Nov. 03 Issue - Cycling, Step Show, and Drag Queens

November 3, 2011

Volume 80 No. 11

www.FlorAla.net

Student newspaper of the University of North Alabama

For the love of cycling

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@UNAFlorAla

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@FlorAlaSports

A LOOK INSIDE

SGA works to improve safety for pedestrians on campus.

See page 2 photos by Phillip Holcombe

Students with the Shoals Cycling Initiative ride their bikes near Harrison Plaza fountain Nov. 1.

Students unite to form Shoals Cycling Initiative )TM` 4QVLTMa ATO takes home top prize at Step Show.

See page 3

“For Colored Girls” play gives a different perspective on rape, abuse, and suicide.

See page 5

Graduating seniors look for careers in unsteady job market

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Eero Wilson’s love for cycling formed out of necessity. For his first three semesters as a UNA student, he didn’t have a car to get to and from campus.

“Living without a vehicle sparked my interest in cycling, but, with time, it became a passion,” Wilson said.

Now, in his senior year as a UNA culinary arts major, Wilson devotes much of his time to promoting the Shoals cycling community, with many of his efforts going towards his cycling group, the Shoals Cycling Initiative.

Wilson started the initiative, with the help of UNA student Cameron Kelly-Johnson and UNA graduate Ashton Lance, after Anna Goldstein, U.S. campaigns coordinator for 350.org, an

organization dedicated to reducing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to end the climate crisis, approached Kelly-Johnson and asked him to organize an event for Moving Planet Day, a worldwide event that encourages people to use

”Living without a vehicle sparked

my interest in cycling, but, with time, it became a passion.”

-Eero Wilson fewer fossil fuels.

The result was the Shoals Cycling Initiative. The Initiative hosted a bike ride Sept. 24 for Moving Planet Day. There were more than 2,000 events in more than 175 countries, but the Shoals Cycling Initiative’s event, held on campus, was one of only two in Alabama.

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With the high unemployment rates changing slightly, many graduating seniors may need to plan ahead to get into their desired profession after obtaining a college degree.

While the job market is often unpredictable in regards to the photo by Barry Minor economy’s variUNA student Amanda ous demands, it is Bowen works at Sonic. essential that graduating seniors develop an idea in terms of having a stable job after graduating from college, according to career planning officials at UNA. Alabama still stays above the national unemployment rate at 9.8 percent. Among the 11 metro areas in Alabama, the Shoals holds fifth place in terms of lowest unemployment percentage. From August to September, the Shoals area unemployment rate has increased from 9 percent to 9.2 percent. Mobile has the highest at 10.8 percent.

Employment success depends on demand.

With students studying for different majors and professions, it is likely that some will get more job recognition than others.

“It is vital that job seekers are flexible, competitive, flippant and aggressive,” said Director of Career Planning and Development Melissa Medlin. “Many companies look for experience, and students need to be the product of what that employer wants to hire.”

Medlin also believes that many students have a misconception of the purpose of Career Planning and Development at UNA. “Many students come here and think we can locate jobs for them after graduation when our purpose is solely to educate them and provide resources on how to find a job,” she said.

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Students owe more than $1 trillion in loan debt A close look into the life of Alan Flowers, music instructor at UNA. See page 8

Basketball season is about to get underway. Check out the preview.

See page 9

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College students now owe more than $1 trillion in student loans, surpassing the total amount owed for credit cards in the U.S., according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

This means that students who rely on loans to afford college are starting their professional careers in the hole and going into debt before even turning their tassels at graduation.

While not everyone has money saved for college or qualifies for federal Pell grants, there are some steps students can take to control the amount of loan money needed to obtain a degree.

“When applying to schools, make sure to check for scholarship deadlines and to fill out requirements beforehand,” said Shauna James, scholarship manager for UNA’s Financial Aid office. “Don’t wait until senior year (of high school) to take your ACT. Start your freshman year and take it more than once. The only thing a student has any control over is scholarships.”

Loans may be inevitable for some students, however. It is possible for their debt to be manageable during and after graduation, according to James.

James said one big mistake students can make is to not connect the numbers they see on their bill to the cash in their bank accounts.

“Be aware of what you are borrowing,”

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photo by Malisa McClure

The Federal Reserve recently reported that college students across the U.S. now owe more than $1 trillion in student loans. President Obama just announced an initiative to provide loan relief.

Page

News

2

Thursday, November 3, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

SGA works for pedestrian safety Fraternity takes ing to the city council about this,” safety precautions 5I\\ ?QT[WV ;\]LMV\ ?ZQ\MZ Fletcher said.

UL_QT[WV (]VI ML] “We don’t condone jaywalkafter attempted ing, but we’re just trying to keep The SGA and campus police are students safe,” said SGA President currently discussing options for robbery Ralph Akalonu. improving pedestrian safety on • Kappa Sigma to work toward safer campus environment 4]Ka *MZZa

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Members of Kappa Sigma are taking extra safety precautions after an attempted robbery involving a gun took place outside the fraternity house last weekend.

UNA Police said three students were getting inside their vehicle Oct. 29 at approximately 2:30 a.m. when the suspect, who is described as a young, black male in his early 20s, approached the victims. The suspect allegedly opened the passenger door, forced himself inside and demanded all of the victims’ money, according to the police report.

Victims told UNA Police that the suspect was carrying a small, black, semiautomatic handgun during the incident and repeatedly asked if any of them were named Jessie. When the victims said no, police said the suspect shook the victims’ hands, told them they were lucky and

”We are encouraging the student body to learn from this.”

-Bishop Alexander

Pine Street. A few incidents and numerous close calls involving motorists and students crossing the four-lane street have prompted SGA representatives to look into ways to increase the safety of the students.

During the summer retreat for SGA, the issue of pedestrian safety on campus was included in their main goals for the semester. Complaints and concerns about students almost getting hit while crossing Pine Street are consistently directed to SGA members.

Tyrie Fletcher, the SGA Senate member heading up pedestrian safety on campus, is working with City Council member Barry Morr i s as well as the City Engineer.

Fletcher said they are currently looking into gathering data about speeds and peak hours of traffic along the route by using radar-equipped speed limit signs.

“I do intend on go-

Akalonu acknowledges that with college students especially, not everyone is going to use the crosswalks every time they cross the street.

“Our goal is to keep students safe,” he said.

Over on Wood Avenue, the SGA, in conjunction with campus police, was successful in installing a crosswalk and yield sign where students often crossed near the Forensic Sciences building.

UNA police Chief Bob Pastula said Pine Street is just different because there are already two stop lights and crosswalks in place.

“We’re not encouraging students to cross illegally; our job is to increase safety for them,” said SGA Vice President Emily McCann.

McCann said students are also not supposed to be parking in the parking lot of Kilby School.

City police have already visited Pine Street in the recent past, giving out tickets for jaywalking. Pastula said they will probably return. Both cam-

Two students cross a campus roadway on their way to class. Students cross major intersections and roadways everyday on their way to and from campus.

pus and city police run radar in the area to deter speeding, but Fletcher would like to see the speed limit further reduced from 25 to 15 mph.

Pastula has some other ideas for the increase in student safety around campus.

“Instead of parking in the Kilby parking lot or parking on Pine Street, students should focus on using the off-site parking and taking the shuttles to campus,” he said.

“People get in a rush, and they want to do things the easy way and not always the best way.”

Budget changes to fund new office space for student representatives

walked away toward North Cypress Street.

Bishop Alexander, public relations representative and chaplain of Kappa Sigma, said the three victims were leaving a gettogether at the fraternity house when the attempted robbery took place. Since the incident, Alexander has spoken with the Interfraternity Council and plans to speak with SGA Thursday about student safety.

“We’re encouraging the student body to learn from this,” he said. “We do not want them to be afraid, but to use this as a learning experience and to take precautions.”

Police said the suspect, who is between 5’4” and 5’6” tall, was last seen wearing a dark, knit cap, dark clothing, no facial hair and white knit gloves.

To report information about this incident, contact UNA Police at 256-765-4357. photo by Kayla Sloan

Bank Independent to give scholarship

SGA President Ralph Akalonu addresses members of the executive council and senate. Members of senate are looking at budgetting money for renovations into their budget to move their office to the first floor of the GUC.

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Bank Independent, along with UNA, will host another pre-game challenge at this week’s home football game Saturday.

“The pre-game challenge consists of the four winners from the first four home games and they are competing to win $3,500 in tuition for UNA,” said Bank Independent Marketing Associate Erin Letson.

The giveaway will take place at approximately 3:40 p.m. right before kickoff, she said.

Bank Independent has hosted four events at past home games giving students the opportunity to win prizes. The check will be given to the winner shortly after the constest on Saturday, Letson said.

Members of SGA’s executive council are working on passing a bill, which will approve the budgeting of funds to renovate new space in the GUC. The space will be a new office area for the executive members of SGA to work and meet with students, officials said.

Currently, SGA’s offices are located on the second floor of the GUC. Many members of SGA feel as though their location is not accessible for students, and they feel as though the location on the first floor of the GUC will better serve students, officials said. The new location will be in the old disability support services office space.

The renovations to the office space will cost SGA an estimated $7,000, which was

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photos by Darrick Dawkins

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budgeted from other line items in their budget. Money was taken from miscellaneous line items, C Leg areas, retreats and events that SGA pays for each year. SGA President Ralph Akalonu has not yet signed this year’s budget into law.

The budget, which will be voted on in the Nov. 3 senate meeting, will reflect the new dollar amount needed for the renovations, Akalonu said. The budget was not passed at the last senate meeting because there was not a two-thirds majority at the meeting, he said.

“This is a temporary move,” Akalonu said. “(SGA will be in the new location) until the academic commons building is built.”

Akalonu expects the move to happen in February or March of 2012.

“Where we currently are right now is hidden away from people who are supposed

to be able to come to us,” Akalonu said.

“The more visibility that we can have will be beneficial to our purposes and what we hope to achieve.”

Akalonu said few members of the student body stop by their offices at the current location, and he feels the move will greatly boost the number of students who stop in and talk to their elected student leaders.

Other members of the executive council are excited for the added features of the new location.

“It’s going to make us more accessible to students,” said Vice President of Senate Emily McCann. “Every student should know where the office is.”

McCann feels as though moving the office will provide better opportunities for senators and other members of SGA to meet with their constituents.

“If the student body doesn’t know where your office is, you aren’t doing your job,” McCann said. “Students will be able to see us, they will be able to stop by more, there will be more one-on-one contact, which needs to be done more.”

For more information on SGA’s budgets or any other questions contact Akalonu at (256) 765-4207.

Want to see SGA’s budgets?

They are on our website.

Visit www.florala.net for more!

News

Thursday, November 3, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

Page

ATO ‘cooks’ up win at Step Show Josh Skaggs

News Editor jskaggs@una.edu

The brothers of Alpha Tau Omega took home the awards for overall winner and overall male group this year at Step Show 2011. Additionally, the sisters of Alpha Gamma Delta took home the award for best overall women’s performance.

“I am so glad the hard work paid off,” said ATO Step Show Chairman Kyle Enloe. “(We are) so glad we could help raise money for a good cause.”

Enloe and his fellow ATO brothers went with a cooking theme for the winning performance this year, and he thought it paid off.

“I’m really proud of (my brothers), it’s been a lot of hard work.” Enloe said. “The hard work paid off though.”

UPC, the programming branch of SGA, donated a percentage of the proceeds from Tuesday night’s performance to United Way of the Shoals. In addition to the money raised from ticket sales, the groups who take part in the show also raise money for United Way. Phi Mu, the winner of the People’s Choice Award, donated more than $500 to the charity.

“I thought (the show) went really well,” said Coordinator of Programming Cheryl Mathis. “I thought that having the lights was really exciting.”

In addition to new rules, UPC added some flare to the stage this year with an upgraded light system,

howts S p l Ste Resu

Staff Writer bsteelman@una.edu

photo by Kayla Sloan

Alpha Tau Omega takes advantage of a new rule at Step Show. ATO utilized props in their performance, which have not been allowed in years past.

Mathis said.

“I think everybody was really competitive,” Mathis said. “I think they really took to heart that the judges were looking for perfection.”

SGA President Ralph Akalonu told the audience how proud he was that the UNA community comes together each year to raise money for United Way. “We are excited for the number of student groups who help raise money for United Way,” Akalonu said.

Alpha Tau Omega

After last year’s controversy at Step Show, members of UPC changed the rules and made sure there was in no way a conflict of interest with the judging. “(The judges) don’t know anyone here,” Mathis said. “Our judges are from the community. They represent education, community service and have backgrounds in dancing and stepping.”

UPC made sure the judges had experience in stepping and dancing, Mathis said.

Women’s First Place:

Co-Ed First Place:

Alpha Gamma Delta

Alpha Beta Organization

Men’s Second Place: Women’s Second Place: Phi Gamma Delta

Alpha Delta Pi

Students can avoid debt, ID theft through simple precautions Ashley Vickers

Student Writer avickers@una.edu

Many students can avoid credit card or ID theft and prevent becoming in debt by taking simple precautions, being aware of what information they release and monitoring how much they spend with credit cards.

“According to various news sources, almost 80 percent of college students own a credit card and use them on a weekly or monthly basis,” said Lee Taylor, a spokesperson for Young & Free Alabama.

Young & Free is powered by Listerhill Credit Union and helps students with managing their money.

“It’s scary how easy it is to be pre-approved for a credit card,” Taylor said. “Fifty percent of college students receive pre-approved credit card offers in the mail daily.

As a result, it’s projected that by the end of the year almost all of these students will reach within 50 percent of their spending limit on these cards.”

Taylor said one way to help prevent having your credit card and ID information stolen is to limit the amount of purchases you make online. He also said to limit how many cards you use to make online purchases. “(About) 48 percent of college students have their grades posted by social security number,” Taylor said. “Any use of your SSN should be carefully thought through, considering this number, including just the ‘last four digits’ can grant many people access to various accounts you have in school and online.”

Taylor said about 29 percent of identity theft complaints received by the Federal Trade Commission came from young

New degree program focuses on individuals Blythe Steelman

Overall Winner: Men’s First Place: Alpha Tau Omega

3

University to host events for sexual assault awareness Amanda Abernathy

Student Writer aabernathy@una.edu

photo by Darrick Dawkins

College students can enroll in special programs at many credit unions that are geared towards college-aged students.

adults in 2006. Also, according to the U.S. Department of Justice, households headed by persons between the ages of 18-24 are more likely to have experiences with identity theft.

“I’m not sure what percentage of college students run into (credit or ID theft, but) it’s clear that people our age, through online purchasing with credit and debit cards

See CREDIT, page 11

UNA will host Sexual Assault Awareness week Nov. 7-11. Students can find activities around campus each day during the week to spread the word and educate students on sexual assault and domestic violence.

April is recognized nationally as Sexual Assault Awareness month. However, UNA has chosen to hold the event earlier in the school year so that students may become aware of danger as they begin the school year and dive into the party scene.

“The main goal of Sexual Assault Awareness Week at UNA is to advocate and let students know what resources are available to them,” said Kaylie Watts, UNA student and program director for Alternative Break Board.

The awareness week should help educate students on facts about rape and violence and let students know that regardless of gender, race or sexuality, sexual assault can and does happen.

“Our goal is to motivate the student body to participate,” Watts said.

ABB members and the Resident Hall Association are helping to sponsor the week’s events. The Office of Student Engagement has also helped to get the event going, Watts said.

Rape Response of the Shoals also works to educate on violence and assault and to provide a place of support for students and

See AWARENESS, page 11

The newest degree program offered at UNA is the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree.

The BIS degree offers students the opportunity to build their own program by selecting courses from 3-4 different disciplines, while focusing on one specific area of study. The degree program is highly customized and individualized for each student.

Dr. Craig Robertson, head of the program, said that the BIS degree does not include just picking and choosing courses from all over campus.

“Students have a great deal of power,” Robertson said. “But, every course that they choose has to bear a conceptual relationship to the others. The student then has to be able to show what the relationship is between all of their coursework.”

The second option offered through the BIS degree is the chance for students to apply for up to 30 credit hours of approved technical coursework to their BIS program.

“This program will be especially attractive to adult nontraditional students,” Robertson said. “It respects the adult learner for what they’ve already learned

”This program will be

especially attractive to adult nontraditional students.”

-Craig Robertson

out in the workforce.”

Pache Murphy, a student in the BIS program, said the program has helped her pursue her interests in both health and education. She is taking a mixture of classes in both areas, as well as classes in management.

“To the outside student or employer, the Interdisciplinary Studies program looks really unstructured,” Murphy said.

“However, if students are looking for more flexibility or what they want to do isn’t really offered in a set major, this program is for them.”

In order to complete the program, students will have to enroll in IDS 499. The class will focus on students completing a capstone-style project through the program that they have constructed.

The project will be something to present to potential employers and will be a tangible reflection of the student’s interests.

“The key with an Interdisciplinary Studies degree is being able to market yourself after you graduate,” Murphy said.

“Potential employers are going to remember someone in Interdisciplinary Studies because of the many skills they can offer, and IDS 499 is a key part of the program.”

For more information about the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree, please contact Dr. Craig Robertson or Hillary Coats at 256-765-5003 or e-mail Robertson at ctrobertson@una.edu.

Thursday, November 3, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

Viewpoints

Page

PAWS UP, PAWS DOWN

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/OPINION EDITOR JORDAN BRADLEY ONLINE EDITOR DEVIN KENNAMER AD MANAGER SAVANNAH COMER GRAPHIC ARTIST EVAN KING CIRCULATION MGR MALISA McCLURE CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER KAYLA SLOAN BARRY MINOR DARRICK DAWKINS 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 e-mail.

• 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.

E-mail: 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.

4

Calling it like we see it at UNA, in the Shoals, across the state and around the world

Conference brings knowledge, goals After attending the National didn’t receive much praise from College Media Convention in the university administration, but Orlando, Fla. last week, I walked they got the thumbs up from a away with more knowledge about number of admirers, including journalism than I can count. I journalist Katie Couric. was able to speak with awardWhen the storm hit winning college newspaper staffs, Tuscaloosa, The CW staff didn’t learn more about better newsroom hesitate. Though they didn’t management and how to keep my have an emergency plan already sanity in this fast-paced profes- set in place, they swarmed into sion. action and performed I had the fortunate opportheir roles as journaltunity to meet The Crimson ists. They had no other White newspaper staff from choice—it was their the University of Alabama, duty as members of the and learn how they covered media to perform that the tornadoes that wrecked public service for their Tuscaloosa and surrounding community.

4]Ka *MZZa areas in April.

Of course, I fol-`MK]\Q^M -LQ\WZ The staff completely TJMZZa(]VI ML] lowed The CW on came together with one sinTwitter when the gle mission—which was to act tornado coverage was happenas an effective communication ing, and their work was an eyetool to students, faculty, staff opening experience and example and members of the community. of great journalism for me. I conThey did their jobs beautifully sidered the fact that the tornadoes and deserve nothing but praise for that struck Alabama could have how well they orchestrated the easily destroyed Florence and tornado coverage. taken the lives of many members Although The CW used tradi- of the UNA community. tional forms of media, like a print Would my small newspaper newspaper, to keep the public staff have taken the same initiainformed, they shined the most tive as The CW had something with their excellent use of social similar happened within the city media, including Twitter and of Florence? I truly believe we Facebook. The editors said they would have, but since we were

fortunate enough to have only suffered from a few fallen trees and power outages, we had the chance to learn from The CW’s work.

Social media is an extremely important tool of communication today, and The Flor-Ala has explored various online venues during the last two years to more effectively reach our readers.

We’ve run into a few bumps along the way, but we’ve found that it is probably one of the best forms of communication we have with our readers—in terms of what they like, don’t like or need from our publication.

As a student journalist on the cusp of graduation, I’m excited to enter the world of new media, although I still haven’t transitioned to a smart phone. I’m looking forward to working as a reporter and using social media and live blogs to inform the public within news organizations that may have rejected new media in the past.

Stick with The Flor-Ala this year to learn about what’s going on at UNA. Join the conversation by visiting florala.net, like us on Facebook and follow our Twitter accounts: @UNAFlorAla and @ FlorAlaSports.

Student encounters ghosts in Rivers Hall Recently, a group of Flor- was something of the paranormal Ala writers bravely spent their afoot. Three young women greeted me who had obviously Friday night searching for been possessed with a spirthe obscure and haunted in it, or spirits, yelling that some of the UNA buildings.

To be completely frank, I their Grecian society was was offended that I was not superior to others—they mentioned squirrels. One chosen. Obviously, the editor of them sprinted outside to who picked the writers for puke. this assignment did not realize how seasoned I am in the 5IKS +WZV_MTT I did not see +WT]UVQ[\ them as a threat, art of ghost busting, or how UKWZV_MTT(]VI ML] but I could easmuch I enjoy creeping around ily tell they had been infected with at night.

It was clearly a mistake that I some zombie disease, and I needed was not picked for the story, and to get away from them before they instead of embarrassing the editor started their next stage of the disby calling him out, I took the ini- ease where they cried uncontroltiative to go forward with my own lably and continually asked me to article. First step: finding a haunted confirm their beauty. building. I feel confident no one Thinking it a safe way to travel will disagree with the statement, to the top floor, I ran to the eleva“Rivers is the most haunted place tor. Wow, was I wrong! Some demon was evidently living within. in Florence.”

I grabbed the sleeping bag I had Why else would it open on floors I rented from the Outdoor Adventure did not request or just stop abruptCenter, a keychain pepper spray ly? Finally, I reached the top floor and my shop-vac. Boy, was I ready. where I planned to spend the night.

As I walked into the dorm 1 Like with many haunted places, a.m. Friday, it was evident there a story exists to explain why the

building is haunted. No one shared with me the tale of why Rivers is such a scary place, so I was left to do my own journalistic research to find out the cause. Minutes after rolling my sleeping bag out, I started to understand.

Feminine-sounding, earsplitting shrieks echoed from one end of the hallway to the other followed by pounding on the walls. I was utterly terrified. What had I gotten myself into? I wanted to run but knew I needed to stay and find out what was going on.

I yelled to the shrieking voice, “Who are you, and why do you haunt these halls?”

After listening to her response, it became clear she had died of grief over the loss of her child and wished she had more time with the child. Maybe the sixth floor of Rivers was once a neonatal ward of a hospital.

She continued to yell, “More!

More! Yes! Oh, Baby, Oh, Baby.

Yes! More!”

This is, of course, a dramatization.

The Florence City Council finance committee is recommending a boost to the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library’s budget. If the plan is adopted, the library will receive an additional $165,239 in the 2011-2012 fiscal year. Also included in the amended budget is a $96,000 boost to the City School Board’s budget.

The 2011 Diorama yearbook placed ninth in the Associated Collegiate Press Best of Show contest on Sunday in Orlando, Fla. They competed with other college yearbooks staffs across the U.S., including Eastern Illinois University, Missouri Western State University and Miami University. Congrats to last year’s editors for their hard work.

Shorter University, a small, private college located in Georgia, just recently established a requirement that all employees of the institution must be straight.

They are requiring employees to sign a “personal lifestyle pledge,” which means they reject homosexuality, premarital sex and adultery, according to WSBTV reports.

The number of Alabama state employees declined 4.4 percent in the last year due to layoffs and agencies being unable to replace employees who retire or quit for financial reasons.

Gov. Robert Bentley predicts further decline in the next two years because of Alabama’s economic situation.

Congratulations to Lauren Estes for writing last week’s story of the week!

Life

Thursday, November 3, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

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5

No more rainbows in ʻColored Girlsʼ play

photos by Phillip Holcombe

Keia Andrews and Eleanor McClellan perform in the play “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf.” The play featured poetry, monologues, singing and drama.

Mia Brooks plays her role in the performance. The play delt with issues such as rape, domestic abuse, abortion and racism.

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Dead Silence.

That was one of the reactions of the audience at the GUC performance center as “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered

Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf” by Ntozake Shange was presented. The play was performed Oct. 25 and 27 at 7 p.m.

All proceeds went to Rape Response of Florence.

“It is a little intense but a good form of expression,” said UNA freshman Hannah

Hicks. “I have never been so aware. It has really forced me to think.”

The silence was in response to the social issues addressed in the play. Issues undertaken included date rape, domestic abuse, racial prejudices and abortion. The silence, though, can be interpreted as positive and thoughtful through considering the reviews of audience members.

“It was very emotional and deep and thought provoking,” said UNA senior culinary arts major Ashley Whitehead. “I think it is very relevant to what is going on today.”

The play included poetry, witticisms and musical performances. These elements of dramatic performance really affected audience members, according to Jensen Porter, a UNA freshman.

“I liked it when they sang,” Porter said.

“It gave me chills.”

It was not just audience members who were affected by the performance, though.

The actresses in the play had positive comments about their acting experience.

Actress Tabitha Johnson said so many people think that plays such as “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered

Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf” are just for a select audience. She learned, though, that plays such as this one are for everyone. According to Johnson, the ladies in the play wore all the colors of the rainbow to represent people of all skin tones and races.

Tammy Rhodes was one of the driving forces in the production. She acted in the play and was the woman who first decided to “put this on the stage” here at UNA. “It was a movie I saw,” she said.

The concept was originally presented as a play, Rhodes explained. “And I wanted people to know about the play and movie.”

The efforts of the actresses did not go in vain, according to Emily Kelley, coordinator of the Women’s Center. Her response summed up the positive reaction of the audience if that job was not done by the applause and laughter that intertwined with the quiet stillness throughout the progression of the play.

“We had outstanding attendance and the response was so positive,” Kelley said.

“People were coming out of the theater calling other people to come. I can’t think of a better endorsement than that.”

Losing religion: Does college life shake studentsʼ faith? )TM` 4QVLTMa

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photo by Barry Minor

College View Church of Christ sits right off of UNA’s campus. Oftentimes, students begin questioning their religiousw upbringing in college and use Sunday morning for sleeping in instead of service.

UNA psychology professor Dr. Larry Bates, whose research often focuses on the psychology of religion, said that roughly 93 percent of Americans are engaged in a faith, and 80 percent of them will disengage from that faith at some point.

For UNA political science major W.J. McCormack, college is a time when students should question any and all beliefs they hold—which is what he did while learning about the Bible stories he was teaching as a youth pastor when he was 17. McCormack questioned his Southern Baptist upbringing and, through a self-described process of critical thinking, eventually became an atheist.

McCormack believes that everyone, regardless of what beliefs they hold, has a responsibility to question their faith.

“When you critically think, that’s how you make decisions,” he said.

In many cases, college is the first time students are exposed to critical thinking, and is a time when students define who they are, according to McCormack. He said critical thinking explains the multitude of students who change, augment or leave behind their faiths in college.

But Bates attributes students’ changes of faith to a different source.

“Almost no one will break free of any faith without a group to join,” he said. “If you come to college and befriend an atheist who hasn’t yet been struck down by God, it can cause you to question your previously held beliefs.”

According to Bates, friend groups and new experiences account for the many students who change their beliefs in college. But he doesn’t believe college is the only reason people change.

“There’s a natural ebb and flow to life,” he said.

“Different life stages, like parenthood, can cause

;MM :-41/176 XIOM

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6

Images

Thursday, November 3, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

The drag show

By Kayla Sloan - Staff Photographer - ksloan@una.edu Like most women, I don’t enjoy being called a “hoe” or “bitch” by strange men.

Usually, those names do not have a positive connotation.

But when you’re sitting at a table at the Funky Monkey in Orlando, Fla. and a man with breasts calls you a hoe, he just means you’re fabulous.

These men (women?) were much bigger hoes than I could ever dream of being.

Their fabulousity oozed through their skin and was manifested through the sequins and glitter that covered their womanly figures.

Their makeup was an art form in itself—lashes for miles and lips that resembled the texture of a strawberry Creamsaver. Those men could have probably taught me a thing or two about makeup.

And they were certainly show men (or show women?). Each one came out and perfectly performed lipsynced versions of songs by Dolly Parton, Mary J. Blige and even The Cure.

One of the larger, more dramatic queens showed off her vocal talents with the song “Sweet Transvestite” and another more colorfully titled song that I wouldn’t like my mother to read about when I hand her a copy of this paper.

The highlight of my evening had to have been a conversation between one of the queens and a guy celebrating his 21st birthday.

She handed the birthday boy a shot of José and said, “Now when I start looking real, you know you’ve had enough.”

Thursday, November 3, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

Feature

Page

photos by Carrie Cook

Award winning musician, local native Mac McAnally visits campus Oct. 26 +A+416/ KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM because they force them to remain in a designated area, but they are ideal for safety.”

And safety is a big concern for the Initiative, according to Wilson.

“We’re trying to avoid close encounters with cars and pedestrians,” he said. “One limitation is that bikes are technically illegal on sidewalks, but I’ve never had a problem just riding on the road comfortably to the right.”

Wilson said cyclists and drivers need to have a mutual respect.

“As cyclists, if we don’t respect drivers, they’ll have less respect for us,” he said. “We can develop our community in a respectful way. It should be more symbiotic than clashphotos by Phillip Holcombe ing.”

UNA students with the Shoals Cycling Initiative UNA police Chief Bob Pastula said saferide their bikes on the university campus Nov. 1. ty is a concern with increasing bike use on “The point of the ride was to show people campus, but he encourages students to bike that it is possible to ride bikes around Flor- if they can. ence,” Kelly-Johnson said. “The idea behind Pastula, in conjunction with an idea prethe Initiative is to form consensus-based goals sented to him by SGA, was behind the addition on what the Shoals needs to do to promote the of bike racks to campus. cycling community in the future.”

“As soon as we put (the racks) in, we saw Wilson said the Initiative is relevant for an increase in bike use,” he said.

UNA commuters because of crowded parking Pastula supports the Initiative’s goal belots and high gas prices. cause he encourages student fitness, better “Parking will probably always be a prob- parking and a better college experience. lem (at UNA),” he said. “Cyclists don’t have “Bikes are something you see a lot of on to worry about parking so much.” other campuses,” he said. “I want students to With SGA’s recent addition of bike racks to have that kind of experience here.” campus, Wilson thinks the campus is making Wilson said he hopes students will consider steps in the right direction, but he hopes to get the environmental and physical benefits of cythe Initiative involved with UNA. cling.

“We have yet to make a formal connection “I feel and see benefits of (cycling),” he with campus, but we’re open,” he said. “I hope said. “The benefits encourage me to be proacthe campus is curious.” tive (for the Shoals cycling community).”

Wilson said the Initiative might try to get Wilson said he has one important piece bike lanes painted on campus. of advice for students as cycling increases on “It would be nice to have bike lanes on campus. campus to show students there is a place for it,” “Wear a helmet,” he said, smiling. he said. “Some people don’t want bike lanes

27*; KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM Senior professional writing major Lauren Elise is fearful because graduation is near and she does not feel fully prepared.

“Because I do not feel ready just yet, I am trying to make plans to go back to school for my Master’s,” she said.

Many students, not knowing what direction they should take after graduation, decide to do a few more years in graduate school.

“Students should not go to graduate school to avoid the job search,” Medlin said. “Take charge of the situation, and take advantage of the sources at hand.”

Hannah West, a senior fashion merchandising major, is excited to graduate but nervous about the economy.

“I am still trying to stay positive about the job hunt,” she said.

While many graduating seniors do not feel secure enough to enter the job market, some do feel optimistic about their plans after graduation.

Senior Stephanie Bradshaw is not worried about life after graduation.

“The four years swept by so fast,” Bradshaw said. “It is OK to be a little nervous, considering that students who are so used to their college routine are being let out into the big, wide world.”

Majoring in exercise science, Bradshaw will stay in her field, soccer, by pursuing a career as a graduate assistant at another institution while working to achieve a Master’s degree in human performance.

“I just want to stay in something soccer-related,” Bradshaw said.

Career Planning and Development has also been helpful to Bradshaw.

“They helped me write a good resume and made me take a job test in which I was suited for a mechanic,” Bradshaw said, laughing.

It all depends on what field students are going into, and whether or not they get their names out there, ac-

cording to Bradshaw.

Senior Caleb Kendrick is also optimistic about his plans after graduation in fall 2012.

“I was taught by my professors to find internships and go to graduate school after getting my degree,” Kendrick said.

As a theater major, Kendrick believes the possibility of finding a job in Alabama is slim.

“My advice to other students is to go where the jobs are,” Kendrick said.

Kendrick plans on getting an internship at Walt Disney and then moving on to get his Master’s at the University of Maryland. Upon achieving his master’s, he wishes to become a theme park designer for Universal Studios in Orlando.

”Students are not pre-

paring themselves. It is essential that they plan ahead and think about what was their ideal reason for the major they chose in the first place.”

-Melissa Medlin “I am a bit nervous coming from a school like UNA, but I am confident in the experience I am getting from my directors here and working with them one on one,” Kendrick said.

Unfortunately, only 5 to 10 percent of UNA students find jobs immediately after graduation, according to Medlin.

“Students are not preparing themselves,” Medlin said. “It is essential that they plan ahead and think about what was their ideal reason for the major they chose in the first place.”

7

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Life

8

Thursday, November 3, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

Professor Profile: Alan Flowers

<QNNIVa +WNNMa

;\]LMV\ ?ZQ\MZ \KWNNMa(]VI ML]

Dr. Alan Flowers has taught music while sitting at his piano at UNA since 1990. Flowers teaches music appreciation and music history.

“I teach from the piano so I can illustrate the music we are studying and get the students’ input and reaction to it,” Flowers said. “I sit at the piano while teaching, and if we’re talking about a particular piece of music, I play that piece of music.”

When his brother was taking piano lessons and hating them, Flowers’ parents realized that the wrong child was taking piano lessons.

“I picked them right up,” Flowers said.

Since he was four, he always knew he wanted to study music.

“It was never a question; everyone in my family went to college,” Flowers said.

Flowers received his bachelor’s and master’s of music from the University of Alabama.

While at the University of Alabama, he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon centennial pledge class. SAE is a social fra-

ternity founded at UA. Flowers was active in helping get a chapter of SAE started at UNA. After graduating, he taught at Coffee and Bradshaw high schools, which are now combined to form Florence High School.

After teaching, he left and worked in retail management; however, he soon realized he could not keep away from teaching.

“I decided I missed being around young people, and that’s when I decided to come to UNA,” Flowers said.

As well as Flowers, his father and mother taught at UNA. Flowers Hall was named after his father Hubert A. Flowers.

H.A Flowers was the first athletic director and first baseball and basketball coach.

“He was responsible for bringing football back to UNA,” Flowers said.

Outside of the classroom, Flowers is involved in the Shoals Community Theater.

“I direct one play a year, and they’re always musicals,” he said.

The musical he will be directing this year is called “Cabaret.” Flowers is also involved at his church, First Presbyterian Church, where he serves as organist and choir director.

During his spare time, he enjoys cook-

photo by Malisa McClure

Flowers is the organist of First Presbyterian Church in downtown Florence. A versatile man, he serves as a music instructor on campus, local play director and an accomplished world traveler.

ing, gardening and traveling the world.

Flowers’ favorite place he has traveled is Tuscany, a region of Italy where Florence, Italy is located. It is filled with old Italian cities.

“I love not only just seeing the different places I have learned about, but meeting the people and learning about their culture,” Flowers said.

Flowers said if he had the choice to go anywhere, he would love to go

Grad conference explores American dream 2M[[M 4IUJMZ\

;\]LMV\ ?ZQ\MZ RTIUJMZ\(]VI ML]

UNA’s English department will host the third annual English graduate conference in Wesleyan Hall auditorium Nov. 11-12. This is the largest regional conference for graduate students in the Southeast.

Approximately 20 presenters will be competing to win cash prizes, which range from $150 (first place), $100 (second place) and $50 (third place). Three English department faculty members will act as judges.

Each year, the conference organizing committee selects a theme for the conference. This year’s conference theme focuses on the American Dream. Graduate students have proposed papers that focus on what constitutes the American Dream and what might make one successful.

Several paper topics will be discussed,

:-41/176 KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM these changes. Kids will cause anyone to seek divine intervention.”

Some UNA students have had a different experience than McCormack.

“My beliefs have strengthened since I got to college,” said UNA junior public relations major Kat Hardiman.

Hardiman was Catholic as a freshman, but now she is heavily involved with The Well, a Baptist campus organization.

She said that her new college friends contributed heavily to her change in faith.

“You kind of become the people you hang around,” she said. “I had people I was open with and understand what

including a paper about the American TV series “Glee.”

“Students can expect to hear ideas about interesting works of literature, film and television,” said Dr. Lesley Peterson, conference co-chair and associate professor of English at UNA. “Students can learn a new way of thinking about works that are already familiar to them. For graduate students who attend, it will be a valuable opportunity to get together with other apprentice scholars.”

Each year, proposals are accepted and reviewed blindly—which means judges will not know the proposals’ authors prior to judging.

“Not every proposal is accepted,” Peterson said. “So (attendees) can expect to hear scholarship, because the proposals have been through the peer review process.”

This year’s conference will include six panels: the American Nightmare, Staging the Dream, Barriers to the

Dream, Defining the Dream, Crime & the American Dream and Realism & the American Dream. Dr. Nicholas Mauriello, Dr. Will Verrone and Peterson will take part in an extra panel, which will focus on how to get published. Typical panels include three 20-minute paper presentations. A discussion period follows the presentations, so students in the audience will have the opportunity to ask questions.

This year’s conference will also feature a play directed by faculty member Amy Nelson entitled, “The American Dream.” The performance will take place Nov. 10-11 at 7:30 p.m. in Wesleyan Hall auditorium. This one-act satire written by Edward Albee focuses on the American family life. Admission is by donation, and all are welcome to attend.

The conference is open to everyone and will take place from noon to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 11 and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Nov. 12.

I’m going through. My friends gave me accountability in my faith.”

UNA junior French and Spanish major Dillon Green also found himself at The Well after entering college and was unsure about his faith.

He said he tried to apply logic and critical thinking to his faith, but his friends helped him to understand that God thinks with different logic.

“Sometimes I feel like it’s tough for students to believe in God because they have to believe in something they can’t see,” he said.

For Green, the college environment strengthened his Christian beliefs.

“College is an environment of temptation,” he said. “It strengthened my faith because it forced me to question my faith.”

And, according to Bates, what Green

experienced is perfectly normal. He said beliefs are like a house, and any new experience has to be able to fit into that structure.

If students who experience new things are able to reconcile those things with their beliefs, then their faith is strengthened, according to Bates. If they can’t, then it changes.

McCormack believes that all faiths have a place as long as the individual believers have responsibly examined their beliefs.

“Open-mindedness doesn’t mean acceptance of everything,” he said. “It means examining your beliefs and understanding what is fact and what is faith.

You should never be too comfortable with your beliefs. If you’re comfortable, you’re dead.”

back and explore Greece.

“It’s where Western civilization as we know it began,” he said. “I’ve been there but have not seen as much as I would like to.”

Thursday, November 3, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

Player of the week

Lee Chapple

Hometown: Alpharetta, Ga. Major: Business Management.

Position: Quarterback Stats: Chapple completed 31 of 43 passes for 397 yards and two touchdowns in the lose to West Alabama.

Week At A Glance

Volleyball When: Thursday - 6 p.m.

Friday- 6 p.m.

Sunday- 10 a.m.

Su Where: Away Who: 1. Tampa W 2. Eckerd 3. St. Leo

Soccer When: F Friday - 11 a.m.

Sunday- 11 a.m Where: Pensacola, Fla.

9

but is now on every- which could be scary to the rest of the conference. one’s radar.

Division I transfers senior “He came on strong at the end basically guard Theron Jenkins (Texas because no one knew Tech) and sophomore forward about him. We hope he Tyler Richardson (Wichita can continue on what State) lead the way along with he left off from last sea- freshman international players Luke Corkery, Nathan Spehr son.”

Also returning are and Lazar Petrov. Also joining seniors Nick Luttrell, the Lions are local products Sam Buxton, War- Davonte Anderson and Corey rick Mastin and junior Ricks.

“The team is blended all Keynan Jackson. All were key contributors right,” Champagne said. “The for the Lions last sea- freshmen are adjusting to the son and are in the mix speed and flow of the game and for the final three start- the transfers are fitting right in ing spots. Mastin is the and learning the new system.”

With the addition of good photo by Malisa McClure second leading scorer young talent and a blend of recoming into the seaJunior guard Keynan Jackson dribbles the ball to the wing during last son, but Champagne turning starters with a lot of week’s purple and white game. Jackson and the Lions look to rebound has yet to name his fi- experience, the potential of the from last year. team could be there for the Linal five.

Bobby Champagne. “We were 7ZZMa *WT\WV “All the seniors are doing a ons going into this season with projected third the year we ;\INN ?ZQ\MZ good job leading on and off the hopes of improving from a dismade it to the Elite 8, so the WJWT\WV(]VI ML] polls don’t mean a whole lot. Ev- court,” Champagne said. “All of appointing end to last season.

“We can shoot the ball very The UNA men’s basketball eryone likes to look at the pro- them are competing, and three spots are wide open.

Every day well, and we have executed reteam came into the 2011-2012 jected wins and losses, but our is a competition, which is always ally well in the off-season,” season with a lot of returnees goal is to improve every day.” a good thing. ” Champagne said. “Our whole is Senior point guard Beauand key additions to help reUNA added seven players to greater than its parts.” bound from a 13-16 record last mont Beasley, who averaged 12 the roster for the points and four assists a game, season.

The Lions are projected by and GSC Freshman of the Year 2011-2012 season the coaches to finish fourth in Wes Long are the only returning that includes a mix a talented Gulf South Confer- starters. A rising star in the con- of Division I talent, 2010 Record: 13-16 ence led by No. 2 UAH. With ference, sophomore Wes Long international and two returning starters and seven came on strong at the end of also local products.

Returning Starters: 2 new additions to improve on the year with a 32-point perfor- UNA was one of the top off ensive an already high-scoring offense mance against West Alabama.

Players to Watch: “(Beasley) has been a vocal teams in the conin the off-season, the Lions are ference, averaging hoping to be the spoiler and re- and emotional leader for us this G. Beaumont Beasley- 12 ppg. 4 asts. turn to conference prominence. off-season,” Champagne said. 78 points a game.

Each of the ad“We have no reaction to the “He really wants to win, works G. Warrick Mastin- 10.5 ppg. 42 FG % pre-season polls because I be- really hard and has pushed some ditions seem to be highlighted by lieve everyone is in the same of the new guys in practice.

F. Wes Long- 8 ppg. 42 3pt. % boat,” said UNA head coach (Long) has worked really hard, offensive ability,

Quick Facts

McLay sets records, looks to future ITQVLTMa(]VI ML]

For UNA senior elementary

2. TBA education major and goalie for the UNA women’s soccer team Alex McLay, 21, aggression and energy fuel her love for soccer— a passion she’s had since early childhood.

“I started playing when I was three,” she said. “My parents signed me up because I had excessive amounts of energy.”

McLay grew up in Naples, When: Saturday - 4 p.m.

Fla., playing soccer throughout Where: Wh here Braly Stadium. high school. When the time to go to college came, she headed Who: West Georgia. north to UNA. Wh “What really attracted me (to UNA) was that (head soccer coach Graham Winkworth) was building the program from the ground up,” she said. “I was one of 14 new freshmen. I also liked (Winkworth) and the campus.”

McLay said any success the soccer team has had in her time at UNA has been a team effort.

Her freshman year was the team’s first winning season, and her sophomore year was the first year the team had ever qualified

Football

Page

Menʼs basketball set to start season

Who: GS GSC Tournament )TM` 4QVLTMa +WXa 7XQVQWV[ -LQ\WZ 1. UAH

Sports

for the Gulf South Conference tournament.

The team also beat soccer powerhouse West Florida for the first time in UNA history last week, ending the Florida team’s 55-game winning streak.

“The thing I love about playing goalie is how aggressive you get to be,” McLay said. “As a goalkeeper, you can pretty much tackle people.”

McLay started out as a forward when she was younger, but she slowly transitioned into her goalkeeping position.

“I was a forward until I was 11, but soon my coaches started noticing I was good at (goalkeeping),” she said. “They started putting me in the goal, and it got more exciting for me.”

But soccer hasn’t always been easy for McLay. “I had a terrible attitude sophomore year and would have let myself quit if it hadn’t been for the support from my friends,” she said. “The attitude has turned to regret as I’ve matured.”

McLay plans to play for the Atlanta Silverbacks, a semi-professional team, this summer. She

hopes to continue to play for semi-pro and pro teams in the future because talent is often scouted for World Cup teams at pro games, and because she loves playing.

Now, McLay is excited about her future plans and the possibilities they hold.

“I really don’t know what I’m going to do,” she said.

“I guess my ultimate goal would be to play for the World Cup.” Coaching might be a part of McLay’s future.

“I can see myself coaching eventuphoto by Darrick Dawkins ally,” she said. “But, Senior goalkeeper Alex McLay has befor now, I’m just focome one of the best goalkeepers in UNA cused on playing.”

McLay said she history, breaking all categories in goalkeeping. believes anything— perseverance makes anything athletic or otherwise—is doable with hard work. possible,” she said.

“The biggest lesson I’ve learned playing soccer is that

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Thursday, November 3, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

Womenʼs basketball looks to stay among conference elites 4I]ZMV -[\M[

photo by Malisa McClure

Sophomore guard Jazmine Saxton prepares to make a move during last week’s purple and white game. The Lions look to build off last season’s success and use that for this season.

in practice so far,” Fowler said.

“Delisa Madry is doing a great job at the guard spot as well. We also have a newcomer—a one-year senior; Jasmine Horne—she really grasps the things that we are doing. She is really, really good and has a chance to be an all-conference player.”

UNA has established many goals for itself.

Senior guard Jessi Smith said consistency and hard work are two keys in obtaining those goals.

“We really want to be undefeated at home and protect our home court,” Smith said. “We’re going to have to work hard every day and give our best in practice. Even our bad days have to be good days.”

Coach Fowler said the depth of the bench will not be as deep as last year, but he has high hopes and goals for his team as well.

“We might not have a ten-player rotation like last year did, but right now I feel good about a solid seven or eight players, and we’d like

Quick Facts

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UNA women’s basketball will start the season at Montevallo Nov. 12; however, the home opener will be in Flowers Hall Nov. 14 against Tennessee Temple.

Head coach Terry Fowler is excited about the nine returning lettermen, including one starter, senior guard Dana Jackson. Having a 21-7 record last year and making it to the NCAA Division II Tournament for the first time since 1994 established a reputation for the Lady Lions basketball program; they are looking for that same success in the 2011/2012 season.

“We lost a great group of players from last year, but we have a good core coming back,” Fowler said. “The difference is a lot of those kids who were off the bench last year will be put into a different role, possibly being starters … We expect them to contribute a little more than they’ve done in the past, and we’re excited about the returning group and their experience from last year; they want to keep that same taste in their mouths.”

Fowler is expecting several new players to be a huge asset to the women’s basketball team.

“Cierra Anderson, a freshman from Cleveland, Tenn., is one of the post players really doing well

2010 Record: 21-7 Returning Starters: 1 Players to Watch: G. Dana Jackson- 9.2 ppg.

G. Jasmine Horne- 7.5 ppg.

G. Cierra Anderson - (Fresh) 12.5 ppg. to get nine definitely,” Fowler said.

“Our biggest thing is if we can get off to a fast start; historically, we’ve gotten better each year. I feel like the young players can come along and help us out as we get into conference play.

“One of our goals is always to with the (Gulf South Conference).

To get to that point, we also want to win every game at Flowers Hall and also get back into the NCAA Tournament. The goals are always the same for us; that’s just what we do at UNA.” The Lions are scheduled to start the season on the road Nov. 12 against Montevallo.

UNA Sports Center GSC Football Standings

GSC Soccer Standings

GSC Volleyball Standings

Team Conf.

All Delta State 2-0 8-1

Team UNA

Team Conf.

West Florida 12-0

All

14-3

West Alabama 2-1 7-2

West Florida 6-1

11-3-2

UNA

10-3

21-6

Valdosta State 5-1

11-5-1

Christian Bro 9-3

23-7 20-10

West Georgia

1-1 5-3

Valdosta State 1-2 6-3 UNA

0-2

Conf. All 6-1

21-8

UAH

3-2-1 5-8-2

West Alabama 8-5

Christian Bro.

3-4-0 8-8-2

Valdosta State 4-8 14-16

West Georgia

2-3-2 6-9-2

UAH

4-8

6-2 9-20

West Alabama 1-4

6-12

West Georgia

2-10 8-21

Delta State

5-12

New Orleans

0-12 2-18

0-7

Gulf South Conference Leaders Football

Soccer

Volleyball Kills:

Passing:

Goals:

DSU Micah Davis, 2575 yds. 17 tds.

UNA Lee Chapple, 2328 yds. 16 tds.

VSU Austen Roberts, 1034 yds. 7 tds.

Chloe Roberts-UNA 15 goals Tina Murray-UWF 13 goals Jennifer Osmond-UNA 12 goals

Natalie Marsh-UNA 398 Angela Sanders-UWA 338 Katie Onushko-VSU 334

Rushing:

Assists:

Assists:

UWA Matt Wilson, 1136 yds. 10 tds.

VSU David Bailey, 516 yds. 2 tds.

VSU Theseus Jackson, 453 yds.1 td.

Receiving:

Tina Murray-UWF 10 assists Ashley Lala-VSU 1075 Chloe Roberts-UNA 10 assists Alexis McHale-UWA 1053 Kelsey Miles-CBU 1011 Nikki Brown-UNA 9 assists

DSU Chance Dennis, 704 yds.5 tds. Goalkeeping: Alex McLay-UNA 0.55 GAA UNA Mo Miliam, 686 yds. 4 tds.

UWA Gerald Worsham, 637 yds. 6 tds. Lauren Byrd-UWF 0.79 GAA Olivia Mills-VSU 1.17 GAA

Digs: Lauren Greenhill-UNA 525 Corinne Doder-CBU 489 Anna Stoecklein-UWF 425

News

Thursday, November 3, 2011 â&#x20AC;˘ The Flor-Ala

Event to bring awareness to bone marrow donation )[PTMa >QKSMZ[

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photo courtesy of Butler Photography

Brandi Lewis, Miss UNA 2011, and Meggin Major, a community adviser with Res Life, will put on an event called How To Save A Life Nov. 9 at the GUC Performance Center from 5-8 p.m. This event is a bone marrow drive that will let people register to become bone marrow donors.

No blood will be drawn at this event, and just a mouth swab will be needed to see if there will be a possible match to Lewis someone who needs bone marrow. The age limit is from 18 to 60 to donate.

Lewis is a survivor of aplastic anemia, a blood disorder that means she does not produce enough red and white blood cells.

Lewis will be speaking at the event at 7 p.m. Lewis and Major are spokeswomen for this event and cause.

Lewis said many others will be speaking at this event, and different stations will be set up for information on how to register. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want to bring awareness and show how important (bone marrow is),â&#x20AC;? Lewis said.

Major wants students to know what the event is all about. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want everyone to know no needles are involved, and the procedure is not invasive,â&#x20AC;? she said.

Major explained her reason for being involved with the event. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I planned the event with Brandi, who is my best friend,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m (a CA), so I wanted to do a service event.â&#x20AC;?

The event at the GUC is to bring awareness to bone marrow transplants. After the event, if you are a match, you can register to be a donor. A health history, physical and blood work will be needed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The bone marrow drive is 5-8 p.m. so people getting off work can come and go to the event,â&#x20AC;? Lewis said.

Fundraising for the event Nov. 9 will come from Chick-Fil-A and Miami Ice. Chick-Fil-A will give money to the cause if you go through the drive-thru on Nov. 3 and mention the event How To Save A Life.

Miami Ice is involved in similar fundraising efforts.

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Purple Reign Week gives UNA chance to show spirit )[PTMa >QKSMZ[

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Purple Reign Week brings a whole new meaning to Lion pride, especially during this transition time into Division I at UNA. If ever there was a noteworthy year to participate, it is now, said representatives with University Program Council. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If the university and community do not get participation from the students, it will be an extremely hard transition,â&#x20AC;? said SGA Vice President for UPC Will Riley. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve said it once, and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll say it again: we are a student-led university with faculty and staff support.â&#x20AC;?

The UPC started Purple Pride Week at UNA years ago, not knowing what an impact it would eventually have on the Shoals community. Purple Reign began as a community-oriented celebration of UNA pride, in which businesses and individuals competed to show the most spirit. This started out completely separate from campus festivities, and it was remarkable what a change took place when the community and university came together in celebration, UPC representatives said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It became something bigger and beyond what we ever hoped for,â&#x20AC;? said UPC Adviser Cheryl Mathis.

Riley commented on the rapid expansion of Purple Reign week.

photo by Malisa McClure

President Barack Obama recently announced a plan to lower debt forgiveness periods to 20 years as opposed to 25 years.

47)6; KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Keep up with your actual total because, one of these days, you will have to pay it. That way, when you see a bill for $40,000, you arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t shocked.â&#x20AC;?

She also advises to consolidate all loans after graduation and make all monthly payments on time to avoid penalization. If there comes a point where bills become too

â&#x20AC;?You wonĘźt see the total debt

decrease in the short term; just the unpaid percentage will decrease.â&#x20AC;?

-Doug Barrett

photo by Josh Skaggs

Students line up to get free T-shirts from the University Program Council Oct. 31. UPC handed out shirts to the first 400 students who entered the GUC atrium at 11 a.m.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We went from passing out purple cupcakes on a Tuesday to the entire city of Florence celebrating Purple Reign,â&#x20AC;? he said.

The UPC hopes to start a new Purple Reign Week tradition by making UNA the theme for this Novemberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s First Fridays of much, a change in living situation occurs or if the graduate loses their job, students can request forbearance. Forbearance is a time period requested towards the loaning company to allow no payments until a steady flow of income can be obtained.

President Obama has recently announced a new student loan initiative to bring some relief to the burden students carry.

The new plan includes dropping the maximum repayment amount from 15 percent of a studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s discretionary income to 10 percent. It also should lower the debt forgiveness period from 25 years to 20, after which all student loan debt is erased.

The plan is scheduled to go into effect in 2012.

Dr. Doug Barrett, chair of UNAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economic and finance department, shared his opinions on the planâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s possible effects on the economy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see the total debt decrease in the short term; just the unpaid percentage will decrease,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You want the money repaid. This type of structure is set up to improve that probability and percentage of what is repaid.â&#x20AC;?

UNA students have their fair share of debt, but they understand that a degree is well worth the price paid and have no regrets for taking out loans. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is no way I would be making what I make at a job that I love if I hadnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t (gone to college),â&#x20AC;? said Agenda Davis, graduate with a BAA in accounting and banking and financial services pursuing her career in accounting. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I received scholarships, but they werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t enough to cover my education, and I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a college savings account, so, without loans, I wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have been able to go to college.â&#x20AC;?

Other students feel the stress of debt. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A lot of people have parents to fall back on, but I havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t,â&#x20AC;? said Lacey Turner, a UNA senior music performance major. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That makes it a little bit harder to avoid debt. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had to just work.â&#x20AC;?

the Shoals. Apart from the Step Show winnersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; performance at Mobile Plaza, First Fridays will also feature at least 15 different student groups from UNA and several school departments, all of which will endorse UNA in the community.

)?):-6-;; KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM community members. Students can also reach out to the UNA Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Center and UNA Health Services for assistance or counseling.

Some events to take place on campus the week of Nov. 7-11 include: a shoe program, bracelet making, a self-defense

Campus Wide Sexual Assault Awareness Week Nov. 7-11 course free to students, speaker event, pizza at the amphitheater and more. Students can look for more information to be disclosed through signs around campus and UNAPortal.

Volunteers are welcomed for awareness week. Students wanting to help in any way with upcoming campus awareness activities can e-mail Kaylie Watts at kwatts@una.edu.

+:-,1< KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM and multiple accounts without information inside of it, are definitely susceptible to ID theft,â&#x20AC;? Taylor said.

Some ways to stay out of debt Taylor suggested are to live within your means.

He said that being in debt is sometimes unavoidable, but sometimes it is unnecessary.

He said to buy things with the money that you have for things you need. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Take on your own financial responsibility now to avoid stress later,â&#x20AC;? Taylor said.

Taylor also suggests that if students are having money problems, then try finding part-time work during the holidays.

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Tweets of the week

November 3, 2011 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.