4.26.12 edition of The Auburn Plainsman

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A Spirit That Is Not Afraid

The Auburn Plainsman www.theplainsman.com

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Vol. 118, Issue 29, 18 pages

Tuition hike result of budget cuts Becky Hardy The Board of Trustees has approved an 8 percent tuition increase beginning fall semester.

The hike translates to about $330 per semester.

Auburn’s 2011–12 in-state tuition and fees totaled $8,698 and out-ofstate tuition totaled $23,290, according to the university website.

“Funding for Auburn that covers faculty salaries, building maintenance, debt and pretty much everything else comes from two main sources,” said Don Large, executive vice president and chief financial officer of Auburn University.

The two main sources are state appropriations and student tuition.

“Historically, about 15 years ago, state appropriations covered about two-thirds of the budget and tuition covered about one-third of the budget,” Large said. “Now, after $100 million in cuts since 2008, we have raised tuition to cover about $60 million of that cut.”

Students are not happy about the increase.

“I think it’s not right at all since we pay so much already, especially out of state,” said Nick Magnella, freshman in aerospace engineering. “Just because they’re spending money to make more parking and the new track center doesn’t mean they can up the price.”

This year Auburn also has to deal with extra budget cuts from the state.

“We presented the tuition increase for the fall (knowing) the state is going to cut us another 5 percent, which is about another $12 million

2011-12 SEC Tuition & Fees

TUITION AND FEES COMBINED COST 2005 – 2012

Writer

ALABAMA

In-state $8,600 Out-of-state $21,900

GEORGIA

In-state $9,472 Out-of-state $27,682

TENNESSEE

In-State $ 8,396 Out-of-state $25,538

LSU

In-state $6,318 Out-of-state $19,321

OLE MISS

In-state $5,790 Out-of-state $14, 796

KENTUCKY

In-state $9,128 Out-of-state $18,740

ARKANSAS

In-state $7,174 Out of state $17,606

SOURCES: University of Georgia

IN STATE

TEXAS A&M

Study (2008), Findthebest.com,

In-state $8,418.52 Out-of-state $23,808.52

usnews.com, Collegeview.com

OUT OF STATE

MISSOURI total,” Large said.

Auburn’s main campus will face cuts of $8.5 million. The remainder will be cut from Auburn’s Montgomery campus, AUM, agricultural experiments and extensions.

“The tuition (increase) will give us about $6 million for (the main campus budget), so we’ll be short about $2.5 million just in revenues from this year,” Large said.

Large said more budget reductions will be put into effect equally throughout all colleges on Auburn’s campus to compensate for the extra

$2.5 million that is yet unfunded.

“We’ve been trying to stay away from classrooms, and so far we’ve been able to do that,” Large said.

Lauren Nix, freshman in secondary education, said Auburn has increased tuition too much.

“They already increased the parking, so it makes no sense that they would increase tuition,” Nix said.

Auburn’s budget has experienced cuts since 2008 because of the economy as well as less money coming into the state for education, Large said.

“We’ve asked the students to help

In-state $8,928 Out-of-state $20,820

cover about half of that, and then we’ll make the cuts for the other half, but pretty soon that’s not going to work,” Large said. “The state’s got to come forward or we’ll have to start charging more for tuition, or we’ll have to start making bigger cuts.”

Auburn’s board decided to increase tuition to cover about threefourths of the budget cut.

“The board understood that if you want to maintain the quality that we have here at Auburn, then it does take a certain amount of dollars to do it,” Large said.

MISSISSIPPI STATE

In-state $5,809 Out-of-state $14,670

FLORIDA

In-state $5,700 Out-of-state $27,936

SOUTH CAROLINA

In-state $10,168 Out-of-state $26,352

VANDERBILT $42,774

According to University websites

Falcons owner, Coke vice president top graduation speakers Lane Jones Campus Beat Reporter

Coutresy of industrial design students

The four student memorial ideas were presented by University students and will be on display in the Student Center during the fall semester.

Student memorial designs revealed for Ross Square Coleman McDowell Sports Editor

After a semester of work from industrial design students in TinMan Lau’s 4000-level studio, four models were selected as potential designs for a new student memorial.

Chris Osterlund, former SGA executive vice president, said the students have stepped out of their comfort zone and embraced this unique project.

“These students aren’t landscape architects,” Osterlund said.

“They have never dealt with any-

Summer Concert Series Different genres perform at Town Creek Park in May.

Community A6

thing like this before. But they have taken it and run with it. This concept is outside of their realm, but they have been unbelievable.

I couldn’t think of a cooler opportunity for Auburn students to

» See Memorial, A2

Graduation this year will be held in the Auburn Arena in four ceremonies spanning two days.

The location was changed when the coliseum closed to events.

“The number of students at Auburn has increased, retention has increased, and the graduation rate has increased so the number of graduates has increased,” said Dale Coleman, faculty co-chair of graduation. “When they closed the coliseum and opened the arena, the floor seating remained the same, but we lost about one third of the audience seating.”

Coleman said the SGA suggested the stadium as the location for last year’s graduation, but the graduation committee vetoed the idea this year because of the extreme heat.

“The feedback we’ve gotten over the past several years from the students is that they would like one big ceremony, where everyone’s there and they can be with their friends to celebrate the day,” he said. “When that didn’t work, and we couldn’t

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Intrigue B5

Inside Campus » A2 | Opinions » A8 | Classifieds » A10 | Sports » B1 | Intrigue » B5

do that in the stadium because the weather didn’t cooperate, we had to move to the next largest space: the arena.”

The ceremony May 6 at 1 p.m. will include graduates from the College of Agriculture, the College of Architecture Design and Construction and the College of Human Sciences. The ceremony at 5 p.m. will consist of graduates from the College of Business.

The ceremony May 7 at 10 a.m. will include graduates from Engineering, Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, the School of Nursing and the College of Science and Mathematics.

The ceremony at 2 p.m. will be only graduates from the College of Liberal Arts.

“For this semester, we actually have four speakers–one per ceremony,” said Teresa Whitman-McCall, director of campus and community events. “Quite a few of our alumni wanted to come back to Auburn, and one who was not an alum who wants to come.”

» See Graduation, A2

Farewell Columns

A look back from seniors on the Plainsman staff.

Opinion A8

Campus A2

The Auburn Plainsman

DUI Arrests in the City of Auburn April 19 – April 25, 2012 ■ Chelsea L. Reynolds, 21, Ashland, Ala. North Donahue Drive at West Glenn Avenue April 19, 1:57 a.m.

■ Michael J. Schearer, 28, Fla. Opelika Road at North Ross Street April 20, 4:46 a.m.

Crime Reports for April 19 – April 23, 2012 April 18 — South College Street Theft of one ladies’ Rolex wrist watch, one 1-oz. gold buffalo and one 1-oz. gold eagle reported.

■ Marian M. McDonald, 28, Korea Opelika Road April 21, 3:04 a.m.

April 19 — Gatewood Drive Theft of one John Deere blower, one Redmax chainsaw, one Black & Decker grinder, one John Deere edger and one John Deere weed eater reported.

■ Qu H. Steves, 43, Korea South College Street April 22, 1:49 a.m.

April 19 — Gatewood Drive Theft of one steel chainsaw, one steel weed eater reported.

■ Heath R. Truitt, 37, Decatur, Ala. Moores Mill Road at Estate Drive April 22, 3:23 a.m.

■ Jason L. Lovett, 35, Opelika, Ala. Shelton Mill Road April 24, 2:33 a.m.

Graduation

■ Andrew R. Meadows, 19, Mobile, Ala. Dekalb Street April 25, 1:39 a.m.

The speakers on May 6 will be Ronnie Baynes, coordinator of recruiting and officiating development with the National Football League, at 1 p.m. and Arthur Blank, owner of the Atlanta Falcons and co-founder of The Home Depot, at 5 p.m.

The speakers on May 7 will be Kirby Bland, surgeon-inchief at UAB hospitals and clinics, at 10 a.m. and Javier Goizueta, vice president of The Coca-Cola Company, at 2 p.m.

“Each person directly

» From A1

■ Alexander F. Randolph, 24, Shahturkz, Ukraine.

North Dean Road at East University Drive April 25, 3:48 a.m.

Beyond the page Robert E. Lee editor@ theplainsman. com

The Plainsman is a place where students can go for everything Auburn, but it doesn’t always feel that way.

Moving into next semester and beyond, as editor-inchief I am looking forward to a few changes around the newsroom.

The Plainsman website is going to be redesigned in order for users to have information presented to them in a creative and aesthetically pleasing format.

Look for more frequent photos and videos pertaining to student life, as well as up-to-date Twitter and Facebook updates to keep you informed wherever you are.

A free mobile app is also in the works–a way to access all of The Plainsman content with the touch of a button on almost any smartphone.

This will also put Auburn’s brand in the Apple and Android app store for anyone to access and download.

This semester our staff has drastically improved the amount and quality of the content posted online. We will strive to continue this progress and continue to

keep the students and Auburn community informed.

Feedback is also an important and crucial part of the Plainsman process, and I want to encourage every student, faculty and staff member to let us know how we’re doing through comments online and letters to the editor.

Our opinions email is opinion@theplainsman. com. Submit your thoughts here and look for them to be published in the following week’s publication and online.

Social media is also going to be a focus for our staff moving forward. Tweeting live events, covering new movements on campus and keeping our followers updated through constant and informative tweets is imperative.

Every student organization should also have equal representation and be held accountable for their actions. Constant coverage of these groups is important and informing students of campus events in a timely and consistent manner is important.

The Plainsman will continue to tell truthful, interesting stories every week , and I look forward to being it’s editor.

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April 19 — Dekalb Street Theft of one .40 glock pistol with trace laser sight and extra magazine, one Glock 22 holster, one pair Costa del Mar sunglasses, one pair Ray Ban sunglasses and 23 prescription adderall pills reported.

April 22 — Lee Road 12 Burglary of one push lawn mower, one window air conditioner, one air compressor, one wood-burning stove system, two Stihl chainsaws, one Poulan chainsaw and two large toolboxes of assorted tools reported.

speaks with the students that are graduating,” WhitmanMcCall said. “For instance, Mr. Baynes is an education graduate so we put him with that. Arthur Blank is a predominant business person, he’s actually internationally known for his career – and then Kirby Bland. He’s a medical doctor who graduated from the College of Sciences and Mathematics. Javier Goizueta is a graduate in the College of Liberal Arts.”

Whitman-McCall said the ceremonies include the most important aspects of graduation, as determined by a survey sent out to graduates and

April 23 — Martin Avenue Burglary of one emerald, diamond and yellow gold ring, one blue topaz, diamond and yellow gold ring, one ruby, diamond and yellow gold ring, one sapphire, diamond and yellow gold ring, one diamond yellow gold ring, one heart-shaped diamond yellow gold necklace and one gold necklace with Egyptian writing reported.

— Reports provided by Auburn Department of Public Safety

their parents.

“One tradition that we’ve had historically is the reading of the graduate’s name,” she said. “Every student has the opportunity to walk on stage, have their name called out, shake their dean’s hand and president ( Jay) Gouge’s hand. We don’t want to take that away at all so, historically, if we do have a lot of graduates, it takes a little longer.”

Johnson Hardy, senior in biomedical sciences, said he prefers this year’s format for graduation.

“I assume that in the stadium last year, all colleges graduated at once and it was very,

Coourtesy of industrial design students

Memorial » From A1

work on something that is for Auburn students. Who better to design something that will embody the Auburn spirit?”

The memorial’s location is planned for Ross Square, located behind Samford Hall, and was created with the idea of unifying the Auburn student body.

“The idea came after the deaths of the students last spring,” Osterlund said. “We as a collective student government wanted to look into the grieving process and the way it was handled. The way the deaths were addressed didn’t seem along the same lines as the Auburn family, that kind of iconic theme of our student life.”

After researching case studies in the psychology department, the results showed that the response to a tragedy must be consistent.

“There was one characteristic that was common throughout all of the research: you have to address all deaths the same way,” Osterlund said. “If you glorify one death more than another, you lose something and you don’t give a person their ability to be acknowledged.

“You want a common platform that you address a death on.”

Even though the University had a way of dealing with the death of a student, Osterlund wanted something to unite the student body.

“Families are sent a posthumous enrollment verification,

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a flag that has been flown in front of Samford and hung in the Student Center and flowers are sent, but what about the student body?” Osterlund said. “When do they get a chance to come together and grieve as one? It seemed like the solution was a common place, a location, a physical memorial that symbolized the Auburn spirit that lives on through the student body.”

A final model presentation for Ross Square was presented to Auburn officials April 23, but three major tasks are still to be completed.

“Now that we have four designs we have to decide which model to pick,” Osterlund said.

“Then we have to continue to get money and get Board of Trustees approval.”

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

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very, very long from what I heard,” Hardy said. “I knew people who took iPods just so they could sit and listen to their music during the graduation. I think it being much smaller, much more intimate and much quicker–I’d rather graduate with a bunch of people I know than a bunch of people I don’t.”

This year’s graduation ceremonies should last around an hour and a half.

“We hope this is a great day for them and for their families,” Whitman-McCall said.

“We try to do the best we can to make the day memorable for them.”

The first model preserves the view of Mell Street and adds a continuously flowing river at the center for a relaxing environment.

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come from is a common question posed to Osterlund.

“Initially we tossed around ideas for some sort of fundraiser, but after talking to developers they thought it would be best to make it the central student gift for the student giving campaign,” Osterlund said.

Osterlund said he thought displaying the four models in the Student Center during the fall semester and having students vote on which design they liked best could garner support and excitement for the project.

With many variables still left to be decided, a strict timeline has not been set.

Osterlund hopes by this time next year, SGA will have taken the steps to begin contracting out the project.

The Auburn Plainsman A SPIRIT THAT IS NOT AFRAID Student Union Suite 1111 Auburn, Al 36849 Editor: 334.844.9021 News: 334.844.9109 General Manager: 334.844.9101 Advertising: 334.844.4130 Miranda Dollarhide Editor-in-chief editor@theplainsman.com Jenny Rikelman Advertising Manager admanager@theplainsman. com Judy Riedl General Manager gm@theplainsman.com Kim Rape Office Manager Mailing Address 255 Heisman Drive, Suite 1111 Auburn, Al 36849

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Campus A3

The Auburn Plainsman

Campus reaches out to special needs students Robert E. Lee Sports Beat Reporter

While final exams are being distributed and graduation looms around the corner, SGA, Best Buddies and other organizations are joining to host a special needs pep rally for 30 mentally and physically challenged students from Selma.

The students are in grades 7–12 and will make their campus visit May 3.

“This is an awesome opportunity to expand the Auburn family and show these kids what it’s like to be an Auburn student,” said SGA President Owen Parrish. “Lets give them a snapshot of what it’s like to enjoy Auburn and really go

out of our way to be closer to the Auburn family and reach out and show them what it’s all about.”

The group is being led by William Bowman, CEO of Visually Impaired People.

“Once a year, (Bowman) takes a field trip somewhere,” said John Sasser, president of War Eagle Girls and Plainsmen. “Last year he went to the University of Alabama and was not happy with the way he was treated there, so that’s why he called us.”

VIP is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing low-vision educational programs, support and mentoring to the blind and visually impaired of Selma and

throughout Dallas County, according to their website.

The group will begin the day with a talk from former football coach Pat Dye at the athletic complex. They will then tour most of the athletic facilities and go to the Auburn Arena for the pep rally.

Though the tour will be planned, the pep rally will be a complete surprise to the group.

“Basically we are trying to provide what a lot of organizations that work with special needs children and adults are providing and trying to provide equal opportunities,” said Lauren Swindle, president of Best Buddies at Auburn. “They have been traveling around Al-

AU VIEW

Christen Harned / Assistant Photo Editor

Dudley Hall is hosting an art exhibit this week titled Immersive. The exhibit got its title from the style of the art pieces showcased, which play with lighting and depth of field to immerse the viewer in the artwork.

The exhibit will be on display until May 17.

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This is an awesome opportunity to expand the Auburn family and show these kids what it’s like to be an Auburn student.”

—owen parrish sga president

abama and this is one of their stops.”

According to its website, Best Buddies’ mission is to establish a global volunteer

movement that creates opportunities for friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

They are completely funded by fundraising and Swindle said the group continues to grow every year.

The pep rally will involve multiple athletes, cheerleaders, members of SGA, the War Eagle Girls and Plainsmen, Aubie and as many students as possible.

“We feel like this is a need that Auburn can handle and we’re going to do the best we can to make these kids feel right at home,” Sasser said. “I think (Bowman’s) goal is to

bring the kids here and make them feel equal like the college students. I think it’s pretty unique. It should probably happen more often.”

Students interested in attending should be at the arena by 11 a.m., and the pep rally will begin at 11:30 a.m.

After visiting the arena for the rally, the group will have lunch at the Student Center with members of Best Buddies. They will then take a bus tour around campus and end at the bookstore with various gifts to take home.

“It’s a time to enjoy the Auburn spirit with each other and with those kids before we leave for the summer,” Parrish said.

Campus A4

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Thursday, April 26, 2012

Engineers receive new leadership College of Engineering recruits first new dean in 14 years Bradley Roberts Writer

The College of Engineering has ended the search to replace Larry Benefield, the dean of the college for the past 14 years.

Chris Roberts, department chair and Uthlaut professor of chemical engineering, will become the college’s new dean effective July 1.

Roberts said he faces tremendous pressure following Benefield, who has served Auburn in the College of Engineering for 33 years.

“Larry’s been an excellent dean, and the college has advanced in many capacities under his leadership,” Roberts said. “The expectations on me now are very high. A lot of that is trying to fill his shoes and a significant measure of self-inflicted pressure because I want to live up to that standard.”

Roberts, who received his master’s and doctorate degrees from the University of Notre Dame, has been at Auburn for close to 19 years.

“For the last nine years I’ve been the chair of the department of chemical engineering and the Uthlaut professor of chemical engineering, and I’ve done research in energy and nanotechnology,” he said.

Jim Killian, director of communications and marketing for the College of Engineering, said the University began its search looking nationwide for a replacement for Benefield.

“When we advertise for a

Contributed by the college of engineering

Chris Roberts will replace Larry Benefield as dean of the College of Engineering starting July 1. Roberts has served the college for 19 years as a professor and as the chemical engineering department chair.

faculty or leadership position it’s posted nationally,” Killian said. “A few months ago it was narrowed down to four applicants, and those four applicants came on campus. They had an hour to meet with students and an hour to meet with faculty.”

Killian said he didn’t think Roberts’ prior tenure in the college weighed too heavily on the hiring committee.

“I believe the decision they came to was that Dr. Roberts had the skill set and qualifications to place him above all the other candidates,” Killian said.

Roberts said he felt honored, humbled and excited to be provided with this opportunity to serve the College of Engineering.

“I’m really looking forward to taking on the work of advancing this college to be one of the premiere engineering

colleges in the South and this nation,” Roberts said. “Truly, this college has the capacity to be one of the best engineering schools, and I look forward to helping to shape that.”

Roberts said he wants to make student success the theme for the college.

“The dean’s highest priority should be the student body,” Benefield said.

Benefield said he believes Roberts was an ideal candidate to fill his position.

“Dr. Roberts has done an excellent job in leading the Department of Chemical Engineering into the future,” Benefield said. “He set high goals for the department, particularly in attracting world-class faculty members and top-performing students. I believe he will bring the same sense of energy and leadership into his new role as dean of engineering.”

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Benefield said he looks forward to his retirement allowing him to focus his time on what matters most.

“I recently became a grandfather, and I certainly plan to make the most out of it,” Benefield said. “The College of Engineering has taken up much of my energies over the past three decades, and even my friends have wondered what I will do in retirement and what hobbies I may pick up. I think it’s going to be fun, maybe challenging, in charting a new direction.”

Roberts said he hopes he can make a lasting impression on the college.

“I want this college to be known for having research and education programs that improved the quality of life and the industrial competitiveness of our region and our nation,” he said.

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Community

Band tours Alabama

People of the Plains

» Page a6

» Page a7

www.theplainsman.com

Thursday, April 26, 2012

A5 Community

Boys & Girls Clubs cater to children’s needs Alison McFerrin Community beat reporter

Denzel Washington. Jennifer Lopez. Mario Lopez. Earvin “Magic” Johnson. These famous names were once all part of the same club, a club with a local branch that currently enrolls more than 500 children each year: the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Lee County.

“We have some kids who, when parents come to pick them up, they’re crying, don’t want to go home in the afternoon,” said Wanda Lewis, president of the Lee County chapters.

The local club, which is part of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, began in 1989 and is open to children at two locations: Boykin Street in Auburn and Toomer Street in Opelika. The clubs operate 2:30–6:30 p.m. on school days and offer a full day’s worth of activities when schools are closed, like during summer and spring break.

Eva Henderson, who’s in her second year as Auburn unit director, said coming to the club gives the children a sense of belonging.

“As human beings we always want to belong,” Henderson said. “By them becoming members they belong to something, and a lot of them come here for the staff, looking forward to seeing certain staff that are here (and) looking forward to seeing their friends.”

Children at Boys & Girls Clubs are involved in activities that highlight the club’s core values: Education and Career Development; Sports, Fitness and Recreation; Health and Life Skills; Arts; and Good Character and Leadership. Club meetings feature homework help, guest speakers, crafts and other activities.

“They always have a good time, but at the same time we want to give them some skills while they’re having fun,” Lewis said.

As a nonprofit organization, the club operates with a small paid staff and always counts on volunteers.

“We can always use more volunteers,” Lewis said.

She said many volunteers come from the University, like those service-learning students from the College of Education who help with tutoring.

“During the summer months the College of Math and Science comes in and they do projects with the kids … A lot of the athletes will come in and read with the kids … It’s a good resource to have right there at Auburn,” Lewis said.

Hilary Hermecz, senior in journalism, has spent her senior year volunteering at the club.

“It’s just a good place for them to develop,” Hermecz said. “Looking back I wish I would have gotten involved in something like this early in college.

“Not only does it help build your resume and things like that, but … it just feels really good doing something like this, to know I’m helping, and those kids mean so much to me.”

For people interested in volunteering, Lewis said they should fill out an application, either going by the Auburn or Opelika unit to pick one up or printing it from the website at bgcleeco. org.

Lewis said they try to tailor volunteers’ work to their interests.

“If they come with some arts background or skills or there’s a hobby that they would like to

Rebecca Croomes / Photo Editor

Cole Jacobs, junior in finance and member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, bowls with the Interfraternity Council team for charity Friday. The annual tournament raises money for the Boys & Girls Clubs.

incorporate, then certainly we’d like to invite them to do that,” Lewis said.

Henderson said they are especially seeking male mentors of color to meet with children weekly—a one-year commitment.

“All the mentoring would be at the club, and they just come and spend time and talk to them,” Henderson said.

Lee County’s clubs held one of three annual fundraisers April 13, a bowling tournament that has become popular with families and businesses, Lewis said.

“It’s not a huge fundraiser, but it’s a good

awareness building mechanism,” Lewis said.

The event raised about $2,000 toward the club’s $550,000 operating budget.

“We don’t want to turn anybody away who wants to come to the club for financial reasons,” Lewis said.

School-year membership costs $50 for the year, and summer membership costs $30 per week, but Lewis said they try to offer scholarships for those who can’t afford it.

“If we are full, that’s another thing, but we

» See boys & girls, A6

Auburn continues CityFest tradition Hope Burleson Writer

Cops volunteer for Special Olympics Heather Allen Writer

Kroger customers will notice a difference at the store this week as police officers perch on the roof of the building during their annual fundraiser benefitting the Special Olympics.

The Auburn Police Department is hosting its annual Cops on Top event beginning Friday at 8 a.m. and ending Saturday at 10 p.m. at the Dean Road Kroger.

“Officers will be on top of Kroger and also by the front entrance of the store and the parking lot,” said Capt. James Tatum of the APD. “We are asking the community and supporters to join our efforts to help us make this a success.”

Police officers will be stationed on top of the building and on the ground to help raise awareness and funds for the Special Olympics of Alabama, Tatum said.

Cops on Top is a national movement to support the Special Olympics.

“For 38 continuous hours, different officers from the police division will be participating to raise money,” Tatum said. “The money will assist and help people with intellectual disabilities compete in the games.”

Officers will have collection buckets and T-shirts for sale to benefit the cause, Tatum said.

Last year, the state of Alabama raised more than $85,000. The APD ranked third in the state with its fundraising, collecting $14,300 from the community, Tatum said.

“As I put it, we are raising money to try and help the innocent of the innocent,” Tatum said. “I am our division’s coordinator, and I have been doing this on and

off for over 20 years now. It is a great cause.”

Kroger is hosting the event for the second year and is excited to see how much money customers will donate.

“It was a very successful event for them last year,” said John Moore, manager of Kroger. “Our customer base at this store is very loyal. Whether it’s Girl Scouts selling cookies or a local church group doing a car wash, our customer base is always very generous to support those groups.”

Moore says his store enjoyed the event so much last year that he wanted to make sure they could host it again this year.

“I actually called him before he called me because we really enjoy doing it,” Moore said. “It adds a little more excitement to the everyday retail business.”

Megan Chard, junior in psychology, knows how important the event is to the children.

“I have worked with autistic kids that have participated in the Special Olympics,” Chard said. “I think Cops on Top is a unique fundraiser that gets people’s attention. You can get your normal errands done while also donating to a great cause. It is very convenient for everyone.”

Tatum is grateful for the support Kroger has given to the cause.

“Kroger has been very helpful, and they have been a great partner with us as far as providing the facilities and assisting us with the event itself,” Tatum said.

For more information on the Special Olympics or the Cops on Top event, contact Capt. James Tatum at 334-501-3159.

What began as a sketch on a restaurant napkin, Auburn CityFest is marking its 12th anniversary this year.

Auburn’s largest free outdoor festival will take place Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Kiesel Park.

CityFest, featuring live entertainment for attendees of all ages, has attracted 12–15,000 residents from the surrounding area each year, said co-coordinator Meg Rainey.

“We have the Children’s Imagination Station, which has a full range of children’s activities like inflatable games going on throughout the day,” Rainey said.

“New this year is the Knology Children’s Entertainment Stage featuring internationally-known magician, juggler, comedian, allaround-entertainer Paul Miller.

His performance is tailored specifically toward children, so he is very entertaining; the kids love him.”

For attendees interested in dance activities, Auburn University Swing Dance Association, Celtic Traditions and East Alabama Community Ballet will perform.

At the front of the park, music lovers can get their fix with featured entertainers from Birmingham, the Newgrass Troubadours.

Local favorites John and the Con-

“

I think it’s just a lot of family fun, and you can meet different people from Auburn and just have fun listening to the music …”

—Bradley Dennis Auburn resident

ners and Destiny Brown are also slated to take the stage.

In addition to the entertainment and numerous activities, festival-goers can shop at the arts and crafts vendors.

Bradley Dennis, Auburn resident and incoming freshman, said his favorite thing about CityFest is “walking around to the different booths and look at the odds and ends of what everybody has (to sell). You always find some interesting stuff at the different booths, and you can always find good deals up there too.”

Items usually available for purchase include paintings, pottery, sculpture, prints, jewelry and hand-woven baskets.

Other attractions geared toward adults include a showcase

» See cityfest, A6

Alabama returns to musical roots with annual music festival Sydney Callis Writer

The fourth annual Lee County Gathering Old Time Music Festival is returning to Alabama’s musical roots Thursday through Sunday at the Lee County Historical Society Museum in Loachapoka.

Each day will include opportunities for people to come and listen to music historically connected with Alabama.

Bob Taunton, coordinator for the event, said after attending similar music festivals in the mountains he wanted to bring one to Alabama. The event is a collaboration with Alabama State Council on the Arts.

“This area of Alabama is rich in musical heritage and we’ve kind of gotten away from it over the last several years because of pop music and

recording music industries,” Taunton said. ”We wanted to do what we could to bring it back.”

Singing and dancing classes will be offered, as well as lessons with provided instruments such as the fiddle, harmonica, mandolin, ukulele, dulcimer and steel drum.

Other classes will teach Sacred Heart Christian singing, Negro spiritual singing and clogging. There will also be dance contests each evening.

It is $50 to take classes at the festival, and that price includes all of the weekend’s events. People are also welcome to come and just listen to the music.

Tickets for the weekend event not including classes cost $20. Attendees can also purchase a one-day package that includes classes, performances and jams for $25.

“There will be a lot of jamming on site where individuals meet up with each other and just start playing tunes on their own,” Taunton said.

Performing and teaching at the festival are Linda Smith, Ginny Cliett and Deby Libby, who comprise the dulcimer group T.N.T, or The Nutty Trio.

Smith said they formed in 2006 to share their love for the dulcimer, a stringed instrument native to the Appalachian region. Together they aim to teach younger generations how to play to keep traditions of the past alive.

“We’ll be team teaching a progressive series of beginner to novice level classes this year on Friday and Saturday,” Smith said. “We can have anyone playing the dulcimer by the end of the weekend.”

Smith said one of the good features of the Lee County Gathering Old Time Music Festival is its emphasis on teaching the instruments as well as playing them.

Joanna Vogt, freshman in early childhood education, said she appreciates the emphasis the festival places on introducing new people to the music from the area.

“I think that the music festival is a really great idea and a really good way of teaching the community about indigenous music,” Vogt said.

Taunton said he thinks it is important to reintroduce the music, songs and dances of historic Alabama to new generations.

“I have an idea what young kids are dancing to, but in my day it was

» See old time, A6

LEE COUNTY GATHERING OLD TIME MUSIC FESTIVAL What: Four days of music historically connected with Alabama Where: Lee County Historical Society Museum When: Thursday–Sunday Cost: $20 per ticket, $50 for ticket and classes

Community A6

The Auburn Plainsman

Auburn offers summer entertainment Jenny Steele

of local nonprofits, the children’s art exhibition, which often attracts parents, and the ArtFest tent.

Dennis said the event is an opportunity for members of the community to network and enjoy what the area has to offer.

“I think it’s just a lot of family fun,” Dennis said.

“And you can meet different people from Auburn and just have fun listening to the music or going around to all the booths and looking at the exhibits. It’s just a good way to spend a Saturday.”

Other Auburn residents

Parks and Recreation’s May Concert Series will take place every Thursday from 6–7:30 p.m. Musicians from several different genres will be featured, and the cost is free.

Swing 5/8 Summer ■ Opelika Municipal Park

■ 7 p.m.

13th Annual Member Tournament

ca’s father and one of the band’s lead singers.

The band has close ties to the University.

“All of our members are either Auburn University graduates or current students,” Wilson said.

Martha’s Trouble is an indie folk duo originally from Toronto. Jen and Rob Slocumb constitute the husband-and-wife duo that relocated to Auburn six years ago.

“We were touring a lot in the Southeast and were always gone from Canada,” said lead singer Jen Slocumb. “It made sense for us to relocate to the Southeast. Rob’s parents retired here seven years ago, and we would come visit when were in town touring.”

■ Saugahatchee ■12 p.m.

SUMMER EVENTS CALENDAR

Students staying in town this summer are invited to attend Auburn’s Parks and Recreation May Concert Series, a set of free weekly concerts at Town Creek Park.

The concerts will be held every Thursday from 6–7:30 p.m. and feature musicians from several different genres.

“We wanted to offer something for everyone,” said Meg Rainey, public relations specialist for Auburn Parks and Recreation.

The lineup includes the bands Crossroads, Martha’s Trouble, Auburn Knights Orchestra, Pangea and Dave Potts.

Crossroads, the series’ first band to perform, is a local fivepiece cover band. Singer Jessica Wilson, junior in elementary education, also writes original songs.

“We play a variety of my generation’s ‘60s and ‘70s kind of rock ‘n’ roll, as well as country music from your generation like Taylor Swift or Martina McBride,” said Mark Wilson, Jessi-

» From A5

The Auburn Plainsman

Concert Series info

Writer

cityfest

Thursday, April 26, 2012

5/9

This is our last issue of Spring Semester.

Noontunes

■ Courthouse Square ■ Until 1 p.m.

Concert Series 5/10 May ■ Towns Creek Park

■ 6:30 p.m.

Farmer’s Market 6/5 Opelika ■ Courthouse Square

Look for our first summer issue May 17th!

■ 2 p.m.

6/21

Farmer’s Market

■ AG Heritage Park ■ 3–6 p.m.

Unplugged 7/6 Opelika ■ Event Center Downtown

■ 7 p.m.

» See Concerts, A7

who have never attended CityFest before are making their way out to Kiesel Park for the festival.

“I have not been to CityFest before, but I’m looking forward to going this year,” said Auburn resident Felicia Reese. “After my son, Jordan, went last year and had a blast, I wanted to take him and my other son, Kameron, back. So we are all super excited about going. I think it will be fun we can do together as a family.”

For more information about Auburn CityFest, visit auburncityfest.com or contact the Auburn CityFest headquarters at 334-5012930.

Old Time

boys & girls

the twist and stuff like that,” Taunton said. “But this, this is old fashioned dancing where you treat each other like gentlemen and ladies. I think new generations would love it.”

As an added incentive, Taunton said this festival will feature an unexpected guest after the playwright concert Friday.

“We also have a big surprise at the end of the concert Friday night, but I can’t divulge what that is, but it’s spectacular,” Taunton said.

“It’s going to be a huge surprise.”

don’t want anybody to be turned away because of inability to pay.”

Lewis said they abide by the club’s mission to assist “those who need it most.”

“That could mean a kid who’s parents are making $1 million a year, but if the parents are not there in the afternoons to support them or to nurture them or to validate their value, then … they need us too,” Lewis said.

The local club’s current fundraiser is “Change for a Chance,” where you can take your loose change to the Auburn unit at 400B Boykin St.

» From A5

» From A5

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Community A7

The Auburn Plainsman

County DA applies law equally Abigail O’Brien Writer

concerts » From A5

The duo has released 11 albums, the newest of which is a children’s lullaby CD inspired by their two young children, Slocumb said.

Concert-goers should expect to hear original music from the pair.

“Original music is something you can’t always find in a lot of college bars, so it’s something different,” Slocumb said.

Bands will perform in the pavilion by the silo.

“There’s a lawn where there is plenty of space for people to spread out, bring picnic blankets, camping chairs and picnic baskets to enjoy a leisurely evening outdoors,” Rainey said.

The May concert series is at Town Creek Park, while the fall series is held at Kiesel Park, Rainey said.

“One of the things we like to do with all of our events is

Contributed

completely living their lives blissfully with not having to worry about something ugly and evil walking around and winding up in their backyard,” Treese said. “I hope it doesn’t happen, but that’s what I’m here for—that’s what everybody in law enforcement’s here for.”

Sheriff Jay Jones works regularly with Treese in the law enforcement process, detecting, investigating and apprehending criminal activity and then presenting it to Treese.

Jones said he and Treese have a great relationship, and he appreciates the way Treese works hard to communicate things clearly.

“He is very thorough in regard to circumstances and situations and … very keen on getting all the facts,” Jones said.

While giving their best is important for Treese and his team of prosectors, he said he has to make sure to stay human.

“The minute I am not nervous before I go into a jury trial … and the minute I see stuff—the kinds of things that prosecutors see at crime scenes and the photographs of those scenes and some of the horrors that we see way too often—the second it doesn’t affect me, I am gone,” Treese said.

Treese said his efforts as district attorney are fueled by his love for the community and recognition of the responsibility he holds. He said it’s his job to make sure Auburn-Opelika residents are able to keep the community they currently have.

“People have the right to be rotate around to our different parks and facilities so that citizens can experience the parks in a different way,” Rainey said.

Town Creek Park generally has bigger crowds because it is closer to town, Wilson said.

“We get a lot of people who just walk up,” Wilson said.

“And it’s a little more airy than Kiesel. People can stretch out their blankets.”

Because it is free and open to the public, it’s a good option for students on a budget.

“We know students are on a limited income, so you can bring a picnic out and enjoy a concert for free,” she said.

One year, two students made a dinner date out of it by bringing a bistro set and setting up a small table with chairs under some trees, Rainey said.

“They were near enough so they could hear the music, but away enough that they could enjoy their nice dinner,” she said. “It was really cute.”

CALENDAR: THURSDAY, APRIL 26 – SATURDAY, APRIL 28

For Lee County District Attorney Robert Treese, prosecuting evil and enforcing justice in the Auburn-Opelika area is a fight he thoroughly enjoys.

“I love the job,” Treese said.

“It is a roller coaster of all sorts of different things at any given moment, but I do absolutely love taking the big swing.”

Treese hails from Selma in Dallas County, and he completed his undergraduate studies in sociology at Auburn. He later attended the Jones School of Law at Faulkner University.

Treese said he’s always had an interest in justice.

“Since I was in the fifth grade I wanted to be a lawyer,” Treese said.

Treese was elected Lee County’s district attorney in November 2010, and he was immediately thrown into major cases, including the capital murder trial of Courtney Lockhart and the more recent Harvey Updike case.

For Treese, the unpredictability of the courtroom is something he is used to.

“One minute you’re cooking with gas and the next minute … you’re in flames.”

Jones commented particularly on Treese’s love for people and his high standards for upholding the law equally and consistently across cases.

“He, like most of us here, really loves the area and wants to make sure … that these functions, if they’re gonna be done, they’re gonna be done right and they’re gonna be done to the benefit of the public who are being served,” Jones said.

Kisha Abercrombie, senior assistant district attorney, also said Treese’s high standards are something he is particularly known for.

“His heart is in what we do,” Abercrombie said, “and he always does the right thing regardless of who the individuals involved are.”

Treese said he works to make decisions on an unbiased basis, focusing on the facts and the law, and while the job forces experience with tragedies and tough trials, both Abercrombie and Treese said justice is worth it.

“It’s that feeling, that moment, when they come back and say ‘guilty,’ and just the sense of relief that overcomes that person, that victim,” Abercrombie said. “When they hear that, they feel vindicated. They feel that justice has been done.”

Treese agreed, saying for him it’s about the opportunity to make lasting and significant changes in people’s lives and inspire hope for a better tomorrow.

“You can make a dent in your little world,” he said.

“That’s what humanity’s about is hope—even in the darkest times.”

Pacific 4/26 South ■ Center for the Performing Arts

■ See website for show times

on Top 4/27 Cops ■ Kroger on Dean Road

■ 8 a.m.

Second Annual April Fest

■ AU Hotel and Conference Center ■ 5:30 p.m.

Sundilla: Doug and Telisha Williams

■ Unitarian Universalist Fellowship ■ 7:30 p.m.

Time Music Festival 4/28 Old ■ Loachapoka Historical Village

■ April 26–29

Auburn CityFest

■ Kiesel Park ■ All day The Return

■ Event Center Downtown ■ 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Rock band’s tour comes to Alabama Kristen Oliver Community Editor

For heavy metal fans staying in Auburn this summer, Montgomery has a band coming in June that might be for you.

Straight Line Stitch will be playing June 2 at Liquids Club in Montgomery.

The band consists of vocalist Alexis Brown, bass guitarist Jason White, drummer Ian Shuirr and guitarists Kris Hawkins and Kris Norris.

“On tour, we’ll be out for two months just trying to get busy,” Brown said.

She describes their tour as very energetic.

“We take our performance really seriously,” Brown said.

“We try to have fun and just hang out. It’s always a fun vibe.

We know that it’s our job, but we have fun doing it.”

The band played its first stop of the tour Tuesday in Bowling Green, Ky. “It went really well,” Brown said. “It was fun; it was a really intimate show and a good time, a great way to start off the first day of the tour.”

The tour follows the success of their second album, released in 2011 and titled “The Fight of Our Lives.”

The album reached No. 5 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart.

“We wrote the album ‘The Fight of Our Lives’ at a time when we were sort of really angry,” Brown said. “We just put out an album that was just talking about what we’ve gone through and just about the fight, you know, having to fight for things that you love.”

The band is working on a third album now, and Brown said while they are on the road they do a lot of brainstorming

“

My favorite thing about the band is definitely the touring, the camaraderie, the kinship that we have as a band.”

—Alexis Brown

Vocalist, Straight Line Stitch

together.

They are hoping to be in the studio recording by the end of the year.

“My favorite thing about the band is definitely the touring, the camaraderie, the kinship that we have as a band,” she said. “Another favorite thing is just having the freedom of expression and writing.

Those are my favorite things about the band … You just go through adventures every day.”

The band originates from Knoxville, Tenn. It has existed since 1999, but has gone through major changes since then.

Brown joined as vocalist around 2003.

“They were always playing shows,” Brown said of the band before she joined. “I met them through my old band from my hometown in Clarksville, Tenn. We put on some shows and just hit it off. We became really good friends.

“My band was falling apart.

They had singers before me … and I guess when they weren’t really working out, they called me to try out. It was funny anyways because when we first met them I fell in love with the band and always wanted to join. I’ve never looked back.”

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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.

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Opinions Thursday, April 26, 2012

A8 www.theplainsman.com

Community

Women’s rights must be protected Growing up in the Deep South as a Democrat, I’ve learned how important it is to respect views that oppose mine. I do respect them; if someone has good backing for why they believe a certain way then that’s fine—we all have different backgrounds, personalities and religious beliefs.

I’ve been a Democrat since I started paying attention to politics in high school, but I was brought up in a moderately liberal family. I am prochoice and against the death penalty.

I’m writing in response to an editorial piece that was written expressing the exact opposite views from mine. While I fully respect the writer and her opinions, I’m speaking on behalf of myself, a Democrat with serious concern for woman’s health issues, my college organization and my party.

I’ll start with the death penalty.

Fundamentally I do not think it is logical to kill another human being to prove that murder is wrong. I understand that if we kept everyone alive in the jails for lifetime sentences then it would be exorbitantly expensive to feed and take care of them, as well as incredibly difficult to find space for all of them in our prisons. It’s a logistics issue. However, in many cases it is more expensive to sentence people to death because of the appeal process.

I also think that in legalizing marijuana we would free tons of space in the jails by freeing people who don’t need to be in jail anyway, but that’s a topic for a different day.

I believe that no person should be permitted by the government or any other group to kill another human being. It’s still murder, even if the society or a governing group says it’s OK. Killing to show that killing is wrong just doesn’t make sense, especially with the risk of putting someone to death who hasn’t committed a crime. Troy Davis, anyone?

Personally, I believe abortion should only be used as a last resort— if the woman’s life is in danger by carrying the pregnancy or in labor—or in cases of incest or rape. I don’t believe I could ever have an abortion myself, but the key to that whole statement is “personally.” No, I don’t think abortion should be used when it doesn’t have to, but that’s my opinion.

I still believe it is a woman’s health issue because it is something that’s going on inside of her body. I don’t have the right to put my opinions on her and control her with them, nor does the government or anyone else.

No one but the woman herself should be making decisions for her health and her body.

On the point of the fetus, the only place where it is “proven” that the child is alive at the point of conception is in a religious document. I’m not trying to disrespect anyone; I’m an Episcopalian and I have a very strong faith, but in a country where freedom of religion is a founding law, we should not have laws that are even vaguely based on something from the Bible, or from a text of any other religion. Our Deist Founding Fathers made very certain to protect the freedom to believe or not believe as the individual sees fit. I think that this is a very important point because we do not know when the life begins in a fetus.

We do know that absolutely, the woman who is pregnant is very much alive. We should protect her rights as our first priority.

As an individual, I would not choose to have an abortion. As a woman, I support all women in making their own decisions regarding that issue. But it should be theirs to make and no one else’s. As for the death penalty, there are much better ways to protect society from a murderer than for someone to take that person’s life as well.

Natalie Donnel sophomore, history

Quote of the Week “Now, after $100 million in cuts since 2008 we have raised tuition to cover about $60 million of that cut.”

- Don Large executive vice president, chief financial officer, Auburn University

The Plainsman Poll Vote at theplainsman.com

College education not the answer for everyone Deciding whether to pursue a college education isn’t the easy decision it once was.

The dollar is falling in value almost constantly. The rising costs of living—food, gas, energy, insurance—means families have fewer dollars even before they send their son or daughter off to school.

The rising costs of school—tuition, rent, new gyms, meal plans, dropped-class fees, hang tags— means staying in school is more expensive than ever before.

There are fewer jobs for graduates than there’s been in our entire lives. A statistic released this week shows that one in two graduates is in a job for which they’re overqualified, or they have no job at all.

It’s a hard reality that the benefits of a degree are being outpaced by the costs.

We believe a college degree is still a wise investment, but students must understand that piling themselves with debt has be-

come a risk that may not pay out.

There’s not much of a dent to be made in $70,000 of debt if a graduate is working in retail.

A change in mentality must follow a change in economic outlook.

High schools are still hammering students with the notion that a fully actualized American is one with a college degree. This simply isn’t true.

The hardworking men and women of the blue collar world deserve the respect and admiration of our culture. An education of the hands and body is no less worthy than an education of the mind.

High schools need to prepare students for the world in which they live, not the world we wish existed. Instead of legislation like No Child Left Behind, we need programs that encourage more high schools to send students uninterested in college into their communities to discover the fields of

work that interest them.

A college education is no longer the only wide avenue to education. The explosion of information available on the Internet means there’s little stopping anyone from self-education. Too often do we view life in stages. Education does not, and should not, only occur from the ages of 5–22.

Ultimately it falls to parents to steer their children in the direction best for them. We future parents should understand that our children may have talents and interests that lead down a path that doesn’t involve a college education.

Don’t push them away from a career because it involves honest work and not memos and Microsoft Excel.

If they’re encouraged to pursue work that truly matters to them, they’re far more likely to one day own that work instead of letting it own them.

Parking numbers promise woes Our new SGA president is either terribly under-informed or actively disingenuous.

In his EXTRA, dated April 18, 2012, he claims the proposed 2012–13 parking changes will ensure that every AU student will be “guaranteed” a place to park.

Here are some facts straight from Don Andrae, manager of Parking Services (confirmed by phone April 18, 2012): Active Czone permits currently distributed by Parking Services: approximately 11,000. Capacity of the 3 “central campus lots” which will convert to “Proximate C”: 1,500.

Capacity of all remaining C-zone areas, including three remote lots (West Thach, Veterinary Scienc-

es, Intramural Fields), and various roadway strips: 1,400. Initial proposed number of Proximate C-zone tags to be granted by random drawing: 1,700.

Let’s assume that after Parking Services surveys the initial impact, they raise the number of PC permits to: 2,000. So, if we want to do a little math to measure our collective parking misery, now and later: current ratio of C-zone parkers to all C-zone spaces: 11,000/2,900 = 3.79:1. Ratio of remaining C-zone parkers who will fight for space after 2,000 PC permits have been issued: 9,000/1,400 = 6.43:1 (a 70 percent increase).

We all understand that not all

AU students are on campus attempting to park at the same time. Yet the simple math above means one thing: When Parrish tells us that all these changes will make it better for all AU students, he is quite wrong. Further, Don Andrae estimates the earliest that AU can furnish additional C-zone spaces is “mid-2015.”

If you must commute and care about getting to your classes on time, start mobilizing, talk to your SGA and GSC senators and don’t let this plan happen without a fight.

Michael Pukish graduate student, electrical and computer engineering

Frustrated by parking changes Like every other student at Auburn I have a few concerns with the new “improvement” to our parking situation.

First, pretty much all that this new parking pass is going to do is drastically improve the parking predicament for the 1,700 people that are lucky enough to win a chance to purchase the Proximate C parking pass, but seriously piss off the rest of Auburn’s commuters.

I also don’t understand how you have decided to eliminate 90 percent of the C-zone parking and double the cost of a C-zone parking pass, and expected there not to be a flood of complaints imme-

diately after you sent the email.

In the most recent email you said that there would be a guaranteed spot in one of the three Proximate C lots to pass holders at all times,.

That means there are always going to be unused spots which will be a huge waste of the time and effort to make parking more organized, but ultimately less efficient.

My last complaint: I honestly do not believe that the gained revenue will be used to improve the Tiger Transit system.

The only other thing that you are promising the people that get screwed out of a Proximate Czone parking pass and get stuck with a $60 C-zone pass is that you

are working on an app that will tell you where the Tiger Transit is in real time and how many people are on it.

Really? That is absolutely ridiculous.

Congratulations, you have just made Auburn parking even worse than it already was, which I didn’t think was possible. Thank you for proving me wrong.

Robert Baker junior, aviation management

Welcome change comes with resolution The SGA senate passed a resolution recognizing the need for “gender identity” and “gender expression” to be included in the campus Anti-Harassment and Non-Discrimination Policy April 16.

I sat in the back of the room as the vote was called, nervously clutching the hands of fellow Spectrum members sitting beside me. When the decision was announced, I could not have been happier. I could not have been prouder.

I myself believe that gender is a purely social construct, and understand that for some, biological sex and gender identity don’t match up.

No matter what one’s personal beliefs, though, it is simply unacceptable to deny any student protection from harassment, be it on the basis of race, gender identity, or anything else. As Auburn students, we all deserve equal protection by the administration.

One of the points brought up in Senate discussion focused on the housing situation. Senator-at-large Walter Whatley seemed concerned by the possibility of students having transgender roommates without their knowledge or consent. What he failed to recognize is that transgender students have issues with housing already.

Those in the process of transitioning who are still legally listed as their birth sex have no choice but to be placed in a room based on that if they live on-campus. This can lead to uncomfortable situations for both parties involved.

On the other hand, if Auburn finally started to take notice of transgender issues, to promise those students that they would be protected as much as everyone else, then logistical issues such as housing could be actively and openly dealt with.

I extend my gratitude to those who have worked so hard on getting this resolution passed and who will continue to work until it is implemented on Auburn’s campus.

Megan Reynolds freshman, French

Opinions

A9 www.theplainsman.com

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Experience all Auburn has to offer while here Madeline Hall managing.editor@ theplainsman.com

Everyone tells you that your college years are the best time of your life, so enjoy it while you can. I can say with confidence that my time here has been incredible, blessed, tough at some points, exciting and all those other fun adjectives.

I do hope, however, that the rest of my life isn’t downhill from here. I definitely don’t believe it is.

Venturing into the “real world” will be different and challenging, but I’m looking forward to it. I’m actually quite ready to not have to take another test, write another paper or read a certain book because someone told me to.

What I leave you with now are a few highlights from my Auburn experience and a few regrets I had of things I wish I had done. I encourage you to learn from my list and do the things you want to while you still have time. Forever and always, War Damn Eagle!

First, studying abroad in London.

One of the best times of my 21 years of existence was studying abroad in London with the Auburn English Department. I went on the trip not knowing a soul, but by the time we came home, I had a new little family. It’s hard to find a better deal than you’ll have with all the group rates, set tours and local trips. Once you’re out of college, your time and ability to travel becomes extremely limited, so take advantage while you can.

Second, going to the 2010 SEC and National Championship games.

A lot of football games run together in my mind, but these two will always stand out. Those tickets will be a hard gift to top (Thanks again, Dad).

I will never forget the overwhelmingly orange crowd, the flood of relief and excitement after Wes Byrum’s field goal, the confetti floating down and the random rolls of toilet paper streaming through the air.

Three, working for The Plainsman.

Working for the paper has given me so many opportunities. I’ve gotten work experience, I’m constantly informed of what’s going on around campus and Auburn, I traveled to Orlando and New York City for conferences, and most importantly I’ve made some great friends. Getting involved with a campus organization is one of the best experiences and I can’t recommend it enough.

I wish I had gone to more sporting events like soccer, track and field, and equestrian.

I always went to football games, frequently attended gymnastics and baseball, and I occasionally went to some swim meets and basketball games. Don’t get me wrong, those were always fun, but I wish I had attended an event for every Auburn sport at least once. We have a lot of incredible teams that deserve more attention than they receive.

I wish I had traveled to more away games for football.

As I discovered this past fall, traveling to away games is a lot of fun.

First off you get to road trip with friends and explore new places. Secondly, you get to cheer on your team where you are definitely outnumbered. It is a good feeling to walk out of a stadium head held high after a game where everybody thought you would get creamed (i.e. South Carolina).

I wish I had volunteered more.

Although it seems like every week is crazy and busy, college students actually have a decent amount of free time on their hands. I did a couple projects every now and then, and loved visits to the Human Society, but I know I could have done more on a regular basis. I encourage you to find some way to give back locally, whether donating goods, labor or your time.

Community

Farewell Columns

For those about to write, I salute you Miranda Dollarhide editor@ theplainsman.com

Of all the things I’ve done at Auburn, I’ve received no greater honor than the title of Plainsman editor.

When I was given the editorship last spring, I was hungry to make a change.

I wanted to revive the Twitter account, create a blog, increase multimedia, fix the website, etc.

As I look back, I accomplished some of those goals, but many still hang in the balance.

A friend recently asked me if I

thought I was a good editor, and to be honest, I don’t know.

Taking on this job was scary as hell, and most of the time I was trying not to mess everything up.

What I do know is that The Plainsman family taught me what it means to be a journalist.

From late night copy sessions to spastic Wednesday afternoons, I’ve had the privilege of calling some of the hardest working people at Auburn my staff and my friends.

While some of them are moving on to different things, I hope they will look back at The Plainsman with only the fondest memories.

For the group staying behind, take advantage of everything the Plainsman has to offer.

Be bold.

Try new things and don’t be afraid of the consequences. Greatness happens when you aren’t afraid to be great.

Challenge everything. If there is one thing I regret, it was not pushing the envelope harder on the “serious” issues.

The University isn’t your friend.

You’re the watchdog. Act as such.

Never give up.

There will be days when pages shut down unexpectedly, and it’s five minutes until deadline, but carry on.

The rewards will be far greater than the stress pimples.

Most of all, treat The Plainsman with respect. To quote football coach Gene Chizik, “This place was

made great before you got here.”

As I finish the last thing I will ever write for The Plainsman, I feel a debt of gratitude for all of the things it has provided me.

Thanks for the good friends. I’ll never forget my New York ladies, new and old.

Thanks for the knowledge and leadership skills that have helped build my college and professional career.

Thanks for turning a goofy sophomore journalism major into a confident journalism graduate.

As for next year’s editor, I’ll leave you with the last sentiment the previous editor-in-chief Rod Guajardo left me—give’em hell.

War damn Plainsman.

Work hard, be honest, live to your own standards Nik Markopoulos copy@ theplainsman.com

I’ve never been one to set goals.

I know I was supposed to. I know they are a good thing to have. I know that those who put them on paper are more likely to achieve them.

I’ve never seen the point.

It’s not because I’m afraid of failing to reach them. It’s not because I don’t know what I want out of life. It’s not because I don’t have any.

I have one, and it’s not something that needs to be written down.

For as long as I’ve been a student, I’ve not worried about my GPA or my standing among my peers. I’ve not tried to set myself apart by joining every organization imaginable or replying to every business or honors fraternity email in my inbox. And I’ve definitely not listened to anyone who tried to tell me differently.

My experience at Auburn has been just that: mine.

I’ve pursued the degrees that interested me, joined the clubs with the most personable people and worked at the most enticing jobs.

Nothing I’ve done has been to build my resume or achieve a position of authority or earn a paycheck.

I’ve only ever done what I thought I would genuinely like, never because someone told me I should.

I realize I am in a fortunate position, and that others without like means may not have the luxury of such choice as I, but this is no excuse to live to strangers’ standards.

I’ve always been of the persuasion that tireless effort and honesty are rewarded, and my final semester at Auburn has (again) proven my case. My role as copy editor of The Plainsman is something I cannot

have traded for anything (except glorious, glorious free time and a smidgen more sanity). Coupled with 18 hours, this semester has been nothing short of a bitch.

But it’s over. I’m done. I’m done with classes; I’m done with The Plainsman; I’m done with college.

I’m graduating in just more than a week, trekking to D.C. for an internship thereafter and beginning a career in Houston in the fall. I never wrote any of these things down.

Tireless effort and honesty are rewarded, and they are rewarded with the definition of achieving a goal: success.

Take advantage of your opportunities in college Alison McFerrin news@ theplainsman.com

I didn’t know a single soul when I moved to Auburn four years ago. I was six hours from home and completely unfamiliar with the city—the first place I learned to drive to was Taco Bell, because that was where I turned around every time I missed the road for my apartment complex.

I’ve come a long way since then. I now belong in Auburn and Opelika as much as I have ever belonged anywhere.

I owe a lot of that to being a journalism major and being a part of The

Auburn Plainsman staff.

Because of my involvement on staff, I have eaten at the taco truck, partied at Woofstock, enjoyed acoustic music at Sundilla and interviewed a U.S. Navy veteran.

I’ve been present at a manufacturing facility groundbreaking. I’ve met President Jay Gogue. I’ve become an expert in nearly every aspect of Auburn’s campus and community.

OK, maybe not an expert, but I’ve certainly had a lot of experiences I would have missed out on if I hadn’t been a Plainsman staff member.

I probably never would have eaten at Mrs. Story’s Dairy Bar. I wouldn’t know where to find the Miracle Field. I can almost guarantee I never would have visited Pioneer Park for Second Saturday.

I graduate in 11 days, and if I knew I was leaving Auburn for good then I would be devastated.

There was a time when I said I would never want to stay in a college town if I wasn’t actually in college. But now that I face the prospect of leaving the Loveliest Village on the Plains, I feel a sense of panic at the thought of not calling this place home.

For those for whom graduation is still a distant expectation, I would say not to waste a minute of your time here. Four years goes by faster than you think.

Volunteer. Get a job. Eat at a holein-the-wall (I recommend Sara Jay’s).

Study abroad. Visit city parks—Town Creek Park is a great place to not study.

MY PROFESSORS BECAME

I would also encourage you to— as cheesy as it sounds—“find yourself ” while in college. This is the time when you will make your priorities, your goals and your beliefs your own.

I have found my closest fiends at the Tenth Street Church of Christ in Opelika, and I’m glad to be around for another few years if only to continue to be with them. My faith has grown since I came here, and that’s the most valuable thing I’ve gained in my time here—making my faith my own.

You have to find what’s important to you, because if you do that, you can’t help but remember college as a good experience.

Auburn alumna status … here I come!

,

MY CLASSMATES BECAME COMPANIONS,

& MY

BECAME FAMILY.

Sarah Newman design@theplainsman.com

That recycled shit they feed you at your first campus tour about the Auburn “family” and life– long friends, etc, is, against all odds, absolutely true.

Leaving Auburn is going to be an experience laced with all sorts of emotion. I am not sure if I should lean more toward the side of “future is so

bright I need shades” or “*sob* I’m leaving everyone I’ve ever loved *sob*.”

While these are extremist, I know I will feel a bit of both. The excitement of starting my life, using my degree to its fullest power and scoring that kickass job is satisfying. But all of it, at least for the first few weeks (maybe even months), will be tinged with sadness.

I would estimate about 80 percent of my gang are staying for another few semesters. We have been together since freshman year, and I’m leaving school and heading home for a bit, most likely, to continue my job search.

Did I mention that “home” for me is 12 hours

away from Auburn? Yeah, this does not help with the sadness.

Although I have to stay focused on my future, that’s what I’ve been preparing for the last four years. The day I get to email my teachers, colleagues and friends about the cool job I got will be one of the brightest days, and not to mention, the most traffic my inbox will have seen in a while.

Getting a job is premier for me, but the joy I will gain from telling everybody about it will make me feel amazingly accomplished.

A great career means nothing without people in your life to give you praise, to be proud of you.

Auburn can give you both.

College was about more than preparing for a job Kate Jones intrigue@ theplainsman.com

I’m not a senior. I’m not a senior.

That’s what I’ve been telling myself the last couple of days. It’s so odd how as a kid you wish to grow up and as an adult you wish to be a kid.

Tuesday I became an alum in my sorority—my home for four years— and today I relinquish my position as Intrigue Editor—a position not

even on my radar beginning junior year.

College is a mighty interesting time. We are somewhat on our own, but are in the bubble we call Auburn. I’m not talking about failing at finances and having your parents bail you out. I’m saying even if you get a parking ticket or F on a test, you can talk your way out of both— learn from mistakes without serious consequences.

I feel the idea of college has become degree equals job. The idea is very misconstrued to me. Don’t misunderstand, I want a job when I

graduate and feel I am prepared for one. However, college is a time to explore ideas, meet diverse groups of people, disagree on issues and find your passion and yes even fail—not solely prepare for a job.

Auburn has taught me to be a leader, to have compassion and humility and live life to the fullest. Ironically all of these lessons have come outside the classroom. I cherish my journalism degree, but it’s what professors and faculty have pushed me to do outside the classroom that means the most.

If I could give one piece of advice,

it’s to explore every corner and niche our wonderful University has to offer. For me it was Alpha Chi Omega, Camp War Eagle, The Auburn Plainsman and service learning. Explore what your political interests are, push yourself to meet as many people as you can, run a half marathon. Go join a club, experience life, be an advocate for a cause. Leave Auburn knowing yourself.

That will get you a job or at least give you the confidence to find the right one for you.

I am a senior. Here I am world, whatcha got?

Community A10

The Auburn Plainsman

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Sports

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Track and field www.theplainsman.com

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Sports

“

… You look back and you wish there were certain things that would have gone a different way. In the end you have to walk away and be happy the way things turned out, and I definitely am.”

Writer

Robert E. Lee / Sports Beat Reporter

» See Trotter, B2

Former quarterback Barrett Trotter throws to teammates before last year’s game against South Carolina.

» See megahee, B2

Courtesy of Todd Van Emst

Barrett Trotter finished his Auburn career with 1,248 yards and 11 touchdowns. He is training for the NFL Draft, which runs from Thursday through Saturday,

Trotter training for draft

Former starting quarterback Barrett Trotter left graduate school after finishing just one semester.

Now he is training for the NFL Draft, working out with Canadian Football League teams and preparing for a future in football.

“January 19 was the last day to enter the draft this year, and I think I was the last person as a junior to declare I wanted to be in the draft,” Trotter said. “I knew I wasn’t going to be at Auburn playing football, and I had planned on just staying in school and finishing out the next year, and then I just decided to enter the draft.

“A week later I talked with my agent and he suggested I go somewhere to train.”

Trotter’s high school coach, Fred Yancey of Briarwood Christian School, said Trotter will be prepared no matter where he goes.

“We talked quite often about what was going on with his recruitment and all that,” Yancey said. “He’s one of these guys that was a great high school quarterback, and I knew no matter where he went he would be a great player.”

Yancey coached Trotter during his 14–1 senior season and said despite Trotter’s ups and downs at Auburn, he is a great player.

“There is absolutely nothing wrong with Barrett Trotter’s game as a quarterback,” Yancey said. “He can make every throw, he’s plenty mobile, especial-

Andrew Yawn

ly for the pro-style (offense). It wont surprise me if he does very well. I think Barrett’s got a great opportunity to show folks that he’s very, very capable.”

After Trotter’s last game versus Virginia in the Chick-fil-A Bowl, his former coach Gene Chizik admired his performance coming in relief of injured starter Clint Moseley, who replaced Trotter in the seventh game of the 2011 season.

“I couldn’t be more proud of a young guy than I am of Barrett Trotter in so many ways off the field,” Chizik said. “The way that he handled everything in the middle of the season and what a fitting end to his season—he finished it the way he started it.”

Trotter has been working out for several CFL teams, including Calgary, Toronto and Edmonton.

“If that’s where I get to go play, you’re making good money and still playing football and having fun,” Trotter said. “I think it’d be a cool opportunity and right now I’m not shutting down any potential options. Any time I can get out there and get in front of some people and throw the ball and run, hopefully it will help me get a job in the future.”

Trotter is now spending his time in Nashville training and waiting for the NFL Draft. He said if he had not submitted to the draft he would have continued his education at Auburn, adding that his experiences under center are something he wouldn’t trade for anything.

Former Quarterback

Sports Beat Reporter

Volunteer mentors Tigers Ty Megahee was raised with a baseball in one hand and a bat in the other.

“I was one of those kids the dad had out in the backyard when I was 2 teaching me how to swing,” said Megahee, volunteer assistant coach of Auburn’s baseball team.

“I played every sport growing up, but baseball was my first love and I stuck with it.”

These days, the 29-year-old Megahee is still sticking with it and has taken on a mentor role in his third year with the Tigers.

Megahee curr e n t ly works MEGAHEE primarily with the team’s catchers, after he coached the outfield for his first two seasons.

As a volunteer coach, Megahee is neither employed nor paid by the University.

Instead, he coaches out of his desire to help players improve. “(It’s important) just to refine their skills and knowledge and the basis for continuing to play the game,” Megahee said.

His value to the team is not limited to the field, however.

Megahee also handles the team’s communication with the academic support staff to ensure the players he coaches on the diamond avoid making mistakes off of it.

“Part of my role here is dealing with players on a day-to-day basis,” he said. “I try to be a good influence … and try to to prepare these guys to continue playing baseball to have success on the field and also have success in life.”

Megahee is a product of that formula.

After playing infield for Mercer University from 2004–05, Megahee graduated and became a vol-

—Barrett Trotter

Robert E. Lee

B1

@PlainsmanSports

» Page B4

Adams sprints into record books Callie Ward

school, and although he didn’t run track his first two years at Auburn, he Some people have the honor of hasn’t missed a beat since joining the saying they were a collegiate ath- team.

“He’s got that track background, lete, but not many can say that they were once a collegiate athlete in two he’s got the work-ethic, he has all the resources and a sports. lot of good peoFor All-Amerple around him,” ican sprintSpry said. “So er Harry AdI think it’s just ams, coming to a match made Auburn meant in heaven, and playing footwe’re really forball. But that tunate he was changed when willing to come he chose track to track and field instead. from football.”

“I came to Adams said at play football, first football was and when they fun, but his tranrecruited me sition from footthey said I could ball to track ocdo both,” Adcurred because ams said. “I had of all the changto choose one of es made to the them, so I just coaching staff. chose track.” “(Track) welBorn and comed me with raised in Fort open arms,” AdLauderdale, Fla., ADAMS ams said. “I Adams has been knew half of playing football and running track all of his life, and them before and they were telling me he is now tearing up the record board to come out, so I just came out there with them. It was like I already knew on the track.

Track coach Ralph Spry said Adams was quite a sprinter in high » See ADAMS, B2 Writer

Courtesy of Todd Van Emst

The women’s golf team rolls Toomer’s Corner after winning the SEC Championship Sunday.

Women’s golf celebrates SEC title Coleman McDowell Sports Editor

The Auburn women’s golf team returned home from Fayetteville, Ark., and headed straight for Toomer’s Corner to celebrate their second consecutive SEC title and third in the last four years.

“It is just amazing,” said coach Kim Evans. “We have won a few of these, but this one is one of the most important. I could not be happier for the team. They played their hearts out and never quit. On a golf course as tough as this one, that’s what it took to win.”

Last year the Tigers won the SEC Championship with a weekend score of even-par at the Auburn University Club. Blessings Golf Course in Fayetteville played much tougher. The course gave teams fits each round and played even tougher with heavy winds af-

fecting play each day.

“Everyone tells you that it is a tough golf course and you don’t believe it until you get here and play it,” Evans said. “With the wind today, it really made it tough.

I was so proud of our players for keeping their heads up and taking it one hole at a time; that was so important today.”

Auburn started the final round with a one-stroke lead over host Arkansas and finished the day holding that same one-stroke margin.

The Tigers lost the lead early on the back nine to the Razorbacks, but recovered to finish with a total of 52over for the weekend.

Senior Patricia Sanz made her first career tourna-

» See golf, B2

Sports B2

The Auburn Plainsman

Trotter

golf

“At the beginning of the season I was definitely really excited for the potential of getting to start and all the things I’d been working for,” Trotter said. “There were definitely a lot of ups and downs in the season. I wouldn’t trade it for anything, but you look back and you wish there were certain things that would have gone a different way.

“In the end you have to walk away and be happy the way things turned out, and I definitely am.”

ment win count, winning the individual title with a tournament score of 3-over par.

Sanz also fought to the 18th hole, as she finished one stroke ahead of Marina Alex of Vanderbilt and two ahead of Emily Tubert of Arkansas.

The senior’s final round 77 was four below the final-round average of 81.

“I could not be happier for Patti; she has worked so hard this year and to win this tournament is amazing for her,” Evans said. “After a few holes on the practice round day, I pulled her aside and told her that this course really played to her style and that this was her time. She really took

» From B1

ADAMS » From B1

them.”

Since joining the team, Adams has not only shined on the track, but has been a friend to his teammates.

“I’ll call Harry for anything—if I need help with homework, if I need some advice,” said sophomore sprinter Keenan Brock. “I don’t think words can describe

» From B1

Courtesy of Todd Van Emst

Barrett Trotter passes the ball during the Arkansas St. game.

how I would call him a friend.”

Brock said since he has known Adams, he has been goofy, intelligent and a hardworker dedicated to the sport.

Adams recently ran a 20.10, which is the second-highest time in the world in the 200 meter, Spry said.

This weekend Adams will compete in the 4x100 at the Penn Relays in Philadelphia.

Auburn will get to claim

Adams for one more year until he reaches his ultimate goal of graduation.

After college Adams hopes to be successful person in whatever he does, whether it be his job, running or raising his son to be a great young man.

“He’s one of the best sprinters in the nation, and I think what you’ve seen of Harry Adams is just the tip of the iceberg,” Spry said.

Thursday, April 26, 2012

that to heart and had a great three days.”

Sanz finished tied for 14th last year in the SEC tournament and tied for sixth as a freshman.

“I’m the happiest person in the world,” Sanz said. “This came at the best time. I’m a senior; our team won; I just couldn’t have asked for anything better.

To accomplish it is amazing. This is one of the most important tournaments we play all year. I’ve been struggling some this season and the coaches believed me.

I kept reminding myself to stay positive, stay in the present and remember that this is a hard course for everyone.”

Auburn’s next tournament will be May 3–5, and the location will be announced Monday when the NCAA regionals are selected.

“

megahee

He’s one of the best sprinters in the nation. I think what you’ve seen of Harry Adams is just the tip of the iceberg.

—Ralph Spry head coach

A big thank you to all our runners!

Courtesy of Todd Van Emst

Coach Kim Evans with SEC Individual Champion Patricia Sanz Sunday.

» From B1

unteer coach at his alma mater for three years before taking the same position at Monmouth University in New Jersey in 2009 for one season.

Auburn assistant coach Link Jarrett coached Megahee at Mercer and said he has always showed that he possesses the skills necessary to become a successful coach.

“He was a student of the game … a very hardworking, intelligent player, and those usually turn out to be good coaches,” Jarrett said.

Megahee’s experience as a player has helped him quickly form a close rapport with the Tigers.

“They feel really comfortable going to talk to Ty,” Jarrett said. “He has a lot of interaction with them on study hall, class schedule, what they’re signing up for and how their grades are coming along, so I feel like they can go to him about anything.”

Being the youngest of the coaches doesn’t hurt matters, either.

“I don’t feel like I’m that far removed from playing and being in their shoes,” Megahee said.

Megahee wanted to be a coach at his own high school

program initially, but he said the college opportunity was too good to pass up.

Megahee also helps run the summer Auburn Baseball Academy camps, allowing him to make a living and help youths trying to fulfill their dreams.

“That’s one of the joys you get out of coaching is seeing guys get better, and that’s what we try to do in our camps,” he said.

Megahee’s dedication to Auburn during his tenure has been admirable, and if he continues, Jarrett said it will earn him a head coaching job one day.

“The more experience and the more knowledge and the more relationships he has, as time goes on that will give him the chance to eventually become a head coach, and I see that happening for him,” Jarrett said.

While Megahee said a head coaching position is definitely a goal of his, for now he has a more immediate target in mind.

“I’d like to go to Omaha,” he said. “I was never able to go as a player. I’d like to go as a coach and coach in the College World Series.

“We came close a couple years ago and hopefully we’re on that track again this year.”

UPC: UPDATES AND EVENTS Save the date for these Fall 2012 events: Screen on the Green Wednesday, August 15 Greenspace at 8 PM

Block Party Friday, August 17 Greenspace at 7 PM

Free food, entertainment and fun!

Have ideas and suggestions for the fall?

Send them to us at upc@auburn.edu!

Take our spring survey at www.surveymonkey.com/s/UPCSpring or find it at www.auburn.edu/upc Committee Applications available online August 1st!

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For Event Information visit www.auburn.edu/UPC OR 334-844-4788

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Sports B3

The Auburn Plainsman

Versatile utility player nears graduation Ethan Bernal Writer

Danielle Lowe / Assistant Photo Editor

Bryant played six positions during his Auburn career.

For senior utility player Justin Bryant, playing for the Auburn Tigers baseball team was once a childhood fantasy. Now, nearing the end of his Auburn career, Bryant is thankful he has achieved his goal.

“I grew up an Auburn fan,” Bryant said. “Never for one second did I think I was going to play for Auburn; it just never occurred to me. I’m from a smaller high school, so I wasn’t really recruited by bigger schools. I thought junior college would be my best route.”

After graduating Oneonta High School in 2007, Bryant went to play baseball for Itawanba Community College in Mississippi for two years before being recruited to the Tigers during a practice one

afternoon.

“The number came up on my cellphone and it was (recruiting coordinator) Scott Foxhall,” Bryant said. “When he said he was from Auburn University, I was already sold.”

Bryant has played a unique role for the Tigers. In his three years on the team, he has played at shortstop, second base, third base, left field, right field and pitcher.

“I’m really not sure how all that got started,” Bryant said. “I guess they had the confidence in me that I could do the job they wanted me to do. It plays into my advantage that they let me do that because if it gives me the most chances of being on the field.”

Playing the wild card role has its drawbacks, however.

“I like playing everywhere, but

Tigers snap losing streak, take momentum into Columbia

it would be nice to have a place to call home,” Bryant said. “There’s not much physical strain of doing any of it. It’s just about having the confidence and the mindset to be able to do everything.”

Along with the difficulties of swapping positions, Bryant also had to overcome a right elbow injury in 2011 that required Tommy John surgery, causing him to miss the season.

“The rehab process was a long, drawn out deal because you have to take baby steps, and I don’t have good patience, so baby steps don’t work for me very well,” Bryant said.

After being put back on the active roster and being reunited with his teammates, Bryant had to see how his restructured elbow would stand up in SEC play.

“It does get tight from time to time, but that comes with having surgery,” Bryant said. “I used to go out and could pick up a baseball and throw it no big deal. Now I take a little bit longer to get loose.”

Bryant is also planning for life after graduation. He is getting married to his high school sweetheart, Katie Young, in June.

“I’ve thought about doing different things, but it’s kind of hard for me to get away from the game that I’ve played every day of my life,” Bryant said.

Bryant hopes to pursue coaching after graduation, possibly attending graduate school and assistant coaching with the Tigers.

“I’m just trying to keep the game in my life and not just totally walk away from it after this year,” Bryant said.

CONGRATULATIONS and THANKS

to our 2011-2012 Advertising Staff!

Callie Ward Writer

After taking the series against Arkansas at home last weekend, Auburn’s softball team will now travel to South Carolina.

“Our team is hitting better, we’re pitching great, playing great defense and have the momentum going into the South Carolina series,” said senior pitcher Jenee Loree.

The women started out 16–0 in the first half of the season, and although they’ve had a few losses and injuries since then, Loree said they still have the confidence they need as a team to finish strong.

“We went through a lot of injuries, tough injuries, and we have to stay together as a team and that’s what we’ve done here on out,” Loree said. “We know we have each and every one of our players’ backs, and we’ll do anything for any one on the team, so we’ve got to stay together.”

Loree said the team is feeling good about the series this weekend, and with their talent they should be able to sweep the series and keep the drive going into Mississippi State the following weekend.

Senior shortstop Lauren Guzman said compared to other SEC schools, South Carolina’s has one of the better away environments.

“They’re a classy organization and school,” Guzman said.

Rebecca Croomes / Photo Editor

Second baseman Lauren Guzman turns a double play Friday night in the first of a three-game series against Arkansas. The Tigers won Friday and Saturday’s games in the series.

“It’s different. You have to learn to make yourself want to prove them wrong instead of taking it personal.”

Even though the end of the season is near, Guzman said the team is still focusing on things they’ve been doing wrong in order to finish the season as strong as possible.

“As the season goes on, you know, your body starts to feel it, and you don’t want to overdo yourself in practice,” Guzman said. “So we’ve started focusing more on what we’re doing wrong and what we need to focus on, instead of generally like we would in the fall.”

Looking past this weekend,

the team is hoping to win its final two regular season series, make it through the postseason and reach its goal by playing in the College World Series, Guzman said.

The end of the regular season not only brings an end to softball and being part of a team for some of the seniors, but, as Guzman describes them, a family.

“Throughout the season we’ve had our ups and downs,” she said. “You have sisters, you fight with your sisters, but at the end you realize you are family and you guys come together. When we come together it’s a beautiful thing.”

L-R: (Front) Allison Braund, Ashley Selby (Back) Lorenzo Lane, Stacey McMahan, Jenny Rikelman, Courtney Marinek. Not Pictured: Stephanie Garner, Tiffany Middleton, Julya Welch

If you would like to join our staff next year, please email AdManager@theplainsman.com

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Sports B4

The Auburn Plainsman

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Track prepares for final meet before SECs Ali Jenkins Writer

Danielle Lowe / Assistant Photo Editor

Sophomore V’alonee Robinson participates in the long jump during the War Eagle Invitational Saturday afternoon.

The No. 19 Auburn track and field team will showcase its talents in two different meets this weekend with a select group traveling to Philadelphia for the 118th Penn Relays and a larger group competing in Troy, Ala., for the Coach O Invitational.

“The Penn Relay is a pretty elite meet,” said coach Ralph Spry. “It’s mainly relays, but there are a couple of events that are open events, like the 100 meter, maybe high jump, things of that nature. Most of our top athletes will go to Penn Relays, but there are some that we are trying to keep ready for conference championships, and there aren’t races for them at the Penn Relays.

“Those folks that are going

to Troy University are folks that we are probably going to end up taking most of them to the conference championships; we’re just giving them one more shot to stay sharp and try to get a little better and try to progress and peak a little bit headed into the conference.”

After posting 27 new personal bests at the War Eagle Invitational last weekend, the Tigers are poised for a strong showing next month at the national championships.

“I am really excited about where we are and what we did last weekend,” Spry said. “Most of our top athletes already have solid marks to get them to the first round of the NCAA Championships, so that’s going to allow us to go to the conference championships and

just focus on the competition.”

Among the group traveling to Philadelphia are sprinters Keenan Brock, Marcus Rowland, Harry Adams and Michael DeHaven. The quartet will compete in the 4x100 meter and 4x200 meter relays.

“What we’re trying to do is just stay focused and do the same thing we did at the Texas Relays: be of one accord, make sure everyone is healthy and don’t let anything distract you,” Rowland said. “It’s a big event. It’s like a festival up there, so we’ve just got to stay focused and not worry about the distractions and we will get the job done.”

Brock echoed Rowland, saying the size and diversity of the meet are what set the Penn Relays apart from all other events.

20

“

What we’re trying to do is just stay focused and do the same thing we did at the Texas Relays.”

—Marcus Rowland Senior Sprinter

“It’s just like going to world trials and Olympics—people from all over the country, Jamaica, everyone coming in to see colleges run and the U.S. run,” Brock said. “It’s a great way to showcase your speed and what’s upcoming.

“We just want to go to Penn and grab a pinwheel and maybe a Penn record.”

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Intrigue Thursday, April 26, 2012

Trash donations

B5

» Page B7

www.theplainsman.com

Intrigue

Bacon, bourbon and bands Bloodhound Bar & Restaurant is making an impression on the downtown scene, bringing high-quality food and music Kendall Wangman Writer

Three hand-carved bison skulls imported from Bali overlook a mahogany bar, while servers in black T-shirts printed with the words “bacon and bourbon” race around a large, dimly lit restaurant. Below a light fixture adorned with antlers is a long, community-style table.

A traditional Southern restaurant scene may be what meets the eye when students visit Bloodhound Bar & Restaurant, but it is also attempting to revamp Auburn’s music scene and make its customers feel at home.

Bloodhound’s brick walls and concrete floor have housed a wide variety of businesses, beginning with Auburn’s first newspaper, The Auburn Bulletin. The space eventually transformed in 1999 into what was Auburn’s only brewery, the Olde Auburn Ale House.

Bloodhound’s owner, Matt Poirier, bought the historic space after the Ale House went under.

“This is a really old building, so definitely as things progressed we found out some of the equipment was too old and had some structural issues,” Poirier said.

Despite some challenges, the rustic and raw interior of the building oozed potential, he said. Bloodhound’s location downtown, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of College Street, is located next to the municipal parking deck.

“It’s in proximity to Toomer’s Corner, but it’s not necessarily on the main strip, so visibility is lower,” Poirier said. “But I also like that it’s kind of out of the way.”

Poirier said Bloodhound’s location undoubtedly poses a challenge not being right

Rebecca croomes / Photo Editor

The entrance to Bloodhound Bar & Restaurant enhances the Southern atmosphere also found inside.

“

When people walk by they’re really surprised at how much it has changed.”

—Matt Poirier bloodhound owner

on the strip, but it’s not completely unknown.

“I think people know that we’re here; they just have to know that it’s different,” Poirier

said. “When people walk by they’re really surprised at how much it has changed.”

Poirier said the location’s previous owner allowed others to manage it.

“He was an absentee owner, and I really think that was the big problem,” Poirier said.

“So my wife and I try to be here all the time.”

In comparison to other local restaurants, Poirier said Bloodhound is “like nothing else in Auburn.”

“We’re delivering an upscale product, but in a casual environment,” Poirier said. “Our presentation may not be as fancy as Hamilton’s, but I think our food quality is just as good.”

Poirier said he followed his intuition when

envisioning a plan for the restaurant. He previously owned a mortgage business and had worked with the restaurant industry, but was a novice when it came to operating his own.

“I have 12 years of experience in the restaurant field and it’s always been a passion of mine,” Poirier said.

Poirier said Bloodhound offers variety to its customers.

“We have a little bit of everything,” he said.

“We created a high-quality, one-page menu and have an outdoor patio. It’s a big space, a lot of different rooms with live music happen-

» See Bloodhound, B6

Looking through the lens of Laurel Leighton Lindstrom Writer

rebecca croomes / Photo Editor

The Tiger Transit operates 19 lines with an average of three buses per route.

Buses gain popularity Hayley Blair Intrigue Beat Reporter

With all the controversy over new parking regulations and pricing, the Tiger Transit is a solution more students are beginning to use.

Clarence Cobbs, a representative from Groome Transportation, which rents out buses and drivers to the University, said he works with Tiger Transit officials every day to analyze the number of students who use the transit and arrange the buses to be more efficient.

“Rex (Huffman) gathers all the ridership data, and if we see an increase in ridership in one particular area we adjust the route,” Cobbs said. “If we see the ridership has shifted, we’ll shift buses to accommodate that.”

Because of parking concerns, a large population of students have started using the West Parking transit bus, Cobbs said.

“We don’t have much parking left on campus anymore,” Cobbs said. “The best place to park is West Parking, so a lot of the students are parking in West Parking, which is why we increase the buses over there.”

Michael Watson, a driver on the West Parking transit bus, said the transit offers a safe, stress-free way to get to classes on time without the added hassle of finding a parking space.

“For one thing, they don’t have to worry about paying parking tickets,” Watson said. “Second thing is, we can get them to class within about 10 minutes. You don’t have to deal with traffic. You don’t have to deal with parking your car way on the other side of campus and walking over here. Just use the bus.”

Students are also beginning to

» See transit, B6

From a young age, fairy tales and Disney royalty encourage children to follow their dreams.

Laurel Schweers, senior in human development and family studies, took them at their word and used a childhood trip to Disney World to start her career as a photographer.

Schweers said on her first trip at age 6 she used a whole roll of film from the disposable camera her mom gave her on one parade.

“I just have this distinct memory of being at that parade and wanting to take the perfect pictures,” Schweers said.

Schweers is now charging for her photography services and building a business. With experience shooting engagements, family portraits and Christmas card pictures, Schweers is beginning to shoot weddings as well.

Paige Robinson, senior in public relations and a bride-to-be, said she liked Schweers’ relaxed style and attention to detail.

“I just felt really comfortable with her,” Robinson said. “She was professional, but she’s really creative and she just encouraged us to do whatever we wanted, so it was really natural.”

One photo with an orange, green and brown vintage couch was done particularly well, Robinson said, and the couple ended up using it for their save-the-date announcement.

Now that Schweers is adding photography sessions to her to-do list, she has had to learn how to balance her schoolwork with photoshoots, editing pictures and blogging about her business at laurelschweerspho-

rebecca croomes / Photo Editor

Laurel Schweers has been taking photographs since she was 6 years old.

“

I just have this distinct memory of being at that parade and wanting to take the perfect pictures.”

—Laurel Schweers Senior, HDFS

tography.tumblr.com.

Schweers said she does most of her photoshoots on the weekends because she has to make time to attend her classes and study during the week. She said while coordinating

schedules with clients can be difficult, she has discovered a valuable advantage to being a student and photographer simultaneously.

“An advantage is being around so many people in the Auburn community,” Schweers said. “I’ve been able to get the word out more by putting pictures on Facebook or online, and having other people be able to see them makes it easier to have a lot of people in the community know about it.”

Laura Howard, Schweers’ roommate for the past two years, has seen firsthand how Schweers has grown as a photographer during her time at

» See laurel, B6

Intrigue B6

The Auburn Plainsman

Banana French Toast

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Kerry’s recipe of the week

Ingredients: 1 egg 1/2 banana 1/4 cup milk 1/2 tspn vanilla 1/2 tspn cinnamon 2 slices whole wheat bread

Rae’Mia Escott

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Bloodhound » From B5

ing on one side.”

The centerpiece of the main room is the long dining table for community seating.

“That was actually in my parents’ wedding and was built by my dad and uncle,” Poirier said. “I liked the idea of community seating because it will bring people together, and I want people to feel like family when they’re here.”

Other personal touches include shotgun shells sealed into the the bar and framed family photos along the walls.

“Those are the little things that make a place feel like home,” Poirier said.

Poirier posted sneak peek photos and status updates about the restaurant’s renovation and music lineup on Facebook to spark interest and build “a Bloodhound following before it even opened.”

Katy Nichols, junior in psychology, was recently hired as a server. As an Auburn native, Nichols has seen her share of Auburn businesses come and go.

“I think Bloodhound is here to stay,” Nichols said. “It’s hon-

Laurel » From B5

Auburn, especially when the line between business and her personal life is crossed.

“Every time we walk anywhere she’s 10 feet behind us snapping pictures either of us or buildings,” Howard said.

“She always has her camera attached to her.”

Schweers said the best part about her photography is having the ability to make people feel worthy and beautiful.

“I feel like I just get into this zone where everything fades away and nothing else really matters,” she said.

Schweers said she ultimately hopes her photography business can combine her three greatest passions: her faith, photography and helping others. She had the opportunity 3/31/12

“

“I liked the idea of community seating because it will bring people together, and I want people to feel like family when they’re here.”

—Matt Poirier Bloodhound Owner

estly so hard to tell because we’re just starting out.”

Poirier said Bloodhound’s bar also sets them apart.

“You can go to Mellow Mushroom and they have a great selection of beer, but they don’t have any other alcohol,” Poirier said. “Or you can go to Hamilton’s or Amsterdam’s and have a full bar, but they might not have a wide selection of beers. We have both the beer and liquor drinks.”

Poirier said they want people to not only come for the food and drinks, but also for the music.

“We just want to get the

“

“I just felt really comfortable with her. She was professional, but she’s really creative and she just encouraged us to do whatever we wanted, so it was really natural.”

—Paige Robinson Senior, Public Relations

to do this when she went on a spring break trip to Port St. Joe, Fla., in 2011 to volunteer with First Baptist Church of Opelika.

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use the Opelika Road and East University transit buses after finding parking at the mall or Winn-Dixie, Cobbs said.

“Winn-Dixie is OK with it, and so is the mall,” Cobbs said.

“Students are able to park on the outskirts on the parking lot, so they have a place to park and the buses can pick them up there.”

Rex Huffman, who oversees the contract between Auburn and Groome Transportation, has recognized the increase and hopes more students will begin to see the value of the transit system.

“We’re the solution to a lot of your parking concerns,” he said. “We go to all of the parking lots. I just wish people would use us more.

“As a student, that’s what I would be interested in—how to make the most of the transit system.”

Watson said he’s had bad experiences with Auburn’s

word out that we have a live music venue and that it’s separate from the restaurant,” Poirier said. “It’s not necessarily the same thing.”

Poirier’s vision for the bar includes catering to an older college crowd while creating a more sophisticated atmosphere.

“After 9 p.m. the lights are going to go down lower and the music a little higher,” Poirier said. “It will definitely turn into more of a bar scene.”

Bloodhound will offer drink specials.

“I can’t say we’re going to do the 32-ounce, $2 Styrofoam cup, ‘get wasted’ thing,” Poirier said.

Nichols said Poirier does hope to cater to an older, “business-like” crowd, but Bloodhound’s live shows will inevitably draw a younger following.

“We’ll have a lot of the same bands that used to play at the Independent before it shut down,” Nichols said.

Bloodhound hopes to offer something for everyone.

“You may not like everything here, but there’s something you will love,” Poirier said.

On the last day of the trip, word had spread about Schweers’ photography, and she was able to take and print pictures for locals.

“I think we can sometimes take for granted how much pictures can mean to people,” Schweers said. “There was this one lady that had just had twin babies, so it meant a lot to her to have pictures of her babies.”

Schweers said she hopes to intern in Birmingham this fall before graduation in December, and she wants to eventually be able to support herself with her photography alone.

“It’s not just going to be handed to me on a silver platter; a job’s not just going to fall in my lap,” Schweers said. “I really have to work at it and not give up during the obstacles that may come.”

“

We go to all of the parking lots. I just wish people would use us more. As a student, that’s what I would be interested in.”

—Rex Huffman Contract Overseer

parking system for years, and he hopes to help students avoid similar situations.

“When my wife was in school here, I don’t know how many parking tickets I had,” Watson said. “They didn’t have the transit when she was in school here.

“All of her classes were in the Haley Center, and there was no access to parking anywhere. And if she got a parking place, every time she got a parking ticket. It wasn’t that much—only $2—but that adds up.”

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Intrigue B7

The Auburn Plainsman

Keep it ‘All In’ post-graduation Katelyn Gaylor Writer

Everything is new after graduation. New jobs come with new homes with new roommates in new towns, but Meredith MacLean, senior in supply chain management, said she’s not finished with the Auburn experience.

“Auburn is good about providing an experience instead of just an education or a group of friends that you have to maintain on your own,” MacLean said. “Auburn really stresses the Auburn family and the Auburn experience, and while that’s pertinent to students, it’s also pertinent to alumni.”

Betsy Robertson, communi-

cations manager of alumni affairs, said the Auburn Alumni Association is a perfect avenue for alumni to stay connected.

“Particularly with new graduates, we love to encourage them to find an Auburn club in the area where they find their job,” she said.

Robertson said Auburn clubs are stationed throughout Alabama, and plenty more are located outside the state.

“We actually have a total of 98 Auburn clubs around the country,” she said, “so almost anywhere you go in major cities there is going to be a group of alumni there that our new graduates can meet, network with and have an instant set of

friends.”

MacLean said she hopes to visit Auburn regularly, especially on fall Saturdays.

“If for no other reason but to see my friends and participate in Auburn festivities, I will come back for game days,” Maclean said. “Ticket or not, being in Auburn on game day Saturday is something I will continue to do forever.”

Jason Herbert, senior in accounting, said he will continue to make the trek back to his “second home.”

“I will definitely come back for football games for the majority of my life,” he said. “I don’t know how many a year, but I hope one day to have sea-

son tickets.”

Robertson said the AAA provides a hospitality tent for every home football game.

“It’s a place where alumni can come,” she said. “If they’re members, they get in free and can pay a nominal fee for guests. Anytime a young alumnus is coming back for a home football game, coming to the hospitality tent is a great way to have a built-in tailgate party without all the hassle.”

There is a $50 fee to become an annual member of the AAA, and it is $850 for a lifetime membership.

“They can start out by being an annual member and renewing every year if they can’t af-

ford a life membership,” Robertson said. “If somebody is interested in a life membership, we’ve got an installment plan for folks who can pay over time.”

The membership fees and other funds raised by the association are used to better the University, Robertson said.

“We raise money for scholarships here,” she said. “We actually just started a program called Alumni Walk, which is set to break ground this summer. With that, alumni and friends of the University can buy one of several types of pavers, whether they’re bricks or stone or granite slabs, and have their name inscribed on

them and their graduation year. The proceeds of that program go to scholarships.”

Herbert, who will start at the Jones School of Law at Faulkner University in August, said he plans on giving back through scholarship opportunities like the Alumni Walk.

“As a student, I have a lot invested in Auburn, and I want to keep it that way,” Herbert said. “Just because you go here four years, your time with Auburn isn’t over after that. Obviously, you can still come back for football games, but Auburn, at least for me, was a great place, and I also believe I have an obligation to give back.”

Donate to save waste Susan Ann Cook Writer

With the end of spring semester comes the abundance of vehicles waiting to haul students’ belongings from campus, as well as the closely monitored trash containers overflowing with items students deem unusable.

Auburn University Public Safety has placed cameras by each of the trash containers not to keep students from “dumpster diving,” but to prevent possible health risks.

“It can be hazardous,” said Amy Mosley, administrative assistant of student housing.

“Say there’s a resident with diabetes that has hypothermic needles. If you’re dumpster diving, you may accidentally step on it. We wish we could go though each of the bins and get all the good materials out, but it would be dangerous.”

According to Auburn University Recycling Coordinator Leigh Jacobson, Auburn removed 5,098 tons of nonrecyclable materials from campus from October 2010 to September 2011. A high percentage of this waste is from on-campus residents.

Sarah Smith, resident assistant for Oak Hall and senior in rehabilitation services, said she experienced more waste problems from a freshman dorm than she has with the mostly sophomores and juniors who live in Oak Hall.

“We don’t have any community trash cans in the building to eliminate any excess trash, but dumpsters are located throughout all the Quad, Hill and Village, so it is convenient for residents to drop off their trash on the way to class,” Smith said. “At the end of every year, Residence Life encourages residents to leave any item that is in good shape downstairs in their lobbies.”

For the last 20 years the University has been working to re-

Rebecca Croomes / Photo Editor

“

We wish we could go though each of the bins and get all the good materials out, but it would be dangerous.”

—Amy Mosley Administrative assistant of student housing

duce waste from its on-campus residents. Mosely said the housing and residence life department sets up tents each year to divert as much trash as possible to local charities.

“We host a ‘Check-Out for Charity’ where we set out tents for Salvation Army where residents can drop off household items like furniture or clothing,” Mosley said.

Mosley said the tents are placed close to the large rolling trash bins outside the dorms to both capture attention and make it easier for students to drop off their items.

“We try to prevent them from throwing away really good items,” she said. “We put the tents as near to the large roll-offs as we can so they will

say, ‘Oh, I’ll donate as much as I can instead of throwing out things that can be reused.’”

Residents are encouraged to donate food, furniture, clothes and cleaning supplies.

“It’s a good way to pass along the good items to people who are in need and also helps the residents with having to move less stuff,” Smith said.

The Auburn Waste Reduction and Recycling Department handles solid waste and recycling containers for all residential dorms.

"Larger containers are provided to accommodate the volume of waste during move out, but it is up to the residents to do their part and dispose of materials appropriately by either donating usable goods, recycling paper, cardboard, bottles and cans or by throwing away nonrecyclable goods in the large trash bins provided at each site," Jacobson said.

Last year Auburn recycled 2,314 tons of material, which was an improvement from the year before, when the University disposed of a third more trash by not recycling.

Mosley said she hopes recycling efforts will continue to improve during future years through programs like ‘CheckOut for Charity.’

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The Auburn Plainsman

Thursday, April 26, 2012