The Yellow Jacket 2.22.18

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INSIDE: CONCERNS RISE A BOUT P HEA A FUNDING. SEE A2

FEBRUARY 22, 2018 | VOL. 95 NO. 13 | EST. 1924

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ONE YEAR L ATER: A LOOK AT LIFE AFTER BRAD GRINNEN

Grieving students offered support By TEGHAN SIMONTON Managing Editor

Remembering Grinnen

Mackenna Drazich, For the Yellow Jacket

By TEGHAN SIMONTON Managing Editor

It’s been a year. One year since Brad Grinnen, a junior at Waynesburg University, died unexpectedly in his dorm room. One year since the campus community was shaken by the loss of a popular student and athlete. And one year since Clarence Parchman III lost his football teammate, roommate and best friend of three years. Almost three—because the third year was cut short. “We were brothers, really,” said Parchman. Parchman said he and Brad were “the best of friends.” Not only were they

teammates on the football team, but they often did homework together, went out to eat and held “Madden” video game tournaments. Now Brad is gone, and Parchman, along with the

an impromptu Chapel service was held on campus to comfort grieving students. The football team, in particular, was hit hard by the news. Many could not believe it, including Chris Smithley, then

phone, in shock. “I didn’t believe it,” he said, looking back. “You know, it’s just so tragic that its almost like its not real life.” Smithley said the loss of a “great leader” like Brad

Following the death of junior Brad Grinnen last year, the people he left behind come forward to talk about how they've coped with the incident rest of the campus, is experiencing life without him. Since the incident last year, the people that knew Brad have tried to come together. Immediately after his death was made public,

assistant, now head coach. “No way. There’s absolutely no way,” he remembers thinking, when he received a call from Scott Venick, defensive coordinator. He remembers standing in his back yard, on the

brought the team closer. The bond between teammates is stronger than ever. “A lot of guys really stepped up,” Smithley said. “Not that we could ever replace him, but a lot of guys tried to take some of that leadership role.

The role that Brad had in this program was huge – it was bigger than life. And I think that a lot of the guys were motivated by that to take on more leadership.” According to Smithley, the team grieved together often last year, but during the season in the fall, they were focused on the game. They were focused on moving forward. It’s what Brad would have wanted. “I think that we had Brad in our hearts and in our minds, but also knew that we had a job at task,” he said. Parchman said Brad’s absence was always felt in the locker room and on the field, especially on the defensive GRINNEN >> A3

In the wake of the one-year anniversary of Brad Grinnen’s unexpected death, the Waynesburg University Counseling Center is emphasizing its services for dealing with grief. According to Jane Owen, director of the Educational Enrichment Program, Clinical Services and Counseling Center, the office saw an increase in students seeking grief counseling. The Counseling Center frequently receives visits from students struggling with a myriad of mental health issues, from severe depression and anxiety to general feelings of being overwhelmed. When it comes to grief related to the death of a loved one, Owen said that the process is unique to everyone. But no matter what, the Counseling Center is equipped to handle it. “We are all trained in grief,” she said. “We have all experienced grief personally. You know, grief is different— people grieve differently and so what we want to get across most of all is that however you’re doing it, it’s individual. And grief is such a process.” Whether it is spurred by tragedy or the tensions caused by everyday life, students are always encouraged to visit the office when they are struggling. “If you’re a student and you are experiencing any type of grief, depression, anxiety, please know that we’re here for you,” Owen said.

Two-hour block ‘WU-Fi’ extended to Stewart Hall replaces traditional Assessment Day By EDWARD BOICE Editorial Assistant

By MATTHEW SHINKLE Associate Editor

In years past, Waynesburg University had held its annual Assessment Day on a set day in February for students of all majors to take surveys or tests and participate in any additional activities for the students’ major. Traditionally, each department organizes the day differently. The decision was made last year to change Assessment Day to from an entire day devoted solely to such activities to a

distinct block of time, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with this year's event falling on Thursday, Feb. 22. “The [Institutional Assessment Committee] met and members of the committee really did an evaluation and looked at what was occurring campus wide for the assessment period and talked with all of the departments about the activities that were happening and what they were doing ASSESS >> A3

The wait for campus-wide Wi-Fi and up-to-date technology is almost over. After four years, the Information Technology Department is nearing completion with the network infrastructure project. Most recently, the department finished setting up the Wi-Fi on the first and second floors of Paul R. Stewart Hall. The Wi-Fi setup has taken around three weeks to complete. Stewart Hall didn’t have the space necessary to house the access points – small, white boxes that provide the wireless coverage – or the cables needed for the new Wi-

Eddie Boice, Yellow Jacket

After months of waiting, Stewart Hall has recently received the full extent of the new campus-wide Wi-Fi, allowing both students and faculty to benefit. Fi system. William Dumire, vice president for Information Technology Services and

chief information officer, said that Stewart and other buildings needed renovations in

order to complete the project. STEWART >> A3

CORONER RUSH WANTS TO BE MORE THAN A 'NAME ON A DESK'

WHAT SHOULD THE U.S. DO ABOUT GUN REFORM?

Greene County's newly elected coroner sets a standard for transparency.

In a special edition issue, the Op/Ed section is devoted towards last week's school shooting in Florida. Two columnists go head-tohead on the topic of how to solve gun violence. See B1

See B2

INSIDE

SEASON OVER FOR MEN'S BASKETBALL

SERVING UP FRIENDSHIP

The men's basketball team was unable to secure a first-round win over Bethany on Tuesday in an 82-73 defeat. The Jackets end their season with a 10-16 record.

Carla Yost has worked at the Beehive for three years, and, according to Yost, this time serving students has allowed her to be able to connect with those who frequent the Beehive.

See C1

See D1

Campus . . . . . . . . . . . . . A1–A4 Region . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B1, B4 Editorial/Op-ed . . . . . . . B2 News Digest . . . . . . . . . B3 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C1–C4 Arts & Life . . . . . . . . . . . D1–D2 Entertainment . . . . . . . D3–D4 Copyright © 2018 Waynesburg University 51 W. College St.Waynesburg, Pa. 15370


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