The Johnsonian, Dec. 2, 2015

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Winthrop University

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Rock Hill, South Carolina

Winthrop mourns

Vigil honors lives lost in Paris terrorist attacks Beth West westb@mytjnow.com Songs of peace and flickering candle flames flooded the steps of Byrnes Auditorium on Tuesday evening as the Winthrop community gathered for a vigil in memory of the lives lost in the Paris terrorist attacks on Nov. 13. Roughly 129 individuals lost their lives due to multiple horrific terrorist attacks in Paris, France, according to French officials. The Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham, commonly referred to as the terrorist organization ISIS, is reported to be responsible for these attacks and the deaths of those innocent civilians, according to CNN. Countless lives have already been affected from the recent attacks, and Jacob Hallex/ The Johnsonian countless questions are still being raised. Students gathered in front of Byrnes Audiotorium to hold a vigil for victims of the Paris attacks. ISIS has been in the public eye since 2006 for many other terrifying attacks to presumably oppress other countries and cultures. The professor’s focus was that the community should honor those have In response to the attack on France, Winthrop faculty, staff, students passed away and those that are affected by this event rather than focus on and community members alike gathered to commiserate through a candlelight vigil in honor of those that lost their lives and for everyone that the attack itself. Following a moment of silence, several French students sang the has been affected. Scott Shinabarger, French department chair and associate professor, was sobering melody “Douce France”, which translates to “Sweet France.” Many young children in France grow up singing this lighthearted song at the vigil to lend his words and to lead those in attendance. and continue to sing it now, Shinabarger said. “I don’t think that anyone needs to be told what happened this Friday. I do not have a lot of things to say. I feel that an event that is this horrific 4see VIGIL pg. 3 and senseless is hard to put into words [and express] how we feel about these things,” Shinabarger said.

PIKE-A-Thon

Fraternity raises $4K for wounded veterans Beth West westb@mytjnow.com Winthrop chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity biked is the third annual Bike-A-Thon, and it did not disappoint. The unique fundraiser raises money and awareness of the organization, Hidden Wounds, which supports veterans who are “fighting the war at home.” They contribute to the support, awareness and education of post

traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury and other psychological post-war challenges. The Winthrop chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity recently participated in Bike-A-Thon on Nov. 20, they raised a grand total of $4,000. A handful of the fraternity brothers started their journey in front of Byrnes Auditorium and biked a total of 7.4 miles. The setup entailed having two bikers at a time wearing reflective gear and a helmet for their protection. There was also a car in front of them to assist in their safety and the van behind them held those bikers who were on deck and those that had already gone. Craig Hodge a veteran and a history major was driving the van and was genuinely moved by the experience.

mytjnow.com Serving Winthrop since 1923 theJohnsonian

4see BIKE pg. 4

Photo couresy of Ethan Snipes

Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity after the race pose with their flag to commemorate the money that they have raised and those they have helped.

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