April 4 Issue

Harlon Hill Honored page 1B April 2, 2015

Volume 83, Issue 27

www.FlorAla.net

Student newspaper of the University of North Alabama

SECURITY

Phase one: Cameras coming to parking deck ASHLEY REMKUS

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Shields said. “The cameras will be used more as investigative tools — post-crime, postincident.”

He said the UNA Police Department will have access to the surveillance feeds at all times, but there will not be a person dedicated to

University officials say they are prepared to take the next step in ensuring a safe campus by spending an expected $225,000 on new surveillance equipment.

Vice President forr Student Shields Affairs David the announced during ees March board of trustees meeting security ty cameras will soon be added to the onVehicle criminal campus parking deck mischief - 13 and several other Vehicle burg lary- 12 campus entities.

“We encourage an environment of reporting crime,”

47 percent

monitoring the hundreds of screens 24/7.

“It’s proven, although there are some people who do not pay attention, the cameras do work as a deterrent to crime,” said Interim UNA Police Chief Mark Parker. “They realize the cameras increase the likelihood o being apprehended.” of Crimes in the on-campus parking deck have prompted p student requests for security s cameras for several years. c Since April 2010, 58 crimes have occurred in the on-campus parking deck, according to UNA Police Crime Logs.

Reports indicate most of those crimes include vandalism of vehicles, burglaries and theft.

;MM +)5-:); XIOM ) photo by JORDAN FERRELL I Graphic Designer

Vehicle theft - 2

Crimes involving vehicles

Crim inal mis chie f-6 The ft 6

Students walk out of the on-campus parking deck March 30.

In the past five years, 58 crimes have occurred in the structure, according to UNA Police Crime Logs. University officials announced earlier this month security cameras will be added before the end of the summer.

23 percent 21 percent

Drug and alcohol crimes

Property crimes

ult - 1 a s s a l Sexua p-1 a n d i ry/k e b b o R

3 percent

3 percent

3 percent

Harassment

Violent crimes

Other

Breakdown of parking deck crime April 2010-15 OLDER AND WISER.....5B INSIDE this week’s paper

NEWS . . . . . . . . 2A IMAGES . . . . . . 4A VIEWPOINTS . . . . 7A

SPORTS . . . . . . . 1B LIFE . . . . . . . . . 5B EXTRA . . . . . . . . 8B

Please recycle your paper.

2A NEWS Trustees, students to rally for state funding

April 2, 2015 • The Flor-Ala

GOVERNMENT

ANNA BROWN

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Money matters when it comes to running a university, and UNA has money on its mind.

Board members, student legislature and students plan to make the trek south to Montgomery for Higher Education Day April 9.

“Higher Education Day is a time set aside where people in higher education can go make plans to meet with legislators and see the capital,” said President ProTempore of the board of trustees Marty Abroms. “It’s a show of support in terms of trying to bring home the need for appropriate funding for higher education, especially for UNA.”

”

“It’s important that we have state funding so that we can keep improving our facilities and programs,” Stokes said.

“If we don’t keep up, people might stop coming to UNA because of poor facilities or dated technology and programs.”

Abroms said he believes it is important for students and leaders from UNA to attend Higher Education Day. “Many years ago, state appropriation

was more than 50 percent of college budgets,” he said. “Things have changed over the years to where we consider ourselves a state-supported institution.

State funding now comprises 30 to 35 percent of budget needs.”

Sophomore Alec Prince, chairman of SGA Senate’s Legislature Affairs Committee, said UNA “gets the short end of the stick” in terms of state funding.

“We are here, we matter and we can be successful,” Prince said. “Higher Education Day is all about letting our voices be heard in Montgomery.”

The Higher Education Day kickoff event will be held at the Memorial Amphitheater April 7. Pizza, chips and drinks will be provided for students.

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HIGHER EDUCATION DAY IS A TIME SET

ASIDE WHERE PEOPLE IN HIGHER EDUCATION CAN GO MAKE PLANS TO MEET WITH LEGISLATORS AND SEE THE CAPITAL. ITʼS A SHOW OF SUPPORT IN TERMS OF TRYING TO BRING HOME THE NEEDS FOR APPROPRIATE FUNDING FOR HIGHER EDUCATION, ESPECIALLY FOR

UNA.

MARTY ABROMS BOARD OF TRUSTEES PRESIDENT PRO-TEMPORE The event also allows students and campus leaders from universities across Alabama to rally on the steps of the state capital in demand of greater funding.

Last year, the crowd requested higher education institutions receive one-third of the state education budget, leaving K-12 schools two-thirds. Their requests were not granted.

Junior Danielle Stokes said she believes it is important for the government to support UNA.

The Flor-Ala file photo

SGA member Mollie Schaefer joins students from UNA and other Alabama public universities during the Higher Education Day rally in Montgomery Feb. 27, 2014. While 45 UNA students attended last year’s event, SGA members said they hope to double that this year. A kickoff event is scheduled for April 7 at Memorial Amphitheater.

TRANSPORTATION

Blocked parking spaces deemed reoccurring nuisance ASHLEY REMKUS

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photo by ASHLEY REMKUS I News Editor

Cones and caution tape block 70 parking spaces between the GUC and the Communications Building March 31. The lot has been blocked all day several times this school year for events that take place at night.

A normal Tuesday for students, faculty and staff who park in the lot located between the GUC and the Communications Building often includes driving into a barrier made of orange cones and yellow caution tape.

March 31 was not the first time parking spaces were blocked for a university event. But, students said 70 unavailable spaces pushed the limits.

The spaces were blocked off shortly before 7 a.m. for the President’s Cabinet meeting that was scheduled for 5:30 p.m.

“If it would have been anything else, the spaces wouldn’t have been blocked all day,” said Interim UNA Police Chief Mark Parker. “There were 155 people to

RSVP, and we blocked 70 spaces.”

Laura Reeves, the police department employee who handles parking space blocking requests said because it was an event for the President’s Office, there was no choice but no block the spaces.

Junior Nichole Morris said as an upperclassman at UNA, the issue of parking has been no stranger to her.

“I understand space is a concern and parking spots can’t appear out of thin air, but I hope the new president will focus his efforts on better planning events so students will have the most parking available during class times.

She said blocking off spots 12 hours before an event is not conducive to students’ needs or interests.

Editor’s note: To read the rest of this story, visit www.florala.net.

NEWS 3A

April 2, 2015 • The Flor-Ala

SGA

NEW OFFICERS CELEBRATE RUNOFF VICTORIES Gallups: Increasing Hayes wins treasurer diversity is priority election in runoff KRISTEN GOODE

KRISTEN GOODE

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Changes are expected to come to SGA Senate next year as a new face takes lead of the organization.

Sophomore Nicole Gallups won the runoff for Vice President of Senate, receiving 262 of the 429 votes cast. She defeated opponent Mitch Byrd.

Gallups, a cell and molecular biology, and general chemistry major, plans to attend medical school after obtaining a bachelor’s degree. But, she said she still has big plans for her remaining time at UNA. “Students should see an increase in more diversity among the Senate body,” Gallups said. “With this diversity I hope to see more senators reaching out to more underrepresented students.”

Gallups said she is currently working on legislation to make campus friendlier toward international students.

She is a member of the Honors Society, American Chemical Society

For some people, the opportunity to serve is also an opportunity to practice for a future career.

Junior Mallory Hayes won the runoff election for SGA Treasurer by a vote of 238 to 215, defeating freshman Alex Gould.

Hayes is an accounting major and plans to pursue a master’s degree in business management after completing her bachelor’s degree. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and the Presidential Mentors Academy, and currently serves as SGA’s UPC ProTempore.

“I am eager to get started in my position and to continue to speak to the students about different needs on campus,” Hayes said. “I anticipate in collaborating with the newly-elected SGA executive branch for activities for a successful school year.”

Current Treasurer and UPC Vice

GALLUPS and Phi Mu, and currently serves on the Senate Student Welfare Committee.

Current Senate Vice President Nick Lang, SGA President-elect, said as Gallups comes into the position, two factors will make her successful.

“It’s very important as vice president just to be organized and to keep the morale of your senators up throughout the whole year,” Lang said. “Let them know they’re doing good work and how important they are.”

;MM /)44=8; XIOM )

HAYES President-elect Adam McCollum said one piece of advice will help Hayes as she enters the position.

“Get a system that works for you to keep things organized and that is understandable for all students,” McCollum said.

Hayes said she plans to grow the SGA endowed scholarship partly by repeating the Drive for the Pride fundraising event because of its success last year.

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Your Ad Here Advertising and Marketing For more information call 256-765-4427

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4A IMAGES

April 2, 2015 • The Flor-Ala

TAKINg A BREAK

▶

Around and around Graphic Designer Jordan Ferrell’s said her favorite spring break adventure was riding a carousel at the Nashville Zoo.

STAFF REPORT

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We all say it every year. “I can’t wait for spring break. It’s time for a vacation.”

For members of The FlorAla staff, these statements have never been more true until this year. Before embarking on various spring break adventures, the staff produced 26 newspapers during the 2014-15 school year. With only

five papers remaining, spring break brought a necessary refreshment of the staffs’ minds and spirits.

While some traveled to New Orleans, Louisiana or Panama City Beach in Florida others made the best of the break in the Shoals or in their respective hometowns.

The staff has almost reached the end of this wild ride called working for the student newspaper, and now we are reenergized and up to the task.

▶

Swaggy P takes PCB Sports Editor Dustin Pollard takes a break from his “A-game” for a photo after his trip to Panama City Beach. “Just like going to the gym I know you are supposed to take a selfie at the beach. I failed to, and I am sorry I broke protocol,” Pollard said. “This is my typical outfit for the beach, and I was going for the Tony Montana look. But, I feel like I just finished playing shuffleboard with my fellow 70-year-old homies.”

▶

Cookies Online Editor Jasmine Fleming began her Spring Break with free food. Anonymous students baked cookies for LaGrange residents to wish everyone a happy Spring Break.

▶

Nawlins Editor-in-Chief Anna Grace Usery and News Editor Ashley Remkus took on New Orleans for Spring Break. Both agreed, like in the newsroom, “What happens in Nawlins stays is Nawlins.”

New life ▶ Japanese cherry blossoms were in full bloom at Managing Editor Kali Daniel’s home in Triana. “I’m really proud of my mom for finally keeping a plant alive,” Daniel said.

NEWS 5A

Mar. 12, 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ The Flor-Ala

photo by MEIYAN SONG I Student Photographer

Students attend â&#x20AC;&#x153;Meat (Meet) the Candidatesâ&#x20AC;? March 4 in the GUC Loft. SGA hosted the event for candidates to debate and answer student questions regarding the elections and upcoming school year. Elections were held March 9-11, and students voted in runoffs March 16-18. SGA announced final winners March 18.

/)44=8; KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM ) Lang said Gallupsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; has shown her ability to serve in the position throughout the year as a senator. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a hard worker, and sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very organized,â&#x20AC;? he said. She pays very good attention to detail and has done a very good job as a senator, making sure studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; voices are heard.â&#x20AC;?

Gallups said her proudest moment in SGA was being the co-author of the gender-neutral bathroom resolution. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I feel like the aim of the Senate should be to represent everyone â&#x20AC;&#x201D; whether they are a majority or a minority,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Getting the student body behind a bill that pushes our

campus in a positive direction is one of my favorite memories.â&#x20AC;?

Gallups has a lot of passion for making UNA a better place, yet she loves it as it is, said senator Mollie Schaefer, who serves on the Student Welfare Committee and co-authored the genderneutral bathrooms resolution. â&#x20AC;&#x153;She thinks about every detail, and sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll try to picture something from a lot of different angles,â&#x20AC;? Schaefer said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s willing to invest her time to get things done.â&#x20AC;?

Gallups described herself as a science nerd, but said she developed a passion for art while working at the Birmingham Museum of Art during high school She named Kerry James Marshall her favorite artist.

0)A-; KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM ) Hayes said she also plans to plan a fundraising event for UNA alumni as well an event that collaborates with local businesses and restaurants.

She said the time she spent campaigning for SGA treasurer is her favorite part of her UNA experience. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I got to really know the student body,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A big thanks (goes) to the student body for electing me as SGA treasurer.â&#x20AC;?

Fellow SGA members praised the experience Hayes brings the to position.

Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s note: To read the rest of this story, visit www.florala.net.

2015-16 SGA OFFICERS PRESIDENT: NICK LANG SENATE VP: NICOLE GALLUPS UPC VP: ADAM MCCOLLUM TREASURER: MALLORY HAYES SECRETARY: JENSEN JOINER

FINANCES

President aims to soothe student aid woes ANNA BROWN

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President Barack Obama revealed the Student Aid Bill of Rights promoting better ways for students and borrowers to pay off and manage their debt.

Obama announced the bill March 10 during a speech at Georgia Tech University, according to reports from USA Today. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s some directives that may or may not take place,â&#x20AC;? said Interim Director of Student Financial Services Laura Bozovic. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s suggestions of best practices and also ways to address feedback from students and borrowers on things they can do to improve the repayment system.â&#x20AC;?

Bozovic said the changes outlined in the bill may or may not happen, as it is only suggestive.

The bill urges the U.S. Department of Education to find more efficient ways for students and borrowers to pay their loans.

The bill outlines new rules for loan collectors, requiring them to provide and better inform borrowers about the state of their loan and more loan options.

â&#x20AC;?

I THINK WITH MORE ORGANIZATION IT

WILL MAKE THE LOAN PROCESS EASIER AND

MORE EFFICIENT.

ALSO, STUDENTS WILL FULLY

UNDERSTAND WHAT THEY ARE GETTING INTO WHEN GETTING A LOAN.

MERIDITH GINN JUNIOR â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to make sure that loan servicers can find better ways to help borrowers keep up with monthly payments that they can afford,â&#x20AC;? Obama told USA Today.

Student Tiffany McDaniel said she thinks the initiatives will help college

students. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s difficult to get a loan, then some of the interest rates are outrageous,â&#x20AC;?

McDaniel said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be good for students to be better informed about how much they owe and when to start paying.â&#x20AC;?

She said students always need better debt management options.

When a student graduates college, his or her loan is sent to a loan servicer, sending the loan into repayment. There are many loan servicing companies and, unfortunately, borrowers cannot choose their loan servicers, Bozovic said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;These initiatives that heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s put forward are ways to centralize communications so that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not just one way,â&#x20AC;? Bozovic said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not just all loan servicers are communicating with borrowers, but borrowers have a way to centralize feedback.â&#x20AC;?

Junior Meridith Ginn said her experience of communicating with loan companies is complicated. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They usually just direct you to the question and answer page online,â&#x20AC;? Ginn said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think with more organization it

will make the loan process easier and more efficient. Also, students will fully understand what they are getting into when getting a loan.â&#x20AC;?

The bill outlines a centralized complaint system that enables the borrower to file complaints about their loan servicer or school to one database so that lenders can see what they are doing well and what they need to improve. â&#x20AC;&#x153;To me, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the most important initiative that will have the most positive impact as far as protecting the student and borrower,â&#x20AC;? Bozovic said.

Bozovic said borrowers need to clearly understand the consequences of borrowing money. They should also stay current on their loan history. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is better to set yourself up on a manageable repayment plan or what youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re thinking what your plan would be,â&#x20AC;? Bozovic said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Beyond repayment plans, there are options to keep loans in deferment. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s better to be proactive in your repayment plans options so that you pick the one thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s right for you and so that you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go into default.â&#x20AC;?

6A NEWS

April 2, 2015 • The Flor-Ala

ADMINISTRATION

Kitts completes first day as president

photo by ASHLEY REMKUS I News Editor

University President Ken Kitts and his wife, Dena, eat Chick-fil-A lunch with friends in The Commons March 30. Kitts spent his first days on campus socializing with students, faculty, staff and community members. “It was wonderful, hectic and overwhelming all at the same time,” he said. “Everyone was very welcoming and terrifically nice. People have been so patient during this very busy time for me.”

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VIEWPOINTS 7A

April 2, 2015 • The Flor-Ala

Coverage of events highlight for news editor EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ANNA GRACE USERY MANAGING EDITOR KALI DANIEL NEWS EDITOR ASHLEY REMKUS LIFE EDITOR MARI WILLIAMS

ASHLEY REMKUS

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SPORTS EDITOR DUSTIN POLLARD ONLINE EDITOR JASMINE FLEMING BUSINESS MANAGER UNDREA RANDOLPH II GRAPHIC DESIGNERS JOHN BAVIS SHILO CUPPLES JORDAN FERRELL CIRCULATION MANAGER LORI BLANKENSOPP CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER KATLYN SHANNON STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS AMANDALYN DORNER KAITLIN DOUGLASS DEANNA KAMPMEYER ADVISER SCOTT MORRIS

When I accepted the position of The Flor-Ala News Editor for the 2014-15 year, I had no idea what I was getting myself into — literally.

I never imagined this experience would include covering gay marriage becoming legal in Alabama (kind of), implementation of gender-neutral restrooms on campus, the construction of new state-of-the-art facilities at UNA and pay increases for deserving faculty and staff members.

The deadline for submitting letters is 10 a.m. Monday, the week of publication.

Letters must not exceed 400 words.

The Flor-Ala prefers to publish your letters exactly as written, but reserves the right to reject slanderous or libelous material.

The publication of any letter is left to the discretion of the Editorial Board.

Priority is given to letters critical of The Flor-Ala, or written in direct response to an editorial, a column, or a news story.

When the editors deem it necessary for ease of understanding or to clarify facts, an Editorʼs Note may accompany a letter.

Address correspondence to The Flor-Ala. UNA Box 5300 Florence, AL 35632.

about his willingness to listen to their concerns, his interest in UNA’s specific needs and his eagerness to make a positive difference.

Last semester I wrote an editorial explaining student concerns should be a focus of the administration.

“Campus administrators should consider what will benefit UNA most when establishing the budget,” I wrote in a Sept. 2014 piece.

“They should put the money where their mouths are. With falling enrollment (less tuition revenue) and crumbling facilities, leaders have to make tough decisions about how they will spend the minuscule funds they have. In this case, the right decision is investing in the people who pay the bills — students.”

When presidential candidates visited campus in October 2014, they were asked how they would respond to

student concerns about campus safety and deteriorating facilities.

“If it’s a priority for the students, it’ll be a priority for me,” Kitts said. “I think all the decisions on campus should revolve around what’s best for students.”

As I bid farewell to my position of campus leadership, Kitts eagerly welcomes his station as president. It is my hope he will stand by his pledge to keep students first.

I look forward to seeing what my last semester at UNA holds under his leadership because I have full faith he is a man of his word.

Welcome to UNA, Dr, Kitts. You’re in for a wild ride, but I know it will be worth it.

In the constituencies of UNA, you have the best support system anyone could ask for.

Respecting professors yields maximum student benefit

Letters Policy

Letters must be accompanied by the writerʼs name, mailing address, phone number and email.

I wrote in-depth reports about a variety of campus and community issues, including problems with Student Allocations funding, Pride of Dixie body fat testing, ‘discriminatory’ restaurant applications and crumbling, outdated facilities.

Students, faculty and staff read what is likely the last news story to be published in The Flor-Ala — or any other newspaper, for that matter — about William Cale’s 10-year presidency.

I got to witness lifechanging experiences and share them with the campus and Shoals communities. But, my favorite news coverage came with the hiring of Ken Kitts as UNA’s 20th head honcho.

From his first official campus visit, to his first day on the job, students, faculty and staff praised the new President Kitts. They talked

KALI DANIEL

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Respect. One simple word, idea, concept with almost no adherence.

Each Tuesday and Thursday, I enter my 300-level class in a timely fashion. I sit, eyes focused on the professor or PowerPoint. I wait for my professor to dismiss class before packing up. I am not the symbol of respect by

any means, though at times I feel these simple actions are important.

Not everyone in classes act the same and, surely, some act even more attentively and engaged than myself.

America is often considered one of the most disrespectful countries in the world for various reasons from political behavior to classroom etiquette.

As the same student stumbles into my TuesdayThursday class 10 to 20 minutes late every class, I am astounded. He walks past the first four rows, huffing and puffing. He then sits down, opens his laptop and plays on his computer and phone for the remainder of class, distracting everyone behind him.

I am not even sure he feels he is being disrespectful to not only the professor, but students around him attempting to be engaged in a difficult course.

I think we can all — including myself — take the time to consider our classroom behavior in the following ways: • Wait for the professor to dismiss class before packing up. He or she is allocated 50-75 minutes and are not required to dismiss early.

• Make eye contact if possible, allowing for greater possibility of engaged listening.

• Be five minutes early to class. Professors notice.

• When and if you are late, apologize face-to-

face.

Let professors know ahead of time if you will not make it to class, excused or otherwise.

• Leave your phone in your backpack.

• Use a notebook instead of a laptop — it is scientifically proven you will retain more information if you write it, and you are less apt to become distracted.

Ultimately, college is students’ first opportunity to show their professors and peers they are ready for the adult world. One tiny word can influence your grade, reputation and long-term success: Respect.

•

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WILLINGHAM HALL 643 N. WOOD AVE.

BEHIND

Melissa Parker

8A NEWS +)5-:); KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM ) In 2012, a robbery and kidnapping were reported and a man was arrested for exposing his body in the deck, according to the crime logs.

A rape also allegedly took place, beginning in the parking deck and continuing between there and the library.

Shields called the university parking deck a “notorious issue for us.”

SGA President KeKoria Greer said surveillance of the deck is a major concern for students, campus visitors and SGA members.

“Without campus safety, we can’t have academics,” Greer said. “If you don’t feel comfortable or safe coming

Mar. 12, 2015• The Flor-Ala to class, you won’t be able to succeed in those classes.”

Alumnus Matthew Wilson said he never understood why the parking deck did not have cameras all throughout the building.

“Seeing students be afraid of a portion of their campus while money was being spent on new buildings was a tough thing to accept,” he said.

Shields said the camera installation is currently in phase one, which includes all entrances and exits, and the first floor of the deck.

“With the design of the building, it’s important we place those cameras in the right way because that’s an area you can still access without going through the entrance,” he said, regarding the first

floor.

He said the two new residence halls will have a variety of cameras both inside and outside, monitoring people entering and exiting and the perimeters of the buildings.

Phase one of the project also includes replacing all camera systems in the current residence halls to match ones in new residence halls and adding additional cameras in Collier Library.

The new science building has perimeter cameras, and Shields said he believes the facility has surveillance on the interior as well.

“This is the first phase,” Shields said.

“We will implement more cameras as we have the resources to do so.”

photo by JORDAN FERRELL I Graphic Designer

Officials announced during the March board of trustees meeting security cameras will be added to the on-campus parking deck. All entrances and the firs floor will have cameras by the end of the summer, administrators said.

.=6,16/ KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM ) Prince said he attended Higher Education Day last year as a member of Freshman Forum and will attend this year as well.

He said SGA’s goal is to have 90 students go to Montgomery as opposed to last year’s attendance of 45 .

Abroms said the board will stress to legislators the need for state dollars to continue UNA’s efforts.

“The more funding we can get, the lower tuition can be or at least we can avoid raising it,” Abroms said.

“We are all about keeping tuition low,” he said. “Prior tuition increases are not sustainable.”

In Gov. Robert Bentley’s proposed budget for the upcoming year, he has allocated a $1 million earmark for the future nursing building and a $800,000 earmark for the science and technology building, Abroms said.

These earmarks are funds the government sets aside for a certain project or purpose, he said.

“It’s one thing to request. It’s another to receive,” Abroms said. “It’s up to legislature to approve governor’s proposed budget.”

Abroms said it is important the legislature approves these earmarks so UNA can continue it’s campus beautification projects.

“We have a great nursing program, but we have to turn down nursing applicants because we don’t have a large enough building to house what we need for nursing,” Abroms said. “It’s important we expand nursing program. Alabamians need good healthcare.”

SGA in Review • SGA - President KeKoria Greer announced she is working with Interim UNA Police Chief Mark Parker to improve communication with students when parking lots will be blocked.

• Senate - Approved spending $336.94 to purchase food for a Higher Education Day promotional event that is scheduled for April 7 at Memorial Amphitheater (see page 2A).

• Senate - Announced it will host the annual Spring Fling party at Memorial Amphitheater beginning at 11 a.m.

April 15.

• UPC - Approved spending $2,500 to fund a baseball game tailgating event April 11 from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Flor-Ala file photo

UNA student Austin Park marches with a sign during the 2014 Higher Education Day rally in Montgomery. Forty-five UNA students attended the event to demand greater funding for Alabama’s public universities.

• UPC - Approved a Welcome Week proposal worth $16,365.98 that will require the group to utilize rollover funding.

SPORTS

SECTION B

April 2, 2015• The Flor-Ala

TRADITION

The Best To EVER Do It

Former Lion named best receiver in Chicago Bears history DUSTIN POLLARD

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The best receiver to ever don a Chicago Bears uniform played his college career at Florence State Teachers College (now UNA).

And no, that is no typo. His name is Harlon Hill.

Hill played for the Lions from 1949-53, finishing with 19 career touchdowns en route to being an NAIA All-American as a senior.

Drafted in the 15th round of the 1954 NFL draft by the Bears, Hill played his next eight seasons in Chicago.

The trade of Brandon Marshall from the Bears to the New York Jets sparked the debate if he was the best receiver in Bears history, but Hill was even better, according to Whet Moser in Chicago Magazine.

“For three years, Hill was a real star — a big, fast, acrobatic, entertaining receiver at the dawn of the position, and probably still the best the Bears have had since,” Moser said in his article.

“I’m not at all surprised to see him named the best (Bears receiver) at all,” said UNA head coach Bobby Wallace. “All you have to do is look at the stats, and you see how good his stats were during that time when the rules for defensive backs were different, which makes it more impressive. Today, the passing game is so much more advanced thanks to the rules.”

Little known due to playing football at a smaller school, Hill wasted no time to make his name heard at the next level. He finished his rookie season with 1,124 yards, 12 touchdowns and an average of 25 yards per catch — his yards per reception and touchdowns led the league.

Hill earned NFL Rookie of the Year in 1954 for his performance on the gridiron.

IN THIS SECTION

In his 1979 autobiography “Halas by Halas,” Bears founder and coach George Halas said Hill had “an uncanny knack for pulling down impossible passes.”

During his second season Hill posted 789 yards and nine touchdowns on the way to winning the Jim Thorpe Trophy as the league’s most valuable player.

In 1956, Hill led the Bears to the NFL championship game.

Hill made the Pro Bowl in each of his first three seasons in the league while ending his career with 40 total touchdowns.

“Harlon is one that proved that there are players at our level that can play in the NFL and have high success,” Wallace said. “It’s almost a miracle he got founded by the scouts because there is not the exposure at this level like now.”

A completely severed Achilles tendon in 1958 slowed Hill, and he tried to bounce back to Pro Bowl form but was not able. Hill retired from the game following the 1962 season.

“He helped change the game and his contributions as a receiver are significant,” said UNA Sports Information Director Jeff Hodges. “He helped establish the deep ball passes in the game.”

Hill returned to his roots following retirement and served as an assistant coach for the UNA football team in late 1960s while working on his master’s degree in education.

“He means a lot to the community and the community meant a lot to him,” Wallace said. “He did a lot for UNA and the Florence area. He was a man of high character.”

Hill became principal at nearby Brooks High School in Killen in 1980 and retired in 1992.

He remained in Killen until his death March 21, 2013.

“What I really admired about Hill was how humble of a person he was,” said Athletic Director Mark Linder.

Moser may be right

See page 2B

and 22.7 yards per catch.

Marshall’s stats in with the Bears: 45 games, 3,524 yards, 31 touchdowns, 279 receptions and 12.6 yards per catch.

photo courtesy of Sports Information

Former UNA and Chicago Bears star Harlon Hill stands on the sideline during a Bears game.

Chicago Magazine recently named Hill the best receiver in Bears history. Hill made the Pro Bowl in his first three seasons in the NFL.

SPORTS Baseball, softball midseason reports

about Hill being better when comparing the numbers.

Hill’s stats in first three season: 36 games, 3,041 yards, 32 touchdowns, 134 receptions

LIFE Baseball still Americaʼs pastime?

See page 3B

Students discuss transition from high school See page 5B

Kyrgyz international student See page 7B

2B SPORTS

April 2, 2015 • The Flor-Ala

BASEBALL

Lions enjoy success despite inconsistency with bats KADIN POUNDERS

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The baseball team is enjoying a solid year as the Lions pass the midway point of the season. Through 29 games, UNA has a 21-8 overall record and a 10-7 record in the Gulf South Conference.

Excellent defense and great pitching is the key to the success for the Lions to

this point.

The Lions have a .969 fielding percentage, good for fourth in the GSC, and have committed 31 errors which is also fourth best in the conference.

The UNA pitching staff owns a 3.36 ERA and has held opponents to a .268 batting average. Both of those numbers are good for third best in the conference.

The pitching staff is led by the Florence native and senior southpaw

photo by AMANDALYN DORNER I Staff Photographer

Junior second baseman Kyle Crabtree makes contact with the pitch against Christian Brothers University March 15. The Lions are (21-8, 10-7) this year and in fourth place in the Gulf South Conference.

Brantley Claunch who is 4-2 in 8 starts.

Claunch also has a 2.79 ERA, which is sixth best in the GSC among pitchers with at least 8 starts, and opponents are batting .282 against him.

Although the numbers do not necessarily back it up, starters Riley Sanderson, Kyle Stephenson, and Kyle Conkle have held their own on the mound. The three are 7-6 in 17 combined starts and Sanderson, Stephenson, and Conkle own 5.29, 4.24, and 4.01 ERAs, respectively.

“With the exception of a few games the pitching has been pretty wellrounded,” Claunch said. “And that is mostly in due respect to our pitching Coach Matt Hancock and all of the staff really being on the same page all the time and showing up at the field wanting to get better day in and day out.”

Unfortunately for the Lions, the guys on the mound have not received much run support from the guys holding the bats. A majority of UNA’s lineup is right handed but hitters have struggled against lefties this season batting a meager .220 against the southpaws. “(The inconsistency has been) adjusting to the pitching and it has mainly been against left handed pitching for some reason,” said head coach Mike Keehn.

Although there are four guys hitting over .300 compared to just one from the previous season, the hitting has been inconsistent from game to game.

However, Keehn said he tips his hat to

opponents who pitched their best against his squad.

“We did have a good four game span where we swung the bats well, but good pitching can control hitting,” he said.

“We faced a couple of pitchers that are having a good season.”

Dylan Calhoun, Brett Guzay, Jake Smith, and Taylor Hayes are the four guys with .300-plus averages this season.

Guzay has continued his great play since coming back from a facial injury sustained against LeMoyne-Owen College early in the season batting .337 and Jake Smith seems to always find a way to get on base batting .345 and drawing 16 walks, the most on the team.

However, the most valuable player for the Lions to this point has been Calhoun who owns the best batting average and is UNA’s primary centerfielder, Keehn said. “(Calhoun’s) numbers are the best on the team and he has played solid defense as well,” he said.

Keehn said Hayes has been the most improved player. “(Hayes) did get a few starts in left and had a couple of big pinch hits,” he said. “We put him in the designated hitter spot against Union and he has done a solid job.”

Despite being swept at home this past weekend by UAH, Keehn says the team’s goals are still the same now as they were at the beginning of the season.

Editor’s note: To read the rest of this story, www.florala.net.

SOFTBALL

Team hitting on all cylinders leads to wins DUSTIN POLLARD

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The softball team was unable to go to the beach last week but spring break could not have been any better for the Lions.

The Lions swept the No. 7 University of Alabama-Huntsville March 28-29 by the scores of 2-0, 3-2 and 3-1. With the three victories, UNA leaped over the Chargers for second place in the Gulf South Conference standings.

“These wins are just huge for our program,” said head coach Ashley Cozart. “Our girls have been working hard all year long for this.”

The Lions pitching performed well as usual and the bats came up when the team needed them to the most against UAH. “Our pitching has been wonderful all year and our bats came through when we needed them to, and our defense allaround has done a great job,” Cozart said. “UAH is such a great team, too, and I’m just really happy to come away with the wins.”

UAH is not the only team to be the victim of the Lions stellar play lately as UNA (28-5, 13-4) has won seven straight

games and 12 of its last 13.

“We came (in against UAH) as the underdog and we just wanted to go out there and prove something,” said senior outfielder Libby Olinger. “I felt confident the whole time and I just knew we were going to win from the beginning.”

The Lions are doing its damage both at the plate and on the mound. UNA leads all of D-II with the lowest team ERA at 1.07 and the offense is first in the conference with 277 hits and third in batting average (.316) and runs (195).

“Even during close games we don’t get down and I know in the end we’re going to pull it out and get the win,” said freshman shortstop Reagan Tittle.

Even if the Lions are unable to score runs on offense the pitching staff and stout defense keeps the team confident throughout game, Olinger said.

“I know if I don’t get the key hit when I need to I know our defense is going to go out there and shut them down and our pitching staff is going to shut them down,” she said. “We’re going to find a way to win. We really feed off our defense.”

The defense is equally as impressive as the offense as the team is first in the GSC with a .980 fielding percentage. The Lions have committed 18 errors, which is

lowest in the conference.

Olinger said the Spring Hill College game played March 24 set the tone for the whole week. The Lions trailed in the game 4-0 after the first inning but battled back and won 5-4 in 10 innings.

“That game let us know that we can

come back from anything,” Olinger said.

Cozart said the success of the team this season has people getting exciting about UNA softball.

“The girls are working hard,” she said. “The biggest thing is we just have such great team chemistry.”

Photo by AMANDALYN DORNER I Staff Photographer

Sophomore outfielder Amy Carden gets ready for the pitch against the University of West Alabama Feb. 28. The Lions are (28-5, 13-4) on the season and are on a seven-game winning streak.

SPORTS 3B

April 2, 2014 • The Flor-Ala

FANDOM

SCOREBOARD

America’s Pastime?

March 28- April 1 March 28 Baseball Vs. UAH 4-0 Loss Softball Vs. UAH 2-0 Win Baseball Vs. UAH 3-1 Loss Softball Vs. UAH 3-2 Win March 29 Baseball Vs. UAH 11-3 Loss Softball Vs. UAH 3-1 Win

photo by AMANDALYN DORNER I Staff Photographer

Senior pitcher Brantley Claunch tosses a pitch against Christian Brothers University March 15. Recent studies show football has passed baseball as America’s favorite sport by a larger margin.

Baseball deemed nationʼs second favorite sport MIKE EZEKIEL

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America is all about baseball, hotdogs and apple pie. Or is it?

Baseball, long deemed America’s pastime is no longer considered the country’s favorite sport, according to recent studies.

In 1985, there was a one-point difference between the percentage of American adults who followed at least one sport and considered pro football (24 percent) or baseball (23 percent) to be their favorite.

Now, pro football holds a 16-point edge as it is the top pick at 32 percent, and baseball is second at 16 percent, according to a Harris poll conducted in January 2015.

Decrease in support of baseball has raised the question, “Is baseball still America’s pastime?”

UNA baseball head coach Mike Keehn said he blames the media for the decline in baseball.

“I think the biggest thing is the media has changed a lot in our society and in sports,” Keehn said. “We have a lot of people in authority and a voice that has an opinion on the way the game should be played.”

Keehn said he believes baseball is a beautiful sport that has been ruined by altercations.

“I think the media hinders (baseball),” he said. “It’s always negative. We are obsessed with how long baseball games last. They complain about low scoring, so we need more scoring. It’s like this game everyone is trying to manipulate when they don’t understand the game.”

Sophomore Amy Carraway said she acknowledges the decreased interest of baseball, but still considers baseball to be America’s pastime.

“I think baseball has always been unique to America,” she said. “(Baseball) reminds me of Coca-Cola, candy bars, apple pie and the American dream.

I think baseball will always be our pastime, even though we may have more football fans in America.”

”

I THINK BASEBALL WILL ALWAYS BE OUR PASTIME, EVEN THOUGH WE MAY HAVE MORE FOOTBALL FANS IN AMERICA.

AMY CARRAWAY SOPHOMORE Senior Skyler Stewart, who played football for the Lions in 2013, said he believes football is now more popular.

“I do not think baseball is America’s pastime anymore,” Stewart said. “People

will watch the Super Bowl. People don’t watch the World Series like they used to.

I remember watching it as a child and as I got older, I grew apart from it.”

Keehn said baseball is now an international sport, while football is considered an American sport.

“In basketball you have a lot of European players and in baseball, you have everybody,” he said.

Keehn said baseball takes more skill than any of the other sports.

“Baseball is by far the highest skilled sport of any of them out there,” he said.

“Whether people like it or not, it is.

The ability to move a runner over or the ability to hit a ball is tremendously difficult.”

Keehn’s appreciation for the art of baseball is shared by some, but arguably, most sports fans are interested in the spectacle of a basketball or football game over the chess-game feel of a baseball game.

“We have such a high emphasis on football,” Keehn said. “It’s basically been ingrained in everybody that football is the greatest sport. Some have chosen we need to have football 365 days a year.

And to me, the media has gone in that direction.”

Opening night for the MLB is April 5 when the St. Louis Cardinals face the Chicago Cubs at 7 p.m.

Opening Day for the rest of the 28 teams starts April 6.

March 31 Menʼs/Womenʼs Tennis Vs. Jacksonville State results @ www.roarlions.com April 1 Menʼs/Womenʼs Tennis @ Alabama A & M results @ www.roarlions.com

Upcoming April 2 Menʼs/Womenʼs Tennis Vs. LeMoyne Owen 3 p.m.

April 3 Menʼs/Womenʼs Tennis Vs. UAH 1 p.m.

Softball @ West Georgia Noon (DH) Track Mississippi College Invitational @ Clinton, Miss.

Baseball @ West Georgia 5 p.m.

April 4 Softball @ West Georgia Noon

4B SPORTS

April 2, 2015 • The Flor-Ala IM

A

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April 7-8

UN

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IN V E S TI E

•C O

M M U NIC

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Guillot University Center #UNAResearch

Oral Presentations April 7 April 8

• 9:30 am - 11:30 am & 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm • 9:00 am - 11:30 am & 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm GUC Loft 2nd Floor

Poster Presentations April 7 April 8

• 9:30 am - 11:00 am & 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm • 9:00 am - 10:30 am & 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm GUC Atrium 1st Floor

Final Competition: University Three Minute Thesis April 6

• 5:00 pm - Norton Auditorium

Facebook: UNAqep

w • www.una.edu/ug-research

Department Research Symposia

April 6th

Participants: Department of Sociology and Family Studies Department of Social Work College of Business Department of Geography Department of Math For times and locations visit: www.una.edu/ug-research/

LIFE 5B

April 2, 2015 • The Flor-Ala

GROWTH

Older & Wiser Professor, students discuss transition from high school CHLOE ALLEN

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The transition from high school to college is huge, and while everyone handles it differently, it is a common struggle.

One in three students will not return to college after their freshman year, according to U.S. News Education.

Being told to go to class is important advice, said senior Ethan Byrd.

“I actually failed my first year of college because of transitioning for the first time,” he said. “But after a while I got used to it.”

Senior Lindsay McCormick said she would advise freshmen to be prepared to work hard but not quit, no matter how overwhelmed they may feel.

“I regret not becoming more involved than I had,” she said. “I would encourage

anyone to get involved. Even if you’re unsure, it’ll be worth it.”

McCormick said she would have advice for her high school self.

“It’s going to be overwhelming at times and you’re going to want to quit – but don’t,” she said.

One of the biggest questions at hand is what makes the transition so difficult and how the stress of it is avoided.

”

ITʼS GOING TO BE OVERWHELMING AT TIMES AND YOUʼRE GOING TO WANT TO QUIT — BUT DONʼT.

LINDSEY MCCORMICK SENIOR

Professor of Nursing and founder of the Presidential Mentors Academy Ernestine Davis has helped UNA freshmen make the adjustment for 18 years.

The PMA program is a tool for freshmen who feel uncertain or overwhelmed by the process of coming to college, she said. Students are moved into the dorms in July and spend the entire month adjusting to life away from home. Once school begins, they are assigned student mentors and are responsible for maintaining a 2.75 GPA and attending group meetings to ensure continued success.

“They’ve never been away from home, and I think that’s a big problem,” Davis said. “What we want to do is extend the home away from home.”

PMA started with approximately five to eight students, but over the years it has grown to accommodate more than 20

students. As students progress through the program, they transition from being mentored to becoming mentors to younger students, Davis said.

“I’m always looking for ways to improve the program,” she said.

Some students said they would advise their high school and college freshmen selves to take different actions.

Sophomore Anastasia Medley said she wishes she had taken college courses in high school.

“Studying is no joke,” she said.

Senior Andrew Kerstiens said he suggests not taking on the responsibility of owning a pet, focusing on oneself and spending money wisely.

“Don’t take your momma’s cooking for granted and use your Mane Card money wisely,” he said.

6B LIFE

April 2, 2015• The Flor-Ala

TECHNOLOGY

INTERNET RAGE Slow connection sparks frustration among students MELISSA PARKER

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In the age of convenience, anything slowing people down will also try their patience.

Obstacles like slow walkers on campus and slow drivers on the streets can throw people into a frenzy. When papers and homework assignments are due in two hours and everything is moving too slowly, a burning rage can bubble up.

Internet rage is the new term being used for the feelings people get when pages are not loading along the Internet highway fast enough.

Richard Hudiburg, department chair and professor of psychology, said it is more of a frustration than rage.

“I don’t tend to say its rage until people actually engage in a certain behavior,” Hudiburg said.

When people get so upset they break their device and then instantly regret it is an example, he said.

“I think a lot people suffer frustration with the Internet because they just don’t understand a lot of how it works,” he said. “I usually use the analogy, ‘I don’t care how a car works as long as I put my key in it and it starts.’”

Sophomore Jamal Kennedy said he gets frustrated when his Internet connection does not work.

“When I’m trying to do work on an assignment or trying to turn something in and it’s not going as fast as it can, then the assignment could be late because the Internet keeps messing up,” he said.

Part of the frustration also comes from having more responsibilities online, which means more people online. Product marketing also makes us think we are getting information faster, Hudiburg said.

“The problem is the more we use the Internet, the slower it gets,” he said.

Sophomore Lily Mitchell said her roommate takes online classes and cannot get any work done when the Internet is down.

“The time you need it seems to be the time it doesn’t work,” Mitchell said.

A person may have the “I pay for it so it should be available and it should work” attitude, but so do a million other people, Hudiburg said.

Freshman Kristina McMahan said she thinks Internet should move quickly.

“This is a fast-paced world and it just needs to stay that way,” she said.

Most often what people think they need right now is not critical, but they like it that way, Hudiburg said. People want instant gratification.

“Our expectations tend to be that it should always be that way,” he said.

The current generation may be more impatient because they are used to getting things faster, he said.

Kennedy said he disagrees and people of all ages are this way.

“I think everybody wants to get things done quickly, efficiently and out of the way,” he said. “That’s just how we are.”

Visuals showing download time may help with frustration,

Hudiburg said.

“Research has shown that people will be more patient if they get visual feedback of what’s going to happen,” he said.

Lack of planning and waiting until the last minute to complete tasks can add to the frustration, he said.

Mitchell said she agrees procrastinating when an assignment is due or not having the time to get it done causes a problem. She said she thinks having a plan is always beneficial.

“If the Internet goes down, we won’t be in a panic mode and we can have our assignments done as needed,” she said.

People do not realize how much Internet traffic there is at any given time, Hudiburg said.

“The Internet is being used more and in certain cases the only way you can do something,” he said.

Knowing when the slow times are and planning to use the Internet at a different time is helpful, Hudiburg said. These times are when people are not streaming movies and doing assignments.

“Remember others are using the Internet at the same time, so things may be slow,” he said.

LIFE 7B

April 2, 2015 • The Flor-Ala

FEATURE

photo illustration by KAITLIN DOUGLASS I Staff Photographer

Kyrgyz student Abdullah Karaman lifts his country’s flag at the ampitheater. Karaman started at UNA two years ago when he moved to Florence from his hometown of Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. “I think it was difficult because in my country I have my mom,” he said. “Here, I learned to be independent.”

Kyrgyz student learns to adapt to college life in U.S. MELISSA PARKER

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Imagine traveling to a new country for college only to discover no other students from your home country.

That is exactly what happened to UNA student Abdullah Karaman.

Karaman moved to Florence from his home in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan two years ago to study computer science at UNA. Bishkek is the capital and the largest city in the Central Asian country of Kyrgyzstan.

No one in the international office knew where Kyrgyzstan was, Karaman said.

He said moving was difficult at first because there was no help. He soon realized it was more of an advantage.

“You learn the language quickly, and you feel proud because you’re the only one from your country,” he said. “Most people will remember you because you are the only person from that country.”

Karaman is now the Russian Language Partner for the Critical Languages program.

“He’s done a great job and hangs out with his students after class,” said Director of the Center of Global Engagement Craig Christy.

Alumna Laura Francisco-Lopez said she recalls meeting Karaman when they were both Navigators.

A Navigator is a student who acts as a mentor for the international student body.

Being Hispanic-American meant having to learn differently, Lopez said, so she understood Karaman’s situation and was able to help him adjust to life at UNA.

“Meeting Abdullah has been lifechanging,” she said. “I see him as a little brother.”

Karaman said he moved to Florence because he has an aunt who lives in Tuscumbia.

“My mom didn’t want to send me alone to some unknown place,” he said.

Moving from a place with a population of nearly 1 million people to Florence with 40,000 was enlightening, he said.

”

YOU LEARN THE LANGUAGE QUICKLY, AND YOU FEEL PROUD BECAUSE YOUʼRE THE ONLY ONE FROM YOUR COUNTRY.

ABDULLAH KARAMAN SOPHOMORE Karaman said he imagined the entire U.S. to be more like Los Angeles and New York, so he was surprised when he arrived in Florence.

“When I came to Florence, I was like, ‘Is this even the United States?’” he said.

The smaller size of Florence makes it a good place to study, he said.

“It makes you feel comfortable — like you are at home,” he said. “I like the people in Florence. They’re really nice.”

The people of Bishkek are friendly too, he said. They enjoy treating guests in their homes to home-cooked meals and tea, but they do not greet people on the street.

“In my country they don’t smile at you,” he said.

Karaman said moving so far away from home was good because he learned to do things for himself.

“I think it was difficult because in my country I have my mom,” he said. “Here, I learned to be independent.”

Karaman said he likes to spend time with his friends watching movies, playing games or going to concerts.

Lopez said once Karaman bought an Easter card for a friend because he thought it was a birthday card.

“We have so many holidays that we have cards for,” she said.

He wanted to return it but she talked him out of it, she said, because it is something that his friend will always remember.

“Abdullah is very nice and genuine,” she said.

UNA houses students from all around

the world.

“I really learned a lot about my South Korean roommate’s culture, and he learned about my culture,” he said. “It’s really nice.”

The weather differences have also taken some getting used to, he said. It snows in the winter in Kyrgyzstan, so he was surprised when there was no snow his first year here.

The summers are different too, he said.

Karaman said his favorite place to go when the Alabama heat is too harsh is Wal-Mart.

“It is always cold there,” he said.

Lopez said though Karaman used to be shy, he has found his place at UNA by teaching others about his culture and learning about other cultures himself.

“He’s learned to adapt, but he’s never changed his identity,” she said.

photo courtesy of Ghanem Aldossari

From left to right, sophomore Ghanem Aldossari of Saudi Arabia, sophomore Abdullah Karaman of Kyrgyzstan, junior Jinseung Choi of South Korea and senior Chad Miller of the U.S. celebrate spring break in New York City. “I really learned a lot about my roommate’s culture,” Karaman said of Choi. “And he learned a lot about my culture.”

8B EXTRA SOCIAL MEDIA OF THE WEEK

April 2, 2015 • The Flor-Ala