November-December 15' Issue

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The Xavier Herald @xulaherald

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Nov. 24, 2015 - Dec. 18, 2015

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Xavier University of Louisiana

New Orleans, La.


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Nov. 24, 2015 - Dec. 18, 2015

NOLA Civil Rights Icon Sybil Haydel Morial ‘Jim Crow is Creeping Back’ By Darcie Ortique Staff Writer

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ust last month, a senior resource officer at Spring Valley High School in Columbia, S.C.,was fired for using excessive force to remove a student from a classroom. A video of the violent scene went viral. For New Orleans civil rights leader Sybil Haydel Morial, that and other recent events depicting violence against African Americans are troubling. “Jim Crow is creeping back. And each event emboldens another group to do the same. We’re losing ground and we have to get back on the ground,” Morial said during a lecture Nov. 18, 2015, at Xavier University of Louisiana’s library resource center. She is one of the region’s most recognizable educators and civil rights advocates, and Morial shared stories from her first book,“Witness to Change: From Jim Crow to Political Empowerment.” Her recent autobiography is a memoir of her life experiences, dating all

the way back to her childhood memories of an intolerant society governed by Jim Crow laws. Morial is the former first lady of the City of New Orleans and was married to New Orleans’s first African American mayor, Ernest “Dutch” Morial. Her son, Marc, was a two-term mayor and now is head of the National Urban League. Like their parents, the five Morial children are steeped in public service. Morial’s book allows readers to reflect on a time period in which she lived through the Great Depression and World War II, and overcame the traumatic experiences she and her family faced when her husband was elected mayor. Dutch Morial was an equally iconic figure and was the first African American to graduate from Louisiana State University Law School in 1954. The couple battled obstructions and invectives from a segregated society, she said. In her autobiography, Morial reflects on how she challenged Brown vs. Board of Education and prevailed over the rejections of Tulane University and Loyola University. Unlike today,

Tulane and Loyola once denied African Americans the right to admission. “I could enter as a Negro student and test the waters. All they could tell me was that Negros weren’t allowed. But I still decided to try,” Morial told the Xavier audience. She vividly remembers a dean at Tulane using the words, “Unfortunately, Tulane cannot accept Negroes.” Disappointed to bear such bad news, she called her husband Dutch, to tell him what happened. Morial remained defiant even when a dean at Loyola told her, “Negroes cannot attend the same schools as whites. I hope the laws will change by the time you pursue your doctorate.” Morial urged Xavier students to become more politically active in their communities. The former public school teacher, alumni and dean at Xavier University said quality education for all is something she remains passionate about. Despite desegregated schools, the rise in police brutality of African Americans suggests that the movement isn’t over. “I think we always knew that

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education would be the freedom. [Today], that still is the big key to freedom and participation in our society,” she said.“My

generation is dying off, but there’s nothing like the voice to tell it’s there. I am challenging you to get involved.”

Sybil Haydel Morial, autographing her book “Witness to Change: From Jim Crow to Political Empowerment.”


Nov. 24, 2015 -Dec. 18, 2015

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THE PSY.D. PROGRAM IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY AT XULA PREPARES GRADUATES TO MAKE A CHANGE IN THEIR COMMUNITIES

THE CHICAGO SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL PSYCHOLOGY AT XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA EDUCATION

INNOVATION

SERVICE

COMMUNITY

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THECHICAGOSCHOOL.EDU/XULA

504-656-4833


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Nov. 24, 2015 - Dec. 18, 2015

Koru gives students leads on internships

by Carolyn Thomas Director, Career Services

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consumer and tech sectors. Nearly all employers agree that having pre-professional experience is a requirement for entrance into their organizations. Experiential learning in the form of internships or research is an absolute must for students to be competitive and now is the time to apply for summer positions. There are many January or February application deadlines, so students should be productive

during the holiday break and apply through Koru. For more details, go to:www.jobfinder. joinkoru.com.

ith the end of the semester rapidly approaching, then finals and Christmas vacation, it’s hard to think about summer. Chronologically, summer is six months away, but when it comes to finding a summer internship, the time is NOW. Xavier has partnered with Koru, an organization that helps students increase their exposure to employers. For more than Show employers who two years, Koru has helped you are and what you students launch meaningful can do...and land a careers at top employers such job you love. as Amazon, Airbnb, Facebook, LinkedIn, Yelp and Zillow. With Koru, students can match their individual strengths to real jobs at Koru’s growing network of Koru graduates land jobs at top companies: companies, showcase who they are and what they can do, apply to positions through Koru’s talent portfolio, and get personalized feedback on where they stand and how they can improve. Currently, Koru has positions Start now. Go to joinkoru.com. in financial services, media, and

Editor-in-chief: Ashlee Hill Graphic Design Nicholas Davison Eric Craig

Photographers

You’re more than a resume.

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The Xavier Herald Staff FALL 2015

Eric Craig Allana Barefield Luis Marquez Natese Dockery Eliqua Brooks Ahmed Arsah

Staff Writers

Jasmine Renard Toni Harrigan Darci Ortique Jermal Grennberry

Contributing writers Jordan Smith Amanda Smith Carolyn Thomas

Faculty adviser: Melinda L. Shelton 504.520.5096, mshelton@xula.edu

HERALD CONTACT INFORMATION

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Herald office:

Email stories: Advertising:

Xavier South, 605 504.520.5096 herald@xula.edu 504.520.5096


Nov. 24, 2015 -Dec.18, 2015

Where in the world is Gold Digger? ? ? By Darcie Ortique Staff Writer

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? (L-R) Simone White and Jessica Carmen pose with Gold Digger at his only appearance this Fall.

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hile the month of November is filled with Homecoming events like coronation, the benefit concert, the Natchez boat ride, celebrations on the yard and alumni reunions across the campus, one important member of the Xavier University family has been missing. Where is our mascot, Gold Digger? You know the guy, or maybe you don’t if you’re a freshman. He’s a large guy, black boots, black hat, dressed like a – you got it – Gold Digger. Xavier Gold Rush. Gold Nuggets. Gold Digger. College mascots everywhere play key roles in establishing school spirit, and here at Xavier, Gold Digger is a symbol of pride. With the exception of

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November’s open house when he made a brief appearance, he’s been conspicuously absent from athletic events, rallies on the yard—everything. Why no Gold Digger? Silas Steele, director of recreational sports and intramurals, said it’s a matter of recruiting volunteers to wear the famous suit. “We need someone to help the Gold Digger. We’re looking for somebody to do it,” Steele said. Do you think you have what it takes to get the crowd motivated to cheer on our athletes and project a fun, but professional, image for XULA? If you think you can wear the suit with pride, contact Steele at 504.520.7934 or athletic director Jason Horn at 504.520.7330. The person who transforms into Gold Digger must remain a top secret. Can you do it?


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Nov. 24, 2015 -Dec.18, 2015

Nuggets Basketball Staff Expands By Two Since graduation, Gauthier has been an assistant coach of women’s basketball at Riverdale High School. Grant is an ost Xavier accountant for the Jefferson athletes value the Parish School Board, as well as a experiences they non-profit organization. have while in Grant said that being a school, and some choose to share Xavier athlete has impacted her those experiences with the next life in numerous ways. generation of student athletes. “I learned a lot being a The Gold Nuggets basketball student athlete, not just about coaching staff now includes two sports, but life in general, and it of the program’s best players, has played a big part in where Paige Gauthier and Jasmine I am today,” Grant said. “It Grant. played a huge part while on job Gauthier, a native of Lake interviews, and also in my work Charles, La., played for the ethic and my ability to be a team Gold Nuggets from 2010-14 player.” and graduated in 2014 with a Gauthier said that being a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. Xavier athlete helped her prepare She was also a part of the track for life after college. and field team. “It has blessed me with Grant, who is from lifelong sisters and prepared me Shreveport, La., played for the for reality,” Gauthier said. “Life Gold Nuggets from 2008-12 is unexpected and things won’t and graduated in 2013 with a always go your way, so one has bachelor’s degree in accounting. to be able to persevere and be By Jasmine Renard Staff Writer

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resilient, and that is something that being an athlete at Xavier has taught me.” The sacrifice and selflessness teammates develop stays with them after graduating, Gauthier explained. Much of what she and Grant learned came from head coach Bo Browder and assistant coach Darrilyn Broussard, which is why the former players returned as volunteer assistant coaches. “Blood, sweat, and tears

are shed and when you put that much of yourself into something, you never stop caring. So as a former player and now coach, this program, its tradition, and its legacy really mean a lot to me,” Gauthier said. Grant helped the Gold Nuggets win two Gulf Coast Athletic Conference regularseason championships in 2010 and 2012, and three GCAC tournament titles as a student in 2010, 2011, and 2012. Gauthier

L to R: Assitant coach Darrilyn Broussard; head coach Bo Browder; volunteers Paige Gautier and Jasmine Grant.

helped the Gold Nuggets win two GCAC regular-season championships in 2012 and 2013, and three GCAC tournaments 2011, 2012, and 2014. As seniors, Gauthier and Grant helped Xavier advance to the final 16 of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Division I National Championship, according to Ed Cassiere, Xavier University’s sports information director. Gauthier averaged 5.5 points in 128 games. She is one of three Gold Nuggets to make over 700 points, 400 rebounds, 250 assists and 200 steals over the course of her collegiate career. Grant is the 21st Gold Nugget to make 952 career points and is second with 203 made 3-pointers, according to Cassiere. As assistants, Gauthier and Grant are helping players with their strength and conditioning in the weight room, skills and development training, and are also helping with recruiting.

Nuggets’ Whitney Gathright: A Smooth Operator By Jermal Greenberry Staff Writer

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or many Xavier University of Louisiana graduating seniors, the last year is marked with milestones, particularly graduation. For Gold Nuggets basketball standout Whitney Gathright, her senior year includes a milestone few athletes reach: a place in the Xavier sports record book. Gathright scored her 1,000 point on Nov.14, 2015 against Our Lady of the Lake in the LSU-Shreveport basketball classic. Not only did she make Xavier history, but she scored a career-high 33 points in the Nuggets’ 91-56 overtime victory, including 16 in the game’s final minutes of regulation play. That victory is considered the

largest come-from-behind win in Nuggets’ history. “Stepping up in big moments isn’t anything new for me,” said the 5’4 senior guard. Back when the New Orleans native was a member of the John Curtis Christian School girls’ team, she and her teammates had to find a way to become state champions. “I didn’t do it by myself. It was a team effort and I played with some great girls,” she recalled. “We knew how to help each other when we needed to.” Gathright’s passion for the game began when she was 5 years old. “My father and brother didn’t want me to play the game,” she said. “My father wanted me to become a cheerleader.” She would see him getting dressed to go play pick-

Whitney Gathright, center, drives past defenders. Photo by Iriving Johnson III.

up games at the gym, and she couldn’t resist the temptation of playing the game. Influenced by her father and brother, Gathright said she started to sharpen her skills dribbling a basketball. “As a kid, I didn’t watch women’s basketball; I always watched the men’s game.My favorite player is LeBron James,” she said. She loves James because of the way he attacks the basket and his defensive presence. Like James, her game has elevated tremendously, As a child, Gathright said she knew basketball would take her places. What she didn’t know was she would become one of the greatest players in Xavier’s history. Nuggets head coach Robert “Bo” Browder believes this season’s team is destined for greatness. During a recent practice, he had the players focused on defense and creating turnovers. “Coach Browder has a big emphasis on team defense. Scoring is fine, but defense wins championships,” Gathright said. “The difference between this year’s team and last year’s team is everyone is a year older and everyone is holding each other accountable to do their part. “Coach Bo is a great coach, but most of all he is a great teacher. He yells at us, but it’s because he only wants the best

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for us.He’s like a dad to most of us; he wants us to succeed.” With six retuning experienced players and a promising group of freshmen, the

Gold Nuggets basketball team is poised and ready to make a run in GCAC Conference play—with Whitney Gathright at the helm.


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Nov. 24, 2015 - Dec. 18, 2015

Open House for Prospective Xavierites Provides Insight

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by Darcie Ortique Staff Writer

he transition from high school to college may seem like an overwhelming change in life. Xavier is helping make that transition easier by taking the time to meet the needs of prospective high school and transfer students. One of Xavier’s initiatives are the annual Xavier Fall Preview, which wasNov. 16, 2015 in University Center this year. The two-hour open house gave students, parents and counselors the opportunity to have one-on-one discussions with Xavier faculty, staff and administrators. Student ambassadors and volunteers helped with refreshments and campus tours. Each department had a table with information about admission, scholarships, financial aid, opportunities to study abroad, campus tours, and more. Prospective students also got a sneak peak at the residence halls on campus and participated in a question and answer period with current students about why attending Xavier will make a significant impact on their futures.

(L-R): Cheyenne Deshields; Cydney Evans and Lisa Henry. Photo by Darcie Ortique.

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Nov.24, 2015 - Dec.18, 2015

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Brotherhood Inc. Makes a Difference on Campus By Eliqua Brooks Staff Writer

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he human immunodeficiency virus knows no race, color, gender, economic background or age. This virus, better known as HIV, attacks cells, and if undiagnosed and untreated, can develop into the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or AIDS. The only way to know your status is to get tested.

The most common test is called the rapid test. It’s an immunoassay used for screening, and it produces quick results, in 30 minutes or less. Typically, a technician uses a swab to capture an oral sample or may draw a blood sample. “If the test comes back negative, and you haven’t had an exposure for three months, you can be confident you’re

www.cdc.gov. “Students are embarrassed to get tested because they don’t want to be judged or have people assume that they have it, but it’s better to be safe than sorry,” Jones explained. In additional to testing, organizations like Brotherhood Inc. hope to raise awareness about the disease. “Students need to be more

A lot of students are unaware of possible ways to get it, Johnson added. For instance, young women who get hairstyles that require using a hair needle probably don’t know HIV can be transmitted if a stylist sticks a client with an HIV-contaminated needle, Johnson said. And if a student tests HIVpositive, the agency directs the student to the proper medical resource for treatment, which includes a regime of pills, he

“People who are infected with the virus look perfectly healthy and show no signs whatsoever of the illness, and that alone scares me,” Hornsby said. “Knowing my status gives me a peace of mind.” For more information about Brotherhood Inc., visit the website at www.brotherhoodinc.org; call 504.566.7955; or drop by the office for free HIV testing at 2714 Canal St., Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Xavier University of Louisiana offers students free, monthly testing on campus. Non-profits like Brotherhood Incorporated work with student health services to provide testing in the four residential halls and outside the University Center. Despite Xavier’s adherence to Catholic doctrine that promotes sexual abstinence outside of marriage, Brotherhood Inc. is allowed to test on campus. “Once a month, we come out and bring awareness to the campus. We respect the institution for their beliefs with abstinence; however, we can’t ignore HIV, because it’s growing rapidly,” said Terrence Jones, a prevention specialist with Brotherhood Inc.

not infected with HIV. If your test comes back positive, you will need to get a follow-up test, which the testing site will arrange,” according to the Centers for Disease Control,

educated about this virus because there are other ways to contract HIV than just having sex,” said Mark Johnson, the executive director for Brotherhood Inc.

said. Desiree Hornsby, a sophomore at Xavier University said she regularly gets tested for HIV and other STDs.

World AIDS Day Heightens Awareness By Toni Harrigan Staff Writer

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ince 1988, World AIDS Day has been observed across the world on Dec. 1. This worldwide effort draws people together in solidarity to pay tribute to the millions of people living with HIV/AIDS, raise awareness of the global impact of HIV/AIDS, and celebrate victories that are allowing more people to live longer and healthier lives. According to www. worldsaidsday.org, about 1.2 million people are living with HIV in the U.S. About one in five of those is unaware of their infections. With early diagnosis, individuals can be placed in treatment and care, resulting in better health outcomes. More than 35 million people have died from the virus, making it one of the most destructive

pandemics in history According to the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals: •

12,959 cumulative cases have been detected in the New Orleans area

7,897 persons are currently living with HIV infection in the New Orleans area.|

363 of those cases are between the ages of 13-24

5,673 cumulative deaths among persons with HIV infection have occurred New Orleans

29,948 cumulative cases of HIV/AIDS have been detected in Louisiana

69% of those cases are either Black or Non-

Hispanics

13,164 cumulative deaths among persons with HIV/ AIDS have occurred in Louisiana

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Student Health Services will be sponsoring HIV/AIDS testing on the second floor of the University Center Tuesday, Dec 1. Information packets will also be available for students to raise

awareness across campus. For More Info vist: http://www. worldaidsday.org


Nov.24, 2015 - Dec.18, 2015

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HIV Still Increasing Among African Americans By Jasmine Renard Staff Writer

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he human immunodeficiency virus, HIV, remains one of the most significant public health challenges in the world. The virus, which can develop into AIDS, still has no cure. It is contracted mainly through engaging in unprotected sex, sharing contaminated drug needles, or through birth by an infected mother.

African Americans have the highest rate of HIV cases compared to any other ethnicity or race in the United States, the CDC reports. In 2010, African Americans accounted for an estimated 44 percent of all new HIV infections among adults and children aged 13 years or older, despite only being 12-percent of the U.S. population. An estimated 1-in-16 African American men, and 1-in-32 African American women, will be diagnosed with HIV at some point in their lives, the CDC states.

therapies, which slow down the progression and spread of the virus, health experts say. Sean Sylve, a junior Public Health major here at Xavier, said he has a strong interest in HIV research because of the high number of cases in Louisiana. He has conducted research on how the risk of heart attacks increases with the length of HIV infection, regardless of the infected persons’ age. His research was part of an internship conducted with primary care physician Dr. Ronald Wilcox at Crescent Care New Orleans this semester. “Anyone who is HIV positive should definitely get rid of bad habits such as smoking, and add exercise and a great diet to their lifestyle,” Sylve said. Such changes are important for allowing those affected by the virus to live long lives, despite an HIV diagnosis, he added.

HOW DO YOU GET HIV OR AIDS?

For Complete Information visit AIDS.GOV

WHERE TO GET TESTED

When actor Charlie Sheen confirmed on NBC’s The Today Show on Nov. 17 that he was HIV positive, he stated he would work to help find a cure. With Sheen’s announcement, basketball icon Earvin “Magic” Johnson, a longtime HIV survivor, reached out to the actor on Twitter to help educate the world about reducing the spread of HIV. “I wish @CharlieSheen and his family the best. With the advancement in treatments and medicine he can fight this disease and live a long life,” Johnson wrote in his tweet. While Sheen and other celebrities like Johnson have been successful in reducing the virus’ detection in their bloodstream, the average victim does not have access to such intensive care—including the money to pay for long-term treatment and medications. According to the Centers for Disease Control, there are 37 million people living with HIV in the world, with new cases being discovered daily. However, only 51 percent of people with HIV know their infection status because testing is not available everywhere.

Lack of awareness of one’s HIV status can affect HIV rates in the black community. A late diagnosis of HIV is common in the black community, which prevents an individual from seeking medical attention and increases the likelihood of them spreading the virus, according to experts in Xavier University’s Public Health program. “The main thing we know now that we did not know before is how it is transmitted and who’s more at risk for the virus,” said Dr. Krista D. Mincey, an assistant professor of Public Health. “At first, everyone assumed it was just homosexual white men, but now we know that is not the case because of how it is spread. The first group who is more at risk after African American men are heterosexual African American women. “HIV is no longer a death sentence, though, due to advances in medicine today and proper research,” Mincey added. It could take years for an infected patient to develop full blown AIDS. A patient can still live a regular life as long as the virus is maintained with proper medication and antiretroviral

NO/AIDS Task Force 2601 Tulane Ave. Ste 500 New Orleans Phone Number: 504-8212601 Website: www. noaidstaskforce.org E-mail: info@noaidstf.org Monday - Friday: 8:30 a.m.5 p.m. Services: Free HIV Testing Rapid HIV Oral Test Brotherhood Incorporated 2714 Canal St. Ste 503 New Orleans Phone Number: 504-5667955 Website: www. brotherhoodinc.org E-mail: vmagee@ brotherhhoodinc.org Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Services: HIV Oral Test Free HIV Testing Odyssey House Community Clinic 1125 N Tonti St. New Orleans Phone Number: 504-3838559 Website: www.ohlinc.org E-mail: communityclinic@ ohlinc.org Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Services: Rapid HIV Blood Test

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NO/AIDS Task Force The Movement 2610 Esplanade Ave. Ste 2b New Orleans Phone Number: 504-267-4288 Website: www.themovementnola. org E-mail: themovement@noaidstf. org Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Services: Free HIV Testing Free STD Testing Rapid HIV Oral Test Syphilis Test Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals Office of Public Health Delgado Personal Health Clinic 517 N Rampart St. New Orleans Phone Number: 504-568-7700 Website: www.dhh.state.la.us/ index.cfm/page/394 Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Services: Chlamydia Test HIV Blood Test Syphilis Test

City of New Orleans Health Department St/ Bernard Health Clinic 3639 St. Bernard Ave. New Orleans Phone Number: 504-286-2165 Website: www.new-orleans.la.us/ Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Services: Conventional HIV Oral Test STD Testing City of New Orleans Health Department Ida Hymel Health Clinic 1111 Newton St. New Orleans Phone Number: 504-364-2023 Website: www.new-orleans.la.us/ Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Services: HIV Blood Test lHIV Oral Test STD Testing

Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast Incorporated New Orleans Health Center 4018 Magazine St. New Orleans Phone Number: 504-897-9200 New Orleans AIDS Task Force Website: www. Community Awareness Network plannedparenthood.org/planned507 Frenchmen St. parenthood-gulf coast Phone Number: 504-945-4000 E-mail: information@ppgulfcoast. Website: www.noaidstaskforce.org org E-mail: info@noaidstf.org Monday: 10:30 a.m.- 6:30 p.m. Monday, Saturday: 1 – 3 p.m. Tuesday – Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 Tuesday: 9 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. p.m. Wednesday: noon – 8 p.m. Services: STD testing Thursday: 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. HIV/AIDS testing Friday: 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. Services: Free STD Testing Rapid HIV Blood Test


Nov.24, 2015 -Dec.18, 2015

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Division of Business Retail Sales Job Helped Smith to “Finish Line”

By Jordan Smith Sophomore, Accounting

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ast summer, I worked as retail sales associate at Finish Line Inc. Finish Line is a shoe store based in Indianapolis, Ind., and the company has over 600 stores across the United States. It specializes in selling footwear, accessories and apparel. Although it has 20 percent fewer stores than Footlocker, Finish Line has gross revenues equal to 32 percent of Footlocker’s gross revenues. In 2014, Finish Line had gross revenues of $1.67 billion. This success is due to their strong focus on a positive customer experience in their stores with knowledgeable salespersons and a creative, inviting atmosphere. My time as a sales associate helped me learn how to interact with consumers,as well as the many other tasks that go with running a business. As a salesperson who works on a commission-based salary,

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sales are a very important measurement of how well you are doing and what can be done to improve. Over the summer, I learned how to track sales daily and weekly to meet target goals and expectations of my managers, which improved my knowledge of sales and marketing. While closing at the end of the day, I was in charge of numerous tasks: creating visuals that make the consumers want to purchase offerings, and accounting for the money that the store has made that day as well as week. These tasks enhanced my background in marketing because I had to see what displays and what arrangement of footwear, apparel, and accessories would influence the consumer the most to purchase more. These tasks also used some of my accounting skills that I had learned, such as tracking sales, discounts, returns and other revenue. I learned a lot from my time at Finish Line. Attaining this job taught me how to be professional in a business environment, how to meet strict deadlines and target objectives/goals, how to network and build positive relationships and how to improve my communication skills. It was a positive experience working for a company that emphasizes the importance of the consumers’ experience.

My job is to look over invoices and bank statements, confirm the monetary amounts on them, and then check the figures on a website called SAM. If the figures match and the account is up to date, then I send the file to the people who oversee budgeting and contracts to be processed. If the figures do not match, or the account is not up to date, I have to investigate the transactions that By Amanda Smith were made and check for missing Senior, Accounting transactions or transactions in have been working at the the system that don’t match what U.S. Attorney’s Office in is on the statement. Once I print downtown New Orleans that information out, I have to for almost a year. As send that file to someone in the an accounting major, when budgeting section to make sure it I was looking for internship is correct before it is processed. opportunities, I focused more on I am grateful for the chance places like the IRS. Although I to do work like this because was under the impression that auditing has always been a only students studying law would section of accounting that was be considered for the job, this difficult for me. position was for a student trainee Working at the U.S. in the administration area of the Attorney’s Office has been office. I learned that accounting, awesome. I like the people I budgeting, and human resources work with and the experience fall under the category of I am getting is very valuable. administration work. My advice to business majors My duties include a lot of looking for work is to apply for grunt work, such as bringing jobs that seem to fit what you documents to the courthouse, study, but also apply for those processing mail, and cleaning that do not. You never know copy rooms. However, because what use these places could have of my accounting background, I for your skills. am also able to help the budget section of the office with their audit, which is coming up in a few weeks.

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Academic Scholarships Available for LGBT Students, Straight Allies

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he New Orleans Chapter of PFLAG is accepting applications for scholarships for the 20162017 school year. The scholarships recognize the outstanding accomplishments of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgenderstudents and encourages their continuing education, while helping these students foster a positive image of LGBT people in society. Most of the scholarships are $1,000, but some are for more, and there is one, four-year scholarship for $10,000.

To be eligible, the applicant must: a) self-identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, or Transgender; b) be 17 years old or older as of April 15, 2016; c) be a resident of Louisiana; and d) be planning to attend (or attending) a postsecondary educational institution. For the fourth year, the organization is sponsoring a $1,000 scholarship referred to as “Straight for Equality.” Individuals who do not identify as LGBT but are advocates for and supportive of LGBT issues are eligible. Applications and detailed information about the scholarships can be found at www.pflagno.org, or by sending an e-mail to

scholarship@plfagno.org.. The application must be submitted by Feb. 1, 2016, and supporting documents must be mailed and post-marked by the same date. All applicants will be notified of results by April 15, 2016. Recipients must be present at the awards ceremony to accept the scholarship in person. The ceremony is Saturday evening, May 7, 2016, at the Homer Hitt Alumni Center of the University of New Orleans. For more information, contact Joe Melcher, PFLAG scholarship chair, at jmelcher@ xula.edu or 504.858.1698.

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Nov.24, 2015 - Dec.18, 2015

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Xavier Homecoming 2015

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he Xavier 2015 Homecoming “Bright Lights, City Life� kept some traditions and added new additions to the events this year. The traditional Coronation, Boat Ride attracted several students, many of which showed their best dress. The Celebration on the Yard, Benefit Concert and Tailgate brought students and alumni together to socialize and have fun. New additions to Homecoming were Kick-Off , a cock-tail dress event held off campus in the Abor Room at City Park; XUFest which featured rappers S80 and Kevin Stylez, artists and music; and the Comedy Show featurung Xavier alum Lavar Walker; and the Greek Step Off, where Campus greeks battled out the best step moves. Homecoming 2015 set off a week to remember.

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4 1.Student enjoying a night on the Mississppi River during the Boat Ride. 2. Xavierites snap selfies while the Natchez is sailing. 3. The ladies of Delta Sigma Theta supporting their sister, Miss Xavier. 4.Students dressing to impress at the Kick-Off held in the Abor Room. 5. Pom Squad giving a vibrant performace during Celebration on the Yard. 6. Chrisette Michelle serenading the audience with her soulful tunes at the Homecoming Concert. 7. Xavierites stepping to the beat at the Kick-Off. 8. Musiq Soulchild singing to the crowd at the Homecoming Concert

Photos by, Eliqua Brooks, Allana Barefield, Natese Dockery, and Eric Craig

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Nov.24, 2015 - Dec.18,2015

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Fall Semester Highlights

August: Freshmen Orientation is highlight for Class of 2019

October: Xavier Students Attend Historic Million Man march in Washington D.C.

November: Gold Rush vs. Webber International at the XU Convocation Center

October: Gold Nuggets Volleyball vs. Belhaven

September: GoldStar Dancer Shalani Taylor at The Pep Rally.

October: 5th Annual Internation Night in the UC Ballroom

Photos by Allana Barefield, Ahmed Arasah, Natese Dockery and Luis Marquez xulaherald.com


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