the
Falcon’s Eye
Pfeiffer University
http://media.pfeiffer.edu/falconseye/Jan13
January 2013
Sun Sets on
Sunbury Era
By Rodd Baxley
Mary Ann Sunbury, Pfeiffer University’s Athletic Director, has announced she’s retiring this month. Sunbury has been at Pfeiffer for 27 years and her impact on the sporting community is monumental. “I love working with college kids,” Sunbury said. “I’ll always remember the great people and students I’ve been able to meet over the years.” Sunbury arrived at Pfeiffer in 1985 as the head women’s basketball coach, tennis coach, and assistant professor of physical education. She moved to administration in 1996 and retired from coaching in 2007 after winning six conference titles and being named coach of the year six times in tennis and once in volleyball. She was also inducted into the Pfeiffer Sports Hall of Fame in 2007. “I’ve known Mary Ann Sunbury for a very long time,” friend and Pfeiffer professor Deborah Burris said. “She was one of the first ambassadors for Pfeiffer that I encountered and I realize now how much of an impression one person can make for an entire institution.” “Mary is clearly interested in the success of all our athletes and their experiences here,” Burris said. “She communicates well with her coaches and she does everything she can to give students a positive experience.” Jack Ingram will serve as the Interim Athletic Director until a successor can be found. “I hope people can say I was fair and honest because that has always been my goal
photo by Jamie Alcala in how I treat people,” Sunbury said. “I’m happy for Coach Sunbury. She is always so supportive toward all the athletic teams. I will miss seeing her around,” senior
Jamie Alcala said. “I’m happy with where I am and it’s been a great ride,” Sunbury said.
2 January
Longer Thanksgiving, Shorter Exam Schedule By Shea McDonnell
Calendar Changes for 2013-2014
Campus has been flooded with rumors concerning possible changes to the calendar next year. Gossip ranged from everything from doing away with the week long Fall Break to not ending until late May. Those changes won’t happen but other moves will affect your 2013-2014 holiday schedule. “There will be some tweaking here and there but there is not going to be anything that is drastically different,” Registrar Lourdes Silva said. What will be different is the Thanksgiving break, the final exam schedule, and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. Students will now have the Wednesday before Thanksgiving off to give everyone a day to travel before the holiday. “My family always goes to Pennsylvania so it’s nice to have an extra day to travel,” junior Katherine Deeck said.
“The biggest change is going to be the model for the week of final exams,” Silva said. In the current model students can have up to two finals a day, one in the morning from 9am-12pm and one in the afternoon from 2pm-5pm. “Next year there will be three finals a day that are two hours each and they are up to the discretion of the professors teaching the class,” Silva said. Another big change is beginning in 2014 the Misenheimer campus will observe the January Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. Many on campus appreciate the official recognition of the King holiday. “I am happy we are now going to celebrate the holiday like most other schools get to do,” sophomore Tyresha Ellis said. The week-long Fall Break will remain intact. “Fall Break is a nice time to be able
to go home and see friends and family and it is of course, always nice to get time off from school,” sophomore Julianna Bullington said. Although students are glad they are not losing Fall Break, not everyone is looking forward to the possibility of having three finals in one day. “I understand that having three finals a day is beneficial to professors and students being done earlier, but if I ended up being the student who ends up having to take three major exams in one day I would be angry. Going home earlier for Christmas is great, but it’s not worth the stress of potentially bombing a final because you only had enough time to properly study for two of them,” student Kelly Hoey said. How do you feel about the changes to the Misenheimer campus calendar? Log onto The Falcon’s Eye Facebook page to share your views.
New Year, New Friends, New Experience By Katherine Deeck Over winter break, a group of Pfeiffer students took a week out of their already short holiday and travelled to the Give Kids the World Village near Orlando, Florida. This is a place where terminally ill children and their families can stay, free of charge, while they enjoy a vacation to the nearby theme parks. Some students were unsure of being away from friends and family at the start of the New Year, but found this to be the best New Year’s Eve they’ve ever had. “This might be their [the children’s] last New Year’s,” sophomore Mary Boyd, one of the group leaders, said. “We got to celebrate with them and that was amazing.” The visitors to the village, along with the volunteers, celebrated the New Year at a dance party, complete with their own “ball drop” at the end of the night. “The reality is for some of these families, they might not see the next year with their kid,” Director of Residence Life Becca McQueen said. “They enjoyed
themselves in the moment.” McQueen also was able to watch the Pfeiffer students interact with the children and their families. “It was good to know that the students gave up their New Year’s Eve to be with these kids,” McQueen said. “It was a nice reminder of the good of our students.” Not only did the children and their families gain something from this experience, but the Pfeiffer students did as well. The group consisted of many different kinds of students. There were athletes and non-athletes, residents and
commuters. “We all have different personalities and we all came together to do that one special thing,” Boyd said.
news Musically
Redesigned
“We’re keeping music here. It has always been important, and will continue to be important. We’re finding a way to keep it here in a sustainable fashion.”
- Dr. David Heckel.
“We are working on building an innovative program and that requires change.”
-Pfeiffer Provost and Vice President Dr. Tracy Espy.
By Alexa Mamakos Students looking to pursue a music change,” Pfeiffer Provost and Vice President degree at Pfeiffer may be surprised to find Dr. Tracy Espy said. out Pfeiffer is changing the entire music “Potential changes for next year are program. being thought out and discussed,” Dr. Mark “We are currently teaching out the McCallum, Dean of the Division of Arts and old music majors,” Dr. David Heckel, Chair Sciences, said. “A goal is to create a program of the Department of Humanities, said. that allows a potential music major the “By May 2014, the old programs will be terminated.” This means Music Education, Church Music, and Music Liberal Arts majors will no longer be available at Pfeiffer. Though there were no Church Music majors as of last year, this is an eye opener for prospective and current students alike. “With the restructuring of the entire curriculum as a whole, it appears that the music program is being completely remodeled,” Caleb Pace, a junior Music Liberal Arts major, said. “On top of the loss of two of our prominent professors, and the lack of recruitment for new music students, the music program is currently lying on a metaphorical hospital bed.” With Dr. David Palmer now at Davidson College, and Dr. David Kirby having passed away last summer, Pfeiffer is down to three professors and one visiting professor in the music department. “We’re keeping music here, “ Dr. Heckel said. “It has always been important, and will continue to be important. We’re finding a way to keep it here in a sustainable fashion.” “We are working on building an Photo By Shawn Smith innovative program and that requires
flexibility to study music but also to pursue interests in other academic disciplines. The music program will not leave Pfeiffer, but the music major will look different from the current program.”
3
4 January Rockin’ the Chapel By Katie Peeler
As the first sounds of the guitar rang out in the Chapel on the first Wednesday morning of the spring semester, people could automatically tell something had changed. The atmosphere was different and peoples’ eyes were glued to the stage. Every person in attendance was on their feet, singing along and bopping around to the music being played in front of them. It was easy to tell that people were really enjoying themselves. “I thought it had a more upbeat feel to it,” freshman Nathan Jarman said. “I like the changes Praise band is making, they seem to fit well.” This semester there are new faces in the mix for the Praise Band. There is also a new “person in charge”. Kelly Buck is the new leader of praise band. “When I was approached for the position, I obviously took some time and prayerfully considered the role and I think it’s a job I’m supposed to be at this time in
my life,” Buck said. “I’m excited for what I have planned for chapel, musically speaking. I believe that the music should be for the worship of God in whatever ways and forms it takes.” “I am hoping to start a new tradition of having a Blended Service, where the beautiful lyricism in the ‘old hymns’ gets to be introduced and celebrated in a new way. So, be on the lookout for that soon!” Buck said. “I will also do an acoustic service where the audience will not be forced or asked or expected to participate with singing, but by sitting back and prayerfully considering the lyricism of the music,” Buck
Pfamily Goes Purple By Christie Mello Pfeiffer University’s Phi Beta Lambda chapter has begun taking strides to help the March of Dimes in their mission to save babies born prematurely. During fall semester the chapter hosted guest speaker Jamie Conrad, a Phi Beta Lambda advisor and mother of two premature boys, who spoke about how students can help the March of Dimes with fundraising and spreading awareness. “I can’t believe all the purple I see everywhere, from shoes to balloons, it’s wonderful,” said Jamie Conrad, in response to the room being decorated purple in honor of the March of Dimes signature color. Phi Beta Lambda decided to act fast and began planning Spring events to help the March of Dimes, including the Bowling for Babies, a possible mini-walk for babies,
and a fashion show. “We as an organization wanted to help spread awareness throughout the campus that is vital to our community. Guest speaker Jamie Conrad along with the assistance of Robin Listerman, PBL members, and participants made people aware of the March of Dimes Foundation and its contributions for premature babies. We wanted everyone to become aware and we did just that,” said Christopher Stokes, President of Pfeiffer University’s Phi Beta Lambda 2012-2013 chapter.
Photo By Phil Howard said. “The music is meant not to be performed, but to be used to celebrate and worship God, and He will love you regardless,” Buck added.
news
Numbers Crunched By Zach Dyer
Ever find yourself covered in what you may incorrectly believe to be confectioner’s sugar? Or wincing from pain because you are perched atop a chair that was constructed well before Sputnik orbited the earth? Then you are undoubtedly in Pfeiffer’s dungeon, the basement of the old Harris building; home to a host of poor maintenance, ancient furniture and the Mathematics department. And as a side note; you are not covered in sugar, but rather years upon years of chalk dust. The Math department is not overflowing, but it does see its fair share of students because elementary calculus is a requirement for a great deal of major fields. Brian Thompson is a senior majoring in mathematics and chemistry. “I work like a dog and I’m forced to live in the basement, in the dust, the filth, the grime. Our water fountain doesn’t even work down here and the bathrooms are deplorable. You’d think they’d spring for more white boards and tables and maybe a new computer program every now and then, but we’re lucky to get a new door…which was also broken for two years of my career here,” Thompson proclaimed. “It’s reached the point where the best word to describe it is ‘ludicrous’ were the conditions not so deplorable.” Dr. Ying Yaemsiri-King, head of mathematics, stated that in previous years the faculty, yes the faculty, has actually painted the walls and sanded the desks. Dr. King explained the budget for the department was “not much,” a mere $1100. King herself has already donated $150 to the department this school year. Despite this, Dr. King said she was happy with her work conditions. So how is funding for improvements allocated? Dr. Mark McCallum, Dean of the Division of Arts and Sciences, explains that funds used for remodeling and maintenance are completely different and independent of the individual department funding within the Department of Natural Sciences. So, the current work being done to paint the
stairwell in the Harris Annex is not coming out of the Natural Sciences’ budget because Pfeiffer has a separate facilities budget that is responsible for such things. So, if you find yourself as a current Math major, or in any field of study that is math intensive, it would seem as though
you must be content with the current state of affairs. As Thompson proclaims, we must and already have, as math majors, become accustomed to working “in the mold infested, dust ridden dump of a basement”. With budgets tight, it’s unlikely Mathematics will receive any renovations in the near future.
Photos By Shawn Smith
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6 January Second Degree Burns By Alexa Mamakos
Nontraditional students returning to Pfeiffer may have trouble finding financial aid to continue their degree or begin a new career. Amanda Josiah learned this firsthand when returning to Pfeiffer to pursue a second degree in nursing. “There are fewer scholarships available to me, so I rely more heavily on student loans,” Josiah said. “There are scholarships available for only second degree and nontraditional students, but they’re few and far between.” “The second time around is extremely difficult as far as finding the money and resources, and making sure it all comes together,” Lydia Butler, a seconddegree student said. “I had to do a lot of research and get all of my ducks in a row because there is so little money out there to go to school a second time around. At Pfeiffer, the students do not get an incentive amount for grades. Always have a meeting with the financial aid department and ask
them specifically what they have available. Do your research!” “Nontraditional students seeking their first undergraduate degree are eligible for the same types of aid as traditional undergraduates,” Amy Brown, Director of Financial Aid, said. “Second-degree seeking students at Pfeiffer are eligible for federal student loans if they have not reached their aggregate lifetime loan limits as set by the Department of Education. They are not eligible for federal or state needbased grants. Pfeiffer does have limited institutional funding for second-degree students that are major-specific.” Students go back to school for various reasons, whether it be advancing in their current field or opting for a new one. But going back to school shouldn’t be taken lightly. “It depends on the reasoning for coming back to school. If you’re advancing your career, it’s beneficial to you to return to school,” Josiah said.
New Year, New Games By Tongtong Xue This spring, international students in Multi-Cultural Club are bringing in some new international games from their countries. Students can try out the new games in the Game Room or on International Game Night. There are card games, Dominos, Go bang, the Game of Go and Chinese Checkers. Yuxi Jing brings the Go bang and Chinese checkers from China. “The Go bang game is really the most interesting chess game in China. It is not very difficult but is really a good way to relax in [your] spare time,” Jing said.
International students hope the new games can make our school life more colorful and add some multicultural fun to the Pfeiffer community.
Financial Aid has some advice for students thinking about pursuing a second degree. “If a student decides to pursue a double major, it is easier to accomplish this before graduating with the first degree, even if this means extending their college career into a fifth year. Financial aid definitely becomes limited once that first degree is conferred,” Brown added.
news
Teachers as Students By Alexa Mamakos
Students around campus may be shocked to hear their own professors are sitting behind desks themselves – as students. That’s right, while you’re slaving away at your own essays and homework assignments due the next morning, so are your professors. “It is certainly overwhelming at times to be both a professor and a doctoral student due to time constraints,” Dana Martin, Assistant Professor of the Nursing Department, stated. “I am able to succeed by being organized. Regarding stress, exercise is a great stress-reliever for me, when I have time.” “[I’m] incredibly busy. I’m much more aware of the way I teach by being a student. I feel as though I’m getting a 360-degree view of the educational process,” Deborah Burris, Assistant Professor of Communication, said. “Basically I don’t have a personal life. All weekend, every weekend is dedicated to the classes I’m taking. I’ve
always been good at time management and planning, which comes in handy right now.” “It is almost overwhelming at times to be in school while working full-time as a professor,” Susan Furr, Assistant Professor of Nursing, said. “I also have a family that I want to spend time with. However, I have always loved being in school and learning, so I enjoy it. I have to really micromanage my time. I do empathize with my students. It is very difficult going to nursing school and juggling everything. We try to communicate to them the importance of managing their time wisely and prioritizing so they can be successful in our program.” Martin and Furr are both in school to receive their Doctor in Nursing Practice (DNP) from Gardner Webb University, and Burris is at UNCG for her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Cultural Foundations. Our professors going back to school have some advice for other professors considering the idea. “DO IT!! Again, I think this is an
ideal combination. So much has changed since I was in graduate school the first time, so it’s an adventure,” Burris added. “I wouldn’t want to do this too long, but I love being in classes where everyone is enthusiastic about what they study.”
Photo By Phil Howard
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7
8 January By Jane Meyer
OH HEY! LAST FIRST DAY
Four years. Eight semesters. Sevenhundred and twenty days. All the homework, essays, and late-night study sessions have a purpose after all. How will you remember your last first day of college? Former Pfeiffer student Kari Fischer Everidge reminisces about her last day as a senior. Formerly an English major, Everidge is now twenty-four, a full-time sales associate at Belk, and a proud mother of two. Meyer: What stands out most in your mind about your last first day? Everidge: I remember walking in and I had just parked my car, and a freshman came up and asked me how to get to the science hall. I asked her if she had a map, but she told me she would rather be led by a senior. I also remember her being frustrated and talking about quitting school, and I thought to myself, you’re a freshman. You don’t even know what you’re getting into yet. Experience what I’ve been through first. Meyer: What goals did you have in mind for yourself at that time? Everidge: I knew I had to find a job. I didn’t care where, I just needed one. I was living with my parents at the time, and if I found a job after
I graduated, I would be able to move out as soon as possible. That was a top priority. Meyer: Did you dress up for your last first day? Everidge: Yes! I actually had two outfits, and I changed at lunch. I went shopping a few days before and I found two perfect outfits for that day and I couldn’t choose which one I wanted to wear. So I decided to wear both. Everybody laughed at me when I changed, but I didn’t care. Meyer: Did your professors show you any special treatment? Everidge: Just one. My history teacher knew my situation, and she was always so nice to me. She was always there if I needed help with a test, with homework, anything. Instead of going home that day, I just stayed after school until 5:00 just to talk with my professors. I knew it was all going to be over soon, and it made me sad. Meyer: How is the real world different from college life? Everidge: It’s completely different: I have responsibilities now. Instead of parties, homework, and friends, I have work, diapers, and Nick Jr. Sometimes I just want to stay in bed all day, but I have to go to work or be
a mom. In college, my biggest concern was getting a paper in on time, now I have actual life concerns, like paying my bills. College was one big party, and if I didn’t want to do something, I didn’t have to. Now I’m an adult and I do what I have to. I loved college, and I love my life now, but there is no way to compare the two.
Winter Break Broken
“The break this past year was so much shorter than years before, and Pfeiffer needs to change that. It’s unfair to all the students and faculty...”
By Zach Thompson For students, faculty and staff who felt like the Pfeiffer 2012-2013 winter break was short lived, you would be correct. In fact, our break was cut by whopping 12 days from the previous school year. Because of the shortened break, regular winter break plans were to be put on hold, or expedited, leaving some returning students more exhausted than when they left for the holidays. “I wish the break had been longer because after having spent all the time with family, I had just started hanging out with my friends from home, when I had to come back to Pfeiffer,” junior Tony Carnes said. Many students sympathize with
Carnes. It was even worse for many student athletes who had to return back to campus merely days after Christmas. “I wish the break had been a little longer since swimming takes up all of my time and half of my break was dedicated to the swim team training trip. I was only able to go home for ten days,” sophomore Stephanie Nants said. “The break this past year was so much shorter than years before, and Pfeiffer needs to change that. It’s unfair to all the students and faculty,” said a junior student who wished to remain anonymous. Faculty and staff shared the student
pains of a limited break but took the change in stride. “The short break did not pose any substantial problems for Residence Life, but we all would have enjoyed more time to relax with our families. In years past, a week of work between the holidays and students returning to campus helped us to feel more rested and prepared for the start of the semester,” Becca McQueen, Residence Life Director, said.
news
SHAPING UP THE NEW KNAPP
By Ryan Goldsmith
If you’re trying to live healthier, become a better athlete, or just work off some Christmas pounds, don’t sweat it. The new Knapp is here for you. “It’s great that I have a place to accomplish my new years resolution of getting in shape!” sophomore Trevor Dean said. During Fall Break while students were spending their time relaxing, Quinton McKissick and members of the Knapp Center were very busy, giving the Knapp a makeover. This renovation has been in the planning stages for over two months. After almost a week of renovation and nearly six thousand dollars later, it’s finally ready. “I can’t wait to check out the new centre and burn off the Christmas turkey.” sophomore Adam Kotwaz said. No matter what your workout
Photo By Shawn Smith
style is, the new Knapp has something for everyone. Brand new weight training equipment like kettle bells, weights, medicine balls, aerobic bars and a lot more have been added. Also featured, a brand new training room where the Knapp Sac used to be. The Knapp will be the home to many Pfeiffer clubs, classes and teams such as flash mob, cheerleading, aerobics, exercise science and P.E. More classes will be added to the Knapp after spring break. “It’s great that my team now has a place big enough to do our off season workouts,” men’s varsity soccer captain, Chandler Ligas, said. The best thing about the Knapp is that it’s free. Since the New Year is here, it’s time for a new you. Classes like 30-minute core (Wednesdays 8-8:30) and the new Spring
Break Bodies class (Wednesdays 8:30–9:15) are available every week to make your goals that much easier. The cross fit class run by Scott Mauldin and Jessica Stamper (Tuesday and Thursdays 8:30-9:30) is set up for students who are serious about working out and living a better lifestyle. “I’m hoping to tone up so I can look great on the beach this spring break,” sophomore Ashley West said. “The new Knapp will diversify opportunities for students to participate in physical activity,” McKissick said. If anyone has ideas for a class that they would like to have, such as yoga and self-defense, you can email Quinton Mckissick at Quinton.mckissick@fsmail. pfeiffer.edu or stop by his office in the Knapp. So get up, get out, and discover a new you at the new Knapp.
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10 January PFEIFFER’S
NEW SUPERSTAR
By Kimberly Goodell A few months ago, over 20 hopefuls auditioned for Pfeiffer’s Idol. This singing competition gathered at least one representative from each sports team. By the first round, it was very clear who was going to be the winner. Patrick King’s version of “Thankful” by Josh Groban had every person in the chapel on their feet and shouting for this freshman swimmer. “My skin was crawling when he sang. It was like he was singing to me. He should be in a Disney movie because his voice is AMAZING!,” freshman Veronique Nero said. “My little heart melted. I almost cried. He is so adorable! His voice was really strong, yet graceful,” Vice President of Public Relations for PBL (Phi Beta Lambda) Christie Mello added. Sure enough, Patrick King won Pfeiffer’s Idol, and the audience chanted encore! Not to disappoint, King performed his second song choice again, “Forevermore”
by Travis Cottrell. “I was very emotional [after I found out I won]. At first, I didn’t really know what to do. I was very excited,” King said. “My mind was in all sorts of different places. It was a little overwhelming, but I was happy to see people being inspired by my singing. The songs I chose conveyed different messages, which was what I was trying to do,” King said. “When I saw him walk onto the stage, his smile immediately made me smile, and then he opened his mouth to sing. Goosebumps went all over my body. I kept thinking about Susan Boyle’s moment on Britain’s Got Talent. You would never have thought such an amazingly beautiful sound would come from Patrick, but I’m glad it did,“ freshman Torri Foster said. “He is definitely my new favorite person,” freshman basketball player Bridget Rothert added.
King is autistic, but insists this challenge never holds him back. “If I can do something to make someone else happy, then I’ll do it because it also makes me happy. And even if I am having a hard time, I still do the best I can,” assures King. “I just love him, and he is such a sweetheart!! I’ve known Patrick since high school, and he has always inspired me. Despite setbacks, he is still an amazing person. Nothing keeps Patrick down. He always has a contagious smile on his face, which makes my day ten times better,” freshman Katie Peeler said. For followers and supporters of King, you will be happy to know that King auditioned and made the Pfeiffer Glee Club. So, if you are looking to hear more from this inspirational sweetheart, come and support him at future concerts.
FEBRUARY By Mariana’ Melvin
features
EVENT CALENDAR
Banner Contest Date: February 2, 2013 Time: 6:00pm to 10:00 pm Location: Stokes Lounge, Stokes Student Center Make a banner and submit it into the banner contest. Humans v Zombies Date: February 7, 2013 Time: 8:00pm Location: Community Room, Stokes Student Building Come out and Play Humans v Zombies, a campus-wide game of tag. Movie Night Date: February 9, 2013 Time: 8 p.m. to 12:00 am Location: Theater, 3rd floor Administration building Come hang out with friends and enjoy a movie and popcorn. Speed Dating Date: February 13, 2013 Time: 9:30pm to 12:30 am Location: Community Room, Stokes Student Center Need a date? Come out and have fun speed dating. Events Plus: Empowering the Youth of Tomorrow to Positively Impact Their Communities Presented by: The Freedom Writers Date: February 17, 2013 Time: 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 pm Location: Stokes Student Center, Community Room (elevator access available)
30 – Hour Famine Sunday Night Alive is an outreach of The Village Church and Pfeiffer University through which youth groups from local faith communities and civic organizations can come to the campus for an evening of Christian Horseback Riding and Service fellowship and worship. Trip Date: February 22, 2013 Date: February 22, 2013 – Time: 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Coffee House Date: February 22, 2013 Time: 8:00pm to 10:00 pm Location: Stokes Lounge, Stokes Student Center You thought our first coffee house was good, come out and attend this one. 30 – Hour Famine Sunday Night Alive is an outreach of The Village Church and Pfeiffer University through which youth groups from local faith communities and civic organizations can come to the campus for an evening of Christian fellowship and worship. Date: February 23, 2013 Time: 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
February 23, 2013 Location: Wings of Eagles Ranch Want a fun trip? Come ride horses at Wings of Eagles ranch with the COL. Blue Grass Jam Date: February 24, 2013 (Last Sunday of February) Time: 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm Location: Stokes Community Room
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12 January Finals By Kelly Hoey They happen every semester, they stress you out and have the ability to make or break 15 weeks of papers, late night study sessions and early mornings. During finals week the stakes and stress levels are always through the roof. This past semester many students, including myself, experienced a whole new level of anxiety due to the unprecedented practice of giving finals on the last day of classes. At least in the past students could take solace in the fact that success in a semester’s worth of classes was determined throughout a week, but now for many students it was being boiled down to just one day. This was mostly due to a longer fall semester, which for the first time stretched the exam period all the way until December 20th. I understand that many professors did this because they empathized with the student body which was ready to get back home to their families and celebrate the holiday season, but the manner in which they decided to reschedule their final exams for the most part was unorganized and certainly did not serve the best academic interest of the students. To make it clear, I’m
Fiasco
not trying to say that having finals on the last day of classes is wrong, but telling your students only week beforehand that this will be the case is not okay. With the exception of one professor who called for a vote during the second week of class on whether we should take the final as scheduled or during the last two class periods, none of my professors showed any inclination of having exams on the last day of classes until after the Thanksgiving break. “I lucked out that my parents tend to wait till last minute for everything. If they booked my flight home when I had told them to I would have been in Misenheimer until the December 20th, when my last final ended up being on the 12th,” Pfeiffer Senior Angie Hunt stated. Other students were not so fortunate. “The point of the school calendar is to look at when your exams are. I don’t live in North Carolina or anywhere remotely close. Driving home isn’t an option. When booking my ticket I thought I was safe, come to find out all of my exams were changed last minute. I stayed an extra week when I didn’t
have to,” Pfeiffer Senior Vlada Mouravieva said. Mouravieva and I were in the same boat. My mother was on my case for weeks about booking a flight home, because flying the week of Christmas is so expensive, especially into a New York City airport with all the tourists traveling to see the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. I finally booked my flight right before Thanksgiving only to find out a couple of weeks later that I could have gone home the 12th compared to the 18th. So professors, if you decide to have finals on the last day of classes this semester, please let your students know in a timely fashion. The last thing I want to do after having 35 pages worth of papers due and four finals all within 24 hours is to be stranded on this campus when it is a complete ghost town, again. This editorial represents the opinions of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of The Falcon’s Eye or Pfeiffer University.
THE
FALCON’S EYE WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!!
Volley for By Apache Shuping With spring just around the corner, new sports are starting, including men’s volleyball. But this year will be different for the Falcons. They’re playing their first season without friend and teammate Lance Johnson, who was killed in a car crash last summer. “This season is definitely being played in Lance’s honor. He was such a great guy and such a great friend and teammate to all of us. The coaching staff had the name of the tournament that we are hosting [changed] to the Lance Johnson Memorial Tournament. Number 11 will always be in our hearts,” player Mark Hess said. “This year without Lance will be a little difficult but it will also be special. It will be special in the sense that everyone on our team will have that person to play for, maybe even elevating our game to a whole new
Lance
sports
level,” sophomore David Specian said. The men have been having three hour long practices to gear up for the upcoming season. “Coach Walker has had us working very hard in the gym and is implementing new offensive plans, defensive plans, and blocking schemes. It took some getting used to, but everything is starting to fall into place,” Hess added. “We are gearing up for the first weekend of February when we play against Penn. State. This game is personal to me because I attended Penn. State,” Coach Greg Walker said. Last year the men were 9-1 in the conference and 21-6 overall, but there are higher aspirations for 2013. “This year we hope to be undefeated,” Walker said. Photo By Christie Mello
Back to By Amanda McClure Starting back after break the women’s lacrosse team was fast to jump into practices. Last year the team did well with an overall 9-8-0 record and a conference record of 4-2-0. But this year they are expecting to go much further. “I think the season will go great. We have a lot of new faces on the team. Along with returning players we should have a really strong team. And I have a feeling we will go really far this year,” senior Jamie Alcala commented. “We had three play days. We played some really strong teams and held our own,” Coach Chelsea Marshall stated. “The team is unbelievably strong this year, and we are close on and off the field. I have no doubts that this is going to be an
Win it All
amazing season for us!” sophomore Shea McDonnell said. “We will definitely compete for the conference,” Coach Dawn Easley said. Their first game is February 14th and they are no doubt looking to start the season with a victory on their Valentine’s Day opener.
Photos By Jamie Alcala
13
14 January
Women’s Basketball
Breaks
School Record
By Crystal Curlee On January 5, 2013, the women’s basketball team broke the school record in assists. During that game, Christina Harvey scored a career-high 32 points. Harvey scored 25 of the 32 points in the first half of the game against Erskine College. Jodie Lemons, Brittany Cox, Carter Williams, Bridget Rothert, and Kellie Rhoney were also a part of the team’s success. Harvey added 11 rebounds to complete her double-double. Lemons would follow with 13 and Williams added 11 with eight boards. Rothert finished with 10 rebounds that day. Head Coach Jill Thomas was proud of her team. “We shared the ball very well. It was very unselfish play,” Thomas said. “We have a very talented team and it’s showing with the records that are being broken. Kellie Rhoney had the majority of those assists which is no surprise because she’s the best point guard in our conference. Not only is Kellie making great passes, but our team is showing the ability to finish those shots which makes us a major threat in Conference Carolinas,” Cox said. The Lady Falcons have another month in the regular season before conference tournament play tips off in March.
By Natalie Miller
Photos By Jamie Alcala
NEW SOFTBALL COACH
Chris Vullo has taken up the position as head coach for the softball team. Vullo comes from Division 3 New England College in New Hampshire. Vullo says he has noticed a difference in coaching the Division 2 team here but is excited to see what happens this season. “Things are going great,” Vullo stated. “We are making big improvements.”
There is also a new assistant coach, Katie Allenson. Softball player Ashlee Ellen is looking forward to playing for Allenson and Vullo. “He is trying to make the program better,” Ellen said. The Lady Falcons’ season begins February 5 against Winston-Salem State.
Photo courtesy Pfeiffer Sports Information
January
PFEIFFER STUDENTS RECEIVE 15% WITH ID
15
Staff List Snow invades Misenheimer January 18, resulting in a two hour delay of scheduled classes Photo By Jamie Alcala
STAFF: EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: RODD BAXLEY LAYOUT EDITORS: JAMIE ALCALA, CARESSA SAMUEL ADVISOR: CHARISSE LEVINE NEWS EDITORS: SHEA MCDONNELL, KIMMY GOODELL SPORTS EDITOR: KIMMY GOODELL ADVERTISING EDITOR: ANGELA HUNT PHOTOGRAPHERS: SHAWN SMITH, PHILIP HOWARD
RYAN GOLDSMITH KELLY HOEY ZACHARY THOMPSON CRYSTAL CURLEE KATHERINE DEECK ZACHARY DYER AMANDA MCCLURE MARIANA’ MELVIN JANE MEYER NATALIE MILLER APACHE SHUPING TONGTONG XUE