SENIOR PEYTON NAMYSLOWSKI WINS PBC PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Colby Hernandez
Editor-in-Chief
Senior catcher Peyton Namyslowski was named the Peach Belt Conference’s Player of the Week for February 9. That week, GSW softball
won all four of their games.
IN THIS ISSUE
AGERTON OBSERVATORY PAGE 2
ACSA HOSTS ‘POP FOR LOVE’ PAGE 6
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: JEMARCOUS COCKRELL PAGE 8
UPDATE YOUR EMERGENCY ALERT NOTIFICATIONS PAGE 9
SPORTS PAGE 10
MEET YOUR SPRING 2026 SOU’WESTER TEAM PAGE 13
“This award means so much to me,” Namyslowski stated, “I never thought this was possible for me, and I am so thankful for my teammates, coaches, and family. I am so thankful for my coaches believing in me. I love Coach EJ and Coach Rob, and I truly believe they are the best thing that happened to this program, and they helped me believe in my abilities again. My dad has sent me a motivational text/video every single game since I started here at GSW.”
Namyslowski had a .692 batting average, 1.385 slugging percentage and .714 on base percentage for the week. She totaled three home runs on the week, with nine hits, eight RBIs and six runs.
At the time, Namyslowksi led the PBC in home runs (3), batting average (.692), slugging percentage (1.385), on base percentage (.714) and on base & slugging percentage (2.099).
“I just want to clarify that I am so thankful for my coaches, team, and family. I really don’t want to make it all about me because softball is honestly about everyone coming together for one common goal,” said Namyslowski. “Again, I couldn’t do this without the amazing people around me!”
Congrats to Peyton!
Catch Namyslowski and the Lady Hurricanes at home on March 6 at 6 p.m.
OBSERVING THE ETERNAL THROUGH A ROOFTOP OCULUS: A GENEROUS HISTORY & UNCERTAIN FUTURE FOR THE AGERTON OBSERVATORY
Zac Monnier Reporter
Our campus has many domes. A regal gold one ornaments the pinnacle of the Charles Wheatley Administration Building, and our athletes compete and train under the massive silver Storm Dome. However, there is a third, unassuming little brother that lets us glimpse far greater domains than this: the Agerton Observatory.
Dr. Samuel “Sam” Peavy, GSW’s Chair of the Department of Chemistry, Geology, and Physics offered insight into this little dome’s history and portends what its potential futures may be.
When he arrived in GSW in 2000, Dr. Peavy found an observatory that had been out of commission for quite some time. It had been damaged by Tropical Storm Alberta and left in a purgatory state for six years.
Jupiter, Saturn, the Moon, and the Great Photo by Emily Crenshaw.
TROPICAL STORM ALBERTA
Tropical Storm Alberta was the first named storm of the 1994 hurricane season. It caused an estimated $750 million in damages and 33 fatalities across portions of Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. Georgia had it particularly bad, with record-breaking rainfall: Americus saw 27 inches of rain, with 21.1 of it falling in just 24 hours.
Soon after Dr. Peavy joined the faculty, GSW Professor Emeritus Millard Agerton, a former chemistry faculty member, donated about $50,000 to renovate the observatory. With thanks to his generosity, the university was able to send the telescope off to be refurbished and then re-installed in a new dome atop the Joseph C. Roney Building. The dome and walkway of today first opened in the Spring of 2003.
Nowadays, the department likes to invite the public up to the observatory for open viewing sessions. These are most often scheduled for the fall and winter months, as the local climate’s humidity makes clear skies a rarity in the spring and summer months. The photos presented in this article came from the most recent open house on January 28. In addition to these community open-house viewings, the Agerton Observatory is an integral part of the Solar System Astronomy (PHYS1221), Stellar Astronomy (PHYS1222), and Solar System Exploration (GEOL1221) classes. They have also hosted the local Scouts to help them earn the Astronomy merit badge in years past.
There are plans for a new laboratory building to be constructed on campus. The new building will be near the nursing and psychology buildings (a.k.a. Carter I and Carter II). Once the new labs are complete, the present Science and Roney Buildings will be torn down. However, the new building will only be single-story tall, and the towering pine trees surrounding the build site do not make it conducive to stargazing.
Dr. Peavy is working with his colleagues to discuss where an alternative site may be considered for relocation of the observatory. Perhaps the old high adventure ropes course between library and the golf course? No place is perfect, but the higher elevations would help future observers see above the trees. Since Dr. Peavy is also a Professor of Geology, the search for a suitable location could not be in better hands.
WHERE ARE THE BEST OBSERVATORIES LOCATED?
The country of Chile has over 40% of the world’s astronomical observatories. This number is increasing, thanks to the remarkably clear, dry skies over the Atacama Desert. Hawaii also hosts an impressive observatory on the north flank of the Mauna Loa Volcano at an elevation of 11,135 feet above sea level. It is high enough to poke above the polluted lower regions of the atmosphere and benefit from the cleaner upper limits of the troposphere.
Interested in seeing the stars for yourself? Keep your eyes peeled for another open house in March (bookmark gsw.edu/community/events).
To reach the observatory, follow the posted signs along the exterior stairwell between the Science and Roney Building. Climb all the way up the stairs and follow the walkway directly to the Agerton Observatory.
Great Nebula above GSW, edited for clarity.
Photo by Emily Crenshaw.
Photo by Emily Crenshaw.
Photo by Emily Crenshaw.
FUN AND GAMES
FEBRUARY CROSSWORD:
FEBRUARY CROSSWORD: BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Across
1. One of this unit is the average distance between the Earth and Sun
3. The region at the edge of our Solar System filled with ice clumps
5. Hypothetical substance thought to make up most matter in the universe
7. Russian term for astronaut
10. Comet whose 1835 and 1910 appearances framed the birth and death of Mark Twain, fulfilling his famous prediction
11. The fourth planet in the Solar System
13. This man wears the biggest belt in the universe
Down
1. The first ‘a’ in NASA
2. Massive stellar explosion marking the death of certain stars
4. Our galaxy
6. Planet known for its extensive ring system
8. Rocky body that enters Earth’s atmosphere and may reach the surface
9. 100km above the surface of the Earth is the border of space, called the _____ Line
12. Planet known for being sideways, among other things
ANSWERS ON PAGE 12
FASTING LIKE ITS 1993: HOW A 33-YEAR CYCLE ALIGNS TWO RELIGIOUS TRADITIONS IN DISCIPLINE
AND REFORMATION
Zac Monnier Reporter
For the first time in over 30 years, the Islamic observation of Ramadan and the Christian observation of Lent have coincided. Starting February 18, millions of practitioners from both faiths began a period of fasting, alms giving, and restraint to attune themselves to deeper consciousness of their God and fellow man.
RAMADAN
This monthlong tradition involves a fast that entails abstinence from eating, drinking, smoking, and sexual relations during daylight hours to achieve greater “taqwa,” or consciousness of God. It begins 10 to 12 days earlier every year because the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar Hijri calendar, with months that are 29 or 30 days long. Ramadan is the ninth month of this calendar and commemorates when the angel Gabriel first revealed the Qur’an to the Prophet Muhammad.
There are various greetings during this month, with “Ramadan Mubarak” and “Ramadan Kareem” being the most common (blessed or generous, respectively). A three-day holiday, Eid al-Fitr, will mark the end of the month and serve as a time of charity, feasting, and gift-giving.
The full cycle of Ramadan’s roving across the calendar we commonly use takes approximately 33 years, which is why its overlapping with Lent is such a rare event. Bonus fact! Ramadan will be observed twice in 2030 - first beginning on January 5 and then starting again on December 26.
LENT
Lent mirrors the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness before he started the ministry recorded in the Gospels. The season, now known as Lent (from the Old English word meaning “spring,”) has a long history. The fasting period was especially important to recent converts of the faith who were preparing for an Easter baptism, as well as those guilty of notorious sins who needed to experience a period of penitence before they might be restored to the Christian assembly.
This year, Lent runs from February 18 (Ash Wednesday) until Holy Thursday (the Thursday before Easter). If you think that’s more than 40 days, you’d be right! That’s because Sundays are omitted from the fasting, as they are considered “feast days.” Catholics and Orthodox Christians tend to be the strictest about the fasting aspect of Lent, but many Protestant denominations consider the period a time of repentance and self-reflection to prepare for the Easter season. Some have modified the tradition, seeking to add a new practice to their daily routine (e.g., reading their Bible, morning prayer), rather than giving something up. The important thing is treating the season as a period of self-examination and repentance, meditating on the promise of the approaching Easter season.
UNITED IN PURPOSE
While the biblical foundations differ between Ramadan and Lent, the formula and intention of both seasons reflect a commitment to discipline and reformation. As both religious traditions maintain their fast in 2026, it can serve as a reminder of how religious differences and cultural unity may coexist.
LOVE IS IN THE AIR
Madison Vickers Reporter
How many times have you heard someone say, “There’s nothing to do in Americus”? Probably more times than you can count. But on February 14, that claim was proven completely wrong.
The Alley at the Windsor hosted a Valentine’s Day pop-up event that brought energy, creativity, and community spirit right to the heart of downtown Americus. Students and residents alike filtered in and out throughout the evening, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere.
The event also gave local small businesses a chance to showcase their talents and connect with the community. There was something for everyone to enjoy and everywhere you looked, you found creativity in action.
Walt of Nocturnal Marx Tattoo Co. demonstrated his versatility as an artist as he offered tattoos as well as henna, so patrons could experience hand tattoos without the commitment. The experience was more than just getting body art; it was also interactive, fun, and filled with great conversation. Despite the event being marketed for Galentine’s Day, Walt had options for everyone to enjoy.
Mel stayed busy working with clients on nail designs and lashes for a full glam effect and Hair Tinsel by Anna added a little sparkle to everyone’s night.
Events like this highlight the importance of supporting local businesses and show that Americus has more going on than people might think. The Valentine’s Day pop-up wasn’t just about celebrating the holiday; it was about bringing the community together in a fun and unique way.
The Alley is a great spot for students to come off campus and regularly has live music, themed events, and game day viewings. It is just one of the many places students should check out as Americus has more excitement in store.
ACSA HOSTS ‘POP FOR LOVE’ EVENT
Amaya Martin Reporter
The GSW African Caribbean Student Association hosted a Pop The Balloon event on February 12. The event had a great turn out with around 40 students hoping to create a match before Valentine’s Day.
The Pop the Balloon event is inspired by the “Pop the Balloon or Find Love” game show. The show features singles trying to find love by asking questions to potential matches. Each potential match has a balloon that they’ll pop it if they are not interested in the single who is asking the questions.
The first round began with a group of young ladies lined up, each holding the fate of the male contestant as they waited for the first male contestant to be introduced. As the male contestant answered questions, the ladies would either pop their balloon or ask additional questions.
One notably short round ended after the male contestant was asked where he would take his date. His response was to the cafeteria which was immediately followed up with every woman popping their balloon.
As the rounds went on, the group with balloons would swap from young men to young women, giving each the chance to ask questions and find matches.
According to ACSA president Jerilyn Osae, this idea is trending idea on social media and would draw in a crowd. Osae’s goal was to share their culture with the rest of the student body and felt that Pop the Balloon brought much laughter and joy while doing so and is glad that everyone enjoyed the event.
U.S. WINS RECORD 12 GOLD MEDALS AT 2026 WINTER GAMES
Colby Hernandez Editor-in-Chief
The U.S. Olympic Team brought home 33 medals after the two-week competition in Milan, Italy.
The team earned more medals in this year’s winter games than ever before with 12 gold, 12 silver, and nine bronze. The previous records were 28 total medals won in Sochi 2014 and 10 gold won in Salt Lake City 2002.
Athletes like Alyssa Liu, Jack Hughes, Megan Keller, Jordan Stolz, and Elana Meyers Taylor brought glory to the United States in their respective sports.
The 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics took place between February 6-22, where athletes from all over the world competed in 116 events across eight sports and 16 disciplines. Popular events included figure skating, bobsledding, speed skating, ice hockey, skiing, and snowboarding.
The next Winter Games will be February 1 to 17, 2030, in the French Alps.
JEMARCOUS COCKRELL: TURNING PASSIONS INTO CAREERS
Desmond Martin Reporter
Junior Jemarcous Cockrel has always had a passion for music and helping others.
Born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, and hailing from nearby Bessemer, Cockrell said music was a constant presence in his household. He was first introduced to music through church and began singing in the choir at a young age, which sparked a lasting connection to music. He assumed many roles at a young age, acting in numerous skits and musicals.
Cockrell’s musical interests span several genres, with Hip-Hop, Gospel, and R&B among his favorites. He cites artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Marvin Sapp, Donnie McClurkin, and Lenny Williams as major influences. He credits his grandmother as a key figure in shaping his appreciation for music, particularly classic R&B.
“I grew up into it,” said Cockrell. “My grandma had six kids, and my mom was the youngest. She had all her kids participate in the church choir. When I was a kid, my mom was in our church choir. So, I used to go to choir practices with her, sit in a listen... yeah that’s where it came from.”
Cockrell continued flourishing musically throughout high school as he was the only freshman boy to surpass the beginner chorus program and skip the intermediate chorus to move right to the advanced chorus. He also led an exclusive chorus group at Camden called Volume One.
While honing his musical talents, Cockrell learned the power of navigating emotions after losing his stepdad and his father 2 years apart. He has been the “therapist friend” since he was 12 years old and became more involved with the chorus programs.
Cockrell’s chorus teacher, Mrs. Wolfe, introduced a listening technique that sparked his pursuit of music therapy. Cockrell states that she would have her class listen to a song and then give it about two more listens to get a proper feel for the song. He continues to use this technique in his daily life.
By combining both of his passions together, Cockrell is now a psychology major with a minor in music and is pursuing a career in music therapy. His ultimate goal is to use music as a tool to help others navigate emotional and mental challenges while providing a creative outlet for self-expression.
TIME TO UPDATE YOUR EMERGENCY ALERT NOTIFICATIONS
Colby Hernandez Editor-in-Chief
False alarms are bound to happen, but you can prevent panic by updating your emergency alert notifications.
On April 23, 2025, GSW was put on lockdown following a report of an armed individual on campus. Faculty and students were notified promptly with the Americus Police Department and GSW’s Office of Public Safety giving the all-clear soon after. The swift response put the campus at ease.
“In the event of an emergency, I work closely with the University President, who provides direction on the appropriate measures to take. Once that guidance is received, I distribute the message to the campus community as quickly as possible,” said Chelsea Collins, Director of Marketing and Communications with the Department of University Relations. “Following the Blackboard Connect alert, the outdoor siren system is then activated by Public Safety with a corresponding message to ensure the information reaches everyone on or near campus.”
A week later, the outdoor siren was accidentally triggered. Despite an all-clear immediately following the accidental alarm, those who did not see the all-clear message did not know it was an accident.
“A significant factor contributing to these alarms is the diverse activities undertaken by a large student population, including cooking and personal grooming. Additionally, system malfunctions can occasionally play a role,” Chief of Public Safety Michael Lewis explained.
Despite the high potential for daily activities triggering an alarm, Lewis assures that Public Safety takes every alarm seriously.
“The Public Safety department is committed to responding to every alarm as an emergency until the root cause can be thoroughly investigated and determined. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, but it is a necessary measure to ensure the safety of everyone on campus,” Lewis said.
Luckily, false alarms are rare. Since the accidental alarm last April, two other false alarms have been triggered along with a few individual building alarms.
“My role involves informing the campus community of any emergency communications through our Blackboard Connect system, which sends notifications via phone call, voicemail, text message, and email,” said Collins. “It’s important that students keep their contact information updated in RAIN to ensure they receive these alerts promptly.”
Those subscribed to the emergency alert system are updated and informed in real time, whether there is an incident or false alarm. Students can sign up for emergency alerts via SMS through the RAIN portal. It is important to note that you must opt in every semester to continue to receive alerts. Contact the Office of Public Safety at 229-931-2245 for more information.
Continued on Page 9
Students can also download the AlertAware app and sign in with their radar email to receive emergency alerts and report incidents.
“Our AlertAware app allows students to report any unsafe situations they may encounter,” said Lewis. “Let us collectively foster a secure environment, and Public Safety will lead the way toward a safer future, empowering our students to achieve their full potential and Taking Tomorrow by Storm.”
SPORTS
GSW WOMEN’S BASKETBALL PLAYER PUSHES FOR ASSIST RECORD
Dylan Scott
Junior Tiara Hozumi is on track to make GSW Women’s Basketball history for total assists. Hozumi is no stranger to the GSW record book, having already broken the single game steals record with 9 in a game earlier this season against Fort Lauderdale, and she looks poised to enter her name a second time. Hozumi currently sits in third place with 100 total assists on the season, and she needs nine in three games to claim second place. With her current average of 4.2 per game, Hozumi appears to be in good standing to surpass the second-place benchmark.
UPCOMING EVENTS BASKETBALL
Men’s
March 1- at Columbus State 3:30 p.m.
SOFTBALL
March 3- at University of Montevallo 4 p.m.
March 3- at University of Montevallo 6 p.m.
March 6- vs Lander University 6 p.m.
March 7- vs Lander University 1 p.m.
March 7- vs Lander University 3 p.m.
March 10- at Auburn Montgomery 3 p.m.
March 10- at Auburn Montgomery 5 p.m.
March 13- at Augusta University 5 p.m.
March 14- at Augusta University 12 p.m.
March 14- at Augusta University 2 p.m.
March 17- at Fort Valley State 2 p.m.
March 17- at Fort Valley State 4 p.m.
GOLF
March 9- Rounds 1 and 2 Southeastern Collegiate TBA
March 10- Round 3 Southeastern Collegiate TBA
March 16- Rounds 1 and 2 Bobcat Invitational TBA
March 17- Round 3 Bobcat Invitational TBA
Women’s
March 1- at Columbus State 1:30 p.m.
BASEBALL
March 1- at Augusta University 1 p.m.
March 3- at Auburn Montgomery 6 p.m.
March 6- vs University of Tampa 6 p.m.
March 7- vs University of Tampa 4 p.m.
March 8- vs University of Tampa 1 p.m.
March 13- at USC Aiken 6 p.m.
March 14- at USC Aiken 2 p.m.
March 15- at USC Aiken 1 p.m.
March 17- at University of West Florida 7 p.m.
March 18- at University of West Florida 4 p.m.
TENNIS
March 6- vs Clark Atlanta TBA
Athletics Correspondent
Photo by Chris Fenn.
RESULTS
Men’s
Jan. 24- at Middle Georgia State W 92-71
Jan. 28- vs Flagler College L 70-72
Jan. 31- vs Augusta University W 75-65
Feb. 4- at Clayton State W 91-66
Feb. 11- vs North Georgia L 62-66
Feb. 14- at USC Beaufort W 91-84
Feb. 18- at Lander University L 62-84
TENNIS
Feb. 3- vs Coastal Georgia L 0-7
Feb. 6- vs Abraham Baldwin W 4-3
Feb. 20- at Shorter University L 1-6
BASEBALL
Jan. 30- vs Trevecca Nazarene W 14-0
Jan. 31- vs Trevecca Nazarene W 16-6
Feb. 1- vs Trevecca Nazarene L 7-8
Feb. 3- vs Auburn Montgomery W 11-1
Feb. 6- at North Greenville University L 1-2
Feb. 7- at North Greenville University L 14-22
Feb. 7- at North Greenville University L 5-18
Feb. 10- vs Embry-Riddle W 5-4
Feb. 13- vs USC Beaufort W 10-0
Feb. 14- vs USC Beaufort W 7-5
Feb. 14- vs USC Beaufort W 6-1
Feb. 17- at Valdosta State W 14-3
Feb. 20- vs Georgia College W 7-6
Women’s
Jan. 24- at Middle Georgia State W 70-66
Jan. 28- vs Flagler College L 57-75
Jan. 31- vs Augusta University L 54-71
Feb. 4- at Clayton State L 61-62
Feb. 11- vs North Georgia W 61-53
Feb. 14- at USC Beaufort L 55-67
Feb. 18- at Lander University L 46-62
GOLF
Feb. 9- Spring Kick-Off Rounds 1 and 2 4th of 18 teams
Feb. 10- Spring Kick-Off Round 3 3rd of 18 teams
SOFTBALL
Feb. 7- vs Savannah State W 13-4
Feb. 7- vs Savannah State W 9-1
Feb. 8- vs Florida Southern W 7-4
Feb. 8- vs Florida Southern W 11-6
Feb. 12- vs University of West Florida L 2-9
Feb. 13- vs Converse College W 10-9
Feb. 13- vs University of Mount Olive W 2-0
Feb. 14- vs Nova Southeastern University L 11-1
Feb. 14- vs Eckerd College L 1-8
Feb. 20- at Emmanuel University W 5-2
Feb. 20- at Emmanuel University W 4-1
LATE GAME HEROICS FUEL GSW BASEBALL WINNING STREAK
Dylan Scott
Athletics Correspondent
Earlier this month, the GSW Men’s Baseball team held a six-game winning streak thanks to late-game heroics.
The streak began with a victory against Embry-Riddle on February 10 and continued through the first Georgia College game on February 20. Three of the six games in the streak saw the Hurricanes take the lead late in the game, once in the sixth inning and twice in the eighth inning.
In the game against Embry-Riddle, GSW entered the bottom of the fifth inning trailing by two points. Juniors Edwin Melendez and Drew Reaves tied the game by hitting back-to-back two-out doubles. The tie remained until the bottom of the eighth when junior Caleb Gipson scored, thanks to junior Devon Murphy, giving GSW the 5-4 lead. The Hurricanes held this lead until the end. Continued on Page 12
Continued from Page 11
The team continued the streak with a three-game sweep of USC Beaufort. The first win was called early as GSW held a 10-0 lead. The second victory saw the Hurricanes down by one point going into the eighth inning. Junior Josh McDonald flipped the score from 5-4 to 7-5 after hitting a three-run double. The third game was tied 1-1, going into the fifth inning. GSW then went onto score five runs, ending the game in a 6-1 victory. The 14-3 win against Valdosta was called early.
In the first game against Georgia College, the Hurricanes were down 4-0 going into the sixth inning but quickly took back the lead with six runs that same inning thanks to senior Jacob Reeves and junior Devon Murphy. GSW secured victory over Georgia College ending the game 7-6.
The streak may have ended with the second game against Georgia College, but the season isn’t over yet.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CAMPUS & COMMUNITY EVENTS:
March 7, Downtown Does Disney, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Downtown Americus.
March 7, Letterman’s Golf Tournament, 9 a.m., Griffin Bell Golf Course. More information can be found at: https://www.gsw.edu/events/lettermans-golf-tournament
March 11, GSW Association of Nursing Students February Meeting, 2 p.m.- 3 p.m., Nursing Building.
March 13, Undergraduate Research Symposium abstract submission deadline. More information can be found at: https://www.gsw.edu/academic-resources/professional-experiential-learning/undergrad-symposium
March 21, Plains Food Distribution, 8 a.m.- 11 a.m., Plains Inn Parking Lot. Additional Information can be found at: https://canesconnect.gsw.edu/event/11993499
MEET THE SOU’WESTER STAFF
CROSSWORD ANSWERS
COLBY HERNANDEZ | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, LAYOUT DESIGN
One last ride. I’m a senior Communication major and will graduate this spring. As editor-in-chief, I create the layout of the paper and perform edits. Additionally, I create the puzzles for the paper and cover whatever needs to be covered. When I’m not working or at school, I’m playing video games, building LEGO sets, or reading.
What’s good? I moved to Americus for work in 2021 and started picking up some classes two years ago. I attend Calvary Episcopal Church, volunteer and donate to the local arts scene, and love playing with quirky tech like Onewheels and electric unicycles. As a non-traditional student, I write so that I can connect to campus life and witness the diverse perspectives of my colleagues and classmates. I cover events for the College of Arts & Sciences and help cover Nursing & Health Sciences + International Students & Study Abroad.
DYLAN SCOTT | ATHLETICS CORRESPONDENT
My name is Dylan Scott. I am a Junior majoring in Communication and Emerging Media with a Minor in Sports Journalism. I primarily focus on sports coverage for the Sou’Wester.
EMILY CRENSHAW | DESIGN EDITOR, SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
Hi, I’m Emily! I am a senior Communication & Emerging Media major, and my anticipated graduation date is May of 2026. I am the Design Editor and Social Media Manager. I create art, illustration, and graphic design content for each issue; I also designed our new logo! For social media, I develop our brand identity as well as create, edit, and post content. I sometimes write stories and cover events. Besides being a student, I am also an artist, a published poet, and most importantly, a proud mom to a rescue beagle and a sixteen-pound cat.
MADISON VICKERS | REPORTER, SOCIAL MEDIA ASSISTANT
Hi! I am a senior Strategic Communications Major and Marketing Minor; my anticipated graduation date is December 2026. As a writer and assistant to the social media designer, I actively am on the lookout for new places to eat and lifestyle events happening in Americus for our student body to also enjoy! Besides being a student, I work four jobs, write poetry soon to publish, buy and sell stocks and crochet daily, and have had the privilege to rescue my soon to be three-year-old Vinnie-Cash; a super mutt and the best boy!
DESMOND MARTIN | REPORTER
Hey everyone. I’m a Communications & Emerging Media Major here at Georgia Southwestern. I’ll be focusing on Campus Culture. I’m from Conyers, GA and grew up heavily involved in urban culture. Atlanta is home for me, as I grew up 30 minutes East of the city. I grew up playing sports like baseball, football, and track & field. My hobbies consist of gaming, working out, reading, and researching information for my craft. I’m also a musician who has big goals for myself and my peers around me. I market and promote myself and work to expand my audience and reach the right people.
ISABELLA ESCOVAR | REPORTER
Hi everyone! I am from Leesburg, Georgia, and I am a Communications & Emerging Media major here at Georgia Southwestern, where I am currently enrolled as a freshman. I am a contributor to the digital newspaper and social media team. Some hobbies of mine are rooted in fine arts such as singing, listening to music, attending concerts, and theatrical performances. I’ll be covering cultural events, music, performances, and overall campus events.
AMAYA MARTIN | REPORTER
Hello world! I’m a senior Communications & Emerging Media major. I’ll be covering campus events and other stories pertaining to the community and its culture. I look forward to discovering more about Americus as I live in Cordele. Growing up, I was a member of the band, choir, and 4-H club. I’m curious about how people communicate and build relationships. As a member of the newspaper, I hope to put myself in a position to grow as a professional. My goal is to create relationships with people who offer unique perspectives on life and use them to connect with others. I look forward to creating it for you!
MADYSON MIMS | REPORTER
Greetings everyone! My name is Madyson Mims, but I prefer to be called M&M! I am a freshman ‘29 Communications major here at GSW. As a reporter, I will be covering campus events! I love meeting new people and seeing how opposite personalities interact with one another. It piques my interest in how different organizations come up with such creative ideas, so what better resource to get the word out there than the Sou’ Western? I love to engage in storytelling, so my mission today is to prove to you all that sometimes even a few words can reveal an entire purpose. God Bless!
Colby Hernandez
THE SOU’WESTER STAFF
Editor-in-Chief/Layout chernan4@radar.gsw.edu
Zac Monnier Reporter zmonnier@radar.gsw.edu
Dylan Scott
Athletics Correspondent dscott6@radar.gsw.edu
Emily Crenshaw
Design Editor, Social Media Manager ecrensh3@radar.gsw.edu
Madison Vickers
Reporter, Social Media Assistant mvicker5@radar.gsw.edu
Desmond Martin Reporter dmarti23@radar.gsw.edu
Isabella Escovar Reporter iescovar@radar.gsw.edu
Amaya Martin Reporter amarti40@radar.gsw.edu
Madyson Mims Reporter mmims4@radar.gsw.edu
Dr. Elizabeth Shiller
Faculty Advisor elizabeth.shiller@gsw.edu
Have a story idea or news tip? Let us know! souwester@gsw.edu
Senior Communication and Emerging Media majors (from left) Colby Hernandez, Madison Vickers, and Amaya Martin presented their research at Mercer University during the Georgia Communication Association annual conference on Feb 27. Photo by Elizabeth Shiller.
