The Oracle- March 20, 2015

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Jordan Pace | The Oracle

Leaders of TTU Greek Life value diversity By ADAM WEBB Staff Writer & DRAKE FENLON Managing Editor

University of Oklahoma’s Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity chapter’s racially charged chant incident ignited interest in greek life diversity at Tennessee Tech. On March 7, 2015, a video surfaced online showing members of the SAE chapter at OU chanting “There will never be a n----- in SAE. You can hang him from a tree, but he can never sign with me.” Days later, the fraternity’s chapter was suspended by the parent organization and OU requested the members move out of the house within two days. Katie Williams, director of Greek Life at Tech, said this kind of activity has no place on Tech’s campus. “Greek organizations and any organizations that are steeped in tradition and heritage, those things are great, but there’s no place for racism in those traditions,” Williams said. “I’ve spoken with the InterFraternity Council just to say ‘Examine your traditions and examine your chants, examine your songs … I don’t think that there is a problem, but it’s better to be proactive. That doesn’t have any place here in the fraternity system at Tennessee Tech.’” Tech’s SAE chapter president Ryan Gibbons said the fraternity began reassessing their organization the day the incident made the news. “I was contacted the day that they decided to suspend the Oklahoma chapter. They created a new position – Diversity and Inclusion Director – and every member will also have mandatory

diversity training,” Gibbons said. Despite being a predominantly white fraternity, Gibbons said Tech’s SAE chapter is diverse. “I’d say we’re extremely diverse, not just in ethnicity but also in the origin of where everyone comes from … I’d say we’re one of the most diverse on campus,” Gibbons said. Gibbons however did disagree with the expulsion of the OU students. “I’ve never even heard of anything like that until that video was posted. I can’t ever see anything like the Oklahoma incident happening at Tennessee Tech,” said Gibbons. Other fraternity members on Tech’s campus reacted to the Oklahoma situation as well. “I heard about the chant, I’m still not sure what it was but from what it seemed like, it was something we would not accept,” said Austin Moore, member of the Pi Kappa Phi when asked about his thoughts regarding the chant. When questioned about OU’s handling of SAE after the video was released, Pi Kappa Phi member Zac Gulledge said, “I think a lot of it was the university trying to save its own image. “It seemed like they reacted extremely fast. So from the outside looking in, it looks like there was not really an investigation, they were just immediately kicked out of campus and the university will look at it later,” Gulledge finished. The members of the fraternity defended their own diversity given Tech’s racial makeup. “Considering the density and the overall demographics of this University, I would consider this chapter to be very open-minded and diverse with its numbers,” Moore said.

Phi Delta Theta president Alex Martin said the SAE chapter at OU made not just their own fraternity look bad, but also all of greek life. “It was definitely irresponsible and it’s very unfortunate how one part of their chapter can bring shame on not just their entire chapter but on the entire greek world,” Martin said. Martin said it’s not just greek organizations that may act the way SAE did but that some people just don’t hold themselves to the same standard as the organization to which they belong. Despite having one Japanese pledge and other members of Asian ethnicity, according to Martin, PhiDelt does not currently have any black members but has in the past. “That’s not a chapter or cultural thing, there’s only 25 of us,” Martin said. Martin defended the SAE members’ right to free speech and said they shouldn’t have been expelled, but he did not support what the OU students said. “If those were everyday students and they hadn’t been part of a greek life organization, I’m very interested to see if they would’ve been expelled. We all know those aren’t the only kids who are saying racial slurs or anything like that and more likely than not, they’re not the only ones who’ve been recorded saying it,” said Martin. “To me I think it’s a huge violation of the first amendment.” Vice President of Tech Marc Burnett said Tech is making strides to become more racially diverse. He said the situation paints organizations with a broad brush, but efforts have been made at Tech to increase diversity. See

“Diversity,” >>Page 2

International student enrollment numbers up By KAYLA CLOUSE Beat Reporter According to the Office of Institutional Research, 11.5 percent of Tennessee Tech’s enrollment is international students. Director of International Education Charles Wilkerson predicted in 2010 that Tech would have 1,000 international students by 2015 if not sooner. Tech currently has 1,188 international students, with the largest group being Kuwaiti students. “That’s not including our students in the English-language center,” Wilkerson said. Tech has seen a rapid increase of international students since the English-language center opened July 2010. “I’ve seen kids come in and can’t say yes, no or thank you. Now they’re speaking English like nobody’s business. I’ve got a saying: If they can complain, they’re speaking English,” Wilkerson said. “I get some complaints – ‘Why this?’ or ‘Why not that?’ There’s 10 people in this office supporting 1,400 students. We work hard in here. If there wasn’t Read More Online

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someone pulling their weight, everything would sink.” Wilkerson completed his undergraduate degree in education in Tokyo, Japan. “My first six months I was there, the biggest issue I faced was just speaking the language. I asked a lady for a receipt, and she thought I asked her for a cocktail,” said Wilkerson. Ashley Watson, Tech’s first full-time international recruiter, said that Tech’s rapid increase is largely because of the ESL program. “I think it’s the staff and volunteers. There’s a community here that may be less present at other institutions,” said Watson. “My first big project is going to be getting to know on a more intimate level the agencies working for international students,” Watson said. “The biggest issue is going to be the competition. A lot of other universities are doing the same thing. There’s also a financial component to that. That is also the reason why personal relationships are imperative.” If Tech’s diversity improves, Wilkerson said it would be as a result of Watson’s activities.

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Student to pay fines for parking on campus grass Student to pay fines after allegedly damaging grass with car. By LUCAS MCCOY Beat Reporter

MELTING POT- Members of Tau Kappa Epsilon play foosball Thursday afternoon at their fraternity house.

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The week before students whisked away to beaches or their couches for Spring Break, one student received two parking tickets and a restitution fee. On March 3, Tech officer Michael Lambert saw a vehicle parked behind Matthews-Daniel Halls in a spot previously cultivated for grass, located in the middle of the faculty and staff parking lot behind the building. The ground was muddy and soft because of inclement weather, and the tires from the student’s car damaged the ground, according to the police report submitted by Lambert. Lambert issued fines for parking in an unauthorized area and for parking in a no parking zone. With weather conditions permitting, the ground will have to be cultivated again in an attempt to get grass to grow in that area, according to the report. Lambert also contacted Bruce Allen, a Facilities associate, who requested the

report be forwarded to Jack Butler, associate vice president of Facilities. Lambert identified the owner of the vehicle the next day and asked him to come by the police station. The report stated the reason the student parked in that place was because he couldn’t find any other parking. Lambert informed the student his reason for parking in that spot was inexcusable and that Facilities was going to bill him for the damages the vehicle’s tires caused. Lambert also told the student he was required to pay restitution. The student said no “real damage” was done, and said he would repair the damage himself because “he had done this type of work before,” according to the report. Butler said the repairs to the ground will cost around $300 and that students should park in appropriate places. Butler also said a shuttle service is available and operates five days a week and runs every 15 minutes. Attempts to reach the student were unsuccessful.

Tennessee Tech 100 Years later An Oracle Series

Unknown Photographer | The Story of Tennessee Tech (1957)

100 YEARS AGO- A woman and her horse sit in front of the then Dixie College Administration Building circa 1915.

Centennial Charter Day ceremony next week By ELISSA LONGFELLOW Press Release- TTU News In honor of 100 years of academics, Tennessee Tech University begins its Centennial Celebration Friday, March 27, with a ”Charter Day” ceremony. Guests are invited to attend the event, which takes place from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. in Derryberry Hall Auditorium. The ceremony includes a historical re-enactment of events leading up to the signing of the Tennessee Tech charter and proclamations declaring March 27 “Tennessee Tech University Charter Day” in the state, county and city. “Hitting our century mark is a huge accomplishment, and we’re commemo-

rating the occasion with more than a year’s worth of special events and activities,” said Laura Clemons, coordinator of the University’s Centennial Celebration. “The fact that we’ve reached this moment in our history is due in large part to the people of the Upper Cumberland, who lobbied successfully for the first public college in our region.” Tennessee Tech began as Dixie College in the early 1900s. The school’s primary goal was to increase the technical workforce in middle Tennessee and to bring public higher education, in the form of a high school, to the area. See

“Charter Day,” >>Page 6

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“Diversity” Virtual learning lab fosters interactive learning environment

Continued from Page 1

Burnett said he sees more separation not in race, but in greeks and non-greeks and that “we can learn from each other.” Tau Kappa Epsilon president Ethan Jones said race is not a factor for their organization. “Here at Tech, compared to other campuses, I don’t feel like our chapters aren’t as segregated,” Jones said. There are currently two black members of TKE and Jones said the fraternity has about 10 different races. Dean of Students Mark Ochsenbein thinks the students at OU didn’t get due process. “There is a fundamental freedom of speech. People are innocent until proven guilty,” Ochsenbein said. Ochsenbein said that greek organizations could be a thing of the past if adjustments aren’t made to the current system. “The greek system has to be careful. They will be a dinosaur if they don’t adjust with time,” said Ochsenbein. “I’m a believer in the greek system. I’ve got trust in our students. I don’t think there’s a group on campus that would exclude people based on race.” Ochsenbein said that an incident like the one at OU could happen on Tech’s campus. “Could it happen tomorrow? Yes it could. Would alcohol be involved? Of course it would be,” Ochsenbein said, When asked if any chants or songs like the ones sung by the SAE members at OU existed on Tech’s campus, all members said they didn’t and that they had never heard of them before. “No matter where you come from, if you look out at your friends, they are all different,” said Burnett. “You need to make sure you’re inviting, by doing that you tear down barriers. What’s so different? We’re much more alike than we are different.”

By KIM BIGGS Asst. Managing Editor On the third floor of the Angelo and Jennette Volpe library, a virtual learning lab has been created. VisCube, a virtual 3-D simulation lab, gives students a unique opportunity for a hands-on learning approach, said technical director David Brown. In a virtual simulation, the VisCube can recreate a human heart, giving students the effect of looking through the actual heart or walking through Derryberry Hall. The virtual lab was also created to help professors further their research, said Brown. The lab has already incorporated several different majors for newly started projects. “(Students) are putting input in from all different perspectives,” said Stephanie Scarborough, Business Media Service Center coordinator. “It really is an interdisciplinary environment.” By using the expertise of different majors, solutions to problems can be solved faster and more efficiently. “Too many times we look at a project and we look at a problem from our viewpoint. I’m a computer engineer, and I’m going to solve this with a computer,” said Brown. “Here, our groups are spread out over so many different majors that you can expand your viewpoint rather than being narrowly focused.” Interns from many majors, minus nursing, are work-

events @ tech March

20

All Day

Sheli Petersen Drawing Exhibition Joan Derryberry Art Gallery

6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Baseball vs. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Bush Stadium

7 p.m. - 8:15 p.m.

Rebecca Finley l The Oracle

OPEN HEART LEARNING- Alexis Staley uses the VisCube located on the third floor of the library. In the simulation, Staley can examine the heart in depth. ing in the lab, said Brown. However, the lab is looking for a nursing major to add to the team. A goal of Bharat Soni, vice president of Research and Economic Development, was to bring the lab to Tech when he first started in 2013, said Brown. Since then, the College of Business and the Office of Research and Economic Development partnered together to create the lab called iCube. The entire lab is entirely self-funded through grants, said Scarborough. From its initial beginning, the goal of the lab was to be self-sufficient within two years from its origin, said Brown. Part of the construction for the lab has already been

completed but other parts of the space are still underway. However, the rough construction of the lab is complete, said Brown. The lab is still awaiting the arrival of new furniture and more lighting for the space. Some students have already had the opportunity to use the VisCube in the iCube space. “This is huge. The biggest booms have been with radio, TV and then what? This is the next one,” said Karim Odeh, international business and cultures major. “I think Tech has the opportunity to be one of the first universities to make their mark on this. With the virtual reality system, Tech can be on the map. There is no reason in five years why

Tech can’t be a household name.” The projected completion date of the lab is yet to be determined. After the finishing touches are made to the lab, there will be a grand opening for all students and faculty. Currently, the lab has an open-door policy for all students that are interested. “If students want to come in and work, then they are more than welcome to come in here and work with us,” said Brown. Many on the iCube staff are hopeful for what the future will bring. “What we do here is purely limited only by the imagination of the person that is coming up with the idea,” said Brown.

SGA rejects Lactation Act of 2015 By CHARLI BRAY Beat Reporter The Student Government Association approved two of the three bills presented at Tuesday night’s meeting. The first approved bill, presented by College of Education Senator Matthew Heath Simpson, was the “Student Crosswalk and Traffic Safety Act of 2015.” The new bill will improve the condition of crosswalks on campus by repainting the lines and adding more crosswalk signs. “I’ve nearly gotten hit twice crossing between T.J. Farr and Bartoo because the crosswalk that is there is in disrepair and needs to be relined, and also because there are no signs like in other places showing that this is a real crosswalk,” said Simpson.

Students are encouraged to report any other areas on campus that may need a new crosswalk. “If students know of any other areas that need crosswalks, this will give us the ability to approach building and grounds and say, ‘hey, we’ve got this list and would like to see this done,’” said Simpson. The second bill passed by the SGA, the “To-go Establishment Act of 2015,” will give students an option to get a to-go box upon entering the cafeteria. Freshman Senator Mara Hope Duke wrote this bill because she wants students to have healthier on-the-go food choices. “I’m trying to eat healthier. I’m a freshman, and the Freshman 15 is a real thing. Everything here comes with fries,” said Duke. “I really like to eat lunch in the cafeteria, but I never have time. This will solve that.”

The to-go containers will not be available until Fall 2015. The final bill, presented by Freshman Senator Dylan Gardner, failed to pass. The “Lactation Act of 2015” would have established a lactation room in a central area on campus, such as Roaden University Center or the library, for breast-feeding mothers to use for pumping breast milk. “We have the money available … I feel that a lot of women are penalized for having children young. It’s hard to find child care and, if they are breast-feeding, it’s painful and inconvenient if they can’t pump,” said Gardner. After a proposal to table the bill until next week’s meeting failed, discussion continued before the bill ultimately failed to pass. Gardner plans to re-write the bill and present it again at a meeting in the future.

Travis Welcher and Sarah McDonnell, flute, Student Recital Wattenbarager Auditorium, Bryan Fine Arts Building

21 All Day

Sheli Petersen Drawing Exhibition Joan Derryberry Art Gallery

All Day

Hyder-Burks Winter Classics Hyder-Burks Main Arena

9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

TTU Quidditch vs. Middle Tennessee State University and East Tennessee State University Sherlock Park

12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Softball vs. Southeast Missouri State University Tech Softball Field

2 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Baseball vs. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Bush Stadium

2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Softball vs. Southeast Missouri State University Tech Softball Field

6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Acapella Concert Derryberry Hall Auditorium

22

All Day

Sheli Petersen Drawing Exhibition Joan Derryberry Art Gallery

1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Baseball vs. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Bush Stadium

2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Softball vs. University of Tennessee at Martin Tech Softball Field

3 p.m. - 4 p.m.

UCSC to host benefit concerts for Food Pantry Services By JORDAN PACE Beat Reporter The University Christian Student Center will present a concert from the all-male, allvocal Christian music group, Acappella, in Derryberry Hall on Saturday, March 21, at 6 p.m. The performance will be the second of a two-show tour stop in Cookeville, the first being held Friday night at 7 p.m. in the Christian Life Center at the Collegeside church of Christ. Through a partnership with both the Tennessee Tech and Collegeside food pantries,

the cost of admission for each event will be a food item to be donated to the host’s food drive service. According to Matt Suggs, Youth Minister at the local church sponsoring the first performance, the church’s Campus Minister and UCSC Director, Chip Pugh, worked with Kaitlin Salyer and the campus food pantry to coordinate the benefit show for the university’s food distribution service for those in need. The UCSC then applied and received funding from SGA’s S.O.L.O. funding to sponsor the event to be held on campus. “Booking a concert at

Collegeside and at Tech was just a perfect marriage because we could benefit two food pantries in two days,” said Suggs. “It was a good deal.” Wes McKinzie, bass singer with the a cappella group, described the concept of trading non-perishable food for admission as “unique” and “a great ministry opportunity.” “That sort of thing is not necessarily typical,” said McKinzie. “It’s a great way to get the community together, have some fun and praise God, but also benefit a great cause.” Founded in 1982 by

songwriter and producer Keith Lancaster, the group has since sold over 3 million albums, landing them in the Christian Music Hall of Fame. Their current tour, including this weekend’s duo of performances, will feature a varying lineup, combining voices from former and current group members. “We try to bring back voices that people love from years and decades past, combining with guys that have been added to the group more recently,” said McKinzie. “We’ve put together a really interesting mix, so hopefully the audiences will enjoy it.”

Joshua Belcher Senior Recital Wattenbarger Auditorium, Bryan Fine Arts Building

3 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Bryan Symphony Orchestra Concert Wattenbarger Auditorium, Bryan Fine Arts Building

7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Amelia Hagood, voice, Senior Student Recital Wattenbarger Auditorium, Bryan Fine Arts Building

23 All Day

Sheli Petersen Drawing Exhibition Joan Derryberry Art Gallery

7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Tech Madness 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament Memorial Gym

7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

A.C. Crowder, percussion, Student Recital Wattenbarger Auditorium, Bryan Fine Arts Building

www.tntech.edu/calendar

COOKEVILLE, TN || THE ORACLE || Page 3

Friday, March 20, 2014

Inside the Game <<

SPORTS

BASEBALL

Chism sits ‘em down Jim Dillon | Guest Contributor

Chism grounds the Skyhawks By SHEA HAILE Sports Editor Senior pitcher Chris Chism made his first start for the Golden Eagles Feb. 14, 2014 against South Alabama. Chism was pedestrian that day. He lasted four innings and gave up eight hits; but on March 14, Chism had the best day of his career and one of the best in the history of the Tennessee Tech baseball program. The senior pitched the full nine innings against Ohio Valley Conference rival UT-Martin and earned 17 strikeouts in the process and led the Golden Eagles to a 2-0 win. The Skyhawks received one hit from center fielder Taylor Douglas in the second inning, but that was the only glimmer of offense that UT-Martin would see. Chism attributes a pitching adjustment to his successful outing. “There was this pitch I had been struggling with and with my movement and command with it. I talked to coach about it and in the bullpen that day I figured out how to throw it and how I wanted it to move and stuff,� said Chism. “I just had to relax and not try to over throw it and that was probably my key pitch, was my sinker.� During his career day performance,

Chism faced 31 batters and threw 123 pitches, 89 of which were strikeouts. As the game progressed, the energy around Chism and the rest of the Golden Eagles continued to increase. “In between innings I was pretty pumped. There was probably about three times in the game after I got the last guy out on a strike out I was so hyped I yelled,� said Chism. “The defense was key in that game too, they had a couple of tough plays they had to make that would have led to hit if they did not make them. They helped out a lot.� After Chism’s performance, accolades began to poor in for the senior including: National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Player of the Week, Louisville Slugger National Player of the Week from Collegiate Baseball newspaper, National Player of the Week from the National Collegiate Athletic Association, National Pitcher of the Week and OVC Pitcher of the Week from College Sports Madness, and National Top Performer from d1baseball. com. Fans will get a chance to see Chism in the Golden Eagles’ upcoming weekend series with SIU-Edwardsville. He is slotted to start in Friday’s game at 6 p.m.

FOOTBALL

Spring practice arrives for football By JORDAN PACE Asst. Sports Editor

It’s that time of year again. The Golden Eagles wrapped up the second of their 15 scheduled spring practices at Overall Field Thursday afternoon. The practice season began Tuesday as the team stepped onto the turf for the first time since its 41-15 season finale win at Austin Peay. Despite a 5-7 (4-4 OVC) finish in 2014, which later saw the departure of several senior standouts, head coach Watson Brown says he remains confident in the squad he and his staff have assembled. During the February 4 national signing day period, the Golden Eagles added 22 names of expected signees. One of the more notable names, Colby Brown, a transfer from Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College, was added to the roster to compete with and help develop junior quarterback Jared Davis, who saw action in 10 games for the purple and gold last season. All eyes will be on the two signal callers during the spring sessions, along with redshirt freshman Ty Jobe. The three will likely compete for the newly vacant starting role, left behind after the departure of senior Darian Stone. Head coach Watson Brown left little room for assumption as to who would be the favorite in what he referred to as a “threeman race.� While the expected favorite would lend to experience with Davis, who threw for 770 yards and four touchdowns in last year’s seasonal showing, Brown added that the job is not yet Davis’ to lose. “I want to pick our starting quarterback by the end of spring, but it’s way too early to pick a guy right now,� said Brown. “Jared (Davis) needs to separate himself. It’s his job to come out here and take it over and it’s his time.� Davis says he’s less focused on fighting for the starting spot, but rather stepping back onto the field with his teammates. “I’m pumped just to not be in the coach’s office or the weight room, but to just be out here (on the field), in between

Jordan Pace | The Oracle

IN THE TRENCHES - Tech linemen fight it out in the first week of spring practices in hope of impressing coaches. the lines,� said Davis. “We’ve been lifting (weights) hard in the gym for eight weeks, so it’s exciting to see all the results of our lifting, quickness, explosion and putting it all back on the football field.� Looking at an early sneak peek of the team’s upcoming defense, there appears to be less of a change in the guard than on offense. According to Brown, the only player projected to be in a starting defense role in 2015 who was absent during OVC play last season is free safety Johnnie Anderson. Anderson will take over the free safety spot for six-year senior Marty Jones, who Brown called “the quarterback of the team’s defense.� Along with Jones, the Golden Eagle secondary will be without last year’s senior strong safety, Austin Tallant, in the fall. Jimmy Laughlin, who’s played alongside Jones and Tallant at the rover position since 2012, said that while he’ll miss his fellow defensive backs, he’s aware of the veteran leadership that lies ahead. “You can’t replace those guys,� said Laughlin. “We’ll miss them a lot, but for me, that just means I have to step up and be the leader, just as they would be.� The Golden Eagles will continue practice Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m., with bi-weekly practices, weather permitting, on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the same time until the annual spring game on April 18.

Jim Dillon | Guest Contributor

FRESHMAN SLUGGER- Freshman first baseman Chase Chambers takes a swing during his at-bat against visiting Lipscomb March 11. Chambers had one single against Vanderbilt .

Baseball out of tune in Music City By SHEA HAILE Sports Editor

The Vanderbilt Commodores, defending national champions and fourthranked team in the nation, hosted the Golden Eagle baseball team Tuesday. The meeting at Hawkins Field was the 63rd all-time meeting between the two teams. Vanderbilt owns the series lead 43-21, but one of the biggest upsets ever for the Golden Eagles was a 2013 win against the second-ranked Commodores in Nashville. The shocking 10-9 victory is the only victory head coach Matt Bragga has against the Southeastern Conference powerhouse; Bragga’s teams have gone 1-8 against Vanderbilt. Despite the difficult task of defeating the Commodores, Bragga looks forward to sharing the diamond with one of the nation’s premier programs. “Number one, (Hawkins Field) is a great environment and, number two, they are always a great team. They are always well coached so those are always good things,� said Bragga. The Commodores displayed their dominance early in the game. In their first offensive inning, Tech pitcher Will Gardner’s back-to-back walked batters lead to the first run for the hosting champions. Gardner’s struggles continued. In the same inning, Vanderbilt’s Bryan Reynolds connected for a single shot to left field, batting in Rhett Wiseman for the second Commodore run. A single from junior second baseman Tyler Campbell resulted in two RBIs as Reynolds and

Zander Wiel crossed home plate, giving the Golden Eagles a four-run deficit. The Golden Eagles ended the inning after Commodore catcher Jason Delay flied out to right field for the third out. Gardner gave up four runs, four hits and walked two batters in the first inning. He remained on the mound until the bottom of the third when he relinquished his final run on a Campbell single. “I think that is my fault because I do not think I did a good enough job as his baseball coach talking to him about the moment,� said Bragga about Gardner’s performance. “I think his poor start was more attributed to me than anything. In terms of calming him down and letting him understand that, ‘Hey, it is just the same as any other day.’� While in a 5-0 hole, Tech turned to the dugout for relief. Right-handed sophomore Kyle Keatts took over on the mound in the bottom of the third. The Golden Eagles hit the board with their first run in the top of the fourth. Jordan Hopkins grounded into a double play in his at-bat, but Dylan Bosheers was still able to score from third base. However, the momentum was short lived for Tech. The Commodores would answer in the bottom of the fourth with four runs of their own, beginning with an RBI from a Dansby Swanson single. Swanson would eventually steal second base and the next batter for Vanderbilt, Wiel, reached base because of an error by Tech third baseman Andrew Contreras. Reynolds scored Swanson on another Commodore single. Wiel would also find home plate on a fielder’s choice on Penn Murfee’s at-bat. The third error of the game by Tech gave Vanderbilt their final run and the last score of the game in the bottom of the sixth inning. Swanson was able to score again after a throwing error by catcher Hopkins.

The Golden Eagles’ offense was contained by the solid pitching from the Commodores and the solid defensive play behind the mound. Tech only had six hits in the contest, led by Bosheers. The short stop had two hits on four at-bats. David Allen, Chase Chambers, Anthony El Chibani and Jake Farr all had a hit each. “Defensively they are absolutely fantastic,� said Bragga. “It is not major league baseball. I get that. But, if I could give you a comparison that a lot of people would get it is a major league baseball equivalent defense in terms of their lateral range, in terms of their arms, and in terms of making throws, it is hard to sneak hits through on those guys.� The offensive performance was efficient from the Commodores. While there were not any homeruns in the game, Vanderbilt did their damage by finding holes in the Tech defense with several singles and doubles. In the end, the Golden Eagles had given up 16 hits and utilized four pitchers: Gardner, Keatts, Andrew Barkley and Austin Tolle. “If you ultimately want to play in Omaha someday in the College World Series, you need to measure yourself and see where you are at,� said Bragga. “What (Tuesday) told me was right now, as of March 17, we are not there.� Tech will have another chance to display their talents on a big stage when they travel to face Arizona State University in a three-game series April 24 through April 26. The Sun Devils are currently ranked No. 7 in the nation. Until then, the Golden Eagles will be focused on Ohio Valley Conference play. Their upcoming weekend series is against the Cougars of SIU-Evansville at Bush Stadium. The Cougars are currently undefeated in the OVC with a 6-0 record. Tech is at an even .500 with 3-3. The first pitch of the series will be at 6 p.m. Friday.

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Page 4 || THE ORACLE || COOKEVILLE, TN

Friday, March 20, 2015

OPINION Frat boys getting defamed

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>> Think Free

KIMMY WHITTINGTON Opinion Editor Don’t apologize for degrading humanity, Sigma Alpha Epsilon boys. I am so tired of people assuming that they have every right to tear down someone else, or a race for that matter. The frat boys of Oklahoma University were caught on video making racist remarks toward AfricanAmericans, while simultaneously having AfricanAmerican brothers in the fraternity. “There will never be a n----- at SAE,” the boys sang. “You can hang him from a tree, but he’ll never sign with me. There will never be a n----- at SAE.” The frat boys

chanted this to the tune of “If You’re Happy and You Know It.” Apparently this attitude has been long rooted in the SAE frat culture for few. According to, “Inside Higher Ed,” nearly 75 SAE members died during the Civil War defending their Confederate South. Only after three decades were they able to finally establish chapters in the North after uneasy tension. I am not sure what was going through their heads as they roared this horrendous melody to their peers, but I assume very little. I believe racism was the ignorant backbone behind their laughter and banter. They made this chant come across as though they had been singing it night and day for four years of college, and over 150 years since their fraternity charter. Parker Rice, the student

Sigma Alpha Epsilon

GRACEFUL GENTLEMEN - Sigma Alpha Epsilon uses this promotional advertisement in their recruitment material online. The advertisement claims that, “Being a gentleman never goes out of style,” however, it does not appear that all of the brothers in the fraternity follow this age old principle. leading the chant in the video, released an apology. “I am deeply sorry for what I did Saturday night. It was wrong and reckless. I made a horrible mistake by joining into the singing and encouraging others to do the same,” said Rice. “I know everyone wants to know why or how this happened. I ad-

mit it likely was fueled by alcohol consumed at the house before the bus trip, but that’s not an excuse. Yes, the song was taught to us, but that too doesn’t work as an explanation…” Rice said. However, Rice does not explain why this song came about, and how long it has been stemmed into the chap-

ter. It is great that he “feels bad,” but he just took a giant step back for mankind. This song may have been lingering for decades, and not one decent person has put it to a complete halt. Where are you, humanity? We as a country have made an effort to promote equality, but then prideful

race pessimists come in and think their opinion is more powerful, knowledgeable or of popular opinion. Well, I am here to tell you I don’t care what you think about this person or the next, we are all the same. As this controversy continues to spill over with new videos and evidence rising to the surface, I am hoping we can see the real issue. There are generations growing up without knowledge of how the world has changed; they have parents teaching them that some races are superior and that respect is not an issue. Wake up people – we are really hurting ourselves and dismissing the hard work we have put in for egalitarianism. Kimmy Whittington is a senior in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations She can be reached at kemanning42@students.tntech.edu

Frozen Frenzy

Why some people just can’t ‘Let It Go’

Interscope Records

and move on with “Frozen” zen”

FINAL VOTE - Robin Thicke and co-producer of song, “Blurred Lines,” Pharell Williams now face a $7.3 million verdict for infringing on Marvin Gaye’s song “Got to Give It Up.”

Blurred Lies

BRITTA NY LYNCH Beat Reporter By now, we all know the songs, we all know the characters, and, of course, we all know how to “Let It Go.” Frozen. Need I say more? The widely popular Disney movie that has swept the globe like an apocalyptic ice storm is at it again. The news that “Frozen 2” will be coming in the near future even had me, a die-hard everything Disney fan, hitting my head against a brick wall. I’m all for the lesson that girls don’t need a man to save them and that even sisterly love is equal to true love. That’s all fine and dandy, but do we need it to be repeated AGAIN? First, it was all about the movie, and then the song “Let It Go” was heard on almost every radio or open YouTube tab. Then came the dolls, the dresses and all the other merchandise. This was not a huge surprise. They even added Disney LookA-Like characters of Queen Elsa and Princess Anna in both Walt Disney World and Disneyland.

THE

ADAM WEBB Staff Reporter

Disney / Graphics by Kimmy Whittington

LET IT GO - Seriously, take a break, and let the “Frozen” phenomenon hurry on out. Some fans are getting tired of the crazed fandom that surrounds this whole “Frozen” mantra. However, when “Frozen” began to grow, it was given a spot in the hit ABC show “Once Upon A Time.” Anna and Elsa appear in the little town of Storybrooke and have to team up with Charming to help the town out of another perilous situation. This should be the end, right? Wrong. Now Disney is ready to throw another snowball at us. A new Disney movie is usually accompanied with a film short. When we thought we were finally going to warm up, “Frozen Fever” was introduced as this year’s new short. Elsa becomes sick but,

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of course, she’s the kind of girl who just won’t quit. Each leading lady had a brand new dress, which will probably end up being another huge hit with Halloween costumes this year. Have fun with that Elsa drinking game, everyone. It was nice knowing you. Now “Frozen 2” has been announced and we all know this snowstorm is going to start all over again. I don’t blame Disney, I really don’t. They’ve found a winning idea and they’re running with it. I get it. But is it really worth all the milking they are trying to get away

with. Like I have said before, I love Disney. I’m a huge fan; I even worked there for eight months. I’m even guilty of standing in line for two hours waiting to receive an autograph from Elsa and Anna for my sister – It’s legit, I swear. But honestly, it’s time for spring weather already. Please, Mr. Bob Iger and The Walt Disney Co. Please just let it go. Brittany Lynchi is a junior in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations. He can be reached at bdlynch42@students.tntech.edu

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Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams were found to have committed copyright infringement with their song “Blurred Lines,” for sounding too similar to Marvin Gaye’s song “Got to Give it Up.” The pair was sentenced to pay over $7 million to Gaye’s estate. After listening to both songs I agree that both songs sound similar, but I don’t think that anyone’s reputation was damaged. I think Thicke and Williams tried to make a catchy pop song and they succeeded, even if it was on the coattails of one of music’s most revered artists. I’m not writing this to defend Thicke, or even to defend Gaye. I like Gaye’s work and appreciate it for what it is, even though I don’t listen to it often. I’m writing this because I think this case is a representation of current pop music.

Pop music (as well as most Top 40 hits these days) all sound very similar. “Blurred Lines” does sound a lot like “Got to Give it Up” but so do a lot of other songs. I think the real issue is, is that there should be a fine line between paying homage to a song and making a carbon copy. Meghan Trainor came onto the scene last summer with her song “All About that Bass.” But if you listen to her follow up single, “My Lips are Movin,” the songs sound almost one in the same. This is a trend that is becoming all too popular today. If artists really want to stand out, they shouldn’t rely on past songs to boost their own recognition. If they want to stand out they should aim for more original lyrics as well as production. Adam Webb is a senior in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations and News Editorial. He can be reached at abwebb42@students.tntech.edu

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Friday, March 20, 2015

Reviews <<

ENTERTAINMENT

“Fresh Off the Boat” makes a splash “Cinderella” traditional, inspiring By JAKE THREET Entertainment Edior

By HANNAH BENJAMIN Entertainment Critic

When it comes to new comedies featured on TV this season, the result has been lackluster to put it mildly. NBC’s best output, “Marry Me,” is endearing and truly funny, but the viewership is just not there and it’s dead in the water. CBS hasn’t really offered anything interesting in the way of new comedies, while ABC only offered “Blackish” at the beginning of the season, which is a fine comedy but not my favorite. I was hesitant seeing the commercials for “Fresh Off the Boat” as I didn’t think it would be my type of show. How horribly wrong I was. It’s such a fresh, new welcome to the TV season, pun intended. Easily the quirkiest and sharpest comedy any of the networks have offered this year, it’s a perfect fit for ABC and the best new comedy of the season. The show centers on Eddie Huang and is loosely based on the biography of the real life Eddie Huang, a young Taiwanese boy who moved with his family from Washington, D.C. to Orlando,

This live action reimagination of the classic Disney tale may seem totally unnecessary, but “Cinderella” still manages to completely enchant audiences of all ages. Starring Lily James, Cate Blanchett and Helena Bonham Carter, this female-driven powerhouse earned itself $70 million on opening weekend and an 83 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. “Cinderella,” directed by Kenneth Branagh, utilizes every bit of costume design expertise and CGI effects to create a magical fairy tale universe. Truly the most remarkable aspects of the film are the technical designs. The signature blue dress is vibrant and full of impeccable detail. According to costume designer Sandy Powell, the dress is made up of 12 layers of silk and different colors. It took Lily James about 45 minutes to get in and out of the dress. The glass slippers were made of real Swarovski crystal, but CGI when Cinderella actually wears them. CGI also assists the magical “rags to riches” transformation of Cinderella and the pumpkin carriage, bringing new life to the animated scene. The technical elements of “Cinderella” are enough to

Courtesy of tvguide.com

GANGSTER’S PARADISE- Popular 90s hip-hop is heavily centered in the show as it Eddie’s favorite music genre. Florida in the mid 1990s. His father Louis (Randall Park) is in search of the American Dream and decides to open a roadhouse restaurant. Along with his father, Eddie’s mother, two brothers and grandma move as well. The series delves into the culture shock the family experiences and their adjustments to the new place they live. It not only shows how they react to their new life, but how others around them handle the family. Often hilarious but filled with moments that will warm your heart, the show does a excellent job of poking fun at the stereotypes associated with Chinese families but also dives headfirst into the problems that arise with

social discrimination. The standout star off the series is Constance Wu, who plays Eddie’s mom Jessica. She is profoundly funny and witty in the role. The ratings for the series have been good and have especially held up in ABC’s shaky Tuesday night lineup. I believe it’s a lock for renewal, or at least it should be if ABC knows what they’re doing. It and “The Goldbergs” could make a lethal 7 p.m. comedy hour next season in the network’s Wednesday comedy block. It’s the smart move to make, and this show deserves every chance to succeed. “Fresh Off the Boat” airs Tuesday nights at 7 CDT on ABC.

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CINDERELLY- “Cinderella” proved to be a global success and has taken in more than $83 million worldwide. justify the live-action version on their own. The film is dreamy and romantic and does not deviate much from the original storyline. Audiences should expect a classic retelling of the traditional fairy tale without some exciting “twist.” Some audiences might also rejoice that there is no singing. The leading ladies dominate in their roles with Blanchett bringing a perfectly human element to the wicked stepmother’s character. She’s fashionable, too. Helena Bonham Carter, minus her typical counterpart Johnny Depp, is hard to imagine, but she makes an adorably maternal fairy godmother. The film adds more to the usual “love at first sight”

trope by introducing the prince and Ella before the ball. Prince Charming instead poses as “Kit,” a young man who works at the palace, when he meets Ella in the woods and they develop a relationship beforehand. It’s a more realistic update to the original, and gives Kit, played by Richard Madden, a chance for some real character development. While “Cinderella” is a traditional adaptation, it still manages to create a new fantasy world with some amazing technical elements. If audiences want to see something beautiful and reminisce with the old romantic classic, this live-action version is a perfect choice. Cinderella is rated PG for mild thematic elements.

Of Monsters and Men release new single By ADAM WEBB Staff Writer Earlier this week, Icelandic indie-folk/ pop band Of Monsters and Men released its first single “Crystals” from its upcoming sophomore album “Beneath the Skin.” The band’s lead vocalists, Nanna Hilmarsdottir and Ragnar Thorhallsson, still share the same vocal give-and-take found on the band’s last album. The vocal dynamic between the two is still the band’s strongest

feature, and “Crystals” is no different. The drums and percussion on this track are as vivacious and energetic as before, especially toward the end where crash symbols bounce around the track to wrap the chorale vocals delivered by Hilmarsdottir and Thorhallsson and the reverb on the guitar is reminiscent of the xx’s work on their debut album “xx.” All these elements come together at the end of the track to deliver the soothing opening into the brash and driving codas Of Monsters and Men is known for and it does not fail to disappoint. The track has the same soothing and groovy vibes found in the band’s earlier

recordings, but this is something of a double-edged sword. It shows the band is able to retain its unique sound, especially in a genre full of copycats. However, it also hurts the band because “Crystals” could be on the band’s last album, which came out in 2012, and would not sound out of place. The track still features clean and resounding production quality and the lyrics and performances are all on point. But if Of Monsters and Men’s next album is simply a rehash of their first album, “My Head is an Animal,” listeners may come out feeling a little cheated. “Beneath the Skin,” hits stores June 9.

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NEWS >> “Charter Day”

Continued from Page 1 Following a rough few years, the school was transferred to the state. The charter establishing Tennessee Polytechnic Institute was signed by Gov. Thomas Rye March 27, 1915, after months of fighting between Upper Cumberland residents who wanted a higher education institution of their own and state legislators who wanted to put the institution elsewhere. The General Education Act of 1909 provided for the establishment of three state “normals,” or teachertraining schools, for white students, one per division of Tennessee. Local leaders in Cookeville lobbied for the location in middle Tennessee, but lost to Murfreesboro. However, citizens of Cookeville did not give up without a fight. In 1914, Cookeville spokesmen moved to create another state normal school, but the state normal presidents opposed it. Sen. Andrew Todd suggested a school called Tennessee Polytechnic Institute be created to meet the needs of the rural, agricultural region. Legislators approved TPI as a technical and agricultural program with a teacher-training program.

Friday, March 20, 2015

>> Campus

Efforts to repeal the bill, led by the normal school presidents and others, continued until 1921. Less than a decade later, enrollment and programs suffered the economic hardships of the Great Depression, followed by lean times during World War II. Strong campus leadership and the continued support of the city, county and region kept TPI open. In the postwar economic boom, the college thrived. In 1965, TPI was elevated to university status by Gov. Frank Clement. Its name changed to Tennessee Technological University or simply Tennessee Tech. “Our roots are here, in the Upper Cumberland, and we’ll never forget that,” said Clemons. “Every event of Tennessee Tech’s Centennial Celebration acknowledges the role our local communities have played in our success for 100 years, and we hope all our friends can take part in much – if not all – of our special programming.” From three concentrations to more than 40 fields of study and from fewer than 20 students to more than 11,000, Tech has grown from a small, rural college to a prominent university in Tennessee. Guest parking on Charter Day will be available next to the University’s intramural field on North Willow Avenue in Cookeville. Shuttles will run continuously between 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. to and from Derryberry Hall. The celebration is free and open to the public.

Firing up the grill with new BBQ classes By LOGAN SHRUM Beat Reporter The TTU Extended Programs Department will hold a six-hour-long barbecue smoking class at 9 a.m. March 28 in the East Parking Lot of South Hall. Instructor Randy Todd, a Kansas City Barbecue Society member and competition judge, will teach through a combination of hands-on and demonstrative techniques. The session will cover topics such as the basics of safety equipment, food preparations, sauces, cooking styles and meat selection. All of the supplies, including meat and grill, will be provided on site. The class has a maximum occupancy of 20 students and costs $50 per person. Registration ends Wednesday, March 25. “The reason we are holding this class is because we have interest in the community,” said Sharon Stevenson, administrative associate in the Extended Programs Department. “This is only the first of four classes. The other three we don’t have dates for yet, but they will most likely be in

Jason Williams l The Oracle

BOOM. ROASTED. - Christopher Agwacha grills burgers in the Tech cafeteria kitchen Thursday afternoon. April, May and June and will focus on chicken, Boston butt and probably brisket. Brisket may change though due to its long cook time.” “I think that that would be fantastic if we could eat it,” said Chris McDonald of the class. McDonald is a senior in the

Exercise Science Fitness and Wellness Program. “I probably wouldn’t do it though because I already have a lot of other commitments, so I probably wouldn’t have time, but it definitely interests me and I’m sure it would others also.”

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