The Murray State News

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THE MUR R AY STATE

NEWS

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@MurrayStateNews Sept. 30, 2021 | Vol. 96, No. 6

NEWS

OPINION

SPORTS

LIFESTYLE

Family Weekend

Essential Fall Albums

Volleyball sweeps EIU 6-0

Student discusses Sony internship

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page 6

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Resource Board works to help caregivers Ava Chuppe Contributing Writer achuppe@murraystate.edu

Aiming to connect students, faculty and staff to child and pet care ser vices, the Race r Fa m i l y N e t w o r k R e s o u r c es Board was created on Aug. 12.

The Resources Board was generated to meet the needs of the c a m p u s c o m m u n i t y, C o u r t ney Hixon, interim direct o r o f h u m a n re s o u rc e s , s a i d .

“The Racer Family Network Resources Board was created after a review of recommendations received from the Presidential Task Force on Work-Life Balance and others related to the needs of faculty, staff and students for additional child care resources,” Hixon said.

The Resources Board is a secure internal electronic bulletin board located on the myGate Home tab and can only be accessed by users with a Murray State University email account.

Hixon said the creation of the Resources Board additionally provides a new opportunity for students, faculty and staff to advertise their own child care and pet care services.

“Individuals that are interested in providing occasional care can submit their information and availability via an online form on the myGate Home tab,” Hixon said. “The Resources Board is then available for individuals that are in need of occasional care to review.”

see RESOURCE BOARD, page 3

Curris Center set to

celebrate 40 years Dionte Berry/The News The Curris Center has been the center of student life on campus since 1981.

Jill Smith Contributing Writer jsmith194@murraystate.edu

The Curr is Center reached a major milestone this year: it has ser ved as Murray S tate ’s s t u d e n t c e n t e r f o r 4 0 ye a r s .

To celebrate the anniversar y, the Curris Center is hosting a bir thday par t y on Fr i day, Oct. 1, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

The Director of the Curris Center and Student Life Re’Nita Avery said they are celebrating with a lot of games, food and music.

“ We will have a DJ, different types of games, such as hula-hoop dance-off, Jenga, Conn e c t - 4 , s o a l o t o f d i f f e re n t types of activities for students to participate in,” Aver y said.

Avery said they are handing out party favors. Throughout the event, in honor of the 40th anniversary 40 giveaways will be announced.

The Curris Center was built in 1981 to give students a center on Murray State, Vice President of Student Affairs Don Roberston said. “It was always meant to be a place that students could identify with,” Robertson

said. “Students can hang out and they can have ser vices or programming in a meeting space.”

Advisor to Student Government Organization and Registered Student Organizations Jeanie Morgan said a lot has changed since she began working at Murray State in 1984, but the Curris Center is still a space where students can gather.

“It’s student orientated,” Morgan said. “It ’s a place for students to come and gathe r. I t h i n k i t ’s b e c a u s e i t ’s [Curris Center] a place where you can go and be comfortable.”

see CURRIS CENTER, page 2

Family weekend is back in person Erinn Finley Contributing Writer efinley1@murraystate.edu

Graphic courtesy of murraystate.edu/familyweekend

Murray State is preparing for Family Weekend this week, which will be bac k in-person.

Last year, Murray State was unable to have any sort of in-person gathering for Family Weekend, so this year staff are looking to reconnect with families. The Family Weekend planning committee began talking about Family Weekend in early spring, said Peggy Whaley, director of student engagement and success.

“We decided since last year was so unusual and we couldn’t get

together,” Whaley said. “ We really just wanted to have this chance for families and students and our staff and faculty and administrators to just come and visit and relax and enjoy camp u s a n d e n j oy M u r r ay S t a t e. ” Whaley said because of this attitude, the committee decided not to have any keynote speakers, firework shows or any big events of that nature. They decided the goal of Family Weekend this year should be to reconnect. This weekend will give families a chance to see where their students live and participate in some community events.

see FAMILY WEEKEND, page 2

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Source: Murraystate.edu/familyweekend

News

Sept. 30, 2021

Graphic courtesy of Re’nita Avery

Morgan says it is important to remember the history of the building.

“I believe in tradition,” MorRobertson said that in gan said. “I think that looking its tenure, the Curris Center has had many unique spac- back gives you a sense of worth e s , i n c l u d i n g a c o f f e e h o u s e. for today because if we didn’t “Where Chick-fil-a is now, we had look back to see all the positive coffee house areas where we had a lot stuff, how can we move forward?” of entertainment and even tried other We just want to celtypes of dining venues in conjunction ebrate the building with the coffee house,” Robertson because it has been said. “At one period in time, this conhere for 40 years and cept of coffee houses was where you we are really proud of would have solo performers or poetry the building and what readers or one-act type things were it has become. very popular on college campuses.”

— Re’nita Avery, Director of the In addition to the coffee house, Curris Center and student life. the Curris Center had a radio staPlanning for the event starttion and craft area, Morgan said. ed in the summer, Aver y said.

“Down the hall [from the Center “ We had an idea of what we of Student Involvement Office] was wanted to do and we wanted to the Radio Station, and it was called W-PHD,” Morgan said. “Across the do a birthday party to celebrate hall where the Multicultural Cen- and just have students come play ter is, there was a craft area and games,” Avery said. “We just wantrental space- you could rent any- ed to celebrate the building bething for camping and also paint.” cause it has been here for 40 years This area had a concrete floor and we are really proud of the with a drain to wash away all the building and what it has become.”

Aver y said it ’s impor tant to paint and it was a popular space among students, Morgan said. celebrate these milestones and A v e r y s a y s t h i s e v e n t they plan on celebrating the ser ves as a reminder of what building every decade. The celt h e b u i l d i n g u s e d t o b e. ebration is a come-and-go “We will have a display of mem- event, so people can come and ory lane that will be on the first leave as their schedules allow.

Avery encourages everyone to floor, so people can actually see come celebrate the Curris Center some pictures of what the Curris Center used to be,” she said. and its history on Friday, Oct. 1.

CURRIS CENTER, from page 1

FAMILY WEEKEND, from page 1 Sophomore secondary English education major Madeline Oxendine said she’s excited for the chance to experience the Murray State community and Family Weekend in general. She said since she started college when the COVID-19 restrictions were stricter, this year feels more like her freshman year.

“I feel like this is my first real year at college,” Oxendine said. “I almost feel like I’m more homesick this year than I was last year because it feels more real this year.”

Oxendine said she feels excited for Family Weekend this year because virtual interactions took value out of events like Family Weekend and even classes themselves.

She said her family is looking forward particularly to events such as the football game and tailgating.

It’s an opportunity for her family to meet her friends, some for the first time, and experience the community.

I feel like it’s a good event to have because I have been wanting to show my parents around the University.

— Alexis Reid, freshman communication disorders major.

Dionte Berry/ The News

Whaley said one of the big events every year is the picnic lunch. This lunch will be on the Great Lawn between Alexander Hall and the Science Complex. She said the family lunch will have food from Sodexo dining, and there will also be a bounce house, lawn games and a photo booth.

Racer One will also be at the lunch.

Whaley said another event they are really excited for is the recognition of Outstanding Family Members. This will occur during halftime of the football game. The outstanding family members will be invited onto the field, and then the Outstanding Family Member for 2021 will be announced.

Alexis Reid, a freshman communication disorders major, said her family is excited for the football game since her dad loves football.

She also said she is glad the weekend is in person and glad that they had Family Weekend in general.

“I think it’s a good event to have because I have been wanting to show my parents around the University. And I haven’t been really able to ‘cause on move-in weekend it was just hectic and they had to just come and then leave,” Reid said.

Some other events for Family Weekend include a 40th anniversary celebration for the Curris Center, movie nights, a 5K and a band performance in Curris.

There will be some prec autions necessar y because of the COVID-19 risks. Masks will be required indoors and hand sanitizer will be available at the outdoor events, such as the picnic lunch.

Family Weekend will be from Friday, Oct. 1 through Sunday, Oct. 3.

There will be football tickets and welcome bags available for families.

Students can pick these up at the CFSB ticket office every afternoon starting on Tuesday, Sept. 28 from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more event and scheduling information, please visit murraystate.edu/familyweekend.

News

Sept. 30, 2021

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Rachel Essner/The News Fall 2021 sorority recruitment took place after the start of the school year.

Pandemic hurts sorority recruitment numbers

Maggie Helms

Contributing Writer mhelms@murraystate.edu

Despite making the tr ansi tion from virtual to in-person re cr u itment , t h e re w as a de crease in women registered for Murray State’s sorority recruitment as opposed to last year.

While both the Interfraternity Council (IFC) and National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) have experienced little to no loss in interest, Pan-Hellenic numbers have dropped significantly.

Last fall, 222 women registered for 2020 recr uitment, whereas only 174 registered for 2021.

Though numbers were down on a national scale, Murray State’s Student Affairs Staff and Pan-Hellenic Council are considering the potential reasons for this decline.

Murray State’s coordinator of Greek Life and student leadership programs, Kim Newbern, said several factors could have led to the decrease in numbers.

RESOURCE BOARD, from page 1 S o far, 38 facult y, staff and students have displayed their information on the Resources Board. The online form shows each individual’s name, email address, MSU status (student, facult y or staff ), t y pe of c are provided, available loc ations, available times for each day of the week and whether the individual has reliable transportation to and from the loc a t i o n w h e re c a re i s n e e d e d .

C u r r e n t l y, a v a i l a b l e l o c a tions for both child c are and p e t c a r e i n c l u d e C a l l o w a y, Graves and Marshall Counties. Pet care is also available in Christian and Trigg Counties.

Kayla Rexroad, is a sophomore journalism major w h o p ro v i d e s c h i l d c a re a n d pet care, said the Resources Board is an important addition to the campus community.

“The Resources Board helps our community by ensuring every student gets the assistance they need,” Rexroad said. “Students have incredibly busy lives, and it’s important that there’s a service like this.”

Students are not the only ones who may require assistance. Because of the extra stress brought

“ It could be any thing from people not wanting to participate dur ing COVI D, ” Ne wbern said. “And then also financial, being Greek is not cheap.”

With cases of fraternity and sorority hazing reported on a national level, hazing can also be a deterrent for those considering joining Greek life. “ Parents send their kids to school to get an education, not to bring them home in a body bag,” Newbern said.

According to the Student Life Handbook, hazing is prohibited everywhere on campus. Any student who participates in hazing is subject to disciplinary action.

The pandemic may have also initiated hesitation concerning high-pressure social events such as sorority recruitment among the upcoming generation of students.

“People are just not used to interacting with people anymore.

The last two classes are sociall y n e g l e c t e d , ” Ne w b e r n s a i d .

As society attempts to regain normalcy, students are hesitant to on by the pandemic, the Faculty Senate proposed a resolution at an April 6 meeting that facult y c aregivers be considered for “temporar y modific ations of their work-related duties for the academic year 2021-2022,” according to the resolution.

As recommended by the Women’s Faculty Caucus, these modifications include flexibility in teaching modes (in-person or virtual), flexibility in determining the locations of office hours, limitation of non-essential service expectations and having responsibilities taken into account when determining teaching load.

get involved with extracurricular activities. Many people have developed social anxiety over quarantine. Students are afraid to step outside their comfort zones.

“People just don’t know how to socialize very well anymore,” said Vice President of Recruitment for Pan-Hellenic Jamie Black.

People are just not used to interacting with people anymore. The last two classes are socially neglected.

— Kim Newburn, Coordinator for Greek Life and Student Leadership programs.

Sorority recruitment is a fiveday process where potential new members talk to active members from different sororities. For many, this can be intimidating.

Black has also ruled the low n u m b e r s a s s o c i a l a p p re h e n sion due to the pandemic. People have become a little bit more introver ted, Blac k said.

In the past, recruitment week has taken place the week

m e n . ” T h e Pro vo s t h a s p o s tponed the consideration of the resolution for the time being.

Andrew Black, a professor in the department of English and philosophy who has a toddler at home, said it is difficult to balance parenting with one’s career.

“It is exhausting, particularly because of the pandemic,” Black said. “My daycare has shut down multiple times because of positive COVID case s i n m y s on’s ro om , a n d m y wif e and I have had to quar antine and miss work. My research has fallen behind and I str uggle to keep up with service and teaching, par ticularly now that it is in-person.”

Students have D e s p i t e t h i s , B l ac k s a i d h e incredibly busy lives, and would not consider using the it’s important that there’s Resources Board in the future. a service like this.

“I would not consider using — Kayla Rexroad, sophomore the ser vices on the Resources journalism major.

Board because, as the disclaimer states, the risk is my own and The resolution also included a the University has made no efletter from the Executive Com- for t to confirm that the peomittee of the Women’s Faculty ple who choose to sign up are Caucus that noted the strain of qualified or capable,” Black said.

COVID-19 “ has been felt es- “I would instead go to a trustpecially by women,” particular- ed friend or colleague or even ly because women faculty “are student to ask for resources. ” more likely to take on additional A public child care search caregiving responsibilities than t o o l i s a l s o a v a i l a b l e o n t h e

before school starts. Pan-Hellenic had to push recruitment up because of 2021 fall housing and move-in dates.

“It played a role with our numbers dropping once recruitment started,” Black said.

Many found themselves overwhelmed with classes. Black encourages women to put their academics first.

Some decided to wait and go through the less formal recruitment process in the spring. At the end of the week, 137 girls accepted sorority bids—ushering them into Murray State Greek life.

Murray State is among many schools to see a decrease in numbers. The Pan-Hellenic recruitment software program shows that with the exception of Louisiana State University and Arkansas, campuses are down by the hundreds.

“I think all chapters performed great this recruitment, considering our numbers that we had,” Black said, reflecting over that hectic week. “I think it was the PNM’S and the times that we are in.”

Screen capture from myGate The Racer Family Network tab on myGate is where people can sign up for care services.

Human Resources page under the “ Work + Life” tab. The Human Resources page can be found in the Office Directory at murraystate.edu/headermenu/.

The search tool offers access t o ce r t i fi e d o r l i ce nse d c h i l d care options in the community and is managed by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services Division of Child Care.

A n yo n e w i t h f u r t h e r q u e s tions c an contact the Human Resources office by calling (270) 809-2146 or via email at msu.hr@murraystate.edu.

Opinion

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Sept. 30, 2021

The News Reviews: Essential Fall Albums “Collection” by Soccer Mommy of fall. With indie-sounding guitar in the background, her Emery Wainscott vocals give just enough bite and Lifestyle Editor just enough softness. ewainscott@murraystate.edu “Allison, put down your sword / Give up what you’re Soccer Mommy conveys a fighting for,” she sings on somber but sweet feminine angst on her album “Collection” “Allison,” a song about past heartbreak and bittersweet that encapsulates the feelings

experiences. Her voice layers nicely over the guitar, singing coolly over the chords. One of my favorite things about this album is the approach she has to vulnerability. To me, fall is all about yearning and reflecting, and “Collection” is just that.

“So Tonight That I Might See” by Mazzy Star Dionte Berry News Editor dberry11@murraystate.edu

“So Tonight That I Might See” captures the sweet, harsh and calm moments fall has to offer. Lead singer Hope Sandoval’s soft voice, often

accompanied by guitar or tambourine, creates a landscape of dark and whimsical beauty where it’s hard not to imagine the leaves changing colors.

“Fade into You” is my favorite song from the album. It’s a dreamy composition about love, and how easy it is to lose yourself in another person. The airy

instrumentals transport me to the peak of fall where leaves are floating to the ground, the sun starts setting earlier and it’s too cold for a T-Shirt, but too hot for a coat. Then there are darker songs like “Mary of Silnce” where the sound is more dark and this transports me to fall at the cusp of winter.

“evermore” by Taylor Swift “evermore” is that album. If I close my eyes when I’m lisPam Goodwin tening to this album, I see Chief Copy Editor an old barn at dusk, lit with pgoodwin1@murraystate.edu string lights, decorated with pumpkins in pastel greens and If there were an album that perfectly conveys the feeling of whites. This album is Swift ’s walking through a forest when exploration into a more indie sound, a stark contrast from autumn leaves cover the path and there’s no one else around, her earlier work featured on

the likes of “Speak Now” and “1989.” It ’s almost a return to Swift’s country music roots, but the lyrics are so much more mature than those of her early work that this is almost an entirely different Swift, and I’m definitely on board with it.

My favorite song on this album is “no body, no crime.”

“The Lost Boy” by Cordae Jakob Milani Sports Editor jmilani@murraystate.edu

“The Lost Boy” was the debut album and Grammy nominated album from North Carolina rapper Cordae. The album plays like a trip you take with your

best friends as the leaves change colors, something that brings back a lot of fall memories for me. Songs like “Thanksgiving,” “Thousand Words” and “Nightmare Are Real” featuring Pusha T are flooded with crafty word play and deep meaning. The instrumentals on the project give a warm feeling that is needed

in the fall season with simple drums and melodies that anyone can enjoy, like the songs “Lost & Found” and “RNP’’ featuring Anderson .Paak. “The Lost Boy” by Cordae plays out so well and after just one listen, it isn’t hard to see why this album gets the praise that it does and why this album fits so well with the fall season.

“Freudian” by Daniel Caesar Sam Stewart Photography Editor sstewart26@murraystate.edu

“Freudian” by Daniel Caesar. This album is what got me into the more modern scene of r&b and I would even consider it more of soul as well. It is

an album that can run the full length and you won’t even realize it. Each song on this album flows together so well. This was actually the album that gained Caesar notoriety within the music community as well. He is compared to the likes of Frank Ocean, Bryson Tiller and Brent Faiyaz as well, maybe coming off a bit

softer than those. This album reminds me of the fall time because of his soft delivery. The samples and progressions in the songs give you the vibe of walking through a park and seeing the leaves turning and falling off. Almost a perfect prelude to the blistering cold that is winter.

“Bon Iver” by Bon Iver f ound my self ret ur ning t o Bon Iver. T he band ’s so u nd Joey Reynolds inst ant l y t r anspor t s me t o a Chief Videographer cool fal l day w it h t he co o l jreynolds38@murraystate.edu c hor al not es in “ Per t h” and f or t he rest of t he albu m.

I ’ l l admit , I had no idea T his is especial l y t r u e wh ic h a lbum t o pic k at firs t. S ome fr iends suggest - w it h what many people e d a f e w albums t o me and consider t o be t he mos t a s I wa s list ening, I al way s popular song on t he re co rd ,

“ H o l o ce ne. ” W h at st ar t s w i t h so f t sp ok e n gu i t ar s t u r ns i nt o a b i g so u nd t h at i s ve r y u ni q u e f o r t h e b and .

B and l e ad e r Ju st i n Ve r non sai d h e w ant e d t o cr af t a ne w so u nd i n h i s so ph o mo re al b u m, and I t h i nk that sound is perfect for the coming fall.

“Babel” by Mumford and Sons Kate Manley Ad Sales Manager kmanley2@murraystate.edu

“Babel” is the second studio album from the British rock band Mumford & Sons.

This album was released back in 2012, but I was late getting

into Folk/Alternative music. So many songs on this album that emit a peaceful ambiance that is perfect for when you are reading on a cold day or just simply enjoying the fall weather. I can listen to this album from start to finish without skipping any other songs, and be ready to play the album again. Everyone

has a different description for fall, but this album is my safe haven.

The guitar, banjo, and piano-heavy music just allows me to lose myself and the music and relax. When falland winter come around, it is like time slows down and everyone can take time to breathe.

Album covers courtesy of Apple Music.

Opinion

Sept. 30, 2021

5

Our View Students petition to end Murray State’s status as “dry” campus

W

hen crossing from Wilson Hall to my car after class, I noticed a slip of paper shoved under my windshield wiper.

Worst-case scenarios started bouncing around in my head — a ticket? A note saying, “Sorr y, I hit your car”?

None of the above. Depicted on the flyer was a graphic of two champagne flutes with the words, “End Prohibition at Murray State. Let 21+ students drink.”

“End Prohibition” refers to the fact Murray State is a “dr y ” campus, meaning students in possession of alcohol or intoxicated on campus, regardless of drinking age, can be fined.

The News believes that this situation is neither black nor white and a middle-ground can be reached between the two sides.

As a 21-year-old student, I was inclined to agree with the flyer, but let ’s explore the implications.

• Making campus “wet ” may lessen the likelihood of unfamiliar or dangerous situations

Cons

• Students under the legal drinking age may feel inclined to drink on campus • Crime and arrest rate may increase • Residential life can be disrupted by partying or drinking • Students may drive under the influence • Introducing alcohol to campus may affect student performance

Al t ernat ives

• Public intoxication fines and noise level penalties can be enforced as alternatives to prevent disruptive situations • A student bus ser vice can be introduced on campus during the later hours of the weekend so students have a safe ride home • Making some parts of campus “wet ” and some “dr y ” • Residential colleges can decide individually whether or not to allow alcohol.

“Ending Prohibition” on campus may sound like a precursor to public intoxication, drunk driving and underage drinking, but I keep returning to the same point: students may find a way to drink anyways. In doing so, they may find themselves in uncomfort-

Pr os

• Some students are going to drink anyways • Can make campus a safe environment, especially for those who live here • Alcohol at sporting events could bring in revenue for the University • The resources pooled into the fine system for violations could be spent elsewhere, like alcohol education programs, rehabilitation programs •

Cade Utterback/The News

able situations, and it ’s better they drink at home than at some random party.

I’ve known friends who’ve had alcohol poisoning. I’ve known friends who’ve driven drunk. I’ve known friends to be severely injured during car wrecks where the driver was intoxicated. All of the people I’ve just listed were underage at the time, but that wasn’t the only issue — they didn’t care about their own safety.

Ease of access certainly played a role, but punishments only seemed to make it worse.

Maybe if these students were given other choices — a safe ride home, a therapy appointment, a conversation about drinking — they would’ve chosen to prioritize their own safety.

Think of this as less than ease of access and more as investing in safe drinking

for students. Situations that are disruptive or dangerous may lessen, but we don’t truly know. Campus police may bust disruptive, loud, overcrowded or dangerous parties, and more relaxing wine nights can take place (as long as ever yone is 21+ and peaceful).

The hard truth is that students are going to do whatever they want, so why not acknowledge campus culture and develop other (safer) choices?

We may find out that access to better student rehabilitation or mental health programs may answer the concerns that drinking can bring.

For those seeking help, contact the Counseling Center at msu.counselingcenter@ murraystate.edu or visit murraystate.edu/counselingcenter.

THE

Murray State

NEWS Editorial Board

@themurraystatenews

@MurrayStateNews

www.thenews.org

The Murray State News

Dionte Berry Emery Wainscott Sam Stewart News Editor Lifestyle Editor Photo Editor dberry11@murraystate.edu ewainscott@murraystate.edu sstewart26@murraystate.edu Pam Goodwin Kate Manley Chief Copy Editor Ad Sales Manager

pgoodwin1@murraystate.edu kmanley2@murraystate.edu

Joey Reynolds Jakob Milani

Chief Videographer Sports Editor jreynolds38@murraystate.edu jmilani@murraystate.ediu

The News welcomes commentaries and letters to the editor. Sub-

missions 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 gsteffen@murraystate.edu.

Contact Us

2609 University Station Dr. Carol Terracina-Hartman Murray State University Faculty Adviser

cterracinahartman@murraystate.edu Murray, Kentucky 42071-3301 TheNews.org

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.

The News strives to be the University community’s source for information. Our goal is to present that information in a fair and unbiased manner and provide a free and open forum for expression and debate.

The News is an independent weekly student-run newspaper published at Murray State. The content does not reflect the opinions of the Murray State journalism and mass communication department.

Sports

6

Sept. 30, 2021

Jakob’s Take: Murray State’s time in the OVC is over As the OVC collapses, it’s time for the Racers to leave

thoughtful and thorough vetting process as it relates to conference realignment,” Saal said. “Murray State is a nationally recognized brand and promising discussions There are a lot of questions about the future of Racer Athletabout the once strong mid-major ics are ongoing. Whether within conference that had fans from all or outside the Ohio Valley Conover pouring their souls into its ference, Murray State Univerteams. One thing is for certain, sity is considering all options in however; the Ohio Valley Confer- order to position our Athletics ence has struggled in recent years program in a thriving environto keep teams in the conference. ment and offer a first-class stuIn the last two years alone, the dent-athlete and fan experience.”

OVC has lost four schools. EnThis begs the question—what tering the 2021-22 athletic year, are Murray State’s options?

Eastern Kentucky University and What conference best suits the Jacksonville State University Racers without making any crapacked up and left for the Atlan- zy moves? The biggest issue betic Sun conference. Now, as the comes finding a conference that season has progressed, Austin includes football. For instance, Peay State University and, most the ASUN doesn’t field football, recently, Belmont University have but fields most other sports. The announced their departure from same applies to the Big East Conthe OVC, with Austin Peay joining ference, The Summit League, The the ASUN and Belmont joining Horizon League and the Atlanthe Missouri Valley Conference. tic 10 Conference, which means With the most recent announce- those five conferences are out of ments of departures, eight teams the running for Murray State. remain in a deteriorating OVC, There’s the idea of staying in the and Murray State is caught in the OVC. Ride it out. Murray State middle of it. Many fans have voiced has won 27 OVC championships their frustration on social media, and has won the OVC tournasaying that the Racers should ment 17 times. The Racers also have left years ago. Now, with had 29 consecutive winning seamore and more teams departing, sons from 1987 to 2016. In footMurray State is left with a big deci- ball, Murray State was picked to sion, but the roads are ever wind- win the OVC this season after a ing in the college athletics scene. surprising 5-2 finish to the Spring Athletic director Kevin Saal 2021 season. In other sports, released a statement on Fri- Murray State soccer has excelled day, Sept. 24, discussing the fu- recently, just barely losing the ture of the Racers’ athletics. He OVC championship last season said that Murray State is keep- and picked to finish top three ing its options open and looking this season. Baseball made its for the best possible outcome. way all the way to the OVC cham“Murray State University re- pionship game in 2021. Sports mains actively engaged in a are thriving for Murray State in Jakob Milani Sports Editor jmilani@murraystate.edu

Photo courtesy of Justin Ertl/ Racer Athletics Freshman outside hitter Brooke Lynn Watts lead the Racers with 26.5 points ovr the weekend.

Volleyball sweeps EIU 6-0 Rachel Essner Staff Writer ressner1@murraystate.edu The Murray State volleyball team opened conference play with a two-game sweep against Eastern Illinois University in their home opener on Friday, Sept. 24, and Saturday, Sept. 25.

DeMier also tallied 30 assists.

On the defensive side, senior libero Becca Fernandez recorded 17 digs, while Watts and sophomore defensive specialist Dahlia Miller counted eight apiece and Harris and DeMier each collected five.

Game Two The Racers struck again with another three-set sweep in their secGame One ond game against the Panthers.

The Racers won the first The Panthers and Racers kept home game of the season with a the score close in the first two sets, three-set win over the Panthers. ending each one 25-21 with the Murray State took control Racers coming out on top. A 25-17 from the start, taking the first score at the end of the third set gave set 25-16. Keeping their mo- the Racers a 3-0 win in the match, mentum, the Racers took the sweeping both games of the series. next two sets 25-15 and 25-21, McClelland and Watts led the respectively, for a 3-0 win in offense with 12 and 13 respective game one against the Panthers. kills followed by Smith, Beasley The Racers set a season-high and Harris with seven, six and five of 16 total blocks, including 12 kills respectively. McClelland also block assists from senior middle contributed three block assists blocker Kolby McClelland, ju- while Harris finished with a teamnior outside hitter Alysha Smith, high .538 hitting percentage. freshman outside hitter Alexa Fernandez collected 10 digs Harris, freshman setter Bailey for her 30th straight game of DeMier, sophomore outside hit- double digit digs while Deter Morgan Price and sophomore Mier earned a double-doumiddle blocker Taylor Beasley. ble with 11 digs and 34 assists.

Freshman outside hitter Brooke The Racers will travel to MoreLynn Watts led the Racers’ of- head State University to compete fense with 13 total kills followed in their second conference series

by Harris with 10, McClelland of the season on Friday, Oct. 1, at 5 with seven and DeMier with six. p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 2, at 10 a.m.

the OVC, but that just means it makes more sense for them to go look for better competition.

Murray State could make the jump to the FBS after Murray State’s football team battled against other FBS schools in Cincinnati and Bowling Green this season. Three conferences that would be brought into the conversation geographically are the Mid-American Conference, Conference-USA, and the Sun Belt Conference. The problem with all three of these conferences, though, is enrollment numbers.

Murray State would be last in enrollment in both the MAC and CUSA by a noticeable margin. In the Sun Belt Conference, Murray State would be third-to-last in enrollment. While the FBS idea is cool, Murray State just doesn’t have the numbers to compete.

Murray State could move to the Missouri Valley Conference with Belmont. The two schools were seen as rivals in basketball in the OVC, so it makes sense to make that move with Belmont, not to mention the higher competition the MVC brings. Though prior moves to the MVC have been shot down, the possibility is still there.

It makes sense geographically and enrollment sizes are similar across the conference. While the MVC is where most fingers are pointed, there’s no guarantee that Murray State will make this move.

Other FCS conferences include the Southwestern Athletic

Conference, the Southern Conference and the Pioneer Conference. The Pioneer Conference is made up of all private schools, so it seems very unlikely that Murray State makes the move there.

In the SAC, Murray State would be second in enrollment based off of the 2020 number of 9,456, accoring to Murray State’s official website. Murray State would also be top five in enrollment in the Southern Conference, making those moves seem likely.

Murray State could also compete independent of a conference, like the University of Notre Dame in the FBS. Murray State would need to align with a conference for tournament and other sport purposes, but the football team could compete without being forced to play within a conference. This means Murray State could take on the higher ranked teams like North Dakota, South Dakota, James Madison and others without facing issues within their conference.

The best option for Murray State would be the Missouri Valley Conference, as they already have connections within the conference. If Murray State’s move to this conference gets blocked then it might be worth a shot to look into the SOCON or SAC, as they would be high in enrollment in those conferences, but the travel might not be favorable, as both conferences have teams far south of Murray State.

All options are on the table for Murray State, and the best options seem somewhat obvious.

The longer that Murray State stays in the OVC, the bigger the issue becomes for Racer Athletics.

Sept. 30, 2021

Lifestyle

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Sony student intern discusses licensing, on-air scheduling Mason Galemore Contributing Writer mgalemore@murraystate.edu

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he day senior Zachary Boardman received a phone call from Sony Music Publishing in April was the day he had been waiting for.

The award-winning company called to tell Boardman, music business major, he had been selected to intern during the summer of 2021.

He had applied on March 30 after learning about the program through his music business adviser Professor Karen Kane.

“I thought it would be a good jumping off point,” Boardman said. “They have such a huge catalog of music and very wellknown artists. It was very exciting to work with a company that represents so much star power.”

Sony Music Publishing interned eight students, including Boardman, from all over the U.S. For 10 weeks, the interns trained extensively and gained work experience in the music publishing industry.

Because of the pandemic, Boardman worked remotely for Sony’s Administrative Office in Nashville, Tennessee. The company works primarily with performance rights organizations including the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. The performance rights organizations collect money for different

Photo courtesy of Zac Boardman Senior music business major Zac Boardman served as one of eight interns for Sony Music Publishing.

songwriters and give the money to Sony.

Afterwards, Sony gives the money to the songwriters. It was Boardman’s job to make sure all royalties were correct by cross-referencing the information Sony had with the

information held by the performance rights organizations.

Boardman said his biggest responsibility during the internship was evaluating licensing and income for different clients.

He said it was very interesting to see how everything works in

such an unknown side of the music industry.

“It was an auditing process,” Boardman said. “I had to make sure everything aligned with royalties between Sony Music Publishing and its clients.”

Boardman also worked on the program scheduling. Certain bands and symphonies started TV shows and needed to be scheduled for airing. He would work to make sure all of the dates did not overlap.

Boardman said it is important to plan ahead for income tracking and scheduling. He said there were strict deadlines that he had to follow. He said if he did not follow deadlines, clients would not be paid and schedules would be ruined.

“It seems very complicated and unknown for people who aren’t in the music industry,” Boardman said. “When I see the numbers and flow of the money it is very interesting. It’s a lot of work but interesting.”

Boardman said when he left the summer internship the most important thing he had learned was good time management and communication. He said he recommends for people to strive to have both of these qualities.

“Communication is the key that opens the lock,” Boardman said. “If you don’t have good communication you aren’t going to have the same amount of opportunity in the workplace.”

Boardman will continue as an intern for Sony Music Publishing until Dec. 1.

Painting builds bond between students, campus workers

Emery Wainscott Lifestyle Editor ewainscott@murraystate.edu

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hat used to be an Einstein Bros Bagels out-of-date coffee advertisement is now a roughly 3-by-1 foot collaborative painting, a creative commission by the Organization of Murray Art Students.

Einstein Bros Bagels Senior Supervisor Audrey Kellett contacted OMAS President Ella Curran with the idea.

Kellett said she thought it would be a good opportunity to display student artwork as a sign of appreciation for customers, as a lot of them are students. She said there was no assigned theme and let Curran and OMAS have free reign over the painting.

Curran’s goal was to create the perfect introduction into her first semester as president.

“The project required us to combine our individual styles to make a cohesive piece,” said Curran. “ Working through the process was representative of community.”

We’ve always loved the workers at Einstein’s... they know many of us by name, and some of us have become great friends outside of school and work.

— Ella Curran, Organization for Murray Art Students president

Murray State mascot Dunker drinks a chai tea latte amid a blue background, framed by multi-colored brush strokes

with a bagel, cookie, egg and sandwich.

During the painting sessions, Einstein’s workers brought food for the workers to use for reference. Curran said the group thought it would be meaningful to give thanks to Einstein’s by featuring them in the painting. “ We’ve always loved the workers at Einstein’s,” Curran said. “Since it ’s right across from our building, they know many of us by name, and some of us have become great friends outside of school and work.”

The painting took eight in-meeting hours plus outside work to complete.

Fifteen OMAS members started with a sketch on canvas, then layered acrylic paint over top with brushes courtesy of the College of Humanities and Fine Arts’ Instagram and pallet knives. Both new OMAS students’ painting is on displayPhoto at Einstein Bros Bagels at the Waterfield Library. and returning members, and other Einstein’s workers get to know them and see how all art and design students, joined the two sessions it took are there, Curran said. OMAS that grows.”

Among the group’s othto complete the painting.With may update the painting in the er projects is an ongoing each meeting, different crowds future. bi-monthly creative magazine brought new ways of contribIt’s just nice to be called OMAG. The magazine uting to the project, Curran able to build those features artwork and intersaid. kinds of relationships views with students, faculty For both herself and other with people and get and alumni from the art and students, this painting was to know them and see design department. about having fun, Curran said. how that grows.

The next event hosted by “ When you’re an art student — Audrey Kellett, Einstein Bros OMAS is Monster Mash on the pressure is on to make Bagels senior supervisor Oct. 28. On that day, student work that shows your best conorganizations in the art and ceptual and technical skills,” “I’ve been working there for design department will be Curran said. “It ’s a major that selling print, T-shirts, stickers, two years, so I’ve seen a lot often requires you to look buttons and other items in the of students come and go but inward and be vulnerable, so I Old Fine Arts lobby. think it was good for everyone there’s these people that have To purchase a copy of been going there since Einto work on a project where we OMAG or catch more of the were able to set that aside and stein’s opened two years ago,” group’s upcoming events, visit Kellett said. “It ’s just nice to just enjoy making together.” be able to build those kinds of the handle @OMAS_MSU on The painting will most likeInstagram. relationships with people and ly be up for as long as Kellett

Lifestyle

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Sept. 30, 2021

Raleigh Hightower/The News Jean Ritchie (left), Florence Brandeis (middle) and Grace Marilynn James (right) are depicted in the exhibit honoring their contributions to music, literature, medicine and women’s suffrage.

Traveling art exhibit honors Kentucky women, native plants Raleigh Hightower Contributing Writer rhightower@murraystate.edu

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to celebrate the achievements of 10 Kentucky women through the invocation of Kentucky ’s native plants, the Murray Art Guild opened the “FEMMEnomenal Bluegrass Botanicals” art exhibit on Sept. 15.

The exhibit is a traveling project by artist Gabriella Boros. Boros created the FEMMEnomenal exhibit during her time as an artist-in-residence at the Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest.

As a feminist, I am intrigued and inspired by artist Gabriella Boros’ work.

— Debi Danielson, executive director of Murray Art Guild

The exhibit itself consists of 10 hanging prints. Each print depicts a woman who had an influential impact on Kentucky ’s histor y, a portion of that woman’s background, a plant native to Kentucky and a subtle accent of a single color.

Some of the women depicted include F lorence Brandeis, an active member of the Women’s Suffrage Association and cousin of Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis; Amanda Uri Bernheim, who ser ved as the inspiration of the Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest and Grace Marilynn James, the first Black faculty member at the University of Louisville School of Medicine.

“As a feminist, I am intrigued and inspired by artist Gabriella Boros’ work,” said Debi Danielson, executive director of the Murray Art Guild. “ This is such an inspiring body of work celebrating important Kentucky women and at the same time making a connection with nature.”

In order to further establish a connection between these women and nature, Boros meticulously selected each depicted plant to symbolize

the lives of the women. Some of the depicted plants include the Kentucky coffeetree, the liverleaf and the cranefly orchid.

Much like the native plants in Kentucky, despite all the challenges, women stand strong, tall and beautiful, each in their own way.

— Mark Wourms, executive director of the Benheim Arboretum and Research Forest

The plants were selected to symbolize many powerful concepts such as struggle, prosperity, elegance, spirit and justice.

“Much like the native plants in Kentucky, despite all the challenges, women stand strong, tall and beautiful, each in their own way,” said Executive Director of the Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest Mark Wourms.

Boros, who was born in Israel, immigrated to the United States as a child. Boros’ artwork includes paintings, prints and handmade books.

Boros also has produced special projects revolving around stones and small wooden cheese boxes. “ We were interested and thrilled at the opportunity to share an exhibition from outside our region with the area,” Danielson said. “D uring this time of COVID concerns, it is great to offer an outdoor art experience for the public.”

The Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest is a 16,317-acre nature preser ve in Clermont, Kentucky. The directors at Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest seek to establish a connection between art and nature through their “Arts in Nature Program.”

The directors at the Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest were interested in finding a location in Western Kentucky to showcase the traveling exhibit. The Murray Art Guild was selected to host the exhibition following a recommendation from

Shannon Davis-Roberts, co-owner of Walk the Willow and former Democratic candidate for state representative.

The exhibit was previously featured at the Harmony Complex Building in Louisville, Kentucky, and will be featured in Harlan, Kentucky, following its presentation at the Murray Art Guild.

Moving for ward, the Murray Art Guild will be featuring work from Diane Nititham, associate professor of

sociology, and local metalsmith Jo Bennet.

To learn more about artist Gabriella Boros, visit gabriellaboros.com and learn about Boros’ various forms of art and the concepts frequently depicted in her artwork.

For more about the Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest, visit bernheim.org The FEMMEnomenal exhibit is on display until Oct. 16 at the Murray Art Guild located at 500 N 4th St.