PHOTO BY LAURA WALTER Dancers in the piece, “Glass Houses”, which was choreographed by the JU Dance Ensemble class, jump in sync to the music. Scan for more student media content at JUDolphinMedia.com INSIDE PATRICK WILKINS SPORTS EDITOR It was supposed to be a day of happiness for the players. One in which their hard work and dedication to the season would pay off in the form of a playoff berth in the Football Championship Series tournament. It was supposed to be a day in which JU paid homage to a former Dolphin football player that died too soon. A day in which Rico Tillman’s parents were going to receive some form of closure in their son’s untimely and unnecessary death with the retirement of Tillman’s no. 8 jersey. Instead, this ceremony was overshadowed by the clouds of poor judgment. It was supposed to be a day that 17 seniors got the chance to bask in their accomplishments. A day that these seniors could walk with their parents to the center of the field and stand on the school logo with their heads held high knowing that they had a post season still to play. It was not supposed to be these seniors’ last game. None of this should have NEWS Severe Storm Shreds Campus Campus Clean-Up Commences Aſter Damage from Winds Page 5 PHOTO BY MICHELLE DAVIDSON JU Dolphins raise one last fin in honor of their win over Campbell University on Jacksonville University’s Milne Field on Nov. 15. The game brought a positive end to a well played season. BAILEY FLYNN STAFF WRITER As dancers crossed the stage of the Swisher eatre, the spirit and precision of their movements captured the attention of the audience. In each of the three performances of the Fall Dance Concert, which took place Nov. 13, 14 and 15, subtle cheers throughout the show culminated into resounding applause as the curtains were drawn closed. ese audible accolades responded not only to the performance, but to months of concept development, rehearsal, and creativity of the performers. Lana Heylock, assistant professor of dance, explained the schedule of a typical dancer at JU. Each dancer takes 20 hours of dance classes per week, in addition to anywhere from three to 20 hours of extracurricular rehearsal time. is could mean 23 to 40 hours per week dancing, preparing for this concert to showcase to the school and Jacksonville community. “It is always a thrill to see THE JACKSONVILLE UNIVERSITY STUDENT NEWSPAPER NOVEMBER 19, 2014 VOLUME 71 ISSUE 5 JUDOLPHINMEDIA.COM JACKSONVILLE UNIVERSITY CONTINUED PAGE 13 CONTINUED PAGE 6 FEATURES “Move, Sweat and Smile” Tanja Leiser Teaches Zumba, Salsas the Stress Away Page7 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Efforts Rewarded Student Exhibition Showcases Talent Page 9 SPORTS Soccer Season Ends Men’s and Women’s Teams Have Award Winners Page14 Football Program in State of Shock Dolphins Ruled Ineligible for Playoffs the Day Before Playing for the PFL Title Dancers Receive Audible Accolades Fall Dance Concert Debuted in Swisher Theater Nov. 13
Transcript
PHOTO BY LAURA WALTERDancers in the piece, “Glass Houses”, which was choreographed by the JU Dance Ensemble class, jump in sync to the music.
Scan for more student media content at JUDolphinMedia.com
INSIDE
PATRICK WILKINSSPORTS EDITOR
It was supposed to be a day of happiness for the players. One in which their hard work and dedication to the season would pay off in the form of a playoff berth in the Football Championship Series tournament.
It was supposed to be a day in which JU paid homage to a former Dolphin football player that died too soon. A day in which Rico Tillman’s parents were going to receive some form of closure in their son’s untimely and unnecessary death with the retirement of Tillman’s no. 8 jersey. Instead, this ceremony was overshadowed by the clouds of poor judgment.
It was supposed to be a day that 17 seniors got the chance to bask in their accomplishments. A day that these seniors could walk with their parents to the center of the field and stand on the school logo with their heads held high knowing that they had a post season still to play. It was not supposed to be these seniors’ last game.
None of this should have
NEWS
Severe Storm Shreds CampusCampus Clean-Up Commences After Damage from Winds Page 5
PHOTO BY MICHELLE DAVIDSONJU Dolphins raise one last fin in honor of their win over Campbell University on Jacksonville University’s Milne Field on Nov. 15. The game brought a positive end to a well played season.
BAILEY FLYNNSTAFF WRITER
As dancers crossed the stage of the Swisher Theatre, the spirit and precision of their movements captured the attention of the audience.
In each of the three performances of the Fall Dance Concert, which took place Nov. 13, 14 and 15, subtle cheers throughout the show culminated into resounding applause as the curtains were drawn closed.
These audible accolades
responded not only to the performance, but to months of concept development, rehearsal, and creativity of the performers.
Lana Heylock, assistant professor of dance, explained the schedule of a typical dancer at JU. Each dancer takes 20 hours of dance classes per week, in addition to anywhere from three to 20 hours of extracurricular rehearsal time. This could mean 23 to 40 hours per week dancing, preparing for this concert to showcase to the school and Jacksonville community.
“It is always a thrill to see
The Jacksonville UniversiTy sTUdenT newspaper november 19, 2014 volUme 71 issUe 5 JUdolphinmedia.com
JACKSONVILLE UNIVERSITY
CONTINUED PAGE 13
CONTINUED PAGE 6
FEATURES
“Move, Sweat and Smile” Tanja Leiser Teaches Zumba, Salsas the Stress Away Page7
Campus Grounds - VandalismLarge potted plants dumped and
scattered on the sidewalk
11/15 - 5:45 PMShircliff Hall - Alcohol Violation
Security dispatched for noise complaint and noted alcohol violation
10/31 - 7:14 AMDolphin Green - Vandalism
Trash cans were knocked over and three light poles were damaged
10/30 - 4:25 AMOak Hall - Vandalism
Exit sign found vandalized in Oak Hall
10/26 - 3:06 AMOak Hall - Alcohol Violation
Beer pong table confiscated by RAs in Oak Hall.
GABRIELE HICKMAN COPY EDITOR
Give Thanks for Sunday
For those traveling for Thanksgiving, traffic is predicted to be better on Sunday than Saturday, according to Nov. 18 article in the Daily News. The Google study produced other traffic findings, including labeling Wednesday as the worst day to drive with peak traffic between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. Thanksgiving day is predicted to have the lightest traffic.
Storm Overturns Vehicles
After a severe storm Monday afternoon, two tractor-trailers overturned on the Dames Point Bridge, according to a Nov. 17 News 4 Jax article. The driver of the tractor-trailer near the top of the bridge was taken to a hospital with minor injuries. The driver of the other vehicle was not injured.
Colder Than Alaska: Arctic Blast
Much of the states in the contiguous U.S. are receiving lower temperatures than Alaska, according to a Nov. 16 article from The Weather Channel. Experts say this is due to a large, upper-level ridge that has developed over Alaska and locked in more moderate air. Abnormally cold weather is expected to continue throughout the states in upcoming days.
2 • THE NAVIGATOR • NOVEMBER 19, 2014
JU CAMPUSBEAT
The Jacksonville University Wind Ensemble
performs their music and adds a touch of
visual arts into a slideshow as they play
their music with conductor Artie
Clifton.
President Tim Cost awards
PepsiCo Chairm
an and Chief
Executive Indra K. Nooyi the
inaugural Jacksonville
University
Presidential Global Citizen Award Nov. 1
3.
The JU Sociology Club donated twelve
baskets of food that were delivered to the
Arlington Family Resource Center
Nov. 17. There was extra food left over
for donation.
Just a MinuteNews Around the World
Jacksonville University’s Student Newspaper
2800 University Blvd. NJacksonville, FL 32211Main office: (904) 256-7526
EDITORIAL POLICYThe views represented in The Navigator’s columns and editorials do not necessarily represent those of the faculty, staff, or administration of Jacksonville University. 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 e-mail address, and should be e-mailed to [email protected]. Please limit them to 300 words or less. The Navigator reserves the right to refuse publication or edit any material on the basis of clarity, space, or journalistic ethics.
KEITH SALIBA, PH. D. FACULTY ADVISOR, CONTENT
DENNIS STOUSE FACULTY ADVISOR, BUSINESS
CORRECTIONSIn the Oct. 29 issue, Director of the Public Policy Institue Richard Mullaney was misidentified as Congressional Representative Ander Crenshaw. Student Brion Youngs name was mispelled.
THE NAVIGATOR
PHOTO COURTESY OF JU MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS
PHOT
O CO
URTE
SY O
F SOC
IOLO
GY C
LUB
PHOTO BY MADELINE HAMRICK
EDITORIAL THE NAVIGATOR • NOVEMBER 19, 2014 • 3
PRINCE AGYEMANG-GYAU JUSA VICE PRESIDENT
Ginormous buildings, wide asphalt roads, light-skinned people, dark-skinned people, and people of mixed complexion exuding American smiles were all I could see at every turn. No more bamboo-thatched huts, concrete-tarred roads or Ghanaian smiles. It was all about “The Benjamins.”
“Ha! Welcome to America!!” I shouted as I left Jacksonville International Airport escorted by Davina Hamilton to begin my journey at Jacksonville University. Back home in Ghana, legend has it that America was the closest thing to God. And I couldn’t agree more; I was in Heaven.
It’s been four years and every single day has been a dream come true. Where I come from, education is all about GPA, so my early days at this University were focused on excelling academically. But being elected as the vice president of the Jacksonville University Student Alliance was one of the most prestigious, and yet frightening, moments of my educational experience. I was responsible for the JU student body, and for a guy whose biggest dream was to come to America, this was unreal. However, I was determined to serve.
This term, JUSA has been able to accomplish a lot, but I will leave the electorate to judge us. And being my own worst critic, I think there is more room for improvement. So far, we have been able to increase the visibility of JUSA and its distinguished reps. Fall elections was highly successful and the addition of 10 reps expedited the implementation of our
agenda. Notable among them was the highly debated Tobacco-Free Campus initiative. The tobacco-free campus survey results revealed a 64 percent in favor of a Tobacco-Free campus. This was a clear indication that Jacksonville University is not ready for a Tobacco-Free campus. For now, we are focused on implementing measures to enhance the enforcement of the current JU non-smoking policy to protect our fellow dolphins who cannot afford the consequences of second-hand smoke.
Policies we have in the pipeline include a Student Appeals Board, which will work on hearing students’ appeals on disciplinary actions and a Student Fee Structure, which is likely to tremendously increase funds
made available to clubs and organizations. Also, we are currently working with a few organizations to host a Christmas party on Dec. 5 at the River House.
It’s my 23rd birthday today and having the honored privilege to celebrate as vice president is the best birthday gift. With our dedicated executive board and representative cabinet, JUSA is
able to work with all levels of the University to ensure that the game changers hear the student voice. In order to do that, we need to hear from you. Help us bring about that change.
I encourage you to support JUSA in whatever way you can. We are here to serve you, so we need your support. Join us, join a club, go Greek, support athletics, show us your pride, join us on social media and come to our meetings. Tell us what you want, and we’ll do our best to make it happen.
The Great Expectations of 4 a.m.
PHOTO BY CHRISTINA KELSO
JUSA Voice A Journey of Achievement
I know. It’s a romantic image.
Deep in the depths of a dim, f luorescent-l it library, nestled between a tower of Red Bull cans and class notes,
the noble college student pores over a stack of tearstained textbooks at 4 a.m.
The clock ticks and fingers race against the keys of a laptop computer until, just in the knick-of-time, our weary-eyed scholar slams the books shut, rushes off to class,
delivers a flawless presentation, and heads off to work a shift at a part-time job – all in the name of academia.
Unfortunately, reality is often darker than romance, and this collegiate reality comes with more dark circles.
As the year winds down into final projects and exams, and student anxieties wind up, I feel that this is an appropriate time to confront this ideal.
It has taken me nearly three-and-a-half years to figure out that it doesn’t work. Life can’t be fueled by an infinite cycle of caffeine and Ramen Noodles. Even so, I still spend much of my time trying to do so.
Often, sleep deprivation feels unavoidable.Things have to get done. We have to work.
We have to take care of our extracurricular responsibilities. We have to keep up with classes. All the while, we still have to be humans with physical, social and emotional needs.
In my own life, the answer has been to focus on how to take a step back and slow down.
I like to learn.I don’t like to fight to stay awake at 4
a.m., rushing through the latest onslaught of papers and presentations and chasing unrealistic expectations of collegiate perfection, all while being too tired to learn a damn thing.
I’m looking for something more from life than crossing the finish line of an academic
arms race, just to rush onto the starting line of a workplace rat race.
Besides, who wants to be up at 4 a.m. anyway? It’s both too early and too late at the same time. It is, hands down, the worst possible time on the face of the clock. You can take my word for it, or if you have nine minutes to spare for giggles, watch the Ted Talk “The 4 a.m. Mystery” at the QR code below.
PHOTO BY ALYSSA STEVENSON
The Nav in Philly National College Media Convention
PHOTOS BY CHRISTINA KELSO(Top) Navigator staff tries authentic Philadelphia cheesesteaks at the Reading Market. (Bottom left) Gabriele Hickman, junior communications major, strides through the Reading Market. (Bottom right) Patrick Wilkins, junior communications major, executes a heel click outside Philadelphia Marriott Downtown.
Ted Talk:“The 4 a.m. Mystery”
CHRISTINA KELSO EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
NEWS
BRITNEY BROUSSARDSTAFF WRITER
As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, some are headed home to relatives or planning to spend time with friends. Thanksgiving is a time to be with loved ones and catch up. It is also a time when you don’t have to worry about how much you eat; there is traditionally a big meal full of favorites such as mac and cheese, green beans, baked beans, turkey, honey glazed ham and of
course my favorite, pecan pie.In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I wanted
to see what favorite memories the JU community had to share. I interviewed four people, a junior, a senior and two sophomores, and this is what they had to say about Thanksgiving.
Holly Perret, Junior. “I remember one Thanksgiving three years
ago where I had my own place and I had
company over. It was the first Thanksgiving where I was doing all of the cooking. I had my mother’s recipes and followed everything to the letter. One thing I wanted to make, because I love them so much, is roasted nuts. I was very excited too because I spent a lot of money on cashews, pecans and almonds and then I put them in the oven. When I went to take them out of the oven, every single nut was pitch black. They looked like charcoal. I had to throw away the whole pan. Worst thing is my entire apartment smelled like
that much. It really is just an excuse to eat a nice home cooked meal since I eat out a lot and for all of my family to get together. The only difference in just spending time with family and sharing a meal is that my family is really into cooking. So it is also an excuse to have a big elaborate meal.”
Chris Lehane, Sophomore“I don’t really have a favorite Thanksgiving
memory; I think my favorite part of Thanksgiving is just spending time with family without the distractions. It is not a big deal, just a time to be with family and be thankful for what you have.”
Nathan Disch, Sophomore“To me, Thanksgiving also means being
with family. But it is also a time to watch football and eat a lot of good food, especially bread pudding.”
I think many of us can agree on three things about Thanksgiving. It is a time to be thankful, be with friends and family and a time where you can eat as much good food as you want without being judged. So I leave you with these parting words. Enjoy your family and friends, be thankful, and eat up.
GABRIELE HICKMAN COPY EDITOR
My dad found oatmeal in my bathroom drawer. He called me. I was a freshman at the time. I don’t remember where I was. I was probably walking the valley thinking, “I’m too young to be huffing and puffing up these steps” when I saw padre’s number appear on my phone. Incoming call.
“Hello?”“Gabi?”“Yeah.”“You know you have oatmeal in your
bathroom drawer?”I laughed. I wasn’t surprised. I was sixteen
hours away from that bathroom and I still managed to get oatmeal in the drawer.
Three years later, I’m still a mess. I haven’t found any oatmeal yet, but I have found one of my classmate’s assignments. How did it get here? I should probably return it tomorrow. I should definitely put it in my
backpack right now before I forget. Where’s my backpack? Let’s see, is it in the closet? No, but, oh I thought those jeans were dirty. Hot dog, I can wear them tomorrow. Let me lay them out before I forget. What was I doing? Yes, backpack. I think I left it in the car. Let me get my keys from my night
table. Oh no, I forgot to take that medicine last night. I should probably take that now before I forget. My alarm is going off. Why is my alarm going off? I didn’t write a subject. What am I supposed to be doing at 7:30 p.m. on a Wednesday?
If you’re like me, take heart. There is hope
for you yet.I always thought having a messy room
and a messy life was a bad thing. Not too surprising when you think about the messages we get constantly.
“Clean your room.”“Cleanliness is next to godliness.”“You know, Mary Douglas made a
connection between clean, open spaces and moral righteousness. We’re going to need you to uphold societal standards, now, if that’s okay with you.”
I get it. Being clean and tidy is a good thing. I would admit that finding oatmeal in your bathroom drawer is possibly not the greatest token to you being a responsible adult. I’m not trying to disregard organized people. Their way of life is enviable for many of us who are messy. But I do want to provide a glimpse of a different perspective for those who like to keep their clothes littered around their room and their books
not on the bookshelves.The glimpse is simple. Ready? You’re okay.
Your messy room, if not unhealthy, is fine. It is not always correlated to your mental health. It is not always correlated to your responsibility. What you are is creative.
The New York Times, Psychological Science, and the lives of Albert Einstein, Mark Twain and Steve Jobs will tell you that your messy room is proof of a genius creative mind.
So the next time someone makes you feel bad for your messy room, just ever so pretentiously tell them, “I’m sorry. Busy being a creative genius over here.”
Actually, maybe don’t say that. Pick up your clothes. Then smile to yourself as you finish the next great American novel or develop a new technology that I will lose somewhere in my room.
ILLUSTRATION BY ISABEL MARIDSA
4 • THE NAVIGATOR • NOVEMBER 19, 2014
Family, Friends, Homemade Bread Pudding As Thanksgiving Approaches, Students Recall Cherished Thanksgiving Memories
The Oatmeal in Your Bathroom DrawersWhat I Found While (Not) Cleaning My Room
“If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?”
Albert Einstein, Ph.D.
NEWS
GABRIELE HICKMAN COPY EDITOR
The Jacksonville storm was so intense Monday that two live hickory trees snapped like twigs. Clean up has commenced in the Arlington area as well as the Jacksonville University campus. This area received the most powerful part of the storm.
A fallen tree blocking part of University Boulevard was removed Tuesday at approximately 12:45 p.m. Jacksonville’s Department of Public Works said they will drive through the area looking for defects in the trees.
Wind gusts tore off the awning over the gas pumps at a BP station at St. Johns Bluff and Monument Road.
Approximately 2,500 people in the Arlington area remained without power late Monday night.
Although there is still debris on JU’s campus, much of it has been swept away.
THE NAVIGATOR • NOVEMBER 19, 2014 • 5
Severe Storm Shreds Campus Campus Clean-Up Commences After Damage from Winds
SNAPCHAT BY MARA STROBELSophomore English major, Mara Strobel sends a snapchat of sophomore marine science major, Hannah Knighton posing next to a downed tree by the river.
FACEBOOK POST BY SARAH PAMPLINJunior vocal performance major, Sarah Pamplin, posts images of the havoc wreaked across campus Monday, Nov. 17.
FACEBOOK POST BY JACKSONVILLE UNIVERSITY SAILING TEAMThe sailing team posted images of the strewn boats from Monday’s storm, Nov. 17.
SOCIAL MEDIA REACTION
PHOTO BY ALYSSA STEVENSON
PHOTO BY CHRISTINA KELSOPHOTO BY CHRISTINA KELSO
PHOTO COURTESY OF JACKSONVILLE UNIVERSITY SAILING TEAM
PHOTO BY ALYSSA STEVENSON
EDITORIAL
happened on Saturday Nov. 15, but they did.During the evening of Friday the Nov.
14, the day before the final regular season football game, JU Athletic Director Donald Horner was forced by the poor judgment of past administrations to tell the current student-athletes of the football program that they would not be eligible for post-season play.
Horner felt obligated to clean up the mess of past indiscretions and was forced to look the members of the football team in the eyes and tell them that their last game would be against Campbell University the following day and not in the FCS tournament.
“I’ve given a lot of speeches in my life,” Horner said. “I’m a former Army guy, a battalion commander, a company commander, [in] the conflict in Panama. I’ve had to rise to the occasion on several occasions to give those really tough speeches. This was among the toughest. [It] kept me awake at night.”
In a statement released by the JU President’s Office just minutes before Horner met with the football team, the school announced that, because of improper financial aid benefits that previous JU football teams had received, the administration withdrew the team from contention of the PFL title and any possible post-season berth.
“During a recent examination by the University of its overall financial aid practices, the current administration determined there were irregularities with respect to our football program, and we immediately launched an independent review,” President Tim Cost said in his official statement. “The results of that review, which we just recently received, regrettably revealed that previous senior administrators awarded financial aid in the form of scholarships to football players in apparent violation of Pioneer Football League (PFL) rules.”
None of the teams in the PFL are able to award scholarships or financial aid based on athletic ability and when a department,
like the football program, gets awarded a certain amount of money for financial aid, the other programs on campus must be awarded the same amount of financial aid. A survey that JU was asked to complete showed the discrepancies in this area, and the administration was quick to act.
“I hope we’re making it clear that, across the board, JU is going to do the right thing by its students, their families and the people we compete with,” Cost said. “This [decision to withdraw from the PFL championship] falls in that category.”
Moving ForwardThere are concerns that still have to be
addressed for the students and their families, and the first is whether or not their current financial aid will be honored by the school.
“Yes,” Cost said in his statement. “They will continue to receive financial assistance as always. They have done nothing wrong and we will honor our commitment to them.”
That may help ease the minds of some students and parents, especially those that can’t afford the tuition costs. However, questions remain, such as, will there be further sanctions imposed on the team?
“Jacksonville University is cooperating fully with the PFL and are working within their review process,” Cost said in his statement. “They will appoint a committee to review this. Final resolution is expected in the spring of 2015.”
San Diego University had the same infractions come to light in 2013 and proceeded in the same manner as the JU administration has. There were no further sanctions for the Toreros of San Diego.
Are the rumors true that the school might shut the football program down?
“No,” Cost said in his statement. “We have no plans to discontinue the football program, but we are committed to doing things the right way.”
Closure With a WinThe news came as a surprise to the coaches,
the JU community, but most importantly, to the players and their families.
Although it would have been easy to throw in the towel and give up, the Dolphins did not do that. Rather than not giving any effort, knowing that the game against Campbell was their last, the Dolphins came out ready to win and beat the Camels 45-19.
“Our kids have persevered through tough times,” said Kerwin Bell, head football coach. “They’ve been fighters. All we can do in our last game together is just go out and represent JU in a first-class manner.”
On a day in which anyone would understand a let down and a loss athletic and a loss would be understandable, the Dolphins persevered one last time, for pride and respect.
No championship was necessary for the Dolphins to show that they have been the best team in the PFL this year. No playoff berth was needed to show the league who the real no. 1 team in the PFL is.
The Dolphins walked onto that field and continued to hold their heads high with confidence. They continued to show loyalty towards one another. They showed the brotherhood that was created throughout this season in the locker room and they showed that even the beaten can get back up and continue with their winning ways.
They did it for their coaches, their families, the seniors that were playing their last game, the parents of Rico Tillman, but most importantly, they did it for themselves as one.
When asked about how he viewed this year’s football squad, President Cost had but one quick and short message, but a powerful and meaningful one.
“Despite the decision made,” Cost said. “They are champions at our University.”
Football Program in State of ShockContinued from Page 1
6 • THE NAVIGATOR • NOVEMBER 19, 2014
Solar Panel Charging Station PepsiCo Brings Outdoor Electronic Solar Charging Station to JU
ALYSSA STUBBS BUSINESS MANAGER
Since Friday, Nov. 7, a blue, unusually stocky umbrella and picnic table combination has sat on the deck just outside of Chick-fil-A. A small sign clarifies its purpose, to use energy from the sun’s rays to recharge personal electronic devices.
The solar charging station, the first one
on Jacksonville University’s campus, is an expression of PepsiCo’s stated ongoing sustainability initiative.
“We have a strong partnership with PepsiCo as an institution,” said Clayton Levins, presidential fellow. “They’re finding innovative ways to engage students with both their product and technology that is sustainable and forward-thinking. This is a wonderful expansion of our brand
partnership and a true manifestation of PepsiCo’s dedication to what we’re trying to do on campus in becoming more sustainable.”
According to Levins, the station’s installation had to “move quickly” in advance of PepsiCo chief executive officer Indra Nooyi’s visit to JU on Thursday, Nov. 13. Levins said Nooyi appeared very excited, and the response of the JU community has
been encouraging as well.“I definitely think there’s positive
feedback,” said Levins. “I think it still has to work its way into the culture, if you will, and the recent bad weather hasn’t helped.”
In test runs, however, Levins had no complaints.
“It works very well,” he said.
PHOTO BY MICHELLE DAVIDSON(Top) De’Andre Randle. senior sports management major rolls outside in anticipation for a catch. (Bottom) Mike Klein, senior accounting major, walks off the field for the last time.
NEWS
GABRIELLE HICKMANCOPY EDITOR
Iggy Azalea was rowdy. Her voice bounced off of the floor-to-ceiling mirrors from powerful speakers. Another voice shouted “you’re going to have to scream, the music is loud.” Feet sashayed in rhythm. Arms punched the air. At the front of the room, an instructor raised her left hand in the air to provide a visual count for her class. One. Two. Then the right hand. One. Two.
Tanja Leiser, smiled as she led her class in dance and exercise. The senior management and marketing major uses her background and minor in dance to provide Jacksonville University with the aerobic experience of zumba.
“Since I have been dancing all my life, I was happy and super excited to hear about the new hype called zumba,” Leiser said. “It is an entire body workout which is not noticeable at first because it feels more like dancing in a club.”
Since the workout blends latin dance styles such as the merengue, salsa, cumbia, soca and samba with squats, lunges and other fitness exercises, Leiser registered for an instructor training course in Germany. In eight hours on a Saturday and eight on a Sunday, Leiser learned how to choreograph workout songs, structure a class, prevent injuries and effectively lead.
“I was dancing and teaching hip-hop for
several years already,” Leiser said. “I love this powerful and energetic way of moving and I was pretty successful at it, too. In 2010, I heard about zumba and got curious. Just like dancing hip-hop, zumba enables me to fully dedicated myself to the individual music, have fun with it, and enjoy the high energy workout. This is why I decided to become an instructor.”
Leiser moved to JU from Hassloch, Germany so she could combine her two passions of management and dance. Since coming, she has found a home and purpose.
“Being so far away from home, I felt like I was taken care of at JU,” Leiser said. “I am not just a student ID number on this campus. I have a name and a face that people know.”
Leiser wants to earn an MBA at JU and combine management and dance in her future career.
“Various internships have showed me that event management and live entertainment make this possible,” Leiser said. “My ambition is to find something in this field which will enable me to grow this passion and my abilities. I was thinking about a management position at Cirque du Soleil or events management in Disney World, for example.”
From balancing school and her job as an instructor, Leiser treasures the freedom zumba gives her.
“I feel like I am full of energy and out of worries,” Leiser said. “I seriously do not
think about anything when doing zumba. I am not worried about homework, what groceries to buy, or when to do laundry. This is what others tell me after class as well. It’s a great way to get your mind off and get your smile on. Unfortunately, it goes by too fast.”
Aluot Anei-Yor, senior aviation management major, and Runy Mudiaga-Erhueh, senior accounting major, have attended many of Leiser’s zumba classes and enjoy the same freedom Leiser experiences.
“If you like dancing, then zumba is for you,” Mudiaga-Erhueh said. “Tanja is a really patient teacher and you don’t have to know the steps the first day. You can take your time and if you don’t understand it, you can just watch the other people until you get used to it.”
Fear of not understanding the moves or being a bad dancer often race through the minds of students before they attend a zumba class. Leiser encourages these students to come and have fun without this burden.
“I tell students not to be afraid to make mistakes because I will make mistakes too,” Leiser said. “I might forget the next part of the song and everybody has a big laugh because I confuse everyone else then. But it doesn’t matter. I simply want my students to move, sweat, and smile. Don’t worry about the steps. Simply have fun and laugh a lot.”
Since the music is fast and the atmosphere “fun,” Anei-Yor said the smile on Leiser’s
face makes everything better for nervous participants.
“Just stay in the back and you’ll be fine,” she said.
The most enjoyable time for Leiser is in December when she teaches zumba Christmas classes to Christmas songs. She is also teaching zumba step, where an aerobics stepper is added to the dance moves, toning the lower body.
“Move, Sweat and Smile”Tanja Leiser Teaches Zumba, Salsas the Stress Away
THE NAVIGATOR • NOVEMBER 19, 2014 • 7
DJESSIKA BEZERRASTAFF WRITER
The eighth annual Jacksonville University Fall Arts & Crafts/Bake Fair took place Friday, Nov. 14, at the Kinne Center. The Fair displayed a variety of products, ranging from paintings and glass art to Christmas ornaments, jewelry, wine, honey and jelly. Different tables displayed different products with different purposes. Even though this event was about arts, crafting and baking, the main attractions were linked to solidarity and contribution to good causes. Two examples were the Operation Christmas Child and the HOPE Elpis International Program.
The fair was not designed only for Jacksonville students and faculty. It also exposed products from people and institutions of the surrounding area, such as churche
Operation Christmas Child, sponsored by the Samaritan’s Purse organization, had an extensive display of hand crafted Christmas ornaments and candles. Their purpose was to raise funds to send boxes full of gifts to children from undeveloped countries, such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The representatives at the fair explained that
all the money from the sales is directed to the shipping costs of sending the boxes overseas. The hosts were members of a local Christian church and they participated in the fair to spread the word about the Operation and gather funds.
The Honors Department of Jacksonville University was selling baked goods in order to raise money for the cause they have been linked to for years. The HOPE Elpis International program focuses on under privileged orphan children from Ethiopia. The administrative coordinator of the Honors program, Mrs. Linda Christoffersen, explained that on February of every year she travels to Ethiopia for ten days and helps the children by providing financial support for education and food. She further developed that it is possible to sponsor a child and make a monthly payment in order to provide them with food and quality education. Mrs. Christoffersen stated “I do sponsor three children. I pay thirty dollars a month and they get three meals a day, private schooling and medical assistance.” She got emotional when she was sharing the content of a letter she received from the oldest of her sponsored children. The child wrote to her that even though she never got to know her parents,
she considered Mrs. Linda her loving mother and father. The administrative director of the Honors program emphasized the cultural difference by adding that a haircut in Ethiopia costs approximately two dollars but the ingredients to bake a cake cost about seventy five dollars. Mrs. Christoffersen ensured that the raised funds were entirely directed to the children and absolutely no
profit was made.Not only has this event provided the
opportunity for the surrounding community to display their crafted and baked goods but it also stepped up a level by including honorable causes. The fair was successful in increasing the awareness of locally supported organizations that contribute to noble causes.
Wine bottle lights, hand-crafted by Bonnie O’Steen, sister-in-law of JU Coordinator of Facilities Deborah Guy, illuminate Guy’s table at the Eighth Annual Fall Arts and Crafts Fair.
PHOTO BY ALYSSA STEVENSONTanja Leiser, senior marketing and management major, teaches zumba Tues. at 6 p.m. in the Fitness Center.
Eighth Annual Fall Arts and Crafts Fair Students and Community Sell Crafts and Products Nov. 14
FEATURES 8 • THE NAVIGATOR • NOVEMBER 19, 2014
Glitz, Glamour and Drag Race 2014Dolphin Productions Promotes Diversity, Tolerance in Style
GABRIELE HICKMAN COPY EDITOR
That night, she was a celebrity. Wearing a gold and purple animal print swimsuit and a gold sarong, Stephanie Cost, Jacksonville University’s presidential spouse, danced a choreographed blend of the salsa and the samba to the enthusiastic crowd in Lazzara Performance Hall at the University of North Florida. Though the crowd cheered and applauded, fame was not the reason why Cost chose to participate in Jacksonville’s Dancing with the Stars.
Jacksonville’s Dancing with the Stars is a local fundraiser for the Jacksonville Children’s Chorus, a community music program dedicated to providing a high-quality, choral music education for children of diverse backgrounds. The Chorus began in 1995 when JU’s former president, Fran Kinne and Jon Carlson, Ph.D., vocal conductor and director of music at that time, drew the framework for the choir. Cost danced to honor those who started this opportunity.
“It’s been rewarding knowing I’ve been raising money for a good cause like [the Jacksonville Children’s Chorus],” Cost said. “I’ve been told that there are many musical theater and vocal students on campus that have been in the children’s chorus. Part of their musical education has had a place in their college career choice.”
The Nov. 15 performance brought nine competitors, and by the end of the night,
approximately $130,000 for the Jacksonville Children’s Chorus. Cost alone raised approximately $27,000 and came second place. Each vote for a candidate was $1.
“There are a lot of generous people in Jacksonville,” Cost said. “The event usually raises approximately $150,000 for the Children’s Chorus.”
The dance went well, Cost said. The three judges gave her and her partner, Samuel
Penalba from the dance studio A Social Affair, all 9’s.
“I have never had dance experience, though I’ve always enjoyed dancing,” Cost said. “It’s been much more challenging then I have guessed. The top of your body is going one way and the bottom part of your body
is going another way. There’s a lot more to it than I understood. I have a new appreciation for dancers.”
Cost was training for Jacksonville’s Dancing with the Stars three times a week since the month of July, and now feels more confident in her dance skills.
“I went to a wedding recently and [Tim Cost and I] both danced much better since I’ve learned how to dance,” Cost said.
Even though her confidence increased, Cost still had moments of nervousness in the days before the event.
“I go through periods of nerves and then I just talk myself out of it,” Cost said. “You have to have perspective. I’m sure I will be nervous that night, but I’m fairly confident
I can do the routine. I’ve practiced a lot and I know it well. It will be very interesting to know how well we can do it.”
Cost’s persistence helped her achieve second place, runner-up to Alexandra Ackerman, vice president and co-director of Iridium Holdings, and her partner, Larry Audije.
“[Jacksonville’s Dancing with the Stars] is another example of always trying to continue to push yourself and get out of your comfort zone,” Cost said. “That’s what I’m trying to do here in Jacksonville.”
Training for the event included exercise, an amount that was surprising to Cost.
“I have definitely toned up muscles I didn’t know I had,” Cost said. “The difficulty kind of surprised me.”
A tentative watch party of the event might be held at the Riverhouse if students are interested, Cost said. She was very appreciative of the support from the community and the university, but laughed at the idea of being a Jacksonville celebrity.
“It’s a little bit embarrassing, I have to say,” Cost said. “I don’t feel I am a star in any sense of the word.”
Cost enjoyed getting to know people at the Jacksonville Children’s Chorus and looks forward to more opportunities to learn new skills and do something different.
“Winning wasn’t the main reason for doing it,” Cost said. “Just the experience and finding something new and hoping to get the university’s name in the community again.”
Stephanie Cost Shines Bright in the Starlight$27,000 Raised for Children’s Chorus in Jacksonville’s Dancing With the Stars
PHOTO BY MADELINE HAMRICK
Fiery attitudes and a flair of personality took over the Swisher Theatre as fifteen drag queens took the stage. Five glamorous guest queens and 10 Jacksonville University students promoted diversity, tolerance and acceptance on campus Nov. 18 at Dolphin Productions Drag Race 2014.
Dancing on stage, in the crowd, and sometimes on audience members, drag queens “Trinity Kardashian Bonet,” Joshua Jones, and “Monica Beverly Hillz,” Juan DeJesus Anaya, performed vibrantly and talked about their journeys as contestants on LOGO television series, “RuPaul’s
Drag Race.” The show is designed to teach contestants how to be comfortable in their own skin and to encourage viewers to respect all people, disregarding race, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, gender, and interests.
Representatives from a variety of student
groups on campus, including the Honors Student Association, Black Student Union, Gay-Straight Alliance, Biology Department and Greek Life, competed for the title of Drag Race Champion amidst a raucous crowd.
Kat Goldammer, representing biology, took the first place crown and scepter.
BAILEY FLYNN STAFF WRITER
PHOTO COURTESY OF STEPHANIE COST
FEATURES
SARAH JURKOICARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
The Annual Juried Student Exhibition is a culmination of students’ hopes and dreams, trials and tribulations. On Thursday November 13 the gallery doors opened and friends and family flooded in to see these efforts rewarded.
“Being accepted is an honor. Being rejected is a fact of life,” said Jim Benedict Assistant Professor of Sculpture.
Art students across disciplines submitted works. Guest juror Dan Brown, Arts and Entertainment Editor for Folio Weekly, contributed an adjudicatory word to the 2D submissions saying “work submitted on foam board isn’t going to wow anybody.” However he was “impressed by the range of work” and called the show “all in all fantastic.”
Not everyone in the show is actually an art major. Junior marine science major Charlie Canepa exhibited a rose made of steel that has been an ongoing work in his intro to sculpture class with Jim Benedict.
“I just feel so happy to be able to be a part of this show with so many talented artists,” Canepa said.
Stephanie Morales, junior illustration major won the award for 2D art. She strives for drama in her work and draws inspiration from 19th century printmaker Gustav Dore and 18th century painter Henry Fuseli for their lighting and composition.
“It feels really good, I totally forgot they were having awards. It was nice being able to win with Aprilyn she’s a really good friend,” Morales said.
Catherine Plesko, a senior major in ceramics, earned the award for 3D art with her “Beautiful Day” series a six piece compilation which utilizes the agateware process. She uses 5 different colored clays to create the series which explores water and atmosphere.
Aprilyn Cunanan, junior animation major, won the award for 4D art.
“I didn’t expect it actually,” said Cunanan. “It’s my first showing at a gallery. I’m surprised and pleased and really excited.”
She weathered through a program she was unfamiliar with to put together an animation inspired by feminine
rights of passage. Her character’s journey of self discovery struck a personal note.
“I see herself in me going to find out who she is,” Cunanan said.
Junior photography major Michelle Davidson won the award for 3rd place over all. She submitted five photographs and all of them were selected to be in the exhibition.
“I’m excited and proud of myself for submitting and following through,” Davidson said about the award.
She took particular pride in a photo featuring a dancer who also happens to be a “good friend” of hers. The photograph was a class assignment meant to highlight the use of ‘blur’ in photography. This was a particular challenge for Davidson because she had never shot with blur before.
“The photo was a happy accident,” said Davidson. “You have to be patient when you’re working with a moving subject. Sometimes you have to stay longer to get the perfect shot. A dancer works so hard to keep people’s attention, it’s the same for photographers.”
The Best in Show award was given to Amalia Galdona, a senior double majoring in sculpture and art history for her anthropomorphic sculpture that she modeled after a deceased family member who died in the twenties by setting herself on fire.
“It’s interesting to come from a family with these eccentric siblings. I think there are interesting characters in everyone’s family,” Galdona said. “Family means a lot to me so I started there for a concept. It’s a ridiculous amount of work and
PHOTO BY ALYSSA STEVENSON Students, faculty and guests gather at the Alexander Brest Gallery for the opening of the 2015 Annual Student Exhibition on Thursday Nov. 13th from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
PHOTO BY ALYSSA STEVENSON Best in show winner, senior sculpture and art history major Amalia Galdona’s Candelaria.
PHOTO BY ADAM LOSEDan Brown, arts and entertainment editor for Folio weekly, served as the guest juror for the 2015 Annual Student Exhibition. He poses with best in show winner, senior sculpture and art history major Amalia Galdona (left), 4D winner, junior animation major Aprilyn Cunanan, 3D winner, senior ceramics major Catherine Plesko, 2D winner, senior illustration major, and 3rd place winner, sophomore photography major Michelle Davidson. Second place winner, sophomore photography major, Stefanie Keeler, was unable to attend the opening.
FEATURES 10 • THE NAVIGATOR • NOVEMEBR 19, 2014
PHOTOS COURTESY OF RHEA DRAKE(Left) Rhea Derke, biology and music business double major samples river water. (Top Middle) Cyanobacteria under a microscope. (Bottom Middle) Algal blooms at JU. (Right) Algal blooms on the surface of Doctors Lake in Clay County.
TAYLOR MONTGOMERY STAFF WRITER
Rhea Derke, biology and music business major and chemistry minor, is performing research on toxic algal blooms living in the St. Johns River.
“The blooms I’m referring to are the bright-green sludge you see on the river’s surface,” Derke said.
These blooms contain freshwater photosynthetic cyanobacteria, which can carry potential toxins. Working with Anthony Ouellette Ph.D., associate profesor of biology, Derke has been collecting samples at nine different sites along the St. John’s over the course of the last year. Each week, she travels a 66 mile route along the St. John’s
to collect her samples. Sites include the JU dock and various sites around Doctors Lake.
Derke began this research because she has always been fascinated by microorganisms.
“Getting the opportunity to research them was a dream come true,” Derke said. “The choice was not a hard one. It was meant to be.”
Derke is doing this research because she wants to know if there are any correlations between the populations at the nine sampling sites and how time of year and different environments impact the algal blooms. Derke and Ouellette are also looking at the level of toxins in the samples to determine the amount of risk associated with each blooming event. Derke hopes to be able to gain insight on how to predict the toxicity of these blooming
events in order to develop a way to warn outdoor enthusiasts about any potential health hazards related to the blooming.
Derke presented her preliminary findings at the American Society of Microbiology Southeastern Summit, and she finished collecting her samples at the end of October. Ouellette and Derke are working on writing a manuscript that they will submit for publication. Derke hopes to present her research at The National Undergraduate Research Conference (NCUR) this spring.
“I will miss looking at my samples under the microscope,” Derke said. “ It is amazing to see a world that is usually hidden from us, and to see the amazing amount of diversity between the samples.”
Derke plans to “add another element” to
the study in the spring semester. The purpose of this side study will be to better understand the genetic relationship of the cyanobacteria populations. Derke’s part in the study will likely conclude when she graduates in the spring.
“I’ve seen some really cool stuff,” Derke said. “It’ll be hard to leave it behind when it’s all over.”
Derke will graduate this spring and attend graduate school in the fall. Her goal is to achieve admittance into a Ph.D. program in molecular microbiology, virology or structural biochemistry. Derke’s passion for research and the scientific process will aid in her success in whatever field she chooses to pursue.
Student Research: Cyanobacteria Rhea Derke Researches Toxic Algal Blooms in the St. Johns River
Located at 7001 Merrill RdPhone: (904)-524-8429In the Publix shopping center
The sixth annual Right Whale Festival was held Saturday, Nov. 17 at the Jacksonville Beach Seawalk Pavilion.
The North Atlantic right whales are a critically endangered species and it is estimated that there are only approximately 400 of them left in existence. The Right Whale Festival, put on by the Sea to Shore Alliance, is a celebration for the return of the North Atlantic right whales to their calving grounds, which are located near Jacksonville. The purpose of the Right Whale Festival is to educate the community and raise awareness
about the critical condition of the right whale species.
Three of JU’s marine science clubs join in the festival each year including Rho, Rho, Rho; The Dolphin Divers Club; and ECO SOS.
Jeremy Stalker, Ph.D., assistant professor of marine science, was in attendance, along with approximately 15 JU students.
Christina LoBuglio, sophomore marine science major, and Olivia Alford, junior marine science minor, worked together at a festival booth designed to educate children about right whales.
“We ask them a question about right
whales, and if they get it right they get a stamp,” LoBuglio said. “We just want to teach the kids about right whales in a fun way so that we can spread awareness and they have fun at the same time.”
Other JU students were operating an obstacle course for children to run through. There was a “propeller” obstacle made out of Styrofoam pool noodles and a large area of fishing nets and garbage that the child-whales had to navigate.
Kelsey Doutghten, senior marine science major, has attended the Right Whale Festival since she was a freshman. Doutghten is a member of all three clubs that were in attendance.
“It’s mostly marine science people,” Doutghen said. “It’s just a fun event to go to and it’s a good way to spread awareness about the whales.”
Doutghten was running the propeller section of the obstacle course.
“It’s a fun way for the kids to learn about the right whales and realize the impact that we have on them,” Doutghten said.
The North Atlantic right whales began migrating to the Southeastern U.S. in November and will leave in mid-spring, once their calving season is over. JU’s marine science clubs plan to continue to playing an active role in spreading awareness about this critically endangered species
THE NAVIGATOR • NOVEMBER 19, 2014 • 11
Sixth Annual Right Whale FestivalMarine Science Clubs Educate and Raise Awareness in Community
PHOTO BY ALYSSA STEVENSON
(Left) On Saturday, Nov. 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. the Crazy Daysies played at the Seawalk Pavilion for the Right Whale Festival. (Middle) The Right Whale Festival held many treasures, including the left jar which contains copepods, a group of small crustaceans that make up the diet of the right whales. The jar on the right contains cyamids, also known as whale lice. Cyamids are amphipod crustaceans that live on various whale species; they make up the big white spots on the right whales. (Right) From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Seawalk Pavilion in Jacksonville Beach, the Right Whale Festival provided information about the right whales as well as other species native to this area. The various pamphlets contained facts about right whales and what we can do to protect them.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
BAILEY FLYNNSTAFF WRITER
On Sat., Nov. 8 a voice full of range and control filled the air in the Riverhouse with an acoustic guitar playing in the background. The audience watched as Summer Goodman performed the songs from her new album “Greatest Fears.” This event was held in order to promote the album release of Goodman as one of Dolphinium Record’s newest rising stars.
Michael Olson, Ph.D., assistant professor of music business and technology, was present at the event as the director of Dolphinium Records. This program was started seven years ago by Professor of Commercial Music and Recording Thomas Harrison, Ph.D., who is now division chair.
Olsen said that Dolphinium Record’s goal consists of “reorienting the music label that exists not just at JU, but in the community and in the region of North Florida.”
“We’re not trying to stay true to any one genre, trying to push a label in any one direction, but we are looking for talent to support locally and regionally,” Olsen said
As people sat waiting for Goodman to perform, the atmosphere was relaxed with
many speaking among themselves.Music played in the background as other
guest singers performed before Goodman came on stage to sing. When she began to perform, there was loud applause welcoming the talent that did not disappoint the audience.
Goodman began singing in church when she was 10-years-old. Originally from Detroit, Mich., she moved to Jacksonville, Fla. at the age of 6 and claims the city as her hometown. She began writing songs on cassette tapes, and eventually transitioned to performing, singing, and writing as she grew older.
Goodman described her experience with Dolphinium Records, her first time recording in a studio, as “really great with super nice, helpful people.”
Looking toward the future, Dolphinium Records hopes to both strengthen the label’s presence within the JU and further build its community presence throughout the city of Jacksonville and throughout Northeast Florida.
Dolphinium Records is in the process of strengthening campus presence and building a wider community network.
12 • THE NAVIGATOR • NOVEMBER 19, 2014
Dolphinium Records Showcases Artist Summer Goodman’s Riverhouse Performance Promotes Her Album “Greatest Fears”
PHOTO BY MADELINE HAMRICKMamie Small, sophomore viola player, and Evan Peterson, senior percussionist joined Summer Goodman in helping her present her new album to the students of Jacksonville University.
LOVELY VALBRUNSTAFF WRITER
“Shoes transform your body language and
attitude. They lift you physically and emotionally,” said Christian Louboutin, French footwear designer. “High heels are pleasure with pain.”
As the most sought out shoe designer to
the stars, the creator of the famous “Red Bottoms” knows what he’s talking about.
Here’s a quick vocabulary lesson on the styles of heels.
Pick your poison:Peep toe: the tip is
cut away to leave the large toe partially exposed
Open toe: the tip is cut away to leave the
toes exposedStiletto: a tall, slim heel with a minimum
height of 4 inchesSlingback: backless and with a strap that
crosses behind the heel or ankleKitten: a short, slender heel, usually from
1 inch to 2 inches high with a slight curvePlatform: pump with thick soles at least 4
inches in heightMary Jane: closed, low-cut shoe with one
or more straps across the instepT-Strap: shoes which have a strap running
vertically up the foot, towards the ankleD’orsay: the vamp and the sides of the
shoe are cut away, revealing he arch of the foot and partially the toes
Wedge: occupies the entire space under the arch and heel portions of the foot
Scarpin: classic light shoe with a thin heelAnkle Strap: has a strap that completely
encircles the ankleThere’s a certain grey area. One pair of
heels can encompass many different aspects from the list as many women knows; this was just to cover the basics. “The average woman falls in love seven times a year. Only six are with shoes,” said Kenneth Cole, American clothing designer.
the months of rehearsal process come alive in performance,” Heylock said. “The pleasurable rush of performing comes from sharing the work with an audience. The lights, costumes, and emotional connection between performers and audience members truly creates a memorable evening.”
Several dance styles and techniques were spotlighted in the concert.
“The JU dance department always challenges its students with a diverse repertoire of multiple styles,” Heylock said. “ We pride ourselves in being versatile and professional. Our dancers are comfortable in classical ballet as well as contemporary work and hip-hop.”
The dances showcased included an upbeat piece titled “All of this Pressure is Making Diamonds,” choreographed by Cari Coble, that showcased the talent of many female dancers. “Crossroads,” choreographed by Heylock, was an emotional dance that brought tears to several audience members’ eyes through the tale of a love story. Other dances included “Hobby Bobby Hold,” choreographed by Michael Lomeka, which displayed the talents of dancers that had audience members turning to one another with wide eyes.
JU’s dance program also brought in guest choreographers such as contemporary artists, Ronen Koresh, Bliss Kohlmyer, and classical ballet artist Kristen Gallagher.
“Our dancers were highly challenged and greatly inspired by our diverse guests,” Heylock said. “Each of these talented and renowned artists gave their expertise and encouragement to the JU dancers.”
The technical craft of the show came together through the careful hands of many, including choreographers, costume designers, lighting designers, and stage crew.
“Dancing at Jacksonville University has provided a sense of unity between the other dancers in the program by combining our love for dancing,” said Summer Chatelain, freshman dance major.
Sophomore dance major Philippli Jackson shared his opinion on dancing during concerts as well.
“A dancer’s intention and motivation comes from the audience members coming to watch them,” Jackson said. “Some people usually like to perform for themselves, but I look at it as, when I perform, I am giving something to other people. This motivates me to perform my best.”
THE NAVIGATOR • NOVEMBER 19, 2014 • 13
PHOTO BY LAURA WALTER Jacksonville University dance majors Joshua Abbot (Senior), Jared Bogart (Junior), Robert Johnson (Senior) & Julian Rachal (Junior) heat up the stage during the Swipe performance at the 2014 Fall Dance Concert.
Dancers Receive Audible AccoladesContinued from Page 1
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Jazz in the Black BoxTraditional and Original Styles Collide
PHOTOS BY MADELINE HAMRICK(Top Left) Sophomore Giselle Ard takes the stage with her vocal talent singing “Bye Bye Blackbird” by Ray Henderson. (Bottom Left) Junior Markis Williams gets ready for his solo in the famous tune “Azule Serape” by Victor Feldman. (Right) Sophomore Deandre Lettsome puts his best foot forward in his saxophone solo.
SPORTS
PATRICK WILKINS SPORTS EDITOR
Even though the soccer season is over for the men’s and women’s squads, the awards that both teams have brought home this post-season allow for the excitement to linger around a little longer. Both squads brought home all-conference honors for numerous players.
Women’sThe women brought home seven all
conference honors starting with senior forward Kaitlyn Bassett. Bassett was named to the first team all-conference squad. The award is her fourth in four years at JU. Bassett notched four goals this season, including three game-winners, making her an easy selection for the committee.
Bassett is the fifth Dolphin and only the tenth student-athlete in A-Sun Women’s Soccer history to earn All-Conference honors in all four seasons, showing the prominence that the Lady Dolphins have on the soccer field.
Her fellow upper-classmen were not to be left out of the awards show. Redshirt senior goalkeeper Sarah Sierra, senior defender Miranda Fyfe, and junior midfielder Lindsay Forrest all claimed spots on the second team all-conference squad. They were joined by
freshman forward Sope Akindoju to round out the second team honors for the Dolphins.
Akindoju and freshmen midfielder Sami Koemans, were both named to the all-freshmen squad.
Men’s There were three players from the men’s
team that were honored with positions on the all-conference squads.
Junior defender Griffin Kelly and freshmen forward Ejiroghene Mrabure were both named to the second team all-conference squad. Mrabure was joined by freshmen midfielder Rijad Kobiljar on the all-freshmen squad.
“I’m very proud of the boys for being honored to the All-Conference teams,” said Mauricio Ruiz, men’s head soccer coach. “They are deserving of the merit, and they should be proud of themselves. We hope in the future to add more players to the All-Conference list.”
14 • THE NAVIGATOR • NOVEMBER 19, 2014
Soccer Season EndsMen’s and Women’s Teams Have Award Winners
JA’MESHA RICHARDSTAFF WRITER
On Nov. 14, Friday evening, Jacksonville University defeated their conference rival Stetson University at home in the Swisher Gymnasium 3-1.
The Dolphins’ record is now 15-13 overall, and 6-7 in conference.
Junior Sammie Strausbaugh recorded her 1,000th career dig this month. She is also the all-time kills leader in JU history.
Freshman Olga Nushtayeva had eight total blocks and Junior Ana Gabriella Nieto-Gomez had six total blocks and five kills.
In first and second sets Stetson quickly took the lead, however in the first set JU recovered quickly and claimed that set as their own. They were unable to complete the comeback in the second set and fell just a little short as Stetson won 25-19.
The third set was a tug-of-war. Jacksonville came out on top, winning with one kill by Emily Laskelle and another kill by Ana Nieto-Gomez.
Jacksonville led the way in the fourth set and won with a 25-20 victory.
The Dolphins carried the momentum from the win against Stetson into the following day’s game and defeated Florida Gulf Coast University in five sets.
Saturday evening in Swisher Gymnasium, the Dolphins extended their record to 16-
13, 7-7. FGCU is now 19-10, 11-3. Once the Dolphins beat FGCU, they secured the third seed in the Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament.
Junior Sammie Strausbaugh had 17 kills, 18 digs and four blocks. This is also her sixth straight match double - double. Freshman Olga Nushtayeva led on the defensive end with seven total blocks, and sophomore Rachel Miler had a game high of 25 digs.
The first and second set FGCU claimed as theirs with a wins of 25-18 and 25-15 respectively.
The third set, JU had a turn around and came back winning 24-19 with a kill by Olga Nushtayeva.
The fourth set was close, JU fought and won 25-13.
JU held nothing back in the fifth and final set and won 14-10 with a winning kill by Sammie Strausbaugh.
Stetson DefeatedWomen’s Volleyball Takes Down Rival
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PHOTO BY STEPHANIE KEELER JU’s Women’s Volleyball team braces and blocks a spike from Stetson Friday Nov. 14.PHOTO BY RYAN MONTEZ
Dolphin starters huddle up for one last time this season.
SPORTS
PATRICK WILKINS SPORTS EDITOR
The Jags had a much needed bye this week and I know what you’re thinking, “Finally the Jags won’t be in the headlines this week for being losers.” Wrong!
Dwayne Gratz, the defensive
back who was selected in the third round
of last year’s draft, was arrested in Miami on two misdemeanor counts of disorderly intoxication and trespassing after attempting to pay for household items with bubble gum.
If our 1-9 record wasn’t bad enough, we have a player that attempts to buy goods from a grocery store at 5 a.m. with bubble gum. Bubble Gum!
Immediately, I am taken back to the Trident Layers commercial in which a construction worker sulks as he says “no one ever pays me in gum.” Did Dwayne feel that people truly wanted to be paid in gum? Did he think this was an acceptable form of currency because of this dumb commercial?
I started to wonder what Gratz’ major was in college and I sincerely hope that it wasn’t any form of business. If it was, I would have
to seriously question the screening process that David Caldwell has in place.
Either way, the Jags just cannot catch a break, on or off the field. We show up on Sundays only to get our tails beat and we get laughed at. We have a bye week and Dwayne Gratz acts like a complete fool and we get laughed at.
As a Jaguar fan through and through, it is so incredibly difficult to get myself motivated for a game on Sunday when the players are doing committing dumb antics such as Gratz’ and I know there is a good chance the Jaguars will lose.
It is time for the stigma of Jacksonville to be lifted! We need another Tom Coughlin in our locker room. We need someone in our locker room that every player respects, looks
up to and, in a way, feels a little intimidated by. Gus Bradley might be the first two of those things, but he surely isn’t the intimidating force that this organization needs.
Of course, I’m going to get up this Sunday and make my way to EverBank Field, but I might be taking my time as opposed to rushing to the Jaguars’ imminent loss.-
On a side note, the Jaguars do activate Marcedes Lewis to the 53-man roster from the short-term IR and maybe that will have an impact on our lineup, but I’m not holding my breath. Allen Robinson broke his foot and is out for the rest of the year giving Marqise Lee and opportunity to salvage his rookie season that fans were so high on, but I’m not holding my breath. Word of advise, don’t hold your breath.
THE NAVIGATOR • NOVEMBER 19, 2014 • 15
PATRICK WILKINS SPORTS EDITOR
It is often difficult for someone to walk away from something that they absolutely love. The same goes for athletes, especially when the chances of playing at the next level are slim. Seventeen young men felt this gut-wrenching experience when they took the field for the last time against the Campbell Camels Nov. 15. Jacksonville University said goodbye to these players and their families as they were introduced to the crowd before
the opening kickoff. Below is a list of the seniors that gave everything they had for the JU Dolphins. These men played with honor and respect while wearing the JU uniform showing underclassmen what it takes to be a JU Dolphin.
Jordan Dewhirst (DB)
Blythe Weaver (DB)
Tre Davis (LB)
Schon Thomas (DB)
Patrick McCain (QB)
Mike Klein (LB)
D’Andre Randle (WR)
Orlando Thomas (RB)
Montaque Mack (LB)
Montavis Mack (OL)
Anthony Joiner (LB)
Nnamdi Ofodile (DL)
J.P. Passeggiata (OL)
Matt Davis (OL)
Dorian Guy (WR)
Andrew Robustelli (WR)
Charles Dowdy (DL)
Seniors HonoredDolphins say “Goodbye” to 17 Seniors
PATRICK WILKINS SPORTS EDITOR
Ricardo “Rico” Tillman made Jacksonville University history in the fall of 1998 during the Dolphins inaugural football season. He was the first player to catch a touchdown pass in a JU Dolphins’ uniform. He made history again on November 15, 2014 when his number was retired at halftime during the Campbell game. The only difference is that Rico wasn’t around to celebrate his most recent history making event.
Tillman was stabbed in the spring of 2000 at a local area nightclub after an altercation with a group of men who were harassing the women that were with Tillman and his teammates. When the altercation moved itself outside of the nightclub, Tillman, who was checking on his friends, was stabbed.
The murder is still unsolved and his parents have been without answers since that night.
“He’s all I think about,” said Ricardo Tillman Sr., Rico’s father. “I’m happy about this [the jersey retirement] because he’s my only son and he’s going to make history again.”
In past years, the Dolphins have held the no. 8 in high regard and the recipient of the no. 8 jersey have been hand picked by the coaches. The recipient’s have been selected based on their above average football skills, but these skills must be paired with their outstanding character, embodying the man that Tillman was.
“We’ve always tried to honor him by putting one of our best players, great student-athletes, wearing that jersey,” said Kerwin Bell, head football coach. “It’s [Nov. 15] going to be a special day for a special person.”
Tillman RememberedRicardo “Rico” Tillman’s No. 8 Jersey Retired
Jaguars weekend reviewThe Bubblicious JaguarsEven During the Bye Week, Jags Get Laughed At
PHOTO BY ALYSSA STEVENSON
Jacksonville University presents a football jersey and signed football to the Tillman family who lost son Ricardo Tillman, a former JU student in an acccident.
SPORTS
PATRICK WILKINS SPORTS EDITOR
From the day that Men’s Head Basketball Coach Tony Jasick stepped onto campus in the spring of 2014, he was primed and ready for the challenge that lie ahead of him. Jasick came to Jacksonville via the University of Indiana Purdue-Fort Wayne, where he won the Hugh Durham award for coach of the year. An award that is named after JU’s very own Hugh Durham, who coached Artis Gilmore and the 1970 national championship contenders. With that being said, it’s no fluke that coach Jasick would make Jacksonville his home and the site of his next success story.
After being extremely successful in Indiana, Coach Jasick hopes to be the spark that will revive a basketball program that was once a national powerhouse. One that was always contending, not only for conference championships, but for national championships.
“Well I just think the newness of everything
is an exciting challenge,” Jasick said. “We’ve got a couple of guys that played a little bit last year and we’ve got 10 newcomers that we’re trying to blend together. We’re really trying to create our culture as we build this thing, basically, from the ground up.”
Part of being successful is allowing the players to know that basketball is supposed to be fun. The student body got a glimpse of the team’s vibrant energy at JU’s annual Fin Fever, an annual event that introduces the members of the men’s and women’s basketball teams. Both squads showed off their shooting and dunking skills, as well as their dancing skills, which is another showing of how these guys are learning to have fun while working towards a common goal of getting back in the winner’s circle.
The Dolphins started out slow in the first game of their season, losing to a hot-shooting Hofstra team 94-61 on the road. The Dolphins didn’t allow the loss to dwindle their spirits though, as they came back home and beat Florida National 72-61 in front of a rowdy home crowd at Swisher Gymnasium.
16 • THE NAVIGATOR • NOVEMBER 19, 2014
PHOTO COURTESY OF BOB MACK AND THE FLORIDA TIMES-UNION Basketball players Josh Murray (left) and Josh Adeyeye attempt a rebound Sunday Nov. 16 against Florida National in the Swisher Gym.
Basketball Ready for Challenge AheadProspects are Positive for Dolphins
February 4, 201511:00 am - 2:00pm
Historic Swisher Gymnamsium
RSVP on PHIN Connect by January 30, 2015 for EXPRESS CHECK-IN
RESUME DRIVEJanuary 5 - January 16, 2015
11:00am - 1:00pmVarious locations on campus
Pre-register on PHIN Connect by January 5, 2015 to have your resume reviewed by an employer participating in the Career Expo
For questions and more information stop by the Career Development Center
3rd floor of Davis Student CommonsPh: 904-256-7054
Thank you to our Professional Development Partners
Career Expo 2015
Prep Yourself before you Wreck YourselfJanuary 26 - January 30, 2015
11:00am - 1:00pmVarious locations on campus
Visit the mobile CDC to be sure you are Career Expo ready
Deadline January 16, 2015Submit your resume on PHIN Connect to be included in the resume book
