springhillian Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam
Volume 93, Number 10 November 17, 2011
Check it Out
greek Life: $33,697 raised for philanthropies 5 call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 takes over 11
All I want before christmas is Thanksgiving 12 Rivalry: An Iron Bowl preview 15
Nationals-bound Badgers By JoeROWE sports editor
The volleyball women suffered their first defeat of the season on Saturday, falling to No. 4 Lee University in four sets in the championship game of the SSAC Tournament. The Badgers quickly fell
down two sets to none, rallied to take the fourth set, but fell in the fifth set to the Flames, who avenged a loss to the Badgers that occurred earlier in the season. More than 40 Spring Hill faculty members and students took the hour long bus ride to the game
to cheer on the Badgers. “SHC’s excitement for the game can only be described as Badgermania. From start to finish and well after the game, the gym echoed the clamoring of our clapping, stomping and Badger Claws,” said junior Gabriel Wagner, who attended the game.
see NATIONALs
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THIS WEEK
WEEKLYforecast Thurs.
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EVENTSfortheweek 11/17-Thursday
Thanksgiving letters to the troops drive
Dining Hall 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Knights of Columbus and Alpha Sigma Nu are hosting a “thank you” letter drive to troops wishing them a Happy Holidays. Students can stop by and sign a postcard that will be mailed to soldiers overseas.
11/17-20 Thursday-SUNDAY
HILLIANstaff EDITOR(s)
MARY RIES VICKY RYE
ADVISOR
STUART BABINGTON
PHOTOGRAPHY KELI MAZZA
REPORTERS
EMILY HILL LINDSEY FRECHOU
NEWS
EMILY KING
LIFESTYLE
CAROLINE GERNHAUSER
“Othello” Arlene Mitchell Theater
The play “Othello,” by William Shakespeare, will be performed Thursday 11/17 through Sunday 11/20. For more information, contact Fr. Campbell, S.J., at campbell@shc.edu.
11/19-saturday
Volleyball Nationals opening round
Arthur R. Outlaw Center, 3 p.m. Come cheer on the Lady Badgers as they take on Xavier University for the first round of the NAIA National Championship.
SPORTS
JOE ROWE
ONthecover SHC Greek life participates in various philanthropy events to support each other’s organization. One of the events throughout the year is Delta Gamma’s AnchorSplash. Celebration for the holiday season begins even earlier this year. Volleyball receives a bid to continue its season in the Nationals tournament. Photos by Keli Mazza, CarolineGERNHAUSER
HILLIANcontact the SPRINGHILLIAN a: 4000 Dauphin Street c/o the SpringHillian Mobile, AL 36608 e: hillian@stumail.shc.edu p: 251.380.3850 f: 251.460.2185
CAMPUSbriefs shc sCHOLARSHIP TO STUDY IN CHINA
Spring Hill College is giving a $20,000 scholarship to one student to study abroad at the Beijing Institute of Chinese Studies in the Fall of 2012.The Institute is a comprehensive Jesuit center that is administered through Loyola University Chicago. Students with any major can apply. All applications must be turned in by Jan. 17, 2012. Application information can be obtained from Dr. Robert Harding in Quinlan Hall, room 307. For more information contact, Dr. Robert Harding at rharding@shc.edu.
Paper marbling and book making workshop 11/17, 11/18
Wayne McNeil will present a paper marbling workshop on Thursday, Nov. 17 beginning at 10:15 a.m. in the fine arts building room 105. On Friday, Nov. 18 at 10:15 am, students will use their marbled paper to create custom, handmade books. Everyone is invited to attend this encore workshop.
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NEWS
Election day quickly approaching, candidates scrambling By CarolineGERNHAUSER Lifestyle Editor
On Nov.6, 2012, the 57th quadrennial United States Presidential Election will commence. The nationwide vote for the presidential seat will be held between the democrat candidate, President Barack Obama, and the republican candidate, who has not yet been determined. The candidacy for the republican seat in the 2012 Presidential Election is currently in the middle of the selection process. With the current overall economic issue and rise in public debt, the candidates become crucial to the students of college campuses nationwide, because the upcoming president will directly affect the young adult generation.
As the countdown to the election continues, the issues discussed in the debates leading up to Election Day are thriving with concerns from the public tuning in. The main concerns that weigh heavy on the 2012 elections are: budget, deficit, economy, foreign affairs, health care, immigration, national security and social security. The political platform for each candidate varies in which position he or she stands for, but the direction they’re leaning towards is the most important factual information about the Commander-in-Chief’s agenda. As the young adults who will vote in the 2012 Presidential Election, staying in tune with the debates between the Grand Ole Party (GOP), and remaining up to date on the candidate’s platform is
crucial when learning about the best contender for the job. On 2012.presidential-candidates.org, the resources of information are seemngly endless. The website consists of information on the candidates, issues, platforms, backgrounds and current updates on the GOP debates. “Our government is run by those who believe in pre-emptive wars of aggression, a concept which is entirely immoral and ineffective,” said freshman Joseph Iacobucci. “College students should be concerned with their freedom to pursue their own happiness.” As students, it is important to be aware of the future after graduation that lies in the hands of the government and the presidential office.
Jide Anyigbo’s journey from Nigeria to America By EmeryFINEGAN Contributor In attempt to escape the deadly land wars within the once peaceful village of Eziani-ihala Nigeria, Spring Hill senior, Jide Anyigbo, and his family escaped the violence in 1997 for their shocking new life in America. Jide Anyigbo began his life here in America when he was only 7-yearsold. If asked what his most vivid childhood memory is, Anyigbo’s response would differ from most children because of his descriptive details on tribal ceremonies surrounding massive fires with men wearing lion heads. However, this new life of his began when Anyigbo, his mother, father and little brother, Kenny, departed on their third flight from Nigeria into Sara Cruz, NY. “It was the biggest culture shock when we walked outside into streets full of snow. It was absolutely freezing,” said Anyigbo. Shifting from the searing heat of Africa, to the winters of New York, four months in the North was all it took for Anyigbo and his family to realize they needed to bring the family down South. The Anyigbos decided to move to Texas where they thought would be their new permanent home. For the first three years of living in Texas,
the family moved three times, ranging from houses in “the hood” to a suburb in Houston. It was during this time that their family lost a member but also gained one. Within the first year of living in Texas, Anyigbo’s mother gave birth to his youngest brother Cobe, bringing into the world Anyigbo’s “Minnie me.” The year after Cobe was born, Anyigbo’s father left the family. In Nigeria, Anyigbo’s father was a doctor with his own medical clinic in the village. He had planned on continuing his medical career in America but was unable to pass the Boards exam. “Menial labor was beneath him, so he just left,” said Anyigbo. After his father left, Anyigbo and his brothers became known as the “terrible three” in school due to their violent outbreaks and fights; but they soon realized these eruptions were very hard on their mother. It was then that Anyigbo and his younger brother Kenny took on their new identities as the high school’s basketball all-stars all the way through graduation. “The highlight of my high school career was watching and playing with Kenny. We became known as the Kings of Rosenburg (their high school) because Kenny would score 30 points a game,” said Anyigbo. It was this talent that landed Kenny a starting position on Western Ken-
tucky’s college basketball team today. This high education and athletic life were nothing that Anyigbo’s mother had planned when living in Nigeria.
getting robbed, the driver began to drive backward causing the robbers to open fire at the car. Anyigbo and his father kept safe by ducking down low, but their driver was not as lucky and was shot. Even in this extreme pain of being wounded, the driver continued to drive them to It was the biggest culsafety but eventually died. ture shock when we “I can still hear my dad walked outside into yelling, “GO! GO! GO!” as our driver was speeding streets full of snow. in reverse,” said Anyigbo. This extremely dangerous act of violence was the deciding factor in Anyigbo’s mother’s deciAnyigbo’s parents had been living sion to move away. After the incident, in the village of Eziani-ihala for their she entered their names in the green entire lives and were considered of card lottery, and they were packing higher wealth within the community. their bags five months later. After Anyigbo was born, the village When asked if he would ever conbegan to break into wars over land sider moving back to his home counownership. try, Anyigbo replied, “no” without Because of the high risk of living in hesitation. “The amazing culture, life, the village, the Anyigbos had a secu- heritage and traditions of Nigeria do rity team, body guards and personal not even compare to the whole calmdriver at all times. All were necessary ness and security in America,” said due to the constant violence sur- Anyigbo. rounding them. Now, living his life as a Spring Hill One afternoon, Anyigbo took a senior majoring in biology, Anyigbo’s ride with his father and driver to pick future can only excel from here. His up medications for his father’s clinic family is also closer than ever and when they were blocked in by lo- continues to “have each other’s cal street robbers. In order to avoid backs” every day.
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NEWS 4
Alpha Sigma Nu inducts new members By GingerFRANDER Contributor
Alpha Sigma Nu, the honor society of Jesuit institutions of higher education, recognizes those students who distinguish themselves in scholarship, loyalty and service. The members of Alpha Sigma Nu, through their demonstrated excellence in academics and service, represent all that is best in Jesuit education. Alpha Sigma Nu encourages its members to a lifetime pursuit of intellectual development, deepening Ignatian spirituality, service to others and a commitment to the core principles of Jesuit
education. Membership in Alpha Sigma Nu is one of the highest honors a Jesuit institution can confer upon a student. Admission to Alpha Sigma Nu is very competitive. The top 15 percent of the junior and senior classes are invited to apply, but only 4 percent of the junior and senior classes may be admitted to membership. On Nov. 29, 11 juniors and one senior will be inducted into the honor society.
Inductees: ChristianCHANEY ReginaMORRIS AshleighFicarino ThomasCIANCIOLA CourtneyGIBSON IlariaBRUCE MatthewBURKE ErinSTAUSS
HannahMulvey TonyNguyen KarissaWilson
JessicaLOGAN
KonstantinWERTELECKI
AmandaPARKER
KatherynNORES
MaryFontenot BrendenIngraham StephenHyde Zachary Keller
MatthewJordan MatthewMalus
New Chief Information Officer begins work on campus By EmilyHILL News Reporter
Spring Hill College welcomes new Chief Information Officer, Margaret Massey into the community. Massey will be working on administration, education and technology to improve the college. “The key is the ability to work effectively and efficiently with individuals within each of these realms (administration, education and technology) to plan and implement a strategy for
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Together we can make strides in improving technology at the college.
- Margaret Massey
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improving overall information technology support and performance and staying abreast of the ever-changing technological world,” said Massey. She plans on evaluating budgets, setting goals and uniting the administrative faculty to ensure they can work together toward the same goals. “Someone has to take the initiative to make sure everyone is on the same page, so to speak, and to keep things moving forward at an acceptable pace. That is the most valuable duty of the CIO,” said Massey. Massey, a Mobile native, has been employed at numerous colleges and universities including Auburn University, University of Southern Mississippi and Miami-Dade College. At these schools, Massey held full-time positions in information technology. Massey has also consulted for 14 other universities. She has taught computer and business courses at a number of schools, and in 1998 she was elected President
of Florida Association of Community Colleges. “My decision to accept a position was an easy one. The quality of the individuals it (Spring Hill College) has employed, the quality of the graduates it has produced, and efforts of the administration, faculty, and staff to achieve excellence in higher education make me gratified and humble to be a part of the Spring Hill family,” said Massey. Massey has only been at Spring Hill for a couple of weeks, but she has already found out that the administration, faculty and staff are extremely dedicated to the mission of the college. “Together we can make strides in improving technology at the college. I trust everyone is as excited to investigate these opportunities as I am,” said Massey. Those who have already worked with Massey are excited about her contributions to the college. “Dr. Massey is an outstanding addition to Spring Hill College. Her progressive thinking toward technology, both in and outside the classroom, will not only
Photo by MargaretMASSEY
Margaret Massey recently began working at SHC. bring us into the 21st century, but will be a great benefit to faculty, staff and students for years to come,” said Brian Studebaker, director of admissions. The technology department is also looking forward to Massey’s dedication to updating the college. “She is a go-getter and will work very hard on bringing technology up to today’s standards,” said Pam Combs, senior application analyst.
5 NEWS Greek organizations donate thousands to philanthropies By LindseyFRECHOU News Reporter
The Spring Hill College Greek lettered organizations host different events throughout the year to raise money for their respective philanthropic causes. According to “Greek on the Hill,” SHC Greek organizations raised more than $33,697 during the 2011 spring semester. During this semester, more than eight events have been held by Greek organizations that allow everyone in the Spring Hill community to come together for service and fun. Delta Chi hosted a dodge ball tournament and the I Pie Delta Chi event this fall semester to raise money for the Jimmy V Foundation for cancer research. In the spring semester, Delta Chi will host Earthball for the campus, which includes teams trying to push a huge ball into the opposing team’s goal. Delta Delta Delta raises money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Score-A-Cure is the primary philanthropy event the sorority hosts in the fall semester, and Delta House of Pancakes is the spring semester event. Last year’s Delta House of Pancakes raised $1,200. Tri Delta also hosts a letter writing campaign, participates in the St. Jude Give Thanks walk and visited St. Jude Children’s Research hospital in Memphis, Tenn. over fall break. Delta Gamma’s main fall philanthropy event, Stomp the Hill, will take place on Thursday, Nov. 17. Last year, Stomp the Hill raised approximately $1,000 for its philanthropy, Service for Sight. In the spring semester, the sorority’s main event will be AnchorSplash, which is a day of water sports and activities. Along with raising money, Delta Gamma invests many service hours to help Service for
Sight. Lambda Chi Alpha hosted its annual Watermelon Bash this fall semester for its philanthropy, the North American Food Drive. This event raised more than $2,500 and included more than 15 teams from the student body. All of the donations went to the local Bay Area Food Bank that serves families along the Gulf Coast region. Phi Mu hosted Strike a Pin for CMN this semester that raised more than $10,500 for Children’s Miracle Network at Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Mobile. The sorority also hosted the Phi Mu Mangeant this semester, which raised $1,600. Phi Mu still has Munchies for Miracles, a late night pizza sale, to finish the semester. The sorority will help decorate a Christmas tree and visit with the children at the local Women’s and Children’s hospital in December and host Kickballin’ for Kids in the spring. This fall, Tau Kappa Epsilon hosted Rave to Save and TKE Week to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. TKE Week raised almost $2,000, and the Rave to Save raised $750. In the spring, the fraternity will host its annual Fun Run. Along with raising money for St. Jude, the fraternity has completed 2,011 service hours by helping the Mobile community through participating in Habitat for Humanity and Coastal Cleanup. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc, are service based Greek organizations that go into the community and help others through their time commitment and service. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. is hosting a Harvest Tea this semester to gather the Spring Hill community for an evening of entertainment and to collect canned or non-perishable food items. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. will hold the Princess Project where the women will collect old prom dresses for
Photo by KeliMAZZA
Spring Hill students participate in last spring’s Delta Chi philanthropic event, Earth Ball. The proceeds of this event benefited the Jimmy V Foundation.
high school girls who cannot afford them. Even those who are not affiliated with a Greek organization can enjoy supporting philanthropy events and bonding with the Spring Hill Community. “It’s great to see everyone get together to raise money for a certain cause, and it’s good to see all of my friends so bonded in their respective fraternities and sororities,” said sophomore Caitlyn LaChute.
Travelers should expect to pay more for holiday airfare By EmilyKING News Editor
Travelers can expect to pay more for their plane tickets this holiday season as fewer seats and high fuel costs drive up the price of airfare. This year, United States airlines have cut the number of flights, resulting in higher competition for the seats. WHNT News 19, of Huntsville, Ala., reports that there are approximately 600,000 fewer seats to choose from during the Thanksgiving and Christ-
mas holidays. With close to 23 million Americans expected to fly during the 12-day period around Thanksgiving Day, the limited number of available seats has become high in demand. Also, the high price of fuel and plane operation have driven up the price of plane tickets. “Trip-Advisor” found that the average domestic flight during the Wednesday to Sunday around Thanksgiving Day is $396.16, which is around $45 more than last year’s fare. However, this spike in airfare cost
does not necessarily mean that the airlines are more prosperous. The Air Transport Association reported that airlines will end up keeping less than one cent for every dollar earned after adding in operational expenses and taxes. For those who do have to fly home for the holidays, experts recommend being flexible on flight times, or even flying on the holidays themselves. The tickets for plane flights on Thanksgiving and Christmas day are the cheapest, whereas the day before and the
day after the holidays are the most expensive. “Six to eight weeks out is probably not the best time to buy airfare. At about four weeks out, there is a little bit of what we call a ‘sweet spot,’ where airfare does tend to soften a little bit, and then airfare tends to go up again about two weeks before your flight,” said Gabe Saglie of “Travelzoo”. While airfare is altogether more expensive this year, the most flexible shopper will be the one who gets the best ticket price.
OPINION 6
The power of press in a Jesuit college By VickyRYE Co-Editor
As a response to the feedback The SpringHillian has received this semester, I’d like to first thank the readers and everyone who has helped make this campus newspaper a sucPhoto by KeliMAZZA cess. Writing a weekly Vicky Rye column has been a new endeavor for me, and it hasn’t always been easy to find topics to cover. My goal as a columnist was to write about meaningful and interesting current issues that would encourage dialogue among and from the Spring Hill community.
Knowing that some of the topics discussed in the opinion section were a bit controversial, I would like to shed a little light on the production of The SpringHillian. What many people do not realize is that our college newspaper is not censored before it is published. The only people to read the stories before they are sent to the publisher are the student staff members and editors. To some of you, especially journalism and other communication arts majors, this may come as no surprise. “Of course, the student newspaper is run by students. That only makes sense, right?” I would think. So, you understand my puzzlement when I learned that most Jesuit colleges censor the content for their newspapers. As student journalists at Spring Hill, we are afforded the freedom of the 1st Amendment and with it, an understood responsibility: to report the facts accurately and fairly. As an editorial writer, my job
has been to cover relevant topics, while providing a level of entertainment and opinion that has hopefully sparked interest in the current issues, the power of the press and our very own campus newspaper. I encourage the next co-editors of The SpringHillian to continue to explore current issues, and topics of interest to the student body and to write truthfully without fear. Journalists answer to a higher calling: to be objective, to tell the truth, no matter the consequences. Similarly, editorial writers have an obligation to tackle controversial issues, to take on the thornier questions of the day and address them head on. In this, the current SpringHillian staff has been fortunate to have the full support of not only our student advisor but the college’s administration. The power of the press plays a vital role in society. May it continue to do so at Spring Hill College.
I’m Just Sayin’...
The SpringHillian is more alive than ever
By MaryRIES Co-Editor
As another semester of the The SpringHillian comes to a close, I want to leave you with a word of encouragement and a big, fat THANK YOU. From page one to page 16, The SprinPhoto by KeliMAZZA gHillian staff has put Mary Ries blood, sweat and tears into this publication. Week to week, the staff members came together to try to report what we believed was the most im-
portant news for the students, faculty and staff of the Spring Hill community. I believe that through all of our hard work and dedication, we have created an outstanding publication. Each week, I slowly noticed the popularity of the paper increasing, and I can only hope that this continues. Although in today’s society some may say that “newspapers are dead,” I’m here to tell you they are not dead. In fact, The SpringHillian is more alive than ever. I encourage you to please pick up more newspapers. I do understand and enjoy the convenience of the online news world; but the feeling of holding a physical paper in your hands is way better than any online version. Although I can only tell myself that papers are not dead, the reality is sad, and the statistics are prov-
ing me wrong. According to “The New York Times,” since 2010, print newspaper sales have declined by 9 percent. Readers are losing interest in waiting for their morning paper to get the news, and many are turning to the internet for their news fix. I can only hope that this will one day change. This semester has been a wild ride, and I am honored to have served as Co-Editor. Badgers, thank you for your continued support of The SpringHillian. The many complaints and compliments we have received this semester have only helped us to create a better publication for YOU. So Badgers, thank you. From the bottom of my heart, I’m just sayin’…
Are you interested in becoming the next student-editor of The SpringHillian? Applications are being accepted for the spring 2012 position of student-editor of the weekly campus newspaper, The SpringHillian. To be considered, interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter (including your reason for wanting to be considered) to the Division of Communication Arts, attention: Stuart Babington. The application deadline is Tuesday, Nov. 29. It is recommended that the student-editor be enrolled in the class CMM 400-401 during the spring 2012 semester.
7 OPINION Not your average Thanksgiving: So long turkey, hello Mongolian By EmilyKING News Reporter
While it seems that everyone I talk to has Thanksgiving stories of watching football and getting together with all 500 members of their extended family, I can’t really say I’ve ever experienced that. I don’t come from a football family, and my family lives too Photo by KeliMAZZA far apart to really do the “everyEmily King one getting together” deal. But, I have had some memorable Thanksgiving experiences. For example, a couple years ago, I had Thanksgiving dinner in a restaurant that served fish heads. To get to this magical restaurant, my brother, mom, dad, uncle, aunt and I walked at dusk through the “rough” area of China Town in New York to meet my great aunt Jean. We greeted the Chinese gang members with friendly tourist smiles and tried to keep a low profile- which is a little bit of a challenge for a family averaging six feet in height. When we finally met my great aunt Jean outside of her apartment, she didn’t have many options for our meal to celebrate the pilgrims’ and Native Americans’ peaceful dinner. So, it was decided that Mongolian would be the origin of choice for our feast. I can’t honestly give you many details about the meal. I hope I don’t offend any Mongolians or Mongolianfood-lovers, but I tried to block the experience out of my memory. I only remember thinking this was a really weird Thanksgiving food style considering we’re a family that has no Asian heritage, and that even the noodles were gross. But what was awesome about that Thanksgiving is that I won’t ever forget that Mongolian experience. And I might not get to see my whole family every Thanksgiving, but every family has its own traditions or activities. For my family, Thanksgiving can’t realistically be about getting all of the family together. It’s more about getting together with some family members who are up for an adventure. Then we can do something typical to the King family, like cooking a big meal at our house… or ditching the turkey tradition to eat Mongolian food in China Town.
Cartoon by EfrenFLORES
EDITORIAL POLICY
The SpringHillian is published weekly from September to May, except during examination periods and vacations. The views expressed within do not represent the views of Spring Hill College and are not the views of the faculty, administration, staff or students, but are the views of the individual columnists.
SUBMISSIONS
The SpringHillian publishes guest submissions at the discretion of the student-editors and section editors. Submissions should be no more than 300 words, and editors reserve the right to edit the submissions for length and content. Original articles should be mailed or delivered to: Studenteditor, The SpringHillian, Communication Arts, Spring Hill College, 4000 Dauphin Street, Mobile, AL 36608.
Life on The Hill
LIFESTYLE 8
Top: The Lady Badgers joined the crowd in celebrating the win of the third set over Lee University on Saturday.
Bottom right: The Phi Mu Mangeant was held last Wednesday and raised more than $1,600 for Children’s Miracle Network. The Mangeant is a male beauty pageant that includes rounds of formal wear, talent and active wear. For more information on Greek philanthropies, check out page 5.
Bottom: Many students took the spirit bus to Biloxi, Miss. to cheer on the Lady Badgers against the Flames on Saturday.
Photos by KeliMAZZA, LindseyFRECHOU and contributed by RachaelBUZZBEE
9 LIFESTYLE
Top left: The SpringHillian staff wraps up the final issue of the semester with an awkward family photo. Thank you for all of the support this semester. Right: Students went all out with their attire for the Badger volleyball game on Saturday. The Badgers will host the opening round of the NAIA Championship on Saturday at 3 p.m. against Xavier University. Middle: The gym was never silent during the Badgers vs. Flames game on Saturday. Badger fever is spreading rapidly across The Hill. Bottom: Dr. Chris Dodsworth tries to help students understand the concepts in his class. Dodsworth is a member of the philosophy department.
LIFESTYLE 10
The return of Black Friday By CarolineGERNHAUSER Lifestyle Editor
Hillian office favorites As the semester is coming to a close, there are many memories to look back on with life on The Hill. The freshmen survived their first semester in college, and the seniors slipped further into senioritis. The SpringHillian staff will fondly look back to our memories in the Hillian office and our five favorite things that make it unique.
1
Joe’s nook
Being the only guy on The SpringHillian staff, some would call Joe Rowe a saint for putting up with seven girls every week. Since we couldn’t get a king’s throne in here, we gave Joe a nook in the back corner.You know, seclusion from girl world.
2
Boom box
Since our Mac desktops like to freeze from time to time, we turn to our stereo system, circa 1999, to supply us with the necessary jams to get through the day.
3
The “Bab” phone
In the office, we occasionally get phone calls with story ideas. We have deemed this telephone our “Bab” phone. Get it? Like the bat phone. Dr. Babington is The SpringHillian’s superhero, so we designated the phone in his namesake.
4
Stuffed horse Well you know, who doesn’t have a stuffed toy horse sitting around in the room? Yeah, well be jealous. The SpringHillian office has a horse that watches over our room and protects us from... well, maybe it just adds some charm to the room.
5
Keychain cow
Our cow knickknack is a little comic relief and good luck charm to our SpringHillian staff. When the stress gets to us, there’s nothing like a cow that lights up and “moos” to lighten the mood.
Shopping carts are lined up; coupons are cut out; tennis shoes are strapped on; alarms are set and so the countdown to Black Friday continues. It’s the unholy day for our society when it comes down to mall shoppers, parking lot maniacs and early risers. This day after Thanksgiving brings to life a whole new species of people: Black Friday sale shoppers. Starting in the dark hours of the morning, this isn’t any Friday. Black Friday consists of early morning store openings and blowout sales for the Christmas season. It would be said that it’s an all night affair, because with 5 a.m. door openings, the rush to be first in line begins at midnight or earlier on Thanksgiving Day. Where does the spirit of Thanksgiving go with such a heavy emphasis on Christmas shopping from Black Friday’s legendary sales? Whether for or against Black Friday’s fiascoes, everyone has a story from this epic day in the holiday season. A majority of families during the holidays bypass the madness that ensues from Black Friday and instead enjoy the relaxation of being in a food coma from the classic Thanksgiving feast. “I have never participated in Black Friday. I do consider myself a bargainshopper, and nothing makes me happier than finding a good deal on a piece of clothing, but Black Friday takes shopping to a different level. Waking up before dawn after a day of family, football and marathon eating just to save a few bucks on Christmas presents isn’t appeal-
ing to me,” said sophomore Ann Smith. Even when attending Black Friday’s events, some are hesitant to jump on the bandwagon and fall in love with it just for the savings. “I went to the Tanger Outlet mall in Foley, Alabama. I saw two fights. One was over a Coach purse where there was an identical bag sitting right next to the one they were fighting over, and another because someone skipped in a line. Greatest people-watching experience ever! I think people should chill out and watch the chaos,” said junior Thomas Kinsey. Even though Black Friday’s madness isn’t appealing to some, there are still the bargain shoppers out there that itch for this sale marathon each year. “I attend Black Friday every year. The most memorable one was getting up at 3 a.m. to go stand outside of Target in the freezing cold, and if that wasn’t enough, it was raining. I was waiting outside until 6 a.m. all to get a digital camera for $59,” said sophomore Kasey Godfrey. However, the chaos doesn’t faze some when it comes down to the savings. “Black Friday last year was the craziest thing I’ve ever experienced. It reminded me of the scene in ‘Mean Girls’ when everyone in the mall acts like wild animals. It’s pretty overwhelming, but it’s worth it to get the good sales!” said junior Kate Phelan. Black Friday has its pros and cons. There’s no question that there are some good deals to be had. But what people have to consider is if they are worth the lines, crowds and possible brawls.
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e v i F p To Fall 2011:
11 LIFESTYLE Call of duty: Modern Warfare 3 takes over By LindseyFRECHOU News Reporter
Watch out, Santa Clause, because the world of video games has created a new favorite season for gamers: the release of Call of Duty. For five consecutive years, Call of Duty has released a new game in November, and each year Activision, the company that produces Call of Duty, breaks a record. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, released Tuesday, Nov. 8, made more than $400 million in one day in the U.S. and Great Britain. Many Badgers helped the game reach this record-breaking milestone, some even going so far as to wait in line four hours at midnight to purchase the game. “I was hoping that pre-paying for my game would allow me to get in and out (of GameStop) faster, but one of my friends who didn’t prepay was able to both pay for the game and get it before I did. GameStop was pretty unorganized,” said junior Sean Mayberry. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is a game filled with explosions and shootings that combine modern combat and international terrorism. The player must take on 16 missions filled with new and improved graphics to beat the game. Players can look forward to witnessing one of the most famous man-made structures in the world to explode. “My favorite part about playing the game would be the multi-player aspect, and fortunately this Call of
Duty actually works on a regular basis online. The last one, Black Ops, wouldn’t work regularly on the PS3. I have really enjoyed playing that and unlocking the various guns and perks,” said Mayberry. The multi-player setting is a huge part of what
Photo by MaryRIES
Call of Duty: Modern Wafare 3
makes people really enjoy the new Call of Duty. “With two players, it stays exciting, and we get to mess with each other, because for the most part, we aren’t that good,” said sophomore Jacob Neu. Gamers were concerned about the release of a new game, since there was some disagreement
Freshmeat VS. s n a r e t Ve
FReshmAN
RACHELFAILLA
seNIOR
CAROLINEEVELO
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behind the scenes of Call of Duty. Due to controversy between the producers in 2010, Activision dismissed the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare developers, Jason West and Vince Zampella. West and Zampella sued Activision, but they were sued back for actions that caused harm to Activision, such as meeting with other video game publishers. On top of the two lawsuits, West and Zampella added fraud to their lawsuit against Activision. These problems had little effect on the release of the new game, but the trial might begin later this year. Although the excitement of the new Call of Duty is distracting for many during this busy time of the year, others are not so thrilled with the video game. “I think people get so attached to Call of Duty that it consumes their lives. I actually know a guy that would play the game until one in the morning, even if he only got three hours of sleep for work in a chemical plant,” said sophomore Emily Miller. Video games are an outlet many students use to relieve stress and allow them to escape for a moment. “Video games derive from having the balance of enough challenge for a player to have fun with while at the same time not getting frustrated with it. I guess that’s why video games are so addictive, and they just take you out of the world that you’re in. It’s just nice to get away sometimes,” said senior Brendan Pechon.
What is the best thing about your class level? RACHEL: “I’m not the only one bombing chemistry.” CAROLINE: “Definitely the best part about being a senior
is knowing all the SHC secrets... finally. (Oops, I’ve said too much).”
If you could nominate anyone for president, who would it be? RACHEL: “Tila Tequila, because her Pandora station rocks.” CAROLINE: “Santa! He can bring toys to every child in the
world in one night. Imagine what he could do in four years.”
Define this first semester on The Hill in a few words. RACHEL: “It’s called the cloister, not McKinney’s...
freshmen.” CAROLINE: “Young (I’m only 21). Wild (I’m a senior). Free
(I’m American).”
LIFESTYLE 12
All I want before Christmas is Thanksgiving By CarolineGERNHAUSER Lifestyle Editor
While sleigh bells ring, presents are placed around the Christmas tree and hot chocolate warms a winter evening, the ever-so present supermarket blowout sales begin for Christmas shopping. It seems as if Santa Clause is on his way to town and a little early at that. Stores are lighting up their walls with strands of lights and loading the coupon books with sales for all the early bird shoppers. But with Halloween just passing and Thanksgiving still in store, how early is too early to begin the Christmas cheer? As many Americans know, Black Friday is the day of all days for Christmas shoppers. Their agendas are booked up around one thing: shop until they drop. This year, the market of superstores decided to spice up the holiday season with some extra
early sales. On Nov. 5, Walmarts nationwide hosted a “Super Saturday” where they offered Black Friday prices on goods. The stores seem set on getting the shoppers in the doors earlier than ever before for this holiday season. But for some, the holidays are so much more than shopping. Christmas is a time for many to spend with their families and loved ones. Junior Cody Welliver is a Christmas fanatic and doesn’t think it is ever too early to celebrate Christmas. “I absolutely love it! I love Christmas coming around early, because I know that means my family is closer to being together. I come from a big
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family, seven aunts and uncles and 18 cousins, that really don’t get to see each other during the year,” said Welliver. The Christmas season can be a stress relief for many and bring about happy thoughts from joyous times during the holiday pasts. “Every year, my whole family loads up the cars, and we all go to Hudson’s Treasure Hunt and Dirt Cheap, then to our favorite seafood restaurant. You wouldn’t even believe the amazing sales that happen there after Dec. 25.” said Welliver. However, Christmas is coming around a month before Thanksgiving is a nauseating thought to some.
How early is too early to begin the Christmas cheer?
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Senior Emily Stewart didn’t speak much when asked if she likes Christmas coming early. Her response was speechless, because she was so repulsed at the thought of Christmas music being played and decorations being hung before Thanksgiving. “Christmas music is the thing that really irks me when played before the season. Don’t get me wrong, I love Christmas, but I will not overlook one holiday for another. Thanksgiving is just as important to me. Anytime before Dec. 1, please refrain yourself... Some people call me green with a bad attitude,” said Stewart. Christmas shopping is at a whole new level of importance this year, and the stores are on their A-game with sales. Get ready to feast your eyes on a month extra full of Christmas extravaganzas this holiday season.
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13 SPORTS
Goalkeeper Bronenkamp makes a save for the admissions office By KevinSMITH Sports Contributor
The goalie for Spring Hill men’s soccer team is making the move from the field to the office, post graduation. Cory Bronenkamp of St. Louis, Mo., who attended De Smet Jesuit High School, joined the Badgers’ soccer team in the fall of 2007. Bronenkamp graduated this past spring, with a major in English and minors in Spanish and theology. Due to a medical redshirt his sophomore season, he was still able to lead the soccer team from the goal. During his 44 games played as goalkeeper for the Badgers, he started 43 of them. He recorded 13 shutouts and had 224-95 as a career saves-to-goal ratio. He is seeking a master’s degree in liberal arts, while also working in the admissions office. During his undergraduate studies, he was a four year Dean’s List student and was awarded Daktronics-NAIA Scholar Athlete in 2009 through 2011. During his senior year, he juggled sports and academics while being the SGA president. Bronenkamp has done all of this while running his own online business, accessorydepot.net, and iOYE. org, a non-profit organization all from his residence hall. He was also a resident assistant and member
of the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. Bronenkamp shared his thoughts on his position in the admissions office. “I couldn’t be happier to be working for my alma mater. I’ve developed a sincere love for The Hill, so I’m thrilled to be able to be a part of it after my undergrad years,” said Bronenkamp. Now that his career as a Badger student athlete has come to an end, he will now be able to become more involved in his admissions duties. “I will begin to travel in order to assist the counselors with recruiting,” said Bronenkamp. He expressed his interest in recruiting students from his home town of St. Louis, since he can relate to high school juniors and seniors. His work duties include visiting high schools with other counselors, meeting with families during on-campus visits and traveling to college fairs in the Mobile, New Orleans and Florida panhandle regions. Bronenkamp was asked his thoughts on Alejandra Tovar’s documentary titled, “Once a Badger, Always a Badger.” “Meeting a Badger outside of Mobile is an awesome experience. The greatest thing about it is as you reminisce with a fellow Badger, whether a recent grad or an older grad, you begin to realize
Photo by KelliMAZZA
Cory Bronenkamp in goal
that the experience is pretty much the same. It’s a unique bond that you are able to develop that is unlike any other encounter. I would go so far as to say that this type of encounter is truly unique to Spring Hill.”
Imwalle and Dolan prepare for nationals By EmilyKING News Editor
On Nov. 19, senior Kate Imwalle and sophomore Emily Dolan will represent Spring Hill as they compete in the NAIA National Cross-Country race in Vancouver, Wash. This year is Dolan’s first time running a national race, but Imwalle is no rookie to the national scene. However, this will be the first time Imwalle has had a female teammate running in the national race with her. These Badger women qualified individually for the race. They will be competing against 32 other teams as well as many other individual qualifiers. Dolan’s and Imwalle’s conference meet qualified them personally to run at the national race Speaking from experience, Imwalle has a definite game plan in mind. “The course in Vancouver is a very difficult course to run. Between the large size of the race and the muddy grass you slip and
slide through, I generally just try to place as high as possible and not worry so much about time. I don’t think the course in Vancouver is a course that a runner can run a personal record on, but crosscountry is about place more than the time you run,” said Imwalle. Runners like Imwalle find solace in being with other runners who are as passionate about the sport and lifestyle of cross-country. “Being surrounded by so many talented and dedicated athletes fascinates me. I have so much respect for all of the athletes and am honored to be surrounded by other runners who are as crazy about running as me,” said Imwalle. To train for the national race, Dolan and Imwalle do not plan to change their workouts. “My training won’t change much. I will practice the same as I did for conference and try and stay very positive,” said Dolan. Moderate workouts are key for their success so their legs are not overly tired on the day of the race. “The week of the race I cut back
a good bit on the volume of running I am doing to rest my legs for the race. Most of the hard workouts I do during the season are during the middle part of the season. You see the results of this hard work when you cut back on the amount of running you do at the end of the season and race on fresh legs,” said Imwalle. Dolan and Imwalle love the sport and do not want to end it only because they are no longer running with a Spring Hill College singlet on. “I would like to continue to run after college for the fun of it, and run in some of the road races here in Mobile,” said Dolan. Imwalle, with her post-graduation status rapidly approaching, has a similar mentality. “I would absolutely love to coach on the collegiate level. I know for sure that I will continue to run and race after college. I believe in the sport and the ways in which it shapes the athlete into not only the best runner he or she can be, but also the best person he or she can be,” said Imwalle.
SPORTS 14
nationals continued from page 1
The players acknowledged and appreciated the fans’ support. “The fans and all of the support we had for the championship game this weekend was incredible. Absolutely amazing. We are so thankful for those that came out to support us. We are thankful to have such loyal supporters, people that really want us to succeed for Spring Hill,” said sophomore Taryn Nash. “The entire experience was awesome, though; the atmosphere was great. It was fun playing good volleyball with a home court advantage created by our awesome fans,” said freshman Maddie Laforge. “I just want to say that our Badger fans are amazing. I am really thankful for them, that they came out and supported us. It’s so cool that the whole gym was all purple,” said Yiting Cao. “To have that kind of support at an away game was incredible. We really felt that the Badgers had our back, and it was like having a home court advantage on neutral turf. We really felt the Badger pride,” said senior Holly Shultis. Coach Peggy Martin was proud of her Badgers’ effort. “We have chosen all season to put the ‘we before the me’ and we believe that is why we have had so much success,” said Martin. Cao led the Badgers with 19 kills, and Nash produced 39 assists. Sophomore Meredith Donald led the team with 22 digs and fellow sophomore Sha Sha Buchanan recorded 11 blocks. “I am really proud of our team, even though we lost the final game. The whole team played together, believed in each other, and fought until the last point. We never gave up,” said Cao.
However, even after this defeat, things quickly turned around for the Badgers. On Sunday afternoon, it was announced that Spring Hill would host Xavier University in the first round of the NAIA Volleyball National Championship. This is only the second time in school history that the Badgers have made the tournament, the other came in 2003. “Our players, collectively, worked so hard to earn this trip to the National Tournament and to get to host the first round is unbelievable and such a reward for all their efforts,” said Martin. “Seeing that kind of commitment from the student body has me super pumped for the game this Saturday. A lot of people have already told me of Photo by KelliMAZZA Senior Yiting Cao and sophomore Sha Sha Buchanan block the net costumes their planning for the game, and I’ve heard talk of the their being a set average. ‘white-out,’” said Shultis. The road to the finals started on Friday, when Prior to the tournament, on Thursday, Martin was named the 2011 SSAC Coach of the Year. Since the Badgers easily handled the Brewton-Parker taking over an 8-16 squad in 2009, she has de- College Barons 3-0. The Barons only scored four livered two straight SSAC West Division titles, fin- points in the second set and were held to a .012 ishing this year with a 36-0 regular season and a attack percentage for the match. On Saturday, the Badgers had to come from beschool-record 38 wins. hind to beat the Shorter University Hawks 3-2. The Cao and fellow senior Abbey Roam were selected as members of the 2011 Capital One Academic Badgers took a tightly contested first set, 25-23 on All-District Team. Cao led the NAIA in kills, averag- a Cao ace. In the second set, the Hawks started ing more than five kills per set with a .408 attack out on a 6-2 run and held on to take the set 25-22. percentage. Roam recorded 3.2 digs per set this The Hawks also took the third set, 25-19, to put the season, while recording 188 kills for a 1.7 kills per
this week in Badger sports 11/18 - Saturday
Women’s basketball @ Truett-McConnell College 4:30 p.m. Men’s basketball @ Truett-McConnell College 6:30 p.m.
11/19 - Sunday
Women’s volleyball vs. Xavier-New Orleans 3 p.m. Opening
round of NAIA Tournament Women’s basketball @ Southern Wesleyan University 4 p.m. Men’s basketball @ Southern Wesleyan University 6 p.m.
11/22 - TUESDAY
Women’s Basketball @ Concordia College-Selma 5 p.m. Men’s basketball @ Concordia College-Selma 7 p.m.
Badgers on the brink of elimination. The Badgers’ tournament appeared over when they trailed 17-19 in the fourth set, but after a timeout by Coach Martin, the girls responded with an 11-7 run to take the set 28-26. The Badgers dominated the fifth and final set, with Cao leading the way to a 15-7 victory that advanced them to the finals. “The entire experience was awesome, the atmosphere was great. It is incredible to have this opportunity my first year playing college volleyball,” said Laforge. Cao had a season-high 28 kills, three aces and 13 digs as Stewart produced 14 kills. Buchanan had 15 kills and four blocks to pace the Badgers’ defense. Nash handed out 67 assists and Donald recorded 30 digs. Come out and support the Badgers on Saturday as they host the opening round of the NAIA Tournament. The Badgers take on Xavier-New Orleans at 3 p.m. in the Arthur R. Outlaw Recreation Center. “We would like to thank all the students and faculty for celebrating such a great season with us. You are the best, Badgers!” said Coach Martin. The season will continue on Saturday, Nov. 19.
15 SPORTS
Students plan to start lacrosse club By JoeROWE Sports Editor
Lacrosse, one of America’s fastest growing sports, has finally arrived on the Spring Hill campus. The sport has been deemed the “fastest game on two feet” and participation has grown by 138 percent since the year 2001. A game originated by Native Americans in the fifth century, Lacrosse is played with a stick, the crosse, which must be used by the player to throw and control the ball. Attackers and midfielders must get the ball past the opposing defenders and the goalie to try to score the most goals possible during the four 12-minute quarters. There are now more than 500 college lacrosse teams in the U.S. as well as more than 200 women’s teams. “It’s a perfect combination of a lot of sports, even though it came before most of them. The best thing about playing lacrosse has to be defense. It’s the position I played, and it’s pretty awesome because you get to beat the crap out of people,” said senior Zach Keller. A group of eight Spring Hill students, which includes junior Tyler Bunn, seniors Will Kirkikis and Zach Keller, as well as freshmen Scout Kirkikis, Devin Fredrickson, Michael Anderson, Matthew Keller and John Zazulak meet two to three times a week at Dorn Field to practice. Several of the members talked about their reasons for playing. “I started playing lacrosse in high
school. My school started a team my sophomore year, and I joined. I fell in love with the sport, and it’s been no looking back ever since,” said Bunn. “I saw it was a very fast and physically demanding sport and thought that it would be fun to try, said Will Kirkikis, who also runs cross-country for the Badgers. Although they are not yet an official club on campus, this group hopes to see lacrosse grow and eventually become a school-sanctioned sport. “Right now I’m seeing a lot of growing interest in the sport on campus, and with the large interest that the freshman class has, I think lacrosse will pick up on campus quickly. I hope to see a club team within a year or so, said Kirkikis. “What got me started playing la- Photo by JoeROWE crosse was in ninth grade, I found From left to right: Michael Anderson, John Zazulak, Tyler Bunn out that my high school had a club team. I joined, and I’ve been playing Interested in playing lacrosse? If so, ever since. I would love to see this group become contact Tyler Bunn, Michael Andera legitimate club team,” said Zazulak. son, John Zazulak, Will Kirkikis, Scout Until then, these Badgers will be on Dorn Field, Kirkikis, Matthew Keller, Zach Keller playing and practicing this sport that they “fell in or Devin Fredrickson. love with.”
The Iron Bowl: Not for the faint of heart By JoeROWE Sports Editor
The first Gulf War lasted five months. World War II lasted six years. You can even say that the Cold War lasted three decades. But the war between the Auburn and Alabama football teams has been going on since 1894. It is one of the most intense rivalries in college football. These two teams battle annually in what is known as the Iron Bowl. Even though these two schools are less than 200 miles apart, there’s enough bad blood between the two rivals to span the globe. This can be seen no more clearly than last year, when an enraged Alabama fan poisoned the trees at Toomer’s Corner, the spot where Tiger fans go to celebrate their home victories. This year’s Iron Bowl takes place on Nov. 26 at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Alabama. The Crimson Tide look to avenge a 28-27 loss last year when they took a 24-0 lead that they couldn’t hold.
Auburn went on to win the SEC Championship and the National Championship game, completing a perfect season. The year before, in 2009, Alabama did exactly the same thing. The Crimson Tide scored with less than two minutes left to beat Auburn 26-21. The Tide would go on to win the SEC and National Championship Game as well. Auburn, at 6-4, has struggled throughout most of the year, while 9-1 Alabama had its national title hopes dashed by a 9-6 overtime loss to LSU two weeks ago. Because of this, Alabama fans are confident. “I’m looking forward to another win for the Tide,” said sophomore Maggie Leeds. Auburn fans, meanwhile, remain cautiously optimistic, being such heavy underdogs. “I expect Alabama to come out and try to hang 60 on Auburn after last season. They also need style points to try and justify a rematch with LSU. Auburn will try and establish a running game, but if they can’t, it could get ugly for the Tigers,” said Auburn fan junior Matt Bosarge.
However, rankings and records have never had much importance in this matchup. Die-hard fans can remember classic games and upsets, such as in 1989, when Auburn beat undefeated Alabama 30-20 in the first Iron Bowl played at Jordan-Hare. Alabama fans fondly remember the 1994 game, when the team beat an undefeated Auburn team 21-14 and ended the Tigers’ 21 game winning streak. This rivalry not only divides fans and schools, it also divides families. “Since my mom, brother and sister are Alabama fans, it’s important for Auburn to win so that I have bragging rights for the rest of the year,” said junior Jake Lyons. “A win versus Alabama will negate all of the losses earlier in the year. Hopefully home-field advantage will be enough to make it another close game.” I would expect another close and intense game this year, full of physicality and passion. So whether you’re chanting “Roll Tide” or “War Eagle,” prepare for one wild and exciting game.
BADGER ZONE 16
On the Spot What is your favorite Thanksgiving dish?
“Pecan pie.” SARAHwinteron freshman
YOURopinion Thanks for your support of The SpringHillian this semester.
“Fried chicken.”
“Stuffing...mmm.”
“Fried turkey.”
MARCUSwilliams sophomore
PAYTONtanner junior
BRANDENingraham senior
Movers
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By EmilyHILL News Reporter
Students may have noticed a new face around campus this year. Dr. Harold Dorton is the newest addition to Spring Hill College and is exploring everything the college and the Mobile community has to offer. Dorton, associate professor of sociology, studied at Marshal University in West Photo by EmilyHILL Virginia as well as at Bowl- Dr.Harold Dorton ing Green State University in Ohio, receiving his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Dorton having liked the liberal arts attaught at Texas State Universi- mosphere Virginia Wesleyan ty and Virginia Wesleyan Col- College offered. Dorton also lege before coming to Spring stated his interest in Spring Hill. Hill due to the college’s having Dorton came to Spring Hill a major in sociology, Dorton’s because he felt teaching at the area of expertise. college would be a good op“I was pleasantly surprised. I portunity. “I wanted a change, like Mobile more than I anticiand I wanted to stay in a lib- pated. However, I’m still geteral arts school,” said Dorton. ting my feet wet,” said Dorton. He expressed his attachment Living merely five blocks from to a liberal arts education after the beach in Virginia, Dorton
is still adjusting to the city atmosphere. “I think it has some good qualities in that it is the South, but not really. That’s one of the best surprises of the area,” said Dorton. In the past, Dorton has been a member of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and has sponsored many campus organizations at previous schools. Dorton is hoping to get involved in clubs and organizations here as well. He is presently part of the Mobilians on Bikes group. However, Dorton explained he’s more of a runner, running at least three times a week. Dorton is extremely pleased with the college so far and is eager to see what endeavors lie ahead. “Everyone here is so remarkably supportive. I have never for a second felt like an outsider. And the students are extremely friendly as well,” said Dorton.