Issuu

The

S TUDENT P RINTZ www.studentprintz.com

SERVING SOUTHERN MISS SINCE 1927

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Volume 95 Issue 44

Mary Alice Truitt/Printz

Spring is here, and temperatures have reached 70 degrees. Many students, such as Amy Varner, a freshman from Gulfport, are enjoying the warm weather. Varner, an interior design major, walks on a slackline in front of Bennett Auditorium on March 16.

NATIONAL

USM hopes to send help to Japan Mary Margaret Halford Printz Writer When an 8.9 magnitude earthquake rocked Japan, and a tsunami occurring shortly after further devastated the area, people around the world were affected, including people at Southern Miss. Since 1995, Southern Miss has had a partnership with Kaetsu University in Tokyo. Dave Duhon serves as chair of the Department of Management and International Business, and he said that USM

SGA SPOTLIGHT

sends students to Japan, as well as welcomes students here. Currently, no USM students are in Japan, though several Japanese students are here in Hattiesburg. “We have many students here whose families and friends are in Japan,” Duhon said. “Right now we’re just hoping everyone is OK.” After Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005, Kaetsu University representatives sent a monetary donation to Southern Miss to show their support during the difficult times here. USM now has a chance to do the same for the people of Japan. “They sent us a donation out of

the blue,” Duhon said. “That’s not the reason we’re doing this but we would like to do a fundraiser or coordinate an event led by student groups.” Duhon said that the event is in the planning stages now, and hopefully will take place over the next few weeks. According to reports from CNN, hundreds of thousands of people have been left homeless because of the disaster, and nearly 13,000 people are dead or missing. Very cold weather is causing problems for those attempting to help with rescue efforts in Japan,

in addition to the recent radiation scare from a nuclear power station. Steve Gardener, an alumnus of Southern Miss is currently in Japan and was there on March 11 when the catastrophe occurred. At the time of the earthquake, Gardener was in the Japanese countryside, and his shelter managed to remain standing. “We are OK,” said Gardener. “Shook up, but OK.” Using iPhones for flashlights and Internet, Gardener was able to contact someone to let them know he and his crew were safe, and realized just how lucky he was.

WESTBORO

BASKETBALL

WEATHER Thursday

81/48 Friday

84/49 Saturday

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“Light a candle for us and especially those of us who have real needs as we are still shaking, and the real work has yet to begin,” Gardener said. According to CNN Wednesday, the emperor of Japan made a public announcement of hope to the people of devastated areas. “Currently, the entire nation is putting forth its best effort to save all suffering people,” said Emperor Akihito. “I truly hope victims of the disaster never give up hope, take care of themselves, and live strong for tomorrow.”

INDEX Calendar ........................ 2 Crossword....................... 2 News .............................. 3 Arts & Entertainment .....5 Feature ............................7 Opinion............................ 8 Sports.............................11

Calendar

Page 2

The

Student Printz Serving Southern Miss since 1927 Executive Editor Samantha Schott

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Mark Your Planner 17 18 19 20 21 All day Mid-term grade entry

All day Mid-term grade entry

Managing Editor Meryl Dakin

meryl.dakin@eagles.usm.edu

Exhibit: Baghdad Beyond the Wire Gallery at Cook Library

Art Director Eli Baylis

Midpoint in Spring Semester

1 p.m. Softball at UAB Birmingham, Ala. 3 p.m. PHI MUsic Fest Pride Field

Web Editor Ashton Pittman

11:45 a.m. Wesley Foundation Lunch Wesley Foundation

12 p.m. Med. Tutor book sale TEC Lobby

9 a.m. Women’s Golf- Lady Eagle Invitational Hattiesburg, Miss.

Last day to register for second half-semester classes

Chief Designer Christopher Bostick

Last day of and final examinations for halfsemester classes

Graduate Student Research Symposium TCC

4 p.m. Baseball at College of Charleston Charleston, S.C.

4 p.m. Baseball at College of Charleston Tournament vs. Rhode Island Charleston, S.C.

samantha.schott@eagles.usm.edu

ross.baylis@eagles.usm.edu

christopher.bostick@eagles.usm.edu

ashton.pittman@eagles.usm.edu

Sports Editor Travis Thornell travis.thornell@eagles.usm.edu Webmaster Chris Greene

chris.greene@eagles.usm.edu

News Content Adviser Chuck Cook 601.266.4288 chuck.cook@usm.edu

Writers Jonathan Andrews Tierra Clemmons Courtney Carter Deonica Davis Mary Margaret Halford Michelle Holowach Earvin Hopkins Marie John Hannah Jones Stormy Speaks Sarah Rogers Photographers Jordan Moore Jay Van Orsdol Mary Alice Truitt Designers Lisa Gurley Taylor Fesenmeier Ila Higginbotham

www.studentprintz.com

The Student Printz is published every Tuesday and Thursday during the fall and spring semesters. Signature Offset of Hattiesburg provides printing services. Opinions expressed in The Student Printz are those of the writer and not necessarily those of The Student Printz, its publications manager, USM, the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning or the USM Board of Student Publications.

Advertising Manager Lesley Sanders-Wood 601.266.5188 printzad@usm.edu Sales Representative Angel Wells angelique.wells@eagles.usm.edu

12 p.m. Med. Tutor book sale TEC Lobby 7:30 p.m. Southern Miss Steel Pan Orchestra Mannoni Performing Arts Center 8 p.m. Petit Gulf Cotton Shucker’s Oyster Bar

6 p.m. Blaxploitation Lecture and Screening of “Super Fly” Fleming Education Center Auditorium 7:30 p.m. The Little Prince PAC Auditorium

5 p.m. Irish-Italian Festival St. Thomas Aquinas Church 9 p.m. Petit Gulf Cotton Old Athens Grill

9 a.m. Baseball at College of Charleston Tournament vs. UCONN Charleston, S.C. 12 p.m. Men’s Tennis vs. Florida A&M Hattiesburg, Miss.

9 a.m. Women’s Golf- Lady Eagle Invitational Hattiesburg, Miss. 6 p.m. Science Cafe: Maya Ruins Cook Library (Starbucks)

1 p.m. Softball at UAB Birmingham, Ala.

7:30 p.m. The Tiny Explosions Caliente Grille FOR RELEASE MARCH 28, 2011

Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle

Dirty Birds

Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis

ACROSS 1 Muddy stuff 5 Fallback option 10 Pinochle calls 14 Bounce, as off a canyon wall 15 Margaret Mead’s island 16 Tom Joad, for one 17 Tool that can extract nails 19 Princess played by Lucy Lawless 20 Spanish song 21 Surprise “from the blue” 22 “Get Smart” evil agency 23 Silky sweater 25 Bard of boxing 27 It’s poured into an iron at breakfast 34 They may be outsourced 37 King with jokes 38 Keebler cracker 39 Oral health org. 40 Aerialist’s apparatus 42 Pictures on the wall 43 Back biter? 45 “Without a doubt!” 46 Mars’ Greek counterpart 47 United Kingdom currency 50 Heavy drinker 51 Tranquilize 55 Plastic user’s concern 58 Words of woe 62 Autobahn autos 63 Length times width 64 Fur bartered by Native Americans 66 Highlands dagger 67 “Bye for now” 68 “I did it!” 69 High school skin problem 70 Idyllic spots 71 Sources of iron

3/28/11

By Gail Grabowski and Bruce Venzke

DOWN 1 Tourist magnet 2 Golden St. collegian 3 P.F. __’s: Chinese restaurant chain 4 Shows servility 5 Free TV spot 6 Moussaka meat 7 Bullets and such 8 Seasonal song 9 Pub bill 10 Tailless flying toy 11 Swedish furniture giant 12 Flintstone pet 13 Aral and Arabian 18 Traditional round dance 24 Miles away 26 Act like a couch potato 28 Lightning burst 29 Drink à la Lassie 30 Juan’s January 31 Russian ruler of yore 32 To be, in Burgundy 33 Charlie Brown’s “Darn it!”

Saturday’s Puzzle Solved

34 Doorway feature 35 Sign of spoilage 36 Java neighbor 40 Small jazz group 41 Olympian ruler 44 In jeopardy 46 Total numerically 48 Pony’s place 49 In the vicinity 52 “Please be __ and ...”: polite request words

03-14-11 Narcotics Violation Century Park - UPD officers made arrests as follows: Benjamin Nowell, 19 yoa, W/M, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Weapon by Student; Reid Magee, 18 yoa, W/M, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Weapon by Student; Marcus Walker, 19 yoa, W/M, Possession of Marijuana; Ashley Creel, 19 yoa W/F, Possession of Marijuana. 03-14-11 Simple Robbery - Nov. 30, 2009 Mississippi Hall - Cass Kingston, W/M, 20 yoa, was charged with Filing False Police Report. 03-14-11 Disturbance Payne Center - UPD responded and cleared involved parties from the premises. 03-14-11 Lost Property Theater & Dance - A student reported a necklace, bracelet and ring as lost. 03-15-11 Petit Larceny Jones Hall - A resident reported the theft of a black/chrome colored bicycle. 03-15-11 Vehicle Traffic Stop 4th St - Darien McGowan, B/M, 28 yoa, was arrested and charged with Speeding, No Insurance and Suspended License.

3/28/11

53 Spanish squiggle 54 These, in Madrid 55 Baby’s pop 56 “Tears in Heaven” singer Clapton 57 Swiss capital 59 Lettuce purchase 60 Brisbane buddy 61 Fifty-fifty 65 Medical drama settings, for short

To submit your comment for the Student Shout-outs visit www.studentprintz.com

News

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Page 3

greek life

Greeks raise money for philanthropies Mary Margaret Halford Printz Writer Each spring, Greek Life gets busy with philanthropy events, and this Saturday, the men of Delta Tau Delta and the women of Phi Mu will each be hosting their events on campus. Saturday morning in the Payne Center at 8:30, Delta Tau Delta will host its 21st annual Sports Challenge to raise money for a cystic fibrosis foundation, their philanthropy. The event consists of volleyball, basketball, dodge ball, tug of war,

and a Great Strides walk that will be participated in by members of fraternities, sororities and local law enforcement officials. The money raised at the event goes to support a cystic fibrosis foundation, in honor of Delta Tau Delta’s first president who was diagnosed as a student and remains active with the fraternity today. Hunter Nichols, a sophomore member of Delta Tau Delta and IFC Vice President of Event Planning, said that this philanthropy personally affects each member of the fraternity. “The feeling of helping the children that we sponsor is unreal, and there is also a special feel-

ing that we can’t explain when it comes to CF Sports Challenge due to our first chapter president having the disease,” said Nichols. Also on Saturday, the ladies of Phi Mu sorority will be hosting Phi Music Fest to raise money for Children’s Miracle Network and Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital in Jackson, Miss. This is the first year that Phi Mu has put on Phi Music Fest, an idea that came about when they decided to come up with a new, different philanthropy event, and landed on having an outdoor music festival. The event will be held on Pride Field from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Satur-

day, and will consist of a fraternity and sorority freestyle competition, food and games. The Justin Moreira Trio, Hillcrest and Ian Taylor will also provide musical entertainment, and the event is free to everyone. Throughout the week, a celebrity look-a-like contest has been going on between members of fraternities and sororities. Each chapter nominated a member and the one who has the most money in their money drop at the end of the week will win. Katie Methe, a junior who serves as philanthropy chair for Phi Mu, hopes that the event will be fun for everyone who attends,

without adding stress to those who participate. “The spring is so packed with philanthropies and everyone is doing some kind of competition,” Methe said. “We want this to be relaxed and for everyone to come out and have a good time.” Despite multiple events going on, each chapter is excited to host their events and make money for the organizations that they support. “We love to help the CF Foundation and any charity that we can,” Nichols said. “Strengthening the community is essential to our vitality.”

on campus

Panel discusses domestic violence Tierra Clemmons Printz Writer

While many college students were finishing midterms and finalizing spring break plans, the National Pan-Hellenic Council and Students in Free Enterprise were spreading awareness about domestic violence. Southern Miss’s campus suffered the loss of Brittany Morgan, a junior health and policy administration major, about three weeks ago and many believe it was due to domestic violence. The program, titled “Real Talk on Domestic Violence,” featured a panel of criminal justice professors, prosecuting attorneys, a close friend of Brittany’s and directors of safe haven homes for women who are suffering from domestic abuse. The panelists discussed signs of domestic abuse, how to get help and even how to help a friend. Many people may think that domestic abuse starts with physical harm but the panelists said early signs of potential

domestic abuse may include extreme jealousy, possessive or controlling behavior, or keeping one from seeing or talking to family or friends. “Seeing that Brittany’s death affected a lot of people within our Greek community and also Southern Miss’s community, NPHC’s executive board originally came up with an idea for a candle lighting in remembrance of Brittany,” said Ashley Brown, NPHC Social Chair. “But since SIFE also had somewhat of the same idea, we decided that this program would not only spread awareness about the issue but give her friends a time to celebrate her life.” One of Morgan’s close college friends, Bergandee Hibbler, also accompanied the panel. “I learned that ultimately, the decision to leave an abuser is up to the abused and that the ultimate control someone can have over your life is by taking your life,” Hibbler said. “So it’s important to know the signs of a controlling, abusive partner and get out of the relationship before it gets too late.”

News in Brief SGA Cabinet applications out Applications for SGA Cabinet went out Monday. They are currently available in the SGA office. They are due Tuesday, March 22 at 5 p.m. St. Thomas Aquinas hosts Irish Italian Festival St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church will hold its annual Irish Italian Festival this Saturday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m following a traditional Celtic Mass at 4 p.m. The festival will be manned by members of the USM Catholic Student Association. There will be face-painting for children and funnel-cakes for sale. USM Research Symposium USM’s annual Graduate Student

Research Symposium will be held Friday in the Thad Cochran Center from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Maryann Feldman, a noted researcher on economic development at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. GEWW Crew applications out GEWW Crew Applications are available online at www4.usm. edu/fye/geww. They are due by April 4 at 5 p.m. Students learn etiquette Career Services hosted its annual Spring Etiquette Dinner Wednesday to help students prepare for the business world.

According to surveys, employers cite professional etiquette as one of the top three skills college graduates lack. A certified etiquette consultant led the students in formal etiquette training over a four-course meal at the Thad Cochran Center. “These etiquette dinners provide students with an opportunity to learn how to conduct themselves in a professional business environment,” said Career Services Director Rusty Anderson in an article on USM’s website. “Events like this dinner will equip them with important skills that could help them stand out in the eyes of potential employers.”

News

Page 4

on campus

Thursday, March 17, 2011

College Republicans host candidate Marie John Printz Writer

The undergraduate chapter of College Republicans will play host to Republican gubernatorial candidate Dave Dennis tonight at 5:30 p.m. in Room 101 of the Liberal Arts Building. The student organization, which aims to recruit, register, train and mobilize young adults from all academic disciplines in support of the Republican Party is entirely student organized

and led. Edward Kramer, chairman of the Mississippi Federation of College Republicans and president of USM’s chapter, organized the appearance of Dennis and worked to promote the event. “College Republicans are gearing up for the statewide elections and our chapter at Southern Miss is leading the way,” Kramer said. Candidate Dennis, a Pass Christian, Miss. resident, advocates for smaller government and lower taxes. Having been

employed as president of Specialty Contractors & Associates, Inc., Dennis has been active within the GOP in various ways. His role as a prominent businessman led to his presidency over the Gulf Coast Economic Council and State Chairman of the Business and Industry Political Education Committee. His current role as state Chairman of Tourism on Momentum Mississippi hones his businessoriented platform and economic driven policy initiative.

Kicking off his statewide campaign tour in mid-February, Dennis has scheduled at least 21 stops to interact with constituents across 2,100 miles, with Hattiesburg being just one of many locations. Kramer, whose position includes scheduling candidate appearances, works to feature relevant individuals within the party for student education and contact: “Through coordination with other local and national groups, our chapter has the opportunity to bring in candidate Dennis and it is an honor. We look forward to hearing what he has to say,” Kramer said. The senior political science and is a Quitman, Miss., native. Political Director for the College Republicans Kyle Williams, whose primary role includes

serving as a liaison between the collegiate chapter and other Republicans, aims to use chapter meetings as a resource for students to be better informed: “Our biggest goal is to better enlighten possible voters on the political alignment and views of candidates,” Williams said. The junior political science major is a Meridian, Miss. native. Candidate Dennis offers potential voters the following via his campaign website (davedennisforgovernor.com): “The more we as individuals can volunteer and the private sector can contribute to the community, the less excuse we give government to grow bigger and step into non-government issues.” The event is free and open to the public.

58 days

Eli Baylis/Printz

until graduation! Don’t forget to reserve your seat and order your cap and gown March 23 and 24 at the Barnes and Noble bookstore on campus.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

ON Campus

Arts & Entertainment

Page 5

‘The Little Prince’ travels to USM

Michelle Holowach Printz Writer

As a little prince treks across the universe on a journey to find the meaning of life, the Music Department of USM also takes the viewers of its latest performance, “The Little Prince”, on an unforgettable journey of their own. On Friday, March 18, USM students are invited to join the 30-member cast of “The Little Prince” in the Performing Arts Center for a night of colorful entertainment, singing, and yes, even dancing. Since the beginning of the spring semester Jennifer Hart, a doctoral conducting student at USM, has been fearlessly leading a diverse cast through rehearsal after rehearsal of this unique opera. “It’s an opera that’s based on the children’s book,” Hart said. “The characters are very colorful and lively so that keeps children engaged, but there are sort of a lot of different levels to it, so I think it’s appropriate really for any age.” Hart said they wanted to choose a production for her first doctoral recital that would give many different young students the chance to perform. “It is not a small project, but it’s very exciting because we wanted to give a lot of people performing opportunities, and with as many run out performances as we did, we actually have as many as four people that share a part,” Hart said. Danielle Adams, a vocal performance major, is one of four cast members playing the role of the Fox. “At the beginning of the process we found a film version of the opera,” Adams said. “We watched it and we said oh, we can do that. We’re going be so much better than that. And so we had a lot of fun working together, and learning things together, and singing this music until we’re crazy.” March 3-4, “The Little Prince” was on the road. They toured through Hattiesburg and Jackson, taking their musical adventure to avenues such as Thames Elementary School, Mississippi Children’s Home, Magnolia Speech School, St. Andrew’s Episcopal school, and even Wesley Manor, a retirement center. “I think it went really well, I think it was a great experience for our cast members and for our audience members,” Hart said. “Every possible performing situation was thrown at these young cast members… so it was a really good experience for them. But everywhere

we went people just loved it, all of our audiences just really enjoyed it, we got a good reaction from the kids and the teachers and everyone just seemed to have a really good time.” Hart said that “The Little Prince” is a very funny, entertaining, and pretty show. The music was composed by Rachel Portman, a British composer who has written music for countless movies and musicals, and who is very “up to date.” “I would say that people are very scared of the word ‘opera,’” Hart said. “They think it’s going to be big and loud, and these wobbly voices singing in a crazy language you don’t understand, so this is one of those things that when you tell people this is by a lady who did movie music so it’s very melodic and pretty… it’s kind of cool because once you kind of get into it, it has its own kind of musical language and its very pretty. There’s not a lot in it that’s super strange.” Lucas Martin, a junior music education major, encourages USM students to take advantage of the opportunity to see “The Little Prince” on Friday. “It’s something different, it’s interesting, it may be a kid’s opera but it’s still funny. It’s just a good way to go see an opera without it being in Italian or some strange, foreign language.” Hart also points out that there is an important message lying beneath the fun children’s spectacle. “I think we live in a society where things are so fast paced; it’s a Facebook world where we’re “friends” with people just because we clicked a button on a computer. So I think that really understanding the deeper levels of caring for something, and exploring why … those sorts

Courtesy of Reynal & Hitchcock

of messages that we really can’t do all of this all by ourselves, it takes all of us kind of working

together, are important.” “The Little Prince” starts at 7:30 on March 18 in the Per-

forming Arts Center. It lasts about an hour and a half with a brief intermission.

Arts & Entertainment

Page 6

Thursday, March 17, 2011

REVIEW

‘Rango’ entertains, regardless of age Sarah Rogers Printz Writer Johnny Depp’s new movie “Rango” is the “hot” movie in theaters right now. The animated comedy film is an adventure for audiences of all ages. The movie offers humor for the children but also subtle, mature jokes that only the adults will understand. “Rango” tells the story of a chameleon who strives to be a writer and actor. He also is trying to find out who he is and struggles with identity throughout the film. When he falls out of his family’s car during a move, Rango (Depp) finds himself alone in the desert town of Dirt and realizes that he can be whoever he wants. He creates a new identity, coming up with his new name and becoming the new sheriff in town. The town of Dirt is going through a rough drought. Rango is determined to do anything to find out where the water has gone, why has it disappeared and how to get it back. The movie is not only for laughs and adventure however; it also has a message for everyone in the audience. Rango’s advetures teach

Courtesy of Paramount Pictures/MCT Campus

Center to right, foreground: Rango (Johnny Depp) and Beans (Isla Fisher) in “Rango,” from Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies.

the audience that it is better to be yourself than always try to become something that you are not.

We learn through the charcter’s trials that it is only then that you will can find out who you are. Actors in “Rango” were filmed using emotion capture instead of motion capture. Emotion capture is a filming method in which the actors physically do the movements that the animated characters do. This unique method makes the animation in “Rango” more

believable; the characters looked amazing. The scenery such as the desert and the skywere also convincingly realistic. If Depp’s holiday film, The Tourist, did not do so well over Christmas, “Rango” is his redemption. The film opened at No. 1 in box offices bringing in $38 million. I would highly recommend everyone see this movie. Depp’s

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character was a unique role for the actor, and not just because he is a lizard. Isla Fisher’s character, Beans, supports Depp’s performance nicely, as well. The story line itself had much more than I expected to it. Even if you are not a fan of animation, consider seeing this one for its plot line and realistic animation. One thing I would recommend, however, is to go to the movie at night, so you’re not surrounded by 4-year-olds talking through the entire movie. Overall, I highly enjoyed this film and think that no matter how old you are, you will too.

Feature

Thursday, March 17, 2011

SGA Spotlight

Page 7

VP McClendon full of purpose

Ashton Pittman Printz Writer

Two months ago, Jeffery McClendon of Greenville, Miss., had not even considered running for a position in the USM Student Government Association. But today, thanks, he says, to the encouragement of peers and mentors, he is the SGA VicePresident-Elect. “Being involved in organizations and interacting with other students has always been a top priority for me,” he said. “I always knew that I wanted to serve Southern Miss in any way possible.” True to his word, McClendon, at 19 years old, has already done a lot of things during his short time at USM. He’s served as the President of the Residence Life Judicial Board, been a member of the Luckyday Leadership Team, been on the SGA’s Campus Development Team, and been a part of Southern Style – just to name a few. But now, as McClendon prepares to take on his new role as Vice President, he acknowledges that the road to where he’s at now wasn’t an easy one. “Childhood was difficult for me,” he said. “I grew up in an extremely poor household, and no one in my family had ever been to college.” It was the difficulties McClendon faced growing up that motivated him to seek higher educa-

“

Jeffery McLendon seeks to grow personally and serve his fellow students through his position as vice president. tion. All through high school, he said, he devoted himself to his studies as he looked forward to college. And he skipped the elev-

on them.” Communication, he says, is key to helping students better understand the significance of SGA to their education. One way he hopes to heighten the level of communication is by ensuring that students know who their leaders are and what they are doing. “As Vice President, I have the privilege to oversee the Senate, which can truly be the vehicle for change that students want to see,” he said. “I have an obligation to ensure that the student body knows that legislation is being passed, challenged and executed.” But even as McClendon contemplates the kind of change he can bring to SGA, he continues to look forward. After he graduates USM, he said, he plans to attend law school, with the ultimate goal in mind of some day becoming a federal judge. But most importantly, he says, he wants to continue serving others. “I think it’s important to have a character of selflessness,” he said. “I am your every day, typical col-

I have an obligation to ensure that the student body knows that legislation is being passed, challenged and executed.

”

Jeffery McClendon enth grade to get there sooner. “Now I’m at The University of Southern Mississippi,” he said. “It’s a place I love so much, and it’s affording me the opportunity to be all that I can be. I’ll always put education first.” Now, McClendon wants to use his new position as a vehicle to give back. “I’m blessed to have been given this opportunity, but this is not about me,” he said. “I ran on the platform of ‘putting students back in student government,’ and students will see that as the year progresses. My peers were confident enough to elect me as Vice President, so I must put my emphasis

Mary Alice Truitt/Printz

lege student who has struggles in life. I’ve always lived by the quote, ‘If you’re going through hell, keep on going.’ Life is hard at times, but we can’t give up; we

have to learn what life is teaching us. “I believe we all have a purpose in this world. We just have to take time to learn what that purpose is.”

Opinion

Page 8

Thursday, March 17, 2011

national

Editor comes face-to-face with hate “I’m not trying to stop a homosexual from being a homosexual. I’m just telling you that that sin ... it’s taking you to hell. Now, I’m telling you that as a friend. Your best friend, your b.f.f. up in here, fo’ rizzle.” – Margie Phelps, champion for the Westboro Baptist Church

Ashton Pittman Web Editor I had only just arrived at Times Square with fellow Printz writer Jonathan Andrews for the Spring College Media Convention, yet I was already in disbelief at what I was seeing. But it wasn’t the concrete jungle known as New York City that had me in awe; it was the convention flyer that I was reading. Margie Phelps, a leader of the notorious Westboro Baptist Church, was going to be at the convention— not to protest with signs that said things like, “FAGS DOOM NATIONS,” (at least, not primarily)— but as a guest speaker. I cannot deny that I found myself perplexed as to how a convention on journalism—a craft that derives its merit on the basis of its credibility—could invite someone with as little credibility as Margie Phelps to speak. But I equally cannot deny that I found my interest piqued. The day before the special session entitled, “Westboro Speaks,” tensions were already running high. Some called for a boycott of the event; others offered that gay students should protest by turning their backs to the speakers; some just wondered, “What’s next—a special session with the Aryan Nation?” But on Monday, an excessively long queue outside the ballroom where the Westboro session was to be held proved that I was not the only journalist whose interest outweighed any misgivings. In fact, by the time I arrived, only standing room was left.

Dan Rosenstrauch/Contra Costa Times/MCT

Margie Phelps, from the Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, Kansas, yells out her view against same-sex marriages, as a pro-same-sex marriage group stands behind her, Tuesday, June 17, 2008 in Martinez, California.

Once inside, I listened as the room filled with the sound of a bouncy gospel song that I was quite sure the Phelps would never allow in their own church. After several minutes, I began to wonder when the woman

of the hour would arrive. I suppose the fact that I had expected to feel the brooding presence of pure evil but hadn’t yet caught me off guard, especially when I found Margie Phelps had been standing

mere feet from me the entire time. She was having what appeared to be a polite conversation with the forum’s moderator, Gene Policinski, executive director of the First Amendment Center.

She seemed almost normal as she stood there, smiling and laughing with another human being, her identity betrayed only by her signature mane of stringy, grizzled hair.

See westboro, 9

Opinion

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Page 9

Student Shout-outs

“

I personally think that having a grad student teach/lecture is a great idea. They’re right in that stage of knowing exactly what we undergrads are going through AND know enough to be an authoritative source on the subject. Win-win for us. Shout-out to all of my Puerto Rican homeboys. USM really does not have cute guys. I’m moving!

Sharon Ellman/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/MCT

A member of the Westboro Baptist Church makes her point with signs in the free speech area outside the stadium before the start of Super Bowl XLV where the Green Bay Packers face the Pittsburgh Steelers at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, February 6, 2011.

WESTBORO, from 8 But the illusion that she possessed some semblance of humanity was shattered as soon as she began to speak to the audience about religion. “This nation has turned against God,” she declared. When prompted, she began to explain her church’s rationale for protesting the funerals of soldiers. “They have turned [these funerals] into pep rallies,” she said. “We watched for two years. We watched politicians, the media, the military, the citizenry, and the veterans use the occasion of those soldiers’ deaths to publish a viewpoint. And we said, ‘we don’t agree with your viewpoint.’” The protests, she said, were not illegal. “We know your follow and we follow your law,” she said, speaking as if her church was an extraterrestrial entity. Phelps praised the Supreme Court’s recent ruling, which affirmed that the church’s protests were constitutionally protected. She said that the church was not bringing emotional distress; “We’re bringing you hope.” Part of that “hope” offered included the message that the world will not be around much longer, thanks in part to gay marriage. “There’s been one other civilization in the history the human race where there was broad scale samesex marriage; it’s called the Antediluvian World,” she said, referring to the biblical period before the flood of Noah. Phelps added that 16 billion people perished in that flood

(a statistic for which she offered no source). “I’m not trying to stop a homosexual from being a homosexual,” she explained. “I’m just telling you that that sin … It’s taking you to hell. Now, I’m telling you that as a friend … your best friend, your b.f.f. up in here, fo’ rizzle.” She wanted to make lots of friends, apparently; she also attacked other gropus, including Jews, Catholics, and Southern Baptists. Interestingly, Phelps took a moment to defend the Muslim group steeped in controversy over its plans to build a mosque near Ground Zero. Let them build their mosque, she said. “Look, this nation is overflowing with false religion,” she said. “I mean, you let the rapin’ priests have their churches, don’t ya?” That wasn’t her only swipe at Catholics. When a convention attendee asked Phelps why her churches used children in their protests, Phelps responded with another question: “Why do priests feel the need to rape little children?” For many devout Christians in the room, the tension was mounting. “I’m a Christian,” a young photographer next to me whispered, trembling as angry tears filled her eyes. “They’re so wrong.” Finally, University of North Alabama student Jenn Lyles couldn’t take it anymore. “If it’s your goal to educate people about God and what the Bibles teaches … I commend you in that way; I do the same thing,” said Lyles. “But I was wondering if you had considered how your actions have

turned people away from God—especially non-believers.” “No, it’s not my intention,” said Phelps. “I don’t have any control over the heart of any human.” Her church’s mission, she said, was not to save the world, but to give it a fair warning. “None of you will be able to say we didn’t tell ya.” Phelps concluded by attacking one last group—us, the media. “You guys are to blame,” she said. “You are joining an ignoble profes-

sion.” “Do some independent thinking,” she admonished us. “Set aside your personal views. You’re supposed to be professionals. Ask questions, get information, and stop disserving your readers.” This most ignoble journalist wonders if she noticed the irony. This was an article of opinion by Ashton Pittman, a writer for the Student Printz. Email questions or comments to ashton.pittman@eagles.usm.edu.

I wish life were like The Sims video game, so I can delete the bad stuff from my life! You with all your crack out, either pull your shirt down, pull your pants up, wear a belt, get some bigger pants, just do something. Even though the Fresh may not have the freshest food, they get my brownie points for playing Justin Bieber over the sound system. I’ve got Bieber Fever!

To the person or people who think RA’s are ‘mean’: Maybe we’ll stop being ‘mean’ if you and your fellow residents 1) Flush a Toilet 2) Take responsibility for YOUR actions and 3) Start acting like ADULTS IN COLLEGE and not toddlers in preschool if y’all can do that then we’ll stop being ‘mean.’ To the guy with the nightmare before Christmas tattoo sleeve ... I love you. It’s not the grad students’ problem. Athletes as students? Bad idea.

”

To see your anonymous comment in The Student Printz, submit it under the ‘Contact’ tab on studentprintz.com.

Feature

Page 10

Thursday, March 17, 2011

INTERNATIONAL

Spring break in Haiti Mary Margaret Halford Printz Writer

When their spring break plans for a trip to Los Angeles fell through, Mary Catherine Evans, Heather Evans and Amy Artmann decided to pack their bags and head to Haiti instead. They immediately made plans to have their plane tickets switched, and within three weeks, the girls had raised enough money from family and friends to provide for their trip. Off they went. Artmann, a senior from Hattiesburg, made two previous trips to Haiti, and was thrilled at the opportunity to return on spring break. “I feel like the people there are a really big part of my heart, especially the children,” Artmann said. “I love going and getting the opportunity to help other people.” While in Haiti, the girls spent their time building a school for a village that has never had one, and repairing another school damaged in the earthquake. “Education is so fundamental to these kids having a better life and changing their future,” said Artmann. “Most of these kids can’t read or write and it’s so cool to get them in the system and get them learning.” Mary Catherine Evans, a junior from Mobile, Ala., had never been to Haiti before, and enjoyed her experience with the people she ministered to. “The kids we met were so loving and just amazing,” said Evans. “They always wanted to hold your hand or sit in your lap, and it was wonderful to be able to be with them.” In addition to building schools, the girls went to an orphanage to pass out clothes and shoes, and visited a village to hand out rice

to families and candy to children. Heather Evans, a senior from Mobile, Ala., was also touched by the children that she met on her trip. “Kids are kids in any region of the world and they all want to laugh and do the same things,” said Evans. “We had such a great time sharing our love with them.” Though the people of Haiti speak Creole, the girls said the language barrier was not an issue. “We went to a church one day and all these ladies came up to speak to us. We couldn’t understand a word they said but they just wanted to hug and kiss us to thank us for being there,” said Evans. Evans, Evans and Artmann all agreed that the people of Haiti were very welcoming and appreciated their presence throughout the week. “They were very receptive towards us,” said Artmann. “They know we are there to help and they are grateful for that.” Artmann also pointed out that helping Haiti now is more important than ever. “Haiti was in a bad place before the earthquake and being able to support the people there is huge and makes a huge difference to them,” said Artmann. Evans agreed with Artmann that the people welcomed their help. “People in Haiti love their country and they just experienced a devastating situation,” said Evans. “They just want to see growth and life in their country and appreciate the people coming in to make that happen.” “I was scared of leaving my country and going to a place that can be dangerous,” said Evans. “But I am so glad I did because it was life changing and I wouldn’t have chosen anywhere but Haiti for my spring break.”

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Both photos: Amy Artmann, Heather Evans and Mary Catherine Evans pose with Haitian children. The three visited Haiti during spring break.

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1/7/11 2:01 PM

Sports

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Page 11

Softball

Lady Eagles shut out LSU Tigers Travis Thornell Sports Editor The Southern Miss Lady Eagles softball team got back on the winning track with their 7-0 victory over 25th ranked Louisiana State in front of a record home crowd. The win snapped an 8 game losing streak on the season for the Lady Eagles and 17 game losing streak to the Lady Tigers (15-11).. The win also was Southern Miss’ first win over a ranked team since beating 19th ranked Florida State last season. Left fielder Michelle Takeda jump-started the offense for Southern Miss (9-13) with her RBI double in the first to score Leslie LeJune. Third baseman Brittany Lilly added to the offense outburst with a solo shot to left in the 2nd inning to put the score 2-0. “I knew I had to step up in that situation. We need to score some runs early against (LSU). This was my opportunity, but I didn’t know I was going to hit a home run,”

said Lilly, who added a RBI single in fifth. Southern Miss was able to blow the game wide up with a five run fifth inning. Jill Mathias was hit by a pitch to start the inning. LSU then imploded by giving up a costly double to pinch hitter Britney Dinelt to drive in Mathias. The wheels finally came off for the Lady Tigers when hitting back to back Southern Miss hitters to walk in runs. After the dust settled, The Lady Eagles were able to get four runs from the lucky

in circle going to the distance to break afford to them by LSU. “The fifth inning was a turning improve her record to 4-6. The point for us. We usually don’t get sophomore gave up only four hits all those breaks at times. Tonight, and struck out five. The Lady Tiwe got them. The ball hitting the gers looked poised to make this a bag and letting us drive in a run. game, but Dietrich trusted her deWe strung teamwork together. We fensive to make plays in the field. have been harping on teamwork LSU left seven runners on base at practice. In the fifth inning, overall in the game and in some we picked each other up. Every- innings, multiple Lady Tigers in thing got hot and we scored five scoring position. “We have had some rough runs,” said Coach Howard Dobtimes and playing well out there son. With an errorless defensive be-T:7.71” tonight felt great. Especially with hind her, Beth Dietrich was clutch conference play starting this

weekend, it showed we can do it. We can get those clutch hits and make the pitches at the right time. We weren’t clicking on all cylinders lately, but now we are definitely picking everything up,” said Dietrich. The Lady Eagles will travel to Birmingham this weekend to take on the Lady Blazers of UAB in the opening weekend on Conference USA action. Southern Miss will be back at home next Wednesday to play Jackson State in double header at 4 and 6.

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T:10”

Soccer Names Forester to Soccer Coaching Staff University of Southern Mississippi head soccer coach Scott Ebke announced today the addition of Megan Forester as an assistant coach for the Southern Miss soccer program. The hiring is subject to approval by the Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning. Forester comes to the Golden Eagles after spending the last year as a volunteer assistant with Vanderbilt University while working on her master’s degree at Lipscomb. At Vanderbilt, she assisted the coaches in day-to-day activities including budgeting and preparing training. Forester also coached a U10 Girls club team while also providing private instruction as a private trainer. Forester was a standout player at Vanderbilt where she was a fouryear letterwinner. While there, she earned first Team All-SEC as a senior, third-team All-Region and received the SEC Community Service Award. Forester was voted her team’s captain in 2008 and 2009. She finished her career with six goals, 11 assists and 23 points while playing in 73 games.

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Sports

Page 12

Thursday, March 17, 2011

OPINION

Basketball team will gain momentum

Eli Baylis/Printz

Coach Larry Eustachy gestures after a disappointing performance by the Golden Eagles in a one-point loss to UAB in their last home game of the season on March 2. The Eagles’ ended the year with a 22-10 record.

Travis Thornell Sports Editor A few bounces of the basketball and things would be completely different for the Southern Miss Golden Eagles. In the program’s best season in nearly a decade, their 22-10 record was not good enough for the NCAA tournament or the National Invitational Tournament. The late season slide crushed the hope for the big tournament, but being shut out of the NIT was ridiculous. From Conference USA, Memphis and UAB made the 68-

team field for the NCAA tournament, but surprisingly only UTEP was invited to the NIT’s 32 team tournament. As the odd team out, Coach Larry Eustachy and his team were offered a chance to play in the College Basketball Invitational and the Collegeinsiders.com Postseason Tournament. Last season, Southern Miss played in the Collegeinsiders.com tournament and lost to Louisiana Tech. In a news release from the athletic department, the invitations to both tournaments were declined. “Obviously, we’re disappointed,” said Eustachy. “I know we are one of the top 100 basketball teams in the country, and we feel like we deserve to at least be playing in the NIT. We have been offered to be one seeds by both tournaments. However, we have missed too much school as it is, so we have decided to respectfully decline their invitations. Aca-

Softball at UAB Day: Saturday, March 11 Location: Birmingham, Ala. Time: 1:00 p.m. Overall record: UAB’s 17-8

UAB last 5 games:

UAB’s Last Five Games: 3/12 @ Houston W, 3-1 3/12 @ Houston W, 1-0 3/13 @ Houston W,2-1 3/15 vs. Murray St. W, 4-0 3/15 vs. Murray St. L,2-0

demics always come first, so we will look toward graduation, and then turn our attention to next season.” The absence of Golden Eagles in a postseason tournament did leave something to be desired of the 2010-2011 season, but did not ruin an amazing season. The once silent Reed Green Coliseum became a raucous environment due to an energized student section and fueled the Golden Eagles to a 13-2 home record. Throughout the season, Southern Miss posted big wins over UCF, UTEP, Cal and South Florida, but less than thirty seconds combined kept the team from reaching its goal of making one of the big time tournaments. Those few seconds can be divided among Memphis, UCF and UAB. All three teams were able to snatch victory from USM with last second shots. Memphis was able to start and finish this trend that ulti-

Southern Miss Box Score

Baseball: 3/15 @ Northwestern St. W, 9-2 W. Tennis: 3/12 @ Richmond L, 5-2 M. Tennis: 3/12 @Prairie View A&M W, 5-2 3/13 vs. Lamar L,5-2 Softball: 3/16 vs. LSU W,7-0

mately knocked Southern Miss out of contention for the conference championship. Memphis’ 66-63 win over the Golden Eagles in the Conference Tournament ended the season for Eustachy and the gang and was the 17th straight win over USM for the Tigers. All of the last second shots given up were daggers for Southern Miss and it was devastating to be snubbed from the NCAA’s and NIT. How the season went overall it was disheartening to have this team sitting at home watching March Madness instead of being out on the court. The outlook of next year appears to be a reload and see if we can go further year. The Golden Eagles will be losing a veteran core that carried the team for the past two seasons. Cellular South Howell Trophy winner and first all conference performer Gary Flowers, dynamite guard R.L.

Horton, reliable forward Josimar Ayarza and fan-favorite, lockdown defender Sai’Quon Stone will graduate and leave a very big void for the Golden Eagles to fill. Point guard Angelo Johnson and forward Maurice Bolden will be returning starts and will look for role players to step up to be big time contributors. LaShay Page and D.J. Newbill will be prime suspects to become the sparkplugs of the offense. As of now, the disappointment of not being a part of the big time tournaments will stay on the minds of the program and fans, but I think this will be jumping off point for the Golden Eagle Basketball team to gain some momentum over the off-season. We should expect big things for the 20112012 season and maybe a little madness during March.

Southern Miss Sports: Upcoming Games Friday, March 18 at 4:00 Baseball @ College of Charleston Charleston, S.C.

Sunday, March 20 at 9:00 A.M. Baseball vs. Connecticut Charleston, S.C.

Saturday, March 19 at 1:00 Softball @ Alabama-Birmingham Birmingham, Ala.

Sunday, March 20 at 12:00 Men’s Tennis vs. Florida A&M Hattiesburg, Miss.

Saturday, March 19 at 4:00 Baseball vs. Rhode Island Charleston, S.C.

Monday, March 21 all day Lady Eagle Classic Golf Tournament Hattiesburg, Miss.