THE
Volume 105 | Issue 3
O
Oct. 6, 2020
RACLE
Free in single copy
Tech’s primary news source since 1924
Time has passed, racism persists “not much has changed, if anything...it’s gotten worse.” VICTORY MURRAY
Reporter
Protests and riots. Police brutality and racism. Is this 1968 or 2020? A now silver-haired Corinne Johnson looked aloft as she remorsefully recalled memories of her adolescence. Her stern face began to give way as she pushed back tears. Her hands gripped the arms of her chair as she shuffled uncomfortably. “It’s just awful,” she said in a high-pitched voice. “I hate talking about this, I really do. And not much has changed, if anything...it’s gotten worse.” Johnson grew up in the Woodlawn-Englewood area, a primarily black neighborhood on the south side of Chicago, Illinois. As she recalls,
photo by Laura Navarro Corinne Johnson standing in front of a photo of Leona Lusk Officer, the first black student admitted to TTU.
most of the people she encountered on a daily basis were black except for the majority of her teachers and police officers. “All the kids I played
with were black. I went to a private school where all the nuns and all the teachers were white with the exception of two black teachers. The secretary and custodians and
lunch room people were black. In my younger days the bus drivers were black and white, but as years went by most of the bus drivers in my neighborhood were black. The
sanitation men rode on the back of the garbage trucks were black. The majority of the policemen were white,” she said. Even though Johnson’s world was consumed with representation and people who looked like her, it was not enough to shield her from the harsh reality of the world she lived in. She would still encounter racism. “The first time I remember encountering racism was when my grandmother took me to visit relatives in Memphis, TN. I had not begun school yet. She and her cousin Marguerite and I were at a City Hall square or something. It was hot and miserable that day. I noticed a water fountain on the side of the building. I twisted away from see Racism pg. 3
Abolish Greek Life instagram causes stir on campus BROOKLYN DRIVER
Online Editor
The Abolish Greek life movement that has been sweeping across the country has made its way to Tennessee Tech University. Inspired by the Abolish Greek life Movement at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee which has received national attention, students at Tennessee Tech have now formed their own coalition on the matter. According to “The War on Frats” published in The New York Times, the Abolish Greek life movement at Vanderbilt University has been one of the largest and
most effective in the United States. Nearly 200 students at Vanderbilt have chosen to disassociate from their Greek organization according to NBC News. Since disassociating, many of the students have also turned to activism and are openly speaking out against their specific organization. Abolish Greek Life was inspired by the Black Lives Matter Movement and was sparked at the death of George Floyd back in May 2020. Inclusion has been the main topic of the Abolish Greek Life movement although it has since evolved to being unique to every university.
On Aug. 26, 2020 shortly after students made their way back to campus for the Fall semester, an instagram page by the username @ abolishtntechgreeklife made its debut. After circulating around campus for more than a month the page has now come to 128 followers as of Sept. 29, 2020. With nearly 50 posts, the instagram trends anonymously submitted stories featuring topics of alleged racism, hazing, drug use and bullying. Alongside the stories posted on the Instagram is a disclaimer that also features statistics from The
see Abolish pg. 3
Photo by Laura Navarro Picture are members from Tau Kappa Epsilon and Delta Phi Epsilon. Members of the Tech greek life community have actively spoken out against the abolish greek life movement and actively denied the claims made on instagram.
Trustees pass motion to revise Title IX, sexual assault conduct code MORGAN LEE
Social Media Edior
photo by Laura Navarro Board of Trustees Chair Trudy Harper’s term on the board will be from 2017 until 2022.
The Pizza Machine is helping feeding the community in its own way. Page 5
Tech’s COVID-19 response, racial diversity and new construction were discussed during the Board of Trustees meeting on Sept. 28. The Board also approved revisions to university policies, and welcomed new members. The Board passed the motions to revise
What’s Inside Teleworking from home. Is working online the new normal? Page 4
both the student conduct rule and the Title IX compliance rule. Dr. Katherine Williams, dean of students, took to the podium to provide background and explanation on the changes to student conduct. She stated that by changing this policy they will remove all references to sexual assault and sexual harassment
that fall under Title IX from the student conduct policy. They will also make a few minor revisions to language used in the rule. Greg Holt, the compliance officer for Tech, explained the revisions to the Title IX compliance rule. It will provide new ways to determine if alleged assault occurs within
see Board pg. 3
New Golden Eagles on the court
Page 6
News
Oct. 6, 2020
Page 2
Poverty is not a crime IRENE W. SULLIVAN
Copy Co-Editor The Cookeville City Council is in a battle over a proposed public safety ordinance that would ban panhandling in certain areas within city limits. Panhandling is defined as to stop people on the street and ask for food or money according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary. The last city council meeting, held on Sept. 17th, was to be the final reading and vote on the ordinance. The vote was postponed until October after council members wanted to study the matter further, and after various residents, business owners and local clergy spoke at the public meeting. Andrew Smith, senior instructor of English & Religious Studies at Tech, has been very vocal in his protest of the proposed ordinance. He wrote a poem about it and spoke at the Sept. 17th meeting. Smith calls himself a “poet for panhandlers” and excerpts from his poem are included in this article. “Whereas you outline $10 fine for the first offense, a $25 fine for the second offense and a $50 fine for the third and subsequent offenses as if you can actually, as Government, extort money from the poor, the actual people who panhandle in the first place because they lack money,” Smith wrote. The public safety ordinance prohibits the panhandling on
Andrew Smith protesting the proposed public safety ordinance. Photo provided by Smith.
public right-of-ways. Places where the public could be considered a “captive audience,” such as drive-through food service windows, ATM’s, public transportation stops and gas stations would also prohibit panhandling. “Whereas you as Public Servants, specifically name places of public gathering & commerce, and prohibit panhandling there places such as The Shoppes at Eagle Point, The Cookeville Mall, Jackson Plaza, Walmart Shopping Center, whereas such places are inherently shared, communal, a kind of common space for all of us, you thus most definitely restrict everyone’s rights with such a nasty & narrow adden-
Student on the street:
dum,” Smith said. Cities in states all across the country are repealing all or parts of their panhandling laws after numerous court cases have found the laws to be unconstitutional. Many states such as Arkansas, Indiana, Illinois, Colorado, Ohio, Arizona,Texas, California, Tennessee and Louisiana have cities in which courts have ruled that the prohibition of panhandling is a violation of the First Amendment. The American Civil Liberties Union and other civil liberties groups have argued that it was unconstitutional for municipalities to prohibit people from begging for money in public spaces. In Cookeville, it may come down to
the final wording on the actual ordinance. Clear, complete definitions and phrases such as ‘aggressive panhandling’ and ‘public safety’ may be the difference between the ordinance passing and it not being repealed in the court system in the future. Smith criticized the Cookeville city council for the implications of their wording in the proposed ordinance. “Whereas you as public servants, with your own word, simply say that the poor are nothing more than an unsafe disturbance, unacceptable disruption, dangerous distraction, that is bad news,” he wrote. “Whereas with this ordinance, you subject the poor to the harsh judgmental language of this ordinance and thus co-sign the mean-spirited comments made by angry anti-panhandler Cookevillains on social media,” Smith added. Smith called the ordinance “illogical, immoral, anti-Christ, mean-spirited and just plain wrong,” and called upon the Cookeville city council to “vote no on the ordinance and all the bad consequences and blowback that it would encourage.” The Cookeville City Council’s consideration of the public safety ordinance is set for Thursday , Oct. 15, at 5:30. The proposed ordinance number, 02208-15, can be found on the City of Cookeville’s website. Smith’s poem in its entirety is on The Oracle website.
“What do you think about abolishing Greek Life ?”
LAURA NAVARRO
Madison Spivey Biology Major Senior
Photo Editor
“ Personally, I am involved in Greek life, so I am a big advocate just because it has changed my life in many ways that I did not really expect and it has brought me closer to people that I wouldn’t have met because of that. However, I have seen the posts and I think it is unfortunate, but instead of abolishing Greek Life I think those problems should be made more aware and I think Greek life does do a great job on that. Every year we have “these hands don’t haze” or we had hazing prevention last year so I think on Tech campus it has been more aware the past couple of years. I think that instead of abolishing let’s use Greek Life and awake await and lift up other people. ”
“I don’t necessarily think that Greek Life has to be abolished, I just think they need to be more aware of how they treat others. I mean since I am not in Greek life I feel like, you know, if you feel like you are being mistreated or you don’t want to join it to definitely leave that organization. You can find better people who will treat you in a nicer way. I mean I don’t feel like Greek Life has to go since there are people that do like it. And it does allow you to have connections because is kind of like a club like anyone can join any club. ”
Kaitlyn Lee Biology Major Senior
Darius Iury Civil Engineering Junior
“ Personally, I am not Greek affiliated, but that being said, I don’t have anything against it. I think Greek Life, like anything else, have good aspects to it and bad aspects to it so there are going to be some hateful people there are going to be some rude people. There are going to be some issues in it just like there is on campus with people that work here or at church or anywhere really. But I do think that it provides a unique avenue for students who get connected and to meet minded people. So I don’t think it should be abolished, but I don’t know the severity of the issues at hand or other things that are going on. ”
As far as discriminating against someone I think is not fair but I don’t really have a personal opinion about Greek Life. I know people don’t like getting on Greek Life because of hazing. I do know that in Greek Life you are actually able to have a brotherhood and a sisterhood and being part of an organization that you feel comfortable but as far as abolishing to me it doesn’t really matter.
w
Follow Us Facebook: facebook.com/tntechoracle
Twitter: @tntechoracle
Instagram: @tntechoracle
Contact Us Advertising: (931) 372-3031 ttuoracleads@gmail.com
Newsroom: (931) 372-3285 oracle@tntech.edu
Visit our website: tntechoracle.com
Natalee Luken Sociology Major Sophomore
The Oracle Voice Your Opinion
Find an error? Contact the managing editors:
The Oracle encourages readers to write letters and commentaries on topics of interest. A few guidelines: Letters should not exceed 300 words. Commentaries should not exceed 500 words and include a picture of the writer. Originality is required, no plagiarism. For verification, letters and commentaries must include your name, email, hometown and classification or title. Letters may not run every edition due to space. The Oracle reserves the right to edit for style, grammar, length and clarity. Submissions must be sent to oracle@tntech.edu and received by 3 p.m. the Wednesday before publication.
Emma Kenner eckenner42@tntech.edu
Fall Publication Dates October 6 October 20 November 3
November 17 December 3
Kitty Porterfield keporterfi42@tntech.edu Oracle Staff Co-Managing Editor........................ Emma Kenner Co-Managing Editor......................Kitty Porterfield Social Media Editor ............................ Morgan Lee Assitant Social Media Editor ........... Lane Mochow Online Editor ................................ Brooklyn Driver Copy Editor....................................... Irene Sullivan Assistant Copy Editor....................... Lauren Finley Sports Editor.......................................... Seth Jones Photographer.................................... Emily Hidgon Photography Editor ........................ Laura Navarro Faculty Adviser .................................. Teddy Burch News content and photographs for The Oracle are provided by the JOUR 2220, JOUR 3370, JOUR 4820 and JOUR 4930 classes.
The opinions expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily reflect those of Tennessee Tech University
Oct. 6, 2020
News
Racism continued from page 1
from my Grandmother’s hand and went to get a drink. I looked at the water fountains. One was broken to pieces. The other was ok. I started to drink from the fountain. Suddenly a lady started screaming and yelling. I didn’t know why,” she said. Johnson said looking back on this experience, she realizes the way Marguerite reacted was necessary. She did not understand it then but, just like many things in life, Johnson understood as she began to grow and learn. “The next thing I know Marguerite snatched me from that fountain and shook the daylights out of me. The white lady was still screaming. My Grandmother took my hand. Marguerite said in a very low voice, looking at the ground and not at the lady and she said, “Forgive her ma’am, she don’t know how to read yet!” “You need to teach her her PLACE!” the white lady said. “Yes ma’am.” Marguerite and my Grandmother took me by my hands and we backed away. I did not know what I had done wrong. I have never been back to Memphis since then,” she said. This would not be the last time Johnson experienced racism. Johnson would go on to experience it again in college. “I was so happy to have the privilege to go to college. My Dad and Mom were college graduates and now me. I was excited to meet my roommate. My
roommate came into the doorway of our room and she froze. I introduced myself and was happy to finally meet her. She looked shocked. She ran to the phone and called her Mother. “Oh my god! My roommate is a N-----,” Johnson said horrified. Although growing up the majority of police in her neighborhood were white, she says she never feared the police. This
riots. Johnson describes these riots to be similar to those happening today. “When I was growing up the protests and picketing for equal rights were mostly non-violent. Then Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr was assassinated, and hell broke out. High schools were in turmoil. The burning and looting and rioting took place in the neighborhoods. So much sad-
“I don’t think racism will ever end. Until there is truly no difference between any person and the next person he meets, there will always be problems.” is due to the few black officers in her neighborhood being people from the community she knew outside of the badge and uniform. “I never feared. Those officers who were black included some family friends who had some military training and served our country and were active members of the black churches in the area. I never had any fear of a police officer because I would see them at church functions or other pleasant occasions. So, for me I wasn’t afraid but for somebody else it may have been a different story,” she said. “Growing up now it’s different, it’s just different. Today when I see the police, I am a little nervous.” On April 4, 1968 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated. This led to the Chicago race
ness, despair and unrest. Just like today, but now it’s worse.” Johnson has worked at Tennessee Technological University for 13 years. She applied to Tech after being a stay at home mom. She works in the Office of Multicultural Affairs which is located on the second floor of the Roaden University Center. “I have heard for years the Minority students’ conversations about unjust situations in classes and other issues,” she said. It makes me very sad when anyone is treated unfairly. It really hurts my heart when students, especially of color, are doing their very, very best and they have difficulties in group meetings and stuff like that. Or the meeting is planned when that student is working to intentionally keep them from attending, there’s
Page 3
ways I’m not blind,” she said passionately. Johnson believes racism will never end, but that it can get better if we all work together. “I don’t think racism will ever end. Every continent, every nation, every country, every state, every city, every neighborhood, every people of every ethnicity has had, and continues to have someone they look down upon as subservient to them. Until there is truly no difference between any person and the next person he meets, there will always be problems. I do think it can get better. It will take all peoples of all ethnicities standing in truthful unity for all times is the only way,” she said. With believing racism can get better, she offers some advice and wisdom on what to do and how to handle it until that time comes. “In handling the racial climate in our country, I would tell anyone to watch where you are, what you are doing, and how you respond to “authority” when stopped. Everyone is afraid. Some people like to incite anger in an innocent person just because of their position. Keep calm. Watch what you say. PRAY!” she encourages. “And remember, just like the old gospel song says, “He hasn’t brought you this far to leave you, but Lord how long? Lord… how long?”
Food pantry transitions to no-contact pickup MARCUS MCMEANS
Reporter
The Tech Campus food pantry is looking to make accommodations compliant with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention health guidelines for the coronavirus pandemic. The first week of September operations began like any other fall for the pantry but the entire scope of how things are to be run have changed. “It is very important for us to have the CDC guidelines in place when it comes to handling food, and keeping everyone safe in these times,” Hannah Phillips, food pantry student manager and Senior nursing major, said. Guidelines have been set in order to regulate the food pantries activities in such a manner that everyone gets the goods and nutrients they need while staying coronavirus free. First, food pantry clients are expected to wear masks and gloves if they intend to shop for their own groceries inside of the
food pantry, as they have been allowed to do in the past. Second, food pantry clients must bag their own items instead of having the assistance from pantry volunteers on site, thus cutting back on the immediate interaction and contact in hopes of lessening the spread of the coronavirus. Third, there is also now a contactless pick up system. Where clients or friends of clients can pull up to the pantry, call the phone number displayed out front of the pantry that is visible from their vehicles. Once they are wired through to a representative they will be able to place their grocery list order. A volunteer worker gathers all of their goods, packages them and places the order outside on the contactless pick up order station located on the side of the building. Once the order is placed the contactless pickup client receives a call back being notified of their order being ready.
Photo by Marcus McMeans Michelle Huddleston works for the Tech Campus food pantry. The Pantry is making necessary changes to comply with the CDC guidelines for safely handling food distribution during the coronavirus.
Lastly, within the pantry there are precautionary measures being taken by the staff and volunteers to assure maximum health and safety of all patrons and clients. Those procedures are as follows (but are not limited to): sanitizing door knobs three times a day, sanitizing shopping baskets between each client, sanitizing the refrigerators and deep freezer handles
between each client, and staff are frequently cleansing their hands while on their volunteer shifts. “I am very appreciative to have Hannah’s expertise when it comes to health and safety but also just in general during a time like this with the restructuring of pantry protocols and procedures,” Michelle Huddleston, food pantry coordinator, said.
“As a former president of PhiDelt, I have met and worked with other fraternities and made several friends outside of my own. I do not personally know anyone that would sit back and let any of those situations happen without addressing it or ratting someone out. Why? Because that’s just the culture of Tech’s Greek Life,” said past Phi Delta Theta president, Austin Rider. “These are real issues anywhere. It would be ignorant to say these things do not occur in Cookeville and on campus. There is a real problem with people not being held account-
able for their actions, whether in Greek life or not. The university needs to crack down on individuals who are using racist rhetoric, hazing, or assaulting anyone.” Jonah Stout, Tau Kappa Epsilon president said, when asked if he believes these issues are real at Tech. To sign the petition in support of the Abolish Greek Life movement visit change.org. Contact the Tennessee Tech Campus Police at (931) 372-3234 and Tennessee Tech Counseling Center at (931)-372-3331 for assistance.
Abolish continued from page 1 Sexual Violence Resource Center, Crime Victim Research and Treatment Center and also features resources to students regarding sexual assault on campus. Abolish TN Tech Greek Life is a group of students that has goals beyond just abolishing the Greek organizations on campus. The goal of the group that represents the movement is to bring the underlying issues they see within Greek life to light. Topics such as racism, sexism, discipline and corruption that is believed to be happening here on campus.
The group started the Instagram page to create a platform for victims which relate back to Greek life. Included in the bio of the page is a link to a google form which can be filled out completely anonymous. The purpose of this is to safely allow people to share their alleged experience with a Greek Life organization on campus. The Instagram page has been met with controversy across Tech campus. Members of Greek life on campus have in turn, become active in speaking out against the Abolish Greek Life Movement.
News
Page 4
Oct. 6, 2020
Is Teleworking from home the new normal? CARSON WISEMAN
Reporter
Emails, meetings, phone calls, and spreadsheets. Technology has always been used in the workplace. With the coronavirus hitting the United States in March, technology became even more vital. Many companies and organizations are now more dependent on technology to make the transition to teleworking easier. The government is one of those entities now teleworking. The government made employees start teleworking in March. Now, going into October, many government employees are still working from home. The government gave employees headsets, webcams, laptops, and other equipment so they could work from home. Joy Wiseman, a financial integrator, is one of the employees currently teleworking. Wiseman said she doesn’t mind teleworking for the most part because it is more convenient. She also says it is less stressful. “I was in a cubicle farm, and now I get to enjoy the view from my sunroom,” said Wiseman when asked what she liked most about teleworking.
Bob Williams, a configuration management specialist, is another employee currently teleworking for the government. Williams enjoys the majority of teleworking including the flexibility that comes with teleworking. “The thing I enjoy the most about teleworking is the 10 second commute from my bed to my desk,” said Williams. Williams said it is much easier to focus on one task now then move on to the next. Williams and Wiseman both agree teleworking has presented a new set of challenges in the workplace. “I miss the human interaction. Being able to get up and walk to another person’s desk to ask a question… now you have to send an email or cold call,” said Williams. The thing Williams said he misses the most is having a printer to look at hard copies of work. The government does not allow employees to print off documents from home. He now has to stare at a screen all day. Another challenge to teleworking for Williams is traveling. “In the past I could get on a plane and be on site. Now there
photo provided by Pixabay Teleworking has become the new normal since the coronavirus outbreak in March 2020. Many American employees are overcoming the challenges of working from home.
are coronavirus restrictions. We deal with COVID too,” said Williams. Wiseman said she also has faced new challenges with technology and teleworking. At first her boss was teleworking from a blackberry only while he was awaiting a laptop. This made communication and meetings more difficult, but they still had to get the job done. “I’m a people person. I would jump out of my desk and run down the hall… now I have to find time that works for other
Trustees continued from page 1
photo by Laura Navorro President Phil Oldham addresses the Board of Trustees. Oldham highlighted accomplishments and measures taken by the university to combat the coronavirus. Tech’s education programs or activities. There are also revisions to the definitions of several key terms found in the rule. Those terms include; sexual harassment, sexual assault, and stalking. Board of Trustees chair, Trudy Harper, took several minutes at the beginning of the meeting to thank a list of 17 different departments, offices and services that helped Tech transition to all online delivery last spring and reopen this fall. The Board welcomed Thomas Lynn as the newest trustee. He was appointed by Governor Bill Lee to replace Purna Saggurti as a trustee. Saggurti served on the board from 2017 to 2020. Lynn also replaced Saggurti on the business and audit committee. Lynn is a Tech alumnus and comes from a family of Golden Eagles. Governor Lee also appointed Trustee Fred Lowry and Trustee Barry Wilmore to new six year terms. Daniel Hines replaced Mason Hilliard as the student trustee. This position was voted on by the board of trustees themselves. Hines serves on the Student Government Association’s supreme court. He also holds positions in
New Student and Family Programs, Tennessee Tech Parents Association, and the College of Arts & Sciences Student Ambassadors. President Oldham took to the podium to give his presidential report on the university. “I am very delighted to report that Tennessee Tech is in a very strong and enviable position within the state of Tennessee … This campus and everybody apart of this campus continues to work very, very hard each and every day, and I’m most excited about the fact that their driving emphasis each and every day is to put students first. Put students first in everything that we do, that’s what we think about in every decision and implementation of every strategy.” He went on to express his gratitude that Tech’s persistent planning is having success. He takes the next few minutes to list the many things that have been going on behind the scenes at Tech in preparation for opening up amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Oldham lists that Tech has provided: ● 1200 plexiglass barriers ● 350 medical HEPA air purifiers with UV lights
● 60 hands sanitizing refill stations ● 200 point-of-use dispenser ● Portable bottles of hand sanitizer to every staff and student ● 2 masks to every staff and student ● 710 humanities shields ● 200 communicator shields ● 185 performance masks for the music department ● 105 bell covers for musical instruments ● 500 social distance floor stickers in purple and gold ● 500 generic social distance floor stickers ● 250 entrance and exit sign to route pedestrian traffic ● 15 wall mounted no touch temperature stations ● 140 non-contact water faucets in restrooms ● 150 no touch paper towel dispensers “We’ve distributed approx 15,000 disposable masks since March. We’ve doubled the amount of fresh air delivery in indoor spaces by adjusting HVAC systems on campus. We’ve added quarantine space in residence halls. A fully stocked food pantry to support those sick or in quarantine. Of course this is on top of
people to call them or email,” said Wiseman when asked what her biggest challenge is. She also says short, sweet conversations about the task, followed up by emails are not normal anymore. “Not everyone reads hundreds of emails in a day and responds immediately. If you get someone on the phone, you need to get the work done,” she added. For Williams and Wiseman, it is unknown when and if they will stop teleworking. Every day it is becoming the new normal.
the vast amount of on site testing that we’ve been doing along with contact tracing through the health services staff as well as our human resources staff,” Oldham said. Oldham then began his update on student success with some updates on graduation rate. Tech saw an increase in graduation rate. 57% of firsttime, full-time freshmengraduate in six years. A six-year rate is the national standard but Oldham expresses that Tech wants to focus on going beyond the six-year rate and trying to improve Tech’s 4-year rate. Tech’s 4 year rate is 40% currently. “For this year, the first time ever, a 40% fouryear graduate rate, which I’m pretty sure is one of the highest, probably second highest, fouryear graduation rate in the state among public universities, is really substantial and a great compliment to the institution… Going from a 25% 4-year graduation rate to a 40% graduation rate that’s approximately 277 more students that are finishing at least a year sooner than theywould have previously,” Oldham said. “The average cost of a year of college with our tuition and typical living expenses is close to $25,000. So you’re saving them about $25,000 each and getting them into the workforce a year earlier. The average starting salaries are in the $50,000 range, mid$50,000 range. So that’s about a $75,000 direct economic benefit to each one of those students by graduating a year sooner. Since you have 277 of them, the math is pretty simple, that’s approxi-
mately a $20 million total economic impact, and that’s annual,” he added. This year, Tech received $20.1 million for research funding. Oldham revealed that Tech’s goal for research funding is to double it to $40 million by 2025. Oldham went on to highlight that a recent economic impact study revealed that Tech’s total economic impact across the state of Tennessee is $1.57 billion annually and $764.69 million to just the Upper Cumberland region. Oldham closed by addressing diversity issues on campus and the actions he is taking as president. “Over the summer I appointed a racial diversity task force, headed by Dr. Rob Owens. I’ve met with various groups of black students, faculty, and staff. I’ve listened and am certainly understanding some of their concerns. I’ve instructed each of the vice presidents to meet with their respective divisions, to openly discuss diversity ad racial equity concerns. I continue to reemphasize our institutional commitment, and that starts at the board,” Oldham said. “And you as a board, who have been very clear in your support of racial diversity on Tennessee Tech’s campus. I continue to reemphasize our efforts and our commitment with racial equity and to continue to establish a pervasive culture of acceptance on this campus. I think we’re making great progress, but we have a lot of work to do,” he concluded. The next Board of Trustees meeting will take place on December 1, 2020.
Page 5
Oct. 6, 2020
News
Pizza Machine is feeding the community
Photo by Laura Navarro
Dylon Neumann demonstrates his perfected pizza making skills.
LANE MOCHOW
Social Media Co-Editor You may have seen a yellow school bus in the parking lot of Broast, on the corner of Walnut and Spring Streets. What you didn’t notice driving by is the hardworking pizza maker Dylon Neumann and his family who run the show. The Pizza Machine began 18 years ago in a brick and mortar, three-story building in
Illinois. Then it moved to Gallatin, and five years later, switched to the bus we see today, bedecked in the musings of strangers with sharpies. The bus has a unique approach to making profit: no set prices. “I explain that people should pay what they feel I deserve. I also say if anyone can’t afford to feed themselves or their families then they can come out here and eat for free, ‘cause that’s what we are out here to do,” Neumann said. So how does a business without prices stay afloat? By focusing on one day at a time. He explains that it is all in his fresh ingredients and the way he treats his customers. “So it just depends on how well I am able to do my job. If I work hard and am able to impress the customer, and then they pay me enough to keep afloat… Up until now I have been able to do well enough that the community keeps it alive.” explained Neumann. The Pizza Machine is an entire family affair. He remembers when his son Peace was first born, Neumann’s wife held the baby in a sling on her back, still making pizzas. His older and younger brothers help out as well. Jerry Neumann, the older brother, can be spotted twirling dough through the air atop the bus in a video on The Pizza Ma-
chine’s Facebook page. ‘My oldest brother Jerry competed in the United States pizza [throwing] team. He was a champion at doing all of that.” says Neumann, smiling. Broast manager Andy Pitman said that Dylan Neumann reached out to the business about parking there so that he could give pizzas to those affected by the tornado in March. “We’re happy to have him here. He’s a good guy who cares a lot about people and works hard to care for them in a really unique way. We highly value and care about each of our customers and try to be creative in the way that we do that in our business, so we find it valuable to be associated with someone like Dylan and worth it for us to offer any support that we can,” added Pitman. Neumann makes his six hour, almost daily commute from his home in Gallatin, to the farmers in Nashville for fresh meat and produce, to the bus in Cookeville to begin his day. The Pizza Machine is a bus aimed at supporting the whole community, from farmer to table, no matter what the customer can afford. They are open from 5 p.m. to midnight Friday through Sunday.
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month ANA PENA-VELASCO Reporter
National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15 to October 15 in the United States for recognizing the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans to the history, culture and achievements of the United States. The observation started as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson in 1968, and was expanded by President Ronald Regan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402. Dr. Pedro Arce, and Jose Coronilla offer their insight on what Hispanic Heritage month means to them as Hispanic individuals. Dr. Arce is a chemical engineering professor originally from Argentina, and Coronilla a senior engineering student at Tennessee Tech University originally from Mexico. Dr. Arce indicated he is from a rural community in Argentina’s state of “Entre Rios,” which is similar to places surrounding Cookeville, such as: Celina, Jackson. “In order to become a professor of engineering at a Technological University like ours, a very focused discipline and the help of many individuals is critically needed. I am proud of
Dr. Pedro Arce, a chemical engineering professor, shared information on his heri-
having been able to accomplish this level of professional development, and [am] grateful for the help of those wonderful people I found in the journey,” Dr. Arce said. Coronilla mentioned that, as a mechanical engineering student at Tech about to graduate, he feels proud to share his “Mexican culture with people such as music, dances and how we celebrate. This way people have a new experience and...broaden their perspective of Mexican culture.” “I’m proud of how my country has a large importance in having a united family. I’m proud of how we can throw a huge celebration regardless of the circumstances. I’m proud of how chocolate was invented by my Aztec ancestors, ”Coronilla said, expressing his love for Mexico.
“Argentina, my country of origin, appreciates education in medicine, sciences and engineering among other disciplines, and has two Nobel Laureates,” stated Dr. Arce as he mentioned what he most admires about his origin country. He spoke on significant Argentine historical events. “The...first one is the first local government organized in 1810; the second one is the declaration of independence from Spain in 1816; and a more recent one, in 1983, the country after a long line of military government started to conduct civil elections that are still now being observed,” he stated. September 15 is the anniversary of independence for other Latin American countries, such as: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their Independence Days on September 16, and September 18. Also, Columbus Day or “Día de la Raza,” which is October 12, falls within this 30day period. “A lot of people believe that Mexico’s Independence Day is Cinco de Mayo, but Mexico’s Independence Day is September 16, ” Coronilla clarified. Coronilla provided recommendations of the type of music for any tourist traveling to Mexico to listen to. “I would tell them to listen to
Jose Coronilla, a senior engineering student spoke of the music from his country.
Música Regional, which is country music in Mexico.” Dr. Arce recommended Argentinian music. “Argentina has a very rich variety of music covering traditions from city style such as the ‘tango and milonga,’ and more country-style music, typically known as ‘folklore’ including chamarritas, chamames, zambas, chacareras and many others. All of them are wonderful and very energetic prices that anyone will enjoy listening to,” Dr. Arce added. Dr. Arce concluded with a type of food that any tourist should try when traveling to Argentina. “In general Argentina is famous for its steak, particularly the ‘asado,’ a special kind of barbecue that is a must when visiting Argentina.” Dr. Arce concluded.
Health Screenings available at Health Fair KAYLEE SELBY
Reporter The Fall Health Fair will take place on October 13 in the Marc Burnett Fitness and Recreation Center from 7 a.m. – 10 a.m. Cookeville Regional Medical Center is set to host the event. Testing options include: blood work, pulmonary function, bone density screening and biometric screenings. In order to get an appointment, stop by the Health Promotions office in room 234 of the new Fitness Center or email glucas@tntech.edu. CRMC’s Director of Marketing and Public Relations, Melahn Finley,
spoke about what will be offered at the event at the Workplace Wellness Health Fair at Tech. “We offer a panel of blood work and other screenings to help people get a good baseline of their general, overall health.” Garrett Lucas, Health Promotions Coordinator for Tech, elaborated on a few of the tests offered, saying that, “these tests can range from testing for different cardiovascular diseases, B12 levels, vitamin D deficiencies, thyroid function, prostate cancer, testosterone levels, bone density test, osteoporosis.”
Both Finley and Lucas explained why it is so important to have tests done. “Hopefully you can identify a problem before it starts, or something might be detected, and that might give the person a chance for a better treatment or cure before it does become worse,” Lucas said. The health fair form has 19 different options to choose from, and the prices range from $15 $145. The list of tests is as follows: lipid profile, complete chemistry, complete blood count, prostate specific antigen, testosterone, thyroid panel,
blood type and RH factor, hemoglobin A1C, 25 hydroxi vitamin D, B-12 level, folic acid, bone density screening, pulmonary function screening, flu shot, stroke/carotid artery screening, abdom- Garrett Lucas, Health Promotions Coordinator, encourages health inal aneurysm screening, screenings. peripheral arterial dismorning every year beease screening, complete cause people have to fast, vascular package and low so we don’t want them to dose lung CT scan. have to wait until lunchThe form explains each time to do anything,” said of the tests in a brief Lucas. summary so individuals The testing is to take are better able to choose place in the new fitness the test best for them. center on campus and Patients are required to will be the room beside fast for the tests, which is the Health Promotions why they are in the mornoffice, 234. For any quesing. tions or concerns, email “We have it in the Lucas at glucas@tntech.
Sports
Page 6
THE
O
Oct. 6, 2020
RACLE Sports
New Golden Eagles on the court KAILEE MEANS
Reporter
Hope is not lost with many sports not starting in the fall. At Tech there will be a basketball season starting on Nov. 25 of this year! With a new season approaching there are also some new faces emerging onto the court. On Sept. 22, 2020, Tech Women’s Basketball released their five new fledglings on twitter. All of the newcomers are freshmen except one, who is a junior. Two freshmen decided to share some intel about themselves and the program. Freshmen Julia Curtis and Peyton Carter felt like Tech was not only home, but the best option. The only difference between the two freshmen is one is from within the state of Tennessee while the other is from Virginia. At first both of the freshmen did not have Tech as their first option. Curtis committed to Ohio Valley Conference opponent Jacksonville State University within her high school career, but did not feel it was a good fit. “I was originally committed to play at Jacksonville State University, a neighboring opponent in the OVC. I decommitted before my senior season of high school due to it just not being the right fit,” Curtis said. She felt as though her dream of playing college basketball would not happen. She
then chose to attend Tech to pursue a degree in nursing. She was looking for a life beyond basketball. “Coach Rosamond revived that dream for me, and I am forever grateful,” said Curtis. Carter said that she also almost attended another school for basketball until she visited Tech’s campus. “I’m glad I picked Tech. I was almost committed to another school, and whenever I came here I saw the campus, met all the people, and I was like I have to go here, the environment was super cool and the team was awesome,” Carter said. Carter played travel basketball and was viewed by Tech’s coaching staff and was later offered a scholarship to play for the women’s basketball team. When asked if this was a dream for her to play at the collegiate level she responded with how the reality of the possibility did not hit her until middle school, before then she just played it to play. Both had a different response to the transition from the high school level to the collegiate level. Curtis explained how her high school team was a fast pace team so she was already used to what would be expected. She expected the intensity and expectations to be high. Curtis said everything seems to be adjusting.
Peyton Carter smiling in the RUC captured by Kailee Means
“Picking everything up gets easier the more we practice,” Curtis added. Carter said how everyone in high school is the top player, whereas at the collegiate level it is the best players and you technically are competing for a spot. “Everyone on the team is the best in the area, so it is definitely challenging to fight for a position, but I like it,” Carter said. While they are taking precautions with coronavirus with wearing masks, and following all of the CDC guidelines, this does not stop the Tech Women’s Basketball team from taking the court in November. These two new golden eagles are eager for the season to start in the OVC.
Football dilemma for Fall 2020 SETH JONES
Sports Editor
Tech had to put a halt on football for the 2020 season. What does that mean for incoming freshmen? How does this affect graduating seniors? Head Football Coach Dewayne Alexander, on his 32 nd season as a coach, answered these questions and put those fears at ease for individuals wondering. “All sports have learned to be creative and adapt and we have learned a lot through the process” when asked if it is safe to play during a global pandemic,” Coach Alexander said. Coach Alexander spoke about
how COVID-19 caused professional sports to make changes to the schedule in order to keep people safe. “COVID-19 has made a huge impact on all sports with all of the uncertainty and cancellations,” he stated. Seniors will be able to apply for an extension that will give them an opportunity to still have experience and still have the resources to get scouted by professional teams. “The eligibility extension will compensate for the fall season that has been cancelled, ” Coach Alexander mentioned. “This has been a tough Spring and Summer for Class of 2021
Recruits. I really feel for these guys. We rely on their junior film,” he continued. This means that their scouting reports will be based upon what they accomplished during their Junior year of playing time. Freshmen were given advice by Coach Alexander about coming into this new atmosphere of college sports. “They should start setting and establishing a good set of priorities and time management/ structure is key!,” he said. Coach Alexander says that his players are adapting to this new climate. “Our players struggled with the uncertainty of months of not
Coach Alexander captured last season by Thomas Corhern.
knowing when and if we were going to play but they have handled the situation well and I am proud of our team,” he concluded.
Seth speaks volumes
Seth Jones gives his opinion in every issue of The Oracle
Fortnite has completely changed the scope of gaming for the world of online enjoyment. Fortnite is a battle-royale multiplayer game which begins with 100 players. The end goal is to be the last person standing while fighting off enemy players that are real people. The difference between this game and other multiplayer third-person shooters is that in this game, a person can build their way to victory. Fortnite began as a player-vs-environment (PVE) multiplayer game called SaveThe-World. On wikipedia.com, it states that it launched early access on PlayStation 4,
Xbox 1, Microsoft Windows, and Mac OS on July 25, 2017. According to Fortnite.fandom.com, Fortnite originally dropped battle royale on September 26, 2017 which was released for free. Since these releases, there have been a multitude of events that have been created from this game. Battle royale allowed players to buy new skins, pickaxes, gun wraps, gliders, and more. They also gave a 100-tier battle pass which allowed players to play the game to unlock new items throughout the season. Not until Season 2-3 of Chapter 1 did Fortnite start getting more attention. Players like Ninja, Myth, Timthetatman, Grimmmz, Nickmercs, Tfue, and more began to shine a light on this newly established Battle Royale. Once this game started to become popular, more people were excited to start a competitive way of playing. Playgrounds was added and later Creative in order to allow players to practice editing and building while also being able to learn how to aim and scope. This started a new side of Fortnite Battle Royale. More people were interested in competing for prizes. At first, there was a weekly tournament launched by Keemstar, a popular YouTuber, called Friday Fortnite. This gave the
spotlight to people trying to build a name for themselves. As this progressed, Fortnite began to start hosting its own tournaments which later turned into an eSport. Now, people can play for thousands of dollars weekly and work towards possible future “cashcups” as they are referred to. Not only has Fortnite started competitively, there are also live events that happen within the season. They continue to add new and impressive ideas to add on to the Fortnite seasons. This helps add new map changes, new weapons/items, and new game mechanics. They also have been sponsored by the NFL, Marvel, DC and more that allow in game cosmetics and events. This allowed for big names in the music industry to perform on the stage such as Marshmello and Travis Scott. Fortnite has combined so many new cultures and events unlike any other game before it. It has had its ups and downs, but overall, it has changed the way gaming has been viewed. This game allowed events, concerts, sports, game changes, and more to occur in a simple Battle Royale game. The best part is... this game is FREE.