VANGUARD
THE
SGA protests calendar change -page 2 vol. 50, no. 12
“If it matters to the USA family, it matters to us.”
Apr. 9, 2012
SGA presidency to be decided in runoff Controversy and an endoresement unfold as elections enter second week
By CASSiE FAMBRo Editor-in-Chief
USA Foundation remembers Dr. Asa Green By PATRiCk hERRinG Staff Reporter
S
GA elections had a higher voting turnout than last year with 1,232 students voting for president, with 8.2 percent of the student body participating. The top two candidates will face each other in a runoff that will take place by ballot in Jaguar 1 email accounts. Parker Chastain and Zain Husain obtained the highest percentages of the vote, with 709 total votes between them according to the official election sheet posted and verified on Friday by the Elections Committee (EC). Candidates squared off in a debate Wednesday, and the summary can be found on thevanguardonline.com under blogs. Initially, the new method of distributing ballots had a few technical difficulties, but EC Chair Danny Nguyen said that as of the second day of voting, those issues were resolved. Campaign issues arose over Husain’s YouTube campaign video, but Husain denied breaking any campaign rules in the spoof see SGA, page 3
T
he University of South Alabama family is mourning after the loss of Asa N. Green, president of the University of South Alabama Foundation Board of Directors, who died on March 26 at the age of 82. Green held his position since 2004 and had served on the board—which holds an endowment that benefits the University— since being elected in 1998. He served on numerous board committees before taking the office of president. “Dr. Green was an outstanding advocate for the USA Foundation and for its support of the University of South Alabama,” said John McMillan, who served with Green as Vice President on the board cASSie FAmBro / eDiTor-in-chieF
Parker Chastain speaks as Zain husain listens at the SGA debate held Monday.
see GREEn, page 4
Candidates in their own words: Vote for me because... Parker Chastain
H
i, my name is Parker Chastain and I am running to be your SGA President. I am a strong believer in the student body here at South, and I would love to be the voice of that body. I am prepared to take on any challenge that is thrown my way, and I do not take this position lightly. I believe that a good SGA president should handle him/herself well in tough situations, should be objective, should be a well-rounded individual, a great listener, and should be humble. These are qualities I believe I possess. I have had the opportunity to run against some great opponents, and I believe this
has made for a challenging race but brought out the best in each candidate. I am asking for your vote South Alabama. If you are curious as to my experience in the senate: I have been a College of Allied Health Senator, Rules Committee Chair, active member of the Homecoming and appropriations committees, and was elected Pro-Tempore this past spring. Through these positions I have come to a better understanding as to how the Senate works, and how to lobby with administration on your behalf. If elected, I will fight for your parking rights, South is going through growing pains and the students are the ones paying for it. However, I do not believe this is the biggest problem on campus. My biggest goal is to focus on Academic Success at the University. When asked if it was more important to
find us on Facebook search “The Vanguard USA”
see ChASTAin, page 4
/
Zain Husain
I
was born and raised here in Mobile, Alabama. I went to school right down Old Shell Road. For the last ten years, I have seen the University South Alabama develop into a prestigious university. South Alabama has the potential to become a well known university for its student life, athletics, and academics. I’ve always dreamed of the opportunity to make a big difference at the university that I attend. The chance to help the university and my fellow students reach their full potential has always been a big goal of mine. With my last year, I hope to leave South Alabama better than when I arrived. Throughout my college experience, I have been involved with different organi-
check out our digital edition thevanguardonline.com
/
zations at South. Getting involved on campus helps students throughout their college careers and in their trials and tribulations throughout life. I’ve gotten the opportunity to make many friends during my time in college. I have proudly been a part of organizations such as USA football, AED, the Kappa Sigma Fraternity, intramurals, SGA, the Biology Student Association, and more. I have also worked as a supervisor for USA Intramurals, a personal trainer at the USA Recreation Center, a South Bound Orientation Leader, and a South Guide for the Office of New Student Recruitment. With all the experiences South Alabama has given me, I would love the opportunity to give back. I have many goals and ideas to better this university for our students. I would like to improve our parking situation at South. I want to start the creation of a parking deck and increase parking spots near see huSAin, page 4
in this issue (pg 6): Life (pg 12): opinion (pg 9): Sports