Wednesday, November 23, 2016
Volume 122 · No. 62
EST. 1887
lsunow.com
thedailyreveille
@lsureveille
dailyreveille
CRIME
PIKE voluntarily suspends activities
SEASONAL
STAFF REPORTS @lsureveille The LSU Chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha has voluntarily suspended activities “outside normal business meetings” following the report of an alleged sexual battery during a fraternity party Friday night, according to a statement from the national office of Pi Kappa Alpha International Fraternity. “Alpha Gamma’s immediate thoughts and prayers are with the alleged victim in this matter. The Chapter does not condone these alleged activities and is cooperating with authorities in this investigation to gather additional facts and to aid in identifying the individual involved,” according to the statement. The Daily Reveille previously reported the alleged assault took place during “PIKE’s Peak,” a party at the fraternity house. According to an LSUPD report, the victim, who is not a University student, said she was sexually assaulted around 1 a.m. by an unknown white male in the backyard of the fraternity house. The voluntary suspension includes upcoming social events. For more information on the investigation, The Daily Reveille reached out to Pi Kappa Alpha President Peter Wilson, LSU Interfraternity Council President Mason Tusa, LSU Interfraternity Council Vice
see PIKE, page 2
SMACK
DOWN
Reveille opinion columnists go head to head in a bitter battle of the holidays
illustration by BETSY PRIMES / The Daily Reveille
Thanksgiving holiday should not be taken for granted MYIA-PINION MYIA HAMBRICK @MyiaChristine I love the holiday season more than just about anyone I know. I love it because it gives me an excuse to buy gifts for people, hang out with my friends and, of course, eat food. While I’m not alone in my holiday spirit, I feel that I am alone in my spirit for the holiday that is
upon us — Thanksgiving. As a person who dabbles in holiday decorating, I enjoy making my home look like it came out of a Better Homes & Garden magazine. I haven’t been able to do that because there aren’t that many Thanksgiving-themed decorations available. Instead, I am met with jolly Santas and Christmas fanfare at every corner even though all I want is a simple wreath or sign that reminds me
see THANKSGIVING, page 2
Turkey Day doesn’t measure up to Christmas RHYME AND REASON BRIANNA RHYMES @briannacrhymes The first day of fall is always one of the most exciting days of the year because its coming means “Hallothanksmas” is finally upon us. But if I’m being honest, it may as well be “Hallomas.” Aside from eating so much turkey that you slip
into a food coma, what makes Thanksgiving so special? The day after Halloween is when the Christmas celebration starts for many people. The colorful lights, animated inflatables and holiday sugar cookies all make their grand reappearance, and it’s magical. Thanksgiving just doesn’t measure up. I love that we get a muchneeded break from school,
see CHRISTMAS, page 2
ALUMNI
Department of Chemistry honors alumnus Boussert with stained glass art BY ALLISON BRUHL @albruhl__ Benjamin Boussert’s legacy continues to shine in the University’s Department of Chemistry. The department hosted the Benjamin Pierre Boussert Lecture and window unveiling in remembrance of Boussert, a University alumnus, in late September. Delia Milliron, an associate professor of chemical engineering at the University of Texas at Austin and a Henry Beckman
Professorship fellow, delivered the Boussert lecture on Sept. 23. Milliron and Boussert were graduate students together in the Alivisatos Laboratory at the University of California at Berkeley. The lecture was followed by a reception and the unveiling of a new gift to the chemistry department from the Boussert family — a stained glass window created by local artist Mary Ann Caffery. The work, named “Benjamin’s World” is located in the Benjamin P. Boussert Conference Room on the first
level of the LSU Chemistry and Materials Building. Boussert, a 1999 LSU University Medalist who graduated with dual degrees in chemistry and chemical engineering, conducted four years of research under Robin McCarley, the Barbara Womack Alumni Professor of Chemistry. McCarley was Boussert’s adviser and continues to organize many University events in Boussert’s memory.
see GLASS, page 2
CAROLINE MAGEE / The Daily Reveille
Benjamin’s World, a stained glass work of art by Mary Ann Caffery, hangs in the LSU Chemistry and Materials Building on Tuesday.
page 2 THANKSGIVING, from page 1 to “give thanks.” I will pull out the Christmas decor on Dec. 1 after Thanksgiving has had its full recognition, and I will be the annoying neighbor who blasts Christmas songs for a month. I am excited for Christmas, and I have a ton of decorations sitting in my storage closet until it is their time to shine, but I seem to be one of the only ones willing to wait. I am not an expert on the Plymouth Rock colony or the first Thanksgiving feast, and I don’t want to be. I am not interested in its history because it doesn’t matter. What matters is that people begin decorating for Christmas on Nov. 1 without a second thought. Thanksgiving is pushed aside almost entirely. Thanksgiving is a time to do exactly what its name suggests: give thanks. I don’t know about you, but 2016 has been one large dumpster fire of a year, and it seems to have been made worse by a collective effort to focus on the terrible things that have happened. We have a negative attitude before we even give the future a chance to play itself out. I encourage everyone to take a step back and be thankful for what you do have. Take a moment to tell the people you’re busy stuffing your face with at the table that you are thankful for having them in your lives. If you have an interesting family dynamic and your family is more the “Thanksgiving clapback meme” type, then at least be thankful you have a home, a table and people to bicker back and forth with. I am becoming increasingly concerned with society’s ability to forget the good and dwell on the bad. It hasn’t proven to
CHRISTMAS, from page 1 work and other responsibilities, but to me, it’s just that. Thanksgiving in 2016 is about being thankful for everything you have and being grateful for friends and family. It also involves leaving the house right after you eat dinner to go bombard Wal-Mart and Target to buy more material things that you can be grateful for. But the history that we’ve been taught about the Thanksgiving holiday is not the truth. We’re not celebrating the pilgrims’ first feast in the New World. The history books left out important information about the origin of this holiday. Thanksgiving is a holiday that stems from the genocide and assimilation, or ethnic cleansing, of the Native Americans who first occupied America before white puritans took advantage of them. The story that we’ve been told since we were 5 years old is that the pilgrims and the Indians met, became friends and had a huge feast. This version of the story is what I would call sugar-coated. The Indians and Puritans were brought together because
Wednesday, November 23, 2016 work out well for us yet, so I’m anxiously awaiting the day that we learn to be grateful and work together. In addition to the whole “giving thanks” thing, Thanksgiving is a time to work together and be together. Christmas shares this quality, but Thanksgiving is distinctive in that there is no gift giving. There isn’t that weird expectation to be cheerful because someone got you something nice. For Thanksgiving, being cheerful and positive is a direct reflection of what your soul looks like. That sounds daunting and deep, but it isn’t. Being thankful and in a good mood and getting absolutely nothing material in return is something that is at the very root of the holiday — giving thanks unconditionally. For me, Thanksgiving can be humbling because my family is rooted pretty deeply in the Christian faith. In that way, we aren’t only giving thanks for one another and the world, but also God and what he has done for us. To us, that is where the thanks is due. Why would we skip out on a chance to thank him? It would be like Catholics ignoring the meaning of Ash Wednesday and Lent. Even if you aren’t religious, you still have things to be thankful for. In short, this Nov. 24, I will be cherishing every moment I have with my friends and family. I will be grateful for the things in my life that I am fortunate enough to have, despite the things that I don’t have. I will make memories that I can hold onto when I’m older. Notice that none of these objectives involve snowmen, Santas or reindeer. Myia Hambrick is a 21-year-old mass communication junior from Temple, Georgia.
PIKE, from page 1 President of Public Relations John Paul Miller, Director of Greek Life Angela Guillory, Director of Student Advocacy
GLASS, from page 1 “I am sure if he were here today, he would be leading the charge to help us with such important endeavors during the uncertain times that we face,” McCarley said. Boussert’s interest in nanoscience and sensing technologies sent him to UC Berkeley where he worked toward a Ph.D. in physical chemistry alongside Professor of Chemistry and Materials Science & Engineering Paul Alivisatos. Boussert studied the spectroscopy of single nanocrystals. He quickly gained a reputation as a deep thinker and a strong voice for social and environmental issues, becoming involved with the Union of Concerned Scientists. “Ben had a sense of humor that was quite dry, but it was extremely effective in situations where those around him were either taking themselves too seriously, or more often than not, when those around him were not living up to their potential,” McCarley said. At 27 years old, months before he was supposed to defend his dissertation and begin his career in public policy, Boussert and two friends, Jason Choy and Giulia Adesso, were killed in a car accident. “I can still see his smiling face and caring eyes, immediately after making some remark that made those around him think about what they were doing or saying,” McCarley said. “I miss seeing that smile in person,
and Accountability Jonathan Sanders and Dean of Students Maria Fuentes-Martin. They all either declined to comment or did not return calls from The Daily Reveille. but it quickly pops into my head when I reminisce about the times I spent with him.” A scholarship to honor Boussert’s memory and legacy at the University has been established by family, friends and colleagues. His parents, Anne and Christian, and his brother and sister-in-law, Joel and Kelly, have also created an endowment to support the Dr. Benjamin Boussert Lecture Series for Chemistry. The Benjamin Boussert Memorial Award will be presented at commencement to a graduating doctoral student who best exemplifies Bousssert’s commitment to creating positive social or environmental change. These contributions may have been realized either through the nominee’s dissertation research or through other methods, such as science policy or educational outreach projects. The $2,500 award will be made directly to the student to use for whatever they embark upon in the next phase of their life, whether it’s for travel to a conference, moving expenses or another purpose. “To me, Ben’s legacy is his belief that we all, especially students who have been provided an opportunity to obtain a higher education degree, to learn more about the science, engineering, sociological, and philosophical topics of the day. This is an underlying tenant of LSU and the Boussert family sponsoring the Benjamin Boussert Lecture Series in a field very dear to Ben’s heart,” McCarley said.
Newsroom (225) 578-4811
Advertising (225) 578-6090
Editor in Chief QUINT FORGEY Managing Editors APRIL AHMED ROSE VELAZQUEZ News Director WILLIAM TAYLOR POTTER Sports Directors CHRISTIAN BOUTWELL AMANDA LUSSKIN Entertainment Directors CAITIE BURKES REGGIE CHATMAN Production Editors RAMSINA ODISHO SARAH WHITECOTTON Photo Editor ZOE GEAUTHREAUX
CORRECTIONS & CLARIFICATIONS The Daily Reveille holds accuracy and objectivity at the highest priority and wants to reassure its readers the reporting and content of the paper meets these standards. This space is reserved to recognize and correct any mistakes that may have been printed in The Daily Reveille. If you would like something corrected or clarified, please contact the editor at (225) 5784811 or e-mail editor@lsureveille.com.
of their mutual need for resources, but as history will tell you, white puritans can’t be trusted. After learning the ways of the land and how to reap the benefits of the resources the indigenous people had been living off of for years, these “pilgrims” decided that the Native Americans were “uncivilized, satanic heathens.” It’s funny how they reached this conclusion after learning how to survive from these same people. White settlers descended on Indian villages, setting them on fire and shooting any survivors, including children. So why are we celebrating a day of terror and genocide as a day of thanks? So yes, my Christmas celebration starts Nov. 1, and I don’t see any harm in that. You can still carry on with your Thanksgiving festivities while I casually mount Christmas lights on every inch of wall in my house. Bring on the hot chocolate, the Christmas edition soundtracks and most of all, a holiday everyone can enjoy. Brianna Rhymes is a 19-year-old mass communication sophomore from New Iberia, Louisiana.
B-16 Hodges Hall Louisiana State University Baton Rouge, La. 70803
ABOUT THE DAILY REVEILLE
CAROLINE MAGEE / The Daily Reveille
Benjamin’s World is a stained glass work of art by Mary Ann Caffery hanging in the LSU Chemistry and Materials Building in honor of Benjamin Boussert.
The Daily Reveille (USPS 145-800) is written, edited and produced solely by students of Louisiana State University. The Daily Reveille is an independent entity of the Office of Student Media within the Manship School of Mass Communication. A single issue of The Daily Reveille is free. To purchase additional copies, please visit the Office of Student Media in B-39 Hodges Hall. The Daily Reveille is published daily during the fall and spring semesters and twice weekly during the summer semester, except during holidays and final exams. Second-class copies postage paid at Baton Rouge, LA, 70803. Annual weekly mailed subscriptions are $125, semester weekly mailed subscriptions are $75. Non-mailed student rates are $4 each regular semester, $2 during the summer; one copy per person, additional copies 25 cents each. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Daily Reveille, B-39 Hodges Hall, LSU, Baton Rouge, LA 70803.
Sports
page 3
Bahamas Bound Craig Victor returns to lineup as LSU prepares for Battle 4 Atlantis tournament BY SETH NIEMAN @seth_nieman LSU’s basketball stiffest competition awaits at Atlantis Paradise Island in Nassau, Bahamas. After achieving a third straight 3-0 start under coach Johnny Jones, LSU is expected to face multiple AP top 25 teams at the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament. The Tigers will begin with Wichita State [4-0] at 11 a.m. Wednesday. The game will be televised on ESPN2. LSU is also awaiting the return of a starter from last season who missed LSU’s first three games: Craig Victor. “I can tell you that he will be playing with us,” Jones said. “His first game will be with us in the Bahamas versus Wichita State.” Victor, the fourth-leading scorer for LSU in the 201516 season, missed the first three games of LSU’s season because of a “violation of team rules.” However, Victor made his presence felt at halftime against North Florida on Friday. Duop Reath and Antonio Blakeney said Victor provided a “fiery” halftime speech. “He’s done a good job in the locker room at halftime making sure they address some things,” Jones said. Victor averaged 11.5 points and 5.6 rebounds in his sophomore year at LSU. He’s expected to replace junior Aaron Epps in the starting lineup, who has averaged 13.3 points and seven rebounds in Victor’s place. Beside Victor in the frontcourt will be LSU’s 6-foot-10 rim protector Duop Reath, who’s averaging 16.7 points and 6.7 rebounds this season. Victor and Reath will begin the tournament with the task of containing Wichita State’s Darral Willis Jr. in the post. Willis Jr. is averaging 11 points and five rebounds this season for Wichita State. Blakeney is entering the tournament fresh off back-to-back, 20-point scoring performances for LSU. The sophomore guard is averaging 18.7 points this season for LSU and shooting 44 percent from the field.
see ATLANTIS, page 4
NOLAN CAIN
MICAH GIBBS
BASEBALL
Coaching change: Cain, Gibbs promoted
Former players promoted on coaching staff BY JOSH THORNTON @JoshuaThornton_ LSU baseball coordinator of operations Micah Gibbs will assume the role of hitting coach, and Nolan Cain has been promoted to LSU’s recruiting coordinator in an effort to replace Andy Cannizaro, LSU confirmed Tuesday in a news release. Cannizaro recently left LSU on Nov. 5 to become the head coach at Mississippi State. The former Tulane standout was the Tigers’ hitting coach and recruiting coordinator from 2014-16. Cain, a former pitcher at LSU from 2006-09, has been on LSU’s staff since 2013. “Nolan Cain is a rising star in the college coaching ranks and we are fortunate to already have him at LSU,” said LSU coach Paul Mainieri in the news release. “Promoting him to this critical position of recruiting coordinator was a pretty obvious course of action to take. He possesses a wonderful combination of the qualities necessary to be a great recruiter, such
see PROMOTIONS, page 4 VOLLEYBALL
Tigers playing for pride in last two games, players say BY CHRIS CALDARERA @Caldarera_TDR It’s been an up-and-down season for LSU’s volleyball team this year, and with only two games left to play, the Tigers’ ride is almost finished. The Tigers (9-18, 4-12 Southeastern Conference) travel to College Station Wednesday to meet Texas A&M and return home Saturday to host Alabama to wrap up the 2016 season. “We’re playing for pride this week,” said sophomore defensive
specialist Katie Kampen. “We’ve got nothing to lose, so hopefully we’re able to go out and play loose.” LSU has done a lot of growing up since its first meeting with the Aggies — a match the Tigers lost 3-1 on Sept. 30. “Our growth this season has been a slow process,” said LSU coach Fran Flory. “But I do feel that we have made a lot of improvements this season.” “We’ve come a long way from where we started,” junior outside hitter Gina Tillis added. “We still
have tendencies to make young mistakes, but our growth is evident.” LSU hopes maturity will help its chances against a physical A&M squad. The Aggies (19-8, 13-3 SEC) are No. 4 in the SEC, and the team is playing for a chance to compete in this year’s NCAA tournament. “A&M is a disciplined and polished team,” Flory said. “We saw that when we played them earlier this year, and we are prepared to
see FINAL STRETCH, page 4
RYAN MCCARBLE / The Daily Reveille
LSU sophomore outside hitter Toni Rodriguez (25) spikes the ball during the Tigers’ 3-0 win against Mississippi State on Nov. 13 in the PMAC.
page 4
Wednesday, November 23, 2016
Friends Skylar Mays, Wayde Sims easily adjusting to collegiate play BY CHRISTIAN BOUTWELL @CBoutwell_ Even though many LSU fans may not have been so informed, Skylar Mays knew about Wayde Sims. Before others, Mays expected the early-season surge Sims has given LSU’s men’s basketball team. “That’s my guy,” Mays said. And Sims expresses the same for Mays — LSU’s shifty, hands-on point guard with a pass-first approach to each game. “I’ve been playing with him for so long, I know what he likes to do and what he doesn’t like to do,” Sims said. The pair have played together since they were seven years old, Mays remembers, so clearly he was aware of how Sims — an undersized, 6-foot-6 reserve forward — could excel in LSU’s opening three games. Hence, why the duo kept in touch and spoke at least three days a week when Mays left University High School on LSU’s campus for Findlay Prep in Nevada for his senior season of basketball. Both are Baton Rouge native freshman for LSU in the 2016-17 season. They played together since their youth days at
PROMOTIONS, from page 3 as intelligence, work ethic [and] extreme organization.” Mainieri said he felt it was important to split the duties of hitting coach and recruiting coordinator because he thought it was impossible to give “due diligence” and responsibility for the position. “If our recruiting coordinator were also to be the hitting coach, then our current players would be short-changed,” Mainieri said. “That coach would be missing practice and games. I’d rather our hitting coach be on campus all of the time and not miss out on the consistent work necessary for our hitters to succeed on a daily basis.” Micah Gibbs, a former catcher at LSU from 2008-10 and third round draft choice for the Chicago Cubs in 2010, was named coordinator of operations at LSU in February. “Micah Gibbs was born to be a coach,” Mainieri said. “Even as an outstanding player at LSU, he
Sports Academy in downtown Baton Rouge. Joining forces again at LSU hasn’t been any different. Sometimes, the pair will use their chemistry on the floor to exploit defenders in practice. “I’ve been knowing him for so long,” Mays said. “It’s like second nature being on the court with him as soon as I got back.” Mays returned to Baton Rouge to play for the Tigers, beginning this season, and is now LSU’s front-running starting point guard in an ongoing competition between him and junior guard Jalyn Patterson for the role. Even with increased minutes because of the multi-game suspension for forward Craig Victor, Mays notes the same comfort level is in Sims’ play. Sims, a freshman forward, posted back-to-back double digit scoring games of 13 and 10 points in LSU’s first two games. “He looks good,” Mays said. “I’m not sure how many people expected him to be the playing the way he’s playing. But, I saw that in him. I know what he’s capable of. I’m not sure the fan base knew too much about how well, how smart he is and how versatile he is.” was always very analytical and a student of the entire game of baseball. I can remember thinking years ago that if I ever had the chance someday to add Micah to our staff, I would want to do so because I felt he would make a tremendous coach.” Additionally, former LSU catcher Sean Ochinko was hired as an undergraduate assistant to work with the catchers and first basemen as well coach the bases, Mainieri said. Ochinko played as a catcher and first baseman on LSU’s 2009 College World Series team. Mainieri added: “For our current players to have three former great players – Nolan, Micah and Sean – that were all part of a national championship team at LSU. And then had admirable professional careers before turning to coaching, is a tremendous opportunity for them to learn what it takes for us to win the seventh national championship in LSU Baseball history.”
league,” Flory said. “Our goal is to try to limit her and then try to see it again on Wednesday. control the rest of the team.” According to Flory, Alabama However, the will also present Tigers insist their a challenge, due focus will “We’ve got nothing primary to its strong senior always be on their leadership. to lose, so hopefully own play rather Alabama outthan the opposide hitter Krystal we’re able to go out nents’. Rivers is one of “When we get and play loose.” Crimson Tide sein a rhythm, we’re nior LSU will have hard to stop,” to contain in order Kampen said. “If KATIE KAMPEN to end its season we execute the volleyball defensive specialist on a strong note. plays that we’ve “Rivers is practiced, we’ll arguably the best hitter in the end this season on a good note.”
RYAN MCCARBLE / The Daily Reveille
LSU freshman guard Skylar Mays (4) scans the floor during the Tigers’ 78-70 win against North Florida on Nov. 18 in the PMAC. As a shorter forward, Sims, who plays bigger than his height, is still finding his stride on LSU’s team. Is he a small forward or a power forward or what? A versatile forward, Sims responds.
“My game is pretty versatile. I can post, or I can also step out and shoot the three.” “I see Wayde as a bucket getter,” Mays said. “He really knows how to score at various levels. His IQ is so high [it] makes up for his lack of height
or what people see as a lack of skill set.” Mays, too, has transitioned easily into his new role as LSU’s lead ball-handler In three games, Mays has totaled 15 points, 15 assists and six turnovers.
ATLANTIS, from page 3 After opening the tournament against Wichita State, LSU will then move on to face either Old Dominion or No. 10 Louisville on Thursday. If the Tigers win, LSU will play the early afternoon game at 1:30 p.m. If LSU loses, it will have one of the night tipoffs at 8:30 p.m. Other teams playing in the tournament include No. 24 Michigan State, St. John’s, No. 20 Baylor and VCU. “We found a great place to play and found some tough competition at the same time,” Jones said at LSU’s season opening media day. “It will be a great challenge for us, and we’re hopeful, we’re excited that we’ll have a lot of fans following and traveling with us, as well.” The tournament will run through Nov. 25. The championship game will be played at 2:30 p.m. the day after Thanksgiving.
THE DAILY REVEILLE ARCHIVES
LSU junior forward Craig Victor II (32) makes a lay up during the Tigers’ 80-71 victory against Missouri on March 1 in the PMAC.
FINAL STRETCH, from page 3
RYAN MCCARBLE / The Daily Reveille
LSU sophomore defensive specialist Katie Kampen (25) prepares to serve the ball during the Tigers’ 3-0 win against Mississippi State on Nov. 13 in the PMAC.
Opinion
page 5
Masculine ideals difficult to achieve, harmful to men’s lives IT’S PERSONAL KEVIN YAU @tatyyau Everyone around us — our peers, teachers, parents and the media — teach us gender roles and expectations every day, and we usually take them for granted. From how we dress to what we think, we generally do not realize how societal beliefs have detrimental effects on us. We know how gender roles negatively affect women and result in unemployment, lower pay than men, domestic violence and even death,
but men are not always the beneficiaries of gender roles. In fact, masculinity itself can be detrimental to men’s lives. One of the more obvious examples of how masculinity hurts men is the fear of becoming a victim of a crime committed by women because they can be ridiculed for letting women take advantage of them. Their fear is realistic because masculinity tells us that men are not supposed to behave and believe in anything considered to be “lady-like.” Men are supposed to be strong, muscular, deep-voiced, independent, attractive and not associated with anything that is feminine.
Therefore, people are supposed to ridicule me if they find out my phone is pink or see me wearing a pink shirt. Men can be accused of being gay because of any lifestyle choice or action that has feminine associations. A few years ago, one of my classmates called his football teammate gay because he wore compression gear for practices. Today, many athletes and gym-goers wear these regularly if not every day. Some of my classmates called me gay in elementary school because I was not stereotypically masculine. I was not as muscular then as I am now.
These examples may seem unimportant, but the ideals of masculinity can contribute to higher rates of suicide. Men are 3.5 times more likely to commit suicide than women, even though women are more likely to express suicidal thoughts. Also, men are far more likely to seek mental help than women. Men are less likely to express their emotions and seek help early on because men are not supposed to have issues and seek help according to the ideals of masculinity. Therefore, men are more likely to commit suicide because there is not enough intervention. Masculinity is not only about
the color of our clothing or wearing compression gear. It is a serious issue that contributes to mental health issues and increased rates of suicide. Men are taught they are not supposed to face any problems, so they do not seek help even in the worst situation. Even though our society continues to progress, especially with the passages of civil rights acts and court rulings to promote women’s rights, we can do better because your laughter at a man wearing a pink shirt can be lethal. Kevin Yau is a 20-year-old sociology senior from Prairieville, Louisiana.
Look for employers who offer student loan repayment JAY TALKING JAY CRANFORD @hjcranford What if I told you there might be an employer out there willing to pay off your student loans? While it might sound too good to be true, it’s slowly becoming a reality. It’s no secret that student loan debt is becoming a problem in the United States. According to The Institute for College Access and Success, 68 percent of seniors who graduated from public and nonprofit colleges in 2015 had outstanding student loan debt. Since presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders brought this issue to the national stage, many companies are seeing an opportunity to make themselves more attractive to graduates seeking jobs. These companies aren’t wrong. According to a 2016 survey by tuition assistance company EdAssist, 49 percent of workers said they would rather receive assistance with paying off student loan debt than any other type of employee benefit, including retirement. I suspect this trend will only increase with future generations of students having a larger debt burden.
The Society for Human Resource Management found 3 percent of employers offer this benefit. However, Gradifi, a company that helps corporations set up these plans, sees big potential. Gradifi CEO Tim DeMello said that while they only have 20 companies using their services, more than 700 have inquired about them in the past year. This is good news for those of you binge-drinking on a Monday at the thought of graduating with student loans. So how does this employee benefit work exactly? Because it’s so new, there isn’t much of a precedent to go off of just yet. However, we can look at what one of the forefathers of this benefit, PricewaterhouseCoopers, is doing. The Big Four accounting firm will pay employees up to $100 a month, $1,200 per year, for six years toward reducing student loan debt. There is a downside though. This type of benefit has no special tax treatment, meaning any money your employer pays to you for student loan debt repayment will be considered income and taxed accordingly. Other benefits, such as tuition reimbursement, are considered tax-free up to $5,250. The good news is states are beginning to pressure the Internal Revenue Service to change this ruling. Massachusetts is
considering legislation that would allow employers to take deductions up to $3,600 per year for student loan reimbursement made on behalf of employees and for employees to receive benefits tax-free.
With this type of benefit gaining momentum both in the corporate world and government, there is a good chance that by the time you graduate, a company may offer you this benefit. If not, talk to the
Editorial Policies and Procedures
EDITORIAL BOARD Quint Forgey April Ahmed Rose Velazquez William Taylor Potter Caitie Burkes
Editor in Chief Co-Managing Editor Co-Managing Editor News Editor Entertainment Editor
The Daily Reveille (USPS 145-800) is written, edited and produced solely by students of Louisiana State University. The Daily Reveille is an independent entity of the Office of Student Media within the Manship School of Mass Communication. Signed opinions are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the editor, The Daily Reveille or the university. Letters submitted for publication should be sent via e-mail to opinion@lsureveille.com or delivered to B-39 Hodges Hall. They must be 400 words or less. Letters must provide a contact phone number for verification purposes, which will not be printed. The Daily Reveille reserves the right to edit letters and guest columns for space consideration while preserving the original intent. The Daily Reveille also reserves the right to reject any letter without notification of the author. Writers must include their full names and phone numbers. The Daily Reveille’s editor in chief, hired every semester by the LSU Student Media Board, has final authority on all editorial decisions.
human resources department and see if the company may be interested. Jay is a 22-year-old finance senior from St. Simons Island, Georgia.
cartoon by BETSY PRIMES/ The Daily Reveille
Quote of the Day “Masculine and feminine roles are not biologically fixed, but socially constructed.”
Judith Butler
philosopher Feb. 24, 1956 — present
page 6
Wednesday, November 23, 2016
Announcements
Employment
For Rent Garage Apartment, Newly Renovated, Close to campus...750 sq. ft. All Utilities included Wi-Fi, Cable, H20, Electric/Gas $1000 per month Text Michael at 225-284-9463 for info or pics. _______________________________ Beginning January RENT $320/ MO. Couple & friendly dog. W/D included. 757685801 rbock2@ lsu.edu. _______________________________
Help Wanted Dental Office Front Desk No Experience Needed P/T - Dr. Lorio’s office Send resume to kglor86@gmail.com. _______________________________
Transportation
Fabric Warehouse is looking for a degreed designer experienced in drapery and blinds. Degree in interior design is a plus! Email resume to info@ fabricwarehousebr.com or fax to 225.201.8878. _______________________________ Fourrier & de Abreu Engineers is a civil and environmental engineering firm with offices in Baton Rouge and Port Barre, LA. We are seeking resumes from civil engineering graduates and upper level civil engineering students. Our firm provides geotechnical and environmental consultation to corporate, industrial, and municipal clients across Louisiana. Interested candidates can email their resumes to jon@fdaengineers.com. _______________________________ B.R. Veterinary Clinic seeks PT kennel tech. E-mail resume to kleinpetervh@gmail.com. _______________________________
THE Daily Commuter Puzzle
by Jacqueline E. Mathews
Want to make a difference and elect Democrats in this nationally important run-off? Want to gain valuable campaign experience, and earn money at the same time? Our Democratic campaign is looking for dedicated and passionate people like you to help us reach voters for the December 10th runoff election. Ideal candidates should be fast learners, can start immediately, enjoy walking, and preferably have access to a working vehicle, but not required. Please contact Leroy at leroy@sharonformayor.com or 225-364-9337. _______________________________ Experienced waiters needed for Thanksgiving Day. Holiday pay offered at $12/hour + tips. Call 225-937-1386. _______________________________ The Animal Center of Zachary is looking for a part time kennel technician. Must be able to work weekends and afternoons. Please email your resume to zacharyanimalcenter@yahoo. com. _______________________________ Welshs Cleaners is hiring a part time afternoon counter help! Great for students!! Flexible Schedules! Shifts are M-F 2-7pm and some Sat 8am2pm. Apply in person at 17732 Highland road location. (By the country club of LA). _______________________________
NOW HIRING for SPRING 2017 - The LSU Office of Student Media is seeking applicants for various positions with The Daily Reveille, LSUNow. com, TigerTV, KLSU Radio, Gumbo Yearbook, and Legacy Magazine. Applicants must be LSU students enrolled full-time and in good academic standing. Positions are open to all majors. Apply at www.lsunow.com/application. _______________________________ Gino’s Restaurant is seeking a part time administrative assistant. Candidate must be computer savvy, with knowledge of Quickbooks and Microsoft Office, specifically Word and Excel. To apply, please send your resume to: info@ginosrestaurant.com Include contact information and references . _______________________________ We are looking for an afternoon teacher for a classroom of 2 year olds. We want someone who is reliable, hardworking, and truly enjoys working hands-on with children. holly. morris@countrydayschoolbr. com. _______________________________
Professional organization seeks assistant to executive secretary. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree, 20+ years of office experience and pass a detailed background check. Experience managing an office, using business software and dealing with funds is mandatory. Salary BOE; no benefits. Job will be part-time. To apply, send a cover letter and resume with references to apply@lbopg.org. _______________________________
smawe’re the rte st Place a classified at LSUnow.com
SENIOR TRIBUTE
Nov. 26 • 1 P.M. Maravich Center
Tuesday’s Puzzle Solved
coolest ads in Baton rouge ! The
©2016 Tribune Content Agency, LLC All Rights Reserved.
34 35 36 38 40 43 45 48 50
Ringlet of hair Resound Exhibition Hobbies Planet’s path Night twinkler __ at; berating Builds Guide; director
51 52 53 54 56 57 58 59 62
Lunch & dinner Excessive Theater part Some paintings Rowers’ items Keep for later You, biblically Type; variety Mauna __
Place a classified at LSUnow.com
our classifieds are
Tea-riffic! Place a classified at LSUnow.com
VOLLEYBALL VS. ALABAMA
2 Italy’s capital 3 Large kitchen appliance 4 Nullify; make ineffective 5 Shredding cheese 6 Worship 7 Cutting tools 8 Laundry soap 9 Settle snugly 10 “The Natural State” 11 Patriot and pamphlet writer Thomas __ 12 DVD player remote button 13 Annable and Barry 21 Stranger 23 Freeway exit 25 Baffling question 26 Actor Johnny 27 British noble 28 On the house 29 Ride a bike 32 Wanderer
Services
Costs: $.40 per word per day. Minimum $5 per day. Deadline: 12 p.m., three school days prior to the print publication date
FOR RELEASE NOVEMBER 23, 2016
DOWN 1 __ and cons
Merchandise
Classif ieds
To place your ad, visit www.lsunow.com and click classif ieds
ACROSS 1 Fork part 6 As comfortable __ old shoe 10 Mimicked 14 Classic name for a dog 15 Roy Rogers and __ Evans 16 Indian prince 17 Greek letter 18 Hooters 19 Ukraine’s capital 20 Marco Rubio & Barbara Boxer 22 In a __; hypnotized 24 Movement of the waves 25 Jupiter & Mars 26 Stand up for 29 “The Raven” and “Trees” 30 Cochlea’s place 31 Autry & Wilder 33 Walks the floor 37 Get ready, for short 39 Cowboy competition 41 __ as; for example 42 “Guilty” and “Not guilty” 44 Tie the knot 46 Fraternity letter 47 Make off with 49 Shout with a deep voice 51 Hot dog topper 54 Longest river 55 Whole 56 Survives longer than 60 Eden resident 61 __ in; wearing 63 Boise’s state 64 Racing sled 65 Ripped 66 At no time 67 Observes 68 Impudent talk 69 Say “Hi” to
Housing
page 7
Wednesday, November 23, 2016 ACADEMICS
Graduate students compete to communicate dissertations BY CJ CARVER @CWCarver_
Graduate students’ skills are being put to the test in a special event put on by the University. The Three Minute Thesis competition challenges graduate students to take research they have conducted in their various fields and condense it to communicate in short, time-specific presentations. The Three Minute Thesis competition took place on Nov. 9 in the Digital Media Arts and Engineering auditorium. Associate Dean of the University’s Graduate School Sean Lane oversaw the event. “It was actually a competition a few years ago, in 2014, that was started by the former dean of the Graduate School, Gary Byerly,” Lane said. “There’s been a changeover, so the current dean is Michelle Massé, and she started last year, so there was a lag for a year.” Lane began work at the University in January, and one of the first trips he made as a University dean was to the Conference of Southern Graduate Schools, where the regional competition of the Three Minute Thesis was
held. Seeing this event prompted him to return and pitch to faculty the idea of holding a competition at the University, Lane said. The Three Minute Thesis competition began in Australia at the University of Queensland in 2008. Rather than being a competition judging the actual research, this challenge tested graduate students to communicate their research in 180 seconds using only one static slide for presentation. “The basic idea behind the Three Minute Thesis is that people take dissertations, which can be hundreds of pages long, and they distill it down to three minutes,” Lane said. “What’s more is that, as opposed to the typical academic presentation with lots of statistics … you’re speaking to a general audience.” With faculty on board, the competition took place beginning Nov. 2 with the preliminary round. More than 40 graduate students from various fields competed and were judged, and then the top nine were selected to move on to the final round on Nov. 9. Of the top nine selected, three were awarded at the Nov. 9 competition. Julie Butler of biological sciences won $1,000
for first place, Kendall Valentine Cole of oceanography and coastal sciences won $750 for second place and Valerie Feathers of geography and anthropology won $500 for the People’s Choice Award. Butler will move on to compete in the regional competition in Annapolis, Maryland, in March. Another event in which graduate students will be able to test their communication skills is the upcoming Dissertation Haiku Poetry Slam. Rather than an academic presentation, graduate students are challenged to take their final research projects and turn those into a haiku. The event will take place at 5 p.m. on Nov. 29 at Schlittz & Giggles and is hosted by the University’s McElveen Professor in English, Laura Mullen. “There’s an educational component, as well as a competitive component,” Lane said. “Ultimately, part of why I think it’s important [is that] you’re working through your graduate work, and you get really down deep in the details, and you kind of lose sight in terms of why it’s important. I think we … need to do a better job of explaining why people should care.”
photo courtesy of SEAN LANE
Joseph Steiner [left], winner of The Three Minute Thesis competition, poses with Dean of the Graduate School Michelle Massé.
GET STUFFED Reveille staff reveals their favorite Thanksgiving meals
William Taylor Potter News Editor
Christian Boutwell
‘Stuffing. Because I really like food that accurately describes how I feel after gorging myself on my family’s gluttonous recipes.’ ‘A fat slab of ham to kick things off. Then I need a warm, delicate, heaping portion of stuffing to shove down my gullet.’
Quint Forgey Editor in Chief
Sports Editor
April Ahmed Managing Editor
‘I am a vegan, so I will be dining on solely vegetables and the derisive looks of conservative family members.’
Lauren Heffker News Reporter
‘Come Thanksgiving, I like to wage an unholy war on the communal gravy boat, using only a large spoon to sate my appetite. After yelling “GOBBLE GOBBLE” from the head of the table, I then pass out and transcend.’
‘I like to fill half my plate with mac and cheeseRocky and Carlo’s is the best. Then ignore the rest of the food, and go back for seconds of said mac. After the cheesy feast, store-bought pie. 10/10 would recommend.’
Ari Ross
‘Sparkling apple cider. My parents still won’t let me drink real wine, so I like to just take a glass of cider and just spike it with generous amounts of gravy.’
Web Producer
Josh Thornton
‘Corn bread is the GOAT, especially when you add corn to it. S/O out to all the dead turkeys.’
Chief Sports Writer
‘Sweet potato casserole.’ Caitie Burkes Entertainment Editor
page 8
Wednesday, November 23, 2016
JORDAN MARCELL / The Daily Reveille
LSU junior offensive tackle K.J. Malone (63) and sophomore center William Clapp (64) take on the Florida defense during the Tigers’ 16-10 loss against the Florida Gators on Nov. 19 at Tiger Stadium.
LSU’s offensive line focuses on stifling Texas A&M’s Myles Garrett, a formidable defensive line BY JACOB HAMILTON @jac0b_hamilt0n
D
anny Etling is no stranger to pressure from his blind side. The junior quarterback has dealt with a collapsing pocket from a few of the nation’s top pass rushers — Alabama’s Jonathan Allen and Tim Williams and Auburn’s Carl Lawson — and he lined up against former Ohio State defensive end and No. 3 overall draft pick Joey Bosa when he was at Purdue. But Texas A&M defensive end Myles Garrett may be better than all of them. “You don’t really see many guys that big with that type of
athleticism,” said sophomore left guard Will Clapp who will have to handle the junior preseason All-American with a torn shoulder. “With that length that he has, it allows him to win more than he loses.” Stifling Garrett is LSU’s No. 1 priority when it battles Texas A&M in the season finale at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at College Station’s Kyle Field. The Bednarik Award finalist has combated a high ankle sprain that’s held him out of three games. But he may be at his healthiest since before the Sept. 24 injury when he faces off against junior left tackle K.J. Malone, after registering a careerhigh 4.5 sacks against the
University of Texas at San Antonio this past Saturday. He enters the matchup with 8.5 sacks on the season and 32.5 for his career — the sixth most in SEC history. ESPN’s Mel Kiper ranks Garrett No. 1 on his 2017 NFL Draft “Big Board” and considers the “brilliant, natural pass-rusher” a lock to be selected within the top five picks. LSU coach Ed Orgeron compared the 6-foot-5, 270-pound Garrett to another elite pass rusher he knows quite well. “Him and [defensive end Arden Key] are a lot alike,” Orgeron said. “And he may be a little bit bigger and stronger
than Arden. I recruited him out of high school … [We] have to protect.” Orgeron wasn’t hesitant to admit that he’ll have to sell out if he hopes to keep Garrett, who ranks 7th in the nation with 1.7 tackles for loss per game, out of the backfield. “He’s going to come off the edge, and it’s going to take two to block him, maybe three,” he said. “He’s that good. And anytime you think about dropping back pass, you’ve got to think about who is blocking Myles and how are we going to block him. He’s a dominant player.” What’s troubling for LSU’s sake is that Garrett isn’t Texas A&M’s only
pressure-generating weapon. There’s also 6-foot-6, 270-pound senior defensive end Daeshon Hall who has 16 career sacks. And Aggies defensive coordinator John Chavis frequently sends blitzes and sells out to stop the run, Clapp said. Chavis’ defense gives up 428 yards per game but ranks second in the nation with 98 tackles for loss and second in the conference with 34 sacks. “They’ve been mixing some stuff up and trying to pressure quarterbacks,” Etling said. “Sometimes when you bring enough pressure, it allows somebody like Garrett to get a one-on-one, and obviously he’s so talented that he’s going to make some plays.”