The Oracle- March 27, 2015

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Friday, March 27, 2015

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Tennessee Tech T 100 Years later An Oracle Series

A CENTURY OF TECH- Jeremiah “Jere” Whitson (Top left) stands beside the cornerstone of East Hall (Kittrell Hall) at a dedication ceremony in April of 1916. Whitson was a leader in establishing both Dixie College and Tennessee Polytechnic Institute. The current Jere Whitson building on campus is dedicated to the service Whitson contributed to the University.

Charter Day 2015 Centennial celebration begins after months of planning.

Campus prepares for year of celebration and remembrance. By ADAM WEBB Staff Writer & WILLIAM WEBB Beat Reporter

Friday, March 27, 2015 will be the centennial anniversary of Tennessee Tech’s Charter Day. Various preparations have been made leading up to the first event to start the yearlong Centennial celebration. The first event is the Charter Day ceremony in Derryberry Auditorium. The ceremony will be attended by Governor Bill Haslam, members of the Tennessee Board of Regents and other state legislators. A skit reenacting some of the moments that led to the signing of the original 1915 University charter will be performed by local actors. Events being reenacted will include excerpts from important documents and profiles of notable alumni from Tech’s first 100 years. In conjunction with Tech’s Centennial, the Centennial Traditions Committee was created. “The committee was formed to identify past traditions that are in need of revival and to assist students in that process,” said

Committee Chairman Roy West. West also said the committee will try to find traditions that students are interested in and to use the centennial year to begin the new events but could not disclose what they would be. The committee is expected to help the campus connect with past and current students by making new traditions but also bringing back older ones. “One of our greatest traditions, the Shinny-Ninny, is locked up at Middle Tennessee Oldham State University, and most of our students are unaware,” West said. “By promoting this and other traditions we hope to encourage student involvement.” New banners displaying the Tech Centennial logo have been hung on the streetlamps lining Dixie Avenue. Tech alumnus and Admissions transfer counselor, Jake Gipson, posted a picture of the banners on his Twitter page. Gipson said that he is excited about the changes happening on campus and that, even though it’s easy to question the changes happening, he

believes it will all be worth it. “It is definitely an exciting time with it being our centennial year, and I can say that we are definitely moving in the right direction,” said Gipson. “It may not seem like too Derryberry much when you think about it, but Tennessee Tech has been here for 100 years. We must be doing something right.” Members of the administration have prepared for the upcoming events of the Centennial celebration by looking at both the University’s past and future. “What will our academic descendants say about us 100 years from now during the Bicentennial celebration? How will we keep higher education affordable and encourage more students to continue their educations? How will we continue to increase the value of a Tennessee Tech education for every student, while state funding continues to decline? Education has never been as critical to our nation’s future economic and national security as it is today. The challenges are many, but just like our TPI founding fathers; failure is not an option. I take great confidence

in their successful efforts that got us to this Centennial and know that Tennessee Tech will continue to survive and thrive for many generations to come,” Oldham wrote in his latest presidential blog post. Much like current Tech President Philip Oldham wrote a blog post to Tech students, faculty, staff and alumni discussing the landmark point in University history, former Tech President Everett Derryberry wrote an open letter to the campus community during the University’s 50-year anniversary in 1966. “What will the next fifty years bring to your University’s growth and development? Many of us will not be here to see the answer to that question, and the red wood tree will still only be a baby. But, we know that the answer for this University lies in the work of a dedicated faculty, the loyalty of devoted alumni, and above all, in the quality of this product, the graduates who go out from its halls and quadrangles,” Derryberry wrote. Events commemorating the University’s Centennial will conclude with the commencement ceremony in May 2016.

Tickets for Juicy J, S.O.L.O. Rap concert going quickly By DILLON JAMES Beat Reporter

Steven Stoik | The Oracle FLOWER POWER- These purple and yellow violets were planted in the flowerbeds outside of the Roaden University Center earlier this week. Over the past few weeks, campus workers have added new flowers all across campus.

Spirit in bloom: New flowers bring Tech pride By SHELBEY ASHBURN Beat Reporter Spring is in full bloom at Tennessee Tech and, this semester, a little school spirit has been added to the campus flowerbeds. As the months grow warmer, campus facilities are making sure the landscape is polished and eye-catching for spring and summer. In particular, the flowerbeds are now bursting with purple and gold flower combinations to represent Tech’s spirit. “Purple and gold pansies and snapdragons are being planted on the Read More Online

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south end of Derryberry Hall, east side of Pennebaker Hall, and also by the Roaden University Center and Bryan Fine Arts Building,” said Kevin Tucker, director of Grounds, Roads and Walks. Tucker said their hope is that the new flowers will be aesthetically pleasing to everyone and evoke the feeling of spring. “I love the new landscaping on campus. I think it promotes school spirit in a unique way and I love that Tech makes an effort to have purple and gold wherever they can,” said senior psychology major Abby Gaw. Along with the new plants, Tucker

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said that they have now placed new trash receptacles and benches on Dixie Avenue. “It puts me in a great mood to see bright spring colors and greenery on campus,” said Morgan Richards, senior finance major. “For a while it gets depressing walking to class in the freezing cold and seeing nothing but dead trees and frozen grass for half of the semester.” Tucker said there is not an exact total cost for the new landscaping since facilities will be planting throughout the spring and summer.

Juicy J is set to hit the stage in the Hooper Eblen Center April 7, and there are several students who are profiting from the event. Juicy J is an American rapper, songwriter and producer from Memphis and is a founding member of Three 6 Mafia. He is also known for his verse in Katy Perry’s “Dark Horse.” His fourth solo album, “Pure THC: The Hustle Continues,” is set to be released July 2015 and includes appearances from Nicki Minaj, Young Thug and A$AP Ferg. The Grammy-nominated recording artist was chosen by students last semester to be the headliner for the spring S.O.L.O. concert. Ticket disbursement began March 24, and SGA President Emily McDonald said it has been going well. “We’ve probably given

out around 4,000 (tickets) so far,” said McDonald. “We probably have about 3,500 to 4,000 Juicy J left, which is really good because it’s only been three days.” Due to the popularity of the concert, there are a number of students taking advantage of redeeming their tickets to earn some money. Ranging from $30 to $100, there are several different ads on Craigslist for tickets to the show. Victoria Blaisdell, a freshman Psychology major, said her monetary status is the main reason why she is putting her tickets up for sale on Craigslist. “I’m completely broke with $1.98 in my bank account and about $0.26 in my wallet,” said Blaisdell. See

“Juicy J,” >>Page 3

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Friday, March 27, 2015

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>> Campus

Tech Confessions posts student Eagle Card information events Tech @ tech students arrested March for drug 27 related charges By ADAM WEBB Staff Writer

By HARLEY DAVIDSON Beat Reporter Two Tennessee Tech students were arrested late Monday night for drug-related charges. Ronald Canovan and Dominic Edwards were arrested March 23 at the Wendy’s on Willow Avenue. Edwards was text messaging someone to sell an ounce of marijuana and agreed to meet at the restaurant, but it turned out to be Cookeville Police Officers Marshall and Trivette. When Edwards rolled down the passenger side window, the officers reported to smell marijuana and asked them to step out of the vehicle. Edwards and the vehicle, a silver Durango belonging to Canovan’s mother, were searched with consent. A K-9 dog was brought in for the search and found 2.5 ounces of marijuana in a mason, a digital scale, a smaller bag of marijuana and $634. The whole incident turned out to be a surprise for Canovan, who was arrested on suspicions of conspiracy to sell a controlled substance. “I didn’t know what he was doing. I just thought I was giving him a ride to meet with a friend,” said Canovan. “I had no idea that he was selling.” Edwards was arrested on suspicions of the manufacturing, distribution and selling of a controlled substance. He was unable to be reached for comment. Marijuana has been a popular topic on Tech campus for the past week as a student has been seen holding a pro-marijuana sign around campus. Sam Andrews is an outspoken pro-legalization activist. He believes that the police are just wasting every body’s time with cases like this. “It is a human right to use plants. Should we make tomatoes illegal because they can cause heartburn?” said Andrews. “I mean that sounds ridiculous right? Well we have here a plant with literally no proven negative effects ever recorded ... but medicinally recorded for thousands of years and more and more uses being unearthed every day.”

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On March 22, photos of students’ Tennessee Tech Eagle Cards were posted to the “Tennessee Tech Confessions” Facebook page. The photos also included a military identification. One of the photos contained the Eagle Cards of four female Tech students, while the other photo had one female student’s Eagle Card and the Air Force ID of a male Tech student. Academic Support Associate at the Angelo and Jennette Volpe Library, Rose Black, said that student IDs are not supposed to be posted on social media. “If someone turns in an ID to us, we email them from the library’s circulation account so they know it’s a legitimate email,” said Black.

Black said that student IDs and thumb drives are lost in the library daily. “Anything we find, we try to identify the owner and email them immediately,” said Black. She went on to say that nine out of 10 people don’t return to retrieve their belongings. According to the United States Government Publishing Office Title 18, Chapter 33, Section 701 of the United States Code, whoever photographs, prints or makes a likeness of an ID without authorization is to be fined or imprisoned no longer than six months. There is no rule about posting Eagle Cards online. “I don’t think it’s an invasion of privacy,” communication professor Russ Witcher said about posting Eagle Cards online, “but somebody did go through the library’s drawers to post these.” “It is theft but it’s not a crime like murder,” said

Witcher. “I do think they are obligated to tell the police about it.” Witcher is not a lawyer but said that he thinks the library has a better legal case than the five individuals whose Eagle Cards were posted. After learning that student IDs had been posted online without their knowledge, the library board changed the policy on misplaced Eagle Cards. “Our new procedure is as soon as an Eagle Card is found, anywhere on the floor, it is taken to the Eagle Card Office,” said Coordinator of Public Services for the library Sharon Holderman. “If it is found outside of the Eagle Card Office hours, it will be stored, out of view behind a supervisor’s desk then every morning,” said Holderman. From there, the supervisor will check the new location for IDs and if any are found, they will be taken to the Eagle

Card Office. The library will no longer send emails to students who lose their Eagle Card, but the policy for other personal belongings remains unchanged. Other belongings will be kept in the library and the owner will be notified via email. Holderman said that the person responsible for posting the pictures of the IDs to “Tech Confessions” has been reprimanded. She refused to release their name. “It’s just a training issue,” Holderman said. “If you have a desire to stray from procedure of anything, from the way we check out books, to the way we handle our lost and found, to talk to a supervisor before you take any action.” If a student loses their Eagle Card or it is stolen, the Eagle Card Office will immediately cancel the card. Cards can also be deactivated online through Tech’s website. Replacement cards cost $10.

SGA suspends campus safety bill By MATTHEW PHILLIPS Beat Reporter The Student Government Association indefinitely suspended a bill presented to them at Tuesday’s meeting. The bill, known as the “Residential Life and Campus Safety Initiative,” was written to seek proactive approaches to campus safety issues such as sexual assault and domestic violence. These approaches included adding deadbolts, cameras and lighting to residential halls and requiring the Campus Building and Grounds Committee, Residential Life, Student Affairs Administration, Campus

Police and SGA to form a task force to look into any and all safety concerns. However, many senators believed the language of the bill read as a resolution, rather than a bill. “A resolution is like saying we as a governing body approve this and would like to see this done,” said Alex Martin, Senator for the College of Business. “The reason it needs to be a resolution is because we don’t have the authority to tell ResLife they have to form a committee. A resolution is simply a suggestion; a bill is something you have the power to enact.” Matthew Heath Simpson, Senator for the College of Education and author of the bill, was not present at Tuesday’s

meeting. Sarah Bruce, Freshman Senator, presented the bill. “The main things (Simpson) stressed to me were the dead bolts on the door and the lights in the parking lots,” said Bruce. “As far as tonight’s decision is concerned, it is was it is. He wasn’t here to present his points. There are no hard feelings.” “Since I’ve been in SGA, we haven’t had a lot of resolutions,” said McDonald. “We are trying to push towards utilizing them more. Since we haven’t done a lot of resolutions before, it was important for the senate to understand what that entails. We have passed bills that should have been written as resolutions.”

Fashion Me Fabulous to return with new name By ANNALISE FREITAG Beat Reporter The School of Human Ecology’s semiannual Finders Keepers Clothing Resale event will be selling new and used clothing, shoes, accessories and home decorations in the Tech Pride Room in Roaden University Center Wednesday, April 1 and Thursday, April 2 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. The event is returning for the 13th time since its start in 2009, but under a new name this semester. Formally known as “Fashion Me Fabulous,”

the name “Finders Keepers Clothing Resale” connects with more people and better describes the purpose. “We believe the new name will personify the sale much better and inform customers of what it is exactly,” said cochair of the sale Amy Dodson, senior merchandising and design major. “We also receive many male clothing donations, such as suits, and we believe the new name is much more gender neutral.” Proceeds from the sale help fund trips to “fashion capitols” like Chicago, New York and Los Angeles where

merchandising and design majors gain practical experience in their industry. Students also gain handson experience through the planning and execution of this event. Jewon Lyu, professor in the School of Human Ecology, has her advertising and promotion class help design and evaluate each event. “I dedicate a couple sessions in my class to ask students to develop objectives and goals for each event,” said Lyu. “After the event, the students will evaluate the objectives and share thoughts and opinions to improve each

event.” Lyu also said the sale has received good support from the campus and community, raising more than $500 last semester, and is expecting the same amount this semester. If you would like to get a jump start on your spring cleaning, donations can be made to the School of Human Ecology’s main office in Foundation Hall 112. Donations of men and women’s new or used clean clothing, shoes, accessories, jewelry and home decorations can be dropped off until Tuesday, Mar. 31.

Assault at hospital leads to campus safety alerts By SARAH TATE Copy Editor Early Tuesday morning, Cookeville police responded to a reported aggravated assault near Cookeville Regional Medical Center. A 15-year-old female had been standing outside the hospital when a man holding a knife grabbed her from behind. As she moved away, she was slightly injured by the man’s knife. The victim had a knife too but was disarmed by the man, who then fled on foot. The victim was treated for her injury at the hospital before being released to her mother. The suspect was described as a black male approximately 6 feet 2 inches tall with a “stocky” build, according to a news release from the Cookeville Police Department. He was also described as wearing a black hoodie, dark pants and Nike athletic shoes. As of late Thursday night, Cookeville police have not yet named any suspects in the hospital assault but are still searching for leads. Crawford Hall, the only all-female residential hall on campus,

is the closest residential hall to the hospital. Crawford resident Madi Heaton, freshman agricultural engineering major, said the assault didn’t shock her. “It seems like there’s been a lot going on campus this last year,” said Heaton. “I do feel safe on campus, I do carry around pepper spray just in case, but I honestly don’t feel threatened when I go out at night.” Around 1 a.m. Tuesday morning, a TTUalert was sent to students, informing them of the assault near campus. TTUalert is a service students can sign up for to receive emails and text messages about campus-related safety hazards, such as weather and assaults. Heaton receives the alerts and said it’s better than just receiving emails about an incident, even though the alerts are sometimes slow to come in. Heaton also said that, along with carrying pepper spray, she texts people where she’s going and when she’ll be there. Heaton believes “it’s important to be prepared, especially when it comes to personal safety.” “I believe if you have the right precautions, there’s no reason to feel threatened,” said Heaton.

All Day

Sheli Petersen Drawing Exhibition Joan Derryberry Art Gallery

10:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.

Charter Day Derryberry Hall Auditorium

28 All Day

Sheli Petersen Drawing Exhibition Joan Derryberry Art Gallery

1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Softball vs. Belmont University Tech Softball Field

2 p.m. - 2:50 p.m.

Nick Mullins, voice, Senior Student Recital Wattenbarger Auditorium, Bryan Fine Arts Building

3 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Joshua Davis, piano, Student Lecture Recital Wattenbarger Auditorium, Bryan Fine Arts Building

3 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Softball vs. Belmont University Tech Softball Field

6 p.m. - 6:50 p.m.

Anjali Sivaainkaran, clarinet, Student Recital Wattenbarger Auditorium, Bryan Fine Arts Building

7 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Michaela Grubb, saxophone, Junior Student Recital Wattenbarger Auditorium, Bryan Fine Arts Building

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All Day

Sheli Petersen Drawing Exhibition Joan Derryberry Art Gallery

1 p.m. - 1:55 p.m.

Trumpet Studio Recital 1 Wattenbarger Auditorium, Bryan Fine Arts Building

1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Softball vs. Belmont University Tech Softball Field

2 p.m. - 2:55 p.m.

Trumpet Studio Recital 2 Wattenbarger Auditorium, Bryan Fine Arts Building

3 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Andrew Wyrick, trombone, Senior Student Recital Wattenbarger Auditorium, Bryan Fine Arts Building

4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Andrew Petty, trombone, Senior Student Recital Wattenbarger Auditorium, Bryan Fine Arts Building

6 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Jeremy Brown, trombone, Senior Student Recital Wattenbarger Auditorium, Bryan Fine Arts Building

30

All Day

Sheli Petersen Drawing Exhibition Joan Derryberry Art Gallery

7 p.m. - 8 p.m.

TTU Trombone Studio Recital 1 Wattenbarger Auditorium, Bryan Fine Arts Building 8:15 p.m. - 9 p.m. TTU Trombone Studio Recital 2 Wattenbarger Auditorium, Bryan Fine Arts Building

www.tntech.edu/calendar

Friday, March 27, 2015

COOKEVILLE, TN || THE ORACLE || Page 3

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NEWS

Alpha Phi Alpha to host annual Step Show in Derryberry By KELLY MILLS Beat Reporter Air force ones, sticks, trashcans, stomps, claps and sweat are coming to Tennessee Tech’s campus because Alpha Phi Alpha is hosting its annual Step Show event April 10 at 7 p.m. in Derryberry Hall Auditorium. Step Show is an event that has been hosted on Tech’s campus by Alpha Phi Alpha since 1999. It’s a philanthropy event where fraternities and sororities compete against one another by stomping and clapping in rhythm as a unit. Last year, Alpha Phi Alpha raised thousands of dollars for the March of Dimes, an organization that helps pregnant women have full-term pregnancies and researches problems that may threaten the health of babies, like birth defects. “We donate to different organizations every year. This year, I think we will be donating to a cancer society, because we lost a brother to cancer last year,� said Demarkcus Clark, president of Alpha Phi Alpha. Step show tickets are being sold in Roaden University Center. Presale black tickets are $7 and presale gold tickets, which are for the after party at Vinnie T’s, are $10. After April 1, the black tickets will be $10 and the gold will be $15. “Anyone can come,� said Clark, “we have a sellout show almost every year.� “I can’t wait for the Step Show to come around every year; the atmosphere is awesome,� said Elliot Keas, an engineering ma-

Contributed by: Alpha Delta Pi

STOMP THE YARD- Members of the Alpha Delta Pi step team won the annual Step Show event in 2014 located in Derryberry Hall. Step Show is a fundraiser for Alpha Phi Alpha’s philanthropy. Tickets are sold in the Roaden University Center for the event.

jor. “I have never seen anything like this at any other campus. It’s amazing how these girls come up with all the stomping and clapping rhythms, I don’t know how they

do it.� Alpha Phi Alpha Step Show is hosted in Derryberry Hall Auditorium, which is usually packed wall to wall with students. The

upper-level of the auditorium is used for the parents to sit so they can record their kids while they perform and cheer them on without getting into the crowded seats below. “We have been practicing since January, but we had tryouts in December before finals. We are super hard working,� said Emily McCracken, Step Show coach for Phi Mu. “Our routine is about 12 minutes long, give or take for some cheering.� Last year’s winners of Step Show were Alpha Delta Pi. Delta Gamma and Phi Mu tied for second, while Kappa Delta placed third. “It’s a competitive philanthropy and there are a lot of good girls up there competing for a good cause,� said Kelle Robinson, a two-year stepper from Delta Gamma. “Its nerve wracking performing in front of all those people, but it normally goes away after performing the first step.� Judges for Step Show are to be announced but will judge for unity, sharpness, attitude, intensity, routine, time and overall performance. “The intensity of it and the performance is my favorite part of Step Show,� said Molly Campbell, a two-year stepper from Alpha Delta Pi. “It seems crazy to put all this hard work for only minutes onstage, but it’s all worth it once you’re performing in front of everyone. We have put in a lot of practice and are really hoping our hard work pays off.�

F.A.S.T. contest offers Bonarroo tickets The Future Alumni Support Team is giving students the opportunity to win prizes for voting on monthly poster designs for Tennessee Tech’s Centennial. The prize for March was a Kelty Acadia Tent, and it was given to Dayna Walters. By KELSEY TACK Beat Reporter

Hayley Davidson l The Oracle

S.O.L.O.- SGA senator Kyle Anderson administers concert tickets to students earlier this week.

>> “Juicy J�

Continued from Page 1

“It’s really up to the students as to what they want to do with their tickets,� McDonald said. “They pay the $30 student fee. We give out the two tickets, and it’s up to the students if they want to attend.� McDonald and the SGA have also been utilizing their social media accounts to promote the concert. They have put together a contest for students to win wristbands without having to get to the venue

early. “We’re setting aside about 50 (wristbands) or so that we’re using for the giveaway for wristbands,� she said. “The winners will be announced prior to the concert, but they won’t get the wristband until the concert.� For the students who don’t win, approximately 175 wristbands will still be given out at the each of the four entrances. To enter the contest, students can like the Tennessee Tech Student Government Association on Facebook, follow @TNTechSGA on Twitter, or follow @TNTech_SGA on Instagram. The doors of the Hooper Eblen Center will open at 7 p.m., and the show will begin at 8 p.m.

The Office of Annual Giving and the Future Alumni Support Team are running a yearlong poster campaign to celebrate Tennessee Tech’s Centennial. A new poster design will be added to the series monthly with the help of student votes. The posters will feature iconic moments and images from the University’s first 100 years and are meant to generate excitement for the Centennial. “We hope the posters will help remind alumni of some of our great traditions, as well as expose them to current students,� said F.A.S.T. delegate Stefan Widener. “The posters will be displayed in the University Alumni Center, but we also plan to distribute them throughout the community in businesses, restaurants and to alumni.� Students are asked to participate by voting on which posters should be printed for distribution. With each vote, students are entered to win prizes. The prize for March is a Kelty Acadia Tent and was given away March 23 to Dayna Walters. “We want to build excitement for the University and Centennial among both students and alumni. Releasing these posters to our alumni is a great way to get them excited and remind them of the good times they had here as students,� said Widener. “Allowing the students to decide which posters get published brings the Centennial to their attention and gives them a sense of ownership of this small part of our Centennial celebration.� The prizes for April will be two ENO hammocks with tree straps, and the prize for May will be a Yeti Cooler. The grand prize will be given out at the

Stefan Widener l Guest Contributor

THE GREAT OUTDOORS- Members of TTU F.A.S.T. show off the Kelty tent the group recently gave away as part of the Centennial Poster voting campaign. Voting takes place each month with prizes including ENO hammocks and a Yeti cooler. The grand prizefor the contest is two general admission tickets to thr Bonnaroo music festival.

end of the semester and will include two general admission tickets to Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival 2015. The prizes were purchased by the Office of Annual Giving. “We have had a lot of interest from students,� said Holly Morgan, another F.A.S.T. delegate. “Most people don’t believe that we will be giving away two Bonnaroo tickets, but it’s not a joke. All

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you have to do is vote, and you’re entered to win.� Students are allowed one vote per month and will get one entry into the grand prize giveaway with every monthly vote cast. “If the program is as successful as we hope it will be, we plan to continue voting throughout the summer and fall semesters,� said Widener.

Page 4 || THE ORACLE || COOKEVILLE, TN

LIVING

Friday, March 27, 2015

>> Features

Selma: An alternative Spring Break Tennessee Tech students and faculty visit Selma during Spring Break to commemorate the 50 year anniversary. The march began in Selma and ended in Montgomery, Alabama 50 years ago.

By ADAM WEBB Staff Writer Tennessee Tech English professor Andrew Smith, along with 10 other instructors and five students, went to Selma, Alabama during this semester ’s Spring Break to commemorate the 50 year anniversary of the civil rights march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. Smith was inspired to go to the anniversary march after his father went to the original one in 1965. “I just knew that I had to go,” Smith said. “My father passed last year and it was a cause that my mom and I both share with him. We both are committed to civil rights.” The idea for an alternative Spring Break was brought up to Smith by one of his colleagues in ResLife. After the success of this year ’s trip, Smith hopes to continue the trend next Spring Break. President of the New Hall North Village Council and one of the students who went on the trip, Chelsea Mathes, said her interest in civil rights is what drew her to the trip. “It was a really power-

It’s not that all our dreams ‘‘ have been realized or that we live in a post-racial utopia. - Andrew Smith, English professor ful experience for me and that’s what I was hoping to get out of it,” Mathes said. Estimates of the number of participants at the anniversary march range from 70,000 to 100,000 people. “It’s not that all our dreams have been realized or that we live in a postracial utopia. Sadly, nothing could be further from true, and we must resist congratulating ourselves. But the dream does live and thrive in the bodies of the marchers, some of us descendants of the original marchers,” Smith wrote in his blog post about the anniversary march. “I know most of the people who were there were probably not from Selma,” Smith said. “But there were a lot of locals there as well and lots of elderly people who knew what this was about as well as little kids with their parents.”

,,

Smith said this was the only trip he had been on where there was little to no conflict. “Everybody seemed to be in a really good mood. Nobody seemed to be having a pity party or wishing they hadn’t come or only on their phones,” Smith said. “It was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had and I’ve taught a long time and I’ve had a lot of really good experiences, but this might be one of the top things I’ve done.” Mathes said she didn’t have any plans on what the Village Council will do for Spring Break next year. “I haven’t really thought about it,” Mathes said. “We’re just trying to finish off the semester strong.” “If we can find an event of a strong caliber we will probably do that or some kind of service work,” Smith said.

Photo courtesy of Andy Smith

50 YEARS- Above: Andrew Smith (left), Barbara Smith (middle) and Martin E. Marty stand on the Edmund Pettus Bridge during the 50 year anniversary. Right: An estimated 70,000 to 100,000 people attended the anniversary march in Selma to commemorate the historic, civil rights march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama occuring fifty years ago.

Courtney Osbourne l Guest Contributor

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Friday, March 27, 2015

Reviews <<

ENTERTAINMENT

“Insurgent” not memorable

Earl Sweatshirt drops new album

By HANNAH BENJAMIN Entertainment Critic

By ADAM WEBB Staff Writer

The second installment of the “ D i v e rg e n t ” series is better than the first, but still has much room for improvement before I start calling it anything other than “The Hunger Games” with Shailene Woodley. The movies are based on a popular young adult dystopian book series following a young girl who must save the world. Sound familiar? “Insurgent” picks up after the first film when the group of Dauntless soldiers joined Erudite under the instruction of evil mastermind Jeanine, who is fighting to kill all of the people who do not identify with one particular faction, the Divergent. Tris (Woodley) and Four (Theo James) must face impossible challenges to uncover the secrets of their divided society and figure out the truth about the Divergent. If it sounds like something you’ve heard before, that’s because it is. When I reviewed the first movie last spring, I called it “decent.” “Insurgent” matches that underwhelming tone perfectly. The effects are cool, but the story is so complex that even audiences that have read the book can get lost in the confusion. Woodley does little to give Tris much depth, but Tris’s character development was poorly written. Tris’s determination to sacrifice herself for the ones she loves seems totally unnecessary

Earl Sweatshirt, member of the rap collective Odd Future, digitally released the follow-up to his 2013 album, “Doris,” titled “I Don’t Like S---, I Don’t Go Outside: An Album by Earl Sweatshirt.” Based on title alone, this album shows a departure from the normal flair for which Earl, and the rest of Odd Future, is known. Earl sounds more mature on these tracks. The production is more atmospheric and melancholy than usual. But Earl’s no stranger to serious songs, but “I Don’t Like S--,” doesn’t offer much outside of moody beats and mature rhymes found here as opposed to “Doris,” which featured a healthy mix of silly and serious. “I Don’t Like S---,” is a retreat from most other Odd Future albums in that Earl is the only Odd Future member on the album. Frequent collaborator Vince Staples appears on one track, but he’s the closest to another Odd Future member besides Earl on the album. The album is also short. The 10 tracks clock

Courtesy of Collider

COLLATERAL DAMAGE- The third and final film in the series, “Allegiant,” will be divided into two movies. except for moving the plot along. The action sequences were boring, relying heavily on 3-D effects instead of original choreography. The pacing was too drawn out in unimportant scenes but rushed in others that were full of plot details. Additionally, even though the story is complex, audiences are still bored by the lack of excitement in the characters. The supporting characters like Peter (Miles Teller) make the movie, but are grossly underwritten.

“Insurgent” is much like its predecessor, decent and typical. It’s not the worst movie ever made but it doesn’t do a good job distinguishing itself against the dozens of other “Hunger Games” spinoffs. With a 31 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes and only a $52 million box office opening, this movie is not one to remember. “Insurgent” is rated PG13 for intense violence and action throughout, some sensuality, thematic elements and brief language.

“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” funny enough By KIMMY WHITTINGTON

Staff Critic

Netflix released its own series “Unbreakable K i m m y Schmidt” earlier this month after the show had been rejected by NBC. With a score of 96 percent on “Rotten Tomatoes,” it is now all the rage among Netflix subscribers and those who mooch off someone else’s account. However, like all good shows, there is always an audience with a bitter taste in their mouth. Of those disagreeing with the show, the common consensus is racism and that the show lacks depth. As a fellow Kimmy, I decided it was only necessary to try this show out and see if there was any validity in these statements. Also, it was written by Robert Carlock and Tina Fey, so there had to be some good in it. The show’s premise revolves around a girl named Kimmy who was in captivity for 15 years. She was rescued from a cult, along with three other women, and is now beginning to start over. She decides to venture into New York City and survive on her own. She takes every day as lighthearted and carefree as possible, while trying to maneuver this new-age time. She struggles to pay rent with her roommate, a homosexual aspiring Broadway actor named Titus. The show has depth in its humor, considering it is crossing barriers that cable television has been setting up for years. However, sometimes its humor comes

Courtesy of Tumblr.com

GROWN UP- The physical version of “I Don’t Like S---, I Don’t Go Outside” will be released on April 14, 2015. in at 30 minutes, but it’s a satisfying listen. Tracks like “Grief” and “DNA” sound like they were recorded in a massive church cathedral. These tracks are some of the slowest on an album that accelerates at a snail’s pace, but they’re also some of the best produced. The song “Faucet” has the words “And I don’t know who house to call home lately, I hope my phone break, let it ring,” dripping out of Earl’s mouth like he doesn’t care who hears him, he just wants to stay inside. Gone is the veil of his youth on these tracks. He seems to have outgrown most of his youthful antics

despite only being 21. This album has Earl behaving less like a young adult, and more like an alcoholic adult who wants to remain a shut-in for the rest of their life.“I Don’t Like S---, I Don’t Go Outside” could signify the beginning of Earl shying away from his Odd Future counterparts. Although this album does see a darker side of Earl Sweatshirt, it’s still a rewarding experience. With heavy yet groovy production, featured artists that compliment the album’s overarching theme, and Earl at his best bar spitting abilities, “I Don’t Like S---, I Don’t Go Outside,” is a must listen for fans of nonconventional hip-hop.

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HASHBROWN, NO FILTER- Before the show began streaming, Netflix ordered a second season of the series. across as too satirically racist. At the beginning of the pilot episode, Matt Lauer is interviewing them on “The Today Show” when he asks the Hispanic woman, who was also in captivity, why she hadn’t learned English in 15 years. Ouch. I find it a bit insensitive considering that “joke” has been nudged in the arms of Hispanic people for too long. The New York Post agreed with the racist remarks by listing off these instances in which a negative spotlight was shining on the characters in the show: “Kimmy’s black roommate claims it’s Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday whenever he’s asked for a

favor; Kimmy’s boyfriend insists that ‘straight guys can be vegetarians!’ and Jane Krakowski plays a Lakota Indian who is terrified that anyone might suspect she isn’t white. There’s a Vietnamese guy named Dong.” Despite the occasional typecasting, the show redeems itself in its outlandish humor and relatable headliner, Kimmy, played by Ellie Kemper. If you’re into the humor of “30 Rock,” enjoy a good laugh or need a show to watch while doing homework, this is the one for you. It’s funny enough to be good but doesn’t cross an overly stereotypical line.

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OPINION

Friday, March 27, 2015

>> Think Freely

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#RaceTogether: KIMMY WHITTINGTON Opinion Editor Starbucks launched a campaign last week to start a global discussion on racism by writing the words “Race Together” on its distinguished post-consumer cups. Unfortunately, by the end of last week, the campaign came to a screeching halt. Turns out people were more steamed about this topic than the milk at the espresso bar. In a short documentary posted by Starbucks March 18, CEO Howard Schultz said in an open forum, “I don’t feel candidly that just staying quiet as a company and staying quiet in this building is who we are and who I want us to be …” in regard to society’s uproar on unsatisfactory “equality.”

The discussion he started among his fellow Starbucks partners was meant to create a way for his company to promote unity in society. He was also hoping the baristas could potentially initiate conversation with the customers. Schultz saw this dialogue as a companywide mandate. According to Starbucks’ website, many of the partners claimed the forum was “the most emotional, powerful discussion they’ve ever been a part of.” The object of the movement was great; personally, I believe raising attention to this issue was, dare I say, courageous and much needed. The company is receiving backlash and praises left and right since the campaign was cut after a single week. Yet, I think this wave of negativity is only common because people are too afraid to agree with them. At least Starbucks is will-

ing to stick their hands up and say, “This is an issue.” Why spend so much time tearing apart the Starbucks organization when other businesses won’t recognize this epidemic? I applaud Starbucks for taking a stand and understanding how much power it holds in society. Schultz released a statement on his website March 22 saying, “Our objective from the very start of this effort – dating back to our first open forum in Seattle last December – was to stimulate conversation, empathy and compassion toward one another and then to broaden that dialogue beyond just our Starbucks family to the greater American public by using our scale for good.” They aren’t doing this out of self-ambition, but out of selflessness. They want to promote a dialogue, and I can see why. Almost every big news story for the last couple months has involved

Starbucks’ attempt to discuss racism

inequality and hate for races of all kinds. To start a conversation is huge; to start a conversation is incredible. People need to not only open their mouths, but certainly their ears also. It’s time to talk. Schultz is obviously a great businessman, but I believe he is a great person too. Sure, almost every big-name news industry is still shredding his hashtag to bits, but I think a couple more people need to stand behind him. Maybe this particular campaign wasn’t the best approach to his audience, but I know he isn’t giving up. Choose to be open to this discussion. Decide to race together.

S SPEAK UPL Last week several Starbucks stores S sstarted to write “Race Together” “R on their cups to o h help generate a discussion about d ra racism in the United States. U This campaign T u ultimately failed due to the negad titive reviews that sslandered them throughout the th week. w

Kimmy Whittington is a senior in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations. She can be reached at kemanning42@students.tntech.edu

Photo by Kimmy Whittington

Kicking Kanye out of the UK SHELBEY ASHBURN Beat Reporter

Kanye West has done it again, without actually doing anything this time. It seems that the infamous award snatcher has landed him into another controversial situation by simply being himself. The Glastonbury Music Festival is a five-day music fest held every year in Pilton, Somerset, England and features artists mainly from rock genres. This year, many festivalgoers were enraged to hear that West would be one of the headlining performers. Social media comments were made, people got angry, insults were thrown, and before you could say “Yeezy” five times in a row, a petition was born. Neil Lonsdale of Kings Lynn, United Kingdom started a petition shortly after the announcement nouncement that tha

West would be a headliner. The petition is being held on change.org, an online website offering services for anyone to create a petition for their cause. After only being up for one day, the petition reached over 75,000 signatures and now has 130,303 signatures, trailing close behind the goal of 150,000. “Kanye West is an insult to music fans all over the world,” Lonsdale said on the website. “We spend hundreds of pounds to attend Glasto, and by doing so, expect a certain level of entertainment.” Supporters of the petition have made comments about replacing Kanye with Beck and said how pathetic West’s music is to them. I think it’s just a good ole case of Kanye karma coming back to whack him over the head for his award snatching and sour attitude for artists

Def Jam Recordings

SIGN AGAINST - Kanye West is scheduled to headline the Glastonbury Festival and several people who have purchased tickets are now petitioning to remove him from the lineup. in the music industry, other than himself and Beyonce. A part of me feels like he loves the hate. I wonder if Kanye ever thinks about what it would be like to be loved and respected by fans? Probably not – Kanye loves Kanye. Glastonbury Festival organizer Emily Eavis re-

sponded to the petition by saying it represented a “dark underbelly of the web” and that she couldn’t imagine how Kanye felt. Seriously? A man who has publicly shamed two Grammy awardwinning artists on national television suddenly has feelings because people don’t

want to be surrounded with his negative presence? Okay, Emily, glad to see the Kanye Sympathizers Club has at least one member. Let’s look at some of Kanye’s lyrics from his 2012 single, “No Church in the Wild”: “Coke on her black skin

made a stripe like a zebra, I call that jungle fever.” Yeah. So if there was still any doubt as to why these people don’t want to listen to West at the festival, I hope that helped clear it up. Luckily for Kanye, festivalgoer Samuel Cole has started a petition to cancel all performances but Kanye’s. The petition has reached an astounding 1,151 supporters compared to the opposing petition of 130,303 supporters. As for the original petition starter, Neil Lonsdale, all I have to say is, “You go Glen Coco, you go!”

Shelbey Ashburn is a senior in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations. She can be reached at srashburn42@students.tntech.edu

Graduation is bigger than you think KAYLEE GENTRY Beat Reporter It’s almost here. Graduation. The caps and gowns. The lines of people trying to get a seat. We’ve all gone through high school graduation, so we know what to expect. But does it have as much meaning? In high school, you re-

THE

ally think about getting to the end. Walking across the stage and receiving your diploma is a big deal. But honestly, I haven’t had that much anticipation about graduating college. I’m excited, of course, but it hasn’t sunk in yet. The hard work is about to pay off. College graduation seems to be under celebrated. Some people may have parties, but will they be as big as

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your high school graduation party? Probably not. Will you invite as many people? No. Do you expect to get as many congratulations as you did in high school? No. Graduating college is a much bigger step than graduating high school, yet we don’t give it the true celebration that we gave high school. We walk across the stage, get the diploma and maybe go out to eat afterward. Then we get the joy of either finding

a job or continuing the jobs that we have, unless you plan on continuing school. I can understand not really celebrating if you are going on to get your master’s degree or going to medical school. You aren’t really finished. This is just a steppingstone. But for those that think, “This is it – this is the end,” we join the job force. This is a huge deal. You get a piece of paper that says “I am qualified to do that job,”

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and it is worth celebrating. You have spent late nights finishing projects and stressing over something that will make up a lot of your grade, you have dealt with professors that couldn’t care less if you care or not, and you have made it this far without giving up. You deserve to eat a huge slice of cake and to scream “I DID IT!” at the top of your lungs. Don’t push this under the rug as a part of life. Invite

everyone. Eat as much cake as you want. Strut across the stage and get that diploma. You may only do this once, so enjoy being with your friends and family. This is a huge part of your life, and you have accomplished something great. Make sure you celebrate it. Kaylee Gentry is a senior in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations. She can be reached at krgentry42@students.tntech.edu

2. Originality is required. 5. The Oracle reserves Plagiarized works will not the right to edit for style, be considered. grammar, length and clarity. 3. For verification, letters and commentaries MUST 6. Submissions must be include your name, e-mail received by 4 p.m. on address, home town and Tuesday. classification or title. 6. Your thoughts are free. 4. Letters may not run Think often, think free. in every edition due to space.

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COOKEVILLE, TN || THE ORACLE || Page 7

Friday, March 27, 2014

Inside the Game <<

RUGBY

Rugby wins runner up Dixie Conference trophy, rewarded with trophy case By CHAYCE GAW Beat Reporter

The Tennessee Tech rugby club finally has a place on campus to show off its achievements. The team now has a trophy case located on the second floor of Roaden University Center, just outside of the Multipurpose Room. “ I t ’ s nice to have something in the UC for people to see and know who we are, and it’s also Holder nice to have a trophy to represent Tech,” said team president Blake Holder. The rugby club won its first trophy since 1996 after finishing in second place at the Dixie Conference Playoffs Feb. 28 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The team won its semifinal match by beating the University of North Alabama 27-17. Tech fell to UNA in last year’s Dixie Conference semifinal and in a friendly last fall. “They had beat us the last couple of times so it was great to be able to redeem ourselves,” said Holder. In the finals, Tech lost to its rival opponent, Lee University, 38-25. However, the team’s performance was still good enough to earn a trophy that is now on display in the new case. “Our plan is to keep our two newest trophies on display in the case on campus and then retire them to our team bar, John’s Place, with our other trophies,” said Holder. The team was on the pitch March 21 and March 22 in Nash Bash. While in Nashville the team faced two teams during the tournament. It was the first action for the team since suffering a difficult 33-29 loss to Loyola University. On Saturday, Tech shared the pitch with Ball State on the pitch. They were defeated 21-5. The team faced Balldwin Wallace Sunday. Their rugby team is ranked no. 12 in the National Small College Rugby Organization. Tech was defeated 28-19. The team is about to start playing in a rugby sevens tournament in April. Rugby sevens is different from the team’s normal format of rugby union, 15 players on each side. “In rugby sevens, we play seven guys on each side and play two halves of seven minutes,” said Holder. Tech’s first rugby sevens tournament will be at the Southeastern Conference Sevens Tournament April 11 in Knoxville. The team could play up to three matches, and if they place in the top three, they will secure a spot in the National Finals in Philadelphia in May. The team’s next home game will be against Sewanee Saturday, March 28 at Soarin’ Park located behind Foundation Hall.

SPORTS

SOFTBALL

Liberatore has record day with 16 strikeouts By SHEA HAILE Sports Editor “Strike one, strike two, strike three, you’re out” was a common phrase spoken by the home plate umpire during the Golden Eagle softball team’s March 22 match up with University of Tennessee at Martin. Sophomore Golden Eagle pitcher Danielle Liberatore dominated, striking out 16 Skyhawk batters and breaking a Tennessee Tech record in the process. The previous record holder was Liberatore’s head coach Bonnie Bynum. Bynum recognizes some similarities between herself and the record holder. “I think she is a smart pitcher. I think we had that in common,” said Bynum. “I think we both thought through pitches, but as far as our pitching styles, she is totally different; she throws the ball a lot harder.” Liberatore did face some adversity during her historic

pitching. In the top of the second, UT-Martin freshman Alicia Hansen connected on a pitch that flew over the centerfield fence for a homerun. “Oh, it definitely bothered me,” said Liberatore. “But basically when that happens I just got to try to shake it off as quick as I can.” Liberatore responded during the next UT-Martin half-inning by striking out three consecutive Skyhawks. The Golden Eagles’ starting catcher Alyssa Richards earned two RBIs after hitting a homer to centerfield. Liberatore continued her show in the pitcher’s circle, striking out the side in the top of the fifth inning. The 2-1 score for three innings kept fans on edge, but Liberatore was able to keep calm. “Usually I would be really nervous, but I was actually feeling pretty confident on that one just because we had already went through the line up,” said Liberatore about the last three innings. Liberatore did not realize

Shea Haile | The Oracle

WOMAN ON A MISSION - Sophomore pitcher Danielle Liberatore delivers a pitch during her career day and record breaking performance against UT- Martin. She finished the day with 16 strikeouts.

the success she was having until one of her teammates brought it to her attention. Before she entered the game for the seventh inning, one of her teammates informed her that she already had 14 strikeouts on her stat sheet.

Liberatore completed her career day performance by earning her record-breaking strike out against Hansen, the same hitter that had gotten a homerun off her pitch in the second inning. She than endured a fourteen pitch at-

bat with Lauren Smith that resulted in a walk and the placement of the possible go ahead run for the Skyhawks on first base. Liberatore ended the Skyhawks comeback attempt by getting senior Kelsey Dixon to hit a fly out.

into the bottom of the second. Tech could not get the bats going in the bottom of the inning, keeping the score 3-1 going into the third inning. The Bulldogs’ continued their hitting success in the top of the third, starting with a single to centerfield by Justen Folger, scoring Julio Nunez. The Bulldog’s Dustin Dhanani reached base on a fielder’s choice, scoring Dylan Payne. Brandyn Crutcher singled through the left side, scoring Trae Nelson. The Bulldogs would score one more time in the top of the inning to make the score 7-1. Golden Eagle starting pitcher Will Gardner finished his out start with 2.2 innings pitched with five earned runs and eight hits allowed. Tech would try to rally in the bottom of the third, starting with a double to left center by Chase Chambers. Chambers would score on a single to left center by Ryan Flick, making the score 7-2. There was nothing going for the Bulldogs in the top of the fourth as Golden Eagle relief pitcher Trevor Maloney shut down the side with zero hits and zero runs, keeping the score 7-2. Tech started off the bottom of the inning with Adam Reed getting hit by a pitch and a score from a Josh Pankratz triple.

Andrew Contreras grounded out to second base, scoring Pankratz from third. The score was now 7-4. The top of the fifth inning was more of the same for Alabama A&M as Trevor Maloney once again shut down the Bulldogs, allowing zero runs and hits. The Golden Eagles could not capitalize on the scoreless inning by the Bulldogs, so the score remained 7-4 going into the top of the sixth. The Bulldogs would tack on one more run in the top of the sixth, which made the score now 8-4. Tech would manage to get one more run in the bottom of the inning thanks to the triple by Matt Cunningham, who would later score the run on a single up the middle by David Allen. “We have got to have more quality at-bats up and down the line up, “ said head coach Matt Bragga. Tech’s fielding was an an issue during the contest. Four fielding errors gave the Bulldogs opportunities. “You are not going to win a lot of ball games when you can not handle the ball, “ said Bragga. Tech wouldn’t score another run in the game, and Alabama A&M would score one more in the top of the ninth to make the final

score 9-5. Tech was led in hitting by Chase Chambers, Josh Pankratz and Matt Cunningham, who had two hits each. The Bulldogs were led in strong hitting performances by Justen Folger who was three for five with a run scored and two RBIs. Patrick Dawson added three hits and an RBI. The winning pitcher for Alabama A&M was Ryan Ahrens, who improved his record to 5-1 on the season with two innings pitched and allowing two hits, one run and one strikeout. Tech starting pitcher Will Gardner took the loss, making his record 0-2 on the season going 2.2 innings allowing seven runs, five of them earned with eight hits. With the win, the Bulldogs’ record improved to 16-10, while the Golden Eagles record falls to 10-13 on the season. “ There is a lot of games left , this is a good group of young men I believe in them and I am looking foward to see how the rest of the season goes because I really like this group,” said Bragga. The Tech baseball team will be back on the road March 27 when they take on the Austin Peay Governors in a three game series at Austin Peay. The first pitch of the series is today at 6 p.m.

BASEBALL

Baseball’s struggles continue with two midweek losses By KYLE ROBINSON Beat Reporter The Tennessee Tech baseball team traveled to Asheville as they prepared to face the University of North Carolina Bulldogs. Tech was down early in the bottom of the first, after a two RBI single by UNC, but the Bulldogs put up one more run in the inning to make it a 3-0 game at the end of one. The score remained 3-0 until the bottom of the third when UNC senior infielder Tommy Houmard singled through the right side, scoring Kyle Towles from second, making it 4-0 in favor of Asheville. Things didn’t seem to improve for Tech in the fourth when Asheville scored three more runs, making it 7-0 going into the fifth inning. The bats finally woke up in the top of the sixth for Tech, when Anthony El Chibani tripled to right center, scoring Ryan Flick and Jordan Hopkins, putting Tech on the board with 7-2. The Golden Eagles ended the top of the sixth scor-

ing three more times with an RBI single from Adam Reed. Freshman Johnny Carpenter scored on a wild pitch, and Jake Farr reached on a fielder’s choice, scoring Reed. That marked then end of scoring for Tech; their rally ultimately fell short, losing to UNC 7-5. The Golden Eagles were led in hitting by sophomore outfielder Anthony El Chibani who went 2-3 on the evening with two RBIs. The Bulldogs were led by their senior infielder Kyle Towles, who went 3-4 with an RBI and two runs scored. UNC freshman Jordan Fulbright went five innings and allowed five hits and no runs. Tech’s starting pitcher, Austin Tolle, suffered the loss, making his record 0-2 for the season. The loss put Tech’s record at 10-12 for the season. The Golden Eagles were back in Cookeville for a game Wednesday night when Tech hosted Alabama A&M. Tech earned its first run when David Allen scored on an error by Alabama A&M second baseman Justen Folger. In the top of the second inning, Alabama A&M shortstop Julio Nunez homered to right center, tying the game at 1-1. The Bulldogs scored two more runs in the inning, making the score 3-1 going

Page 8 || THE ORACLE || COOKEVILLE, TN

ART

Friday, March 27, 2015

>> Craftsmanship

ART GALLERY

Waterfall installation flows into UC By KAYLEE GENTRY Beat Reporter

Kaylee Gentry l The Oracle

GIVE A HOOT- Artist Sheli Petersen’s artwork is currently on display in the Joan Derryberry Art Gallery. Petersen focuses her artwork on scenes from nature. “Over time, certain spots along my routes have become favorites for bird watching and following the seasonal changes in native plant species,” said Petersen. “From these observations, I synthesize my experiences and encounters into my fine art wildlife series.” Petersen’s art can be found in the Joan Derryberry Art Gallery until April 2. There will also be a gallery talk with Petersen on April 2 at 4:30 p.m. when she will discuss the process and inspiration of her art and illustration.

As students look around the lobby of Roaden University Center, they’ll notice a waterfall coming down the spiral staircase, courtesy of Bryant Holsenbeck, students and staff. Holsenbeck makes art out of the everyday items people tend to throw away. The installation in the UC demonstrates how much plastic is used. “The thing about plastic is, it’s not biodegradable… You make it, it’s here forever,” said Holsenbeck. “I think in this culture, we just think, ‘Okay, it disappears. It’s fine. We recycled it,’ but really, when you recycle it, it’s a one-time thing … it doesn’t become a bottle again. Like aluminum cans can become aluminum cans again, but this might become a T-shirt, might become a rug, might become a park bench, then you don’t recycle that.” Plastic is made of petroleum – the same substance used to make gas for cars. “Also, eventually, we’re going to run out. So why are we using this thing that we use once, all the time?” said Holsenbeck. “I just want people to see the quantity.” Jeanne Brady, professor of fibers at the

Appalachian Center for Craft, helped invite Holsenbeck. “I knew that she was really good at engaging people with the kind of work that she does … we also wanted to have an artist that was dealing with a concern about how much waste we create in this country, and we also knew that Tech had a recycling program,” said Brady. Brady also said the UC would be the best spot for the installation because everyone would see it and realize how much plastic they use and see what art could be made of it. Kelsey Wiskirchen, artist in residence in the fiber studio at the Craft Center, helped gather the bottles needed for the installation. “It’s been an entire semester-long project in terms of … collecting bottles and a lot of people on campus have been involved,” said Wiskirchen. “The community is really engaged with Bryant while she’s here, but the community has also been really engaged the whole semester in preparing for her to come.” Jim Dillon, a facilities associate in the grounds, roads and walks department on campus, provided the majority of the bottles used in the installation. Many students helped Holsenbeck build the in-

Steven Stoik l The Oracle

EBB AND FLOW OF PLASTIC- The waterfall art installation, made of plastic water bottles, straws and bags, demonstrates the amount of waste being generated said Holsenbeck. stallation, which is scheduled to be finished either Thursday or Friday. The installation will be on display in the UC

through Window on the World April 10 and 11. When the installation is taken down, the bottles will be recycled.

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