The
S TUDENT P RINTZ www.studentprintz.com
SERVING SOUTHERN MISS SINCE 1927
Thursday, January 27, 2011
R CHILI AND BEE
Volume 95 Issue 32
GREEK LIFE
Greeks get better grades Tierra Clemmons Printz Writer
See page 5
US SUDAN NEEDS
See page 7
HOP CONTEST
See page 8
Thursday
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Does going Greek mean good grades? The Institutional Research proves that the numbers definitely do not lie. The university’s all-undergraduate average stands at 2.600; the all-Greek average is 2.927. The 14 percent undergraduate Hattiesburg Greek population outperformed the average USM student by .327 grade points. It doesn’t stop there. The university’s all-female average stands at 2.680 compared to the allsorority average at 3.096. The 15 percent undergraduate Hattiesburg sorority population outperformed the average USM female student by .416 grade points. The university’s all-male average stands at 2.480 compared to the all-fraternity average 2.658. The 13 percent undergraduate Hattiesburg fraternity population outperformed the average USM male student by .178 grade points. Greek Life definitely was on Santa’s nice list as these averages sent cheer throughout the Greek Life staff over holiday break. While this news may be a surprise to many, it was no surprise to the Greek Life staff – Greeks’ grades have been higher than the average student for years. “The all-sorority average was
Joshua Starr
65/38
The university has taken disciplinary actions against a USM student charged with distributing a controlled substance within 1,500 feet of the university. The student, Christopher Lindahl, was one of four employees arrested Jan. 19 in a raid of the Ra Shop, located at 2706 Hardy St., across from Lake Byron. Sgt. Allen Murray, spokesperson for the Hattiesburg Police Department, said the Ra Shop was raided after the department received a series of calls telling them that spice, a synthetic marijuana, was being sold at the location. “Calls from numerous tips informed us that spice was being sold at the [shop]. Officers
INDEX Calendar ...................... 2 Crossword ..................... 2 News ............................. 3 Arts & Entertainment .....4 Feature ......................... 5 Opinion .......................... 7 Feature .......................... 8
secret is. Most sororities and fraternities have GPA requirements for potential new members to ensure that they get “the best of the best.” Once in these organizations, many chapters have consequences for members who do not maintain the chapter’s required GPA. Consequences include so-
cial probation, suspension, etc. Some may believe that the higher GPAs are a result of chapters having test files. “Yes, test files exist,” said Maley Morris, member of Phi Mu so-
See SORORITY, 3
Spice burns the Ra Shop, students Printz Writer
66/40
and still is consistently above the all-woman’s average for as long as most people can remember,” said Josh Schutts, Assistant Dean of Students for Greek Life. “The fraternity average has climbed above the all-men’s average for the past three years.” Many may wonder what the
LOCAL
Friday
Saturday
Eli Baylis/Printz
Caitlin Seale, Delta Gamma sophomore, on right, studies with her sorority sisters in the Delta Gamma house on Sunday, Jan. 23. Delta Gamma sorority is reported to have the highest grades on campus and as a whole Greeks have a higher GPA than non-Greeks on average.
observed spice to be sold there [and] obtained a warrant, and 2195 packs of spice were confiscated with a street value of $85,595,” he said. Though Murray said possession of spice was originally going to be misdemeanor due to a city ordinance, Gov. Haley Barbour signed a law banning the drug Sept. 3, 2010, which superseded the ordinance and the penalty for possession became more serious. “Distribution of spice has the same penalty as marijuana. It’s a felony,” Murray said. Dean of Students Eddie Holloway said the university’s decision to seek disciplinary action against Lindahl has yet to be made. “I’ll speak with the university police about the inquiry of [Lindahl’s arrest],” Holloway said. “We function by the code of conduct.
The leverage for us [the university] to go off campus is if a student’s behavior creates a clear and present danger or the perception of a clear and present danger.” Holloway said usually the code of conduct restricts university disciplinary action to regard only acts committed by students on campus, but the university does make exceptions for the sake of students’ welfare. USM theater major Annie Cleveland said she feels conflicted about the possibility for Lindahl to see disciplinary action. “If [Lindahl] knew what he was doing was illegal, he could have chosen not to do it, he could have quit his job. But at the same time I’m not sure it’s the college’s place to step in,” Cleveland said. Holloway said that the issue of spice is beyond being simply a
matter of public opinion. “Whether I don’t feel [spice] is an issue or not, the university and state policy must follow state law,” he said. In addition to Lindahl, store manager Alfred Jordan, employee Stephen Perry and now former employee Margaret Sciolino were also charged with possession with intent to distribute. Murray said an investigation of the Ra Shop is still ongoing, which may result in further charges. “At the moment, I don’t know where the department and the DA are going with their investigation. The matter is still under investigation,” he said. Storeowner Louis Bettencourt could not be reached, and Ra Shop management refused to comment.
Calendar
Page 2
The
Student Printz Serving Southern Miss since 1927 Exectuive Editor Samantha Schott
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Web Editior Ashton Pittman
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Managing Editior Meryl Dakin
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Art Director Eli Baylis
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Sports Editor Travis Thornell travis.thornell@eagles.usm.edu Webmaster Chris Greene
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News Content Adviser Chuck Cook chuck.cook@usm.edu
Writers Jonathan Andrews Earvin Hopkins Stormy Speaks Hannah Jones Mary Margaret Halford Michelle Holowach Deonica Davis Sarah Rogers Tierra Clemmons Marie John Photographers Jordan Moore Jay Van Orsdol Mary Alice Truitt Brittany Carroll
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Mark Your Planner 27 28 29 30 31 3:30 p.m. British Studies interest meeting IC 101 5:00 p.m. Big Even informational meeting Union Room D 6:00 p.m. HULK It Out At The Hub Student Activities HUB 6:30 p.m. Stage Monkeys meeting show TCC 210 8:00 p.m Meet the Greeks Powerhouse
All Day Harlem Ambassadors ticket sales HUB 110 and across campus 7:00 p.m. Harlem Ambassadors and “Hoops for Habitat” William Carey University Clinton Gymnasium
All Day Horn Day 2011 College of Arts and Letters 2:00 p.m. SMAC Retreat Union Room B 7:30 p.m. Roberts Brown Student Guitar Recital College of Arts and Letters
Last Day to drop and receive 100% financial credit - Academics
All Day “Big Night” Ticket Sales Acoss Campus 5:30 p.m. Delta Sigma Pi Interest Meeting JGH 200
7:30 a.m. 10th Annual Issues on Aging Conference College of Health 7:30 p.m. Maryann Kyle, Soprano Faculty Recital College of Arts and Letters
Dirty Birds
01-24-11 Welfare Concern Century Park - Referred to Counseling Center. 01-24-11 Drug Possession Jones Hall - Three campus citations were issued for Possession of Marijuana. 01-24-11 Fire Alarm Polymer Science - HFD and UPD responded to a fire in a lab. The fire qas extinquished with minor damage and no injury. 01-25-11 Weapon Elam Art - A pistol was removed from a parked vehicle and released to the owner’s parent. 01-25-11 Petit Larceny Forrest County Hall - A staff member reported the theft of a coat. Follow-up investigation by UPD detectives. 01-25-11 Hit and Run Vann Hall - Incident report on file. 01-26-11 Disturbance Roberts Hall - Incident report on file. Referred to Dean of Students office.
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Thursday, January 27, 2011
Tech
News
Page 3
iSouthernMS app offers map, news Arik Shams Printz Writer Technology is the hottest thing at USM right now, and the new iSouthernMS app for smartphones is just another milestone for the university’s iTech department. The app, released in October of last year, was developed under Blackboard Inc. – USM’s long-term educational technology partner. The idea for an app specifically for USM students came about when Homer Coffman, Chief Information Officer for USM, saw a demo for it at a conference. The app was based on an idea conceived by a group of students from Stanford University, where they built an app for their own university. Blackboard eventually bought them out, and began catering to different universities around the country.
Sorority, from 1
rority, “but they are not very accurate. I don’t know that enough of us use them to really affect the statistics.” Many Greeks credit their success to networking within their classes amongst chapter members and other members of the Greek community. “Being Greek definitely connects you with other Greeks in your class resulting in reliable people on a similar schedule which makes it easier to form study groups,” Morris said. Lesley Brumfield, member of Delta Gamma sorority said, “Ultimately, studying together is another way to spend time together,
“It was an exciting opportunity for our distance learning initiative and allowed us to make it more convenient for students to stay connected,” Coffman said. The iSouthernMS app has multiple functions, all aimed at increasing connectivity across campus between students, classes, and university news and events. Current features of the app include a campus map where one can search for individual buildings by name, a full list of classes and their respective schedules, athletic events and up-to-the-minute scores, campus news, and videos. The app is easy to use and minimalistic in design, featuring the traditional black and gold of the Golden Eagles. “I think it’s a cool app,” said Linell Bonnette, a freshman computer science major at USM. “There are issues that need to be dealt with, but the coolest feature is the map, in my opinion. I can see
it’s a useful app, and I have it in case I need to look something up. But most of what I do on the USM website is on SOAR, so I wish they would add that feature to it as well.” In fact, iTech and Blackboard have several improvements and additions that they hope to make very soon. Chuck Knight, Director of Enterprise, Software and Solutions, said that they are looking at new modules to be added to the app, such as a centralized calendar of events, a directory much like the one currently availCourtesy of iTunes able on the USM website, an emergency contact module, as well as an that being very helpful.” Michael Sims, freshman poly- upgrade to the course module, mer science major, said, “I think making it more flexible.
and that time is definitely something we value.” “I think it’s the accountability factor,” Schutts said. “When you join a Greek organization, your brothers and sisters have a responsibility, which many of them take very seriously. Part of this responsibility centers on helping each other be successful inside the classroom. Additionally, the organizations have national and local scholarship plans, and strive to recruit individuals who care about their scholarship. Finally, I think because their grades are published publicly, a greater degree of accountability exists.” SGA Attorney General Ver-
non Smith offered a nonGreek’s perspective. “I believe the difference exists because Greeks are role models on campus and have to set the standard for those who are not. Also, Greeks love their chapters and work hard to get into them. Therefore, in order to stay active [within their chapters] requires them to maintain a higher GPA.” Sororities and fraternities at USM also have friendly competition amongst each other for bragging rights and different priorities within each council. “Since my fraternity is based on achievement, I try to live up to the goals my founders set,” said Joshua Cathey, member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. “You attract what you are, so if you want quality members, you have to be quality.”
Greek Life has also implemented a new plan to ensure its longevity and academic good standing at USM, called the Paideia Plan, which has both a chapter level of accountability and an individual member level of accountability. All Greeks who do not attain a 2.3 term average set up a meeting with Schutts to discuss the previous term’s challenges as well as provide campus resources and discuss future outlook for the present term. “These meetings have been received well and are also an excellent way to demonstrate our level of care and concern for the student while building relationships between staff and our students,” Schutts said. To find out more about Greek Life at Southern Miss visit www. southernmissgreeks.com.
“The most exciting update is one that I’m looking forward to very much myself – a way to integrate SOAR into the app, so students can log in and manage their accounts from their phones,” Knight said. There are also future plans to include integration with the Blackboard course management software, a GPS-enabled map, and parking availability across campus. “We’re pleased with the success we’ve had so far,” Coffman said. “There’s a major shift in the way students use technology, and we’re striving to make sure their diverse needs are met.” The app is currently available only for the iPhone, iPad and iTouch devices; however, the Android version is expected to be released in the next month, followed by one for Blackberry. The app is available for download from the Apple iTunes App Store.
Dear Printz Editor: This is an important correction/complaint about today’s article “Graduates alter career plans” by Marie John (published: Wednesday, January 19, 2011). The article’s picture is of me, and the article itself paints a very serious misrepresentation of my outlook on work. I was told that my picture was for a story about Southern Miss alumni who now work within the university...not about a bad economy and essentially no other job options. I love my job, and accepting this full-time staff position was far from “settling”. My job provides great satisfaction in that my outreach efforts here at the Center for Economic and Entrepreneurship Education make a lasting difference in Mississippi’s K-12 education. Also, my job title is Director of the Center for Economic and Entrepreneurship Education. Our center is housed within the Department of Economic and Workforce Development, but I am not a “mediator” for the Department. Thank you for your helpfulness in setting this straight. Sincerely, James Wilcox
Arts & Entertainment
Page 4
Thursday, January 27, 2011
On campus
Well-known Christian singer performs Courtney Carter Printz Writer The USM Wesley Foundation welcomed budding contemporary Christian artist Josh Wilson to its stage on Tuesday night as part of its annual Resolution Week event. Wilson led praise and worship for the Methodist student ministry with songs from his albums “Trying to Fit
the Ocean in a Cup” and “Life is Not a Snapshot” as well as songs from his upcoming album “See You,” which will be released on Feb. 8. Patrick Hutto, director of the Wesley Foundation at USM, made arrangements for Wilson’s appearance. “We had to book Josh in November,” Hutto said, “because this is an annual event that requires preparation, and Josh is a busy person.”
There’s no doubt that being a rising Christian artist also had an impact on the scheduling. The Sparrow Records Artist is the opening act for the Matthew West Tour, which will launch on Feb. 17, just nine days after the release of his newest album. This is not Wilson’s first tour. “I went to see Josh Wilson in Jackson when he opened up for Casting Crowns,” said Beth Samson of the Wesley Leadership Board. “He was awesome then, and it’s awesome that he’s here at USM.” Josh Wilson is not just a singer/ songwriter. According to his biography on joshwilsonmusic.com, Wilson not only wrote and sang the songs on his new album “See You,” but performed them, using
18 instruments ranging from the guitar to the glockenspiel. Wilson started chasing his love for music by earning a music business degree from Belmont University. “Josh Wilson isn’t just a guy with a guitar, he’s a musician,” Hutto said. “He studied at Belmont University, and I knew that he would be a great fit for USM. We have such a strong music program, and I knew that students would connect with his music. He is such a talented guy, and he did such a great job at our Refuge Worship Service to add to our Resolution Week. Josh and his wife Becca have such a great ministry together, and they are reaching people for Christ through the art of music.”
“It’s a lot of fun to be performing on a college campus,” Wilson said. “It hasn’t been too long for me since I was a student, so a campus feels like I’m returning home to play with my peers.” Wilson performed his songs Savior, Please, Before the Morning, 3 Minute Song, Amazing Grace (Instrumental), and Sing. Wilson also played some of his new songs that are going to be released in February, I Refuse and It is Well (Instrumental). Resolution Week will conclude Thursday night with an Open Mic Night and Talent Show at the Wesley Foundation at 8 p.m. For more information about Josh Wilson or his merchandise, go to www.joshwilsonmusic.com .
Mary Alice Truitt/Printz
Josh Wilson performs at the Wesley Foundation on Tuesday, Jan. 25, as part of the Foundation’s Resolution Week.
Feature
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Page 5
local
Chili and beer: a winning combination Meryl Dakin Managing Editor On Saturday the Keg and Barrel will host their first annual Chili Cook-off competition. There will be judges on hand to determine the winner, but all entries will be up for a People’s Choice Award as well – which means public tastings. Tickets to enjoy the event can be purchased at $25 per person, and include a t-shirt, two craft beers and a sampling of every chili prepared for the competition. There’s only one hard rule for the contestants: all chili must contain craft beer. Owner of the Keg, John Neal, classifies a craft beer as “anything other than Bud, Miller and Coors.” The Keg and Barrel supports the craft beer movement and the smaller and independent breweries, such as the local Lazy Magnolia in Kiln, Miss. Diana Pennington, general manager of the Keg, said, “Part of what makes the Keg and Barrel the Keg and Barrel is stuff like this, where the whole community can be involved.” She said the pub has had previous benefit events on site, such as
This weekend, chili chefs will congregate at the Keg and Barrel to showcase their skills and take home the prize. Pints for Paws, which raised money for the Southern Pines Animal Shelter. They also hosted a homebrew beer festival in November, where contestants showcased their creations. Pennington said, “Hattiesburg has been really great to us, and we love to give back to the community.” One of the brews from the November homebrew competition will make a special appearance Saturday: Jalapeño Chili Beer. The creator, Michael Anderson, was invited to brew with Sam Sorrels, the Keg and Barrel’s regular brewer, to complement the main dish of the day. “It was one of those crazy beers that’s just phenomenal,” Neal said. “I went to him and I said, ‘We need that for the chili cook-off.’” “The beer has all the flavor of the peppers, but none of the heat,” he continued. “A little heat in the chili, a fresh pepper beer... I tasted it a few days ago, and it was fantastic.” The Keg and Barrel houses the Southern Prohibition Brewery, where the Keg can supply its own selection of IPAs, pale ales, imperial stouts, porters and wheat beers. Neal said tonight, they will
debut a pumpkin porter, but the chili beer will be the real star of the weekend. Neal raved, “We just loved this beer.” As far as the impetus for the cook-off, Neal said it was four professor friends who came to him with the suggestion. Bradley Green, a professor of psychology at USM, was one of those friends. “We thought it would be a good idea, and the Keg and Barrel seems like the kind of place for it,” he said. “We both come from Texas, and chili cook-offs are a big part of the culture there.” Green has entered the competition, hoping to win first place: four tickets to Top of the Hops beer festival in Biloxi, and accommodations at the Beau Rivage. With 35 teams already registered by Tuesday evening, Neal is confident in a successful turnout. “The weather will be a high of 67 degrees, perfect for cooking out, it’ll be gorgeous.” Neal plans on joining the festivities and providing his own batch of chili, but won’t compete for the prize. “It would just look bad if – when – I won.”
Mary Alice Truitt/Printz
Jalapeño Chili Beer is brewed at the Southern Prohibition Brewery at the Keg and Barrel. The beer will debut at the Chili Cook-Off Saturday.
local
Students exchange textbooks on website Stormy Speaks Printz Writer With numerous booksellers advertising low prices and high buyback rates, buying and selling textbooks is a headache for many students. It is often a hassle going from bookstore to bookstore to get the best prices, and students may feel their textbooks are worth more than what bookstores pay them. But Marcus Clark, former Southern Miss student and founder and CEO of college student focused textbook exchange website campusfisher.com, believes he has developed a new alternative for students frustrated by the textbook industry. Clark describes CampusFisher as a book exchange system in which students set their own prices and choose who to sell to their used textbooks to. Rather than selling to a bookstore, which involves fees and shipping costs, students connect on the CampusFisher website, discuss transactions, and determine a meeting time and place on campus to complete transactions at their convenience. Clark believes this system is more convenient and less frustrating than selling to a bookstore.
“If you buy a new Calculus book at your local or online bookstore, it will cost between $120 and $180,” Clark said. “At the end of the semester, you will sell it back for maybe $40 to $70. At CampusFisher, you may sell your book at whatever price, within justifiable pricing. So if you were going to get back $60 at a bookstore, you will be losing over $60. At CampusFisher, you can sell your book for $80, and you essentially make more. The buyer would be spending at least $100 at a bookstore. So both the buyer and the seller get a deal.” Clark started CampusFisher with this idea of maximum gains for the seller and minimum cost for the buyer. After spending several hundred dollars on textbooks one semester and knowing he would not be able to sell them to a bookstore for a high price, Clark began brainstorming ideas for “a more logical way to buy and sell textbooks, all while giving the student the best opportunity.” Combined with Clark’s drive to develop an efficient textbook exchange system and the website building skills of a programmer, CampusFisher was born. “CampusFisher is different because it works on a person to person basis,” said Paul West, a sophomore
entertainment industry major from Jackson, Miss. “It’s like Craigslist for books. The prices are a lot fairer because the site allows the seller to post a book and notes a price they think appropriate, instead of selling your book back to Barnes & Noble for wholesale. And it’s all local, so you never have to travel very far to buy
your book from somebody.” CampusFisher is currently waiving its initial fee of $6, which includes four years of unlimited use, in order to encourage students to sign up for the website’s services. Once more students begin using the website, the fee will go into effect. But Clark said the amount of money stu-
dents will save on textbooks is well worth the fee. “We are dedicated to providing students with the easiest, cheapest way to buy, sell, and trade textbooks,” Clark said. “This is the textbook revolution. All for one, one for all.”
Opinion
Page 6
Thursday, January 27, 2011
National
Obama sets the stage for re-election? Ashton Pittman Web Editor “From the earliest days of our founding, America has been the story of ordinary people who dare to dream,” President Obama said in Tuesday night’s State of the Union Address. “That’s how we win the future.” That declaration came from the same man whose dream led him to a historic presidential victory only two years ago. But just two months ago, his chances of retaining that position seemed precarious; his party had just lost control of Congress in a blistering midterm election, many of his own supporters were visibly agitated with his lack of progress on important issues, and his poll numbers were at all-time lows. But on Tuesday night, the President was in high spirits; he stood before a mixed crowd of Democrats and Republicans, buoyed by greatly improved approval ratings
and a new sense of purpose. The Obama our nation heard Tuesday night wasn’t the same Obama we have become accustomed to over the past two years. Instead, we witnessed the return of candidate Obama, the man who made the nation believe that change was possible. In his speech, he channeled the two most celebrated of the modern presidents, Ronald Reagan and John F. Kennedy, Jr., by calling the United States “a light to the world.” By doing so, he joined other American leaders who embraced the idea of “American exceptionalism,” a term that refers to the idea that America holds a unique, special place in the world. In the past, Obama seemed reluctant to uphold that notion, which raised questions about his patriotism among conservatives and some independents. His high opinion of America was accompanied by a lofty vision for her future that included clean energy, education reform, and investment in new programs and technologies. “We do big things,” he said. That’s true. But we also run up big debts. On that point, the pres-
ident was less than clear, and perhaps a little contradictory. While one part of his speech focused on investing money into the nation’s future, another part lamented over the nation’s mounting debt and promised hefty budget cuts and a spending freeze. Those two conflicting goals left many scratching their heads. But one thing was clear— Obama is ready to make the case for his re-election. His outreach to Republicans left even the new Republican Speaker of House, John Boehner, visibly choked up. His optimistic vision for America reminded independent voters of the man who gave them hope and made them say, “Yes, we can.” He even reassured his Democratic base by reminding them that he had fulfilled his promises to pass health care reform and to overturn the policy that forbade gay men and women from “serving the country they love because of who they love.” With that kind of approach, Obama could begin to start drawing in votes from all across the political spectrum just as he did in 2008. And maybe that’s how Obama hopes to win the future – or, at least, 2012.
Olivier Douliery/Abaca Press/MCT President Barack Obama gives his State of the Union address to Congress on Capitol Hill, Tuesday, January 25, 2011 in Washington, D.C.
Opinion
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Page 7
NATIONAL
‘Sudan cannot be ignored’ Michelle Holowach Printz Writer Many of us cannot imagine what it would look like to watch our towns, our homes, and our families burn in the fires of our enemies, to experience a hunger so violent it gnaws at our aching stomachs and leaves us hoping for death as our bodies slowly begin to diminish under the weight of starvation, to have death waiting for us around every corner. In the war-torn country of Sudan millions of people have done more than imagine these experiences; they have lived them every waking and every sleeping moment of every day. But an exciting and historical turn of events is blossoming in Sudan right now – an event that many are possibly oblivious to – as the thousands of tortured lives in this devastated country are finally glimpsing hope. In 2005, the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, or CPA, guaranteed that in January of 2011 the people of southern Sudan would be granted a vote in a referendum – a vote that would seal the decision of the Sudanese people to ei-
ther form their own independent nation or remain a part of Sudan. In 2005 CPA ended over 20 years of Civil War that stole more than two million lives and scattered nearly four million more. Now, six years later, the chance has come for the people of southern Sudan to finally be freed from the oppressive hand of the government in Khartoum and President Omar al-Bashir, and on Jan. 15-19 the South Sudan Referendum Commission, or SSRC, reported that 83 percent of registered voters showed up at the polls to cast their ballots and let their voice be heard. Preliminary results of these lifealtering votes will be announced on Feb. 2, 2011, with the final results being declared on Feb. 7. If southern Sudan goes the way of independence then they must wait until July 9, 2011, for this independence to come to its full fruition. Until that time there is a risk that anxiety and tensions may arise and break and that Sudan could find itself the victim of war once more. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton couldn’t have said it any better when she referred to Sudan as a “ticking time bomb.” The despaired and wrecked country is in a delicate position and all it would take is one insurrection, one person of power to decide that southern Su-
To see your anonymous comment in The Student Printz, submit it under the ‘Contact’ tab on studentprintz.com.
“
Happy birthday, Donna Reed!
The largest toy distributor in the world is McDonald’s.
Things that people in college like to get for free – food, t-shirts, sex.
Alan Boswell/MCT A group of Southern Sudanese youth celebrate the start of voting in a referendum that allows the region to choose independent statehood.
dan’s choice, whatever it may be, is not legitimate, for the country to erupt into Civil War again. In a country where genocide has taken its toll again and again, it is easy for things to quickly fall
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apart once more. It is important for people to be aware that a world such as southern Sudan exists – that happy children with happy homes can suddenly disappear under the blade of their government. And it is also important to be aware that now southern Sudan is finally getting the chance to change their futures. The worst thing that could happen for Sudan at such a pivotal moment is for the rest of the world to lose interest. We are controlled by the media – this fact is not deniable – and if the media stops caring about Sudan, Darfur and the ghastly things that have been experienced over there, we will too. And if people stop caring about Sudan, a fragile country that needs the support of its international neighbors – if world leaders stop worrying about this country – then it will be easy for the time bomb to go off and for the Sudanese government to begin slaughtering their own people again. Sudan cannot be ignored, Sudan cannot be forgotten, and the rest of the world should be crossing their fingers in the hopes that their independence will be achieved. And if it is we should all be there to support southern Sudan in this glimmer of hope. This was an article of opinion by Michelle Holowach, a writer for The Student Printz. Email questions or comments to michelle.holowach@eagles.usm.edu.
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Student Shout-outs
1/7/11 2:01 PM
There is no ‘cntrl’ buttom on Chuck Norris’ computer. Chuck Norris is always in control.
Oh na na, what’s my name? Elenoar Clift is my favorite person in the world. Is anybody reading this? Seriously? Put your phone on silent, instead of allowing it to loudly vibrate during class. It’s called classroom etiquette, morons.
”
Feature
Page 8
GREEK LIFE
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Students hop for Melissa Carpenter’s home Tierra Clemmons Printz Writer High-energy hops and body rocks filled The University of Southern Mississippi’s Bennett Auditorium Tueswday afternoon as the National Pan Hellenic Council hosted their first hop contest of the semester. Hop Contests are events where Greeks, primarily within NPHC, perform 3 to 5 minute routines to multiple song selections. “Hop” is a term used amongst NPHC organizations and is similar to a line dance but with much more high energy. “Hop contests have been going on for over a decade,” said Valencia Walls, Greek Life coordinator and NPHC advisor. “It’s amazing to see how they have evolved over time. I enjoy seeing each organization’s personality in their show.” All hop contests are open to the public and usually a free event – but this contest served a different purpose. In 2009, Greek Life developed the idea to build a home for USM’s staff member, Melissa Carpenter, who is the secretary in the
Mary Alice Truitt/Printz
The ladies of Delta Sigma Theta perform at Hop Fest 2011, an event sponsored by the National Pan-Hellenic Council in efforts to raise money for Habitat for Humanity.
student activities hub. The building for Carpenter’s home started more than a year ago. It is now the year 2011 and due to the lack of funding, the progress on her home had to come to a halt. Knowing this, the National Pan Hellenic Council sought to help
raise money to alleviate the cost of funding for her home by charging attendees at their first hop contest. They promised that 100 percent of proceeds from ticket sales would go to Carpenter’s home. “We just knew we had to do something,” said Joshua Cathey,
member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and NPHC Vice President. “I believe this was one of the best options in order for us to take action as soon as possible.” The show was filled with appearances from all three councils – College Panhellenic Council,
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Interfraternity Council and National Pan Hellenic Council. “It was great seeing all of the councils get together for such a good cause, said Brettany Payne, member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc and NPHC’s Public Relations chair. “I’m glad it was such a success and I’m looking forward to this again in the future.” NPHC accumulated over $1,300 from this event and is still looking for different ways to acquire more money to donate to Carpenter’s home. “We didn’t raise as much money as I hoped,” Cathey said. “But every bit helps in the end. Just knowing that we helped put the building back in progress makes me satisfied.” “It came as a great surprise that NPHC was sponsoring the Hop Contest to help my fundraising efforts,” Carpenter said. “I am grateful for them thinking about me in my quest to become a first time home owner through Habitat for Humanity. I am truly honored and most appreciative of their efforts. NPHC and the students at Southern Miss have a big heart. Because of this, I am one step closer to making my dream become a reality.” Want to donate to the building of Carpenter’s home? Please contact the Office of Community Service and Learning at 601-266-5704.
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turtle creek crossing
Mary Alice Truitt/Printz
The men of Phi Beta Sigma prepare to perform at Hop Fest 2011, an event sponsored by the National Pan-Hellenic Council in efforts to raise money for Habitat for Humanity.
6117 us Hwy 98 Hattiesburg, ms 39402
601-296-2000
10-PT-03434
Men’s Basketball vs. Tulane Day: Date: Location: Time:
Saturday January 29 Reed Green Coliseum 4:00 p.m.
East Carolina’s last 5 games:
Record 12-6, (2-3 CUSA)
1/08 vs. SMU 1/12 vs. UTEP 1/15 at ECU 1/22 vs. Tulsa 1/26 at UTEP
W, 79-70 L, 69-58 L, 76-67 L, 65-61
Southern Miss Box Score M. Basketball: 1/26 at ECU
W. Basketball:
1/23 vs. East Carolina, W 70-67
M. Tennis:
1/25 at Ole Miss, L 7-0
M. Tennis:
1/22 @ Ole Miss , L 6-0 1/23 vs. Jacksonville St. , L 6-1
Southern Miss Sports: Upcoming Games Thursday, Jan. 27 at 7:00 p.m. Women’s Basketball vs. SMU Hattiesburg, Miss. Friday, Jan. 28 at 1:00 p.m. Women’s Tennis vs. Jasksonville St. Hattiesburg, Miss. Saterday, Jan. 29 at 1:30 p.m. Men’s Tennis vs. Alcorn State Hattiesburg, Miss.
Saturday, Jan. 29 at 4:00 p.m. Men’s Basketball vs. Tulane Hattiesburg, Miss.
Sunday, Jan. 30 at 10:00 a.m. Women’s Tennis vs. Louisiana Tech Hattiesburg, Miss. Sunday, Jan. 30 at 6:00 p.m. Women’s Basketball at Memphis Memphis, Tenn.