The Forum is the official student newspaper at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. The Forum is funded in part by the student activity fee; members of the UALR community are allowed one copy per edition. The opinions expressed in The Forum are those of the staff and contributing writers and do not represent the official views of UALR. Advertising inquiries should be referred to The Forum’s advertising office and can be reached by calling 501-569-3319. The Forum is published 7 times in each of the fall and spring semesters. The Forum editor can be reached at 501-569-3265. All material published in this newspaper is copyrighted.
TORI TALKS ‘School’s out’ for summer
By Victoria Hickey Executive Editor editor@ualr.edu
We are finally on the home stretch to summer!
It has been a long and exhausting year, but looking back, it has also been a year of personal growth.
This year I’ve learned a few new lessons and had a few reiterated time and time again.
It’s important to take a break every now and then. Otherwise, you’re going to get burned out.
I can’t even count the number of days in a row I typically go from sunup to sundown without a breather. Sometimes I don’t really notice that it’s happening as I run from class to a meeting back to class and then to another meeting. It’s only when I get that day to sleep in that I remember how wonderful having a break is.
Sleep is the most wonderful thing in the entire world.
Now, I finally understand why my parents always wanted to take naps when I was younger – life is exhausting!
Learning to say “no” is going to save you from a lot of stress.
Although sometimes it might be difficult to say, if you always say “yes” when people need your help it is going to leave you with very little time to take care of yourself.
Having time-management skills and a planner are probably the most important things.
I think I have completely mastered this skill; you will never see me without a calendar or to-do list at the ready. This has been a huge help in keeping track of my crazy schedule.
Being responsible is going to benefit you and your peers.
When I was younger, I didn’t think too much about how my actions affected
others, but now I totally get it. Someone in your group project doesn’t complete their part of the assignment? You bet that’s going to cause some problems for you!
Good communication is essential for personal and professional relationships.
It absolutely drives me insane when people are bad at communicating! Whether it’s sending an email using “texting talk” or calling people repeatedly in the middle of the night, your communication skills are going to make or break your relationships.
I hope you had an enjoyable year as a Trojan and learned at least a few valuable lessons that will help you throughout the rest of your college career.
Good luck on finals! Have a safe and enjoyable summer!
Focusing less on ourselves to focus on the needs of others
Lauren Humphrey Campus Life Editor lehumphrey@ualr.edu
We often look at college as a place where we can get an education, where we work or where our friends are. But how about a place to serve others around it? Like most aspects in life, our society has become very introspective and self-serving. We want what we want, believe what we believe, and our actions fall in line with our own concerns. Too often we get in a mindset of only thinking about ourselves and let others’ needs roll off our back because it's not our problem.
If you’ve ever truly looked at the people who you pass every single day you might notice something: they are hurting and are in need of something they cannot provide for themselves. Every single person needs something vital that can help them successfully move forward in their life. It could be food, clothing, tutoring in a class, or simply a friend.
Whatever the need, big or small, there are others who can help.�
When students walk from class to class, they pass hundreds of students who have a need begging to be met. Some needs are obvious and some are buried deep within someone’s mind because they are too afraid of asking for help. How amazing would it be to another individual who is sitting alone in the cafeteria to simply sit with them, get to know them and find their need. To avoid the repetition of writing about a need that needs to be met.
Maybe it’s as simple as needing help in a class or maybe it’s complex, like needing help with medical bills because their child is very sick. There are so many students on campus and they are all in need of something that they cannot provide on their own.
Oftentimes staff and faculty go under the radar. There are so many people who work on this campus to make every day successful. Many times we pass them without a care because we don't have time. The custodial staff cleans up our messes every day. We often complain of
how they don’t do a good job because it doesn’t meet our own satisfaction. Yes, it is their job, but what good is complaining doing? In the cafeteria, if a napkin falls on the floor or something spills, pick it up. No matter how many people are on the custodial staff, they cannot clean up every speck of litter or dirt. So why not help them out a little?�
When many think of serving others, it’s very basic. For example, when volunteering it is usually at a shelter or community event. Yes, those are great and should not be forgotten, but serving the people in this community does not stop there. Every day there are myriad opportunities to affect someone’s life for the better. Service isn't a once-a-month thing. It's a daily lifestyle.�
How different would the UALR community look if we put down our pride and served the people around us? It would be very different. People would have more joy and know they have true friends around. If we chose focus on ourselves and meet the needs of the people around us, this community would thrive in ways that it hasn’t in the past.
OTHER VOICES guest column
The Chancellor’s farewell
Joel E. Anderson Guest writer chancellor@ualr.edu
UALR has not just been my place of employment. For the past 13 years, it has been where I have lived—in that house between the business college and the Bailey Alumni and Friends Center. I have spent my career working to help students, and it has been a very satisfying line of work. When I am in the community and have the oppor-
tunity, I often share how talented and hard-working you are and how our university is better because of the wonderful students we have. I admire how those of you who are nontraditional students are able to balance your studies while working, caring for family, and serving the campus, and serving the community.
After retirement I will miss very much the opportunity to meet new students every year. To welcome freshmen at Convocation. To serve you pancakes for supper in final
exam weeks. To cheer your success on the court, the field, and in the pool. To marvel at your artistic creations. To beam with pride in your research. To celebrate when you win competitions and when you land internships. And, most of all, the very special privilege and honor at Commencement of conferring on all graduates their degrees.
A chancellor deals with many responsibilities and pressures. Students make it all worthwhile. Whether you are following the tra-
ditional path to college after high school, or you are back in school after starting a family, returning to change careers, or working toward a graduate degree, you are a vital part of the Trojan community. A point of pride I have in UALR is its diverse student body. As a group, you are a reflection of the rich diversity in Arkansas, and you demonstrate every year that higher education is achievable for anyone.
I have two requests of students as I transition into retirement. First, stay engaged in the university
through your classes and student organizations. Do well here and you will do well elsewhere. Second, once you graduate, give back to the university by mentoring another student or volunteering at an alumni event. By lending your time and talents to the university you can make the campus more vibrant and enrich the experience of future students.
Dr. Joel E. Anderson, Chancellor of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Kathy Oliverio appointed Director of Military Student Success
TA’Ja Rolfe Staff Writer anrolfe@ualr.edu
worked at UALR in the provost’s office as an Academic Editor and Military Ombudsman.
he military student population has been increasing over the last few years at UALR. Last year, UALR was named in Victory Media’s 2015 Military Friendly Schools List. Recently, Kathy Oliverio was appointed Director of Military Student Success, after years of advocating for changes. As director, she is in charge of the academic advising of military students; translating their credits and helping them adjust to campus life.
Oliverio obtained both her graduate and undergraduate degrees from UALR in music and professional and technical writing, respectively. For 20 years, she served in the air force, holding different leadership positions, such as drill sergeant. Since 2008, she has
With her military background, Oliverio understands the unique struggles military students face while attending college. Her experience with transferring military credits when she was in school is what initially prompted her to begin her fight to make a difference on our campus.
“Getting the faculty to accept military credits for more than just P.E. credit, was a major accomplishment for me. Next, I’m working on a Veterans Student Center,” she said.
She believes it would be a great way to help facilitate connections between military students and the school. The center could be a place for military students to feel accepted or get academic advising without feeling disconnected. Sometimes the center can make an impact for someone, even if they don’t graduate.
When asked what she is most excited for, Oliverio said, “Just
being able to spend all my time helping military students, watch them walk across the stage to get a degree, and get a good job outside of college.”
Because she has served in the military, graduated and worked at UALR, her guidance is essential and makes her more than qualified for the position of director. She feels her greatest challenge will be educating the campus community to the military students because of the different culture. But her advice to students would be to “stick with it, ask for help, and know you are not alone.”
Since 2008, Oliverio has worked at UALR in the provost’s office as an Academic Editor and Military Ombudsman.
Photo courtesy of A’ja Rolfe
Recycle this idea
Eva Legg Staff Writer emlegg@ualr.edu
UALR is getting new recycling bins placed around campus. One big difference in these bins compared to the older ones we already have on campus is that the Sustainability Committee will be paid to have them! If that’s not a good motivator to manage recycling around campus then, well, we might be doomed in the efforts to recycle.
But, another important factor in these recycling bins is that it may become a possible job opportunity for students. The recycling bins will need to be emptied out every week, and there is talk about hiring a student to collect the recycling.
Six recycling bins will be placed around campus: Trojan Grill, Jack Stephens Center, EIT, Stabler Hall and near the food court.
The Sustainability Committee is hoping for the best in the efforts to make UALR an active recycling zone.
by Brady Jackson
Chancellor Joel E. Anderson
set to retire June 30
jawebb@ualr.edu
This summer will mark the end of an era for University of Arkansas at Little Rock and its Chancellor Joel E. Anderson. His 45-year career at UALR will come to an end on June 30, 2016 as he retires.
I recently caught up with Chancellor Anderson to reflect on his early beginnings as a political science professor to the head of the university.
“Becoming chancellor was not in my dreams. I was fresh out of graduate school. I was looking forward to a career as a political science professor and dabbling in politics along the way,” Anderson said.
UALR has seen many changes over the thirteen years that Anderson has been chancellor.
From becoming the first Arkansas college to receive the “CommunityEngaged” Carnegie Classification to the creation of the Institute on Race and Ethnicity in 2011.
“UALR has grown up while I have been here, and I got to grow up with it,” Anderson said when asked what he is most proud of during his time as chancellor. “UALR now offers the full range of undergraduate majors, plus excellent professional programs such as law, social, work, nursing, and business, plus numerous master’s and doctoral programs. I am really proud to have been part of UALR during its rapid development from what was a liberal arts college to a doctoral granting research university that can serve a broad spectrum of student needs and also assist the community and state in addressing big societal problems.”
Chancellor Anderson moved the
university forward with the conception of the Institute on Race and Ethnicity, something he holds great passion for and hopes to watch grow. The education, research, and dialogue that has been created through this initiative has set UALR apart from other institutes of higher education in the state. This commitment to supporting minority students has led UALR to become the most diverse university in Arkansas.
Through his work with the Institute on Race and Ethnicity, Anderson has learned the importance of listening and engaging in honest conversations. “You have to face it to fix it. Racial justice is regrettably, a stubborn long-term issue. Involvement with this issue has helped me understand that on such big issues you have to have a sustained, persistent effort.”
Looking ahead, Chancellor Anderson hopes that the pride and spirit he feels in UALR remains in all its stakeholders and that state governments across the nation will reverse the negative trend in financial support for public institutions. “If they do not, the cost of tuition will put a college education out of reach for countless students. Such a reversal by state governments in the near future does not appear to be in the cards, but it is not irrational to hope for it,” he said.
As far as what he’s looking forward to after retirement, he wants to be “able to linger as long as I want over coffee and the newspaper each morning.”
No word has been released yet on any possible replacements.
Police Beat
Sydney Bradshaw Staff Writer slbradshaw@ualr.edu
Contraband found in restroom
On April 1, an officer was sent to the EIT building concerning a crack cocaine pipe. When the officer arrived, they made contact with and talked to the man. He said that while cleaning the restroom, he saw a cap with sunglasses on top of it. He looked inside of the cap and saw a crack cocaine pipe and contacted DPS. While the officer was talking to the custodial worker, they noticed that the man was hesitant to give the officer his information and was agitated with the officer when they asked for his information.
Stolen money
On April 2, an officer responded to a report of theft at the University Police Station. The woman who reported the theft said that she had left her room that night in the Village and was gone for about 4 hours. She also told the officer that she had left her purse and wallet in her room while she was gone. When she returned to her room, she found that her wallet and some money from her purse was missing. She asked her roommate if she had seen anyone come in the room. The roommate told her that Housing Maintenance had been there at around ll:00 pm on April 1 to check the air. The victim said that there were charges on both her debit and credit cards. The officer was informed by the Hall Director that Maintenance stops maintenance calls at 5:00 pm and won’t key into a room past hours without contacting the Hall Director.
Fleeing suspect
On April 3, an officer noticed a car fail to yield at a stop sign. The officer initiated a traffic stop, but the driver failed to yield to an emergency vehicle. The officer also noticed the driver appeared to roll up the windows hastily and smell burning marijuana. The officer used the public announcement system several times to verbally command the driver to stop the vehicle, but the suspect failed to do that. The officer continued to pursue the suspect with the emergency lights and siren on, but again, he did not stop. The suspect got up to 70 mph in a 30 mph area and ended up at a dead end where he then got out of the car and started running. The officers checked the vehicle and took photos that were sent to CID.
Illustration
Jack A. Webb Staff Writer
Anderson will be retiring in June. Photo courtesy of ualr.edu.
Glazier sees potential in all her students
Brian Gregory Sports Editor bjgregory@ualr.edu
tion, even though he didn’t achieve a college education.”
Rebecca Glazier, an associate professor in the political science department, has one approach when it comes to her involvement with her students in the classroom. “When I teach a class, I want to students to see their full potential,” says Glazier. She strives to help students pass. For C students, she wants them to make B’s and B students, she wants them to make A’s. She cares deeply about their students and their success because of the way her father cared about her and her education when she was younger.
Glazier said, “My dad is one of the smartest people I know. He always put an emphasis on educa-
As a political science professor, she has always had an interest in politics. “I have the best job in the world, I always have new experiences,” said Glazier.
She has been at UALR for seven years now. Just last year she achieved tenure, which she called “wonderful.”
Some classes that she teaches at the university are American Foreign Policy, Religion and Politics, Model Arab League Travel Course, and Religion and Electoral Politics.
Glazier originates from Utah, and she is the oldest of three brothers. She did her undergraduate work at the University of California Berkley, and then she garnered her Ph.D. from the University of California Santa Barbara.
Right now Glazier is working on
a couple of research projects. One of her projects is religious peacemaking, especially in the Middle East. She also is working on a religion and electoral politics project, where students in the Fall will go conduct interviews with religious groups to see who they will be voting for in the election.
Glazier has had many influences on her life. She said her dad has been a tremendous influence her life.
When asked who she would have dinner with if she had a chance, it would be: a representative of the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848, Thomas Schelling, author of “The Strategy of Conflict” and “Arms and Influence”, and Abraham Lincoln. Glazier respects these people because of their fight for equality and their pursuit of peace and conflict resolution.
Chi Alpha sends leaders to Africa for summer missions
TA’Ja Rolfe Campus Life Editor anrolfe@ualr.edu
his summer, a few students and leaders of UALR’s Chi Alpha, will be headed to serve in Zambia and two cities South Africa. The team will leave on May 29 and return on June 28.
Chi Alpha, is student organization where people of all backgrounds come together to celebrate Christ. Their whole base is discipleship, being connected with people and creating genuine friendships; this is what makes them unique, they are not about the group, but the people.
Andreas Elias, an international studies major and junior, said, “I’m really excited about going to serve and help people who owe us nothing. This is a grand opportunity to give our time, to serve and to share love and hope.”
Their mission trip will include
volunteering at orphanages and schools, helping with manual labor and minor construction and visiting people in their homes, through the Zambia Project.
The Zambia Project is a mission service where volunteers bring both the gospel and hope to citizens of the Western Province of Zambia. With an increasing population of about one million people; poverty, disease (like HIV or Malaria), and low literacy rates are abundant.
Places like HopeArt, where women create jewelry from recycled materials to help support their families, were put into place to help combat some of these issues. All of the money that is made from the jewlry goes directly back to the women. Most of these women are; HIV-positive, impoverished, and/or unemployed. According to a 2003 report from UNICEF, “AIDS has already orphaned more than 11 million African children.”
Chi Alpha will help the Save a
Life program, where parents who are unable to provide for their children, and orphans, can find nourishment, education and a home.
Chi Alpha has hosted mission trips to southern Africa and southest Asia in the past. This year, 14 UALR students and two staff members will be attending. Some things to expect on their trip this summer are; sleeping in tents, walking a few miles to nearby villages, and no cell phones.
Holly Talkington, one of the staff members for Chi Alpha on campus, says, “Ultimate passion is to know Jesus for real and that will bleed over into everything in our lives. That is why we are going to Africa, because Jesus changed our hearts.”
Anyone interested in joining or learning more about Chi Alpha, they hold weekly night service on Thursdays at 7 p.m. in the EIT auditorium. Discipleship groups are also led by students and staff throughout the week.
Photo courtesy of UALR
“When I teach a class, I want to students to see their full potential,” says Glazier.
Members from the team meet weekly to discuss the trip and pray for the team and trip.
Photo byA’Ja Rolfe
SUMMER SHOUT OUTS!
To: Chance McMullin From: Secret Admirer
Hay Chancie-pants! I really had fun at the Barry Manilow concert! Looking forward to seeing Celine Dion with you! Their songs sing our love!
To: Cody, Holly, Michelle and Shoda From: Brian Gregory
Thank you group for always being there for me this semester. It is so great to have you be our leaders in Chi Alpha. You guys are the best!
To: Chi Alpha From: Olivia Williams
Hey Chi Alpha Fam! Thank you for giving me a place to call home. (:
To: Darian Barnes From: Darian Barnes
Yo! Yo! Yo!
To: Nora, Ashley T., Ashely W., Shynita, Whitney, Karlton, Jeramic, Jeremy, KG, Cam, Aliyah From: Erica
To: Tyra HOwell From: Lakettia Pointer
I want to wish my chocolate chip a happy birthday! Continue to do great things! Love you!
To: Jeannie Kuang-Nguyen From: Brian Gregory
Jeannie, I know this year has been extremely stressful but we have got through it with coffee, going out to eat and singing songs in the car. Have a great summer!
Shout out to Class of 2019!
From: Robert Brown
Shout out to my coworkers in IT services!
To: Jacourtenihue From: Daphne
Have a great summer guys :)
To: A’Ja From: Mimi Wansley
Shout out to my friend A’Ja you the real MVP!
To: Khristena & Dominique From: Brittney Henson
I appreciate ya’ll for being great friends over the year, Love ya’ll!
To: Zoe From: Willie Beene
Zoe is one of the most outgoing students I have ever run across. We need more students like her.
To: Theta Epsilon From: Curtis Colen
Too Kool! Yo NUPE
The Donaghey Student Center
No-Type dominates Earth Day Fashion Show
Jack A. Webb Staff Writer jawebb@ualr.edu
No-Type, a fine art photography club at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, is not even officially a year old but already making an impressive name for itself. With the winning of last week’s Earth Day Fashion Show, No-Type proves that they’re here to stay.
Wearing an artfully crafted outfit of newspaper in promotion of a sustainable future, Rayna Mackey, senior photography major, looked more like the “Girl on Fire” than
“Girl Wearing Newsprint” as she accepted the prize as overall winner of the fashion show.
Mackey, who happens to be No-Type’s secretary, is passionate about the organization that she helped create. “We started off as a group of photography students who would go to lectures, conferences, art museums and hiking trips. We quickly realized that we wanted to leave behind an impression to inspire future photography majors and minors, or even those whom we shared a love of photography.”
In just a couple of semesters, No-Type has managed to more than double its member count. There are around 24 current members who meet every other Wednesday in the photo lab in the
Fine Arts Building. They begin at 12:15 p.m. and typically last fortyfive minutes.
As far as what you can expect from a typical meeting at the moment, Mackey said, “We normally talk about readings, lectures, art shows that are coming up and try to get everyone involved and plan carpools for longer excursions.”
They’ve also been working hard trying to get the No-Type publication off the ground and have been planning an exhibition at the Historic Arkansas Museum for summer 2017.
The only requirement to join is that you have a sincere interest in photography and an openness to share and create with fellow lovers of the art.
Contestants strike a pose after modeling their outfits for the audience.
To learn more about No-Type or view some of their work, join them on Facebook by going to their page:
No-Type. Interested students can also email No-Type secretary at: ramackey@ualr.edu. Photo courtesy of No-Type
Major Spotlight Speech Department hosts Communication Week
Lauren Humphrey Campus Life Editor lehumphrey@ualr.edu
ning. Faculty teamed up in pairs to plan each of the events and asked students to help.
In 2015, instructors of the 1300 level wanted to educate their students and those perusing a Speech Communication major. This year, the faculty decided to open up the event to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Community.
The faculty of the Speech department planned and organized this event. Also, student interns assisted in the event plan-
“The goal is to get the word out about how important Communication is in people’s everyday life, and to spread the word about what you can do with a Speech Communication or Applied Communication degree,” Speech Communication Department Chair and professor, April ChathamCarpenter said.
Throughout the week, the Speech Communication department hosted several events for students to attend and learn more
about the Speech Communication major. On Monday, communication games were held on the DSC plaza. The hosts of the event spent a couple of hours outside asking students and staff to participate in exercises and games related to becoming a better communicator. Some of these included mirroring and miming activities, as well as eye contact and listening exercises.
On Tuesday, there was an Alumni Lunch ‘n Learn, where ten of our alumni came in to talk to and network with our majors and graduating students. On Wednesday, there were interviewing and negotiating
salary workshops for students and staff.
There was a book signing and presentation on Thursday with Dr. Allan Ward, who wrote “Civil Rights Brothers.” Also there were fundraising events for two scholarship funds in honor of former faculty members.
To end the week the Elevator Pitch workshop and winners were honored. During the Elevator Pitch workshop, Students worked to pitch a 90 second elevator pitch to convince an audience of their idea. Winners received UALR Barnes& Noble gift cards.
“Any time you can get faculty and students interacting together, learning about communication, and practicing their communication skills, it is worthwhile. There were so many opportunities for students, alumni, and faculty to work together this week on these types of initiatives, it is hard to pick a favorite part,” ChathamCarpenter said.
Why women's clothing is literally the WORST
Victoria Mugambi Staff Writer vnmugambi@ualr.edu
my body.”
When it comes to women’s clothing, we are blessed with are a plethora of choices. Whether you’re into jeans and t-shirts or skirts and heels, there are so many styles, cuts, colors and fabrics you can choose from. You would think that with all these choices we have, there’s nothing to complain about. And yet here I am, with not one but SEVERAL reasons why women’s clothing sucks.
First, let’s talk about pockets. Although we live in the 21st century and are more advanced than ever before, clothing designers have yet to come to the conclusion that women need pockets in their clothing. The number of times I have felt the heartbreak that comes from realizing my new pair of skinny jeans has fake pockets is too many for one lifetime.
What is the point of fake pockets anyway? To store my fake phone? Or my fake lipstick? You’ve already gone through the trouble of stitching the pocket outline onto the article of clothing, so why would you consciously omit the actual pocket?
By adding a pocket, you take an article of clothing to a whole new level. A dress can be taken from an “Oh, this is cute.” to a “This is the most perfect thing to ever grace
Next are the sizes. The main reason why I have only two pairs of jeans, and basically only wear leggings, is because I hate shopping for jeans. Unlike men’s clothing, which comes in specific sizes based on waist and inseam length, women’s sizes are completely illogical and meaningless.
If I go clothes shopping I have to purposefully wear clothing that’s easily removable so I can try on everything, because sizes are never consistent. I may be a size medium at one store, and a size XL in another. My pants may be a size six at GAP, but a size ten at Forever 21, size eight at JC Penney and a size four at The Limited.
It’s a complete guessing game every time I go shopping. I end up feeling frustrated after several failed attempts and guilty for keeping whomever I’m shopping with waiting for centuries for me to finish.
Speaking of sizes, let’s talk onesize-fits-all clothing. I don’t even know why such an awful idea even exists. One-size-fits-all hardly ever actually fits all. Socks have to come in different sizes because there are several different shoe sizes, so WHY would anyone think a dress can look the same on two different women? Our body types vary vastly, from thin and slender, to plump and curvy and every variation in between.
One-size-fits-all clothing item is basically irrational, unless it’s a one-size-fits-all beanie. Many a time I have fallen victim to the alluring nature of one-size-fits-all clothing. I mean, who wouldn’t
want to buy a pair of leggings that’s stretchy enough to fit everyone?
Unsurprisingly, I’ve been let down every single time and am now left with three or four pieces of clothing that are there to mock me and remind me of my failure.
Okay, next we need to talk about underwear. I could honestly write an entire novel about how much I hate buying bras.
Not only are they priced like they are dipped in gold and stitched by Jesus Christ, himself, but they’re rarely advertised for women. Take Victoria’s Secret for example. They’ll advertise a new bra by showing dimly lit women sauntering around on a bed.
First off, I don’t care how lacy and sexy it’ll make my boobs look. I want to know whether this bra will hold me in place while I climb up and down stairs. I want it to know if it can hold my phone and keys securely (because obviously my outfit doesn’t come with pockets). I want to know whether it’ll be comfortable and if it comes with deodorizing elements for when it starts getting warm outside.
I also don’t want to take out a small loan from the bank just to
buy a bra and some boy-shorts. I could go on and on about how much I hate women’s clothing, but I will end my personal rant about the subject here. In conclusion, women’s clothing is the absolute WORST. We need to stand up and fight for our right to clothing that is not only comfy and sensible, but can also slay the competition.
Elton Tevebaugh
Saturday, May 7, marks the 15th annual Free Comic Book Day (FCBD).
The day is fairly self-explanatory, as people who visit participating comic book shops in North America and worldwide are given free comics. Different shops have different policies when it comes to the number of free comics given out, but participating shops will give out at least one free comic per person.
Several local comic book stores are participating around central Arkansas this year, including: The Comic Book Store in Little Rock, Collector’s Edition in North Little Rock, Kapow! Comics in Sherwood, Hastings Entertainment in both Benton and Conway and Conway Comics also in Conway.
One cannot simply walk up to the racks and take whichever comic book they like for free. Some titles that will be available for free include: Captain America #1 FCBD Edition, Suicide Squad #1 FCBD Edition, Avengers #1 FCBD Edition, DC Superhero Girls #1 FCBD Edition and Bob's Burgers FCBD 2016 Edition. A complete list of free comics, as well as other participating locations and any additional information about FCBD, is available online at www.freecomicbookday.com.
Staff Writer
ewtevebaugh@ualr.edu
Illustration by Lyndse Ellis
Illustration by Lyndse Ellis
Science says: Soon organ recipients will no longer need to ‘cell’ themselves short
Victoria Mugambi Staff Writer vnmugambi@ualr.edu
In the U.S. alone, over 121,000 people are currently on the waiting list for an organ transplant. A new person is added every ten minutes and 22 people a day die from not receiving a transplant in time.
These startling statistics are used to encourage people to be organ donors. Even though over 120 million people within the U.S. are signed up to be organ and/or tissue donors, many people may still suffer from receiving an organ that their body rejects.
Rejection of the organ is a major problem that patients face when receiving an organ from a donor. When a patient receives an organ from someone else’s body, the
patient’s body may not recognize the organ because the donor’s cells are still present.
Since we each have unique cells and DNA, the recipient’s body may not recognize the organ, and label it as a foreign object. In order to prevent the body from “seeing” this foreign object and attacking it, causing the organ rejection, patients are often required to take immunosuppressant medication.
In response to the need for organs that not only arrive to patients before it’s too late but will also not be rejected by their immune system, researchers have been working on developing (and perfecting) the decellularization technique.
The decellularization technique consists of stripping an organ, from a newly deceased person, of its cells using a special “detergent.”
Once the cells are stripped, what remains is the extracellular matrix scaffold, which is basically the shell
of the organ. This organ’s scaffold is then treated with stem cells from the patient receiving the organ. These stem cells can distinguish themselves and become specialized cells depending on the organ.
It can take hours or days for the organ to fully recover, depending on the organ. However, the procedure has been successful with many types of organs, including hearts, lungs, kidneys and livers.
Since this method of organ transplantation isn’t readily available to the general public just yet, it’s still highly encouraged that people register themselves to become organ donors.
A deceased donor has the potential to save up to eight lives with their organs and countless others with tissue donation. So, although this technique is a very exciting step forward in the field of science and medicine, we still have the opportunity and obligation to do our part to save lives.
Student Spotlight: Jasmin Miller
Whitney Bryson Staff Writer wxbryson@ualr.edu
Jasmin Miller, a junior at UALR, is a president of two organizations and a mentor on campus. Miller, who is a psychology major with a minor in Spanish, is also UALR’s Trojan Talk President as well as UALR’s Certified Peer Educator President.
She explained that both Trojan Talk and Peer Education go handin-hand when it comes to being positive role-models and mentors for students around campus. Both also open the doors for students to feel more comfortable talking about various topics that may be sensitive issues.
She said, “Trojan Talk is an open discussion group, where students on campus can come and feel open to talk about anything as far as healthy relationships, school prob-
lems or anything that they feel comfortable with— without being judged by the next person.”
She also explained that this year Trojan Talk is a fun interactive “TV” type reality series. She said, “This year I did like a TV show theme, so every week it was a different episode ‘quote, unquote’.”
Although there is really no set process as to how Miller will execute her creative ideas for Trojan Talk, she explained that even though she’s the president, she still prefers to run ideas by her supervisor to ensure there is approval and everything is a go for future discussions.
Given that Miller loves what she does; she was very honest that sometimes, things do get rough being the president. She said, “It’s rough, being the face of everything and always having to be there, you know. The toughest challenge is trying to make sure that you have a team that will support you basically.”
Nevertheless, what Miller most
enjoys about her position as president is that she is able to talk to people and network, while allowing her actions to speak for her.
In addition to being a part of Trojan Talk and Peer Educators, Miller is also a member of two organizations: Health Promotion, Programs and Education (HPPE) (which is where she also works) and African American Female Initiative (AAFI). She has been a part of AAFI since her freshman year of college.
Even with a busy schedule, Miller says she manages her time by planning and scheduling accordingly to her daily activities and in her leisure time she enjoys spending time with her friends.
In essence, it is easy to understand that Miller is very passionate about what she does on campus. With that in mind, Miller plans on staying with Trojan Talk and Peer Educators until she graduates.
Discussions are held in West Hall's lower lobby, every Tuesday at 7 p.m.
Illustration by Brady Jackson
Jasmin Miller is UALR’s Trojan Talk and Certified Peer Educator President.
Photo by Leah Atkins
Trojan's Trending Topics
by Whitney Bryson Staff Writer wxbryson@ualr.edu
Advice from soon to be grads
Michael Jackson Senior Mass Communication
“My advice is to go to class. It’s really that simple because if you go to class you’ll at least get a C. And if you go to class that’s half the battle. Just go to class and do the work.”
Fit tip: the final countdown
Kasandra Moe Senior Psychology
“Balance, Balance, Balance... Focus on your studies but also make time to have fun and sleep. Don’t overwork yourself.”
Qamar Abbas Senior Biology
“Strive to be the best you can be both academically and socially, while creating an everlasting connection with friends, faculty and mentors here at UALR.”
Lela-Tamara Fluker Staff Writer ldfluker@ualr.edu
for your morning and gets your blood flowing.
Well, well, well. The final weeks of the Spring 2016 semester are upon us, and you know what that meansTESTS! This period of increased obligations, time crunches and eight-hour cram sessions will require undivided attention and 30 hours’ worth of energy in a 24-hour day.
MORNINGS! Get yourself off to a good start and become more of a morning person to get to the last few classes of the semester.
Set a consistent wake up throughout the week.
Avoid using your phone for at least 15 minutes to discourage staying in bed.
Do light stretches or exercise.
Eat a protein filled breakfast. Listen to music to set the tone
ENERGY! Late-night cram sessions will make you want to down cup after cup of caffeine. Bring on the espresso or maybe an energy drink. While an energy drink may give you the ability to endure the pain of studying while keeping your eyes wide open, most ultimately end in a devastating crash.
WATER! Dehydration can make you feel sluggish and slow your metabolism. Increase your water intake to keep your body hydrated. If plain water isn’t your thing, you can always add extra flavor with a lemon or cucumber.
Walnuts are naturally full of energizing fibers and the amino acids in them help increase blood flow to muscles to fight off the zombie-like feeling.
Coffee, in moderation, is also good for the body and helps jump start your metabolism. Java will keep you ready to take on any study guide or presentation prep.
Photos by Leah Atkins
Photos by Brady Jackson
Little Rock Comic Con is bringing in several 'Power Rangers' actors to Arkansas in May
Elton Tevebaugh Staff Writer ewtevebaugh@ualr.edu
Calling all comic book lovers and enthusiasts, it's that time of year again! This year's Little Rock Comic Con will take place Saturday, May 14, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Sunday, May 15, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Benton Event Center.
The event center is located at 17322 Interstate 30, Benton, AR 72019. The cost of admission is $10 for one day and $15 for both days. Tickets are available online for prepurchase or will be available at the door.
Since 2010, the convention has been known as "Little Rock Comic Con." In previous years, it was known as "The Comic Book Cult."
Several special guests will be in attendance, including:
Samantha Newark (“Jem and the Holograms”), Catherine Sutherland (second pink Power Ranger: “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” [1995], “Power Rangers Zeo” [1996] and “Power Rangers Turbo” [1997]), Nakia Burrise (yellow Power Ranger: “Power Rangers Zeo” [1996] and “Power Rangers Turbo” [1997]), Steve Cardenas (second red Power Ranger: “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” [19941996], “Power Rangers Zeo” [1996] and “Power Rangers Turbo” [1997] ) and Robb Musso, who is best known for his work with IDW comics ("Transformers" and "Speed Racer") as well as multiple comics and prints for the Transformers and GI Joe collectors club. Attendance is expected to be around 3,000 to 5,000 people. Attendees are encouraged to shop,
trade and sell their comics or toys to dealers. They can also: watch special movie showings, go to panels, enter in the cosplay contest, get photos taken and meet the special guests.
Along with autographs and photo purchases, attendees get to meet new people, make friends and then they can grab a bite to eat from the Burger Shack.
Also at the convention, there will be different varieties of crafts for purchase, and the con's first custom toy showing and purchasing.
More information will be available closer to the actual event and panels are set to be announced by May 1. Information will be updated on their website (www.littlerockcomiccon.com) or on their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/LittleRockComicCon/) prior to the event.
Art events this summer in Little Rock
Caitlyn Sample
Arts and Leisure Editor casample@ualr.edu
The 58th Annual Delta Exhibition
June 10-Aug. 28
The Arkansas Arts Center will feature the 58th Annual Delta Exhibition June 10 through Aug. 28.
‘Seven Brides for Seven Brothers’ at Murry’s Dinner Playhouse July 19-Aug. 27
‘Windfall’at The Rep J une 10-26
The Arkansas Repertory Theatre will premiere “Seinfeld” actor Jason Alexander’s production, “Windfall,” to the world on June 10.
The play is about four coworkers who bought a winning lottery ticket together. Splitting $300 million between them brings out the worst. “Windfall” is a dark comedy about how far people are willing to go to “have it all.”
The play will be at The Rep every weekend from June 10 until June 26. For tickets and times, visit www.therep.org.
The exhibition features works of all media by artists from Arkansas and bordering states. The exhibition showcases artists that use materials in innovative ways and are experimental in subject matter.
For more information, visit www.arkansasartscenter.org/delta
Little Rock Wind Symphony annual Flag Day Salute
June 12
The Little Rock Wind Symphony will perform their annual Flag Day celebration at MacArthur Park on June 12 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
The event is free. The Symphony will perform marches, patriotic songs and Broadway show tunes.
The show is about a young bride living in the 1850s. She plans to marry off her six brothers-in-law. However, her plan is ruined when the brothers kidnap six women from a neighboring town to be their brides.
For dinner and the play, tickets cost $34 Tuesday through Thursday and $36 on Friday and Saturday. For the show only, tickets cost $25. For show times and more information, visit www.murrysdp.com.
The Little Rock Comic Con will be held May 14 and 15 at the Benton Event Center in Benton.
Courtesy of LittleRockComicConFacebookPage
Illustration by Byron Buslig
Classic alternatives: the stuff that dreams are made of
Tanner Newton Entertainment Editor tgnewton@ualr.edu
Thepartnership between John Huston and Humphrey Bogart is arguably the best in the history of cinema. The two men made three of the greatest adventure stories ever filmed.
While their first collaboration was “High Sierra,” their partnership really found its footing with “The Maltese Falcon.”
“The Maltese Falcon” finds Bogart as a hard-nosed private detective, Sam Spade, caught between liars and murderers, who are after a golden figure in the shape of a bird. Bogart plays an antihero; he is mean and rude, but impossible to not root for.
The film was nominated for Oscar’s for Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay.
The movie also launched the careers of Sydney Greenstreet, who was nominated for an Oscar for his performance, and Peter Lorre. The two play the bad guys and they would go on to make nine more films together.
After WWII, the two men traveled to Mexico and filmed “The Treasure of the Sierra Madre.”
This time Bogart plays an awful man who partners with two other guys to find gold in the mountains. Bogart plays Fred Dobbs, a man with no redeemable qualities. He starts out a worthless bum and becomes a paranoid man willing to commit murder.
This is the movie that John Huston won his only Oscars for. He took home Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay. The film was also nominated for Best Picture, but Laurence Olivier won that award for “Hamlet.”
This film is also notable for being the movie that Walter Huston finally won an Oscar for. Huston directed his dad to an Oscar winning performance, a feat that has never been repeated.
In 1951 Bogart and Huston would reunite in the jungles of Africa for “The African Queen.”
Bogart is Charlie Allnut, a river boat captain who is convinced by a woman, played by Katherine Hepburn, to help her blow up a German ship during the opening of WWI.
At first, Allnut refuses to help Hepburn’s character, Rose Sayer, and tries to scare her into retreating from the Germans. His attempts
only excite her and make her more determined to stop the enemy soldiers.
This is the film that finally got Bogart an Academy Award. He won Best Lead Actor and Hepburn was nominated for best actress. Huston also got a pair of nominations.
They also make three other films; “Across the Pacific,” “Key Largo” and “Beat the Devil.”
“Across the Pacific” is amusing pre WWII propaganda.
“Key Largo” finds Bogart as a soldier who is held hostage by a gangster during a hurricane. It’s a classic but it’s not in the league of the other three.
Their last film was “Beat the Devil.” Bogart hated the film and said, “Only phonies like it.” I agree. It is a comedy about con men trying to get land in Africa, but I found it hard to finish.
The three big movies have become classics. The American Film Institute’s list of the greatest movies of all time has “The African Queen” at No. 17, “The Maltese Falcone” at No. 23 and “The Treasure of the Sierra Madre” at No. 30.
The films have little fighting or shooting, but they more fun than any action/adventure movie to come out in decades.
Color for the color blind
Victoria Mugambi Staff Writer vnmugambi@ualr.edu
Thepotential for those born colorblind to see the world in all its glorious hues is no lon- ger a “pigment” of their imagination. A company called EnChroma has created a pair of glasses that will enable those suffering from red-green colorblindness to experience colors they’ve never been able to see before.
Colorblindness is a genetic condition that typically only affects men, but, in rare cases, can be found in women. The human eye comes equipped with 3 cones, or light-sensitive cells, that are sensitive to different light wavelengths. L-cones absorb mainly red light waves, M-cones absorb green, and S-cones absorb blue.
When the viewer looks at an object, the light enters the retina and stimulates the proper cone cells. For instance, if you see a purple notebook, your brain inter-
prets signals from the blue and red cones.
Red-green colorblindness occurs when the pathways to the red and green cones are faulty, making the viewer unable to see shades of red or green properly, or at all.
That’s where the EnChroma glasses come in.
Tinted like sunglasses, the glasses have over a hundred layers of a coating called Digital Color Boost. The patented coating gives contrast and clarity, which allows for selective transmission of light waves, and sends stronger signals to the brain.
Since the glasses need light to add contrast to the viewer’s vision field, they only work in brightly lit settings, such as outside, in the middle of the day. They’re not as effective in indoor areas, and are basically useless at night or in settings where there is limited light. These glasses are for sale on the official EnChroma website starting at $349. They’re available for men, women and children, and can be specially made to fit your prescription if you already wear eyeglasses.
What’s happenin’ in
Riverfest
June 4 - 5
Starting Saturday and ending on Sunday, Riverfest will be held at the Riverfront Park. Riverfest will host well known artists as well as local bands. Concerts will go from 1:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. each day.
Some of the well known artist’s that will be there include: X Ambassadors, Goo Goo Dolls, Juicy J and Cole Swindell.
While you’re waiting for the performers to starts, you can check out the market row vendors.
Everything from homemade jewelry, to clothes, to sunglasses can be found. And don’t forget about the food!
A range of food and beverag- es can be found at Riverfest. The one crowd-pleaser is the fresh squeezed lemonade.
For more information you can visit http://www.riverfestarkansas. com/.
Sydney
slbradshaw@ualr.edu
Legends in Argenta
May 14
Looking for something fun and unique to do this summer? Legends in Argenta is a family friendly music and art festival. It’s on Saturday May 14 and will be held at the Argenta Plaza. Legends of Argenta was started to show off the artists, musicians, craftsmen and small business owners that are residing right here in Arkansas. Some of the musicians coming to the event are Brian Nahlen and Nick Devlin, Sarah Cecil, Ghost Bones, Paul Prater, and Mulehead. The admission fee for an adult is $5 and kids 12 and under get in free.
There will be food trucks, craft vendors, live music and live art. When you read “live art,” you might think, “how do you make live art?” It’s simple, some of the artists that are there will be drawing, ect, while you watch and are able to see the process from start to finish. For more information about the event, you can go to http://www. legendsofarkansas.com/.
Bradshaw Staff Writer
Illustration by Byron Buslig
‘Fight Club 2’ pushes the envelope for vulgarity
Elton Tevebaugh Staff Writer ewtevebaugh@ualr.edu
hits her so hard that she begins switching out Sebastian’s medication (meant to keep Durden at bay) with aspirin.
Sequels are seldom as good as the originals, often ineffectively trying to one-up their predecessors. “Fight Club 2,” however, is very different than most sequels, as it is presented in a different medium than the original. It is a comic book.
“Fight Club 2” does a great job of taking the violence and otherwise graphic nature from the original book/film and expounding on it, adding in even more ridiculous facets of the story.
The story is set ten years after the original and opens by showing that. Sebastian, the man whose subconscious Tyler Durden resides in, has married Marla, the love interest from the original, and the two have had a son together.
Marla is unhappy in her marriage, seeing as how Sebastian is no longer Tyler Durden.
She longs for the excitement and madness of Durden. This urge
Marla wishes to have “an affair with Tyler,” but Durden has different plans, burning down the family’s house and seemingly killing their son in the blaze.
Since it was revealed that Sebastian’s parents both died in similar fires (separate incidents), Sebastian suspected that Durden had been in his life longer than he had realized. Sebastian decides to return to his boyhood home.
Upon his arrival there, Sebastian notices that it has been converted into a recruitment center for Durden’s new terrorist group, “Project Chaos.” At this point, Durden reveals his plan to overthrow world governments using Sebastian’s and Marla’s son, who survived, to be trained and to become a great leader, comparing him to Alexander the Great.
Durden continues to inspire his followers to perform acts of terrorism, and it’s even implied that he was behind the formation of ISIS.
Without giving too much else away, the author of “Fight
Eat beat: EJ’s Eats and Drinks
Victoria Mugambi Staff Writer vnmugambi@ualr.edu
If you’re looking for a good, casual lunch spot in downtown Little Rock, look no further than EJ’s. Settled on a corner of Little Rock’s frequented downtown area, EJ’s is a casual eatery known for their delicious salads, largeportioned sandwiches and housemade daily soups. I had heard good things about the establishment, so I was eager to try them out.
When I got to the restaurant I awkwardly stood at the entrance for a minute until a passing waitress let me know that it was a ‘seat-yourself’ establishment. After thanking her, I made my way to a table in the back, near the entrance to the kitchen.
tion of the smoky ham and pepperoni tasted heavenly with the mozzarella and Parmesan sauce. The lettuce and tomatoes were fresh, and the amount of onion on the sandwich was just enough to give the sandwich that slight acidic kick, without being too overpowering.
The tomato basil soup that came with the sandwich wasn’t as impressive. Though the soup definitely had that homemade freshness to it, it lacked spice and depth. It went well with their house-made potato chips, but all in all it tasted like watery tomatoes with a hint of basil.
Club” and “Fight Club 2,” Chuck Palahniuk, is also a character in the story. Toward the end, he is approached by a crowd of fans who are dissatisfied with the ending of “Fight Club 2.”
The violence and graphic nature of the original is amplified in the comics as pills and blood often cover up the speech bubbles of the characters, which I felt was a nice artistic touch. The sequel has taken more liberties in regards to vulgarity than the film adaptation of the original.
Finally, the artwork complimented the graphic and vulgar nature of the story itself. With Cameron Stewart serving as the main artist throughout the story, paired with the unique cover art by David Mack, this series of comics was as stunning visually as the story was quite the display of over the top vulgarity and violence.
As a fan of the original film (I’ll admit to not having fully read the book), I would highly recommend the comic book sequel to anyone else who enjoyed the original, but keep in mind the level of graphic violence, sexual content and general vulgarity that lies within.
The smells coming from inside were similar to those at a Texas barbecue dive, causing my mouth water and my stomach to loudly make its demands for food.
I ordered an appetizer and a sandwich combo with soup.
For the appetizer I ordered garlic cheese bread. After a relatively short wait, it arrived in all its hot, cheesy glory. Complemented with a side of marinara sauce, the garlic bread was hot and delicious.
I didn’t get a strong taste of garlic in the dish, but the bread was the perfect balance of soft, chewy and crispy, and the cheese stretched like in food commercials. Basically heaven.
After devouring the bread, it was a slightly longer wait for my sandwich combo to arrive. Once I bit into the sandwich, however, I realized the wait was completely worth it.
I ordered ‘The Soprano’ in a regular size with a side of tomato basil soup.
The sandwich came with ham, pepperoni, mozzarella, lettuce, tomato, onion and a Parmesan peppercorn sauce. The bread was soft and crispy, and the combina-
My brother-in-law joined me on my venture to EJ’s, and ordered a large shrimp po’ boy sandwich with a side of house-made chips. I stole a bite of the sandwich and was highly impressed. The fried shrimp were well cooked and tender, and, with the chipotle sauce, added a nice spicy kick to the sandwich.
The house-made chips tasted like genuine potatoes, and were thick and crispy, similar to kettlecooked chips, but not greasy. Overall, I give EJ’s a 4 out of 5. The prices are college-budget friendly, and the sandwiches and chips were amazing, but the soup left me slightly disappointed.
EJ’s is located at 523 Center St. in downtown Little Rock. Their hours are from 10:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. -10:00 p.m. on Fridays, closed Saturdays, and 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Sundays.
Photo courtesy of Victoria Mugambi
Photo courtesy of Dark Horse Comics
Trojans pitchers come up short in loss against the UCA Bears
Brian Gregory Sports Editor bjgregory@ualr.edu
which led to a lot of frustration by the players and the coaches.
The Trojans had a lackadaisical showing against their rival, the UCA Bears. This tied the Rock ‘n Roar rivalry series at one apiece. In the first game, the Trojans’ bats were on fire with a close 6-5 win. In this game, the pitching was the great undoing of the Trojans as they allowed a season high 15 walks. The Trojans had nine hits, but they were not able to capitalize on it by scoring runs. They left six men on base,
Hunter Owens, Dalton Thomas and Zach Baker all had two hits four at bats for the Trojans. UCA started their scoring in the bottom of the inning with an RBI double to left center, which gave them the first lead. In the second this was followed up by a RBI single to right that pushed the lead up to 2-0. The Bears scored again by scoring two runs in the third on a sacrifice fly and a balk by Trojan reliever Reed Willenborg. The Trojans scored their lone run in the fifth inning to make it 4-1, but the
Hot Corner: Minnesota Timberwolves NBA Champs 2020
Brian Gregory Sports Editor bjgregory@ualr.edu
WTrojans then gave up two runs in the sixth inning. They hit a batter and proceeded to walk four pitchers, which scored two runs.
Head coach Chris Curry called the 15 walks extremely disturbing. “That’s way too many,” Curry said. He talked about how the Trojans were not playing up to their potential. “I told them it that’s very unlike them, especially in a big rivalry game on the road,” Curry added. They will play the UCA Bears in the rival series finale at Dickey Stephens Park. The Trojans will have a home series this week against Tennessee Tech.
hile the NBA playoffs were going, a new NBA champion was crowned. This isn’t about the Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs, Cleveland Cavaliers or the Oklahoma City Thunder. No, the new NBA champion is the Minnesota Timberwolves. The reason being that they hired one of the best NBA coaches period –Tom Thibodeau. Thibodeau is the former Boston Celtics assistant coach and former Chicago Bulls coach. He is a fantastic defensive coach, a hard worker and infamously plays his players way too much. He is considered to have run players like Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah, and Luol Deng into the ground.
The people that think that he runs players into the ground, are crazy and don’t understand that under Thibodeau, he never won less than 45 games as a head coach. His teams always ranked in the top-10, and his offenses always got better as he was in Chicago. Why is Thibs such a good
coach for the Timberwolves? They have such a young team, and they are only going to improve. They are already competed well with the Oklahoma City Thunder and they gave the Warriors eight loss of the season. They are led by number-one picks Andrew Wiggins and Karl Anthony-Towns. Towns, or KAT as he is sometimes called, is going to be a Hall of Famer in this league. Working with Thibs will grow his game both offensively and defensively. Wiggins will also grow into a great defender under Thibs, as will the entire team. Thibodeau should improve both Zach Lavine and Ricky Rubio’s games. He will be a less toxic version of Mark Jackson. The Timberwolves will grow exponentially under Thibs and in 2020, the Timberwolves will be NBA Champions and KarlAnthony Towns will be the MVP of the league. I might be a little over excited, but it doesn’t matter to me because my over excitement will be validated in a couple of years.
Photos courtesy of the Athletic Department
The Trojans were left looking for answers after their loss to the UCA Bears.
Photos courtesy of Steve Aschburner
Coach Tom Thibodeau looks to bring his old school principles back to his first coaching home, the Minnesota Timberwolves.
New players looking to make an impact on the court
Brian Gregory Sports Editor bjgregory@ualr.edu
Fresh off great seasons, the Little Rock Trojans Basketball teams have signed players that will look to make an impact on next year’s teams. For the men, they have signed three players for this upcoming season. The first two players were signed in the early signing period. Their names are Andre Jones of Malvern High School, and Ryan Pippins of Parkview High School. Jones had a stellar junior season, leading his team to a 24-6 record, as well as achieving All-State honors. This season he led his team to a 31-3 record, however they lost in the state championship game. His high school coach describes the 6’4 180 pound wing as a “really good open court player.”
Ryan Pippins, at 6’0 200 pounds, led his Parkview Patriots team to an undefeated 13-0 conference record and a 20-3 overall record. This season, he led Parkview to a state championship and a 26-3 overall record. He is now the third guard from Parkview to come to
Little Rock after Derek Fisher and Terrance Akins. The third recruit who just signed a National Letter of Intent is Corbyn Jackson out of South Georgia Tech College. He is a 6-foot-7 power forward. This past season he averaged over 11 points and seven rebounds. He also had six double-doubles during the sea-
son. Last week, the women’s basketball team signed point guard of Sydney Chastain out of Westmoore High School. She hails from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She is the Wendy’s High School Heisman Award. Chastain is a four-year starter at the point guard, who started
her career out 9-14 and finished her career with a 24-3 record. She is an All-State player who also competed as a state-qualifier in cross-country. She is holds several records at her school including: most assists in school history (468), steals (174), single-season assists record (159), and single game record with 11.
Spring intramural seasons end
Lauren Humphrey Campus Life Editor
lehumphrey@ualr.edu
Intramural spring seasons are coming to a close. They end with four versus four flag football and ultimate Frisbee. Ultimate Frisbee ended on April 18. Flag football ends on April 27.
In the co-rec division of ultimate Frisbee, there were two teams. Can’t Lose Corps (CLC) and Air Traffic Control. Can’t Lose Corps won two games in their regular season and won 10-0 in the playoff game on April 18.
In the men’s division of ultimate Frisbee, Dirty Dan and the Pinheads had a record of 2-0 which put them in first place in the standings. In the playoffs, Dirty Dan and the Pinheads beat Blunderbuss 10-0.
There were no women’s team signed up for ultimate Frisbee.
Two women’s teams signed up to play flag football, Back That Pass Up and Famous Fumblers. Back That Pass Up was in first place in the standings.
Eight men’s teams signed up to play flag football, Victorious Secret and Pike 2 are at the top of the standings with records of 2-0.
The remainder of the flag football playoff games will be played on April 25 and April 27. Next fall students can sign up for intramural sports. Once they have created a team, they can sign up on the Rec-it app or website.
Corbyn Jacksonn and Brandi Chastain are two players that will look to bring immediate impact on the basketball court.
