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VOLUME 91 • ISSUE 23
School of Design wins twice JOHN STACK Staff Reporter | jes062@ latech.edu
F
or the first time in Louisiana Tech’s history, the School of Design won twice at the American Institute of Architects (AIA) conference April 1 in Orlando, Florida. Two of the three completed projects from the School of Design at Tech under professors of architecture Brad Deal and Robert Brooks won awards for merit. These awards are bestowed to work that demonstrate a high level of design quality worthy of recognition by the Members’ Choice Award in addition to the awards granted by the awards jury. These were the third and fourth awards won by the two this year. In September they won two awards at the Louisiana Chapter of the American Institute of Architects Awards Program: the Award of Merit and the Members Choice Award, both for the Larkin Gibbs Memorial Pavilion. Brooks said he was pleased with the award recognizing the professors’ goal as education and helping those in need, not accolades. “We would do the work that we do, and teach the way we teach, whether we win awards or
Photo courtesy of Robert Brooks
Both the Award of Merit and Members Choice Awards were presented for the design of the Larkin Gibbs Memorial Pavilion. not,” Brooks said. “Both Brad and I strongly believe in the power of hands on/minds on learning, especially when it benefits such an inspiring client.” He said however, winning the
awards and garnering the national recognition that they have means it’s not just a belief the two of them share, but it is a worthwhile belief shared by many. Deal shared the sentiment and
the light it shines on his chosen field, school and community. “Winning the awards is wonderful and it allows us gain more external support for the program,” Deal said. “But in the end it’s all
Young Americans for Liberty fights for free speech STARLA GATSON Managing Editor | sjg021 @ latech.edu Many young adults have a desire to share their thoughts and beliefs with those around them, and one Louisiana Tech organization, the Young Americans for Liberty (YAL), is making certain students have the opportunity to be heard. According to its national website, YAL is a non-partisan organization strives to educate, train and mobilize young adults on the ideals of liberty on college campuses. Andrew Bays, president of YAL at Tech, said the chapter is currently working to promote and protect free speech on the university’s campus. One of the organization’s recent events, the Free Speech Ball, allowed students to openly express
opinions and personal views without censorship. During the event, students were free to write anything they thought, felt or believed on an 8-foot tall beach ball set up in Centennial Plaza. Bays, a junior marketing major, said a primary goal of the event was to start a political conversation among students. “The whole idea was basically to open up political debate on campus because iron sharpens iron,” he said. “The only other way we can progress as a society is if we have open political debate, as opposed to us going to our safe spaces and becoming more radicalized and intolerant to other ideas.” Bays said the ball was just a portion of the organization’s campaign to promote campus-wide free
speech; the chapter also created a petition to suggest the reformation of the university’s speech codes. “People of all creeds, all colors and all ideas were in support of the idea of opening up political debate and being open to different ideas without having to shut each other out,” he said. Shelby Flowers, vice president of Tech’s YAL, said the chapter also hopes to let students know their constitutional right to free speech is protected anywhere on campus and there are organizations that they may not be aware of that are fighting to protect their rights. “Educating the student body on their rights brings about a ripple effect,” she said. “This strengthens the liberty movement and gets the word out that their rights are protected and
that we have high hopes for young people to start defending their rights, liberty and the Constitution. It’s important to start caring now.” Flowers, a senior psychology major, said she believes the amendments, especially the first, are under constant scrutiny and attack and feels it is important that the upcoming generation fight to protect them. “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction,” she said. “I take that message to heart, and it can be seen throughout history. Communism and socialism seek to snuff out the flames of freedom, liberty and free markets that beget a prosperous nation. That is why it is a blessing to live in America, and I will never forget that.”
added motivation to do something we were excited to do in the first place: serving those in need in our community in the process of training future architects not only to know their trade, but also to leverage their abilities for the greater good.” Brooks explained how they had arrived at doing such projects. “It was a mutual decision and partnership between the School of Design and MedCamps of Louisiana,” Brooks said. “We have a true symbiotic relationship with Camp, and the projects that we’ve done have all grown out of careful collaborative research.” He said they anticipate future projects to be developed in the same way: mutually. Deal explained further how they keep this in perspective. “Every year we assess the needs and opportunities presented and try to balance them with the resources available along with the value proposition for our clients and the educational opportunities for our students,” Deal said. “Every year is a bit of a surprise despite us sticking to a consistent formula for project selection.”
> see DESIGN page 6
Residential Life hosts First-Year Carnival IMANI COLEMAN Staff Reporter | itc002 @ latech.edu Louisiana Tech is getting more creative to retain first-year students and to make their first year experience more comfortable. The proof can be seen in a series of larger events residential assistants have hosted this year, including the First-Year Carnival. Lindsay Cavin, the coordinator of student development, spoke about the potential for starting new traditions at Tech. “I feel like our events boost the retention rate, and our goal is to ease the transition for our students to adulthood and make them feel at home
and to show them that they have a place at the university,” Cavin said. “We would also like to make the carnival and also our Freshmen Fiesta we held in the fall a tradition.” The first year carnival was held May 2 and included slack lining, cotton candy, balloon burst, washers, photo cut outs, a dunking booth and a bounce house. “This is our first time rolling out this event; I would love to see it grow over the years into a bigger and better event,” she said. Nava said the event, which gave free T-shirts to all freshmen in attendance, was entirely planned by first-year resident assistants.
> see FIRST-YEAR page 6
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2 • The Tech Talk • May 11, 2017
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Spanish Club spices things up with Salsa Night ANDREW BELL Staff Reporter | agb022@latech.edu The TONK was overflowing with students interested in salsa May 2, and that’s no reference to the dip. Salsa dancers of all levels and experiences were welcomed to Salsa Night hosted by the Spanish Club Tuesday. The event featured Argentinian dancer Skarleth Vargas as an instructor for the attendees. Vargas, originally born in Bolivia but raised in Argentina, is a Ruston resident involved with Louisiana Tech’s Spanish Club. She has worked for a district attorney’s office in Ruston for over a year now, but finds time to display her love for dance at local events and workshops. After previously working for a non-profit organization at Tech for a few years, she said she gained an interest and a passion for uniting students from all different paths. “In the five years that I worked for Louisiana Tech, my role was connecting students from different backgrounds and nationalities through recreational activities,” she said. “The hope was to create a community that would provide an environment of extra-curricular activities, but also a friendly environment for people to feel like they can belong and connect with others.” This is where Vargas found her opportunity to put her dancing abilities to use at Tech. “One of the activities I picked up there was salsa dancing,” she said. “Later on, I was offered the opportunity to volunteer in the Spanish club with my husband and the
Photo by Ashley Kober
Students learn basic steps in the salsa class presented by the Spanish Club. The event featured Argentinian dancer Skarleth Vargas as an instructor for the attendees. idea came out from the club for an activity to share the Latino culture through dance. So I am really glad to help and see the students’ response. Living in these days gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in any culture you choose by the click of a mouse but the personal interaction is just something different.” The desire to portray Latino culture through dance is also shared by Rachel Ma-
dore, secretary and treasurer of the Spanish Club, who said her experiences from her home state, Arizona, influenced her interest in salsa dancing. “In Arizona, the Hispanic culture is celebrated more openly with festivals and salsa every week,” she said. “I wanted to put on this event to introduce the vibrancy of Spanish culture and dance on our campus, causing people to get out of their comfort
School of Communication
undergoes minor face lift TIFFANY WILKINS Staff Reporter | tmw048@latech.edu
be more profitable for them to go by the new plan. New courses like Social Media Strategies and Introduction to Mass Media, Besides the new physical changes that which will be taught by assistant professor are taking place around Louisiana Tech’s Judith Roberts, are added onto the new campus, there are some changes going on curriculum’s list of new courses for the upcoming year. with certain departments’ curriculums. “I am really excited about the new opBoth Communication Studies, Journalism and communications concentrations tions available to students, and personally, for me to teach,” Roberts said. “While I am received a face lift in their curriculums. looking forward to the courses, Amy Carwile, an assistant I think students will enjoy them professor in the communication as well.” department, said she has seen a With the newest plan holding positive outcome with students more electives within the comaccepting the new curriculum munication major, the courses plan and a better reaction to acwill make learning even more cepting the time they will have to exciting and hands-on than ever. graduate with the new plan. “Overall, I think the changes “As advisers, each of the facare going to be very beneficial ulty members discussed the adto our students,” Roberts said. vantages of the new plan versus Some of her colleagues like the old plan with their advisees Scott Boatright, who is the Laduring advising sessions for fall BOATRIGHT gniappe adviser as well as a 2017,” Carwile said. “We have so journalism instructor, will be many new courses that I think will teaching a new course such as be exciting ones for students.” This change has been well thought of sportswriting. Boatright said he is eager for the fall and will benefit students more than the previous curriculum. Carwile said this plan quarter’s newest classes, like his sports has been approved by IPC and will benefit writing class, to take place and to see how incoming and current students. However, students will cooperate. “You have several new classes -- sports students close to graduation will most likewriting, small group communication and so ly remain on the old curriculum plan. “In general, if a student has only one much more,” he said. Boatright said this change may have quarter left to completion, it is not beneficial for him/her to opt to go with the new sounded easy, but it took a lot of work on plan,” Carwile said. “There are exceptions, Professor Carwile’s end. “Dr. Carwile and her assistant have of course.” Carwile said for the students who have done the heavy lifting to get it together,” a minor or potentially two minors, it would Boatright said.
zones.” Madore, a sophomore industrial engineering major, said that Vargas was an integral component of putting the event together. “We really could not have done this without her enthusiasm and passion for salsa,” she said. “We were so thankful that she was willing and happy to teach and to help us with our club.”
Tech faculty opens food pantry in efforts to combat food insecurity ANDREW BELL Staff Reporter | agb022@latech.edu Food insecurity has affected people from all over the globe, playing no favorites based on ethnicity, religion or any other categorization. However, Louisiana Tech faculty members have zeroed in on the prevalence of food insecurities among college students especially, resulting in the recent opening of the Good Nutrition Mission Food Pantry. Catherine Fontenot, an assistant professor in the School of Human Ecology, said her motivation behind aiding in the opening of the food pantry stems from her time as a food service director of an Indian Health Service unit in Chinle, Arizona. “I observed how this particular Indian tribe used the land and native wild edible plants to extend their food budget and medically treat themselves,” she said. “This was an incredible ‘out-opening’ experience for me as a registered dietitian who had never been exposed to anyone who didn’t have enough to eat, nor easy access to large grocery stores.” Fontenot would later encounter similar issues involving college students, ultimately convincing her that a food pantry would thrive on campus. “Over the past three years, I have suspected that food insecurity is prevalent among college students,” she said. “Upon further research I found an article that confirmed my suspicion. A university in Oregon, about the size of Louisiana Tech, conducted an experiment conveying that 60 percent of their student population was food insecure.” She said the current economic climate in Louisiana, considering budget
cuts for higher education, rising costs and the surplus of first generation students would provide an opportunity to implement a system improving students’ food insecurities at Tech. “That combined with the fact that I believe we live in a land of plenty, and honestly do not believe anyone should ever feel hunger,” she said. “Thus, the idea of a campus food pantry was born.” Melanie Lantz, an assistant professor in the department of psychology and behavioral sciences, said her department also expressed interest in a food pantry at one point. “We had been aware that food insecurity is an underrecognized problem for college students,” she said. “Food insecurity can lead to academic, psychological and physical problems.” Lantz said people experiencing food insecurities are more likely to go through physical and psychological distress. “The goal, generally, of opening a campus food pantry is to alleviate student hunger for those experiencing food insecurity,” she said. “This is done to thereby ameliorate the psychological, physical and academic consequences of food insecurity.” Camille Baker, a doctorate counseling and psychology major, said the mental downfalls of food insecurity are the most eye-opening. “Food insecurity is linked to a lot of things,” she said. “These things include a lower grade point average and also depression.” The pantry is located in Carson-Taylor Hall Room 152. It is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9-11 a.m. and 12-2 p.m. to those interested in utilizing the available resources of the pantry.
UPCOMING EVENTS FRIDAY
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MONDAY
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THURSDAY
• Stress Relief Week 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Student Center (SCTR)
• ACTS Potluck Social 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. A.C.T.S.
•Diamond ‘Dogs vs. Marshall 1:00 p.m.
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•Diamond ‘Dogs vs. Marshall 6:00 p.m.
•Diamond ‘Dogs vs. Marshall 2:00 p.m.
• OMA & Career Center Study Night 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Keeny Hall (KNYH)
NEWS
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May 11, 2017 • The Tech Talk • 3
Bone marrow donors sought at Tech TIFFANY WILKINS Staff Reporter | tmw048@latech.edu
With blood cancer being the most common pediatric cancer in the U.S. and more than 170,000 Americans discovering they are living with blood cancer each year, the search for donors and cures becomes more intense than ever. The international nonprofit organization DKMS, which was founded in Germany 25 years ago, searches for donors in the United States, Germany, Spain, United Kingdom and Poland. On May 1, Sigma Rho Alpha participated with DKMS for the first time to register students around Louisiana Tech’s campus to perform a mouth swab test for a possible bone marrow transplant match. Amy Roseman, a representative of DKMS, helped distribute information and statistics about blood cancer. “The only thing that’s hard for us is that 2 percent of Americans have registered and we have 14,000 people looking for matching donors,” Roseman said. “Only 40 percent will find a matching donor.” The reason why they are doing this deed is to find a cure for thousands of patients including the Allums family. According to DKMS, 3-year-old Elizabeth Allums and her 20-year-old brother James Christopher Allums have a rare blood disorder, fanconi anemia, and are in need to find a matching donor. To become eligible as a donor you must meet these qualifications: must be between the ages of 18 and 55, in general good health, willing to donate to any patient, not already registered, at least 4’10’’ and 105 pounds or more and not a member of the U.S. military, active in the Reserves or in ROTC. “The students who registered yesterday will receive a confirmation call that will help them to understand what they signed
Photo by Danny Do
Sigma Rho Alpha participated with DKMS to register students around Louisiana Tech’s campus to perform a mouth swab test for the bone marrow transplant. for,” Roseman said. “They’ll stay in the database until they turn 61.” Roseman said those who are in the military have their own centers to register in and undergo the process of donating. Lauren Colvin, an assistant professor of the department of health informatics and information management at Tech, was also assisted DKMS in the bone marrow drive alongside Sigma Rho Alpha. Colvin described the two ways that the center would draw blood from the newest donors and said students were thrilled that it would come from their arms.
“Most people were really excited to know that it did not have to be the bone marrow aspiration from the hip bone,” Colvin said. “Because that’s the traditional way to extract the blood.” According to the DKMS website, the peripheral blood stem cell collection (PBSC), which is drawn from the arm, is used in more than 75 percent of cases where the cells are drawn from the blood stream. Bone marrow collection is used in less than 25 percent of cases and is collected from the back of the hip bone through an outpatient surgical procedure performed
under anesthesia. “Some students were worried about the procedure coming from the hip bone,” Colvin said. “But they said that they would do what they had to do in order to help.” There are two ways to register as a donor: at a donor registration drive or online at dkms.org. The organization does not charge anyone to register to help save those awaiting a donor. The registration includes eligibility and health screening, filling out a form and swabbing both cheeks for 30 seconds to collect cells for use in matching with a patient.
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MORGAN BERNARD Staff Reporter | mrb056@latech.edu
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ith spring quarter coming to a close as finals week quickly approaches, most of us come to the end of another school year at Louisiana Tech. While many students are anxious for summer break and ready to hit the beaches with our fellow semester system universities, I am a little sad to see another year pass. It is amazing to me how quickly time has seemed to fly by since my first day here. Already my friends and I will soon be juniors in college, but sometimes it feels like our time here has only just started. It seems like it was only yesterday when I was struggling to carry a mini fridge up three flights of stairs to my apartment freshman year. But at the same time, it feels like that was way longer than just two years ago. It is also crazy how much I have formed to college life in my short time here. I remember waking up early my first day of
DILLON NELSON Staff Reporter | djn005@latech.edu
The Tech Talk (USPS 535540) is published Thursdays of the regu ll of us watch television and movlar school year, except in vacation ies. Whether it be on classic cable, and examination periods, by the Netflix or by some other means, we Journalism Department of Loui siana Tech University. Publication each find our own shows and films to get office is in Keeny Hall, Room 138. into. I think it is great how many people,
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Morgan Bernard is a sophomore communications major from Echo who serves as a staff reporter or The Tech Talk.
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friends and connections I have made while being here. I can even say with truth that some of my best memories were made here in the city of Ruston. So, as you spend your summer break visiting family, taking road trips or working at an internship, think back on your time here. However you spend your time at Tech, your graduation will be here before you know it. You will be reminiscing about those all-nighters you pulled studying for tests and the days spent walking to class in the rain without an umbrella. There will also be even better memories to remember, like cheering on the Bulldogs at a sports game or that one wild night at the Rev with your friends. So while you are here, remember to take some time to have fun, make new friends and enjoy your college experience while you can because as cheesy as it may sound, time really does fly by.
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classes because I was so nervous that I would not make it across campus in time for class. (By the way, for people living in apartments near Lambright, it takes exactly seven minutes to get to GTM.) Now when I wake up every morning, it is an internal battle on whether I should even go to class. Then once I am out of bed and ready, at the earliest, I leave my off-campus apartment 15 minutes before a class. Tech and Ruston also feel like home to me now. As a freshman, I remember feeling so far from home, friends and family. But now I have all of that here as well as back in little Echo, Louisiana. Even though I am only halfway through my time here at Tech, I have grown very attached to the university and have learned so much about other people here. I remember when I graduated high school adults would always tell me, “Enjoy your time in college. It goes by fast and you are going to miss it.” I would nod and subconsciously roll my eyes. Looking back on it now, these statements seem to hold true. I have loved my time at Tech and the new
young and old, are keeping up with art and supporting their favorite creators nowadays. We may be a nation with an embarrassing literacy rate, but Americans love television and film culture. Fandom drives television and film culture. There is, however, a small faction of television fans who give fandom a bad name with their shallow tastes and skewed idea of good art. These types of fans have the wrong idea of what goes into making good art with television and film . By this, I mean people who do not know how to properly watch these shows. These types of fans often stick to one type of television show or film which they watch mostly for the action. They do not listen to other people’s opinions and stay in their own bubble of personal tastes. These types of fans are what leads to good, character-based works getting overshadowed by lesser, more disposable
works. They ruin it for the rest of us with their backward tastes. Here are a couple of ways to be a proper fan. First, it is imperative to take people’s recommendations. You have probably told one of your friends something like, “Oh, that sounds good, I’ll have to watch it” and not think twice about it. It is easy to simply say this and forget, but making a point to actually give other people’s recommendations a chance can expand your tastes and help others to do the same. Second, I find nothing more annoying than someone getting highly upset about spoilers. Some people watch twisty shows like “Game of Thrones” for the wrong reasons. They do not consider an episode a success unless there was some big death or “wow” moment. If they happen across any sort of spoiler, it ap parently ruins the story for them. This is why you should strive to enjoy a show from a character perspective. Understanding the interconnected reasons why the big moment happened is more important than how twisty a turn was. Finally, you should try and tune into your favorite shows from time to time and savor episodes as they are released. With television, most of its appeal is its
episodic nature. When watched according to schedule, the viewing experience, though it may be hard to find time or suffer through hiatuses, is ultimately heightened. With Netflix-type outlets, you can always try to watch season in packs of two or three to try and emulate this experience. A “binge buddy” could be another way to achieve a more monumental feel to your viewing experience. The point is to watch the show with some conviction instead of blazing through different shows and films. Going to the movie theater is the ultimate way to support your favorite artists. Catch a matinee if you can manage it. Supporting the box office of your favorite actors and director’s films only ensures they are able to keep making them for you. These are all ways to be an open-minded fan of television and film. By keeping these ideas in mind, you can help give fandom a good name while properly supporting and allowing television and film to blossom through discussion and critical thinking. Dillon Nelson is a senior English literature and communications major from West Monroe who is a staff reporter for The Tech Talk.
GUEST COLUMN
Ditch the internship, head to camp ALLISON EAST VINING
T
he tulips have bloomed, graduation pictures have flooded Instagram and your friends at semester schools are packing up and heading home. It can only mean one thing: summer is coming. We all picture summer as beaches, parties and time to relax, but the older we get, the less likely that dream becomes. Instead of making incredible summer plans, we’re bombarded from advice from parents, grandparents, advisers and other adults. Get a job or at least an internship. Bummer. But what if I told you that you could get a job that would give you an unforgettable summer experience and that would do more for your future than an internship? You’d probably be all over it, right? Well, I’m here to tell you that job exists. It’s at summer camp. Whether you went to camp as a child or not, you’re probably thinking the same thing: how in the world is camp better than an internship or a real job? Well, there are many, many ways, but I’ll give you just a few.
Most importantly, underneath all the kayaks, silly songs and all-camp games, working at a summer camp teaches you soft skills that you will use in the real world. You can put them on your resume, and you can talk about them during interviews. Camp teaches you responsibility by putting you in charge of children, staff, activities or programs, and it teaches you advanced problem-solving by putting you in different situations each hour of each day. Additionally, summer camp teaches you leadership. Not only are you getting a daily dose of those soft skills — communication, networking, enthusiasm, etc. — but you’re also getting to develop those skills in the children around you. Even if working with kids isn’t in your future, the ability to lead a group and teach others important skills translates well to any environment. If you’re worried about learning professional etiquette for the work environment, camp has you covered. Drop-off day, when parents leave you with their most prized possessions in the entire world, requires peak professionalism. Camp staff members often have one two-
to three-minute conversation to prove they know what they’re doing and they’ll do a great job caring for their child. Years later, if you need to convince a CEO or company president that you can care for his or her company and employees, you’ll have it in the bag. More and more often companies are looking for people with buzzwords like “teamwork” and “culture.” Summer camp gives countless opportunities to hone these skills by throwing staff members into a group of people they may not know and doing team builders, icebreakers, games and activities to help them become a family. So if you don’t have plans for the beach, an internship or a job, look for a camp you can call home. Summer camp provides the fun you’re looking for with the future skills you need for success. Allison East Vining is a former Tech Talk editor and former Student Government president who now serves as director for Camp Weed in Live Oak, Florida. Email comments to allison@campweed.org.
Social media and modern marketing strategies
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nyone who has dared to scroll through Instagram in the past week and a half most likely viewed numerous pictures of the same red swimming suit. This was part of a marketing campaign by Sunny Co. Clothing, which promised a free bathing suit to those who reposted and tagged them in a photo (which, after an overwhelming response, the company reserved the “right to cap the promotion if deemed necessary” and warned participants of the possibility of shipping delays). The bandwagon effect was seen in full swing. Social media provides a platform for trends to spread like wildfire and either burn out completely or continue to rage, based on the response of viewers. According to Teen Vogue, it was estimated that thousands of reposts of Sunny Co. Clothing’s red swimsuit occurred. This is just one example of the internet’s far reach into daily life. It influences social norms, trends and is even able to have an impact upon buying habits. Marketing ploys and strategies frequently implant themselves among the typical content from personal connections. At The Tech Talk, we believe in some ways, social media can be too influential in daily life. Often, the newest trend or product is rapidly seen and absorbed by the public, and can quickly diffuse into our daily lives. Product crazes fueled by social media are not uncommon in our society, and many are quick to hop on board, without taking the time to truly evaluate the trend. People may have the tendency to skip the step of fact checking and simply take what they see on social media at face value. Despite these potential considerations for consumers, the implications stemming from the existence of a social media market can behoove the efforts of companies. It can provide a way to reach many potential consumers of a product. In this way, we see it as a potentially effective tool for marketers. However, it is also possible for companies to easily misconstrue product information via social media channels. Many individuals who have found a suspiciously good deal via a Facebook link often realize the potential unreliability of certain sites when a product either never arrives or when it finally does, it bears little resemblance to the picture online. Thus, it is essential for those who use social media as an outlet to remain conscientious about purchasing online. In addition to personal awareness, at The Tech Talk, we also believe it is crucial for companies utilizing social media outlets for marketing to make efforts to show true credibility and accountability to consumers. Social media marketing has the possibility to broaden the opportunities of companies and customers, but utilizing this tool comes with new considerations for both parties.
May 11, 2017 • The Tech Talk • 5
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More or Less BFA exhibition displays talent of art students JOHN STACK IV Staff Reporter | jes062@latech.edu More or Less, an exhibition of artwork by Louisiana Tech School of Design BFA candidates, is on view at the F. Jay Taylor Visual Arts Center galleries on the Louisiana Tech University campus until Friday. The exhibition is a capstone project by 10 senior Bachelor of Fine Art students. The work depicted inquiries into identity, memory and emotions, estimating answers while accepting subjectivity, inspiring the title for the show. This group of artists includes Janelle Cobb, Whitney Durrett, Catherine Hunter, Alaycia Moore, Reagan Pearson, Sarah Prescott, Kody Robinson, Sarah Smith, Maggie Torbet and Christina Wong. They also showed as a group earlier this year at the Upstairs Gallery in Monroe, and were featured in the March issue of DeltaStyle magazine. Catherine Hunter, a senior photography major, said she was pleased with this exhibition being realized. “I’m proud of all the hard work that has gone into this show over the course of the year,” Hunter said. “It’s satisfying to see something we’ve committed to come together.” She said for her it has been a huge privilege to work with the amazing artists she had for classmates and faculty members. “I want to give a big shoutout to everyone who has given so generously of their time, resources and support
for this show,” Hunter said. Alaycia Moore, a senior double major in graphic design and studio, said she is happy with the success of the event. “The More or Less BFA Exhibition was a successful night for the studio art students,” Moore said. “Each artist showcased their talents, concepts behind their bodies of work and their creative process.” She said it has been a great turnout and isvery pleased and thankful for the friends and family who flowed in and out of the gallery spaces and all of their support. Joey Slaughter, an associate professor of art, said the exhibition will present quite the array of art from Tech’s art seniors. “The 2017 BFA Show More or Less at Louisiana Tech School of Design has a diverse range of art from painting, installation art, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics and drawing,” Slaughter said. “I encourage all of the community to come see what we are doing in the School of Design here in Ruston. The opening is Monday from 6-9 p.m. in The Visual Art Center.” Opening with a public reception May 8 from 6-9 p.m., the work is shown in the Moffett and Bathea galleries in the F. Jay Taylor Visual Arts Center on Tech Drive in Ruston. Gallery hours are Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. For more information, please email Whitney Durrett at LATechBFA@gmail. com, or visit the La Tech BFA Facebook page.
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Whitney Durrett, a senior studio art major, is a cyanotype artist focusing on grief and how individuals react and cope when faced with losing someone.
‘Dear White People’ gives black perspective of college Dear White People HHHHH IMANI COLEMAN Staff Reporter | itc002@latech.com Netflix’s new series “Dear White People” took viewers along with student activists as they showed their everyday experiences attending an Ivy League college. The series is based on Netflix the 2014 film with the Logan Browning playing the role of Samantha Brown, same name and begins where the movie left off, a multi-racial student who confronts race relations as while giving more details a DJ for the campus wide radio station. into characters’ lives. The series gives a re- radio station, on her show house party. freshing glimpse of the that she has titled “Dear In the meantime, the race relations of all stu- White People.” series also follows Coco dents in the university setHer program is nearly Conners, played by Antoiting. cancelled after a black- nette Robertson, who is in The main charface themed a relationship with Troy acter Samantha house party set not because of an emoBrown, played by the political and tional connection, but Logan Browning, TELEVISION racial climate on because he fits the criteria is a multiracial stuthe campus to an for a future husband on dent who finds her all time high. her life plans to becoming role on campus by Troy Fairbanks, a senator one day. becoming an acplayed by Brandon Coco also deals with tivist and the president of Bell, plays the dean’s son race relations by lying the Black Student Union. and also the first African- about her background to Samantha is seen by American class president her peers and not admitsome as an antagonist be- candidate and is seen by ting she grew up on the cause she constantly con- some as the campus sav- rough side of Chicago. fronts race relations as a ior who is supposed to reThe series also depicts DJ for the campus-wide store racial order after the Reggie Green, played by
Marque Richardson, who is in love with Samantha but cannot date her because he is in a bisexual relationship with Gabe Mitchell, played by John Patrick. I liked the series because it showed AfricanAmericans as relatable students who are just as focused and driven as their classmates. I also like the series because not only did it give the experiences of black students on campus it also gave the experiences of white students as well. An important scene that depicted a overzealous campus cop pointing his gun at a student has added to an important conversation about the role cops should be playing in their respective communities and has sparked social media applause for the series and its modern script. Overall, the series is definitely worth the watch. It has received a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes for good reasoning, it teaches both sides about the ramifications of racism and it tells the story in a very realistic, unapologetic way.
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6 • The Tech Talk • May 11, 2017
WEEKLYHOROSCOPE
support group for artists. They will understand.
6/28/2016
Libra Sep 23 - Oct 22 You clean house like someone with an attention problem, Libra. You never stick with one task. Your bathroom mirrors and counters will get cleaned, but not the floor. Make an effort to clean thoroughly, one room at a time. Even if you don’t get through the whole house, you will receive some satisfaction from knowing that parts of it are spotless.
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Aries March 21 – April 19 You can expect to have a confusing encounter with a friend or colleague today, Aries. He or she may come to you for advice but hesitate to reveal the specifics of the problem. You will feel as though you’ve been asked to mediate an argument, yet you only know one side of the story. Be patient. Gently probe for more details. If they aren’t forthcoming, change the subject!
Scorpio Oct 23 - Nov 21 Today you may need to be more selfless, Scorpio. You may moan about the obligations and expectations placed on you, but you do what’s expected. Much to your surprise, you actually find that you get more out of the experience than you put into it. You may visit a nursing home and be charmed by stories of the war years. Keep your mind and heart open. You will be richly rewarded.
Taurus Apr 20 - May 20 You’re feeling strong, energetic, and likely to be inspired to get some real work done around the house, Taurus. Focus on the most mundane chores, such as reorganizing bookshelves or going through the clothes you no longer wear. This day won’t be the epitome of intellectual activity, but you will be rewarded with a tidy living space.
Sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21 You may receive a letter or phone call that spurs you into action, Sagittarius. You might realize how close you are to reaching a long-term goal, and harness your energy for that final push to the finish line. Now that the goal is in sight, you’re already thinking about what your next one will be. “Ever onward” is your motto.
Gemini May 21 - Jun 20 Something you read today could have a dramatic effect on your life, Gemini. Pay particular attention to dream psychology. You may find an explanation for a recurring dream. The accuracy of the description could stop you in your tracks and make you anxious to read more. You’re right to be intrigued, Gemini. You’re bound to learn more about yourself as you study this particular area.
Capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 19 This may not be your preferred way to spend the day, but it would be an ideal time to finish up tasks that have been piling up at home, Capricorn. It would do you good to catch up on cleaning or get more organized around the house. Yes, Capricorn, that means throwing away last year’s newspapers and magazines. If you haven’t read them by now, you’re not likely to!
Cancer Jun 21 - Jul 22 Today you will likely be in the mood to nest with loved ones, Cancer. Encourage children and partner to stay home with you. Make some popcorn and pull out the board games. You will be surprised at how much fun a quiet day at home can be. Tonight, order pizza and watch a movie. Get out the blanket and cuddle.
Aquarius Jan 20 - Feb 18 You’re a dedicated soul to spend precious personal time doing household chores, but certain things need to get done. If you still haven’t done all the laundry or read all the magazines, then tackle these first. Completing them will motivate you to move on to the next task. Before you know it, you will be sitting pretty in a neat, organized home.
Leo Jul 23 - Aug 22 Today an article or TV show may set your mind spinning in the strangest directions. You could finally acknowledge your fascination with the occult, or perhaps discover an interest in dream interpretation. Let yourself indulge in your interests. Sometimes you don’t take the time to pursue subjects that you don’t deem “serious.” Go ahead and explore your dark side!
CROSSWORDPUZZLE
BestCrosswords.com Puzzle #1 for June 24, 2016
1. Corpse
Across 1. Grassy plain 6. Birds that may be spotted 10. Dark cloud 14. Singer Baker 15. Haggis ingredient 16. Writer Wiesel 17. Difficulty in speech 19. Long tale 20. Fuse units 21. Take a breather 22. Take exception 23. Remote abbr. 24. Weatherbeaten 26. Rubs out 28. Tantalizes 29. Summary 30. Twin in Genesis 33. Amused 38. Divine Secrets of the ___ Sisterhood 39. Skip ___ 42. Harsh 47. Stain 48 Plan beforehand 52. Takes too much 53. ___ the side of caution 54. Auditorium 55. Sponsorship 56. Hold on! 57. Enfeeble 59. Kitchen addon? 60. Currency unit in Western Samoa 61. Helicopter part 62. Beams 63. Ladies of Sp. 64. End of ___
2. You don’t bring Across me flowers, 1 Grassy plain; ____ 6 Birds that may Lose 10 Dark cloud; 14 be 3. spotted; 4. School orgs. Singer Baker; 15 Haggis ingredient; . Implement used 165Writer Wiesel; 17when Difficulty in rowing a boat speech; 19 Long tale; 20 Fuse 6. Milo of “Barbarella” units; 21 Take a breather; 22 Take 7. Sausage exception; 23 Remote abbr.; 24 8. Film composer Stevens Weatherbeaten; 26 Rubs out; 28 9. RR stop Tantalizes; 29 Summary; 30 Twin 10. Monetary unit of Ghana in Genesis; 33 Amused; 38 Divine 11. Los ___ Secrets of thezircon ___ Sisterhood; 39 12. Orange Skip 42 Harsh; 47 Stain; 48 13___; . Discovers Plan 52 Takes too 18.beforehand; Very, in Vichy much; 53of___ 22. Dr. rapthe side of caution; 5424 Auditorium; 55 Sponsorship; . Cried . Toiletries case 5625 Hold on!; 57 Enfeeble; 59 27. ___ Francisco Kitchen addon?; 60 Currency unit 30. Division of geologic time in Western Samoa; 61 Helicopter 31.62 EyeBeams; infection, houseof Sp.; part; 63pig Ladies . Battery type 6432 End of ___; 34. Watched intently
35. Title Down 36. Backward movement 1 Corpse; 2 Youtidal don't bring me 37. Degenerate flowers, ____; 3 Lose; 4 School 40. Listener orgs.; 5 Implement boat;row 6 Milo Film composer LAST8 ISSUE’S SOLUTION 57a. Skid woe of "Barbarella"; 7 Sausage; 41. Mosaic piece used when rowing Stevens; 9 RRatstop; 10 Monetary unit Ghana; 11nest Losegg ___; 12 Orange zircon; 13 Discovers; 58.of Tax deferred 42. Volcano, times 1843 Very, 22 Dr. of rap; 24 Cried; 25 Toiletries case; 27 ___ Francisco; 30 Division of . ListinofVichy; corrections geologic time; 31that Eyeisinfection, pig house; 32 Battery type; 34 Watched intently; 35 Title; 36 44. Something true Backward 45. Hamstidal it upmovement; 37 Degenerate; 40 Listener; 41 Mosaic piece; 42 Volcano, at times; 4346 List of corrections; 44 Something that is true; 45 Hams it up; 46 Cartoon Chihuahua; 47 ___ . Cartoon Chihuahua never work!; 49 work! Do ___ a Waltz?; 50 Small hand drum; 51 AKA; 55 School founded in 1440; 57 47. ___ never Skid Taxdeferred nest egg; 49row . Do woe; ___ a58 Waltz? 6/28/2016
BestCrosswords.com Puzzle #1 for June 23, 2016
Down 1 Heroin, slangily; 2 Whip; 3 Comedian Johnson; 4 Harbor; 5 Suffocate; 6 Just the Way You ___; 7 Used to be; 8 Follow; 9 Well statistic; 10 Sweeping implements; 11 Mr. Moto portrayer; 12 For want of ___...; 13 Mandlikova of tennis; 21 Implement used when rowing a boat; 23 Loathe; 25 Postpone; 27 Revivalists; 28 Globes; 29 Court order; 30 Spicy; 34 Wind dir.; 35 Homerun king Hank; 36 Plunge headfirst; 37 Pitcher Hershiser; 38 James ____ Jones; 40 Covering for an acorn; 41 Actor Ayres; 43 Make beer; 44 Arm coverings; 45 Places of contest; 47 Suffix with cloth; 48 New York's ___ Island; 49 Nitrogen compound; 50 Place for "stompin'"; 52 Open infection, painful; 53 Mower brand; 55 Pres., militarily; 56 Buck follower; 57 "Star Trek" role; 58 Nicholas II was the last Russian one; 61 Ich bin ___ Berliner;
DAILY U
Have any ideas for future comics or feedback? Email dwyer@latech.edu
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FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
HIGH 82 LOW 66
HIGH 80 LOW 56
HIGH 79 LOW 54
HIGH 84 LOW 58
HIGH 87 LOW 61
HIGH 85 LOW 67
HIGH 87 LOW 66
Deal and he have the good fortune of doing could not be done. Brooks stressed the bonds that have been formed here and how this is home. “I feel that I am part of the Tech family, and I’ve grown roots here in this strangely wonderful community,” Brooks said. “Ruston and Louisiana Tech are home to me now, and I’m looking forward to many more years of doing what I love with great people.” Deal cemented the statement. “Ruston and Louisiana Tech have been very good for both my family and my career,” Deal said. “Winning these awards is proof of that.”
Across 1 Highfives; 6 Impressed; 10 Boring, so to speak; 14 Billiard shot; 15 Actor Auberjonois; 16 Barrett of gossip; 17 The Jetsons' dog; 18 Scots Gaelic; 19 Port of Algeria; 20 Slum area inhabited by a minority group; 22 Strong feeling of happiness; 24 Possessed; 26 Tooth layer; 27 Not anywhere; 31 "The XFiles" extras; 32 Diamond flaw?; 33 Buy alternative; 36 Her partner would be a buck; 39 Final notice?; 40 Grannies; 41 Currency of Turkey, and formerly of Italy; 42 Fast flier; 43 Purchaser; 44 Cut off; 45 Gallery offering; 46 Drilling result; 48 Fondle; 51 Maiden name indicator; 52 A bit; 54 Overhaul; 59 Getting ___ years (aging); 60 Bacchanalian cry; 62 Infectious agent; 63 Actress Sofer; 64 Actress Petty; 65 ___ Gay; 66 Peepers; 67 City on the Rhone; 68 Purge;
50. Small hand drum 51. AKA 55. School founded in 1440
THURSDAY
Brooks explained how all of this has affected their lives. “Between the success of Brad’s award winning short film ‘Arch335: Rebuilding MedCamps’ and the national recognition of the work that our studio is producing, we have been able to travel all across the United States sharing our work, our vision, and our passion to very receptive and supportive audiences,” Brooks said. “During the spring quarter, we work very long hours and shoulder a lot of responsibility.” He said what they do requires an unbelievable amount of support from their families. Without them, much of what
Puzzle #1 for June 23, 2016
Go back | Print | Help
Down
WEEKLYWEATHER
> DESIGN from pg. 1
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Pisces Feb 19 - Mar 20 You’re an avid reader, Pisces. Today you may come across some ideas that inspire ideas of your own. Perhaps you read something gives you an idea for a short story. Maybe an interview with a famous musician reignites your desire to play the piano. Pay attention to these yearnings. Write them down. When you review them in a few days, you will see which ones still have a strong pull on you.
Virgo Aug 23 - Sep 22 If you’ve been thinking about writing a novel or taking up oil painting, today is the day to begin. No excuses. You have just as much talent as anyone else, so why not use it? You might find it helpful to join a writing group or sign up for a painting workshop, if only to help you get started and stay motivated. Join a
Puzzle #1 for June 24, 2016
SUDOKUPUZZLE Difficulty EASY
www.sudoku-puzzles.net LAST ISSUE’S SOLUTION
Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 grid contains the digits 1 through 9.
> FIRST-YEAR from pg. 1 “Our first-year resident assistants are assigned to specifically interact with our freshmen and this event was created to be a congratulatory event from the RAs to the freshmen because they have completed their first year,” she said. Photo by Ashley Kober Brandi Nava, a senior agriculture Josh Wheat, a senior mechanical engineering business major and a freshman resident as- major, makes cotton candy for first-year students. sistant, spoke about gest headaches,” come together and planning the event. Nava said. “We have attend campus events. “Planning this was meetings every week “Having these big completely differ- and we decided that a events allows not only ent because we usu- carnival would be the the extroverts but also ally don’t put on time- best event especially the introverts a chance consuming events so because it is spring to find their place on it was very stressful, time.” campus,” she said. “If and it seemed like Nava stressed the you ask me, it’s importhe smallest details importance of giving tant that we always turned into the big- students a chance to have something on
campus so that people can interact.” Jazlynn Taylor, a freshman biology major, said attending events has affected her own first-year experience. “Because I am a person that lives four hours from home, they’ve helped me; I can remember faces so when I meet people at events like these I don’t easily forget them,” she said. Taylor also said she wished there were more social events on campus. “I expected more because we are a small campus so it would seem more people would show up for events,” she said.
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May 11, 2017 • The Tech Talk • 7
My First
Mother’s Day
Expecting student looks forward to her first Mother’s Day as a parent RAHEEM PROCTOR Staff Reporter | rjp020@latech.edu other’s Day is Sunday, and one Louisiana Tech student is about to experience her very first one as a mom-to-be. Ashli Parish, a senior health informatics and information management major, is from Austin, Texas. Parish and her fiancé are expecting a baby boy that they will name Dayvion Sumlin. “The way we decided on the name was we just tossed names out there until we agreed on something together,” Parish said. Parish’s due date of June 21 is approaching, but Mother’s Day will be here before the baby. “I don’t know much about being a mom yet,” Parish said. “I am sure it will come to me naturally.” As Mother’s Day draws near, Parish said she is grateful to be in the position she is in because not everyone is fortunate enough to give birth. Parish is expected to graduate in the winter quarter and said having a baby is added motivation to complete her undergraduate career. “I’ve heard it a lot, people saying having a baby is extra motivation, but now I am experiencing it first hand,” Parish said. “I definitely want to finish school and have that safety net for me and my family.” Parish and her fiancé plan to move to Dallas after she graduates so she can begin her career in healthcare. The engaged couple also plan to get married in 2018, but they have not decided on an exact date for the wedding yet. Friends from school are rooting for Parish as she finishes up her last few quarters all while becoming a mom. Linneishia Gayden is a senior family and
child studies major and said she is a very close friend to Parish. “I am very happy for my friend and her fiancé,” said Gayden. “I wish them all the best.” Gayden said not everyone gets to spend this holiday with their mom, so seeing someone very close to her become a mom is special to her. “Everyone is not fortunate enough to have someone to spend or celebrate Mother’s Day with, so when that opportunity comes for someone close to you, you spend it with that person and make sure they feel loved and appreciated,” said Gayden. Along with her friends, Parish’s organizational sisters are encouraging as well. Parish is a member of the Society of Distinguished Black Women. The organization surprised her with a baby shower last Sunday, May 7. Ke’Asia Green is a junior kinesiology major and a member of DBW who attended the baby shower. “One of our big sisters decided to throw the baby shower,” Green said. “That’s what this sisterhood is really about; it goes beyond being an on-campus organization.” Green said even though the baby shower was supposed to be a surprise, she had a feeling Parish knew about the event, so the element of surprise may have slipped past Parish. “I think she knew about the baby shower,” Green said. “Nonetheless, we just wanted to show her that we are there for her 100 percent.” The ladies played games and opened gifts for the lady of the evening, welcoming her into motherhood. Green said all the sisters are very excited for Parish, her fiancé and their family. They said they would all like to wish her a happy first Mother’s Day.
ABOVE: Parish celebrates at her baby shower with fellow members of the Society of Distinguished Black Women. LEFT: Linneishia Gayden, one of Parish’s friends, said seeing someone so close to her become a mom is special to her. Submitted images
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8 • The Tech Talk • May 11, 2017
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Sloan named Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar Senior year brings more honors for soccer player LOUISIANA TECH ATHLETICS COMMUNICATION Louisiana Tech senior forward Kathryn Sloan has been recognized as a 2017 Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar in women’s soccer for her outstanding academic and athletic achievement. Sloan was one of 26 student-athletes from across the country in all divisions to be selected first team. Academically, the Kansas City, Missouri native has a perfect 4.0 grade point average and will graduate this spring with a degree in communication arts and design. This past fall, she was named the CoSIDA Academic All-America of the Year for Division I women’s soccer, becoming the first student-athlete in Tech history to receive this prestigious honor. She has also been a four-time recipient of the Commissioner’s Academic Medal as well as a three-time Conference USA All-Academic First Team honoree. The striker was equally as impressive on the pitch during her four years as a Lady Techster. She helped compile an overall record of 48-30-6 while leading the team to three straight C-USA Tournament appearances despite being picked each year in the preseason to finish toward the bottom of the league. Sloan’s name can be seen throughout the Tech record book. She is the Lady Photo courtesy of Darrell James Techsters’ all-time career leader in almost The Lady Techster’s Kathryn Sloan (9) played a role as both a dedicated student and a dedicated athlete in her time at Tech, earning recevery statistical category – points (89), goals (36), shots (231) shots on goal (120) ognition and awards at the conference level and beyond. and game-winning goals (13). She led the team in scoring all four In addition to her athletic ability and Diverse Issues In Higher Education For all the latest in LA Tech Soccer, folyears, including this past year when she be- academic performance, Sloan has demon- sponsors the Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar low them on Twitter (@LATechSOC), Instacame the first Lady Techster to be named strated a strong commitment to community Awards, inspired by tennis legend Arthur gram (@LATechSOC) and Facebook (LATFirst Team All-Conference USA (was a sec- service and student leadership while at LA Ashe Jr.’s commitment to education as well echSoccer) or visit the official website at ond team honoree in previous two seasons). Tech. as his love for the game of tennis. LATechSports.com.
Tech powerlifting lifts national championship ‘Iron Dawgs’ bring home top honor in Men’s Equipped Division BRYN YOUNG Staff Reporter | bjy001@latech.edu The Louisiana Tech powerlifting team lifted more than heavy weight at the Collegiate National Meet, coming home with a national title in the Men’s Equipped division and a spot in the Second World University Powerlifting Cup. The team traveled to San Antonio, Texas, from April 7-9 to compete against universities from around the nation. Tech brought three squads to compete in the Men’s Raw, Men’s Equipped and Women’s Equipped divisions placing first in Men’s Equipped with 51 points, 12th in Women’s Equipped and 13th in Men’s Raw. By finishing first in Men’s Equipped, the team earned a chance to compete on the world stage in Potchefstroom, South Africa in July. Tech has won 34 national titles in powerlifting over the years. A.J. McFarland, a graduPhoto courtesy of A.J. McFarland ate student at Tech, helped win The Iron Dawgs traveled to San Antonio to measure their skill against universities from around the country at the team’s previous two titles as a competitor and now has the Collegiate National Meet. The team placed first in the Men’s Equipped division. helped it pick up yet another as To be back as a coach and to be going into the 2017 competition. is back.” the team’s coach. He said the able to bring home another one, I “We came in as huge underThe victory hinged on the moment left him speechless. dogs, very under the radar,” Mc- deadlifts on Sunday, the final day, “It makes it seem like all the can’t put it into words.” He said this victory is special Farland said. “Last year we placed as freshman Charterrius Terry hard work, dedication and all the hours we put in were for a rea- not only for him, but the team or- second to last in the Men’s Open and junior Donald Treglia readied son,” McFarland said. “I’m elated ganization following difficult loss- division. We’re no longer under- for their lifts. Conner Gruntz, a jubecause I was on the team that es the past few years that made dogs. We’re no longer under the nior in his second year as a part won the last two that Tech won. the Iron Dawgs the underdogs radar. Everyone knows that Tech of Tech powerlifting, said it was
an amazing moment for the team. “It came down to Sunday afternoon, when Donald and Terry were lifting,” he said. “It came down to the deadlifts and Josue texted the group to get loud because they just needed to hit their openers and we’d win. Terry went out and pulled his first one and got it. Then Donald missed his first deadlift. Then he went up and missed his second deadlift. It literally came down to Donald’s last deadlift, whether we win or not. We all just got loud and got in his face and he went and killed it. It was a really great moment. Once he hit it, we saw the white lights and we all just hugged each other and cried because we haven’t won a national championship since 2010.” The pressure on final competitors was immense, especially considering the relative inexperience of freshman Terry. Terry said the victory was a learning experience that both amazes and inspires him. “When you come here you know there are expectations in the first place,” Terry said. “When you attend Louisiana Tech and you powerlift, you want to win. When you pull that off your freshman year, it’s more pressure but you know you’re capable of it. If you’re at your weakest point your freshman year and you can be a part of a win like that, there’s more to come.”