Ariana Triggs/DIGEST SU Chancellor James Llorens explains to freshman students the importance of their first year on campus at the “First Year Experience” (FYE) held Monday March 17, 2014 in W. Stewart Hall Auditorium.
behind the program came from wanting to address the retention problem that the university faces. There The Center for Teaching was a need for a program and Learning Excellence that would help freshman (CTLE) was implemented into successfully matriculate Southern University and A&M College in an effort to assist students throughout their first year of college. The program is dedicated to academic improvement and advising through their offices located on the first floor of Harris Hall. Through the CTLE, the First Year Experience Program (FYE) was implemented into the university in an effort to successfully matriculate freshman and transfer students. Under its direction, Derrick Cavazos, Coordinator for First Year Experience, has a lot planned in order for freshman throughout the university. to get the most of their first year. There are several “When I first came to components built in to FYE Southern University I wish including Common Reads, there had been a program First Year Lecture Series, that was more tailored toward and First Year Fridays. freshman students and the “Hopefully I can get transition that we had to more involved in First Year deal with from high school Experience,” said Brittany to college,” said Cavazos, Chaney, a freshman nursing who’s been working on the major from Baton Rouge. program for two months. “I was never enrolled in Cavazos, who has served freshman seminar because on campus as an adjunct no one gave me an advisor. I professor and CTLE advisor, registered for my own courses said that the inspiration and I didn’t even know Meagan L. Wiliams EDITOR IN CHEIF
where the CTLE office was until today,” Chaney ended. Whether it’s adjusting to campus and recreational life, or keeping up with the course curriculum, others like Chaney are interested in
“Going from high school to college is a transition period and a lot of students tend to get lost in that, but we have resources on campus; students just have to learn how to utilize those resources.” Coordinator for First Year Experience
getting the help they need, but don’t know where to start. For this reason, Cavazos has incorporated “First Year Fridays” (FYF). FYF will begin on March 21st with the transitional series, “Navigating Turns,” lead by Dr. ValaRay Irvin, Director of the University Counseling Center. The FYE Program will work closely with The Center of Student Success (CSS) to provide a number of study skill workshops and informational forums in
order for every student to grasp its program’s mission. “First Year Lecture Series” (FYLS) was implemented to givestudentstheabilitydevelop socially and intellectually through the opportunity to meet and network with some of Southern University’s most prominent faculty and alumni. Freshman Seminar classes will incorporate “common reads” into its classes by assigning books that classes can read together; a strategy that will emphasize the importance of reading throughout any student’s collegiate experience. The first book will be A Lesson Before Dying, by Jane Pittman. On Monday, students heard from Chancellor James Llorens through their Freshman Seminar classes. “Don’t wait until the end of the semester to deal with issues or questions you may have on campus, ” Llorens said. Llorens acknowledged that the FYE program is put in place to help students within any aspect of their first year on campus. Some upperclassmen on campus find that the program is a great addition to the university and can increase communication between students and administration. “I wish I would’ve been better
informed of the consequences of not doing well in my classes. I would’ve liked to have been informed of who I needed to know, where I needed to go, and who I needed to talk to,” said Desmond Babin, a history major from Alexandria. Babin also believes that the lack of social media networks, when he first stepped foot onto Southern’s flagship campus, in 2008 could have aided in the miscommunications surrounding the university. “Now we have social media and it’s an easier way to communicate campus wide so that will aid as well,” Babin ended. “They have resources, and we hare here to show them how to use those resources,” said Cavazos. The FYE Program doesn’t end at the end of a freshman’s first year. As a returning sophomore, Cavazos intends to implement a second-year program called “Each One Reach One” for exceptional students who want to mentor incoming freshmen. For more information on the FYE or to find out how you can make the most of your first year, contact Derrick Cavazos at derrick_cavazos@subr.edu
Four students arrested in campus robbery Marchandrea Seals STAFF WRITER
DIGEST FILE
On Saturday, March 1, 2014 around 6 p.m. Four Southern University students are accused of breaking into a Ulysses Jones Hall dorm room on the night of February 26, 2014. The students demanded money and clothes from the dorm room residents at gun-point. An ongoing investigation taken on by the Detective Division of the University Police lead to the arrest and booking of four students into the
East Baton Rouge Parish Prison with two charges of attempted armed robbery and home invasion. The quad demanded money and clothing. Kailin Sylvain turned himself in and through further investigation Jaleel Bridges, Rodney Briggs, and Deylan Jones. More information will be provided in Thursday’s issue of The Southern Digest.
THE OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY AND A&M COLLEGE, BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA
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ANNOUNCEMENTS - PAID CLASSIFIED - MISSION STATEMENT CLASSIFIED The Southern DIGEST is not responsible for the contents, promises, nor statements made in any classified and reserve the right to reject any ad request with explanation. No classified ads will be accepted or processed over the telephone and must accept the type font sizes of The DIGEST.
Campus Briefs WHAT’S HAPPENING C.A.P.S S.U. will hold its Career Awareness and Planning Seminar March 18th-March 20th. STROLLING FOR A CAUSE The Beta Alpha Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. is strolling for a cause on Thursday, March 20th at 7p.m. in the Cotillion Ballroom. Tickets are available in advance for $5. Greek discounts are available TRANSPORTATION AVAILABLE TO THE MIRACLE TEMPLE Students who are in need of transportation to The Miracle Temple on Friday or Sunday nights may contact Tonyea McCaleb at SUsWOHM@Gmail.com or 225.284.2104 Location: The Miracle Temple in 3345 Plank Rd in Baton Rouge. Students are asked to provide advanced notice if interested RECRUITING Shell Oil Networking and Recruiting Event will be held March 20th in the Engineering Building in Hi-Tech Room from 4- 6pm. This event is open to Business and engineering majors with a GPA of 3.2 or higher. Students attire is business casual. For more information contact Devin Addison at devin.addison@
shell.com FIND YOUR VOICE The League of BEEP Associates along with the Louisiana Department of Insurance will host a Public Speaking and Confidence-Building Competition on Thursday, March 20th in T.T Allain room 313. Students must register prior to and wear professional attire NAVIGATING TURNS CTLE’s First Year Experience Program (F.Y.E) will host “First Friday’s.” Attendance is mandatory for all freshmen and will kick off on March 21st with the transitional series, “Navigating Turns.” “First Friday’s” will be held on the first and third Fridays of each month. For more information contact Derrick Cavazos, Coordinator for First Year Experience at derrick_cavazos@subr.edu.
CINDERELLA’S CLOSET
Miss SU and C.O.P.S are collecting donations of prom dresses, evening gowns, and shoes for the Miss Black Louisiana’s Dreams Do Come True Campaign. All sizes are acceptable and can be donated on the 2nd floor of the student union through March 20th.
WOHM’S BIBLE ENRICHMENT CLASS
SU’s Way of Holiness Ministries will be holding an Enrichment Bible Class on March 29th in Higgins Hall, Room 316 at 7p.m. The topic for the evening will be “Identifying Your Potential.” All are invited and encouraged to bring a friend.
SU AG CENTER CELEBRATES NATIONAL AGRICULTURE DAY
The Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center, along with JAGS in Ag, will celebrate their Annual National Ag Day on March 25. The celebration will begin on March 24th and end on March 26th.
GRAD PREP DAYS AT THE BOOKSTORE ORDER YOUR CAMP AND GOWN FOR SPRING COMMENCEMENT Students receiving their degrees during the Spring Commencement will be able to order their Cap and Gown, Invitations, Rings, Stoles, and Diploma Frames at the Southern University Bookstore March 25th & 26th from 10am- 4pm. * A $20 late fee will be applied to all orders beginning March 27th.
Faculty members participating in the Spring Commencement are also encouraged to order or rent their Regalia during the Graduation Preparation Day. For more information, call the SU Bookstore at (225) 771.4330 or join our event at FB/southernuniversitybookstore
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ISSN: 1540-7276. Copyright 2012 by The Southern University Office of Student Media Services. The Southern DIGEST is written, edited and published by members of the student body at Southern University and A&M College. 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 published twice-weekly (Tuesday & Thursday) with a run count of 5,000 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. 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. Southern University and A&M College at Baton Rouge is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, telephone (404) 679-4500, Website: www.sacscoc.org. MISSION STATEMENT The mission of Southern University and A&M College, an Historically Black, 1890 land-grant institution, is to provide opportunities for a diverse student population to achieve a highquality, global educational experience, to engage in scholarly, research, and creative activities, and to give meaningful public service to the community, the state, the nation, and the world so that Southern University graduates are competent, informed, and productive citizens. Website: www. subr.edu.
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F.Y.E.
The First Year Experience Program will host “First Year Friday’s.” This forum is mandatory for all Freshman and will be held on the first and third Friday’s of each month. “First Year Fridays” will begin on March 21
Kayak Fishing Clinic
Louisiana Louisiana has has the the second second largest largest number number of of kayak kayak fishermen fishermen in in the the United United States. States. Become Become one one of of them them by by receiving receiving expert expert instruction instruction and and tips tips from from members members of of the the Hobie Hobie Fishing Fishing Team. Team. Also Also take take aa spin spin in in one of The Backpacker’s state-ofone of The Backpacker’s state-ofthe-art the-art Hobie Hobie Fishing Fishing Kayaks! Kayaks!
Greenwood Community Park April 6 from 1–3 p.m. Ages: 8 and older $5 per person For more information or to register, call 225-272-9200, ext. 435 or email outdooradventure@brec.org.
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US rejects crimea vote, warns Russia on new moves MATTHEW LEE in a statement. Even before official results AP DIPLOMATIC WRITER of the referendum were announced, the White House President Barack Obama told denounced the vote, saying “no Russian President Vladimir decisions should be made about Putin on Sunday that Crimea’s the future of Ukraine without vote to secede from Ukraine the Ukrainian government” and and join Russia “would never noting that Russiahad rejected be recognized” by the United the deployment of international States, as he and other top U.S. monitors in Crimea to ensure officials warned Moscow against the rights of ethnic Russians making further military moves there were protected. toward southern and eastern “Russia has spurned those Ukraine. calls as well as outreach from The two leaders spoke after the Ukrainian government and residents in Crimea voted instead has escalated its military overwhelmingly in favor of intervention into Crimea and the split in a referendum that initiated threatening military the United States, European exercises on Ukraine’s eastern Union and others say violates border,” the White House said, the Ukrainian constitution and calling those actions “dangerous international law and took place and destabilizing,” in the strategic peninsula under But with no military response duress of Russian military envisioned, and with U.S. intervention. Putin maintained and EU sanctions apparently that the vote was legal and foregone conclusions, the consistent with the right of self- Obama administration slightly determination, according to the shifted its focus to keeping Kremlin. But the White House Russia from encroachment into said Obama reminded Putin Ukraine beyond Crimea, where that the U.S. and its allies in it has a large naval base. Europe would impose sanctions U.S. officials warned that against Russia should it annex any Russia moves on east and Crimea. U.S. and EU sanctions south Ukraine would be a grave are expected to be announced escalation requiring additional Monday. responses. In the call, which came In a call with Russian Foreign amid a heightened exchange Minister Sergey Lavrov, of decidedly Cold War-style Secretary of State John Kerry rhetoric between East and West, expressed “strong concerns” Obama urged Putin to pursue about Russian military activities a diplomatic de-escalation of in the southern Ukrainian the crisis, support the Ukraine region of Kherson, where government’s plans for political Russian troops appeared reform, return its troops in Saturday, and about “continuing Crimea to their bases, and provocations” in cities in east halt advances into Ukrainian Ukraine, the State Department territory and military build-ups said. along Ukraine’s borders. Kerry “made clear that this Obama told Putin that “a crisis can only be resolved diplomatic resolution cannot be politically and that as Ukrainians achieved while Russian military take the necessary political forces continue their incursions measures going forward, into Ukrainian territory and Russia must reciprocate by that the large-scale Russian pulling forces back to base military exercises on Ukraine’s and addressing the tensions borders only exacerbate the and concerns about military tension,” the White House said engagement,” it said.
(AP Photo/ Pablo Martinez Monsivais) President Barack Obama speaks about Ukraine, Monday, March 17, 2014, in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House in Washington. The president imposed sanctions against Russian officials, including advisers to President Vladimir Putin, for their support of Crimea’s vote to secede from Ukraine.
(AP Photo/Sergei Grits) Ukrainian soldiers man a check point in the village of Strilkove, Ukraine, Sunday, March 16, 2014. Russia raised the stakes Saturday when its forces, backed by helicopter gunships and armored vehicles, took control of the Ukrainian village of Strilkove and a key natural gas distribution plant nearby— the first Russian military move into Ukraine beyond the Crimean peninsula of 2 million people. The Russian forces later returned the village but kept control of the gas plant.
He also urged Russia “to support efforts by Ukrainians across the spectrum to address power sharing and decentralization through a constitutional reform process that is broadly inclusive and protects the rights
of minorities,” including ethnic Russians, Russian speakers and others in the former Soviet republic whom Russia says it is concerned about, the department said.
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Fashion Script:
“Misses Me Too” Online Boutiques Sage Edgerson STAFF FASHION WRITER
What exactly are “Misses Me Too” online boutiques you ask? Well, in the later months of 2013, the newest fashion trends in urban wear were online or social network shops or “boutiques” that sold the latest treads in faux leather, spandex and mesh club wear. At first there were a few that sold (to what you believed) exclusive items that you wouldn’t find in any mall or store, but in the blink of an eye there were dozens more selling similar or even the same items you thought that only you knew about. Those are what I call the “Misses Me Too” boutiques, where you can view about three Instagram accounts (with more rapidly being created) with the same inventory. Prices were the same but the quality didn’t match the pricing. You pay for exclusiveness and trendiness, but lack quality or “one of a kind” items. You buy these items expecting that you won’t see the next person wearing them at an event but in turn, you see about 5 girls wearing the same style dress, maybe even the same design or color. I believe these shops happened because of the demand of celebrity styles that have been immensely watered down. Not to knock anybody’s hustle, but the key to a successful boutique is to truly be one of a kind, not one out of a million. The key to great style is to be one in a million and not one in the same. Stay Fashion Forward! Xo
Courtney Jacobs A&E EDITOR
What do we actually know about St Patrick’s Day? The holiday is known for parades, beer, and turning rivers green, but the holiday has a long history that’s mellower than we actually know. St. Patrick was born around 387 C.E. in Scotland, and turn to God once he was kidnapped by slave traders and brought to Ireland to be a shepherd. He joined priesthood after his escape at the age of twenty, and eventually became a bishop. St. Patrick is more known for the task of bringing Christianity to Ireland; a task in which he was extremely successful. There’s a lot more to the holiday than people know, and it just way be true that we have been living a lie. The holiday itself really has
nothing to do with the actual Irish heritage. As means of celebration, St. Patrick parades are commonly held in many cities, and some Catholics celebrate by going to mass. According to the Huffington Post, here are some facts about St. Patrick’s Day that kind of suck. As we’ve learned earlier, St. Patrick wasn’t Irish. He was actually sainted for bringing Christianity to Ireland. Many people think that St. Patrick’s say was invented in Ireland, but it was in fact invented in America. The first St. Patrick’s Day celebrations began in the 18th century in American cities with large Irish immigrant populations. St. Patrick’s Day originated as a Roman Catholic holiday
recognizing St. Patrick, and was brought to America by Irish immigrants as a way of affirming their identity. Since then, it has been adopted by Americans of all backgrounds. We typically associate the holiday with drinking. Loads of drinking. Also, being Irish. Ironically, there are more Irish people living in the United States than in Ireland itself. While the population there is about 4.2 million there are around 34 million people of Irish descent living in America. While there would be many people covered head to toe in every shade of green that exists, St. Patrick’s color is actually blue. Hold off on the green face paint this year ladies and gentlemen. Still, green is for Emerald Isle and is a symbol of Catholic
Ireland. The shamrock is associated with St. Patrick, as he used the three-leafed clover as a way of
explaining the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. However, the shamrock isn’t the symbol of Ireland. It is the harp, the magical orchestral instrument that only magical people know how to operate. While there are some truths to the holiday, it is important for people to really look up the facts instead of always going with the flow.
ALBUM OF THE WEEK < Enrique Iglesias – “Sex and Love”> On his first album in four years, the Spanish singer and songwriter walks the line between dance club groovers and ballads..
-Thom Jurek, courtesy of ALLMUSIC
MOVIE OF THE WEEK < Divergent > Release Date: March 21st, 2014 A thrilling action-adventure film set in a world where people are divided into distinct factions based on human virtues. Tris Prior (Shailene Woodley) is warned she is Divergent and will never fit into any one group. When she discovers a conspiracy by a faction leader (Kate Winslet) to destroy all Divergents, Tris must learn to trust in the mysterious Four, and together they must find out what makes being Divergent so dangerous before it’s too late. Based on the best-selling book series by Veronica Roth.
- Courtesy of Movie Web
ORGANIZATION OF THE WEEK < Men’s Federation > Southern university’s Men’s Federation has been serving as the governing organization for male students over 60 years. The organization has a driven goal to strengthen, inspire and unify the male students on campus, with hopes of challenging individuals in and outside of the classroom. Currently the Men’s Federation is under the rule of Senior, criminal justice major Stephan Loston of New Iberia, Louisiana.
Submit your “WEEKLY PICKS” and they could be featured in a Tuesday’s Issue of DIGEST. Send entries to southerndigest@gmail.com
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Student Art Exhibit Highlights Centennial Courtney Jacobs STAFF WRITER Southern University’s art students showcased their talent at the Annual Arts exhibit on Monday, March 10, which coincided with the celebration of Founder’s Day. According to the SUBR webpage, even though the exhibition is usually held in April, the students and staff felt that having it on the 134th Founders’ Day would reach more persons and attract students, faculty, and alumni presence to campus. Several pieces of art at the exhibition honored the university’s Centennial Celebration, and graduate students from the Fall 2013 semester who displayed their art pieces. In an article on the SUBR webpage, students making their art exhibition debut said that the department has been crucial to their development. The driving force behind the art exhibition for a majority of students is the realization that the visual arts major degree is being phased out. Instead, students will be able to minor in the visual arts. Taikian Brooks, a graduating senior architecture major, expressed how visual arts helped him as a guide in other various subjects. “The art exhibition meant a whole lot, because it teaches people to use more color in their life,” said Brooks. “This exhibit is making history. It’s the last opportunity to show the world our talent here at Southern University.” Amber Brown, a 21 year old junior music education major from Monroe, Louisiana, appreciated the exhibit at its highest. “So far everything I’ve seen has been very powerful,” said Brown. “It’s amazing. You can tell what type of
Courtney Jacobs/DIGEST Southern University student Amber Brown, along with other students, admire the central painting of the Centennial done by Jessica Keyes at the student art exhibition in Frank Hayden hall.
Courtney Jacobs/DIGEST Visual Arts professor Randell Henry admires one of his students work, titled “AlKtheMiST” by junior Visual Arts major Sakawa Baylor.
person they are by what they’ve done.” Brown says she tries to look at art in such a way so she can tell what kind of person they are so she can better understand the message that the artists is trying to portray. “A lot of things look good but it doesn’t have meaning. Everything I’ve looked at looks good and definitely has a meaning to it,” said Brown. It was Brown’s first time coming to an art exhibit, and she says it was more than she thought it would be, actually even better. “One of the missions of the university is culture, and we are making the cultural contribution not only to the university’s campus, but also to the city. It’s essential that we have this.” said Associate Professor and Gallery Director Robert Cox. Cox also invited student artists to present their art that includes music, poetry, and spoken word. “My students always display exceptional work. I’m very proud of my students,” said Cox. Artists will continue highlight a number of works including drawings, paintings, printmaking, computer graphics, sculptures, and ceramics. The exhibit was held in the Visual Arts Gallery of Frank Hayden Hall, and will continue through May 1. It will be closed April 14 through 20,2014 for spring break.
Astavven Cotton/DIGEST Miss Freshman Sarah Thanni stands with her newly crowned Mr. Freshman, Charles Baker, and the other contestants of the Mr. Freshman pagaent.
SU’s Miss Freshman finally has a king Quinetta Ardoin Student Programs, created an the contestants were down for the STAFF WRITER atmosphere that was soft and challenge.
As the Jaguar Basketball Team hit the court preparing for their game with the Prairie View Panthers, something else quite magical was stirring in the Union Ballroom. 7:00p.m. on March 6, 2014 Freshman Class President Deona Zachary fiercely scurried around piecing the last bits of the pageant for the night would end the search for Mr. Freshman. Jonas Vanderbilt, Director of
romantic along with the masquerade theme. Some would say he was the decorator of the year; someone give this guy a medal! The Freshman Class Royal Court fades in, dressed in blacks and blues, with bowties and heels to the roof. “Our Miss Freshman needs her King” they confirm. Introductions, swimsuits, talents, and brain teasers were at the heart of the decision. With their queen and their potential new status in mind,
Each and every last guy brought their A Game; this would not be an easy battle. Justin Bieber’s hit song “All That Matters” filled the ears of the audience while oiled muscles filled their eyes. Strutting to the musical drums, one by one the kingly competitors made sure every soul was captured. A confident air shadowed every step they took; all shirts were off. If you have been an attendee to a Southern University Pageant you
know that the “brief intermissions” that everyone usually dreads, are innovatively the cues to our party; they are part of the reason our pageants are always a huge hit. Greeks demand the floor, strolling and representing their families with their fascinating, unique, and unharmed styles and steps. Audience members smoothly make way while indulging in their favorite dance moves, no matter who may be watching. FRESHMAN KING Continued P6.
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Judge orders Chris Brown to remain in jail Anthony Mccartney AP ENTERTAINMENT WRITER Chris Brown will spend another month in jail after a judge said Monday he was told the singer made troubling comments in rehab about being good at using guns and knives. Brown, 24, was arrested on Friday after he was dismissed from a Malibu facility where he was receiving treatment for anger management, substance abuse and issues related to bipolar disorder. Superior Court Judge James R. Brandlin said rehab officials reported to him that Brown said during a group session: “’I am good at using guns and knives.’” His comment was in response to an exercise in which Brown was asked to reflect on things he was good or excelled at. The facility cited three other violations of its rules, claiming Brown refused to take a drug test, made a statement that alarmed rehab officials, and was seen touching the elbow of a female client. His attorney Mark Geragos said the comment Brown made that prompted concern was, “’I’m going to ask my higher power to take away my troubles.’” An incident report by the facility states Brown laughed and rolled his eyes when he made the comment. Geragos said that despite initially resisting the drug test, his client eventually took it and passed. Brandlin rejected a request by Geragos that the Grammy-winning Brown be released into a different rehab program. He ordered Brown to remain in jail until a probation violation hearing scheduled for April 23. The singer has been under court supervision since pleading guilty to the felony assault of his then-girlfriend Rihanna in an attack hours before the 2009 Grammy Awards.
Brown appeared in court wearing an orange jail jumpsuit, a sharp contrast from the suits and designer jeans he has worn for other court hearings. Geragos had requested that Brown be allowed to change into a suit, but Brandlin refused. The singer’s mother was crying as she left the courtroom. The defense attorney argued unsuccessfully that keeping Brown in custody would be a waste of law enforcement and court resources and could create problems for the singer’s upcoming trial in Washington, D.C., on a misdemeanor assault charge. Geragos said that trial is scheduled for April 17 but there was no way the singer could attend it if he was sitting in a Los Angeles jail. Brandlin ordered Geragos and a prosecutor to look into options that would allow Brown to attend the trial before the probation violation hearing was held in Los Angeles. The judge did not indicate any potential penalties he was considering if Brown is found to have violated his probation. Geragos said the ruling to keep Brown in jail would likely force him to file an appellate court motion for the release of the singer. After the hearing, he described Brown as having a bad day at the treatment facility. “You know — do you have a bad day? I have bad days sometimes,” Geragos said outside the courthouse. “Do you say things you’d like to take back? I certainly do. So I don’t know that being in a therapeutic session and you’re talking about your reflections and you say one sentence means you go to jail? Seems to me to be counterproductive to therapy.”
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FRESHMAN KING From P5.
Photographers prance around in search of the perfect location to capture the experience while the few, who are left sitting, enjoy the view and the laughs shared with friends; no one is left unsatisfied. After the brief, 10 minute party sessions, the show is back on. The introductions and swimsuits have led us to the jaw dropping portion of the night: the talent section. Now originally, at the beginning of the show, everyone thought there were only contestants present, you know the usual contestants, turned out we were in the mist of drum majors, ballerinas, rap stars, guitarists, poets, singers, and hip-hop dancers. It was a sight to see; a major switch in expectation for anyone who thought they had the show figured out. Freshman Corinne Vaughn, a political science major, later shocked the crowd with her spectacularly written poem “Momentarily Mine.” Vaughn’s poem emerged the importance of women and pointed out just how special we all are, in case we hadn’t realized it ourselves. The poem moved the entire audience, some more than
others, Vaughn states, “Family, God, and struggle are of my biggest inspirations.” The contest concluded with the questions portion, each player was given one question in which to answer in the best of his ability, all the while by being graded by our wonderful judge panel. “Some of the guys could’ve kept their shirts on” audience member Brittany Thomas joked while waiting for the announcement of the winning contestant. “Tonight presented a great show: well-planned and competitive” added Junior Class President Nick Harris. “I’m very proud of all the freshman participants,” Harris finished just in time for the declaration. At the end of the night Sarah Thanni the reigning Miss Freshman, was able to breathe out a sigh of relief as she crowned the winner of the pageant, her king, Charles Baker. The two will continue to reign for the remainder of the semester and until a new Miss and Mr. Freshman is elected; they plan to set the best examples and represent our beloved University as well as we could hope while in office.
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T H E S O U T H E R N D I G E S T // T U E S DAY, M A R C H 1 8 , 2 0 1 4
Mason’s Lofty Ideas and Policies: Not Good for Southern
Question of the Day How you do think your mid-term examinations are going?
CORRINE VAUGHN POLITICAL SCIENCE FRESHMAN STOCKON, CA “Exams, for me, are going extremely well. Beginning my day with prayer and meditation and ending my day the same has proven to be very beneficial. Keep your mind on Christ and everything else will fall in line.”
JEREMY NETTLES EDUCATION FRESHMAN NEW ORLEANS “Exams are going well. I wish some of them could’ve gone better, but I feel midterms are just an indication of your performance in a certain course. After, I know which class to improve in and hopefully finals will be much better.”
DIAMOND BRIGHT MASS COMM. SOPHOMORE EDGARD “It is very stressful.”
CAESAR SMITH, JR. STAFF WRITER In the past few weeks I’ve thought about dissolving our Board of Supervisors. The Southern University System Office is a leech to the Baton Rouge Campus. Taking funds from Bayou Classic revenue, funds that are needed in athletics and on the Baton Rouge campus, instead, it provides funding for many of the lofty positions initiated by Ronald Mason. We do not need to get rid of OUR Board and System; we just need the right people in those positions. System President, Ronald Mason runs the Bayou Classic, yet the system does not have a football team nor band, but those funds are disbursed at their discretion. Mason pays for office staff by taking money from each campus in what some call “pool cost” and campuses cannot accurately state the figures because Mason is currently in charge of ALL finances. The Legislature does not fund all of the positions at the Board and System level. Brilliantly this so-called transformation was authored and introduced to the Board of Supervisors and they bought the idea without thinking of the consequences. Mason bamboozled the board into centralizing all these
functions, and in time, will ultimately jeopardize the Board and System. Dr. Leon Tarver can be credited with strengthening the System with five campuses by making the Agriculture Center and Law Center independent campuses. Mason comes along and realizes he has a limited position and appointments as System President, so ways are devised to put his cronies from all across the country into several positions, suddenly he rings the bell, sounding an alarm to make it seem as if the sky was falling; cleverly he includes age old issues that he has yet to resolve since he has been president, and packaged that as a “Transformation.” Anyone who can read would know that plan is not in the best interest for the Southern University System. He who controls the money, controls all. Many believe he tried that foolishness with Jackson State, Alcorn and Mississippi Valley, even the people of Mississippi saw through it. However, our board bought it as creative, fresh, and innovative. It is not new and has not served us well. It is not in the best interest of Southern and has also turned into a money pit. It produces absolutely nothing for the system and further drains funds from the campus and is severely overpriced. So far President Mason’s policies and visions have not served our university well, but we are stuck with him until the end of his contract. What needs to be dismantled is this mess he has created for the system, and especially the drain placed on the Baton Rouge campus by using Bayou Classic funds, and possibly other funds to support those in lofty positions
who seem not to be fixing the problems he has so proudly recognized. Many have said Mason was a great fundraiser when he was voted into office; the funds have not actually come pouring in. James Llorens, the man the Baton Rouge campus needs, personally donated $10,000 to help fund a scholarship and one donor in particular freely gave $50,000, but they sit in those chairs ignoring the plea of students, alumni, faculty and staff begging for Llorens to receive a contract extension. There will be no stability with a new Chancellor, hopefully there will be a new President in 2016, and hopefully the Board of Supervisors can undo these central positions in the system office and redirect Bayou Classic funding as soon as Ronald Mason is sent to head for the hills. That is MY hope, but I told Ronald Mason, “I was not a friend if he did not mean or do right by Southern.” It looks as if the board was being tricked into plundering our university, appearing as if they are unable to use sound judgment or sit on their behinds unable to move, as if they have rocks in the seats of their pants. I remember being introduced formally as the nephew of Donald C. Wade; the first thing he said was, “I don’t believe your uncle liked me.” My answer was, “No he didn’t.” It is not that Ronald Mason is a bad person, he is just not right for Southern University. He has helped and done everything I have asked of him, he is a wonderful person. I like him, but Ronald Mason is exactly what Donald C. Wade, Dr. Raymond Lockett and Johnny G. Anderson said he was, “Not good for Southern.”
Disclaimer: The views and opinions in this column are not directly those of the other Staff and Administration of The Office of Student Media, it is the sole opinion of the writer.
RON ROBINSON MECHANICAL ENGINEERING FRESHMAN MELVILLE “They are off beat a little to what was taught to us but other than they’re good.”
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T H E S O U T H E R N D I G E S T // T U E S D A Y , M A R C H 1 8 , 2 0 1 4
Get it Done
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