September 29, 2011 Edition

September 29, 2011

Volume 80 No. 6

www.FlorAla.net

Student newspaper of the University of North Alabama

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@UNAFlorAla @FlorAlaSports

A LOOK INSIDE

See page 2 Rape Response and other groups work to raise awareness about sexual violence.

UNA officials recently reported to the board of trustees that estimates for the new science and technology building are over the original expected budget.

The science and technology building to be located on Pine Street is expected to cost $41 million, according to current estimates given to UNA administrators.

One of the original estimates to build the science building came in around $35 million to complete.

The current estimate for the build-

ing will cost $251 per square foot.

The administration and board of trustees have given their full commitment to build the science building, said UNA president Bill Cale. Cale said he has instructed the architects to continue working on the project.

“It is important to know that there is not a fixed budget for this project,” Cale said via e-mail. “We have a significant amount of money in reserve for this project, and the cost estimate gives us a sense of how much additional funding will be needed to complete the

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photo courtesy of Michael Gautney

The projected image of the new science building, coming in 2012.

Homecoming festivities donʼt disappoint

See page 11 Kilby Laboratory School held its first-ever reunion for students during homecoming.

See page 5 Matisyahu discusses his connections to music and spirituality.

photo by Malisa McClure

Homecoming queen Allison Ray and king Will Riley are crowned Sept. 24 at the game.

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See page 8 Local church offers an alternative approach to spirituality.

See page 9 Volleyball head coach Stephanie Radecki reaches a milestone.

Homecoming concluded Saturday with the football victory over Harding University and the crowning of the 2011 homecoming king and queen. Throughout the week, there were spirit competitions, student activities and alumni events.

Allison Ray, a senior from Huntsville, was crowned homecoming queen, and Will Riley, a junior from Tuscumbia, was named homecoming king. Both students were surprised and elated to be selected for the titles.

“It was an incredible feeling,” Riley said. “My heart was racing so fast, and I had the widest grin when they announced my name. I honestly had no idea.”

He said that it is an honor to represent UNA as homecoming king, and is thankful to all the UNA students who voted for him. Riley, the vice president of University Pro-

gram Council, said that this year’s homecoming elections had the biggest voter turnout in UNA history.

Ray said she was humbled to have been chosen by so many of her peers as the UNA homecoming queen this year.

“I’m pretty sure my face said it all: total disbelief,” she said.

The winners of Spirit Challenges were announced Saturday at the game. Alpha Delta Chi won the overall spirit award, which is given to the organization that received the most points overall throughout the pep rally competition, window paint competition and parade float competition.

“It was definitely a lot of hard work but so worth it in the end,” said Katie Birth, homecoming chair for Alpha Delta Chi. “I’m so blessed we have a great sisterhood willing to step up and help.”

Birth said the events took about two weeks of planning and constant brainstorming to pull together.

photo by Malisa McClure

The parade took Kaitlyn Gowdy of Phi Mu performs her organiplace Saturday morn- zation’s routine at the pep rally Sept. 23. ing, and the winner of the parade float competition was Phi Gamma Delta.

The pep rally competition occurred Friday night, featuring groups from all over campus, from Greek life to Residence Life. Each group performed a chant and was judged photo by Darrick Dawkins and awarded for their Una, one of UNA’s mascots, high fives students performance. at the pep rally on the practice field Sept. 23.

The overall winner worked together to come up with of the pep rally compethe words and movements and they tition was Alpha Delta Pi. “The pep rally is one of Alpha taught the rest of the sisters in three Delta Pi’s favorite events, and with practices.

“We had a blast learning it with about 50 girls participating in our cheer, we knew we could make it each other, and I’m glad everyone stand out,” said Lauren Graviett, seemed to enjoy it,” Graviett said. social chair of Alpha Delta Pi. ;MM 075- XIOM Graviett said that two sisters

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News

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Thursday, September 29, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

Post-secondary Campus, local organizations offer help to rape victims 4]Ka *MZZa education may be necessary -`MK]\Q^M -LQ\WZ TJMZZa(]VI ML]

Rape Response in Florence served 188 victims of sexual violence and rape in 2010, translating to around one individual every ;\MXPIVQM .Q\bOMZITL other day throughout the year, according to ;\]LMV\ ?ZQ\MZ [NQ\bOMZITL(]VI ML] officials.

Kathy Connolly, executive director of According to a recent article in The Rape Response, said 28 percent of those Chronicle, the “master’s is the new bach- victims were women and men ages 19-24. elor’s.” Recently, the media has even gone She said college-aged people are one of the as far as declaring that the bachelor’s is the highest risk groups for sexual violence in new high school diploma.

Alabama and across the nation.

Dr. Vince Brewton, director of the UNA “This is a huge issue nationally, and the Honors Program and associate professor of Shoals is no different,” she said. “Rape is English, sheds some light on the media’s the most under-reported crime, and even so, claim. the numbers (we do have) are staggering. I “There is some truth to the idea that a think the main producer of sexual violence bachelor’s degree ‘means’ about what a is vulnerability, and younger people are high school diploma once meant, particu- sometimes more vulnerable.” larly if we are comparing the ‘value’ now Connolly said the biggest misconcepto the value of a diploma during the boom tion about sexual violence is that it is the victim’s fault in some way, whether it stems from alcohol consumption, the way a victim Sometimes the graduate dresses or whether a victim fought back. degree is needed to stand out in UNA police Chief Bob Pastula reports an ever-growing pile of resumes eight forcible and three nonforcible incidents of sexual violence, which include as the real unemployment rate consensual or underage sex, involving UNA students since 2007. He believes the climbs towards 17 percent. statistics at UNA are low because students are afraid to come forward due to the shame and stigma sometimes attached to rape.

Excess alcohol consumption is a contributing factor in most incidents of sexual post-war years,” he said. violence involving college students, acHowever, Brewton notes that there are cording to Pastula. definitely perks to having a higher degree.

“Students put themselves in that posiAs the director of the Honors Program, tion by consuming too much alcohol, parBrewton sifts through numerous resumes. tying with people they don’t know, not “The data shows people with post grad- having any of their friends around and not uate degrees make more over their life- being aware of their surroundings,” he said. times, and it’s just a fact that many fields Emily Horn Kelley, coordinator of the now require additional specialization,” he UNA Women’s Center, believes the human said. “Sometimes, the graduate degree is body resents intrusion and will fight back needed to stand out in an ever-growing pile emotionally and psychologically when a of resumes as the real unemployment rate person has been raped or affected by sexual climbs toward 17 percent.” violence.

After four years of undergraduate classShe said women and men who have es, two more years in a classroom are not been raped should seek local resources and always ideal for students.

UNA senior Ethan Cagle agrees that there is not one answer to the question of whether to pursue a master’s.

“There are lots of students who graduate with only a bachelor’s and are successful )VV 0IZSMa in the job market,” he said. “But, also, the ;\]LMV\ ?ZQ\MZ degree opens up doors. It makes you more IPIZSMa(]VI ML] competitive.”

Glorified by the popular movies “Old Melissa Medlin, director of Career Planning and Development, offers a different School,” “Animal House,” and “National perspective. She often deals with students Lampoon’s Van Wilder,” college parties ofwho are debating between entering the ten contain promiscuous, spontaneous and out-of-control students. workforce and continuing their education.

While the movies make it seem like go“Getting your master’s is about specialing with the flow is the best way to have izing,” she said. “When I continued my education, I had a purpose. But so many stu- fun, Kyle Smith, intern for Rape Response dents are saying ‘I can’t get a job, so I may at the UNA Women’s Center and president as well go to grad school.’ The question is, of One in Four, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention of rape, offers are you really gaining knowledge?”

In Medlin’s opinion, life experience can students advice on how to be safe while partying. be just as valuable as a degree.

“In this area, we serve one student ev“Just having the education isn’t enough,” she said. “The degree is not a stand-alone. ery other day, predominantly college-age Many students will come out overeducated adults,” he said. “The majority of (sexual) and under experienced. It’s a competitive incidents included the involvement of almarket, and students need to hit the ground cohol and someone considered an acquaintance. Play it smart. Students tend to have running.”

Both Brewton and Medlin want to en- too much trust for acquaintances.”

Being mindful of one’s beverage is also courage students to make decisions that important, according to UNA police Chief will have the best outcome and receive an Bob Pastula. education that will provide a future.

He advises that students watch their “All in all, education makes a difference in terms of future income and in developing drinks and their consumption. Someone can easily slip something into a beverage good citizens,” Brewton said. without the drinker being aware. Students

”

” -Dr. Vince Brewton

photo by Malisa McClure

Nearly six out of 10 rapes occur in the victim’s home or at the home of a friend, relative or neighbor. Sexual assaults occur often, and organizations like Rape Response are working to help victims and raise awareness about sexual violence.

counseling immediately to handle the difficult emotions that can develop as a result of sexual violence.

“You cannot get through this by yourself,” Kelley said. “This is something that will eat away at you from the inside out and has the potential of literally destroying you as a human being. The embarrassment you may feel now is nothing compared to the depression you will feel later on.”

Connolly advises rape victims to find a safe place, refrain from brushing their teeth or showering, get a medical exam through Rape Response or local health provider and report the rape to university or local police.

UNA Police also offer free rape aggressive defense training to women, as well as educational programming about sexual violence to all students.

Dr. Kim Greenway, director of student conduct, planning and assessment, reports five cases of sexual misconduct involving UNA students through the Office of Student Conduct since 2009.

Greenway said UNA Police are notified when an incident of sexual violence is re-

ported through her office and a full investigation of the misconduct begins. If officials deem the alleged perpetrator is a danger to the campus community, they take immediate steps to remove that person from the university.

“Our concerns are the safety of individuals on campus, the attitude of that student

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Need help?

Rape Response - 256-767-1100 Safe Place - 256-767-6210 UNA Police/SNAP Patrol 256-765-4357 Florence Police - 256-760-6500 UNA Office of Student Conduct 256-765-5012 UNA Health and Wellness Center 256-765-4328

Officials see partying as concern on campus also need to monitor how much alcohol they drink.

“Try not to drink to the point you lose your faculties,” Pastula said.

Vice President of Student Affairs David Shields said UNA faces similar challenges to other universities when it comes to party problems.

“Not to say UNA doesn’t wrestle with these issues would be naïve,” he said. “We are going to have these issues.”

Shields offers some advice to students.

“I think the biggest thing is to be aware of your surroundings, whether you’re walking, going somewhere unfamiliar or taking a ride from someone,” he said.

He advises that students come up with a plan for the evening before they go out. The plan should include how to deal with possible situations that could arise, such as unwanted advances and how to get everyone home safely, whether it is by cab or even the Downtown Express.

Even though the Downtown Express was created as a means for students to visit local restaurants at night, it does provide a safe way home for students who have been drinking.

“I’d rather you get on that bus and get here than get in your car and not get here,” Shields said. “If you have been drinking,

photo by Barry Minor

Partying is seen as a problem on many college campuses around the country.

Binge drinking is one of the main problems universities see with students.

don’t drive. I know it’s the old cliché, but it’s true.”

Thursday, September 29, 2011 â&#x20AC;˘ The Flor-Ala

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Thursday, September 29, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

Viewpoints

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.

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

Flor-Ala looks for student feedback From the first day that I began quality photos, regularly updated writing for The Flor-Ala, I knew website, student-produced vidI wanted to be executive editor eos, more distribution on and off someday. I was passionate about campus and increased advertising journalism, and worked as hard revenue. as I could to get to where I wanted I try to encourage the edito be. tors on a weekly basis to Well, now I’m here, and so look at each issue critifar my run as editor has been cally and see where we interesting, to say the least. could have improved.

The stress and responsibility We value constructive associated with the job has criticism from each been high, but I expected that other, but especially after working as an associate 4]Ka *MZZa from our audiences -`MK]\Q^M -LQ\WZ on and off campus. editor last year.

Last year, I dealt more TJMZZa(]VI ML] One aspect of closely with writers, while this The Flor-Ala that is still relatively year, I have mostly taken a step fresh is our presence on Facebook away from that role and am man- and Twitter. We’ve run into a aging a staff of around 12 stu- few kinks, but have discovered dents. It’s an entirely new job and how effective reporting the news can sometimes be challenging, can be through those media. We but I’m beginning to get into the will continue to utilize tools such swing of things. as live blogging to better inform So far, The Flor-Ala has faced readers of what’s going on. the tornado outbreak in late April, One complaint I have heard controversial Division I decision, about the new Flor-Ala is the lack tragic death of a former student, a of humor. We’re stuck between campus spoof newspaper, bomb a rock and a hard place on this threat on the day of our first dead- issue. We want to upgrade the line, major technical difficulties quality of the paper and not rely and more. solely on jokes for readership, but But, we’ve been able to offer we want to keep students entera more UNA-focused newspa- tained as well. per, stronger editorial stance, Still, we recognize that humor

is what some of our readers want, which is why The Flor-Ala is brainstorming for innovative ideas to meet that need. We’re also looking for volunteer student and faculty columnists to write about topics that interest students, such as humor, politics, health, sex, technology, Greek life and more.

It’s hard for me to believe that this week will be the sixth paper we’ve completed together, not including the 48-page SOAR edition we published in early summer. There are only 23 papers left for this year, but I’m looking forward to seeing how the staff evolves and the paper grows.

All I can do is push my staff to continue to be ambitious, work toward a standard of excellence and maintain journalistic integrity. I want to thank each reader for sticking with us, and for sharing praises and criticisms of our paper.

We know that without our readers, we are nothing, which is why we will continue striving to produce the best campus newspaper we can for you.

Lucy Berry can be reached at 256-765-4364 or lberry@una. edu.

Capital punishment is barbaric practice The Flor-Ala editorial board believes that the U.S. is one of the greatest countries in the world, which is why it is difficult for us to accept last week’s execution of Troy Davis, the man accused of killing off-duty police officer Mark MacPhail.

Hazy evidence and reasonable doubt did little to deter officials and a jury from ordering Davis’ death. The saddest part is that neither evidence nor reasonable doubt should never even be a factor in a human being’s death.

The U.S. is one of the last remaining countries that still allows the barbaric practice that is the death penalty—the government-sanctioned ending of human life. Who do we think we are?

Is it truly that we are making a moral statement by killing our accused killers? The irony here is laughable.

Is it that we want them to never commit such horrendous crimes again? It seems that life in

prison would suffice.

At least with life in prison we can end the punishment for those suspected criminals who are later found innocent. And such an opportunity should prove useful for us, as nearly 200 prisoners on death row have been exonerated by post-trial evidence.

Moral standpoints and objections aside, the unbelievable number of death row exonerations alone should be enough to convince anyone that the death penalty is an outdated, flawed practice.

But it’s not enough, obviously. More inmates are put to death each year in pro-capital punishment states. The irony is that so many supporters of the death penalty are the same people who vehemently oppose abortion.

So is it human life that antiabortion, pro-capital punishment citizens value? Or is it the value of that life as interpreted by our flawed justice system?

Like it or not, innocent or

guilty, Troy Davis was a living human being.

If Americans choose to rank the value of human life, the system needs to be fixed. If even one person had been proven innocent on death row, that would be enough to prove that the system is full of holes—and we have 200 times that much proof.

The Flor-Ala editorial board feels that human life is human life. The value isn’t up for interpretation.

That’s not to say that murderers and other criminals should run free. We should keep them in prison for the duration of their sentences. At least the decision to send someone to prison can be reversed.

Nothing in life is certain--not even judgements handed down by our government--but death certainly is.

The opinions expressed are the collective ideas of The FlorAla editorial board.

Alabama Arise, a nonprofit group that lobbies to help the poor, recently set an agenda to put a stop to poverty within the state, following the new U.S. Census figures that one in six Americans are poor.

In the last few months, around 15 young adults in Tuscaloosa have been sent to emergency rooms after consuming synthetic marijuana substances. Complaints of paranoia and rapid heart beat have been reported.

Sprint and AT&T have joined with T-Mobile to create cell phone apps that help prevent distracted driving by putting a stop to certain phone functions when users are in their vehicles.

North Alabama local Weston Stewart recently became the national banjo playing champion at the Walnut Valley Music Festival in Winfield, Kan. Sept.

18. Stewart’s win makes him the second bluegrass champion of the area, after local Dillon Hodges won the Flat Picking National Championship in 2007 at 17.

RegionalCare Health Partners, the recent buyer of Eliza Coffee Memorial Hospital, is considering two locations in Colbert County for a replacement hospital after ECM is closed. This is in direct violation of a contract which promised a 300-bed replacement hospital in Lauderdale County. The loss of the hospital could represent an economic blow for Lauderdale County.

Congratulations to Ann Harkey for writing last week’s story of the week!

Thursday, September 29, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

Life

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15 minutes with Matis )VLa <PQOXMV

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This Saturday, Oct. 1, Matisyahu is scheduled to perform at Norton Auditorium. The week before his show, Matis gave a few minutes of his time to talk about his musical and spiritual philosophy.

Who are your biggest musical inspirations? What do you listen to in the car?

I’ve been going through a lot of old CDs lately. I moved to California, so I’ve been in the car a lot, so I’m deciding what to keep and throw away. This morning, I was listening to Phish and some Michael Jackson. I found an old one that I really like, too—the Temper Trap. I don’t really have just one band or artist I’ve been listening to.

If I like it, it influences me in some way.

That’s the process: trying to find your unique voice and blend the elements of the different types of music you like.

was interested in focusing on the vocals and really carving and crafting out the songs. I was also working with a veteran producer who was good at that.

The next record I’m making, I’m with a younger, more hip-hop oriented producer, so it’s going to sound different.

I’m not really limiting myself to one thing.

And your fans have been appreciative?

You can’t really make music based on what you made in the past or what people are going to like. You have to do what’s right for you.

What kind of messages do you try to convey in your songs and with your music?

I try not to speak too much about it.

For different individuals, music resonates and means different things. Even with lyrics and songs that have specific ideas, at the end of the day they resonate differently with someone, and I don’t want to limit them to my interpretation of what they mean--even though I wrote them.

From your first studio album to your most recent, there has been a big change in the Your spirituality obviously afsound. What has influenced fects your music, so how has that change? this inspired you along the way?

The main idea there is that the music isn’t staying stagnant. It’s constantly growing and changing. It’s very organic.

It’s not like there’s one major realization that causes the change. The music is always a continuous process that’s moving with me.

I’m also sometimes creating different things at the same time. With “Light,” I

The two things are very much linked.

When I was a kid searching for myself, it was about music and God and history.

It’s always been about those different things coming together. It was never an option to make them separate; they all kind of blend for me.

photo by Jared Polin

“Light” is Matisyahu’s third studio album. It was released in 2009 and represented an evolution in his approach to his sound.

So, would you say it’s a con- or my culture or my philosophical spirifirmation of identity in some tual beliefs, and the music kind of grows out of that. ways?

It wasn’t so much an identity thing.

Music was always powerful and dynamic for me. It was spiritual in the way it makes you feel and another way in how it makes you perceive things.

Music and identity were always linked because I always felt a very strong connection to what I was listening to. As I started to discover and develop a sense of who I am, I started to blend my history

What message do you have to students who are still trying to understand themselves?

It’s good to stay open to things. You shouldn’t be too concerned with wondering who I am or what I am, but just to be in that stage of exploration. It’s important not to get stuck too early in who you believe you are, but to be open-minded.

Volunteers needed to help keep campus, Shoals beautiful

photo by Darrick Dawkins

A statue of W.C. Handy stands at an entrance to Wilson Park in downtown Florence.

Wilson Park is one of the areas that KTSB tries to maintain to keep it beautiful.

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As October approaches, people are being asked to volunteer for the upcoming events that Keep the Shoals Beautiful (KTSB) is taking part in. According to the official

Keep the Shoals Beautiful website, the nonprofit organization is committed to promoting a cleaner, healthier and safer community.

Through education, implementation and action, the organization strives to preserve natural resources. It also tries to alter bad

environmental behavior, such as littering, and turn it into a behavior that will help beautify the environment.

The Shoals Chamber of Commerce established KTSB in 2007. It is the first association of its kind in Alabama to have organized efforts throughout several cities.

KTSB is driven toward making meaningful and positive changes to the community.

“Our main focus is anti-littering, beautification and basic good environmental practices,” said Judy Keenum, coordinator of KTSB. “The community always needs volunteers. Helping out with KTSB is rewarding, and it offers opportunities, such as scholarships.”

Members of the organization are often found doing cleanups, putting additional trashcans and recycling bins out for public events, and making announcements reminding the community to keep the environment a clean and healthy place for all.

Keenum said students from UNA have been very involved with the organization in the past, and she hopes the contribution from the students continues.

The organization believes that improving the environment begins with personal responsibility.

Volunteers who support the organization are much appreciated.

“I think that through volunteering, students build their character,” said Jennifer Brown, assistant director for Student Engagement for Leadership and Volunteerism.

“When you have worked toward something

”I think that through

volunteering, students build their character.”

-Jennifer Brown bigger than yourself to help a community or a single person, it changes you and makes you see life differently. It gives you a greater appreciation for what you have, or for what you do not have.”

Brown, who works closely with KTSB, said that anyone is welcome to volunteer.

KTSB is involved in several events in October, including Oktoberfest, PALS litter pick-up, Adopt-A-Mile, Sam Phillips Music Celebration and the Renaissance Faire.

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Images

Thursday, September 29, 2011 â&#x20AC;˘ The Flor-Ala

The land of a thousand waterfalls

By Barry Minor - Staff Photographer - sminor@una.edu Few people actually know the beauty we have in our own neck of the woods.

One may be surprised to find that there are numerous beautiful waterfalls only an hour from our own campus.

Many find themselves traveling thousands of miles to see a beautiful landscape, when, little do they know, they have an equally beautiful area hundreds of miles closer to them. I pride myself in my knowledge of the area known as Bankhead National Forest and my ability to share

the beauty of this area through my images.

Anyone willing to do a little walking can drive to the trailhead and walk along the trail to most of these falls. Of course, there are also those that require some effort to locate.

Anyone wishing to take a little trip can find the information necessary to locate the falls online. I would like to challenge you to go out and explore the area that is close to us to find those things that most do not realize are there. Find your outdoor escape.

Thursday, September 29, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

Feature

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photo by Phillip Holcombe

The “Ghostbusters” homecoming float (above) was one of many floats created by students, organizations and members of the Shoals community.

During the September board of trustees meeting, questions were raised about where the additional funding needed to complete the building would come from.

“There are several avenues of potential support open to us, and we are looking at all of them,” Cale said. “One is federal grant support, another is private giving, a third is to acquire additional funds through borrowing.”

UNA is working with EXP Inc., a company helping architects and UNA administrators design the building.

“We are working with experts in the design of scientific buildings and laboratories, and we will not take any actions that compromise the quality and integrity of this building,” Cale said. “Our aim is to build what we presently need and what will serve us in the future and to identify the necessary resources to accomplish that.”

After EXP Inc. came in and looked at the plan, the technology and building design changed slightly, increasing the cost of

the building a small amount, according to Mike Gautney, director of facilities administration and planning at UNA. Dr. Brenda Webb, chair of the Department of Physics and Earth Science, said she is excited to teach and work in a building that was designed to be student friendly.

“I’m particularly excited about the spaces, classrooms and laboratories that will be inviting to students,” she said.

The learning environment in the building will be greatly enhanced compared to the current science labs in Floyd Hall, she said. Webb said although a great deal of learning is going on in Floyd Hall, the new building will enhance learning and boost morale of both students and faculty working in the building.

“The learning environment is going to be really conducive to interactions between faculty and students because of additional space and attractiveness,” she said. “The facilities will allow us to move into the future.”

075- KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM The winners of window painting competition, which took place Tuesday, were announced Friday at the pep rally.

Phi Mu was the overall winner of this competition.

David Johnson, UPC spirit chair, said that the events of Homecoming went well this year.

“I think the window painting went exceptionally well this year, and we had more people than ever for it and the pep rally,” Johnson said.

Johnson thanked all the students who participated, including faculty and staff who made every event possible and the UPC Spirit Committee for all their hard work before and during homecoming.

Friday and Saturday were not only huge events for students, but for alumni as well. Friday, there was the Jack Kearns Memorial Golf Tournament and the

Alumni Awards Banquet. Three UNA alumni were named Alumni of the Year, and several others were given service awards.

Carol Lyles, director of alumni relations, was pleased with Homecoming 2011.

“I thought homecoming was larger than life,” Lyles said. “There were events with Kilby School Alumni, Kappa Sigma finally burned their mortgage after 27 years, men and women who went to UNA in the 1960s came back for the dedication of Florence and Stripling Halls, and there were large groups from everywhere coming back and having their reunions in their own special ways.

“It was about expanding our horizons, not just our legacy. It’s not only about building on our past, but looking toward our future.”

>1+<15; KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM and how willing they are to take responsibility for the act and the likelihood of (the incident) happening again,” she said.

UNA student Kaylie Watts, president of Alternative Break Board, is currently planning Sexual Assault Awareness Week, which will take place Nov. 7-11. Watts believes the activities that take place during that week will open students’ eyes to an issue that is often overlooked on campus.

“It’s not to scare people, but to educate the campus community that this actually does happen,” she said. “It’s to say, ‘Hey, this could happen, and this is what you can do to stop it from happening.’” photo by Malisa McClure

Tweets of the week

DISCLAIMER: The tweets above are public tweets found on Twitter by researching hashtags involving UNA, Florence and other university-related topics. Want to see yours on here? Be sure to hashtag UNA and Florence in your tweets.

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Life

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Thursday, September 29, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

Living Spirit Church offers alternative beliefs 2IKWJ ?ITTIKM

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Goldston, a native of Chicago, and her husband, from Sheffield, are the founders of the church. They were always believers of the New Thought Spiritual Community but had no place to go.

“We are very different and we hug a lot,” Goldston said.

The key to the power of her min-

The Prayer for Protection described the atmosphere at the Living Spirit Church on Wood Avenue in Florence on the morning of Sept. 18.

“The Light of God Surrounds Us.” The white building with the colored windows is an all-faiths-inclusive church following Jesus’ practice of “the religion of the heart,” according to Spiritual Leader Vicki Goldston.

Her message is that the light of God is in all people regardless of race, beliefs or actions. That light of God and connection with others is what she and her congregation focus on in every person that enters their Spiritual Leader Vicki Goldston leads a small group on a Sunday morning doors. at Living Spirit.

“The Love of God Enfolds Us.” “Our doors are open with love, and we never know what we are going to istry, she said, is that practice makes get with our doors open,” Goldston perfect. She and her church family, said. “On Thursdays for 12 to 2:30 sometimes just simply artists passing p.m. we have open door where we through or long time followers, pracserve lunch. We never know who is tice meditation and prayer as a way to coming, but there is always enough find the peace, love, compassion and joy of God. food to go around.”

She said that many churches have “The Presence of God Watches Over Us.” the saying “What would Jesus do?”

Even though Living Spirit Church but her church really practices what Jesus would do by loving all people. is nontraditional, all people can learn something from the service in the “The Power of God Protects Us.”

white building, according to Hailey Boeck from Atlanta. A freshman at UNA in the Honors Program, Boeck said that Living Spirit made her appreciate church. Through the teaching of facing challenges through changing one’s perspective and prayer, Goldston and fellow minister Camille Bennett are happy to help anyone craving positive spiritual teaching, living and giving to find his or her place.

“I love speaking to young people,” Bennett said. “When I speak, my messages are definitely youth based.”

“Wherever We Are God Is.” In sorting out all the puzzles of this world, Goldston said one must start with oneself. Quoting spiritual statistics in her message, she said that by one person centering his or her life through prayer and scriptural practices, thousands can be affected.

People who attend the church have open arms for new guests.

Through poetry readings, chants, prayers, and other forms of selfexpression, Living Spirit Church welcomes all that have an attitude of love into their ranks.

“All Is Well and That’s the Truth.”

photos by Malisa McClure

The multi-colored, stained glass windows look out through different sides of the house, over Wood Avenue and Seven Points.

Sports

Thursday, September 29, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

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UNA volleyball head coach Radecki reaches milestone +PZQ[ 8MVVQM

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Recently, UNA volleyball head coach Stephanie Radecki accomplished a goal in her sports career when she reached her 200th win.

Radecki was born and raised in Meadville, Penn. Though she started out playing basketball, her love for volleyball grew when she was first introduced to it in 7th grade.

“All of my friends were trying out for the volleyball team, so I decided to try out with them,” she said.

Even though her friends were more optimistic about trying out than Radecki, she was the only one of her group to make the team.

“I could not help but laugh and brag about it,” she said. “They were not happy about it, but they were still my friends.”

From then on, Radecki played volleyball from high school to college and served mostly as an outside hitter.

One of her most memorable games took place when she was a senior at Maplewood High School when her team won the state championship games.

While still in Pennsylvania, Radecki played volleyball for four years at Edinboro

University.

She graduated in 1998 with a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education.

She served as a student assistant coach there and helped lead her team to win the league championship.

There, Radecki was chosen as the Female Athlete Player of the Year, Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Player of the Year and captain of her volleyball team.

Later on, after leaving Edinboro, Radecki was selected to the 2008 Athletic Hall of Fame.

Radecki chose to make a transition from being in the game to coaching. Before coming to UNA, she earned her master’s at Augustana College while she was an assistant coach for three years.

”I love my team here at UNA.

UNA is a great place for female athletes to get a great education and be successful.”

- Stephanie Radecki She first became a head coach for a volleyball team at St. Leo University in Florida.

In 2003, she filled the head coaching position for the UNA volleyball team.

“I love my team here in UNA,” Radecki said.

“UNA is a great place for female athletes to get a great education and be successful.”

One of Radecki’s most memorable photo by Darrick Dawkins moments as head coach at Volleyball head coach Stephanie Radecki helps one of her players UNA was when during a game. her team mandedication and trust, we have been successaged to defeat the No. 1 seed and played for ful together. the national championship.

“It is always fun to reflect on the expeMore recently, Radecki captured her rience and the people that I have had the 200th win as head coach for UNA against pleasure to work with through coaching.” the University of South Carolina-Aiken.

Radecki currently has an overall record “I feel lucky to have had so many amazof 201-88 for her UNA coaching career. ing people cross my path,” Radecki said.

“So many individuals have been a part of my career, and, because of their hard work,

Football team prepares for trip to Southern Arkansas <WUUa *WT\WV

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The No. 2 Lions football team looks to extend its undefeated season after their trip to Southern Arkansas this weekend.

The Lions were able to hold onto the victory against Harding last weekend despite only having 25 yards rushing, compared to Harding’s 381 yards rushing for the game.

The Lions were lead by senior quarterback Lee Chapple, who threw for 308 yards and three touchdowns, including two in the fourth quarter.

“He missed some deep throws early on in the game and started to hit those deep balls in the second half, and we needed that,” said head coach Terry Bowden.

The Lions also got some big plays from receivers Mo Milliam, Tristan Purifoy and Jason Smith, who combined for 261 yards and two touchdowns.

“When you play a team that loads the box to stop the run, you got to hit some of those deep balls, and we did that, and our receivers made some plays for us,” Bowden said.

The No. 2 Lions (4-0) will play their first

Player of the week

Game Recap •

•

•

The Lions held on to a 28-20 victory against Harding despite getting outrushed 381 to 25.

Senior quarterback Lee Chapple finished the game throwing for 308 yards and three touchdown, including two in the fourth quarter.

The Lions got big plays out of Mo Milliam, Tristan Purifoy and Jason Smith, who combined for 261 yards recieving and two touchdowns.

true road game of the season against Southern Arkansas (1-3), who gave the No. 5 Valdosta State everything they could handle last weekend.

The Muleriders had a 21-17 lead going into the fourth, but Valdosta scored 21 unanswered points to win the game 38-21.

The Muleriders also played the Lions’ last opponent Harding the first game of the season at home, but were blown out with a final score of 63-14. The Muleriders had no answer for the Harding triple option, giving up 515 yards rushing for the game.

Volleyball Lee Chapple Hometown: Alpharetta, Ga. Major: Business Management.

Position: Quarterback.

Stats: Completed 21-31 passes with 308 yards passing and three touchdowns, including two in the fourth quarter in comeback win.

photo by Kayla Sloan

Senior running back Antwan Ivey during the homecoming game.

When: Thursday- 6 p.m.

The Muleriders average 21.8 points per game against their opponents this year.

They are lead offensively by quarterback Tyler Sykora, who averages 207 yards passing per game and six touchdowns.

Also included is running back Mark Johnson, who averages 93 yards rushing per game with five touchdowns on the season.

Defensively, the Muleriders are lead by linebacker A.J. Steele, who leads the team in tackles with 27 on the season.

Week at a glance Soccer

When: Wednesday - 7 p.m.

Where: 1. Home 2. Carrollton, Ga.

2.Savannah, Ga. Who: Who: 1. West Georgia 2.Valdosta State

Football

When: Saturday - 6 p.m..

Sunday- 10 a.m.

Friday- 6 p.m.

Where: 1.Carrollton, Ga.

Last season the Lions blew out Southern Arkansas at Braly stadium with a final score of 48-6.

Chapple completed 16 of 26 passes while throwing for 195 yards and two touchdowns. The running game had a combined 141 yards for the game.

The Lions will travel to Southern Arkansas Saturday with kick-off scheduled for 6 p.m.

1. Delta State 2. Christian Brotherss

Where: Magnolia, Ark. Who: Sourthern Arkansas as

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Thursday, September 29, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

Soccer team prepares for start of conference play 7ZZMa *WT\WV

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photo by Malisa McClure

Sophomore forward Jennifer Osmond heads the ball down the field against Southern Indiana earlier this year. She and the rest of the Lions prepare to open their conference schedule this week against Delta State on Thursday and Christian Brothers on Sunday.

UNA begins its Gulf South Conference play tonight, hosting Delta State at 7 p.m. with hopes to build off two non-conference losses and prevent more injuries to the team.

UNA stumbles into conference play with key injuries that include junior defensive player Julia Osmond and midfielder Gabriella Madrigal out for the season.

Even with the injuries, UNA has found a way to keep winning (6-2) with their depth and the emergence of sophomore midfielder Jennifer Osmond as the team-leading scorer.

“Jen is an all-around player and has the ability to play anywhere on the field,” said UNA soccer coach Graham Winkworth. “Her attitude is fantastic, and she has been real key not only in scoring goals, but has worked really well on defense.”

Delta State comes to town tonight (2-5) with wins over Spring Hill College and Freed Hardeman. UNA is not going to look past their record, especially with the

injuries that have plagued the Lions this season.

“Delta just got a new coach this season,” Winkworth said. “They are well organized and also very difficult to break down.”

UNA hits the road Sunday against the Christian Brothers team (4-2-2) with an offense that is averaging two goals a game and leading in the conference in 0.5 goals allowed, which could be a cause for concern for the Lions.

In the two games the Lions have lost, they were held in check for only one goal in each game.

“I believe high expectations and the combination of teams playing great defense may have played a role in the two losses,” Winkworth said.

“We have to be more clinical and make better decisions.

(Christian Brothers) plays very attractive soccer, and they put a lot of pressure up the field. It’s important for us to stop their breaks down the field.”

The Lions are coming off a win against Alabama State and a loss against Florida Southern last week. Osmond is coming off a big week, after three goals and earning

Quick Recap • Last week, the Lions lost to Florida Southern (2-1) but beat Alabama State (6-0).

• Jennifer Osmond scored three goals total and is currently the team’s leading scorer. She was also the Gulf South Conference Player of the Week.

• The Lions’ overall record is 6-2, and the team begins conference play this week.

GSC player of the week.

Junior midfielder Nikki Brown is also coming off an impressive game against Alabama State, scoring three goals and one assist.

“We still try to stick to what we do best,” Winkworth said. “We only had 16 players in the last game, including (Roberts) being out.

Changes were forced due in part with the injuries that we have.”

UNA is 6-2 and still primed to be one of the frontrunners in the conference.

“Even with the two losses, I’m happy with the style of soccer that we are playing right now,” Winkworth said.

“We want to win with the best soccer and continue to entertain our fans with the kind of soccer that hasn’t been seen here before.”

The Lions are scheduled to play Delta State on Thursday at home starting at 7 p.m. and will travel to Christian Brothers Sunday starting at 1 p.m.

Thursday, September 29, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

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Kilby hosts first reunion Student loan default rises, ;QWJPIV /MPZ[

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Kilby Laboratory School held its first official school reunion this past weekend.

The two-day event allowed generations of Kilby students to interact and see the progress the school has made.

Kilby was established in 1872, and the Parent Teacher Organization at the school felt it was time to celebrate its history.

“Kilby has an amazing history, and we wanted to do what we could to see that that history was not only preserved, but carried on into future generations of Kilby Cubs,” said PTO President Carole Maynard.

Planning for the event began in May when the PTO started collecting names of alumni and creating an alumni association to keep updates of past and future graduates of Kilby.

Maynard said that all Kilby alumni and former Kilby teachers and administrators, along with current Kilby families and memphoto by Malisa McClure bers of the UNA community, were invited.

UNA’s Web Communications Manager Alumni of Kilby School had the opportuJeremy Britten attended the reunion with nity to tour the school and participate in his family. Britten said that more than 350 a silent auction during the reunion. people registered for the event.

The reunion also held a silent auction.

“From what I could tell, it was a much All proceeds went to help establish the Kildesired event,” he said.

by Alumni Fund through the UNA foundaOn Friday, Kilby hosted a pep rally with tion. Some of the items up for bid included UNA cheerleaders, Leo and Una. UNA-themed baskets, a watch from MefFriday evening the teachers hosted a ford’s and furniture from Ingram’s. movie night where Kilby students and the Britten said the reunion was great for children of alumni could enjoy time togethKilby students to reconnect with former er. classmates and to see what current students Britten said Kilby was well represented are working on. in Saturday’s parade with four floats. One “The PTO would like to thank all of the float was dedicated to the alumni, and the UNA community for supporting this firstother three were for current Kilby students. ever Kilby reunion,” Maynard said. “KilAttendees had the option to purchase by’s tie to UNA and the history we share is tickets for a picnic with performances by what makes Kilby the unique, special place Dillon Hodges and Eric Kirkman. that it is.”

Maynard said that the playground was filled with different activities for the children to enjoy.

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According to the U.S. Department of Education, 8.8 percent of borrowers who started repayment in fiscal year 2009 defaulted on their loans, approximately 320,000 borrowers out of the 3.6 million.

Of those who began repayment in 2005, only 37 percent paid on time and in full.

Shauna James, scholarship manager with Student Financial Services, said the economic recession is the largest factor in the rise of default rates. In recent years, tuition rates across the country have increased, while the average family income has not.

Defaulting on a student loan can have serious consequences in the long run. This can include inability to borrow for a car or house, wage garnishment, seizure of tax refunds, or even, in an era when employers increasingly check credit reports, difficulty in getting a job, according to reports.

The number one way to help prevent student loan default is to not borrow more than you will need, said James.

“Keep in mind, these funds will have to be repaid,” James said. “If you don’t need the money, don’t take it out.”

Upon graduation, students are given a six-month grace period to seek employment before beginning repayment of their loans. Two options are available for repayment, which are the standard and income contingent methods.

The current income contingent repayment plan was introduced in July 2009.

Borrowers in repayment will pay 15 percent of their discretionary income for their payment for up to 25 years; after that, the remainder can be forgiven.

Workers in public service will also pay 15 percent of their discretionary income, but are eligible to be forgiven of the remainder after 10 years.

After 10 years, or 120 monthly payments, borrowers employed in eligible public service will have their remaining loans forgiven. Such positions include military service, public safety, law enforcement, public health, public education, social work in a public child or family service agency.

“Everyone is eligible for the incomebased plan, but only if your income-based payment would be lower than the standard payment,” James said.

In order to begin repayment after graduation, students need to contact their loan servicer. To avoid default, borrowers will need to stay in contact with their servicer.

“They are there to help you and will work with you in making your payments,” James said. “If you are laid off, call and ask ‘What can we work out?’”

To manage current cumulative loan information, students can visit nslds.ed.gov, which provides detailed information on loans.

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September 29, 2011 â&#x20AC;˘ The Flor-Ala