November, 2015 print issue

Page 1

“Young Frankenstein” Page 8

Pensacola State College

“The News The Students Choose.”

November / December 2015

Public Safety Department provides safety training for faculty and staff English department faculty members learn emergency procedures

Peggy Smith supervises as faculty member Paula Ingram demonstrates the proper way to break a window in case of emergency. PHOTO BY TRACEY SQUAIRE

By Tracey Squaire and Jennifer Tonnaer

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magine that it’s just another day. Another day in class, another day of listening to a lecture that may or may not be interesting, and another day of sitting among familiar faces. It’s just another day and, same as most, it’s habitual and easy. But that can all change in a matter of seconds. An atmosphere of peace can easily change to chaos, and all it takes is a catastrophe. Whether it’s the spread of a raging fire or the exploding cracks of gun shots echoing down the hall—it takes only a minute for everything to change. Though it’s a frightening thought, having to deal with an emergency situation on campus is unfortunately a very real possibility. In a life or death situation, every second counts. Any person would like to think that they would make the right decisions in a disastrous situation, but the truth is that in the heat of the moment, panic is the first reaction for many people.

During an emergency, students may find themselves feeling panicked and afraid, and they will most likely look towards the school’s faculty and staff for guidance and safety. The Pensacola State College administration understands that preparation is key in case of immediate danger, and they are taking charge to make sure that PSC faculty and staff are ready to deal with any threats to their students. Hank Shirah, director of PSC’s Public Safety department, said: “The instructors are really the leaders in a class room. We are going to show them how to mitigate a situation … When catastrophe happens, there’s sensory overload because of the stress. That’s not the time to plan; it needs to be planned before.” According to Shirah, the hot-button issue right now is active shooters. In later training sessions, they will address plane crashes and other things, but right now they are dealing with empowering the employees. “It doesn’t have to be a shooter on the campus,

it can be anything,” said Peggy Smith, Assistant Director of Public Safety. On October 23, PSC faculty from the English Department were educated about what to do if they were faced with an active shooter, and learned how to work together to take one down. The staff also learned how to utilize common classroom items in order to attack or escape a dangerous environment. Smith introduced the idea of “Run, Hide, Fight,” which are the choices a person in danger must consider in order to stay alive. The very first option you should consider is to run if there is an opportunity, and you should prepare in advance and learn the evacuation route of any building you enter so that you know where to go that is safe. You should also know to leave unneeded material items behind so you are not slowed down. Once you are safe, alert the authorities. If running is not an option, then the next option is to hide. You should try and get into a secluded area and lock yourself into a room. It is important to turn off the lights, turn cell phones on silent, cover any windows that are on the door and barricade the room’s entrance. If you are with another person and that person is panicking, then it is important for someone to take charge and try and calm them down. You should be prepared for confrontation, just in case, but otherwise it’s essential that you stay quiet and away from the door. Continued on Page 3

PSC Alert is a free messaging system that will send an alert on cell phones and school computers in case of an emergency. To sign up for the PSC Alert system, visit http://www.pensacolastate.edu/pscalert/.


Columns

You can make a difference: Volunteer in your community American Red Cross supporting community safety and disaster relief By Brad Andrews

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ew Non-Governmental Organizations have reached the prolific status of the American Red Cross. The American Red Cross (ARC) is famous for providing medical and humanitarian aid around the world. The Northwest Florida chapter of the ARC provides coverage for Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Walton counties. The chapter has locations in Pensacola, Milton, Eglin Air Force Base and Defuniak Springs. ARC provides a wide range of services to these communities. Some of the most visible sets of services are disaster relief, health and safety training and blood and blood product donation collection. ARC can not do any of the great feats it performs without the help of hundreds of thousands of volunteers.

Volunteers can help not only their local community but also participate in projects and relief efforts around the world. Opportunities exist in the areas of volunteer management, communications, training, donor outreach, social media, and much more. Disaster can strike at anytime, which is why the ARC is available around the clock to provide aid to victims of catastrophe. The ARC’s disaster relief efforts center around Disaster Action Teams. These teams of trained volunteers respond to disasters and provide free emergency food, clothing and shelter assistance to disaster victims. While in the Northwest Florida region people tend to associate disasters with hurricanes, flood and fire response is the bread and butter of the regional Disaster Response Teams. Local teams respond to an average of two fires a day across the region. The American Red Cross’s Health and Safety program focuses on providing laypersons with basic first aid training so that in an emergency they will be able to provide potentially lifesaving aid to the injured until professional help arrives. Popular training subjects include first aid, CPR,

Automated External Defibrillator (AED) use, aquatic safety and life-guarding, disaster preparedness and basic home safety. The ARC also sells disaster preparedness supplies and first aid kits for home use. Blood donation is one of the pillars of the American Red Cross’s community service program. The ARC provides more than 65% of the donated blood collected in the United States to hospitals. Without this supply of donated blood, the nation’s hospitals’ ability to provide not only emergency surgical care but also routine surgical care would be greatly diminished. The Northwest Florida chapter routinely organized blood drives in its communities to help support not only local hospitals but also hospitals across the country. In addition to being a leading supplier of blood and blood products, the ARC also performs valuable clinical research in the field of red blood cells and platelets. People interested in supporting their local Northwest Florida communities and others in need can contact the Northwest Florida Chapter of the American Red Cross at 850-432-7601 or visit them at their website http://www.redcross.org/fl/pensacola.

Healthy, happy students: Tips on staying healthy Ways to stay jolly and healthy during the holiday season By Rebecca Smith

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t’s getting to that time of the year when the air smells of tempting foods like cake, pies and turkey with stuffing. Starbucks is asking, “Hey, want a festive holiday drink to go with that festive holiday feeling you have in your merry soul right now?” We respond with an “Of course!” 500 calories later we realize that giving into our sweet tooth wasn’t the smartest plan. We justify eating more than we should by wearing sweaters that will hide those few extra pounds until we sweat it all off before beach season, which is already right around the corner for Floridians. There are smarter and healthier choices that can be made while still enjoying the holiday season. If we can limit ourselves just a tad during these next couple of months, then we will have to

work much less to look the way we want for the summer, not to mention we will feel better too. I have five tips to share with you that will ensure a healthier holiday season. First: Keep moving. It can be tempting to plop down on the couch and watch football with the family, but if you exercise for at least 30 minutes a day you will be much healthier and feel more energized. Turn on some Christmas tunes and sweat it out, and I guarantee that your favorite pumpkin pie will taste so much sweeter. Second: Drink water. We have so many special drinks during this time of year, but opting for water instead of a pumpkin ale or pumpkin spice latte can save you 300+ calories and keep you feeling full longer. Think before you drink. Third: Portion control. Keep your eating habits under control. Everything is fine in moderation. Go ahead and indulge at your Christmas parties; just don’t over indulge. Your waistline will thank you. When possible try eating protein and vegetables before enjoying dessert. They will fill you up and keep you full so that you aren’t as susceptible to over-eating.

Fourth: Keep washing your hands. The most wonderful time of the year also happens to be the time of the year when germs are out to get us. Make sure to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with warm water and soap and carry around a natural hand sanitizer with you to use when soap and water is not available. Fifth: Sleep. People often underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep. According to WebMD, getting enough sleep is linked to better weight control, clearer thinking, better overall mood and a stronger immune system. Sixth: Stress Less. We can get so caught up in the family dynamics and sweater parties that the holidays can feel like one big responsibility. Stress can lead to a whole host of health problems so this Holiday season, make sure you are doing what you can to de-stress. Take time alone, read a good book, buy yourself flowers, drink calming tea, whatever makes you relax. Take time to give yourself a gift as well. Following these simple guidelines will help you to stay happy and healthy for the holidays and the new semester ahead. Happy Holidays everyone!


Feature

November / December 2015

English faculty and staff review emergency procedures (continued from page 1)

Faculty member Tamares Cockfield, demonstrates how to fend off an attacker with a fire extinguisher. PHOTO BY TRACEY SQUAIRE

If the attacker makes their way to where you are hiding and there’s no avoiding confrontation, the last option is to fight. Confronting an attacker directly should be a last resort. You should try to utilize any items available to you that could be used as a weapon. If confronted by an attacker while in a group, your group should attack together while making as much noise as possible in order to confuse or fluster the assailant. The attacker might not know who to shoot

and that short time span will present the opportunity to take the attacker down. Shirah said, “A couple of seconds can be the difference in people getting killed.” These procedures described above are following the “Run, Hide, Fight” plan that students and faculty should keep in mind when a crisis is at hand and authorities are not an immediate option. The English Department faculty members were then given hands-on training for dealing with emergency situations by learning how to utilize items found in their classrooms, such as a fire extinguisher. It was explained that, when escaping through a window, a person can use a fire extinguisher to break the glass and scrape away excess shards in order to ensure a safe escape. A fire extinguisher can also be used to blind an attacker, allowing time for the victim to escape. The fire extinguisher spray may also be used to create a haze of cover, giving the victim the opportunity to escape in the chemical veil. For more information on safety procedures or safety training contact Hank Shirah, Chief of Police and Public Safety at 484-2500.

Chief of Police and Public Safety Hank Shirah. PHOTO BY TRACEY SQUAIRE

Should concealed firearms be allowed on college campuses? Students share their thoughts about concealed firearms on campus By Tracey Squaire

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here are many people who think that our country needs to do a better job of dealing with gun control. To them, news like Florida’s legislation considering a legislature that will allow students to carry concealed weapons on college campuses is very frightening. Gun control and the right to bears arms are very touchy topics that many people have strong opinions on. According to a poll conducted by the National Rifle Association (NRA), between 30% and 34% of the adult population in America own a gun. Of that number, 67% say they bought the gun for protection against crime. For those people who legally own a gun, protection seems to be their number one reason for owning a firearm. Many of those who legally own a gun take a gun safety course to better learn how to use their weapon in a safe manner. However, that is not always enough to comfort people who support stronger gun control laws. Some people feel unsafe and threatened knowing that those around them might be carrying a deadly weapon, while they are unarmed and basically defenseless. PSC students have opinions on both sides of the issue. Student Tifani Nikol Garner feels that no matter what laws are passed, people who want violence will always find a way to make some. “It doesn’t matter how you do it, you can set up laws

or whatever you want. If people want to hurt people, they’re going to do it. It doesn’t matter if you make it illegal or not. It doesn’t matter how many laws you put into place or if you tell them not to do it, they’re going to do what they want to do. They’re going to find ways around it. Personally, if I had a permit to carry a concealed weapon and I chose to bring one on campus, it would make me feel safer walking around late at night.” Student Blade Handler supports the idea of allowing guns on campus as well. “I feel like allowing concealed carry on campuses is a constitutional right that has been denied to American citizens illegally. I believe that I have the right to defend myself in the event of a disaster. It is a farce to think that a college campus is safe. The doors on our classrooms are not even allowed to lock due to fire code. Mace and tasers are also forbidden. Students are being illegally forbidden their constitutional right, plain and simple.” Student Victor Keyes does not share Handler’s view on firearms. “I would prefer no guns on a college campus, because if you have random people carrying guns how do you know what their intention is? How do you know if they’re carrying it legally? It’s hard to tell who the good guys and bad guys are when you have a dangerous

situation like that. If you say no completely, no outright, then it would be unusual to see someone carrying a gun and it would be a red flag. I mean, I don’t want to get comfortable seeing people carrying around a gun.” Student Jesse Reitz feels that while allowing firearms on campus would be frightening, it would all be for the greater good of the PSC staff, faculty and students. “If we have guns on campus, the first few days are going to be terrifying. Most of the students are not going to be happy about it because when you’re at a school, you want to be safe. You don’t want to have weapons of destruction or anything like that near you. But I think that as long as someone has a concealed weapons permit it’s fine, because it would prevent more school shootings than it would cause...what idiot [would] walk up to a teacher with a gun when there are six other guns in the classroom ready to fire?” All in all, gun control remains a sensitive and hotly debated topic. On one side there are people who believe it is their constitutional right to be allowed to carry guns. On the other side, there are people who are constantly barraged with news of tragic shootings that only serves to instill the fear into them that maybe they, or someone they know, will be the next victim of gun violence. What is your stance on this issue? Feel free to let us know by sending us an email at corsair@pensacolastate.edu 3


Feature

Math and writing labs offer students help on all campuses By Victoria Palasciano

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any students struggle with reading, writing or math, and Pensacola State College wants to help them improve. Writing Labs and Math Labs are offered on all three PSC campuses and on the South Santa Rosa center to help students enhance their literary and mathematic skills. In all of the labs there are friendly faces waiting to help students achieve greatness in their classes. Jessica Mills, the director of the Writing Lab on the Pensacola PSC campus, wants students to know that their writing skills will not be judged when they come and ask for help. “The reason we exist is to help, so there is no judgment here if you are struggling,” Millis said. Millis, who has a master’s degree in English, not

only runs the reading and writing lab but also works as an adjunct instructor in the English department. Millis enjoys helping students, and her favorite moments occur when she is “helping students who don’t think they can be good writers [and they] realize that they can do it.” PSC student Tim Lippit has been working in the Pensacola campus’s Math Lab for two semesters. Lippit enjoys “being able to help people.” “There’s that moment when someone finally understands what’s going on and that’s satisfying,” Lippit said. Students may feel hesitant to bring a mediocre essay or a complicated math problem to the Labs and ask for help, but Lippit wants students to know that everyone who works in the Labs is there to lend a helping hand.

Math and Writing Lab Information Math Labs:

Writing Labs:

Pensacola Campus: Bldg. 1/Rm. 102 (850)484-2003 Monday-Thursday: 8am-6pm Friday: 8am-2pm Saturday: Closed Sunday: Noon-6pm

Pensacola Campus: Bldg. 1/Rm. 106 (850)484-1451 Monday-Thursday: 7:30am - 7pm Friday: 7:30am - 2pm Saturday: CLOSED Sunday: Noon - 6pm

Milton Campus: Bldg. 4200/Rm. 4246 (850)484-4403 Monday and Wednesday: 8am– 4:30pm Tuesday and Thursday: 8am-11:30pm / 2pm-6:30pm Friday: 8am- 2pm Saturday and Sunday: Closed

Milton Campus: Bldg. 4200/Rm. 4246 (850)484-4403 Monday, Tuesday and Thursday: 7:30am - 4pm Wednesday and Friday-Sunday: Closed

Warrington Campus: Bldg. 3100/Rm. 3142-D (850)484-2378 Monday and Wednesday: 9:30am – 1pm Tuesday: 9:30am – 1pm / 1:30pm – 6pm Thursday-Sunday: Closed South Santa Rosa Center: Room 5130A (850)475-4851 Monday and Wednesday: 11:30am - 12:30pm / 1:45pm - 2:45pm Tuesday and Thursday: 9:30am - 10:30am Friday-Sunday: Closed

Warrington Campus: Bldg. 3100/Rm. 3142B (850)484-2351 Monday: 9am - 3pm Wednesday: 7:30am - 4pm Thursday: 8:30am - 4:30pm Tuesday and Friday-Sunday: Closed South Santa Rosa Center: Rm. 5130A (850)475-4851 Monday-Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 9am - 3pm Thursday-Sunday: Closed

“You bring your questions; we’ll bring some answers and we’ll figure out whatever you’ve got,” Lippit said. Typically, 20-30 students are helped daily in the Labs on the Pensacola PSC campus. Many of them are “regulars,” students who come back often looking for assistance and asking for advice. The busiest times for the Labs are around Midterms and Finals. “Any student is always welcome to [come] to the Lab when looking for help,” said Millis. “Struggling alone is a lot more difficult.” Richary Simpson, Math Lab tutor on the Pensacola PSC campus, summed it up nicely. “We go all out, all day; that’s what we do.” The phone numbers and building numbers for the Writing Labs and Math Labs on the three campuses and the SSR center are listed below.


Feature

November / December 2015

Professors and students provide finals week advice Tips on how to get through final exams with less stress By Paris Harman and Jennifer Tonnaer

review class material. Staying organized also helps you to provide students with specific study tips because each feel less stressed, and the result of that will most likely individual has a different mindset and a different way show up positively in your grades. of learning. Tip three-study whatever you got wrong on previous “The advice that I would give would be contingent quizzes and exams. Talk with your teachers during their upon what specific challenges [students] are facing in office hours and ask them for help with any particular their personal lives. And so it would be difficult to give subject matter or type of test questions that you struggle a blatant answer without really being in touch with with. If you ask for help with material that you do not what are the particular challenges of that individual. I understand, you can try and master it before it is time will tell you this, in my opinion, those students that you take your finals. don’t do well in my classes do not do poorly due to the Tip four-start a study group. If you are a people’s lack of analytic intelligence, but rather, for whatever person it can be very beneficial to have a study group reason, the inability to attend to the necessary studying where you and your peers meet outside of class to study outside of class that would be necessary to be successful class material together. Discussing the material out loud, in the class.” explaining it to others and hearing what others have to Dunn found that when he was a student staying say about it may help to further your understanding. on track and being involved are what helped him to ILLUSTRATION BY KATHERINE CHEN Your classmates might have some tips and advice do well. to help you understand whatever you are having “Keep up with things as the semester goes, do not tudy sessions, review guides, all-nighters-it’s that trouble with. put things off and have to crunch and cram right before time of year again. Final exams are just around the However, don’t fall into the trap of thinking that if the exam. Keep up with it, keep up with reading. I found corner. No need to stress, we’ve gathered some helpful you study once or twice a week with a study group that as well, for myself, that I seem to understand and retain tips to help you survive finals. is all of the studying you need to do for the week. You the information better when I was an active participant Tip one- is something that all of you most likely need to study before meeting up with your classmates. in the class—when I was sharing my thoughts and had know already-don’t cram. Make time to study every The point of a study group is to work with your classmates questions. Then, I could associate curriculum with day starting now, even if it is only for fifteen minutes. to better understand and memorizeNeed class material things that are going ontaking in my personal life, and that extrathat study time before exams? If you take the time to study for a set amount of time you already have a general idea about from class and was done through my participation in class.” The library is here toPierre helpKaufke with… every day, you will know your class material much from personal study time. advises that students PSC professor better than if you study until five in the morning the Tip five-try and study in a productive environment. take the time to do any homework that professors day before an exam. Procrastinating has never gotten A good idea is to study in a similar environment assign to them. anyone anywhere. To quote the author John Bytheway: that you’ll be testing in. Instead of studying at your “The number one study tip that I have for students “Inch by inch, life’s a cinch. Yard by yard life is hard.” apartment or house, try going to the library. Not only is to study. Do the exercises that the teacher asks you Tip two-stay organized. Keep a calendar, a schedule, can it help improve your concentration, but being in to do.” an agenda. Use any thing and any method that you a similar environment to your classroom as you study PSC students Heather Zokal and Sonny Shinn find helpful to assist you in keeping track of your could make it easier for you to remember the material shared their own tips for successfully completing finals. assignments, the material you need to learn and the once you are actually taking your exam. Also try and “Get a good sleep [before your finals] and have a distracted dates of your upcoming exams. When you are organized study somewhere where you will not be easily filling breakfast the day of your finals, ” said Zokal. The Pensacola campus library offers and know how much time you have to prepare for your and lose your train of thought. “Don’t stress during the final exam, if you’re relaxed hours during Final Exams Week finals, it is a lot easier to schedule days where you can PSC professor Richard Dunn feelsextended that it is difficult you will recall what you’ve learned,” said Shinn.

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Late Night Madness

for Pensacola State College students. After 8:30 p.m., the library will be closed to community patrons.

Need extra study time before taking exams? The library is here to help with…

Late Night Madness

Pensacola State student ID is required. Extended hours:

7:30 a.m.–10:30 p.m. Monday, November 30 –Thursday, December 3

1–7 p.m. Sunday, December 6

The Pensacola campus library offers extended hours during Final Exams Week for Pensacola State College students. After 8:30 p.m., the library will be closed to community patrons.

Pensacola State College does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, color, gender/sex, age, religion, marital status, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or genetic information in its educational programs, activities or employment. For inquiries regarding Title IX and the college’s nondiscrimination policies, contact the Associate Vice President for Institutional Diversity/Title IX Officer at 850-484-1759, Pensacola State College, 1000 College Blvd., Pensacola, Florida 32504.

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Feature

Brad Andrews pursues career satisfaction From office worker to metal worker

By Brad Andrews

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ike many students just graduating from high school, when I enrolled in college I selected a major and career path based upon secondhand information obtained from books and movies. After 10 years of “success” as a management consultant, analyst and project manager, I decided to chase my original dreams of being a maker of things, not a maker of spreadsheets and charts. The key to this transformation? Pensacola State College’s Mechanical Design and Fabrication program. The summer of 2015 I decided that I had had enough of working at jobs that did not bring me any personal satisfaction, so I began searching for a new career. I have always been interested in science and technology, and I grew up helping my father and grandfather build things. When I discovered PSC’s Mechanical Design and Fabrication program and spoke with the program’s director, Mike Cannon, I knew that I had found what I was looking for. The program consists of a core of Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining classes, with some additional classwork in welding, plasma cutting and 3D printing. Combined, the classes teach students how to design objects on a computer and then program robots to manufacture them. I was hooked from day one. Before I could program the machines to make things, I first had to learn how to draw them. The first class I took was Engineering Graphics. This class covers the fundamentals of 2D CAD

Chess set designed and made by Brad Andrews using CNC lathe and mill.

using the industry leading program AutoCAD. This class taught me how to make extremely precise drawings of mechanical objects. The class showed me that elegance, and even beauty,could be found in mechanical drawings. After learning how to draw on a computer, it was time to learn how to turn the virtual objects into physical objects. This fall I began taking the first two of four CNC classes that make up the program. Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines are computer controlled machine tools, or as I tell my family, robots that make things. An incredible range of the objects that we use in our daily lives are created by CNC machines. Everything from aircraft parts, to jewelry, to surfboards are made using this technology. The CNC machines are programed using a Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) program that can take drawings produced in a CAD program and, with input from the programer, create the machine code needed to give the robots the exact instructions needed to make objects with incredible accuracy. PSC’s CAM program of choice is Mastercam, which like the CAD programs it teaches, is an industry leader. Using AutoCAD and Mastercam, I was quickly able to transform ideas in my head into metal parts and works of art With the exception of a few projects, I would consider most of the assigned projects that I have created so far to be artsy. My house is currently decorated with an assortment of metal objects such as chess pieces, candle holders and even mixed media works that incorporate metal objects created in class with other materials created at home. These classes have unleashed my creative side in unimaginable ways. Perhaps the greatest benefit I have received from this program is that for the first time in a long time I am truly passionate about what I am doing. Lately I have found myself making sketches on restaurant napkins, browsing craft stores for raw materials and visiting art galleries to search for inspiration. I even occasionally find myself laying in bed at night working out how I can make a particular object. I never came even remotely close to this level of excitement and enjoyment when I was earning my bachelors degree in finance. Although I won’t be finished with my education until the end of the spring semester, I am very excited to be able to make a living doing something I truly enjoy. I would like to encourage readers to pursue a career in something they are passionate about. After all, a 40-50 year career is a long time to do something you do not enjoy.

Scan this code to view a video on the machining process used to create the queen chess piece.

Setting up the CNC lathe to manufacture a chess queen piece.

ALL PHOTOS BY BARA’AH JARAISEH


Feature

November / December 2015

Sculpting teacher encourages student creativity New art faculty: Jimmy Rhea

Students Amy Hines (left), and Andrew Willis (right).

By Akeem Campbell

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immy Rhea is Pensacola State College’s newest sculpting teacher. Rhea is from Hartford, Connecticut where he was an art teacher at the University of Hartford, the Hartford Art Show. He currently holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts’ (B.F.A.) in sculpting and ceramics and a Master’s in Fine Arts (M.F.A). Even though this is Rhea’s first semester at PSC, he already feels like he truly fits in with the environment of the campus. “It is a wonderful place. The people here are so very nice. I’m pretty happy right now,” Rhea said. “It’s been hot down here though. Because I’m from the northeast it is quite a temperature change,” he said with a laugh. Rhea hopes to get his students excited about the creative world of sculpting and that his teachings can also help his students become better people in life through the art. “Making art is an avenue to talk about many different things-culture, food, political things, personal things,

Virginia Burton models wax for the “Lost Wax” cast bronze process.

anything. Sculptures [are] an interesting art form because [they] can be made of anything that we use in our practical lives and commercial lives.” Volunteer assistant Virginia Branchcomb is a highly experienced artist who has been helping sculpture teachers at PSC for six years. She says that being around people is one of her reasons for working at PSC. “I love being up here. [The students] give me ideas and we help each other. I will see something they are doing and just make a comment or vice versa … I just like being with other people.” This semester the sculpting students learned about sculpting wood, sculpting metal and various techniques on casting. “If a student works hard enough they can always make money and a career in the arts, not only as an artist but also as a supplement to an artist like a studio assistant. They can also work at a foundry or own the foundry. They can make casting projects that are worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. They could also be a welder; some welders right now are making a six-figure salary. It can be a very lucrative trade,” said Rhea Rhea’s students have positive things to say about his teaching skills. “As far as I know [Professor Rhea] is newer, but from what I can tell, since he let me pick what I wanted for my project, so far I think he is pretty awesome,” said sculpting student Virginia Burton. The students in Rhea’s sculpture class have worked on an assemblage wood project. This project has helped the students to gain experience in measuring, chopping and sanding wood to make it form into whatever the sculptor wants to create. At the beginning of the semester, sculpting student Olevia Coleman, an Arts major, expressed hope that in this class she would be able to learn about the processes and techniques of sculpting. “I want to learn how to have an idea and be able to put it down on paper and make the steps to construct it without being lost.”

Teacher, Jimmy Rhea (middle) demonstrates blacksmiting.

Emalee Hudson, who is working on earning an A.A in Art, hoped to learn a lot about the different types of sculpting. “I would like to learn exactly what [Rhea] is doing, like pushing new materials. I want to learn how to weld, cast, bronze, fun things like that.” When it comes to the art of sculpting, the only limit is the imagination. Rhea’s Sculpture Art class is located at the Switzer Center for Visual Arts building 15 in room 1580.

Student Amy Hines uses the gas forge. “Irons in the fire.”

Students Olevia Coleman (left), and Colleen Manson (right) smithing.

ALL PHOTOS BY BARA’AH JARAISEH

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Feature

Performing Arts Department provides spooky Halloween PSC students recreate Mel Brook’s classic play

Branden Ellington talks to the villagers as Inspector Kemp. PHOTO BY MONICA WILSON

as Frankenstein’s monster. PHOTO BY MONIC Tyler Hamilton scares the villagers

By Katherine Chen, Tracey Squaire & Jennifer Tonnaer

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Justin Gaylard (Fredrick Frankenstein) prepares to be hanged as the villagers watch. PHOTO BY VICTORIA PALASCIANO

Tim Colee (Herald). PHOTO BY MONICA WILSON

The mad scientists with Justin Gaylard (Frederick Frankenstein) and Christopher Mandel (Victor). PHOTO BY MONICA WILSON

or two weekends in October the PSC Performing Arts department put on their production of the comedy musical “Young Frankenstein,” a show that was originally produced by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan. The director of this show, Dr. Rodney Whatley, was very excited to work on a Mel Brooks production. “Mel Brooks is hilariously funny, the guy that wrote the book [for the play]. He’s just one of the funniest guys on the planet.” Whatley chose to do a musical because: “It’s funnier, it’s more entertaining [than a play]; people like musicals a lot more than they like nonmusicals—especially Pensacola. I’m not sure why, but this place is crazier for musicals then any place I have ever lived.” “This is a very rich town for talent. More talented people per capita than probably anywhere else. It’s just incredible to work with, it’s very rewarding.” Libby Scott, the student choreographer, and Olivia Odom, the assistant director, enjoyed working with the cast as well. “We have so many talented students and they get to shine with these characters that you’ve never seen before,” said Scott. “I love[d] being able to work with the cast. Being an assistant-director is really fun to me because you get to do so many different things and work with so many different types of people,” said Odom. The cast had many singing numbers that included an extensive amount of choreography. One of the most notable scenes was a tap-dancing scene in act 2. “Only 2 out of the nine people knew how to tapdance when we started rehearsal,” said Whatley. “Now


November / December 2015

entertainment with production of “Young Frankenstein”

Justin Gaylard (Frederick Frankenstein) and Loren Stone (Igor). PHOTO BY MONICA WILSON

CA WILSON

everyone knows, and it’s awesome.” “It’s a lot for 30 people to do by themselves and then to put on a show with that,” said Scott. “It’s a lot to incorporate. The most difficult part [was] really putting it altogether.” Despite difficulties, those participating in the musical still found it enjoyable. “I just enjoy the show a lot, and I really wanted to be a dancer in the show,” said Ashley Bailey who played the role of male ensemble number 1. “[Dancing] is something I love doing and that I’m used to doing.” Jessica Carter, who played the role of female ensemble number 1, is very proud of the PSC Performing Arts Department. “We put on some great shows. When we do shows, they’re show that people can come see and take something out of it. Regardless of what it is, everyone can come and get something out of it.” The cast greatly enjoyed putting this show together and sharing a camaraderie with fellow cast members. “What I’ve enjoyed the most are all the new people I’ve met,” said Justin Gaylard, who played the role of Frederick Frankenstein. “I’m older than a lot of the people here so I [didn’t] know any of them. It’s been a lot of fun to build a relationship with them and their characters.” “We bring to life the bonds of our characters because of our friendship,” said Loren Stone, who played the role of Igor. “Seeing everything come together, that’s the best thing ever,” said Tyler Hamilton, who played the part of Frankenstein’s Monster. “When you start something from scratch and you see it all come together, that’s the best.”

Kendall Parrett (Inga), Justin Gaylard (Frederick Frankenstein), Tyler Hamilton (Frankenstein’s monster) and Lexi Cintron (Frau Blucher). PHOTO BY VICTORIA PALASCIANO

Justin Gaylard (Frederick Frankenstein), Kendall Parrett (Inga), Loren Stone (Igor) and Lexi Cintron (Frau Blucher). PHOTO BY MONICA WILSON

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Reviews

Movie Review: The Martian O

uter space has been in the headlines a lot recently. Amazing discoveries such as liquid water on Mars have spurned tremendous interest in science and space exploration. The film “The Martian” starring Matt Damon gives the public a dramatized glimpse of a possible future mission to the Red Planet and highlights the use of science and engineering to solve problems. The movie, based on Andy Weir’s novel of the same name, focuses on astronaut Mark Watney (Matt Damon), is mistakenly left for dead on Mars when his crew has to quickly abort their Mars exploration mission due to a powerful storm. The story highlights Watney’s use of science to not only survive, but to regain contact with NASA on Earth and to prepare for his eventual rescue. The Martian is a refreshingly “real” Mars exploration film. There are no monsters, fantasy, or gunfights in this film unlike many recent pictures that take place on the Red Planet. Instead it focuses on man’s ingenuity and will to survive in the face of near insurmountable obstacles. Problems are evaluated and solved using technically accurate scientific processes,

showing that Mars exploration is difficult and dangerous but very possible. In addition to the use of the scientific method, the film also shows that through teamwork and cooperation nearly anything is possible. A particular highlight for me was when the director of NASA and the director of the Chinese space agency worked together to try and help save Watney, despite the countrys’ political differences. This movie will appeal to not only to space buffs, but to anyone who has a sense of adventure in their heart. Damon’s portrayal of Mark Watney was humorous and inspiring at times. While the film does not completely follow Weir’s novel, it is close enough that at times readers of the book will likely smile in anticipation for upcoming scenes. Not since Ron Howard’s “Apollo 13” has a space drama portrayed survival in space and the ability of people to come together to solve epic problems. This movie will not only entertain but will also serve as a terrific advertisement for a career in engineering. - Brad Andrews

Book Review: The Martian F

or those of us who enjoy a good story but can’t stand movies, it can often be frustrating when everyone is raving about the latest big movie and we can’t relate. Recently, the big movie has been “The Martian,” but fortunately, the movie is based on a book. Even more fortunate, the book is amazing. The story is humorous, while at the same time thrilling. It’s mostly told by the main character himself, Mark Watney, and he doesn’t pull any punches when making fun of himself for his sometimes foolish mistakes. Watney is stranded on Mars after his crew thinks he’s dead, and he must survive hundreds of days with supplies that were only supposed to last a month. A lot can (and does!) go wrong. The way Watney shows off his intelligence and

Book Review: Life and Death To celebrate the tenth anniversary of the release

of her best-selling book “Twilight,” Stephenie Meyers released a new book titled “Life and Death,” a gender swapped version of the original novel. There is Beau Swan (Bella) and Edythe (Edward); Beau is a new resident in Forks, Washington and meets Edythe Cullen at school. The plot closely follows the plot of the original story. This book was written by Meyers to prove to readers that “Twilight” character Bella Swan is not a damsel in distress, and reinforces the idea behind the book that a

first love can be extremely powerful. The writing style of “Life and Death” is very easy and simple to follow along with. While it may seem like the plot of the novel is predictable, considering that it is a rewritten version of a book that many people have already read, there are some new elements added that allow the story to be finished in only one book instead of three like the original “Twilight Saga” series. If you are a fan of the original Twilight series, “Life and Death” is a definitely a book you need to read. - Samantha Johnson

ingenuity with every obstacle he has to overcome, from finding a way to communicate with Earth to making his food stretch long enough for him to be rescued, is impressive. What I enjoyed most about this story is how Murphy’s Law seems to be in full swing on the red planet. It truly made for an exciting story. - Tracey Squaire


Reader Responses

November / December 2015

Reader Responses Remarks, advice and opinions of Corsair readers

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“ his is in regards to the author Jennifer Tonnaer’s article on social media. A person can view this in many ways. For instance if someone is unemployed, isn’t a student, and chooses to spend their time on social media all day like a lot of people decide to do, then yes social media is in fact ruining socialization. Now if a person is an entrepreneur or a social activist then social media is in fact bringing awareness to the world and our future generation to what is going on in the world today. It really depends on how that person is deciding on using social media and what for. Times are changing, and unfortunately, so is our technology, and in order to be able to be connected with the majority of our nation especially our youth, one must be logged on at least one social media account.”- Julious Whisler

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“ ith the diversity of students that attend Pensacola State, there are a variety of challenges that are unique to this area. The biggest issue is that Pensacola State is located in the busiest part of town. There are several large businesses located around the campus like Sacred Heart Hospital and Cordova Mall. A lot of the time I see people parking at PSC and walking across the road to go to the mall. The math building is probably the worst. It has the fewest parking spaces available for students. If I do not get there early enough in the morning, I have to park at the English building and walk to my math class. That may not seem like a big deal, but it is when the weather is bad. Unfortunately parking is a function that is necessary and required by everyone that visits our campus. I’m not sure if there is a solution to the parking problem, but maybe a parking deck would help.” - Greg Rengel

WINTER BUCKET LIST

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“ ’m perplexed by the idea that social networks have made us, as a population, less social. Logging in to an account, whether it’s Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, or any other social network gives a person a sense of individuality; while all at once, taking all of it away. Suddenly you’re the person you’ve always wanted to be, only sharing the photos you’re confident in and posts that make you seem all knowing and incredibly kind, while behind the screen, you sit feeling inadequate or lonely because of the seemingly small amount of “likes” your photo or post received. You become less human to your followers when your profile only reflects the best parts of you. I’m not saying that social media is all bad, or bad at all, really. I’m simply working to understand the true social aspects of it and how we can use it to our advantage instead of simply watching our lives happen on a screen. Social networking has provided people with the opportunity to speak their mind without ever saying a word. And that’s the most promising and terrifying thing about it. “ - Samantha Carisse

1. Go to the beach and pretend the white sand is snow. 2. Wear festive, holiday- themed clothes. 3. Take a road trip. 4. Bake Christmas cookies. 5. Volunteer. 6. Get ready for the spring, 2016 semester. 7. Give Secret Santa gifts. 8. Sleep late.

Words to Inspire

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Feature

Typography workshop grows graphic design student skills Graphic design students’ field trip to New Orleans By Bara’ah Jaraiseh

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Students Nona Lewis (left), and Haley Pierce (right) sketching their typeface design.

Eve helps student, Leslie Winston perfect her letterform sketches.

Professor Hopkins explains the history of “ghost signs” to the class.

Eve demonstrates how to draw letterforms.

fter meeting Eve Rutledge, a hand rendering type designer, at a Type-Con conference, Pensacola State College graphic design professor Mark Hopkins contemplated taking some of his students to her workshop. This led to PSC graphic design typography classes taking trips to New Orleans. Students from both the Graphic Design Associates degree program and the Graphic Design Bachelors degree program attend. Every typography 1 and typography 2 student gets a chance to go on this trip. This semester Graphic Design professor Linh O’Briant’s typography 1 class went to Rutledge’s workshop, which was located at her business Mystic Blue Signs. Mark Hopkins’s typography 2 class attended a letterpress workshop with Jessica Parker at Southern Letterpress. “When I was approached with taking my class to New Orleans to meet Eve for the workshop, I thought it was wonderful because the last project was for the student to design their own typeface. With type design you have to start by hand; you don’t just jump on the computer and say, ‘Hey I want to design a typeface!’ It’s a lot of hand study to make the letterforms work. You are using your hands as a tool and you are working out all the bugs before you even hit the computer,” said O’Briant. “When I found out about this workshop I thought it was a wonderful opportunity because Rutledge does everything by hand. She rarely does anything by computer. Taking the students to this workshop gave them an opportunity to learn by hand first, which made them focus on the letterform, [which

ALL PHOTOS BY BARA’AH JARAISEH

was important] because each letterform has its own unique characteristic. For the students to actually see how Eve works through the developmental stages they were able to see how beautiful letterform can be. This process was beneficial to the students.” Rutledge worked with each student oneon-one that day, and the students had much to say about the experience. “I thought Eve shared a really interesting perspective on creating typefaces. Her techniques are very raw and precise. Eve had some very helpful tips to achieve hand drawn type that stays consistent. The workshop taught me how important it is to try and perfect my art by hand before digitizing it. I really enjoyed the trip and I am thankful for the opportunity to meet such an inspirational artist,” said student Haley Pierce. “When I began working on my letterforms I was at a loss on where to begin. I had a general idea of what I wanted the typeface to look like but my initial sketches were not producing the results I wanted. Eve showed me a different approach, by taking the characteristic I wanted for my typeface and making it less prominent, I was able to concentrate more on each letterform,” said student Leslie Winston. Classmate Nona Lewis agrees that Rutledge was extremely helpful. “The New Orleans trip was awesome! We were not only able to experience other people’s art, and the culture of New Orleans, but we were able to produce some of our own art as well. Our class participated in a typographic workshop by Eve, where we began to develop our own typefaces. Eve was super helpful, and was able to provide great insight into drawing our own typeface. She helped us nail down solid concepts, and our beginning stages of drawing. This trip was a great experience for everyone who went!” “The results [of this trip] showed when the students came back. They were much more passionate [about] typography, and that was always the goal; it was to get them excited about something that may seem a little bit mundane but [is exciting] once you learn more about it and the opportunities that are out there to get a professional job as a letter designer,” said Hopkins. Not only did the classes get to experience these amazing workshops but they had a wonderful time walking around New Orleans and visiting various art galleries and shops. Hopkins and O’Briant plan to continue to take their typography classes on this trip for many years to come.


Feature

November / December 2015

Faculty art showcased at annual exhibit Works include ceramics, sculptures, jewelry and paintings

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he Pensacola State College Art Department is currently holding their annual faculty exhibit from Oct. 26 to Dec. 11 . The exhibit is at the Anna Lamar Switzer Center for Visual Arts, located in building 15 on the Pensacola PSC campus. The exhibit is free of charge, and the it features ceramics, drawings, digital images, graphic designs, jewelry, paintings, photographs, sculptures and videos that were created by various members of PSC faculty. This year, 25 faculty members have their art on display: Michael Boles, Kathy Brower, Bill Clover, Jay Flynn, Louise Foster, Mark Francis, Marilyn Givens, Mark Hopkins, Jim Jipson, Krist Lien, Julie McGarth, Sam Nettles, Linh O’Briant, Allan Peterson, Kristen Regan, Douglas Reiser, Patricia Reppenhagen, Caitlin Rhea, Jimmy Rhea, John Shoemaker, Vivian Spencer, Warren Thompson, Holly Vaughn, Leslie Ward and Paula Work. The Center’s hours are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday. Tours are available with prior arrangements. For more information call (850) 484-2550.

Artwork by Sam Nettles.

Artwork by Vivian Spencer.

ALL PHOTOS BY BARA’AH JARAISEH

Upcoming Events MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

Nov. 17

Nov. 19

Anna Lamar Switzer Center for Visual Arts, Pensacola Campus

Jean & Paul Amos Performance Studio, Pensacola Campus 7 p.m.

Switzer Center, Pensacola Campus 4-6 p.m.

Nov. 15

Nov. 18

Oct. 26-Dec. 15

Annual Art Faculty Exhibition

Kamerman Piano Series: Natsuki Fukasawa

Ashmore Auditorium, Pensacola Campus 2:30 p.m.

WSRE Public Square Speaker Series: Alexandra Cousteau

Book Talk Series: Dolly Bertholot

Chadbourne Library, Pensacola Campus 2 p.m.

Walter F. Spara Writing Competition Awards Reception

Nov. 25-27

Thanksgiving break Dec. 7-11

Final Exams 13


Polls

POLL

Poll: What Are You Thankful For? POLL AND PHOTOS BY JENNIFER TONNAER

Presidential Candidates Who are you voting for? What is one reason you are voting for this person? Bernie Sanders Because Tumblr makes him seem like a good person. - Jace Heard

I’m thankful for seeing another day, my family, being able to come to school and just seeing people interact, and just getting to experience life. - Lawrence Robinson

I’m thankful for family, friends, and school. - Kaitlyn Murphy

I’m thankful that I’m able to attend college and live life with few problems, that I’m able to go by life in a pretty regular matter with little struggle. - Jonathan Adams

I’m thankful for my mom and going to college. - Keyonia Ikner

I’m thankful for being able to wake up every day healthy and for all the blessings that I have. - Leslie Reza

Pensacola State is fun, it’s very moving and I meet a lot of great people. I love it. It’s calm, collecting, and it’s gentle in a way. - Jamal Potter

Follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay up-to-date with PSC news.

Hilary Clinton As we’ve seen the men run this country, I feel like we finally need a woman to step up to the plate, take it by the neck and just take us out of this slum economy and push us back into the great country we once were. - Te Dahn

eCorsair

Bernie Sanders Because he agrees with all the issues that I agree with and he fights against the issues that I disagree with. - William Raydo

Hilary Clinton For the historical pleasure. We’ve never had a woman in the White House, so why not? - Rasheed Dickens

Want to tell us who you’re voting for and why? Join the discussion on eCorsair.com. POLL AND PHOTOS BY TRACEY SQUAIRE

Corsair_PSC

@ecorsair


November / December 2015

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November / December 2015

Humans of Pensacola State College Staff Editor-in-Chief Kimberly Bogers

Creative Director Bara’ah Jaraiseh

Writers Erica Dixon Health Information Technology Who inspires you every day in life? My mom, she’s inspired me like every day of my life because she’s a hardworker, and she’s been working since she was like fourteen to fifteen, so she’s always the person that’s independent and likes to not have things handed to her. Also she can be like in pain or dealing with stuff, but she still goes to work, and when she comes home, she still cooks like a full-course meal and helps with homework and stuff like that. She’s basically like the role-model that I look up to. I know some people are like, ‘Oh, this celebrity’s my role-model,’ but mine is my mom because I kind of see how she is and how she gets it from the bottom and takes time to check on someone even when she’s in pain or anything like that. What encouraged you to pursue this field of study? For some reason I always wanted to be in the medical field, like it doesn’t really matter what. At first I was like, ‘I want to be a nurse,’ and then I changed my mind once I saw Grey’s Anatomy, and I thought that I wouldn’t be able to handle that much blood. I thought, ‘I don’t think I can do that,’ so I thought I could do something like billing and calling. I can sit down, make appointments, and do other things like fax stuff off and make calls and stuff.

Cody Goldsworthy General Education What is your favorite class that you are currently taking? My favorite class is German. It’s a fun class; we all go home and write sentences of what we did in the day in German and speak it. It’s really fun. The teacher’s fun; every time we have a test she gives little German treats out, so it’s really exciting. Why did you choose to learn German? My family’s German so I knew some of it already, and it was just easier to do than Spanish or French or any of the other languages. What’s something that separates German from other languages? The way they speak...they speak in different ways depending on if they know someone or if they don’t know someone, like formal speaking and informal speaking. Like you use “they” when it’s not formal and you use “you” when it’s formal. What’s different about your life now compared to last year? I come to school only two days a week because I work all the time other than that, so it’s easier for me to get paid, and school is a more chillax environment when you come to class and just do your own stuff. You don’t have to constantly fret about classes like in high school; it’s more relaxed.

Holly Johnson Nursing / Public Health

Ahlora Fierro Hospitality

Why did you choose to be a Nursing major? When I was fifteen my best friend was diagnosed with two brain tumors. For the next two years I spent every day at the hospital. In my time between the ICU and PICU, I learned a lot about patient care and about what it means to be a nurse. That experience made such a large impression on me that it ultimately gave me the final push to go into healthcare. Who inspires you? Honestly, my fellow classmates. Of course my parents inspire me, whose haven’t at some point? Recently, however, I have been able to draw a lot of my inspiration from my classmates. There have been days that I have felt down or that I may be wasting my time. On those days I can just look to my peers or talk to one of my peers and I usually will get some type of inspiration and therefore push onward.

What made you interested in the Hospitality Program? I started off as a math major, but I was previously accepted to Johnson and Wales University back home in Rhode Island, and I decided to change my major back to cooking, so I decided to just change it. I go to University of West Florida so I am just a transient student here taking classes at Pensacola State College. I didn’t really know what to expect when coming into the Hospitality Program here, but I really enjoy it because we do actually get to cook food, and eat it, and it’s awesome. What are you doing over Winter Break? Thanksgiving I get to work, but for Christmas I am going home to Massachusetts and seeing my mom. I haven’t seen her in like a year. So I’m probably going to cook for her and go around and go to Rhode Island to Newport, there’s like the bay and everything. We’re just going to hang out and enjoy Christmas. Is there a special thing you like cooking for your mom? She really loves pasta. Every Thursday I send her pictures of everything that I cook, and she’s like, ‘Well, we’ll have to make this every day,’ so that she can try everything.

Brad Andrews Gary Bogers Sara Fordyce Nena Gluchacki Samantha Johnson Rennie Lindo Victoria Palasciano Paris Harman Jeff Shell Rebecca Smith Tracey Squaire Jennifer Tonnaer

Photographers

Cassandra Fanfan Monica Wilson

Videographers Lanale Johnson Jesse Reitz Kyle Stamm

Illustrator

Katherine Chen

Adviser

Paula Ingram

Contributors

Akeem Campbell

Connect with us! Visit us online

INTERVIEWS AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY BARA’AH JARAISEH

eCorsair.com eCorsair Corsair_PSC @ecorsair Corsair.PSC

COMIC BY KATHERINE CHEN

Pensacola State College does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, color, gender, age, religion, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or genetic information in its educational programs, activities or employment. For inquires regarding nondiscrimination policies, contact the Associate Vice President of Institutional Diversity at (850) 484-1759, Pensacola State College, 1000 College Blvd., Pensacola, FL.


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