The Yellow Jacket Autumn '13
Proudly produced by WVSU students in an on-going learning lab.
Issue Six
Yellow Jacket Staff Editor-in-Chief Bianca Prince is the editor-in-chief of The Yellow Jacket. She is seeking a major in English as well as minors in Journalism and Technical Writing. Additionally, she is an editor for the Kanawha Review and president of the English Club. She is an avid animal lover and photographer.
Assistant Editor Jessica Clark is the assistant editor of The Yellow Jacket. She is seeking a degree in English with a minor in Spanish. With her degree, she hopes to teach English as a second language. Jessica is also a member of the English Club and an editor for the Kanawha Review.
Staff Writers Marta Tankersley, named WVSU Journalism Student of the Year 2013, is a junior communications major. She writes for the Charleston Gazette, WV Executive Magazine and works with PRSSA and Tower Communications. Marta is engaged to WVSU graduate CR Hays.
Michael Snead is an Art History and History major who started as a Regents student before deciding to go for a double major. He is a member of the Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society and president of the Pinnacle Honor Society.
Jason Robinson is a communications major entering his sophomore year. He also has an interest in pre-law and the legal profession. He won “The Best Defensive Attorney Award” at the West Virginia University School of Law Summer Institute. Jesse Jenkins is a senior communications major with a focus on business and advertising. When he is not at school, he works full-time as a manager at Books-AMillion. In his spare time he enjoys reading, making films, and watching them. Bobbie Spry is a communications major with a minor in English. She is the president of the National Broadcasting Society, member of Pinnacle, Alpha Epsilon Rho, and Alpha Kappa Mu National Honor Societies. Next to her family, WVSU is the most important thing in her life.
Lena Lambert is a sophomore here at West Virginia State University majoring in Social Work. She lives in Nitro with her husband and 3 sons. She is involved with the Social Work Organization, and is looking forward to her first year with the Yellow Jacket. Rose Taylor is an English Professional Writing major and a native of West Virginia hailing from Roane County. She is a junior and this is her first semester writing for the Yellow Jacket. Cody Cummings is a communications major with an avid interest in video games. He hopes to work in video game production after graduation. Tabatha Paluso is a senior professional writing major. She is a member of the GSA and English Club. She hopes to graduate in May and go on to get her MA in Journalism at UCSB.
The Yellow Jacket is published by West Virginia State University students throughout the fall and spring semesters as part of an on-going learning lab. Approximately eight issues are published throughout each individual semester. Issues are published bi-monthly. Free copies are distributed on the West Virginia State University campus. The Yellow Jacket is dedicated to being a trusted source of news, entertainment and discussion for the students of West Virginia State University. © 2013 Yellow Jacket. Content may not be reproduced without permission. Faculty advisor: Dr. Jessica Barnes Pietruszynski.
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Raises, new programs announced at annual ‘State of State’ address By Bianca Prince West Virginia State University President Brian O. Hemphill made several big announcements at his second State of the University address on Friday, October 18, in the university’s P. Ahmed Williams Auditorium. Hemphill announced in his speech that all full-time faculty and non-classified staff members would be receiving a 2 percent salary increase. That is in addition to a merit-based 2 percent salary increase that will be provided for 65 percent of fulltime faculty, the first since October 2008. “Throughout my presidency, I have heard many stories of how faculty right here on our campus lead individuals to find
their passion, dream bigger dreams, discover talents that they never knew existed and open their minds to knowledge and understanding of a world that changed their lives,” Hemphill said in his speech. “To the faculty in the room, the time has come for WVSU to make a significant investment in each of you.” Hemphill also announced the Promoted Excellence in Education through Research (PEER) program. WVSU has partnered with the Research Development Corporation to commit $500,000 over the next five years to promote the faculty’s research agenda. Funds for the program will
Faculty Accomplishments at W.Va. State University • Dr. Juris Lidaka was honored as the National Endowment for the Humanities Summer Scholar • Dr. Billy Joe Peyton published his book “Historic Charleston: The First 225 Years.” • Dr. Gerald Hankins received a $50,000 grant for the “Specialty Mushrooms as a Niche Market Crop for Limited Resource Small Family Farm” project. • Dr. David Huber published an article in “Bioresources Technology” titled “Thermophilic Anaerobic CoDigestion of Poultry Litter and Thin Stillage.”
come from Title III funds from the U.S. Department of Education, state funds and private donations. Hemphill also touted the recent accomplishments of both faculty (see box, below) and students. Also announced was a budget efficiency summit that was held on November 1 and 9 a.m. in the Erickson Alumni Center. The summit included five students, five classified staff, five administrators and 15 faculty members, as well as the vice presidents. “We must be proactive in our preparation for the future due to the changing economy of this state as well as the nation,” said Hemphill on the summit. Hemphill says alumni and donors have noticed the changes taking place at WVSU. Donations rose from $620,000 in 2012 to $2.25 million in 2013, a 354% increase. In just the first quarter of the 2014 fiscal year, WVSU has received $1.9 million. In addition, Hemphill gave updates on renovations and construction that can be seen taking place on the campus. Fleming Hall is in the final stages of renovation and is expected to open in February 2014, while the Judge Damon J. Keith Scholars Hall should open to students in August of the same year. “It is our duty to insure that WVSU is well prepared long into the future,” said Hemphill.
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College of Arts and Humanities remembers March on Washington at Fall Convocation By Bianca Prince West Virginia State University’s College of Arts and Humanities remembered the March on Washington at its Fall Convocation on Tuesday, October 15, at the West Virginia Culture Center in Charleston. The event celebrated the legacy of the 1963 march and discussed the effect it had on the arts and humanities. The convocation opened with presentations from WVSU faculty, discussing how the march had impacted the media, visual arts, rhetoric, Latin Americans and music. It ended with a discussion featuring a panel of individuals who participated in the march. Panel members included Reverend Bob English, Mr. Bob Thompson and Reverend Frances Shearin. “The WVSU College of Arts and Humanities Fall Convocation explores the history and legacy of the 1963 March on Washington with an opportunity for students, faculty and community members to relive this pivotal moment through the lens of the arts and humanities which it so richly shaped,” said Scott Woodard, Interim Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities, before the event. During the roundtable discussion, panelists expressed that our country has not come far enough in the past fifty years. “The elephant in the room is not even being discussed because we feel like with the elec-
Thompson, Rev. Shearin and Rev. English were the guests of honor at the Fall Convocation.
tion of President Obama that we were moving into a post-racial society. Well, obviously, that has not occurred,” said Rev. English, who was assistant minister to Martin Luther King, Jr. at the Ebenezer Church in Atlanta, Ga. “We’ve come far, but not far enough,” agreed Rev. Shearin. Thompson reflected on how lucky he felt to attend WVSU during such a tumultuous time in our country’s history. “You know, I experienced, I guess, integration at that time in a different way as a student at West Virginia State. I was fortunate to be at West Virginia State as a student at such a time when integration was happening in reverse and that was just a special time in my life,” said Thompson. “And it happened, and it happened so, it seemed like it was effortlessly. You know, with West Virginia State’s motto of being a living
laboratory for human relations and I often wondered, Why can’t that same motto happen all over our country?” Senior art major Wesley Eary asked the panel what they thought the younger generations needed to do in order to further Dr. King’s dream. “You need to wake up. You need to get energized. You need to care about something other than just what people are telling you. You need to hold your congressmen and your senators accountable. This is your country. You need to make those documents living documents,” said Rev. Shearin. It repeated the sentiment of foreign language professor Dr. Miguel Zapata who said, “If we want the law to mean something, we have to act upon it.” The Convocation was free and open to the public. It was the first time the event was held at the W. Va. Culture Center.
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President Brian O. Hemphill praises student accomplishments
By Jessica Clark Students are excelling at West Virginia State University, President Brian O. Hemphill said in his State of the University address on Friday, October 18. Many teams, clubs and organizations at the university have received honors and awards for various accomplishments in 2013. The WVSU NAACP Chapter received a national award and 2013 Chairman’s trophy in July for member growth. In two years, they increased the number of members in the chapter by about 34 people, which is more than any other chapter in the nation. “This really speaks to the students at West Virginia State, and I think it is a fantastic recognition of them and their work,” says Oree Banks. “I have been very pleased with the growth we have seen in the chapter lately. It is gratifying to see more students participating.”
The West Virginia State University Academic Quiz Bowl team reached the Final Four round of competition in the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge National Championship Tournament on April 8. It took place in Los Angeles against 48 other schools that were also representing Historically Black College and Universities. The quiz bowl team included Scotty White, Eric Jett, Ashton Gauff and Raynalle Rouse. The Quiz Bowl team brought in $16,000 in prize money. “The team had a fantastic time competing against some of the toughest minds in our country. Our hosts at American Honda were amazing,” says team captain Scotty White. “We look forward to competing next year.” Two WVSU students were entered in the STaR Symposium Student Video Competition. Kevin Care and Hannah Cavender were both entered and were two of only 20 finalists that were chosen to present. The symposium focused on energy and featured speaker David Pogue who is author and host of NOVA Science Now. Hannah Cavender went on to win the competition. The National Broadcasting Society (NBS) – Alpha Epsilon
Rho received the National Chapter of the Year award at the society’s annual meeting in Washington, D.C., on March 23. The award is the highest given by the society. Students also received the Motivated Chapter Award for community service, membership growth, scholarship fundraising and on- and offcampus activities. “We are so proud that our students have this award to show that all of their hard work really pays off,” says Professor Kim Cobb. The student chapter of the American Chemical Society (ACS) is received its second consecutive Outstanding Chapter Award for 2012-2013 activities. The group also received Green Chemistry Chapter recognition for the fourth year straight. “I am extremely proud of these students for their outstanding representation of West Virginia State University and service to the local community,” said WVSU President Brian O. Hemphill. “These students are excelling inside and outside of the classroom by sharing their passion for science with the next generation of Yellow Jackets and serving as an example and inspiration to so many.”
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SCRATCH harvest party shows off results of children’s skills By Jessica Clark West Virginia State University’s Extension Services’ SCRATCH (Sustainable Community Revitalization in Appalachia Through Children’s Hands) Project hosted a harvest party on Sunday, October 20, at Maudella Taylor Garden in Huntington. The harvest party was a public event that showed off the children’s skills that they learned over the summer. "The harvest party is a fun time for our participants to show off all that they've learned this summer,” says coordinator Jenny Totten, a VISTA volunteer with WVSU Extension Service. “We are featuring projects and items from all of our sites so our
neighbors can see what these kids have learned and achieved." The SCRATCH program, which started in 2011, involves hands-on learning for children and teens (K-12). The program, based out of Huntington, is the first of its kind. The goal is to bring healthy, local grown food to the area and have the children become young entre-preneurs. Jenny Totten helps a child water her garden. The participants and their Photo courtesy W.V. Promise Youth Alliance. parents take place in an Spring Hill Elementary School. agricultural based economic WVSU Extension Service model where they learn to grow, staff, along with other agencies, produce and process for provides resources through consumption. Locations include technology and education to the Maudella Taylor site, the inform the public about the Barnett Center, the A.D. Lewis importance of nutrition and Community Center and a business. recently established site at
W.Va. State University awarded over $1 million in federal grants By Bianca Prince West Virginia State University was recently awarded $1.69 million dollars from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture for projects that focus on sustainable agriculture, food
security, online education and youth development. The university was awarded the maximum amount of funds for the second consecutive year in a row. Only 18 universities are eligible to compete in the
program, which is exclusive to land-grant universities. “To receive this level of funding […] speaks volumes about the talented research and teaching faculty at State,” said Dr. Orlando F. McMeans, vice president for Research and Public Service.
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Student Government Association holds open forum, wants to hear from students By Lena Lambert The Student Government Association at West Virginia State University held a student forum on Tuesday, October 22, in the Student Union. This was a time for students to meet the SGA and to ask any questions about student activities. During this forum, the SGA also presented two recommended changes to the constitution. “It was not well attended,” SGA President Vasilios Dianellos said when asked about the attendance at the forum. Dianellos admitted that the organization was worried about
the possibility of low attendance, but are going to try again in the spring. Some issues that were raised by those attending the forum have already been addressed, such as the wifi situation. Some topics were expected to have student support at the forum, but no one came with an opinion on the topics, such as a smoking ban. Dianellos said that there were many good ideas though, such as professors recording their lectures and making them available online and having tables outside to use on nice days along with the benches that are already available.
Other topics included the courtyard outside of Ferrell and Wallace Halls, a formal in the spring and allowing alcohol at football games. Dianellos shared that the SGA was providing an opportunity for the students to share ideas and complaints. “If you have something that you want heard, let us know,” he says, “and if it’s not in our authority, we will still try to help, even if it is beyond our scope of influence.” The SGA will compile a report of the topics covered to send out to all WVSU students via their State e-mail addresses and through social media.
WVSU hosts band competition By Jesse Jenkins West Virginia State University hosted a marching band competition at Lakin Field at Dickerson Stadium on Saturday, October 12. The event began at 9 a.m. and consisted of 14 bands consisting of more than 1000 students. The Cavalcade of Bands Southwest Regional Band Festival was a public event that WVSU and St. Albans High School Music Department sponsored.
“We salute the members of the participating bands for their hard work and dedication to the art and pageantry of marching bands,” said Scott Woodard, Interim Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities. “It is our sincere hope that their time on the campus of West Virginia State University is enjoyable, memorable and that the end of the day finds them fulfilled with a sense of accomplishment and pride in themselves and their organizations.”
The bands that competed were Beavercreek High School, Capital High School, Hurricane High School, Nitro High School, Oak Hill High School, Parkersburg High School, Parkersburg South High School, Princeton High School, Ritchie County High School, St. Albans High School, Sissonville High School, South Charleston High School and Woodrow Wilson High School.
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Creator’s Program series continues with workshop on independent publishing By Alexander Naylor West Virginia State University held its Creator’s Program workshop on Saturday, October 19, in WVSU’s Economic Development Center. The workshop focused on Independent Publishing. Writer and photographer Eric Douglas was the speaker. Douglas received a degree in Journalism from Marshall University. He has published four novels, two children’s books, a series of short stories and works as a columnist for “Scuba Diving Magazine.” “Recent advances in technology have moved publishing from the hands of the few directly into the hands of writers everywhere,” says Douglas. “But publishing isn’t as simple as pushing a couple buttons and waiting for checks
to roll in. It takes a lot of work to build a following and establish a platform where readers can find you. That’s what this seminar is all about.” Douglas explains that the publishing world has changed over the past few years, and self-publishing is now an option for writers wanting to be found. The Creator’s Program, which was launched last year, is collaborative effort from WVSU, Arts Council of Kanawha Valley and the West Virginia Film Office. The program focuses on skills needed to create mass media and art. Some of the topics discussed include why you should selfpublish, the limitations involved, formats and platforms for distribution, formatting the text, covers and cover art, how
Author Eric Douglas. Photograph courtesy BooksByEric.com.
to promote your book and how to build a following. Those who attended the workshop received a Certificate of Participation that counts as two units for a Creator’s Certificate. Participants are awarded the Creator’s Certificate after 20 workshop units are completed. Find out more about Douglas by visiting his website at http://www.booksbyeric.com. To register for future Creator’s Program workshops, visit www.digiso.org and click on “The Creators Program” tab.
WVSU College of Professional Studies Convocation discusses health, fitness By Bianca Prince West Virginia State University’s College of Professional Studies held its Fall Convocation on Tuesday, October 29. The event centered on food, fat and fitness and the preventable diseases that affect
West Virginians in their daily lives. The event was held in the Erickson Alumni Center on the WVSU campus. It featured hands-on activities that informed attendees of healthy behaviors.
The event also featured a lecture from Dr. Jenelle Robinson, Assistant Professor and Health Science Program Director at WVSU. Find out more by following WVSU on Twitter at @WVStateU.
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Who’s Who at WVSU by Jessica Clark Name: Anthony Young Major: Art Hometown: Charleston, WV Graduation Year: 2014 Email: artist_young88@yahoo.com Anthony Young is the Vice President of M.O.N.A (Motivational Organization for New Artists). In 2009 and 2011 he won first place in the student juried exhibit and he won second place in 2010. Young has always had a natural ability when it comes to art and it has always been a part of his life. “I knew I wanted to make art as a profession after I started taking art class outside of school around age 15. I have been drawing since I was about two years old. I try to draw and paint as much as I can so I can grow artistically and be the best artist I can possibly be,” Young says. His advice for students who are trying to be a part of the art world is to simply practice. Practicing everyday is the key to developing and fine tuning your abilities when it comes to art. Artists that have influenced Young and his work include Lucian Freud, Vincent van Gogh and
Young’s work, pictured above, can be seen around campus. This piece is featured in Ferrell Hall.
Jenny Saville. His choice of medium is painting and drawing. It is not difficult to find some of his art work on campus. There is one piece in particular featured in the Financial Aid office in Ferrell Hall. The large oil painting titled, “The Son.” Anthony’s style of art tends to be Realism or Abstract but he loves all types of art work from “Chuck Close's photorealistic paintings and drawings to Mark Rothko's abstract color fields.” Young credits much of his success to his support system. “My mother has supported me the most in my career as an artist, but I can say that I have been very blessed to have a large support group that includes my family, friends and faculty.” Although he is undecided as to which graduate school he wants to attend, he has narrowed down his focus on two in particular: Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), and Maryland Institute College of Arts (MICA). He says he is still looking into other universities. Young also encourages students and aspiring artists on campus to become involved by joining M.O.N.A. The organization is always seeking new members. It is not necessary to be an art major. The only requirement is to simply enjoy art. The organization focuses on traveling, raising funds for small trips throughout the semester and one major trip at the end of the school year. The purpose of the travels is to venture out in to other art communities and become inspired.
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2 + 2 Partnership promotes continuing education By Marta Tankersley West Virginia State University (WVSU) and Bridgemont Community and Technical College (Bridgemont CTC), located at the Dow Technical Center in South Charleston, signed an articulation agreement in October. This agreement, known as a 2 + 2 partnership, “gives students a seamless transition from an associate degree to a baccalaureate degree,” said Assistant Provost & Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. T. Ramon Stuart. Students coming from the Bridgemont CTC with 100 and 200 level courses will be able to
transfer those credits to State then add the 300 and 400 level courses to earn four year degrees, he said. “Through this partnership, WVSU continues to put students’ needs first, ensuring an affordable, quality education remains accessible for our future leaders right here in the Kanawha Valley,” President Brian O. Hemphill said in an interview published on the WVSU Web site. The agreement increases access to continuing education by making degrees more affordable and has the potential to increase enrollment at WVSU, according to Stuart. “I think it benefits the State
of West Virginia as a whole by providing a direct pipeline to advanced education, especially for working professionals,” he said. As adults, many find that more education can be the key to career advancement, he said. So people who already have a two year degree, can continue on to attain a four year degree more easily now. Degrees in business accounting, business management, computer and information technology, digital design, health sciences, education and print communications are all more accessible thanks to the 2 + 2 partnership.
Quiz bowl team looks to recruit new members By Bianca Prince West Virginia State University will be competing in the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge, an academic quiz competition exclusive to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). WVSU is one of only 91 HBCU’s eligible to participate in the 25th anniversary of the challenge. The competition begins with a campus tournament that will be held on Wednesday, November 13, in the University Union Room 131 at 6 p.m. Questions cover a wide range of topics, such as
literature, history, science, philosophy, religion, geography, popular culture and African American history and culture. Students who compete are eligible for selection as members of the quiz bowl team. The winning team will win $200. The 4-day event at Honda Campus All-Star Challenge Nationals goes beyond quiz games. Competitors will also be treated to welcome activities, a gala awards banquet and a student lounge filled with snack, games and other activities. Students will also experience a
once-in-a-lifetime Disneyland theme park tour. During the previous academic year, the quiz bowl team advanced to the Final Four round of competition in the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge National Championship Tournament in Los Angeles. Each competing school will take home a share of over $300,000 in institutional grants from Honda. To sign-up, contact Shantel Hudgins, Campus Coordinator at shudgins@wvstateu.edu or 304-766-3255 by November 12.
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What you need to know about taking the GRE By Jessica Clark Taking the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is a must for anyone who is planning on attending a graduate or business school. Some undergraduates take the test their senior year and others may take it years later. The test can be intimidating for those who are unfamiliar with the material. First of all, the GRE consists of three basic sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning and Analytical Reasoning. The Verbal Reasoning section measures the ability to evaluate and analyze relationships between words and sentences. The Quantitative Reasoning section measures problem solving abilities in math such as algebra, geometry, arithmetic and some data analysis. A calculator is provided for this section. The final section, Analytical Reasoning, basically measures writing skills. Specifically, there are two essay-type questions. These questions measure the ability to clearly state, support and analyze ideas effectively. The GRE is timed and takes three hours and forty five minutes to complete. When should I start studying? This is probably the most common question that comes
up about the GRE. There is no right answer. Any amount of studying will be beneficial. There are practice tests and workbooks available to help students study. Ideally, recent graduates should not have to study as much as those who have been out of school for a while, however not everyone has had a math or writing class in the last year. It is important to focus on improving known weaknesses. For example, spelling is an important factor that most students overlook when it comes to taking the GRE. With today’s technology, students have become reliant on spell-check. This is a problem when they begin to write their essays for the GRE and there is not an autocorrect program. Scoring for the GRE has recently changed. Prior to 2011 it was measured on a larger scale than it is now. The Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning sections are scored on a scale of 130-170 and each question is worth one point. Each section has two subsections. These subsections are sectionlevel adaptive. Lastly, the Analytical Reasoning is scored using half-points on a scale of 0-6. For more information about the GRE go to http://www.takethegre.com/. There are practice tests and information on registration.
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Fleming Hall renovations nearing completion By Bianca Prince Renovations to Fleming Hall are currently in their final stages, West Virginia State University President Brian O. Hemphill said in his State of the University address on Friday, October 18. The facility will feature 40,000 square feet of renovated space as well as 35,000 square feet of new space. The hall will feature 1,350 seats for sporting events and seating for 2,200 for university events such as commencements and convocations. Hemphill announced at the ‘State of State’ address that the gymnasium will be named after
1925 State graduate Coach Mark Cardwell. Cardwell served as coach for the football, baseball and basketball teams from 1945 until 1959 was inducted into the ‘W’ Club Hall of Fame in 1980. During his time as coach, he captured two CIAA titles in football in 1948 and 1951 as well as consecutive basketball championships in 1948 and 1949. The renovated Fleming Hall will feature a modern front entrance. Inside will be a concession stand, bathroom and a bookstore selling State merchandise.
Locker rooms for the volleyball team as well as the men’s and women’s basketball teams are also being renovated. The new locker rooms will have separate lobby areas, complete with flat-screen televisions. Other renovations include two classrooms that will be used for health and physical education classes, and a physical therapy room for student athletes. Hemphill says the new space will officially open in February 2014. Men’s and women’s basketball teams will play their first game in the center on March 1.
Hopes are high that the new facilities will help WVSU recruit a greater number of student athletes. Pictured: The building is expected to have a modern design once complete.
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Women’s tennis Yellow Jackets fall to UVA-Wise in close game team ends season By Bianca Prince on high note It came down to a referee’s ruling. That was all that stood in the way of the Yellow Jackets tying up their October 26 game against UVA-Wise. Yellow Jacket quarterback Tyler Seals threw the ball to receiver Shanin Bennefield who ran for a few yards before diving as far as he could. Unfortunately the referees, after discussion, ruled Bennefield a yard short of a touchdown thereby dashing the Yellow Jackets hopes of what would have been their first winning game of the season. The team started out Tyler Seals strong with Josh Wade carrying for eight and then 10 yards and Ayinde Warren picking up a Warrior fumble later in the game. UVA-Wise scored when James Long outran three WVSU defenders to make the score 10-0. A field goal by freshmen Josh Reuber closed a gap making the score 10-3. After UVA-Wise tackled LeFloyd Phillips in the endzone for a safety and two Shanin Bennefield points, the Warrior’s defense knocked the ball loose from Tyler Seals and recovered it for a touchdown—but not before the Yellow Jackets scored a five yard touchdown. “Our kids played extremely hard, our kids continue to put out that effort that we’re looking for,” said Coach Jon Anderson. The final score was 18-10.
By Justin Rogers The women's tennis team wrapped up their season as simply one to remember. It was one for the record books going undefeated and capturing once again a conference championship. The women's tennis program has had much success and that is due in part to their senior leadership and maturity in knowing how to get the job done. Andreea Slusarciuc received her third conference title. The women's tennis team has the spring season to continue their success and build on Coach Simms teachings.
The women’s tennis team celebrate their Mountain East title with a picture.
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Shawnee Park may fall under university’s management By Tabatha Paluso Talks are in the works regarding future management and ownership of Shawnee Park in Institute. The Kanawha County Parks and Recreation Commission are discussing a possible exchange of the park’s operations to the City of Dunbar or possibly to West Virginia State University. Kimberly Osborne, the university’s Vice President of University Relations, says that the discussion is still in a premature stage and that no decisions have yet been concrete. "Throughout its history, West Virginia State University has been committed to serving as a strong community partner. The proximity of Shawnee Park
would complement the various ongoing campus community efforts and the University is interested in exploring potential partnership opportunities,” Osborne says. “However, it is premature to discuss at the present time." Currently the City of Dunbar operates the Shawnee Park pool. It is not known if the pool would also switch management along with the rest of the ground. If Shawnee Park’s operations should fall under control of WVSU, it would help strengthen the bond between the university and the community of Institute. Since it’s still so early in the deciding process and due to the park being situated directly between WVSU and
Dunbar, it could take some time for a decision to be made. Shawnee Park is located a quarter of a mile west of the WVSU campus. It houses picnic shelters, playgrounds, an athletic field, basketball courts, a nine-hole golf course, six asphalt tennis courts and a swimming pool. The park is currently being operated by Kanawha County Parks and Recreation, along with six other facilities. There will likely be a future meeting for WVSU and the City of Dunbar to discuss the issue further. For more information about Shawnee Park, visit http://www.kcprc.com/shawnee _park.htm.
New Dick Henderson Bridge reopening By Bianca Prince A traffic headache for students and faculty alike is about to ease. Construction on the bridge connecting the towns of Nitro and St. Albans is nearing completing and expecting to reopen to the public on November 1. Construction on the bridge began in March after the old
bridge was demolished in late February. The new bridge, renamed the Dick Henderson Bridge, is wider than the previous structure and includes larger sidewalks. KRT busses will also be able to use the bridge, something they have not been able to do since 2007.
The construction of the bridge went as scheduled. Photo courtesy WV Department of Transportation.
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Campus event highlights the struggles of those in poverty By Lena Lambert Pride Community Services held a Simulation on Poverty at West Virginia State University on Saturday, October 26. The event was sponsored by the statewide chapters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., WVSU Office of Student Activities, TRIO Programs and the WVSU Student Organization Council. While only a simulation of what it would be like to live in poverty, it offered much insight into this social issue. According to the information given by Pride Community Services, West Virginia has twenty one distressed counties, which are defined as “ones where poverty and unemployment rates are at least 150% of the national averages.” West Virginia also ranks as one of the states with the highest poverty rates. Fifty five participants, along with eighteen volunteers, got to experience firsthand how
Ms. Nancy Cline volunteered as the Teacher for the Public School in the Simulation on Poverty event.
poverty can affect a person or family. Each participate was randomly given a character to portray in their new family. Each family unit was given a scenario, and they had to live this for one month. Each week was broken down into 15 minute segments. Depending on the family situation, each participate had to go to work, school, pay bills and run errands. One family, for example, consisted of a mother and father, their teenage daughter and a partially disabled grandfather. The father worked full-time, the grandfather collected disability and the teenage daughter had a parttime job. This family still ended up evicted and homeless, despite all their best efforts. Following the simulation, Mr. Reginald Jones, Executive Director of Pride Community Services, led a question and answer time during which many participants said that they felt anger and frustration during the event. These feelings were not with the event itself, but at the struggle they felt just trying to make it. Towards the end of their “month,” there was an urgency that many spoke of as they struggled to live for the simulated month. Many spoke of the challenges they faced trying to get to work and trying
Mr. Reginald Jones, Executive Director of Pride Community Services, leading the question and answer time following the simulation.
to work with social services to get needed assistance, which always was going to come a month late. Some said that just as they thought that they were going to get ahead, something happened to bring them back down. The volunteers working at the simulated Health Center said that only 4 people came to receive their medication. The participants simply didn’t have the time or money to take care of their medical needs. One participant playing the role of an elderly lady spoke of the loneliness she felt as she sat in her house, which was a chair in one section of the room, and watched the (cont. on page 16)
16 other participants go about their lives for each week. “The Poverty Simulation was a one-of-a-kind, eye opening experience. One filled with
lessons of empathy and compassion. I think everyone at State – whether male or female, commuter or traditional student, staff or faculty, should have
been in attendance,” said Briana Roy, President of the Social Work Organization.
West Virginia not so great for women, site says By Bianca Prince A study published on Time Magazine’s website finds that West Virginia is the fourth worst state for women. The study used data collected from the National Women’s Law Center, the 2010 U.S. Census and the National Network to End Domestic Violence and the National Partnership for Women & Families to arrange states from least to most friendly. The Mountain State found itself among the least friendly of the 50 states for several reasons. iVillage, the website that conducted the study, found that West Virginia has the lowest female graduation rate in the country, with only 17.8 percent of women earning a four-year degree. Women in the state are also more likely to live in poverty, with another 17.8 percent meeting those criteria—over three percent higher than the national average. The website also found that West Virginia has the distinction of being the only state with no laws that protect the rights of breastfeeding mothers, in public or in private. “I do think West Virginia is one of the worst states for
women,” says English major Alyssa Oldaker. “West Virginia is slow when it comes to change, and it seems any progression of women being equal to males, especially in older individuals, tends to come at a screeching halt.” The problem with the study, critics say, lies in those statistics. There are too few used for this study to be truly accurate. Though it is likely that West Virginia would be on the failing end of many statistics, there are statistics that must still be reviewed. For a study ranking states from “best” to “worst” for women to be sensible, one must look at domestic violence laws, access to medical care, the ease of starting a business or the crime rates among women. Oldaker says some issues cannot be measured in statistics. “When I was in high school, which was rural, I wasn't pushed in any way about my future, and
when I asked about college I was mostly dismissed,” says the junior. “When I asked my dad about it, he told me to go get my nursing degree. Now that I'm an English major he repeatedly tells me to just go teach. It seems that even when females do go get their degrees, it's something traditionally feminine.” “I think the lack of education for women sends them into a stopping point, and since West Virginia is one of the poorest states anyway, I get the sense that they just don't know that there's a better world out there for them,” she says.
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Jonas Brothers break up, cancel tour dates By Bianca Prince Pop trio the Jonas Brothers announced this morning that they have decided to go their separate ways, according to a report published by PEOPLE Magazine. “It's really hard to say 'forever,' " Nick Jonas told the magazine. "We're closing a chapter, for sure." "It was a unanimous decision," Joe added. The band, which includes brothers Kevin, Joe and Nick, cancelled their 19-date tour in early October, citing “creative differences.” The group was scheduled to perform at the Clay Center in November with special guest Bonnie McKee. Those who bought tickets online are being given a full refund, while those who purchased their tickets at the Clay Center are being notified and given additional information.
The Jonas Brothers perform during their last tour. Photo courtesy JonasBrothers.com.
For more information, call the Clay Center at 304-561-3570 or visit the Clay Center’s website at www.theclaycenter.org.
“Mountain Monsters” showcases Appalachian urban legends By Bianca Prince West Virginians can continue to watch their favorite Appalachian monster hunters when he second season of “Mountain Monsters” premieres on Destination America in early 2014. The show follows the Appalachian Investigators of Mysterious Sightings (AIMS), a group of hunters and trappers who follow and
AIMS out on an investigation. Photo courtesy Discover America.
explore unexplainable myths and urban legends such as the Mothman and the Lizard Demon of Wood County. John Tice, also known as “Trapper,” leads the group which also includes researcher Jeff Headlee, head of security Huckleberry Lott, trap builder Willy McQuillian, expert tracker Wild Bill Neff and rookie Buck Lowe. These self-described country boys use their ingenuity and backwoods smarts to “track, trap and capture these creatures.” Clients who hire the team often fear being ridiculed. AIMS’ goal is to prove or refute the existence of these mysterious creatures. “”Mountain Monsters” resonates with viewers who are curious about our country’s local legends as well as the locals themselves,” said Marc Etkind in a press release. Etkind is general manager of Destination America. The show was the best original series debut for Destination America, according to the release.
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West Virginia Haunted History: The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum By Jessica Clark The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, located in Weston, West Virginia, was built between 1858 and 1881. The building itself is the largest hand-cut stone masonry built in the United States. It is possible that it is one of the largest in the world. It was a hospital that housed 250 people and it opened in 1864. At one point in the 1950s there were over 2000 mentally ill patients housed there. The facility was shut down in 1994 due to the economy and poor conditions of the building itself. Now there are historical tours and ghost tours given year-round and the proceeds go to helping restore the building. During the tours, the guides tell stories about how the patients ended up there and who they were. Some people would be there for something as simple as depression, but some of them were truly insane. There are a
Photo Courtesy Tim Kiser.
few rooms where the walls are covered with art work created by patients that were there. Children would be dropped off there simply because their parents did not want them. They would drive up to the doors and leave them with no intention of ever picking them up. Some would stay there until they were adults and old enough to be on their own. Most of the time the
Photo Courtesy Donnie Nunley.
children did not suffer from mental illness, but their parents treated the asylum like an orphanage. “Personally, I find the whole asylum fascinating really. The building itself has a haunting and powerful presence. The asylum's history is just as interesting. The things that were done to the patients were horrific,� says alumnus Justin Skidmore. Even though it has been nearly 20 years since the facility closed, the damaging conditions of the structure itself are unbelievable. On the outside it is beautiful like a castle, on the inside there are holes from the fourth floor to the first. These holes are huge, about 5 feet in diameter. There are floors caving in and pieces of walls falling down. They are slowly restoring it but there are several rooms that cannot be entered for the simple fact that they are not structurally safe. It is incomprehensible as to how the facility actually was able to operate in
19 these conditions less than 20 years ago. Over 400,000 people were housed at Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum during its time of operation and thousands were left there to die.
There are people who have experienced paranormal activity and believe that they facility is haunted, including people that work there. They say that spirits of the children and the insane still reside there. Syfy’s “Ghost
Hunters” came for a visit to the Asylum as did the travel channel show “Ghost Adventures.” For more information on scheduling a historical or ghost tour, go to www.transalleghenylunaticasylum.com.
The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum: Historical Photographs Courtesy the West Virginia& Regional History Collection
A ward that housed tens of patients.
The communal showers in the asylum.
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Government shutdown comes to an end By Jessica Clark President Obama signed a bill that congress voted on to end the historical government shutdown on Thursday, October 17. With a deadline approaching, an agreement was negotiated by Senate Majority Leaders Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) after a vote of 285-144 in the House. The Democratic lead Senate passed the bill with an 81-18 vote. “I’ve never believed that Democrats have a monopoly on good ideas. And despite the differences over the issue of shutting down our government, I’m convinced that Democrats and Republicans can work
together to make progress for America,” says President Obama. This bill extends spending levels through the middle of January 2014. Some do have skepticisms about the future of the budget. "We think that we'll be back here in January debating the same issues," says John Chambers, Managing Director of Standard and Poor’s rating service, to CNN. "This is, I fear, a permanent feature of our budgetary process." As soon as the bill was signed late Wednesday night, the national parks and monuments that were shut-down reopened. Government employees were able to return to
work the next morning. Employees that lost their pay over the shutdown will be reimbursed. A separate bill was signed on October 5 to assure this action would take place. The battle first began over the summer when Republicans demanded that funding limits be frozen in place, threatening that Democrats and President Obama had to defund the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The President refused to make changes to the ACA. The signing of the bill that ended the shutdown did not change the ACA except that there is income verification in order for recipients to gain insurance coverage through the program.
Your friends are giraffes; here’s why By Bianca Prince Recently you may have noticed some of your friends on Facebook have turned into adorable little (or not-so-little) giraffes. No, giraffes haven’t suddenly become endangered or become the subject of a viral song by Ylvis. It all stems from a riddle. The new trend asks friends to answer a riddle. If they answer the riddle correctly, their profile picture stays the same. If they
answer wrong, they become a giraffe. The riddle goes: 3:00 a.m., the doorbell rings and you wake up. Unexpected visitors. It's your parents and they are there for breakfast. You have strawberry jam, honey, wine, bread and cheese. What is the first thing you open? There is controversy surrounding the answer. Warning: don’t read any further
unless you want to know the answer. Some say the first thing you open is your eyes; after all, it is three o’clock in the morning and you just woke up. Others say you wake up in the riddle and therefore your eyes are already open, making the first thing you open the door. The only real answer is, giraffes are probably better looking than your friends so enjoy this time.
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Awe-ctober continues into November By Josh Weeks
Darkside Psychic Matador / Other People The "side-project" of guitarist Dave Harrington and electronic wizard Nicholas Jaar may be the real thing, given their recent success. On their debut, they prove that their wonderfully esoteric re-working of Daft Punk's Random Access Memories wasn't a fluke. Jaar's off-kilter, yet grooving, rhythms, textures, and altered vocals are the perfect backdrop for Harrington's sublime guitar work. Although it becomes tediously pretentious at times (they are human, after all-- I love Daft Puns), when they hit their stride, it's astounding. 82% Notable tracks: "Heart", "Metatron", & "Golden Arrow" Haim Days Are Gone Columbia / Polydor California's hipper and estrogen-fueled answer to Kings of Leon, Haim, debuts with an album that combines the best and worst elements of the 80's. It is a nightmare to review, to be honest. I know that I should absolutely hate this, because it sounds like Cyndi Lauper is covering Fleetwood Mac's Tango in the Night, but gems like "The Wire" and "Falling" are so disarmingly catchy and earnest it's impossible (and futile) to resist. 73% Notable tracks: "Falling", "The Wire", & "Go Slow" Josh's Pick: Danny Brown Old Fool's Gold Detroit rapper/hipster/professional head case Danny Brown's follows up 2011's XXX with an album even more twisted, strange and perverse. It's a record only a deliberate sociopath would make. It also is the best hip-hop album you will listen to in 2013. The album finds Brown trying to cope with his success via drugs ("Kush Coma", "Lonely", "Dip") while contemplating his rough childhood ("Wonderbread", "Torture") and acknowledging the pressure he feels to maintain credibility as a rapper ("Old", "The Return"). He manages to offset hilariously low-brow party bangers "Handstand" & "Dope Fiend Rental" with ruminating backpacker cuts like "Gremlins" & "Clean Up" gracefully, and then, in typical Danny Brown fashion, follows the latter up with a song about codeine in his cereal ("Red 2 Go"). Brown is best, however, when he finds a middle ground between these two stark personas, like potential hit "25 Bucks", which strikes a perfect balance between catchiness and intelligent lyricism, and phenomenal album closer, "Float On", in which he trades in his trademark yelps and panicked cadence for something almost…normal. It's a calm, pensive, head-bobbing track that leaves you wondering what's next for hip-hop's Kurt Cobain. The album is brilliantly paced, masterfully produced, and executed perfectly. It's maniacally profound, absurd, disturbing, yet beautifully thought-provoking. To call Old a manic, distorted journey would be an insult, and egregious understatement. It is aptly named, however, because it already feels like a classic. 99%
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“Carrie” remake fails to impress, but has its perks By Jesse Jenkins At first thought, a remake of the classic horror tale about Carrie White seems like a great idea. This 2013 film, directed by Kimberly Pierce is yet another reimagining based upon the 1974 novel by the horror master, Stephen King. The original film, directed by Brian De Palma, made its' debut in '76. In 2002 a madefor television remake aired on NBC; unfortunately, it received terrible ratings. This newest edition of the film stars the Kick Ass and Chloe Grace Moretz as Carrie White. Photo courtesy Sony Pictures. Kick Ass 2 star Chloë Grace takes her to the principal’s office famous prom scene near the end. Moretz as Carrie White and to call her mother, Margret. When It raises the notion of some Julianne Moore from Hannibal Carrie is taken home early, her movies having budget to blow and Children of Men as her mother locks her in her “prayer instead of ensuring quality work. mother. closest” because she says that her References to the modern time The plot dryly follows the period is a “sin.” As she screams are also distracting; “Dancing same old story as the others and to be let out, she makes a crack on with the Stars” is mentioned, as changes very little. Carrie White the door. Shortly after, Carrie well as uploading videos to is the awkward girl in high school realizes she has telekinetic powers. YouTube. This takes away from who everyone makes fun of or The plot somewhat changes from the film and puts it in a time frame ignores completely. One day after the original, as Carrie explores her and puts an expiration date on it. gym, Carrie showers alone and new found powers during the The newer remake of Carrie has her first menstrual period. middle chunk of the film. was quite entertaining but was Knowing nothing of menstruation, One thing that somewhat lackluster for all of the she thinks she's bleeding to death. ruined the movie was the use of anticipation for it’s' release. See it The other girls laugh at her and computer graphics or CG. While it if you can, but you're not missing tease her by throwing tampons did aesthetically please the eye in anything if you do not. and pads at her. some parts, it was odd in some The gym teacher comforts parts that didn't require it, i.e., the Carrie and calms her down, and
Twerk” Added to Oxford Dictionaries Online By Bianca Prince In the wake of Miley Cyrus’ much talked about performance at the MTV Video Music Awards, her signature move has now become an official word
according to Oxford Dictionaries Online (ODO). “Twerk” has been added to ODO in their quarterly online update. The ODO is the practical, online version of the more
formal Oxford English Dictionary and provides “help or advice on how to use English in writing and speaking today,” according to the Oxford University Press.
If you’re quick on the buzzer and have a head for facts, we need YOU for the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge. The HBCU National Quiz Championship is back with a new format, new questions and more FUN! Do you have what it takes to challenge your mind and your reflexes? Get in the game and find out!
Wednesday
November 13, 2013 6:00 PM University Union Room 131 MORE INFO:
Belinda Fuller, Coach 304-766-3387 or bfuller@wvstateu.edu Winning team walks away with $200. You will be tested with questions covering topics from geography, literature, sports, science, pop culture, current events and more. Sample Question: What Asian capital was picked to host the 2020 Summer Olympics, just as it had done in 1964? Tokyo Varsity Squad will represent WVSU at the National Tournament Los Angeles, California, April 12 -16, 2014
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