02.18.08

Vanguard The

Volume 45, Number 26

Special Homecoming 2008 Edition

February 18, 2008

Serving USA SinCe 1965

JONES NAMED FOOTBALL COACH Staff Report vanguard@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

After a nine-week coaching search, the University of South Alabama named Mobile-native Joey Jones to be the head coach of the University’s first-ever NCAAsanctioned football program.

Last Friday in the USA Mitchell Center, Jones was introduced to a cheering crowd of students, faculty, alumni and community.

“When I first heard about the coaching j ob in November, it sent chills up my spine. I knew then I wanted the job. I just didn’t

know if the job wanted me,” Jones said. “I can see myself staying here for the rest of my life.”

Jones, 45, signed a five-year contract with a salary of $275,000 per year. Jones’ salary at his previous job as head coach of Birmingham Southern College was $150,000.

Jones spent the past two years as head coach at BSC, where he restarted a football program dormant since 1939.

Jones said he learned a lot of lessons from starting the program at BSC, including the

need to recruit more than just freshmen.

Jones was also impressed with the organization of USA’s effort as compared to BSC’s.

Before coaching at BSC, Jones was a high school coach, with a record of 101-27 at Mountain Brook and 24-11 at Dora.

Jones played football at Murphy High School in Mobile, Ala. After high school, he went on to play for Paul “Bear” Bryant at the University of Alabama during the last three year’s of Bryant’s career. Jones also played for the Atlanta Falcons in the NFL and the Birmingham Stallions in the USFL.

USA breaks ground on Bell Tower Hannah Skewes SENIOR REPORTER hks502@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

On Feb. 16, the University of South Alabama hosted the Bell Tower and Alumni Plaza groundbreaking ceremony near the USA Mitchell Center.

This is what many consider to be one of the most symbolic new additions.

Hundreds of students, faculty, alumni and community members gathered on the grounds of the Mitchell Center to aid the Alumni Association in commemorating the piece of land that will eventually host the completed structure.

"This certainly is a historic weekend for the University of South Alabama," said Joseph Busta, vice president for development and alumni relations." Today is the groundbreaking of what will be a transformational campus facility and landmark."

The idea for the Bell Tower was born in an alumni board of director's meeting 15 years ago as a "pencil sketch and absolutely no budget," according to Busta.

After a few failed fundraising attempts, the project was approved as part of Campaign USA 14 years later.

Campaign USA is one of the University's first comprehensive fundraising campaigns that seeks to raise $75 million over three years. It was also approved for a matching program to help the project reach the $3 million it needs to be completed.

"It will be a symbol of unity and a symbol of strength," said Andy Denny, Alumni Association president.

The architectural firm building the Bell Tower is Barganier Davis Sims.

It will stand more than 130 feet tall with a clock face. There will be a space underneath with a seating capacity of 142 people for reunions, classes, weddings, student gatherings and other X

Inside

see TOWER, page 15

Lifestyles pg. 7

Marzieh K. Atigh / Staff Photographer

Turberville, Harris crowned queen, king

Marzieh K. Atigh / Staff Photographer Marzieh K. Atigh / Staff Photographer

The University of South Alabama had the Bell Tower and Alumni Plaza groundbreaking ceremony Feb. 16. The look of the Bell Tower was unveiled as students, faculy, staff, alumni and the community celebrated with fireworks, refreshments and the USA pep band.

Whitney Turberville was crowned Homecoming queen by last year’s Homecoming queen Holly Peek, and Ben Harris was crowned Homecoming king by last year’s Homecoming king Brandon Taylor during halftime at the men’s basketball game Feb. 16 in the USA Mitchell Center. SEE PAGE 7 FOR FULL STORY.

Fine Arts pg. 10 Entertainment pg. 12

The Vanguard P.O. Drawer 25100 Mobile, Ala. 36688 Newsroom - 460-6442 Fax 414-8293 Advertising - 460-6898 Letters, press releases, announcements - vanguard@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

Sports pg. 15

Opinion pg. 18

Classifieds pg. 19

Vanguard online The

http://www.usavanguard.com

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February 18, 2008

Homecoming 2008 in pictures

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February 18, 2008

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P LICE BL TTER 02/05/08 Harassment A female student reported being harassed on several occasions near the Student Center. Two female suspects were identified. An investigation is pending.

02/05/08 Criminal Mischief An unknown person keyed a male student’s car while it was parked at the Delta dormitories. Damage to the driver and passenger sides of the vehicle totaled $2,500. A male suspect was identified, but an investigation is pending.

02/05/08 Criminal Mischief - Private Officers responded to a criminal mischief call at the Delta 4 parking lot. A male student was the victim, and a female was identified as a suspect in the crime.

An investigation is pending.

WEATHER

02/07/08 Criminal Mischief A male non-affiliate reported that his car was scratched while parked on Stadium Boulevard. No suspects have

University of South Alabama’s Student Voice

been identified, but an investigation is pending.

02/07/08 Theft of Property Unknown person(s) removed the spare tire from a male student’s car parked in the Humanities parking lot. Another male was arrested for the crime.

02/10/08 Burglary Unknown suspects attempted to burglarize two vending machines in the Mitchell College of Business. The offenders caused $3,200 in damages to the vending machines. There are no suspects at this time, but an investigation is pending.

02/11/08 Simple Assault – Domestic Violence A female student called police when her ex-boyfriend showed up at her Delta 4 dorm room. When the victim asked the offender to leave, he became angry and slapped her across the face.

Mission The Vanguard, a student-run newspaper at the University of South Alabama, serves the student readership by reporting the news involving the campus community and surrounding areas. The Vanguard strives to be impartial in its reporting and believes firmly in its First Amendment rights.

Submission and Editorial Policies

Theft of Property A male student reported that $70 was taken from his wallet in the Recreation Center. No suspects were identified. An investigation is pending.

02/11/08 Theft of Property A male student’s wallet was stolen at the intramural fields. Police have no suspects, but are investigating the incident.

02/14/08 Theft of Property A textbook, valued at $60, was stolen at the College of Nursing at the Springhill Avenue campus. The textbook belonged to a female student. There are no suspects, but an investigation is pending.

Send letters and guest columns to: Opinion Editor, vanguard@jaguar1.usouthal.edu or The Vanguard, University of South Alabama, P.O. Drawer U-25100, Mobile, Ala. 36688. Letters and guest columns must be received by 7 p.m. on the Wednesday prior to the Monday publication. Submissions should be typed and must include the writer’s name, year, school and telephone number. z All submissions become the property of The Vanguard.

Unsigned letters will not be published. The Vanguard reserves the right to edit letters and guest columns for length and clarity. Letters will be limited to 300 words.

Letters and guest columns are the opinion of the writer. z The Staff Editorial represents the majority of the Editorial Board, which is composed of the Editor in Chief, News Editor, Opinion Editor and Lifestyles Editor.

All members of the Editorial Board have the same weight during weekly Editorial Board meetings. z The Vanguard has a commitment to accuracy and clarity and will print any corrections or clarifications. To report a mistake, call the Editor in Chief at (251) 460-6442 or email vanguard@jaguar1.usouthal.edu. z

The Vanguard is a member of Collegiate Presswire and U-Wire, which syndicates to a national audience.

z

The Vanguard is published Mondays during the academic year, except for exam periods and vacations and is published twice each summer. The Vanguard is supported in part by an allocation from student activity fees and operates in the Student Media Department of the Division of Student Affairs. Issues are available at all University buildings and select off-campus locations. The first copy is free. Additional copies are $1 each.

z

EDITORIAL STAFF

02/11/08

Editor-in-Chief: Jason Shepard Managing Editor: Leigh Patton Associate Editor: Anna Chapman Lifestyles Editor: Ashley D. McGee Fine Arts Editor: Ashley Gruner Entertainment Editor: Stephanie A. Hudson Opinion Editor: Matt Flanagan Sports Editors: John Kenny, David Hopper Senior Reporters: Hannah Skewes, Devi Sampat Copy Editor: Jeremy Daughtry

DISTRIBUTION Distribution Manager: Jolyn Picard Distribution: Brandon Phillips

ADVERTISING STAFF Advertising Manager: Glen Aikman Assistant Advertising Manager: Patrick Senn Graphic Designers: Jennifer Manning, Rajesh Chindurala

MANAGEMENT Adviser: Robert Holbert Accounting: Kathy Brannan

Web site: http://www.usavanguard.com Mailing Address The Vanguard University of South Alabama P.O. Drawer U-25100 Mobile, Ala. 36688 Article XIV, Section 8 of The Lowdown: The editors of the student publications shall be free from any type of censorship and shall be responsible for the form, content and staff of the publication.

SPLC Statement: The Vanguard recognizes and affirms the editorial independence and press freedom of all student-edited campus media. Student editors have the authority to make all content decisions and consequently bear the responsibility for the decisions that they make.

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CAMPUSGRIPES To voice your campus gripes or praises, e-mail us at campusgripes@yahoo.com, or anonymously mail us at The Vanguard, U-25100, Mobile, Ala., 36688

Court member, behave I attended the Homecoming game on Saturday, and I was very disappointed with a member of the Homecoming court. I don't think I need to name any names, but this person was on his phone out on the court and was making rude gestures and using profanity in front of thousands of Jaguar fans. I was very offended by his juvenile behavior and sincerely hope the fraternity he represents does not condone such behavior.

Homecoming Day a success The events that occurred Homecoming Day were successful. I attended both the Bell Tower event and the Homecoming game. Both were exciting and full of surprises. The fireworks were spectacular and the winnings of Homecoming king and queen had amazing results.

Congratulations to them both.

Fireworks were a surprise I don’t think I’ve ever seen fireworks at USA. They were awesome, and I didn’t know they were doing a show.

Bell Tower a true waste It’s very unsure to me why we need a Bell Tower. We could use that money toward academics or even renovations that are desperate on campus such as the Humanities building. If they want to donate money, donate it to a worthy and needed cause.

Use the basketball tickets I was disappointed to see that the men’s basketball game didn’t look sold out like they said it was. If people are taking a large group, then they need to make sure those tickets are going to be used, otherwise let those that really want to go get a chance to go.

Meeting the football coach I was so glad that our football coach was introduced to the students at the men’s basketball game. It gave me chills to see everyone so excited about meeting him, and I cannot wait for the team to begin and having other Jags to support. GO JAGS!

February 18, 2008

Riley, Jones honored at alumni dinner Devi Sampat SENIOR REPORTER dss608@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

The University of South Alabama National Alumni Association recognized eight distinguished alumni and service award recipients on Feb. 15 at the USA Mitchell Center.

They were recognized for outstanding achievement and leadership.

The Distinguished Alumni Award presents medallions to recipients who have attained major personal or professional successes in their chosen fields of interest, or to the University of South Alabama.

The Distinguished Service Award recognizes past or continuing service to USA or the National Alumni Association.

Alumnus who have put in a significant amount of time, talents and resources to the association over the years or have serviced the community, state, nation or international country in the form of philanthropy and volunteerism are also lauded for their contributions.

The program, held once a year, began with the presentation of colors by the USA Army ROTC, followed by the national anthem and an invocation.

A history of the awards and introduction of previous recipients presented by Thomas A. Zoghby, event chair, followed dinner.

Awards were then presented to Celia Mann Baehr, who received her M.B.A. in1982, Mobile Mayor Samuel L. Jones and Alabama Gov. Bob Riley for the Distinguished Service Award.

The Distinguished Alumni Awards were presented to E. Thomas Corcoran, Dr. James L. Harris, Robin A. Hurst, R. Bruce McCrory and Dr. Steven H. Stokes, M.D. “This is a really significant event because it truly honors all of our alumni,” Sonia Savani, a USA junior and Southerners ambassador, said.

Celia Baehr, the first Distinguished Service Award recipient of the night, is known as “the force behind the symphony,” due to her leadership of the Mobile Symphony board of directors.

In 2006, she received the Greater Mobile Area Arts Volunteer of the Year Award. Baehr is also the president of the Gulf States Chapter of Financial Planning Association, a lifetime member of the USA National Alumni Association, and has also served the University as a member of the College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Leadership Council.

“This award is the biggest thing that has happened in my life,” Baehr said. “You wouldn’t have even noticed me if it wasn’t for the Mobile Symphony, so I’m glad people recognize the importance and impact of its institution.”

Mayor Samuel L. Jones was elected in 2005 as the first AfricanAmerican Mayor of Mobile. Jones was in the U.S. Navy for nine

Marzieh K. Atigh / Staff Photographer

Alabama Gov. Bob Riley and Mobile Mayer Sam Jones were recognized for getting the Alumni Distinguished Service Award at the USA Alumni Distinguished Alumni Dinner Feb. 15 at the USA Mitchell Center. Standing with Gov. Riley is his wife, Patsy, and standing with Mayor Jones is his wife.

years and served as a Mobile County commissioner for four terms prior to his election as mayor. Jones currently serves on the board of the University and has been an avid supporter of University initiatives such as the Mitchell Cancer Institute and the new football and marching band programs.

“I consider South to be a really great University because it is growing leaps and bounds,” Jones said. “The partnership of the community and school is a collaboration we really welcome.”

Gov. Bob Riley, whose agenda includes expanding successful educational programs, attended the alumni program as well.

Riley’s main involvement toward USA is in his creation and support of the USA Mitchell Cancer Institute.

“With the leadership they have at this University in starting the X

see DINNER, page 21

SGA prepares for earlier elections Jason Shepard EDITOR-IN-CHIEF jason.shepard@comcast.net

SGA elections will be held on online beginning March 24 and ending on March 28. Historically, SGA elections have been held in April.

Current SGA President Jennifer Edwards believes that earlier elections will help build continuity between outgoing and incoming administrations.

“By the time new officers and senators are elected, the outgoing members are starting finals, and some are preparing for graduation. SGA changeovers tend to get placed on the back burner. A lot of times, this leads to a new [executive committee] and senate basically starting over from scratch,” Edwards said.

Although incoming officers and senators will begin working with the outgoing SGA administration during the transition period immediately following elections, the incoming officers and senators will not officially take office until May. Students who want to run for any office must turn in their candidacy application to the SGA office no later than March 17 at 5 p.m. Following the 5 p.m. deadline, there will be a mandatory candidates meeting.

Official campaigning can begin only after this meeting.

The ban on early campaigning restricts campaigning, including the posting of campaign materials, “on or in sight of the University campus prior to the campaign dates,” according to The Lowdown.

“SGA isn't interested in patrolling online social sites, but we would like to ensure that the elections process is as fair as possible for all candidates.”

- Jennifer Edwards Edwards announced at last week's SGA meeting that that the restriction on early campaigning will include forming campaign groups on the popular social networking site Facebook.

Any student found violating early campaigning restrictions will be subject to a fine of $1 per violation. Any candidate who receives more than $25 in fines will be subject to disqualification, according to The Lowdown.

“Since the switch to online voting and the popularity of Facebook, we are going to have to address some issues that we haven't had in the past concerning our code-of-laws,” Edwards said. “SGA isn't interested in patrolling online social sites, but we would like to ensure that the elections process is as fair as possible for all candidates.”

SGA's election committee will be looking at making the appropriate changes to the SGA code-of-laws in the next few weeks, according to Edwards.

Informed student participation in the SGA elections is also a concern. With turnouts of recent elections being much higher than they have historically been, Edwards expects continued high levels of participation.

“We had a great turnout for the homecoming elections, and we're hoping for an even better one in March,” Edwards said.

“It will take a lot of hard work on [SGA's] part to make sure that students are informed of the elections process.”

To help students get to know the candidates, SGA will be holding a candidates' forum for executive committee positions on March 20 at 4 p.m.

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February 18, 2008

Board of trustee’s political support leans Republican T.R. Risner STAFF REPORTER wxman08@yahoo.com

Across the nation, university employees overwhelmingly donate to Democratic candidates. In the 2006 election cycle, university employees donated a total of $19.3 million, with approximately 71 percent of those donations going to Democratic candidates.

In the 2004 presidential race, university employees contributed $37 million, with approximately 78 percent going to Democratic candidates, according to studies conducted by the Center for Responsive Politics.

However, the national trend of Democratic-heavy contributions does not hold true for the University of South Alabama board of trustees.

Of the University’s 16 board of trustee members plus USA President V. Gordon Moulton, nine have made political contributions of at least $500 throughout their lifetimes: Arlene Mitchell has contributed more than $180,000 to over 80 different candidates and organizations; James Yance has contributed more than $42,000 to mostly Democratic candidates and Democratic organizations but has also contributed a combined $9,500 to Alabama Republicans U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions (RAla.), U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Ala), U.S. Congressman Jo Bonner (R-Ala., first district); Larry Striplin has donated more than $41,000 almost exclusively to Republican candidates and Republican political organizations; Steven Stokes has contributed nearly $27,500 to mostly Republican candidates; USA President V. Gordon Moulton has contributed more than $24,000 almost exclusively to Republican candidates and organizations; Cecil Gardner has contributed $23,500 almost exclusively to Democratic candidates and Democratic political organizations; Alabama Governor and USA board member Bob Riley has contributed $2,000 exclusively to Republican campaigns; James Nix has donated $1,000, all to Bonner; and Donald Langham has contributed $500, all to Richard Gephardt’s 2004 Democratic presidential campaign.

Cecil Gardner is the only board member

who has contributed more than $2,000 during his lifetime that has not contributed to the campaigns of at least one of the board’s three biggest individual benefactors: Alabama Republicans Sessions, Shelby and Bonner.

Sessions has been the biggest individual benefactor of USA’s board member’s political support receiving nearly $30,000 from the board’s current members. Shelby has been the second biggest individual benefactor receiving nearly $20,000 from the board’s current members. Bonner has received more than $11,000.

“They (USA trustees and administrators) are giving primarily to incumbent politicians who have power and influence over affairs at USA, who happen to be Republican, rather than simply giving to Republicans.”

- Keith Nicholls Even James Yance, who has contributed mostly to Democratic campaigns, has also donated a combined $9,500 to Sessions, Shelby and Bonner.

USA President V. Gordon Moulton has donated $8,000 to Bonner, $6,125 to Sessions and $3,000 to Shelby.

Sessions, Shelby and Bonner have all supported the University of South Alabama. Shelby is currently trying to push through Congress $30 million in federal funds earmarked for a science and engineering building to be built at USA. For the most part, the board members and administrators seem to be looking out for South Alabama’s interests.

“They (USA trustees and administrators) are giving primarily to incumbent politicians who have power and influence over affairs at USA, who happen to be Republican, rather than simply giving to Republicans,” Dr. Keith Nicholls, associate professor of political science at USA, said.

Board of trustees members have also X

see SUPPORT, page 25

TRUSTEE

TOTAL CONTRIBUTIONS MAJOR RECIPIENTS

ARLENE MITCHELL

$180,000

JAMES YANCE

$42,000

LARRY STRIPLIN

$41,000

Pro-Israel organizations, individuasl in both parties Primarily Democrats, plus Republicans Sessions, Shelby and Bonner Primarily Republicans

STEVEN STOKES V. GORDON MOULTON CECIL GARDNER BOB RILEY

$27,500 $24,000 $23,500 $2,000

Primarily Republicans Primarily Republicans Primarily Democrats Republicans

JAMES NIX DONALD LANGHAM

$1,000 $500

All to Republican Bonner All to Democrat Gephardt

All donor figures were retrieved from http://www.opensecrets.org. OpenSecrets' donor lookup comprises contribution data available electronically from the Federal Election Commission on Jan. 7, 2008.

Because campaigns and other political committees typically disclose their contributions on a quarterly or monthly schedule, it can take several months for a contribution to be recorded in this database.

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Edington named Mobilian of Year Anna Chapman ASSOCIATE EDITOR amc404@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

Robert S. Edington is the 2007 Mobilian of the Year, the Cottage Hill Civitan Club announced on Feb. 12.

Edington was selected from a pool of eight nominees.

Randy Eckhoff is the president of the Cottage Hill Civitan Club, the organization that took over the Mobilian of the Year program from the Civitan Club of Mobile in 2007.

USA also began hosting the annual banquet in 2007, but takes no part in the selection process for the award.

“We are pleased at the selection of Mr. Robert S. Edington as the recipient of the Mobilian of the Year award for 2007,” Eckhoff said. “Mr. Edington is a native of Mobile and has served the city in numerous ways for over 50 years. We are looking forward to honoring him at the Mobilian of the Year banquet on April 1.”

Edington has practiced law in Mobile for more than 50 years. He also served as a state senator and representative of Alabama.

During his time in the House of Representatives and Senate, Edington co-sponsored the bill that created the University of South Alabama and the USA College of Medicine.

Edington also created the legislation that saved the U.S.S Alabama from being dismantled and moved it to Mobile in the 1960s.

Marzieh K. Atigh / Staff Photographer

Robert S. Edington was named 2007 Mobilian of the Year at a press conference Feb. 12. The award was given Randy Eckhoff, president of the Cottage Hill Civitan Club in Mobile.

Among eight nominees, Edington took the award.

He served two terms as chair of the U.S.S Alabama Battleship Commission.

Since Hurricane Katrina hit in August 2005, Edington has been working fervently to restore the damage caused to the ship.

Edington was completely surprised to receive the award. He described himself as “delighted, honored and humbled” to be selected for such an honor.

“I’m very humbled by it because I can think of many, many people that, in my personal opinion, are far more deserving,” Edington said to the Press-Register shortly after the announcement.

Additionally, Edington praised the staff of the U.S.S Alabama, calling them “wonderful” and saying that they “recovered beautifully” from the setback caused by Hurricane Katrina.

Edington has served the city of Mobile in countless other ways, including providing legal counsel to the underprivileged through his work directing the Mobile Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Program.

“It’s not a big city by any means, but it’s a great city that has outstanding traditions,” Edington said. “Mobile has been very good to me.”

The banquet honoring Edington, the 59th recipient of the prestigious MOY award, will be held at the USA Mitchell Center at 6:30 p.m. on April 1.

Individual tickets are $50, and a table for eight is $350. Contact Randy Eckhoff at (251) 666-1973 or Carolyn Lee at (251) 476-9891 to purchase tickets.

February 18, 2008

Career expo to be held this week Hannah Skewes SENIOR REPORTER hks502@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

As graduation draws near for students, the need for a career is a simple reality.

The University of South Alabama Career Services is hosting its Spring Career Expo to give students a chance to bridge the gap between college graduation and occupation choices.

On Feb. 21, 86 local and national businesses will set up booths in the Mitchell Center from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and will look for students who wish to become workers.

"This is our biggest career expo of the year," said Rhonda Arnold, coordinator of the Spring Career Expo.

Of the 86 companies participating in the Expo, there are insurance companies, branches of the military, computer information firms, Alabama government departments and more offering jobs.

Possibilities include full-time work for graduating seniors as well as co-op and internships for all students.

Some of the employers may be offering parttime work, but the main purpose of the Expo is career building and allowing students to make their name known, according to Arnold.

"You don't even have to be graduating this year or looking for a job, Arnold said. “The expo is also good for the exposure."

The Expo is part of what Career Services declared "Career Blitz" month. They have been holding preparatory events for students, such as resume building workshops, business etiquette seminars and mock interviews.

X

see CAREER, page 23

Ashley D. McGee Lifestyles Editor ladypoeticsoul@aol.com

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Just a thought ...

Ashley D. McGee LIFESTYLES EDITOR ladypoeticsoul@aol.com

“I bought my first racist object when I was 12 or 13. My memory of that event is not perfect. It was the early 1970s in Mobile, Ala., the home of my youth. The item was small, probably a Mammy saltshaker. It must have been cheap because I never had much money. And, it must have been ugly because after I paid the dealer I threw the item to the ground, shattering it.

It was not a political act; I simply hated it, if you can hate an object. I do not know if he scolded me, he almost certainly did. I was what folks in Mobile, blacks and whites, indelicately referred to as a ‘Red Nigger.’ In those days, in that place, he could have thrown that name at me without incident. I do not remember what he called me, but I am certain he called me something other than David Pilgrim.”

The above excerpt is from the short essay “The Garbage Man: Why I Collect Racist Objects.” The author, David Pilgrim, is not someone that is read about in a textbook. He is not what most consider being a civil rights activist, though his actions have changed the way many African-Americans living in the new millennium see the world around them. He is a collector, a connoisseur one might say, of all things racist.

Pilgrim is one of many AfricanAmericans who can still find traces of how marketed and accepted racism once was in Mobile. Things that are usually overlooked by the average white American bring back recollections of the marches from Selma to Montgomery, “white only” signs that lined the Dauphin Street area and “colored” signs that lingered over water fountains in parks to African-Americans on a daily basis.

Pilgrim was born and raised in Mobile, a thirsty and growing city in Southern Alabama, partially known for its involvement in several civil rights movements. It is a city that I proudly call my home.

Though I am much too young to remember the lynchings, the riots and the evidence of “Jim Crow” that filled the streets, I have heard the tales, and I still see the remnants of a time when this city was a murky swamp of hate and misunderstanding.

In 1954, 17 Southern and border states required that elementary schools be segregated, but with the passing of Brown v.

Board of Education of Topeka, it was ruled that all segregation in public schools is “inherently unequal.” It was thought that this would be the case that would force school systems to integrate schools, but in 1955, the Supreme Court declared that the federal district courts would have jurisdiction over lawsuits to enforce the desegregation decision and asked that desegregation proceed “with all deliberate speed.”

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USA has new royal family on campus Homecoming 2008 king and queen crowned at game Devi Sampat and Leigh Patton Vanguard Staff lwp302@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

Whitney Turberville and Ben Harris were crowned Homecoming king and queen at the men’s Homecoming game Feb. 16 in the USA Mitchell Center.

For the past week, Homecoming events took place on campus leading up to the biggest event, the crowning of Homecoming king and queen.

Turberville is from Semmes, Ala., and was sponsored by Sigma Alpha Iota Music fraternity. She is a communications major and a senior leader for Southbound Orientation.

After graduation,Turberville hopes to be employed by the University and get her master’s degree in special education.

“I am very honored that my peers voted me to be their Homecoming queen and represent them,” Turberville said. “I feel I have broken a lot of stereotypes, and I am very excited to represent the University of South Alabama.”

Harris is from Mobile and was sponsored

by Alpha Omicron Pi sorority. He is a freshman here at USA majoring in business.

He is an active member of Kappa Alpha fraternity and enjoys fishing, hanging out with his fraternity brothers and his best friend, Kelly.

Harris plans to get his degree in entrepreneurship and would like to become a contractor and own a construction business.

“It feels real good to be able to represent South as Homecoming king and to have support from its student body,” Harris said.

“I had a lot of support from my fraternity brothers and friends, and they helped get

Marzieh K. Atigh / Staff Photographer

Ben Harris (center) was crowned Homecoming king 2008 during halftime at the men’s basketball game Feb. 16. From left are Matt Corker, third runner up; Rodney Brannon, second runner up; Ben Harris, Homecoming king; Marc Ambrose, fourth runner up; and Matt Hayes, first runner up.

the word out that I was running.”

Corker is also from Mobile and was sponHomecoming 2007 queen Holly Peek sored by the sorority Phi Mu. He is a gradand Homecoming 2007 king Brandon uate communications student and is a gradTaylor were escorted by USA President V. uate assistant in the housing department.

Gordon Moulton to assist in crowning and Corker was a former member of Pi honoring the court.

Kappa Pi fraternity, is Fourth runner up in the a member of the king’s court was Marc National Residence “It feels real good to be able Hall Honorary and Ambrose.

Ambrose is from the Phi Eta Sigma to represent South as Pensacola, Fla., and was Homecoming king and to have Honor Society. sponsored by Tau Kappa His career goal is Epsilon fraternity. He is a support from its student body.” to get his Ph.D. and - Ben Harris teach at a university. service management major in the Mitchell Second runner up College of Business. was Rodney He plans to enroll in the MBA program Brannon. at USA. Brannon is from Mobile and was sponThird runner up was Matt Corker. sored by the Kappa Sigma fraternity.

Brannon is majoring in speech and hearing in the College of Allied Health and Professions. He is a member of Colleges against Cancer, Relay for Life and the Kappa Sigma fraternity. He plans to work in a children’s clinic or in the public school system.

First runner up was Matt Hayes.

Hayes is from Florence, Ala., and was sponsored by the Student Government Association. He is currently the treasurer in SGA and is a finance major in the Mitchell College of Business.

Hayes is also a part of the Sigma Chi fraternity, the Financial Management Association, the Mortar Board Senior Honor Society and the Order of Omega Greek Honor Society.

Marzieh K. Atigh / Staff Photographer Hayes plans after graduation is to either Whitney Turberville (center) is this year’s Homecoming queen. From left are Sally Jarvis, first runner up; Kelly Keith, second runner up;Whitney Turberville, Homecoming queen; Fenicia Sewer, third run- attend law school or graduate school.

X

ner up; and Emily Roberts, fourth runner up.

see HOMECOMING, page 21

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February 18, 2008

Revamp your dorm room for under $100 Justin Washington STAFF WRITER vanguard@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

Let’s face it: Dorm décor is not always all it is cracked up to be. Some dorm rooms are about the same size of a walk-in closet, you have to share it with another person and you are decorating on a budget that could make the biggest “penny pincher” cringe.

Dorm rooms are where the average college students spends a lot of his or her time, so why not start of this semester with a new style at an affordable price of under $100?

As we all know, the redecorating process can get rather costly, and that is putting it mildly. But, if you make a few “easy on the pocket” changes, you can transform an outdated look into a spring-time delight.

First, let us start with some floral arrangements or a few vases filled with wild flowers; or, if you do not mind to spend a

http://www.abcnews.com

This study-friendly dorm room could be yours for under $100. Adding simple touches to your room, such as small rugs and throw pillows, can give your dorm room a whole new look.

little more, purchase tulips or another spring flower and place the vases around the room. Another option is to purchase potted flowers; these last longer are less expensive when you consider that they do not need to be replaced as often as cut flowers. No matter which one you choose, the room will have a more enjoyable atmosphere.

Next, the walls. Everyone with a new dorm room to decorate ends up visiting the poster store and has huge images of Jay-Z or some other musician above his or her bed. This is another great dorm room decorating idea that does not blow your budget.

Depending on what you are interested in, buy a couple of large photo calendars, and frame the pictures yourself with cardoard matte. This will also save you money because you are doing it yourself. Also, experiment with different ways of grouping your newly framed art. Hint for the guys: http://www.delias.com Most ladies do not want to want to walk into a room with pictures of some other Though this bedroom set from Delia’s costs well woman (unless it is your mother) all over over our $100 budget, buying simple pieces like the walls, framed or not. the pillow cases and a room divider adds a new Now, what about your furniture? flare to any dorm room decor.

Considering that your dorm bed is, undoubtedly, the largest piece of furniture aware, reflect light, making the room seem you have, it will be the one that makes the larger and brighter and more "spring-like” -- not to mention, they are useful because biggest impact when redecorating.

“Bed-in-a-bag” sets come in a number of we sometimes want to be a little vain here different styles, so it will be easy to find one and there.

Be sure to purchase these items at disthat suits your tastes. You can even find count stores. Thrift stores bedding sets with your coland yard sales are also a lege’s team logo. To add a Purchase potted flowers. good place to find nice little extra “oomph” to your bed, purchase a few They last longer and are items at a bargain price.

Whether you do everysmall blankets and throw pillows, and place them on less expensive when you thing listed here, or just your bed—now, you have consider that they do not pick and choose, the outcome will remain the a fresh new look for your need to be replaced as same—you will see that bedding area. often as cut flowers. you can practically make To go along with your over a room on an hot, new bedding, consider buying a small area rug. They are not as extremely small budget. Just be serious warm and cozy as the larger ones, but they with yourself; there is no reason to go into fit in the $100 budget and are easier to debt just to redecorate your dorm room/apartment. And always remember clean.

Also, one of the best ways to brighten a that any dorm room necessity can be perroom is to add a mirror. Mirrors, as you are sonalized by adding a little extra to it.

Buying shoes saves thousands of lives in Africa Jenny Wilkins CONTRIBUTING WRITER jennywilkins@gmail.com

Did you ever think you could change someone’s life just by buying yourself a pair of new shoes? You can now. For $38, you can save someone from a life-threatening disease.

In March of 2006, former contestant of “The Amazing Race,” Blake Mycoskie, took a trip to Argentina after losing the race by a hair. Here, he saw first-handly the amount of poverty in the world today. Among the poverty, he noticed the amount of people who did not even own a pair of shoes. It got him thinking about what he could do to impact the lives of these people.

Mycoskie came up with the concept of TOMS: Shoes for Tomorrow.

“The name ‘TOMS’ just popped into my head one day, and the company name has not changed since,” said Mycoskie. “I created TOMS with a singular mission: to make life more comfortable.”

Mycoskie says he was sitting on a farm in Argentina when the idea just came to him, and he has been devoting his time to company ever since.

TOMS has made it possible for more than 60,000 people in Africa and Argentina today to have the pair of shoes they never had before. The key concept of TOMS is when you buy a pair of these shoes, TOMS will donate a pair of shoes on your behalf to a child in poverty without shoes. The idea is to help minimize the spread of disease and many other health-related issues in these countries. The shoes begin at only $38.

TOMS’ design is inspired by Argentina’s traditional rope-soled shoe, the alpargata. TOMS are slip-ons meant to be worn without socks and are similar to loafer style shoes like Vans and Sanuks. They are very light with leather soles and feel much like wearing flip flops. TOMS are available in stripes, tweed, glitter, corduroy, suede and many other styles. Women’s, men’s and chilX

see TOMS, page 21

Ashley D. McGee / Lifetyles Editor

TOMS founder Blake Mycoskie spends quality time with children who have benefited from his company’s shoe drops. Every time a pair of TOMS shoes are purchased, a pair of shoes are donated to a child in Africa.

RAD training on campus this week Robyn W. Andrews SPECIAL TO THE VANGUARD rwandrews@usouthal.edu

On Saturday, Feb. 23 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Monday, Feb. 25 from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m., the University of South Alabama Baldwin County will host a Rape Aggression Defense Training course.

Training will be held at USA Baldwin County's Classroom Complex, located on the corner of St. James and Summit Streets.

In order to receive a certificate of completion, participants must attend both days.

The certificate allows you to re-take the RAD Training course in the future for free, at any time and any location. The cost to attend is $25 for faculty, staff and the general public and $15 for USA Students with proof of enrollment.

RAD is a comprehensive, women's only course that begins with awareness, prevention, risk reduction avoidance and then progresses on to the basics of hands-on defense training. Because the class emphasizes awareness as well as self-defense, it addresses the threat from both a stranger and an acquaintance. The course includes a lecture, group discussions and self-defense techniques suitable for women of all ages and abilities.

This class will be instructed by Dr. Phillip Norrell is an assistant professor in health, physical education and leisure studies at the University of South Alabama. He is also a black belt in martial arts and a certified RAD trainer.

Due to limited space, reservations are required. Call (251) 928-8133, or send an email to rwandrews@usouthal.edu.

ON CAMPUS THIS WEEK

Monday National Pan-Hellenic Council Orientation Strut-Off Competition at 4 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom Tuesday Abeneefoo Kuo Honor Society Induction Ceremony at 6:30 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom Wednesday Student Government Association Multicultural Committee Talent Show at 6:30 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom Friday National Pan-Hellenic Council Greek Exodus Step Show at 8 p.m. in the Mitchell Center, admission: $10 in advance, $15 day of.

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February 18, 2008

Soul Food Luncheon feeds bodies and souls Kem Preston CONTRIBUTING WRITER klp403@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

On Feb. 12, the African-American Student Association and the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs hosted the annual Homecoming Soul Food Luncheon.

Students, staff, family and friends spilled into the University of South Alabama Student Center Ballroom to enjoy great cooking and fabulous entertainment.

“The entertainment was great as well,” said AASA Treasurer Alisha Williams in reference to an amazing step routine performed by the Collins-Rhodes Elementary School Step Team. Under the direction of USA 2007 alumni Will Lewis, the young men performed a flawless routine.

The luncheon focuses on feeding the soul with knowledge, while feeding the body with traditional Southern foods.

AASA President Dywanetta Thomas began the luncheon with a warm welcoming speech. USA sociology student and minister John Russell blessed the occasion with a very humorous prayer.

Under the direction of Jermaine Manor, the AASA Choir captiavted the audience with two selections that filled the room with blessings and inspiration. Jamion Burney, USA student and AASA Choir member, also gave an outstanding solo performance of “His Eye Is On The Sparrow” that was sure not to leave a dry eye in the audience.

After the choir’s performance, the muchanticipated part of the afternoon arrived: lunch. Between the fried or baked chicken, macaroni and cheese, greens and peach cobbler, every guest was sure to leave the luncheon stuffed and well fed.

The main attraction of the afternoon was guest speaker Tiffany K. Daniels, who

“Dr. Sam”

is graduate student earning a degree in speech-language pathology.

Given a thoughtful and well-knowing introduction from Ashley D. McGee, the speaker was prepared to face her audience.

Daniels’ speech was full of inspiration, hope and direction as she focused on having a purpose, a planning and the perseverance to be successful. Daniels spoke with determination, clarity and loyalty.

“I believe that it is important for students to understand that having a plan is important, but that they must also be prepared for unexpected bumps in the road,” com-

mented Daniels.

Daniels also addressed faculty members, as she challenged then to not be content with the “sum of a paycheck,” but to acknowledge the importance of their position in a student’s life.

“You will never attain long-term goals with short-term initiative,” AASA Treasurer Charletta Ball responded after listening to Daniels’ speech.

Closing the afternoon’s program was Dr. Carl Cunningham Jr., director of the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs.

Ashley D. McGee / Lifetyles Editor

Left to right: John Russell, minister; Amber Beavers, AASA vice president; keynote speaker Tiffany K. Daniels; Dr. Carl Cunningham Jr, director of the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs; and Ashley D. McGee gather after the Homecoming Soul Food Luncheon that took place on Feb. 12 in the Student Center Ballroom.

Sam Says:

CONTRIBUTING WRITER vanguard@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

Dear Dr. Sam, I've been studying a lot more this semester than I ever have, but for some reason, my grades aren't getting any better? What should I do?

Maybe you should try changing up your studying ways. If you only study in groups, try studying by yourself. A good thing to do is talk to your professor about the test; most of them don't mind if you have a few more questions for them.

Dear Dr. Sam, I got the best Valentine's Day present from the guy I've been dating. I feel really bad that I didn't get him anything, because I could tell that he was a little hurt.

I've always felt that Valentine's Day was a "girl" holiday. Have things changed, and I didn't get the memo?

Sorry, but you probably should have got him something.

Valentine’s is not just a girl holiday; guys like to feel special, too.

Seriously, how would you feel if he hadn't gotten you anything?

Try to make it up very soon. People like to know they are appreciated, no matter who they are.

Dear Dr. Sam, I proposed to my girlfriend almost a year ago, and she still won't agree to a date for the wedding. I keep asking her about it, and all she can say is “I can't think about that right now. I have too much going on with classes.” Do you think she's getting cold feet, or is school really the reason?

School is a really huge deal, or have you not heard? You pay a lot of money to go, and having accomplished something like a college degree could mean the difference of driving a Kia or Mercedes. But, as in every case, you have to sit down and seriously ask her how she feels. Tell her that you really would like to put some kind of timeline together just so that your family and you can know. Don't be pushy about setting a date because the last thing you want is for her to do something she doesn't want to.

Dear Dr. Sam, One of my best male friends took me out to dinner on Valentine's Day, since I didn't have anyone to spend it with. When he dropped me off, he totally shocked me by kissing me ... on the lips! I could just see this as the “beginning of a beautiful relationship,” but the problem is that he has a girlfriend who is still in our hometown. What should I do?

The best thing to do is talk to him about it. Tell him exactly how you feel: no games, no “well, maybes” -- be straight forward. Tell him how uncomfortable it made you feel, not about the dinner, but the fact that he has a girlfriend and that if that's how he feels, he should break it off with her.

ASK DR. SAM! Send your questions to vanguard@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

This week in

Greek Keeping you in tune with USA Greek Life

Latoria Cheeks VANGUARD STAFF

vanguard@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

The National Pan-Hellenic Council will be kicking off Greek Week between Feb. 18 - 22. Free tickets to the Greek Exodus step show will be raffled off at each event.

On Monday, the NPHC will be hosting a stroll competition with your fellow Greeks at USA in the Student Center Ballroom at 6 p.m.

Karaoke night will be on Wednesday, Feb. 20 in the Student Center game room at 6:30 p.m., and there will be a movie night in the Humanities Building at 7 p.m. in room 160. Admission to all events are free, except for the step show.

The Greek Exodus Step Show will be at the Mitchell Center at 7:30 p.m. Admission is currently $10 and will increase to $15 the day of the show. We urge everyone to be on time because the show will start promptly at 7:30 p.m.

Seven step teams will be participating this year. Fraternities that will be competing include Alpha Phi Alpha from Auburn University, University of Montevallo and the University of Alabama at Birmingham; Phi Beta Sigma from Florida State University; and Kappa Alpha Psi from Auburn University. The sororities include Alpha Kappa Alpha and Sigma Gamma Rho from the University of South Alabama.

The Eta Nu chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated will begin their Greek Week titled “Resurrektion of the Yo” on Feb. 24.

On Feb 24, the chapter will attend church at Mount Hebron Church Ministries. Feb. 25 - 26, the chapter will be encouraging voter registration in the Student Center Breezeway from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Monday night, they will also host a discussion called “The Great Debate” in the Student Center Ballroom at 7 p.m.

The young men will host “A Lesson in Etiquette” on Feb. 26 in the SC Terrace at 6 p.m. Philanthropy Awareness will be in the SC Breezeway from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 27, and that night the chapter will have Keith Brown, a motivational black history speaker, speak in the SC Ballroom at 6:30 p.m. “Ladies Knight . . . A Sensual Seduktion” will be in the Beta Gamma Area Commons at 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 29, the chapter will host “Yo Red Karpet Affair” party in the SC Ballroom at 10:11 p.m. Saturday, March 1, the Kappas will be doing community service at the USA track-and-field meet at 9 a.m. and will host a “Kappa-Kue,” featuring a strut off competition at the SGA Pavilion at 4 p.m. The men of “krimson and kreme” encourage all students to come out and attend these events.

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated will be having their annual “Mr. RHOmeo Pageant” for males during their Greek Week in March. Any men interested in participating can contact Fenicia “Munchie” Sewer at (251) 605-1848.

Interested in writing for Lifestyles? Call 460-6442,or email ladypoeticsoul@aol.com

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10

The Arts

Fine Arts

New art gallery opens on campus

Ashley Gruner

STAFF WRITER

FINE ARTS EDITOR

Feb.15 marked the opening of South Alabama's newest addition to the art department - a 1,100-square-foot gallery.

The new gallery, which features portable walls and enhanced lighting, offers a drastic change from the department’s prior exhibition space, the Townhouse Gallery.

The new gallery, which has not yet been named, will provide almost 600 more square foot space than the Townhouse Gallery.

Actor Yannis Simonides will be performing a one-man show at the University of South Alabama on Feb. 26. Simonides is the current president of the Greek Theater Foundation in New York City.

The performance titled “Cavafy: Passions and Ancient Days” will explore the life and work of Constantine P. Cavafy, a Greek poet known for his revival of the art.

The themes of Cavafy's work were drawn from personal experience, and his poetry played a significant role in Greek culture. Cavafy also worked as a journalist and civil servant.

Simonides performed at USA last spring in Plato's “Apology of Socrates.”

“We are delighted to partner with the University in making this return engagement possible,” said Dr. Bernie Quinn, retired USA professor and president of the local chapter of AHEPA, a GreekAmerican fraternal and benevolent organization.

“Cavafy: Passions and Ancient Days” is sponsored by the University of South Alabama College of Arts and Sciences and Mobile's Greek community.

Simonides will also present a master class at 10 a.m. in the Laidlaw Performing Arts Center. All USA English and theatre students are encouraged to attend the class.

The show and the workshop will benefit the USA Hellenic Studies Endowment.

“Cavafy: Passions and Ancient Days” will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Laidlaw Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $16 for general admission and $8 for students.

They can be purchased in advance at the USA College of Arts and Sciences dean's office or at the Laidlaw Performing Arts Center at the time of performance.

For more information, contact Lois Wims at (251) 460-7391 or Bernie Quinn at (251) 605-7434.

UPCOMING EVENTS USA Theatre presents “Buried Child” Feb. 21, 7:30 p.m.

Laidlaw Performing Arts Center USA Symphony Band Concert Feb. 28, 7:30 p.m.

Laidlaw Performing Arts Center Mobile Ballet presents “Coppelia” March 1, 7:30 p.m.

Mobile Civic Center Theater

Fine Arts Editor amarie588@gmail.com

February 18, 2008

Amanda B. Johnson amarie588@gmail.com

Ashley Gruner

amanda_b_johnson@yahoo.com

Amanda B. Johnson / Staff Writer

John Cleverdon’s acrylic work titled “Dead Iraqi Child” addresses his opposition to the Iraqi war.

The new gallery will allow for more wall space, as well as longer exhibition days, accoring to USA ceramics instructor Tony Wright, who serves as co-manager of the gallery along with photography instructor Rita Skiadas. Works at the Townhouse Gallery were often shown for only two days, whereas the new gallery will allow for multiple and more lengthy exhibitions.

Art department chair Jason Guynes began planning the new visual arts gallery in the summer of 2007. Construction on the proposed gallery was started this September.

While both the Student Center and the USA Library Art Gallery have generously served USA’s art students as exhibition sites, both Guynes and the College of Arts and Sciences Dean David Johnson, found the new gallery space as an opportunity for the art students to create an independent exhibition site.

The new gallery, located in the heart of the Visual Arts Building, provides a more intimate and personal location for student work, as well as upcoming thesis shows.

The gallery's opening show "Emeritus Faculty Exhibition” offers work from retired South Alabama art instructors James Kennedy, James Conlon, Lee Hoffman and John Cleverdon. Each of the artists have works displayed that were completed following his or her retirement from South.

Artist James Kennedy finds his inspiration in music, particularly from jazz musician Dizzy Gillespie. Kennedy correlates

Amanda B. Johnson / Staff Writer

James Kennedy’s “Staccato Rhythm” oil painting expresses the combination of art and music.

his musical influence with art as a unified expression of the "kindred spirit.” The color, line and texture of Kennedy's work are reflective of his interpretation of "paintings as improvisational music.”

The 2002 oil painting titled "Staccato Rhythm,” along with "Cosmic Mythology,” an acrylic work, deliver prime examples of the musical presence able to be felt through Kennedy's rhythmic paintings.

James Conlon, a sculptor who also has several featured drawings in "Emeritus,” previously served as chair of the art department, retiring in 1997.

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see GALLERY, page 24

Special concert to feature renowned Irish band Kathryn Garikes STAFF WRITER daffodilkg2@aol.com

The University of South Alabama's Laidlaw Performing Arts Center will be hosting a special concert featuring the Brock McGuire Band of Ireland on Feb. 27 at 7:30 p.m.

The band consists of Paul Brock, a multiple winner of the AllIreland Button Accordion Competition and Manus McGuire, a fiddler who was recently voted Male Musician of the Year by the Irish American News. This famous pair will be accompanied by Galway musician, Enda Scahill, banjo and Denis Carey, piano.

Paul Brock and Manus McGuire, both from County Clare, Ireland, have been the leading performers of Irish music for several years since their joint work with “Moving Cloud” in 1989.

The band produced two albums for Green Linnet Records, one that included their 1994 self-titled release that was selected by well-known U.S. music critic Earle Hitchner as the best Irish traditional album of the year.

McGuire is also a founding member of “Buttons and Bows,” in which he created three albums. His two solo albums, “Saffron and Blue” and “Fiddlewings,” received the Bravo Award from Trad Magazine in France.

Art Ketchin of “Celtic Beat” described Enda Scahill as “just about the strongest banjo I've ever heard.” Irish News in Chicago said Enda “does things on the banjo which should be impossible.”

Irish Music Magazine has gone on to say his playing is “simply divine.” Recently, Enda released an album with Brock titled “Humdinger,” which was awarded Album of the Year in the Irish Times and Instrumental Album of the Year in Irish American News.

Pianist Denis Carey is a musician, composer and arranger with a diverse musical background ranging from traditional Irish sounds to jazz and pop. He has performed and recorded with leading international talents. Carey also manages a music academy that is located in Limerick.

http://www.brockmcguire.com

The Brock McGuire Band of Ireland will be performing at the University of South Alabama on Feb. 27.

Opening for these world-renowned performers will be Mobile's own Celtic band, Mithril. Mithril's fifth birthday bash was just recently celebrated at the Laidlaw Performing Arts Center. Both groups provide unique and inspiring Irish tunes that will be sure to make this upcoming show a must-see.

Tickets for this concert are $10 for general admission and $5 for senior citizens, USA students, faculty and staff.

Tickets will be available for purchase in advance at USA's Department of Music main office every afternoon between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. For further information regarding tickets, please contact Andra Bohnet at (251) 460-6696. For more information on the Brock McGuire Band of Ireland, visit their Web site at http://www.brockmcguire.com.

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Students visit distinguished artist Amanda B. Johnson STAFF WRITER amanda_b_johnson@yahoo.com

Pensacola Junior College's annual Distinguished Artist Series has named photographer’s Jerry Uelsmann and his wife, Maggie Taylor, as this year's featured artists. The series enables nationally recognized artists to feature work free to the public while lending their professional expertise to students and fellow artists.

The University of South Alabama's Photography Association was honored with experiencing the artists' work on a recent field trip to the exhibit “Just Suppose.”

Jerry Uelsmann has been dubbed a master of the darkroom.

Succumbing to traditional printing techniques, Uelsmann uses multiple negatives to create montages filled with dreamy imagery and surreal landscapes.

Free from the aid of modern digital technology, Uelsmann states: “There's an element of alchemy that I sense in the darkroom that I would never ever sense in front of a computer.

There's a technological well that is behind the screen that is beyond any comprehension for me. It's not particularly mystical - it's just technical. In the darkroom, it feels much more spiritual.”

Uelsmann has previously served as an instructor at the University of Florida in Gainesville where his “visually plausible but philosophically impossible situations” have inspired the likes of emerging artists.

Uelsmann's first influence was his former instructor, photographer Minor White, who opted to trust the intuitive self. It is this intuitive self that takes hold of Uelsmann when he looks through the lens. “Once I put film in my camera, something flips over in my brain, and I begin perceiving the world just a little bit differently,” said Uelsmann in an interview with Paul Karabinis.

Artist Maggie Taylor, unlike Uelsmann, sees the world through the realm of modern technology, beginning her digital quest in 1996. Taylor creates assemblages of old portraits, found objects and other media, often incorporating up to 80 layers in Photoshop.

By placing the objects on the glass of a scanner, Taylor can achieve in a digital print the depth often found in traditional darkroom images. Taylor often integrates her drawings into images, and sometimes lends photographic insight to the creation and completion of her husband's works.

Daniela Werner STAFF WRITER danigirl6013@gmail.com

Courtesy of William Bunce

The University of South Alabama photography students visited renowned artist Jerry Uelsmann last week.

USA photography students attended the opening reception of both artists on Feb. 7th. “Seeing Uelsmann's magical work has encouraged me to create. He is as inspirational as a professional and has motivated me to work even harder,” said William Bunce, a senior photography major. “As a current digital student, I also found Maggie Taylor's images as a helping hand in my venture toward digital photography.”

Uelsmann's dedication to his work proved true during his discussion with USA students. Senior Nikki Bhakta found it “refreshing to meet such a humble yet well known photographer.”

USA students found Uelsmann and Taylor to be comforting and approachable, treating the opening's visitors like old friends. “This experience has made me more aware of all the photographic possibilities, both in the darkroom and in digital,” comments Amy Daws. Nikki Parker thanks Uelsmann for influencing her to “push the limits of photography.” “Anything can be done,” states Parker. “Uelsmann has proven that.”

“Just Suppose” will be on exhibit at the Pensacola Junior College through March 14. For more information on the exhibit, visit http://www.pjc.edu.

Night at Mobile Opera proved ‘enchanting’ sounds of McKern and Gunlodson were heard both together and in solo acts amanda_b_johnson@yahoo.com throughout the remainder of the On Feb. 14, the Mobile Opera offered evening. an evening of Rodgers and Perhaps the most emotional performHammerstein classics with the one night ance of the night came from Gunlodson, production of "Some Enchanted with her heart-felt delivery of "You'll Valentine."

Never Walk Alone” from the musical Conductor Jerome Shannon, who also "Carousel.” Along with the Mobile serves as the Mobile Opera's artistic Opera Chorus, Gunlodson received a director, led the Mobile Symphony and resounding applause following the piece, the Mobile Opera Chorus. which has also been previously recorded Guest Soloists Corey McKern and by legends such as Elvis Presley, Frank Eric Von Hoven, along with Laura Choi Sinatra and Judy Garland.

Stuart and Kirsten Gunlodson, wowed Corey McKern, who received a music the audience with excerpts education from familiar Broadway degree from musicals including “Guest artist Laura Choi Mississippi State "Carousel,” "The King and Stuart is a lyric soprano of University, I,” "The Sound of Music,” delivered a ravishing quality.”

"South Pacific,” the movie more comical musical "State Fair,” and the - Boston Globe act with his renfirst of Rodgers and dition of Hammerstein's collabora"Soliloquy" tion, "Oklahoma!" from "Carousel.” With animated gestures First making way to the stage was and a vibrant performance, McKern baritone Corey McKern, who delivered a received out-loud laughter from the dreamy performance of the feeling of crowd. falling in love with "It's a Grand Night Tenor Eric Van Hoven, a Mississippi for Singing” from "State Fair.” native, was introduced alongside Kirsten Gunlodson's beautiful mezzoSoprano Laura Choi Stuart during the soprano voice soon joined McKern in a duo "We Kiss in the Shadow" from "The performance of “I Have Dreamed” from King and I.” “The King and I.” The mesmerizing Hailed by the Boston Globe as "a lyric

Amanda B. Johnson STAFF WRITER

MSO leaves crowd ‘amazed’

soprano of ravishing quality,” Stuart delivered a range of musical performances including the fun-filled story of "Mister Snow" from "Carousel." Van Hoven proved equally as talented, providing the audience with a dramatic yet soothing voice.

Several USA students -- Andre Chiang, Aimee Riemersma and Emily Eubanks, to name a few -- proved a sensational addition to the event as performers with the Mobile Opera Chorus.

The evening proved enchanting, offering couples of all ages a taste of the beauty found in the works of Rodgers and Hammerstein.

The upbeat Broadway numbers, which differed from the expected opera style, gave audience members a Valentine's night to remember.

Rodgers and Hammerstein's talented accomplishments were honored as the Mobile Opera paid homage to two remarkably influential men.

The Mobile Opera is also pleased to introduce the upcoming opening of “Andrea Chenier,” a historic drama to be performed with the Mobile Opera Chorus, Mobile Ballet and several solo artists.

“Andrea Chenier” will hold performances on March 13 and March 15. For further information, visit http://www.mobileopera.org.

The Mobile Symphony Orchestra proudly presented 'Legendary Love,” conducted by Music Director Scott Speck, on Feb. 16.

The Saenger Theatre was already packed out as the musicians warmed and tuned their instruments, preparing for the eventful night.

The MSO performed Antonin Dvorak's “Symphony No. 6 in D Major, Op. 60,” a passionate and lively work composed in 1880 and published in 1882. The piece, stately and haunting, left the ears of listeners hungry for more. Speck described it as “absolutely glorious. He said you can “really feel the Bohemian soul.”

Dvorak, born in Nelahozeves in 1841, had a humble beginning as the son of an innkeeper and a butcher. Choosing to pursue music instead of continuing the family trade, his career grew rapidly. In 1904, he passed away as a renowned composer and performer in Prague.

Olga Kern, the featured performer of the night, played the “Piano Concerto No. 2” by Sergei Rachmaninoff with the MSO, and it was truly a delight to hear and see. The Russian pianist's hands traveled gracefully over the keyboard, exhibiting her tremendous talent and technique. Her ardent interpretation of the piece was contagious. It wasn't long before she had the audience engrossed in the raw emotion of Rachmaninoff's concerto.

Kern's credentials are overwhelming. When she performed Rachmaninoff's “Piano Concerto No. 3” at the 11th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in 2001, she was the first woman to achieve the Gold Medal in more than 30 years. Today, she records only for Hamonia Mundi, and her performances are demanded throughout the United States.

Upcoming events include the MSO's “Overture to Spring” program on March 8 at the Saenger Theatre. They will be performing Mozart's “Overture to the Magic Flute” and Mahler's “Symphony No. 4.” The featured performer for the “Overture to Spring” concert is Jayne West, soprano.

For more information on the Mobile Symphony Orchestra and their upcoming events, visit http://www.mobilesymphony.org.

http://www.mobilesymphony.org

The Mobile Symphony Orchestra performed the “Legendary Love” concert on Feb. 16.

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12 In Theaters Fans discover ‘Fool’s Gold’ Stephanie A. Hudson ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR stephanieahudson@gmail.com

“Fool’s Gold” topped box office sales with a total of $21.6 million on its opening weekend. Romance fans sought the escapism of a simple romantic comedy a full week before Valentine’s Day romance was set to happen.

Quick Summary “Fool’s Gold” stars Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson as a recently divorced couple living in the Bahaman Islands. The couple, Benjamin and Tess, become entangled in a treasure hunt for a sunken Spanish ship filled with unimaginable wealth and historical artifacts.

They find a wealthy benefactor named Nigal HoneyCutt, played by Donald Sutherland, to sponsor their search for the treasure. The cast is completed with an assortment of bad guys out to get money from Benjamin and Honeycutt’s daughter, Gemma, played by Alexis Dziena.

Acting Hudson and McConaughey seem to work very well together on screen.

However, their friendly relationship dampens the ire that is supposed to exist between the two divorcees. There are several scenes where Tess is angry with Ben, and its simply unconvincing to the audience.

Sutherland’s addition to the cast was a subtle stroke that created humor even in some serious situtions. His serious demeanor combined with the antics of the film’s plot to the benefit of the entire movie.

As Gemma, newcomer Alexis Dziena played her role effectively. She was the spoiled child and cute heroine all in one small package.

Storyline For a movie about a romance gone astray and finding buried treasure, “Fool’s Gold” still managed to bring in an interesting background story about the buried treausre the cast searches for throughout the movie. This background gives quite a lot of credibility to the overall story.

Point of Interest I was slightly disturbed by one person in the movie - Alexis Dziena. It is very hard to tell how old she is supposed to be in the film. She looks 13, but she appears many times scantily clad and her physique used as a distraction at one point in the film. Her performance was cute, however, and she is a very legal 24 years old.

Overall The movie was an easygoing distraction for the average romantic comedy fan. And, of course, Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey fans will probably love the film unconditionally.

Entertainment

Stephanie A. Hudson Entertainment Editor stephanieahudson@gmail.com

February 18, 2008

Rock Summit showcases local bands Megan J. Reed STAFF WRITER mjr602@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

Saturday night, over 150 people gathered at the Knights of Columbus Hall to see a show unlike any other that has come to Mobile recently. The Rock Summit consisted of 10 local, independent bands competing for a chance at a regional title and possibly even a national title.

This show had 10 bands competing: Truth Seekah, Biser, Hibachi Stranglers, Make Ends Meet, Roma, Syadica, Thoughts of August, Guided by Trust, Vertical Clearance, and Omit the Silence.

The rules of judging the Rock Summit were simple. Zack Chavers, Make Ends Meet guitarist and vocalist, said “The bands were asked to bring at least five people per band member to see them play.” This was kept track of by Derrick Knight, concert promoter, who sat by the door and recorded which band each person was there to see. The bands are then judged by Knight on criteria such as over-all talent and crowd response. Luckily, this show was in no short supply of amazing talent.

Saturday's concert showed how much talent Mobile and surrounding areas actually have in the music arena. There were many bands that impressed me very much with both their abilities and their attitudes.

Thoughts of August is a band from Mobile that had a particularly noticeable amount of talent and life on stage. Austin Wade easily plays three instruments in the band, and he did not hesitate to play two instruments at once, either. During the introduction to the band's first song, he easily plays the keyboard with one hand and beats on his drums with the other. In a different song, he picks up his tambourine and beats it with one drum stick while using the other stick for his drum set. The Hibachi Stranglers were also very impressive. Though they are not new to Mobile's music scene, they never cease to amaze me with their upbeat rhythms and catchy songs. And I can’t leave out the fact that Omit the Silence had a crowd of fans made up of 40 people who came to see their performance, which is a remarkable number for a relatively small venue like the Rock Summit.

Local

Event

Megan J. Reed / Staff Writer

Josh Richardson from Thoughts of August played guitar alongside fellow band member Austin Wade. Thoughts of August was a crowd favorite.

Megan J. Reed / Staff Writer

The band Roma also showcased at the Rock Summit. Pictured is Matt Bertran, the guitarist and vocalist for the independent rock band. Roma was one of 10 bands proceeding to national level who performed at the Knights of Columbus Hall in the first Rock Summit contest.

The Rock Summit is a national circuit that consists of contests in 15 cities of every region, with 10-15 bands participating per city.

One winner is picked from every city and sent to a regional contest; the winners in the Southern region will be competing in Atlanta, Ga. Once a regional winner is chosen, they will be sent to the national contest to compete with some of the most talented independent bands in the United States.

Derrick Knight has been organizing Rock Summit for four years now, but this is the first year that it is going national. Rock Summit started in Pensacola, Fla., four years ago with local bands competing against one another, but Knight had a bigger vision than simply promoting Pensacola bands. He wanted to go national.

So, he recently moved to New York and joined people who wanted to help make Knight's vision of promoting independent bands come true. And after three years of devotion, the first ever National Rock Summit competition is finally taking place.

While speaking with Knight about his vision for Rock Summit, I could see he had a real passion for what he is doing. He said that he has worked harder to make Rock Summit a reality than anything else he has ever done. It takes six weeks of non-stop planning for this contest to be organized, so he had to take this on as a full-time job. With the passion and devotion Derrick Knight has for making the Rock Summit a national event, there is no doubt about its success.

The location of the national competition is still undecided.

Knight wants to have it right here on the Gulf Coast in order to promote the scene that usually gets overlooked, but others wish for him to carry out the last events of the competition in New York, since it is well known. While speaking with Knight about this issue, he seemed very strong in his desire to promote the scene in his native ground of Pensacola, Fla. If this were to happen, the Gulf Coast scene would finally get the recognition it deserves.

As for the results of Saturday’s show, the winner will be announced this week and will be off to the regional competition is Atlanta, Ga.

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Satirical humor offered by The Onion’s world atlas Angela Langster STAFF WRITER asl662002@yahoo.com

Atlases usually offer representational and accurate views of the world we live in. If a reader is looking for an accurate view, it will not be found in “Our Dumb World: The Onion’s Atlas of the Planet Earth 73rd Edition.” The Onion, a parody newspaper that is seen in print and on the Web, has published other books such as “Our Dumb Century” and “Homeland Insecurity.” This time, The Onion presents its humor in atlas form by including maps, legends and obviously digitally-manipulated images.

Offensiveness is dominant theme throughout “Our Dumb World.” The offensive form of humor in this parody atlas reaches the point of poor taste, especially when referring to children in the world. In the profile of the Democratic Republic of Congo, a photograph is shown of two children looking over a deceased body with the caption “Two Congolese children meet up with an old friend for lunch.” Meanwhile, the description of Thailand reworks the Toys “R” Us slogan “Where a Kid Can Be a Kid" and changes it to "Where a Kid Can Be a Kid Prostitute." The entry then features a photo of a three girls dressed very provocatively.

Another prominent characteristic of this parody atlas is

its phallocentric, chauvinistic attitude towards women.

Examples of this include the profile of Jordan, which displays the country's lustful admiration for Queen Raina, and a photograph of a Monacon a woman shown at a United Nation’s meeting, looking over the shoulder of the Monacon UN representative as he is “playing poker.”

http://www.amazon.com

Even the cover of The Onion’s atlas contains a unique brand of humor for viewing.

Ridley Scott directs another success The Actors' Corner - When movie fans see the acting of the Academy Award-winning actors, Denzel Washington, vanguard@jaguar1.usouthal.edu “Training Day,” and Russel Crowe, “A Beautiful Mind,” Upon watching “American Gangster,” the viewer should they expect little else but greatness. Well, “American not give thought as to why it was nominated for so many Gangster” should not disappoint fans in this area. Both of awards, two of which happen to be Academy Awards for their characters very well portrayed in the film. One of the Best Art Direction and Best Supporting Actress (Ruby Dee). biggest surprises, for me, was to see Cuba Gooding Jr. in a “American Gangster” is a film based on the true story of the role that was not taking care of kids, “Daddy Day Camp,” “Drug Lord of New York,” Frank Lucas, portrayed by chasing after sled dogs, “Snow Dogs,” or any other zany Denzel Washington, whose reign began around 1969 and idea that Hollywood could come up with for Gooding. In ended in the mid 1970s, upon his arrest. Whenever the film this film, he portrays a rival leader to Frank Lucas' everis not focused on Frank Lucas' ascent into power, and his fall expanding empire. His performance was probably one of from it, the film focuses on New Jersey detective Richie the more refreshing things about the film.

Directors and Producers - “American Gangster” was Roberts, portrayed by Russel Crowe. directed by Ridley Scott, famous for directing such films as “Blade Runner,” “Thelma & Louise,” “Alien” and “Gladiator.” Needless to say, Scott showed quite an impressive range and resume', despite some flops along the way.

Upon hearing that “American Gangster” was directed by the same man who directed “Blade Runner,” I was pretty unenthusiastic about this movie. However, when I finally saw it, all of my doubts were erased. Don't get me wrong, I do not think “Blade Runner” is a bad movie, but the man also did “Alien.” Seeing as two of his biggest hits were movies based in the genre of science fiction, I believe my doubts were quite well placed, despite those two films being pretty revolutionary. Aside from directing it, Scott also produced “American Gangster” with the help of Brian Grazer.

Brain's resume' includes executive producing television shows like “24” and “Arrested Development.”

Plot - Regardless of the actors, regardless of the directors and producers, one thing will forever stand out in a movie, at least for me, is the plot. The plot of “American Gangster” is pretty clear-cut, very easy to follow and very easy to immerse yourself into while watching the movie.

Special Features - Some of the special features to be included on the DVD are an extended version of the film, deleted scenes, a documentary about the making of the film and in-depth, behind-the-scenes footage.

The documentary is split into segments. For those who are interested in finding out more about the real life Richie and Frank, and just how truthfully the movie depicts that time, I suggest that you check out the “Tru Blu” segment.

“American Gangster” will be available to rent at your local movie rental store on Feb. 19.

Overall - Overall, “American Gangster” is an entertaining movie. I recommend it to anybody who enjoys gangster movies (I guess that's kind of a given), dramas and http://www.amazon.com crime-oriented movies. However, the film is a source of The latest gangster movie, “American Gangster,” features Russel entertainment that should appease any movie fan who Crowe and Denzel Washington. The DVD is available for purchase enjoys an intriguing storyline.

Nathan White

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

and rental on Feb. 19.

In addition, stereotypes are displayed heavily. For example, the state of Alabama is described as “The Last Remaining Slave State,” and Ireland’s drinking culture is illustrated with a photograph of children standing behind a Guinness Beer Stand instead of a lemonade stand.

The Onion even takes a few jabs at President George W. Bush in this atlas. They show a photograph of him carved into the back of Mount Rushmore, supposedly an illustration of him as a backwards president. Then they make fun of the amount of time he spends vacationing at his ranch in Crawford, Texas, by including a map with the ranch's locations labeled as "Crawford, served as U.S. capital from 2001 - 2009." They even highlight Bush's lack of popularity in affairs about Iraq. They present an illustration of an infamous 2003 speech, which includes a banner with the words "Mission Accomplished" being used as a bandage for an army colonel's midsection.

Despite all of this, “Our Dumb World” does showcase some lighthearted humor, such as the Vatican City with an amusement park ride called “The Golden Chalices Similar to the Mad Tea Party Cup Ride at Disney World" and the famous Stonehenge modeled with scones as “Sconehenge.”

“Our Dumb World” can be best placed into two categories: in poor taste or completely hilarious. Either way, it makes for an adventurous read.

Upcoming Shows Tuesday, Feb. 19 Banana Docks Cafe - Lisa Zanghi Bubble Lounge - Brett LaGrave Metropoliitan Groove - Jon Maddox Wednesday, Feb. 20 Callaghan’s Irish Pub - Phil Proctor Bubble Lounge - Justin Simmons Thursday, Feb. 21 Chemistry - Rising Still Rising Double Olive - Josh Ewing Friday, Feb. 22 Grand Central - Wes Loper Band Soul Kitchen - Az Izz Bilottis - Jim Marshall Jazz Trio T.P. Crockmeir’s - Ruff Water The Pub - Ted Scallan Band Double Olive - Lindsey & Zac Saturday, Feb. 23 Grand Central - Wes Loper Band Bilottis - Jim Armstrong Soul Kitchen - Dave Matthews Tribute Band T.P. Crockmeir’s - Ruff Water The Pub - Bust Double Olive - Lindsey and Zac Sunday, Feb. 24 Callaghan’s Irish Pub - Daddy Long Legs

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February 18, 2008

Sports

John Kenny & David Hopper Sports Editors vanguard@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

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February 18, 2008

Monday Morning QB

Only the begining

Joey Jones named Jaguar head football coach

John Kenny SPORTS EDITOR chevyracin382931@aol.com

Whenever South Alabama started talks about getting a football program started, I was very skeptical. I loved the idea of it, but I was not sure if it would materialize.

One thing after another fell into place and now, here we are, naming our first ever coach for football at South Alabama. The naming of Joey Jones is arguably one of the biggest announcements in the history of sports at South Alabama. Now one question comes to mind: is Jones a good fit?

I say that he is. Jones was born and raised in Mobile, attended Murphy High School and played for Alabama. I say that Jones is a good fit for a number of reasons, one being his local stature.

The fact that Jones is a local guy will add a bit more interest to the program than some other guys would. The community outside of the university is more likely to rally behind one of their own.

The community will want to see him do good. That is important with the tough road that the program still faces.

Getting football was only the start. The biggest obstacle that Jones, the future players and the program in general will face is winning over the city of Mobile.

Mobile has always been a city full of Alabama, Auburn and LSU fans that support the schools’ football programs by traveling hours for the games. USA’s attempts to win over the city that views the Iron Bowl as a national holiday may be futile. However, I am not saying that support will not be generated.

Whenever comparisons about support between Alabama or Auburn to South Alabama are made, people claim that Mobile is not a basketball town. I could kind of see that, except for the fact that Mobilians are also diehard Alabama and Auburn basketball fans. People always say that Mobile is a football town. Well, we shall see how well Mobile will support a Division I football program in a few years.

My fear is this: if South Alabama plays games that coincide with either an Alabama or Auburn game, attendance will be very low. I fear that this will lead to down spirits for the players, recruits will frown upon coming somewhere that does not support the program or we will never go Division I. The “plan” is becoming a Division I team in 2013, but that is only a plan. This goes to the clique, plans change. If through our Division I-AA years the program is poorly supported, what sense would it make to spend the extra money when there is no true return on their investment. It is just good business.

However, I could be completely wrong and this thing prospers.

Do not misinterpret what I am saying, I support this program all the way, I just feel that the area will not be as accepting.

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Ashley Salley / Sports Photographer

Joey Jones (left) President Gordon Moulton (middle) and Athletic Director Joe Gottfried stand on the stage introducing Jones in the Mitchell Center on Friday.

David Hopper SPORTS EDITOR dsh401@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

Former Birmingham-Southern coach Joey Jones has been named the first head football coach of the University of South Alabama. Jones was introduced in a public welcoming ceremony at 11 a.m. on Friday at the Mitchell Center.

President Gordon Moulton took the podium first and provided a brief history of how football came about at USA and thanked many individuals involved in the process. “When the history is written about South Alabama football (SGA president Jennifer Edwards) will deserve a lot of individual credit,” Moulton said. “She worked hard and a lot of other student members were able to bring students together and say ‘Yes, we want football and we will financially support it’” Director of Athletics Joe Gottfried spoke after Moulton. Before introducing Jones, Gottfried talked about the high interest level in the football coaching position at USA, the characteristics they were looking for in a coach and he mentioned Jones’s notable coaching accomplishments.

Jones, a Mobile native, said that “chills ran down his spine” when he first heard in November about the coaching job at South Alabama. “At that point in time I wanted the job at South Alabama. I didn’t know if it would come into fruition or not but here I am standing here,” Jones said before much applause from the several hundred students and fans in attendance. After talking some about what an important day it was for USA and how excited he was to be the first football coach, Jones introduced his wife Elise, sons Joe and Jake and daughter Caroline.

Clad in a suit and wearing a tie with South Alabama’s red and blue colors, Jones added that during the hiring process he saw that USA had a great plan for the football program in place. He talked some about his experience starting a football program at Birmingham-Southern and said that Mobile was a great sports town. “You’ve got a top-knotch Division-I athletic program already in place. Football is going to step in and be a part of that program,” Jones said.

Jones drew a great deal of laughter from the audience after sharing a story about the first game he played in at Alabama. Jones finally got to start against Georgia Tech his sophomore year after four other receivers were injured. Jones said he was very nervous and, to make matters worse, one of the assistant coaches grabbed him by the jersey before the game and told him “Don’t you get me fired today, boy!” “That wasn’t very encouraging,” Jones joked.

Jones’ first duty at the helm is to hire five assistant coaches. He said he will talk to 1012 candidates. The plan is to bring in two more coaches in the fall so there will be a total of seven coaches during the first season with a shortened JV schedule. He will then hire two more in the fall of 2009.

Jones spoke about the characteristics he is looking for in coaches. “They got to represent South Alabama in a first class way.

They have to be great recruiters,” Jones said. “Third thing is being a great football coach. I’m not going to settle for anything less than that. We don’t want any individuals on our staff. We want people that will fight for the team.” Jones then stressed that the assistant coaches must be passionate.

He repeatedly talked about the amount X

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Who is Joey Jones?

David Hopper, John Kenny SPORTS EDITORS vanguard@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

Finally, the elaborate and methodical search for a head football coach at South Alabama has ended with the naming of Mobile native Joey Jones to lead the Jaguars into the uncharted world of college football. Jones comes to USA after heading Birmingham-Southern’s football program for the past two years. Jones’s coaching accolades from his high school days include a record of 125-38 overall over 13 years, including a 10-year stint at Mountain Brook High School with a record of 101-27. Jones led the program to the 1996 Class 6A state championship game, four regional titles and two semifinal appearances.

Jones is a graduate of the University of Alabama, playing under coach Paul Bryant in the early 1980s. Jones ended his career with 71 receptions, 1,386 yards and 15 touchdowns. Jones made the AllSEC team in 1983 as a senior and was named to the All-Decade team for the 1980s. Joey Jones’ teachings that he learned from “The Bear” have influenced his coaching philosophies. But “The Bear” was not the only one to influence his coaching ways.

Jones added to the list of influential people in his life during the welcoming ceremony on Friday. “Philosophy wise I’ll tell you why I coach. I’ve had a lot of people in my life that have influenced my life X

see JONES, page18

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February 18, 2008

Baseball Preview Matt Weaver SPORTS REPORTER punkbrokenlove@aol.com

The University of South Alabama baseball team looks to rebound from a disappointing 2007 season. Steve Kittrell, who carries a 933-533 career record, returns for his 25th season with the Jaguars. He will look to overcome a young team and a demanding schedule in an attempt to make the Jaguar’s first NCAA College World Series appearance.

Last season, a slow start contributed to South Alabama going 31-26. The Jaguars finished the season with a loss to the University of Louisiana-Lafayette in the Sun Belt Conference tournament in Mobile. “It was disappointing,” said Coach Kittrell.

“We had to scramble just to get into our own tournament. Fortunately, at the end of the year, we were a much better club. But overall, we struggled early and dug a hole that we never really found a way out of.”

Due in large part to how last season unfolded, the Jaguars will find themselves in an unfamiliar position. South Alabama has become the underdogs in 2008. During the preseason media sessions, Sun Belt Conference coaches picked South Alabama to finish sixth in the league. “We really see that as a slap to the face,” Kittrell said. “After all of the seasons that we have dominated this conference that prediction seems unjustified.”

In order to return to the dominant form that the Jaguars are used to playing at, South Alabama will have to defeat the projected Sun Belt champions ULL. “LouisianaLafayette returns most of their core,” Kittrell said. “Their staff did a great job in building that program within postK atrina

Louisiana.

They’ll enter as the favorites, but it is our job to go in there and knock them off.” Other key Sun Belt series include a three-game series against a loaded New Orleans squad on March 21-23, and a set against in-state rival Troy during the last weekend of the regular season.

As in years past, the Jaguars will also face a tough non-conference schedule. South Alabama will

Vanguard Archives

Jaguar senior outfielder Clint Toomey at the plate against Auburn at Eddie Stanky Field last spring. Toomey and the Jags ended their 2007 season 31-26.

face Arizona, Notre Dame. And Texas A&M-Corpus Christi during the weekend of March 7th. In addition, USA will also face a slew of SEC competitors including Auburn (April 16th), Alabama (Apr. 23rd) and Mississippi State (March 1516).

Coach Kittrell will also command a young team as he lost a few of last season's talent to the Major League draft. Jeff Cunningham, Joel Collins and Joey Doan signed pro contracts last year.

Cunningham carried the team last season, breaking the school record for home runs in a season by hitting 22 dingers and batting .328.

Collins leaves USA with both the single season hit-by-pitch record of 22 and the career hit-by-pitch record of 47.

He hit .335 with 10 home runs last season. Doan’s best season as a Jaguar came in 2006, when he set career-highs in wins (6), complete games (4) and strikeouts (50).

Even with a y o u n g t e a m , Kittrell feels

the Jaguars have the nucleus needed to compete. “This group has shown some leadership,” Kittrell explained. “I think this lineup should have different heroes on different days, and obviously be consistent 1-9.”

Nevertheless, look for offensive leadership to come from juniors David Doss and Ryan Bohanan, as well as senior Clint Toomey.

Toomey anchored the defense for the Jaguars outfield last season committing only two errors while fielding .998 and batting

.356. Doss is slated to be the opening day catcher after batting .365 with 8 homeruns last season as a third baseman. Bohanan, a junior transfer from Butler Community College, should get considerable time within the Jaguar lineup.

The rotation will be a competition among numerous players during the practice sessions before the start of the season. “Well we X

see PREVIEW, page 18

Players to Watch David Doss Catcher Junior Batting Average: .357 Hits: 85 Runs: 52

Chris LaGrow Pitcher Sophmoe Saves: 8 Strikeouts: 28

Clint Toomey Outfielder Senior Batting Average: .356 Hits:74 Fielding Percentage: .967

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Jags lose to MTSU, stomp FAU Tiffany Griffin, Matt Weaver VANGUARD STAFF vanguard@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

USA 91, FAU 74 Numbers don’t lie, and the South Alabama men’s basketball team fought to see it stay that way on Homecoming Saturday night at the Mitchell Center.

Head coach Ronnie Arrow entered Saturday afternoon with a 23-1 record the past 3 years following a loss. Make that 24 after the Jaguars disposed of Florida Atlantic (12-15, 6-8) 91-74 in front of 8,262 ravenous fans.

Ronald Douglas scored 23 points and had eight rebounds in the victory that allowed the Jaguars to stay a half game behind Western Kentucky for the Sun Belt Conference lead.

“Ronald is such a strong athlete, that it is really hard to keep him off the board, getting tips and things like that,” said Coach Arrow. “And what most people didn’t know was that he did all of that with a semi-sprained ankle.”

South Alabama started slowly, trailing by as many as eight points in the first couple minutes after Florida Atlantic’s Jeff Parmer connected with a couple of 3pointers. Douglas kept the Jaguars close, scoring 16 in the first half alone.

With the Jaguars down 20-17, South Alabama went on an 8-0 run to open a five-point advantage. A thunderous applause followed each time the home team went of a run. South Alabama and Florida Atlantic traded the lead before set-

tling on a 41-38 lead at halftime.

The Owls kept things close over the majority of the second half not allowing the Jaguars to pull away to a double digit lead. After pulling to a 55-47 lead, the Jaguars would keep the game no closer than eight points.

The Jaguars would pull away in the final three minutes after an 8-0 run fueled

by Douglas, DeAndre Coleman, and Daniel Hayles. South Alabama spent the remainder of their possessions largely playing keep away until the final buzzer.

Hayles provided some spark off the bench adding 8 points, 8 assists and 5 key steals. “We had a lot of guys step up,” Demetric Bennett said. “But Daniel (Hayles) was out there doing a full court press by himself. He was all over the floor and that really got us going.”

Bennett scored 20 points just one game removed from suffering limited playing time due to a thumb injury. Tilford and Coleman also ranked in double digit scoring.

With the win, South Alabama improves to 21-5 (13-2, SBC) and have won 14 consecutive home games. The Jaguars also clinched a top-three seed and first-round bye for the Mobile hosted conference tournament.

The Jaguars will return to action Thursday night at Bowling Green, KY in the much anticipated match up against Western Kentucky.

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Ashley Salley / Sports Photographer

Dominic Tilford protecting the ball as he challenges the FAU players Saturday night.

Lady Jags bash FAU, rolled by MTSU Tiffany Griffin, Matt Weaver VANGUARD STAFF vanguard@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

Ashley Salley / Sports Photographer

Junior Karina Sproul looking for an open player in USA’s Homecoming win over FAU on Saturay night.

USA 65, FAU 39 The South Alabama women’s basketball team bounced back from a tough loss on Saturday afternoon by defeating the University of Florida Atlantic 65-39. The Lady Jags move to 17-9 (8-7 SBC).

“I’m really pleased with how well we bounced back after Thursday night,” South Alabama head coach Rick Pietri said. “Less than 48 hours after a very disappointing finish, our whole team really came juiced and ready to play. I’m really proud of our team. It was a complete effort by everyone.”

USA controlled the turnover game scoring 24 points off of 22 switched possessions. “The points off turnovers were critical because they kept the momentum in our favor throughout the game,” Pietri said.

The Jaguars used a 13-4 run to escape from a game that was closely contested early in the first half. Florida Atlantic used numerous runs to cut the deficit but would get no closer than ten points late in the first. The Jaguars entered halftime with a 38-23 lead.

Shakira Nettles started a 13-5 run early in the second that sealed the game for the Jaguars. Florida Atlantic failed to make a run late in the game, recording just one field goal on 10 attempts and four

turnovers. This ensured that the Jaguars could simply cruise to the 26 point victory. .

MTSU 66, USA 46 On Thursday night theLady Jags fell hard to Middle Tennessee, 66-46 while on the road in Murfreesboro, Tenn.

Nettles led Lady Jag with 12 points.

The Blue Raiders opened the game by snapping off the first four points within the first couple minutes of the contest.

The Lady Jaguars answered with an 11-0 run over the next four minutes to take an early advantage. Holt gave the Blue Raiders the upper hand 19-18 at the 7:12 mark.

Middle Tennessee had the advantage 23-20 with just over four minutes left in the opening half when Nettles ignited a 10-2 run for the Lady Jags to end the half with a 30-25 advantage.

MTSU regained the advantage during the second half, 37-36, following a trey early on. The score was knotted up at 41-41 with just over 11 minutes left and the Blue Raiders took control, clawing off 17 unanswered points. Middle Tennessee led the clubs 58-41 with four minutes remaining. South Alabama did not score over a nine minute stretch.

The Jaguars return to action Wednesday night at Bowling Green, KY to face Western Kentucky

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from page 15

in a positive way. This is why I do what I do.

When I was a young boy and my father died my mother had to take over. And you talk about an encouraging person. My mother was the first one at the games cheering for me. (She was) a really encouraging lady. I learned to be an encourager.”

“I want to mention Steve Rogers. I was running around in the parking lot and everyone was chasing me and nobody could catch me and he came over and said ‘you want to play some football, boy’. Steve Rogers came to me in my life at a time when I needed somebody in my life from a manly perspective and I felt like he was the man that I didn’t have with my father dying. He taught us mental toughness. Coach Bryant made you earn things, he didn’t give you anything. I always remember that when I coach players.

I’m going to make them earn their stripes.

You got to make them earn things.”

Coach Jones plans to immerse himself and his future coaching staff in the community to make the Mobile area a South Alabama football community. “We’re going to lock down this area. We’re going to make it hard on (the players) to leave. We’re going to get to know these kids and their parents early so when they leave Mobile it’s going to be tough on them. That’s our goal - to lock down this area. We want to draw 150 mile radius. We’re going to work on transfers, JUCO players, that fit this school. The best area for talent is if you take I-10, you’ll find the best players there are in the Southeast. If you go from Baton Rouge and you start working east to South Mississippi, Mobile, Pensacola, all the way down to Panama City there’s a lot of players in that area alone, not counting the surrounding areas and the 150

mile radius around that. I always felt like it would be a great area for recruiting,” When asked about his style of play that he will coach, Jones replied, “Everyone is running the spread offense. We were one of the first offenses to start doing that. I think it really depends on the quarterback. Option style out of the shotgun has been real intriguing. Pat White at West Virginia does it. A lot of schools are starting to have those type quarterbacks. Defensively, I like the 3-4 scheme but I’m not stuck on that.”

In the midst of all of the craziness of the announcement, Jones was able to briefly elaborate on what he had learned from coaching at Birmingham-Southern as well as comparing the two plans, “They (USA) have a great plan set up. Some of the things when I got (to Birmingham-Southern), there was no plans for facilities. There was no plans for pretty much anything, they kind of threw it together. Here there’s a great plan set up. I don’t have to worry about where the facilities will be. I think hiring a great staff early, like last time I waited on a couple coaches because they were coaching somewhere else so we kind of had a half-force so to speak. But now we’ll bring in these five early and get to work. (At BirminghamSouthern) we went straight into varsity competition, here we’ll bring in older kids hopefully transfer wise and have a shortened schedule where we can have some success. I think that’s key because you don’t want to throw a bunch of freshman out there with seniors.”

Jones had a closing statement for the crowd, “I want to say that I am very thankful to be here. I am very humbled to be here.

I really feel like this is a great opportunity for me and my family and for South Alabama. I am looking forward to the days ahead.”

vanguard@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

Women’s Tennis improves to 4-0

The USA women’s tennis won its fourth straight match of the season on Feb. 15 when they defeated SBC foe LouisianaMonroe 6-1. After forfeiting one of the doubles matches due to injuries, USA dominated the other two matches to take the point for doubles. Sylvanie Spangenberg and Adrianna Solarova won 8-1, while Erica Krisan and Michaela Babicova won their match 8-4. In singles, South Alabama won five of the six matches in straight sets. USA is 4-0 on the season and ranked 57th in the country.

Mens Tennis lose in tough match at MSU

USA men’s tennis dropped a 4-3 match against Mississippi State on Feb 17. The Jags lost in doubles 2-1 after Jack Baker and Marek Sramek lost 8-5, R.J. Nagel and Robert Hodel won 8-5, and USA defaulted the third spot giving up the doubles point.

Sramek, Nagel, and Baker won in singles giving the Jags three total points, but it was not enough to beat MSU’s four. USA will welcome Stetson to the South Alabama campus on Feb.22.

Softball goes 2-0 in Panther Spring Classic

The USA softball team used early scoring to have a perfect record at the Panther Spring Classic in Birmingham, Ala on Feb 16.

Football X

from page15

of interest he has received from coaches wanting to be a part of the South Alabama football program. “I’ve had coaches call me like you don’t understand in the last three days,” Jones said. “I’ve had to charge my phone up three times a day. I’m getting calls left and right.”

Near the end of his talk, Jones returned to the subject of recruiting players. “I think the connections we have around this state are vital. I will bring in coaches that already have recruited in these areas,” Jones said.

“We’re going to lock down this area.”

After his speech, Jones fielded several questions from the audience. When asked whether he was using the job at USA as a stepping stone to a position elsewhere,

Jones replied, “No, deep down in my heart I can see myself staying here for the rest of my life. I think if we can get things going and get things going in the right way, I would want to be here as long as you would have me.”

After the welcoming ceremony was over, Edwards expressed how pleased she was to see a head coach for the football program.

“It’s a great day. I’m excited. I know a lot of our students are excited,” Edwards said.

Edwards added that she knew the process of starting football, which started back in September, would materialize fairly quickly with the support of Moulton. “President Moulton is so good about when he makes up his mind and he knows something right, he does it and he does it right. (Moulton) has done a really great job with everything.”

Ashley Salley / Sports Photographer

SGA President Jennifer Edwards presents Joey Jones with a football signed by the student leaders.

STAFF REPORTS Staff Reports

February 18, 2008

South Alabama defeated Lipscomb in the Jag’s second game at BSC softball Park on Saturday.

The Lady Jaguars took an early lead after a Tara Donaldson RBI double in the bottom of the first. The game was tied at one run apiece after the fourth, but the Jags took the lead back in the fifth. Jenny Stevens, Autumn Hudson, and Donaldson each singled loading the bases. Fisher got an infield single before Corey Race reached on an error, each scoring a run, giving the Jags a 31 lead. Pitcher Amanda Leggett only gave up two hits in five innings, while Donaldson hit the best, going three for three with two doubles.

South Alabama’s first game in the tournament was a 7-0 win over Birmingham Southern.

The Lady Jags started hitting the ball early. In the first inning, Fallon Fisher hit a three-run home run to give the Jags the early lead. South Alabama added another run in the bottom of the third after Donaldson hit a line drive RBI double to right field.

Catcher Kristen Hayes added another with a double in the sixth, which gave USA a 5-0 lead. USA added two more later to end the game with a seven point win. Starting pitcher Beth Pilgrim pitched a complete game shutout, while striking out seven Lady Lion batters. Fisher ended the day batting three for three with four RBI’s.

South Alabama improved to 3-4 on the season and will host Auburn University on Feb. 20 before traveling to Stetson University in Deland, Florida to play in The Hatter Invitational on Feb. 23 and 24.

Compiled by: Staff Reporter T.R. Risner

Preview X

from page 16

have two impressive guys at the top of the rotation that we’re impressed with,” Kittrell said. “Lance Baxter beat Alabama last year and turned some heads, and Kevin Nabors can be that guy who is the stopper.”

If South Alabama has an established veteran pitcher, Nabors fills that role. The senior starter went 3-1 in five starts, establishing a 4.67 ERA. Baxter, a junior, went 4-3 last season with a 4.84 ERA with

Men’s SBC Standings East Division

numerous surprise wins including his win over the Crimson Tide. “We don’t have anything set definitely yet,” Kittrell said.

“But we have a plan for the first few games of the season and we’ll let things sort themselves out.”

Even with the young squad, coach Kittrell expects great things for fans and students alike. “We have a beautiful complex, a brand new scoreboard and an outstanding bunch of guys that are going to play hard and be exciting to watch.” The Jaguars open play Feb. 22 against Fairfield at Stanky Field.

Women’s SBC Standings East Division

Western Kentucky

21-5

(13-1)

Western Kentucky

19-7

(12-2)

South Alabama

21-5

(13-2)

Middle Tennessee

16-10

(11-4)

Middle Tennessee

12-13

(9-6)

Florida Int’l

12-13

(8-6)

Florida Atlantic

11-15

(6-8)

South Alabama

17-9

(8-7)

8-16

(5-9)

Troy

10-16 (3-12)

Florida Atlantic

5-18

Florida Int’l Troy

10-16 (3-12)

West Division

(1-13)

West Division

Louisiana-Lafayette

12-13

(7-5)

Arkansas State

16-10 (11-4)

New Orleans

17-9

(7-5)

Louisiana-Monroe

16-9

(9-5)

Denver

11-14

(6-6)

UALR

18-7

(10-4)

UALR

15-10

(5-7)

North Texas

13-13

(8-6)

North Texas

16-9

(5-7)

New Orleans

12-13

(6-8)

Louisiana-Monroe

10-16 (4-10)

Denver

10-15

(5-9)

Louisiana-Lafayette

5-20

(1-13)

Arkansas State

9-17 (4-11)

Opinion

Matt Flanagan Opinion Editor pufferfishx@gmail.com

The

Vanguard

February 18, 2008

OUR VIEW

Reflecting on the exciting week of Homecoming 2008

H

OMECOMING 2008 WAS a more successful week than it has seen over the past few years. During the course of Homecoming week, more events occurred than usual.

Along with spirit day, the window painting competition, the sheet sign competition and many more, there was the Bell Tower and Alumni Plaza groundbreaking ceremony, the crowning of Homecoming king and queen and arguably the biggest event of all: the naming of our first-ever head football coach, Joey Jones.

Students have been anticipating the naming of the coach ever since the board of trustees officially approved NCAA Football at their Dec. 9, 2007 meeting. Finally, the official announcement came last Friday.

Jones was introduced to the students at the men’s basketball game during halftime Feb. 16. The crowd gave Jones a standing ovation in excitement as they were told who their coach is.

We are excited to finally have a coach and cannot wait to get started recruiting the best players.

Along with the coach, the Homecoming king and queen were named. Them being Whitney Turberville and Ben Harris, they will proudly represent the University as our royal court.

Holly Peek and Brandon Taylor, 2007’s Homecoming king and queen, gave the honor to this year’s winners.

The shocked faces of Turberville and Harris made the event even better as the crowd was excited for them.

I don’t think we could have picked a better king and queen to represent USA. The Bell Tower groundbreaking ceremony was held Feb. 16 just an hour before the game.

Many USA representatives such as USA President Gordon Moulton, Dr. Joseph Busta, director of development and alumni relations, and several board of trustees spoke about the excitement of having a Bell Tower that will represent the University. As they unveiled the 50-foot poster of what the Bell Tower will look like, a fireworks display shot off in the air.

This couldn’t have started the

evening off any better.

The crowd was in awe as the surprise of the display was shown. Not many crowd members knew this was going to occur.

The USA Pep Band played as the fireworks were going on. Students walked by toward the Mitchell Center to the game and joined in on the celebration.

The new Bell Tower will be a place for students or anyone to gather for events related to the school or outside of campus such as weddings, receptions and others of the like. There will also be a “Wall of Honor” for those that become lifetime members of the Alumni Association and to those who have been an integral part of the University.

Having this Bell Tower is a great way to have identity toward our school. We don’t have a landmark representing our school, and this is the best way to show it. Portals at the entrances of the campus will also add to the beautification project.

The distinguished alumni dinner took place the evening of Feb. 15.

Alabama’s Governor Bob Riley and Mobile Mayor Sam Jones were recognized and honored by getting the Distinguished Service Award for all they do for the University. Both Riley and Jones are on the board of trustees and were involved with the voting process of getting a football program here at USA. Not only have they shown support for the University, but showed a huge support for students for voting yes at the board of trustees meeting Dec. 3, 2007.

It was a big and exciting week for students, faculty, staff and alumni for all the events on campus. From the crowning of Homecoming king and queen to naming our football coach and the unveiling of the Bell Tower, it has been the most successful and thrilling week USA has seen during Homecoming.

It would be hard to top off this one, but I’m sure there will be more surprises and good things coming our way. It truly is a great time to be a student at the University of South Alabama.

Your opinion matters.

Write a letter to the editor.

The

Vanguard

19

Project Chanology ensues An Internet-based group going by the moniker of majority of Scientologists themselves are unaware “Anonymous” has declared war on the controversial of the full meaning of Scientology and that this Church of Scientology, stating that their intention is knowledge is possessed by a privileged few. to erase the church's presence from the Internet.

Honestly, if it had not been for a friend bringing Anonymous is allegedly the same group that shut this issue to my attention earlier this week, down http://www.scientology.org, Scientology’s Scientology probably would have never crossed my official Web site, along with several other mind; I have my own religious affiliation to occupy Scientology-related Web sites last week. my time. I do admit I am reluctant to believe a “reliAnonymous’ goals include the safeguarding of gion” founded by science-fiction writer L. Ron the freedom of speech on the Internet, which they Hubbard, a frequent drug user and alcoholic, to be claim the Church of Scientology suppresses in authentic. Hubbard apparently wrote in an official regard to its opponents. According to Harvard Law letter to church employees: “Make money. Make School professor Jonathan Zittrain, “They (the more money. Make others produce so as to make Church of Scientology) have money ... However you get them very well-honed procedures and in or why, just do it. Make sure tactics to remove information that lots of bodies move through Michael Winters the shop.” Certainly, these are that they find objectionable.” So, of course, a Scientology very damning words that do not Staff Writer spokesperson has refuted all of help paint a picture of the Anonymous’ claims. church as anything other than Beginning Feb. 10, the group what Anonymous claims. planned to protest Scientology And since it has been proven in many major cities across the world, including that what the controversial “Trapped in the Closet” New York City, Los Angeles, Vancouver, London episode of South Park depicted is indeed official and Paris. They have continued to attack the church Church of Scientology dogma, my doubts are even by non-violent and legal means, including convinc- greater. If Scientology really is only a huge scheme ing the IRS to investigate its tax-exempt status. to extort large amounts of money from its memAnonymous believes they can dismantle the bers, then I agree with Anonymous: The Church of church itself by removing its presence from the Scientology must be destroyed with the same intenInternet. Project Chanology, authored by sity of the mighty Xenu's hydrogen bombs (Xenu, Anonymous, outlines the group's overall aim to according to L. Ron Hubbard, is the alien tyrant bring down the Church of Scientology. who, 75 million years ago, transported billions of Sadly, no one is privy to the big picture regarding his people to Earth in a DC-8-like spacecraft, either side of this debacle. Anonymous’ intent, placed them around volcanoes and killed them despite what they say, may be as malicious as they using hydrogen bombs). claim the church’s to be. Who really knows?

But, in all seriousness, I wonder what Tom Cruise Perhaps it is true, as has been said before, that the thinks about all this?

The writer’s strike is over

Everyone can take a deep breath and go take a ed election is front and center in many people’s livseat back on his or her respective couches. The ing rooms and fills the void “Desperate writer’s strike is over.

Housewives” leaves.

It began Nov. 5, and after a hundred protestsAlso, the Internet keeps becoming a more prevaand picket-line-filled days, the Writer’s Guild of lent form of pastime as sites like YouTube are readAmerica has voted to end the strike. It’s a good ily available to gratify your need for entertainment. thing. We were dangerously close to the cancellaThe strike did have far-reaching effects beyond tion of the Academy Awards. Oh, the horror! Is it what we might think about. I am not concerned just me or is the resuming of network television just with an actor sitting around in his seven-bedroom not that groundbreaking? house having a relaxing hiatus while this mess blows When I first heard about the strike, I was pretty over - but rather all the other people whose livelibummed. I am an avid “24” watcher, and I could- hoods depends on the production of these shows: n’t wait to see what was in store for Jack Bauer’s Hair stylists, make-up artists, stage hands, etc., were next agonizing day or how Jim and Pam’s office all in a state of limbo, and some were forced to find romance was going. other work while the studios and writers feuded.

However, after a couple of Jack Kyser, who is a chief weeks, I completely forgot about economist for the L.A. Economic my weekly rituals of putting off Development Corp., estimates homework and silencing my Jennifer Horton that around $3.2 billion in revphone as I prepared for comenue has been lost by the econoplete, undisturbed network capmy of Los Angeles County.

Staff Writer tivation. There are so many One thing the strike did bring more mediums of entertainto light, however, is how lost ment that I don’t think someHollywood is without their writthing like this affects us as it might have in the past. ers. I didn’t really think about it when watching First, the networks had a little bit of cushioning, as shows like Jay Leno and Conan O’ Brian, but a there were new episodes of certain shows and good portion of what makes those shows interesting movies that came in handy during this creative to watch are not on the stage but behind the scenes. crunch. A mass of popular reality shows continued What astonishes me even more are the dilemmas of to air. as well as a few new ones being put in the award shows without the use of writers. Are you works. Just what we need, right? But people were telling me these programs use writers and are still content to watch hopefuls wrestle gladiators or peo- that boring? It just goes to show that some of these ple trying to lose the most unwanted pounds. Sadly, things we believe are impromptu displays are mereI too am in this category, although my vice is watch- ly scripted acts to show us how “real” actors and ing optimistic designers’ dreams crushed as Heidi actresses are. But I am not going to put on a selfKlum gives them the “auf wiedersehen.” righteous front. I am glad the strike is finished, and Secondly, I think there is an increased interest in I will be waiting with much excitement for the next keeping up with current events. A highly anticipat- season of “24.”

20

The

Vanguard

February 18, 2008

POINT COUNTERPOINT Does the media reflect or dictate society?

Bias is a concrete obstacle for journalists Susan Pruitt STAFF WRITER msp501@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

Claims of media bias in the United States include those of liberal bias, conservative bias, mainstream bias and corporate bias. Liberal or conservative bias often results from the principles and ideas that influence the coverage and selection of news stories. According to an article from Wikepedia, the pressure to create a stable, profitable business may also distort the kinds of news items reported, as well as the manner and emphasis in which they are reported. Media coverage is often profit-driven for high numbers of viewers, which may cause media to lean towards entertaining their viewers instead of reporting and analyzing serious news.

In my opinion, I believe the media is often influenced by the bias of the station or the reporter, as well as the pressure to uphold a desired view of the world.

Kathleen Jamieson claims that most television news stories fit into one of five categories: appearance versus reality, little guys versus big guys, good versus evil, efficiency versus inefficiency, and unique and bizarre events versus ordinary events.

According to Jamieson, the media has a tendency towards an unrealistic black/white mentality, simplifying the world into “comfortingly easily understood opposites.”

It seems that one of the most evident current news stories receiving media bias involves coverage of the on-going presidential election. Americans are dependent upon the media for information regarding politics; yet, coverage of elections often avoids the real complex issues.

Instead, the media seems to focus on short sound bites, mistakes by candidates

The media is biased, but so are people

and scandals to construct a view of the Matt Flanagan OPINION EDITOR election and each candidate. Modern pufferfishx@gmail.com critic Hudson claims that “modern campaigns are exercises in image manipulaThe aim of the media, as we undertion.” stand it, is to inform the public of events.

CNN News displays an article regardWhether these be big or small events, ing the sexism and racism surrounding important or mundane events, the media Clinton and Obama, while Fox News is simply there to point the camera and highlights the supposed internal struggles microphone at the source of the commoof Clinton’s campaign. CBS News and tion (or lack thereof) and ask questions in ABC News seem to an effort to gain focus primarily on demanswers. ocratic news stories as It’s a simple, straightwell. Although, all the forward task that ends sites contain candidate up being arguably the profiles, it is not hard to most important job in see the subtle entrance the world. of media bias and With such responsibilimage manipulation. ity, society finds it imporAlso, consider the tant to adhere journalists war in Iraq and the and editors to the highmedia coverage surest of standards: perfecrounding the decisions tion. Or, if not “perfecof our political leaders. tion” in the purest sense, The media tends to septhen the closest form of arate the actions of our objectivity known to leaders into good and mankind, which, to me, bad. However, we all seems like an impossible http://thinktrain.net/ feat. Of course, I don’t know that the difficult decisions that our politi- The media has been criticized for holding think anyone in the pubcal leaders make are far any number of biases in their coverage of lic is foolhardy enough more complex and con- events. to think that perfection sist of many pros and is a possible state for cons. Often, the media humans to achieve; and advantage of hindsight when reporting if he or she did think that, well, he or she the effects of these decisions can cause an might better grasp the arduous task of a unrealistic black-and-white defining of journalist’s everyday responsibility, albeit the situations without considering the in a somewhat misguided fashion. complexities present in reality. This type Here’s a social equation for you: If of reporting in which everything in life people are biased, yet people control the consists of clear-cut lines between two media and everything that comes from separate extremes often leads to the the media, does that also mean that the X see BIAS, page 23 media and its information is, by its very

nature, biased?

I think it does.

Adding to that assumption, if the majority of people who own a certain form of media (say a syndicate or a newspaper for example) are biased in a certain way, does that also mean that this form of media is biased in that way?

I think this also holds true. Certainly there are exceptions to this rule; no rules are perfect, either.

But I believe that the point of the news is not so much objectifying the truth in a way that makes it accessible and meaningful to every person, but to exchange words with the public in an effort to better our understanding about the universe and ourselves.

So, in regard to whether or not the media is a reflection of society or a discourse on society, I find that either fact holds true: the media acts as a reflection of society in that it reports important events that affect the world around us, even though this reporting is biased toward what events are covered.

The bias also carries over into the argument that the media acts as dictator of information: It’s biased a certain way each time you hear or read a report - a number of factors go into the reason for what report you hear/read and the way in which the report is presented to you, and these reasons determine the report’s relevance.

So why complain about a media syndicate’s bias toward a subject when humans are not capable of perfection? The ethics of journalism don’t call for perfection in its purest form; they call for persistence in discovering the truth about something.

That’s what makes the difference.

Question of the week: If you could improve one thing about student life, what would it be?

“The library closes too early. I’d lengthen the hours.”

“I would improve the lighting around the campus paths.”

Lillian Oola Ajok Junior Resource Management April Haven Junior Biology

“I would stress programs that improve cross-cultural communicaton.”

“There aren’t nearly enough parking spaces on campus for the volume of students.”

Dion Campbell Graduate Student Communications Joseph Hofman Junior Nursing

The

February 18, 2008

Dinner X

from page 4

football program and the cancer research center, being able to receive this award makes it even more special,” Riley said.

Thomas Corcoran served as president of Fort Dodge Animal Health, a pharmaceuticals and health care company, which is now a $1 billion global veterinary medicine business. Corcoran also received the Animal Pharm Lifetime Achievement Award and the Banfield Industry Leadership Award in 2007. That same year, the Corcorans established the Corcoran Scholar-Athlete Endowed Scholarship at USA. Harris earned his Bachelor of Science in nursing from USA in 1979. He now serves as program director for nursing leadership development at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Washington, D.C. He also provides nursing program consultations for many colleges, including USA. Robin Hurst has been instrumental in encouraging the students at USA into the engineering field through the Alabama Power scholarship. Since beginning his career in 1970, Hurst has demonstrated national leadership as chairman of the Power Delivery and Markets Sector Council of the Electric Power Research Institute. He is also on the University of South Alabama Engineering Council.

Homecoming X

from page 7

In the queen’s court, the fourth runner up was Emily Roberts.

Roberts is from Mobile and was sponsored by the Alpha Epsilon Delta Pre-Med Honor Society. She is a biomedical science major.

Roberts is a member of the Chi Omega sorority, the Bio-Medical Science Society, Alpha Epsilon Delta Pre-Med Honor Society and is a part of the Who’s Who among American Colleges and Universities.

Third runner up was Fenicia “Munchie” Sewer.

Sewer is from Grand Bay, Ala. and was sponsored by the African-American Student Association. She is a nursing major at the College of Nursing.

Sewer is a member of Women of Excellence, Sigma Gamma Rho sorority and the National Pan-Hellenic Council.

After graduation, Sewer plans to work in a hospital for a year, and then become a traveling nurse.

Second runner up was Kelly Keith.

TOMS X

from page 8

dren’s sizes are available.

TOMS are available at http://www.tomsshoes.com and stores such as Urban Outfitters, Scoop NYC, Macy’s and Bloomingdales. If you want to provide a pair of shoes for a child in need, but do not necessarily need another pair of shoes yourself, TOMS also sells T-shirts and hats.

When you purchase any of these items from the site, a pair of shoes is donated - one for one, shoe for shoe.

The musical band Hanson has recently partnered with TOMS - you may remember a catchy little song called “Mmmbop” from about decade ago. The band released an album titled “The Walk,” which they recorded in South Africa in 2006. Their first single “The Great Divide” is available for download on iTunes, and all proceeds go toward the fight against AIDS in Africa.

Hanson recorded most of their album with

Vanguard Bruce McCrory is co-owner of the Kiker Corporation of Mobile. He was an instrumental alumni leader in the recent campaign to build the Joseph and Rebecca Mitchell Learning Resource Center at the Mitchell College of Business. He serves on the College of Arts and Sciences’ Dean’s Leadership Council and the Mitchell College of Business Advisory Board.

Dr. Steven Stokes was elected chairman of the USA board of trustees in 2006. He completed his medical degree at USA and opened a thriving oncology clinic in Dothan, Ala. He and his wife made the largest gift to USA, a $2 million gift to be used toward scholarships in creative writing and for the College of Medicine. The recent donations bring their total gifts to $2.42 million to the University.

“I was very excited and shocked to find out I won this,” Stokes said. “I mean, usually these awards go to people like CEOs.” Some sponsors for the program include Alabama Power Co., ARAMARK and AT&T, Liberty Mutual, US Bank, Marsh Affinity Services and Southern Earth Sciences. \ Nominations for continuing programs honoring alumni and service award recipients may be made by person or via nomination form to the office of alumni relations.

Keith is from Montgomery, Ala. and was sponsored by Phi Mu sorority. She is a public relations major in the communications department and is the public relations chair for Students Today, Alumni Tomorrow.

She is the SGA public relations committee chair, the Relay for Life Collegiate public relations chair and a member of Colleges against Cancer. She plans to attend law school after graduation.

First runner up was Sally Jarvis.

Jarvis is from Mobile and was sponsored by the Student Government Association. She is the SGA attorney general and is a history major.

Jarvis is a member of the Alpha Omicron Pi sorority, Mortar Board Senior Honor Society, Catholic Student Association and Freshman Advisory Board.

Jarvis plans to attend graduate school for a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration.

The student body voted online for Homecoming queen and king weeks prior to the announcement. Students could vote up to five candidates and voted anonymously. choirs in Africa and had already been to Africa many times trying to raise awareness.

The band joined Mycoskie and TOMS in November for the 2007 shoe drop in Africa, where they placed 50,000 pairs of shoes on kids’ feet.

“We fell in love with South Africa after visiting there a bit back," said Taylor Hanson, 24. "The people are so generous and giving. It was difficult not to fall in love with them and their beautiful country."

During Hanson’s tour this fall, they sold TOMS at each show. TOMS and Hanson also came up with the idea that at each show on the tour, they would gather all of their fans and take a one mile walk around the city—barefoot. So far, Hanson has walked 45 miles barefoot with their fans with many more miles to come this spring.

The idea is to help raise awareness about what it is like to not have shoes and to know that you can help someone in this predicament by purchasing a pair of TOMS.

Jags X

from page 17

MTSU 76, USA 70 The University of South Alabama men’s basketball team took a hard fall on the road to Middle Tennessee with a final score of 76-70. MTSU never trailed on their road to defeat the Jags Thursday night at the Murphy Center.

Daon Merritt led four Jaguars in double figures with 16 points. DeAndre Coleman scored 13 points and a teamhigh six rebounds, while Ronald Douglas and Brandon Davis each had 12 points respectively. Demetric Bennett, USA's leading scorer, was unable to hit double figures for only the second time all season with nine points.

The Blue Raiders had the advantage by as many as 16 points during the first half. Middle Tennessee went on to reel off seven unanswered points for an 11-2 advantage early on.

The Blue Raiders held to a sixteen point lead, 32-16, with 6:24 remaining in the half and the clubs hit the locker rooms at the midpoint with the Blue Raiders leading 43-29.

South Alabama attempted to mount a rally on three separate occasions during the second half, but Middle Tennessee had the answer each time. The Jags fell behind 16 points again, 57-41 with 15:07 remaining in regulation. South Alabama snapped off 12 unanswered points throughout the next four minutes to cut the deficit by four points, 57-53.

However, the Blue Raiders responded by pushing the margin out by seven, 62-55.

South Alabama clawed their way back from the bottom of the barrel to elimi-

21 nate the deficit by three, 64-61, but five straight Blue Raider points made the score 69-61 with 5:53 remaining. Despite the Jags efforts, they were unsuccessful over turning their deficit, and Middle Tennessee went on to take the game 7670.

Marzieh K. Atigh / Staff Photographer

Ronald Douglas scores two of his career high 23 points in Jags rout of Florida Atlantic 91-74.

22

The

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February 18, 2008

23

The

Vanguard

February 18, 2008

Begining

Bias X

X

from page 20

polarization of opinions. These opinions may vary between news stations, depending on the views upheld by the station and the reporters presenting the news.

In essence, the media will always tend to reflect the ideas and principles of those presenting the news. It may even go so far as to attempt to construct a particular view of our world and influence the way we act and think. We should learn to be astute viewers who test the information we are presented and search for the truth regarding all aspects of the events reported in the news, while striving to see through the shroud of media bias. We should realize the complexities of reality and resist becoming confined to the black-and-white view of the world that the media so often persuades us to accept. The media is not the absolute source of truth.

Career X

from page 6

They also offer tools and coordinating services in hopes to help students better prepare for the expo, other job fairs and respective careers.

The Career Services coordinators encourage students to utilize the services year-round.

"I would recommend that the student make an appointment with a career advisor or a Career Services coordinator to discuss their specific career challenge, Christine Edmiston,” a Career Services coordinator, said. “If a student is undecided on what they want to major in, it would be beneficial for them to complete one of Career Services’ career assessment tools."

This event is open for all types of majors, especially engineering and business

from page 15

Mobile has a population of roughly half a million people, all that we would need is a fraction of that to display a promising support for the program as Ladd-Peebles Stadium seats only 40,000. Nationwide, our program has gained a lot of exposure as universities such as Navy and Tennessee have looked into having us come to their place to play. Navy is even willing to have a home and home deal, this means that if we play there, they play us here in Mobile. Possibilities this early into the program are promising for the potential teams we could face and could serve as leverage for

fields. Employers will set up on-campus interviews as well as some on their own time at a later date with students who might be possible employees.

Career advisers will be available in the Career Services office all next week to help students prepare for the expo and remind participants to dress and act professionally, to bring a few copies of a resume and to hold themselves with poise and confidence as they sell themselves to representatives who could be their future employers.

"The whole point of the Expo is to allow students to get their names out there,” said Nicole Schultz, another Career Services coordinator. “First impressions are important."

Students can access a list of employers participating in the expo at http://www.southalabama.edu/careerservices/expoparticipants02070.

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recruits.

The fact that Jones is a local guy helps in this aspect but so does his status of being a former member of the Crimson Tide. Another big key is the fact that he was a high school coach for years. He knows what players at that level are looking for and he knows what buttons to push.

The blur of this entire football program has been an amazing thing. It has gone from a bunch of students getting together to see what could happen, to naming a very promising head football coach.

The coaching search is over. Now let us allow Jones to do his job and the community and students do theirs.

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24 Gallery X

from page 10

Conlon's figurative sculpture "La Seduction” is reflective of the "levels of interpretation" present throughout the artist's work. Lee Hoffman, who taught for 31 years at South and served as acting chair from 1970 to 1971, tends to focus his watercolors on the local scenery of Mobile, particularly the waterfront areas. One of his featured works at the gallery opening, "Open,” reintroduces viewers to the beauty of the local city.

John Cleverdon offers a more political yet personal view with his work. "Dead Iraqi Child" and "Veal Calves” deliver large-scale works addressing the death of innocent victims - both human and animal. Cleverdon's "Dead Iraqi Child,” an acrylic work on

The

Vanguard linen, displays his obvious opposition to the Iraqi war. The artist’s works that depict veal calves address the ill treatment of the milkfed animals ... an issue Cleverdon views as "immoral" and "sinful.”

The four former instructors and lifelong artists made for an exciting and memorable gallery opening. With a massive turnout of supporters, students and faculty, the new gallery has already proved a success.

With special thanks to the department chair, Jason Guynes, as well as gallery managers Tony Wright and Rita Skiadas, USA’s visual arts students now have a state of the art gallery to display and view future exhibitions.

The gallery will host “Emeritus Faculty Exhibition” through Feb. 28. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Spencer said the girl’s mother had told her she could not play with her anymore, X from page 7 because “little black girls are monkeys, and they have tails that come out at night, and In Alabama, schools mostly deliberately disregarded the rulings. In 1962, George C. they let their daddy play with them naked.”

“It was a cruel time. I remember being Wallace won the election as governor as an avowed segregationist and promised to defy spit on, cursed at by white parents coming up to the school on a daily bases to defederal orders to integrate Alabama enroll their children because they didn't schools.

In June, 1963, Wallace blocked two black want their children around us,” says Spencer. students from entering the University of This was the type of behavior that was Alabama, but capitulated when President Kennedy federalized the Alabama National still going on over 10 years after integration laws had been passed - over 10 years after Guard. After discovering that incidents government officials, along with several such as these were happening throughout civil rights activists, thought the fight for the South, some Northern states began to equality between whites and blacks was wonder what was actually going on inside almost over. the of the schools, out of the public eye.

I cannot help but to wonder were some Felicia M. Spencer, who was also born civil rights activists so busy thinking about and raised in Mobile and graduated from what they had missed out on while growing Bishop State Community College with an up that they neglected to realize the war associate degree in nursing, said that intetheir children would be fighting instead of gration changed her life a great deal. going to recess?

Spencer says that Spencer admits one day her mother, “When the school system was that the new schools who was a school teacher at the time, integrated, we were bused about were much nicer than the ones she had preexplained to her that she and her brothers nine miles from home. It was scary viously attended. The to say the least. I was taught children had better would be attending a books, recreational new school. Her racism very soon after that.” and restmother told them - Felicia M. Spencer equipment room facilities. It that they would was not until later in receive a better edulife that she started cation by attending a school with mixed feeling like the teachers she had when the races. Spencer had attended all-black schools for the first three years of grammar schools were segregated cared more, almost like a mother cared for her children. Her school. white teachers, for the most part, did not “We didn't have white teachers, white express that. students or white anything but paper,” “I always felt like an outcast,” stated chuckled Spencer. “When the school system Spencer. was integrated, we were bused about nine She also explained that as she bloomed miles from home. It was scary to say the into a young adult, she began to feel like least. I was taught racism very soon after integration wasn’t very helpful. that.”

“I don't blame my teachers,” she Spencer said that she was a target of explained, “but they didn't have training to racist comments and actions by both her deal with the situation. They couldn't/didteachers and other students. She explained n't relate to our (black) culture. For the that the white students and faculty made it most part, they didn't want to teach us or very clear from the beginning that they did not want the black students there. Thinking interact with us. I don't blame anyone, back to that time in her life made her recall that's just the way it was.”

Mobile, Ala., during the Civil Rights a particular incident when her innocent Movement and well into the 1980s was child mind was filled with confusion and what I consider to be a quiet war zone. pain.

Though the racist events that occurred in “I will never forget when a little white Mobile were not as publicized as those in, girl in my third grade class wanted to be let’s say, for example, Birmingham, they did my friend. Then, after about three days after meeting me, she wouldn't say anything happen.

On a day-to-day basis, little (then “colto me. Not even speak to me. By lunch ored”) children were forced to be on the time, I asked her, tearfully, ‘Why won't you frontline on the battlefield for freedom from play with me?’”

It was obvious that thinking about the lit- oppression. I, as a young, intelligent African-American woman, am proud to say tle girl’s reply was still just as hurtful today that they did not fail. as it had been almost 40 years ago.

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The

February 18, 2008

Support X

from page 5

widely contributed to presidential campaigns and even Senate and Congressional races outside the state of Alabama.

Board members Mitchell, Striplin, Stokes and Moulton have donated a combined $12,000 to current President George W. Bush. Gardner has donated $2,300 to Democrat John Edwards’ now-defunct 2008 presidential bid. Langham and Yance contributed to Richard Gephardt’s failed bid for the 2004 Democratic nomination for the presidency. Yance also contributed $2,000 to Edwards’ failed bid for the 2004 Democratic nomination.

Arlene Mitchell, who is the newest member to the board and the widow of long-time board member Mayer Mitchell, has contributed more than $180,000 to various political campaigns and organizations. Although the majority of her contributions to individuals have been to Republicans, Mitchell has also contributed to a large number of Democrats such as U.S. Sens. John Kerry (DMass.) in 1995, Carl Levin (D-Mich.) in 1995, Joseph Biden (DDel.) in 1995 and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) in 2001, among others.

The largest benefactor of Mitchell’s support is the political action committee Americans for Good Government, which has received $52,500 in support from Mitchell. Americans for Good Government is classified as a pro-Israel political action committee.

Tower X

from page 1

events.

Along with the tower itself, the complex is set to include two arbors, four water gardens, a plaza with benches and walkways, an amphitheatre for outdoor programs, and the "Walls of Honor" for listing life-time Alumni Association members.

"The addition of the Bell Tower will be a great gathering place for students,” said Jennifer Edwards, Student Government Association president. “We're looking forward to the many great memories we will make here."

The groundbreaking ceremony was host to a number of speakers, including USA's first football coach, Joey Jones, as well as alumni leaders.

The Bell Tower is part of a larger beautification project

Vanguard Americans for Good Government have contributed to campaigns of Democrats and Republicans.

During the 2004 presidential election, Americans for Good Government contributed $101,000, with 62 percent of the contribution dollars going toward Republican candidates.

In the 2006 mid-term elections, Americans for Good Government contributed $76,500, with 58 percent of the contribution dollars going to Republicans. So far in the 2008 cycle, Americans for Good Government have reported contributions of $15,000 with 63 percent going to Democrats.

Mitchell’s second largest benefactor is the political action committee Women’s Pro-Israel National PAC. Mitchell has donated $37,000 to Women’s Pro-Israel National PAC. The Mitchell family, including Arlene, the late Mayer Mitchell and Abe Mitchell, has contributed more than $36.6 million to the University of South Alabama.

All donor figures were retrieved from http://www.opensecrets.org. OpenSecrets' donor lookup comprises contribution data available electronically from the Federal Election Commission on Jan. 7, 2008.

Because campaigns and other political committees typically disclose their contributions on a quarterly or monthly schedule, it can take several months for a contribution to be recorded in this database.

undertaken by the University. As new buildings go up and along with the addition of a brand new NCAA Football team, many of the speakers as well as student leaders acknowledged the symbolic aspect of the bell tower, claiming that it was a sign of progress.

"I think it will be a good mark of how much progress our University is making," said Martin Statkewicz, Student Government Association vice president.

As the speakers finished their sentiments, a 50-foot photographical representation of the Bell Tower was unveiled from behind a black sheet and a string of balloons that was supposed to stretch as high as the Bell Tower will be was released and a phenomenal display of fireworks was shown as onlookers demonstrated their appreciation of the ceremony with applause.

"You can't build tradition in a day, but we can do it over time, year by year," said USA President V. Gordon Moulton.

25

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The

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February 18, 2008

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CAMPUS

IN BRIEF Med School Cafe presents Dr. Mughal The University of South Alabama Physician’s Group Medical School Café series will feature Dr. Majid Mughal, assistant professor of internal medicine and director of the pulmonary hypertension clinic. His lecture is entitled “Living With Chronic Lung Disease” and will take place on Feb. 20 at 11:30 a.m. at the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center.

Dr. Mughal will provide information on chronic pulmonary disease, discuss current and promising new treatments, and inform the audience of current clinical research. Chronic pulmonary disease occurs most often in smokers or people who were smokers in the past, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. It is also the fourth leading cause of death in America, claiming the lives of 122,283 Americans in 2003.

The lecture and lunch is provided free of charge. Reservations are required. For more information regarding the lecture or to make reservations, please call (251) 470-7770 or email kebarnes@usouthal.edu.

Haywick discusses geology of Ala. Dr. Doug Haywick, associate professor in the department of earth sciences will discuss the geology of southern Alabama and the north-central Gulf Coast with an emphasis on archaeologically-significant aspects of the this region on Feb. 19 at 7 p.m. in the Life Sciences Building, room 119.

Southern Alabama may appear to be a "rock-poor" region of the country, but to prehistoric people, it was rich in useful geological materials.

This program is co-sponsored by the Southwest Chapter of the Alabama Archaeological Society and USA's Center for Archaeological Studies.

N Replaces the Schedule of Classes N Contains all the information needed to prepare for advising and registration

Career Services hosts mock interview

N Course listings no longer included.

Access up-to-date course listing with current section information and availability on PAWS at http://paws.southalabama.edu

University of South Alabama students and alumni can sharpen their interview skills during the USA Career Services Center’s Mock Interview Week, Feb. 25-29.

The event will match students and alumni with employer representatives in mock interview sessions, providing participants with job interview and networking experience, and immediate feedback. Those wishing to take part in a mock interview need to register by Friday, Feb 22. Mock interviews will take place at the USA Career Services Center in Suite 2100, Meisler Hall.

For registration and more information, contact USA Career Services at (251) 460-6188, or visit online at http://www.southalabama.edu/careerservices.

Office of the Registrar Meisler Hall, Ste. 1100 (251)460-7227 registration@usouthal.edu

The

February 18, 2008

Vanguard

Start your job search

NOW. USA Spring CAREER EXPO Thursday, February 21 1 - 4:30 p.m.

Mitchell Center Arena All students and alumni welcome.

• Meet employers from 80 local and national companies • Discover co-ops, internships and career opportunities • Explore career options • Enjoy company exhibits Dress Professionally • Bring Resumes Call USA Career Services to sign up for workshops, or visit online for a complete list of Expo exhibitors.

Career Services • (251) 460-6188 www.southalabama.edu/careerservices

27