August 14, 2018 KSU Sentinel by Kennesaw State University Student Media

AUGUST 14

2018

Vol. 52 Issue 2 | Since 1966

THE SENTINEL Kennesaw State University | The Sentinel

r. Pamela Whitten left from the University of Georgia this summer to serve as KSU’s president.

Things to know about KSU S

crappy is KSU’s official mascot and is a figurehead for all owl fans.

mong KSU alumni are celebrities, such as Ryan Seacrest, Ty Pennington and Larry Nelson.

SU is hosting a Week of Welcome for all students from Aug. 13 to Aug. 18.

he Owls football team opens season on the road Aug. 30 against Georgia State.

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Aloha to Aging honors Dr. Betty Siegel at gala

Police looking for shooter who killed KSU student

Cameron Loi | Staff Writer

Sabrina Kerns | News Editor

A nonprofit known as Aloha to Aging held a gala to honor former Kennesaw State President Dr. Betty Siegel on Wednesday, Aug. 8 in the KSU Center. Aloha to Aging held the gala celebrating Siegel, who served as KSU’s president for over 20 years, as part of their 10-year anniversary this month. Cindy Theiler, an Aloha to Aging board member, said the gala will benefit the program as well as the staff, volunteers and the recipients of the caregiving. Entry tickets for the gala were $75, and the ticket covered appetizers, dinner, dessert and three drink tickets for each guest. A silent auction was held right after dinner, followed by a live auction. According to the Office of President Emeritus website, Dr. Betty Siegel was president of Kennesaw State University from 1981 until her retirement in 2006. She served as the first female president in the University System of Georgia and also the longest-serving female president in the United States. Now retired, Siegel continues to serve KSU as President Emeritus, and she is currently an endowed chair member of the Siegel Institute for Leadership, Ethics and Character. Aloha to Aging is a program made for the elderly community that battle dementia and other illnesses that affect the elderly population permanently in the Atlanta area. According to Aloha to Aging’s website, their mission is to “empower family caregivers, aging care recipients, volunteers in the community in a positive, nurturing manner through quality, targeted programs.” Siegel has been an advocate for Aloha to Aging alongside her husband, Joel Siegel. They have both been active in the Aloha Day Club program, which is designed for people over the age of 55, people who can no longer drive and people that are simply home-bound and need the extra socialization outside of their home.

Police are currently searching for a shooter who killed a Kennesaw State student outside of a bowling alley on Sunday, July 29. According to WSB-TV, Rahmier Gardner, 20, was shot after allegedly stepping outside into the parking lot of a Brunswick Zone in Gwinnett County. The Lilburn police responded to reports of a shooting at approximately 11:15 p.m. When the police arrived at the bowling alley, they reported that Gardner was suffering from “what appeared to be multiple gunshot wounds,” according to the Gwinnett Daily Post. “Despite the responding officer’s efforts at medical intervention, the victim was pronounced deceased by responding emergency medical personnel,” a news release said. “The investigation has determined Mr. Gardner was bowling with a group of friends when he stepped outside for an unknown reason.” Gardner’s friends told police that the incident happened so quickly that they did not notice that Gardner had stepped out of the building into the parking lot until it was his turn to bowl, according to WSB-TV. Lilburn police have said they currently do not know the shooter’s motive and are currently speaking with Gardner’s family and friends to find out why someone would want to shoot the young college student, according to Fox 5 Atlanta. Police have also started to process Gardner’s car and its contents, according to WSB-TV. According to Fox 5 Atlanta, police are now looking for a silver Nissan Sentra that fled south from the bowling alley that night and could be connected to the crime. Gardner was last enrolled at KSU in the spring 2018 semester and was set to continue his studies in the fall 2018 semester. His plan was to graduate with a degree in business and invest in the stock market, according to Fox 5 Atlanta. Gardner’s family and friends and police are asking that anyone with any information linked to the crime contact the Lilburn police department.

KSU NOT REQUIRED TO NOTIFY STUDENTS ABOUT REPORTED STALKING INCIDENT Olivia Graham | Contributor Kennesaw State police department officials did not issue a timely warning to students about a stalking and harassing communications incident that was reported in May after determining it did not meet the requirements of the Clery Act, University Spokeswoman Tammy DeMel said. A female student at KSU filed a harassing communications report and a stalking report at approximately 12 a.m. on May 19. According to the report, her ex-boyfriend threatened she, her current boyfriend and his children over the phone. The student reported that her exboyfriend was physically violent towards her and that she was «really worried about

[her] safety and for [her boyfriend’s] safety because of these threats.” No arrests were made and KSU police advised the victim about KSU defense classes and Harassing Communications and Temporary Protective Orders. Police did not send a notice to students, faculty or staff after the incident was reported because they determined there was no threat to the campus or surrounding community and, therefore, did not meet the requirements of the Clery Act. The Clery Act is a federal law that requires universities to record and disclose campus crime data. It also requires universities to send timely warnings to students when there is a threat to the safety

NEWS

of campus, students and staff. “The decision to issue a timely warning shall be decided on a case-by-case basis. The decision is made by the Chief of Police or his designee considering all available facts, including whether the crime is considered to be a serious or continuing threat to students or employees,» the 2017 KSU Annual Security and Fire Safety Report reads. «But if a crime occurs that would pose a serious or continuing threat to the KSU community, a timely warning notice would be distributed to the campus community,» the report continues. Universities may also not issue timely warnings if federal privacy laws hinder

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them or if the warnings could obstruct law enforcement efforts. “Based on the information of the case, the incident was deemed not to be a threat or of further danger to the campus community,» DeMel said. «Therefore, no timely warning was issued.” Students have shown concern for not receiving timely warnings in the past. In October 2017, a KSU student was arrested after attacking another student, sexually harassing a female student and threatening to kill his classmates. KSU did not send a warning to students in the two days between the incident and the student’s arrest. Then-President Sam Olens announced to students later that the

SPORTS

WOW HOSTS FOOD DRIVE, HYPNOTIST SHOW

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incident did not meet the requirements of the Clery Act. The Sentinel also determined in November 2017 that KSU has higher rates of sexual misconduct than other comparable universities such as Georgia Tech, Georgia Southern University and Georgia State University. Timely warnings were not sent to students for several of the reported cases of sexual misconduct between 2014 and 2016. The last timely warning that was issued to students was on Nov. 13, 2017 about a reported fondling on the Marietta campus, and there have been no timely warnings issued in 2018.

FOOTBALL REVS UP FOR SEASON

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Page 2 | Kennesaw State University | The Sentinel | August 14, 2018

NEWS

COLLEGE OF CONTINUING, PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION HOSTS OPEN HOUSE

Peyton Elliott | Contributor

Associate Professor Timothy Blumentritt chats with two attendees at the Open House in the KSU Center.

Photo courtesy of Cheryl Rodewig

The College of Continuing and Professional Education held an open house Thursday, Aug. 2 at the KSU Center, allowing over 1,000 participating students and members of the community to learn more about the professional certificate programs provided by the college. Information sessions were available at the event to discuss the details of the courses offered through the school such as healthcare, technology, finance, management, hospitality, human resources and more. Sessions also promoted discounts for certificate programs, textbooks, KSU apparel and gifts. “Attending the Open House is an opportunity for prospective students to learn more about their area of interest,” CCPE Interim Dean Dr. Tim Blumentritt said. “For many of our graduates, this event was the starting point toward enhancing their career.” The CCPE staff and instructors attended the open house to answer questions and discuss learning and career opportunities with students. Financial advisers were also accessible to explain college payment plans, Veterans Affairs education benefits and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. Michael Dutcher, assistant director of the department of career planning and development, attended to give tips on writing, building resumes and approaching professional interviews. The Georgia Department of

Labor also took part in the open house to teach students their best practices to gain employment. CCPE faculty and staff members showcased every tool and asset CCPE has to offer and explained how students planning to register for CCPE classes and certificate programs can stay ahead of the curve in the workforce. “This open house is our commitment to those who desire to take a chance to enhance their professional and personal growth,” Blumentritt said. “Students and members of the community have a unique opportunity to take an incredible step in their individual journey. We encourage everyone who walks through our doors to discover and pursue a passion that’s right for them.” The CCPE provides students who are looking to achieve a higher level of education or supplement their degree an opportunity to become professionally certified in specific sections of their majors and learn hands-on valuable professional and career skills to strive in the workforce. The college currently has 32 professional certificate programs, multiple personal enrichment programs, educational opportunities for adults aged 50 and over through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, youth programs and test preparation courses available for students.

Housing, residence life changes semester payment schedule Sabrina Kerns | News Editor KSU’s Office of Housing and Residence Life extended the deadline for students living on campus to pay their full semester’s rent until Aug. 8. University Spokeswoman Tammy DeMel said the payment deadline was originally set for Aug. 1. The office extended the deadline after students showed concern over the early deadline. The extended deadline gave students who could not pay the full amount in one payment more time to explore and

set up other payment options. Although the final payment deadline was Aug. 8, students still have the option to work with the Office of Housing and Residence Life to set up monthly payment plans to pay their semester’s rent. DeMel said the new payment schedule was implemented earlier this year as a way to create more consistency among the housing communities on the Kennesaw and Marietta campuses.

According to the 2018-19 Housing License Agreement, students residing in University Columns, University Commons, University Courtyard, Hornet Village Suites, Howell Hall or the Austin Residence Complex II must make rent payments to the bursar’s office. Students living in University Village Suites, University Village, KSU Place or the Austin Residence Complex I must pay their charges through the housing portal.

The extended deadline gave students who could not pay the full amount in one payment more time to explore and set up other payment options.

Kevin Barrett | The Sentinel

Dr. Jeff Delaney appointed KSU chief information officer Sabrina Kerns | News Editor Photo courtesy of Kennesaw State University

Liz Cano from KSU catering cuts the cake at the First Day of School Cake celebration with President Pamela Whitten.

Cory Hancock | The Sentinel

Whitten shares first day of school tradition with KSU Sabrina Kerns | News Editor KSU President Pamela Whitten hosted the First Day of School Cake celebration on the Marietta and Kennesaw campuses on Monday, Aug. 13 to commemorate students’ first day of the fall semester. Whitten and members of catering from University Dining handed out free, celebratory cake to students on the Kennesaw campus green from 12-1 p.m. and at the Marietta campus globe near the student center 3-4

p.m. on Monday. Whitten first announced the plan to hold the FDOSC event in an email to faculty, staff, and students on July 25. Whitten said it is one of her favorite family traditions and wanted to share it with the KSU family on campus. Tiffany Capuano, assistant director at the office of strategic communications and marketing, said the FDOSC is a tradition that

Whitten and her three children have enjoyed every year to add to the excitement of the first day back to school. The FDOSC is one of many events that will be held on campus as the fall semester begins during KSU’s Week of Welcome, which began with the First-Year Convocation ceremony on Sunday, Aug. 12 at 5 p.m.

KSU President Pamela Whitten announced Dr. Jeff Delaney as KSU’s new chief information officer in an email sent to faculty and staff on Friday, Aug. 3. Delaney has served as the interim CIO since February after then-Interim President Ken Harmon announced that the former CIO, Lectra Lawhorne, resigned her position. This came after the university released an audit report that showed several issues surrounding Lawhorne’s leadership position among University Information Technology Services faculty

“I look forward to working with our students, faculty and staff as we strive to make Kennesaw State the best place to learn.”

members. “As interim CIO, Jeff has demonstrated his ability to lead a team and deliver result-oriented technology solutions,” Whitten said. “His professionalism and vision are assets that will continue to serve our students, faculty and staff.” Delaney has more than 20 years of experience in technology leadership in higher education. He has served as the associate vice chancellor for Information Technology Services with the Board of Regents and as Savannah State University’s chief information officer. Delaney’s educational background includes a doctoral degree in executive management in higher education from the University of Georgia, a master’s degree in information systems management from Georgia College and State University and a bachelor’s in information systems from the University of Maryland. “It has been a pleasure meeting so many passionate students and team members and seeing firsthand the dedication we share in the growth and excellence of the institution,” Delaney said. “I look forward to working with our students, faculty and staff as we strive to make Kennesaw State the best place to learn.”

Kennesaw State University | The Sentinel | August, 14, 2018 | Page 3

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Banquet celebrates inaugural graduates of healthcare management program

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Sabrina Kerns | News Editor KSU’s Coles College of Business held a ceremony to honor the inaugural graduates of the Master of Science in Healthcare Management and Informatics program on Friday, Aug. 3 at the Georgian Club in Atlanta. Dr. Sweta Sneha, founder and executive director of the MSHMI program, kicked off the banquet by congratulating the graduating class and thanking all of the board members, industry partners, faculty members and students for the work they put into the program. Sneha also gave a special thanks to Dr. Kathy Schwaig, dean of the Coles College of Business, who was also in attendance. She said that Schwaig has been in total support of the program since its inception two years ago. “She has been the leader, the vision behind it, and I cannot thank her enough,” Sneha said. “If you’re here today and if I’m standing tall, it’s because she’s holding us high.” Schwaig also spoke at the banquet, and took a moment to speak specifically to the faculty and the students in attendance that graduated from the program the week before. “I always say there is no prouder time for us than graduation,” Schwaig said. “The reason

the university exists is for that moment when many of you were on a stage last week and our president shook your hand and you accepted a diploma that really summarizes and captures so much energy, and effort, and work, and commitment and sacrifice that our students make.” The MSHMI program merges technology, computing, data analytics, and health care delivery processes with leadership and management principles and is a collaboration between KSU’s Coles College of Business, the WellStar College of Health and Human Services, the College of Science and Mathematics and the College of Computing and Software Engineering. “I can think of no better program at Kennesaw State University, or certainly any program that I have been affiliated with, that has been more collaborative than this program,” Schwaig said. Sneha worked with her team to build up the MSHMI program as a way to meet a need for information technology professionals in the healthcare industry. “A few years back, we started this journey with really a vision, a really warm and fuzzy

vision, of creating a program that would empower young men and women to make a strong contribution in the health IT and the health informatics field,” Sneha said. John Brennan, the executive vice president and chief clinical integration officer at WellStar, was the keynote speaker at the banquet. He spoke to students about the increasing need for IT professionals in the health industry and offered his own insight into how healthcare professionals could be using technology to help patients. Candice Saunders, the CEO and president of WellStar Health Systems, was originally scheduled to speak, but could not make it to the event. Sneha and Schwaig presented awards during the banquet to the industry partners who helped the program with professional practice opportunities. They also presented awards to the graduates that they felt were leaders within the program. The college offered a complimentary dinner to the faculty, staff, students and industry partners that attended. After the awards were handed out, guests also helped themselves to a complimentary dessert table before the banquet ended.

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470-578-6470 The Coles College of Business held a ceremony to honor the graduates of the Master of Science in Healthcare Management and Informatics program.

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staff information EDITORIAL BOARD EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Marquis Holmes

eic@ksusentinel.com MANAGING EDITOR Abi Marmurowicz managingeditor@ksusentinel.com NEWS EDITOR Sabrina Kerns newseditor@ksusentinel.com OPINION EDITOR Elizabeth Nouryeh opinioneditor@ksusentinel.com ARTS & LIVING EDITOR Luke Gardner artseditor@ksusentinel.com SPORTS EDITOR Rio White sportseditor@ksusentinel.com PHOTO EDITOR Kevin Barrett photoeditor@ksusentinel.com

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Former KSU professor arrested, pipe bomb found in vehicle Sabrina Kerns | News Editor

There are 20 members on the committee that Whitten said is composed of a “broad spectrum” of faculty and staff members from each of KSU’s 13 colleges.

Kevin Barrett | The Sentinel

Provost position officially open, search committee named Sabrina Kerns | News Editor KSU officially opened the provost and vice president for academic affairs position by posting the job ad on its website on Monday, Aug. 6. The provost is the chief academic officer at the university and is responsible for “all aspects of the University’s academic mission, including the intellectual environment for faculty, students and staff, and planning, budgeting, supervising and reviewing programs in instruction, research and continuing education,” the ad reads. The ad also lays out what the university expects from the next provost. Some expectations listed include “exemplary interpersonal and communication skills, commitment to the goals of diversity and inclusion and an appreciation of the role and

mission of a large, comprehensive and ascending public university.” Before the posting the ad, KSU President Pamela Whitten sent an email to faculty, staff and students on July 25 to announce the finalized members of the Provost Search Committee. There are 20 members on the committee that Whitten said is composed of a “broad spectrum” of faculty and staff members from the Kennesaw and Marietta campuses and each of KSU’s 13 colleges. Whitten said she also included members that report directly to the provost and representatives from each of KSU’s governing boards. Jon Preston, dean of the College of

Computing and Software Engineering, currently serves as the chair of the committee. Matthew Hunnicutt, a student representative and the president of the Student Government Association, was also chosen to serve on the committee. The current interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Linda Noble took over the role in February after former Provost Ken Harmon became the interim president. Harmon announced later in February that, once a new president was chosen, he wanted to step down from the role of provost and take on a faculty position in the School of Accountancy. The committee is currently working to fill the position that Harmon has left vacant.

Cobb County police arrested a former KSU professor July 10 after he told officials he put an explosive in his vehicle. Police made the arrest on charges of false statements and theft by taking when they arrived at Brent Christopher Allsup’s home at approximately 7:30 a.m. on July 10, according to WSB. They then evacuated the Acworth neighborhood and searched Allsup’s SUV where they found “what appeared to be an explosive device,” according to the AJC. Also according to the AJC, the police were able to safely remove the device from Allsup’s vehicle. The police identified the device as a “PVC pipe bomb with flash powder, .45 calibration pistol ammunition and electric ignition system.” Allsup is currently facing additional charges of possession and manufacture of a destructive device, reckless conduct and cruelty to children, according to the AJC. Allsup served as a part-time accounting professor at KSU for seven years before he resigned after KSU police arrested him on the Kennesaw campus on three felony drug charges and an open-container

misdemeanor on Oct. 5 last year. KSU police received a call from a witness who said they saw Allsup stumbling around a parking lot on campus, and police later found him unconscious in the Carmichael Student Center. When police searched Allsup’s car, they found prescription pill bottles, a container with eight unknown pill tablets and a beer bottle.

“The police identified the device as a ‘PVC pipe bomb with flash powder, .45 calibration pistol ammunition and electric ignition system.’” Allsup told the police he had two or three beers, a muscle relaxant and a narcotic painkiller before teaching his 7 p.m. class and said his prescriptions are to treat his lower back pain and other medical conditions.

Page 4 | Kennesaw State University | The Sentinel | August 14, 2018

OPINION

A FALL WELCOME FROM OUR NEW EDITORS

Abi Marmurowicz, Managing Editor

Bridget Walker, Production Manager

I am a senior majoring in journalism and emerging media. This is my second year at KSU. I started designing for The Sentinel in January. Now I am the production manager, which means I am in

charge of the design of the paper. I am so excited about this opportunity and I know I have big shoes to fill. I have been involved with school newspapers since my junior year of high school, which is when I fell in love with journalism. I love journalism because it consists of so many different forms of storytelling. I appreciate that it sometimes serves to speak up for people who may not be able to speak up for themselves. Outside of school, I spend a lot of time at church and I babysit. I also hang out with friends, family and my dog, Cooper.

Luke Gardner, Arts & Living Editor

I am a freelance writer and reporter majoring in journalism and emerging media and minoring in professional writing. I have written for the Sentinel since 2016 and am thrilled to serve as Arts and Living Editor. I believe

By way of introduction, I am the new managing editor of the Sentinel and I could not be more excited to kick

I previously attended Chattahoochee Technical College for two years and am currently in my second semester here at KSU. I am originally from Des Moines, Iowa, where I grew up and spent a majority my life. Two days after high school graduation, I packed up my bags and moved down to Atlanta to be closer to my relatives and I have loved this city ever since. Through

I am a sophomore journalism and emerging

media major. Before becoming photo editor, I served as a staff photographer for the Sentinel. Outside of the paper, a huge part of my life revolves around cars. It started when I saw my first race in 2009 and my obsession has only grown since. Being a car enthusiast has introduced me to other interests I have such as photography. Since I bought my first camera four years

Autumn Edmonson | Staff Writer

Brianna Thornbur, Katherine Tims, and Christine Swaney pose during Philanthropy Day.

my college years, I have grown a passion for people and find a lot of interest in all forms of mass media, making this job with the Sentinel a dream come true. Apart from school and work, I enjoy hanging out with friends, exploring new parts of Atlanta and volunteering my time wherever I can. After college, I hope to land a job at the AJC, Creative Loafing, or even CNN.

Kevin Barrett, Photo Editor

Differing opinions can be essential among groups of friends y surrounding yourself with people that challenge your view, rather than always being a mirror to your voice, these differing opinions help you grow as a person and prepare for life off-campus. Friends that oppose your own opinion give you the opportunity to learn about the lives behind the perspective — they inform you about why they think differently and if you approach the conversation with an open mind, you can gain some real understanding of the opposing view. They also challenge you to think critically about your own opinions. During a debate, you’re forced to consider the motive behind why you think the way you do, and you can even learn something new about yourself. A 2004 study by Anthony Lising Antonio, a professor at the Stanford Graduate School of Education, shows that people, when faced with a perspective different from their own, are more likely to be thoughtful and insightful than if faced with someone with similar views as their own. Instead of nodding their heads and agreeing over the table, people are inspired to dig into the facts and the motives behind their opinions. In return for their efforts, they become more aware of the world around them and the vast array of people in it. Your opposing friends can help you to develop acceptance, empathy, patience and ultimately, respect. When you are a part of a group that shares differing opinions openly and without fear, you learn to not judge too quickly or look

and a minor in professional writing. With my degree and experience at the Sentinel, I hope to work for a nonprofit oncology organization helping other cancer survivors strive. Until then, I aspire to connect and inform our readers, empower our writers and editors as they advance their careers, and spread the message that student media matters now more than ever.

Rebekka Cacciatore, Engagement Director

I am a public relations major with a minor in engagement marketing.

journalism is about compassion, representation and creating positive change. I love to cover LGBTQ culture, non-normative religious ideologies, human rights violations and social justice issues. This field has introduced me to many new experiences and ways of thought, and I welcome these experiences with an open mind and an open heart. I believe strong journalism asks the hard questions, takes the side of the oppressed and empowers the masses through education. I plan to pursue a master’s degree after I graduate from KSU in 2020. I hope to one day work for media agencies like Vice, Group 9 Media, Al Jazeera, Salon, The Young Turks, Vox and Huffington Post.

off this fall semester with so many talented coworkers around me. My background is in travel nursing and holistic medicine, but my love for writing and editing has always been prominent in all facets of my life. I have been writing for the newspaper since the beginning of 2018 and decided to become more involved this spring. In the fall of 2019, I will graduate from KSU with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science

down on them just because they are different from you. Intolerance is not a good look overall, especially as students. San Francisco State University President Les Wong states that the best way to engage in conversations of opposing opinions is by “exploring, analyzing and carefully listening before drawing conclusions.” Friends that do not agree with you still provide a safe environment for you to grow these skills that will be vital when you enter the working world and are faced with more dissimilarities. Despite popular belief, your opinion is not fact. Opinions are malleable and personal, and there will always be people that disagree with you. Living in an echo chamber of friends that share the same stance as you will not help you grow the way healthy, respectful differences do. Christina Pazzanese of Harvard Law warns us of the dangers of this as “many people now operate in virtual gated communities” without ever venturing into healthy debates. Friends who challenge you help you to become more confident in yourself and bring more excitement to life by pushing you out of your comfort zone. We need the challenges and the personal connections to keep us happy and functioning. However difficult the head-butting can be, what you gain and the lessons you learn from these relationships far outweigh the dissonance. Your diverse friends can educate you about the lives of those with opposing views and foster more critical thinking as a result.

Sean Thomas | The Sentinel

ago, it has never left my side and has led me to many great opportunities. My biggest goal is to become an automotive journalist, which I discovered by writing about the photos I took. After hearing praise from friends and family about my writing, I had realized that it was something I wanted to make a career out of. I look forward to what the Sentinel has to offer this coming year.

The new Editor-in-Cheif, Marquis Holmes, aims to better the Sentinel at the helm of his leadership this semester.

Kevin Barrett | The Sentinel

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Marquis Holmes | Editor-in-Chief

s I pen this message to you all, I am currently overseeing the first fall issue of a publication historically committed to speaking for now over 30,000 students. I pen this from a position of leadership I never thought was possible — the chief editor of the Sentinel, the 2018 KSU Organization of the Year. I pen this as the successor to the gifted 2018 Student of the Year, Cory Hancock. I pen this with a promise to my staff, new and old, to mentor and to mold them to be better journalists than prior to meeting me. I pen this with a promise to my editorial staff to always make this journey as soothing as possible and mentor them the best way I can. I pen this welcoming all questions, comments, concerns, suggestions and tips, for I will be the first to admit that I am far from perfect and will likely fall sometimes before I pick up momentum. Lastly, I pen this with the ambition to bring you news coverage that you can continue to depend on and look forward to reading every week. I pen this with the intent to show this school just how amazing their fellow classmates, faculty and administration can be, and always, I pen this to continue to promote transparency within this community.

Corresponding academic calendars benefit Georgia students Nicolas Fricia | Contributor

olleges should be on the same academic schedule because it will allow family and friends who are enrolled in different colleges more time to spend together throughout their busy semesters. With over 70 percent of colleges having a two-semester academic year, there are often times minor nuisances in these schedules that prevent you from seeing your other university friends and family throughout the year. One of these nuisances is that some Georgia colleges start spring break the first week of March while others might start in the last week of March. KSU’s spring 2019 calendar shows spring break begins on March 30, 2019 while UGA begins their spring break on March 11, 2019. This prevents friends and family members from different colleges to have get-togethers during their busy semesters. “I find as you get older it gets more difficult to keep up with friends as you’re living more and more separate lives,” said sophomore sociology major Andie Carter. “The same break schedule will definitely make it easier to keep up with my distant friends.” Some people may not be inclined to have similar break schedules due to the possibility of causing more crowded vacation spots and having an independent office of registrars who do not actively coordinate with one another. While causing crowded vacations is a likely concern, this concern will only happen at specific vacation spots such as popular beach cities in Florida, resorts in Mexico, and other mostlycoastal places. Regardless, this situation can give

people the opportunity to think of new and exciting ideas that are not mainstream to spend their vacation with friends and family they normally cannot see throughout the semester. Even though students keep up with each other through technology and social media throughout the semesters, in-person contact between friends across universities lacks because of these varying break

schedules. As Dr. Graham C.L. Davey of Psychology Today outlines, it is the quality of social interactions rather than the quantity we encounter in social media that makes us happy. By broadening our social connections we make them shallower. Keeping quality interactions with a few real friends will make us feel less isolated and more socially satisfied. Because breaks are vitally important to students, there should be a change in the way these breaks are coordinated in order to bring good friends and family across different colleges together. To remedy the uncoordinated schedules, the office of the registrar should collaborate with the respective local colleges in Georgia to address this concern. Starting with local colleges before coordinating with colleges further away will make it easier to have communication going between the schedule planners, thus resulting in a more achievable goal. Allowing more opportunities to bring our generation together in high-quality, less-digital settings will always be beneficial for keeping healthy relationships between our family and friends.

ARTS AND LIVING

Page 7 | Kennesaw State University | The Sentinel | August 14, 2018

WOW will also host an interactive Comedy Mentalist and Hypnotist Show on Thursday, Aug. 16, at 8 p.m. in the ARC Amphitheater on the Kennesaw campus.

Photo Courtesy Jessi Lestelle

KSU BRINGS HYPNOTISTS AND FOOD DRIVE TO WOW Sarah Childers | Contributor

Kennesaw State students will have the chance to help feed disadvantaged people by volunteering at the Rise Against Hunger event and the chance to be hypnotized during a mentalist show. Kennesaw State’s Week of Welcome, spearheaded by the Office of the Dean of Students, and Volunteerism and Service Learning Organization are teaming up with Rise Against Hunger to prepare meals for those in need. The event will be hosted Aug. 16 in the Wilson Student Center Ballrooms from 1-2:30 p.m. on the Marietta campus. Students who participate in the event will join their peers to put together nutritional meals that will be distributed to food-insecure individuals in multiple countries. According to Owllife, students aim to package over 17,000 meals in one day alone. The collaborator, Rise Against Hunger, is a service organization that aspires to give nutritional aid to those in need from anywhere in the world, often times by hosting events like this one. This is WOW’s second year working with Rise Against Hunger. According to the chair of the WOW committee, Ron Lunk, the committee was inspired to bring the project back because of its popularity the previous year. “It’s a come-and-go event,” Lunk said. “As people have time, they can come through and make these meal packets.” WOW will also host an interactive Comedy Mentalist and Hypnotist Show on Thursday, Aug. 16,

COUNTRY STAR INSPIRED BY HER KSU EXPERIENCE Luke Gardner | A&L Editor After spending a year at KSU, Cyndi Thomson went on to use her experiences as inspiration for her musical career. In fact, Thomson reached number one on the country charts in 2001 with her single “What I Really Meant To Say” and recently told the Sentinel that the single, her favorite composition, is about a boy that she knew at KSU. The unnamed prince charming played baseball with a college team in Tifton, Ga., where Thomson grew up. Later, Thomson’s crush moved to Kennesaw, unaware that she would see him again when she attended KSU in 1996. She dated the baseball player onand-off during her first year at KSU and one day had a realization when supporting him in the stands. “As I watched the scouts [when] I was in the stands, I realized no one was scouting me,” Thomson said.

at 8 p.m. in the ARC Amphitheater on the Kennesaw campus. The show stars the Boston mentalist duo Antonina and David Hall, who will be performing a variety of interactive tricks. During the event, participants will not only have the chance to be hypnotized but will also have a chance to have their thoughts read and see future predictions revealed. Lunk said that the committee wanted to put on a show that would give students a break from first-week stress. “Let’s just come out, laugh, and do something fun,” Lunk said. The committee began planning activities in January and met monthly until August to talk about the plans and activities. The fun part, Lunk said, began when the committee started narrowing down the talent around April. Compared to the comedy acts held in the past, this year’s WoW went with something more interactive. According to their website, the mentalist duo offers two main styles of performance, including the “StandUp Mentalist/Mind-Reading Show,” which combines their usual mind-blowing antics with comedy, and the “Walk Around Metalist Duo,” a slightly more intimate group-style reading featuring multiple tricks. Students can learn more about these events on WOW’s website or Owl Life page. To learn more about Antonina and David or see videos of past performances, visit admentalists.com. To learn more about Rise Against Hunger and their efforts, visit RiseAgainstHunger.org.

Cyndi Thomson reflects on her time at KSU.

That’s when she decided to attend Belmont University in Nashville, a concrete step in pursuing her dream to become a country music artist. Thomson recalled her time at KSU as an exciting time, as it was her first taste of freedom away from home. She told the Sentinel she believes her experiences at KSU have influenced her music. “It was a sweet time in my life,” Thomson said. “What I Really Meant To Say” was a song from the heart about the romance Thomson left behind when she decided to move to Nashville. It was her first single and watching it go number one solidified her dreams. Thomson’s music has been heavily influenced by her relationship with God and her small town background — two things she is very grateful for. She decided to pursue a career as a country music artist one overwhelming day when she

Photo Courtesy of Cyndi Thomson

was watching Trisha Yearwood perform “She’s In Love With a Boy.” Thomson remembers praying to God and hearing his voice for the first time, reassuring her with “you’re gonna do that.” Thomson explained that the inspiration for her music has changed as she has grown. Now Thomson’s music is often influenced by different types of writing, including spiritual and devotional books, compared to her first album, which was heavily influenced by personal experiences. Today she continues to find inspiration in her personal experiences. Thomson has a husband of 16 years, a 13-year-old and a nine-year-old, all of which serve as encouragement and inspiration. Thomson is in the process of writing a book about her unique experiences while continuing to work on new music.

DOWN 1. Yellowjacket 2. Cognizant of 3. Capital on the Dnieper 4. Mideast V.I.P. 5. Limited in scope 6. Sports award 7. Bygone bird 8. Uncooked seafood 9. *”The Mummy” or “City Lights” 10. Egg on 11. *Cab Calloway’s improvised singing 12. *Gandhi’s ____ March 15. Brooches with low relief carving 20. Pipsqueak 22. Wood-shaping tool 24. Cited as evidence 25. *Dominant mass media in the 1930s 26. Mushroom cloud maker 27. Prenatal 29. Snaky swimmers 31. Melee memento 32. Fiesta fare 33. One of the Muses 34. *Third ____ 36. Building block 38. Just for men 42. Nose of a missile 45. Military offensive 49. India’s smallest state 51. Disinterested response 54. Nursemaids in India 56. Parkinson’s disease drug 57. Arm bone 58. Cambodian currency 59. ____ of measurement 60. 1960s boots 61. Remaining after deductions 62. Another spelling for #4 Down 63. *”It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It ____ Got That Swing)” 64. *Colbert showed them in “It Happened One Night” 67. Pool shark’s weapon

Aug. 14 SOLUTION

CROSSWORD:

The 1930s

SUDOKU

ARTS AND LIVING

ACROSS 1. Stopped from sleeping 6. Emergency responders 9. Much ado 13. Carl Jung’s inner self 14. Old French coin 15. Approximately 16. Castrated bull 17. “Swan Lake” step 18. Relating to pond scum 19. *Great Depression state 21. *”The Maltese Falcon” author 23. *____ Row 24. ____-de-camp 25. Churchill’s “so few” 28. *Subject of “Reefer Madness” 30. Herpes ____, a.k.a. shingles 35. Cain’s victim 37. *Johnny Vander Meer and Ernie Lombardi 39. Go “Boo!” 40. Shower with affection 41. *Now demoted planet identified in 1930 43. Antioxidant-rich berry 44. Insect, post-metamorphosis 46. Slang for heroin 47. College cadet program 48. Elongated shape 50. Shining armor 52. Fifth note 53. One less traveled 55. Loudness knob 57. *First FIFA World Cup location 61. *FDR’s brainchild 65. Linoleums, for short 66. Hole-in-one 68. Mr. Simpson to Marge 69. *Seabiscuit sound 70. QB exclamation 71. Imitating 72. *Johnny Hodges and Jimmy Dorsey played it 73. Group of exercises 74. In the Queen of Hearts’ oven?

Aug. 14 SOLUTION

Listen to Owl Radio! Check them out on the RadioFX app and online at ksuradio.com!

Get involved with The Peak! Apply online at studentmedia.kennesaw.edu!

ARTS AND LIVING

Kennesaw State University | The Sentinel | August 14, 2018 | Page 8

LOCAL VOLUNTEERS HELP RECYCLE AT KSU MOVE-IN DAY

Alisa Seripap | The Sentinel A group of employees from a local financial group volunteered to help break down cardboard boxes and recycle them during movein day at KSU.

Luke Gardner | A&L Editor Seven employees from Henssler Finacial’s Kennesaw branch volunteered to break down the boxes and separate out other items to be recycled during move-in Aug. 10-11. According to a tweet from Henssler Financial, its employees helped recycle more than 4.5 thousand pounds of cardboard last year’s move-in period. The numbers from this year’s move-in have not yet come in. The volunteers were strategically stationed at two different sides of University Village housing where they teamed up in shifts to help ease the move-in process for the incoming KSU freshmen. Henriette Nielsen, an alumna of KSU, was one of the participating volunteers and told the Sentinel that this was her first year volunteering. Nielsen said she volunteered because she understands the importance of protecting the environment from landfills. Nielsen held an internship with Henssler Finacial through KSU and was thrilled they decided to hire her. Giving back to the school, then, was an obvious choice

for Nielsen. “Being able to help my own campus was a privilege,“ Nielsen said. She was a part of the first shift that stayed until 1:30 p.m. and said that students would bring them carts full of cardboard and plastics for them to sort into appropriate containers. Nielsen explained that the marketing department sent an email asking employees if they had free time and those willing to volunteer did. Nielson said she was very happy that her employer offers this opportunity, and noted that the company already has a strong relationship with KSU. Financial planning associations from Henssler Financial hosts a monthly series called KSU MoneyWise, a onehour presentation to teach KSU students about financial issues such as credit, loans and budgeting. Those interested in learning more about Henssler Financial and about KSU MoneyWise can find information on the company’s Twitter Page.

Page 9 | Kennesaw State University | The Sentinel | August 14, 2018

SPORTS

KSU AIMS TO MAINTAIN GOLD STANDARD AT PRESEASON CAMP Tyhi Conley | Staff Writer

The reigning Big South Conference champions are following head Kevin Barrett | The Sentinel coach Brian Bohannon’s vision in pursuit of first place aspirations.

The football team began its training camp on Wednesday, Aug. 1, seeking to build on the success of last season, where they won twelve games and reached the quarterfinals of the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs. After ranking fifth in the College Football America 2018 Yearbook Preseason FCS Top 30 poll, the reigning Big South Conference champions are following head coach Brian Bohannon’s vision in pursuit to first place aspirations. “The vision was very clear. The foundation was going to be laid upon this idea called effort, attitude and toughness,” quarterback Chandler Burks said. “You see it everywhere. It’s posted in our locker room, it’s posted on our helmets, it’s in the office. It’s everywhere. From there, we’re going to take that mentality to the field and win championships. That’s the conference championship, which guarantees you a spot into the playoffs, and then taking that to the national championship and becoming the powerhouse in the FCS.” The senior’s determination is pushing him to improve on accuracy this training camp. He said the quarterbacks fell short of their goal last season after completing around 60 percent of their passes. Burks, whose skills also landed him on the preseason Walter Payton Award watch list, may serve his biggest impact with his

off-the-field intangibles. “If he was running for president I’d vote for him,” senior wide receiver Justin Sumpter said. “That’s the type of person he is, probably one of the greatest leaders I’ve ever been around.” The leadership attitude has trickled throughout the team, with some of the younger players taking roles usually held by veterans. This can be seen through sophomore defensive standout Bryson Armstrong, who has become as much a vocal leader as he is a physical leader. “I’m trying to become a better leader and work on my leadership skills,” Armstrong said. “It’s important as a defense we communicate. And so, this year I’m really focused on communicating as a defense and getting to know my teammates a little better.” Unsatisfied with the pace and intensity of training camp, Bohannon challenged the team in a meeting. As pads were put on and the week progressed, the team gradually improved. Because the bulk of returning seniors are on offense, Bohannon said there are many unsolidified positions, including left tackle and multiple defensive positions. In order to stand out, players are referring back to Bohannon’s vision of effort, attitude and toughness. “Effort is the one thing that everyone can

control,” running back Darnell Holland said. “It’s impossible to run 100 yards so fast, but you can always control your effort and give 100 percent no matter what.” Preseason All-American CJ Collins said, “Our main motivation is just trying to be the mentally and physically toughest offensive line in the country and taking care of one another and looking out for each other, because on the offensive line it’s really a brotherhood. It’s got to be a five in one heartbeat.” As the season draws nearer, the team will need to continue to practice at a high standard to be prepared for a tough first opponent. The head coach expects nothing less. “The gold standard of this program is just certain things that are required to be a Kennesaw State football player. Effort, attitude and toughness are definitely some of them,” Bohannon said. “To play harder and have a better attitude and be mentally and physically tougher than anybody we play, you have to practice like it. And that’s the hard part. I definitely think they understand the standard. I think every day, to come out and fight to get to the standard is the challenge.” The Owls begin their season on Friday, Aug. 30, when they travel to Atlanta to play Georgia State.

Women’s soccer looks to build off younger players Rio White | Sports Editor The Kennesaw State soccer team played two exhibition matches last week, giving players game experience in preparation for their opening match of the season. During a positive season, the Owls finished with eight wins, seven losses, and four draws. The squad consisted of 14 freshmen, and a season’s worth of experience will help the remaining sophomores heading into the next. The relative youth of the team makes it especially important for the veterans to lead the team, and head coach Benji Walton has established his emphasis on that. Team leaders such as Isabella Contreras and Carly Pressgrove will be tasked with helping

solidify team cohesion. “We are excited to get started on our journey for 2018,” Walton said. “I think our returners are hungry to prove themselves and we have a good mix of new personalities coming in that will add an even more competitive edge to our team culture.” For the team, a challenging schedule awaits them in the fall, but the chance to improve by playing strong opponents will be increased as well. The Owls play two Southeastern Conference teams in Alabama and Georgia as well as other talented teams. Despite the difficult nature of the schedule, Walton welcomes the challenge and wants the team to be tested so that they can gain confidence.

“We scheduled a tough one right away on purpose,” Walton said. “We want to get exposed, we want to see where our breakdowns are and we want to see what we can do well against a good opponent. Hopefully we will defend as a unit.” The team played together in the spring as well, and Walton was impressed with the shape of the team. Typically, the team is set up in a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-3-3 formation, and Walton’s challenge for the team as a whole is improving the passing and organization in the offensive third of the field. The Owls begin their season on Friday, Aug. 17 at 7 p.m. as they host the Western Carolina Catamounts.

Volleyball seeks to defend ASUN title

Isabella Contreras puts her focus to the test in a game against Furman last year.

Photo courtesy of Kyle Hess

Carly Pressgrove dribbles the ball across the field at a game against the University of Alabama.

Photo courtesy Kyle Hess

Masterson signs with Dutch team

Lynn Spain | Staff Writer

Rio White | Sports Editor

After winning the Atlantic Sun Conference Championship and reaching their first NCAA Tournament last season, the volleyball team will soon be seeking to replicate that success. The Owls ended their season last year with 25 wins and five losses, defeating Florida Gulf Coast in the The volleyball team will look to Matt Boggs | The Sentinel ASUN title match before bowing out of the NCAA build on last year’s success. Tournament to Oregon. After the departure of six Schunzel said. seniors from last season’s squad, they are now starting Players and coaches are focusing on staying mentally this season with nine returning players and six and physically fit for the season. The coaches are new freshmen. gearing up the players during the almost three weeks “We’re going to be a little different than we have of practice before the season to keep their competitive in past years,” head coach Keith Schunzel said. “But I edge all season long. Coach Schunzel has high hopes don’t think that’s a bad thing. The depth of our gym is for the team. as good as it has ever been.” “It feels incredible to be back and playing again,” The coaches are looking forward to assimilating senior Liesl Engelbrecht said. “Our first practice we the freshmen into the team and the culture of the practiced more technical, ball-control skills and then program. These new players bring assets to the team our second practice we competed and got after it a that the coaches have been scouting for a couple years. little more.” Those assets will need to be utilized for the difficult The volleyball team begins their season with a schedule ahead, as the Owls will have to face two new three-game slate in Birmingham, Alabama starting on members of the ASUN conference, and the added Aug. 24. They play Loyola-Chicago and McNeese State pressure of hosting the conference tournament at the before they wrap up the trio of games playing host end of the season. team Samford. “It’s going to be a challenging and exciting season,”

Former KSU basketball player Nick Masterson signed his first professional contract on July 23, joining Dutch side Aris Leeuwarden. The Woodstock, Ga. native makes his first foray into the pro basketball world after a successful collegiate career with the Owls. A two-time Atlantic Sun Conference All-Academic selection and a second-team All-Conference selection last season, Masterson brings a decorated past with him to Europe. After leading all Division One college players with a 54.1 percent shooting percentage from the three-point line, Masterson looks to bring the same long-range marksmanship to the Netherlands. “Nick is clearly one of the best shooters that’s ever attended and played for Kennesaw State and I’m happy for him because I think all of his hard work has been rewarded,” KSU head basketball coach Al Skinner said. “I’m very happy for him because I know he wanted the opportunity to continue to play and I know he’ll make the most of it.” The team Masterson joins has three other Americans and is prepared to make him an integral part of their season, which begins Oct. 6. The four Americans will be tasked to help improve a team that has spent the last

Nick Masterson fires a threeChris Brown | The Sentinel point shot. several years in the middle of the pack in their league. “We now have a real shooter at home,” head coach Tony van den Bosch said. “The combination with the strength and drive of Johnny Williams gives Aris a dangerous backcourt with a lot of threat. The team is starting to take shape.” Masterson is the first player from River Ridge High School to sign a professional contract and is the third KSU player in recent years to play in Europe, along with Yonel Brown and Kendrick Ray. Averaging nearly 16 points per game in his senior year, Masterson became a crucial player for the Owls as they found success late last season. His ability to score during pivotal moments will serve him well during his career in the Netherlands and elsewhere.

CAMPUSSERVICES

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