The Auburn Plainsman 08.28.14 Issue

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The Auburn Plainsman A Spirit That Is Not Afraid Thursday, August 28, 2014 Vol. 121, Issue 12, 14 Pages

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Online

ThePlainsman.com Check out the 5K Color Run video inside campus raye may / photo editor

Toomer’s turns over new leaf Toomer’s Corner is now open to roll after an Auburn victory.

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University restores historic corner after completing phase one Page A3

Professor writes first Alabama mammal book of its kind community

Page A8

Kroger expanding on Glenn Avenue

Derek Herscovici Campus Reporter

A new era is ready to take root at Toomer’s Corner just in time for football season.

Phase one of the renovation project was completed on schedule, paving the way for planting the trees as part of phase two later in the year.

“The gates went down Sunday night before class started on Monday [Aug. 18],” said Ben Bermester, campus planner for Auburn’s Facilities Management Office. “The next steps for the project will be the tree replacement.

We plan to replace the two Oaks, probably in February of next year when in the dormant time for trees. It’s the best time of year for transplanting them.”

Bermester, design project lead for phase one of the project, said the most

We plan to replace the two Oaks, probably in February of next year when in the dormant time for trees.”

—Ben Bermester

campus planner for Auburn’s Facilities Management Office

demanding aspect of the operation was removing 1,700 tons of contaminated soil from the northeastern corner of Samford Park.

Soil removal continued until the State Pesticide Reside Lab considered the soil acceptable for planting, going

as deep as 6 feet in some places.

Tebuthiuron Spike 80DF, the herbicide used to poison the tree beds, also infected some trees along the edge of Samford Park where the circular seat wall now sits, which had to be removed.

While the soil has been deposited safely off-site, the corner is beginning to look like its former self, ensuring the successful growth of the future trees will take time and patience, especially during football season.

Horticulture professor Gary Keever, who also serves on the presidentappointed Tree Preservation Committee, cautioned that anything from car accidents to unruly fans could disrupt the growing process.

community

sports

» See toomer’s a2

EMILY ENFINGER / ASST. photo editor

campus

Professors’ Ebola research goes viral Nicole Fulkerson Campus Reporter

Page A12

Q&A with athletics director Jay Jacobs intrigue raye may / photo editor

Arthur Dowdell loses the Auburn City Council election Tuesday, Aug. 26.

Councilmember Arthur Dowdell loses election, claims voter fraud Nickolaus Hines

Community Reporter

Page B5

Auburn named most eco-friendly campus index Campus Opinion Community Intrigue Sports

A1 A6 A7 A9 A12

Jim Little

Community Writer

Councilmember Arthur Dowdell was defeated by challenger Clemon Byrd in the Auburn City Council election held Aug. 26.

Dowdell, who has served four terms on the council since 1994, only garnered 147 votes to Byrd’s 246. Dowdell announced his intention to dispute the results.

“We are going to file a lawsuit against Clemon Byrd, because Clemon Byrd is not a representative of this district,” Dowdell said. “Clemon Byrd has committed a crime.”

Dowdell also said there was voter fraud. He claimed a woman named Ann Torbert was turned away because someone had already voted in her name.

Torbert, when reached by phone, claimed someone with the name Tarbert had voted in

her place.

“The poll worker had scratched out my name and re-spelled it,” Torbert said.

“And there wasn’t even a Tarbert anywhere else on the list.”

Despite the irregularity, Torbert said she was allowed to vote.

David Dorton, director of public relations for Auburn, confirmed a poll

» See elections a2

Auburn University organic chemistry professor Stewart Schneller is one step closer to potentially finding a cure to the Ebola virus.

The virus has the ability to turn off the body’s immune system, but Schneller has possibly found the “on button.”

Known by its lab identification number, WY3161 is a small molecule that has been tested on cells of green monkeys, also known as Sabaeus monkeys, and has shown to reverse the immune-blocking effects of the Ebola virus in those monkeys.

“The target is to block the process that Ebola uses to turn off the immune response,” Schneller said.

Chong Liu, researcher and assistant professor, received his master’s degree under Schellner’s supervision in 2008 and has been a part of the research team since.

“Through these years, we have been working as a team to design and synthesize small molecules to fight viral infec-

“

It will be contained.

It’s all about keeping the people who have it from interacting with anybody else.”

—Stewart Schneller

organic chemistry professor

tions, including Ebola, smallpox, yellow fever, Marburg, Rift Valley Fever and more,” Liu said.

The virus is contracted through contact with an infected animal.

Once infected, an individual can pass the virus on to other humans through the exchange of bodily fluid, such as blood or saliva.

Symptoms are flu-like and include headache, vomiting and internal hemorrhaging.

“What happens when it first starts is people don’t recognize it,” Schneller said. “Someone

» See ebola a2

Campus A2

The Auburn Plainsman

Thursday, August 28, 2014

DUI reports The following were arrested and charged with driving under the influence by the Auburn Police Division August 20 - 23: August 20 - Michael Jon Benak Jr., 21, of Auburn, at the 2300 block of Lee Road August 21 - Landon Andrew Levert, 23, of Tuskegee, at South College Street - William Blake Smith, 18, of Auburn, at Ham Wilson Arena 650 South Donahue Drive - William Wade Rackley, 26, of Auburn, at East University Drive and Kent Drive

An upset Dowdell supporter is escorted out of Auburn City Hall after an altercation with Clemon Byrd’s wife.

August 23 - Alexander Oldweller at Shug Jordan Parkway

election

- James Miller III at Opelika Road at Dekalb Street

worker crossed out the wrong name, but both individuals were registered to vote.

After the vote was announced at city hall, a female Dowdell supporter confronted Byrd’s wife and shouted at her.

The Dowdell supporter was removed from city hall by police, and Dowdell left with her.

Byrd said he was not surprised by Dowdell’s dispute of the election results.

“It won’t be the first time,” Byrd said, referring to Dowdell’s potential lawsuit.

“If he wants to file another one, let him go ahead and file another one. The facts are going to remain the same.”

Byrd said he was unaware of any voter fraud.

“I’d like to thank everyone for their support and I look forward to working with the students of Auburn,” Byrd said. “I’m

crime reports The following crimes were reported by the Auburn Police Division August 20 - 22.

August 20 - An arrest of second-degree criminal mischief (greater than $500 to $2500) at the 800 block of Bedell Avenue at 6:15 a.m.

- An arrest of theft from a residence at the 2000 block of East University Drive at 10:20 a.m.

- An arrest of first-degree robbery at the 600 block of Shug Jordan Parkway at 12:14 a.m.

- An arrest of theft from a residence at the 200 block of West Magnolia Avenue at 2:05 a.m.

- Shoplifting at the 1600 block of Opelika Road at 9: p.m.

August 21 - An arrest of identity theft and using false identity to obstruct justice at South College Street at 9:05 a.m.

- An arrest of permitting dogs to run at large at the 500 block of Hudson Terrace at 11:17 a.m.

- An arrest of third-degree property theft ($500 or less) at the 1700 block of South College Street at 5:19 p.m.

- An arrest of third-degree burglary at the 8000 block of Lightfoot Court at 6:14 p.m.

- An arrest of leaving the scene of an accident at the 600 block of South Donahue Drive at 12:58 a.m.

August 22 - An arrest of theft from a yard at the 100 block of Carter Street at 11:26 a.m.

- An arrest of third-degree property theft ($500 or less) at the 1300 block of Gatewood Drive 2:24 p.m.

- An arrest of third-degree assault at the 1700 block of South College Street at 3:39 p.m.

- An arrest of second-degree possession of a forged instrument at the 300 block of North Dean Road at 11 p.m.

- An arrest of first-degree criminal trespassing at the 200 block of Auburn Drive at 1:24 a.m.

–Reports provided by the Auburn Department of Public Safety

The Auburn Plainsman is hiring copy staff for the fall email editor@theplainsman.com for inquiries

raye may / photo editor

» From A1

toomer’s » From A1

“The rolling probably wouldn’t harm it, but since 2010, the trees have been lit on fire at least twice, after Georgia in 2010 and in 2013 after the Alabama-A&M game,” Keever said. “We have to have security and have education and make our fans aware that these trees are a valuable resource, and we need to protect them. That doesn’t mean that we can’t roll them eventually, we just have to recognize that they won’t be ready as soon as we put them in the ground.”

The previous Toomer’s trees were live Oaks, a non-native species common throughout the Southeast, but responsive to certain latitudes and climates, Keever said.

An adviser for the tree selection process, Keever said the committee narrowed its options to nursery-grown live oaks in central Georgia, South Carolina and near Birmingham, where the climate is most similar to Auburn’s.

Despite much speculation, the offspring of the original Toomer’s Oaks were elimi-

ebola » From A1

starts bleeding like that and they don’t really realize what it is. So they start trying to help, and pretty soon that person has it too.”

Schneller said he has dedicated the past 10 years of his life to anti-viral research.

Schneller also said his team is working directly with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and will publish the details of their work this month in “Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry.”

Testing is performed in Bio-

ready to roll up my sleeves and work hard for Ward 1.”

The biggest win margin of the night came in Ward 5.

Recently retired Wrights Mill Road Elementary principal Lynda Tremaine received 84 percent of the vote over incumbent Robin Kelley.

Kelley was running for his third term.

Tremaine has never served in politics before, but said she is confident she will make a smooth transition into office.

“I’ve got a lot to learn,” Tremaine said.

“I know I do.”

Tremaine said she feels like she is a quick learner, and like she has a foot in the door with understanding how the city is run.

A total of 886 people turned out for the Ward 5 elections, which was a higher turnout than Carolyn Carr, voter inspector for Wards 5 and 6, expected.

More than twice the amount of people

“

One of the great things that’s come out of this is the greater awareness of the importance of trees on this campus.”

—Gary Keever

Horticulture professor

nated from consideration early on.

“The Toomer’s seedlings that we looked at had not been grown well,” Keever said.

“The ones that we were able to locate Keever said. “The ones that we were able to locate were not nursery grown. Nursery-grown trees are pruned at a certain age so that they have a long, straight trunk.

You get the branching that you want, and the canopy will continue to grow. The quality just didn’t warrant being placed back up there.”

Dan King, associate vice president of Facilities Management and one of the restoration project leaders, said there was no

safety Laboratories (BSL). Viruses are ranked 1 to 4 based on how pathogenic the disease is. Ebola is level 4, so testing is done in a laboratory at Utah State University, which is equipped to handle infectious diseases.

“These viruses are under extreme protective conditions,” Schneller said. “Before we can do the testing, we have to be in contact with the NIH, who authorize us to send our compounds to laboratories. Once that’s done, we do the evaluations.”

Screening has been limited strictly to green monkey

voted in Ward 5 than any other wards with elections.

The closest election was between Beth Witten and Wendell McLain. Witten won with 55 percent of the vote.

“It was a roller coaster day,” Witten said.

“It was hot, it was breezy, it was nerve racking. Moments of not sure who is voting for who. Just knowing that all of our hard work has paid off is fantastic.”

While people were casting their ballots, McLain said the people of Ward 3 would be in good hands no matter who won.

“I think the ward will be in good shape,” McLain said after the results were announced. “Beth Witten will make a fine council person.”

In Ward 6, incumbent Dick Phelan won with 62 percent of the vote against Brad Donnelly.

“We’re not going to give up,” Dowdell said. “We’re going to file a lawsuit. We’re not done with this election.” update on the tree selection process yet.

King also said phase one was a good first step to restoring the historic Toomer’s Corner.

“I think the finished product looks great,” King said. “I think the quality of the workmanship is excellent. [Overall,] I think it was a success. We’re working on phase two and we’ll share that with campus when it get finalized, but I think phase one went well, and I think Auburn Nation will be pleased with phase two as well.”

King said the selection should take place during the 2014 fall semester, with the planting of the Oaks taking place in the spring.

The trees are expected to be planted on the corner by the start of the 2015 football season.

“One of the great things that’s come out of this is the greater awareness of the importance of trees on this campus,” Keever said. “The University is currently having a landscape master plan prepared, and it calls for greater tree protection measures.

I don’t know whether we could have gotten that beforehand. I think it’s because of the importance of trees.”

cells, but the NIH has asked Schneller’s team for an additional large quantity of WY3161 to begin animal testing, which could eventually lead to testing in humans.

“The NIH needs a considerably large amount of this to start testing in animals,” Schneller said. “We’ll have to see when the results come out, but you work your way from small roads to larger roads.”

Postdoctoral research associate Qi Chen said their job as researchers is like designing a key for the right lock for diseases caused by all viruses, including Ebola.

The 2014 Ebola outbreak in West Africa is the largest outbreak since the discovery of the virus in 1976.

However, Schneller said Ebola is possible to contain if the right medical infrastructures are put in place.

“It will be contained,” Schneller said. “I’m sure. It’s all about keeping the people who have it from interacting with anybody else.”

Schneller said there is nothing to worry about because the U.S. has things under control.

“We are prepared for any of these kinds of unusual outbreaks,” Schneller said.

Thursday, August 28, 2014

Campus A3

The Auburn Plainsman

Bilinguals emerging inside the classroom International students

Derek Herscovici Campus reporter

From kindergarten through high school, students learning English as a second language are usually separated in the classroom from native English speakers, but not by choice.

In a new program at Auburn University, teachers are developing curriculums designed to not only involve emerging and native English speakers together, but also instruct students in their primary language.

As immigrant populations continue to rise and the diversity of languages increases, Englishcentric curriculums are being questioned as limiting to, or not providing clear information for, English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) students.

While students will usually develop conversational English skills outside the classroom, their poor marks in school reflect on their inability to grasp new concepts taught to them in academic English, according to Jamie Harrison, associate professor of ESOL education.

Literacy and inquiry in the content areas, a graduate-level online course co-taught by professors Harrison and Vicki Cardullo, assigned both

professors and students exercises. The exercises were meant to make them think about teaching ESOL students and communicating the lessons in ways they can understand.

“We didn’t want to overload the student and make the content too difficult or too much, because it is basically two different contents: reading and English as a second language,” Cardullo said. “For the most part, really, there was nothing that showed students how to develop an ESL stance in order to effectively teach them how to teach the students. This is cutting-edge for us.”

Cardullo said attempting to prepare for every language is impossible.

Teaching ESOL students classroom skills and providing them with resources in their own native language is far more practical.

“If they’re reading about science, it might not be that they don’t understand the science content, it’s the language that they have to maneuver through to get to the content that is the problem,” said Kelly Hill, associate clinical professor of curriculum and teaching.

Hill said many teachers are not aware of the cause of their students learning delays.

“Many teachers don’t really know what to do

“

All teachers, when they graduate here, will have the foundational understandings to work with the students right when they hit the door.”

—Jamie Harrison

Associate professor of ESOL EDUCATION

to help them,” Hill said. “Many of them don’t realize that it’s not a cognitive issue, it’s a language issue.”

Hill, recent addition to the Auburn faculty, will be assuming Harrison’s co-teaching position in reading and inquiry.

Harrison will head fundamentals of language and literacy instruction this fall.

In the spring of 2015, both will present Auburn’s ESOL programs as part of a research panel on the reading development of bilingual students, hosted by ESOL Education in Ontario, Canada.

ESOL training at Auburn is already underway and in the process of expanding to all departments in the College of Curriculum and Teaching.

However, the programs do come with a price.

In order to accommodate the new program’s place in the curriculum, other classes had to be cut or merged.

“It was a departmental decision,” Cardullo said. “I think everyone on the faculty floor felt it was a hot topic looking in how we’re preparing our teachers to help prepare our students.”

Marti Dunaway, graduate student who took Harrison and Cardullo’s class over the summer, called the experience “eye-opening.”

“I had never even really thought about teaching kids English as a second language [before this class],” Dunaway said. “We all acquire language the same way, even if it’s a new language.

If an adult is learning English it’s the same as a 3year-old learning English.”

Both classes are filled to capacity.

“All teachers, when they graduate here, will have the foundational understandings to work with the students right when they hit the door,” Harrison said.

LITERATURE

New book by Auburn professors showcases different mammals in Alabama Brian Stultz Campus writer

A new book co-authored by two professors in Auburn’s biological science department will have people looking at Alabama’s wildlife from a new perspective.

Troy Best and the late Julian Dusi used more than 70 years of personal research and the findings of more than 100 scientists and graduate students to put together “Mammals of Alabama.”

“Mammals of Alabama” is a guidebook to the many different living and extinct species in Alabama.

“The book contains the information that Dr. Dusi and

I have gathered over our careers,” Best said.

Best’s research was not limited to Alabama, however.

“We also took information from research that was conducted in different parts of the country,” Best said.

Best said one of the reasons he wanted to publish the book was to inform the people of Alabama of their environment.

“It really documents part of their natural heritage,” Best said. “We are one of the most diverse states in some vertebrate groups.”

According to Best, this book is long overdue.

“It has been almost 100 years since a book has been

Kenny Moss / PHOTOGRAPHER

Troy Best and Julian Dusi are co-authors of a guidebook for mammals in Alabama.

done on mammals in Alabama,” Best said.

Best said including interesting points and stats about different mammals was one of his goals.

“I put it together to include interesting things, like the fact armadillos have four babies,” Best said.

According to Best, the book is filled with all the animal spe-

cies that have been recorded in the state.

Best said he also included some new ones.

“There are a couple of records that have never been reported, such as the North American deer mouse,” Best said.

John Lacoste, graduate student in biological science, is doing his thesis on the deer mouse.

“Last year, we had the first record of one species of the deer mouse in the state,” Lacoste said.

Best also included animals that do not exist anymore.

“We included some species that no longer occur in the state, like the red wolf and elk,”

Best said.

Jackson Moses, graduate student in biological sciences, said Best brings experience and expertise to his research.

“I don’t know what I would do without him,” Moses said.

“He is amazing at reading a draft of a research paper and turning it around in a hour or two.”

Best was also awarded the 2014 Joseph Grinnell Award by the American Society of Mammalogists in recognition of his research.

“I published this book because I am interested in mammals and I want to share that interest and enthusiasm with other people,” Best said.

1888 OgletreeRd. Auburn 826-1207

1017 Columbus Parkway Opelika 749-3528

600 Webster Road Auburn 821-9996

1650 Opelika Road Auburn 821-7835

2300 Gateway Drive Opelika 749-2309

1599 S. College Street Auburn 887-7460

1791 Shug Jordan Parkway Auburn 826-1716

334 W. Magnolia Avenue Auburn 826-2476

Campus A4

The Auburn Plainsman

Thursday, August 28, 2014

dining

New on-campus dining hall offers food and fun Nicole Fulkerson Campus Writer

The Cambridge at Auburn is now offering an on-campus, buffet-style dining option open to all Auburn students.

“The dining hall is similar to TigerZone in the Village,” said Sam Holt, Tiger Dining’s marketing manager.

The new dining hall will feature a salad bar, homestyle hot meals, grilled meats and vegetarian options.

Head chef John Halko plans to bring a variety of ethnic foods to the menu.

“I’ve been in the industry for almost 30 years now, so I know what people want to eat,” Halko said. “I want to incorporate ethnic foods like Thai, Indian, Mexican and Mediterranean.”

The menu will change daily and feature themed meals, such as breakfast for dinner or taco night.

“Because it’s buffet-style, we can change things out very simply,” said Glenn Loughridge, director of Campus Dining. “We have a better opportunity to change things up.”

The dining area and kitchen have received considerable upgrades, including new equipment, tables and faculty upgrades.

Loughridge said he is striving to make the dining experience at The Cambridge as great as any other on-campus dining location.

“We want to meet the standard of all other on-campus options,” Loughridge said. “If you’re assigned to live in The Cambridge, you should have the same experience as everyone else.”

The dining room includes televisions and a comfortable atmosphere for students to eat and relax.

“This is only the start,” Holt said. “We are planning on adding graphics and more lighting soon.”

“

We want to meet the standard of all other on-campus dining options.

If you’re assigned to live in The Cambridge, you should have the same experience everyone else does.”

—Glenn Loughridge

director of campus dining

Ayden Kish, freshman in physics, said he enjoys the convenience of living directly above the dining hall.

“The quality of food has gone up significantly, even in the past week,” Kish said. “The other night we had some really great roast beef.”

The new dining hall will not be serving breakfast.

“Breakfast is pretty much eaten at central campus locations, so we will not be serving a breakfast option,” Loughridge said. “It could cause the prices to go up in other places and we are trying to keep it even.”

Loughridge said he encourages students to try Cambridge Dining for dinner, even if they do not live on-campus.

“All students are welcome for dinner, not just Cambridge residents,” Loughridge said. “This can really benefit the students living in the apartments near by.”

Loughridge said he is excited to see what the future holds for The Cambridge.

“I will continue to work with students and faculty to provide the best dinner possible,” Loughridge said.

raye may / photo editor

The new dining hall will feature a menu that changes daily.

science

Applied behavior analysis lab promotes positive change Corey Williams Campus Editor

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is a branch of psychology used to change problematic behavior.

The Little H.A.P.I.E. (Helping Auburn Preschoolers by Intervening Early) Tree Preschool, located at Auburn Early Education Center, teaches skills that will prepare children for the rest of their lives.

The preschool’s purpose is to improve the lives of of children who fall on the autism spectrum or have other developmental disorders.

April Rapp, Little H.A.P.I.E. Tree Preschool’s program director, said the program uses ABA as a learning tool.

“We do careful analysis of how environmental events impact behavior, and then we use information about those environmental events to improve the behavior,” April said.

ABA requires close observation in order for it to be successful, according to April.

“We look at specific problem behaviors that are happening too much and we look at what environmental events might be contributing to that behavior,” April said. “We then try to alter those behaviors.”

The preschool also serves as a practicum-train-

ing site for undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students in ABA, special education, psychology and other related fields.

According to April, practicum students and volunteers gain knowledge and experience from The Little H.A.P.I.E. Tree Preschool.

“They come out and provide services to the students, and while they are here they are also gaining experience,” April said. “They are supervised by board certified behavior analysts. It helps them eventually get certified themselves.”

John Rapp, associate professor in the department of psychology, is April Rapp’s husband.

He is also the director of the University’s Applied Behavior Analysis Lab. John said ABA is used to teach new behaviors, not just change problem behaviors.

“Behavior analysis is really no one thing,” John said. “We will also try to expand the skill sets of individuals who may not be able to do what they should for a certain age.”

John said the Applied Behavior Psychology Lab offers a one-of-a-kind experience for students working toward a career in psychology.

“Undergraduates in the department of psychology get a chance to spend time in settings where we are actually implementing procedures that are consistent with applied behavior analysis,” John

said.

According to John, ABA can help people with a wide range of behavioral problems.

“The children at Little H.A.P.I.E. Tree display a number of, what we call, behavioral deficits,” John said. “For example, they may have limited communication skills and have trouble asking for things. They may also display repetitive behaviors, like body rocking. ABA has a set of specific procedures to help us deal with those problems.”

John said Little H.A.P.I.E. Tree Preschool uses multiple procedures to alter behaviors.

“There are several journals that are dedicated solely to evaluate procedures that are described as behavior analytic,” John said.

According to John, some of the procedures are more effective than others.

“We do a lot of things involving consequence manipulation,” John said. “If they do something positive, we make sure something good follows.

Conversely, if they continue to do something that they are not supposed to do, we make sure something not good follows.”

Sacha Pence, assistant professor in the department of psychology, is also involved with the Applied Behavior Analysis Lab. According to Pence, ABA can be used to improve anyone’s behavior, not just children with

“

Undergraduates in the department of psychology get a chance to spend time in settings where we are actually implementing procedures that are consistent with applied behavior analysis.”

—John Rapp

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR

disabilities.

“We do work mostly with children, but we do have a few adults who we do work with,” Pence said.

According to Pence, the Applied Behavior Pyschology Lab also works with children without developmental disabilities.

“A large number of the people we work with are diagnosed with autism or some other developmental disability,” Pence said. “However, we also work with children who are developing typically, but they have problem behaviors that needs to be corrected.”

student spotlight

From ‘The Hunger Games’ to the Plains: Mackenzie Lintz begins her freshman year Savannah Downey Campus Writer

Contributed by Mackenzie Lintz

Lintz grew up as an Auburn fan.

Actor Mackenzie Lintz, freshman in political science, has settled into Auburn University.

Lintz has appeared in “Drop Dead Diva,” “The Hunger Games” and, most recently, as Norrie Calvert-Hill in the CBS drama “Under the Dome,” based on the novel by Stephen King.

Lintz grew up attending Auburn football games and tennis matches with her family friend and current roommate, Brooke Shore, freshman in rehabilitation and disabilities studies.

“When she’d come to town for games we’d go to Mikata Steak House, wear matching cheer outfits and try on wigs at J&M,” Shore said.

Shore said Lintz’s career has not changed the way she views her friend.

“I don’t see her as an actress because I’ve known her for so long,” Shore said.

With her mother and siblings also working in acting, Lintz would divide her time between home and sets when not in school.

Lintz said she feels like Auburn is a home away from home.

“I feel like we always have a place to come back to in Auburn, even if you are away from home,” Lintz said. “It feels like you have people here that love and support you no matter what.”

After completing recruitment and her first week of classes at Auburn, Lintz said is excited about her future at Auburn.

“Recruitment was exhausting, but I could not have had a better first week at Auburn,” Lintz said.

Lintz said she imagined herself at Auburn as a child.

“I’ve always pictured myself here, though it almost feels like it’s not real,” Lintz said.

In addition to work experience, Lintz said she believes the skills she developed while acting will benefit her during her career at Auburn.

“As an actress I had to learn how to communicate and I think that will help me reach some of the aspirations I have for the next four years,” Lintz said.

Though she would enjoy acting after graduation, the profession is not the deciding factor in Lintz’s choice of major.

Lintz said she wants to branch out in her career after college.

“My job is my job.” Lintz said. “I do that all the time. I want to study something I’m interested in.”

Lintz worked on sets during her summers in high school.

She filmed the first two seasons of “Under the Dome” in the summer breaks of her junior and senior year.

Lintz said the long hours and fast pace of shooting on set were not easy, but the hard work paid off.

“Honestly, going through things that aren’t fun

all the time are worth it,” Lintz said.

Lintz said she has had to work for everything she has.

“You can’t have things handed to you,” Lintz said. “You have to work for them.”

According to Lintz, the outcome of spending time on set is the relationships that form among the cast and meeting famous costars.

“You end up being family and super close on and off set,” Lintz said. “Regardless of where we’re from, we band together to make our own family.”

Lintz described herself as “obnoxiously obsessed with football.” She said she would find herself more starstruck meeting Nick Marshall than Johnny Depp.

“When you’re an actress, it’s harder to get starstruck because you’re doing the same job,” Lintz said.

Lintz said she met Jennifer Lawrence while working on “The Hunger Games.”

Lintz said she has felt welcomed by the school, upperclassmen and faculty.

“I’ve wanted nothing more than to be a student here, and it’s exactly what I’d hoped it would be,” Lintz said.

Kyle Taylor, senior in art, said he saw Lintz on campus and recognized her from “Under the Dome.”

“It’s kind of cool there’s a celebrity on campus, but she seems like a typical student,” Taylor said.

Thursday, August 28, 2014

Campus A5

The Auburn Plainsman

PHARMACY

“

Students prescribe help to senior citizens Megan Barkdull Campus writer

Auburn University pharmacy students have helped Alabama seniors across counties with Medicare Part D enrollment.

The Alabama State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), began its partnership with Auburn pharmacy students last year under the guidance of Salisa Westrick, associate professor in the Harrison School of Pharmacy’s department of health outcomes research and policy.

The Alabama SHIP already has agencies set up to provide counseling to people seeking insurance advice.

“What they don’t have is the manpower to really go into the communities and provide better access to seniors,” Westrick said.

Receiving insurance advice has benefitted seniors, who may find the application process overwhelming.

“When we teach our students, at first, it can be confusing to them,” Westrick said.

“So you can imagine working with Medicare beneficiaries who may have limited computer literacy, limited health literacy and who may not have access to computers and Internet.”

Auburn pharmacy students are put through a certification process.

The process trains them in dealing with inputting patient information into the Medicare website and patient consultations.

Receiving proper insurance

It gave us exposure to the community and to see what kind of impact we have. It gave me experience in patient counseling.”

—Erin Mccreary

pharmacy studnet

advice can save patients hundreds of dollars.

“There was one lady in particular who was on more than 15 different medications and had such a low income she qualified for extra services,” said Erin McCreary, fourthyear pharmacy student.

“The extra services ended up saving her hundreds of dollars,” McCreary said.

Many patients do not realize they can re-evaluate their insurance every year to adjust for the different health needs of the year, Westrick said.

The adjustment could save them money, and it takes approximately twenty minutes.

McCreary felt the program benefitted pharmacy students as well.

“It gave us exposure to the community and to see what kind of impact we have,” McCreary said.

According to McCreary, she gained valuable experience through the program.

“It gave me experience in patient counseling,” McCreary said. “It’s also extremely rewarding. Not only were we

The Webster House of Auburn

able to help them with their plans, we were able to make recommendations to optimize their drug care.”

Elise Aucoin, third-year pharmacy student, is Auburn pharmacy student council president.

Aucoin agreed with McCreary.

“I feel like I’ve been able to help not only my patients that were in the program or who sought help through the program, but also patients who sought help through the school and my family members,” Aucoin said.

Last year, Auburn students assisted with 17 events in 11 cities.

This year there will be 10 events, Westrick said.

Two or three will happen in Mobile and the remaining events will occur around the Auburn area.

“There’s no one-size-fits-all insurance plan for patients,” Aucoin said. “They are individualized to fit the patient’s needs, as they should be.”

McCreary said it is important for senior citizens to understand the website.

“I would definitely recommend they go talk to their local pharmacists or doctor that can talk them through the website, because it is confusing,” McCreary said to insurance seekers who may not be able to make the events.

Westrick will be speaking to the pharmacy students about the program Sept. 19.

Open enrollment period for Medicare Part D begins Oct. 15.

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RELEASE DATE– Tuesday, September 2, 2014

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By The Mepham Group

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7 “Dear” advice hedgehog 51 Toll road 40 With suspicion giver 15 Up to the task 52 Mountain 42 Bologna’s land 8 Feeling poorly 16 Cambodia climber’s goal 43 Tin __: Model T 9 Celestial neighbor 54 Wrath 44 Parcel of land Seasonings 17 1971 road film 55 Sink feature 47 Sandler of offering co-starring 56 Sailor’s distress “Grown Ups” 10 Acid neutralizer James Taylor signal films 11 Company that’s 20 Cozy stopover “on your side” 21 Golfer McIlroy ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE: 12 Jordanian queen 22 Shaggy dowager 23 City SW of Bogotá 13 Catch sight of 24 Prefix meaning 18 Hall of Fame NFL “loving” coach Chuck 26 Treachery 19 Kick back 30 Church organ 23 Prompted features 24 Ring loudly 31 Two-masted 25 Partner of hems vessel 26 Unearth 32 “Do You Know 27 Big names at the the __ to San Met Jose?”

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Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in 53 Status of bold a borders) contains every digit 1 to 9.multiple For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, passport visit www.sudoku.org.uk. holder 57 Longfellow’s bell Solution townto last Sunday’s puzzle 58 Indian princess 59 R&B singer Sam 60 Flat-topped hill 61 Fencing weapon 62 County in SE England DOWN 1 Piedmont wine region 2 Cut with a Snapper, say 3 Shortly, to Shakespeare

© 2014 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency. All rights reserved.

By Kurt Mengel and Jan-Michele Gianette (c)2014 Tribune Content Agency, LLC 8/24/14

09/02/14

Opinion

A6

Thursday, August 28, 2014

ThePlainsman.com

Opinion

our view

HIS view

SGA puts the brakes on security

Jim Little Community@theplainsman. com

Topic: New security shuttle service

Avoid the ghost of your Internet past

Viewpoint: Just because the Sga says it’s an improvement doesn’t make it so Lately, the University seems like it’s in a constant state of change.

The new Wellness Kitchen and the Foy renovations are only the most recent examples of the many improvements made during the past several years.

Generally, these improvements do just that — improve the quality of campus life. A few of the improvements, however, have shown a complete lack of understanding of student life and what we actually need from the University.

Consider the recent changes in service for the Auburn Security Shuttle.

Until this semester, the Security Shuttle was the safest way to travel on campus and to downtown. Anyone who needed a safe ride on campus could count on the shuttle to get them home.

Unfortunately, the service’s reputation as the “drunk bus” had come to overshadow its true purpose. While possibly abused, the service itself was not flawed.

Ask any of the women who didn’t have to walk alone from downtown to the Village or the Hill at midnight, and they will tell you the shuttle service was fine as it was.

However, the SGA thought they could make the Security Shuttle better, but they did exactly the opposite.

According to Colonel Randal Cervosky, associate director of Public Safety and Security Services for the Auburn University department

It’s easy to forget sometimes that every move we make online is recorded and essentially kept forever.

Every drunk text, regrettable tweet and out of focus Instagram photo is sitting on servers in air conditioned rooms in nondescript office buildings all across the country.

Every time you agree to the terms of service of some new app or website, buried deep in the unreadable legalese is the permission for that company to collect and keep everything you do on their website.

Almost every website you go to leaves a file called a cookie behind that is designed to remember who you are and what you look at on the Internet, so that website can target advertisements to what you’re interested in.

College is a time for growing into adulthood.

That growth isn’t always easy or mistake free.

Students who went to school before Facebook, Twitter or Snapchat were allowed to forget about the dumb things they’ve done.

Today, students need to be vigilant to protect their online reputations.

Employers will search for you on Facebook, Twitter or whatever social media site may exist in the future.

Un-tagging or hiding a photo may prevent an employer from finding an embarrassing moment, but it is still online. A selfie never dies; it just gets buried in the news feed.

One tip to avoiding possible embarrassment is to know who you’re connecting with while using social media. Adding a friend on Facebook should be something to take more seriously.

Just because your tweets are protected doesn’t mean they’re private. A devious follower can easily copy and paste anything you tweet.

In fact, having protected tweets could be worse.

Anyone wanting to destroy your reputation could easily fake a retweet in your name, and if your tweets aren’t visible, people would have no way to tell what you really tweeted.

Trusting who you connect with online is important, but good security practices are equally important.

Having different passwords for different websites is the best way to protect your online information.

Society in the future may become, or will have to become, more forgiving of what our online youth shows the world. But until that day, we should guard what we post online and always remember: the Internet is forever.

charlotte kelly / graphics editor

of public safety, the SGA contacted the department and suggested improvements to the Security Shuttle in order to make it more efficient.

Now, people have to wait for a shuttle that has a route close to where they want to be dropped off.

This wait can take a long time, depending on how many shuttles are running on a given route.

Although these changes are only a few weeks old, it’s obvious they were poorly planned.

Whether a student is waiting for a shuttle to get home from the library or downtown, they should not have to worry about how long the wait will be and if they can catch a shuttle that will take them where they need to go.

These changes are a sign of the SGA’s ineptitude and show how detached they are from the realities of Auburn student life.

Perhaps they don’t realize the University has an obligation to keep us safe.

So it’s now up to us to remind them.

Call the department of public safety and complain; let them know how bad the new Security Shuttle is.

Call SGA and let them know we can do with-

question of the week: What do think of the new Security Shuttle?

It’s fine It’s terrible!

Vote online at ThePlainsman.com out their ideas on improving campus life.

SGA is supposed to represent students.

It’s supposed to act on our behalf, but anytime it implements changes like it has done with the Security Shuttle, it shows a complete disregard for our needs.

If the current SGA has similar improvements planned for the future, then the next elections can’t happen quick enough.

her view

Homemaking isn’t something to be ashamed of Kate Seckinger Intrigue@theplainsman. com

Young people go to college for many reasons, but most go in hope of finding themselves.

Even after graduation, some are still unsure about their calling in this chaotic world.

Fortunately for me, I knew my reason for living at the age of 4.

When I was little, I was often asked the timeless question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”

Smiling brightly, I’d hoist a baby doll up in the air like Simba, and chirp, “A mommy!”

Whoever asked would nod and smile about how cute I was.

Now, just 17 years later, I can no longer give a similar answer and receive a positive response.

My dream is to be a homemaker, and when people hear this, they ask, “Then why did you even go to college?”

To that, my answer is simple: everyone needs a way to support themselves if ever need be. I needed to see, after getting a taste of the workplace, if I’d have the same domestic desires.

I needed to see if this dream of mine was something I’d grow out of.

Three and a half years later, I’ve given academics my all. I snagged an internship at the fifth largest paper in New York this summer and was on the front page eight times. My work was distributed to more than 120,000 readers daily, but even so, I never caught the career bug that everyone else seems to possess.

After all this time, my heart is still the same.

Like any senior, I am frequently posed with questions about my future after I walk across the stage Dec. 13.

It’s easy to rattle off companies I could work for in my hometown of Albany, New York, but I can never give my real answer.

When asked, “What do you want to do with your life?” an answer like “be a mother” used to be adorable, but now it’s considered weird, childish and even stupid.

I quickly learned to bite my tongue after people raised their eyebrows in judgment and asked what was wrong with me.

My response to that? Absolutely nothing.

I know what I want to do with my life, but I’ve been made to feel like my dreams are socially unacceptable.

That is so, so wrong.

When I was in high school, peers would ridicule me for my stay at home desire.

“Hopefully you won’t be a disgrace to the fe-

male gender forever,” they’d jeer, or, “Just wait until you get to college. You’ll change.”

In just a few months, I’ll graduate with a degree in journalism, and I’m eager because I’d be content as a journalist.

I could have a successful career in the field, but even so, I know it’s not my passion.

My passion is to be a dedicated wife, mother and caretaker to my loved ones – and that’s OK. All our lives, we’re told to go for our dreams.

We’re told to “shoot for the moon because if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.”

But if we don’t have a “normal” moon to shoot for, we’re made to feel like there is something wrong with us.

To the men or women out there who feel their sole purpose is to take care of their family, know this: Being a homemaker is definitely something admirable to shoot for.

Sure, many can balance a high-powered career and a family, but I just don’t want to juggle them.

I might be alone here, and that’s fine with me. I just hope you won’t judge others if you hear them say, “I want to stay home with my children.”

It isn’t lazy, and it isn’t wasting your talents.

If it’s what you want to do, you should do it.

It’s what I want more than anything, and after 21 years of thinking it over, there isn’t a doubt in my mind.

The Editorial Board Becky Hardy Editor-in-Chief

Corey Williams campus

Raye May Photo

Maddie Yerant Managing Editor

Ashtyne Cole community

Kris Sims multimedia

Jordan Hays Copy

Eric Wallace Sports

Charlotte Kelly Graphics

Cat Watson Online

Ben Croomes Opinion

Kyle Nazario Intrigue

Submissions The Auburn Plainsman welcomes letters from students, as well as faculty, administrators, alumni and those not affiliated with the University.

Letters must be submitted before 4:30 p.m. on Monday for publication.

Letters must include the author’s name, address and phone number for verification, though the name of the author may be withheld upon request. Submission may be edited for grammar and/or length. Please submit no more than 400 words.

Policy The opinions of The Auburn Plainsman staff are restricted to these pages.

This editorial is the majority opinion of the Editorial Board and is the official opinion of the newspaper.

The opinions expressed in columns and letters represent the views and opinions of their individual authors.

These opinions do not necessarily reflect the Auburn University student body, faculty, administration or Board of Trustees.

LAST WEEK’S POLL RESULTS Have you been in a bad living situation at Auburn?

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30% No 7% I’m in one now

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Community Thursday, August 28, 2014

A7 ThePlainsman.com

Community

LOCALS

Downtown businesses prepare for gameday crowds to roll in Nickolaus Hines

Community Reporter

Cliff Hare and his wife Emily closed up shop at their business, Auburn Art, 40 minutes before kickoff Nov. 30.

They sprinted through downtown and across campus, making it to the stadium just in time to see the Iron Bowl begin. One second before the game ended, Chris Davis ran back a missed field goal 109 yards to give Auburn the win, 34-28.

Ready for the influx of business Cliff knew what was coming, he and his wife sprinted back to open the shop again.

After the success of last season, Cliff and other downtown businesses are preparing for another big year on The Plains.

“It turned out to be such an incredible year, we almost weren’t prepared for it,” Cliff said. “So this year we are trying our best to be prepared for anything and hope that we have a repeat of last year.”

City revenues see a notable spike during football season, according to Auburn Public Affairs director David Dorton.

Like the businesses, Auburn public safety officials are preparing to handle the traffic flow and influx of people brought in Saturdays. But the

preparations are more than just getting ready for money.

“Football season is not just economics,” Dorton said. “The whole community loves our football.”

In 2011, after Auburn won their second national championship, there was a big increase in business, said Aaron Kelley, assistant manager of 1716. This year, he is expecting the same thing.

17-16 has been stocking up on beer, liquor and ice, and making sure the employees are ready for game days this past week. They are also adding amenities to their renovated back bar area.

The investments in business return well, and Kelley estimates nearly half of their business comes from game days.

“During the offseason we’re pretty busy as well,” Kelley said. “But game days are just an extra bonus.”

In the back room of Auburn Art, paperwrapped rectangle packages and boxes crowd an already full storage room. Cliff is unloading more inventory, finding nooks and crannies for the art and memorabilia that will later be on the walls of Auburn fans.

Cliff is an Auburn businessman. He understands how important game days are for the stu-

UNIVERSITY

Nickolaus Hines / Community reporter

Auburn Art and other dowtown businesses count down the days until the busiest time of the year.

dents and fans, and how important the football season is for the local economy.

Despite the majority of the year’s income for downtown businesses coming from the end of August to the end of November, Cliff said many of the downtown businesses collaborate to give the Auburn Family prices they can all afford.

“We are in the mindset that we would rather everyone have art and enjoy it, rather than us make a killing off of everybody,” Cliff said. “I think that downtown contributes to that, and we do a lot of special things that you don’t see in other college towns. We have a special touch that we try and do for everybody.”

EXERCISE

Korean classes come to Auburn Rachel Davis

Community writer

The Auburn University King Sejong Institute is offering an eight-week, not-for-credit Korean language courses.

Each course costs $99. Students can choose between beginner and intermediate levels.

The courses will begin Oct. 13, the original starting date of the second semester. The first semester was cancelled because of low enrollment.

Eunhyun Park is the instructor for the classes. Park came from Keimyung University in Daegu, Korea, to teach Korean. Park is the first instructor from Keimyung University to come to the U.S. “I really love to teach Korean language and Korean culture to many people,” Park said. “I really, really like this job and that’s why I hope many, many people are interested in learning Korean.”

The beginner courses will focus on the Korean alphabet, numbers, grammar and short phrases, such as greetings.

Park said the intermediate course will be more like a supplemental beginner class.

Jennifer Mason, director of international initiatives, said if interest is high, advanced classes will be added. Mason said the increased Korean population in the Auburn area was a strong reason for offering the classes.

“Within about an hour’s drive of Auburn, we have more than 60 Korean companies operating here,” Mason said.

“That’s made a huge difference in the community landscape of the region. Being able to understand each other, not just in terms of language, but in cul-

contributed by Debbie bain

Paddleboarding classes will be from Aug. 25 - Oct. 12.

Kenny Moss / photographer

Language courses begin Oct. 13 and are $99 per course.

ture and those kinds of things, we thought was important.”

The course was first offered last fall. Students included people working at Korean companies, community members interested in Korean and University students.

“We’ve had Auburn students who are interested in taking the for-credit courses, and this is an easy introduction that’s not going to affect your GPA, in case it’s a little more difficult than you were expecting,” Mason said.

Lourdes Betanzos, undergraduate advisor for global cultures, said offering Korean classes was a logical choice.

“I think, especially with our University being between two very large Korean manufacturing companies, it’s kind of an obvious thing, and a logical choice to make for our students,” Betanzos said. “I think as long as we can continue to collaborate with the Korea center here on campus we should be able to continue offering classes.”

Park also teaches for-cred-

it Korean courses through the University. Last year, the department of foreign languages received approval from the University Curriculum Committee for the elementary Korean sequence.

This semester, enrollment in the elementary class reached capacity.

“Sometimes I think we’re at a disadvantage because, here in the South, the Korean community is still somewhat new,” Mason said. “When we think about language, we think a lot about Spanish, about Latin American culture because that has been part of our community for a long time. When someone’s thinking ‘I want to learn a new language. What do I go with?’ Spanish is the first thing that pops into your head. It’s the most reasonable answer.

Korean is becoming more and more important in our region and beyond to the U.S. with the relationships there.”

For more information, visit the Korea Center’s website or email Eunhyun Park at ezp0008@auburn.edu.

Chewacla steps up to paddleboarding Kailey Miller

COmmunity Writer

A new workout trend has been spreading across the country, and now it has floated its way to Auburn.

Stand-up paddleboarding is now being offered at Chewacla State Park.

Lori Fuller, stand-up paddleboarding instructor, created a partnership with Mountain High Outfitters where participants can rent boards for each class.

Fuller said the first time she tried stand-up paddleboarding, she was hooked.

“When I fall in love with something, I’m the kind of person that wants to share it with the world and my friends,” Fuller said.

Amanda White, stand-up paddleboard instructor, said the instructors will offer a fitness boot camp class that involves interval training, using push-ups, sit-ups and yoga to focus on balance.

The instructors went through a training period before they started teaching.

“We did an intensive weekend certification, so it was about 24 hours over a three day span where we just were very intense with the technique itself, the way that your body works on a paddleboard and the different benefits of doing workouts,” White said.

Classes will be from Aug. 25- Oct. 12. Fuller said they are trying to locate an indoor pool where they can have the classes during the colder months, starting in January.

“When you get to an indoor pool, you anchor down,” Fuller said. “Or you can also tie on to

the swim ropes so your board isn’t hitting on the side of the pool or endangering you in any way.”

Fuller said stand-up paddleboarding is the fastest growing water sport in the country, possibly the world.

“It’s not just something people are doing in beach towns or lake towns,” Fuller said.

Dell Banks, park manager, said there has been interest for classes such as these, and participants who rent a paddleboard from Mountain High Outfitters will have a place to store it at the park.

“People are coming out here,” Banks said.

“They’re paying their entrance fee, it’s just like normal and they’re using the lake to do their classes.”

The park fee is included in the $20 cost for a paddleboard rental and class. Classes are $15 per class if participants bring their own paddleboard.

The instructors recommend participants make reservations 12 hours before the class, so they can have the correct amount of boards.

“Stand-up paddleboarding in general is a much more beneficial workout because it requires more core,” White said. “When you’re doing things, you’re activating muscles and you’re using the stability muscles that you normally wouldn’t be able to get.”

Although there are not different level classes, they do accommodate different skill levels.

“It can help a basic beginner who’s never been on a paddleboard and it can also help athletes improve on their stability and working on those inner muscles that really wrap around your organs and keep those in place,” White said.

CITY PROGRESS

Local businesses anticipate end of Frederick Road construction project Nickolaus Hines

Community Reporter

Construction on Frederick Road between Sam’s Club and Tiger Town has been going on since February 2013 and is expected to be completed by early 2015.

“I would say if we are completely done by Christmas, everybody will be pleased,” said Opelika City engineer Scott Parker. “That’s our goal. That’s not the real date.”

After completion, Frederick Road will be five lanes across: two each way and a center turn lane.

There will also be a bike lane and a sidewalk built near the Shops at Midtown.

Money for the project comes from the City of Opelika and

the Alabama Department of Transportation.

The City is contracting Robinson Paving Company out of Columbus, Georgia.

Originally, the estimated completion date was October 2014.

Weather and underground utilities are the two main reasons for delayed construction, according to Parker.

Casey Waid, who opened and has owned Play It Again Sports since December 2011, said the construction hurt business the most last October, when the road was cut down to one lane.

“At this time in 2013 to the end of September, I was up 35 percent over 2012,” Waid said.

“So I went from being up 35

nickolaus hines / community reporter

The road is expected to be completed by early 2015.

percent on average to being down 25 percent in October.

It was a 60 point swing in the negative direction.”

The construction and use of only one lane lowered the

amount of walk-in traffic to the area, according to Waid.

During that time, traveling the length of Frederick Road could take up to 45 minutes, and Waid would see posts on

Facebook to avoid the road.

“It seems like, for the most part, a good number of people still avoid it and are going to avoid it until the construction is done,” Waid said.

When Kandy Russell opened Smallcakes: A Cupcakery in the Shops at Midtown in September 2013, she was thinking of the long term.

“I feel like four lanes with a turn lane in the middle will be worth it,” Russell said.

With walking traffic down during construction, Waid has resorted to guerilla marketing tactics.

A few months before construction began, Waid started Auburn Opelika Specials.

The site’s Facebook and Twitter accounts advertise spe-

cials in the area to help local businesses.

“Every business here has been affected,” Waid said.

“They all experienced a big drop off in business when the road started, and I think there is some sense of unity in there.”

Once construction is complete, both Russell and Waid see Frederick Road becoming a gateway between the two cities, much like Opelika Road.

Until then, Russell informs people that the construction is not as bad as before.

“It’s not something you should go ‘I am not going that way,’ or ‘it’s not worth it,’” Russell said. “It’s not that bad.

It looks worse than it is with all those orange barrels sitting everywhere.”

Community A8

The Auburn Plainsman

Thursday, August 28, 2014

BUSINESS

Cramped Kroger under construction to expand store Jim Little

Community Writer

The Kroger grocery store at the corner of East Glenn Avenue and North Dean Road will be expanded by 29,000 square feet during the renovation of the Corner Village Shopping Center.

Vicky LLC, that owns the Corner Village Shopping Center, is undertaking the $8.8 million renovation.

Trees will be added to the parking lot and a brick façade will be added, according to documents filed with Auburn City Council.

Glynn Jenkins, director of communications and public relations for Kroger’s Atlanta division, expects the project to bring in 85-100 additional jobs.

Additions to the Kroger will include a Starbucks along with other amenities.

Contributed by Auburn City Council

The expanded Kroger is expected to be complete in December 2015.

“The multimillion dollar investment will include new décor, upscale elements in service departments, expanded grocery department, Murray’s Cheese, Starbucks, an expanded bakery and deli, new service meat and service seafood, su-

shi island and an expanded natural foods department,” Jenkins said.

Auburn will provide sales tax rebates to Vicky LLC of up to $85,000 yearly over the next 10 years, capping at $850,000, according to an ordi-

nance passed by the City Council.

Construction has already started on a new building that will house surrounding businesses displaced by the Kroger expansion.

New China restaurant will be among the displaced businesses.

“We’ve worked from this location for 20 years,” said Qi Jian Ding, owner of New China. “It’s sad, but I will be excited to be in a new place.”

The cost for the move will be compensated with free rent at the new location.

After that period, rent will be going up, according to Qi. “We’re happy about the new building, but not happy about the higher rent.” Qi said.

Construction is expected to be completed by December 2015, according to Jenkins.

BUSINESS

The Opelika art scene gets an updated Southern style Nickolaus Hines

Community Reporter

Living in New York City and working with a non-profit group, Opelika artist RC Hagans was absorbing the music, the art and the theater that helped make New York City famous.

He also commuted, because he was not getting paid enough and living in a small apartment with roommates who didn’t like the smell of his oil and aerosol paints.

Hagans left his hometown because he thought he wasn’t going to be able to create as much artwork.

Other local artists seemed territorial, and there were only a few small art shows throughout the year. When he returned to Opelika in 2012, he entered a different town.

Opelika has rebranded its image in the past five years through its vibrant and historic downtown. New businesses and new opportunities have drawn creative-minded people into the area to express their distinct Southern style.

“I almost feel bad,” Hagans said. “I feel like I hadn’t given enough credit to the people around here. They are more open than people think. I can see

this area really becoming a Mecca.”

Art, coffee and music lovers packed into The Overall Company on Aug. 9 for the second annual Southern Revelry.

They saw a taste of Southern style that can be hard to put into words, but is helping turn Opelika into the Mecca Hagans envisions.

“Southern style is almost one of those intangible things,” Hagans said.

“There’s a cynicism and an optimism to it that is blatantly Southern that you can’t fake and you can’t reproduce.

You have to be from down here to produce it, and you have to be from down here to understand it.”

Two blocks down the street from The Overall Company, Phillip Preston sits at his desk in the historic Opelika Depot. Preston is the director of the Arts Association of East Alabama, and works on a full-page newspaper advertisement for an upcoming show.

The organization is celebrating their 50th anniversary February, and the 28th year of hosting music, theater and dance shows.

Preston has been living in Opelika since the 1970s, and has seen the

changes Hagans observed when he returned from New York.

“There’s a new sense of place, I think,” Preston said. “In a sense, there’s a feeling of happening around here that’s been missing for a while.”

Like The Overall Company, the Opelika Depot is a restored building.

Originally built in 1922 as a waiting room for incoming train passengers, it now serves as the feature gallery exhibit space welcoming visitors to the Arts Association office.

“It’s fun seeing the minds change over time and see another generation willing to try some things nobody else would have thought could possibly work,” Preston said. “There’s cultural foundation to it and a pride in things that are Southern. It’s being entrepreneurial about Southern-ness, and a generation that’s taking that and doing things with it that wouldn’t have occurred to anybody else ten years ago.”

Hagans’ art is helping to define Opelika’s younger generation and give them direction. He encouraged anyone interested in getting involved with the arts to talk to him A giant fox and Notorious B.I.G.

Nickolaus Hines / Community Reporter

RC Hagans returned to Opelika to rebrand his image with a new business and new style.

grace the walls behind The Overall Company in a blend of Southern and New York urban street art. The Color Room above the coffee shop is a redbrick and white wall gallery featuring

large and small pieces.

A new generation of artists have come to Opelika, and with the rise of the local art scene, it looks like it is here to stay.

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* Buy a qualifying Mac and receive a $100 App Store Gift Card, or buy a qualifying iPad and receive a $50 App Store Gift Card. The Mac or iPad must be purchased from a participating Apple Authorized Campus Store from July 1, 2014, through September 9, 2014.

Purchaser must be eligible for Apple Education Individual Pricing;Mac App Store, the iTunes Store, the App Store, and the iBooks Store. If the Mac or iPad is returned, your refund may be reduced by the full amount of the App Store Gift Card. Terms and conditions apply. Visit www.apple.com/promo for full details. The Mac App Store, the iTunes Store, the App Store, and the iBooks Store are available only to persons age 13 or older in the U.S.TM and © 2014 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. L532722A-en_US

Intrigue

A9

Thursday, August 28, 2014

ThePlainsman.com

Intrigue

sustainability

Auburn named most eco-friendly campus in Alabama

Kate Seckinger Intrigue Reporter

Auburn University was recently named themost eco-friendly campus in the state by College Prowler, which gave the institution an 8.6 out of 10 for its sustainable facilities and initiatives.

Each of the greenest campuses is working toward a better environment and future, according to ecollegefinder.org.

Mike Kensler, director of the Office of Sustainability, said that’s exactly what Auburn has been striving for.

“Auburn had a big head start in sustainability, and our commitment is very comprehensive,” Kensler said. “Around 10 years ago, dean Henton of the College of Human Sciences and dean Bennett of the College of Architecture advocated that we embrace sustainability, and since then, a lot of people have become involved.”

Beside its recent title, Kensler said the Princeton Review has recognized Auburn for the past four years as one of the top 300 greenest campuses in the nation.

“Many people think sustainability is just about clean eating and the environment, but it’s not,” Kensler said. “We have a compass that shows how sustainability is about nature, society, the economy and our well-being. There’s not a major on campus that doesn’t have an impact on a sustainable environment.”

Along with the being one of the greenest universities, Auburn is also the only college in the state to offer a minor in sustainability.

Nanette Chadwick, director of Academic Sustainability Programs, oversees the minor.

“It’s wonderful that Auburn is making great strides and is a leader in Alabama on environmental issues,” Chadwick said. “This means we’ll be able to recruit more students who are interested in these issues, which can equip students to deal with the challenges humanity will face in the next century.”

Chadwick said she is excited about Auburn’s success and eager to progress.

“Auburn has achieved this ranking by incorporating sustainability into our strategic plan by having a climate action plan to work toward a zero carbon footprint,” Chadwick said. “We are beginning to educate our students to address the complex environmental, social and economic changes their generation will face.”

Others are eager to continue making prog-

“

I want others to realize that the golden rule applies to more than just people.

Everything we do has an impact on the natural world.”

—Garrett Kizer

president of the environmental awareness association

ress toward a more sustainable future.

“We’re the greenest in the state of Alabama, but there are still several schools ahead of us that are closer to that perfect 10,” Kensler said.

“We’ve done a great job, but we have a long way to go.”

Garrett Kizer, junior in English and political science, sees the importance of caring for the environment and raising awareness for sustainable issues, even with a hectic schedule.

“I want others to realize that the golden rule applies to more than just people,” Kizer said.

“Everything we do has an impact on the natural world.”

Kizer still makes time to be the president of the Environmental Awareness Assocation on campus despite his double major.

“Environmentalism is a passion for me,” Kizer said. “It’s important to merge the gap between environmental and social justice and make others realize that anyone can do it.”

Any student, faculty or staff member can make a difference, according to Kizer.

“Sustainability isn’t just for those in the minor,” Kizer said.

Kizer said he believes if the Auburn Family can join together in the Auburn spirit, it can join together in being green.

“People often stereotype conservatives as not caring about the environment, and Auburn rates high on the conservative scale,” Kizer said. “Our accomplishments go to show that this is a nonpartisan issue.”

Kensler said he sees environmentalism as something everyone in Auburn can agree on.

“The end of the Auburn Creed states, ‘I believe in Auburn and love it,’” Kensler said. “So if we love it, we should act like it. We need to put our words into practice and look after the future generations who will come after us.”

contributed by alan atkisson

TRADITIONS

Luke popwell / photographer

New traditions take root at rebuilt Toomer’s Corner The new Toomer’s Corner underwent construction after the oaks were removed last year.

Lindsey Raygan Intrigue Writer

What was meant to tear the Auburn Family apart has brought it closer together. Although they were poisoned in the fall of 2010, the legacy of the Toomer’s Oaks lives on.

An estimated 15,000 members of the Auburn Family gathered for one last roll of the trees and watched the oaks’ uprooting April 23, 2013.

Mayor Bill Ham, who has served the City of Auburn for 16 years, said he considers the last rolling of the oaks to be one of the highlights of his time in office.

“The trees, when and where they were, were symbolic of the deep roots and ties between the people of Auburn and Auburn University,” Ham said. “They were symbolic of the Auburn spirit.”

Rather than dwelling on the loss of such a large piece of Auburn’s history, Ham said he looks forward to what the future will bring.

“I felt much different than I thought I would,”

Ham said. “I felt like it was the end of an era and the beginning of new Auburn history.”

The first phase of the construction, where the oaks once stood, is complete, but there is more work to be done. Plans have been made to plant new trees next year, which will take time to grow until they are ready to be rolled. Until the new corner is completed, the wires over Toomer’s Corner will continue to be rolled after each sporting victory.

In addition to the new trees being planted, the city is working to improve the Toomer’s Corner intersection to better represent the connection between Auburn as a town and a university.

Ham said there is no question as to whether the death and removal of the oaks brought the Auburn Family closer together. He expects members of the Auburn Family to fall in love with the new corner.

“The mindset was to open it up and let more people gather there,” Ham said. “I think more and more people will utilize and gather in the

space.”

Molly Foster, 1999 graduate, has lived in Auburn all her life.

“When you think of Auburn, you think of Toomer’s [Corner],” Foster said. “That’s just the symbol that surrounds Auburn history.”

Foster said she has many joyful memories of Toomer’s Corner and the oak trees from when she was young and enjoys letting her own children make some of their own at the historic site.

Foster compares the Toomer’s Oaks to a roof the Auburn Family lives under together and said she believes the Auburn traditions will stay the same, even though the oaks are gone.

“Obviously, change is difficult, but once it’s done, everyone’s still going to go to the same spot,” Foster said. “The spirit will be the same.”

Ron Anders has served the Auburn community for approximately two years as a city councilmember representing Ward 2 and shares the belief the Auburn spirit remains strong. Anders said he is proud to represent the City of Auburn

because of its tradition and spirit.

“The spirit of Auburn is in people’s hearts,” Anders said.

According to Anders, it will be the experiences that take place at Toomer’s Corner that will further unify the Auburn Family, not Toomer’s Corner itself.

“It is a diversified place,” Anders said. “Auburn people are going to have even more happy moments.”

Rebecca Carter, junior in nursing, is one of the people who will make new memories where the oaks once stood and watched them be removed.

“There is nothing more bonding than catching toilet paper from one Auburn fan and giving it to another,” Carter said.

Carter said she understands the removal of the oaks was necessary and is excited to see the new Toomer’s Corner when it is completed.

Carter said she will miss the oaks, but is expecting great things to come.

Intrigue A10

The Auburn Plainsman

student Spotlight

Miss Auburn discusses plans for future Kate Seckinger Intrigue Reporter

When Meg McGuffin walks across campus, she smiles and glows just as much as the day she was crowned Miss Auburn 2014. As a senior in media studies, McGuffin said she is eager for her final year at Auburn and to serve the community she loves. Kissing Aubie goodbye will be difficult next spring, but the accomplished student, dancer and pageant contestant of Ozark said she is ready for the next chapter and to follow her dreams.

contributed by meg mcguffin

Meg McGuffin looks at her reflection during the Miss Phenix pageant.

What made you choose Auburn in the first place?

Well, I had a scholarship here, and my mom also went here. She was in my sorority, Phi Mu. It’s so funny, because when I first got to Auburn, I didn’t want to be in her sorority. Growing up, my mother told me how as a Phi Mu, they were the party girls that the boys liked. I didn’t want that sorority because I didn’t want to be like that. Then I went through rush and I really loved the girls and they weren’t like that at all.

I know you’re heavily into pageants. Have you been doing them from a young age?

Yes, I started when I was 6. I used to watch Miss America all the time with my mom, and I told her I wanted to do one. I dreamed of getting on stage in heels and the dress, and she said, “OK.” I absolutely loved it. I would do them every weekend, and I didn’t care if I won or lost. It was so, so fun for me.

Was it natural for you to want to be Miss Auburn?

I got really heavy into dance and I actually stopped doing pageants for a while. But when I found out that pageants could pay for my college, that was very appealing to me. I got involved when I was in high school, and I was Miss Alabama’s Outstanding Teen when I was 14, which completely paid for my education here at Auburn. I won my first year competing. Everyone was pretty astonished that a 14-year-old won, but it was a huge weight off my mother’s shoulders to know that my college was paid for. Then when I got to college, of course I wanted to be Miss Auburn University! How could I not want to represent my school?

contributed by meg mcguffin

Meg McGuffin is crowned Miss Phenix.

Thursday, August 28, 2014

What did it feel like when you were

crowned Miss Auburn?

I was so excited to represent Auburn because I competed for the title for three years. Each year, I went into it with a different mindset. In my third year, I just showed my heart and how I loved Auburn. That was something I couldn’t show my freshman year after I’d only been here a year. You just fall in love with this campus, and so it was such a relief to be able to represent what I love.

away.

What are your pageant plans from here on out?

When I finally won Miss AU, I went to Miss Alabama. I didn’t win, but it gave me that bug to do it again. I went on to be Miss Phenix City in July, so I get to go back to compete in Miss Alabama next June.

What’s your personal platform when you compete in pageants?

My personal platform is “healthy is the new skinny” to promote a positive body image. Growing up a dancer, you look at yourself in a mirror for countless hours per day. When you’re going through puberty, you don’t understand how everyone is built differently. I’m the president of Aubie EDA [Auburn University Body Image Education & Eating Disorders Awareness], and I’ve been fortunate enough to plan several events to promote this idea. As Miss Phenix City, I want to take this into the high schools. That’s the place that girls start to realize they’re not all built the same and are having negative thoughts about their bodies. As Miss Alabama, I’d love to take this statewide and implement “love your body” week in all the public schools in the state.

Is winning Miss Alabama your ultimate dream?

I would love to be Miss Alabama. It’s all about the scholarship money for me.

If I do decide to go to graduate school, it’s not going to pay for itself. Miss Alabama would be a wonderful way to get there. So many people think that the Miss America Organization is a beauty contest, and that’s not what it is by any means. It’s about your community service, your talent, intellect and how well -spoken you are. Your beauty is a very miniscule part in all of it. That’s a big misconception that I’m often defending.

You mentioned your special talent is dance. Can you tell me about that?

I trained for 18 years in ballet, pointe, jazz, tap and everything. I was in a preprofessional ballet company for six or seven years. Dance is a huge part of my life, and now it’s helping me pay for my college. I absolutely love it.

If you don’t win Miss Alabama this year, do you plan on trying until the maximum age of 24?

It depends where I am in my career and in life. It’s a lot of work and you have to work on your body all the time, watch the news for hours on end and do a ton of community service. It’s extremely time consuming. Of course it’s my dream, and what better time is there than right now? But getting a job after I graduate or after I’m 24 will determine how long I compete. If I don’t have the means to go to Mississippi State for grad school, then I’ll put it on the back burner and try to get a job as a reporter right

charity

What advice would you give to girls who are interested in pageants?

Just be yourself. It’s not as bad or intimidating as you think it is. You don’t need a walking coach. Just put one foot in front of the other. People always ask me if I have a walking coach, and I’m like, “No, I just walk.” That’s all there is to it.

A lot of girls dream about getting as far as you have in your many accomplishments. What advice would you give to those who dream of following the same path?

It sounds so cliché, but being yourself is so valuable. To try and conform to what you’re supposed to be and your societal values doesn’t work. I’ve struggled with not conforming to what society says we should believe. Be who you are and love it. Embody it. Show the world exactly who you are. That’s what I’ve done, and it’s worked out just fine. You don’t have to be what you think Miss America is.

What advice would you give to the freshmen who are just starting their journey here?

I was a Camp War Eagle counselor in 2013, so I’ve had a lot of time with freshmen. My advice to them would be to take advantage of everything. Do really spontaneous things. Take advantage of it, because this is the only time in your life when that’s acceptable. Just be spontaneous, and take advantage of everything.

opinion

The art and terror of language Becky Sheehan intrigue@ theplainsman.com

contributed by orfana

Birmingham-based company Orfana donates all profits to orphans across the world.

Orfana shoes keep orphans off the streets Lindsey Raygan Intrigue writer

There are approximately 210 million orphans in the world today in some kind of care, while others are living in the streets or victims of human trafficking.

Orfana is a company whose purpose is as big as its heart. By creating and selling a variety of products, including eco-friendly sandals, the company maintains an orphanage in India.

Two Birmingham natives founded Orfana in May 2014 to help humans. Orfana donates 100 percent of its corporate profits to orphans across the world.

The company partners with Mercy Mission to provide help to Andrah Pradesh, a boys’ dormitory in India.

The house has room for 30 boys to sleep comfortably, but is housing 60.

They have to sleep on the floor or with multiple boys to a bed.

The funds raised by Orfana add sleeping space for the boys who call Andrah Pradesh home.

Jennifer Page, vice president and co-founder of Orfana, had an idea to raise money by selling shoes after seeing a bumper sticker while driving.

She declined to say what the sticker said.

“Through a lot of praying and talking, God showed us that [caring for]

orphans was where he wanted us,” Page said.

After working with children, Page has seen the misfortunes that orphans go through, for example, aging out of facilities and living on the streets.

There are approximately 38,000 children who age out of facilities with 60 percent of girls ending up in prostitution, 70 percent of boys committing crimes and 10-15 percent committing suicide.

Orfana works only with orphanages without an age limit.

“They have to have a system in place to let them transition into society, like we do with our own children,” Page said.

According to Page, the shoes, necklaces, bags and other products that Orfana offers are targeted toward to 18 to 25-year-olds, with an emphasis on college students.

“Sales are good, but yes, we’d like them to be better,” Page said. “Our goal is to make as much money and give it all away.”

Page said there is a running list of possible partners to work with in the future. She also said to expect new Orfana products within the next four to six weeks.

Ali May, junior in pre-vet, is the Auburn University representative for Orfana. After hearing about it, she was immediately interested because

of the heart behind the company.

“I just loved their whole purpose and thought Auburn would be a great place to share it,” May said.

May spreads awareness of Orfana and gets more students involved through word of mouth and promoting the products.

“I hope more people hear about the issues and grow a heart for kids,” May said. “Before I heard, I had no idea.”

May said she is thankful for the opportunity to introduce Orfana to Auburn’s campus and sell more products.

“It makes me respect the school and college students as a whole,” May said. “It’s an honor that I am involved and to be able to see it grow and have an impact.”

Danielle Bailey, sophomore in entrepreneurship and family business, owns a pair of Orfana sandals.

“I just love the idea behind it,” Bailey said. “You are making a difference in a child’s life.”

Bailey heard about Orfana from May and said she plans on buying more products in the future.

“College students tend to live in a selfish bubble during these years,” Bailey said. “I think it’s awesome because it is making us aware of this stuff.”

Bailey encouraged students to look into Orfana products.

The cursor blinks in front of me.

The blank page looms below me, a white cliff, a plummet, an inarguable icy decline.

Wanting from words. Words imperfectly penned. Words not jotted down. Words wild and coarse.

The kind of words a journalist chokes on and replaces with more curt, precise utterances.

The kind of words that reveal what luminous beings writers are.

Words that lilt and loft and wane and wound.

The words rolling in my head are vulnerable, knocking knees and biting fingernails.

They tell the truth. They expose.

They reveal the craggy deterioration of my health and happiness. They flout the rules about confessional writing. They throw my reputation under the bus.

And they skyrocket from my fingers: mental illness, treatment, medication, self-worth, denial, hunger, fear, depression, loss, exhaustion, anorexia.

In March, my life lay crumpled at my feet. The words expired from my lips. Convention and decorum call for a graceful exit, but my brain was alight. Angry, frightened unspoken words corroded the soft walls of my throat.

A fear of language was foreign to me. My formless enemy was an arching shadow of what the truth could reveal if spoken.

Our life in language brings us to the brink. We experience the power of words in heightened moments— where “anger” won’t do, we swap in “fury,” “ire” or “rage.”

I felt if I spoke my story into existence, it would run away without

me.

Were I to say “eating disorder treatment” instead of “taking time off,” I feared my world would turn slave to the indelicate phrasing.

For two weeks at the beginning of treatment in Birmingham, I kept my mouth shut—again, as if naming my struggle would flesh it out before me too huge and ungodly to control.

But I listened.

The people around me were expressing themselves in all the eloquence of snotty-nosed sobbing, red-faced laughter and familiar embraces. They looked at me and spoke in direct, exacting words, or sometimes in long verbal meanderings.

They wielded language as a weapon for their recovery, and begged me to do the same.

And one day it clicked.

The fear my unspoken story was holding more power over me than the words themselves.

The unsaid words were pleading to be set free.

Once spoken into the air, they did not grow into monsters or fizzle out.

Instead, they bloomed.

The pain it took to speak was soothed with the warmth of connection with my peers and the remembrance that words can heal.

There is comfort in language as much as there is fear.

Sometimes it takes being frightened by the truth to realize the growth that lies just on the other side.

While I’m unsure about my future with The Plainsman, my life in writing—in speaking the unspeakable, in being truthful no matter the consequences—stretches before me.

I wish you all things good, glowing and golden, but I also wish you moments of wordless astonishment, frustration and confusion.

I wish you breathless realizations, fear and fuming anger—moments that push you to the brink and the spoken truths that bring you back.

Thursday, August 28, 2014

Intrigue A11

The Auburn Plainsman

TWEETS OF THE WEEK

arts

Check out what’s happening on Twitter feeds across Auburn! @lindsaywarden Is it bad that my first thought when waking up is ‘I need a diet coke’? @sarawakefield It’s always fun when Netflix recommends what looks like a cute little love story & ends up being the most upsetting movie to ever exist @bobby_barkley The Democrat Party is more likely to have its National Convention in the state of Alabama before Bert will actually beat it. #ArkyHateWeek @ChristianParke Arkansas has a relatively strong showing on twitter, especially since 80% of their state can’t read #ArkyHateWeek emily enfinger / assistant photo editor

See something print-worthy or amusing on your Twitter feed? Let us know @TheAUPlainsman.

Poets perform for Third Thursday event Featured poet Chris Sanchez, senior in creative writing, reads his poem for the Third Thursday poetry reading.

G rayson Temple Intrigue Writer

On the third Thursday of every month, students gather in The Café at the Jules Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art, on South College Street. They listen to poets from around Auburn present their work. This is Third Thursday, a poetry series for the Auburn community.

The Third Thursday poetry series occurs monthly from Aug. 21 to next May at 7 p.m. The Café is a thin room lined with booths and filled with white, wooden chairs for listeners.

After the conclusion of the first Third Thursday, Keetje Kuipers, creative writing professor and poet in charge of this event, described it.

“Third Thursday always starts with an open mic,” Kuipers said. “Then, there is one poet who we’ve invited from outside of Auburn. Because tonight was the kick-off, we decided to invite multiple poets from the area to read their work.”

Charlie Sterchi is one of those poets.

Sterchi is a graduate student working on his master’s degree in creative writing.

He read two of his poems for the first time.

“No one’s ever seen these two before, but now people have, and I’m hoping to get some feedback,” Sterchi said.

e t a r b cele cassion c o t x e your n e Buy On Free e Get On : 9/30/14 te e x p d a pping Center

emily enfinger / assistant photo editor

poem printed on it in black or gray ink with the intention of being displayed on the wall—kind of like a poster,” Bishop said.

Poets who perform at Third Thursday can have two of their poems printed on a broadside.

Kuipers said the broadside series at Auburn is uncommon compared to those offered elsewhere.

“We have this really amazing line up this year, and we have that because we got a grant,” Kuipers said.

app of the week

Sobrr, the social network for partying

Kyle Nazario Intrigue Editor

When Bruce Yang woke up, he knew he was in trouble.

The 26-year-old had experienced what he called “a very crazy night” for his bachelor party. There were some gaps in his memory, but he remembered enough to rush to Facebook and delete everything from the night before.

He said the experience gave him the idea to create Sobrr, the social networking app that deletes every post, image and comment after 24 hours.

“We talked to a very specific group of people who enjoy living their life in the moment,” Yang said.

The app shows posts from the 500 closest strangers to you. With only 15,329 users, the closest poster to Auburn was 110 miles away.

Yang said he designed Sobrr to help its users meet new people and enjoy themselves without worrying about leaving a digital trail.

Sobrr does not protect against taking screenshots. The app’s 24-hour deletion does not prevent saving content.

Each post on Sobrr is an im-

Sho Rd #3 K ro g e r Dean 300 N 6830 n, AL 3 pm Aubur u n t il 1 1 B Y y a d ry Eve ur nTC Open m/Aub o .c k o o Faceb

Students practice their poems before Third Thursdays starts.

Nathaniel Vincent, sophomore in English, recently transferred to Auburn and came to Third Thursday to earn credit for his poetry class.

“I’m glad I came,” Vincent said. “It shows the artistic community at Auburn is stronger than I thought. It was a source of inspiration. I look forward to making a contribution of my own.”

Scott Bishop, curator of education at the museum, said a broadside is a new aspect of Third Thursdays.

“A broadside is a single page with a

age with a caption. This post is visible to the user’s friends and anyone nearby.

Users can like or comment on strangers’ posts. They can also send one-time messages, which vanish after reading.

Even friend requests last only 24 hours unless both parties agree to stay friends.

The lack of permanence appeals to Cedric Hayden, senior in mechanical engineering.

“Sometimes you’re in a certain mood and you say something, and you kinda go back and say, ‘Oh, that was stupid, I don’t know why I said that,’” Hayden said. “You don’t have the paper trail of the stuff you said five years ago.”

Justice Fears, sophomore in materials engineering, said she would join Sobrr if it had more users.

“It would have to get popular before I started using it,” Fears said. “I always like to wait until a lot of people are using it, because it’s boring if nobody’s on it.”

Yang said he doesn’t see Sobrr as a competitor to other apps such as Snapchat.

Fears said she would use both apps.

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kyle nazario / INTRIGUE EDITOR

Sobrr forgets posts after 24 hours.

“I wouldn’t leave Snapchat,” Fears said.

Fears also said she questions Yang’s choice of name.

Yang said he picked “Sobrr” because it helps its users most when they are sober.

“After you have a very crazy night, the next day when you messed up everything on social networks, Sobrr helps you to clean everything up,” Yang said. “So we call it Sobrr.”

The app is available for iPhone.

Yang said he will release an Android version in a few weeks.

• Minor emergency care.

• Diagnosis and treatment of disease, cuts, & lumps • EKGs and Spirometry • Physical Examinations & much more!

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Exit 57 on I-85 (Bent Creek Rd), turn right on E Glenn Avenue (past Academy Sports). First road on left is Skyway Drive.

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Runners sprint through colored corn starch powder at the 5K Color Run on Saturday, Aug. 23.

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Thursday, August 28, 2014

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Sports

State of the program No. 1 football

Soccer (1-1)

Did you really think it would be anyone else?

A year after one of the most historic turnarounds and unexpected SEC Championship runs in college football history, Gus Malzahn and football take home the top spot in our State of the Program series.

2013-14 finish: 12-2 (7-1 SEC)

LAST WEEK Loss at Clemson 2-1 Win at Furman 2-1 THIS WEEK Aug. 29 vs UC Irvine (7 p.m.)

Aug. 31 vs Ga. Southern (2:30 p.m.)

5-year record: 12-2 Key departures: Tre Mason, Greg Robinson, Dee Ford, Chris Davis Jr., Ryan Smith, Ryan White Key returnees: Nick Marshall, Reese Dismukes, Sammie Coates, Gabe Wright, C.J. Uzomah

Volleyball

UPCOMING George Washington Invitational

previous rankings: No. 15: Baseball No. 14: Men's Basketball No. 13: Men's Tennis No. 12: Women's Basketball No. 11: Women's Soccer No. 10: Women's Tennis No. 9: Volleyball No. 8: Women’s Golf No. 7: Track and Field / Cross Country No. 6: Gymnastics No. 5: Men’s Golf No. 4: Swimming and Diving No. 3: Equestrian No. 2: Softball The future: With talent to burn and a maestro at the helm, football should remain in championship form for years to come.

head coach gus malzahn with tre mason and Dee Ford

Aug. 29 - North Dakota Aug. 29 - George Washington Aug. 30 - Arkansas State

Games in Washington D.C.

Men’s golf Senior quarterback Nick Marshall

athletics

UPCOMING Carpet Capital Collegiate Sept. 5-7

Tournament held at The Farm Golf Course in Rocky Face, Georgia.

women’s golf

Photo from file

Catching up on the State of the Program UPCOMING The “Mo” Morial Sept. 8-10

Tournament held at The Traditions Private Golf & Country Club in Bryan, Texas.

Equestrian

The Plainsman sits down with Auburn’s athletic director Jay Jacobs Since a dismal 2012 athletics season, in which many, including our own publication, called for his removal, Auburn athletics director Jay Jacobs has been at the helm of a stunning revival in the athletic department.

Jacobs sat down with Plainsman sports editor Eric Wallace to discuss the high profile hires behind the turnaround and the future of Auburn’s sports programs.

What impact can the SEC Network have on Auburn University?

“There’s no way Auburn could afford the marketing we’re about to get from the SEC Network. It’s not just a help to athletic programs, but now coast-to-coast people that don’t even have an affinity for athletics can see our athletics and University on this cable channel. It is going to be such a positive tool for Auburn University to recruit student-athletes as well as the best and brightest students.”

UPCOMING

Season opener at Tennessee-Martin Sept. 19 Home opener vs. South Carolina Oct. 10 at 3 p.m.

Has there been any update on the internal national championship claims discussion?

“They’re still looking at it, and now that we’re so close to the season starting, I think we’re probably going to wait until the end of the year, so it’s not going to be a distraction when we’re making a decision on what we’re going to do.”

Have you ever seen this level of excitement surrounding Auburn basketball?

“Never. Our ticket sales are up about 200 percent and our enthusiasm is up by about 1000 percent. It’s interesting to be talking about men’s basketball four days before the first SEC football games.”

Is there any discussion of expanding Jordan-Hare Stadium?

“We’re not looking to add seats. We want to have a more rich and positive environment for our current fans. We’ve sold out this year for the first time since 2008, so we want the same people coming back and having a better experience.

What updates are in discussion for improving the stadium experience?

“We’re constantly looking at what we can do to make what we have even better.

Sometimes that means taking seats we currently have and maybe making them premium seats. We want it to be a better experience.”

How do you deal with the personal criticism that is inevitably directed toward someone in your position?

“I’m more excited about the next ten years of me being the athletic director here moving forward, and there may be some bumps in the road, but you can’t celebrate the victories unless you have some tough times. It just comes with the territory. When I was a player here, my dad told me, ‘When it’s getting too tough for everyone else, it’s getting about right for me and you.’ I think about that everyday.”

Thoughts on the upcoming football season?

“The thing about Auburn football is that it’s back, it’s fun and it’s fast. I can’t wait until Saturday to see how we do. The plan is that by the end of the year, we’ll end up back in Atlanta. I don’t have a prediction for Saturday. I know everybody is talking about all kinds of things, but you never know in the SEC. We have a couple guys we have to replace and a couple of injured guys, but I’m really excited about Saturday and looking forward to it.”

Thursday, August 28, 2014

The Auburn Plainsman

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Former Auburn golfer Blayne Barber earned his first career PGA Tour card for the 2015 season.

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This Week in Auburn Sports Men’s Basketball

For the first time in program history, Auburn men’s basketball will begin the season with a nationally televised home game as ESPNU has slated the 2014-15 opener against Wisconsin-Milwaukee for a 9 p.m. start time.

The game will follow the Auburn women’s basketball season opener against Troy, which starts at 6 p.m.

“What an incredible way to tip off the year with a doubleheader with Coach Flo (Terri Williams-Flournoy) and the women and playing on national television,” said Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl. “I ask the Auburn Family to embrace the late start time so we can get our program muchneeded national exposure. Together we can

sell out Auburn Arena and send a strong message across the country of the direction that our program is headed.”

Tickets for both the men’s and women’s games will also allow fans into the other game.

Those holding women’s tickets will take seat priority during the women’s game while those with men’s tickets will take priority during the men’s game.

The ticket will be considered a general admission ticket for the game it was not purchased for.

Men’s Golf

Former Auburn All-American Blayne Barber earned his 2015 PGA Tour card by finishing seventh on the Web.com Tour earning $269,111 this year.

Open Everyday 10-7 • Sundays 1-5 www.angelsantiqueandfleamall.com

Barber, who broke the 36-year-old Auburn scoring record with a 70.76 average as a junior in 2011-12, was an All-American first-team selection at Auburn in 2012 and a second-team pick in both 2009 and 2011.

Barber, who disqualified himself two years ago at PGA Tour Q-School, earned his first Tour card behind a strong season with a win at the South Georgia Classic and four top 10 finishes.

He made two of three cuts on the PGA Tour in 2013, including finishing 24th at the Puerto Rico Open.

A 2012 Auburn graduate in Finance, Barber, who now lives in Auburn, represented the United States at both the 2011 Walker and Palmer Cups.

Compiled by Eric Wallace

‘A threat at the net’ Volleyball

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Alexa Filley, who played at Assumption High School in Louisville, Kentucky, earned the Gatorade Volleyball Player of the Year for 2013-14.

Gatorade National POY preps for first fall Derek Thompson Sports Writer

Only two incoming SEC volleyball players have ever earned Gatorade National Volleyball Player of the Year. The most recent recipient is a 5’9 freshman setter for Auburn out of Assumption High School in Louisville, Kentucky.

Alexa Filley, the 2013-14 Gatorade National Volleyball Player of the Year, looks to be a factor in getting the ball to Auburn’s hitters this season, regardless of her height.

“A lot of people put attention toward the height thing, and I’ve said for a long time it doesn’t matter what the position is,” said volleyball head coach Rick Nold. “You want to look at the player first, and something with her is she’s a good all-around player. She’s a good athlete. She jumps well and puts up a very good block for a setter.”

Being tall can help in volleyball, but that doesn’t mean shorter people cannot make a difference. Filley said she overcomes her height disadvantages by working harder than everyone else and playing as if she’s a “big” player.

Filley and junior Alyssa Ivey are vying to be the setter in the Tigers’ system this season. Ivey returns for her second season at Auburn after appearing in 24 matches

during the 2013 season.

Both players will look to replace Lindsey Wintzinger, who became one of the four setters in Auburn’s school history to reach the 2,500-assist mark.

Part of a top-15 recruiting class, Filley and the other freshman have acquired the highest ranking in program history and are looking to play a major role for the Tigers in 2014.

“I’m excited about competing with my teammates and getting better and trying to beat some people,” Filley said.

Filley led her high school team to a 36-6 record, a Kentucky state championship and a final national ranking of No. 6 as a senior, according to prepvolleyball.com.

She recorded 1,248 assists, 334 digs, 102 kills, 58 blocks and 41 service aces during her senior season.

She was a 2013-14 Under Armour Second-Team All-American, MVP of the state tournament.

While attending Assumption High School, Filley helped her team win four straight state titles, winning state tournament MVP honors in 2012 and 2013. She was also named a second-team All-American selection by USA Today after posting 1,238 assists and 332 digs during her senior season.

Filley and freshman outside hitter Courtney Crable, high school rivals at Louisville’s Assumption and Mercy Academy, are now teammates at Auburn.

Crable was Kentucky’s Miss Volleyball and a first-team Under Armour All-American in 2013.

Crable said it was fun playing against Filley in high school. “(Filley) was always a great leader on the court for her team,” Crable said. “She is definitely bringing a lot to the table. She’s a great defensive player and she is also a threat at the net. I think she will be really good for us.”

Nold believes Filley’s greatest quality is her competitiveness.

“You put her in a situation, she’s going to give everything she has,” Nold said.

“She’s a hard worker, but she’s very, very driven and, again, I think that competitiveness is what sparks that.”

The competition for the setter position is ongoing, but Nold said Filley and Ivey are both improving and battling for playing time.

Filley is enjoying her first year on The Plains and is ready for the season to start.

“I’m hoping we do really well,” Filley said. “I’m hoping we compete in all our games and all our tournaments.”

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Thursday, August 28, 2014

Soccer

Top scorer Ramsier gunning for goals in sophomore season

Andrew Monson Sports Writer

Coming out of Plano West High School in Plano, Texas, Casie Ramsier had several accolades next to her name.

All-American, team captain and state champion were just a few.

Auburn’s leading goal-scorer was not one many expected to add after only her freshman season. Not even head coach Karen Hoppa saw it coming.

“Obviously, we knew Casie had potential; that’s why we recruited her,” Hoppa said. “But I would say I wouldn’t have expected her to

get as many goals and be as impactful as she was that quickly, so it was definitely a pleasant surprise.”

After a freshman campaign where she started all 22 matches and scored nine goals, Ramsier gave credit to upperclassmen for preparing her for SEC soccer.

“I wasn’t really sure what to expect,” Ramsier said. “I knew it would definitely be a step up from the pace I was used to, but our older girls helped us adjust quicker by making sure we were ready for what was coming.”

After such a great season, Ramsier said she stayed focused in the offseason, trying to avoid

the infamous “sophomore slump”.

“I know personally, I want to do better than I did last year,” Ramsier said. “It’s great to have a freshman year like that, but I can’t let down.”

Hoppa is confident Ramsier has the work ethic to avoid becoming complacent.

“I definitely think she’s improved,” Hoppa said. “The great thing about Casie is she works her tail off no matter what we’re doing.

It doesn’t matter if it’s weight room, fitness, anything, everything. She works her tail off.”

Improving upon her numbers last season will be a tough task, though, and Hoppa said she knows teams will be focused on the goal-

scorer.

“Last year she was an unknown and could sneak up on people,” Hoppa said. “Now she’s going to be the number one forward on our scouting reports, but hopefully what it will do is it will open up other players around her.”

With teams focused on her, displaying leadership on and off the field will be a key part of her game this year. Hoppa said she thinks she is ready for that role.

“I think she’s grown a ton over the past year,” Hoppa said. “I definitely think she’s stepped into a leadership role, and we expect her to be the leader of our front line.”

contributed by auburn athletics

Casie Ramsier was Auburn’s leading goal-scorer in her first sesaon on the Plains, scoring nine goals and being named to the All-SEC Freshman Team.

opinion

Pearl boosting basketball fever David McKinney Sports writer

sports@theplainsman.com

It’s an undeniable fact the excitement for this season of Auburn football is beginning to boil over.

The sport that hasn’t had much excitement surrounding it in recent history is basketball. Until now, that is.

When Bruce Pearl was hired to try and veer Auburn basketball in he right direction, I asked journalism professor John Carvalho if he had ever seen this much excitement revolving around Auburn basketball.

At 12:01 a.m., August 24, my question was answered.

Not only was it the waning hours of the first weekend of school, but it was six days away from one of the most anticipated Auburn football seasons in years. But as Bruce Pearl walked into his office early Sunday morning to talk to a recruit for the first time in three years, Auburn football was the last thing on fans’ minds—at least those who gathered outside Auburn Arena.

Pearl was noticeably emotional

when he walked up to the scene, similar to the one he was welcomed with at the Auburn airport the day he was hired and told fans that he was honored and blessed to be coaching the Tigers.

After a celebration with the players and several minutes of photo opportunities with fans, Pearl headed upstairs to get on the phone.

Less than 12 hours later, he had a commitment from Horace Spencer, the 57th best basketball prospect in the nation according to 247Sports.

The night before, Pearl’s staff picked up a commitment from Danjel Purifoy, the 56th best prospect in the country, according to 247Sports.

Those two commitments pushed Auburn’s recruiting class to the top 10 in the country, something that hasn’t happened in quite some time.

It will only get better from here.

Pearl said in a press conference Sunday that for the next three weeks, his team will “go as hard as we can go,” before he hits the road for a recruiting trip.

On Sunday, I watched Pearl address the attendees of his elite camp before the best of the best faced off in an allstar game.

I’ve been around Auburn sports for

a long time, and there’s always been a negative connotation around the basketball program.

In recent history, were I a blue-chip basketball recruit (which I most assuredly am not), I never would have even considered Auburn.

That, I believe, has changed. The players at the camp wanted to be at Auburn. They wanted to play for Pearl.

Not a single game has been played, but the excitement for the 2014 basketball season is reaching a football-esque level.

It’s rare in the SEC to be successful in both football and basketball. Those schools that do see success in both sports usually have a strong coaching duo. Take Florida in 2006, for example.

With Billy Donovan coaching basketball and Urban Meyer on the sidelines in the Swamp, the Gators captured national championships on the hardwood and the gridiron.

With a coaching duo like Gus Malzahn and Bruce Pearl, the possibilities are endless. Maybe not two national championships in the same year, but success is inevitable.

Without a doubt, it’s a special time to be an Auburn fan.

Photo via David McKinney

Auburn students and fans greet men’s basketball head coach Bruce Pearl after the end of his show-cause penalty Aug. 24.