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THE HERALD | December 1, 2011
The official student newspaper of Texas Southern University
Vol 65 | Number 04 THE TSU HERALD | October 22, 2012
CAMPUS NEWS OCEAN OF SOUL ABSENCE LEAVES TIGERS SEASICK
ELECTION 2012
THE RACE TO THE WHITE HOUSE
11
past mistakes
put athletics program on probation
SPORTS
LADY TIGERS BEAT PV
OPINION
ALSO INSIDE:
Find out how to get involved in early voting
2 THE HERALD | December 1, 2011
Campus News
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Communication students dominate Hip Hop Awards’ weekend BY KENNETH WARE, JR. Life and Style Editor
Atlanta welcomed talents from all industries last weekend, including a group of talented Texas Southern University communication students. As a former 2010-2012 B.E.T. Marketing Representative, the perks still remain present due to one key thing all TSU students should master -- networking! Graduating seniors Rebeca Batres, Kenneth McCoy, Kendall McCoy, Darinice Hawkins and Whittmey Payne accompanied me to “Hotlanta” to cover all the events surrounding the 2012 BET Hip Hop Awards. “The hands-on experience was priceless,” Batres said. Upon arrival to Georgia’s most popular city, students attended a private listening session for Sean Lyric’s new mixtape, The Takeover. “Thank you TSU-TV for the support,” Lyric said. “Leave You Alone” rapper Young Jeezy hosted a private gala in the Biltmore Hotel. Resident DJ Funkmaster Flex provided the dance playlist for the guests. “I am definitely going to play music from the South tonight,” Flex said. Other stars in attendance included former Atlanta housewife Lisa Wu, singer-turned-reality star Syleena Johnson and Usher Raymond. Immediately following Young Jeezy’s all-black affair, TSUTV covered Waka Flocka’s Red Tie Affair.
EDITORIAL STAFF
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AMEENA RASHEED Managing Editor MECOLE HAYES Copy Editor DWAYNE ADAMS Campus News Editor SIJOURNEY PORTER Life & Style Editor KENNETH WARE, JR. Sports Editor BUCK BEDIA Publications Manager TIYOSHA TURNER Advisors SERBINO SANDIFER-WALKER MICHAEL BERRYHILL
The TSU Herald is published by the students of Texas Southern University. Opinions expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the administration. The newspaper is printed biweekly, except during holidays and examination periods. For additional information, call (713) 313-1976.
“We worked nonstop for four days straight and filmed a little bit of everything,” Kenneth McCoy said. Waka Flocka hosted a classy event. All men were dressed in black tuxedos adorned with red ties. The women, not to be outdone, wore formfitting black and red dresses. “I wanted to show a different side of me,” Flocka said. “The industry has created a smart gangster.” Now that Flocka is a tax-paying citizen, he will be voting in this year’s election.
Rebeca Batres (l), Kendall McCoy (m) and Whittmey Payne (r) triple-check the equipment at a private listening session.
Kendall McCoy shares the same sentiments as his twin brother Kenneth regarding the entire weekend. “We worked hard and played harder,” Kendall McCoy said. “The Source Power 30 Reception was one of my favorite events.” The invite-only reception celebrated the hip-hop magazine’s rich culture and featured a jaw-dropping performance from rapper Machine Gun Kelly. The Source’s publisher L. Londell McMillan was present at the event. “This is a celebration tonight,” McMillan said. Overall, TSU-TV covered over 15 events in a four-day period from listening sessions to mixers. Besides Diddy’s daytime party, rapper T.I.’s Sunday Brunch was one of the final events the crew attended. “We were professional at all the events and made a lot of good contacts,” Payne said. All of the celebrities showed love to the university and the efforts of the communication students. Be sure to check out TSUTVOnDemand.com in the upcoming weeks to view video footage from the star-studded weekend. TSU-TV looks forward to working at other mainstream events in a larger capacity with more TSU students. “All-Star Weekend in Houston will be big in 2013,” Hawkins added, “and TSU-TV will be there.”
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THE HERALD | December 1, 2011
Campus News
3
Ocean of Soul absence leaves Tigers seasick BY KENNETH WARE, JR. Life and Style Editor
The world-famous Ocean of Soul Marching Band has been entertaining fans for over 60 years and developing the best musicians around the globe. The halftime show for TSU football games has become the main attraction for football goers according to 34-year-old alumna Krystal Stephens. “I am always excited for the band to perform,” Stephens said. “Even when I was back at TSU in the nineties, I was more into the halftime show.” The marching band, approximately 180 members strong, always delivers a high-stepping and soul-stirring routine. During band practice in the evenings, some students gather around the parking lot to listen to the tunes. Thomas King, 22, recalls the first time he heard the band rehearsing for a homecoming performance several years ago. “I was leaving the Student Center headed to my car and I heard the band jamming,” King said. The band practices nightly on the football field adjacent to the Student Center. “I sat in my
car with my girlfriend and listened to the band play for an hour,” King said. “That was our cheapest date.” Last year, Shannon Broussard, Director of Student Activities, informed students the severe consequences that would occur if rules were broken in any campus organization. “Hazing will not be accepted on the campus of Texas Southern University,” Broussard said. “No exceptions.” Allegedly, a hazing incident took place within the band that left band students with visible marks. Jacqueline “Jackie” Harris, 20, is disappointed in her fellow Tigers. “I was always told that hazing is something you never do and it just makes the school look bad overall,” Harris said.
A whirlwind of negative media coverage surrounding the band has placed TSU in the spotlight yet again. Ten members of the marching band have been suspended for the remainder of the year from the university and permanently removed from the band. Eva Pickens, Director of Communications, said it was a tough decision for the administration to make, but it had to be done. “Students will be suspended and no longer allowed to participate in the band and lose scholarships,” Pickens said. Some of these scholarships are valued up to $10,000. Band members not involved in the alleged hazing incident may have their suspensions lifted, but the university will impose other restrictions on them. The university has canceled performances at a Thanksgiving Day Parade and has removed itself from the competition for the Battle of Bands in Atlanta. Out-of-state travel will be decided on a caseby-case basis. Reba Brown, 19, personally knows one of the band members directly affected by the incident. “I feel so sad because she is an out-of-state student and has to go back home,” Brown said.
Brown fears that she will not return to school after being home for a semester “I hope she does,” Brown added, “and I will be checking on
her.” Despite the recent news, fans of the Ocean of Soul are remaining optimistic. “The band will come back ten times stronger,” Stephens said. “I am certain.” The Ocean of Soul will be back making waves on the field when the football team plays Grambling on Oct. 27 at 4 p.m. in BBVA Compass Stadium.
4 THE HERALD | December 1, 2011
Election 2012
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Students react to presidential debate BY SIJOURNEY PORTER and MECOLE HAYES
On Wednesday night in the first round of presidential debates, President Barack Obama and Mitt Romney went toe-to-toe on issues regarding economic and domestic policies. The debate took place at the University of Denver in the Magness Arena at the Daniel L. Ritchie Center for Sports and Wellness. Students were anxious to voice their opinions about the key points both President Obama and Romney made. Candidates spoke on the topics of jobs, tax increases and deductions, Social Security, the move on the deficit, entitlements, federal regulation, health care, education and federal government. The night started off with each candidate sharing how they would go about creating jobs for Americans if elected. “I was in Dayton, Ohio, and a woman grabbed my arm, and said, ‘I’ve been out of work since May. Can you help me?’” Romney said. “And the answer is yes, we can help, but it’s going to take a different path, not the one we’ve been on, not the one the president describes as a top-down, cut taxes for the rich. That’s not what I’m going to do.” In opposition, President Obama stood firm in his belief that his opponent’s proposal would result in a bigger deficit for the country instead of a surplus. “[If] you think that by closing loop-holes and deductions for the well-to-do somehow you will not end up picking up the tab, then Gov. Romney’s plan may work for you,” President Obama responded. “But, I think math, common sense and our history shows us that’s not a recipe for job growth.” Both candidates disagreed with each other on most topics, but they found common ground on energy, oil and natural gas companies creating jobs for the American people. Students have different opinions when it comes to who is best fit to lead this country for the next four years. “He [Romney] is a leader who can work across the aisle to solve problems, create jobs and turn around our economy,” president of the Young Conservatives of TSU, Reginald C. Grant Jr. said. One of the biggest concerns all students can agree on is figuring out which candidate will be successful in creating jobs in this tough economy. “I believe President Obama has done well this term,” said
health administration major Deja Jones. “He ensured America that he would make more jobs available and he did just that.” After watching the debate, many students were still unsure on who was the best candidate. “The debate was a bit of a miss. I wanted to see more passion for the increase of jobs and a decrease in the deficit,” said senior journalism major Kellye Moran. Most students had high expectations for President Obama and were quite turned off by his calmness throughout the debate. “What voters need to realize is that past incumbents, such as Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush have all fell short in their opening debates in the run for president,” said junior communications major Tyara Smith. “So I’m interested to see the performance of both candidates in the next debate.” In the second debate, both President Obama and Romney stated facts throughout that took place this week at Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y.. The “town-hall” setting was an open platform that allowed citizens to ask the candidates questions on how and what they plan to do if elected. Instead of name-calling and finger pointing that many had hoped for in this second debate, both candidates continued to elaborate on the topics of the federal-budget, gas prices, how to create jobs and how to handle immigration laws. “It’s not going to be like the last four years,” Romney said. “The middle class has been crushed over the last four years, and jobs have been too scarce. I know what it takes to bring them back, and I’m going to do that. The last presidential debate will air on Monday, Oct. 22 at 8 p.m. at Lynn University in Boca Raton, FL. and be moderated by CBS News’ chief Washington correspondent Bob Schieffer. The debate will consist of six 15-minute time segments, which will focus on various topics regarding foreign policy.
www.tsuherald.com THE HERALD | December 1, 2011
Election 2012
CAST YOUR BALLOT EARLY There are currently 37 early voting locations in Harris County. Early Voting Hours of Operation October 22 - October 26, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. October 27, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. October 28, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. October 29 - November 2, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Location
Early Voting Locations Address
Location
Address
1. Harris County Administration Building: 1001 Preston, 1st Floor Houston TX
77338
77002
20.Kingwood Branch Library: 4400 Bens View Lane Kingwood TX 77345
2. Holy Name Catholic Church: 1912 Marion Street Houston TX 77009
21. North Channel Branch Library: 15741 Wallisville Road Houston TX 77049
3. Kashmere Multi-Services Center: 4802 Lockwood Dr. Houston TX 77026
22. Baytown Community Center: 2407 Market Street Baytown TX 77520
Ripley House: 4410 Navigation Boulevard Houston TX 77011
23. Harris County Courthouse Annex #25: 7330 Spencer Highway Pasadena TX
4. H.C.C.S Southeast College, Learning Hub: 6815 Rustic, Bldg D Houston TX
77505
77087
24. Freeman Branch Library: 16616 Diana Lane Houston TX 77062
5. Palm Center: 5300 Griggs Road Houston TX 77021
25. Henington-Alief Regional Library: 7979 South Kirkwood Houston TX 77072
6. Fiesta Mart, Inc.: 8130 Kirby Houston TX 77054
26. Nottingham Park: 926 Country Place Drive Houston TX 77079
7. Metropolitan Multi-Services Center: 1475 West Gray Houston TX 77019
27. Franz Road Storefront: 19818 Franz Road Katy TX 77449
8. Harris County Public Health Environmental Building: 2223 West Loop South
28. Bear Creek Park Community Center: 3055 Bear Creek Drive Houston TX
Houston TX 77027
77084
9. Northeast Multi-Service Center: 9720 Spaulding St, Bldg #4 Houston TX
29. City of Jersey Village - City Hall: 16327 Lakeview Drive Jersey Village TX
77016
77040
10. Galena Park Library: 1500 Keene Street Galena Park TX 77547
30. Tomball Public Works Building 501B: James Street Tomball TX 77375
11. IBEW Hall #66: 4345 Allen Genoa Road Pasadena TX 77504
31. Champion Forest Baptist Church - Multi Purpose Bldg: 4840 Strack Road
12. Sunnyside Multi-Service Center: 4605 Wilmington Houston TX 77051
Houston TX 77069
13. Hiram Clarke Multi-Service Center: 3810 W. Fuqua Houston TX 77045
32. Champion Life Centre: 3031 FM 2920 Rd Spring TX 77388
14. Bayland Park Community Center: 6400 Bissonnet Houston TX 77074
33. Cypress Top Park: 26026 Hempstead Highway Cypress TX 77429
15. Tracy Gee Community Center: 3599 Westcenter Drive Houston TX 77042
34. Glen Cheek Education Building: 16002 Westheimer Pkwy Houston TX 77082
16. Trini Mendenhall Sosa Community Center: 1414 Wirt Road Houston TX
36. Lone Star College University Park: 20515 State Hwy 249 Houston TX 77070
77055
37. Crosby ISD Administration Building: 706 Runneburg Road Crosby TX 77532
17. Acres Home Multi Services Center: 6719 W. Montgomery Houston TX 77091 18. Hardy Senior Center: 11901 West Hardy Road Houston TX 77076 19. Octavia Fields Branch Library: 1503 South Houston Avenue Humble TX
For more information on voting, visit www.harrisvotes.org.
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6 THE HERALD | December 1, 2011
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THROUGH TH
Photos by: Jerry Webb, Buck Bedia, Joedicy Simms and Dominique Monday.
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THE HERALD | December 1, 2011
HE EYES OF OUR TIGERS
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8 THE HERALD | December 1, 2011
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Sports
Tiger athletics’ third major infractions case ends with five year probation
Photo Credit: Dominique Monday
BY BUCK BEDIA Sports Editor The long-awaited punishment for the Tigers’ athletic program was handed down on Tuesday by the NCAA. The 34-page report placed TSU on probation for the next five years. It also explained Texas Southern’s long history violations and labeled the school as a “multiple repeat offender.” A history of violations From 1992 to 1996, Texas Southern was found guilty of similar infractions to the current case, and served a five-year probation which ended in 2001. In 2008, TSU committed similar violations, such as ineligible participation, impermissible benefits and lack of institutional control, that date back to 2004. The length of the probation from the second series of violations was four years. The current investigation examined all activity from 2004 to 2011. The Tiger’s athletic department was found guilty of academic improprieties, financial aid and eligibility violations, improper recruiting tactics and exceeding financial aid limits that involved 129 student-athletes in 13 sports. The sanctions, both self-imposed and from the NCAA, include postseason bans for football through 2014 and men’s basketball through the 2012-2013 season, football scheduling and scholarship restrictions and an order vacating win-loss records and championships from 2006 through 2010. Vacating win-loss records includes all 14 sports and is extended for the 2011 season for women’s soccer and football. Looking to the future Texas Southern University President John Rudley is confident about the future of
the university’s athletic program. “We appreciate the fact that the NCAA committee has confidence in the university’s current leadership, and we are committed to make that confidence warranted,” Rudley said.
“We appreciate the fact that the NCAA committee has con- fidence in the uni- versity’s current leadership, and we are committed to make that confidence warranted.” -John Rudley
Football head coach Darrell Asberry was hired in early 2012, knowing the issues he inherited, Asberry is keeping his head high and eyes on the horizon. “I was hired to move this football program forward, and that’s what I’m here to do. Now the NCAA has set new guidelines we have to follow and we will, and it will make us a better program in the future from this,” Asberry said. Senior Associate Athletic Director Mike Moleta, has been ready for this period to be over with.
“We knew we were going to get sanctions imposed when all this came out, now we just have to fix the problems, and move forward towards a successful athletics program,” Moletta said. The Infractions: Ineligible participation, impermissible benefits From 2004 to 2011, 129 studentathletes received financial aid and travel expenses when the student-athletes were ineligible to receive them or even play for the school. Most of the student-athletes were ineligible for “making insufficient satisfactory progress toward a degree” or because they did not make the transfer requirements. Exceeding financial aid limits In the 2009-2010 season, the men’s basketball team failed to serve sanctions for APR violations, and falsely told the NCAA that actions were being put in place when that simply wasn’t the case. Also, aside from the APR violations, the team was under a scholarship reduction from 13 to 11. The former basketball coach and former football coach placed two basketball players under football scholarships, who never intended nor did they play with the football team for two academic years. When the former football coach was asked about the arrangement, he stated he didn’t recall of such an arrangement, according the NCAA. The football team is allowed to offer 30 football scholarships a year and the former football coach interpreted the NCAA rules and gave out 48 scholarships in 20082009, 43 in 2009-2010 and 33 in the 20102011 academic year.
www.tsuherald.com THE HERALD | December 1, 2011
9
Sports
Lack of institutional control From 2004 to 2011, school officials failed to catch the numerous errors with ineligible student-athletes, and scholarships. TSU did not have an adequate system tracking player rosters, thus hindering the latest investigation. Improper recruiting tactics From May 2009 to September 2009, a booster started recruiting on behalf of TSU to four prospective players, without permission from the NCAA, who were attending other four-year schools. The former football coach was fully aware of the situation, instead of stopping the illegal recruitment, the former coach encouraged and even participated in conference calls with the one of four of the players. Another damning piece of evidence that turned up was the payment of an airline ticket for one of the prospects girlfriends to return back to her school from Houston that was arranged by the former football coach. The punishment • Five years probation from October 9, 2012, through October 8, 2017. • Postseason ban for the 2013 and 2014 football seasons and
2012-13 men’s basketball season. • A three-year sanction for the former head men’s basketball coach and the former head football coach. The public report contains further details. • A limit of no more than 65 overall counters, 25 initial counters (from 30 maximum) and 60 equivalency scholarships (from 63 maximum) in football for four academic years. • A limit of 11 men’s basketball scholarships (from 13 maximum) for three academic years. • Due to health and safety concerns related to the reductions in scholarships and squad size, during probation, the football team may only compete against FCS member schools. • Vacation of all team records for the 2006-07 through 2009-10 academic years in all sports, and vacation of all team records for the 2010-11 academic year in football and woman’s soccer (self-imposed by the university). • Reduction in the available number of recruiting person days by 10 for men’s basketball during the 2011-12 and 2012-13 academic years (self-imposed by the university). • During the 2012-13 and 2013-14 academic years, the university may only use half the available evaluation days in both the spring and fall evaluation periods in football. • Football official paid visits are limited to 30 total per year for football and nine total per year for men’s basketball during the 201112 and 2012-13 academic years.
This week in Tiger athletics BY BUCK BEDIA Sports Editor Soccer
Golf
TSU Women’s soccer, (3-12), snapped a five-game losing streak and pulled out a win on their final road game over conference rival Alcorn State Lady Braves on Sunday 3-2. Gabriella Perales scored a goal and Jessica Smith added a pair of goals that put the Lady Tigers ahead in the second half. The Lady Tigers final four games before the SWAC Tournement Nov. 1. Next game is schedules on Friday, Oct. 19 at 7 pm against conference foe Prairie View.
Kassandra Rivera took first place at the MVSU Valley Shootout Classic on Sept. 16 and the MVSU Fall Classic on the Sept. 17 in Greenville, Miss. Both were held on the same course and had the same result, Rivera on top. She came in at even-par on the first day and finished 2-under par on the second day, even when the course was longer on the latter day of the tournament. The Lady Tigers came in first overall as a team with no team member coming in lower than sixth place.
Volleyball The Lady Tiger Volleyball team (9-11) has won 3 of their last 4 matches including their last against Prairie View 3 sets to 2. Robyn Shannon had 15 kills and Mona Reed added 14 kills, Veronica Azubulke and Gabrielle Gray each had 5 blocks. Jyra Churchill 36 assists. Defensively Erin Spivey came through with 13 digs. The next home game for the Lady Tigers is on Friday Oct. 19 at 7 pm against the Dillard Bleu Devils.
10 THE HERALD | December 1, 2011
Opinion
www.tsuherald.com
20 Questions BY TSU STUDENT BODY
1. Why do students in certain organizations feel like it’s a “privilege” to know them? 2. Where is our school’s alumni support? 3. Why are there more people on the football team than in the stands at BBVA Compass Stadium? 4. Where are all the perks for the regular students? 5. Did you know that SGA just spent $15,000 of its budget on suits from K&G?
6. Did you know that the SGA budget comes from student tuition? 7. If our motto is “Excellence in Achievement,” why do some of our student leaders have poor grades? 8. Why is there so much animosity between student leaders? 9. Is there a reason why they don’t sell Iota shirts in the bookstore? 10. Why does every TSU event turn into Hump Day? 11. Why don’t people know the difference between a protest and a sit-in? 12. When will we learn which battles are actually worth fighting? 13. Does Sodexo intentionally hire the angriest people they can find? 14. Why is fried tilapia being served on catfish Friday? 15. What happened to this year’s TSU shuffle? 16. Why are we paying for homecoming this year? 17. Why do we have a home stadium that’s not on campus? 18. Are you enjoying our first set of 20 questions? 19. Are you mad? 20. If so, do you have a legitimate reason to be mad or are you just hating? This is for entertainment only. The questions submitted are not the views of The TSU Herald or Texas Southern University as a whole. Feel free to bring any comments and questions to room 221 of the Student Center. Questions are printed at the discretion of The TSU Herald.
Photo credit: Kurston Brinson
www.tsuherald.com THE HERALD | December 1, 2011 11
12 THE HERALD | December 1, 2011
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What’s Happening on campus & around town
Monday - 9/24 Monday - 10/22
Tuesday - 9/25 Tuesday - 10/23
Wednesday 9/26 Wednesday - -10/24
Thursday - 9/27 Thursday - 10/25
Light Skin vs. Dark Skin Miss TSU Presentation & Ball Forum TBA Student Center room 207 7 p.m. - 12 a.m. 7:08 p.m. - 9:14 p.m.
Yearbook Movie Night Tiger Room 7 p.m.
Yearbook Dodgeball Game Rec Center 6 p.m.
Monday - 10/1 Monday - 10/29 Kick-Off Pep Rally (Front of Student Center) 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. “TSU’s Got Talent” 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Sawyer Auditorium
Friday - 9/28 Friday - 10/26
Tuesday - 10/2 Tuesday - 10/30 Legends & Leaders Basketball Game 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. H&PE Arena
Wednesday - 10/31
Thursday 10/4 Thursday - -11/1
MEGA HUMP DAY “LIVE 85” 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Office/Dormitory Judging 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Office/Dormitory Judging 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Comedy Show featuring Comedians Miss Dominique, Cocoa Brown, Double D and Rob Stapleton 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sawyer Auditorium
Game Night Mixer 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Student Center Game Room Nightmare on the Tigerwalk 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Volleyball vs. Southern H&PE Arena 7 p.m.
Friday- 11/2 - 10/5 Friday Yard Festival 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Back of the Student Life Center Pan Hellenic Council Greek Show 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. H&PE Arena
The Weekend 10/27 & 9/28 10/27 TSU Football vs. Grambling BBVA Stadium 4 p.m. 10/28 Gospel Explosion Sawyer Auditorium 4-6 p.m.
The TheWeekend Weekend 11/3 & 11/4 10/6 & 10/7
11/3 Tiger Stadium Tailgating 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
TSU Campus Tailgating 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Homecoming Parade
10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Downtown Houston
TSU Tigers vs. UAPB
2 p.m. Tiger Stadium
Hip Hop/R&B Concert
featuring Kendrick Lamar and Erykah Badu 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. H&PE Arena
Our calendar is reserved for the advertisement of on and off campus events. If you are interested in having your event placed on our calendar, then please stop by room 221 of the Student Center or call us at (713) 313-6710.
VOTE FOR MISS TSU OLIVIA TURNER Sound the trumpets! Voting for the Ultimate Reign Competition has begun. The Grand Prize winner will receive $15,000 to support their community service initiative. Voting ends October 31, 2012. www.verizoninsider.com/theultimatereign
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