Tuesday, April 5 by The Appalachian

Apr.

2016

The Appalachian

INSIDE

THE FOOD SUMMIT Page 8-9

MAE JEMISON VISITS APP Page 3

(INSERT TITLE) Page 6

GOING VERTICAL Pages 11

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C E T E R A

THE TEAM Malik Rahili @malikrahili EDITOR-IN-CHIEF EDITORIAL MULTIMEDIA BUSINESS

Charlotte Wray @_charlottewray MANAGING EDITOR Aleah Warner @aleahwarner CHIEF COPY EDITOR

Ignacio Martinez-Alvarez @theappalachian BUSINESS MANAGER

Carl Blankenship @carl_r_blank NEWS EDITOR Katie Murawski @murawskikm A&E EDITOR

Stephanie Sansoucy @stephsans DIRECTOR OF MARKETING Allison Bennett Dyche @allisonbdyche ADVISER

Lee Sanderlin @theappsports SPORTS EDITOR Kevin Griffin @theappalachian OPINION EDITOR

CRIME LOG CAMPUS APR. 2

1:29 a.m. | Underage Consumption of Alcohol Justice Hall

A STUDENT WAS ARRESTED FOR UNDERAGE CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL. APR. 2 11:41 p.m. | Underage Consumption of Alcohol Mountaineer Hall A student was arrested for underage consumption of alcohol.

APR.1 10:32 p.m. | Vandalism Gardner Hall Under investigation.

MAR. 31 2:32 p.m. | Larceny Varsity Gym Under investigation.

MAR. 30 10:08 p.m.| Driving While License Revoked Stadium Drive A man was arrested for driving with a revoked license.

MAR. 28 5:54 p.m. | Drug Violation Coltrane Hall A student was arrested for possession of marijuana.

MAR. 28 10:55 p.m. | Drug Violation Rivers Street A student was arrested for possession of marijuana.

MAR. 23 4:49 p.m. | Vandalism Anne Belk Hall Leads exhausted.

MAR. 20 4:03 p.m. | Larceny College Street Parking Deck Under investigation.

Dallas Linger @dallingerphoto PHOTO EDITOR Carson Fletcher @theappalachian VIDEO EDITOR Dylan Dow @zen_dow WEB MANAGER

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MAE JEMISON SPEAKS AT APP BY TOMMY CULKIN SENIOR NEWS REPORTER

ae Jemison, America's first African American female astronaut, spoke at Appalachian State on March 30. Jemison was a NASA astronaut for six years, in which time she flew on the Space Shuttle Endeavor and was NASA’s first science mission specialist. Before becoming an astronaut, Jemison served as a Peace Corps medical officer for Sierra Leone and Liberia. Her speech, titled “Creativity, Potential, and Daring,” was focused on how creativity and the arts are compatible with analytical fields such as math and science. Jemison noted that although the sciences are often seen as being analytical while the arts are seen as being intuitive, neither is purely one or the other. For example, she said, a level of intuitiveness is required to form scientific theories, and a degree of analytical work is required to compose a musical piece or choreograph a dance. “The arts and the sciences are not different sides to the same coin, but different manifestations of human creativity,” Jemison said. “The sciences are our attempt to explain the shared experience of the universe, and the arts are our attempt to provide universal understanding of personal experiences.” Mckenzie Gillis, a senior English major who attended the event, said she greatly appreciated Jemison’s remarks on the importance of both arts and sciences. “I have friends who are in the sciences, and we always have debates about which is more important,” Gillis said. “There’s this sense of competition about which is more correct and you can’t have both, but there’s definitely a lot of merit to acknowledging creativity while also acknowledging the importance of science.” Jemison then talked about the importance of space exploration and her project called “100 Year Starship.” “You probably don’t realize it, but space exploration has a huge impact on our day-to-day lives,” Jemison said. “GPS, weather forecasts and MRIs are all made possible through space exploration.

Mae Jemison, who became the ﬁrst African American woman to travel in space, speaks at Appalachian State University in Schaefer Center on March 30. The same algorithms that MRIs use to make those digital signals into pictures came from the same algorithms that were used to create images from the digital signals that came from remotely sensing the surface of Venus.” “100 Year Starship” is a grant project headed by Jemison designed to foster the research to have the capabilities necessary to achieve interstellar travel within the next 100 years. “We’re interested in pursuing the extraordinary

tomorrow to create a better world today,” Jemison said. “It’s only by pushing ourselves that we get those creative juices that allow us to advance further and faster.” The most important thing, Jemison said, is to break down barriers and think of ourselves as one people. “I have a global ambition,” Jemison said. “We all need to see ourselves as Earthlings, because if we don’t see ourselves as the same, there isn’t very much hope for us.”

WALK RAISES MONEY FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION BY TOMMY CULKIN SENIOR NEWS REPORTER

ppalachian State will hold its second annual Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk on April 16. The walk is a fundraiser to support local mental health organizations, and a way for participants to learn about resources for people contemplating suicide. Mackenzie Morgan, a member of the event’s committee, said it is also a way for people to heal. “Whether you’ve battled thoughts of suicide or know someone who’s passed away from suicide, the Out of the Darkness Walk is a way for people to come out with others who care about the cause,” Morgan said. “People are very quick to feel alone in that kind of situation, and feel like they’re the only ones going through it, but it’s not like that at all.” There isn’t an entry fee, but participants are encouraged to donate money to

Monique Rivera

the walk. “We want people to give whatever they’re able to, or whatever they feel is appropriate,” Morgan said. The money will go towards implementing an interactive screening program at Appalachian State through the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention, Sami Damsky, the event’s committee chair, said. Damsky said ISPs are helpful due to the fact that they are anonymous. “The alternative would be to go to the counseling center,” Damsky said. “That’s a big step that lots of people aren’t ready to take.” Some of the organizations and groups will be tabling at the walk include Boone Healing Arts Center, the High Country chapter of the National Alliance of Mental Illness, Daymark Recovery Services, the Counseling Center and the Mental Health Ambassadors.

There will also be a number of speakers at the walk. Two students will share their personal experiences, and Elizabeth Cavallaro, the suicide prevention coordinator, and J.J. Brown, the dean of students, will also speak. According to Laura Cobranchi, a member of the event’s committee, the walk’s name comes from the stigma that often surrounds suicide. “People dealing with ideations of suicide often feel alone and isolated, because it’s a topic a lot of people don’t want to talk about,” Cobranchi said. “By having these walks, hopefully we can shine a light on the issue and help save lives.” Damsky said the event originated last year in response to the number of student deaths. Last year, the Out of the Darkness Walk raised over $16,000. This year, they hope to raise even more money.

One of the reasons for their optimism towards this year’s event is the weather. “Last year it rained, which I think held a lot of people back,” Cobranchi said. Another reason for their optimism is that Appalachian State’s Greek Life is getting involved this time. “A number of fraternities and sororities have gotten back to us and said they’d participate,” Cobranchi said. “That’s a connection we didn’t have last year.” Cobranchi said that Appalachian State’s dedication to the issue of suicide awareness and prevention reflects highly on the university. “I think we’re unique in that we have a suicide prevention coordinator, and we have events like this, and we have a whole week dedicated to raising awareness,” Cobranchi said. “I don’t think most other schools show that sort of effort.”

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HOWARD AIMS TO REFORM SGA BY TOMMY CULKIN SENIOR NEWS REPORTER

alyn Howard and Kendrick Dawson were voted in as the next Student Government Association president and vice president on March 23. Howard, who had previously served as the SGA director of cultural affairs, said he felt that SGA wasn’t reaching its full potential. “When I got into SGA, I saw that it could be a powerful organization, but I wasn’t sure if it was being utilized quite correctly, or its full potential wasn’t quite realized,” Howard said. “I just want SGA to do a better job of bringing resources to students who don’t know about them, and to really benefit and elevate student voices.” One of the ways Howard hopes to help SGA benefit student voices is by doing a better job of informing them of opportunities available to them. According to Howard, there’s a $90,000 grant allocation for ASG and

a $30,000 of diversity grants that most of the students aren’t readily made aware of. By raising awareness of services and opportunities like these grants, Howard believes SGA can do more to benefit the students they represent. Another way they think SGA could improve is by promoting mental health services on the campus. One of the reasons Howard believes SGA can improve is because of the lack of diversity it has historically had. “SGA isn’t a bad organization by any means,” Howard said. “They’ve been efficient in the past. However, I think they lack perspective from diversity.” As a voting member of the Board of Trustees, Howard says he’ll be able to represent marginalized students. Another change that Howard and Dawson hope to implement is the reprioritization of student fees.

Students pay $3,257 in fees per year. Out of that amount, $738 go to athletics, which is by far the biggest student fee. Only $294 go to health services. Howard said he would like to decrease the emphasis put on athletics so that other areas can flourish. Dawson said his responsibility is to get the other members of SGA interested and passionate about issues. The way to do this, he said, is through education. “People can’t be passionate about what they don’t know about,” Dawson said. “If you make people aware of our platform, they’ll naturally become interested. And if you can find what people are passionate about, it’s not that hard to inspire them.” The changes that Howard and Dawson are striving to achieve are all parts of a larger culture change that they’d like to see take place in SGA. “There are senators on SGA who

admit that they don’t like coming to senate meetings because they don’t feel like they can speak up,” Howard said. “We want to make a comfortable and inclusive environment for everyone involved would fix some of the problems we have now of certain senators being standoffish.” Howard believes that this culture change would then spread to the student body. “Culture change is something that is going to have to happen at Appalachian State if we’re increasing diversity,” Howard said. “Even if we don’t want to talk about it, it’s something that needs addressing, and SGA needs to be a strong organization that can facilitate those discussions.” Howard is Appalachian State’s first African American SGA president since 1975, and he and Dawson are the first all-black ticket to be elected in the history of SGA.

APP STUDENTS TO BRING E-BIKING TO BOONE BY SAMMY HANF NEWS REPORTER

yan Gillespie, a senior appropriate technology major, is spearheading an effort to get Boone’s citizens behind the handlebars of electric bicycles. Ryan said his interest in e-bikes was first piqued in a sustainable transportation class. “It was me and a friend,” Gillespie said. “We were in Jack Martin's sustainable transportation class and he told us about e-bikes and we thought well that's the easiest way to get started with electric vehicles so let's build one.” Their project went from a humble first design with the battery rigged up to a two-by-four, to the beginnings of a small fleet which are being data tested for viability. Michael Duignan, a senior appropriate technology major, said that they are using data loggers that can track how much energy comes from the rider, average speed and locations where the bike is used. The data will be used to demonstrate their utility and encourage investment. Mid-Drive electric bike motors function by operating

the bike’s crank directly. A chain is affixed across the crank and over spokes that the motor spins. Gillespie said that Office of Student Research grants gave them the opportunity to get their data together. Data they then took to the Clinton Global Foundation to get a $2,000 grant and the opportunity to attend their conference in California. Duignan said he thinks e-bikes fit right into the town, which already has bike lanes and low speed limits to keep bikers safe on its streets. E-bikes also help with what turns most people off about getting on a bike: the hills. "Given Boone with its topography, it would be very beneficial,” Duignan said. “I think it would promote a lot of people to bike because those hills can be quite intimidating.” Gillespie said he is excited about how fun and easy e-bikes are to ride and that they really help to pick up the slack when riding gets strenuous. “It takes the edge off,” Gillespie said. “It's just like whenever you're playing a video game and you press the

pause button.” They are also a much greener way to get around than cars. Gillespie said the models they get the equivalent of 1,774 mpg, a number that could get higher as efficiency increases. Gillespie said that using e-bikes also alleviates the need for parking and can curb roadway expansion. "You can, in essence, fit 20 people in the space it takes to put one person in a car," Gillespie said. Duignan said there are safety concerns that need to be addressed, mainly dealing with biker awareness Nicholas Stover, a senior appropriate technology major, said that if e-bikes become a common sight, drivers will be forced to consider biker safety more and more. Gillespie said that e-bikes give riders a leg up safety-wise by letting them keep pace with cars, adding that one of his accidents likely wouldn’t have happened on an e-bike. "If I had been on my e-bike that night I straight up wouldn’t have gotten hit, cause I wouldn't have been going 3 mph up the 105 extension."

Brandon Peterson

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POSSIBLE PLAYGROUND FOR APP STATE BY CELIA CALHOUN A&E REPORTER

wo Appalachian State students, junior international business major Iridian Garcia and freshman physics major Kavona Evans, are working on getting a playground in Appalachian State’s major plan as a health and safety legislation for the Studen Government Association. If the idea gains enough support from the student body as well as the SGA and sponsors, then it could be built within the next six to seven years. Adult playgrounds, or adult recreation fields, are becoming quite the commodity across the globe. The United Kingdom has created several adult playgrounds and the trend is spreading across Europe. According to an article by BBC, the playgrounds nudge adults to participate in physical activity more. They are often times placed next to playgrounds for kids to encourage adults to use the fitness stations while their kids play. “We have this beautiful community and I think that park would help it that much more,” Garcia said. Garcia and Evans believe that the adult recreation field would benefit Appalachian State both physically and mentally. A lot of people struggle with stress, anxiety and depression on campus. The two believe that having an area where people can sit to watch nature as well as people and be active would greatly improve the lives of the

students. the park to be inclusive for the entire “I feel that the playground would student body as well as the public. release some stress, especially since we Therefore, instead of focusing on only already have such a beautiful campus,” releasing stress or solely promoting fitEvans said. ness, they are trying to include elements Garcia and Evans decided on three of both. possible locations on Appalachian “Nobody is ever angry at a park,” State’s campus where the recreation Evans said. “You always have a great field could be placed. Their top choice time and it definitely takes you away is the grassy rectangular field behind from the stress of your studies or all of Appalachian Hall and in front of Cone the problems you’re going through.” Residence Hall. Their other two choices The two are planning on issuing a are some land in Durham Park and the survey to the student body asking what field located between they would want in the Belk Residence Hall and park. Some of their ideas Eggers Residence Hall. include a merry-go-round, The field behind Appaswing, monkey bars, work lachian Hall is their top out stations, a place for choice is because the land people to use skateboards is flat, and would require and areas for people to Kavona Evans hang their Enos. little to no foundation work. “I don’t really like goIf the idea makes it into the major ing to the gym, but I do want to be fit,” plan, then Appalachian State will proGarcia said. “I get excited about going vide them with some funding. However, to the gym, but once I get there, I feel since it is an expensive idea, they are so out of place. It doesn’t feel natural.” hoping to receive grants to lessen the Freshman history and sociology amount the university has to pay. major Lauren Parko and freshman “The only way we can get this fundcommunication sciences and disorders ing is if students at Appalachian show major Emily Fuller believe the adult an interest,” Garcia said. recreation center would be beneficial This park would be different than for Appalachian State’s student body. other adult recreation centers because They agree that the recreation field Garcia and Evans are trying to target would allow students to relieve stress a multitude of groups instead of one by allowing them to participate in particular group of people. They want activities they used to participate in as

"Nobody is ever angry at a park."

children. There are, however, a few concerns about the park. One issue is that there are sex offenders on campus. Since Evans and Garcia want to make the park inclusive for everyone, they are proposing to put a gate or fence around the park. To gain access, people will have to swipe their AppCards. They believe this will work if children visit the park because they will have a responsible adult watching them. Garcia and Evans have also not received much support about the idea. Many of their fellow peers are not taking them seriously because of the connotation they have with parks and playgrounds. They are planning on setting up an information table in the future to spread the word and listen to people’s wishes and concerns about the recreation field. “We’re very serious about this,” Evans said. “This has a lot of benefits and a lot of people overlook it because they hear the word playground.” If Appalachian State builds the park on campus, then they would be one of the first campuses to have one. Not only would it help the student body, but it would also help the university. The recreation field would serve as another way to put Appalachian State on the map, and make the university well known across the country and attract more students.

BUSINESS STUDENTS WIN AT UNCG BY TOMMY CULKIN SENIOR NEWS REPORTER

or the fifth year in a row, a team of students from Appalachian State University’s Walker College of Business have won the regional Charter Financial Analyst Institute Research Challenge. The team consists of finance and banking majors: Amanda Carter, Andrew Johnson, Darrow Goff, MacGregor Shepard and Aaron Martschenko. Goff said the competition is the most prestigious of its type. “The CFA is the premiere, most recognized certification that you can get,” Goff said. “It shows that you know what you’re talking about.” Each year, CFA holds competition for undergraduate and MBA students, where they are assigned a company that they research to determine whether that company is a buy, sell or hold. The company they were assigned was Sonic Automotive. The team met with the management, researched their practices and compiled data, then wrote an analysis explaining their findings. Johnson said they looked at a large number of factors during their research: how the business fits within the larger automotive industry, who its competitors are, how its management works, what drives the company and whether that’s a good thing, what Wall Street analysts think, and then they had to build a financial model. “We basically had to take all this quantitative information and make a qualitative statement about

it,” Johnson said. “We start off very specific, and then come to decisions through the evaluation of the company itself and industry trends.” CFA professionals selected the four schools with the best papers, and then those schools presented their findings at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where Appalachian State was named the statewide regional champion. The three other schools in the regional finals were UNC Chapel Hill, Elon University and UNC Wilmington. According to Goff, the team has worked tirelessly this semester to prepare. “We came back a week early from Christmas break to begin working,” Goff said. “Any free time we’ve had outside of class, we’ve spent working on [the project]. I would say that right now, each of us has spent individually at least 300 hours doing work.” Johnson said part of what makes the team so strong is that each team member has a specialty and area of expertise. “Each of us has a role to play, and we each speak on something in the presentation,” Johnson said. “For example, Darrow is the best in the group at evaluation, Aaron is good at financial analysis, and Macgregor is an economic-minded person, so we gave him the economics questions.” That being said, each team member also educated their fellow teammates so that all of them could speak confidently on every topic.

Ultimately, the team decided that Sonic Automotive was a sell. “Our overall impression was a pessimistic one,” Johnson said. “That being said, we looked at so many factors that although we had overwhelmingly pessimistic viewpoints on Sonic as a company, there are positive aspects as well.” The team moves on to the national level of the competition, known as the America’s Regionals, which will be held in April. Immediately following that will be the international stage of the competition. Appalachian State has won the regional stage of the competition for five years in a row, and six out of the competition’s eight years running. The farthest the team has gotten is the semifinal portion of the America’s Regionals. Shepard believes this year’s team has the potential to go farther than any Appalachian State team has gone before. “All of us are really prepared, we know the material and we have a really good stance on our company,” Shepard said. For Johnson, the most rewarding part of the experience has been seeing all his hard work pay off. “Regardless of the amount of hours we spend in Peacock [Hall], the amount of times we stay up until 2 a.m., the fact that we put forth our best effort and watched it pay off completely outweighs any of the stress and lack of sleep,” Johnson said. “We knew from the get-go that we were going to give this everything we have.”

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LE ENTREPRISE PRESENTS: (INSERT TITLE) BY KATIE MURAWSKI A&E EDITOR

o the far left of the ticket sales window at the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts, there is an art gallery. On April 1, at the doors of the Smith Gallery, there was a man wearing a white T-shirt with a black logo. “Thank you for coming,” he said as he handed out a flyer to everyone who walked through the doors to the art exhibition, “Le_enterprise presents: (insert title).” The exhibit was a stretch of the white walls lit by spotlights. On the walls under the light, there were little rectangular labels that read, “(insert title).” Claire McKeown, senior studio art major and gallery assistant, stood at the front desk and handed attendees passes that were small, white metal clips. Other gallery assistants, all wearing the same shirt as the man at the door, instructed spectators to not take flash photography and to not touch the art. To some, there was no art on the walls, to others the art was everywhere. The exhibition was only open for one hour and during that time, Hannah Crowell, gallery director, posed the question, “How does art exist?” Does art exist alone? Does art exist without a person observing or interact-

ing with it? Does art exist only as an idea in the mind of the creator? Crowell said that with how they are using the Smith Gallery space for “(insert title)” art exists because people showed up. “That is the most important part of the gallery or museum experience, the people who show up,” Crowell said. Kyle Hazard, Smith Gallery assistant and senior art management major, curated the exhibition. He said he created the fake gallery, “Le_entreprise” in order to give himself a fake institutional credit. Hazard said he was inspired to curate “(insert title)” by his dream to be a contemporary art curator. “When studying exhibitions, like art, is very hard to define what an exhibition is,” Hazard said. “I wanted to create an exhibition without the main focus, to see how to convince viewers to go through an exhibition without objects for them to look at.” Hazard said he is really interested in the tradition of labeling wall text, handing out gallery guides and the title of the exhibition. He said that although this exhibition fell on April Fools’ Day, it was only by coincidence that the day made people think about why there was no art.

Crowell said that often art is seen as a two-dimensional object on the wall. She said that one of the goals of the Smith Gallery is to change the art experience by creating the “event of art and a fourth dimension to the experience of art.” The reality of the Smith Gallery, Crowell said, is that it struggles with its identity because it is also the lobby to the Schaefer Center. Crowell said that Hazard’s exhibition challenges the struggle for identity within the Schaefer Center, saying that the Smith Gallery is always fighting for audiences who are coming to see a show in the theater because the audience usually disregards what is on the walls of the lobby. “So, how we are using the space for this event is that, we are asking people to stay away from the nonexistent,” Crowell said. Jason Wright, junior graphic design major, was the man handing out gallery guides at the door and he designed the logo for the exhibition and the T-shirts. Wright said that the design is comprised of the shapes of an “L” and “e” from the title “Le_entreprise” but are arranged in a way that resembles the outline of a

factory. “[The design] was a combination of the ‘L’ and the ‘e’ of the title ‘Le_entreprise,’ but I was also influenced by a factory,” Wright said. “Like how museums and galleries kind of churn out artwork like a factory. This was the conceptual idea that Kyle and I discussed.” To Wright, “(insert title)” was about curation as art; the curator has become the artist in the 21st century and that going to an exhibition can be art in itself. “It is also commentary on the stereotypes about the different things you see in a gallery,” Wright said. “Which I think is interesting because it causes people to interact when there is no artwork on the walls, it gives you the chance to be forced to interact with those things that make you uncomfortable.” Liam Black, a sophomore economics major, heard about exhibition from the Facebook page created by senior public relations major, Dave Dykes. Black said that “(insert title)” is about the experience. “Maybe not like the lasting impression of a physical art piece, but the social interaction of everything is pretty enticing,” Black said.

Monique Rivera

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(Right to left) Crop Circle Club founders Jib Butts, John Wampler and Dylan Evans.

CROP CIRCLE CLUB: BOONE’S NEWEST RECORD LABEL BY ADRIENNE FOUTS A&E REPORTER

oone's newest record label, Crop Circle Club, was founded by three friends with a shared love of playing music together, hanging out on roofs and eating Taco Bell. “Maybe sonically the label doesn’t have a unified aesthetic, but Taco Bell is our unified aesthetic,” co-founder Jib Butts said. Butts, Dylan Evans and John Wampler often went to shows together and got along well, which influenced their decision to start Crop Circle Club. Another reason was that they were all broke, Evans said, so Crop Circle Club shows help bring in money for the label. The idea for the label had been cooking for a while, but Crop Circle Club’s debut show was only a month ago at Black Cat, featuring all four of the label’s bands. As of right now, the bands signed to Crop Circle Club are the founders’ own bands: Evans is in LAVIER, Evans and Butts are in Boy Legs together, Butts is in Lunchbag and Wampler is in Ghost Dogs. “We’re just getting off the ground,” Wampler said. “Signing other bands is definitely the goal eventually, but right now we’re working on building a strong home base.” “We don’t really have our funds going completely,” Evans added. “So we could do another band’s shows and be their buds, but we’re not in a place where we can pay to have huge releases for people.” Crop Circle Club’s bands represent a variety of genres. Evans describes LAVIER as a mix of electronic jazz and hip-hop, or “future jazz” as Wampler called it, while Ghost Dogs is beach-punk music. “Boy Legs is like shouting-about-your-feelings rap,” Butts said. “And Lunchbag is like mumbling-about-your-feelings rap.” Crop Circle Club isn’t looking for specific kinds of bands to sign in the future, Evans said, as long as the people are nice and their music has some defining characteristic. “The common denominator would be that we all just happen to believe in the music,” Wampler said. The three make label decisions together and largely handle their own bands’ recordings and bookings, Wampler said, and no one person has any set responsibilities. Evans, however, is the go-to person for visuals and graphic design. Evans was into in recording music throughout high school, and

Adrienne Fouts

studied music industry at Appalachian State for two semesters before leaving to focus on his music and the label. Butts and Wampler have recorded their own demos in the past, they said, but nothing professionally. The Crop Circle Club bands will record anywhere, Wampler said, but mainly wherever Evans is staying or at a friend’s studio in Tennessee. The bands also take advantage of low-budget and DIY solutions while recording. Evans said he records a lot on his couch. “We had some really nice mics but no mic stands, so to record vocals one time we used shoestrings to tie the mics to a lamp,” Evans said. “But, you know, it sounded professional.” Crop Circle Club and its music are available on most social media and streaming outlets, including Facebook, Instagram, Bandcamp and SoundCloud. The label’s first digital release, LAVIER’s EP called “Trust,” was released March 15, and Boy Legs’ EP “Pinball Museum” will be released sometime in April. LAVIER and Boy Legs are also going on tour from April 30 to May 6, traveling to Asheville, Charlotte, Richmond, Virginia, Baltimore, possibly Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. On May 7 they will return to play a show in Boone, most likely at Black Cat. Ghost Dogs is touring in the week before LAVIER and Boy Legs, playing shows in both North and South Carolina. “We’re small, but we’re doing a lot,” Butts said. “We played three shows in two days last weekend.” Other than working odd jobs, the founders of Crop Circle Club enjoy living an open, flexible life and focusing on their music. “For me, this is what I do,” Evans said. “Make money, plan shows, do graphic design. It’s a pretty free-form lifestyle.” Butts, who graduated from Appalachian State last year and is a substitute teacher and summer river guide, said he is living cheap and subscribing to a similar lifestyle. They also love the music scene in Boone and are supportive of all the local bands, Wampler said. “That’s what it’s about, believing in each other, and being nice and finding other people who believe in us,” Butts said.

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THE FOOD SUMMIT:

SEEDING COMMUNITY RESILIENCE BY CHARLOTTE WRAY MANAGING EDITOR

he doors to the Great Hall of the Living Learning Center stand open, allowing the brisk spring wind to flow into a room filled with faces from the local food system and sustainability initiatives. This was the 2016 Food Summit, held on April 2 for the first time in six years, with this year’s theme, “seeding community resilience.” Bringing together farmers, students, gardeners, homesteaders, chefs, faculty and other community members, The Food Summit served as a means to spark questions, conversations and relationships. “That has been the spirit of the event,” Jacqui Ignatova, lecturer in the sustainable development department and primary event coordinator, said. “It’s not intended to be just an academic audience, we really want this to be accessible and interesting to farmers and community members, not only just students and faculty.” When Ignatova came to Appalachian in the fall of 2015, she was highly interested in the local food movement and wanted to get involved, so through teaching, she has been able to have the “opportunity and gift” to hopefully enact positive social change, she said. “One of the things that’s really awesome about being able to teach in the sustainable development department is that it’s not just an intellectual exercise talking about sustainable development, we have a real emphasis on practice,” she said. “I feel like The Food Summit is a way of sharing knowledge beyond the classroom and building connections across communities, that together we really can make these changes.” The Food Summit was sponsored by the sustainable development department, in partnership with Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture. Ignatova has done research on the debate over GMOs in Ghana, and studied the politics of seed saving and the importance of biocultural diversity throughout her master’s and Ph.D. programs, thus inspiring the theme of the summit. “But one of the big themes, that I really like that came out, was ‘Someone told me that I couldn’t do it, and so, I did it,’” she said. “I just I love that emphasis on that kind of perseverance because I feel like oftentimes environmentalists are told, activists are told, that you can’t change things. That people are too set in their ways, it’s just kind of impossible. So I love the message that these farmers were saying, that, ‘I was told I couldn’t do it, and that made me more motivated to try and do it and here I am.’” The first keynote speaker was James Veteto, assistant professor of anthropology at Western Carolina University, who spoke on “Resilient Cultures, Resilient Seeds: Biocultural Diversity in Southern Appalachia.” Following was an intergenerational knowledge exchange, a panel of five local farmers who spoke on topics ranging from climate change to personal stories in their experience with farming, to economic challenges, and how to farm and respect the earth simultaneously. The panel included local farmers Jon Fannon, Ron Joyner, Susan Owen, Veteto, and Holly Whitesides and was moderated by Ignatova. Susan Owen, owner of Lily Patch Farm in Vilas, North Carolina, said, “I knew anything I grew was going into the watershed,” furthering her farming habits to produce organic crops and protect the environment as well. “Work and grow with mother nature, rather than against her,” Owen said. “She is our ally. Give her the benefit of the doubt. We have to change what we are doing to be in harmony with her.” The common thought shared by the farmers was narrowed when Jon Fannon, local farmer and owner of Western Organic Wasabi & Sustainable Agriculture, said, “It’s a difficult path. Farming is not easy, but it is rewarding.” “Sharing this kind of knowledge and helping to connect younger people with people who have this rich experience as a way of building resilience – I really liked that model, so I played with that and through all the awesome organizers, it was a collective enterprise in terms of selecting who was on the panel,” Ignatova said. Ignatova chose these topics based on both her own passions and also based on what her students wanted, which was food access and food justice. After the panel finished, a local lunch was served while some students stood with posters on topics they chose to research and study. Lindsey Giglio, senior sustainable development major, produced a bike that mills whole wheat. “I’m an avid biker,” Giglio said. “This is not a new thing, using a bike to power things. But I wanted to keep it very sustainable, everything recycled.” She found the bike in a dumpster, bought the stand at Ram’s Rack Thrift Shop, used an old tractor belt, all recycled wood and drills for the table on the back tire frame, and bought the mill through a grant received through the Office of Student

Dallas Linger

Research. Giglio originally became interested in knowing where her food was coming from as her love for cooking and baking grew. Eventually this curiosity began a search to find the raw, main ingredients, and specifically about where the grain for her bread was coming from. Rebecca Ewing, senior sustainable development major, was also curious to trace tea back to where it comes from. “Most tea is handpicked,” Ewing said. “Tea plantation workers live on the plantation in which they work, but their living conditions are usually poor, and exploitation and low wages are very common.” Ewing came to Appalachian wanting to study food, and then shifted her focus to social justice, and now, she said, she has a passion for both because she realized how highly intertwined they are. “When tea is produced on such a large scale, not only does it cause labor issues, but also environmental issues,” Ewing said. “So that’s going to degrade your soil, it’s going to be harmful to the workers who have to spread the inputs, who then ingest it.” Another poster was informing students about the Sustainable Development and Research Farm, which is an approximately 350 acre farm in Fleetwood, North Carolina that serves as a place for students to live, take what they’ve learned in the classroom, especially agroecology classes, and get hands-on learning. The farm is diverse, including pigs, cattle, poultry, bees, a vegetable and herb garden, and a lot of forest, an aspect that is helpful for sustainable forestry classes, Lucina Hancock, senior sustainable development major, said. “One year before [Hancock and I] were living there, one student had mushroom logs out there,” Daniel Micket, senior sustainable development major, said. “So, it’s really a place to cultivate your ideas, to try stuff out you’ve been wanting to try.” A different panel on Food Access and Food Justice was held after lunch and included speakers, Renee Boughman, executive of F.A.R.M. Cafe; Jennifer Greene, deputy health director at Appalachian District Health Department; Allison Jennings, food and nutrition coordinator at Hospitality House; and Ben Loomis, garden manager at Hunger & Health Coalition, moderated by Lanae Ball, assistant professor in the Department of Nutrition and Health Care Management at Appalachian. “I think the questions from the audience and the conversations that we are having were great because it allowed exploration of the different roles we can perform in advancing more ecological sustainability and social justice,” Ignatova said. “Something I try to convey to my students is that, no one’s perfect,” she said. “One of the things I think we need to keep in mind is that we’re always going to have these contradictions even if we’re really committed to [sustainability]. But there’s always something we can do, and it’s really important to carve out what your contribution is to advancing a more ecologically sustainable and socially just world.”

The Food Summit has held in the Great Hall of the Living Learning Center on April 2. The event served to spark conversation and curiosity on the local food system, local farmers, sustainability and building relationships in the community.

S P O R T S

KAYAKING 101 A HOW-TO GUIDE ON KAYAKING IN BOONE

(Left) Emory Klesick paddling down Wintergreen Falls on the Toxaway River, North Carolina. (Right) Kyle Johan flying off of Gorilla on the Green River Narrows, North Carolina. BY KAYLA MAY SPORTS REPORTER

ith summer approaching and warmer days ahead, Boonies across the High Country will start to flock to the nearest body of water with a tube in hand. But for some, a peaceful river float won’t be enough excitement. The more daring and adventurous individuals may want to hop in a kayak and hit the rapids. “People will be continually surprised how doing this sport will enrich their life. I have been paddling for seven years now and I still am surprised all the time about how much it brings me as far as joy and laughter," faculty member Emily Yuratovac said. "It’s a way to enjoy some beautiful places that we normally don’t get to see. You can’t access some of these places any other way except by boat. It’s a lifetime sport and there’s always more to learn and more places to go." Appalachian State has plenty of great resources for students trying to learn a new outdoor activity. Whitewater kayaking is no exception. LEARNING For beginners, the best place to start conquering rapids is right on campus in the Student Recreation Center pool. Outdoor Programs offers kayak polo every Tuesday night and kayak roll sessions every Wednesday night from 7-10 p.m. These sessions teach essential boating skills for kayakers from all levels of experience as well as providing a chance to meet other kayaking enthusiasts. “The best self-rescue on the river is getting down your roll. If you can get it down in the pool it’s an easier transition to a river roll,” kayaking instructor Ryan Gladstone said. There are also credit hours offered for whitewater kayaking in the fall and spring semesters. In this PE course the instructor teaches on boating equipment, how to scout a rapid, basic rescue techniques and more. Taking this course also allows you to rent whitewater kayaking equipment from the Outdoor Programs Base Camp. Outdoor Programs also offers whitewater kayaking day trips for beginners. Taking this course also grants you access to Outdoor Programs equipment for a small rental fee. “The best way to learn about kayaking is getting after it," Gladstone said. "There is only so much training you can have. If you’re not getting after it and swimming in the river sometimes, you’re not trying hard enough." After taking an introductory course through the university’s physical education department or through Outdoor Programs, you become eligible to rent gear from the Outdoor Programs Base Camp. “Some people get turned away from kayaking because it is too expensive, but kayaking doesn’t have to be expensive. There’s a lot of great used gear out there

for sale,” Bernie Engelman, an OP roll clinic, kayak polo and whitewater kayaking instructor said. There are several outlets available to buy gear, including ReGear Outdoors and Craigslist. PREPARATION When planning a kayaking trip, there are many things to consider. First, always check the weather. The weather contributes a lot to the enjoyment of a kayaking trip. It also will give you an idea of what you need to pack and wear while out on the water. “Keep in mind that if even if the sun is shining, you can still get hypothermia if you get knocked out of your boat into the cold water,” Engelman said. Secondly, check out the water levels of the location where you are heading. If it hasn’t rained in a while it is not a good idea to visit really shallow rivers. The water will be moving slow and the chances of hitting rocks are greater. Some key spots for beginners to check out are section three of the Watauga Lake, South Fork of the New River, Lower Nolichucky River, Toe Gorge and the Whitewater Center in Charlotte. Additionally, whitewater kayaking is not safe to do alone. It is important to have a friend or a group with you in case of emergencies. “There are plenty of ways to get connected with other paddlers especially through social media," Yuratovac said. "On Facebook, there’s Boone Outdoor Ladies and Boone Kayakers you can join, because one of the hardest things about starting this sport is finding people to go with and that you can learn from.” ON THE RIVER When packing for a trip make sure to grab the essentials: kayak, paddle, personal flotation device, helmet, skirt, basic first-aid kit in a dry bag and a throw rope. “100 percent the most essential thing you bring with you, past your basics, is a throw rope for your buddies, not for you," Gladstone said. "It boosts the mental confidence in your crew knowing that if I have your back, you have mine." A key component to this sport is attitude. While on the river you have to remain positive even if you go swimming from having to get out of your boat. “I’ve always heard that every paddler is just in between swims, no matter what their skill level is,” Yuratovac said. “The people who take my courses that come in with a good attitude are the ones who are usually most successful on the river. When you are beginning it isn’t so much about your physical skills but more about your mentality.”

Courtesy Ryan Gladstone

S P O R T S

GOING VERTICAL: AN INTERVIEW WITH CARTER SMITH

BY BEN COGSDALE SPORTS REPORTER

arter Smith, a 21-year-old Watauga County native, is addicted to climbing. He doesn't like to climb, he has to climb. “It’s a lack of self control honestly,” Smith said. If Smith doesn't climb for a day, he said he is grouchy and not psyched for anything. It also effects his ability to complete his school work, a detriment that an honors college student double majoring in Spanish and recreation management can’t afford. It’s not uncommon, however, for athletes to become defined by their sport; to begin to plan their lives around their next fix. Smith believes that the length of time a climber will push their bodies is a defining characteristic in determining the fanatics from the addicts, from those who love the sport to those who need it. “Some people will climb until they're tired,” Smith said. “Some people will climb until their fingers are bleeding through layers and layers of tape.” While climbing a spot called Lost Cove in Banner Elk, North Carolina, Smith says he split open five of his fingertips climbing and was bleeding through a quarter inch of tape on one finger. He called it a heinous sight and said it forced him to take a couple weeks off from climbing. However, his hiatus only came after he super-glued the cut back together so he could continue climbing that day. Smith's dedication to climbing hasn't come out of left field. He said it is tricky to define a time when he started climbing because he has always climbed. When he was 14, he began to train and take his climbing seriously, and during high school he became heavily involved in competitive bouldering because of Watauga County's abundant outdoor resources. For laymen, bouldering is climbing faces of cliffs of 20 feet high or less. These ascents are made without the use of ropes and harnesses. Climbing shoes, chalk and a protective mat to soften the fall are the only equipment needed. During bouldering competitions, Smith said the climbers are judged on difficulty of climb rather than time. “Basically, there's a time limit and you try and get to the top of as many hard things as you can in three hours,” Smith said. “The people who create the climbs on the wall will assign it a point value, and the harder it is the more points it gets.” There are many people throughout the county who compete in climbing competitions, but what makes Smith different is that he is a professional climber. Smith downplays the prestigious ring in his title by saying the status of being a professional climber is not obtained through skill. Although a strong climber, Smith admits there are better ones at Appalachian State and in the county. His sponsorships, however, are what set him apart from the average climber. “There's a really strong climbing community in Boone,” Smith said. “But I'm one of the only climbers with sponsors and I think that's just because I sought it out.” Smith is currently sponsored by two companies in the rock climbing industry – Evolv rock climbing shoes and Friction Labs chalk company. “They give me discounts or they give me free things,” Smith said. “I don't buy shoes from other companies. They treat me well enough that I want to treat them well in return.” Apart from his sponsorships, Smith also works as a guide for Rock Dimensions Climbing Guides, which is owned by former Appalachian State student Ryan Beasley. Although Smith works for an artificial climbing wall, he notes differences in natural climbing versus artificial climbing. He said outdoor climbing is more of an art form as opposed to a sport. “When your climbing outside you do have to rely on your fitness, but you're not just jumping around using it as monkey bars," Smith said. "You're actually trying to figure out the best way to get to the top of a cliff.” Watauga County is an abundant place for outdoor climbing, with Smith noting Blowing Rock Boulders as a popular outdoor climbing destination. While Smith has certainly used his resources indoors and outdoors in Watauga County, climber's legacies are made after going big. “I really want to get into bigger things,” Smith said. “Right now I'm mostly into bouldering so I'm on the very small side, but I'm transitioning into bigger things.” Smith hopes to achieve his goals of ascending climbs in Yosemite National Park and the mountain ranges of Patagonia. Photos Courtesy of Carter Smith

O P I N I O N

WHAT IS VEGANISM?

WHEN MAKING DIET CHANGE, VEGANISM IS THE WAY TO GO

f you had told me a few years ago that I would turn into an animal loving, tree-hugging vegan, I would have told you that you were crazy. One side of my family is Italian and Irish, while the other side is Jewish. Our typical family dinner consisted of things like meatballs, corned beef and challah bread, all of which are laden with ingredients from animals. Despite my heritage, here I sit as an ethical vegan who has a job dedicated to animal activism. Here is how that happened. I don’t have a big dramatic story about going vegan; I pretty much just decided to do it overnight. I had been a vegetarian for about six months before deciding to become vegan, so it wasn’t a complete shock to me. After watching documentaries like “Cowspiracy” and “If Slaughterhouses Had Glass Walls,” I was hooked. I had been living in blissful ignorance about where my food came from, but the images and statistics shown to me

MADELINE LIPPY is a columnist and sophomore nutrition and foods major from Huntersville. through the many documentaries I watched were a shock to my system. I knew I could never go back. Many people who go to college and begin to think for themselves without their parents’ guidance become vegetarians once they are aware of the cruelty that is standard practice on factory farms in our country. Some decide to take it a step further and become vegans. There are a lot of different labels for diets floating around, so it is probably best to start off explaining the important differences between vegetarians and vegans. Vegetarians do not eat any meat from animals, including beef, chicken, pork and fish. Vegans, on the other hand, abstain from all animal products. Whether it is vegetarian or vegan,

there are demonstrable benefits that come with both. Vegetarians are 12 percent less likely to die from diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and heart disease and they tend to live up to eight years longer than omnivorous eaters, according to a 2013 Loma Linda University study. The advantages extend beyond health to the environment. On average, meat production contributes to 50 percent of greenhouse gas emissions, according to the Worldwatch Institute. Going vegetarian or vegan lessens that problem. These benefits of the vegetarian diet are only increased by going vegan. Studies done by animal rights groups like PETA, Mercy For Animals and The Humane League have shown that a vegan diet gives people more energy and can increase antioxidant levels in the body, which help fight off diseases like cancer. I could give you all of the gory details to argue for an ethical take on veganism, but I would be here all day.

I will only say that a vegan diet is crucial if you are looking at animal rights from an ethical perspective. The dairy and egg industries cover up their own atrocities that they make animals go through, it is not only the meat industry. I know veganism can sometimes have negative connotations behind it because of the stereotypes that society puts on it. However, if you do your research and do it for the right reasons, then I guarantee you will be making the best decision of your life. If you’re considering making a change in your diet, then veganism is the right way to go. Going forward, this column will focus on issues animal welfare, the environment and nutrition, as well as how all these topics are interconnected. It will not be a weekly column of simply talking about veganism, although that will certainly be a recurring theme. I look forward to exploring this topic more thoroughly. I hope that all of you will enjoy taking part in that exploration as well.

BERNIE V HILLARY

Emily Howard

O P I N I O N

COLLEGE SPORTS SCAM COLLEGE SPORTS ARE FUN. THEY ARE ALSO UNFAIR.

oday marks the end of what has been a nearly four year tradition. At this time every year, I write something about the monumental scam that is the NCAA. What makes this year different is that the Tar Heels will be making the national championship for the first time since the tradition began. Given those circumstances, I would like to take this opportunity to take back everything I've said about the NCAA. Go Heels! Just kidding, sort of. I'm certainly not the biggest Chapel Hill fan in the world, but being raised in a family of massive Carolina fans has definitely worn off on me. Throughout their run at the tournament, I was cheering them on. I'd still enjoy it if they won the championship. At the same time, I cannot ignore the enormous issues that college sports raise for universities. Putting aside the glaring problem of compensation for college athletes and the unfairness of that situation, there is the bigger problem of the culture that this system promotes and normalizes.

KEVIN GRIFFIN

inability to keep up with the university's is a senior journalism curriculum. This type of conduct is deeply unfair major from Madison, is not only to the athletes at the university, the Opinion Editor. but also to other students who do not receive those particular "perks." Of course, it isn't really a perk. The Universities have a basic mission: overwhelming majority of NCAA to educate their students. In the case of athletes do not go the pros, and not college athletes, that imperative is just providing an education does no service as important and in some ways perhaps to those athletes in the long run. even greater than it is for other students. The ultimate purpose of this system After all, the main justification for is to support college sports programs not paying college players is that they that are all too often a drain on the are well-compensated with their free universities. A USA Today report from education. No college sports scandal reveals the May 2015 found that only 24 of the 230 Division I schools are financially selfhollowness of that talking point more sufficient. than the Chapel Hill academic scandal. These programs rely on their The 2014 Wainstein report students to pay fees for these programs. documents in devastating detail the If life were different, and public attempts of more than a decade to universities were awash in cash make exceptions for college students for academics and students were by herding them into sham classes with paying low tuition, this might be a non-existent standards. conversation. At a time when public One finding in the report particularly support for education is dropping, it is highlights the injustice done to those unconscionable. athletes involved. The report concluded All of this is bad, but the worst thing that Deborah Crowder and Julius is the culture this promotes. When Nyang'oro, who ran the classes, did sports come to dominate the academic so out of sympathy for the athletes, culture and needs of a majority of an who had been accepted despite an

institution's students and faculty, there is a problem. It might be odd that a student from a different university is writing about Chapel Hill. Of course, the Tar Heels are a central part of life in North Carolina, and that alone could justify writing about them. Still, I think this issue has a relevance at Appalachian State. We are not Chapel Hill and will never be, but there are troubling signs of the culture of athletics taking over in an unhealthy way. Since we beat Michigan, App State owes a good deal of its national name recognition to sports. The move to Division I has also raised the caliber of our sports programs. It's beyond time that we start to really consider the enormous drawbacks that big-time college sports bring. We are already seeing increased student fees. Events such last semester’s conflict over on-campus parking are but one of the signs that the sports culture on the university is unhealthy. As students who are disadvantaged by this, we should do what we can to resist this troubling transition.

THE FEAR OF AI TECHNOLOGY ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE HAS TROUBLING IMPLICATIONS

n the past 50 years, it seems like there has been 500 years of technological advancement. The greatest development within technology has been the development of AI, or artificial intelligence. AI is the simulation of human behavior through machines. This is found in everyday life, like with the use of GPS and within the programming of characters found in video games. This technological advance has profound social consequences. More than just being a technology, AI has become a representation of dependency humans have on technology. Increasingly, humans have less of a need to strive to become better and learn new things because technology has been and will be there to complete tasks for us. Many push away the notion of dystopian societies where technology completely replaces humans, but there is evidence that this type of future is possible. Many people and organizations rely heavily on AI in everyday life right now. AI technology is taking on more tasks,

CHRISTIAN GEORGE The term “AI anxiety” was used in a

is an English-Secondary Washington Post article to describe the apprehension some thinkers have about Education major from the future of AI. Indian Trail, is an Philosopher Nick Bostrom suggests opinion writer. one thought experiment of how AI might be harmful. even simple ones, and leaving humans Suppose an AI is given a task, such with less work. This both benefits and as creating paperclips. Its programming hinders our development. could be such that it would not rest until It makes tasks like driving without everything is turned into a paperclip. It having to read a map easier, but it will have hyper intelligence, but will also takes away a person’s control in not experience emotion, thus giving it situations by relying on it. the propensity to not care about harming It is also replacing the workforce humans. more each day. A report from the World While an AI obtaining its own Economic Forum in January estimated consciousness may not be as drastic that more than 5 million jobs will be lost as seen in the movie “Terminator,” the in leading economies over the next five reality may be more like the movie years. “Eagle Eye.” In that fi lm, an AI takes Even within classrooms, online over all of the world’s surveillance and programs are being used to teach technology, becoming hyper intelligent. students, slowly taking away one-onThat may be a possibility for the future. one interaction between the student With the ever-increasing reliance on and educator. This is only ingraining technology, humans have to create a the dependency on technology within balance with the amount of technology learning minds. that is integrated, or they may be Scientists, philosophers and other replaced altogether. thinkers have also raised questions about If this process goes unchecked, the potential affects of AI technology.

humans will slowly go through a process of regression and actually devolve because of the power of technology. It will take away the spirit within man to create and innovate because AI will do it for them. A hierarchy will be made of those who know how to create this technology on top, which is becoming increasingly smaller, and those who use the technology, which has risen in previous years. AI will evolve further than humans will be able to, and be able to support themselves without intervention. The general consensus on how to fix this issue is to control the advancement and make sure the AI stays on the side of man. Technological business magnates like Bill Gates and Elon Musk have warned about machine intelligence, and have even donated money to the research to keep it under control. As we enter into this new era of human history, we all need to do what we can to ensure that human beings always control the technology.

SUBMIT ANNOUNCEMENTS

App News is a service of the Division of Student Development. Email dycheab@appstate.edu. Submissions should not exceed 100 words and must include the event title, date/time, location and cost, and a contact email, phone and/or URL. Announcements will be edited as needed and will run as space allows. Preference is given for events that are free or have a nominal cost.

A P P

N E W S

WHAT TO DO THE WELLNESS WORKSHOPS The Counseling Center presents “The Wellness Workshops: Feelin’ Good in the Neighborhood!” Space is limited. Reservations should be made at campbellha@appstate.edu. Extra credit slips will be made available. Visit counseling. appstate.edu or call 828-262-3180. • What Shape is Your Personality: Learn more about Yourself and How to Relate to Others, 4-5 p.m. April 6, Linn Cove, PSU • Let’s Get Out! Explore the Connection Between Positive Mental Health and Being Outdoors, 5-7 p.m., April 14, workshop will take place outside, email to register

DIVERSITY CELEBRATION The 15th Annual Diversity Celebration will be held 3-9 p.m. April 5 in Plemmons Student Union. The event is free and open to the public. The celebration features a wide array of local and international music, eclectic dancing, delectable food, and imaginative crafts. For a full schedule, visit diversity.appstate.edu.

Table Rock, PSU; 7:30-9 p.m. Reading in Blue Ridge Ballroom, PSU

To learn more about becoming a mentor, email mortonka@appstate.edu.

MINDFULNESS RETREAT

SCIENCE AND RELIGION IN INDIA TALK

The half-day mindfulness retreat will begin at 1 p.m. April 10 in Linville Falls, PSU. Learn skills that can help relieve stress, lead to better sleep and help experience less self-judgment. This will be a silent retreat where you will learn various different forms of meditation, eat mindfully and participate in gentle yoga. Bring a yoga mat or towel for yoga. All levels are welcome. No prior experience in meditation is needed. Extra credit slips will be provided. This event is part of Suicide Prevention Awareness Week.

TRANSFER FACULTY MENTORS

Appalachian’s Gender, Women’s, and Sexuality Studies Program presentes a talk by Banu Subramaniam, professor of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. The title of the talk is “Science and Religious Nationalism in India,” 5:30 p.m. April 14, Three Top Mountain Room, PSU. The talk is free and open to the public and is co-sponsored by the Anthropology Department; the Center for Judaic, Holocaust, and Peace Studies; the College of Arts and Sciences; the Cultural, Gender, and Global Studies Department; the English Department, the Humanities Council; and the Philosophy and Religion Department.

mmons Student Union, offers confidential advice, information, and referrals provided by a licensed attorney. The attorney can meet with any currently enrolled Appalachian State student and can advise students on any issue that is not directly adverse to the university. Make an appointment by calling 828-2628284. Information at legalclinic.appstate.edu.

NAVIGATING COLLEGE The group will explore healthy lifestyle choices and the impact of alcohol and other drug use in college. Students are invited to the Wellness and Prevention Services office to join a mindfulness-based group focused on the impact of alcohol and other drug use while in college, incorporating resilience building, high risk substance use prevention and harm reduction strategies by way of stress reduction, healthy decision-making and group support to assist in personal growth and success as a college student. The group will meet 5:30-7 p.m. Wednesdays, room 306, Reich College of Education. Email asmabt@appstate.edu.

The Hughlene Bostian Frank Spring Visiting Writers Series Events will take place with craft talks and readings in Plemmons Student Union. Book sales and signings will follow each event. • April 7: Travel and Adventure Writing with Peter Fish and Leigh Ann Henion, 2-3:15 p.m. Craft Talk: Travel Writing; 7:30-9 p.m. Reading; Table Rock, PSU • April 28 (with the Diversity Speakers Series): Poet, Memoirist, and Social Justice Activist Luis Rodriguez, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Craft Talk in

New transfer faculty mentor training will be 3-4:30 p.m. April 18, New River Room, PSU. Register at workshops.appstate.edu. The training will cover the characteristics and needs of transfer students, the transfer student population at Appalachian, and how to support transfer students and to be a successful transfer mentor. A transfer faculty mentor is a faculty member interested in developing supportive, academic relationships with prospective and new Appalachian transfer students. Faculty mentors, ideally in the student’s area of study, will provide help in understanding the curriculum and the student’s remaining required coursework as well as provide guidance, support, and referral to resources that will benefit new students in a new environment. Mentors have the ability to influence, encourage, and guide transfer students to enhance their academic success.

TUESDAY, APRIL 5

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6

THURSDAY, APRIL 7

FRIDAY, APRIL 8

15th Annual Diversity Celebration

“Sixteen Candles” Screening

“The Revenant” Screening

“Sixteen Candles” Screening

3-9 p.m. Plemmons Student Union Free

7 p.m. Greenbriar, PSU $1

7 p.m. and 9:50 p.m. I.G. Greer Auditorium $2

7 p.m. Greenbriar, PSU $1

Cara Conway Student Flute Recital

Brian McKenzie Student Percussion Recital

Peter Fish and Leigh Ann Henion Talk

“The Revenant” Screening

VISITING WRITERS SERIES

6 p.m. Rosen Concert Hall Free

Faculty Gala Concert: April Showers — Evening of Spring Renewal 8 p.m. Rosen Concert Hall Free

6 p.m. Rosen Concert Hall Free

What Shape is Your Personality: Learn More About Yourself and How to Relate to Others

GRADUATE SCHOOL 101 The Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies will offer “Graduate School 101: So you think you want to go to graduate school?” starting at 10 a.m. April 15, Rough Ridge Room, PSU. Juniors and seniors who are planning to apply for gradauate school will have their questions about applying, taking the GRE and more answered by graduate school staff. Breakfast items will be served. Email padgettlc@appstate. edu for more information.

FREE LEGAL ADVICE The Student Legal Clinic, in suite 324 in Ple-

7:30 p.m. Table Rock Room, PSU Free

Spring Appalachian Dance Ensemble 7:30 p.m. Schaefer Center $10-$17

STUDY ABROAD IN ITALY Outdoor Programs and Recreation Management is presenting a study abroad program in Italy this summer. A course in Commercial Recreation and Outdoor Recreation will be offered, along with immersion in the language, local cuisine, and distinct cultures found along the way. The trip dates are June 7 to 27, and the cost of $4,100 covers everything.To learn more, visit www.op.appstate.edu.

7 p.m. and 9:50 p.m. I.G. Greer Auditorium $2

Spring Appalachian Dance Ensemble 7:30 p.m. Schaefer Center $10-$17

4 p.m. Linn Cove, PSU Free

Dark Side of the Dead

SATURDAY, APRIL 9

SUNDAY, APRIL 10

MONDAY, APRIL 11

TUESDAY, APRIL 12

“The Revenant” Screening

Ben Bradburn Student Saxophone Recital

Woodwind Chamber Ensembles I

“Robots, Cyborgs and Gods: Religion and the Future” Lecture

7 p.m. and 9:50 p.m. I.G. Greer Auditorium $2

Spring Appalachian Dance Ensemble 7:30 p.m. Schaefer Center $10-$17

JDRF Benefit A Cappella Concert 7 p.m. Legends $5

GuitarFest Concert 8 p.m. Rosen Concert Hall Admission charged

6 p.m. Recital Hall Free

10 p.m. Legends $8-$12

8 p.m. Rosen Concert Hall Free

Global Opportunities Conference Begins 9 a.m. Plemmons Student Union Free; registration required

5:30 p.m. Room 420, PSU Free

Mindfulness Retreat

Coburn Jones Student Voice Recital

1 p.m. Linville Falls, PSU Free

8 p.m. Recital Hall Free

Shane Watson Student Organ Recital 6 p.m. Rosen Concert Hall Free