Vol. 67 No. 3

Vol 67 | Number 03

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THE TSU HERALD | September 25, 2014

CAMPUS NEWS page 3

FRESHMEN ROCK THE HOUSE 2014: PROJECT XXVII

LIFE & STYLE page 5

Texas Southern University’s 87th Founders Day: Honoring the legacy of George Thomas “Mickey” Leland

HISPANIC STUDENT ASSOCIATION SPEAKS ON HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

SPORTS page 9

pageBedia 4 Photo credit: Buck TEXAS SOUTHERN TOPS CENTRAL STATE IN THE BAHAMAS

page 8

page 10

OPINION page 11

LACK OF STUDENT ENGAGEMENT IMPEDES THE COLLEGE EXPERIENCE

TURMOIL WITHIN THE NFL IS WENDY DAVIS GIVES STAR CAUSING MAJOR PERFORMANCE DURING REPURCUSSIONS GUBERNATORIAL DEBATE

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Campus News Freshmen Rock The House 2014: Project XVIII

BY TONY MONK Staff Writer said.

Over 30 organizations such as: TSU Raw Materials, Hispanic Student Association, and University Players took center stage with skits, routines, and valuable information pertaining to the freshman class.

The sororities and fraternities on campus showcased their introductions through video and stage skits, performances and strolling in between intermissions in coordination to the music played by the DJ as well.

A raffle was also done for the students to win prizes such as t-shits, backpacks and cd albums.

Other groups such as TSU connect and upcoming group Mt. Olympus provided several persuasive points as to why students should join said organizations.

“Though we’re not an organization, I’m glad we had the chance to introduce ourselves and what we’re about to the student body,” junior and Mt. EDITORIAL STAFF Olympus member Tyler Washington said.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The twitter feed had become a MECOLE’ HAYES highlight at certain The TSU Herald is published by the points of the show, as Managing Editor LENZI CAUSEY students of Wiley would respond Te x a s S o u t h e r n to tweets posted by Campus News Editor U n i v e r s i t y. some of the freshman MARIEA BOYD Opinions expressed students. a r e t h o s e o f t h e Sports Editor Heads were conw r i t e r a n d d o n o t SIDNIE HOLMES stantly turning to see necessarily reflect which students had those of the gathered their nerves Opinion Editor administration.

LINDSAY GARY The newspaper is to say what was on p r i n t e d b i w e e k l y, their mind about some Life & Style except of the performances.

KENNETH WARE JR. d u r i n g h o l i d a y s a n d Whether e x a m i n a t i o n p e r i o d s . Wiley had planned on For additional Publications Manager referring to the tweets information, call TIYOSHA TURNER as a part of the event (713) 313-6710. or not, it definitely Advisors helped in keeping evSERBINO SANDIFER-WALKER MICHAEL BERRYHILL eryone into the show.

Hundreds of voices echoed throughout the Sawyer Auditorium for another annual Freshman Rock the House showcase last wednesday.

An auditorium filled with student’s whose eyes were glued to the center stage as host and TSU professor, Marcus D. Wiley began to kick things off.

The class of 2018 has began to make some noise through the beginning of this semester already, little did they know, high expectations had already been placed on them, and for an event focused mainly on the freshman, they too showcased why they were who many thought they were.

“These new crop of freshman, are the most spirited and strong willed I’ve ever seen, and they were not afraid to speak their minds,” SGA president Terrance Bolton, whom had very high regards for the class after the event,

The overall turnout of the show was one to remember.

Freshmen as well as upperclassmen were well into every performance that came through FRTH.

Terrence Bolton had high praises for the turn out, as well as for Internal Vice President Crystal Owens, who was in charge of planning and preparation for the event.

“I think the event went well, the main thing was to make sure the freshman were introduced to what the campus had to offer,” Crystal Owens said.

“A lot of the freshman wanted to be involved with the organizations but didn’t know where to start.”

The number of freshmen eager to begin getting involved after the event astonished both Bolton and Owens.

The turnout for FRTH was one of the best in the last couple of years, and Bolton as well as Owens hopes the success will continue in the future.

Freshmen Rock The House host and TSU professor, Marcus D. Wiley

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Campus News A New Face in Administration: Texas Southern University accepts Dr. Craig Ness as the new chief financial officer

BY MARIEA BOYD Campus News Editor

Dr. Edward Craig Ness began his duties at Texas Southern University in August of 2014.

As the Vice President for Administration and Chief Financial Officer, he oversees Plant Operations, Human Resources and the Department of Public Safety.

The Division of Administration and Finance, which employs over 300 people, provides a wide variety of services on behalf of the university.

Ness and his team oversee building and grounds, maintenance and construction, security and police, purchasing, accounting and financial reporting, university budgets,

treasury, risk management, human resources and payroll and information technology.

New to the position as CFO, Ness plans to work alongside President John Rudley and his team to help continue with their plans to improve the administrative and financial infrastructure for Texas Southern University.

“Given my experience in academic departments at many levels, my work in finance, administration and administrative systems, I predict that I will be working very closely with Provost Ward to realize President Rudley’s vision for the University,” Ness said.

Before joining TSU, Ness previously worked at Temple University and the University of Houston.

During his time before Texas Southern University he has implemented major information systems across a university system on three different occasions.

He also taught a limited range of courses for a little more than a decade.

Ness earned his Bachelor of Arts in Communication (Radio-TV-Film) from Temple University, Philadelphia, PA.

He also worked towards a Master of Fine Arts in Film Production from Temple before being enticed to join the staff there.

He went on to earn his Masters of Business Administration from the University of Houston.

Other than being Tzu’s CFO, Ness is a father to two sons and husband for 40 years.

The older of his two children served five years in the Marine Corps and the youngest recently graduated from the Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management.

Inside the community Edward Ness spends his free time as a member and president of Houston’s public TV access corporation.

He is also an active member at the YMCA, Boy Scouts of America and youth sports.

Ness plans to remain the Vice President for Administration and Finance and Chief Financial Officer for the next five years.

He promises to continue to set his goals for making a difference, and will be here at TSU for as long as he can continue to do so.

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Cover Story

Texas Southern University’s 87th Founders Day: Honoring the legacy of George Thomas “Mickey” Leland

BY CAMBRAI ROBINSON Contributing Writer

The room was filled with grace and advocate, making Leland the only United Leland made it his personal mission to help gratitude as Texas Southern University and States Congressman to be reelected to the U.S. others, especially in the fight against hunger. the Houston community paid tribute in honor- House of Representatives every two years.

Mickey Leland’s efforts, vision and the ing the legacy of world-famous Congressman

Through his years in Congress, Leland power of love he had for people went beyond and TSU Alumnus George Thomas “Mickey” matured into a brilliant, effective, and the most his tone.

Leland. influential man of power in Food Security and Leland understood the struggle for

This year’s 87th Founders Day obserbasic human rights including-food, clothing, Health Care Rights. vance commemorates the 25th shelter and health care. anniversary of the untimely Leland created a desperate need death of the great Mickey Lefor global change, dedicating his land. life to giving back, and master As Texas Southern Uniing the causes of helping the versity celebrates 87 years of poor and less fortunate. excellence in achievement, TSU

Many students and reflects on a philanthropist who alumni describe Leland as a legstrengthened the institution, surendary figure who built a firm rounding communities, and who foundation for TSU students and later became one of the most many future Tigers to come. powerful anti-poverty activists Graduating Senior, Darius the world will ever know.

Lewis says “Mickey Leland set

Houston Attorney and the bar and as a member of the former Chief of Staff for the late Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland Congressman Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs I’m was the keynote speaker for the honored, I’m grateful, and I reevent. alize there is no limit to all I can

The Founders Day do. address given by Gene Locke The fight continues to honor inspired the room.

Mickey Leland as a number of

“Mickey Leland was buildings and initiatives have great, he took advantage of been renamed in his honor.

President, John Rudley during his address at the 87th opportunities on campus, and he created suc The “Mickey Leland” (Terminal D) at Honor’s Day Program. cess,” Locke said.

George Bush International Airport and the

This year’s Founders Day was truly

George Thomas “Mickey” Leland Texas Southern University Barbara one Texas Southern University will never forJordan-Mickey Leland School of Public changed the world, the outlook on national get. and international hunger, and Texas Southern Affairs are just to name a few.

The inspiring story on Mickey’s sucUniversity forever.

Mickey Leland touched the hearts and cess taught students to have an attitude of suc- souls of many individuals.

TSU’s annual Founders Day program cess; just like “Mickey.” highlighted Leland’s legacy on campus.

Leland pioneered many afro-centric

Texas Southern University President,

TSU Alumnus and Texas Senator-Dis- cultural norms that made it acceptable for John Rudley, said it best, “I hope there is antrict 13, Rodney G. Ellis give students a much everyone to support change in our black other Mickey Leland this semester.” better understanding of who “Mickey” Leland communities and all over the world.

George Thomas “Mickey” Leland

Because of George Thomas “Mickey” really was. served as one of the most effective spokesper- “Mickey was a special friend, a guy Leland, Texas Southern University will always son for women and men of poverty all over the that people loved, made a difference, and who reflect greatness, positive change, and world for over 20 years. taught to change the world.” excellence in achievement.

Leland was America’s most profound

In addition to his congressional duties,

Life & Style

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The Hispanic Student Association speaks on celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

BY LENZI CAUSEY Managing Editor role in our country’s socio-economic, political, rate within minorities.”

Hispanic Heritage Month is a time

Lumbreras, very insightful about what where we as a nation recognize a major part of and cultural development.”

Here at TSU, there is an organization Hispanic Heritage month means, stated that our “melting pot”, Americans who are descen- on campus specifically designed and appointed it is a time for celebration and recognition of dants of people who have come from Spain, to the needs and support of Hispanic students each country for their hard work in fighting for Mexico, Central America, South America and on our campus, the Hispanic Students Associa- their Freedom and Independence. the Carribbean.

“Also, the time to acknowledge those

It is observed September 15th until Oc- tion.

It’s current president, Maria Lumbreindividuals who also have fought and served tober 15th of this year; it is previously known ras, spoke over the weekend about what this their lives for what they believe is right and as Hispanic Heritage Week. month and this organization means to her. for justice”, she said.

President Lyndon B. Johnson started “It is a month Hispanic where people gathHeritage er together to look week in back in history and 1968 as realize what had a start to to be done, to be include in the position that those of we are now.”

Hispanic The organizadescent tion is open to any as a part student at Texas of our Southern who is culture. interested in be coming a part.

President “The organizaRonald tion is open to Reagan everyone and extended everybody! Our it in 1988 meetings are bito a span weekly at 3pm in of 30 days room 239 in the as a result Student Center. of the apOur first Interest proval of Meeting will be a public on October 1st at law.

3pm”, Lumbreras

said.

This The Hispanic Student Association during their international pot luck event.

The organization excerpt is working to put forth events on from Friday’s article on the subject

“H.S.A. is a multicultural organizacampus that bring forth all students, and plans from the Huffington Post said it best: “What on spreading the event throughout the rest of mainstream Americans have failed to realize is tion that is open to all student with any background. It is an organization were the main the semester to respect academic studies and that Hispanics have played and will continue focus is to make a stronger bond with students events set by organizations. to play a crucial role in our nation. at T.S.U.”, Lumbreras said.

After their first meeting they will have

Hispanics have contributed to every “We try to create events that hold that their first annual International Fest located in avenue of American life since the inception of bond together but at the same time try to retain the Student Center first and second floor from this country. students in school and increase the graduation 5pm-7pm.

Hispanics’ origins have played a key

Texas Southern University Excellence in Achievement

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THROUGH THE EY

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YES OF OUR TIGERS

As the weeks go by here at Texas Southern University, our photographers have captured all of the moments and current events.

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1. Students crowd around as they take turns doing their best renditions of their favorite songs during Karaoke Night.

2. Tyler Doggett and friends during their very animated performance at Karaoke Night.

3. Students pack out Sawyer Auditorium for this year’s Freshman Rock The House.

4. The Men of Collegiate 100 push education as they encourage students to join their organization.

5. The ladies of Sigma Lambda Gamma show off a stroll after providing information about their sorority.

6. Nikki Luellen of the University Players shows students just how talented she is during an onstage performance.

7. Members of the Raaw Materialz dance crew during their performance at Freshmen Rock The House.

8. University Cheerleaders bring lots of Tiger spirit to get the crowd going.

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9. SGA President, Terrence Bolton addressing the student body during the 87th Founders Day program.

10. Provost Ward during his speech at the 87th Founders Day program.

11. Provost Ward, Sheila Jackson Lee and, President Rudley leaving the Founders Day Convocation.

Photos courtesy of: Cameron Butler, Joedicy Simms and Kurt Brinson

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Sports Turmoil within the NFL is causing major repercussions

BY LENZI CAUSEY Managing Editor

In recent events, a growing number of professional league football players has been involved in physical violence cases across the United States.

Criminal and labor authorities have been on top of things, but has it really made any difference?

The first story that surfaced and caused quite a shock was the dispute between Baltimore Ravens running back, Ray Rice and his then-fiancee, Janay Palmer.

A video was released and went viral from February in which Rice physically harmed and then dragged his unconscious fiancee, from a casino elevator.

In March, Rice was indicted for thirddegree aggravated assault and the assault charge against Palmer was dropped.

The punishment he got from the NFL, though, was more equivalent to a slap on the wrist.

They only suspended him for two games.

However, the situation did not surface virally in the media until September, when TMZ released a full-length video of how gruesome their fight really was.

It has been said that NFL officials had seen a clip of the video previously, but once TMZ released the entire video a couple weeks ago, he was then suspended from the NFL, and former FBI director, Robert Mueller plans to step in and investigate the case.

“I’m not satisfied with how we handled it from the get-go,” NFL Commissioner, Roger Goodell told a source from the Baltimore Sun. “I made a mistake.”

The same day Rice was suspended, a Minnesota sheriff issued a warrant for the arrest of Minnesota Vikings’ running back, Adrian Peterson.

Peterson was brought up on charges for child abuse after severely punishing his fouryear-old son.

Some may not recall, but Peterson faced much discretion in the media behind this

situation, but not long ago was pitied and sympathized with in the event of losing his other son.

His death was due to brutality from the mother’s live-in boyfriend in October of last year.

This caused an uproar about violence within the NFL, on two accounts: domestic abuse and child abuse and endangerment.

It also seemed to cause a domino effect within the league because several other NFL players are being brought up on charges of various assault.

These players include Carolina Panthers’ defensive end, Greg Hardy, for a domestic violence case and Arizona Cardinals’ running back, Jonathan Dwyer, for assault.

The Panthers announced Wednesday that Hardy has taken a voluntary leave until his legal matters have been resolved.

He has been convicted based on domestic violence assault that took place in July.

“We understand Greg’s decision,” Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman told CNN.

“And given the circumstances, it’s very important that he concentrate on his legal issues. We believe this is the right course of action at this time for both Greg and the Carolina Panthers.”

According to the New York times, Dwyer was booked at Maricopa County Jail on a count of aggravated assault causing a fracture, a count of aggravated assault involving a minor, two counts of criminal damage and a count of preventing the use of a phone in an emergency.

This was all based on two occurrences of domestic abuse stemmed from altercations in his home at the end of July.

So far, he has been deactivated by the Cardinals, occurring Wednesday evening.

Fortunately, Peterson, Hardy and Dwyer are being placed on a special commissioner’s exemption list and are being paid while they go through their legal processes.

Now, as a woman who has witnessed, but has not been a victim of domestic violence, these stories are disturbing and confusing.

Rice, who was indicted nearly seven months ago, has not been tried for his crime but how now been punished financially twice for the same actions.

His wife released a statement soon after the TMZ video released that was nothing short of baffling. She said that she played a part, which may have been true, but Rice’s reaction was beyond over-the-top and an embarrassment to both parties.

It was almost as if she was agreeing to his actions and submitting to being a victim.

With Rice at the forefront, the violence in the media is spiraling into madness and reciprocity, and management of the issues is running slow.

The pressure is coming down on the officials of the NFL from both the media and the White House.

Friday, a senior administration official told CBS the NFL has zero-tolerance for domestic violence or child abuse and it’d be handled efficiently.

“The NFL has an obligation not only to their fans but to the American people to properly discipline anyone involved in domestic violence or child abuse and more broadly, gain control of the situation,” the official said.

The NFL has even teamed up with The National Domestic Violence Hotline, which provides domestic violence victims and survivors access to a national network of resources and shelters.

In recent times, the hotline hadn’t been running adequately because of lack of staff, but it is working to provide service and at the least, an answer to every call.

It is my hope that the violence does not continue, and that each player own up to his actions and accept the consequences.

It is also my hope that each of them learns from his mistakes, and if help is what they need, that it is provided.

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Sports Texas Southern tops Central State in the Bahamas

BY KENNETH WARE JR. Life & Style Editor

NASSAU, Bahamas — Daveonn Porter ran for two touchdowns and Texas Southern beat Central State 30-16 in the inaugural HBCUX Classic.

The game was held at Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium on Saturday, September 13, 2014.

Porter scored on runs of 26 and 5 yards, and gained 89 yards on 18 carries, as TSU moved to 3-0 this season.

Jamal Small added 108 yards on 13 carries, and went 17 of 31 for 186 yards and two touchdowns, for the Tigers.

Central State (1-1) scored first on John Adams’ 32-yard field goal, capping a 10-play, 64-yard first quarter drive.

But Small connected with Fred Plummer for 26 yards for a score, then found Malik Cross from six yards to lead 13-3 at half.

Porter’s first TD made it 20-3 early in the third. But Central State scored twice — the latter a 25-yard interception return by Christian Wilson — to cut it to 20-16.

Eric Medina kicked a 24-yard field goal, and then Porter’s fourth quarter, 4-yard scamper put it out of reach.

The Bahamas Director of Tourism, Joy Jibruli was ecstatic about bringing the annual football classic to the Caribbean island.

“It’s the first of its kind,” Jibruli said.”

Not just sun, beaches and sand, but also sports.”

National Stadium hosted the popular IAAF World Relays this summer as well.

“This shows the diversity of the Bahamas and all we can offer,” Jibruli said. “I suggest all visitors take a short plane ride and visit one of the other islands. Each one provides a unique experience.”

The Tigers football squad was excited to travel over 1,000 miles and play in “paradise.”

“This is a dream come true for a lot of the students,” TSU Athletic Director Dr. Charles McClelland said. “It’s a first-class event and truly a blessing.”

The Meliá Hotel & Resort and breathtaking scenery on Cable Beach impressed members of the TSU Student Government Association and Royal Court.

“Snorkeling was my favorite thing,” Senior Class Senator Philip Turner said. “It was a beautiful sight underneath the crystal blue water.”

This was Turner’s first trip outside of the country.

He enjoyed diving for starfish and walking outside to the resort’s four pools along the beach.

“The fact that we won the game made the trip even more enjoyable,” Turner said.

Oliver Smith-Perrin, the Royal Court’s Mr. Junior, was honored to share this adventure with the football team.

“The Meliá was a nice resort,” SmithPerrin said. “My favorite part of the whole trip was snorkeling. Although I was skeptical at first, it turned out to be very enjoyable.”

Friday night was a rainy, stormy night, or as the locals call it, “filled with liquid sunshine.”

However, that did not put a damper on the student’s weekend trip to the island.

“I can’t wait to visit again,” SmithPerrin said.

The international press team was taken on a private tour of Baha Mar, a $3.5 billion resort being built just down the road from the Meliá Hotel & Resort.

Baha Mar is in a league of its own.

Even the world-famous Atlantis, which is visible across the water, does not compare to Baha Mar.

The resort is said to be the western hemisphere’s largest current resort project and the most ambitious ever built in the Bahamas.

“It will bring 7,000 jobs to Bahamians,” Senior Vice President Robert Sands said.

For art lovers, this will be the “place to visit” to learn about Bahamian culture.

“Baha Mar will host the Caribbean’s largest curated art gallery,” Sands said. “There

will be 12,000 pieces of Bahamian art.”

The islands of the Bahamas have always been known for their beautiful white sand beaches and near-perfect weather, but it’s quickly becoming a mecca for sports tourism.

For more information on planning the ultimate getaway to experience authentic Bahamian culture, please visit www.Bahamas. com.

TSU Football program coaching staff following the victory over Central State at the Inaugural HBCUX Classic.

The view from the team’s balcony in Nassau, Bahamas. photos courtesy of: Tsuball.com

10

Politics Wendy Davis gives star performance at Texas Gubernatorial Debate

BY LINDSAY GARY Politics and Opinion Editor

Democrat Wendy Davis outperformed her opponent Attorney General Greg Abbott at Friday’s Texas Gubernatorial Debate in Edinburg, Texas.

Her performance was necessary as polls and fundraising efforts show that Abbott continues to lead the race for the Governor’s Mansio.

With just six weeks until Election Day, Davis will need much more than a great performance to win this race.

During this one hour debate, the moderators questioned the candidates on everything from abortion to the death penalty.

There was also a particular emphasis on border security due to the debate’s location in the Rio Grande Valley.

When asked about the negative depictions and images of border mayors, Davis said she would work with local leaders and tourism agencies to repair this tarnished image and to maintain border protection.

Abbott, who did not directly answer the question, maintained that his focus would be on the economic development of the area.

His ambiguity continued throughout the debate.

Overall, Senator Davis was enthused and confident during the debate.

She engaged the audience and addressed Attorney General Abbott directly; she effectively maintained a balance between promoting her track record and vision, and showing with factual details why her opponent was not suited to be the next governor of Texas.

In contrast, Abbott was extremely calm and mostly refrained from addressing his opponent directly.

Many of his responses simply regurgitated talking points from his website and hotbutton Republican jargon rather than explaining action plans for the state he wants to serve.

Davis advocated for herself effectively while Abbott attempted to do this with fluff rather than action plans or specifics as to why he was fit to be a Texas governor.

In fact, he seemed to be more inter-

ested in the United States presidency as he frequently targeted President Obama in his responses.

For example, he criticized the president for Obamacare and argued that its expansion of Medicaid is bad for all Texans.

In addition to this, when given the opportunity to directly question his opponent, he asked her if she regretted voting for Barack Obama rather than questioning her vision, action plans, or suitability for governor.

Either done to arouse emotion from his anti-Obama supporters or to detract from his ill-preparedness, Davis used this question as an opportunity to further promote herself and her leadership.

Davis focused on education and women’s rights while Abbott emphasized limited government and business development.

On the topic of school funding, Abbott spoke on how he wanted to re-invent the school system and ensure that Texas becomes number one in Texas for education by creating a strong foundation and taking away the “one size fits all” mandates for teachers.

Davis discussed her success in restoring much of the $5.4 billion in public education.

She also pointed out how Abbott worked to defend those cuts which has negatively impacted Texas schools and the children they educate.

She called it “dumb” and discussed her plan to create more resources.

Abbott also denied that he referred to the Valley as “Third World” while Davis contended that this anti-Hispanic rhetoric and his favor of the Voter ID Law which has disenfranchised many people of color in Texas is proof that he is not good for Texas.

Abbott maintained that Voter ID Laws are necessary although there is very little evidence of voter fraud.

On abortion, Abbott argued that abortion laws are good for Texas as women still have five months to make that difficult decision. Senator Davis argued that this should not

be determined by the state but rather by the woman in conjunction with her faith, family, and doctor.

She reminded the audience and her opponent of her filibuster for Texas women and discussed how Abbott supported abortion even in the case of brutal murder and incest.

Essentially polar opposites on most issues, the two do have something in common; they are both supporters of capital punishment.

Both would like DNA testing to be improved to ensure the accuracy of those who have been sentenced to the death penalty.

However, Davis was the only candidate on the stage who actually gave hard evidence of previous action in favor of this.

Although there were a few exciting moments, including Abbott’s question on Davis’s support of the president, this debate is unlikely to change many minds.

There were very few surprises in the responses of the candidates and it seems as if only one candidate, Senator Davis, took the debate seriously at all.

Fortunately, there will be another debate in the next few weeks.

Texas Senator, Wendy Davis

Opinion

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Lack of student engagement impedes the college experience at Texas Southern University

BY NYCOLE HUTCHENS Contributing Writer

Has Texas Southern University lost it sense of pride?

Are we heading in a direction of losing the “HB” in the HBCU experience?

Texas Southern is known as a “Historical Black College and University” institute and most students who attend this school not only show up for academics but are also here to experience the “culture” that they would otherwise not get at a predominantly white institute.

Many students have expressed their disappointment in the lack of student engagement amongst the organizations and the events offered here on campus and why they are apprehensive of joining.

Lack of properly publicizing the variety of events and organizations has caused students to be less interested in school involvement and more focused on “self-involvement”.

Most recently, I discovered several organizations that I did not know about until I talked to several students here on campus, one of those organizations was the Catholic Student Organization and I thought to myself how come I have never heard of this group?

When and where are these meetings held? So I did further “investigating” and pushed for more answers.

Student, Craig Keeton a junior at TSU is a member of CSO and said that he heard of the organization through a friend who is also a member.

When asked why he thought many students hadn’t heard of said organization he responded, “organization’s do not do a good job in promoting, they limit to social media and not everyone is on social media.”

To see if this was fairly accurate, I interviewed more students some who are apart of organizations but not really involved and some who were not in any organization at all.

Sophomore, Kuan Churchwell, and member of the Collegiate 100 Men said that he likes his organization but feels that his

group lacks student involvement, “we lack student spirit,” Churchwell said.

Another student, Latoya Brown said she almost joined an organization until she went to one meeting and was very disappointed in the lack of structure and said “most of these organizations seem like a popularity contest.”

She also expressed how she has no desire to join any organizations here at TSU and mentioned the ineffective approach of publicizing events in a timely manner.

The responses and opinions about the organizations should not be surprising, many students are not only unaware of what Texas Southern University has to offer, but are not feeling motivated or encouraged to join.

It takes more than just posting a flyer on the wall or “blasting” a social event on Instagram or twitter, considering not every student is on all platforms of social media.

Leaders of these organizations should make it a point to not only engage students but provide more effective “marketing” by going out and talking to students about the many benefits of joining an organization, engaging students through fun, exciting “attention grabbing” events during recruitment days

Because of this lack of social involvement no one is excited about events.

Take last year’s Homecoming as an example, it was reported that the student turnout was so bad that most wondered if having a Homecoming this year was even worth having.

Because of these low numbers, we have lost the attention of many major entities outside the campus that could help enhance the reputation of TSU.

So what can we do quickly to not only enhance Texas Southern University’s reputation and continued student involvement? Bring back the school spirit.

Stop putting censorship on student expression of the school, this includes bringing back the ability to allow Greek organizations

to “stomp the yard” every so often, how about having “Recruitment Days” on the tiger walk and have all the organizations set up booths and talk to students personally about the unique benefits they have to offer and make this exciting by providing music, games, and incentives which will engage the students.

It is a fact that student involvement enhances a student’s confidence. I can attest to this myself, I have joined TSU’s Association of Black Journalist’s, I am more confident as a student, I am more sociable and even more so determined to be a top-performing student.

Having more students who feel this way leads to better academic performances, securing more unity on campus and leading to an end result of a stronger student body that students can feel proud about.

So let’s do better about our involvement, by speaking up, and being more effective about bringing up the numbers in student engagement and be proud to call ourselves a “TSU Tiger.”

“Leaders of these organizations should make it a point to not only engage students but provide more effective “marketing” by going out and talking to students about the many benefits of joining an organization.”

- Nycole Hutchens

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What’s Happening on campus & around town

Monday - 9/22

Tuesday - 9/23

Wednesday - 9/24

TSU Dancing Tigers Try Outs 6-8 p.m.

Rec Center Monday - 9/29

Tuesday - 9/30

Wednesday - 10/1

Thursday - 9/25

Friday - 9/26

Collegiate 100 Men and Women Interest Meeting 7-9 p.m.

Tiger Room

Thursday - 10/2

The Root Presents: Free Lunch and Bible Study 12 p.m.

Room 237 SSLC International Pot Luck Festival 5 p.m. SSLC

The Weekend 9/27 & 9/28 9/27: TSU Vs. Alabama State 5:30 p.m.

Montgomery, Ala.

The Weekend 10/4 & 10/5 Last Day to sign up 10/4: for the fun bus trip to TSU vs.

Alcrorn State Mississippi Valley State 7 p.m.

Visit the UPC Office BBVA Compass for more details Stadium Friday - 10/3

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.

20 Questions

1. Why wasn’t the band in the Bahamas with everyone else?

Anonymously 2. Why were some members left stranded in an airport for hours?

3. Can we all agree that this year’s FRTH was a success? submit your 4. But why were some orgs jumping on stage without telling us any info? questions via 5. Why are certain organizations so thirsty to make “20 Questions?”

6. Why did everyone think that there would be a probate during FRTH? Ask.Fm 7. Did people really bring balloons and gifts? today 8. Were ya’ll really that excited?

9. Why were the freshmen clowning everyone on their Twitter Feeds?

10. Is #TxSU18 the livest freshmen class we’ve seen in years?

DISCLAIMER: The questions are 11. Why are people still trying to fight at school? submitted by the student body and 12. Is anyone else surprised that the event didn’t get shut down? are not the views of The TSU 13. Did you know that the football team is on a 4-0 streak?

Herald or Texas Southern University 14. Is it safe to say that The Tigers are better than the Texans? as a whole. Feel free to bring your 15. Did anyone know that UofH just purchased the land that Jack Yates sits on? questions to room 221 of the Student 16. Are they trying to move in on our university?

Center. Questions are printed at the 17. Does it matter if we’re not even considered an “HBCU” anymore? discretion of The TSU Herald.

18. Who’s all excited to see what this year’s shuffle will look like?

19. Why is the UPC President so awesome?

20. Who’s all going on the fun bus trip to Alcorn?

ask.fm/TSU20Questions