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* Scott Stricklin named *

Athletic Director of the year FRIDAY MARCH 4, 2016

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130 th YEAR ISSUE 39

THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY SINCE 1884

Allison visits MSU, imparts life lessons Writer-in-Residence speaks

by Taylor Bowden News Editor

This week is a good week to be a ‘baby writer’ at Mississippi State University.

Stretching from March 1 to March 4, MSU’s Writerin-Residence program welcomed, admired and learned from awardwinning and revolutionary writer, Dorothy Allison.

Allison, who read Tuesday from her best-selling book “Bastard Out of Carolina,” (a story in the same setting of poverty, abuse, and intolerance she herself grew up in) explored topics of self-growth and realization in the face of adversity and demonstrated fi nding solace in humor.

William Hays, director in MSU’s Institute for Humanities who organized the Writer-in-Residence

program, said it was an honor to have a guest as influential as Allison travel to MSU for the sole purpose of helping students grow as both writers and individuals.

“It was an emotional performance. She was in tears at one point,” Hays said. “People were on the edge of their seats.

Dorothy really had them enthralled.”

Catherine Pierce, codirector of creative writing at MSU, said while Allison’s work is extraordinary, what made her visit special was not only her writing, but the message she departs to anyone who listens.

“She was a great fit,” Pierce said.

“She’s an important American author and her work is incredible. We were really lucky to be able to have her.”

ALLISON, 2 Megan Bean | MSU PR

Author of the best-selling book ʻBastard out of Carolinaʼ Dorothy Allison, who grew up in the same impoverished setting as her book, dedicated her time to the ears of Mississippi State University students this week during this yearʼs Writer-in-Residence series.

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION CELEBRATES MSUʼS 138th BIRTHDAY Mississippi State University celebrated its 138th birthday since its founding Feb. 28 in 1878, on Monday in the Dawg House on campus. The party supplied cake and ice cream for everyone in the Colvard Student Union.

Every year, the MSU Alumni Association throws MSU a birthday party, and this year the event was presented by Renasant Bank.

Natalie Jones finalist for Truman Scholarhip

by Nicole Lee Staff Writer

There’s more to the Truman Scholarship finalist and Mississippi State University senior, Natalie Jones, than meets the eye. Beyond the esteemed national scholarship is a passionate woman who is confident in her ability to bring about change.

Jones credits the faculty at MSU for cultivating her passions and directing her toward greatness.

“Having people believe in me and bring me along and develop that vision in me was so meaningful to my personal development,” Jones said.

As an english and sociology double major, Jones’ desire to advocate for minorities stems from her personal experiences observing racial injustices in her youth. With

Natalie Jones her unique perspective as a young African-American woman, Jones set her sights

on public policy as a means of facilitating the social change dialogue.

“If we’re really going to move past [racial injustice],” Jones said, “we need to change how our laws and policies operate.”

Jones’ specific mindset about public policy has landed her in the running for the most coveted national scholarship. The Harry S. Truman Scholarship aids college students who are committed to public service to continue their professional and educational development.

Following a series of interviews, the selected students will receive a $30,000 scholarship to continue their quest for societal change.

For Jones, the scholarship would provide a means in which she can empower others to accomplish social change together. Using her matured and refined leadership style, Jones said she remains sure of one thing, people matter most.

Courtesy Photo| MSU PR

-7:30 p.m. in the Bettersworth Auditorium in Lee Hall -Sponsored by Music Maker and Alumni Association -Concert is March 4th, but the whole MSU Black Alumni Weekend is March 3-6th -Eric Roberson has been nominated for two Grammys in the Best Urban/Alternative Performance category More information on Eric Roberson at www.ericrobersonmusic.com More information on Music Makers at www.msuconcerts.com, facebook.com/msuconcerts, and twitter.com/music_maker

Eric Roberson to visit MSU

TRUMAN, 2

Weather

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Ashley Kramlich, Campus Connect Forecast (Department of Geosciences)

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NEWS

THE REFLECTOR FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 2016

ALLISON While Allison said she did not feel like she spent enough time with the student writers, (stating she couldn’t name any one more impressive than the other), she did say she was impressed with MSU’s English Department as a collective and supportive community conducive to

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creative writing.

“They seem like they actually like each other,” Allison said through a half-cocked smile. “That really is not the case every where. There are a lot of schools that are competitive and viscous, but here everyone supports each other.”

Friday, Feb. 26, 2016 9:20 p.m. A student was issued an arrest citation for minor in possession of alcohol and fake ID on MLK Drive.

9:48 p.m. A student was issued an arrest citation for minor in possession of alcohol on Main Street.

10:59 p.m. A student was issued an arrest citation for minor in possession of alcohol on Main Street.

11:06 p.m. A student was issued an arrest for minor in possession of alcohol and fake ID on Main Street.

11:09 p.m. A student was issued an arrest citation for minor in possession of alcohol on Main Street.

11:10 p.m. A student was issued an arrest for minor in possession of alcohol on Main Street. 11:06 p.m. A student was issued an arrest for minor in possession of alcohol and fake ID on Main Street.

11:15 p.m. A student was issued an arrest for minor in possession of alcohol and fake ID on Main Street.

11:21 p.m. A student was issued an arrest for minor in possession of alcohol and fake ID on Main Street.

11:23 p.m. A student was issued an arrest for minor in possession of alcohol and fake ID on Main Street.

11:23 p.m. A student was issued an arrest for minor in possession of alcohol on Main Street.

11:26 p.m. A student was issued an arrest for minor in possession of alcohol on Main Street.

Saturday, Feb. 27, 2016 12:00 a.m. A student was issued an arrest citation for minor in possession of alcohol and fake ID on Main Street.

12:09 a.m. A student was issued an arrest citation for minor in possession alcohol on Main Street.

12:10 a.m. A student was issued an arrest citation for minor in possession alcohol on Main Street.

Megan Bean | MSU PR

Remember to look for Bad Dawgs online! www.reflector-online.com

Dorothy Allison, in addition to her public reading, spent much of her time Thursday speaking with students, fledgling writers and anyone else interested.

TRUMAN Jones is set to interview for the Truman Scholarship on March 29 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Associate Professor and

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Director of External Prestigious Scholarships, Tommy Anderson said his time spent as Jones’ mentor has provided Jones

with opportunities like the Truman Scholarship to better equip her as a leader. “[ Jones’] ability to think across disciplines to solve

long-standing problems in the state make her an agent for change,” he said. “[ Jones] is grounded in her core beliefs and fearless

in facing an uncertain future.”

For more information about the scholarship, visit www.truman.gov.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Recent bills passed by MSU legislature

SENATE CONSOLIDATES NINE SCHOOL DISTRICTS Bill intended to reduce administration costs, increase classroom investment

*Senate Bill 2495 combines districts of Montgomery County, which has 273 students, Carroll County, which has 1035 students; and Winona, which has 1123 students *Senate Bill 2497 that consolidates Houston School District, which has 1781 students, and Okolona Separate School District, which has 690 students, into the Chickasaw County School District, which has 512 students *Senate Bill 2500 that disolves Lumberton Public School District, which has 585 students, and merges it with neighboring Poplarville and Lamar County districts, which have 1927 and 9996 students

SENATE REDUCES UNEMPLOYMENT TAX RATE *Currently, employers must pay unemployment insurance taxes on a portion of employee wages *Statutorily, the tax rate is between 0.2 percent to 5.4 percent depending on economic activity, such as layoffs or job growth *Under Senate Bill 2808, the minimum tax rate drops to 0.0 percent, resulting in an up to $20 million tax cut for Mississippi employers

Bek Yake, The Reflector Source: Press Release

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OPINION

THE REFLECTOR TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2016

Out and In Print

South Dakota Governor is a decent human being, barely Bek Yake is the multimedia editor at The Reflector. He can be contacted at opinion@reflector.msstate.edu.

A large sigh goes out to South Dakota as their legislature becomes adult versions of schoolyard bullies.

Thankfully, with heavy pressure placed on Governor Dennis Daugaard from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and other human rights and medical advocacy groups, he vetoed bill HB 1008, which would have severely hindered the lives of trans and intersex children alike because of an unfoundedfear of transness. According to the Human Rights Campaign, Daugaard vetoed the bill on the last possible day to do so before it would automatically become law.

Intersex, by the way, is one of many chromosomal, hormonal, or physical variations that cause a person’s chromosomes or reproductive system to not easily fit into the category of male or female. According to the Intersex Society of North America, up to one in every 100 live births could be defined as intersex and many of the variations are so minor or invisible (such as a chromosomal variation which differs from XX or XY but does not cause noticeable genital ambiguity) that a person may never know they are intersex.

South Dakota has been

very busy trying to pass harassing legislation. No, not anti-harassment legislation, legislation that harasses. Transgender children are the target of the day.

South Dakota is attempting to push through state legislation policies that explicitly target transgender students and nullify existing protections. The goal is to keep trans students out of sports and from using bathrooms they are comfortable using. They intended to enforce this through a different bill still in the legislative process that would make anything that is written on a person’s birth certificate count as automatic fact. This includes gender

“I chose the former because I can only role my eyes so hard without hurting myself.” markers, as well as other information such as parent names, which could make an adopted cisgender child’s existence rather difficult if the school is only allowed to accept the people listed on the person’s birth certificate as the parents of the child.

In addition, this bill would have violated federal policies such as Title IX and would have forced the federal government to rescind all federal funding therefore making South Dakota public schools even worse funded than Mississippi public schools.

Even if you do not believe that trans

South Dakota House Bill 1008,

a review

people exist (the American Psychiatric Association and the American Medical Association, as well as many foreign entities would dispute that notion), which is as valid as the opinion that the earth is flat, does a child claiming to be trans really matter that much to you that you would stoop to bullying tactics? Would you employ measures akin to “we do not like you, so you cannot sit with us” behaviors that we discourage from elementary schoolers?

The legislature is supposed to be composed of mature adults. They need to start acting like it.

Now, I came across a curious article in the antiLGBT publication The Federalist entitled “South Dakota Stands Up to the Transgender Mafia” which lauds the South Dakota legislature for a choice that “must be celebrated and defended.”

The title of the article struck me as so absurd that I did not initially believe my friend that it was real until I looked it up for myself.

When I found it and read through it (which took me several tries because I had to take several breathers from the painfully erroneous assumptions and accusations presented therein), I was torn on whether to laugh and take on the moniker “the entire transgender mafia” for myself on group chat apps, or be deeply upset that there are people in the year 2016 that legitimately believe trans people are “delusional” and are all sexual deviants from whom children should be protected at all costs. I chose the former because I can only roll my eyes so hard without hurting myself.

Full text of the bill available at legis.sd.gov Edits only available in print and at reflector-online.com Bek Yake, The Reflector

The Final Word

In lieu of Trump’s lead, faith lies with other candidates

This week Americans took to the poll in 11 different states to cast their votes. Different states held both their Republican and Democratic primaries on the same day. The states up for grabs for Republicans were Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Georgia, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, and Virginia. The states up for Democrats included Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont and Virginia. Hilary Clinton currently leads the Democratic field. Trump has since gained traction by winning nine of the 11 states. Despite heavy criticism from those on both sides of the aisle Trump continues to lead now. The

question becomes, are the Americans that are heavily criticizing Trump actually going to the polls to vote?

Also, is the world ready for a President Trump?

The Trump campaign has done a good job in the aspect that they force candidates to be honest during debates. That is

been slow to take a stance against the Ku Klux Klan supporting him, but has been vocal against the Black Lives Movement who protests at his rallies. Mitt Romney and John McCain were both vocal yesterday, not holding anything back, as they attacked Trump.

Romney was quoted by

“The Super Tuesday revealed that Americans in certain states favor Trump heavily, but when the time comes, I have faith America will make the right decision.” the only area the Trump campaign can receive any gratitude. His campaign has done nothing but spread fear, racism and ignorance. Trump has

the New York Times as saying, “Donald Trump is a phony, a fraud,” Romney said. “His promises are as worthless as a degree from Trump University.

CONTACT INFORMATION Editor in Chief/ Lacretia Wimbley 325-7905 editor@reflector.msstate.edu Managing Editor/Nia Wilson managing@reflector.msstate.edu News Editor/Taylor Bowden

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He’s playing members of the American public for suckers: He gets a free ride to the White House and all we get is a lousy hat.”John McCain was quoted in an article on Politico.com, “I share the concerns about Donald Trump that my friend and former Republican nominee, Mitt Romney, described in his speech today,” said the Arizona senator and 2008 Republican nominee. I would also echo the many concerns about Mr. Trump’s uninformed and indeed dangerous statements on national security issues that have been raised by 65 Republican defense and foreign policy leaders.”

Donald Trump does not represent the Republican Party or the Democrat Party; he is only in it for his personal gains. His true motives are still unclear to

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letters to the editor should be sent to the Meyer Student Media Center or mailed to The Reflector, PO Box 5407, Mississippi State, MS. Letters may also be emailed to editor@reflector.msstate.edu.

Letters must include name and telephone number for verification purposes. The editor reserves the right to edit or refuse to publish a letter.

The

me. He does not believe in Making America Great Again because America stopped being great. The nation was founded on immigrants wanting a better life for themselves and wanting a better life for their families. If he has no problem deporting millions of illegal immigrants, what is to stop him from jailing business owners who do illegal off the book hiring of said immigrants? Trump wants to build a wall that will have to expand over 1,989 miles. The ignorance behind this idea is not average size. Not only will it cost billions to build this wall, it will cost billions to maintain the upkeep of such a wall. His Presidency would not even see the completion of such a task.

I know that you may feel that the political system needs to be changed or

Justin Brickler is a senior majoring in communication. He can be contacted at opinion@reflector.msstate.edu.

even shaken up but Donald J. Trump is not the change that our nation needs. I can’t tell you who to vote for but I can heavily suggest that you do not vote for a man who has cared for no one else but himself.

The Super Tuesday revealed that Americans in certain states favor Trump heavily, but when the time comes, I have faith America will make the right decision.

Reflector

EDITORIAL POLICY

The Reflector is the official student newspaper of Mississippi State University.

Content is determined solely by the student editorial staff. The contents of The Reflector have not been approved by Mississippi State University.

CORRECTIONS

The Reflector staff strives to maintain the integrity of this paper through accurate and honest reporting. If we publish an error we will correct it. To report an error, call 325-7905.

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CLASSIFIEDS POLICY The deadline for Tuesday’s paper is 3 p.m.

Thursday; the deadline for Friday’s paper is 3 p.m. Tuesday. Classifieds are $5 per issue. Student and staff ads are $3 per issue, pre-paid. Lost and found: found items can be listed for free; lost items are listed for standard ad cost.

FOR RENT Rooms for rent $325 and $375 per month, per room. 2 full bathrooms, close to campus, garage parking and fenced backyard. Call Theresa Riddick at 662-312-5630.

CLUB INFO

BULLETIN BOARD The deadline for Tuesday’s paper is 3 p.m. Thursday; deadline for Friday’s paper is 3 p.m. Tuesday.

MSU student organizations may place free announcements in Club Info. Information may be submitted by email to club_info@ reflector.msstate.edu with the subject heading “CLUB INFO,” or a form may be completed The Reflector at office in the Student Media Center. A contact name, phone number and requested run dates must be included for club info to appear in The Reflector. All submissions are subject to exemption according

to space availability.

YOGA MOVES Yoga Moves incorporates meditation and relaxation into a free class where everyone is welcome. We meet Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. at the Sanderson in Studio C. They hope to see you there!

UNIVERSITY AIKIDO CLUB The University Aikido Club teaches nonviolent self-defense in an encouraging and laid back atmosphere.

Classes are free and all are welcome to join. We meet in the Sanderson Center, Studio C, at 5:30 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

SUDOKU

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65 Words of enlightenment 66 Arizona city Down 1 Elephant Boy of 30’s film 2 Cheer up 3 Less common 4 Cone producer 5 Hors d’oeuvres item 6 Libertine 7 Famous pirate 8 Mme., in Madrid 9 Composer Copland

10 Marine bottomlurker with eyes on top of the head 11 Noggin 12 Coaster 15 Some dog names 17 ___ Spumante 21 Pub potables 23 Assist, in a way 26 Prophesy 27 Andean animal 28 One with a strict diet, possibly 30 Horse color 31 Male turkeys 32 Bone-dry 33 Tree trunk

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54 Dazzles 55 Actress Skye 57 Poseidon’s mother 59 Hit the slopes 60 Gender (Abbr.)

Feb. 26 SUDOKU Solutions Freaky Friday News Four Idaho teenagers are suspected of setting fire to their high school principalʼs house. They did this crime in retaliation for being suspended.

Two of the boys are charged with first-degree arson and conspiracy to commit arson, while the others were charged with conspiracy. They are being held in juvenile detention on $200,000 bond each.

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Want your club or organization to be featured in the Club Info section?

Stop by The Reflector office and fill out a club information form for free!

Feb. 26 SUDOKU Solutions

Get Focused.

Eye Exams • Eye & Disease Care • Surgery Name Brand Frames & Sunglasses • Contacts

Jim Brown, MD, FACS • Al Lucas, OD www.eyeandlaser.net • 662.320.6555 100 Walker Way • Starkville, MS

Remember Bulldogs!

Donʼt let Daylight Savings Time sneak up on you.

It starts Sunday so donʼt forget to set your clocks one hour forward.

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THE REFLECTOR FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 2016

Daves to host Singer Songwriter competition

by Taylor Bowden News Editor

Anyone who likes to sit around with a guitar in their lap and a pen in their hand in the Golden Triangle will have an opportunity this month to showcase their work in front of an audience, and take a shot at walking home with a cash prize and a coveted gig onstage during this year’s Cotton District Arts Festival.

Applications are open online for both aspiring and established musicians to send examples of their original works for the 2016 Singer Songwriter competition.

Andrew Rendon, who heads the subcommittee of the Starkville Area Arts Council and is in charge of putting on the competition, said on March 31 Dave’s Darkhorse Tavern will host the competition’s Showcase, where accepted applicants

will show up and perform a few of their songs before a crowd and judges.

Rendon said there will be time that night for around 10-13 people to perform three songs depending on the number of contestants.

The first songwriter will take the stage at 7 p.m., and after every contestant has performed, local band (The peddlers) will play until 10 p.m. while the judges decide the top three places.

Those top three songwriters will not only be awarded a cash prize, but will also earn 15 minute slots on one of the stages during the Cotton District Arts Festival on April 16.

“This competition allows the artists the opportunity to showcase their talent in a large venue,” Rendon said.

Rendon said applications for the 2016 Singer Songwriter competition are online, and an applicant must submit a sample of their music along with song lyrics.

The online application can be found at www.cdafestival. com/songwriters-competition. html.

Keazti Gunnmoney, a performer himself and

“My favorite part of the show was seeing the audience’s reaction to the different acts,” Thomas said. “I saw the audition videos prior to the show, so I knew what the contestants were performing. The audience didn’t know what to expect though, and they seemed blown away by all the talent. It was exciting to see people enjoying the show.”

One winner from each category was selected to win $100. From the five categories, last year’s “2015 MSU’s Got Talent” overall winners, Alexa Rae Heffner and her doll Harley Heffner won again in the miscellaneous category with her outstanding ventriloquism. Terrell Jay Gilmore came in first among the instrumental contestants with his saxophone performance of “If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keys.

Jessica Smith won out the song category with her cover of “I Will Always Love You”

by Whitney Houston. The Bollywood Steppers won over the judges with their hiphop performance to Justin Bieber’s song “What Do You Mean” and placed first in the dance category.

Keaton Phillips placed first in the spoken word

category with his comedic act. In addition to the actual competition, there was also a “Fan Favorite” contest via Twitter. The MSU Student Association tweeted each contestant’s name, and the contestant with the most retweets won “Fan Favorite” prize. Phillips was also crowned fan favorite by the students.

Among the five category winners, one overall winner was selected to win the $1,000.

This year, the Bollywood steppers came in first in the dance category and won the overall competition.

The Bollywood Steppers, which includes Aishwarya Dikshit, Amesh Daga, Nendita Gubta, Ajimkya Nawarkar, Mukti Patel and Pronnoy Tarafdar competed in last year’s “MSU’s Got Talent” as well, but did not receive any reward for their performance.

“We wanted to show a little bit of what we know, which is Bollywood and hip hop, but last time we performed Bollywood, we didn’t connect with the audience because the song is not really an English song, and people didn’t understand what we are trying to do, Senior Mukti Patel said. “This time

year the showcase was introduced to the competition.

“I loved the showcase,” Gunnmoney said. “I really pushed for a showcase because I’m of the opinion

“It adds another component to this competition. Now we aren’t just looking for writers but for people with demonstrated passion behind their art...”

- Andrew Rendon, Starkville Area Arts Council subcommittee head Starkville’s primary music mule, co-chairs the committee with Rendon and said he is excited about this year’s competition. While the competition has been going on for several years, last year was the first year Gunnmoney was involved and also the first

we have a lot of great performers in the area in addition to good writers. It adds a different element to the competition.”

Rendon said the same about the showcase, stating the element of showmanship added to the competition

enhances the whole contest.

“It adds another component to this competition,” Rendon said. “Now, we aren’t just looking for writers, but for people with demonstrated passion behind their art. It provides us the opportunity to assess the artists more intensely.”

Currently, the competition has around nine applicants so far, Rendon said, and they are hoping for more.

Rendon said a few of the names are fairly well known and established artists, but by no means should even a fledgling songwriter be discouraged from participating. Rendon said Bob Dylan, often lauded as one of the best American songwriters, said in interviews some of his best work was written at the start of his career.

“The nature of songwriting is sometimes hard to define,” Rendon said. “We’re hoping to see that whole range of talent.”

Rendon said the plan is

to have four judges, three of which will be knowledgeable musicians and writers themselves, while the intention is for the fourth to simply be a ‘consumer,’ an untrained ear who can speak for the everyman and listen to the song itself and not be caught up in picking apart technical aspects of the songs.

While the count is up to nine applicants, Rendon said they are still looking and hoping for more and there is plenty of time as the event is about a month off.

Dave’s Darkhorse Tavern, Starkville Physical Therapy, and the Starkville Area Arts Council are all supporting this competition. Rendon said they chose Dave’s as the location because of the venue’s (and the owner, David Hood’s) longstanding commitment and support to local musicians.

“It’s a fantastic event that enables our talented local musicians to showcase their skills,” Hood said.

MSU’s Got Talent show awards $1,000

by Emily Wright Staff Writer

Last Wednesday, Mississippi State University’s Student Association Class Council held “MSU’s Got Talent” in Lee Hall’s Bettersworth Auditorium to raise money for this year’s class gift.

This year, the 2016 Class Council is fundraising to restore the 1922 brick columns on University Drive.

However, they will still award cash prizes to the winners of the event and the organization with the most attendance.

22 performers were selected to participate in this year’s talent show. There were a wide variety of talents present in the show such as singing, dancing, ventriloquism, instrumentals, twirling and comedy.

In addition to the performers, the class council called Alpha Phi Alpha President Jay Knott and Miss Maroon and White 2015 Callie Brown to serve as the MC’s for the night.

Maggie Thomas, freshman and member of the 2016 class council, expressed her excitement for the event.

Emily Wright | Courtesy Photograph

Bollywood Steppers perform a routine to Justin Bieberʼs ʻWhat Do You Meanʼ during Wednesdayʼs ʻMSUʼs Got Talent.ʼ

we thought we would take an English song and show a little bit of Bollywood with a little hip-hop fusion.”

The group added three new members last semester and plan on competing in the Indian Student Association

Talent Show that will be held in Lee Hall on March 26.

When asked about how they planned to spend their $1,000 check, they replied with responses such as college tuition and props for future competitions.

Not only were the contestants able to win prizes, but the organization with the most attendance was awarded $200 for the philanthropy of their choice. Kappa Alpha Fraternity received this prize at the end of the night.

Latino Film Series exemplifies cultural diversity

by Kai’Brina Parkman Staff Writer

Thursday night kicked off the beginning of this month’s Latino Film Series, sponsored by the Latin Student Association (LSA) and the Holmes Cultural Diversity Center in an effort to raise awareness about the Latin culture at Mississippi State University.

“Wetback,” the Undocumented Documentary, was chosen as the introductory fi lm for the series in hopes of giving spectators insight on the background of immigrants from Mexico and Central America coming into the United States. The fi lm shed light on the dangerous and chaotic lifestyle many immigrants faced.

Debbie Zepeda, graduate assistant for the diversity center, planned the event and said she hopes students got an introduction to why learning America’s Latin history is important.

“The Latin culture isn’t as familiar here as I think it should be. That’s why we have these events to engage

everyone in conversation,” Zepeda said. “It also offers a chance for people from different cultural backgrounds to network.”

Last semester, MSU embraced the Latin Student Association (LSA) on campus. The organization welcomed students of all Latin ethnicities and origins. The overall population at MSU makes up no more than two percent.

Junior fi nance major Dylan Jesus Meza said it is important that people understand the Latino culture varies.

“Here on campus I have personally noticed that we try to fi nd common interest, but we are diverse,” Meza said. “I am Chicano, but I also appreciate the cultures of my Latino friends’

countries.”

Katerine Saleme, graduate student from Colombia, said the population is composed of a diverse background as well, but a noticeable change is needed.

“The Latino population is increasing and becoming more united, and it is well supported by the community, but more work needs to be done to get a more dynamic population,” Saleme said.

Jorge Alvarez, a junior from Gulfport majoring in business administration, said more awareness should be created to give students the opportunity to embrace and welcome traditions and the cultural importance of all Latin nationalities.

“Not many programs bring attention to the Latino

population,” Alvarez said.

“Help could be provided by the university by showcasing Latino culture in some form or just supporting the Latino culture in general. The Latino culture has been around in the U.S. for a very long time. It’s slowly bleeding into what is known as the ‘American culture.’”

The fi lms, which will expand on the Latino history, will be shown from 7 to 9 p.m. every Thursday of this month, excluding the week of spring break. “No Mas Bebes” along with “Selena” will be shown in honor of Women’s History Month, and “Cesar’s Last Fast” will be showcased in honor of the life of Cesar Chavez.

The event is free and popcorn and punch will be provided.

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Following LSA’s and the diversity center’s turnout at their last event, ‘Noche Latina,’ Zepeda expects to see many new faces.

“These events are held to bring everyone together,” Zepeda said. “I want the Latin population on campus to know that we are here for each other. We are here to help one another and our voices should be heard.”

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@SPORTSREFLECTOR

SPORTS

THE REFLECTOR FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 2016

Stricklin named ‘Athletic Director of the Year’ SCOTT STRICKLIN

2015-2016 Under Armour Athletics Director of the Year 1st Mississippi State University AD to receive honor Broken records for average attendance and total attendance “This honor is due to MSU’s tremendous students, coaches, staff, alumni and fans for working together and creating a consistent level of success that has been recognized nationally by others .”

-Athletic Director Scott Stricklin

Jacob Follin | The Reflector

The National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics awarded Scott Stricklin (pictured) the Under Armour ʻAthletics Director of the Year Awardʼ on Wednesday. Stricklin has been at the head of numerous projects in athletics since he became Mississippi Stateʼs Athletics Director in 2010, including the recent $75 million expansion and renovation of Davis Wade Stadium. He also oversaw expanisons of Humphrey Coliseum and the softball and tennis complexes. Athletics have thrived under Stricklin, as the MSU football team completed the winningest two-year stretch in program history(19-7) and the womenʼs basketball team earned its highest national ranking in program history(No. 6). Stricklin will receive the award on June 15.

Bulldogs set to bid seniors farewell

by Taylor Rayburn Staff Writer

Craig Sword, Gavin Ware, and Fred Thomas will take the court for the last time against Auburn on Saturday. These seniors,

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along with Travis Daniels and Johnny Zuppardo, who both transferred later in their careers, will be honored on senior day Saturday.

Mississippi State Basketball Head Coach Ben Howland said he was proud of how the seniors have perfomed this year.

“Travis is playing the toughest he has ever played, Chicken (Sword) is playing good at both ends of the floor, Gavin is our best post player,” Howland said.

“Fred had his best game last Saturday and Johnny has given us some important minutes.”

When looking at this year’s senior class, all everyone points to is a win-loss total. While they are 50-76 over the last four years, to truly see this class’ value one has to look beyond win-loss totals.

Between coaching changes, roster turnover and injuries, there was never any continuity. The trio of Ware, Thomas and Sword were recruited by Rick Stansbury, played three years under Rick Ray, and will now finish out their career under Howland. Between injuries, disciplinary issues and multiple transfers, there has been constant roster

turnover over the years. This roster turnover has prevented them from forming any type of team chemistry.

Through all the challenges, the trio never left, even when they had the option to jump ship and transfer to a more stable, successful school.

However, they made the decision to stay at MSU and stick out a transitional period in MSU basketball history.

Sword said he never thought about leaving.

“I always knew I was coming here and from the first time here I knew I was never leaving,” Sword said.

“I would never change anything that has happened.”

Sword also said he was happy the senior class stuck it out through the adversity.

“We came here with a big job and we stayed together,” he said. “Nobody ever left.

We’ve just been here for each other.”

They may not have won many games but they have laid a foundation for the future of MSU basketball.

A foundation of great work ethic, playing hard and never giving up. Through the years this team has never quit in the middle of a game.

No matter how much they were down, they would play hard to the final whistle.

This foundation is one for the future, and while they laid the foundation they will not be around to reap the benefits.

Part of laying that foundation has been preparing true freshman Malik Newman, Quinndary Weatherspoon and Aric Holman.

Newman said the seniors showed younger players what it takes to get better.

“The seniors did a terrific job this year of leading the way,” Newman said.

“They just did a great job of providing leadership for the team.”

Even with all the excitement surrounding Newman and the emergence of Weatherspoon, the two leading scorers for MSU this season have been Gavin Ware, at 15.4 points a game, and Craig Sword, at 12.8 points a game. They have represented MSU in the best way on and off the court, doing so even in front of scarce crowds at the Hump.

So, with tomorrow being the last time this class dons the Maroon and White, Bulldog faithful should pack the Hump and send this senior class out on a high note. The game will tip Saturday at 1:30pm.