Thursday, April 6, 2017 Volume 101 Issue 46
student printz SERVING SOUTHERN MISS SINCE 1927
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Academic Reorganization KAITLYN WATKINS news editor
Following a meeting between the university department chairs and directors on April 4, the Office of the Provost released The University of Southern Mississippi’s Plan for Academic Reorganization: Vision 2020. The Director of the School of Ocean Science and Technology William “Monty” Graham said this meeting was for the chairs. “I thought the process, up to now – no telling where it’s gonna go from here – but up to now, I thought it was really deliberate and thoughtful and inclusive,” Graham said. “The Plan for Academic Reorganization: Vision 2020 arises from the commitment of academic affairs at The University of Southern Mississippi to enhance the distinctiveness of academic programs and to create a sustainable model for academic programming,” according to the Office of the Provost. “The academic leadership at all levels and faculty advisory bodies have played a critical role in shaping the reorganization initiative and the concomitant success of academic programs.” The fall 2016 request for proposals resulted in 44 submissions from more than 100 faculty members, according to the Office of the Provost. Faculty members submitted proposals to
the Provost for consideration. The proposals were reviewed by the Academic Leadership Council (ALC), a group of faculty leaders on campus. “I think overall it’s a positive. [Reorganization is] going to better streamline and make us more efficient in the long run and hopefully there will be more research collaboration between departments,” said Janie Butts, a professor in the Systems Leadership and Health Outcomes Department of the College of Nursing. Butts served on the ACL as a part of the group who discussed the proposals in the beginning of the process. Department Chair of the Systems Leadership and Health Outcomes Bonnie Harbaugh said she believes it will not affect current students. “With the new faculty titles, that’s gonna cause people to move up and down in the faculty, I know that,” Harbaugh said. “The staff positions probably will be renamed and people are going to have to take on new [roles] or let go of old [roles]. We don’t know. All I can tell you is everything’s up for some change.” Harbaugh said staff positions have been relabeled and so people are going to have to find their niche. “We don’t know how many are going to be in each group,” Harbaugh said. According to both Harbaugh and Butts, there has been 20 percent reduction in state programs since 2008.
Courtesy Photo | They said the academic reorganization plan is an adjustment in response to that loss in state funding. The university hopes to implement the plan by fall 2017. “The plan actually includes a discussion of the context and reasons for reorganizing as well as the details of the proposed structure and positions within it,” said Vice Provost for Academic Affairs Amy Miller. “We hope that the comment period will help us strengthen the plan and prepare it to present to Dr. Bennett. The decision on whether to move forward with this or any other reorganization rests with Dr. Bennett. If he approves the
plan presented to him by Dr. Moser, the next step will be to develop an implementation timeline to identify what needs to be done, and when.” The official academic reorganization plan, Vision 2020, is available to view on the Office of the Provost webpage along with all 44 proposals submitted. “Administrative units will be larger in size and scope, with emphasis on programs rather than departments, to promote collaboration and interdisciplinary teaching and research, to realize economies of scale, to facilitate fluid reallocation of resources, and to reduce duplication in programming and administration,” the
plan states. The Office of the Provost will maintain a campus-wide comment period through April 17 with the goal of further refining the comprehensive plan. Deans and members of the ACL can receive suggestions from the faculty. Faculty Senate President David Holt will hold town hall meetings on the Gulf Park campus on April 12 and 13 and on the Hattiesburg campus on April 14. For academic staff, Staff Council will collect recommendations through their website at www.usm.edu/staff-council/ submit-action-item.
Gulf Park body elects Dorris as SGA president ALYSA BASS
printz reporter
On April 4, Southern Miss’ Gulf Park campus held SGA elections for the upcoming school year with a voter turnout of 264 students. Junior tourism management major Kaytlin Dorris was elected President of SGA. “I wanted to run for president because I would love the opportunity to have a more direct hand in representing the student body and in coordinating with the university administration to promote student involvement and success,” Dorris said. “I have very much enjoyed my time
as the Activities Chair for the SGA this year. Working with the current [Gulf Park] SGA President Zachary Stewart has inspired me to want to be more involved with SGA.” Dorris organized several activities on the Gulf Park campus, including Tailgating Under the Oaks, Mardi Gras Ball and the Jazz and Blues Festival. When she was not assisting in the planning of events, she participated in Welcome Week, Diversity Week and Lunch and Learn to become familiar with the student body and methods aiding in student success. Dorris said she plans on continuing her active participation
as president-elect. “I plan on connecting with students by making myself available on campus and participating in as many events as possible to be able to build relationships with students,” Dorris said. “I want to connect with students through my relationships with them, and the best way to do that is to spend as much time as possible with everyone.” Dorris said Stewart, the current president, taught her how to address multiple people’s opinions and make a diplomatic decision. Stewart will formally transfer his authoritative power to Dorris on April 18 during the annual SGA
banquet and awards ceremony in Hardy Hall. Stewart’s platform during the last election included transparency and communication with Hattiesburg’s SGA and the administration. Stewart said he believes that Dorris will have to continue the conversation regarding a relationship with the Hattiesburg campus SGA. “There are issues with the structure of the two SGAs, as well as IHL (Institutions of Higher Learning) and University recognition that need to be dealt with. Any future arrangement must be fair and maintain the independent voice of the Gulf
Coast student body,” Stewart said. continued on | pg 3
Courtesy Photo |
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INTRODUCTION THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017
MEET THE STAFF SPRING 2017 Daisy Stutts
Cam Bonelli
Photo Editor
Executive Editor
daisy.hunt@usm.edu
cambonelli93@gmail.com
Jhaimee Bullock
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Design Editor
Managing Editor
jhaimee.bullock@usm.edu
jackhammett92@gmail.com
Sarah Anne Schloemer
Kaitlyn Watkins
Web Master
News Editor
sarah.schloemer@usm.edu
kaitlyn.watkins@usm.edu
Nan Beauti
Hiba Tahir
Copy Editor
Entertainment Editor
afnan.beauti@usm.edu
hiba.tahir@usm.edu
Julius Kizzee Sports Editor
southernprintz@gmail.com
studentprintz.com
Chuck Cook
Amber Cobbins
chuck.cook@usm.edu
amber.cobbins@usm.edu
Printz Advisor
OPINIONS Opinions expressed in The Student Printz are those of the writer and not necessarily those of The Student Printz, its publication manager, USM, the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning or the USM Board of Student Publications.
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 eligible 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. on the Friday before publication. 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.
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FIND US ON THE WEB The Student Printz @studentprintz studentprintz.com
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NEWS THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017 continued from | pg 1 Aiding Dorris in the coming year on the executive board will be newly-elected Vice President Casey Baker, Treasurer Teneala Spencer, Attorney General Jordan Roberts and Secretary Jennifer Balcazar. Equality Chair Adam Terrell as well as representatives for the College of Nursing, College of Education and Psychology, College of Health, College of Business and Graduate program were also elected – Amy Cuthell and Emily Stivender, Tiffiney Jones, Jaime Norwood, J. Jayne Jackson and Evelyn Sullivan respectively. On Thursday, April 6, there will be a runoff for the representatives of the College of Science and Technology between Ashley Chasez, Alexander Sullivan, Surya Tej Rudra, and Veronica White. Students also voted on transitioning to a smoke-free campus. However, there was a tie of 132-132.
USM honors fallen Eagles KAITLYN WATKINS
news editor
The Fallen Eagle Ceremony held on April 3 in the Thad Cochran Center honored the memory of students, faculty and staff who passed away within the last year. SGA Vice President Jesse Robinson opened the ceremony with a prayer. Dean of Students Eddie Holloway said the SGA started the Golden Eagle memorial service in 2003 “This tradition has added value to the total collegiate experience,” Holloway said. “Our intention is to give greater attention and meaning to the worth and dignity of our students, faculty and staff members’ lives. It is our hope that the memorial service demonstrates the love and deep appreciation of those that have transitioned.” After Holloway spoke, SGA
President for the 2016 - 2017 school year Caroline Bradley delivered her speech on “Living Golden.” In her speech, she summarized what it means to be a Golden Eagle in one word, “connection.” The Spirit of Southern, a men’s a cappella group, performed “Ubi Caritas” before Reverend Kevin Bradley of Caswell Springs United Methodist Church gave a speech titled “Reflections of Life.” “Not exactly a short topic,” he said. The names of the Fallen Eagles were read after Bradley’s speech, and plaques for each of the students, faculty and staff members were presented to a representative of that person. After each name was called, family and friends were invited to stand in honor of their memory. Staff Council member Charles Childress presented the profile of staff member Melody Wilson, who worked
in the Office of General Counsel for several years. Holloway read the names of 19 students who were honored during the ceremony. To conclude the ceremony, Associate Dean of Students Wynde Fitts lit the “Candle of Life,” and incoming SGA President for the 2017-2018 school year Cameron Cloud gave the closing remarks. The Spirit of Southern led the gathered audience in the singing of the Alma Mater as people left the ceremony. Students honored in the Fallen Eagle Ceremony: Jolie Bartolome, Business Administration, Gulf Breeze, Fla.; Allyn Boday, Accounting, Ocean Springs, Miss.; Joseph Cannizzaro, International Development, Orlando, Fla.; Terry Cooper, Special Education, Hattiesburg; Henry Ewing; Business Administration, Hattiesburg;
Christine Helton, Hospitality Management; Madisonville, La.; Beulah Jez, Child and Family Studies; Bay St. Louis, Miss.;Michael Johnson, Educational Administration, Tylertown, Miss.; Sierra Jones, Computer Engineering Technology, Vancleave, Miss.; Kendrick Kennedy, Management Information systems; Biloxi, Miss.: Joshua Kirkpatrick, Marketing, Bay St. Louis, Miss.; Xochitl Morales Martinez, Music, Havana, Cuba; Cynthia Nunnery, Psychology, McComb, Miss.;Kristina Quintini, Sport Management, Hattiesburg: Donte Rich, Criminal Justice, Hattiesburg; Kiarenza Rodriguez, Nutrition and Dietetics, Perkinston, Miss.; Delborah Scott, Foreign Languages-Spanish, Madison, Miss; Cole Whaley, Banking and Finance, Spanish Fort, Ala. and Jerry White, Marine Science, Pass Christian, Miss.
Graduate school inducts 13 students into hall of fame CAM BONELLI
executive editor
On April 3, The University of Southern Mississippi Graduate School hosted its third annual Graduate Student Hall of Fame induction as part of Graduate Student Appreciation Week. The Graduate School at Southern Miss inducted 13 students into its hall of fame. The ceremony occurred in the McCain Library from 2 - 4 p.m., and more than 50 persons attended the event, including USM President Rodney Bennett. This year’s inductees included the following students and graduates: Masters student of science in economic development Jeffrey George; Ph.D. student in mass communication and journalism and Three Minute Thesis Grand Champion Ecaterina (Kate) Stepaniuc; masters of social work student Olivia Hogan Ismail; Ph.D. student in physical chemistry Frederick M. McFarland; alumna in epidemiology and biostatistics Ashley Lauren Parker; graduate student in sports management and graduate assistant trainer for the Golden Eagles baseball team Andrew Dodgso; Ph.D student in instructional technology and design Dane Conrad; Ph.D. student in communication studies Carley Young; doctoral student of nursing practice in nurse anesthesia Ruoyu Zhao; Ph.D candidate in polymer science and engineering Dahlia Amato; Ph.D. student in mass communication Willie Tubbs; Ph.D student in clinical psychology Claire Houtsma; and Ph.D. student in nursing leadership Tiffany Leanne Zyniewicz. Dean of the Graduate School Karen Coats said students were selected based on a recommendation from the dean of their respective college, academic performance and research or scholarly
productivity. “One of the students inducted is the Three Minute Thesis Grand Champion,” Coats said. “The reason we have a hall of fame and a week in appreciation of graduate students is to honor the students that excel and to showcase their efforts.” In the McCain Library, where the office of the graduate school resides, hall of fame inductees’ portraits adorn the walls. “Their portraits will hang for one year,” Coats said. “We will take them down when we have our next graduate hall of fame induction ceremony.” Coats initiated the ceremony and graduation appreciation week in her second semester as dean of the graduate school at Southern Miss in 2015 and brought Graduate Student Appreciation Week to Southern Miss. “Graduate Student Appreciation
Week was not my idea,” Coats said. “Graduate/Professional Student Appreciation Week was conceived in 1993 by student activists within the National Association of Graduate and Professional Students. It is celebrated annually, nation-wide, during the first week of April.” Coats said the event not only honors the students, but their faculty mentors. “There is no graduate student who could have done this without quality mentorship,” Coats said. “Students don’t initially know how to navigate graduate school, but that’s what good mentorship is all about.” Three Minute Thesis Grand Champion and Hall of Fame inductee Stepaniuc said it has been an honor to experience this incredible achievement. continued online |
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University of Southern Mississippi President Rodney Bennett unveils a graduate student Hall of Fame inductee’s portrait at the Hall of Fame induction ceremony on April 3, 2017.
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FEATURE THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017
American roadways receive D-plus grade AUTUMN BROWN
printz reporter
On average, Americans spend 43 hours a year stuck in traffic because of roads and highways in poor condition. That’s the equivalent of a full workweek according to Greg DiLoreto, former president of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). Roads, bridges, airports, water and transit systems are deteriorating across the United States due to federal and state governments underinvestment in America’s infrastructure. The 2017 report card from the American Society of Civil Engineers gives the U.S. infrastructure reports a near failing grade: D-plus. Every four years, the ASCE releases its Report Card for America’s Infrastructure, which is formatted like a traditional school report card. The ASCE gives letter grades based on the physical condition, performance level and investments needed for infrastructure improvement. As Trump’s Administration debates investment repairs for America’s crumbling foundation, the ASCE suggests it would cost $4.59 trillion to
rebuild the nation’s infrastructure by 2020. The 2013 Report Card reveals that America’s infrastructure has not improved this year, as the U.S. received the same cumulative grade in 2013. Then, the estimated investment was $3.6 trillion. That’s nearly a $1 trillion increase in just four years. “In 2015, the House and Senate sent President Obama the largest transportation package in more than a decade, costing $305 billion over five year,” the Atlantic reported.”Even though it is significantly less than the $478 billion he sought in his own plan earlier this year.” However, Obama’s long-running push for a transportation package falls more than $3 trillion short of the ASCE’s recommended $3.6 trillion investment. To civil engineers, this underinvestment results in virtually no change in America’s cumulative infrastructure grade. President Trump’s $550 billion budget is $200 billion more than Obama’s transportation package. But, civil engineers’ 2017 proposed price tag is almost double President Trump’s reduced infrastructure budget.
Originally, Trump planned to invest $1 trillion dollars. With the reduced budget, the Mississippi Economic Council still estimates about $375 million annually in the next decade for the necessary repairs in Mississippi. Moreover, the ASCE advises Congress to, “fix the highway trust fund, which is funded by the gasoline tax.” Since the gasoline tax does not generate enough revenue, the engineers are calling for an increase of $0.25 per gallon, which is more than double the current 18.4 cents per gallon. National Public Radio reported earlier this month that the President and the Republican Congress are unlikely to support such a huge increase in gasoline tax. In ASCE’s Report Card for America’s Infrastructure, highways receive a “D” because poor road conditions cause traffic congestions and more wear and tear on vehicles. “More than two out of every five miles of America’s urban interstates are congested, and traffic delays cost this country $160 billion in wasted fuel and time,” the report card said. Between the 2013 and 2017 Report Card, the ASCE blames poor road
conditions and traffic jams for billions of dollars wasted in time and money. “In 2014, Americans spent 6.9 billion hours in traffic. Traffic delays cost the country $160 billion in wasted time and fuel,” the 2017 Infrastructure Report Card quotes. As a result, civil engineers reported a 7 percent increase in traffic fatalities from 2014 to 2015, with 35,092 deaths due to poor roads and highways. Bridges earned a slightly better grade of C-plus. However, 40 percent of highway bridges are more than 50 years old, and 59,000 are structurally deficient nationwide. Mississippi Faces Infrastructure Challenges Mississippi struggles with its own foundation issues. An overview of Mississippi’s deteriorating infrastructure reveals, “Driving on roads in need of repair costs each driver $705 per year, and 2,098 (12.30 percent) of the 17,068 bridges are structurally deficient.” The Infrastructure Super Map notes that of the 76,777 miles of public roads in Mississippi, 28 percent are in poor condition. This equals nearly 21,500 miles of damaged roads. Mississippi has
more than 360 cities – that’s about 100 cities worth of deteriorating roads. At the Mississippi Economic Council’s Capital Day in January, Gov. Phil Bryant said he believes federal infrastructure funding will help improve state’s infrastructure. “That’s the type of result we get from a President Donald Trump and the possibilities of him working with the governors across the nation so that we will have a plan that is in sync with one another,” Gov. Bryant stated. Not all state lawmakers agree with Trump’s Infrastructure Plan that relies heavily on tax credits from privatesector companies to finance projects. In doing so, private-sector companies make it easier to generate a positive return on investments as it becomes cheaper for companies to participate, which does not increase government debt levels. Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Willie Simmons, Democratic Cleveland, told the Jackson Free Press in December, “It’s better [for Mississippi to act first] because if [Trump] does one or brings [a plan] forward, it will address some of the issues for the nation, but it won’t be the savior for Mississippi.”
Friends create resource app for sexual assault survivors CAM BONELLI
executive editor
Between the infamous Brock Turner case of 2016, the election of President Donald Trump after an audio leak of graphic sexual nature and the rising statistics of sexual assault on college campuses, safety on campus takes precedence in a student’s choice for their academic career.
According to the Rape Abuse and Incest National Network’s (RAINN) 2014 survey, women aged 18 - 24 are more susceptible to the risk of sexual violence, and sexual violence is more prevalent on college campuses than any other crime. According to the 2015 American Association of Universities Sexual Assault Campus Climate Survey, which gathered responses from more than 150,000 students
across 27 universities nationwide, 11.7 percent of students reported nonconsensual penetration or sexual touching by force or incapacitation during their college careers, and only 25.5 percent of those students said they reported the incident to an official source. Faced with these statistics, four high school friends and recent college graduates based in Chappaqua, New York took action in assisting sexual assault survivors on college campuses. App creators and business partners Billy Sadik-Khan, Jack Zandi, Racquel Giner and Zach Csillag reunited after graduating college in 2014 and created the company Capptivate, which created the phone application Reach Out Editions. The free app comprises a digital database which provides resources for sexual assault survivors, specifically for 2,500 colleges across the United States. Of the 2,500 universities included
in the database, more than 40,000 resources specific to those colleges – including The University of Southern Mississippi – have been compiled into the application by the creators. Sadik-Khan said they decided to create the app after graduating from college and returning to their home town. “We learned about this issue through news about sexual violence on campus and there was data coming out about sexual violence on campus, Sadik-Khan said. “We were talking and there was this perception that there was this immense injustice happening on college campuses. When we started there were about 100 colleges under investigation for sexual misconduct. The combination of the changing environment on campuses and the immense injustices students faced pushed us to begin this project.” To begin the initial work on the
Courtesy Photo |
application, the partners drove across the country visiting different college campuses to see what schools needed in terms of an application. SadikKhan said the partners complied and entered the information for the app manually over the course of two years. “It was a lot of grunt work,” SadikKhan said. “We found a national database of police stations and hospitals and crisis centers. We did the best we could. It took two years to compile the information, design the app, market it and meet with schools. At all times, there’s been one person on our team collecting resources and checking data bases. We enter them ourselves.” According to Sadik-Khan there is no obligation for schools to buy the value added services, and they make no money off of the app. continued online |
ENTERTAINMENT THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017
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HIBA TAHIR
entertainment editor
It’s been just over a week since I started my readerproposed challenges, and boy are they challenging. Last week, I told you about my experiences forgoing makeup. Since then, I began the five-day Taco Bell diet, ordered a burkini for the ice bucket challenge, began training for the 5K and even signed up for the Southern Miss Health is Golden sponsored Glow Run – just to make extra sure that I won’t back out, because even with two accountability partners, I’ve come pretty close a couple times. In the interest of full transparency, I must admit that I didn’t last
long on the Taco Bell diet. I began Friday, made Saturday a cheat day (because I wanted frozen cheesecake at Hub Fest, became sickened by the cheesecake and craved fries, and then became sickened by the excess of
fries and craved death, which may appear to be synonymous with Taco Bell but is actually quite different), and then never resumed. But that’s okay. You know why? Because Sunday, I began training for my
eventual 5K run and if there’s anything that sounds less appetizing than a five day Taco Bell diet, it’s a five day Taco Bell diet coupled with a glorified prehistoric torture practice. Needless to say, I’ve
learned many things since I began training -– the first of which being that I am not a runner. I’ve learned that training for a 5K is very similar to being on Tinder as a hijabi in southern Mississippi. Here’s how.
1. Everyone has their own opinions about how you should go about it.
The first thing people did when I mentioned that I’d be attempting a 5K was offer advice. The first thing people do when they learn I’m on Tinder is ask about my swiping practices before telling me how they could be improved. “You swiped on a guy with a fish? Why would you swipe on a guy with a fish?” IT’S A FISH, JAN. DO YOU KNOW HOW RIPE FOR TROLLING FISH ARE?
2. You enter with unrealistic expectations
The first night of my training, I “ran” a mile (100 yards). The first time I joined Tinder, I expected to have maybe three matches (I had roughly 50 my first night.) I thought that I’d progress much differently. Now, I’m “running” two miles (110 yards) and I have no matches (because I deleted the app.)
3. Until you’re good at it, it’s best done in secret. I didn’t want people to know I was on Tinder until my exposé was published. In the same way, I don’t want people to see me running until I’m fully trained and reaching for success, rather than reaching for an oxygen tube. Before next week, I’ll be completing the ice bucket challenge, the contouring video, the 24hour water diet and maybe even a few of the challenges that require speaking to strangers. Have tips, running or otherwise? Look for the disgruntled five-foot hijabi on campus and let her know.
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OPINION THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017
Chance the Rapper donates $1 million to Chicago schools TICHINA WILSON
printz reporter
The first unsigned musical guest to perform on Saturday Night Live and Coloring Book was the first streaming-only album to nab a Grammy nomination, let alone a win. Chance the Rapper is taking the world by storm and now, he’s deciding to contribute to a place he calls home. Chicago’s very own Grammywinner Chance the Rapper, is showing his generosity once again but now to the public-school system that educated him. The 23-yearold grew up in the middle-class neighborhood of West Chatham on Chicago’s South Side. Just last month, Chance, whose real name is Chancelor Bennett, announced that he’d be donating $1 million to the Chicago public school system. Bennett described the funding as a “call to action” and said the money comes from his recent concert ticket sales. The decision came after meeting with Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner to discuss his interest in education issues. “I’m meeting privately with the
governor Wednesday. The two of us will address funding education in Chicago. I’m eager to hear his ideas,” @chancetherapper tweeted. Apparently, the meeting was an unsatisfying one for the Chicagonative. He reportedly told journalists that Rauner “gave me a lot of vague answers, so we’ll see what happens,” later tweeting, “The fight has just begun.” According to ABC-5 Chicago, Bennett “slammed the governor for vetoing $215 million in CPS funding last December. Rauner nixed the funding after claiming that Democratic leaders backed out of a deal to pass comprehensive pension reform.” “As a parent, and a proud CPS graduate, I’m committed to helping Chicago’s children have quality learning experiences and quality in the learning space,” Chance said, handing a giant check to students at Robeson High School in Englewood. “This effort is direct and intentional, and will affect the schools that are the most in need.” The rapper also promised $10,000 more to 12 additional neighborhood schools. The 12 latest schools that will
each receive $10,000 checks are: Crane High School, Julian High School, Armour Elementary School, Revere Elementary School, Harlan High School, Gage Park High School, Solario Academy High School, Azuela Elementary School, Clark High School, Hyde Park High School, Steinmetz High School and Powell Elementary School. The schools are all openenrollment neighborhood schools whose students are predominantly African American and low income. The schools are advised to use the money immediately to fund new programs or reinstate ones that had to be cut this winter when CPS imposed a freeze on principals’ remaining discretionary money. The “New Chance: Arts and Literature” fund is to help alleviate the Chicago public school’s funding deficit and will take effect during the 2017-2018 school year targeting schools that “are most in need,” according to chanceraps.com. Bennett also said he’s calling on friends, fellow artists and corporations to support his push to better fund CPS. Recently, The New Chance Arts and Literature Fund received a $1
million donation from the Chicago Bulls, the rapper announced. According to the Chicago SunTimes, at an event at Robeson High School in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood, Chance handed students a giant check and said, “As a parent, and a proud CPS graduate, I’m committed to helping Chicago’s children have quality learning experiences and quality in the learning space.” He added, “This effort is direct and intentional, and will affect the schools that are the most in need.” The New Chance Arts and Literature Fund “will ensure more students have access to arts enrichment education. The fund will bring arts programs and materials to schools that have experienced a decrease in 5-year graduation rates, addressing their budgets, textbooks, and music programs,” according to chanceraps.com. The New Chance Fund, a partnership with CPS’ foundation and Ingenuity, will help schools yet to be named that have seen graduation rate decreases, budget cuts and have no music or arts programs starting next fall, Chance said.
So far, there has been more than $2.2 million raised to support the cause. However, this may not be enough, Chicago’s Board of Education is facing a $215 million budget gap. Former First Lady and fellow Chicago native Michelle Obama shared her appreciation for Bennett’s gift, tweeting, “Thanks @ chancetherapper for giving back to the Chicago community, which gave us so much. You are an example of the power of arts education.” One should always remember: no matter how tough you think your life is there’s always someone who has to face challenges that are even tougher than yours. Not only basic things like making money, getting food, or having a place to rest at night, but also the possibility of taking part in some entrepreneurial projects or getting proper education. Giving back is where you give, and then nothing happens. No benefits for you, no recognition, nothing tangible gets sent your way. Your biggest and sole reward is the realization that you’ve made a significant change in someone’s life. And if not “significant” then a positive change nevertheless.
OPINION
Students present research findings at graduate symposium ANNIE JOHNSON
printz reporter
On April 4, graduate students at The University of Southern Mississippi presented research findings to Susan A. Siltanen Graduate Research Symposium Program judges for a chance to win almost $10,000. Each presentation had a time limit of 15 minutes long and included a thesis and synopsis. Presenters chose their own research topics, some of which were researched throughout students’ grad school careers. This year graduate students submitted 115 abstracts to present at the symposium. The presentations were held from 9 - 11:30 a.m. and were followed by the Graduate Student Research Luncheon Keynote Address. Graduate Student Senate President and Vice President
Alisha Sink and Rachel Young attended the luncheon. Graduate student, Edward Kelley, was excited to present his research, but hopeful that this would not be the end for his findings, “This is something I hope to continue hopefully as a career. I have learned more in the past two years than I thought was possible.” “I don’t regret anything,” he said. Wright believed the research also helped her personally, “It made me a better researcher. It made me ask better questions.” Graduation Appreciation Week will wrap up this Friday: there will be lectures and seminars Wednesday and Thursday and a Meet and Greet Social Friday in R. C. Cook Union Lounge for more information you can contact the Graduate School at 601.266.5138 or visit them on the second floor of McCain Library.
Shraddha Bhatta | Printz Graduate students pose during the Susan A. Siltanen Graduate symposium on April 4, 2017.
Cam Bonelli | Printz
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SPORTS THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017
Behind the Southern Miss Pro Day ANDREW ABADIE printz reporter Former Southern Miss athletes partake in the annual campus Pro Day, inviting athletes not just at USM, but anyone around the Hattiesburgarea who wants to have a shot at the NFL. “I’m glad it’s over,” said former defensive lineman Dylan Bradley who had 15.5 tackles for loss and a team-leading 8.5 sacks on the season in his senior year. “I’m glad I can go on to the next phase of this and wait for my name to be called.” Several former Southern Miss stars Nick Mullens and D.J. Thompson partook in the Pro Day, with also former center Cameron Tom, who
looks to be a mid-round selection in the NFL Draft, starting on April 27. “Any team that calls on me, I’ll be happy to talk,” Tom said. Some prospects are looking to boost their draft status, others are just trying to get on the draft boards. “I feel like I did a lot of things explosive-wise, but I don’t feel like I conditioned myself as well as I can,” Thompson said. “I need to condition myself to be ready for minicamp to go, go, go and not get tired. Hopefully, I get my shot just like all of us.” Other former USM players D’Nerius Antoine, Shawn Brickley, Elijah Parker and even 2015 graduates Michael Smith and Casey Martin all showcased their talents. Dylan Bradley ran an official 4.91 40-yard dash time, moving his sub-
300 lb. frame at a speed that got the attention of both the Minnesota Vikings and New Orleans Saints, who he will visit for workouts before the April draft. Tom on the other hand, who has a visit with the Chargers on April 6, took an intelligence exam with the Miami Dolphins after the Pro Day. As a center, Tom knows that its imperative to be cerebral in his approach on the field. “It’s a pretty big deal to be smart as a center because you have to deal with the protections,” Tom said. “Defenses in the NFL are getting smarter every day.” Other players such as C.J. Perry, Oliver Bates and Martin performed admirably on the bench press, pressing at least 26 reps each on the
bench press. Thompson led the group with a 37 1/2 inch vertical jump, showcasing his ability to reach the high point as a receiver. “I felt like everyone’s numbers were kind of expected of them,” Thompson said. “A lot of us [set personal records] today. It was a positive day for a lot of us.” Mullens, who has a visit with the San Francisco 49ers, ran a 4.87 in the 40-yard dash, a mark that he is proud of. With a productive arm in college and with an ability to showcase that he has the wheels to make runs in the NFL, Mullens believes that he has a shot to have his name called on draft night. “Just prove that I’m big enough, strong enough, fast enough and that I can make all the throws,” Mullens
said. “Mentally, I know I can do it. Now, I just got to get people believing. As many opportunities I can get to show scouts that I can play, I’m going to take advantage of that.” To wrap up the day, Mullens (who has been working out in Madison, Miss. with fellow prospects Tom and Bradley, said what an honor it would be to represent Southern Miss in the NFL. “Just another opportunity to come out here and represent Southern Miss one more time and show the scouts that I’m good enough to play,” Mulens said. “Worry about the things you can control. Just take it one step at a time and enjoy the process. If you give it all you got, you’re going to get an opportunity.”
Julius Kizzee | Printz Former USM lineman Oliver Bates runs a speed drill on April 4 at Southern Miss’ Pro Day.
Julius Kizzee | Printz Former USM receiver D.J. Thompson makes a sideline catch in front of NFL scouts on April 4.
Julius Kizzee | Printz Former Golden Eagle receiver D.J. Thompson runs his 40-yard dash in front of a Buffalo Bills scout on USM Pro Day.
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