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February 6, 2020 | Vol. 94, No. 17

Coronavirus halts student’s study abroad Addison Watson Staff Writer awatson25@murraystate.edu

Following a Level 4 Travel Advisory to China issued by the U.S. State Department, one Murray State student had to scramble to re-enroll in classes on campus after having to cancel her study abroad plans.

Elizabeth Erwin, junior from Crestwood, Kentucky, is a double major in public relations and international studies with a focus on Asia.

Erwin had already enrolled in her spring and summer semesters in China before the newly discovered respiratory illness, novel coronavirus, spread rampantly throughout the country.

As of press time, more than 24,000 people have become infected with coronavirus.

Over 3,000 of those cases have been deemed severe and nearly 500 people have died, according to the World Health Organization.

According to the Center for Disease Control, common human coronaviruses usually cause mild to moderate upper-respiratory tract illnesses, like the common cold.

Officials say most people contract a coronavirus at some point in their lives.

According to the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, the virus originated from animals but is now being transported by human contact.

For Erwin, the coronavirus outbreak meant she would not be able to study at Qingdao Agricultural University in the Shandong Province of China. She would have been the first Murray State student to spend an entire semester at QAU. It wouldn’t have been Erwin’s first trip to China. She discovered her love for the Asian culture during a twoweek study abroad trip in May 2018.

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see CORONAVIRUS page 4 Jillian Rush/The News

Elizabeth Erwin canceled her study abroad trip after the coronavirus outbreak in China.

Morant cements Murray State legacy Gage Johnson Sports Editor gjohnson17@murraystate.edu

Gage Johnson/The News

Two years, two OVC Championships, two NCAA Tournament appearances, a Lute Olson award, a Bob Cousy award and an OVC Player of the Year award later, Ja Morant’s jersey is now hanging amongst other Racer greats in the rafters of the CFSB Center.

As Murray State men’s basketball led 35-26 into the second half, fans remained in the seats waiting for the

main event—Morant’s jersey retirement.

Once again Morant, along with his family, drew massive applause from a sea of Murray State fans donning the No. 12.

Arguably the best rookie in the NBA, Morant said it was amazing to see so many people wear his jersey, just like he did with some of his idols as a kid.

“It’s special,” Morant said.

“It’s definitely surreal almost, growing up having a favorite player and wearing that jersey and now I have people out here wearing my jersey.”

After a tribute video, Head Coach Matt McMahon, his former teammates and Racer Nation erupted as Morant’s banner unrolled next to none other than the all-time fifth-leading scorer Isaiah Canaan’s.

After a moving speech from McMahon, Morant took the microphone to address the crowd. He fought back tears while joking that nobody on the Racer sideline could wear his number.

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see MORANT page 7

Murray State athletics retired Ja Morant’s #12 jersey on Feb. 1

News Opinion Sports Features

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Students rally together for St. Jude fundraiser

University continues to outsource

Racers get help from bench play

Career Services puts on fashion show

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News

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February 6, 2020

Lauren Morgan/The News

Students participate in the No More Cancer Rally for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital to raise money for St. Jude Up ‘til Dawn.

Students rally together at St. Jude fundraiser Sarah Mead Staff Writer smead@murraystate.edu On Tuesday, Feb. 4, Murray St ate hosted the No More Cancer Rally for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to end childhood cancer.

Tuesday marked the 58th anniversary of the hospital’s founding. In those 58 years, the hospital has increased cancer sur vival rates from 20 percent to 80 percent.

Students gathered in the Mason Hall Auditorium to have a fun evening and to raise money for the fight against childhood cancer.

The No More Cancer Rally is a prelude to the campus’ main fundraising event, St. Jude Up ‘til Dawn. “ T h e N o M o re C a n c e r Rally is a way for our registered participants of St. Jude Up ‘til Dawn to raise their $100 so they can attend the event on Feb. 21-22,” said Kelsey Hatley, executive director of St. Jude Up ‘til Dawn event. “It [is] a way of reaching other people via social media and emails to donate to our school-wide goal that may have not seen it otherwise.”

Students engaged in fundraising challenges to receive points and ear n prizes. They tracked their points and fundraising dollars through the St. Jude fundraising app.

“The purpose of the No More Cancer Rally for the school is a fun way to raise your [money],” said Lauren Morgan, public relations director for St. Jude Up ‘til Dawn. “This is kind of a side event leading up to it that encourages people to raise their $100 [and] help share St. Jude’s mission.”

Many students involved with the Up ‘til Dawn program have witnessed cancer battles first hand.

“In summer of 2018, my cousin was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and was a St. Jude patient himself ,” Hatley said. “I have seen their work first hand and I want to do whatever possible to cure childhood cancer and assure no patient from the hospital receives a bill.”

Emma Pate, from McKenzie, Tennessee, said she was excited for the rally to raise money for the cause.

“I have seen [cancer’s] i m p a c t t h i s y e a r, s o I thought it was a good cause and a good time to get involved,” Pate said. “[I’m ready to get] hyped up, raise the minimum [mone t a r y ] re q u i re m e n t a n d hopefully raise more than that.”

St. Jude shares its scientific research freely with the medical community to save children worldwide. Families are never billed for St. Jude’s services, as the hospital’s motto is that “all a

family should worry about is helping their child live.”

“I like Up ‘til Dawn because I want other people to know the benefits of raising money for cancer research,” Morgan said. “St. Jude pays for everything. Treatment, travel, housing, food, everything is covered and nobody has to pay a dime to get treatment there. I think it’s really important that it’s everybody’s mission to

give back to those battling.

They have sleepless nights and we can stay up just one night to help them out.”

T he event is designed to encourage student participation across campus and to increase awareness about what the group is doing for the hospital.

“Participation is everything,” Hatley said. “Without our members, we wouldn’t be able to make the huge

impact we have made for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.”

Students who want to get involved with Up ‘til Dawn can find registration information on TheNews.org. The Up ‘til Dawn organization also posts Venmo boards on its Instagram, @utdmurraystate, for those who wish to donate.

Lauren Morgan/The News

Students participate in several different challenges as part of their fundraising efforts.

Correction: On Thursday, Jan. 30, The Murray State News incorrectly stated Camisha Duffy is the president of Black Faculty Staff Association.

In additon, the organization has opted for a year without officers and is thinking through the best structure to support the needs of Black Faculty and Staff Association. The News deeply regrets this error.

News

February 6, 2020

3

Woods Park design under works Daniella Tebib News Editor dtebib@murraystate.edu

B e f o re re n ova t i o n s o f Woods Park begins, the University is taking input from the community in an open house on Thursday, Feb. 6, where the project’s design committee will display its potential design.

Woods Hall was demolished in 2019 after it experienced water damage and mold growth. After its demolition,Carrie McGinnis, director of alumni relations, said the Board of Regents approved to raze Woods Hall in December 2018 with the goal of retaining as many parking spots as possible while converting the area into green space.

“The goal of the Woods Park open house is to seek input from our students, the campus community and larger Murray community regarding a proposed layout and amenities for what is currently Woods Park,” McGinnis said.

To create a design for the open house, a design committee was created which includes several representatives from the University and City of Murray. From the committee’s suggestions, Jason Youngblood, director of facilities management, and Angela Lampe, associate director of facilities design and construction, collaborated with landscape design team Bacon-Farmer-Workman to

Lauren Morgan The News

Bricks and blocks that were salvaged from the demolition may be used in a new monument in Woods Park.

create a prospective design for the event.

According to the press release, Woods Hall was originally named after Ralph H. Woods, the University’s fourth president, and was designed with four objectives including beauty, utility, comfort and safety. The committee plans to honor these four objects and former President Woods in their new design proposal.

To further the commemoration of Woods Hall, glass bricks and blocks that were

salvaged from the demolition may be used in a permanent monument in Woods Park. Throughout the demolition, several original magnolias and other mature trees were preserved for the park as well.

“It has been the goal of the planning committee and the landscape design team from initial conversations that Woods Park be beautiful and functional for our students and the surrounding community, that it is adaptable for outdoor campus events,

study space, health and wellness and student philanthropy and that it is safe and well-lit,” McGinnis said.

Some students are excited about the prospect of more green space on campus.

“I think a green space on that side of campus is a great idea,” said Kiara Jo n e s , s o p h o m o re f ro m Elizabethtown, Kentucky.

“I really think they should consider adding a dog park because a lot of people have emotional support animals.”

McGinnis said there is currently no estimated timeframe for the project as they are still early in the planning stages. They plan to receive funding from public and private funds.

The event will take place on Thursday, Feb. 6, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. in the Waterfield Library. Students and other members of the community are encouraged to attend and share their suggestions and feedback on the future layout and amenities for Woods Park.

AMPHITHEATER LAWN CLAY BRICK RETAINING WALL WITH STONE CAP

FORMAL GARDEN SPACE AT SHELTER PUBLIC-USE HAMMOCKS/POSTS - PERMANENT POSTS

MSU ARBORETUM PICNIC SHELTER

NATURAL STONE PAVER WALKS AND PLAZAS ELECTRICAL

ELECTRICAL

DECORATIVE PLAZA-TYPE PAVEMENT OVERHEAD PERGOLA STRUCTURE

ELECTRICAL

DECORATIVE PAVING UNDER PERGOLA

NATIVE GRASSES BED - CONTRAST TO FORMAL LAWNS

Jason Youngblood and Angela Lampe teamed up with Bacon-Farmer-Workman to design a proposal for the Woods Park open house on Feb. 6.

Photo courtesy of Carrie McGinnis

News

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University works to combat rising health care costs

Sarah Mead Staff Writer smead@murraystate.edu

Daniella Tebib/The News

Elizabeth Erwin hopes to return to China in the future.

CORONAVIRUS From Page 1 In preparation for her upcoming spring and summer semesters, she spent her winter break brushing up on the Chinese language. She had planned to study Chinese as a second language.

She spent the fall 2019 semester awaiting word on acceptance into the program.

“I literally didn’t find out I was accepted until the very end of last semester,” Erwin said.

Planning for her semester abroad was strenuous. Erwin had to arrange flights, obtain her visa to enter China and lock down her housing.

The coronavirus became a concern in January uneven cases began to pop up quickly in China, although mainly localized to Wuhan, Hubei.

Wuhan is estimated to have over 11 million people living there, nearly 3 million more than New York City.

In less than 10 days, the number of cases grew from 300 to over 17,000.

Despite the growing number of cases in China, Erwin was not concerned and remained excited about her trip until Melanie McCallon Seib, director of Education Abroad, contacted her about reconsidering her travel plans.

On Jan. 30, the World Health Organization issued a Public Health Emergency of International Concern warning.

Prior to the warning, the U.S. State Department ordered all U.S. citizens under the age of 21 living in China to be transported back to the U.S., and most commercial, nonessential flights to China had been temporarily suspended.

QAU delayed the start of its semester indefinitely until the

February 6, 2020

virus is contained to a level that would allow normal interaction and activities in China to resume.

After being in contact with the Education Abroad office, Erwin decided that it would not be smart for her to wait on the situation to transpire.

“I emailed them and was like, ‘what do I do now,’” Erwin said.

McCallon Seib informed Erwin of the two choices she had. The first choice allowed her to wait for the virus to become manageable but risked delaying her projected graduation date as she would have fallen behind a semester. The second choice allowed her to return to Murray State to resume her education.

Erwin chose to return to Murray State.

“Within 30 minutes of me sending an email, they were all calling me and getting in contact with me to aid my transition back to Murray State,” Erwin said. “They were absolutely amazing.”

McCallon Seib and the staff in the Education Abroad office assisted Erwin in getting re-enrolled for this semester.

One faculty member worked to get her housing secured in her old suite in H.C. Franklin College while another worked to get her scholarships reinstated where they had previously been applied.

“We work to restore housing, course registration for a full course load, remove all program fees for the program abroad as well as any late registration fees and offer any other support to move back to campus that a student might need, including the restoration of scholarships or meal plans,” McCallon Seib said.

With her semester abroad not set to begin until March 2, Erwin had been living at home and working in an attorney’s office.

Once she made the decision to return to Murray State for the semester, she quickly packed her bags and made the three-and-a-half-hour trip back to Murray State.

Erwin managed to get enrolled in all of the classes she wanted. She spent the last week getting caught up in her courses and settled into her unexpected but familiar life in Murray.

Erwin is scheduled to graduate in May 2021, which may not allow her to study abroad in China before then, but she said she will return to China in the future.

“I love China,” Erwin said.

“That’s what I was most excited about; I could tell people about China and what the real China is like.”

Erwin invested a lot of her time into preparing to study abroad.

“I used a company that g o e s t h ro u g h t h e p ro cess of getting the proper visa for you because I didn’t have time to drive to Washington D.C. to get it myself ,” Erwin said. “I had planned to spend time with some of my fr iends who I had connected with in China, as well as visit Cambodia.”

Guangming Zou, assistant vice president for International Studies, and his colleague Weihong Gao, English as a Second Language director, said they are in contact with all ESL students studying at Murray S t a t e wh o a re f ro m China. “ We u n d e r s t a n d h ow wo r r i e d t h ey a re a b o u t their family and friends at home and assuring them that they have our support and understanding and that all University support services are available if they need any of them,” Gao said.

A recent analysis of government statistics suggests that Kentucky health care premiums have increased by 27.26 percent.

“Kentucky was found to have the sixth-largest rate increase in annual health insurance premiums at 27.26 percent over a sixyear period,” said Emily Lamb, Public Relations Specialist for QuoteWizard by LendingTree, LLC. “QuoteWizard analyzed data from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to evaluate average annual health insurance premiums per person for employer-based plans.”

Kentucky’s increase is higher than average. QuoteWizard’s health care analyst, Adam Johnson, determined that nationwide, health insurance premiums have risen an average of 20 percent from 2013 to 2018.

“In 2013, Kentucky’s annual premium cost was $5,257, rising to $6,690 in 2018,” Lamb said. “In 2018, Kentucky employees contributed an average of $1,633 per year on health premiums, while employers contributed $5,057. Employees paid an average of 24.41 percent of the total premium costs that year.”

Director of Communication Shawn Touney said rising health care costs are an important issue to the University.

“As the University plans and prepares to put forth for approval each year, a balanced budget that takes into account projected expenses and revenue for the University, health care costs are a necessary reality in this budgetary process,” Touney said.

Employers generally bear the greatest cost increase when health insurance companies increase its premiums. Johnson said Pew Research suggests that the leading reason for stagnation in wage increases is the rising cost of employer-based health insurance.

“Pew Research indicated over the last five years wages experience a 2 percent to 3 percent year-overyear increase,” Johnson said.

“Employer-based insurance premiums are increasing 5 percent to 6 percent yearover-year. With insurance premiums out pacing wage growth it seems that trend could be a key f actor in wage stagnation.”

Since 2013, Kentucky’s employee personal health p re m i u m c o s t s h ave i n creased by 34.40 percent, while employer contributions to health costs have increased by 25.11 percent.

“Human resources is charged with the overall management of the benefits programs for faculty and staff and works closely with the Insurance and Benefits Committee, which is a standing committee of the University and has both faculty and staff representation,” Touney said.

“Currently Murray State has a self-insured plan and covers approximately 84 percent of the total healthcare cost, with the employees covering the remaining 16 percent of total plan costs.”

To reduce the potential of health care expenses, the University has implemented health care programs, such as the Racer Pledge Wellness Plan.

“Racer Pledge participants can elect Wellness Center access at no cost to the employee,” Touney said. “New offerings for Racer Wellness events include sessions led by local health care providers, as well as financial wellness, managing stress and other topics developed to positively impact employee wellbeing. Additionally, the Racer Wellness program offers smoking cessation classes on campus.”

The University has created a High Deductible Health Plan and has increased employer contributions for Health Savings Accounts for employees that participate in health care programs. As the programs encourage employees to be engaged in their health care options, the University administration believes they will help manage costs.

A voluntary benefits program has also been created to coordinate with the University’s High Deductible Health Plan policy. The group programs include options like life insurance, disability insurance, vision, dental and critical illness policies.

Additional University health care programs include the Know Your Rx pharmacy program that advises faculty and staff on how to make the most of their prescription benefits and how to lower pharmacy costs. Murray State has also implemented a tobacco premium surcharge for tobacco users to encourage a better standard of health.

When preparing to enter the workforce, it is important for students to consider how health care costs will affect their potential income.

“It is important for students to be informed about employer benefits, especially healthcare,” Touney said. “This topic is included in a number of courses on campus, and HR staff continue to speak with classes as well. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is also critically important.”

Opinion

February 6, 2020

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University continues to outsource The staff editorial is the majority opinion of The Murray State News Editorial Board.

When a university outsources a service, it means it is looking to an outside company to take over that service.

For example, Murray State has outsourced dining services, health services and now portions of facilities management.

Sodexo, Primary Care and SSC—these are all corporations that have taken over segments of work for the University.

So, what does this mean for Murray State and its students, faculty and staff?

When the University outsourced to Sodexo, the changes were very blunt in that students were very clearly able to see the effects. This is the change that students have likely been the most conscious of as it directly affected their day-to-day lives.

The University’s outsourcing of health services has alternated between two companies: Fast Pace and Primary Care. This change also directly affected students, though not as prominently; health services is no longer free, and students now have to give their insurance (assuming they have health insurance).

Now students, many of whom are concerned about paying for gas, groceries, rent and utilities, either pay a copay or have to pay in full.

This change prompted Antje Gamble, a professor in the department of art and design, to change her class attendance policy.

“Back when I was a student, I couldn’t have afforded $80 to go see the doctor for a note for class,” Gamble said. “I shifted my attendance policy to one that is more like it is in the real world.”

Gamble’s policy now requires students to email her if they expect to miss class,

which is something that employees are required to do at their jobs. She said this gives students the flexibility to be adults; Gamble said she understands students, too, can get sick, have children of their own get sick or have lives they simply need to take care of.

This brings us, finally, to the outsourcing of custodial services and grounds work, both services that fall under facilities management.

This was a recent decision made by the Board of Regents, finalized just recently after several proposals were pitched to the board in December of last semester. The board heard from several companies, but settled on SSC, a company out of Knoxville, Tennessee.

The official changeover to SSC isn’t going to happen until April, but

Daniella Tebib News Editor

dtebib@murraystate.edu

Editorial Board

Shannon Thornton, human resources director for the company, has already laid out what changes the University can expect to see.

Thornton told the board in December 2019 that, despite looking to increase staffing levels at the University, current employees will retain their positions, but current staff will see their benefits packages change, losing the tuition benefits Murray State has been offering them.

Outsourcing is a beast of very obvious pros and cons. As students, we must understand that the University does everything it does for a reason, and we must believe they have our best interest at heart; at the end of the day, however, a university is a business, and a business needs money to function, especially with the

Cady Stribling Features Editor

cstribling1@murraystate.edu

Bryce Anglin Jenna Carnes Production Manager Chief Copy Editor

zanglin@murraystate.edu jcarnes2@murraystate.edu

Kalea Anderson Elizabeth Erwin

Chief Videographer Public Relations Manager kanderson29@murraystate.edu eerwin1@murraystate.edu

The News welcomes commentaries and letters to the editor. Submissions should be 600 words or less, and contributors should include phone numbers for verification. Please include hometown, classification and title or relationship to the University. 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 Monday of each week via email to mreynolds12@murraystate.edu.

rising pensions costs facing educational institutions.

Shawn Touney, director of communication, said that through the outsourcing of custodial services and grounds work, the University is saving approximately $1 million in projected pension costs.

By outsourcing dining services, the University was able to bring in big food chains like Starbucks, Einstein Bros. Bagels and Chick-fil-A. This in turn draws more students in, ergo drawing in more money. All the while, students are enjoying the mainstream food companies, but vegetarians, pescatarians and vegans (along with others with dietary restrictions) continue to struggle to find dining options on campus.

Outsourcing also affects

the relationship between Murray State and the community of Murray. Employees of certain outsourced services lose benefits, and as such, lose their sense of family within the University.

This has seeped into other aspects of University life as well.

When outsourcing custodial services and grounds work was pitched to the Board of Regents, current employees of the services spoke against it. Their lives are directly affected by this change, more so than the lives of the students.

While it is hard to offer a solution to the problems that seem to accompany outsourcing, we must not forget to take into consideration the people those problems will affect, and try to weigh the pros and cons accordingly.

Gage Johnson Megan Reynolds Sports Editor

Opinion Editor gjohnson17@murraystate.edu mreynolds12@murraystate.edu Connor Dame Brock Kirk Ad Sales Manager Photo Editor

cdame2@murraystate.edu jkirk11@murraystate.edu

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Contributions to The News are the opinion of the author and not that of The Murray State News. The News is a designated public forum. Student editors have authority to make all content decisions without censorship or advance approval. The paper offers a hands-on learning environment for students interested in journalism. The campus press should be free from censorship and advance approval of copy and its editors should develop their editorial and news policies.

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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.

Opinion

6

February 6, 2020

‘1917’ sparks talks of war glorification has received ten nominations at the Academy Awards. mreynolds12@murraystate.edu With an all-star cast and some of the most extrava“1917” is a World War I film released on Christmas gant cinematography film Day of 2019 and, under the has seen in a long while, how could it be expected to direction of Sam Mendes, attempts (and succeeds) to do any differently?

How ironic that a film play out in one seemingly displaying the horrors of seamless shot.

The film follows the jour- war could be described as “extravagant” and ney of two young English “beautiful.” The New York soldiers as they cross No Times, The Ringer and The Man’s Land and journey Rolling Stones have all through enemy territory offered praises to a film to deliver a message to Colonel Mackenzie (played that depicts, quite graphby Benedict Cumberbatch). ically, a body-scattered battleground, a bloody war, This message contains ina story of fear and survival structions to call off a misand hope. sion that would lead 1,600 Make no mistake, the men into a trap laid by the film is amazing, moving Germans. One of those 1,600 men is the brother of and incredibly well done. one of our main characters. Mendes, with the help of stories from his grand“1917” has won and is father, Alfred Mendes, up for numerous accolades, taking home Golden and his co-writer, Krysty Globes for Best Motion Pic- Wilson-Cairns, has woven together a film deserving of ture - Drama and Best Dithe awards it has earned. rector. The National Board Is it possible, though, of Review and the American Film Institute have named it that films such as “1917” have glorified and romantiamong the top ten films of cized the idea of war to a 2019. It won seven awards at the British Academy Film people who should strive Awards, three awards at the for peace?

War has always been a Critics’ Choice Awards and Megan Reynolds Opinion Editor

Cheers to...

Punxsutawney Phil, the friendly groundhog! This Groundhog Day, he did not see his shadow, so spring is on its way.

REYNOLDS’ ROUNDTABLE

movie concept; in every country and every genre, war manages to make an appearance. François Truffaut, a French film director, actor, film critic, producer and screenwriter, knew the dangers this posed.

“I find that violence is often very ambiguous in movies,” Truffaut said in a 1973 interview with The Chicago Tribune. “For example, some films claim to be anti-war, but I don’t think I’ve really seen an anti-war film.

Every film about war ends up being pro-war.”

Every war film promotes going to war. People rave

about the movie they watched, glorifying what they have seen, glorifying the war, the bloodshed, the pain.

“Schindler’s List,” “American Sniper,” “Dunkirk,” “Lone Survivor,” “Hacksaw Ridge,” “Zero Dark Thirty,” and “Fury” to name just a few of the war films the movie industry has released. Even “Kong: Skull Island,” the most recent version of King Kong, depicts wartime, with a large portion of the cast acting as United States soldiers during the Vietnam War. Each film has left some

sort of impact on its viewers, and many have won numerous awards and world renown.

I advise caution in the future. Try to be self-aware.

As someone who came out of the theater raving about “1917,” my hope from here on out is that we are all more conscious of the consequences of war. The havoc it can wreak on individuals, families, communities and countries is not something to beautify or glorify.

It is something to remember, to respect and to avoid.

Jeers to...

The nasty torrential downpour that has come upon Murray!

As per usual, the rain has drenched campus.

February 6, 2020

Sports

7

Gage Johnson/The News Morant watches the video tribute made for him during his jersey retirement ceremony at the CFSB Center.

MORANT From Page 1

“I can’t even put my feelings into words,” Morant said.

“I’m just blessed and I’m happy to be where I am and thankful for everything.”

Along with many thankyous, he shouted out his parents and the words that keep him humble and hungry as he continues his career in the NBA. “My mom told me I’m beneath no one,” Morant said.

“My dad told me I’m trained to go. Every step I take, I live by those.”

As Morant wrapped up his speech, he invited his former teammates out for one last go at the team’s signature dance celebration from the 2018-19 season.

“They’re still my guys, my brothers, my family,” Morant said. “People in the stands [are] my family. I’m going to continue to show my support whenever I can come down.”

Senior forward Anthony Smith said it was awesome to see the Racer great get the acknowledgement he earned in his short time at Murray State.

“It was good seeing Ja back,” Smith said. “You just saw him since he first got on campus put in a lot of work and it was a well-deserved honor for him.”

While winning with the Racers was his biggest priority, Morant said he’d by lying if he didn’t admit he wanted to see his jersey immortalized in Murray State basketball history.

“I’m going to be honest, it definitely was a goal,” Morant said. “I fell in love with Murray State—I think everybody knows that now—just coming in I was trying to do whatever

I can like I always do to try and be the best Ja I can be on and off the floor. I never thought it would come this fast but it happened tonight and I’m thankful for it.”

A year after cementing his legacy at Murray State in his sophomore year, Morant was taken No. 2 overall in the NBA Draft, is expected to win Rookie of the Year, is continuing to get his degree at Murray State and has become a father.

All of this seemed to have happened in the blink of an eye and the young phenom NBA point guard feels the same way.

“It felt like everything has just happened so fast,” Morant said. “My parents and family tell me everyday, ‘I don’t know how you’re hanGage Johnson/The News dling this at 20 years old.’ Morant watches as Coach Matt McMahon addresses the crowd before the retirement of Morant’s jersey.

These past two years have been crazy. The accolades, winning, the draft, having my daughter and now I’m one of the most talked about rookies in the NBA. It feels like I was just talking to you guys about going from a nobody to one of the most talked about players in college. I feel like what I went through just keeps humbling me and keeps me hungry and lets me play with that chip on my shoulder.”

While this may be one of his final big moments in a monstrous two-year career with the Racers, Morant said Murray holds a special place in his heart and he won’t be a stranger to the 270.

“No question,” Morant said.

“This is my home. South Carolina, Murray and now Memphis. Murray is just so special.

It’s always going to be home for me. People [here] will always be my family. You all will see my face a lot and just show where I came from and Gage Johnson/The News show some support.”

Morant hugs former teammate Jonathan Stark after his jersey retirement ceremony.

News

8

February 6, 2020

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February 6, 2020

News

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Sports

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February 6, 2020

Racers get help from bench play Blackburn gains minutes with sixth man role Josh Embry Staff Writer jembry3@murraystate.edu After averaging three minutes per game in her freshm a n s e a s o n , s o p h o m o re guard Raegan Blackburn has worked her way into a solidified role off the bench for the Murray State women’s basketball team this season.

Coming out of Muhlenburg County High School, Blackbur n had a lif e-changing decision to make. She had to decide which college she would attend to continue her exceptional athletic career as well as her education.

Her high school career justified the many offers she received from colleges, as she first played on her team’s varsity squad as a seventh grader. She went on to score over 1,750 total points and make over 300 threes in the ensuing six years and led her team with 18.4 ppg her senior year.

Blackburn knew she always wanted to play collegiately but did not see herself playing Division I. “Throughout high school, I knew I wanted to play college ball but I was looking at smaller colleges—DIII [and] NAIA pretty much,” Blackburn said. “It kind of came

to the wire when I decided to come here because I waited pretty much until the last second.”

Murray State was interested in Blackburn, but the University did not guarantee her an athletic scholarship. She knew she would be turning down multiple scholarships from smaller colleges if she chose Murray State.

After discussing it with her family, she chose the place that would offer her the most opportunities.

“I had full r ides ever ywhere else, so it was, you know, get my school paid for or pay and take a risk,” Blackburn said. “So my family and I talked about it and the opportunities that are here are a lot better than what I was going to get at the other schools just because they were smaller.”

Fortunately for Blackburn, she was awarded a scholarship during the summer of her freshman year.

“The first summer I was here I actually got a scholarship, so it worked out for the best, just working hard [and] proving myself to the coaches and the team.”

As an incoming freshman, Blackburn said the transition to Division I basketball was challenging at first because

of the physicality and the difficult practices.

“So coming in, obviously you are going to be nervous as a freshman because it is DI basketball so it is faster and they are bigger,” Blackburn said. “Training and all of that stuff is 10 times harder than what you would ever expect anywhere else. We worked a lot.”

After getting used to the more physical style of play and enduring practices and conditioning, Blackburn and the team were two months away from their first game of the season when she suffered a foot injury in August.

“I actually got hurt,” Blackbur n said. “I had a stress fracture in my foot so we conditioned, worked for months and practiced f or months and then I was in a boot for the two months leading up to season. I actually missed the first couple of games that we played.”

Blackbur n said her injury made it tough to stay in shape and to get back into the rhythm of the season.

“It was kind of hard for me to get back into the rhythm because I had to get conditioned again from being out,” Blackburn said.

As a freshman, Blackburn played only 57 minutes and

Sophomore guard Raegan Blackburn dribbles in between her legs to try and shake the Tennessee State defender.

attempted only seven field goals. Her injury and lack of confidence because of it were the primary reasons she had a slow start to her Racer career.

“Freshman year was kind of slow f or me and confidence, really, was like my main part of not doing what I wanted to do, but the injury is what really held me back,” Blackburn said.

She had a new-found confidence heading into this year and wanted to prove she could be a contributor at the Division I level.

“Coming into sophomore year, I knew I could play here and I wanted to play more and so [I] was just working hard [and] gaining my confidence back,” Blackburn said.

This year, she has become a key rotational piece f or the Racers and has been the first player off the bench to come in for the last several games. In Murray State’s last six games, she has played 18.5 mpg and has become a three-point spark plug off the bench.

“I would say I have gotten better,” Blackburn said. “My percentages shooting-wise are not the best, but again, with gaining confidence, I was recr uited to shoot so that’s what I am going to do.”

While she and her team consider her a three-point shooter, she wants to improve other areas of her game so she can help the team in more ways.

“As of right now, just getting back into my shot [and] raise my percentage up on threes,” Blackburn said. “And also look more for my jumpers as well because I can shoot those too. Just always focus on defense and help the team out there.”

Head Coach Rechelle Turner had nothing but posi t ive wo rd s t o s ay a b o u t Blackburn.

“Raegan has always worked hard,” Turner said. “[She has] always been one of the players [that] does things that we need her to do.

She can shoot the basketball and make shots. [That] is going to be huge for us going forward.”

By the end of her Racer career, Blackburn wants to do whatever she can to help the Racers win and have good grades so she can be set up nicely in her future career.

“I don’t have any major goals but, I mean obviously, get better as a player and t h e n g ra d u a t e w i t h go o d grades and hopefully go to dental school,” Blackbur n said. “That’s my major goal.”

Gage Johnson/TheNews

Sports

February 6, 2020

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Tennis splits two matches Simon Elfrink Staff Writer selfrink@murraystate.edu The Racers followed up the opening weekend on Thursday, Jan. 1 with a split, losing to Middle Tennessee University 5-2 before beating Cumberland University 6-1.

Despite the loss at the beginning of the day, Head Coach Jorge Caetano was impressed with the Racers’ strong start against the formidable Blue Raiders, who have beaten the Racers in every matchup since 2006.

“They [Middle Tennessee] stepped up when they had to,” Caetano said. “We won the doubles, and for the first time we had it in our eyes that we could win, but we lost three matches in the third set, and lost five-two, so if two of those matches go our way, we win four-three. The girls battled, played really well, and [Middle Tennessee] took it from us.”

Doubles started out strong against the Blue Raiders. Seniors Sara Loncarevic and Anja Loncarevic took a victory with a score of 6-4, while freshman Marit Kreugel and junior Sara Bjork earned a 7-5 win. The doubles scoring didn’t take the Racers far enough, however, as the Blue Raiders were able to come back and take the overall victory.

Coming off the loss earlier in the day, the Racers geared up for the late

show by turning up the heat against Cumberland University. Bjork and Kreugel took care of business in doubles once again, routing their opponents 6-0. Anja and senior Claire Chang matched pace with a 6-2 win.

In singles, the Racers had similar success. Five Racers won their respective matches in straight sets: Bjork (60, 6-3), freshman Samantha Muller (6-2, 6-1), Anja (6-0, 6-0), Kreugel (6-0, 6-0) and Chang (6-2, 6-1).

Looking back on the outing, Caetano was pleased with Chang’s comeback after a slow opening day.

“Claire had a really tough weekend last week,” Caetano said. “[She] didn’t play really well, so this week we worked on all her stuff. She struggled a little bit in practice, but today, seeing her play at the level—that’s what we need from her. She’s been playing number one all four years [and] she’s a senior now, so it was good to see her competing.”

Caetano also commented on Kreugel’s solid start.

The 17-year-old freshman remains undefeated through the first four matchups of the spring, and has high expectations for what else she might accomplish in the future.

The Racers will spend the coming days gearing up for their road matchup against Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri on Friday, Feb. 7.

Photo courtesy of Racer Athletics Freshman Samantha Muller follows through after returning the ball.

Gage Johnson/TheNews Sophomore pitcher Shane Burns finishes his windup after releasing the pitch.

Racer baseball ready to compete Simon Elfrink Staff Writer selfrink@murraystate.edu Each passing day takes the Murray State Racers closer to baseball season, which will begin with a three-game series against Southern Mississippi University on Friday, Feb. 14.

Head Coach Dan Skirka has high hopes for this season and thinks the experience of the upperclassmen is among the team’s greatest assets.

“We got a lot of depth,” Skirka said. “And we’re older. A lot of fifth year seniors or fourth year juniors. We might be one of the oldest teams in Division I this year. [We’re] going to lean on that a little bit. They’ve been tested. They’ve been through the fire.”

Among those upperclassmen are senior outfielders Brock Anderson and Ryan Perkins. Anderson played a pivotal role in the Racers’ lineup last season, leading the team in virtually every offensive category, including batting average (.289), slugging percentage (.574), hits (59), runs (47), RBIs (44), triples (4), total bases (117) and home runs (13). The outfielder played and started in 51 games for the Racers in 2019.

Perkins held his own at the plate as well, hitting a clean .273 and driving in 37 runs with an on-base percentage of .362. Perkins also had 54 hits on the year, 10 of which were home runs.

“They’re two of our captains,” Skirka said. “As far as position players go, they’re on the field all the time, working hard, leading and we’ve leaned on them a lot.”

The Racers’ pitching staff is also a promising aspect of the team. After sophomore pitcher Shane Burns had an eye-opening first season at the collegiate level, the anticipation for his second season is on the rise. Burns led the Racers with the lowest ERA last year, finishing the 2019 season at 3.84.

Burns’ opposing batting average was the second lowest in the OVC at .224, and his overall record at the end of the season was 3-3. “ We ’re e x c i t e d a b o u t Shane,” Skirka said. “He’s in better shape [and] more mature. It’s a workload. It’s a long season. Now that Shane’s been through it, I’m expecting him to make an even greater jump.”

The Racers will look to fill holes in the lineup left by graduates like Jaron Robinson, who became one of 14 in Racer history with over 200 hits.

He also hit .273 with 28 RBIs with an on-base percentage of .355 in 2019.

“That senior class was special,” Skirka said. “Tyler Duke had a great senior year and then he broke his pinky. We missed him at the top of the lineup. Payton Hayes’ leadership he brought in the dugout and the locker room will be missed. We’re going to count on those other guys to step

up and fill the shoes like good programs do. You pass the baton and leave it in a better place than you found it.”

As Skirka mentioned, Duke’s injury was among the most devastating to the Racers last season. After 37 starts in the outfield, Duke hit .299 with seven home runs and 26 RBIs. His absence in the lineup will be difficult to overlook, but Skirka is confident this season’s team leaders will pick up the slack.

Skirka plans to continue to build the next generation of Racers in the freshmen this season. Skirka said there is a lot of potential there.

“Jacob Pennington has a chance as a two-way player,” Skirka said. “He’ll pitch, he’ll play infield. Ryan Fender has a really good arm [and] a bright future ahead of him. I’m excited with the freshman class.

They’ve been good followers so far with all the upperclassmen. The future for them is really bright.”

Skirka’s plans for the team revolve around the resolve to compete each and every day.

Skirka admits the schedule is a challenging one. While he and the Racers are excited to kick off the season with such a challenge, it is only an indicator of the fight that will be the 2020 season.

“We don’t want to be mediocre,” Skirka said. “That’s the jump we have to make: how to have that intensity and that urgency every day. We’re here to take care of business.”

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New Sunrise Movement launched by student Ciara Benham Staff Writer

cbenham@murraystate.edu On Jan. 29, Ashlen Grubbs held a Sunrise Movement launch party with the help of Tyler Hill from the Kentucky Student Environmental Coalition to kick off the creation of a climate change movement at Murray State.

Grubbs, sophomore, is heading a local chapter of a national political organization called the Sunrise Movement.

Sunrise focuses on making the political changes necessary to save the planet.

“There is so much at stake, that’s clear, but there’s also so much work to do,” Grubbs said.

Grubbs, a long time political activist, said she was inspired to bring Sunrise to Murray by a friend at Western Kentucky University.

“My friend Rachael told me about this amazing opportunity she had with this group called the Sunrise Movement.”

Grubbs said, “She said for the first time in her life she had

found a way to have her voice be heard alongside a community fighting for change.”

After hearing her friend’s testimony, Grubbs decided to take action into her own hands. She immediately took initiative to create a localized Sunrise Movement that could bring passionate collegiates together.

“I just thought, ‘I keep saying I care about climate change, but not doing anything active,’” Grubbs said. “I believe the scientists. I wanted to make a change, so that’s why I’m here.”

Sunrise Movement’s main focus is getting a Green New Deal passed into legislation.

This bill would be an environmentally focused version of the New Deal that brought the United States out of the Great Depression in 1933.

The New Deal focused on creating jobs and rebuilding infrastructure, and the Green New Deal would do this as well while focusing on building a sustainable environment.

“We need this year to begin the decade of the Green

Features

February 6, 2020

Photo courtesy of Tyler Hill Sunrise Movement launch party hosted in HC Franklin Commons on Jan. 29.

New Deal,” Grubbs said.

“The Green New Deal is a society-wide transformation to stop climate change and create millions of new jobs in the process.”

At the launch party, Grubbs played two exclusive never-before-seen Sunrise Movement films. These films were played simultaneously across the country as 2,500 other Sunrise Movement launch parties happened nationally.

The films focused on how the Sunrise Movement was formed, its purpose and how you can get involved with the movement.

The three steps to involvement are organize, vote and strike. Grubbs, who already

took the initiative to organize, spoke about the importance of voting for climate conscious officials.

“We could be in for four more years of fossil fuel billionaires polluting our air and water, and four fewer years that we have to tackle the greatest existential threat that humanity has ever experienced,” Grubbs said.

The final step, strike, is Grubbs’ next plan of action. In conjunction with thousands of others, Grubbs will be leading a Sunrise strike on Earth Day. Members of the Sunrise Movement plan to “take back” Earth Day on April 22 to focus on the meaning of saving

the planet. With predictions saying we have 12 years left to stop irreversible climate change, the organization feels there is no better time to act than now.

“Scientists have been clear,” Grubbs said. “We can not afford another four years of inaction on the climate crisis. That will be a death sentence for millions of people.”

Grubbs will be holding meetings every Wednesday at 9 p.m. in HC Franklin College.

If you are interested in participating in the strike circle and getting involved with the Sunrise Movement you can contact Ashlen Grubbs at agrubbs4@murraystate.edu.

“Twenty percent of interviewees don’t dress the part,” Perry said. “I think that sometimes students just don’t know what business professional or business casual means.”

In the presentation, Perry discussed three benefits of dressing professionally: a positive image, standing out against other applicants and feeling confident.

Perry said the event is meant to educate students on the different types of business wear. At this event, they can interact, ask questions and see what life looks like in real life.

Models wearing business formal and business casual attire came out during t h e p re s e n t a t i o n . T h e re w a s ev e n a s e c t i o n o n what not to wear in a work environment.

Perry said Career Services put on a fashion show last semester. When they realized how well it went with students, they immediately began planning for a spring semester fashion show because they wanted students to have the opportunity to attend at least one throughout the year.

Dorien Bar nett, sophomore biology pre-med major, said she attended the event because of prospective internships.

“I’m getting to the point where internships are becoming serious,” Bar nett said.

JCPenney consultants attended the event so students could get measurements.

Barnett said getting measured was another reason she wanted to attend.

Career Services Director Matthew Purdy said the department tries to focus on all aspects of a career search, i n c l u d i n g h ow t o d re s s professionally.

“We want our students to have the best possible opportunity to sell themselves and market themselves to prospective employers,” Purdy said.

Purdy said Career Services often receives questions on a regular basis on what type of business attire would best suit a specific event. That’s where the informational presentations, like the fashion show, allow students to learn in-depth.

“The information you get is very valuable,” Purdy said.

“Seeing it in person, seeing it with your own eyes…

I think can be very valuable above and beyond just Googling or looking on Pinterest.”

Purdy said he sometimes sees students who get their ideas of business professional from movies, and he advises students to get a second opinion.

Purdy said even alumni in the workforce will call the department and ask for advice about a specific event that they need to dress for.

“I would also offer the advice that if there is ever a question about what to wear to a certain event, it’s okay to ask,” Purdy said.

Career Services provides free business clothing in their Career Closet where students can get one outfit per semester. Purdy said the University has very passionate friends, alumni, faculty and staff who donate to the closet.

Last year’s JCPenney SuitUp Event drew over 500 people.

“We’re looking forward to a great event on Feb. 16.

Our collaboration with Murray J C Pe n n ey h a s b e e n awesome.”

Career Services hosts 2020 fashion show Cady Stribling Features Editor cstribling1@murraystate.edu

Career Services hosted the Spring 2020 fashion show on Tuesday, Feb. 4 to provide professional dress tips for students.

Emily Perry, senior math major, is an intern at Career Services and hosted the fashion show. During the event, Perry emphasized the fashion show’s purpose

of helping students to learn how to dress professionally.

Career Services designed this event so students can attend it prior to the JCPenney Suit-Up Event on Sunday, Feb. 16. They can then wear their new business attire at the various career fairs on campus in March.

Perry provided statistics as to why this event is necessary for students to learn how to get ahead.

Cady Stribling/The News Career Services and JCPenny consultants share tips at fashion show.

February 6, 2020

Features

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Career Services held its Spring 2020 Fashion Show on Tuesday, Feb. 4. Students in the show were given the opportunity to strut their stuff as they promoted some of the outfits Career Services offers.

Students can get one free business outfit per semester from Career Services.

Cady Stribling/TheNews

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February 6, 2020

Students advocate for climate change Dionte Berry

Contributing Writer dberry11@murraystate.edu The Advocating for Respect Culture organization and the Murray Environmental Student Society met in the Curris Center on Wednesday, Jan. 29 to discuss the effects of climate change and how it can be combated on a local level.

P re s i d e n t o f A R C L i l y Grieve, junior biomedical sciences major, often teams up with other organizations and nonprofits to have Taboo Talks.

“A Taboo Talk is when we partner with another organization and they present and discuss a topic that’s important to them, but hard for most to talk about,” Grieve said.

This Taboo Talk was centered around climate change and how it can be affected on a local level. The presentation gave a series of simple tips that can help one live more environmentally friendly.

ARC discussed several solutions such as reducing waste and plastic use, as well as how to educate oneself on environmental issues. A lasting sentiment that ARC wanted to leave listeners with was, “any way you can help is the best way.”

Taboo Talk is a means to create a safe space for people to talk and become informed

Jillian Rush/The News Hannah Kamman discusses how dryer balls are reusable and more sustainable for the environment than dryer sheets.

over controversial or polarizing issues.

“We want people to have a better understanding of each other and by increasing education and decreasing judgement we hope to increase respect culture,” Grieve said.

ARC was first established as a sexual assault advocacy program. Within the past year, the organization has expanded to

advocate for multiple issues debated in society.

“We still have meetings set specifically for women’s history month and sexual assault awareness month,” Grieve said. “Now with most of our meetings, we try to give a voice to those that need support and their cause.”

Grieve welcomes everyone into the organization.

“ARC is an open organization that you can join at any time,” Grieve said. “None of our events are exclusive.

Come learn more about us.”

President of MESS Steven Collet, senior geology major, also participated in the Taboo Talk. MESS is an awareness group on campus.

“The purpose of MESS is to be the environmentally

conscious voice of Murray State,” Collet said. “We also provide education about the environment, and also have fun activities such as camping and hiking.”

Collet and five other position-holding members lead the club. Each of the leaders have different reasons for wanting to spread environmental awareness.

Vice President Darren Paris was inspired to fight climate change by the grim outlook of the future that was published by environmentalists.

“Reading what all the scientists say we have to look forward to is pretty grim,” Paris said. “This motivated me to become educated and try to make a change.”

Paris said the organization is an outlet for people who care and are interested in the environment. MESS is open to everyone who wants to learn how to be environmentally conscious.

MESS holds weekly meetings Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Blackbur n Science Building.

ARC meets ever y other Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. in the Women’s Center Building.

The next meeting will be on Feb. 11. Email Grieve at lgrieve@murraystate.edu for more details or consult the group’s Facebook page @ MSUARC and instagram page @murraystatearc.

Students share their favorite campus locations

Jillian Rush/The News The Business Cafe in Arthur J. Bauernfeind College of Business is a favorite location on campus for students.

Pogue Library “I’ve been inside almost all of the buildings on campus, but I would like to spend more time in the Pogue Library.”

- Colleen Jacob, senior public relations major

Zen Garden The Business Café “Of all the campus locations I’ve been to, my favorite would have to be the café study area in the business building,” - Rebecca Lee, senior public relations major

Clara M. Eagle Art Gallery Carman Pavilion “With my major, most of the classes I took were over at the Carman Pavilion,” Warren said. “Over there, the radiology room was my favorite place to be.”

- Emma Warren, senior veterinary technician major

Features

February 6, 2020

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Friday, Feb. 7: Art Exhibit: Transmogrification featuring Donald Fodness

@ 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Clara M. Eagle Gallery

Saturday, Feb. 8: Photo courtesy of Jordan Moore Summer orientation counselors go to Kenlake for retreat.

Summer orientation counselors embark on bonding retreat Grant Dillard Staff Writer gdillard@murraystate.edu Cady Stribling Features Editor cstribling1@murraystate.edu

For three days, this year’s summer orientation counselors went on a retreat to Kenlake State Resort Park in Hardin, Kentucky, in preparation for summer orientation.

The counselors stayed in cabins from Jan. 17 to Jan. 19 and got to know one another. They explored the resort, participated in fun activities and separated into groups to bond.

Jordan Moore, junior biology/pre-med major, said the retreat brought her and other counselors together as close friends within no time.

“When you go into situations like this, you can expect to get along with others, maybe share a few laughs here and there,” Moore said. “But something about the atmosphere of Summer O and how special it is really allowed for genuine friendships to start very quickly.”

Moore said the counselors break into teams and examine their own personality traits. Then, they analyze how other groups might interact with different types of personality traits. Through these activities, the counselors discovered how to work with others.

The counselors also discussed their goals f or

Summer Orientation, which includes making it a fun and memorable experience for themselves, as well as incoming students and families.

“We as Summer O Counselors have a very unique position in being able to be one of the first impressions someone has at Murray State,” Moore said. “I am very excited to be a part of such a fantastic dynamic and all-around awesome group of people who love Murray State as much as I do and are just as excited to help new students find that same passion.”

Asia Blanton, freshman occupational safety and health major, became a summer orientation counselor to help incoming freshman feel welcomed and supported at Murray State.

“I know the transitions between high school and college is stressful for most students,” Blanton said. “[I want to be] a friend to each student, and go the extra mile to help these students enjoy their college experience.”

The first night, the counselors sat in a circle, played games and spent time getting to know everyone’s name.

Blanton’s favorite memory of the retreat was when she and the summer orientation counselors competed in the talent show.

“We were split up into four teams and we had a few hours to plan a dance routine, skit, etc.,” Blanton said.

“I enjoyed seeing different aspects of my summer

o team, some of them really surprised me. I’m thankful that I had the chance to bond with them.”

Blanton had several opportunities with the other counselors to talk about their lives. She said the conversations opened her eyes to see aspects of life from different perspectives.

Blanton said she stepped out of her comfort zone and grew personally from this retreat. For summer orientation, she is most excited to make relationships with incoming freshmen.

Admissions Counselor Julie Boyken said the retreat has been part of the counselors’ training for many years.

“We decided to go out to Kenlake Resort this year and it has been a wonderful facility for us to use and the staff are incredibly friendly,” Boyken said. “The counselors are able to room together in cabins and have team bonding experiences past the time of our regular training schedule.”

Boyken said this bonding is vital so the counselors can be vulnerable and get to know one another. She credits Carrie Zimmerman for doing a phenomenal job of creating an environment for counselors to bond.

“I would highly encourage a retreat of sorts for any student organization, or even department on campus to get to know one another and figure out a game plan of moving forward,” Boyken said.

Art Exhibit: Transmogrification featuring Donald Fodness

@ 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Clara M. Eagle Gallery

Curris Center Theater presents “Ismael’s Ghosts”

@ 7:30 p.m. in the Curris Center Theater

Monday, Feb. 10: Art Exhibit: Transmogrification featuring Donald Fodness

@ 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Clara M. Eagle Gallery

American Red Cross Blood Drive sponsored by Alpha Gamma Delta

@ 10 a.m to 4 p.m. in the Curris Center Large Ballroom

Tuesday, Feb. 11: Art Exhibit: Transmogrification featuring Donald Fodness

@ 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Clara M. Eagle Gallery

American Red Cross Blood Drive sponsored by Alpha Gamma Delta

@ 10 a.m to 4 p.m. in the Curris Center Large Ballroom

Panel Discussion, STEAM: Contemporary relationships between science, technology, engineering, math and the photographic arts @ 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m in the Clara M. Eagle Gallery

Tinsel Town Tuesday

@ 7 p.m to 10 p.m. in the Curris Center Theater

If you would like to see your event featured in the Calendar of Events, email the features editor at cstribling1@murraystate.edu.

Features

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February 6, 2020

STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION GET INVOLVED Student Government Association applications are available on line www.murraystate.edu/sga or in the Center for Student Involvement office, 111 Curris Center.

Positions:

President - must be Junior by fall semester, 2.7 gpa Executive Vice President - must be Junior by fall semester, 2.7 gpa Vice President of Administration - 2.7 gpa Vice President of Finance - 2.7 gpa Senator At Large – 8 positions, 2.0 gpa College of Business – 3 positions, 2.0 gpa College of Education & Human Services – 3 positions, 2.0 gpa College of Humanities & Fine Arts – 3 positions, 2.0 gpa College of Science, Engineering & Technology – 3 positions, 2.0 gpa Hutson School of Agriculture – 3 positions, 2.0 gpa School of Nursing & Health Professionals – 3 positions, 2.0 gpa RCA President - 2.7 gpa RCA Vice President – 2.7 gpa RCA Secretary/Treasurer, 2.7 gpa

**ALL RCA officers must have lived in residential college 1 year prior to election

Applications due:

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2020 at NOON in the CSI office.

Candidates Meeting:

MANDATORY CANDIDATES MEETING at 4 PM in Curris Center Barkley Room

Elections:

ONLINE VOTING, MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2020 AT 12:01 AM THROUGH TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2020 AT 11:59 PM

SGA Forum:

MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2020 at 5:00 PM in Alexander Hall Auditorium

Senate Chair:

Elections/Ways & Means – 1 position, 2.0 gpa Publications & Public Relations, 1 position, 2.0 gpa University Affairs – 1 position, 2.0 gpa Government Relations – 1 position, 2.0 gpa Diversity & Inclusion – 1 position, 2.0 gpa Enrollment Management & Student Success – 1 position, 2.0 gpa WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1 at NOON in the CSI office

Applications due: Judicial Board: Applications due:

10 members, must be a Sophomore by fall semester, 2.0 gpa WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1 at NOON in the CSI office

Campus Activities Board: Applications due:

12 chair positions, 2.0 gpa WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1 at NOON in the CSI office