Feb. 18 issue

FLOR - ALA The

Feb. 18, 2016

Volume 84, Issue 21

www.FlorAla.net

OTING ISSUE

Student newspaper of the University of North Alabama

UNCLE LEO WANTS YOU TO VOTE!

INSIDE

this week’s paper

NEWS . . . . . . . . 2 VIEWPOINTS . . . . 7 LIFE . . . . . . . . . 9

SPORTS . . . . . . . 12 CALENDAR . . . . . . 15 EXTRA . . . . . . . . 16

WHAT IS COLORISM?........ 9

FLOR - ALA The

Please recycle your paper.

2 NEWS

Feb. 18, 2016• The Flor-Ala

REPUBLICANS VS. DEMOCRATS

Donald Trump

Ted Cruz Candidates chosen based on primary election results from the Associated Press.

Topics chosen from debates and issues found on ontheissues.com.

Abortion: “Planned Parenthood is important, but abortions must stop.”

Immigration: “We need strong borders. We need a wall. The king of building buildings, the king of building walls--none of them can build them like Donald Trump.”

Health Care: “Repealing Obamacare may be one of the most important and consequential actions our next president takes.”

Gun Control: “I want to protect the Second Amendment but address mental health. If we take guns from good people, bad people have target practice.”

Abortion: “Individuals must be entrusted to make this profound decision.

I think abortion should remain legal, but it needs to be safe and rare.”

Immigration: “I think all of us on this stage agree that we need comprehensive immigration reform with a path to citizenship.”

Health Care: “I am adamantly in favor of universal health care.” She also said she wants to reduce the cost of medications.

Gun control: “I also want to be sure that we keep those guns out of the wrong hands (through background checks).”

Abortion: “Planned Parenthood essentially confesses to multiple felonies.

It is a felony with 10 years’ jail term to sell the body parts of unborn children for profit.”

Immigration: Cruz has opposed the DREAM Act, which would “provide illegal immigrants who were brought to the United States as children a path to permanent residency if they attend college or serve in the military.” He said he does not support this because he thinks this plan is unfair to those who follow correct procedure to become a citizen.

Health Care: “Washington wants ObamaCare. The people want liberty.”

Gun Control: Cruz wants to ensure people’s Second Amendment rights stay intact. He plans to continue opposing legislation that threatens the Second Amendment.

Abortion: “The decision about abortion must remain a decision for the woman, her family and physician to make, not the government.”

Immigration: “We can and must secure borders without building a fence.

We ought to provide a path to citizenship for people from many different countries.”

Health Care: “I believe that in a democratic, civilized society, all people should be entitled to health care as a right.”

Gun Control: “I voted to ban certain types of assault weapons, which are designed only to kill people. And over the years, I have strongly supported instant background checks, doing away with this terrible gun show loophole.”

Hillary Clinton

Bernie Sanders information gathered by ANNA BEAHM I News Editor KAITLYN DAVIS I Associate News Editor and MONDAY SANDERSON I Associate Life Editor

NEWS 3

Feb. 18, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

JOSE FIGUEROACIFUENTES SGA PRESIDENT

AUSTIN BULLOCK VP OF UPC

One of my goals I would love to (accomplish) as SGA President is work toward healthier food options as well as giving (students) the benefits of using their own money as they want on- or off-campus. I want to remind students that an SGA president is not afraid to keep working with students in other organizations. I would make time to go to other organizations and get feedback from students (rather) than sending emails every time.

My platform is “Making Our Home at UNA Better.”

There are three ways we can make our home better:

My goal for next year is to B.U.I.L.D.

Presentation - I want to develop SGA’s image and marketing as a whole with the students at UNA. Organization - I believe that our SGA is well-organized, but there is much that still needs to be done.

Work - I want to ensure that our senate is productive as possible.

Ethics - As VP, I would look to totally change and boost the influence of the senate.

Representation - I want to ensure that every aspect of campus is represented equally.

B - Better events U - Uniting downtown Florence and the UNA community I - Increasing student attendance and participation L - Listen to the concerns and ideas of the student body D - Develop partnerships with other organizations

My campaign is based off school spirit, and my motto is “Increased School Spirit with Student Involvement and Collaboration.” With that being said, if I was to be elected to the position of VP of UPC, then I would do exactly as my slogan says. I would make sure that my branch and I have special meetings with RSO’s around campus.

1) Enhancing campus safety 2) Collaborating with RSO’s 3) Connecting with students

SARAH GREEN SGA PRESIDENT

My vision for SGA is to create a better TEAM: T - Traditions E - Enhancing beautification A - Affordability M - Meaningful relationships

TYLER DELANO VP OF SENATE

NICHOLAS SMITH VP OF UPC My main goal for SGA is to get more students involved. I have realized over these past three years that when you get involved you develop this passion for bettering our university. I would love for more students to experience and develop this passion that I have.

JESSICA MCALISTER SECRETARY

Nikki Mathews was automatically awarded the treasurer position because she ran unopposed.

HUGO DANTE VP OF SENATE

DAYTON TENNEY SECRETARY

Leadership through diverse experiences and continual growth of SGA are my platforms. I would love to continue to send out the SGA newsletter current secretary Jensen Joiner started.

“These are my goals I’d like to achieve for next year if elected as SGA Secretary: Communication: I want to effectively communicate with students at events and SGA meetings and engage on student participation on trending topics.

Organization: I want to reformat the current communications between SGA and UNA students.

Accuracy: I want to report precise information of agendas, reports and events.

WHITNEY PACIL SECRETARY

Students can vote online at una.edu/sga or at polling stations in the Commons and Towers Cafe. information compiled by ANNA BEAHM I News Editor

4 NEWS

Feb. 18, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

Third Party Candidates Party Mike Bloomberg is running as an independent.

Education

Health Care

Civil Rights

Push vocational education.

Ban the use of cell phones in public schools. Replace school board with direct mayoral control.

Obesity kills more people than smoking; limit portion size.

Ban trans-fats and replace with fruit and vegetable vendors.

Pay-for-prevention health care plan toward goal of universal coverage.

Co-chaired “Mayors for the Freedom to Marry” effort.

“If there’s discrimination against blacks, there’ll be discrimination against Jews and everyone else.” Supports gun control.

No student loans; they cause higher tuition. End the Department of Education.

Supports evolution without federal involvement.

Block grant Medicare; carte blanche to the states.

ObamaCare is unconstitutional, as is Bush’s Medicare Rx plan.

More federal funding for rural health services.

Supports separation of religion and state. Prostitution is safer when legal and regulated. Supports gay union and principles embodied in the Equal Rights Amendment.

“Establish an improved ‘Medicare For All’ single-payer public health insurance program to provide everyone with quality health care at huge savings.”

“End police brutality, mass incarceration and institutional racism within our justice system.

Expand women’s rights, protect LGBT people form discrimination, defend indigenous rights and lands and create a welcoming path to citizenship for immigrants.

Protect the free Internet, replace drug prohibition with harm reduction and legalize marijuana/hemp.”

Mike Bloomberg Libertarian Party “America’s third largest and fastest growing political party, engaging in a variety of projects, working for everyone’s liberty on every issue.”

Gary Johnson Green Party

Jill Stein

“We are grassroots activists, environmentalists, advocates for social justice, nonviolent resisters and regular citizens who’ve had enough of corporate-dominated politics.”

“Abolish student debt to free a generation of Americans from debt servitude. Guarantee tuition-free, world-class public education from pre-school through university. End high stakes testing and public school privatization.”

information gathered by Editor-in-Chief Kali Daniel information via candidates’ websites and ontheissues.org candidates chosen based on previous success

NEWS 5 Student gains voting rights, citizenship Feb. 18, 2016• The Flor-Ala

JASMINE FLEMING

Managing Editor managing@florala.net

“I was crying, honestly. It’s just something that’s so emotional because I didn’t think I would have that chance to make my voice heard. I feel like now I

can.”

After years of waiting and many legal processes, junior Dalia Rendon became a U.S. citizen and gained the one thing some take for granted: the right to vote.

It took until age 15 for Rendon to become a U.S. resident. She waited an additional five years to become a citizen,

photo courtesy of Dalia Rendon

Junior Dalia Rendon holds a sign at the Student Government Association’s voting registration event Oct. 21. Rendon registered to vote at the event after becoming an American citizen.

Rendon said.

After gaining citizenship, Rendon’s next goal was registering to vote, which she did at a Student Government Association booth last year.

“I feel like it’s really important to make your voice heard and to educate yourself about the candidates and what they stand for to make an educated vote,” she said. “But, I feel like some people don’t see the privilege that they have because others have to work harder, like me. They need to appreciate it and take advantage of it.”

Rendon said she plans to vote in campus, local and national elections when opportunities arise, and she hopes other students do the same.

Registering Rendon was exciting and memorable, said junior Sarah Green, the legislative affairs chair for the Senate branch of SGA. “I think often times we take the right to vote for granted and forget how big of a deal it is,” Green said. “But that day, I was reminded of the importance, and it is definitely an experience I will never forget.”

Rendon said she was 3 years old when her family moved to the U.S. from Mexico, she said.

“When I started school, I didn’t

know any English, so I learned it all in kindergarten and first grade,” she said.

The road to citizenship takes 15 years to travel.

The resident process requires 10 years of living in the country first. Rendon became a resident in the ninth grade, and most of her family became residents at the same time.

”

I FELL LIKE ITʼS REALLY IMPORTANT TO

MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD AND TO EDUCATE

YOURSELF ABOUT THE CANDIDATES AND WHAT THEY

STAND FOR TO MAKE AN EDUCATED VOTE.

DALIA RENDON

JUNIOR

“After that, I could go to college because I was here legally,” she said.

In 2014, around 3 percent of the Alabama population were foreign-born immigrants like Rendon, according to the Migration Policy Institute. Around 1.5 of every two of those immigrants were noncitizens as well.

See DALIA, page 8

Millennial poll turnout decline continues JASMINE FLEMING

Managing Editor managing@florala.net

While millennials are a large voting demographic, information from previous elections shows they do not use their strength in numbers.

In the 2012 presidential election, millennials accounted for over 21 percent of eligible voters in the U.S., but only 50 percent of those eligible voted, according to 2014 research in the article, “The Civic and Political Participation of Millennials.”

Midterm voting in 2014 for millennials was around 21 percent, or at least 9.9 million people, according to the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement.

A major reason most people do not vote is they feel they are not educated enough about the candidates, said Tim Collins, chair of the Department of Politics, Justice and Law. “They don’t know how to get involved with it, and they don’t think that it does very much as a result,” he said.

“The more you know about it, the more likely you are to get involved with it and to vote and make a difference.”

Senior Clay Oden said he did not vote in the 2012 national election because he felt his vote did not count.

“You can win the popular vote and someone else wins the election,” he said.

“I already knew Alabama would (vote)

republican, so if I voted Republican it wouldn’t matter, or if I voted Democrat, it wouldn’t matter. “ Another possible reason for low millennial turnout could be the perceived lack of supportable candidates, Collins said.

“When you get to the general election, it’s like the choices are already made,” he said. “So, (they feel they are) choosing between two evils, basically.”

Freshman Trinh Nguyenhe said she looks forward to voting in elections now that she has reached voting age.

“I think that if someone is good for (a country) and that they can win the election, I want the chance to vote for them,” she said.

Because millennials are usually either in school or beginning their careers, political issues might not have much bearing on their lives, Collins said.

“You typically don’t have a home or own a business, and so you don’t have things that are impacted by government as much in the same ways,” he said.

“Now, student loans, certainly, that’s something that you can get excited about, or forgiveness of credit card debt. But, a lot of the issues don’t seem to touch on their daily lives.”

Millennials are generally a more opinionated demographic, and they want to see change, Collins said.

See MILLENNIALS, page 8

6 News

Feb. 18, 2016• The Flor-Ala

Since Obama took ofďŹ ce....

9.3 million jobs have been created with a

97%

increase

in job

openings

and an unemployment rate of

5%

which is

lower than the historical average and median The public debt has increased by

116% 2

and SNAP recipients have increased

42%

Business startups have increased

20% Weekly earnings have increased

3.4% 3

$825

1 2 5.8 percent and 5.7 percent, respectively, since 1948. http://www.multpl.com/unemployment/table 3 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps Based on average weekly salary via U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics All other information via factcheck.org Infographic compiled and designed by Editor-in-Chief Kali Daniel

$853

1

Viewpoints 7

Feb. 18, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

FLOR - ALA Independent party votes matter The

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Kali Daniel

MANAGING EDITOR Jasmine Fleming NEWS EDITOR Anna Beahm ASSOCIATE news EDITOR Kaitlyn Davis

KALI DANIEL

LIFE EDITOR Melissa Parker ASSOCIATE LIFE EDITOR Monday Sanderson SPORTS EDITOR Mike Ezekiel ONLINE EDITOR Emily Kazungu BUSINESS MANAGER Jordan Byrd GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Peyton Lawler Michael Meigs Kelsey Weathers JUNIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jacqueline Willis CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER Kaitlin Douglass

Editor-in-Chief editor@florala.net

I watched, rolling my eyes, as my mom put a sign that read “MoreThan2.org” in our yard in 2008. To me, it was ridiculous she felt the need to not only advertise this website, but to pay for the domain name to update it.

The website went into detail on various presidential nominees — though none of them were Republican or Democrat. She encouraged me to become familiar with each

ADVISER Scott Morris

Editorial Policy

NICK LANG

Content is determined by the student editorial staff of The Flor-Ala and has not been approved by the university.

SGA President nlang@una.edu

This has been an eventful month so far. The Student Government Association has been working hard on many The staff strives to maintain the integrity events, fundraisers and forums of The Flor-Ala through accurate and honest reporting. To report an error, call etter to the ditor 256-765-4364 or email editor@florala.

Hugo Dante net.

715 Dearborn Ave. Muscle Shoals, Alabama 35661 hdanterivas@una.edu

Corrections

L

E

Letters Policy 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.

would not reflect the voters’ actual ballots. He didn’t vote in the election that year.

The conversation I had with him impacted me, causing me to question everything I was raised to know. As I have continued my college career, I have found more of my peers agreeing with him — voting third party is a waste, and so is bipartisan voting.

I’m here to tell you that’s incorrect. By voting, you’re doing the opposite of throwing your vote away. Those who do not vote and are able to vote are, in fact, throwing theirs away. According to the U.S. Census, there are 83.1 million millennials, meaning if all of them were to vote, they would out-vote the 75.4 million baby boomers.

Furthermore, third party voting is not throwing your vote away. As Forbes

contributor Art Carden wrote in 2012, “How are you not throwing your vote away if you vote for a Democrat or Republican when there is a candidate on the ballot who better represents your preferences?”

When debate.org asked, “Is a vote for a third party candidate a wasted one?” 64 percent of voters said no, and those who said yes cited a general “corrupt voting system” as the reasoning.

Think about what you stand for politically, socially and economically, then research each candidate and his or her party. A great place to start learning is isidewith.com, but, as with most internet resources, it should not be the end-all-beall. Educate yourself, educate others and, above all, get out and vote.

Spring student government projects in progress

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Amandalyn Dorner Shay Redd Jackson Townsend

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

of the independent parties to know what they stood for so that when I eventually was able to vote, I would know if they stood for what I stood for.

Fast forward to 2012. I’m voting in my first election, and I’m excited about it. I have researched thoroughly, and I know exactly who I’m voting for and why. It should not be a surprise at this point to know I am voting independent.

I’m a freshman at UNA and eager to vote, so naturally I talk to my boyfriend at the time about the election.

“Why would you vote for a third party?” he asked. “That’s just throwing your vote away.”

I was confused. How could voting for someone be throwing my vote away?

This same boyfriend announced the possibility voting in general was useless because the election college

I am sure candidates running for a position on the Student Government Association’s executive committee have been bombarding the campus community with countless

to give the students inspiration.

Since the beginning of the semester, the 2016-17 SGA elections have been at full speed. The candidates are working hard to campaign and spread the word about the elections, which are Feb. 22-24. To vote, you can go on to una.edu/sga. There will also be polling stations in the Commons and Towers Cafeteria for your convenience.

Election time is an exciting time for UNA because it is the start of a new year with new leadership on campus. I hope that everyone will vote and

exceed last year’s voting record of 933 votes.

Another project SGA has been working on is the University Student Presidents’ Council Book Drive. SGA will have a table set up in the Guillot University Center Atrium ending Feb. 18 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. to collect books for children in need. The book drive’s purpose is to promote literacy in the state of Alabama where reading comprehension statistics have been historically low. We appreciate any and all books for donation. We will collect books until we travel

to Montgomery for Higher Education Day Feb. 25.

Higher Education Day is an annual gathering where each university in Alabama rallies at the Alabama State Capitol for higher education funding for our universities. We will provide free Chick-fil-A biscuits, lunch and a T-shirt to every student in attendance.

The bus will leave Thursday, Feb. 25 at 5:30 a.m. in the GUC parking lot and will return by 5 p.m. SGA is excited for the spring semester and has many events planned to encourage the students throughout this year.

promises on what they intend to do if you vote them into office. You might be interested to know that in reality, no officer has any power to make any changes at all on campus.

So why are these promises being made? Are they lying to us?

No. The power of SGA does not come from its ability to make legislation; that power is solely reserved for the board of trustees and our

university administration. The power comes from the way it represents our students.

The power of SGA comes from it being the squeaky wheel that bugs our university administration until positive changes are made. The university always listens to the students. Any time SGA passes a resolution (a recommendation to the university), the university will almost always implement it. Why? Because

the students are the reason UNA is here in the first place!

Whenever you choose a candidate for an SGA election, you are choosing to empower the people, groups and causes that they represent. That is why it is critical that you choose a candidate who is willing to take your voice seriously. After all, SGA works much better when it represents all of the students at UNA properly.

Congratulations to our Photographer of the Week!

Amandalyn Dorner

Correction The Feb. 4 issue of The Flor-Ala should have said former Music Instructor Eddie Elsey Jr.’s 2007 relationship “involved a lady who was not a UNA student, was a friend of the Elsey family and who was older than Dr. Elsey,” said Elsey’s lawyer James Irby. He said, “the spouse of the lady involved was, however, a UNA student.” Elsey’s statement can be found in full at florala.net.

8 NEWS

Feb. 18, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

Parties plan election education events KAITLYN DAVIS

Associate News Editor news@florala.net

The College Republicans and College Democrats are encouraging students to vote in the upcoming primary election.

Both organizations have helped students register to vote by holding voter registrations.

“It’s good to be an informed voter,” said President of College Republicans Nathaniel White. “So, educating people on campus before they vote has been a main priority of ours.”

The organizations both have plans to inspire students to vote. “(College Democrats) makes sure students on campus understand that they have a right to participate in our nation’s democracy,” said President of College Democrats Nicholas Edwards.

Last semester, the College Republicans organized a voter registration and registered about 100 students, White said. “(College Republicans) are holding a Get Out and Vote rally the day before the (March 1) primary,” White said. “It’s not really going to be a partisan theme, it’s just going to be something that encourages the democratic process (by) getting people energized to actually go and vote.”

The College Democrats organized a voter registration Feb. 8.

The organization gave away cookies, candy and free T-shirts, Edwards said. “(College Democrats) have a contest going on right now,” Edwards said. “If you go and vote on March 1, take a selfie of yourself voting and post it on Instagram with our hashtag #unabutv, which stands for Beat Up the Vote, we’re giving away a free Beats Pill to one person.”

White said the College Republicans want to educate students about Republican ideals without pushing a particular candidate at them.

Pd. POL. AD. BY COMMITTEE TO ELECT GALE SATCHEL; 805 PICKWICK STREET, SHEFFIELD, AL 35660

Community Involvement à Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated àAmerican Cancer Society-Relay for Life (Board Member) àCamp Courage….A Helen Keller Experience (Board Member) àCave Springs Missionary Baptist Church àColbert County Department of Human Resources (Quality Assurance Committee) àHugh O'Brien Youth Foundation Counselor àEllen McGowen Spirit of Relay Award àFocus on Leadership (Times Daily) àHelen Keller Birthplace Foundation (Secretary) àHelen Keller Hospital Foundation àJunior League of the Shoals Class of 2014 àLeroy Finch Education Award àPeople to People Ambassador Programs (Primary Delegation Leader) àRelay for Life-American Cancer Society (Team Captain) àShoals Chamber of Commerce (Ambassador) àShoals Leadership – Class of 2014 àThe Healing Place (Board member) àUniversity of North Alabama Educator of the Year 2014 àUniversity of North Alabama-ODIE Advisory Council àPresident of the Shoals Democratic Club

”

ITʼS GOOD TO BE AN INFORMED VOTER. SO,

EDUCATING PEOPLE ON CAMPUS BEFORE THEY VOTE HAS BEEN A MAIN PRIORITY OF OURS.

NATHANIEL WHITE

PRESIDENT, COLLEGE REPUBLICANS “(College Republicans) talk about how the Republican Party, in some instances, has strayed away from Republican values and the detrimental effects of that, so we’re not all about the party bashing,” White said. “We’d like to inform everybody on what these (Republican) values are, and we want them to make educated decisions for

themselves.”

Edwards said he encourages students to have a political opinion.

“I think it’s so interesting to be involved and in-the-know of what’s happening in the country because when it comes right down to it, the stuff that’s happening in the political arena affects us directly, whether we like it or not,” Edwards said.

The College Democrats meet every Monday at 5 p.m. in room 307 of the Commons Building, he said.

Edwards said he invites anyone to come to the meetings, regardless of their political beliefs.

Sophomore Austin Hogue said he plans to vote in the primary election.

To read the rest of the story, visit florala.net.

DALIA, continued from page 5

ELECT

The College Republicans meet twice a week in Collier Library and in room 302 in Bibb Graves Hall, White said.

Administrative Experience Colbert County Schools, Board of Education - Director of Federal Programs - Academic Competitions Director - Pre-K Program Director - Safety Coordinator - Public Relations Liaison - Homeless Youth and Children Coordinator - Transition and District I Coordinator - At-Risk Coordinator - Liaison for Tennessee Valley Juvenile Detention Center Tuscumbia City Schools, Deshler High School - Career/Technical Guidance Counselor Tuscumbia City Schools, Deshler Career/Technical Center - Interim Director Northwest Shoals Community College - Academic Counselor Lawrence County Board of Education - Lawrence County High School, Guidance Counselor Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services - Rehabilitation Counselor II University of Wisconsin- Stout - Academic Counselor - Student Support Services University of Wisconsin- Stout - Admissions Counselor - Admissions/School Relations

Primary Election Day: March 1st, 2016 Elect Dr. Gale D. Satchel “Bringing the Students Back to the Forefront of Education”

In the same group, more than one in five immigrants had a high school diploma or GED and more than one in three had some college experience or held an associate or bachelor’s degree.

After five years of being a resident, Rendon was able to apply for citizenship in March 2015, her sophomore year at UNA. Much like when becoming a resident, the citizenship process included background checks and health screenings. In addition, Rendon took a test with English sections for reading and writing and a U.S. history section.

“Usually, you either pass or fail, and if you pass, they make you go home,” she said. “You come back another day, and your ceremony goes on, and you get a certificate. But for us, they gave us our certificate the same day.

“We took the oath that we’re leaving all other alliances to all countries behind and we’re going to just be American. “ To take the citizenship test, Rendon had to miss classes at UNA. However, missing school for this reason was easy to excuse, said English Instructor Pamela Kingsbury, who was one of her instructors at the time.

Although she said all students deal with stress, Kingsbury said going through the citizenship process while in college is unique and admirable.

“It was definitely a pleasure to welcome her into being an American citizen,” she said. “I was happy to do it. I’m delighted that she’s an American citizen now.”

MILLENIALS, continued from page 5 When they did not see the expected results and change with the Obama administration, millenials felt “alienated by the process,” Collins said.

Despite the lower number of young voters, politicians will still try to collect their votes, especially in the national election, he said.

“You’ll see Hillary Clinton dancing,” he said. ”You’ll see Bernie (Sanders) surrounded by young people chanting, ‘Feel the Bern’ or ‘Unicorns for Bernie.’

You’ll see young people supporting Donald Trump with enthusiasm.”

However, if millennials do increase their participation at the polls, it could have a “dramatic impact” on elections, Collins said.

“I don’t know if you can count on it going for the Democratic Party or the Republican Party, but I think it would change the types of things the candidates do,” he said. “It would probably change the slate of issues and the types of things they’re concerned about.”

LIFE 9

Feb. 18, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

Colorism found within racial groups MONDAY SANDERSON Associate Life Editor life@florala.net

“If you’re white, you’re alright. If you’re brown, stick around. If you’re yellow, you’re mellow. But if you’re black, get back.”

An anonymous writer wrote this children’s chant during the Jim Crow time period.

This poem reflects the thoughts of the time, but they are not correct.

While the chant is about racism, it also describes colorism.

“Colorism, unlike racism, deals with the color of your skin,” said Director of the Office of Diversity and Institutional Equity Joan Williams. “It’s discrimination based on your skin tone.”

She said people within a racial group usually participate in colorism.

Everyone can see colorism in mainstream m e d i a , said junior Mikesha Evans.

“Singers, actresses a n d everyone else are normally lighter

skinned,” she said. “There are those who have darker skin, but they’re not put in the spotlight as much.”

The term is new but the concept is familiar, said freshman Kyle Brown.

“I have heard about this in the business world,” he said. “I feel like most of the people who own businesses (have lighter skin) rather than (darker skin).”

He said it is not fair for others to think people with lighter skin are better than those with darker skin.

It is a concept others see across the world, said Assistant Professor of History Ansley Quiros.

“I know in India darker skinned Indians are sometimes treated worse than lighter skinned Indians,” she said. “There’s a glorification of a certain type of look.”

Brown said Americans saw the beginning of colorism with slavery.

“If you think about slavery, slaves who were of lighter tones were treated differently,” Williams said.

“They received preferential treatment. Oftentimes, they were given jobs inside the homes. The darker colored slaves had to do harder work outside.”

Quiros said colorism affects women more than men.

“Men are held to different standards,” she said. “(Women) are immediately judged on their looks.”

Evans said the documentary “Dark Girls,” which students can find on YouTube, portrays how colorism influences females.

“Some girls (bleached their

skin), and some were criticized by their family members,” she said. “They started asking personal questions, such as, ‘What if I never get married because of my skin color?’”

Quiros said it shows a different perspective to a prevalent issue. “ T h e ‘Dark Girls’ documentary was very heartbreaking,” she said. “To hear from women and how they longed to look different made me feel sad. They feel judged immediately because of the way they look.”

Williams said while colorism is prominent, people do not discuss it much.

“It’s a more personal issue than racism,” she said. “Racism is systemic in nature. Colorism is the root of low self-esteem.

I think it is uncomfortable for people to talk about.”

She said because of this issue she is unable to tell if students or faculty practice colorism.

Evans said people participate in it on campus when they create misconceptions at first glance.

She said p e o p l e with darker skin are considered ghetto and those with lighter skin are not.

To read the rest of the story, visit florala.net.

”RACISM IS SYSTEMIC IN NATURE. COLORISM IS THE ROOT OF LOW SELF-ESTEEM. I THINK IT IS UNCOMFORTABLE FOR PEOPLE TO TALK ABOUT.

JOAN WILLIAMS

DIRECTOR, OFFICE OF DIVERSITY AND INSTITUTIONAL EQUITY

SHAY REDD I Staff Photographer design by PEYTON LAWLER I Graphic Designer

Junior Cymantha Hansen (left) and sophomore Brianna Lewis stand face-to-face. Colorism is more prominent in the AfricanAmerican community than any other.

10 LIFE

Feb. 18, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

RSO offers students chance to unwind CHELSEA YARBER Student Writer cyarber1@una.edu

JACKSON TOWNSEND I Staff Photographer

Freshman Emma Moothart practices a stitch at a recent meeting of The Knitting Club at Unraveled in downtown Florence. The Registered Student Organization meets upstairs in the Guillot University Center every Thursday from 3-4 p.m.

When the stress of college life hits, students need time to unravel.

Freshman Emma Moothart and twin sister Chloe started a knitting club in an effort to relax students through a soothing hobby.

The Registered Student Organization The Knitting Club started in Emma and Chloe Moothart’s residence hall room after they decided to invite their friends on campus to watch movies and work on new knitting projects.

The group has grown to over 20 members and meets upstairs in the Guillot University Center every Thursday from 3-4 p.m.

“Everyone thinks of old ladies when they think of knitting, but after doing it, you fall in love,” said club President Chloe Moothart.

The club is currently working on service projects for Children’s of Alabama in Birmingham and local nursing homes in the Florence community.

Unraveled, a knitting store at 215 N. Court St. in Florence, partnered with The Knitting Club in November 2015.

Unraveled provides monthly lessons and teaches members how to knit hats, scarves and socks. Unraveled also provides members with a 10 percent discount on yarn.

Reaching out to UNA students has been rewarding, said owner of Unraveled Anna Carbine.

“It’s been great to watch them learn how to knit and see the club desire to take part in something typically considered as an older generation’s hobby,” Carbine said.

Knitting in college helped relieve stress, said UNA alumna and Marketing Agent for Unraveled Christina Hernandez.

“Typically, knitting is a therapeutic art,” Hernandez said. “For me, I even knitted in college, and it was just that one little thing that allowed me to get away from the stress of life and class work.”

Freshman member Will Middleton encourages men on campus to join.

“It’s no different being a guy and being in a knitting club,” Middleton said.

“I’ve met new people and enjoyed it.”

Having this new organization on campus has been inspiring, said the RSO’s adviser Monica Marthaler.

“Seeing their enthusiasm has motivated me as a knitter to try new things,” Marthaler said.

It sounds like a fun addition to campus, said junior Jessica Fletcher.

“If they teach how to knit, I would join,” she said.

For more information regarding membership and future service projects, contact Emma Moothart at emma.moothart@gmail.com.

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Life 11

Feb. 18, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

Panel addresses social issues MELISSA PARKER Life Editor life@florala.net

SHAY REDD I Staff Photographer

Senior William Thompson reads a poem from his published book, “Love’s Deepest Darkness and Brightest Joys.” Thompson said his favorite poem is “Letter to My Future Wife.” He wrote the poem for his wife Kiara Thompson after they dated for four months.

Writing helps Thompson channel emotions MELISSA PARKER Life Editor life@florala.net

Senior William Thompson knows what it is like to grow up facing obstacles and adversity. His family struggled financially, and he would often have to work just to make enough money to eat that day.

There were times, he said, he would have to wait until school Monday to eat.

His mother and father both suffered from health issues, and when he was just four years old, his oldest brother died.

“That’s just the type of environment I was in,” Thompson said. “It wasn’t an easy environment to live in.”

He used writing as a tool for dealing with things happening in his life, he said.

“I pretty much wrote just to get emotions down because I don’t really talk about emotions or know how to convey them properly by talking,” he said. “Writing them seems to actually help me understand my emotions.”

Thompson experienced more obstacles in 2015. While struggling with the death of his father in February 2015, he was also working to provide for his family and attending school. Through all the difficulties, however, Thompson was able to publish his first book of poetry,

“Love’s Deepest Darkness and Brightest Joys.”

Thompson published the book March 17, 10 days after his father’s memorial service and nine days after his son’s first birthday.

Thompson said his favorite poem is “Letter to My Future Wife.” He wrote the poem for his wife Kiara Thompson after they dated four months.

“Me and my wife have had some rough times,” he said. “I think that just dealt with us both having to mature before we could actually be together.”

Thompson’s friend and senior Jaleesa Escott said Thompson’s love for his family stands out.

“I’ve watched them get through hard times, as well as celebrate the good,” she said. “I’m proud of William. To be a young black man in this society is not an easy thing.”

Thompson designed the cover for his first book from an award-winning piece he did for art class in high school, he said. He is proud of this because his twin brother can draw anything.

“That’s the first piece of art I ever did that actually came out looking like it was supposed to,” he said.

He has already written his second book, “Enchanted Abyss,” and designed the cover for it, he said.

The design is a picture of his stone cross tattoo, he said.

“To me it represents God’s promise to men that he’ll always be there,” he said.

“It’s a reminder not to give up.”

He deserves this success, said friend and senior Daisy Cooper.

“He has been through a lot, but just kept going,” she said. “He didn’t make excuses, he just worked hard.”

Escott said she likes how real Thompson’s poetry is.

“I like how it comes directly from his heart to the page,” she said. “I like how vulnerable it is, putting his life and feelings into words for everyone to judge and read.”

Thompson said though he wants to pursue a career in writing, he does have other goals.

He plans to attend graduate school and pursue a degree in Student Affairs Administration to positively impact the lives of others, he said.

“To me, helping somebody possibly make better life decisions, that’s something I want to do,” he said.

Anyone interested in purchasing “Loves Deepest Darkness and Brightest Joys” can find it on the Barnes and Noble, eBay, Tate Publishing and Amazon websites.

Racism. Reverse racism. Prejudice against gay marriage. These are just a few of the issues the “Let’s Talk Honestly about Racism” panel will cover at Say Something’s Feb. 18 discussion.

The event takes place at the end. theatre on Pine Street beginning at 6:30 p.m.

The goal of panel discussions like this is to open people to honest conversation and healthy communication, said Say Something founder Camille Bennett. “(It’s about) getting people to actually use their voices and talk about how they feel no matter what their opinion is and know it’s a safe space and no matter what they will be respected,” she said.

The panel will consist of eight individuals from diverse backgrounds with different perspectives, Bennett said.

Panelists include Assistant Professor of History Ansley Quiros, founder of Safer Birth in Bama Jessica Thompson, social activists and local event planners Titus and Tyree Busbee, licensed mental health professional Alicia Kelly, president of the Fringe Foundation Diana Bellonby, retired UNA Secondary Education Professor Felize Green and Sociology Professor Andrea Hunt.

Hunt said she met Bennett at another campus event and discovered they have the same community development goals in mind.

“I’m always very supportive of any opportunity that we can get in the community to have some productive dialogue around issues of inequality,” she said. “So this was something I definitely wanted to be involved in.”

Say Something’s mission statement is to unify, heal, educate and empower the community to realize social justice through nonviolent communication about racism, Bennett said.

For the panel, Bennett said she comes up with approximately five thoughtprovoking questions from current events, social media and topics she has researched.

Some of the topics for the upcoming panel may include Beyonce’s Super Bowl performance and the effects of President Obama’s re-election on racism.

It has to start somewhere, said freshman Ciara Booker “People have to talk things out to get problems solved,” she said. “If you’re in a safe place and feel comfortable to speak, a lot thing will be said. I think it’s great.”

There are often misconceptions about what a panel like this is, she said.

People may think they are walking into a room of “angry black people,” when in reality the diverse audience participates in a civil discussion.

It will broaden other people’s views, said sophomore Kellen Mataafa.

“I think it will benefit people who might be close-minded or ignorant to other peoples experiences,” he said.

Say Something held a similar panel in November, and Bennett said she feels it went well.

To read the rest of the story, visit florala.net.

12 SPORTS

Feb. 18, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

SCOREBOARD FEB. 11-14 Feb. 11

Womenʼs BB vs. Mississippi College 81-65 Win Menʼs BB vs. Mississippi College 77-76 Loss Tennis vs. Martin Methodist Women 8-1 Win, Men 7-2 Win

Feb. 12

Softball vs. Valdosta State (DH) 1-0 Win, 4-2 Win

Feb. 13

Womenʼs BB vs. Delta State 62-58 Loss Menʼs BB vs. Delta State 81-80 Win Softball vs. Valdosta State 6-1 Loss Baseball at Spring Hill (DH) 6-3 Loss, 5-3 Loss Tennis vs. West Florida Women 8-1 Loss, Men 8-1 Loss

Feb. 14

Baseball at Spring Hill 7-4 Win

UPCOMING* Basketball Feb. 18 vs. Union (6 and 8 p.m. tipoffs)

Feb. 20 vs. Christian Bros.

(1 and 3 p.m. tipoffs)

Softball

Feb. 19-20 vs. West Georgia Friday: 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Saturday: 12 p.m.

UNA Softball Invitational (Florence Sportsplex) Feb. 20 vs. Indianapolis (4 p.m.)

Feb. 21 vs. Truman St. (Noon, 2 p.m.)

Baseball Feb. 20-21 vs. West Georgia Saturday: 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Sunday: 1 p.m. *All games subject to change (weather) For updates, check roarlions.com

MICHAEL MEIGS I Graphic Designer

Junior soccer player Alyssa Bova (left) admires teammate Ele Costello’s Love Your Melon hat. Both players took the initiative to start a UNA branch of Love Your Melon, an apparel brand whose mission is to give a hat to every child battling cancer.

Soccer players kick off Love Your Melon campaign MIKE EZEKIEL

Sports Editor sports@florala.net

Members of the UNA soccer team are doing more than just going above and beyond the pitch this offseason in Florence.

Two juniors majoring in business, midfielder Ele Costello and defender Alyssa Bova, brought the Love Your Melon company to UNA, an established apparel brand whose mission is to give a hat to every child battling cancer.

College students across America have a part in the organization, inspiring Costello and Bova to get involved.

“Over the Christmas holiday, I was scrolling through (the internet), and the Love Your Melon company came up,” Costello said. “I thought, ‘Oh, that’s a cool hat,’ and I went to their website. I found out the reasoning behind the company and straight away messaged Bova, because I knew she would be interested.”

Two college students from

the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, Brian Keller and Zachary Quinn, took an entrepreneurship class. As a result, the two founded Love Your Melon based on a common goal to help children with cancer cover their heads.

Love Your Melon set aside over 45,000 hats for children fighting cancer, thanks to the buy one, give one program, according to the Love Your Melon website. The company cooperates with the Pinky Swear Foundation and CureSearch for Children’s Cancer to help combat the disease and help the victims involved.

When Bova got the call from Costello to help, she said it was an offer she could not refuse, even with the time constraints of being a student athlete.

“It’s a good cause, which is why we wanted to do it,” Bova said. “If you want to get something done, you make time.

We like to be involved.”

Costello is the UNA branch’s public relations manager, and Bova is the captain of the crew.

Fellow soccer players Grace Piper and Abby Cavitt are the other two main representatives.

Costello said players from other sports, including football, are part of the crew.

With four slots left to fill, she said she plans to reach out to non-athletes.

“If anyone on campus that’s not an athlete wants to join, since it’s such a cool story, we would welcome it,” Costello said.

Athletes getting involved in the cause brings a positive light, said senior Jacob Tucker, a quarterback on the UNA football team and president of the Student Athletic Advisory Committee.

“With the SAAC committee, we’re taught to reach out to the community,” Tucker said.

“We want to show that student athletes aren’t just the bad reps you see in the media nowadays.

The Love Your Melon deal is just another way we can reach out.”

Tucker said the Love Your Melon crew’s ultimate goal is to

deliver the hats to the children personally.

“If we’re fortunate enough, we are going to be able to go to the hospital and deliver a hat to a child that needs one,” he said.

“Being able to see the smiles on the kids’ faces and being able to talk to people in the community is overwhelming.”

When UNA soccer coach Chris Walker heard his players were utilizing their skills for good causes, it was a proud moment, Walker said.

“The more they can get involved in the community and help out with it is fantastic,” Walker said. “It’s nice to see them use what they went to school for and put it toward a good cause.”

Costello said anyone can order a hat from the website and select “University of North Alabama” to support the campus crew.

To get involved with the Love Your Melon branch at UNA, contact Costello or Bova at ecostello@una.edu or abova@una.edu.

SPORTS 13

Feb. 18, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

Lions display offensive explosion, solid pitching XAVIER WHERRY

Staff Writer xwherry@una.edu

It appears the UNA baseball team came out swinging in 2016.

The Lions are 4-2 so far this season. In the first four games, UNA outscored its opponents 43-6, driving in numerous runs in a strong hitting performance while utilizing efficient pitching.

“There are a lot of factors that go into (the hot start),” said head coach Mike Keehn. “We had very good approaches (at the plate), took advantage of mistakes the other team was unable to do and most importantly, we hit very well with two outs. When you can do most of your damage with two outs, that’s really huge.”

UNA defeated Miles College in a double header Feb. 6, earning 6-1 and 8-2 victories. The following day, the Lions routed Stillman College 17-2 and 12-1.

The team suffered its first two losses in a double header in Mobile against Spring Hill Feb. 13, falling 6-3 and 6-5. UNA bounced back Sunday with a 7-4 win, improving to a 5-2 overall record.

In the opening moments of the season, it is important to stay focused, said senior left fielder Kevin Hall, who is one of the team’s seasoned veterans.

“We’ve been coming out trying to hit the ball hard,” Hall said.

“We’re not doing too much at the plate, being patient and making the pitcher work the count and throw strikes.”

Following through with runners in scoring position can make the difference in winning and losing, which the Lions have done well so far. The team has 47 runs batted in so far, which ranks second in the Gulf South Conference.

With plenty of new faces on this year’s team, Hall said success would need to spark in the locker

room.

“This is a whole different ball team than what we had last year,” Hall said. “Coming into the year, it’s important we come together and mesh as a team. That’s helped a lot.

We’ve had good friendships, and we’re growing together.”

Riley Sanderson is the only true starting pitcher from last season.

The senior struck out 10 hitters and gave up three hits in his first start, the nightcap game against Stillman.

Sanderson said veteran experience in approaching each practice and game helps him sustain a certain level of play throughout the season.

“You really just have to take it day-by-day,” he said. “Each day, you have to take seriously, and you have to work as hard as you did the day before.”

With conference games coming up soon, Keehn said the preparation does not change, but the magnitude of each game does.

“The difference between conference and nonconference is intensity,” he said. “Your season really stems from what you do in conference. No matter how well you do outside of conference, you have to have a really good conference record.”

A low eighth place ranking in the GSC preseason standings continues to linger in the UNA locker room.

“For me, it gives us a chip on our shoulder,” Hall said. “We all want to prove that we are better than that.”

Keehn said the underdog mentality makes no difference in the team’s performance against a talented conference.

“We can talk about proving everybody wrong, but we have to go out on the field and prove it,” he said.

The Lions begin conference play Feb. 20 at home against the West Georgia Wolves. UNA is 4-0 so far at Mike Lane Field.

AMANDALYN DORNER I Staff Photographer

Freshman outfielder Conner Kiser advances on the base paths during UNA’s 12-1 win against Stillman College Feb. 7. The Lions outscored their opponents 43-6 through the first four games.

GSC adds women’s track to conference SAVANNAH VICKERY Student Writer svickery@una.edu

The Gulf South Conference officially announced the addition of men’s and women’s track and field this season, making it the first time UNA’s women’s track can compete for the conference championship.

The conference considers track and field an “emerging sport,” according to a GSC press release.

It cannot become an official league championship sport, where a team can win the title, until at least six member institutions sponsor the sport.

Along with UNA, Christian Brothers, Lee, Mississippi College, West Alabama

and West Georgia, Shorter and rival Alabama-Huntsville will each compete in women’s track. UAH and Shorter will not begin competition until 2017 due to contractual obligations with the Peach Belt Conference.

Although the event will not take place until April 21, UNA’s objective is to prepare for the GSC with each meet. The Lions are on the fast track to success, said head coach Scott Trimble in an email.

“We are very excited about competing in the first ever GSC (championship event) in Clinton, Mississippi,” Trimble said. “Olivia Brady and Laura Bennett have set personal best in the 5000-meter run. Also, Sarah Harper has set the school record with a 1:00.54 in the 400-meter run.”

The events for track include the 400-meter, 800-meter and 3000-meter dash, along with the one-mile and 5k runs.

This year’s team is optimistic with an opportunity to compete for a conference championship, said senior Olivia Brady.

“This year has been unlike any other, mainly because we actually have a team goal to work toward,” Brady said.

Brady said having several newcomers could be a disadvantage as it takes time and a lot of trial and error. Despite having a young team, she said a lack of experience has not slowed them down.

“If anything, it’s made us more eager to try new things and train in new ways,” she said.

Brady said the schedule presents new

challenges for the team. As an individual, she said she is working on a new event for the championship.

“The GSC meet will be offering a 10K which is twice as much as I normally run in track,” Brady said. “I’m having to adjust and increase my training in preparation for this, but I’m eager to take a shot at it.”

Sophomore Laura Bennett said she enjoys cross-country more than track since she is a long distance specialist.

“I’m planning on doing the 10k at conference for track,” Bennett said.

“Right now (in the early events), the longest distance we get for indoor is 5K.”

See TRACK, page 14

14 Sports

Feb. 18, 2016 • The Flor-Ala TRACK, continued from page 13 Bennett said she looks forward to competing in the conference championship event.

“That’s probably going to be my favorite race,” she said. “We haven’t had one yet. I think the other races will prepare us for that. Our first race was a good race.”

As with every other sport, competition comes along when any title is up for grabs.

“Racing D1 schools when you’re a D2 school can be intimidating, but we’ve shown that we can rise to the occasion,” Brady said.

Brady said she hopes this pivotal season helps bring success to the team in the future.

“Bringing home any title in the first year of the GSC Track Conference Championship would be really cool and really special,” Brady said. “It would help lay the foundation for our future track teams.”

The UNA women’s track team will compete next in the Sewanee Indoor Invitational Feb. 20th in Sewanee, Tennessee.

Women’s Track 2016 Schedule JACKSON TOWNSEND I Staff Photographer

Freshman guard Tavaras Tolliver looks to pass during an 80-78 victory vs. Shorter Dec. 19. Tolliver, the backup point guard for UNA, took on a larger role last week against Mississippi College and Delta State for the injured Dimario Jackson.

Lions clinch conference seed MIKE EZEKIEL

Sports Editor sports@florala.net

The UNA men’s basketball team can breathe a sigh of relief for now.

UNA (15-10, 12-7 Gulf South Conference) guaranteed their spot in the eight-team conference tournament Feb. 13 after a vengeful 81-80 overtime win against Delta State. The Lions are third in the conference standings but are far from comfortable.

“Right now, we’re just trying to play good, consistent basketball,” said UNA coach Bobby Champagne. “We need to be in one of those top four spots so we can host another home game. There are no guarantees when you play at home, but it’s a whole lot better than having to travel.”

Mississippi College defeated the Lions 77-76 Feb. 11 after Jeff Hodge’s buzzer beater hit off the rim. UNA went from a low point to a pinnacle, defeating the Statesmen to take sole possession of third place behind Alabama-Huntsville and West Georgia.

“It was definitely a roller coaster (last week),” said junior forward Austin Timms. “I think we took Mississippi College for granted, and that put us in a bad spot.”

The Lions were without junior point

guard Dimario Jackson last week due to a concussion injury Feb. 6 against Lee University. In his stead, other guards had to step up.

“Anytime you’re without the guy that runs your team, it’s tough,” Champagne said. “When you have a guy that plays as many minutes as (Jackson) does and is responsible for so much, it can be hard to deal with.”

Champagne said Jackson is day-today but was cleared for full practice Feb. 15. The team hopes to have him back for Thursday’s game against Union.

“I’m expecting him to be able to practice and do everything,” he said. “(His playing time) will depend on how he does Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. We’ll see how it goes at practice, but I’m counting on all 10 guys (being) ready to play.”

Hodge, a junior guard and one of two returners from last season, scored a season-high 23 points against Mississippi College. As a result, Hodge took over the point guard position for the Delta State game.

Experience in Champagne’s system, combined with running the point in high school, helped Hodge lead the team.

“In high school, I always had the ball in my hands,” Hodge said. “I’m comfortable in the position, and nothing really changed for me (with Jackson

hurt). I just really had to focus on being a leader and make sure everyone was in position.”

The Lions play three more games before the tournament, welcoming Union and Christian Brothers to Flowers Hall this week before ending on the road against Alabama-Huntsville. UAH clinched the regular season championship and the top seed last week.

All three games determine the seeding, as Union and UAH are qualified.

The Chargers are locked as the No. 1 seed no matter what happens in the next three games. Christian Brothers is still in the race in seventh place.

Timms said since three wins or three losses can change everything, he started approaching every game in “survival mode” late this season.

“In the last three games of the season, each game is so crucial,” Timms said.

“Since I’m a junior, I’ve seen seasons turn completely around in the final three or four games. We just have to find a way to win.

“We have the talent. I would hate to see us waste it. Our backs are against the wall, so we have to fight each and every game to keep our place in the standings.”

The Lions host Union Feb. 11 at 8 p.m. The women’s team plays the Bulldogs two hours prior.

Feb. 20 Sewanee Indoor Invitational Sewanee, Tennessee March 5 UAH Invitational Huntsville March 12 Gamecock Quad Meet Jacksonville April 15 Mountain Laurel Invitational Sewanee, Tennessee April 21-23 Gulf South Conference Championships Clinton, Mississippi

EXTRA 15

Feb. 18, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

Thurs., Feb. 18 9:30 a.m.

Walk With Me Norton Auditorium 10 a.m. — 1 p.m.

Jeans for Justice GUC Atrium 11 a.m. — 5 p.m.

Puppy Palooza Amphitheater 3 — 4 p.m.

Active Minds Stone Lodge (Lower) 3:30 p.m.

SGA Senate meeting GUC 200 4 p.m.

Circle K Meeting Stone Lodge (Upper) 6 and 8 p.m.

UNA Basketball vs.

Union University Flowers Hall

Fri., Feb. 19 WINTER BREAK 4 and 6 p.m.

UNA Softball vs.

West Georgia UNA Softball Complex

KALI DANIEL I Editor-in-Chief

A dog enjoys the attention at Freshman Forum’s Puppy Palooza March 18, 2015. Students were able to play with dogs from the Florence Lauderdale Animal Shelter at the Memorial Amphitheater in order to relieve mid-semester stress.

Kappa Sigma is hosting this year’s event which takes place Feb. 18.

Noon and 2 p.m.

UNA Softball vs.

Truman State Florence Sportsplex

4 p.m.

The Flor-Ala Writers’ meeting Student Publications

Noon 8 p.m.

UNA Softball vs.

ENCOUNTER West Georgia Stone Lodge (Upper) UNA Softball Complex

Mon., Feb. 22

1 and 4 p.m.

UNA Baseball vs.

West Georgia Mike Lane Field 4 p.m.

UNA Softball vs.

Indianapolis Florence Sportsplex

Sat., Feb. 20

Sun., Feb. 21

WINTER BREAK

WINTER BREAK

1 and 3 p.m.

UNA Basketball vs.

Christian Brothers Flowers Hall

1 p.m.

UNA Baseball vs.

West Georgia Mike Lane Field

10 a.m. — 1 p.m.

Feel Good Naked Week Buttons and Henna Party GUC Atrium 8 p.m.

Fellowship of Christian Athletes Commons 330

Tues., Feb. 23 12—1 p.m.

Feel Good Naked Week Tips Talks Stone Lodge (Upper)

6:30—8:30 p.m.

Conversation on Alabama Civil and Human Rights: The March Continues GUC Loft

Wed., Feb.24 12 —1 p.m.

Feel Good Naked Week Tip Talks Stone Lodge (Upper) 4:30 p.m.

SAFE Meeting Stone Lodge (Upper) 4:30 p.m.

SGA Freshman Forum GUC 200 7 p.m.

Black History Program GUC Banquet Halls

16 EXTRA

SOCIAL MEDIA OF THE WEEK

Feb. 18, 2016 • The Flor-Ala