February 23, 2012 by The Johnsonian

WHY WAIT TILL THURSDAY? READ MYTJNOW.COM OR ON YOUR MOBILE DEVICE M.MYTJNOW.COM

Editor argues for the right to protect self with firearms. See Opinion, page 5

The “Shift Age” is upon us, according to futurist David Houle. See Science & Tech., page 6

THURSDAY February 23, 2012

Mardi Gras celebration floats into Thomson on Fat Tuesday. See Culture, page 9

WINTHROP UNIVERSITY

Issue 19

SPORTS

Baseball relinquishes three games JEFF BRODEUR brodeurj@mytjnow.com

The Winthrop Eagles stumbled out of the gate, dropping all three games against powerhouses Kent State and ninth ranked Georgia Tech by a combined score of 21-6. While the struggles were expected against such ﬁerce competition, the Eagles looked severely overmatched on

Friday’s opening day game against the Yellow Jackets. Winthrop managed just one hit against Georgia Tech pitching in a 5-0 shutout to kick off the new season. Junior Matt Pierpont took the loss, giving up two earned runs on four hits, while striking out six batters in seven innings. Both of Pierpont’s earned runs came in the ﬁrst inning on two hits and a wild pitch. After that, the junior settled in, throwing six scoreless innings and at one point, retired eight Yellow Jackets in

a row. “The positive to take from tonight was our pitching,” said head coach Tom Riginos. “Matt competed, and that’s what you’re going to get out of him. If we make a few plays behind him, it may have been a different game.” The remainder of the scoring came in the seventh and eighth innings when Georgia Tech scored three runs on three

Photo by Jeff Brodeur • brodeurj@ mytjnow.com

See BALL page 11

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

NEWS

Gallery Up to close doors MONICA KREBER kreberm@mytjnow.com

When he was still an illustration major, Stephen Crotts, a 2008 Winthrop graduate, said Gallery Up acted as a bridge between Winthrop and the Rock Hill community. “It was one of the things that got me involved in town in general,” he said. “It brought me downtown and sort of initiated my interest in local businesses.” Gallery Up, a local show room/frame shop that showcased the work of artists in York County [as well as Winthrop students] for over seven years, has announced it is closing for good. The business left an impact for Crotts, who said he was not necessarily “shocked” when he heard the news, but was “disappointed for sure.” “It’s sad to see it go,” he said. “Gallery Up has been in Rock Hill as a sort of premiere place to gather and view art…and meet artists.” Crotts is part of an art group called Friday Arts Project, which started

CSL Vice Chair explains duties JONATHAN MCFADDEN mcfaddenj@mytjnow.com

Call it a gift, a knack or just natural talent but Kaitlin Sapp has quite the afﬁnity for numbers and the bottom line. On Monday nights, Sapp sits to the right of current CSL Chair Kambrell Garvin. She helps facilitate meetings, explains procedures and solicits support from students both on the inside and outside of the organization. This past fall, she capped her ﬁrst semester as vice chair of CSL, a position that, though not often celebrated, plays an important role in the mechanisms of student government. As vice chair, Sapp and her committee oversee the process and distribution of $28,000 worth of cash student clubs and organizations can use to fund programs, workshops, conferences, trips,

special speakers and lecturers and events on campus. Clubs and organizations budget out how much money they need for whatever purpose, leaving the committee to decide how much to allocate. Don’t look for Sapp to stray from set guidelines too often. “I don’t know, I guess I’m a stickler for numbers because that can be a liability on our part,” said Sapp, a junior integrated marketing communication major. “I want every organization that walks through that door to receive the same amount of money that a different organization received.” Money in the student allocations treasury comes from student fee money. Now, Sapp is working this semester to tie loose ends and ensure that promised initiatives come to pass.

See SAPP page 2

NEWS

Gallery Up hosted it’s last exhibit on Friday, Feb. 17 but will remain open until the end of the month to sell ﬁxures and furniture. Photo by Sarah Auvil • auvils@mytjnow.com

See GALLERY page 8

NEWS

Tenured mass comm professor arrested for DUI, released next day JONATHAN MCFADDEN mcfaddenj@mytjnow.com

Winthrop officials have refrained from commenting on the recent arrest of a university professor accused by police of driving under the influence last Friday night. University Spokeswoman Rebecca Masters told The Johnsonian on Monday that the university does not discuss legal matters involving specific personnel. “We will keep informed on the status of any charges,” said Masters, officially known as the president’s assistant for public affairs. Rock Hill Police arrested Guy Reel, an associate professor of

Guy Reel Associate professor

mass communication since 2002, on Feb. 17 after initiating a trafﬁc stop on Springsteen Street, according to the original incident report. An ofﬁcer claimed Reel was swerving in between lanes and, when he initiated the stop, Reel

Questions? Contact us at editors@mytjnow.com Serving Winthrop since 1923

drove his car over a curb at a nearby Target before re-entering the roadway, the report says. When the officer approached Reel’s car, he could smell the odor of alcohol emanating from inside the vehicle, the report states. He could also smell alcohol on Reel’s breath when the Tennessee native began to speak. The officer asked Reel to exit the vehicle, which the professor had trouble doing without using his car door to balance himself, the report says. The officer proceeded to administer a series of sobriety tests on Reel, including asking the professor if he was “edu-

Lost toddler’s mom ex-Winthrop student AMANDA PHIPPS phippsa@mytjnow.com

Zinah Jennings, who left Winthrop in 2008, was an interactive student in class, former classmate of hers Justin Hayes said. Jennings is the mother of Amir Jennings, a toddler who has been missing since Thanksgiving. Jennings is currently pregnant and sitting in jail, but her attorney is arguing she should be let go because she needs prenatal care and treatment for her mental illness, according to the Hufﬁngton Post.

CAMPUS NEWS

See LOST page 2

Zinah Jennings • Photo courtesy of The Hufﬁngton Post

See ARREST page 3

I N D E X

Hayes graduated with a degree in business administration, healthcare management last spring. He had HMXP with Jennings and said she always wanted to share her opinion. “She was very outspoken and always had a comment to add,” Hayes said. Hayes said though he didn’t know Jennings on a personal level, he did not expect that Jennings would end up where she is. “Really sounds like a horrible situation all around,” he said. “She seemed like a nor-

2-4

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

OPINION

CULTURE

SCIENCE & TECH

SPORTS

7-8 9 10-11

JONATHAN MCFADDEN News Editor mcfaddenj@mytjnow.com

THURSDAY February 23, 2012

AMANDA PHIPPS Assistant News Editor phippsa@mytjnow.com

Kaitlin Sapp says it all: CSL Vice Chair talks duties, money & a second term?? SAPP • from front Those initiatives include promises Sapp made when running alongside current CSL Chair Kambrell Garvin last spring. Sapp, who was the only candidate at the time in the running for vice chair, stumped to make the student allocation process paperless and easier. She also threw her support behind Garvin’s platform, which included more student government transparency, an effort to improve parking on campus and initiatives that would lobby state legislators about the increasing costs of higher education. And, just in case she needs to pass the baton to someone else, Sapp said she wants to make sure there’s a smooth transition. Before, Sapp was CSL’s secretary, a role now fulﬁlled by junior art major Ashley Sineath. Speaking of passing the torch, Sapp said she’s still undecided on whether she will run again as vice-chair. “I have not made a deﬁnite decision yet,” Sapp said. “I will say there are many other things on campus that I would like to be a part of.” One item noted on her bucket list includes studying abroad. If that doesn’t pan out come March, she said she would consider running for the chair position instead of vice chair. “I always believe in moving up and pushing yourself,” Sapp said. “If I had to put a percentage on it, it’s probably a less than 1 percent chance I’d be running again.” Last month, Sapp’s running mate, Garvin, announced his bout for reelection, saying the job was not yet done. Though she’s seen an anti-voter ID bill resolution pass, several voter registration drives meet success and other CSL accomplishments, Sapp still has one project she strives to complete —making the SAC process completely paperless. “Rome wasn’t built in a day,” she said. “Hopefully, by the end of the year that will be

something that’s in effect.” With the second year of student-wide elections quickly approaching, Sapp understands that people don’t look at the vice chair position with eyes full of desire. But, she said she feels people in the College of Business would make good candidates for the seat. “They could really hit this stuff hard and really nitpick things that we can possibly change and just do better all around,” Sapp said. “I would love to see someone outside of CSL run for both positions.”

“”

I always believe in moving up and pushing yourself. If I had to put a percentage on it, it’s probably a less than 1 percent chance I’d be running again. Kaitlin Sapp

CSL vice chair

Sapp says that she doesn’t want to “pigeon hole” herself into one position because she has more she can offer to other organizations on campus. Photo by John Rhodes • rhodesj@mytjnow.com

Asbestos in Dinkins not a problem, Subway to open soon By Amanda Phipps

phippsa@mytjnow.com

A small amount of asbestos has been found in the former student center, but this does not pose a health problem, said Walter Hardin, associate vice president of facilities management. Hardin said a small amount of asbestos was found on the old ﬂoor tile in Dinkins. “This is a non-friable condition that is not a danger to anyone,” Hardin said. “It was removed properly by a professional

abatement ﬁrm. It was not a big deal.” Other challenges the university faced included the additional time it took to remove old ﬂooring and put new ceilings in Dinkins, he said. Even with the challenges, the university had enough funding for the project, Hardin said. “We’re just taking the time to be sure it is done the best possible way for the long term,” he said. Hardin said Subway should be opening soon.

Amir Jennings still not found LOST • from front -mal girl in class. I wouldn’t have thought there were any mental issues going on, much less the drug/prostitution allegations.” Jennings was a physical education major while at

Winthrop, but no professor would tell The Johnsonian whether they remembered Jennings or not. Under FERPA (Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act), most professors said they could not talk about Jennings.

Photo courtesy of the Charlotte Observer

“(Subway) seems like it is coming together at a rapid pace,” he said. “I am looking forward to it myself.” The university is fnalizing the construction of Subway and will start training staff, director of dining services Pam Yurkovic said. Staff members will have the ﬁrst taste of having Subway back on campus. “As part of the training process, the staff is able to create and taste the products and menu items being offered,” Yurkovic said.

The opening date for Subway has not been released, but it should be open later this semester. “We will alert the campus community once we have conﬁrmed the opening date, but we encourage students to check out our Facebook page for ongoing updates,” Yurkovic said.

Check out pictures of Subway, available on mytjnow.com

––– Police Blotter ––– LARCENY (2/7/12) A Winthrop reporting officer was sent to Lee Wicker at 3:30 p.m. to meet with the victim of a reported stolen laptop, according to the police report. The victim told the reporting officer that when she returned to her room, after having been gone for multiple hours, her book bag and purse were not in their usual locations. She normally stores her book bag in her closet and her purse under her bed, but when she entered her room, both items were on her bed and appeared to have been rummaged through, according to the police report. After looking through her things, the victim noticed that her HP Compaq laptop computer and charger were missing, as well as $11 from her purse. The victim told the reporting officer that her roommate’s things did not appear to have been touched, according to the report. The victim moved into her room at the beginning of the spring semester and did not have any problems with her roommate or suitemates. She was given a victim’s notification form and informed that an officer would be contacting her to follow up, according to the report.

DISORDERLY CONDUCT, OPEN CONTAINER (2/2/12) At 8:20 p.m., a Winthrop reporting officer was sent to the Courtyard apartments in response to a suspicious person in the building, according to the police report. Upon arrival, the reporting officer located the suspect standing outside a room on the fourth floor. The suspect told the reporting officer that he did not live in Courtyard but was there visiting a friend. The suspect was holding a cup in his hand and the reporting officer smelled alcohol on him. The reporting officer noticed that the suspect was having a difficult time keeping his balance and he began to act in a contentious way. The reporting officer placed the suspect under arrest for open container, disorderly conduct and gave him a trespass notice. He was taken to the Rock Hill City Jail, according to the police report. GRAFFITI (2/10/12) A Winthrop reporting officer was called in regarding two photos of a Winthrop teacher that had been defaced by an unknown person outside his office at the Conservatory of Music, according

to the police report. There were two photos hanging outside the victim’s office and an unknown person had drawn a mustache on his face and put a swastika on his forehead on both photos. The victim was given a victim’s notification form, according to the police report. CONSUMPTION OF BEER UNDER 21 (2/11/12) At 1:27 a.m., a Winthrop reporting officer was sent to Charlotte Avenue in response to reports of a large party, according to the police report. As the reporting officer was on the porch speaking to the owner of the house, he noticed the subject walking in the yard, attempting to leave the house. The reporting officer stopped the subject and smelled alcohol on him, according to the report. The subject informed the officer that he was under 21, but had been drinking beer that night. The reporting officer cited and released the victim for consumption of beer under 21, according to the police report. Compiled by Zoe Irizarry

THURSDAY February 23, 2012

President Obama delivers higher ed ultimatum: Lower rate of increase or lose $$$ By Jonathan McFadden mcfaddenj@mytjnow.com

Public colleges and universities that raise tuition rates too often may incur the federal government’s wrath and see their inheritance —i.e. federal money— cut off if their respective states fail to make higher education more affordable. In January, President Barack Obama introduced a set of proposals designed to boost the affordability of higher education by lowering loan costs to students and increasing some aid programs, according to a document presented to Winthrop’s Board of Trustees earlier this month. He also outlined four proposals state governments could adopt to trim costs, including: • Creating a Race to the Top for college affordability and completion: A $1 billion investment in a new challenge to states to spur higher education reform will reward states who are willing to drive systemic change in their higher education policies and practices, while doing more to contain their tuition and make it easier for students to earn a college degree. • A competition to model innovation and quality on college campuses: A $55 million investment n a new competition to support the public and private colleges and non-proﬁt organizations as they work to develop and test the next breakthrough strategy that will boost higher education attainment and student outcomes. • Better data for families choose the right college for them: Creation of a College Scorecard for all degree-granting institutions, designed to provide the essential information about college costs, graduation rates and potential earnings, all in an easy-toread format that is intended to help students and families “choose a college that is well suited to their needs, priced affordably and consistent with their career and educational goals.” • Federal support to tackle college costs: In his State

“”

Other simpler enterprises often face the same choice in troubled economies. Rebecca Masters

Assistant to the president for public affairs

But, some of the proposals are easier said than done. For example, the idea that providing federal aid to students based on institutions keeping tuition low could be troubling for public colleges, which across the nation have had to hike tuition in order to compensate for vanishing state appropriations. Since 2008, Winthrop has seen its support from the state decline consistently amid the economic recession. Although the recession is technically over, the university still receives only 9.6 percent of support from the state, whereas in 1991, it received close to 42 percent in state funds. Student tuition and fees, which comprised a smaller portion of the university’s revenues in the early ‘90s, now account for more than half of the university’s income. To compensate for state cutbacks, the university absorbed $3.4 million of federal stimulus money that dried out last year. In that time, Winthrop launched a Readiness Winthrop initiative — a six-step contingency plan the university adopted to deal with disappearing money.

Graphic by Courtney Niskala • niskalac@mytjnow.com

Professor arrested for DUI had trouble reciting full alphabet ARREST • from front -cated” and “knew his alphabet,” starting from the letter E and ending with the letter Q, the report states. Reel said the alphabet from E to P, but mistakenly skipped over Q and said “E,” according to the report. Reel tried again, but failed to say the alphabet correctly. The ofﬁcer arrested Reel and took him to jail, where he administered a Breathalyzer test. Reel’s blood alcohol level was at 0.19, the report states. A 0.08 BAC reading is the legal limit in South Carolina. This was Reel’s ﬁrst offense and the case was cleared by arrest, the report says. Commenting on his arrest, Reel said: “I congratulate The Johnsonian for practicing outstanding journalism. It’s public record, and what we do has consequences and we all have to live with our consequences. We all have to learn from

of the Union address, the President called on Congress to: keep interest rates low for 7.4 million student loan borrowers to reduce future debt, make the American Opportunity Tax Credit permanent, double the number of work-study jobs over the next 5 years and maintain support for Pell Grant maximums at the current level.

our mistakes.” After serving as a professional business, political and education reporter at several newspapers in Arkansas and Tennessee, Reel earned his Ph.D. in mass communication from Ohio University. He is also the author of two books and the co-author of one other. William Click, department chair of mass communication, declined to comment. According to Winthrop’s progressive discipline policy for faculty and staff, offenses requiring disciplinary action can include arrests or violations of federal or state criminal laws, not including minor trafﬁc offenses.

Additional reporting by Claire Byun

The plan included transitioning many printed publications and materials online. It also emphasized boosting efforts to retain students, enroll more students, create new programs, mandating a new $25 safety fee all students must pay, launching the Distinction Campaign and pursuing key investments. “Winthrop will always be willing to look at additional ways we can manage costs without reducing quality and value for students, so we look forward to hearing additional details about how the White House proposals would work if approved by Congress,” said Rebecca Masters, assistant to the president for public affairs. The reason higher education costs rise from year to year is because it’s personnel-intensive, campuses must invest in the latest technology to help prepare students for the work world and energy costs are higher on campuses with historic properties, Masters said. The White House hasn’t unveiled any set plan for addressing the problems the president’s addressed, leaving some higher education leaders fretting. A Feb. 10 story in The Chronicle of Higher Education detailed the concerns of several higher education leaders, many of whom expressed a warlike ferocity against the Obama Administration’s college-affordability proposals. David L. Warren, president of the National Association of Colleges and Universities (NAICU), is quoted saying that the college presidents he’s spoken with are ready to mobilize “shoulder to shoulder in defense of the principles of our independence.” Warren is also quoted saying that many university presidents feel their institution’s independence is being attacked and the Department of Education is slowly transforming into the Ministry of Education. During his State of the Union address and a speech to students at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, President Obama encouraged students to pressure Congress to keep the interest rate on loans from doubling. Obama also said the government needs to push colleges “to do better.” The president has “time and time again” expressed concern that reductions in higher education state support threatens student access and family ﬁnances, and that state reductions threaten the quality of higher education students receive, Masters added. “Few responsible institutions appropriately can avoid some tuition increase each year because the cost of things like technology, energy, campus security, library materials, building maintenance and other base costs continue to rise year to year,” she said. Any costs not addressed by state support or tuition result in a cutback universities use to balance the budget, Masters said. “Other simpler enterprises often face the same choice in troubled economies – to choose between increasing prices for their products or reducing what’s provided for the same cost,” Masters said. “Expecting students to settle for less in that degree really isn’t an option in today’s competitive world, so to keep the quality up-to-date, tuition generally increases, especially when state support declines,” Masters added.

Want to sit in the captain’s seat? Then run for CSL President or Vice President • CSL interest meetings: Thurs 11 a.m. and Fri 2 p.m.

THURSDAY February 23, 2012

Student journalist recalls his memories of ‘generous,’ ‘humble,’ ‘smart’ Hannah Floyd Hannah Floyd was sitting on the bench outside the Winthrop University library, a purse hanging from her elbow, smoking a cigarette. She was a tall young woman with just enough magenta-colored makeup to accentuate the unique curvature of her eyes. Her hair was long and straight, which also had a vaguely magenta rinse. “I used to smoke too,” I told her. She smirked and flicked the ash, which fluttered, down to her shoes. “Yeah, they’re camels,” she said. I told her I used to smoke Parliaments and Marlboro menthols myself, but I decided to quit. We talked about a few random, inconsequential things since we only knew each other from a Spanish class. We talked about the Cuban accent. We talked about our past jobs in restaurants. We talked about school. She nodded, probably humoring me, and finished her cigarette. Hannah was just one of many older woman to whom I turned for advice and trivial conversation. But I was wrong in placing her as just one of many. Hannah was special and almost everyone in the psychology and biology departments knew that. The chairman of the psychology department at Winthrop, Joe Prus, had told the local paper that she had “real pizzazz.” I never saw her again because she died just a few days after graduating. This handsome young woman who remained in my periphery, whose life promised so much, who drank coffee to stay alert and smoked cigarettes to relax, a beautiful girl with ivory skin from small town America—Chester, S.C. to be exact— a daughter, a friend, a colleague, a wife, a favorite pupil, died in a car accident

Hannah on Dec. 18, 2010 —the day of her graduation.

during the Christmas on maternity holidays in 2010. leave, but I She wasn’t driving the bet you can car. An allegedly drunk get a hold of friend had lost control her by email, amid a snowstorm, acConnor.” cording to the Herald He fixed me article reported by Matt up with the Connor deBruler Garfield. She was 24 email address Junior mass communication for Heather years old. major It was only afterward Evans-Anderthat I realized whom I son. had been talking to for I wouldn’t those last few months. Hannah was not hear back. ordinary. What I do know is that She graduated with honors and with a Hannah devoted a large Hannah posing with Heather Evans-Anderson, a double major in psychology and biology amount of time to this biology professor with who Hannah conducted reno less. She had also served as a research school. She devoted her search. TJ file photo. assistant. She played a mean game of time and her money to softball, once hitting a home run at her become an impressive the biology department who named a first at-bat for the Chester Dixie Girls research assistant and honors graduate. new species of flatworm after his old all-star team. She pledged herself to this institution colleague. I knew all this and I still didn’t rewith the hopes of a better future but was He called the worm Hannah-floydae. ally know anything about Hannah. Too never able to use any of the tools she Bercy was candid during the phone often are the parameters of a person’s gained from it because on that December interview. “I just want to make it clear legacy shaped by the final two minutes: night, Hannah ran out of time. that we weren’t good friends. We only suicides, murder victims, car crash I decided to give some of it back by new each other from class and biology causalities. These are not fitting ways writing this essay, even though it’s too research,” he said. “I just thought namto remember a person. In order to fully late. ing it after her would be a nice thing to commemorate someone I didn’t know I got an email from Merry Sleigh in the do.” anything about, I would have to talk to psychology department a few hours later. I thanked Bercy for his quote before people who did. She wrote this: “People who knew hanging up the phone. I sat down before It wasn’t nearly as easy or as satisfying Hannah, either through a close relationmy keyboard and thought of some way as I had hoped. ship or as an acquaintance, will tell you to culminate these scattered findings and The first place I went looking for Hanhow smart she was. Her intelligence was half-intelligent insights into a satisfying nah was Dalton Hall, the biology buildreadily apparent. One of the neat things whole. But nothing in life is ever that ing. I blindly walked into the offices of about Hannah was that she was so much simple. Hannah’s life wasn’t that simple, several professors from both the psymore than a bright college student. She and it certainly didn’t culminate into a chology and biology departments. maintained a good balance between whole: an unfinished life for an imposThe biology department’s staff was work and fun. She achieved a great deal sible-to-finish piece of work. Part of me much more chipper and willing to speak academically, but she also enjoyed life still thinks that I never actually began. with me. I stepped into the empty halls and the people around her. The more I I will never be the journalist my of the second floor with my backpack talked with her, the more I learned about professors want me to be. I will never weighing down my right shoulder. Sweat the wide range of her interests and abilibe able to bother the families of the accrued in my armpits and lashed from ties. Hannah knew how to work hard and deceased. Sometimes peace is more my unwashed hairline, dripping down play hard. She did so with a very humble important than the career aspirations of to my beard. It was unseasonably hot and generous spirit. In one of my classes, a 21-year-old. for early February. I looked more like I had a typo on my slide that made the The short and happy existence of a hobo who had just stolen a student’s information inaccurate. Hannah sent Hannah Floyd wasn’t recorded day by bag than a student journalist. me the kindest note, suggesting that I day, and now all that remains of it are Regardless of my lack of hygiene, double-check one of the terms on my the fragmented recollections of the few Julian Smith, a tall biology profesoverhead, which is the only way I caught people left on campus that taught her or sor with a warm smile under his gray the mistake. She could have pointed out hung out with her. moustache, asked me to sit down in his the error in a mean-spirited, arrogant or This piece, as I was too foolish to office. embarrassing manner, but instead, she understand a week ago, could never re“What can I do for you,” he asked. intentionally communicated in a considally be about Hannah. Instead, it’s about “I was hoping you could recall someerate, private and thoughtful way. It’s what is left of Hannah, what remains 6 thing about the Winthrop student who wonderful for a teacher to have students feet deep or 40,000 miles upward and all passed away two years ago-” who want to learn; it’s even more excitthe thoughts and memories in between. He stopped me dead in my tracks. ing to have students from whom you can “Hannah Floyd.” His voice seemed to learn yourself.” Note: A few weeks after Hannah’s linger in the air. I asked him what he “Connor, I hope this helps. I wish you death, The Johnsonian ran a story could say. the best with this important article! Be in about Hannah in which the paper spoke He said this: “You know, I didn’t retouch if I can do more to help. Take care, with her professors, roommates and ally get to know her beyond seeing her Dr. Sleigh.” friends. The above story is an immerin the hall from time to time. She took The weekend approached and my sion journalism piece written by a one of my seminars too, but those are brain cooled off from its episode. Evenstudent journalist from his own perfilled with 47 students at a time. I can tually, my roommate gave the phone spective. tell you who you should talk to. She’s number of Joseph Bercy, a graduate of

Students use Twitter to keep party going By Andrea Agness Special to The Johnsonian

On those late night weekends, Twitter goers may begin to see more tweets on their timeline, but those tweets won’t be your normal updates or hashtags. Instead, students will use social media as a new way to warn others about college parties getting busted or where to avoid roadblocks when driving. Students at larger schools like Clemson and University of South Carolina already have the ability to download a smart phone app that will constantly keep them

updated on where police may be lurking. And for those who don’t have the app, there are Twitter accounts dedicated to keeping students out of legal trouble. Some of those tweets say, “Police Pavs now” and “Get out of Pavs now people,” with a twitpic of police arresting someone. It seems the Clemson and USC trend may be making it’s way to Rock Hill. “I’ve seen tweets about parties on Ebenezer getting busted,” Junior integrated marketing communication major Nicole Kayse said. It’s not only on Twitter —while many

students, like Kayse, say they notice more of the warnings on Twitter, others feel differently, like junior biology major Olivia Beasly. “If anything, I see it more on Facebook when people update their statuses,” Beasly said. She said she doesn’t think everyone has caught on the social media trend just yet. Several students said they realize how popular it has become in areas like USC, but don’t see such apps or Twitter accounts in Winthrop’s future. This trend doesn’t have much of an effect on law enforcement since Campus

Police is not aware of it. “I don’t know anything about the apps or how they work except from what I read,” Campus Police Chief Frank Zebedis said. In fact, the only use Campus Police say they have for social media is to communicate information around the campus. Zebedis also said when they hear about a potential party, they may check Facebook for posts as a way to follow-up on information.

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SYDNEY EVANS THURSDAY February 23, 2012 Opinion Editor evanss@mytjnow.com

New opinion editor is packin’ There are not that many things that I do not consider Winthrop, and by are special about turning 21. extension Rock Hill, to be a dangerYes, you are now allowed to partake ous place to live. But there seems to be in “adult” beverages, but the majority of an emerging pattern of violence along college students that enthe periphery of our beautiful joy an alcoholic beverage, grounds. or five, did so before that Two women have been magic age. kidnapped; one of them raped, One thing, however, is and two students were robbed special about turning 21. at gunpoint in the past three You can buy a gun. months. That is not ok! This past November, Campus police has been vigion my 22nd birthday, lant in reminding students to be after a year of research aware of their surroundings and Sydney Evans and thought, I purchased my Opinion Editor responsible for their actions. first firearm. I also went a I try to be both; but, I know that step further, and qualified and received my right hook is not impressive, and in my concealed weapons permit. the event of an attack I am not comIn order to acquire the permit you pletely confident that I could successhave to sit in an 8-hour class, pass a fully defend myself. written test on the material covered, When I hold that compact Smith and score a 70 or better on a test of & Wesson .38 with its laser sight and marksmanship. pink handle, I am fully aware of both I found this to be superfluous for the fearsome might and tremendous something that is guaranteed under the responsibility that weapon represents. Second Amendment of the ConstituI only wish I could have it on me at all tion, but rules are rules. times, even on campus. The class covered many subjects: If I did, I would not think twice about such as gun safety, cleaning and mainwalking to my car in the dark, or feel taining your firearm, and what to do in vulnerable outside of the tall fences that the event you have to fire your weapon line Winthrop’s perimeter. in defense. I see the issue of concealed weapons But the most surprising thing I as fundamental to individual freedoms. learned was where I am allowed and The right to protect yourself is not more importantly where I am not alnegotiable. lowed to carry my firearm; one of which is Winthrop University’s campus.

Editor claims love is... splendored love Love is a Many SplenIf anything, we need way dored Thing. more love in this world, and it To quote one of my favorshouldn’t matter who it is with. ite sappy movies, check out How could more happiness be a the above title. Now read bad thing, any way you look at it again. Nowhere does it it? say ‘straight love’ is a many Any added happiness in life is splendored thing, nor ‘gay pretty much an awesome thing. love’ or ‘love between man I don’t care who or what you and dog,’ what have you. love, no one should have to walk Alison Angel Just, simply, love. through life feeling ashamed of Culture editor I’ve been stuck on this themselves because of public ever since I attended a opinion. comedy show (with someone I kind of So as far as I’m concerned, keep maklove) and found out that even with all the ing life better and spreading the love. advances in thought and opinion in this Forget anyone who tries to make you feel country there are still people willing to bad about it. stand outside in the cold holding handmade signs that state you’re going to hell for who you love. I’m not passing judgement on any party here, I must add. I am just expressing my surprise that people are still offended by any type of love other than what they have always been told or know. As I stood outside hand in hand with my love, we watched as couples of all races, genders and orientations were forced to walk through a crowd jeering and condemning them. I’m a firm believer that you can’t help who you fall for, and it is kind of scary to see someone’s brief moment of happiness blotted by people who for some reason label their love the wrong type. The way I see it, how can any additional love in this world be a bad thing? There’s war and poverty, there are starving kids in our own country that need a helping hand and people struggling just to get by. Life’s tough and it seems the last thing we should be worrying about is who our neighbor is in love with.

“”

If anything, we need way more love in this world, and it shouldn’t matter who it is with.

Editor-in-Chief CLAIRE BYUN

Science & Technology Editor CATHERINE ZENDE

Managing Editor & Webmaster DEVANG JOSHI

Sports Editor JEFF BRODEUR

News Editor JONATHAN MCFADDEN Assistant News Editor AMANDA PHIPPS Opinion Editor SYDNEY EVANS Culture Editor ALISON ANGEL Arts & Entertainment Editor MONICA KREBER

Sports Editor DAVID THACKHAM Copy Editor STEPHANIE ROJENCHES Copy Editor EDWARD SZEMAN Multimedia Editor JEREMY ALLEN Assistant Multimedia Editor SARAH AUVIL

Photographers CLAIRE VANOSTENBRIDGE JOHN RHODES SARAH AUVIL Ad Manager / Ad Designer RILEY SCHOTT Ad Sales Representative JOSH DEMAREST Graphic Designer COURTNEY NISKALA Faculty Adviser GUY REEL

Our Say

TJ explains reporting DUI case Everybody makes mistakes. Guy Reel, associate professor of mass communication, was arrested last weekend for a DUI. Reel also serves as the faculty advisor for The Johnsonian, which made reporting the story controversial. The decision to report Reel’s case proved difficult, especially to staff members who’ve worked closely with him. Group discussions ensued, and we came to the decision that, given our code of ethics and prior reporting, we must print Reel’s arrest. We love and appreciate our advisor, but The Johnsonian must uphold journalistic principles and reporting precedents.

In Sept. 2011, The Johnsonian covered the arrest of two employees who sold scrap metal belonging to Winthrop. Since we’ve reported on the issue of Winthrop staff arrests before, we must treat all other staff arrests equally, even if it involves members of The Johnsonian. We will continue to report employee arrests. It’s only fair. It’s good to keep in mind, when reading stories of arrests or the police blotter, that every action has consequences and we all have to live with those consequences. We all need to learn from our mistakes. And we all make mistakes.

The real human experience We believe that just because we exist we must have a greater purpose. What if that isn’t the case? Every day, we as humans struggle with this basic, yet complex question. What is the purpose of human existence and why are we here? Many turn to religion to find answers, aiming to Riley Schott tackle the quesSenior tion with faith. However, the truth is, no matter what religious doctrine or faith you believe explains the existence of human life. You haven’t the slightest clue. What I find fascinating is not the particular answers that people come up with, (although many can get pretty entertaining) but the nature and perspective of these answers. Whether you be Christian, and believe in Christ and the search for heaven, or believe we exist to serve another higher function; your explanation is a product of the same egocentric perspective. It has been nearly 470 years since Copernicus published the heliocentric model, theorizing that the sun, and not the Earth, is at the center of the solar system. However, geo and egocentrism is still alive in most minds in contemplating human life and being. Even though science tells us otherwise, we just can’t let go of our ego and think of our existence objectively. Recently, I watched a clip that preceded the stand up special “Joe Rogan Live.” The video is a taping of Joe Rogan riding around in the back of his limousine, describing his theory of life and people. Before, all I knew of Joe Rogan was his color commentary of The Ultimate Fighting Championship and the stomach turning show, “Fear Factor.” But what he said in this short video stuck in my mind and has forever changed my view of our existence. He states he believes human beings are just a very sophisticated form of bacteria. If you look at the Earth as a host for life, then we become just another organism on a larger organism that is our host. This is a little easier to contemplate when considering us as a host to many smaller organisms. Just as these small organisms feed off of our bodies, we live and feed off the body of our host until we inevita-

“”

bly destroy it. It doesn’t matter how much information we have access too or how technologically advanced we become. Our purpose is to exist and feed from our host, Earth. When you look at human existence from this perspective, all the religion and philosophy in the world is meaningless in defining human purpose. Sure, they can be great sources of information on how to treat other humans and what should be acceptable in our societies. But don’t think for one second they can be the key to unlocking the greater purpose of human existence, because they can’t. We, as humans, are here because we have evolved from smaller, more basic organisms that did just as we do, feed off their hosts. It doesn’t matter what or whom you believe in; this is the simple, objective truth. And the sooner you can detach your ego from the question of human purpose, the sooner you will arrive at this realization. When we’re gone, we’re gone, and all of these hopes of a higher purpose will remain as a silly bunch of thoughts, by a group of organisms on a tiny planet, in a vast existence that our puny brains can’t even begin to fathom. This isn’t meant to be sad, depressing, or the like. Nor is meant to make you feel like your life is meaningless, and of no real importance. It is simply an effort to bring realization to how small humans are in the grand scheme of reality. When we realize this and let go of our egocentric mindset, we can understand things for what they really are. By allowing ourselves to understand the nature of our world objectively, we can see the true causes of problems, begin to fix them, and realize when we can’t. Look at hurricanes objectively, and they are natural phenomena that take place on Earth. Look at them egocentrically, and they are natural disasters. Examine Hurricane Katrina objectively, and there is nothing humans could have possibly done to cause or prevent it. Add religion and all of a sudden it becomes a punishment for the gays. As human beings, it is hard to eliminate our egos from the equation. However, if we can manage to do so, our judgment becomes clearer and we can examine the problems of our world with a rational mind. Then we stop blaming false causes to problems, stop trying to fix things we can’t control, and start channeling our energy toward more productive and progressive efforts.

Our purpose is to exist and feed from our host, Earth.

About The Johnsonian The Johnsonian is the weekly student newspaper of Winthrop University. It is published during fall and spring semesters with the exception of university holidays and exam periods. CONTACT INFORMATION Our offices are located in suite 104 in the DiGiorgio Campus Center. Phone: (803) 323-3419 E-mail: editors@mytjnow.com Online: mytjnow.com LETTER POLICY Letters and feedback can be sent to editors@mytjnow.com or by mail at The Johnsonian, 104

Campus Center, Rock Hill, S.C., 29733. Comments submitted online at www.mytjnow.com may be printed as letters and may be shortened for space and edited for clarity. Please include your name, major and year if you are a student; your name and title if you are a professor; or your name and profession if you are a member of

the community. Letters, cartoons and columns reflect the opinions of the authors and are not necessarily the opinions of The Johnsonian staff. CORRECTIONS Contact us if you find an error in an issue of the newspaper. We will correct it in the next issue.

THURSDAY February 23, 2012

CATHERINE ZENDE Science & Technology Editor zendec@mytjnow.com

Moving into the ‘shift age’

Futurist David Houle discusses new age, ideas

By Catherine Zende zendec@mytjnow.com

We are living in a whole new age, according to futurist David Houle. The futurist visited Winthrop to discuss his idea of the “shift age” and all the technological and social changes that come with a new decade, century and millenium. Houle coined the term “shift age” to reflect the changes people have experienced and will continue to experience in the future. “The whole world, most aspects of everybody’s life, is going to go through a shift,” Houle said. Houle’s book The Shift Age discusses the transition from the Information Age of the late 20th century to the new age known as the shift age. “We are about 1 percent through the new millennium. The last time that was said it was the year 1012,” Houle said. For perspective, that was the beginning of the Middle Ages. For Houle, the shift age represents “an impressive point in history.” Houle explained thhat the previous ages (Industrial Age and Information Age) differ from the new century because the current age is about rapid change and growth. The “shift age” is characterized by the rapid change that is occuring. “If you accept the obvious premise that the speed of change today is ten times faster than it was in 1012, then all of the change that we [humanity] have experienced in the last 1,000 years will be the amount of change we will experience in the next 100 [years],” Houle said. Houle addressed this change with the audience he believes will be most affected— college-age individuals. He addressed the crowd of students in Dina’s Place by emphasizing the ‘millennial’ generation’s unique situation in the world. “You are maturing and being graduated at a

time of incalculable, immeasurable change,” Houle said. “Future historians are going to look back and say this was one of the most transformative times in history. It’s a fabulous time to be alive.” Houle cited three important forces for the shift age: a “flow to global”, a “flow to the individual” and “accelerated connectedness.” The “flow to global” concept deals with global interdependence. “We are in the global stage of human evolution,” Houle said. According to Houle, this global trend means that the nation-state political system is not always capable of solving global issues. On a more personal scale, the shift age means a “flow to the individual” that creates more choice for people. “We as individuals have more power than individuals have ever had in human history,” Houle said. But “accelerated connectedness,” according to Houle, is the single most important force in the shift age and one of the most important forces in human history. Houle explained the concept of “accelerated connectedness” by using cell phones as examples. He gave the example that the difference between calling someone who is 10 feet away and someone who is 10,000 miles away amounts to around two extra seconds, thereby connecting people all around the world in a matter of seconds. Houle also stressed that the transformation decade (and the new century) are about protecting Earth. “It is the Earth century,” Houle said. After discussing the trends and changes that will create significant change in the new millenium, Houle concluded the lecture with a quote from Miguel de Unamuno: “We should try to be the parents of our future, rather than the offspring of our past.” For more information about David Houle and the “shift age,” Houle suggests emailing him at david@davidhoule.com or following him on Twitter @evolutionshift.

Futurist David Houle explains to students and faculty how the popularity of cell phones demonstrates the growth of technology and communication in the new ‘shift age’. Photo courtesy of Judy Longshaw of University Relations

“”

Future historians are going to look back and say this was one of the most transformative times in history. It’s a fabulous time to be alive. David Houle

Futurist, Author of “The Shift Age”

Ten lesser known black AMA volunteers seek inventors in American history signatures for lives By Catherine Zende zendec@mytjnow.com

By Frances Parrish parrishf@mytjnow.com

The Winthrop chapter of the American Marketing Association (AMA) caters to Winthrop’s clubs and organizations’ marketing needs like posters, space requests and even sidewalk chalk. But last week, the organization catered to a different need. On Tuesday, Feb. 14 and Thursday, Feb. 16, volunteers for the American Marketing Association(AMA) Saves Lives hosted a booth in which students could sign up to be an organ donor. AMA Saves Lives is a branch of the AMA which collaborates with Donate Life America to encourage organ donation. Kaityln Nardi, president of the AMA at Winthrop, explained that AMA is a national organization and there are only two collegiate groups in South Carolina: one at Winthrop and one at the University of South Carolina. Nardi said that AMA Saves Lives holds a national competition for collegiate chapters to see which chapter can get the most organ donors. The spring competition is held from Jan. 15 through March 23. “In the two hours combined that we were set up on Tuesday and Thursday, we got around 20 people to sign up to become organ donors,” Nardi said.

Volunteers for AMA Saves Lives inform students about becoming organ donors. Photo courtesy of Kaitylin Nardi

Nardi said that the competition is all online, and there is an electronic tally that is sent to Nationals. There are also Facebook competitions like social media posts and the tally is sent to Nationals electronically. “A big challenge in getting organ donors is that some people may have a skewed perspective on organ donating,” Nardi said. Nardi said that some people think that as soon as someone dies, that person’s organs are taken, but it is not true. The AMA donation program allows the donor to choose which organs to donate, and the medical personnel ask the family’s permission before surgically removing any organs from the donor. “I don’t think a lot people understand the concept of [organ donating]. So maybe with more education on the topic, they would be more willing to [donate],” Nardi said. Nardi said that the differences between the Department of Motor Vehicles and AMA Saves Lives are the charities and the choice. “A lot of students don’t realize that when students get their driver’s license at fifteen and sixteen, you don’t really know a whole lot about [the process]. It’s good to bring it into the college atmosphere,” Nardi said. Students registered to be a donor for several reasons. Kathryn Rigby a sophomore biology major explains that she doesn’t have a problem donating organs, but when she got her driver’s license, she was told that with the new policy, organs would be “ripped” out of the donor’s body as soon as they die. “It really freaked me out. I like this process (AMA Website) a lot more,” Rigby said. Richard Ryan, a junior sports management major, said that he had some family members that needed organ transplants and because of registered donors, they were able to receive them. “This is really personal to me,” Ryan said. According to AMA, last year more than 28,000 organ transplants were performed in the U.S. A donor profile is created upon registering to be an organ donor, and the profile can be updated. To learn more about becoming an organ donor, visit www.amasaveslives.com.

History classes are filled with information about inventions that changed the world, but many inventions made by black inventors throughout history go without recognition. In the spirit of Black History Month, Biography.com listed 35 African-American inventors of the last two centuries. Although all the inventions on the list merit recognition, ten stand out as being particularly unique, helpful and underappreciated. 1) Thomas L. Jennings Jennings patented a dry-cleaning process in 1821 and used the money to free relatives from slavery and support the abolitionist movement. He was the first African-American to receive a patent. 2) Dr. Charles Drew Drew is credited with the invention of the large-scale blood bank. According to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Drew was given the patent in 1942 for his work relating to the separation of plasma from blood for longer shelf-life and effective blood transfusions. 3) Alexander Miles Elevators have become staples of most buildings, but they were not always so safe. Miles received his patent in 1887 for an electric elevator with doors that automatically closed off the shaft way. 4) Jan Ernst Matzeliger The shoe making process was much more laborious before Matzeliger developed the Shoe Lasting machine that connected the upper part of the shoe to the sole. 5) Garrett Morgan Morgan had many inventions in his lifetime —with only a 5th grade education. Some of his most notable inventions include the gas mask that became well-known when he used it to save workers during a tunnel accident and an automatic three-way stop sign that was used until the invention of the three-signal light.

6) Otis Boykin

Boykin was another one of those inventors who did not settle on creating one invention. One patent was for a wire precision resistor that was later used for radios and television. His most well-known invention was the control unit for the pacemaker. 7) Madam C.J. Walker Although not included on Biography. com’s list of 35 African-American inventors, Walker (born Sarah Breedlove) is responsible for many hair care products designed for black women. After suffering from hair loss, the daughter of former slaves invented several hair care products that helped grow, straighten and style black hair, as well as products to enhance scalp health. 8) Joseph Winters Before Winters’ patent, firemen had to carry large, heavy fire ladders during emergencies. In 1878, Winters invented a fire escape ladder that was attached to the fire wagon and could be raised faster than previous ladders. The invention is credited with saving many lives and buildings. 9) Lonnie G. Johnson Johnson is an engineer who has experience inventing thermodynamics systems for NASA, but his more recent fame comes from his invention of a kid’s favorite summertime toy —the SuperSoaker. He receieved a patent for the pressurized water gun in 1991. 10) Lewis Latimer When most people think of the lightbulb, they immediately think of Thomas Edison. But without the inventing efforts of Latimer, Edison’s lightbulb may not have lasted very long. Latimer devised a method for making carbon filaments for a lightbulb made by one of Edison’s competitors. Latimer also drafted the drawings for Alexander Graham Bell’s first telephone. For more information (and more inventors) visit www.biography.com.

THURSDAY February 23, 2012

MONICA KREBER Arts & Entertainment Editor kreberm@myjnow.com

‘Marisol’: play shows uniqueness and creativity Editor reflects on the intriguing and radically different play production that premiered last week when you hear fellow audience

at watching over the Earth. The

members gasp and hiss). From

angel tells Marisol that since

watching it I could deduce that

he will be fighting, he needs to

watching the play was when

the cast worked very hard and it

lose his angel wings, and will no

the character Lenny (Kashaad

seemed like the characters were

longer be able to protect her.

Kraus), who is a man, gets preg-

not very easy roles to learn.

A&E editor

What do I have to say about the play “Marisol”…? I felt like I was on an acid trip when I saw it. The cast overall did an amazing job – each person’s role was intense and vigorous. Out of all the theatre productions I have seen this school year, I feel like “Marisol” had the most emotion (you know it is an intense play

I think the real “issue” I had

The rest of the play is set in

nant. While part of me found

apocalyptic New York as Mari-

it humorous, the other part of

I am a “deep” enough person to

sol struggles to find her missing

it was really taken aback by it.

fully comprehend the play in its

friend June (Courtney Wil-

Just the idea is gross – why

entirety.

liams) while trying to figure out

did Lenny have to get pregnant

From a religious perspective

why neither God nor anybody

instead of, maybe, Marisol or

it was somewhat hard to follow.

else, seems to be listening…at

June?

The focus of the play is a La-

least, that is what I got out of it.

Unfortunately, I do not think Monica Kreber

fur (was that on purpose?).

tina named Marisol (played by

The visual effects of the play

The baby Lenny gives birth to appears to die – I felt like

Amber Westbrook) who lives in

were fascinating – there is a

that could have been explained

the Bronx, and is visited by her

part when Marisol and June are

more; why did that baby, and

guardian angel (Sean Rodri-

in their work office and mention

the other babies mentioned,

guez) who tells her he and his

smoke, and the audience sees

die?

fellow angels are going to be at

plumes of “smoke” dotting the

war against God for, basically,

top of the set on stage. I also

props for being different and

getting a little slack in his job

could have sworn I smelled sul-

showing a lot of uniqueness; ob-

CrossWUrd Puzzle

Across

1. Who is playing on Feb. 24 through DSU? 5. Our women’s basketball team plays this opponent on Monday. 6. Winthrop’s admissions office. 8. This artsy building is no longer in business (two words). 10. Name of play described above.

viously someone far more creatively and artistically capable than myself wrote the play.

“”

From a religious perpective it was somewhat hard to follow.

Otherwise, I give the play

Friday, Feb. 24 Overboard

First conceived as a street performance group intent on entertaining audiences around coastal New England during the summer months, Overboard has come a long way in a short time. Just 5 years later, they are touring full time, have recorded 5 albums, received 4 CARA (Contemporary Acapella Recording Awards) and 8 ACA (Acapella Community Awards) nominations and won the North East Harmony Sweeps for 1022. They were a finalist on Boyz II Men/CBS Early Show Acapella Quest, and Nick is the writer/arranger and album engineer for the upcoming season of the Sing Off.

Down

2. Name of Winthrop’s literary magazine. 3. Last name of the former coach that has been in a lawsuit against Winthrop. 4. Last name of our new Opinion Editor. 7. This athletic team is “adjusting to change” for next year. 9. Name of street where a WU student’s apartment was robbed.

Where: Dina’s Place - DiGiorgio Center When: 8 p.m. Price: $5 with Winthrop ID, $10 without, Free with Spring Pass *Approved Cultural Event

THURSDAY February 23, 2012

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Gallery Up closes doors for good

Locals are still in discussion over what to do with the former workspace of Gallery Up, located in downtown Rock Hill. Winthrop students used to find job and internship opportunities through the business. Photos by Sarah Auvil • auvils@mytjnow.com

After over seven years of showcasing and selling artwork, the owners of the frame store / show room decide to explore new artistic endeavors GALLERY • from front at Winthrop. The group, Crotts said, meets regularly to discuss, critique and support each others’ artwork. Crotts said Friday Arts Project is in the process of moving out of its studio space across the street from where Gallery Up used to be (in downtown Rock Hill). The group is trying to figure out what can be done with Gallery Up’s former space. Crotts also said the goal is to partner with other groups in the community to find a way to keep “something going on” in the space where Gallery Up was. “It will be different, I’m sure,” he said. “We don’t want it to be the same; Gallery Up was just at such an excellent level and there is no need to imitate that. We would want to do something fresh and different but hopefully honor their (Gallery Up’s) legacy and keep something going.” Former Gallery Up owner Tamara LaValla (who operated Gallery Up with her husband) said the business is closing in order “to redirect the future of our artistic endeavors.” “We are closing as a way to pursue new creative opportunities, both professionally and personally,” LaValla said. “Gallery Up is stronger than it’s ever been but it is time for our model of ‘demanding art’ to evolve.” The last Gallery Up reception was held Friday, Feb. 10. The last day that art was posted for sale was Friday, Feb. 17. LaValla said the business will be open for artists and customers to pick up work and to sell furniture and fixtures through the last day of the month. “We hope that Winthrop’s students, faculty and alumni will continue to build upon the momentum we have created together over the years,” she said. LaValla also said Gallery Up’s closing has no relation to South Carolina’s government’s alleged

aversion to keeping arts around. “This has always been a private venture and we have programmed up with as little financial assistance as necessary,” she said. Over the years Winthrop students have found internships and job opportunities through Gallery Up. LaValla said such opportunities will no longer be available, but The Loading Dock space is still in existence for those that are “interested in a presence” in the Gettys Art Center. “I’m certain other opportunities will be available for WU students,” LaValla said. LaValla said she will miss many things about Gallery Up but looks forward to returning to her personal work and having more time to attend events at Winthrop. “I am proud of what we have been able to accomplish over the years for so many talented artists as well as for the community in which we live,” she said. LaValla added that she and her partner thought long and hard about making the decision to close and feel it is the right thing to do. “We are hopeful that our efforts can be the beginning of a larger, sustainable arts movement in this area,” she said. Tom Stanley, department chair of Fine Arts, said the faculty members at Winthrop will miss the collaboration and partnership LaValla and Gallery Up had with the school. “It was the best and most challenging gallery in downtown,” he said. “It helped step up the level of professionalism in the small art scene downtown.” Stanley said he does not think there will be any impact on art students trying to find jobs or internships. “There may be a small, short term impact,” he said, “but our students are pretty resourceful and they will find other opportunities as they currently do

via our internship classes and a variety of opportunities not only in Rock Hill but our internship placement in Charlotte, Columbia and Charleston.” Stanley said the decision of Gallery Up closing was not anticipated, but he is looking forward to what the owners will

bring next to the community at large. “(The closing) was a respected decision on the part of the owners who will continue to be friends of Winthrop and the Fine Arts Department,” he said.

THURSDAY February 23, 2012

ALISON ANGEL Culture Editor angela@mytjnow.com

Thomson transformed for Mardi Gras French Club transforms portion of the eatery with music, beads and traditional dishes in celebration Shamira McCrays

mccrayss@mytjnow.com

The French Club has a luncheon every first and third Tuesday of each month for its members, but this week’s gathering was somewhat different from the usual. This month, the third Tuesday fell on Mardi Gras, a highly celebrated French holiday. In recognition of the holiday, the French Club held a special celebration during their scheduled luncheon. The club had their designated area of Thomson Café decorated with streamers and beads in appropriate Mardi Gras colors while soft music played in the background. Several French students, professors, staff members and even community members came out to fellowship among one another as well as observe the holiday. Martha Webber, presi-

dent of the French Club, was excited about the turnout this celebration drew. “This is a good bit of people,” Webber, senior French major, said. “Normally it’s just a few students and teachers.” The club is open to any Winthrop student but it is highly encouraged that French majors and minors join. It is a way for these students to meet and acquaint themselves with one another. “The French Club provides students with an opportunity to come together and to improve their knowledge of spoken French,” said Dr. Thomas Shealy, Professor Emeritus of French. In support of the French Club’s event, Thomson Café agreed to serve at least one traditional Mardi Gras dish during the lunch period and a full scale meal for

dinner. Mardi Gras, which can be translated as Fat Tuesday, originated in the Catholic Church. Participants would indulge in food that day and eat lots of meat before Ash Wednesday, which is the beginning of Lent. During Lent, or the fasting period, a sacrifice was usually made. Eliminating meat from one’s diet was usually the primary sacrifice. This tradition is still carried out today. Tuesday was the first time the French Club had a celebration for Mardi Gras, however, it is something they wish to continue. “I think it’s wonderful,” said Dr. Kenneth Gordon, chair of the french department said. “This is the first time we have done something like this in the cafeteria and I hope that it can continue.”

From top left: Thomson’s countertops transformed to reflect the atmosphere of the event; faculty and students alike came together to honor Mardi Gras over a meal in the festive atmosphere; a student waits to try some traditional Mardi Gras cuisine. Photos by Claire Van Ostenbridge • vanostenbridgec@mytjnow.com

Event Spotlight on NPHC: Winthrop Celebrates Black History Month In honor of Black History Month, the Winthrop chapter of the National PanHellenic Council, Incorporated held a cultural event Feb. 22 highlighting how the image of African Americans has evolved over time. The program, titled “Black History: The Evolution,” took place in Plowden Auditorium Wednesday night. The host, NPHC, is comprised of organizations that evolved during a time when African Americans were denied basic rights and priveleges. The event highlighted accomplishments of African Americans across the world to help contine to foster community awareness.

Image courtesy of Google images

THURSDAY February 23, 2012

JEFF BRODEUR Sports Editor brodeurj@mytjnow.com DAVID THACKHAM Sports Editor thackhamd@mytjnow.com

Former soccer coach drops federal lawsuit for $35,000 By David Thackham

thackhamd@mytjnow.com

A fifteen-month long federal lawsuit filed by former women’s soccer coach Melissa Heinz against Winthrop University ended Wednesday in a $35,000 settlement fee. Heinz, who coached the soccer program since its beginning in 2003, had initially filed suit back in November 2010 on the basis of gender inequities and harassment. Winthrop University denied Heinz’s allegations. Despite garnering a Big South Conference Championship in 2006 and a conference Melissa tournament finals appearance three years later, Winthrop University did not renew her contract after the 2009 season. Winthrop University released a statement earlier today stating that Heinz “voluntarily dismissed all of her claims against [President Anthony] DiGiorgio, [Athletic Director Tom] Hickman, and [men’s soccer coach Richard] Posipanko without any recovery or settlement.” She settled her claims against Winthrop University for $35,000 and a reference letter. The settlement is being

paid by the S.C. Insurance Reserve Fund, not Winthrop University. In resolving the case, Winthrop University did not admit any liability. Commenting on the settlement, DiGiorgio stated, “I am pleased that no wrongdoing was established in this lawsuit. We understand and respect that for business reasons, insurance companies sometimes have to settle lawsuits.” The $35,000 settlement paid out to Heinz includes any claim for Heinz’s attorney’s fees, expert witness fees, and other costs associated with her lawsuit. Heinz is currently the head Heinz women’s soccer coach at Division II Valdosta State University. She joined the Blazers in January 2010. In her first season with the school, she led the Blazers to a 11-6-2 overall record, including a 5-1-1 record in the Gulf South Conference. Heinz’s squads had losing records six of her seven years at the reins of Winthrop women’s soccer. She won approximately 43.5 percent of her overall games, including 45 percent of conference match ups.

Lacrosse adjusts to change as 2013 nears Coach John Sung’s side trains on the practice turf across from Winthrop’s soccer stadium, Eagle Field. Photo by David Thackham • thackhamd@mytjnow.com By David Thackham thackhamd@mytjnow.com

Even Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant had to endure long practices, tirelessly working out their mechanics before they reached their peaks of success. Such is the ethos Winthrop women’s lacrosse head coach John Sung would like to instill into his team. In fact, Sung models some of his training regimen on the drills basketball players use to develop their speed and muscle memory. “It’s easier for me to tell [the girls] to turn on a basketball game then a lacrosse game,” Sung said. “Basketball and lacrosse’s movements are basically the same. You have to get your hands up, eyes up, head up and stay alert.” For the women’s lacrosse program, 2012 could be considered the equivalent of basketball’s shootaround, a warm-up to the season tip-off 12 months from

now. For all intents and purposes, the team’s already in good shape. The squad practices regularly on the turf near Eagle Field and has received warm treatment from the athletic department. For Sung, who also kick started the lacrosse program at D-III Adrian College in Michigan, it’s a far easier situation in Rock Hill. “This is much, much better [than in Adrian],” he said. “The athletic department has been phenomenal and very supportive.” At this point, the one thing Sung doesn’t have yet is much of a team. Only three players, Taylor Moreau, Mary Accomando and Maddilyn Genovese, remain from the initial group of seven that were introduced in 2011. “It’s the weeding out process of being in Division I,” Sung said. “It’s hard to work with such a small group of players, but like I’ve said, we’re looking to build a competitive team from the start.”

Since the practices will consist of only Sung, assistant coach Amanda Shimp and the three girls until August, there are positives and negatives of having such small, intense practice sessions. “A lot of the teaching is hard to do with just three on the field, but we can talk to them and correct mistakes quickly,” Sung said. “Small practices are intense, but if you watch them, they’re taking every single rep by themselves. So we need to teach them to take care of themselves.” Barring any more dropouts, Sung will command 19 more players coming in the fall as the class of 2016. For the players who are at Winthrop now, this year is the dress rehearsal before the big show begins on February 9 against Navy.

Stollings’ stars make it four straight for Winthrop Eagles tied for 2nd in BSC standings By David Thackham

thackhamd@mytjnow.com

How much more can you ask from a Winthrop team that comes off a breath-taking upset win over Big South Conference-leading Liberty? Head coach Marlene Stollings and her superstar trio of guards Dequesha McClanahan, Diana Choibekova and Samiya Wright notched a convincing 67-56 victory against the #3 ranked Radford Highlanders to move the Lady Eagles (15-11, 9-5 BSC) into 2nd place in the conference with the playoffs just around the corner. As the conference competition heats up, poise is on every pair of Eagle lips. “We’re handling our business,” said Choibekova (16 points, 9 rebounds). “We’re just winning and the other teams are falling, so we’re taking it one by one.” Winthrop’s win, paired with High Point’s shock buzzer-beater loss to Coastal Carolina, propels the Eagles into a tie for second place with trips to Campbell and High Point’s Panthers on the docket. Winthrop has won five of its last six games, including four straight victories. “We know we’re going to be in 40 minute games, it’s the time of the year,” Stollings said. “We’re very confident and handling things at a high level. It’s the perfect time for this all to be happening. Radford entered the Winthrop Coliseum as the nation’s 10th best in steals per game (12.4) and found immediate success, forcing five turnovers in the first ten minutes alone. Yet a smart zone defense from Winthrop (21-52 FGA, 40.4%) kept the visiting Highlanders at bay, especially their second highest leading scorer, Ashley Buckhannon, who missed all 14 of her open shots. “A lot of our team is being one and done, getting it out in transition,” McClanahan (21 points, 10 assists) said. “We have to keep a tough defense.” A 14-2 run early in the 2nd half, including seven from McClanahan, put Winthrop up by 12 with 18 minutes left, a lead the Eagles never let dip below seven for the rest of the contest. True freshman Taylor Calvert (4-4 FGA) made the biggest defensive impact on the night with 12 boards

Four more conference games separate Winthrop and the Big South Conference Tournament that takes place on the first weekend of Spring Break. Photo courtesy of Sarah Auvil • auvils@mytjnow.com

to add to her eight points. Winthrop is currently 9-3 since adding the Schertz, TX native to the starting lineup. “I was just waiting for my opportunity,” Calvert said, “and when it came, I knew I just had to do the little things. You have to win all the hustle plays and keep on your toes now.” The starting five are gelling with surprising efficiency. They contributed all but one point in the Winthrop’s offense, a free throw from Kaitlyn Rubino. Winthrop now returns to the road for over a week, a prospect that no one is shying from. The Lady Eagles are 4-3 in road conference games this season. “If we keep our will, our desire, I think we can keep this all together,” said McClanahan.

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We’re handling our business. We’re just winning and the other teams are falling, so we’re taking it one by one. Diana Choibekova Junior guard

THURSDAY February 23, 2012

SPORTS

WU women’s golf gets back into the swing of things By Casey White whitec@mytjnow.com

Winthrop’s women’s golf team hopes to start their spring season off right by taking what they worked on in the offseason and applying it to their tournaments in the spring. The team spent the off-season working on things that they noticed needed improvement when they were playing in their the fall tournaments. “The off-season gives us an opportunity to work on any little glitch in our game,” said senior co-captain Kayla Cline. Head coach Jodi Wendt said that the off-season is also a time for players to make major changes in their swing that they don’t have the ability to do during the season. Their short game has been the main focus of attention. Wendt said the team has been working on “new and creative short game shots.” Senior and team captain, Katie Bolling, said that working on the team’s short game has been easier this year, because of Winthrop’s new short game facility. “The new short game facility makes it

easier and more convenient to practice short game,” said Bolling. “This facility includes several sand bunkers and greens, so you can experiment with all types of sand and chip shots.” The new facility makes it more convenient to practice in the off-season, but the team is not able to practice as a unit as much. The team is only allowed to practice with their coach for eight hours a week during the off-season, so the players spend much of their time practicing as individuals. “During winter break, everyone went home and continued to practice on their own,” Bolling said. “I know many of my teammates, who are from warmer climates, played in tournaments during winter break.” “Even though it’s the off-season,” said Wendt, “you have to keep practicing as hard as you did during the season.” Although the team works hard during their off-season to maintain their game, the break also gives them time to take a mental break. “At the same time we are trying to fix the glitches, we are also trying to rejuvenate,” said Cline, “so when spring season comes we are fresh and ready to get back at it.”

Constant practice is important in order for the team to continue to grow as individuals, but taking a daylong break during the off-season doesn’t cause them to lose everything. “It doesn’t take us more than a day or two to get back into the swing of things, said Cline. “It’s all about muscle memory and being confident in what you are doing.” The team is confident that the hard work they put into the off-season and the time they took to rejuvenate will help them succeed in the spring semester tournaments. Wendt explained that the team had trouble performing well all two or three days in the fall tournaments, and would usually have one day where they did well. Wendt believes that her team will be able to perform stronger throughout tournaments in the upcoming spring season. Bolling believes that the team has spent enough time together now to fix any problems they experienced in the fall. “It took some time becoming adjusted since we added several freshmen,” said Bolling. “Now the team understands everyone’s strengths and weaknesses on

the course.” “We are coming into the spring stronger than we were in the fall because we have another season under our belts,” Cline said. She said that the fall has allowed the team to gain more knowledge and experience, which will lead the team to a stronger spring performance. The team will put that mantra to the test at the Kiawah Island Women’s Intercollegiate tournament starting February 25.

Women’s golf fall season results

Starmount Fall Classic: 11th place (953) Winthrop Intercollegiate: 2nd place (620) Blue Raider Invitational: 11th place (942) Paladin Invitational: 12th place (996)

Winthrop baseball winless on opening weekend BALL • from front

Photo by Claire Van Ostenbridge • vanostenbridgec@mytjnow.com

competed, and that’s what you’re going to get out of him. If we make a few plays behind him, it may have been a different game.” The remainder of the scoring came in the seventh and eighth innings when Georgia Tech scored three runs on three Winthrop errors to extend the lead to 5-0. The Eagles had a total of five errors on the night. “The whole key is when you’re playing a team like Georgia Tech you can’t give them five extra outs,” said Riginos. “That really hurt us.” Freshman Patrick McClendon recorded the only hit of the night for the Eagles. In their second game on Saturday, the Eagles did not fare much better. Starting pitcher Eric Ruth gave up eight runs (six earned) on 10 hits in just four innings of work in an 11-3 rout at the hands of Kent State. The Golden Flashes made their move in the second inning, scoring seven runs on seven hits to take the early 7-0 lead. The Eagles, however, made a case for a comeback, scoring three runs in the third thanks to a Matt Lobacz RBI single and a pair of Kent State errors. Unfortunately for the Eagles, that was all the offense they would produce for the remainder of the game. Kent State continued to tee off against Winthrop pitching, adding runs in the fourth, fifth, sixth and eighth innings in the 11-3 affair. The Eagles also failed to address the defensive woes that plagued them in the first game, committing five more errors in game two. In the final game of the weekend, Winthrop had a chance to redeem themselves against Georgia Tech in the second game of Saturday’s doubleheader. “The biggest thing we talked about after the first game [against Kent State] is that we have to be more competitive and play with a little bit more energy,” said Riginos. “I thought we had more energy and were competitive against Georgia Tech.”

The Eagles showed signs of life in the rematch, both offensively and defensively. Despite giving up a run in the first two innings, Riginos’ team responded, bringing the game to a 2-2 tie in the third. Both teams settled down, keeping their opponents scoreless up until the seventh inning. Gerogia Tech’s Mitch Earnest and Brandon Thomas combined for three runs batted in (RBI) in the seventh and eighth, giving the Yellow Jackets a 5-2 lead heading into the final frame. Sophomore pitcher Zane Evans kept the Eagles offense in check, earning the save and handing Winthrop their third loss in two days. Despite the loss, there was a dramatic improvement versus the previous two games. The offense was noticeably better, including sophomore TJ Olesczuk who went 4-4 in the final game of the Coca-Cola Classic. The defense was also error-free after posting 10 errors in the first two games. The Winthrop Eagles will continue their non-conference schedule as they head to Athens, Ga. to take on the Georgia Bulldogs after a single game series against Western Carolina.

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...When you’re playing a team like Georgia Tech, you can’t give them five extra outs. Tom Riginos Head Coach

Winthrop Eagles stats (Through first 3 games) •WU team ERA: 5.33 •Opponents ERA: 1.67 •WU batting average: .191 •Opponents batting average: .398 •WU fielding percentage: .917 •Opponents fielding percentage: .951 •TJ Olesczuk leads the team in seven offensive categories •Matt Lobacz leads he team with 3 runs batted in (RBI) •Matt Pierpont leads the team with six strikeouts and an opponent batting average of .190 Winthrop pitcher Preston Johnson exits the game in the fifth inning against Georgia Tech. Photo by Jeff Brodeur • brodeurj@mytjnow.com

THURSDAY February 23, 2012

THE JOHNSONIAN

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