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Bowman Gray Stadium, which seats 20,000 people, will be the site for WinstonSalem State’s first commencement ceremony May 16.
Winston-Salem State will host commencement for the first time in the Bowman Gray Stadiumat 9:45 a.m. May 16. In previous years, commencement has been held at Lawrence Joel Veteran Memorial Coliseum; however this year, with WSSU’s purchase of Bowman Gray Stadium, the commencement committee decided to bring the ceremony close to campus. Letitia Wall, assistant provost for administration and planning, said there are approximately 1,600 students who qualified to be a part of commencement exercises, but
only 1,000 have sent an RSVP. “This is where people spent four to six years of their lives,” Wall said. “We thought that it would be a great tradition to leave the place where you started.” Bowman Gray Stadium seats 20,000, approximately 5,000 more than LJVM Coliseum multi-purpose area. Keiada Holmes, senior mass communications major from Hartsville, S.C. said she is pleased with and strongly supports the changes to commencement this year. Holmes is the president of the senior class council and one of two WSSU students on the commencement committee.
Apr 23
2014
Vol. 52, issue 12 Vol.52, Issue 2
Congratulations Class of 2014
WSSU celebrates class of 2014 graduation at Bowman Gray
The News Argus Staff @thenewsargus
Wednesday
“The class of 2014 will set the legacy of graduation at our new owned stadium,” Holmes said. Last year, seniors were disappointed by the number of tickets distributed,; this year’s there is no limitation on the number of guests. In case of rain, the ceremonies will be moved to the LJVM Coliseum. Anthony Sumter, senior marketing major from Raleigh, said he has heard some of the new changes of commencement and it should be a nice event if everything goes as planned.
GRADUATION continued on Page 3
Mold not detected in Old Nursing, Fine Arts buildings The News Argus Staff @thenewsargus
Two of Winston-Salem State’s older buildings have passed the test: no mold or asbestos. Both the Old Nursing and Fine Arts buildings were tested after sources complained about potentially hazardous conditions. “By sight, I can’t look at it [mold] and determine whether it’s [the building] hazardous or not,”said Aaron Leftwich, director of Environmental Health and Safety at WSSU. “It has to be sampled and analyzed. It’s tested by a private independent accredited laboratory which makes them certified. So what they give us back you can trust that it’s good information.” According to Leftwich, a staff member contacted him about possible mold in the Fine Arts building, which houses the department of art and visual studies along with the department of music. Dianne Walker, director of Facilities Operation said that both buildings are safe and still open because they are functional. “The systems may be old, but they aren’t totally shot. Based on them [buildings] still standing, if a tornado came through I would go in, and when it’s all over those two buildings would still be there.” Inspections for buildings on campus are conducted annually. Standards are set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. OSHA is a federal agency that ensures safe and healthy working conditions by enforcing standards and providing workplace safety training. “It doesn’t have to be an annual inspection for us to take a look. The entire University has an outside inspection by the state and or city fire marshal,” Leftwich said. Leftwich said that there are no solid asbestos at the University and that EHS are currently doing risk assessments. “We look for things like that and always try to assure if there are things in the environment that can harm us. You can’t touch it and be affected; it can only affect you through respiratory contact,” he said.
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Remodeled Diggs reopens in time for senior art exhibit
Maurika Smutherman
entertaining diversions editor
@MaurikaxS
This year’s senior art exhibition returned to Diggs Gallery April 11. Last year, senior art majors were forced to showcase their projects in the Fine Arts Building due to ongoing renovations of Diggs Gallery. Several art majors were upset about the change, as previous exhibits have always been at Diggs. The renovations were
completed in March, just in time for the showcase. The exhibit opened April 9 during Winston-Salem State Scholarship Day, but the official opening took place April 11.
SENIOR ART continued on Page 6
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The News Argus
News & Features
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
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Shocking stats on college sexual Student starts program assaults trigger national attention to promote discounts at local eateries Katrina Robinson staff reporter
In the past five years there have been seven sexual assault cases and one sexual battery reported at WinstonSalem State University. According to the campus police reports, the cases were pending, referred to higher authorities or unsubstantiated. This is a contrast from the report prepared by the White House Council on Women and Girls and the Office of the Vice President, which says that 1 in 5 women have been sexually assaulted while in college; The Campus Sexual Assault (CSA) Study conducted in 2007 concluded that 20 percent of college women are victims of sexual assault or attempted sexual assault. The most common form of sexual assault is ‘incapacitated assault’; the abuse occurs while drunk, under the influence of drugs, passed out, or otherwise incapacitated. The
study found that 58 percent of rape or assault victims were incapacitated and 28 percent of forced rapes occur at a party. These statistics are parallel to the history of assaults reported to campus police. According to a campus police report, on May 10, 2010, a female student was raped when she attended an offcampus party with four other females. Two males drove the group to the apartment of a male student where they proceeded to play cards and drink. The victim passed out; she awoke to find a male raping her with no protection. Another male also tried to assault her. Only 12 percent of sexual assault victims report the crime to the police. Campus police Administrative Captain Bobby Brown said, “The big thing with sexual assault is people actually reporting sexual
The Campus Incident Report is a concise summary of the upto-date incidents that affect the Winston-Salem State campus and community. Incidents may lead to News Argus articles. Tuesday, April 8 Drunk and Disruptive At 11:27 p.m., a female student reported a suspicious person knocking on her door in Foundation Heights. When police arrived, the female student identified the male suspect. Campus police said the suspect had a strong odor of alcohol on his breath. The RA was able to identify him as a student. When police drove him to the magistrate, the male student was shouting and yelling profanities. He was placed on a $500 bond. The case was referred to Judicial Affairs. Wednesday, April 9 Assault on a Female At 1:43 a.m., a former male student got into an argument with a female student in Wilson Hall. The male threw food and paper at the female student and she pushed him. According to the residence hall security officer, the male put the female student in a headlock and continually punched her in the face. When campus police arrived, the female student refused to press charges. She said that the male only pushed her. He was issued a trespassing form. The case is closed. Wednesday, April 9 Disturbing the Peace At 4:15 p.m., campus police received a call that a white male was screaming profanities in Kennedy Dining Hall. When campus police arrived, he identified himself as a student and said he was upset over a city citation. The case is closed.
assaults.” According to a study issued by the White House Council on Women and Girls, nearly 22 million women and more than 1.5 million men nationwide have been raped. On Jan. 22, President Obama created a federal task force to enforce updates sexual assault policies on college campuses. This comes several months after President Obama signed the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013, which ensures that women are more protected when filing sexual assault charges. According to WinstonSalem State’s policy, any individual wishing to report an incident of sexual harassment or sexual violence should refer to Resolution Procedures for Sexual Harassment and
ASSAULT
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Thursday, April 10 Suspicious Person At 1:56 a.m., an unidentified caller reported seeing a suspicious light skinned or white male wearing a black vest, blue bandana, overalls and black boots on Martin Luther King Drive. The caller said that the male was seen placing what looked to be a shotgun in his boot. The caller refused to be identified. The Winston-Salem Police Department and campus police launched a full search for the subject but were unable to locate him. Several attempts were made to contact the caller, but they were unreachable. There were no other reports of the suspicious person. The case is under further investigation. Wednesday, April 16 Resist, Delay, Obstruct At 3:06 p.m., an officer observed two students, male and female, sitting in a vehicle in Lot W. The officer approached the vehicle and asked the female driver to let down her window twice. The third time he asked, she obliged; the officer then asked for her license and student identification. When the officer went behind the vehicle to get her license plate number, she drove off. The officer located her at Wilson Hall, where the male student got out. The female student was then pulled over and searched by the officer. When being checked her for weapons, she accused the officer of touching her inappropriately. A female officer took over the search; they found nothing. The female student was arrested and held on a $500 bond. The case was sent to Judicial Affairs.
Source: WSSU Department of Police and Public Safety Compiled by Katrina Robinson
Katrina Robinson staff reporter
If you’re a student, staff member or even alumni of Winston-Salem State, hold on before you pay full price for your next meal. Senior exercise science major from Greensboro Chinaemeze Okoro teamed up with business services to develop Ram Connect. Ram Connect will allow the WSSU community to dine in various restaurants in the Winston-Salem area for a discounted price. Restaurant owners will be able to purchase advertisement space on Ram Connect’s website, which will provide a visual aid for the WSSU community to the participating restaurants. When a WSSU commuter goes to a participating restaurant, they would only need to show their Ram card to receive the discount. The discount price is to the discretion of the participating restaurant. According to Okoro, Ram Connect should be available during the summer or the beginning of fall semester. Okoro said that a lot of restaurants said yes to his proposal. No restaurants are actively participating yet. Okoro said that since this is a big commuter school, he wants the restaurants to be in surrounding areas as well as the Winston-Salem community. “Obviously I want the restaurants closest to the school,” he said, “but a lot of students travel from Kernersville, High Point and Greensboro, so I would love to get them on board.” Assistant vice chancellor of business services Donald Pearsall said that he assisted Okoro by giving him professional advice. According to the University’s website, busi-
ness service operates all services offered to students in a convenient economical and self-sufficient manner within a properly approved budget. WSSU auxiliaries are a combination of university operated and contractor managed entities that receive no state appropriations. “Were constantly exploring new ways to expand our contacts,” he said. “So when the gentleman approached me I thought that he made some good points.” Pearsall said that this is different from other discounts provided for the student body because businesses will be purchasing advertising space. “It’s a lot of hard work,” he said, “but if he feels that he can have it done by the summer than I think he can do it if he works hard enough.” Associate Vice Chancellor for Financial Planning and Budget Randy Mills said that he was impressed when he was approached about the idea. “Contractually we do not have any restaurants yet,” he said, “but I really like the idea. We will help him any way we can.” Okoro said that he wants the money to go to work study and to finance scholarships. “Everyone should be awarded the chance to go to a restaurant and have a good time,” he said. “I feel that this would be a blessing to everybody.” Okoro came up with the idea two years ago. He is a dual enrolled student at Wake Forest and would show his Wake Forest ID to get discounts at restaurants. They would not accept his Ram Card.
RAM CONNECT continued on Page 8
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The News Argus
News & Features
GRADUATION
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
continued from Page 1
Commencement Speaker Steven Pemberton
Each year, the Senior Class Council provides the commencement committee with a list of pe they request to have speak at commencement. The comPemberton mittee is comprised of faculty and students in senior class council. They go through the list and contact the individuals on the
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list firstly, to see how much it will cost to bring them to WSSU, Wall said. “This year’s list included names like Magic Johnson and Steve Harvey. In contacting those requests, the cost to bring them here was way out of anything we would pay for,” Wall said. “So those were immediately eliminated.” Next they look for relevance and merit of each possible person, and when they decide on a person that would be a good fit, Wall said they then send the recommendations to
the provost and the chancellor to be approved by them. The speaker for commencement will be Steven Pemberton, the chief diversity officer and divisional vice president for Walgreens inc., and he was not on the list of people the senior class council created. “His story is one of survival in the midst of a lot of challenging situations. So we think he will be a great inspiration as our graduates prepare to go out,” Wall said.
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The Old Nursing building was built in 1956 and the Fine Arts Building was built in 1958. “Out of all the tests that we’ve run, we have not had any positive,” she said. Since the construction of the Student Success Center, offices around campus are planning to transition from older buildings. . Deana Brim, program assistant in the Office of International programs department located in the Old Nursing building said that she is looking forward to the move because they [OIP] are
kind of isolated over there and now they will have the chance to reach out to more students. “The main problem over here is with the heating and air, but we expect it because the building is old. Facility is always over quick to fix it though,” said. According to WSSU’s Master plan, the Old Nursing building will be demolished in the near future, along with the Fine Arts building.
entertaining criticism
Breaking Bad
Love & Regrets
Maurika Smutherman Entertaining Diversions Editor @MaurikaxS
Love, sex and deceit are abound in Love & Regrets, a novel by California-based author Sheryl MalloryJohnson. Johnson, a graduate of Texas Southern University, is the mother of Winston-Salem State’s quarterback, Rudy Johnson. The tale follows the lives of three close friends: Carmen, Tempest and Dana. All of the women face lifechanging decisions as their lives take unexpected twists and turns. In Carmen’s case, this involves Kendall, a coworker who ignites the passion within; so much so, that Carmen is willing to risk her marriage, family and even her job. Will inner turmoil be Carmen’s demise, or will she do what is right and end the fling before it’s too late? Tempest appears to have it all -- with her pro-football
fiance and the upcoming wedding of her dreams, what more could she ask for? Unfortunately, when doubt begins to cloud her judgment, she realizes this might not be what she truly wants. Especially when her fiance Sterling betrays her trust in a major way. Will Tempest find the strength to forgive Sterling’s transgressions? Or is the ensuing insecurity too much to bear? Finally we meet Dana, Carmen’s sister-in-law and Tempest’s best friend. She faces a dilemma when she finds herself in love with two men. Her boyfriend Omar continuously disappoints her, so she seeks solace with a new man, Matthew, hoping to gain what’s missing from her life. But when Omar has a revelation and becomes everything Dana has wished for, she must make a difficult decision. In her mission to get married and settle down, which guy will she
choose? Johnson offers vivid storytelling in Love & Regrets, leaving not one stone unturned. This AfricanAmerican fiction novel is great for those who enjoy compelling storylines about love and relationships. Anchored by a dynamic cast of characters, Love & Regrets is a page-turner you will not want to put down. Love & Regrets is available as a hard-copy or e-book from retailers including Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Nook and Kindle. Get your copy today!
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Campus groups promoting STI awareness Chasmon Gatewood staff reporter
One night of unprotected sex can turn into a lifetime mistake. It’s likely that most college students don’t know that nearly 1 in 4 new HIV infections are among youth ages 13-24. However organizations and researchers at Winston-Salem State are working to increase awareness on campus. There are 13 National HIV/ AIDS awareness days. WSSU and Forsyth County’s HIV prevention program POSSE participated in the National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day on Feb. 7. POSSE -- Prevent Ongoing Spread of STIs Everywhere -offer free HIV testing. “In 2010 African Americans accounted for an estimated 44 percent of all new HIV infections among adults and adolescents. This age group is
the primary target that’s why we [Bacchus and Gamma] work hard to make sure that students realize that HIV is very prevalent out here,” said Michael Isler, nurse and peer health educator adviser of Bacchus and Gamma. Bacchus and Gamma is an international peer education association amongst colleges and universities. Isler said the student’s roles in the organization are to be trained peer educators able to recognize the signs and symptoms of HIV and STDs and share information correctly. HIV statistics are confidential but they’re not very high here [WSSU], he said. “Statistically on all campuses chlamydia is the highest contracted STD. Herpes is beginning to be a big one on college campuses.”
STD PREVENTION continued on Page 8
18 QUESTIONS
1. Is Winston-Salem State as secure as you thought it was? #WSSUCampusSafety 2. Seniors, are you prepared for life at ‘SU? #WhenThingsGetReal 3.Why is Teen Mom getting another sesason? 4. Who do you think will win the NBA playoffs? 5. Are you ready for final exams? 6. Is anyone else worried about the weather on the day of graduation? #HopingForNoRain 7. What are your summer vacation plans? 8. So about this sextape with Mimi and Nikko.... why?! #TookItTooFar 9. Did you know April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month? 10. What’s on your summer playlist? 11. Have you started packing to move out yet? 12. So how do you feel about Chris Brown still being in jail? #FreeBreezyOrNah 13. So who’s the next NFL player to get caught for bad behavior? #Kaepernick #Jackson #Sharper 14. Has anyone checked out Iggy Azalea’s new album? 15. You tired of ‘Happy’ by Pharrell? #OrNah 16. Now that meetings are underway, who will be WSSU’s next chancellor? 17. Will you be in debt after you graduate? #SallieMaeComingForYou 18. When will August and Trey stop beefing?
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The News Argus
Opinion
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
www.thenewsargus.com
The Grand Finale
I can’t lie. These last days of my senior year have been brutal; assignments that used to take me only one hour to finish, now takes me four. It’s safe to say that senioritis has struck me like Chelsea Burwell the plague EDITOR -IN- CHIEF and I’m anticipating May 16 more than ever. But before I walk across the stage and hang up my title as editor-inchief, I must you all with five pieces of advice. Ready? 1. Do not block your blessings. Many times before opportunities come into fruition, people shy away from them out of fear. Be discerning but not close-minded. These four years are not the time for you to walk away saying, “I wish I would have…” Just do it. 2. Nothing is handed to you, so put the work in. It’s dangerous to assume that things will fall into place without preparation. You are not entitled to a job or a spot in graduate school. You have academic advisers, but keep track of your classes and credits. Financial aid will purge your schedule if you don’t take care of holds and charges. Plain and simple: You’re grown now so act like it and be accountable. 3. Someone is always watching; take heed. I don’t have to say much on this one. Instagram, Facebook and
Twitter behavior is constantly being monitored so beware of the screenshot. Also, presentation is key, so think twice about your appearance before stepping out on the Yard. 4. Do not rely on academic settings to push you to the next level. Learning is not restricted to just the classroom. Honestly, of the more than 120 credit hours I have received at WSSU, less than 20 hours were courses that truly challenged me academically, but I didn’t settle. I worked hard by blogging and pursing my own projects. Because of my hard work, I can proudly say I will be pursuing my master’s degree at Georgetown University this fall. 5. Grow/surround yourself with people who encourage growth. One professor simply told me “Steel sharpens steel.” Befriend people who not only have goals but have ambition. And if they don’t understand, that’s fine. Just remember, when it comes to self-growth it’s ok to be selfish. It has been a blessing to hold the title of editor-in-chief this year and while it wasn’t easy, it was defintely worth it and I wouldn’t change a thing. Thank you Dr. Cobb, Ms. Young, Dr. Montgomery and Dr. Jeter for making these four years worthwhile. To my family and friends – here and back at home – you got me through; thank you so much. To the class of 2014, we did it! #May16 #MayDay .To the rest of my Ram family, take pride in your HBCU and help this University rise and shine. CSB your 2013-2014 EIC, signing out...
WSSU students, faculty and staff are selected randomly to answer a provocative question from The News Argus. Comments do not represent the opinions of the Argus staff. To listen to the complete responses visit www.thenewsargus.com.
KHIRY TERRY PSYCHOLOGY HUNTERSVILLE, N.C.
Don’t get distracted on weed, girls and turning up. Surround yourself with positivity. Either you’re holding me down or slowing me down.
Argus Letter Policy
As a matter of policy, The News Argus will publish corrections for errors in facts. The corrections will be made as soon as possible after the error has been brought to the attention of The News Argus at
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The News Argus is a student publication of Winston-Salem State University. The News Argus encourages written comments to the editor and guest columns, but some rules apply: q A signature, address and phone number must accompany all letters. Letters should be double-spaced and no more than 250 words. q Letters will be verified by The News Argus by a phone call prior to publication. If The News Argus is unable to contact the writer of a letter, the letter will be held until contact is made. Letters intended as advertising will not be published. q The News Argus does not publish “form letters”or letters sent to multiple newspapers outside the Triad unless the issue discussed in the letter is of importance to the WSSU community. q The News Argus reserves the right to edit letters and guest columns for clarity, length and libel. The News Argus will edit letters that are grossly inaccurate or cross the boundaries of good taste. q The News Argus allows readers to reply to someone’s response to any earlier letter only once. q Guest columns may be no more than 400 words. The News Argus will accept endorsements of candidates, but only one per writer per candidate. The letter may challenge a candidate’s record, but no intensely personal attacks will be printed. The News Argus permits candidates to write letters to the editor to specifically respond to another letter. Photos and Interviews by Chelsea Burwell and Da’Yona Mclean
It’s that time of year where graduating seniors are finally receiving caps and gowns, sending off graduation announcements and most importantly finishing off those last needed credit hours. This year’s graduating class is expected to be nearly 1,600 and held at
Bowman Gray Stadium May 16 at 9:45 a.m. This is the first year that commencement will be held at the stadium.
This issue’s Campus Crew asks...
Graduating seniors: What advice do you have for underclassmen?
ROBONETTA JONES POLITICAL SCIENCE DURHAM
Take advantage of the opportunities that are given to you. Plan for your future, whether it’s graduate, medical or law school.
AMBER KEA-EDWARDS PSYCHOLOGY CHARLOTTE.
Take control of choosing your own classes. Do not rely on your advisers or you’ll be here for five or six years.
CHINAEMEZE OKORO EXERCISE SCIENCE GREENSBORO Don’t get caught up in pleasing other students. Focus on getting to know faculty and staff because they’ll help you the most.
KIARA WILSON MASS COMMUNICATIONS CHARLOTTE
If you have a career goal, stick with it. Have internships lined up. Apply for jobs before graduation and get involved with relevant organizations.
Opinion
www.thenewsargus.com Wednesday, April 23, 2014
The News Argus
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Get the best out of your degree
As a graduating senior, do you think your educational experience prepared you for the “real world“ Yes, my school equipped me with the skills/education I need to succeed.
53%
Graduation is right around the corner; are you prepared for what’s next? Whether you plan to enter the workforce or continue your studies at a graduate school, it’s important to understand the state of the economy Maurika Smutherman in order to get Entertaining the most out of Diversions Editor your bachelor’s degree. According to a Forbes article, there is “widespread underemployment among recent college grads.” This is a startling reality -- the fact that many college graduates will be getting jobs they could have gotten with just a high school diploma or GED. Not to mention the amount of debt many students accumulate, which must be paid back in a timely manner. Despite these facts, remember that a college degree is a great investment. Which is why you shouldn’t take it for granted. At the end of the day, having a degree is far better than not having one and it can set you apart from other employment candidates. So, rather than sticking with that parttime retail job in the mall, why not move
up to a management position? Instead of working for an already established company, why not apply for a grant and start your own business? The only thing holding you back is yourself. When I graduate this May, I have a plan for the next three years -- to receive my master’s degree and start up a consulting business. I love to write, so why not do what I love and get paid for it? Of course, everything is easier said than done, which
Fly
students can move to certain areas to receive reductions or payment on their student loans. Places like Niagara Falls, N.Y. and Kansas offer student loan payoff programs in efforts to recruit young, educated people to move into the community. And don’t forget that it’s never too late to find an internship. Many companies offer paid internships for college graduates, which is a great way to get experience and money as well as an almost guaranteed position within an organization. Also, some companies offer to pay for employees to go back to school, which could be a great way to get your master’s degree and/or another bachelor’s degree. These are just some of the many options available to college graduates and I hope it helps at least one of you. Remember, Sallie Mae and Co. will be busting down your door no less than six months after you haven’t been in school. I’ve stated my point of view, which I’ve enjoyed imparting upon you all for the past semester. This is my last op-ed for The News Argus and I hope at least one of you gets something out of it. Best of luck to all our graduates; let’s do big things! And yes, I am still just a fly on the wall and it’s time for me to tend to my own business.
n the wall
is why it’s important to set up deadlines for yourself even after graduating. Decide where you would like to be one year after graduation. Do you hope to have a job in your field or travel the world volunteering? Make the decision now, it’s never too late to have a plan! And since I’m nice, I will even give you some great options for after you graduate. First of all, programs like Teach for America, the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, AmeriCorps and the Peace Corps are great ways to pay off your loans in a short amount of time. Also, if you’re brave enough, you can join the military as a means to pay off loans. Furthermore, it is a little known fact that
No, academic expectations at my school were not met.
19% No, but I am ready for whatever comes my way.
28% To participate in the poll, register online @ thenewsargus.com T h e Staff Chelsea Burwell Editor-in-Chief Da’yona McLean Copy Desk Chief/ Advertising & Marketing Maurika Smutherman Entertaining Divesions Editor Matt Parmesano Sports Editor Irwin Clawson Graphics Artist Intern Diandrea Brown Graphics Artist Intern
N e w s
A r g u s
S t a f f
Jennifer Bruinton - Reporter David McCoy - Reporter Katrina Robinson - Reporter/Social Media Manager Sheridan Watkins - Reporter/Social Media Manager Chasmon Gatewood - Reporter
Contributors Angelik Edmonds Sam Hoggs
*Dr. Lona D. Cobb Faculty Adviser
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The News Argus, the official student newspaper of Winston-Salem State University, is produced in conjunction with two classes in the Mass Communications Department. Any full-time WSSU student is eligible to join the staff or become a contributor. The Argus is published and circulated twice monthly on Wednesdays during the fall and spring semesters. The Argus is not published during holidays or University breaks. The News Argus online (www.thenewsargus.com) is updated regularly throughout the fall and spring semester. The newspaper is not published during the summer sessions. The News Argus affiliations include: Black College Wire, College Publisher, College Media Advisors, Society of News Design, North Carolina College Media Association, Southern University Newspapers, Associated Collegiate Press
News & Features
www.thenewsargus.com Wednesday, April 23, 2014
The News Argus
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WSSU hosts its second annual Clothesline Project [Left] T-shirts made by students, faculty and staff hang on a clothesline near the Clocktower. [Right] A decorated shirt, advocating against sexual violence. Student organization, Beloved -- formerly known as My Natural -- along with the department of Interpersonal Violence Prevention hosted the second annual Clothesline Project. The project lasted from April 14-16. Photos by David McCoy
SENIOR ART
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“Belinda Tate, the Gallery director, Dr. Walker, our dean and the University facilities folks did a tremendous job of updating the space [Diggs Gallery] and making the opening reception a festive and memorable event. The students are truly the benefactors in this project and it is something they take great pride in,” said Tammy Evans, assistant professor of graphic design in the department of art and visual studies. “The floors, lighting and condition of the walls have had the most impact on the exhibit space. However, there are the underlying factors that have also been improved, bringing the building up to code and more secure,” she said. Evans joined the department of art and visual studies in 2008. She coordinated the art exhibit by developing a press release and promotional material with the help of Diggs Gallery staff. Evans and the rest of the art department faculty critiqued seniors’ work throughout the semester. She said the faculty wanted to ensure “students are putting forth their strongest pieces for exhibition.” This year, 16 senior art majors presented their work, including Bree Baldwin, Shakillia Bobo, Diandrea Brown, Maleek Brown, Aundrea Bruton, Akinyele Cameron-Kamau, Irwin Clawson, Deric Cooper, Kelvin Douglas, Frederick Graham, Christine Holland, Justin Jackson, Aquila Jones, Victor Toodle, Darius Turner and Brian “Buck” Warren. The exhibit featured digital design, sculpture, painting, photography and more. “This process has helped me start networking; hopefully I can get some of my artwork sold now,” said Warren, a senior fine arts major from Greenville, N.C. Warren presented a series of paintings based on major milestones in his life and the lives of friends. One painting paid homage to a classmate who died in 2011, Deena Wilson. While Warren’s presentation show-
cased his painting skills, he said he is well versed in other artistic avenues. “I’m kind of well rounded,” he said. “I can do digital and sculpture but my specialty is definitely studio art and painting,” he said. Jones, a senior art major from Pennsauken, N.J., presented a series of photographs and paintings. “My inspiration was what I had in front of me. All of my paintings are based on the photos I’ve taken,” Jones said. Her exhibit featured paintings and photos from prominent landmarks around WSSU. “I’ve always enjoyed drawing...I decided to come to school for art because it’s what I enjoy,” she said. Evans said the art department faculty and staff are supportive of whatever their students choose to do after graduation. “Some students have intentions to continue on to graduate school, others are seeking employment in art and design related fields, while a few still have one more semester to complete requirements for graduation. Whatever their plans – the faculty will be here to support their career goals,” she said. Warren said he might pursue his Master’s of Fine Arts, but isn’t sure whether he wants to become a professor. “I’m contemplating my MFA, but I sort of don’t want to teach at this point. I’m thinking about freelancing -- I just want to sell my work.” Jones said she plans to return to New Jersey after graduation, take a year off from school and then look into pursuing a graduate degree. Evans said coordinating the exhibit has been a great experience. “Seeing the sense of accomplishment in the eyes of the students and having such a wonderful venue to share the experience with their family, friends and supporters [was rewarding],” she said. The art exhibit is on display through May 2 at Diggs Gallery.
Photos by Maurika Smutherman
Two pieces featured in the 2014 Senior Art exhibit. The exhibit, which lasts until May 2, showcases the art of 16 senior art majors. Art mediums include painting, scultpures, digital design and photography. [Top} “Cultural Labor” was created by Buck Warren. [Bottom] “Echo” was created by Deric Cooper.
News & Features
www.thenewsargus.com Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Residence halls to receive facelifts, repairs, upgrades Chelsea Burwell Editor-in-chief @TheChelseaBwell
After this fall’s opening of MartinSchexnider Residence Hall, the office of housing and residence life have no plans to slow down the improvement of on-campus student lodging. The latest addition to existing residence halls houses more than 220 freshmen and is equipped with electronic access to rooms, television-equipped lobbies, a check-in desk for security purposes and recycling facilities. While most of the freshmen residents are pleased with the new building, some skeptics of the Blutreich Winston-Salem State’s expansion have wondered why more residence halls are being constructed when enrollment is steadily falling. From 2008-2009, the total headcount for undergraduate enrollment fell .26 percent, according to the WSSU Fact Book. In 2012-2013, the percentage for enrollment decline rose to 7.5 percent. Nonetheless, Associate Director of Housing Peter Blutreich said the construction of Martin-Schexnider fell in line with the University’s strategic plan. “We have aging facilities that haven’t gotten the attention they have deserved over the years – Moore Hall, Dillard Hall, Atkins Hall and Brown Hall. We built a facility with 227 beds with the full intention of replacing existing beds,” he said. Blutreich said the amenities within the aforementioned traditional halls are “not up to par” with their competition and their expectations for the student body, particularly first-year students. “It’s time we maintained and managed our facilities to our expectations and to students’ expectations,” said Abeer Mustafa, director of housing and residence life. “We’ve finally created a long-term cyclical plan in how to replace appearance of residence halls,” she said. Mustafa said she has spoken with the chief finance officer to discuss reserve funding for residence hall renovations. Some of the renovations include lighting approved by the Intergovernmental Agreement, maintenance for HVAC malfunctions, painting and updated furniture. While the aesthetic value of the residence halls is important, Mustafa said that the students’ safety overrides appearance. “We take care of life safety first. We had some money and Wilson’s fire alarms were
ASSAULT
failing, so instead of coming into Rams [Commons] and Wilson to renovate the bedrooms and bathrooms, those projects went offline. I put the students’ lives above and beyond everything else,” she said. When asked about the status of existing traditional residence halls, Blutreich said Dillard and Moore halls will not be occupied, beginning in fall 2014. Dillard will be torn down this summer while Moore’s demolition date has not been finalized. Both residence halls were built more than 40 years ago; Dillard in 1971 and Moore in 1965. “Dillard Hall will go away in the very near future and we are in the phase of creating a new 288-bed freshmen facility that will be structured in a different way than MartinSchexnider is and will focus on the first-year success of our students,” Blutreich said. To emphasize a nurturing environment for freshmen, tutors and First Year Residential Experience coordinators will live in the residence hall. Conversely, Brown Hall, which houses nearly 250 students, will be employed. The originally all-male residence hall underwent remodeling this summer, bringing hardwood flooring and newly painted refurbished bedrooms – similar to Martin-Schexnider. Another residence facility undergoing changes is the Rams Commons Community Center. The center has been closed for renovations since February, leaving some students grumbling about the inconvenience. Some of the amenities within the center included study rooms, a kitchen, a meeting/event room, a fitness room and a computer room equipped with printing services. Mustafa said after speaking with Rams Commons residents about the condition of the center, many students said it was “outdated.” Blutreich and Mustafa, who are both North Carolina State alumni, said they want the remodeled Rams Commons Community Center to be reminiscent of Hunt Library, a facility at the fellow UNC System institution. Blutreich said The Hunt Library is well equipped and conducive for academic success for its students. “We’ll try to put a touch of that in the small alcove,” he said in reference to the community center. Renovations include new paint and flooring, as well as spacious areas for study and relaxation. The expected completion date is the end of April. Blutreich said surveys will be sent out within the next year to determine what changes will benefit students – one of the main priorities for the Office of Housing and Residence Life.
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Sexual Violence Complaints, which states that all sexual harassment and/or sexual violence complaints against a “WSSU student” should be filed directly with the Division of Student Affairs’ (DSA) Deputy Title IX Coordinator, Natasha Jeter or with the Title IX University Coordinator for the Office of EEAO/AA and Diversity, Silvia Ramos. The victim’s identity can rmain confidential, but Title IX complaints will be forward to police. April is sexual assault aware-
ness month and several organizations such as the Social Work Club and Omega Psi Phi Inc. have hosted events to shed light on the issue. Michael Duncan, a senior rehabilitation studies major from Hiddenite, N.C. attended the forum. Duncan, who is also a retired Navy captain, was gang raped and sodomized on his base in Orlando. According to Duncan, if it had not been for the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” his case would not be investigated until 20 years later.
Duncan now travels nationwide to tell about his experience and has a published letter to Washington D.C. “It’s good that this [sexual assault] is getting national attention,” he said. Duncan said that he has read the report from the White House and said that it needs to be more specific on what it wants colleges to do. “It was pretty vague,” he said.
The News Argus
Page 7
Fencing coming to WSSU this fall Sheridan Watkins staff reporter
When discussing collegiate sports, one isn’t likely to mention fencing; however this fall, Winston-Salem State may welcome its first-ever fencing club. While fencing, the activity of fighting with swords, is a popular and Olympic sport, it is not in high-demand on campus. Tashon Little, junior sport management major from Newark, N.J., is aspiring to change that. Little isn’t new to fencing; he was introduced to the sport as a freshman in high school, and remained on the fencing team until he graduated. Little also said he taught others how to fence outside of school, which led him to consider starting a club at WSSU. “When I was a senior in high school, I wanted to go to a university that had a fencing team because I knew I was good enough,“ he said. “But I also wanted to go to an HBCU, so I didn’t know of any HBCU, especially in NC. So I felt like I could start one here and it would be easier.“ An interest meeting was held on April 2. Little said that he has been working with the Office of Student Activities in to establish the fencing club at the University. However, before the club can become official, Little said he has to gather enough willing participants and organize a budget and constitution. Little said he also mentioned starting a fencing club to the athletic department two years ago; but they weren’t “ecstatic“ about his proposal. “I have been talking to my high school coach and others about it and I am pulling everything together,” he said. According to Little, approximately seven students are committed to being a part of the club. “After I put it on Instagram, I got some responses and began emailing and texting those interested,” Little said. The club is expected to arrive on campus this call. The estimated cost to fund the club is $3,000, which will cover equipment, jackets and weapons. Lona D. Cobb, a professor in the mass communications department, is the advisor of the club and said this is the first time she has served as an advisor of a sports club. However this is one sport she has not had much experience
with. “I only know what I have seen but I have an interest in it because it is different,” Cobb said. Cobb said Little asked her to be the advisor because he favors her teaching methods and felt she would be a good fit. However, Cobb said she does not plan to physically participate in the fencing club but will do more research to become familiar with the sport. “I’m looking forward to working and learning with the members of the club,” she said. One issue Little is facing is that WSSU will have the only fencing club in the CIAA. WSSU will also be the only HBCU in the state to have a fencing club. Regional colleges that have a fencing team or club include: Virginia Tech, UNC Charlotte, UNC Greensboro, East Carolina University, Duke University, Appalachian State University and neighboring college Wake Forest University. “Our club has been around for quite a long time. Past the four years I have been here,” said Sinthu Ramalingam, President of WFU fencing club. The WFU fencing club competes regionally and participates in annual tournaments, such as the Southern Atlantic Conference. “It is difficult sometimes for clubs to travel far to compete so anyone nearby we would love to compete with them,” she said. Little said he will teach the sport and have exhibition matches within the team. H. Josh Maynor, junior clinical laboratory science major from Wallace N.C., is one student that said he is committed to being a part of the club. “I have always had interest in it [fencing] but I’ve never had the resources to participate so I think it would be good for the school to provide that resource to the students,” Maynor said. Little said practices are set to start next semester and he will continue to promot the fencing club via Instagram to recruit potential members for the fall. Little said he hopes to promote awareness about fencing especially in the Black community, because there are several minority fencing athletes. “This could be monumental and once people realize that I think they will be on board.”
News & Features
www.thenewsargus.com Wednesday, April 23, 2014
STD PREVENTION
continued from Page 3
Reported Sexually Transmitted Disease Rates (per 100,000) in the United States, 2012 900
staff reporter
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
Chlamydia
Syphilis (Primary and Secondary)
Gonorrhea
HIV*
AIDS**
*Diagnoses of HIV infection, 2011
**Diagnoses of Infection classified as Stage 3 (AIDS), 2011
MALE FEMALE
Sources: Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance, 2012 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention); HIV Surveillance Report: Diagnoses of HIV Infection in the United States and Dependent Areas, 2011 (National Center for HIV/AIDs, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention
Naomi Hall-Byers, an assistant professor of psychological sciences and HIV researcher said, “African American youth have a disproportionate high rate of HIV infection. “College campuses are a hot bed for high-risk activity. Consequently, it is important to do research on HIV prevention at the University.” She said research is not costly and can be done solely with student and faculty participation. However, Byers likes to provide an incentive when students participate in research or discussions. She said she noticed providing gift cards or food increased student’s participation. “It’s a good idea to conduct research on campus because
RAMCONNECT
Graphic by Chelsea Burwell
we’re our own community, and we need to know what’s going on,” said Virginia Parker, senior psychology major from Fayetteville. She said, she doesn’t think that students take having unprotected sex seriously until they realize they have contracted an infection or disease. She has participated in a few HIV/STD prevention events on campus. Byers said, “HIV is not the death sentence it used to be.” “People live long full lives, get married and have children.” She said college students should get tested yearly, and those with high risk -- prone to drug use, alcoholism and one -night stands -- get tested semi-annually.
continued from Page 2
“I feel that Winston-Salem State is a big part of the Winston-Salem community and should be recognized as such,” he said. Brett Apter is the president and founder of mySavu. Apter, alongside colleague and vice president, Ben Comer, created mySavu during his sophomore year which was eight years ago. MySavu is a website that advertises Winston-Salem businesses and services to students as well as their par-
ents. Window on Wake Forest called it “The Yellow Pages” for student discounts. “Essentially on mySavu businesses can advertise on our website and the students can go online and see the establishment that will provide their discounts,” said Apter. Okoro said that he does not wish to compete with the food services at the University. “I wouldn’t get a discount at a Subway or Popeye’s at another location,” he said.
Page 8
New database debuts at O’Kelly, aids student research
Sheridan Watkins
800
The News Argus
Students looking for an easier way to find statistics in data may have hit the jackpot with Data Planet. Data Planet is a product that allows easy access to statistical data. Produced nine years ago by CEO Richard Landry, the product has made its way to Winston Salem State. “It has evolved,” Landry said. “We developed a product that we sell to companies to track their internal metrics,” Landry said. Internal metrics measures corporate performance and is made available to those inside the company. He said there are more than 5,500 data sets active in the product. Landry said the companies subscribed to Data Planet began to ask for more information. With the new editions, it has developed into the product he presents. The goal of Data Planet at WSSU is to assist students with charts and data for anything that is needed for courses or other educational reasons. The data sets are provided from the various companies and are organized by categories to make them user-friendly. Ian Hertz, business reference librarian at WSSU, is the staff member that made Data Planet accessible to students and staff. “The benefit I think it will have is getting this product noticed in more departments [on campus],” Hertz said.
“Whoever did get to come to this demonstration will learn how to use it and share with their colleagues and increase its usage and the value of us having it here.” According to Landry, Data Planet is only open to subscribed members. Since Hertz
made Data Planet available to WSSU, all faculty and staff can access it through the University’s Internet. A demonstration of how to use the product was April 15 in the C.G. O’Kelly Library.
Here’s how it works
If a student wants to find information on stats for diseases, unemployment rates, or campaign elections, he or she will easily find it on Data Planet. It can be as specific as narrowing the search to counties. Landry said all data is upto-date and freshens whenever there is a change, “The cool thing about our product is, if a company changes or updates the statis-
tical data, either through excel or however, it quickly updates in our system,” Landry said. Janet Malliett, serials librarian, attended the demonstration and said it is a product that she hopes more students will become familiar with. “This is a very underused product, and that is why we had this demonstration — to let the students know that there is an easy way to access this helpful information,” Malliett said. She said she plans to get familiar with the product on her own so she will be able to help students to use it. Stacy Cromartie, senior business management major from Fayetteville, said Data Planet is a product that would be beneficial for his major and is something he could use after graduates. “I recently heard about it [Data Planet], but I see how it would be helpful to people in my major and others as well,” Cromartie said. Landry said there is also an option that is more specific than the standard interface that is on Data Planet — Ready Reference. Beginning users may favor this version instead but the only difference is the way it looks. “The first [standard] screen might be too much for them. So we have a simpler interface, almost like a Google search, where they just type in a phrase of what they want and get a chart,” Landry said.
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The News Argus
News & Features Wednesday, April 23, 2014
www.thenewsargus.com
Mass Comm professor, former Argus adviser retires after 30 years
Da’yona Mclean copy desk chief
@d_mclean109
After more than 30 years of teaching journalism at Winston-Salem State, professor Valerie Saddler will be graduating with the class of 2014. Saddler, a native of Norfolk, Va., came to WSSU in August 1984 after finishing her doctoral program at Ohio University. “The General Administration of the UNC-Systems granted WSSU the opportunity to have Mass Communications as a major instead of a minor. “I saw the job posted in the Chronicle of Higher Education,” Saddler said. Saddler began her WSSU career as a mass communications professor, News Argus adviser and faculty adviser. She remained adviser for The News Argus for 13 years. “I have seen the Argus kind of grow, it was a monthly when I first got here,” she said. Saddler said there were no paid positions on the Argus when she was adviser. She said the mass communications department was a part of the English department and it wasn’t until Chancellor Cleon F. Thompson came in 1986 that the two departments split. When mass communications became its own department, it was placed, along with the Argus, on the third floor of Hall Patterson. Saddler let go of advising for the Argus after becoming the chairperson for the Faculty Senate. “Mr. Clarence Thomas was the person teaching the mass communications courses before I arrived.” Saddler said when she first arrived the students were very involved in activities on campus, such as WSMC
radio, The News Argus and the yearbook. “Many of the students were excited that they would finally get to major in mass comm. and not minor. “It’s really funny to hear the students complain about having to take Spanish because we had several double majors who majored in Spanish and mass comm.” Saddler said the one thing she would change before she leaves is to move The News Argus back into Hall Patterson. “I think it’s a bigger space, the department is here and the student media would all be in one place.” Saddler said a lot of her former students are upset to see her retiring. “Many of them have graduated 15 or 20 years ago and I know that they’ve been talking to their kids about me because when they see me they’ll say ‘Oh is this the one that used to give the factual errors’.” Saddler said she will mostly remember the geographical changes that have taken place at the University. “Across the street, when I look out of my office, there used to be offices. There used to be houses where Rams Commons and Wilson is. “I think three or four dormitories that used to be here have been torn down and others have been built in their place.” During her tenure at the University, Saddler has seen many of her former students become successful in the mass communications field including Kyle Santillian and Brian “B-Dhat” Mclaughlin, radio personalities for 102 Jamz in Greensboro; Stephen A. Smith, an ESPN host; Michael Thomas, a WXII production manager and Layla Garms, reporter and photographer for the Winston-Salem Chronicle. Saddler was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2004. After taking
Photo by Jennifer Bruinton
Mass communications professor Valerie Saddler accepts award from Corey Walker during College of Arts and Sciences event. a year off from teaching, she returned to the University. “I went to driving school and that’s when I learned how to use a converged van. “It’s been a long road. So it’s about time. Just to see where I’ve come from and what I’m doing now.” Saddler said she thinks it’s a good time to retire with the class of 2014 because so many things are getting ready to happen at the University. “The College of Arts and Sciences is getting ready to have a new look and new name and then the department is going to have a change. “So it’s like a new chapter in my life.”
Saddler said she thinks newspaper will continue to evolve. “Although technology is out there and you can read them electronically, I just like to have the paper so you can look at it, read it and turn the pages.” She said she has a lot of things going on including reading to Hispanic teenagers and getting more involved with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and her church. “So I’m really going to have a lot to be involved in. Which is good because it’s all the things I really couldn’t do in the day time because I was coming to work so now I’ll get to do them,” she said.
From TV Star to Thot: Reaction to Mimi Faust scandal Maurika Smutherman
entertaining diversions editor
@MaurikaxS
In a page ripped straight out of the Kim Kardashian Guide to Infamy, Mimi Faust, star of “Love and Hip-Hop: Atlanta,” has released a raunchy sex-tape. The tape features her suspect boyfriend Nikko, and was released by top porn distributor, Vivid Entertainment -- you know -- the same company that produced Kim K and “Teen Mom” star Farrah Abraham’s tapes. Faust, who has a young daughter with record producer and co-star, Stevie J, is featured in several compromising positions, one of which has taken over social media. For those who haven’t seen the tape Faust -- and probably never will -- I’m talking about the scene where Faust is gripping a metal shower-rod for dear life as...umm... Nikko does his thing. Shower-rod aside, the biggest issue I have with Faust releasing this tape is that she is trying to pull the wool over our eyes. When questioned, Faust claimed the video was stolen from Nikko’s bag while in a Bahamas airport...sure, *rolls eyes* who travels with an amateur porn in their carry-on? You have
got to be kidding me. Do celebrities -- or in this case, pseudo-celebrities -- really think the public is that dumb? It was kind of believable when Paris did it, not really believable when Kim and Ray J did it and utterly transparent by the time Farrah did it, so what makes Mimi think anyone will believe her tape was “leaked?” Not only does the explicit video include several professional camera angles, it is clear that there had to be an entire camera crew to capture this magic. Not to mention the tape being released by Vivid, a company known for pulling this type of stunt. There is even cover art and a title for the “amateur” tape, “Mimi and Nikko: Scandal in Atlanta.” It’s funny that Mimi, a woman who seemingly had it together, turned out to be one of the worst types of attention whores. This is obviously a ploy to create a storyline on “Love and Hip-Hop” and I, personally, am not here for it. Especially since Faust has a child almost old enough to understand the transgressions of her wacko parents. Compared to Mimi, Joseline now looks like a total saint -- okay, not a saint, but definitely not as bad as she looked before. In this day and age, when sex tapes are considered the gateway to fame, it is unfortunate that a mother would be so shameless. Unfortunately, Faust isn’t the only one to be drawn into the crazy world of Hollywood, where anything and everything is
acceptable – especially when it makes you money. But where do we draw the line? When Faust made her first appearance on the “Love and Hip-Hop” franchise, she proclaimed herself to be a businesswoman and independent mother. She had a cleaning business and was said to be making a decent profit. Perhaps the small bit of fame Faust has tasted went to her head. It’s only natural to want more fame after experiencing a piece of it, right? And there is the monetary aspect as well. Kardashian got a whopping six-figures for selling her tape to Vivid and pre-sale numbers for the tape amount to 400,000, so Mimi and Nikko will definitely cash out. But since when are money and fame the most important things in life? There was once a time when young girls looked up to prominent figures like Maya Angelou – someone with real talent. Ask a little girl who she looks up to today and you will probably hear names like Rihanna, a self-proclaimed pothead, Beyonce ( Although I don’t mind that one too much) and Kim Kardashian, who got famous from a sex tape. What has the world come to? And how can we change it? Unfortunately, I don’t have the answer, but hopefully someone else does. Sound off by tagging @thenewsargus on Twitter and Instagram with your thoughts.
Page 10
The News Argus
Sports
By Chelsea Burwell editor-in-chief
Brandi Smith Brandi Smith, a senior mass communications major from Greensboro, has been selected by head cheerleading coach Ronnisha Cornelius for this issue’s Game Ball. Cornelius, who is a former Red Team cheerleader and alumna of WSSU, said Smith was the first person she thought of when asked about choosing a recipient for Game Ball. Smith has been cheering for WinstonSalem State for four years. “Every year, she has put her heart and soul into it and became the face of WSSU cheerleading,” Cornelius said. “She was very shy when she first came in but she worked hard and just kept improving and now she is a role model for all cheerleaders here at WSSU. I’m just happy I got a chance to coach her.” During her four years as a cheerleader, Smith has been awarded the Most Outstanding Cheerleader on White Team in 2010, the Most Outstanding Cheerleader on Red Team in 2013 and All-CIAA Cheerleader in 2013. This March, she was even chosen by her peers to receive the Rams Choice Female
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Student of the Year award. Q: How long have you been cheering? Smith: I’ve been cheering since about 2005. I was little and shy and my best friend convinced me to cheer so I would get out of my shell. I didn’t really take it seriously until I got to varsity in high school. It was more complicated in high school and that’s when I got my passionate about it. I think it worked because I have been cheering ever since. Q; Do you prefer cheering for football or basketball season? Smith: I prefer basketball season because it’s more intimate, the interaction with the fans and the atmosphere makes it so exciting. Q: What is your most memorable moment as a cheerleader? Smith: My most memorable moment is when I became captain last March. Another moment is at the Cheerleading Exhibition in Charlotte when I did my first ever back tuck basket toss. Q: What other things do you like to do? When I’m not cheering, I like to exercise, read and dance. Q: What will you miss most about cheerleading? I will miss the bond I have with my teammates. Q: Do you have a favorite cheer? Yeah, it’s called Hey Everybody, because when I first came here, other than Regan (Hales) Brittany Lowery was my favorite cheerleader and she always used to call this cheer. So when I would see her, I would always say, “When I join Red Team, that’s going to be my cheer.” Now, I’m the one that
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Photo courtesy of Brandi Smith
Red Team captain and cheerleader Brandi Smith during a performance.
always calls it off. Q: How do you get in the zone before going out to cheer? When I actually put on my uniform and put on my red lipstick, I get in the zone. It’s like there’s Brandi and then there’s Sweet Seduction, my alterego. I look in the mirror and I start getting that confidence like “We’re about to kill it,”“We’re about to have a good game.” Q: How do you feel when people say cheerleading isn’t a legitimate sport? I guess I could understand where they’re coming from because we’re not the team that is actually out there competing every other week and one of our major things is being pretty. However, they don’t understand the work that goes behind cheerleading;
we lift people, we exercise more than half the teams on this campus. It takes a lot of endurance, time and dedication. Cheerleaders compete at national championships. People don’t take the time to see what goes into it. They just see us out there looking pretty but they don’t know how hard it is to do that for four hours straight during a game. Q: What are your plans after graduating in the fall? I am going into the Navy. I’m not sure if I want make a career out of it yet. Eventually, I do want to get my master’s but I don’t know if I want to pursue another degree in communications. I want to travel for a while too because I don’t want to settle so quickly.
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Sports
The News Argus Page 11 Wednesday, April 23, 2014
www.thenewsargus.com
‘4-Peat’
Rams steal CIAA Championship from Trojans, 9-5 Matt Parmesano sports editor
@mattparmesano
Four in a row. The WinstonSalem State baseball team defeated Virginia State 9-5 on April 19 to win the program’s fourth straight CIAA championship. Head Coach Kevin Ritsche has been the man in charge since the program was brought back to WSSU in 2010. In four seasons as coach, he’s won four conference titles and including the one he won this year, three CIAA Coach of the Year awards. “Anytime you do something over and over again [win the CIAA championship], it’s tough no matter who you’re playing or what team you have,” he said. “It’s always a challenge to repeat in any sport. I think it’s really good for the program. We should win; we’re expected to win every year, and so far we’ve done that.” The Rams (33-14, 16-4 CIAA) [as of April 22] had several players receive regular season and CIAA tournament honors. Senior second baseman Rafael Gonzalez and junior outfielders Ray Crawford and Leland Clemmons were named to the All-CIAA First Team. Senior pitcher Scott Wells, junior pitcher Wes Helsabeck, junior catcher Connor Andrus
Photo courtesy of WSSU Athletics Page
Rams bring home their fourth consecutive CIAA championship after defeating the Virginia State Trojans, 9-5 on April 19. and senior utility player Anthony Nutall made the AllCIAA Second Team. Freshman outfielder Gavin Culler was an All-Rookie Team selection. Crawford, Wells, Andrus, sophomore pitcher/first baseman Devin McLemore and sophomore designated hitter Alex Grubb all earned spots on the CIAA All-Tournament team. The Rams’ season is still far from over, with three more non-conference games left on their regular-season schedule before the NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional Tournament in May.
Crawford, in his first season at WSSU after previously playing at UNCG, won the CIAA Player of the Year and Tournament MVP awards. He is hitting .382 with 5 homeruns and 59 RBIs [as of April 22] and is excited about the rest of the season. “It’s a good feeling to win the CIAA championship, but we’re not done,” he said. “We’re ready to go for the regional tournament. We all have to play as one unit, one link. I feel like we can play with anybody in the country. If we come to play, we can beat anybody.”
In 2013, WSSU was given a No. 2 seed in the regional tournament but lost in the second round to fourth-seeded Shippenburg 7-4. The Rams are still waiting to see what seed and matchup they will be given for this year’s tournament. Grubb, a transfer from NC A&T, is also in his first season with the program. He, like Crawford, is confident in his team. “We kind of struggled hitting the ball early on, but now we’re starting to score runs to support our pitching, which has been strong all year.
Everybody’s contributing. We’ve already had success this year, but we’re all going to have to step up even more if we’re going to finish like we want to,” Grubb said. Ritsche said his team will take a different approach to the regional tournament than it did during the regular season and conference tournament. “I always said that this was going to be the hardest year for us to win the conference tournament, but that we’d have the best chance to win the regional,” he said. “The reason I say that is because we have a target on our back when it comes to conference. Everybody’s out to beat us. Because of that, we have added pressure, and our players mentally have to overcome the fact that they’re the ones playing not to lose.” Despite the Rams losing seven seniors from last year’s team, Ritsche feels that this year’s team has the talent and depth it takes to win the regional tournament. “This year’s team is young, but we definitely have what it takes to make a run,” he said. “Pitching and defense are the keys to winning at the regional level, and we have both of those things. If we can get hot offensively and stay hot, we’ll have as good a chance as anybody.”
/// THURSDAY, MAY 1 When I thought about going back to school and getting a degree, I made every excuse in the book for not doing it. No time. No money. No way. I was wrong. The Fleer Center for Adult Education at Salem College helped me overcome every barrier with ease. Today, I have a degree and a new job at Winston-Salem Preparatory Academy.
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Rose Brown, Sociology Major, Class of 2012
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salem.edu/fleercenter (336) 721-2669 4/22/14 2:00 PM