JULY 2014
Welcome to A TRANSFER STUDENT SHARES DOUBTS and WHY SHE sTAYED at ksu
Advice from a
senior
KSU
Places your KSU ID card will get you a
discount
July 2014 | -1-
INSIDE
4 How a bird landing on a Bible helped one student decide to stay at KSU
ABOUT TALON Talon is the feature magazine of Kennesaw State University. We publish contributions of photo essays and creative nonfiction features on anything relating to students, faculty, staff, campus or issues pertaining to them. Graduate students as well as alumni are welcome to contribute true stories, boldly told.
EDITORIAL STAFF
9 Get involved: KSU activities and clubs shown throughout issue
CONTENTS
4
A transfer student writes about her experience with lonliness and how a bird landing on her lap encouraged her to stay.
7
Assistant Director Kayla Rowe
what she wishes someone told her before parking for class.
8
with deals for students, faculty and staff. Link for full list.
Chief Copy Editor Imogen Bowdler
10
DISCLAIMER All comments and opinions expressed are those of the author and not necessarily of Talon Magazine staff, its advisers or KSU and do not reflect the views of the faculty, staff, student body, KSU Student Media or the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. -2- | TALON MAGAZINE
ADVIC E F ROM A SEN IOR This nontraditional student, who is president of the history
Additional contributors to this issue: Steven Cheek, Dail Edwards, Jessica Fisher, Paisley Maxwell
L O C AL PL AC ES OF F ER K SU DI S C OU N T S A spotlight of local restaurants, shopping and a gas station
Photo Editor Brea Boutwell Assistant Copy Editor Alex Moore
WHAT I WISH SOM EON E TOLD M E Thinking back to the first day on campus, a student shares
Editor-in-Chief Ellen Eldridge Creative Director Sheherazade Draw
A L IT T L E BIRD TOL D M E
honor society and maintains a 4.0 GPA, shares advice for all.
14
WH Y I C HO SE K SU An incoming freshman shares her thoughts on why she chose KSU and what she hopes to experience after Move-In Day.
16
SOMET H ING F OR EVERYON E Growing up in Atlanta and moving to Kennesaw didn’t disappoint this city girl, who shares things to do on and off campus.
19 Take time to enjoy early mornings at KSU, exploring the campus.
8 Places offering KSU discounts
EDITORIAL: Meet The New Editor-In-Chief
F Ellen Eldridge takes a selfie in the Talon office in early June 2014 to say hello to those interviewing for editorial positions as well as the KSU student body. Her sincere hope is to inspire student writers and creators to get involved with Talon feature magazine.
eature magazines generally have a focus on theme and content, created for a niche audience. Talon Magazine has long struggled with issues of identity, but my hope is to shape Kennesaw State University’s feature magazine into an outlet for creative nonfiction, also known as literary journalism. My vision includes telling the true stories of the people, places and things that make our time here memorable. We have stories we tell our close friends, secrets we keep from parents and journals we keep on and offline, filled
with our fears. While we’re at school, we’re doing more than building a career. We’re building our identity and finding friends to help us along the way. These stories about the times we felt like giving up and the people who got us through it, will be the stories we take away 10 years after graduation. While this magazine won’t be entirely created from memoir, Talon strives to act as a voice for students. We want to write, photograph and design our page in history. Student media allows us to do that, while benefitting us with portfolio pieces. As the editor-in-chief
for the 2014-15 school year, I want to lay a foundation for literary journalism that future student media leaders can build on. I’m experienced enough to know what counts in life, and learning from mistakes, making memories and telling loved ones how much they mean are the best things in life. I’m a writer eager to tell stories. I sincerely hope this introductory issue helps new students know a bit more about KSU than we did as new students. If you want to contribute writing, photography illustration or be involved in any way, just email eic@ksutalon.com.
July 2014 | -3-
A
L I T T L E
B I R D T O L D
I
had never been away from home for more than a week or two at a time, but in November 2013, I was going on three months without seeing family or friends.
A total of 276 miles away from home, and all I had in Kennesaw was a sister who I wasn’t close with, three friends from high school and a freshly dumped heart. I sat in my room most nights, watching “The Originals” or “Vampire Diaries” and stuffing my face with Dunkin’ Donuts. The first two months at college hadn’t been terrible; just not what I was expecting college to be like after transferring to Kennesaw State University from Augusta State University.
“
M E
I made a big change moving to Kennesaw, considering I had lived at home in Thomson, Georgia, (30 minutes from campus). Plus, I had made friends and enjoyed wonderful memories at Augusta State. I just had dreams too big for that small town. I didn’t want to get stuck in a small town and miss out on any opportunities. After receiving KSU’s acceptance letter in the mail, I packed up everything I owned and moved into my dorm early in August. This was my fresh start, my new beginning, my chance to make something of myself and meet tons of new people and just have the
BY BREA BOUTWELL
awesome college experience that I had heard all the adults telling me about. However, two months after moving in I had made maybe two good acquaintances, lost an irreplaceable best friend and fallen into a state of utter depression, where I immediately started doubting my choice in moving to Kennesaw. On Nov. 8, I headed over to the Chattanooga River. As I walked by the river, I contemplated my decision about moving back home, making an imaginary list of pros and cons in my head. It all sounded good, and made sense to just go back home. I mean, that was the easiest
”
I asked for a sign, for answers, for direction, anything! As I finished the prayer, I opened my eyes and looked up.
Photo by Brea Boutwell, photo editor for Talon Magazine -4- | TALON MAGAZINE
Sometimes, the most powerful lessons come to us when we least expect them. One transfer student describes her experience doubting her decision to move to KSU and weighing the pros and cons in sticking it out on her own.
way out and the best outcome, right? As I walked around the bend of the river, I saw a little nook beside the water. I ventured down and pulled out my Bible. I didn’t have the assurance I needed to make such a decision on my own, but I knew the Man upstairs did. He always did. I opened up my Bible to Acts 1 and started reading, searching the Word, hoping it would speak to me.
to Acts 1 and le ib B y m n e p Io , searching... g in d a re d e rt sta I got nothing.
I got nothing. So, I stopped reading, closed me eyes and prayed. I asked for a sign, for answers, for direction, anything! As I finished the prayer, I opened my eyes and looked up. My eyes got stuck on the sight of a little bird sitting on my Bible. It cocked its head and looked up at me intently as I slowly reached out my hand to touch him. At first, the bird pecked my finger, but then it graciously let me pet it. Calmly, without scaring the bird, I grabbed my camera hoping the bird would stay long enough for me to take a picture, capturing the moment. Thirty pictures later I knew this was not a normal bird. What wild bird has ever sat on your lap and let you pet it and take pictures? I, of course, had to post this to Instagram immediately, so I grabbed my cracked phone, and took one more photo just before the bird flew off. I knew I’d get 100 likes, at least. I posted the photo with my phone, packed up July 2014 | -5-
Photo by Brea Boutwell
my belongings and headed back to the car. When I got back, I looked through the notifications under the photo of the bird. There was a comment that read, “Trust is amazing.” I set my phone down and thought to myself, “Wow, that was really deep.” Then, I had an epiphany about the whole situation. I missed the whole point of the bird, focusing on how many likes I could get on a picture that I didn’t realize the important message about trust.
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Here I was sitting with a bird in my lap, petting and clicking my camera at it, and the whole time, it stayed and never flew away. It trusted me, a human!
small could be your biggest obstacle. It’s not the end of the world. What you think might be a mistake could turn out to be the best thing to ever happen to you.
Had I not decided to get out of my room and get over my doubt long enough to take a walk, I would have never experienced such an intriguing moment.
Yes, I got this all from a bird landing on my lap, and no the bird didn’t speak this to me, but my choices did.
We all face obstacles in our lives that keep us from reaching for our dreams, especially as freshmen in college. Not everyone will face obstacles of homesickness or depression, but something
I described my phone as being cracked, which means it’s a little hard to read at times. I read the Instagram comment as “Trust is Amazing,” but it didn’t really say that. I read it wrong. The comment said, “That is Amazing.”
p.m. class and driving up the long road to the seventh floor. Then, I got lost on the way out of the parking deck, though I met a cute boy also lost in the Central Deck. Once in class, I found myself wishing I had knowclasses would feel like the North Pole during the hot months, and to bring a sweater. The campus of KSU offers many hidden gems, including quiet, secluded nooks where one can hide out and read a book. More than one route to get to class can often be found, and taking different paths allowed me to explore the beautiful campus and The slightly overgrown grass at the foot of the above bench, which sits across the cement walkway find out about events. In between the Social Sciences Building and the Student Center, shows the lush beauty of KSU’s campus certain areas there are during early June, when fewer students take classes and enjoy quiet nooks. Photo by Ellen Eldridge different postings than other areas, so wandering around exposes one to information about local events in Atlanta as well as on campus.
By Camille Moore Thinking back to my first day on campus at Kennesaw State University, I felt full of hope and had expectations set for myself, but without experience behind me I didn’t know what to expect about campus itself. I transferred from Chattahoochee Technical College, and though I didn’t start KSU as a freshman, I was a fresh student on campus. I had many thoughts racing through my mind like cars looping around a NASCAR track. Do I know where my classes are? Are my professors going to be easy and relaxed or demanding and unapproachable? Will I be using my meal swipes, or will I be swiping my friends in to have someone to eat with?
What will campus life be like? But, most importantly, how much will books cost? I told myself to first relax and be ready to wake up early every day for an 8 a.m. class, which while not ideal, does offer a benefit when it comes to parking. The first time I drove into the Central Parking Deck, I was consumed more with excitement than nerves because I was ready for a new challenge. I felt excited about my introduction to the culture and history of dance. I wish someone had told me parking at school is a nightmare, especially in the Central Deck after 10 a.m. I learned this the hard way, arriving in the afternoon for my Tuesday 2
Be ready for the new school year and make it one to remember. Go out and meet new people, and join a school activity because it may be beneficial for you in the long haul. Have an open mind to new classes, different people and new situations. College is the time to figure out who you are and being comfortable in your own skin.
I wish someone had told me parking at school is a nightmare, especially in central deck after 10 a.m.
July 2014 | -7-
Welcome to
KSU
Places your KSU ID card will get you a discount
Compiled by staff
For more kennesaw discounts go to https://web.kennesaw.edu/hr/emp/perks
1
Ippolito’s Restaurant 425 Ernest W Barrett Pkwy NW Kennesaw, GA 30144 Students, faculty and staff receive 15 percent off food and non-alcoholic drinks with I.D.
15 % Discount
2
Discount Tire 2930 George Busbee Pkwy Kennesaw, GA 30144 Students, faculty and staff receive 10% off any tire(s) or wheel(s). Also free tire rotations and flat repairs.
% 10 unt Disco
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3
Bruster’s Ice Cream 2960 George Busbee Pkwy location Kennesaw, GA 30144
10 %
Students, faculty and staff receive 10 percent off ice cream and cakes with I.D.
Discount
4
T.G.I. Friday’s 840 Cobb Place Blvd NW Kennesaw, GA 30144
15 %
Students, faculty and staff receive 15 percent off food and non-alcoholic drinks with I.D.
Discount
5
Swifty save 1025 Chastain Road NW Kennesaw, GA 30144
10 % Discount
KSU students, staff and faculty get 10% off purchases in the store plus 5 cents off every gallon
July 2014 | -9-
Advice fr om a
senior You don’t know on your first day what you know on your last...
1
Your cellphone is not a person. Interact with the people around you. You will be glad you did.
3
5
2
en some emergency comes attending class regularly. Wh by ors fess pro r you w kno Get to y actually recognize. ly to work with someone the up, they will be far more like
Kennesaw State is known for its high concentration of non-tradition al students. These students often have full-time jobs and families to take care of in addition to taking a full load (or more) of classes. Respect them.
4
Please do not sit next to non-traditional students (or anyone serious about playing Candy Crush on class), texting, Facebook or whatever els e it is. That will annoy the They will NOT appreciate m. it. Neither will your pro fessors.
go Remember why you chose to
de. It is the start of a career. to college. It is not 13th gra
Dail Edwards is a senior world history and cultures major with a minor in geography who maintains a 4.0 GPA and presides over KSU’s chapter of Phi Alpha Theta, the national history honor society. She is also a member of Phi Kappa Phi national honor society, and Golden Key International Honor Society and the Society of Professional Journalists. In her spare time, she plays guitar, sings opera, and creates Pysanky, traditional Ukrainian decorated eggs. She plans to pursue a Ph.D. in African history upon graduating from KSU in May 2015.
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Echo, College Ministry of North
Intramural Sports
Metro Church
Mackenzie Owens, Exercise Science, Senior - Referee for Intramural Jordan Cox, Sports Management, Junior – Referee for Intramural
Eugene Fidell, college pastor, KSU class of 2009
Catholic Student Union (above left) Mariela Serrano, junior Campus minister Jameson Curnick, senior
Club Sports Asaye Brownwest, sophomore Jordan Edmondson, sophomore Deron Pablo, junior Jeremy Washington, iunior Brittney Sorrell, alumna Women’s Lacrosse President Brittney Hughes, junior Football President Dominic Oates, senior
KSU clubs on pg 20
July 2014 | -11-
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July 2014 | -13-
The Kennesaw Pride Alliance welcomes new students during summer orientation in June. Left to Right: Chair of Community Services Brittany Mayerson, junior sociology major, Vice President Fran Patrick, senior sociology major. Photo by Brea Boutwell
Why I chose “KSU for college Honestly, KSU was the most affordable A freshman starting
clas
Of all the colleges I applied to, I chose Kennesaw State University. Of all the colleges I wrote essays for, paid application fees to and sent transcripts to, KSU is the school I was accepted to, and honestly, KSU was the most affordable. But I know now, it isn’t the name, the price tag, the history or even the preconceived notions of an institution that students should use as their decision-making criteria. Be willing to put your best foot forward every day to get out of the experience what you want from it. Somewhere between aspiring to be the next J.R.R. Tolkien and wanting to be a University -14- | TALON MAGAZINE
By Jessica Fisher
”
rsity
nnesaw State Unive
why she chose Ke ses fall 2014 explains
of California, Berkeley new-leftist-hippie in middle school, I found out everything comes with a price (from the SAT and ACT standardized tests I had to take to the application fees I had to pay) and I became disenchanted with my ideas of what a university was supposed to be. I lost my drive to go to some prestigious university after being turned down by George Washington University, the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Southern California. Though I received acceptance letters to Reinhardt University and Georgia Southern University, I thought for a short period of time in the spring and
I’m from a working class family; I know what debt does to people.
summer 2011, GS would become my future alma mater, but between HOPE cuts and a 3.06 GPA out of high school, I wasn’t exactly looking at a free ride. It would be more dramatic to say I spent the summer agonizing over whether or not I should take a student loan and go to GS, but more accurate to say I just assured myself it would all work itself out, while drinking Pepsi, reading comic books, walking and jogging at the park. When it came time to sign on the dotted line, soaring with the eagle mascot or not, I chose not. I’m from a working class family; I know what debt does to people. At the age of 19, when I started college, I didn’t feel ready to take on the reponsibility of debt. I didn’t have a job and couldn’t seem to obtain one to save my life — even now that I’m 22 and have an associate degree in communication. What was I going to do? The summer was drawing to a close, and people with whom I had graduated were going off to the University of Georgia, in Athens, while I was living in Adairsville, Georgia, with a high school diploma and a vague idea about what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. I did what all of my advanced placement teachers had implored me not to do and applied to Georgia Highlands College, the local community college. While I had one teacher who called Georgia Highlands College, “high school 2.0,” one thing made it irresistible: with both the HOPE and Federal Pell grants, my attendance would be free. I wouldn’t have to take out a loan, but I would have to wait until January to start. Instead of feeling negatie, I knew time off meant more free time to read comics, exercise, write and cover the presidential primary. After spending time live-tweeting debates and writing blog posts about what I thought were shortcomings in the president’s foreign and domestic policies a rare opportunity to intern on a presidential campaign
When I got accepted to KSU, I found within the Republican party presented itself in November 2012. I got a first-hand look into the the Non-Normative Anti-Assimilationist Students of KSU and the Kennesaw Pride Alliance, way things worked. I learned a college degree is not KSU’s Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Innecessarily everything, and you never know tersex, Queer and Questioning (GLBTIQ) Stuwhat opportunities might present themselves dent Retention Services. I’ve been told about if you’re open to them and willing to work for and accepted into Stonewall Housing, and I’ve been in communication with the campus them. I returned to classes a few days late, American Association of University Women after the New Hampshire primary. I remem- and the Ladies of Distinction. ber a bright, cool, crisp morning in January, when I walked onto the campus of Georgia Highlands College with a vitality and a vigor that could not be faked. Prestige or not, I was a college student — a first-generation college student — and I was excited to learn, to grow and to participate in everything my school had to offer. I feel obligated to point out to people that Georgia Highlands College is a college and shouldn’t be devalued as “high school 2.0.” Anything is only as much as what you put into it. At GHC, I wrote for a newspaper for the first time, which was something my high school schedule wouldn’t permit. I became part of a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender club, which was something my high school didn’t have. I found a safe space to openly be a transgender woman, which was something I could never do in high school or at home. In my last semester at Georgia Highlands, I applied to the University of Pennsylva- Jessica Fisher reads “One Flew Over the Cucoo’s Nest” and considers what she should do with nia, The University of Southern California and her life and where she wants to finish her the College of New Jersey. I also filled out, but degree. never submitted, an application for Georgia Southern University. I’ve heard rumors of an online trans There was a point when I did not want to go to KSU, the school where everyone gender studies class and I’m writing for the else went. Call me superficial, but I’ve always student-run feature magazine, Talon. And all been wary of being like everyone else. For me, before even stepping onto campus on Movehaving to take out student loans remained the In Day, which is Aug. 15. biggest deterrent, which would be the same if I went to an out-of-state school, but I’d also be stuck in the Christian, conservative, Bible Belt Georgia, where I have often met religious and political hostility.
July 2014 | -15-
Kennesaw:
something for everyone Sure, the library is great to catch up on studying, but a favorite place to hang on campus is the parking deck, where students relax to music and unwind from class
By Paisley Maxwelll
Students can find all student clubs and organizations online via OwlLife.Kennesaw.edu
When a city girl born in Atlanta and raised on adventure, moves to Kennesaw, friends and family ask how what they consider a “rural” town can match the pace. With access to a mall and many shopping and dining outlets, I knew I’d be fine. Kennesaw students can indulge in entertainment both on and off campus. Those who don’t have cars have the Cobb Community Transit system, which travels throughout Cobb County and even to MARTA stations, making it possible to travel to Atlanta, among other destinations off campus. On campus, students can easily find refuge in the Carmichael Student Center or The Commons dining hall, which boast clean and chill environments where students can study or just hang out. Though I’m an introvert, I haven’t visited either the Student Center or the dining hall without meeting a new person and planning to hang out. Numerous clubs exist at KSU, and students can find
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them all online at https://owllife.kennesaw.edu/ Students can even start their own club if nothing organized sparks their interest. Living on campus is a great way to meet new people and take part in some of the awesome events hosted by students for students on campus. I lived in the University Village Suites in 2013, where the resident assistants held a “Suites Got Talent” talent show before finals, allowing karaoke and other talent performances for prizes. The talent show relaxed us before finals, preparing us for summer. Students living off campus can take advantage of cafes on campus such as Jazzman’s Café in the Social Sciences Building or The Hoot, which is near the University Village. Sure, the library is great to catch up on studying, but a favorite place to hang on campus is the parking deck. Because I’m extremely introverted and enjoy time by myself to think, I spend
“Kennesaw has pretty much everything a die-hard city girl needs to survive.”
“City girl” Paisley Maxwell, submitted photo
a great deal of my semester chilling in my car, listening to music in the parking deck. Believe it or not, this was a pretty common place for students to kick their feet up and relax. On several occasions, I saw other students just hanging in the parking deck, skateboarding, taking a smoke break or just sitting with a group of friends.
Town Center at Cobb, located on Barrett Parkway
Kennesaw has pretty much everything a die-hard city girl needs to survive. I mean I was born and raised in the heart of Atlanta and can’t bear to feel closed in. All I know, eat, sleep, live, dream, understand and desire is the city, but since I’ve been in Kennesaw, I haven’t felt like I had nothing to do, nowhere to go, nothing to explore and nothing to see. If it’s not on Chastain Road, then it’s no farther than an exit over.
Smith-Gilbert Gardens, located on Pine Mountain Road
From malls to museums, skating rinks and natural attractions like Kennesaw Mountain, Kennesaw really has just about anything you can think of for entertainment and exploration. Mountain climbing is always a great venture because once you
reach the top of the mountains, you can look down and enjoy a full view of the entire Kennesaw area. I’ve never heard a student express disappointment after visiting Kennesaw Mountain. A few museum options exist on campus with The Museum of History and Holocaust Education and the Zuckerman Museum of Art. The Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History on Cherokee Street in Kennesaw. Another cool attraction is the Smith-Gilbert Gardens, located on Pine Mountain Road in Kennesaw, which can be compared to the Botanical Gardens in Atlanta.
The Bernard A. Zuckerman Museum of Art is on campus at the intersection of Prillaman Drive and Owl Way.
As a student at Kennesaw State University you will never experience a dull moment unless you want one. Attending KSU is a decision you won’t regret if you take the time to check out all the available activities.
Kennesaw Mountain Visitor Center, located at 900 Kennesaw Mountain Drive. Take exit 269 off Barrett Parkway or ride CCT.
July 2014 | -17-
“
Early morning provides everything needed to recharge
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the only Walking around campus before people arrive, I pretend I’m one enrolled at Kennesaw State University.
”
Beat the campus RUSH:
my favorite time of day By Ellen Eldridge
D
uring summer months, the only time of day to be outside is the early morning. One can indulge in the drive to campus early in
the day, with the windows open and the fresh
I climb the stairs to the walkway through the
air mixing with the vibrations from the music
field by the Social Science Building because I
pouring through car speakers.
know in just a few hours the campus will be crawling with student life.
On days where the temperature will rise to 90 degrees and above, the calm, crisp air at 7 or 8
As much as I enjoy meeting people and
a.m. soothes.
interacting, I relish my quiet time because after classes I don’t get to go home and relax.
Later in the year, during fall term, I try to get
I have two toddlers, whom I love with all
to Kennesaw State University early. Parking
my heart, but who aren’t always eager to let
spaces dry up after about 8:45 a.m. in the
mommy kick back and read a novel or watch
West Parking Deck, but in the West Parking
television.
Lot behind the visitor’s lot, parking goes even faster.
KSU has a beautiful campus and I urge all
Walking around campus early duing the fall
students to get out and photograph it, make
and spring terms, I pretend I’m the only one
mental memories and enjoy the quiet when
enrolled at KSU. I seriously smile to myself as
you can get it. Breathe in the cool morning air and exhale your stress.
July 2014 | -19-
Get to know clubs on KSU campus
Compiled by staff
Anyone with decent advice for new students will tell you to get involved. If student media isn’t your thing, maybe club sports or another society will inspire you. Make friends with similar interests and you’ll fit in faster.
1 KSU COED Tae Kwon Do Club The KSU Coed Tae Kwon Do Club is a constantly growing club that is committed to spreading the art that trains the body and the mind. Although the club started in 2013, it has already taken home a national championship trophy at the National Collegiate Taekwondo Championship in the individual division. All skill levels are welcome. You are encouraged to join if you are just learning the art or if you’ve been competing for years! The club has a great selection of Tae Kwon Do equipment, which it uses to practice. This past spring, one of the KSU Tae Kwon Do Members, T. Van Huynh, won first place in the Black Belt Poonmsae individual female division in California at the National Collegiate Taekwondo Championships. She represented Kennesaw State University at The World University Games hosted in China this June. She placed fifth in the talent-packed individual poomsae divisions at 2014 World University Taekwondo Championships in China! This is competition that is between colleges all over the world! So she was not only representing the Kennesaw State University Tae Kwon Do Club; she was also representing the USA. If you have any questions or would like to join the team, please “like” the club on Facebook at “Kennesaw State University Club Tae Kwon Do” or email ksutkdclub@gmail.com.
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Current officers: President: Stephanie Gargiulo Secretary: Summer Johnson Treasurer: Sarome Kang Safety: Rachael Eister Graphic Designer: Zachary Farley
2 KSU OWL RADIO OWL Radio began broadcasting with student DJs on July 9, 2007, as part of KSU’s student media, which includes The Sentinel, Talon Magazine and Share, the art and literature publication. Owl Radio is currently an Internet-based radio station offering a variety of shows, including local and national news, campus news, local music, talk, sports and a wide selection of musical programs. KSU Owl Radio also hosts events not only for KSU but also for our sponsors. KSU Owl Radio is a student- run radio station. As a student, you have the opportunity to get involved and learn the various aspects of radio working with one of our teams including: Promotions/Public Relations, Production/News, Music, and Sports. Bringing you events like the Travis Porter Meet & Greet and Owl Radio JAMFEST, Owl Radio is Kennesaw State’s voice of the campus. To get involved with the station, please visit our website www.ksuradio.com or apply online at www.ksusm.com.
3 The Horror Club The Horror Club, often misnamed the Bad Movie Club, is a group of horror movie lovers. While there are many mainstream horror movies, Horror Club mainly focuses on B-grade films. If you enjoy watching a wide genre of horror movies or would love to be introduced to the works of famous horror directors such as Fred Dekker or Stuart Gordon, the Horror Club is for you! The main films shown are horror movies that are funny to laugh at or crack jokes about, but at the same time have a good underlying quality. “One film that was a hit was 1999’s Japanese zombie-film ‘Wild Zero,’ which is about a real-life Japanese punk band fighting a ‘50s-inspired alien zombie invasion,” Jon Highsmith, former leader of the Horror Club, said. The club also watches modern horror films with satirical undertones, such as “Tucker and Dale VS. Evil” or “Slither.” On occasion, the club will even play movies like “Space Jam.” The Horror Club meets every Wednesday at 7 p.m. If you would like to join Horror Club, check out its Facebook page for more information: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ksuhorrorclub.
July 2014 | -21-
5 Kennesaw Improv Society, Stupid! Kennesaw Improv Society, Stupid!, also known as K.I.S.S., is a student run improvisation organization that has been at Kennesaw for the past seven years. With an ensemble of 10-12 students, the mantra “Improv Dangerously” is taken seriously. K.I.S.S. is created through an audition process that occurs each fall semester. The students work together to create side-splitting and unpredictably goofy skits that are performed on and off campus throughout the year. Each Tuesday during the school year, K.I.S.S. is open to any and all students who would like to participate and experience improv first-hand. In case participation isn’t for you, K.I.S.S. already has two events planned for the 2014-2015 school year. Make sure to stop by for the K.I.S.S. Roktober Laff-fest on October 3-4, and the K.I.S.S. Spring Hoopla-Palooza on April 17-18, 2015, at the Onyx Theatre inside the Wilson Building at 8 p.m.
Left to right: Evan Hynes, Emily Wolfe, Patrick Schweigert, Tad Cameron, Kelli Blundell
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more KSU clubs KSU OWLS
Kate Angelmaier, Integrative Studies, Junior – KSU Dancer Taylor Cain, Early Childhood, – KSU Cheerleader Rachael Krempasky, Hospitality and Culinary Sustainability, Junior – KSU Dancer Zac Lesher, Sports Management, Senior – Marketing Assistant Travis Meeks, Marketing, Senior – Marketing Intern Brett Whitfield, Marketing, Sophomore – Athletic Manager
Chabad: Jewish Student Union Zalman Charytan, Campus Rabbi Rebecca Yanai, Biology, Senior Nechami Charytan
Swing Dance Association
College Libertarians of KSU
Jackie Contreras, Early Childhood Education, Sophomore Anthony Romero, History, Sophomore – Vice President Hannah Koval, Industrial Engineering, Sophomore, Treasurer
African American Student Alliance
Savana Hull, Anthropology, Junior Stuart Morrison, Communications, Senior Nathan Wilson, Geography, Senior
Reformed University Fellowship
Marcus Gilliam, Business Management, Junior – Vice President Kesa McLauin, Information Systems, Senior – President Carl Duperval, Information Systems, Junior – Treasurer LaKedra Curney, Exercise Science, Senior – Secretary
Wes Calton, Campus Minister
Kennesaw Pride Alliance
Non-normative antiassimilationist
Brittany Mayerson, Sociology, Junior – Chair of Community Services Fran Patrick, Sociology, Senior – Vice President
Left to Right: Non-normative antiassimilationist Max Mager, English, Senior William Wright, Sports Management, Junior
July 2014 | -23-
Next issue: August 18
g n i r u t fea
Photo by Christian Garcia
The true story of how addiction affects KSU If you want to know when the issues of TALON are published, email eic@ksutalon.com.
-24- | TALON MAGAZINE