UALR Forum- Sept 16 Edition

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UALR WOMEN’S SOCCER TEAM TWO GAMES TWO VICTORIES

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The STRUGGLE IS REAL: Award named after Fine ARt DEPARTMENT 3d design class creates What it’s like dealing ualr alumnus derek fisher with anxiety new sculptures

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September 16 - September 29, 2015

STAFF Executive Editor Victoria Hickey Adviser Sonny Rhodes Operations Manager/ Art Director Byron Buslig News/Campus Life Editor Lela-Tamara Fluker Features Editor Morgan Drish Entertainment Editor Grant Fox/Ruth Houston Sports Editor Brian Gregory Business Manager John Arnold Graphic Designer Caitlyn Sample Distribution Manager Dakota Thompson Photo Editor/ Web Designer Brady Jackson

IN THIS ISSUE

Shelby Shelton Kendra Montgomery Nathan Davis Alexandria Barnes Kyle Adkins Renea Goddard Sara McFadden Joni Everett Tanner Newton Lauren Lockhart Jasmine Blunt Jarvis Jones Gabrielle Phifer Brittany Wright Carly Machen Natalie Doris Elton Tevebaugh Marty McNally Cole Chambless Danielle Rains Griffin Buckley Amanda Wilkinson Chris Graham Zachary Tallent Florency Onay Kennedy Loraine

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he Forum is the official student newspaper at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. The Forum is funded in part by the student activity fee; members of the UALR community are allowed one copy per edition. The opinions expressed in The Forum are those of the staff and contributing writers and do not represent the official views of UALR. Advertising inquiries should be referred to The Forum’s advertising office and can be reached by calling 501-569-3319. The Forum is published 7 times in each of the fall and spring semesters. The Forum editor can be reached at 501-569-3265. All material published in this newspaper is copyrighted.

Opinions

TORI TALKS “Under Pressure”

By Victoria Hickey Executive Editor editor@ualr.edu

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f you’re reading this, congratulations!

You have made it to the fifth week of the fall 2015 semester. For some of you it might not have seemed that difficult, but I feel as though I’m lucky to have made it this far and I’ll be even luckier if I survive the whole semester.

I don’t know about everyone else but for me this year has been exceedingly stressful. It seems that I can’t go five minutes without thinking about my long and growing to-do list. Although I try to be organized by making calendars and lists upon lists of what needs to get done each day, I always feel as though there has to be an easier way of keeping track of things.

Sometimes in the midst of all the craziness I have the cliché thought, “Is it worth it?” Is the work I’m doing now going to mean something in the future?

I sure hope so. Even though I am a declared double major in American Sign Language and Spanish, I have yet to decide what I will use my degree for after graduation. I have numerous ideas of what I could possibly do, but for now I’ve

decided to just “play it by ear” and see how things turn out.

I’ve always been amazed by people who know from day one what they want to be when they grow up. I’ve had numerous friends throughout the years who have always known they want to be doctors or teachers or any one of the other countless professions, but I have never felt “called” to be anything.

My plan for this semester is to do some research into a few of the career fields that interest me. I'm hoping that I can receive some help from our readers in this task. If you have a career choice that you are passionate about or if you are working toward a career that you've always dreamed about, we'd love to hear about it.

Send us an email or drop us a letter and let us know how your semester is going and what you hope to accomplish this year. Your thoughts might even get published in our next edition! I hope everyone is having a great semester!

Until next time!

Letters to the Editor The Forum welcomes letters to the editor on any subject as well as comments on our news coverage and editorial position.

•Letters must include the author’s name, classification, major or position and a contact telephone number for confirmation.

•Letters are subject to editing to meet space limitations.

•Please limit letter to 500 words or less.

•The staff will not alter the meaning of the letter, but will correct spelling and punctuation and edit to conform to Associated Press and news style.

•All letters are subject to publication. The editor has the right to reject any letter especially those letters that are libelous, obscene or incoherent.

Letters should be emailed to editor@ualr.edu or sent to:

The Forum University of Arkansas at Little Rock 201J Donaghey Student Center 2801 S. University Ave. Little Rock, Ark. 72204

ualr.edu/forum

College football returns, sadly Grant Fox Entertainment Editor tgfox@ualr.edu

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ollege football season has begun and so has another season of disappointment. Kentucky, Vanderbilt, Duke, North Carolina, Miami, Wisconsin, UCLA and countless other teams have no chance of winning it all this year. Isn’t that normal? Well the disappointment I speak of is not from a camera in a university’s stadium, but rather coming from a small black or white box connected to your television.

College football does not have a video game representing it in the world of Xbox and Playstation, and sport gamers are not happy about it. The reason for this lack of a college football game is a desire from college athletes (or ex-college athletes) to be paid for their likeness being used. The price game producers had to pay was high and it ended a great line of games.

The next question is simple. How do we find a happy medium? How do college football video game fans and the athletes represented in the game find a way to make this work? The answer is even more simple than the question.

Take the athletes out. If the game designers focus on the recruiting, which already plays a huge part in drawing in players, and generates random players for teams, the problem is solved. If the companies responsible for making these games simply sign a contract with the NCAA and the Conferences to use the team brands, the same rate of cost to make the games will apply as it did before without raising the same issues with college athletes.

Enabling downloadable rosters, where the online kings of creation can basically build all the teams rosters and upload them to anyone’s console, will solve any quick game concerns people will have.

EA Sports needs to make this deal happen so that we can go back to enjoying real football on Saturdays, and curb our enthusiasm during the weak with Hail Mary after Hail Mary and finding that hidden gym in the 2017 recruiting class.

ualr.edu/forum

News

September 16 - September 29, 2015

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Remarkable 3D sculptures displayed on grounds of Fines Art building

Photos by Carly Machen

Several students worked through the 10-day summer workshop using various methods to create such works of art. summer workshop, students spent five to six hours a day creating Staff Writer House of Cards, Pile of Fruit, and cxmachen@ualr.edu Clothes Line.

Pile of Fruit is an individual assignment to further explore skins and planes that create a he Fine Arts Department’s three-dimensional form, as well 3D Design class has worked as broaden the understanding of together to create three scaling smaller objects as larger new pieces located outside of the outdoor works of art. Students University of Arkansas at Little built armature bananas, pineRock’s Fine Arts building. Mia Hall, apples, cherries, and apples, then Associate Professor of Art, oversaw “skinned” them with strips of cardthe ten-day workshop. During the board. The cardboard fruit is fin-

Carly Machen

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ished with polyurethane to protect it from harsh weather.

Clothes Line, another individual project, is composed of eight pieces of clothing and two pairs of shoes strung on a wire between two trees. Each student recreated a clothing item by using wire of different sizes. The objective was to reduce a three-dimensional object to its core structure while keeping it identifiable. Each line of wire contributes to the details composing the articles of clothing.

A group effort was required in

the formation of House of Cards.

The 3D Design student’s voted from a variety of proposals for a large scale outdoor art installation. The criteria for this piece was that it must be large, a great visual impact, and less than $200.

“The class spent a week problem-solving, painting, building and installing the 15-foot House of Cards. It took some time to figure out the engineering and how to build in supports to make sure the individual cards would be able to support the cards above them,”

says Hall.

Laser-cut stencils were used for the regular cards; however, the dressed cards had to be hand-painted. Once each card was designed, they were transported to the Fine Arts lawn and installed using a ladder on a truck-bed.

The work of Hall’s students, Andy Blackwell, Mikalah Booher, Paige Gibson, Justin Lamb, Cali Mortiz, Sydney Oliger, Parker Pitts, and Alexa Tolbert, will be showcased until the beginning of October.

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News

September 16 - September 29, 2015

ualr.edu/forum

UALR partners with local charter school

Police Beat Shelby Shelton

Damage to vehicle in Lot 2 On Aug. 27, a student reported damage to their vehicle that was parked in Lot 2. The driver’s side rear door handle as well as the passenger’s side front door handle were damaged and a report was filed.

University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s police responded to a property damage report in early Sept. at the Stabler Hall substation. The incident occurred on Aug. 20 in Lot 12 when the victim’s car was damaged. The suspect agreed to pay for damages to the vehicle and a formal information report was done for insurance purposes.

Student cell phone missing at ETAS building A student’s cell phone went missing around 1:45 PM on Sept. 1 in the ETAS building. A report was drawn up, but the student later located the phone the next day.

Photo Courtesy of UALR

Provost Zulma Toro, Chancellor Joel Anderson and eStem CEO Bacon unveil plans for eStem High School at a Aug. 17 news conference.

Good tire swapped for flat in Lot 15 Gabrielle Phifer

An information report was filed when a student reported that her tire had been “switched” in Lot 15. She parked her car in the lot at 11:30 PM on Sept. 3, but when she came back the next day at 1:00 PM, a flat tire that was not hers had been placed on the car.

Breaking and entering victim’s car, struck with branch At 12:40 AM on Sept. 5, a patrolling officer observed a broken branch on a vehicle in Lot 14. The vehicle appeared to have been struck with the branch before it broke. As he was observing, the owner of the vehicle arrived and they studied the damage: a crack and a dent in the passenger side window. The victim’s vehicle was also subject to a previous breaking and entering in Lot 12.

Electronic device missing from lower lobby of West Hall On Sept. 9 at 2:00 PM, a student reported that a speaker she had been using to watch a movie in the lower level of West Hall was missing. She requested that an RA review the tapes to discover who took the speaker, but that could not be done without a police report. The victim came to file the report later that night.

Staff Writer gcphifer@ualr.edu

Brittany Wright Staff Writer bcwright1@ualr.edu

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he University of Arkansas at Little Rock and eStem Public Charter Schools of Little Rock have committed to a partnership.

A press conference held Aug. 17, 2015, announced that eStem High Public Charter School, serving grades 9-12, is set to relocate from West Third Street to the university campus by July 2017. Property on the north side of West 28th Street will be sold to eStem for $50,000, where a 60,000 square foot building will be constructed for grades 9 and 10. Larson Hall, one of UALR’s oldest buildings, will be renovated by eStem for $3.5 million for grades 11 and 12.

What sparked the interest of this partnership was a conversation in estem board meetings. John Bacon, CEO of eStem, is on the

board along with Vernard Henley, UALR associate dean of the College of Engineering. eStem had seen increase in the number of students and was looking for ways to expand to another location. Henley recommended that Bacon talk to Dr. Dean Kahler, vice chancellor of enrollment.

In the last 30 years, the country has not been producing enough professionals in the science, technology, engineering, and math disciplines. The professionals in the stem discipline are the ones that come up with ideas that make products and eventually create jobs.

Not only is there a national need for these experts, but the state also lacks a number of qualified individuals to perform stem jobs locally, said Dr. Zulma Toro, executive vice chancellor and provost.

Arkansas is ranked 49 out of the 50 states in the number of degrees that are offered in the state.

“We’ve been looking at how we can change that, what we can do that can really impact that,” said Toro.

Chancellor Joel Anderson saw

another potential benefit for the eStem students.

“With the high school students getting familiar with the campus, therefore comfortable with the university, they’ll be much more comfortable going to college,” said Anderson.

Besides familiarity, the students will be able to take college courses during their junior and senior years. Not only will they graduate with a high school diploma, but many will have the opportunity to obtain an associate’s degree as well. UALR students will be given the chance to gain real-world experience throughout this transformation while pursuing their own degrees. Students working toward degrees in teaching, nursing, counseling, and social work will have the chance to intern at the high school. During an interview, Anderson, mentioned having a laboratory school for research, in which students can experiment and determine better ways to teach various subjects.

Construction of the project will begin in January. The completion date is July 2017.

YOUR AD HERE! Students! Staff!

Advertise with us!

CONTACT Victoria Hickey editor@ualr.edu

YOUR NEWS YOUR WAY

Getting ready to travel soon? Planning to study abroad?

Apply for or renew a passport without leaving campus on……

PASSPORT DAY

When: Wednesday October 7th Time: 9:00AM – 3:00PM Where: DSC 201R

Do you have any story ideas? Email them to:

editor@ualr.edu

What to bring: • Proof of U.S. Citizenship (original birth certificate with raised seal) • Proof of ID (in state driver’s license or previous passport. If out of state need to bring second id or social security card) • Two bank checks: $110 Application Fee (made out to US Department of State) and $40 Postmaster Fee (made out to Postmaster) • To Expedite Passport bring Two bank checks: $184.85 Application Fee (made out to US Department of State) and $59.99 Postmaster Fee (made out to Postmaster)

Applications: Will be available at the event or available now at the study abroad office located on the 4th floor of the student services center room 417.

For faster service, bring the completed online application available at http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/passports /forms.html

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September 16 - September 29, 2015

News

ualr.edu/forum

Rave Guardian: here to protect you Kendra Montgomery

Would you like:

Staff Writer knmontgomery@ualr.edu

• a challenging post-graduate, professional degree?

• an education that teaches critical thinking and problem solving?

• a profession that lets you be an agent of change on many different levels in society?

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here is a new guardian of The University of Arkansas at Little Rock campus. That new guardian is your cell phone. UALR is a part of a safety app named Rave Guardian. The decision was not made through the University Police to join this program. It was suggested by Bill Reardon computer tech for University Police. The University was made an offer they could not refuse and they jumped on the deal. After a full year of customizing the app for the UALR campus it became available last Spring. However many students aren't aware of it.

"With this app and students working together we can push crime off of this campus," Sergeant Lusk.

Rave Guardian is an easy way to get help during an emergency. The app features a safety timer that will send your location and a per typed message to your selected guardian in the event that something happens to you and you can't turn off your timer. You can make 911 calls directly from the app as well.

Your phone must be charged for the timer to work. The person you select as your guardian must have the app as well, you send him or her a request from the app and he or she can decline or accept the request.

A key part of this app is the ability to anonymously report crimes you see around campus. You can send a text and even pictures directly to the University Police.

Getting used to the app may take some time. There is no need to worry about false alarms. "We will come laugh with you and just be happy that you are ok," says Reardon.

Why not consider law school?

Come meet the faculty and students at the William H. Bowen School of Law

Open House October 27, 2015 5 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.

Trojan Track Photo Courtesy of UALR Department of Public Safety

The Rave Guardian app has been available to students since Spring 2015. Students are able to become more involved in the safety of the UALR campus.

"With this app and students working together we can push crime off of this campus," -Sergeant Lusk

Go to law school without taking the LSAT. Application deadline: December 1 Find out more at: ualr.edu/law/trojantrack Contact admissions: 501.324.9903 or lawadmissions@ualr.edu

News

ualr.edu/forum

September 16 - September 29, 2015

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Return of the MAC

Come check out the Math Lab in its new location!

Alexandria Barnes Staff Writer ambarnes@ualr.edu

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he MAC (Mathematics Assistance Center), or “Math Lab,” is now up and running at its new location in ETAS 409.

This change allows tutors and other employees of the Mathematics Assistance Center of the to be closer to STEM-related majors, who tend to frequent the lab.

“We have tutoring for pre-core mathematics and the entire core curriculum mathematics, some advanced [courses], as well as statistics, physics, and engineering. Different tutors have different expertise. So if you come in and talk with us, [we] can figure out [your tutoring] schedule,” says

Jamie Spickes, a MAC tutor. “If you can’t ‘get going,’ there are so many resources available—books, solution manuals; and we can also help people learn about different online resources.”

The lab’s hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Friday, and also 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.

“We like it when people sign in and ask for help!” says Denise LeGrand, MAC director.

There is no need to feel intimidated when coming to the lab.

Usually about three tutors are

available at any given time. No appointment is necessary, so you can just walk in anytime the lab is open. It’s a very laid-back and

Also, if you are interested in joinor study in the back at one of the quiet areas. A student lounge is ing the Math Club, which is open also available for use with comfy to all majors, please contact Sam couches and a refrigerator. The Lawhorn by email at ualrmathclub@gmail. com or text 334-422-MATH (6284).

The first meeting will be Friday, September 18, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. in the MAC Lounge.

The staff and tutors are always happy to see fresh faces! If you have any questions about MAC is a great place to study, get the MAC or need more informahelp on homework, or even just tion about their services, the office chill out with friends in between number is 501-371-7667. classes.

“If you can’t ‘get going,’ there are so many resources available—books, solution manuals; and we can also help people learn about different online resources.”

-Jamie Spickes

relaxed atmosphere. Private tutoring is also available. Depending on your learning style, you can work in a group at one of the whiteboards

First they build up your confidence with simple addition and subtraction, then they slam you with algebra and calculus. So when you’re feeling slammed, come down to the math lab. We’re here to help Illustration by Florency Onay

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September 16 - September 29, 2015

Campus Life

ualr.edu/forum

Student srganization spotlight: Anime Club

Major Spotlight Health Education and Promotion Nathan Davis Staff Writer ndavis@ualr.edu

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Photo by Tia Wright

From left to right: member Dustin King, President Jordan Lott, Vice President Kaitlin Colegrove, member Rose Rains, along with other members work to build a positive rep for the club on campus.

Kendra Montgomery

in Japanese culture such as: anime, manga, games & etc., to come Staff Writer together, talk and share with each knmontgomery@ualr.edu other [about] our interests," says club Secretary Raven Feemster. he University of Arkansas at Although it is important to have Little Rock's Anime Club has an interest in anime you do not been around for many years, have to know a lot about anime but is now under new manage- to join. At a typical meeting the ment. President Jordan Lott along club discusses important news in with his other officers meet outside the anime world and new anime of the regular meeting time every that the other members may enjoy. week to discuss how to make the After all the discussion the memclub better. bers bond by watching anime and "The purpose of the club is for playing games together. people who have the same interest The club does not discriminate

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against any type of anime. "There is not a specific type of anime discussed more than another type," says Lott.

If you enjoy all things anime then you should join the Anime Club! It is open to all UALR students. There are absolutely no fees to become a member. Meetings are every Thursday from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Donaghey Student Center meeting room 205D. For more information you can check out the groups Facebook page UALR Anime-PWN, or contact one of the officers.

he Health Education and Promotion major is an online program administered by the School of Health, Human Performance, and Sports Management. A major in Health Education and Promotion prepares the student for a career in the field of community health.

Upon graduation the student will be prepared to test for and receive their CHES (certified health education specialist) credential, which qualifies the graduate to work in a variety of positions within the healthcare industry.

Also offered within the School of Health, Human Performance, and Sports Management are minors in Health and Exercise Science, and Sports Management.

Students who choose to minor in Health and Exercise Science will be prepared for physical training licensure upon completion of the program. It’s not necessary to pursue a major within the School of Health, Human Performance, and Sports Management to minor in Health and Exercise Science.

There are not currently any special services offered to students majoring in Health Education and Promotion, but “our courses address any test preparation (for CHES licensing),” says Senior Instructor Bennie Prince. There currently are no scholarships available exclusively for students within the Health Education and Promotion major, though other scholarships are available.

“We are working with the College of Education and Health Professions to develop new scholarships,” says Prince.

Through the Public Service

Loan Forgiveness program, students who choose to major in Health Education and Human performance and choose to work for either the state or federal government are eligible for student loan forgiveness upon reaching ten years of public service, according to Dr. Prince.

For more information on the Health Education and Promotion major visit ualr.edu/hhps.

Campus Life

ualr.edu/forum

September 16 - September 29, 2015

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Ida Umphers Danielle Rains Staff Writer drrains@ualr.edu

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da Umphers is both an alumnae and a professor for the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in the Mathematics department. Professor Umphers went straight into teaching after getting her master’s degree in Applied Mathematics.

“I started to get my premedical degree, and then Bio-Chemistry got in the way,” said Umphers.

She started her college career like many, not knowing exactly what she wanted to do but knowing she wanted to do something: so she went on to get her bachelor’s in Physics and became a teacher’s assistant while she was in graduate school which is where she fell in love with teaching.

Umphers teaches in a very student-friendly style that engages students. She is down to earth, easily approachable and has been recommended to students by

many of her colleagues.

“You can do this,” said Umphers in regards to the one thing that she wishes students would get out of her class, “sometimes in class I don’t think they have the confidence. Somewhere along the way I want them to get that, to say to themselves, ‘You know, I didn’t think that I could do this, but I can,’” she then said, “[You] should never assume what people are capable of. You don’t even know what you’re capable of until you’re put to a challenge.”

In Professor Umphers’ free time, her favorite thing to do is read. Her favorite genre is mystery and her favorite books are the Sherlock Holmes series and Pride and Prejudice which she reads at least once a year.

So, if you find Professor Umphers will be teaching one of the math classes you need to take next semester, take her and see what she’s about for yourself and remember: find your confidence and always put yourself up to a challenge.

Professor Ida Umphers graduated from UALR in 1981 with a BS in Mathematics and in 1986 with her MS in Applied Mathematics.

Photo by Lauren Humphrey

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September 16 - September 29, 2015

Campus Life

ualr.edu/forum

UPC hosts Laser Tag event Illustration by Brady Jackson

Joni Everett and fun events all the time? These Staff Writer jeeverett@ualr.edu

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hy spend money when University Programs Council (UPC) offers free

exciting events could be anything from a comedian act to a new movie premier, but this time they decided to try something new. On Wednesday Sept. 23, there will be a laser tag event in the Donaghey Student Fitness Center from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Senate meeting of SGA:

Sept. 9, 2015 Lela-Tamara Fluker News/Campus Life Editor ldfluker@ualr.edu

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s leaders of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s student body, the Student Government Association works hard to accommodate the needs of the campus. Every Wednesday (unless otherwise noted) the group holds a Senate meeting to discuss

their role in upcoming events, the obligations of each member, updates on current projects, and vote on many other actions in a professional and judicial manner.

In the meeting on Sept. 9, President Jacob Lann and Vice President Connor Donovan led the group in the appointment of senators who are representatives for each of the colleges within the university, justices that work along with SGA and the Department of Public Safety to improve safety and order of the campus, and an SGA Public Relations Campaign

introduced by the Public Relations Liason Brian Gregory, who was also named Leader of the Week.

The Senate voted in freshman and information science major, Larry Dicus as the senator for the Donaghey College of Engineering and Information Technology, as well as, senior and military veteran Christopher Garrett and the senator for the College of Business.

Both bring their own points of view and goals to SGA in relation to their majors and colleges.

The meeting also resulted in first year doctoral student of

“We never have done laser tag before,” says Jasmine McKissick, special events chair for UPC, when speaking about the event.

A company will be coming in and setting up a course for anyone who wants to grab laser a gun and have some fun. Bring a group of friends to see who the ultimate

champion is! Things are going to get intense, plus it’s free!

If anyone is interested in being a member of UPC and helping with events like these, just attend their meetings on Thursdays at 5:00 p.m. in the Leadership Lounge. They are always open to more UPC members.

SGA Student Government Association

Criminal Justice, Joshua Chadwick, being appointed as an associate justice for The Student Court.

Chadwick has both academic and professional experience in this field. His first two degrees are in Criminal Justice and he served several years as a police officer and a Conservation Agent with the Missouri Department of Conservation.

“I would wholeheartedly embrace nominating [Chadwick] to fill that position. Even though I’ve known [Chadwick] for an exceptionally brief period of time,

he has demonstrated rather quickly that he is a person of a superior work ethic. He does have infinite familiarity with the law, it’s function, and an understanding of the court system and how it should function as well,” said Chief Justice Rick Dierenfeldt in his nomination of Chadwick.

There was also the discussion of a homecoming committee in order to assist in the part that the group will play in the activities of homecoming week, Nov. 9-14, under Executive Relations Officer Adrian Hubbard.

ualr.edu/forum

Features

September 16 - September 29, 2015

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Student spotlight:

Keaton Duersch Jarvis Jones about butterflies and live perfor-

mance jitters, but it seemed he had Staff Writer no fear. jxjones5@ualr.edu “It feels good, I love doing it," said Duersch.

Jasmine Blunt He adds that there is a different component that comes to you Staff Writer jmblunt@ualr.edu when you perform in front of people; it adds a certain type of energy ights, camera, action! Keaton that wasn’t there in rehearsal.

Duersch plans to work within Duersch is an aspiring young actor attending the University many aspects of theatre and enterof Arkansas in Little Rock with tainment. He plans to pursue drahopes of being a great actor in the- matic roles in movies, and television shows, and to do voice overs atre one day.

Duersch, a Sophomore theatre for animated movies. However, arts major at UALR, has a grow- theatre will always be his main ing passion for acting, playwriting focus while he continues his acting and studying the art of theatre. career. Duersch also says that his Living in one of the largest the- dream role in theatre would be to atre cities outside of New York, he play Trofimov from the play, “The attended many plays with family Cherry Orchard.” He picked this during his middle school years in character because like Trofimov, Minneapolis, Minnesota. However, Duersch is very idealistic, and paswhat started off as one of his favor- sionate.

Above all else, Duersch said that ite things to watch soon became a the ultimate feeling while acting is career he wanted to pursue.

“I started being interested as an when he loses all disbelief and is audience member,” Duersch said. totally submersed knowing that it “I didn’t get interested in acting is good work.

“Those moments when I know until I got into high school.”

Moving from Minnesota to what I’m doing is feeding me,” Arkansas was a big culture shock Duersch said. “I’m doing this to for Duersch. Duersch was skeptical feed my own hunger, and my own about the move with fear that he passion for theatre. And I love wouldn’t be exposed to the theater that." the same way as he did back home.

“I was afraid when I got here that there would be no theatre, that I wouldn’t be able to participate in it, and even be able to go see theatre,” Duersch said.

He described Arkansas as being less dense in terms of population, things to do, and also opportunity but with time he found things to love about Arkansas. He has come across many opportunities such as, being cast in two campus plays, Scotland Road and performing a student’s piece at the UALR Fringe Festival. Duersch has also had the opportunity to meet new people who influenced his theatre education and his overall experience in Little Rock.

When asked how it feels to act in front a larger number of people, you would think that Duersch would respond with the cliché

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Photo by Morgan Drish

Above all else, Duersch said that the ultimate feeling while acting is when he loses all disbelief and is totally submersed knowing that it is good work.

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September 16 - September 29, 2015

Features

ualr.edu/forum

Mr. Broderick goes to Washington Elton Tevebaugh Staff Writer ewtevebaugh

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atthew Broderick graduated from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock last May with a major in Criminal Justice and minor in Political Science. Over the summer, he went to Washington D.C.,. in order to try and make a positive difference in the world for children in the foster care system.

Broderick is currently a graduate student at William H. Bowen School of Law. While attending UALR, he was a member of several organizations, including the Student Government Association, Pi Kappa Alpha, and the Chancellor’s Leadership Corps.

Broderick was involved in the foster system for four years, from ages 17 to 21, after which he was emancipated.

Broderick made the journey with 11 other students from all over the country, including Alabama, California, Florida, Hawaii, Michigan, Montana, and Pennsylvania, from May 26 to July 30 to propose changes in the foster care system. This was all organized by the Sara Start Fund, a nonprofit organization aimed to take students from around the country to Washington D.C., to develop changes they would like to see in foster care in the U.S. and propose them to senators, in conjunction with the Congressional Coalition of Adoption Institute (CCAI).

The CCAI is a “nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to

raising awareness about the millions of children around the world in need of permanent, safe, and loving homes and to eliminating the barriers that hinder these children from realizing their basic right of a family,” says their website (ccainstitute.org).

A broad strokes version of Broderick’s proposal was to address psychotropic drug overuse within the foster system. Often times, foster children are over-prescribed medication for behavioral problems including being anti-social or having anxiety. Broderick proposed that therapy be used as an alternative to psychotropic drugs.

While in D.C., Broderick met several politicians, including Congressman French Hill, Senator John Boozman, and Senator Tom Cotton, as well as several more.

Broderick relayed several things to those potentially interested in applying to work with the Sara Start Fund and CCAI. First, they should be aware of opportunities and requirements in the program.

Second, keep in mind that it is not a vacation; there is a lot of work that is done every day, and it should be taken seriously. This sort of experience should be used to make a difference. Finally, their voices do matter; Often times, those involved in the foster care system don’t feel comfortable speaking up and voicing their opinions.

Finally, Broderick’s trip to Washington D.C., offered him a different perspective on how things get accomplished in politics. He was given hope that change is possible. He got to see a more human side of politics than most people Broderick’s trip to Washington D.C. offered him a different perspective realize exists. on how things get accomplished in politics.

Photo courtsey of Matthew Broderick

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Homesickness abroad Natalie Doris people we are able to confide in homesickness. Whether you have Staff Writer nmdoris@ualr.edu

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ne week into living in a country known as one of the most beautiful, green paradises in the world, students share their first experiences.

“I was terrified,” asserts 20 year old Kelsey Salsgiver, a Washington native who stepped off a plane into a country outside of the U.S. for the first time in her life less than a week ago. “I couldn’t imagine what it would be like in another country and the idea of being so far away from my friends, family and animals was staggering.”

This sentiment is shared among many students who find themselves outside of the United States for the first time, full of expectations and fear of the unknown.

Spending time away from loved ones is incredibly stressful, especially when they are usually the

when we endure stress-inducing situations that we have never encountered before.

“I definitely get homesick,” admits Sara Gebresilassie from The University of North Texas despite the fact that she has visited several foreign countries ranging from Ethiopia to France. “I keep in touch with family and friends through social media and keep myself occupied with new friends to avoid loneliness,” she explains, prescribing a cure for homesickness commonly used by students who travel abroad.

“This lifestyle teaches you to not take your loved ones for granted,” Gebresilassie continues, “and it also opens your eyes up to how privileged you are to be from a country like the U.S.. We have the opportunity to travel more than students in other countries do. And the experience humbles me in so many ways.”

Perhaps one of the biggest difficulties to overcome after the shock of entering a new country is

September 16 - September 29, 2015

Going out in Little Rock on a college budget

traveled to enough countries to fill a passport with stamps or you have left the town in which you grew up for the first time, but this homesickness can also be seen as a blessing.

Feeling homesick means you miss something that means a lot to you from where you live, and missing something means that you love it. As Gebresilassie says, we learn to not take loved ones for granted.

Whether that loved one be a pet, a partner, or your favorite local restaurant. The fear of leaving these loved objects, people and places behind is a major factor in many students’ decision to travel abroad.

For this fear, Salsgiver says: “Do it. It can be scary, but once you get past that it can be the best experience of your life. I have problems with anxiety, and for me it is extremely difficult to leave my comfort zone. I was petrified to take such a gigantic leap into the unknown, but I will be forever grateful that I did.” ¡Pura vida!

Advice for the class of 2018

Illustration by Zachary Tallent

Morgan Drish formers.

Features Editor madrish@ualr.edu

Kyle Adkins some words of wisdom to share sweatpants and a T-shirt! Nobody Staff Writer kaxdkins1@ualr.edu

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oing to college can be an almost overwhelmingly stressful period of time for a lot of people, especially if you’re an incoming freshman. It’s nearly impossible to find time for everything you’d like to do, so we’re often faced with important choices to make: Do I study for chemistry or go to that party? Do I work on that history paper or go to the SGA meeting? Do I see a movie with my girlfriend or volunteer at the animal shelter? As a freshman, deciding how to allocate your time is your biggest challenge. Luckily, a few upperclassmen at UALR have

with you: “Make sure you put water in your ramen! There’s always someone who doesn't, and the fire alarms go off.” — Brinkley Henson “Try and balance school work with a social life. You don't want to study so much that you have no friends!” — Bailey Garner “The freshman 15 is real. Eat healthy.” — Nalee Vang “Use a planner! Staying organized with your classes and homework will eliminate a lot of stress.”

— T’Neria Ransom “Be active on campus and get involved with many organizations!

College is what you make of it!” — Dillon Nash “Try your best to stay on campus. If you go home a lot, it’s more difficult to get adjusted to college life. Also, go to class in pajamas or

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cares what you look like in college!”

— Becca Davis “Don't be afraid to try something new just because it's different. It could turn out to be something you end up loving! That's what college is all about, right?”

— Hugh Benfer “It is completely acceptable to sleep in public places and eat by yourself. Nobody will judge you.

This is college, not high school.” — Mack Nickles “Two words: Math lab.” — Alex Frederick “Never sleep on an opportunity.

Be brave enough to venture outside of your comfort zone. You tend to learn more that way.” — Zach Blair “Call your mom every now and then.” — Rabi Nadeem

L

ittle Rock is a great place to go to college. There are so many places to explore and visit: Hillcrest, West Little Rock, the River Market and the Argenta district, to name a few. There is so much to do, but when living on a college budget sometimes it’s hard to figure out exactly how to spend your weekends in the city.

Most things you’ve never heard of or don’t want to waste your money on. Well here are few options for going out on a budget that I have experienced and highly recommend.

Little Rock’s Looney Bin is a fun comedy club off of Rodney Parham. They bring in comedians from all across the country. They have shows going from Wednesday through Saturday night for as low as $7 on weeknights and $10 on weekends. It’s a great laugh if you’re over 18! I have yet to be disappointed by one of their per-

The Arkansas Arts Center downtown is another great place to visit. It is free to come in and walk around the galleries. The next exhibit that they have coming soon is called Our America: The Latino Presence in American Art. This new exhibit has both modern and contemporary Latino Art. The exhibit is also free to get into and starts Oct. 16.

The last one is one I think everyone should know about. The Rave Cinemas is right down the road from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. It’s a large movie theater that you won’t be able to miss. It’s clean and has a friendly staff but the best part is they offer a student discount 24/7. Students can pay $5 for any movie even if it had just premiered just be sure to bring your student ID. They have the same ticket price for everyone on Tuesday nights, so if you want to go out with your family or friends that aren’t students they can still get a discount.

Little Rock has so much to offer, sometimes it just takes some time to find the places that you enjoy and can afford.

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September 16 - September 29, 2015

Features

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My anxiety has anxiety

Sarah McFadden when that doesn’t work. Anxiety

can’t be rationalized or talked Staff Writer away because it is a disorder that smcfadden@ualr.edu is essentially an irrational fear. Also realize that many people who have anxiety may have multiple mental disorders piled on top of anxiety. rom someone who has anxi- This may cause symptoms to overety, I can say the struggle is lap or sometimes compound. real. For people who strugThe fourth struggle with anxiety, gle with any disorder, whether and other disorders, is people who it’s physical, mental, behavioral, don’t acknowledge these disorders learning, etc. I applaud you and as real. They usually say “oh, that say keep fighting. My disclaimer: I person’s just an introvert,” or “nah, am not a doctor. If you feel any of they’re just shy.” The truth is, while these problems relate to you, talk this may be true for some, plenty to a medical professional. Please of us are extroverts and sociable do not self-diagnose or diagnose people. The concept of a person’s others. Each person’s problems particular disorder is often mismay differ, but for me, I have five construed as something as simple main struggles with anxiety. as a personality “defect”, or even First, imagine never speaking laziness on occasion with the comto anyone. This may be hard to ment “they’re not even trying,” but imagine because speech is inte- we really are. gral to our society. We speak to The fifth struggle is a double friends, family, employees in stores whammy. Anxiety attacks are someor restaurants, and strangers say- times confused with panic attacks. ing “hello” and “good day” as we They are not the same thing and I pass. You have a split second before won’t even pretend to understand you either lock up or spew forth an panic attacks. However, I am well unintelligible fountain of babble. versed in anxiety attacks. They take Secondly, for people with anxi- many forms and can include any ety, trying anything new, even the of the following symptoms: insomsmallest thing is equivalent to nia, nausea, excess sweating, heart someone without anxiety cliff div- racing, unpredictable bouts of rage ing. Good luck trying to get some- or irritability, hypersensitivity to one with anxiety to jump off of any- disarray, chaos, or change (OCD), thing, much less a cliff. Activities being silent, or talking extremely that most people think nothing off, fast, which can include stuttering such as taking a new route, going or stumbling over words, sitting to an event, or even eating at a rigidly, zoning out, trouble focusdifferent restaurant, people with ing, trouble breathing (hyperanxiety can’t help but imagine all ventilating), trouble swallowing, of the worst case scenarios even if extreme shaking or trembling, and they have nothing to do with the sometimes uncontrollable crying new activity. or jerking movements, such as Next, people will try to talk it spasms. This is not an exhaustive away, and sometimes get upset list of symptoms.

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September 16 - September 29, 2015

Entertainment

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Receive the news in the form of GIFs Livescribe 3 smartpen, a pen all notetakers want Brady Jackson Staff Writer bajackson4@ualr.edu

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ll of you note takers listen in because this is a product for you. The Livescribe 3 smartpen hit the market here recently helping all the note takers that like to be tech savvy at a price of $149.95.

This smart pen can write notes like a normal pen, but will also record what you write

with a infrared camera that is built into the tip of the pen.

It also can record audio that’s synchronized with your written notes that it uses from your mics for your mobile devices.

It stores it into a built-in memory which you can upload onto your mobile device with a single tap or you can have it synced into your device by Livescribed+ mobile app. The pen has 10 hours of life so you don’t just stop recording mid-notes. You can digitalize the sketches you just make on paper.

What’s happenin’ in Griffin Buckley Staff Writer gabuckley@ualr.edu

Rockin’ The Bald

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Caitlyn Sample Staff Writer casample@ualr.edu

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ewsGIF is a new, free app available for Apple products that provides news entirely in GIFs. The app contains a “Just In” section, which offers all of the latest news stories in the form of a GIF and a headline.

The app is more than just headlines and GIFs. The user can read the full story and find the source for the GIF

or the story by swiping left on the GIF. The user can even save the NewsGIF to his or her phone or share the NewsGIF to Instagram or Twitter, or through Messenger or a text message by swiping right on the GIF. A “Trending” section shows the trending topics in the form of a hashtag, such as #election2016 or #dumbcrimes.

Select the topic to view the top related stories. The app also has a search feature that allows the user to search a topic and find related stories. The creators of the app call these topics “#channels.”

There is an interactive feature that offers the user the opportunity to follow his or her favorite contributor and “upvote” the best GIF submissions. The user can even become a contributor to NewsGif by uploading his or her own GIF to a news headline. This interactive feature allows users to compete for followers and “upvotes.”

NewsGIF is on the App Store’s Best New Apps list. It is available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch with iOS 7.0 or later. According to the NewsGIF’s website, the app will soon be available for Android.

ockin’ The Bald is a family friendly event held in order to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House Charities and to raise awareness about childhood cancer. Starting in 2014, this annual event recognizes one survivor of childhood cancer. The event features live music, food from David’s Burgers, and a complementary head-shaving event. This year’s music lineup includes Amasa Hines, Mulehead, Jeff Coleman & the Feeders, and The Good Time Ramblers. Come out and support the fight against childhood cancer on Friday, Sept. 18 at the River Market Pavilions in Downtown Little Rock from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Tickets are $25. For more information, visit rockinthebald.com

Legends of Arkansas

L

egends of Arkansas are a family oriented music and arts event happening in downtown Little Rock on Saturday, Sept. 19. This festival will feature over 20 live bands, starting at 12:00 pm.

Located at the River Market First Security Amphitheater, this event will feature performances from The Wildflowers, Barrett Baber, and Adam Faucet & the Tall Grass, and many more. Legends of Arkansas’ main mission are to promote local businesses, artists, and musicians. With free admission, the Legends of Arkansas arts and music festival is something you surely won’t want to miss. For more information, visit legendsofarkansas.com

Entertainment

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Bottoms Up: Think before you drink

September 16 - September 29, 2015

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John Oliver shows how it’s done

Grant Fox Entertainment Editor tgfox@ualr.edu

Illustration by Ailsa McCartney

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ather than introduce one of the many drinks that alcohol chemists have developed, we are going to look at a much more crucial part of alcohol culture that is not exclusive to the United States. Regularly advertised is a lifestyle above the influence.

Why the obsession with partying and binge drinking?

Some may blame peer pressure or the desire to loosen up, relax and just have fun.

Consider the following: Depending on what age you are, you are killing brain cells faster than your brain can reproduce them. If you are underage you are at risk of arrest. This is all without mentioning the lowering of your cognitive processes and the increased risk of doing something foolish that could cause permanent or even fatal damage. Ever looked at a group of people and thought or even said, “Wow… That guy (or girl) is too drunk.” I’d be willing to bet you have.

If you have that instant recognition that someone is messed up, why do it yourself?

Drinking to enjoy a drink or two, after having the proper amount of nourishment and nutrients, may be a better option than taking shot after shot in order to enjoy an evening. Words to ponder.

Illustration by Byron Buslig

Tanner Newton shows ending, other than Conan, a parody news show.

but that would be a lie. Oliver’s Staff Writer show would steal the spotlight tgnewton@ualr.edu regardless of the competition.

There are two reasons Last Week Tonight is superior.

First is that it keeps all the good parts of the talk show and none he last year has been hard for of the bad. Bad things talk shows fans of late night-talk shows. have include a house band that Host Stephen Colbert (the wastes time, guests who are only parody persona anyway), Craig there to promote something, musiFerguson, David Letterman and cal guests who also waste time, and Jon Stewart are all gone. The only endless commercials. There is no good thing to happen to late night music on Oliver’s show. There are TV during that time period has no guests on the show, period. The been the rise of John Oliver. format is similar to The Daily Show It would be easy to say that Last in that Oliver tells timely events but Week Tonight’s stock has been on the show is unlike The Daily Show the rise due to all the good talk and Colbert Report in that it is not

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Each episode opens with a monologue but then becomes more journalistic with Oliver examining a problem he sees happening in America. Recently he has raised awareness of topics such as food waste and corupt televangelist. Simultaneously he manages to inform and entertain without preaching.

The other reason that this show is so good is that it is on HBO. Every late-night talk show host has complained about network executives telling them that they have to appeal to all demographics. NBC wanted Conan to tone his comedy down for the elderly people watching The Tonight Show and NBC

wanted Jay Leno to make more juvenile jokes to appeal to teenage boys. In both cases NBC just managed to alienate longtime fans of both hosts. Oliver’s show is rated TVMA and the top brass have made it clear that they do not care if the elderly or the juvenile are watching.

Another great thing about HBO is the lack of commercials.

Commercials ruin the flow of a show. They kill moments that are both intense and funny. Last Week Tonight starts fast and gains momentum throughout the show and never loses its steam to commercial breaks.

The show airs on HBO on Sunday nights at 10 p.m.

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September 16 - September 29, 2015

Entertainment

ualr.edu/forum

beat: Taken with the Taken King Eat ZaZa delights Grant Fox

Amanda Wilkinson

Entertainment Editor tgfox@ualr.edu

S

eptember 11, 2014 was a memorable day for many fans of the first person shooter genre. Destiny was Bungie’s new and improved Halo. Online multiplayer like they had never before produced. Similar to Halo, the human expansion and golden age ran into multiple alien forces that seek to destroy human life and expansion. Add in a better weapons system and super powers and you have a great game.

Now it is year two. The DLC’s Darkness Below and House of Wolves proved briefly entertaining but for the most part disappointing. Now a new DLC, The Taken King, is set to be released September 15th. To be truthful, the term DLC (downloadable content) is used loosely in this case as truly, it is more of a sequel.

The storyline goes as such.

Crota is the prince of darkness and in the raid, Crota’s end, players end his reign of darkness destroying him. Now Crota’s father, Oryx, is bringing his ship, the Drednaught and a fleet of taken enemies to destroy you.

A complete overhaul of the numbers system, an improved matchmaking algorithm, and a huge arsenal of new weapons, armor, and other gadgets make the new Destiny just as exciting as the first. On top of all of these updates, and the added storyline, each type of guardian has a new class. The Warlock now possess a Sith Lord type lightning ability. The Titan has a Thor like fiery hammer.

The hunter has a bow that traps enemies.

All of these new additions to Destiny in the Taken King make it a huge draw to fans of Halo and it can be played on both Playstation 4 and Xbox 1. Take your destiny into your own hands, September 15.

Illustration by Byron Buslig

Staff Writer arwilkinson@ualr.edu

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ired of eating at the cafeteria? Need a little pizazz in your life?

I recommend taking a short drive up to The Heights.

You will find a small restaurant called ZaZa which has a simple way of preparing food.

The owners believe that the best things are found in your backyard.

ZaZa is known for its fresh fine salads and wood oven pizza and, is proudly partnered with local farmers all across the state, focusing on seasonal, naturally raised food.

Not only are its entrees nutritious, they are absolutely delicious! Along with salads and pizza ZaZa also offers homemade soup and gelato.

I order a small salad and a pepperoni pizza. For those who choose to create their own salad ZaZa offers a buffet style of greens, where customers can pick and choose from a surplus of fresh salad mixins. The menu has a variety of other salads and pizza you can choose from, however I like to stick to the classics. There’s nothing better than fresh mozzarella on an oven brick crust.

The pizza has seven decentsized slices (which I don’t recommend eating in one sitting) that costs $11.50, so be sure to bring a friend to split the bill.

Try and save room for dessert because ZaZa offers gelato that is to die for. The gelato is made every morning and the flavors are constantly changing along with the seasons.

If you can’t save room to buy your own small cup (which is $3.95) you can always just try a sample!

As a college student on a budget, I understand this may be more expensive than typical fast food, however this meal is definitely worth it, you won’t be disappointed.

ualr.edu/forum

Entertainment

September 16 - September 29, 2015

19

Boulevard: Final stop for Robin Williams Tanner Newton Staff Writer tgnewton@ualr.edu

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obin Williams’ final film just came out on DVD and Bluray and it is destined to only be remembered as the answer to the trivia question, “What was Robin Williams’ last movie?”

When actors die, they leave behind a final movie. While James Dean left Giant and John Wayne ended his career with The Shootist, it is more common for legends to go out with a whimper.

Orson Welles ended his legendary run with Transformers: The Movie, and James Stewart went out with An American Tail: Fievel Goes West. Williams’ final film, Boulevard, isn’t an embarrassment, but it is nothing special.

Williams plays a closeted gay man named Nolan who in his 60s is tired of living in a lie. He is unhappily married, has worked for almost 26 years at a bank job he hates, and he has a dying father who he was never close to. One night he picks up a male prostitute named Leo and develops a friendship.

Nolan frequently visits Leo but he isn’t looking for sex. Every time they get together they just talk or watch movies or eat dinner. Like a mild-mannered version of Taxi Driver’s Travis Bickle, Nolan continually tries to get Leo to leave his line of work behind. Nolan does everything from getting Leo a job to offering to give him enough money to go to college. He even confronts Leo’s pimp, sadly sansMohawk.

The most interesting thing in the movie is Nolan’s wife, Joy, who is played by Kathy Baker. She is a desperate woman who knows her marriage is a sham. She stays with him because she is afraid of the real world. All she dreams of is going on a long vacation on a cruise ship. Nolan changes the subject every time she mentions the dream vacation. He also skips dinner with her a lot and sleeps in his own bed. In her mind, living a lie is better than nothing.

The main problem with this movie is that it is so dull. There is no spark to the affair. There is no urgency to anything. The movie just lumbers along at a snail’s pace, with little drama successfully landing. The acting is good and the only real thing to recommend.

With a better script and director it would be easy to see Williams and Baker in the Oscar hunt with their performances. Instead, the movie is just a dull trivia question.

Illustration by Byron Buslig

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September 16 - September 29, 2015

mundane magic

by Zachary Tallent

LUPIN SKULDUGUR

by Chris Graham

dollar bin bargain

by Byron Buslig

Comics

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ualr.edu/forum

Entertainment

September 16 - September 29, 2015

Album Review: 15 years of Bayside

Ruth Houston off of the album “Killing Time”

called “Already Gone.” Not necesEntertainment Editor sarily in sound, but the two songs rxhouston@ualr.edu relate to each other. The band, even though being 15-years-old, stepped on the stage just like it was ayside recently came day one of playing. The energy they through and played a show brought to the crowd was incredat Juanita’s in downtown ible. Bayside very much involved Little Rock on Sept. 9, 2015 as a their fans in the show, they jokingly part of their 15 year birthday, so the asked everyone “first-date quesscreaming 7 grade scene kid inside tions” and informed the crowd that of me had to go. I was very shocked to find that Bayside is everything the band is cracked up to be.

The band from Queens, New York formed in the winter of 2000.

The active members are Anthony Raneri (vocals), Jack O’Shea (lead guitar), Nick Ghanbarian (bass), and Chris Guglielmo (drums).

Since then the band has released six full-length albums, four of which were under Victory Records, one on Wind-Up Records, and one Hopeless Records. The band most recent album was released on Feb. 18, 2014, which was named “Cult.”

According to Bayside’s website, “Bayside fans don’t call their relationship with the band a “Cult” for nothing. After a string of muchadored releases, Bayside has one Photo courtesy of sectionlive.com of the most dedicated fan bases in rock, and the group steadfastly rewards those devotees with the musical salvation they seek.”

“When we were done with the everyone was on a “date” with the record we were like, ‘this is every band that night. One huge thing Bayside record,’” explains singer/ that impressed me about seeing guitarist Anthony Raneri. “It has them live was that what you hear the honesty and rawness that we’ve on the albums is exactly how they had since Sirens And Condolences, sound live. The band was very origand those risks: those weird key inal and talented, now days a lot of and time signature changes, and music is processed or not all singthe different styles of music we ers are as talented as they sound on explore. The Bayside ‘Cult’ is some- their records.

“People’s lives change. You go thing our fans have been talking about for a long time, and it seemed from high school to college to like a good name for a greatest hits adulthood to parenthood, and album, which is kind of what this everything in your life changes, is: a Bayside discography. On the except there’s always going to be cover, there are even little symbols a new Bayside record, and you can always go home,” Anthony Ramer to signify each album.”

Which I can agree with Anthony says. So with the happy smile on on this one, the song “Pigsty” off my face when I left the show I’d like of “Cult” reminds me of a song to say, Happy Birthday Bayside.

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September 16 - September 29, 2015

Sports

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Derek Fisher honored at SpectacUALR, has award named after him and his family

Photo by Tia Wright

Derek Fisher thanks crowd for their support of him and the Trojans.

Lauren Lockhart-Lindsey tion, as well as the 1996 Sun Belt Center is now named after Fisher that UALR is among one of the top Fisher spoke about his time here at

Player of the Year. Fisher contribStaff Writer uted heavily in the success of the lalockhartl@ualr.edu program as he led the team to 23 wins, their third National Invitation he Little Rock Department Tournament and went on to of Athletics honored for- become a National Association of mer UALR Trojan and cur- Basketball Coaches First Team Allrent head coach of the New York District Selection.

Fisher was drafted by the Los Knicks, Derek Fisher, with the 2015 Angeles Lakers in 1996 and went SpectacUALR award.

Fisher came to the UALR as on to play 18 seasons in the NBA a basketball player in 1992 after while appearing in 16 playoffs and being recruited from Parkview reigning in 5 NBA Championships.

High School, where he averaged Fisher won 161 of the 259 playoff 11.9 points per game. He began his games played in his career and was impact right away as he was a two- the president of the NBA Players time All-Sun Belt Conference selec- Association from 2006-2013. The auxiliary gym in the Jack Stephens

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for his generosity and commitment to the department.

On Sept. 10 at 6:30 p.m., the city joined in the main gym of the Jack Stephens Center to honor Fisher for not only his accomplishments in basketball, but his ability to impact those around him in a positive manner. A successful silent auction was also conducted in hopes of gaining a substantial amount of funding for the athletic department.

Athletic Director Chasse Conque opened the ceremony by congratulating the student athletes for their accomplishments on and off the field. Conque announced

programs in the country, in regards to its student athlete graduation rate; which hit an 83% average after this past year. Conque went on to thank the Fisher family for their contributions and continuous support.

“From here on out the SpectacUALR honoree will be awarded the ‘Fisher Award’ in respect to both Derek and his mother Annette Fisher,” said Conque.

As Fisher accepted his award, he went on to thank those in attendance, as well as everyone behind the scenes for putting together a wonderful honoree ceremony.

UALR revealing how much the love and support of this city helped him grow as a man.

“It truly takes a village to raise one child,” said Fisher.

He went on the address specific situations he encountered with students, coaches and fellow athletes that stuck with him long term, impacting him in more ways than one.

“I want to leave you all with this thought,” said Fisher, “we were not put here to just focus on ourselves and our own success. We were put here for a bigger purpose, to impact others’ lives in a positive way as well.”

ualr.edu/forum

Sports

September 16 - September 29, 2015

23

Season of building for Trojans Cross Country

Emma Dahl is one of the three returnees from last year’s team.

Photos Courtesy of UALR Athletic Department

Lauren Lockhart-Lindsey the Trojan men picked fifth in the

league and the women picked sevStaff Writer enth. In their first meet this year lalockhartl@ualr.edu at the Brooks Memphis Twilight Invitational the Trojan men took 16th place as senior John Vodacek crossed the finish line ninth overall. The Trojan women saw a 13thseason of change, accom- place finish from freshman Noora plishments, and determi- Wallenius and a 15th-place shownation is on the way once ing as a team. again for the Little Rock Trojans.

New runners added to the rosThe Trojan men finished fifth in ter, Angelica Jacobs, Akeia Joyner, the league at the 2014 Sun Belt Isaac Lalang, Alberto Herrera, Conference Championship, but Methuselah Lagat and Kenneth only one member of that squad, Broyles all ran their first races as John Vodacek, returns in 2014. Trojans. Returners Rebeca Solis Little Rock will have six new run- and Adela Hernandez also took ners competing on the cross coun- part in their second and third year try roster this season. Last year’s with the Trojans. squad for the women’s team was Runners seem excited for the led by Emma Dahl, and she is season and are ready to put in back for her final cross country work to improve not only individucampaign in 2015. Dahl is also ally but as a team. The Lois Davis joined by returning runners Adela Invitational hosted by Southern Hernandez and Rebeca Solis. The Arkansas in Magnolia, Ark. will be Trojans finished sixth at the Sun the team’s last event for nearly a Belt Championship last year. month, as the Trojans will not race The Sun Belt Conference again competitively until the Chile released its cross country pre- Pepper Invitational in Fayetteville, season coaches’ poll recently with Ark., in early October.

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John Vodacek is the lone mainstay from last year’s Cross Country team.

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Sports

September 16 - September 29, 2015

ualr.edu/forum

Conque’s vision for becoming Little Rock’s team Brian Gregory

BRIGHT SPOTS

FOR STUDENT SUCCESS

Bright Spots highlight the outstanding achievements of individuals, units and departments, programs, and initiatives that are setting the stage for building a stronger UALR.

The Office of the Provost would like to feature the following Bright Spots for Student Success COUNSELING SERVICES

Counseling Services promotes mental health and wellness within an individual, group, and community by clinically trained mental health professionals. Counselors guide clients in overcoming personal barriers and life stressors in meeting their personal and professional goals. We celebrate their efforts to bring attention to Suicide Prevention Week, September 21-25. For more information visit ualr.edu/counseling.

MCNAIR RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM

The UALR McNair Scholars Program works with UALR undergraduate students who would like to gain new or additional experience conducting undergraduate research, which is necessary to be competitive for graduate school admissions. The McNair Program hosted the 22nd Annual McNair Research Symposium and Graduate School Fair on September 11-13, 2015 in the Reynolds Center for Business and Economic Development.

DR. CANG YE

Dr. Cang Ye is an Associate Professor in Systems Engineering. Under his direction the University was awarded an NIH grant in the amount of $820,263 for “NRI: A Wearable Robotic Object Manipulation Aid for the Visually Impaired.”

OFFICE OF THE PROVOST

Sports Editor bjgregory@ualr.edu

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thletic Director Chasse Conque has a vision and a plan for the University of Arkansas at Little Rock athletic program.

The new campaign to highlight the Trojans as Little Rock’s Team, is an effort to make the campus positively visible to all those in the city of Little Rock. While you may not agree with the new branding idea, you cannot fault this new athletic administration headed by Conque with a lack of effort. This new regime is looking to showcase what positively sets apart UALR from schools like Arkansas State and the University of Central Arkansas.

Before taking the Athletic Director job, Conque was already very familiar with the world of college athletics. “My father is a college football coach, and so we moved around quite a bit growing up. I clearly understand the world of intercollegiate athletics, both the business side and the emotional side, and understand what it can do for a community,” said Conque.

His father was the Head Coach at the University of Arkansas, and after graduating from UCA he came to UALR as the Director of Athletic Development in 2006. Some initiatives he started during his first tenure here were the Letterman’s Association and SpectacUALR. Conque also received a Master of Business from UALR. After nearly 5 years here, he left and led the fundraising effort for the medical center at UAMS. Then on Jan. 6, 2015 it was announced that Conque would become the new Athletic Director at UALR. There is a three-fold vision for the athletic program that athletic director wants to put in place.

Conque, first, wants to ensure that the student-athletes have the best experience possible. For him this means not only in athletic competition, but in the classroom as well.

Last school year there were record years for our women’s soccer, volleyball, and basketball teams. The

Courtesy of the Athletic Department

Conque envisions a strong connection between the university and the Little Rock community

addition of Chris Beard brings the director much excitement about the future of athletics for UALR. In the classroom, the Trojans cumulative GPA over all sports was above 3.0. He is hoping for all the Trojan athletes to do well in the classroom.

The second part of his vision is that the athletic department becomes true partners with the campus community. With the new branding initiative and the introduction of the Maroon Mob, there is an emphasis on involving more students with the athletic department.

“It starts with student organizations like SGA, the Maroon Mob and Greek Life providing a fantastic atmosphere for all of our students at the games,” said Conque.

The dorms are almost at full capacity, and the athletic department is looking to take advantage of that.

Conque added, “We want everyone to know that there is something. We want to build a relationship with our student body.” At a soccer game against Murray State, the Trojans had their largest soccer crowd ever with 781 students at the game. Not only are they looking to involve the student body, but also they are looking to have more faculty members at the games as well.

One thing that faculty members

should know is that they get a 30% discount on season tickets. “We are looking to have an ‘I’ve Got Mine’ campaign on campus as well as having college nights to honor members of our faculty and staff,” said Conque. Involving the campus community will help build pride in the athletic department.

The final part of his vision is that the athletic department shows Little Rock the value of D-I athletics will bring to the city. Conque believes that it’s our time. “We haven’t done the best job of our telling our story. We are going to start doing a better job of telling our story,” said Conque. He believes that the university needs to emphasize our being in Little Rock, “it’s what sets us apart,” added Conque. Little Rock is important to the UALR campus and spreading the brand of the athletic department.

Director Conque is looking to build pride and stability to the athletic department. He’s looking to make this campus, Little Rock’s Campus.

ualr.edu/forum

Sports

September 16 - September 29, 2015

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Maroon Mob looks to inspire Trojan Pride Renea Goddard Staff Writer rbgoddard@ualr.edu

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f you’ve ever been curious about those trendy maroon and white t-shirts that so many students have been wearing around campus, look no further than the University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s new student organization: the Maroon Mob. Created to help spread school spirit and sportsmanship, the Maroon Mob has been working hard since the beginning of the school year to boost everyone’s Trojan pride through events, prizes, and promotion of UALR athletics.

“The primary purpose of the Maroon Mob is to promote school pride,” says Travis Whipple, assistant adviser of the organization.

“We hope to foster spirit and sportsmanship through the use of cheers and other means at campus events.”

In addition to being an instrumental part of organizing campuswide pep rallies and planning for Homecoming, the Maroon Mob has also developed a rewards app which automatically qualifies any student who registers on the app for a free t-shirt. Not only that, but even more rewards are available for students who attend Maroon Mob events and check in using the app, with the top award levels including a $1,000 scholarship sponsored by the Alumni Association and the runner-up receiving a book scholarship for a semester, courtesy of the UALR bookstore.

“The ultimate goal is to be a great partner and resource for our campus and enhance the student experience,” Whipple continues, “our hope is to grow the Maroon Mob to over 1,000 active members.”

With 642 students registered on the app, that number doesn’t seem so far in reach---but it’s all thanks to the support and enthusiasm of the UALR student body.

Maroon Mob looking to bring excitement and Trojan pride to campus.

Photo Courtesy of Facebook

“We hope to foster spirit and sportsmanship through the use of cheers and other means at campus events.”

-Travis Whipple

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September 16 - September 29, 2015

Sports

ualr.edu/forum

Up against her UAPB opponent, freshman Arola Aparicio Gili maneuvers past in attempts to score a goal on Sept. 8.

Photo by Lauren Humphrey

Trojans show variety in wins over in-state rivals UCA and UAPB Marty McNally Complex. UCA was shut down the lone attempt.

Staff Writer mhmcnally@ualr.edu

Cole Chambless Staff Writer cwchambless@ualr.edu

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he Little Rock Trojans women’s soccer team earned two victories against in-state non-conference opponents.

The Trojans beat in-state rival UCA 1-0, on Wednesday, Sept. 2, at the Coleman Sports & Recreation

first half of the game, getting just one shot. UALR started with the ball and for most of the first half stayed on their side of the field. The Trojans were fast from the get-go, making smart passes and keeping the ball in front of them.

About 20 minutes into the game, UALR started subbing and Jacqueline Borucki got the chance to play. Once the freshman got a feel for the pace of play she came alive and scored the goal that helped her team secure the win. At the end of the first half, UALR had accumulated nine shots to UCA’s

The second half started with UCA coming out a much different team. UCA had seven shots but still couldn’t get past the Trojans defense, spearheaded by UALR goalie Sara Small, who had eight saves. In contrast to the UCA game, the Trojans showed off their offensive skills six days later, pummeling UAPB on Tuesday, Sept. 8. Forward Shannon Shields’ hat trick highlighted the offensive proficiency of the Trojans as they roared past the Lady Lions 8-0.

The win brought the Trojans’ record to 4-3. It was their fifth

straight win over the Lions (1-4).

Other scorers for the night were Fali Garuba with two goals, and Mikayla Uyokpeyi, Quin Wilkes and Deyaris Perez with one each.

UALR started the game a little slow, and for the first five minutes the possession favored the Lions.

However, once the Trojans settled down, they quickly took the lead with Uyokpeyi scoring off a corner kick in the fifth minute. For the rest of the half, possession stayed with the home team as they racked up five more goals in the first 45 minutes, bringing the halftime total to six.

Coach Adrian Blewitt kept high pressure on the Lions all night, and with the away team only having three substitutes, the pressure took its toll in the second half. During the last 45 minutes, Blewitt used his sizable goal advantage to allow reserve players to get some valuable playing. This was really important game for the starting 11 to get rest after a heart-breaking 1-0 to Ole Miss that previous Sunday.

The Trojans will be on the road this week facing the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Thursday and the Texas Longhorns on Sunday.

Sports

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First week of Intramural Football brings excitement Brian Gregory Sports Editor bjgregory@ualr.edu

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Women’s Division: Lady Go Getters 27 CLC Elite 0

Pool B: Silent Assassins 19 Punitive Damages 0

ast week was the start of the Pike 26 intramural flag football seaThe Punishers 0 son. There season started with some exciting games and we Wednesday, September have the scores for you. If you are interested in attending the games 2015 Pool A: or finding out more about intraPike AA 20 murals, go to IMLeagues.com.

Thunder Snow 18 Tuesday, September 8th, 2015 Pool B: Pool A: The Uncle Sigs 18 Dirty Dan and the Pinheads 27 Delta Chi and Friends 9 CLC 24

9th,

Pike 21 Warriors 15

Team6(Red) 36 Pike Has-Beens 33

Thursday, September 10th, 2015 Pool A: Team6(Red) 43 Dirty Dan and the Pinheads 22 Pike Has-Beens 36 Pike AA 17 CLC 22 Thunder Snow 0 Pool B: Silent Assassins 40 The Punishers 0

September 16 - September 29, 2015

The Hot Corner:

The worst four days in my sports life Brian Gregory Sports Editor bjgregory@ualr.edu

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27

O

ne of the more agonizing things as a fan of particular athletes and teams is when they lose. As a fan you know that any particular athlete or fan is bound to lose, it’s human nature. But when the stakes are high or when I am looking for my team or my favorite athlete to dominate and they lose, I wonder why I even care about sports.

This weekend was not a great weekend for me as a sports fan. Honestly, I had the worst four-day stretch that I can remember as a sports fan. On Thursday, my Steelers played the Patriots. I went into the game knowing they would lose. For some people it may have seemed respectable that they lost by a score of 28-21. But for those who watched the game you know that the Steelers were dominated by Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski. Their defense gave up three touchdowns to the tight end they said they were going to dominate defensively.

On that same day, the US Open Women’s Semifinals was supposed to happen.

There was a rain delay and so the semifinals were moved to Friday. My favorite female

athlete ever, Serena Williams, was in the semifinals looking to complete the calendar Grand Slam. I had an eerie feeling that moving it from Thursday to Friday would be a bad thing. It turned out that I was right. She loses to some no-name Roberta Vinci from Italy who then turned around and lost in the final the next day. Again, why do I care so much?

For most Arkansas Razorback fans, Saturday is one that will live in infamy.

Losing to Toledo, in a season that most felt like had so much promise and optimism, feels like a punch to the gut. I don’t even want to talk about why that game made me so angry. I really just want to throw my laptop out the window as I am typing this. Like for real, losing to Toledo is never okay.

Then Sunday my favorite tennis player ever, Roger Federer, had his match delayed against the tennis player I dislike the most Novak Djokovic. I knew something was going to go wrong again. What happened? Federer loses in four sets to Djokovic.

I don’t understand why I love sports so much; I have moments of temporary satisfaction. But most days, I feel like crap because the teams and athletes I love let me down more than I am able to bear.

ACROSS 1 Rush around in old car, to find escaped criminal in Oz (10) 7 A disease singular to sponge (4) 9 English is almost never spoken poetically in Telford, for example (8) 10 Rotter is in modern art emporium (6) 11 Copper into Turner gets depression (6) 12 I am unpretentious? No (8) 13 Clothe with part of a corset (4) 15 Get mean about bird call (10) 18 Monster horribly present on the waves (3,7) 20 Who should really have written Diary of a Nobody? (4) 21 See 4 24 Enjoy the flavour (6) 26 Composer of Semiramide and La Mer? No (6) 27 As were the leftovers a man ate, being overdrawn? (8) 28 Scolded infant without a trace of leniency (4) 29 4,21's Mount is irregular cube next to a generation symbol (missing centrepiece) (10)

DOWN 2 Auntie hit boiling asphalt (9) 3 Told of journey to university to find poem (5) 4,21 The king of 7, this general axed threat strategically (9,3,5) 5 Not,we hear, a problem for 4,21 (7) 6 Province is to take up weapons again, changing sides (5) 7 4,21's country; a wine capital erected around the last stages of 300 (as it's written) (9) 8 Aeolian and Doric, say, in 12 (5) 14 Quarrelled in Hell over a sin (9) 16 Outside port finally, make fast a vessel – one that's engine driven (5,4) 17 Some garment to stitch, it's said – or more than one (9) 19 One goes into troubled centre, having some guts (7) 22 Man 'as old Erica (5) 23 Residential area in upwardly mobile part of Bruxelles (5) 25 Student priest in Guanaco (5)