April 28 issue

Top 10 of the year p. 2 The SRC fee goes where? p. 5 Volunteer spotlight p. 7 Lions and the NFL Draft p. 10

April 28, 2016 Vol. 84, Issue 30

2 NEWS

TOP 10 Stories of 2015-2016

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF KALI DANIEL MANAGING EDITOR JASMINE FLEMING NEWS EDITOR ANNA BEAHM ASSOCIATE NEWS EDITOR KAITLYN DAVIS LIFE EDITOR MELISSA PARKER ASSOCIATE LIFE EDITOR MONDAY SANDERSON SPORTS EDITOR MIKE EZEKIEL ASSOCIATE SPORTS EDITOR JUSTIN JEFFERIES ONLINE EDITOR EMILY KAZUNGU ASSOCIATE ONLINE EDITOR MADI WINKLER BUSINESS MANAGER JORDAN BYRD GRAPHIC DESIGNERS PEYTON LAWLER MICHAEL MEIGS KELSEY WEATHERS JUNIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNERS DAVID SAN MIGUEL JACQUELINE WILLIS CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER KAITLIN DOUGLASS STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS AMANDALYN DORNER SHAY REDD JACKSON TOWNSEND ADVISER SCOTT MORRIS

COVER PHOTO BY STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER JACKSON TOWNSEND

The Flor-Ala is published every Thursday at 111 locations on campus and off. The first issue is always free and every issue after is $1.

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.

1. Grab the brooms — GSC sweep The Lions dominated the Gulf South Conference this year as the volleyball, football and soccer teams won conference championships.

This sweep marked the first time in conference and school history these three teams have won the conference in the same year.

The football team added its third straight championship win to its tally,

totaling 12 in conference history — the most among GSC teams. The win was head coach Bobby Wallace’s sixth.

The tournament win marked the volleyball team’s first since 2006 and 17th in its history. The win was head coach Stephanie Radecki’s fourth GSC championship in her tenure.

Soccer secured its second conference championship in history, with the first

in 2011. This was head coach Chris Walker’s first championship win since his arrival at UNA. The champions do not stop there.

Softball looks to win its conference tournament April 28-30 as the No. 1 seed.

If they win, they will be the fourth team UNA can add to this historic season.

2. Campus 3. Finally, more parking says goodbye Students, faculty and staff said goodbye to six members of the UNA community since summer 2015.

The campus erupted on Facebook, Twitter and other social media to express their grief for the loss of junior Jessica Ann Smith, UNA Police Department Administrative Assistant Laura Reese, Sodexo team member Bessie Morris, senior Crystal Lyle, junior Jeremiah Sanders and sophomore William Crawford.

Community members reminisced about each student and staff member’s impact on the campus as a whole, and Student Counseling Services continued to provide support for anyone struggling with the campus losses.

Those continuing to struggle with loss can contact Student Counseling Services at 256-765-5215.

Every year, administration hears various complaints about how difficult parking is on UNA’s campus. This year, they made steps to amend the situation.

Construction will add 410 parking spots to Lot O behind Flowers Hall in the area university apartments currently occupy. The project, which the board of trustees approved in their Dec. 14 meeting, will cost $2 million.

The project begins in June, with the demolition of university apartments. Officials have scheduled the completion of the parking lot for 2018.

Officials saw expanding this parking lot as a more reasonable solution than building a new parking deck, which can cost up to $17,000 per parking space.

NEWS 3

5. Ice, ice baby 4. Sex, sex, sex Over half of all college students have sex on their brain, so a series on sex safety in the digital age was appropriate.

In the life section for the four March publications, students learned about a different facet of sex as society perceives it today.

Title IX Coordinator Tammy Jacques and other campus officials, as well as students, gave their thoughts on sexting and nude pictures, dating violence, hook-up culture and the stigmas of HIV. Rumors around campus sparked the series — whether they were regarding naked pictures for a UNA Snapchat account or questions about a potential

HIV outbreak.

The series emphasized four major facts: Photos and videos posted can never be deleted; there is a definite increase in dating violence among college students; hook up culture is thriving without the same said for safety precautions; and rumors regarding sexual health can cause massive amounts of unwarranted distress.

Ultimately, students said they believed they should always consider safety, yet they disagreed on whether or not these actions are indicative of millenial culture.

The University Program Council launched a winter extravaganza for students entitled “Snow Daze,” which began Jan. 28.

UPC secured funds to host a formal ball and, much to the excitement of the non-campus community, an ice rink.

Artificial Ice Events set up the iceless ice rink in the Communications building parking lot Feb. 12, allowing students to skate for free. Community

6. Wallaceʼs big win 7. Campus The man, the myth, the legend.

Head football coach Bobby Wallace became the winningest football coach in school history with the Lions’ win against Valdosta State Oct. 3.

With the 110th win, Wallace surpassed Hal Self’s win record.

The game at Valdosta was ironic for Wallace, who said, “I actually won my first (Gulf South Conference)

championship on this same field.”

While Wallace said he was honored, he wasted no time attributing the success to his team and thanking the community.

“He’s a good man,” said Athletics Director Mark Linder. “Nobody deserves this more than Coach Wallace.”

Climate Survey

When Title IX Coordinator Tammy Jacques released results from the Campus Climate Survey, The Flor-Ala wrote a series discussing the in-depth results.

The survey found 16 percent of students experienced intimate partner violence, 36 percent of students experienced bullying and stalking, and 49.8 percent did not know where to search for help in the event they — or a friend — were assaulted.

Campus officials administered the survey during the fall 2014 semester to better understand the student body’s issues and views regarding personal safety.

Since the results’ publication, campus officials have updated campus lighting, required completion of training programs for First-Year Experience and held numerous safety trainings.

members paid a small fee, and Vice President of UPC Adam McCollum deemed the event a success.

The two-day event provided skates and scooters to the community for a fee, and UPC offered food and drinks to patrons.

All revenue from the event went into a Student Government Association scholarship fund.

4 NEWS

8. Campus

‘Panics’

The University Program Council successfully secured Panic! at the Disco for the annual spring concert April 30. In addition to the pop rock headliner, UPC planned to host the first-ever Singing River Music Festival.

The festival will begin at 2 p.m. April 29 and features 12 local artists from UNA alumnus Dillon Hodges as Firekid to current students Will Martin and Jake Elliff of OLDSPORT.

The Flor-Ala received countless notifications and messages asking when the tickets would officially be on sale, and as of April 4, the messages ceased as tickets went on sale for the public.

This is also the first year UPC will require students to show their Mane Card as identification to enter the festival and concert.

Requiring students to show their Mane Card will better help UPC

determine how effectively they are spending students’ money, said Live Acts Committee Chair Alex Hughes.

“We can say, ‘Oh, we sold 1,700 tickets, that’s really great,’ but if only 800 of those are students, that sucks,” he said. “It’s our job to most responsibly spend their money. It follows that it’s most responsible to help us know what they actually like.”

photo courtesy of AP/Goodgroves/REX Shutterstock

9. Students move to Braly’s home section 10. University Athletics Director Mark Linder and 2015-16 Student Government Association President Nick Lang worked to put the students back on the home side for football games, and it at last came to fruition with President Kenneth Kitts’ approval.

Linder said he hopes this move, along with allowing students to run through the helmet at the beginning of games and touch Pride Rock, will increase football game attendance.

Lang and SGA President Sarah Green voiced the desires of students, and now let the opportunity rest in their hands.

“This is going to be like a trial run,” Lang said. “If students don’t come to the games and sit on the home side, then of course Mr. Linder and President Kitts will be like, ‘Well, the students didn’t really care about sitting on the home side if they aren’t coming.’”

fires professor for harassment

University officials confirmed the termination of Eddie Elsey, Jr., for sexual harassment regarding an extramarital relationship on campus.

“This isn’t a common occurrence, but unfortunately in any organization of our size things like this do occasionally happen,” said University Communications and Marketing Director Bryan Rachal.

“The real test of an organization is how it responds when a concern is raised,” he said. “We are confident that we have the processes in place to receive complaints, investigate, make good decisions and ultimately hold people accountable for their actions.”

NEWS 5

SRC accumulates thousands in debt Critiques inspire redesign

ANNA BEAHM News Editor news@florala.net Two-thirds of the Recreation Center fee students pay each semester goes toward paying the university’s debt on a government bond for the Student Recreation Center and the parking deck.

Since fiscal year 2012, the center has spent thousands more than it earned, leaving it in $150,000 of debt after fiscal year 2015, according to financial reports from the SRC. The Student Government Association voted to create this fee more than 16 years ago to provide a recreation center, said Vice President for Business and Financial Affairs Clinton Carter.

“You can’t take (a) student proposed fee lightly,” Carter said. “That fee will last for a long time unless we pay off (the debt), refinance it or pay off another way.”

The SRC is an auxiliary facility, meaning it receives no additional funding from the university or the state besides a $10 per-credit-hour student fee, Carter said in an email.

The $10 per-credit-hour fee is broken into two parts: $1 goes to fund club sports, and the other $9 funds the operation of the facility and repayment of the bond, said Director of the Student Recreation Center James Eubanks.

The university purchased the bond in 1999, according to a resolution from the board of trustees.

Eubanks said he calculated the SRC’s personnel cost and compared it to the funds from the fee. The personnel cost absorbed 94 percent of the funds, he said. That left 6 percent of the fee to cover programming, utilities and other expenses, he said.

This means all professional and student employee salary and operation costs come from this fee, Eubanks said.

This funding structure worked until

What’s the point?

The Student Recreation Center has accumulated $150,000 in debt because the majority of the student fee is paying for a government bond for the SRC and the parking deck.

STAFF REPORT The Flor-Ala Staff editor@florala.net

SIERRA HILL | Student Photographer

Sophomore Kyle Gibson uses an ab machine in the Student Recreation Center. The SRC is opens at 6:30 p.m. and closes at 11 p.m. so students can fit working out into their schedules. enrollment began dropping around 2010 Eubanks said.

Financial reports indicate a drop in revenue due to a decrease in enrollment and exchanging Subway for World of Wings on the first floor. This replacement caused more than a $9,000 drop in revenue.

As enrollment dropped from 2010 to 2015, so did the amount the SRC received from the fee. Since the fee is based on the number of credit hours students take, the enrollment decrease caused a $94,000 drop in funds, according to financial reports.

Last year, the SRC paid more than $730,000 toward the debt on the bond, according to a budget report.

The number of total clients and number of check-ins for the 2015-16 school year is up, he said. SRC reports indicate 257 more clients visited the center this year. The report also shows there were more than 3,000 total check-ins.

Eubanks said the center needs to replace many of the machines and equipment but there is no extra money to do so at this time.

The Student Government Association often hears complaints about the equipment as well, said SGA

President Sarah Green.

“The biggest complaints we hear are the outdated machines, size of the Rec Center and WoW being in the SRC,” she said.

Eubanks said the center needs to replace many of the machines and equipment but there is no extra money to do so at this time.

“The average life of a treadmill is about three years,” he said. “We have some in there that are 8 years old.”

At one point, six of the 10 treadmills were out of order, said Assistant Director of Recreational Sports Glenda Richey.

Looking forward, Eubanks said he does not know the solution to dissolving the debt. He said he has met with university officials about this issue, but they have not created a solution yet.

The SRC staff has worked to reduce their operating cost to cushion the blow of these lost funds, Eubanks said. “(If you look at the report) our expenses are going down, so we’re doing our part,” Eubanks said. “In three years, we’ve dropped about $80,000 in our expenses. We made some changes to how we use (our staff). Then, we haven’t done anything other than that because we can’t.”

Readers of The Flor-Ala may notice a change this week — the entire newspaper has a new design.

Current and incoming members of The Flor-Ala staff have worked to bring you this final issue of the 201516 year featuring the new look.

Many of the changes came from critiques the newspaper received at College Media Association conferences this year, and Editor-inChief Kali Daniel created the redesign effort as her capstone project for the UNA Honors Program.

“I think those critiques were very helpful, and they showed us some ways that we can be more appealing to students, maybe have a little more fun with our designs and the way we tell stories,” said Student Media Adviser Scott Morris. “We would like to set some trends in the way a newspaper looks, and I think this is a good way to do it.”

The biggest change The Flor-Ala underwent is the logo. The newspaper did not previously have a logo, and the design will help the newspaper stand out from other university groups, as well as establish an overall brand.

“A brand can be really powerful in that it can tell an audience how reliable they are,” Daniel said. “In terms of the newspaper, that includes authority on the subject matter and purpose in how everything is laid out.”

Another major change is the front page, which now features a cover photo instead of content.

“After attending the fall CMA conference in Austin, Texas, members of the staff saw many examples of college newspapers successfully using covers,” said Managing Editor Jasmine Fleming. “We’ve all been passionate about this change, and we are glad to see it in action.”

Other changes include altering the order of some of the pages to be more logical, displaying content highlights to show students why a story is important and revealing the new tagline: You Speak. We write.

Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel said he appreciates the new tagline because it shows the staff “cares about what our students think.”

“Not only changing our logo, but other elements of our paper, will make this a good move for us,” Ezekiel said.

REDESIGN| 5

6 NEWS Police crack down on handicapped parking KAITLYN DAVIS Associate News Editor news@florala.net The university police department is trying to put the brake on parking issues.

The UNA Police Department is trying to prevent students from parking in the handicapped spaces outside the residence halls.

Students cannot park in handicapped spaces or yellow curb spaces even if they have their hazard lights on, said Chief of University Police Kevin Gillilan.

However, the police made accommodations about a month ago for students who need to unload or load their vehicles, he said.

Students can go to the University Residences Office and request a pass that allows them to park in a space for 30 to 45 minutes.

“If they’re going home for the weekend and need to load some stuff, (the passes) keep them from having to carry the heavy stuff across campus because I realize (students) can’t do that,” Gillilan said.

During busier times of the year, when many students are moving in and out, the passes last for a shorter amount of time, said Director of University Residences Kevin Jacques.

“As long as students are parked there within that time frame, they should not have a problem,” Jacques said.

But not all students know about the procedure to properly park around the residence halls.

Junior Therese Schexnayder often helped her sister carry her belongings to and from a residence hall, she said.

“When (my sister) first moved in, the person behind the desk (in the University Residences Office) said that it was OK to park there if we put our flashers on just to bring stuff in and out of the building,” Schexnayder said. “I wasn’t parking there for long periods of time, but after having done that all semester, a cop tried to give me a ticket.”

The University Residences office does not condone students parking in handicapped parking spaces with their hazard lights on, Jacques said.

Some students do not agree with the parking regulations on campus. “(The University Police Department) monitor(s) social media,” Gillilan said.

“I (have) a kid on Snapchat burning a parking ticket saying, ‘They think I’m paying this. They’re crazy.’ It’s almost humorous to me because I guess he thinks he’s making a point, but he isn’t going to be able to register for class until he pays that ticket.”

Schexnayder said she thinks the police could do a better job of clearing

KAITLYN DAVIS |Associate News Editor

An illegally parked car sits outside of a residence hall with its’ hazard lights on. Students can get a pass to temporarily park in a handicapped space through the University Residences Office. the issue up.

“I thought it was unfair that the cop’s solution was to fine a whole bunch of students rather than have conversations with people or try to get on the same page with the people in the (residence office) that were giving students a wrong idea,” she said.

The university needs to be consistent with the messages employees give

students, Schexnayder said.

“I think the root of the problem is that there isn’t adequate parking for the dorms, which is why people are parking in the handicapped parking spots in the first place,” Schexnayder said.

Students can consult the university’s handbook or the UNA Police Department website to find out where they can and cannot park, Gillilan said.

SGA Executive Council formally accepts new positions KAITLYN DAVIS Associate News Editor news@florala.net The Student Government Association members shed tears and accepted awards as outgoing members and incoming members exchanged goodbyes at the transition dinner in the Guillot University Center April 22.

The executive council adopted their new titles and swore into office.

The new officers are President Sarah Green, Vice President of Senate Tyler Delano, Vice President of University Program Council Nick Smith, Secretary Jessica McAlister and Treasurer Nikki Mathews.

The event took a poetic turn when Director of Student Engagement Tyler Thompson shared a poem he wrote for

MARY CHARLES RAMSEY | Student Photographer

SGA Secretary Jessica McAlister speaks with her family before being sworn in April 22. Many SGA members received awards at the SGA transition dinner.

the changeover of SGA members.

“The birth of brand new endeavors, always started by a few, who will carry them to the future, the torch is passed — will you?” Thompson said.

Freshman Forum members Marissa Deal and Ashton Geiger received awards for their dedication and leadership efforts. Both tied for Freshman Forum Member of the Year.

Deal “always has a smile on her face,” said Freshman Forum Adviser Kelsey Hyche.

Hyche looks forward to seeing Deal on campus because of her friendly personality, she said.

Geiger works tirelessly for Freshman Forum by designing posters and running their social media accounts, Hyche said. “(Geiger) is one who doesn’t really make her presence known,” Hyche said.

“She works a lot in the background, and a lot of people don’t always see all of the things that she does.”

Jordan Cooper took home the Senator of the Year award for his determination in accomplishing his goals for SGA, including his efforts to clean Bibb Graves.

“I remember during the first week of my term (Cooper) actually came to my office and started listing idea after idea he wanted to do on campus,” said former Senate Vice President Nicole Gallups. “He was so fired up about it. It inspired me as a (Vice President).”

Jose Figueroa-Cifuentes received UPC Delegate of the Year for his efforts

in UPC. “Personally, I’ve never seen someone with such a hard work ethic for literally everything,” said former UPC Vice President Adam McCollum.

An SGA member receives the R.L. Potts Award for three years of outstanding service, and Sam Satterfield was this year’s recipient, Thompson said.

“He’s a great communicator,” Thompson said. “He’s able to ask intelligent questions and help others make more informed decisions. This truly sets him apart and makes him a leader among his peers.”

Nick Lang gave his farewell address as the SGA president.

“I spent the majority of my last three years of college living and breathing SGA,” Lang said. “Being an SGA officer for two years has taught me so many life lessons such as time management, conflict resolution and listening skills, which I didn’t have. My mom would probably appreciate that.”

As Lang said goodbye, Green said hello to the students as the new president.

“I encourage you all to hold me accountable over the next year, to remind me of what I ran on, to remind me that I’m doing this for the students, to not speak for myself but to speak for the interest of the student body,” Green said. “UNA is our home, and we’re going to make it better.”

LIFE 7

Making a Difference

AMANDALYN DORNER | Staff Photographer

Senior Taylor Davis started to volunteer at Colbert County High School after studying abroad. “He always wants to jump in and make the world a better place,” said assistant professor of Education Jessica Mitchell.

Study abroad influences local volunteer work MELISSA PARKER Life Editor life@florala.net April is National Volunteer Month and senior and music education major Taylor Davis is one of the students taking time to volunteer.

Davis actively volunteers in the community, said Assistant Director of Student Engagement Bethany Green, who concentrates on leadership and volunteerism.

Davis said he has volunteered for five years.

“The first time I volunteered was back when we did community clean up after the April 27, 2011 tornadoes,” he said. “(A group of us) were helping with clean-up around campus and the Alabaster area.”

He said he did not start volunteering in Florence until the previous year.

Davis traveled to Haiti in November with Alternative Breaks and taught English to the villagers. He has been to China, as a paid employee, where he worked with kindergarteners to teach

them conversational English.

The two study abroad opportunities opened his eyes to a bigger world, he said. It led him to find his current volunteer work at Colbert County High School.

“I am working (there) volunteering with an English Language Learner student who came from Yemen,” he said. “I’ve been going over there twice a week and helping him learn English.”

He is the type of person who always wants to help, said assistant professor of Education Jessica Mitchell.

“That’s the first thing I think of,” she said. “He always wants to jump in and help and make the world better.”

Friend and junior Madison Butler said he is willing to help his friends without him asking questions.

Davis, a music education major, has also participated in a research project this year.

Davis polled local administrators about what they look for when observing teacher social media usage, Mitchell said.

VOLUNTEER | 9

AMANDALYN DORNER | Staff Photographer

Senior Baylee Pirtle created a project to collect food and clothes for children at Weeden Elementary. “As a child, you shouldn’t have to worry about when you’re going to eat dinner,” she said.

Student helps school children with necessities MELISSA PARKER Life Editor life@florala.net Senior Baylee Pirtle began a project to help local children in 2014 after volunteering at Broadway Recreation Center in Florence.

A Phi Mu sister who worked there explained to her the home lives and situations of some of the children who visited the center, she said.

When her boyfriend’s sister, who works at Weeden Elementary School, told her some of the children would save their lunches for dinner because they may not get to eat otherwise, she knew she had to help, she said.

“The worst that’s going to happen is we’re going to help somebody,” she said.

She met with Guidance Counselor Marlon Johns at the school before acting, she said. He told her 96 percent of the students in the school come from below-average income homes.

“So I decided to do a Christmas

project every year,” she said.

“Basically, I ran it by my Phi Mu chapter, and I explained to them what those kids are having to go through. As a child, you shouldn’t have to worry about when you’re going to eat dinner, or if you’re going to eat dinner.”

She met with Johns again and decided to help 20 students, she said.

“We tried to get from each teacher a kid from each class that they felt like really needed some help,” Pirtle said.

Johns said he and the teachers at the school were impressed with Pirtle’s drive and organization.

“I’ve got great kids,” he said. “They just don’t have a lot.”

Sorority sisters and community members began donating money, Pirtle said.

Baylee was very passionate and organized, said senior Hadley Skalnik.

“Many people get caught up in the emotional aspects of service, but Baylee saw a problem and simply sought to solve it,” Skalnik said.

CHILDREN | 9

8 LIFE

photo courtesy of Shannon Wells

Senior Jessica Kelso puts the finishing touches on a dish from “Lions under the Lights.” “The students that come out of (the culinary program) get an absolutely amazing experience and are doing some pretty cool things with it,” said Director of University Residences Kevin Jacques.

Cooking programs impact students, staff MELISSA PARKER Life Editor life@florala.net There are two channels dedicated to cooking and over 300 cooking shows available on TV and streaming venues like Hulu and Netflix. Students and staff alike can gain inspiration from these types of shows.

Director of University Residences Kevin Jacques and his wife, Title IX Coordinator Tammy Jacques, have been competing in barbecue contests since 2005 and some consider them at the professional level.

He said he likes shows focusing on barbecue.

“We don’t have cable at our house,” he said. “So, we don’t really get the chance to watch (cooking shows) until things come on Hulu, Netflix or Amazon.”

Kevin Jacques said the culinary program is helpful.

“I’ve worked with (Director of the Culinary Arts Program Johnson Ogun) over there,” he said. “I actually took a class, I think, the first year it was started, and he’s allowed me to use the kitchen area over there for some stuff.”

The kitchens are impressive to his

chef friends, he said.

Senior Daylan Pellum has always liked cooking, but he said he never intended on making it his career.

He said he intended to play college football and study engineering.

“As I was doing the prerequisites to get into the major course work, I figured out the hard way that that’s not really what I want to do,” he said.

Pellum said he enjoys watching Food Network and the Cooking Channel and watches his favorite show, “Chopped,” because of the creativity involved.

“It just shows me different ways a specific ingredient can be used,” he said.

One aspect of classwork he enjoys is bringing together foods and ingredients he may not normally eat or cook, he said.

Senior Jessica Kelso began her culinary arts journey while in high school, and she said she has “loved it ever since.”

She said she enjoys creativity and food styling.

Food styling is what viewers might see in a movie scene like the one in “The Hunger Games” where Peeta is throwing bread away, she said. It is when a person arranges the food for scene or photograph.

Kelso said her favorite chef is Gordon Ramsey.

Watching Ramsey’s shows, YouTube videos and shows of other chefs gives her ideas of how to use ingredients, she said.

Senior Travis Hughes is also a Gordon Ramsey fan.

His two favorite shows are “Hell’s Kitchen” and “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives,” he said. “(‘Diners, Drive-ins and Dives’) gives a more realistic look into the types of places that I think most Americans eat at every day,” he said. “Both shows serve as a source of inspiration to try new things at the table and in the kitchen.”

Hughes, who made the change from computer science to culinary arts, said he enjoys creating things that are “both visually stunning and delicious.”

Students graduating from the Culinary Arts department have many opportunities, Monteiro said.

“It depends on the direction they want to go,” Ogun said. “We give them the tools.”

Kevin Jacques said he thinks the program is a “hidden gem.”

“You get a bachelor’s, and you get a culinary program all at once for probably less money than what it would

cost to go to culinary school,” he said.

“The students that come out of it get an absolutely amazing experience and are doing some pretty cool things with it.”

Pellum said he is interning with Albany Bistro in Decatur and may work there after graduation, if they offer a position. Celebrity chef Jack White also showed interest in hiring him.

“We did an event with him, and he just liked the way I worked so he offered me a job as well,” he said.

Kelso said traveling to Los Angeles and experiencing a different atmosphere and food styles tops her list.

“When I went to Paris last May, their food was so amazing and exquisite,” she said. “I did not leave anything on that plate. Their culture and watching how they present their food was so amazing.”

Pellum said his mom, who was happy he changed majors, felt cooking was the job he was meant to do.

“I just really feel like that I’m at home in the kitchen,” he said. “It gives me the opportunity to really work with my hands, and I really take enjoyment in giving somebody something and seeing them genuinely smile from what I created. That’s one of the best feelings for me. Just knowing that I made this, and it gave somebody else a moment of joy (makes me happy).”

LIFE 9

App allows victims to document assault MONDAY SANDERSON Associate Life Editor life@florala.net The Institute for the Study of Coherence and Emergence created the free app I’ve-Been-Violated to help sexual assault victims.

This app allows victims to have video evidence of the aftermath of the assault when they are ready to tell authorities, said Executive Director of ISCE Michael Lissack.

Eighty-five percent of sexual assault victims do not speak to the authorities in a timely manner, according to weconsentlive.com. Lissack said this app helps those who fall into this category.

“You can’t do anything to help somebody who has been through the first trauma,” he said. “If they’re (not) ready to talk to authorities right away, they have unfortunately volunteered for a second trauma. The longer you wait, the more (the police) have to question you about why you waited and (if) your story changed, and that is traumatic.”

The app is an interesting way for survivors to tell their story, said Victim Service Coordinator Kaylie Pennington.

“

“I think the app is good in theory, but I am not sure about the confidentiality of the app or how it would be successful in court,” she said in an email.

Freshman Miranda Murray is a sexual assault survivor, and she said this app might ensure the police look into the case.

“I think that this gives cops and authorities less space to say, ‘You’re not valid,’” she said. “Evidence and rape kits are thrown away all the time, but I think this will make them be held accountable.”

Lissack said the video can be considered as evidence in a police investigation and in court, as long as the victim complies.

Pennington said she is interested in seeing how this app will work in court.

“I am not sure how it will work in the criminal justice system,” she said.

“I would be interested in knowing the opinion of someone in the criminal justice system.”

Lissack said the app will ask the victim questions.

“The app will gently prompt you, ‘Who are you? Who did this to you?

What happened? Tell your story. Is there anything you want to show the camera?’” he said.

Murray said the app is a powerful tool for survivors.

“I can tell you personally as a survivor that to have to sit there and look a real human being in the eyes right after it happened is one of the most horrific things,” she said. “It feels less dehumanizing to say it when no one is looking at you, or to say it to a phone.”

Lissack said the company chose to provide this help through cell phones, since they are a staple in society.

This app is part of college suite which includes three others, he said. The first app is We-Consent, which allows both partners to record themselves giving consent to sexual activities. The second is the What-About-No App which shows a police officer asking, “What about no do you not understand?” The app will

also record the person. The final app is Party-Pass where a person makes a pledge of not engaging in sexual activity unless they have a discussion with their partner.

These apps are available for Apple devices, and will come to Android in May. Lissack said he hopes to partner with college campuses. With this partnership, he can send personalized emails to victims with local resources.

Murray said victims should take care of themselves even if they do not use the app.

“If you have been sexually assaulted, it is your decision to come forward to the authorities,” she said. “What I would suggest is that you make sure you, as a person, are safe.”

I can tell you personally as a survivor that to have to sit there and look a real human being in the eyes right after it happened is one of the most horrific things.

Miranda Murray | Freshman

VOLUNTEER, continued from page 7 “He wanted to know what those things were so he could share in our Educator Preparation Program so he could help other people be prepared,” Mitchell said.

Assistant professor of Secondary Education Gary Padgett taught Davis in two classes but has helped him outside the classroom.

“I’ve worked with him on a number of research projects, which he’s presented at national and regional conferences, which for an undergrad is amazing,” he said.

Mitchell said she traveled with Davis and Padgett to a conference in Missouri and was sick during the trip.

Davis jumped right in to help, she said.

“He’s the big uncle,” she said.

“When he traveled to China, that was the nickname they gave him. He was the big uncle that everybody wanted to be buddies with because he was just there to help and care. You just see it

on his face, and you just know through his attitude and his actions that he’s really trying to help other people.”

Padgett said, to him, Davis’ volunteer work stands out the most “I’ve known him for two years, and I just can’t wait for another eight,” he said. “I want to see in 10 years just what he has done. Of all the students I’ve taught, I think he’s going to be one of the ones that makes a global impact.”

Davis said he thinks the more opportunities people give themselves to volunteer, the more cultured and diverse they will be.

His personal mantra is “How diverse is your diversity?” There is never enough diversity, he said.

“We should all be champions of volunteering,” he said. “The more you volunteer, the more you’ll want to, and the more people will see that it’s a great thing to do. Why wouldn’t you want to help someone?”

CHILDREN, continued from page 7 Pirtle collected approximately $2,500 and gathered friends and family to help shop for clothes and food for the children.

Junior and friend Caitlin Thornton helped Pirtle shop for and package the items.

“We did it where each kid had enough food for three meals a day for two weeks, which is the amount of time they’re out of school for Christmas,” Pirtle said. “We also did $100 in new clothes per kid.”

Once they purchased all the items, she delegated work between her family and friends, she said.

“We had a lot of stuff,” she said.

“You know the shows where people do the extreme couponing? That’s what my house looked like.”

Thornton said helping with the project was a wonderful experience.

“It felt good knowing I helped put a smile on the children’s faces,” she said.

Pirtle and volunteers put all the items in plastic storage totes and delivered them to the school, she said.

“I’ve never met any of the kids that got one,” she said. “I’ve never met any of the parents, and I’ve never been in any of the homes.”

Johns said Pirtle and the others helped children who might not have been able to get help from other avenues.

“They went over and above to make sure these kids got what they needed over the break,” he said.

Pirtle continued the project last Christmas but was only able to help 10 children because donations were lower than they were in 2014, she said.

Though she plans to graduate in December, she hopes to continue the project at Christmas, she said.

Anyone interested in donating or volunteering can contact her at bpirtle@una.edu.

10 SPORTS scoreboard april 19-25 April 19

Baseball at Stillman 2-1 Win Golf at GSC Tournament 3rd place

April 23 Baseball at Christian Bros.

6-4 Win, 15-2 Win Softball at Christian Bros.

12-3 Win, 7-0 Win

April 24

Baseball at Christian Bros.

12-5 Win Softball at Christian Bros.

15-3 Win

Upcoming Softball

April 28-30 GSC Tournament 5:30 p.m. vs. winner of UAH/Delta State

Former Lions prepare for NFL Draft MIKE EZEKIEL Sports Editor sports@florala.net The NFL Draft is a day many college players dream about but few get to experience.

For two former UNA football standouts, this dream could become a reality April 28.

NFL scouts from various teams have contacted both running back Lamonte Thompson and defensive back Darvell Harris in aspirations of possibly drafting or signing.

“Any time we can get a former player in the professional league, whether it be the NFL or Canadian League (CFL), that’s big time,” said UNA defensive coordinator Chris Willis. “The NFL is taking over as the (most popular league), and we have two guys that have a chance to go into that.”

Thompson, a former Florence High School star player, said he spends six days per week training for the next level.

“I did a pro day and did the (NFL) media combine,” Thompson said. “I was in Daytona, Florida, training, then I came back here (to Florence) doing the things I learned down in Daytona. I’ve been staying in shape, getting stronger and working on catching some punts and cone drills.”

Thompson has had four NFL teams contact him directly, and his agent has talked to a few more, he said.

Harris, a junior college transfer from Chicago, Illinois, said he is back in the Windy City performing various drills almost every day.

Thirteen teams have contacted Harris directly, including his hometown Chicago Bears who hosted him and other locals for a workout day April 14, he said. Coming from a Division II college, Harris said he hopes to prove himself.

“I’m blessed to have a lot of teams looking to add me to their roster,” Harris said. “Not everyone gets an opportunity if they come from a small school, but

photo courtesy of Sports Information

Senior defensive back Darvell Harris celebrates after returning an interception 52-yards against Miles College Sept. 6, 2015 at Legion Field. Harris received calls from 13 NFL teams interested in him. (attending camps) gives me a better shot to play the game I love.”

Willis said in talking to scouts about both players, each are putting up good numbers in camps leading up to the draft.

“The thing with Darvell, to break him down, is (scouts) like his height and speed,” Willis said. “One thing they might question is how he plays the run game. They know he can cover, but are

Baseball April 30-May 1 vs. Valdosta State

Golf May 2-4 NCAA South Regional Mission Inn Resort at Orlando, Florida

AMANDALYN DORNER | Staff Photographer

Senior running back Lamonte Thompson awaits a signal against Florida Tech Sept. 26, 2015. Thompson, a Florence native, received calls from four NFL teams this offseason.

looking at if he can be physical. He’s put on some muscle, and I think that’s going to help.”

Willis compared Thompson to Philadelphia Eagles running back Darren Sproles based on his size, speed and agility.

“I think Lamonte has everything you need,” he said. “He’s tough and he’s got speed. I think (scouts) question him just being that he’s an undersized running back, not so much in his body weight, but in his height.

“Maybe (teams) can put him in as a return guy or a third-down back. I hope he gets in camp and has an opportunity to prove himself.”

With the small town, small school underdog story, Thompson said he hopes to represent the university and Shoals community in the pros.

“It means a lot to have (the community) support,” Thomson said.

“I have a lot of people saying they’re pulling for me and they’re supporting me. I feel like I would do my community good by making it to the NFL.” Harris said UNA holds a special place in his heart.

“There’s a big tradition at North Alabama, and I’m honored to come out of North Alabama,” he said. “A lot of people have went to the league (from UNA), and to add my name to the board of 32 teams as the next big cornerback that played at North Alabama is exciting.”

SPORTS 11

Softball to host conference tournament JUSTIN JEFFERIES Associate Sports Editor sports@florala.net

This weekend marks yet another monumental moment in UNA softball history.

To add to the list of records and milestones the team achieved this year, UNA will host the Gulf South Conference softball tournament for the first time April 28-30.

Until 2015, the GSC tournament took place at a neutral site, but now the regular season champion earns the right to host, said UNA head coach Ashley Cozart.

“That was definitely one of our goals at the beginning of the year was to host conference tournament,” she said.

“We’re very comfortable here, and we always have great crowds at home.”

After hosting a successful GSC soccer tournament last fall, the UNA athletics department is looking forward to hosting the softball tournament in Florence, said UNA athletics director Mark Linder.

“Whenever your team — during the regular season — can earn home field advantage, that’s quite an accomplishment,” Linder said. “You get to sleep in your own bed, and you don’t have to travel. There are a lot

of advantages to playing at home, so hopefully that results in doing well in the tournament.”

UNA clinched their first GSC regular season title since 1989 after completing a three-game sweep of Union University April 16. Being the favorite in the tournament means each team will bring their A-game, said senior second baseman Madeline Lee. “We know we have a huge target on our back,” she said. “Our thing is to just focus on (playing) one game at a time.”

UNA is at the top of several statistical categories in the GSC including batting average, total bases and fielding percentage, among others. Senior first baseman Brooklynn Clark leads the Lions with a GSC-best .481 batting average and the single season school record of 60 RBIs. UNA is also putting up stellar numbers on the mound. The Lions bring two of the top starting pitchers into the GSC tournament in juniors Raven Cole and Hillary Carpenter.

Cole set the school record for wins in a season with 23, while Carpenter broke the career record for wins at UNA earlier in the year.

Pitching is always important in the conference tournament, and UNA will use their previous matchups to determine a starter, Cozart said.

“What has been great for us is that

photo courtesy of Sports Information

Senior second baseman Madeline Lee prepares to field a ground ball April 16 vs. Union University. The Lions (46-5, 30-3 Gulf South Conference) will host the GSC tournament April 28-30 at the UNA Softball Complex.

Hillary has done really well against some teams, and Raven has done well against the others,” she said. “We are just going to go back and look at the books and see who matches up better with who.”

The Lions are hoping to avenge last year’s loss to Shorter in the GSC finals by capturing their first GSC tournament championship since 1986.

The key to winning the conference

championship is maintaining what the team has done all year, said senior catcher Carmen Whitfield.

“We just have to stay focused on doing what we do best,” she said. “We know the crowd will be great, and we are just excited to play.”

As the No. 1 seed, the Lions will meet the winner of No. 4 seed AlabamaHuntsville and No. 5 seed Delta State April 28 at 5:30 p.m.

Golf battles back for third place finish JUSTIN JEFFERIES Associate Sports Editor sports@florala.net

AMANDALYN DORNER | Staff Photographer

Sophomore James Medley watches his tee shot during the TVA Community Credit Union Invitational Oct. 20, 2015. The UNA golf team finished third in the Gulf South Conference tournament April 17-19 at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in Ford City.

UNA hosted the Gulf South Conference Men’s Golf Tournament at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in Ford City April 17-19.

Opening day proved to be one of the toughest of the season for the No. 14 UNA golf team, as they opened the tournament 21 strokes over par for a 309 total.

Senior golfer Michael Peter said the conditions were tough, but a lack of focus was the reason for the poor start.

“We have to stay focused and not throw in the towel too soon,” he said. “(We) just needed to grind throughout the entire round.”

The Lions capitalized on better conditions in Day Two and began to move up the leaderboard thanks to some improved play. Junior Forrest Knight led the way for UNA, shooting four under par 68, which was tied for the lowest score of the day.

“We just relaxed a little more,” Knight said. “We just had to eliminate the big numbers.”

Knight shot one under par (71) and finished the tournament tied for third.

Sophomore James Medley led the way on Day Three, posting a score of six under

par 66. He finished the tournament in a tie for fifth place.

Both Knight and Medley made the GSC All-Tournament team, as each were in the top five overall. Head coach Jason Vaughn said he hopes that Knight and Medley can continue their good play. “(Medley) was knocking down flags and was really in the zone,” he said. “He really had a chance to shoot 29 on the back nine, but any time you can shoot 66 on that course is really good.”

After falling as low as eighth place after Day One, the Lions fought back and finished third of the team competition.

Vaughn says he is proud of the way his team battled back, but the key to success in the upcoming regionals will be starting stronger.

“We have to get off to a better start,” he said. “We can’t dig ourselves in a hole. You can’t win the tournament on the first day, but you can sure lose it.”

UNA will compete in the NCAA regional tournament for the 11th consecutive year May 2-4 in Howey-inthe-Hills, Florida, at the Mission Inn Resort.

The Lions are one of 10 teams which will compete in the South Regional, as West Florida, Lee and West Georgia join them from the GSC. This will be the 11th straight year UNA has made the NCAA Division II Men’s Golf Championship from the South Region.

12 SPORTS

Athletics honors players with award show MIKE EZEKIEL Sports Editor sports@florala.net The second annual Player’s Choice Awards, where all UNA athletes and coaches receive recognition for their achievements, takes place May 3 in Norton Auditorium.

With a bigger location and enhanced decoration, this year’s awards show should be better than the first, said Hal Self Field House Administrative Assistant Jacinta Mastin.

Recognizing the athletic department in this form is a good way for every sport to bond, said UNA athletics director Mark Linder.

“At my previous institution we had kind of a year-end banquet where we recognized the student athletes, and it was a nice event,” Linder said. “We could never get it off the ground (at UNA) for some reason. When (Mastin) came up with doing an awards show like the ESPY’s, I was all for it.”

The ESPY’s is a yearly ESPN-hosted awards show, Linder said.

Mastin said there would be 14 awards for the athletes, including five surprise categories. In addition, each team voted for an individual teammate as the “most outstanding” in their sport.

The pinnacle award is the Lion

photo courtesy of Sports Information

Senior football player Lamonte Thompson gives his acceptance speech after winning an award at the 2015 Player’s Choice Awards. The second annual awards show takes place May 3 in Norton Auditorium.

King and Lion Queen, which goes to the ultimate male and female athlete for their achievement in their sport, in the classroom and in the community. The athletics staff selects the winners for this award, Mastin said.

“A lot of people might not know, but our athletes do a lot of community service work,” she said. “It’s a great achievement when you can go to class, practice, play your sport and then give extra time to your community.”

The coaches will also be involved in the fun, as the athletes voted for coaches in different sports for 10 categories,

including most strict and most comical.

“Some of (the awards) are no brainers,” Mastin said. “This is a way for the coaches to know that not just their athletes are watching them, but also athletes from different sports.”

Prior to the awards show at 7 p.m., the players will walk into the auditorium on “the purple carpet,” much like a celebrity would walk on a red carpet for an awards show.

To add pizazz to the extravaganza, Mastin said there would be a master of ceremonies and four segments of entertainment.

The entertainment includes UNA’s dance team, “The Roar,” a musical performance from cross-country’s Skip Martin and Jared Melton, a song from women’s basketball senior Janae Lyde, and some dance moves from football senior Diamond Simmons to close the show.

Linder said last year’s location, the Guillot University Center Performance Center, was too small for this event.

Moving to Norton Auditorium makes the event more inclusive, he said.

“There are a lot of logistics that go into this,” he said. “Last year, we only had 300 seats, so we had to be very exclusive to who could come. I think having the ability to open it up to 600 people, where everyone can bring a guest, is going to be really nice.”

Many of the players are looking forward to being around student athletes from other sports, said junior football player Hayden Henderson.

“I can’t wait to have another great time,” he said. “We didn’t have that before (Mastin) got here. When she got here, it changed everything. It makes you look forward to something at the end of the year.”

The event is open to the public for $10. Anyone can stop in the Hal Self Field House to purchase tickets, or contact Mastin at jmastin@una.edu.

PHOTOS 13

Take a Hike... ▶

Up There A hiking trail on the Shoals Creek Preserve awaits pedestrians looking for an adventure. The Lauderdale County Commission keeps the trail maintained.

Exploring Nature Freshman Katherine Earnst sits on a fallen tree dangling her feet above the water at The Shoals Creek Preserve. This is one of the many nature trails in Florence.

▶

Although UNA has a beautiful campus, sometimes it is nice to escape.

While going downtown or to the mall always makes a fun alternative to on-campus activities, one of the best things I found about living in Florence is driving 10-30 minutes in any direction and seeing something absolutely breathtaking.

There are so many places to hike around the Florence area, such as the TVA trails and the Shoals Creek Preserve Tract. Not only do you get a great view, but hiking is also great exercise. As you burn calories, the different layouts of the land can help increase stamina, as well.

Exploring what nature has to offer results in surprising discoveries.

Having friends join the adventure makes the trip that much better as they get to enjoy the experience along with you. Feeling at one with nature, you

can enjoy the peaceful serenity of its existence.

A few weekends ago, I went hiking with friends at the Shoals Creek Preserve Tract. There are two trails around the creek and a few field openings through both the trails that seem perfect for stopping and having a little picnic.

After walking a while, we reached the creek and crossed it using a natural bridge. The creek bottom was flat and contained little waterfalls. During the summer, it would be a perfect place to dip your toes.

Veering off the trail a bit and following the creek, we discovered an old rope course with a little place to hammock. We had no idea it was there.

That was a great ending to our trip, and we agreed we would definitely be coming back.

Whether friends accompany you, joking and snapping pictures in the woods to enjoy the sun, or you are going jogging solo, getting out and enjoying nature at its finest is a wonderful experience.

Over There Freshmen Tyler Redman and Katherine Earnst enjoy a hike at the Bilingsley-McClure Creek. Taking a walk is a good stress-reliever from class. ▶

SIERRA HILL Student Photographer shill4@una.edu

14 OPINIONS

Journalists deserve more public recognition

KALI DANIEL Editor-in-Chief editor@florala.net Newspaper journalists have the worst job in the world. A Jobs Rated report analyzed the emotional and physical aspects of work environments, hours, income (including growth potential and average salary), outlook and a series of stress factors to determine newspaper journalists have

it worse than pest control workers, dishwashers and taxi drivers.

Color me unsurprised. In the four years I’ve written, edited and designed for The Flor-Ala, I’ve watched myself and my peers clock 40 hours a week, receiving approximately $3.50 - $5.42 an hour in addition to being full-time students with other part-time jobs.

I’ve listened every semester as students stress over whether they should finish their newspaper assignments or their coursework.

I’ve walked into the office to see staff asleep under their desks, hoping for at least a one-hour nap after pulling an all-nighter. I’ve witnessed the emotional breakdowns and the feelings of constantly letting the campus down while trying to do what seems right.

And yes, I’ve experienced all of these emotions firsthand.

I’ve attended countless meetings addressing the community, the campus and the student body, and only twice have I ever heard The Flor-Ala publicly recognized. The first, Dec. 14, 2015, Pro-

tempore of the board of trustees Marty Abroms thanked us for attending.

The second, in Student Government Association President Sarah Green’s Inaugural Address April 22, she motioned at Associate News Editor Kaitlyn Davis and I, saying we keep her on her toes.

For my staff, both outgoing and incoming, I have to tell you to get used to a lack of acknowledgment. This is the most thankless job I have ever worked.

It has taught me life lessons, including how to communicate with people of various personality types. It’s also taught me I don’t want to stay in this business. And without my staff this year, I wouldn’t have.

Few people know that this time last year I told myself I was done with The Flor-Ala. I didn’t have the backbone for it, and crippling anxiety and depression told me I wasn’t any good at it, anyway.

But I saw the staff who was coming in, excited and eager to learn. And I realized this wasn’t a choice for me, but a calling, and I don’t regret a day of it.

It has been stressful. It has been rigorous. It has been taxing. But it has been with the best staff I have ever worked with. This is the first and last editorial I will write addressing not the community at large, but the journalism community: You do amazing work.

You are never told that. You are only told what you do wrong. You are only told you’re corrupting this world. You are only told you are ignorant, petty, useless muckrakers and all-around terrible at your job.

I’m here to tell you that’s not true.

You’re award winners. You’re students.

You’re spouses. You’re daughters and sons and most of all, you’re public servants. You matter. For all of us, this is just the beginning of a long, gravelly and winding road into adulthood.

And to the 2016-2017 staff, I look forward to watching you on your journey.

And I hope to stick with you all as your stories develop.

Students should hold SGA officers accountable

SARAH GREEN SGA President sgreen2@una.edu

Life comes down to a few defining moments. For me, becoming your Student Government Association President is one of them.

My last three years at UNA have provided me with amazing opportunities and countless people who have led me to this time.

I can remember seeing SGA President KeKoria Greer get sworn in my freshman year and thinking, “I wanted this.” It is crazy to think I first had that thought two years ago, and now it is my reality.

People have constantly told me my year as SGA President will fly by, so I think it is only appropriate to begin this

year with a challenge.

Over the next 12 months, our campus will continue to grow, change and become better. However, nothing truly great can happen without the student voice.

I challenge you, the student, to hold me, your SGA President, accountable.

Keep me accountable to be your voice, not my own. Approach me when we need to get something done, or when you just need someone to listen. Help me to be steadfast in every duty, small or large.

My hope, when you look back on your years here at UNA, is not that you remember my name or I was SGA

President. My hope is you can say you sincerely love our university and the experiences you had here.

Please let me know if there is anything I can do to make your time here at UNA better. Feel free to contact me or stop by the new SGA offices in the Guillot University Center if you ever need anything.

I am so thankful to all who have helped me to get to this point in my life, and I am very excited about this upcoming year.

Thank you so much for electing me as your SGA President, UNA.

Letters Policy

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WRITER AND PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE WEEK!

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

XAVIER WHERRY & MELANIE HODGES

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.

Thank you!

As a newspaper staff, we would like to thank all of our readers for their support over the last year, as we plan to continue our extensive coverage of UNA’s campus in the 2016-17 school year.

CALENDAR 15 Thurs., April 28 What: ENCOUNTER UNAfy 2016 When: 8:30 - 10:00 p.m.

Where: Memorial Amphitheater Why you should go: To find other students who share the interest of following Christ.

More Info: Check out the ENCOUNTER Facebook page.

What: GSC Softball Tournament When: 5:30 p.m.

Where: UNA Softball Complex Why you should go: To support the softball team in their conquest for a conference title.

More Info: Contact UNA Ticket Office at 256-765-5466

Fri., April 29 What: GSC Softball Tournament When: TBA Where: UNA Softball Complex Why you should go: To support the softball team in their conquest for a conference title.

More Info: Contact UNA Ticket Office at 256-765-5466

What: UPC Singing Rive Music Festival When: 3 p.m. -12:00 a.m.

Where: Mike Lane Field Why you should go: 12 bands will be performing at this pre-UPC Spring Concert event. Students are admitted with a valid Mane card.

More Info: Contact Student Engagement at 256.765.4248

Sat., April 30 What: GSC Softball Tournament When: 10 a.m. — 2 p.m.

Where: UNA Softball Complex Why you should go: To support the softball team in their conquest for a conference title.

More Info: Contact UNA Ticket Office at 256-765-5466

MELANIE HODGES | Student Photographer

Jake Elliff of OLDSPORT performs Jan. 30 at the Mane Room. The song is one of three featured on their debut EP. OLDSPORT is one of 12 bands performing in the Singing River Music Festival April 29-30.

What: Baseball vs. Valdosta State When: 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Where: Mike Lane Field Why you should go: To support the baseball team in what will be their last few games.

More Info: Contact UNA Ticket Office at 256-765-5466 What: UNA SGA Spring Concert When: 8 p.m.

Where: Flowers Hall Why you should go: “It’s something that brings the big town atmosphere to our little, small town,” said former Vice President of UPC Adam McCollum.

More Info: Contact Student Engagement at 256.765.4248

Sun., May 1 What: Baseball vs. Valdosta State When: 1 p.m.

Where: Mike Lane Field Why you should go: To support the baseball team in their final games.

More Info: Contact UNA Ticket Office at 256-765-5466

What: ENCOUNTER When: 8 p.m.

Where: Stone Lodge (Upper) Why you should go: To meet other students who share the interest of following Christ, regardless of denomination.

More Info: Check out the ENCOUNTER Facebook page.

Mon., May 2 What: College Democrats Meeting When: 5 – 6 p.m.

Where: Commons 307 Why you should go: To meet other students with political interests.

More Info: Contact Nick Edwards at nedwards@una.edu What: Fellowship of Christian Athletes When: 8 – 10 p.m.

Where: Commons 330 Why you should go: To network with other Christian athletes.

More Info: Contact Peggy Wingo at 256-765-4396

Tues., May 3 What: 2nd Annual Players Choice Awards When: 5:30 – 10 p.m.

Where: Norton Auditorium Why you should go: To support student athletes More Info: Contact Jacinta Mastin at 256-765-4397

Wed., May 4 What: Wind Down Wednesday When: 11:00 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Where: Memorial Amphitheater Why you should go: To take a break from classes.

More Info: Contact Tyler Thompson as 256-765-4948 What: HSO’s No Stress Zone When: 4 – 6 p.m.

Where: Memorial Amphitheater Why you should go: To destress on the last day before finals begin.

More Info: Contact Vince Brewton at 256-765-5005 What: SAFE When: 4:30 – 6 p.m.

Where: Stone Lodge (Upper) Why you should go: To participate in a study group.

More Info: Contact Monday Sanderson at msanderson2@una.edu What: ENCOUNTER When: 8 -9:30 p.m.

Where: Stone Lodge (Upper) Why you should go: To meet other students who share the interest of following Christ, regardless of denomination.

More Info: Check out the ENCOUNTER Facebook page.

In addition to allowing students to submit topics for the calendar, the 2016-17 paper will allow students to purchase classified ads for a small fee — no more getting lost in the pages by the mailroom! Contact editor@florala.net for questions.

16 EXTRA

SOCIAL MEDIA OF THE WEEK