4.11.12 edition of the Auburn Plainsman by The Auburn Plainsman

The Auburn Plainsman Thursday, April 12, 2012

A SPIRIT THAT IS NOT AFRAID www.theplainsman.com

Dyer testifies in Goodwin case Kristen Oliver COMMUNITY EDITOR

The prosecution continued its case against Antonio Goodwin Wednesday, bringing in former Auburn running back Michael Dyer. Dyer testified his gun was used in the armed robbery allegedly involving four former football players. Goodwin, Shaun Kitchens, Michael McNeil and Dakota Mosley are charged with counts of first-degree robbery, first-degree burglary and third-degree theft of property for a home invasion in Conway Acres mobile home park the night of March 10

into the early hours of March 11. According to al.com, the tone of Dyer’s testimony was contentious, and he was twice reminded by Lee County Circuit Court Judge Christopher Hughes to only answer the questions he was asked. Dyer testified that Mosley had approached him at a party at Auburn football player DeAngelo Benton’s house about “hitting a lick,” which is slang for committing a robbery, but Dyer declined. Dyer said that after the party, Goodwin came to his apartment in Eagle’s Landing to retrieve Dyer’s gun.

Dyer testified that he advised Goodwin not to go. “He wasn’t like that,” Dyer said. According to al.com, much of Wednesday’s testimony was on the subject of synthetic marijuana, or “spice,” which was legal at the time of the incident, but has since been made illegal. Benton testified that Goodwin had vomited all over his toilet and bathroom the night of March 10. The testimonies followed Tuesday’s opening statements and the beginning of the prosecution’s case. The prosecution’s opening state-

Alpha Gamma Delta stays alive

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Visit theplainsman.com for updates as this case progresses. ment outlined what they say happened the night of March 10 and the early morning of March 11. Assistant District Attorney Kenny Gibbs said Goodwin, McNeil and Kitchens entered the home and threatened force as they took a safe from the residence. He said Goodwin was armed when he entered the home. Gibbs said, “This case isn’t about

fingerprints or DNA,” and admitted that the safe and handguns recovered had no trace of fingerprints or DNA resulting from the forensic investigation. Goodwin’s attorney, Lauryn Lauderdale, reminded the jury in her opening statement of the definition of robbery, emphasizing the state’s need to prove every aspect of the definition. Lauderdale asked the jury not to leave their common sense and life experience at the door and to remember her client is presumed to be innocent. The case resumes at 9 a.m.

Trustee selection comes to close Alison McFerrin COMMUNITY BEAT REPORTER

REBECCA CROOMES / PHOTO EDITOR

Members of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority strut their stuff to dance beats Tuesday night during Greek Sing. The ‘Gamma Grandmas’ won first place for their fancy footwork and coordinated cane-work. This is their fourth consecutive win at Greek Sing. The proceeds from the event go to support Habitat for Humanity.

SGA hopeful in C-zone change Becky Hardy CAMPUS BEAT REPORTER

Parking Services has come up with a new way to decrease time spent trying to find a parking spot on campus. “I get about five to 10 emails a day from students) because they are late to class because they are riding around the parking lots trying to find a spot,” said Don Andrae, Parking Services manager. “So I’m trying to fix this.” The main change that will be implemented in the fall is the addition of the new proximity parking (PC) lots located in the coliseum lot, the arena lot and the West Magnolia lot by the Village. There will be 1,500 spots open in the three lots, but Auburn will be selling 1,700 passes with the expectation that some students might not use their spot. A random lottery for permits will be held starting July 1. Participants will receive a number and Parking Services will look at the student’s year. The number of graduate students, seniors, juniors, sophomores and freshmen who apply will determine the percentage of permits given to each class. If more graduate students apply, then a larger number of graduate students will be given permits in those areas. “This will eliminate a lot of the traffic on Donahue,” Andrae said. “We had an instance this year where someone was pulling out of a spot and two cars almost collided trying to pull in.” Another change is that parking permit prices will increase for the next

school year. C-zone permits will now be $60 for a year, PC-zone permits will be $160, RH, RQ and RW permits will be $160, and RO will be $60 for a year. “(Parking Services) did a study with all the other schools in the southeast and found that parking was basically a giveaway here,” Andrae said. “There’s some schools that charge as much as $300 a year for parking.” The extra money made on the parking permits will go to increasing efficiency for Tiger Transit buses on campus, Andrae said. “With the additional money we will add more buses and stops, and instead of having them run every 10 minutes we will hopefully have them run every five minutes,” Andrae said. SGA was able to have input in the decision, but members were unaware of the increased costs at the time, Andrae said. “(SGA President-elect) Owen Parrish came and talked to him to see what they could do about parking, and other people from the SGA presented the idea,” Andrae said. “They had a very big part in it, and the idea went in front of the SGA Senate and was approved.” Andrae stressed that these new parking changes are not trying to deter students from driving on campus. “We’re just trying to have people drive on campus and actually be able to have a spot to park,” Andrae said. “If there are any spaces available after the first round of parking permits are given out, then the people on the waitlist will get an email to see if they are

“

(Parking Services) did a study with all the other schools in the Southeast and found that parking was basically a giveaway here.” —Don Andrae PARKING SERVICES MANAGER

interested.” Parking Services has also introduced a new bike sharing program. “Out in the West Lot, there will be an area with bikes that students can take to class instead of taking the bus,” Andrae said. “The students can then leave the bikes outside their class and ride it back when they are done.” Parking Services and SGA considered other options, but most of them were too expensive. “We tried to think of other things, like building another parking deck or parking space, but there are no other places on campus to build those other than the coliseum,” Andrae said. “But taking that down would take up to two to three years and cost around 12–15 million dollars.” Andrae said he understands the concerns of students and hopes they understand Parking Services’ efforts. “Right now, we have confidence that this is going to work,” Andrae said.

CAMPUS // A3

COMMUNITY // A5

Professors rank among Princeton’s best in nation

Fun run helps 11-year-old fight cancer

Economics professors Randy Beard and Macy Finck are among “The Best 300 Professors” according to Princeton Review.

A 5k Fun Run will be help Sunday at the NCAT Test Track in Opelika from noon to 5 p.m.

After more than a year of nomination, selection, controversy and renomination, the Auburn University Board of Trustees is at full strength. Tuesday, the Senate approved the last five nominees, the last of the nine seats to be filled. The nine newly approved members of the board are B.T. Roberts, District 1; Clark Sahlie, District 2; Jimmy Rane, District 3; Jimmy Sanford, District 4; Robert Dumas, District 3–Lee County; Elizabeth Huntley, District 6; Sarah Newton, District 7; Jim Pratt, District 9; and Charles McCrary, At-Large. Pratt, Dumas and Huntley will be new faces on the board. “I’m very pleased,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Del Marsh. “We last year had a concern about a lack of a process for submitting names and choosing applicants and people for the board, and I think that the process worked, and I was pleased with the process from the interview all the way to the point where these members came before the Senate confirmations committee.” All trustees’ terms will begin immediately, except for Roberts, who will take his seat May 11. “I think the trustees that just went through confirmation went through a very arduous, rigorous process,” Pratt said. “(It) hopefully produced people who are very loyal to Auburn and very willing to think out of the box and creatively to make an Auburn an even greater University.” Sahlie said he thought the selection process was thorough. “In the past that may not have been the case, but I thought that the selection committee this year did a great job of laying out the process, of following through with it, and the

CLARK SAHLIE

JIM PRATT

ROBERT DUMAS confirmation process was handled very well as well,” Sahlie said. “I think the opportunity that Auburn has now to have some different perspectives, some fresh perspectives, will be very beneficial for it.”

» See TRUSTEE, A2

New ‘drop fee’ policy starts summer term Coleman McDowell SPORTS EDITOR

Keeping up with other schools in the SEC doesn’t only apply to athletics. After two years researching other Southeastern Conference schools, Auburn is implementing a new “drop fee” similar to those of other universities. Beginning summer semester of 2012, students will have two days after the term begins to drop a class. If a student drops a class during the third to fifth day after the semester, the student will be charged $100 for each class dropped during that period. The free period for adding and dropping is lengthened in the fall and spring semesters. Students will have until the fifth day of the se-

mester to drop a class for free. From days six through 15, the fee will be charged for each class. Associate registrar Betsy Clifton said the fee was instituted in order to open registration for all students. According to Clifton, students would register for 18–21 hours and drop classes right before the 15th class day, the last day to drop before receiving a “W” on one’s transcript, not allowing another student to add that class. “It came from enrollment management due to capacity issues,” Clifton said. “We have so many people and not enough seats for many of the classes. It’s a very small percentage of students who hoard

» See DROP FEE, A2 Recycled paper

Campus A2

The Auburn Plainsman

DUI ARRESTS IN THE CITY OF AUBURN APRIL 5 – APRIL 9, 2012 ■ Matthew A. Taylor, 21, Riverdale, Ga. Village Student Housing April 5, 10:29 p.m. ■ Traves D. Burton, 28, Opelika, Ala. South College Street at Woodfield Drive April 6, 2:55 a.m. ■ Crystal L. Rucker, 23, Montgomery, Ala. Shell Toomer Parkway at South College Street April 9, 3:05 a.m.

Thursday, April 12, 2012

CRIME REPORTS FOR APRIL 4 – APRIL 10, 2012 April 4 — Monticello Court Burglary of one 10-carat diamond wedding band, one diamond heart necklace, one diamond necklace, one Tahitian pearl necklace, one Tahitian pearl ring, one pair of Tahitian pearl earrings and one pink ice necklace reported. April 4 — West Veterans Boulevard Theft of 10 new and regrind plastic resin reported.

April 5 — Golf Club Drive Theft of one blue Acura TSX reported.

April 9 — Spencer Avenue Theft of one gold rope chain necklace with links reported.

April 6 — Pumphrey Street Theft of one 16-foot, single axle utility trailer reported.

April 10 — Mell Street Theft of one civil engineering Open Channel Hydraulics textbook reported.

April 6 — Deer Run Road Theft of one gas-powered blower and assorted fishing equipment reported.

— Reports provided by Auburn Department of Public Safety

Online transient SGA adds new position to cabinet forms now available Lane Jones

CAMPUS BEAT REPORTER

Coleman McDowell SPORTS EDITOR

Auburn University is making it easier for students taking classes at other institutions. The new transient form for students is online and can be accessed through tigeri. Associate registrar Betsy Clifton hopes this will simplify the process for students. “We’re trying to make it all easier,” Clifton said. “The form can be done through any computer. What happened was the summer after students’ freshman year, they’d go home and not know about a transient form. Some colleges would make them drive back here and meet with their adviser. But now, they can sign in on tigeri, and if they have a printer they are good to go.” The online process is also simplified for students who want to fill it out while they are still on campus. “You had to go meet with your adviser, fill out the form with your adviser, bring your form to us, we had to sign it and put the seal on it, then give it back to you,” Clifton said. “Now it’s all online.” Some colleges require a 2.0 grade point average in order to take classes; others only require good academic standing at Auburn. The online transient form is the first step in making transferring credits easier, and Clifton said the next step is putting the letter of good standing form online. Clifton said some Alabama junior colleges require a nota-

DROP FEE » From A1

these classes, and we have to make it fair for all students.” Clifton stressed that understanding the timing of the fee is key. “It’s not the first five days of the class,” Clifton said. “It’s the first five days of the term. Students need to be aware of the dates. It doesn’t count Saturday or Sunday, but five calendar days.” Clifton said the fee’s implementation was discussed across all the University’s colleges and was decided on by many different members of the administration and faculty. “It started with enrollment management, then subcommittee were formed with all the associate deans, then back to the provost, then all the way

rized state of Alabama driver’s license. The Office of the Registrar provides licensed notaries for students to use if that situation arises. Even though the process is meant for students to be able to complete their transient form in full online, if problems arise, Clifton stressed that a student’s adviser can solve most issues. “Go see your adviser if the institution isn’t listed,” Clifton said. “It doesn’t mean that college isn’t accredited; it just means we don’t have it on record. If the course isn’t listed, see your adviser. These are the courses at that college that we have a match for, but that’s only because someone ahead of you already went there. So go see your adviser and they will get it started.” Also new to the University this semester is dual-enrollment. Previously, a student had to choose to be at Auburn or another institution at the beginning of the semester. Now, a student can be enrolled at Auburn and another insitution simultaneously. Last fall, Auburn implemented a change in the waitlist procedure. Previously, a student could register for a class and as many waitlists as wanted. Under the new policy, a student can only register for one class or one waitlist. The new transient form can be accessed through tigeri and can be used for summer semester. to the president,” Clifton said. “It touches on every college, every subcommittee and the provost office.” There are a few exceptions and special circumstances regarding the fee. If a student is in a class and the department changes its section number, but the student remains in the class, he or she won’t be charged because the change in section wasn’t their doing. Also, if a student has a hold on his or her account during the first five days and can’t drop, Clifton said simply come by the registrar’s office in Mary Martin Hall. “We drop through holds,” Clifton said. “We can’t add through hold, but if you have a financial hold you can’t drop because it says you have a hold. But I can override the hold.”

Student Government Association hopes to unify all that is Auburn through its newest cabinet position. Wesley Clendinen, sophomore in pre-veterinary medicine, was appointed Friday to the position of assistant vice president of outreach. “Essentially, AVP of outreach is going to be going out to different governing bodies on campus—IFC, Panhellenic, ROTC, RHA, Student Athlete Commission—and I’m going to be procuring liaisons from them to come meet with me up in the SGA office,” Clendinen said. “Preferably, those liaisons will be executive officers from the different programs.” Clendinen said some campus organizations don’t realize the ways they can work with and contact SGA. “Obviously there’s a need

TRUSTEE » From A1

Gov. Robert Bentley first called for new trustee nominations March 31. About 200 nominations came in, and the selection committee chose nine nominees only a few days after the application period closed April 8. Amid talk of the application period being too brief and the nomination process being swift and nontransparent, Marsh announced he would not bring the names before the Senate because of those problems, and Andrew Hornsby, past president of the Auburn Alumni Association, filed civil suit against Bentley for not adhering to Alabama’s laws about open meetings. “It’s a great new day for Auburn,” Hornsby said. “We’re starting to see a Board of Trustees—we’re not there yet—but for the most part, the current Board of Trustees at Auburn are independent and will do the right thing for Auburn and don’t have a personal agenda.” Of particular concern to Hornsby and others during the original selection process was the possibility of the reappointment of Bobby Lowder,

for communication between the different groups and governing bodies on campus,” Clendinen said. “There have been some links of communication, but in a lot of ways it’s been spread out. It’s almost like a grid, with SGA in the center and all those other groups moving around it. What this is going to do is bring all those groups to the middle and centralize everything.” The Student Athlete Advisory Committee, which consists of the leaders of athletic teams who want to be involved in the community, is one of the organizations that will coordinate with Clendinen. “In years past, SAAC hasn’t really been involved with SGA,” said Blanche Alverson, junior in biomedical sciences and forward on the women’s basketball team. “This new cabinet position is going to

be communicating more with athletes as well as other organizations on campus, trying to be the liaison between the two to get more involvement between groups on campus and to get all the students on the same page.” Collier Tynes, incoming SGA chief of staff, said Auburn was in need of a way to link the officers of different governing bodies together. “Not only are they going to tell each other about events that are coming up so that we can better schedule and collaborate with each other, but they’re also going to talk about different issues going on campus,” Tynes said. “I’m really excited because this is going to be a great way for SGA to say, ‘Hey, XYZ bill is coming up in senate, what do y’all think about it?’ That way we get a better view of student opinions from other groups.”

Even though this is the first year this position has existed, Tynes said the response was overwhelmingly positive. “Judging by how many people applied for this position, people are really excited about it,” she said. “It was one of the most competitive positions to get on cabinet this year because so many people applied for it.” Clendinen said this position will give student representatives more sway when they go before the administration. “Not only is it going to empower those groups on campus, but when we go to Dr. Gouge or Dr. Carry with something we want done on campus, we can say, ‘This is what we think,’” Clendinen said. “And rather than ‘we’ just being the SGA, ‘we’ will stand for the entire student body and every aspect of campus.”

who began his tenure as an Auburn trustee in 1983. Grandfathered in to the new trustee system of limited terms, it appeared Lowder would seek another term in a new district, transferring from District 2 to District 3– Lee County. Amid controversy over his nomination, Lowder withdrew his name May 16, and Bentley announced a restart of the nomination process two days later. During this time, concerns were raised that Auburn University would not receive accreditation if new trustees were not appointed. The University is up for reaccreditation in 2013. “The last thing you want to do through that process is cause the University to perhaps lose accreditation because of a nonfunctioning board,” Marsh said. The problem arose because so many trustees’ terms came up at once. Core requirement 2.2 from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools requires a functioning governing board of at least five members. If the Alabama Senate had failed to approve the nominees before the end of the 2012 session, the Uni-

versity would have been left with only five members of a 14-member board. Hornsby said he was pleased with the second process, in which the selection committee whittled nominations down to 35 candidates for interviews before choosing the nine who have been approved. “Gov. Bentley became the first governor who ever voted with the alumni delegates on a contested vote and not voted with the trustees,” Hornsby said, commenting on the decision not to reappoint Virginia Thompson. “We’ll be forever grateful.” Bobby Poundstone, Auburn Alumni Association president, said he is very excited the board of trustees appointment process is complete. “It think it’s made up of some extremely strong individuals with great skill sets,” Poundstone said. “When you step back and look at the entire slate of new trustees and the ones that were nominated for another term, I think the whole is even stronger than the individual parts.” Poundstone said he didn’t see a major impact for Auburn with Lowder gone, but

that it would be good to have fresh viewpoints. “I think in the big picture, in the grand scheme of things, you have to look at his service, and overall Auburn has made a lot of strides while he was on the board,” Poundstone said. “(But) I think it’s always a good thing to bring new blood onto a board like that.” Marsh said he thought Lowder was a “fine gentleman,” but that he was aware of others’ concerns. “There are those who felt he had perhaps too much control on the board,” Marsh said. “I think what you have now— I think with this new board there won’t be any fears of any one individual having that type control.” Hornsby said Auburn will greatly benefit from Lowder’s absence and will be in an even better place when Lowder’s influence is completely eliminated. “The overwhelming majority of Auburn alums for a long time have looked forward to this day,” Hornsby said. “His legacy has blocked trustees who are not aligned with him from coming on the board. “I think we’ll have a board that acts in the proper role of the board.”

Editor’s note: Excited about A-day? Check out our A-Day special section in the middle of this issue for all things A-Day and Auburn football.

EDITORIAL Miranda dollarhide Editor-in-chief Madeline hall Managing editor Nikolas Markopoulos Copy editor Nick Bowman Associate copy editor Laura Hobbs Assistant copy editor Rebecca Croomes Photo editor Christen Harned Assistant photo Danielle Lowe Assistant photo Chelsea harvey Campus editor Lane Jones Campus reporter Becky Hardy Campus reporter Kate Jones Intrigue editor Hayley Blair Intrigue reporter Kristen Oliver Community editor Alison McFerrin Community reporter Coleman McDowell Sports editor Robert E. Lee Sports reporter Patrick Tighe Sports reporter Sarah Newman Design team leader Rachel Suhs Design team Melody Kitchens Online team leader Victoria Rodgers Online team Nick Bowman

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Thursday, April 12, 2012

Professors rank among Princeton’s best in nation Austin Lankford Writer

Two Auburn University professors are among the top in the country according to “The Best 300 Professors,” published by The Princeton Review early this month. Economics professors Randy Beard and Macy Finck received the honors. Both received emails from The Princeton Review several months ago, but said they didn’t think much of it. “I didn’t really reply to them,” Beard said. “I was just kind of hoping that it might go away.” Finck replied and accepted their request for an interview, but all he knew was that The Princeton Review was collaborating with ratemyprofessor. com on a project about college professors. “Only very recently did I discover that they were using the reviews as a basis for deter-

mining the quality of the instruction provided and that the subjects of the interviews were rated the top 300,” Finck said. Beard and Finck said they are honored to have made the list, but remain humble about the recognition. “I know that I put maximum effort into my classes every semester, but I have no way of knowing how my best effort compares to the efforts of other professors around the country,” Finck said. “This recognition is more a reflection of the eagerness, thoughtfulness and consideration of the students that I have had the privilege of teaching over the last 11 years than of any special talents that I possess.” Beard said because professors vary in style, it is hard to judge the top in the country. “I am not a big fan of ranking things,” Beard said. “I think

the relationship between professors and each other and between students should be a collaborative one rather than a competitive one.” Beard began teaching at Auburn in 1988. His father was an economics professor at Louisiana State University for 35 years. Finck had an interest in business when he started at Bellarmine University his freshman year, but had not decided on economics. His adviser was an economics professor and placed him in a microeconomics class his first semester. “She thought I would really enjoy the course and the professor and it worked,” Finck said. “I declared economics as my major before the midterm and never looked back.” Finck came to Auburn for his graduate work and took classes under Beard. When he finished his degree he began

teaching at Auburn in 2001. “I liked (Finck’s microeconomics) class a lot because he relates to students so well and makes himself available outside the classroom,” said Morgan Bandy, senior in radio, television and film. Beard is also well-liked among former students. “It is unbelievable to see how he has mastered the material he teaches,” said Nick Romero, senior in economics. “He also keeps us engaged in class with the occasional humorous comment.” Beard and Finck said they have great respect for each other and were glad to see the other receive the honor. “Macy is a rare individual because he is so effective at teaching the larger sections, which is a real challenge,” Beard said. Finck said he admires that Beard is such a unique thinker. “He and I have only briefly

Christen Harned / Assistant Photo Editor

Randy Beard, professor of economics, was recently named one of Princeton Review’s “Best 300 Professors” along with his colleague Macy Finck, professor of economics (not pictured).

congratulated one another,” Finck said, “but we are very happy to have the two honor-

ees from Auburn both come from the Department of Economics.”

Herpetologist studies animals avoided by most Austin Lankford Writer

Craig Guyer has always been intrigued by amphibians and reptiles. “I loved learning about them as a kid and I guess I never really outgrew it,” said Guyer, professor of biological sciences. Guyer grew up near San Diego and attended Humboldt State University in the northern part of the state. After receiving his doctorate at the University of Miami, he came to Auburn in 1987. “I didn’t know much about Auburn, but the people that talked to me about it spoke glowingly of it,” Guyer said. “When I arrived the people here won me over, and I have never looked back.” Guyer teaches a course in vertebrate biodiversity focusing on the evolution of various organisms, as well as a course in herpetology, or the study of amphibians and reptiles. “As a herpetologist, I focus on a narrow group of organisms that people just don’t like at all,” Guyer said. “So you have to really like it to get over the fact that people will ask why you are wasting time with things that some people don’t have an interest in.” Guyer also teaches outside the classroom, taking his classes to Tuskegee National Forest and parks around Auburn. He said he has traveled back and forth to Central America and Costa Rica ever

since he came to Auburn to help teach a course involving field research. “The very best education is when I get to take students into the field and allow them to catch and observe the animals in nature,” Guyer said. “That is when you can really show them things that you can’t in a lecture, Powerpoint or whiteboard.” Chris Murray is in his second semester as a graduate assistant for Guyer. “To be around him in the field is great because he is extremely knowledgeable,” Murray said. “He is very enthusiastic about his work and he really wants his students to learn the material.” Guyer didn’t know he wanted to teach until he was a master’s student, when he decided he wanted to learn more about the field of biological sciences. “My first teaching course was anatomy and physiology, which I knew wasn’t what I wanted to teach or study,” Guyer said. “But I enjoyed getting in that environment where I had to think on my feet and have an answer when people asked mature questions.” Guyer also curates Auburn’s collection of amphibians and reptiles. “We have the best collection in the world,” he said. “The collection is currently in the Physiology Building, but there are plans to build a new one so that more people can know about it and observe.”

Danielle Lowe / Assistant Photo Editor

The Donald E. Davis Arboretum will provide New Orleans-style food and music Saturday at 6 p.m. as part of a fundraiser for future projects, including an indoor facility and outdoor lighting. The arboretum is commonly used as an educational tool by the University.

Arboretum meets New Orleans Bradley Roberts Writer

The Auburn University College of Sciences and Mathematics will sponsor a “Night in New Orleans” Saturday at 6 p.m. benefiting the Donald E. Davis Arboretum. The event includes a dinner of traditional New Orleans cuisine, jazz music and a silent auction. For almost 50 years the arboretum has provided a setting on campus for quiet reflection and relaxation, as well as education and research on ecosystem preservation and diversity. The arboretum has played a part in hands-on education for thousands of students from kindergarten through college. “The arboretum is a 14-acre facility, and it is a collection of Southeastern plants that are used for display, study and research,” said Dee Smith, the arboretum’s curator. Smith said prior to the

event the arboretum’s staff will be giving tours of the various ecosystems housed within. “We have quite a few collections of specific genera of plants,” Smith said. “We have a collection of oaks that has been nationally recognized.” Kim McCurdy, event coordinator, said the night will exclusively promote the Donald E. Davis Arboretum. “It’s really a lot more about the arboretum instead of Auburn University because although it’s a part of Auburn University, the arboretum services so many people in the state,” McCurdy said. ”We have groups come here from counties away.” Smith said the event was initially going to be held at another venue, but she and McCurdy believed hosting it at the arboretum would be an excellent way for people to better understand how their donations will be used. “It gets the people there

to visit the arboretum to see what’s going on,” Smith said. “It will get people in there to see what kind of progress is being made and what our needs are.” Smith said those needs include an indoor facility, as well as some outdoor lighting. “It is not unusual to have to cancel a program because of the weather, and we don’t even get to plan anything when it’s too cold, or when it’s real hot,” Smith said. ”So it would be wonderful to have an actual indoor classroom facility.” McCurdy said this is the first fundraiser the arboretum has planned and that graduates of the various colleges and members of the Auburn community have been invited to attend. “We invited COSAM graduates in the area, as well as our leadership council,” McCurdy said. “The leadership council is

a group of alumni and friends that support the college with their time as well as their finances, and they work very closely with the interim dean of COSAM, Chuck Savrda.” McCurdy said although the event is not student-led, they have numerous volunteers from COSAM helping with preparations. “The COSAM leaders are our student ambassador group,” McCurdy said. “The COSAM SGA has spent a number of hours at the arboretum and they have helped prepare the grounds for the event.” Tammy Hartwell, director of development for COSAM, said she loves representing something she believes is beneficial for the Auburn community. “The arboretum is a wonderful community resource,” Hartwell said. “I am glad to be a part of the ‘Night in New Orleans’ event to raise money for the arboretum.”

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Thursday, April 12, 2012

Community

Fun run helps 11-year-old fight cancer Abigail O’Brien Writer

Carly Marie Parker, 11, loves pointe ballet, her little sister, Ava, and watching Animal Planet, but beneath the surface is Parker’s four-and-a-half year battle with cancer. A 5K Fun Run will be held Sunday at the NCAT Test Track in Opelika from noon to 5 p.m. to raise money for her medical expenses. The event will include carnival games, inflatables, face painting, wagon rides and more. Kathi Correia, one of the race organizers and a family friend of the Parkers, said she’s excited about the opportunity the race has given the community to put to their love for the Parker family into action. “It helps them feel like they’re able to do something, but it also teaches them … you don’t need to be some major corporation to do something to help somebody,” Correia said. “I think that’s important for all of the kids in this community.” Parker was diagnosed at 7 years old with mesenchymal chondrosarcoma, a rare form of cancer of the cartilage and soft tissue. After a persistent sinus infection, it was discov-

“

She doesn’t know how to not fight.” —Miki Parker Carly’s mother

ered she had a tumor approximately the size of a lemon in her head. The discovery began a long battle the family has waged to fight the cancer. Parker has had multiple surgeries, including operations to her skull and face, chemotherapy and unexpected relapses. “She doesn’t know how to not fight,” said Miki Parker, Carly’s mom. While the cancer is aggressive, the Parkers have learned to live in the moment and be thankful for each day they have as a family. “We just … treat one day at a time, and we enjoy it,” said Scott Parker, Carly’s dad. Miki and Scott Parker both said their faith has been a huge part of the family’s journey. The family attends Saint Michael the Archangel Catholic Church on North College Street. “People always say, ‘How do y’all do it?’” Scott Parker said.

Miki Parker said they’ve relied on friends, church family and their faith for support. “I think it’s important that we show the world that this is what’s important to us,” Scott Parker said. Miki Parker said their reaction to the disease has been crucial to how they’ve handled the situation. “It is what it is,” Parker said. “It’s always gonna be there; it’s always gonna be part of our lives. But it’s what you make of it, and Carly makes it so easy.” One outlet that has proved particularly important for Carly Parker is her love of ballet, Miki Parker said. Parker described a time when her daughter had developed an aversion for taking capsule pills and was unable to keep one down. She told her to imagine she was dancing. “Swallow the pill,” Parker said, “and as you swallow the pill, picture yourself doing a perfect pirouette, and she did. Her dance gets her through the rough parts.” Carly Parker recently danced at a Camp Smile-AMile fundraiser, an organization that helps children with cancer. She said dancing makes her

Courtesy of Miki Parker

Carly Parker has been fighting mesenchymal chondrosarcoma since she was 7 years old.

feel normal; it’s who she is. Along with her love for dance, Parker has become known for her slogan, “STAND with Carly.” Her parents said the phrase originated from a rough time during their daughter’s treatment when they were juggling going back and forth between the hospital to stay with her.

One day Miki Parker said she was particularly drained. She got in the car after leaving the hospital, turned on the radio and the song “Stand” by Rascal Flatts was playing. Part of the chorus says, “Cause when push comes to shove, you taste what you’re made of. You might bend till you break cause it’s all you can

take. On your knees you look up, decide you’ve had enough. You get mad, you get strong. Wipe your hands, shake it off, then you stand.” The song has become their anthem. Parker said her daughter will listen to it when she has

» See Carly, A6

Music festival features local bands Sydney Callis Writer

The Gnu’s Room is leaving its tight quarters and aisles of bookshelves to host a music festival on the lawn at Pebble Hill from 2–11 p.m. Saturday. The festival will feature music from 10 local bands and musicians from a variety of genres. Tickets are $10 if purchased in advance and $12 the day of the festival. “Of the 10 bands and musicians performing, all but two have played at The Gnu’s Room at some point,” said Tina Tatum, The Gnu’s Room owner. “The two who have not care about The Gnu’s Room and want to support the event.” The genres of the different bands and musicians range from indie rock to jazz and traditional Irish folk music, as well as “some that can’t really be categorized because they play a fusion style encompassing many genres,” Tatum said. Tatum said she recommends searching for the music that will be played online to preview before attending the festival. “Since the festival is an all-day event, people might want to pick and choose which acts they want to see most, especially with all the other events going on in town on the same day,” Tatum said. Ciara Perritano, sophomore in international business, said the music festival sounds like a fun activity for after A-Day. “I like how there will be a lot of different bands, and with all the other activities it sounds like it will be a really fun festival,” Perritano said. Tatum also said the festival will have many other activities for people. “There will be food vendors on-site with pizza, barbecue, ice cream, pastries and coffee and other beverages,” Tatum

Library hosts $5 dinner, movie Heather Allen Writer

Alison McFerrin / Community beat reporter

Chandler Jones and his band, Adventure the Great, will be one of the performances Saturday at Pebble Hill as part of The Gnu’s Room’s music festival.

said. “A few arts and crafts vendors will have their handiwork on display for sale throughout the day.” Also, a magician, games, bubbles, bal-

loons and hula hoops will be available for children’s entertainment. Charitable organizations, including

Lewis Cooper Jr. Memorial Library in Opelika is celebrating National Library Week with a variety of free events for children and adults. National Library Week is an annual, weeklong celebration to remind the community why the library is important. “Every year there is a National Library Week,” said Marsha Bryant, reference librarian at Cooper Library. “It’s across the nation. Every library is doing different activities for it. “Some years we do more than other years, and this year is a pretty heavy year for us. We decided to try to do a program every day.” The library will conclude its celebration Saturday with a pizza and movie event at 1 p.m. “You just need a ticket to be able to come to the movie,” Bryant said. “The movie itself is free, but if you would like pizza and drinks there is a $5 charge at the time of ticket reservation.” Patrons are asked to preorder tickets so the library can have an adequate amount of pizza for the crowd. “We do ask that you go ahead and get a ticket beforehand because we need to know how many people are going to be there,” Bryant said. Viewers will know the move title at the time of the event.

» See festival, A6

» See Movie, A6

Opelika stores stay open late with 13th biannual On the Tracks Jenny Steele Writer

Opelika is preparing for a night of food, wine and live music in its historic downtown at the 13th biannual “On the Tracks.” The event, which takes place April 20 from 6–11 p.m., allows patrons to walk around the blocked-off street to shop, eat and sample fine wines late into the night. “I think the atmosphere is what people like the most,” said Pam Powers-Smith, director and co-founder of On the Tracks and owner of Flip Flop Foto in Opelika. “You can go in and out of the stores at your leisure.” Stacie Money, owner of the con-

signment boutique Fringe, said her business has participated ever since it opened in downtown Opelika seven years ago. “We’re open really late that night,” Money said. “It’s fun for people, our employees, for me and for the other business owners. Everybody that comes down gets to go into these stores, and if there’s something new downtown it’s a great time for people to find out about it.” The event involves anywhere from 15–22 businesses each year. The participating stores will have a wine tasting and “some kind of little snack or hors d’oeuvres, something that complements the wine,” Money said.

If the $25 wine trail ticket seems too costly, $5 armbands are available instead. “The armband allows you to purchase alcohol at our outdoor bar if you’re over 21, and it allows you to be outside with your alcohol,” PowersSmith said. “We do have a lot of college students who come down,” Money said. “We sell out every year.” Destiny Brown, musician and senior in journalism, will be performing at the event. “A lot of local restaurants and musicians get to be showcased, and I think it’s special that people can see all of the talent in the area,” Brown

“

I think it’s special that people can see all of the talent in the area.” —Destiny Brown senior, journalism

said. “I like playing because everyone is in a good mood and enjoys listening.” Musical group John and the Conners will also perform. “A Saturday full of local music, local food and local business—what’s better than that?” said band member

Tyler Wallace. “We are extremely excited about playing On The Tracks.” Local musician Trace Pridgen will also be a part of the lineup. The bands will perform outside during the event. On the Tracks is also a great way to meet new people, Powers-Smith said. “You’re obviously in a place where you have something in common with people, and that’s good food and good wine.” Tickets may be preordered at onthetracks.org or purchased the night of the event. Everyone is encouraged to buy tickets in advance. “This will be our 13th year,” PowerSmith said. “It’s hard to believe.”

Community A6

The Auburn Plainsman

Movie » From A5

“Because of copyright issues, we cannot print the title of the movie,” Bryant said. “It is a brand new PG-13 DVD that was released last Tuesday.” The library will also provide free popcorn for viewers. In past years 10–15 people attended the events at the library each day. “We are trying to get more people to come,” Bryant said. “We are trying to get the word out and let people know that we offer programs and all these wonderful things for the community. “We just wanted the opportunity to show a brand new movie that people would

be excited to watch. We also wanted to showcase the fact that the library does carry brand new DVD releases, and you can check them out for free.” All funds raised will be donated to the local Salvation Army, said Susan Delmas, director of Cooper Library. The library is also collecting canned goods for Food for Fines month. Cardholders can exchange canned goods for overdue book fines. The Cooper Library staff is eager to see how many people come to celebrate the week. To order tickets, contact Marsha Bryant at 334-7055380 or visit the Lewis Cooper Jr. Memorial Library Facebook page.

The Marie W. Wooten

Memorial 5k Run Saturday, April 21, 2012 5k run and 1 mile walk Begins at 7:45 a.m. at the Beard-Eaves Memorial Coliseum

For more information, contact

Brook Moates: brook@auburn.edu

334.844.2931

www.facebook.com/wooten5k Auburn University is an equal opportunity educational institution/employer

Carly

» From A5 a relapse or doing mundane things like taking a shower. “It’s a perfect illustration of what we had to do,” Scott Parker said. While inspiration and perseverance are key, the family is constantly focused on finding a cure. Correia and the Parkers stress the importance of raising awareness about childhood cancer and of giving blood. “We want to help the Parkers, but it really has sparked for me to really get involved in childhood cancer,” Correia said. “This exists. This isn’t just on TV as a St. Jude’s

commercial. It’s real.” Miki Parker said their focus is on a solution. “We want that cure,” Parker said. “Not just for Carly’s type of cancer, but for every type of cancer. We don’t want another family to go through what we’ve gone through.” The run is being organized by the Childs, Correia and Timm families. Correia said they are trying to appeal to all ages and hope the day will not only be a time to raise awareness, but a time to enjoy life. All proceeds are going to the Carly Marie Parker Fund at Auburn Bank. For more information on the race visit carlyfunrun. org.

Thursday, April 12, 2012

festival » From A5

the Auburn Arts Association and I Am My Brother’s Keeper, will be present to provide information about their organizations. “I am looking forward to providing a fun event where people can be exposed to some of the many talented musicians and artists in the area,” Tatum said. “I think they will be surprised that local music can be so good and so entertaining.” All funds raised at the festival are going toward the remodeling project of The Gnu’s Room’s current space, and any leftover funds will go to the renovation of the

basement. John Peterson, a musician performing at the festival, said he’s excited to support The Gnu’s Room. “There’s nothing else like it in Auburn,” Peterson said. “They’re really interested in supporting the community and bringing people together.” Tickets purchased can be used to get a $5 discount on tickets for the No Excuse Music Festival, hosted by the Domestic Violence Intervention Center, which is also Saturday. “We wanted to cross-promote the events, which are both fundraising efforts by nonprofit organizations,” Tatum said.

Auburn alum runs ‘daily meta-memoir’ Coleman McDowell Sports Editor

An Auburn student is staring in a Style Network reality television show called “The Amandas.” Elton John played a concert in Beard-Eaves Memorial Coliseum in 1973. These articles have no relation at first glance, but they both have two common themes: Auburn University and they can be found on the home page of TheWarEagleReader. com headed by editor Jeremy Henderson. Henderson runs the eclectic, self-proclaimed “daily meta-memoir” of Auburn along with many other contributors, including three former editors of The Auburn Plainsman. Henderson’s love for Auburn and desire to create a website devoted to Auburn stems from traveling to his grandmother’s house on the Plains as a child. “Auburn was like grandmomma’s,” Henderson said. “It was the special thing.” Henderson came to Auburn in 1997 for college, graduated from Auburn in 2004 with a philosophy degree and worked as a feature writer for a paper in Lubbock, Texas, before moving back to Auburn in 2009. All the while, Henderson was working on what would eventually become The War Eagle Reader, a website based on the culture of the Auburn community. “I always thought there was room for the stuff I was seeing,” Henderson said. “I thought it could be this catchall, kind of

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Jeremy Henderson is the editor of TheWarEagleReader.com, an eclectic compilation of Auburn news.

this one-stop shop for everything Auburn-related. Because in Auburn, more than any other college town, the town and the college and the entire vibe is inseparable.” Henderson tries to communicate that vibe through each post on his website. “Sometimes I ask myself, ‘What is this Auburn?’” Henderson said. “What I wanted to do was to get people to feel the same way about Auburn as I do, to think it’s as special as I do. “It’s kind of like every post’s intent is to answer that question in some weird way. What makes Auburn special? Why do we love it so much?” Jeremy’s wife, Jenny, said her husband wants everyone to feel the same about Auburn as he does. “I think he views it as a duty to Auburn to tell these stories that maybe no one knows or that people have forgotten, and it’s like he’s out to convert nonbelievers about how to see Auburn and why they should love it,” she said. Without a print copy of his

product, Henderson relies solely on the Internet to get content to readers. Embracing social media was a necessity not only to send information out, but to gather live information as well. “Twitter and Facebook are huge tools,” Henderson said. “Sometimes I stop and think: Where would the site be without them? Not just the dissemination of information, but actually getting information as it happened; you can get details from things like you’re there.” Henderson said being in control of the site’s social networking presence is not for everyone. “You feel like you’re in a cockpit,” Henderson said with a laugh. “You’ve got things streaming on your left, things updating on the right, notifications and alarms going off and search windows open.” Henderson even does something that would make a notebook-carrying, old-school reporter cringe: He does actual reporting from Twitter. “I can find little things that can be turned into stories,”

Henderson said. “You can see if a lot of people are talking about certain thing on campus, and you see it might be a big thing.” Currently, The War Eagle Reader is free, but one of Henderson’s latest posts on the website is beseeching his readers to contribute a onetime donation or sign up for a monthly “subscription” to the website. Henderson describes it as full-time job without anything like full-time compensation. “There is advertising revenue, but at some point I can’t put enough time into it as I have been without bumping it up,” Henderson said. He said he didn’t want the website to be a hobby or a side project, adding he still believes the website can be profitable. “It does make some money, thankfully,” Henderson said. “And that was the idea. It wasn’t intended as a labor of love. I had this idea, and I still think it’s achievable. If I had the right apparatus with which to pull it off, I think it could be as financially successful as it is popular.”

Opinions

Thursday, April 12, 2012

www.theplainsman.com

Dubstep isn’t music

Our Our View View

BRADLEY ROBERTS

Community Quote of the Week

Parking Services comes through for students again

opinion@ theplainsman.com

Dubstep is for people who hate music, but love bass, subwoofers and neon clothing. I’m sure you are all very aware of this new genre of “music” which has taken the world by storm. Dubstep is nothing more than sequences of computerized sound samples mixed together by wannabe musicians working with a free download of second-rate sound engineering software. It’s a lazy music genre that produces uninspired, unemotional and uninteresting music. We are unfortunate enough to live in a world dumbed down by smartphones, reality television and now music that prides itself on being nothing more than amplified bathrooms sounds. I have been surrounded by music my entire life. I love to listen to all types of music. I grew up singing in choir, learning about musical notation, time signatures and other basic music theory. I’ve played drums for seven years now, and I have had the opportunity to play with some talented and classically trained musicians. I’m no expert, but I feel like I at least have an understanding for what makes good music. I know the work that goes into writing a song, playing a show and recording an album. So it is insulting to me when dubstep artists call themselves real musicians when the only instrument they play is a MacBook Pro. One of the most common arguments I hear from fans of dubstep is that I just “don’t get it.” I agree 100 percent. I don’t get why it’s so popular. I don’t understand the purpose the artist wishes to convey with his music. I don’t get the point of dubstep at all. Music isn’t just about what you “get,” it’s also something you feel, and all I feel when listening to dubstep is an intense throbbing in my temple and sick to my stomach. All music is subjective, and I don’t want to simply make fun of people for liking something I don’t like, but it’s insulting to myself and other musicians when people call dubstep real music. How could this overhyped, chaotic and unstructured noise garner millions of fans in such a short time period? How could this computerized atonal abomination possibly win Grammys? The whole thing blows my mind. Dubstep is a trend that needs to die out soon. It isn’t music; it’s just another excuse to take ecstasy, wear airbrushed trucker hats and talk about how “that bass drop was so filthy, bro.” Dubstep is a cancer on American music culture that needs to be cut out, and while putting an end to dubstep would put an end to the glowstick, neon green tank top and zany sunglasses industry, I think that is a hit our economy would be willing to take.

We opened our TigerMail on Tuesday to find an email with the subject line “Ticket.” Did we get a ticket? Had we forgotten about one from back in the day that was now returning to haunt us? We hadn’t, and one wasn’t. We understand Parking Services’ desire to get such an important email read by students quickly, but to deceive students, most of whose finances can’t easily accomodate more parking tickets, in such a way is unbecoming of Auburn employees. We should not be lied to like children because Parking Services believe they have important business. Parking Services sent out the email to notify students of changes coming to parking on campus. “We are confident that the changes will make an improvement in parking process,” we read. At last! It was a time for rejoicing. Parking Services had finally

solved the parking problem, and with the approval of SGA, no less. This was going to be a foolproof plan. And then we read the next line: “The cost of permits will be increasing next year.” Nevermind the rejoicing, then. If there was ever a time when families—even those who can afford to send their children to college—and individuals could shell out some extra cash for a hang tag, it’s right now. It wasn’t but a few days ago we were brainstorming ways to blow the excess income we all definitely have. But it’s not just a price increase. We like to think our relationship as students with the University— which we love—is one of mutual respect. If we’re being asked to pay $160 or $60, we believe Parking Services should be transparent in their process of arriving at such a bold decision. The recent revival of an old rule prohibiting students from simply driving on campus without

the appropriate hang tag coupled with this price increase has made it clear that the goal of Parking Services is to get more vehicles off of campus. We are pleased to see the revenue from these steep increases will be used to expand and refine the Tiger Transit system. There are three buses that run through the Village during the day—Haley West, Old Row and Park and Ride. Those who live in the dorms—the Hill excluded— normally don’t have any issue with parking. We feel two of those buses should be rerouted to better serve students who are now going to skip buying a tag for the fall. Finally, there’s the SGA approval. It’s encouraging to see they’ve taken a break from deciding where to place drop-off locations on campus to deliberate on how many hundreds of dollars they would increase parking for the West Magnolia, coliseum and arena lots.

No solution in sight for parking I, like every other Auburn University student, received an unsigned email this week from Parking Services. Attempting to read the lengthy, redundant and convoluted email, I was thoroughly confused. Poor email communication does not encourage excellence at Auburn University. Aside from the grammatical errors, I have some concerns about the new parking policy. irst, why are the cost of permits astronomically increasing? With the rezoning, the exact same Czone parking space I have parked in all year will cost me $160 in-

stead of $30. That’s an increase of 533 percent. Instead of “Proximate Commuter,” PC-zone should be redefined to “Pricey Commuter.” Yes, the 1700 wealthy and lucky people with a PC-zone pass will fight over 1500 “guaranteed” parking spaces. Oh, and the lottery losers can just drive to campus, park in the old RO-zone north of West Thach and use a new bike share program to bike to class. Brilliant. Virtually every student at Auburn University would agree that the parking system is broken. However, increased fees and flawed policy is not the solution.

Auburn needs to build more parking facilities. In the meantime, parking lots should be on a first-come first-serve basis. After deciphering the poorly written email, the new parking policy is a disaster. It doesn’t even address the problem of pick-up and drop-off in the Quad area of campus. Parking Services needs to solve problems, create a policy that will actually work and inform the student body in a clear and concise email. Jeffrey Gaddes junior, mechanical engineering

Athletes’ in-class behavior irritates I have had the pleasure of meeting many athletes in my classes at Auburn, and so far they have all been normal students in a classroom, and many are engaging— until I walked into a business class last week. I go to this class every time class is held and was surprised to find three athletes from the same sport, which will remain unnamed, in class (surprised, because I have never seen them in class before, and it is past mid semester). This is a letter of disappointment. One athlete’s behavior was appropriate. The other two athletes, however, were even asked by the first to stop.

The particular athletes’ conduct in class made me want to apologize to the professor on their behalf. No, I am not saying they should have necessarily been completely attentive and vigorously taking notes—none of us do that anyway. However, the loud talking, laughing, eating, and phone calls during class really crossed the line. If even your teammate and peer does not agree with you and thinks you are out of line to the point to say something to you about it, then you have really crossed the line pretty far. I would expect any man or woman who goes to Auburn University to un-

derstand that they represent the University in their behavior and actions. Especially those who specifically represent the University to others through organizations, such as sports, should understand that they are charged with this representation upon entering the organization and should behave appropriately. I would hope to think that fellow Auburn students, most importantly those who have the opportunity to represent Auburn to others, would not act this way.

“

“We are confident that the changes will make an improvement in the parking process. The cost of permits will be increasing next year.” - Parking services email

The Plainsman Poll Vote at theplainsman.com

An open letter to Parrish Dear Mr. Parrish, I opened my TigerMail this morning to find a letter from Parking Services regarding new policies for next year. These policies state that the price for my parking tag will go up $60. But that was not the only shock I had to endure. I also saw that Parking Services would be instituting a lottery, similar to the one I was placed in my freshman year in the dorms, for people to get “Preferred C-zone” parking passes at the “low” price of $160. Mr. Parrish, I would like to remind you of your campaign promise to improve parking for Auburn’s students. The methods outlined in the Parking Services email certainly do nothing to make students’ lives easier. Mr. Parrish, as your tenure as SGA President begins, please remember, you are, first and foremost, one of us—a student. We chose you to be our leader and our voice to the administration. Work with the students, work with parking services and work with the administration to make everyone’s lives and time at Auburn a little easier.

Heather Oakes senior, chemical engineering and English literature

Kristin Easterling senior, English

Rising costs close door on students, reflect poorly on University It was always my dream to come to Auburn University. My father’s first words to me when I was born were “War Eagle.” Since the very beginning of my life, I have always believed in Auburn and loved it. My story is not too different than many other students at Auburn. A lot of us in the Auburn family have been a part of this community since we were born. Our mothers and fathers, and their mothers and their fathers before them, were a part of this community, and we are

all honored to continue on that tradition and be an Auburn Tiger. But every year, our beloved University prices more and more students out of their dream. The recently raised price of a parking permit— from $30 to $160 for the major C-zone lots—is an excellent example of the administration at Auburn disregarding their students’ needs as soon as they send in the tuition check. In the grand scheme of things, a 300 percent increase

in parking fees is not a cause for an uproar. But looking at parking as a whole as an expression of how this administration treats their students, a 300 percent increase in parking fees is unbearable. Many students commute to campus, but there is less C-zone parking and more enforcement of longsince forgotten rules and regulations. Let’s not forget that every autumn, parking on campus on a Friday becomes a virtual impossibility as C-zone after C-

zone is shut down for the upcoming football game. I understand our football team brings in millions of dollars and I’m as proud of their accomplishments. But we are a University with a football team, not a football team with a University. No amount of fancy new waterfalls or re-bricked business buildings will make up for the basic commodities that mean students can come to campus to learn. Parking fees are an inconvenience, and if the administration, the Board, and the

SGA are looking to price students out of driving to campus, they might have accomplished just that. But what is more than an inconvenience is the continuing rising cost of even attending Auburn. Tuition rates rise ever year without fail. Instead of passing a resolution approving increases in parking fees, the SGA should pass a resolution demanding tuition rates be made affordable to every student accepted to Auburn University. Auburn systematically de-

nies students of all socio-economic classes—especially outof-state students—the opportunity to become part of the Auburn family. I was under the impression that the state of Alabama, the administration, the Board of Trustees and especially the Student Government were supposed to keep my best interests in mind. It turns out every one of them are a disappointment. Alexander Roberson junior, political science

The Editorial Board

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Phone 334–844–4130 Email opinion@theplainsman.com

The Auburn Plainsman welcomes letters from students as well as from faculty, administrators, alumni and those not affiliated with the University. Letters must be submitted before 4:30 p.m. on the Monday for publication. Letters must include the author’s name, address and phone number for verification, though the name of the author may be withheld upon request. Submission may be edited for grammar and/or length.

The opinions of The Auburn Plainsman staff are restricted to these pages. These unsigned editorials are the majority opinion of the 9-member editorial board and are the official opinion of the newspaper. The opinions expressed in columns and letters represent the views and opinions of their individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the Auburn University student body, faculty, administration or Board of Trustees.

Campus A A8 Community

The Auburn Auburn Plainsman The Plainsman

Thursday, Thursday,March April 8, 12,2012 2012 Print Deadline 12 noon three business days prior to publication

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Thursday, April 12, 2012

Sports

Auburn’s newest hires focus on putting their personal touch on the offense, defense Offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler takes control of an offense ranked 87th nationally last season Coleman McDowell Sports Editor

Scot Loeffler refers to two-time Super Bowl MVP Tom Brady as “Tommy” and has his cellphone number on speed dial. For most, that’s enough to prove Loeffler’s merit as a football mind, but if it’s not enough for the most critical of Auburn fans, Loeffler has more to offer. At 38 years old, Loeffler has 14 years of coaching experience. Six of the quarterbacks under Loeffler’s tutelage were NFL draft picks, and one of those went in the first round—his name: Tim Tebow. Even with Loeffler’s experience and track record at churning out pro quarterbacks, Auburn will be his first time leading an SEC offense. He spent 2011 as the Temple Owls’ offensive coordinator, and previously he had quarterback-coaching stints at the University of Florida, Detroit Lions, Central He doesn’t owe me Michigan University and the University of Mich- anything; he doesn’t igan. owe Kiehl anything; Loeffler said his offense isn’t one specific syshe doesn’t owe tem, but a mixture of several. “I like them all,” he said. Zeke anything. He Loeffler has installed many different formadoesn’t know us. tions apart from the shotgun, which the Tigers primarily used the past three seasons, but the He’s going to pick multiple looks don’t equal confusing schemes. the best one.” Sophomore quarterback Kiehl Frazier, who is competing with junior Clint Moseley and true —Clint Moseley freshman Zeke Pike for the starting job, said he’s Junior Quarterback picked up Loeffler’s offense quickly. Moseley agreed with the contrasting offensive styles. “It’s completely different,” Moseley said. “Completely different pretty much sums it up.” Loeffler has referenced “installs,” or the process of teaching the offense pieces of the playbook in small doses, after almost every practice and in answering questions regarding the progress made in implementing his full offense. He said so far, the offense as a whole has learned on the fly. Concerning Loeffler’s quarterback specialty, while he doesn’t have a proven signal-caller returning, he does have three different quarterbacks to choose from. But Loeffler doesn’t want the competition between Moseley, Frazier and Pike to overshadow the job of who will take the snap on opening day. “They’ve had great attitudes; they’re working their tails off,” Loeffler said. “Our job is one thing—it’s not how many touchdown passes; it’s not how many of this, how many of that—it’s to do our job and help Auburn win.” Loeffler said he was impressed with the way Pike has transitioned from high school to college. “Any time that you make that step from being 18 years old and going to basketball games in the wintertime at your high school to all of a sudden you’re in an environment that’s demanding,” Loeffler said. “We demand that these guys do great academically; we de-

Defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder brings a lengthy NFL, college resume to lead the Tigers’ new defense Robert E. Lee Sports Beat Reporter

Three months ago Brian VanGorder watched his Atlanta Falcon’s defense melt and give up 24 points to the New York Giants in the first round of the NFL playoffs. Today he lives two hours away from Atlanta, has reunited with new Auburn offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler and teaches young athletes how to handle the college ranks. Auburn’s new defensive coordinator finds himself in a new world, but with similar ideas. “I was an emotional player playing the game and I think that those same emotions show up in my coaching,” VanGorder said. “I’m excited about what I do and take pride in what takes place on the field with a unit that I’m teaching and working with and attempting to establish high standards and expectations, so I think that’s normal if you’re really into your work.” Leaving the Falcons after four years, VanGorder said Atlanta coach Mike Smith wasn’t happy when he heard the news. “He was very disappointed,” VanGorder said. “We felt like over four years we took a fairly bad situation and gave it consistency. We had four straight winning seasons, and defensively taking over a unit that was ranked No. 29 in the NFL and probably even getting it to a point two years ago to No. 5 in the league in scoring defense. We had worked hard and felt like we had an ascending situation. Any time you have staff transition it’s tough.” Although his family will remain in Georgia for now, VanGorder said his transition away from the NFL was a multi-step process. “I had conversation with Gene (Chizik) late in our season when we had a couple of games left,” VanGorder said. “I had a number of days to investigate and identify the interest to the Atlanta Falcons. “I had to deal with their interest in keeping me there and ne-

Courtesy of Anthony Hall

» See Loeffler, B2

Courtesy of Shanna Lockwood

“

VanGorder Coaching History 2007-11: Atlanta Falcons, Defensive Coordinator 2006: Georgia Southern, Head Coach 2005: Jaguars, Linebackers 2001-04: Georgia, Defensive coordinator 2000: Western Illinois, Defensive coordinator 1998-99: Central Michigan, defensive coordinator 1997: Central Florida, defensive coordinator 1995-96: Central Florida, Linebackers 1992-94: Wayne State, Head Coach

Loeffler Coaching History 2011: Temple, Offensive Coordinator 2009-10: Florida, Quarterbacks 2008: Detroit Lions, Quarterbacks 2002-07: Michigan, Quarterbacks 2000-01: Central Michigan, Quarterbacks 1998-99: Michigan, Grad. Assistant 1996-97: Michigan, Student Assistant

“

We’ve got to find out the physical abilities of guys and find out those traits that take advantage of where they are from an ability standpoint.” —Brian VanGorder defensive Coordinator

gotiating some of that and it was kind of a busy time, but I am grateful that there was quite a bit of time to let the dust settle from the initial conversations, to negotiations, to finding out about Auburn specifically and then trying to decide whether or not, from a professional standpoint, I wanted to make the move from the (Falcons) back into college football and Auburn.” VanGorder played linebacker at Wayne State University in Detroit from 1970–80 and said his age impacts his coaching style by reflecting back on how he played the game and applying those ideas to the present. “We don’t have the hours that we had in Atlanta to install an entire playbook,” VanGorder said. “We’ve got to find out the physical abilities of guys and find out those traits that take advantage of where they are from an ability standpoint. “We’ve also got to consider what they can mentally take on in respects to the system. By design, we’ll start with our base defense and graduate it from there based on those two factors.” After VanGorder accepted the job at Auburn, coach Gene Chizik said he was looking for a man that had proven himself. “He has achieved success at every level, both professionally and collegiately, which is a testament to his ability as a coach,” Chizik said after the welcoming press conference. “He understands what it takes to succeed in the Southeastern Conference.” VanGorder said all coaches display their emotions differently on the field, but he said he’s a high-energy, high-emotion coach. “In the pro league, there’s no doubt about it, it’s a business,” VanGorder said. “It’s competitive and has a different business aspect, where in college ball the kids are playing for the love of the game and, in some ways, a means to an end in respects to

Courtesy of Anthony Hall

Auburn defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder gives direction to his players during spring practice March 24.

them getting a college education and a degree. I like where the enthusiasm level is for the college kid, and I suspect that will bring more emotions from me on a Saturday afternoon.” VanGorder also has ties with new offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler, having met him while coaching at Central Michigan and Wayne State in the ‘90s. “We’re working on the things that are mandatory between an offensive and defensive coordinator,” VanGorder said. “Scotty and I, we’ve know each other for a long time. He was a Michigan guy, and I was driving over and trying to learn more football from (the University of Michigan), so our paths have crossed for a long time in respects to that.” VanGorder’s role on defense will be geared toward a walking coordinator, spending time with all defensive players while still allowing the position coaches to do their job. “I like smart, tough players,” VanGorder said. “That’s where I began and then you can make judgments on the physical traits, but I found that smart tough players, what you coach a lot of time from them is a dependability factor that you need. And usually you enjoy working with them.” VanGorder was defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at the University of Georgia from 2001–04 and said the

» See Vangorder, B2

Sports B2

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Thursday, April 12, 2012

3/31/12

Loeffler » From B1

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mand that they’re on time and go to class; we demand that they do a great job with football and with (strength and conditioning) coach (Kevin) Yox(all).” Moseley said he knows his experience from last season holds no bearing on this year. “I can promise you that’s one thing about coach Loeffler: If he says it’s wide open, it’s wide open,” Moseley said. “He doesn’t owe me anything; he doesn’t owe Kiehl anything; he doesn’t owe Zeke anything. He really doesn’t know us. He’s going to pick the best one.” One transition all three quarterbacks must make is moving about four yards closer to center Reese Dismukes. Each have been shotgun quarterbacks their entire careers, but Loeffler has said he will run roughly 55 percent of his offense under center. “It sets up the playa c t i o n r e a l l y w e l l ,”

Vangorder » From B1

linebackers in his system can’t afford to sleep on the job. “They have a difficult job in our scheme in respects to their knowledge and ability to communicate,” VanGorder said. “So that will be the emphasis early on here, to find the guys that can see the big picture of football and comprehend the entire system and then be able to communicate it.” Evaluating talent objectively is important to VanGorder. “At heart I’m a pressure guy, but I’m also going to make decisions as we build the system based on the ability of our defense,” VanGorder said. “My belief is that you find the things that a player can do well and you work toward those positive traits that they carry. “If I don’t feel like we’re very good in respects to our ability to play man-to-man, then you’re just not going to see a lot of press man.”

Moseley said. “He just wants it to look at the exact same, everything the same, no wasted motion.” Frazier said going under center allows for more freedom at the line of scrimmage pre-snap, but it still is taking time to perfect. “I like it,” Frazier said. “I haven’t done it much ever in my career. We’re working on it a lot with coach Loeffler and I’m getting the hang of it. We’ll have a little more freedom at the line to pick the play up. Loeffler will call 95 percent of the plays, but we’ll have more leniency.” Frazier said the more repetitions he takes, the more comfortable he feels running the offense. “I don’t think I can say how much better I am, but I’m definitely a lot more comfortable knowing the system and the reads and the checks we do,” Frazier said. The first look at Loeffler’s offense will be Saturday at 2 p.m. at the A-Day scrimmage. Junior linebacker Jake Holland said his relationship with VanGorder is growing stronger, but expectations have already been set. “What VanGorder is doing is he is kind of an overseer, so he doesn’t necessarily coach one position, he coaches all of us,” Holland said. Although VanGorder is moving the defense in a new direction, his most renowned trait may be his thick, bold mustache. “We don’t joke about it much anymore now that we’ve gotten used to him, but when we first saw pictures of him we said that he looked like Uncle Rico off of ‘Napoleon Dynamite,’” Holland said. VanGorder said his mustache is nothing new. “I’ve always had a mustache,” he said. “I don’t know where the motivation comes from. “My older brother wore a mustache and that’s what I saw growing up and pretty much since I could grow one I’ve carried one.”

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Thursday, April 12, 2012

Sports B3

The Auburn Plainsman

CONGRATULATIONS Newly Selected 2012-2013 COSAM Leaders

Courtesy of Media Relations

From left: Marcus Rowland, Harry Adams, Michael DeHaven and Keenan Brock of Auburn’s 4x100 meter relay team celebrate their fastest world time of 2012 and Auburn record at the Texas Relays. The group was honored as SEC Co-Runners of the Week for their performance.

Relay squad honored as SEC Co-Runners of the Week Robert E. Lee Sports Beat Reporter

Last week the 4x100 meter relay team was named SEC Co-Runners of the Week for posting the fastest world time in 2012 with a 38.30 at the Texas Relays. “We were surprised,” said senior Michael DeHaven. “We were actually in the team room, and someone was flipping through the channels and someone said, ‘Hey, look at the TV,’ and that was nice. I think it means we’re on track. “We’re all trying to prime for the end of the year … but we have come out and run fast early and feel like we’re going to have a huge end of the year.” Coach Ralph Spry said the foursome has been impressive. “When you look at the measuring stick, that is the third fastest relay they ran in college history and just missed the collegiate record, but broke the school record,” Spry said. “But it’s pretty exciting because if you take those guys individually, they all have run very, very fast and were AllAmericans and SEC nationallevel type guys. “You put that type of quality together and I think that’s the end result. The fun thing is going to be watching them continue to get better as the sea-

Kyle Adams Maria Campbell Jessica Epperson Channing Garber Austin Gilchrist Jamey Hammock Pamela Hart Sarah Hashimi Jordie Keeley Ashley Nutt Stephen Thrasher Sean Tilford Billy Walick Jazmine Wilder Brad Young Kevin Zhang

THE COLLEGE OF SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS Rebecca Croomes / photo editor

The Auburn 4x100 relay team ran the fourth fastest time in NCAA history at the Texas Relays in March.

son goes.” With the SEC outdoor championships in June, Spry said the team is peaking at the right time. “With track and field, the most important meet for using the outdoor season is going to be the SEC Championships and the National Championships,” Spry said. “Everything from this point is kind of a building process. The SEC is tough from top to bottom. “Any time you’re getting an award for top athlete of the week or whatever, it is quite an accomplishment because there are so many good athletes in the SEC on a weekto-week basis. It just lets you know that it’s a great perfor-

mance at the beginning of the season and we can feed off that energy.” Sophomore Keenan Brock was also part of the four-man team and said setting the record goes along with competing at a high level. “I was ecstatic,” Brock said. “It’s always good to go to a meet and compete with highlevel competition, and we just wanted to bring some longhorns back to Auburn. We didn’t expect to be world leaders; we just wanted to go out and compete, and if you go out and compete your time will come.” Spry said the team is on track with the goals they set at the beginning of the year.

“Really by the time we get to SECs and nationals, they’re really going to be totally rested up,” Spry said. “I expect them to run a little bit faster at that time of year.”

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Sports B4

The Auburn Plainsman

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Equestrian rides into NCAAs Patrick Tighe Sports Beat Reporter

The Auburn equestrian team looks to repeat as the National Collegiate Equestrian Association national champion this weekend after receiving a first-round bye in the tournament. Competition began Thursday and continues through Saturday at the Extraco Events Center in Waco, Texas. The three days of competition follow the banquet held Wednesday night, and the champion will be crowned Saturday at 5:30 p.m. “We’ve got good seedings for nationals; being exempt in the first round for both is quite an accomplishment,” said Auburn coach Greg Williams. “That is two years in a row that we have

done that. We have to put out special kudos to the hunt seat girls being the No. 1 seed going into nationals.” The bye gives Auburn’s riders the chance to assess their competitors. “The byes are always a great thing because you go into nationals and you get to settle in, watch some competitions and calm your nerves,” said senior Western rider Kristen Hansen. “I always feel like that’s great for us when we go in because we are ready for our team and we have seen them compete before that.” Other SEC schools competing include Georgia and South Carolina. Current national rankings have Georgia at No. 1 with 63 team points, South Carolina at No. 3 with

55 points and Auburn at No. 5 with 48 points. “Just like anybody that watches March Madness, any time you don’t have to play is one step you can’t fumble on,” Williams said. “You obviously just take them and you are proud of the accomplishment. You also can be one of those tragic stories of ‘you got beat by somebody you shouldn’t lose to.’” The Gamecocks beat the Bulldogs in the Southern Equestrian Championships last month in a final tiebreaker after defeating Auburn in the opening meet 12–6. “I think that South Carolina is severely under-ranked and is going to be a tough team to ride against come nationals,” said Georgia coach Meghan

Boeing. Outside of the rigor of equestrian competition, the Auburn equestrian team also excels in the classroom. Nine riders earned the Academic All-American award presented by the National Collegiate Equestrian Association. Auburn also had four first-team All-Americans, two second-team selections and three honorable mentions. “I ask both of my assistant coaches to focus on the future for our girls with each decision they make,” Williams said. “We love the accomplishments our girls make in the arena, but the number of Academic All-Americans we have is a great statement for the girls in achieving what is most important.”

Courtesy of Anthony Hall

The equestrian team received a first-round bye in the NCAA Championships in Waco, Texas. Competition began Thursday and will continue through Saturday.

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Intrigue Thursday, April 12, 2012

Kay Ivey » Page B7

www.theplainsman.com

Intrigue

Goosebumps’ truth revealed Katelyn Gaylor Writer

Goosbumps are a common occurrence for animals and humans, appearing when someone is emotionally charged or cold. But according to Robert Lishak, associate professor of biological sciences, goosebumps do nothing beneficial for humans. “For us humans, goosebumps have no adaptive, physiological reason,” he said. Yet the army of bumps that can form along the back, around the neck and down the arms and legs are still present in day-to-day life. “I went in my house last week and my roommate wasn’t home,” said Rosson Anderson, senior in business administration. “I could have sworn I heard the back door close, and chills went all the way down my back. I looked at my arms and I had goosebumps.” Lishak said experiences like Anderson’s are explained by the muscles at the base of hairs. “If you’ve ever had the spine-tingling chill running up and down your back when you’re really scared, those are all the arrector pili muscles standing straight up,” Lishak said. “When they stand up they cause that tickle in your skin that you perceive as that spine-tingling chill.”

“

If you’ve ever had the spinetingling chill running up and down your back when you’re really scared, those are all the arrector pili muscles standing straight up.” —Robert Lishak associate professor of biological sciences

Lishak said animals respond to fear just as humans do, but they benefit from goosebumps in a way humans don’t. “If an animal is frightened it’s going to get goosebumps, and it’s going to accomplish two things by doing so,” he said. “First, it’s going to make itself look bigger, and if it can increase the size of its silhouette, it might even win the fight without having to fight at all because the other animal could get so frightened it runs away.” But should its attacker not flee, Lishak said

» See goosebumps, B6

Old actress learns new tricks

“

Brandy Volovecky Writer

What do you get when you cross man’s best friend with man? Why, Sylvia, a main character in the theatre department’s latest production played by Sarah-Jean Peters. Written by A.R. Gurney Jr., “Sylvia” is about Greg and Kate, a middle-aged couple who have an empty nest. Greg is going through a midlife crisis and brings home a dog named Sylvia. In the story he latches onto her in an unexpected way—to the dismay of his wife. Scott Phillips, director of the play and associate professor of theatre, said Sylvia is like “the other woman, in a kind of way. The dog becomes a point of obsession for (Greg). He sees her as a human being and that’s kind of the problem.” Phillips said Sylvia has many human characteristics, such as the ability to talk, argue and flirt with Greg. “It’s the view of a dog through the eyes of a man having a crisis,” Phillips said. Peters, senior in theatre, said it was important for her to balance Sylvia’s dog-like characteristics with her human ones. “In the beginning she starts out like a dog,” Peters said. “But as Greg gets more attached, he sees her as human. And as Kate gets more jealous, she sees her as the other woman.” Sylvia brings attention to marital issues between Greg and Kate. “She becomes the focal point of all kinds of problems that Greg is having in his marriage,” Phillips said. “The play is about him working through his midlife anxieties through his dog.”

I get to run all around the stage, wag my tail, lay on the floor. It’s tiring really.” —Sarah-Jean Peters Senior, Theatre

Danielle Lowe / Assistant Photo Editor

Sarah-Jean Peters, senior in theatre, plays the role of the dog Sylvia in the theatre department’s latest poduction, which opens Thursday at 7:30 p.m.

Even though Greg and Kate see Sylvia as a person, Peters still gets to bring out her inner-dog on stage. “It’s very hard, but it’s been a fun experience,” Peters said. “I get to run all around the stage, wag my tail, lay on the floor. It’s tiring really.” Marcus Clement, senior in theatre who plays the role of Greg, said he’s had to look for inspiration in interacting with Peters’ character. “I have to remember the ways that I play with my own dogs,”Clement said. “Sort of rub

their bellies and scratch their ears, but also see (Sylvia) with more of a personality.” He said the play is really more about the relationship between Greg and Kate, but Sylvia moves the story along and makes it relatable. “It shows how you can use a dog to sort of cope with a big crisis in life, no matter what kind of crisis it is,” Clement said. Stage manager Beth Alexander said the play is for anyone who loves dogs. “If you’ve ever had a dog or know anyone who has a dog, you’re gonna love this show,” Alexander said. “It’s exactly how humans treat their dogs, and it’s hilarious that this playwright has managed to tap into this mentality of treating our dogs like humans.” Alexander said “Sylvia” is a play that a lot of people can relate to. “It’s very funny watching someone respond in the way you actually think a dog would,” she said. “It’s just a really great, funny, heart-warming, high-energy show, and we’re really looking forward to performing it.” The production opens Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at the Telfair Peet Theatre.

Intrigue Editor

The Sexual Assault Awareness Month Task Force is asking you to “Keep a Lid on It.” The phrase, part of a new campaign during Sexual Assault Awareness Month, is to bring awareness to sexual assault and the use of date rape drugs. Bonnie Wilson, Women in Science and Engineering coordinator, said a student on campus who was sexually assaulted after being given a date rape drug inspired the campaign. Wilson said the girl was at a party where alcohol was served and started to feel sick. “She went back to her dorm,” Wilson said. “Someone followed her, and she was assaulted. It’s been tough for her and on her family, so this kind of evolved out of that as a way for them wanting to prevent other people from suffering the same thing.” Nick Goudreau, junior in human resource management, first became involved in SAAM last year through his fraternity, Alpha Kappa Lambda, whose

philanthropy is “These Hands Don’t Hurt.” It is another campaign through SAAM that took place on the Concourse Monday through Wednesday. “I got called and asked if I’d be interested in helping with just that one event,” Goudreau said. “Then I ended up staying an extra year and taking on a different event.” Goudreau said the primary message of the new campaign is for people to watch their drinks in a social setting. “It happens at the bars—even here all the time—that people are getting drugged in their drinks,” he said. Kristy Malone, diversity initiatives coordinator for the Women’s Resource Center, said there are informational fliers in bars downtown with the “Keep a Lid on It” logo, and select bars will have hand stamps to raise awareness as well. The catchphrase of the campaign is “Watch Your Drink, Watch Your Safety.” Malone said one example is when women take pictures, they

Writer

“A lot of times drinking is involved and the survivor of the assault may or not be of legal drinking age, which a lot of people don’t realize that if you report a sexual assault to the police, the police aren’t going to focus on the drinking issue,” Malone said. “Their focus is that you were the victim of a crime.”

» See SAAM, B6

» See toomers, B6

Danielle Lowe / Assistant Photo Editor

“These Hands Don’t Hurt” is a campaign promoting Sexual Assault Awareness Month that took place on the Concourse this week.

typically put their drinks behind them. She said that’s an opportunity for something to happen. “When you take a picture, put your drink on the table in front of you, not behind you,” Malone said. “Just put it somewhere where you can see it.” Malone said there are a variety of reasons some women choose not to report an assault, including self-blame.

Susan Ann Cook The lemonade at Toomer’s Drugs has long been a tradition in Auburn. This tart concoction is recognized nationally and has earned several awards, including a 2001 spot on Esquire Magazine’s “162 Reasons It’s Good To Be An American”—the No. 1 spot, that is. The business began in 1896 when Sheldon Toomer founded a drug store that occupied the corner of what is now downtown Auburn. Since its opening, Toomer’s Drugs has evolved from a fully-stocked pharmacy with a soda-shop atmosphere into a oneof-a-kind landmark selling its own merchandise and still serving the community hand-squeezed lemonade. “To the best of my knowledge, the lemonade has been served since the store opened in 1896,” said Michael Overstreet, manager of Toomer’s Drugs. “It was just an item on the menu like everything else and you know, slowly but surely your best stuff becomes your most popular stuff.” The store’s evolution and popularity has allowed it to remain profitable throughout its 115 years. Although it is no longer a pharmacy, it still carries some over-the-counter drugs and bandages. “Toomer’s Drugs is one of those Auburn traditions that has adapted with the change in times, but it still keeps its original quality and meaningfulness,” said Anna Henderson, senior in exercise science. “Instead of remaining a pharmacy, the new owners realized that the store was more of a landmark than anything else, but you can still buy some of the drug store-type items there too.” These current owners, who decided against a fully stocked pharmacy, are Harrison School of Pharmacy alumni Don and Betty Haisten. Overstreet said the business has gradually adapted to carry what customers desire most. “You find out what people want you to be, and that’s what you become,” he said. “If you’re making more money on serving food and lemonade than you are filling prescriptions, then clearly that’s the route that you should be focusing more of your attention to.” During the fall, football fans flock to the historic site for an ice-cold glass on gameday, and during the summer months Toomer’s Drugs receives much of its patronage from freshman orientation groups in Camp War Eagle. “Toomer’s has always been a huge, very gracious

SAAM campaign promotes drinking safety Kate Jones

Lemonade still loved 115 years later

Intrigue B6

The Auburn Plainsman

Spinach and Tomato Strata

Kerry’s recipe of the week

goosebumps » From B5

Ingredients: 4 cups of cubed dayold French bread 1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, halved 1 10 ounce package of frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained 8 eggs 1 and 1/2 cups milk 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese salt and pepper, to taste

Directions: Preheat oven to 400° F. Spray an 8” x 11” casserole dish with cooking spray. Add the bread cubes in the casserole dish in a single layer. Evenly distribute the tomatoes and spinach over the bread cubes. In a large bowl, combine the eggs, milk, Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper. Whisk together until combined and evenly pour over bread mixture. Place aluminum foil over the casserole dish and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes.

Contributed by Kerry Fannon

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the animal still has a chance to live, thanks to goosebumps. “Goosebumps are in certain parts of your body—like around the rough of your neck, along your back—and these are vulnerable parts of your body where the blood vessels are close to the surface,” Lishak said. “So if you’re a furry mammal and you get goosebumps, you’ll stick the fur up, the other animal will try to claw or bite you and they’ll get is a mouthful or a fistful of hair and they won’t get to where the sensitive

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IF GOD EXISTS, WHY IS THERE SO MUCH EVIL IN THE WORLD?

April 19, 2012 — On Holocaust Remembrance Day, we consider this question and how a good God can coexist with evil. Join us for a discussion on the problem of evil, suffering, and the existence of God, followed by an open Q&A.

OPEN TO ALL & FREE BOOK FOR PARTICIPANTS Thursday, April 19 Student Center Room #2310 Talks at 11am and 12:30pm

Thursday, April 12, 2012 vessels are.” Laura Howard, senior in communication disorders, said she experiences goosebumps every Monday, Wednesday and Friday—but not out of fear. “My class in Haley is incredibly cold,” she said. “Even with a jacket, I’m bound to be covered in goosebumps when I step through that door, ‘It’s something I’ve just come to expect.” Lishak said goosebumps serve no purpose to humans when they are cold, but can be life-saving for animals. “When (animals) get goosebumps, the hair stands up and

increases the amount of dead air space among the hairs and increases insulation so the animal doesn’t lose heat,” he said. “We just don’t have enough close-together hair to call fur, but for furry mammals it’s very important, and they would not survive if they didn’t have goosebumps.” Howard said they are simply annoying. “I could have just shaven that day, and my legs will be silky smooth,” Howard said. “But then I get to class and ‘BAM,’ now I have to go home and shave again all because of them —first-world pains.”

toomers

heading to Toomer’s Drugs for a lemonade and a soup/sandwich combo lunch,” he said. Coleman said most anyone who has yelled ‘War Eagle’ has a Toomer’s lemonade story to share. “The lemonade helps draw in a real melting pot of every walk of life in Auburn,” he said. “You’ll see students, faculty, administrators, businessmen, politicians—anyone and everyone—all sitting around sharing stories and talking about the happenings of the day. It’s just another big part of the history and lore of being an Auburn Tiger.”

» From B5

sponsor of Camp War Eagle, and the freshmen loved going to get lemonade, some trying it for the first time,” said Whitley Kelley, 2010 Camp War Eagle counselor and senior in cell and molecular biology. Department of Animal Sciences associate professor Dale Coleman has developed his own biannual tradition related to the store. “At the end of each semester, once I’ve posted my last grades and closed my books on the semester, I celebrate by

SAAM

» From B5

In addition, she said sometimes there is self-blame if alcohol was involved because flirting may have occurred and certain actions were consented to, but others were not. Consent, Malone said, is an area of mystery for some. “Consent basically means you have to verbally ask your partner, ‘Would you like to have sex?’” Malone said. “And it needs to be an ongoing, verbally communicated process.” She emphasized it needs to be a sober “yes,” because the

SAAM Schedule of Events April 18–19

Clothesline Project: a way for those who have been affected by violence to express their emotions. Location: Cater Lawn

April 19

Take Back the Night: Beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Cater Lawn, there will be a march, rally and candlelight vigil.

law states a drunk person cannot legally consent to sex. “So you’re putting yourself at risk for committing a crime if you have sex with a (person) who is drunk,” Malone said.

Career Thursday, April 12, 2012

B7 www.theplainsman.com

Intrigue

Auburn creed drives alumna to Alabama office Elizabeth Bonner Writer

Lt. Gov. Kay Ivey is making waves in Alabama’s capital as the first female Republican to hold the position, but it’s her Auburn roots that got her there. Ivey moved from the small town of Camden, Ala., to the Plains in the fall of 1963, and she immediately got to work on what would become her Auburn legacy. “I held a number of offices while playing in the band and participating as a member of Alpha Gamma Delta,” Ivey said. “I was the president of my pledge class (in Alpha Gam) and a freshman senator.” The following year she became Auburn’s first female sophomore senator, then secretary of the student body as a junior. She was elected as the first female vice president of the student body and president of the senate her senior year. She was also named Miss Homecoming. “That puts me as the only Auburn grad to run and win five campus-wide campaigns,” Ivey said. Ivey said her involvement wasn’t driven by political aspirations for similar roles after college, but simply a desire to improve the lives of those around her. “The beauty of the Auburn experience is that it teaches an individual to reach out and try and help situations be better than you found them,” Ivey said. “My life has been based on reaching out to help situations and help other people be the best they can be.”

Elizabeth Bonner / Writer

Auburn alumna Lt. Gov. Kay Ivey speaks to a group in the Student Center last September.

Ivey tried to improve the Auburn community by creating a more representative SGA. “I was focused on helping make campus life more inclusive, having students be more engaged in the student government process,” Ivey said. “I introduced the initiative to start having college senators.” Although Ivey’s schedule was usually full, she found time to enjoy a social life. “We did a whole lot of hugging, living and loving in Chewacla Park,” she said. “We played out there a lot.” She even left her mark at the

first of Auburn’s famous rodeos. “Alpha Psi had their first rodeo and my roommate, Miss Auburn Jana Howard, and I participated in it,” Ivey said. “There was a goat-milking contest, and we won that thing.” But eventually college came to an end, and for Ivey that meant work in teaching, banking and various forms of public service. “Having a political future was never on my agenda until the year 2000,” Ivey said. “By then I’d had a rich career as a

teacher, a banker in Mobile for 10 years, serving as assistant director of the Alabama Development Office, 13 years with the Alabama Commission on Higher Education and the first and only woman to serve as reading clerk of the House of Representatives. “Then some folks came to me and said, ‘Given your background as a teacher, as a banker and in economic development, you need to run for the open office of state treasurer.’ So I did in 2002.” She won the office, and many of those closest to Ivey

had thought it was only a matter of time. “I just knew that she wanted to be in elected office at some point,” said Will Sellers, Ivey’s lawyer and campaign manager who has known her since the 1980s. “I wasn’t surprised. It was just about choosing what office would help her serve others and not herself.” Ivey was re-elected as treasurer in 2006 after receiving the most votes in a contested race. In 2010, she decided to run for lieutenant governor. “That was probably the closest race in the 2010 elections,” Sellers said. “She beat a guy ( Jim Folsom) who had been in public office for most of his life. The Democrats’ polling data showed she was probably going to lose by 5 or 7 percent. She ended up winning with 52 percent of the votes.” Ivey’s days are now consumed with the duties of a fulltime lieutenant governor. “The constitution requires that the office of lieutenant governor exist primarily to be the governor in case the governor is absent, gets ill or has to leave office for any reason, and to preside over the Alabama Senate,” Ivey said. “In addition to all of that, I started several initiatives to be a full-time lieutenant governor.” Ivey has also been involved in the 2012 presidential election since being appointed former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney’s team leader for Alabama last year. “Her role as a volunteer serving as chairman of the Alabama Romney campaign is to coordinate organizational

grassroots and financial support for Gov. Romney’s campaign, and to encourage citizens to participate,” said Allison Scott, Ivey’s public information coordinator. As she did in her college days, Ivey still finds time to give back to others. “Kay cares about young people and wants them to be involved, prepared and informed about the important things in life, including their government,” said Susan Speakman, alumni coordinator of Alpha Gamma Delta. “She was, and still is, involved in Alabama Girls State. My daughter participated in Girls State two summers ago, and guess who was one of the speakers? Kay Ivey. “You can't help but get excited around Kay. Her enthusiasm is contagious.” Ivey has also returned to her alma mater to speak at College Republicans meetings and Alpha Gam functions. She chooses to invest her time in young people because she feels her time at Auburn helped pave her life’s purpose. “The greatest memories I had at Auburn are the experiences that taught me if a student is focused or determined, you can indeed succeed to be an Auburn man or woman in the highest spirit of the traditions in the Auburn creed,” Ivey said. “Just reaching out to try to make where you live better because you were there—that is part of the Auburn experience. I believe in work, hard work. I believe in education, and I believe in honesty and truthfulness.”

Outside experience qualifies students for jobs not in major Hayley Blair Intrigue Beat Editor

After working four years to earn a degree, students might be in for a nice surprise when they find themselves qualified for jobs outside their major. Career counselor Jing Peng said many professionals find themselves in job positions they never expected while they were in college, but it’s hard to pinpoint exactly where they went right. “People can tell you where they started and where they ended, but the thing is, during the process we’re not really sure,” Peng said. “I’m sure they’re not really taking classes getting ready for that. “It’s more about experiences. They don’t hesitate when the chance is approaching. If you ask them if they are very careful about their choices,

they probably are. If you ask if they’ve ever let an opportunity slip, they probably haven’t.” Renee Nicholas, junior in nursing, said the opportunity she’s taken advantage of is being a part of Project Uplift, which she hopes will help her become better at working with children. “I work with a kid once or twice a week and I just help them with homework and we do fun stuff,” Nicholas said. “I’m thinking about being a pediatric nurse practitioner, so this definitely will help with getting that one-on-one with the kid.” Peng said it’s important to take advantage of opportunities, but stressed getting as much information beforehand as possible. “We need to be very cautious, but we also need to be

very investigative,” Peng said. “Lots of students, when they have to make a decision, they don’t really gather information and they just go straight to the decision or they just ditch the decision without even attending to it.” Peng said one student she counseled was wary of pursuing an internship offered by someone who asked her for directions on the Concourse because she wasn’t sure if it was legitimate, but Peng said it’s important not to rule anything out without a good reason. “If it’s not something you really want to do, don’t do it,” Peng said. “I do believe if you don’t have the heart for what you are doing, there’s no way for you to do a great job. But if you think you are scared because you feel the challenge is too huge, it’s not because

you’re heart is telling you, ‘I hate this.’” Peng said the internship became a great opportunity for the student in Boston, and taking the time to research the position kept her from missing out on the experience. Being a nurse practitioner is one step below being a doctor, but Nicholas said she is up to the challenge and hopes to specialize in pediatrics during graduate school. “If I wanted to be a doctor, I feel like just having a strong educational background with nursing would build a foundation for that as well,” Nicholas said. Just expressing an interest in something outside of the classroom can look good on a resume, Peng said. “On campus maybe you can organize some kind of work-

shop,” she said. “I have a friend who has a heart for international cultures. What she decided to do was hold a Thursday night international dinner at her house. It started with one or two people, but it turned to 25 or 30 every week. “People from different countries all gathered in her house, and so did American students with similar interests as hers.” Peng also said it’s important for students to network with people who have contacts within their field of interest. “If you can invite someone to come lecture on campus, that would make a great way to learn more about this field and let professors know about your interests,” she said. “If I know you are interested in this, and I’m a professor with different networks and con-

“

Lots of students, when they have to make a decision, they don’t really gather information and they just go straight to the decision or they just ditch the decision without even attending to it.” —Jing Peng Career Counselor

tacts out there in the field and an opportunity pops up, you might be the name just on the top of my list.”

Intrigue B8

The Auburn Plainsman

Thursday, April 12, 2012

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