UNIVERSITY PRESS President Evans optimistic for new semester
Vol. 95, No. 1 September 6, 2018
Voice of Students Marino heads SGA in ‘business’ of leadership
Olivia Malick UP managing editor
Lamar University President Kenneth Evans praised the Lamar community for making it through the 2017-18 school year despite dealing with Hurricane Harvey, a January snow storm and a March tornado. Evans spoke at the annual convocation, Aug. 21, in the Montagne Center. Three days after Evans’ 2017 convocation speech, Harvey hit Beaumont and changed the course of much of what the university had planned. “We can’t go through this event today without talking about last fall,” he said. “Indeed, we did have a significant rain event — some of the estimates of the actual rain accumulation are difficult to accurately secure because the rain gauges actually broke. “When we gathered here for this event last year, we were on the road to record enrollment — we were cooking. At first, we didn’t think it would hit us, but then it bounced out to the Gulf and sat on us for 36 freaking hours. So, we decided to move students into the residential halls, so they didn’t have to move in during the rain, and we had about 1,900 students who stayed with us and weathered out the storm.” The administrative staff expected a drop of about 1,500 students in enrollment numbers due to Harvey, Evans said, be-
Rachel Hellums UP contributor
Instead of the usual political science or government background one expects from someone who is pre-law, 2018-19 SGA president Madison Marino said she is inspired by her father, a small business owner, to approach law from a business perspective. “I’ve enjoyed learning about accounting, marketing, financial analytics and everything that goes along with the business environment,” she said. Marino got her political start as student body president at Vidor High School, but what really got her involved in student government was becoming a College of Business senator at Lamar. “I went to an open forum for government association sessions, and I met with a lot of the senators and I just fell in love — and I was like, ‘Wow!’” she said. “This is a great opportunity for students to come and voice their concerns. “The student government has a direct line to the administration, so we can actually see the changes we want as students and help them implement those changes.” Marino ran for president on an executive platform built around “Accountability, Transparency, Inclusivity, and Growth.” Currently, Marino is promoting SGA’s “Swipe Out Hunger” project, where students can give away their leftover meal swipes to create vouchers for the on-site food pantry, which provides meals for food-insecure stu-
See CONVOCATION, page 2
“Throughout the past year, I witnessed the very best Lamar has to offer — the ability of one student to care for another. . .”
The Newspaper of Lamar University
UP photo by Rachel Hellums
See SGA page 2
SGA president Madison Marino has a platform of “Accountability, Transparency, Inclusivity, and Growth.”
REDtalk to address time management Abigail Pennington UP contributor
Lamar President Kenneth Evans
One of the keys to a successful college experience is learning how to effectively balance school and work while maintaining a social life. LU Success, a program for academic coaching, will host the REDtalk, “How To Manage Your Time In College,” presented by Meagan Cooper and Joya Polk, Sept. 11, on the sixth floor of Gray Library. Admission is free and open to all students, faculty and
staff, Kelly Williams, LU Success and REDtalks coordinator, said. “The time management REDtalk is really going to be about prioritizing all the things students have going on, and figuring out all the different pieces to manage time between jobs, classes, student and community organizations — and how to prioritize those things,” she said. Attendees will get to participate in fun group activities and meet new people, Polk said.
“We are doing an activity where we divide everyone into groups and give them a list of fun to-dos that they have to
complete within 10 minutes and each are worth different See REDTALK page 2
‘This is my type of university’ Maurer, new dean of Arts and Sciences, focused on helping students succeed Olivia Malick UP managing editor
Lynn Maurer UP photo by Noah Dawlearn
www.facebook.com/UPLamar
It all started in Spain in the late 1970s. The country had just gained autonomy and for the most part, people were excited to escape the grip of dictatorship. Lynn Maurer, the new dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, was just a sophomore in college studying Spanish, but seeing the formation of a democracy first hand led her to what would become her master’s and a doctorate in political science. “I had not been very interested in American politics,” she said. “Francisco Franco had died just a few years before I got there, and there were people who still wanted the old dictatorship — they were still becoming democratic. “Imagine that you were to land in the Constitutional Conventions in Philadelphia 200 years ago — the ex-
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citement. That’s what happened when I went to Spain. That was really my lifechanging event.” Maurer received her bachelor’s in Spanish with a minor in French from Otterbein University in Westerville, Ohio, but she was enamored with politics in Europe, which was the focus of her research for both her master’s and doctorate, which she received from Ohio State University. She then went on to teach for 22 years in both America and Spain. “I think teaching is the most academic thing you can do,” she said. “The last time I taught politics was Intro to American Politics, which I taught during the elections. It’s very important to me that students learn how to analyze politics and learn how to be political scientists instead of just giving political
See DEAN, page 4
www.twitter.com/UPLamar
INSIDE
QUOTE OF THE DAY “The beginning is always today.”
Thursday, September 6, 2018 University Press
— Mary Shelley
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SGA from page 1 dents. She was also an advocate for a Campus Safety Walk in the spring that resulted in the facilities and maintenance department installing several extra parking lot lights and safety features around campus. “I think a big part of student government, and being a student leader on campus, is being a public servant,” she said. “That is what I hope students remember me as — someone who is a servant to others and that is also accessible, inclusive and promotes growth at Lamar.” Marino said growth is her favorite theme for SGA. “I think a lot of times, we come in as freshman and it’s kind of like the unknown,” she said. “We have ideas about
REDTALK
from page 1
points,” she said. “We are also introducing the time matrix, which is made up of four quadrants: urgent, non-urgent, important and non-important. “Groups will be given daily tasks that can go in any of the quadrants. There will be a poster board on the wall, where they will race against each other and place their task in one of the quadrants of the time matrix. “Kind of like pin the tail on the donkey but without the blindfolds.” The REDtalks, which are held regularly throughout the semester, are a great way to meet people and make connections while learning about important topics in a fun and interactive environment, Williams said. “Students will gain something from them, whether it’s from another student or the presenter, and most of the REDtalks are really interactive,” she said. In addition to learning time management skills, students will receive a free T-shirt and complimentary nachos, Williams said. “We only have 200 shirts for the fall semester so you have to come to one of the early ones, but all students who attend the first couple of REDtalks will get a free Tshirt,” she said. Cooper, a speech and hearing major, and Polk, an ASL major, are partners in the LU Success program. For more information, visit lamar.edu/ redtalks.
what we want to do, but I’m really thankful for this organization because it showed me accountability, service and responsibility.” In her spare time, Marino said she loves to travel. She recently went to China and did a study abroad trip to Taiwan. “People get caught up in their own little world,” she said. “My parents always instilled in me that travel is a way to keep yourself humble. It helps me expand my perspective.” Marino will sit for the L-SAT in November, the result of which will make her decision to go to law school or get her master’s abroad. She hopes to one day run for office, either as a judge or for Texas Legislature.
CONVOCATION
Marino said she is inspired by the poet Maya Angelou, who wrote, “People may not remember exactly what you did, or what you said, but they will always remember how you made them feel.” Marino said she uses that quote as her mantra. Her goal is to allow the students of Lamar to feel as if they are heard and acknowledged. Marino said she encourages students to visit SGA’s offices in 266 Setzer Student Center. SGA meetings are held on the second Tuesday of every month at 5 p.m. in the Neches Room in the SSC. The meeting is an open forum and students are encouraged to voice their concerns. For more info, visit SGA on OrgSync.
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cause of the stress of the damage to houses, cars and families. “If there is one good thing that came out of this, it’s that we (only) lost a little over 500 students,” he said. “They told us that last year was going to be a bad year and we knew it, but luckily we had recently updated our disaster protocols which helped exponentially in the campus surviving the storm.” Evans lauded the research and studies conducted over the summer by the 2018 David J. Beck Fellows, Sakurah Fisher and David Quispe, as well as the 2018 Presidential Fellows, Emily McCall and Amanda Warner. “We have a very special group of students that we recognize each year because of their exceptional scholarship, and we provide them with a very unique experience where they get an opportunity to do research with international renowned faculty,” he said. “We had so many truly exceptional candidates for that program that we added another tier called the Presidential Summer Fellows and we provided the opportunity for those students to travel and do research as well.” Kyle Mutz, director of the Disability Resource Center, presented a video which showed how the resource center
Society of Professional Journalists Student Chapter
has helped students with disabilities, featuring returning and graduated students. “The resources we offer may surprise you,” Mutz said. “Our department provides a variety of special education services, accommodations and advocacy efforts to ensure students with disabilities are given equivalent experiences as their peers.” Evans concluded his speech with an emotional thanks for everyone’s condolences for his wife, First Lady Nancy Evans, who died in June of cancer. “It was a long journey for her — she fought a fighting battle,” he said. “You need to know that I’m looking forward to this year with you and carrying on what we did together, and I thank you for everything you’ve done on behalf of the university and me and my family.” Evans received a standing ovation as he wiped the tears from his eyes and ended his speech by wishing everyone luck in the new year. “Throughout the past year, I witnessed the very best Lamar has to offer,” he said. “Academically, yes, but also in the ability of one student to care for another — and that’s the best part of what we do.”
NOTICE
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CALENDAR
Sept. 6
REDtalks presents: Cultivating Emotional Health for Physical and Intellectual Benefits Gray Library, 6th floor 3 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Sept. 7
LU Soccer vs. UTSA LU Soccer Complex 7 p.m.
Sept. 9
LU Soccer vs. Colorado College LU Soccer Complex 12 p.m.
Sept. 10
Student Lecture: Meeting the Men Who Went Where No Man Had Gone Before Landes Auditorium 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Sept.11
REDtalks presents: How to Manage Your Time in College Gray Library, 6th floor 3 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Sept. 14
LUTV News Auditions for Student Anchors Theatre Annex Room 113 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Sept. 15
LU Football vs. Northwestern State Provost Umphrey Stadium 6 p.m.
OPINION
3 UNIVERSITY PRESS Thursday, September 6, 2018
Pen is mightier than keyboard
UP graphic by Cassandra Jenkins
‘Old-school’ notetaking trumps digital distractions There are several things in college we all dread — applying for financial aid, finding a parking spot, the “freshman 15,” homework, jobs, getting bad professors, having no free time, and so on and so forth. The last thing we college students need is spending months in a classroom just to forget all the material an hour before finals. We go into a frenzied panic trying to figure out the difference between Romanticism versus the Neoclassical era, even though we remember reading it last night, or trying to think of the laws of cosine after spending countless hours flipping through practice problems on-
Commentary
Cassandra Jenkins UP editor
line. Sometimes these mishaps are unavoidable, other times there are easy solutions, such as finding a better way to take notes. As a senior this year, I think I’ve cracked the solution for the momentary lapse of forgetfulness we all get right before a big exam — when in doubt, write it out, just write it (if you’re a Nike fan), put a pencil to paper or whatever other cliché you can come up with. In this day and age, technology consumes a lot of our time. We’re constantly on our phones, we prefer the companionship of fake TV stars to our own friends and would rather play computer games than go to an actual arcade. Technology has even made its way into classrooms. We have better projectors that hang from the ceiling instead of being pushed in on a cart, we have interactive websites for class discussions, among other fancy advances. Most of these new technological advances have helped the learning process from kindergarten to college. But, where do we draw the line? I say at computers in class-
rooms. Not because I don’t love technology, but because it hinders our ability to retain information better and longer. Nothing’s worse than buying a brand new $1,200 MacBook just to be told by a professor that you can’t use it in class. Frustrating, I know, but hear me out. It’s really for your own good. Partly because a computer, like a phone, easily attracts your eyes to wander, your mind to dwindle and your ears to forget everything your professor just said 10 minutes ago — even I’m guilty of this. But in my long years of being in college, three to be exact, I’ve found a sure-fire way to not let my mind wander. I simply bring only a notebook and a pen or pencil to class, stowing away my other distracting items in my office or car. This way, even if the lecture is extremely boring, I have to focus. I’m an extreme note-taker. I bring one multiple subject notebook and about 3-5 different colored pens. I layer my notes with titles and bullet points, sometimes even highlighting parts the professor specifically says will be on an exam. This is something you can do on a lap-
top, but not without pausing to change colors or hit the highlighter button and by the time you look up the professor is already onto the next slide. I’ve found that keeping myself coordinated helps me to go back over my notes and really study the important parts, instead of relying on my faulty memory to be effective. Besides coordinating my notes, I’ve found that writing on paper gives me more focus than typing on a laptop. I don’t just mindlessly try to type what is exactly on the PowerPoint in front of me, but, rather, re-read the information that is given to me while writing out the sentences. Now, I’ve heard, read and written it down, which causes it to stick better. I promise, I’m not crazy. I don’t hate technology or want you to get rid of your highly expensive MacBook Air for a $2 notebook from Walmart, although it would save you money, several studies have shown that writing is more effective than using a laptop. Researchers at Harvard University published a recent study, titled, “Notes on Notetaking: Review of Research and In-
sights for Students and Instructors,” explaining the “optimal method of note-taking.” In the article, author Michael C. Friedman asks the question: “Is it better to use pen and paper or a laptop to take notes?” To answer the question, they give the pros and cons of each, stating, “laptop use may reduce the cognitive resources required for production….” While the author acknowledges that using a laptop may be quicker he also states that, “There is an equal risk that learners may be susceptible to reproduce what the instructor is saying word-for-word rather than write notes in their own words.” The author also goes on to point out that laptops cause students to easily stray from the topic while attempting to multitask and can also be distracting to others. So, to sum it up, in a totally non-journalistic way, writing is better. That’s not just my opinion, there is research to back the theory up. If that doesn’t persuade you, the only class I’ve ever gotten a C in was the one time I used a computer to take notes — and that’s no coincidence.
UPeditorial
New year, new opportunities to get involved
Welcome back to school everyone! During the 2017-18 school year we survived hurricanes, hard freezes and tornadoes which drastically decreased student involvement on campus and hindered the enjoyment of a fresh start and a new semester. President Kenneth Evans referenced fewer students returning after Harvey during his convocation speech. With that in mind, the UP wants to start off the year encouraging everyone to make up for that lost time and join a student
organization — any kind of student organization. Get involved on campus by participating in Greek Week, trying out for an intramural sports team, signing up to be an officer for an honor society or even come sign up to work at the UP. At Lamar there is a place for everyone. LU has more than 150 registered clubs and organizations from professional clubs to political, cultural and even special interest groups. The cam-
Editor..........................................Cassandra Jenkins Managing Editor...............................Olivia Malick Staff .................................................Noah Dawlearn, .............. Cade Smith, Sierra Kondos, Vy Nguyen, ......................Abigail Pennington, Rachel Hellums, ..........................Mandy Forsythe, Jocelyn Morales, .........................................Kaitlin Vu, Sierra Kondos
Business Manager ............................Eloisa Lopez Advisors Andy Coughlan and Stephan Malick Member of Texas Intercollegiate Press Association
Letters Policy
pus also has more than 20 sororities and fraternities to pledge. New organizations are frequently created by students who have common interests. LU procedure starts with every club needing a faculty advisor, student officers and a constitution. So, if there is an area of interest not currently available, one can always be created. For example, some of the newest organizations include a campus chapter of the Society of Professional Journal-
Individuals who wish to speak out on issues should send a letter fewer than 400 words in length to Letters to the Editor, P.O. Box 10055, Beaumont, TX 77710, or drop letters off at our office in 202 Carl Parker Building. The writer’s name, address, telephone number and ID number must accompany each letter. Letters received without this information cannot be printed. Letters may be edited for length, grammar, style and possible libel. Opinions expressed in letters are not necessarily those of the UP student management. Letters by the same writer on the same subject will not be published. Poetry and religious debates will not be published.
ists and the Communications of Fine Arts Committee, along with the Lamar University Queer Community Supporters. Student organizations build a foundation for your time at Lamar. You can learn new skills, develop new assets, meet friends, make professional connections and network, explore the community and maybe the world. You never know what can expand your horizons until you step outside of your comfort zone and participate.
The opinions that appear in editorials are the official views of the University Press student management as determined by the UP Student Editorial Board. Opinions expressed elsewhere on this page are the views of the writers only and are not necessarily those of the University Press student management. Student opinions are not necessarily those of the university administration. ©University Press 2018
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DEAN
Thursday, September 6, 2018 • UNIVERSITY PRESS
from page 1
opinions.” Maurer said that it’s important for students to know what they believe, but also why they believe it. “I think what we all do, when we get to the college level if not before, is examine what we do believe and why we believe it and often take that opportunity to change our mind, instead of just saying something we’ve always believed,” she said. Research has been a big part of Maurer’s career — she’s studied in Spain and France, analyzing their political systems, but has also dedicated her time to women in politics and the science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines. She was even a co-investigator for the National Science Foundation ADVANCE IT-Catalyst Award, which studies and promotes the advancement of women faculty in STEM fields. “Sometimes there’s so few women in the STEM areas, it’s hard to study them or help out,” she said. “But that’s where I think we need to make an effort to help women succeed in those areas. I’ve been visiting all of the departments (in arts and sciences), and I visited the chemistry department recently and it was very diverse — there were a lot of women. “Lamar is pretty strong in the area of female representation in STEM fields. Computer science, in general, is the least represented by women but it’s pretty strong here in terms of the faculty. So now we need to get that through to the students and make sure that the climate around them is conducive to their learning.” In the current election cycle in the United States, more women are running for office than ever before, with many women winning in primary elections. Maurer said that while there has been a recent push to elect more women to office, the change is slow and that it will take a long time to reach equity at the rate it is now. “One thing I’m very interested in is that, for some reason, in parliamentary systems, it’s easier for women to get elected because
they work up through their party, whereas in the presidential system, for some reason, just the system itself favors incumbency,” she said. “So, the people who have been there tend to stay there. “I think what’s really been the success (is) more women being encouraged to get into office now. There’s a lot of support for it and I don’t think that will go backwards. I don’t think people will suddenly not want women to run for office, so we could have a big leap with that in both parties.” Maurer taught and served as an associate dean at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, Ill., for 18 years, and then became the dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies and Chief Research Officer at Indiana State University in 2014, where she stayed until July. Maurer said she was drawn to Lamar for several reasons and that it felt like home. “I really wanted to be a dean of arts and sciences, and to work very closely, not only with the students, but with the faculty,” she said. “There’s also a lot of diversity here, and I very much like inclusive excellence and I believe very strongly in it. I’m from the Midwest, so we have quite a bit of diversity.” Maurer said she has always been at doctoral research institutions around Lamar’s size. “Research is important, and teaching is important — this is my type of university,” she said. “This is what feels right to me. I love Lamar’s mission to do whatever we can to help students succeed, not only with the ability to study theoretically, but right into the workplace — the region around here is just rich with opportunities.” Maurer said her biggest goal is to improve student and faculty success and retention. “I think the most important thing right now is making sure students make it to graduation,” she said. “That means serving them in between being accepted and graduating. That means addressing students who are at risk, students who are doing well — anything we
can do to ensure success and, eventually, completion. We also have graduate programs, so, it’s very important to help people get through that as well. “I was recently talking to a student who had two jobs in addition to going to school full-time. It’s important that we understand our students and their challenges, whether they be money, time or whatever else.” Maurer said she understands the struggle students have in paying for college, and that the solution lies within the entire school community. “When I talk about student success, I can help in terms of academics and helping at risk students, but we have to tie that right into financial aid as well,” she said. “I am very concerned about the student debt. We need to advocate for our students and for ways to get them through college that are a little less costly and don’t leave so much debt afterwards.” Ten years from now, Maurer said she hopes the College of Arts and Sciences is as it is now, but more dynamic and innovative, and a place that provides support to its students and faculty no matter the circumstances. “We need to move ahead — whether the budget is good or bad — with our commitment to our students and our research and our teaching,” she said. “Why is there a College of Arts and Sciences? What are we doing together? I talked to the faculty in my convocation about that notion. We teach 90 percent of the core curriculum on campus, and because of that, I think our graduates are going to be wellrounded. The college is excited to work and function together.” Maurer has high ambitions and said that she’s excited about the new semester, but above all, she’s excited to be a part of a new community. “This area is amazing,” she said. “The spirit of the community that I felt when I came here in October for my interview influenced me — I knew this is where I wanted to be. My interview was
UP photo by Noah Dawlearn
Lynn Maurer, new dean of Arts and Sciences, has many interests, including sewing. “This is my Lamar dress,” she said. “I made it specifically for Lamar when I received the job. Lately, I’ve been doing a lot of sewing, I like to make my own clothes. I learned that as a younger person from my mom and I’m about six feet tall, so it was difficult sometimes to get clothes that fit. You can make really nice, good quality things that are less expensive. It’s just something that I’ve done to relax.” postponed because of Harvey, but when I did interview with President Evans, I could see that he was compassionate about this campus and its students. I was struck by the caring administration and how the whole area helped each other out.” Maurer said she lives her life by a quote from Slavenka Drakulić, “Democracy without women is no democracy.” “When it comes to inclusive excellence and including women
or minorities, or even different cultures, viewpoints and disciplines, just like that quote, I think it should be present always and something we think of in every decision that we make,” she said. “Inclusive excellence isn’t just something that needs to be important to our diversity office, it needs to be in every department and in every college, and every decision I make here.” For more information, visit www.lamar.edu/arts-sciences.
UNIVERSITY PRESS • Thursday, September 6, 2018
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UPcampus briefs Bells return to Provost Umphrey Stadium
A tradition returned to Lamar University football, Saturday, as bells were re-introduced at Provost Umphrey Stadium. The bells, which were rung after the Cardinals scored a touchdown or field goal, were originally added to the gameday experience in 1967. The bells were rung for the first time since 1989. “LU athletics wants to celebrate champions in the classroom, champions in the competition arena and champions in life,” Marco Born, LU director of athletics, said. “Traditions are important in building pride. Resurrecting this age-old tradition of ringing the bell after every LU score encourages and celebrates successes on the field.”
LU serves as undergraduate research site in NSF program
Lamar University recently hosted two research teams comprised of eight students and four faculty members in the Research Experiences for Undergraduates program funded by the National Science Foundation. The $263,980 NSF grant will support additional students and junior faculty in the summers of 2019 and 2020. “Students had the opportunity to develop their research, writing, presentation and teamwork skills,” Kumer Das, professor of mathematics and director of the office of undergraduate research, said. “Likewise, junior faculty developed their mentoring skills through co-mentoring experiences and additional synergistic activities. The research experience was complemented by several organized outings and educational activities.”
Joining Das as a co-primary investigator in the program is Jennifer Daniel, associate professor of mathematics, who holds a doctorate from North Carolina State University. Joining them are Jasdeep Pannu, assistant professor of mathematics, who holds a doctorate from Auburn University, and Jose Vega-Guzman, assistant professor of mathematics, who holds a doctorate from Arizona State University. “It’s an enriching thing to experience,” Jorge Villarejo Morena, Lamar senior and REU participant, said. “At first, we felt like we didn't have guidelines when we were not given specific projects to work on. Instead, we were given the choice to look for topics ourselves depending on our interests. In the end, we have realized this is a true research experience.”
Submissions sought for Homecoming spirit competitions
Sign up is ongoing for the Homecoming Parade, Royal Court, Office Decorating Contest, and Dodgeball Tournament. For more information, call 880-8723, or visit lamar.edu/ homecoming.
Scheer to speak on NASA Moon program
Join Richard Scheer, a retired local attorney, Sept. 10, for an engaging discussion of the NASA Moon Program through the personalities and photographs of the men who walked on the moon, as well as a few of the many others who made those landings possible. A long-time, avid collector of astronaut pictures and autographs, Scheer has met and talked with most of the original seven astronauts and the
Games of chance
The New Student and Leadership Program in association with the Cardinals Activities Board, hosted “Casino Night,” Aug. 29, in the Setzer Student Center Ballroom. Students participated in games such as blackjack, roulette and Texas Hold’em, as twelve men who have walked on the moon. He will display significant parts of his collection and will provide insights into these men's missions, accomplishments, and personalities, as well as the role of NASA in this region. The lecture is sponsored by the Center for History and Culture of Southeast Texas and the Upper Gulf Coast. The discussions will take place in the Landes Auditorium from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., and the Reaud Event Center, Reaud Administration Building from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Make an appointment with success Students looking to learn
UP photo by Kaitlin Vu
well as a Cash Grab booth. “We had about 500 students attend this year,” Bonnie Turner, NSLP administrative assistant said. “Casino Night is always a very popular event, we were happy with the turnout.”
new study strategies and start their semester off strong can make an appointment with LU Success. LU Success Partners help set academic goals and offer tips and strategies to reach them. Students who complete two appointments will receive a free Success Kit. To request a form, visit lamar.edu/stars.
College of Graduate Studies calls for abstracts
Graduate students and faculty are invited to submit abstracts for consideration as part of a Graduate Research Celebration, Oct. 25. Student abstracts should be for poster/
digital presentations of current projects, and faculty abstracts for exigent topics in the professional field. Visit www.lamar.edu/ graduate-studies/events/ index.html.
SGA to host joint sessions on second Tuesdays
The Student Government Association invites all LU students to attend joint sessions of the SGA, every second Tuesday of the month in the Neches Room of the Setzer Student Center. The first meeting is Tuesday at 5 p.m. For more information, visit lamar.edu/sga.
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Thursday, September 6, 2018 • UNIVERSITY PRESS
Wesley Foundation wades through tough times Sierra Kondos UP staff writer
The Wesley Foundation has completed its year-long renovation following water damage from Hurricane Harvey. “We ‘only’ got four inches of water in the building,” Rev. Amy Walker said. “I am also the Southeast District Disaster Relief Coordinator, and I know that all you need is for the sheetrock to get wet to force you into ‘muck and gut’ mode. We lost everything from desks, pulpit, altar and piano to our couches and cabinets.” Walker said it took a year for the church to get furniture and an estimated $96,000 to renovate the building. “Last week, we got all brand-new couches and chairs,” she said. “This week we are ordering the rest of our furniture, like desks and curtains.”
Walker said the center had help from the WF Student Leadership team. “I helped cleanup after Harvey,” Trevor Guidry, pastoral intern and pre-med LU student, said. “I just had surgery on my shoulder, so I was limited to what I could do. But I swept, picked up debris and pulled nails. I felt like the comic relief.” Douglas Youngblood, LaBelle native and biology major, lives in one of the two apartments above the building. “Before the heavy rain from Harvey, the building had already flooded from rain the Sunday before,” he said. “After the storm passed, I mopped up the remaining water from the building, hauled damaged furniture and pianos, and pulled out sheet rock and insulation. Now, a year later, I am proud of what we have accomplished despite many setbacks.”
Walker said the problem is that the center is located on a campus low point. “Last year was the fifth time in 12 years that this building has flooded,” she said. “There may not be a remedy to this problem.” The building’s re-opening has allowed the center to get back to its routine, Walker said. “We started free Thursday dinners from 4:30 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. and worship that follows at 6 p.m.,” she said. “We offer Bible Study on Tuesdays at 2:30 p.m., Small Group Soul Care on Thursdays at 2:30 p.m., and once a month we offer Trivia Game Night. Soon, we will begin our once-a-month discussion that will be over real-life topics covering questions about what the Bible says about sex, divorce, drugs and alcohol.” For more information, visit www.thewesleyfoundation.com.
United Methodist church offers food services to students and community The United Methodist church is known for their generosity on the LU campus, Walker said, with off-campus missions as well as hosting the LU Cardinal Food Pantry. “One of my missions that has been offered for many years at LU is called Snack Packs,” she said. “St. Mark’s Episcopal Church provides the snacks. On Fridays, the WF students bag up the snacks, starting at 10:30 a.m., and we start handing them out between 11 a.m. and noon at the dining hall and Gentry dorm.” Walker said If anyone is low on food or needs regular food assistance, they can go to the building for help. “There isn’t a punch card system, or anything required,” she said. “We have two ways to get food. We have our donated food which is for anyone and we have the food from the SETX Food Bank that students can sign up for. We are always looking for ways to serve our students and our community.”
UP photo by Sierra Kondos
Trevor Guidry, a pastoral intern, above left, assists Rev. Amy Walker in hanging the Wesley Foundation banner. The building has been renovated after Hurricane Harvey caused major damage to the building in 2017.
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All rules meetings will be in the McDonald Gym Rm 117 ALL INTRAMURAL SPORTS ARE FREE! All currently enrolled FALL 2018 LU & LIT students/faculty/staff are eligible to compete in all leagues. For more information sign up online for each sport with imleagues.com OR e-mail us at intramurals@lamar..edu or visit us at Lamar..edu/intramurals lamar.intramurals
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PURSUANT TO SECTION 30.06, PENAL CODE (TRESPASS BY LICENSE HOLDER WITH A CONCEALED HANDGUN), A PERSON LICENSED UNDER SUBCHAPTER H, CHAPTER 411, GOVERNMENT CODE (HANDGUN LICENSING LAW), MAY NOT ENTER THIS PROPERTY WITH A CONCEALED HANDGUN. CONFORME A LA SECCIÓN 30.06 DEL CÔDIGO PENAL (TRASPASAR PORT TANDO ANDO ARMAS DE FUEGO) PERSONAS CON LICENCIA BAJO DEL SUB-CAPITULO H, CAPITULO 411, CODIGO DE GOBIERNO (LEY DE PORTAR ARMAS), NO DEBEN ENTRAR A ESTA PROPIEDAD PORT TANDO ANDO UN ARMA DE FUEGO
UP file photo by Olivia Malick
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UNIVERSITY PRESS Thursday, September 6, 2018
LU football dominates season opener, 70-7 Cade Smith UP staff writer
The Lamar University football team opened their season with a 70-7 win over the Kentucky Christian Knights, Saturday, at Provost Umphrey Stadium. This was the first time since the 2015 season that the Cardinals won their season opener. “It was good to get a win,” head coach Mike Schultz said. “We played a bunch of new people tonight, which was good. We were able to get out to a quick start which allowed us to do some things later in the game.” The Cards got the scoring started less than five minutes into the first quarter with an 11-yard pass from quarterback Darrel Colbert to junior tight-end Case Robinson. The Cards then forced a three-and-out to put the LU offense back on the march. Colbert directed an eight-play, 47-yard drive that ended with him rushing six-yards to score. “I wanted to cherish every play, because I learned last year that it can be taken away from you that fast — that is something that my coach and my dad have been preaching to me,” Colbert said. “It felt good to be back out there playing again with those guys.” In the second quarter, the Cards kept up their momentum scoring four more touchdowns. Juniors Isaiah Howard, A.J. Walker and Derrion Randle, and sophomore quarterback Adam Morse, who replaced Colbert in the second quarter, added on the scoreboard to end the half 49-0. “We played a ton of kids tonight and we talked about making sure we are getting better at technique and assignment,” Schultz said. The Cards returned in the third quarter with another quarterback in junior transfer Jordan Hoy and focused on the run
game. Hoy took the Cards down the field on a 10-play drive with only one pass play, completing the drive with a 10-yard run to make a 56-0 advantage. Lamar would tack on two more scores which included a 65yard Hoy run. KCU closed out the scoring for the night with a 49yard pass from quarterback Jug Smith to Dametric McGrue with just over five minutes remaining. The Cards ended the night with 602 yards of total offense, including Hoy’s game-leading 101-yards rushing. “When I get in the game and my number is called, I try to make the plays happen,” Hoy said. “I like to classify myself as a quar-
terback who can run it, not just a quarterback who runs.” On the defensive side, the Cards made sure the Knights’ offense was unable to convert on downs. KCU could only come up with 211 yards of offense and just 52 yards rushing. The Cards will travel to Lubbock to take on Texas Tech, Saturday, at 3 p.m., at Jones AT&T Stadium. It can be heard live on KLVI AM 560 and seen on Fox Sports. “They are a great football team,” Schultz said. “We will have our hands full. I’ve been up several times to Jones Stadium and it is a tough place to play and it is loud.”
LU's Dorian Gaston, 19, top, dives to catch a touchdown against Kentucky Christian University at ProvostUmphrey Stadium, Saturday. Kirkland Banks, 23, far right, and A.J. Walker, 27, celebrate a touchdown in LU’s 70-7 victory. Darrel Colbert Jr., right, side-steps a defender. UP photos by Abigail Pennington
Volleyball ready for redemption Cassandra Jenkins UP editor
The Lady Cardinal volleyball team had a rough start to the 2017-18 season after Hurricane Harvey stormed through the LU campus. LU missed a handful of games and tournaments, and were unable to return to McDonald Gym until September. The young squad never quite recovered and went on to have one of the worst seasons since the program began. LU finished 4-22 overall and a 2-14 Southland Conference, but interim head coach Michelle Kuester said she believes the new year will be a season of redemption. “I think we are going to do some pretty impressive things this season,” she said. “I think the turnaround is going to be greater than a lot of people are anticipating. “We’ve got a really good group of kids, who’ve made this transition easy for me. I also have a really great staff in place at this point, so things are looking really good from where I am standing.” This year’s squad consists of five returning seniors, including star hitters Ivette Dim, Tomar Thomas and Murielle Hlavac. Kuester said she also rounded up some power freshmen including local player Mercedes Danrich, from Ozen, and outside hitter Abigale Nash from Tucson, Ariz. “In the spring we revamped our offense and our defense completely,”
Kuester said. “We have eight returners and eight new kids, so there’s quite a bit that’s going to be different this year. Our big thing is being able to adapt. We are putting in multiple defensive options to have more answers than the team we are playing. We are teaching our kids to be able to recognize a change that needs to be made and having a system in place where we can make the change effectively.” Kuester said she will be looking toward her returners and star freshmen to lead the team this year. “I think Thomas is going to do really good things for us again,” she said. “She was second in the league last year in kills per a set, so we anticipate her having a really good season again. Dim, will also be a senior and I predict her being the best middle in the conference this year.” Kuester said she has high hopes of bringing the student population and community back into McDonald Gym. “We look very different from what the fans have seen in the past,” she said. “We are playing with way more energy, way more competitive nature. I think the games are going to have more buzz around them.” The LU squad is currently 2-4 overall in pre-season as they head to Houston for the Flo Hyman tournament where they will face Cornell University and the University of Houston, Friday and Saturday. Volleyball will return home, Sept. 11, to take on Prairie View A&M.
Lady Cards soccer loses 3-0 to Tigers Cassandra Jenkins UP editor
The Lamar University soccer team came up short against the Louisiana State University Lady Tiger’s, Tuesday, falling 3-0 at the LU Soccer Complex. LSU landed the first strike 24 minutes into the game with junior midfielder Marlena Cutura taking advantage of a wellaimed pass to soar the ball into the net. The Lady Cardinals never gave up hope as they battled offensively and defensively to stay in the game, but an aggressive LSU defense and striking offense kept Lamar at bay. The Lady Tigers doubled their lead shortly before the half and followed up with another goal in the 55th minute to seal the victory. “Anyone who sat back and watched the game can tell you it wasn’t a 3-0 game,” LU head coach Steve Holeman said. “It was even from start to finish in every aspect except for the fact that they scored, and we didn’t.” LU almost matched the Lady Tigers in attempted shots, 11-13, with LU goalkeeper Jocelyn Hanrath saving four. “I thought we played well on the flank,” Holeman said. “Madison Ledet was fantastic on the right wing. We had a close one with Kelso (Peskin) on the post, but the goalkeeper is very good, she’s solid and it’s going to take someone special to get one past her.” The Lady Cardinals move to 3-3 overall as they get ready to play their last two pre-season games before the start of the Southland Conference action. “I want us to go in and play like we did
UP photo by Cassandra Jenkins
LU freshman Anna Loftus battles an LSU defender in Tuesday’s 3-0 loss at the LU Soccer Complex.
tonight,” Holeman said. “Were not a team that takes anyone lightly and we get up for every game. So, you’re going to see a great effort no matter who we play. That’s one of the great things about this team. We may lose because we run out of time, but never because we run out of effort.” LU will host UTSA, Friday, at 7 p.m. before challenging Colorado College, Sunday, at noon at the LU Soccer Complex.
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Thursday, September 6, 2018 • UNIVERSITY PRESS
Art exhibition showcases faculty skills Mandy Forsythe UP contributor
Lamar University’s Dishman Art Museum is hosting the annual Faculty Art Exhibition. The show opened Friday and will be on display through Sept. 14. “It’s a chance for everyone to see what the faculty has been up to, either that summer or the previous year,” Dennis Kiel, Dishman Art Museum director, said. “It’s kind of interesting, because usually the entire year the faculty is asking the students to show their work to them, and now the students have an opportunity to see what the faculty has been up to.” The show encompasses work from every area of study, as well as spanning a wide variety of media from 14 different staff and faculty members. “We’re so busy during the year teaching that we rarely get to talk about the kind of work that we do, so for me it’s fun because I get to see what other people are doing,” Joanna Hyatt, assistant professor of art education, said. An important aspect of this
exhibit is that Lamar requires art teachers to be in at least one show a year, Linnis Blanton, ceramics adjunct, said. All teachers must submit at least one piece. However, some submit three, four, or as many as 15. “A lot of teachers do a lot more than just one show, but in case of an art historian or something like that, this could be their one show,” Blanton said. The teachers draw from a variety of inspirations for their pieces. Some are inspired by personal experience, others by an opportunity to experiment with mediums and techniques they have not tried before. Richard Gachot, associate professor of art and design, created a cross-disciplinary piece to draw attention to lost buildings in Beaumont. “We’re developing a public history department within the existing history department, so I think the idea of studying not just text, but buildings, is very important,” he said. “And in the art department, we’re developing more 3D visualization things, so new technologies and they way people can see things — understanding his-
UP photo by Mandy Forsythe
Jordan Whelply, left, and Carol Whelply, check out work by Richard Gachot during the opening reception of the Lamar University Faculty Art Exhibition, Aug. 31, in the Dishman Art Museum.
tory through architecture as opposed to text.” The faculty art exhibition allows the artists to showcase their work and the influence behind it, bridging the gap between artist and spectator. Assistant drawing professor
Christopher Troutman said it’s about making his interests interesting to others. “I am interested in finding a way, through composition or point of view, to present things that have some kind of resonance with me so that they res-
onate with other people as well,” he said. The Dishman Art Museum is located at 1030 East Lavaca St. on the LU campus. For more information, visit www.lamar.edu/dishman, or call 880-8959.
LUTV to hold auditions for anchors, Sept. 14 Jocelyn Morales UP contributor
LUTV will host auditions for Fall 2018 productions at 11 a.m., Sept. 14, in 113 Theatre Annex. “We are looking for people that have the interest in being a news anchor, so if there is a curiosity or something that students want to try to do, they are more than welcome,” Gordon Williams, LUTV director, said. Williams said it is an opportunity for students to get hands-on experience and auditions are open to all majors. Newscasts are produced Mondays and Fridays from 11 a.m.
to 1 p.m. Web production is Wednesday afternoons. “If they are an anchor and they make the cut, we ask that they are able to participate the entire semester,” he said. Anchors are tasked with covering the news and reading them on camera, Williams said. Recent graduate Tierra Billiott worked as a sports anchor at LUTV. “The most challenging thing about LUTV, in the beginning, was staying organized and time management,” she said. “During my first semester, it took me a week to complete a story. Now I can do it in a few hours. “The most enjoyable thing
was being on camera and learning about the industry. LUTV prepared me for my job after college.” Billiott is currently a photojournalist at KDFM Channel 6 in Beaumont. She said that LUTV doesn’t have a particular work day, it’s more like a “work week.” “On Mondays, I was expected to bring in three story ideas,” she said. “Out of those three ideas, the assignment editor chooses the best. Then it’s time to plan my story out. By Wednesday, my story has to be typed and put in the show rundown. Thursday was probably my busiest day of the week — that’s when all stories are
due and the show is put together.” Williams said many former LUTV anchors have gone on to have professional careers. “Students across the country are working in news stations right now, so this is a great place to start your career if you are interested in broadcasting,” he said. Positions are limited to eight, and Williams said it is like a competition, reflecting the real-world industry. Students should dress for a job interview. “We normally have a fair number of students come in, and we tell them to dress professionally,” he said. “You come
in, have the opportunity to look at the script before, sit at the desk and read the scripts. If they’re auditioning for weather, they’re going to have to get in front of the green screen and (do a) live seven-day forecast.” Williams said LUTV is also seeking volunteers for production positions. “If you have an interest in learning what’s going on behind the camera, (you) can definitely come in on that day, or come to the studio any time, and we can have a conversation on how to get involved,” he said. For more information, call 880-8038, or email gswilliams @lamar.edu.