to lend a hand or a shoulder to cry on. She loves learning to dance, hates being late to anything, and I don’t think she can go a day without making multiple witty puns.”

Winkler said she would not have made it this far without the professors and faculty in the Department of Communications pushing her.

“We have some of the best faculty and staff in the world because it’s obvious they care about what they do,” Winkler said. “They care about us as students — not just as students — but us as people. They want to see us succeed. It’s like we’re their kids.

“When you get people that believe in you, you feel like you can do anything.

My parents and grandparents have been more than supportive of my hopes and my dreams, and it feels good to make them proud.”

She said after these accomplishments she will take a step back to focus on her

Photo Courtesy of the Public Relations Council of Alabama

Junior Madi Winkler shows off her awards at the 2017 Public Relations Council of Alabama State Conference April 8 in Birmingham. Winkler won the tile of 2016 Michael K. Simmons Student of the Year. grades and upcoming internship. She said she plans to jump into the public relations field as soon as she graduates.

“The job in public relations is not people, its storytelling,” she said.

“Whatever company you’re with, whatever thing you’re doing, you’re telling a story about it.”

Beth Garfrerick, assistant professor in the Department of Communications,

said Winkler is a strong writer.

“She is a go-getter who has a good sense of the profession, and I feel she’ll succeed in her future,” she said. “She is the type of student that professors would be proud to write a reference letter for.”

Editor’s Note: Madi Winkler is the Social Media Coordinator for The FlorAla.

New education cuts would affect universities JESSICA LIVINGSTON SGA Beat Writer jlivingston2@una.edu While President Donald Trump has already proposed cuts to many budgets, a potential budget cut to the education system would affect students at UNA if Congress passes the bill.

This education budget is subject to cut funds from the excess of money given to Pell grants, federal workstudy and federally funded research.

The proposed cuts toward the Department of Education would include programs for low-income and minority students in higher education. The money would instead go to private elementary and high

schools, according to the Chronicle of Higher Education.

The UNA 2018 fiscal year is from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30. Other universities’ fiscal year is from July to June, which is when the federal government gives financial aid, said acting Chief Financial Officer Evan Thornton.

Thornton said if Congress approves budget cuts, the changes would gradually become effective.

Normally, any money left over within the school year goes toward Pell grants. The new proposed budget would cut this. This means the number of Pell grants given out will be cut, too.

The Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant is given to undergraduate students with exceptional financial needs. At UNA,

students receive $150,000 through this Pell grant, Thornton said.

“Nobody is losing their Pell money, but the ability to get more Pell money doesn’t look good,” Thornton said.

Junior Casey Borden said he does not see the education cuts affecting students who receive Pell grants intensively.

“If a student does lose their Pell grant, they could just apply for a scholarship to cover the money they would be losing,” Borden said.

Federal work-study is another cut in Trump’s budget. This cut will affect UNA, Thornton said.

The Appalachian Region Commission is another cut proposed in this budget. UNA’s College of Business is a reciprocate of a grant of

approximately $9,000.

“The funds being cut from ARC doesn’t affect campus or student life but does affect something the College of Business is doing, which could be a possible loss of their money,” said Thornton.

Gregory Carnes, dean of the College of Business, said in a previous story a series of projects are in the works to allow the College of Business to serve as a platform to help encourage economic development.

Junior Maci Gassaway said she does not know much about the education cuts yet.

“If the budget is passed, I just hope it does not affect my wages (as a future teacher) or my job opportunities,” Gassaway said.

LIFE 9

Alabama ranks most stressed state TYLER HARGETT Associate Life Editor life@florala.net

DYLAN BAKER | Junior Graphic Designer

Juggling classes, homework and expenses is stressful to any college student. However, Alabama has it the worst out of the U.S., according to WalletHub. The financial website released a study earlier this month that named Alabama the most stressed area in the United States.

Compared to the other 49 states and Washington, D.C., Alabama received a score of 56.91, beating Louisiana by over half a point and Mississippi by more than a whole point.

WalletHub based the findings off 33 factors spread across four types of stress: money, health and safety, work and family. Each could count up to 25 points.

As for the four kinds of stress, Alabama ranked second in money, sixth in health and safety and fifth in both work and family.

Some of the factors used to calculate the four stress types included lowest credit score and fewest average hours of sleep per night. Alabama placed second and fourth in these categories, tying with Georgia on the former.

Other factors used include fewest psychologists per capita and highest percentage of adults in fair or poor health. Alabama placed second and fourth, tying with Louisiana and Oklahoma on the latter.

This is not the first time Alabama has fallen under the WalletHub “stress radar,” as Mobile, Birmingham, Montgomery and Huntsville scored as the second, third, 10th and 46th most stressed U.S. cities of 2016. Mobile and Birmingham had the two highest health and safety stress rankings.

Linda Austin, associate dean of the Anderson College of Nursing, said she thinks there is evidence to support the effect stress can have on an individual both physically and mentally.

“Hormonal levels change (or) there can be blood pressure problems,” Austin said. “So, the old saying that ‘stress kills’ is true if there’s not an intervention.”

Sophomore Mark Alexander Beaman said he believes some of the main reasons for Alabama’s stress levels with conservative

policy, the education system and law enforcement.

“We have to all come together and really figure these problems out,” Beaman said. “I feel that if we keep on fighting each other, then we’re going to completely dissolve any chance of us getting any more advanced as a civilization.”

Sophomore Heather Sagely said she believes a way Alabamians could lower its stress level is to just take a moment to breathe and calm down.

“I think everybody just needs to quit worrying about everything,” Sagely said. “Don’t overthink (the situation).”

Austin said people need to determine how their bodies feel when dealing with stress.

“If you feel yourself more alert or on edge than you should be, then take the time to seriously do four or five deep breaths,” she said. “(Also) I would encourage everyone to start a daily mediation practice. It can be in the form of honest, open prayer to whoever you pray to. (You just need) some way to calm your mind and to take your mind away from what may be worrying you.”

For those struggling with stress, contact Student Counseling Services at 256-765-5215.

What do you do to relieve stress?

Anthony Morales | Sophomore “I like to stay in my room, and I like to make music. With that, I hang out with my roommate, because he also makes music.”

Jay Luna | Sophomore “Personally, I never do get stressed.

If there’s a problem or whatever, what I do is just think about it.”

Information compiled by Tyler Hargett

Kyung Min Park | Senior

Hannah Graves| Freshman

“These days, I just try to play sports because the weather’s nice. (I play) soccer and basketball.”

“Probably my number-one way is playing intramural tennis here, so I’m always at the courts around campus.”

Monique Wilson | Junior

Christopher Crosslin | Junior

“I usually just draw or paint or watch Netflix — nothing too physical.”

“I will watch movies and immerse myself into the character onscreen, which forces me to forget the stress.”

DYLAN BAKER | Junior Graphic Designer

ANDREA BELK | Staff Photographer

LIFE 10

Lions’ first student Fulbright winner HANNAH ZIMMER Associate Life Editor life@florala.net Senior Mollie Schaefer, recipient of a grant from the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, will promote “international goodwill” in the Czech Republic as an English teaching assistant.

A Bessemer native, Schaefer is the first student from UNA to win a grant from Fulbright.

“I’m honored, honestly,” Schaefer said. “There are several professors and mentors who pushed me to the best of my abilities.”

The purpose of Fulbright is to give students the opportunity to exchange information in the fields of education, culture and science, according to the program website.

One professor who encouraged Schaefer to apply for the scholarship was Matthew Price, director of Premier National and International Awards and Learning Support.

“Fulbright is looking for students who are engaged and want to connect with other people and cultures,” Price said. “With Mollie, you can tell she has this deep passion for connecting to the world.”

Price said he and Schaefer worked together to determine which country would be most likely to accept her into the program. Schaefer will leave in August and stay in the Czech Republic for 10 months.

Price said his role was to support Schaefer in every step of the process.

“We worked together over a couple months,” Price said. “We strategized who to ask for letters of recommendation and edited the two essays that are at the heart of the application.”

Schaefer suffers from severe dyslexia, and she said she planned to “scrape by” in college, but no obstacle separated her from the grant.

Price said he could write 10 pages of how deserving Schaefer is of the Fulbright award.

“Being granted this high of an honor still feels unreal,” Schaefer said. “It’s wonderful to see hard work pay off, and this goal is far greater than anything I would have seen for myself as a freshman.”

Schaefer said Price helped her with revisions to her essays.

“The biggest challenge is formulating essays in a way that is personal and professional,” Schaefer said. “Aside from that, there are several sections which ask about experience.”

Schaefer said during her free time, she goes to Rivertown Coffee in Florence to read or do homework.

She also sings, plays guitar and writes songs.

“I don’t plan on pursuing a career in (music), but I enjoy playing and writing more for myself as a means of processing my feelings,” Schaefer

Courtesy of Allison Carter

Senior Mollie Schaefer became the first UNA student to receive a grant from the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. She will leave for the Czech Republic in August and stay for 10 months. said.

Schaefer will graduate with a degree in visual art and a minor in public communication.

Senior Rachel Milwee said she is eager to see what Schaefer will accomplish after she graduates.

“Mollie is one of the only people I know who manages to be incredibly driven and also incredibly kind and thoughtful,” Milwee said. “I have seen her attack problems from a place of intelligent thought, and she truly considers every side of any situation.”

Schaefer serves as Senate advisor for the Freshman Forum branch of the Student Government Association. She is a member of Phi Mu sorority, Art Club of UNA and Canterbury UNA, the campus ministry for Canterbury Episcopal Church.

Freshman Jasmine Culliver said she was able to work with Schaefer in the Freshman Forum.

“Mollie is an absolute treasure,” Culliver said. “She’s honestly one of the sweetest people you’ll ever meet.”

Over spring break, Schaefer spent her week in Desab, Haiti, with the Alternative Breaks program at UNA. Bethany Green, assistant director of Student Engagement, said she traveled with Schaefer to Haiti and will do so again in July before she moves to the Czech Republic. She described her as “one of the most fascinating and unique people I’ve ever met” and said she is never afraid

“

to take risks and welcomes new challenges every chance she can.

“Mollie is the type of person who wants to experience life, not just exist, which is probably my favorite thing about her,” Green said. “She listens, she offers compassion and she challenges us to be intentional with our actions. Fulbright definitely made the right decision in offering her this opportunity.”

Being granted this high of an honor still feels unreal. This goal is far greater than anything I would have seen for myself as a freshman.

Mollie Schaefer | Senior Fulbright Winner

SPORTS 11 Connect1 raises awareness for depression

Scoreboard

April 7 - April 15

JASMINE FLEMING Editor-In-Chief editor@florala.net As the semester comes to an end, one organization continues its goal of connecting students one by one.

Connect1, a campaign through the North Alabama Department of Athletics, aims to show students they are “more than just a like.” The organization encourages a step back from social media and more personal communication, especially with new people, according to a September 2016 article in The Flor-Ala. Although the semester is almost over, Connect1’s job is not quite done for spring 2017.

“We are finishing up a few projects to release right before and during finals to communicate value and identity,” said UNA Athletics Graduate Assistant Kyle Conkle in an email. “The hope is to redirect and shift focus from grades and testing in order to decrease depression and anxiety.”

Stay tuned for these projects by following @UNAAthletics on Twitter.

The most recent efforts to connect students came from “Hey Day,” an event during Student Government Association’s Purple Reign Week, which included tailgates and a Commuter Appreciation Day. During the March 20 event, SGA members and student athletes handed out food, swag items and name tags at Harrison Plaza Fountain for students to use, said SGA President Sarah Green.

“We all just hung out around the plaza and said ‘hey’ to every student who passed us by,” she said. “We told them it was ‘Hey Day’ and to pass their ‘hey’ along to everyone they saw on campus.”

Connect1 also handed out over 750 bracelets in a two-hour span during the event, Conkle said. Students can take one bracelet and share another to make a friend.

The event was also the beginning of a Connect1 and SGA partnership, which the groups first discussed in a Senate meeting Jan. 26.

“SGA has been great to work with, and we are thankful for support from such an influential body on campus,” Conkle said. “We do plan to continue working with SGA as well as expanding to other routes in order to spread our message as much as possible because people need to hear it.”

Since introducing the program, Conkle said athletics has reached thousands with Connect1 resources, but that is not the measure for success.

To continue reading about Connect1’s work on campus, visit florala.net.

Softball

April 8-9 at Miss. College Loss 8-1, Loss 1-0 Win 4-0 April 14-15 at Union Win 9-8, Win 5-3 Win 11-3

Baseball MELANIE HODGES | Chief Photographer

Former Lions head football coach Bobby Wallace speaks at the Division II National Championship game press conference. Wallace amassed a school record 126 wins as UNA’s head coach.

Wallace adds honor to legacy JACOB COLE Sports Editor sports@florala.net Former North Alabama coach Bobby Wallace was an inductee into the Gulf South Conference Hall of Fame April 6 after retiring from UNA in December.

After being the winningest coach in GSC history, Wallace will join the GSC Hall of Fame May 31 in Pensacola, Florida. Wallace will be a part of the GSC’s fourth Hall of Fame class.

At Wallace’s press conference Dec. 20, he set plans to retire from coaching.

“This will be the third time that I have retired, but I think this one will stick,” Wallace said. “It’s just time for me.”

After a runner-up finish in the Division II National Championship game in 2016, Wallace called it quits. Wallace coached at UNA for 15 seasons totaling 126 wins for the Lions, including three National Championships. Wallace is already an inductee into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame 2004, the Division II Football Hall of Fame 2010 and the University of North Alabama Athletic Hall of Fame 2011.

Wallace leaves UNA as the winningest coach in UNA history with 126 wins and also the winningest coach in GSC history at 152 wins. UNA athletic director Mark Linder said the university should be impressed with the induction.

“Anytime a UNA representative is inducted into the Hall of Fame, we take tremendous pride in their accomplishment,” Linder said. “It memorializes that we, as an institution, had selected the right person and gave

them needed resources to be successful.”

Wallace won the 1993, 1994 and 1995 Division II National Championship at UNA while sporting a 40-1 record during the three-year span. The three straight national titles made the Lions the first school to win three straight national championships. Wallace is the only coach in GSC history to win seven GSC titles.

He has the second most postseason playoff wins in Division II history at 20.

Wallace went to the playoffs 10 of the 15 years he coached at UNA. Wallace was awarded the Division II Coach of the Quarter Century 1972-97 and GSC Coach of the Quarter Century 1971-95 to add to his career awards, leading to his induction into the GSC Hall of Fame.

Wallace won three National Coach of the Year awards in 1993-1995 and four GSC Coach of the Year awards in 1993, 1994, 1995 and 2016. Despite all of Wallace’s achievements, Linder said Wallace’s people skills stand out most.

“His caring attitude for the people who worked with him was second to none,” Linder said. “He makes the people around him better.”

Linder recalled a special moment with Wallace after a football game. Linder’s son, Braxton, had a high school crosscountry race the morning before the UNA night game. After the football game, Wallace left an impression on Braxton.

“He asked my son how his crosscountry race went that morning,” Linder said. “It meant the world to my son that ‘The Bobby Wallace’ would ask about his race. It was a really neat moment, and it highlights people’s first attitude of Bobby Wallace.”

April 8-9 at Miss. College Win 15-3, Win 7-2 Loss 7-5 April 11 vs. Montevallo Win 2-1 April 14-15 at Union Win 6-6, Win 6-0 Win 14-2

Women’s Tennis April 7 at Miss. College Loss 6-3 April 9 at West Alabama Loss 5-4 April 12 at UAH Win 5-0

Men’s Tennis

April 7 at Miss. College Win 5-4 April 9 at West Alabama Win 5-4 April 12 at UAH Win 5-1 Games continued at roarlions.com

SPORTS 12

Lions lean on senior’s leadership during season JACOB COLE Sports Editor sports@florala.net With the regular season over for North Alabama women’s tennis, Olivera Ngouabeu stood out for the Lions in her last season.

The senior from Paris has held the No. 1 seat since her freshman season at UNA. Ngouabeu led the team to a 10-7 overall record and a 6-4 conference record.

Tennis head coach Brice Bishop said Ngouabeu’s role on the team is crucial to the team’s overall success.

“The team tends to do how the top player does, so it’s important for Oli (Ngouabeu) to play well,” Bishop said.

This statistic proved true as the Lions won seven of the eight matches when Ngouabeu won her individual match. Ngouabeu went 8-6 on the season in singles and finished 11-4 in doubles with Nele Seitz as her usual partner.

Ngouabeu said she gained inspiration from her team throughout the season.

“It was actually pretty hard at times, and sometimes I did not handle it as well as I could have,” Ngouabeu said. “My teammates really helped me.”

The challenges throughout the year have pushed Ngouabeu. From playing opposing team’s No. 1 to stay consistent, Ngouabeu MELANIE HODGES| Chief Photographer stays constant for the Lions. Bishop called the drive to be successful a positive quality in Senior Olivera Ngouabeu returns a serve against his No. 1.

Cameron University Feb. 15. “The team tends to do how “Every team we play has a really good No. the top player does, so it’s important for Oli to play well,” 1 player, so every match is going to be tough,” Bishop said. “She wants that challenge. It’s said head coach Brice Bishop.

what makes her special.”

Ngouabeu’s leadership role on the team is a rewarding aspect but also tough, she said. It also helps when the leadership role is sharable between two players.

“I am sharing leadership with senior Morgan Jose, so it is not as difficult as if I was carrying that role by myself,” Ngouabeu said.

“I think the fact that you have to be cheerful and positive for the team all the time even when you are not playing good is maybe the most difficult part of being a leader.”

Ngouabeu’s cheerful practice presence is another quality that has set her apart from the competition, Bishop said.

Ngouabeu brings an excess amount of energy to matches, but she also brings the same intensity to every practice, Bishop said.

Her teammates have also noticed her positive attitude. Sophomore Claire DeGeorge said her attitude sets the tone from practices and matches.

“She brings a fun energy to practice every day,” DeGeorge said. “There is never a dull moment with her around.”

That same energy will be big for the Lions when the Gulf South Conference tournament April 20-22. Ngouabeu will be play her last GSC tournament, but her mindset has not changed. Ngouabeu said her teammates will help her, but she will take every match in the GSC tournament one point at a time.

Whatever happens in the GSC tournament, Bishop will be proud for his senior leader, he said. Ngouabeu has been fun to coach the last four years.

To learn more about other activities Ngouabeu enjoys , visit florala.net.

OPINION 13

Newspaper experience leads to success EDITOR-IN-CHIEF JASMINE FLEMING MANAGING EDITOR MIKE EZEKIEL NEWS EDITOR BREANNA LITTRELL ASSOCIATE NEWS EDITOR CIERA GOLLIVER LIFE EDITOR MONDAY SANDERSON ASSOCIATE LIFE EDITORS TYLER HARGETT HANNAH ZIMMER SPORTS EDITOR JACOB COLE SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR MADI WINKLER JUNIOR SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR ASHLEE CARTER BUSINESS MANAGER KARA DUCKETT CIRCULATION MANAGER ALLEN CHILDERS GRAPHIC DESIGNERS MICHAEL MEIGS DAVID SAN MIGUEL JACKIE WILLIS JUNIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNERS DYLAN BAKER KENDALL BROWN CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER MELANIE HODGES STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS ANDREA BELK HILLARY TAYLOR VIDEOGRAPHER SIERRA HILL ADVISER SCOTT MORRIS

COVER PHOTO BY HILLARY TAYLOR

The Flor-Ala is published biweekly on Thursdays at 111 locations on campus and off.

Corrections

The staff strives to maintain the integrity of The Flor-Ala through accurate and honest reporting. To report an error, call 256-765-4364 or email editor@florala.net.

JASMINE FLEMING Editor-in-Chief editor@florala.net When I finally decided to be an English major my senior year of high school, I went from feeling assured to panicked.

I also didn’t want to be the stereotypical English grad with no job prospects due to a lack of marketable skills.

After a little research, I found an article stating the best way to gain experience as a writer while in college is to write for a campus newspaper, and without that type of experience, finding a job is nearly impossible.

So, with categories such as location and cost on my list of considerations for picking a university, I also added a strong campus newspaper to the list. Those qualifications led me to UNA. During my freshman year, I went from student writer to staff writer, and I received the position of online editor for my second year. This led to my promotion as managing editor in my junior year and

LETTER TO THE EDITOR BRITTANY WALKER blwalker@una.edu Roughly 7,500 students attend the University of North Alabama. According to UNA’s About page, international students aid in the large number.

There are 37 countries represented on campus. UNA’s core values stress loving community and embracing diversity.

Sadly, there still exists a divide within our community.

There are days I venture to The Commons for both work and leisure. The Commons buzzes with activity daily. I encounter students from all walks of life.

I particularly notice huddles. Huddles are those students who appear content with their intimate circle of friends.

Now, normally this would not bother

my current position as editor-in-chief in my senior year.

One misconception I’ve noticed while working at the paper is that there are only positions for journalism majors, but that simply isn’t the case.

In the 2016-17 year, the editorial staff has also included English, education, art, biology, public relations and sports management majors.

What these students have realized is writing and communications skills are not only beneficial for writers like me, but they are also necessary for almost any career.

Bentley University conducted research last year to see what the top sought-after skills are from employers in all areas. The top answers were: 1.

Business development 2.

Big data skills 3.

Decision making, collaboration and mentoring (which can include communication and critical thinking) Interestingly, all of this training is available at The Flor-Ala. The business development team works to provide the funds for print and digital production, which easily meets the first category.

This department, in addition to the editorial and photography staffs, also meets the third. From interviewing sources to leading writers or other team members, the staff positions at The FlorAla provide opportunities to develop as a leader and solve problems.

The second category might seem like a stretch, but even that is available at the paper. We’re currently considering a new website provider and would be interested

in building a Wordpress site from the ground up if only we had someone with the background to do so and help us maintain it.

In addition, The Flor-Ala’s staff positions offer scholarships, and some give additional stipends, unlike the many unpaid internships in these areas.

These positions offer many other skills, such as design software and video production, which employers will appreciate.

When I interviewed for a marketing internship with UNA Dining, one of the first questions my interviewer asked concerned my abilities with Adobe InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator.

Before The Flor-Ala, I wouldn’t have known what those programs were, and I used at least two of them regularly while working with UNA Dining.

Although I’m still searching for a postgraduation position, I worry a little less because of the experiences I’ve gained at, and because of, the newspaper.

While students may be busy with full course loads and other work, the chance to build experience while in school won’t last forever, and without those skills employers want, a job might be hard to come by.

So, for those returning in the fall, send an email to editor@florala.net. I can inform students of the many opportunities here and how to get started, whether that be as an editor, writer, graphic designer, advertiser, photographer or videographer.

There are a ton of opportunities. All we need are hardworking students to take advantage of them.

me. However, I have had the chance to interact with our international friends on campus. There is a serious cause for concern when international students sense exclusion. I have received reports of loneliness and difficulties assimilating into campus life. Acceptance goes a long way with helping international students thrive in our beloved community.

During summer 2015, I was the international student. I spent seven weeks in Malaga, Spain. I left the comforts of home as I embraced a new culture. I was alone, scared and intimidated by the unfamiliarity. I soon met Ana. Ana had traveled to Spain from Germany. She had lived there longer and was experienced in navigating Spaniard life. We became fast buddies, and this relationship provided me with a fresh confidence in unchartered territory.

On this campus, I have met individuals from India, Nepal and the Bahamas. These relationships have enriched my life. I now possess a healthy awareness of diversity.

I understand it is OK to be different. UNA encourages students to be diverse. This should not be a barrier in our community.

It is time to shift perspective.

What if crossing cultural divides helped improve the content of English essays? What if developing relationships with international students introduced an array of food delicacies that were otherwise unknown? What if you discovered another way of living life?

Complacency has no place in achieving a diverse campus community.

I encourage readers to take note of opportunities. We have the chance to step out of our comfort zone, dismiss ethnocentrism and create diversity.

Letters Policy Letters to the editor should be emailed to editor@florala.net or mailed to:

The Flor-Ala, UNA Box 5300 Florence, AL 35632 Letters must include name and telephone number for verification. Please limit letters to 400 words.

The editor reserves the right to edit or refuse to publish a letter.

14 PHOTOS

welcome to

ne w Y or k Where dreams are made Snow fogs the view from Hearst Tower in New York City March 13. Students visited Hearst Media, the owner of Marie Claire and Food Network Magazine, as part of the NYC College Media Association Student Conference.

MELANIE HODGES Chief Photographer photo@florala.net Campus organizations provide a community for many students and offer unique experiences in new places.

In March, UNA students ventured outside the South to represent the university.

Each year, The Flor-Ala and Diorama offer students the chance to travel to New York City for the College Media Association Conference. While there, students compete against other student media organizations across the country for awards and also network with media professionals.

Students were able to talk to professional journalists, photographers and other media professionals one-on-one and get advice on their future professions.

Those who participated in this year’s trip will not soon forget it.

During the trip, a nor’easter struck. A nor’easter is a storm that often brings hurricane-force winds and large quantities of snow.

For many of the UNA students there, the blizzard brought countless problems that Alabamians do not typically experience. UNA students were unprepared for the canceled flights and the snow that trapped them inside hotels.

On the other hand, the students were conveniently bunked at a hotel in Times Square. They were able to walk to Central Park where they built snowmen in the foot of snow that covered the ground. They also visited attractions like the Museum of Modern Art, the M&M store and countless other places within walking distance.

Getting involved on campus not only provides an opportunity for students to make friends, but it can also lead to career opportunities and the most unforgettable experiences.

Snowy concrete jungle (Top) New York City streets fill with snow during a Nor’easter storm. Nor’easters often brings hurricane-force winds and large quantities of snow.

Elmo’s world An Elmo impersonator waits to cross the street in Times Square. Students on the trip were able to see a diverse street culture unlike anywhere else in the world.

Winter wonderland Snow blankets the streets outside Central Park. While the snow hindered some regular activities, students were still able to walk to the park and enjoy the snow.

CALENDAR 15 Thurs., April 20 What: SGA Senate Meeting When: 3:30 p.m.

Where: Office of Student Engagement

Fri., April 21 What: UNA Opera: Puccini’s “La Boheme” When: 7:30 p.m.

Where: Norton Auditorium

Sat., April 22 What: Baseball v. Christian Brothers When: 1 p.m.

Where: Mike Lane Field MELANIE HODGES | Chief Photographer What: Softball v. Christian Brothers When: 2 p.m.

Where: UNA Softball Complex What: Baseball v. Christian Brothers When: 4 p.m.

Where: Mike Lane Field What: Softball v. Christian Brothers When: 4 p.m.

Where: UNA Softball Complex

Sun., April 23 What: Baseball v. Christian Brothers When: 1 p.m.

Where: Mike Lane Field What: Softball v. Christian Brothers When: 1 p.m.

Where: UNA Softball Complex What: UNA Opera: Puccini’s “La Boheme” When: 1 p.m.

Where: Norton Auditorium

Mon., April 24 What: UPC Meeting When: 3:30 p.m.

Where: Office of Student Engagement What: Percussion Group Concert When: 7:30 p.m.

Where: Norton Auditorium

Tues., April 25 What: Percussion Group Concert When: 7:30 p.m.

Where: Norton Auditorium

Junior pitcher Shane Priest prepares to throw a pitch against Trevecca Nazarene April 4. Priest and the Lions will be in action for its final home series when it takes on Christian Brothers April 22-23 at Mike Lane Field.

What: Miss Black and Gold Interest Meeting When: 6 - 7 p.m.

Where: GUC 200

Wed., April 26 What: Departmental Recital When: 12 p.m.

Where: Norton Auditorium What: SAFE Show When: 7 p.m.

Where: Weslyan Auditorium

Thurs., April 27 What: Percussion Symposium When: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Where: Norton Auditorium

What: SGA Senate Meeting When: 3:30 p.m.

Where: Office of Student Engagement What: Campus Culture Festival When: 6 - 8 p.m.

Where: GUC Performance Center

Fri., April 28 What: UNA Bands: President’s Concert When: 7:00 p.m.

Where: Norton Auditorium

What: Reader Riot Festival: Ed Bridges When: 2:00 p.m.

Where: Florence Lauderdale Public Library

Sat., April 29

Tues., May 2

What: UNA ROTC 5k When: 7:30 a.m.

Where: Raburn Wing

What: Senior recital, Hannah Allen, soprano When: 5:30 p.m.

Where: Music Building Recital Hall

What: Reader Riot Festival: Robert Putnam When: 10 a.m.

Where: Florence Lauderdale Public Library

What: Senior recital, Hollie Jo Carr, percussion When: 7:30 p.m.

Where: Music Building Recital Hall

What: R.L. Stine: Author Talk When: 6 p.m.

Where: Norton Auditorium

Wed., May 3

What: R.L. Stine: Book Signing When: 7 p.m.

Where: Norton Auditorium

What: Departmental Recital When: Noon Where: Music Building Recital Hall

Thurs, May 4 What: Study day

What: Spring Concert When: 7 p.m.

Where: Flowers Hall

Fri., May 5 What: Semester Examinations

Sun., April 30 What: Junior recital, Rachel Copeland, saxophone When: 2 p.m.

Where: Music Building Recital Hall What: UNA World Percussion When: 5:30 p.m.

Where: Music Building Band Room

Mon., May 1 What: UPC Meeting When: 3:30 p.m.

Where: Office of Student Engagement

What: Shoals Symphony: Disney Live “The Jungle Book” When: 7:30 p.m.

Where: Norton Auditorium

Sat., May 6 What: Semester Examinations

Sun., May 7 What: Semester Examinations

16 SOCIAL MEDIA OF THE WEEK