The Murray State News December 5, 2014
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Vol. 89, No. 15 She said she has two goals moving forward. The first is continuing to inform and educate the campus community on sexual assault. The second is to learn how, as a campus, Murray State can better respond to and support students who are impacted by violence. “There is always room to improve and moving forward is always about learning and improving,” French said. Increasing funds in the budget for programming in 2015-16 is one of the ways French wants the University to combat such a culture.
INCIDENTS THIS YEAR
Photo illustration by Fumi Nakamura/The News
GAINING STRENGTH University plans for confronting, solving sexual assault problems on, off campus
Rebecca Walter || Staff writer rwalter@murraystate.edu
With four sexual assaults reported involving Murray State students this semester alone, University leaders are working to educate the campus community on sexual assault and how to better respond to those impacted by it. Murray State is not alone. The topic has received national attention, with incidents this fall such as the recent rape allegations at University of Virginia, which led to the removal of Greek Life on campus and at Columbia University, where a student carried around her dorm mattress in protest to the way her assault was handled by university officials. The national media has heavily used the term “rape culture” to describe the handling – or lack of handling – of allegations on campus.
“Yes, I absolutely think there is a rape culture that plays a huge role in how these issues play out on college campuses, but I don’t think it is a product of the college campus, I think it is a product of society in general and how we respond to and deal with these situations,” said Abigail French, director of the Women’s Center. She said the overall culture is to blame the victim, question what the person did to warrant the assault and what could have been done to prevent it. She said a reaction is to keep these incidents quiet. “The fact that we have had students who have bravely come forward to report their experiences and ask for our help this semester is a reflection of the work that is already happening on our campus,” she said. “We have worked diligently to make sure that students know where to turn for help should they need it.”
In the first nine weeks of the semester, Public Safety and Emergency Management received more reported sexual assaults than in all of 2011, 2012 or 2013. The most recent incident of sexual assault this semester was reported at Springer Residential College on Oct. 16 at 12:36 a.m. The victim denied prosecution, and the case is closed. Another was a reported sexual assault that occurred on Oct. 9 at 8:11 p.m. at Regents Residential College. The victim knew the alleged assailant, according to a campus wide safety alert email sent on Oct. 10. The case is still under investigation. On Sept. 12 at 11:57 a.m., a student reported an incident of “unwanted sexual contact with an acquaintance”, at Regents. The incident occurred on Aug. 29. The victim declined prosecution and the case is closed. On Sept. 3, the first report of a student being sexually assaulted off campus was made from Hester Residential College. The incident is still being investigated by the Mayfield Police Department. Camisha Duffy, Title IX coordinator, said students across the country struggle with how they will be received by their peers if it comes out that they made a sexual assault allegation. “Historically, across the country, those who bring the allegations are concerned that others will not believe them and are hesitant to report for that reason,” she said. Another reason students might fear making a report is because they feel they would be pressured to file criminal
see ASSAULT, 2A
Administration Regents take campus tobacco free evaluations to go to President’s Office Amanda Grau || News editor agrau@murraystate.edu
Mary Bradley Editor-in-Chief
mbradley9@murraystate.edu
Mari-Alice Jasper
Katherine Farmer, director of curriculum materials center mjasper1@murraystate.edu and resource instruction librarian at Waterfield and vice After only a third of faculty president of Faculty Senate, voiced their opinions in the said the Faculty Senate rep2014 administrative evaluaresents each academic departtions, next year’s editions will ment and provides services be sent out by the President’s similar to what the Student office instead of being handled Government Association does by the Faculty Senate as they for students. have for four decades. College deans, department President Davies said facchairs and provosts are all ulty might take these evaluaadministrative positions that tions more seriously because faculty critique in their evalthey will be sent electronically uations. Farmer said the dean through the of each President’s college deoffice. termined “Whatin the past ever we can how the redo to create sults from 360 degree the evalufeedback ations will Helen Roulston, associate professor of English opportuhe handled. nities for faculty and She also said the senate still staff with regards to leaders is will have some input on the a good thing,” he said. administrative evaluations In the past, administrative even though they will be going evaluations have been used to through the President’s office. survey how well the admin Students and faculty said istration cooperates with the evaluations will be more benfaculty over the year. Although eficial if handled effectively. the evaluations aren’t made “It’s good because it propublic, they are reported to the vides a checks-and-balances administrator being evaluated, as well as that person’s supersystem for our university,” said visor. Miranda Bailey, senior from “I don’t view this as a puniMurray. tive situation, but as a way we Helen Roulston, associate can provide feedback that will professor of English, said like help administrators do their any institution, the University jobs better,” he said. has good administrators but Davies said evaluations help also ones who need the evaluadministration understand the ations to help them improve. university’s challenges and of“We need good administrators fers a chance to reflect on ways here to keep things functionto improve. ing smoothly,” she said. Assistant News Editor
We need good administrators here to keep things functioning smoothly.
WHAT’S
INSIDE
AIDS DAY
The Board of Regents voted Thursday to make the campus tobacco free, but President Bob Davies, with help from a committee, must iron out details of the new policy before the Regents’ February meeting. The Board also voted to build new sorority housing and raise faculty and staff salaries by 1 percent. But the proposed tobacco ban drew the most debate – and at times emotional comments – from the Regents. “The motion today made it very clear that Murray State will be a tobacco-free and a tobacco-like-free university,” Davies said. While the ban was apDavies proved, it will be implemented gradually over the next year, he said. Davies said starting immediately he will gather a group of administrators and other representatives from across campus to decide on a timeline for implementing the ban and a clear policy of how to enforce it, which will be presented to the board in February. Then, the Board will have to vote to approve it for the next academic year. By a 6-3 vote, the Board chose a full ban of tobacco, including cigarettes and smokeless tobacco, and tobacco-like substances, such as e-cigarettes, over the other options of banning only smoking or just
tweaking the existing campus policy, which bars smoking in classroom buildings. Student Regent Michael Dobbs, Regent Phil Schooley and Chairman Harry Lee Waterfield II were the three who voted no. Waterfield said he was concerned about the safety of smokers and used the example of young women who might want to smoke late night. “It’s 11:30, 12 o’clock at night and some young co-ed has got to have a cigarette,” Waterfield said. “And no one wants to go with her so she has to go two, three hundred yards away to find a place to have a smoke.” Even though the ban will cover all forms of tobacco, including smokeless tobacco and e-cigarettes, the most important issue for members of the board was how to balance giving smokers space on campus and minimizing health risks from smoking. Regent Sharon Green, who supported a full ban, was moved to tears while explaining how her father was diagnosed with lung cancer while she was a student at Murray State. Green’s father passed away before her wedding. “Someone else had to walk me down the aisle,” she said. This fall the university created a task force that survey more than 6,000 Murray State students, faculty and staff. About 30 percent said they favored a tobacco ban, 24 percent said preferred going smokefree, and roughly 45 percent said they supported improving the tobacco environment, which would still allow tobacco on campus but would restrict its use to certain locations. Reflecting the majority of that poll, Dobbs voted against the full ban.
OUR VIEW
Monday was World AIDS Day, World AIDS Day deserves to be and the University took part, 6A recognized everywhere, 4A
“I don’t want to force people to do that,” he said. “I believe in personal choice. I think that’s an important part of college life. But I also want to encourage healthy behaviors as well.” Dobbs recommended restricting tobacco on campus
and revisiting the issue later. The majority of the board, however, said the time had come for a full ban because of the dangerous health effects of tobacco use.
see REGENTS, 2A
Davies brings enrollment, marketing under his office Amanda Grau || News editor agrau1@murraystate.edu
President Bob Davies said Thursday he will move undergraduate admissions and Murray State’s marketing and communications arm directly under the President’s office, underscoring his goal to improve student recruitment for the University. Fred Dietz, currently the Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management, will head the combined first-year freshmen and transfer admissions office, which will move under the President’s office effective July 1, 2015. The renamed “Branding Marketing and Communications” division will begin reporting to the President’s office Jan. 1. Davies also will create an executive director position for which he will launch a national search and shift around money in the office in order to cover the salary. Davies said his background in the marketing field gives insight into the way the office should run and what its goals should be. Davies holds a masters degree in finance and marketing. He announced his plans at the Board of Regents meeting. The regents endorsed the moves but because of a procedural change earlier this year, the Board no
longer has to formally approve personnel actions other than ones involving vice presidents and academic deans. This reorganization marks Davies’ first major changes to the University’s organization since he became President July 14. After being hired in March, Davies said he would wait six months before making any major decisions for the University. The moves tied in with another key discussion in Thursday’s meeting: improving recruiting future students. Murray State reached a record total enrollment of 11,207 this semester, buoyed largely by an increase in transfers. However, the number of full-time firstyear freshmen slid for the second year in a row 1,490, which also marked a four-year low. The board received findings of a study of Murray State’s recruitment and marketing effort. It showed the University’s has struggled to form a strong impression — especially regarding academic strength — to potential students outside of the 18 western Kentucky counties that comprise the University’s primary service area. For more on this, go online to TheNews.org.
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Threats made against Murray State result in federal charges ASSAULT From Page 1 charges, Duffy said. The person bringing the allegation is presented with the options available so that they can make the best decision for them. University officials and counselors would provide any student who comes forward with an allegation with all the options, Duffy said. “Central to any institution’s ability to comply with Title IX is a notion of trust,” she said. “Trust is not easily gained and is a much more difficult task under the alleged circumstances associated with a Title IX violation.” Duffy said it is more common that other students make the referral. In a smaller campus such as Murray State, the victim having to see the assailant and even sharing friends can be an issue when coming forward. “(Murray State) is not such a big campus that if you have a conflict with a person you can go without seeing them,” French said. “I think the fear relating to victim blaming is if thinking: ‘if I get this person in trouble, we have common friends involved,’ along with the fear of losing friends and having people be angry with you.”
PLANS FOR THE FUTURE
French said when a person experiences violence they have had their basic sense of security violated. “Sometimes a person gets a sense of security from seeing the aggressor held accountable,” she said. “Sometimes a person regains their sense of self through counseling, being heard, believed and validated. Sometimes those things come from their peers showing support and under-
December 5, 2014
were eliminated, as was the possibility of the man being released.
Mary Bradley || Editor-in-Chief mbradley9@murraystate.edu
At 4:25 p.m. Nov. 22, the Murray State community learned of threats against the University, and within a 48-hour time span, those threats were debunked and resolved by the University and law enforcement. This is an approximate timeline of the incident according to President Bob Davies:
Nov. 21 • University officials were informed of threats from a detainee in Calloway County Jail and the man was transferred to Western State Hospital for a psychological evaluation. • Davies said threats made were deemed credible by hospital personnel and were specific to “hot” areas on campus, not individuals. • Local, county, state and federal law enforcement were contacted and were able to press charges against the individual for the threats. • The possibility the threats would be carried out by accomplices
standing. Some people experience healing through new relationships that show love and respect rather than violence.” French said, like most public universities, Murray State’s resources are stretched thin. She said the staff charged with dealing with referrals and counseling issues already had other full time positions. “Murray State has made a commitment to reallocate resources to address the issues of violence on campus,” she said. “The support services are there and just keep growing.” This semester, the Counseling Center, in conjunction with the Purchase Area Sexual Assault Center, began a support group for sexual assault survivors. The Merryman House, in partnership with the Women’s Center, has seen a significant increase in the number of students utilizing the sources as ways of support, French said. “We are excited about these partnerships and we will continue to look at partnerships and resources that will prove the support we provide to students,” French said. There are several programs aimed at spreading awareness of sexual assault on campus. This includes the use of interactive theater to engage students during Great Beginnings and looking into programs similar to Nonviolent Sexuality, Students Fight Back and the Female Orgasm, all of which took place on campus this semester. Programs such as Realities on Campus and Take Back the Night, which will occur next semester, will continue to improve, French said. Bystander intervention will continue to be a strong emphasis as well, along with educating students regarding consent. “We are working to make these train-
ings accessible to all students in a variety of formats,” French said. “Additionally we are working with various groups on campus to make these trainings an annual part of their group culture.” Duffy said nationally, universities are working to increase student, faculty and staff participation in campus-wide training. She said they are surveying which mechanisms work best at reaching a critical mass of the University community, with a goal of reaching as many people as possible and having the message seep into campus culture. This semester, the University asked students to take an online training course about harassment, discrimination and sexual assault on Canvas. Participants had to score a 100 percent on the module to pass. “Students often cite having completed the training and sharing possible next steps to fellow students who disclose allegations,” Duffy said. At the Board of Regents meeting in August, the board voted to make sexual assault training mandatory for the entire University community. President Bob Davies said at the meeting the University would have a “zero tolerance policy for sexual assault.” He said the University takes every report, complaint and allegation of sexual assault individually and seriously. “(The University) will continue to do so and will investigate incidents quickly,” he said. “We also need to work to continue education and raise awareness. We need to have an environment that when these incidents occur, we handle it properly. If we fail to do so we aren’t doing our job.” He said the University cannot brush these incidents under the rug. “I am passionate about this. The safety of our students cannot ever be second tier; it has got to be first,” Davies said.
Nov. 22
• The individual remained in custody and will stand trial facing felony charges. • Davies sent an email to the University to inform of the situation. He said it was to let people know what was going on, and that this day in age is one of sharing information and to raise the awareness of a living and working on a college campus that could include such possible dangers and harm as the threats.
Nov. 24
• University officials analyzed the overall effort in protecting the University. • Davies said strengthening protective measures would be a goal in the spring 2015 semester. • Confirmation of a resolved issue was given to Davies, who accredits much of the preventative process to communication from and between law enforcement.
REGENTS From Page 1 “I don’t think we want to be the last university in Kentucky to implement a ban,” said Regent Constantine Curris, former Murray State president. Approval for the ban followed a less-intense approval of new sorority housing and a unanimous decision to approve percent salary increases. Don Robertson, vice president of Student Affairs, called the current sorority living situation “not effective.” Four properties on North
16th Street, Hamilton Avenue and Olive Street have been approved for razing to make room for the new housing. The approved salary increases will be between $250 and $1,200 per person, totaling up to $800,000 together, leaving tuition revenue at more than $2 million.
What did you think of the decision? Send us a letter to the editor at letters@thenews.org.
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HUMAN RIGHTS ORDINANCE
The Murray City Council will meet Monday to decide on the LGBT revisions to the Human Rights Ordinance. Look for The News’ coverage on the decision at TheNews.org. More information on the ordinance is available online, too.
When God became a Baby, that changed EVERYTHING! The Christmas Story: The Creator-God of the universe, Jesus Christ, left His home in heaven to become a human being. He lived a perfect life, performed miracles, was betrayed, and wrongfully condemned to death. After being crucified, Jesus’ body was placed in a tomb. Three days later, he rose from the dead. After His resurrection, He remained on earth speaking to people for 40 days and then ascended to heaven. Jesus sacrificed Himself to make a way for all people to have an abundant life now and eternal life in heaven.
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world; he who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” – John 8:12. God is reaching out to men and women through His son Jesus Christ. To find out more, go to the website: MurrayState.edu/ChristianFacultyRacers
CHRISTIAN FACULTY RACERS We are a group of professors, lecturers and administrators united by our common experience that Jesus Christ provides intellectually and spiritually satisfying answers to life’s most important questions. We are available to students, faculty and staff who might like to discuss such questions with us. For more information about the Christian Faculty Network, please visit our website: MurrayState.edu/ChristianFacultyRacers Ben Ashburn Institute of Eninerring Becky Ballard Hutson School of Agriculture Debbie Bell English & Philosophy Teresa Betta Management, Marketing & Business Admin James Duane Bolin History Tony Brannon Hutson School of Agriculture Todd Broker Economics & Finance James Clinger Political Science & Sociology
Dwayne Driskill Hutson School of Agriculture Steve Dublin Management, Marketing & Business Admin. David Durr Economics & Finance David Eaton Economics & Finance Warren Edminster Honors Program Scott Erickson Music Robin Esau Community Leadership & Human Services David Ferguson Agricultural Sciences
Katy Garth Nursing Joyce Gordon Management, Marketing & Business Admin. Dannie Harrison College of Business Emeritus James Hereford Science, Engineering & Technology
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Jeremy North Management, Marketing &Bus. Admin.
Joetta Kelly Health Sciences & HumanServices
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Stefan Linnhoff Management, Marketing & Bus. Admin Glynn Mangold Management, Marketing & Business Admin.
Steve Prohm Men's Basketball Joshua Ridley Engineering & Physics Jeanetta Riley Early Childhood & Elementary Ed.
Melony Shemberger Journalism & Mass Communications Brenda Sheets Management, Marketing & Bus Admin Frances Smith Organizational Com. Kathy Smith Management, Marketing & Bus. Admin Murphy Smith Accounting
Ted Thiede Engineering & Physics Lou Davidson Tillson Organizational Communication Roger Weis Community Leadership & Human Services Mark Welch President's Office Gina Winchester Regional Outreach
Terry Holmes Management, Marketing & Business Admin.
James Mantooth Student Affairs
Brian Hoover Agriculture Science
Katie Mantooth Career Services
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Kristen Spicer Occupational Safety & Health
Stephen White Biological Sciences Emeritus
Dayna Hutchinson Management, Marketing & Bus. Admin
Gilbert Mathis Economics & Finance Emeritus
Winfield Rose Political Science & Sociology
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Olympia Stewart Center for Academic Advising Tim Worley Tim Miller Holly Rudolph Timothy Johnston Organizational Accounting - Emeritus Accounting Communication Renee Fister Management, Marking & Jessica Nather Mathematics & Statistics Bus. Admin Nursing Note: This ad presents the personal convictions of the individuals listed; the ad does not represent or support any view or position of Murray State University or any academic department. The ad does represent and acknowledge the diversity of academic contributions to Murray State University by men and women of various race, ethnic group and cultural background who share the Christian faith.
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December 5, 2014 News Editor: Amanda Grau Assistant Editor: Mari-Alice Jasper Phone: 270-809-4468 Twitter: MurrayStateNews
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Students rally against pipeline
$18.3 million lawsuit resolved
Kate Russell || Staff writer krussell13@murraystate.edu
Photo courtesy of Miranda Thompson
Miranda Thompson and other environmental activists rallied together in Washington D.C. last year to protest the progress of the cross-country Keystone XL pipeline, which was voted on by the Senate on Nov. 18. Sara Gantz || Contributing writer sgantz@murraystate.edu
Even though Congress didn’t approve the controversial cross-country Keystone XL pipeline in 2013, Murray State environmental activist Miranda Thompson said she’s prepared to rally against it next year if the new Republican-controlled Congress pushes for it again. Thompson, junior from Louisville, Ky., said she was not able to feel the happiness she wanted after such a narrow win. “The Senate majority is about to shift in a way that I fear will favor the bill being passed. If they held another protest, I would be there in a heartbeat,” she said. The Keystone XL Pipeline project, which was intended to extend an oil pipeline from Canada to the Mexican Gulf, did not pass Congress when the project failed to get the necessary 60 votes in the Senate Nov. 18. Though the House passed the bill, the bill did not gain the 60 votes needed to pass the Senate. The end tally was 59 for and 41 against, with one vote determining the outcome. About 40 percent of the pipeline is completed, with 298 miles of pipeline stretching from Nebraska to Oklahoma and another 485 miles existing in Texas. The bill remains controversial. Those in favor argue the pipeline would create jobs, while those against the bill argue that the oil sands the pipeline would carry from Canada to Texas is too
costly and too dangerous to refine. Oil sands are a combination of clay, sand, water and bitumen. Bitumen is a heavy, black viscous oil. Oil sands are mined, processed and then refined into oil, according to the Oil Shale and Tar Sands Programmatic Information Center. Thompson, a member of the Murray Environmental Student Society, went to Washington D.C. with four other MESS members to protest the bill Feb. 17, 2013. They stayed in a home that frequently housed protesters in D.C., spending less than 20 hours in Washington and a total of 50 hours on the road. “The whole weekend was full of energy,” Thompson said. “I was constantly surrounded by people with one purpose and that was powerful. In such a large country where it feels like we are always pointing fingers at everyone, it felt good to have a sense of unity with 25,000 people all at one time.” Miranda Blackwell, sophomore from Madisonville, Ky., believes the bill should not have passed, although she thinks the pipeline would have brought job opportunities. “I also think we shouldn’t dig up the earth more to put a pipe down,” Blackwell said. Blackwell said she doesn’t think students are aware of the Keystone XL pipeline issue because the pipeline will not run through Kentucky. Thompson said though the pipeline would create jobs, they would only be temporary because the oil would eventually run dry. Terence Holmes, professor of marketing and
the chair of the department of management marketing and business administration, was disappointed when the bill did not pass. “Results of the election showed that a majority of Americans want to return to policies that foster economic growth, which will help overcome stagnant job creation,” Holmes said. “The pipeline on its own would do so directly, but it would also serve as a sign that additional policies to help are forthcoming.” He said in January when the Republicans take control of the Senate, they will push this issue again. Kentucky U.S. Mitch McConnell, who will be majority leader, supports the pipeline. “Eight or nine Democratic senators will need to change their minds for the bill to pass,” he said. “If the bill is passed it will be followed by a veto from the president.” Holmes does not know how aware students are of the Keystone project, but believes they should be. “As they graduate and seek jobs, it is less likely they’ll have a strong set of options if heavy-handed government regulation is dragging down the economy, as has been the case over the past several years,” Holmes said. Thompson fears if the bill is passed the reality of harm to the environment will be hidden. “Even if, in the best case scenario, no leaks or spills occur, the passing of the bill will continue to emphasize the notion in our country that wealth is more important than health,” Thompson said.
Chuck Jones, former businessman and philanthropist in Murray, has been the object of headlines over the last two years, with a recent multi-million dollar settlement putting him back in the news. Kent Wicker, attorney for Chuck Jones, said the latest trial in North Carolina related to debts owed to book supplier Baker & Taylor. Baker & Taylor had supplied books to Jones and David Griffin’s textbook companies before the companies went bankrupt, and they said they were owed a guaranteed amount. Wicker said Jones accepted that he had signed a guarantee to the amount owed to the supplier, but Griffin didn’t believe he was a part of the guarantee, and shouldn’t owe the book supplier. “The issue was whether Griffin was obligated on a personal guarantee to Baker & Taylor,” Wicker said. Wicker said the jury agreed with Baker & Taylor, and the amount of judgment was $18.3 million to be paid by Griffin and Jones, who did not go to trial. They also must pay $8.7 million in interest. Griffin’s attorney declined to comment. According to an article in The Tennessean, Jones and Griffin’s company College Book Renter went bankrupt in 2013. After a “legal dispute” between Jones and Griffin, Griffin bought College Book Renter and moved the company to Nashville, Tenn. Prior to 2012, College Book Renter had 126 full time employees and nearly $20 million in revenue. Jones was Murray’s 2011 Citizen of the Year, and his philanthropy was noted in an article by the Murray Ledger & Times in December 2011. That year, Jones gave $140,000 to United Way, as well as $20,000 to Need Line of Murray. Griffin partnered with Jones in many of his business ventures. According to a 2013 article published by the Murray Ledger & Times, Griffin was the first person to file suit against Jones in February 2012. That suit was later dropped, along with two other suits against Jones. The other two suits included a copyright infringement lawsuit against Jones by McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., Pearson Education, Inc. and Cengage Learning, Inc. as well as a lawsuit by Jones’ former college book rental company. The Murray Ledger & Times article said Griffin filed a second suit against Jones Oct. 16, 2013, in Calloway County Circuit Court. That led to a countersuit from Jones. Griffin made a motion to dismiss the countersuit, and the motion was granted in September 2014. Those suits are still pending.
New center opens to help students handle stress Brittany Risko || Staff writer brisko@murraystate.edu
A new counseling center opened in Alexander Hall, staffed by graduate students available to help students handle finals stress. Kristen Douglas, counseling clinic coordinator and assistant professor of counselor education, said counseling can help in assisting students with working through the underlying issues of test anxiety. “Part of this process often includes identifying and reframing negative or faulty thought patterns that increase anxiety while taking tests,” she said. The counseling service also helps students learn coping skills to calm their mind and body for tests. The combination of these help students deal with test anxiety. The Counseling and Assessment Center through the College of Education and Human Services offers help with test anxiety, roommate conflicts
P O L I C E B E A T
and other struggles students face. It also offers assessment services: testing for learning disabilities, ADD/ ADHD, personality assessment and mental health diagnoses. The new center opened on the third floor of Alexander Nov. 18. The counseling center is open two days a week this semester: Monday and Friday. Appointments can be scheduled between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., and there is a $10 fee per session. “We assist clients with all sorts of personal issues and concerns such as anxiety, depression, panic attacks, test anxiety, identity issues, relationship concerns, roommate conflicts, coping with stress and grief and loss,” Douglas said. The counseling service is a training clinic for graduate students training to become counseling professionals and are closely supervised by Douglas, a licensed professional clinical counselor in Kentucky, and by other LPCC counselor education faculty.
Nov. 27
The clinic does not have walk-in hours because of a brief screening before clients schedule first appointments, Douglas said. The screening doesn’t take long and makes sure the center is a good fit for the client and their needs, she said. “Test anxiety is a treatable condition,” Douglas said. There are still openings this semester for students who feel overwhelmed by finals or if students are having other problems. Carly Dothsuk, freshman from Cadiz, Ky., said she doesn’t have test anxiety yet. “I am really not nervous because I am a freshman, but I am sure when the time comes I will be considerably stressed,” Dothsuk said. Megan Riley, freshman from Benton Ky., said she is nervous because of stories she heard from others. “I have heard scary things and I don’t really know what to expect out of the exams,” Riley said.
Nov. 29
Jenny Rohl/The News
During finals week, students can consult the help of graduate students in a new counseling center.
Dec. 1
8:07 p.m. An officer issued a verbal warning for not having headlights on and reckless driving during a traffic stop near Murray Bank. 8:48 p.m. An officer issued a verbal warning for having too many passengers in one vehicle during a traffic stop at Roy Stewart Stadium parking lot.
10:24 a.m. Public Safety had a caller request to check back into their room early. On-call housing was notified. 10:45 a.m. A caller reported a squirrel in Wilson Hall. Central Heating and Cooling Plant was notified.
12:02 a.m. Officers issued a verbal warning to a driver on Olive and 17th streets for driving recklessly on the wrong side of the road. 9:40 p.m. A caller reported a suspicious looking person outside of Blackburn Science Building. Officers were notified, but the person was gone by the time they arrived.
Nov. 28
Nov. 30
Dec. 2
3:09 p.m. A fire alarm from Wells Hall was triggered on the alarm system computer. Central Heating and Cooling Plant was notified. 6:39 p.m. Public Safety and Emergency Management received a report of communication trouble from Springer Residential College. Central Heating and Cooling Plant was notified.
11:31 a.m. During a traffic stop at old Richmond Residential College an officer issued a citation to an individual for having an expired registration plate, failure to have an insurance card and violating their permit. 10:05 p.m. An officer issued a citation for possession of drug paraphernalia during a traffic stop James H. Richmond Residential College and Lee Clark Residential College.
2:39 a.m. A caller from Regents Residential College requested emergency medical services. The person in need was transported to the hospital. 6:03 a.m. A caller requested access to his classroom in the Price Doyle Fine Arts building. Officers were notified and his room was unlocked.
Dec. 3
1:39 p.m. A called reported a suspicious-looking backpack in Mason Hall. Officers were notified and the backpack was returned to its owner. 10:56 p.m. A caller from Winslow Dining Hall reported that people were making inappropriate comments. Officers were notified.
Call of Fame Dec. 2, 11:35 a.m. - A caller from Woods Hall reported terroristic threats. Officers were notified and a report was taken. Motorists assists – 2 Racer escorts – 3 Arrests – 0 Mari-Alice Jasper, Assistant News Editor, compiles Police Beat with calls provided by Public Safety and Emergency Management. Not all calls are listed.
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December 5, 2014
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Katie Wilborn/The News
AIDS awareness still deserves attention The staff editorial is the majority opinion of The Murray State News Editorial Board. The theme of awareness is strong when directing attention to the trials of humanity. Awareness is what brought us together to raise money and attention toward World AIDS Day on Monday. The event showed us the milestones we have reached since the world epidemic began claiming lives in 1981. In the more than 30 years we have been trying to understand and eliminate the Auto-immune Deficiency Virus, we have made strides. The AIDS disease originally came with the stigma that only gay men and Africans were capable of transmitting and catching the disease, but we now understand that AIDS can be transmitted to anyone in multiple ways. The fight against the AIDS epidemic is important. The Center
for Disease Control estimates that there are more than 1.2 million people in the U.S. with AIDS, and that number will grow by 50,000 each year. According to aids.gov, one in four Americans between 13-24 have AIDS and one in six people with the disease are unaware that they have it. This is because who have the disease will often not show signs or symptoms for decades. To protect ourselves and our partners, we should get tested for AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. This can be done at most doctor’s offices, and Health Services also provides testing services. There is more that we as students can do besides wearing a red ribbon or buying a bumper sticker to raise awareness and
understanding. As much as we’ve already heard it, safe sex is important. According to Planned Parenthood, using a condom is 10,000 times safer than not using a condom in terms of AIDS prevention. For those that can’t afford proper contraceptives, condom distribution has increased by 25.8 through both governmental and nongovernmental funding. In short, condoms can be provided for free at places like Health Services and other clinics. Those who are sexually active aren’t the only ones who could potentially contract and die from AIDS. Children who are born from a parent with AIDS contract the virus and are forced to live with a disease that is beyond their control.
Most people feel that contracting AIDS isn’t as easy as it is in third world countries, but the virus can be contracted in places like college campuses with intimate partners that we know and trust. With a lot of our attention geared toward the Ebola virus, it is easy to forget the toll that AIDS still has on its victims. The risks are real and transmission rates have climbed for more than 30 years. Let’s not forget that keeping ourselves safe can be as easy as using a condom. We should let World AIDS Day be a reminder that we should practice safer sex, get tested and be open and honest with our sexual partners. It is up to us not to add to the growing statistics that surround AIDS transmission.
The Captain’s Log
Garrison: The burden of the future
There are several things in life that scare me: spiders, bugs, low-fat salad dressings; you name it. Also, not having any idea where I am going to be in sixth months honestly makes me quite uneasy. I will graduate in Zac Garrison May, and after Senior from that I’m not really sure what’s Franklin, Ky. going to happen. It’s too early right now to apply for jobs because I don’t graduate till May, but the time to start my hardcore job search is impending. Sometimes I just want to talk to myself 10 years in the future just so I can make sure everything worked out. That I got that job I wanted, that I moved to a new city and I’m making good money with a nice apartment. But then I think: how much of the future do I actually want to know? When you first think about it, learning about your future would be kind of cool. Any feelings of anxiety of the future and uneasiness about where your life path takes you could be gone with a simple question to your future self. Think about all of the things that you are uneasy about that are out of your control simply because time is the main factor in why
you don’t know. Will I get my dream job that I plan on applying for? Will my family still be in good health in 10 years? How life changing was the sequel to “Frozen?” These are all questions that would be on the tip of my tongue if I were able to have a conversation with future Zac. This is a catch-22, though. What if you got bad news? What if all of your hopes and dreams turned into sand in front of your eyes and fell from your open palm to the ground? What if you talked to your future self and found out you are not the person you wanted to be? You tried your hardest to not become that person which led you to becoming someone you didn’t like. This may be a cynical way of viewing the situation, but knowing the future could weigh heavily on someone. The reality could be that if I got a chance to talk to a future version of myself, my dreams and aspirations could be crushed because I never achieved any of my dreams. There is a chance that future me is a guy I don’t really like and never saw myself becoming. A broken man with no ambition, no money to his name and a lot of broken dreams that follow him like a trail of bread crumbs. Do I believe in myself more than that? I absolutely do. But there is nothing more final than hearing something has already happened. What if you asked yourself a question, and never got a response? A question simply spoken to the void that no one would ever hear because there is a chance you may not be here in 10 years. Are you capable of coping with the reality of your own mortality? Statistically, someone reading this will not be here in 10 years. This idea may rain on your parade but it’s true. How would knowing you wouldn’t be
here in 10 years affect the way you live today? Some people may say you could try and change the future by knowing it beforehand. That once you know what will happen, if it is unsatisfactory, you will try your best to change it. This opens up a paradox, though. You spent your whole life trying to be someone else so you never truly realized who you were at the moment. Think of how much of your life you would miss when you’re trying to gaze 10 years into the future. Being preoccupied with knowledge of the future will never let us appreciate right now. To be 100 percent honest, I would rather be anxious and unknowing about things that are out of my immediate focus of control than having to be burdened with all the answers at once. Part of what keeps life interesting is the mystery of it all. Having several doors lined up in front of you and not having any clue what is behind them until you muster up the courage to open one. The great thing about the future is that we will get there eventually, so why rush and stress over it? We are so worried about rushing to get to the future and growing up that we trivialize the wonderful experiences we are having now. We could miss a lot of great memories because we are so busy looking at who we will be in 10 or 15 years. In 10 years, we will be looking back on these days and wishing we wouldn’t have been so worried about what would come. The future will come with time, but now only happens once in the universe. Take the time to experience today, tomorrow will happen eventually.
The News
Opinion
December 5, 2014
5A
Letter to the Editor 50
How do you feel about the Ferguson grand jury’s decision not to indict Officer Darren Wilson in the shooting of Michael Brown? (72 responses) 62%
45
Did she really say that?
No remorse, no honor
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In our latest poll, we asked you how you felt about the decision not to indict Officer Darren Wilson. To participate in future polls, visit TheNews.org.
I think the ruling was just.
40 35
We still want to hear from you
30 25
32%
20
I think the ruling was unjust.
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15 10 5 Respondents
6% I don’t know or don’t care.
Issues, Observations and Sometimes Rants
Qualls: Meaningless dystinctions
Yes, the title is misspelled. That’s to make it special. Set it apart. Like all of us want to be: distinguished. There are lots of shortcuts to distinction: ink, piercings, clicking the “thumbs-up likey” thing on Facebook. Our attitudes, interests and opinions comKevin Qualls bine to make us the distinct indiProfessor of viduals that we mass communications are. I know some people who express their individuality by insisting upon precise dietary requirements. Others are set apart by what sports teams they love or hate. Same thing with music. (Bruno Mars rocks and Justin Bieber sucks, in my honest opinion.) Problem is, at the end of the day, when the fat lady sings, where the tire hits the pavement and when the cows come home – all of these accomplishments are meaningless other than functioning as data points targeting you for a potential sale. Our attitudes, opinions and interests are so
Cheers and Jeers Cheers & Jeers is written by the Opinion Editor. Questions, comments or concerns should be addressed to cbesser@murraystate.edu
Comics
solicited that we actually begin to think these preferences are meaningful. But that’s all they are – preferences. And it’s OK to have preferences. I certainly have mine and you have yours. They may be shared or opposite. But it seems shallow to define a life based upon entertainment choices. So, then, what are meaningful distinctions? Honor roll, anyone? Being on the dean’s list? Maybe some fine character traits like integrity, honesty, hard work and dependability? Generosity, kindness and decency come to mind. If you really want to set yourself apart, try being selfless. That’s an increasingly rare virtue. The mainstream is selfish and self-absorbed. It’s OK to take that selfie. Just don’t drown in a sea of selfies. Here’s a hard truth: getting to the next level in a video game is not real achievement. It might feel like it in the moment you get there. But it’s fleeting and probably not resume material. Same with that kitten picture that garnered dozens of likes and a few shares. Like a piece of candy it offers immediate gratification that quickly dissolves. I wonder how obituaries will read in the nottoo-distant future. “So-and-so was an avid gamer who had more than 5,000 friends on various social media networks. He is noted for having watched every popular movie at least six times. He is survived by a Playstation 4 and an iPhone 6. He was a virtual Renaissance Man.” Not what I want on my tombstone. This is not to say the things mentioned above
Cheers to ... Winter Break.
are inherently evil. Rather, they should be peripheral. They should be ancillary to a robust, purpose-driven life. Maybe that’s why I like artists so much. Artists do. Think about it. The various arts are named with action verbs like paint, act, sing, write, invent, sculpt and create. These are not passive activities. Or, better written, “these activities are not passive.” In the 1980s, Neil Postman wrote a book titled, “Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business.” Yes, it’s entertaining. And informative. Prophetic. I dare you to read it. In part, Postman posits that we live our lives vicariously rather than vivaciously. It is worse than he imagined. Our interactions with others are increasingly mediated in a conversational cacophony that is as asynchronous as it is impersonal. Hard to stand out in that environment. Maybe it’s time to kick it old-school. We need an app that approximates the talking stick. The legendary talking stick was a tradition used by Native Americans. The stick was passed around. Whoever held it had the right to speak. Everybody else listened. If you have nothing to say, give the stick to someone who does. Maybe we could get a big stick and talk softly. That means no more typing in ALL CAPS. But this is not the time to be online. It’s time to get down to it. Embrace some other action verbs like “study” and “prepare.” Finals are upon us. I sincerely hope that you enjoy the satisfaction that comes from actual accomplishment. Go Racers!
Jeers to ... No dead week.
We’re anxious to get a month off to relax after a tough semester, spend time with our families and prepare ourselves for another round in the spring. We hope you have a Merry Christmas and new year.
Professors, we’re experiencing sleepless nights to make sure we pass your comprehensive finals and papers. Give us a break. We promise that it won’t be time wasted. Sincerely, students.
Jeers to ... Finals Week.
Cheers to ... World AIDS Day.
Late nights, multiple papers and impending exams are the nightmares of freshmen and upperclassmen alike. We wish you luck with your finals. Be sure to stock up on Red Bull. You won’t be sleeping.
World AIDS Day was a way to unite the world in raising awareness for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, which has claimed millions of lives. Take the time to educate and protect yourself.
I don’t know how exactly the altercation between Officer Darren Wilson and Michael Brown actually went down. To assume is dangerous, so I don’t. However, Carly Besser since Wilson Opinion Editor has come out of hiding after the Ferguson grand jury’s decision not to indict him, there was something he said that really sat with me. He said he had a clear conscience regarding Brown’s death, and he would have handled the situation the exact same way if it were to happen again. Regardless of how justified Brown’s death was in the eyes of Wilson, it is still possible to show a shred of remorse and sympathy. The fact that he refused to show any remorse is disrespectful to Brown’s family, who is left to grieve in as much privacy as the media will allow (which is none). Their pain is a spectacle for the entire country, and Wilson’s failure to acknowledge that Brown’s life wasn’t worth losing sleep over seems evil, whether it is his fault or not. Unlike the majority of people who publicize their opinions on what happened in Ferguson, I’m on the fence. I wasn’t there. I don’t know who is telling the truth and who isn’t. I dreaded hearing the decision on whether or not to charge Wilson because I knew that it would dredge internal conflict, but my opinion on the decision has nothing to do with my disdain for Wilson’s comments and attitude showed in his interviews. According to Wilson’s lawyer, he has no plans to apologize to Brown’s family at all because it “won’t make a difference.” No matter how the Browns feel about Wilson or his hypothetical apology, it still would have shown honor that he reached out to say “I’m sorry for your loss.” When we talk to someone who just lost someone close to them, it is common to apologize. Are you the reason the person passed away? No. Will apologizing bring the person back to life? No. While apologizing will not immediately help a mourning family, it is a universal sign of human compassion. The only thing Brown’s parents are guilty of is losing a son, so to arrogantly sidestep any signs of humility toward them destroys Wilson’s partisan image of being a respectful man that was just doing his job. While it was disrespectful to admit that an apology will never happen, it also wasn’t very tactful. In his interview, Wilson said he loved being a police officer and would want to return to law enforcement one day. If Wilson decides to return to law enforcement somewhere else, he is now twice as likely to be assaulted or killed on the job. These are real consequence to both his actions and his negative sentiments. To some, Wilson was wrongly shoved into a national discussion about institutional racism. To others, he is a murderer. Either way, everyone knows his face and can recognize him wherever he decides to go. Was he showing such callousness when he pulled the trigger? If so, that’s not a police officer I want protecting my family. The police are servants of the community. To improve the publics relationship with law enforcement, officers like Wilson should act like humans with compassion and respect for human life. cbesser@murraystate.edu
Let’s a-go! By Katie Wilborn
6A
International students receive government aid Ben Manhanke || Staff writer bmanhanke@murraystate.edu
A record number of international students attended this semester, and foreign government aid may play a part. Aiding in the international population’s growth on campus is the continued growth and interest of international government programs in sending students to Murray State. Abraham Alqahani, freshman from Saudi Arabia, is one of approximately 400 Saudi Arabian students studying at Murray State, which is the largest government-sponsored group on campus. Alqahani and his classmates here are part of a larger 40,000 Saudi Arabian group studying in America, many of whom are having their entire undergraduate education paid for. Alqahani said without financial aid from his government he would be unable to afford the cost of completing his degree at Murray State. “It’s hard for me,” he said. “It is so expensive here that I need to have a government scholarship and salary or I wouldn’t be able to stay.” The Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission is the largest foreign government organization sponsoring students’ education at Murray State. In addition to paying for students’ tuition they also provide students with a $2,000 a month stipend. SACM helps students additionally with finding housing, health insurance and also provide additional stipend money to married couples and those with children. Abdullah Alzahrani, freshman from Saudi Arabia, said despite the program’s prominence at Murray State, not everyone who applies for a scholarship with SACM gets accepted. He said many of his
relatives were unable to fund their education abroad. “The program is for (Saudi Arabians) who graduated no more than five years ago, have a high GPA or who have a special talent or skill,” he said. “It’s still possible for Saudi Arabians to study in America without (financial aid), but not all have the economic status to be able to do so.” The final enrollment for international students at Murray State was 824 students this semester, up 73 students over last fall semester according to Bill McKibben, director for International Student Enrollment and Retention. Approximately half of this number comes from government-sponsored programs in countries such as Brazil, Mexico and Kuwait. McKibben said there has been a 5 percent trend in growth in past years. Don Robertson, vice president of Student Affairs, said government-sponsored students from other countries, specifically Saudi Arabians, are important to Murray State. “Every year we go to Washington and visit a lot of the embassies whose governments and countries who are sending us students,” Robertson said. “We talk about our relationship and, ideally, what we can do to attract more students.” Despite the large amount of revenue generated, Robertson said they are not more highly sought after than other international groups. He said Murray State has an interest in meeting the needs of all its students in terms of academics, housing and campus life. “We want all students to have a positive experience,” Robertson said. “When they’re talking about (Murray State) we want their friends to say ‘Man, I wish I had studied abroad in Murray.’”
The News
News
December 5, 2014
File photo
A student uses her Murray State Wellness Center membership to check out a locker lock from Wellness Center employee Serah Waweru, junior from Slorissant, Mo.
New policy includes same-sex couples Ben Manhanke || Staff writer bmanhanke@murraystate.edu
Spouse: a word which, depending on who you ask and even what state you live in, can have several different meanings. Kentucky’s limiting definition of what constitutes being a “spouse” carried impact across the state. It sparked concern at Murray State earlier this semester that same-sex couples working for the University might be excluded from certain benefits. Traditionally, those same benefits had been given to heterosexual couples employed by the University. Following a meeting between Mike Young, associate vice president of Student Affairs, Joyce Gordon, director of Human Resources, Jody Cofer Randall, LGBT Program Coordinator, and Steve Leitch, director of Campus Recreation, the policy was changed to read “spouse/partner” before the week before Thanksgiving break.. In September, Murray State’s LGBT Programming Advisory Committee filed a letter with Student Affairs asking that the membership eligibility policy for the Wellness Center be revised. The Wellness Center’s policy allowed for spouses of students, faculty and staff to purchase a membership from the center at a reduced rate. Due to the policy’s
use of the word “spouse,” the committee believed the center to be unintentionally discriminating against same-sex partners. Leitch said no same-sex spouses were ever turned away because of their policy’s wording prior to the change. “I’ve always defined the word spouse to include same-sex couples, domestic partnerships and civil unions,” he said. “The rewording was to make sure that everyone understood this and that some people weren’t defining spouse different than other people.” As defined by Kentucky’s state constitution, a spouse is not a generic term for your significant other, but rather a word meaning your heterosexual partner to whom you are married. Leitch said the meeting held prior to the change in wording was “short and sweet” and there was no argument between the four parties as to what should be done. This was not the first updating and revising of University policy this semester. Prior to focusing on the Wellness Center’s membership eligibility, the LGBT Programing Advisory Committee already petitioned the Board of Regents to alter the wording of Murray State’s benefit policy regarding tuition waivers. Cofer Randall said, following the Wellness Center’s change of policy, he would like to examine the wording of all of eli-
gibility criteria for benefits offered by the University to make sure there is no other unintentional discrimination. “Most of the University’s policies were written back when Murray State wasn’t talking about (benefits for same-sex employees),” Cofer Randall said. “This isn’t to say Murray State was wrong or doing something bad. That was just the times.” Another issue still unresolved for some LGBT faculty and staff is the provision of subsidized health insurance, Cofer Randall said. While the University does provide health insurance options for same-sex couples wishing to purchase it through Murray State, they are unable to offer a reduced rate as state funds cannot be used in recognizing same-sex partnerships underneath Kentucky’s state constitution. For the three levels of coverage Murray State provides, heterosexual couples can pay either $19.30, $120 or $255.80 as opposed to same-sex couples who must pay $368.29, $419.60 or $478.02 for health insurance. Cofer Randall said he knows of no samesex couples who purchase their insurance through the University. “It’s so expensive,” Cofer Randall said. “It’s almost discriminatory to dangle it in front of our faces because you know we can’t afford it.”
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The News
News
December 5, 2014
7A
HIV/AIDS walk, movie informs Teddy Martin || Staff writer emartin@murraystate.edu
Doctors first called it a “Gay Plague” or “Gay Cancer.” Later on it was diagnosed as human immunodeficiency virus and is now known as one of the most destructive pandemics of recent years. According to its website, World AIDS Day first occurred in 1988 on the first ever Global Health Day in order to spread awareness of HIV and its impact upon society. It is an opportunity for people worldwide to come together against the virus, show their support for people living with HIV and memorialize people who have died. The website stated 34 million people have been diagnosed with HIV worldwide. 35 million have died of AIDS, the final stage of HIV, making it one of the most destructive pandemics of the modern era. The event on campus was orchestrated by Jody Cofer Randall, LGBT coordinator, Don Robertson, vice president of Student Affairs, and Michael Dobbs, president of the Student Government Association. A group of 20 gathered on the steps of Lovett Auditorium and began with a candlelit walk to the Curris Center in silence at 7 p.m., paying tribute to those who have died from HIV/AIDS and to think about those who still struggle with the virus/disease today. The tour ended with Dobbs giving a speech in honor of those still afflicted with HIV/AIDS in the second floor meeting area. Matthew Allen, freshman from Tompkinsville, Ky., said as a member of the LGBT community, it was important to raise awareness about the issue that so many faced and to let people know that everyone is at risk. After the speech, “We Were Here,” a documentary about five people liv-
By the numbers:
into the afterlife, and hungry. Hungry for comfort and warmth and care because no matter what, they were empty,” said Wolf in the film. The film showed how HIV ravaged San Francisco, leaving over 15,000 dead according to a statistic in “We Were Here.” “I knew AIDS was still a problem, and I knew how bad it was, so my view didn’t really change,” Allen said. “I know watching some of the testimonies especially touched a soft spot with me.” It made him thankful that the medical advances made in the past few years allow for better treatment and care for not only AIDS patients, but for patients of any life-threatening disease, he said. “I believe that HIV is underrepresented in the media and especially in youth,” Cofer Randall said. “If you go around Murray and Calloway County, the general consensus is that it doesn’t happen here or that it’s more of a New York or California thing, when in reality, it’s prevalent everywhere.” Allen said if the media were to present the pandemic of HIV in mass media more, then it would get the attention it needs to educate the public on the virus and striving for a cure. Cofer Randall also said that the disease is hard to see in the community because no one talks about it. He said this is because of a stigma that HIV doesn’t occur in small or rural counties but in recent years the rates of infection among minorities like blacks are climbing at an alarming rate. “HIV and AIDS are not restricted to the gay community and it is not always transmitted through sex,” Cofer Randall said.” HIV can be transmitted through contact with open wounds, transmission of bodily fluids and sharing needles, according to the CDC website.
The CDC’s 2011-2013 HIV/AIDS statistics shows those affected
1.2 million people living with HIV in the United States. Estimated 648,459 deaths in the U.S. since the epidemic began. (2011) Globally, 2.1 million new cases were reported. (2013) Globally, 35 million are living with HIV / AIDS.
12.9 million received antiretroviral therapy (ART) globally. (2013)
1.5 million deaths from AIDS-related illnesses. (2013)
39 million deaths from HIV / AIDS since the pandemic began. (2013)
500,000 Graphic by Alex Hilkey
ing in the San Francisco when HIV/ AIDS swept through in the 1980s, showed participants the variety of ways in which the community was affected. One of the main speakers of the
documentary, Guy Clark, spoke of how he had seen the customers in his flower shop gradually fade from sight, either dying or being too sick to rise from their beds. Some of them lost friends and lov-
Haley Hays/The News
Students struggle to light candles as the wind blows outside the Curris Center, where the walk took place.
ers, others , like Ed Wolf, witnessed inevitable death as they tried to help those diagnosed. “I remember having a Buddhist friend who related it to seeing souls trapped in a body, unable to move on
Haley Hays/The News
Don Robertson, vice president of Student Affairs, Michael Dobbson, SGA president, and Morgan Randall , Alliance president, attended the HIV/AIDS walk.
Fall 2014 Finals Schedule Saturday
Monday
Exam Day
Exam Time
Regular Class Time
Exam Day
Dec. 6
Day
Saturday Classes
Dec. 8
Tuesday Exam Day Dec. 9
Regular Class Time
Exam Time 8 a.m.
8:30 a.m. MWF
10:30 a.m.
11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. TTh
1:30 p.m.
2:30 p.m. MWF
Night
Monday evening classes
Wednesday Regular Class Time
Exam Day
Exam Time
Regular Class Time
8 a.m.
9:30 a.m. MWF
Dec. 10
8 a.m.
9:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. TTh
10:30 a.m.
11:30 a.m. MWF
10:30 a.m.
12:30 p.m. MWF
1:30 p.m.
12:30 p.m. -1:45 p.m.TTh
1:30 p.m.
2:00 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. TTh
Night
Tuesday evening classes
Night
Wednesday evening classes
Exam Time
Thursday
Friday
Exam Day
Exam Time
Regular Class Time
Dec. 11
8 a.m.
8 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. TTh & 4:30 p.m. MWF
10:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m. MWF
1:30 p.m.
1:30 a.m. MWF
Night
Thursday evening classes
Regular Class Time
Exam Day
Exam Time
Dec. 12
8 a.m.
7:30 a.m. MWF & 3:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. TTh
10:30 a.m.
3:30 p.m. MWF
Graphic by Alex Hilkey
The News
News
8A
December 5, 2014
CONGRAT ULAT IO N S TO THESE
Outstanding Students in the Department of Journalism & Mass Communications Selected for the:
2015 Who’s Who Among Students at American Universities and Colleges
Lexy Gross Journalism
Taylor Crum Journalism
Andrea Moore Advertising
Laura Kovarik Journalism
Christina Priddy Public Relations
Alex Hilkey Public Relations
Kate Russell Journalism
Paige Hoffmeister TV Production
Amber Peck TV Production
Sierra Underhill Public Relations
Desiree Isaac Public Relations
Halle Pinkham TV Production
Tiffany Whitfill Public Relations
Kirstie Willis Public Relations
Consider joining these students and others who are pursuing careers in
Advertising, Graphic Communications Media, Journalism, Public Relations, and Television Production
The Arthur J. Bauernfeind College of Business
December 5, 2014
Sports 1.
Sports Editor: Mallory Tucker Assistant Sports Editor: Kelsey Randolph Phone: 809-4481 Twitter: MSUSportsNews
TOP
Section B
The News
5
OF THE FALL
The News staff recaps our favorite sports moments of the fall semester
2.
PLAYS BY POKEY
Junior runningback Pokey Harris leads the nation in touchdown kick returns with three on the season, in addition to ranking sixth in the nation in yards per return with an average of 28.8. Harris was named to the AllOVC First Team as a return specialist last week.
Red’s Report
BRINGING BANNERS HOME
The volleyball team won the OVC Tournament Championship this season for the first time since 2003. For more information on its NCAA appearance, check out our story on page 4B.
Kory Savage/The News
The team and its fans celebrate the OVC Tournament Championship Nov. 22 at Racer Arena.
3.
MASKED MEN TAKE CFSB
A picture is worth a thousand words and this one says it all. Our profile on the horsemasked basketball fans that took Racer Nation by storm in the Nov. 21 edition of The News is still racking up hits online.
Kory Savage/The News Kory Savage/The News
A referee calls Pokey Harris’s touchdown good at Roy Stewart Stadium earlier this season.
4.
SOCCER SUCCESS Racer soccer earned five more wins this season than in 2013 and shot from ninth place to third place within the conference with a final OVC record of 7-3.
Jacob Williams, Hal Abel, A.J. Glaser and Ray Hall strut their stuff in the student section Nov. 14 at the CFSB Center.
5.
SOFTBALL SMARTS The softball team showed its skills on the field and in the classroom as eight players were named All-America Scholar-Athletes for the 2013-2014 academic year by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association. The team went 5-1 on the fall season including a victory over Southern Illinois.
Jenny Rohl/The News
Jenny Rohl/The News
Senior forward Julie Mooney keeps the ball away from two IUPUI players Sept. 19 at Cutchin Field.
WHAT’S
INSIDE
The infielders gather to talk during an intrasquad scrimmage earlier this season at Racer Field.
Dead week: A truly untrue statement Dead week, what is that? I’m pretty sure it means you might find my skeleton in Wilson Hall curled up Kelsey Randolph with an AP Stylebook Assistant by the time Sports Editor Dec. 13 rolls around. For most, the meaning of dead week is cramming in as much studying as possible, finishing all the projects your teachers assigned the beginning of the semester and pretend to read the book you picked out for a report, then just search it online. At other schools, the term “dead week” holds a different meaning. At some places it means professors don’t assign homework or give tests, class time is shortened to review for finals and for some, students get a whole day off from classes to study. I’m not saying we should get a whole week off of classes. Let’s be honest, most people wouldn’t use an entire week to study. I must say though, this is the most busy I’ve been all semester. Not because I slacked on doing my projects or writing my papers because anyone who knows me, knows how incredibly punctual I am. I’m busy because professors are assigning last-minute items out of generosity to those who are failing and need extra points. My course load for the week revolves around presentations and final projects before even thinking of studying for finals. Not to mention a lot of students have a job and are trying to squeeze in hours before they leave for the holidays. It would be nice if we as students had a day free of presentations, assignments and last-minute tests. Is it too much to ask? A blog that went viral in late October has taken the attention of many. Alex Wiggins, a 15-year teaching veteran who works as a learning coach specialist at an American international school wrote about how she shadowed a student for one day. Wiggins was astounded by how unproductive a lot of classes were and how she didn’t realize the amount of time students had to put into one class. While this was written about a sophomore in high school, I believe the same idea can be applied to college students. Being the daughter of a teacher, I understand how incredibly busy professors can be. But do they realize how busy we are? We too, take our school work home with us and on top of being full-time students we also have jobs to help pay for the education we’re receiving. When dead week rolls around, the term means caffeine by the gallon, minimal sleep and eyes glued to the computer. Finals week for some is worse – I can’t imagine how those with organic chemistry and physics cope. I can barely stand after taking two journalism finals in one day. I’m not putting down our professors by any means. If I went to any of my professors and told them I needed help, they would all try their hardest to arrange something. Murray State is notorious for how much our faculty cares for students and I know it to be true. My point is that I think dead week shouldn’t even be a term. If we don’t truly use it the way it is supposed to be used then it’s just another week. Maybe in the future it will actually be a week for students to study. krandolph3@murraystate.edu
BASKETBALL BREAK
NCAA BOUND
LIGHT DISPLAYS
STUDENT BUSINESS
Men, women play tough games over Thanksgiving, 3B
Volleyball to face Illinois in round one, 4B
Area light displays open for holiday season, 5B
Pre-veterinary student opens home grooming business, 6B
The News
Sports
2B
December 5, 2014
WINTER BREAK CALENDAR DECEMBER GAMES 17 MBB vs. Alcorn State 7 p.m.
JANUARY GAMES 10 WBB @ Jacksonville State 2 p.m.
13
16
MBB @ Alcorn State 1:05 p.m.
WBB @ Southern Illinois 12:05 p.m.
20
22
30
WBB vs. Jacksonville 1 p.m.
WBB @ Illinois 7 p.m.
WBB vs. Brescia 5 p.m.
MBB vs. Illinois State 7 p.m.
MBB @ Southern Illinois 7:05 p.m.
MBB vs. Alabama A&M 7 p.m.
3
8
“ ” WBB @ Morehead State 4:15 p.m.
WBB @ Tennessee Tech 5:30 p.m.
MBB @ Morehead State 6:30 p.m.
MBB @ Tennessee Tech 7:30 p.m.
“Our guys, the thing I keep telling them is their character will get us through the struggles; we’re not far off,” said men’s basketball Head Coach Steve Prohm.
{ } Stay updated from home with live tweets and updates on TheNews.org
11
MBB @ Jacksonville State 5 p.m.
More Than a Bookstore...
Court Square, Murray
Gifts DVDs Music WebKinz Willow Tree Angels
| 270-753-1622
Check out the Calloway County Public Library during Winter Break. Books, movies, audio-books, e-books, computers and more! 710 Main Street Murray, KY 42071 270.753.2288 www.callowaycountylibrary.org
The News
Sports
December 5, 2014
3B
Basketball has rough start “We played decent – we’ll get better. But their attitudes are good. We’ve got good kids so we’ll get to where we need to.“ –Steve Prohm Men’s basketball head coch
Jenny Rohl & Kalli Bubb/The News
(Left photo by Jenny Rohl) Head Coach Steve Prohm talks to players at halftime against Brescia on Nov. 20. (Below photo by Kalli Bubb) Sophomore forward and point guard Kyra Gulledge jumps to block a shot against Blackburn College at the women’s Nov. 18 game.
Scoreboard Women’s Nov. 20 Nov. 25 Nov. 29 Nov. 30 Dec. 3
Men & women’s basketball
Wright State Lipscomb Ball State Jackson State Evansville
L 68-75 W 74-71 L 59-85 L 81-90 L 83-93
Brescia Xavier Portland Valparaiso Drake Bethel(TN)
W 89-56 L 62-89 L 61-64 L 58-93 W 68-59 W 102-66
Men’s Nov. 20 Nov. 24 Nov. 28 Nov. 29 Nov. 30 Dec. 3
Tracy D. McKinney, CIC Steven S. Dabbs, CIC Curtis J. Bucy, Agent
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Eyecare Specialties 308 S. 12th St., Murray 270-759-2500
• Diagnosis and treatment of eye disease • Budget & designer eyewear • Most insurance accepted • All types of contacts
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705 Main St. Hwy 641 Like Us on Facebook Check for TNT Arena Events listed on Facebook All MSU Students will receive a 10% discount (excluding sale items)
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4B
December 5, 2014
Volleyball advances to NCAA
Kelsey Randolph || Assistant Sports Editor
krandolph3@murraystate.edu
After hosting and winning the OVC Tournament Championship in Racer Arena, the women’s volleyball team is prepared to face Illinois tonight in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. On the Illini’s home court the Racers face the ninth overall national seed, which finished its regular season 24-7 overall and 16-4 in the Big Ten. The match starts at 7 p.m. in Huff Hall in Champaign, Ill. The Illini are ranked 10th in the latest American Volleyball Coaches Association Top 25 poll. They have the eighth best Rating Percentage Index or RPI, which is a measurement of strength of schedule and how well teams do against stronger and weaker team. The Racers are 114th in RPI. “Everybody was so anxious to hear where we would go,” said Head Coach David Schwepker. “A lot of our girls are from Illinois and some of them know several of the players. I think it’s just exciting for them.” This will be the Racers first trip to the NCAA Tournament since the last time they won the OVC Tournament in 2003. They also faced Illinois in the first round and lost. “They will put on a great tournament,” Schwepker said. “They have a big gym specializing in volleyball. They also have an entire frontline of girls above six foot; we only
have one.” Schwepker said the team is focusing on it just like any other game. He said it’s an honor to be one of the 64 teams playing for the title. “It’s another step in the process,” Schwepker said. “This isn’t the end. Hopefully we can take this and build on it for next season.” Last week the Racers were the only team to sweep through the tournament. The Racers beat every team 3-0, defeating Southeast Missouri State, Tennessee Tech and Belmont. For the first time since 2003 they are able to add a banner. Schwepker has been looking at banners that hang in Racer Arena for 16 years. Since 2003 he said he’s looked at the placement of them and long hoped he would fill the blank space with another banner. “It’s so incredible to hang another banner in our gym,” Schwepker said. “It’s been so lopsided for so many years. It’s finally fixed. But it isn’t over yet.” After having a week to rest up and take in all their success for the season, Schwepker said the team is ready to take on Illinois and hopefully take it to the next round. He said he’s structured practices like tournaments with their own players facing off. This keeps the team on their toes and helps the front line be prepared. “Everybody is back in and focused,” Schwepker said. “They don’t look at it like it’s the end. We aren’t going up there to goof around. We’re going to try to win.”
Photos by Kory Savage/The News
(Above) Junior setter Sam Bedard strategizes with sophomore outside hitter Scottie Ingram at the final game against Belmont Nov. 20 in Racer Arena. (Left) The team cheers after defeating Belmont in the OVC Tournament Championship Nov 20.
Flag football Intramural flag football finals: final standings Springer-Franklin A wins Men
Da’Sha Tuck || Contributing writer dtuck@murraystate.edu
Final Four
Fans and players alike covered the intramural
Hooligans (32) vs. Lizo A (26) Racer Hoops (40) vs. Steak Sauce (0)
Final
Hooligans (12) vs. Racer Hoops (25)
Women Final Four
Monstars (19) vs. Springer-Franklin A (25) GRANNY PANTIES (12) vs. Hart Ravens (19)
Final
Springer-Franklin A (31) vs. Hart Ravens (6)
fields Tuesday night as Hart College took on Franklin in the women’s intramural flag football championship game. Hart Ravens lost to Springer-Franklin A 31-6, a score that was not indicative of the battle on the field. Hart had just come off the field after defeating Granny Panties and hoped to do the same against Franklin. Franklin was fresh off the field as well after just facing the Monstars in a heated double overtime game. The fans were just as excited as the players. Freshman Christopher Cash, Hart resident from Memphis, Tenn., stood out among many. Cash played the role of both cheerleader and ball boy Tuesday night, yelling, cheering and doing toe-touches on the sidelines. “They are not ready for us!” Cash said. “Turn
on the jets! Go Hart!” This was just one of the many colorful phrases yelled during the game. Jonathon Rogers, Hart Ravens assistant athletic director, was excited to see the women play also. “I come to all the games and practices. I’m just here to support my Hart family,” Rogers said. Hart held Springer-Franklin A for most of the first half. Springer-Franklin A athletic director Rya Smelosky, sophomore from Louisville, Ky., scored with two minutes left. During halftime Hart’s athletic director Tori Twidwell gave her players a speech. “Play your game, the game you all know how to play,” Twidwell said. “There is only so much coaching we can do from the sidelines.” Franklin carried their first-half momentum as they returned to the field. Smelosky ended the night by gathering the women to take a picture in their matching championship T-shirts.
Haley Hays/The News
Hart Ravens’ player Amber Timmerman runs the ball against Springer-Franklin A Tuesday night.
Murray Animal Hospital 1601 College Farm Road Murray, KY 42071 270-753-2088 TERRY D. CANERDY, D.V.M. MICHELLE D. WESTERFELD
AIMS is currently accepting applications for it’s Summer Program being held May 25 - July 1, 2015. Applications may be picked up in Room 240 of the Blackburn Science Building or online at murraystate.edu/aims. Application deadline is January 31, 2014.
Small animal veterinary care, surgery, dentistry, exotic pets and boarding. Present your Racercard for a 10% discount off of your first visit.
Where the health and happiness of your pet come first!
Skills needed:
Residential Advisor Positions - summer camp counselor experience preferred. Experience working with low-income, first-generation, high school students preferred.
Teacher/Instructor Positions - Mathematics, Science, Science Research, English, Composition & Literature, Foreign Language, Computer Literacy/Technology, Financial Literacy, Elective Courses (i.e. P.E., Journalism, Arts & Crafts, Hip Hop Dance, etc.). Positions also available for tutors, research/experiment assistants, and security guards. Applicants must be 21 years of age before the summer program begins. Interviews will be conducted in February.
CHECK OUT OUR WEBSI T E FOR R AT ES & SIZES.
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Gail Woolridge Stephen Keene 270-809-5429 270-809-3368 gwoolridge@murraystate.edu skeene@murraystate.edu
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Features Editor: Breanna Sill Assistant Features Editor: Madison Wepfer Phone: 270-809-5871 Twitter: MSUNewsFeatures
Features
IN A
HOLIDAZE Area light displays open for season Hunter Harrell || Staff writer hharrell@murraystate.edu
You see them on houses, streets lamps and even in trees. (And no, they are not birds.) With Christmas right around the corner, the holiday festivities are in full swing and Christmas light displays are glowing statewide. Many towns in the surrounding area kick off the season the first week in December with parades, music and other community events. However, the commodity that attracts a large number of people is a creative Christmas light display. Some cities set up holiday light displays in its parks or other public areas after Thanksgiving. Other sites for tourism also host special holiday light displays for its sightseers. Most community park light displays are available to the public for free, but accept donations or canned food. These donations are often given to different organizations in the community. In this region there are a variety of displays for people of all ages looking to embrace the
Christmas spirit. Whether it’s a quick drive through a park or a 30-minute show, here are four places in the region to visit this holiday season.
MURRAY CENTRAL PARK Located just a few minutes from the University, Murray Central Park plays host to the annual Festival of Lights. Local businesses sponsor the thousands of lights there to see. Admission to the park is free, but donations are accepted in the form of cash or canned goods. These donations go to Murray Calloway County Need Line. The lights will be displayed until January, but the park hours vary. Other events are also available throughout the month in the park such as Playhouse in the Park.
BOB NOBLE PARK
“Christmas in the Park” is celebrated in Bob Noble Park in Paducah, Ky. The month-long event is sponsored by Paducah Power System and is a favorite community tradition.
During this holiday season, the park is decorated with a vast array of colorful, festive lights. Other events go on in the park as well, such as visits from Santa Claus. Admission is free, but food and money donations are collected at the gate. Thousands of people view the displays, making the event a great way to help organizations in the community including Paducah Cooperative Ministry, Family Service Society and the Salvation Army.
Concoct the perfect mixed drink for the holiday season Snickerdoodle Martini
PATTI’S SETTLEMENT
For those looking for a day out and about, Grand Rivers, Ky., hosts the Grand Rivers Festival of Lights annually from early November to January. The Christmas light display, made of more than 700,000 lights stretches from Patti’s Settlement to the downtown area. The cost is no more than it takes to drive around the small downtown area, but there are also locations where attendees are able to walk through. The event features musical productions at a local theater and some unique shopping opportunities in the area, as well. Patti’s 1880’s Settlement is also open to the public during the holiday season.
Cinnamon sugar Honey 3 ounce half and half 1 ounce RumChata 1 ounce vanilla vodka ½ teaspoon powdered sugar Dash cinnamon
The Grinch Punch
MEGA CAVERN
MEGA Cavern is a fully underground, drive-through light show. The majority of the 17-mile tunnel is underneath the Louisville Zoo. The light display takes 30 minutes to drive all the way through and admission is $25 by the car load. For more information on other events that are a part of the MEGA Cavern, visit louisvillemegacavern.com.
Hannah Fowl/The News
Murray’s Central Park hosts its annual Festival of Lights for residents to enjoy through December.
Each of these locations brings a certain unique feel to the season. While some park displays collect donations, others entertain visitors for hours. Regardless, the holiday light displays offer a little something for everyone in the community.
1 quart peppermint ice cream 1 quart dairy eggnog or canned eggnog 1 cup rum Two 10 ounce bottles ginger ale, chilled Peppermint sticks (optional)
Apple Pie on the Rocks
Local theater holds Christmas production Taylor Inman || Staff writer tinman@murraystate.edu
Out of all of the Christmas activities people will do this season, going to see Playhouse in the Park’s Christmas productions is at the top of a lot of lists. Playhouse in the Park is a Murray community theater, and has been one of the longest continually running community theaters in the United States since 1977. It hosts a youth theater group, classes for the community and have a summer camp for theater. Starting this weekend, Playhouse in the Park is bringing a couple of favorite Christmas tales to the stage including “Junie B. Jones: Jingle Bells Batman Smells” and “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” Both productions will run for two weekends starting today and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. “A Charlie Brown Christmas” will feature a cast of all teenagers. This famous Christmas classic just had the copyrights released, so many will be eager to see the stage production. The “Junie B. Jones” play is cast only with children. Everyone is 12 years old or younger, even in the adult roles. With their performance in “Junie B. Jones: Jingle Bells Batman Smells,” these little actors will make even the biggest Scrooge in the audience giggle. Junie B. Jones is a “feisty 6-year-old with an endearing penchant for honesty,” according to a review of the book series by USA Today. Her books have been read by 55 million children worldwide, making her a familiar face on the New York Times bestseller list. In this stage adaptation of her Christmas play, Junie B. Jones finds herself in a predicament when she can’t seem to get along with her classmate, but ends up drawing her name at their secret Santa party. Lisa Cope, executive director of Playhouse in the Park, said there
Tips to take the sting out of finals
1 ounce vanilla vodka 1 ounce Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey 4 ounce organic apple juice Pinch of Ground Cinnamon Brown sugar for the rim
Naughty Rudolph
Taylor Inman/The News
Children rehearse for Playhouse in the Park’s upcoming holiday production. was an overwhelming number of children that wanted parts in this production. “We had 50 children audition for only 11 roles, so we ended up having three different casts for the play,” Cope said. According to the American Alliance for Theater and Education, drama can improve skills and academic performance in children and youth with learning disabilities, it helps improve attendance and lower dropout rates.
Tiffany Whitfill || Staff writer twhitfill1@murraystate.edu
Now that students have survived the infamous and non-existent “dead” week, five weekdays separate students from freedom for the Winter Break. It is in these five days that preparations for final exams become significant and different routines to relieve the stress become prevalent. For some students, sleep is an avid part of their preparation routine. Miranda Thompson, junior from Louisville, Ky., said although she has pulled all-nighters in the past to prepare for her final exams, she typically tries to sleep more during finals week.
see PLAY, 6B Sleep is an imaginary concept for other students who may be studying late at night for their early finals. Kyna Finley, sophomore from Cloverport, Ky., said her sleeping habits are irregular during finals week, but even more so during the last full week of classes. With previous final exam experience, Thompson said she has never practiced any activities to relieve stress. This year, however, Thompson has decided it may be a good way to remain focused. “I have been using time management and making sure to step away from school for a
see FINALS, 6B
2 cups of ice 1 cup ginger ale ¼-1/2 cup of cherries without the stems 3 ounces vanilla vodka Cherry and pretzels for garnish
Coco Snowball
2 ounces Stolichnaya Vanilla 2 ounces Malibu rum 2 ounces Coco Lopez ¼ ounce Blue Curacao Honey and shredded coconut for the rim Compiled by Breanna Sill, Features Editor
The News
Features
6B
The week ahead... TODAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
December 5, 2014
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
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
All day Last day of regular classes
All day Final exams begin
After dark Olive Boulevard Luminaries, Olive Boulevard, between North 13th and 14th street
11 a.m. Barre, front lawn, Carr Health Building
9 a.m. Peaceful Spirit Yoga, Carr Health, second floor dance studio
12:30 p.m. Senior meeting, CFSB Center
9 a.m. Peaceful Spirit Yoga, Carr Health, second floor dance studio
Fraternities plan for annual campus tradition
Tiffany Whitfill || Staff writer twhitfill1@murraystate.edu
A Murray State tradition extending back further than All Campus Sing, Campus Lights is a performance that will please the ears of country music fans. Featuring the musical tunes of Dolly Parton, “9 to 5 The Musical” will be the 78th student run production at Murray State University. During the early 90s, it was decided that instead of performing variety shows, they would feature Broadway musicals. That is what has set the premise for this year’s production “9 to 5 The Musical”. Historically there have been a few setbacks with finding an adequate
PLAY From Page 5B “It helps kids with public speaking,” Cope said. “It makes them figure out how to work as a team. They learn discipline – things like how to be on time. Being in theater will give you skills you will carry with you all your life, even if these kids don’t want to grow up to be actors.” Second grader Jacee McKeel and fifth grader Skylar Swalls, actors in the Junie B. Jones production, do want to be actors when they grow up. Both girls have done many plays at the Playhouse in the Park. They have made a lot of friends working in the theater. “I was scared at first, but then I just got to meet a bunch of people,” McKeel said. “And now I’m very close friends with them which I’m very happy about.” Both girls have a strong love for acting, even at such a young age. “What I like most about acting is whether you have a large role or a small backstage job, it really doesn’t matter,” Swalls said. “Just as long as you’re there with people you look up to and people you can learn from.” When asked about their plans for the future, McKeel was very excited about planning to attend Murray State. Swalls, on the other hand, has another college lined up. “I don’t want to offend anybody here, but I’m going to Julliard,” she said.
location and other small issues, and the production had a minor speed bump during last year’s preparation. Because of inclement winter weather, Murray State had to shut down the power on campus. Consequently, the cast had to find alternate space to rehearse, some of the wood instruments cracked and Murray State implemented backup generators in Lovett. Fortunately for the cast, several local churches allowed them to use their space for rehearsals. Lauren Ruser, Campus Lights publicity coordinator from Belleville, Ill., said the cast always puts a lot of effort and time into a great performance. She said that this musical is different than others because
is it student run. “[It is] the best because it forces the students to work together,” Ruser said. “[It does not] matter where you are in your program, we make it our own within copyright boundaries.” Ruser also said that this musical gives students a real world experience that everyone can learn from. Because funding has not been ideal in past years, Campus Lights has had to cut back from four nights of production to three. It is Ruser’s goal for the productions to sell out at least two of those three nights. She believes it is possible because of the fun premise of the musical and the entertaining songs that will
Pre-veterinary student opens successful business from home Madison Wepfer
Assistant Features Editor mwepfer@murraystate.edu
Jamicha Phelps always knew she was an animal lover. That idea quickly turned into a booming business over the past couple of years. Phelps opened Grooming with Love and Kindness last year. Since then, Phelps said business has gone great, and she’s been a successful pet groomer ever since. Phelps began at Murray State five years ago hoping to become a lawyer. However,
after two years, she found her true passion and decided to pursue a degree in animal health technology. After that, she realized that grooming was her niche, and the rest is history. “It all at once blew up,” Phelps said. “I do nails, baths, ear cleanings. I trim goat hooves, lizard nails. I’m an all-purpose groomer.” Phelps said she’s also had her fair share of rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters. “If they bring it to me I can do something with it,” she said. Phelps said she received her business li-
FINALS From Page 5B moment,” Thompson said. “I do yoga once a week and go to the gym everyday to get my mind away.” Exercising is also important for Finley, who said that she will go to the gym mostly to procrastinate but doing so also helps her to relieve stress. While some students may change an aspect of their normal routine, Matthew Fischer, senior from Evansville, In., said he believes there is strength in continuing his normal semester-long routine. “I always eat healthy and work out throughout the week,” Fischer said. “I will perform the best if I continue to do that and not change that.” Fischer, like many students, takes advantage of the library for finals week; however, he chooses to study there for reasons that others may not consider. Fischer said studying in the library helps him generate ideas that may not have been possible on his own. He said studying with a group allows him to compare ideas with other people. Fischer continues by saying he finds it helpful to study at his residence off campus when he needs to settle down and learn the materials and basic principles. Similarly, Finley likes to study in her residential college room when she needs a quiet atmosphere. “I will study by myself and have people quiz me (later) with my notecards to make sure I know the material,” Finley said. Whether students have one, two or six finals, there are unique ways to prepare for final exams. For some sleep seems to be their escape, for others, spending time in the Wellness Center may be relaxing and soothing. No matter the routine, five days separate grades from being in-progress to final status.
be performed. Ruser said that the plot follows three women co-workers who have an unfair boss. The three women will eventually gain revenge on the boss. Although these are the four main roles, the cast is expected to include 11 to 20 people. There will also be a pit orchestra that will be performing throughout the production. Some of the performance’s songs include “One of the Boys”, “Let Love Grow” and the title number “9 to 5”. Students can attend “9 to 5 The Musical” coordinated and collaborated with the guidance of Phi Mu Alpha, Sigma Alpha Iota, the College of Humanities and Fine Arts and the music department from Jan. 23-25 in Lovett Auditorium.
Hannah Fowl/The News
Jamicha Phelps, owner of Grooming with Love and Kindness, cleans the ears of Rico in her shop.
cense last year and opened up her shop in a room attached to her house. Not only does she pamper people’s pets, she also takes care of all the equipment, inventory and goes to school. She also owns five dogs, nine snakes and a lizard. What gives Grooming with Love and Kindness an edge against all other grooming shops in Murray is that her prices are “dirt cheap.” “I almost don’t advertise (the prices) because they’re so cheap,” Phelps said. “Full service is $25. Most shops are $35-40. Just a bath for a huge dog is $10. I do nail trims, any animal for $5.” Phelps said in the future, she hopes to expand her business in order to reach out to more animals and more community members. Her dream is to open a larger facility with a grooming facility, a reptile room and an indoor dog park. She also has a passion for troubled youth, which she hopes to incorporate into her expanded shop. “Being adopted, I want to bring in troubled youth to volunteer,” Phelps said. “It gives you a sense of family, a sense of being cared about.” She also has a passion for pitbull rescuing, which she would like to expand in Murray as well. “You have to have a heart for animals in this business,” Phelps said. One of the hardest parts of her job is dealing with the owners who allow their animals to get in such poor health because of their lack of grooming, she said. “Probably the hardest thing I have to do is I have to take a matted mess and you don’t know what’s under there,” Phelps said. “I’ve found maggots or fleas, and I have to make that beautiful. I’ve had nails that have grown into pads. It would never get groomed if it weren’t for me,” Other than the difficulty of having to save some of the animals from painful lack of hygiene, Phelps said she hates working with Chihuahuas. “There’s only one dog on earth that I’m scared of and that’s Chihuahuas because that’s the only dog that you can’t predict,” Phelps said. “The ankle biters will get you.”
Out this Week
Read It
“The Food Babe Way,” by Vani Hari
See It
“Top Five”
Hear It
“The Carter V,” by Lil Wayne
Rent It
“Guardians of the Galaxy”
Play It
“Lara Croft and the Temple of the Osiris”
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Features
December 5, 2014
7B
FEATURED TWEETS
Pop Culture Corner
Shut up and eat
Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
HuffPostComedy @HuffPostComedy Poor Ariana Grande got smacked in the face with an angel wing at the Victoria’s Secret fashion show 5:30 p.m. 2 Dec 2014
Amy Kaufman @AmyKinLA Late to the party, but I kind of can’t believe TSwift wore this at the Victoria’s Secret show? #WellHelloThere 6:02 p.m. 3 Dec 2014
Sugarscape @sugarscape 10 best bits from the Victoria’s Secret Sho no. 1: Ariana Grande faceplanting an Angel 11:40 a.m. 3 Dec 2014
Perez Hilton @PerezHilton The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show raised $2.5 million for #charity! 5:10 a.m. 3 Dec 2014
KARDASHIANS NEARLY SUED OVER TV EPISODE A Chinese man named Jianxiang Huang sued his realtor after finding out that Khloe Kardashian and her family had trashed his house. On an episode of “Keeping Up With the Kardashians,” Khloe claimed to have used the house in an episode to portray her house shopping. Jianxiang did not sue the Kardashians. Photo courtesy of teaser-trailer.com
“Night at the Museum” stars Ben Stiller and features Robin Williams in his last movie appearance before his death. The movie will be released in theaters Dec. 19.
Upcoming winter movie roundup John Gruccio || Contributing writer jgruccio@murraystate.edu
LOHAN TO RELEASE NEW CLOTHING LINE Lindsay Lohan has come a long way since “The Parent Trap.” After all her sex and drug escapades, it seems the child star is finally turning it around. LiLo will release a new clothing line called My Addiction. She’s also planning on a new menswear line to be sold at PacSun.
I don’t know about you guys, but for me going to the movies during the holidays is just one of those little things that makes life grand. Like during summertime, we are always guaranteed a slew of blockbuster hits with the biggest actors in the business. Going to the cinema with friends and family is always a great way to shut off the everyday cares of the world and just relax. From the looks of the titles below, it seems that this holiday season will be a jolly one indeed.
EXODUS: GODS AND KINGS DEC. 12, 2014 (PG-13) As Moses becomes the defiant leader of the Hebrew slaves, he must lead them on an epic journey to escape Egypt from both the plagues and Rhamses’ ruthless tyranny. The film stars Christian Bale, Joel Edgerton, Aaron Paul, Sigourney Weaver and Ben Kingsley.
SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCED The line-up for the 2015 Sundance Film Festival was announced Wednesday. Comedians such as Jack Black, Sarah Silverman, Molly Shannon and Jeffrey Tambor are on the list. The competition will begin in Park City on Jan. 22, 2015.
Soundbyte “We got Joe Manganiello naked as much as possible. Everyone in the world: you’re welcome.” -Channing Tatum on filming the “Magic Mike” sequel.
THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES DEC. 17, 2014 (PG-13) In the final installment of The Hobbit Trilogy, Thorin Oakenshield and his men have finally reclaimed their home from the villainous dragon, Smaug. In doing so, the dragon takes his vengeance and destroys Lake-town. A war starts to brew, Gandalf must stop the great Sauron from launching an attack on the Lonely Mountain, but as darkness soon converges, every man must fight as the future of Middle-earth hangs in the balance. The film stars Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Orlando Bloom, Luke Evans, Richard Armitage, Evangeline Lilly and Cate Blanchett.
ANNIE – DECEMBER 19, 2014 (PG) Raised as an orphan, young Annie has always tried to be tough and make her way on the streets of New York City. However, when she meets hard-nosed mayoral candidate Will Stacks, she finds potential in him. Thinking it would be
good for his campaign, Stacks takes her in and soon realizes that he has become a better man due to her bright outlook on life. The film stars Jamie Foxx, Quvenzhane Wallis, Rose Byrne and Cameron Diaz.
NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB DEC. 19, 2014 (PG)
When the great tablet that brings life to the Museum of Natural History is losing power, Larry Daley must embark on an epic quest and travel to England, along with his historical wax friends in order to save the magic before it disappears forever. The film stars Ben Stiller, Robin Williams, Ricky Gervais, Owen Wilson, Dan Stevens, Steve Coogan and Ben Kingsley.
THE GAMBLER – DEC. 19, 2014 (R)
When a college professor and high stakes gambler gets in way over his head after he borrows money from a ruthless gangster, he offers his life as collateral. While dealing with a relationship with one of his students, he soon enters into an underground world where he must take the ultimate risk for a second chance. The film stars Mark Wahlberg, Brie Larson, John Goodman and Jessica Lange.
INTO THE WOODS – DEC. 25, 2014 (PG)
In a modern twist on the classic fairy tale, a witch conspires to teach characters from many popular stories (“Cinderella,” “Rapunzel,” “Red Riding Hood” and many more) important lessons. The film stars Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, James Corden, Chris Pine, Anna Kendrick and Johnny Depp.
THE INTERVIEW – DEC. 25, 2014 (R)
When talk show host Dave Skylark and his producer, Aaron Rapoport, are given the chance to interview North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un, they jump at the chance to make their brand of journalism legit. However, when the CIA soon recruits them to assassinate the dictator, these two unlikely and unqualified candidates must take out one of the most ruth-
less leaders in the world. What could go wrong? The film stars James Franco, Seth Rogen and Lizzy Caplan. UNBROKEN – DEC. 25, 2014 (PG-13) After a near fatal plane crash in the Pacific Ocean, Olympian Louis Zamperini survived for many days only to be captured by the Japanese and sent to a POW camp. Tortured and pushed to his limit daily, Zamperini kept strong and showed the other soldiers the resilient power of the human spirit. The film stars Jack O’Connell, Garrett Hedlund, Jai Courtney, Domhnall Gleeson and Alex Russell.
SELMA – JAN. 9, 2015 (PG-13) It’s based on the true story of the historic march of 1965 when Martin Luther King Jr. led hundreds in a movement from Selma, Ala., to the state’s capital, Montgomery, with the hopes of securing equal voting rights, this march would become one of the most significant victories of the Civil Rights Movement. The film stars David Oyelowo, Carmen Ejogo, Tim Roth, Oprah Winfrey, Cuba Gooding Jr. and Tom Wilkinson.
TAKEN 3 – JAN. 9, 2015 (PG-13) When his ex-wife is brutally murdered, Bryan Mills is framed and forced to go on the run. Filled with refuses rage, Mills must evade pursuit from all branches of the government and use his skills to track down the real killers. No matter what happens to him, he to lose the last piece of his family, his daughter. The film stars Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace, Famke Janssen and Forest Whitaker. There are lots of great movies coming out this holiday season. We have quite a few finales with “The Hobbit,” “Night at the Museum” and “Taken.” I’m sure they will be bittersweet to see end, but more than anything, they will be great movies to watch and cherish. So remember to spend time with your loved ones, go have some popcorn and candy and enjoy the time off with these great blockbuster hits coming soon to theaters.
The holiday hoax There are several times in a girl’s life when it is socially acceptable for her to gorge herself with food. Madison Wepfer T h e s e times being Assistant Features Editor Disneyworld, Christmas, birthdays, any and all vacations and of course, Thanksgiving. I’m not sure where along the line of holiday traditions someone somewhere decided that we should spotlight food in our holiday and family celebrations, but there it is. It happened, and here we are eating and eating until one more crumb will make us explode. I blame “the man” and his sick plot to feed us and feed us with food ads. When you see a hot chick scantily dressed and making sex noises while drinking a Pepsi, you just have to have one because obviously each time you take a drink you will look like her and experience the same sweet, fizzy pleasure on your taste buds. P.S. that’s just the aspartame you’re feeling, and, no, despite the ad, a Pepsi will not fulfill your sexual desires as it would seem by the model in the commercial. I digress. We have holiday dinners in order to spend time with family you only see a couple times per year and to enjoy the holiday cheer by way of food. However, these “special holiday celebrations” quickly turn into a reason for all your obnoxious relatives to get together and eat extreme amounts of food until you all have food babies the size of a beach ball. Then, to top it off, grandpa falls asleep on the recliner watching the Macy’s Day Parade snoring and stinking up the room with his turkey toots. Thanksgiving is a twisted holiday in that sense. How did this happen? Because of clever advertisers who put turkeys in commercials with happy families smiling and laughing about how great their Butterball is. You can tell yourself that Thanksgiving is about family and thankfulness all you want. Believe what you will, but I believe it’s just another advertising scam to sell food, get out of school, spend time with family members you don’t like and drown yourself in gravy. Don’t get me wrong. I’m all about spending time with family, and I’m definitely about destroying a pumpkin pie and some corn pudding. What I’m not about is giving into “the man” and the fact that the essence of the things we hold dear to our hearts like holidays and engagements were fueled by advertising campaigns. Take the diamond ring for example. I mean, did you really think that tradition was created by a sweet and devoted boyfriend who loved his girlfriend enough to buy her a diamond? Absolutely not. It was created by sleazy advertisers that changed the our concept of love and marriage. Furthermore, the American traditions that we know and hold dear to such as turkey, pumpkin pie and mashed potatoes probably came from an ads campaign to trick the American people into buying a product, aka the idea of family, harmony and love, and sold it to us in a can labeled “Thanksgiving,” right under our noses. mwepfer@murraystate.edu
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The News
December 5, 2014