62.7 Spartan Echo

1.23.15

Vol. 62, I ssue 7

Top

Stories Inside

NSU’s new nursing building brings massive opportunities

By Antonio Garland

The Brown Hall building still remains under construction after the holiday season Pg. 2

NSU aluma Shavonne Burke now works for ESPN Pg. 4

O

n Jan. 9, Norfolk State University held the grand opening of its new Nursing and General Education Building to help celebrate the university’s 80th anniversary.

The building is approximately 140,000 square feet and features over 32 classrooms, ten nursing and medical technology labs, five computer labs, 20 group study rooms, three conference rooms, 68 faculty and

The new Nursing and General Education Building is the first classroom building to be constructed since 1975. Photo by Tykhari Coles staff offices, several lounges, a café and IT help desk.

Nursing labs contain 48 beds, 18 of which are used for simulations. Each simulation bed is wired to a dedicated clinical skills ob-

servation control room. The building’s entire top floor is dedicated to nursing. The nursing faculty is also expected to grow and bring in more jobs.

The Spartan Success

Center, formerly located in Bowser, will now be stationed at the nursing building. Several rooms, which are visible to the public from the outside, are known as ‘learning on display,’ which

con’t. Pg. 2

Latrell Scott named Spartans Head Football Coach Kazahna Joyce

Spartans welcome a new year Pg. 6 Former Virginia State University football coach, Latrell Scott, will bring his coaching prowess to NSU as the Spartan’s new head coach. Photo from nsuspartans.com

In late November, Pete Adrian announced his retirement from Norfolk State University’s football program after a 10-year run as head coach. Applications from coaches wanting to add their personal touch to NSU football were awaiting the approval of Athletic Director Marty Miller. After weighing options, Miller and Interim President Eddie Moore found a promising replacement for the job in Latrell Scott.

The press conference officially announcing the hiring

of the Spartan’s 17th head coach was held on Dec. 16, on the campus of Norfolk State University (NSU).

Scott comes to NSU from longtime rival Virginia State University (VSU), where he served as head coach of a dominating football program for two years.

With Scott as their head coach, the Trojans maintained a 19-4 overall record, and earned two Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Northern Division regular-season titles. con’t. on Pg. 4

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Spartan News

2 New Nursing Building, continiued from Pg. 1

are designed to energize common spaces within the facility and provide interaction of learning between students, instructors and faculty.

The building marks the third component in the academic quadrangle (quad), the replacement building for Brown Memorial Hall will be the fourth. The new 95foot communications tower, which is scheduled to be complete in April, will complete the university quad.

“We are excited about the newest addition to the cam-

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On Friday, January 9, Norfolk State University and guests from the Norfolk community held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the grand opening of the new Nursing and General Education Building. Photo by Antonio Garland

pus,” said Dr. Sandra J. DeLoatch, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.

“I can’t begin to tell you how excited we are to be in this building,” said Thomas N. Chewning, Rector of NSU’s Board of Visitors.

“This space is fantastic, you will be blown away. There is no better space, probably on any college campus in America.”

“This facility provides the most innovative, versatile and flexible learning spaces

that you will find anywhere in the commonwealth of Virginia and in the country,” said Jeff Hyder, Vice President of Moseley Architects.

The Nursing and General Education Building is the first new classroom building on the campus in four decades. The last new classroom building built on campus was Robinson Technology Building in 1975.

Brown Hall gets a reboot

By Antonio Garland

As times change, so do generations and the facilities where they are educated. G.W.C. Brown Memorial Hall, Norfolk State’s first building, has begun to undergo construction for the next generation of Spartans and to match 21st century standards.

The new Brown Hall will be around 154,000 square feet and will have three stories. It will provide learning and office spaces for the College of Liberal Arts, School of Business and Honors College, as well as the departments of psychology, mass communication, political science, journalism and the many departments of interdisciplinary and history departments.

More resources will be provided, including computer labs, study areas, student lounges, audio and video editing suites, television studio, meeting rooms, observation classrooms and a thus-stage style theater. The new Brown Hall will also feature the original clock tower entry to honor the memory of the one

from the original.

While construction is underway, current departments will be placed in temporary place holders throughout other buildings on campus. The building’s A wing, a portion of B wing and Brown theater will remain during construction.

Originally known as “Tidewater Hall,” the building has been around for almost 60 years and has served as one of NSU’s most well-known teaching facilities. To keep up with modern demands, such as technology and upgrades for infrastructure, the building will be torn down and rebuilt with several new facilities and features to provide for a new era.

Tidewater (Brown) Hall opened in Sept. 1955 and became one of the major features of NSU. When Dr. Carl Haywood wrote the alma mater in his junior year at NSU, he made sure to include Brown Hall, as it featured so many memories. The building was also the site of every

undergraduate’s general education courses, from science to math.

Gwendolyn Pharr, an NSU alumna, taught at the university for 30 years.

Pharr said she is sad to see the original Brown Hall be torn down, as it carried so many memories of past faculty members and students, but due to its conditions, felt that it was time for it to go.

“As far as construction goes, I have no complaints,” said Geramiah Gardner, a freshman music education major. “I think the new building is a great idea. Everything is about growth and expansion so unless we do something new, how are we going to grow, expand or have the mindset for change?”

“Getting rid of one of our oldest buildings, I think it sucks,” said Shane Dawson, a senior mass communications major, “mainly because when you look at all these other schools like UVA and William and Mary, they kept all their original and historical

buildings, they just renovated them.”

“I feel the building needs improvement because they do have all these newer buildings around Brown,” said Chante Anders, a sophomore

old building has memories that can’t be replaced. However, the new building will also to create new memories for Spartans to come. As the words of the NSU alma mater says, “The walls of Brown

Brown Hall’s new facility is set to improve upon the many issues of the original building. Photo by Tykhari Coles

psychology major. “And it’s kind of sad how it’s the oldest building on campus being torn down and has such historic value.”

Many are saddened by the construction, saying that the

Hall will always give a call to all striving to succeed, forging onward bound to lead.”

Construction for the new Brown Hall is scheduled to be completed by fall 2016.

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1.23.15

Spartan News

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3

Spartan Sports

4 New head football coach,

continued from Pg. 1 The Trojans also never lost to a CIAA team in two years under Scott’s direction, giving them a 15-0 record in conference play.

Latrell Scott led Virginia State football to their first CIAA championship since 1996, defeating conference rival Winston Salem State University (WSSU). It is safe to say Scott and his Trojans would have also been the 2013 CIAA champions, but due to a heated rivalry and troubled players, VSU was unable to compete in the 2013 championship game.

Scott’s last season with VSU was one for the record books. VSU recorded its first NCAA football playoff appearance and advanced past the first round by defeating Long Island University. The Trojans season came to an end after falling to No.2 seed

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Bloomsberg in the second round of the NCAA Division II Super Re gion One Tournament. Although VSU didn’t achieve their ultimate goal, Scott was named the 2014 CIAA Coach of the Year for his impressive run with the Trojans.

In his 15 years of coaching experience, Scott has held a position at Fork Union Military Academy, Western Carolina University, Virginia Military Institute, University of Tennessee, University of Virginia, James Madison University and Richmond University where he also served as head coach in 2010.

Aside from his head coaching experience, Scott has also been a wide receivers coach.

As a position coach, he has an exceptional reputation for grooming quality athletes including Kris Burd and De-

narius Moore, both of which were given the opportunity to play in the NFL. Excitement was shown on the faces of everyone who attended the press conference, especially Marty Miller. He shared a few words with Norfolk State’s Sports Information Department, expressing his excitement for the hiring of Coach Scott.

“We are excited to have Coach Scott to serve as the next head football coach at Norfolk State University,” Miller said. “He has a history of developing winning football programs and creating an environment of success for student athletes. We think that he will elevate the Spartan football program to the next level.”

Growing up, the Richmond native was a fan of Virginia Union University foot-

ball and grew fond of the coaching style of Joe Taylor, who at the time coached the Panthers. Later on in his career, Coach Taylor moved on to coach cross-town rival Hampton University, where Latrell Scott would play tight end under his tutelage.

Being that Coach Scott grew up in Virginia, played college football in the Hampton Roads area, and coached at various Virginia schools, NSU football is nothing new to him.

“My family and I are excited to be here. We couldn’t have picked a better place.

Being from Virginia, I know Norfolk State’s tradition and values and I’m thrilled to be a part of this family,” said Scott.

This past season NSU proved that they were a force to be reckoned with on the defensive end; however, they

showed a weakness on the offensive end, averaging just 11.7 points-per-game (ppg).

As for VSU, Scott’s team registered 29.8 ppg, which was good for third in the CIAA. “I think you just add some ingredients. These kids have played great on defense the past couple years. I think we have an offensive background and if we can do some things to get some points on the board, I think we’ll have a product that everyone is excited about,” said Scott.

After losing defensive star Lynden Trail, it is believed that coach Latrell Scott is the perfect addition to the Spartan family and will make positive contributions in the areas where the Spartans have previously lacked.

From NSU Athlete to ESPN

By Kazahna Joyce

Norfolk State alumna Shavonne Burke currently works as a graphic editor for ESPN. Photo from Facebook.com/shavonneburke

Norfolk State has many former athletes who may have not made a professional career in sports, but have been professional standouts in other fields of study.

Alumna Shavonne Burke was a dominating guard for Norfolk State’s women’s basketball and still expresses her love for the sport from behind the scenes.

Burke earned her Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication and Journalism department in 2002, and later came back for her Masters in 2004.

During her senior year at NSU, Burke was a leader in the Spartan’s Women’s basketball 22-9 overall finish. The MEAC Women’s All-Tournament First-Team player also helped lead NSU to an appearance in the 2002

NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. Unfortunately the No.16 seeded Norfolk State fell 95-48 to a dominating Duke basketball team in the East Region opener.

Although the Spartans didn’t have the fairy tale ending, Burke found success of her own.

“I have always enjoyed the atmosphere that sports create and I felt it would be a good transition because I was an athlete. It is interesting being on the other side now,” said Burke.

For nearly 10 years she has been working as an editorial graphic producer for ESPN. Some of Burke’s work has been featured on SportsCenter, First Take and Mike and Mike.

Burke’s job has given her the opportunity to work with

well-known analyst and anchors such as Stephen A. Smith, Linda Cohn and Stuart Scott.

She credits retired NSU professor and mentor Dr. Grady James for much of her success and the opportunity to work with ESPN. “He was instrumental through my whole career there and on a deeper level than just basketball,” said Burke.

Dr. Grady James insisted that Shavonne apply for the job and offered his help by passing on her resume to connections he had made within ESPN’s company.

Today you can catch the former Spartan’s work on ESPN’s Sports Center’s 6pm “Breaking News” segment.

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1.23.15

Spartan Sports

SPRING 2015 BASKETBALL SCHEDULE Women’s

South Carolina State @Orangeburg, S.C.

1/24/15

4 P.M.

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Savannah State @Savannah, GA.

1/26/15

6 P.M.

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Hampton

@NSU - Echols Memorial Hall

1/31/15

4 P.M.

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Howard

@NSU - Echols Memorial Hall

2/7/15

4 P.M.

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Maryland Eastern Shore

@NSU - Echols Memorial Hall

2/9/15

6 P.M.

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Morgan State

@Baltimore, MD.

2/14/15

2 P.M.

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Coppin State

@Baltimore, MD.

2/21/15

2 P.M.

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Delaware State

@NSU - Echols Memorial Hall

2/23/15

6 P.M.

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Howard

@Washington, D.C.

3/2/15

6 P.M.

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Hampton

@Hampton, VA.

3/5/15

6 P.M.

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Spartan Spotlight Kazahna Joyce

The Louisburg College (LC) transfer is one of the few new additions to the Norfolk State women’s basketball roster this year. Before becoming a Spartan, Brehanna Daniels averaged 10.5 points-per-game and helped LC win its conference championship and the Region X title, earning them a spot in the National Junior College Athletic Association Division II national tournament. Daniels adds speed in the point guard position for the Lady Spartans, and will undoubtedly be an important key to the success of the Spartans in the future.

Men’s

South Carolina State @Orangeburg, S.C.

1/24/15

6 P.M.

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Savannah State @Savannah, GA.

1/26/15

8 P.M.

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Hampton

@NSU - Echols Memorial Hall

1/31/15

6 P.M.

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Howard

@NSU - Echols Memorial Hall

2/7/15

6 P.M.

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Maryland Eastern Shore

@NSU - Echols Memorial Hall

2/9/15

8 P.M.

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Morgan State

@Baltimore, MD.

2/14/15

4 P.M.

Photo from nsuspartans.com

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Coppin State

@Baltimore, MD.

2/21/15

5

4 P.M.

Photo from nsuspartans.com

Malik Thomas is a sharp shooting force that joined the Spartans this year from Boston University (BU).

During his time at BU Thomas managed to lead his team in rebounds, earning a high of 10 rebounds on three separate occasions. As a redshirt senior at Norfolk State, he was named Player of the Week by the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) for his impressive play during the week of Nov. 17- 23. So far this season he averages 10.3 points-per-game, 5.3 rebounds-per-game and is 41 percent from the floor.

In the 71-63 loss to his former team, the Harlem native went for 19 points and grabbed 12 boards. Malik Thomas is an essential part of the Spartan’s offense, and often serves as one of Norfolk State’s go-to players in clutch situations. The Spartans are currently second in the MEAC with a 2-0 conference record.

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Delaware State

@NSU - Echols Memorial Hall

2/23/15

8 P.M.

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Howard

@Washington, D.C.

3/2/15

7:30 P.M.

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Hampton

@Hampton, VA.

3/5/15

8 P.M.

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3/9/2015 - 3/14/2015 TBD

Norfolk Scope Arena, Norfolk, VA.

SPARTAN ECHO| Norfolk State University 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504|NEWSROOM: 757.823.8200 E-Mail: spartanecho@nsu.edu

Spartan Lifestyle

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1.23.15

Another New Year brings another new beginning Malaun House Typically, many people begin their New Year trying to figure out a way to make it better than the previous one. Every year, many begin the month of January creating a long list of goals and things that they want to do better as a part of their new beginning.

“I think New Year’s resolutions are just a good time for people to start doing things that they should have already been doing. I believe in resolutions, but I also believe if you want to work on something you shouldn’t have to wait for the New Year to do it,” senior journalism major Jakoury Reynolds said.

Adjusting to the New Year can be very exciting for most people because it allows them to reevaluate their lives and what is most important to them. During the course of a hectic year, it may not always be easy to remember the smaller, short term goals that were set because they can be over-

shadowed by larger goals.

“This year I want to focus more on giving back to the community and making sure that I focus more on my future than I do on the present.

I feel like our generation is so focused on the now and we have a tendency to forget that tomorrow is just as important as today,” sophomore English major Briana Arnold said.

It can be suggested that a new year should offer new opportunities, but it should not be the only time that an individual challenges his or herself to do better.

“A resolution should be something that happens consistently, year around. I make resolutions as problems appear, just to continue to progress and work on the person I am becoming. This year I am improving my personal discipline toward everything, which will help me to reach my goals effectively,” junior music major LoRenzo Mitchell said.

Regardless of brand name, it’s time to break out the coats, sweaters and long johns for the Winter rush. Photo by Tykhari Coles

It’s ALL about fashion in 2015

By Malaun House

For some, 2015 will bring about a new horizon or an entirely refreshing view on school, work, love and so many other wonders of life. Photo by Tykhari Coles

Fashion is a topic in which so many different people are able to express themselves through clothing, trends and individual creativity. Style is not necessarily based on the type of clothing that is being worn, but how a person wears the clothing.

“It takes me a long time to get dressed. Not as long as it used to, but I’ve notice that I put so much more effort into making a statement rather than just throwing on something just to say I am dressed,” junior mathematics major Brian Arnold said.

Every season fashion shifts, styles change and shoppers

are trying to find the next big trend. This fall seems to be more about layering thick clothing and outerwear like blazers and trench coats.

“I love to do a lot of my winter shopping at local consignment shops or thrift stores because I can always find something that fits in with the vintage style that’s in right now,” freshman education major Domonique Ramone said.

Many of the colors that are in this season seem to have remained the same like wearing dark colors such as gray, brown, or black, or simply wearing neutral col-

ors such as tan or taupe.

“In the fall I love to wear black, gray and white [because the colors are] clean cut and easy to style. The outfits that I put together are definitely a reflection of me. My favorite fall pieces would have to be sweaters; I’ve found myself purchasing a lot of sweaters, mainly black, but in different textures,” junior mass communications major Meleah Holmes said.

SPARTAN ECHO| Norfolk State University 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504|NEWSROOM: 757.823.8200 E-Mail: spartanecho@nsu.edu

SPARTAN ECHO | Norfolk State University 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504 | NEWSROOM: 757.823.8200 E-Mail: spartanecho@nsu.edu

1.23.15

Spartan Lifestyle

A choice between purpose and popularity

The beginning or the end

By Malaun House

“I wouldn’t say that I live above the influence, but the influences I put myself around are all positive. I try to surround myself with people who are about the same things that I am involved [with] which motivates me to do better,” senior mass communication major Jeremiah Regis said.

Some believe that young men and women are on two different maturity levels, especially in regards to their decision making processes. Nevertheless, it has not been completely proven that college students make better personal decisions for themselves financially, academically or even socially.

“As a female, people always say that we pack up the classrooms and we run circles around males during our twenties; however, I have experienced many young men that have demonstrated greater self control, dignity and integrity than many women in the college-aged bracket,” sophomore mathematics major Christiana Aiden said.

editors Jason Gill Editor-inChief

Danielle Kirsh Online/ Managing Editor

By Malaun House

It is not often that a young person chooses to seek purpose in their life or in many of the things that he or she does over doing what is popular or what their friends are doing. A lot of times, the younger generation may find themselves in situations where thinking before they act could save them a lot less trouble, grief and pain.

“I believe Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said it best: “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy” I personally try to remain true to myself and not conform to the “in crowd” way of life,” junior sociology and criminal justice major Christopher Osullivan said.

Many students enter into the college environment from different settings not knowing exactly what to expect. Being that there is more freedom and less parental supervision on campus, it is not always as easy for a student to make more “mature” decisions, especially when trying to follow what is popular.

7

A new year equals a new beginning for the NSU Spartans. Photo from Facebook.com Coming back to school after a long break knowing that it is the final semester before graduation must be an amazing feeling. Many students come back excited while others are nervous in preparation for what they will do after graduation.

“I haven’t exactly figured out what I will be doing after graduation just yet, but I am excited to move forward in life because I know I have used all the resources that my university had available for me to be successful,” senior journalism major Shanice Yowlen said.

Many students secured internships in their fields to help them learn what working in their field will be like.

Often internships can be very helpful; however, some force to students to realize that a job in their immediate field of study may or may not be what they wanted.

“My first internship was

with an advertising company and I thought it was going to be so hands on and that I would be working with projects and leaders in the company. I ended up printing papers and folding envelopes for four weeks.

The experience was not at all what I thought it would be,” senior music major Andre Allen said.

Knowing that the final semester has finally begun may produce a feeling of excitement for some students while others may find that their college career coming to an end produces much anxiety. Many students are unaware, but there are many ways to prepare for life after college using the university’s career services.

“The career service center on campus helped me to find a lot of different opportunities in the Norfolk community that I would have otherwise never found on my own. I am nervous to be graduating this May, but I am also very excited for what my future is going to hold,” senior psychology major Jasmine Fowler said.

Antonio Garland News Editor

Malaun House Lifestyle Editor

Chantelle Polite Entertainment Editor

Tykhari Coles Multimedia Editor De’Quan Moss 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

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8

106 & Park comes to a close

By Richelle Hammiel

After having been on air for 14 years, 106 & Park has seen its last day on the Black Entertainment Television (BET) network. According to AJ, the first male host of 106 & Park, the network had been fighting to keep the show on air for awhile now.

The show has faced a great deal of problems including the constant challenge of new show hosts and incidents with a few celebrity guests and show hosts; however, audiences never suspected that the show would come to an end.

Despite the constant battle to continue on, the show lost its fight on Dec. 14, which would mark the end of not only a musical show, but a career-making checkpoint for aspiring artists and people with talent.

It is true to say that many guests to the show grew before the audience’s very eyes, and that growth is not only by age, but career-wise as well.

Bow Wow, also known as “Mr. 106,” first appeared on the show rapping around the age of 13 and has moved on to do much bigger things, such as movies, and even became the last male host on 106 & Park.

Chris Brown, another talented artist, started his singing career at the early age of 16 on 106 & Park and has managed to sell millions of records and has acted in a few movies as well.

106 & Park, as well as the BET network in general, has been a major innovator of change, nonviolence and overall awareness.

Many cases of violence, including the death of Trayvon Martin, were topics on the show, ultimately bringing the black community closer together and showing the power of black entertainment.

On the final episode, the show stirred up many bittersweet feelings as all hosts were brought together one last time.

The first hosts, AJ and Free, were the primary hosts,

who fans loved seeing that their shoes had been hard to fill. Together, they recapped exciting memories and moments from the present, all the way back to the beginning in 2000.

The thrill of the show came too frequently, from Wild-Out Wednesdays to Freestyle Fridays to the hype and crazy performances from some of the most famous, yet humble, media icons of yesterday and today. On the other hand, there were a few sad moments.

The deaths of Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, and many others were announced on the show, shocking the world.

All of these things were recognized on the last show and will be major reminders for those who may forget about what 106 & Park was all about.

On November 14, 2014, BET cancelled the hit music video show 106 & Park, allowing the hosts and production team to air their final episode on December 19, 2014. Photo from www.facebook. com/BET106andPark/photos/

1.23.15

‘Annie’ reboot fails to uphold its predecessors

By Chantelle Polite

Maybe it was the cheeky children and dance numbers, or maybe it was the red dress and proclamation of a “Hard Knock Life.”

Whatever it was, you knew it was Annie and you knew it was an Annie re-make.

People of all ages after the 80’s have some kind of connection with little orphan Annie, whether you saw the 1982 version starring Aileen Quinn and Carol Burnett or the 1999 Disney version with Victor Garber and Kathy Bates. Today’s portrayal of Annie starred the cast of Jamie Foxx as Will Stacks — what us older generations know as our Daddy Warbucks — Cameron Diaz as the drunk, tyrannical Miss Hannigan and little Quvenzhane Wallis as orphan Annie who longs for parents and a life outside of the orphanage.

In no surprise, the attempt to modernize what was the Depression-era setting of Annie completely took over the film into a hussling, bussling New York City with cell phones, Twitter and skinny jeans. Although Annie was produced by Jay-Z and Will Smith, one would think the two would, for once, try and shy away from the 2014-esque vibe of things and remain completely true to the film’s first two successful portrayals of a little orphan in the big city based on the original Broadway play.

If not for young Wallis’s confidence and charisma keeping the film’s theme on track, Annie in its entirety may had been extremely painful to continue on watch-

The modern-day version of the classic Broadway play ‘Annie’ was a hit for some viewers and a miss for othersv. Photo from www.facebook.com/OfficialAnnieMovie/photos/

ing. There was no Miss Grace to come and whisk Annie out of the orphanage for Christmas as we’re familiar with previously, but rather a cringe-worthy meeting of Annie and Will Stacks in the middle of the city as Stacks saves Annie from a moving vehicle.

Iconic songs like “It’s A Hard Knock Life” and “I Think I’m Going to Like It Here” were given new tunes and melodies in another sad attempt to modernize the film and remind us that we were indeed in the year 2014.

Scenes and jokes were often exaggerated and painfully pulled at the idea this was not the 1930s era of Annie that we were watching. For example, this film felt it was important to uncomfortably throw in that our 2014 Annie cannot read.

Subpar performances by Foxx and Diaz, something highly unexpected from both, only further confirmed that an Annie reboot was not only unnecessary, but told us that the story of Annie should no longer be touched or tampered with.

SPARTAN ECHO| Norfolk State University 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504|NEWSROOM: 757.823.8200 E-Mail: spartanecho@nsu.edu