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Vol. 62, I ssue 3
Top
Stories Inside
A full calendar of homecoming activities for the week. ...Page 4-5
Learn about Mr. and Miss Norfolk State University. ...Page 10
NSU alumna makes history with the VBFD Jason Gill
Norfolk State University (NSU) alumna Krystal Jacobs, a Virginia Beach native and Kellam High School graduate, is the latest Spartan to make history by becoming the first African-American female to be sworn in as a member of the Virginia Beach Fire Department on Aug. 25. Jacobs’ journey began when she received her bachelor’s degree in mass communications from Old Dominion University (ODU) in 2004. She then enrolled in graduate school at NSU and earned her master’s degree in media and communications with an emphasis on media production in 2008. For Jacobs, becoming a fulltime firefighter wasn’t originally a part of her plan. Using the education she received at both NSU and ODU, she went to work for NewsChannel 3 in 2008 as a full-time news editor where she held the position for five years. She was in charge of edit-
ing the 5, 5:30, 6 and 11 p.m. news programs. In 2008, while at NewsChannel 3, Jacobs began working part-time for the Virginia Beach Fire Department in their Multimedia Shop. It was that experience that sparked her interest in becoming a firefighter. “It was the first time I had been exposed to the fire department. Last year [2013] was when I decided to go ahead and apply for the academy,” Jacobs said. “I was actually able to see that the majority of their job is EMS related and helping people. I enjoy helping people and I told myself I could do that. It’s definitely a tough profession to get into and you have to have a passion for helping people, which I do. It was just a good fit.” As expected, Jacobs endured many challenges along the way. There are far more male than female firefighters and the toll that it takes on a person, both physically and
mentally, can prove to be too much for many. “You definitely have to be in shape; they literally whipped us into shape,” Jacobs said. “Just having physical strength is a big portion
of the job. It’s a little tougher for females. Naturally, we don’t have as much upper body strength as males, so I had to work on that. At the Continued on Page 2
Krystal Jacobs was sworn into the Virginia Beach Fire Department on Aug. 25. Photo by Rayford P. Smith
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New Lyceum Speaker series influences NSU Antonio Garland, Melissa Dale, and Richelle Hammiel
The New Lyceum Speaker Series, a special event that introduced social work to students, had a goal of bringing connections to the students, while introducing them to all sorts of disciplines. Throughout the series, Norfolk State was honored by three guest speakers who specialize in social work: Dr. Nadine M. Knight, Dr. Waldo E. Johnson JR. and Ms. Lisa M. Price. Dr. Knight is a professor in the School of Business, director for the Office of Faculty Development, director for Discipline-Specific Honors Program (DSHP) and dean of the School of Extended Learning. During her presentation, Dr. Knight presented a lecture entitled “What Feels True: The Institution, The Wire and Urban Prophecy.” She spoke about the Research 101 institute, and her desire to get freshmen interested in doing undergraduate research. Dr. Knight said the scholars in the program influence students to do amazing things.
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beginning, I could barely do one pull-up and, at the end, I could do 16.” Jacobs said her biggest challenge came during “Hose Week” when they had to train with the different size hoses that are on the fire engines. “The 2 ½ inch hose was kicking my butt. I don’t know if people realize it, but a charged fire hose is a whole lot more to handle than peo-
Dr. Johnson talked about the mental health and social policies of African-American males, and the programs he’s involved in that focus toward helping black males, including Urban Health Initiative, Politics and Culture, and Adolescent Male Seminar. “My hope is that these organizations will be successful in their efforts to improve the well-being [and] outcomes for African-American males. By doing so, they improve the broader community in the U.S.,” said Johnson. Johnson spoke on a father’s involvement in their child’s life. Johnson stated that fathers are extremely vital to their daughter’s lives, which can develop their view on how men should treat women. Johnson made references to current topics like the Ray Rice incident, though he discussed domestic violence with men being both the perpetrators and the victims. He also spoke on the situation in Ferguson, Missouri and suggested that similar events could happen in other places. He talked about black males
picking up bad habits, and how the place a person grows up can affect what type of person they become. Johnson’s goal was to change perspective, opening eyes to the way others see things. “Black men get such a bad rep,” said Johnson. “It maps on the problems of the whole group. Black males who have had challenges, were able to overcome them. They didn’t achieve all things, but they are further along than other people.” The final speaker was Ms. Lisa M. Price, CEO of Carol’s Daughter. Price shared the story of how her hair care line that started in her kitchen in Brooklyn, which evolved into a thriving business. “When you pick that business, you have to be passionate about that business. The passion is going to drive you to keep working,” said Price. “You should be authentic, but at the same time, evolve your business.” She referred to herself as an “accidental entrepreneur,”as she began her professional
career working in television and film production, most notably on “The Cosby Show.” That experience showed her to love what she chose to do in life. “I knew what it was like to work on something that I actually adored and loved, so it didn’t feel like work,” Price said. When she started Carol’s Daughter twenty years ago, it was advertised via catalog. Today, it’s advertised on websites (including Target.com, HSN.com and the Carolsdaughter.com) and mobile apps. Even with the changing times, Price urged students to always be true to who they are. She explained what intellec-
tual property was, explained how important it is to trademark your business and register with the government at the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Her advice to students who want to start their own business, but have limited funds to do so: “If you are starting a larger business, then try to get an angel investor, which is someone who invests in startups. But you’ll have to have a plan so you can show them how they’ll get their money back,” said Price. Currently, Carol’s Daughter doesn’t offer internships, but those looking for a career with the company can email their resumes to career@carolsdaughter.com.
ple think,” Jacobs said. Jacobs’ family may have had as much to do with her overall success than anything else. “I had 110 percent support behind me. My mom was probably my biggest cheerleader,” Jacobs said. “Her, along with my sister and a few relatives in the area, were the ones who pushed me when I wanted to stop at my bachelor’s; so I went and got my master’s. Then, when I toyed with the idea of be-
coming a firefighter, I told myself I think I can do that. I told my mother and she said ‘It’s a dangerous profession, but I believe in you’.” Jacobs is just one of the most recent, in a long line of former Spartans, to break barriers. Doing so was never the plan, but rather the situation she found herself in while reaching a personal goal. “I had heard it before, but a lot of people don’t know that there have been a lot of
African-American females that have been in the academy before,” Jacobs said. “They just never graduated for whatever reason. So I’m not necessarily the first, just the first to graduate. I think it’s pretty neat, but it wasn’t something I was going to do just because.” Although Jacobs has already accomplished a lot, she still sets goals as she hopes to continue to expand her role in the fire department. “I’ve looked into some of the
positions in the fire department. The FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) team has a position called TIS (Tactical Information Specialist),” Jacobs said. “If I can get into a position like this, I can use my degrees and I can go with the FEMA team when they’re deployed and document anything, whether it be video or pictures. I can still use my degrees within the realm of the fire department, so I’m looking forward to that.”
The New Lyceum Speaker Series included (from left to right) Dr. Nadine M. Knight; Dr. Waldo E. Johnson, Jr.; and Ms. Lisa M. Price. Photo from nsu.edu
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BET makes a stop at NSU Antonio Garland, Melissa Dale and Richelle Hammiel
The popular BET College Tour arrived at Norfolk State on Sept. 12 to bring fun, entertainment and opportunities to students. It was one of the several stops of its
annual tour to different Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The purpose of the BET College Tour is to create a cultural, interactive and
The Spartans show up and show out for the BET College Tour, hosted in the New Student Center. Graphic by Tykhari Coles
entertainment platform, as well as opportunities during and after students graduate from college. It brings awareness, education and stresses the importance in the rate of African-Americans attending HBCUs going up. The tour’s activity fair brought in several sponsors including Denny’s, Hyundai, NASA and BET Marketing to bring in entertainment, marketing tools and introduce students to potential future employers and build connections. It also touched on HIV awareness and encouraged students to get tested. NSU was an obvious choice for the tour as it has several facilities that other HBCUs don’t have, making it one of the best to attend. BET also assisted in promoting NSU to help bring in young peo-
ple from around the country. Entertainment included games, contests and music performances by Luke James, Samantha J, Justine Skye and Chris Bivins. “I think it’s a positive thing for African-Americans; showing other colleges out there that this is also a good [school] to go to,” said Jalah Smith, a sophomore psychology education major. “It gives everyone a chance to socialize, bond and be positively influenced,” said Tionna Outin, a sophomore political science major. BET has high regards for NSU and sees it as one of the highest spirited HBCUs in the country. “I think Norfolk State has tremendous school pride and that’s what we look for in the schools we visit for the BET College Tour,” said television producer Candace
Griffin. “I hope that they were diligent and made connections with the sponsors that BET brought,” said Steve Brockington, who was in charge of branding and marketing. The BET College Tour brought in opportunities and bridged gaps, which brought college students together. Faculty hopes that the students will use the experience to their advantage. “We want students to have the best college experience possible. For entertainers to come in, and for students to take something positive, it’s a win-win,” said Tarrye L. Venable, Director of Student Activities. The Office of Student Activities hosted the event, Black Entertainment Television sponsored the event and Grass Roots Production provided contacts.
Explore the leagues of the extraordinary According to Norfolk State University’s Office of Student Activities, there are over 100 activities and organizations on campus and many of them receive little or no recognition at all. Many of those that do, never really have their stories told about the impacts that they have on both the campus and community. The League of Extraordinary Women (LOEW) was officially registered as an organization in March and is looking to reform its mission and goals to become more involved oncampus. “[We want them to] see how they can help other organizations on campus. More than one organization consists of
Richelle Hammiel
women and [we] can work together to better the Spartan family,” said Faith Fitzgerald, Advisor of the LOEW. To those who are curious to know what exemplifies an “extraordinary woman,” it’s pretty simple. “We live by what we stand for. Going to class, uplifting women on campus, doing community service and knowing who she is,” said Ebone Thomas, President of the LOEW. Their off-campus activities have included tutoring and mentoring for public schools, helping with food drives and participating in programs such as: Love Jones, introducing music, fashion and poetry, Kip Care, dealing with the children
of incarcerated parents and Elements of a Queen, which describes how a lady should be treated. They recently participated in a Lupus Awareness program in the Student Center and hosted a program on Sept. 18, called Cliché, which dealt with love and relationships. The League of Extraordinary Men (LOEM) became an official organization on Apr. 7, 2012. Many people know of the LOEM, but they don’t truly know the mission behind it or why it was created. “To become an outlet for men where they can be who they want and not be judged. I wanted to give men a voice on campus,” President of the LOEM Jeremey Simmons said.
This league also spends much of its time staying active in the community and being positive role models for other students. Some of those activities include volunteering at local schools, mentoring, tutoring, participating in tour drives and coaching basketball coat drives. Besides helping build strong communities, the LOEM builds responsible and respectable males who will take the lessons they learn from their organization and apply them to everyday life. This is what makes a man “extraordinary.” “His actions, being able to follow up his words with his actions, how he carries out his responsibility,” said Simmons. According to Simmons, two
of his goals are for the organization to expand to a national level, and for the existing and incoming members to continue to become better people. New members are welcome, but in order to become a member, there is a certain criteria that one must meet. “If you want to join, come willing and have genuine intentions,” Simmons said. Though the LOEW and the LOEM don’t participate in activities to be recognized or rewarded, but leaders deserve to have their stories told. These are only two organizations, but they set an example for others to follow.
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From NSU to the NFL: Don Carey shares his journey from college to the pros Paige Jefferson
For many college football players, making it to the National Football League (NFL) is a dream come true. Norfolk State University (NSU) alumnus, and Detroit Lions safety Don Carey, made his dreams a reality. Playing the game since the age of five, football was just something fun to do with his older cousins who helped develop and shape his style of play. The Norfolk native, who attended high school at Booker T. Washington, didn’t become serious about the game until high school. “My last year I was a receiver, a safety, I was a kick returner, punt returner and I was a punter,” Carey said. He played varsity for two years and finished his senior season with six touchdowns. That same season, he totaled eight interceptions, which tied for the team lead. As a result, he was named to the second-team All-Eastern District. He also maintained the second-highest GPA on the team and graduated with honors. Carey had been offered three football scholarships: from Lehigh University, NSU and a partial scholarship to attend Yale. NSU eventually prevailed as the victor in his college decision. “It was free. It was a full ride. It allowed me to stay close to my family,” said Carey. At NSU, he was a fouryear starter. His senior year, he tallied five interceptions, which tied for the lead in the conference and earned him a second-team All-MEAC
honor. He was also a member of the NSU and MEAC AllAcademic teams three times. Carey was the first Spartan to ever be invited to the EastWest Shrine Game, and only the second to participate in the NFL Scouting Combine. “My favorite memory at NSU [came during] my ju-
2008 NSU alumnus Don Carey recalls his years charging on the field of Dick Price Stadium and beyond. Photo from nsuspartans.com
nior year. We were playing against long-time rival Hampton University. We hadn’t beaten them in a couple years. My favorite moment was blocking the extra point that won us the game against them…It was such a crazy experience because after the game the whole stadium came down to the field and did the Cupid Shuffle. It was a packed out stadium,” said Carey. Carey was drafted in the sixth round (177th overall) in 2009 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns. Transitioning to the NFL from a collegiate program called for him to make major adjustments. “It goes from this [is] some-
thing that I do for fun, to this is how I feed my family. So naturally, the intensity is going to be way higher, and the competitiveness is going to be way higher,” Carey said. “The technique and the skill that is demanded are going to be way higher.” He credits NSU as the place where he became a man and honed his skills, helping him to grow as a person. “I came [into] the NFL my first year getting hurt and realizing that the NFL is an extremely cut-throat business…everyone is on their ‘A game’ and you have to be on your ‘A game’ at all times,” Carey said. Being on his “A game” is something Carey needed to do just to get to the NFL. He had to outwork guys that competed on a higher level collegiately than NSU does. “In the draft, you’re competing against a nation…so you have to give yourself a competitive edge. For me it was getting up three times a week at 5:30 [a.m.] to work out with the track team, then go to class,
come back to do my football drills, go outside to do personal drills and then go running with the track team after that. I did that nearly everyday, but three of those days, [I’d] get up in the morning and lift. Over my four-year career, I could see the exponential growth in just my technique, my physical build and my knowledge of the game,” Carey said. Carey urges any NSU players that have NFL aspirations “to not focus on making it to the league, but focus on being the best player that you
can possibly be, and it’s the NFL’s job to find you. If you can play in this league, they have plenty of scouts that will do just that,” Carey said. Carey has high hopes for the Detroit Lions this season. “Our number one goal is to win our division, make the playoffs and then you know, see what happens from there. In order to do that…we [have to] take care of each game one week at a time. So, our goal is to win or be the best team on Sundays, no matter who we’re playing,” Carey said.
For more local information visit your closest Army Recruiting Center or you can log on to goarmy.com/z019
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NSU alumna April Holmes shares her golden journey Kazahna Joyce
If you know April Holmes as a person, if you know what she’s endured and accomplished, if you know her message, then you will know that April Holmes exemplifies resilience like no other. In 2001, NSU class of ’96 graduate April Holmes lost her lower left leg in a tragic train accident. “Initially, the accident left me devastated,” Holmes said. As she lay in her hospital bed looking through magazines, she discovered that she could continue to express her love for track by competing in the Paralympic Games. She gave herself goals and made it her mission to either achieve, or exceed them. “My three goals were to wear a U.S.A uniform, be
the best, and win gold medals,” Holmes said. Needless to say, she did exactly that. Her career in Paralympic track and field began in 2002. Since then, she has broken International Paralympic Committee (IPC) world records 14 times and American records 18 times. She’s had multiple undefeated seasons and won her first Paralympic gold medal in the 100-meter sprint at the 2008 Beijing Games. Holmes’ determination and talent on the track, along with her captivating story, has attracted media attention from across the country. She has been featured on “NBC Today Show,” Fox, ESPN, Forbes and in Oprah Winfrey’s O magazine. Recently, NSU glorified April Holmes’ amazing story in the BE-
HOLD magazine, giving us a deeper look into her story and insight on some of her success off the track. Her non-profit organization, “The April Holmes Foundation, Inc.,” raises the awareness of people with disabilities, as well as provides scholarships and medical equipment to people with physical and learning disabilities. April’s efforts have landed her a spot on the IPC’s top 10 women in Paralympic sports. Not only is she spreading the word about disabilities as a motivational speaker, but she’s also spreading some encouragement and knowledge in her book, “The Winning Way,” which she co-authored with Brian Tracy. “The Winning Way” was
listed on Amazon’s Best Sellers List. It highlights her message of living dreams and “training for transition.” Holmes plans to release her second book “Stop Limping Thru Life, Start Running,” a two-part book that gives readers steps on reaching success, and tells how she has been able to overcome the challenge of being an amputee. Support, hard work, and the grace of God has led April to break records, fill book shelves, and educate millions. With her golden heart and gold medal, April Holmes continues to inspire and amaze the world, while making NSU students proud to be a Spartan.
April Holmes inspires all when she takes off on the track. Photo from nsuspartans.com
New coach takes on the tennis program Paige Jefferson
Worth Richardson has been named the head coach of both the men and women’s tennis programs. Norfolk State University’s athletic director, Marty Miller, announced the hire on Tuesday, Aug. 26. With him, he brings a lot experience and a history of success as a player and a coach. Richardson was a fouryear starter for Christopher Newport University’s tennis team, where he graduated from in 2006 with a NSU hires Mr. Worth Richard- degree in economics. son as the new tennis coach He ended his collegiate for the 2014-2015 school year. playing career with a rePhoto from nsuspartans.com cord of 45-24. At the College of William & Mary, he recorded 17
wins as an assistant coach, which ended up being the fifth most in the school’s history. During his tenure at North Carolina Wesleyan (NCW), he led the tennis team to a 15-0 record during the 2012 season. They ended that season ranked 20th in the nation. He also had the pleasure of coaching two NCAA Division III National Doubles Runner Ups in Robert Kjellberg and Artsion Prostak. Individually, they were both nationally ranked and together, finished the season ranked number two in the country. Prior to coaching NCW, coach Richardson impact-
ed the tennis program, at Bucknell University, both athletically and academically. In 2011-2012, the men and women’s program saw a total of fifteen of its tennis players on the Honor Roll under his tutelage. Both teams were also semifinalists of the Patriot League Tournament in 2012. Richardson plans to translate his experiences to success at the NSU tennis programs. “I think our goal is to go out there and win the MEAC tournament. I think that’s the goal every year for both teams.” He is enthusiastic about
being apart NSU’s program, as it is set apart from any other school that he has ever worked for. “I would say, compared to the other schools I’ve ever been at, that NSU seems to have the best school spirit. Everybody is always wearing the school colors. Other schools I’ve been at, I don’t feel like there was a ton of support behind athletics from the campus and the community, so I’m really excited about that,” said Richardson. “Coaching at a big state university is exciting. It’s got a little bit more of a big time feel to it.”
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Homecoming 2014
Monday, October 6, 2014
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Thursday, October 9, 2014 (A)
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Friday, October 10, 2014 Wednesday, October 8, 2014
NSUAA 19TH ANNUAL ALUMNI CLASSIC GOLF TOURNAMENT (A) Riverfront Golf Club 5200 River Club Drive Suffolk, VA 23435 Time: 8 a.m. Cost: $500 Foursome/$125 Individual Join fellow alumni for a fantastic day of golf. Contact Curtis Hurdle at (757) 374-1967 for more information.
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10.03.14
Homecoming 2014
Saturday, October 11, 2014 NSU HOMECOMING PARADE Park Avenue and Virginia Beach Boulevard Time: 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Cost: FREE
This annual tradition features university and community organizations. It begins at BookerT. Washington High School on the corner of Park Avenue and Virginia Beach Boulevard.
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Homeless NSU student perseveres Antonio Garland
On campus, there are homeless students whose stories are unknown to the general public. Joseph Brown, a sophomore journalism major, is one of those students. Before starting college, Brown was struggling to get by and pay bills before he decided he wanted more out of life. At the age of 28, he began his college career at Essex County College in his hometown of Newark, New Jersey. He attended from the fall of 2012 to the spring of 2013. He then came to visit Norfolk, Virginia and passed by Norfolk State University. While walking around the campus, he fell in love with it and realized it was where he wanted to be. Brown enrolled, then went to orientation to pay for his classes for the spring 2014 term and obtain his spartan card. He intended on staying at Babbette Smith Hall, but couldn’t afford it. He then took an offer to stay with a janitor who worked at NSU, but that was short lived. Brown nearly lost his place at NSU, becoming wary of the people trying to take advantage of his situation. After being turned away from a hospital in an attempt to escape the cold, he called the police for assistance as his health began to weaken. After telling them that he was homeless and a military veteran, the police took him to a shelter. Brown met a fellow classmate, Deandrew Jackson,
Joseph Brown comes to Norfolk State with goals for a future in Journalism. Photo by Tykhari Coles
with the choice of partying or concentrating on his school work. “Fun is short lived. Business will take you further than partying,” said Brown. “When I look back, everything that I got, I can say that I [was the one who] got it. I got money from working; I got good grades from studying. People want results, not to hear about it, but to see it happen.” Brown said that despite the
hardships he’s faced to get where he is, he’s had angels—the people who took
...“In hindsight, Drew [Jackson] saved my life,” said Brown... him in when his own family refused to help—watching over him the entire semester. He wants those who
are struggling to know that everyone has went through hardships at some point in their life. In the end, Brown wants to leave behind a legacy for people to see that a person who came from a hard place, made a name for himself. His future plans are to become a social activist, especially regarding the plight of African-Americans.
who quickly became a good friend to Brown. Jackson offered to allow Brown to live with him in the Spartan Suites. In exchange, Brown bought Jackson food and helped him clean. Jackson introduced Brown to other students who recruited him into the League of Extraordinary Men and encouraged Brown to increase his GPA from a 2.1 to a 2.5. The people he met applaued him for his determination, let him use their shower and wash his clothes when needed. “In hindsight, Drew [Jackson] saved my life,” said Brown, who considers Jackson a part of his family. “If they’re not your friends, they’re not your family.” Brown returned to his home of New Jersey this past summer to work and his league brothers helped him with transportation costs. Brown had to sleep in his car for six weeks, though he called it a humbling experience. Brown said when he first came to NSU, he struggled
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There is royalty among us Malaun House
Every academic year, new leaders are selected and crowned as Mr. and Miss Norfolk State University. Every candidate participates in a pageant in which the entire university is able to see their strengths and weaknesses. “The process of becoming Miss NSU took me out of my comfort zone; like the campaigning and talking to so many different people. It’s helped me grow a lot though because now I feel like I can do just about anything,” Miss Norfolk State University Quiana Hairston said. The royal court has been around for many years and it has always been an activity that many students desire to be a part of. The members of
As a part of the royal court, Miss NSU Quiana Hairston and Mr. NSU Derek Savage attend the first football game of the season. Photo by Malaun House
the court not only represent their individual class, but they represent the entire university at events on campus,
games and other public appearances. “Ever since I stepped on campus as a freshman in 2011, being Mr. NSU has been a dream of mine. Now that I officially hold the title as a senior, it brings me great joy to uphold a great legacy of powerful men who have held the title before me,” Mr. Norfolk State University Derek Savage said. The court is normally recognized during homecoming because it participates in the parade and walks on the field during the football game. This year’s court is trying to evolve by setting new standards and traditions for the courts of the future. The court has many events planned for the year in which students will be able to inter-
act with the king and queen. “I like when the royal court has events because you normally have to get really dressy and not many things on campus allow you to get super dressed up. I remember the ball last year; we danced all night, literally, and the food was very good,” sophomore elementary education major Sarah Peters said. Even though the kings and queens are regular students, they are also considered leaders on campus. Many kings and queens find that being considered royalty isn’t just about being popular, but that it requires a consistent effort to do what is right, on and off campus because someone is always watching.
“Since I am a freshman I didn’t know anything about the royal court, but I met one of the queens on campus and she really made me feel welcome. She made me feel like I wasn’t just a new person and that maybe I could be a campus queen one day,” freshman Adeja Smith said. The court’s first event of the year will be the King and Queen’s Ball, which will be held on Sunday, Oct. 5, at 7 p.m. in the Student Center. The attire is formal dress and all students that attend the university are invited. Students will be able to dance, eat, enjoy a live band and meet the 2014-2015 Spartan Emerald and Citrine Royal Court.
Not your typical homecoming Malaun House
Many students wait all year for what some call “The greatest homecoming in Norfolk.” The university’s campus is flooded with students, parents, alumni and locals for the week’s exciting events. “Homecoming is always the best time of the year. It’s almost like classes are canceled because all week all we care about are the events, parties, and just hanging out,” junior psychology major Alex Rieblen said. As homecoming approaches, students anticipate what events will occur during the week, which artists will per-
form at the concert and what parties they will be making an appearance at. Tickets for all of the events can be purchased at the NSU Ticket Center. They usually offer a discounted package so that students can purchase tickets for the entire week at a cheaper price. “I’m excited for homecoming because I’ve never experienced one in college. I know it’s going to be nothing like high school, so I’m ready to make some memories,” freshman kinesiotherapy major Carlton Baker said. The homecoming committee consists of students
that are in charge of coming up with ideas for the week, based off of the student body’s vote. There is normally a lot of ruckus in trying to figure out which artists the students wants to perform; nevertheless, the students are usually very pleased with the different selections. “After seeing the lineup for this year’s concert, I can’t wait to go. I even invited my friends from back home. We had so much fun last year with Juicy J and August Alsina. I’m excited about seeing Bobby Shmurda,” sophomore mass communications major Tyla Smith
said. One of the greatest and most eventful days on campus during homecoming is Saturday’s football game. Prior to the game, the homecoming parade takes place and many people come out to watch the floats and band as they come down the street. “Performing in the parade is always fun because you get to be in front of everyone and all eyes are on you. I cheer and it’s always so cold, but it’s so much fun. The alumni cheerleaders come back and it’s just like one big reunion,” graduate student BreTasia Stephenson
said. After the game, the crowd moves behind the library where many people set up tents, tables and music for tailgating. Alumni from all over come and reminisce on the days when they used to run the campus. “I’m a die-hard Spartans fan because my grandparents were alumni. I’ve tailgated since I was a little boy. Though I didn’t go to Norfolk State, I was always somewhere to be found around homecoming time,” local fan George Donaldson said.
SPARTAN ECHO| Norfolk State University 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504|NEWSROOM: 757.823.8200 E-Mail: spartanecho@nsu.edu
Spartan Lifestyle
10.03.14
Successful Spartan alumni Malaun House
Norfolk State University produces many successful graduates that go on to do great things in and outside of the community. Many have gone on to build businesses, pursue military careers, further their education and work for large companies. These alumni have proudly and positively represented the university. Their stories provide inspiration and can help motivate students to understand that they can also achieve great things.
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editors Jason Gill Editor-inChief
Danielle Kirsh Online/ Managing Editor Antonio Garland News Editor
Keith Johnson Jr.- 2011 Creator of Nathaniel and Randolph: Custom Bow Ties and Pocket Squares Major: Health Services Management
Eiesha Horsley- 2004 Miss Georgia America 2014 Owner of M.A.D.E. “Making A Difference Everywhere” Today, Inc., Major: Psychology
Damon Williams- 1988 Vice President of Programming for Music Choice Major: Mass Communication
Malaun House Lifestyle Editor
Paige Jefferson Sports Editor
Trenton Fouche’ Entertainment Editor
Dorian Johnson- 2011 Urban Community Counselor, Works with victims of sexual assault and domestic violence Major: Mass Communication
Joyce Hall Shambley1974 Established Joyce & Harold Shambley Scholarship Endowment at NSU for Social Work Students Major: Social Work
James Harris Jr.- 1991 Veteran of the US Army, served 26 years. 2014 President of the NSU Alumni Association Major: Accounting
Tykhari Coles Multimedia Editor Kallie Gould Graphic Design/ Layout Editor
It’s not too late to get involved with the Echo! We meet every Tuesday and Thursday in room 344 at 12:30 pm. All majors welcome.
SPARTAN ECHO| Norfolk State University 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504|NEWSROOM: 757.823.8200 E-Mail: spartanecho@nsu.edu
Spartan Entertainment
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Urban Control helps bring creativity to NSU
NSU rapper gaining a buzz in Hampton Roads Trenton Fouche’
Trenton Fouche’
Urban Control Entertainment Crew [UCEC] is a student ran organization that gives Norfolk State students an opportunity to creatively express themselves. The organization focuses on dance, theater and poetry, and has already gained support from both students and faculty. “UCEC is an alliance of people using their talents to relay positive messages,” said junior mass communications major Shaun Thompson, founder of UCEC. “It benefits NSU by giving students something to do with their time, and using their talent to give back to the student body.” The group gained a following after their stage play “Red Cup Chronicles” became a hit last semester. The play focused on high risk behaviors students engage in on campus. The group has continued to perform throughout the area and have
rapidly grown in membership. “I became a member of Urban Control in the spring of 2013. At that time, it was a very small group consisting of only dancers,” said senior English major Asia Smith. “I wanted to get back into dancing and I saw this group as a wonderful opportunity. Once I joined, we all realized we had multiple talents and began to expand. As the head of the acting department and being involved in the dance portion, it has helped me grow as a person and they have grown to be my family.” The organization has had auditions for the fall of 2014, but is always looking for new talent. Students interested may contact Dr. Patricia Saunders Nixon, or reach out to the group through its official Instagram page, @ urbancontrolent.
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Most students at Norfolk State may recognize senior mass communications major Brittni Stanfield for her colorful personality and unique sense of humor, but aside from her vibrant temperament inside of the classroom and on campus, she has become one of the most noted female rappers throughout Hampton Roads. Known as Cata$trophic, Brittni blends social consciousness with an edgy hiphop blend reminiscent of the 90s. “I feel like it’s a positive movement. I’m always willing to perform at NSU and give back, so I feel if you really enjoy my music than you should support it,” said Stanfield. “Not only is it putting me on, but it’s putting [NSU students] on too because it’s NSU and we all go to the same
school. It’s a good look 20,000 times on livemixfor us.” tapes.com. Although she Stanfield has performed has remained focused on her progression as a musician, she stresses the importance of her academic studies as well. “My junior year, during the last semester, is when recording began to have an impact. It wasn’t that bad because I was still passing, but I just had a lot going on. I just felt music was what I wanted to do, but I know I’ve come so far in school that I know I need to focus on both,” Stanfield said. She is currently working Brittni Stanfield poses during on her next mixtape and photo shoot. Photo by Trenton intends to connect with Fouche’ an even larger audience. “I want people to take a locally as well as in positive message and reWashington D.C. and alize these situations that New York. Her most re- I speak about in my mucent mixtape, “Thrill of sic are situations we all the Chase,” was released go through,” Stanfield on Valentine’s Day and said. “I feel like it can has been played over bring us closer together.”
NSU SGA homecoming concert Trenton Fouche’
Urban Control brings creativity to NSU. Photo from http://instagram.com/urbancontrolent
Every year, Norfolk State pushes the envelope with its annual homecoming concert. Coordinated by the Student Government Association (SGA), this year is expected to be another success. Migos, K Camp and Bobby Shmurda will each take the stage and perform their popular hits among an eager crowd of Spartans. “I’m going. I love Migos,” said junior nursing major Lakeisha Robinson. “It’s a great time for school spirit
and for NSU students to come out and get rowdy. Future came last year and he was really good. NSU knows how to put on a show.” Despite the excitement surrounding the concert, many students don’t realize the work that goes into planning the event. “Over the past summer, the Homecoming Committee worked diligently to make this homecoming a great one,” said SGA Vice President Tory Barner. “Count-
less hours were, and still are, being put towards the preparation of homecoming. Everyone should come out and support this year’s activities and always remember to behold the green and gold!” The concert will take place in Echols Memorial Hall. Tickets for NSU students will be $15 and advance general admission will cost $25. For more information, please contact NSU Ticket Center at 757-823-9009.
SPARTAN ECHO| Norfolk State University 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504|NEWSROOM: 757.823.8200 E-Mail: spartanecho@nsu.edu