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March 3, 2016

Vol. 90, No. 21

Students endure ‘sensory overload’ Ashley Traylor Staff writer

atraylor@murraystate.edu

While students may be perceived as apathetic toward involvement on campus, that appearance can be attributed to over-involvement and eventual exhaustion.

Clint Combs, Student Government president, said he does not think apathy has risen

among students on campus.

Instead, students are more selective with their free time.

“It is my belief that if a student does not feel it is adding value to their life, they will not participate,” Combs said.

There are times when programs and activities do not have a large turnout and it is frustrating, said Don Robertson, vice president of Student Affairs.

“They are not any more apathetic than the last few years,” Robertson said.

There are more than 150 organizations at Murray State to get plugged into and many rallies to voice opinions about.

“We really have a sensory overload when it comes to social media, campus events and school work,” Combs said. “I do not think it is that students are not getting involved, as

much as they are being more selective of what they get involved in.”

Even though some students are not involved on campus, it does not mean they are apathetic. Students have more responsibilities and some have full-time jobs, in addition to going to school.

“I think apathy could just be because people are so exhausted from having to do ev-

erything that they just want to do that and relax rather than going out and doing something,” said Shayna Smith, sophomore from Murray.

Students may have busy schedules instead of being apathetic.

“It is not fair to say they are apathetic, but they simply just do not have the time,” Robertson said. “They would like to do more things, but their

schedule does not allow it.”

Caroline Cropp, freshman from Lexington, Kentucky, said she is involved in Kappa Delta, but she has not found a balance between school and outside activities yet.

Many students find themselves overwhelmed the first semester of college and do not value getting involved but,

see OVERLOAD, 2A

McKenna Dosier/The News

Murray State engages in budget battle

Abby Siegel

Assistant News Editor

asiegel@murraystate.edu

As students marched on the Kentucky State Capitol last week, House Democratic leaders said their version of the state budget will be better for public universities than Gov. Matt Bevin’s proposal.

“In the House version of the budget, higher education and K through 12 education all across Kentucky will see some reason to smile,” said House Speaker Greg Stumbo, D-Prestonsburg.

Kentucky public university students from across the state marched side-by-side Thursday from Kentucky State University to the State Capitol shouting, “Education matters,;save our schools.”

They held signs declaring disapproval toward Bevin’s pro-

posed budget cuts to higher education which would cut funding by 4.5 percent before June 30 and an another 9 percent cut the following fiscal year.

The march concluded at the steps of the Capitol Annex building, with more than 200 students camping out for the afternoon, bundled in hats and scarves in the freezing temperatures, sharing testimonies of the impact their college experience has had on their lives. Many students spoke of the music and theater programs they feared would be cut if the governor’s budget is approved without change.

More than half of the activists were from Murray State and included students and faculty. They met at the Roy Stewart Stadium parking lot before 5 a.m. to reach the Cap-

itol by 10:30 a.m.

The Capitol was packed with Murray State students as Posters-at-the-Capitol – an opportunity for students to display their research – also occurred at the same time.

“I was inside the rotunda when the students arrived and we could hear them outside chanting,” said Caleb Hughes, senior from Big Spring, Kentucky.

During the rally, Attorney General Andy Beshear joined students in their protest.

“Every single student in the Commonwealth should be able to afford higher education for whatever they want to study, whether that is engineering or French literature,” he said.

“I am with you every single step of the way,” he said.

see BUDGET, 2A

McKenna Dosier/The News

Students and faculty protested against Gov. Matt Bevin’s proposed budget cuts Thursday, Feb. 25 in Frankfort, Kentucky,

Regents leave lobbying to university, Davies Kayla Harrell News Editor

kharrell4@murraystate.edu

Alicia Steele || Staff writer asteele5@murraystate.edu

President Bob Davies is working against Gov. Matt Bevin’s proposed budget cuts while the Board of Regents leaves personal lobbying for Murray State in his hands.

“We are basically leaving it up to the president,” Waterfield said Harry Waterfield II, Board of Regents chairman, during last week’s quar-

WHAT’S

INSIDE

terly meeting.

Waterfield said Davies is in Frankfort, Kentucky, weekly to discuss the budget cuts, and the staff is working on talking to senators, representatives and members of the administration.

Last Thursday, Davies joined other public university presidents to meet with House Democratic leaders and make their case against cuts. The week before, he testified before the House Budget Review Subcommittee on Postsecondary Education about how the governor’s proposed budget could harm Murray State. Davies’ lobbying also fell on the same day as the March for Education, an event held for all Kentucky universities to join in protesting against Bevin’s budget cuts to higher education.

The Board of Regents plans to send individual letters to their senators; however, these letters will read the same, just with different signatures at the bottom.

“Those pre-printed mass mailings with identical language is not nearly as effective as an individually-prepared document,” said Ken Winters, former Republican state senator from Murray.

More than half of the regents have been involved in the political process in Frankfort.

Six of the 11 regents donated money to state legislators, candidates for governor and legislators’ campaign committees over the last thirteen years, according to The Murray State News’ review of Kentucky Campaign Finance

Records.

The donations show the regents collectively have given to both Democrats who control the state House and Republicans who are the majority in the Kentucky Senate.

Three regents, Waterfield, Stephen A. Williams and Susan Shaffer Guess, spread their donations between politicians of both parties. Three others – Jerry P. Rhoads, J. Daniel Kemp and Jenny Lynn Sewell – donated to only Democratic campaigns.

“If the same trustee or regent is giving to both, then you have to question the motive of it,” Winters said.

Winters said it is more likely they will give a contribution to the person they think more clearly represents their thinking.

Rhoads, who retired from

the state Senate in 2014, worked with many of the lawmakers who remain in the General Assembly and are crafting the next two-year budget for Kentucky.

Winters said the relationships Rhoads would have developed over the years in Frankfort should have established a good reputation for him and friendships, which could help with potential lobbying efforts.

“Know that everything you do and I do is to complement the experience that all of the students here and across the state are receiving,” Winters said.

During Tuesday’s Faculty Senate meeting, Faculty Regent Marty Jacobs said the Board of Regents will hold a special meeting in May to discuss the tuition model.

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BUDGET TEAM

OUR VIEW

OVC GAMES

ST. JUDE

The budget task for team met Feb. 19 to discuss the cuts, 6A

Potential changes may be unnecessary, 4A

Men’s and women’s basketball wins first round games, 1B

Up Til Dawn raises $27,000 in record-setting annual event, 5B

The News

News

2A

OVERLOAD From Page 1 “finding a place on campus is critical to developing yourself, meeting people, better your chances of getting a Combs job or into graduate school and taking an average college experience to an amazing one,” Combs said.

While some students do not have time in their schedules to accommodate extracurricular activities, other students do not realize the power of their influence.

There are rallies on campus, though in the past few years they have become more subtle and low-key, Robertson said. But there will always be a vocal concern group.

“The challenge is to get the average student to realize the

power they can have,” Robertson said. “Students can have a great deal of influence when they do speak for or against something.”

The number of clubs and organizations on campus offers something for everyone, and students should join something they are passionate about, Combs said.

“I think it makes college a lot more enjoyable whenever you are actually involved in something, because otherwise you are just going to classes, and that can be boring,” Smith said. “So, it is good to actually put yourself out there and get to know other people.”

Murray State can advertise more events and clubs on social media. Since students spend a lot time on social media, it would be a good way to get the word out, Smith said.

Student Government Association is trying to make advertising more engaging and to the point marketing, Combs said.

We need to keep encouraging students to get involved because we value their opinions and we value their input, Robertson said.

BUDGET

Yes, we fully fund it and the stock market collapses again, what have we done?” he said.

Kentucky has the second-worst pension system From Page 1 in America and is 44 percent Senator Gerald Neal also underfunded, according to a joined students during the report by CNN. The proposed peaceful protest and said he budget cuts would put $1.1 bilwas on the side of the stulion dollars into the Kentucky dents.

Retirement System and the President Bob Davies was Kentucky Teachers’ Retireat the Capitol for a legislative ment System but the pension session during the march, and system would still be underhe assured students that their funded by $24.4 billion. voices had been heard.

Imes said he doesn’t think the House will consider voting on the budget until after REPRESENTATIVE PERSPECTIVE March 8.

Rep. Kenny Imes, R-Callo“When the budget leaves way said he isn’t sure where the House, it will be heavy he stands on the proposed on educacuts, but he tion,” Rep. knows he Rick Rand, wouldn’t D-Bedford, vote on it said. without

e x c e p He said tions. he would “If there like to see are cuts, - Attorney General Andy Beshear all cuts I have no restored. business If not, the results would be saying where they ought to “devastating.” be,” Imes said. “Nobody wants “These cuts are really to get cut and no one ought to a tuition increase,” Rand get cut.” said.

He said he is particularly Imes said he sees three concerned with the funding of options: keep the governor’s the Breathitt Veterinary Cenproposed budget, give full ter because it isn’t a teaching funding and raise taxes, or facility. something in between.

The center is located in Rand graduated from a Hopkinsville, Kentucky and is liberal arts school, Hanover part of the Hutson School of College, and said he thinks a Agriculture. It is a diagnostic broad-based education is very center that works with vetimportant. He said he doesn’t erinarians to promote animal agree with Gov. Bevin’s comhealth and prevent death from ment disregarding the imanimal diseases. portance of majors outside “I think the people of Kenof science, technology, engitucky recognize we’ve got a neering and mathematics. real crisis on our hands,” Imes “We don’t know what is said. going to happen March 8,” Another concern of Imes: Imes said. the pension system structure “My total loyalty is to Murin Kentucky. ray and doing everything I “We’re invested so heavily can to preserve and protect in the stock market, it scares it,” he said. me to death to think about.

“

I am with you every single step of the way.

”

March 3, 2016

Nahiomy Gallardo/The News

Members of the Faculty Senate met in Business Building South Tuesday to discuss the faculty regent position, classification changes and tuition, among other topics.

Faculty regent to end term During Tuesday’s Faculty Senate meeting, Regent Martin Jacobs announced he will not seek re-election, committee discussed classification change Alicia Steele || Staff writer asteele5@murraystate.edu

Martin Jacobs announced during the Faculty Senate meeting Tuesday that he will not seek re-election for faculty regent after his term expires in June. He told his fellow faculty members he is in good health as of now but does not see another three-year term in his future.

Jacobs, an education professor, won a special election to serve as faculty regent starting in October 2014 to replace Renee Fister after she accepted the position of senior presidential adviser for strategic initiatives.

Marjorie Hilton, associate professor of history, introduced a proposal during Tuesday’s meeting to ask the university to rethink the naming of Murray State’s classification system of freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors. Hilton said other universities have cho-

sen alternative names, such as “first-year students” instead of freshman.

The senate’s Academic Policies Committees, which has discussed the issue, sent faculty senate members a memo last month saying the classification names “are somewhat problematic” because the term “freshmen” excludes women, “‘sophomore’ is a little too close to sophomoric, ‘junior’ is too diminutive and ‘senior’ is too overtly hierarchical,” according to the memo.

The memo said coming up with alternative names could be opportunity for Murray State to “call attention to its own traditions and distinctions.” As an example, “Mustang” could be used for a freshman, “Blazer” for a sophomore, “Palomino” for a junior and “Secretariat” for a senior. Hilton said the ultimate decision would be up to the academic council.

She also said she is concerned

about the retention rate of faculty members, especially amid the threat of more state budget cuts. Hilton said this year three faculty job candidates have turned down Murray State and two refused to come to campus.

She also said last year around 70 faculty members left Murray State.

ADDITIONAL POINTS

Also during the meeting, David Roach, chair of the finance committee, reported on the tuition model, including members who voiced their concerns about the proposal to add a 50 percent surcharge for tuition over 15 credit hours.

In this model, the number of scholarships would be raised while the “floor” of where students start receiving scholarships would lowered.

The Board of Regents will hold a special meeting on May 15 to debate this model, Jacobs said.

Paula Amols, director of Dining Services and Racer Hospitality, said faculty and staff have a meal plan that allows them to add dining dollars to their ID cards like students can add flex dollars with a 10 percent bonus.

“The more I talk to people on campus, the clearer it becomes that not everyone is clear on the services we have,” Amols said.

Peter Murphy, director of the university studies program, offered his concerns about the university studies assessments.

Murphy said the challenge will be getting faculty who teach university studies courses to collect and share data and interpret it to know what to do with it.

However, university studies is still a state mandate.

“We are not masters of this enterprise,” said Taufiq Rashid, senior lecturer of history. “We answer to a higher master if you will.”

Tuition freeze bill dies in senate committee Mikayla Marshall Staff writer

mmarshall5@murraystate.edu

Murray State and other universities around Kentucky panicked at the proposal to freeze tuition but will not have to worry because the bill did not pass.

“The bill could not even get out of the senate committee,” said Rep. Rick Rand, D-Bedford.

He said he opposed the bill from the beginning and never expected it to get out of the senate because the cost of education is too high.

Senate Bill 75 came about when Senate Majority Caucus Chairman Dan Seum said he was frustrated with the escalating cost of university tuition and fees that he wanted freeze them for four years and let state lawmakers decide if they should be changed, according to the Lexington Herald-Leader.

Seum said tuition increases at the state’s public universities have far outpaced state funding cuts. He said universities of seeing students as cash cows and chided them for raising tuition because the state legislature has not been providing sufficient funds.

Murray State has been doing their best in response to the budget cuts. Many were worried because a freeze in tuition would hinder all higher education institutions’, including Murray State’s, ability to provide high quality academics.

“The commonwealth cannot move forward if education is not taken seriously,” said Jordan Smith, director of Governmental Relations.

He said the university recognizes the pension system crisis and appreciates the governor but does not want higher education to be hindered in the process.

Since there was no motion made in the Senate Education

Committee, the bill was unable to impact universities.

“Every student government association in one way or another voiced opposition to it,” President Bob Davies said.

Rand said he relies on university presidents to keep him and other legislators up to date on the cost of education.

He said he understands that universities are wary about the budget cuts and finances because the cost of education does not go down, and they have to pay for it somehow.

“These cuts can be much more dramatic than they appear,” Rand said.

Universities are constantly competing to attract students, and in order to remain competitive, they have to pay to keep high quality programs and resources.

“I think it is kind of silly,” said Kristi Mills, senior from Waverly, Kentucky. “People in higher education are the ones who are going to change the

future and without those people getting an education, then how are they going to do that?”

She attended the March for Education Feb. 25 in Frankfort, Kentucky, and said she enjoyed being a part of something special that doesn’t happen very often. She said she understands both sides of freezing tuition, and though she would like for college to be priced at a steady rate, she is not opposed to tuition increase because it will go to pay off budget cuts and make Murray State better.

“There is always going to be cuts because of cost, but the way they’re going about it is not fair,” said Katlin Walker, junior from Murray.

She said legislators should take the students into more consideration and wants organizations to remain active on campus.

The bill may be a matter for a future legislative session but is not expected to pass even if it makes it out of the senate.

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The News

News

March 3, 2016 News Editor: Kayla Harrell Assistant Editor: Abby Siegel Phone: 270-809-4468 Twitter: MurrayStateNews

POLICE BEAT Feb. 24

6:51 a.m.

Racer Patrol advised Mur2:23 p.m.

A person reported a ray State Police of an abandoned hit-and-run motor vehicle colgolf cart with outside the Lowry Center. lision injuries to Public Officers notified and an inforSafety. were Officers, Murray Police mation report and was Murray taken. AmbuDepartment 11:42 An were officer conducted lancep.m.

Service notified.

An a information traffic stop report at 121 was North and taken Coldwater Streets. was A citation was and the incident referred issued to the driver for failure to to Murray Police Department. wear seatbelt.

The passenger 6:59 ap.m.

Officers received an was arrested on an outstanding attempt to locate in reference to warrant and was taken Calloan unauthorized use of to vehicle way County Jail. in Marshall County, Kentucky.

8:20 a.m.were A caller reported a resOfficers notified. idential college flag missing. The

Feb. 25

12:14 a.m. A caller reported the smell ofOffice marijuana at Elizabeth Housing was notified.

Residential Officersa 11:22 p.m. A College. caller reported were notified a citation was motor vehicle and accident with no issued at forWhite possession of mariinjuries Residential Coljuana and drug paraphernalia. lege.

Officers were notified and a 7:56 was p.m.taken.

A caller reported report a person receiving harassing a 7:17 p.m. An officer conducted communication at Springer Restraffic stop at the Business Building identiallot.

College.

Officers were parking A citation was issued notified information refor drivingand on aansuspended license. portp.m. was taken.

8:51 A caller reported the

Feb. 26

2:12 p.m. An officer conducted smell of gas at Hart Residential a traffic stop at AutoZone.

A Colcilege.

Officers, Murray Fire Departtation was issued for failure to ment, Heating and Cooling wear Central a seatbelt.

Plant, Murray Gas andreported the Statethe Fire 4:46 p.m. A caller Marshall were notified.

A report smell of marijuana at White Reswas taken.College. Officers were idential 12:01 p.m. caller was reported notified and A a citation issued a sparking outlet in the 300 for possession of marijuana.block of College Courts. Officers, the

Feb. 27

12:39 a.m. A caller reported Murray Fire Department, Centhe smell of marijuana at White tral Heating and Cooling Plant Residential College. Officers and the State Fire Marshal were were notified and an informanotified. A report was taken. tion report was taken.

4:57 p.m. The Murray Police De12:57 p.m. A caller reported a partment was notified of a medidisorderly customer at Winslow cal emergency at the Volleyball Dining Hall. Officers were notiCourts. Officers and Murray Amfied and the person was arrested bulance Services were notified. for disorderly conduct first deThe patient was transported and gree and resisting arrest. a report was taken.

Feb. 28

2:17 a.m. An officer conducted 3:46 a.m. stop Officers conducted a traffic at Lowes Drive a check of aStreet. personA on Northwas 12th and 16th citation Street.

The was and issued forperson failure toarrested maintain transported Calloway County Jail insurance,to expired registration for alcohol intoxicationlicense in a public and no operator’s in place.

A report was taken. possession.

9:09 callerrequested reported 4:04 p.m. a.m. AA caller a a smoke detector activated check of persons at the Royat Springer StewartResidential Stadium College parkingdue lot.to aA hair dryer.

Officers were notified traffic stop was conducted and no threat of fire was found. An and the driver was arrested for information report was taken.

DUIp.m. first A offense, possession of 4:42 caller reported a theft an open alcohol container in a of property from a vehicle from motor vehicle disregarding Alexander Hall.and Officers were noa traffic device. pastified andcontrol a report was The taken for senger arrested for unlawful alcohol theft of was under $500 by taking from a in vehicle. intoxication a public place.

6:12 p.m. A caller reported the

Feb. 29

9:42 a.m. An officer conducted smell of marijuana at Hart.

Officers a traffic stop at North 15th were notified and an information Street between Hester Resireport was taken. dential College and Springer Residential College. The driver was p.m. arrested for resisting 2:47 A caller reportedaran rest, operatingcompany on a suspended unauthorized selling or revoked operators license, products on campus at Winslow trafficking less than Dining Hall.marijuana The caller was re8 ounces, fist offense, and operferred to Student Affairs.

6:12 p.m.

A caller reported the ating a motor vehicle under the smell of natural gas at the Fine influence of alcohol orOld drugs, Arts Central thirdBuilding. offense. Officers, The driver was Heating and Cooling Plant, Murray cited for numerous traffic vioFire department, Murray Gas and lations. the State Fire Marshall were noti2:39 p.m. A caller reported a fied and a report was taken. possible intoxicated person at the Curris Center. Officers were notified assists and the Motorists – 8person was arrested for alcohol intoxication Racer escorts –1 in a public Arrests – 2 place.

March 1

10:58 a.m. A caller reported an intoxicated person News at Woods Mary Bradley, Assistant Editor, compiles Police Beat materials Hall. Officers werewith notified and provided by was Public Safety a citation issued toand the Emerpergency Management. son for possession of marijuana and failure to appear after been Not all dispatched calls are listed. served a warrant.

8:18 p.m. Murray Police Department reported a motor vehicle collision with no injuries in the Sorority Suites parking lot. Public Safety was notified and a collision report was taken.

Motorists assists – 2 Escorts – 0 Arrests – 2 Abby Siegel, Assistant News Editor, compiles Police Beat with materials provided by Public Safety and Emergency Management.

Not all dispatched calls are listed.

3A

Read more of The Murray State News at TheNews.org

Maintenance concerns due to weather Bailey Bohannan || Staff writer bbohannan@murraystate.edu

When the Spring 2016 semester began, maintenance problems across campus were brought to students’ attention and have not yet been solved because the weather has not permitted.

Students approached Robert Gomez, Student Government Association senator for Franklin Residential College, about maintenance problems they noticed around campus.

“Usually, what they come to me with is little maintenance issues,” Gomez said.

Gomez said he has recently been hearing complaints from students about the paving near the bridge, the landscaping around the Curris Center and outside lighting around residential colleges.

Regarding internal building problems, he said he has heard complaints about the lack of hot water in the older buildings on the academic side of campus, such as the Business Building.

Gomez said a recent student concern on the residential side of campus is the potholes and lack of speed bumps because of the snowplows taking out the speed bumps after the January snowfall.

“Whenever there is a snowstorm and they are plowing the snow, they just take out the speed bumps and there is like pieces everywhere,” Gomez said. “What good does a speed bump do if people just drive around them?”

At Facilities Management, David Burdette, interim chief facilities officer, and Dennis Trantham, assistant director of grounds heavy equipment, said most of the issues that students are coming to the Student Government Association with are weather-dependent.

“I would think as the weather permits, in these next coming weeks, some patching work being done throughout the dorm circle and speed bumps being replaced,” Trantham said.

The Curris Center landscaping is another concern Gomez said students have come to him with.

Gomez said he thinks this is a highly important area to improve because it is the first impression of Murray State potential students get, and the lack of upkeep of the landscaping could affect Murray State’s marketing.

As the weather begins to warm up, Burdette said there are plans to replant the flowerbeds around the Curris Center.

Despite the addition, Gomez said the concrete slab has made the puddle that usually exists in that area even worse.

“I think the little piece that they put in is actually making it worse because it kind of just moves the puddle, it does not really solve the problem,” Gomez said.

Facilities Management said they have just heard this problem and they said they do everything they can with the issues they hear from students, but communication is essential in having problems resolved.

“There is no stupid problem,” Gomez said. “If you have an issue, I want to know about it.”

Burdette said he encourages students to email Facilities Management or call their office with comments or suggestions.

Gomez said he encourages students to come to the Student Government Association meetings or find their student senator and let them know what issues they are noticing.

“SGA is that bridge for the students,” Gomez said. “I want people to know that if there is a complaint, there is a way to fix it.”

Chalice Keith/The News

Campus-wide maintenance problems caused student concerns and are due to weather-related issues.

Lourdes Hospital hosts faculty health fair Cody Hall

Contributing writer chall22@murraystate.edu

Getting into the doctor for a checkup isn’t always easy for professors, so Murray State brought the checkup to them with the help of Lourdes Hospital in Paducah, Kentucky.

Murray State and Lourdes Hospital hosted a health fair for the faculty, staff and their families. At the fair, they received free blood work, electrocardiograms and general health information. Lourdes Hospital provided staff and funds for the fair as part of its spring outreach program.

Lauren Smee, wellness coordinator for Murray State, helps organize the event every year. These biannual health fairs have been going on for eight years to provide important information about

Smee

health issues for those who attend, Smee said.

“It’s for the benefit of everyone involved,” Smee said.“They provide the health info and free screenings to help keep the staff healthy

and happy.”

The event health workers had an area where they could conduct blood work and EKG screenings in privacy.

All the work done was processed at Lourdes and checked for abnormal results.

“People don’t think that their health is a priority,” said Davida French, a spokeswoman for

Lourdes.

“Lourdes has been working to help raise awareness to health issues,” French said. “We talk about nutritional issues and the importance of having a regular physician that they can see.”

Lourdes hosts events like this for other employers aiming to keep their workers healthy. Health officials highly recommended attendees to work with a local physician after the event.

Murray State nursing students set up informational booths around the room with poster boards, talked to faculty and provided brochures about health issues.

These forms included stress evaluations, mental health issues, heart health and various forms of cancer.

“It’s important that the students do promotional activities,”

said Dana Manley, community health professor. “All clients need health education, and this is a great way the students can help with that.”

“It’s a win-win,” she said. “The students get experience, and the faculty and staff get educated.”

Lindsee Lyles, senior from Lexington, Tennessee, was among the student nurses to help run the event. She said the most important part is to educate members of the public about possible issues they could have.

Lyles said she was happy to help with the event for the people that don’t have adequate insurance.

“We aren’t doing this for our sake,” Lyles said. “It’s for others.”

“We have the knowledge that we need to keep ourselves healthy, but we need to let others know that these are real issues and how to deal with them,” she said.

International women’s day sparks first caucus Alicia Steele || Staff writer asteele5@murraystate.edu

Faculty and staff are invited to attend the kickoff event for Murray State’s new women’s faculty caucus on Tuesday, March 8 – International Women’s Day – at 4 p.m. in the Clara M. Eagle Gallery on the 6th floor of Price Doyle Fine Arts building.

Marjorie Hilton, associate professor of history, brought the idea to Murray State from another university. However, she said a women’s caucus is not unique to one university.

“In fact, many universities have active women’s faculty organizations,” Hilton said.

Hilton said women’s faculty caucuses exist on campuses such as New York University, Duke, Stanford, University of South Carolina, University of Georgia, University of New Mexico and Western Michigan.

Hilton said when she arrived at Murray State in 2011 she was surprised to find that no such organization existed, so she started talking to other faculty members about how they could work to “advocate for women faculty and to improve working conditions for all faculty.”

“I realized there wasn’t any reason that I shouldn’t start a women’s faculty caucus,” Hilton said. “After all, if I didn’t, perhaps no one else would either.”

Hilton said she reached out to Alexandra Hendley, assistant professor of sociology, who expressed interest in joining the group.

Hendley said the group’s main focus currently is to do a faculty salary study to compare salaries

among the whole faculty of Murray State.

She said they have gathered the raw data salary information for faculty across campus and they are interested in comparing the differences in pay range of men and women. They also will look at salary differences among rank and overall trends in faculty members’ salaries.

Hendley said the kick-off event is an open meeting to discuss interests and concerns among all faculty. She said they have not yet had an open meeting letting faculty know about the organization, so that is their goal with this event.

She said that their members would consist of primarily women faculty members, but they hope to have support from men as well.

“They would be considered friends or allies of the caucus,” Hendley said.

Maeve McCarthy, professor of mathematics, became one of the first women faculty members after Hilton invited her to join their group.

“I’m very excited about us starting a women’s faculty caucus,” McCarthy said. “There are many issues that arise in the workplace that the caucus can help us to address.”

McCarthy said she is “particularly enthusiastic” about how the caucus will impact women faculty in STEM “where there are often fewer women and isolation can become an issue.”

Similarly, Hilton said forming a women’s faculty caucus at Murray State is a way of practicing what she teaches.

“I’m a historian, with research and teaching interests in women/gender and for me, the lessons of history extend beyond the classroom,” Hilton said.

MSU WOMEN’S FACULTY CAUCUS Kick-off Event

March 8, 4:00 p.m.

Clara M. Eagle Gallery

Ali Hendley Political Science & Sociology Marjorie Hilton History Maeve McCarthy Mathematics & Statistics Mary Tripp Reed Economics & Finance

4A

March 3, 2016

The News

Opinion

Opinion Editor: Allison Borthwick Phone: 270-809-5873

­

Our View

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

No one wants to be a Palomino

Selena McPherson/The News

The staff editorial is the majority opinion of The Murray State News Editorial Board.

Kayla Harrell News Editor • 270-809-4468 kharrell4@murraystate.edu Allison Borthwick Opinion Editor • 270-809-5873 aborthwick@murraystate.edu Connor Jaschen Features Editor • 270-809-5871 cjaschen@murraystate.edu Kelsey Randolph Sports Editor • 270-809-4481 krandolph3@murraystate.edu Kelsey Watznauer Chief Copy Editor • 270-809-5876 kwatznauer@murraystate.edu Austin Gordon Online Editor • 270-809-5877 agordon4@murraystate.edu Jenny Rohl Advertising Manager • 270-809-4478 msunewsads@gmail.com Alex Hilkey Advertising Production • 270-809-5874 shilkey@murraystate.edu

The voices and wishes of students can be stifled by higher education policies we feel we have little or no control over. Sometimes we wish people with more power than we possess would take our concerns further and higher up than we can.

But sometimes we don’t like being spoken for. Sometimes we can, in fact, stand up for ourselves.

It’s like when parents step in and confront bullies for their kids – it’s a nice thought, but maybe they’re just making things worse.

Allow us to give you some context: Murray State’s Academic Policies Committee, a committee within the Faculty Senate, is proposing a change that no Murray State students, to our knowledge, have specifically asked for.

Furthermore, according to a poll we conducted, a majority of participants indicate they wouldn’t support the proposed change.

The proposal stems from the assumption that the term “freshman” may be outdated and gendered, but it gets more involved from there.

According to a memo sent

out from the committee and addressed to the Faculty Senate, President’s Council, Student Government Association, Staff Congress and Murray State Women’s Faculty Caucus, the terms sophomore, junior and senior are “problematic” as well.

The Academic Policies Committee states, “‘Sophomore’ is a little too close to ‘sophomoric,’ ‘junior’ too diminutive, and ‘senior’ too overtly hierarchical.”

It’s a nice thought, and we appreciate the effort made to protect the best interests of student welfare, but maybe they’re trying to make a point that doesn’t need to be made.

Maybe they’re just making things worse.

A majority of The Murray State News editorial board and staff are female, and none of us have ever thought or voiced concerns that the term “freshman” is offensive, and we have some very strongwilled feminists in our midst.

Going into our second year of college, we didn’t fear we might automatically be viewed as “sophomoric,” which according to Merriam-Webster means “having or

Kalli Bubb Photography Editor • 270-809-5878 kbubb@murraystate.edu

Write to us!

The News welcomes commentaries and letters to the editor. Letters should be 400 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.

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The News is prepared and edited by students and is an official publication of Murray State University. The first copy is free. Additional copies are available for 25 cents at 111 Wilson Hall.

marching for higher education in Frankfort, Kentucky and announcing to representatives at the Capitol that they are a Stallion at Murray State and then expecting to be taken seriously.

Murray State’s image, reputation and credibility as a serious institution of higher education may be at stake.

While that may seem like a lofty assertion, the proposition of changing the student classification system is equally as lofty.

Marjorie Hilton, interim chair of the committee, spoke at the Faculty Senate meeting on Tuesday and said this proposition is motivated in part by efforts to advance the Strategic Initiatives plan Murray State recently established.

She said this kind of change is exactly what should be happening in order to foster “an exciting and challenging learning environment” and to challenge assumptions and stereotypes.

We beg to differ; it seems the opposite will happen and that this proposition will generate unwelcome assumptions and negative stereotypes instead of challenging any that may currently exist.

Some Things Considered

How-to

Cameron Witte Chief Videographer cwitte@murraystate.edu Joe Hedges, Ryan Alessi Adviser, Co-Adviser • 270-809-3937 jhedges@murraystate.edu, ralessi@murraystate.edu

showing a lack of emotional maturity: foolish and immature.”

We didn’t feel belittled when we had to refer to ourselves as “juniors” and seniors don’t feel inherently more important than younger students just because they’re in their fourth year of college.

And while these are definite reasons why we’re in opposition of the committee’s proposition, there’s a more pressing concern at hand: they are not only suggesting our classifications be changed, but that they be changed to terms related to Murray State traditions.

Example suggestions by the committee include “Mustang,” “Blazer,” “Palomino” and “Secretariat.”

Here’s where the “parents stepping in for their kids and making things worse” metaphor really comes into play.

Frankly, we fear that if terms like these are adapted, Murray State and its students might not be taken seriously and that the new policy might scare off prospective students.

Imagine, for instance, a student representative of Murray State

Once, my mother pointed out to me that as soon as we are taught to do something, we’re then taught how not to do it.

A child learns how to speak and immediately how not to speak; how to dress and how not to dress; how to think and how not to think.

Hallie Beard

I’ve been reminded of Junior from this observation Louisville, Ky. numerous times in my life since she explained it to me, and last week, I was reminded again.

As I hope all of my readers know, students from Murray State and other Kentucky universities went to Frankfort, Kentucky last Thursday for the March for Higher Education, a protest against Gov. Matt Bevin’s budget cuts.

While we can’t know right now if our presence made a difference, I truly believe it did; legislators were well aware of our actions and some even joined the shivering crowd to share messages of support.

In general, we received positive feedback and much-needed support from fellow students and professors leading up to the march, as well as during it.

Professors canceled classes, students raised money and rival universities came together all for this cause. Despite all our support, though, I still encountered students at Murray State who seemed to think our efforts wouldn’t matter – that this problem Gov. Bevin has thrown at us is just too big to fix.

“

But don’t paint us all with the same brush, and don’t say we don’t know what we’re doing.

”

This is where my mother’s point comes in: older adults (and pretentious students) love to destroy college students for their political apathy or ignorance and tell them to get involved, usually only in the form of voting (and only with regard to the act of voting itself – never mind the part about actually knowing and believing in a candidate’s platform).

I’m not saying their preachy efforts are displaced at times; students our age should be encouraged to take action on beliefs they’ve thoroughly examined and defended. But as

soon as we’re told to get political and make our voices heard, someone chimes in to say, “No, not like that – that won’t work,” itching for the silent addition of, “You childish fool!”

Let me be clear that I do not hold myself, or any of the students who attended the march, to be superior to those students or adults who thought we wasted our time on those Capitol steps.

I’m not entirely sure I would have attended the march as a freshman or if I would have joined those who scoffed at our attempts.

I’m hoping those who didn’t attend (and didn’t want to attend) have a change of heart, see the value in our actions and start taking action, too. That, or introduce an alternate plan.

We cannot criticize those who take responsive action without offering other suggestions or explaining why the action or cause itself is faulty. That would be like telling a child not to say a curse word just because it’s bad and children shouldn’t say bad things – but we definitely don’t do that.

There will always be students who need to be pushed when it comes to critical thinking and acting on beliefs, just as there will always be adults who deserve the same prodding. But don’t paint us all with the same brush, and don’t say we don’t know what we’re doing.

We listen. We react. We speak when spoken to and spoken at. If we’re doing something unfavorable, it’s only because we do what we’re told.

Stay woke, y’all.

The News

Opinion

March 3, 2016

Letter to the Editor Poll results

100

We asked our Twitter followers if they think the classification “freshman” should be changed to be more current and/or gender-neutral? Here are the results of 130 people.

76%

I Have a Lot of Feelings This is an opinion column

Like our polls?

In our latest poll, we asked you if you felt comfortable seeking counseling resources on campus. To participate in future polls, follow us on Twitter, @MurrayStateNews.

We still want to hear from you

90

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.

80 No

60 40

5A

Allison Borthwick

Opinion Editor

20%

20

Don’t know/care

4% Yes

I’ve Got A Story For You

You have one mission

The world is an exciting place.

There are wars, rumors of wars, a side-show of a presidential campaign, global warming, March Madness, the onset of tornado season and a plan to change funding schemes in Kentucky government.

For me, global warming is the biggest problem. I accept the fact that the Earth’s atmosphere Robert Valentine appears to be getSenior lecturer ting warmer in tiny of advertising increments, but if it turns out that my Prius is not the principal cause of it, I’ll be upset. This upset will take on gargantuan proportions if I have to alter my lifestyle here in my twilight years (“twilight” begins at 40, I believe).

However, on Murray State’s campus, the prospect of a budget cut from our friends in Frankfort seems to be attracting more attention. This attention is well-placed; the concept of “public education” has been eroding in the Commonwealth for decades. A semester’s tuition in Kentucky in 1965 cost about two weeks’ of the 1965 minimum wage.

Today, Murray State – a very affordable institu-

tion by most comparisons – costs at least six or seven times more as measured by an even higher minimum wage.

So parents and students, foundations, families and alumni have stepped up to fill the gaps left by a legislative inability to raise the revenue necessary to ensure the state’s educational future. They have done a great job.

However, these folks are almost out of resources. The long-promised economic recovery seems to be more public relations than practical reality. Jobs are not as plentiful as they might be, and training in high-paying non-college jobs is hard to find.

But, for you, the scope of worry must be limited.

You are a student – one of highest callings for a citizen of the United States. Studenthood is not easy, as you know. It is a vital set of challenges that consumes critical time during your formative years.

Being a university student is hard work. In addition to learning the facts, figures and failings of the past, you have to develop a perception of the future into which you will be thrust. You need to develop a strong set of moral principles which will guide your life.

The elements of real success are available to you while you are a student. You have to learn self-dis-

“

Cheers and Jeers Cheers and Jeers is written by The Murray State News’ Opinion Editor.

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

Comic

Being a university student is hard work.

”

Cheers to ... Voters.

cipline, respect for yourself and others, how much liquor is too much and when to shut up.

No one can really teach you these things, but there are people who can help you learn them for yourself. Their time is divided between their lives, their professions and their own families and friends. Still, they can make time to help you master what needs to be mastered before you stumble across the stage, shake hands with the president, and walk into the so-called “real world.”

Make no mistake: the world you inhabit is no less real than anything else on the planet. You have tens of thousands of dollars, years of time and a lifetime of opportunity tied up in what you are doing right now. It may be the most important thing you will ever do.

So don’t be distracted by the cries of despair or the frets of your professors and friends about what is fair, what is just, who is a villain and what should be done. Those who have responsibility for maintaining this place for your benefit will tackle those problems, and I believe they will succeed.

No one, however, will come into your classroom and tell you to pay less attention. No one will deprive you of books or the opportunity to discuss important matters with professors and classmates.

No one can keep you from your goal but yourself and your fears.

You are the star of your own show, and you create your own destiny. The Big Frankfort Extravaganza will resolve itself as it will, but your time at Murray State is yours and yours alone. Keep your focus, keep your dreams and keep moving toward your future.

Let’s do this.

Jeers to ... Midterms.

You can complain about political candidates all you want on social media, but that won’t really make a difference. Sure, you might persuade someone to join your side or agree with you, but the only real, effective action you can make against candidates you don’t want in office is to vote.

It’s about that time of the semester, everybody. We’re in the middle of the semester, even though it seems like we all just got back from Winter Break, and the midterm tests, projects and papers are upon us. May the odds, and the curve, be ever in your favor.

Jeers to ... Illnesses and allergies.

Cheers to ... Leonardo DiCaprio.

We’ve had a lot of temperamental weather lately. While this has been annoying and/or pleasant, depending on the change the weather takes, there is one clear downside: our bodies and immune systems are confused.

Thus, allergies and diseases are prevalent, and nobody seems to be safe.

America’s one, true sweetheart finally did it, you guys.

He won his tiny gold man and all is right in the world. This glistening gem of an actor has been nominated for an Oscar time and time again and he lost every time, until last Sunday. And now we can all sleep soundly.

If you’re reading this column in the actual newspaper, I would like to take a moment to divert your attention to the top of this page. Right there, in 34 pt. font, is the word “Opinion.” On the page directly to the left of this one is the same word,

but in 100 pt. font.

If you’re reading this on TheNews.org, directly under the title it reads, “Posted

by Online Editor on March 3, 2016 in I Have a lot of Feelings, Opinion, Opinion Columns…”

It would appear as though this section is one for opinions, but there’s been some confusion in regard to this, so let me just clear things up for everyone: This is, in fact, the Opinion section of The Murray State News.

Have you ever tried explaining the difference between right and left? Or have you ever found yourself frustrated because someone is essentially comparing “apples to oranges?”

We have been facing similar vexations with getting people to understand that the columns and editorials you read in this section aren’t news articles – they’re not even features or sports articles.

They are opinion pieces that include, I’m proud to say, pensive and factually-supported thoughts and feelings about issues relevant to our readers.

They may be about the news or about the topic an event on campus covers, but if you’re looking for traditionally-styled news, features or sports coverage of Murray State events and happenings, flip to literally any other page than 4A or 5A. Now, don’t get me wrong: my columnists and I do a lot of research to support our opinions. We include statistics and quotes to prove our point, but we have the freedom and creativity to prove said points any way we want.

We don’t follow the textbook inverted pyramid style of newswriting.

Instead, we break down news stories and issues for readers in compelling narratives that frequently read like blog posts or short stories – this isn’t a humble brag, it’s just my opinion.

We can be as sassy and as sarcastic as we want while we make our valid points, which is often when some readers get confused.

“Isn’t there something more important The Murray State News should be writing about?”

“I can’t believe you would waste time and newspaper space publishing something like this.”

“You didn’t even interview any students about this. How do you know what you’re talking about?”

And my personal favorite statement, in any variation or wording it may come in: “This isn’t even news.”

Now, these aren’t word for word quotes from our readers, but they are the gist of concerns that have been raised.

Allow me to repeat myself: You’re absolutely right. This isn’t even news, nor does it claim to be.

If you read the rest of the paper, there are indeed more important things The News should be, and is, writing about. And no, you typically won’t find interviews in these columns or editorials.

But this is not a waste of space.

We have things to say and we’re going to say them. You may not like what you read here, and that’s just fine. However, if you read something you don’t like or you don’t agree with, there’s no reason to attack the integrity of the writer or The News in its entirety.

We’re all entitled to our opinions, after all. aborthwick@murraystate.edu

Freezing outside

By Selena McPherson

The News

News

6A

March 3, 2016

Budget Task Force Team meets to discuss budget cuts Ashley Traylor Staff writer

atraylor@murraystate.edu

The Budget Task Force Team is working to counter Gov. Matt Bevin’s proposed 4.5 percent cut to higher education this fiscal year and 9 percent cut next fiscal year.

The task force team met Friday, Feb. 19 to discuss and analyze all aspects of the university and how they will support both academic and non-academic programs if Gov. Bevin’s proposed budget passes.

“There will be tough decisions that have to be made by the president and Board of Regents, but none have been made yet,” said Clint Combs, Student Government president. “Students, staff and faculty should not worry.”

The Budget Task Force team is made up of two committees. The first committee is the academic committee. Provost, deans, faculty regent and Faculty Senate president make up the academic committee and are responsible for looking into aspects of Murray State’s academic programs.

The second committee is the support committee composed

of the vice president of Finance and Administration Services, vice president of Marketing and Outreach, vice president of Student Affairs, athletic director, staff regent, staff congress president and student regent.

The support team will look into non-academic programs.

The Budget Task Force team is researching the mission critical components at Murray State.

Their goal is to keep the university’s mission in mind, which is to offer a high-quality degree, while promoting academics and collaborative relationships.

“I do believe the Budget Task Force Team is doing their best to accommodate these proposed budget cuts, but I do think that the university will experience major cutbacks in academics, and even non-academic programs,” said Nichelle Niemi, freshman from Cottage Grove, Tennessee. “It is scary, but I am trusting Murray State to handle these cuts with dignity.”

The committee did not make any decisions at the meeting because Bevin’s budget is not finalized. There is still uncertainty in Frankfort, Kentucky, and it would be premature to

make any decisions now, Combs said.

The team’s recommendations, insight and advice are sent to President Bob Davies, who will decide what information to present to the Board of Regents, who will make the final decisions.

“We believe in teaching and learning and the research, scholarship and creative activity necessary to support it,” Davies wrote in his update letter on legislative efforts. “However, should the state’s continued, and accelerated, disinvestment in higher education through the proposed reductions in state appropriations be enacted, all facets of our university will be impacted.”

The Budget Task Force team will prepare Davies with the resources needed to make the best decisions for Murray State, supporting the mission and vision.

“The SGA, President’s Office and community will continue to do our best in Frankfort to mitigate the proposed budget cuts,” Combs said. “However, whatever happens, Murray State has always been and will continue to be the best student-centered university in the nation.”

McKenna Dosier/The News

The Student Government Association and President Bob Davies meet in the Curris Center. SGA President and Student Regent Clint Combs, center, serves on the support committee of the Budget Task Force Team.

Sid Easley – alumnus, donor, friend – leaves legacy behind Bailey Bohannan || Staff writer

dent of Pi Kappa Alpha and graduated with high honors. To live up to Easley’s legacy, a student needs to be as involved as Easley was, Jackson said.

Although he never met Easley, Clint Combs, president of the Student Government Association, is involved in many activities and organizations around campus.

“I think that when you are in a position as SGA president, you are given an opportunity to meet a lot of indi-

bbohannan@murraystate.edu

Sid Easley’s plaque can be found in the Center for Student Involvement.

Sid Easley, an alumnus, donor and friend to Murray State, is remembered for his compassion, generosity and livelihood in and around Murray.

“Murray State University is very fortunate to have many exceptional alumni and friends who just loved this place, and Sid was a member of that special group,” said Bob Jackson, president of the MSU Foundation.

“Sid came here and really never left Murray State.”

Easley grew up one county over in Graves County; he came to Murray State for his undergraduate degree before attending law school at the University of Kentucky. He then moved back to Murray where he became a judge and attorney. James Duane Bolin, history professor and close friend to Easley, said he and his wife were world travelers.

Bolin said Easley had gone many places and had many opportunities to leave Murray; however, Easley found a home here and never wanted to leave.

“He developed a really strong sense of place and loyalty to a place and that place was Murray State and Murray,” Bolin said.

Nicole Ely/The News While Easley was a student, he was president of the student body, presi-

20% off

“

viduals, to do a lot of good for your university ... I think Sid would agree, anything you do in this position that betters our university - that betters our student’s life and time here - it is a time well spent, and I think Sid kind of had that mentality,” Combs said.

After returning to Murray from law school, Easley was involved in numerous organizations and clubs around the community as well as in the university.

Jackson said Easley became a judge,

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Sid came here and really never left Murray State.

a county attorney, an extremely involved alumnus, president of the Alumni Association, member of the Board of Trustees of the MSU Foundation and appointed by two different governors to serve on the Board of Regents.

Easley served 12 years on the Board of Regents and 11 of them as chairman, the longest serving chairman in the history of the university.

During the last few years of his life, Easley wrote a book called, “A Courthouse Tragedy,” which is a history of Graves County.

“In the community of Murray, he was on every board,” Bolin said. “I was just astonished that every board, every society, every agency, he had a presence.”

The legacy that Easley has left on the community and the university is a legacy that started from the beginning of Easley’s involvement as a student of Murray State.

“If he were sitting here right now, he would tell you when you come here for an education, and this is a great place, great value, excellent education, but get involved,” Jackson said. “When you leave here, be involved, as an alum [sic], as a donor, as a friend, support the university and give back.”

“Sid would say: don’t forget it,” Jackson said.

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The News .org

March 3, 2016

Section B

The News

Sports

Sports Editor: Kelsey Randolph Assistant Sports Editor: Mark McFarland Phone: 270-809-4481 Twitter: MSUSportsNews

Check out @MSUSportsNews on Twitter for live coverage of the OVC Tournament

­­

Jenny Rohl/The News

Jenny Rohl/The News

Racers start OVC strong Kelsey Randolph || Sports Editor krandolph3@murraystate.edu

NASHVILLE – For the first time since the OVC split into divisions in 2011, the Racers missed out on a conference tournament bye but cruised to the second round with a 78-62 win over Eastern Illinois on Wednesday.

The Racers (17-13) will play the No. 3 seed, Morehead State (18-11) at 8 p.m.

Thursday.

Ranked No. 6 and looking to play four games in four days, the Racers (17-13) shot a season-best 61.2 percent from the floor in the first-round game against the seventh-seeded Panthers.

In their 53rd appearance in the OVC Tournament and their 99th game against the Panthers, the Racers bounced back from their Feb. 25 loss to Eastern Illinois.

Head Coach Matt McMahon said the team wasn’t dwelling on that game but wanted to approach the first round of the tournament

as a clean slate. He said the goal was to play harder and with more focus, urgency and energy.

“I just knew tonight we had to come out and play with our backs against the wall because this is it,” said junior guard Bryce Jones. “Every game like this is our last, because it really is. And I know with my back against the wall I can give everything I got on the floor and that’s what happened tonight.”

Leading the Racers was senior forward Wayne Langston with 22 points and Jones with 8 rebounds and 9 assists.

Up at halftime 45-29, the Racers were shooting 62 percent from the floor and managed 16 points off turnovers.

But with less than 10 minutes left in the game, junior guard Gee McGhee had scored no points, had no assists and had pulled down one rebound. He had, however, racked up four personal fouls. Langston, a

see MEN, 2B

Mark McFarland || Assistant Sports Editor mmcfarland1@murraystate.edu

NASHVILLE – The No. 8 Murray State Racers shocked the No. 1 UT Martin Skyhawks 78-76 in the first round of the OVC Tournament Wednesday afternoon, making history as the first No. 8 team to beat a No. 1 seed. It is the first time since the 2012-13 season the Racers have made the tournament and the first time since the 2011-12 season they have gotten past the first round.

Looking ahead, the Racers will play 12 p.m.

Friday in the semifinals against the winner of Eastern Kentucky and Austin Peay State at the Municipal Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee.

Eastern Kentucky beat the Racers in the 2012-13 OVC Tournament while the Racers defeated Austin Peay in the 2011-12 OVC Tournament. Murray State lost by 12 points in the only meeting against Eastern Kentucky this season and lost both games against Austin Peay.

The Skyhawks beat the Racers twice this season by a combined score of 162-111, and

70-49 last Saturday at the CFSB Center.

The Racers started the game with an 11-2 run in the first quarter and battled on from there. The Skyhawks did not let the Racers out of sight as they continued to go back and forth the whole game. Skyhawks Head Coach Kevin McMillan said the Racers should not have been a No. 8 seed because of the way they charged the court.

“Going into the final week there were nine teams that could have finished anywhere from five to nine,” McMillan said. “That’s not an eight seed. An eight seed can’t compete with the fours and the fives in the league – that’s not an eight seed.”

Senior forward Haley Howard led the Skyhawks with 17 points, seven points and three assists. Behind her was freshman guard Emanye Robertson with 14 points while shooting 7-11 from the floor. The teams second leading scorer junior guard Jessy ward was held to shooting 1-6 from the floor and scored three points during the game.

see WOMEN, 2B

Seniors win final game Senior women say goodbye at final game

Kelsey Randolph Sports Editor

krandolph3@murraystate.edu

Eighteen years ago, Head Coach Matt McMahon said if he ever got the chance to coach a team, he would start all his seniors.

Starting the floor for their last time, three senior basketball players shook the hands of their teammates and watched their own farewell videos on the home court.

On their senior night, the Racers won against UT Martin 79-55. The team finished the night with several team bests.

At the end of the game, the seniors gathered on the Murray State ‘M’ in the middle of the court, threw their hands in the air and smiled as they watched their farewell videos.

Sarah Combs Staff writer

scombs8@murraystate.edu

The Murray State Racers face second place UT Martin this Wednesday in the first round of the OVC Tournament. The Racers celebrated their last home game against the Skyhawks Saturday and honored their four seniors, Ajee Smith, Kyra Gulledge, Bianca Babic and Jashae Lee.

AJEE SMITH

TERRON GILMORE

A 6-7 forward from Jackson, Mississippi, Terron Gilmore appeared in 13 games his freshman year, averaging 8 minutes 30 seconds per game.

Though he only averaged 1.5 points per game and .9 rebounds, Gilmore came back in 2013-14, playing a career-high against Brescia on Nov. 12. He also played in a win over the University of the Pacific in CIT Tournament on April 1, 2014.

“He is a first-class young man,” McMahon said. “He’s been here four years, and minutes and production haven’t been where he would’ve liked,

WHAT’S

INSIDE

McKenna Dosier/The News

Junior forward A.J. Patty puts his arm around senior forward Jeffery Moss as they watch the farewell video at Saturday’s game against UT Martin. but there hasn’t been one day where he didn’t come to work with a positive attitude. Great teammate and loved by everyone in the program.”

Finishing his career, Gilmore appeared in 12 games, averaging 5.2 minutes and 1.1 points. During the last min-

ute of his final game against the Skyhawks, Gilmore scored the final layup for the winning point.

McMahon said it was a nobrainer to start Gilmore in his last game.

see FINAL, 2B

Ajee Smith is a 5-3 guard from Raleigh, North Carolina.

She transferred from Southwest Tennessee Community College after transferring from Miami Dade College. She went to Knightdale High School, where she was an All-Conference selection and averaged 3.9 points as a freshman at Miami Dade. Smith has played in 24 games this year and averaged 17 minutes per game with 1.8 points and 1.2 rebounds per game. She logged a season-high 8 points against Tennessee State.

KYRA GULLEDGE

Kyra Gulledge is a 6-2 center from Olive Branch, Mississippi and a transfer from East Mississippi Community College.

Gulledge played 26 games earning 26 minutes and con-

tributing 7.2 points per game.

Shooting 54 percent from the field and 73 from the free throw line and adding 8.6 blocks.

She had a season-high against Southern Illinois University Edwardsville with 19 points, 8 offensive rebounds and 12 defensive.

When she was in Mississippi she helped the Lions take a Mississippi Class 2A state title in her freshman season. She also assisted in back-to-back 1A titled in her junior and senior years.

BIANCA BABIC

Bianca Babic is from Melbourne, Australia is a 6 foot forward who has played for Murray all four years of her eligibility.

In her freshman year, she played in 20 games, averaged 2.1 points and scored a career-high 10 points. Entering her second season, Babic started in 16 of her 26 games played. She averaged 5.6 points and 3.6 rebounds, adding more career-high stats to the board.

In 2014-15, Babic appeared in 23 games, averaging 12.3 minutes and 4.1 points. She averaged 31 percent from the 3-point line and sat in fifth on the team with 26 3-pointers.

Her senior year, she played in 24 games, averaging 18 minutes and putting up 4.7 points

BASEBALL WINS

GULLEDGE COUSINS

Racers go 3-1 in series against Northern Illinois, 3B

Two women’s basketball players Murray senior is on to semi-final tell their story, 4B round for scholarship, 5B

FULBRIGHT

scoring her season-high 14 points at both Morehead State and Blue Mountain.

JASHAE LEE

Jashae Lee from Rialto, California is a 5’9” guard and forward that transferred from New Mexico Junior College after her freshman year.

Before transferring to Murray State, Lee averaged 11 points and seven rebounds, she was named the WJCAC All-Conference and All-Region V Teams.

In high school Lee averaged 18.5 points per game in her senior year and left with eight school records.

In her first season with the Racers, Lee played in 28 games and started in nine. She averaged 6 points and 5 rebounds with 19.2 minutes of playing time.

For the 2014-15 season, Lee played in all 29 games and made six starts. She also shot 35 percent from the 3-point line.

In her senior year, Lee played in 26 games for the Racers, averaging 23 minutes and contributing 6.6 points per game, 72 percent from the free throw line and 32 percent from the arc. Lee scored her season-high of 15 points at both Southern Illinois and Tennessee State.

SIGMA CHI Homecoming events lead to honors for notable alumni, 6B

The News

Sports

2B

FINAL From Page 1 WAYNE LANGSTON

Nicole Ely/The News

Senior forward Terron Gilmore steals the ball from UT Martin’s senior forward Myles Taylor.

WOMEN

MEN

From Page 1

From Page 1

On the final possession of the game the Skyhawks’ Robertson had a clear path to the basket to tie the game with an easy layup.

Instead, she passed it out to senior guard Katie Schubert for a contested three for the win but came up short. McMillan said thought the decision may have been the wrong one, it is a decision even he probably would have made.

“I have no problems with a ball in the air to win a game from Katie Schubert to win any game,” McMillian said.

Sophomore guard Ke’Shunan James was held by UT Martin to zero points Saturday night, but came out to get 20 points and 13 rebounds for her fifth double-double of the year in Wednesday’s game.

Her rebounds tie her career high. McMillan said James came out and played with a changed mindset, and that was the difference in the games.

“I think struggled is an understatement,” James said when asked about her performance Saturday. “The whole time I was just thinking if I’m not doing it from the offensive side, I have to do it on the defensive side.”

Senior forward Jashae Lee was right behind James with 14 points in 30 minutes played. Sophomore guard Jasmine Borders finished with 13 points, four rebounds and two steals. She also shot 4-9 from the floor despite shooting 1-6 from behind the arc.

Racers Head Coach Rob Cross said he was happy with the way freshman guard Abria Gulledge showed up because she played a huge part in the win Wednesday. As Gulledge was able to come out and score 14 points along with 5-15 shooting from the floor.

“Earlier in the game she was struggling to make shots on the perimeter, so what did she do?” Cross said. “She didn’t

usual suspect for foul trouble, ended the game with only three fouls.

With six minutes left in the game, the Panthers’ junior guard Demetrius McReynolds and freshman forward Patrick Muldoon scored a combined five points, giving the team the momentum. Seconds later, the Racers’ Jones and junior McMahon guard Justin Seymour answered with five points of their own.

“I thought it was good patience, good ball movement and very unselfish play,” McMahon said.

The Panthers’ McReynolds led with 14 points, senior guard and forward Trae Anderson with 6 rebounds and sophomore guard Cornell Johnston with three assists.

The last time the Racers were ranked as a No. 6 seed was in 1987. The last time they were ranked lower than a sixth seed was in 1976.

McMahon and the team now face a Morehead State squad that is ranked fourth in the country in offensive rebounding and 15th in the country in forcing turnovers.

The Racers beat the Eagles 62-57 in Murray on Jan. 2 in their only meeting this season.

“It’s been two months since we played them,” McMahon said. “I know Morehead State is a very physical and aggressive team and they’ve had an incredible year. They are playing as well as anyone in the league.”

After spending two seasons at McLennan Community College in Waco, Texas, Wayne Langston, 6-7 forward from Washington, D.C., signed to Murray State and played in the 2014-15 season. McMahon said Langston worked hard and though he didn’t get the court time he wanted, Langston proved himself a key player of the team.

In his junior year, Langston appeared in 33 games averaging 12.2 minutes per game with 2.5 points and 3.2 rebounds. Though he averaged less than three points per game, McMahon said he is proud of Langston.

“You look at the great history of Murray State and you’d be hard pressed to find anyone who’s made a bigger leap from their junior to senior year,” McMahon said.

At the end of the 2015-16 season, Langston averaged 30 minutes per game, 13.4 points and 6.2 rebounds. He started the conference with several

games in foul trouble. McMahon reviewed officials’ video and Langston corrected his fouls. In the game against UT Martin Saturday, Langston went the entire first half with zero fouls.

“He had a hard time getting on the floor,” McMahon said.

“He just worked like crazy this offseason to put himself in the situation where he had an All-Conference type season. I’m really proud of him.”

JEFFERY MOSS

A 6-4 forward from Madison, Alabama, Jeffery Moss played all four years of his career at Murray State.

In his first season, he played in 29 games averaging 21.4 minutes and 4.4 points.

He had four double-doubles.

In his second year, Moss set his career high with 21 points against Brescia on Nov. 12, finishing with 577 points over two seasons.

In his junior year, Moss finished ranking 22 in the OVC with 11.2 points, and with 37 steals, was ranked second on the team for number of steals. Stepping onto the court for the final time, Moss is the 43rd member of the 1,000-Point Club and was

March 3, 2016 honored by the late Bennie Purcell. Moss averaged his last season with 36.3 minutes per game and 14.5 points per game along with 4.2 rebounds. In his last game against UT Martin, Moss scored 33 points, shooting 8-for-11 from the 3-point line.

“When you invest your time into your craft, you’re going to get rewarded for that at the end of the day,” McMahon said. “And I think he’s worked relentlessly on his offensive game. He’s stepped up and been an outstanding defender for us this season so we’ve asked him to be second in the league in minutes played and he’s had to do it at both ends of the floor. You can make an argument that nobody’s had a more efficient OVC slate of the schedule.”

McMahon said one of the things he loves about coaching is the gift of watching someone invest their time into their sport and seeing the reward in the end.

“It’s very rewarding when you have a player who invests an incredible amount of time into becoming the best player they can be,” McMahon said.

Jenny Rohl/The News

The women’s basketball team runs onto the court after defeating No. 1 seed UT Martin 78-76 Wednesday in Nashville, Tennessee.

Jenny Rohl/The News

Head Coach Matt McMahon speaks to the Racers during Wednesday’s first round game against Eastern Illinois.

Track and Field finishes fourth in OVC Indoor Staff Report The Murray State track and field team finished its indoor season by finishing fourth in the OVC championships in Nashville, Tennessee, last weekend.

Murray State finished behind Tennessee State, Eastern Illinois and Eastern Kentucky.

Murray State track and field Head Coach Jenny Swieton said she wants the team to continue building on the positives and keep the momentum going into the outdoor season, which begins March 25 at Vanderbilt.

“We are glad we saw improvement this season but it is also important to remember we are not where we want to be yet,” Swieton said.

Swieton was also impressed by how well the freshmen handled their first conference championship and is ready for the next step into outdoor.

She said the focus for her team over the next few weeks will be how they can improve.

“In some ways the indoor championship is like taking a 100-level class and outdoor is the 200-level equivalent. We still have a lot to learn but we are ready for the step,” Swieton said.

Photo courtesy of Murray State Athletics

Murray State Track and Field competed in the OVC Indoor Championships in Nashville, Tennessee last weekend and placed fourth.

One and done

Farewell Kobe, farewell childhood

I turned 25 years old in May and ever since, I’ve told myself, “I’ll never be y o u n g again.”

To me, 24 years old Aaron Peck is the last Videographer year you can consider yourself young, because at 25 you’re halfway to 30.

The only thing I really have left of my childhood is Hulu reruns of “Hey Arnold!” my Space Jam pillow case (that I still use to this day) and a couple of my old favorite remaining NBA players that I like to root for, one of which is currently going through his farewell tour that passed through Memphis, Tennessee Feb. 24.

Kobe Bryant has easily been one of the most recognizable figures in sports since his rookie season in 1996, and when he finally says goodbye to the game of basketball on March 25, I’ll all but officially be saying goodbye to my childhood.

I was 6 years old when Kobe came into the league and all of my sports knowledge came from chants, cheers and regurgitated facts that I heard my father say.

Because of that, I was mostly exposed to the Eastern Conference.

Players like Reggie Miller of the Pacers, Patrick Ewing of the Knicks and, obviously, Michael Jordan of the Chicago Bulls dynasty were always on our TV. If it weren’t for Shaquille O’Neal starring in the cinematic classic “Kazaam,” where he played a rapping genie that lived in a boombox, it probably would’ve taken several more seasons before I discovered who Kobe Bryant was on my own. Because of “Kazaam,” I fell in love with Shaq and instantly began watching more Lakers games.

Just a few years later, Michael Jordan announced his second retirement, ending the Chicago Bulls dynasty and catapulting the new 19992002 version of the “Showtime Lakers,” led by Kobe and Shaq, into global stardom.

While I’ve never been a huge Kobe fan, I respect the legend. His stats speak for themselves as a generational talent. I don’t believe there will ever be another Kobe Bryant. The days of high-flying “Afro Kobe” are long gone, and you would be hard-pressed to find someone who has the “win at all costs” attitude that he lives by.

Kobe isn’t afraid to make enemies out of his own teammates if that’s what it takes to get their best performance.

Just ask Sash Vujacic, whom he elbowed in the chest at practice, telling him to “get his hands off” of him, in order to toughen him up.

Kobe started the game against Memphis by hitting his first shot, a three from the top of the key. He then followed that with three straight misses, one of which was a wide-open layup driving down the baseline. He followed his cold stretch with vintage Kobe moves that made nostalgic viewers like me wide-eyed and in awe. He posted up his defender and hit back-to-back turnaround jumpers from about 20 feet out. He was all but invisible for most of the game after that, playing with a dislocated index finger on his shooting hand; however, he did end the game hitting his final 3-pointer, the perfect ending for a fading star on a young team.

Long gone are the days of the Walkman. Long gone are the days of downloading music off LimeWire using dial-up Internet. Long gone are the days of me struggling to flirt with girls on AOL Instant Messenger. And soon enough, long gone will be the days of Kobe Bryant as an NBA player. Farewell childhood and farewell Kobe. apeck1@murraystate.edu

The News

Sports

March 3, 2016

3B

Baseball wins three games over Northern Illinois Mark McFarland

Assistant Sports Editor mmcfarland1@murraystate.edu

With the help of junior outfielder Brandon Gutzler, the Racers were able to win three of four games over Northern Illinois University last weekend. Murray State is second in the nation for runs scored with 91 and are behind Vanderbilt’s 92.

Murray State scored 71 runs in four games this weekend, giving up 44 to Northern Illinois. Twenty-nine of the 71 runs came in the series finale when the Racers won 29-16.

SUNDAY

The Racers and the Huskies combined for 42 runs in the final game of the series, as the Racers were able to come away with the win 29-16.

Both teams sent out a combined 11 pitchers and combined for 417 pitches thrown in the contest.

The Huskies trailed 19-16 after the seventh inning, but a 10-run eighth inning for the Racers sealed the victory.

Sophomore infielder Caleb Hicks and Gutzler combined to go 6-10 from the plate. Gutzler added three home runs and six RBIs. Gutzler won the Louisville Slugger National Player of the Week award for his ef-

forts this past week. He went 12-21 with 22 RBIs, five home runs and had a 1.429 slugging percentage. He also scored 10 runs and added three extra-base hits to go along with his five home runs.

SATURDAY In the first game of the doubleheader on Saturday, the Racers were able to scratch out a high-scoring win 15-12.

Senior right-handed pitcher Andrew Bramley started the game and could only get through 2.2 innings as he gave up six runs, with only two earned on six hits and two walks.

The Racers were down 11-0 going into the bottom of the fourth inning when they broke through and scored six runs. Freshman right-handed pitcher and infielder Jaron Robinson started the Racers off with a two-run home run, which brought junior left-handed pitcher and first baseman Jack Hranec around to score. Senior infielder Nick Moore doubled to bring sophomore infielder and catcher Kipp Moore in to score. Gutzler then hit his second home run of the series bringing junior infielder and outfielder Adam Bauer and Nick Moore to the plate to make the score 11-6 Huskies.

Nicole Ely/The News

Junior catcher and outfielder Tyler Lawrence tags a runner trying to score a run in the Racers 29-16 victory over Northern Illinois.

Murray State continued to hit the ball and brought home five runs in the bottom of the fifth inning after giving up one run in the top of the inning to make the score 12-11. Neither team would score again until the Racers put across three runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to secure the victory.

After two winning games for the weekend, the Racers confidence was up, until Northern Illinois was able to

win the second game of the doubleheader 12-10, out-hitting the Racers 17-14.

Despite giving up seven runs in the first inning, the Huskies were able to get their pitching under control as senior pitcher Ryan Olson came on to finish the first inning and would throw a total of 6.1 innings to earn himself the win.

Gutzler and junior catcher Tyler Lawrence were able to combine 6-9 from the plate and five RBI in the losing ef-

fort for the Racers. Hicks and junior first baseman Ramsey Scott went a combined 5-10 with two RBIs to follow Gutzler and Lawrence.

FRIDAY

Murray State defeated the Huskies 17-4 behind a fiverun first inning to get the bats working.

Gutzler started off the inning by bringing in junior outfielder Aaron Bence in to score on an RBI single. Law-

rence moved Gutzler to second base on a single to bring up Scott. Scott reached on an error by the Huskies which brought Gutzler around to score the second run of the game. Hicks came up and hit his first Division I home run to bring across three more runs in the bottom of the first inning.

The offense didn’t stop there as the Racers would go on to score 12 more runs in the game behind a six-run bottom of the fifth inning. Gutzler contributed a 3-5 day at the plate with seven RBIs, a home run and a double; while Hicks went 3-4 with four RBIs, a home run and a double on the day. Murray State got 18 hits in the game while only giving up nine to Northern Illinois.

Hranec pitched 5.3 innings, giving up four runs, though only two of them were earned. He gave up four hits and walked five batters in his winning effort. Freshman lefthanded pitcher Blake Clynes came in and pitched 3.2 innings giving up five hits and striking out three Husky batters in his relief effort.

Murray State will host Creighton this weekend for a three-game series starting on Friday. The Bluejays are 3-3 on the year following two series’ at Fresno State and Stetson.

Softball falls in three-game sweep Staff Report

Jenny Rohl/The News

Senior Megan Blue from Mississauga, Ontario hits the ball during her singles game Saturday.

Women sweep while men fall short Sarah Combs Staff writer

scombs8@murraystate.edu

Clara Firtos

Contributing writer cfirtos@murraystate.edu

The women’s tennis team improved its record to 3-3 on the season after defeating Lindsey Wilson 7-0 last weekend. The win snapped a threematch losing streak.

The men, meanwhile, lost their fifth match in a row to fall to 1-6 on the season.

WOMEN

The women’s tennis program, second in the OVC, had a point to prove this weekend at Kenlake after their threematch losing streak. The Racers beat Lindsey Wilson 7-0, winning the doubles point early and sweeping the singles matches.

“We just practiced even harder,” said Alina Schibol, junior from Hamburg, Germany.

“We really wanted this win.”

The Racers delivered the doubles point early on, giving them momentum for winning singles. Haily Morgan, freshman from Anthem, Arizona and Erin Patton, senior from Memphis, Tennessee set the tempo for the Racers winning

the first doubles match of the day 6-2. Jeanne Masson, freshman from Dinard, France and Schibol, followed suit with a 7-5 win in their doubles match guaranteeing the doubles point for the Racers.

Head Coach Jorge Caetano said the win wasn’t easy, but sometimes the tough games are the most beneficial.

“I think this weekend was all about being tougher mentally and knowing that how good they are and believing that they can beat any team,” Caetano said. “That was the main thing this weekend.”

Caetano has incorporated something he calls WIN, which is an acronym for What’s Important Now. Caetano hopes to push his team to focus on the present and what they are engaged in at that time.

“When they go to class, that’s the main important thing.

When they are doing homework, do homework,” Caetano said. “When they are on the tennis court, focus on tennis.”

Senior from Ontario, Canada Megan Blue won singles 6-2; freshman from Esbjerg, Denmark Amina Hadzic 7-6; Morgan 6-4; Patton 7-6; Schibol 8-5; Masson 6-5/retired.

The Racers match-up at 2 p.m. Sunday at Arkansas State, in Jonesboro, Arkansas.

MEN

Vanderbilt, the No. 45 team in the nation, handed the men’s tennis team its sixth loss of the season Friday, sweeping the doubles and singles matches.

The Racers’ first doubles team of Marcel Ueltzhoeffer, senior from Oftersheim, Germany, and David Schrott, freshman from Mannheim, Germany, lost 6-3.

Schrott said the referee made a bad call in the beginning of the match. Ueltzhoeffer and Schrott plan on practicing more with each other in hopes of improving as a duo.

“These really tough matches only prepare us for the OVC matches” said Javier Villar, freshman from Madrid.

Srdjan Trosic, sophomore from Novi Sad, Serbia, and Villar lost their doubles match 6-1.

The Racers’ third doubles team of Anjan Kashyab, junior form Tell City, India, and Will True, sophomore from Bowling Green, Kentucky, failed to win a game in their match.

“I need to keep my shots more deep and hit harder,” Kashyab said. “It’s always a tough match against these guys.”

The struggles against the nationally-ranked Commo-

dores continued in the singles matches.

Murray State’s No. 1 player, True, lost 6-1, 6-1, to Vanderbilt’s Daniel Valent, who is ranked No. 64 in the country.

Both Ueltzhoeffer and Trosic lost to their opponents 6-3, 6-1. Schrott later lost 6-2, 6-0.

And Vanderbilt players shut out Villar and Kashyab 6-0, 6-0.

Teammate David Hess, junior from Louisville, Kentucky, hasn’t played a match since Feb. 6 against the University of Kentucky because of personal reasons. His teammates are showing support by being there for him, and True said he will practice with him occasionally.

The men’s team also is coping with the death of Head Coach Mel Purcell’s father, Bennie Purcell, a Murray State basketball star and tennis coach.

“It was a shock when we found out Mel’s father had died,” Schrott said. “We had just seen him a week before.

We stand together as a team and we told them both (Purcell and Hess) we are here if they need any help.”

The Racers are scheduled to play at 9:30 a.m. March 4 at the University of Louisville.

Coming off a two-win weekend, the Racers got swept by Northwestern State.

This is the first weekend the Racers have seen a full series of games since previous weekends were cut short because of weather.

The Murray State softball team competed and fell short in Saturday’s doubleheader, finishing game one 6-2 and game two 5-0 and falling 1-0 in game three on Sunday.

“We did not do a good job of putting the entire package together this past weekend v e r s u s N o r t h western State,” said Head Amundson C o a c h K a r a Amundson.

SATURDAY

After going 2-0 last weekend at the Hilltopper Classic, the Racers lost the first game of the weekend 6-2.

Junior pitcher Mason Robinson said, the Racers wanted to come out strong and show that they are able to compete against good teams.

Murray State started the game with a 2-0 lead in the game, both runs coming from junior Jessica Twaddle, first baseman who scored off an error and RBI-single.

The Lady Demons then scored six unanswered runs for the 6-2 win.

Twaddle was 2-for-4 in the game.

Juniors Jocelynn Rodgers, catcher, and Mallory Young, center fielder, had one hit each.

Robinson gave up four runs on three hits with three walks and two strikeouts in five innings.

In game two, the Racers’ outcome was similar to the first game of the day, losing to Northwestern State 5-0.

The Racers managed five hits and stranded eight runners.

Twaddle doubled in the top of the fifth inning.

Young, senior infielder Shelbey Miller, junior second baseman Cayla Levins, left fielder and freshman catcher Madison Culver

each singled. But Northwestern State pitcher Shelby Sells spread the hits across her seven shutout innings.

Twaddle and senior infielder Erica Howard also had a walk.

Sophomore pitcher Haven Campbell took the loss in the shutout by allowing three runs on four hits with two walks and a strikeout through four innings.

SUNDAY

In game three on Sunday, Northwestern State slid past the Racers again with one run in the third inning. That would be enough for the Lady Demons, who won 1-0.

Northwestern State’s Sidney Salmans doubled with one out. Salmans scored after Jordan Rains and Kellye Kincannon hit back-toback singles.

The Racers only had a total of four hits in game three but had six base runners in the game who could not get across the plate.

Young supplied the most offense for the Racers going 2-for-3 with two doubles.

Levins and Twaddle each had one hit.

Robinson, pitching on back-to-back days, gave up all of the Lady Demons’ five hits and the run. She struck out two and walked one in the loss.

“We only had one less hit that NSU on the weekend, but the results show a much different series than only a one-hit difference,” Amundson said.

T h e R a c e r s m a t c h e d Northwestern State for hits throughout the weekend, only missing the one and taking advantage of their runs and stopping Northwestern State.

“I am looking for us to compete from start to finish throughout the weekend, regardless of our opponent,” Amundson said. “If we can compete and improve on last weekend, then we are moving in a good direction to continue to prepare us for a solid run in the OVC Conference.”

Friday and Saturday the Racers head to Auburn, Alabama Friday and Saturday at the 2016 Wilson/DeMarini Classic where they will face Auburn, Indiana, Georgia State and Bryant. On Thursday the Racers will play a pre-classic game against the No. 3 Tigers.

The News

Sports

4B

March 3, 2016

Cousins who play together stay together Sarah Combs

Staff writer

scombs8@murraystate.edu

Chemistry is something every team aims for. It’s a dynamic of cohesion that every team strives for, hopes to establish and should have perfected come tournament time.

A team’s success can be attributed to their chemistry or lack thereof.

It’s the moment everything and everyone “just clicks,” and that is exactly what senior forward Kyra Gulledge and freshman forward Abria Gulledge have done.

The duo grew up playing basketball together in rural Mississippi.

They played together in high school and AAU, winning two State Championships at H.W. Byers High School.

Having that much experience with one another radiates chemistry, and in basketball, good chemistry is being able to know exactly where the other will be at any given time on the court and knowing each other’s strengths and weaknesses, allowing their game to flow and “just click.”

Developing that kind of chemistry can take years for new teammates, but it’s an obstacle the Gulledge cousins didn’t need to overcome.

“We’ve gotten a lot of comments and feedback about when we are on the court together,” Kyra said.

“She particularly knows how to get the ball into me. And I knew where to find her on the 3-point line to get her shots open.”

As far as rivalry, Kyra and Abria resemble the competitive nature of sisters, taking it back to hiding their cereal box prize from each other so they wouldn’t have to share.

On holidays, the two won’t tell the other what presents they asked for because they don’t want the other to get the same thing.

Golf finishes below par on the weekend in Arizona Staff Report

Nicole Ely/The News

Nicole Ely/The News

Freshman forward Abria Gulledge directs Murray State players.

Although they are not blood related, they have developed a relationship that has helped them come together on the court.

Abria might have a slight advantage regarding college.

Having an older cousin who has been there and done that can come in handy when college life becomes overwhelming.

However, it’s a two-edged sword: Kyra makes sure to be the first one to let Abria know if she’s slacking or if Kyra thinks she’s capable of a better performance.

Although this is Kyra’s last year of eligibility on the court, she is excited to be able to spend it with her teammates and younger cousin.

Kyra expects her team to make it through the OVC Tournament and her ultimate goal is to win a championship and put Murray State women’s basketball on the map.

“It was great to have her to play with for my last year,” Kyra said. “I was really excited about that.”

Kyra graduates in May with

Senior forward Kyra Gulledge drives to the basket in Saturday’s loss to UT Martin. a degree in Human Services.

She has played in 26 games averaging 26 minutes per game with 7.5 points per game. She shot 54 percent from the field, 73 percent from the free throw line and pulling down 8.6 rebounds per game.

The two will finish out the season together and enjoy Kyra’s last few months on campus.

Abria plans to learn what she can from her older cousin, and, in some situations, what feels like an older sister.

Abria has played in 21 games, averaging 16 minutes per game with 6.7 points per game. She shot 35 percent from the field, 33 percent from the arc and 70 percent from the free throw line. Her season-high was 19 points in their first meeting with UT Martin.

The Racers, 7-9 in the OVC and take on first place UT Martin, 14-2 in the OVC this week in the first round of the OVC Tournament at the Municipal Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee.

The Murray State Men’s Golf Team finished in the middle of the pack Tuesday at the Snowman Getaway in Goodyear, Arizona.

Seventeen teams competed in the event with the Racers wrapping up the final round in a tie for eighth with a score of 286-293-284 for a total of 863.

Murray State fell behind after the second round but rebounded with a team score of 284 on Tuesday.

The final day was one to remember for Gabe Wheeler, f r e s h man from Sikeston, Missouri, getting his first hole-in -one during a competitive round.

Preston French, seWheeler nior from Lexington, Kentucky, finished Tuesday with a 66. French tied for the third lowest score on the final day of competition. At the end of play, French had climbed into the top 15 and finished in a tie for 13th.

Brock Simmons, senior from Murray, scored 7570-71 for a 216. Duncan McCormick, senior from Morganfield, Kentucky, shot an opening round 71 but ended the tournament with a 76 for a score of 221. Jared Gosser, senior from Russell Springs, Kentucky, finished 73-75-74 for a 222 to tie Wheeler for 61st place.

The team has a weekend off before March 14-15 when it heads to Jackson, Tennessee, for the Grover Page Classic hosted by UT Martin.

March 3, 2016

5B

The News

Features Editor: Connor Jaschen Assistant Features Editor: Gisselle Hernandez Phone: 270-809-5871 Twitter: MSUNewsFeatures

Features ­

Up all night for big sums St. Jude raised record amount of money at Murray State

Gisselle Hernandez

Assistant Features Editor ghernandez1@murraystate.edu

While a typical Friday night in a college town does not usually consists of shaving heads, duct taping torsos or dancing silently to “Macarena,” this was the experience 100 students faced on Friday night through Saturday morning.

For six hours, Redbull-fueled students donated their time by participating in St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital “Up ‘til Dawn” charity event. After raising $600 each, 16 teams were invited to stay up all night in honor of children diagnosed with cancer.

Succeeding its two previous annual events, this year’s “Up ‘til Dawn” raised more than $27,000 – the most it has ever raised, said Ventara Dillon, regional outreach representative for St. Jude.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s aim is to advance cures and means of prevention without having parents pay for their child’s treatment. The budgeted daily operating cost of running the hospital is $2 million, with 75 percent of the budget covered by donations. Events like “Up ‘til Dawn” are hosted so parents don’t have to worry about how their child’s medical bills will be paid.

“The reason we do it [all night] is that we feel St. Jude parents stay up all night worrying whether their kids will survive,” Dillon said. “So, we want students to come together and stand alongside our families by staying up all night.”

Kicking off at midnight in Racer Arena, the ceremony began with guest speaker 20-year-old Kristina Hunsucker from Memphis, Tennessee, who was diagnosed with Metastatic Ewing’s Sarcoma two years ago. She shared her experience of battling cancer, which she said had “entered her life without permission.” Her story moved some students to tears, as her optimism urged students to appreciate the life they have.

“Scars are just tattoos for better stories,” she said.

After receiving a standing ovation for her speech, six male students said goodbye to their locks as Hunsucker shaved their heads in honor of cancer patients who lose their hair through chemotherapy. The volunteers were

Murray State student breaks into semifinal round for international opportunity Connor Jaschen || Features Editor cjaschen@murraystate.edu

Having taught in France, lived in London and had breakfast in Quebec, Bryant Powell, senior from Mayfield, Kentucky, now sets his sight on the Fulbright Program, one of the highest honors in academic scholarships offered across the country.

Powell said learning about his push into the semi-finalist round of the application process sent him into overdrive.

“I was thrilled,” Powell said in a press release.

“Totally amped up and ready to start the next round.”

Fulbright scholarship alumni range from writers to heads of state, with 54 Fulbright alumni having won Nobel Prizes and 82 having won Pulitzer Prizes, according to the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

Now, a Racer is hoping to break into those ranks.

Powell, who was originally an English major, is no stranger to prestigious scholarships and programs. He has already been named a McNair Scholar, an award granted to first-generation college students for graduate studies.

Andy Black, professor of English and philosophy, worked with Powell as a mentor for the McNair scholarship. In regards to Powell, Black said what set this student apart was a great work ethic and the ability to take a chance when he sees it.

“I think it reflects well even that he’s made it to this semi-finalist round because that’s kind of an honor in itself,” Black said.

Black also went with Powell to the Mid-Atlantic Pop and American Culture Association confer-

see ST. JUDE, 6B

The 1975 make old school appeal modern

Going for the Fulbright

see FULBRIGHT, 6B

Emily Harris/The News

Nick Erickson || Staff writer nerickson@murraystate.edu

British alternative rock band The 1975 knows how to affect an audience on a large scale. Facing high expectations from their platinum-reaching debut record, the group’s newest effort is anything but a sophomore slump. Looking past the clunky, 16word title, “I Like It When You Sleep, For You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware Of It,” one will find a 75-minute trip in a time machine back to the ’80s. Everything one would visualize: neon-drenched aesthetic, bombastic synth and guitar, groovy disco-esque bass lines, and bold lyricism. The 1975 proves that talented individuals can write mainstream-accessible music, all without losing any of their own charm in the process.

Charismatic frontman Matthew Healy unleashes his full vocal potential on this entire record without letting up. His lyrics can be tonguein-cheek at times, leaving room

for interpretation. Reminiscent of the timbre of the late David Bowie, Healy’s singing will send chills down the spines of listeners globally. One can feel the passion put forth into the conception of each verse and melody. However, this is not to say his other three bandmates do not equally shine.

Opening the record with a track sharing the name of the band, “The 1975” is a minute-and-a-half of atmospheric strings and subtle piano, followed subtly by a choir and the low register of Healy’s voice. It’s soothing, and a genius way to introduce listeners to the album.

Following shortly is “Love Me,” which is a cheeky nod toward today’s generation’s obsession with popularity. Healy sings of how society idolizes celebrities, and one can almost feel the edge in the well-constructed lyrics, “You’ve got a beautiful face but got nothing to say.”

Healy cries out, “You look famous, let’s be friends.” The main guitar

line, courtesy of Adam Hann, brings to mind licks one would find in the Talking Heads catalog. It’s groovy, and packs enough punch and synth layers to please any fan of a fun, retro throwback.

The biggest thing that makes The 1975 stand out among other acts is their ability to write “feel-good” music that everyone can dance to, even when subject matter for the song would be deemed darker. This is proven by the track “UGH!” Healy touches upon his past struggles with cocaine addiction, but this song does not show a slight bit of self-pity, and Ross MacDonald’s bass groove is anything but dreary. Singing about personal struggles has never felt so uplifting.

Track 7, “Please Be Naked,” might sound like the start of a sexual number, but it is far from it. Driven by a light piano start, this hauntingly-beautiful instrumental track shows an even softer side to the band.

Arguably the most upbeat on the

record, “The Sound,” features a piercing synth line and the signature, make-you-nod-your-head drums of George Daniel. Healy’s way with words shines here more than ever, as he confesses he is happy about the end of a sour relationship with a girl who didn’t understand his ways.

Closing with an unexpected acoustic track, “She Lays Down,” Healy draws a tear on the listener’s face as he sings of his mother’s depression over soft guitar arpeggios. It’s a beautiful ending to a gargantuan 17track album.

The next big band is here, and they’re showing no signs of slowing.

“I Like It When You Sleep…” is as hyperactive and flamboyant as they present themselves onstage, without ever overdoing the act. With its ’80s influences, satisfying instrumentation and ever-emotional lyrics, it’s clear to see that The 1975 is becoming more than just another arena band. Meet The Cure of the 21st century.

High school band festival marches on to campus Taylor Inman || Staff writer tinman1@murraystate.edu

Murray State’s Music Department hosted its annual Quad-State Senior High Band festival last weekend, which brought hundreds of aspiring high school musicians to campus to learn from Murray State’s most qualified teachers and veteran saxophonist and clinician Lynn Klock, who also performed as a guest soloist.

The festival held three performances over their three-day music festival, a performance by Murray State’s Jazz Band on Thursday, Murray State’s Wind Ensemble with Klock on Friday and the high school honor bands’ performances on Saturday.

Dennis Johnson, director of bands and orchestra, said it’s not easy to get into this program. The high school students have to be nominated to even audition, but they have a good reason for working so hard to be there.

“It’s the tradition; it’s probably one of the oldest, continuous-running festivals in the south,” Johnson said. “So I think it has a strong reputa-

tion with students and band directors who know the quality of the program.”

The program separates high school band students into four different honor bands through an audition process: The Symphony Band, Blue Band, Gold Band and White Band. QuadState has only grown in the past years. So much so that Johnson said there used to only be three honor bands when he started teaching at Murray State.

“We were having 70 schools here; that kind of limits how many from a school can participate,” Johnson said. “We heard from band directors that they had many more students sitting at home that would have benefited from this. So we decided to expand this so more students could take part.”

Allison Kidd, senior at Marshall County High School, played clarinet in QuadState’s White Band. She said that it’s not an easy feat to get to Quad-State.

“First you have to be good enough to be suggested and then if you get picked you have to work hard for your audition,” Kidd said. “If you place well, your hard work

paid off.”

Guest soloist Klock, a professor of saxophone at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, uses his performance-driven background and work ethic to teach his students about music, constantly playing with his students to help teach them.

“I think it’s for the advantage of my students that they see me working as hard as I do. I think it would be great if every teacher had an outlet to perform themselves,” Klock said. “It’s real easy to say you should practice, but it’s hard work. There’s something about the director making music themselves that makes it more part of the art.”

Klock has frequently toured as a soloist and with symphonic bands, he’s performed in venues as large as Carnegie Hall. He said that being part of something bigger than yourself is good for students.

“Making music and being parts of those sounds; generally, you can be part of a high-quality musical experience when you’re with a lot of people, cause it’s not just on you to play,” Klock said.

“Experiencing things at a high quality level is one of the best

Nahiomy Gallardo/The News

Conductor Timothy Rhea leads the Symphony Band during this last weekend’s festivities. things that can happen to any student.”

Johnson said that concert band can be put in the same category as sports when it comes to achieving success as a group.

“It’s a way that they can participate in a group and achieve success,” Johnson said. “When it comes to music, you enter events that are judged and you

go to those and have success as an ensemble, you don’t simply go out and play solos. The ensemble is as good as their players and conductors.”

Johnson introduced Klock to Murray State’s Wind Ensemble at a Thursday afternoon rehearsal. The band listened intently as the two professionals bounced back and forth about hard work and

their experiences in concert band.

But then their work talk devolved into funny memories and stories that made the entire ensemble laugh. And from that moment it was just what everyone in the room knew so well: band.

Johnson laughed and stepped up on the podium, “Hey, let’s make some music.”

The News

Features

6B FRIDAY

THURSDAY

SATURDAY

March 3, 2016

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

7:30 p.m.

Junior/Senior Voice Recital, Old Fine Arts Building

5:00 p.m.

Murray Art Guild Exhibit, Murray Art Guild

7:00 p.m.

Beasley Scholarship Banquet, Curris Center

7:30 p.m.

Slide Advantage Recital, Old Fine Arts Center

12:00 p.m.

Shakespeare Flash Mob: Killing Caesar and the Shakespeare Chili Pepper Challenge, Curris Center

4:00 p.m.

Women’s Faculty Caucus, Clara M. Eagle Gallery

12:00 p.m.

Pet Therapy, Curris Center

Past president, broadcaster return for ‘Significant Sig’

Da’Sha Tuck

Staff writer

dtuck@murraystate.edu

The Epsilon Tau Chapter of Sigma Chi awarded two alumni with the highest honor their organization has to offer: The Significant Sig Award.

More than one hundred alumni made it back to Murray State’s campus to catch up with old pledge brothers as well as new members.

The homecoming weekend began with a dinner and award ceremony.

NOMINATING A SIGNIFICANT SIG

“We have some alumni from Murray State who have gone out and done things that have distinguished them in their chosen professional careers, and the purpose of this event is to show recognition,” said Mike Maxwell, former chapter adviser.

An alumnus who has done outstanding work in his profession or in service work is eligible for the award. The alumnus must be nominated by another alumnus or an active undergraduate brother.

The process begins with a completed nomination form, which includes a resumé and a summary of the nominee’s credentials.

Chapter adviser Chris Chandler said this award is about honoring brothers of Sigma Chi who have continued being involved in service and greatness after graduation.

Many well-known people have been recipients of the Significant Sig award. Those include, but are not limited to, Brad Pitt, John Wayne and Luke Bryan.

DESERVING THE RECOGNITION

Murray State’s Epsilon Tau Chapter added two outstanding alumni to the exclusive list of Significant Sigs during the homecoming weekend.

Tim Miller, the 12th president of Murray State, and Gabe Hobbs, a radio broadcaster, were awarded the

FULBRIGHT From Page 5B ence, where Powell presented an undergraduate paper – even though the conference was geared towards senior scholars.

Being a first-generation college student hasn’t seemed to slow Powell down, Black said.

Instead, Powell has based his collegiate career off of seeking out opportunities to make up for the seeming lack of chances some students face.

“I think it’s remarkable,” Black said. “Rather than saying, you know, ‘I’m from this small town and I’m just going to stay there,’ he is seeing the world.”

Black, who Powell said had been the one pushing him towards the Fulbright application, recognized the difference in what Powell has done for his own education compared to the ‘just-go-to-class’ philosophy many students cling to.

McKenna Dosier/The News

Tim Miller, left, and Gabe Hobbs, right, recieved the Significant Sig Award last weekend.

Significant Sig Award.

Miller graduated from Murray State in 1966 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He has served as chairman of the accounting department and was made the 12th president of Murray State after serving as interim president before President Bob Davies’ selection.

Miller said he was thrilled to be surrounded by so many of his Sigma Chi brothers and he was honored to receive the Significant Sig award.

Since leaving Murray State, Hobbs has had a successful 35-plus year career in radio specializing in news and talk radio.

Hobbs has been involved in several different radio shows such as the Rush Limbaugh Program, the Glenn Beck Show and Trumped with Donald Trump.

In his career, he has been named one of the top 10 corporate radio programmers in America as well as top 10 media consultant in America.

Hobbs said he enjoys working with talent and that has allowed him to help launch careers in talk radio

“I think what Bryant has done is taken ownership of his education in a way that he finds these opportunities, and he’s grabbed hold of them,” Black said.

Black’s advice to other students who may not feel like they have the same opportunities was simple: Go and find them.

When a student sees a study abroad flier or an organization advertisement they may otherwise turn down, Black said to at least check it out. This can put students in contact with teachers who can help, setting up personal and professional relationships that Powell took advantage of getting to where he is today.

For a small, regional college like Murray State, success stories from small towns, like Powell’s, are lessons to be learned for the rest of the student body, Black said.

“The lesson, I think, is something that you want to do, find a way to do it,” Black said. “But don’t think you have to do it all by yourself.”

CORRECTION On Thursday, Feb. 25, The Murray State News printed an error in the article, “Zeta Phi Beta Ball returns to campus.”

The article incorrectly printed a headshot labeled as Zeta Phi Beta’s president, Chelsea Tyler, though the picture was not of the Tyler quoted in the story.

The News regrets the error.

See an error? Email us at murraystatenews@icloud.com.

for many people.

As Hobbs accepted his Significant Sig Award, he credited Sigma Chi for taking the boy he was and turning him into a successful man.

ST. JUDE From Page 5B those who had participated in the change wars ongoing earlier in the week. Students cheered as the students sat awaiting their turn with the electric razor.

The opening ceremony led to the students’ first challenge of the night – creating a flag out of a pillowcase and markers.

In the second challenge, students played adult Hungry Hungry Hippos, with students showing their competitive side as they skated across the court to rush for plastic balls. Another challenge was a duct tape fashion show where teams crafted an outfit out of colorful duct tape onto a willing team member.

One of the more popular challenges was the silent disco that provided headphones with three different channels to each student, allowing each individual to listen to a song of their choice. Students dancing to their own beat flooded the court, moving in silence except for the music filling their ears.

As the hours ticked by, students completed challenge after challenge with snacks and pizza offered during breaks. There was also a St. Louisan artist who sketched caricatures versions of students for free.

While many participated for the sake of giving back, some, like Dan-

iela Callejas, junior from Sogamoso, Colombia, had a more personal connection to the philanthropy. Callejas and her team sported a blue and red “superman” shirt. She said the particular uniform honored her 8-year-old cousin, Sergito, who died of leukemia soon after her decision to participate in “Up ‘til Dawn.”

“As a result of my personal tragedy, my desire to participate grew,” she said.

“We used a superhero shirt because I believe every child that goes through this somehow teaches us how strong a child has to be while battling cancer.”

Yawns and drowsy eyes became more prominent as 4:30 a.m. rolled around, with students finishing the last challenge of the morning – a lip-sync battle fueled by bagels. The closing ceremonies began at 5 a.m., and awards were given out to top Fundraising Team, Top Fundraising Individual and Challenge Winner.

Lambda Chi Alpha won Challenge Winner and each individual received gift cards donated by local businesses.

Callejas won Top Fundraising Individual and her team, MSU Rotaract, an on-campus organization, won Top Fundraising Team. She expressed her gratitude to Murray State for hosting such an important fundraising event.

“I received many positive rewards for my efforts,” Callejas said. “But none as great as the joy I felt knowing that the money raised at this event will help so many children and their families.”

LIVING UP TO THE SIGMA CHI STANDARD Maxwell said there is a standard to being a Sigma Chi. He said a Sigma Chi man is his brother’s keeper, accountable and has risk awareness.

Through this event, Maxwell said, he hopes Murray State and the community sees that there are members of Greek Life that are doing good things.

Maxwell said he hopes the active members of Sigma Chi continue to grow in their brotherhood while upholding the Standard of a Sigma Chi. “I hope that active members see that what we create is not just an experience that ends at four years,” Hobbs said. “You can still have relationships through the fraternity that you can count on in every sector of your life and at the end of the day, that’s what being in a fraternity is all about.”

Emily Harris/The News

Eventgoers bought shirts and other items in order to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Fashion show caps off the month Brianna Willis || Staff writer bwillis2@murraystate.edu

The combination of February being designated Black History Month and the historic anniversary of desegregation on campus created the perfect conditions for celebrations to be held all month.

From Martin Luther King III’s Presidential Lecture, to the Black Student Council holding a Valentine’s Day Mixer and a Black Lives Matter panel hosted by the National Pan-Hellenic Council, February has been a time of great reflection.

Black History Month as a concept was created in 1926 by historian Carter G. Woodson as “Negro History Week.” Purposefully chosen to take place in February, as it coincided with Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass’ birthdays.

In 1976, it moved from a week to an entire month dedicated to the celebration of black history. Now, Black History Month is celebrated in other countries, such as Canada, which celebrated its 20th anniversary of adopting Black History Month this year.

During Martin Luther King III’s Presidential Lecture, he touched on this milestone and the progress, and rooms for improvement, the nation has faced. On a local level, he encouraged students to find something they were passionate about and be a change maker.

He talked about racism he felt as a child and racism that can still be felt today. However, he was confident in this generation’s ability to affect change.

The National Pan-Hellenic Council hosted a panel discussion over the Black Lives Matter movement and racism in theory and practice. Ivy Anderson, senior from Memphis Tennessee, said that she is passionate about the movement and decided to attend

the panel.

“I went because I was sitting in the Office [of Multicultural Affairs] and heard students discussing the panel and I really care about this movement so I went,” she said.

The discussion began with a conversation about institutionalized racism, then moved into topics such as “Do you experience racism on campus?” and “Is there a solution to combating racism?”

The final event celebrating Black History in February was held on Feb. 26 in the Curris Center Dance Lounge. Kiara Austin, senior from San Antonio hosted a “Through the Decades” fashion show, with the support of the Office of Multicultural Affairs.

Austin said the concept just came to her as she was going about her day. She said she saw on LinkedIn, a professional networking site, if you continue to think about something, just do it. Austin said she couldn’t let go of the idea so she approached S.G. Carthell, senior director of diversity initiatives, with her idea of a fashion show and he proposed incorporating it into the itinerary to celebrate the 60th school year since desegregation.

“Everybody likes to express themselves through clothes,” she said. “I think seeing what people used to wear and how people expressed themselves back then compared to now is intriguing to people.”

At the fashion show, Austin, who both planned and emceed the event, presented a fact about each decade. Models walked the runway, displaying personality not only through clothes but through their moves down the runway.

Some danced, some strutted and some struck fierce poses at the end of the runway before walking back.

Emily Harris/The News

Taty Baker struts across the runway during the ‘Across he Decades’ fashion show.

Nostalgia filled the air as music from each decade echoed throughout the room, keeping time with the models as they strutted across the runway. The entire event ran smoothly, with seamless transitions from decade to decade. A large screen projected images of the decade’s number in a pattern fitting of the era. The entire night was full of laughter, support and comradery. Audience members cheered on models as they sashayed; many took photos or clapped for their favorites.

During the show, there were two musical interludes, one an original rap performance titled “Conflict” from Darrian Dorrough, with background vocals from Alexandria Smith, and the other being Imani Oliver sang an acoustic cover of “A Change Is Gonna Come,” originally performed by Sam Cooke.

Austin said that celebrating these decade milestones and having events like the fashion show are important.

“We [African American students] don’t make up a large percentage of the student population, and events like these keep us from getting lost in the crowd,” she said.

“This is an important milestone for us, and we want to celebrate it.”

However, Austin said that it is important for not only students of color to participate in these events, but for white students as well. Though the audience at the fashion show was comprised mostly of students of color, there were white students in attendance.

“It would be nice to have more events geared toward diversity,” Austin said. “Geared toward us, but for all students to come out and learn something or gain a new perspective on something.”

The News

Features

March 3, 2016

7B Just So You Know

Pop Culture Corner

MOVIE REVIEW ‘How to Be Single’ or How to be mediocre?

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Dakota Johnson (left) and Rebel Wilson (right) party as single women in the new comedy “How to Be Single.”

Rom-Com lacking in originality makes up for it through hilarious acting Adam Winn || Staff writer awinn@murraystate.edu

Photo courtesy of www.thesun.co.uk

R.I.P. to Leo Internet memes It finally happened. It only took six Oscar nominations, eating raw bison liver and sleeping inside an animal carcass, but Leonardo DiCaprio finally won an Oscar for Best Actor in “The Revenant.”

After 20 years of constant disappointment, the Internet gave birth to a stream of memes of Leo not winning an Oscar despite fans arguing his acting warranted a few.

On Sunday night, when Leo sprinted up that stage at the 88th Academy Awards for his longawaited award, the Internet imploded. Fans across the globe burst into tears, victory danced and there was even a viral video of someone setting a teddy bear on fire because of their excitement.

Here is to the end of an era of Oscar-lacking Leo memes. Now we can’t say we have the same number of Oscars as Leo anymore.

“How to Be Single” is a new film that tries to jump on the bandwagon with other female ensemble comedies, such as “Bridesmaids” and “Pitch Perfect.”

While this film contains its fair share of comedic moments and decent performances, it ultimately fails to provide anything innovative or original that separates it from the rest of the standard rom-coms produced nowadays.

This film, much like the title says, is about being single and how people don’t need a significant other in order to complete themselves. It tells the story of several different women exploring the single lifestyle. The story primarily centers on a woman named Alice (Dakota Johnson) who, after graduating college, decides to take a break from her long-time boyfriend Josh (Nicholas Braun) so she can “figure out who she is” and moves to New York City.

Not long after arriving, she takes a job as a paralegal at a prestigious law firm and becomes friends with her coworker Robin (Rebel Wilson). Robin, however, is a non-stop party girl and

spends her time bouncing between bars night after night. She decides to take Alice under her wing and begins teaching her the ways of being single, which apparently includes tons of alcohol, parties and one-night stands.

Alice’s single, older sister Meg (Leslie Mann), whose apartment Alice has been crashing at, doesn’t approve of her younger sister’s newfound party habits but still supports her regardless. Alice finally tries to figure out if she’s just biding her time between relationships or if there’s actually much more to being single than just a string of hook-ups and disappointments.

As a whole, the film felt very disjointed and kept bouncing around between different storylines. It also consistently made unnecessary time jumps, which caused the audience to get confused as to how much time has transpired between events.

The movie also contained a lot of needless supporting actors such as Lucy and David, played respectively

by Alison Brie and Damon Wayans Jr. While these two individual characters bring their own unique presence to the film, they actually serve no real purpose and could have easily been written out of the script and it wouldn’t

have affected the overall plot.

The running time for the movie is just under two hours long, and while it wasn’t too dreadfully lengthy, some of the scenes could have been deleted or shortened and it would have made the film much more enjoyable to sit through.

One of the most entertaining things about this picture was the solid, comedic acting performances by the entire cast. All of the actors did the best they could with the parts they were given, which helps to elevate the film above its obvious storytelling flaws.

The performance that stuck out the most was that of the boozy, party girl Robin. She owned every scene that her character was in and is certain to have the viewer trying to hold back laughter.

If theatergoers are looking for an R-rated comedy movie that has thought-out performances, some commendable comedy and contains a light-hearted, decent plot, then this is a good flick to check out. On the other hand, if the audience is looking to see something that is unique and contains non-stop laughter, the viewer would be better off watching a movie like “Deadpool.”

You’re Not Alone I n honor of the Career Fair that took place on Wednesday, I’d like to talk about the dreaded six-worded Gisselle Hernandez q u e s t i o n Assistant Features all seniors cower at Editor that makes their eyes widen in fear: “What are you doing after graduation?” If you want to see a college student go 100 to 0 real quick, just hit them with this question and watch them scramble for an explanation that won’t earn judgmental stares from nosy aunts and worried parents.

I’m here to tell all of you who run for the hills as soon as the subject comes up that, contrary to popular belief, no, you don’t have to have everything figured out by graduation. As a 20-something, deciding on that one career where your student loans’ worth will be put to the test isn’t something that should cause your anxiety to worsen or make you obsess over perfecting those grades.

When students come in as freshmen, graduation may be the last thing on their minds – hatchings leaving the nest, their eager minds expect four years of partying and living on their own with the worry about jobs and internships later.

As that time slowly approaches, it’s like a time bomb has been set in place. Thanksgiving Breaks usually result in you avoiding your grandparents who keep asking about your future career, or parents giving you that look of “your time is running out.” Students become high-strung on the concept that once they get out, they need to know exactly what they want to do for the rest of their lives.

But as people get older, they change, and so will their likes and dislikes. A major you thought you were perfect for in college might bore you later on when you finally get in a job in that field.

College is meant to mold you, sand your edges, thrusting you into the “real world,” ready to show off your skills and talent. That doesn’t mean you are a finished work.

Once you begin experiencing your knowledge hands-on (after taking time to get to know yourself better), you might realize it wasn’t what you always wanted. If you liked just one specific field in your entire life, you would be pretty boring. Once you leave here, you have much more sanding to go through, so expect losing interest in some things and gaining in others. Figuring things out takes time; it’s impossible to think that once you have left the box you were in for four years, it will encompass the entire 60 years left out in the world for you to explore.

So, instead of having an existential crisis right before graduation, take comfort in knowing it’s OK to have no idea what you’re doing, especially if you realize what you studied wasn’t the major you thought was for you. You aren’t the only one; thousands of students can sympathize with you.

So, whenever someone asks you that question again, it’s more than likely they don’t know what they’re going to do with their life either.

If by some miracle they have everything figured out, who needs overachieving friends anyway? ghernandez1@murraystate.edu

Out this week

Read It

“Love, Loss and What We Ate”

by Padma Lakshmi

See It

“Whiskey Tango Foxtrot”

Hear It

“More Rain”

by M. Ward

Rent It

“The Danish Girl”

Play It

“Heavy Rain & Beyond: Two Souls Collection

8B

The News

March 3, 2016