Volume 64 Issue 11 by Southern Digest

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Tuesday, April 28, 2015

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Volume 64, Issue 11

State of Emergency Unexpected weather sweeps across the bluff

Nepal on ‘war footing’ to restore order; earthquake toll passes 3,800

By LAQUENCIA PARKER DIGEST NEWS EDITOR

Southern University officials issued a shelter-in-place for students, staff and faculty Monday morning after severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings. Strong winds downed trees, and rain caused heavy flooding on roads surrounding residential areas, stranding some students in their residence halls. Louisiana State University cancelled its classes for the day in the early morning, with high water and felled trees across the campus. Some students reported seeing up to two feet of water in some areas. Various debris forced some roads to be shut down while nearly 20,000 residents of East Baton Rouge were without power. Entergy acknowledged that some power outages might not be resolved until this morning. Despite the severity of the weather and the notice for students to immediately seek shelter, Chancellor Flandus McClinton sent emails to students, advising them to take caution, but notifying them in bold, capital letters that classes were in fact not cancelled. Many students took to social media in response to the announcement, sharing their displeasure at being expected to reach classes in such conditions. Many memes were created, some with pictures of people in boats, with the caption “On my way to Mayberry”, others asking whether or not food would be delivered to the residential area. Classes were cancelled early in the afternoon, a result of the unsafe traveling conditions created by the weather. Jordan Dukes, a junior Electrical Engineering major felt students should not have been urged to attend classes in such severe weather conditions. “I felt that for a minute, Southern didn’t take a second to think of the severity of the weather, and the fact that people’s lives were at risk,” said Dukes, who also felt that the quality of communication between administration and the student body could have been improved, along with the way the situation was handled. “I think Southern should take the time to implement a working system for situations such as this, for future reference,” added Dukes. “Southern may have one, but as a student I should be more aware, just in case.” Dean of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Marcus Coleman said his first thought as an administrator was for the safety of the students on campus. When the storm and tornado warning was first issued, Coleman took it upon himself to patrol the outside of the student union, warning and ushering

By Pratibha Tuladhar Deutsche Presse-Agentur

our schools alive, so that we will be able to ascend to the level of excellence that we always talk about.” The rally held on April 22nd brought representatives and students from all of Southern Universities campus sites. Wesley Bishop, a representative from Southern University in New Orleans, touched on the

KATHMANDU, Nepal _ Aid efforts ramped up in Nepal on Monday as the country tried to recover from the weekend’s earthquake, but thousands prepared for another night in the open as the official death toll climbed past 3,800. The Interior Ministry said 3,837 had died and around 6,800 people had been injured in Saturday’s 7.8-magnitude quake. Besides of fear caused by numerous aftershocks, people camping in open spaces were suffering a combination of rain, hunger and thirst. “There is no space. So at least 50 people are crammed in an open area in our neighborhood,” said Pramod Karki, who was staying in a camp near his house in the capital’s Kalanki district. “Lightning and thunder. Haunting feel to the city, yet tens of thousands _ or most of city _ out on streets, under tarps,” Kathmandu-based writer Kashish Das Shrestha tweeted. Hospitals damaged by the quake were treating patients in improvised outdoor clinics, while streets near Kathmandu’s Teaching Hospital were lined with vehicles as people continued to bring the injured. Chief Secretary Lilamani Poudel asked all government employees and bodies to work to help the injured and the displaced. Mass cremations were being held in some places in the capital, with the government saying they were a necessary measure to prevent disease from spreading. The Tourism Ministry said it was also focusing on rescuing the foreigners trapped around the country, including people on climbing expeditions. “We rescued around 82 people from the Everest base camp yesterday,” ministry secretary Suresh Man Shrestha said. “There are 18 dead bodies on Mount Everest, but we brought down only the wounded. Hopefully there will be no more casualties.” “We are also using smaller helicopters and those from the Indian army too for rescue. We are focused on the Everest region and on Gorkha, Dhading, Nuwakot and Sindupalchowk districts.” Dramatic footage emerged from Everest on Monday, showing an avalanche rise like a cloud of smoke and then crashing down and engulfing the campsite.

See NO FUNDS page 3

See QUAKE page 3

Alliyah Moore/DIGEST Southern University students trek through one of many locations scattered with fallen tree limbs and leaves on campus.

Alliyah Moore/DIGEST A fallen tree limb and other deris lay on the footbridge leading to Mayberry Dining Hall as a result of the inclement weather that hit the Campus of Southern University . students indoors. Addressing the concerns of students in regards to the cancellation of classes, Coleman said, “Even though students received a message saying that classes were still going on, that same message also said shelter in place,” said Coleman. “Students had no reason to be

outside. If you see it’s pouring down raining and there are black clouds, you just don’t come outside.” Coleman finished. Chancellor McClinton was unavailable for comment. Classes are scheduled to resume today at 8 a.m.

No Funds, No Future: Southern University stands firm at the capital By DESTINY SMITH DIGEST NEWS WRITER

On April 22, at 3 p.m. over 300 students, alumni, staff, and supporters within the community gathered outside of the capital building to rally against legislators decreasing the budget allocated to the Southern University System. This marked an important milestone in the fight against budget cuts. Southern officials showed their commitment

to the cause by making sure students who wanted a chance to be a part of this movement had the opportunity to show up by designating two buses to transport students to and from the capital building. Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, Dr.Leon Tarver, summed up a few collective thoughts of attendees when he spoke and said, “Southern University counts. We want to take today to join hands with our sister campuses and do what we need to do to keep

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SUITE 1064 – T.h.hARRIS hALL – P.O. BOX 10180 – BATON ROUGE, LA 70813 225.771.2231 PhONE / 225.771.5840 FAX WWW.SOUThERNDIGEST.cOM The Southern DIGEST is written, edited and published by members of the student body at Southern University and A&M college. The Southern DIGEST is published once weekly (Tuesday with a run count of 4,000 copies per issue during the Southern University - Baton Rouge campus fall, spring semesters. The paper is free to students, staff, faculty and general public every Tuesday & Friday morning on the SUBR campus. The Southern DIGEST student offices are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday - Friday. The offices are located on the first floor of T.h. harris hall, Suite 1064. ISSN: 1540-7276. copyright 2015 by The Southern University Office of Student Media Services. All articles, photographs and graphics are property of The Southern DIGEST and its contents may not be reproduced or republished without the written permission from the Editor in chief and Director of Student Media Services. The Southern DIGEST is the official student newspaper of Southern University and A&M college located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Articles, features, opinions, speak out and editorials do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the administration and its policies. Signed articles, feedback, commentaries and features do not necessarily reflect the views of the editors, staff or student body.

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DIGEST STAFF SPRING 2015

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Lauren Johnson

DIGEST STAFF WRITERS

MANAGING EDITOR Felix cunningham III

Marchandrea Seals Sage Edgerson Osita Ajoko Deja Lodree

STAFF COPY EDITOR Laquencia Parker

Jacaria Bickham

CO-LAYOUT EDITORS Derylle Spears II Marcus Tomlin

Destiny Smith Sharita Sims Natori Sims Kaylen Scott Jaylen Scott Ymani Wright Romel Williams

A&E EDITOR Melinda Dupas

DIGEST PHOTOGRAPHERS

SPORTS EDITOR Felix cunningham III

Astavven cotton Jade Foy Joshua Mcknight Jasmine Reed Tyra Brownlee Imani Lee

NEWS EDITOR Laquencia Parker

PHOTO EDITOR Alliyah Moore ONLINE EDITOR Kayla Foster

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THE WEEK AHEAD: 4-DAY WEATHER OUTLOOK TUES. APRIL 28

WEDS. APRIL 29

THURS. APRIL 30

FRI. MAY 1

RAINy

SUNNy

HI - 76° / LO - 54° 80% CHANCE OF RAIN

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Campus Briefs HUMAN JUKEBOX BAPTIST MINISTRY The Southern University The Baptist Collegiate Human Jukebox Marching Ministry at Southern Band will perform during University holds Sunday the grand arrival of services at 11:30 a.m. and undefeated boxing champ bible study on Tuesdays at Floyd Mayweather. The 6 p.m. Services are held at grand arrival show will the Louisiana Baptist State begin at 4.m. (CST). This Convention Baptist Student event will be aired on Center located at 724 Live TV. Check your local Harding Blvd. listings. SUMTA CHAMBER CONCERT SERIES Will be held in Stewart Auditorium April 29, 2015 at 4p.m. Admission is free. LAST DAY OF CLASSES April 30 is the last day of classes for the Spring 2015 Semester. SU GAME ROOM The SU Student Union Game room and Bowling Alley is open from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. Monday through Friday. Students are encouraged to participate in tournaments each semester. For more information contact Recreational Coordinator Gerald Jones at 225-7712020.

COLOR RUN Miss Southern will host the First Annual Jags get Fit Color Run on Saturday, May 2, 2015 Follow: @ subr_sga on instagram for event information CAR SHOW The Capital City Car show has been rescheduled to Saturday May 2, 2015 at the A.W. Mumford Stadium Parking lot. Participants are asked to register their car, bike, atc, or truck by viditing capitalcitycarshowbr.com. The event is free to all SU students with a valid student ID. FEMALE SUMMIT Southern University office of student life will host “Empower Her” on Saturday, May 2, 2015 held in the Royal Cotillion Ballroom. Students will

learn to be self-motivated while excelling professionally & academically in and outside of the classroom with real day today life experiences. Attendees are asked to wear a sundress and sandals. Online registration is advised. 2015 JAGUAR YEARBOOK The Jaguar yearbook will meet every Friday at 11am. If you would like to join the staff stop by 1064 T.H. Harris Hall.

PAGE 2 is only available to officially registered campus organizations, Southern University Departments. All briefs should include a date, time, contact name & number. Submit announcements to: The Southern DIGEST - Suite 1064 harris hall, Attn: PAGE 2 You my also email: digest@subr. edu

FINAL EXAMINATIONS Final Exams will begin May 1.

Good Luck on FINALS! VOTE! VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!

Vote! SHanIce Sam

HBcU camPUS QUeenS

PAGE 2: ANNOUNCEMENTS/ CAMPUS BRIEFS PAGE 2 / CAMPUS BRIEFS All submissions must be received by 3p.m. each Friday for Tuesday’s Issue.

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CORRECTIONS Fact and accuracy is our goal and our job. As the voice of the Southern University student body we are committed to ensuring to most fair, truthful and accurate accounts of our work. In the event of an error we will make all corrections on Page 2. Bring corrections to The Southern DIGEST office located in Suite 1064, harris hall.

Don’t miss our Graduation Issue: Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Be sure to cast your vote for our 84th/ Centennial Miss Southern University as she is vying to be featured as an HBCU Campus Queen in Ebony Magazine! Visit Ebony.com to cast your vote today!

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NO FUNDS from page 1 obligation to attend this event. There was a great turn out today and it was a chance for the SU school systems to gain a lot of attention for our cause. I was proud to see everybody come together today, because I believe there is truly power in numbers.” Rashad Murphy, a sophomore Psychology major from Atlanta, Ga, also had strong reasoning for his decision to join his classmates at the state capital. Murphy stated, “I decided to show up to show my support for a good cause, because education is the key for success in anyone’s life, especially in the African American community. I chose to practice my belief of this by supporting my HBCU in today’s demonstration and reminding legislators that black education matters.” The demonstration at the capital was successful and was a chance to raise a lot of awareness about what is happening with education budgets, but it is important for students to know that there work is not done. It was said many times during the rally that in order for this issue to stay relevant that students and other supporters must “, tweet, email, call, write, and make office visits to state legislators and demand that they do not decrease funding.”

topic of unity when he said, “We work best when we work together.” Bishop also expanded on the idea that Southern University is important when he added, “Nobody messes with the SU System. Every now and then people start to question if we are relevant and every now and then it is up to us to show up and show out. We will always be relevant!” Bishop ended is speaking portion with a catchphrase that could sum of the gist of the goals for people who attended the rally when he said, “SU now and SU forever.” The rally not only consisted of speeches, but chanting and music as well. The Human Jukebox played selections throughout the rally and students showed off their signs that expressed how they felt about budget cuts. In an effort to convey even more unity between the campuses and students t-shirts were handed out during the rally. A large turnout of students showed up to the rally to voice their positions. Darrian Jessie, a senior Biology major from Mobile, Alabama, shed a little light about his reasoning for attending the rally and saying, “After finding out the future plans of my Joshua Mcknight/DIGEST institution from a potential candidate who I Southern University students protest pending higher education budget cuts on the steps of the Louisiana State capitol on Wednesday April 22, 2015 during “SU day at the capitol.” spoke to a week prior, I made it my personal

QUAKE from page 1 Nepal’s army has also deployed its forces. “We have mobilized 90 percent of our resources,” said military official Jagdish Chandra Pokharel. “We’re working on a war footing and we request people to do what they can to help people around them.” Prime Minister Sushil Koirala said authorities were struggling with their limited capacity to respond to the crisis, he said. The government has only six helicopters, with 20 other helicopters in private hands. Among the aid promised by neighboring India are two dozen aircraft and helicopters, according to media reports. “We are expecting more foreign help now and now need to work on cremating people, on sanitation, on clean drinking water,” Koirala said. Efforts were also under way to fix phone lines and restore power on Monday, he said. Aid from around the world was arriving or being promised.

India had so far dispatched 400 tons of relief materials and basic supplies, according to the Indian embassy in Kathmandu. Pakistan had set up temporary medical camps. Chinese rescue teams began searching for victims and survivors in the capital. The Asian Development Bank pledged up to $200 million in credit for the first phase of rehabilitation. The bank said it is sending $3 million as a grant for tents, medicines, food and drinking water. Britain has pledged 5 million pounds ($7.5 million) and Canada has promised $5 million Canadian ($4.1 million U.S.). Fourteen of the European Union’s 28 member states have offered to send first aid teams and equipment, a spokeswoman for the bloc’s executive said. There was also high-tech help from Facebook and Google, which added functions to their online platforms to help people find friends and relatives caught in the quake.

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Sweep Snaps Streak By KAyLEN SCOtt

DIGEST SPORTS WRITER

One could say that Texas Southern is Southern’s kryptonite. Texas Southern swept them earlier in the season in a three game series. The Southern University baseball team entered this past weekend on an eight game conference win streak. However, that win streak would come to a screeching halt. The Jags were set to take on Texas Southern in a double header Saturday afternoon, but due to rain, both games were pushed back to Sunday afternoon. TSU would capture both games in the double header. SU ace Santos Saldivar was on the mound in the first game. Game number one started out perfect for the Jags. They took an early 2-0 lead against the Tigers with their top pitcher on the mound. You would think the Jags would close the game early after Saldivar spinned a gem in his last outing, finishing with sixteen strikeouts just a week ago. However, the Tigers would get the best of him. SU seemed to control much of the match

until the seventh inning. After a big homerun by catcher Jose de la Torre, things would take a turn for the worst. A pivotal error by the Jags led to three TSU runs in the top of the inning. Another insurance run late in the contest would seal the victory for the Tigers. They took down the Jags 4-2 in game one of two of Sunday’s double header. Game two would be much different. Another ace was on the mound for SU, as James Fontenot was set to pitch against TSU. However the Tigers pounced on him early and often. They took the quick advantage, securing a swift 4-1 lead. Nevertheless, as game number two progressed on, The Jags would claw their way back into the match. SU would cut the deficit to one run in the late innings. The game got as close as 4-3. But TSU would add another clutch run in the eighth inning to cement its lead to two; 5-3. A host of excellent pitching would keep the Jaguars grounded as they tried to manufacture runs late to split the double header. Nonetheless, TSU would win game two as well, 5-3. SU couldn’t string together

any runs or consecutive hits to fabricate more than one run at a time. After losing these two contests against conference foe Texas Southern, SU finds itself in a three game losing streak. The played Louisiana Lafayette tough Wednesday evening, but faltered late and lost 5-4. The Jags will be set to take on Lake Charles based Mcneese State this Tuesday. However, depending on the inclement weather, which has pushed a lot games back, the bout might be rescheduled to a later date. The Jags finish the SWAC regular season with a three game series against rival Grambling State. They have fared well against GSU. They completed a three game sweep of the Tigers in late March. SU outscored the Tigers in runs 23-10 in just three games. They proved to be a dangerous team when they can manufacture runs complementing that with a masterful pitching rotation. They currently sit 6th in the conference and look to the season strong finish strong and get ready for the SWAC Tournament.

fielder, Bailey Rankin, nailed a single. Rankin advanced to third from a whiffed ball past the plate to attribute for an out and when freshman in-fielder, Jamani Greer, sent a single it allowed Rankin to score another RBI. Greer then scored on an error by second baseman then decided to take advantage of the bases. It wouldn’t be an exciting game if the opposition didn’t bite back and that’s what the Lions did in their second inning. Creeping on third and near home was Lion’s

Vanessa Eng and after an error by the right fielder, her and Sloan Jenkins scored runs to tie up the game. Once again Southern allowed the Lions to take the lead in their fifth inning when Sather sent a single over to their scoring side and her teammate Peyton Stokes-Sutton pinch ran for her. After a double by Megan Moore, Stokes-Sutton scored by an RBI and her legs gave her the lead. This made the score 3-4.

On the road to Decatur Non conference win uproots Southern to SWAC Championships By FELIX CUNNINGhAM III DIGEST SPORTS EDITOR & MANAGING EDITOR

Southern at the beginning of the season started the season with five straight losses in non-conference play and overall against non-conference teams, Southern attributed approximately 25 percent of wins against valuable odds. At the stretch of the season, teams are gaining leverage to obtain championships and no other team has gained such leverage than the women’s softball team. Week in and week out, they have gauged the talent of other teams and surpassed those measures and left the past in the past. On April 21, those odds widened when Southern took down Southeastern 5-4 on the Lady Jaguar Field. Head Coach John Garris expressed the season overall when he said, “It’s not what we did then but it what we do at the end that matters.” Southern (11-5, 15-12) has had wider odds against their conference foes and trails at second in the Western Division. Unfortunately their two game win streak came to an abrupt end when the random weather in Southeastern Louisiana rained out the double-dutch games against eastern division threat, Jackson State on Thursday, April 23. Jackson State (12-4, 22-24) leads the SWAC in the Eastern Division and goes on to await the trial that is called the Southeastern Athletic Conference Championship. On Tuesday, Southern allowed a one run lead by Southeastern in their first inning when Katie Lacour scored by an RBI after Amber Sather cracked a baseline hit to left hit. Southern realigned their forces in their first inning and achieved three runs to add an explosive inning. Junior in-fielder, Alicias Barajas started the inning by busting a triple and scored an RBI after sophomore out-

See ON THE ROAD page 5

NFL draft returns to Chicago:

“You can’t believe how far things have come” By dAN WIEdERER chIcAGO TRIBUNE

Gil Brandt admits he’s eager to settle into Chicago this week for the NFL draft, intrigued as much as anybody by the pomp and circumstance exploding around downtown. There’s the mini-city _ Draft Town, they’re calling it _ that has blossomed in Grant Park. Giant NFL helmets are being showcased along Michigan Avenue. The waters at iconic Buckingham Fountain will be coordinated to light up with the colors of whichever team is on the clock. The draft, Brandt knows, has become a super-twister of excitement and hype. And as the event roots down in Chicago for the first time in 51 years, Brandt appreciates how much the show has evolved. “You can’t believe how far things have come,” he said. Brandt was in attendance the last time the draft was in Chicago, then a 30-yearold head scout for the Dallas Cowboys, in the early days of his three-decade run as the organization’s vice president of player personnel. That 1964 draft actually was conducted in December of 1963 during an era in which college players were drafted before the NFL’s season was complete. There were fewer teams (14) back then and far more rounds (20). Brandt paints the picture of a ballroom at the SheratonChicago hotel, hazed in cigar and cigarette smoke with 14 tables spread around and a fraternity of talent evaluators and decision makers just trying to get their picks right. On a Monday. Oh, and with no television presence, there was no time limit between picks with teams free to overanalyze and filibuster all they wanted. That would help explain why the Tribune chronicled the first three rounds of the ‘64 draft as consuming 14 hours and 46 minutes. And on things went, right through the night. Round 20 ended at 6:47 a.m. Harry Hulmes, then the public relations director for the Baltimore Colts before he later became the assistant general manager of the New York Giants, marvels when thinking back on a draft with no time limits. “They’d wake you up in the conference room during the night to tell you it was your turn to pick,” said Hulmes, now 86 and retired in New Jersey. “And it was, ‘Oh. OK. Thanks. What round is it anyway? And who else has been drafted ahead of us?’ “ Brandt has a deeper explanation for his team’s role in the 1964 delay. Early in the second round, with the Cowboys preparing to make the 17th overall pick, the organization had zeroed in on a cornerback from Oregon. Only word had spread that Mel Renfro was still dealing with a hand injury, possibly a severed nerve _ as Brandt remembers it, “from putting his hand through a mirror after he learned of the death of President Kennedy.” How best to mitigate such an injury risk? The Cowboys summoned a doctor in Portland, requesting he drive to the Oregon campus in Eugene to fully examine Renfro. “Held the draft up for five hours,” Brandt said. “Honestly. Everybody in the room was wanting to throw rocks at us.” See NFL DRAFT page 5

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Southern wins single award at SWAC Championships By FELIX CUNNINGhAM III

DIGEST SPORTS EDITOR & MANAGING EDITOR

During the trialling weekend on the field at Normal, Alabama, Southern University vied to get their name engraved on trophies for outdoor track and field history. From April 2426, Southern planted their roots to receive recognition in the Southwestern Athletic Championships outdoor track and field events. Unfortunately, Southern took one award home in the shot put and that’s when Briana Ranford with might threw the heavy ball 14.03 meters and achieved first place status in that position at all. Ranford was also placed within the First-Team All SWAC alongside her teammate, Georgeanna Felder. Alabama State placed first in the championship running for the women’s and took the title for the tenth consecutive time.

Southern was placed fourth within all of their events. Grambling State University in the men’s track graced their way into first place and took it for the seventh year in a row. Southern trailed in sixth place in all of the events total in the men’s. None of the men representing Southern received an honor at all. However, within it all, Southern placed a single member within the First-Team All SWAC: Khalil Upshaw. There was also another member that is placed in the Second-Team All SWAC, which is Lawrence Williams. Through it all and a gruesome season, Southern has transverse the odds and brought in valuable members to try to hold onto at least position within All-SWAC teams. Southern proved that against the odds that they have placed.

ON THE ROAD from page 4 Southern was at wit’s end after an empty sixth inning when they rallied in the last inning and decided this was the last straw and their last chance at a victory before the SWAC Championships. At the seventh inning, Southern graced the Lady Jaguar Field when SWAC Softball Player of the Week, freshman heavy-hitter Kiara Suttles, scored off of an RBI by sophomore in-fielder Jade Luke spiked a single down the middle. This tied the score but didn’t finish the offset of the game. What carried over the game was the ball did not grace the opposition’s glove which was when outfielder, Ambrelle Burton joined the ranks

of runs when she scored the last point of 5-4 to win the game thus increasing the odds for Southern. Although Southeastern brought more hits to the table with 11 to the Jaguar’s nine. This came to Southern gauging the defense measures and coming to the clutch when needed. Southern now will travel to Decatur, Alabama and at the peak of it all, visit the SWAC Championship on May 6. “This is what we worked hard for all season and we will keep working hard at SWAC and when we leave from it,” finished Garris.

Archery Classes Milton J. Womack Park May 2 / 10 a.m.-noon

Mayfair Park May 4 / 6:15-8 p.m.

North Sherwood Forest Community Park May 14 / 6:15-8 p.m.

Preregistration is required! For more information and to register, call 225-272-9200, ext. 559 or email outdooradventure@brec.org.

It’s no wonder then that the draft room was littered with cigarette butts and coffee cups and Coke cans. And with the scouting process far less sophisticated, every team’s table, Brandt recalls, had a copy of Street & Smith’s College Football Yearbook plus rolls upon rolls of quarters to be fed into the nearest pay phones. Said Brandt: “You’d have a team needing an offensive tackle. So they might call ‘Pappy’ Lewis, the coach at West Virginia University and say ‘Hey Pappy, who was the best tackle you played against this year? Who should we draft?’ With George Halas at the helm as both owner and head coach, the Bears made Tennessee offensive tackle Dick Evey their top pick in the 1964 draft and later scooped up a group of players with names too old-timey to be made up _ Sid Blanks and Larry Rakestraw, Bob Horton and Cloyd Webb. Hulmes remembers the passion with which Halas operated, at that time leading a ‘63 Bears team that went on to win the NFL championship. “Halas was a firebrand,” Hulmes said. “And his acumen about the game was truly impressive.” Brandt’s Cowboys, meanwhile, had a field day in the ‘64 draft, nabbing three players who went on to make the Hall of Fame. In addition to landing Renfro, they also scooped up receiver Bob Hayes in the seventh round and, yes, quarterback Roger Staubach. In Round 10. (Take that, Tom Brady.) There was one other twist. The AFL was still alive and had held its own draft _ eight teams, 26 rounds _ the previous week. So it was common for college standouts to be drafted twice. Which led to Wild West negotiating tactics with teams in both leagues playing tug-of-war with certain players. The media coverage of everything, meanwhile, remained minimal. At the ‘64 event, Brandt remembers a half-dozen newspaper writers attending, including the Tribune’s Cooper Rollow. Compare that to this year’s expected media tsunami with more than 1,300 credentials being issued. Said Brandt: “It’s grown from what was essentially a onestory motel in some remote town in Montana into the Sears Tower. And it’s still growing. It is totally unbelievable.”

Need a Study Break? Come to Cane’s & enjoy some quality chicken fingers. 5195 Plank Rd.

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2015 SPRINGFEST COMEDY SHOW SU students embrace fashion, laughter, and more

the sentinel of an Enlightened student body since 1926

Top Artists perform at SU

Young Thug, Dej Loaf, Tank, and Juvenile blaze the stage during Springfest By LAQUENCIA PARKER DIGEST NEWS EDITOR

Jade Foy/DIGEST Dominque Diamond and Shanice Sam accept their awards for who’s who of SU15 and Best Student Leaders during the Student choice Awards held during the 2015 Spring Fest comedy/Fashion Show. By dEStINy SMIth DIGEST STAFF WRITER

On April 23, Southern students gathered at F.G Clark Activity center for a variety of shows. The event began with a fashion show featuring designs created by students around campus. Several local brands were featured in the show including: Saucy Wear, Climax, Mintai Fashions, Pretty by P, Fitting Room Boutique, and Finally Famous. Between outfit changes and makeup touch ups, the crowd was kept entertained by comedians performed a number of stand up pieces ranging from topics that ranged from dating to fashion show mishaps. Raven Ashmon, a sophomore Marketing major from Atlanta, Ga spoke very highly of her time at the event saying, “I thought the outfits the models waked in on stage were very unique and I’m glad the comedians were included in the show, because it made the wait between shows passed by really quickly.” Ashmon also spoke on the role students played in putting the show together adding, “I thought it was cool that all the clothes and models were Southern students. It really highlighted how much talent we have right within our own campus.” Another feature of this dynamic show was the presentation of Southern’s Student Choice Awards for the 2014-2015 year. The results were as follows: For the Who’s Who category the winners of the class of 2015 were Shanice Sam and Dominque Diamond, Mar’Lesha Hollins and Lawrence Williams for the class of 2016, Kadejah McMiller and Diamonte Hayes for the class of 2017 and Le Deja Graves and Daryl Harris for the class of 2018. Diamonte Hayes a sophomore Urban Forestry major from Opelousas, Louisiana elaborated a little more on how felt when heard he selected by his peers, saying, “I felt good about winning. I feel like I am doing positive things for my class and my family back at home. Winning this award just motivated me want to continue to do my best at every aspect in life.”

Jade Foy/DIGEST comedian Ronnie Jordan entertains the audience with his comedic talent during the 2015 comedy, Fashion and Student choice Awards show.

The fashion comedy show was great chance to bring students with all different interests together. Quevin Rush, a sophomore Political Science major from Atlanta, GA, shared his thoughts on the fashion show commenting, “I thought the fashion show was very intriguing.” Rush expanded on his thoughts and added, “It would have been even better if we were able to see even more fashion labels and models on the runway next time.” The winning selections for the other categories included: Football and Tennis for favorite sports team; Dawson Odum for coach of the year; Dominique Diamond and Shanice Sam for favorite student leader; Garret Edgerson for favorite staff member; Ryan Williams for favorite vocalist; Cameron Linson and George Keeler for Mr.and Mrs. Pretty Wednesday; J-Spitta for best rapper; Daedge1 for favorite student media team; Omega Psi Phi and Delta Sigma Theta for favorite greek organization; and finally Collegiate 100 men for favorite non-greek organization.

Despite some unruly weather, this year’s Springfest was a successful one. With the annual crawfish boil that never fails to draw a crowd, and the star-studded line up for the afternoon concert, a mild weather mishap couldn’t get in the way of the plans. Due to the small thunderstorm, the usual mass pilgrimage of students to the crawfish boil didn’t take place. However, a relatively large crowd took shelter under tents in the parking lot of the F.G. Clark Activity Center, as they patiently awaited the succulent seafood. An outdoor concert was also scheduled, but was postponed due to the condition of the weather. The main event of the concert was scheduled to begin at 3 p.m., but the main acts were pushed back to allow the performers from the previously scheduled event a chance to perform. Some of the acts included: Kel, Ryan Williams, T3, Jino and the GGs. R&B singer and songwriter Tank’s performance was the first of the main acts. Tank crooned some of his popular melodies, and even pulled a female student from the audience to hold his microphone as he sang. After his performance, Tank remarked on what it felt like to perform for college students, many of which were young when he first emerged as an artist. “It’s always a refreshing experience to watch faces change as they begin to recognize some of the songs,” said Tank. He also spoke on his future endeavors in music, and what his fans should be looking for in the near future, such as a producing collaboration with Chris Brown and signing new artists to his label, such as Siya. “I’ve known Siya for years, and I’m excited for people to appreciate her sound like I do,” Tank commented. Juvenile’s performance followed after Tank’s, with new artist Dej Loaf after him. Dej Loaf, along with her entourage, captured the audience’s attention, and the crowd seemed to react well to her stage presence. The true issue arose when Young Thug, who’s been involved in the latest Lil Wayne and Birdman conflict, took to the stage. Many in the crowd booed Thug and yelled obscenities to him, causing Thug to stop his performance with Dej Loaf and pace the stage while mocking audience members as well. The hostility died down by the time Young Thug was to perform his individual set, however, and the rest of the concert went off without a hitch. Although the usual crowd couldn’t be drawn to the festivities, those in attendance enjoyed themselves, and Springfest ended the semester with a subtle bang.

toP 20

HITS “ON THE YARD” Southern University is known as the HBCU to have the “hypest” parties, with the hottest DJs and livest dancers. One thing for sure is that students will enjoy the party scene. It is a guarantee that any one who attends a social event will hear the following songs: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20.

No One in the World by Anita Baker Truffle Butter by Nicki Minaj feat. Drake and Lil Wayne Fight Night by Migos Handsome and Wealthy by Migos Going Tweeday by Tweeday Still Bounce Mix by Slaughter House by Slaughterhouse Jigga Train by Foxx Turn the Beat Up by Trill Fam Throw Some Mo by Nicki Minaj Feelin Myself By Beyoncé feat. Nicki Minaj Trap Queen by Fetty Wap No One in the World Bounce mix by Anita Baker Preach by Young Dolf Set If Off by Lil Boosie Dumb Dick by Level Hut Hut- Monsta with the Fade Lifestyle by Young Thug Cut Up by Thug Brothers Dumb Wit It by Ajizzle

If you ever attend an SU event and wonder what songs the DJ is always playing, the Office of Student Media supplied you with a list of those songs. If you want to download these songs to “Turn Up,” then this list is for you!

COMMENTARY southerndigest.com

thE

the sentinel of an Enlightened student body since 1926

southErn digEst

SUrVIVaL gUIDe:

We have now reached that period in time where it is time for our university experiences to help us into the real world with a degree or certificate of completion to our names. Although graduating seniors patiently wait to walk across that stage, underclassmen are continuing to find a way to reach the end of their degree plan.

I was able to sit down with various students and graduating seniors to compile a survival guide to navigate through the university academically. Here are a few pointers from the seniors of Southern University on how to successfully reach the end of your degree track in a realistic manner. tIP # 1: fInD oLDer frIenDS Taking the initiative to befriend older and more experienced people in your major is critical to maximum success within the classroom. Find out what courses you should take and discover the individual teaching styles of various professors. It is pertinent that you discover this beforehand, because you may be more suited for lecture classes than straightforward work classes or vice versa. tIP # 2: PrePare for tHe IneVItaBLe If you can not find a way around a particular class or teacher, make sure you have friends that can tell you everything you need to know about that particular teacher, so that you are not caught by unexpected surprises. We all know that Biology is a course that is a huge hurdle for a large percentage of the University’s freshman. Take quality time on task, such as studying so you are completely covered.

Welcome to Hurricane Lacumba By FELIX CUNNINGhAM III DIGEST MANAGING EDITOR

I arise in the morning to check my weather app provided by Apple. By the way, way to go Apple, you told me it was going to be all sunshine, but it was actually raining cats, dogs, wildabeast, and everything else that could stream from the sky. The raining weather was streaming faster than the videos from our offset media teams. It was early in the morning and I decided to finally go to class. Being a responsible student for once, but it bit me in the rear. I should’ve listened to that good ol’ wisdom tooth pain and stayed in the bed under the covers and slept the morning away. The clouds in the sky became dark, with lightning flashing down faster than Zeus’s wrath and steadily coming closer to your person. It was a flurry of blinding light that was ferocious and this country boy right here does not appreciate the stormy weather, if I’m not in the safety of my room that I humbly paid for. Looking outside I would imagine that we have to hide under our desks and duck for cover but turns out, we still had class, and I mean for the rest of the day. Excuse me Southern, last time I checked, the wrath of Lacumba was coming down on the university and the administration office decided to continue the normal class schedule. Not to mention we as students received firstcall alert emails at 10 a.m. when, ironically, the storm began to weaken. I got an alert from Apple

By JEREMIAh CORNELIUS DIGEST A&E WRITER

tIP # 3: SacrIfIce for great graDeS aS a team

As we all know, Southern is an academically driven school, but the event atmosphere can sometimes distract you from important coursework and homework assignments. We all love watching the pageants and football games, but what good are they if you cannot maintain the grades to continue to participate in these events? Study groups are highly recommended, as they allow students to discuss what’s taught in class and to review important concepts covered in class. A group of students that can help each other study can also create new friendships within the group, which can go a long way in college. tIP # 4: fInD a PoSItIVe oUtLet for StreSS As a college student, it is most likely that we’ve all been exposed to temporary stress relievers such as tobacco and alcohol in some shape or form. Positive outlets such as listening to deep, thoughtful music and spending time with friends are great ways to relieve stress while also keeping students out of trouble. The last thing that needs to be on a college student’s mind is being in trouble with the authorities. tIP # 5: tHInK for yoUrSeLf Most of the time, there will be hard decisions a collegiate student has to make when choosing between studying and relaxing. Which ever decisions you make, make sure they are your own original thoughts so that you may learn to better yourself when determining to make good choices.

tuesday, april 28, 2015 - page 7

SPEAKOUt

How do you feel about the efficiency of universtiy communications during yesterday’s inclement weather?

BY: DERYLLE SPEAR II DIGEST PhOTOGRAPhER

dANIEL LEIJA

URBAN FORESTRY SENIOR PINEGROVE

“I feel that the university should have been better prepared and could’ve alerted the students earlier than what they did.”

LESILE tRIChE AGRIcULTURAL ScIENcE FREShMAN NEW ORLEANS

“I feel that the eﬃency of communication was good under the circumstances. They could have sent emails to students instead of over Twitter. But overall, they could have responded quicker.”

RON MAhOMES MASS cOMM SENIOR ATLANTA, GA

and then an hour later I had an email from my university instructing me that me and my colleagues still had to attend class. I’m surprised that with the various budget cuts that they didn’t cut classes. So I’m guessing it’s ok if we swim to class, but we at least have to make it alive and pneumonia free. I don’t think my breaststroke could’ve outlasted the torrential dispute that I witnessed. I see the care we have for the students because we are your paycheck and all, and it wouldn’t matter to you about our health at all. So, for our safety that we paid for doesn’t mean anything either huh? So all that money we collected for campus beautification, maybe let’s put it back for a rainy day, literally. The back of campus was flooded and everywhere else is in distress and not to mention the many hungry bellies that were amongst campus. What was your duty to the students? Social media became rampant, but we still received alerts on whether or not school was open today, around 11 a.m. when the rain stopped and the clouds became clear, then thee was a sense to finally send an alert to cancel class. It’s about time, I guess CP time applies to natural disasters too huh? In the future I know who to count on for disasters, don’t call on Southern University because they want us to do the impossible. I wish I could bring my boat so I can still make it to class. Way to go, Southern, you’ve out done yourself this time. Southern we have to get it together.

CONGRAtULAtIONS! To the Office of Student Media’s EGO Magazine for winning 3rd Place for “Best Magazine Spread” at the 2015 College Media Association Conference held in New York, NY .

“I feel that Southern University should have taken a better approach regarding public safety. It would have been better for them to cancel class as soon asvinformation was received regarding the tornado warning.”

REId JARREAU BIOLOGY FREShMAN NEW ORLEANS

“I felt that today’s communication was very eﬃcient; we were able to find out information through Twitter and Instagram; which was very helpful.”

SUBMISSIONS POLICY The Southern DIGEST welcomes letters from readers commenting on current issues and other matters of general interest to the SU family and public. We set aside this space to publish these letters for others to enjoy. This newspaper is not responsible for individual opinions expressed on its editorial and opinion pages. The Southern DIGEST reserves the right to edit any contributions and or reject them without notification. Authors are encouraged to limit the length of submissions to 300 words. Letters should not include libelous statements. Offensive and personal attacks will not be permitted. The DIGEST will not print “open letters” addressed to someone else. All contributions must be type written, signed and must include the author’s address and phone number. Unsigned letters will not be printed. SouthernUniversity students should include their majors, hometowns and year in school. When referring to specific DIGEST articles, please include the date and title. All materials should be directed to the editor in chief of The Southern DIGEST, P.O. Box 10180, Baton Rouge, La. 70813. Materials may be delivered by hand to the DIGEST office located in Suite 1064 harris hall or can be emailed to editor@ southerndigest.com.

EDITORIAL POLICY

Staff editorials represent the opinions of the author and the majority opinion of the Southern DIGEST Student Editorial Board, which is comprised of the student staff of editors and columnists. The Southern DIGEST provides an open forum to educate, inform and enlighten the students, faculty and staff at Southern University, Baton Rouge, La.