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VOLUME 92 • ISSUE 6
Tech selects Who’s Who STARLA GATSON Editor-in-Chief | sjg021@ latech.edu
Twenty Louisiana Tech seniors were awarded for their academic achievements and dedication to the university as they were recognized as the 2018 Who’s Who recipients. Who’s Who is a nationally recognized honor awarded to college seniors who proven to be dedicated and committed to their universities throughout their college careers. Summer Carney, the Student Government Association’s director of academic affairs, said 49 seniors applied for the honor this year, and the top 20 were selected by a panel of faculty judges. She said the recognition not only benefits the students right now, but also continues to do so in the future. “It’s a tremendous honor that could help them with whatever future endeavors their life may hold, and these students can directly credit their college experience for getting this honor that very well could help them land their dream job,” she said. “If students are
Photo by Madison Wooley
The 2018 Who’s Who recipients were honored at a banquet hosted by the SGA Feb. 1. able to credit Who’s Who and their experience at Tech for their success, then it helps inspire other students to get involved and makes those students who are successful want to give back to their University, shining a
light on Tech and showing people around the country how great our school truly is.” Carney, a junior elementary education major, said she encourages all eligible seniors to apply for the rec-
ognition next year. “Many people think Who’s Who is just another popularity contest; that is not at all what it is,” she said. “It is for anyone who has shown dedication, commitment and leader-
ship throughout their time here at Tech. So for anyone who is interested in applying next year, go for it. You never know where it could take you.” The 2018 recipients are: Alli Tran, Anna Blake, An-
nie Carlisle, Ben Rice, Caleb White, Camille Savoie, Caroline Fontenot, Catherine Shaw, Courtney Geroux, Libbi Lange, Jenna Price, Kaitlyn Flieg, Kimberly Davison, Margaret LeBrun, Marlie Giardinia, Payton Mangham, Rachel Smelley, Sarah Head, Sarah Minter and Susan Fults. Blake, a senior kinesiology major, said she has looked forward to applying for Who’s Who since her freshman year. “I remember hearing about Who’s Who my freshman year and thinking that was something I would probably never receive and always being in awe of those people who did, so to actually be a part of it this year is so special to me,” she said. Blake said she enjoyed the interview process because it gave her the opportunity to share her experience at Tech and how her time here has shaped her life. “Tech has 100 percent made me into the person I am today, so to be able to convey that wasn’t hard,” she said. “I love being able to talk about my experiences at Tech any chance I get.”
Local cheer squads claim national titles TAMARIA WILLIAMS Staff Reporter | tmw055@ latech.edu
On Jan. 27 at the National Cheer Association Senior and Junior High School competition in Dallas, Texas, A.E. Phillips and Ruston High School were crowned Junior High/Middle School Game Day and Small High School Game Day champions respectively. Both squads competed in three different categories within their competitions. From there, their scores from the three categories were averaged. The overall score of the three divisions determined who would receive national titles. Tanya Biekham, A.E. Phillips cheer coach, said it was an amazing accomplishment to win a national title for not only the squad
but for the school as well. “We want to go and be the best version of A.E. Phillips cheer that we can be,” she said. “And not necessarily focus on who we want to beat, but try to get our best first.” Biekham said it was A.E. Phillips’ 10th year competing at nationals. In every other year they’ve competed, they’ve placed second. This year, the team placed second in time out cheer, second in time out dance and third in fight song. “You just want to finish strong, “ she said. “You don’t want to walk off the mat and not feel like you’ve done 100 percent.” Countless hours of practice and preparation went into the girls’ work ethic for winning nationals. Cheer sponsors Haley Hay and Bess Decuir said the team
was dedicated to the long hours of practice for the competiton. “It was well deserved for the girls,” they said. Collin McDonald, Ruston High cheer coach and Tech alumnus, said this was the team’s third national championship, since they won in 2011 and 2012. “Ruston has always been a really big cheer school,” he said. “It’s cool to finally be back with a national championship.” Ruston High placed first in time out dance, second in time out cheer and second in fight song. McDonald said the team had to qualify for nationals during cheer camp in the summer of 2017. “We started practicing in August,” he said. “We practiced from August up until the championship.”
Photo courtesy of Collin McDonald
Members of both the A.E. Phillips and Ruston High cheer squads competed at the National Cheer Association Senior and Junior High competition in Dallas. McDonald said the experience with the team has been very rewarding and it has made them look forward to what next year will bring.
Chandler Guerriero, cheer coach and a senior at Tech who will graduate in May, said it was nice having the support from the parents of the squad members
and A.E. Phillips cheer. “The NCA motto is ‘The Work is Worth It,’” she said. “Whenever you end up being national champions, The Work is Worth It.”
NEWS
2 • The Tech Talk • February 8, 2018
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Poetry society hosts first open mic night HANNAH JONES Staff Reporter | hej006@latech.edu
Photo by Hannah Jones
The open mic night gave students the chance to share original works with their peers.
Students listened as classmates and other unknown fellow students shared a little vulnerability at the Tech Poetry Society’s first open mic event on Feb. 1. Students from all over campus met to share poetry from their favorite poets or their own original poetry. The president of the Poetry Society, senior English major Caitlyn Petrus, was proud of the turnout for their first open mic night. She hopes that the examples set by the Poetry Society members and the other volunteer readers would impact other students to explore their own selfexpression. “It’s been a really good crowd,” Petrus said. “I’m happy that everyone came out and are able see that others their age are writing and sharing their poetry. They’ll see that they can write too, as an outlet, as a way of meditating or a way of escape.” As a freshman, Spanish major Jane Waller is experiencing the event with only half of a year with the Poetry Society under her belt. She said she sees value in this po-
etry-centered community as a haven in the uncertainty of creativity, even for those who are not explicit members of Poetry Society. “I didn’t know what to expect.” Waller said. “I’m very ecstatic that we had a few people who are not members of Poetry Society present something. Anytime you do anything creative, you want to share it with people, but it’s also very scary to share it with people, so just having a safe space with other creators is a very welcoming thing to have.” These students demonstrate that amidst the tests and projects, poetry allows flexibility and creativity, thinking beyond structural boundaries and expressing the inner self. Erin Singer, assistant professor of American literature and faculty adviser for the Poetry Society, supports these students’ passions for expressing different angles of themselves through poetry. “Students here at Tech, like students everywhere, are always more than what they seem,” Singer said. “I think all of us — students, faculty, staff, human people — would do well to remember that people are sort of multi-faceted and multi-lay-
ered and perhaps we only know one or two sides of them. This is sort of a new side that they are able to show of themselves.” Tech’s diverse student population can cause students to sometimes feel isolated in their own personal stresses. But poetry, as believed by Lawrence Irchirl Jr., a freshman kinesiology major, allows students to see that they are not alone. He sees the open mic night of sharing personal poetry as a way to connect with other students who may be going through similar struggles. “It doesn’t matter what background we come from, it doesn’t matter what happens to us on a daily basis, everybody has problems,” Irchirl said. “You see that at open mic night where everybody’s problems are now put on display. People will think ‘Oh, yeah, I had that problem too, but I thought I was the only one, so I didn’t say anything about it.’ But with everyone’s problems on display, you know that you aren’t the only one out there who had heartbreak, or the only one who had family members go down the wrong road. You’re not the only one out there.”
International cultures showcased at annual scholarship dinner HANNAH JONES Staff Reporter | hej006@latech.edu The International Student Association’s Scholarship Dinner, held Feb. 3, provided those attending a glimpse of the many cultures represented at Louisiana Tech. The dinner is the ISA’s largest annual event, and this year, added three scholarships to the number of total scholarships given to the university’s international students. The dinner is the association’s greatest opportunity to raise money for the students who come from all over the world to attend Tech and Oluwatoyosi Kade, ISA treasurer, said the support of the community for these students is much appreciated. “The purpose of this dinner is to provide scholarships for international students,” Kade, a junior computer science major, said. “The three scholarships that were added shows that ISA is recognized and appreciated and that we have people who understand how difficult it is for some international students to pay tuition.” Luke Hansen, the public relations officer and sound team assistant for the din-
ner, worked “The exposure things they with the ticket only experisales and said through this enced in their the goal of the dinner helps me various coundinner was to broaden my view tries, and the raise $4,000 for of the world and attendees get scholarships. to experience brings to life as“The main other cultures goal was to sell pects of other cul- without havall 500 tick- tures that I would ing to leave ets,” Hansen, a otherwise never the United sophomore en- experience.” States.” gineering maThrough jor, said. “This ANTHONY ELLIS performances would hope- senior engineering major and delecfully raise over table dishes, $4,000 to be more than 10 put in for funds for scholar- countries were representships. We are still counting ed, expanding the horizons the tickets now, but we had non-international students over 400 people. I’d defi- to multiple cultures differnitely say the event was a ent than that of their own success.” here in the United States. Of course, gaining fi- One such student, senior nancial support is not the engineering major Anthony only goal of the Interna- Ellis, attended the dinner tional Scholarship Dinner. last year as well as this year. The International Student “I definitely enjoyed Association also hopes to trying the new foods and promote cultural aware- watching the various perness on campus as well as formances,” he said. “I within the general Ruston was able to learn about the community. This is why food that my international they also include and wel- friends eat when in their come non-students guests. home countries. The ex“The dinner is the big- posure through this dinner gest event the ISO holds helps me broaden my view every year thereby making of the world and brings to it the one event everyone life aspects of other cullooks forward to,” Kade tures that I would othersaid. “It also is that event wise never experience. It where the students can makes other cultures feel experience some of the more real.”
: n o i t n , S e R E t , N S t G a DESI APHER INE
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UPCOMING EVENTS FRIDAY
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•Lady Techsters Basketball vs. Charlotte 4:30 p.m.
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MORGAN BERNARD Managing Editor | mrb056@latech.edu
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hen I was younger, my parents usually had shows such as “Law & Order” and “NCIS” playing daily in the living room. This is where I believe I obtained my love for crime and mystery shows. Today, I still obsess over similar programs like “Criminal Minds” and “Sherlock.” I know I’m not the only person with this kind of fascination in these shows, as they each have millions of fans, but I have started to wonder why it is so easy to become enthralled by them. You would think most people would despise shows that involve murder and serial killers, but I think the mystery behind it all is what makes it so enticing. The wonder of why and how the killer did what they did. An interesting thing I’ve noticed is how the reasoning behind the crimes has somewhat changed. It is
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The Tech Talk welcomes letters to the editor. However, we reserve the right not to print anonymous letters. We also ask that each letter be accompanied by a telephone number, address and classification or title. We will not print the telephone number. Viewpoints should be mailed or brought to The Tech Talk office, 138 Keeny Hall, by 4 p.m. the Friday prior to a Thursday publi cation. Letters should be mailed to The Tech Talk, P.O. Box 10258, Ruston, LA 71272. Emails should be sent to techtalk@latech.edu. You can also submit letters online at www.thetechtalk.org/home/ lettertotheeditor/. Louisiana Tech University is com mitted to the principle of provid ing the opportunity for learning and development of all qualified citizens without regard to race, sex, religion, color, national origin, age, disability, marital status, or veteran status for admission to, participation in, or employment in the programs and activities which the University sponsors or operates. For Title IX information, see University Policy #1445 at http://www.latech. edu/administration/policiesand procedures/1445.shtml.
read people in a matter of minutes and learn so much about them. For example, Sherlock Holmes in the BBC series “Sherlock” is able to layout an almost perfect life story about someone simply by looking at how they stand and carry a conversation. The fact that there are real people in the world who have this level of observation is incredible to me. Of course, these things are dramatized for the sake of television, but there are real FBI agents and detectives similar to these characters in the real world. I don’t know what keeps most people interested in these television series, but for me, I think it’s the marvelous minds — both in the criminals and heroes — that keeps me watching. Morgan Bernard is a junior communication major from Echo who serves as managing editor for The Tech Talk.
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more about the criminal’s story. The best example of this is in “Criminal Minds” where the FBI agents solve crimes based off of characteristics of the victims and then use that to build a criminal profile. In older crime shows, there was not much explanation as to why the criminals did what they did. But now, we see their story. The criminal may just be an evil mastermind sociopath that is bored with ordinary life and is in it for the game. Or they could have had a traumatic childhood that has made them commit crimes without even realizing it. Either way, it all goes back to the human mind, nature over nurture and other social aspects. This is what really gets the gears in my head turning. I find myself working along with the detectives, trying to figure out more characteristics of the killer. Something else that leaves me fascinated by these shows is how some of the characters are able to
K. Dot or just Kendrick Lamar RODERIC LLOYD
Staff Reporter | rsl010@latech.edu
T
he 60th Grammy Awards commenced Jan. 28 and Kendrick Lamar departed yet again highly decorated, winning five of the seven awards in which he was nominated for his performance on his most recent album “Damn.” Lamar has 12 Grammys thus far, receiving five respectively for his last two albums. He also is crafting a soundtrack that will release Friday featuring The Weeknd, Travis Scott, SZA and more, for the highly anticipated Marvel film “Black Panther” that will premiere Feb. 16. If Lamar’s major label debut album, “Good Kid, M.A.A.D City,” was an astute wordsmith bursting on the scene as a product from a mad city, then “To Pimp A Butterfly” was his realization that everything that comes with that reality is not as it seems. “Damn.” composes in depth traits of wickedness or weakness that lead
to damnation. The palpability of the lyrics and storyline engulfed my attention as a manifestation, more so than an album. Lamar, at points throughout the record, thrives off succumbing to the fruits of his success and in others, anguishes the consequences of his actions. Even amongst all of his success and critical acclaim, Lamar’s deepest fear is losing himself and facing the wrath of God. He feels neglected by the lack of personal attentiveness within his life, detailed with lyrics such as, “ain’t nobody praying for me.” He is brutally honest and seemingly forces us all to look inward and righteously evaluate ourselves about the path we lead. Lamar vividly portrays this message with tracks such as, “DNA.,” “Loyalty.,” “Humble.,” “Feel.,” “Pride.” and “Fear.” Those songs can lead you in the direction of wickedness or weakness in relation to the direction you choose literally and figuratively. Kendrick Lamar’s impact on the
culture reaches far beyond his ability to lyrically assassinate and depict stories. His music and enigmatic persona resonate so much because he’s a “five-foot giant,” meticulously fending off the pressures of success and sense of self, much like a KungFu master would a foe. As my ear matured, and the current times in society are even more in tune with Kendrick Lamar’s tumultuous plight, I further appreciate “To Pimp A Butterfly” and understand how “Damn.” bridges “Good Kid, M.A.A.D City” and the former album. He showcases that he is not just exploiting his wizardry as a rapper with everything to prove, but rather as a master songwriter capable of appealing to all audiences while keeping intact the totality of his creativity and piercing message. Roderic Lloyd is a junior communication major from Longview, Texas who serves as a staff reporter for The Tech Talk.
LOVETT OR LEAVE IT
Same Grammys, it’s just 2018 MICHAEL LOVETT
Staff Reporter | mdl034@latech.edu
M
usic’s pinnacle of achievement faces the same narrative as it has for the past... well, 60 years; lack of diversity in their award recipients. The 60th annual Grammys saw much of these same results which created a lot of talk amongst fans and artists alike. The most glaring issue this year with this annually recurring problem was both the lack of female nominations and winners. The only solo female winner of the night, best new artists award winner Alessia Cara, alluded to the issue in her acceptance speech stating that “everyone deserves the same shot.” Of the 84 categories, women only occupied 11 of those with the rest being dominated by men. This reality caused an uproar on Twitter as notice of the large disparity began trending on the social me-
dia site. Recording Academy President Neil Portnow did not help the situation in his response to the uproar saying that female artists need to step up. In a year where female artists like Kesha, SZA, Lorde and Cardi B blazed the music scene, their efforts were vastly underappreciated, as was shown during the awards. Lorde, who was the lone female nominee for the album of the year award, did not perform because she was not offered a solo performance slot during the show like the rest of her male counterparts in the category. One would think her being the only female nominee would cause the Grammys to want her to perform, but obviously not. “Women in music don’t need to ‘step up’ – women have been stepping since the beginning of time,” said multi-platinum recording artist P!nk, who was nominated for best
pop solo performance. An organization called Voices in Entertainment encouraged grammy attendees to wear white roses in support of a campaign geared to shed light on gender discrimination and sex abuse in the entertainment business called “Times Up,” something that Cara did in fact do. A year where Lorde and Kesha each had their albums peak at number one on the Billboard top 100, SZA’s debut album peak at number five and Cardi B broke a record by having her first three Hot 100 hits all occupy the Top 10 simultaneously, was not enough of a “step up” I suppose. If this cycle continues, who knows how much longer fans will sit and watch this blatant discrimination take place. Michael Lovett is a sophomore communication major from Bossier who serves as a staff reporter for The Tech Talk.
Is social media activism truly effective? S
ince their creation, social media sites have been used for connecting and engaging with friends, sharing photos and videos and for meeting and talking to new people around the world. In recent years, however, social media sites have been used as platforms for promoting various social issues. In the past few years, posts with hashtags like “BlackLivesMatter,” “LoveWins” and more recently, “MeToo,” have swept across social media applications like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and users have used these tags to express their beliefs about the controversial social and political matters that surround them. However, these social media movements are often accompanied by a larger issue. The problem does not lie in utilizing social media for social and political movements; the problem is that usually, a hashtag or retweet is as far as the activism goes. These posts are most commonly used with the intention of drawing attention to a cause and creating a movement, and obviously, they have been successful in doing so, as each of these hashtags have been used several million times. These tags incite opinions and create conversations. However, for many users, the clicks and retweets are where the conversations end, and in just a few short days, the hashtags lose popularity and the causes they represent become old news. Awareness is raised for these topics, but in many cases, very little is done to alter them. Popular events like the Women’s March and the March for Science are used as photo opportunities and bait to lure in more likes, comments and shares rather than as means of genuinely supporting a cause. We believe that though media activism can be a viable tool for supporting a cause, true activism has to go beyond the screen. To make a real change in the world, activism must be active, and beliefs must be taken past one’s social feeds. Social media movements are wonderful at reminding the people of their voice, but they cannot be the people’s only methods of action. There are more ways to support a cause than by merely clicking the retweet button or pressing attend on a Facebook event invitation. The truth is, many social media movements, while well-intentioned, can quickly turn into passive activism; people can feel as if they have made a difference without actually putting in any work. It is important to note that, though media movements are often a good starting point, it is imperative that we the people stand up and be the change, even beyond our newsfeeds.
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‘Grown-ish’ gets real about the struggles of college life TAMARIA WILLIAMS Staff Reporter |tmw055@latech.edu The ‘90s momentous series “A Different World” served as a catalyst for shows that spoke for college student experiences. On Jan. 3, “Grown-ish” premiered on Freeform, and let’s just say, it’s getting real about what college is really like for students. In the new series, viewers are taken along a perspective of college life from main character Zoey, the eldest daughter from the Johnson family on ABC’s groundbreaking show “Black-ish.” The series centers on Zoey Johnson, played by 17-yearold activist Yara Shahidi, as she heads to her first year of college at Southern California University. While attending school, she faces coming-of-age challenges of today’s society. Within the pilot episode showing homage to “The Breakfast Club,” Zoey is accompanied by new students, which later become friends that she confides in. In the pilot, she meets track recruits and twins Jazlyn and Skylar Forster, portrayed by singers
TELEVISION
Chloe and Halle Bailey. The series also follows Nomi Segal, who is portrayed by Emily Arlook. She’s faced with challenges to keep her bisexuality from her family, but later finds out that she’s struggling to admit her sexual
identity to herself. Trendsetter Luca, portrayed by Luka Sabbat, is an easygoing freshman who’s not afraid to speak his mind from time to time. Vivek, played by Jordan Buhat, is an Indian American who is slightly
Netflix premieres eye-opening docu-series ‘Drug Lords’ ANDREW BELL Sports Editor | agb022@latech.edu
Photo from Freeform
“Black-ish” spin-off “Grown-ish” attempts to capture the intricacies of college life.
of his decisions, the logistics of heroin trafficking and the inevitable conseGenerally, documenta- quences. Not only was Lucas ries can be a little conservative as to what they in- interviewed, but for evclude in their coverage of ery episode there was the subjects, but for some- an larger-than-life figure one who is looking for a who provided behind-theshocking portrayal of the scenes type quotes to truharsh realities of drug ly understand the nature dealers across the world of what was going on. “Drug Lords” included with little to no boundardramatized reenies, “Drug Lords” is actments of the for you. stories being told The four-part series depicts a TELEVISION by random actors, which in most casunique drug gang es were unique and or cartel in every fascinating, like reepisode, exposing enacting the brutal the different aspects of the narco game and violent acts that these from the U.S. to Colombia, famous criminals commitSouth America to Austra- ted. However, the reenactlia. Polarizing names like Pablo Escobar and Frank ments became a little Lucas are included in the much at times, when they series, catching the eye would act out unnecesof the casual audience, sary situations that could considering the global have simply been expopularity that those two plained by the interview names evoke just on the subjects. The audience didn’t necessarily need surface. They interview the one to see the same acted and only Frank Lucas, an scene of fake Pablo Esoriginal American drug cobar smoking a cigar six trafficker who is most re- times throughout the first nowned for the portrayal episode, for example. But of his life in the movie overall, the reenactments “American Gangster” by were interesting and well Denzel Washington. His shot. Arguably the most imdominant personality and openness provides a pressive aspect of the well constructed and in- series was the ability to depth interview about the tie episodes one and two shockingly horrific details together, with the relation-
ship between Pablo Escobar’s cartel and the Rodriguez brothers’ cartel. Both cartels were centered in Colombia, South America-Escobar’s in Medellin and the Rodriguez brothers’ in Cali--and they first had a functional relationship, basically coowning the drug game in Columbia. But when Escobar declared war against the Colombian government due to extradition laws, he got paranoid and things went sour. Director Mike Welsh does a great job of portraying the empathetic side of the Rodriguez family when Escobar threatens their livelihoods and tries to become the sole drug trafficking business in Colombia, once and for all. It almost makes the audience feel bad for the family full of cartel members and killers. This same tactic is used when depicting the Australian drug family, the Pettingills, who are led by their crime-ridden mom, Kath, and her sociopath son, Dennis. In conclusion, this is a binge-worthy series that should be checked out by crime-story lovers and audience of all kinds, if you enjoy a well-written and entertaining docu-series that makes you cringe and empathize.
dating, drug abuse, sexuality, parties and of course a college student’s dear friend and worst enemy, procrastination. In the episode titled, “If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late,” Zoey finds herself in a conflicted situation
inspired by Drake. Ana Torres, played by “Bring It On: All Or Nothing” actress Francia Raisa, plays a Catholic school girl that secretly likes to party and let loose. So far, the show has covered topics including
when she receives the infamous “U up?” text from Aaron Jackson, the president of the Black Student Union and committed social activist. This episode sets the tone for the rest of the season, portraying how Zoey will lean on her friends from time to time for advice. From its relatable storylines to its authentic characters, “Grown-ish” is a show about the college experience as a whole. Not only is it entertaining to watch, but I would say that it is one of the best written shows out right now. I think the series is genuinely hilarious and has a lot to relate to. The show has become one of my favorites because it gives perspective on what us college students have to endure on a daily basis. The series is definitely worth tuning in for 30 minutes every Wednesday. It premiered a month ago, and has already been renewed for a second season featuring 20 episodes. If you watch “Black-ish,” you’ll love what “Grownish” has to offer us college students. The show is exactly what our generation needs.
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Tech Talk The
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Gov. John Bel Edwards addresses a joint state session on Feb. 14 about education budget concerns and beginning the new special legislative session.
OF TOPS Patrick Dennis
/ The Advocate
Louisiana Tech and for the future other state universities address, discuss of higher educati ELLIE MOSLAND a plan on during financia Editor-in-Chief | emo012@ ER what exactly l crisis latech.edu to do with
TOPS. “The recent dents will not As Louisiana announcem actually be directly gan registration Tech students be- lated to TOPS had to do ents re- impacted. Instead the university last week, the for spring quarter expected shortfall of statewith the be receiving approximately the most impact will future of the higher education $28 million, funds, this change. states were from funds became necessary that huge concern. “It should have a the remainder to fund TOPS for no effect on dents at this point,” On Feb. 11, of this year,” Les Guice, the Louisiana he said. “We stufice of Student Tech president. said pect it to have Of- governor exFinancial Assistance a budgetary “The of $1.5 clarified that (LAFSA) announced impact million to $2 the suspension to support the TOPS those funds university million on the of TOPS and fund would be this absorbed by for 24 hours many dents and faculty the universities. us to reduce year which will cause stusome services wondering how members were left ed to let our students know I want- other adjustments or make that as . We to attend school they would be able soon as possible so that they would faced with other budget are also not have to worry in the cuts for this year.” The Taylor or have a job. for Students Opportunity Program studies and registration.” midst of With these new in Although Louisiana changes, Guice has played a said some many students, (TOPS) and assisting huge part in funding ulty members and Louisiana fac- with these of his main concerns dents have been many student’s changes are tion; but Louisiana the chaleducaawaiting newsresi- lenges they may higher education how this change may cause the univerof sity at the is faced with effect end of the year a crucial decision– students, future current because universities, Guicestudents and their of spent funs and prior obligations. said current stu-
107.5 host 35th
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POTTER Staff Reporter | jpp017@ latech.edu A number of African American comed the Mardi organizations wela New Orleans Gras season to Louisiana tradition known Tech with The celebration as of traditional second lining. United Afrikan dance, last Wednesday American Men (UAAM), hosted by According outside the student center.took place is defined as to FrenchQuarter.com, the a group of dancing second low a main parade, celebrants who line foldance with parasols,such as a Mardi Gras parade, and UAAM president banners or handkerchie fs. Anthony Parker, gy major, said a junior sociolothe celebration the participants’ ancestors. was intended to honor “It means of all, I’m fromeverything to me,” Parker New Orleans. said. “First time to give thanks We to everybody wanted to use this give thanks to from New Orleans; paving the wayall our ancestors before us, and also for for all us black campus. We wanted kids to make sure on Louisiana Tech were seen, and we were make Parker said the sure we have a good heard, we time.” second line from a New Orleans tradition is derived funeral tradition. “We used day,” he said. to second line for funerals back in the Mardi Gras or “But now, we do it at celebrations song comes on,birthdays or whatever. Whenever for Parker said everyone knows how to second the line.” with the Black the second line celebration Student Union’s “We chose Black Culture aligned needs to know this day to pump everything Week. about our black everyone BSU vice president culture,” Siana ShepherdParker said since Mardi Gras marks the beginning noted that second line celebration was a last hurrahof Lent, the “Mardi Gras is for fun,” many. she ple start fasting, said. “It’s right before peobefore you do so it’s a rejuvenation. Have what fun right Shepherd said you’ve got to do.” the second line as a way to bring celebration served together the African ganizations on American orcampus.
>> see SECOND
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PRINCESS WARREN Staff Reporter | pcw005@ latech.edu part of it. KXKZ, Z107.5 “Not only it hosted its 35th of Ruston made a annual Radiothon difference as every year ,butdo I have to do it raise money in order I get to do it every for St. Jude’s year; t’s challenging was raised, and Hospital. More to help all proceeds $60,000 a rewarding thing but certainly Jude’s. went directly to do,” McKento St. ney said. The Radiothon was held He said the radio to all to donate or volunteer. Feb. 1-2 and was open station does not set a monetary Z107.5 broadcasted is no disappointm goal, so there from Super 1 where volunteers MCKENNEY selves or others. ent to themof money raised updated listeners on Foods store the amount and encouraged “The goal is to make pledges or donate in person.people to call in to bring Jude’s,” McKenney hope as we can to the as much Matt McKenney, kids of St. the program said the station He said the radiosaid. has been doing director at KXKZ, Radiothon station plans more than 30 the to keep Radiothon for each from when he years. He said he remembers ways to make year and they are always having the was younger it bigger and thinking of so now it is coolthe event better. to be a >> see RADIOTHO Patrick Hall, a Tech alumnus, N page 6 Radiothon Photo by Ashley answers phones Kober to raise money for St. Jude Children’sduring KXKZ’s 35th annual Hospital.
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lt Remembering Gary Zumwa A tribute to the late geology
professor of over 35 years
how to geology or kayak-making or study,” Diane said. Marta Sramkova, a junior finance major, shared some of her memories of Zumwalt. and “He was a great professor loved amazing person,” she said. “He thing that Photo by Avery Bryan his job with all his heart. One you is very strong in my mind when audiology lab located in the when I An ear on display at the new ask me about Dr. Zumwalt is, today? asked him, ‘How are you doing Rawle Enterprise Center. He always said: surviving.’” was a Even though Dr. Zumwalt passion geology professor, his true his share was woodworking. He had but his of rock and fossil collections, most many completed projects were impressive. enDuring my first office hours proudly counter with him, I noticed his wooddisplayed pictures of two about inquired I stripped kayaks. After you the pictures he asked me, “Would own?” be interested in building yourboth kayPhoto provided by Diane Zumwalt CALEB DANIEL He and his wife had built yard. Staff Reporter | csd020@ latech.edu he built. aks in the wood shop in his back geology professor, with a kayak Little did I know, this new friendship Gary Zumwalt, a Louisiana Tech and Hearing Center rebuildThe Louisiana Tech Speech would teach me more than boattools, I and clinics, and its his guidance and cently added an additional location upgrades. vironmental remediation. said ing. With long hours in his shop durPAUL DAUTERIVE His widow, Diane Zumwalt, new site came with some important clinic in Rawle Enbeloved spent many own Former Staff Reporter | pd010@ latech.edu These sites include an audiology he was an inspiring and muchthe long ing my off days working on my other facilities set up in for terprise Center, along with two augmentative commuwood -stripped kayak. Tech teacher who was known Gary Zumwalt, a Louisianapassed lectures that he gave without notes for Robinson Hall; including a new He was a teacher inside and outside During that time I geology professor since 1980, nication lab. himself. to be able to bring this his of the classroom. away on Dec. 21, 2015. “I’m very proud and privileged also to provide wona lot about woodworking and She said he would always keep memand about learned about life through his interHe was a long time faculty type of service to our center to our graduate students classes entertained with stories a lot more Sciences to Biological used of “He School ber the derful training and experiences said Daphne Washinghis many experiences. esting stories and life experiences. get to trips to Colorado, teaching courses for both environmenwho participate in the program,” Unfortunately, Gary will not I have cam- take his students on Louisiana,” Diane in residence. tal sciences and geology across ton, a speech-pathology professional Arkansas and South see my completed kayak, but student, said the Hay, an audiology graduate original. pus. to finish it. Ashton intention said. every condeep a the to dehonor He was known to have Tech used to have a geologyEnginew clinic is a vast improvement This is the best way for me tomonuthem his “With newer equipof a cern for his students, making “It’s 10 times better,” Hay said. partment under the College him and his memory because quickly and serve more top priority, myself included. the Col- neering and Science. Zumwalt would ment bigger than Wyly Tower would ment, we can test patients more on field trips and not be enough. As a faculty member of people.” Sciences, take his students at his home. graduate students lege of Applied and Natural The clinic, operated by audiology have crawfish boils Rest in peace, Gary Zumwalt. a variety of services init was Zumwalt taught geology, oceanogra“He loved to teach, whether and faculty supervisors, offers aid evaluations, hearing and enphy, mineralogy, paleontology cluding hearing tests, hearing for balance, earaid sales and fittings and evaluations ringing and auditory processing. the School of CommuBrenda Heiman, director of dual purpose: providing a nication, said the clinic serves as services to patients. well as experience to students facility for the students,” “This is essentially a training sciences and resisupervises the students as Green is a professor of agricultural Heiman said. “The faculty will now serve as interim KEIERA BELL dent veterinarian at Tech. He Agricultural Sciences and they interact with the client.” Bryan, an associate proStaff Reporter| klb072@ latech.edu director of the new School of between One such supervisor is Matt services. order to help facilitate the transition of agricultural Forestry in fessor and director of audiological improved equipment, two complex units. As of Dec. 10, 2015 the department new to Tech beBryan said in addition to the have merged togeth- the clinGreen said merging is not something a better space to provide the sciences and the School of Forestry have simply is Arts called site have new Liberal the of faculty in what departments in the College er to create one department ic’s services. South Campus a larger cause together as well. very cumbersome bemerged an effort to give Louisiana Tech’s “Our setup in Robinson was College of Applied and actually in Woodard Hall,” Gary Kennedy, dean of the there have been some and more unified presence. up of the two previously cause the testing booth was patients from the office in Sciences, explains how This new school is made Bryan said. “We had to walkthem tested. Now they have of agricultural sciences Natural in the process of planning the merger. problems separate units of the department Robinson to Woodard to get why it took so long to “I honestly feel that saying and School of Forestry. much easier access.” bit unusual the two units merge the two units is hard, but I believe the budget cuts William Green thinks it is a the process of had to deal with slowed down have been separate here at Tech. of agricultural that we’ve said. department mergers,” Kennedy page 6 “At other universities, the department were already together, the > see SPEECH AND HEARING page 6 sciences and School of Forestry departments is not some> see DEPARTMENT MERGER but having mergers between thing new to us,” Green said.
The Louisiana Tech Speech and Hearing Center opens new center, facilities
Merger benefits South
Campus academics
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TECH XXII Louisiana Tech’s newest live mascot makes his campus debut BRYN YOUNG News Editor | bjy001@latech.edu
A
s a student at Louisiana Tech, chances are one has heard the legend of the bulldog and how Tech got its fateful mascot. The story of five students being saved from a fire by a stray bulldog in 1899 has been recited by orientation leaders and tour guides for years. However, the university did not receive its first live mascot until 1930, according to the Louisiana Tech mascot handbook. Tech I was given to the football team as a gift by two Bossier City freshmen by the names of T.J. and Henry Matthews. Ever since then, it has been tradition for the university to have a live mascot bearing the name of the first. This January, Louisiana Tech introduced us to the newest holder of the Tech name, Tech XXII. Tech XXII is an English bulldog puppy, as is tradition, who was brought in to replace his father, Tech XXI following the elder dog’s early retirement due to development of breathing problems. Louisiana Tech President Les Guice said that the live bulldog mascot is a way for the school to connect with the student body on a personal level as well as create lasting ties and loyalty to the school. “We are fortunate that someone in the past decided that Tech’s mascot would be a bulldog,” Guice said. “It is the type of mascot that can be brought into public venues, and to which people can really relate. It is always fun to see how both children and adults love to connect with the Tech bulldog mascots.” Guice said that the bulldog has a personal connection to his own life that goes as far back as his time as a student a Tech. “I can remember bulldogs going back into my time as an undergraduate at Louisiana Tech,” he said. “When my children were young, we lived in the community where the bulldog mascot was being housed. My boys would frequently go to the neighbors and ask to play with the Bulldog. Those types of interactions create special memories of and bonds to Louisiana Tech which may last a lifetime.” Student Government Association president Ben Rice said the new tradition of a line of related bulldogs is exciting and interesting. “When Tech XXI retired, we didn’t have a dog lined up because we didn’t expect Tech XXI to be retiring so soon,” Rice said. “I wasn’t included in this, but
Photos by Madison Wooley
Tech XXII is an English bulldog puppy who will take the place of Tech XXI. a couple people decided that we needed the next dog to come from Tech XXI and to keep a lineage going. We thought that would be a good tradition to start.” Rice said the process of replacing Tech XXI was long and arduous due to the criteria required for the bulldog to be housed and cared for by both the university and the United States Department of Agriculture. “The first step was to have a puppy from Tech XXI and let him grow so they could verify that he wasn’t going to have the same breathing issues,” Rice said. “That was a huge process. Then the USDA has to come inspect the house that he is living at. There is a lot more to this than finding a puppy and say ‘This is Tech XXII,’ especially since we to keep the same lineage. It was definitely a long process, a lot longer I think many of us wanted it to be, but we are glad he is here.” Tech XXII is currently undergoing training for obedience and handling the job of mascot. But Rice said students can expect to see more of him by next fall once he finishes training. Wes Cavin, director of student activities and student programs, works with the vet club to help coordinate the care for Tech at the events the dog is required to be at. He said he does not know when the students will be chosen for the club but knows that they will take the best care of the mascot possible.
“They will be led by Dr. William Green, who I have come to have a tremendous respect for and who has greatly helped me to navigate all of the tasks associated with having a live mascot on campus,” Cavin said. “Their knowledge and education will help us to ensure that Tech is being provided the best care possible whenever he is serving on the field or at various events. They haven’t officially assembled at this time as Tech is attending school to learn how to be the best mascot he can be.” Until that point, Cavin says the pup is doing just fine and enjoying his life of leisure around campus. “Well, Tech is kind of a celebrity and as such he lives kind of a celebrity lifestyle,” he said. “He exercises daily, he eats healthy, hangs out in the air conditioning watching sports to learn the games and sometimes he may help with some engineering homework until he’s called on to sign autographs, take photos and kiss babies. Occasionally, we may bring him out to scare off a hilltopper or two or some owls, eagles, and maybe some panthers.”
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6 • The Tech Talk • February 8, 2018
White’s Basketball career over LOUISIANA TECH ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS
Louisiana Tech center Joniah White announced Wednesday that he has decided to end his basketball playing career due to heart related health issues. White missed the vast majority of the 2015-16 season afterexperiencing heart issues called tacachardia episodes. These ultimately ledto a surgical procedure in May of 2016 to install an implantablecardioverter defibrillator as a precaution for his ventriculartachycardia diagnosis. White, a 7-foot, 215-pound redshirt junior from Duck Hill, Mississippi, saidthe decision was not an easy one. However, he felt it was best for his long-term health and future. “It’s a family decision,” said White. “I have a son that I needto look after and I want to make sure he is able to grow up with me around. I have a lot of faith in this team. If I didn’t then I would feel morepressure to play. We have a great team and a lot of guys who can step up inbigger roles. Spiritually, this is where God is leading me. It was a toughdecision, but I am confident in my faith. I have confidence to go where God is leading me.” Louisiana Tech head coach Eric Konkol said he and the entire Bulldog Basketball family supports the decision by White. “It’s unfortunate that Joniah is unable to continue pursuing his dream of playing bas-
Photo by LATechSportsPix.com
Due to serious health concerns about his heart, redshirt junior Joniah White has decided to end his basketball career. ketball, but his health is most important and he knows the Louisiana Tech Family fully supports him,” said Konkol. “Joniah’s outlook onlife and focus on the future have been inspiring to all of us. We are so appreciative
of his many contributions to our program and look forward to being a part of the next chapter of his very bright future.” White signed with the Bulldogs as a three-star recruit. Helettered at Madison
Central High School in Mississippi his first three years before finishing his prep career at Grenada High School. He was named to the Dandy Dozen by the Clarion Ledger as one of the 12 best players in the state. He led Grenada to the Mississippi Class 6A state title game as a senior where he had 15 points and 17 rebounds in the loss. He recorded six triple doubles that season. During his four years in Ruston, White saw action in 83 games, making 23 starts for the Bulldogs. He will leave the program ranked No. 5 all-time in blocked shots with 124. His career totals also include 259 points, 291 rebounds and 23 steals. “I want to thank Coach Konkol for his patience,” said White. “His job is not easy. I am so grateful for his belief in me and his supportof this decision. I want to thank Mr. Tommy McClelland for his belief in me too. I know a lot of athletic directors might have shied away from a guy playing with my risk, but he believed in me. I want to thank all of the fans for their support during my four years here. They have made the Thomas Assembly Center a great place to play. The family environment is unlike anything else I have experienced.” White is scheduled to graduate in May with his bachelor’s degree in communications with an emphasis in communications studies. He wants to pursue a career in coaching.
Lady Techsters secure fifth C-Usa win RODERIC LLOYD Staff Reporter | rsl010@latech.edu The Lady Techsters used a strong 14-2 fourth quarter run to pull away from preseason C-USA favorite Middle Tennessee en route to a 66-49 win. Junior Kierra Anthony led all scorers with 20 points, in what was a tightly contested game throughout while Junior Taylor Stahly added 17 points. The win was the first by Tech (14-8, 5-4 C-USA) over Middle Tennessee (139, 5-4 C-USA) since the Lady Techsters joined C-USA, snapping a six-game losing streak to the Blue Raiders, as they suffered only their third home loss of the season. Anthony played a vital role in pacing the Lady Techsters’ attack during the contest, often turning defense into easy transition buckets on offense. “She has been playing really well on the defensive end of the floor,” Tech head coach Brooke Stoehr said. “Middle Tennessee is so good in the half court. I knew we would have a hard time getting
open and struggle to get easy shots. We needed our defense to generate some points for us.” Stoehr added that Anthony did a really good job of playing the passing lanes and getting her hands on the ball, which was highlighted by her four rebounds and two steals. Tech entered the final period with a 36-34 lead, where Anthony scored six points during a 14-2 run to put the Lady Techsters ahead 50-36. Anthony wasn’t the only key contributor for Tech in the win. Stahly connected on 3-of7 3-pointers while hitting 8-of-8 free throws in the final two minutes while junior Reauna Cleaver added 10 points and six rebounds. Cleaver also led an outstanding Lady Techster defensive effort, holding preseason C-USA Player of the Year, Alex Johnson to 13 points on 5-of-13 shooting while forcing six turnovers. “Sweets (Cleaver) was phenomenal,” Stoehr said. “We have been on her about playing in her stance and playing balanced and I thought Johnson didn’t just lay on her. She moved her feet, got
to position and forced some really tough catches and forced her outside the post box.” Senior Alexus Malone equally played a key role in stopping the Blue Raiders go to option and added nine points and seven rebounds of her own. “I thought they did a really good job on Lex (Alex Johnson)” Stoehr said. “They weren’t going to let her catch and have easy touches and easy looks. I really felt like we had balance. I thought we got some good contributions from our bench tonight. We have to have all 13.” Stoehr said she implored her players for more effort and energy from a team standpoint at halftime. She believed they had committed far too many silly fouls and were not taking good shots offensively. Tech shot 11-of-18 from the field and 17-21 from the charity stripe to finish the contest. A vast improvement on the 7-of22 from the field and 8-of-14 from the free throw line that the Lady Techsters shot in the first half, which played a key role in the momentum shift that led to the win.
Photo by Brian Blakely
Junior guard Kierra Anthony scored 20 points against Middle Tennessee in an impressive outing.
Tech Golf team endures windy tournament in Tucson ANDREW BELL Sports Editor | agb022@latech.edu
Photo by LATechSports.com
Tech freshman Max Kettler led the Bulldogs at this week’s Arizona Intercollegiate, where he shot a 69 in Round 2 of the tournament.
The Louisiana Tech golf team may not have had their best performance in windy Tucson, Arizona, Jan. 30, but they gained some valuable experience that will be key moving forward. Tech concluded its first tournament of spring with a 16th-place finish in the Arizona Intercollegiate, hosted by Arizona University at Sewailo Golf Course. They finished with an total team score of 933 (325-320-308), which ranked 16th out of the 17 qualifying teams who competed. This was not the performance first year head coach Matt Terry and his team were hoping for after a more successful tournament in the Duck Commander Intercollegiate Oct. 31, where they finished second overall out of 12 teams. “All in all, we just didn’t handle the wind very well,” Terry said. “It showed in our scores and I think you could tell by looking at the scores of the other teams there how difficult it was to play in that wind. Ultimately we just didn’t adapt very well and we needed to know that in winds like that, par can be a good score. Sometimes even a bogey is a good score when the wind is up enough. But hopefully we will just learn from that and move forward.” The Bulldogs were led by Max Kettler, a freshman transfer from Stephen F. Austin, who shot a
three-round total of 227 (83-69-75). That was good enough for a tie for 41st in the competitive field of golfers. Other key performers for Tech included senior Hayden Frederick, who was their only player to post three straight rounds in the 70s to close out the tournament with a total score of 234 (78-7779), and Ryan Alford who raked in a score of 235 (79-76-80). “(Kettler) probably played the best on the team,” Terry said. “He played really well and that 69 that he shot in the second round was a good score for him. I also thought Hayden Frederick played decent. Those two guys qualified 1-2 and coincidentally they were 1-2 on the team, so I think that’s a direct correlation.” Play was stopped Monday in the middle of the second round due to darkness, so the rest of that round was continued the next day. This didn’t stop Tech from having their most successful round in that time, posting 25 points higher in the second round than the first, with a total score of 300. “We’ve just got to grow and mature as a team,” Terry said. “We’ve got to get a little tougher in a lot of ways, mentally more than physically. We’ve got the ability, but we’ve just got to be a little bit mentally tougher when we’re out on the course.” Tech’s next competition will be in Mobile, Alabama, as it heads to Crossings Course at Magnolia Grove golf club for the Mobile Sports Authority Intercollegiate.