The
S TUDENT PRINTZ November 18, 2013
www.studentprintz.com
SERVING SOUTHERN MISS SINCE 1927
Volume 98 Issue 24
ON CAMPUS
ON CAMPUS
Greeks dance for philanthropy Kristy Shelley Printz Reporter
Pi Beta Phi sorority is hosting its third annual Dance-A-Thon as part of its philanthropy week. The week kicked off Monday with a money drop and a profit share. The profit share is at Firehouse Subs from 5 p.m.-close. Students are encouraged to go and say they are there for Pi Beta Phi. Pi Phi Petit Fours will be on Tuesday from 4-10 p.m. at the Pi Beta Phi house. This is the first year the week will include this event. Kayla Patak, Pi Beta Phi vice president of philanthropy, said the event aids with their fundraising efforts. “This past year we ranked number one with our fundraising efforts to the Pi Beta Phi Foundation and we thought Pi Phi Petit Fours would be a great way to achieve number one again,” Patak said. Petit Fours can be ordered at the house during that time period or if tickets have already been purchased, pickup will also be during that time. Tickets are $5 and will include three petit fours.
Printz Reporter
Courtesy Photo
Seymour joins in on the fun during last year’s Dance-A-Thon. Pi Beta Phi will host the Dance-A-Thon in the Thad Cochran Center Nov. 21.
Wednesday, there will be a community service event for the other CPC and NPHC chapters to participate in. “With our philanthropy be-
ing literacy, we love going to the DuBard School on campus to read to the children various times throughout the year,” Patak said. “We thought it would be [a]
good idea to host an event there for other chapters to really get a look into our philanthropy and
See DANCE-A-THON, 3
Teacher of the Year announced Printz Reporter The Mississippi Humanities Council selected Jameela Lares, an English professor at The University of Southern Mississippi, as the 2013 Teacher of the Year. Lares has taught at Southern Miss since 1995 and specializes in Milton studies. She has penned two books on the subject, including “Milton and the Preaching Arts,” a volume on “Paradise Lost,” books 11 and 12 for the “Variorum Commentary on the Poems of John Milton,” both from Duquesne University Press. “I very much enjoy teaching and researching, and am thrilled to have my twin commitments to teaching and scholarship be recognized,” Lares said.
Southern Miss kicks off annual “Let’s SAAC Hunger” week Wilton Jackson
ON CAMPUS
Nikki Smith
Calendar ....................... 2 News ............................. 3 Feature.......................... 4 Opinion.......................... 6 Sports............................ 7 A&E................................ 8
As Teacher of the Year, Lares was awarded with a $500 stipend and will present her research in a lecture entitled “The Ghost of Rhetoric: Milton’s Logic and the Renaissance Trivium.” The lecture will be held in the Liberal Arts Building, Room 108, Nov. 21 at 5 p.m. “Dr. Lares is an impressive woman and teacher who knows what she wants from you in class and in your writing,” said Erin Blackledge, a freshman political science major. “I mean, she’s tough and she keeps us on our toes, but she is incredibly helpful and she genuinely cares about her individual student’s academic careers far beyond her class.” Lares has taught Milton, 17th Century Prose and Poetry, Renais-
See TEACHER, 3
April Garon/Printz
Jameela Lares, an English professor at Southern Miss, was named Humanities Council Teacher of the Year.
The Student-Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC) and the Center for Community and Civic Engagement (CCCE) at The University of Southern Mississippi are promoting several canned food drive opportunities in support of “Let’s SAAC Hunger” week that begins Monday through Nov. 23. With the slogan “Give One, Help a Ton,” the annual food drive unites Conference USA institutions in a competition to fight hunger through a conference-wide community outreach. The winning C-USA institution will be determined by the weight of the canned goods donated and recognized in the spring by conference officials. “Let’s SAAC Hunger” week is something thawt I am very passionate about,” said Lindsey Pellittieri, CCCE Advisory Council member. “This is such a great opportunity for Southern Miss to come together as a family and help those who face hunger in the Hattiesburg community.” The week will include different activities and opportunities for the campus as well as the Hattiesburg community to aid in the fight against hunger. Southern Miss has consistently been at the top of the conference in this initiative. “As a student- athlete, it is an honor and privilege to give back to such a wonderful community that has shown much support to my softball team,” said Shelbee Rogers, a Lady Eagles softball player. “Knowing that I and many others have impacted another person’s life is truly rewarding.” Starting Monday and lasting through Friday, faculty, staff and students are encouraged to bring canned goods during regular business hours to the Center for Community and Civic Engagement.
See HUNGER, 3
>>PAGE 4
>>PAGE 6
>>PAGE 8
Quidditch USM Quidditch competes across the country.
Fall Fashion Teaser The fall fashion edition will hit stands Nov. 21.
Eaglepalooza A crowd of 5,000 attended the annual event.
CALENDAR
Page 2, Student Printz
Student Printz
Serving Southern Miss since 1927
Executive Editor Carly Tynes carly.tynes@eagles.usm.edu 601.266.4266 Managing Editor Kathryn Miller kathryn.miller@eagles.usm.edu Chief Copy Editor Chris Greene chris.greene@eagles.usm.edu Copy Editor Courtney McNichols courtney.mcnichols@eagles.usm. edu News Editor Monicia Warner monicia.warner@eagles.usm.edu Sports Editor Joshua Campbell joshua.m.campbell@eagles.usm. edu Design Editor Taylor Fesenmeier taylor.fesenmeier@eagles.usm. edu Art Director Christopher Little christopher.little@eagles.usm.edu Webmaster Chris Greene chris.greene@eagles.usm.edu Designers Joshua Byrd Gerri Ducksworth News Content Adviser Chuck Cook 601.266.4288 chuck.cook@usm.edu Ad Graphic Designer Katherine Frye katherine.frye@eagles.usm.edu Advertising Manager Lesley Sanders-Wood 601.266.5188 lesley.sanders@usm.edu Advertising e-mail printzad@usm.edu
Find us online at: www.studentprintz.com
The Student Printz is published every Monday 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.
Mark Your Planner 18 19 20 21 22 10 a.m. USM Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance & NAACP | Canned Food Drive and Voter Registration Union Lobby 11 a.m. Pi Beta Phi | Dance-AThon Tabling TCC Atrium 11 a.m. TEAMM USM | DuBard School Book Drive RC Cook Union Lobby
9:30 a.m. American Marketing Association | Thanksgiving Bake Sale Joseph Greene Hall
9:30 a.m. American Marketing Association | Thanksgiving Bake Sale Joseph Greene Hall
11 a.m. Higher Education and Student Affairs Association | Bake Sale Library Plaza
10 a.m. USM Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance & NAACP | Canned Food Drive and Voter Registration Union Lobby
11 a.m. Amnesty International | Bake Sale & Tabling LAB 2nd Floor
11 a.m. TEAMM USM | DuBard School Book Drive TCC Atrium
11 a.m. Pi Beta Phi | Dance-AThon Tabling TCC Atrium 11 a.m. TEAMM USM | DuBard School Book Drive RC Cook Union Lobby 6:30 p.m. Enactus | Entrepreneur Q&A TCC 218 A/B
11 a.m. TEAMM USM | DuBard School Book Drive RC Cook Union Lobby 4 p.m. Golden Eagles Student Consulting Group | Global Entrepreneurship Week JGH 114 5:30 p.m. Gay Straight Alliance | TDOR: Transgender Day of Remembrance Shoemaker Square
EDITORIAL POLICY The views represented in The Student Printz’s columns and editorials do not necessarily represent those of the faculty, staff or administration of The University of Southern Mississippi. We welcome letters to the editor representing similar and contrasting opinions. To be eligilible for publication, all submissions must include name, class distinction, major, phone number and email address. Submissions should be emailed to printzeditors@gmail.com by 5 p.m. Friday. Please limit them to 500 words or less. The Student Printz reserves the right to refuse publication or edit any material on the basis of clarity, space or journalistic ethics.
7 p.m. Glow Night at Friday Night at the Fountain Centennial Green
12 p.m. Counseling Psychology Student Government | LGBT Equality Table Shoemaker Square 5 p.m. Pi Beta Phi | Dance-AThon TCC Ballrooms 7 p.m. Stage Monkeys of Hattiesburg Improv Comedy: Show JGH 116
Southern Miss Sports Box Score Women’s Volleyball 11/15 at Charlotte W, 3-0 11/17 at Florida Atlantic W, 3-1
Women’s Basketball
11/16 at Hampton University L, 74-58
Track & Field, Cross Country
11/15 at NCAA Regional Championship 11th/375
Football
11/16 vs. Florida Atlantic L, 41-7
Upcoming Games
The
Monday, November 18, 2013
11/18/13 7 p.m. Men’s Basketball at North Dakota State Fargo, N.D. 11/19/13 7 p.m. Women’s Basketball vs. Arkansas-Little Rock Hattiesburg, Miss. 11/21/13 12 p.m. Women’s Volleyball at UTEP Murfreesboro, Tenn. 11/22/13 12 p.m. Women’s Volleyball at UTSA Murfreesboro, Tenn. 7 p.m. Men’s Basketball at South Alabama Mobile, Ala.
Monday, November 18, 2013 DANCE-A-THON, from 1 all that we do with it.” Dance-A-Thon is Pi Beta Phi’s big philanthropy event. Every Greek organization has a team with a few Pi Beta Phi coaches. Both the coaches and the participants have to dance the entire event. There are also games such as limbo and a speed-read. Thursday, the third annual Dance-A-Thon will take place in the Thad Cochran Center ballrooms from 5-8 p.m. Patak said she wanted the event to get more people involved on campus. “In the past, we’ve held Dance-AThon off campus and though people came, we thought we could get more people involved by having it on campus,” Patak said. “Plus, we have really great resources here on campus and it’s overall been awesome planning the event with Event Services.” This is the first time Pi Beta Phi has had a week of philanthropy events. “We wanted to have a week full of events to help with our fundraising and involvement,” Patak said. She said the sorority members
NEWS HUNGER, from 1
worked really hard to put this week together. “The whole chapter has worked really hard to help make these different events possible so I’m just really excited to see other chapters so pumped and ready to participate this week,” Patak said. In 2012, Pi Beta Phi Dance-AThon fundraising efforts raised over $9,000 for the Pi Beta Phi Foundation and donated over 600 books to Hattiesburg schools. Pi Beta Phi’s commitment to literacy dates back 100 years to the founding of a settlement school in Gatlinburg, Tenn. Pi Phi was solely responsible for all education in Gatlinburg until the 1940s and continued to provide educational and financial assistance until 1967. Through numerous initiatives and unique partnerships, Pi Phi continues the tradition of supporting children and families in the fields of literacy and education. For more information, contact Kayla Patak at Kayla.Patak@eagles. usm.edu.
Their office is located in The Hub, Room 104. The local Corner Market grocery stores in Hattiesburg and Petal will also be accepting collections from 6-8 p.m. until Friday. Tuesday, for fans that donate two canned food items, Southern Miss Athletics will grant free admission to the women’s basketball game. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. and collections will be accepted at the North Entrance of Reed Green Coliseum. Saturday, Southern Miss fans are encouraged to bring canned goods to both the home football Courtesy Photo game and the women’s basketball President Rodney D. Bennett signs a proclamation designating Nov. 18-23 as game. Collection for the football “Let’s SAAC Hunger” week on the USM campus. game against Middle Tennessee State will take place in front Online donations will also be public relations major. “We want of each gate at The Rock from accepted. To make an online do- to help those are less fortunate in 1-3 p.m. and collection for the nation, visit www.yougivegoods. any way possible.” women’s basketball game against com/GiveOneHelpATon. For more information about Florida Gulf Coast will take “Whether online or at a collec- this initiative, contact Dan Japlace from 6-7:30 p.m. at the tion drive, if one person donates cobs at 601.266.4502 or CCCE at North Entrance of Reed Green a can, it makes a difference for a 601.266.5074. Coliseum. family,” said Nadia Nixon, junior
TEACHER, from 1 sance Literature, History of Rhetoric, Literary Study of the Bible, Children’s and Adolescent Literature, World Literature and currently teaches freshman Honors Composition 1 and 2.
In addition to teaching numerous classes, she will go on her eighth teaching trip with the Southern Miss British Studies program in summer 2014. “I am pleased that my colleagues
think me worthy of such an honor,” Lares said in a Southern Miss Now press release. “I am still passionate about what I do. Ideally, everyone will go off and read Milton now.”
ON CAMPUS
Website to assist veterans Wilton Jackson Printz Reporter Military veterans at The University of Southern Mississippi now have the opportunity to explore various degree programs and inquire about enrollment options by visiting a new website created by the Center for Military Veterans, Service Members and Families. The website features the leadership and vision of the center, numerous forms and federal resources in regard to veteran education benefits, how to obtain credit and transcripts for military veterans, updates on military related events in the community and membership information about the Student Veterans of America organization on campus. Maj. Gen. Jeff Hammond serves as the center’s director. Its mission is to establish sustainable conditions for a “military friendly” education support program that provides veterans, service members (active duty and National Guard), dependents and survivors the opportunity to pursue a degree at Southern Miss. “We here at The University of Southern Mississippi know that our veterans and their families represent less than one percent of this nation’s population,” Hammond said. “We know how important you are, and we want to make a difference in your lives
Student Printz, Page 3
so you can go forth and make a big difference in the lives of so many others.” Hammond is the Special Assistant to the President for Military & Veteran Student Affairs at USM. As an alumnus and graduate of the Southern Miss ROTC program, he served in the military for 32 years, commanding positions as a Battery, Battalion, Brigade Commander and Commanding General, 4th Infantry Division. His military awards include three Bronze Star medals, two Distinguished Ser-
vice Awards and two awards of the Combat Action Badge. The Hattiesburg native was a former Southern Miss quarterback and team captain during his years at USM. The Center for Military Veterans, Service Members and Families is located on campus in McCain Library and Archives, Room 113A. To access the new website, visit www.usm. edu/military-veterans.
FEATURE
Page 4, Student Printz
SPORTS
Monday, November 18, 2013
Quidditch team competes nationwide Yolanda Cruz Printz Reporter The Quidditch team at The University of Southern Mississippi has seen great improvement in 2013 since it was first started two years ago. The team recently traveled to Tallahassee, Fla., to compete against teams from across the Southeast. The Renegade Cup, hosted by Florida State University, was difficult for the Southern Miss Quidditch team because few players were able to attend. “Originally I thought we were going to do extremely well, and then I heard about all the players who weren’t going to be able to make it,” said Nicolas Kubicki, a junior psychology major and president of the Quidditch team.“A lot of last minute stuff came up, and while I did still have confidence in us, I didn’t know how well we were going to do.” “We went with 13 players, which is a pretty small number compared to other teams. Some had a full roster of 21 players,” said Kyle Carpenter, a senior philosophy major and one of the team’s captains. Overall, the team did well con-
sidering the low number of players. They finished with two wins and one loss in the first half of the tournament and won two more games in the second half. “We only have three or four players left from the original team. Nine out of 13 players we took to the Renegade Cup were actually new to the team this year,” Carpenter said. Anna Hotard, a sophomore English and communication studies double major and another team captain, said she is really excited about how much better the team is this year than last year. “We are definitely doing better than we were this time last year because we had won none of our games,” Hotard said. “We didn’t start winning until second semester last year. This year we have won games at both our tournaments. It’s just a very different team all together because of all the new people.” The team was started by Kubicki in 2011. Since then, they have undergone many changes. “It’s been an interesting ride,” Kubicki said. “Overall, the team is a lot more competitive and a lot more athletic than when we started. One of the things we ran into when we first started was it was a
Courtesy Photo
The Southern Miss Quidditch team won the Renegade Cup during their visit to Florida State University.
bunch of people trying to teach themselves how to play the game.” “When we played other teams we were still learning. Now that we have a base of veterans who have played a little bit, we can help the new people learn a little easier,” Kubicki said. “We started out small our first year and then our second year we exploded. We had a huge member base, but we didn’t have a lot of depth in our skill level, so a lot of the new people left because of that. This year we have a smaller base closer to the size of our original team, but
A P P LY T O D AY F O R FA L L 2 0 1 4
a deeper skill set,” he added. Carpenter is also one of the players who has been a member of the team since they went to their first tournament in 2012. “Only three or four people from the original team are still part of it,” Carpenter said. “We have had ups and downs. Our lowest point was last year because we went to our first tournament with a full roster, but a lot of those people dropped out after seeing the full physicality of this sport.” “We were lucky enough to only lose two really solid players to
graduation last year, and the new recruits have been really solid this year,” he added. Even with all the success the team has experienced, they notice people still don’t treat quidditch as a sport. But, the team really sees quidditch as a legitimate sport. “It’s something you don’t fully understand until you’re out there playing it,” Hotard said. “I would say we are a team to look at on campus. We are entering our third year and last year we qualified for the World Cup, which is huge for us being such a new team.” The team has really made the effort this year to emphasize the physicality of the game. “We are definitely improving a lot, we got a lot coming up for us, so keep an eye on us,” Hotard said. The team will play their next tournament in Nov. 24 in New Orleans, La. against teams from Loyola University, Tulane University and Louisiana State University.
LIVE CLOSE
DRIVE LESS CLOSE TO CAMPUS + 24-HOUR FITNESS CENTER PRIVATE BEDROOMS & BATHROOMS FULLY FURNISHED APARTMENTS AVAILABLE
EAGLESTRAIL.COM 6 01. 26 4 .6 404 | 8 E agles Trail
Monday, November 18, 2013
STUDENTS
FEATURE
Internships provide many opportunities for students Wilton Jackson Printz Reporter
Whether still pursuing an undergraduate degree or a master’s degree, internships are very important for students’ success in their future careers. Various academic programs at colleges and universities require internship experience to graduate. Thus, internships can be vital both academically and in terms of career longevity. On campus, the Department of Career Services offers Eagle Employment, an online database to connect students in all majors to internship and job opportunities. Through the database, students can search for internship opportunities, sign up for on campus interviews, participate in resume referrals to employers and search the database for employers. Academically, internships give students the opportunity to see how the skills they learn in class are used in the industry. “Students who participate in an internship tend to do better in the classroom because they have experienced the skills on the job,”
said Amy Yeend, assistant director of career services for the College of Business. “It increases their passion and understanding for their career.” Internships also provide students with great networking possibilities. After graduation, students often seek full-time employment in entry-level jobs. In many cases, employers hire a lot of their full-time positions through a previous intern pool. “After completing my first internship at the Lauren Rodgers Museum of Art, I was able to network with other organizations for additional internships,” said Karelia Schmitz, senior public relations major. “Thus, I was able to gain valuable experience in my field and receive other opportunities like working for Dave Ware as a campaign intern and currently working as marketing intern for Albert and Associates Architects.” Experience is key when searching for employment in any industry. Some students don’t receive a job from an internship, but it increases their résumé and professional experience, allowing them to become more attractive to po-
tential employers. Typically, most employers prefer students to be in their junior or senior year of college when applying for internships. It’s important to understand the internship procedures of various companies, whether it be for a fall, spring or summer internship. The majority of students apply for an internship one semester prior to graduating college. Depending on the students’ career path, some companies require students to apply six months or more in advance. Every semester, Career Services hosts career fairs and workshops on internships and other related topics. “It allows students to identify strategies for locating and securing internships,” Yeend said. “Use all available resources when searching for an internship.” For more information about internship opportunities or events hosted by Career Services, visit www.usm.edu/career-services.
Student Printz, Page 5
GREEK
Susan Broadbridge/Printz
Pi Kappa Phi pedals in front of Izzo’s Illegal Burrito on Hardy Street to raise awareness for their philanthropy, Pedal for Push. Throughout Friday night, they peddled on bicycles to raise money for Push America. Push America is a nonprofit organization raising money for people with disabilities.
OPINION
Page 6, Student Printz
LOCAL
Monday, November 18, 2013
Museum to host open house Kirstie Lowery Printz Reporter The Lauren Rogers Museum of Art (LRMA) will host a holidaythemed event Thursday, Nov. 21. The Lauren Rogers Museum of Art will hold its annual Holiday Open House in the museum’s gift shop. Throughout the day, guests will be treated to a number of activities, including a book signing. From 10:00 a.m. to noon, attendees will have the opportunity to meet local chef Robert St. John and visual artist Wyatt Waters, co-authors of the book “An Italian Palate.” Guests will also have
the chance to meet and speak with other authors. According to www.lrma.org, author Laurie Parker will be a guest at the open house event. Parker will discuss and sign her latest book, “The Matchstick Cross.” Parker, a Starkville native, has previously published children’s literature including the books “Mississippi Alphabet” and “A is for Angels.” According to the museum’s website, between 1:00 and 3:00 p.m., authors Charline McCord, Judy Tucker, Cynthia Walker and David Sheffield will be signing copies of the book “Coming Home to Mississippi.” Author
ON CAMPUS
Letter to the editor Dear Editor –
I recently attended an oncampus program entitled, “A Salute to Our Heroes” sponsored by The University of Southern Mississippi Men of Excellence. If you are not familiar with this organization, you should be…they are men of character and motivated by a special set of uncompromising values that among other things include treating others with dignity and respect. As a veteran and USM alumnus, I simply want to “shout out” and recognize what was an incredible experience for all in attendance. The fact that a student organiza-
Karen Raspberry and illustrator Adam Trest will discuss their book, “Live in Laurel.” The event will feature mostly literature-related activities, but there will also be entertainment for guests who are seeking a different type of experience. “Refreshments and free gift-wrapping services will be provided by the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art Guild of Docents and Volunteers,” said Liz Hawkins, LRMA shop manager. Hawkins said the event is open to the public and admission is free. The Lauren Rogers Museum of Art is located in Laurel and is a non-profit organization that holds exhibitions, collections and educational programs. For more information on hours and how to support the museum, visit lrma. org or call 601.649.6374.
Melanie Boyd/Printz
Robert St. John in the wine cellar of his restaurant Purple Parrot Cafe.
tion demonstrated such recognition, care and appreciation for our veterans (to include members of our Student-Veterans of America) during an era where sometimes people may be overly absorbed in their own special interests, is absolutely remarkable. The Men of Excellence made this special event important in honoring individuals representing less than one-percent of Americans who choose to serve in defense of freedom. Thank you and job well done Men. Thank You – Jeff Hammond
FALL FASHION Photo by Christopher Little/Printz
Student Printz photographer Becky Vu photographs models for the Nov. 21 Fall Fashion edition. Be sure to pick up Thursday’s issue of the Student Printz for your guide to fall fashion.
Monday, November 18, 2013
VOLLEYBALL
SPORTS
Student Printz, Page 7
USM volleyball sweeps Charlotte C-USA tournament up next
Wilton Jackson Printz Reporter In a stellar performance, the Southern Miss volleyball team defeated the Charlotte 49ers (2518, 25-12, 25-14) respectively Friday in Conference USA action. Sophomore middle blocker Elise Ames had a strong impact in the victory. She led the team with 10 kills on .500 hitting for the Lady Eagles. Sophomore outside hitters Quinci Hayward and Lydia Bonner brought in eight and seven kills, respectively. To begin the set, Charlotte took charge, jumping out to a commanding 8-3 lead in the first set. After a Southern Miss timeout, the Lady Eagles went on an 11-4 run that started from Ames three back-to-back kills to take a 14-13 lead. Following the dramatic run by the Eagles, the 49ers tied the set at 14-
14; however, Southern Miss scored the next seven points increasing the lead to 21-17. The Eagles won the first set 25-18 on a 4-1 run. Southern Miss opened the second set with a great deal of intensity as the Eagles took a convincing 11-3 lead early on. Nevertheless, Charlotte fought back and brought the score within five points. Despite the 49ers stand, the Eagles finished on 14-6 run to win the set 25-12. In the third set, Southern Miss took a 7-1 lead over the 49ers. From there, the Eagles put up nine additional points to take a 16-3 lead before the 49ers called a timeout. Despite calling a timeout to regroup, the Eagles continued their total control of the third set winning the set 25-14 and sweeping Charlotte in three games. Senior setter Kristen Fleming delivered 30 assists, three kills and seven digs. Sophomore Libero Mary Pursell produced 20 digs for the Eagles.
Carly Oschs led all 49er scorers with eight kills, followed by Claire Kreuz with seven kills. Michelle Hovey tallied 17 digs for the Charlotte defense. USM also defeated FAU Sunday in four sets 3-1 advancing them to the Conference USA tournament.
They will begin the tournament against UTEP Thursday Nov. 21 at noon. Friday Nov. 22, they will play UTSA at noon. Based upon their performance in these two matches will determine whether they advance further in the tournament. The C-USA volleyball tournament is being held in Murfreesbor, Tenn., home of Middle Tennessee State.
Michael Kavitz/Printz
Alex Pfefferle sets for Kristen Fleming during a match against Rice Oct. 6, 2013.
BASKETBALL
Nigerian forward thankful for opportunity Alan Rawls Printz Reporter On a roster filled with players not originally from Mississippi, one player in particular stands out. Ude Ifeanyichukwu, a 6-foot 10-inch junior forward for the Southern Miss Golden Eagles basketball team, arrived in the United States in 2010. He is originally from Abuja, Nigeria. Migrating to the United States to play a sport he was still unfamiliar with wasn’t an easy task. His life is an inspiring story of faith, love and seizing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Born Joel Ifeanyichukwu Ude in May of 1992, Ude grew up like most Nigerian children, namely by playing soccer. Ude continued to play soccer well into high school until a well-respected woman in his community told him that he might have greater success playing basketball. “The first time I started playing the game, I actually was not really interested,” Ude said. “But she told me that there are so many good things that can happen for me if I play basketball, because of my size.” In 2010, Ude attended a summer basketball camp in Nigeria that was run by Ejike Ugboaja, a famous Nigerian basketball star who plays in Europe. The purpose of the Ejike Ugboaja Foundation and its camps is to provide Nigerian students and athletes with tremendous opportunities to study abroad. As Ude explained, this
particular camp helped players to develop skills while American coaches scouted and recruited them. Ude was selected to play at Saint John’s Northwestern Military Academy, a preparatory school in Wisconsin. He knew this meant that he would have to leave his loved ones behind, but he also knew what kind of opportunity he had before him. “It was hard leaving my family, but at the same time it was like a dream come true,” Ude said. “When I was picked in the camp, I was bawling like a little baby because if you asked me to come to the United States by myself, then my family cannot afford that. “It was like, ‘Oh my god,’ and sometimes even now, if I look around me, go to classes, do homework online, write papers… I lay down in my bed sometimes and ask myself, ‘Is this really true?’” Before leaving for America, Ude’s family held a meeting to discuss him being chosen and to bid him farewell. It’s their hope is that one day, Ude may be able to return and help his family members. After leaving prep school, Ude attended Laramie County Community College in Wyoming for two years, where he continued to sharpen his mind as well as his skills in basketball. At Laramie, he dominated Region IX with 3.7 blocks and shot 59.3 percent from the floor in his first year. Once he graduated from Laramie in 2013, he was recruited by not only Coach Donnie Tyndall of USM, but
other schools as well. Among Ude’s other options were Kent State, Middle Tennessee State, and Gonzaga. “I was born in a Christian family,” Ude firmly said about the decisionmaking process. “I believe in God. And before I do anything in life I pray and ask God for his favor and grace.” USM’s Southern hospitality, climate and its team’s welcoming aura invited Ude to join the Golden Eagles. “The first time I came to visit (USM),” Ude said, “I felt that it was like a family reunion. It was like I’ve been here for five years, the guys were great, and I felt so comfortable. It felt like home.” Ultimately, Ude chose Southern Miss because he believed God had called him there and Ude praises God regularly for all the blessings he has received. “Everything I have in this country is (the result of) basketball,” Ude said. He already has a prep school diploma and an associate’s degree from a junior college. “By the special grace of God, and God willing, in 2015 I’m going to graduate with my bachelor of science,” Ude said proudly. Ude is currently majoring in interdisciplinary studies, with special emphasis on communication and family studies. “First of all, every college basketball player wants to play professional basketball, whether they are good or not,” Ude replied when asked what he hoped to do after graduation. “That’s the hope, that’s the dream.”
But Ude says he understands the value of an education. After all, if professional basketball is not an option, Ude is confident he will be successful working for a firm that does family therapy, or some other field that involves communication. He even hinted that he might pursue a
master’s degree. “30 years from now I won’t be able to dunk the ball,” Ude said. “I will lose that natural ability. But I cannot lose my degree; nobody can take that away from me.”
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Page 8, Student Printz
LOCAL
Monday, November 18, 2013
Eaglepalooza rocks downtown Kristy Shelley Printz Reporter Despite the rain and muggy weather, about 5,000 people were downtown to hear the sounds of bands performing at the Student Government Association’s 10th Annual Eaglepalooza Friday night. According to Eaglepalooza Director Christian Myrick, those in attendance were able to enjoy live music and food from local vendors and a beer garden provided by Skylight Lounge. Originally, DJ Bionics, Mack Wilds, The Adam Doleac Band, Rosco Bandana and NEEDTOBREATHE were slated to perform this year. However, Mack Wilds and The Adam Doleac Band ended up not playing. Myrick said the circumstances were out of SGA’s control. “Because the show was delayed, some tough decisions had to be made in regards to the show lineup,” he said. “The City of Hattiesburg is so gracious to allow us to host the event downtown, but there is an 11:00 curfew in place and the show had to be done by that time.” “Unfortunately, two artists had to be cut because there simply wasn’t enough time,” he added. “... As much as I would have loved for those artists to perform, I tried my best, but it simply wouldn’t have worked.” Alexis Tymkiw, a sophomore marketing major, said SGA could have communicated better with the audience. “It would’ve been nice to know what was going on,” Tymkiw said. “People could’ve left halfway through DJ Bionics thinking they had time to go eat or grab coffee before NEEDTOBREATHE, but it turns out, they really didn’t.” “Overall, though, I really had a great time at Eaglepalooza,” she added. “I had a great spot, NEEDTOBREATHE is one of my favorite bands, and the rain wasn’t really an issue at all.” Kristy Barber, a junior speech pathology major, said this was her first time to attend Eaglepalooza, and she enjoyed the event. “Rosco Bandana is one of my favorite local bands and I loved seeing them perform,” she said. “They do an awesome job every time.” Brooke Herndon, a freshman nursing major, said the rain actually enhanced NEEDTOBREATHE’s performance. “NEEDTOBREATHE is one of my favorite bands and it was so cool to see them perform ‘Washed by the Water’ in the rain,” Herndon said. “It was my first Eaglepalooza and it will definitely be one of the most memo-
rable nights of my life.” Many people decided to stay indoors because of the yucky weather, but there was still a remarkable turnout at Eaglepalooza. “Honestly I was expecting the rain to affect the crowd but I believe the turnout was great,” Myrick said. “Surprisingly the crowd was incredible and really excited and they cheered and sang along through the rain and that is what it’s really about – entertaining the people.” Myrick said he feels Eaglepalooza was an overall success. “You always have to be prepared for anything that could go wrong with these type of events,” he said. “Rain is always the biggest fear, but it didn’t stop our event or the crowd coming out to enjoy it. Ultimately, our artists had a great time and our crowd enjoyed themselves. That’s all that matters.” Eaglepalooza Assistant Director Jeffrey George agreed. “Without a doubt I think it was a success,” George said. “I have heard nothing but great things from those that attended. From the volunteers to the crowd, everyone had a great time despite a little rain.” “Our crowd always turns out big and I believe this year was no different,” he added. “The artists had nothing but great things to say about the crowd so I’d definitely call that a success.” “As the director for Eaglepalooza this year, I want to thank everyone who came out and supported us,” Myrick said. “I’m not sure many people understand the preparation and hardwork that is put into this event, so it’s an understatement for me to say ‘thank you’ for supporting us.” For more information about Eaglepalooza, visit southernmisssga.org.
TO THE RIGHT.... Jessica King/Printz Jenny Flint of Rosco Bandana performs at Eaglepalooza Friday, Nov. 15 in downtown Hattiesburg.
FAR RIGHT.... Michael Kavitz/Printz Patrick Mooney, guitarist for Rosco Bandana, performs at Eaglepalooza Friday night in downtown Hattiesburg. Other bands performing at the event were DJ Bionics and NEEDTOBREATHE.
Jessica King/Printz
Bear Rinehart of NEEDTOBREATHE performs at Eaglepalooza Friday, Nov. 15 in downtown Hattiesburg.