THE SIGNAL THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY SERVING THE STUDENTS SINCE 1933
GSUSIGNAL.COM
VOLUME 79 | ISSUE 15
INSIDE THIS EDITION z ONLiNE ExCLUSiVE
PRIZED ETIQUETTE: student DJ
Dunsker takes the crown at DJ competition in downtown Atlanta WERK fashion show celebrates LGBT culture More Letters to the Editor rebuttals against Reverse Racism. Where do you stand in the discussion? see more at www.gsusignal.com
z mOrE NEWS
Sex trafficking: organizations gather to fight illegal operations in Atlanta
page 2
Mega One Stop Shop petition moving forward to the registrar office
page 3 z ArtS & LiViNG
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2011
student parking gets upgrade, wait list As students continue to struggle getting semester passes, Auxillary Services is taking steps to avoid crash
timOthy E. miLLEr Staff Writer
In response to this semester’s parking permit fiasco, big changes will be coming for Georgia State students who park on campus next semester, according to the Parking and Transportation division of Auxiliary and Support Services. Parking and Transportation say they have not only taken steps to avoid a second parking website crash but also to plan parking lot improvements and an expansion of parking facilities within the next six months. The Georgia State Parking and Transpor-
page 13
REVIEWS:
Rihanna talks dirty on new album; ALSO: Martin Scorsese carves a fantasy tribute for the ages in new holiday film
pages 15 & 16 z SPOrtS
student musicians making waves in atlanta JEAN-frANCOiS GErArD Staff Writer
football season suffers sophomore slump. What went wrong? What went right?
the ReBoUnd
page 10
US!
Chan Harris emerges from injury to nab one of college basketball’s highest honors
Follow us!
Full story on p.11
WED Hi 50
Yea oR nYe? Full story on p.17
Georgia State
THURS Hi 60 FRI Hi 62
continued on p.2
pharoh & sUMBit:
the gLoBaL WaRMing QUestion:
The Life of Danielle Rowe: friends and family members remember the Georgia State student who was killed in a hitand-run accident on Oct. 22
tation website for students to purchase paid parking passes crashed earlier this semester when the system experienced “overwhelming volume,” according to Chris Connelly, manager of marketing and outcome assessments for Parking and Transportation. Designed to accommodate 4,000 visits per day, on the day of the crash the site recorded over 100,000 hits, Connelly said. He added that a new wait list has been implemented to guard against a second system crash. Students will have multiple dates to join
Atlanta is a musical blend of talent, especially for hip-hop, but the story of Pharaoh&SUBMiT is not really common. The group is composed of Faris (Pharaoh), a junior at Georgia State, Kelechi (SUBMiT) from Kennesaw State University and Heval Kelli, a Georgia State alum presently studying medicine at Emory University. From Palestine, Nigeria and Syria, respectively, Pharoh and SUBMiT have known each other from seventh grade and started rapping in ninth grade as a joke. Heval joined the group after meeting Pharaoh at his job, which is when the joke started to be more serious. They started recording at Kelechi’s house, in the basement, starting first with a single microphone and the studio grew up piece by piece with the time. Heval is the main producer, sometimes helped by SUBMiT, while Pharoh and SUBMiT both rap on the tracks. In May, the release of The Standard EP is the final culmination of their work. Although they could have lost their identities, they try not to forget their roots when making their music. Even if it takes time to discover the identity of the group as a whole, Heval’s producing gives their tracks some consistency. Beyond music, Heval says their common goals as immigrants is pursing the American Dream unite them. That means you “do what you love to do,” according to Heval. Managing student life, a part time job and their music is not an easy task, but their passion makes it work. “It can be stressful sometimes,” Pharoh said. “Once I had a concert and got off stage 15 minutes before I took my midterm.” Even if that involves some trying situations, such as when Kellechi had to sleep in his father’s store after a long night of recording, just a few hours before it had to be opened. They say they hope for success, like getting a performing gig on the main stage or maybe getting a Grammy one day but try to think rationally at the same time. “We are human beings, but music gives us confidence, for instance on stage.” Pharoh and SUBMiT performed in the A3C festival this fall, the Apache, the Georgia Institute of Technology and at Georgia State in the courtyard.
NEWS www.gsusignal.com/news
auxillary services hoping to avoid system crash continued from page 1 the list, and then random selections will be made. However, news regarding the list has been slow getting out, and most students seem to not be aware of its implementation. “To get a semester permit is almost impossible,” James Kim, senior accounting major, said. “Yet I expect improvements will come with extra student fees and no one really wants that.” However, several improvements will take place in the spring, according to Wayne E. Reed, the assistant vice president for Auxiliary and Support Services. For starters, the M-Deck parking structure will be repaired. Further, new signs will be added including new digital capacity indicators, stair wells will be painted, the elevator on the top floor will be enclosed and parking spaces will be restriped. The department is also implementing new technology, including a means to recognize individual cars as they enter Georgia State’s parking decks. The Automated Vehicle Identification (AVI) system, will eliminate the need for students to hold passes out of the vehicle window. Instead, AVI will automatically scan the pass from inside the car. “AVI is targeted at improving entry and exit times by as much as 33 percent,” Reed said. One of the most exciting prospects for Georgia State commuters is the recent acquisition of the Sun Trust Bank Building by the university, which will provide 1,400 additional parking spaces for students. Connelly said he wanted to assure students that Parking and Transportation is actively working to improve student parking at Georgia State. “The university has recently selected consultants who will be working to review our current Parking and Transportation operations in contrast with those of other similar urban universities,” he said. “[The consultants] will make a number of recommendations for improvements based on best practices … and to develop a ten-year master plan for Parking and Transportation at Georgia State.” While there has been some frustration among the student body over parking at Georgia State, many students think they have been more than patient. “I feel that Georgia State is doing the best they can with the limited space they have to work with,” Brandi Anderson, a graduate history student, said. Yet Anderson said Georgia State has not done the best to communicate with him. “I didn’t know there was a wait list.”
Non-university parking can be found around Georgia State’s campus in the darkened areas shown on the map above. Although most lots are unattended, both Underground Atlanta and the Hurt Plaza Parking Garage maintain security guards. PantherCash is accepted at the parking lot at Pryor and Decatur streets as well as the HPPG.
Alternative parking options (if you missed the Nov. 10-16 wait list deadline)
1. Sign up for a free parking pass at Turner Field
3. Try to find open parking spaces at lots along
and use the shuttle.
J.W. Dobbs Avenue, Peachtree Center Avenue, Pied-
2. Purchase a semester parking pass from third
party parking lots around campus, including the Hurt Plaza Parking Garage.
mont Avenue or Decatur Street. Additional parking may also be found to the east of Broad Street.
4. Underground Atlanta and Grady Hospital both offer parking within a few blocks of Georgia State.
Sex trafficking: a hard reality in Atlanta BrittANy SPOrNhAUEr Staff Writer
Although Atlanta ranks as one of the foremost sex trafficking hubs in the country, the issue seems to be unknown to many students and residents of the city. “Fraud, force and coercion.” Sex trafficking can be defined by those three words, according to head of the Innocence Atlanta Campaign, Chris Allen. Each month approximately 400-500 Georgia children become involved in the sex trafficking trade, according to various advocacy groups. The issue of sex trafficking has prompted organizations such as Meet Justice and Street Grace to form and take action with the goals of promoting awareness and ultimately aiding in the prevention of trafficking. Meet Justice has launched a campaign, Innocence Atlanta, in an effort to raise awareness specifically in the Atlanta area about trafficking and child exploitation. Allen said that victims of sex trafficking are often coerced into believing they will be getting a job with good pay but are then forced
to perform sexual acts to stay alive. “333 kids are being sold into prostitution as we speak,” Allen said. He also said that a lot of children sold into prostitution were often runaways who felt their home life was unbearable. 33 percent of runaways are sold into prostitution within 48 hours, according to Allen. Street Grace, another organization dedicated to promoting awareness on the topic of sex trafficking also aides in mobilizing volunteers and connecting groups that wish to help. Kelly Murray, church membership coordinator for Street Grace, said the organization primarily focuses on awareness in the community and connecting volunteers. Although the organization does not come in direct contact with victims, the group tries to educate locals in metro Atlanta about the issue. The organization also supports stronger legislation against those caught trafficking women and girls. “We focus solely on domestic trafficking, which is the sale of U.S. citizens by other U.S. citizens,” Murray said. However, awareness of the issue appears to be low at Georgia State. When asked, 46 out of 50 students were unaware of the sex trafficking issue in Atlanta.
Atlanta Sex trafficking statistics •In Georgia, 12,400 men purchase sex with young women in a given month; more than 27,000 men purchase sex with young women in Georgia more than once per year. •Approximately 100 adolescent females are sexually exploited each night in Georgia. •In Georgia, adolescent females controlled by the child sex trafficking trade are sexually exploited by an adult male on an average of three times per night. •42 percent of men who buy sex either seek out young girls or are willing to disregard all signs that the woman they are about to have sex with is an adolescent. •82.1 percent of victims in sex trafficking incidents were identified as U.S. citizens. •40.4 percent of all suspected trafficking incidents were child-related and classified as “prostitution or sexual exploitation of a child”. souRce: www.innocenceAtlAntA.oRg
cheating exposed
Officials suspect violations of academic honesty policies underreported
samaria smith Staff Writer
Violations of the university’s academic honestly policies are consistently underreported and understated, university officials say. Dr. Marta Szabo White, chair of the University Senate Committee on Student Discipline, suspects systematic cheating goes largely unreported. “My guess is that it occurs more often than the number of cases that are formally reported,” White said. There were 260 academic dishonesty charges filed in the College of Arts and Sciences alone between the Spring 2010 and Spring 2011 semesters. In the past two-and-a-half years there have been 29 disciplinary penalties issued campus wide with annotations on nearly all of the academic records, per the Senate Committee on Student Discipline Recommendations and Decisions. Georgia State’s official academic honesty policy contains two kinds of penalties: academic penalties and disciplinary penalties. An academic penalty can range from a failing grade on an assignment to a failing grade in the course. The disciplinary penalty could include suspension or expulsion. However, both carrying an annotation on the student’s academic record. Although most faculty tend to apply academic penalties for acts of academic dishonesty, students should be aware that disciplinary penalties are executed at Georgia State, Dr. George Rainbolt, chair of the University Senate Committee on Admissions and Standards said. When students think of academic dishonesty, they might think of simple plagiarism — copying something and passing it off as your own. White holds that plagiarism is the most common form of cheating wit-
nessed at Georgia State. Rainbolt emphasizes that plagiarism is not just copying. “[Plagiarism] is using somebody else’s ideas without citation,” Rainbolt said. “Plagiarism at the most fundamental level is theft of someone’s ideas.” Others may assume that changing a few words eliminates the need for citation. However, Rainbolt explains that citing your work is the best way to avoid plagiarism. The philosophy professor was also specific in highlighting other examples of cheating, such as intentionally sabotaging or tampering with someone else’s work. Students should also be aware of multiple submissions of the same work for different classes may be considered academically dishonesty. According to Rainbolt, submitting false data is also cheating. “That’s just good old fashion lying,” Rainbolt said. He also mentioned the more inventive forms, such as the trusty baseball cap with exam notes doodled inside. “[Faculty] should probably talk more about [cheating] because in high school you could be written up for it but nothing really happened, but here it’s like on a whole other level,” Nicole Kutnik, a freshman in the College of Arts and Sciences said. Despite the fact that a statement on academic honesty is placed in the syllabus of every class at Georgia State, some students say that the academic honesty policy is unclear and underemphasized. “Only one of our teachers briefly mentioned [the policy] and none of the others brought it up,” Sameen Mannan, a freshman business major said. Both students also agree that other students are not as aware as they should be about academic honesty policies, especially the consequences.
Junior journalism major C.C. Sermins said that faculty should actually explain the academic honesty policy more in depth instead of passing it off as some insignificant insert into the syllabus. “Most students are going to say that on their first day of class the professor says you can read that [statement of academic honesty] on your own.” Sermins says. “They should probably, especially for freshman, thoroughly go over [the policy].” One reason for students’ lack of understanding of the school’s academic honesty policy may lie with whether professors truly understand the policy themselves. Allison Renyi, chief justice of the Student Judicial Board, believes that the faculty themselves could use some clarity on the school’s academic honesty policy and how to execute it. In a meeting with the Executive Board of the Student Government Association, Renyi said that due to the large number of academic honesty issues coming out of various colleges, members of the judicial board will conduct presentations for faculty explaining the process of academic honesty. “Some [professors] are a little misinformed—some departments are downloading files off the Internet because they’re not sure of where the forms are,” Renyi said. Dr. Rainbolt explains the process as beginning when a faculty member files a charge, it must be received by the student, the chair of the department and the dean of the school. A student then has 20 business days to appeal. Though winning an appeal is possible, it is probably not likely. “Students do win appeals but most don’t file very many appeals in my experience,” Rainbolt said. “I think in the vast majority of cases professors don’t file charges unless the situation is extremely clear.”
Mega One Stop Shop petition moves to Registrar Rachel Shuffield Staff Writer
The petition to open the Mega One Stop Shop a week before school starts has passed the preliminary stages of being adopted and has now been passed to the Office of the Registrar. The petition would allow the Mega One Stop Shop to open a week before school starts instead of opening the week that school starts. Advocates of the petition claim that this would reduce traffic and wait times for students because of the new time availability. They say that extra hours would help reduce the infamously long lines and phone wait times during the beginning of the semester to reach the Mega One Stop Shop. “I have had problems that take more than just a phone call or an email,” Elizabeth Bettis, a senior political science major, said. “When I have to deal with that during school, it just adds stress and it’s harder to get done because of time conflicts.” She stressed that having the MOSS open before classes begin would help students like her prepare better for the semester. “Sometimes, I need things done so I can go to school at all and being able to deal with that before school would
03
NEWS | THE SIGNAL
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2011
be great,” Bettis said. The original petition to open the Mega One Stop Shop a week before school starts was created by the Student Government Association’s (SGA) vice president of academic affairs, Marcus Kernizan. Kernizan introduced the petition to SGA and was adopted to allow for student signatures. The petition required at least 1,000 student signatures in order to be passed on to the Office of Registrar. The final count of the petition confirmed by Kernizan was 1,120 signatures. The petition has received an abundant amount of student support. “I think this is a very good idea. Things would run more smoothly for students and staff [and be] less stressful for everyone,” senior Lisa Prellwitz said. “Also, people wouldn’t have to miss class to go to the One Stop Shop.” Many students believe that if the petition passes through the Office of Registrar it would create more efficiency in the Mega One Stop Shop system. “It all boils down to efficiency. Not only would it enable students to take care of business before classes start, but it would also minimize a hectic situation,” Jean Moses, a junior history major, said. The next step in the process to implement the petition is now entirely in the hands of the Registrar.
CAMPUS CRIME Courtland St.
November 26
Officers arrested a Non-GSU individual for Giving False Information to Officers and Driving While License Suspended. At 8:30 p.m. officers observed the individual commit a traffic violation and conducted a traffic stop. After confirming the individual provided officers with false information, officers confirmed the individual’s driver’s license was suspended. He was arrested, processed and transported to Fulton County Jail.
University Commons
Officers arrested a Non-GSU individual for Simple Battery and a GSU individual for Alcoholic Possession under 21 Years Old. At 4:30 a.m. Officers were advised of a physical altercation between a student and a Non-GSU individual. When officers arrived they confirmed the Non-GSU individual was the aggressor and confirmed the student was underage and intoxicated. The student was arrested, processed and released on a Copy of Charges for Alcoholic Possession under 21 Years Old and the Non-GSU individual was arrested, processed and transported to Fulton County Jail for Simple Battery.
Classroom South
November 23
Officers issued a Non-GSU individual a Criminal Trespass Warning. At 7:23 a.m. officers observed the individual in the building. Officers confirmed the individual had a prior C.T.W. which had expired. He was issued another C.T.W. and was escorted off campus without incident.
N Parking Deck
A report was filed for Duty upon Striking an Unattended Vehicle. The complainant, a GSU student stated, at 6:00 p.m. he noticed his left rear bumper was damaged. The case is being handled by Investigations.
University Commons
A report was filed for Theft. The complainant, a GSU student stated, on 11/18/11 at 5:00 p.m. he noticed an X-Box 360 video game was missing. The case is being handled by Investigations.
Lofts Parking Deck
A report was filed for Theft of Bicycle. The complainant, a GSU student stated, at 3:45 p.m. he noticed his bicycle was missing. The case is being handled by Investigations.
November 22 Luckie St.
Officers arrested a Non-GSU individual for Simple Battery. At 6:20 p.m. officers were advised a Non-GSU individual grabbed the complainant by her right arm and then grabbed her crotch. He was arrested, processed and transported to Fulton County Jail.
Piedmont Ave./J.W. Dobbs
A report was filed for Theft of Lost or Mislaid Property. The complainant, a GSU student stated, at 3:45 p.m. she noticed her wallet containing various items was missing. The case is being handled by Investigations.
November 21 College of Education
Officers arrested a Non-GSU individual on an Agency Assist. At 12:59 p.m. officers observed the individual sleeping in the restroom. Officers conducted a G.C.I.C. check which confirmed an active warrant. He was issued a C.T.W. and was arrested, processed and transported to Fulton County Jail.
Science Annex
A report was filed for Theft. The complainant, a GSU staff member stated, at 7:58 a.m. he noticed copper wiring was missing. The case is being handled by Investigations.
Urban Life
A report was filed for Vandalism. The complainant, a GSU staff member stated, at 7:40 a.m. she noticed someone had written on a schedule board and multiple office doors. The case is being handled by Investigations.
General Classroom Building
A report was filed for Theft. The complainant, a GSU student stated, at 5:20 p.m. officers were advised that an unknown individual entered the building and took a clear plastic bag and four rolls of paper towels and exited the building. The case is being handled by Investigations.
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OPINIONS
z ONLINE EXCLUSIVE: Read more rebuttals to the Reverse Racism issue
www.gsusignal.com/opinions
From the Editorial Board In our last issue before the Thanksgiving break, we published an opinion column written by one of our staff writers about her perception and experience with “reverse racism.” The response we received, both in favor and in opposition of the column, was overwhelming. Many of our readers responded by writing the letters that appear on the next few pages. Both our website and our Facebook page were slammed with commentary. For us, the column and the response it garnered, served as a strong reminder of the importance of the First Amendment. One of the most beautiful aspects of the First Amendment is that it protects the thoughts that we hate. Certainly, the thought expressed in the column was not popular. In fact, the majority of our staff strongly opposed the article. However, The Signal serves as an important learning tool for the student writers who fill these pages on a weekly basis. Therefore, our responsibility is not to censor unpopular opinion but to allow an open discourse to facilitate the free marketplace of ideas among the Georgia State community. While the First Amendment may protect the thoughts we hate, it also protects your right to disagree and express your dissent. The right to express an opinion and the right to a rebuttal will never be suppressed by this publication. We vow to continue to serve the Georgia State student body and provide a forum for open discourse.
Let’s have an open dialogue about race
Chris Shattuck News Editor
Along with politics and religion, race is one of the few topics no one in America really wants to talk about. That is, until someone does something outrageous or unbelievably stupid. “Reverse racism” is one of those unbelievably stupid topics that inevitably leads people of all stripes to break that tendency. The fact is that the term “reverse racism” is a misnomer. There’s no such thing. In fact, the problem with that term is that it assumes racism can only be directed at minorities, which is clearly false. Furthermore, it’s foolish to think that racism can be singularly defined between the dynamics of a singular set of races, blacks and whites, for example.
No one can say that race relations are not at their best point in American history. If you would have told someone 50 years ago that a black president would be elected in 2008 with 53 percent of the popular vote, you would probably have been laughed at, or worse. But here we are. Of course that doesn’t mean that racism is suddenly gone or that everything is suddenly OK in America. But that fact, among others, points towards a larger, progressive trend in race relations over the decades, which indicates that things will likely get better for minorities in the future. With each decade and generation, the rights of minorities have gradually increased. That’s impossible to deny. And not just for ethnic minorities but also for other traditionally socially marginalized groups, such as the LGBT community. However, with that progression, some minority organizations founded decades ago have lost their purpose. Organizations that cater exclusively to the needs of a very specific minority are no longer necessary in an increasing number of cases. For instance, do we really need a separate division of African American Student Services and Programs from Student Affairs here at Georgia
State, arguably the most diverse university in the state, if not the South? There’s a difference between events and organizations that celebrate ethnic identities and their respective cultures and institutions that actively promote de facto discriminatory policies. For instance, as a white male, why would I be drawn to go to the OAASAP? Sure, no one is going to bar me from going inside and seeking help, but I’m obviously not the ideal applicant, otherwise what’s the point? By even having such an office, the implication is that Student Affairs cannot handle the needs of African Americans by themselves, which I find inflammatory. I’m not trying to pick on any specific race or say that the things the OAASAP does are bad, nor am I trying to say that I think we should have an “Office of Italian American Student Affairs and Programs” or an “Office of Spanish American Student Affairs and Programs. ” Rather, I think the mentality these racial dichotomies in general are inherently flawed. People don’t understand that there’s no such thing as “black history” or “white history.” In this country, there is only American history.
continued on page 7
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06
Opposing view: Reverse Racism is not possible Ashleigh Atwell Staff Writer
Last week, The Signal ran an Opinions article in which staff writer Brittany Spornhauer argued that the existence of organizations like the National Council of Negro Women and the African Students Association was “reverse racism.” Spornhauer defined reverse racism as “a term that describes the outcome of a group of people that try to protect a minority group so aggressively that it actually leads to hypocrisy.” To say I was offended was an understatement. As a Black woman and member of the National Association of Black Journalists, I was deeply disappointed. To assume NCNW, NABJ or any other organization dedicated to uplifting an ethnic minority were created to exclude and discriminate against other people is a completely incorrect assumption. In reality, these organizations want to do the opposite. Although NABJ is the largest organization of Black journalists in this country, we have members of all colors. The only thing NABJ asks of its members is to be involved and dedicated to its mission. Same can be said of NCNW, NAACP, the fraternities and sororities of the NPHC, historically Black colleges and scores of other organizations. In her piece, Spornhauer said “My issue lies within these posters, organizations and overall societal behaviors that are acceptable for a minority group but not acceptable for a group that is the majority.” Those same organizations and behaviors were created because the majority has access to score of other resources that minorities do not. There is not a White history month because White people are able to walk into just about any history class and hear their heritage taught in detail. Their history is not relegated to a paragraph in one chapter in the corner of a book. Many of these organizations were founded to combat the racism that runs rampant in this country. Despite what many people believe, we do not live in a post-racial society. Minorities still face discrimination in the job force, education, criminal justice system and a variety of other places. A simple Google search of statistics will show that racism has not gone anywhere. I wonder if Spornhauer knew that a White man with a criminal record can get a job quicker than a Black man with a college degree and a clean record. Also, there is no such thing as reverse racism. It is not possible for an ethnic minority to be racist. I could run through Library Plaza yelling “I hate white people!” and I still could not be considered racist. Prejudice, yes, but not racist. My people do not have the power or resources to oppress White people or any other group of people. Racism is not just a mindset. It is an institution put in place to keep one group of people on top and one on the bottom. I did not write this piece to insult my fellow staff writer’s character. I felt compelled to write this article to educate her and anyone else with the same mindset. Spornhauer stated that “reverse racism” is a term that she recently learned. I have another term for her to look up: white privilege.
opinions | THE SIGNAL
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2011
Letters to the editor
Reverse racism rebuttals As president of a student organization that serves the African-American community at Georgia State, I would be remiss to not address the Opinions article regarding reverse racism in The Signal. In order to effectively examine what reverse racism is – if such a thing even exists – one must begin with the definition of racism. According to dictionary.com, racism is defined as “a belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human races determine cultural or individual achievement, usually involving the idea that one’s own race is superior and has the right to rule others.” This definition does not indicate that racism is a trait that can only be exhibited by the majority race. Therefore, anyone has the potential to be racist. With that being said, the term “reverse racism” bears no legitimacy in an academic context. There is a critical element that Ms. Spornhauer failed to recognize in her article, “Racism is absurd but reverse racism is ok?” That is the concept of white privilege. This is a concept that is taught in classrooms at Georgia State. For any who may be unfamiliar, white privilege is the deeply engrained concept that White Americans are granted certain access in societal institutions, by virtue of the fact that the institutions were designed to perpetuate majority rule. Because white privilege exists, especially in the American university system, there is no need for a student organization that specifically preserves the majority culture. The institution itself already does that. The same concept may be applied to male privilege. There is no need for an organization named “Men of GSU Unite,” because there is an inherent privilege that is sustained by a male dominated society. By ignoring the concept of white privilege, one can lose understanding of why multi-cultural organizations exist. Organizations such as Tighter Grip: African American Male Initiative, of which I serve as president, aim to help preserve the rich diversity which indeed exists at Georgia State . We do not exclude any other racial or ethnic group, but our mission is clear: To preserve the black male. Organizations such as this one were birthed out of a need. Historically, minority groups at Georgia State were not as successful academically, politically or socially. As a response, initiatives and organizations were formed to cater to the needs of these ethnic groups. Because of a multi-cultural presence on campus, Georgia State now experiences a new level of diversity that more truly reflects the greater American society. It is because of organizations such as Tighter Grip that we are able to enjoy a racially diverse Student Government Association. In my conversations with other student leaders on campus, I have never heard nor experienced anything that indicates multi-cultural organizations bear the belief that their organization, or their racial/ethnic group, is inherently superior to another. In fact, many of these organizations have an excellent track record of collaborating with other “majority” organizations to address issues that impact the student body as a whole. The presence of multi-cultural organizations on campus does not create the sense of racism but enhances the spirit of diversity. Because there are so many different perspectives and identities within one institution, there can be a continual dialogue around a myriad of issues. That is what makes these organizations so great. They allow for the common thread of the student body to be woven into the beautiful tapestry of a diverse world. Ashton J. Reynolds Junior, African American Studies
I feel like the Opinions article, “Racism is absurd but reverse racism is ok?” by Brittany Spornhauer, was written with gross neglect. First off, I feel like Ms. Spornhauer chose to write her article with “old race” politics meant to incite fear and anger by using the classic examples of “Black vs. White” on the topic of “racism”, as if Latino and Asian populations do not even exist. It is not surprising that she only used Black organizations as a scapegoat since Blacks, especially African-Americans, have been told throughout history it is wrong for them to appreciate their own culture or remember their history or that they have no history to begin with. This article that accused organizations and events of “racism” was without any actual examples of how these organizations participated in activities that excluded or held one race as superior than others. Ms. Spornhauer’s only examples were their names and mission statements, which clearly stated their interest in Black people and Black culture but did not demean, stereotype nor mention that non-Blacks were not to be included. What a slap to Dr. Derby’s face who actually marched for Civil Rights of all people during the Civil Rights Era. It’s so sad that Ms. Spornhauer was allowed to accuse the Black Film Festival of racism when the best comedy awarded was “The Unstoppable Edwina Chambers” whose main character was a blonde hair, blue-eyed White woman played by actress Kelly Francis Hager (and the film wasn’t even about race or white people oppressing others). Organizations that are “culture specific” only mean to preserve shared language and cultural traditions amongst people who value the tradition or who wish to share in the experience. They also aim to eradicate negative social behaviors and patterns within their community by using shared language, shared cultural traditions and cultural figures within the group that many people based on language, race, ethnicity and nationality may be familiar with. It is also no surprise that while Ms. Spornhauer finds it wrong for groups to organize under the banner of culture, she doesn’t protest the idea of women organizing. Aren’t men just as important in society as women? Why should there even be an organization dedicated to the social status and health of women? Using her logic shouldn’t there just be a “Nation Council for Human Rights?” But even with her own privilege, whatever that may be, she likely realizes how important it is for women to create their own organizations because of issues that negatively affect women disproportionately in comparison to men. The people who run organizations dedicated to women feel that these issues cannot afford to be an issue only focused on ”50 percent” of the time and receive “only a percentage of funding” in the larger-focused group since women live their lives as women 100 percent of the time. Despite history proving over and over again that public policy often affects demographics differently when categorized by race/culture and people even acknowledging that there are differences in cultures when it comes to traditions and values, Demajali West Sophmore. Journalism major
I am the President of the Georgia State University Section of the National Council of Negro Women, Inc., and I was very disheartened byBrittany Spornhauer claims. While I understand the premise that was intended to be argued, I would like to assure the Georgia State community that the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. does not discriminate. First and foremost, we have male members in our organization and as a matter of fact, there are male members on our board of directors in our headquarters office in Washington, D.C. We offer membership to anyone and membership is never denied based on religious affiliation, race, gender or any such thing. In fact, when my executive director and other NCNW personnel visited Atlanta for a conference this past summer, there were more White men and women that approached us with interest in our organization than Black men and women. There is a reason why the name has not changed although it has been greatly debated some time ago. The term Negro is clearly obsolete now. However, the name was kept in order to stay true to our roots and the origin of which our organization was founded. I don’t think there is anything wrong with advocating for Black women as a member of a predominantly black organization. Neither do I think it is separatism, as I have been trying to recruit women of all races to join forces with NCNW at Georgia State. I thank Ms.Spornhauer for writing this article because she has fueled a fire in me; a desire to reach out to more groups and students on campus even more than NCNW has done in the past. NCNW is not a sorority; we are a council. A council assembles different people and organizations together for a common purpose. That is what we are all about; that is the purpose set for this organization by our founder, Mary McLeod Bethune. She referred to NCNW as an umbrella organization, an organization of organizations. I love the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. and everything that NCNW stands for. We care about uplifting all women of all ages, races and affiliations. I would love the opportunity to network and support as many organizations on our campus as possible, and I want all organizations to know they are freely welcome to join NCNW at any of our programs and events. I want as many people to learn more about the dream birthed in our founder, Mary McLeod Bethune. It began in 1935, but it still lives on. Jeida K. Storey Georgia State University Section President National Council of Negro Women, Incorporated
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07
opinions | THE SIGNAL
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2011
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your voice • your opinions How did you spend your Thanksgiving break? “ I went to Hilton Head over the break. I’m Italian so it was a really big Thanksgiving and my grandma made homemade ravioli, 15 pounds worth.” Christina Erndl Biology
“ I was with my friends and I was at work too.” Corinne Konan Economics and Modern Languages
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continued from page 5 I find it silly to imagine that people of various races want to relegate their history to a set amount of days each year, as if that could possibly contain something ostensibly so close to them. As it stands, race is one of the few taboo topics, that no one ever wants to address. For us to move beyond racism, we have to move beyond the divisions that come from our use of races and ethnicities as interpersonal identifiers. In my opinion, we shouldn’t categorically divide ourselves with labels like “black man” or “white female,” for instance. Even if that’s how people have
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historically been categorized, we can’t afford that sort of thinking if we truly look forward to the continued development of humankind as a species. After all, racism is not something that one born with but something that one is taught and passed down. To illustrate the point, have you ever met a racist baby? Rather than attacking or dismissing my opinion or others like mine because it is different, look it as a different perspective, just as I will towards others in the future. Because what we truly need as a society is an open dialogue about race that is not clouded by preconceptions and prejudices.
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December 13, 2011
SPORTS www.gsusignal.com/sports
(Above and Right) georgia state sports communication
In his 12 years, Martelli amassed 109 victories for Georgia State and helped to build the program into what it is today. (Below) saakib zafrani / The signal
Longtime Women’s Soccer head coach Domenic Martelli fired SAAKIB ZAFRANI Sports Editor
After 12 years of coaching and building Georgia State’s women’s soccer program, Domenic Martelli’s contract was terminated on Nov. 8 by Athletic Director Cheryl Levick after the team posted a 7-12-1 record and fell just one win short of securing a spot in the CAA tournament. Two days after being dismissed of his longtime duties at Georgia State, Martelli was hired by Georgia Gwinnett College to help build its new women’s soccer program as well as its new athletics department. In May of 2010, Martelli was given a 6-month contract extension for the 2010 season and was to be reevaluated by the athletics department. Martelli exceeded expectations as he coached the team to a 12-6-2 regular season record and its first berth in the CAA tournament since joining the conference in 2005. Despite the tournament appearance and several quality wins, Martelli was again given a short-term extension for the 2011 season for another evaluation period. “I knew that basically this was a year where I would again be evaluated as closely as I was last year,” Martelli said. “You don’t want to be in that situation, and you don’t want to have the team feel stressed.” Martelli was surprised by the way the team handled the situation. “It was probably the best year on and off the field that I’ve had here at Georgia state with the team, with the games and with the way we competed,” he said. “The girls were tremendous on and off the field. We had a very tight group, [and] we created that family environment very nicely again this year.” The team picked up where they left off in the exhibition season and looked poised to make another bid for the CAA title, but a number of close matches, questionable calls and bad bounces left the team just short of repeating their success from the previous year. “Honestly, it came down to some of our last games, and we were just one game out of the conference tournament,” Martelli said. Failure to repeat the success from a season ago appeared to be a regression, and that was enough for Levick and the AD to want to part ways with Martelli. “Once we didn’t make the conference tournament there was never any conversation, there was never any evaluation [and] there was never anything told to me of where I stood, until there was an email asking me to have a meet-
ing that Tuesday at 9:30 in the morning,” Martelli claims. “It was a conversation that lasted a very little time. The non-renewal and the going in different directions, and ‘thank you’ were basically the conversation.” In the 12 seasons that Martelli was the head coach, Georgia State underwent numerous changes that aided in recruiting student-athletes. In 2007, the University Commons were opened, and a significant amount of dorms were finally available on campus. In 2008, the Panthersville athletic field was outfitted with bleachers and a modern scoreboard, and in 2009 it was outfitted with proper field lighting. “All those little things are much better draws to a student-athlete from not only Atlanta, but the whole country,” Martelli said. “As the roster grew and the players came from all over, the success showed, and last year was a great result of all that work from ten years that all the administrators, coaches, Georgia State and myself put into building the program.” Despite being let go after such a long tenure, Martelli says that he is not bitter nor does he leave with any regrets. “A lot of me, my personality, what effort I’ve put into the program, the time and the loyalty I have for Georgia State, I leave that without any regret,” Martelli said. “There’s nothing I did that didn’t fulfill those categories.” After being let go, Martelli was quickly snatched up by Georgia Gwinnett College, who is starting a new athletics department. “In my life and in my profession this is a great opportunity for me to be at a school that’s growing [and] be at a school that has a lot of the tradition and foundations that I believe,” he said. Georgia Gwinnett plans to have six sports in play by Fall of 2012, according to Martelli, and there are plans to build a $12 million plus athletics complex on campus that would include tennis courts, a baseball field and practice field, a soccer field and track as well as administrative buildings. In addition to hiring Martelli, GGC’s athletic director Dr. Daren Wilson hired Brad Stromdahl from Georgia State as their baseball head coach. Stromdahl served as the recruiting coordinator and hitting coach for the Panthers baseball team for the past six years. Martelli is excited to be a part of a new program and leaves Georgia State with his head held high. “It’s a great opportunity,” Martelli said. “It’s a win-win. I gave great years to Georgia State and left the program in very good shape. [To] my players, former players and coaches, I think everyone had a piece in making the program what it is now. I wish them all the best.”
10
sports | THE SIGNAL
TUESDAY, November 29, 2011
Football’s sophomore slump DJ Dunson Associate Sports Editor
Best Moment: Mark Hogan’s Interception(s)
Only one counted but on two occasions, safety Hogan was the hero at homecoming for Georgia State. Georgia State’s first recruit played valiantly all season but his presence was never felt more than it was in the fourth quarter and overtime against South Alabama. After Hogan’s first game-winning pick at the end of regulation was called back because of an offensive penalty, South Alabama scored on a fourth down pass to force overtime. In the second overtime, Hogan found himself in position to secure another game winning pick off of a deflection.
Worst Moment: Loss to St. Francis
One week after giving up a 14-0 fourth quarter lead to UT San Antonio, the Panthers lost a 10-point lead in less than two minutes. The loss to St. Francis was worse because the Fighting Saints are an NAIA team, whom Georgia State was expected to throttle. In the first overtime, the offense actually lost yardage and replacement kicker Matt Ehasz missed a 47-yarder. On their first possession of overtime, St. Francis kicked the game-winning field goal.
What Went Right: Rushing Offense
After struggling to find a running game in its inaugural season, Kentucky transfer Donald Russell
(Left) Georgia State’s first recruit, Mark Hogan, proved to be worth his weight in gold as he made the game-winning interception to give the Panthers a homecoming victory. (Below) Albert Wilson’s electrifying return against Alabama last season was but a taste of what he had in store for his second season. Above, Wilson is running away from the competition, a regular occurrence when he’s healthy. Patrick Duffy | The Signal
and Travis Evans brought balance to the Panthers offense. Together, the pair rushed for 1,155 yards and Russell established himself as the top dog in the backfield by gaining a team-high 655 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground. That doesn’t include Hill’s 609 yards and four rushing touchdowns at the quarterback position. Once opponents were forced to respect the Panthers running game, Hill was able to make plays in the passing game.
“
It won’t be easy but the Panthers have just over nine months to remedy their shortcomings in time for their first season as an official football member of the Colonial Athletic Association.
eternal limbo between offense and defense. For the Panthers, it was purgatory. Kickers Christian Benvenuto and Matt Ehasz missed 9 of their final 11 field goals since Oct. 22, including an 0 for 4 performance in an overtime loss on the road against the UTSA Roadrunners. It wasn’t just the kickers, as return men had their way against the Panthers’ coverage units. If the Panthers want to be relevant in the CAA next season, they’ve got to fill in gaping holes in their coverage units.
Offensive MVP: WR, Albert Wilson
“
A sophomore slump is often defined as an athlete experiencing a period of developmental confusion after a successful freshman campaign. The phrase is also applicable to the 2011 Georgia State Panthers football team. Despite Georgia State’s season ending win over Campbell, head coach Bill Curry expressed his disappointment about this season, but it was not a complete disaster. As the author Charles Dickens once said, “It was the best of times; it was the worst of times.” The worst began during the off-season with quarterback turmoil. During the spring, Star Jackson left the program and Drew Little was suspended four games. Then, in July, quarterback Kelton Hill was arrested and temporarily removed from the team in relation to an on-campus burglary. As a result, the team ended up rotating between punter, Bo Schlechter, Little and Hill at quarterback throughout the first half of the season. On the other side of the football, the run defense remained inept, while the rushing offense found answers. It w be easy but the Panthers have just over nine months to remedy their shortcomings in time for their first season as an official football member of the Colonial Athletic Association.
What Went Wrong: Fourth Quarters and Special Teams
The discrepancy between what went right and what went wrong in 2011 is massive. The Panthers’ record had fans ready to leap off the ledge but the season was not as bleak as their final record indicated. If the Panthers had not surrendered three consecutive fourth quarter leads between Oct. 29 and Nov. 12, the Panthers would have closed out the season with a five game winning streak and a 6-5 record. Instead they were outscored 34-123 in fourth quarters. Special teams play may have been worse. Metaphorically speaking, special teams is the
Albert Wilson showed flashes of brilliance as a freshman. After returning a kick return 97 yards against Alabama in the 2010 regular season finale, Wilson kept running straight into the 2011 season. Despite the offense’s uncertain variables at quarterback, Wilson emerged as the constant in the passing game. In nine games, Wilson caught 37 passes for 772 yards and six touchdowns. Those are averages of over 20 yards per catch and 85.8 yards per game. Wilson was a threat to score on every play. He made explosive plays on deep routes, screens, across the middle and on special teams. Against Murray State, Wilson caught a screen pass and weaved 78 yards through defenders for the longest touchdown from scrimmage in program history. With a full season under his belt and a stable quarterback position, Wilson could become Georgia State’s first 1,000-yard receiver in 2012.
Defensive MVP: LB, Jake Muasau
Linebacker Dexter Moody led the Panthers in tackles but Muasau was the defensive general for Georgia State. Muasau finished the season second on the team in tackles for a loss with eight and first in sacks. However, not all of his contributions could be record-
ed in the box score. Despite playing through cramps throughout the South Alabama game, Muasau was able to push through the pain in the second overtime and pressure the quarterback into changing the trajectory on his throw that landed in the arms of safety Mark Hogan. Muasau was also the Panthers’ emotional leader. Next season, Muasau’s voice will no longer be in his teammates’ ears on the sidelines and he won’t be charging at full speed towards the offensive backfield. It will be intriguing to see who fills in the leadership gap on defense next season.
Breakout Kelton Hill
Player:
QB,
Hill showed promise with his speed and agility as the wildcat quarterback last season, but he only threw 15 passes, which left many to assume that he would never be a full-time starter in college. After becoming the full-time starter Hill emerged as the most electrifying quarterback to call the Georgia Dome home since… you know who. Over the final five games, Hill averaged 96.4 yards rushing, 187.6 yards through the air scored 12 total touchdowns while finishing second in rushing yardage. Most importantly, whenever Hill lined up in the shotgun,
a big play always seemed to be on the horizon courtesy of his arm or legs. However, Hill’s weakness remains his inconsistency throwing the football and his tendency to tote the ball carelessly when scrambling. While he still needs polishing, Hill may have asserted himself atop the quarterback depth chart entering the off-season.
What To Watch For In 2012: The Beginning and the End
Next season could feature an interesting dichotomy in story lines for the Georgia State program. Curry’s contract expires in 2013, which means 2012 could be the final season for Curry at the helm. Curry has been offered an extension but has said he won’t sign a new contract until his current one expires. While Curry coaches through what may be his final season, Georgia State will begin its first season as an official member of the CAA. The first two seasons of Georgia State football have essentially been a test run. In 2012, the Panthers will also become eligible to compete for FCS playoff glory. It won’t be against easy competition either. At one time, the CAA had nine teams in the FCS’ Top 25 poll.
11
sports | THE SIGNAL
TUESDAY, November 29, 2011
Chan Harris checks back into the game Ismael Suarez Staff Writer
Just a few months after returning from injury, Chandra Harris earned a preseason AllCAA Second Team selection, putting her in the top-ten women’s basketball players in the conference. This marks Harris’ third such selection as one of the CAA’s top athletes. In past seasons, she has been named to the all-conference third team for basketball and also was named to the AllCAA Track & Field High Jump team. “It’s good that coaches and people in the league respect my game,” Harris said. “[I try] not [to] get caught up with it, because I still have to work hard and it’ll be tougher this season because my opponents will know me better on the court.” Early in her junior year, Harris suffered an injury from a stressed fracture in her foot and had to stay away from the courts for a few months after surgery. When she returned to basketball after an extensive rehabilitation process, Harris had to work hard to reach her level again. “I was frustrated because I felt I couldn’t give my best out there at first, but I kept practic-
Georgia State Sports Communications
Harris averaged 12.3 points per game last season and tallied 49 blocks.
ing.” Before the injury occurred, the 6-foot-2-inch forward was named a top-15 player in the conference during her junior year. She added that to her first conference award in the track
and field high jump, which she received during her sophomore year. The fact that Harris made the All-CAA team for two sports makes her unique among other athletes, but she feels most at home on the basketball court.
Her uncle was the first one to introduce her to basketball when, on a driveway, he taught her how to play at a young age. Since then, Harris has had an immense ability to put up great figures both offensively and defensively.
Last year, Harris came third in the season in rebounds and blocked 49 shots. Offensively, she averaged 12.3 points per game and was the tenth among the top scorers in the league. Her great numbers can be attributed to her hard work, but basketball runs in her family. “My dad was a basketball player in college, and my brother also plays in college now,” Harris said. There is nothing wrong with some entertaining fatherdaughter competition when it comes to the sport they both love. If one compares the stats of both of their college basketball careers, Chan outnumbers her dad in almost every area, except assists. “My dad loves to talk trash and tell me he can take me on a one-on-one game, but [he] never goes through with it,” Harris said with a smile. Harris is currently working on her master’s degree in Sports Administration. Indecisive about whether to shoot for medicine or business, Harris is certain that she wants to find a job “related to sports.” In the meantime, Harris has a basketball season to prepare for, and she is confidently “looking forward to the season” and affirms that “the team is united and will do its best out there.”
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1988-2011
Sabastian Wee Senior Editor
Danielle Rowe, a 23-year-old social butterfly who had a song, a dance and a big smile for every occasion died Oct. 11 in a hit-and-run accident. Born and raised for the first half of her life in Miami, Fla., Rowe never let anyone remain a stranger; she would walk up to them and said, “Hi, I’m Danielle, I know how to dance, I know how to sing. You wanna be my friend?” “She was a busy little girl,” her mother Rosa Brooks said. “She used to frighten me because she was too friendly. And I’m going like, ‘Hey, where did this girl get this from?’ because there wasn’t anyone else like that in our family.” From the day she was born, Rowe’s exuberant character was bursting at the seams, waiting to flourish. She spoke her first words at 11 months. She walked before she crawled— and the dancing soon followed. As she grew older, the playfulness and kindness never faltered. Her personality was often infectious, with people describing her as fun, sweet and laughinducing and noting there was “just something warm about her.” “She was like that with everybody, through grade school, middle school, high school and even in college,” her sister Vickie Saunders said. “She was always the first to extend her hand in friendship.” “She always made the preparations for all of her friends, and I suddenly became Taxi Mommy, having to pick up her friends all the time,” Rosa added. “I got sick of it after a while, because people started to take advantage of her. Sometimes people take advantage of kindness like that.” She had endless ways to make everyone around her crack a smile, especially Saunders, who was 17 years older. When Rowe was 14 months, she doused herself in baby powder, kicked open Saunders’ bedroom door and swayed side-to-side, making a ghostly “whoo” sound. Then she turned around and took off down the hallway, leaving a trail of baby powder behind her. Rowe and Saunders spent a lot of time together while their parents were away at work, which created an influential bond between them that would carry through their parents’ divorce and the subsequent move to Georgia. The age gap between them made Rowe view Saunders more as a mother than a sister, at times emulating some of her qualities, whether it was buying the same bill holder or maintaining a rugged work ethic. When Rowe turned 19, Saunders helped her get a job as a 511 Operator/ HERO Dispatcher at Atkins for the Georgia Department of Transportation, where she would work for the next four years. Rowe hated nicknames. If someone gave her one, she would immediately correct them, saying “my name is Danielle.” However, she was known as Dani to her three closest friends, Quinn McCorvey, Ryan Agard and
Mike Brooks. The four of them were inseparable throughout high school (Rowe met McCorvey at Kendrick Middle School; Agard and Brooks in the 12th grade), spending most of their time playing Taboo, coming up with dance routines or shopping. Mike first met her at McCorvey’s house. As soon as he arrived, they took him to McCorvey’s room, placed him in a chair and began a routine they had practiced earlier. Mimicking a Destiny’s Child song, they danced in circles around him, stepping on his Air Jordans along the way. “They had room to dance, but they just kept stepping on my feet,” Mike laughed. “I got a little offended because I liked sneakers a lot.” A fashion fanatic, Rowe had a look for every occasion, a style for every day. She incessantly shopped, pulling McCorvey, Agard and Brooks along for the ride, as she hunted for dresses, heels, sequins—especially anything sheer and covered in glitter. Although Rowe and McCorvey attended rival high schools, Rowe skipped her prom to go to McCorvey’s prom with Agard and Brooks. “She was my best friend,” McCorvey said. “I couldn’t imagine going to prom without my best friend.” Rowe’s work ethic also helped her excel in her education. She graduated from North Clayton High School with honors and in the top two percent of her class. She left high school with a series of academic achievements under her belt, including the Honor Roll Queen and a National Honor Roll inductee. She even had the option to attend Harvard but chose to remain in Georgia to stay closer to her friends. “She absolutely refused to let us fill out the application for Harvard,” Rosa said. “She was going crazy and said she would miss her friends. It drove me crazy.” When she moved downtown to attend Georgia State, Rowe spent most of her time at Clark Atlanta University with McCorvey, so much that many mistook Rowe for a Clark Atlanta student. Rowe never let the bad times get to her, but when it got too rough, she would say, “Everybody crazy, ‘cept for me.” When her roommates walked out on her and left her with the bills, she shrugged it off. Even when they stole from her, she refused to press charges and chose to let it go. For every problem or a solution, Rowe had an acronym for it. When everyone was feeling down, angry or downright antsy, she announced that it was time for BD, or breakdown. Everyone would fall to the floor and roll around yelling or groaning. All the noise ultimately led to giggling and laughing, and within minutes, everything was back to normal. “She was a breath of fresh air,” McCorvey said. “She was always in good spirits. I never saw her in a bad mood or with a chip on her shoulder. She was truly an angel here on earth.”
She is survived by father Daniel J. Rowe of Miami, Fla.; mother, Rosa B. Brooks of McDonough, GA; sister, Vickie Saunders of McDonough, Ga.; two brothers: Daniel Rowe Jr. of Pembroke Pines, Fla., and Derrick Rowe of Deerfield, Fla.; (4) uncles: John Rowe, Francois Rowe of N.J., Leroy Brooks Jr. of San Diego, Calif., and Joey Brooks of Miami, Fla.; (3) aunts: Pauline Whitfield of Valdosta, Ga., Sarah Jenkins of Miami, Fla., and Dorothy Bensalih Zrust of Minneapolis, Minn.; (2) nephews: Darius and Damian Rowe; and a host of cousins, other relatives, and sorrowing friends.
(Top) Rowe graduated with honors at North Clayton High School and achieved a series of academic achievements, including Honor Roll Queen; (Above left) Rowe always had a strong fashion sense and loved different styles of dresses--as long as it was covered in glitter; (Top right) She had a flair for singing and dancing on every occasion; (Left) Rowe covered in baby powder and coming around the corner to act as a ghost.
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ARTS & LIVING | THE SIGNAL
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2011
Cheap and easy holiday recipes
rachel Shuffield Staff Writer
Holiday dinners can be tough: you have already spent all your money on presents for family and friends, so your holiday cooking budget is non-existent. However, most do not realize that a holiday meal can be created on a decent budget. Listed below are some recipes that are cheap, easy and best of all, won’t break the piggy bank.
main Dishes:
Sides:
Turkey
Instead of purchasing a giant 10-pound turkey, purchase a smaller weight and slice the turkey into shavings. Serve accordingly and no one will ever know you didn’t cook a giant turkey, and you can eliminate the six months of turkey leftovers.
AyshA Johnson | the signAl
Ham Again, no need to impress the family and friends by displaying a giant ham with pineapples and cherries stuck in it. Buy a smaller ham and slice it into considerablysized pieces and serve on a platter. AyshA Johnson | the signAl
Stuffing Ingredients: 1 can of cream of mushroom soup 1 16-ounce bag of broccoli ½ large box of Velveeta cheese, chopped up in cubes 2 cups of cooked white rice Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients into a mixing bowl. Pour mixed ingredients into a casserole dish (size does not matter). Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes.
Ingredients: 1 large can of canned yams ½ of regular bag of marshmallows Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Drain can of yams. Place the yams in a mixing bowl. Use an electric stirrer to stir yams until smooth. Place yams in a casserole dish (again, any size dish) and top with marshmallows. Bake for 10-15 minutes.
Stuffing in a box is cheap and convenient to prepare. There is a particularly tasty brand of stuffing located at Trader Joe’s. Most homemade recipes call for bread and chicken stock, but some call for more complex ingredients such as oysters and sage. Search around www.foodnetwork.com for a list of various styles of stuffing.
Desserts: Apple A La Cheap
Ingredients: Brownies 2 apples Can of whipped cream Gallon of French Vanilla ice cream Bake yourself some brownies, any brand will work. Once the brownies have cooled slice them into appropriate squares. Then cut apples into slices. Place a scoop of ice cream on top of the brownie and place apples artistically on the ice cream. Top with whipped cream.
Exclusive Eats: Food Guide to Atlanta Restaurant Scene JOEy NEELy Staff Writer
Atlanta: A Pizza Lover’s Paradise
It’s a staple of college students’ diets. Here are a few of our favorite pizza places in the city.
pizzeria Vesuvius
Jack’s Pizza and Wings
antico pizza
The best pizza seems to include the use of specialized ovens. Pizzeria Vesuvius kicks it old-school with a wood-fired oven that gives its pizza a natural taste full of flavor. Vesuvius’ menu has an array of house pies made for any taste preference. “The San Marzano pizza is traditional, but the melted fior di latte mozzarella is anything but ordinary,” junior Derick Brioso said. For the more adventurous type, the Vesuvius is a spicy buffalo pizza with chicken breast, mozzarella, blue cheese and jalapeños topped across the pie. Don’t forget the celery and buffalo sauce to bring this creation to full enjoyment. The Kilimanjaro is made for the hungry few who enjoy sausage, pepperoni, applewood-smoked bacon, smoked ham, fresh tomato sauce and mozzarella. The prices are reasonable, ranging from $10 to $18, depending on size. A Georgia State discount is added to any student who presents his/her school I.D. Vesuvius understands certain clients are particular and also provides the opportunity to build your own pie.
Jack’s Pizza and Wings ranks near the top of this list because of its diverse menu and edgy atmosphere. The patio includes street art encompassing every corner. The menu has sandwiches, tossed salads, pizza and wings to satisfy any empty belly. Hangovers hardly have cures that do not include a Vitamin Water and three aspirin, but Jack’s found a way through these home remedies. The Hangover pizza is loaded with bacon, sliced green peppers and tomatoes and topped with spinach and jalapeños. Any upset stomach will be pleased after some pizza therapy. Another crowd favorite is the Jason slice, which marries macaroni and cheese with tiny pieces of bacon. The noodles are cooked to the perfect texture and cover every inch of the pie. The Soul Food pizza may seem unusual, with friend chicken, mashed potatoes, collard greens and gravy, but arts major Dillon Min thinks otherwise. He described this pie as a home-cooked meal perfectly proportioned on a savory crust. “You can’t go wrong when your pizza reminds you of home,” Min sad.
For most pizza connoisseurs, ingredients are a crucial factor when cooking excellent pizza. Antico Pizza knows this all too well. Every ingredient that goes into each pie is of the highest quality. Antico Pizza is crafted in the true artisan method. The process starts with the dough, which only has sea salt and water added to it. Crushed San Marzano tomatoes along with Campania’s Mozzarella di Bufala are added and then drizzled with extra virgin olive oil. Antico flies all its scrumptious cheese from Naples, Italy weekly. Unlike most pizza restaurants, Antico lightly chars each pie in a 900 degree Refractory Sorrento Stone oven. The three ovens were built in Naples, identical to the one that prepared a slice for the queen.
327 Edgewood Ave.
676 Highland Ave.
1093 Hemphill Ave.
Runners Up Atlanta houses an enormous amount of pizza places that please multitudes of people. Fellini’s is the place for the economically savvy belly. Reynoldstown’s very own Village Pizza sculpts a delicious pesto and basil pizza perfect for anyone who prefers a simple flavor. And who could forget Little Five’s own Savage Pizza, with its superhero-themed décor and menu?
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2011
Up, We’re Dreaming 01 Hurry M83 (Mute) Wittenberg Orca 02 Mount Dirty Projectors & Bjork (Domino) & Present 03 Past Tycho (Ghostly International) As Me 04 Bad Tom Waits (Anti)
05 Highlighter People Under The Stairs (Piecelock 70) 06 Days Real Estate (Domino) 07 Parrallax Atlas Sound (4AD) 08 YT//ST Yamantaka / Sonic Titan (Psychic Handshake) 09 Acrobats Peggy Sue (Yep Rock) Dream 10 Hazed Psychic Ills (Sacred Bones)
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ARTS & LIVING | THE SIGNAL
Rihanna | TALK THAT TALK Nicole holman Staff Writer
“Suck my cockiness/Lick my persuasion/ Eat my words and then swallow your pride down, down!” No, that’s not a quote from your drunk and promiscuous aunt at her birthday party last year. That’s Rihanna talking dirty to you on a track off of her new album, Talk That Talk. In a compilation of anything but clean lyrics and addicting dance-pop beats, Rihanna delivers a sex-driven record that hardcore fans won’t be able to resist and all others will enjoy as a guilty pleasure. Despite the concern of angry parents and organizations, the pop princess has repeatedly said that she feels she is no role model and just wants to make great music. With that being said, her first single from the album, “We Found Love,” received a lot of attention and went straight to number one on iTunes and later the Billboard Hot 100. The album kicks off with the prospected second single “You Da One,” a song with Caribbean flare in which Rihanna embraces her Barbadian accent and vocalizes over a rhythmic beat. She comes back to this style in “Watch n’ Learn,” but listen at your own risk as the lyrics are a little risqué. Other hotspots on the album include the electro-pop
sound of “Where Have You Been,” “Roc Me Out,” “Cockiness (Love It)” and the short, sweet and sexy “Birthday Cake.” These tracks are destined to be fan favorites as they are produced exquisitely well. Miss Fenty continues the sexiness on “Talk That Talk,” the song that shares the album title, in a reunion with Jay-Z since her groundbreaking hit “Umbrella.” But don’t fret. While she ventures down the sexy road for the majority of the record, Rihanna does have a few soft spots. In “Drunk on Love,” she painfully croons about being in love. In “We All Want Love,” she reminds listeners that the want for love is the common denominator in all of us. Lastly, in “Farewell,” the only true ballad, she sings about a loved one leaving her. All in all, this album is produced well only track by track. Sadly it lacks cohesiveness, balance, depth and contains decent to dull vocals. Nonetheless, this album seems as if just a handful of potential hits were thrown together. All of the songs are a little on the short side, with “Birthday Cake” being the shortest. However, it has the potential to be the best track on the album. Maybe the “Good Girl Gone Bad” has some tricks up her sleeve. Some would say with the stress of putting out an album roughly every year since 2005, she should take a break. There would be no harm in that, because she is still young, bright and bushy-tailed.
Tape Clube
Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin
Turn in the Dream-Songs 12 A Jeffery Lewis (Rough Trade) Death Samba 13 Hell J.C. Satan (Slovenly)
G S U RC 2012
Out 14 Spills Pterodactyl (Brah Records)
15 Blouse Blouse (Captured Tracks) The Record 16 For Torae (Internal Affairs Ent.) Wolfman 17 Walt Richard Swift (Secretly Canadian)
18 Reworked/Remixed Trentemoller (In My Room) at the X 19 Staring Forest Fire (Fatcat Records) Outta Reach EP 20 So Kurt Vile (Matador)
21 MacheteVision marq Spekt & Kno (QN5) 22
Let the Poison Out Beets (Hardly Art)
In The Crowd 23 Face Edo G (Traffic)
24
Dome
25
Nightlife
Seekae (Rice is Nice/Popfrenzy) Phantogram (Barsuk)
From The Grove 26 Live “3-33” (Parallel Thought) Candels 27 Fractured Brief Candles (Guilt Ridden Pop) Beware 28 CoCo Caveman (Magic Man!) Lifestyle 29 Beautiful George and Jonathan (Self-Released) Crawler/The Dream 30 Carrion Thee Oh Sees (In The Red)
Undergraduate students from all disciplines are encouraged to submit their scholarly and creative projects for presentation at the conference Date of Event:
MARCH 21, 2012
Event Location: Student Center Proposal Submission Deadline:
February 1, 2012
at 5 p.m.
Notification of Acceptance:
February 15, 2012
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ARTS & LIVING | THE SIGNAL
MOVIE REVIEW ZAk mArLOW Copy Editor
r Here te
!
Regis
Martin Scorsese has directed every kind of movie at this point in his career - from the musical New York, New York to the mob classic Goodfellas. However, one genre has eluded the master storyteller until now: the family film. With great passion and meticulous care, Scorsese presents Hugo, a film that’s also his most personal work. Scorsese directed Hugo for his daughter so he could have something to show her for all his years work on grown-up films. It’s a film I’ll be showing my kids someday. It’s very beautiful, tender and personal, but still dark enough to bear Scorsese’s mark. Hugo is an orphan boy (Asa Butterfield, all wide-eyed and vulnerable) who lives in the clockwork of a train station. His clockmaker father died in a tragic museum fire, continues living in the train station as an apprentice to his drunkard uncle. He winds the clocks every day in secret while stealing wind-up parts from the toy store to fix an old automaton his father brought home for them to fix. The secret within the automaton sends Hugo on a chase to
discover the inventor of the robot, with Isabelle (Chloe Moretz, playing a character that’s light years away from roles like KickAss and Let Me In) tagging along for the ride. This adventure leads Hugo straight into the path of silent filmmaker George Melies, and the story takes a turn in the second half of the film, portraying the true story of Melies (played poignantly by Sir Ben Kingsley)- a magician who turned to film and created such groundbreaking fantasy fare like the 1902 film A Trip to the Moon. Melies lost his career in World War I and was forced to quit directing films to sell toys. In this tale, Scorsese fills scenes with his love of old cinema in an educative flourish to show the children watching the beauty and wonder of the old techniques. The truth of the story is heartbreaking, and it keeps the children’s tale just grown-up enough to have real weight and emotion. The story is seen through a child’s eyes, however the tale becomes more adult and real as storyline progresses. The film is full of lavish chases and glowing 3D visuals established through tracking shots, immersing the viewer into this magi-
cal world. The film was entertaining and heartwarming enough for anyone with a glimmer of youth left in them. “The movies are our special place,” says Hugo. “Come dream with us.” Known for his own love of films, Scorsese can be felt throughout the story. This is the master paying loving homage to his predecessors, and it’s one of his most tender and moving film in ages. The film reminded me how young we all still are, how much work we have ahead of us, but how much wonder and adventure is left in our world to find. It’s a good thing the film is in 3D, or everyone would see the slight teardrops behind the thick glasses staining my face.
GrADE: AmPAA rAtiNG: PG, for mild thematic material, some action/peril, smoking rUNNiNG timE: 126 miNUtES
rOttEN tOmAtO mEtEr: 96 PErCENt
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2011
hUgo
Bill Nye:
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2011
CAMPUS LIFE| THE SIGNAL
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Science Guy or modern-day Socrates? Courtney Boyd Staff Writer
If there is anyone as enigmatic and influential on Western thought as Socrates, it is Bill Nye. The comedy writer-turned-educational scientist is a lot like the ancient Greek philosopher. Both are celebrated, innovative and unconventional. Just as one’s name is synonymous with the classics, the other’s will remain a staple in American classrooms for generations to come. Nye, who earned a degree in mechanical engineering from Cornell University in 1977, left his job with global aircraft manufacturer Boeing Co. to pursue a career
as a standup comic. He transitioned from engineer to comedy writer and producer for Seattle-based hilarity show “Almost Live!” Out of this homespun sketch series--the “Science Guy” character was born. “Steve Martin had suddenly become a big hit, and every town in America had a standup comedy club. After winning a [Steve Martin] look-alike contest, I started doing standup. The company I worked for at the time…well, I decided it was never going to work, so I went on and tried to influence the future,” Nye said. Nye became wildly popular when the educational television series, “Bill Nye the Science Guy,” hit PBS airwaves in September 1993. It currently airs on select PBS stations for in-school use. Nye won seven Emmy Awards for performing, writing and producing during the show’s five-year run. He also wrote five children’s books between filming. “Actor, author, scientist, engineer, comedian, inventor … I’m flattered that all those titles placed in front of my name are even there. That’s most flattering. The most important thing though, is [that] I’m an educator. I hope that somebody who watched “The Science Guy” show goes on to
improve the quality of life of people everywhere,” Nye said. Improving the quality of human life is only part of Nye’s mission of fostering a scientifically literate populous. His idea of a perfect world is one in which humans raise the standard of living for women and can control climate change the way agriculture, farming and animal and plant reproduction are controlled. “That’s a long way off, but I guarantee you the key to it will be science,” he said. Speaking of keys, the avid bicyclist admits that he carries two car keys – one to a 2004 Toyota Prius and the other, a Nissan Leaf. Still, the one-time Cannonball 300 first place champion rides one of his five bikes up a 1000-foot vertical hill almost every day. Nye’s latest project involves launching a series of sundials that were devised for Mars mission landers, or MarsDials, in hopes of discovering life forms in outer space. His attitude towards the future echoes one of Socrates’ most famous declarations, “I know one thing, that I know nothing.” “Some people are very troubled by not knowing everything. We all look for explanations for things in the world around [us], but a big part of science is accepting that as you learn more, you’re just going to find out about more things you don’t know. That’s not unsettling. It’s actually very exciting.”
michelle Asci | the signAl
students show thanks through holiday traditions intisar Seraaj Staff Writer
Does anyone still remember why Thanksgiving is celebrated in the first place? Or how the Yule tree became a staple symbol of Christmas? The winter holiday season has become a familyoriented time of celebration and reunion for many Americans. It has transformed into a personal celebration, unique to each family. Even if everyone does not remember the origin of many holiday traditions, people seem to have captured the essence of the season, and students have shown that they are most thankful for their families. In efforts to reunite with loved ones, many students will be traveling home to their families this holiday break. Bryan Johnson, a freshman music major, traveled to his grandmother’s house in Blairsville, Ga. for a family reunion. “It’s just nice to see everyone,” Johnson said. “We sit, talk, eat and my uncles joke around a lot.” Johnson was looking forward to his grandmother’s banana pudding and mashed potatoes, some of the dishes that have become traditional holiday favorites. Other students said their favorite part of the holiday season not only includes reconnecting with family but gobbling down
intisAR seRAAJ | the signAl
GSU students decorated their room in Thanksgiving spirit.
delicious foods. Timia Skelton, a freshman exercise science major, is looking forward to eating all the pork her stomach can hold. She goes home to her grandmother’s house for a huge dinner, in Nicholson, Ga., in which her family has an annual hog roasting the weekend before every Thanksgiving. After slow-roasting the hog over a fire pit, the chefs of the family finely chop the pork for inclusion in Thanksgiving Day dishes. Besides the pork, Skelton was most excited about seeing and talking to family and watching football all day.
Instead of watching football during the holidays, freshman Rebecca Price likes to throw around the pigskin with her uncle and sister. After working up an appetite, Price enjoys helping herself to these goodies: chocolate pie, apple pie and her father’s grilled turkey. Whether students are going home to fill their tummies with holiday goodies, filling the tummies of the less fortunate or just going home to see their missed loved ones, students have plenty to look forward to and be thankful for this season.
Georgia State launches 9th annual toys for tots campaign iman Naim Staff Writer
Athletics and Auxiliary and Support Services are teaming up with Toys for Tots in an annual campaign to bring a little holiday cheer to children of local families in need. In 1947, one man’s search to find an organization to donate a doll to a child turned into a national project called Toys for Tots. “Toys for Tots mission is to provide toys, books and other gifts to less fortunate children,” said San Miller, the director of operations and administration support at the Auxiliary and Support Services. The Toys for Tots campaign was brought to Georgia State in 2003 by Auxiliary and Support Services. According to the office, Georgia State has collected over 8,000 toys for the organization through-
out the years and they hope to continue their progress. “It is a wonderful way to bring joy to children in need,” Miller said. “By combining forces with student groups and university departments, we are able to better promote this great cause.” To encourage student participation in the campaign, the Athletic Department provided discounted tickets to students who donated a new and unwrapped toy to the collection box in the Georgia Dome during the Georgia State vs. Campbell game Saturday, Nov. 19. Also, by donating to the collection box in the Sports Arena, students can receive an extra, free ticket to either the women’s home basketball game against Hofstra University Sunday, Dec. 4 at 2 p.m. or the men’s home basketball game against William and Mary Saturday, Dec. 3 at 2 p.m.
For more information on Toys for Tots, visit www.toysfortots.org.
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ARTS & LIVING | THE SIGNAL
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2011
This year’s campaign to collect toys began Oct. 24 and ends on Dec. 9. Collection boxes have been distributed around the school in places such as the Freshman Dining Hall, One Stop Shop, the Recreation Center, Panther’s Corner, Panther’s Den and the Piedmont North Dining Hall.
SAA program links students with alumnus iman Naim Staff Writer
Last Saturday, the Student Alumni Association (SAA) hosted one of several ‘Dinner with 12 Panthers’ gatherings. “A Dinner with 12 Panthers brings alumni and students of Georgia State together in a unique way,” said Monaco Jones, the vice president of public relations for SAA. The dinner provides current Georgia State students with the opportunity to gain tips and advice from Georgia State alumni. Jasmine Stewart, the student relations coordinator and advisor of the SAA, explained the benefits of the dinner for students. “[The dinner] takes it one step outside the classroom,” Stewart said. “Students can ask questions and find out what the industry requires, all from someone with experience.” Stewart, concerned that students didn’t have a large enough opportunity to network with alumni, was responsible for bringing the event to Georgia State. “This was truly a networking opportunity,” said Rantine McKesson, a junior majoring in non-profit leadership. “I would highly recommend this opportunity to other students.” Sophomore Lydia Smith expressed interest in hosting a dinner as an alumnus. “I felt comfortable asking anything I wanted,” Smith said. The alumnus of the dinner, Natalie Sweat, hosted a group of eight stu-
dents at the retirement home where she resides. Sweat graduated from Georgia State in 1973 with a B.A. in english. “Have a broad perspective,” Sweat told students during the dinner. “Have a goal and aim towards it, but if something more appealing comes along, don’t be afraid to change.” The event has received positive feedback from the students. “The dinner conversation ranged over a multitude of subjects and I don’t think anything was left for us to talk about,” Jennifer Spickler, a public policy major, said. “It was nice talking to a wonderful alumnus who has so much history and wisdom to offer.” Participants expressed feelings of appreciation for SAA developing the event. “I thought it would be something with more interactive activities,” Tamara Marshall, a woman’s studies major, said. “I must say that this dinner gave me more of an ‘accomplished’ feel, as if I was being honored.” Stewart and Jones’ high hopes for the event were met thanks to the enthusiastic reactions of the alumni. “It is amazing for me to see alumni willing to spend an evening out of their busy schedule to talk about their careers and job experiences,” Jones said. “I hope that students get the opportunity to network with alumni who are working in their field so that they have the opportunity to find careers that fit their interests and beliefs.”
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PUZZLES CLASSIFIEDS WORD FIND
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SUDOKU
Lost or found any books, clothing, sunglasses, Puzzle umbrellas, Set #C5638 Level: Challenging (etc.) This semester...? Try lost.or.found@gmail.com (For non-clothing items, you should also contact GSU police) Wanted to buy Do you still have your “commercial master� commuterlocker padlock, and no longer need it after this semester? I need a couple, willing to buy yours.Call (404)941-0790
6
I still need a comfortable used backpack...(Similar to path ones) Color/appearance not as important as good price. Call dean 404-585-7063 and thanx Laptop or netbook wanted by returning student. (Need min. 2Gig ram) Also want to buy dragon naturally speaking. Please contact (404)941-0790, asap. Announcement: Grad student desperately seeking affordable/pro bono legal assistance in pursuing couterclaims in unlawful eviction/breach of verbal contract case. If you might be able to help, as an attorney or by passing this plea on to an attorney, thank you. My personal, confidential contact number is 404-585-7063.
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WHATʼS HAPPENING ON CAMPUS!
The deadline to remove all items and locks from lockers rented through the Student•University Center is Friday, December 9, 2011. Any items remaining in lockers after this date will be discarded.
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Thursday, December 1, 7-11 p.m. Student Center Ballroom Stressed out? Need a break before finals? Come join Spotlight for a night of relaxation featuring massages, a comedian, interactive attractions, Southern-style buffet, yoga and more. Paid for by student activity fees, this event is open only to GSU students and their one event guest.
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Interested in performing on the Courtyard Music Stage during Spring Semester?
Application Deadline: Friday, December 9 The Courtyard Music Series exists to enhance and broaden the experiences of GSU students, faculty and staff by providing live musical entertainment in the Student•University Center. Our hope is that, by featuring a diverse group of musicians, this series provides GSU students the opportunity to showcase their talent as well as break through existing music boundaries of the GSU community. Applications available at www.gsu.edu/studentevents.
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OrgSync Mobile can be used on any smart-phone and works just like a native application. To access OrgSync Mobile, log in at www.orgsync.com.
OrgSync Mobile is in beta phase, and not all features are enabled yet. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, the full version of the site is just one click away.
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Take Advantage of Discount Tickets!
Movie theatres, theme parks and other venues offer discounted rates to the GSU community through the Student•University Center. DISCOUNT TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE FOR
All shows free for GSU students, faculty and staff with ID. Guests $3 before 5 p.m. and $5 at 5 p.m. and after.
Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale, November 28-December 4
Inni, November 28-December 4 ITALIAN FILM SERIES, October 8-April 8
Escape by Night, December 1 For showtimes, visit www.gsu.edu/cinefest.
AMC Theatres • Biltmore House • Georgia Aquarium • Georgia Renaissance Festival • Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament • Regal Cinemas • Six Flags Over Georgia • Six Flags White Water • Tennessee Aquarium • Walt Disney World • Zoo Atlanta
More Information: www.gsu.edu/ticketdiscounts