The Murray State News

The Murray State News August 22, 2014

Vol. 89, No. 2

TheNews.org

Davies jumps into campus life, events Rebecca Walter News Editor rwalter@murraystate.edu

THE NEW

HESTER

Fumi Nakamura/The News

(Left) Hester Residential College is newly renovated and open to students after a year of being closed. (Right) Contractors work on Hester Residential College in April 2014.

Residential college opens after year of renovations Kate Russell || Staff writer krussell13@murraystate.edu

Newly renovated Hester Residential College seems to have changed everything over the last year except for one

thing – its sense of community.

When construction began last year on the 44-year-old residential college, Hester residents were relocated to Old Richmond Residential College.

This past weekend, the doors of Hester were opened once again to welcome students home.

DePaul Vera, senior from Clarksville, Tenn., is beginning his third year as a resident adviser for Hester.

He made the transition from Hester to Old Richmond and back, and said the one thing that stayed constant was

the community.

Vera said there were hard adjustments to make when he moved to Old Richmond, the most difficult of which was the loss of space.

“Old Richmond was just smaller, so we were crowded.

In the new building, we just have more space to be an even better community,” he said.

Vera said his favorite changes so far have not been the new desk in the lobby nor the renovated bathrooms, but rather the news students in Hester.

see HESTER, 2A

Hannah Fowl/The News

Hester Residential College opened to students this semester.

Freshman class optimistic about first semester Rebecca Walter || News Editor rwalter@murraystate.edu

For the first time ever, the University has taken an in-depth look at incoming freshmen from a survey distributed throughout the entire class.

President Bob Davies said the survey serves as an excellent resource for a better understanding of the freshman class as a whole. “(The survey) is extremely helpful to us when it comes to strategically planning,” he said.

Of the freshman students this year, 871 completed the online survey.

According to Fred Dietz, associate vice president of Enrollment Management, there are approximately 1,500 new freshmen this fall and 700 new transfer students.

Questions ranged from average ACT score and how much time students planned to spend studying, to questions about missing home and why

they chose Murray State.

There is a large gender gap within the class, with 591, or 67.6 percent, being female and only 280, or 32.1 percent being male.

Coming into college, the class had an average ACT score of 22.9 for men and 22.96 for women.

Several freshmen are enrolled in fall 2014 remedial courses, according to the survey.

Math remedial courses are the most common, with 116 students saying they are taking one.

Reading was the next most needed remedial course, followed by English.

Five percent of respondents will need to take remedial courses in all three subjects.

“This is a key issue we need to talk about,” Davies said.

The class proves to be optimistic with their attendance, with 91 percent of respondents saying they would never choose to miss a class.

Hannah Craig, freshman from Memphis, Tenn., said the high 91 percent statistic surprised her.

“That large of students never skipping class seems sort of idealized,” Craig said.

Ally Buhr, freshman from Bloomington, Ind., said freshmen are probably the least likely to skip class.

“Upperclassmen are the ones who feel the most comfortable with skipping class,” she said.

Freshmen are preparing to crack down on studying though, with a majority expecting to spend at least 6 to 10 hours a week on assigned readings.

Respondents seem to be financially aware, with 37 percent saying paying for college expenses is “very difficult,” and more than 80 percent expecting to work for pay during the school year.

Eighty-two of the 120 Kentucky counties are represented within the freshmen class and come from 30 states and 30 countries.

Murray State freshmen by the numbers 51 percent plan to continue community service

5 percent of students will take remedial courses in math, reading and English

91 percent said they’d never choose to miss class

80 percent said they expect to work during the school year

22.9 the average ACT composite score among freshmen Source: New Student Freshman Profile

If you were president of the University for a day, what would you change?

President Bob Davies has asked this question to students across campus and heard their suggestions, advice, compliments and input.

“I have received a lot of interesting and useful answers,” Davies said.

The most common suggestion has been improvements to Murray State’s parking across campus.

Other responses have varied from making Quidditch an intramural sport, keeping tuition low, being interactive with students and giving men’s basketball Head Coach Steve Prohm a lifetime contract.

Davies said he’s making a point to meet as many students as possible and to ask them their name, classification, major and what they hope to get out of their college experience.

Cheyenne Kruk, freshman from Clarksville, Tenn., said she hopes Davies will be a personable president who communicates with students.

“Our University is already awesome, I just hope he can continue that and make it even better,” she said.

Kruk said she hopes Davies will be up front with students about issues affecting them and keep the student body in mind when approaching solutions.

Davies is the 13th president at Murray State, following Tim Miller.

Davies’ presidency officially began July 14.

Since that time, he has made his rounds through the University, the city of Murray and surrounding communities to introduce himself.

He made a point to meet with the dean of every residential college, as well as residential college heads and residential college advisers.

He also met with city officials, University leaders and alumni, tour all departments and visited superintendents around the state to help recruit high school students.

While Davies has spent much of his time working with staff,

see DAVIES, 2A

Sororities look forward to new members, growth Mary Bradley || Assistant News Editor mbradley9@murraystate.edu

Hannah Fowl/The News

Campus Outreach hosted a water balloon fight Tuesday on the Roy Stewart Stadium field with approximately 30,000 balloons and 2,000 students.

With more than 230 bids given to new members, sorority recruitment was a success for new and returning sorority members.

While the total number of new members is down from last year’s 290, the number was still satisfactory to meet the recruitment requirements, even with last year’s addition of Kappa Delta.

Re’Nita Avery-Meriwether, director of the Curris Center and Student Life, said sorority recruitment went well for all the girls placed.

This year, the primary recruitment events were held in the CFSB Center instead of the Curris Center, where it has been held since 2011.

She said the change of venue was a smooth transition for the girls, including the PNM’s, or potential new members.

Even though switching to the CFSB Center was a change of scenery for the organizations, Av-

ery-Meriwether said each of the six groups did well in recruiting PNM’s throughout the week.

While the sororities are looking to continue to add more Greek organizations for the next year, Avery-Meriwether said there has yet to be a final decision regarding a new group, particularly Delta Zeta.

“I will know for sure probably within the next few months or so,” she said. “There is some discussion that will be had about Delta Zeta.”

The College Panhellenic Council, the governing body over the six social sororities, decided in 2012 to bring three new organizations to campus.

One of those organizations was Kappa Delta.

The next organization invited to come to campus is Delta Zeta and the final is Phi Mu in 2017.

The council has the option to revisit those invitations and decide what’s best for Murray State’s campus.

Before the start of fall recruitment, the sororities begin to recruit as far in advance as January.

see MEMBERS, 2A

WHAT’S

SUSHI BAR

OUR VIEW

NEW LOGOS

EXTREME MAKEOVER

INSIDE

Dunker’s Deli moves, new options in Curris Center, 6A

Some changes during summer will benefit students, 4A

Murray State unveils new branding strategy, 1B

Keep your residential college room looking hip, 5B

The News

News

2A

August 22, 2014

DAVIES

MEMBERS

From Page 1

From Page 1

faculty and administration, he said he’s happy to start interacting more with students.

Amanda Winchester, senior from Murray, said she wants to see Davies engage with students and be present on campus.

“I hope to see him involved with students and what goes on in our dayto-day lives here on campus,” she said.

“I’ve already seen him on campus quite a few times and I like to see that in a president.”

Winchester said she wants Davies to make decisions at the University while keeping students’ best interest in mind.

Davies said he is holding off on making major decisions before University-wide, in-depth planning processes are made.

“The faculty and staff have been phenomenal,” Davies said. “I’m looking forward to moving the institution forward in various ways and haven’t run into any major disagreements yet.

There are obstacles we need to overcome, such as the budget, but Tim Miller did a wonderful job balancing the budget.”

He said the University leaders need to look at resources and see what details to pay attention to; where to

Laken Kanipe, assistant recruitment chairman for the Panhellenic Council, said the organizations wanted to exercise every opportunity to spread the word about recruitment to new students.

“We attended every Summer Orientation session where we had a booth that was ran by Greek members who were disaffiliated,” Kanipe said. “We used this to spread the word and encouraged upcoming freshman to go Greek and answer any questions they might have.

“Also at Summer O sessions, we had a presentation prepared to talk in further details to the men and women interested in Greek Life.”

Kanipe also said the transition to the CFSB Center was smooth and made the process easier.

She said there was more space available for the organizations in the CFSB Center, especially for the new women in recruitment.

The growth of Greek Life on campus has been fueled

by Panhellenic’s online presence, particularly on Twitter, where groups promoted fall recruitment, talked about Greek Life and educated women on Panhellenic’s new philanthropy.

Kanipe said that using social media helps spread the word of joining Greek Life to a generation of Internet users.

She said the higher numbers of those joining sororities in the past may be due to online efforts, but also the reputation of philanthropy and community service the sororities have developed.

Despite the stereotypes some have associated with Greek Life, Kanipe said women have been encouraged to join due to the great work the sororities have done for the campus and community.

Said Kanipe: “Our goal is to continue to grow and encourage more of the Murray State community to go Greek.”

HESTER From Page 1 “We were getting stagnant,” he said.

“Now we have fresh staff, fresh residents – residents that are excited about floor meetings.”

Kim Oatman, chief Facilities Management officer, said the facility, which houses 308 students, never had a major set of renovations.

The new renovations include safety upgrades, code compliance, redesigned interiors, new finishes, ceilings, floors and doors.

Work also included replacing windows and upgrading mechanical, electrical and plumbing distribution systems.

Other major work wasn’t apparent at first, but the change that is immediately noticeable is the relocation of the front door of Hester.

The door, which used to open toward Winslow Dining Hall, now faces Springer Residential College.

Jenny Rohl/The News

President Bob Davies was challenged by men’s basketball Head Coach Steve Prohm to have a bucket of ice water dumped on his head to raise awareness and money for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. invest, admission procedures and recruiting students are focus issues as well.

He said faculty and staff have been open with those discussions.

While Davies said faculty and staff have been open and communicative, he Oatman said the project cost a total of $9.9 million and was funded by selling agency bonds.

The debt will be paid with housing and dining fees, Oatman said.

He also said Hester previously contained “encapsulated asbestos ceilings and floors prior to renovation.” The asbestos was removed as part of the project.

A new staff member in Hester is Resident Director Katie Coats, graduate student from Florissant, Mo. As this is Coats’ first year as Resident Director, her first impression of Hester was the renovated building.

Coats said she loves the building, and that she has been able to tell how much it has changed through the reactions of older resident advisers and residents.

Though Coats has only been working and living in Hester for a few weeks, she said she already feels incredibly welcome and at home.

“It was amazing to me, the feeling of community I got before I even got here,” she said. “You can feel the connections people have here.”

For Coats, the best part of her new

said he particularly identifies with the freshman class because they’re also new on Murray State’s campus. “(The freshman class) and all students are very special to me,” Davies said. “One of the joys of my job is getting to know students very well.

“I love being able to welcome students and meet with them and being a part of their college experience. I want to be able to give them the tools they need to succeed, be approachable and have a personal presence and hopefully make a difference.”

Fumi Nakamura/The News

Hester Residential College stands in the midst of lobby renovations during the Spring 2014 semester. home is where she will spend the majority of her time – in her apartment and her office.

She also loves the large lobby area where residents can spend time social-

izing and the additional study lounges on every odd-numbered floor.

Coats said: “There are lots of opportunities for people to mingle and get to know each other.”

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August 22, 2014 News Editor: Rebecca Walter Assistant Editor: Mary Bradley Phone: 270-809-4468 Twitter: MurrayStateNews

3A

Neutral restrooms provide security Ben Manhanke || Staff writer

POLICE BEAT Aug. 13 6:51 a.m. Racer Patrol advised Murray State Police of an abandoned golf cart outside the Lowry Center. Officers were notified and an information report was taken.

11:42 p.m An officer conducted a traffic stop at 121 North and Coldwater Streets. A citation was issued to the driver for failure to wear a seatbelt. The passenger was arrested on an outstanding warrant and was taken to Calloway County Jail.

Aug. 14 8:20 a.m. A caller reported a residential college flag missing.

The Housing Office was notified.

11:22 p.m. A caller reported a motor vehicle accident with no injuries at White Residential College. Officers were notified and a report was taken.

Aug. 15 7:17 p.m. An officer conducted a traffic stop at the Business Building parking lot. A citation was issued for driving on a suspended license.

8:51 p.m. A caller reported the smell of gas at Hart Residential College. Officers, Murray Fire Department, Central Heating and Cooling Plant, Murray Gas and the State Fire Marshall were notified. A report was taken.

Aug. 16 12:01 p.m. A caller reported a sparking outlet in the 300 block of College Courts. Officers, the Murray Fire Department, Central Heating and Cooling Plant and the State Fire Marshal were notified. A report was taken.

4:57 p.m. The Murray Police Department was notified of a medical emergency at the Volleyball Courts. Officers and Murray Ambulance Services were notified. The patient was transported and a report was taken.

Aug. 17 3:46 a.m. Officers conducted a check of a person on North 12th Street. The person was arrested and transported to Calloway County Jail for alcohol intoxication in a public place. A report was taken.

9:09 p.m. A caller reported a smoke detector activated at Springer Residential College due to a hair dryer. Officers were notified and no threat of fire was found. An information report was taken.

Aug. 18 4:42 p.m. A caller reported a theft of property from a vehicle from Alexander Hall. Officers were notified and a report was taken for theft of under $500 by unlawful taking from a vehicle.

6:12 p.m. A caller reported the smell of marijuana at Hart. Officers were notified and an information report was taken.

Aug. 19 2:47 p.m. A caller reported an unauthorized company selling products on campus at Winslow Dining Hall. The caller was referred to Student Affairs.

6:12 p.m. A caller reported the smell of natural gas at the Old Fine Arts Building. Officers, Central Heating and Cooling Plant, Murray Fire department, Murray Gas and the State Fire Marshall were notified and a report was taken.

Call of Fame Aug. 17, 3:56 p.m. - A caller advised of a person passed out on a bench at Elizabeth Residential College while waiting on a friend. Officers were notified and a report was taken.

Motorists assists – 8 Racer escorts – 1 Arrests – 2 Mary Bradley, Assistant News Editor, compiles Police Beat with materials provided by Public Safety and Emergency Management.

Not all dispatched calls are listed.

bmanhanke@murraystate.edu

Among the many changes made to campus over the summer, returning students now have access to several newly converted gender neutral restrooms thanks to a resolution passed by the Student Government Association.

The recommendation for gender neutral restrooms was first proposed to former SGA President Jeremiah Johnson by Jody Cofer Randall, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender program coordinator, in the fall of 2013 and was passed that same year under the name, The Resolution for LGBT Equality.

The resolution states: “Be it also resolved that the Student Government Association of Murray State University supports making more gender neutral or family restroom facilities available to the Murray State University students and campus community.”

In the resolution the SGA also shows LGBT support for allowing Murray State students to enter and use their preferred first name on the MyGate system.

Cofer Randall said it is important that Murray State provides these restrooms to its transgender and gender nonconforming students not only for reasons of comfort and safety, but also in order to attract and be more appealing to potential LGBT students.

“If we don’t do things like (convert these restrooms), we can no longer compete with other universities for these students,” he said.

“We are fortunate now to be ahead of other schools in this region and to be competitive, but we won’t be in a year from now if we don’t keep this up.”

He said every day he receives

Hannah Fowl/The News

Gender neutral bathrooms are located in the Curris Center, Wells Hall and the Business Building. emails from prospective students inquiring about what sort of accommodation they can expect on campus and what level of acceptance they can experience at Murray State.

“If you apply the percentages that are commonly accepted by social science researchers for how many people are LGBT in Murray State’s population, it can be anywhere from 438 to 1,094 students that are LGBT,” Cofer Randall said.

“And given that, I think it is easily justifiable that we are providing this service and this access to our students. That is a significant part of Murray State’s enrollment.”

The three restrooms, located on the first floor of the North Business Building near the elevators, the second floor of Wells Hall near the LGBT Programming office and the first floor of the Curris Center near the SGA office, are single usage restrooms with locks and can be used

by all students.

These restrooms were already in existence and required only locks and new signs designating them as gender neutral. Purchasing and installing the locks and signs cost under $100 per restroom.

Students’ reactions to these new restrooms has been mixed.

Cody Ball, freshman from Mayfield, Ky., said he wished the SGA had either left the restrooms as they were or used the money to improve all the restrooms on campus.

“Some of the other restrooms could use some work,” Ball said. “I think (SGA) could have done something better with the money they had and could have focused on a different issue that helps more students.”

Sarah Murphy, senior from Owensboro, Ky., said she thinks the conversion of the restrooms is a good idea, but that there are other priorities on campus that are important as well.

“I’m fine with them changing the restrooms,” Murphy said. “It’s great. At the same time though, I think there are larger priorities like fixing the broken overhead window in the Curris Center. That’s a real safety issue.”

Will White, sophomore from Murray, said he was in favor of the new changes.

“If it helps students acquiesce to Murray and feel more comfortable, then it’s worth it,” White said.

Cofer Randall said there are plans in the works to install more gender neutral restrooms in Sparks Hall and Faculty Hall as they are high traffic areas on campus.

He said he has also been approached already by one residential college spokesperson looking to convert a restroom in their lobby to gender neutral.

Cookout becomes new late-night hangout spot Mari-Alice Jasper Contributing writer mjasper1@murraystate.edu

When seeking out a place to grab a quick bite between classes this semester, students will notice changes on and off campus.

Over Summer Break, the dining industry in Murray welcomed a new restaurant called Cookout.

Chargrilled burgers, hot dogs and chicken are just a few of the menu items offered.

Abby Winters, an employee at Cookout, said she was surprised at how busy the restaurant gets late at night.

“We usually get a rush around midnight,” she said.

Cookout is open until 3 a.m. on weekdays and 4 a.m. on weekends.

Cookout also offers more than 40

different flavors of milkshakes, and Winters has been mixing up her own concoctions.

“My favorite would have to be either peanut butter fudge with Reese’s or caramel-chocolate-walnut-cheesecake,” Winters said.

These combinations are available to the public at no additional cost.

“The menu is pretty customizable to the customer’s needs,” she said.

Joe Conley, junior from Marion, Ill., said Cookout is a family-owned business. “It’s impossible to buy a franchise,” he said.

That hasn’t stunted the restaurant’s expansion though. Within the past year there have also been restaurants established in Clarksville, Tenn., and Frankfort, Ky. Additional restaurant changes include the local McDonald’s being closed for remodeling.

Arielle Nussel, senior from Pickneyville, Ill., said not having a McDonald’s open wasn’t so bad over the summer.

“It’s not like I only had a few minutes between classes to grab food,” she said.

The newly renovated McDonald’s will include changes such as a double drive-thru lane to help with traffic overflow on 12th Street.

These are the first renovations to the building in 40 years, and the project is expected to be completed the second week of September.

Students will have to rely on other local and chain restaurants in the meantime for food.

“I’ve been going to Sonic’s happy hour for my caffeine fix,” Nussel said.

The Willow Bistro, formerly known as Gloria’s World Village,

put their new sign up Aug. 18 as the restaurant made a summer transition of it own.

The restaurant changed hands July 19. New owner Breanna Volp said it was a smooth switch.

“The past owners, Gloria and Stu Shull, were ready to retire,” she said.

Although the restaurant has a new name, customers can expect the menu to be about the same as it was previously.

Volp said the gyro was still her favorite thing on the menu.

The Willow Bistro is now serving daily specials.

The CoCo Cabana Wrap is a new item on the menu, as well as the spring rolls which are offered as an appetizer.

Said Volp: “There are more things in the works.”

Summer fire affects local businesses Ben Manhanke || Staff writer bmanhanke@murraystate.edu

The smell of smoke, pieces of broken glass and burnt debris that still litter the sidewalk and the charred husks of buildings which once housed several local downtown businesses are not the only lingering consequences of the July fire downtown.

A month after a fire ravaged several businesses located in Murray’s historic Court Square, shop owners are continuing to see their livelihood affected by the incident.

Carla Banks, owner of Frame Village, said although her store was not damaged by the blaze, she has seen a considerable drop in customers.

Frame Village sits between The Bull Pen and Rudy’s, both now temporarily closed due to damage from water and smoke, and just one building over from where the fire took place.

“It’s been hard,” Banks said. “A lot of people thought all the businesses here were closed due to the fire because the street was closed. It’s just been a tough, slow month.”

Initially the fire necessitated the closing of not only the downtown area of 5th Street, but also Maple Street between 4th and 6th streets and Main Street between 4th and 6th streets to allow Murray fire, police departments and Calloway County Fire-Rescue uninhibited access.

The barricades were only lifted from 5th Street Aug. 14 to allow automobile traffic and the section of Maple Street is still closed.

Bonnie Raspberry, owner of The Wild Raspberry, said even

though her business resides across the street from where the fire happened, for the first week after, their business too had less customers.

She said she hopes Great Beginnings, the annual festival held in Court Square for Murray State students, will help bring back shoppers to the area.

This fire is the latest in a string of major damages to the buildings in Court Square over the past six months.

Such damages include the collapse of a building in February and a roof collapse in March, with both of these prior incidents having occurred in different parts of the Court Square.

Karen Welch, manager of New Life Christian Bookstore, said although the basement of the store was flooded and they lost power due to the firefighters’ efforts to control the fire, the biggest problem caused for the business was trying to attract customers again. She, like Banks, also cited the continued closure of 5th Street as a major deterrent for business.

“We’ve lost three weeks of cash flow,” Welch said. “In total, for the past six months, we’ve lost somewhere around six or seven weeks of cash flow. We’re like most businesses in this economy; we don’t sit around with weeks’ worth of cash flow in the bank.”

Welch said she’s tried to get the word out that the store is open through commercials, advertisements and social media, but that not until the road barricade came down did she see any increased business.

“Some people assume we’re still closed and some people assume that because we didn’t burn that we hav-

Kalli Bubb/The News

Wilson’s Florist is one of a handful of businesses in downtown Murray affected by the fire. en’t been affected at all by this,” she said. “It’s been very difficult to function and we’re just trying to take it a day at a time right now.”

The buildings housing Wilson’s Florist, Profiles Salon and Spa and the Thurman Campbell Group CPA offices on 5th Street were those most heavily damaged by the fire.

Although the State Fire Marshal’s investigation into the cause of the

fire is still ongoing, it is believed that the fire originated in Wilson’s Florist.

The building has been fenced off both to protect the scene from being tampered with and due to the possible structural damage to the building.

The State Fire Marshal’s investigation is expected to be concluded by mid-September.

4A

August 22, 2014

The News

Opinion

Opinion Editor: Carly Besser Phone: 270-809-5873

Our View

Changes incite mixed feelings The staff editorial is the majority opinion of The Murray State News Editorial Board.

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Getting acclimated to campus life is typically an experience that’s exclusive to freshmen, but vast changes made over the summer months have upperclassmen also familiarizing themselves with Murray State’s new accommodations.

Some changes on campus were welcomed and long overdue; some had students scratching their heads in confusion.

After contract issues with Jasmine Thai Cuisine and Sushi Bar, sushi was no longer provided to Starbooks, the Business Building or the Thoroughbred Room last semester. Fortunately, Dining Services and Racer Hospitality has replaced it with Market 22, a fresh sushi and salad bar. At the former location of Dunker’s Deli, Market 22 will meet the demand that rose after sushi left campus shelves.

Students who crave Dunker’s can still get prepackaged subs at

the Market, and sushi is made on site. Having something made fresh beats the sushi experience of last year, which left something to be desired after the rolls were left on shelves for entire days.

On-campus students were also welcomed to a newly renovated Hester Residential College. The renovation took 11 months, forcing students to relocate to other residential colleges.

A revamped lobby, redone mechanical and electrical systems and redesigned student lounges and bathrooms were included in the $9.9 million job.

A successful campaign by Bob Davies led to him becoming the 13th president of Murray State.

Davies, who succeeds former president Tim Miller, will provide the stability and student interaction that Murray State needs to stand out from other state colleges.

Since taking over the position, Davies has made a point to reach out to as many students as he can by helping them move into their residential colleges and talking to them on campus. His background in finance will prove to be an asset to the University, which still wades in a multimillion dollar debt.

The overhaul of positive changes are also met with questionable ones. The Student Government Association revealed new signs to be placed on some single-stall bathrooms. The signs, which show a male, female and transgender symbol, state that “this restroom may be used by anyone regardless of gender identity or expression.”

The decision had some questioning why the SGA could not just label them as unisex bathrooms.

The term includes transgendered people without the added controversy of using University money to

pay for signs that will again highlight the prominent issue of transgender discrimination.

Upperclassmen were also pegged with a $75 parking tag, which is a $25 raise from last year.

The decision was bitter for students, who have also vocalized the need for more parking spaces. The growing number of students can’t be accommodated by the limited parking options and they are now paying more for it.

While price increases are unpopular, the change would have been more welcomed if the call for more parking options was answered.

Whether the developments are good are bad, Murray State is a growing University that attempts to accommodate to needs of both finances and students. These changes will bring a breath of fresh air for freshmen and upperclassmen alike.

The Captain’s Log

O’ Captain, my Captain I remember walking into my English class as an eighth grader and noticing that we not only had a substitute, but our substitute rolled in the glorious and coveted TV cart that consisted of a dilapidated analog TV and a 1980s VCR. I instantly knew that day would be a good day.

Zac Garrison The substitute gave Senior from the cookie cutter spiel about how she wasn’t Franklin, Ky. our teacher and that we still must respect her, but the only thing I was focused on was what VHS tape she was planning to shove in that VCR. She pulled a tape out of her polka-dotted purse and told the class we were watching “Dead Poets Society.” I was appalled. How dare this lady sit me down and force me to watch something with no explosions, animation or crude comedy?

I then made it my goal to pay as little attention as possible to this movie for the remainder of class. I was turned around flicking erasers at the cute girl who sat behind me about 10-15 minutes into the movie, when I heard a line of dialogue that caught my ear.

“O Captain, my Captain. Who knows where that comes from? It’s from a poem by Walt Whitman about Mr. Abraham Lincoln. Now, in this class you can either call me Mr. Keating, or if you’re slightly more daring, ‘O’ Captain, my Captain.’”

Robin William’s charisma and attitude was infectious as he played the role of Mr. John Keating. I felt as if Mr. Keating was my friend as well and would always be there to lend a line of advice if I ever needed it.

I was instantly hooked. I watched the rest of the movie as intently as possible and went

home and rented the movie that night to watch it again. To this day, “Dead Poets Society” reigns as my favorite film of all time. The name of my column, The Captain’s Log, is a reference to the infamous line “O’ Captain, my Captain.”

I am usually unaffected by celebrity deaths. I am not exactly sure why, but usually I ponder about it for a second, think about the movies they were in or the songs they sang, and keep on going about my day. This isn’t always the case though.

I was sipping a cup of coffee in my bedroom the other day when a metaphorical fist slammed into my gut.

“Dude, Robins William died.”

I instantly relived the days of my childhood growing up with Robin Williams. Whether it was learning jungle survival tactics from “Jumanji,” medical facts from “Patch Adams,” biology and chemistry from “Flubber” or mathematics from “Good Will Hunting,” I consider these experiences pillars of my childhood.

Most of us grew up with Robin Williams’ movies. If you were ever sad, you knew who could help. If a new movie came out and you saw Robin Williams in the previews, you knew it was worth watching.

After hearing the news, I just sat and thought, “how?” A man who has given millions of smiles couldn’t have kept just one for himself? How could a man who was loved unconditionally by millions of people still feel alone?

“I heard a joke once: man goes to doctor. Says he’s depressed. Says life is harsh and cruel. Says he feels all alone in a threatening world. Doctor says, “Treatment is simple. The great clown Pagliacci is in town tonight. Go see him. That should pick you up.” Man bursts into tears.

Says, “But doctor... I am Pagliacci.”

Mental illness doesn’t discriminate and neither does depression. They are equal opportunity illnesses that don’t pick favorites.

From the outside, most people would say that Robin Williams was one of the happiest people

on the planet: famous career, lots of money and millions of adoring fans. How on earth could this man be depressed?

Usually, when looking in from the outside, we’re looking through a cloudy window that hides the most critical details. Robin Williams has suffered from depression, mental health issues and drug addiction for several years.

There were a lot of different factors of why he did what he did, but it breaks my heart either way. It’s rough to see someone who has had such a positive impact on my life feel lonely enough to take their own life.

I wish the whole incident wasn’t out of my control so that I could have done something, but it teaches all of us a lesson. Mental illness is a cruel thing.

Like I said earlier, it doesn’t discriminate and doesn’t pick favorites. It’s something to take seriously, and if you need help, get it.

There is absolutely no shame in reaching out for a hand when you know you need it.

One thing to remember is that there will always be someone on this Earth who loves you unconditionally and will be willing to help.

Even when you feel like all the lights have burned out, there is at least one that will shine in the darkness for you. You may have never met this person, but they are out there and they care for you.

Robin Williams has taught me an insurmountable number of life lessons throughout my life. He taught me to seize the day.

He taught me that a smile feels better than a frown and he taught me to be myself and live my life because we don’t have a lot of years to do those things.

Robin William’s life may be over, but he will never truly die. His essence is immortal. He will live on in the hearts and smiles of people and will keep the world laughing even after he has passed on. We owe it to Robin Williams not to forget him.

“O’ Captain, my Captain.”

The News

Opinion

August 22, 2014

5A Did she really say that?

Poll Results

45%

How was your summer?

We asked you what you did over Summer Break and this is what you had to say.

To participate in future polls, visit The Murray State News Facebook page or TheNews. org.

40%

40% 35%

32% 30%

We still want to hear from you

25% 20% 15% 10%

Are you concerned about a certain issue on campus or just want to share your opinion?

The News is always accepting Letters to the Editor. For a chance to get your letter published in print or on thenews.org, email your submission to letters@thenews.org.

12% 8%

8%

5%

Travel

Internship/job

Summer classes

Nothing/Netflix

All of the above

I’ve Got a Story for You

To meet or not to meet: What a question

Robert Valentine Senior lecturer of Advertising

Welcome to Murray State. If you are a returning party to this ongoing search for truth, justice and a parking space, welcome home.

You will be pleased to note that, over the summer, no pieces of historic architecture have been leveled like Ordway Hall was.

Some strange-looking parking barriers have been erected on 15th Street (which now has crosswalks again), and Rainey T. Wells is still patiently guarding the back door

to Pogue Library.

Also, there’s a new president; he doesn’t play trombone, but he seems like a pretty cool guy.

If you are new to our campus, please notice the lovely flowers and the flowering trees. This is a pretty, friendly campus; you’ll like it, if you don’t already feel that way.

Remember: “classification” means “What year are you?” We try not to say “freshman,” because that is considered sexist, and we avoid “freshperson,” because it is idiotic. We say “first year,” because it is slightly less idiotic.

After five years, just say, “senior.”

Bob Davies is in his first year, just like you. Un-

Cheers and Jeers Cheers & Jeers is written by the Opinion Editor.

Questions, comments or concerns should be addressed to cbesser@murraystate.edu

Comics

like you, he is president of Murray State. Don’t call him a “freshman.”

The only downside to the whole experience is the inevitable encounter with a form of medieval torture common to all campuses, whether public or private. This brutal dishing out of pain afflicts the freshman as harshly as it does the most senior faculty member. It should be outlawed, but it is too popular as a cruel initiation ritual into the ancient and hallowed institution that is higher education.

It is called “a meeting.”

“

Meetings go on too long, accomplish too little, are insufficiently entertaining and prevent us from texting, dancing, drinking, sleeping or playing Dungeons and Dragons.

”

- Robert Valentine. senior lecturer of advertising

What’s wrong with meetings? Where to begin?

Humorist Dave Barry has, perhaps, put it best: “If you had to identify, in one word, the reason why the human race has not achieved, and never will achieve, its full potential, that word would be ‘meetings.’”

The great inventor, Thomas Edison, had much the same to say. If we may paraphrase his critique of litigation, we would hear him say, “A meeting is

Cheers to ... Market 22 After losing out on sushi last semester, we really missed being able to eat our beloved crab rolls on campus. It’s also reassuring that it’s all made right in front of us on the same day it is served. Great call, Dining Services.

the suicide of time.”

That seems to be the problem: we dread meetings because we feel they are a poor investment of our time. Classes are a form of meeting, but since you seldom get a vote on the content or conduct of a class, let’s put “classes” in a special category of human behavior, shall we?

Meetings go on too long, accomplish too little, are insufficiently entertaining and prevent us from texting, dancing, drinking, sleeping or playing “Dungeons and Dragons.” It was ever thus.

Meetings, we are told by meeting experts, fall into various categories. These include: Informational meetings: it is often easier to tell everyone at once, although most of these meetings are now needless because we have email, texting, social networking and cell phones.

We still have these meetings, which everyone tries to avoid. Classes may fall into this category, as do sessions of the House of Representatives.

Decision-making meetings: These are gatherings in which all the participants have a chance to share their feelings, their knowledge and to reason together about the best course of action. Or hear what the president or executive committee has already decided so we can all vote for it. These meetings often feature snacks.

Regularly scheduled meetings: these are important human interactions held because “we always meet on Wednesday nights.” That may seem idiotic to you, but only because it is. Take heart: there are things you can do to avoid being trapped in mindless, needless meetings. Even better: there are ways to avoid calling such meetings and presiding over them.

Next week: “How to Fake an Illness.”

Jeers to ... The line for city stickers.

We would understand if a sluggish, three-hour wait was for something more exciting, but knowing that the end of the tunnel is paying for a sticker we didn’t even want is just depressing. Get more than two computers up there!

Jeers to ... Professors that lecture on the first day.

Cheers to ... A newly renovated Hester.

Isn’t the first day of class supposed to be when we play those lame icebreaker games?

We don’t care what everyone’s hometown and major is, but it’s much better than hitting the books this soon.

Residents of Hester Residential College will get new amenities such as study lounges, new bathrooms, flooring and a lobby that would even make off-campus students jealous.

Quick guide for roommate woes If you knew that I live in a house with four guys, you would probably assume that we were the plot to some corny sitcom like “Three’s Company” but with reCarly Besser versed roles.

Opinion Editor As dysfunctional as it sounds, we live together pretty well.

I love my roommates and I’m very happy with our living situation.

However, my first roommate experiences were nothing that I ever hoped for them to be. In fact, some of them were pretty terrible. A few arguments and passive-aggressive passes later, I hope I can help.

If you’re an on-campus freshman at Murray State, there is a chance that you will be in the same predicament I once was.

That “personality survey” that you filled out to get the perfect roommate won’t necessarily save you from the awkward conversations and struggles of sharing a cubicle-sized room with another person.

Fortunately, there are ways around a bad roommate experience when problems arise.

Save the passive aggressive Post-It notes, please. If your roommate forgot to clean something, if they used your shampoo or if they ate your food, just tell them it’s not OK in person. Be firm, but not aggressive.

The creators of the Post-It probably intended for them to serve as reminders for things that are important – you know – like business meetings or homework assignments.

Even if you put a smiley face at the end of “PLEASE clean the microwave.

It looks GROSS,” it doesn’t diffuse the hostility you just created.

Be clear about your pet peeves from the get go. When roommates first move in, they have to set ground rules with their resident adviser. You can’t expect your roommate to know you hate it when they leave the lights on if you don’t say anything.

If you tell them something bugs you and they do it anyway, refer to step one and get it right this time.

Don’t get back at your roommates when they push you over your limit.

When you’re about to throw their food down the trash chute, stop and think. There’s a chance that you may have to sleep with them in the same room tonight. Let’s not get too hasty.

Don’t read this and assume that you’re in for a nightmare. I’ve met roommates who got along fine. If you open yourself up to your roommate, you might learn that you have more in common than you had anticipated.

It will make the more stern conversations easier.

But if you’re ever feeling down because you feel like you lost out in the roommate lottery, just know that you aren’t alone.

Many students have to develop a network of friends outside their Residential Colleges in order to find someone they can see themselves living with next year.

If you feel like you’re about to blow your top because of roommate issues, there’s a quick fix. Leave the room.

Those corny campus events that people sleep through can serve their purpose for you to get some fresh air and clear your head. Just think of your room as a place to sleep in if things begin to feel hopeless.

I wish I would have used a better approach when addressing conflict between my roommates, but I did the next best thing and wrote a column about it. Everybody wins. cbesser@murraystate.edu

Dunker is back

By Katie Wilborn

The News

News

6A

August 22, 2014

Sushi makes return after high demand Amanda Grau || Staff writer agrau1@murraystate.edu

After a semester’s absence, fresh sushi has returned to Murray State’s campus at Market ’22, located next to the Thoroughbred Room.

After moving Dunker’s Deli into the T-Room salad bar area, the old in-the-wall sandwich joint was gutted for renovations. Old equipment was either removed or repurposed.

High demand from students caused Murray State’s Dining Services and Racer Hospitality director Paula Amols to push hard for a sushi comeback.

“We’d been wanting to bring it back to campus because we knew students missed it,” Amols said. “The manager of the T-Room thought we could incorporate Dunker’s into the T-Room, so we decided to go for it.”

The sushi offered on campus is prepared and sold by Sushi with Gusto.

The business provides Murray State with a sushi chef and a sushi assistant, all of the products and packaging.

The University offered sushi from Jasmine Thai Cuisine and Sushi Bar up until the beginning of last semester, when the contract was terminated due to failure to provide the product in a timely manner.

Philip Allen, sales executive of Sushi with Gusto, said high quality and freshness are the main goals of the operation.

“We do really high quality retail sushi,” Allen said. “We have really high standards for our

Jenny Rohl /The News

Sushi chef Maung Tueng prepares sushi roll ingredients for the University’s newest place to eat, Market ‘22, located in the Curris Center. rice, fish and seaweed. We have our own standard of rice, actually.”

Market ’22 carries 25 varieties of sushi, each created in a made-to-order fashion by the chef, Maung Tuang, or the chef’s assistant, Joseph Thang -- both from Burma -- right in front of customers.

Judd Cavitt, junior from Benton, Ky., said the variety is what he appreciates.

“I’m allergic to shellfish,” Cavitt said. “I like that they carry other options besides crab and stuff, like the tuna rolls, because it’s something I can eat.”

Prices tend to stay in the $4.99-$5.99 range for classic orders like a California Roll or a Veggie Roll, but can reach as high as $9.99 for the Chef’s Special.

“We want to be competitive with our prices,”

Amols said. “The Chef’s Special is more pricey, but it’s still very popular.”

Popularity has not been an issue, according to Amols. With more variety and a fresher take, there has been as much sushi sold during this year’s off-season as was sold during the last time rolls were offered on campus.

Lines out the door have been common this first week, but Allen said that will change.

“We want to keep the sushi as fresh as possible, and we’re trying to anticipate as much as we can,” Allen said. “As we get through this adjustment period we’ll get better at knowing how much to prepare.”

Within the first day of classes, from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Market ’22 closes at 6 p.m.) 250 packages were sold.

Rachel Hendricks, junior from Paducah, Ky., said she likes the convenience.

“I like that I don’t have to leave campus for (sushi),” Henricks said. “It’s right there, easy to access.”

With the starting success of Market ’22, Amols hopes to expand the reach and market of the enterprise.

“We’d like to, if it’s popular enough, put it on the Pony Express,” Amols said.

The goal of Market ’22 is to be a grab-n-go spot for healthier options. Already, that is the marketing line: “If you love sushi, or you’re in a hurry and looking for something quick and delicious -- and a little on the lighter side -- then Market ´22 is the place for you!” reads the website tagline.

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Hopkinsville mayor newest addition to Board Mary Bradley Assistant News Editor mbradley9@murraystate.edu

Gov. Steve Beshear announced governing board appointments to multiple state universities in early August, including Hopkinsville Mayor J. Daniel Kemp to Murray State’s Board of Regents.

Kemp has served as mayor of Hopkinsville, Ky. for six years after practicing law for 32 years.

He has a past and familiarity with Mur-

ray State after receiving his bachelor’s in both English and history from the University before pursuing law from the University of Kentucky.

Kemp and his wife, Henrietta, have collectively donated $2,500 to Beshear over Kemp the years. Kemp has personally given $2,250, while Henrietta has given $250 in support of the Governor.

He is filling the position of previous Regent Marilyn Buchanon, who’s record-setting 19 years as a Regent on the board ended June 30.

Student Regent Michael Dobbs said the addition of Kemp marks an important transition for the University and the Board of Regents is excited for the up-

coming year.

The board will see a few changes to its regents this year. Dobbs will replace previous Student Regent Jeremiah Johnson.

The role of Student Regent is filled by the Student Government Association president.

Additionally, Harry Lee Waterfield II is the new chairman of the Board of Regents. He is replacing previous chairman Constantine Curris.

While the board has yet to officially meet for the new academic year with the recent changes, the members will reconvene Aug. 27 for the all-day annual retreat and work session.

Kemp will formally meet as a new Regent during that meeting and as of late will continue to serve as mayor of Hopkinsville.

His term on the Board of Regents will end June 30, 2020.

August 22, 2014

Section B

The News

Sports

Sports Editor: Mallory Tucker Phone: 809-4481 Twitter: MSUSportsNews

New logos hit Murray State Athletics Mallory Tucker || Sports Editor mtucker11@murraystate.edu

Over the summer, the University released new athletic logos in hopes of updating the athletic department’s identity and branding initiatives. The primary logo is similar to its predecessor, with horse and jockey racing in front of a gold “M” and reads Murray State Racers underneath.

“We didn’t want to completely redo the logo, we just wanted to update it a little bit,” said Dave Winder, assistant athletic director for media relations. “I’m thrilled that we kept the ‘M’ with the horse coming right at you with the jockey. I think that’s been an iconic thing that people know us for.”

The secondary logos, including but not limited to the jockey in a horseshoe, the “M” with Racers in front, and the “M” with the same argyle that is featured on the new basketball court, will all be used throughout the athletic department to promote brand identity in various ways. The new logos are also available in both full color and one-color logos in order to optimize their use and provide more options than the old logo.

In addition to the new basketball floor, the

volleyball court in Racer Arena has also been redone with the new textmarks. The new logo and checkerboard pattern will also be featured on the football helmets this year.

As brand identify became a focus of the athletic department this summer, the baseball team also saw a change. No longer known as the ’Breds, the team joins its counterparts in the athletic department as the Racers.

“I think our student-athletes are very excited about it,” Winder said. “I’ve been excited to see the new soccer uniforms coming out, and I haven’t seen the new volleyball uniforms yet, but I know everybody’s excited to have the new logos on their stuff. There’s a lot of excitement about the start of the school year, and then you add in a set of new logos and I think that really makes everybody excited.

“I just think it was time. I think the other one had been at least 12 to 15 years old, and that other one served us for a long, long time.”

The original “Racer M” logo was designed and donated to the University by Richard McClintock and introduced in 1998. McClintock, a 1966 graduate of the University, retired from AT&T as a graphic production manager. McClintock’s original work will live on through the updated primary mark.

The introduction of secondary marks and unique typography will allow the Racers to capitalize on their popularity and allow the athletic brand to grow.

“We’re going to have just a better overall brand than we’ve ever had,” Winder said.

“When you take a look at the athletic wordmarks, it’s all going to look the same. That’s across the board, in all of our sports. The text mark is all going to look the same.”

The new logos and marks were designed

by Joe Bosack and Co., in collaboration with Athletic Director Allen Ward, Vice President for Institutional Advancement Jim Carter and Assistant Vice President for Communications Catherine Sivills.

Joe Bosack and Co. is a nationally recognized firm that has created sports logos for high profile clients such as the Atlantic Coast Conference and the Southeastern Conference.

“I know it was a long process, but all the people that worked on it are to be commended for it; I think they did a great job,” Winder said.

The Racers designated Bosack responsible for the expansion of the entire brand through the development of other identity elements including the secondary logos, unifying word marks and uniform numbers that all connect

with the primary logo.

The University also collaborated with Licensing Resource Group (LRG) on this project.

Since their partnership, which began in 2002, royalties on Murray State licensed merchandise has increased from less that $30,000 per year to more than $100,000 per year.

“I really think we’re going to do well in the sales of the new logo, and that’s very important for the University as well,” Winder said.

Paul Mills, a university brand representative for LRG, noted that the new marks respect the tremendous amount of brand equity built by the outgoing logo. He also stated that the new logo will be easier to apply to many apparel items in addition to bringing the secondary marks that increase retail offerings for fans.

“I think it affects all of us. Whether you work here or you go to school here, we’re all Murray State Racers,” Winder said. “I’m really happy with it, I think we rolled it out at a great time in the summer and I’m just like anybody else, I’m excited to get some new merchandise with the logos on it.”

The University Store has been stocking apparel and other merchandise with the new logo since July 1.

Bennett named starting quarterback Mallory Tucker || Sports Editor mtucker11@murraystate.edu

Jenny Rohl/The News

Senior quarterback C.J. Bennett prepares to pass during practice at Roy Stewart Stadium Wednesday.

Football Head Coach Chris Hatcher announced senior C.J. Bennett as the starting quarterback for the home season opener Wednesday during practice.

The news first came out on Twitter through Football Media Relations Assistant John Brush, despite the coaching staff’s decision being made much earlier.

“We decided the end of last week that we would name him the QB,” Hatcher said. “He’s been the most consistent performer headed back from the spring.

“We feel like he’s got a good command of the offense, he’s got a quick release, he’s a good runner, voted team captain so he’s a good leader as well. And K.D. (Humphries) has all those qualities, but at the end of the day we just feel that C.J. had earned the right to take the first snaps, and

we’ll see what happens.”

Bennett, who alternated repetitions with Humphries throughout practice Wednesday, is a fifth-year senior who transferred to Murray State after playing three seasons at the University of South Alabama.

“It’s an honor, and I’m glad I got the respect of my teammates and my coaches, and I work hard for it, but in all honesty it kind of means nothing because come game time I’ve got to produce,” Bennett said. “It doesn’t matter what I did here in fall camp, I’m going to have to lead there on the field.

“Coach has preached consistency all camp, and I’ve just tried to do as he preached. You can’t get complacent.

You’ve got to do the little things right and keep coming every day and like I said, don’t get complacent.”

Hatcher said his decision had nothing to do with the age difference between Bennett and red-shirt sophomore Humphries.

“Age is just a number, and if you’re ready you’re ready,” Hatcher said.

“If K.D. was the only quarterback we had, we’d be happy with him. He had a great camp as well.

“But you’ve got to have one go out there and take the first snaps, and C.J. earned that throughout the course of the fall camp.”

Despite the loss of sixth round draft pick Walter Powell, Bennett is confident in the depth of his receivers. He believes Powell’s departure has led other players to step up and make plays in order to fill his large shoes.

Bennett will start for the Racers against Union College Aug. 28 during the Senior Day game.

“Last year we went away and we played Missouri, that’s always fun to play those big games too, but to get that one game at home first, get that home crowd behind you, get that momentum going, I think that’ll help us going into our big game this year,” Bennett said.

WHAT’S

TENNIS DEPARTURE

GOLD RUSH

GREAT BEGINNINGS

WIZ KHALIFA

INSIDE

Elkin leaves after two years to accept new job, 3B

Davies teams with Student Affairs, athletics and class of 2018, 3B

Students take part in campus activities, 4B

‘Blacc Hollywood’ reveals artist’s true lifestyle, 5B

The News

Sports

2B

August 22, 2014

Soccer falls in exhibition at WKU Peter Northcutt Staff writer pnorthcutt@murraystate.edu

Jenny Rohl/The News

Seniors Travis Taylor and Anthony Hayes watch as teammate Kamalie Matthews signs a helmet for Lincoln Byars, age 3.

Elkin leaves short, successful legacy Laura Kovarik || Staff writer lkovarik@murraystate.edu

Murray State’s women’s tennis team started off a promising season with an unfortunate announcement.

Head Coach Olga Elkin resigned just days before the 2014 fall semester kicked off, and will now coach the women’s tennis team at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Ky. Elkin came to Murray State after coaching two years at Kennesaw University.

Elkin leaves Murray State with an overall career record of 27-15. Under her leadership the Racers made an NCAA Tournament appearance and won both OVC regular season and conference championships.

The highly successful women’s tennis team finished the 2013-14 season strong, winning the OVC Championships April 19. The Racers had an impressive 7-1 record at home last season and 7-4 record while away.

Murray State Athletic Director Allen Ward announced plans to name an interim coach as soon as possible. De-

Lori Allen/The News

Former Head Coach Olga Elkin poses with Athletic Director Allen Ward at the OVC Championships April 19 in Paducah, Ky. spite this minor setback, Ward said the team is and will continue to be resilient in a statement on goracers.com.

“I’m appreciative of what Coach Elkin accomplished at Murray State, but at the same time disappointed in the timing of this announcement,” Ward said. “It’s my goal to name an interim coach as soon as possible. I’m going to provide every opportunity

for this team to put this matter behind them and focus on making the upcoming season just as memorable as the last one.”

With many of players returning to defend their championship title, Ward’s search for an interim coach has already begun. The Racers will practice hard as they prepare for their upcoming season.

Fans got their first glimpse of this year’s Murray State women’s soccer team Sunday as the Racers fell to Western Kentucky 7-1 in their lone exhibition of the preseason.

“Obviously the result was nothing what we wanted it to go,” said the Racers’ new head coach Jeremy Groves. “We had two of the main people who were supposed to start out for the weekend in our defender spots, so we had to kind of throw a couple people back there.”

Despite the preseason loss, the Racers hope to build on their 6-10-1 record last season as they turn a new leaf for the program.

Fourteen players will return for the 2014-15 season, including eight starters from last year.

Among the experienced veterans Groves inherits this season is two-time All-OVC Julie Mooney. The senior scored a team-high seven goals and had a career-high seven assists last season to lead the Racers.

Murray State also returns sophomore standout Savannah Haberman, who set the Murray State single-season saves mark with 111, including a program and conference record 23 in the season finale versus Austin Peay State.

The team traveled to Bowling Green, Ky., Sunday to test its summer progress and prepare for the upcoming season.

The exhibition did not prove to be a contest, however, as the Lady Toppers took control early.

Western Kentucky’s Shayna Dheel struck first as she took a cross from the right side and finished the goal from five feet out only 2:44 into the game.

Dheel quickly tacked on another goal in the 19th minute off a rebound of a shot by Iris Dunn.

The Racers showed signs of life in the 24th minute, however, as veteran Mooney blasted the ball into the back of the net from 12

yards out to cut the lead in half, 2-1.

Despite their best efforts, the Racers could not hold onto the momentum heading into the half as the Lady Toppers’ Lauren Moats increased the lead to 3-1 off a pass from Christine Gordon right before the whistle.

After halftime, Western Kentucky continued to apply the pressure as they scored four more goals in the second half, including back-to-back scores only 47 seconds apart by Kelly Phipps.

Murray State tallied 13 shots with six of those being on goal while Western Kentucky took 19 shots and managed to place 10 on net.

Haberman spent 45 minutes in goal for the Racers while allowing three goals and making two saves.

Promising freshman keeper Shelby Haworth allowed four goals and one save in just more than 43 minutes of action.

“We plan to move forward here and figure out what we need and what needs to be worked on and things like that,” Groves said.

“We actually showed pretty well,” he said. “We scored a goal, we had probably four to five legitimately good chances to score other than the goal that we scored, so it was very positive. It was a good gauge, instead of playing each other in a scrimmage at home, it’s good to get on the road and test ourselves out against a decent team like Western.”

The first real test for the Racers arrives today at 3 p.m. as they welcome Arkansas State to Cutchin Field for the first official game of the season.

Arkansas State returns two All-Conference selections from last season while being picked to finish sixth in the Sun Belt Conference preseason polls.

“Opening up at home is going to be tremendous,” Groves said. “We’re looking forward to hopefully getting a big crowd there and people kind of being rowdy a little bit and supporting us. These girls deserve some support.”

The News

Sports

August 22, 2014

3B

Ice Bucket Challenge sweeps athletics staff, teams Mallory Tucker || Sports Editor mtucker11@murraystate.edu

As the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge sweeps the nation, Racer Nation is also doing its share to help. The challenge has been taking social media by storm over the summer, with various coaches, public figures and people from all walks of life taking the challenge to raise awareness of a crippling disease.

After being challenged by football Head Coach Chris Hatcher, basketball Head Coach Steve Prohm along with his team and Murray-Calloway County Parks Director Tab Brockman took the challenge Tuesday.

Hatcher and local youth baseball coach Tim Thurmond took the challenge Saturday morning, nominating Prohm, his team and Brockman to take on the challenge as well.

The football team and Thurmond’s team, the Murray Youth Broncos, hoisted the buckets to drench Hatcher, Thurmond and senior quarterback C.J. Bennett.

Amyotrphic lateral sclerosis (ALS), more commonly referred to as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease,” is a neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord.

There is currently not a cure for ALS, but there is one FDA approved drug that modestly slows its progression in addition to several drugs in clinical trials that hold promise.

There are significant devices and therapies, however, that can manage the symptoms of ALS and help people maintain as much independence as possible while prolonging survival.

As of Wednesday, the ALS Association had received $31.5 million in donations and 637,527 new donors to The Association.

For every like up to 200 that the Racer basketball team receives of its Ice Bucket Challenge video on Facebook, it will donate $5 to fight the cause of ALS. Prohm challenged all of the OVC head men’s basketball coaches in addition to Murray State President Bob Davies, who participated in the challenge Wednesday.

Perkins Motor Plex, a sponsor of Murray State Basketball, also took the challenge recently, and Prohm jokingly nominated Tim Perkins’ dog, Rosie, who ran away during their filming.

Fumi Nakamura/The News

Seniors Jonathan Fairell and T.J. Sapp are drenched by teammates as basketball Head Coach Steve Prohm waits in anticipation Tuesday evening at Roy Stewart Stadium.

Brockman also challenged Racer fan John Rydecky and Racer fans across the country in addition to rotarians in western Kentucky and around the world.

Prohm also encouraged all of western Kentucky to come out to the ALS Walk at the CFSB Center Sept. 20 to support ALS research and the fight to find a cure.

Murray resident Brad Barnett was also present and recognized for his support of Racer athletics and his battle with ALS. Barnett was also honored during Hatcher and the football team’s challenge.

“We all know our friend, Brad Barnett, in Murray, Kentucky,” Brockman said. “He and his family are near and dear to our hearts, and he has been just an absolute inspiration to everyone.”

The Murray State softball team also participated in the challenge this week, nominating the baseball team, Senior Associate Athletic Director Matt Kelly and the Southeast Missouri State softball team.

Fumi Nakamura/The News

Prohm and Brockman pose with Murray resident Brad Barnett after the challenge.

Davies leads freshmen to rush field, start tradition Mallory Tucker || Sports Editor mtucker11@murraystate.edu

Athletic Marketing and Promotions and the Office of Student Affairs have teamed up to plan and implement a Gold Rush for the freshman class Thursday prior to the home opener football game against Union College.

“We wanted to start a new tradition at football and create something that makes a unique climate across campus uniting the freshmen,” Marketing and Promotions Assistant Amy Pulpaneck said.

First Year Leaders will meet their freshmen at the baseball field starting at 6 p.m. Thurs-

day to pick up one of 1,000 gold T-shirts on a first come, first serve basis. Fifteen minutes before kickoff, President Bob Davies will rush onto the field with the participating freshmen, where they will then sit in the endzone to watch the game.

“Dr. Davies will lead the whole mob down to the horse gate,” Pulpaneck said. “Logan Stout will get on the mic and introduce the class of 2018 and the new president, and then they get to hang out in the end zone for the game. We’ll have some bleachers down there, gold balloons and various promotions to keep them excited.

“It’s something that’s exclusive for them.

They get to come out and make a statement that they’re here. It’s great having Dr. Davies, being as this is his first year, so he’s kind of been calling himself a freshman as well.”

Throughout the week, other promotions will be going on all over campus, including a Gold Rush Wagon that will offer food discounts at surprise locations.

“They said, ‘Would this be something that you’d be willing to do?’” Davies said. “And I said ‘Absolutely!’ I think getting students involved and being a part of the student celebration, to me it’s a no-brainer. To me, it’s part of the excitement. I know I’m going to have fun running across the field with the freshman class. I hope

they don’t run over me.”

“I hope they tell their friends: ‘Hey, I ran across the field with my president, ain’t that great?’” Davies said. “Hopefully what that will lead to is sometime in December when one of those students is struggling a little bit and I see them that they feel comfortable talking to me. I hope they feel comfortably in three years when they’re looking for an internship and we’ve had enough conversations that I can serve as a reference. To me, that’s part of being a university president, and if I can assist in that and it starts off with running across the field with them, so be it. I’m just worried about carrying the flag.”

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Features

Features Editor: Hunter Harrell Assistant Features Editor: Breanna Sill Phone: 270-809-5871 Twitter: MSUNewsFeatures

Students seek extra assistance from campus resources

August 22, 2014

The News

RIGHT RESOURCES

Breanna Sill Assistant Features Editor bsill@murraystate.edu

Being a new student at a large school can be an overwhelming situation for students first arriving at Murray State. Making friends, finding a job and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are sometimes difficult when there are so many things happening at once.

Murray State offers a variety of centers on campus to help make the transition into life as a Racer as smooth as possible for its students.

One resource female students can use to their advantage is the Women’s Center. The center is located in the Oakley Applied Science Building on campus and offers a variety of resources to help students by educating, equipping and empowering them.

“We educate the campus community on issues of violence, inequality, exclusion and bias and how every individual has a personal role in changing a culture that creates these problems,” said Abigail French, director of the Women’s Center. “To equip the campus community with the skills and resources necessary for personal and social health, advocacy and change. To empower the campus community speak up, step out and make a difference in all instances of inequality and violence.”

The Women’s Center’s mission is to offer mentoring programs on topics such as gender equality, bystander intervention, sexual assault, dating violence and eating disorders. Another

Legendary entertainer to perform in Murray Staff Report Fans of the iconic Bill Cosby have a chance to see him once again when his tour, “Far From Finished,” will make a stop at Murray State for Homecoming.

“I had called his agent several years ago trying to see if we could get his schedule to coordinate with our Homecoming schedule,” said Shelley Todd, director of the CFSB Center.

“We were excited to learn about nine months ago that our offer had been accepted and Mr. Cosby would be available Oct. 11.”

Cosby was the University’s first choice for a Homecoming show and have tried to book his tour for several years with Cosby’s booking agent.

However, ticket prices may be a factor in some students’ decision to see the actor in person. Ticket prices for the event range from $27 to almost $95 depending on the seat, however. The show is open to the public.

Cosby’s role on “The Cosby Show” as well as other jobs in stand-up comedy, television production and music have made him the public figure he is today.

Said Brenden Breen, junior from Murray: “When I was a kid I would always watch ‘The Cosby Show’ and I always enjoyed it, so it would be great to see him in person.”

New students welcomed with Great Beginnings

Jenny Rohl/The News

A student uses services of the University Store to purchase or rent both new and used textbooks. The bookstore provides programs year-round, along with the Women’s Center, the Writing Center and Career Services. on-campus resource for students is the Racer Writing Center located in the second floor of Waterfield Library.

The Writing Center employs consultants who help students one-on-one at any stage of the

writing process including generating ideas, researching, documentation, revising and editing a draft.

The Grammar Hotline is a phone number or email students can use to reach the Writ-

ing Center for quick questions that need quick responses without having to come in for a full length session.

Another on campus resource is Student Disabilities Services (SDS), located in Wells Hall, is dedicated to promoting the full participation of students with disabilities in all areas of University life.

“SDS provides accommodations and academic support for students who have a diagnosed disability,” said Cindy Clemson, associate director of SDS. “We work with students who have dyslexia and other disabilities such as ADHD, mental health disorders, autism spectrum disorders, sensory, mobility or other physical and health impairments.”

Another helpful resource provided to students is Career Services. Career Services is located in Oakley and offers a variety of options to help students find jobs and internships on campus.

They also host the career fairs each semester.

“The research is out there saying that you will have a job doing what you want to do and get the money you want to do it for by working two or more internships,” said Ross Meloan, Director of Career Services. “We try to pound that very notion into students before they walk in the door.”

Career Services offers everything from helping students create a resume and cover letter to holding mock job interviews to prepare them for ones they may encounter in the real world. It is also responsible for holding the career fair.

Finally, the University Store hosts programs and events throughout the year to make book-buying and selling less complicated. It also provides free gift wrapping during the winter and occasionally, gives away free t-shirts. At the beginning of the year, the store also provides coupon books full of local deals.

While adjusting to a new schedule and sometimes scary life change can be difficult, the resources provided by the University may help make the transition go more smoothly.

Lori Allen/The News

Several country music stars seen everyday on CMY have played to crowds students at Murray State.

University holds top ranking in college contest hosted by CMT Breanna Sill Assistant Features Editor bsill@murraystate.edu

Being a southern-based University, sweet tea, sundresses and cowboy boots are exceptionally familiar sights. The sound coming from the speakers of the cars passing by on the street are booming with the lyrics of the latest country music songs.

Murray State is showing its pride in that country sound by holding the No. 1 position in a contest hosted by County Music Television (CMT). As of the publication date, Murray State still had the number one spot secured.

The university with the most

votes in the “Country College Town Sweepstakes” win the opportunity to host an episode of the station’s show “Hot 20 Countdown” on its campus.

“Jim Carter, vice president for Institutional Advancement, called me after he saw the advertisement for the contest on CMT,” said Shelley Todd, director of the CFSB Center. “We knew without a doubt we could win this so the CFSB Center posted a ‘calling all country fans’ on our Facebook page and they responded by actively going to the CMT website and registering.”

At the moment, Murray State is the smallest university in the running and has held onto the No. 1 position for three weeks. Other

Tiffany Whitfill || Staff writer twhitfill@murraystate.edu

For some students back to school week feels natural; for others it is a completely new experience. Great Beginnings was established to help students transition into their new roles.

Beginning Saturday, Aug. 16, new students moved into their residential colleges and started their journeys at Murray State.

New students showed up early on Saturday morning to move into their rooms on campus and meet new roommates, First Year Leaders, residential adviser’s and other staff.

Jacob Wildman, former student, from St. Louis, Mo., recapped the day running smoothly with very low congestion and few complaints from parents and students.

“Move in day was busy, like expected. We had a good system of checking in students and doing paperwork.” Wildman said.

Roughly 25 volunteer staff members, residen-

universities in the running include Iowa State University in second place, Texas A&M University in third, Louisiana State University in fourth and Texas Tech University in fifth.

“I think it is awesome that we are beating out schools that are four and five times bigger than we are,” Todd said.

Having the opportunity to host such a popular show here in Murray has excited several students across campus.

“I voted the first day I heard about the contest,” said Kealey Staples, sophomore from Golconda, Ill. “I watch the show all the time and love country music, so being able to see it filmed live would be

tial advisers and First Year Leaders successfully moved in 90 freshmen.

Later that night, homesick feelings were put aside while students were greeted by the businesses of Murray in an event called Explore Murray. The event allowed students to browse booths set up in the CFSB Center by local businesses, restaurants and student organizations.

There were 99 vendors set up to provide students with discounts, giveaways and lots of pens, Koozies and coupons.

Emily Pape, freshman from Hopkinsville, Ky. enjoyed her time at Explore Murray.

“Everyone has been really friendly and inviting; it is a great community,” Pape said.

Pape also mentioned that she visited every table set up at the event.

Monday was a day filled with campus tours and adjustment. Students were also introduced to various situations one may experience during their college experience.

Realities on Campus presented scenarios in-

pretty exciting.”

Todd also said she believes country music fans at Murray State are the best around and having the CMT Top 20 Countdown shoot on campus will give everyone the chance to show their love of the southern sound.

In order to vote, students and community members must go to CMT.com and fill out the registration form. Voting ends Sept. 14.

Later in the fall, CMT will invade the winning school to film that week’s Top 20 Countdown.

“It’s important for Nashville to know Murray State University loves country music so we can continue to have top artists on our campus,” Todd said.

cluding roommate struggles to safety.

Even when classes began, the fun didn’t stop.

Tuesday, students enjoyed the sights of downtown Murray where they were introduced to several local businesses and participated in a scavenger hunt, received goodie bags and registered for different prizes and giveaways.

After another full day of class, Great Beginnings continued a twenty year tradition. For 20 years, Tom Deluca has delighted and intrigued the campus with his hypnotizing acts. Students ranging from all ages took the dare to be hypnotized into performing acts on the stage of Lovett.

Tonight, the Student Government Association is sponsoring a free concert on the Quad.

Students are invited to bring a blanket and more friends to watch the musical stylings of singer/ songwriter Ryan Kinder.

The celebration of completing the first week extends into Saturday where students can view

see BEGINNINGS, 5B

Features

The News

August 22, 2014

The week ahead...

TODAY

SUNDAY

SATURDAY

5B

If you would like an event to appear on the calendar here or on TheNews.org, email us at features@thenews.org. Please submit events by noon Wednesday for consideration.

MONDAY

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5 p.m.

Honors Program Cookout, Chestnut Park 8 p.m.

SGA Concert featuring Ryan Kinder, the Quad

10 p.m.

Movie Night sponsored by SGA, Curris Center Theater

10 p.m.

Movie Night sponsored by SGA, Curris Center Theater

11:30 a.m.

Cardio Pump, Wellness Center 4 p.m.

Yoga, Wellness Center

7 p.m.

30 Minute Lower Body, Wellness Center

11 a.m.

Racer Extravaganza, 2nd floor, Curris Center

7 p.m.

Murray State Football home opener (Senior Day), Roy Stewart Stadium

Extreme Makeover: College Edition A few tips to make a residential college feel like home Madison Wepfer || Staff writer mwepfer@murraystate.edu

Moving into a residential college can be disheartening because of the drab floors and blank, white walls. With some cheap and simple do-it-yourself projects, a room can be transformed into a home away from home.

the student sees his or her door.

Rugs can change cold, hard tile into something more comfortable and creative, but they can be expensive. To avoid the cost of a store-bought rug and add a hint of color and individuality to the room, students can paint their own rugs.

Canvas drop cloths are large and can be bought at home-improvement stores. They cover a lot of surface area, and they’re cheap. When they’re painted with craft paint, it can complete a room and make it more comfortable. Custom rugs add individuality to a room and make it different from the typical dorm.

CREATE AN OFFICE SPACE ADD A SPLASH OF COLOR Placing movie and superhero posters is a good way to cover wall space and make even the smallest room feel familiar, but there are several other creative ways to keep one’s own space looking fresh and contemporary.

Washi tape is a great resource when decorating storage containers, notebooks or doors. Large geometric shapes or lines on a door can make a bold statement about a student’s room, and it’s a creative way to make a space feel welcoming from the first moment

Lofted beds allow more space for work and play. To make a room with a lofted bed quaint and cozy, hang curtains from the bottom of the bed to create a “fort” and a private workspace.

In college, organization is key.

Class schedules and club meetings can become a blur at the beginning of a semester, so lists and sticky note reminders can be helpful. Corkboards are perfect for hanging reminders, pictures or motivational quotes, and they’re lightweight and easy to hang.

To update a boring corkboard, cover

it with fabric. Walmart sells packs of corkboard, which can be cut into circles or funky shapes and covered with fabric. Gluing fabric on the corkboard is easy and gives students the opportunity to add individuality and character.

BEGINNINGS From Page 4B the “Amazing Spider-Man 2” in the Curris Center Theater complete with free popcorn sponsored by SGA. For the first time, the events that are a part of Great Beginnings will continue until September. Re’Nita Avery-Meriwether, Director of Student Life and the Curris Center, is hopeful that students will con-

tinue to participate.

The events that extend into September all students are able to attend include: Racer Extravaganza and a lecture full of tips and tricks to survive the semester called College 101.

Now that students have located their classes and hopefully haven’t overslept, it is time to settle into their role at Murray State.

With numerous student organizations, intermural sports and many other activities on campus, taking your place has never been so easy.

KEEP THE CLUTTER HIDDEN High-rise beds are handy for extra storage and provide seating and space to relax after a grueling day of class.

Bed stands can be purchased at the book store or Walmart.

Most residential college rooms are small enough as it is, so clutter and extra storage containers tend to make a room seem stuffy and uncomfortable.

When the bed is lifted, it gives students the opportunity to store clothes, shoes, books or even extra seating underneath the bed.

Students could even put a large beanbag or futon under the bed to be pulled out when entertaining friends on the weekend.

Not only are these options cheap and convenient, but they can add touches of personality to a residential college room and make students feel at home. With all the responsibilities that come with being a college student, it’s important to come back to a place that feels cozy.

Jenny Rohl/The News

Freshmen Taylor Stasie from Louisville, Ky., and Hannah O’Connor from Lexington, Ky., enjoy a cookout as part of the University’s Great Beginnings festivities.

The News

Features

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August 22, 2014

Advice you didn’t ask for

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Keep calm and carry on

Ashley Kowalski @kowalski414 Freshmen, its “aural” skills, not “oral” skills #musicmajor #murraystate 11:24 a.m. 20 Aug 2014

Mitchell Stegman @mitchellstegman First day of class. Starting my second year and I’m bringing sexy back #murraystate 10:36 a.m. 19 Aug 2014

Katie Garren @katiegarren96 so excited for this water balloon fight #murraystate #greatbeginnings 8:24 p.m. 19 Aug 2014

Emily Bloemer @EmilyCB93 People watching at #MurrayState is my favorite activity.

10:33 a.m. 19 Aug 2014

CRYSTAL PLANS TRIBUTE TO WILLIAMS AT EMMY AWARDS Billy Crystal will pay a tribute to the late Robin Williams at next week’s Emmy Awards.

The tribute will include a performance from singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles.

Photo courtesy of thatsenuff.com

Wiz Khalifa released his sixth studio album, “Blacc Hollywood,” Tuesday. The album features the popular single “We Dem Boyz.”

‘Blacc Hollywood’ is Taylor-made Hunter Harrell || Features Editor hharrell@murraystate.edu

STONE TAKES ON SAUCY BROADWAY ROLE Emma Stone will take on Broadway in the revival of “Cabaret.”

Stone will make her debut Nov. 11 as Sally Bowles in the play, which is set in 1931 Berlin.

Soundbytee “If I could spit out a litter of kids, I would.”

-Blake Lively in September’s Marie Claire on her family with Ryan Reynolds.

“Blacc Hollywood” is not for the casual listener.

Did that catch your attention? I’d like to start out by saying I listen to music and I listen to a lot of it. I have never been a fan of rap or hip-hop. However, I have a major respect for the art and a guilty pleasure for Wiz Khalifa.

I have in my possession 11 Wiz Khalifa mixtapes and have listened to a good portion of the five studio albums already released.

The album, “Blacc Hollywood,” released Tuesday, is geared toward people like me. “Blacc Hollywood” features members of Taylor Gang throwing out its usual party anthems layered between some questionable tracks that the casual listener would discard as slow or just strange.

After reading multiple reviews I have found casual listeners hear a distinct lack of flow in “Blacc Hollywood.”

However, for me, “Blacc Hollywood” is the anthem of the Taylor Gang lifestyle.

You don’t have to support or even understand it, but something about the album just allows you to listen to what Khalifa, as an artist, has to say.

Track No. 1 “Hope” begins with a spoken word by Chevy Woods. The introductions to all Khalifa albums are a sign for what to expect through the album and

the surprising reality of Woods’ words foreshadows the theme of the album.

Track No. 2 is “We Dem Boyz,” which was released as a single in February. The track has a great beat and it definitely showcases the rowdy side of Taylor Gang, but track No. 3 takes a sharp dive into a serious love song, “Promises.” The Pittsburgh rapper croons “let’s get caught in the moment,” causing me to forget about the previous rowdiness of “We Dem Boyz,” and enjoy the track.

Following the intimate song “Promises,” Khalifa transitions into the next single from the album “KK.” This song has an awesome beat and is one of the songs I consider as a party song that the casual listener could enjoy. But track No. 5 “House in the Hills” featuring another prominent member of Taylor Gang, Curren$y, hit a soft spot for me. The last line of the first verse draws your attention as Khalifa tells you a little bit about his life growing up in Pittsburgh and how his story should be used to motivate people.

After all, Khalifa is “25 and not dead.”

Though that may seem like a strange message, the chorus states “when you work hard to get it that’s how you feel.”

Now, I didn’t grow up in Pittsburgh and have no way of relating to his situation, but listening to this song, I am glad to give this artist my money.

The track that follows the emotional “House in the Hills” is one Khalifa released specifically for females to use

in Vine videos. The song is called “Ass Drop,” and the beat is intoxicating.

The rest of the album follows the same up and down emotional roller coaster from fun to more serious.

Though track No. 7, “Raw,” has a hard beat, it transitions into “Stayin’ Out All Night,” where Wiz says “I’mma leave all my problems out on the floor / I’mma drink so much that I can’t make it home / So would you take me home?” The soft beat is nothing like you would expect but is reminiscent of Khalifa’s hit “Young, Wild and Free.”

“So High” and “Still Down” are the next two tracks, ironically. Another hint that Khalifa is fully aware of is the “lack of flow.”

“True Colors” is the final track of the album (unless you purchase the deluxe edition, of course) and features Nicki Minaj. While it is not my favorite on the album, I would not be surprised if it becomes one of the most popular. The song basically is an anthem where Wiz talks about “doing him.” No matter what other people have to say about the artist, he simply makes his music to make music, not to please others. As a music lover, I have mad respect for that.

Though the album may not be for the casual listener, it is a gem. It gives you a peek inside the life of an artist and his time spent making his way to the top.

“Blacc Hollywood” may not be your lifestyle,but it is worth a listen.

Cliches make me sick, but I can’t avoid them. I sit here staring at this column I have been trying to write all Hunter Harrell Isummer. have had Features Editor the idea for a long time that this is “my last first day.”

It is my last first day of school (credits willing). It’s my last first column of the semester, and I am at a loss for words.

This isn’t uncommon, but at this point it is most critical to find the words to express what this last first day feels like.

After my last summer as a college kid, soon I will be entering the real world. The sweet summer freedom is gone, and this semester is just beginning. I feel both excited and extremely nervous at the same time.

I keep trying to take it all in – the little things – such as the first night walk around the beautiful campus and eating lunch with my friends in the Thoroughbred Room. I just can’t imagine this day not coming again.

I have fantasized about this day for a long time, but I never imagined it being so bittersweet.

I have prepared and planned my graduation day in my head a thousand times with only happy thoughts. There is no doubt that graduation day will be a happy one because of the things I have accomplished, but it will also be a motion forward.

It will be scary to search for a job and put myself out there. I won’t be under the guidance of anyone for the first time. It’s all a new risk.

However, I have realized that college has done at least one (so far) marvelous thing for me.

In college, I found confidence.

Though college is not anywhere close to real life, college is a struggle.

There are late nights, early mornings and stressful days. But in the end they are all worth it.

I have found something I love to do, while learning how to be confident in the way I present myself. All the stress is worth it because it teaches you that you can get through if you push and motivate yourself.

No matter how scary the real world may be in a few short months, I have the confidence to get through the next step in my life. It helps to know I have other Racers right beside me. hharrell@murraystate.edu

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