Winthrop University
Wednesday
August 28, 2019
Rock Hill, SC
Serving Winthrop and Rock Hill Since 1923
Sodexo on the go
Tate Walden/ The Johnsonian
The new Sodexo to-go boxes and clips are available to buy now.
Sodexo is finding new ways to be sustainable on-campus and satisfy student demands by creating new reusable to-go boxes Since the switching from Aramark to Sodexo for Winthrop Dining Services, there has been an uproar. The disappearance of to-go boxes in Thomson Dining Hall last year was an issue, but now they are back and more sustainable than ever. Bryan Harriss, general manager of Winthrop Dining Services, talks of this new initiative, “There was continuous feedback last year around the desire to bring [to-go boxes] back. What we were wanting to do is [identify] an alternative that actually impacted [the environment] and would be useful in how we manage… sustainability [at Winthrop],” he said. Previously, under Aramark’s management, Winthrop Dining Services used compostable paper to-go boxes. However, there was no way to compost these items on campus and so they were a step back for Winthrop’s environmentally friendly projects. Chris Johnson, Winthrop’s sustainability coordinator, talks of why
these new to-go boxes are useful for these projects. “When you hear the phrase reduce, reuse, recycle we always focus on the recycling piece and there is very little attention on the reduce.
Winthrop Dining Services has introduced new reusable, plastic to-go boxes students can use. Students can purchase these boxes for a one-time fee of $5 to use throughout the year. They can be
When you hear the phrase reduce, reuse, recycle we always focus on the recycling piece and there is very little attention on the reduce. This is one way we can reduce waste period. If we are not generating it we don’t have to figure out what to do with it,” he said. Winthrop Dining Services, Sodexo, Student Affairs and the Office of Sustainability have teamed up to satisfy student and environmental needs. The four organizations have worked closely since spring semester of 2019 to talk about how to bring back the to-go boxes. They have successfully figured out a new project and it launched on Aug. 23.
paid for with any type of payment accepted at the registers of Thomson. Winthrop Dining Services are also looking at having tabling events to purchase the boxes as well. Once students pay the fee, they can get their new boxes and a clip to put on their backpack. Once finished with using the boxes, students must rinse them out and return them back to Thomson. You then have the choice to either get a new one right then or to wait to get a new one later. The clips for backpacks are useful to show that you
have already made a purchase and are picking up a new to-go box. Lilly Spruill, a sophomore mass communication major, speaks of why she thinks it so important to have these sustainable boxes. “I think it’s a great idea. I definitely am glad they have environmentally friendly [items] ... of course. I think it’s a small [initiative] but you gotta start somewhere,” she said. However, for Winthrop Dining Services, this is not the first sustainable or eco-friendly project they have put in place. Sodexo launched an initiative to eliminate plastic straw use and Thomson has replaced them with paper straws. Winthrop Dining Services has also switched to using paper items for utensils, whenever there is a catering event or the dishwasher is broken. They are now looking at a new composting project, “We are also working with the school on a composting project. So we started composting out of Thomson, [We are] working with Chris Johnson … to support the composting effort on
Out with the old, in with the new
Kiki Todman todmank@mytjnow.com Beneshia Wadlington staff writer Winthrop University’s human resource team recently adopted a new system for employed students to solve issues such as security and customer service. Kim Sipes, the employment manager, answered a few questions about how it’s been working out. “Prior to the new applicant tracking system, there was no centralized place where students could view on-campus employment opportunities,” Sipes said. “Students were sent to Financial Aid, Career and Civic Engagement, and/or various departments on campus to inquire about employment. In order to provide better customer service to students seeking employ-
Winthrop’s human resources team answers questions about the new student employment process
ment, we implemented the new system. The system also provides supervisors with the ability to locate student workers when there are student employment opportunities within their areas.” Sipes also listed the benefits of the system, including the ease of tracking student employment. “The new system allows supervisors to review the student applications electronically, making it a more secure and efficient process than paper applications. Also, when a student is offered a position, the student is able to track the hiring process in the system and will know when the hire has been approved,” Sipes said. “As departments have openings, HR will continue to post positions on the new job portal. We have received feedback from departments who have seen a drastic increase in the num-
mytjnow.com
ber of students who have applied for their openings, which they attribute to the new online system.” Sipes also offered advice for students who are looking to apply for an on-campus job. “We advise students to be sure to read all of the application instructions and provide any supplemental documents required by the hiring department (e.g., resume, cover letter, etc.). The information a student provides on and with the application, and the degree to which the student follows directions, is key for determining whether the student’s skills fit the department’s needs which, in turn, helps hiring supervisors choose the best candidate,” Sipes said. “The staff in Career and Civic Engagement were instrumental in implementing the new process for on-campus student employment as
they too recognized the need for a centralized location for posting student jobs. Students who are interested in employment outside of Winthrop can contact Career and Civic Engagement at (803) 323-2141.” If students are interested in an on-campus job, there are still opportunities. For a list of vacant positions, please check our website at https:// winthrop.peopleadmin.com/ and click on the “Student” tab. The website is updated daily, so please check often for new employment opportunities. There is still a wait for the system to take its full affect as some positions and clubs/organizations are still waiting to complete the process, however, once this is done, it’s expected to be more efficient overall.
Index: News 3 | Science & Tech 5 | Sports 6 | Arts & Culture 8 | Opinion 10
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theJohnsonian
West Fest in pictures August 28, 2019
Welcome Week came to a close with fun and games in the West Center
President Dan Mahony poses for a picture with students.
The rock climbing wall is one of the West Center’s most popular attractions.
A photo booth with props allowed students to take silly pictures with friends.
Attendees attempt to move a cookie from their forehead and into their mouths without the use of hands.
Members of the softball club seek out interested students.
The skydiving club searches for students willing to take the leap and join the club.
Gabriel Corbin takes aim and practices his archery skills.
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August 28, 2019
Succeed and thrive
Convocation 2019 continues the old standing tradition at Winthrop while showing growth within the community and welcoming the university’s newest freshman class Ann Marie Juarez staff writer Convocation this year changed pace by shuttling the freshman class in the new My Ride Rock Hill bus system. The students were taken to convocation which was held at the Winthrop Coliseum instead of Byrnes Auditorium, which is still under renovation following a roof fire in 2018. Tim Drueke, assistant vice president for academic affairs, said that the coliseum was the “only other option on campus” for convocation because of Byrnes’ undergoing renovations. The event began with the processional led by Justin Isenhour, who directed the Winthrop Faculty Brass Quintet, which was immediately followed by the singing of the National Anthem by NeTorrian Patton. Afterwards, Winthrop President Dan Mahony took the stage to welcome those in attendance and to introduce the mayor of Rock Hill, John Gettys. Gettys addressed the audience about opportunity for growth both within the student body
of Winthrop as well as the city of Rock Hill. Rock Hill is experiencing growth and new opportunity not previously seen in the ongoing efforts to make the city more of a college town, to revive downtown and to prepare for the future headquarters for the Carolina Panthers, citizens of Rock Hill and Winthrop students have a lot to look forward to. Following Gettys, Winthrop Student Body President Imani Belton gave a speech about her time at Winthrop. She recalled feeling overwhelmed and alone her first year and her previous plans to transfer out of Winthrop. Belton said that becoming involved and allowing herself time to grow is what made her fall in love with Winthrop again. Adolphus Belk Jr. led the greetings from the faculty. He spoke on the environment needed to succeed and thrive. Belk referenced Proverbs 27:17, which includes the phrase “iron sharpens iron” which alludes to how the right peer group can help or harm a person’s growth. The main speaker of this year’s convocation was Winthrop alumnus
Courtsey of Winthrop University
Winthrop Class of 2023 covers the Colisuem, standing in blue as they sing the alma mater.
Jay Karen, Class of ’96. Karen is the CEO of National Golf Course Owners Association. He told anecdotes from his past and explained how saying “yes” to different situations has made him who he is today. Karen started with saying “yes” in middle school when a girl asked him to the Sadie Hawkins dance, which gave him the confidence to become more involved in academics and student government. Karen received a full ride scholarship to Winthrop in 1992 and said “yes” to Winthrop. He then said “yes” to Greek life, which led him to his first job outside of college. Karen recalled that everything he said “yes” to came together when his boss advised him to pursue his daughter. Karen said “yes” to that opportunity and married Winthrop alumnus Carrie Lyndrup, Class of ’99. The convocation of 2019 ended with closing statements by Mahony, who thanked the speakers for their time and insight, wishing the incoming class well in beginning their journey at Winthrop. This was followed by the singing of the Alma Mater, after which the Blue Line
procession began. The Blue Line is one of Winthrop’s oldest traditions which was created by former Winthrop President David Bancroft Johnson. The Blue Line tradition which, originally had students dressed in their white and blue uniforms walking to church, has been replaced with students walking to the convocation ceremony in blue T-shirts. After the Blue Line commenced, the students walked to the lawn of the Coliseum to visit different clubs and organizations on campus that were tabling, and have a picnic with their new fellow peers. Campus organizations set up tables outside of the Coliseum to meet new students, to give out information about what they do and to generate interest. Drueke said that he was “very pleased with the convocation and the picnic,” adding that the coliseum was a good venue for convocation and that the picnic “went well” in spite of the heat. “I was very happy that most of the new students were in attendance,” Drueke said.
Courtsey of Winthrop University
Freshmen appluaded Professor Adolphus Belk Jr. and other speakers during this year’s Convocation.
Trustees discuss current & future budgets Winthrop University’s Board of Trustees met Monday, Aug. 19 after convocation to discuss, among other things, the budget for fiscal year 2020 Matt Thrift thriftm@mytjnow.com
Winthrop’s VP for Finance and Business Affairs/CFO Justin Oates addressed the board and presented a PowerPoint slideshow which broke down the numbers of Winthrop’s budget for fiscal years 2019 and 2020 while the board members looked over paper copies of what was being shown on the screen. Oates said that he had brought “divisional breakouts” — which included the “academic” breakouts — to the board in order to get “final approval on our division budgets.” “The purpose today is to quickly go over the numbers including the [fiscal year 2019] preliminary year-end results which do impact our financial profile,” Oates said, adding that he wanted to “talk about the [2020] operating, revenue and expense budget before finalizing and having a conversation about our net position.” “We do have a positive swing in the net position. Instead of being [$18 million], which we discussed at the last meeting, it’s going to actually be just over [$22 million],” Oates said. “We’re going to be slightly over $22 million in our net position.” Oates said that the “big factors in
the swing are primarily due to a million dollars in the auxiliary profile in interest income” and added that another major factor was from budgeted money not being spent. “We knew we get interest income every year but [the state doesn’t] produce us the results until June 30,” Oates said. “We invest our auxiliary net position in the state in a short term investment and then we get interest on it,” adding that the amount was “almost a million dollars.” According to Oates, the amount last year was $100,000 and he said that “we had no clue” it would be close to $1 million this year. Oates said that the university had “$122 million in revenue and we spent just under $120 million.” Oates told the board that a higherthan-expected number of graduate students would “offset being down slightly in undergraduates” though he said that he was “confident” that with the newest freshman class being on campus, the university would “hit pretty good freshman numbers.” “That’s at 1,078 as of this morning,” said Winthrop President Dan Mahony, adding that housing “looks like it won’t be very far off of what
Matt Thrift | News Editor thriftm@mytjnow.com
we projected, if anything slightly up from what we used as projection when we built the budget.” “We’re not going to spend over what we have,” Oates said, regarding Winthrop’s operating costs for the upcoming fiscal year. Looking ahead at how the university can be well-placed financially in the future, Oates said that they were looking at a “tiered approach” for student salaries and at “coming up with three basic salaries [for] different jobs around campus because right now, it’s really up to the hiring area what they pay their students and it caused some inequities on campus within the structure. It also may inflate the pay for some areas so we want to create a structure for student pay and three different tiers so that the student jobs would fall in one of those tiers.” Oates said that it was imperative to “grow operating, not continue to decline because honestly, the declines we’ve taken over the last two years, in my opinion, we’re close to the low point we can go,” and said that sacrifices would have to be made “if we continue to go below that operating amount.” One board member said that he thinks “it’s a shame that we wait for
the state to force us to give raises, it really is” adding that this was “not sustainable.” Oates said part of the university’s “compensation philosophy” was “rewarding” its employees and that the university had “lost some good ones since I’ve been here in the last year because of salaries.” Prior to the meeting going into executive session, the issue of transparency on the part of the board of trustees was raised. It was said that “the media can ask for anything that’s public documents … we give when asked” but do not “push out” the “supporting documents” of the agenda. While public documents relating to the university’s Board of Trustees can be made available upon an official Freedom of Information Act request, someone at the table said that “I don’t think that’s being as transparent as we could be … I’m talking about documents, I’m talking about financial reports, I’m talking about anything that is, from a policy perspective, that this board would be considering for action that would set policy for a public institution. That that information is readily available to any member of the public as it would be to the media.”
theJohnsonian August 28, 2019
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Leadership Lessons with the Assistant Director of Student Activities Patricia Riley, who is leaving the office of OSA and Winthrop after five years of service, offers tips, tricks and everything in between for those wanting to get involved on campus by creating their own student organizations Riley took some time to stress the importance of knowing that success isn’t a straight path and devolved into sharing some of the activities that she’s been a part of. “There’s no straight path to career success, but I do think that Winthrop has been a great place for the last five years and that I’ve really enjoyed working with our wide range of student organizations and our emerging leaders, LIFT Conferences, our collegiate leadership team, all the activities we’ve done, all the work trips done, the homecoming, Paint the Town, therapy dog program, voting ambassador initiatives, as well as all of the escape rooms I’ve created and lockbox challenges that have happened across campus,” Riley said. Courtsey of Patricia Riley After having been in charge of Patricia Riley is the Assisover 175 different campus organizations and helping to put on 77 events tant Director of Student with a total of 660 different leaders, Activities. Riley had a lot to tips for the incoming class and all of the future Kiki Todman and current leaders on campus todmank@mytjnow.com that would want to create their own clubs or programs. Patricia Riley first came to Win“What I think is the key thing throp in 2012 as the Americorp Vista to do is: if you don’t see an organifor the Carolina Campus Compact, zation that appeals to you, you can working in Career and Civic Engagestart your own. We start 10 to 15 new ment. She worked as that Vista for organizations every year just based two years before leaving and going on student interest. I think the big to The Ohio University to receive her thing for those that are in student bachelor’s degree in education. She organizations is remembering to then came back to Winthrop in 2014 work together, to think outside the as the Assistant Director of Student box when promoting events and Activities for student organizations programs,” Riley said. and leadership. Riley said that she thinks that Before this, she received her sometimes students can get stuck undergraduate degree from the Colthinking “that the same group may lege of Western Sociology. Like any or may not show up” and added that typical college student, she pursued it is also possible to “get fixated on several different avenues before our own little circles.” finding her passion in education. Riley said that it is important for
those who are starting new organizations to know what separates their organization from others on campus. She said that students should think about what makes their potential organization unique and what it will bring to student life. “I also think it’s really important that you listen to your members, and remember that you work together,” Riley said. “Student organizations are not just one person. [The] key word there is that it’s an organization.” “Keep thinking, keep dreaming, keep getting bigger,” Riley said. Riley used the example of student organizations wanting to increase the amount of members which is important for the leadership of the individual groups to formulate and enact a plan to accomplish their goals. Riley said that it is important to “make those goals actionable instead of just a vision, because how is your vision going to turn into action?” She also said that it is important to find the potential in some of the underclassmen for leadership roles. “It’s all about empowering and encourages these new leaders, so when it comes time for election in your organization, your organization will be sustainable for years to come. Too many [organizations] don’t remember how to transition officers or don’t want to give up the reigns and we need you guys to understand that we want you to leave the organization better than when you found it,” Riley said. “There’s plenty of things on the OSA website … too many people don’t use them. It’s not their fault but you don’t know what you know until you realize you don’t know it. There’s no dumb questions when it comes to your organzation,
but also think critically about how to think about it.” “That’s a really hard question. I always say in my leadership class ‘I learn just as much from you guys as I hope you learned from me,’” Riley said when asked what was the most impactful experience for her during her time at Winthrop. “I think Winthrop has been a special place because I have learned so many different things.” “I think a lot of it is being open and knowing that each and every student matters Regardless of their major, political beliefs, [what they are] involved in, et cetera, they all matter and this campus needs to be home [to] each and every one of them. Making sure that my office is a safe space for all students and making sure I know students names and being visible and being as much of a presence as possible,” Riley said about what she has learned from Winthrop and will take with her. “I think it’s important to remember that when you think outside the box go beyond what’s expected, it’s about not being afraid to take a chance but also trying to make things better than what they were before,” Riley said. “Because Winthrop has such a unique student body and we’re unique here in South Carolina. I think the conversations that are had and the organizations we have and the leadership conversations we have are not the same anywhere else.” “Go to everything you can, don’t sit in your room all day, put your phones down, engage in conversation, do a puzzle, think critically, [and] try something new because you never know what could be your next passion,” Riley said.
Once an Eagle, Always an Eagle The 134th freshman class of Winthrop prepares for the new year with a little added competition David Botzer staff writer When someone thinks about traditions, sitting on a gym floor may not be the first thing that pops to mind. However, that is where the 134th freshman class in Winthrop’s history found themselves on the morning of Monday, Aug. 19 before Convocation for the “Once an Eagle, Always an Eagle” event in the West Center. The event was hosted by the Student Alumni Council. Members of the council greeted freshmen as they entered the building and spread out across the floor. Each freshman was given a copy of “The Garnet & Gold: Treasures and Traditions of Winthrop University 2019,” a book filled with information regarding the history, past and current traditions and symbols of the university. Nearly 1,100 freshmen sat in the West Center as the event began with a giant group photo of everyone. Various different members of the council spoke to the group on upcoming events hosted by them. One that they mentioned was Homecoming and Reunion Weekend which will be taking place this year from Nov. 11 - 16. Another event mentioned was the Ghost Tours, which takes a look at various spooky legends across campus, coming Oct. 29. The council representatives also taught the in-
Tate Walden/ The Johnsonian
Five excited freshmen hold up their Blue Line shirts on Scholars Walk. Later that day the entire Coliseum was full of eager freshmen in blue. coming class Winthrop’s spirit chant, which consists of a series of counted claps ended with a final clap as the chanter exclaims, “Winthrop!” The main activity of the event was a giant game of Four Corners based on questions about the history and traditions of Winthrop. The four different corners were dubbed Garnet, Big Stuff, Gold and Spirit Check. The entirety of the freshman class played through several rounds
Kiki Todman | Assistant News Editor todmank@mytjnow.com
of the game, with those who picked the wrong answers having to sit back down. When the majority of the class of 2023 was seated, the council allowed the first 10 remaining standing students who made it to the front of the gym compete as finalists. These finalists were asked to name events that take place during Homecoming Week in order to win prizes. The seated freshmen were made to do spirit checks between each answer.
The eventual winner was not named nor was it specified what rewards were given out. The event closed with the council providing information about where Convocation was going to take place as well as providing information on where students are to park. As the freshmen left the West Center, they were given their Blue Line T-shirts for Convocation. Unfortunately, some sizes of the shirt were out by the time the last students reached the tables holding the shirts. This led to some freshmen receiving shirts one or two sizes bigger than what they would typically get. Freshmen responses to the event were mixed. Many students said the event was fun and an interesting way to learn about the place they now call home. Others thought it could use some improvements, such as activities that had more student involvement other than just moving across the floor. One critique about the Four Corners game was made by freshman Laurel Lampey, who said that it was “like there was way too many people to be doing that activity.” The sheer size of the class made it difficult to get to your chosen answer or even hear the questions over the conversations between your fellow freshmen. Despite these negatives, the event mostly received positive responses from the freshmen class as they prepared to officially join Winthrop University through Convocation.
S&T
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theJohnsonian August 28, 2019
Biomedical initiatives at Winthrop
Over the summer a select group of eight students at Winthrop did research in Dr. Matthew Stern's lab. Savannah Scott
lab. Escoto-Diaz researched specifically on blood vessel For most college students, tissue engineering. “Medical summertime means relevance would apply for interning, working, or patients in need of cardiac taking classes. However, for bypass surgery … we are eight students at Winthrop, specifically investigating they were able to have an how we can recellularize opportunity most students [pig] internal thoracic artery cannot obtain until graduate scaffolds with human aortic school. These eight students endothelial cells,” he said. were able to work on three Escoto-Diaz learned different biomedical research through the course of projects with Dr. Matthew three months how to Stern, associate professor of work in a lab and gained Courtesy of Dr. Matthew Stern biology at Winthrop. skill sets that are crucial In 2014, Stern created in furthering his career. Student Holdyn Ferguson conducts research in Dr. Matthew Stern's lab his research program with “Organization, motivation, housing and payment while up in my lab for a summer only two students and it has and collaboration have students continue furthering often shadow or volunteer in only grown from there. been very important skills their scientific careers over the lab during the academic The project he and his that I’ve developed over the the summer. year to start developing skills students are working on summer. Most importantly, Escoto-Diaz explains and learning the systems we currently is in collaboration gaining experience and the importance of joining study.”. with USC School of having the task of presenting SURE or any form of Stern also advises that it Medicine, Clemson my research … have helped undergraduate research, does not matter what type of University, VCOM-Carolinas, me the most,” he said. “My career goals are to research you pursue. “Take and Claflin University. Stern is able to continue further my involvement in advantage of any research Stern’s three projects focus his summer and school biomedical research and this opportunity [you] can find. on a variety of topics. “One year research through the SURE program experience Many students think that if project focuses on blood support of Winthrop’s has allowed that to happen. they want to go to medical vessel tissue engineering, Undergraduate Summer By starting in research at school or pharmacy school another focuses on the way Research Experience an early stage I will be more … they should only do different cell types organize program, the South Carolina sure of what I want to focus research directly related and interact within threeEstablished Program to on after Winthrop. I also to those fields ... I strongly dimensional environments, Stimulate Competitive have the valuable experience believe that the process of and the third is working Research/Institutional obtained from having conducting research is more towards the development of Development Award, wonderful mentors such as important than the specifics a complex three-dimensional South Carolina IDeA Dr. Stern,” he said. what you are researching culture model to better study Networks of Biomedical For any student interested … If you have a passion for esophageal cancer,” Stern Research Excellence, and in undergraduate research research you’ll get into … and said. the Winthrop University Stern advises, “Contact a you’ll benefit tremendously Carlos Escoto-Diaz, a Research Council. faculty member and arrange from the experience,” Stern sophomore biology major, Summer Undergraduate a meeting to discuss their said. was one of the students who Research in Engineering interests. Students who end was able to work in Stern’s specifically provides student scotts@mytjnow.com
Follow Winthrop’s Chemistry department on Twitter @WinthropChem for all the updates you need to know about the department.
iMAGINE STEAM Festival Preview STEAMFest is looking for volunteers and attendees to support the upcoming event. Deck: The 2nd annual STEAM Festival is coming up on September 28.
Savannah Scott scotts@mytjnow.com On Sept. 28, Downtown Rock Hill is hosting its second annual iMAGINE STEAM Festival. It will be held at Fountain Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will also be food trucks provided during the event. The organization, iMAGINE STEAM Festival, is a project started five years ago by the Upstate SC STEM Collaborative and is managed by South Carolina’s Coalition for Mathematics and Science at Clemson University. It has since grown, with festivals being held in Charleston, Williston, Greenville and Greenwood. Susie Teague, one of the organizers for the iMAGINE STEAM Festival, explains the mission is, “to create meaningful experiences that promote a culture of lifelong learning and career readiness with an emphasis on science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics, innovation, and entrepreneurship for York,
Elizabeth Talbert/ The Johnsonian Lancaster & Chester Counties in South Carolina,” Teague also explains why any she said. form of STEAM learning is crucial, She also talks of why this “The letters mean so much more event is important for attendees than the acronym… It is critical and supporters, “[It is] designed for parental support as children to showcase PreK-12 education begin pursuing their interests. At and career pathways in Science, the festival, families are able to Technology, Arts, Engineering and experience engaging tasks from Math … through fun, hands-on real world business[es] [and learning for families from across industries] that may not otherwise York, Chester and Lancaster be available … Together we can Counties … The purpose of the build a PreK-12 workforce pipeline festival is to ignite the interest of and generate interest in high-skill students in STEAM learning and industries,” she said. career pathways,” she said. Rock Hill’s event specifically is However, all ages are supported by Comporium, the City encouraged to attend to support of Rock Hill, Old Town Rock Hill, the efforts of the iMAGINE Williams and Fudge, Duke Energy STEAM Festival organization. and many others.
Savannah Scott | Science & Technology Editor scotts@mytjnow.com
All of the projects at the event will be interactive. These projects will include, “robots, coding, simulations, games...such as a marble machine challenge, ambulance simulator, BeeBots, catapults, Legos, etc,” Teague said. She also talks of the key component to the success of the event, “The festival has been a major success because of the tremendous support of the community and our education and industry partners… Volunteers are critical for ensuring that the iMAGINE STEAM Festival in Rock Hill runs smoothly,” Teague said. Winthrop is one of the many volunteer groups at the event, “Winthrop continues to serve as an amazing partner for the festival, not only providing funds to assist with sponsoring the festival but also to showcase engaging, handson activities for those who attend to try out while at the festival,” Teague said. For more information about the organization, festival, and volunteering visit their website at https://www.imaginesteamsc.org.
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SPORTS theJohnsonian August 28, 2019
Feel the Burns
DJ Burns returns to Rock Hill, bolsters Winthrop men’s basketball roster Matthew Shealy
staff writer
At 6-foot-9 with 250 pounds of pure muscle, DJ Burns is one of the largest Eagles Winthrop has ever seen. The native to Rock Hill (which is known to many as “Football City USA” for the city’s ability to produce exceptional football players at the college and professional level) attended York Preparatory Academy, where instead of practicing football, he perfected his basketball skills. After deciding to graduate high school a year early, Burns was ranked as the No. 103 overall prospect for the class of 2018, according to the industry-generated 247Sports Composite. Burns was also considered the 12th best center in the nation and the third best prospect from the state of South Carolina, only behind superstars Zion Williamson and Ja Morant, who were the top two selections in the 2019 NBA Draft. According to 247sports. com, Burns received offers from sixteen NCAA schools, dating back to the summer after his freshman year of high school. Burns was personally visited by several highly respected head coaches, including Frank Martin from the University of South Carolina and Tony Bennett from the University of Virginia, before ultimately deciding to attend the University of Tennessee. After redshirting his first year with the Tennessee Volunteers, Burns opted to place his name in the NCAA’s transfer portal this past summer. On July 11, Burns posted a picture of himself in a Winthrop jersey on Twitter with text that read, “IT FEELS GOOD TO BE HOME.” As one could expect, head coach
Pat Kelsey was very enthusiastic about the addition of Burns to the Winthrop squad. “…What strikes me most is his humility. He wants to be part of something great here at Winthrop. His smile lights up a room and his energy is infectious,” Kelsey said. “…DJ Burns is one of the best basketball talents our beloved city has ever produced. And he’s coming home.” Burns joins a roster full of new faces, with only five players on scholarship that saw game time
for Winthrop last season. Along with Burns as a redshirt freshman, Winthrop’s team will also feature four true freshmen. Chase Claxton, a freshman forward from Greenville, and Russell Jones Jr., a freshman guard from Blythewood, will be the other two scholarship players representing the state of South Carolina on Winthrop’s roster. This will be the first time Winthrop has had multiple South Carolinians on scholarship since the
Photo provided by Winthrop Athletics
2016-17 season and the first time having three on scholarship since 2011-12, which was the final season before the Pat Kelsey era began. Could DJ Burns be the ‘Zion Williamson of the Big South’? If his three years at York Prep were any sign of what is to come, in which he scored over 1,000 points and recorded more than 1,000 rebounds, then there is certainly reason to have hope.
Is it because I’m a woman?
The whole deal about the lack of equal pay between male and female athletes Ben Wadlington
staff writer
The average salary for an athlete in the NBA is $6.2 million. The average salary for an athlete in the WNBA is $71,365. The average salary for an athlete playing MLB is $3.4 million. The average salary for an athlete playing NPF is $5-6,000 with a salary cap of only $150,000 per team. It’s the same sport with the same rules — the only difference is the gender. So what’s up with the enormous pay gap? Winthrop student athletes talked about why they think male athletes are paid more than female athletes. “When sports first came around, men were the only gender that was really allowed to participate,” Carleigh Greene, junior sports management major, responded. “I think that the pay gap between male and female athletes dates all the way back to when sports were first introduced. I don’t think it is based on whether women are good enough. There are arguments that women
are just as capable as men, but I don’t think it is based on whether women are good enough, I think it is a societal issue that has existed since the beginning of sports.” Sara Dixson, senior biology major, added, “Most people think that women athletes are not as good or stronger than men athletes so they don’t need to be paid as much.” Along with this reasoning, it’s believed that marketing plays a huge role in the pay gap. “Men and women could be competing in the same sport and putting in the same number of hours into their practice time and truly dedicating themselves to their sport, but men come out on top with how much money they make. It is an issue with equality which leads to the lack of marketing for women’s sports,” Greene concluded. “I believe male athletes are paid more than female athletes because male leagues are televised and streamed more on the biggest networks at prime times and because of that they have more viewers and
Gabby Gardner | Sports Editor gardnerg@mytjnow.com
more money is generated,” said junior business management major, Michael Smith. Since there isn’t any major marketing being done for female athletes, there aren’t as many people that are familiar with female athletes like Skylar Diggins or Danica Patrick like how they know Lebron James and Michael Phelps. “I think female athletes are paid less based off the actual fact that there is not enough money being generated in the sport/league due to the lack of exposure they receive from televised programs and lack of sponsors investing in their leagues as well,” Smith added. This could be an excellent theory as well. In 2017, the average amount of tickets sold for a WNBA game rounded out to be almost 8,000. The average amount of tickets sold for an NBA game in 2017, however, was about 17.5 thousand. With almost 10,000 more tickets sold, it’s obvious that the NBA is making more revenue to be able to do more types of marketing for their athletes. “When something is not being ad-
vertised, no one will be interested in watching a game or an athlete that no one has heard of,” Greene said. Dixson added, “No one really knows or pays attention to female athletes so they fuel the opinion that women are not as good because they are not shown as often.” The thought that women are not as good is indeed an opinion. In fact, some of the best female athletes work just as hard as some male athletes. However, some people don’t know that due to the lack of awareness and education about the matter. Smith added, “I think it’s important that people are educated about this pay gap so that women’s sports can be televised in more of an abundance so more viewers can tune in which will result in more fans and revenue.” Dixson added, “If they are not educated, it will never change.” Will the fight for equal pay for female athletes continue or will the lack of awareness and action cause female sports to die out completely? You decide.
theJohnsonian
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August 28, 2019
Eagles Ever Stand
New Athletic Branding Company Inspired by the Alma Mater La J’ai Reed
assistant sports editor The final three words of the Winthrop University alma mater are, “Winthrop ever stand.” Winthrop Athletics is taking those words to a new dimension starting this fall with a new branding campaign. Ever Stand will symbolize a new outlook for Winthrop Athletics. The campaign will not only focus on the athletic department, but also its integration with the main campus and the Rock Hill community. Dr. Ken Halpin, Winthrop’s Director of Athletics, has seen a lot of growth in the athletic department since he was hired three years ago. With the new campaign, Halpin is looking forward to the road ahead. “The marketing team really got together and decided there is a lot we could do with ‘Ever Stand’ if we intentionally created a campaign around it,” Halpin said. Halpin appreciates that the campaign is on-brand with all things Winthrop. Additionally, Halpin feels that it will be comprehensive in combining many different elements that will impact the Winthrop community. “It’s a campaign being driven from athletics, but it’s very uniquely Winthrop,” Halpin said. “So it’s not just for athletics fans, it’s for anybody who’s ever attended this institution; or has a degree from here; or has ever rooted for a student to be successful here — we can all stand together.” Winthrop Coliseum and Winthrop’s main campus is separated by a mile stretch of houses and businesses. However, that does not symbolize a breach of unity.
Photo Provided by Winthrop Athletics The push in the campaign is to bring the Winthrop community closer by asking, “What do you stand for?” Halpin noted that while there are many goals for the campaign, engagement is at the forefront of those goals. “Engagement has multiple tiers: student body engagement, campus engagement, fan engagement, donor engagement, community engagement, and alumni engagement,” Halpin said. Halpin said that each tier differs in tangibility, but culminates as a way of banding people behind a cause. Winthrop softball senior Ansley Gilreath believes that the campaign is a neat way of bringing in the alma mater. The softball team takes pride in playing the alma mater after home wins for the fans. Gilreath said that Ever Stand is a great way to get everyone involved. The campaign is a way of bringing in the school and the alma mater
and the academics part into athletics,” Gilreath said. Gilreath noted character as something she stands for. “I think that should be the main goal from Winthrop, to build the character of not only the athletes, but the students as well,” Gilreath said. “Because this is a huge part of our lives and it shapes us and directs us into the paths we are going to in the future.” Character is something Gilreath would like to express amongst her team by being an example for her teammates on and off the field. Gilreath also believes that she can display strong character across campus by being present and participating in class, reaching out to others and being an aid when she can. Junior English education major Beth Warnken supports the idea of the athletic department helping find a new way to carry on Winthrop’s principles. “Ever stand means upholding
Winthrop’s traditions and just getting people involved in upholding it at the campus, at the coliseum, and even outside of Winthrop,” Warnken said. Warnken enjoys attending athletic events and is excited about carrying on traditions with her friends that will help boost the campaign. Furthermore, as a peer mentor, Warnken is excited about spreading the word to first-year students and showing them how they can get involved. “To me, I think it’s cool because you get to support your peers; and it’s your school and it’s theirs too, so it’s all one united effort towards a better Winthrop,” Warnken said. The words “ever stand” have been engraved in Winthrop’s history for over 30 years. Ever Stand now stands as not only a branding campaign, but as a way of influencing, engaging, and impacting the Winthrop community.
Retirement Par-Tee
Jodi Wendt retires, as Kasay Gambrell takes on the roll as head coach for the Winthrop women’s golf team. Gabby Gardner
gardnerg@mytjnow.com
at the Big South Championship that season. In her 15 seasons as head coach of the Eagles, the team finished in the Top 3 of the conference championship seven times. Wendt graduated from Minneso-
Jodi Wendt, an LPGA Teaching Professional and a former player on the Players West Professional Tour, was promoted to head coach for the Winthrop women’s golf team in the spring of 2006 after joining the program as an assistant coach in 2003. Wendt announced her retirement which was put into effect on Aug. 15. In 2017-18 the team enjoyed one of its most successful seasons under Wendt’s coaching as it finished off the season with a runner-up finish at the Big South Conference Championship. Winthrop placed with a 54-hole total of 914, which was the third lowest in program history in conference championship competition for the Eagles. The second place finish was the best by the women’s golf team since a runner-up finish in 1999. The year before that the Eagles placed fifth with a 54-hole total of 894, which is Golf coach Jodi Wendt celebrates her retirement the best by any team in prota State University in 1995 with a gram history for a championship. bachelor’s degree in social studies In Wendt’s first season education and a minor in politias head coach, the Eagles had cal science. She was a four-year four Top 3 finishes highlighted member of the school’s golf team by capturing the 2007 Shamrock and was honored as an academic Intercollegiate, overcoming a All-American all four years. As seven-stroke deficit. The following a collegiate player she earned season the Eagles earned their All-American honors twice and highest ranking in program history was the 1996 Arizona State Amawhen Golfweek Magazine ranked teur Champion. In 2008, Wendt them seventeenth. was inducted into the Minnesota After a strong 2008-09 State Athletics Hall of Fame. season, Wendt was named the Big Carleigh Greene, WinSouth Conference Coach of the throp women’s golf team redshirt Year. The Eagles finished third sophomore, played as an individ-
ual at Low Country Intercollegiate and posted collegiate-low 80 in the final round. Her 36-hole score of 162 at LCI was a collegiate best, which was previously 168 at Terrier Intercollegiate. Greene, of the 13
constant support and positivity that existed on and off of the golf course. She was a very encouraging coach and we will all miss her tremendously.” Kasay Holbrook Gambrell has been hired as head coach of the Winthrop University women’s golf program, Winthrop Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Ken Halpin announced. Greene and the team are looking forward to meeting their new coach, Gambrell, very soon. “I have not met Coach Gambrell yet, but I am looking forward to her leadership with our team and we have heard amazing things thus far from our athletic department about the kind of passion and competitiveness she is going to bring to our program,” Greene said. Gambrell comes to Winthrop after serving as head coach at Presbyterian College (2015-19). Photo Provided by Winthrop Athletics Gambrell took over the program at Presbyterian College in 2014 after individuals competing at the LCI, serving one year as an assistant for had the second-best finish. the Blue Hose. During her time in Greene reminisces on that program, the team finished times with Wendt as her golf fourth in the Big South Conference coach. “My favorite memory with Championship twice, including Coach Wendt was a qualifying this past spring. round at Waterford Golf Club and Gambrell graduated from we were on hole 14 and Coach acci- PC in 2012 following one of the dentally dropped her phone in the most distinguished careers in the porta john (porta potty) when she history of the program. She earned went to use the restroom,” Greene Big South Conference Player of the said. Wendt made a big contribuWeek three times and accumulated tion and impact to the Winthrop seven Top 10 finishes and set three women’s golf team. individual school records. “The thing I will miss the most about Coach Wendt is her
Gabby Gardner | Sports Editor gardnerg@mytjnow.com
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Augst 28, 2019
Dr. Dustin M. Hoffman and Dr. Ephraim Sommers of Winthrop’s English department are entering the fall semester with more than just teaching their classes on their mind. Both professors are also gearing up for the release of their respective books later this year. Dr. Hoffman is the director of graduate students in Winthrop’s English department and fiction writing professor at the university. He has previously written a collection of short stories, titled “One Hundred Knuckled Fist.” His upcoming book, “No Good for Digging,” is another collection of short stories. This collection focuses on the struggles of the working class, partic-
ularly those in construction, through fictional stories. However, according to Hoffman, these stories will be a mix of the real and the surreal. Stories about workers facing the challenges of life and more magical parts will be threaded together by “flash pieces” from a narrator who speaks to a colony of people living and working inside their body. When questioned about these flash pieces, Hoffman said they were meant to showcase anxiety and the fear workers have of losing their bodies. Hoffman chose to write about these working class struggles because he worked in construction for ten years prior to becoming a professor. His experience in this field lets him better see how they are mistreated and underrepresented. Hoffman wants to “show the beauty, the honor, the nobility in
Service animals and emotional support animals (ESAs) are becoming a staple of Winthrop’s campus, and not only do they make daily life easier for their handlers, they brighten the lives of all the students they meet. This year, the Johnsonian will be spotlighting the different animals of Winthrop and discussing the ways students should interact with people and their furry companions. The Animal of the Month for August is Roux, a female Boston Terrier who works as a service dog for Jeanne-Marie “J.M.” Martin. Roux is perhaps best known for being so well-trained that she can often be seen walking at Martin’s side without a leash. Roux is described as a “friendly little spitfire” who loves people, being on campus, and socializing. “Living with an animal on campus is interesting be-
these people that are often seen as gruff” and present to readers an honest depiction of a group of people they may not normally see in such a light. Another goal of his through this publication is to bring recognition to a new publication company, Word West Press, as they release “No Good for Digging” as their first book. Hoffman has plans for another, more traditional short story collection along with a full-length novel with similar working class themes at its core. Dr. Sommers is another professor in the English department, focusing on poetry and creative nonfiction. He has previously penned “The Night We Set the Dead Kid on Fire.” His latest work will be a poetry collection titled, “Someone You Love is Still Alive.” Sommers says the collection will focus on our “contemporary experience” that forces us to deal with mass tragedies, racism, violence, and
cause you get a sense of notoriety from everyone. Winthrop is very animal friendly, so people get very excited to see Roux, especially when she works, so it’s helped me branch out a lot socially,” Martin says. As a service dog, Roux is a vital part of Martin’s daily life, and they are enthusiastic about raising awareness of how living with service animals differs from living with ESAs or pets, and just how important animals are to their handlers’ well-being. “If I didn’t have her, it would be kind of like not having my dominant hand. I could kind of function but it wouldn’t really be living well.” While there are many benefits to having a service dog on campus, problems arise when people do not respect that Roux is working or try to take pictures and videos of her without Martin’s permission. “A good rule of thumb for people who have service
Laura Munson | A&C Editor munsonl@mytjnow.com
natural disasters. The poetry in “Someone You Love is Still Alive” will showcase how individual love helps us to handle these terrible things. Sommers wanted to showcase love as “the best act of rebellion against mass tragedy.” When asked about why he chose to write about this topic, he stated that he finds it interesting that humans are not sure how to deal with mass suffering and wants to explore that topic. Sommers hopes the book will show readers that we need to lean into smaller groups for support, fall in love, help our communities, and spread positivity to combat these
animals or ESAs is if you want to take a picture, please ask first. It’s really creepy to have a picture of me somewhere that I don’t know of, and find out later.” Martin acknowledges that people have innocent intentions, but distracting a service dog can be disruptive and potentially dangerous, sometimes causing the dogs to miss alerts and leave their handlers vulnerable. Students should always ask permission before petting any dog, and avoid distracting service dogs that are working. “By bothering or pestering them, you’re not only making a bit of a jerk of yourself, but you’re also hindering their handler’s ability to go about their business and do normal human things. I can’t tell
threats. Dr. Sommers is publishing through Jacar Press after winning their 2019 full-length book prize for “Someone You Love is Still Alive.” He has plans to publish a nonfiction memoir in the future. Dr. Hoffman’s “No Good for Digging” will be released this December, but is already available for preorder. Dr. Sommers’ “Someone You Love is Still Alive” is coming in November. Both authors hope that these publications will open up eyes of various readers on the topics they touch and encourage them to get more involved in their communities and pay attention to the world around them.
you how many times I get stopped in doors or in the food court because someone wants to touch Roux without asking and it distracts her.” If you would like to recommend a Winthrop animal for Animal of the Month, contact A&C editor Laura Munson at munsonl@mytjnow. com.
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Augst 28, 2019
One of Winthrop’s diversity-based student organizations has revamped its image, starting with its name. The organization formerly known as GLoBAL is coming into the 20192020 school year with a new executive board, a new logo, and a new name, Prism. The long-standing name GLoBAL, which stood for Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Allied League, was changed last
Friday Arts Project was founded in 2006 as a way to connect artists across the Rock Hill community. The organization, led by president Carlee Hyland, executive director Kirk Erwin and creative director Sarah Kenney Irwin; strives to continue a conversation about their individual artistic crafts and how to grow in them together. They meet each Friday to inspire creativity and artistic endeavors within their community by expanding beyond just their collection of creatives. “Friday Arts Project is a nonprofit arts collective, and we focus on curating conversations about art,” says president of the Winthrop chapter, Anna Goldstein. “We help people to foster their craft so that we can be the best humans we can be. Because we believe that art helps us to be the best people that we can be.” The true vision statement of Friday Arts Project is “Beauty exists where truth and goodness meet mystery- Art.” They mainly value the traits of generosity, wonder, and craft-- striving to reflect each in their weekly meetings. Every Friday, the group has a discussion at
semester in response to the common misconception that it was a club for international students. According to Prism president Cody Chester, the new name is also meant to emphasize inclusiveness. “GLoBAL just wasn’t hitting it, because it was only gay, lesbian and bisexual allied league,” Chester says. “We
Amelie’s French Bakery in Rock Hill to talk about different topics in art and culture. They hone in on articles from the internet, and hold an open-minded discussion. Anyone is welcome to come to these discussions, and they are held promptly at 7 a.m. Friday Arts Project recently became an organization on Winthrop’s campus in March 2019. The Winthrop organization meets each Thursday at 7 p.m. at The Fishbowl (DIGS 114). They pride themselves on harvesting creativity and excitement for arts amongst students. The Winthrop Friday Arts Project staff includes Brandi and Chris Fox, Winthrop alumni and artists, as well as Dennissa Young, a performance artist. Previous events for Friday Arts Project includes a pie and prosecco fundraising party including “draw me” opportunities. The fundraising event was executed took place in April, and guests were invited to purchase slices of pie or beverages in
wanted to be able to bring out a name that’s not an acronym, to accept more people and feel more inclusive. We thought Prism was a better way to bring that out because then we weren’t using acronyms, it was just one big thing. Because you know, when you shine a light on a diamond you get a rainbow.”
support of the organization. The event was a success for the organization. In addition to events for the community, Friday Arts Project holds gallery events for local artists. They displayed the “Tell Me” exhibit from May to June 2019 in the Courtroom Gallery; including works by artist Caitlin Harvey and the durational performance “Will You Hold My Hand” by Dennissa Young. In August 2019, they displayed the “Easy Company” reception including new print and mixed media pieces by artist Lila Shul. The organization continues to unveil the art of their members and community artists in new and creative ways. They use different art forms to connect and create. Despite their name, this organization actually meets more often than just on Fridays. In fact, they hold a bi-monthly
Chester hopes that this new image for Prism will bring about more member retention, a greater presence on campus, and a friendly, “family” environment with less of the “hookup culture” that has existed within GLoBAL in the past. Prism meets in Owens 102 on Wednesday nights at 8 p.m. It is open to all students, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.
“Drawing Nite” at the Getty’s Art Center in Old Town Rock Hill. These events are held on the first and third Monday nights each month, and artists are invited to bring their medium of choice to draw on. The subject of these works of art are either models or still-life. A few events on the fall calendar for this organization are film screenings for “Lars and The Real Girl” (Sept. 13), “Loving Vincent” (Oct. 4) and “Clueless” (Nov. 11). The group will also be coordinating a trip to see Van Gogh’s exhibit in Columbia in the fall. Another unique activity that the ever-artistic Friday Arts Project holds are sketchbook sessions. They held several sketchbook binding and creating sessions last year; and gave some out at convocation.
Lauren Griffith | Assistant A&C Editor griffithl@mytjnow.com
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OPINION
theJohnsonian
Why am I here? August 28, 2019
You are here because of what you can become.
Winthrop provides a place for people to always talk openly and have healthy debates Elijah Moree
staff writer What is the purpose of going to college? Why would you pay thousands of dollars to tolerate four more years of school if you don’t have to? College allows you to leave behind high school, shedding the awkwardness like a cocoon and become a beautifully industrious butterfly. I’m joking of course, but if you think about it, attending university does have the power to help shape people into productive members of society. The first reason to attend university is one of practicality. Once you leave campus, there won’t be any more dining halls. I know, shocking right? To survive in American society after college graduation, your labor must be valuable enough to trade it for a wage. That is why 55 percent of those polled in the International
Student Survey cited wanting a particular job as one of their top three reasons for going to college. You can’t get something for nothing, so making your labor valuable is one of the most important reasons to go to college. College will also teach you how to be a critical thinker. Thinking critically is not merely something we spontaneously do, it’s an art. That is why Dante and Plato and Thomas Aquinas are all considered great thinkers; they thought outside the normal parameters and made an impact on the world. The ability to think critically has many advantages. According to Jordan Peterson, an acclaimed clinical psychologist, “... thinking makes you act effectively in the world. Thinking makes you win the battles you undertake, and those could be battles for good things. If you can think, and speak, and write - you are absolutely deadly! … That’s what you’re at
university for.” Peterson makes it clear that those who can think more effectively become more effective. Finally, college will give you the gift of challenging your preconceptions. A university campus brings together a large number of young people from many different backgrounds. This will provide a free market of ideas in which individuals can be challenged on their beliefs and learn to think for themselves. This means that you will not remain intellectually comfortable. There will be challenges to how you think, but whatever your views may be or become, you should come out stronger at the end of it. Winthrop’s student code of conduct affirms that “Academic institutions exist for the transmission of knowledge, the pursuit of truth, the development of students, and the general well-being of society.” Currently, Winthrop supports all speech “...so long as it is
Sam Ross/The Johnsonian not of an inflammatory or demeaning nature and does not interfere with the students’ living and study conditions and the administration of its affairs”. From these quotes, we can see that Winthrop is upholding the standard of education that it should be. Personally, I have had a great experience with in-class discussion at Winthrop. I recently got into a debate on property rights in my political science class. It was awesome. Several people shared their views with honest conviction and I shared mine as well. The purpose of a university education is to develop what was previously undeveloped. It teaches ideas and skills in order to grow youth into adults who can make the world a better place. That is why I am here, to develop and challenge myself into fulfilling my true potential.
The war on journalism
Press freedom is declining in America — it’s time to hold politicians accountable for it Téa Franco
staff writer
For my entire college career, I have, in some capacity, worked for The Johnsonian. During my tenure as a staff member, I have been threatened by readers who wanted to take legal action against me or do what they could to get me fired, simply as a result of me doing my job. At one point years ago, even our own police department was upset with critical reporting about them, leading them to publicly criticize us. Fake news is a touchy subject in the journalism world, and that even spreads down to the collegiate level. It has set the foundation for hostility towards journalists, especially journalists who report on politics. As editor-in-chief and as news editor before that, I always encouraged the writers on my team to go headfirst into politics, however, I often received some resistance from them. The truth was, they were afraid. Afraid of the backlash. Afraid of receiving some of the same threats that I had received for
reporting on the same issues. In these moments, it was hard to be in charge. How could I assure my staff that things will be okay, when in reality, we hear stories about the press being restricted, berated and being made out to be “the enemy of the people,” on a daily basis? There has been a growing sense of distrust towards the media, and it has put freedom of the press — a fundamental part of the first amendment — in jeopardy. According to the Reporters Without Borders Press Freedom Index, the United States does not rank well in press freedom, and it is continually ranking lower each year. In 2017, the United States ranked 42 out of 180 countries. In 2018, that ranking dropped to 45 and in 2019 we saw another decrease, leaving the United States in 48th place. According to the Reporters Without Borders Press Freedom Tracker, in 2019 there have been 14 subpoenas placed against reporters (several of those instances involved college
Victoria Howard | Opinion Editor howardv@mytjnow.com
journalists) and 22 journalists have been denied access to meetings, documents and other information that journalists want to share with the public. This includes an incident on March 18 where the state department only permitted “faithbased reporters” to have access to a briefing call with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. They also refused to release a full transcript or list of attendees from the call.
being threatened by other citizens and the government. Journalism is a great tool for holding people accountable and keeping citizens aware so they can make educated opinions about the world around them. When journalists are barred access or made to seem like an enemy, it hinders them from doing their job, virtually shutting down a system of checks on the American government.
Another incident involves CNN reporter Jim Acosta, who was barred from press briefings after a doctored video sent out from the White House falsely accused him of mishandling an intern while she attempted to bar him from asking the president a question. Additionally, there have been eight journalists stopped at a border, four search and seizures of equipment, eight journalists arrested (one of those being nearby in Columbia, SC) and 23 journalists attacked.
Without freedom of the press, it makes it that much easier for our government to take advantage of us. It is time to stand up for our first amendment rights in this country. With an election coming up, it is important to consider how each candidate behaves towards the press, as their stance on freedom of the press corresponds directly with their stance on democracy. Democracy is in jeopardy if we don’t hold the government accountable and if we don’t vote for candidates who will uphold the values of the freedom of the press.
Journalism is often considered the fourth estate. It is an essential part of our democracy and it is currently
theJohnsonian
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August 28, 2019
Surviving stress and anxiety at Winthrop
A few tips and outlets for incoming students to use to combat stress as they begin their college adventure. Joseph Calamia
staff writer
Starting college is already stressful enough with moving into dorms and tougher classes, but keeping on top of multiple projects and commitments can hinder the learning experience for students with anxiety or disorders like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. However, as someone who has ADHD and is a senior in college, there are multiple outlets to help make this hypothetical mess into success. One way to reduce anxiety and improve yourself in college is interacting with your classes’ Sam Ross/ The Johnsonian professor outside of class about your respective assignments. Health and Counseling Services offers resources for students who are struggling with mental Scheduling appointments with health issues. your professors can allow you to day planner or a check-list created anxiety is by finding a quiet place to find out what you missed or ask for on Microsoft OneNote. By seeing take notes and work on your assignclarification with a concept that you a checklist, you would be able to ments. While some of your notes are confused about. Communicating take a deep breath and collect your from your lectures will be available with your professors in person or thoughts on what needs to be done. on your professors’ websites or by email can also help you find out Be sure to keep up to date with Blackboard, it would benefit you what you need to focus or improve your assignments to avoid getting if you took notes ahead of your upon for future projects and exams. overwhelmed with your classes and classes to familiarize yourself with Another way that students can find some time to relax. If you’re the concepts in the lectures. Some alleviate their anxiety is by making stressing out, stop for a moment good places around Winthrop to sure they keep up to date with their and relax by taking a walk, watching take notes are the break rooms in classes and projects. An example of an episode of your favorite show or buildings such as Owens, Kinard how to do that is by making a sched- collecting your thoughts. and the Dacus Library. These places ule of each week either on paper, a One of the best ways to curb provide a quiet spot for students to
take notes and review their assignments. The library also provides study rooms that can be reserved by students, so you can lock yourself in to take notes and prepare for your exams. Finally, Winthrop University offers both Counseling Services on campus in the Crawford Building as well as an Office of Accessibilities in the Bancroft Annex 307. Counseling Services provides Individual and Group Counseling sessions for students to discuss symptoms and partake in weekly sessions to review the day. The Office of Accessibilities not only provides students with disabilities the opportunity to discuss with their professor on accommodations in class, but can also help with tests for those who have anxiety. This is done through the testing center, which students can register for online so they can take their tests in a quiet environment and take as much time as you want instead of the allotted time a class provides. There are multiple ways to alleviate anxiety through the different resources that Winthrop provides and your own time management. It’s important to know that as you start college, you are not alone when you struggle with your classes. Winthrop University is here for you, so have a smart and active year as classes begin.
How the payroll switch has affected students
Changes in Winthrop’s payroll due to a new HR program have caused problems for students and faculty. Winthrop’s application process for applying for on-campus jobs is now all online. With this new website, winthrop.peopleadmin.com, Winthrop students can use the search engine to find jobs they may be interested in. Stephanie Martinez, a sophomore at Winthrop, works on campus as an office host at Margaret Nance. “This is my first on-campus job, so I learned about the new process when I was applying,” Martinez said. When asked how the new process had affected her personally, Martinez stated that she had several friends who have been employed in previous and current years complain about the new process. The new process had been adversely affecting their ability to work. “I have been in contact with HR, they have been super friendly. I was told my timesheet would be available by this time, but it has yet to appear,” junior Shane O’Reilly Jr. said. O’Reilly is a peer mentor for Winthrop’s intro to university course, ACAD 101, which all freshmen are required to take. O’Reilly learned about the new process two weeks before school started. Like many previously hired students at Winthrop, O’Reilly had to reapply on the new website to be approved and added to the
payroll. Another ACAD peer mentor, junior Emiliano Gamboa, had similar things to say about the new proceedings in payroll. “The new hiring process has not affected me much,” Gamboa remarked. For Gamboa, the new process was also very simple and Sam Ross/ The Johnsonian did not take Students working at the front desks of all residents halls have been affected by the change in HR more than approved quickly and I am ronmentally conscious as it a few minutes to reapply for able to work, however, many takes out paper applications his position. Gamboa is “pretof my coworkers are still unand forms used in the previty sure” he has already been able to work and it is unclear ous hiring process. implemented into the new when they will be able to start. Despite knowing that in the system. Those of us who can work end this will make the hiring Some students experienced have had to pick up shifts for process easier, it has still been issues with the change, being those who cannot.” frustrating for students who unsure that they would be When The Johnsonian rely on their jobs. Without this able to work or be paid. Téa reached out to HR for a state- money, they might not be able Franco, a senior, works in ment on the new system, Lisa to make their next deposit to Roddey Hall as a desk host Cowart, vice president for the University. and the switch caused some human resources at Winthrop “I just wish this was an issue issues at the Roddey desk. said, “We are excited about it that had been ironed out back “We were told we couldn’t and believe it will be a positive in May or sometime over the work until our timesheets experience for students who summer while many students were approved, and they are interested in on-campus were not currently working didn’t give us a clear proemployment.” but had already completed jection of when that would In addition to becoming an paperwork and were expecting happen. Since I rely a lot on increasingly organized process to come back to school and the income I make through for hiring new students, the work right away,” Franco said. on-campus jobs, this was new initiative is helping the stressful for me,” Franco said. campus become more envi“Thankfully, my timesheet got
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theJohnsonian
August 28, 2019
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