4/18/16 Issue

@HSUORACLE www.hsuoracle.com Henderson State University — Monday, April 18, 2016 Volume 110, Issue 24

HAPPY TO BE HONORED Phi Beta Sigma hosts annual event, Tribute to a Black Woman P. 5

THE ORACLE

THE ORACLE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF – Moe Skinner FACULTY ADVISER – Mike Taylor

3 4

FREEZE: NO NEED TO APPLY Financial issues cause accounts to be put on hold

COMIC PROS VISIT CAMPUS Randy Duncan invites Andy Warner and Sonny Liew for two days of nonfiction comic events

COPY EDITOR – Madison MacNew NEWS EDITOR – Carmin Wills SPORTS EDITOR – Dom Cella VIEWS EDITOR – Dax Guilliams VIEWS EDITOR – Jae-Kur Lockhart PHOTO EDITOR – Joshua Bradley PAGE DESIGNER – Melanie Cole AD DESIGNER – Chris Sharp GRAPHIC DESIGNER – Jordan Jones ONLINE EDITOR – Ashley Smith BUSINESS MANAGER – Coley Henson

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 Four women are proud to be recognized in the Tribute to a Black Woman event.

PHOTO BY KAMERON BROWN

6

A FOREIGN HOME International students talk about where they came from and their plans here on campus

ONLINE STORIES Make sure to check out our other featured stories online at www.hsuoracle.com.

NIGHTMARE IN THE DORM COMICS IN THE CLASSROOM EMAIL CLUTTER

8

PHOTO BY MOE SKINNER

DOUBLE THE ART Don’t miss Jordan Jones and Rafael Quiroz’s Senior Exhibitions

FELLOW BLOGGERS If anyone is interested in having their personal blog published, feel free to email us at ORACLE@HSU.EDU. If we don’t find it absolutely obnoxious, we will be happy to let you have a chance to share your words.

APRIL 18, 2016

FEATURES

VIEWS

THE BIG FREEZE IN APRIL

3

Bobby Jones explains the financial status of the university STORY BY PETE TUBBS — GRAPHIC BY JORDAN JONES

Last Monday, an email was sent out by Bobby Jones, vice president for Finance and Administration, brought up some concern throughout campus. The email, its contents only spanning about half a page, contained many troubling financial measures supposed to be taken immediately.

There were three numbered demands on the correspondence, which read as follows: “1. all purchases will stop. 2. out-of-state travel will stop. 3. a hiring freeze will be implemented.”

Those who drew their eyes immediately to these declarations were no doubt hit with a sense of anxiety.

The email stated that the measures shall be taken immediately due to “excessive expenditures over what was budgeted in several areas.” According to President Glendell Jones, the cost of recent deferred maintenance difficulties such as the air conditioning problems were the cause of the over spending, as tallies of the maintenance costs were in excess of $1 million.

“This happens every year,” Bobby Jones said,

“Every year around this time we look over the budget and see where we need to hold back. This is not going to affect students in any way.”

In references to the first and second measure to be taken, President Jones said, “All travel plans that were already scheduled are still going to happen, we are just going to have to cut down on the things we don’t need.

The budgetary holds will only be in effect until June 1 of this year,” Jones said. “After that everyone will have their budget again.”

Although the recent budgetary holds may not be a cause for panic, there may be an impending pitfall for our campus that looms in the future.

A special edition of the Henderson Now newsletter was also delivered to staff inboxes, and it held news of the most troubling sort.

Governor Asa Hutchinson’s Arkansas Works plan, which went up for vote in the Arkansas Senate last Thursday, is a proposition rework parts of Arkansas’ current Medicaid plan.

If Governor Hutchinson’s bill does not pass,

however, it will cost the state over $100 million.

“History and current indicators strongly suggest that higher education will bear a significant portion of budget cuts that will be required to eliminate this potential budgetary shortfall,” the newsletter stated. According to President Jones, if the bill fails, Henderson will lose over $500,000 of its budget for next year.

No matter the results of last Thursday’s Senate vote, the bill still has to go for a vote at the House, a date for which has not been set yet.

As the newsletter stated, “in order to pass, the appropriations bill must secure a three-fourths majority vote in both the House, 75 votes, and the Senate, 27 votes.”

The bill stems from “private option” that Hutchinson passed three years ago which used federal funds to provide insurance for low-income Arkansans.

The new changes to be made, feature new restrictions which would help people getting the insurance further themselves economically.

4

NEWS

VIEWS

TALKING TO THE PROS Andy Warner and Sonny Liew critique student artists’ work STORY BY EMILY R. BELL — PHOTOS BY MOE SKINNER

FIRST UP — Shawn Womack is first to volunteer his comic for professional review.

Over the past few years, Henderson has rapidly become comics crazed, even offering a legitimate minor in comics studies.

Last week, Randy Duncan, professor of communication, arranged two days of events with comic artists and writers Andy Warner and Sonny Liew.

“Andy Warner is one of the three best choices to talk about nonfiction comics,” Duncan said. “The Arkansas Literary Festival asked me for recommendations for graphic novelists to invite, and having seen the advance reviews on his upcoming nonfiction book, I recommended Sonny Liew.”

Since Liew flew in from Singapore, Duncan worked with John Hardee, dean of Ellis College, to help pay for the airfare with the promise that Liew would also visit our campus.

Starting April 14, Warner presented his work, process, and professional experience throughout his career as a nonfiction and journalism comic artist and writer. His most recent project, “Brief Histories of Everyday Objects,” displays his careful researching and interviewing processes, and how he converts that information to interesting, pertinent graphics.

“You don’t want to lose your reader’s interest by

filling up your comic with large blocks of words,” Warner told the Henderson students. “People reading comics expect the artwork, and they will turn the page if they’re met with too much information to read. It’s challenging to find that design balance, especially in informative or research-heavy nonfiction work.”

In Warner’s “The Palace of Ashes,” he discussed how his interview with the main character had to be cut down for the comic, but still have enough for an intriguing story.

“The San Francisco Columbarium was one of my favorite nonfiction stories to work on,” Warner said.

“I worked from a ton of reference photos I took, researched the columbarium, and got a great, long interview. I certainly had to cut out a lot of what I had, but it’s better to have more to work from than not enough.”

Students were welcomed to have dinner with both Warner and Liew that night at Cracker Barrel, in Caddo Valley.

“The dinner was fun,” Randy Johnson, senior mass media major, said. “It was funny to see the table full of Southern goodness, and there you see Sonny Liew with a bowl of soup and a vegetable plate.”

The next day, students were encouraged to bring their portfolios to both Andy Warner and Sonny Liew for critique and advice. Liew has been touring the United States from Singapore, where his studio is based. First, Liew presented his own work, and then happily accepted students’ comics and graphics, in both raw and complete formats.

“As a comic creator, you can get a little isolated, so seeing students’ raw works helps bring a fresher perspective,” Liew said. “They’re more current and up to date with what’s out there, and they have access to so much more information nowadays when creating their comics, it’s more polished.”

“At first, I was nervous to show Liew and Warner my work because I was worried about what they would say, however both of them were really nice and encouraging,” Jordan Jones, senior digital art and design major, said.

“They even told me to continue what I was doing and that my work could be a real seller one day.”

Earlier in the semester, Duncan gave copies of Liew’s “The Art of Charlie Chan Hock Chye” for students to read before his arrival on campus. Liew was happy to offer personalized signatures and sketches in each student’s book after viewing their artwork.

Duncan commented on how enjoyable it was to spend time with these professional comic artists on his birthday.

“I’m now three days behind on grading, but I had a blast talking comics with Andy and Sonny.”

IMPRESSED — Andy Warner encourages Jordan Jones to continue his good work for publication.

APRIL 18, 2016

NEWS

VIEWS

A SPECIAL TRIBUTE

5

Phi Beta Sigma honors black women for their excellence STORY BY MYKAYLA ARNOLD PHOTOS BY KAMERON BROWN

ALL SMILES — A few of the women recgonized in the event pose with their roses.

On Tuesday April 12, the brothers of the Theta Alpha chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. hosted their annual event, Tribute to a Black Woman program. This event was their way of honoring the black women on campus and in the community for their hard work as college students.

The program began with a processional.

With a rose in hand, a brother of the chapter formally escorted guests to the table of their chose. Brother Reginald Evans, senior aviation management major, opened the program with a welcome after which Brother Charles Holland, senior communication major, stated the purpose.

“We the brothers of the Theta Alpha chapter felt the need to honor our black women. If we don’t recognize what we have in these educated, talented, and sophisticated women, who will,” Holland, senior communication major, said.

After dinner was served, Kevin Maxey, junior business major, preformed John Legend’s song entitled “So High.” A tribute to dance was rendered by Brother Olaoye “O” Onipede, senior aviation major.

“I think it’s always wonderful to celebrate the greatness that is black women especially in a

society that doesn’t acknowledge their greatness enough,” Camryn Stillman, senior vocal music major, said. “We have some incredible black women at HSU, and it was nice to see how much it meant to them to be honored.”

As the evening came to an end, the brothers presented a number of awards to those most deserving. Vikita Bell Hardwrick, Director of University Relations and Admissions, received the Woman of the Year Award. Wanda Harris, education specialist/SSS counselor, received the Faculty Member of the Year. Kebreanna Creggett, sophomore sociology major, received the Best Sigma Supporter award.

“I am eternally grateful to the incredible men of Theta Alpha chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated for selecting me as Woman of the Year for 2016,” Hardwick said. “The banquet was such a classy affair. I thank God for surrounding me with such loving students.”

“It was a very humbling opportunity,” Creggett, said. “I love the Theta Alpha chapter of Phi Beta Sigma because they are all big brothers to me and I hope that we can continue to have this bond.”

PROUD TO BE HERE — C.j. Turner Jr. and Ty Gentry happily smile for the camera.

HARD WORK PAYS OFF — Wanda Harris and Vikita Bell Hardwrick, Henderson employees, stand proud of their accompishments.

6

NEWS

A LONG

VIEWS

WAY FROM

HOME

International students strive for opportunity STORY AND PHOTOS BY KAMERON BROWN Being 5,373 and 6,613 miles away from home is really far, but after a couple of years, you kind of get use to being on another continent.

Henderson has a number of international students from all over this world, ranging from Africa to Europe, South America to the islands of Fiji.

For countries where English is not the dominant language, being a student in the U.S. is difficult when trying to pick up the language and not because they want to, but in order to survive.

“I was looking for a school that had football and Henderson was one that got back with me quickly,” Csaba Toth, junior finance major, said.

“I was really late on paperwork so I am lucky to be here, and as soon as that was done, Coach Maxfield sent me a message saying ‘love to have you.’”

Csaba is from Hungary, which the dominant language is Hungarian, but he had to leave everything, from family and friends, to pursue his dream of playing football in America.

“You get to study abroad and as the day come, you realize you have to leave everything,” Csaba said. “Coming to Henderson and having an American roommate helped a lot with my English as well and by the end of my first year here, I was fluent in English.”

Coming from Nigeria to the United States of America is a different world as social class segregation plays a big part in the country.

“My uncle is an alum from Henderson, so it sparked my interest to come,” Charles Chukwunonso Nwakoby, junior biology major, said.

“The motto of this school just really touches me.”

Like Hungary, English is one of the biggest languages in Nigeria. But since they speak British English over there, learning western English would be a challenge to an extent.

“I have a great background in English, but I grew up speaking British English so I had to learn the different dialects to get better in western English,” Nwakoby said.

In Hungary, the main spice that is used in almost everything is paprika, especially on pork.

The standard of living in Hungary is very low, so trying to have a great living, as middle to high-class, is very tough.

In Nigeria, it is a very multicultural country with over 100 cultures and ethnic groups represented.

The British school system of a primary, secondary, high school and college is the main system of education in Nigeria.

“At the international house, we house a large number of athletes,” Blake Smith, international admissions counselor, said. “We would get students like Csaba and Charles and house them with American students so they can learn about each other.”

Csaba and Charles both have the advantage of being at the international house with American students as it played a big part of their first year here.

As their time is coming to an end here at Henderson for Csaba and Charles, they both have one mission before they leave. They hope to make this campus more culturally diverse, and display the opportunities that international students have coming from countries that are not the same as what they are about to encounter.

PROUD TO REPRESENT — Charles Chukwunoso Nwakoby, from Nigeria, proudly holds his country’s flag.

THE CREST OF HUNGARY — Csaba Toth represents his native country.

APRIL 18, 2016

NEWS

VIEWS

MARK YOUR CALENDERS

Seniors Jordan Jones and Rafael Quiroz announce their Senior Exhibition’s Closing Receptions JORDAN JONES

RAFAEL QUIROZ

The Henderson State University Fine Art Department is proud to present Judge By The Cover by graduating BFA Digital Art and Design candidate Jordan Jones.

Jordan Jones came to Henderson State University in 2012 from Pine Bluff, Arkansas. While enrolled here at Henderson, he has studied under the tutelage of David Stoddard and Kasten Searles. Judge By The Cover is a culmination of work in digital design that includes vector based album covers, as well as mixed media book mockups, according to Jordan.

The Henderson State University Fine Art Department is proud to present Rhapsody by graduating BFA digital design candidate Rafael Quiroz.

Rafael Quiroz came to Henderson State University in 2012 from Sheridan, Arkansas. While enrolled here at Henderson, he has studied under the tutelage of David Stoddard and Kasten Searles. Rhapsody is a culmination of work in digital design that includes photography and watercolor art made digitally in Photoshop, according to Rafael.

“I want viewers to feel emotion when they see my work.”

“I want my work to draw people in with its simplicity as well as showcase my variety.”

A reception for Judge By The Cover will be on April 19th, 2016 and will be attended by Jordan Jones. The student gallery is located on the second floor of the Henderson State University Library and the exhibit will be open for public view from April 15th-April 20th.

For more information regarding library hours, please visit http:// library.hsu.edu or contact the Fine Art Department at (870)-230-5036. If you would like to get in touch with Jordan about work being sold, please contact jojographicdesigner@gmail.com.

A reception for Rhapsody will be on April 19th, 2016 and will be attended by Rafael Quiroz. The student gallery is located on the second floor of the Henderson State University Library and the exhibit will be open for public view from April 15th-April 20th.

For more information regarding library hours, please visit http:// library.hsu.edu or contact the Fine Art Department at (870)-230-5036. If you would like to get in touch with Rafael about work being sold, please contact Rafael Quiroz at rafaelquiroz_16@yahoo.com.

7

8

NEWS

FEATURES

SPA CITY

HUMOR

SPORTS

THE DARK SOULS OF DARK SOULS

OPINION BY DAX GUILLIAMS — PARODY IMAGE BY JORDAN JONES BASED ON AN IMAGE © FROMSOFTWARE As with every game in the “Souls” series, “Dark Souls 3” is incredibly well-designed while also being incredibly challenging.

The game was released last week for the PC, Playstation 4 and Xbox One and it is already one of FromSoftware’s best games.

While “Dark Souls 2” was possibly the worst entry into the series, “Dark Souls 3” is one of the best as it is a unique entry while also retaining some elements of “Dark Souls” and “Bloodborne.”

From the introduction, “Dark Souls 3” has one of the most interesting stories while still not giving too much away. The game begins with your character, The Champion of Ash, who is an unkindled undead who has to seek out the Lords of Cinder, a group of powerful beings who have come back to life and threaten to destroy the world around them.

The story progresses in the same way previous games have by you going from area to area, killing bosses and learning more details along the way.

While the character creation and class selection is the best in the series, I was a little disappointed with the choice of starting items. None of them really stood out as interesting to me, but that’s a very minor complaint.

Combat in “Dark Souls 3” is possibly the best in any of the games. There’s an even wider variety of weapons, a lot of which can be gotten pretty early in the game, and weapon classes feel even more unique.

While combat is more defensive than in “Bloodborne,” it is a little bit faster than it is in previous “Souls” games.

Overall, I like the combat in “Dark Souls 3” the most, but I miss the ability to stagger enemies by blasting them in the chest with a blunderbuss like in “Bloodborne.”

Each stat in the game is worth upgrading, but magic isn’t quite as good as

in the other games. Sorceries aren’t nearly as powerful as they used to be, miracles that deal damage are a bit weaker, but pyromancy is still amazing and may actually be stronger now that it is governs by both the intelligence and faith stats.

Even with sorceries being weaker, upgrading your characters intelligence stat is still good since a lot of weapons can be enhanced with magic. Many of the unique weapons I’ve found benefit from having a character that’s good with magic.

There are a couple of new stats. Luck, which was in “Demon’s Souls,” is now in the game and it determines the rate at which enemies drop items and also your character being able to resist negative statuses and inflict enemies with those negative statuses.

Frost has also been introduced and it governs how much damage you can do with weapons powered by frost magic and your resistance to frost attacks.

Now the FP meter not only governs how much magic you can use, but also your weapon skills. Each weapon class and some unique weapons have special attacks that can be performed at the cost of some FP. One thing I had to get used to is the lack of healing items. In “Dark Souls 2” and “Bloodborne” there were more healing items than just your starting flask and in this game, the flask is all you have unless you learn some miracles or find some other items.

Even with that, there are plenty of shards that upgrade your flask so you can get more heals out of it and you get a separate flask for FP. You can increase your health with the new game mechanic called Ember, which gives you more health, but also makes you a target for invasions. There are also more bonfires for your character to rest at and they can still be used to teleport to the other bonfires in game.

In the very first part of the game, the

environment and the enemies look a little too similar to previous games in the series, but everything quickly changes and everything becomes more unique and looks so much better.

So far in my game, all but one of the boss battles have been amazing. I thought the third boss was pretty bad, but the reward you get for killing it was good enough to forgive it. Plus, one of the bosses following it was one of the best boss fights I’ve had with one of these games.

While a lot of players don’t care too much about the characters you meet in the game, I think all of the ones I’ve met are very interesting. My favorite one so far is a knight you meet in a tower who later helps you fight a fire demon and then gives you booze after you two kill it.

Needless to say, I’m not killing that guy and I’m going to continue helping him.

While I don’t play online very often, I have noticed the online for this game is a little messed up right now. Invading other people’s games is a bit unfair to the invader and there are many glitches when two players fight each other.

Most of From’s games have had problems at launch that quickly get fixed, so I’m guessing these issues will be addressed soon.

Overall, “Dark Souls 3” is an amazing game and may actually be my favorite of the series. Granted, it is the easiest game in the series, but not so much that it ruins the challenge and quality the games bring.