The Xavier Herald
@xulaherald
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Nov. 10, 2015 - Nov. 23, 2015
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Xavier University of Louisiana
New Orleans, La.
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Nov. 10, 2015 - Nov. 23, 2015
Substantial Grant Funding Gives Xavier University, Students Competitive Edge by Allana Barefield Staff Writer
T
he possibilities for students at Xavier University of Louisiana are endless, thanks to competitive grants from federal, state, and private agencies. So far in 2015, the university has secured 54 grants worth $21 million, university administrators say. The majority of the funding goes to academic programs in the sciences, said Dr. Marguerite Giguette, Xavier’s associate vice president for academic affairs. Additionally, programs in the humanities, such as the Ronald E. McNair and the Department of Mass Communication, benefits from grant funding, Giguette added. Grants funded programs help students to think critically about the world around them, and help prepare them for graduate schools, internships, and jobs, Giguette said. “Xavier’s strong academic programs make the campus come alive,” she said. The Money Makers Researching and securing grants is where the Office Of Research and Sponsored programs comes in, said Dr. Deborah M. Marshall, the associate vice president.
students the freedom to fully Lawrence said. Xavier is now In 2015, the university immerse themselves in their part of a collaborative effort received funding from federal coursework, instead of having to with leading scientists with agencies like the National take part-time jobs. the U.S. Army Research Lab, Institutes of Health, the National “They have the opportunity National Aeronautics and Space Science Foundation, and United to completely focus on their Administration Glenn Research States Department of Defense, studies, without financial stress, Center, Georgia Institute Marshall said. The university while also gaining valuable of Technology and Auburn competes against the Louisiana’s flagship university, Louisiana State University, and national Ivy Leagues like Stanford University and Pennsylvania State University for the federal grants. The NIH awarded $19.6 million for the Building Infrastructure Leading to Diversity program. Marshall said the BUILD initiative helps students boost their academic foundation by giving them the tools to prepare for graduate school. The program’s goals also include helping students become leaders and develop self-confidence. “Whether you’re a leader Mass Communication class with a new Mac Lab in Xavier South. or not is not dependent on research experience,” said Terry University. what your profession is, how Lawrence, Xavier’s program Also, the grant supports the much money you make, or coordinator for Science, creation of a center where a pool who you know,” Marshall said. Technology, Engineering and of faculty from the engineering, “Leadership is a function of your Math education. physics, and chemistry own self-confidence and your In September 2015, departments can conduct concern for others.” These are NASA awarded Xavier a $5 research, Lawrence added. qualities graduate programs and million, five-year grant to “Our competitive edge comes employers find desirable, she advance the performance and from our curriculum, our strong added. safety of lithium batteries reputation, and the quality of our Some programs put its and designated the university students and faculty,” Lawrence grant funding toward student said. scholarships to reduce the burden as a “Solid Higher Energy Lithium Battery Institution, Grants benefit the humanities of student loan debt, and provide
Aside from the sciences, other programs such as graduate placement and mass communication received grants in 2015. The Office of Graduate Placement and University Summer programs received $231,000, according to director Tracie Thomas. For example, the Ronald E. McNair PostBaccalaureate Achievement Program supports students who wish to earn a Ph.D., including first-generation college members of families. “It’s to give exposure to students of all majors who will research at the doctorate level,” Thomas said. The Louisiana Board of Regents awarded the Department of Mass Communication almost $160,000 for an Undergraduate Enhancement Grant in the Social Sciences for equipment upgrades. The department furnished an iMac teaching lab this fall, and grant funds will update Xavier’s television studio and develop multimedia suites, said department head Dr. Tia Smith. The grant allows for continued growth into new media niches that will provide students with diverse opportunities when they graduate. “We want our students to be a one-stop brand,” Smith said. “We are working towards the future for media entrepreneurship…and research skills.”
XU PR Students Network, Gain Insight Into Profession
F
Morgan Yates Staff Writer
our Xavier students got the opportunity to hear from experts such as Congressman John Lewis R-Ga., meteorologist Jim Cantore of The Weather Channel, and Scott Cuppari, the global marketing director of Coca-Cola at the annual national conference of the Public Relations Student Society of America in Atlanta, Ga. from Nov. 6 –10. Local public relations firm the Spears Consulting Group sponsored the students’ registration and with support from the Department of Mass Communication the students were able to attend the major industry conference for the first time in the program’s recent history.
Xavier’s PRSSA executive board members Dominique McCaskill, Sydni Raymond, Toni Harrigan and I sat alongside students from across the country at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis to learn about new industry trends and how to succeed in our intended career path as public relations professionals. “The Mass Communication department prides itself on developing a multimedia, savvy critical thinker that understands the importance of innovation, networking, and professionalism,” said Dr. Tia Smith, the mass communication department head. “PRSSA is a reputable organization that encompasses just that.” The conference kicked off Friday morning as we attended a career and agency tour that involved prestigious companies
and public relations firms such as Coca-Cola, Edelman, Ketchum Inc., and Cohn & Wolfe Global Communications and Public Relations, to name a few. During his speech, Congressman and civil rights leader John Lewis told students about the importance of the media during the Civil Rights Movement. We attended leadership workshops that focused on development as future leaders in the public relations field, as well as professional panel discussions and seminars led by executive public relations professionals. These workshops gave us insight into professional development. “As a PRSSA member, I feel as though this opportunity has allowed me to get a better understanding of my profession and has put me a step
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ahead of my competition,” said Harrigan, treasurer of Xavier’s chapter of PRSSA. “I’m thrilled our students get an opportunity to see public relations on a national level,” said Sheryl Kennedy- Haydel, the faculty advisor for Xavier’s
PRSSA. “I’m also excited that they can network with other students across the country, as well as professionals.
Photo by: Morgan Yates
PRSSA students (L-R) Toni Harrigan, Dominique McCaskill, , Sydni Raymond, and Morgan Yates at the Public Relations Student Society of America in Atlanta, Ga.
Nov. 10, 2015 - Nov. 23, 2015
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Brittany Packnett: Black Success in Organization purposeful life. “Being able to afford a Mark Jacobs bag doesn’t free me, I still can die at the hands of police,” Packnett said. Black Twitter and other social media are new platforms that she sees her generation can use to redefine the struggle. “Black is creative, our melanin is gold, and our hearts are rich. Black ain’t broken and black is not in need of your fixing,” Packnett said.
by Allana Barefield Staff Writer The words of activist Brittany Packnett empowered everyone in the audience. The Black Lives Matter symposium was an event that attracted people of all ethnicity and ages who came together to discuss the state of race relations not just in the U.S. but around the world. The symposium was held on Nov. 6 on Xavier University’s campus. Packnett, the executive director for Teach For America in St. Louis, Mo. was the event’s keynote speaker. She recently rose to the national spotlight when she was appointed to the Ferguson Commission and President Obama’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing. “I’m not a social worker, therapist, psychiatrist or a survivor or even a next defender, I can’t offer you a statistical analysis of crime patterns or have a medical understanding of crime,” Packnett said. She told the crowd her insights come from simply being an African American woman in this time. Black people can only succeed if as a people they organized to bring about change, she said. Protests can be taken
Brittany Packnett at the Black Lives Symposium Nov. 7 in many forms by going out seriously. The St. Louis native on the streets, going into the said she witnessed first hand classrooms, by doing the work bloodshed in the streets, as she in the church house, or even had been working to organize spreading the movement by protests. Before Ferguson landed mouth, Packnett said. on the national consciousness, “It’s going to take all of us she said it was physically to stop the vulgar language, and emotionally dangerous tear gas, pepper spray, and the for activists early on. Being beatings,” she said. “We have to outside protesting until two in create a different world for our the morning took her out of her children if we don’t pick up the comfort zone, Packnett added. work, who will?” The fact that she had to The events of Ferguson entrust her life with strangers forever rocked Packnett out of that she met five minutes before her slumber that America was was terrifying, she explained. not post-racial. Packnett tweeted “You didn’t know if you “One day I’ll write about how would walk away with your life,” Ferguson has challenged my Packnett said. black middle class existence and African Americans would how disappointed I am in other run away from Ferguson saying black folk like me.” this is not the fight for me, she She explained that when she recalled. But somehow she said wrote that tweet on Nov. 6, she she found the determination to felt angry and disgusted that run in the direction of the fight. some African Americans were She wants young people to shift not taking this recent events their priorities to champion a
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Next genenration confronts racism Curdarence Chambers who attends DeSoto High School in DeSeto, Texas travelled with 25 of his classmates to the symposium. Chambers, who is a senior, said his experience with racism is a deeply personal one. As an athlete he had been exposed to racial slurs, had been taunted with the N-word and with people making fun of his name, he said. The racial slurs continued on and off the field during his high school athletic career, Chambers said. He grew up in a predominantly white neighborhood and came to the symposium to learn how his generation can combat racism today. “A country that is supposed to be accepting to us but somewhat is neglecting us at the same time,” Chambers said.
“Black lives Matter to me is more than just a hashtag it’s a movement, and it’s a statement that needs to continue,” Chambers added. Students from neighboring universities also attended the symposium. Carlantha Roberts, from Little Rock, Ark. is a senior at Loyola University who came to the symposium because she was tired of being judged for the color of her skin, she said. “I’ve felt the marginalization caused by being an African American when getting racially profiled at night for driving,” Roberts said. She remembers being a kid and her peers would invite her over to their house but would always decline the offer into her home. “It was hard to face the fact that these Caucasian friends did not trust leaving their child in the hands of a black family,” Roberts added. Roberts attended the symposium to feel empowered and to learn how to speak up for herself. She wanted to educate herself on how to become more engaged in a new era for civil rights. Having insightful conversations is easy with her peers about how the justice system is failing, but after the conversation they don’t do anything, she explained. “We need to take action and go into the community to fix the problems we are frustrated with,” Roberts said.
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Nov. 10, 2015 - Nov. 23, 2015
Juvenile and Justice
Dozens of students, faculty and guests packed the CANO Creative Space for the Nov. 4, 2015, “A
speaker was Todd Juluke, who shared the story of his fall from grace as a college athlete to drug dealer to convict, and his rise to freedom as a scholar and motivational speaker. Guests
included, l-r, Dr. Sarah Clunis, interim director of African American & Diaspora Studies, and Dr. Kim Vaz-Deville, associate dean in the College of Arts and Sciences; l-r,
Chadvette Banks, speaker Todd Juluke, Chris Banks and Cyuan Lutzenberger; and, l-r, Dwanna Ealy, Sharmaine Russ, Skyy Martin and Jessica Jefferson.
Xavier Evening of Reflection on Juvenile Justice� hosted by the Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences. Featured
The Xavier Herald Staff FALL 2015
Editor-in-chief: Ashlee Hill Graphic Design Nicholas Davison Eric Craig
Photographers Eric Craig Kaelin Maeloid Luis Marquez
Staff Writers
Allana Barfield Eric Craig
Nicholas Davison Morgan Yates
Sports
Kaelin Maloid
Webteam
Mark Veals Nicholas davison
Contributing writers Mosea Miles
Student Publication Director : Melinda L. Shelton 504.520.5096, mshelton@xula.edu
HERALD CONTACT INFORMATION
Herald office:
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Xavier South, 605 504.520.5096 herald@xula.edu 504.520.5096
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Nov. 10, 2015 - Nov. 23, 2015
Singer Chrisette Michele Opens XU Homecoming Concert album, “I Am” at the age of 24. At the 2008 Grammys, the song by Ashlee Hill “Be Ok” from her debut album Editor-In-Chief won for Best Urban Alternative Opening act for this year’s Performance. From there she student-alumni concert is R&B made hits such as “What You artist Chrisette Michele. The Do,” “Blame it On Me” and Grammy award winning singer “Epiphany.”At the height of her will be performing at 8:00 p.m. career, Chrisette Michele took a in the Convocation Center. break from her music and began Tickets for this event are $20 to find herself. for Xavier students and tickets According to the artist’s for non-students start at $53. website, Michele “was Michele’s music career physically, mentally, emotionally, started in the summer of 2007 and artistically fatigued” which when she released her first encouraged her to travel to
different countries to get her mind off the music industry. The website also mentions that during her break, the singer developed an addiction to food. . The journey to the artist’s regaining her strength is illustrated in her album “Better.” Through soulful tunes the album is Michele’s unique way of opening up to her audience about her triumphs that led to her now being “better.” To listen to more of Michele’s music before watching her hit the stage,
check out the Chrisette Michele VEVO account on YouTube or
download her songs on www. itunes.com
Chrisette Michele will perform Nov. 20 at XU Convocation center. Tickets are $20 for students.
Musiq Soulchild Performs at Homecoming 2015 by Nicholas Davison Staff Writer Singer and songwriter Musiq Soulchild is set to bring his “Luvanmusiq” to Xavier University of Louisiana’s Convocation Center on Nov. 20, 2015. Best known for his hits such as “SoBeautiful,” “Teachme,” and “B.U.D.D.Y.,” Soulchild is a recipient of awards from BET, Billboard, BMI, and Soul Train. Soulchild has also received 11 Grammy nominations throughout his career in the categories of Best Male R&B Vocal Performance,
Best R&B Album, and more. Recently with his new project titled “I Am a Group” underneath his new label imprint Soulstar Music Company, Soulchild has premiered two alter ego music personalities called The Husel and pUrPlE wOnDaLuV. These two music personalities have recently released projects on iTunes, The Husel’s being “Hustle Music” featuring artists such as Rah Digga and T-Pain, and pUrPlE wOnDaLuV’s “eTeRnAl pEaCe - EP.” Musiq Soulchild can be followed on Twitter at @ MusiqSoulchild and also his
new alter ego personality projects can be followed at @ TheHusel and @pwondaluv. The
Xavier University of Louisiana community welcomes Musiq Soulchild and his team to our
campus as we all cannot wait to hear him perform his legendary discography of hits.
Musiq Soulchild Will Perform Nov. 20 at the XU Convocation Center
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Nov. 10, 2015 - Nov. 23, 2015
Xavier Homecoming C Bright Lights And Ci Bright Lights, City Life is the theme of this year’s homecoming week and its also the theme of this year’s fashion. In the spirit of Homecoming 2015, Miss Xavier and her court model their city life fashion. Along with them, students will be able to show off their own fashion master pieces during several homecoming events, including the wellanticipated Boat Ride and Tailgate before the Homecoming game. Be sure to ditch the sweats and comfy shirts for a homecoming to remember. The Xavier Herald wants to see your best Homecoming fashion hashtag #XUDress to be featured on the Xavier Herald’s website, ww.xulaherald.com
Campus Queens (L-R) Miss Senior Peyton Taylor, Miss Junior Mariah Carter, Miss Xavier Lacey Douglas, Miss Sopohmore Tyra Ivory and Miss Freshman Natalie Faciane talk about Homecoming festivities.
Miss Xavier Lacey Douglas Slidell, La.
Nov. 14 Coronation 9-11 p.m. Convocation Center
Come and watch Miss Xavier have the honor of being crowned at this traditional event. Dress your best and enjoy being with Xavier’s royalty.
Photos by Luis Marquez All XU Homecoming events are not featured in this spread. Check out the schedule of events for Homecoming on www.xula.edu
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Miss Senior Peyton Taylor Opelousas, La.
Nov. 15 Kick-Off 3-6 p.m. City Park Arbor Room
Xavier’s court has a big announcement to share at the Kick-Off. Make sure to come dressed to impress and hungry because there will be food. Don’t have a ride to the City Park Arbor Room? XU Homecoming has your back. There will be buses that leave from the UC at 2 p.m.
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Nov. 10, 2015 - Nov. 23, 2015
Court: ity Life
Miss Sophomore Tyra Ivory Macon, Miss.
Miss Junior Mariah Carter Mobile, Ala.
Nov. 20
Nov. 20 Boat Ride 10 p.m.-12 a.m. The Natchez
The annual Boat Ride is cruising towards XU Homecoming again ready to take you for a fun filled ride. This event calls for cocktail attire and early attendance to catch the boat. You don’t want to miss this party on the Mississippi River.
Miss Freshman Natalie Faciane Lacombe, La.
Nov. 21
Tailgate : 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Homecoming Game: 1 p.m. Step Show 9-11 p.m. Convocation Center
The most eventful day of Homecoming,hands down is Nov. 21. Show off your XU pride at this all -day affair by mingling with alumni and cheering on the Gold Nuggets and Gold Rush during the day. Then at night see which fraternity or sorority wins the Greek Step Show.
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Celebration on the Yard 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. Concert: 8 p.m. Convocation Center No noon time classes? No problem. Skip the nap and join your friends at the Celebration on the Yard. If you’re stuck in class during this event you can still catch the concert later that night. Listen to the soulful sounds of Chrisette Michele and Musiq Soulchild at the student-alumni concert.
Nov. 10, 2015 - Nov. 23, 2015
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Nov. 10, 2015 - Nov. 23, 2015
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Nov. 10, 2015 - Nov. 23, 2015
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Gold Rush: It Happened at Practice by kaelin Maloid Sports Writer
Offense Morris Wright has the ball at the top of the key. His eyes never waver from the cylinder. Once he catches the ball, his movements are like clockwork—the ball starts at his waist, then to his chest, and then over his head, all while he’s leaving the ground. Simultaneous to jumping, he’s releasing. The basketball rotates perfectly towards the net. He lands, and his left hand drifts towards his waist while the right one is left hanging in the air. The only difference between now and Oct. 30 is that Wright is practicing. Swish. A 3-0 start by the Gold Rush men’s basketball team is not by accident. It’s the result of a perfectly scripted practice led by head coach Dannton Jackson and featuring a roster of 13 talented players. Seven out of 9 of the Gold Rush players are averaging over five points per game. Jackson stated that having Martin-Julien back on the team would be
great, and, he’s doing well by averaging the secondmost points on the team with 13.5. Wright leads the team averaging 17.7. Charles Savoy and Gary Smith run down the court on a fast break. Savoy is a few steps in front of Smith, who has the ball under complete control in his hands. Savoy stops underneath the Gold Rush goal with three defenders in pursuit. Smith threads the needle on the pass, bouncing it between two defenders and into Savoy’s hands, who makes the shot and gives Smith the assist. It happened at practice, and it happened against Springhill College Nov. 7. Smith is leading the team with 4.7 assists per game, with Martin-Julien (4) and Wright (3.7) right behind. However, it isn’t offense that wins championships. Defense Elex Carter, the 6’7 transfer from Southern University, jumps. He starts from the top of his toes and bounces upward, long arms reaching for the sky. His hands are visible over the just-as-tall defenders. He taps the ball upward with the tips of his fingers as he lands. He springs
R.J. Daniels at the freethrow line against Carver College in the XU Convocation Center.
Photo by Kaelin Maloid
forward again, and this time he has the ball in his hands. He lands right leg first, ball tucked into his side away from his defenders as he patiently awaits a Gold Rush guard to take it down court. He had four rebounds against Webber International, eight against Carver, and countless in practice. Thirty seconds of high energy defense means nothing if they can’t get the ball back on the offensive end. In three games, the Rush are out rebounding their opponents 10796. Carter is leading the Rush with six per game. Thibodeaux follows with 4.3 per game. Listed at 6’4, RJ Daniels is a quick on his toes, hustling power forward with tenacious energy on the defensive end. As the ball swings around the top of the key, Daniels runs up on the offensive player. He’s standing between the ball and the player, and he’s on the top of his toes. “Close!” he shouts, arms wide. You could put Gold Rush point guard Smith as the offensive player or Webber International power forward Dwaine Lyals and you’ll get the same result: a steal. The Gold Rush are a team that prides themselves on being defensive minded, according to Jackson. It should come as no surprise to fans that eight of the 13 players on the roster are averaging .5 steals per game or over, with Wright and Smith leading the Rush with 3.0 steals (Wright) and 1.5 (Smith). When the Gold Rush aren’t stealing the ball, they’re making it harder on defenses. Quick hands, long arms, and sharp defense caused Webber International and Springhill to turn the ball over 18 times to the Gold Rush and Carver College to turn it over 16. Steals, knock-aways, and disruptions come at the encouragement of Jackson. At practice, he reminds his players, “Hands up,” and during the game, he can be seen on the sidelines, arms spread wide, reminding them to keep their arms up over the noisy crowd. Although the Gold Rush have been successful through their first three games, they still have a full season ahead of them—which means more practice, more time to get better, and more highlight plays for fans.
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Schedule For Home Games
Men
Thu Nov. 12 - 7.p.m. Miles Sat Nov. 21 - 1 p.m. Leoyne-Owen (Homecmig) Tue. Dec. 1 - 7:30 p.m. Mobile
Women Sat. Nov. 21 -11a.m. Eastern Oregon (Homecmg) Thu Nov 26 - 7 p.m. Shanee State Fri Nov 27 - 4 p.m. Langston Tue Dec 1 - 5:30 p.m. Mobile
Send Your Submissions and Advertisements to the Xavier Herald. Email: herald@xula.edu Phone: 504.520.7474
Nov. 10, 2015 - Nov. 23, 2015
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UAW-Ford Internship Opens Doors
by Mosea Miles Contributing Writer nternships are a great way for young, aspiring individuals to not only get a feel for a professional work environment, but to also gain exposure in terms of finding long-term employment. The past two summers, I’ve had the opportunity to work for UAW-Ford National Programs Center located in downtown Detroit, Mich. At our headquarters,we address matters of common concern in areas such as product quality, education and development, employee involvement, team structures, work technical skills redesign,
I
health and safety, employee assistance, apprenticeship, and labor-management studies for both the UAW and Ford Motor Company. My first summer working, I served as an intern in the finance department, with my basic responsibilities including preparing financial statements, processing purchase invoices, and assisting in account reconciliations. As an accounting major, I got the perfect amount of exposure in daily financial accounting, along with training using materials learned in the classroom in real- life scenarios. Challenges did present themselves when completing certain tasks; however, this only taught me patience and persistence in the face of adversity. This past summer, I was promoted to the position of intern coordinator with the responsibility of overseeing the entire internship program at UAW-Ford. I worked alongside a team of 21 interns, who reported to me on a daily
basis in relation to weekly projects, work responsibilities from program directors, or any general issues. An average day as intern coordinator involved: ensuring all interns were in their departments on time, interns were working on assigned projects, conducting payroll (weekly), going to meetings with directors concerning upcoming projects, and completing my own job responsibilities in the finance department. Using techniques and information gathered over the past few years from Xavier’s Division of Business, I was well equipped to assume this authority and responsibility. Both summer experiences taught me leadership qualities, built on my interpersonal communication skills, and most importantly increased my situational awareness in the workplace. I recommend all business students eager to get ahead in the business world to apply for an internship; the opportunities that may be presented are limitless.
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Nov. 10, 2015 - Nov. 23, 2015
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SNAPS!
Basketball
Students show support for XU Gold Rush During the XU vs. Webber International Convocation Center on Oct. 29, 2015.
Wellness Week
Sonovia Dykes, Dr. Megan Osterbur, Jessica Jefferson, Yasmine Secrist, Dr. C. Reynold Verret, Sharmaine Russ at the Walk with the President.
Volleyball Xavier Gold Rush defeated Webber International at the XU Convocation Center.
International Night
Coach Hannah Lawing (left) and Asistant Coach Hillary Lobenstein (far right) recognized senior volleyball players CeCe Williams, Franziska Pirkl, Darrian Harris, Jodi Hill, Taylor Reuther and Claudia Haywood on Oct. 31, 2015.
Several performances were featured at the 5th annual Cultural Night on Oct. 30. Performances included Vietnamese fan dancing (above) and dragon dancing (left)
Photos by Natese Dockery and Eric Craig
Kayla Jones goes for the dig during the SUNO game. The Nuggets won this game on Oct. 31, 2015.
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