The Murray State News April 3, 2015
TheNews.org
Rose receives faculty honor
Vol. 89, No. 26
Alumna awarded for local teaching
60 years of history Desegregation of Murray State reaches its 60th anniversary after Mary Ford Holland’s enrollment in 1955.
Zachary Orr || Staff writer
Mary Bradley
zorr@murraystate.edu
Editor-in-Chief
mbradley9@murraystate.edu
President Bob Davies and political science department faculty paid a visit to Room 509 in Faculty Hall Tuesday morning to present Winfield Rose, professor in the College of Humanities and Fine Arts, the 2015 Distinguished Professor award. The award, despite its relatively small size, Rose carries with it honor and recognition of a faculty member’s teaching excellence, classroom performance, concern for students, professional activity and service to the University and community. The award, established in 1964, is given out every year by surprising the recipient with a classroom visit. The award is shaped, and Davies said was appropriately nicknamed, “the Golden Apple.” David Moss, president of the University’s Alumni Association, presented the award to Rose, who said receiving the award was the first time in his life that he has ever been speechless. Rose said he has fun as a professor and has enjoyed the past 36 years he has taught at Murray State. “This is my life,” Rose said of his career. “I have fun every day. I look forward to every class and it flies by and then I look at my watch and say, ‘Oh my goodness it’s 12:15, I have to quit.’” Davies, who was thanked by Rose for his leadership at Murray State, said Rose did much more important work than Davies did: teaching students. In addition to the award, Rose will be given a $1,000 cash reward, he will lead the faculty processional at the spring commencement exercises and will have his name added to the Distinguished Professor plaque in Faculty Hall. A student also will be selected to receive a $1,000 scholarship in Rose’s honor. Rose will be recognized for the Distinguished Professor award at the Faculty Banquet April 16, along with others who have received awards for this year.
Photo Courtesy of the Paducah Sun
Mary Ford Holland taught until 1971 and died in 1999 at the age of 92. Mari-Alice Jasper
Assistant News Editor mjasper1@murraystate.edu
In the spring of 1955 hundreds of people chanting and yelling racial slurs stormed the gates of other universities across the South in protest of the Supreme Court’s order to the lower federal courts to require desegregation as quickly as possible. The order came as a result of Brown v. Board of Education, in which the Supreme Court determined that having separate schools for people of different races was inherently
unconstitutional. In response to the Supreme Court ruling, Murray State acted immediately, admitting the first black student, Mary Ford Holland, for the summer semester of 1955. This year marks the 60th anniversary celebrating Holland’s enrollment. Holland, who died in 1999 at the age of 92, enrolled at the University when she was a 48-year-old teacher who strongly wanted a college degree. Although local police and the president of the University
escorted her on her first day of class, her presence on campus caused little to no stir among students enrolled at Murray State at the time. The Murray State News tried to contact Elnora Ford, Holland’s niece, but she was unable to reply. In an interview with the Paducah Sun in 2005, she said her aunt told her she was only the victim of a racial slur once while she was on campus, and she didn’t feel like she had been a victim of discrimination. Holland’s mother had instilled
see HOLLAND, 2A
Jenny Rohl/The News
Teachers play a unique role in the lives of their students and their communities. Some are loved, some are hated, and some make an impact so great that the rest of the community can’t help but to recognize it. Such is the case for Holly Bloodworth, a Murray Elementary School teacher to whom the Murray State Alumni Association awarded the 2015 Distinguished Alumni award. Bloodworth is no stranger to awards. In 2014, the Kentucky Department of Education awarded her the Kentucky Teacher of the Year award, recognizing Bloodworth for the years of dedication she gave to her students at Murray Elementary School, giving her the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. to meet the nation’s leaders, including President Barack Obama. This dedication, alongside her commitment to her community through volunteering at Playhouse at the Park and her alma mater, Murray State, is why the Alumni Association chose Bloodworth for the award, said Mark Welch, director of Community Relations for the Alumni Association. “She certainly fits the bill,” Welch said. “We’re very excited to recognize her accomplishments.” A South Fulton, Tenn., native, Bloodworth graduated from Murray State in 1985 with a bachelor’s of science in elementary education. She then went on to receive her master’s of science before becoming a teacher. Bloodworth returned to Murray State last semester to teach Introduction to Education. “I love the idea of mentoring new teachers,” Bloodworth said. “I think it’s really important for them to hear the voice of someone that’s currently in the classroom.” Considering herself an education enthusiast, Bloodworth said she sees education as a lifetime process that happens in and out of the classroom, which is why she dedicates so much of her time to bettering the education process throughout the community. “I don’t think of education as something that happens
A sign outside of Pogue Library in the Quad honors Mary Ford Holland, who was the first black student to enroll at Murray State in 1955 following desegregation.
see HOLLY, 2A
Paducah campus likely to change ownership Zachary Orr || Staff writer zorr@murraystate.edu
With the enrollment of Murray State’s Paducah campus increasing consistently, Murray State will likely receive ownership of the $10 million Paducah facility paid for by the City of Paducah and McCracken County. In 2011 when the city of Paducah, Ky., McCracken County and the Paducah Economic Development Council met to determine whether or not to invest into a four-year college opportunity for their area, they developed a legal document, called a memoran-
WHAT’S
INSIDE
dum of understanding, to outline the terms they wanted to be met by Murray State. Because of financial restrictions in the University, Murray State was unable to borrow sufficient funds to build the facility. Murray State bought the land and the City of Paducah and McCracken County borrowed money to build the $10 million facility. They agreed that Murray State would pay only the interest on the borrowed money every year, which was expected not to exceed more than $290,000. According to the memoran-
COUNSELING CENTER
dum, a four-year consecutive enrollment of 2,000 students would mean giving ownership of the facility to Murray State when the debt was paid off. The enrollment requirement would also be met if the Paducah campus had an enrollment of 2,000 in the 20th year. Brian Van Horn, dean of the Paducah campus, said the campus, which opened the door of the Crisp Center in 2014, would likely reach an enrollment of 2,000 students this calendar year.
see PADUCAH, 2A
WHAT’S ON THENEWS.ORG VIDEO
Stay updated with what’s happening around campus by watching our videos, available on TheNews.org.
WE’RE HIRING Kalli Bubb/The News
The Murray State Crisp Center located in Paducah, Ky., was opened in January 2014.
OUR VIEW
Counseling Center offers eating FIRE’s restricted speech review disorder test to aid health, 6A begs a review of its own, 4A
Check out the open positions online by going to TheNews. org/apply or grab an application from 111 Wilson Hall.
BASEBALL WINS
DRAG SHOW
Murray State baseball has deja vu with similar wins, 1B
Drag queens and kings put on show to raise money, 5B
News
2A
PADUCAH From Page 1 The president of the economic council, Scott Darnell, said investing in Murray State’s Paducah campus was a great move for Paducah. “The fact that we could have a campus and expand the offerings for higher education with the four-year University in our community established the basis for a long-term commitment to higher education, higher salaries and a better economic development environment,” Darnell said. Darnell Murray State’s responsibilities as recipients of the facility are to provide the Paducah area with an opportunity Van Horn to attend a four-year school, focusing its academics in areas that are in need in the community, such as health care administration, distribution/logistics, applied engineering and business management/accounting. Van Horn said Murray State works directly with West Kentucky Community and Technical College, or WKCTC, to provide education to the Paducah area. “We have increased our articulations and have strengthened our working relationship with WKCTC to enhance opportunities to students to transfer,” Van Horn said. “In addition, new programs, such as logistics and supply chain management, have helped the campus see immediate growth.” Proud of the advancements the campus made in just one year, Van Horn said he is impressed with the results of the first master’s of business administration, or MBA, program offered at the campus, which Van Horn said was “the largest of its kind.” Van Horn said he expects even greater results from the second MBA cohort program to be offered this year. “Degrees like this will educate the workforce of tomorrow, today,” Van Horn said.
The News
HOLLY From Page 1 just here at school,” Bloodworth said. “To me, education is so much more.” In the almost 30 years Bloodworth taught kindergarten to third grade, her dedication to early educational development spanned far beyond the classroom. She co-directs the Kentucky Reading Project alongside Jacqueline Hansen, chair of the department of early childhood and elementary education at Murray State. Bloodworth helped organize the project 10 years ago, allowing teachers statewide to develop strategies to improve literacy levels among youth. This year Bloodworth took on the role of reading interventionist at Murray Elemen-
HOLLAND From Page 1 a dedication to education as she homeschooled her daughter from a young age while the family lived in Cadiz, Ky. When she qualified for the fourth grade, her family moved to Eddyville, Ky. Later, she graduated from a boarding school in Paducah, Ky., before attending Western Kentucky Industrial School. Ford said Holland received her first teaching certificate in 1933, but didn’t graduate until 1935. “That was the standard practice back then,” she said. “She had been teaching since 1933 in one room school houses mostly in Lyon County.” Before 1940, 21 percent of black people in the U.S. enrolled in college and only 7 percent of them graduated from college, according to a study conducted by Berkeley University in 2001. Ford said Holland never gave up on her dream to have a college education. In 1941, Holland started taking correspondence courses at Kentucky State University and traveled to Frankfort, Ky., in the summer for parttime classes to try to earn her bachelor’s of science degree. Murray State recruited Holland in 1955 to further her education and she graduated from Murray State in 1961. Other universities in the Commonwealth opened their enrollment to black students as desegregation swept the South.
tary School. While organizing book clubs for her young students, Bloodworth said her students have amazed her by just how much they can improve as students with more individualized attention. Known locally for her heavy involvement in Playhouse at the Park, Bloodworth said she believes theater is a great tool for educating students in a variety of areas. “I love theater,” Bloodworth said. “ I know the value of being able to speak in front of people.” Bloodworth administrates a theater camp for local youth the last two weeks of July every year. This year’s production is “A Year With the Toad and the Frog.” Bloodworth said there is a waiting list for the camp. Her most recent production stirred a great emotional response from the community. As part of the Penguin Project, The University of Kentucky enrolled its first black students in 1949 and Western Kentucky University enrolled its first black students in the summer of 1956. More than half a century later the following universities report enrolling: • 740 black students at Murray State • 2,000 black students at University of Kentucky • 2,101 black students at Western Kentucky University.
April 3, 2015
Nicole Ely/The News
Holly Bloodworth has been announced as Murray State’s 2015 Distinguished Alumni award recipient. Bloodworth directed “Annie Jr.” with a cast consisting completely of children with special needs. The production sold out every showing. “The best thing about that was I think it helped people that came to see the production understand how much The Murray State Alumni Association and Murray State have joined together to host events throughout the year to celebrate historic figures such as Holland because “they represent hope, endeavor and achievement for black students at Murray State,” according to the Alumni Association’s website. The association is also planning a summer homecoming featuring a Freedom Fest Parade, Ice Cream Festival and BBQ on the Square.
children with these challenges can do,” Bloodworth said. Joel Ferguson, sophomore from Murray, had Bloodworth as a teacher at Murray Elementary School. Her motherly attitude toward her students separated her from her peers, he said.
“From a past students’ perspective, Mrs. Bloodworth deserves recognition for bettering and teaching the young minds of today, in a way that stands above others,” Ferguson said. ”I truly miss sitting in her class and learning from her.”
The first five black students to attend Murray State and make history Mary Ford Holland Arlene Keys Willie Earl Perry Geneva Arnold Bobby Brandon List according to Roundabout Murray
Murray State University
President Robert O. Davies Investiture Ceremony Friday, April 10, 2015, 2 p.m. Lovett Auditorium Reception immediately following in Pogue Library Wells T. Lovett Grand Reading Room Faculty – Robed in full academic regalia no later than 1:30 p.m. on the 1st floor of Wilson Hall. Staff – Proceed directly to Lovett Auditorium. There will be special seating reserved for you. Students – May sit in the location of their choice at Lovett Auditorium.
Murray Animal Hospital 1601 College Farm Road Murray, KY 42071 270-753-2088 TERRY D. CANERDY, D.V.M. MICHELLE D. WESTERFELD 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!
Tracy D. McKinney, CIC Steven S. Dabbs, CIC Curtis J. Bucy, Agent
REAL ESTATE AUCTION QUALITY INVESTMENT PROPERTIES
Thursday, April 23rd, 2015 @ 6:00 PM
Location: Bailey Rd. & Welch Drive Murray, KY 42071
AUTO - HOME - FARM - BUSINESS LIFE - MOTORCYCLE - BOAT 270.753.3500 100 NORTH 5TH STREET MURRAY
Welcome Back MSU Students!
Directions: From Murray At The Intersection of US-641 & Hwy. 121: Take Hwy. 121 N. 1.0 Mile Then Turn Right On Bailey Rd. And Proceed 0.5 Miles To Property. Signs Posted!
3 DUPLEXES & 5 QUADPLEXES TOTALING 26 RENTAL UNITS IN 8 TRACTS & COMBINATIONS CAMBRIDGE SUBDIVISION II!
GREAT INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY! OUTSTANDING LOCATION JUST 1 MILE TO MURRAY STATE UNIVERSITY!
POTENTIAL ANNUAL INCOME OF $199,800.00! REAL ESTATE WILL BE OFFERED AT 6:00 PM! AUCTION HELD AT THE MURRAY COUNTRY CLUB LOCATED AT 2200 COLLEGE FARM RD., MURRAY, KY 42071! BUY INDIVIDUAL TRACTS OR THE ENTIRE PROPERTY!! VISIT HARRISAUCTIONS.COM FOR MORE PHOTOS!
REAL ESTATE TERMS:15% Down Day of Sale Balance in 30 Days. *A 10% Buyers Premium Will Be Added To Final Bids And Included In The Contract Price.
The News
News
April 3, 2015
News Editor: Amanda Grau Assistant Editor: Mari-Alice Jasper Phone: 270-809-4468 Twitter: MurrayStateNews
POLICE BEAT March 26
March 31
1:43 a.m. A caller from Regents Residential College reported a cold burn. A criminal report for arson in the first degree was taken. 9:10 a.m. An officer from White Residential College reported a vehicle in the parking lot with its windows down. The owner was notified.
12:54 p.m. An officer conducted a traffic stop in the parking lot of the Business Building. A citation was issued to the driver for having expired registration plates. 9:18 p.m. A caller from College Courts reported a noise complaint. Officers were notified and a report was taken.
March 27
April 1
12:51 a.m. A caller from White reported smelling marijuana. Officers were notified and a citation was issued for possession of drug paraphernalia. 2:01 a.m. Officers conducted parking enforcement in the Residential Circle parking lot. Four citations were issued.
9:02 a.m. An officer reported a found animal on Main Street. The officer returned the dog to its owner. 1:19 p.m. An officer saw drug paraphernalia in the parking lot of Lee Clark Residential College. A citation was issued for possession or marijuana and drug paraphernalia. A parking citation was also issued to the driver for using a false registration tag.
March 28 8:03 a.m. Officers checked on a person in the Curris Center. The person was warned to stay off campus by officers and an information report was taken. 10:38 p.m. A caller from Hester Residential College reported an alcohol violation. Officers were notified and a report was taken.
Call of Fame March 28, 12:15 a.m. - An officer reported a criminal mischief complaint from University Drive. Multiple citations were issued to the person. They were then arrested and taken to Calloway County Jail.
March 29 12:12 p.m. An officer conducted a traffic stop in the Curris Center parking lot. A verbal warning was issued for speeding. 5:57 p.m. An officer conducted a traffic stop in the Regents parking lot. A citation was issued for disregarding a stop sign.
March 30 5:27 p.m. An officer conducted parking enforcement in the Faculty Hall parking lot. Five parking citations were issued. 7:25 p.m. A caller requested access to a building to retrieve property. Officers were notified. The building was unlocked and then secured.
Motor Assists: 6 Racer Assists: 1 Arrests: 1
Mari-Alice Jasper, Assistant News Editor, compiles Police Beat with materials provided by Public Safety and Emergency Management. Not all dispatched calls are listed.
3A
English instructor awarded $50,000 Lucy Easley Staff writer
leasley@murraystate.edu
A picture is worth a thousand words, but what are a thousands words worth? In the case of Elena Passarello, the answer is $50,000. Passarello, faculty mentor in the low residency MFA program, was one of 10 recipients of the Whiting Award: a $50,000 award given to young writers who show promising talent. Each year, the Whiting Foundation appoints a committee of writers, editors and other members of the professional writing community to review works by nominated authors. Submissions include prose, poetry, fiction and nonfiction pieces. Passarello was the only recipient to win an award in the nonfiction category. She said her preferred genre is what she refers to as “essays,” otherwise known as creative nonfiction. “The only one I know how to do is essays,” Passarello said. “I’ve tried others, but I always come back to essays.” Originally from Charleston, S.C., the writer has lived, studied and worked across the U.S. as a writer, actress and voiceover artist. While she was working toward her MFA in creative writing in Iowa City, Iowa, she acted in a number of stage productions. She also spent time writing for Slate Magazine and has done voiceover work to fuel her creative fire. “I was just a kid in middle school and high school who wanted to be in newspaper and literary magazine,” Passarello said. “I wanted to not just write but be in classrooms where writing was discussed.” Though the Whiting Award is a great achievement, success isn’t unfamiliar territory to Passarello. She has
Photo Courtesy of harpers.org
The Whiting Foundation recognized Elena Passarello for showing promising talent and awarded her $50,000. achieved recognition through her writing, as well as a number of unorthodox accomplishments. In 2011, she traveled to New Orleans to compete in the “Stella Scream” contest. Contestants flock to the competition to give their take on the Marlon Brando “Stella” scream, made famous from the film adaptation of Tennessee Williams’ “A Streetcar Named Desire.” Passarello was the first woman to win the contest, much to her own surprise. “Brando’s scream is one of the most interesting moments in pop culture, and I thought, what an interesting essay that would be,” Passarello said. “I thought it would be a good
essay about losing, like a Bad News Bears kind of thing.” The following year, another woman followed her groundbreaking victory and snagged the crown of the Stella Scream. Passarello later came back to judge the competition in 2013. She has been published in a number of magazines and literary journals, but her first major publication was a collection of essays on voice, titled “Let Me Clear My Throat.” Published by Sarabande Books, the author is pictured on the cover screaming at the top of her lungs. Currently, she is in the process of writing her next collection. Passarello said she learned
a few lessons from publishing her first book that she plans to keep in mind while developing her second. “You have to start every essay new,” Passarello said. “At least I do. You have to have a new approach and a new language and a blank slate. One thing you really don’t want to do is write the same essay over and over and over again.” “Animals Strike Curious Poses,” the title of her second collection, is set to be published in 2016. In the meantime, she continues to work as an assistant professor at Oregon State University and an online faculty mentor in the Murray State creative writing MFA program.
Murray State employs thousands of its students Abby Siegel || Contributing writer aseigel@murraystate.edu
More than 2,000 students were employed by Murray State in 2013, as reported by the University. Approximately 70 percent of Murray State students receive a form of financial assistance, including non-repayable grants, low interest loans and part-time employment. Student employment at the University is compensated at an hourly rate of minimum wage for most positions, and the position is not guaranteed if the worker’s behavior is not up to par, according to the Murray State website on financial aid. Kathy Girgis, senior from Louisville, Ky., is an advocate for on-campus employment, as she has worked in the Racer Oral Communication Center for more than two years. “The people who work here are like a family,” Girgis said. “We care about helping others more than just doing homework.” Girgis enjoys working with other organizational communication majors.
She believes it helps the community of their staff because they understand how to communicate well. “I love working at the Racer Oral Communication Center,” Girgis said. “I have it pretty good here.” The work environment at Murray State is fun and positive said Jordan Maberry, sophomore from Alton, Ill. “My bosses don’t feel like bosses,” Maberry said. “I enjoy going to work rather than feeling like I have to.” Maberry works in the Office of Recruitment and said she believes she works in one of the “more desirable” positions on campus. She said she believes the position is favored because of the relational environment and positive staff. “The Office of Recruitment is not just a friendly face for the University,” Maberry said. “They really are friendly people.” Joel Walker, junior from Benton, Ill., said he enjoys working on campus in the Thoroughbred Room because of its convenience and flexible work schedule. He said he likes not having to worry about losing his job during the Uni-
Tinseltown
Tuesday
versity’s academic breaks. Girgis and Maberry agree with Walker on the positives of working on campus. Walker said the greatest challenge of working on campus is not working enough. “I tend to want to work more than 20 hours, and so the limit is hindering,” Walker said. Working off campus can require employees to work more hours, making it difficult to balance academics with work. Sydney Warfield, sophomore from Louisville, Ky., recently quit her job at Taco John’s because of the hours she was assigned. She wasn’t able to be as involved on campus as should would have preferred, Warfield said. “On-campus jobs are more understanding of students’ needs,” she said. “Plus I don’t have a car and I’m tired of having to walk there.” “It is better to work on campus because it’s easier to get there and they work around your schedule,” said Gage Davis, freshman from Paris, Tenn.
Nicole Ely/The News
Vier Virtu Crat, senior from Bali, Indonesia, works the register at Fast Track. Davis is a commuter and works off campus at a local grocery store. He said he doesn’t enjoy the long shifts and the fact that they don’t account for his class load. A diverse arrangement of on-cam-
Tuesdays 7 p.m.
Pirates of the Caribbean Series
We’re Hiring New Life Campus Ministry Curris Center Theatre - 7 p.m.
pus employment opportunities is available to students. Positions such as tutors, resident advisers, models for the art department and various clerical positions are currently available.
Deadline to apply: March 23
!
Features Editor The Murray State News is Assistant Features Editor currently looking to fill all Assistant Sports Editor editor and manager positions. Photographers Videographers For positions and details visit Copy Editors thenews.org/apply. Advertising Sales Representatives
Submit your application to 111 Wilson Hall
4A
April 3, 2015
The News
Opinion
Opinion Editor: Carly Besser Phone: 270-809-5873
Our View
The News 2609 University Station Murray State University Murray, Kentucky 42071-3301 murraystatenews@icloud.com Fax: 270-809-3175
TheNews.org Mary Bradley
Editor-in-Chief • 270-809-6877 mbradley9@murraystate.edu Amanda Grau News Editor • 270-809-4468 agrau1@murraystate.edu Carly Besser Opinion Editor • 270-809-5873 cbesser@murraystate.edu Breanna Sill Features Editor • 270-809-5871 bsill@murraystate.edu Mallory Tucker Sports Editor • 270-809-4481 mtucker11@murraystate.edu Adrienne Vititoe Chief Copy Editor • 270-809-5876 avititoe@murraystate.edu Elizabeth Leggett Online Editor • 270-809-5877 eleggett@murraystate.edu Allison Borthwick Advertising Sales Manager • 270-809-4478 msunewsads@gmail.com Alex Hilkey Advertising Production • 270-809-5874 shilkey@murraystate.edu Fumi Nakamura Photography Editor • 270-809-5878 fnakamura1@murraystate.edu Ben Manhanke Chief Videographer bmanhanke@murraystate.edu Joe Hedges Adviser • 270-809-3937 jhedges@murraystate.edu
Write to us! The News welcomes commentaries and letters to the editor. Letters should be 600 words or less. Contributors should include phone numbers for verification. Please include hometown, classification and title or relationship to the University. Commentaries should be between 600 to 800 words. The News reserves the right to edit for style, length and content. No anonymous contributions will be accepted. All contributions should be turned in by noon on Tuesday of each week via email at letters@thenews.org. Contributions to The News are the opinion of the author and not that of The Murray State News.
The News strives to be the University community’s source for information. Our goal is to present that information in a fair and unbiased manner and provide a free and open forum for expression and debate. The News is a designated public forum. Student editors have authority to make all content decisions without censorship or advance approval. The paper offers a hands-on learning environment for students interested in journalism. The campus press should be free from censorship and advance approval of copy, and its editors should develop their editorial and news policies. The News is prepared and edited by students and is an official publication of Murray State University.
Katie Wilborn/The News
Free speech suppressed for a reason The staff editorial is the majority opinion of The Murray State News Editorial Board. Protests, campus activists and public demonstrations are a part of regular campus life at Murray State, so you can imagine our surprise that we were listed as a University with policies infringing on protected speech. A 2014 study conducted by the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education, or FIRE, found that of the 437 private and public universities and colleges studied, 55.2 percent had policies in violation of First Amendment rights – including Murray State. The University was listed for its policy regarding the use of outside space and how some demonstrators are relegated to a Free Speech Zone located next to the Curris Center. This policy was listed by FIRE as a “Yellow Light” policy, or a minor suppression of First Amendment rights. In total, the University was reviewed to have three “Yellow Light “ policies
and two “Red Light” policies, those which “both clearly and substantially restrict freedom of speech.” Murray State should be a place where people can express ideas and opinions openly without fear of repercussion. We should also have the obligation to use our speech to promote discussion and be mindful of others. While technically, it is unconstitutional to restrict most speech, hateful or not, there is a reason these policies are in place. We understand that these restrictions are in place to keep peace and maintain safety. According to the study, Murray State’s Internet Usage Policies are a “Red Light” violation because University information technology resources may not be used in a harassing, offensive, profane or abusive manner. This measure is in place to help students on campus feel safe by pre-
venting forms of cyber bullying. The other “Red Light” policy listed was the Murray State Women’s Center policy on sexual and peer harassment, which prevents students from verbally harassing someone by calling them derogatory names like doll, baby or honey, making sexual innuendos, telling sexual jokes, making sexual comments about a person’s clothing, body or looks and making topics sexual While preventing someone from making these comments would be considered a form of repression, again, these measures are in place for a reason. All students at Murray State have the right to feel safe and comfortable. Someone’s First Amendment rights should not be used to harm others. Some of our restrictive policies aren’t actively enforced when it’s not necessary. The Free Speech Zone is helpful because it des-
ignates a place for people who want to speak, but not all speakers are relegated to the cement circle by the Curris Center. When a student preached Christianity to students with a microphone and amplifier, he stood on benches. When students protested racist posts on Yik Yak after the killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo., they stood outside Waterfield Library. The Free Speech Zone is mostly used by non-students, and students who don’t use the circle are not punished. While the review of Murray State’s policies looks questionable, Murray State doesn’t actively suppress the First Amendment rights of students to a point where it is noticeable to students. FIRE’s report shouldn’t make us fear expressing opinions on campus. For the most part, the University is a safe place to do just that.
The Captain’s Log
Garrison: Ruining a state economy
Zac Garrison Senior from Franklin, Ky.
America has really come a long way. As generations start to become more progressive and accepting, the nation follows suit. Of course, it’s not perfect by any means. The reminder of how flawed we are as a nation was shoved into our faces earlier this week after Indiana Gov. Mike Pence signed the Religious Freedom
Restoration Act. What this law says is that businesses have the right to refuse business or service to anyone that may infringe upon their own religious beliefs. This law isn’t directly discriminatory toward anyone, but aids and promotes discrimination. Is the burden of taking money from somebody you aren’t particularly fond of worth actively discriminating? This act may have the intention of protect-
ing religious beliefs, but what they are really doing is offering a scapegoat for discrimination and bigotry. It just looks like a poorly disguised model for legal prejudice. This act being passed hasn’t gone unnoticed, though. Over the past week the media has been lit on fire by this and rooms full of public relations agents are frantically typing out statements shunning the whole state and pulling their business operations from Indiana. Businesses are backing out of business deals being done in Indiana, bands are canceling shows and even Connecticut’s Governor Dan Malloy tweeted that he is signing an executive order canceling all state-funded travel to Indiana. The state, after signing this act, stands to lose millions of dollars just within the month because businesses and people alike are standing up to Indiana and showing they don’t tolerate the right to discriminate. So now that all of these dollars are exercising their religious freedoms by not falling into the hands of Indiana, we would think Pence would either repeal the act or at least entertain the idea of amending it. That’s not the case. Pence has stood firm that this law is just and legal and he won’t be changing it. What comes next? Indiana’s economy will start to rapidly decline as the media continues to cover the story. Big businesses and small businesses alike will start to realize that having business operations in Indiana will look like
they support the state’s decision to pass the questionable law. A large part of being a business includes your responsibility to the public. Part of that responsibility is to show your customer that their money is just good as their neighbor’s money and to acknowledge that gay dollars and straight dollars look surprisingly similar on an income statement. I feel for the citizens of Indiana who opposed the signing of the act. With one man’s signature, a target was put on your back. Also, imagine the outrage if an atheist or Muslim shop owner kicked out a Christian family because their choices of religion didn’t match up with his or hers. Would the act still be 100 percent applicable there? Seeing how the public and the media are handling the signing of this act, we won’t see many other states chomping at the bit to pass one of their own. Indiana’s governor, who was rumored to be interested in the Republican Party nomination for president, has really ruined his reputation with the public after this. I’m glad to see how the media and the public have handled this situation. It’s not often we see big businesses intentionally losing business to reaffirm with the public just how progressive and accepting we have the potential to be. I can only imagine how hesitant Governor Pence is to check his email, voicemail and front door.
The News
Opinion
April 3, 2015
5A
Letter to the Editor
Did she really say that? A license to discriminate
We asked students if they have ever felt that their First Amendment rights were suppressed on campus. This is what they had to say.
Poll results
Like our polls?
In our latest poll, we asked you if you felt your free speech rights were violated on campus. To participate in future polls, visit TheNews.org.
75%
30
No.
25
We still want to hear from you
20
Are you concerned about a certain issue on campus or just want to share your opinion? The News is always accepting Letters to the Editor. For a chance to get your letter published in print or on TheNews.org, email your submission to letters@thenews.org.
15
15% 10
10%
Yes.
I don’t know / I don’t care.
5 Respondents
I’ve Got a Story for You
Valentine: The overload of spring “In the Spring, a young man’s fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love.” This, of course, is utter poetic hogwash. George Will put it better when he observed (if memory serves), “In the spring, a young man’s fancy lightly turns to thoughts of baseball.” This is not hogwash, but it is no Robert Valentine longer accurate. Senior lecturer The phrase should now read, “In the of advertising spring, a student’s fancy turns very heavily toward sleep deprivation.” In the spring we turn our attention to March Madness, which has now crept into April Agitation. Since the Racers were involved in the NIT, a certain amount of our deepest energy reserves were directed toward support for T. J. and the Gang. But that’s not all. We are also exhausted from desperately preparing for Murray’s Got Talent, the Miss MSU Pageant, or All Campus Sing. Each of these events consumes thousands of hours (do that math yourself, if you’re able) of student time and leaves some people spent, drained of mental and physical
Cheers and Jeers Cheers and Jeers is written by the Opinion Editor. Questions, comments or concerns should be addressed to cbesser@murraystate.edu
Comic
energy and threatened with academic probation. On top of that, there are 972 award ceremonies, 527 new officer elections, 342 proposals of marriage (and 189 acceptances), 257 end-of-year banquets, 23 spring formals, 84 annual lectures, three presidential crowd surfings, two senior breakfasts, one investiture, one commencement ceremony and a partridge in a pear tree.
“
This is not the time to give up; it’s the time to lower your head, bend your knees, look the challenge in the face and say, ‘I need some
”
sleep.’ - Robert Valentine Pile on some more: end of year competitions for awards, pre-registration for the fall semester and the often-fruitless search for extra credit points to make up for classes and exercises missed while tending to all the items named in early paragraphs. It gets worse: much of what we are now scrambling to do should have been done in March, but could not be completed then because of the mountain of makeup work created by the Twin Blizzards of ’15. The faculty are still throwing out lectures which are normally part of the course, but now have to be sacrificed on the altar of expedience. Once those hard decisions are made, the final exams will have be changed to reflect the revised
Cheers to ... Spartan.
reality of “Modern Retailing and Online Sales” or “Contemporary Studies in Gender Equity and Male Laziness.” None of this is enumerated to bring depression into an otherwise pleasant spring day. It is done simply to remind you that, when you consider these things one-at-a-time it is possible to address them one-on-one as well. Regarding the avalanche of obligations and opportunities will paralyze your brain, while looking at them can be liberating. Remember the old joke, “How do you eat an elephant?” Answer: “One bite at a time.” Of course, it might help to have a nice box of Elephant Helper on hand, but the fact remains that University people have been coping with the scheduling tsunami of spring for decades. Look around: all those people with faculty positions survived their undergraduate years; everyone listed as a graduate made it through four or more straight springtime weeks without a night free of concerts, recitals, last meetings, make-up classes, lectures, study groups, banquets and the inevitable breakups with sweethearts who didn’t get birthday cards or long-distance calls (or tweets or texts, if you’re modern). If they can do it, you can, too. This is not the time to give up; it’s the time to lower your head, bend your knees, look the challenge in the face and say, “I need some sleep.” You also need plenty of fluids, moderate exercise and a decent diet including fruits and vegetables. “Roughage,” I say. Then you can pop up 6 a.m., wave “hello” to Mr. Sun, and charge into the day armed with a do-list and the will to succeed. Don’t forget to get dressed. See you at graduation, eventually.
Jeers to ... Trevor Noah.
Microsoft recently revealed its newest project. Spartan, a developing web browser, is set to replace Internet Explorer as the default browser for Windows 10. It’s slimmer, faster and more functional than IE. So long, old friend. We won’t be missing you.
The comedian, set to replace John Stewart on Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show,” was blasted for discriminatory tweets about Jews and overweight women. That’s not a good start out of the gate, Noah. You should have cleaned house.
Jeers to ... Mike Pence.
Cheers to ... George Stepha-
The first-time Republican governor of Indiana signed a bill into law that allows businesses to discriminate against customers on the basis of “religious freedom.” As much as he denies it, this law is a license to promote bigotry. It’s a shame to see this giant step backward.
nopoulos. The ABC journalist landed an exclusive interview with Indiana Gov. Mike Pence after he signed the Religious Freedom Restoration Act and asked some pretty hard questions (which Pence never answered).
Against the majority opinion of the state, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence signed a bill into law that’s meant to defend businesses who deny same-sex couples service under the guise of Carly Besser “religious Opinion Editor freedom.” By doing so, he is costing his state millions. Gaming convention giant Gen Con, which hosts its annual event in Indianapolis, threatened it will relocate. According to the Indianapolis Star, Gen Con’s absence will leave a more than $50 million hole in the Indianapolis economy from lost revenue in hotels, restaurants and other accommodations. The Disciples of Christ, a church organization, said it would relocate its 8,000 strong convention in 2017 because of the law. VisitIndy.com, Indiana’s official tourism website, estimated the economic impact of the church’s convention at $11.8 million. The implications of this are enormous. If someone owns a restaurant and thinks homosexuality is an abomination, they can legally hang a sign that says “No gays allowed.” If someone of faith owns a car repair shop and refuses to serve women, they can if their religion supports it. By the numbers, Pence is making a pricey statement in favor of discrimination. Unfortunately, it’s at the expense of the people he governs. He seemed proud about his decision to protect religious business owners when he first announced he would sign SB 101 into law, but then he signed in private. Protesters and journalists weren’t allowed to stand in the waiting room of his office. If he was so proud of his decision, why would he sign it so quietly? After Pence signed the bill, his office stopped answering calls and turned off voicemail. He is ignoring the very people who he swore to listen to and accurately represent. If he so firmly believes in the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, he should stand by it and defend it. He shouldn’t hide from people who criticize him. By ignoring the outcries of his voters, putting the economic well-being of Indiana at risk and running away from the mess he made, Pence is acting tyrannically. He then did what any politician does when they come under fire. He blamed the media for mischaracterizing the bill. Pence’s crusade to “explain the law in an accurate way,” didn’t do much to sway an already irate public. No matter how Pence tries to explain the implications of RFRA, it is still an institutional license to discriminate. His recklessness is the reason why Indiana business owners have to post signs outside their door saying “We serve everyone,” in an attempt to retain business. Not only did Pence tarnish his own political career, and most likely his chances of running for president in 2016, he also hurt the reputation of friendly businesses who just want to make a living. An online petition to recall Pence exceeded its quota of 40,000 signatures because people recognize that this isn’t how politics should be. Pence’s personal beliefs on homosexuality shouldn’t be put before the well-being of the body he governs. For my last column at The Murray State News, I will end by saying Pence is a coward, a poor representation of Indiana and he should lose his job. cbesser@murraystate.edu
Dunker graduates By Katie Wilborn
The News
News
6A
April 3, 2015
ODK Test screens for eating disorders hosts pencil drive Taurus Moore Contributing writer tmoore31@murraystate.edu
Omicron Delta Kappa, a national leadership honor society, hosted a drive to create better opportunities and a better educational experience for Belizean students who lack even the simplest of learning tools, such as a pencil. ODK collected pencils for Belizean schools Wednesday through Friday in a box behind the information desk in Waterfield Library. The annual pencil drive began because of the Belize International Teaching Experience, a study abroad program created in 2007 to send education majors to Corozal, Belize, to finish their final weeks of student teaching. During those weeks of student teaching, participants of the program saw there were few pencils being used or bought for children in the schools. “I direct the Belize Teaching Experience and saw first-hand that children in Belize are often lacking the most basic of school supplies,” said Bonnie Higginson, Regents professor emeritus and ambassador of the College of Education and Human Services. Those students participating in the study abroad program this year will deliver the pencils to students in Corazol’s schools. “Omicron Delta Kappa has been a huge asset to our team as we began to continue this drive to help these needy children in a mediocre environment,” Higginson said. The pencil drive has been held every spring semester for student teachers and ODK members for five years. “This goes to show that everyone, no matter where you are from, can make a difference in a child’s life,” said John Dressler, faculty adviser for ODK.
Nneka Maduewesi Contributing writer
nmaduewesi@murraystate.edu
The Murray State Counseling Center is introducing the Healthy Body Image Program, a research initiative to promote health and wellness on campus. By screening students for eating disorders and increasing access to care for body image issues at Murray State, the center can help students better manage their health, said counselor Sarah Kerrick. The program starts with an online evaluation, used to understand each person’s behavior and level of
self-esteem. The test results will determine which program fits a student’s individual needs. Once enrolled, the Healthy Body Image members can access their 8-10 week program via web or mobile app. Program members can also connect with other users and a virtual coach for support and feedback. The program is run through a study at Washington University in St. Louis and Stanford University and will run for two years. The purpose of the research is to determine if an Internet-based program is effective for spotting eating
disorders and reducing the number of eating disorders on college campuses. Kerrick said she heard about the program through a professional group that specializes in the treatment and prevention of eating disorder on college campuses. The Counseling Center is implementing the program in various ways, and the most successful method is through email. “We have posted about the program online as well as sent out informational emails to possible interested student organizations and campus contacts,” she said. The Counseling Center has been
posting fliers promoting the program around campus and the counseling department also added the program to its webpage for students who are interested. Onwubolu Veira, freshman from Delta, Nigeria, said she supports the goals of the Healthy Body Image Program. “I am interested in it though I have no eating disorder,” Veira said. “But it will make me keep fit and stay healthy.” The program is working in partnership with the Women’s Center and is funded through a grant from the National Institute of Mental Health.
Students go to the Quad to soak in spring
Jenny Rohl/The News
Lucas Celsor, junior from Russellville, Ky., grills in the Quad outside of Lovett Auditorium.
Jenny Rohl/The News
Students often swing in hammocks in the Quad, which students attach to trees.
Boots & Hats, Western & Designer Apparel, Jewelry, Home & Yard Decor, Tack, Rodeo Equipment
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)
• All rooms have refrigerator and microwave. • Rated 100% by Dept. of Public Health. • Owned and operated by an MSU graduate. • The only 100% non-smoking and pet-free hotel/motel in town. RA MU TED #1 • Free Wifi. R O
RAY HO F 9 TRIP ON TELS ADV ISO R!
506 S. 12th St. (US 641) Murray, KY 42071 270-753-2682 Online reservations: murrayplazalodge.com Email: mpl@murrayplazalodge.com
10% OFF for MSU members including parents, alumni & visitors
1813 U.S. 641 Murray, Ky
The
Have you seen our (dot) new website?
News
org
thenews.org
(we do it daily)
Check it out!
April 3, 2015
Section B
The News
Sports
Sports Editor: Mallory Tucker Assistant Sports Editor: Kelsey Randolph Phone: 809-4481 Twitter: MSUSportsNews
UP IN THE AIR
Red’s Report
An unexpected turn
As the college basketball season draws to an end, what comes next for Prohm, Payne and Williams? See page 2B to find out.
Haley Hays/The News
Prohm watches as the Racers play Eastern Illinois Feb. 26 at the CFSB Center.
Jenny Rohl/The News
Kory Savage/The News
Sophomore point guard Cameron Payne catches his breath during a game.
Senior Jarvis Williams walks off the court after the last game of the season.
Track and field post top finishes at Spring Classic
John Morris || Contributing writer
jmorris36@murraystate.edu
The Racers placed 10 top three finishes in the Bill Cornell Spring Classic in Carbondale, Ill. Two athletes won their events: Kiara Austin, junior from Fort Knox, Ky., earned first place in triple jump, posting a jump of 12.13 meters and Brittany Bohn, senior from Mahomet, Ill., finished first in the 1500 meter with a time of 4 minutes 36.40 seconds. The Racers also finished with 18 top five and 35 top 10 overall. “It was an overall good meet for the team,” Austin said. Austin also participated in the 100-meter hurdles, an event in which she hasn’t competed in a year. Austin said she was proud of her performance, especially on a cold, rainy day. “I was happy that I jumped in the 12s again,” Austin said. Head Coach Jenny Severns said she was proud of how the athletes pulled through during the chilly weather until sunshine peaked during the meet. Severns said she was especially proud of senior Tonia Pratt who competed in the throwing events against the reigning NCAA national champion, Raven Saunders of South-
Nicole Ely/The News
Sydney Potts throws a javelin during practice March 25 at Marshall Gage Track in Roy Stewart Stadium. ern Illinois University at Carbondale. Pratt competed in the discus, hammer throw, shot put and finished in the top five in all events. She threw 44.28 meters in the discus to finish third, while she finished fourth in the hammer throw with a
distance of 54.16 meters. She finished fourth in the shot put with a distance of 13.80 meter. Some other top performances included: • Sydney Potts finished second in the javelin throw with a distance
of 36.23 meters. • LaShea Shaw set a new personal record in the 100-meter hurdles with a time of 14.98 seconds, placing her second. Taylor McCammon wasn’t far behind, finishing third with a time of 15.19. Austin placed third in 15.66. • McCammon jumped 5.24 meters in the long jump to finish third. • Ashley Conway reached a personal record in the 200 meter with a time of 26.98. • The 4x100-meter relay team, which consisted of Shaw, Victoria Yocum, Deja Rodgers and McCammon, came in third with a time of 48.59. The Racers will compete next at the Margaret Simmons Invitational hosted by Murray State Saturday at Roy Stewart Stadium. Severns said she is excited because some of the athletes are expecting to have family show up in support. The upcoming meet will help work the athletes to prepare for meets to come. Austin will sit out because of a heel injury suffered after last weekend’s meet. Austin said she would like to run in the home meet, but she said trainers suggested rest in preparation for the upcoming conference meets.
Baseball beats SIU in late innings for second time this season Blake Bernier || Staff writer dbernier@murraystate.edu
Haley Hays/The News
A Murray State batter swings against Arkansas State March 24 at Reagan Field.
WHAT’S
INSIDE
For the second time this season against Southern Illinois University, the Racers were tied late in the game before the leadoff hitter delivered a triple. On Tuesday, junior outfielder Taylor Mathews was the batter to reach third in the bottom of the ninth, just like sophomore catcher Tyler Lawrence did in the 11th inning on Feb. 25 in Carbondale, Ill., against the Salukis. And just like that game five weeks ago, freshman third basemen Kipp Moore drove Lawrence in to win the game. This time it was with a single through the left side of the infield. On Feb. 25 it was with a sacrifice fly. These late game heroics came right after the Racers blew a six-run lead over the eighth and ninth innings. “We kept competing and the team has done a good job of that,” said Head Coach Kevin Moulder. “Things haven’t gone perfectly for us this season; we faced some adversity and for the most part the guys have kept chipping away at it and it showed last night.” Originally scheduled to start at 4 p.m., the game Tuesday was delayed because the umpires arrived late. Once they got underway around 4:45 p.m., the Racers took an early advantage with a two-run single in the second inning.
Over the next three innings, the Racers added four more runs to take a 6-0 lead entering the sixth inning. Sophomore pitcher John Lollar started the game for the Racers and shut out SIU for the first five innings. Lollar struggled in the sixth, giving up four straight singles and two runs before Moulder brought in freshman Tyler Anderson, who kept SIU from scoring again. The Racers responded in the bottom of the sixth with two runs of their own and the lead was back to six, 8-2. SIU scored two in the eighth. Then with junior Cody Maerz pitching for the Racers in the ninth, the Salukis scored four runs on five hits. “Everyone threw well out of the bullpen except for Maerz, who had a rough one,” Moulder said. “He’s been arguably our best guy leading into last night.” But Maerz picked up the win after Lawrence and Moore teamed up with their walk-off routine. “We could’ve put our head in the sand but instead we came out and answered right back in the bottom of the ninth,” Moulder said. The win was the fourth in a row for the Racers following a series with Eastern Illinois in Charleston, Ill. The team came home from the OVC series with a sweep against the Panthers, winning all
see BASEBALL, 2B
The saying goes “It takes one to know one,” and if it weren’t for my recent eureka moment, I wouldn’t Kelsey Randolph know what Assistant this meant. Sports Editor I’ve said before that I didn’t mean to end up in sports and it was all by accident that this happened. From the time I was able to walk, I have been watching sports on TV with my grandfather and going to games with my dad to support underdog teams like the Mariners, an overall losing Major League Baseball team. I hadn’t realized that these moments would have an effect on what kind of person I am today. During the Racers’ most recent heart-breaking loss in the National Invitation Tournament against Old Dominion, I was in The Murray State News newsroom watching the game as my editor was on the floor in Virgina. Everyone in the newsroom was on their feet screaming at the TV, hoping they could hear our support. Within moments after the final buzzer sounded and we all hung our heads, my dad texted me, “CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT?” In the day following the Racers’ loss, my grandfather called me mumbling some four-letter words about a missed shot or two and an open pass that could’ve been made. Laughing, it was then I truly realized that it does take a sports nerd, to know a sports nerd. While I had never meant to end up in the sports section of any news organization, I did. Now that I’ve been here for nearly an entire school year, I can’t imagine I’d be anywhere else. My editor wrote in her column last week that she wakes up every day with a smile her face because she gets to work in a field she loves. Well, I have to agree. After almost two semesters sitting beside her, I couldn’t think of a better place to be than in sports. The saying “It takes one to know one” in context means it takes a sports enthusiast to know a sports enthusiast. The subtleties of my childhood love of sports may have planted the seed long ago that this is where I was meant to be. Maybe my dad had really meant to influence me after all. If it weren’t for going to support the underdog, I wouldn’t know what it meant to be one. If it weren’t for my grandfather “coaching” the boys from the basement, I wouldn’t know how to understand basic basketball statistics or watch a football game and understand what a pick six is. Recently, I’ve accepted a summer internship for a local newspaper. I didn’t hesitate to tell them the sports section was where I wanted to be, eventually. I can’t say I meant to end up here, but like all good things it came as a surprise and with no expectation of ever being what it is now. My love for all things sports has grown immensely – including my love for volleyball as well as rifle. Without starting at The Murray State News I wouldn’t have discovered the many things that come with sports either. Though women can be looked down upon in the sports world, I think between Mallory and I, we’ve got this University on representation lockdown. Before I apply for my next job, I won’t be scared to take a jump into something new. After all, I didn’t mean to end up here. krandolph3@murraystate.edu
SHOOTING PAR
FIELD & FAMILY
MORNING STAR
TAKE BACK THE NIGHT
Men’s, women’s golf hit the links, 3B
Student-athlete juggles school, motherhood, 4B
Student shares experience from ‘The Today Show,’ 5B
The Women’s Center holds annual rally, 6B
The News
Sports
2B
April 3, 2015
WHAT’S NEXT?
Mallory Tucker || Sports Editor mtucker11@murraystate.edu
Racer basketball fans lay in wait as the futures of sophomore point guard Cameron Payne and senior forward Jarvis Williams are decided throughout the next few weeks. Articles on Payne, who has been unavailable for comment, have been circulating on the Internet speculating that he is leaning toward entering the NBA draft. Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports first reported Payne’s inclination toward the draft in an article published Tuesday. According to Wojnarowski’s unnamed sources, Payne and his family have been hosting presentations from several NBA agents in their hometown of Memphis, Tenn., this week. Draft Express has Payne currently placed as the No. 30 overall pick in the first round, while ESPN’s Chad Ford said Payne ranges in the No. 14-No. 23 picks for the first round. CBS Sports released a list Wednesday of every player who has announced their intentions to enter the draft, and Payne remained unlisted. Williams’ basketball future is also up for speculation as he prepares to play at the next level. This week, Williams was selected to play in the National Association of Basketball Coaches’ Reese’s 2015 Division I College All-Star game in Indianapolis. Williams will play for the West Division Friday at 3:30 p.m. CST at Lucas Oil Stadium and will be coached by the University of Nebraska’s Tim Miles and Saint Louis University’s Jim Crews. Twenty outstanding seniors are selected for the game by the sponsoring NABC. Williams was one of only two players to rank in the top 10 for both scoring and rebounding in the OVC this season, ranking at fifth and
Baseball From Page 1B
Fumi Nakamura/The News
SPRING BALL: The football team opened their spring season Wednesday under first year Head Coach Mitch Stewart, pictured above. The Racers’ 14 practices are free and open to the public. The season concludes April 24 with a spring game.
three games. The first game of that series was historical as the Racers tied a record for home runs in a game. In an 18-7 win, the Racers hit six homeruns and all six were by different players. “We aren’t a team that relies
Please join us …
Awards and Honors
PROHM, PAYNE AND WILLIAMS’ MOST RECENT ACCOLADES PROHM OVC Coach of the Year NABC District 19 Coach of the Year PAYNE OVC Player of the Year AP All-America Team Honorable Mention Lute Olsen All-America Team NABC All-District 19 First Team USBWA All-District Four Team WILLIAMS NABC All-District 19 First Team All-OVC First Team NABC Reese’s Division I All-Star Team Portsmouth Invitational Tournament Team third, respectively. Williams has also been invited to participate in the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament April 8-11 in Portsmouth, Va. The PIT selects 64 of the best seniors in the nation to participate in a four-day, 12-game tournament in front of both NBA and international league representatives. Unlike Payne and Williams, the future of Head Coach Steve Prohm was solidified at Murray State with a contract negotiation and extension agreement earlier this week. Prohm’s contract now runs through March 31, 2019 with an automatic one-year extension. “Keeping outstanding coaches
in place is often the key ingredient for programs that strive for and achieve unprecedented success,” Director of Athletics Allen Ward told GoRacers.com. “It is imperative for us to make every attempt to keep Coach Prohm at Murray State and Dr. Davies recognizes the importance of doing just that. Coach Prohm has certainly earned the commitment being made to him and the program.” The guaranteed contract increases Prohm’s base salary from just over $300,000 to $490,000. With the addition of radio/TV obligations, the package totals at $500,000 annually, plus incentives.
heavily on the long ball, but we have a number of guys that can hit the ball out of the park,” Moulder said. “We had a great approach at the plate that day and it happened, so it was fun to be a part of.” Sunday, junior pitcher Brad Boegel picked up his first win of the season 8-4 after throwing a complete game. Boegel allowed eight hits, four runs, two of them earned and struck out four over those nine
innings. The series finished Sunday afternoon with the Racers winning 8-2. Freshman Brandon Hicks picked up the win after pitching five innings and not allowing any runs. The Racers return to action at 6 p.m. Friday at Reagan Field against OVC opponent Jacksonville State for the second game of a three game series. They will play 1 p.m. Saturday to finish the series.
Equal education and employment opportunities M/F/D, AA employer
Rendering of future Engineering Physics Building
Friday, April 10, 2015 Engineering and Physics Groundbreaking Gene Wells Ray Science Campus • 11 a.m. (CST) Located at the corner of 16th and Olive Streets
Investiture Ceremony President Robert O. Davies Lovett Auditorium • 2 p.m. (CST) Remarks given by Governor Steve Beshear Reception immediately following Pogue Library • Wells T. Lovett Grand Reading Room
For more information visit www.murraystate.edu/investiture
Dr. Robert O. Davies
View live streaming of the Investiture at
murraystate.edu/streaming
The News April 3, 2015
Sports
3B
Softball sees win after two game loss Da’Sha Tuck || Staff writer dtuck@murraystate.edu
The Murray State Softball team took two falls to Eastern Illinois on Sunday but came back 4-0 on Monday. Senior pitcher, CheyAnne Gaskey pitched her eighth shutout of the season and broke the all-time strike-out record with 426 strike-outs, her career best. “We didn’t show up on Sunday; we weren’t focused,” said Head Coach Kara Amundson. “EIU historically has been a really good team in the conference and this year they are kind having a down year and I think we know that going into it and played as if we could just stand on the field and win a softball game and that not how it happens.” Amundson said during game two they had a rain delay and the Racers were up 6-0 and coming back on the field they shut off. “Sunday night we had a little meeting and talked about why we play softball,” Gaskey said. “Why we do what we do every day and getting back to the basics and that helped us refocus.” Amundson and her players mentioned how stats aren’t what they focus on. They say they only focus on being best at bat each time and winning one inning at a time. She said she had no idea she was doing that well because the team doesn’t focus on statistics.
Gaskey said it was an awesome feeling because it wasn’t something she was trying to hit. “I congratulated her and she said that we aren’t worried about stats—that she was just happy with the team’s win,” Amundson said. “I think that is superb leadership on her part when she just kind of pushed it aside and was just happy with the team but I reminded her that these things are about stats and it’s an accomplishment that shows how she is leading the team.” Amundson said she was happy with her entire team but said there were four players that offensively went to work: Alexa Becker, Mo Ramsey, Jessica Twaddle and Jocelynn Rodgers. They all definitely got it done for us at the top of the order. Twaddle was three for three at bat on Monday. Becker kept the doubles coming and scored on an RBI by Rodgers. Senior outfielder Mo Ramsey scored to put Murray State at a 2-0 lead. “They all hit 400 or above over the weekend which is pretty crazy,” Amundson said. The team didn’t have a mid-week game but returns to play Friday against Morehead State and then Eastern Kentucky on Saturday. “We just need top to bottom all the time and we need everyone engaged,” Amundson said. “Every game at this point is a fight to get into the
Haley Hays/The News
Sophomore infielder, Maggie Glass hits the ball in the first inning of the game against the Southern Illinois Salukis. tournament and when we get there it’s a whole new game, but we just have to fight every game to make sure we are getting there first.” Amundson said they have to show up for
seven innings four times in a row in two days. She said it will take a lot but she is more than confident that the team is more than capable of doing just that going into this weekend.
Men’s golf places 16th in Florida Women’s golf off to Ole Miss Mallory Tucker || Sports Editor mtucker11@murraystate.edu
After a second place finish at the Bobby Nichols Invitational hosted by Tennessee Tech March 16-17, the men’s golf team returned to play at the Florida Atlantic University Slomin Autism Championship in Lake Worth, Fla., finishing 16th in a field of 20. Senior Jordan Smith led the Racers at 26th overall. Head Coach Eddie Hunt was pleased with the team’s showing in Tennessee as they faced many OVC teams, but he saw room for improvement at the March 27-28 tourney. “It was a really good tournament,” Hunt said. “Then we went to Florida to play and I felt like we could have played better. It’s happened to us all year – we had two good rounds and we always end up, it seems like, the third round kind of kicks us out of everything.” The team carded rounds of 286-308-296=900, with the first and last round being what Hunt expected. “If we had done that in all three rounds, then we would have been really competitive and finished probably where we should have,” Hunt said. “We should have really been, I thought, in the top 10. But that bad round, it just happened. There were some good teams there, some teams we haven’t seen. We just didn’t respond in that second round. But everything else was pretty good.”
The Racers finished above Rhode Island, Bethune-Cookman and Morehead State, finishing behind Xavier, which totaled 894 over their three rounds. Team leader Smith finished as one of only eight players in the tournament to have two or more subpar rounds, scoring 70-79-71=220. “Jordan had a really good tournament.” Hunt said. “Again, he had that bad round there in the middle, but the other two rounds were strong. Jordan has really played well all year. He should be an all-conference player.” Junior Duncan McCormick followed Smith with a 51st place finish while juniors Preston French, Brock Simmons and Jared Gosser rounded out the field in team play. Sophomore Matthew Zakutney placed 106th as an individual for the Racers. “At this point, our lineup is still not set as far as OVC,” Hunt said. “We’re still looking for that fifth player. I think pretty much the top four is kind of solid. But I think we’re still trying to find the fifth guy in our lineup.” The Racers have a short break before they return to the course at Tennessee State’s Big Blue Intercollegiate in Nashville, Tenn., April 13-14. Hunt expects to see six or seven OVC teams as the Racers prepare for to the OVC Championship lineup in Muscle Shoals, Ala., April 24-26.
Mallory Tucker || Sports Editor mtucker11@murraystate.edu
The women’s golf team had a short break to prepare for the Ole Miss Rebel Invitational Friday, Saturday and Sunday in Oxford, Miss., after its third place finish at Morehead State’s Ocala Spring Collegiate Invitational March 22-24 in Ocala, Fla. Sophomore Jacklyn Van Meter was named OVC Golfer of the Week for the second time in three weeks after carding rounds of 75-7671=222 at the tournament. Head Coach Velvet Milkman was pleased with Van Meter’s play. “Her game’s starting to really come around,” Milkman said. “Her short game’s really what’s helping her out. She’s starting to learn that’s important and starting to spend a lot more time on that.” Milkman said the Ocala Spring Invitational boosted the team’s confidence as it prepares for its next tournament. “We could’ve won the golf tournament,” Milkman said. “I thought it was a really good confidence booster for us. Good for us to be in that position. I was really, really pleased. I thought it was a really good week.” Milkman plans for the team to work on its
“We could’ve won the golf tournament. I thought it was a really good confidence booster for us. Good for us to be in that position. I was really, really pleased.” –Velvet Milkman Women’s golf head coach short game, particularly chip shots, before it travels to the 72-par Ole Miss Golf Course. “They have some really big, undulated green,” Milkman said. “The blind shots – we need to work on our bunker play, as well. So we’re going to be doing some short game this week.” After Ole Miss, the Racers have a short turnaround before hosting the MSU Invitational April 10-11 and then traveling to Huntsville, Ala., for the OVC Championship April 20-22. Milkman said both she and the team are excited to spend more time practicing out at the course. “I’m just excited about the next couple weeks to prepare us,” Milkman said. “The weather’s starting to get better and they’re excited to be out practicing more and that’s starting to show.”
The News
Sports
4B
April 3, 2015
Hart B wins first round of playoffs Intramural standings
Volleyball Women
Men
Sorority A
Fraternity
1. Tri Sigma A 5-0 2. AGD tied with ADPi 3-2
1. Lambda Chi Alpha 6-0 2. Alpha Sigma Phi 6-1
Independent A
1. The Expendables 6-0 2. Sso 5-0
Residential College
1. Richmond A tied Hart A, 5-1 2. Lizo A, Hester A and Franklin A tied 3-3
Sorority B
1. ADPi Diamonds 6-0 2. ADPi Lions tied Tri Sigma B 3-1
Independent
1. ASSE tied The Scrubs 4-2 2. Omega Mu tied BCM Bombers 3-3
Residential College A 1. Hart Ravens 6-0 2. Lizo A 5-1
Residential College B 1. Springer-Franklin B 6-0 2. Hart Attacks 5-1
Results are as of Tuesday. Standings courtesy of IMLeagues.
Jenny Rohl/The News
VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS: (Above, left) Sophomore Sam Mackbach from Southbury, Conn., plays the ball back over the court. (Above, right) Junior Katie Tohill from Dixon, Mo., bumps the ball back to Lizo B Monday night at the intramural playoffs.
More than just an athlete Women’s tennis prevails while men still struggle Track and field multi-athlete juggles school and being a mother
Da’Sha Tuck || Staff writer
After classes are done for the day she heads to practice then home to shower, cook, spend time with her son and husband and then start the day again. “Being a student and an athlete takes time away from my family, so being a part of track affects my ability to be involved in other campus activities such as Greek Life. Time is the enemy,” Henderson said. “My time with my husband is cut the most, but he understands because I have to put more time with the baby,” Henderson said. Henderson spends most of her time at the University, while her husband works third shift at Pella Glass. Henderson’s mom helps with watching Adrian. Her dad stays at home and her mom is here in Murray all week to help babysit.
dtuck@murraystate.edu
If being a student isn’t hard enough, track athlete Jolyta Henderson juggles that with being an athlete as well as a mother. Henderson’s track career began nine years ago, but she has been with Murray State’s team for two years. Henderson is labeled as a “multi” in track and field, which means she competes in multiple events. She competes in five indoor and seven outdoor events. Her events include long jump, 100meter hurdles, shot put, 800-meter, high jump, 200-meter and the javelin throw. Not only is Henderson an athlete but she also holds many academic honors as well including being on full scholarship at Murray State. “When I hear people say they are tired I think to myself ‘they have no idea about being tired’,” Henderson said.
WHERE IT BEGAN After dating her boyfriend for a year the couple found out Henderson was pregnant. Henderson then married her boyfriend on Oct. 14, 2014. Henderson said all her life she was the “perfect child.” She had good grades and did well at sports. She was scared of disappointing her parents as well as her coaches. She said when she told her parents about her pregnancy they were upset, but they told her they still loved her and were immediately ready to help. For a long time, while pregnant, Henderson said she asked herself how she could go on with life after “ruining my life like this and making that stupid mistake”. With the support of friends and family Henderson was able to overcome those feelings and prepare for her new baby. The next thought she had was how she would tell her coaches. Henderson sat down with her coach and told him of her intentions to keep her child and how she would do whatever she had to do. He then made a special workout schedule for Henderson so she could continue to keep in shape. Henderson couldn’t compete and that was a difficult time for her. She said watching her teammates compete while she sat out was rough. When the time came for Henderson to stop her workouts, she did as the doctors instructed. After two days of labor, her son Adrian
Photo courtesy of Jolyta Henderson
Jolyta Henderson with her husband and her child, Adrian. Henderson was born June 5 and from that point on Henderson said her life was changed. An interesting fact about Henderson’s labor is that because she was such an active athlete she had a much smoother delivery. “My advice to people is that when you get pregnant keep working out because it helps,” Henderson said. Two weeks after Adrian was born, Henderson said she couldn’t wait to get back on the track. She called her doctor and his advice was that she wait a full six weeks to recover. She waited four weeks and then returned to the track and never stopped. Once Adrian was born Henderson said the real challenge began. Up until then, Henderson’s life had revolved around school and track and field but then her adult life began. She and her husband had to figure out how to schedule their lives around the life of growing baby boy.
HOW SHE MAKES IT WORK Henderson’s husband keeps Adrian on the weekends while she is away at track meets. She said that if her husband ever asked her to give up track she would, but she said he would never make her choose. With immense help from Henderson’s family and friends they have now got a solid schedule down. Before Adrian was born Henderson said her and her family had several scheduling options available. Henderson said that her teammates play a huge role as well. One of her close teammates Lauren Miller babysits sometimes to help Henderson’s husband. As Adrian approaches ten months old Henderson says he is doing well and is able to pull up and he is attempting to walk. From Henderson’s first panic attack to Adrian’s first stumbles across the floor Henderson credits family, friends and faith in being able to juggle motherhood as well as being a student athlete. Most college students struggle with just
“God continued to open doors for us and we knew we were going to do this.” –Jolyta Henderson Junior track and field multi-athlete DAILY LIFE The daily routine begins when Henderson wakes up at 5 a.m. and heads to the library to get in her study hours for her scholarships. She stays there until her first class at 8 a.m.
a basic course load, but Henderson stays true to her “perfect kid” character by showing how she can juggle it all. “God continued to open doors for us and we knew we were going to do this,” Henderson said.
Follow @MurrayStateNews @MSUSportsNews @MSUNewsFeatures @MSUNewsOpinion
US
Blake Bernier || Staff writer dbernier@murraystate.edu
The women’s tennis team sent two OVC rivals home with their first conference losses last weekend. On Friday, the Racers won 5-2 over Eastern Kentucky. The Racers jumped ahead early by winning the doubles match point. During the singles portion, Verginie Tchakarova scored a quick win 6-0, 6-1 and teammate Nancy Karaky followed up with a 6-2, 6-1 win. Those wins put the Racers ahead 3-0. Alena Vasileva won the fourth match of the day with a 7-6, 6-0 victory to clinch the Racers’ victory. Saturday’s match against Morehead State was postponed from the original 11 a.m. start to 1 p.m. because of cool weather. Once the match got underway, a crowd of nearly 30 people had gathered to cheer on the Racers as they won six of the seven matches against Morehead State. “The crowd today was great,” said Head Coach Jorge Caetano. “They really helped us today, especially in Andrea’s match. The crowd kind of got into her opponent’s head and got Andrea pumped up.” Senior Andrea Eskauriatza played on court No. 1, which is adjacent to the stands, so the fans cheered her on throughout her match. Eskauriatza fell behind to Andrea LeBlanc in the first set 5-4 but rallied to win the set 7-5 with the support of the fans. “It definitely helps the en-
vironment and how we have that support – it’s really helpful for us,” Eskauriatza said. “The crowd got in (LeBlanc’s) head but it didn’t bother me.” Eskauriatza won the match 7-5, 6-2 to seal the victory for the Racers. The crowd at the match was the largest Eskauriatza said she had seen at a home match for the Racers. Next up for the Racers are Tennessee State on Friday and Belmont on Saturday.
MEN STILL WINLESS
For the men’s team, winning was elusive after being swept Friday and Saturday. While most competitions begin with the doubles match, Friday’s competition against Eastern Kentucky (12-6, 5-1) started with the singles portion. After the Colonels swept the Racers 6-0 in singles play, the teams didn’t bother with the doubles match. On Saturday, the men’s team missed some opportunities against Morehead State (5-12, 3-3). Freshman Will True took the first set from his opponent 6-2 but lost the next two 2-6, 1-6, and sophomore David Hess had four match points but couldn’t close out the match, losing in a tiebreaker 6-4, 5-7, 7-10. The Racers (0-14, 0-5) next face Tennessee State Friday morning in Nashville, Tenn. Both teams are searching for their first win of the season. The Racers have beaten Tennessee State nine years in a row. On Saturday morning, they will play Belmont (7-8, 2-3) in Nashville, Tenn.
Eyecare Specialties 308 S. 12th St., Murray 270-759-2500
s Diagnosis and treatment of eye disease s Budget & designer eyewear s Most insurance accepted s All types of contacts
Murray State Employees We accept your insurance for your eye exam. www.murrayeyecare.com
DR. KEVIN M. ADAMS s OPTOMETRIST
April 3, 2015
5B
The News
Features Editor: Breanna Sill Assistant Features Editor: Madison Wepfer Phone: 270-809-5871 Twitter: MSUNewsFeatures
Features
All Campus Sing season rolls around Tiffany Whitfill || Staff writer twhitfill1@murraystate.edu
Feathers, fortune & FAME Breanna Sill || Features Editor bsill@murraystate.edu
The Curris Center was set alight with strobe lights, sequins and sass as the Murray State Alliance held it’s 8th annual “Fame” drag show Thursday night in the Curris Center Ballroom. The Murray State Alliance has been a part of Murray State’s campus for 18 years, dating back to 1997. Performing to a near full house, drag kings and queens took to the stage to show their elaborate outfits and shake their stuff for the crowd. Many performers also brought members of the audience on stage to share in the fun. Jordan Anderson of Murray was brought on stage twice during the show. One time included being fed whipped cream out of the can from queen, Gypsy Wind, and another time stripped down by “Dolly Parton,” queen Trixie Lynn James. “It was very nerve-wracking,” Jenny Rohl/The News Anderson said. “I didn’t know what Top left: Aubrey Lashea Shannell accepts a dollar from a fan. Top right: Gypsy Red pours a can of to do, but I had fun.” whipped cream into a fan’s mouth. Middle: Trey Rawlings rewards a fan with a rose after a donation. The show was emceed by Tracie Gilbert, visiting professor in the Bottom left: Trixie Lynn James performs as Dolly Parton. Bottom right: Rawlings dances.
College of Humanities and Fine Arts. Morgan Randall, president of the Murray State Alliance, said she expected first-timers to the drag show to be thoroughly entertained. “I think its a great experience to see the illusion of these performers,” Randall said. “People who, in plain face, look completely different and can transform themselves into something that’s awesome and to be able to be put out there as a character.” With queens and kings taking the spotlight with performances of songs by Iggy Azalea, Reba McEntire, Britney Spears, Miley Cyrus, Jason Derulo, Bruno Mars and many more, it was hard for some audience members to choose a favorite. “It’s just not something you see everyday,” said Kaylor Crawford, freshman from Memphis, Tenn. “It’s comforting to see how open they are with themselves in real life.” Every year the Murray State Alliance holds two separate drag shows, the first entitled Fame and another in November, called Glamour.
AOPi appears on ‘The Today Show’ Breanna Sill || Features Editor bsill@murraystate.edu
Students, faculty, staff and alumni were all surprised over Spring Break when they turned on their TVs on March 18 and were given the weather by a familiar Murray State face. Grace Ritchie, freshman from Bardstown, Ky., had the experience of a lifetime when she was given the opportunity to do a weather report with Al Roker at “The Today Show” studios. She and a friend traveled to New York City over the break, and Ritchie said going to see a taping of “The Today Show” was at the top of her list of things to do while in the city. “I’ve watched ‘The Today Show’ for as far back as I can remember,” Ritchie said. “So I always said if I were to go to New York, I had to go to the taping of the show.” She explained that whenever she RSVP’d on the show’s audience website there was an option for her to sign up to be put in a drawing to be chosen to do the weather with Roker, but she never imagined that she would be the one chosen. Ritchie, her friend and her friend’s family arrived at Rockefeller Plaza at 5:30 a.m. on the morning of the show taping. “They had us line up on the street where they had a whole intersection blocked off,” she said. “And then they started interviewing all the groups and asking questions like ‘Where are you all from?’ or ‘When are you leaving?’ Then, a question came up and it was like ‘What did you rate ‘The Today Show’ on the list of things you must do in New York on a
Take Back the Night rally held Monday
scale of one to five?’ The girls I was with were just like ‘Ask her,’ (Ritchie) and I was like, ‘Of course it’s a five.’” Ritchie thought her only claim to fame was going to come from the short three-second section of the show that showed her and her friends holding their “Kentucky loves ‘The Today Show’” poster, but that was when things changed. After that, she said a production assistant walked out of the building and asked who had RSVP’d to do the weather with Roker. Ritchie said all the hands in the audience went up. Ritchie said then the man walked around the crowd asking everyone their names and checking them off the list. When she signed up for the event online, Ritchie had written a short autobiography about herself and the man had what she had written in front of him and referenced Murray State when talking to her. “It took forever – I mean forever,” she said. “He went over to this group across from me and they were an older group of people from New Jersey and he was over there for a really long time before he went inside. Then 20 minutes later he came back out and he (the production assistant) comes over to me and he just said ‘Congratulations, you’re doing the weather with Al Roker today.’ And I just couldn’t believe it.” The staff didn’t tell Ritchie anything before she went live on national television. All she knew was to act surprised like she did not already know she had won. “First of all this was live television,” she
see TODAY, 6B
Photo courtesy of Grace Ritchie
Al Roker poses with Grace Ritchie, freshman from Bardstown, Ky., in New York City.
Kayla MacAllister || Staff writer kmacallister@murraystate.edu
Monday night saw the return of the Murray State Women’s Center’s Take Back the Night rally to raise awareness of sexual assault, and this year it focused on what bystanders can do to help. At 6 p.m. in Racer Arena, Student Government Association President Michael Dobbs and Residential College Association President Paula Jaco began the evening as the masters of ceremony. The duo introduced Kyle “Guante” Tran, a traveling spoken word artist who performed twice over the duration of the program. Guante’s first poem spoke to men’s responsibility to talk to other men about ending sexual violence and to be proactive instead of reactive. His second analogized consent to a variety of hu-
morous scenarios, in which all of the participants were all 100 percent OK with what was going on. He said consent is like checking if someone has their parachute when skydiving – it should be checked every time. In between Guante’s performances was Anne Jablinski’s survivor story. Jablinski, senior from Murphy, Texas, gave a message of inspiration. “I refuse to accept being dominated bodily, mentally or emotionally,” she said. “My weaknesses are a platform for my strengths.” President Bob Davies gave a call to action to attendees after Guante’s second performance. Davies has gotten the call from Interim Chief Roy Dunaway and the Murray State Police about reports of sexual assault nine times throughout the academic year, he said. He said that the members of the University
With warmer weather approaching, students are getting excited for a long-standing Murray State tradition, All Campus Sing, which will be held in the quad on April 15. For 56 years, All Campus Sing has had unique themes, songs and surprises. In years past, rain has postponed performances, Student Government Association election results have been announced and last year, a proposal took place on the steps of Lovett Auditorium. Gabrielle Wibbenmeyer, junior from Fenton, Mo., and a member of Sigma Alpha Iota, has played an important role in the organization of the 57th annual show. Wibbenmeyer said although the categories and awards are the same as years past, there are a few new groups performing this year. “We have new groups performing this year that we haven’t often seen in past years,” Wibbenmeyer said. “I’m extremely excited for new groups to get involved.” All Campus Sing is not only welcoming new groups to the line up, but also a new goal. “We are also trying to push friendly competition and a stronger focus on the philanthropy more than competitiveness,” Wibbenmeyer said. As part of this philanthropic approach, there will be “Change Wars” and “Paint the Piano,” which is an opportunity to paint on a piano for a small fee, to raise money for The People-to-People Project, a philanthropy which provides material assistance and encouragement to schools, music organizations and musicians in developing countries. The application fee for groups to perform has already been turned in as a donation to The People-to-People Project. A unique way for groups to receive points and give back to other students or The People-to-People Project is through the instrument drive at All Campus Sing. “We receive new and used instruments from groups and they receive points,” Wibbenmeyer said. “We either donate the instruments directly to schools in need, donate them to a program (Sheldon Concert Hall in St. Louis) who fixes them up and then sends them to schools, or we sell the instruments and send the money to the philanthropy.” Although All Campus Sing is an event organized and put on by Sigma Alpha Iota and Phi Mu Alpha, Wibbenmeyer said Student Affairs and the Alumni Association donate tremendously and the cash prizes and trophies would not be possible without these organizations. Despite some changes, All Campus Sing will be similar to previous years. The announcer, Logan Stout, will again keep the audience interested and informed throughout the event. The occasion will kick off with a pre-show when the Murray State football team will perform the school fight song and Racer Men’s Choir will perform. The performances will begin with independent groups, followed by residential colleges. Performances by sororities will follow and the competition portion of All Campus Sing will close with fraternities. Serving as intermission entertainment, Sigma Alpha Iota and Phi Mu Alpha will perform. Following intermission, awards will be presented to the winners in each category and overall. Unfortunately, a familiar face to the All Campus Sing tradition will not be present this year. Jim Carter, who passed away earlier this spring, was a positive influence for the event in years previous and will be remembered with a moment of silence during the show. For those students who cannot make it to the event, All Campus Sing will stream live on Murray State’s YouTube channel. The link will be posted on Facebook as the event draws near. To keep the glare out of students’ eyes during performances, sunglasses will be sold for a low price instead of T-shirts as in previous years. Space will be reserved quickly on the lawn of the Quad by students with blankets, so be sure to get to All Campus Sing early for the best view possible. make up a family, and that everyone needs to care for each individual as they would their actual family members. “It means making those difficult decisions and telling friends no, to not walk away, to ensure that all of our members of our family are safe, and we only do that by taking a stand,” Davies said. After the call to action, Dobbs and Jaco had the audience rise and repeat the “It’s On Us” pledge segment-by-segment after multiple pairs of campus leaders stepped up to the microphones. A moment of silence was then observed when the arena lights were shut off and attendees held up glow sticks. Students were also encouraged to visit Merryman House and Purchase Area Sexual Assault and
see RALLY, 6B
The News
Features
6B
The week ahead... FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
April 3, 2015
If you would like an event to appear on the calendar here or on TheNews.org, email Features Editor, Breanna Sill, at bsill@murraystate.edu. Please submit events by noon Wednesday for consideration.
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
All day Good Friday
3:30 p.m. Faculty and senior recital with John Dressler and Kayla Martin, Performing Arts Hall
All day Easter Sunday
12:30 p.m. Beginners Tai Chi, Paducah Recreation Center
2 p.m. Real World Market, Curris Center small ballroom
7 p.m. Old Dominion concert, Lovett Auditorium
7:30 p.m. “The Tempest,” Robert E. Johnson Theatre, Doyle Fine Arts Center
Student volunteers in foreign country Conner Jaschen || Contributing writer cjaschen@murraystate.edu
With a grand total of students reaching well past the ten thousand mark and, according to the Murray State website, students in attendance come from 45 separate countries, this campus could easily be seen as a cultural hub for the entire area. One student took this idea of cultural immersion away from his own home field of Kentucky when he found himself volunteering at Guatemalan orphanage, elderly home and feeding center of JesusChristo Es Mi Casa. Aaron Peck, senior from Shelbyville, Ky., made the trip to the Central American country intending on visiting a longtime friend from his hometown, but was given the chance of a lifetime that would allow him to dive into a whole other world. The English-speaking Peck was translated to the locals by the same friend who he would be staying with, Chad Meers. All the same, Peck found the language barrier to be profound, although it was lessened through sports. “Sports were a good common ground I could communicate with others through,” Peck said. Peck remembered being able to connect to the local population while watching a soccer game between Barcelona and Real Madrid – after all, a cry of excitement has a tendency to be universal among fans. While admitting that the culture shock was softened with the help of Veers – he explains there are some things that tend to stick out for most Americans. A major difference that stood out to Peck was the local populations turning away from going out to eat. Instead, almost everyone cooked every meal in the home. The Meers’ family, along with Peck, took the family’s maid, Wendy, out to eat to Papa John’s. “She had never eaten out before – like ever,” Peck said. Peck recalled his experiences volunteering at the orphanage with particular fondness. The orphanage, JesusChristo Es Mi Casa, housed about 15 children and was run by a single woman, Arisele. She alone balanced the lives of the 15 orphans,
Kalli Bubb/The News
Students fill Racer Arena to take part in the Women Center’s annual Take Back the Night rally Monday night.
RALLY From Page 5B Child Advocacy Center representatives, who set up tri-fold boards to advertise their programs’ services. The event was held on the first day of Greek Week, and a majority of the large number of people who attended audience were members of Greek Life. For Corie Beth Coplen, junior from Mayfield, Ky., and sister of Alpha Omicron Pi, this program was her second Take Back the Night.
“I feel like we don’t really take enough precautions when it comes to rape, and today especially has really opened my eyes,” she said. “To be honest, I was really dreading coming here because it’s just another thing I’m required to go to. But it opened eyes to see that we do need to take action, and we do need to be there for those girls and guys who go through (sexual assault).” In the Curris Center’s Rocking Chair Lounge Wednesday there was a continued effort at sexual assault education which encouraged passersby to take the “It’s On Us” pledge that continued the efforts of Monday’s Take Back the Night.
Photo courtesy of Aaron Peck
Aaron Peck, senior from Shelbyville, Ky., poses with Hilda, a Guatemalan orphan. along with the part-time feeding and care of the elderly and homeless. Peck said he would recommend taking a trip like this to any student who thought about doing it. The only major problem he faced was the language barrier. “Definitely do it,” Peck said. “But try and learn Spanish before you go anywhere like that.” Regardless of where or how you look, various cultures are all around Murray State’s campus. From study abroad to mission trips, the opportunities are there. As exemplified by one of Murray State’s very own, all you have to do is look.
TODAY From Page 5B
said. “What if I said something silly? I was so nervous. I don’t know how I kept it together, but I got a picture with Al Roker and I’m going to keep it forever.” Since her special appearance on “The Today Show,” Ritchie has become somewhat of a campus celebrity. From random
students recognizing her across campus and professors calling her out in class to play the video, to President Bob Davies tweeting about her, Ritchie’s 15 minutes seem to be far from over. Ritchie, a sister of Alpha Omicron Pi, said she has received messages from not only her sisters at Murray State, but also sisters from other chapters from across the country praising her cameo. Ritchie was also recognized by the national AOPi headquarters’ Twitter account.
Murray State University’s Department of Theatre presents
The Tempest by William Shakespeare
April 9-11 at 7:30 P.M. April 12 at 2:30 P.M. Robert E. Johnson Theatre Doyle Fine Arts Center
The CompleTe Works
& of
William shakespeare
(abridged) [revised] By Adam Long, Daniel Singer, and Jess Winfield All of Shakespeare’s plays in 90 minutes! April 23-25 at 7:30 P.M. April 26 at 2:30 P.M. Robert E. Johnson Theatre Doyle Fine Arts Center Both shows are FREE to students with valid MSU IDs!
The News
Features
April 3, 2015
Pop Culture Corner
7B
FEATURED TWEETS
Shut up and eat
The gift of breakfast
APRIL FOOLS’ DAY Jay Glazer @JayGlazer People, April Fools is a sacred day. Please, all you amateurs sit this one out, leave the pranks to us experts who thrive on immaturity 11:20am 1 Apr2015 Lena Dunham @lenadunham I was really sad the first time my usual April Fools of “I’m pregnant” elicited genuine excitement from my mother. 3:26pm 1 Apr 2015
John O’Callaghan @johnmaine It’s April, fools. 2:35pm 1 Apr 2015
Kevin Sussman @Kevin Sussman Guys, my dog just read Macbeth out loud. In Spanish. ...April Fools! She doesn’t know Spanish. And it was Hamlet. 2:12pm 1 Apr 2015
DUKE APPLICANT DOES NOT TAKE REJECTION
Seventeen-year-old Duke University applicant Siobhan O’Dell did not take no for an answer. When O’Dell received a rejection letter from Duke, she sent one right back. Part of the letter read, “Despite Duke’s outstanding success in rejecting previous applicants, you simply did not meet my qualifications. I will be attending Duke University’s 2015 freshmen class.”
Photo courtesy of clevescene.com
Will Ferrell and Kevin Hart star in “Get Hard,” which was released in theaters March 27.
New prison flick, a criminally bad movie John Gruccio || Contributing writer jgruccio@murraystate.edu
DOG RECEIVES PLASTIC SURGERY
Forget celebrity plastic surgery, now dogs are going under the knife. Sarah Pinkerton-Smith felt sorry for her dog Snooky, so she took the pooch to a surgeon to receive an eye lift, neck lift and an ear adjustment. “I could tell he wasn’t confident and I wanted to help him,” Smith said. “There’s a pep in his step and a spark in his bark.”
We all know that being free and living life to the fullest is a luxury we all have as people who obey the laws of the United States. However, the question we should all present ourselves is to what extent would you go to in order to be ready for a long stay in prison. “Get Hard” answers this question in a hysterical, yet graphic way. As a millionaire hedge fund manager, James King is a man who enjoys the finer things in life. Between his job and his breathtakingly beautiful fiancee, James has no worries. However, when James is arrested for fraud and sentenced to a long prison sentence in the notorious San Quentin, he reaches out for a prison education. Enter Darnell Lewis, a hard-working small business owner who dreams to have a better life. There is only one problem Darnell has never been given a ticket, let alone been to jail. With 30 days before James is transported to prison, Darnell
will have to teach him how to “get hard” and in the process both of them will discover that they had the wrong idea about one another. “Get Hard” stars Will Ferrell, Kevin Hart, Alison Brie, T.I., Edwina Findley and Craig T. Nelson. First off, go ahead and address the true and sincerely hysterical premise of someone like Ferrell actually going to prison. Keep in mind that Ferrell is probably different in real life than from the screen. It is still hilarious. Then, top it off by putting one of the most popular comedians alongside him, Hart, you would think it would be a huge hit. Sadly, that is not the case here. Ferrell really goes all out wimp for this film, which makes his performance even more sincere. He embodies a man who in less than a month knows that his life will become a living hell as he goes to a maximum-security prison. As far as supporting roles go, T.I. hits a home run as Hart’s felon cousin, Russell. He proves himself to be both an intense character and a semi-comedic relief. It is
still hard for me to get the image of Will Ferrell being an initiate into the fearful gang, the Crenshaw Kings. I have never laughed so hard in my life. The wild and crazy aspect of this film is something to be commended with that of some of Ferrell’s earlier films. On another note, the whole severity of a person framing Ferrell’s character would be more severe and not made to look simplistic stupid. It is OK if a comedy gets a little serious as long as there is a joke to bring it back down. Take note, “Get Hard” writers. I personally would love to see both Ferrell and Hart wok together again. I would not let this film stand in the way of another great potential project. As far as if you should see this one, I am saying maybe. If you are free on a lazy afternoon, you might want to check it out. It will make you laugh like crazy. Just do not get to attached to the plot.
As the saying goes, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. I think that saying was meant for people who Madison Wepfer eat healthy things like Assistant grapefruit Features Editor and scrambled eggs, not biscuits, sausage gravy and bacon. Eating healthy is not my forte. How can you resist the sound of bacon frying and the smell of fresh biscuits? You can’t. One of my most vivid childhood memories is waking up to my father cooking the best meal known to man: biscuits and gravy. Nearly every Friday, I would ask if he would make breakfast in the morning. During those days, I could sleep in until 1 o’clock in the afternoon, but on the occasion that biscuits and gravy would be awaiting my arrival to the kitchen, that was something I could get up early for. Although my dad woke up at the break of dawn every morning to work and provide for our family, he still got out of bed early enough so that I would awake to that heavenly smell of biscuits, gravy and bacon. I remember watching him plop those huge biscuits on the pan and pulling them out of the oven, baked to golden perfection. I remember watching him furiously whisk gravy until it was as smooth and as thick as molasses. Most importantly, I remember the mornings that I woke up early enough for him to teach me how to make biscuits and gravy just like him. I guess most daughters bond with their fathers while learning how to ride a bike or how to cast a fishing line. I bonded with my father in the kitchen, learning how to cook breakfast. Dad, if you’re reading this, thank you for those times in the kitchen, and thank you for being the best father and teacher a girl could ask for. Those Saturday mornings may have seemed like just another day to you, but they meant more to me than you’ll ever know. mwepfer@murraystate.edu
8B
The News April 3, 2015