Sept. 11 Issue

WHATʼS YOUR STEREOTYPE? PAGE 1B Sept. 11, 2014

Volume 83, Issue 4

www.FlorAla.net

Student newspaper of the University of North Alabama

GLOBAL

I Remember

/ 9 11

Middle Eastern students disown ‘terrorist’ labels

KALI DANIEL

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“People look at me, and they think I’m a terrorist.”

Amal Alderees, a UNA student from Saudi Arabia, said she struggles with stereotypes frequently. She is not alone.

Thirteen years ago America lost over 3,000 people and gained a physical description of the word “terrorist.”

Despite 63 percent of Middle Eastern Americans being native rather than immigrant, first judgment tends to incite fear and remembrance.

Anti-Muslim hate crimes increased 1600 percent in 2001 according to the FBI. In response to the backlash immediately following 9/11, the Civil Rights Division formed a template to combat the discrimination.

The Department of Justice’s template to respond to discrimination against Muslims and Arabs included reminding “Americans that Muslims and Arabs... were also victims of the September 11th attacks, and they

INSIDE

this week’s paper

NEWS . . . . . . . . 2A PHOTO ESSAY . . . 4A VIEWPOINTS . . . . 7A

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

were also first responders.”

Despite the decline in physical violence against ArabAmericans since Sept. 11, the levels of bigotry, discrimination and overall intolerance have continually increased, the Department of Justice stated in its Post-9/11 Civil Rights Summit.

We were in mourning collectively as a country,” said Arab American Institute founder and president James Zogby.

“Then someone decided to say to (us), ‘you can’t be part of this.’”

Essentially, Arab-Americans are forced to not only grieve for the lives lost by Americans 13 years ago, but also to grieve for the hate crimes committed against their mass as innocents, the Department of Justice stated.

“It’s okay to be sad and remember,” Alderees said. “Even in my country we are all sad on 9/11.”

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VOLLEYBALL RECAP........5B

Please recycle your paper.

2A NEWS

Sept. 11, 2014 • The Flor-Ala

BOT

Board approves 3 percent faculty, staff pay increase ASHLEY REMKUS

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Faculty and staff received a pay raise, the 2014-15 budget was passed and news of identified presidential candidates was announced at the quarterly meeting of the board of trustees Sept. 8.

The board approved the $75 million budget of $25.5 million in state funding and an expected $47 in tuition and fees.

Included in the budget is the first pay increase for faculty and staff in seven years. University employees got a 5

percent raise in 2007 and received a onetime bonus of $725 last year to offset an increase in retirement fund contribution.

“I really do believe we have one of, if not the best, faculty and staff of any college,” said President Pro Tempore of the board Marty Abroms. “This cost of living adjustment is way overdue.”

Abroms said faculty and staff members are the people who keep students coming to UNA and ensure their success.

“From a staff perspective, this will be a huge morale boost for them,” said Staff Senate President Jimmy Waddell.

“We’ve been trying to get an increase in salary for a while, and now I’m happy we finally got one.”

Many staff members have to work two jobs to make ends meet, as some only make $9.35 per hour, Waddell said.

“I know they will be grateful when they hear the good news,” he said. “I’m thankful for the board and President Thornell. They were able to dig deep and find funds for the faculty and staff.”

Faculty Senate President Scott Infanger said the increase in salary for faculty members will benefit the entire university community.

“Raising the salary will keep us competitive against other universities, so we can retain the talented (faculty) members,” Infanger said.

”

I REALLY DO BELIEVE WE HAVE ONE OF, IF NOT THE BEST, FACULTY AND STAFF OF ANY COLLEGE. THIS COST OF LIVING ADJUSTMENT IS WAY OVERDUE.

MARTY ABROMS PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE

Trustee Joel Anderson, chair of the presidential search committee, reported a bright outlook for finding a new university president after receiving 46 applications for the position.

Anderson said the committee identified 19 highly qualified candidates and chose nine candidates to interview for the position in the coming weeks — five candidates Sept. 19 and four candidates Sept. 26.

photo by DALLAS MOORE I Chief Photographer

Trustee Joel Anderson, board of trustees President Pro Tempore Marty Abroms and Interim University President John Thornell participate at the board’s Sept. 8 quarterly meeting. The board approved a 3 percent cost-of-living adjustment for faculty and staff.

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CONSTRUCTION

Walkway creates safe Pine Street crossing to new building JASMINE FLEMING 7VTQVM -LQ\WZ WVTQVM(NTWZITI VM\

Construction is underway on a new walkway stretching from Floyd Science Building, across Pine Street, to the new science building.

Assistant Vice President for Facilities Administration and Planning Michael Gautney said the walkway will provide a safer route for crossing the busy street.

“The only pedestrian walkways on Pine Street are by Flowers Hall and Norton Auditorium,” Gautney said. “We want to give students, faculty and staff an easy and safe way to travel over Pine Street. The safety of those on campus is very important to (the university).”

He said the walkway will stem from the existing path beside Floyd Science Building and lead to the walking bridge in front of LaGrange Hall. The bridge will split into two routes — one leading to LaGrange, and the other going under the Pine Street overpass to the new science building.

While the walkway has been under construction, the bridge in front of LaGrange has been closed.

Gautney said it will reopen with the completion of the new path.

“We’re anticipating the walkway to be opened in four to five weeks,” he said.

To avoid the construction site, students can take the stairs in front of LaGrange or the flight left of the building.

Students said the bridge construction makes traveling across campus difficult.

Not having access to the bridge is inconvenient, said junior Kamilah Abernathy.

“I hate using the stairs,” she said.

“With the path I take, I have to go on the higher level of campus near the GUC. Since the bridge is out I have to go down the stairs (of LaGrange) and then back up other flights of stairs.”

Abernathy said she will be relieved when the construction is gone so she can walk across the bridge to campus.

The new walkway will make senior Hailey Boeck’s trips to class safer, she said.

“I’m always very careful crossing (Pine Street) just because it’s a very busy road,” she said. “People don’t watch and it has five lanes. So that’s a lot to cross without a bridge or a walkway, which means it can be dangerous. The new walkway is in a really convenient location.”

In addition to the walkway, Gautney said, construction, which can be seen near

the bridge in front of LaGrange, is also underway on new decorative columns at the entrance to the bridge. They will be similar to the columns found between Bibb Graves Hall and Harrison Fountain, he said.

There will also be columns near the new science building, he said, and final construction is expected to be completed in 12 to 14 weeks.

“The columns will show the walkway as an entrance to campus and the science building,” he said.

Sophomore Caleb Welsh said he expects the construction will improve the aesthetics of campus.

“It’s not so bad getting around and to classes without the bridge,” he said. “I think it will be worth it once they get it all done.”

photo by PEYTON BYRD I Student Photographer

Construction of a new walkway and decorative columns blocks access to the bridge in front of LaGrange Hall. The new walkway will lead from Floyd Hall, across Pine Street, to the new science building.

Sept. 11, 2014 • The Flor-Ala

NEWS 3A

4A IMAGES

Sept. 11, 2014 • The Flor-Ala

GAME FACES

▶

Flag Football Zack Billis and Andrew Holt celebrate their team’s victory at the flag football event Sunday, Aug. 24. Students can register for men’s, women’s and co-ed flag football leagues beginning Oct. 6.

DEANNA KAMPMEYER

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When Dallas Moore, the chief photographer for the Diorama and The Flor-Ala told me I was being assigned as the sports photographer, I was at a loss for words. In my mind, I kept thinking I am not the girl for this job. Sports do not concern me and half the time I do not know what is going on during the games.

My first photo assignment was to take photos of a football player practicing.

I was uninspired until I took my first shot. I looked at my camera and saw an impressive photo on my screen. I was exhilarated to take more. More and more wonderful photos appeared on my screen and that day I knew I was going to love being a sports photographer.

I was so impressed with the action shots I took, I could not believe they

▶

Team Practice Running back Lamonte Thompson races to catch the football as his teammate throws it. ▶ Deep Stretches Defensive lineman Taylor Carney (left) and wide receiver Lee Mayhall (right) stretch with teammates as they prepare for practice.

came from me.

Sports photography is truly inspiring.

It is entertaining, and I get to meet some amazing people. Every week the photographers have a meeting, and we get photo assignments. I always take the sports ones because I am very passionate about it, now.

I love the fact I have to get out of my dorm and do something. I am a fan of sports now because of photography.

I love the action involved in sports photography and capturing students who love what they do. I can tell how dedicated the students are to their sports and it is very dignifying.

It is beautiful to see no matter how hot it is outside or how hard their coaches push them, they will pull through. Sports are not just games to them but their lives. I am very happy that I am the sports photographer, and I can capture unbelievable moments every week.

NEWS 5A

Sept. 11, 2014 • The Flor-Ala

FEATURE

Local package store deemed favorite among students ANNA GRACE USERY -LQ\WZ QV +PQMN MLQ\WZ(NTWZITI VM\

Forgot to buy the case of beer for the after-church party you were having on football Sunday? Forget the drive to Tennessee.

UNA students can take a short, 10-minute drive to Doozy’s Fine Wine, Spirits and Ale in St. Florian to purchase alcohol the last day of the weekend.

Father-son combo, Byron Bower IV and Trip, opened the store in April after the city of St. Florian passed an ordinance to allow the sale of alcohol on Sundays. Doozy’s made claim to be the first liquor store in St. Florian.

“We wanted to have something nice a lady could walk into and feel comfortable,” Trip Bower said. “Some package stores are sketchy. We wanted to be different.”

Trip graduated from UNA in 2009 with a degree in accounting and now takes care of the books, along with the craft beer selections at the store.

Sister Jessie Bower came into the picture upon her return from Charleston, South Carolina where she taught Arts Management at the College of Charleston. She continues to teach a class online.

She bought her dad’s share of the business and now addresses the

*7):, KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM ) Anderson said the candidates were selected based on criteria the committee established early this summer.

“We met recently and the search committee spent the better part of the day going into each one of those 19 resumes, and we’ve selected nine we are going to interview,” he said. “I was just absolutely delighted at the quality applicants we got and reasonably confident in there is the one we’re looking for.”

”

IT JUST GOES TO SHOW THE ADMINISTRATION CARES ABOUT STUDENTS.

KEKORIA GREER SGA PRESIDENT Anderson said the committee is optimistic and hopes to report to the board it has chosen the right person “in the near future.”

Abroms said John Thornell’s appointment as Interim President creates a safety net for the university and allows the committee as much time as it needs to select the right candidate.

“Right now President Thornell is leading the charge and will continue to

bourbon and wine selections.

Jessie said she learned about wines in France when she attended pastry school in Southern France.

Jessie said while business is flowing everyday, Sundays seem to be the busiest.

“Sundays are a circus,” she said.

“They’re fun.”

Senior Eldwin Aparicio loves Doozy’s because he can purchase beer there on Sundays, he said.

“Sunday is the weekend, and that means no school and no work for me so if I want to buy beer and watch football, I can do it,” he said.

Doozy’s deters from the ordinary package store by offering a full array of 16 draft beer taps, seasonal and domestic brews, making beer-to-go no more a no-no.

Brown jugs called ‘growlers’ with the Doozy’s logo printed on the front line the shelves under the taps, and customers have the option to choose a 64 oz. for $5.75 or a 32 oz. for $4.75.

Beer prices vary.

The store also offers a variety of other beers, liquors and wines.

“We have the largest craft beer selection in the whole area,” Jessie said.

After customers select a beer, Trip, Jessie or another employee will pull the tap to fill the bottle, screw on the cap and shrink-wrap it so no one leaves

do that,” Abroms said.

In other business, Vice President for Business and Financial Affairs Clinton Carter announced the university budget also includes funding for four major deferred maintenance projects, including adding better lighting in the parking deck, and renovating restrooms in Norton Auditorium and the former bookstore in the GUC. Abroms said the outdated Norton restrooms are a “much needed” renovation.

“Norton is an area, particularly, that many, many people from the public come in,” Abroms said. “Our Florence community, our whole Shoals community uses it.”

SGA President KeKoria Greer said she is glad the lights in the parking deck will be replaced with brighter ones, as improving campus safety is a goal set by SGA for this year.

During an SGA-hosted campus safety walk last year, students identified the parking deck as an area where they did not feel safe, Greer said.

“I was very excited becuase it’s great to see the administration addressing things we’ve been talking about — actual student concerns,” she said. “It just goes to show the administration cares about students.”

Editor’s note: The next quarterly meeting of the board of trustees begins with a work session at 9 a.m., followed by the official meeting at 11 a.m. Dec. 15 in GUC Room 200.

with an open container.

“The growler is yours to keep,” Jessie said. “We encourage everyone to bring it back and try some different beers.”

Trip said he thinks the Shoals is a few years behind Huntsville on the craft beer scene.

“We hope to make Doozy’s the craft beer headquarters,” he said. “The growlers are a great way to introduce people to different beers.”

Customers rave about the

friendliness and hospitality radiated from Trip and Jessie’s faces from behind the counter.

Sophomore Cain Smithson said the hometown, community atmosphere is what keeps him coming back over and over again, adding “it is cheaper than Lil’ Steve’s.”

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

photo by JOSHUA BROOKOVER I Student Photographer

Doozy’s employee Ben Andrews fills a growler with draft beer. Andrews said going to work each day is enjoyable because of the people he meets.

Conveniently located in the new Student Commons building on campus!

Over 100 rotating flavors Over 50 toppings to choose from Mix and match to create a one of a kind taste that you love!

facebook.com/frostbitetreats | twitter.com/frostbitefroyo | frostbite-treats.com

WEB TROUBLES

6A NEWS

Sept. 11, 2014 • The Flor-Ala

APP

WI-FI

Technology director explains UNA Start Here Students, administrators discuss online dating

AUBREE WHITE

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The start of the new school year brought a new way to access campus wireless Internet, and some students say they are still having problems making the connection.

Director of Information Technology Services Stephen Putman said UNA Start Here is not a new wireless network, but rather a safety add-on to the old network. “We have purchased and implemented SafeConnect into the university’s network,� Putman said.

SafeConnect is a network access and compliance tool that helps ensure devices connected to the UNA network have up-to-date protection from malicious software.

Putman said SafeConnect has two purposes: to make sure users are who they say they are and to make sure users are running updated antivirus software.

Junior Courtney Watkins said the system does not work the way she was told it would.

NATALIE BEE

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photo by JOSHUA BROOKOVER I Student Photographer Editor’s note: To ready the rest of Freshman Nick Warren uses the UNA Start Here Wi-Fi in The Commons. Many this story, visit www.florala.net.

students say they are experiencing trouble connecting to the campus Wi-Fi system.

SECURITY

Officials offer advice to keep identity safe AUBREE WHITE

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Russian criminals stole 1.2 billion Internet user names and passwords last month as part of the largest digital credentials theft ever.

However, it was confirmed by Hold Security that discovered the heist, the group is using the stolen information for spam emails and not to acquire bank account information and the like.

Even so, protecting social media and bank account information as well as other sensitive information available online should be a top priority, especially amongst college students.

Director of Information Technology Services Stephen Putman said the best step for anyone to take is to educate oneself and use social media sites with care.

“If you post too much information about yourself, an identity thief can find information about your life, use it to answer (security) questions on your accounts and get access to your personal information,� Putman said.

He said hackers are after whatever looks quick and easy.

Using one email account for business or school activities and other secure information, and using another email account for mailing lists, shopping sites and friends can help keep information safe, he said. “Never open emails from strangers and definitely do not open email attachments from strangers,� he said. “Most viruses and malware need your help, so if you get an unexpected email wanting you to do something or click on something to get rich, delete it as quick as possible.�

Assistant Director of Information

Technology Services Ethan Humphres and Network Services manger Randall Phifer said they advise students to make sure they are using and regularly updating an anti-virus program on their devices. “It is important that you set your computers to automatically update,�

Humphres said. “Computer and software companies offer security patches in their updates for a reason.�

Before sending personal information over a laptop or smartphone, or on a public wireless network in a coffee shop, school, airport, hotel or other public place, students should be sure their information will be protected, Putman said.

When giving any private information online, students should make sure the connection is secure, he said.

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

The Internet today provides an array of dating websites.

Tinder, a popular mobile dating app, connects to Facebook and allows users to find people within a certain distance from their current location. When browsing through profiles, a photo, a short biography and the person’s age and first name are visible. Users swipe right if interested in the person and swipe left if not. If both users swipe right, then they are notified and can chat.

Students should be careful with the information they share with others over the Internet, said UNA Police Chief Bob Pastula. “People are putting their entire lives out on the open net and are ripe for criminal intervention and stalkers,� he said, “There are a lot of bad people out there just looking for opportunities to take advantage of young people.�

Associate Dean of Accreditation and Information Technology Paulette Alexander said students are also at risk for profiling, harassment and bullying. “You’re providing information that is in some sense very personal and making an individual connection in such a way that you lose a bit of control,� Alexander said.

She said before students use an app like Tinder they should be aware and not be immediately reactive before knowing what they are doing or saying to another person.

Sophomore Haley Fields said she is familiar with Tinder and has known successful relationships have come from it. She said she agrees Tinder is still risky to use. “You wonder if the person you’re talking to is actually who they say they are,� she said.

Sophomore Cole Westmoreland said Tinder has its pros and cons, but students could be exposing themselves to risks such as imposters, and it should not be used to flirt with strangers. “I do not think Tinder is entirely bad from a local perspective,� he said.

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

VIEWPOINTS 7A

Sept. 11, 2014 • The Flor-Ala

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ANNA GRACE USERY

Students can achieve most prized goals

MANAGING EDITOR KALI DANIEL NEWS EDITOR ASHLEY REMKUS LIFE EDITOR MARI WILLIAMS

DUSTIN POLLARD

SPORTS EDITOR DUSTIN POLLARD

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ONLINE EDITOR JASMINE FLEMING

The first day of school is standard — the professor asks the class what their majors are and what they plan to do after graduation.

My response is simple: I want to write for ESPN, be a rapper and marry Shakira.

Some of the class thinks it is funny and the rest just think I am crazy, or both.

And maybe I am crazy.

But is it crazy to think a guy

BUSINESS MANAGER UNDREA RANDOLPH II GRAPHIC DESIGNERS JOHN BAVIS SHILO CUPPLES JORDAN FERRELL CIRCULATION MANAGER LORI BLANKENSOPP ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE KAYLA STINNETT CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER DALLAS MOORE STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS JOSHUA BROOKOVER DEANNA KAMPMEYER KATLYN SHANNON

Letters must not exceed 400 words.

Letters must be accompanied by the writerʼs 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 Editorʼs Note may accompany a letter.

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

journalism, told me I should choose another major and career path because I would never make any money in journalism.

So I changed my major and gave up on what I have wanted to do since middle school.

In the same time frame I was still struggling with the fact my father was still in prison, my brother was back in jail and my mom moved to Baltimore.

I am not a believer in the blame game, but I could not help but think: well if this is not going well, what makes me think my crazy ambition will?

Luckily, when I first went to visit my mom in Baltimore, I went to an Orioles game and got the chance to tour the press box before the game.

There I met a few baseball writers, the radio broadcasters

for the game and Hall of Fame pitcher Jim Palmer.

At that moment I found out what I already knew — I wanted to cover sports.

Life is not always sunshine and rainbows, so keep moving forward and do not let doubt creep into the mind.

I want every student to stay focused on his or her goal and remember why he or she wanted it in the first place.

Who knows, maybe I will be on ESPN’s First Take talking NBA with Stephen A. Smith or maybe I will be featured in a Kendrick Lamar song one day. And maybe, thanks to my wife I will be able to speak Spanish fluently.

Michael Jordan said it best: “Never say never, because limits, like fears, are often just an illusion.”

Diorama selects contemporary spread for yearbook

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

who was cut from his varsity basketball team his tenth grade year would go on to be the greatest to ever play the game?

That is what Michael Jordan did.

That was Jordan’s dream, and he chased it. Now I am trying to chase mine.

I love writing and talking about sports, I love spitting rhymes on stage and Shakira’s hips don’t lie.

But my second semester of my freshman year here at UNA, I almost gave up on my goal.

A few people said it was ludicrous for me to think I could be on ESPN. I also did not have the time to rap anymore because of school and work, so I stopped recording.

I worked at McDonald’s during this time, and my manager, who majored in

JENNA RICHARDSON

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When most students arrive to college, their first thought is not, “I want to be included in the yearbook.” Actually, most do not know UNA has a yearbook, the Diorama, until we hand them out in April.

Some do not even get to see what the Diorama does unless we run across them while we are attending events.

Creating the yearbook is a constant process of covering

events, contacting people, designing and proofing spreads prior to the release of our final product. When we distribute the yearbooks at no charge in April, most students pick them up and look through them for the rest of the day.

Few students choose not to pick one up at all since there is so much social media to keep track of memories. Most of the time, it is never picked up again until he or she wishes to reminisce on the college years.

As the Executive Editor of the Diorama, I am making it my and the staff’s goal to provide students with a concrete collection of memories from the year to look back on in the future.

Of course, being included in a college yearbook seems difficult considering more than 7,000 students attend

UNA. Like most staffs, we try our best to include as many students as possible as well as keep the book aesthetically pleasing. In order to do this, we make sure to include as many students on our spreads as possible, whether it is in a picture, interview or vote in a poll.

We try to give many options like more feature spreads, organizational photos and senior headshots to accommodate every type of student. If we had a yearbook three times as thick, we would try to include even more spreads, but unfortunately, no one likes to carry a 10-pound book.

A large chunk of the yearbook process consists of designing. As we are always striving to improve our design skills, we are introducing

a contemporary theme that catches the fresh designs and color schemes trending this year.

Along with these changes, we are recreating the style of our cover from traditional to contemporary as well.

As I was looking at our collection of Dioramas on the shelf in the Student Media Office, I realized the only book that caught my eye was the Pepto-Bismol pink yearbook from 1995.

Most of the previous Dioramas are black, white, purple or gold, meaning they blend in with each other on the shelf. Since our theme will reflect the changes we are making in this year’s Diorama, we will be adding a new twist to our cover that will make this year’s book different from any other.

Congratulations to our Writer and Photographer of the Week!

Email: florala@una.edu.

Phone: 256-765-4364 Copyright © 2013 The Flor-Ala All rights reserved.

First copy free.

Additional copies $1 each.

Natalie Bee and Katlyn Shannon

8A NEWS

Sept. 11, 2014 • The Flor-Ala

MAN ON THE STREET

Students debate uninstalling Messenger app

”

I HAVE NOT UNINSTALLED IT. IT LOOKS LIKE THEYʼRE JUST ALLOWING

PERMISSION TO ACCESS YOUR CAMERA

”

I DID

HAVE IT UNTIL I HEARD

ABOUT ALL THE PRIVACY ISSUES

— THAT

IT MIGHT BE ABLE TO ACCESS YOUR

FOR SENDING PICTURES.

PERSONAL INFORMATION. I DELETED IT.

TYLER CURTIS

GRACE AYIKA

JUNIOR

”

I DONʼT THINK THEREʼS

ANOTHER WAY TO MESSAGE PEOPLE ON

”

I DIDNʼT INSTALL IT BECAUSE OF THE TERMS. THE MAIN THING WAS IT SAID IT COULD SEE YOUR PICTURES. IT COULD GET IN YOUR PHONE, AND SEE WHATEVER YOUʼRE LOOKING AT.

BROOKE BACON JUNIOR

SENIOR

”

I USE IT TO STAY IN CONTACT

WITH A LOT OF PEOPLE FROM MY

CLASSES. BUT, I DO WANT TO

”

THATʼS THE WAY PEOPLE GET

IN CONTACT WITH ME SOMETIMES

FACEBOOK, SO I HAVENʼT THOUGHT ABOUT UNINSTALLING IT YET.

UNINSTALL IT BECAUSE ITʼS INFRINGING

EMPORER COSBY

UPON MY PRIVACY.

FACEBOOK, AND I HAVE TO HAVE THE APP TO BE ABLE TO USE IT.

KYLE ENGLAND

LAUREN RISNER

FRESHMAN

JUNIOR

Information compiled by MELISSA PARKER I Student Writer

! KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM ) Ali Murad, a UNA tennis player and student from Pakistan, said the memories are vivid of his life post-terrorist attacks.

“My parents were downstairs, and I saw it happen on my TV,” Murad said.

“I ran downstairs and told my dad and he yelled ‘what? What happened?’ He was shocked. All of us were — not just Pakistan. Everybody in the world felt awful.”

Al-Qaeda’s actions should not represent all Muslims, said Ahmad Samad, a student from Lebanon. Despite being in America for only three weeks, Samad said he has already heard the negative reputation Muslims have in America.

“I’ve heard that people assume all Muslims or Arabs are dangerous or terrorists,” he said. “It’s not even part of Islam to do so. Those people are rebels in our eyes. Other than 9/11, there are small occasional happenings where an Arab does a terrorist attack, and every time it happens, the negative reputation (of Muslims) increases in general.”

Alderees said her idea of terrorism

stems from Al-Qaeda also.

“People don’t realize that Al-Qaeda bombs my country, too,” she said. “They are a terrorist organization, and they are the group of people who are doing these events, not all Muslims.”

The Department of Justice states Al-Qaeda has a major presence in 25 countries, including Spain, Morocco and Indonesia, yet Arabs are the most commonly associated with terrorism.

“I’ve been to I don’t know how many countries,” Murad said. “People have stereotypes everywhere. It doesn’t necessarily mean those stereotypes are right or wrong. It’s in your control to let it affect you.”

Through all of the hardships and misunderstandings, Murad said the only difference Muslim-Americans and immigrant Arabs can make is educating others.

“If people don’t have knowledge, if people are not educated, then they’re going to develop those stereotypes,” he said. “If they really don’t have knowledge about what’s going on out in the world, then they’re going to think all Muslims are crooked.”

A huge part of understanding the

IS THROUGH THE MESSENGER ON

SENIOR

SGA in Review • UPC - Announced it will show 22 Jump Street at its Sept. 19 movie night in the GUC Performance Center at 7 p.m.

• Senate - Announced a SGA Homecoming bonfire to be hosted Oct. 2 at Camp Westmoreland in Florence.

Meetings of the Student Government Association are held in Room 200 of the GUC. Senate meets Thursdays at 3:30 p.m.

UPC meets Mondays at 3:30 p.m.

photos by KIMBERLY PARKER I Student Photographer

culture in the Middle East is recognizing how they handle these terrorist attacks, Samad said.

“In the Middle East, we know the true story that the people who are doing these acts of terrorism have wrong beliefs,” he said. “We don’t consider all Muslims bad, but if someone has that (terrorist) mentality, he would be instantly reported and the higher-ups would be informed.”

Understanding the fundamentals of Islam without necessarily believing it is critical to Alderees, who wears an Islamic headscarf called a hijab.

“It’s harder for girls to blend in,” she said. “We wear hijabs or abayas as part of the religion. We look different. But I’m a normal person.”

While educating others is the way to move past the bitterness, remembering those who lost their lives is of utmost importance, Murad said.

“Honor the people that lost their lives that day,” he said. “Cut down stereotypes that are there in the world right now.”

Despite the stereotypes and hate crimes surrounding Arabs and Muslims, Murad said he loves living in America.

“You don’t find the kind of hospitality you find here in other parts of the world,”

he said. “Even if you’re walking out the door, people are going to hold the door for you. They greet you with either ‘good morning’ or ‘good afternoon.’ Those are small things that matter a lot when people in the rest of the world don’t really think about doing them.”

Connecting with people and networking regardless of ethnicity, religion or gender is important in understanding people from all over the world, Murad said.

“I’m a part of the tennis team, and we have a very nice group of people,” he said. “They crack jokes sometimes, but it doesn’t matter because I know how they feel about me. We’re like family.”

Murad said the key to moving past prejudice is to understand that while beliefs may be different, people are the same everywhere.

“In my country, there are 80-year-old women and 90-year-old men,” he said.

“They work on farms. They have small children. What if there’s a newborn baby — why does he have to carry a label of being a terrorist? People need to take that into consideration and the world would be a better place.”

LIFE

SECTION B

Sept. 11, 2014• The Flor-Ala

CAMPUS

Students refute most common stereotypes

MARI WILLIAMS 4QNM -LQ\WZ TQNM(NTWZITI VM\

Everyone has been stereotyped. Everyone has been frustrated by the labels stuck onto them they did not ask for. We can all relate. The FlorAla asked students to write down stereotypes they felt were in no way a reflection of who they are. These were the results.

photos by JOSHUA BROOKOVER I Student Photographer

Editor’s note: Student contributed to this story.

IN THIS SECTION

Writer

Paige

McCay

SPORTS

LIFE Non-traditional students on campus

Basic Car Maintenance Class

Volleyball team leaves USI tournament even

Rugby team takes tough loss

See page 2B

See page 3B

See page 5B

See page 7B

2B LIFE

Sept. 11, 2014 • The Flor-Ala

MENTAL HEALTH

ARE YOU OKAY?

DO YOU NEED TO TALK? IʼM HERE FOR YOU. HOW ARE YOU? IʼM CONCERNED ABOUT A T

YOU. WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP

KAY AY DO YOU NEED TO TALK? TA I CARE ABOUT YOU. ARE YOU OKAY? IʼM HERE FOR YOU. ARE

YOU OKAY? DO YOU NEED TO TALK? IʼM HERE FOR YOU. HOW ARE YOU? IʼM CONCERNED CON N ABOUT YOU. WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP? I CARE ABOUT YOU. ARE YOU OKAY? DO YOU NEED D TO TALK? TA IʼM HERE FOR YOU. ARE YOU OKAY? DO YOU NEED TO TALK? IʼM HERE FOR YOU. HOW ARE YOU? IʼM CONCERNED CONCERN ABOUT YOU. WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP? I CARE ABOUT YOU. ARE YOU OKAY? DO YOU NEED TO TALK? IʼM HERE FOR YOU. AR DO YOU YO NEED TO TALK? IʼM ARE YOU OKAY? DO HERE FOR YOU. HOW ARE YOU? IʼM CONCERNED ABOUT YOU. WHAT CAN CA I DO TO HELP LP? I CARE ABOUT YOU. ARE TALK? T IʼM HERE FOR O YOU. ARE YOU OKAY? DO D YOU NEED TO TALK? IʼM HERE FOR YOU. HOW YOU OKAY? DO YOU NEED TO TAL

N I DO TO HELP? E IC OU. ARE YOU OKAY? DO YOU NEED TO ARE YOU? IʼM CONCERNED ABOUT YOU. WHAT CAN CARE ABOUT YOU. EE TO TALK? T TALK? IʼM HERE FOR YOU. ARE YOU OKAY? DO YOU NEED IʼM HERE FOR YOU. HOW ARE YOU? IʼM CONCERNED C ABOU AY? DO YOU NEED TO TALK? IʼM HERE FOR YOU. ABOUT YOU. WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP? I CARE ABOUT YOU. ARE YOU OKAY? R YOU. HOW ARE RE YOU? ARE YOU OKAY? DO YOU NEED TO TALK? IʼM HERE FOR

IʼM CONCERNED ABOUT YOU.

WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP? I CARE ABOUT YOU. ARE YOU OKAY? DO YOU NEED TO TALK? IʼM HERE FOR YOU. ARE YOU OKAY? DO YOU NEED TO TALK? IʼM HERE FOR YOU. HOW ARE YOU? IʼM CONCERNED ABOUT YOU. WHAT CAN I DO TO

Counselor offers advice for dealing with mental illness MELISSA PARKER

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Being irritable, not sleeping, not eating and not feeling one’s self are inevitable for most college students. For some, those feelings could be caused by something much more serious.

“There are (many) symptoms of depression,” said Jami Flippo, licensed practical counselor at Student Counseling Services. “Not everyone who is depressed is suicidal, but most people that are suicidal are depressed.”

Some symptoms of depression are insomnia or hypersomnia, (excessive tiredness), loss of energy, feeling worthless or hopeless, difficulty concentrating and difficulty in making decisions, according to the American Association of Suicidology.

Flippo said having one symptom

probably does not raise concern, but having five or six is a big deal. If you are concerned about someone, simply ask, she said.

“Don’t be afraid to be real with someone,” Flippo said. “Don’t be afraid to say, ‘Hey, listen, I’m worried about you. These are the things that I’m seeing that make me concerned because I care about you.’”

Junior Kelly Hester said having a friend with suicidal intentions is a situation he hopes to never find himself in.

“I would be afraid to talk to them, but I would try to,” he said. “I feel like I wouldn’t be qualified enough to say something but I’d try to find him help some other way.”

Senior Erin McAllister said talking to a friend one-on-one, getting them into counseling or taking them to the doctor to get medicine are things she would try.

“I think starting out by talking to them first would probably be the best step,” McAllister said.

Sophomore Blake Mitchell would discourage a friend away from suicide, he said.

“I would tell them not to do it and that the Lord put them on this Earth for a purpose,” he said.

Flippo stresses the best route one can take when dealing with a friend who may have suicidal thoughts, is to listen.

“One of the biggest things I want people to understand is that responsibility does not lie on them,” she said.

Flippo also suggests accompanying the friend to counseling services or helping them set up an appointment, she said.

“What Q.P.R. (Question Persuade Response training) says is that typically people will reach out to someone if they’re having those feelings,” Flippo

said. “I think sometimes a typical human reaction is to be scared to ask because we seem to think if we say something maybe we will put that thought in their head, which is not true. Studies have shown that is actually incorrect.”

Being aware of people you care about and not being afraid to ask the question is the big thing, Flippo said.

“I think a lot of times what may happen is we either get scared and don’t know what to do, so we don’t do anything, or we don’t take it serious,” she said. “Those are the two biggest things that can kind of hinder us a little bit from helping folks.”

Though it is not another person’s responsibility to figure out whether or not someone’s suicide claim is sincere, every threat should be taken seriously, Flippo said.

EDUCATION

Non-traditional students express returning advantages KAYLA LUTRELL

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Time, money and life in general all have to work together in order for a college career to begin or continue. That combination does not always happen immediately after graduation.

At UNA there are a number of non-traditional students pursuing passions and fulfilling goals at an older age.

“In terms of adult students, there has certainly been an increase nationally, regionally and locally,” said Craig Robertson, director of the Office of Interdisciplinary Studies.

Heather Collum, a student in the graduate program for Instructional Leadership, is one of those students.

“I started playing with the idea about five years ago, but the timing

was not right,” Collum said. “I tried to start back three different times, and God closed the door every time. My girls were still small, and they needed me more.”

After earning her bachelor’s degree, Collum decided to concentrate on starting a family.

“I always knew I wanted to come back and further my education, but family comes first and even though this is a completely new chapter in my life, I do not regret waiting until now to begin this journey,” Collum said.

There are advantages to returning to college as a nontraditional student, Robertson said.

“The No. 1 advantage is maturity,” Robertson said. “The second thing that they bring with them is a lot more motivation and purposefulness. They know what they want to do, they know what they want to take, and with a little

guidance, they are going to get there.”

Collum said she thinks an edge non-traditional students have is the right priorities.

“I know I have more wisdom than I did at 22,” Collum said. “I have better organizational skills and more confidence now that I have 16 years of experience in my career.”

Junior Patrick Syesta said he thinks having more focus is a plus for people returning as an older student.

“A lot of students don’t focus and as soon as that time hits, they’re out of here,” he said.

Advances in technology can also present obstacles for returning students, Collum said. photo by KAITLIN DOUGLASS I Student Photographer Editor’s note: To read the rest Heather Collum is a graduate student in the Instructional of this story, visit www.florala.net. Leadership program. She defines herself as a non-

traditional student.

LIFE 3B

Sept. 11, 2014 • The Flor-Ala

TRAINING

Car maintenance class teaches basic mechanics MARI WILLIAMS 4QNM -LQ\WZ TQNM(NTWZITI VM\

For students, figuring out the workings of a car can seem like rocket science. If there are not any apps for that, there is a class for that.

The Women’s Center will hold its third annual Basic Car Maintenance class, a part of their Practical Skills series, Sept. 12 at 11 a.m.

“I’m of a different generation, obviously, from the students here,” said Emily Kelley, coordinator of the Women’s Center and founder of the Practical Skills series.

Practical Skills is a series of programs geared towards providing women with essential skills.

“When I was raised, there were a lot of things we were told to not worry about because our ‘husband’ would take care of it when we got older — specifically taking care of a car or mowing the grass,” Kelley said.

The Women’s Center will bring Bobby Nabors, a Jerry Damson Honda car salesman, to explain different aspects of car maintenance.

“What I do is go in and give them an overall basic understanding of what to look for on a car to buy because most of

them have never bought a car before,” Nabors said.

Nabors will bring a Honda, lift the hood and trunk of the vehicle and explain various parts of the car, Kelley said.

Nabors will not just talk about maintenance of a car but will go into detail about buying a vehicle.

“He will talk about buying a car — this is the part I find particularly interesting,” Kelley said. “He’ll talk about how to talk to a car salesman, what to expect from one and what kind of language you should not accept from a salesman.”

Sophomore Aleigha Edwards said she thinks the program will help students who are unfamiliar with car terminology.

“The program could be very beneficial for students who don’t quite know the right questions to ask, what price to settle for or the proper maintenance a car needs,” Edwards said. “It should help college students to communicate with the salesman in a way that doesn’t allow them to take advantage of our believed naiveness when it comes to cars.”

Kelley said she does not want women left out of learning practical skills as they were in her generation.

“I thought that it was very important that women leave college with this knowledge and these practical skills that they might not have gotten at home,” she said.

Basic car maintenance series gives its participants a better understanding of a range of topics dealing with cars.

“They will leave with a better knowledge of cars in general, a better knowledge of caring for a car and a much better knowledge of how to buy a car,”

!

Kelley said.

Edwards said she looks forward to learning about the maintenance of a car.

“I will definitely be attending because I would have no idea how to negotiate with a salesman, nor do I know how to take care of my car beyond the point of washing it and changing the oil,” she said.

After attending the program, Kelley said women come back praising the class.

“They say they learned a lot, it gave them great ideas, and they feel better prepared,” she said. “They’re just glad that they went.”

© Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc.

4B LIFE

Sept. 11, 2014 • The Flor-Ala

Friday, September 19th at 7:00 pm GUC Performance Center Free T-shirts to first 100 students (with Mane Card) Free Food!

SPORTS 5B

Sept. 11, 2014 • The Flor-Ala

RECAP

Vo

ey

Ball 2014 Lions ready for home schedule after weekend split MATT SULESKI

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The Lions volleyball team got its season underway last weekend splitting two double-headers at the Southern Indiana Dunn Hospitality Invitational.

The Lions spent Friday morning playing the tournament host, University of Southern Indiana, and dropped all three sets. The first and third sets were 25-16 with the second set much tighter at 27-25.

Sophomore outside hitter Natasha Fomina lead the Lions in kills with 11.

Despite the loss, UNA senior middle hitter LeAnna Lloyd said she was proud of the way the team battled against USI. “Facing USI provided a lot of good competition for us to start the season,” she said. “They had a lot of returning girls, and we’re still a pretty young team.”

USI is ranked No. 4 in the Midwest regional rankings.

Friday afternoon the Lions retook the court, playing McKendree University and claiming the victory in five sets. The teams alternated sets with McKendree getting the first and third sets and UNA grabbing the second and fourth sets.

The Lions pulled away in the fifth set, finishing off McKendree 15-9 and clenching the victory.

“Overall I think the team performed well,” said coach Stephanie Radecki.

“USI hosted a strong tournament, and all the teams were very competitive. I think

our team responded well.”

Senior outside hitter and preseason All-Gulf Conference First Team selection Megan Gorey led UNA with 17 kills, and sophomore outside hitter Peyton Lang added 14 kills.

”

USI HOSTED A STRONG

TOURNAMENT AND ALL THE TEAMS WERE VERY COMPETITIVE. I THINK OUR TEAM RESPONDED WELL.

STEPHANIE RADECKI VOLLEYBALL COACH Junior setter Andrea De Leon made 35 assists.

Day two brought a new set of challenges as the Lions faced Lincoln memorial in the opener and battled to a five set victory.

The two schools posted identical scores in the first two sets with UNA taking the first set 25-19 and Lincoln Memorial following suit with same in the second set.

After losing a third set 27-25 the Lions fought back to win the fourth and fifth sets by scores 25-9 and 15-12.

Gorey provided 24 kills for the match and De Leon once again lead the Lions in assists with 48.

UNA wrapped up tournament play facing off against University of Missouri - St. Louis.

The Lions once again went five sets, falling in the fifth set, 15-8, to end their participation in the tournament.

“I wish we would have been able to finish the tournament with the win vs. UMSL, but the fifth set was disappointing,” Radecki said. “However, overall the girls played well and showed so many good things. “ The Lions look to build on their wins and learn from their losses moving into conference play this week.

“We start conference play this week, which is a lot earlier than most seasons, and we need to be more consistent,” Radecki said. There were a couple times that we allowed teams to go on runs, and it’s important we don’t do that moving forward.”

The Lions were led offensively by Gorey and defensively by freshman defensive specialist Ashtyn Kapovich as she put together a 30 dig performance against UMSL. “Megan Gorey had a great weekend offensively, as she was strong and teams struggled defending her,” Radecki said.

“Ashtyn Kapovich also played extremely well.”

Kapovich was named the GSC Freshman of the Week this year because of her performance over the weekend.

Throughout the four matches, she recorded 78 total digs, 11 service assists and 17 assists.

Lloyd said she was proud of the way the freshmen performed in the tournament, and it has made the rest of the team confident about the rest of the

season.

“Ashtyn (Kapovich) and (middle hitter) Megan Wadsworth played extremely well all tournament,” she said.

Radecki said she was also impressed with they way they played and is confident on the potential of the team.

The Lions regularly played three freshmen throughout the tournament, the other being defensive specialist Macie Pringle.

UNA plays two home games this week, as they take on Shorter University today at 6 p.m. and Mississippi College Friday at 7 p.m.

“We’re really excited about our first home games,” Lloyd said. “At the same time, it’s nerve racking playing in front of the home crowd, but we’re ready to play.”

The Lions hit the road to play Lee University and the University of West Georgia Sept. 16 and Sept. 19, respectively. Then UNA returns home to face rival University of Alabama Huntsville Sept. 20. at 2 p.m.

The Lions were picked to finish seventh in the GSC in the preseason coaches poll after going 8-25 last year.

Radecki said she is already impressed with what the team has shown her thus far and should be much improved over last year.

Editor’s note: Sports Editor Dustin Pollard contributed to the story.

6B SPORTS

Sept. 11, 2014 • The Flor-Ala

FOOTBALL

Q&A with head coach Bobby Wallace ;\]LMV\ ?ZQ\MZ ILWVTMa(]VI ML]

Coach Bobby Wallace enters his No. 13 season as the head football coach at UNA. After leaving the Lions in 1997, Wallace returned to UNA in 2012.

He enters the 2014 campaign as the winningest football coach in Gulf South Conference history with 123 victories.

Wallace led the Lions to three consecutive national championships (1993-95). This Flor-Ala writer got the opportunity to sit down with the coach to ask him a few questions about coaching.

Q:

How have you had to change your approach from coaching in your first stint at UNA in the ‘80s and ‘90s to now?

A:

Football was much more physical back in the ‘80s — wishbone offenses were prevalent — so it was very much a downhill running game. We approached the game more physically as well. Athletes were much smaller and slower. Now it’s more finese.

Q:

How is it different in building a team?

A:

First, you need talent. Then, you need sound coaches that teach well. Third, you need intangibles — team character and unselfishness. You need player - to player relationships. Three things need to be important to the player: academics, football, and you need them to be good people and have good character.

Q: A:

What position requires the most experience?

Well, the most obvious is the quarterback position. Because it isn’t so cerebral and technical these days, it’s a luxury to have an experienced quarterback.

But the second most important is the offensive line. They have so many calls and judgments to make at the line of scrimmage.

Q:

alities ies of a What are the qualities good staff?

Being a good person — someone who treats the players well. Be hard ard on him, but at the same time care t about him as well. Character ter matters more than knowledge of scheme cheme and such because that stuff can bee learned.

A:

Q: A:

How important speed?

is

photo by DEANNA KAMPMEYER I Staff Photographer

ALBIN DONLEY

team

Nowadays it’s the he most important factor. It iss far more important than size, e, strength and experience. You need speed at every position, even quarterback. ack. Back in the day, teams would only y use the field between the hashes. Now you have to guard more space, and that takes more team speed.

Head football coach Bobby Wallace sounds his whistle during a fall practice.

Wallace is entering his No. 13 season as head coach of the Lions.

SOCCER

Lions shut out first two opponents of 2014 season DUSTIN POLLARD

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UNA soccer faced two different teams this past week but the results were the same.

The Lions won both games by a score of 3-0. UNA defeated Tennessee Wesleyan College Sept. 8 and beat McKendree University Sept. 4.

For both games, the Lions were led by its defense and junior forward Chloe Richards.

“The best thing so far is the two zeros that have gone on there (scoreboard),” said coach Chris Walker. “Defensively, this is something we worked on, and we have a lot of leadership back there on defense.”

The defense held Tennessee Wesleyan to just one shot at the goal all game while UNA attempted 27.

The Lions got on the board early as Richards made two goals within the first four minutes of the game.

“I wasn’t happy with the way we started the first game of the season, but tonight we came out ready to play,” Walker said.

So far Richards has made every goal for the Lions this season.

“All credit to Chloe,” Walker said.

“She’s worked super hard in the spring (and) the summer, and it’s starting to pay off. She really works hard and creates chances for herself.”

The six goals by Richards this season put her tied for eighth in all-time career goals at UNA with 21.

Richards said she credits her teammates for setting her up for good looks at the goal.

“I spoke to (defender) Alyssa Bova just minutes before she made the pass about how I wanted it, and she pinpointed it exactly how I wanted it,” she said.

“Having teammates that can place balls like that makes my job a lot easier.”

Against McKendree all the scoring was in the first half, as the second half was a defensive stalemate.

Freshman midfielder Morgan Brown said the team’s hard work in this game was the key to victory.

“We out-worked them and that’s overall what got us the win tonight,” she said.

For Richards’ performance the first two games she was named Gulf South Conference Women’s Soccer Player of the Week.

UNA plays at Georgia College Sept.

12 at 6:30 p.m. The next home game is Sept. 24 at 7 p.m. against Shorter University.

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SPORTS 7B

Sept. 11, 2014 • The Flor-Ala

CLUB SPORTS

Rugby team recovers from loss to Memphis, still optimistic DUSTIN POLLARD

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The rugby team took a 19-14 loss in its first game of the year against the University of Memphis.

Players Eli Phillips and Darnell Tothard were the top scorers, while Daniel Logan kicked two conversions.

Despite the loss, head coach Eddie Roberts said he was proud of the team and is optimistic about the rest of the season.

“We battled hard all game, so I’m really proud of how well the players played today,” he said. “We were a Division III team playing a Division I team and played them really tough.”

USA Rugby determines which division a school is in by the total number of male full-time students, Roberts said.

“We are much improved this season from last year,” he said. “Last year we lost by about 30 points to Memphis, so it shows what a great group of guys we have.”

Roberts said the team had about six or seven guys who had never seen a rugby ball before their first practice.

First-year player and junior Jamie Spillane said he was proud of the way the more experienced players helped the new players in the game.

“The leadership from the older guys today was really important,” he said. “We

started six new guys, and (Memphis) had their entire team back from last year and we still played good.”

This weekend the rugby team heads to Arkansas State University for a minicamp.

“They’re a top-five team in the country so I’m looking forward to the experience,” Roberts said.

When UNA returns from its trip to

the Veterans Park football field.

This is just the fourth season of rugby at UNA, and Roberts said he sees the amount of people coming to tryout grow each year.

“If you enjoy football, you’ll enjoy rugby,” Spillane said. “I just now started playing it and it’s been really fun.”

The next home game for UNA is Sept. 20 at 1 p.m. at Veterans Park.

Arkansas State University, the team will then start its conference schedule.

“We should have no trouble with our conference,” Spillane said. “We handled Memphis pretty well today, and the competition won’t be as tough as today.”

For those interested in playing rugby, Roberts and Spillane both said they encourage guys to come to open tryouts every 7 p.m. Monday and Thursday at

photo by DEANNA KAMPMEYER I Staff Photographer

UNA and Memphis rugby players fight for possession of the ball in their game Sept. 6. Coach Roberts and the players are confident this season will be better than last.

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8B EXTRA

Sept. 11, 2014 • The Flor-Ala

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