The SpringHillian Volume 106, Issue 3
Thursday, March 8, 2018
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam
Mayor Stimpson Visits SHC and Talks With Students Cecilia Von Mann | Reporter Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson came and met with a group of Spring Hill College students on campus last Thursday, March 1. During the roundtable discussion, students were invited to ask the mayor questions. Topics included the mayor’s One Mobile campaign, bringing large international companies to Mobile, how
students can get involved with the city and what it takes to be a leader. Stimpson explained to the SHC students his plans for Mobile, and how they fit into those plans. Further, he called them to be leaders for both the school and Mobile: “Just because you are an elected official or hold a position of authority does not mean you are a leader.” Instead, the mayor emphasized that character determines if one is a leader or not. He said that trustworthiness and groundedness are some of the most important qualities a person, especially a leader, could have. In addition to giving them this advice, Stimpson assured that as long as he was Mobile’s mayor, he would be invested in students: “The most valuable export of Mobile is our young people,” Stimpson said. The mayor desires to keep recent graduates in Mobile by bringing in more international Mayor Stimpson speaks with SHC students. |Photo: Rachel companies like Airbus, and showing them that this city is not just a place Benoit
SHC Adopts Extra Precautions
to study and leave, but a good spot to grow. He keeps to this promise by employing a number of interns and graduates from numerous colleges around Mobile. SHC junior Katy Rasp, a Mobile native, currently works for the mayor and said, “I am very thankful I was given the opportunity to be an intern for the city of Mobile. Being from Mobile, this gives me the unique experience of continuing to learn more about the city I am from, while at the same time being able to share my talents, as well as expand my knowledge in the communications field.” After meeting with the mayor, SHC junior Emilee Adams explained that she is hopeful for what is to come for Mobile: “I felt that the mayor was very genuine in his love for Mobile, and his enthusiasm of the future made me excited for future opportunities that will be made available in the city.” Overall, Stimpson urged students and the SHC community to get involved in the city’s efforts to make Mobile one of the safest, most family-friendly cities in America: “All of us together can do a whole lot more than I can by myself.”
Breanne Bizette | Reporter After the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, schools across America are worrying about their campus’ safety, and how much protection is needed. Gun control continues to be a major controversy in America, with several debating how many restrictions are needed. Precautions being considered include reduced access to firearms, higher security screenings, more intensive background/medical record checks and teachers bearing arms. As for Spring Hill College, students and parents are wondering what precautions are being taken to prevent school shootings. Head of the Public Safety department, Todd Warren truly believes his department is ready for anything. Warren explained that on the police end, they all are trained in active shooter response, and many officers have tons of experience. If there were to be a shooting, Warren said, “An officer will go in immediately, and won’t wait for backup. The officers are trained to go directly after the threat, while the Mobile Police Department will follow in behind.” However, Warren does want to improve student,
faculty and staff education on what do in a crisis. He wants to teach students basic tactics: how to barricade doors, run/ hide and group efforts that can help take down a mass shooter. In the future, Warren would like to hold a preventative exercise regarding school shootings. Students at SHC can carry guns, but with certain stipulations. For example, SHC senior Tom Burcham has been with the ROTC program for three years, and possesses personal guns. The ROTC trains Top: Current and past SHC students pose with an ADDY Award. Bottom: SHC junior Bailey Parrish displays her nomination. students in the field of combat, which can Story on page eight. | Photos: Kate Huete qualify them for certain weapons such as an M4 carbine or an M16 rifle. Burcham explained, though, “All students who carry guns must check in their guns through Public Safety. Pub Safe will write down your serial number, and then proceed to lock the gun in a safe.” If students wish to retrieve their guns, all they have to do is call Public Safety. SHC’s Public Safety department will continue to keep an eye out for any suspicious activity on campus, and encourages students to report anything suspicious.