October-November '23 Issue

Xavier University of Louisiana New Orleans, La.

Editor’s corner: Entering Reconstruction Mode

by Leah Clark Editor-in-Chief lclark15@xula.edu

Every school year brings something new to Xavier, but this year has really tested us as a university community.

Xavier is under construction, renovation, expansion and demolition to name a few. All in the name of securing our beloved university’s next 100 years.

We have entered the reconstruction mode. And with any construction phase, things have to get a bit ugly before they get pretty again. As a student body, we know housing is painful. With half of the student population living off campus, socializing with our friends scattered across the city can often be a challenge when or even if you are lucky

enough to catch the shuttle for a 20-minute ride back to campus.

Parking is limited and many students know the pain of arriving late to class, driving around aimlessly in search of a free spot that won’t land you a ticket or worse— an orange boot. And when the chapel bells ring at 4 p.m., the feeling begins to set in that campus is eerily quiet. We’ve retreated to our distant corners off campus.

As we think about Xavier’s reconstruction for the next 100 years, on social media and among our organizations, there’s been a lot of conversation around what determines a true historically Black institution experience. Some say football, the yard, a marching band, Greek life, and social events all make up an authentic HBCU culture.

In some ways, they’re correct. Those elements are some of the easiest and most recognizable ways that HBCU graduates have distinguished their college experience from other students. However, HBCUs are often more than just “party schools.” We have

a higher mission among other universities to empower our communities, to live up to our purpose.

The ultimate purpose of Xavier is to promote a more just and humane society. As we prepare for another century, that’s one aspect of who we are that should never change. We can worry about homecoming concert lineups, while at the same time express concern about the IsraelHamas war. Being a Xavierite means we can forge bonds that are unique to an HBCU, while also being molded as social justice agents of change.

So while we can admit that campus life has taken a few hits and tumbles as we endure necessary reconstruction, we can have hope. The various construction projects and changes around campus prove that Xavier is building for the future.

Until then, The Xavier Herald presents “The Reconstruction.” Let’s get our hard hats on and get to work.

Signed, Leah

“Xavier’s Growing Pains”

by Liza Montgomery Comics Illustrator lmontgo2@xula.edu

The Xavier Herald Staff

Fall 2023

Editor-in-Chief: Leah Clark

Assistant Editor: Tyana Jackson

Managing Editor: Zamariah Strozier

Design Editor: Chloe Ward

Staff Writers

Makenna Mincey Zamariah Strozier

Lillian Nero Keziah-Yvonne Smith

Phillip Thomas Sydni Rhody

Feature Writers

Kennedy Shanks Tyana Jackson

Sports Writers

Zora Thomas Kareemah Muhammad

Scott Lipscomb Cameron Finn

Alex Arnold

Columnists

TaShia Hogue Corbin Johnson

Phoenix McCall

Page Designer

Leah Clark

Illustrators

Liza Montgomery Victoria Akins

Photographers

Chloe Ward LaMar “Deuce” Price

Ashton Broden

Ad Designer

Jordan Booker

Special Credit

Cover Archives Photo: Xavier University of Louisiana, Archives & Special Collections

Cover Drone Photo & Design: Ashton Broden

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Quincy Hodges qhodges@xula.edu

Department head: Dr. Shearon Roberts srobert7@xula.edu

PRSSA Advisor: Dr. Nia Mason nmason1@xula.edu

HERALD CONTACT INFORMATION

Herald Office: Xavier South, 112B 504.520.5092

Email Stories: herald@xula.edu

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @xulaherald

Campus News

Xavier Builds for Future as Centennial Approaches

by Jasmine Christopher Staff Writer jchrist5@xula.edu

Limited parking spots. Remote classroom locations. Trailers-turned-offices.

Extensive renovations are taking place on campus, bringing with it constructionrelated disruptions for Xavier students, faculty, staff and Gert Town community members.

Among the campus renovations include the completion of updates made to the Administration Building, a new parking garage, renovations to St. Martin dePorres Residence Hall, and the construction of a new residence hall.

According to Xavier’s President Reynold Verret, groundbreaking on the 963-space garage and approximately-800 bed dorm will happen within the next five to six months.

“It will actually make life much better for our students in many ways, there will even be dining facilities in the new building as well,” said

Verret during a townhall meeting on Sept. 7.

Renovations began in Spring 2023 with the refurbishing of the Blanche M. Francis Music Building. Once completed, the Administration Building was closed, and construction began to revamp the 91-year-old building. Classes held there were relocated to other buildings, including the Library Resource Center, Xavier South, the Norman C. Francis Academic Science Annex, and the Convocation Annex.

The shortage of available classroom spaces resulted in a number of classes being listed as “TBD” at the start of the fall semester. Some Physics classes were housed in Xavier South and Theology classes in the NCF Annex. Students said the building swaps took some getting used to, especially upperclass students who said they have built schedules around specific buildings and classrooms.

Xavier South.”

“While registering for classes for this upcoming fall semester, I was under the impression that physics would be held in NCF as well, since it is a STEM course.

For this reason, I scheduled my physics class at 9 and my biochemistry class for 10,” said Karleigh Landry, a junior, biology/ pre-medicine major from Bossier City, La.

“The swapping of class locations has been very interesting, as I have to scramble from Xavier South to NCF in under 10 minutes, not to mention the traffic in the hallways of

Along with classes, professors’ offices were temporarily relocated. Some professors were placed in smaller offices in the NCF Complex while others were housed in temporary trailers parked on the field adjacent to the Library Resource Center. The relocations posed challenges for students trying to locate faculty for office hours and advising in both the Spring and Fall 2023 semesters.

“The goal is, by the end of [September] we’re going to, hopefully, move everyone back into their office spaces so then those trailers will be gone, and faculty will go back into the Administration Building,” said Curtis Wright, the vice president of Student Affairs.

The closing of St. Martin DePorres Residence Hall impacted available housing allocations for the start of the 2023-2024 academic year. Work to replace the hall’s HVAC system caused students assigned to the dorm to relocate to The Residences at LSU Health, an off-campus apartment complex. These apartments come with private bathrooms, a full kitchen,

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a gym, and pool. While students said they enjoyed the additional amenities, many were not prepared to pay more for housing at this location.

“I expected to live on campus. I pay for some of my housing by myself, and I wasn’t aware of the increase of housing by a couple thousand,” said Madisyn Grice, a junior, biology/pre-medicine major from Memphis, Tenn.

Once Xavier’s new dorm is completed, its dining facilities which will be located on the first floor of the new dorm will include a Pizza Hut, a Wild Blue Sushi, a selfservice convenience store, and a space called Auditions. Auditions features a new menu every three months for students to choose from.

On the second floor, the dorm will feature a multipurpose room with divider walls for conversations and classes, classrooms, and meeting spaces for students and faculty. Located on Lot F, the new residence hall’s first two floors will be open to all students, while its dorm rooms on the other floors will only be accessible using an ID card.

In addition to the changes in scheduling and

housing, Xavier’s next major upgrade is to address parking on campus, with the closure of Lot E, the site of a future, new parking garage. In the meantime, students who do not park on campus can use the newly expanded shuttle service. Buses shuttle students from both The Residences at LSU Health and Privateer Place at the University of New Orleans.

The demand on shuttle services has caused delays in its arrival times during peak rider hours, students said. According to Wright, students should factor in extra time in case a shuttle reaches maximum capacity.

“I do believe the shuttles were a solution to a lot of a people’s concerns about not having a car and being forced to commute to campus, myself included,” said Abia Walker, a junior, political science major from Jackson, Miss. “However, the shuttles can be unreliable at times with its scheduling.”

For updates on construction, visit https:// www.xula.edu/facility/ facility-dorm-construction. html.

President Reynold Verret addresses students and faculty at a townhall meeting about construction.

Photo by Chloe Ward

Construction on the new parking garage has begun at Lot E, located next to the Living Learning Center residence hall. Xavier officials expect to Xavier University Campus Police to move into the first floor of the garage upon its completion.

Photo by Zamariah Strozier

Campus News

Department Spotlight: Xavier launches Bachelor’s degree in African

by Makenna Mincey Staff Writer mmincey@xula.edu

For the first time ever at Xavier, there is a major in African American and African Diaspora studies. Four new African American professors began their journey at Xavier to launch the new major. While African American and African Diaspora Studies have been at the core of Xavier’s academic values and innovation, the department and major are timely as many universities are being pressured and scrutinized about teaching critically about race and the Black experience. Xavier is forging ahead with AADS studies through the new major ensuring that both future physicians, lawyers, artists and teachers are prepared to pick up the baton of empowering Black people and communities wherever Xavierites go.

The department comprises 4 new faculty: Dr. Camille Dantzler, Dr. Cassandra Shepard, Dr. Rasheed Atwater and Dr. Tarik Richardson; 2 Black women and 2 Black male professors, with Dr. Sharlene SinegalDeCuir, who is an associate professor of History, who will serve as chair for the department. DeCuir wrote and led the university’s initiative to create the department, through the support of a $500,000 grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

“As an alumna in the 90s, I remember taking an African American studies course and also taking African American history at Xavier and realizing I didn’t know anything,” Sinegal-DeCuir said. “It just piqued my curiosity and I wanted to know more.”

The new major includes four tracks in New Social Justice Movements, Black Health Disparities, Decolonial Studies and Transatlantic Blackness. Sinegal-DeCuir said there are two main goals for the program, one being that “everyone leaves Xavier knowing their history” and secondly to have the major “be as successful as the STEM programs at Xavier.”

“This program will help students to understand and respect the struggle, and the strength of the people they descended from,” she said.

Introducing Dr. Tarik Richardson

Dr. Tarik Richardson is not new to the area of Diaspora Studies. In fact, he’s grown up with it his whole life and has always considered it

American and Diaspora Studies

an important part of education and culture. He watched both his father and grandfather take on the role of teaching Black history and he was a part of programs that not only emphasized the Black experience but encouraged those involved to embrace it. During his youth, he was part of the Association for the Study of Classical African Civilization (ASCAC) and as an undergraduate at Oregon State University, he was the president of the Black Student Union. These experiences inspired Richardson to seek out ways to take his studies to the next level and eventually pursue a career in education. He, like many of his colleagues in the department, saw the disparities in what was being taught in schools and the vast array of accessible history. For Richardson, the goal of

this program is not only to fill the gaps in that history, but do so with discipline.

“The way that I’m approaching my position here is to try to create this space that’s not just to study anything about Black people, but to give us that focus ofhow do we study; what are the questions we need to ask.”

The goal is also to have the program expand and to one day be the premiere African American and African Diaspora studies program among HBCUs. He said that his students so far have shown him that there is great interest in this program and that students are excited to learn about themselves. There is an expectation of growth and excitement even in Introduction courses.

Richardson describes New Orleans as a place with

Four New Faculty Join Xavier for New AADS Major

“innate Africanity,” and a well-defined culture. This is his first time experiencing the American South in adulthood, he said, so he, in a way, is just as eager to learn as his students. So far, he has enjoyed the unapologetic nature of the people, the food, the music, and of course, the enthusiasm of his students and colleagues here at the University.

Introducing Dr. Camille Dantzler

Ever heard the phrase “hesitant historian?” It’s how Dr. Camille Dantzler describes herself and her relationship with the discipline. Dantzler is originally from the Midwest – Indiana, to be exact. She grew up in predominantly white spaces, with little opportunity to go outside of the educational box, set before her. She describes her early educational experiences as misinforming in regard to the topics she teaches today, and finds her passion for the subject in the chance of rectifying the wrongful erasure of history.

“I also have a complicated relationship with history and kind of the detrimental, (you know), impact of that; when you don’t have the resources and access to Black knowledge,” Dantzler said.

By pursuing African American studies, she began to improve her relationship with history. While in graduate school at Howard University, she found a passion for the study of the global diaspora, as well as Women’s Studies.

Now, an assistant professor in AADS at Xavier, she seeks to encourage critical thinking like this from her students, not just about their home campus but also about the world they will enter after their HBCU experience. Part of her goal is to ensure that students are well prepared for a life that is not reflective of their college experiences, and that they actively understand what is happening beyond the bounds of Xavier’s campus. As part of this, she also seeks to create more global

above: Dr. Cassandra Shepard

Photo courtesy of Dr. Shepard

above: Dr. Tarik Richardson

Photo courtesy of Dr. Richardson

above: Dr. Camille Dantzler

Photo courtesy of Dr. Dantzler

above: Dr. Rasheed Atwater

Photo courtesy of Dr. Atwater

Campus News

AADS continued...

opportunities for students, much like the ones that inspired her.

“It sets a precedent. That Black history is vital, not just because of the physical presence, but the investment in terms of institutional knowledge and education –education coming from Black people,” Dantzler said.

Introducing Dr. Rasheed Atwater

Coming to New Orleans to teach was a fullcircle moment for Dr. Rasheed Atwater in many ways.

“So, interestingly, since I was thirteen years old I’ve said I was gonna live in New Orleans.”

At that time, moments spent with his grandmother, a native Louisianan, and Saints’ football were what drew him to the city. From a young age, Atwater had fallen in love with the culture of Louisiana. Then in graduate school, he met his wife, originally from Lafayette, La. Coincidentally, both he and his wife’s job search led them to Xavier University of Louisiana as the ideal choice. Three years prior to being hired to the assistant professor position, his sights were set on Xavier and its

students. For Atwater, New Orleans may not be home but he said

“It’s felt like home forever.”

Atwater sees the presence of this program as an embodiment of the university’s mission, “to create a more humane and just society,” a place where this kind of discipline can be practical for students. He was able to apply the discipline to a number of different fields, including government, military, and academia. He believes that in his position, he can set an example for students, and looks to mentor students much like his professors mentored him.

Atwater, much like his colleagues, hope to make this the top Black Studies program nationwide. However, he recognizes the importance of students in the goal and believes that the success of the major will be determined by the students’ interest, engagement and energy for it.

“I would hope I just live up to what the creation of Black Studies was for; that is academic excellence and service to community,” he said. “It’s the only discipline that’s been created out of

student protest because they wanted to – students wanted to know about their Black history...and know how they can utilize what they learned to make change in community.”

Introducing Dr. Cassandra Shepard

Dr. Cassandra Shephard is all about giving back. A New Orleans native and Xavier alumna, Shephard describes her return to Xavier as “personal” and which explains her passion for ensuring Xavier’s viability as an HBCU in the future.

Throughout her education, she has always found herself coming back to the issues prevalent in her community and the injustices that lurk under the surface of the “Big Easy.” During her time as an undergraduate at Xavier, the school was still recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.

“The college was trying desperately to come back,” she said. “You could feel the expansion.”

She carried these experiences with her even through grad school, where they would become the center of her personal research at

Northwestern University. One of her greatest motivations for returning to her home city and campus is to have the opportunity to pass on the information and experience she has to the next generation of Xavierites.

“I’m trying to reinvest what I’ve learned into the city,” she said.

Shephard knows the impact that African American studies can have and believes that the students here can greatly benefit from the presence of the new major.

“What Black Studies does in general is it reorients people in the other fields that they’re in. Period,” she said.

main story,” she said.

She sees the department having the ability to give students’ new perspectives on what they’ve already learned, especially in the STEM programs on campus. She speaks about the importance of emphasizing Black stories to students in the major, because of how often those stories go unheard.

“They treat Black people and Black studies as an aside; as like something happening over there but that’s not the main story. And when you get in Black studies, you realize, no, no, no, that’s the

Shephard had an ‘aha’ moment when one of her professors taught a historical issue by referencing a recent event. This reminded her how the past and present connected and how separate topics could relate to each other. It also inspired her to pursue a career in academia. It is her hope as a professor, to impact her students in a similar way through the new AADS department.

“I would like to, of course, make as much impact as possible. I want to be able to bring as many students into Black studies in whichever way they see their career and their lives unfolding. It’s like ‘don’t miss this,’” Shepard said.

Student Spotlight: Getting to know Ne’Kiya Jackson

by Zamariah Strozier Managing Editor zstrozie@xula.edu

In her first semester at Xavier, Ne’Kiya Jackson has had to find her way through college life. Jackson lives in a dorm, eats in the cafeteria, and is getting acclimated to her classes.

However, the New Orleans-native is different from most students in one way. Earlier this year, Jackson and her classmate at St. Mary’s Academy in New Orleans,

Calcea Johnson, achieved a scientific breakthrough, when they submitted proof of the Pythagorean theorem.

While the girls’ proof must be tested by mathematicians, the “Pythagorean Theory Teens” have already garnered national attention for their discovery.

So, when Jackson made the decision to continue her education at a historically Black university, many people were excited about her choice. Johnson opted to attend Louisiana State University.

“I was excited to see her come to Xavier. I’m happy when some of our local students stay here and come to Xavier,” said Kelly Johanson, Ph.D, who serves as an academic advisor for Jackson and is an associate professor of Chemistry at Xavier. “As

her advisor, I’m really here to make sure that she does well in whatever she decides to do,” Johanson said.

Jackson’s achievement has brought more eyes to her than the average student, but she does not revel in it.

“I am a completely regular-degular person just like the rest of you,” Jackson said. “People seem to think I’m just this mathematical genius. It’s not true, it’s not true. I had a hard time in calculus,” Jackson added.

While most people expected her discovery to lead her to pursue Mathematics, Jackson is a chemistry/prepharmacy student. The math competition at her high school was an opportunity sparked by Jackson’s curiosity. Her teachers at St. Mary’s Academy

xulastudentmedia.com

helped her a lot when it came to her math classes.

As Jackson adjusts to college life, she is getting involved on campus. She has found a comfort with Xavier Exponential Honors Program and Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship. By joining groups and gaining more friends, Jackson said she hopes that Xavier will become her home for the next few years.

“She is my best friend... We’ve been best friends for nine going on ten years, and she is one of

the best people I have had the pleasure of coming into my life,” said Alysa Blackwell, a freshman, political pcience/ pre-law major from Violet, La.

Freshman Ne’Kiya Jackson made history when she submitted proof of the Pythagorean Theory. Now, she making a name for herself at Xavier.

Photo courtesy of Ne’Kiya Jackson

Dr. Sharlene Sinegal-DeCuir

Photo courtesy of Dr. Sinegal-DeCuir

Campus News

Business Spotlight: Crown Culture Hair Care

by Keziah-Yvonne Smith Staff Writer ksmit135@xula.edu

Starting a business is difficult at any age, however, Xavier junior, Nylah Tolliver, was only 17-years old when she began her business Crown Culture Hair Care. What started in her home kitchen in Shreveport, La. has since been able to grow into a name for herself. Crown Culture Hair Care specializes in all-natural handmade hair care products.

From shampoos to beard oils and gel (her personal favorite), Tolliver has made it her primary goal to make her products as natural as possible. All of her hair products are hand-made with natural products her customers can pronounce.

“I do not use harsh chemicals. I use basic ingredients and basic oils,”

by Lillian Nero Staff Writer lnero1@xula.edu

The beginning of the school year has opened the door for many changes on Xavier’s campus including renovations to dorms, extended cafeteria hours, and the implementation of new clubs.

Xavier sophomore public health major Christina Anderson took her experience from her freshman year, to make a change in her sophomore year.

“Even though I’m from BR [Baton Rouge], there were so many things about Xavier that I didn’t know.” she said. “First semester, I spent so much time trying to figure out this school, I couldn’t really

Tolliver said. “I put a lot of research into [selecting] my ingredients to make sure they are completely natural in comparison to some found in the store.”

One of Tolliver’s primary platforms in creating her business was to encourage everyone to love and flaunt their curls. “I want everyone to embrace their natural hair,” Tolliver said. “I want everyone to know that even if their hair is different from [others] on social media, as long as they are taking care of their hair and are confident, that is all that matters.”

Despite being a younger small business, Tolliver made it clear not to count her out. She expressed that supporting Black vendors is crucial because the possibilities are endless.

“Small businesses, especially college student businesses, have a lot of creativity,” Tolliver said. “It is very important to empower your favorite businesses [because] you never know what someone’s business can grow into.”

Having started Crown Culture during a time where face-to-face interaction was limited, Tolliver’s business has been able to take off since coming to Xavier.

According to Tolliver, the student encouragement she has received has been outstanding, particularly when looking at her recent sales.

“[One of] my favorite parts is showcasing at Xavier. The student body support has been crazy,” she shared.

“It has been very uplifting. Even if they don’t buy there have been times when someone did not buy anything but would ask to

post and tag me instead.”

There is much to look forward to for the future of Crown Culture. Tolliver plans on launching new products which can be found on her Instagram page, @ Crownculturehaircare.

“My end goal is to be able to see my business grow on a larger scale. I want to see my products in more stores and not just in my kitchen,” she said. “I have a long-term vision for [Crown Culture Hair Care].”

Student Org Spotlight: XU Declassified

focus on myself.”

Anderson’s experience her freshman year prompted her to develop XU Declassified.

The new organization serves as a mentoring program for first year students and transfer students to aid in their transition to Xavier.

“We teach them how to be a Xavierite and the ins and outs of Xavier,” she said.

Not only does the organization focus on answering questions new students have, but they also assist in providing volunteering opportunities and peer mentorship.

“We actually have a match party coming up consisting of mentees meeting their mentors.”

This serves as the first meeting of the semester and, in Anderson’s mind, the first

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of many. “My hope for this organization is that it continues after I graduate,” she said. “Hopefully, we can become larger and connect with other schools like Dillard and SUNO.” For now, the organization has 60 mentors, with an even larger number of new mentees.

“At the end of the day, I didn’t do this for me, I did it for everyone on campus.” Anderson said.

Applications for mentors are closed but will reopen during the spring semester. As for mentees, new students can apply by emailing cander32@xula. edu or by reaching out to the organization’s Instagram page @xudeclassified.

Interested in your department, organization, club, or business being featured in the issue of The Xavier Herald? Send an email to herald@ xula.edu.

While at first glance Nylah Tolliver seems like your ordinary junior at Xavier, she balances her academics with her role as CEO of a hair care brand.

Photo courtesy of Nylah Tolliver

The E-Board of XU Declassified poses at their training for mentors in preparation of matching them with mentees.

Photo courtesy of Christina Anderson

Students who have signed up to be mentors in XU Declassified attend a training on Thursday, Sept. 14 in the University Center Ballroom.

Photo courtesy of Christina Anderson

by Zamariah Strozier Managing Editor zstrozie@xula.edu

Xavierites were able to enjoy the coldness of ice cream, networking with peers and painting letters with a touch of their own creativity as part of XU Creates Day on Sept. 29, 2023, organized by Xavier Activities Board (XAB).

Campus News

XU Creates: Ice Cream and Paint

“I wanted something that was collaborative, so students are able to decorate a piece of letter and leave it for another student,” said Madison Grant, a junior Mass Communication major from Chicago, Ill, and the XAB arts and culture chairperson.

XAB aims to foster a sense of campus community, Black excellence among students, and school spirit through its events, Grant said.

Each semester new events aim to cater to different interests of students, like Boba with the Board, Live Music

Friday:

At Night Edition and exclusive movie nights at the Broad theater in New Orleans.

“I love being a member of XAB. It’s

a great way to close out the week. It’s one of the only orgs where a lot of people from every class come out to have a good time,” said Manaii Beckwith, an XAB member.

“It’s not just sectioned off by class,” said Beckwith, who is a sophomore from Philadelphia, Penn.

Normally, XAB events draw every classification of students with most of them from the freshman class because they are interested and still getting familiar with campus. Sophomores have already seen most of campus culture and know what to look forward to. The upper classmen, juniors and seniors, usually are arranging and working these events.

“I love it. Usually, I just come to like talk to some people, but I definitely wanted to make sure that I came to this one because I like arts and crafts and painting,” said Diamond Williams, a sophomore public health science major and member of

the Xavier’s Association of Student Athletes.

Many science majors usually have classes during most of the events. Their schedules leave little to no time for them to explore the campus community and different social events.

Since XAB now hosts night events, Xaverites of all majors are now able to experience these special events whether during lunch hour or during dinner time.

“Who doesn’t like

ice cream? So, I had to come and get me some chocolate ice cream,” Williams said. Students can join the organization by following their social media @XAB2000 on Instagram and @XABoard on X, formerly known as Twitter. Within the bio section, the organization’s Linktree link will provide students with access to all of their social media accounts and GroupMe chats.

Pair Care Volunteers Shine on the Court with Special Education Students

by Phillip Thomas Staff Writer pthomas8@xula.edu

It was an extra-special day at St. Michael Special School. The gymnasium echoed with laughter, cheers, and the spirited dribbling of basketballs. From 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., volunteers from Xavier’s “Pair Care” organization joined 20 students of St. Michael for a heartwarming 5-on-5 basketball game.

Selected team captains led the charge, but every participant - volunteer or student - was a star on the court. The roster boasted 12 dedicated volunteers, eager to bond with the kids. Among them was Christian Tolbert, who is a member of the Beta Tau chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha

fraternity and a coordinator for Pair Care.

“Everyone should have a voice,” Tolbert said.

“This community is often underrepresented, and I wanted to ensure these wonderful kids felt heard and valued,” he

added. The two-hour event felt like minutes for some of the young students, with time flying through heartfelt mentor conversations, camaraderie, and competition.

“It’s enlightening

how genuine conversations can shed light on someone’s day,” Tolbert said. “You could sense they aren’t always lent a listening ear, but today was different.”

The impact of Pair Care on these students has

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been profound, administrators said. Each interaction, each game, each conversation resonated with a deeper sense of connection.

St. Michael has been recognized as a National Associations of Special Education Teachers (NASET) School of Excellence. School leaders have always aimed to cultivate an environment where students with special educational needs can thrive.

The basketball game was not just a one-off. There are future plans in the works.

Pair Care’s commitment to underrepresented communities truly is what motivated many students to get involved. Xavier students’ unwavering support ensured students at St. Michael felt heard, cherished, and uplifted.

“We’re setting up a 3-on-3 basketball tournament,” Tolbert excitedly revealed. “It’s about consistent involvement and ensuring these kids feel celebrated, always.”

An “X” painted by a student at XAB’s Ice Cream and Paint event.

Photo by Zamariah Strozier

XAB members serve napoleon-styled ice cream to Xavier students during Live Music Fridays: XU Creates.

Photo by Zamariah Strozier

Project Coordinator Christian Tolbert, a member of Beta Tau Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, and Pair Care volunteers pose with students at St. Michael Special School.

Photo courtesy of Christian Tolbert

State & National News

Xavier community reacts to Affirmative Action Ruling

by Leah Clark Editor-in-Chief lclark15@xula.edu

The United States Supreme Court made the historic decision on Thursday, June 29, to end race-conscious affirmative action programs in college admissions. The 6-3 ruling reversed decades of precedence set by the landmark 1978 case Regents of the University of California v. Bakke.

Uproar sounded over social media when news broke of the decision. For Xavier’s President Reynold Verret, the ruling did not come as a shock.

“My initial reaction was not one of surprise because there was always an inkling that this was probably how it was going to go,” Verret said.

Members of the higher education community sensed that affirmative action would be in jeopardy for some time, Verret said. In November 2022, the Supreme Court first heard two cases petitioned by the Students for Fair Admissions against Harvard College and the University of North Carolina.

While Verret expected

the ruling to overturn affirmative action, he said he did not expect the reasoning the Supreme Court gave. In the majority opinion written by Chief Justice John Roberts, he stated that colleges and universities, whether public or private, must use criteria that do not consider race in their admissions process, citing that it was no longer needed.

“Now, my surprise was in the tenure of the justices’ opinions, which are truly intellectually disingenuous in that they did not look at the full breadth of the question and basically that there was racial impact, that discrimination still persists,” Verret said.

Verret’s sentiments are shared by many people within higher education but also by those in the legal field.

Only a week after the ruling, some Xavier students on campus attended the 2023 Essence Festival in the Morial Convention Center,

where a panel addressed the state of affirmative action and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. President and executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, Damon Hewitt, shared a similar disappointment in the court’s “intellectual disingenuity.”

“It is about this rabid pursuit of a race blind society. A society that is really about erasure, erasing our history, erasing identity, our ability to express ourselves, [and] the ability to even see us,” Hewitt said. “We can’t allow anything to erase us. Nothing can erase our race conscious future no matter what this court says.”

Verret and Hewitt’s points were both mentioned in the cases’ dissenting opinions written by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, where she criticized the majority for operating with a colorblindness that still does not exist in American society.

Verret said he does not expect the ruling to impact the admissions process at Xavier, where 80-percent of the student body is Black and eight percent identifies as Catholic.

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Where he does anticipate the ruling impacting Xavier students is on the graduate and post-graduate level.

“One of the fruits of affirmative action in the 1960s, 1970s, and beyond is that it opened up institutions of higher learning - graduate schools, law schools, and medical schools - to students who did not have access to those schools, for many Xavier students who have gone to those schools that beforehand did not accept Xavier students,” Verret said.

For seniors, the impact of the affirmative action ruling impacts their post-graduate plans, since the period for graduate and professional school applications has opened this Fall semester. Alicia Lewis, a senior, biology/premedicine major from Dawson, Ga., is applying to graduate research programs. Lewis attended the 2023 Graduate/ Professional School Fair in the University Center Ballroom on Friday, Oct. 20.

“I definitely feel like I’m nervous about affirmative action being reversed,” Lewis said. “I think it puts me in a weird space of not knowing exactly how much of my authentic self – as far as my

race, my gender, and my ethnicity – plays a part into why I want to go into medicine and why I want to go into that career,” she said.

“It makes me uncomfortable trying to balance mentioning that, but also it not being a way I automatically get taken out of the application pool,” Lewis added.

As students question how their race will impact their chances for post-graduate plans, some wonder if diversity in graduate programs will decrease without affirmative action. Ebenezer Nyenwe, a senior, bioinformatics major from Memphis, Tenn., said he believes students from historically Black colleges and universities will have more difficulty being recruited by the nation’s top schools, especially if college admissions begin prioritizing standardized test scores.

“I think it is going to negatively impact me because it will make graduate programs have a hard time recruiting Black talent,” Nyenwe said. “It will cause an even greater disparity in education because the reliance on test scores will cause a greater class divide,” Nyenwe said.

Members of Xavier’s NAACP chapter canvass neighborhoods to encourage voter registration. Issues like critical race theory and diversity are on state ballots.

Photo courtesy of the Xavier University of Louisiana Chapter of NAACP

Xavier students network with recruiters from various gradaute and professional schools throughout the nation. Xavier’s Center for Undergraduate Research and Graduate Opportunity annually holds a graduate/professional school fair Photo courtesy of Xavier University of Louisiana Center for Undergraduate Research and Graduate Opportunity

by Kennedy Shanks Feature Writer kshanks2@xula.edu

The room fell silent as the results of the SGA Presidential election were at the tip of the tongue of the announcer. The faces of the candidates, Terrol Perkins and Kennedy Carey-Prescott, were displayed on the projector screen while the crowd held their breath as if breathing would have caused them to miss the results. After what felt like two long minutes of anticipation, the 78th SGA President Munachimso Ugoh announced that Kennedy Carey-Prescott won the election. Xavier has not had a female president in six years

The Future is Female: Women Step Into Leadership At Xavier

when Sierra Blanchard, class of 2017, held the position. Blanchard currently works at Xavier as the Coordinator of Events and Programs. So the 2023 election was not only a big win for Kennedy, but for the university itself. With Xavier’s female population at 77-percent, female student engagement and leadership of major campus organizations is at an all-time high. In fact, the major organizations on campus like the SGA now have an all-female executive board, with the exception of Mister Xavier, Jaden Crump. Organizations like the Xavier Activities Board, the National Association of Black Journalists, the Xavier Herald, the class councils, Mobilization At Xavier, and the Peer Dean Association all have female presidents.

Women are assuming many executive board positions on campus, and where there are discrepancies, women at Xavier say they are here for the rescue.

“It shows that all of the people entrusted in our leadership positions all happen to be female and also those people were the most dedicated to the position,” said Layla Dent, president of Xavier’s Chapter of the NAACP.

Women on Xavier’s campus are leading in social justice. Xavier’s chapter of the NAACP includes an entirely female executive board which is the case for many social justice organizations on Xavier’s campus.

When the Louisiana Civil Rights Museum opened in October 2023 in New Orleans, the common theme of the conversation was the emphasis on women as the pillars for change in social justice movements today.

“Women have been the leaders that pulled men to be essential parts of the movement to liberate our people. Women are essential for revolution and change,” said Michael McClanahan, the president of Louisiana’s Chapter of the NAACP.

The fight to preserve many rights today have fallen on the shoulders of Black women. Xavier is located in a state where abortion and access to reproductive healthcare have been restricted when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe V. Wade. Xavier organizations like the Sexual Assault Prevention Health Educators (SAPHE) were created to fight for this issue and raise awareness about sexual assault. With Xavier being a Catholic institution, contraceptives and information on abortion and reproductive health are not readily available to students, so organizations like SAPHE pass out condoms, sexual health information, and resources on testing. SAPHE is a predominantly women-led

organization on Xavier’s campus, led by revolutionary women.

“However, the founding history of Xavier does make SAPHE revolutionary in some aspects due to the butting heads between sexual health, education, and awareness versus a Catholic institution. Yet, SAPHE works in accordance with Xavier’s motto of creating a more just and humane society and we intend to continue the work we do,” said Katherine Jones, the president of the Peer Sexual Health Educators.

The array of Madam Presidents on Xavier’s campus come at a time where Black women are leading in this city, across the country and the world. Vice President Kamala Harris prepares for re-election as the first Black woman Madam Vice President of the United States. Across the country are Black women breaking the glass and color ceiling at the same time as mayors, judges, college presidents of Harvard, and CEOs of Fortune 500 companies.

by Victoria Akins Illustrator vakins@xula.edu

Faith and conviction are what motivates many Black women to step up to

xulastudentmedia.com

lead. On campus, Xavier’s Golden Voices Gospel Choir also has an entirely female executive board that has a mission of giving back.

“Women have great leadership qualities, as I constantly see exhibited by the work done by the other female leaders of our choir. I’m proud of the women working around me, being a role model for each other, and overall serving our faith-based community,” said Joy Ford, the president of Xavier’s Golden Voices Gospel Choir.

The Golden Voices Gospel choir, picture above, has an all-female e-board and serves as an example of how faith intertwines with female leadership.

Photo courtesy of Campus Ministry

The Class of 2025 Council, picture above, is filled with majority women like most class councils.

Photo by Samantha Jackson

New Dress Code Aims to Promote Professional Campus Culture; Students Say It Restricts Personal Expression

by Tyana Jackson Assistant Editor tjacks54@xula.edu

Following the first week of classes, Xavier’s administration announced a few additions to the student handbook for the 2023-2024 academic year. The biggest addition: a new dress code.

The new policy used the same language as previous handbooks but added clarification on what is considered inappropriate attire. Clothing such as

of Xavier’s Fashion Society and is a junior from Chicago, Ill.

“Xavier strives to provide students with a wellbalanced curriculum and an environment that nurtures their intellect as well as feeds their souls, yet students don’t have the right to express themselves on campus fully,” Tolbert said.

HBCUs were created to ensure African Americans can receive an education in a safe environment without having to face discrimination regarding their hair, clothing, food, and preferences. Some students have criticized the new dress code for undermining the mission of HBCUs.

The student body at Xavier is also distinguished by a significant female

students to be free to express their personal style and creativity through their dress,” said Curtis Wright, Vice President of Student Affairs. “These guidelines are not designed to diminish personal freedoms, but rather to provide expectations around what we believe is appropriate attire for this community,”

“We reviewed other campuses and spoke with staff on those campuses when revising our dress code. We know that we can’t please everyone all the time, but we are unapologetic when setting standings for our community that we believe represent the best in who we are, and we have been called to be,” Wright said.

The new guidelines emphasize the importance

recent years.

This trend has really sparked conversations online about its impact on students, while also raising questions about the potential for ridicule or punishment from university administration. As dress code changes continue to evolve, they shed light on the complex issue of how HBCUs balance the desire for a professional and focused academic environment with the individual expression and comfort of their diverse student populations.

“Personally, I think it could’ve been handled better,” said Dylan Richburg, a senior, biology/pre-medicine major. “I understand wanting to look more professional however I think we should keep professional looks in

such as butt or breasts. But also, here’s the thing, we are college students. We should be able to express ourselves, especially as Blackindividuals. For example, bonnet, scarves, caps, and do-rags is all a part of the culture,” said Genesis Muhammad, a junior, psychologial science major. “It’s not distracting. I feel like we should be able to keep and balance the need for self expression and the upholding appropriate standards of attire.”

As students enter the last months of the fall semester, there already have been instances of the new dress code being enforced.

During the week of Oct. 23 through Oct. 27, the Xavier Activities Board announced a Spirit Week.

bonnets, do-rags, scarves, and even clothing with derogatory messages were explicitly mentioned. The inclusion of these items stirred debates and uproar across campus.

“My initial reaction to the dress code was confusion, I didn’t really understand the regulations that were being forced upon us as students and why they were being forced,” said Cristen Cheyenne Tolbert, who served as the creative director and treasurer by proxy

majority, in contrast to the demographics of many other colleges and universities. This composition and the university’s Catholic identity have raised questions about its impact on campus culture and fashion trends. Students said they voiced concerns about whether the dress code might unintentionally limit students’ self-expression and diversity in fashion choices, particularly for women.

“We want all of our

of maintaining a positive image of the institution and fostering an environment conducive to focused learning while governing student’s appearances. This development is part of a broader trend seen in several HBCUs across the nation.

Institutions like North Carolina Agricultural and Technical College, Howard University, and Jackson State University have also implemented similar dress code restrictions in

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professional settings, and the entirety of campus isn’t that. Dressing the same for a graduate school fair and the cafe on a Sunday morning are two different occasions.”

Some students also noted that the guidelines including do-rags and bonnets targets clothing specific to the Black community.

“I understand campus officials asking us to cover up more revealing areas in certain settings on campus

However, “Pajama Day” on Monday, Oct. 24 was canceled because the new guidelines prohibit wearing pajamas outside of residence halls.

“I strongly believe that a major part of the community within the HBCU tradition includes fashion as a freedom of self-expression,” Tolbert said. “Students show up to Live Music Fridays with their best fits; it brings a sense of community, support, and even a sense of respect.”

Features

by Phoenix McCall Column Contributor pmccall@xula.edu

Policy on personal expression is never taken lightly, especially when it is accompanied with layers of misogyny and racism.

Following the release of Xavier’s 2023-2024 code of conduct students were left in disbelief of the newly added dress code policy which includes standards of

on campus. Modesty does not stop fashion, anyone who is stylish knows that they do not have to be revealing to look good, and most students prefer a modest comfy look over anything indecent anyways. The real problem is that our historically Black university is reinforcing the same rules and policies that many of us came here to get away from.

HBCUs are supposed to be the place where Black students can come and express themselves freely. We all come from a society where microaggressions and second-class citizenship is the norm. We chose to attend an HBCU to get away from these issues. Since middle school, I have been attending schools with dress codes that feel

were enforcing the dress code. Young Black girls are often more developed than white students from a young age, so what started as a ‘policy on apparel’ ended up as an example of the adultification of young Black girls; and you can clearly see this in Xavier’s current dress code.

As mentioned by many of the people I talked to concerning the dress code, white female students at PWI campuses are allowed to wear whatever they want. If you go to a PWI you will see countless girls in oversized shirts, shorts that are not visible in said shirts and crocs. While this outfit is seen as basic to them, if worn on a Black girl it would be instantly oversexualized and deemed inappropriate.

constructive, but more chaos. As a woman with natural hair, like most women on campus, I know how hard it is to constantly maintain our hair while being full time students. I have missed classes trying to do my hair before, and I’m sure I’m not the only one. Hats and scarves are ways for us to still be productive without having to be embarrassed by how our hair looks that day.

Xavier is reinforcing the double standard in society that as Black people must constantly be on our Ps and Qs just to be worthy of respect. We came to this institution to be free in our expression of blackness. Every time we step off campus, we are reminded that this society was not made for us, but to limit us. Imagine

how we feel as students who pay to go to a primarily Black institution when we face the same issue on our own campus.

All opinions expressed and submitted by the writer to The Xavier Herald are the sole expressed views and position of the writer alone. They do not reflect the opinion and views of The Xavier Herald, its staff, advisor, and the Mass Communication department as a whole.

appropriate dress for various locations and events on campus, and rules banning the wear of baseball caps, du-rags, and headscarves. After talking to my peers, most had the same opinion: we deserve to be comfortable, we pay to go here, and students at our PWI counterparts are able to wear whatever they want.

In my opinion, it goes much deeper than simply limiting the way we can dress

specifically geared towards the Black population. While these policies never mentioned race specifically, the bans on du-rags and scarves make it obvious who they are talking to.

The part that always bothered me most was the rules on the length of bottoms and the ban on tank tops. Not because I wanted to wear short shorts, but because my Black peers were more often targeted by teachers who

The part of the policy that bans headgear of any kind unless for religious reasons is no exception to the racism. The ban of du-rags is disguised under “professionalism” but is really a push for assimilation; being that du-rags are critical for maintaining waves, a beautiful intricate hairstyle specific to Black culture.

So, what is the real reason we can’t wear them?

Even the ban of baseball caps does not produce anything

xulastudentmedia.com

In a TikTok and Instagram Reel, Xavier students show off their best outfits during the first week of classes. The video, created by senior Destinee Kerr, was filmed on the yard during Live Music Friday festivities. It highlights fashion on a historically Black campus. Later, the video went viral and garnered attention from popular social media accounts. The original post received 750 likes on Instagram. It also was reposted across numerous historically Black institution support pages.

Photos courtesy of Destinee Kerr

by TaShia Hogue Columnist thogue@xula.edu

Ever since Twitter’s upgrades put the “X” in X-U, the go-to app where you don’t have to save the drama for your mama, has lately been Fizz.

Downloading the Fizz app has given students a new platform not just to share pictures and status quos, but to give voices to those who may be too shy to speak their peace in person. The app’s launch goal aimed to give students a more private space to socially communicate and express themselves. The beginning of this anonymous app skyrocketed after its debut on campus in the Spring semester of 2022.

From hilarious memes and inside jokes to arguments on the normalization of hookup culture, Fizz has become a new form of entertainment.

One post that’s been circling the Fizz feed since the first week of school was the lack of effort put into the #FirstDayFits. There were mixed emotions regarding the post that came for the necks of those whose outfits were deemed below expectation.

Campus Life

Columnist: Snap, Crackle, and... Fizz

Anonymously defending them, the re-fizz (a post responding to an original fizz post) received over 1.2K upvotes. The unnamed user commented something along the lines of, “lol, some of us had to choose between spending money on clothes, hair, and shoes, or making sure we have everything we actually need to start class…for our education, the thing we came here for.” Someone must’ve hit a nerve because the anonymous user made a solid point.

However, college isn’t all about education. It’s where you meet your lifetime friends, and where you make decisions

that will affect the rest of your life. Where you truly begin to explore your identity.

Elaina Renelus, a third-year psychology major from Minneapolis, Minn. confessed to her fair share of Fizz shenanigans,

“A lot of people have to support themselves. I spent a good amount of money paying for clubs and back-toschool shopping.” Renelus said. “Dressing up is fun, but you have to realize it’s not everything. Education is the biggest thing when attending a very academic-based school. It’s unfair to judge people on what they’re wearing.”

Don’t get me started on the dent I made in my piggy bank trying to balance what to wear and what materials to buy for class. But is it a crime to shine and look good?

Are those who take the time and energy to plan their outfits part of the elitism fashion speculations on campus?

Janiyah Melvin, a second-year chemistry

pre-medicine major from Joliet, Ill. was waiting on the shuttle to UNO when I was able to engage her in this hot topic. If there’s anything I know about being a commuter is that you have plenty of time to chitchat when waiting on them shuttles, honey.

“If you want to look good on your first day look good. Sometimes our money is used in different ways,” Melvin said. “If you want your buss down, Jordans, and your fit together? Do what you got to do, but remember what you came here to do.”

No wonder Fizz is a big part of student engagement, it’s an unfiltered platform. It’s where students are able to openly disagree in whatever state of emotion they’re in without fear of authority.

Khalil Watson is a public health major from Chicago, Ill. and he gets it. As a student who’s a part of the fashion society organization, he respects the choices of those who went all out and

those who were underdressed as well. It’s all about priorities he explained.

“It’s not like you’re going into an interview. I agree with the side of prioritizing the things you need for school because once you graduate top of your class no one is going to be worried about what you wore,” Watson said.

He later agreed that there is a sense of elitism when it comes to fashion on campus. Those who wear designer, or the latest fashion trend carry themselves in a superior manner compared to students who possibly can’t afford designer brands.

Overall, it costs to have the sauce. The sauce in academics and in fashion.

College entrepreneur promotes her food business

by Sydni Rhody Staff Writer srhody@xula.edu

When Bad Guyz entertainment threw its epic “slumber party” at 2327 St. Claude Ave. from 10 p.m. - 2 a.m., on Sept. 30, for the first time there was food at their event.

College students favorite weekend activity is finding a party to attend to relax and dance. One of the main things people tried and wanted is food.

A St. Louis, MO native, Phalen Hamilton took her hometown food business and packed it up with her to bring back to college with her at Xavier. Hamilton of “Hamilton’s kitchen?” found a new home in a new city and needed something to help kick start a business. So, Hamilton set her eyes one of the biggest social events for college

students.

“Every party I’ve been to since freshman year, and I’ve been to a lot, has never had food and we have to search to see what’s open at 2:00 a.m.,” said Janyi Mays, a junior, psychological science major at Xavier.

Hamilton serves a mix of favorites and comfort foods. Her menu consisted of Rotel and wings: $15, Rotel and chips: $10, and 5-piece wings at $8, featuring flavors like honey hot, buffalo, and lemon pepper, washed down with some a la carte drinks and

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chips.

Party goers stopped by Hamilton’s kitchen to check out the food, lured by the cent.

By nightfall, Hamilton walked away with about 75 orders for the night alone, and walked away with a good profit and some happy customers.

“I love Phal’s kitchen because it’s a home cooked meal and truly reminds me of home,” said Mason Ross, from Monroe, La.

A Fizz post by a Xavier student featuring a meme about their reluctance to go to class.

A meme about cofusion surrounding classwork posted on Fizz. The Fizz app has similar features to other social media sites such as Reddit and X, also known as Twitter.

Phalen Hamilton

Photo courtesy of Phalen Hamilton

by Kennedy Shanks Staff Writer kshanks2@xula.edu

Xavier’s Activities Board (XAB) hosted its first Live Music Friday: At Night Edition on Friday, Sept. 22, 2023, at the University Center Yard from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Live Music Friday is usually hosted during the day every Friday from 12 p.m.-2 p.m. where organizations host themed events on the yard to encourage campus engagement.

Live Music Friday is a social experience that many students first encounter as freshmen and then grow to love, while upper class students come to appreciate. From the Greeks strolling on the yard, organizations doing giveaways, and XAB distributing plates of food, the atmosphere provides a space for students to relax and have fun closing out a possibly stressful week.

“Freshman experience

by “Purple Raven” Columnist

Why doesn’t my boyfriend like to be social?

Hello, dearest reader, and welcome to the Bottom Line, where I give great advice, which will either help you or not...(just joking!)

This is where I assist anyone who needs advice on anything, whether it’s relationships, school, life, or something more personal.

So, you’re wondering why your boyfriend isn’t that social? Well, there are two possibilities. The first reason

Campus Life

Live Music Friday: At Night Edition brings safe, late evening fun to campus

a lot more stress under the pressure to adjust to college expectations coming from high school, so Live Music Friday is like a breath of fresh air,” said Arianna Jackson, a freshman from Chicago, Ill.

“There’s something new every Friday and we get to have a little fun and release all of the stress we gained throughout the week. Live Music Friday is a way to bring the Xavier community together through having fun with friends, listening to music, exploring the tables that are set up, and participating in activities,” said Jackson, a psychological science major.

Many students shared that parties in the city of New Orleans usually provide fun that includes the exposure to and consumption of drugs and alcohol. Trying to find late evening events and parties that are fun and have a party-like feel without drugs and alcohol are limited. Transportation to off-campus social events also makes socializing of campus difficult in the evening or nights. Many parties are off-

campus, and students said they are weary of taking public transportation or that they encounter financial struggle for the cost of getting around the city to engage in offcampus college life. This first Live Music Friday: At Night gave students on campus fun that replicates a college party that was safe and “easy on the pockets.” The Daytime Live Music Fridays allow freshmen to get the opportunity to engage with students of other classifications and see what opportunities are offered to Xavier students. Beyond just a party and tunes from DJ’s like Xavier’s own, DJ PJ Walker, students get a taste of the college experience every Friday.

Fridays]. It’s very refreshing to see everyone, especially more upperclassmen,” said Jamya Stewart, also a firstyear Xavierite from Chicago, Ill. “Because we don’t see them often due to housing issues and such, it’s nice to see and connect with them for a change even if it’s a small exchange like doing the XU

“For starters, I love the daytime [Live Music

shuffle together or looking at the same vendor, food truck, etc.,” Stewart said.

Live Music Friday has always been a student body favorite and the “At Night” edition generated as much turn out by the student body as the day time edition. Student said they hope it will become a regular tradition at Xavier, like the daytime Live Music Friday.

“As a sophomore, I feel like this past [Live Music Friday] was a success,” said Olivia Giddings, a sophomore from Chicago, Ill. “I think it should be done at the beginning of every semester. It felt like our own XULA block party which gives you a sense of safety and freedom,” said Giddings, a chemistry/prepharmacy major.

“I also think [Live Music Friday] at night should stay because it allows the freshman to see what kind of community we have since most people are off campus and we can have fun together. The event honestly gave me nostalgia for Midnight Breakfast which is one of my best memories,” Giddings said.

Advice Column: That’s The Bottom Line

could be perhaps he’s afraid of people and thinks they will judge him for his personality. And make fun of him.

There was a time when I was anti-social because I realized that a particular group of people I was around were not very fond of me. So, what did I do? I remained my usual joyous, humble, and sarcastic self because that’s what everyone loves about me.

You should see if your boyfriend has any of the same interests your friends have; they might like that side of him. People always feel, dear reader, that they have to change themselves when they hang around a particular group of people. They’re afraid they’ll be ridiculed but don’t realize they’re only hurting themselves.

Sit down with your boyfriend and ask him why he only wants to talk to you and no one else. If he isn’t so social, why does he want

to date people but not make friends?

For my second reason?

Well, he could’ve had a bad experience in school, where most of this anxiety comes from. There could’ve been an instance where your boyfriend was bullied by his so-called friends, who criticized him for his personality, the way he talked, or even how he dressed.

Try to uplift him in every way you can. He can use a lot of love and caring because he may not have received that in his life. He needs to realize the benefits of being social. It can help him create new best friends to build his social group. It’s OK if he wants to talk to you and have more peace, but help him see that good people are out there.

There are many instances of anti-social people, which has made them even more depressed because they shut the world off; they almost lose half of the things life has

xulastudentmedia.com

to offer—going out to events, parties, dining, and having fun.

Show him what that feels like when you introduce your friends to him again. Make him feel like he’s at home and that people won’t belittle him, rebuke him, and start harassing him because he’s different.

Finally, dearest reader, be sure this doesn’t affect you as well. I know it can be draining trying to fix someone because you want them to be accepted, but if this continues, let him find his way to

being social again. This could be something that only he can improve on his own. Always support him in every way you can and be there for him.

I believe that you can do it. Please feel free to contact me again; I’m here to help in any way possible.

Students participate in a line dance at Live Music Friday: At Night Edition.

Photo by Chloe Ward

XU Reloaded

With changes happening at every turn, one thing students have been able to rely on are campus activities. Sometimes it is as simple as catching up with people on the yard at Live Music Friday. Other times it is putting your best outfit on to take a picture on the Administration Building steps. Regardless of which activity is more of your speed, campus life is in full swing. Check out these pictures for a glimpse at the Fall 2023 semester so far.

by Chloe Ward Photographer cward3@xula.edu

by LaMar “Deuce” Price Photographer lprice2@xula.edu

by Ashton Broden Photographer abroden1@xula.

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• Primary & Preventive Care

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Sports

Continuing the Family Legacy: Green commits to play with Father at Collegiate Level

by Kareemah Muhammad Sports Writer kmuham10@xula.edu

Both of her parents played tennis at Xavier. With her father as head coach, she’s been watching Xavier tennis players ever since she was born in 2004. From an honorary Gold Nugget to now playing tennis as a Xavierite, Sydney Green is finally able to carry on the legacy of her parents.

up on this campus,” Coach Alan Green said.

Sydney Green’s father Alan Green has been coaching the men’s and women’s tennis team since 2002.

“I’ve been watching the Nuggets play ever since I was a little girl, so I knew that I always wanted to play for the team, which meant playing for my dad. I never wanted to go anywhere else,” said Sydney Green, who is a freshman from Metairie, La., and is a chemistry/pre-pharmacy major.

Alan Green said he is a proud father watching his first born compete in the Xavier tennis uniform.

“I got a little emotional after she won her first college match in Atlanta. I’m looking forward to watching her grow as a player and woman during her time here at Xavier,” Coach Green added.

When I’m on the court, it’s just coach. But it feels really good to be playing at the same school and team both of my parents did. I feel like I’m following in their footsteps, and I’m really proud to do so,” she said.

“It’s been a dream of mine to have my daughters play for me here at Xavier. It’s something I knew would eventually happen and it was a smooth transition for Sydney because she pretty much grew

by Alex Arnold Sports Writer aarnold4@xula.edu

As the new volleyball season has kicked off this semester, the Gold Rush stood ready to defend their Red River Athletic Conference title under 7th-year head coach Pat

Although she’s not new to Xavier tennis, there are still some things Sydney has to get adjusted to when she’s on the tennis court.

“It’s definitely different playing under my dad. I can’t call him dad anymore when I’m playing.

Sydney’s mother is Brandy Green, who graduated from Xavier with her Bachelor’s degree, while also competing on the tennis team as a Gold Nugget. Brandy said she is excited to see what Sydney will accomplish while at Xavier.

“Words can’t express how proud I am of the person Sydney has become over the years,” Xavier alumna Brandy Green said. “It brings me so much joy and pride that she chose Xavier for college and to continue her tennis career following her parents’ footsteps playing for Xavier. She is carrying on the family legacy well,” Brandy Green added.

Although Sydney’s been watching the team for years, the feeling of being an official Gold Nugget is still surreal.

“I’ve been watching the team, and my dad coach for years, but it’s still weird

calling myself a Nugget. I’ve grown up watching the men and women play matches my entire life. I’ve even traveled with them on occasions,” Sydney said. “So, being able to call myself a Nugget feels like I’m finally home,” she added.

Sydney’s teammates are also contributing to making her feel at home.

“All of the girls are like my big sisters that want the best for me. They really want to see me become a better player. When we first started practice, they all welcomed me with open arms. They are tough on me, but I know it’s because they care. They are the teammates I always wanted, and I’m so happy to have such great role models to keep me in place,” she said.

Coach Alan Green is excited for this upcoming tennis season to see how Sydney and the rest of the

Nuggets

20222023 season as conference champions. Entering this season, both teams won Fall Regionals doubles championships. Xavier was also well-represented in Nationals. One team on the Gold Rush brought home second-place.

“I’m excited to see Sydney thrive on the team we have this season,” Coach Green said. “We are coming out of this fall season with a top four women’s doubles team and two top 4 men’s doubles teams,” he said.

“This will set us up to be able to have the upper hand in all of our spring matches if we can continue to maintain the momentum we’ve gained up to this point. Sydney is already rising to the occasion and contributing, and I know she will continue to do so,” Coach Green said.

Team Highlights: XULA Volleyball Roundup

Kendrick.

“The expectation for the team is to continue to get better, and to work to be the kind of team we want to be in November when the playoffs start,” Kendrick said.

In 2022, the Gold Nuggets finished with a record of 21-9 overall and a conference record of 14-2. The team eventually punched their ticket to Waxahachie, Texas for the National Association

of Intercollegiate Athletics

national championship tournament.

For the 2023 season, the Gold Nuggets debuted new, key freshmen and international transfers. Freshman such as Bengisu Kazazlar, Taylor Parker, and transfer Ruxandra Flueras have already begun to make an impact for the Gold Nuggets as they racked up weekly RRAC awards. The team is also led by seniors

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Kendall Mack, Kennedy Wade, and Maddie Meyer.

“Our team has a great dynamic in place, everyone is here to win,” said Maddie Meyer, the senior, defensive specialist on the team.

“Players like Kennedy and Stella [Dineva] both have done a great job with stepping up and playing through injuries,” Meyer added.

The Gold Nuggets began the semester with a

2-game winning streak after earning 2 wins against Paul Quinn College in September. They then followed up that winning streak with a visit Louisiana Christian University on Sept. 15, 2023, where the Gold Nuggets emerged as winners.

On Nov. 1 and 2, the Gold Nuggets face Our Lady of the Lake. They begin conference play on Nov. 10.

A young Sydney Green watches the Gold Nuggets practice.

Photo courtesy of the Green Family

Freshman Sydney Green commits to join the Gold Nuggets and play under the coaching of Head Coach Alan Green, her father.

Photo courtesy of the Green Family team excel. The Gold Rush and

finished the

by Cameron Finn Sports Writer cfinn@xula.edu

There is a set standard of dominance that Pat Kendrick has brought to the athletic department since her first year at Xavier University of Louisiana.

Better known as “PK,” the three-time Louisiana Volleyball Coach of the Year was named interim athletic director during the 2022-2023 academic year. This was the first time in Xavier’s history a woman was named to this position and the first time ever a coach has held both titles.

After leading her team to their 6th straight conference championship, Xavier opted to replace the interim from her title and make her the full-time athletic director.

“Well, certainly it’s

by Scott Lipscomb Sports Writer slipscom@xula.edu

How many people do you know who are student athletes while also being in Pharmacy School? The list is probably a handful of students across the hundreds of colleges, whereas the number who are national champions in their respective sport is even smaller.

Meet Seth Alexander, the 2023 National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Triple Jump champion and school record holder for triple jump at 15.39 meters (50 feet 6 inches). The NAIA AllAmerican from Arnaudville, La. won the first individual national title in school history.

“It still feels surreal, but I think later on in life, just looking back at the legacy I’ve created at Xavier will be an amazing feeling,” Alexander

Sports

Xavier’s first woman Athletic Director shines bright light on the future of women in sports

been a lot of responsibility and I welcome the responsibility. It’s been an interesting few months coaching as well as doing the administrative stuff, but it’s been going well so far,” said Kendrick, who has even drawn admiration from other sport head coaches, like Adrian Holloway, the baseball team head coach.

With the baseball team embarking on their 4th season since returned as a university sport, it hasn’t taken long for head baseball coach, Adrian Holloway to understand the impact Kendrick has had on the athletic department and what she means for the future of women in sport.

“She’s a winner. At her own sport, she’s been a winner for years. She just brings a lot of positives to the table. She’s a team player and we have a lot of respect for how she handles the business and how

she supports every coach and program,” Holloway said.

“For her to be able to do both jobs the way she does sets a good example to her players,” Holloway added. “We are always telling out athletes about priorities and handling time management and she’s doing a great job at both.”

One of Kendricks’ most dominant players for the last three years has been no other than Kennedy Wade, a senior from Gainesville, Fla. As Xavier’s first ever volleyball player to be named an All-American, Wade credits much of her success to her head coach.

“I definitely appreciate the fact that she’s seen something in me after all these years and still supports me. She’s given me a lot of opportunities to really make an impact in this program which

I’m very grateful for,” Wade said.

“I think it’s great to see a Black woman in charge. I hope this will change the culture at Xavier and set us on a path where Black women holding positions of power in the world of athletics is normalized, rather than being a rarity. Especially with this school being predominantly women,” Wade added.

Another of Kendricks’ mentees is freshman standout Taylor Parker. Parker, hailing from Charlotte, N.C., has been a standout for this year’s volleyball team.

“She’s inspirational,” Parker explained about her

coach. “I feel like she shows if you work hard, you get what you are well deserving of. She’s been here for seven seasons, and she’s brought so many tournaments here. She’s prolific. For all the little girls that see her, just know that if you get your work done you will get what you deserve,” Parker said.

Student Athlete Spotlight: Seth Alexander Brings Home the Gold

said. “Hopefully I can be in Xavier’s Hall of Fame one day.”

The future pharmacist is in a dual degree program and plans to finish his Masters while getting his Doctorate of Pharmacy. He attributes “discipline” to how he has balanced a rigorous course load with performing at a high level in his events. He reminds himself how blessed he is to be in his current situation to help mitigate the stress, and uses “reflections” of his progress from when he started to now, to keep him grounded.

Almost a century after Xavier was founded, Alexander became the first athlete to win a national title individually, and second athlete/team to win after Xavier’s competitive cheer team won in 2022. While this is an individual award, Alexander gives credit to his coaches and teammates for his success.

“It’s just a testimony to how trusting in my coaches and staying consistent pays

off. I give a lot of credit to my teammates, specifically Blake Harris (2x All-American Triple Jumper), because we push each other to be better,” Alexander said.

The jumping sensation

HBCU in Louisiana. During his last track-meet of his high school season, he reached out to Coach Yhann Plummer, head coach of the Men and Women’s Cross Country/ Track and Field, about joining

had a Xavier connection with his older brother graduating in 2017. With a career goal of pharmacy in mind, Alexander did his research and set his sights on the only Catholic

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Xavier’s team. The rest is history. While these are individual records and awards, the motivation behind these stem from the desire to bring

exposure to Xavier.

“Winning is always bigger than me,” he said, hoping to shed light on the great athletes at HBCUs. “Just competing at the highest level lets other schools know that our HBCU does produce elite quality athletes. I also use it as motivation to continue inspiring younger men or athlete.”

Many great athletes like Deion Sanders, Jackie Robinson, Bo Jackson were multi-sport athletes, and Alexander is no different. In high school, he won a state championship on his basketball team as the starting point guard. His leadership skills directly translated to the track.

“Basketball helped me carve out many [of my] leadership skills that I was able to carry onto the track,” Alexander recalled. “I had to learn how to lead a group of young men at a young age, and mentally it was a stress[er], but leading my high school to the first ever

Seth Alexander shattered the record books when he became the school record holder for triple jump at the NAIA national track and field championship in May.

Photo by Jake Paige

Coach Pat Kendrick stands on the sideline as the Gold Nuggets volleyball team plays in the Convocation Center.

Photo by LaMar “Deuce” Price

Sports

by Zora Thomas Sports Writer zthomas6@xula.edu

The 2023-24 school year is officially marked in Xavier’s history books for the arrival of both women’s and men’s soccer teams. Both men’s and women’s soccer teams are ranked in the top 5 of the Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC), but the job is far from over for both teams.

“Xavier has high standards in athletics, and it is the same expectations for soccer,” said Ashley Cordeiro, the head coach for the women’s soccer team. “I recruited players that are competitive, have a winning mentality, and most importantly, good people. It’s great to see all the

Soccer Teams Make their Xavier Debut

well as the two teams stand out in the Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC) for their debut seasons. As of October 20, 2023, the men’s soccer team has a record of 9-3 overall and 8-2 in the RRAC. The women’s record is 8-4 overall and 8-2 in the RRAC.

They are also in the top two spots in the Red River Athletic Conference. The men’s team’s first loss at home for the first time this season occurred on Oct. 19, 2023, against HoustonVictoria, in a defeat 1-2, bumping them to second place right behind Louisiana Christian University. The Gold Nuggets are in a twoway tie for second place with Texas A&M Texarkana, with LSU-Alexandria first place. Both team’s final regular season match will be against Louisiana Christian on Oct. 28, 2023.

talent come together and the chemistry building week after week,” Cordeiro said.

The men’s and women’s soccer team at Xavier have been performing

“The priority is to grow our program in all aspects, and winning would just be many of the natural positive outcomes of it,” said Gonzalo Carranza, Xavier’s men’s soccer head coach. “We want our team to represent well on the field, in the classroom, and in our community. We are all happy with the outcome so far, but the job is an ongoing and never-ending process of getting better,” he added.

The captains of the Gold Rush and Gold Nuggets talked about their experiences this season from traveling together, memorable games, and the Gold Rush and Nuggets working closely together and building a bond within the two teams. They do goalkeeping practice together with the help of Lucas Cordeiro, assistant men’s coach, and husband of Coach Ashley Cordeiro. They travel together for away games, arguing over music selection, and even eating together in the University Center cafeteria.

“We are really blessed to have soccer at Xavier, so now young ladies have the opportunity to study at a high academically driven institution, play at a high level athletically, and also have the HBCU environment,” Cordeiro said. “We have a lot of diversity on our team, with players from all over the world, different backgrounds, and 6 languages spoken. We love learning from each other and everyone’s culture,” she added.

Caio Tascheto, a junior business major from Rondonopolis, Brazil who plays as a defender talked about how he gives his best in everything he does for the team and trusts his teammates to do the same. The best moment of the season for him was when they defeated LSU-S 3-0, the previous RRAC conference champions on their home field at Lafreniere Park. He received one RRAC Defender of the Week award this season.

The two captains for the Nuggets are junior midfielder, Luci Schroeder and junior goalkeeper, Theresa Wiesiolek. Both Schroeder and Wiesiolek are from Germany and expressed how they work together as captains and with

Seth Alexander continued...

basketball state championship was just a testimony to my leadership. Basketball helped me athletically for sure, but the leadership traits are what I appreciate the most,” he said.

Every person draws inspiration from somewhere, and an athlete Alexander

admires is Jaydon Hibbert, who at the age of 17 won the gold medal for triple jump at the 2022 World Under-20 Championships.

“He’s a young triple jumper and has pretty much broken all the triple jump marks in the NCAA in just

even communicating the same language help build their connection and work at their best for the team. Schroeder is the tied leading scorer for the team with 10 goals for the season.

“It feels awesome! It’s a feeling I can’t really describe! The pressure is high because the other sports are top of the country, and we want to set a high standard,” Wiesiolek said. “I’m glad that I got the chance of being here on the first soccer team in school history. We all feel honored and want the best for the school,” she added.

Soccer has been a recreational sport at Xavier, but with official scheduling and conference play the team being on campus not only gave an opportunity for new students but also students who had been already attending Xavier who had previously played soccer and did not have the opportunity. When the men’s team had open tryouts, it provided opportunities for two Xavier students, Mishael

Saarah as a midfielder and LaMar Price II as a goalkeeper.

“I played soccer until I graduate from high school in 2020, trying out was a mix between challenging myself and a love for the sport and competition,” said Lamar “Deuce” Price II, a junior biochemistry major and pitcher for Xavier’s baseball team. “I felt that even if I was not on the field playing, I could contribute at practice and off the field,” Price said.

The Gold Nuggets have three more matches in the regular season, and the Gold Rush have four as they look to battle in their first conference tournament in school history on Nov. 3, 2023.

“We are fully focused on one game at a time as every game is so important to try to reach our goals for the program,” Cordeiro said. “Every practice, recovery, and video session is geared towards the game in front of us. There is still lots to play for and we are just enjoying the journey,” she added.

his first year,” Alexander said. “I know that our athletic builds are different, but it is just one of those generational talents that I’ll watch out for even after my track and field career.”

Off of the track, Alexander is a friendly person

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and pretty laid back. When not cooking his opponents on the track, he enjoys throwing down in the kitchen. He has a great sense of humor which is just one part of his charismatic personality. He never lets his success stop him from being a human and being engaged in

his school community.

“Stay true to yourself and understand that my progress and/or route may be different from the next person,” he said.

Coach Ashley Cordeiro celebrates with her athletes as Gold Nugget soccer player scores a goal.

Photo by Marlon Roundtree

Senior Nuela Fonmedig, a former member of Xavier’s recreational soccer team, attended tryouts in the spring and walked on to the team in time for the fall season.

Photo by Marlon Roundtree