03/31/15 Issue

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Henderson State University - Tuesday, March 31, 2015 - Volume 108, Issue 23

GALAPAGOS Summer study abroad opportunity in the Galapagos Islands P.5

THE ORACLE

THE ORACLE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF – Scott McKinnon FACULTY ADVISER – Mike Taylor COPY EDITOR – Katie Brown NEWS EDITOR – Moe Skinner SPORTS EDITOR – Kaitlyn Kitchens FEATURES EDITOR – Devin Anderson VIEWS EDITOR – Dax Guilliams PHOTO EDITOR – Chris Sharp PAGE DESIGNER – Houston Fryer GRAPHIC DESIGNER – Megan Snoddy ONLINE EDITOR – Scott McKinnon BUSINESS MANAGER – James T. Allen

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IMAGE COURTESY OF MEGAN SNODDY

Megan Snoddy Senior Exhibition

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER – Carmin Wills

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Have an opinion on an issue or response to what we said? Just want to rant about something for a while?

Write us at ORACLE@HSU.EDU. We want to hear what you think.

Hell, if it doesn’t suck, we’ll publish it in next week’s issue. Try to keep it between 400 and 600 words. Just like your Tumblr, we ignore anonymous submissions.

COVER: Former biology student Ashley Williams swims through the Galapagos water Photo Courtest of Jamie Engman

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PHOTO BY SCOTT MCKINNON

Physical plant candidates speak at forum

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PHOTO COURTESY OF JAMIE ENGMAN

Study abroad Galapagos trip in summer

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PHOTO BY CHRIS SHARP

Baseball finally returns home

MARCH 31, 2015

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TWENTY-SIX YEARS OF SERVICE Registrar Tom Gattin celebrates his retirement from Henderson

STORY & PHOTO BY CARMIN WILLS

ONE LAST LAUGH — Steve Adkison, provost, gives thanks to Tom Gattin for his service as registrar for more than a quarter century.

Gattin, famous for his happy go lucky attitude, looks back on good times and shares a few experiences he encountered while at Henderson.

A

fter 26 years of service to students and the university, Tom Gattin, registrar, has gone to play golf.

A crowd of about 40 plus, some collogues from as far away as Jonesboro and Mountain View, covered the bottom floor of Womack Hall just after the noon hour on March 19 to celebrate Gattin’s retirement. Steve Adkison, provost, kicked off the event with his gratitude for the many years of pleasurable service.

“Thank you for everything you have done for Henderson,” Adkison said.

“His retirement is going to leave a huge hole in our community,” Adkison said.

Gattin took it all in with a smile, as he stood surrounded by those who will miss him dearly. When Gattin took the floor, he said it has been a fast 26 years here. He threatened to tell stories of good times and really really good times while working at Henderson. Gattin said one of the fringe benefits that he has

had while employed at Henderson was the opportunity to become a member of the Arkansas Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers.

The room was filled with loud continuous laughter as Gattin reminisced with friendly faces. He rubbed elbows and exchanged hugs while balancing a plate of cake.

When conversations within the crowd turned to Gattins future plans, he repeatedly chuckled and answered them all with the same four letter word.

“I’m going to play golf, I’m going to get in shape, I’m going to play golf, I’ve got a huge collection of old westerns, I’m going to read them and I’m going to play golf.”

From the across the room someone said, “I smell a theme here.”

Keasha Turner, administrative specialist, has worked beside Gattin for 14 years. She joked with him about his famous green golfing

shorts and later said Gattin was one of best bosses she has ever had.

The search has already begun for a new registrar.

The consensus throughout the room shared the same thought that Gattin’s replace-

ment was not going to be easy.

“Tom has been an institution here for many, many years. He has served literally thousands of students. We know we will never be able to replace him,” Glendell Jones, president, said.

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PROMISES MADE DURING FORUMS Aramark and SSC announce their individual plans to include Physical Plant employees

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GIVING ASSURANCES — Seth Ferrriell, SSC President, illustrates his possible plans and changes for Physical Plant employees.

STORY BY ASHLEY SMITH — PHOTO SCOTT MCKINNON

he battle of Henderson’s physical plant has begun.

Promises of a better future for Henderson’s physical plant and the physical plant employees were discussed in two forums the university held to let employees know of the possible outsourcing of their physical plant.

Two companies, Aramark and SSC, had been interviewed and chosen for the possible taking over of the physical plant.

Aramark held their forum in the Garrison lecture hall.

The company opened with a video introducing the company and then led into their presentation and promises of the future of Henderson’s physical plant.

“Our intent is to hire all of you onto the Aramark project, Linda Teets, the first speaker and Aramark’s regional human resources manager, said. “We could never ever replace you.”

Teets continued with promising that there would be constant communication between the current physical plant employees and any questions they ask would be answered efficiently and in a timely manner.

Though questions were not allowed at the forum, employees could write their questions on a note card that would be submitted to the company for an answer.

It is not clear on when or how they would answer the questions the employees asked, but they promised that their question would be answered.

“You will come to Aramark as a tenure employee and gain benefits,” Phil Garcia, director of business development, promised. “You are also going to be offered career opportunities and advancement opportunities through Aramark.”

Throughout the rest of the forum, other possible changes that would occur through Henderson’s physical plant were also discussed.

New equipment was talked about be-

ing purchased in efforts to make employee’s jobs easier.

“We would bring new equipment on campus for cleaning, there’s different devices for different things,” Mike Kaeman, head of operations specialist, said.

SSC had a few of the same ideas and promises that Aramark did.

“I don’t want you to feel like outsourcing means you have to go get another job,” Seth Ferriell, president of SSC, said.

“Your jobs are protected.”

Benefits were guaranteed to the employees.

Equal rate of pay, insurance and discounts and rewards were all offered to employees that would work for them.

Similarly to Aramark, SSC offered career advancement for employees if they wanted to move somewhere else or apply for a high position within the company.

During their forum, which was on March 10 in Arkansas Hall’s studio theater, they suggested investing $155,626 for custodial and campus services if their company was picked.

Other investments were discussed, such as $289,219 for new maintenance equipment.

It was not discussed whether that money would be coming out of SSC’s pocket or Henderson’s.

SSC is a company that is solely based on facility and operations services, unlike Aramark.

Aramark covers other needs of higher education institutions, such as the dining hall on Henderson’s campus.

Mike Newton, building service and ground manager, ended the forum with a hefty statement, “If you’re going to get outsourced, this is the company you want to work for.”

The committee deciding on the physical plant said they will present a recommendation to the president by April of this year.

MARCH 31, 2015

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LIFE’S A BEACH Biology students immerse themselves in sunshine and science

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jors. Engman said he alters the experience of the trip for the people going. It is a fully immersive experience that is aimed to further enrich their experiences.

“Don’t be afraid to try new things,” he said. “Take a chance and go.”

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SPORTS

SEAL OF APPROVAL — Recent Henderson graduates Vania Trujillo and Jessica Meador pose with their new sea lion friend during the 2013 trip to the Galapagos.

STORY BY KATIE SMITH — PHOTO COURTESY OF JAMIE ENGMAN This year, like every other year, James Engman, professor and chair of the biology department, is taking a trip. He will be going to Ecuador and Peru with a group of 10 students, a Henderson alum and a retired faculty member for two weeks in June. This trip is being offered for credit, accompanied by a class where the students will be studying biology, culture and history.

They will embark on a five day private cruise through the Galapagos Islands. They will go snorkeling and hiking.

This is a very important part of the trip, Engman said, because “for biologists, Galapagos is about as good as it gets.”

He went on to explain that this is because they were so important in shaping Darwin’s ideas.

Also, the animals living here have “island tameness.” They are not afraid of people, because they do not know them as natural predators.

There are laws that restrict the distance that a human can walk up to an animal, but if the animal approaches the human, they do not have to back away.

This will allow them to study the animals up close in their natural habitat.

The class has been studying the history of the Incan culture to prepare them for their visit to Machu Picchu, a hidden city on the

side of a mountain in Peru.

There they will see Inca structures, such as houses, temples and a plaza. Hopefully from these, they will be better able to understand the Incan way of life.

In addition to these, they will be visiting the Sacred Valley, the capitals of both countries and other major cities.

Taylor Lee, a junior biology major, will be traveling with Engman for the second time on this trip.

She went to Panama with him and another group last summer. Trips like these played a big role in her decision to come to Henderson.

“I didn’t know if I would ever get to actually go on any [trips,] but opportunities like these don’t come along very often,” Lee said.

She is really looking forward to Machu Picchu.

“Not only is it one of the seven wonders of the world,” Lee said. “But we’ve also learned a great deal about it in class and being able to experience it firsthand will be exciting.”

She is also eager to experience island tameness on the Galapagos.

Engman says he tries to take two trips a summer for students. He has done marine biology trips to Jamaica, Panama and Belize.

This is the second time he has done the Machu Picchu trip. After this excursion, he will be taking another group to Belize in July.

These trips are not just for biology ma-

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CREATING CHARACTERS Megan Snoddy’s senior art exhibition illustrates characters for page and screen

STORY BY CALEB WILILAMS — PHOTO BY CHRIS SHARP

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he magic of art is what keeps the world a colorful and bright place.

Many people don’t understand the meaning of art, whether that be the philosophical implications or the all-around beauty of it. Many artists try to put you into the piece.

They want you to see through the piece and try to understand the feeling of what a certain work might mean. Many other artists though, such as senior art major Megan Snoddy, like to keep things simple and sweet with their technique and style.

“I draw more because I might like the colors,” Snoddy said. “But for the most part I enjoy drawing characters. I like to think about their personality and appearance.”

“I don’t really get philosophical or methodical, I’m straight forward,” Snoddy said, “I just do it. It’s how all of my projects turn out best.”

Snoddy’s senior exhibition will be from March 29 to April 3. Her display will be called “Ipseity.” Ipseity means “individual identity” or “individuality.” By the name, students can expect most of the pieces to be personality centered. They will consist of characters from Snoddy’s imagination. She has given them personality and characteristics that will make you feel and wonder who they are. Each piece will leave you with many questions. It’s creativity at its finest.

With this being her first solo show it leaves many questions, such as who usually attends?

How many people will be present? Questions like these would leave any new and rising artist anxious.

“Usually at shows people don’t come all at once,” Snoddy said. “During the reception there’s about 30 or more people that attend.”

Snoddy’s reception for her show will be at 2 p.m. March 31 on the second floor of the Huie Library.

“A lot of students and faculty come to these shows,” Snoddy said. “But my hope is

that I can get some outsiders here to see some of my work.”

Snoddy hopes to enter the Illustration field. When you look at her work that is exactly what you’re going to feel as you examine each piece. She keeps it simplistic so that the average Joe can come in and enjoy the art.

“I like to keep it simple,” Snoddy said.

“Like one of my favorite pieces that I’ve done is called ‘Neapolitan’ because I use almost nothing but Neapolitan colors in it.”

For most art majors this is one of the bigger things they have to do in their college career.

Every senior has a big project to do before they graduate. For art majors, they have a senior exhibition. The student sets up a collection of their art that they have created through their time at Henderson. They learn how to present their art as well as themselves in a professional setting. It is a final test to make sure the student is ready for the real art world.

“Basically this event is where everyone comes to view your art,” Snoddy said. “It’s like how every senior has a big project to do before they graduate, this is our big project.”

Snoddy has recently recieved a purchase award in Small Works on Paper. Her pieces is stored in the Arkansas Arts Council’s permanent collection. This exhibition moves throughout Arkansas through the year.

Art is an important way for people to express themselves. You can dive deep into the mind of Megan Snoddy from March 29 to April 3 and see her descriptive art. Her characters will leave you asking questions about them. If you like her art and want to see more you can visit Megan’s website at www. may-snoddy.com.

Do you have the ability to read through a work of art? Can you comprehend the message hidden in each color or line of a piece?

Come test your mind at Megan Snoddy’s art exhibition.

MARCH 31, 2015

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PITCH PERFECT — Sophomore Chris Hunt pitches in the Saturday game against Southwestern Oklahoma State University.

REDDIES SWEEP SWOSU IN THREE Reddies win against Southwestern Oklahoma State University at home with head coach Cody Hooten receiving his 100th win at Henderson

STORY BY MEGAN NEWBERRY — PHOTO BY CHRIS SHARP Despite the rest of campus being on spring break, Friday and Saturday the Henderson State University baseball team was still working hard.

They took on Southwestern Oklahoma State University at Clyde Berry field making their record 16-9 overall and 9-6 in the Great American Conference.

The wins led to head coach Cody Hooten’s 100th career win as a Reddie.

“I am very happy for coach Hooten and I hope there are more great things to come for this team and coach Hooten this season,” Hunter Mayall said. “It is always awesome to be a part of Henderson State history.”

On Friday the Reddies won 6-3 and the double header on Saturday led the Reddies to win 7-4 and 5-1.

Three was the lucky number on Friday for the home team.

Hayden Lessenberry brought in the first of three runs in the second inning that started the lead.

Three runs in the seventh inning propelled Henderson to earn their win.

Southwestern’s Jacob Spring edged down the lead with a two run homer that added to SWOSU’s previous run and tied the score 3-3.

Lance Fields hit a double to edge past SWOSU 4-3.

Colton Lorance held his own on the hill and struck out four batters in seven innings to pick up the win and move to 2-2 on the year.

Nick Vanthillo pitched the last two innings giving up one hit and striking out two batters for his fourth save of the year.

Saturday, March 29 the match up continued.

The game proved to be equally as thrilling when the Reddies and SWOSU came to a tie in the second inning at 1-1 when Carlos Rodriquez singles to right field to bring around Mayall.

Johnson hit a double to get on and Taylor had a single to bring Johnson around for the

lead and a score of 2-1.

Johnson came through for his team again in the fifth inning. He brought around AJ Cruzel and Reynolds with his tremendous home run to put Henderson on top 5-1.

Jones had an almost perfect game allowing only one earned run, four hits and eight strikeouts.

“We played very well as a team,” Mayall said. “Whenever things were not going well we rallied together as a team and found a way to win.”

Henderson will play Central Baptist University at 3 p.m. in Conway on Tuesday, March 31. The road trip will begin a four game series.