March 8 Issue

March 8, 2012

Volume 80 No. 23

www.FlorAla.net

Student newspaper of the University of North Alabama

The final countdown Learn more about your SGA presidential candidates, as well as the other UNA students running for top executive positions.

See pages 8-9

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News ʻGooberʼ gains namesake in Lindsey festʼs 15th year

Thursday, March 8, 2012 • The Flor-Ala

VP Medders to leave university 4]Ka *MZZa

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Vice President of Advancement Dr. Alan Medders announced March 5 that he will resign from his position at UNA and take on a similar role at Columbus State University in Columbus, Ga. Josh Woods, director of University Communications, said Medders will continue his position with UNA through June. Woods said Medders was sought out by Columbus State officials for his experience in advancement and fundraising.

“For the next few months, Alan’s main priority will be to ensure this is a smooth transition,” Woods said. “There are so many important objectives the university is trying to achieve now and it’s vital that the transition be made smoothly enough so that the achievement of those objectives will not be interrupted.”

Medders’ position as vice president of advancement was created when he arrived at UNA in July of 2007, Woods said. Since Medders came to UNA, he has worked to increase annual giving from $1,446,965 in 2007 to $2,954,547 in 2011.

Woods said he doesn’t believe any Division I fundraising efforts will be affected

by Medders’ resignation.

Prior to Medders’ arrival, the position of vice president of advancement did not exist at UNA, said UNA President Bill Cale. Since then, he has created staff, organized fundraising, produced publications, branded the university and worked with alumni relations, Cale said.

“We’re certainly going to have to start the search process,” he said. “We’re hoping to get that underway very quickly. We don’t want a big gap between Alan’s departure and someone who is new.”

Medders worked at Campbellsville University, a private baptist school, for six years before coming to UNA. He said his time at UNA has allotted him great opportunities and allowed him

Medders

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News Briefs Phi Mu hosts book drive Phi Mu and the honors program are set to host a book drive March 12 to 16 in the GUC from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Stackin’ Books book drive will be a competition between RSOs. The RSO with the tallest stack of books at the end of the competition will receive a monetary prize. Also, there will be an individual raffle for students who donate.

For more information on the book drive, contact Kaitlin Chappell at kchappell@una.edu.

News Briefs are compiled by News Editor Josh Skaggs. Email jskaggs@una.edu to have your event featured in this section.

photo by CHRISTINA COVINGTON I Student Photographer

George Lindsey, who played Goober in the “Andy Griffith Show,” speaks at the opening of the new black box theater on the UNA campus March 2. Lindsey, a former movie and television star, is the UNA alumnus the theater is named after.

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The ribbon was cut March 2 to declare the George S. Lindsey Black Box Theater and the Ernest Borgnine Performance Hall—at the corner of Pine and Irvine Streets—officially opened.

For a year, passage through Irvine Street was limited due to construction.

Now a brand new theater stands dedicated to UNA’s most famous alumnus, George Lindsey, along with an inside performance

hall named after another legendary actor, Ernest Borgnine.

“It was almost one year to the day, on March 4, when we celebrated the ground breaking of this facility,” said UNA President Bill Cale at the opening of the ceremony. “Now it awaits the ribbon cutting.”

David McCullough, chair at the Department of Music and Theater, said he was impressed with the speed of the project and expressed his gratitude to those who put so much time into building it.

“It has been successful all around al-

ready,” he said. “To be able to start this project and complete it in a year is great progress.”

The idea of building a black box theater lasted much longer than the construction.

Steve Pierce, UNA board of trustees president pro tem, noted that the trustees had been working for decades to get the project off the ground.

“There are members of UNA who have passed away before this project was complete,” McCullough said.

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Cale: SACS team gives UNA perfect marks Accreditation team gives university high ranks, scores *Ta\PM ;\MMTUIV

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During the past four years, UNA is only the third school to receive a perfect outcome from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), which amounts to approximately 2 percent of schools overall, said UNA President Bill Cale.

“I was extremely confident that we would have a good review,” Cale said. “I thought we might have one or two recommendations to follow up on, but I was pleased that we have none.”

The SACSCOC committee visited UNA Feb. 27 through March 1.

Former, current and future students of UNA should be proud of the review, too, Cale said.

“The take away for families and stu-

dents in this perfect review is an indication of the quality of this institution,” Cale said.

The final decision on whether or not UNA will receive reaccreditation will not be made until December at the annual meeting in Dallas.

“We’re going to keep doing what we’ve been doing and do it well,” Cale said. “I don’t have any concerns about getting reaccredited.”

Professors and staff members have been working on the process a long time now.

“The committee is here to come to a consensus on how we fare,” said Celia Reynolds, the SACS leadership team liaison and Collier librarian. “What we’re looking for is a clean bill of health.”

The SACS and QEP leadership teams, as well as UNA faculty members, spent more than two years preparing for this visit, officials said.

A strong effort was made to feel completely comfortable with all of the standards the committee would be addressing, said Dr. Jerri Bullard, sociology professor and co-chair of the compliance certification team.

“As a faculty member, getting a perfect

review is like scoring a 100 on a test,” Bullard said. “We’re very excited about the future of UNA.” The SACS leadership team feels good about their presentation to the accrediting body, officials said.

“They were clearly extremely impressed with our university,” said Dr. Gregory Carnes, Raburn eminent scholar of accounting and faculty representative for the SACS leadership team. “It’s going to be good publicity for our university. They’ll be going back to their respective universities and talking about our perfect review.”

While the university did receive a perfect review, the work does not end here, Carnes said.

The committee—composed of individuals from 10 different universities across the South—evaluated the university’s compliance with documentation, as well as preparations regarding the Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) and its implementation.

“Up to now, the majority of what we’ve done is laid out the QEP plans,” Carnes said. “The QEP was essentially approved (in our exit interview), and from now we begin executing that plan.”

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News

Thursday, March 8, 2012 • The Flor-Ala

Students rally for more higher education funding UNA administrators reflect on years of education cuts across Alabama 4]Ka *MZZa IVL 2W[P ;SIOO[ .TWZ )TI -LQ\WZ[ NTWZITI(]VI ML]

photo by KAYLA SLOAN I Staff Photographer

Gordon Stone, director of Alabama Higher Education Partnership, speaks to students from public universities on the Alabama State House steps in downtown Montgomery March 1.

The UNA Student Government Association recently traveled to Montgomery to rally for more funding from the state legislature.

Students across the state from many of the public universities converged at the state house to let lawmakers know that higher education in Alabama is important.

“We are in somewhat dire straights for our universities in this state,” said Alabama Governor Robert Bentley. “We have not used our universities to create jobs in our state.”

Bentley urged students in attendance to stay in school, get their educations and stay in Alabama after graduation.

In years past, money has been drastically cut from higher education, said Gordon Stone, executive director of the Alabama Higher Education Partnership.

“Whatever (money) is left over from K-12 goes to higher education, and that cannot continue,” Stone said. “Our public colleges and universities are economic engines for our state.”

The Alabama Higher Education Partnership believes education is from prekindergarten until students obtain Ph.Ds, Stone said.

UNA and other universities have lost a large amount of funding from the state, said UNA President Bill Cale.

“During periods of proration, which does not include our current year, our uni-

versity lost a little more than $10 million in state appropriations, which is a little over 30 percent of the total amount received from the state,” Cale said. “We’ve coped with that through a combination of increased tuition and elimination of the contingency accounts.”

UNA’s contingency accounts included accounts that were designed to meet unexpected needs. During years of proration in Alabama, UNA has also stopped funding a number of initiatives on campus, Cale said.

To cope with proration, Cale said the university also hasn’t given pay raises to staff and faculty and has frozen some positions.

“We’ve made a really concerted effort to leave academic programs untouched,” he said.

The state needs to return to the days of K-12 getting two-thirds of the education trust fund and the remaining one-third going to higher education, Stone said.

Vice President for Business Affairs Steven Smith said he remembers when the universities in the state received two-thirds of the education trust fund. He said the university has been smart with budgeting and spending during the recent years when the state legislature has cut funding.

“We’ve never gone out there and looked at what we are going to (get from the state) and budgeted on that,” Smith said.

Cale and Smith said if the university ;MM .=6,16/ XIOM

Film festival celebrates its 15th year, features Michael Rooker 2WZLIV *ZILTMa

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The 15th year of the George Lindsey UNA Film Festival was held March 1 to 3, with several actors from Alabama and personalities in the entertainment business spotlighted in the festival.

One of the highlights of this year’s festival was when actor Michael Rooker, who started his career with independent film “Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer” and starred in baseball film “Eight Men Out” and the Kevin Smith-directed “Mallrats,” spoke frankly to members of the UNA community in the GUC auditorium March 2.

“I would never tell anyone not to pursue their dreams,” Rooker said about what he learned as an actor. “You’re born to do it, or at least try. It’s got to be you to say that it’s enough.

“But you also can’t just give up. You got to keep working at it. Most of my job now is looking to find work.”

Rooker is known most recently for his success as Merle Dixon in the television series “The Walking Dead”—a character that only appeared in three episodes but has a large fanbase.

“Merle’s coming back,” Rooker said.

“You don’t want to know when. You don’t want to know how and to what capacity … but Merle’s coming back, and what can I say? Shit happens.”

Earlier that same day, after the dedication ceremony for the new George S.

Lindsey Theater and Ernest Borgnine Performance Hall, Borgnine also shared with UNA students.

Borgnine, star of numerous films and television shows, including “McHale’s Navy” and his recent role as Mermaid Man in “Spongebob Squarepants,” pulled aside several of the university’s theater students and told them the truth he found about the entertainment business.

“It’s an awful business to be in because one day you can go hand-to-mouth,” Borgnine said. “Then, you’ve got people that take advantage of you. One day, you can wake up and have nothing.”

With longtime friend George Lindsey, Borgnine covered the highs and lows of his career and what he learned from it: from winning an Academy Award for “Marty” to trying to find work as an actor.

“I was starving, but I refused to do free readings,” Borgnine said. “You have to photo by MICHAEL REDDING I Student Photographer have dignity in this business. If you don’t, then, hey, man, you’re lost.”

Ernest Borgnine and George Lindsey listen to the awards ceremony at the 15th AnnuBorgnine was also just as direct as al George Lindsey UNA Film Festival. Lindsey returned to the festival after an absence Rooker about the state of the entertainment due to health complications. industry.

“A leader has to have a clear vision of life outside work.

“Everyone thinks they can act,” Borg- what they want,” Scholnick said during a “Work hard, but you also need to have nine said. “They can’t.” session preparing students entering the en- a life,” Scholnick said. “It’s so important to Though not an actor, Vice President of tertainment industry. “If you have a vision, have an interest outside of work. I promise Program Planning and Acquisitions at E! you need to communicate it. you, you’ll have a much better life with a Entertainment Mark Scholnick also shared “And if you want to be a teacher, you life outside of work.” his experience with students in two ses- need to know how to teach. And with the Borgnine said that one of the main reasions, one for students looking to head to new media like Facebook and Twitter, you sons he supported the festival was to help Los Angeles and the other showing stu- have to be able to communicate.” students. dents and the community how to pitch a Scholnick also told students that one of show idea. ;MM 416,;-A XIOM the things that helped him out was to keep a

Thursday, March 8, 2012 • The Flor-Ala

Viewpoints

Complacency will solve nothing 4]Ka *MZZa

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Each week, as I am perusing Twitter to look for the “Tweets of the Week” featured on the last page of The Flor-Ala, I see endless complaints from students about issues relating to the UNA campus.

Many of the tweets are funny, and most students who have spent time on this campus can relate to them.

That’s why I think they’re so popular—and why students boast they are now “famous” after being featured in this section of the paper.

Special Twitter accounts have popped up on the social media site during the last few months—including @UNAProblems and @UNAprobz. I think it’s great that students have a place to go where they can relate to others and talk about problems they experience at UNA, but it’s also disappointing to see endless ranting about issues with no action taken from students.

Like many students who attend UNA, I love this university and am thankful each day that I chose to go here. I have deep pride in my school and the colors purple and gold.

I’ve made wonderful connections with people on this campus and am grateful for every experience I’ve had.

But as I reach my final weeks on this campus before graduation, I’m frustrated that some students are complacent and inactive when it comes to resolving the issues they seem so passionate about on Twitter and Facebook. Is it because they feel there is no hope for a solution, or are they simply too apathetic to try?

Why is it so much easier for students to sound off in front of their computer screens

about what irks them than to simply show up at the right person’s office, send a direct email or make a phone call? I’m afraid that society is moving too quickly in this direction and will hurt as a result of such cowardice.

The Flor-Ala is trying something for the first time in conjunction with the Student Government Association. We are hosting an SGA presidential debate March 8 at 7 p.m. in Stevens Hall auditorium—where candidates William Nash and William Riley will have the opportunity to square off and discuss the issues their fellow students care about.

This event is the perfect opportunity for students to ask questions of their candidates and hear what both candidates have to say about the issues that affect everyone on this campus.

Historically, SGA elections have resulted in a low voter turnout, but this is an event that will give students the chance to get to know who will be representing them in the coming year.

If the debate educates at least one person in a way they weren’t educated before in order to make a more informed vote during the SGA elections March 12 to 14, then I feel the event will be successful.

I encourage students to take the advice of Elie Wiesel, author of the award-winning book “Night.”

“We must always take sides,” he said.

“Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.”

Inactivity and lack of information only damage society—and even though UNA is a microcosm of the world around us, the decisions we make today will have an enormous impact on the futures of students who will be in our shoes in the years to come.

To contact Lucy, call 256-765-4364 or you can follow her on Twitter at @lsberry1.

Don’t disrespect your ex in public 5ITQ[I 5K+T]ZM

+PQMN 8PW\WOZIXPMZ U[UKKT]ZM(]VI ML] It’s the old song and dance. I’m sure we’re all familiar with it.

You’re walking to class, minding your own business, and BAM! There stands your ex.

Just as you feel your pulse quicken and your stomach start to flop (and not that

good way it did when you were falling in love with said ex), you see him tense up and “casually” turn the other way. Whew, crisis averted.

As you zip away into the nearest hallway, staircase or bathroom, you are probably asking yourself, “Why does this keep happening to me?”

The simple answer? It’s that you (and your ex) are allowing it to happen. By avoiding and ignoring each other, you are only fueling the animosity between yourselves.

Granted, being civil after a breakup isn’t easy. Being friends can seem impossible, some-

Cartoon of the Week

Have your own cartoons? Want to be published? Send us your stuff at florala@una.edu!

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SHOUTOUT!

Congrats to staff writer Jacob Wallace for being named Writer of the Week for The Flor-Ala. Also, great job to staff photographer Darrick Dawkins for having Photo of the Week in the last edition of The Flor-Ala.

Want to be a columnist for The Flor-Ala? Email alindley@una. edu with a writing sample to be considered for publication.

PAWS UP, PAWS DOWN Calling it like we see it at UNA, in the Shoals, across the state and around the world Monday, March 5, the Muscle Shoals City Council voted in favor of Muscle Shoals resident and businessman Neil Whitesell’s gift offer to the city—the Cypress Lakes Golf and Country Club. Mayor David Bradford said the value of the gift exceeds $10 million. The city’s Department of Parks and Recreation will operate the facility and has approved a position and salary for a general manager.

SGA has discussed its new recycling initiative for several months and yet there are still no new recycling bins to be found on campus.

The city of Florence and SGA have partnered to take on the recycling initiative, but the UNA community hasn’t seen an abundance of recycling at this point on campus this school year. times even years after a break up. Still, there’s no sense in pretending each other doesn’t exist.

Chances are neither of you are going anywhere anytime soon.

Why not learn to act like civilized, intelligent adults? After all, you aren’t in high school anymore. It’s not like you dated for two weeks and really barely knew each other. Chances are you spent a long time together and made some difference in each others’ lives.

Of course, it’s not likely that you’ll be able to be best friends anytime soon. And you don’t have to be—but it’d be worth it to at least be friendly when you run into each other.

There is a reason (probably many) why you fell in love with this person to begin with. And sadly—as you found out—love doesn’t always last. But those things you respect and love about that person are still there. So don’t disrespect each other because you’re angry or hurt—especially since your ex is going through the same thing.

Sure, it’s not going to be easy, but you need to find a way to quash the hostility with your ex. Stop alienating each other and friends by being awkward, and learn to just accept one another.

Just remember it takes two to tango, and it may take some time to perfect the dance. The next time you have a run in with “the ex,” I challenge you all (and myself) to invite him or her to the floor by having the guts to make eye contact. Maybe you can even muster a smile?

Yes, it’s scary—scarier than dancing in public, even. And yes, you may be left out on the floor by yourself, but at least you can say you’ve made the effort.

And remember—it’s one small and easy step toward friendship after a breakup.

Student newspaper of the University of North Alabama LUCY BERRY EXECUTIVE EDITOR JOSH SKAGGS NEWS/MANAGING EDITOR ANDY THIGPEN LIFE EDITOR TOMMY BOLTON SPORTS EDITOR ALEX LINDLEY COPY/OPINIONS EDITOR JORDAN BRADLEY ONLINE EDITOR CAMERON KELLY-JOHNSON BUSINESS MANAGER SAVANNAH COMER GRAPHIC ARTIST JULIANN LOSEY CIRCULATION MANAGER MALISA McCLURE CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER KAYLA SLOAN BARRY MINOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS REBECCA WALKER ADVISER

EDITORIAL BOARD: LUCY BERRY ALEX LINDLEY

Letters Policy The Flor-Ala welcomes and encourages Letters to the Editor.

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

• Letters must not exceed 400 words.

• Letters must be accompanied by the writer’s name, mailing address, phone number and email.

• 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 Editor’s Note may accompany a letter.

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

Email: florala@una.edu.

Letters may also be submitted through our website at florala.net.

• Phone: 256-765-4364

Copyright © 2011 The Flor-Ala All rights reserved.

First copy free.

Additional copies $1 each.

Thursday, March 8, 2012 • The Flor-Ala

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Like us on Facebook or follow us on our Twitter accounts @UNAFlorAla or @FlorAlaSports to get up-to-date news and other information about UNA.

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News

Thursday, March 8, 2012 • The Flor-Ala

Stores, students, teachers look for lower prices Textbook prices cause community to find ways to keep costs down *ZIVLWV <PQOXMV

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Students and teachers are looking for new ways to reduce the cost of their textbooks, due to the ever increasing cost of tuition, dorms and other student expenses.

Many students have turned to used textbooks, textbook rental programs, ebooks, online shopping or simply don’t buy textbooks due to their cost.

Woody Truitt, co-owner of the OffCampus Bookstore, spoke at a recent Student Government Association meeting about how a university textbook adoption program could save students 50 percent on their textbook costs.

“I gave the example there that—I believe my records show North Carolina State—in the first semester that if they went to a book adoption program that, in five classes alone, they saved the students that were taking those classes over $250,000 in book expense,” Truitt said.

Truitt said that bookstores could offer higher buyback prices if textbooks were guaranteed to be used for a set period of time.

“If we don’t, though, then we simply buy back a small amount at a preferred rate, and the rest we buy back at whatever the national wholesale book value is on that textbook, and generally that is not very much,” he said.

Holly Rochester, a UNA student, rents her textbooks in the spring due to the uncertainty of whether she can sell her textbooks back.

”Thereʼs no point in paying that much when, more than likely, the next semester, theyʼre not going to use that book, and then youʼre not going to be able to sell it back.”

-Holly Rochester “There’s no point in paying that much when, more than likely, the next semester, they’re not going to use that book, and then you’re not going to be able to sell it back,” she said.

Many professors are sympathetic to the rising cost of college life and are opting for nontraditional textbooks over traditional ones.

“The favorite text I have for one of my classes is a paperback that can be purchased through Amazon for like $10,” said Dr. Beth Garfrerick, a professor of communications. “I love to go with books like

this. It bothers me that students are spending so much money on textbooks overall.”

Some universities offer textbook exchange programs to help lower the cost of textbooks to students.

“There are efforts out there on some campuses to help students through listings or have some sort of a book fair,” Garfrerick said. “Instead of having to exchange cash, they just exchange books.”

Many students feel pressured by professors to buy the latest edition of textbooks, even if the text has not changed substantially.

“It was emphasized highly that we need to get the second edition of the book,” said Heather Simmers, a UNA student. “In basic English composition, they’re like ‘you need this edition because it has the updated MLA formatting.’ Just one or two little rules that they change from this season to this season.”

While students may be concerned about professors being persuaded by textbook companies to require the latest editions, there have been newly enacted laws preventing such incentives. Section 36-255(a) of the Code of Ala., (1975) says: “No public official or public employee shall use or cause to be used his or her official position or office to obtain personal gain for himself or herself, or family member of the public employee or family member of the public official, or any business with which the person is associated unless the use and gain are otherwise specifically authorized by law.”

photo by KAYLA SLOAN I Staff Photographer

Textbook retailers, like the Off-Campus Bookstore on North Court Street, have started to offer book rentals at lower prices to help students save money and continue shopping at local businesses.

Thursday, March 8, 2012 â&#x20AC;˘ The Flor-Ala

Life

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â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The MUSIC never stopsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

â&#x20AC;˘ Summer music festivals remain high on some studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; agendas photo courtesy of Ashley Garmon

Fans crowd the Budweiser Stage at Lollapalooza 2011 in Chicago. Lollapalooza is one of the many summer music festivals offered and has featured headlining acts such as The Killers, Coldplay, Kings of Leon and Lady Gaga.

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As summer slowly approaches, some music fans anticipate taking a road trip or two to their favorite music festivals.

Two events getting plenty of attention are the Hangout Festival in Gulf Shores and Bonnaroo in Manchester, Tenn.

Both festivals feature a long list of alternative rock and indie bands. Some headliners at the Hangout include Dave Matthews Band, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jack White, the String Cheese Incident and Wilco. Bonnarooâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lineup lists Radiohead, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Phish, the Beach Boys and Bon Iver. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bonnarooâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s line up this year is definitely something Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m interested in,â&#x20AC;? said Luke Hunter, a junior at UNA. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not entirely sure yet. The Hangout just

seems a little lackluster in comparison.â&#x20AC;?

The two festivals have their pros and cons for the audiophile with a choice to make. Bonnaroo is a four-day festival with remaining tickets going for $259, while the Hangout is currently sold out. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are some amazing bands at both, and the Hangout is definitely the better value, but Bonnaroo just has so much more to offer,â&#x20AC;? Hunter said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Plus, Bonnaroo is more of an experience that is kind of like something to mark off my checklist in life.â&#x20AC;?

For some fans, the experience, not the music, makes all the difference. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Atmosphere,â&#x20AC;? said Robert Champion, a freshman at UNA. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Atmosphere makes everything.â&#x20AC;?

Champion said if he attends any music festivals this summer, he might work as a volunteer just to be a part of the event. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Well, I love people, and at places

like that there are always awesome people to meet,â&#x20AC;? Champion said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great place to hang out with friends or take a girl.â&#x20AC;?

On the other hand, the large-scale production and carnival air can be a negative factor for some concert-goers.

On top of that, the frustration of trying to prioritize which bands to see can be a hassle. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I would like to go to festivals, but Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d feel overwhelmed by the amount of artists, honestly,â&#x20AC;? said DeForrest Brown, a senior at UNA. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I prefer to experience one artist solely. I suppose the romance of making a trip to see a single band is attractive to me.â&#x20AC;?

Cash is the top factor that impacts whether senior Chelsea Carroll will attend a summer music festival. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know if I could ever bring myself to shell out that kind of money,â&#x20AC;? she said.

Summer Line-Up Bonnaroo Manchester, Tenn.

June 7 - 10 $259

Sasquatch George, Wash.

May 25 - 28 $315

Newport Folk Newport, R.I. July 28 - 29 $135

Lollapalooza Chicago Aug. 3 - 5 $TBA

Hangout Music Fest.

Gulf Shores, Ala. May 18 - 20 SOLD OUT

Wakarusa

Ozark, Ark. May 31 - June 3 $164

All Good

Thornville, Ohio July 19 - 22 $179 (early bird)

Professor Profile: Bob Hendren *Ta\PM ;\MMTUIV

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Communication major or not, every student at UNA is required to complete Communications 201, or Fundamentals of Speech, before graduation.

For many students, speaking in a public forum is their top fear. But itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy for students to overcome the fear of public speaking with a professor that has been known to Photoshop his face onto a Jedi for a class PowerPoint, or wow students with his ability to know the approximate number of index cards used for their speechesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;without counting them beforehand.

Working on what he calls his encore career, Bob Hendren has been a full-time speech instructor at UNA for six years, after first working as an adjunct for the

department.

Hendren has found the keys to success in teaching, and the rapid filling of his course sections pays tribute to that. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Students line up to take Hendrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s speech course every semester, and if the course is full, they beg to be let in,â&#x20AC;? said Sue Jeffreys, administrative assistant for the communications department.

Hendren said he believes in making the classroom a place where each of the students feels comfortable speaking around others. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My classes are free of judgment,â&#x20AC;?

Hendren said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want everyone to feel comfortable, and usually, by the end of the semester, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re one little family.â&#x20AC;?

Because he teaches a required course, Hendren realizes the importance of capturing studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; attention from the begin-

ning. His PowerPoint presentations are punchy, vibrant and no two slides will ever be the same. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I change the PowerPoints each semester,â&#x20AC;? Hendren said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;None of them are the same. I want to keep students engaged, so one semester Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have my face on a Jedi, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be something different the next.â&#x20AC;?

Hendrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s teaching style is one students can easily relate to. He said he understands he is teaching a highly visual generation, and he stays updated on technology and trends. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Technology is something thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not going away, so you should learn to adapt,â&#x20AC;? Hendren said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If what youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re doing isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t working, you have to try something else. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about me staying one step ahead of the students so I can be a better

;MM 0-6,:-6 XIOM

photo by MICHAEL REDDING I Student Photographer

photo courtesy of Matt Ellis

Bob Hendren is a communications instructor who specializes in speech and creating engaging PowerPoint presentations.

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Feature

Thursday, March 8, 2012 • The Flor-Ala

Battle of the Wills

photo by MALISA McCLURE I Chief Photographer

From left to right, William Nash and Will Riley will face off in an SGA presidential debate March 8 at 7 p.m. in Stevens Hall auditorium before elections March 12 to 14.

Presidential candidates discuss plans for next year )TM` 4QVLTMa

+WXa 7XQVQWV[ -LQ\WZ ITQVLTMa(]VI ML]

UNA students will choose between junior public relations major Will Riley and junior history major William Nash for the Student Government Association presidential seat during elections March 12 to 14.

Riley—who served as a member of freshman forum’s social service committee, a University Program Council live acts delegate and public relations chairman and currently as vice president for UPC—said he thinks students are the most important part of universities.

“We are a student-led university with faculty and staff support,” he said. “I am a big supporter of student empowerment. I believe the students can’t be taught enough about that.”

Riley said he has several concrete goals for next year if the students elect him as president.

“My platform consists of three key words: conserve, coordinate, communicate,” he said. “One of my main goals is to get UNA to go paperless like some of the larger schools in the state.

“I plan to work with the business office to have refund checks directly deposited,

and I want to attempt to make all applications online.”

“Communicate” will be defined by SGA-student interaction, Riley said.

“I want the students to feel like they are a part of SGA without having to attend meetings,” he said. “I want to do biweekly videos and social media forums to keep the student body connected to SGA.” Riley said he wants the different branches of student government to work well together to accomplish their goals.

“I want to continue to coordinate with the different branches and continue the unification we have undergone this year,” he said.

Riley will focus on getting the word out when it come to the Division I move, he said.

“I want to maintain the vision of possibly moving to D-I,” he said. “I want SGA to push for more education to inform students about the move.”

Riley said he believes he brings a lot to the table as a presidential candidate.

“My experience can be used to its advantage,” he said. “I have worked with the programming side with UPC and have a knowledge of the senate side.”

Nash—a transfer student and U.S.

Army Reserve soldier who served as an SGA senator and chairman of the information and communication committee—said his campaign is about raising awareness of the issues.

“I want to focus on what we’re doing right and work on fixing what we’re not doing right,” he said.

A big issue is veterans affairs, Nash said.

“As a soldier, I am passionate about veterans affairs,” he said. “Last year, I formed an ad-hoc committee that helped set up the Military Veterans Alliance. I believe in serving those who have served you.

“I’d love to get a veterans center and a real Veterans Affairs representative on campus.”

Another area Nash wants to focus on if he is elected is disability support, he said.

Nash said he has been talking to senate and other campus groups about this topic.

“I knew of a blind student who had to transfer because we didn’t have enough railing on campus,” he said. “To me, that’s wrong.”

Nash said he will continue to work on campus beautification if he is elected.

“Our campus has a traditional feel,” he said. “The better the campus looks, the

more students we attract. I want us to continue to grow.”

He said he opposed a move for an informational kiosk to be placed centrally on campus because he thought it would be an eyesore. Instead, he said he suggested the flat-screen televisions in the process of being placed on campus that stream information to students, faculty and staff.

Lowering book costs is a focus of Nash’s campaign, he said.

“I want to find out what SGA can do to lower book costs,” he said. “I’ve talked to the off-campus bookstore about the AdoptA-Book program, which would help a lot.”

Nash said he wants to make sure UNA is on the right track regarding D-I. “I am personally opposed to D-I,” he said. “But—as the next president—I would make sure we’re doing the right things to be on track even though we weren’t ready to go that way.”

Overall, Nash’s campaign is about students working together to continue to make UNA a better place to go to school, he said.

“I believe in working with others toward common goals,” he said. “I don’t care what group you come from or what belief you hold. Together, we can all build a stronger pride.”

Thursday, March 8, 2012 • The Flor-Ala

Feature

Meet the candidates

Jordan Brasher Candidate for Vice President of Senate Junior geography and political science major Jordan Brasher— the unopposed candidate for vice president of Student Government Association senate—said she has developed a platform that heavily involves students.

“My platform is based on two subjects: advocating SGA senate and actively searching for student opinion,” she said. “I want to serve the students by getting them more involved in what we do.”

After serving on the student issues committee in freshman forum, on the legislative affairs committee as a sophomore and currently as the chair of that committee, Brasher said there is sometimes a disconnect between students and their understanding of how SGA and the University Program Council function. She said she wants to address this issue as vice president.

“If students complain about us or don’t understand what we do, it means we’re not doing our job,” she said. “I want to increase awareness.”

She said she will actively seek student opinion on the issues next year.

Brasher said she is against the move to Division I. “I think D-I was an extreme blow to student opinion because they didn’t really consider what we had to say,” she said. “I don’t think it’s a good move at the current time. We don’t yet have the resources or manpower.”

Jori Chatman

Candidate for Vice President of UPC Jori Chatman—the unopposed candidate for vice president of the University Program Council and a junior biology major—said her position as service chair for UPC has made her interested in getting more students involved in service events next year.

“I’m passionate about helping others,” she said. “I want students to know they can make a difference.”

Having served as a member of freshman forum and a sophomore delegate for UPC, Chatman said she feels it is important for students to get involved in events and organizations on campus.

She said she will work as vice president of UPC to create more opportunities for students to get involved.

“I want to make school about more than just going to class,” she said.

An important aspect of being the vice president of UPC is being accessible to students, Chatman said.

“I want to be a known face on campus that students know they can come to,” she said. “I don’t just want to be seen at my own events. I want people to see me everywhere on campus.

“Students shouldn’t be afraid to come talk to me.”

Chatman said she is using this year to prepare for the many requirements and responsibilities of a vice presidency.

Robbie Thompson

Candidate for SGA Secretary

Student Government Association secretary candidate sophomore business and geography major Robbie Thompson said the position of SGA secretary is all about being a messenger between SGA and students.

One way Thompson said he plans to do that if he wins is to use technology.

“To make information more readily available, I plan to use the SGA website on OrgSync to do so,” he said. “Anyone has access to the SGA website. Through technology, information is more easily made available and accessible to the student body.”

Thompson served as public relations chair for freshman forum and currently serves as a senator on the food services shared governance committee and said these experiences have taught him the importance of accountability.

“The secretary is the main connection from senate and (the University Program Council) to students,” he said. “He or she is held accountable by the students because it is the secretary’s responsibility to communicate the goals, idea, and plans for action that SGA decides are the best for the campus back to the students.

“Likewise, the secretary is accountable to the senate and UPC by making known the students’ needs and wants to senators and delegates.”

Mary F. Wilson

Candidate for SGA Secretary

Mary-Francis Wilson—a sophomore nursing major and candidate for Student Government Association secretary—said she definitely has what it takes to be SGA secretary next year.

“I’ll make a great secretary,” she said. “I’ve held a job since I was 15—and three of them were as a secretary.”

Three words define Wilson’s campaign, she said.

“My vision is based on efficiency, effectiveness and communication,” she said.

Wilson said she wants to help improve communication in several ways if she is selected as next year’s secretary.

“I want both branches to communicate well with each other, but I also want them to communicate with students,” she said.

“Students should have access to their leaders.”

Having served on freshman forum and as legislative affairs chair on senate this year, Wilson said she is excited to get more experience in the different branches of student government. If Wilson wins the secretary race, she said she will make a bigger effort to reach out to students.

“I like to see faces, to see people expressing themselves,” she said. “I love getting student input, and I want students to feel comfortable coming to me and chatting. I might not be able to help you, but I’ll find you somebody who can.”

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Laura Giles

Candidate for SGA Treasurer

Unopposed Student Government Association treasurer candidate and sophomore accounting major Laura Giles said she believes being treasurer is more than just running the numbers.

“A lot of people think being treasurer is about doing the numbers and then you’re done, but there’s a lot more to it than that,” she said. “I want people to realize being treasurer isn’t just about money. As treasurer, I would also help out a lot with (public relations).”

Giles—who was named member of the year in freshman forum and currently serves as the SGA chief of staff—said it is the responsibility of all SGA members to promote the association and its events.

“There are about 100 people in SGA,” she said. “If they’re all talking, that’s a lot better than a poster.

A lot of what we have to do is communicate by word of mouth.”

She said another important part of what she will do as treasurer is making sure students know how their money is being used.

“As treasurer, I would make sure everyone is spending their money wisely and that students know what their fees are going to,” she said. “A lot of students don’t know their activity fee goes directly SGA and (the University Program Council).”

Giles said she is looking forward to another year on SGA because of all the good experiences she has had.

All of the profiles of the SGA candidates were written by Flor-Ala Copy/Opinions Editor Alex Lindley. All photos were shot by Chief Photographer Malisa McClure.

Flor-Ala, SGA team up to host presidential debate tonight 4]Ka *MZZa

-`MK]\Q^M -LQ\WZ TJMZZa(]VI ML]

The Flor-Ala student newspaper staff and the Student Government Association are teaming up for the first time to host an SGA presidential debate March 8 at 7 p.m. in Stevens Hall auditorium.

The event, which is scheduled to last approximately one hour, will allow presidential candidates William Nash and Will Riley to square off and discuss issues in a public forum that matter most to UNA students.

Miss UNA 2012 Anne-Marie Hall will act as emcee of the evening. There will also be a 15-minute session before the debate

Canʼt make it?

Follow us on Twitter @FlorAlaLive to get coverage of the debate. where other UNA students running for SGA executive positions will introduce themselves and discuss their visions for the upcoming year if they are elected.

UNA students, faculty, staff and community will have the opportunity to ask questions of the candidates at the debate. The event is free and open to the public.

The Flor-Ala will distribute prizes at the event, and Foursquare will also be giving away free merchandise to attendees.

Follow our live Flor-Ala Twitter feed to get coverage of the debate (@FlorAlaLive) and be sure to hashtag #battleoftheWills on Twitter when discussing the debate. Also make sure to check in on Foursquare for an attempt at the Swarm Badge.

Jori Chatman, Laura Giles, Robbie Thompson, Will Riley, William Nash, Jordan Brasher and Mary-Francis Wilson are running for SGA office.

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Sports

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Thursday, March 8, 2012 • The Flor-Ala

Player of the Players, athletic department in conflict over pro-day Week UNA student athletes discuss communication, scheduling problems 5ITQ[I 5K+T]ZM

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J.P. LaMunyon Hometown:Leawood, Kan. Major: Politcal science Position: Centerfield Stats: LaMunyon batted .500 in the weekend series against West Alabama including two RBIs.

Week At A Glance Baseball When: Saturday , 1 p.m. (DH)

Who: W Wh o: West Florida Flo Flor

Softball When: IDLE Where: W Wh Wher er IDLE Who: IDLE Wh

UNA student athletes have expressed concern about the delayed planning of proday, which is being held today starting at 9 a.m. at the Bill Jones Athletic Complex.

Steadman Campbell, running-back coach and recruiting coordinator for UNA, said the date for pro-day was set later than usual this year.

“The date got set a lot later this year as opposed to years passed just because of the turnover in head coaches,” he said.

The late planning caused some to believe pro-day might not happen at all this year, several players said.

DeAndre Morgan, a cornerback who transferred to UNA from North Carolina State, said he has not been contacted by UNA athletics about pro-day. He said he only knew about the event because he was told by another player, Bryan Thomas. “(The communication) wasn’t from coach to player; it was from player to player,” Morgan said.

Bryan Thomas, who played as a defensive back for UNA in 2010 and 2011 after transferring from the University of Florida, said he made a lot of phone calls on the players’ behalf.

“I was really pushing for us to have a pro-day,” he said.

Campbell said he wanted to ensure UNA picked the best possible day for its pro-day.

UNA’s pro-day will be immediately following Auburn University’s and the University of Alabama’s pro-days, which were held March 6 and 7.

“I heard from Bryan and a lot of our guys, and like I told them at the time we were planning on having one; it was just a matter of getting the right date,” Campbell said.

Mark Linder, director of athletics at UNA, said, with the change in staff, the coaches were busy with recruiting and preparing for the upcoming year.

“I’m sure (pro-day) just wasn’t on the radar screen,” he said.

Thomas said he felt like the situation could have been handled better. He said it seemed like the athletics department put the

photo by MALISA MCCLURE I Chief Photographer

Senior cornerback Janoris Jenkins celebrates after scoring a touchdown on a fumble recovery against Abilene Christian. Jenkins is expected to be selected in the first round of this year’s NFL Draft.

players on the back-burner.

This is not the first time Thomas has had issues dealing with UNA Athletics.

Thomas, along with UNA’s Antwone Greenlee, Daron Rose and Marcus Dowtin, played in the Battle of Florida All-Star game in Boca Raton, Fla., held Jan. 21. Dowtin, a transfer from Georgia who played as a linebacker for the Lions in 2011, was named Most Valuable Player for the South team.

Dowtin and Thomas said getting UNA equipment to wear for the game was difficult.

They claim the UNA athletics department was uncooperative, and that the organizer of the game had to call Mark Linder to ensure the players would be able to get equipment.

Thomas said his travel plans were delayed because of waiting on the equipment.

Linder said the players wanted UNA to ship the equipment, which was an added cost.

Since Thomas was the only player who was in Florence at the time, they asked Thomas to sign a release form for the equipment and be responsible for bringing the equipment to the game and getting it back to UNA. “It’s university equipment; it’s not like we can just hand it out,” he said.

The players said they feel like the resistance they faced in getting equipment for the Battle of Florida game reflects the way the

department is handling things overall.

“The only reason that pro-day is going on is because of the senior class and Coach Campbell,” Dowtin said.

Despite the difficulty in planning pro-day this year, the players and coaches are excited that it’s finally here.

“I think it’s a good opportunity for me to showcase my talent,” said Terrell Bailey, a cornerback who started at Troy University and has played for UNA since 2009.

Bailey said he is looking forward to going toe-to-toe with Janoris Jenkins.

Jenkins, a transfer from the University of Florida, played as a cornerback for UNA during the 2011 season. He is projected to be a first-round NFL draft pick. Jenkins attended the NFL Combine in Indianapolis held Feb. 22 to 28, where he ran a 4.46 second 40-yard dash.

“Anytime you have a potential first round pick, it’s always exciting,” Linder said.

Campbell said he thinks that Jenkins will draw a larger crowd this year. He said he expects 12 to 15 scouts to attend this year and 20 to 25 players to participate.

”(The communication) wasnʼt from coach to player; it was from player to player.”

-DeAndre Morgan Tennis When: Saturda Saturday, 11 a.m.

Sunday, noon Sun Where: Home Wh Who: W ho: West W Florida Lipscomb

photo by BARRY MINOR I Staff Photographer

Senior linebacker Marcus Dowtin prepares to make a tackle during a game earlier this year. Dowtin is looking to train for the NFL and possibly be drafted by a team or sign on as a free agent.

During the event, the players will be evaluated by NFL Scouts in various exercises. The players’ height and weight will be measured. They will then perform a broad jump, vertical jump, maximum bench press, 40-yard dash, L-Drill, and shuttle run.

Dowtin said he thinks Jenkins’ talent combined with others’ talent will make for a big pro-day.

“This is going to be the biggest pro-day UNA has ever seen,” Dowtin said. “I already think this year we’re going to break the record for the most UNA players put on a NFL team.” @FlorAlaSports will be at the event doing live coverage of the players’ results. Also look for an overall story tonight at www.florala.net.

Thursday, March 8, 2012 • The Flor-Ala

Sports

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Baseball team picks up wins over weekend 5I\\ ?QT[WV

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UNA baseball opened conference play by taking two of three in a weekend series at home against the University of West Alabama and sweeping Harding on March 6.

The Lions took the first game of a double-header March 3 behind a strong showing from pitcher Johnny Hornbuckle. UNA opened the scoring in the third inning after a miscommunication between the short stop and second baseman for UWA allowed a fly ball to drop for a single for Andrew Almon. Base runners gave the UWA pitchers fits all day long. With just one out, Michael Schmidt was walked for UNA to load the bases.

A single by Josh Doyle scored two runs followed by a double by Jake Sloan that drove in one more. A double by Josh Carpenter brought two more runs in.

The third inning was a big one for UNA, but it would be the only offensive production all game for the Lions.

In the sixth inning, UWA threatened with men on the corners. A throwing error for UNA allowed the first run for UWA. Another error for UNA in the seventh inning kept a UWA rally alive, which lead to two more runs. A big strikeout for Hornbuckle got UNA out of the inning still leading 5-3.

Brantley Claunch and Ben Seabrook came in for relief duties and did their jobs.

UNA escaped a late surge from West Alabama to get the win.

Michael Watkins took the bump for UNA in the second game March 3. Early on, UWA tried giving the Lions a dose of their own medicine by playing small ball

and opting for sacrifice bunts and smart base running.

In the third inning, Watkins struggled to find the strike zone, which resulted in him walking in a run. But just when UWA seemed to be putting its foot on the gas, Watkins got West Alabama to ground into a double play to end the inning. That composure from Watkins and the UNA infield put out whatever fire UWA had going in game two.

The second game of the double header saw UNA continue its trend of base-hitting the opponent to death and being opportunistic on the base paths. It seemed as though UWA’s pitchers struggled anytime the Lions got men on base.

A two-run, monster home run launch to left-center field by J.P. LaMunyon followed by a double by Josh Cyr put the Lions up 7-2 in the bottom of the sixth. A late home run by UWA did little for the outcome, as UNA took game two by the final score of 7-3.

March 4, Chad Boughner took the mound for the Lions. He struggled early on and had difficulty finding a groove. In the fourth inning, he gave up a home run, which gave West Alabama a 3-2 lead.

Josh Cyr took one yard in the bottom of the sixth to tie the game back up at 3.

The scoring would end there for the Lions, as UWA took the game by three by a score of 6-3.

“I guess the good thing is that we won two of the three games this weekend, and they were conference games, but we have got to get better,” said head coach Mike Keehn. “We are going to get better.

“When we play teams like Harding again or West Florida, our defense cannot

photo by CARRIE COOK I Staff Photographer

Junior Josh Cyr prepares for a pick-off attempt during March 4’s game against West Alabama.

He and the rest of the Lions got off to a good start in conference play, winning two out of three games over the weekend.

make the errors that we did today. Our offense is just not good enough right now for us to make those kinds of mistakes.”

On Mar. 6 the Lions played a doubleheader against Harding, who they dropped both games against them the week before.

In Game One the Lions got down 7-1 in the fifth inning before making it 7-6 in the bottom of the sixth. In the bottom of the seventh a lead-off walk to LaMunyon set up a walk-off home run by Andrew Almon giving the Lions a 8-7 victory.

In Game Two the Lions got behind again just like in the first game trailing 4-2 going in the sixth inning.

The Lions started the inning with a leadoff single by Michael Schmidt. Schmidt

UNA baseball prepares for big showdown A]UQ <[]SIUW\I

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The UNA baseball team will open the crucial three-game series against the No. 1 West Florida March 10 and 11 at 1 p.m. at home.

The team played the three-game series against West Alabama March 3 and 4, taking games 5-3 and 7-3 March 3, and 3-6 March 4. After the series, UNA is now 14-5 overall and 2-1 in Gulf South Conference competition. West Alabama fell to 8-10 and 1-2.

“West Florida is No. 2 in the conference, and they are a very talented team with very good pitching and defense,” said head coach Mike Keehn. “West Florida is a really good tester for us and a little challenging for us.”

West Florida is No. 1 in the College Baseball Newspaper National Ranking and

By the Numbers According to college baseball lineup, UNA is ranked

3

9

in the polls

of the Lions’ 14 losses last season came from the hands of West Florida.

UNA designated hitter Jake Sloan is seventh in the conference with a

.367

batting average

photo by CARRIE COOK I Student Photographer

Senior J.P. LaMunyon prepares to avoid the pick-off play at first during the weekend series against West Alabama.

its conference standings are 13-3 overall and 1-1 in Gulf South Conference competition. UNA is above West Florida in conference standing, and this upcoming game will have a big effect on the results in the GSC. “We are going to have to play very well in all aspects of the game,” Keehn said.

“Good defense, pitching and timely hitting will give us chances to be competitive with West Florida. The team may make fewer mistakes that have the chance to win the game. We are going to have to minimize the mistakes because they are going to capitalize on them.”

UNA and West Florida will be a matchup of top 30 teams, with UNA sitting at No. 29 according college baseball lineup.

UNA will host West Florida March 10 at 1 p.m. in a double-header at Mike Lane Field, and March 11—the final game of the three-game series—will be played at 1 p.m. at Mike Lane Field.

then reached second on a fielder’s choice.

Sloan walked, advanced to second on a passed ball while Schmidt stole third.

Cyr then walked to load the bases up and LaMunyon reached on an error by the short stop driving in one.

Josh Carpenter then came to the plate and delivered a three RBI double to give the Lions a 7-4 lead going into the seventh.

Harding added two runs in the seventh before Ben Seabrook closed the game out for good giving the Lions a 16-5 record.

The Lions will play at home this weekend against West Florida with a doubleheader on Saturday starting at 1 p.m. and a game on Sunday starting at 1 p.m.

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Sports

Thursday, March 8, 2012 • The Flor-Ala

Womenʼs hoops season comes to close following loss ment, beat the third seed Blazers 50-48, giving UNA a chance to advance to play ;\INN ?ZQ\MZ the UAH Chargers March 3. Dana Jackson TM[\M[(]VI ML] led the scoring for UNA with 17 points After a Dana Jackson buzzer beater and eight rebounds, Nichelle Fillmore had against Valdosta State March 1, the Lions 11, while Jasmine Horne—named all GSC were able to advance to the second round second team—added six.

“The Valdosta game was just a game of the GSC Tournament for the first time that we refused to be denied in,” Horne since the 2002-2003 season.

The Lions, sixth seed in the tourna- said. “We kept fighting until the horns went off.”

March 3, the Lions matched up against a recently played UAH Chargers team. The Lions beat them in Spragins Hall February 25, 81-77, led by the three-point shooting of Jessi Smith, who managed three treys on the night and 20 points, alongside Jasmine Horne’s 23 points. However, in March 3’s matchup, the UNA Lions fell 64-54 to the second seed UAH chargers.

“The UAH loss was exactly what we expected,” Horne said. “We knew that they would make their run, but Junior guard Sarah Bailey makes a pass to the corner during UNA’s game against when they did we lost our composure rival UAH. The Lions’ season ended with a loss to UAH in the conference tournament. instead of maintaining our aggression I love my team and coaches for taking a UNA basketball program, said head coach that we had throughout the game.” chance on me.”

Terry Fowler.

The Lions led at the half 27-18, Jessi Smith hit five threes against the “The lessons it’s taught me, the disbut could not finish, as UAH went on Chargers, being the leading scorer with 15. ciplines it’s given me, the friends I have a 20-7 run in the second half to seal Jasmine Horne had 13, and Dana Jackson gained, will always be there,” Smith said. a spot in the championship game. added 12.

“It will never fade. The game will live inHowever, UAH fell to UWA March 4 “The past four years at UNA have side of me for the rest of my life.” in the championship, 86-74. taught me so much about life,” Smith said.

UNA will end its season 15-13. Dana “The season was a disappoint- “Basketball has helped me mature into the Jackson was named to the All-GSC tourment because everyone in that locker person that I am today. I might not step nament team, while Jasmine Horne was room knew that we were capable of onto the court anymore and play this game, named All-GSC second team. making it to the championship game, but it isn’t entirely over; it will always be “Our seniors will now be a part of our if not winning the GSC Champion- within me.” slogan,” Fowler said. “We play for those ship,” Horne said. “But I would not Senior forward Jessi Smith looks to drive by her Smith is one of six seniors who will who came before; we set the standard for trade this experience for anything; have helped set the foundation for this those who will come.” opponent during a game earlier this year.

4I]ZMV -[\M[

Life

Thursday, March 8, 2012 • The Flor-Ala

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Ballroom dancing club looking Personal Perspective: for continued student interest Student enters Living Spirit’s -TQ[M +WNQMTL

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The UNA Ballroom and Social Dance Club is currently at a standstill.

The club is one of many studentled organizations put on through the Office of Student Engagement.

Suzy Robbins, who has been a dance instructor at UNA for the past 15 years, has fostered the club from the beginning and has hope for its future.

Robbins said the club had no trouble taking off when it was originally started 12 years ago. The difficulty was in keeping it active.

“It was successful and it wasn’t,” she said. “(Students) came. They had a great time. But they didn’t follow up. I can tell you that those students had a blast. It was a good organization once and it could be again.”

A student-led organization without student leaders has little chance of survival, she said.

Robbins said when a club such as this one undergoes a period of inactivity, it is put into an inactive status, meaning that in order to be a considered as an organization, it will have to re-enter the application process.

Robbins said she is willing to go through the process again, but not without a guarantee of student involvement.

“I know there’s a ton of students

who are not interested in dance, but where are the ton of them who are?” she said.

Sophomore Molly Lynn is interested. She was part of the club last year, and has decided that she wants to see it revived before the end of the semester.

“This club has a future. I’m not letting it slide again,” she said.

Lynn wants to get as much involvement as possible.

“I want to plan this end-of-theyear dance, have rosters for students to sign up for the club, host spontaneous dances on campus, try to bring in outside music and provide free lessons occasionally,” Lynn said.

Lynn said she thinks there might be some misconceptions about ballroom dance.

“Everyone thinks ballroom dance is stuffy, but if you learn the basics you can dance to any song with a beat. Waltz, lindy, tango, salsa— whatever,” she said. “It’s all really fun, and I hope that the UNA students will discover the incredible joy of ballroom dancing.”

UNA hosts dance classes periodically, some taught by Robbins.

Most meet for four to six weeks, and UNA students can take these classes for half price.

For further questions about the Ballroom and Social Dance Club, contact Suzy Robbins at 256-7671440.

Workin’ for the

Weekend

Check out what’s coming up this weekend in the Shoals.

Thursday, March 8th Battle of the Wills: SGA UNA Pesidential Debate Stevens Hall auditorium 7 p.m.

Mary Katherine Rowe JD’s 8 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Archie Hubbard Swampers Bar & Grille 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Barry Billings Swampers Bar & Grille 8 p.m. - 11 p.m.

The Decoys

DP’s 8 p.m. - midnight

Friday, March 9th An Abstract Theory, Guano Island, John Blummer Swampers Bar & Grille SCM Eletrix Smokehouse 9 p.m. - midnight

Shoals Blues Band with Judy Tony DP’s 9 p.m. - 1 a.m.

5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Tosha Hill Swampers Bar & Grille 9 p.m. - midnight

Five O’Clock Charlie On the Rocks 9:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 10th The Chris Roach Band On the Rocks 9:30 p.m.

Shane Wilson Swampers Bar & Grille 9 p.m. - midnight

The Pollies, Doc Dailey & The Magnolia Devils, The District Attorneys Mojo Risin’ JD’s 9 p.m. - 1:30 a.m.

DP’s 9 p.m. - 1 a.m.

Open Door for community lunch 5I\\ ?QT[WV

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Perhaps you have passed by it on your way to Rice Box or McDonald’s. Perhaps you tan across the street. Chances are that you have paid little attention to the Living Spirit Church that sits right off of Wood Avenue just south of Seven Points. Don’t worry though, the friendly faces inside will be more than willing to forgive you.

Every Thursday at noon, the Living Spirit Church opens its doors to everyone in the community for the Open Door lunch. The staff prepare food and invite anyone who wants a free meal and good conversation to come and partake.

When I first stepped inside of the white building with multi-colored windows, I took a seat in the main room. Along all of the walls are various paintings depicting spirituality, serenity and peace. In one corner was a basket with a few hand drums and in the other corner sat a piano. On the back wall were two posters with two different prayers printed in large letters. As I observed my surroundings, I heard the voices and laughter of people upstairs.

I started up the steps and heard someone playing guitar with two young ladies singing. When I reached the kitchen at the top of the stairs, there was Vicki Goldston cooking and laughing and immediately welcoming me to her church and to lunch. There was a large pizza, salad, homemade bread, black bean soup, macaroni salad, and various chips and dips, and bowls of almonds and crackers.

At first there were only seven of us, but as the lunch hour rolled on more people trickled in.

Casually. Everything is done casually and peacefully. Seated at one table, the group shares food and thoughts and conversation.

Goldston, along with daughter Camille Bennett, led the activities at the Living Spirit

0-6,:-6 KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM Hendren received his undergraduate degree from David Lipscomb University in Nashville, where he also learned to read and translate Koine Greek in his minor.

“It’s something I really enjoy,” Hendren said.

“I was also able to serve on the translation committee for the New King James Version (of the Bible) a few years back, which was fun.”

In addition to teaching, Hendren has also been in ministry and spent 10 years serving in the Marine Corps. He has traveled all over the U.S. and to Canada, Russia, Germany and Argentina

photo by MALISA MCCLURE I Chief Photographer

Community members attend open doorlunch at Living Spirit Church - a communal atmosphere where people come for good food and good conversation.

Church. Goldston, originally from Chicago, has lived in a handful of places including St. Marten and Virginia Beach before finding herself here in Florence. Together the two lead a “Keys to Conscious Living” class Sunday mornings before a more traditional general assembly directly after.

“When we first started this church, probably around 70 percent of our group was older,” Bennett said. “Now about 70 percent is a younger crowd.” She stresses that they enjoy all attendees both young and old, but she is hoping for more young people to come and get involved.

The open door lunch is on Thursdays at noon and is open to everyone. Just be ready to hug someone or at least be hugged. to give various presentations.

These days, Hendren devotes his time to his wife, former UNA flute professor Ann Hendren, and his family, as well as teaching. Hendren also serves as the faculty adviser for the Japanese Student Organization, and he received the UNA Outstanding Service Award in 2011.

Hendren said he enjoys teaching immensely, but said if a day ever comes when he does not, he will stop.

“Teaching is more of an art than it is a discipline,” Hendren said. “It’s almost like a higher calling. If I ever stop enjoying teaching, or it becomes a chore for me, I should quit. It’s the same for everything; if you fall out of love with what you’re doing, don’t do it anymore.”

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Thursday, March 8, 2011 â&#x20AC;˘ The Flor-Ala

Campus department brings awareness to eating disorders Counseling services informs students of dangers of eating disorders

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UNA participated in the 25th National Eating Disorders Awareness week last week by setting up tables in the GUC with educational literature and health officials to provide more information about possible disorders on campus. The theme this year is â&#x20AC;&#x153;Everybody Knows Somebody.â&#x20AC;?

Jennifer Berry, LPC, said the main goal of the event for Student Counseling Services is to bring awareness and education about all disorders and their symptoms.

Stickers were handed out that read â&#x20AC;&#x153;My

416,;-A KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM Lindsey and Borgnine were both present at the opening ceremony as the two guests of honor, who president Cale described as â&#x20AC;&#x153;treasures of the entertainment world.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great privilege to be remembered this way,â&#x20AC;? Lindsey said.

Lindsey is remembered most for his role as the auto mechanic Goober Pyle in the television series â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Andy Griffith Show.â&#x20AC;?

Other appearances include â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mayberry,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;R.F.D.,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gunsmoke,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;M*A*S*H*â&#x20AC;? and

worth isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t based on a numberâ&#x20AC;? to put on scales. Berry also took â&#x20AC;&#x153;Proud 2 be meâ&#x20AC;? pictures that had students holding a sign stating what they loved about themselves.

Disordered eating screenings were held in the Student Recreation Center. Students could attend these screenings to find out if they have symptoms that were progressed enough to be diagnosed with an eating disorder, Berry said.

According to research provided by Student Counseling Services, approximately 25 percent of college-aged women reported to engage in behaviors like binging and purging as a way to manage weight.

An estimated 10 percent of people with eating disorders are men, the reasearch shows. â&#x20AC;&#x153;(Eating disorders are) pretty big, especially with the college population,â&#x20AC;? said Shane Lindsey, an MA intern who helped run the event table. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Some people have trouble admitting they have an eating disorder. We are willing to help them. We also

want to bring awareness that it isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just women suffering.â&#x20AC;?

Some UNA students were receptive to the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Proud 2 be meâ&#x20AC;? pictures. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m just being supportive,â&#x20AC;? said Katie Birth, a criminal justice major at UNA who had her picture taken. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s OK to have

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hee-Haw.â&#x20AC;?

Borgnine was also honored for his success in the entertainment industry in both television and movies such as â&#x20AC;&#x153;McHaleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Navy,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Marty,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;From Here to Eternity,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Dirty Dozenâ&#x20AC;? and many more. Borgnine donated these scripts and others to the theatre for student use. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I take great pleasure in knowing that (my scripts) are being put to good use, and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what counts,â&#x20AC;? Borgnine said.

Borgnineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s speech to the audience filled the hall with laughter, emphasizing his strong friendship with Lindsey and what

they went through together. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been everywhere, done everything, seen everybody, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been great,â&#x20AC;?

Borgnine said.

When Lindsey took the floor, he opened up with his poem â&#x20AC;&#x153;What Mayberry Means to Me,â&#x20AC;?â&#x20AC;&#x201D;which also appears in his autobiography â&#x20AC;&#x153;Goober in a Nutshell,â&#x20AC;?â&#x20AC;&#x201D;in honor of his career on â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Andy Griffith Show.â&#x20AC;?

Many in the audience took time to ask Lindsey questions related to his career as Goober. He also gave some advice to students in their own rise to success. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t give up; donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let anyone tell you

.=6,16/ KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM had the additional funding that has been cut in years past, they could give cost of living adjustments and hire faculty into positions that have been left empty in the past.

With additional funding, the university could expand its academic initiatives and improve the performing arts programs, Cale said.

Cale said Higher Education Day requires officials to take a public stance on funding for colleges and universities

across the state. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It places (legislators) in a very public setting where they are asked to come forward and state a position, which I think is really valuable,â&#x20AC;? Cale said.

SGA should form a student committee that focuses primarily on legislative issues and takes part in activities such as letter writing in order to find different ways of interacting with legislators for more higher education funding, Cale said.

5-,,-:; KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM to accomplish positive things for the university. He said one of his biggest accomplishments so far at UNA was building a quality advancement team from a communications and development standpoint. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We will continue to work,â&#x20AC;? Medders said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m still employed at the University of North Alabama. Nothingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really going to change. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s still so much to ac-

complish, and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not putting anything on cruise control.â&#x20AC;?

Medders said scholarsips still need to be raised, and nothing has changed in terms of his departmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s focus. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our advancement team knows what needs to happen to keep moving forward,â&#x20AC;? he said.

.-;<1>)4 KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hey, man, maybe you can learn something,â&#x20AC;? Borgnine said to small group around

him. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If we can help you out through a discussion like this, then hey, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all worth it.â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;?Some people have trouble admitting they have an eating disorder.

We are willing to help them.â&#x20AC;?

-Shane Lindsey those feelings of insecurities, but we are all created different for a reason. Why would you want to look like someone else?â&#x20AC;?

Some UNA students are supportive of people who are suffering from an eating disorder. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let the mirror (affect) you or

what you see,â&#x20AC;? said Kayleigh Bonee, an elementary education major at UNA. She had a friend who was constantly accused of being anorexic but never admitted she had a problem.

On March 13, UNA will be hosting an event for eating disorder guidance for families and friends of the people who are suffering from eating disorders, Berry said.

The event will start at 6 p.m. and will include advice from several doctors. It will also provide insight from a recovery standpoint by including advice from a UNA student, Kellie Blew-Jordan.

UNA provides free student counseling through the Health and Wellness service on campus.

Counseling sessions are confidential and can provide help for eating disorders and other issues such as alcohol and substance abuse, relationship problems and suicide prevention.

you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do it, because you can,â&#x20AC;? Lindsey said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not the easiest profession in the world, but someoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s got to do it, and it may as well be you.â&#x20AC;?

The new theatre opens doors for the university to efficiently help students who pursue majors in entertainment by providing a better place to work, McCullough said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I look forward to using this theatre for its original purpose,â&#x20AC;? McCullough said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The university provides a theatre program, but weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had a disadvantage in the past because we didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have the facilities.â&#x20AC;?

Thursday,March 8, 2012 â&#x20AC;˘ The Flor-Ala

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Tweets of the week

Thursday, March 8, 2012 â&#x20AC;˘ The Flor-Ala DISCLAIMER: The tweets below are public tweets found on Twitter by searching hashtags involving UNA, Florence, Shoals and other university-related topics. Want to see yours on here? Be sure to hashtag UNA and Shoals in your tweets.

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