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@TheColonnade
The Official Student Newspaper of Georgia College & State University September 15, 2026
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BUFFINGTON’S RESTURANT CELEBRATES GRAND RE-OPENING Avery Geary
we had to replace the
remodel the restrooms,
Doug Pendergast, anoth-
entire roof,” said G.W.
which the owners felt
er one of BRG’s owners.
Brooks, one of Buffing-
were not one of Buff-
Both owners were very
ton’s owners. G.W. is
ington’s
notable
pleased with the multi-
also an owner within the
features due to quali-
ple improvements made.
after
Brick Restaurant Group
ties such as their size.
They expressed that they
undergoing months of
(BRG), which consists
“Some of the juniors
renovations
centered
of
The
and seniors had expe-
will make Buffington’s
around
repairs.
Brick, Black Sheep, Buff-
rienced the old bath-
an even better place for
Asst. News Editor On
Friday,
Aug.
14, local Milledgeville restaurant ton’s
Buffing-
reopened
roof
Milledgeville’s
most
hope
the
renovations
Courtesy of Buffington’s
“The most important
tions, Buffington’s offered
part is that we are dry
free burgers to the first
and able to have customers in here safely,” G.W.
“The roof was having
ington’s and Greene’s.
rooms that were a little
GCSU students and Mil-
Brooks
emphasized.
quite a few troubles that
While being closed
dicey. That was a more
lidgeville locals to con-
To
turned out to be more
for repairs, they also
noticeable
investment
gregate, both in terms of
restaurant’s
than just a few leaks, so
took the opportunity to
than the roof itself,” said
appearance and function.
opening after the renova-
celebrate
the
grand
re-
100 customers. One customer who received this offer was Caesar Cruz, a junior philosophy major. See BUFFINGTON’S | Page 2
NCAA Volleyball preseason rankings versus reality Ava Flores
Sports Editor The first weeks of the 2026 NCAA women’s volleyball season have shown that preseason rankings can predict some things,
but
not
everything.
Kentucky sits at No. 3 with a 5-1
Behind Nebraska, the presea-
record, while Stanford is No. 4 at
son top five included Texas, Ken-
4-0 and Louisville has moved from
tucky, Pittsburgh and Stanford.
No. 7 in the preseason to No. 5.
Only a few weeks into the sea-
While some teams have lived up
son, that order has already changed.
to or exceeded preseason expecta-
1
tions, others have struggled early.
with a 4-0 record in the Sept. 7
Texas entered the season ranked
AVCA poll, but Pittsburgh has
No. 2 but has fallen to No. 9 after
the top spot through the opening
made one of the biggest ear-
a 3-3 start. Wisconsin, which be-
weeks. The Cornhuskers received
ly moves. The Panthers began
gan at No. 6, is also 3-3 but re-
57 first-place votes in the pre-
the year ranked No. 4 and have
mains inside the top 10 at No. 6.
season poll, putting them com-
climbed to No. 2 after starting 6-0.
See NCAA VB | Page 5
Nebraska entered the season ranked No. 1 in the AVCA preseason poll and has held onto
Nebraska NCAA D1 Volleyball
fortably ahead of No. 2 Texas.
Nebraska
remains
No.
New Donut Shop
Bringing a small-town feel and fresh flavors Ansleigh Hester Contributing Writer Milledgeville Donuts and Coffee, a new donut shop that opened in late August located on North Columbia Street, has a GCSU professor and local Milledgeville residents raving about the donuts and breakfast sandwiches offered. Professor Douglas Bassett, assistant director of Bridge Scholars, thoroughly enjoyed trying the newly opened donut shop and attests that it would be a great breakfast place for GCSU students, but it could be a place
that anyone could love. “I do think that it’s like a good place to go and get breakfast,” Bassett said. “If you want donuts and coffee, then I think that it doesn’t just target college kids, it targets everyone. I think that they’re open early, so it’s definitely good for people that want to go early and get d o n u t s . ” Bassett had wonderful interactions with the employees. “I thought that the people that worked there and the owner was nice,” Bassett said. “I also liked their as-
sortment of donuts.” While Milledgeville Donuts and Coffee has an excellent food selection up to par with Bassett’s tastes, he feels that the shop might need to add more seating to draw in more college students. “I don’t know if it has a lot of seating options for activities like going and hanging out, but that might change with time,” Bassett said. He could see the distance the business is from the college being an issue because many students might not want to walk that far for a donut. See DONUT SHOP | Page 8
Emilie Theado | Digital Media Editor
NEWS | PG. 2
SPORTS | PG. 4
ARTS & LIFE | PG. 6
OUTREACH | PG. 9
How some officers are misusing the car scanning technology, and how it affects GCSU students.
The effects of poorly scripted advertising and how it can change an entire brand image,.
A global icon, Hall of Fame country singer, actress, and businesswoman. The Queen of Country did it all.
The first edition of our monthly meeting with President Cox. We brought questions, she brought answers.
MISUSE OF FLOCK CAMERAS
GOOD GOOD GONE BAD
DOLLY PARTON TRIBUTE
QUESTIONS WITH CATHY
2
ANNALIE PARKER, NEWS EDITOR AVERY GEARY, ASST. NEWS EDITOR
09.15.2026
NEWS
Misuse of Flock cameras raises student questions Annalie Parker
she said. “It tarnishes the
News Editor
idea, especially since it’s
of these cases come
in these communities.
pur-
out, more and more in-
“These things help
supposed to help others.”
pose of Flock cameras,
vestigations, and more
us work together where
encourages
According to Macon’s
also referred to as AL-
and more audits will be
we’re able to bring our re-
to remain open-mind-
WGXA News, this inci-
PRs (automated license
ed and educate them-
dent is not the first occur-
plate
selves
rence of Flock misuse in
monitor and document
the Milledgeville region.
traffic events and viola-
Sellers’ arrest occurred
tions such as speeding,
just days after three Bibb
collisions and other ve-
County officers were ar-
hicular crimes. However,
rested on similar charges.
according to the Interna-
This recent surge in in-
tional Justice Database
vestigations has raised
of ALPR Abuse, there
concerns among some
have been 77 instances
students about the com-
of Flock misuse docu-
monality
misuse.
mented in Georgia alone
Aly Baynes, a junior
since October of 2023.
education major, feels
Despite this number,
that while the Milled-
Wes Hardin, director of
geville Police Depart-
Public Safety and Chief
ment has addressed the
of Police here at GCSU,
issue properly, it does
shared
justice
not negate the possi-
outlook on the future
major and the presi-
bility of other events
of Flock camera usage
forcement
dent of the Criminal
like this in the future.
based on the increased
technology like Flock
within the Milledgeville
uses can visit the Flock
Justice Club, shared her
“I don’t think the in-
number
investiga-
cameras helps police de-
Police Department re-
website, as well as the
thoughts on the incident.
tegrity of the entire de-
tions and the adequa-
partments remain inter-
mains ongoing, and local
university
“It really disappoints
partment [is in question],
cy of prosecution for
connected and increase
news network 13WMAZ
of Public Safety locat-
me to see a police de-
but that doesn’t necessar-
the violations thus far.
the speed and efficien-
has stated that they will
ed in Hall House at 301
partment misuse Flock,”
ily mean it’s an isolat-
“As more and more
cy of protecting people
continue to cover updates
W.
On
Tuesday,
Aug.
11, Milledgeville Police major Brandon Sellers was charged with the misuse of Flock cameras after an investigation revealed that he had been using his camera access for non-work-related
purposes.
Sellers was charged both for violating his public service oath and for
unauthorized
use
of license plate data. He was fired from his position with the department
immediate-
ly following his arrest. Sarah Crowder, a senior
criminal
BUFFINGTON’S Continued from page 1
“I got the Mac Daddy burger, with the mac and cheese and bacon. It was really good. I would recommend it,” Cruz said. Ella Brandon, a senior environmental science major who had been to Buffington’s before its renovations, noted the positive changes the restaurant had made and the effects those changes have had. “I like the way it’s changed this year. I feel like it’s got a better atmosphere,” he said. Freshman geography major Sawyer Roberts also had things to say about his recent Buffington’s experience. “This is my first time being in [Buffington’s], but it’s nice.
of
ed event,” Baynes said. The
intended
readers),
of
to
optimistic
It’s
been great here,” he said. The renovations are not the only thing new about Buffington’s. The restaurant has begun to host events like Wednesday night trivia at 8:15 p.m., and free Monday movie nights starting at 8:00 p.m. Some customers believe that this decision has increased Buffington’s popularity. “I feel like there’s a lot more people here. Especially with their BOGO (buy one, get one free) appetizers, so you can get food and drinks and do trivia,” Brandon said. “I like how they have a package if you want it. I loved it.” While the events may be new, Buffington’s presence in Milledgeville is not. The building itself formally belonged to another Milledgeville restaurant, The Brick. In 1999, G.W. Brooks’ father and his paternal uncle bought the building
VOLUME 108 | NO. 1
Editorial Board
Bryan Cade....................... Editor in Chief Jane Carr............................ Managing Editor Jayden Lewis....................Art Director Annalie Parker................. News Editor Avery Geary...................... Asst. News Editor Ava Flores..........................Sports Editor Nina Bartlett.....................Asst. Sports Editor Sydney Williams.............Arts & Life Editor Rosalyn Chapman.........Asst. Arts & Life Editor James Cordero................ Outreach Editor Reaghan Shehee............Digital Media Editor Emilie Theado..................Digital Media Editor Reagan Robinson.......... PR Manager Mikkel Christensen....... Faculty Adviser
*All Opinion columns are the opinion of the columnist, not of The Colonnade.
an
is
There are bad apples everywhere, but that does not mean the whole department is bad. -Sarah Crowder
on the story as it unfolds. Until
then,
Crowder students
on
the
issue.
“We have to remember
the
purpose
[of
Flock] and that most officers use it for good, as intended,” Crowder said. “There are bad apples everywhere, but that does not mean the whole department
is
bad.”
As technology condone,” Hardin said. “Any-
sources together,” he said.
body that’s in violation
“It cuts down the amount
of this will be removed,
of time we spend investi-
and this will not be an
gating these crimes, and
issue
forward.”
it helps us clear these
expressed
cases a lot quicker and
that from a law en-
a lot more effectively.”
going
Hardin
perspective,
The
investigation
after The Brick chose to expand. They decided on the name of the restaurant as a nod to the history of Milledgeville. “Buffington’s is named after a historical Milledgeville figure that, rumor has it, ran a hotel, or a bed and breakfast, and was a teetotaler. [He] was anti-alcohol,” Pendergast said. “And so my brother and [G.W.’s] dad thought it really funny to name a bar and grill after a historic Milledgeville curmudgeon (tough, stubborn person).” Pendergast was also inspired by the past when implementing Buffington’s new events. The idea comes from his previous experiences where he encountered a close community that was centered around an establishment like Buffington’s, where people would connect and relax while enjoying good food and drinks.
@TheColonnade
tinues to develop and change, its impact on public safety and on the community remains an important topic for education and discussion. Students interested in learning
more
about
Flock cameras and their
Department
Montgomery
St.
“I spent a little time in London, and every neighborhood had a pub, the public house, the place where people could gather and hang out,” Pendergast said. This is what he and his family wanted to replicate in Milledgeville. “We’re trying to give people not just great food, great service, great beer, but some other reasons to come out and interact with the community,” he said. Students who want to experience Buffington’s for themselves can visit at 120 W Hancock Street from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to midnight on Sunday. Interested students can also visit the Buffington’s Instagram page @buffingtonsmilledgeville for information about their weekly events.
@TheColonnade
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3
ANNALIE PARKER, NEWS EDITOR AVERY GEARY, ASST. NEWS EDITOR
09.15.2026
NEWS
Renovations approved for juvenile detention center Lawrence Flournoy
but had a few concerns.
gia State Reformatory,” as
ing the kids a better
up to eight youth offend-
market in Milledgeville.
Staff Writer
“I think the funding
it was originally named
chance to turn things
ers, leading to a possible
The last time work
early
August,
makes sense if the extra
when it opened in 1905,
around,” Kilgore said.
40-resident
Georgia Governor Brian
space is actually needed,”
served as a detention
The project will be
Kemp signed an execu-
said John Tyler Carlton,
center for youth under
completed
tive order to demolish
a junior biology major.
outdated buildings at
expansion.
was done on the facility
“The new facility will
was in 2014-2015, ren-
phases,
include a dining hall,
ovating an existing unit
16 years old who had not
starting with phase 1,
educational classrooms,
into a 30-bed “Intensive
However, Carlton also
been sentenced to life in
which will tear down
and a recreation area, all
felt that funds should
prison. The 181 acres still
10 resident units at the
Treatment Unit.” Ag-
designed to meet cur-
gressive and high-risk
Campus,
rent juvenile justice best
youth from other facil-
which will be replaced
practices,” said Glenn
with new facilities to ex-
Allen, the Director of
pand capacity and bring
Communications at the
the facility up to mod-
Department
ern standards. The Bill
nile Justice. “These im-
Ireland
Devel-
provements will create
opment Campus was a
an environment where
rehabilitative center for
our young people can
youth committed to the
improve
In
the Bill Ireland Youth Development
Youth
in
of
their
Juve-
lives.”
custody of the Georgia
20 years ago, the fa-
Department of Juvenile
cility also employed 300
Justice. It held approxi-
staff members, but now
mately 300 people in its
has as few as 60. The new Reagan Shehee | Digital Media Editor
prime, but it has been
buildings and expand-
ities were transferred into this unit for the best possible treatment and state-of-the-art
facili-
ties. Now, the renovations focus once again on
increased
intake.
Overall, students feel that the new facilities could offer the chance for juvenile offenders to be more comfortable. As the campus itself expands, students
Decem-
primarily go to prevent-
have 82 structures on
front of the property. A
ed capacity could po-
ber of 2009. The build-
ing juveniles from end-
the property, with plenty
new building with stan-
tentially create jobs for
ings being demolished
ing up in the detention
of room for expansion.
dard juvenile justice fa-
Milledgeville
date back to as early as
center. “I think there
James Kilgore, a fresh-
cilities will replace the
In
the 1930s and have not
should be more focus
man criminal justice ma-
units being torn down.
closed during the Great
tion of juvenile crimes
been in use for a while.
on preventing kids from
jor, supports the plan and
Now, with the execu-
Recession when Baldwin
will exapnd as well.
When asked about the
ending up in the system
emphasizes the impor-
tive order to improve the
County was struggling to
For more information
plan to bring the cam-
in the first place, not just
tance of giving offenders
campus for the youth,
offer government jobs.
on the developments,
pus to modern juvenile
creating more room for
the means for a better life.
the facility will hold up
With
justice standards, GCSU
them once they’re there,”
help
to 48 residents. Current-
a
students were in support
Carlton said. The “Geor-
the community by giv-
ly, the campus can hold
closed
since
“This
could
2009,
residents.
the
facility
hope that the amount of community outreach dedicated
to
preven-
the
expansion,
students can visit the
significant
increase
Georgia Department of
could improve the job
Juvenile Justice website.
Students impacted by record freshmen class size James Cordero
the promise was not
of resources is a problem
make more connections.
too. Students predict that
if the institution wants
Outreach Editor
fully delivered on due
comes from the idea that
“As a club president
this pattern of growth
to admit more students.
The
to both the class size
the school is growing too
that wants to focus on
will continue and, with
“Within the next few
man class of 2030 is a
and
student-to-pro-
fast for where it is, raising
recruiting, I think it’s a
it, an increase in fight-
years, I could see us
record-breaking
1849
fessor
ratio
being
concerns that there aren’t
great thing to have more
ing for seats in classes.
bringing in 2000 stu-
students,
last
larger
expected.
enough professors for
freshmen coming in so I
year’s record of approx-
“ [ Ad m i n i s t r at or s ]
the number of students
can expand my club and
imately 1801 students.
would say ‘I haven’t had
or enough spaces to
have more members,”
This is the third year in
a class with over 40 peo-
have upper-level classes.
Kuipers said. “But as a
a row that the freshman
ple,’ and that’s just not
“I think they are do-
student that came here
class has been a record
true,” said Ava Miller, a
ing a good job [of ac-
for a smaller atmosphere,
size. Some students wor-
junior marketing major.
commodating] for what
it hurts a little bit.”
ry that GCSU will not
“I’ve had lectures with
they can,” Kuipers said.
On the other hand,
be able to keep the small
way more than that.”
“I think it’s a core prob-
clubs
school feeling that at-
Students note both
lem of them overesti-
with a limited number
negative
mating what they can
of spots are having to
“One of the appeals
aspects of the growing
do for dorms, park-
turn down more peo-
of GCSU is that we’re
incoming classes. Many
ing, classes and teacher
ple because they don’t
not huge,” said Matthew
students see the lack
loads. It’s going to be a
Kuipers, a junior envi-
of resources necessary
big shock when they hit
ronmental science major.
to handle the intake of
their carrying capacity.”
“We can have a similar
people as the problem,
education as a big school
not the increase itself.
lieve
without the size and prob-
“I think it’s a good
will
lems that come with it.”
thing,” said Ava Wil-
people
Many students were
liams, a freshman biolo-
and helping the com-
promised a small school
gy major. “It means peo-
with an intimate education, but feel that
GCSU
beating
fresh-
tracted so many of them.
positive
than
and
and
sororities
“[I
would
predict]
dents, if not more,” Miller
that the school will keep
said. “The less people that
Within the next few years, I could see us bringing in 2000 students, if not more -Ava Miller
growing,” Williams said.
get into UGA, the more
have space and there
“That growth is kind of
people are going to want
is
competition.
neutral, but I could see
to come here because
“It’s just not fair to
how it could be a bad
we are a good school.”
more
be-
girls to say ‘we love you,
thing
increased
Students who feel or
more
freshmen
but we can’t give you a
competition for things.”
do not feel that there is a
equate
to
more
bid because we’re not
Students at GCSU wel-
problem with the number
joining
clubs
allowed to,’” Miller said.
come new students and
of people coming to the
competi-
appreciate people want-
school compared to what
munity, meaning that
tion for limited spots is
ing to come to the school,
is available should make
ple are getting smarter.”
smaller clubs get more
not just something that
but they also see a need
their opinions heard in
The belief that the lack
attention and people can
affects clubs, but classes
for change in the school
whatever way they can.
Some
students
Potential
with
4
AVA FLORES, SPORTS EDITOR NINA BARTLETT, ASST. SPORTS EDITOR
09.15.2026
SPORTS NCAA VB
Continued from page 1 The early changes show
ly, Laney Choboy, and Andi
nents such as Kentucky, Wis-
Jackson are going to do ev-
consin, Kansas, and BYU. This
erything they can to get the
has pushed them two spots
job done for their senior year.”
above their preseason ranking.
how competitive the 2026 season could become as teams move toward conference play. “I think that this is going to be a really competitive
Nebraska’s
experienced
Fernandez
said
Pitt
roster was one of the big-
could be one of the big-
gest reasons for the program’s
gest
threats
to
Nebraska.
preseason expectations. The
“I also think that Pitt is
Cornhuskers returned Murray,
a team that people need to
Reilly, Choboy and Jackson as
look out for,” Fernandez said.
part of a veteran group looking
“Olivia Babcock and Izzy
to finally win a national cham-
Stark are a great duo that
pionship after getting second
is going to be hard to stop.”
place in 2023 and losing to
Pitt returned Babcock, the
the 2025 national champi-
two-time national player of
to finish the season on top.
ons Texas A&M in elite eight.
“I think my early pick for
season with a lot of evenly matched teams,” Aundrea Fernandez, a sophomore Bi-
NCAA Rankings
al teams making early moves
one another, the rankings are
outside the preseason top five.
likely to continue to change.
Florida jumped from No. 17 in
“I can’t wait to contin-
the preseason to No. 10, while
ue to watch how things
Tennessee moved from No. 22
play out,” Fernandez said.
the year, and its early results
to No. 17 after beginning the
For now, Nebraska remains
Pittsburgh has also quickly
have supported the presea-
season 5-0. Colorado, ranked
exactly where voters expected
the winner is Nebraska,” Fer-
established itself as a cham-
son belief that the Panthers
No. 23, has also started 6-0.
it to be, but the movement be-
nandez said. “They have a
pionship contender. The Pan-
would again be among the
With conference play still
hind the Cornhuskers shows
stacked roster and I think
thers’ undefeated start includes
country’s strongest programs.
ahead and many of the nation’s
the 2026 national champion-
Harper Murray, Bergen Reil-
victories over ranked oppo-
There have also been sever-
top teams scheduled to face
ship may be far less predictable.
ology student said. “It feels like the level of play just gets better and better each year.” Fernandez
said
Nebras-
ka remains her early favorite
Good Good Gone Bad Nina Bartlett
ground after she reached
a bad ad,” Banta said.
one without the oth-
CEO Brian Rolapp de-
helped build its brand.
Asst. Sports Editor
for the club. Good Good
“Truly, I think it was
er,”
said.
scribed the video as
With more than 2
said the advertisement
a pretty terrible ad.”
Callaway ended its
“concerning” and said
million YouTube sub-
was intended as a paro-
Banta said the sound
partnership
Good Good’s response
dy of the horror movie
of Miestowski hitting
with Good Good on Aug.
to the situation was “dis-
scribers,
“Obsession,” but the vid-
the ground and scream-
27, days after the ad-
appointing.” Good Good
ing made the scene feel
vertisement drew heavy
then withdrew as title
more like actual vio-
criticism. The compa-
sponsor of the PGA Tour
lence than staged com-
ny also announced a
event scheduled for Nov.
edy. He compared it to
$1 million donation to
12-15 in Austin, Texas.
a Snickers commercial
organizations
featuring Betty White
on preventing violence
business
being
against
Good Good Golf built its name by bringing a younger audience to the sport through YouTube videos, and
merchandise
professional
golf
partnerships. Now, the company is trying to re-
eo drew widespread criticism for its depiction of violence against women. Good Good removed
build its brand after a
the advertisement and
controversial advertise-
apologized. Clark later
ment led to the end of its
posted an eight-minute
partnership with Calla-
apology video, calling
way, its withdrawal from
it “the worst ad known
a PGA Tour sponsor-
to
ship and the departure
the video was not rep-
of two top executives.
resentative
man”
and of
saying what
saying
the difference was that the
Courtesy of Arturo Anez
tackled, older
advertise-
Banta
three-year
has built much of its following through social media and online golf content aimed at younger viewers. Banta said it is difficult to know
relationships
whether the advertise-
and
have faced similar dis-
ment will have a lasting
survivors.
ruption. Golf Channel
effect on that audience.
The split further es-
canceled its planned sea-
“I think this is a vi-
women
supporting
brand’s
ment made the physical
calated
be-
son of “Big Break x Good
tal time for them to
comedy more obvious.
tween the two compa-
Good,” while retailers
The controversy also
nies. Good Good CEO
including Dick’s Sport-
rebuild
raised questions about
Matt Kendrick publicly
ing Goods, Golf Galaxy
who was responsible for
criticized Callaway’s re-
and PGA Tour Super-
the advertisement. Call-
sponse in a post on X,
store
away CEO Chip Brewer
highlighting
Good
acknowledged that the
company had approved
Those changes have
company reviewed and
the advertisement before
come as Good Good’s
Good’s following could
approved the video be-
ending the partnership.
own leadership has shift-
help the company move
fore it was posted, despite
The post went viral, re-
ed. Kendrick and Presi-
forward and allow the
Good
produc-
ceiving millions of views.
dent Joe Flannery left the
attention
ing the advertisement.
Kendrick later told
company on Sept. 2, and
ing the advertisement
video
Front Office Sports that
co-founder Nahid Giga
to
was produced by Good
the post was a “reaction-
was named interim CEO.
Good, it was approved
ary” response to backlash
For Good Good, the
by Callaway prior to
directed at his family. He
controversy now pres-
posting,” Brewer said.
also said he had not seen
ents a greater challenge
“That approval should
or approved the Calla-
than addressing a sin-
Good
“While
the
tensions
The
that
the
removed
Good
merchandise.
Good Good stands for.
promoted a co-brand-
For Josh Banta, a se-
ed Callaway driver and
nior environmental sci-
never have happened.”
way driver advertisement
gle advertisement. The
featured
Good
ence major, the concept
Banta said that shared
before it was posted.
company has to repair
co-founder Garrett Clark
itself was not neces-
involvement made it dif-
shoving
Good
Good
sarily the biggest prob-
Girls
member
Alex-
lem. The execution was.
is Miestowski to the
“I think it was just
Good
Good
other
focused
advertisement
The
Good
their
brand,
get back to their roots and reset,” Banta said. Banta
said
return-
ing to the content that originally
built
Good
surround-
eventually
fade.
For a company that built its identity around making and
golf
more
rebuilding
younger accessible,
that
iden-
tity may depend on
advertisement’s
relationships with busi-
whether
ficult to place the blame
reach quickly moved be-
nesses and organizations
can regain trust with-
solely on Good Good.
yond Good Good and
in golf while protect-
out losing the audience
Callaway.
ing the audience that
that made it successful.
“You
can’t
have
The
PGA
Tour
Good
Good
5
AVA FLORES, SPORTS EDITOR NINA BARTLETT, ASST. SPORTS EDITOR
09.15.2026
SPORTS
Whole new ball game
GCSU hires new head softball coach for the 2026-2027 season Bryan Cade
first time as a Bobcat.
Condland and Maddie
finishing with second
runs scored, 325, in 2026.
2.86 earned run average.
Editor-In-Chief
“My goal as a coach
Todd. The Bobcats fin-
place in the East Divi-
In that same season,
Caban led the confer-
is to win a natty, and
ished with the three-
sion and the 2nd most
Graziani led an offense
ence in opposing bat-
I want to get gato-
seed in the conference
wins in the program’s
that scored an astound-
ting average with .177,
rade dumped all over
in 2026, with a 29-20
fast-pitch era in a season.
ing 36 runs in a shutout
and
me,”
said.
overall record and 16-
Graziani’s finished her
victory over Elizabeth
suit with a seventh-place
Graziani has high as-
11 in conference play.
UNCP career with the
City State University on
finish in the category.
pirations for this team,
“[The team is] a very
highest conference win-
Feb. 11, 2026. This was
GCSU, even without
with the Bobcats never
tight-knit group,” Gra-
ning percentage in school
a contest in which the
a per se pitcher’s coach,
having won a nation-
ziani said. “They’re very
history at .592, and men-
team scored half their
looks to repeat their im-
al
the
hungry. They want to
tored
All-Con-
runs in the second in-
pressive
closest they’ve come is
win, and those are a lot
ference selections, two
ning and later culmi-
in the pitchers’ lane for
2003, when they lost the
of the same characteris-
All-Defensive
team
nated in a five-inning
a consecutive season to
National
Champion-
tics that I have as well.”
members, 22 Academ-
no-hitter from Braves
anchor the team’s de-
ship to UC Davis. The
As head coach at
ic All-Conference hon-
pitcher Summer Bullard.
fensive side of the ball.
last time they won the
UNC Pembroke, Gra-
orees, and All-Region
“What I do like with
“They’re great young
conference was in 2006.
ziani led the Braves to a
standout Chloe Locklear.
Luckily for Graziani,
99-107 record overall,
ference at the Pat Peter-
“Offense is my favor-
she steps into the role as
but a 58-40 conference
son Museum Education
a leader of a team that
Room in the GCSU Rus-
Georgia College & State
University
an-
nounced
that
former
University
of
North
Carolina
Pembroke
Head Coach Stephanie Graziani will take over the Bobcat softball program in place of Brittany Johnson, aiming to lead GCSU to the pinnacle. Director of Athletics Wendell Staton and University President Cathy
Graziani
championship;
nine
performances
women,” Graziani said.
staff] as a whole is their
“They’ve been so pa-
ite,” Graziani said. “I love
supportiveness,”
Gra-
tient in this transition,
record in the Conference
hitting. We can be dan-
ziani said. “I am not
and every day that we
looks almost the same
Carolinas. She conclud-
sell Library on Aug. 18,
gerous. I’m very much a
the pitching expertise,
get to work, it’s been
as the previous season,
ed her final season with
allowing Graziani to ad-
line drive, hard ground
so we’re looking for a
that one percent better.
except for the departures
a 33-18 record over-
ball, type mindset. We’re
pitching coach to come
When they’re present,
dress the media for the
of
all, 20-8 in conference,
gonna be aggressive and
in, but what I’ve been
they’re locked in, and
fast on the base paths.”
providing is more of
they are working hard.”
Graziani looks to im-
that mentality mindset.”
While Graziani may
plement her previous of-
GCSU softball pitch-
lean toward the offen-
fensive statistics into the
ing, led by a tandem of
sive side of the sport,
GCSU system, with her
aces in junior Sydney
an overarching desire
former team, UNC Pem-
Garrett and senior Tif-
to win leads her style of
broke, setting the all-
fany Caban, paved the
play, and GCSU is pre-
time program record for
way in the circle during
paring for another run
both single-season team
the previous season, with
at the conference cham-
batting average, .329, and
the two combining for a
pionship
participate in fewer matches than varsity, but they also compete in a handful of tournaments. Club athletes say the travel time to tournaments is valuable for team bonding and for having a great time. “We try to schedule at least 2 away trips every semester,” Manion said. “We try to do it based on where you think fun cities would be.” “We have two or three tournaments that we travel to,” said Jenna Claire Hendley, junior psychology major and women’s volleyball club president. “For each tournament we probably play five-plus games. It’s an all day, Saturday event. Our first tournament’s actually Sept.19 at UGA, so we’re looking forward to that.” For sports like women’s volleyball, which have varsity levels, clubs are an excellent solution for students who wish to stay competitive but do not want the amount of commitment varsity entails. “...when I came here and saw that they had a club team, and it was less commitment and just more fun in my opinion, I thought that that was a great alternative to varsity,” Hendley said. For sports without varsity counterparts such as ultimate frisbee, men’s soccer, rugby and lacrosse, club sports serve as the most competitive groups on campus. Club sports are able to be much broader than
varsity in their offering of specialized sports like wrestling, equestrian, powerlifting, bass fishing, and disc golf. Having these high-level options in various sports appeals to students who want to keep honing their skills post high school sports. In terms of monetary cost, club teams do ask for dues from their members to cover fees for refs and other related expenses. “There are dues each semester, but they’re nothing compared to frat dues,” Manion said. For IMs, participants must purchase either a $25 year-round pass or a $15 single-semester pass from IMLeagues. Although some nonvarsity students stick to participating in either intramurals or club, others like to participate in both. “I do play intramurals, still; I do both,” Guillory said. “Usually, I just schedule my intramurals at 10 or 9 after practice. I like being active.” 'Through my sorority we do intramurals,” Hendley said. “I’m not doing them this semester because I’ve got so much classwise on my plate. I have done them the past two years.” GCSU’s various sports offerings provide strong options for students to get involved at the commitment level that works for their schedules. Whatever athletic programs GCSU students participate in, it is clear they receive a valuable source of fun, fitness and fellowship.
seniors
Stephanie
Courtesy of Bryan Cade
GCSU
followed
pitching
Cox hosted a press con-
[the
Garrett
this
spring.
Between varsity and intramurals
Why GCSU students chose club sports Luke Bergrab Staff Writer GCSU students have plenty of opportunities to stay active and continue their athletic careers beyond high school sports. Intramurals (IMs) provide a more casual and flexible sporting environment, and at the top level, GCSU’s varsity sports programs are competitive and rigorous. However, club sports fill the middle ground between IMs and varsity. They provide an outlet for students who desire high-level competition in a specific sport without the demands of playing varsity. Club sports teams are Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) that train together in their specific sports and then travel to play matches and tournaments against other universities’ club teams. Generally, club sports require more commitment than intramurals and less commitment than varsity sports. Intramural sports are the most flexible and convenient option for students in terms of time investment. “If I have a softball game at 6 o’clock, I roll into the parking lot at 5:55, put my cleats on and go play,” said Riley Chapman, junior exercise science major. In contrast to IMs, club teams schedule weekly practice sessions. “We practice twice
a week; we scrimmage on Sundays, so it’s a pretty heavy time commitment,” said Kyle Guillory, sophomore geography major and club ultimate frisbee and club disc golf player. Varsity sports naturally require the most buy-in. “Usually, we lift weights twice a week; we do conditioning twice a week, and we do practice every day usually, at least an hour, an hour and a half to two hours,” said Rachel Black, junior biology major and varsity tennis player. In exchange for this higher level of commitment, club sports members say it helps create a strong, closeknit team culture. “I’ve been a part of it all four years; it’s been a great experience,” said Jack Manion, senior finance major and men’s soccer club vice-president. “The closest friends I’ve ever had are on the soccer team.” Varsity athletes report similar experiences. “Sometimes it can be hard balancing … but it’s been really worth it,” Black said. “[It] keeps you outside, keeps you moving … It teaches you a lot about time management, discipline, teamwork.” Levels of competition increase as you go from intramurals to club to varsity as well. Intramurals can be competitive, but there is less pressure to perform. “I have so much fun playing a sport that there are no high expecta-
tions for me anymore, so that’s why I like IM’s,” said Lucas Fernandes, junior finance major. “I think it’s a great way to be competitive in something that’s really not that serious at the end of the day,” said Lauren Harper, sophomore exercise science major. “It’s also a great way to build community.”
mural and club coordinator. “Some of them are like, ‘I’m chasing a championship’ and some are like, ‘I’m chasing this camaraderie.’” As RSOs, club sports are directed by students and are eligible to receive funding from the university. These funds are typically used for travel expenses.
Courtesy of Emilie Theado
There is more pressure for club teams since they represent the school, but club athletes report a sense of control as a team about how much they want to invest. Individual clubs have unique cultures, and together they set goals for themselves. “It’s subjective to the clubs on what they view as success,” said Hunter Payne, GCSU intra-
in contrast to varsity, students in club sports are responsible for organizing their matches with other teams. “The school doesn’t help us schedule our games; it’s us reaching out to other school’s Instagrams to schedule games,” Manion said. “Everything’s student led, which is really cool; it gives us a lot of freedom.” Generally, club teams
6
SYDNEY WILLIAMS, A&L EDITOR ROSALYN CHAPMAN, ASST. A&L EDITOR
09.15.2026
ARTS & LIFE
Dolly Parton tribute
Jayden Lewis | Art Director
Hannah Ransom Staff Writer Singer and songwriter Dolly Parton passed away on
the car, watch all of the Dolly movies and read her
“I love country music, and I grew up lis-
books together. Dolly was a huge part of my childhood.”
tening to Dolly’s music,” Fetty said. “I got my
in-
music taste from my dad, and we loved lis-
music.
tening to her together. She has music for every sit-
“I think she helped show that women could be
uation in life, and her music can touch anyone.”
successful and independent in an industry that was
Dana Gorzelany-Mostak, an associate profes-
mostly dominated by men,” Colson said. “She cre-
sor of music at GCSU, said she was saddened by
ated a gateway for more female artists by proving
Parton’s passing. She was introduced to Parton
major. “Her spirit and energetic attitude always put
that women could write their own music, have con-
through her film “9 to 5,” which Gorzelany-Mo-
me in a better mood. When I feel homesick, I listen to
trol over their careers and still become successful.
stak views as a story about women’s empowerment.
her music because it brings me back to my childhood.”
I think many women in country music today have
Gorzelany-Mostak also gave insight into why
Mar-
been influenced by the path that Dolly helped create.”
Parton’s legacy resonates with younger generations.
cel Pariseau, the cause of death was cancer.
Blythe Baker, a junior environmental sci-
“Her appeal kind of transcends any understanding
Earlier this year, Tennessee lawmakers named Jan.
ence major, said Parton’s music was always play-
of a generational cohort,” Gorzelany-Mostak said. “She
18 “Dolly Parton Day” in recognition of her birth-
ing in the background while she was growing up.
kind of is a quintessential American success story.”
day. Following her death, fans are calling for Sept. 25
“Beyond her music, I think Dolly will be re-
to be recognized as “9 to 5 Day” in honor of Parton.
membered as an influential and amazing person,”
true legacy lies in her philanthropic work.
Colson, who grew up listening to her music,
Baker said. “In the current split state of Ameri-
“I think for a lot of people, Dolly Parton, with her
was shocked when she heard about Parton’s death.
ca, I think Dolly’s passing went beyond politics
philanthropy, planted that seed that could lead to
“It felt like a nightmare hearing about it,” Col-
and issues going on right now. She was known
greatness for so many people,” Gorzelany-Mostak said.
son said. “I thought Dolly would live forever.”
as America’s sweetheart, who everyone loved.”
“I think ultimately, that is what she leaves behind: the
Tuesday, Aug. 25, at the age of 80, prompting GCSU students to share their shock and sadness over the loss. “She created opportunities and hope for others, whether it was someone she directly knew or a fan, like me,” said Rebekah Colson, a freshman marketing
According
to
Parton’s
publicist,
“My mom introduced me to her music,” Colson said. “I remember we would always put her on the radio in
Colson fluence
also
addressed
the
genre
on
Katherine
Fetty,
a
of
Parton’s country
sophomore
Gorzelany-Mostak
said
that
Parton’s
manage-
ability for more people to find their own ways to grow
ment major, also took the news to heart.
into who they are, and who God means for them to be.”
GCSU students navigate life as micro-influencers Sydney Williams
fun,” Carias said. “I enjoy putting the
“Making a video about my daily rou-
A&L Editor
clips together, just showing what I do
tine was something I could easily do
GCSU students are turning ev-
while keeping it colorful and whimsy.”
without having to put in a ton of effort,”
eryday college experiences into Tik-
Amna Torluck, a freshman mar-
Ringham said. “It was something sim-
Tok content, using “day in my life”
keting major, said creating con-
ple I could try, and I thought it would
(DIML) and “get ready with me”
tent gives her an opportunity to
be fun to potentially receive some fun
express
worrying
products or opportunities from it.”
about how others may perceive her.
As Ringham continued creating
“I love doing my own thing,” Tor-
videos, she found that the creative
luck said. “I really don’t care what
process itself was part of the appeal.
other people think about me. If I put
“I am also a very artsy person and
myself out there and make my own
feel like I have an eye for certain things,”
kind of videos with my own style, then
Ringham said. “So I found it fun to ex-
maybe other people would be more
periment with different types of content
comfortable with being themselves.”
and see what people enjoyed watching.”
Torluck said being a college creator
The content also allows viewers to
also gives viewers the chance to see expe-
get a glimpse into routines and expe-
riences that may differ from their own.
riences outside of their own. Ring-
“Being a college student opens up
ham said seeing different lifestyles can
a new demographic for your Tik-
give people ideas for their own lives.
and interests to experiment with con-
Tok feed,” Torluck said. “Just so other
“Everyone has a different experi-
tent creation and connect with viewers.
people know what your experience
ence,” Ringham said. “These videos
For Carias, creating DIML con-
looks like, but also knowing that not
give people a way to see what life is
tent is not only about recording her
everyone’s experience is the same.”
like for someone else and maybe even
tent does not always need to be elab-
sopho-
find inspiration for their own routine.”
orate to gain attention. Sometimes,
videos and finding ways to incorpo-
more biology major, started cre-
While each creator has a different
an ordinary day is enough to give
rate her personality into each post.
ating content as a simple way to
reason for posting, DIML and GRWM
viewers something to watch, relate
experiment
videos provide a way for GCSU stu-
to or even take inspiration from.
(GRWM) videos to showcase their routines, creativity and personalities. “I like posting DIMLs,” said Brianna Carias, a sophomore criminal justice and psychology major. “It is kind of like vlogging what I do every day and just trying to put that out there.” Micro-influencers, or creators with smaller but engaged audiences, are becoming more common on social media as users look for content that feels personal and relatable. At GCSU, creators are using their daily routines
routine. She also enjoys editing her
“The editing style, I think it’s just so
herself
Katherine
without
Ringham,
with
a
social
media.
Emilie Theado | Digital Media Editor
dents to share parts of their lives while developing their own creative styles. For some, content creation is a hobby, while others see it as an opportunity to build an audience, explore their interests or encourage viewers to be themselves. As social media continues to influence how people document their lives, these creators show that con-
7
SYDNEY WILLIAMS, A&L EDITOR ROSALYN CHAPMAN, ASST. A&L EDITOR
09.15.2026
ARTS & LIFE
The return of Dancing with the Stars Camdyn Thigpen
son, while Hough joined them in
Staff Writer GCSU
season
students
29,
following
eager-
sons
of
dancing
ly await season 35 of “Dancing
ning
six
Mirrorball
with the Stars,” premiering Sept. 15
and
16.
17
and
experiences have left them both
sea-
with
win-
sional
profes-
it is that big of a deal,” said Logan
training.
Miller, a sophomore finance major.
believe
To earn a spot as the next pro-
that this gives some contestants
fessional dancer, “Dancing with the
an
Stars: The Next Pro” premiered on
Trophies.
years dance
Critics
With the excitement of the cast reveal, there has been some backlash
of
and
unfair
fans
alike
advantage.
Shum
and
Students anticipate watching notable
influencers,
July 13. The spin-off show had 12 con-
and
testants competing to land a coveted
chefs pair with professional danc-
spot on the increasingly popular show.
ers and take on ballroom dancing.
Adele Zaikman, a competitive Lat-
This
celebrities
previous training, but I don’t think
season’s
competitors
in ballroom dancer, was crowned
were revealed on “Good Morn-
the
winner
and
earned
a
full-
ing America” on Sept. 2, and some
time spot as a professional dancer
notable new faces are Connor
in the newest “Dancing with the Stars”
Wood, Julia Stiles, Guillermo Ro-
season. She has been paired with Con-
driguez, Tyler Cameron and more.
ner Leavitt, who is the husband of last
“I am excited to see Connor
season’s semi-finalist Whitney Leavitt.
Wood because my best friend is ob-
“I had never heard of her before
sessed with him and I never got
the cast announcement, but I am ex-
the opportunity to watch him
Jayden Lewis | Art Director
cited to see a new dancer and how
on his podcast, so I am excited
over unfair casting. Jenna Dewan, an
Dewan pushed back, saying they
she takes on her first year,” said Av-
to see his partnership with Rylee
American actress, started her career
are not trained in ballroom and it is
ery Shaw, a sophomore history major.
[Arnold] this season,” said Jordyn
as a backup dancer for Janet Jack-
like learning a whole new language.
For students interested in watch-
McRobert, a sophomore nursing major.
son, Pink and Christina Aguilera.
Longtime judge Inaba stepped in to
ing the two-night premiere, ex-
Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Ton-
Harry Shum Jr. has also had
defend them, saying that the style
citement
ioli and Derek Hough are return-
extensive
ing to the judge table to assess the
starring
dances. Inaba and Tonioli have been judging since the first sea-
dancing Keys
and
and
backup
has its own form and placements.
season. It will air on ABC and stream
Beyoncé,
Alicia
“I think it’s weird that the pro-
live on Disney+ at 8 p.m., then will be
These
ducers brought on dancers with
available on Hulu the following day.
Jennifer
Lopez.
Rosalyn Chapman
about what they should wear.
“On social media, everything
Asst. A&L Editor
“I think a lot of people are excit-
is being passed down a lot quick-
ed to thrift and make use of what
er, and things are able to change
they have,” Agulló said. “I think
much faster,” Mayfield said. “So
this is rising more and more.”
I think that influences opinions
student fashion trends change faster than ever; however, students are noticing that following current trends is losing its spark. “I feel like fashion trends are dying out in some sense because of the increasing social media presence that is encouraging individuality,” said Eowyn Agulló, a secondary education major in her first year of a master’s degree. Fashion trends come and go based on what is trendy and popular. A trend that is having a resurgence, especially on social media, is bringing back the style of the early 2000s, which is referred to as the Y2K style. Today, many rely on social media to assess what the current style is, but according to stu-
As
social
media
influenc-
ers continue to shape fashion trends and create new ones, the idea of microtrends becomes a topic of conversation. A microtrend is defined as a niche aesthetic that gains viral
popularity
before
quick-
ly dying off of the internet. “I think fashion trends are dying out because we are seeing more microtrends, which tend to look less like an actual trend and more like a fascination for a short period of time,” said Caroline Mayfield, a sophomore political science major. Since microtrends have circulated the internet and are rapidly
changing,
some
stu-
dents seem to lean toward their
dents, they may be moving away
personal style more and care
from what is trending to a more
less about what is trending.
personal,
individualistic
and
around campus for the upcoming
Are fashion trends dying? Through the seasons, GCSU
online
is not as easy as people think and
training
“Glee” for
buzzing
from
dance on
is
about what is trending now.” Apps
like
TikTok,
Insta-
gram and Pinterest contribute to the rapid change of trends. “I feel like fashion trends are not dying out, but being reused because everyone circles back to them over and over again,” said Rylee Jennison, a sophomore nursing major. The idea of trends being in constant rotation can also lead to trend fatigue, which dissuades ing
people trends,
from
follow-
overconsuming
and even shopping in general. Sometimes
fashion
trends
can either amplify someone’s individualistic style or change it because of the pressure to follow what is trendy online. “If something is trending and I really like it, I am going to dress
style.
“I think people care; it just looks
“I think the trend of Y2K is
a lot different,” Mayfield said.
still appealing because it en-
“Since there is more out there, there
on my personality,” Jennison said.
courages a unique style of us-
are more ideas circulating, such
Whether GCSU students fol-
ing what was old,” Agulló said.
as being more bold than usual.”
low microtrends or have trend
“It is less about being trendy and
Traditional fashion trends are
fatigue, fashion trends will al-
more about being sustainable.”
being replaced by what is trend-
ways come and go. It is just a
The more sustainable peo-
ing now because of how accessible
matter of who chooses to fol-
ple become in today’s world, the
social media is, not only to stu-
low them and who will stay
more aware students become
dents, but to anyone with a phone.
true to their personal style.
like that, but I try to dress based
8
SYDNEY WILLIAMS, A&L EDITOR ROSALYN CHAPMAN, ASST. A&L EDITOR
09.15.2026
ARTS & LIFE DONUT SHOP
other
Continued from page 1 “It might be a little outside of where people want to walk, depending on if you live closer to the shop,”
Bassett
said.
However, if a student decides to drive to the donut shop, Bassett
believes
they
parking date
have
enough
to
accommo-
potential
customers.
“I think that it’s in a good lo-
donut
business.
has changed, and I don’t like those do-
cuits,
“I haven’t had a good donut
nuts as much anymore...I don’t feel
sants,” Pham said. “You can put
since Ryal’s Bakery, so I gave it a
like this new business’ donuts are very
try, and it met my expectations,” Anne
sweet...you
can
still
enjoy
it.”
crois-
on
those sandwiches.”
said.
In the future, Laquanna wants to try the
Pham and his employees make al-
Anne said the new donut and coffee
available coffees that the shop provides.
most everything on the premises.
business strays away from a commer-
Angel, a local citizen, recently tried
“We come in at 2 a.m. and
cial vibe toward a small-town, local
Milledgeville Donuts for the first time.
open at 5 a.m., and we bake every-
feel. Anne shared her favorite sweet-
“I enjoyed the chocolate sprinkle
thing fresh,” Pham said. “Barely
treat items that she orders on repeat.
donut,” Angel said. “I would probably
“The bear claws and the apple frit-
try the fruity pebble donut next time
ters were really good,” Anne said.
or the one with the marshmallows.”
Pham noticed that the local cus-
Laquanna, another local Milled-
Angel sees the new donut joint
tomers enjoy eating the glazed donuts and any of the sprinkled donuts.
anything away,
amaz-
as a place to chill, and she said
port
the
ing reviews about the new donut
it adds a variety of donuts and
downtown area, but also the lo-
shop on social media, so she decid-
other options to the Milledgeville
cream
cal community based on its location.”
ed to stop by and try some of the food.
area that were not there before.
are
Anne, a resident that has lived
“Well, I ended up getting the
college,
and
breakfast
geville
from
biscuits
anything
cation,” Bassett said. “It can suppatrons
other
resident,
read
the
Owner
of
Milledgeville
Do-
is
we
“Apple
usually
fritters
thrown sell
and
it
the
old-fashioned my
favorite,”
Pham
all.”
sour donuts
Pham
meticulously
said.
searched
twen-
regular, glazed donuts, and I did
nuts and Coffee, Sam Pham, shared
for a location to start his business,
ty years, gives insight into her main
try the white frosted donuts with
the various breakfast and dessert
and Milledgeville caught his eye.
in
Milledgeville
for
motivation
over
to
try
an-
Emilie Theado | Digital Media Editor
sprinkles on top,” Laquanna said.
options
within
that
“I looked at the size of the
“They were both good, but my fa-
set his shop apart from commer-
town and it has around 8,000 res-
vorite one was the glazed donut.”
cial
idents
businesses
his
in
store
Milledgeville.
and
three
colleges
here,”
Laquanna compared Krispy Kreme
“The difference is we have breakfast
Pham said. “I know there is
and other local commercial do-
kolache sandwiches,” Pham said. “You
Krispy Kreme and a Dunkin’ Do-
nut shops to Milledgeville Donuts
can get sausage and cheese, sausage jala-
nuts, but I thought Milledgeville
and Coffee. Previously, she enjoyed
peno and cheese breakfast sandwiches.”
could use a mom and pop shop.”
Krispy Kreme and their donuts, but
Pham sells a Boudin breakfast
For any student or resident look-
she believes that this new spot adds
sandwich, which is a Cajun pork
ing for a locally owned business
something more to Milledgeville.
and rice sausage sandwich with
that makes their food in-house,
“I think it’s right for Milledgeville,”
egg and cheese from New Orleans.
Laquanna said. “I feel like Krispy Kreme
“We got bagels, breakfast bis-
Coffee
said.
Armstrong said. “...Then on Thanks-
to yourself in the summer that
Monaco is also waiting for a
giving night, we watch ‘Elf ’ to get in the
cool fall day to visit a record store
holiday spirit, so I’m also excited for that.”
and enjoy a fall-themed drink at
Shipley Smith, a junior man-
Milledgeville is
the
Donuts place
and to
go.
GCSU FALL HOPES Eleanor Gillispie
nicer
Contributing Writer Recent
high
temperatures
and
humidity
in
Milledgeville
have
caused
some
GCSU
wish
for
the
students
cooler
to
weather
that fall brings and for other characteristics of the season, such as seasonal
beverages,
traditions
and
“Especially
holiday
colorful those
leaves.
trees
near
the library,” said Julia Plunk, a junior environmental science major. “They it’s
get
really
all
nice
orange
and
just
sit.”
to
For students like Plunk, leaving campus is not necessary for enjoying the upcoming fall season. Plunk said that one of her favorite
on-campus
fall
activi-
weather,”
Monaco
“Pumpkin spice lattes are pop-
environmental looking
forward
biking ing
science
the
to
major, going
is trail
agement
then
and
information
destroying
them
afterward.
ular for a reason,” Monaco said.
“It’s a good excuse to hang out
Other students, like Plunk, would
with friends and do an activi-
agree with this sentiment. Plunk said
ty you don’t get to do otherwise,”
that one of her favorite things to do
Smith
during fall is to get seasonal drinks
Although fall weather and ac-
with her friends and shop at the mall.
tivities are exciting to many GCSU
Seasonal Monaco
menus and
like
the
Plunk
said.
one
students, some have pointed out
mentioned
things about summer that they
frequently
include
varieties
of
will miss as the seasons change.
pumpkin
spice,
spiced
ap-
“At the end of fall it gets cold
and
cinnamon-fla-
ple,
maple
vored drinks during the fall season.
Some
activities
and
tradi-
son. Aiden Armstrong, a freshman
freshman
psychology
prefer
warmer
able
to
wear
Milledgeville
still
shorts.” has
feel
more
like
temperatures
fall,
for her yearly rewatch of “It’s the
80
to
degrees
90
with to
be with all my friends,” Smith said. “I don’t like the summer weather.” Monaco also said that the end of summer isn’t sad because fall is a new experience and summer will come again next year. Whether
students
are
holding
on to the last remnants of summer or are ready to move on to fall, the upcoming season will bring change to on-and off-campus life at GCSU.
be
Fahrenheit.
Brown”
Other students may miss different aspects of summer. Arm-
cooler
weather.
“My family always watches the
strong said that she’ll miss the
freedom and a way to see the
“I get to come back to campus and
ear-
and “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving.” and
and returning to the GCSU campus.
high
enjoy-
Halloween
fall weather means a new semester
some
through projected
Peanuts
ning of fall. For students like Smith,
time to go until it will begin to
October
Charlie
weather,”
Plunk said. “And I’ll miss being
ly
Pumpkin,
is
I
excited
Great
major,
and
and
“I like that it gives you some
While some students may miss
carving pumpkins with friends,
tivities to do during the season. a
said.
nity to get outside and enjoy the area.
tions are exclusive to the fall sea-
Monaco,
fall,”
ers are more excited about the begin-
out their favorite off-campus acCosmo
Armstrong
the
tems major, is looking forward to
seasonal drinks like these in September.
pointed
during
Monaco, fall can bring an opportu-
changing colors of the leaves. also
get
summer weather and freedom, oth-
ties is to sit outside and enjoy the students
don’t
sys-
a coffee shop. For students like
Coffee shops typically start offering
Other
you
Thanks-
freedom she had during the summer.
giving specials around this time,”
“You get so much more time
Jayden Lewis | Art Director
9 09.15.2026
JAMES CORDERO, OUTREACH & STUDENT LIFE EDITOR
OUTREACH & STUDENT LIFE
Questions With Cathy
The Colonnade’s Monthly Meeting With President Cox return to the newspaper.
write all the time,” Cox
Eventually, Cox ran for
cover
“I was so embar-
said. “I thought lawyers
state governor and lost.
lege, but I use bits and
murder scenes,” Cox said.
rassed to be that igno-
just talked and argued,
That loss left her avail-
dent Cathy Cox in some
pieces of all three degrees
Cox was so dedicated
able for the presidency
way or another: either as
every week,” Cox said.
to finding the best an-
of Young Harris College,
gle and being up close
where she turned it from
in the action that she
a two-year to a four-year
went through training
school and introduced
to be a certified vol-
herself to the world
unteer firefighter. She
of
James Cordero
never thought about do-
partments out into the
Outreach Editor
ing when I was in col-
countryside
Students know Presi-
simply the president of
Cox
didn’t
know
to
Georgia College & State
what she wanted to do
University or the south-
when she went into col-
ern selfie-taking former
lege, but her love for
Secretary of State. What
plants led her to first
many students may not
major in agriculture, fo-
know, however, is that
cusing on horticulture.
she is a strained volun-
After her first degree,
teer firefighter and hor-
Cox majored in jour-
ticulturist who tries to
nalism and got a job
use her connections to
working for a newspa-
help Baldwin County.
per in Gainesville. Cox
Cox obtained three
was tasked with follow-
warm and kept me pro-
degrees earlier in her
ing first responders to
tected so I could get clos-
Study things that interest you, because those interests will open doors for you... -Cathy Cox
higher
education.
wanted to understand
“I lost,” Cox said. “And
the actual work of fire-
it was the best thing
fighters and get up close
to ever happen to me.” After
and personal to the fire.
10
years
at
“I got turnout gear,
Young Harris and spend-
the equipment firefight-
ing some time back at
ers wear that keeps them
Mercer, Cox came to
protected, which kept me
GCSU,
enamored
by
Selfie with President Cox | James Cordero
the liberal arts experi-
rant of the law,” Cox
but then I found out
ence. She has used her
er to a fire and get bet-
said. “That’s why I decid-
lawyers write, and I love
education and connec-
ter pictures,” Cox said.
ed to go to law school,
to write, so I became
tions to help the school,
Cox covered not only
and I thought I would
a
lawyer.”
the city and the county.
on-scene action but also
go back to the paper.”
After moving back
“My experience is not
court cases relating to
Cox fell in love with
home to southern Geor-
abnormal for students
She
being a lawyer after
gia, Cox was the first and
today who are going to
was lost in the court-
spending some time in
only practicing female
change jobs so many
room; she knew almost
school and learning what
lawyer in 13 counties
times, but still students
nothing about the law
lawyers actually do. Af-
and took many jobs as
stress about what they are
criminal
activity.
practicing
life: agriculture, jour-
scenes like car crashes,
or the legal process.
ter school, she started
a family lawyer before
going to major in or their
nalism and law and
murders, fires and any
She had to ask the
practicing law at a firm
moving into politics. Lat-
first job as if it’s going to
finds ways to use all of
other criminal activity.
judge or an attorney for
in Atlanta, where she
er, she was elected Geor-
be their job for life,” Cox
them in her job as Pres-
“Every day and night,
help understanding what
learned how to do ev-
gia’s first secretary of
said. “It’s okay to stress,
ident of a university.
I had to sleep with a po-
was happening. Ashamed
erything before moving
state, where she built her
but study things that in-
“I’m doing things to-
lice scanner and follow
of her ignorance, Cox
back to her hometown.
connections and even
terest you, because those
day that I would have
police and sheriff ’s de-
went to law school to
“I got to law school
set up electronic vot-
interests will open doors
earn another degree and
and found out lawyers
ing systems in Georgia.
for you in the future.”
What Makes Milledgeville: The Ham-Man James Cordero Outreach Editor Hamilton Sule is a
sources he could use.
influenced a lot by; art-
and stardom, Sule makes
“I’ve always wanted
ists like Mac Miller or
school his top priori-
Chance
Rapper.”
ty. He is genuinely pas-
to make music, but I’ve
the
sophomore business ma-
just never had the ini-
Sule uploaded his first
sionate about his mu-
jor at Georgia College &
tiative,” Sule said. “Until
video on April 18, 2026,
sic and uses it to find a
State University, but stu-
I found out there was a
and his social media
stable balance between
dents are more likely to
recording booth in the
page has been growing
both
library and decided to
ever since. With over
“I don’t consider music
20 thousand likes and
to be a chore or difficult;
250
views,
I really do have a pas-
Sule finds himself being
sion for it which makes
recognized
constantly.
[balancing both lives]
ating his family-friendly
“It’s a crazy feeling,”
much easier,” Sule said.
rap about Milledgeville
Sule said. “Last semester
Sule is in the process
and all of Georgia, try-
I couldn’t go anywhere
of working on more
ing to speak on his own
without
recog-
tracks for the Deep Roots
personal
experience.
nized or someone want-
Festival, but to find his
recognize him by his alCourtesy of Hamilton Sule
ter ego and social media
he came to Milledgeville
tend to be a rapper’,
make music on a whim.”
name: Ham-Man. After
for school, he thought
and then people started
Ham-Man takes in-
starting to release music
he would pretend to be
in the spring semester of
a rapper as a joke, but
2026, this Milledgeville
as time passed, he found
rapper and social me-
himself becoming the
dia celebrity amassed
character
he
created.
taking it seriously. So now it’s kind of hard to separate the character from my personal life.” Sule had a passion
spiration
from
many
2010s artists when cre-
thousand
of
his
worlds.
a large fan base while
“Ham-Man is just a
reaching over 250 thou-
character I made as a
sand views on TikTok.
joke,” Sule said. “So, I
but hadn’t created any-
“Think of it as chill
ing to take a picture.”
old works, students can
Sule grew up around
thought, ‘let me try to
thing until he came to
rap,” Sule said. “Rap
To focus on the bal-
find him on TikTok un-
Metro Atlanta, and when
make a song and pre-
GCSU and found re-
from the 2010s is what
for music all his life
ance
being
between
school
der the name Ham-Man.
10 JANE CARR, MANAGING EDITOR
09.15.2026
The Caterwaul CATERWAUL: a shrill howling or wailing noise like that of a cat; commonly associated with a bobcat
“When I walk by” By: James Cordero Keys, Id, an explanation…
My grandparents, my uncles, my “cousins”
All things I make sure I have when I see a police officer
People that came before me,
Keep your head down, walk with purpose, pretend
Who taught me to be the man I am.
Like you belong…
Who reminded me…
Thoughts I have when I pass a black and white My melanin marks my skin But that doesn’t mean they can stand above me that doesn’t mean I don’t belong… What I have to tell myself every morning I walk the streets… Seeing people who told me I wasn’t enough Who taught me to hate the texture of my hair, the shape of my nose, and the size of my lips. Seeing people who know what happens to a dream deferred.
Be loud, make yourself known, don’t ever let your head fall. Don’t let them forget where you come from. Remember the people who raised you, Who fed you black eye peas and collard greens, Remember what they mean: Thoughts that I refuse to forget. Thoughts that echo with my ancestors. Thoughts I wish every brown and black child had. Thoughts they want us to forget .
A message from the Colonnade staff On behalf of The Colonnade staff we would like to present our submission column, “The Caterwaul.” This is an opportunity for students to share their poetry, flash fiction, photography, drawing, comic strips and more. We are extremely excited to give students more of a place in the paper and for their creativity to be acknowledged and published. We encourage any and all students to reach out and ask questions. In the spirit of GCSU’s mascot, Thunder, the name of this column takes inspiration from all that is a bobcat. Caterwauling is the noise bobcats make often, and that is what The Colonnade intends to do with this column: make noise with your voice.
Interested in submitting?
If you are interested in submitting your work to be featured in The Caterwaul, consider this general info! 1. The content relates to or is catered toward GCSU students. 2. Your specific piece has not been published anywhere else. 3. Examples of submissions include; Photography, drawing, flash fiction, comic strips, poetry and more!
Follow our instagram @thecolonnade or scan the QR code
4. Submissions are due on Fridays to be included in the following Issue.