Partcipate in this year’s homecoming activities. View calendar events inside. S e e s p r ea d , p a g es 6 & 7 .
***Special Homecoming Edition***
10.25.13
Vol. 61, I ssue 4
Top Stories
NSU Honors College students to attend NAAAHP
INSIDE
Joseph Echols Memorial Hall receives upgrades. Photo from Diane Brame. face old and new rivals at See page Spartans 5.
home. Photo from Jules Dean. See page 4.
By Danielle Kirsh & Ernest Jackson
meantime. “We don’t currently have a search process that’s been developed,” Board of Visitors Rector Thomas Chewning said. The Board of Visitors is con-
Norfolk State University is sending five students from the Honors College to participate in the National Association of African-American Honors Programs (NAAAHP) this year at Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Fla. The NAAAHP was organized to allow students, faculty, staff and professionals in honors programs in HBCUs across the nation to come together to develop academically and promote scholarships for undergraduates. During this conference, students will have the chance to network, debate and compete academically. Director of the Honor’s Program Dr. Page Laws said the NAAAHP is a “chance for our students to match their skills against other students at other HBCUs.” Six students submitted pro-
See Presidential search, page 2
See NAAAHP, page 2
Newly appointed interim president Eddie N. Moore, Jr. explains how confident he is to lead Norfolk State University. Photo by Jules Dean.
NSU holds off presidential search after appointing interim By Danielle Kirsh
famous school spirited Spartan Herbert The Chavez, the real life Superman? Legion faces downsizing. Photo from Herbert Photo by Jules Dean. Chavez’s Facebook. See page 8. See page 8.
A presidential search is not underway as the appointed interim president has dedicated a large amount of time to help Norfolk State fix its financial issues. The university shouldn’t expect a presidential search in the
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Spartan News
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10.25.13
Gov. accused of racial bias against NSU By Danielle Kirsh
The Veterans Affairs Office and active duty military members honer Staff Sgt. Shawnta Johnson for her participation in the nursing program at Norfolk State University. (From left to right: Gunnery Sgt. Antonio Hairston, Lt. Richard Gillick, Mr. Nash Montgomery, Staff Sgt. Shawnta Johnson, Lt. Col. Evangeline Rosel, Master Sgt. Rob Freguson). Photo by Jules Dean.
Military veterans to be honored at Pre-Veterans Day program By Danielle Kirsh
Norfolk State University Veterans Affairs will be honoring veterans and their families at the annual Pre-Veterans Day program. This program is in recognition of the sacrifices made by military service members and their families over the years. The program will begin in a standard military ceremony with the color guard and a student choir, consisting of Norfolk State and Old Dominion University students, singing the National Anthem. A few keynote speakers and a guest speaker will be attending as well. Honorees have to meet a certain criteria to be honored at this event. Director of Veterans Af-
fairs and Career Services Nash Montgomery said, “Why not recognize someone right here?” Active duty Staff Sargent Shawnta D. Johnson is being honored at the program. She is highly decorated and has served in the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. “It’s an honor,” Johnson said. Johnson said she is glad she gets to “tell and show people it is possible to have a career in the military and go to school.” As of Oct. 27, Johnson has served for 16 years in the military; she is also an NSU nursing student and a mother. The Pre-Veterans Day program will take place on Nov. 5 in the Student Center room 147.
Gov. Bob McDonnell is asking for the resignations of some Norfolk State University Board of Visitors members in a way that some people are calling racially biased. The spokesman for the governor, J. Tucker Martin, told the Richmond TimesDispatch “The governor and all the members of the board believe Norfolk State must do much better moving forward. The current situation at the school is unacceptable. Norfolk State students deserve an improved university.” One board member, Henry D. Light, who supported Dr. Atwater has already resigned, but Rector Thomas Chewning is not aware of any individual board members that have been asked to resign by McDonnell. The McDonnell administration is requesting the resignations from supporters and opponents of Dr. Atwater, the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
Bill Thomas, a member of Christopher Newport University’s Board of Visitors, started a group for networking and mentoring that consists of the minority members of the board of visitors at public universities throughout Virginia and insists that because Norfolk State is an historically black college and university (HBCU), the NSU board is being treated differently than other schools, especially predominantly white universities (PWI). Thomas told the Richmond Times-Dispatch “We think everything ought to be treated equally.” He also said McDonnell should have followed the same approach at Norfolk State that he did at the University of Virginia when he demanded that their board of visitors resolve their issues, or he would demand all of them to resign together.
Presidential search
■Continued from front page fident that Moore will run the school as well as any president they choose. “[Moore] has full command of the school,” Chewning said. “We already can see that he has a lot of energy and is pretty much on top of everything,” Chewning said. Having served as State Treasurer from 1990 to 1993, Moore was appointed interim president on Sept. 13. The Board of Visitors contacted Moore because of his reputation at Virginia State University. After a couple weeks of deliberation, Moore
was appointed the interim president. Moore has allotted one and a half to three years to help the university fix its problems. In the wake of audits and accreditation issues, Chewning said he was “really excited and delighted” and felt “Norfolk State is very fortunate” that Moore could serve as president. We have a current university president and the Board of Visitors is going to let Moore do what is important. “Plenty of people could do the job, but he fit the job better,” said Chewning.
At Norfolk State, the governor has only requested the resignations of a few members, according to Thomas. A member of the Virginia State University Board of Visitors told the Richmond Times-Dispatch that McDonnell seems to be “cherry-picking” Norfolk State’s board instead of treating them they same way he treated UVA. “The governor thinks it’s the right thing for the university,” Del. S. Chris Jones, R-Suffolk, told the Richmond TimesDispatch. “This is not about an individual or individuals. This is about the university moving forward.” “Let’s face it for what it is. It is a black school. It is an HBCU. There are connotations that go along with that and we just don’t want it to be that way,” Thomas told the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
NAAAHP
■Continued from front page posal abstracts to be eligible to attend the NAAAHP, but only five were chosen. The students selected are Uwem Etuk, Yasmaine Eason, Tiara Davis, Tyla Morris and Delnecia James. Each of their abstracts related to something from one of their courses. Dr. Laws said it is “fairly rare for undergrads to participate in scholarly conferences. We are very proud of them.” The NAAAHP Conference will be held Oct. 31 through Nov. 2.
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Spartan News
10.25.13
Norfolk State Police Department releases crime reports for 2010-2012 By Danielle Kirsh Norfolk State University Police Department released their annual Campus Security Report detailing the crime statistics at Norfolk State during 2010-2012. This report shows robberies, burglaries and motor vehicle thefts are down significantly since 2010. In 2010, there were a total of eight reported robberies on campus. That number dropped to three by 2011 and one by 2012. One report of robbery was in a residence hall in 2011. Burglary reports on campus have also reduced. In 2010 there were a total of 60 burglary reports. This dropped by almost half in 2011 with 32 reported burglaries. This number stayed almost consistent in
2012 with 34 reported burglaries. Residence hall burglaries have also dropped significantly. There were 40 reported burglaries in residence halls in 2010. Again, this number dropped by almost 50 percent with only 23 burglaries each in 2011 and 2012. Though a decrease has been seen in other crimes, aggravated assault reports have stayed consistent through the years with two reports in 2011 and 2012. The crime statistics also show that most of the crimes that occurred on campus were reported to the campus police department rather than the City of Norfolk Police Department.
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Spartan Echo accepting applications for spring 2014 The Spartan Echo is accepting applications now for all editor positions (listed below). Editors will serve during the spring 2014 semester and receive a performance grant for their service. Amounts vary by position. Some work—done from home—will be necessary during the winter to prepare for the spring semester. Contact the faculty adviser at seopfer@nsu.edu or 757-8232444 for more detailed information. Students with previous professional or student media experience are strongly encouraged to apply, but previous experience is not necessary. Students from any major may apply. Applicants, however, must meet the minimum qualifications for all positions (listed below). Applications are available online from Student Activities and Leadership. https://www. nsu.edu/Assets/websites/student-activities/Student-Publication-Forms/Spartan-EchoPublication-Application.doc Applications will be accepted via e-mail at seopfer@nsu.edu, or in-person at MAD 282, through Nov. 8. All potentially qualified applicants will be interviewed by the faculty adviser and must supply work samples at that time. Follow-up interviews and grammar testing may apply. Positions are awarded by the Student Publication Board after spring semester grades are posted.
Minimum Qualifications for All Positions
Preferred Qualifications for All Positions
- pre-registered as a full-time NSU student for fall 2013 - 2.5 cumulative GPA or higher - 2.0 GPA or higher for fall 2013 - agreement to adhere to journalistic standards - ability to follow instructions and meet deadlines - time and dedication to perform staff duties
- previously published as a journalist - medium-to-advanced computer literacy - leadership experience - ability to take photographs and email them - WordPress experience - Adobe Photoshop and In-Design experience - ability to shoot and edit video
Minimal Position Qualifications The first International Film Festival will be held at NSU. Graphic retrieved from Legacy Media Institute. http://lmi-iff.org.
Norfolk State to host inaugural International Film Festival By Danielle Kirsh
As a part of Tim Reid’s Legacy Media Institute, the first International Film Festival will take place at Norfolk State University and in the city of Norfolk. This film festival will be a showcase of culturally diverse films while allowing local filmmakers the opportunity to have their films critiqued by an independent film making panel. Reid said this festival is a “training ground for aspiring filmmakers.” One of the films being shown is Norfolk State’s “Church Street.” The film will tell the history of
Church Street in Norfolk. Despite the recent events on campus, Reid said he wants to create “positive energy in the community.” Reid hopes to create something similar to the Sundance Film Festival and wants to create “global awareness” of this festival. It will take “a lot of man and woman power” to run this festival Reid said. There will be approximately 50-70 volunteers at the festival. To find out more about the film festival that is taking place Nov. 8 through Nov. 10, visit lmi-iff.org.
Editor-in-Chief:
- leadership experience - administrative experience - student organization experience - copy editing experience - previously published as a journalist - mastery of Associated Press style - medium-to-advanced computer literacy - WordPress experience
Managing Editor:
- leadership experience - copy editing experience - previously published as a journalist - mastery of Associated Press style - medium-to-advanced computer literacy - WordPress experience
Graphic Design/Layout Editor: - Adobe In-Design and Photoshop experience -newspaper layout/graphic design experience
Section Editor:
- ability to gather information accurately from authoritative sources - ability to write journalistic material in Associated Press style - ability to edit copy according to Associated Press style - ability to recruit and supervise volunteer reporters - WordPress experience
Multimedia Editor:
-photography/videography experience -experience writing captions with accuracy and clarity
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Spartan Sports
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10.25.13
Bitter end to season motivates Spartans for success By Jason Gill
Graduate student Rolandan Finch runs to the touchdown area while evading the opposing team. Photo by Jules Dean.
Spartans face rivals in a stretch of home games By Dan Adu-Gyamfi
From Oct. 19 to Nov. 2, the Spartans face old and new rivals all at home to display which direction the team will go. The first opponent will be Hampton University in the State Farm Battle of the Bay. Through five games the Pirates have struggled immensely and yet to win a contest. Last year Hampton beat NSU at home 28-14. Regardless of record, the Spartans should not take them lightly because in an intense rivalry, standings do not matter. In a fan poll on NSUSpartans.com it asked “Which 2013 home football game do you most want to
see?” Among five schools, the winner by a large margin was Old Dominion University on Oct. 26 with 47 percent. Two years ago, NSU played against the Monarchs on the road in the FCS Division I playoffs and lost 35-18 in a rough environment at Foreman Field at S.B. Ballard Stadium. Now, ODU and the Spartans will play the first of a sixyear series starting at William “Dick” Price Stadium. Since their last meeting, the Monarchs are moving up to play in Division I FBS and join Conference USA starting July, 1 2014. This season, they are a FBS Independent and so far 4-2.
The strength of ODU is their offense which through six games is averaging 45 points a game. Redshirt junior linebacker Lynden Trail knows that the defense will have to step up and the attention brought will be positive. “It’s a lot of exposure; first and foremost, I’m not from up here so I really don’t know what the rivalry feels like, you know? I’m a southern kid from Miami, but if they dislike ODU, I dislike ODU too because I bleed green and gold,” said Trail. Homecoming will be played on Nov. 2 against Florida A&M. The schools haven’t
played each other in three years. The previous game was also on homecoming, and NSU lost in a close game 17-13. The Spartans will not want to disappoint the alumni and fans who come back and will be favored over a Rattlers team who is so far 1-4. Once NSU plays their three consecutive home games, they go on the road twice against Bethune-Cookman and North Carolina Central; they then end the season at home against South Carolina State. The Spartans should take advantage of their home games and challenge for the MEAC Championship.
As the men’s basketball team prepares for what they hope and believe will be another successful season, they realize there is much to improve on from where they finished last season. The Spartans finished 21-12, including 16-0 in the MEAC, winning the MEAC regular season title for the first time. Despite this impressive mark, they were upset in their first game of the MEAC tournament against Bethune-Cookman University. That loss still resonates with the returning players as well as interim head coach Robert Jones, who was an assistant under Anthony Evans, who left to be head coach at Florida International University, at the time. “There are a lot of guys that still have a bitter taste in their mouth from having the success we had last year during the regular season, to losing in our first game in the quarterfinals. These guys have a chip on their shoulder, and hopefully, that will translate into the regular season and help us make the NCAA tournament,” said Jones. See Spartans for success, page 5
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10.25.13
Spartans for success
Spartan Sports
Football “Stokes” sibling rivalry By Jason Gill
■Continued from page 4
The team plans to continue the aggressive style of defense they displayed last season. The team averaged 7.3 steals per game, yet Jones feels they can improve upon that mark. He also plans for the team to score more points by getting in the transition at a higher rate. NSU returns center Brandon Goode, forward RaShid Gaston and guards Jamal Fuentes, Malcolm Hawkins and Pendarvis “Penny” Williams. These were five of the top six contributors from last year’s team. Williams, the 2012-13 MEAC Player of the year, led the team with 14.3 points per game last season and is looked upon from Jones to elevate his game and leadership to an even higher level. “Coach Jones said he wants me to be more aggressive, attack the basket more and be more vocal. I’m more of a lead-by-example guy. I need to show guys what’s right and what’s wrong so guys can follow up behind me,” said Williams. The Spartans open up the season in the Inaugural HBCU Tip-Off Championship against Texas Southern and for the first time in school history; NSU has also been invited to play in the NIT Season Tip-Off. With a bigger spotlight on the program, the Spartans plan to be better than ever to show the attention is worthy.
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Two sets of NSU football players share a unique relationship with a fellow teammate that is unlike any other. For the Stokes brothers, who are separated by two years, and the Smith brothers who are separated by just two minutes, football has taken them along journeys that may have not existed without it. The Stokes Brothers, graduate student wide receiver Je’Ron and redshirt sophomore quarterback Malik, began a voyage together in 1998 that neither knew would still be going strong fifteen years later. Coming out of high school, Je’Ron Stokes was highly touted and a U.S. Army All-American with many scholarship offers. He chose to
attend University of Michigan and thought his days of playing football with his little brother were coming to an end. Malik Stokes chose to attend Bowling Green University on a football scholarship. After his second year at Michigan, Je’Ron Stokes felt he needed a change of scenery and decided to transfer to Bowling Green as well. The two never saw game time on the field with each other and after two years, Malik Stokes this time felt he needed to move schools. With the combination of the education as well as the opportunity to play right away, Malik Stokes chose to transfer to NSU. Once Je’Ron Stokes graduated from Bowling Green, he looked to pursue his
master’s degree. With one year of eligibility remaining, he chose to join his brother once again at NSU as a graduate student. Realizing this would most likely be the last time he and his brother played football together, Je’Ron Stokes reflected on what the game of football has done for his family and appreciates the relationship he and his brother have built through it. “It’s definitely been a blessing playing with my brother. It allowed us to help feed off each other, help build each other up. It’s been a great experience that has honestly helped our family grow together since our little league days,” said Je’Ron Stokes. The Smith brother’s path to NSU was not nearly as traveled.
Conley and Cameron, who are natives of Chesapeake, have been playing football together since they were kids as well. However, this is the first time that they have played the same position of fullback. Though battling for the same position is a new experience, the two hold nothing back in the heat of competition. “Yeah it’s definitely a competition. Even when it has nothing to do with sports, we find ourselves competing with each other. It’s hard because he’s my brother. Sometimes I don’t want to hit him as hard, but you got to do what you got to do,” said Conley Smith. Together, the brothers all hope to contribute to help the Spartans become contenders for a MEAC championship.
Brothers Je’Ron Stokes and Malik Stokes both play for the Norfolk Spartans. Photo by Jules Dean.
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Homecoming
10.25.13
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10.25.13
Homecoming
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Spartan Lifestyle
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10.25.13
Is the Spartan Legion
shrinking
?
By Melissa Rawls
The Spartan Legion performs during the half time presentation for the NSU vs Savannah State football game. Photo from sola.nsu.edu/music/spartanlegion/photo/legion3.jpg.
Serving as the epitome of school spirit, the Spartan Legion is NSU’s designated source for musical entertainment and
performance. Tasked with the role of promoting student enthusiasm and participation, the marching band has long since
been considered a valued staple among students. Now that the 2013-2014 football season is well underway, students have had
the chance to see firsthand what the Legion has to offer this year. Despite their diverse demonstration of musical selections, students appear to be more concerned with the noticeable size disparity between this year’s number of performs and the number of performers in previous years. According to assistant drum major, Captain of Soul Ryshawn Richardson the number of Spartan Legion band members has drastically decreased over the last few years. “When I came in back in 2009 there was a good +200 people in the band, now its fallen to around about 100.” said Richardson. ”With all the administrative changes that have trickled down from the staff to the band certain things have been implemented that have cut back the possibility of having a 200 member band.”
After entering into the “128 instruments or less” category for the 12th Annual 2014 Honda Battle of the Bands competition, questions remain as to the future of the award winning Spartan Legion and it’s intended number of contributing members. “The band, it’s like a business. The directors would fall under the role of CEO’s or Supervisors and the band is more like the workforce.” said Richardson. “We had to start off small and now we are building back up each year.” In an effort to gather supporting details attempts were made to contact both the band director, Paul Adams and the assistant band director Stephanie Saunders. Both parties failed to provide comment.
Alumni friends return to NSU for homecoming week By Krysta Ricks Norfolk State’s homecoming, one of the most festive events on campus, is a week of friends, family, food and fun. Former, current and prospective students come from near and far to celebrate with each other and engage in the many activities planned throughout the week. When students come to NSU, the ultimate goal is to get a degree and build their network. However, they gain so much more by the time they walk across the stage.
Because of lifelong friends they met while studying at NSU, alumni Spartans return to the Norfolk area every year to reunite with past roommates and friends for homecoming. Former roommates Keenan Bonds and Shawn Cherry met in fall 2009 as freshmen in the Dozoretz National Institute for Math and Applied Science (DNIMAS) scholarship program. Cherry is from Hopewell, Va., and Bonds is from Gulfport, Ms.
Unlike those who got stuck with the roommate from hell as freshmen, Keenan and Shawn hit it off. “We were both laid-back guys,” said Cherry. “Keenan and I pretty much had the same schedule, and we knew when to study and when to party.” Cherry and Bonds both returned to their respective hometowns after graduation, but the two knew they would be back in Norfolk soon.
“We had plans to come back before we even graduated,” said Bonds. Bonds also said that the camaraderie and spirit of celebration that each NSU homecoming brings is half of what has the two friends ready to come back. The renovations to the NSU campus have Bonds and Cherry excited to see how their alma mater looks now. “I heard they built a green See Alumni friends return, page 11
Alumni Keenan Bonds and Shawn Cherry return to celebrate homecoming. Photo from Facebook.com/keenan. bonds.5?fref=ts
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10.25.13
Spartan Lifestyle
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NSU traditions Freshman Tip: Utilize university resources By Krysta Ricks
With homecoming week quickly approaching, the NSU family should know a few things that make a student a true Spartan.
Spartan Cavalry The Spartan Cavalry is a group of students that gets fired up for games and events on campus. They set the pace for school spirit and outshine all other fans by being the loudest and the proudest! On the BeholdNSU ProBoards forum site, user SYNERGY of Synergy said, “The Cavalry grew from less than 30 students as a pep club in 1999, to over 300 students in 2001; in 2002 the cavalry membership eclipsed 700 students, every Greek-letter organization and most academic departments!” The Cavalry has decreased in size since 2002, but the students still “Rock the Green and Gold” better than anyone in the stands.
Point to Brown Hall During the Alma Mater, hands throughout the stands can be seen pointing in one direction. Visitors and rivals may wonder what it is all about. The tradition at NSU is to point to G.W.C. Brown Memorial Hall while the Alma Mater is being sung. Named for one of NSU’s founders, George William Clements Brown, Brown Hall is the oldest building on campus. At the end of football games, during the freshman Convocation ceremony and after events like the Battle of the Bands, remember to point – right hand only!
Chants, Cheers & Songs NSU games are filled with students and fans making noise for the Spartans. Over the years, different chants, cheers and songs have been tweaked to represent the Spartans. Here are a few: Call: Spartans! What is your profession!? Answer: AHOO! AHOO! AHOO! I’m so glad I go to Norfolk State. I’m so glad I go to Norfolk State. I’m so glad I go to Norfolk State. Singin’ glory Hallelujah, I go to Norfolk State! Rock the Green & Gold! (6x) STOP! And let the _____ do it! (fill in the blank with freshmen, sophomores, juniors, seniors, etc.) That’s wassup, that’s, that’s wassup! (2x) Leader:My name is ____ Crowd: Yeah! Leader: And I’m from ___ Crowd: Yeah! That’s wassup,that’s, that’s wassup! (2x)
By Krysta Ricks As freshmen, many students run into people that can help with certain aspects of college life. They claim to be experts when it comes to campus parking, parties and money-saving alternatives to campus-provided resources. But how many “experts” are there when it comes to academic help? NSU offers a wide variety of support services for students in need of academic assistance. The College of Science, Engineering and Technology (CSET) offers a host of tutors through the Science and Technology Academicians on the Road to Success (STARS) program. Located in room 126 of the Robinson Technology Center and room 108 of the Woods Science Building, CSET provides tutors in biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, mathematics, nursing, physics and technology. The Spartan Success Center (SSC), located in room B191 of Brown Memorial
Hall, offers both in-person and online tutoring in writing, basic mathematics to calculus, human anatomy and physiology, accounting and Spanish. The SSC’s website even features a GPA calculator so students can estimate a ballpark average and know where they stand academically before professors report grades. However helpful these resources may be, they are useless when they are not utilized. During the beginning of the semester, the various tutoring centers across campus are relatively quiet. However, during and after midterms, the rooms are buzzing with chatter as students try to cram information before exams. The best way to utilize the tutoring centers effectively is to schedule weekly meetings with a tutor so that he or she may learn your strengths and weaknesses. This way, students will be able to focus on real issues in the subject and professors will see progress in areas where it counts.
Continuing the Spartan legacy By Melissa Rawls For NSU alums Mordecai and Dorothy Smith, Norfolk State has truly served as an essential component to their family dynamic. Mordecai Smith began his studies at NSU in the late 70’s after transferring from Hampton University in pursuit of his bachelor’s degree in accounting. One year later, his future wife enrolled into the evening program and began studying for her
bachelor’s in office administration and business education. After being afforded the opportunity to attend college, Dorothy Smith established early on that she would apply herself and try to make the most of her college experience. “NSU gave me a chance during their open enrollment See Spartan legacy, page 10
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Spartan Lifestyle
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Notable NSU alumni By Melissa Rawls
One of the most reassuring sentiments of progression and achievement for any university is having the ability to look back and reflect upon the accomplishments of former students. Not only does it provide a sense of encouragement among current students, it offers a chance for the university to bear witness to the fruits of its labors. Listed below are a few of Norfolk State’s many accomplished graduates.
Curtis Bunn ‘83 Essence Best-Selling Author Major: Journalism
Alveta Ewell‘79 Retired Desk Anchor WAVY-TV 10 Major: Mass Communications
April Holmes ‘96 Paralympic Athlete United States of America Major: Mass Communication
Jonathan A. Mason ‘95 34th International President Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Major: Mass Communications
Tamara Jones, M.D. (BS ‘96) General Hospitalist Eastern Virginia Medical School Major: Chemistry
Spartan legacy
Joan Wilmer-Stewart ‘99 VP of Human Resources Caesars Entertainment/Horseshoe Casino Baltimore Major: Social Work
■Continued from page 9 period and I will forever be grateful for that,” said Smith. Both Mr. and Mrs. Smith were enrolled in honors courses while attending Norfolk State. Mrs. Smith attended as an evening student, while her husband followed a more traditional class schedule. Rather than meet up to do usual couples’ activities like movies or dinner dates, these high school sweethearts used their courting period in college to get ahead in their courses. “We used college as our dating period. We would get together to study, often meeting up at the library to do homework. After completing our studies we decided to get married and even had our wedding reception in the old student union building.” said Smith. By 1982 both students had graduated Cum Laude of their respective senior classes and had established lasting relationships with an abundance of faculty and staff at the university.
For Mrs. Smith, many of those very relationships would prove long-lasting. “The professors and all their love and encouragement helped us believe in ourselves,” said Mrs. Smith. “We became an extended family. There were professors that I kept in touch with ten years after I graduated.” After graduation Mr. Smith went on to pursue his MBA from Old Dominion University while his wife made the decision to head straight into the workforce. Despite their differing post-graduation plans, the former Ms. Norfolk State Evening College and her husband both kept a close eye on their beloved alma mater. “My wife and I are avid supporters of NSU, so when we see the progression on NSU’s campus it really does us well.” said Mr. Smith. Both Mr. and Mrs. Smith are strong advocates of higher education. As parents they instill the importance of academics
to their children and emphasize the value in continuing on to graduate school. Following in the steps of his father, Matthew Smith, a sophomore accounting major made the decision to transfer from Hampton University to Norfolk State earlier this year. Matthew will also be playing on the NSU football team just as his father did. “When I made the decision to transfer to Norfolk State I thought: what better to do than to come home and be around family and people that will give you a real chance.” said Matthew. As the son of a NSU graduate himself, Mr. Smith was overwhelmed with emotion to discover his son’s interest in following in his footsteps by not only transferring to Norfolk State, but also by taking up his accounting major. “My mother was a NSU grad, so having my son now attend Norfolk State really just feels like an extension of
my family.” said Smith. With their youngest child now enrolled as a second year student, the Smith’s are excited about the interest that their older daughter and older son have expressed in applying for acceptance into both NSU’s nursing program and graduate program school. With generations of history invested here at Norfolk State the Smith family eagerly welcomes the opportunity to carry on the Spartan legacy by way of their children. Both Dorothy and Mordecai value what it means to be a Spartan and often reflect on their journey to completion. “We’re so elated when we are on campus and are able to declare ‘behold the green and gold!’ that means so much more to us. It means bear witness—we have come up against a lot of challenges but we have stood tall and overcome immeasurable obstacles. That’s what it truly means to be Spartan.” said Mrs. Smith.
10.25.13
Tough Love An advice column from a fellow Spartan
DeVanique Riley Here comes Halloween, the time for candy bars, parties and...sexy costumes. Every Halloween, we go shopping and every year we get to see some awful costumes that managed to be sold as real products. Every Halloween there's always that guy or girl who has a costume that makes you wonder how they managed to make it provocative. Trying to figure out what I mean? How about a sexy banana, sexy french fry or even a sexy Dora the Explorer? Yes, the child cartoon managed to be turned into a sassy one, believe it or not. There are also large amounts of costumes I am tired of seeing, like a French maid, witch, nurse, police officer, cat and Santa Clause. Yes, Santa likes to make appearances before Christmas. Where is the originality? I see people are creative being that a famous finger food managed to be “skimpy.” I have never looked at it the same. I just ask that this year be a little different. I can handle a couple Superman or Batman costumes. Heck, I'll take a Hello Kitty costume as long as she's not showing cleavage. One thing that's popular is celebrity look-a-like's. Will I see more President Barack Obamas or Michelle Obamas. Will somebody be completely entertaining and dress up as Miley Cyrus? Whatever you chose, just throw a mix of creativity and originality into the mix.
SPARTAN ECHO| Norfolk State University 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504|NEWSROOM: 757.823.8200 E-Mail: spartanecho@nsu.edu
10.25.13
Spartan Opinion
I care about NSU...
Do you? An editorial By Krysta Ricks
As a graduate student, I have been in the NSU community long enough to know what to expect from each department. I know that upperclassmen will forever fight for spots in courses that they need to graduate because they are filled with sophomores. I know you can’t find a parking spot if you don’t get on campus at least an hour before your class starts. I know you’d better ask your momma, sisters, brothers, aunts and uncles for cash before you wait on a refund check. That last one has always been a huge issue for NSU students. The money sits in our student accounts for months. We check our MyNSU accounts day in and day out waiting for the money to be disbursed. Then that glorious day comes when we get the email saying, “The following payment has been credited to the bank account and routing number listed below.” Oh, happy day! This year, classes began on Saturday, August 17. On Saturday, October 12, I received my refund. After 57 days, I was finally able to purchase items for my dorm room and my vehicle that I went without due to lack of funds. According to Old Dominion University’s Office of Finance Refund Policy, “Checks for balance of aid are typically released 5-7 business days after the credit balance is created.” Virginia Tech’s University Bursar website stated that, “Direct Deposit information will be active overnight. Refunds issued thereafter will be direct-deposited. Direct Deposit of refunds are transmitted to the bank each Monday and Wednesday.” Savannah State University’s refund process includes options for either a next-day deposit onto the student’s ID or debit card or a three-to-five-day deposit into the student’s banking account. Various schools list their re-
fund policies and give specific, reasonable time frames. NSU students must wait until after the third full week of class to even dream of receiving a refund check. Even then, we can expect to wait another month or two. Besides refunds, there are hosts of other issues that still negatively impact the student body. And they are not entirely the fault of NSU’s staff. I can’t be mad at the woman swiping cards in the Student Center because the place is so cramped. After all, it wasn’t her idea to build the area where thousands of students per week would congregate for breakfast, lunch and dinner the size of a Spartan Suites living room. These are all issues that bother students while they walk the halls of NSU, but how many students actually come back after graduation and do something about it? Making donations, lending your presence at events like town hall meetings and creating and joining organizations for former and current students are just a few ways alumni can help make NSU a greater institution. Campus should not be crawling with alumni for just one week out of the year. If Homecoming is what it takes for you to return to campus to check on your alma mater, then can you really say you bleed green and gold? I’ve run into Tim Reid a few times this semester in Madison Hall, and it just makes me so happy to see someone giving back to NSU. He actually cares about the students that are following the same path that he did. I vow to do the same. When I cross that stage for the second time, I will have already begun working on creating a foundation to make this college experience a little less stressful for some deserving students. Don’t just care about NSU when it’s convenient for you. We shouldn’t just be one of the best black colleges in the nation, we should be one of the best colleges…period.
Don’t bash NSU’s homecoming…and then show up drunk
11
editors
An editorial By Darmani Paramore First of all, homecoming at NSU wouldn’t be such a drag if NSU students actually came. Our students are so quick to run to ODU and Hampton for their homecoming that we have forgotten that the events are what you make them. It’s called showing a little school spirit. This is why my hat goes off to the Spartan Cavalry. They may annoy some people at the games sometimes, but those guys bleed green and gold and they have a good time doing it. To my knowledge, the SGA works hard to plan events like comedy shows, open mic nights and concerts every year. I don’t have the exact numbers, but by the looks of it, attendance is lacking at certain events. I can’t speak for everyone, but NSU was my institution of choice. When I leave here, I’m going to have some crazy stories – some good and some not-so-good – to tell my kids. I wouldn’t change those notso-good stories for the world, though, because college is what you make it. So don’t bag on homecoming before giving it a chance. You really can make that week the
most exciting time of the fall semester. Since homecoming is one big party on campus, and everybody knows most parties these days include an arsenal of liquid courage, it would be wise to take note of the following homecoming “Pregaming Tips:” o Don’t drink on campus. If you are old enough to purchase and consume alcohol, keep it off campus. Students seem to think the Spartan Suites building is off campus. It’s not. o Learn your limits. If you feel a little wobbly, it might be time to put down your red solo cup. It’s not fun or cute to be the one passed out at a party. o Don’t depend on your friends to carry you home. As you drink, remember that once you pass your limit, your safety is most likely in the hands of your friends – who have also been drinking. o Have a designated driver. One of the worst things you can do is go out with a group and decide that the “least” drunk person will drive everyone home.
Alumni friends return ■Continued from page 8 house in the middle of a sidewalk,” said Cherry. “I’ve got to see that.” Bonds said, “I need to see how big this nursing building is. I heard there’s nowhere to tailgate!” Both Bonds and Cherry plan to stay with family in
Norfolk during Homecoming Week, and they will be meeting other friends from their graduating class. “Homecoming has been live every year since I got here,” said Cherry. “I just know it’s going to be crazy when we get back.”
SPARTAN ECHO| Norfolk State University 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504|NEWSROOM: 757.823.8200 E-Mail: spartanecho@nsu.edu
Brittany Elmore, Editor-inChief
Krysta Ricks, Online/ Managing Editor
Danielle Kirsh, News Editor
Melissa Rawls, Lifestyle Editor
Dan Adu-Gyamfi, Sports Editor
DeVanique Riley, Graphic Design/ Layout Editor
Jules Dean, Multimedia Editor
Kyna Uwaeme, Entertainment Editor
Spartan Entertainment
12
“Breaking Bad” spinoff announced
Book turns into popular Netflix series
By Trenton Fouche’
By Kallie Gould
Ever worry about your past catching up with you? Piper Kerman had put her shady past long behind her, but it came back in the form of a thirteen month prison sentence, ten years after the actual crime. Kerman’s memoir of her year in incarceration is now a New York Times bestseller and the basis for a hit new series on Netflix by the same name, “Orange is the New Black”. The show had the highest view rate in its first week of any Netflix series and has already been renewed for a second season. The book itself has now been on the New York Times Bestseller list for thirteen weeks. Kerman, a self described “exlesbian, boho-WASP,” comes from a well to-do family and graduated from Smith College. Shortly after graduating, she found herself involved in a romantic relationship with a woman who just happened to be involved in an international drug ring. She soon realized the dangers and potential consequences of her life style, and got herself out of the situation and returned to living a very normal, low key, law abiding lifestyle. Years later, the drug ring was busted and she was suddenly facing a federal indictment for her minimal participation. Accepting a plea deal, she was sentenced to thirteen months at a federal women’s penitentiary. Her memoir starts with explaining her back story and legal plight in full detail, something the Netflix show doesn’t delve so deeply into. The show opted to start right
This image released by Netflix shows Taylor Schilling, left, and Uzo Aduba in a scene from “Orange is the New Black.” (AP Photo/Netflix, Paul Schiraldi).
in at the days before Kerman is to surrender and report for her sentence, whereas the book answers many questions and also contains a critical social commentary missing from the show about the workings of the legal system and war on drugs, a criticism which continues through the memoir by reminding the reader of the ridiculousness of the length of sentences for minor charges and other flaws of the penal system. Reading the memoir, one can spot many places in which Netflix chose to take some creative liberties. The show is entertaining, drawing the viewer in by revealing past histories of Kerman’s fellow prisoners and how they all ended up together, something the memoir does not delve into; Kerman often did not know the charges of her fellow inmates and was too afraid to ask. She learned quickly that it was improper prison etiquette. Both the show and the book range from hilarious to heart wrenching and, whether reading the actual events or watching the embellished Hollywood version, you are drawn in. The show is absolutely worth watching and it has slightly less lesbian love and drugs than the memoir. That means the book is an excellent supplement to the show.
Bucky Malone’s homecoming debut By Kyna Uwaeme
10.25.13
Bucky Malone performs as the opening act for homecoming. Photo by Kyna Uwaeme.
This image released by AMC shows shady lawyer Saul Goodman, played by Bob Odenkirk, in a scene from the fourth season of Breaking Bad. (AP Photo/ AMC, Ursula Coyote).
With the conclusion of the popular AMC television drama, “Breaking Bad,” fans can expect even more from “Breaking Bad” creator Vince Gilligan and the show’s writers. Bob Odenkirk is expected to return as Saul Goodman, the crooked lawyer known for getting characters out of binds, in a prequel to the acclaimed
“Breaking Bad” series. The show is currently being dubbed “Better Call Saul” and will focus more on character Saul Goodman and how he came to be the slimy lawyer viewers are familiar with. “Breaking Bad,” known for its dark humor, will likely follow the same formula for its prequel. “Vince Gilligan and the writers will make the ultimate decision, but Vince has told me, the last time he talked to me, he said that it will be slightly darker than it is funny. That’s an interesting balance to strike, and I’m excited.” said Odenkirk during a recent interview. Despite “Breaking Bad” struggling for the first few seasons, it developed a cult following that would ultimately lead to record shattering ratings during its fifth season. With its new found success, we can expect big things from its spinoff.
1. Thor: Dark World [Nov. 8, 2013]. 2. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire [Nov. 22. 2013]. 3. Black Nativity [Nov. 27, 2013]. 4. Tyler Perry’s: Madea Christmas [Dec. 13, 2013]. 5. Robo Cop [Feb. 7, 2014]. Graphics by Steve Austin, Jr.
Originally from Manassas, Va., junior mass communications major Darren “Bucky Malone” Clements sets the stage as the opening act for Juicy J at NSU’s 2013 homecoming. He wowed the judges with his single “Hear Me Doe” off his latest mixtape “Futuristic Pimp Shit.”
“I came first so I automatically set a good impression, I performed for them and they were feeling it, they definitely liked it…I rocked it,” said Bucky of his audition. The DJ Slim K-hosted project is a collaborative effort with his Fastlife rapper mate, Solo the Misfit. He released the
Friday, Sept. 20, 2013 was the first time Apple is releasing two different iPhone models at once. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Ryan Remiorz).
Apple: the world’s largest brand By Trenton Fouche’
Apple is now the world’s largest brand. With the popularity of its latest gadgets, it is easy to see why Apple has now overthrown CocaCola from the number one spot. Economists say this may also show a trend that times are changing as the world becomes more tech savvy.This year, Apple increased its iPhone variety by announcing the release of the iPhone 5s as well as the 5c. iPhone 4s and iPhone 5 users also saw an upgrade in software with the ios7 release. iPad users can also expect the release of the new iPad Mini sometime next year. Pop culture is aligning more with technology. Despite Coca-Cola being one of the most iconic brands in history, you can’t deny the impact Apple has had on technology. The innovation behind its products have given smartphones and tablets momentum, including its rival Samsung. It will be interesting to see if they can continue this momentum into next year. mixtape in July which cultivated over 11,000 views within two months. “It’s a journey through a whole ‘nother wave; it’s like walking in a time machine into the future. It’s just ahead of its time,” said Bucky.
SPARTAN ECHO| Norfolk State University 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504|NEWSROOM: 757.823.8200 E-Mail: spartanecho@nsu.edu