The Vanguard 4.9.2012 by The Vanguard

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

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

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

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

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

vol. 50, no. 12 / Apr. 9, 2012

SGA’s Answer to Mardi Gras/Spring Break Issue Printed as requested in its entirety.

STUDENT GOVERNMENT RESOLUTION FOR THE CHANGE OF THE 2013-2014 MARDI GRAS/SPRING BREAK HOLIDAY AT A MEETING OF THE CALENDAR RESOLUTION COMMITTEE OF THE STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA, HELD AT 5:30PM, ON 5 APRIL, 2012, RESOLUTION – CHANGING THE SPRING BREAK HOLIDAY FOR SPRING 2014 Whereas, the Student Government Association of the University of South Alabama, representing the student body, hereby protests the merging of the two regularly scheduled holidays Mardi Gras and Spring Break by the calendar committee for the Spring 2014 semester; and Whereas, the calendar committee adopted said changes without adequate representation from the student body; and Whereas, for the purpose of convenience for students, faculty and staff with children enrolled in the public school system the committee wants to see spring break synced with other universities and the local public schools; and Whereas, to provide adequate rest time for students and faculty between lengthy stretches of uninterrupted classes, the students need an equal gap between the winter and summer breaks; and Whereas, potential students may discouraged from enrolling in the University of South Alabama due to the close proximity of spring break to winter break; and Whereas, the seasonal change from winter to spring will see better and warmer weather for full enjoyment of the break; and Whereas, colder weather will discourage students on spring break from visiting waterfront locations, which could be detrimental to the local economy; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY PROCLAIMED by the Student Government Association of the University of South Alabama that a new meeting should be organized by the university calendar committee to review the demands of the students and reschedule spring break accordingly. Dated: 5 April 2012 AttestStephen Purnell Coleman Wolf Elizabeth McDonald Riley Davis Eric Beovich Danny Nguyen Savannah Swindle

vol. 50, no. 12 / apr. 9, 2012

7-Day JagCast

USAPD Police Blotter Editor’s note: Have a question for USAPD? Email us at editor.in.chief@usavanguard.com

USAPD: 460-6312

Apr. 9 - Apr. 15 Monday Apr. 9

Tuesday Apr. 10

Wednesday Apr. 11

Thursday Apr. 12

Friday Apr. 13

Saturday Apr. 14

Sunday Apr. 15

80 55 78 53 78 50 78 54 81 58 82 60 81 61

A weak cold front will move through the area on Monday, bringing with it a few showers and mostly cloudy skies. Highs will be near 80 with lows in the mid 50s. We’ll be cooler after the front moves through the area on Monday night, making our highs only reach into the upper 70s with mostly sunny skies for Tuesday through Thursday and lows will bottom out in the mid to low 50s across the area. A very weak disturbance will move through the area Friday into Saturday, bringing a few clouds across the sky, but we should remain dry with highs in the low 80s and nighttime lows near 60. Sunday looks great with mostly sunny skies and highs in the low 80s with lows in the low 60s. for the latest on your forecast, severe weather updates, and what’s going on in the tropics, find us on Facebook search “StormTeam4Gamma9Wx” you can follow us on Twitter, too search “stormteam4g9wx” and find Patrick Bigbie on Twitter search “metwxpatrick”

5:52 p.m. 4/2/2012 Recreation Center Theft of property 2nd degree ($500 to $2500) 5:11 p.m. 4/2/2012 Recreation Center Theft of property 3rd degree (less than $500) 3:53 p.m. 4/2/2012 Dining Hall Domestic Violence 3rd degree. Assault of an employee of the University’s dining hall. 12:49 a.m. 4/2/2012 310 Greek Row Disorderly Conduct. Subject was

disorderly at listed location and resisted police’s attempt to restrain him. 1:01 p.m. 4/1/2012 Sidewalk Area Domestic Violence 3rd degree. Male and female involved in verbal argument that escalated into a physical confrontation. 3:27 a.m. 4/1/2012 309 Greek Row Male arrested for DUI, leaving scene of accident. minor in possession of alcohol and reckless driving. 10:36 p.m. 3/29/2012 Delta 1 Parking Lot

Unlawfully entering of a vehicle parked in Delta parking lot. 9:35 a.m. 3/28/2012 Engineering Lab building Indecent exposure 6:55 a.m. 3/27/2012 310 Greek Row Reckless endangerment, criminal mischief 3rd degree, attempting to elude a police officer and resisting arrest. 11:21 p.m. 3/21/2012 310 Greek Row One male arrested for marijuana and drug paraphernalia in Delta Dorms.

Candidate gets endorsement “University of South Alabama’s Student Voice”

Editorial Editor in Chief Associate Editor Senior Reporter Copy Editor Life Editor Sports Editor Web Editor

Cassie Fambro Aaron Etheredge Matt Weaver Carey Cox Bailey Hammond Jayson Curry Naquita Hunter

Distribution Distribution Manager Johnny Davis Distribution Angela Davis

Advertising

Advertising Manager Advertising Graphic Designer Graphic Designer

Wesley Jackson Mark Crawford II Brittany Hawkins Rex McKay

Management

Advising James Aucoin Advising John Sellers Accounting Kathy Brannan

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

SGA, from page 1 video, which had received almost 1,500 hits at press time. The only race disqualification was vicepresidential candidate, and for full disclosure, former Vanguard Opinion Editor Jeffrey Gill, for using resources not in accordance with election rules as deemed by the EC. EC had not sent copies of the candidates expense reports to The Vanguard at press time, but both candidates stated that they remained under the $250 limit. When asked if any University equipment was used in the production of his video, Husain stated to The Vanguard that James Palomo of the Office of Admissions, the person that directed the video, did it for free, contrary to reports that said otherwise. “I did everything legally,” Husain said. As for the allegations of using University resources, Husain also denies using the Office of Admissions cameras, where he also works part-time. Jay Hunt, formerly of the office of Admissions and now an academic adviser at USA, posted the following on Husain’s Facebook wall. “Nice job on the video!! It was awesome. (Was the Tebowing my idea? You’re welcome. haha.) James did great filming and editing it all together.” USA BMD student Chase Lunsford was also in the video, and is Vice-President of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. Jay Hunt is the assistant chapter advisor for Pi Kappa Phi at

USA, according to his Facebook profile. University officials are not allowed to endorse candidates, and attempts to reach Hunt were unsuccessful. Candidates Troy Shephard, Jessica Byrd and Rachel Wyers all received too small of a percentage to make the runoff. Byrd issued the following statement to The Vanguard. “Being a productive SGA President takes time, dedication and commitment, all of which Senator Chastain has exhibited this past year. I witnessed him put forth 110 percent in everything he did, whether it was helping with homecoming, acting as Rules Chair or leading the Senate as Pro-tempore. I know that students voted for me because they had faith I would be a productive president, and now I would like them to know I have faith in Parker. So with all that being said, I would like to publicly endorse Parker Chastain for SGA President.” Byrd received over 200 votes in the initial election. Other candidates to enter the runoffs are William Pearson and Jacob Weatherly for Treasurer, Riley Davis and Kacie Watson for Chief Justice, and Alex Wiles and Ashley Trinh for Student-at-large. If there are any ballot issues, report them on our Facebook page, The Vanguard: USA’s student newspaper. Stay tuned to thevanguardonline.com this week as events unfold in the SGA elections.

vol. 50, no. 12 / apr. 9, 2012

USA Day enlightens students

Letter to the Editor Voices on Deaf Ears: The Challenge for SGA The runoff shouldn’t be about anti-gay or anti-Greek sentiments SGA elections come to an end, and the runoff voting begins for the SGA President between Zain Husain and Parker Chastain. The heated debate over who to vote for comes to focus. Waiting on that email that may or may not work to cast my vote and make that vote count. I start by looking over all the facts in hopes that I pick the right one. Reading up on what each person has planned for the next year’s SGA. One major question comes to mind, Who is best and will represent the student body on our behalf to the administration? When asked to write this article, I was to talk about how it has become a gay/anti-gay runoff. When in reality it has become a child’s fight over who can throw the most mud in the other’s eye. It should not be who is gay or anti-gay who is Greek or not Greek. The truth of it is, who is the best fit to run SGA and be the student body leader that represents us all? It has come a time to return to the common student and ask what means the most to them. When wanting to make change, you must change minds to change hearts. It is

that heart that leads the passion that drives the idea of change and gets things done. In this case we look at the numbers. According to the Office of Institutional Research, Planning and Assessment (IRPA), for the spring term of 2012 there are 13,739 students enrolled at south. After the posting of the SGA elections results, only 1,232 students voted for the office of SGA president and even fewer for the other offices meaning that only 8 percent of the student body voted. In other words for every 100 students, only nine voted. This driving fact that less than 10 percent of students vote every year getting better and worse over the years past shows that the caring of what happens as a whole the student body has failed. When voting we are giving a voice to a single person that speaks for all of us. If change is going to happen, we as a student body must prove that we are a united front. So when casting your runoff vote, think do you want someone that goes with the normal flow of things or someone that is going to make a stand for the common student? -Patrick Collins

Chastain

Husain

candidate, from page 1

be a student or an officer I said it was wholeheartedly more important to be a student, and that I am in no way trying to elevate my status on campus. This being said we are here for an education, and if students can realize it is ok to reach out for assistance, then South will thrive in more ways than one. Thank you for your attention, and please vote for next years representatives, not only for you, but also for the classes that will follow your success.

buildings. I want to work for better campus safety. I want to implement emergency poles on campus, increase security cameras in parking lots, and increase the presence of police officers at night. Also, I want to better student life and increase campus involvement in order to break away from the “commuter” way of life. An increase in student activities on the weekends will keep students on campus. In conclusion, I want my fellow students to vote for me; not just because I’m a Greek or have been a part of USA Athletics. I want people to vote for me because I feel I’m the best candidate for the job. I have the work ethic and motivation to lead South Alabama to great heights. I’ve been involved in many things at South and I know the potential that this university has. I hope to see USA become a premiere school in the South. I hope that my fellow students give me the opportunity to reach my goals for this university. Hopefully we can all achieve this together. Go Jags and God bless.

Asa Green

Dr. Asa Green remembered green, from page 1 and assumes his position. Born in Mars Hill, Maine, Green graduated from Bates College in Lewiston, Maine. A U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War, he earned his master’s degree from the University of Alabama after returning. He served as president of Livingston University, now the University of West Alabama, from 1973 to 1993 before retiring. While there, he established the Ira D. Pruitt School of Nursing. The Alabama Marine Environmental Sciences Consortium was lucky enough to have him serve as a chairman for many years. He was also a member of the President’s Council of the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Maxey Roberts, managing director of the foundation, says his “incandescent personality” will be missed by all. “In life, we have a few rare opportunities to work with outstanding individuals who have a great impact on many, and Dr. Green was such an individual,” Roberts said. He is survived by his son, Steve Ross, and two grandchildren.

Miss the April Fool’s issue? Catch the PDF online at thevanguardonline.com

by chelsea archey Contributing Writer

housands of prospective Jaguars gathered on University of South Alabama’s main campus March 31, for USA Day. The Office of New Student Recruitment has sponsored the event for more than 10 years to bring high school students from around the country to explore the campus and meet with deans and faculty. Visitors were given a complimentary lunch and 20-percent-off coupons for all “Jagwear” at the campus bookstore. Visitors were able to attend an information fair at the Mitchell Center, where they were given basic information from financial aid to the USA Honors program to Greek life. Tours of the Student Recreation Center and residence halls were available and JagTran service was provided throughout the day. Unlike typical student tours, USA Day gives visitors the chance to meet with USA students. Visitors can ask them questions that faculty and staff can’t answer. Abby Davis, a sophomore from Ridgecrest Christian School in Dothan, really enjoyed that aspect. “The best part of USA Day,” she said, “is having the chance to talk to students, not just faculty.” Students along the Gulf Coast were notified of USA Day through email and postcards. According to Christopher Lynch, Director of the Office of New Student Recruitment, more than 25,000 postcards were sent out, in addition to emails. Although students in neighboring states were invited to USA Day, students came as far as Michigan to visit campus. Lynch was excited about this year’s turnout. “Student visitation has gone up 60 percent,” he said. Two years ago, 1,000 visiting students would have been considered a banner year, but next year, 3,000 are expected to attend. The excitement isn’t limited to USA faculty. Many students who participated in USA Day were enthusiastic about a career at South Alabama. Kaitlyn Byrd, a junior at Monroe Academy in Monroe, Ala., said, “This is the first college I’ve ever visited. I really like it, though. It’s small, and everything is so pretty, and everyone is so helpful.” Byrd’s appreciation was echoed by Morgan Grigsby, a senior at Fort Walton Beach High School in Fort Walton Beach, Fla. She said, “I chose South Alabama because everyone is so friendly. It’s like I already feel at home."

vol. 50, no. 12 / apr. 9, 2012

jaglife

Bailey Hammond, jagLife Editor life.editor@usavanguard.com vol. 50, no. 12 / Apr. 9, 2012

Can you hear the music? Bring on SouthSounds Music Festival will have its inaugural weekend on April 13-15 in downtown Mobile.

jake howell JagLife Writer

stuart sox Contributing Writer

he Mobile-Gulf Coast area has always been known for its distinguished and rich culture. This will be evident nowhere more so than at the SouthSounds Music Festival. The Independent Music Collective, dedicated to the enrichment of Mobile’s live music scene, is promoting the event. The SouthSounds Music Festival, the first music festival in the country dedicated to showcasing Southern music, will bring all of the best new Southern bands to downtown Mobile from April 13-15. The event’s inaugural lineup will feature exclusively Southern, up-and-coming bands in an effort to increase awareness of the area’s strong musical talent and bring together bands and musicians that call the Gulf Coast home. There is even more about SouthSounds that distinguishes it from other music festivals. For a weekend full of exciting, new music, a weekend wristband is a mere $10. This wristband allows entrance into each of the event’s venues, which include the Alabama Music Box, The Blind Mule, Callaghan’s Irish, Social Club, OK Bicycle Shop, Serda’s, Soul Kitchen and Haberdasher. These locations make for a conglomerate of unique and exciting venues, all located in the beautiful culture-dome of downtown Mobile. But what makes this event special is that it is truly “band-friendly”. Whereas most music festivals are geared toward the satisfaction of those that attend the event, SouthSounds is geared toward

southsoundsfest.com

The SouthSounds Festival mission statement number seven states the festival backers’ intentions to create a lasting event for Mobile.

not only the entertainment of Mobile’s music lovers, but also to the success and promotion of the bands. According to Justin St.Clair, English professor at the University of South Alabama and IMC activist, “SouthSounds is essentially a stage for up-and-coming bands and musicians to be seen and heard by a large audience.” The festival will be run as “non-profit” as all proceeds after expenses go back to the bands. Money from sponsorships will be used to cover travel and hotel expenses for outof-town bands and staging costs. Also, there will be free public stages in Bienville and Cathedral Squares in conjunction with Arts Alive! and Mobile’s Shrimp Cook-Off. “We have a lot of talented musicians and bands in the South, and we bring

them together to network with each other, which can lead to bigger gigs and bigger fan bases,” says Ashley Turner, an intern at 92 ZEW. “I encourage South students to attend because it’ll be a good time, inexpensive and you’ll be supporting your local musicians and bands.” 92 ZEW, a sponsor of the event, is holding on-air giveaways of free weekend wristbands, so listen in to 92.1 to find out how you can win one. Want to know more about the event? Check out southsoundsfest.com, where you can also buy tickets online. “Every band is a local band to someone,” said Emily Hayes, radio personality on 92 ZEW and co-director of SouthSounds. Show your support for your local music, and head downtown from April 13-15 for the SouthSounds Music Festival.

V-Day performance to raise awareness and benefit charities timothy borland Contributing Writer On April 14 and 15, the University of South Alabama’s campus organization Feminists for Progress (FFP) will be hosting the annual V-Day event for both the main and Fairhope campus locations. For over 10 years, V-Day performances across the world have raised money and awareness toward an end to violence against women.

the Ooze

As part of the festivities, members of FFP will be reciting selections from A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant and A Prayer. The performance will consist of the reading of various monologues concerning discrimination and gender inequality. Admission to the event will be $7 and proceeds will go to benefit national and local charities. In addition to the performance, the club will also be selling handmade soaps,

buttons, raffle tickets and other merchandise. “Our local beneficiary, Mobile Rape Crisis Center is an extremely deserving organization that Feminists for Progress is proud to support,” says FFP member Alicia Bures. Attendance is open to the general public. Students are encouraged to bring friends and family to raise awareness and

See V-DAY, page 8

n Saturday, April 14, the hallowed University of South Alabama tradition of Oozeball returns to campus in all its oozy glory. This year’s Oozeball tournament, with the theme “Angry Oozers” will be the 24th Annual Oozeball tournament held at USA. The concept, for those new to USA, is simple. Oozeball is exactly like volleyball—if volleyball were played in mud pits. Teams of eight players face off in the double-elimination tournament as 8 inches to 18 inches of mud sticks to every possible surface of their bodies. The Southerners, who work closely with the USA National Alumni Association as ambassadors of the school, sponsor this yearly event. Eva Osilla, a Southerner and junior Biomedical Sciences major, said, “It’s the one time of the year you can throw mud in people’s faces and get away with it!” While purposefully throwing mud in another player’s face would end in some sort of penalty or disqualification, Osilla’s quote echoes exactly what Oozeball is all about. It’s a time for the University’s students, faculty and staff to come together and just have fun while fighting over a ball in a giant mud pit. Even if some students were unable to find a team to play on, watching the games can be just as much fun as playing in them. According to the 2012 Oozeball application, teams are encouraged to “bring lawn chairs, beach umbrellas, grills and set up your own tailgate party. Encourage your fans to come out to support your group.” Playing or not, this year’s “Angry Oozers” Oozeball tournament is sure to be a blast for everyone, faculty and student alike. Be sure to come out and show support at the Oozeball courts between the JagTran Service Station and The Grove!

vol. 50, no. 12 / Apr. 9, 2012

Not loud or close enough Which is better: the book or the movie? Kalyn McClellan puts them to the test

kalyn mcclellan / jaglife writer

The Blu-ray case for the film of “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close” stands victorious over that of the novel. kalyn mcclellan JagLife Writer

t doesn’t happen very often that a movie is better than the novel from which it is adapted. But on a few occasions, film is a more powerful format for story delivery. Jonathan Safran Foer’s novel, “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close” is a perfect example of how the plot of a novel is improved when translated to the big screen. Nine-year-old Oskar Schell is struggling to cope with the loss of his father in the Sept. 11 World Trade Center di-

saster the previous year. At the same time, Oskar is trying to cope with his own fears, anxieties and inner demons. Since the tragedy, Oskar’s anxiety has gotten worse, as he now refuses to take elevators or public transportation. The main plot revolves around Oskar’s quest to find the lock that belongs to the mysterious key that he recently found in his dad’s closet. The only clue he has is the word “Black” written on the envelope that contained the key. Oskar decides that “Black” must be someone’s last name, so he sets out to visit everyone in New York City who

has that last name: 472 people, living in 162 houses. This seemingly impossible task takes Oskar on a journey that he will never forget. His life is forever changed by the people he meets along the way and the stories they have to tell. One of the most poignant moments in this story is when Oskar’s mom is angry with him for saying he thinks it’s pointless to visit his dad’s grave because the casket is empty. Oskar’s mom tells him his dad’s spirit is there. Oskar, a self-proclaimed atheist screams at her, “He didn’t have a spirit! He had cells, and now they’re on rooftops, and in rivers, and in the lungs of millions of people around New York, who breathe him every time they speak!” Oskar’s mom is speechless, as are readers and movie-goers. The downfall of the novel is that it includes too much backstory. Yes, some history is necessary for a story to make sense, but too much can leave a reader confused. The novel moves from the present to the past too many times and with little transition. It is easy to forget the main plot, getting lost in the history. The film leaves out much of the backstory, but that does not mean it lacks in content. By cutting the story down to the significant parts, the story flows better and is much more interesting. The film stars Tom Hanks, Sandra Bullock and Thomas Horn. If choosing whether to read the novel or see the film, seeing the film is a better choice. The film has an entertainment quality that the novel cannot compete with. Four stars for the film and two for the novel.

Chi Omega’s first Walk for Wishes huge success bailey hammond JagLife Editor

n March 31, 2012, University of South Alabama was the scene of the first annual Walk for Wishes, organized by Chi Omega fraternity. According to Chi Omega President Jessica Houston, the event raised nearly $3,000 for their national charity, MakeA-Wish.

“As a past Make-A-Wish recipient, I realize the importance and life-altering effect of this organization. With this money we will be able to help a child’s wish become a reality,” Houston stated. USA students, organizations and members of the community came to the event to show support for the cause and help raise money. Alpha Epsilon Delta, pre-medical honor society, was one group that had repre-

sentatives at the event. “We plan to make this an annual spring fundraising event,” said Houston. “Our goal for each of our fundraising events is to raise enough money to grant a wish. Each wish costs on average $7,000 to grant. Any small dent we can make in that amount is huge!” In all, this year’s Walk for Wishes seems to have fulfilled that goal, and next year is poised to build upon its success.

Weekly Lowdown tue > apr 10 “Miss Representation” Film Screening

6 p.m. the Library Auditorium This event is free and open to the public. Presented by University of South Alabama Gender Studies Program

wed > apr 11 Preparing for the Real World Webinar

2 p.m. at Career Services, 2100 Meisler Hall No pre-registration is required for this event. Life After College Seminar

3 p.m. at Career Services, 2100 Meisler Hall No pre-registration is required for this event.

fri > apr 13 SouthSounds Music Festival

Downtown Mobile at participating locations.

sat > apr 14 SouthSounds Music Festival

Downtown Mobile at participating locations.

sun > apr 15 SouthSounds Music Festival

Downtown Mobile at participating locations. Also April 15:

AASA Gospel Choir First Baptist Church of Baltimore, 6:00 p.m. 1200 Baltimore Street Mobile, Al, 36605 Rev. Melvin Clark, Pastor The AASA Gospel Choir and Friends Sponsored by AASA and the office of Multicultural Affairs

vol. 50, no.12 / Apr. 9, 2012

“5” exhibit showcases USA student art bailey hammond JagLife Editor

very other year, the Mobile Arts Council (MAC) sponsors an exhibition of the five Mobile colleges and universities, showcasing the artwork of various students. The event is titled “5.” This year, 18 students from the University of South Alabama have been accepted into the juried exhibit. The artists selected from USA are Adam Burges, Kayla Daughtry, Rufus Ducote, Amber Duncan, Elana Ellington, Elisha Ann Ellington, Hannan Gold-Vukson, Diane T. Havard, Jordyn Justus, Trisha Koger, Daiko Moraes, Sara C. Morales-Morgan, Kerry Parks, Dain Peterson, Molly Phalan, Sophia Wilkinson, Rebecca Willard and Amanda Youngblood. “I entered ‘5’ because it occurred to me that I am about to graduate, and this could be my last chance to enter a student show,” Trisha Koger, senior Graphic Design major, said. Artists did not have to be art majors but simply had to be enrolled as students for the 2011-2012 academic year at one the five colleges and universities. “‘5’ is such a great opportunity for students. The submission fee is a bargain, and you’re allowed to enter three

pieces. One of my pieces was chosen. It happened to be the one I was most hoping would be chosen,” Koger stated. According to MAC, 64 artists submitted a total of 174 works of art, and only 42 pieces from 36 artists were chosen by judge Clayton V. Colvin to be included in the exhibit. Colvin is an adjunct instructor in the Art department at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and also an independent curator. “This group of works was a lot of fun to experience! I love being surprised by choices artists make regarding subject matter and material,” Colvin said. “I also am amazed by technical skill. The pool of images entered had strong examples of all of the factors. “In narrowing the entries to the final exhibition, and in choosing the awards, I used those criteria,” Colvin continued. When asked about being chosen, Koger admitted, “I guess being accepted by the judge was a confirmation that my work must have something to it that I wasn’t sure was there. I was mostly happy because someone professional thought my piece was worth hanging in a gallery.” The artwork will be displayed at the MAC galleries (318 Dauphin Street) from Monday, April 2 to Friday, April 27. The gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Local Band Spotlight Handsome Scoundrels

deltareign.com

A reception for the artists and anyone who wishes to attend will be held during the LoDa Artwalk on Friday, April 13 from 6 to 9 p.m.

V-Day performance continued from page 6 donate to worthy causes. The main campus event will be held April 14 at 7 p.m. in the Humanities Auditorium, Room 170. For Baldwin County students, an encore matinee performance will be held in Fairhope at the USA Baldwin County Campus Performance Center April 15 at 3 p.m.

Ingredients Robert Giles (guitar/vocals), Michael McAuliffe (bass/vocals) and Andy Scott (drums/ vocals) Musical Inclinations Old-school punk rock with a surf rock influence Why Playing in SouthSounds Festival at Blind Mule, April 13, 10 p.m. Also, appearing on Studio 10 (FOX10) that morning. What “Street Legal” debut CD on April 13

vol. 50, no. 12 / APR. 9, 2012

sports

USA Track and Field Jaguars setting improving, setting records as season closes

Brad Puckett/ scott donaldson

Left: USA’s Tori lawson running during a track event, Right: USA’s Joey Torres attempting a hammer throw.

jayson Curry Sports Editor

he South Alabama track and field team has gained momentum as of late. At last week’s Jaguar Invitational, the Jags set numerous personal records as well as winning a record 16 events. “I have been real pleased with the effort level with the people on the team. We have been working really hard and getting better,” USA head track and field coach Paul Brueske said. “It seems like every meet we are getting it around 15 to 20 personal bests and that means we are getting better and better.” The USA men dominated the throw events, starting with the hammer throw. Joey Torres won the event with a throw of 56.47m followed by Steven Nobles who had a throw of 55.99m. Torres also won the discus throw with a toss of 52.90m followed by runner up Demetre Baker 50.88m discus. Baker would later win the shot put with a distance of 16.39m. “These guys have come in and set a high standard, and it’s good for our recruits to see, and it’s good for our younger guys to see and see what they are doing to be so successful,” Brueske said. “They have come in and set a high

standard. It’s good for the program for us to have guys that are leaders, not only for us but in the conference.” The USA women were also dominant in the throw events as Latifah Johnson won the hammer throw for the women and Bobbie Williamson won the shot put event.

“I have been real pleased with the effort level with the people on the team. We have been working really hard and

getting better.” “On the women’s side, we were really optimistic at the beginning of the year, but we have lost about three or four girls through various medical issues and that’s hurt us,” Brueske said. “But we are still going to be competitive, and I’m just looking for some of these younger girls to step up and fill the gaps.” The Jags also won multiple distance events with Alex Shields winning the 3,000m event and Tori Lawson winning the 800m and 3,000m events with

times of 2:17.42 and 10:22.52, respectively. USA’s Lindsay Schwartz has gained attention from the Sun Belt Conference as she was named female Track Athlete of the Week with her recent performances in the Heptathlon. Schwartz won the event and set a school record at the 85th annual Clyde Littleton Texas Relays with 5,468 points. Schwartz is now ranked no. 8 nationally in the event. “We have Lindsay Schwartz, and we have Latifah Johnson, who is top 11 or 12 in the country in the hammer throw, and Joey Torres, who is ranked very high, who has been conference athlete of the week,” Brueske said. “So we have some people who are competing at a national level. We have come a long way from my first year here.” “We have progressed well. It’s still early to tell. We are always optimistic going into it, but a lot of it is going to depend on how we perform going into the last stage.” USA will compete in four more meets before heading to the Sun Belt Conference outdoor championship on May 11 in Lafayette, La. One of those four meets will be USA’s second and last home meet of the season next Friday and Saturday at the track on campus.

jayson curry, sports Editor sports.editor@usavanguard.com

Athletics updates PREPARATION FOR THE 2012 JAGUAR VOLLEYBALL SEASON ALREADY UNDERWAY Even though the start of the 2012 campaign is a little over four months away, the University of South Alabama volleyball program has already begun preparations for its first season under new head coach Amy Hendrichovsky (pronounced Hendra-hoe-ski). Over the past few weeks, the Jaguars have been learning the new system under Hendrichovsky and on Saturday, the program will face live match competition when USA travels to compete tourneys at the Blazer Spring Tournament in the first of its two spring tourneys. South Alabama will open play at the one-day four-match UAB tournament versus Kennesaw State at 9 a.m. followed by matches versus UAB at 11:10 a.m., Auburn at 12:50 p.m., and Jacksonville State at 1:55 p.m. On Friday, April 20, the Jaguars will welcome Spring Hill and West Florida to Jag Gym. Matches are scheduled to begin at 2:30 p.m. and are free and open to the public.

JAGS FALL TO NO. 30 FAU, 7-5

Florida Atlantic added an insurance run in the eighth inning and held on to knock off University of South Alabama baseball 7-5 Friday at FAU Baseball Stadium. FAU (21-10, 9-1 SBC) scored six of its seven runs with two outs, and was led by Mark Nelson who finished 2-for-5 with three RBI. Mike Albaladejo finished 2-for3 with a home run, one RBI and three runs scored, and Geoff Jimenez added a homer, two RBI and two runs scored. Ryan Garton (6-2) earned the win in 6 1/3 innings, allowing five runs on six hits with a walk and four strikeouts. R.J. Alvarez pitched two shutout innings, and struck out five while issuing one walk to earn his fifth save of the season. USA left-hander Phillip Byrd (3-1) suffered his first loss of the season in six innings pitched, allowing six runs on eight hits with three strikeouts and five walks. Nolan Earley, Brent Mitchell and Nick Zaharion each homered in the game for the Jags, and Mitchell finished with two RBI.

- Wire Reports

vol. 50, no. 12 / APR. 9, 2012

Tennis defeats Troy, moves to (14-5) patrick herring Sports Reporter

he South Alabama men’s tennis team defeated Sun Belt Conference foe Troy 7-0 at home on Thursday. The Jaguars (14-5) came into the match ranked number at No. 63 in the nation, and they proved worthy of the distinction. After sweeping the doubles point, South Alabama held off Troy (4-15) in some tight singles matches to move to 5-0 in their final game at the Bruce David Lubel Memorial Tennis Courts. South Alabama won doubles matches at numbers one, two, and three, 8-3, 8-4, and 8-5 respectively. Coach Nick Brochu was pleased with the doubles matches after moving some guys around. “We were trying some new combinations in doubles today,” Brochu said. “Some of the guys had never played together, and I think that worked out pretty good.” Senior Romain Bocaert earned two victories after he won in straight sets at number one.

Greg Hollinger ‫@ ‏‬LeonG_10- gucci, flocka, future, and 2chains on one track! i might wreck from being too crunk. TreyFetner™ ‫@ ‏‬Tfet16- Attention all high school students: stay there, you do not realize now how great you have it! Stay as long as you can- Billy Madison voice. brad puckett

USA’s Daniel Leitner takes a shot during a match At number three, junior Alex Bernard put the Jaguars on the board quickly, defeating Troy’s Jamie Eccleton 6-2 and 6-0. “I told the guys if you have an easy match, get us on the board early,” Brochu said. “Alex Bernard won very easily; he didn’t waste time on the court.”

The Jaguars travel to play the University of Alabama at Birmingham this Friday at 4 p.m. Then on Saturday they will play the University of Memphis at a neutral site in Birmingham at 10 a.m. in their final game before the conference tournament starts in Denton, Tex. on Apr. 19.

Sun Belt Conference to add Georgia State jayson Curry Sports Editor

Phillip Wyatt ‫@ ‏‬DoctorFill1-Every time I set my alarm earlier than 7, I die on the inside. Kristyn Thacker ‫@ ‏‬BabyGoT_Thackput the rest of my pint of ice cream in the freezer? that would include getting up.. #justatethewholething #goodthingweworkedout. Drewski ︻╦╤─ ‫@ ‏‬DrewDearmanMaking moves on the online Master’s site. Switching cameras like a producer.

he Sun Belt Conference and Georgia State are set to have a press conference Monday to announce Georgia State joining the SBC in all sports. Georgia State has competed in the Colonial Athletic Association for the past seven years and will be forced to compete as a transitional team in 2013 before becoming a full SBC member in 2014. The transitional year will be similar to South Alabama’s football team as it transitioned into the Sun Belt. New Sun Belt conference commissioner Karl Benson has been in discussions with multiple schools about joining the Sun Belt including Texas-San Antonio and Charlotte. Benson is hoping to add another team to the Sun Belt in hopes of having a minimum of a 12 team conference to create conference championship games. Monday’s press conference, held in Atlanta’s Georgia Dome, comes just in time for Georgia State to leave the CAA before the conference votes to change its exit fee from $250,000 to $1 million. Georgia State will bring a big media market to the SBC as the university is set in the middle of downtown Atlanta. The school also brings in a large student population of 32,000 students.

CJ Bennett ‫_@ ‏‬MrOneFive_- Just finished my post spring meetings feeling motivated. Got a lot of work ahead but I can’t wait till #jagnation shocks the world this year.

CJ Bennett ‫_@ ‏‬MrOneFive_- I promise these girls will post any picture as long as they look good! The friends look like they got beat up but that don’t stop em lol. Chris May ‫@ ‏‬May_Day55- Honestly how many thing could the F in Weezy F baby stand for lil Wayne? Bj Scott ‫@ ‏‬Bj_Scott_1- Warren Sapp declares bankruptcy & lists his 240 pairs of Air Jordans as assets. SMH, if you’re going to lose it all, don’t lose your shoes! Drewski ︻╦╤─ ‫@ ‏‬DrewDearman- Announcer just made a Happy Gilmore reference, welcome to the first round of the #Masters Logan Kirkland ‫@ ‏‬Captain_Kirk2“Some people play this game cuz they’re good at it.. And some of us play cuz we ABSOLUTELY love it” #DirtClods @CoachZUSA Vanguard illustration

Sun Belt commissioner Karl Benson and the Sun Belt Presidents have voted to extend an offer to Georgia State to become a member of the conference.

Olivia Mohler ‫@ ‏‬Olivia_Mohler12- Alabama football team was just escorted by the police to practice... Is this real life?? Get over yourself!

vol. 50, no. 12 / apr. 9, 2012

USA’s Buhrkuhl lucky to be alive jt crabtree Sports reporter

here were several headlines to talk about for South Alabama’s 2012 baseball season. USA head coach Mark Calvi’s first year as head coach, the addition of the party decks in right field at USA’s Stanky field or the 23 new players on the roster. One of those 23 new players is pitcher Dillon Buhrkuhl. What most USA baseball fans know about Buhrkuhl is that he is a sophomore from Tyler Junior College in Texas who was given the chance to contribute right away in the Jag’s rotation. What fans don’t know is how he got here. It all started his sophomore year of high school. “I was pitching in the state semifinal game,” Buhrkuhl said, “and I started getting real weak; I didn’t know what was going on.” Buhrkuhl went to the hospital a few days later with a high fever and was in an enormous amount of pain. Doctors were unsure of the problem, so they held him overnight for observation. He was then awakened in the middle of the night. “They woke me up in the middle of the night and had to care flight

scott donaldson

USA baseball player Dillon Buhrkuhl throws a pitch during a game for the Jaguars me to Dallas, about two hours away,” remembered the pitcher. “They told me if I didn’t make it there in the next few hours I would die.” Buhrkuhl had a virus that caused all of his organs to shut down. His heart became so swollen that it was three times it’s normal size and his lungs filled with fluid. His kidneys shut down, and his muscles began to deteriorate. It was a grim outlook for the young man.

It got worse. “I went into cardiac arrest and then into a coma. I was in a coma for a week.” Then the unimaginable happened. Even the unexplainable. “I woke up a week later, and it all went away,” Buhrkuhl said. “They told me I may never fully recover.” But he did. And his recovery became more amazing after doctors told him he was only the third person in the world to have the virus.

He was the first to live through it. The virus has no name. And doctors don’t know what causes it, or why it stopped attacking Dillon. There is even a possibility it could come back. But for now, Dillon is happy to be at South playing for Coach Calvi, who recruited him in high school while at South Carolina. We, too, are happy he can take the mound wearing a Jaguar uniform.

Opinion 12

vol. 50, no. 12 / Apr. 9, 2012

Sometimes, it’s about more than the job I

became Editor of The Vanguard in May of 2011, and since then, my life has dramatically changed. This job isn’t just a job to me, it’s what’s kept me in Cassie Fambo school and standing Editor-in-Chief upright. My best friend moved to a foreign country over the summer, and I wasn’t sure how I’d cope with losing him. I decided to focus on the paper. All of my mentors graduated, the former editors of the paper Daniela, Matthew and Alex. I walked into new computers, new software and took on a new era as editor beginning in May. I began my senior year with a goal, to graduate. What I found instead was that I needed to change my perspective. I learned who I was. I am a journalist. In December, I officially made the decision to double major in communications and psychology. It took me four years to learn that being a psychologist wasn’t my future. The meetings, interviews, articles and people I have met over the past year have been what truly helped me find my real calling. I knew in second grade I wanted to write. Now, I know how. After deciding to double major, I lost my mom in January. I share that with readers not for pity or sympathy. She held

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on as long as she could. She always would say she wanted to make sure that she knew we were going to be okay. Weeks before her death, I told her that I was going to be a writer. I was afraid she might worry about how much money I would make or what kind of future I would have after spending so much time taking psychology classes. She smiled. She was a writer too. She knew that’s what would make my soul happy, and she knew I’d be okay. She wasn’t worried about money or classes, and I knew better than to ever be afraid of that. She taught me that people matter more than currency, and moments matter more than hours on the clock. My mother taught me to stay true to my heart and stick to my guns. All of my life, I’ve followed my heart and kept my pistols loaded. Losing my mother this year challenged me as both a person and a student. If it wasn’t for The Vanguard, I am not sure if I would have stayed in school this semester. Two days after she passed away, I had to get up and put an issue out. I got up. I drove to Mobile. I did my job. Sometimes, going through the motions helps you get back on your feet. Over spring break, I broke two vertebrae in my back in a car accident. A week later, I got up, I drove to Mobile, I did my job. School seems secondary when so much is going on, and it’s easy to let a class as-

signments fall to the wayside. I’ve been lucky to have understanding professors and be able to catch up when I’ve slipped behind. But I’m still here. I finally felt like I was 100 percent last week when I went to the SGA candidate forum and Dr. Mike Mitchell congratulated me on a great SGA election coverage issue. I knew my staff had it within them to produce that beast of a newspaper in a weekend and to make it as great as it was. Being the leader of the ink is a great responsibility, and one that I do not take lightly. My staff is composed of a wide-range of people, and each one of them brings a different gift to the table. Bailey’s heart in life, Jayson’s humor in Sports, and Aaron’s wit in horoscopes all make up pieces of The Vanguard puzzle. We spend hours in our office together, Carey copy-editing, Matt and Patrick writing, Wesley getting ads and Naquita working with technology. Ms. Kathy slaves away doing everything behind the scenes, and Dr. Aucoin is our Dumbledore of wisdom and guidance. I wish everyone could have the college experience I have had with how involved I am and how much I have and still learn. I have a role here, not a job. I tell stories to the best of my ability that pertain to USA, and I love what I do. I found myself by throwing myself into the fire that is The Vanguard, and in the most strenuous year of my life, I couldn’t have been anywhere better than here.

JagPulse What did you think of our SGA coverage? I truly gathered a lot of information from the answers and was able to compile a logical decision on my vote based on facts and not chalk on a sidewalk, a free muffin, sheet sign or a Facebook event. So thank you, Vanguard for providing this. -Daniel Moran

The most dangerous voter is an uninformed voter. Become informed: Cassie Fambro and her team at The VanguardUSA’s Student Newspaper put together an amazing newspaper this week showcasing our SGA candidates and positions. -Stephen Purnell

Loved The Vanguard this week! All that hard work and time was definitely worth it! Great idea on adding in the campaign info for the SGA elections! There is definitely no excuse for not knowing any of the candidates platforms. -Tara Gebhard

Vanguard Viewpoint A staff editiorial

8 percent is pathetic

he SGA candidate forum is never boring, which is why it’s confusing to see the audience not consist of those who need to be there. Senators, past senators, student leaders and other already informed people come to things like this to get even more informed. It’s like the smart kids with straight A’s that still go to the tutoring sessions for extra credit. Do they need it? No. But they care. The mantra is repeated over and over again from the time Dr. Stearns takes the podium in the Mitchell Center at orientation and tells you to take off your Auburn and Alabama gear and embrace being a Jaguar at USA. Get involved. Over and over again, people complain about what’s going on with student fees, tuition, lights, plants, bicycles and pizza. In order to create effective change, 92 percent of the student body seems to think sitting on their hands is the solution. Well, tally-oh. Sitting on your hands seems brilliant. Where we come from, working usually gets you somewhere a whole lot quicker. As President Moulton once said at a faculty appreciation event, “Get down in the dirt and work.” Don’t sit back with clean hands and blame the people who tried to grow the garden. Get in there, participate and get your hands dirty. Otherwise, shut up. It’s immature and cowardly to sit back and say that because you didn’t vote, you aren’t responsible. Nationally, locally or here at school. You not voting is committing an act. It is committing the act of doing nothing at all. It doesn’t make you superior. It makes you dispassionate, and illeducated. If you want more control over half a million dollars, all you have to do is take five minutes and vote. Then hold them accountable. Step up, USA, instead of sitting back.

vol. 50, no. 12 / apr. 9, 2012

Opinion

SGA senator takes driving safely, seriously by stephen purnell Contributing Writer

e’ve all been in that position: someone cuts us off in traffic, we say a few expletives, maybe make an obscene gesture. It seems everyStephen Purnell one out on the road SGA Senator today is a reckless idiot, (except for you and me, of course). We don’t always think about what we are doing on the road and how our actions at one point may mean the difference between life and death just a few seconds ahead. Driving is inherently dangerous. Add a cell phone, Big Mac, 20 mph over the speed limit, inches behind the car in front of you, and you’re just asking for disaster. Since the semester began, I have seen an unusually high number of preventable accidents caused by distracted or reckless drivers. Note that one or more factors may be related to the cause of an accident. Among the most dangerous of the long list of common problems, distractions at

the right-of-way; however, common the wheel seem to be most common. According to a report released by the sense dictates that if a vehicle is apAAA Traffic Safety Programs, “Nearly 80 proaching too fast to stop for you, let it percent of collisions involve some form pass, then cross. The rule that our parents pounded of driver inattention (distraction, fatigue into our head of “look both ways before or looking away).” Because of high pedestrian volume crossing the road” doesn’t end when we get to college! and the curvy naSecondly, speedture of the roads “80 percent of collisions ing is a very dangeron campus, drivous issue that is an all ers must remain involve some form too common practice. 100 percent foof driver inattention We have all been late cused on the to class, but that does road. (distraction, fatigue or not give you an excuse The University looking away.” to put the lives of other has implementpeople in danger, ed speed limits, ever. speed bumps, – AAA In a study warning signs, Report by the Insurand road markance Institute of ings to increase Highway Safety, driver awareness (hit one of those speed excessive speed bumps at 35 mph, and it will probably was cited as a knock your teeth out). factor in over 30 Pedestrian safety is the responsibility percent of fatal accidents. There is no of both parties, though. While driving on campus, I have had justification for speeding and intimidatpeople blindly step in front of me, eyes ing others to speed (especially while on glued to the cell phone. Had I been dis- campus). Following too close, or tailgating, is tracted by my cell phone too, the outcome would’ve been a lot worse than a common intimidation tactic that accounts for over one-third of auto acciscreeching tires. The law states that pedestrians have dents.

Again, being late or in a hurry is absolutely no excuse for riding too close behind someone. As your speed increases, your reaction time and stopping distance decreases. The less distance you give yourself, the greater your chances for causing an accident. We are constantly reminded of the actions of careless individuals driving oneton death machines, especially in the evening news. Last Sunday, an 8-year-old boy in Theodore was hit by a driver, where witnesses “noticed her hand on the steering wheel and her phone up.” The driver then took off, and was later pulled over by police and issued two citations. Need I bring up the eight-car pileup that occurred in the Humanities parking lot last month? While texting and driving wasn’t officially cited, police believed “‘excessive speed was involved in the accident”. As a senator on the SGA, I take the safety of those I serve extremely seriously. So far, we have been lucky that no one has yet to be severely injured or killed by a dangerous driver while on campus. Do not become a statistic! It is up to all of us, drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and anyone that moves, to ensure that this does not change.

Keep it simple, South needs more places to sit by Aaron Etheredge Associate Editor

he University of South Alabama needs benches, chairs, stools, anything actually. Just somewhere for the students to sit down and get some fresh air and not feel like their great grandfather was the stone mason who laid the brick for the cement seat they’re sitting on. It’s surprising that with all the construction, renovation and landscaping going on, that USA has neglected this cheaper avenue for campus improvement. Rather than spend millions of dollars on new buildings, spend $2,000 buying 40 benches. A new set of aluminum benches placed on the sides of a walkway is certainly an appealing sight. For some potential students, that extra campus flair of “three benches here” and “two benches there” might be the thing that makes our wonderful campus pop out in their mind when they start finalizing their college choices.

What could say, “Welcome to the University of South Alabama, we’re a friendly campus,” more than seeing students outside on benches socializing and enjoying themselves? It’s horrible to see the absence of benches in some places where there really should be seats available. Take Stokes Hall for example, South Alabama’s jewel for dorm life, and just analyze it. Here is this brand new, four-story dorm that has a wonderfully furnished lobby. The dorm is surrounded by trees, flowerbeds, and bushes that were brought in on trucks just to give that extra finesse to Stokes. Of course, when someone finishes class for the day and decides to go outside to review the material their professor covered, they’re disappointed greatly when they have to walk across the road and stare at the nasty, dark brown Delta Dorms. Why waste all that money on a dorm if no one can enjoy the view at their leisure? Of course, there are places to rest our feet on campus, but they’re highly incon-

venient for some students. Since there are so few places available, there is always the risk of sharing a bench with that chain smoker that’s sitting downwind, making it harder to study. Or perhaps it’s because of the obnoxious crowd of people that drown lauren gessner / contributing photographer out your music with their loud shouts Students Deborah Crabtree, Bailey Hammond, and Brandon Catand conversations. en sit on a bench located by the intramural fields. Ignoring those two As the campus continues to expand things, most benches look like they’ve been there for years upon years and just and grow, one can only hope that there will come a day when benches line the look nasty. The only place that’s suited for sitting edges of every sidewalk and walkway at is in front of the Mitchell Center, and it the University of South Alabama, and no looks wonderful. With the right resources, student will ever go without a bench ever again. the entire campus could look like this.

vol. 50, no. 12 / apr. 9, 2012

vol. 50, no. 12 / Apr. 9, 2012

Distractions

HOROsCOPEs Aries: 3/21 - 4/19 The reason the Easter Bunny didn’t leave you anything is because you neighbors caught him, skinned him and cooked him for their Easter Dinner. Better luck next year when Santa Clause fills in for him. Taurus: 4/20 – 5/20 Next week, to avoid yet another car accident on Friday the 13, you will need to employ the services of a co-worker to drive you to an important event. Gemini: 5/21 – 6/21 In a faux pas by National Geographic’s Nudist edition, you will wake up on Wednesday to hundreds of naked men and women at your front door asking about employment opportunities. Cancer: 6/22 – 7/22 Buffalo Wild Wings has 50 cent wings every Tuesday and Thursday. This does not relate to your real horoscope at all.

Leo: 7/23 – 8/22 The Vanguard knows what you did last summer. We will be publishing it next week on the front page. It will be embarrassing to you, but funny to everyone else. Virgo: 8/23 – 9/22 Watch out Trolls. And no, not your ex-girlfriend. Avoid bridges, swamps and Target. These places have high Troll activity. Libra: 9/23 – 10/22 Avoid McDonald’s this week. They will be unnaturally slow because of the fact that Friday the 13 is this week. It’s just bad mojo. Scorpio: 10/23 – 11/21 The government will come knocking on your apartment door this week on a charge that you’re a terrorist because of all the anti-terrorism material you searched for on the Internet. It sucks, because you’re actually patriotic and were just looking for ways to help out.

Picture of the Week The Bear Den of Cub Scout Pack 17 enjoyed a day of Cub Mobile Derby Racing at the University of South Alabama. Pack 17 is chartered by Christ United Methodist Church in West Mobile. Bear Den leader, Danielle Jackson is also an employee of the University. Thirteen Bear Cubs participated in the event. First place winner was Kaleb Bradley, second place went to Matthew Winterstein and third place finisher was Daniel Forbes. Congratulations to the all of the cubs for building and racing their cars! Danielle Jackson would like to thank the University for providing excellent police protection during the race. Courtesy of Catherine Danielle Jackson

Sagittarius: 11/22 – 12/21 It’s been documented by several universities that if you are a male and you wear jeans that are short pants, you probably suffer from diseases such as “I love the 80’s music,” “I think that scooters are cool,” and “I rear-end people while trolling Facebook on my phone.” None of which are treatable. Capricorn: 12/22 – 1/19 Go to the flea market and buy some sort of animal. I would suggest a goat. Or perhaps a small child? Avoid buying from the back of the middle aisle. They’re usually sickly. Aquarius: 1/20 – 2/18 You recently had to place all the SGA questionnaires that were submitted to you into last week’s Vanguard issue. Of the candidates, 50 percent of them can’t follow directions and write the question out. The other 50 percent couldn’t follow the word count regulations. Pisces: 2/19 – 3/20 Watch out for the JagTran. In an effort to go green, all drivers have been told to not yield to pedestrians because it burns too much gas to slow down and then speed back up. Also, please know that the JagTran will no longer stop at pickup locations; they will now just start slowing down and making you jump off.

Weekly Quotable Quote The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong. ~Mahatma Gandhi

Student health u d o k u

For Student Health appointments, please call 460-7151 For Counseling and Testing, please call 460-7051

For Matt Anderson, #TeamCrossword

vol. 50, no. 12 / apr. 9, 2012