Volume LXXXIV, Issue XI March 13, 2009 Oglethorpe University

The Stormy PetrelBubble,Bubble,

p. 5p. 5NYU & OU, p. 7NYU & OU, p. 7

NCAANCAATournament, p. 10Tournament, p. 10

In thisissue...

SSttuuddeenntt--lleedd aaccccrreeddiittaattiioonn mmeeeettiinngg ssppaarrkkss ddiissccuussssiioonnAmanda SerfozoNews Editor

Oglethorpe University’s RichFoundation Urban Leadership programhosted a student-led discussionWednesday, March 4, in response to therecent accreditation concerns.

The event, which was organizedby sophomore Lawrence Sweatman, andjuniors Jasenka Besic and Chong Park,focused on student’s questions and con-cerns, as well as an administration-led dis-cussion.

The meeting also brought togeth-er a panel consisting of current OglethorpeUniversity President Lawrence Schall,Politics professor and experienced accred-itation officer Joseph Knippenberg, andDean of Students/Vice President ofStudent Affairs, Timothy Doyle.

The open forum convened withsophomore Cliff Foster, who spoke abouthis firsthand experience with SACS, or theSouthern Association of Colleges andSchools. Foster explained that he encoun-tered a member of the accreditation agencywhile he was preparing their taxes, andwas met with reassurance and high regardfor the university.

“[The SACS member] whom Ispoke to reassured me that Oglethorpe wasgoing to rise above the accreditationissue,” he said. “She told me that she’s gotthe most faith in our college to prove ourfinancial stability.”

Foster also reiterated the fact thatSACS is a nonprofit, independent organi-zation that makes their income throughuniversity member fees.

“If [SACS] doesn’t give theaccreditation nod to Oglethorpe, theagency will miss out on making an incomethemselves,” Foster said. “I personallythink that it’d be unlikely for us to lose it –only if we took a really bad direction interms of budgeting or enrollment.”

Oglethorpe University President,Lawrence Schall, then began a discussionwith the students and faculty in attendanceabout the institution’s current financial sta-tus, and the positive and upward trend instability. Following a series of PowerPointgraphs that showed the leveling off ofexpenditures and incomes, Schall notedthat there is a direct correlation betweenhis time in office as President, and his per-formance in steering the school backtoward economic safety.

“SACS likes to see trends,”

Schall said. “I wanted to show you thesecharts because, visually, they are impor-tant. Our budget has been cut and hasproven successful since I came here in2006. Our enrollment continues to increasein both the fall and spring semesters, theincoming grade point average of the fresh-man class has been the highest in decades,and we’ve begun to see our income levelwith our debt – all arrows pointing up.”

Schall also discussed topics suchas student receivables and endowmentspending. Student receivables, heexplained, are one of the most imperativepoints of interests for an accreditingagency.

“Student receivables are basicallyunpaid bills,” Schall explained. “SACSlooks at this very carefully to understandthe financial health of a university. Whilewe had over $1 million dollars in unpaidbills in the last few years, that is expectedto be cut even further in 2009 and into thefuture.”

Professor of Politics, Dr. JosephKnippenberg, also contributed on behalf ofthe panel. In discussing his firsthand expe-rience with accrediting agencies such asthe Mid-States Association of Colleges andSchools (MSACS), and the American

Academy for Liberal Education (AALE),he offered insight to the student body onspecific topics such as academic assess-ment and fiscal responsibility.

“SACS doesn’t generally com-ment on the quality of education at aninstitution of higher learning,” he said.“They don’t analyze student papers orclasses, and they really have little concernfor what’s happening in that respect. Theydo want to see the financial health of a uni-versity, and the upward strides they’remaking in terms of admissions.”

Knippenberg also spoke aboutgeneral assessment when it comes toaccreditation agencies.

“Assessment is a relatively newconcept to liberal arts colleges, and some-thing we admittedly have trouble with, butnot in a negative sense,” he said. “Thereare different definitions of assessment thatthe government recognizes, and since wecannot fully ascertain factors like cogni-tive development or rational thinking, it isincreasingly difficult to prove that our cur-riculum is strong in that regard.”

In discussing matters of docu-mentation, Knippenberg also noted thatstudent input is key in helping an accredit-

Amanda SerfozoNews Editor

Given the current economicrecession, limited staffing at academicinstitutions, and rising overhead costs,the OU library is slated to cut back itshours, particularly on Sundays.

Anne Salter, OglethorpeUniversity’s Library Director, explainedthat while the slashed hours are unfortu-nate, the change is only temporary.

“We are closing on Sundays,due to low volume attendance and staffshortages,” she said. “I can assure [theOglethorpe community] that we willacquire Sunday hours again in the fallsemester as our staff increases in num-ber.”

Salter also said that our libraryis not the only one affected by the eco-nomic climate. Academic institutions,especially Georgia’s library system,have been haunted by the paralyzingrecession.

“Many of my colleagues areunable to fill vacant positions and theyhave cut back their evening hours as aresult,” she said. “These economic times

are challenging but they are not perma-nent. Libraries, especially public ones,have been through much rougher timesthan this and have survived well.”

Salter also explained that thelibrary has recently taken part in observ-ing the number of Sunday attendees, toaccurately gauge traffic. These students,Salter noted, are often from ARCHEprogram partners, such as Georgia StateUniversity and Emory University.

“We made a careful study of ourhourly head count and [found that]Sunday is the least attended day, with anaverage of four to seven students inattendance,” she said. “In addition, themajority of students attending onSunday occupy the 24-hour room andfew, if any, are using our services.Therefore, we selected Sundays as theday of least impact for our students.”

The popular 24-hour room inthe Oglethorpe library will remain openfor students as usual, and the cut inhours is not expected to affect studentswhatsoever.

With the library scaling back,students have also expressed concernabout the Writing Center, located on the

second floor of the library. The librarystaff reassures students that the WritingCenter will not be affected by thechange.

“Since the Writing Center isalso located in the library, that had to betaken into consideration as well,” shesaid. “[However], we are asking them touse the 24-hour room for that four hourperiod that we would normally havebeen open.”

The Oglethorpe Universitylibrary plans to improve its onlineresources and diversity of materials, inhopes of providing more wide-rangeaccessibility.

“We have been delighted to seean increase in the use of the library andits services,” Salter said. “We alwayswant to do more and our plans in thefuture call for improving and expandingour information literacy programs, aswell as creating a more robust deliveryof desktop services over the next sever-al years.”

The desktop services, whichinclude Project Muse, the Art Image andMuseum Gallery, and JSTOR allow stu-dents to access various documents, pub-

lications, and periodicals from archives.They remain a critical focus for thelibrary, and Salter states that the currentOglethorpe University administrationhas been keen to support these avenues.

“According to our statistics,students prefer our online resources,”she said. “Desktop delivery is the pre-ferred method of access these days and Iam pleased to say that the administra-tion does support our budget when itcomes to buying and maintaining ouronline materials.”

Salter also noted that the librarywill continue to advertise and notify stu-dents about new offerings in the DVDcollection. She hopes to increase trafficover the course of the current term andwork to restore the library’s regularhours starting Fall 2009.

“It’s hard to make a decision toreduce hours, and all librarians think thesame way I do about it,” she said. “Wedon’t like to do it, but sometimes it hasto happen. [But] it is reassuring to knowthat people react to it, as I for one thinklibraries are one of the greatest inven-tions of all time, and [they] will alwaysremain that way.”

LLiibbrraarryy sscchheedduulleedd ttoo tteemmppoorraarriillyy ccuutt SSuunnddaayy hhoouurrssSee Debate, p. 2

2 News The Stormy Petrel January 30, 2009

Amanda SerfozoNews Editor

Oglethorpe University’s piano,which remains housed in the ConantPerforming Arts Center, has continued tostruggle with several setbacks for its slatedreplacement.

The Mason and Hamlin piano,considered to be one of the most admiredbrands in the classical music industry, wasfound in the Lupton Auditorium by Dr.Ray in 1986. The dusty and hidden pianodiscovered in the corner was once exposedto severe temperature fluctuations in boththe winter and summer months. Althoughthe piano was relocated to the ConantPerforming Arts Center after its construc-tion in 1997, the instrument continued tosuffer from a process Dr. Ray refers to as“delamination.”

“Delamination itself is a fatal anddegenerative problem for a piano,” he said.“Instead of solid pieces of wood within itsstructure, there are layers upon layers ofwood that are coming apart. The processitself causes a distinct noise, which we arejust on the verge of hearing now.”

Immediately after identifying theproblem, Dr. Ray suggested to the VicePresident of Institutional Development,Peter Rooney, that the piano should be

replaced.“I contacted our administration in

early 2002 after we had documented theproblem,” said Dr. Ray. “Although it was-n’t immediate at the time, I informed thosein charge of the donation list that it willbecome necessary sooner or later.Delamination is a slow process, but onethat is unfortunately inescapable.”

In recent visits and performances,most notably by renowned classical pianistAlbert Tiu, the piano has been making spe-cific noises, which Dr. Ray describes as‘metallic feedback.’

“When Mr. Tiu came to play inthe [Conant Performing Arts Center] lastmonth, upon first note, I thought I hadheard a small noise, as if rocks were hittingthe metal roof,” he said. “I had asked thepeople around me if they had heard it, aswell as my Singers, and many said thatthey had. At that point, I knew we werehearing a whole new set of problems.”

The sound heard by the audience,Dr. Ray explains, was caused by a separateailment, one that not only affects the tun-ing of the instrument, but the vibrationsagainst the wood inside.

Oglethorpe University’s certifiedPiano Technician, Joel Haasenritter, exam-ined the piano following the performance,and confirmed that the noise was caused

by the piano’s dampers, which stop theinternal vibrations voluntarily by thepianist. The problem arises when onestring within the piano continues to vibratefor a fraction of a second too long.

Oglethorpe University has alsobeen given exclusive rights in the south-eastern United States to showcase the win-ner of the Gina Bachauer InternationalPiano Competition, which gives up-and-coming pianists the opportunity to displaytheir skills. The winner visits every threeyears. Dr. Ray admits anxiety about thecontractual agreements for visiting artists.

“In some contracts, a pianist willhave in writing that they must play a cer-tain instrument, and if that instrument isnot provided, they will refuse to play,” hesaid.

However, should the nine footgrand piano become unusable within thattimeframe, Dr. Ray is prepared.

“If Oglethorpe’s piano were tobecome severely damaged, we would beable to acquire a piano on loan,” he said.“That becomes very expensive over thecourse of some months, and the actualtransit of the instrument is an extremelynerve-wracking process. We could alsolook into renting a piano, but again, thatwould be a pricey venture.”

Dr. Ray also notes that, given the

economic struggles felt by all, a replace-ment in the near future remains unlikely.He is, however, optimistic that someonewill step forward in time.

“The [Music Department] hopesto extend the possibility of a ‘namingopportunity,’ which would allow thepotential donor to be listed in partnershipwith every future performance,” he said.“This would be a wonderful memorial orgift, on behalf of an alumni or close con-nection to the Oglethorpe community, thatwould last indefinitely.”

OOgglleetthhoorrppee ppiiaannoo oonn ddoonnaattiioonn lliisstt ffoorr rreeppllaacceemmeenntt

Daniel CohlContributing Writer

Oglethorpe University’s adminis-tration has recently implemented a policyending its funding of student publications.The motion could fix the burden of fund-ing the publications onto the OglethorpeStudent Association (OSA), affecting stu-dent publications such as Oglethorpe’s stu-dent newspaper The Stormy Petrel, TheTower literary magazine, and TheYamacraw yearbook.

The new policy has sparked adebate between members of theOglethorpe Student Association and theadministration of Oglethorpe University.The movement to end university fundingof student publications went into effectearly in the fall of 2008, coming as a sur-prise to members of the OglethorpeStudent Association, who claimed thatthey had not been notified of the change.According to Zach Nichols,Parliamentarian of OSA, neither theExecutive Council of the OglethorpeStudent Association nor the Vice Presidentof Senate were informed of the changesprior to the beginning of the school year.

“It just came as a bit of shock tous all,” he said. “When we’re talking aboutthat big of a hit on our budget you wouldhave thought we’d have been notifiedsooner,” Nichols said.

Contrary to the claims made bymembers of the Oglethorpe StudentAssociation, Dean of Student AffairsTimothy Doyle insists that they had, infact, been informed of the policy at leastthree years prior to the switch. Doyleexplained that in 2006 the student activityfee, which is what the Oglethorpe StudentAssociation’s budget is composed of, wasdoubled from $50 to $100 per student. Therise in cost, Doyle explained, accommo-dates the transition from having the uni-versity fund student publications to havingthe publications funded by students them-selves: the idea was approved by the AlexJohnson, OSA President at the time.

Johnson, however, denied thisclaim and explained that he would havenever made any commitment to the schoolthat would take effect after his presidency

had ended. Johnson also explained that thereason for raising the student activity feehad nothing to do with the student publica-tions, but was rather approved to keep upwith the rising cost of living and inflation,and additionally, so the ProgrammingBoard could continue to afford its eventplanning.

While there is some dispute overwhen the idea to cut university funding ofstudent publications first arose, the reason-ing behind doing so is fairly clear, accord-ing to Dean Doyle. He explained that theuniversity had previously examined itsfinances and the models of the studentpublications, and later decided the hybridfunding was not the appropriate protocol.

“The University decided that itwasn’t fiscally prudent to fund publica-tions through direct allocation while main-taining no editorial oversight,” Doyle said.“Especially when we’re under such tightbudgetary pressure.”

He also stated that, philosophical-ly, it was inappropriate for student publica-tions to be funded by the administrationsince there should be a perceivable differ-ence between a publication funded by theuniversity and a student publication.

“At its base a student publicationis merely a student organization,” Doylesaid. “The university should not be fund-ing a student organization. We don’t payfor homecoming!”

Regardless of the administra-tion’s reasoning for ceasing to fund studentpublications, the additional costs incurredby OSA as a result has led to budgetaryconcerns of its own. The budget of OSAfor the year is approximately $148,000, atotal which in the past had barely coveredits expenses without having to fund thepublications. According to Barry Langer,Chair of the newly founded PublicationCouncil, the different publications had toundergo budget cuts in order for them tocontinue to be published.

Oglethorpe University’s newspa-per The Stormy Petrel, which had previ-ously been running at a cost of between$10,000 and $12,000 annually is nowoperating at a cost of between $4,000 and$6,000 annually, a cut that was made pos-sible by getting rid of editor stipends andfinding less expensive means of printing.

According to Chelcie Rowell,Editor of The Stormy Petrel, the biggestloss the paper has recently suffered fromwas the elimination of editor stipends.Rowell said that being a section editortakes around 10 hours per week and,because of the time commitment involved,most colleges in Georgia offer section edi-tors a stipend.

Rowell continued that, regardlessof this disadvantage, being funded by OSAwill resolve well for The Stormy Petrel.Ideally, she would like to see the paperself-financed so that it would not have anyinherent biases based on its financier.

The other affected publication,Oglethorpe University’s literary magazine,The Tower, is now running at a cost ofapproximately $850 for the Spring 2009issue and $400 for the Fall 2009 issue,nearly half of what the magazine’s previ-ous budget had been. The cuts were madepossible by consolidating the printing ofthe magazine with that of The StormyPetrel.

The most expensive publication,according to both Barry Langer and DeanDoyle, is Oglethorpe’s yearbook, TheYamacraw, whose production runs at a costof approximately $25,000.

OSA Parliamentarian ZachNichols explained that, while an agree-ment has yet to be confirmed, the adminis-tration is currently working with OSA toreach a middle ground between having ayearbook that is funded independently bystudents and one that is funded entirely bythe university.

OOSSAA ttoo ffiinnaannccee ssttuuddeenntt ppuubblliiccaattiioonnssing agency decide whether to approve ordeny a university. He referred to theprocess as “closing the loop”, or whenagencies assess the current status of aschool, look at the trending financial data,and make decisions based on documenta-tion.

“In terms of ‘closing the loop’,we must work on our documentation ofprogress,” he said. “Students need to payspecific attention to completing surveysvia e-mail or paying bills on time becauseall of that information is important to agen-cies like SACS when it comes time tomake a decision,” Knippenberg said.

Dean of Students and VicePresident of Student Affairs, TimothyDoyle, spoke on issues related to studentservice and incoming classes. He said that,through this accreditation issue,Oglethorpe has succeeded in understand-ing what works in terms of student aid andinstitution attractiveness.

“Through all of this, I think whatwe’ve come to understand is what doesand does not work in a university businessmodel,” he said. “We’ve been able to pro-vide more personable service and direc-tion, specifically in the Business Officeand student affairs,” Doyle said. “I canonly envision the clinking of glasses oncethis is behind us.”

When the opportunity came forstudent directed questions-and-answers,some asked about a budget cuts, the stepsand length of time involved in accredita-tion review, and graduate school repercus-sions. All members of the panel assuredstudents that a backup plan was in order incase accreditation was not passed, but Dr.Knippenberg assured the group that a planwas in order.

“In the unlikely case we are notapproved again by SACS, we wouldpromptly begin looking for accreditationthrough a different agency,” Knippenbergnoted. “We would make sure we’ve gotinsurance or support from another accredi-tation institution, if you will, should thatneed arise.”

From Debate, p. 1

The Stormy Petrel, which previously ran at a cost ofbetween $10,000 and $12,000 annually, is now operating

at a cost of between $4,000 and $6,000 annually.

January 30, 2009 The Stormy Petrel News 3

Imagine walking down steep, concrete steps thatlead to a metal door with a small window in the center.You peer through the double sided thick window pane,and the only thing you can see are more steps. You turnthe golden doorknob and quietly waltz inside. You slow-ly creep your way down the second set of steps to a dimlylit hallway. Turn 90 degrees left. To your right are pam-phlets and all types of paraphernalia that attack your cloth-ing as you breeze by. There is another small metal door toyour right. The sign on the door reads "Payroll." No, thisis not where you are headed. You take seven more mod-erate steps and notice another metal door propped open.The sign reads "Business Office."

You faintly hear music in the near distance, andyou follow the luring call as if you are a sailor being sum-moned to his death by seductive sirens at sea. The soundgets louder and louder until your ship crashes along theshores of Mario Bailey's office, Oglethorpe's former staffaccountant. Bailey is sitting at his desk with aMcDonald's medium coke in his right hand dancing to thepopular hip hop song "Blame it on the Alcohol" by JamieFoxx and T-pain.

This is the friendly impression that most studentsget when they first meet Mario Bailey. His presence isvibrant and colorful, and it is unmatched by any other oncampus. Bailey has not only been intricately involved inthe administrative side of OU, but he has also served as astaff advisor for the Oglethorpe University Voices ofInspiration Gospel Choir, also known as VOI. He aidedVOI in their very first semester as their co-staff advisoralong with Financial Aid Director Meg McGinness, help-ing them perform at Oglethorpe events as well as coordi-nating their inaugural concert in the 2008 spring semester.Bailey received a bouquet of roses for his guidance, dedi-cation, and leadership.

"It was a pleasure to work with VOI. What I likeabout the students is that they can just come into rehears-al and feel the Spirit themselves," said Bailey.

Bailey has led countless positive endeavors,helping several students with not only administrativeduties but also acting as a counselor, confidant, and trust-ed friend.

When asked why he resigned for his position, hesimply responded, "I am moving on to other things in mylife. It is just my time to go."

He has been offered two jobs at Atlanta area uni-versities, and he is currently waiting on a third offer. Hewants students to know what his future plans entail, open-ing a Facebook account for that purpose.

"I didn't feel a need to be apart of the Facebook

community until now. This is a great way for me to keepin touch," said Bailey.

Though Bailey has only been a Facebook mem-ber for a short time, he has already become a fan of thedigital phenomenon saying, "It keeps me hip. Watch meon FB for my next move."

His jovial sarcasm was a nice addition to theOglethorpe community, and it will be missed. Baileyoffered parting advice to all students, "Be a leader amongfollowers, and keep it breezy."

Mario Bailey's official last day working atOglethorpe was Friday, February 27, 2009.

Directly behind the familiar registrar’s office isthe smaller office of the former Oglethorpe UniversityRegistrar, Tanya Crump, a place on campus that seems toalways have faculty visiting and playfully joking witheach other. As you walk up to the registrar's office door,you notice a small window with graffiti-stained glass toyour left. At second glance, you realize that they are notesfrom faculty, staff and students wishing Crump the verybest in life and in all of her new endeavors. Curiously,you poke your head through the threshold to ask her aboutthe window, but you are distracted by the collage of NewOrleans merchandise and fleur de lis Mardi Gras beadshanging on the wall. You wonder what brought Crumpfrom New Orleans to Oglethorpe three years ago onFebruary 20, 2006.

"I evacuated from New Orleans to Atlanta forHurricane Katrina," said Crump. "I didn't know I would-n't be coming back home though."

Crump had a friend from her former job at NunezCommunity College who evacuated from New Orleans toAtlanta shortly before her. Her friend's grandfather,whom she called "Papa," was like many elderly who wereattached to their homes and were reluctant to evacuate.Finally, as Crump was getting ready to head to Atlanta shereceived a phone call from "Papa" who asked her, "Areyou going to come and get me?" Crump happily pickedup "Papa," and they made the 470 mile drive to Atlantatogether.

"I have a way with old people," said Crump jok-ingly.

This is what brought her to Atlanta. "I tried tostay home, but my job relocated to Baton Rouge, and thecommute was just too much," said Crump. "I knew that Ineeded to find a job, and while I was at different sheltersI was looking for interview clothes."

Crump noted that the relationships she has builtat Oglethorpe have been refreshing in the midst of a tran-sitional period in her life. "The relationship I have hadwith the faculty is important to me because it is not seeneverywhere," said Crump, commenting that student affairsoffices tend to be at odds with their faculty at many insti-tutions. "Some registrars would kill for the type of rela-tionship I have with the faculty. I have enjoyed themespecially after facing Katrina in a time when I did notchose to move. Everyone was so welcoming."

As a parting gift, the faculty gave Crump a NewOrleans Hornets David West #30 jersey after receiving her"Farewell to Oglethorpe" email. The final paragraph ofher email read, "Also, if you want to make me very happy,how about helping me reach Stud status as a Hornets fan?Follow the link below, and join the Hornets or yourfavorite team's fan club. I want a David West jersey! Ifyou haven't joined Facebook yet, what are you waitingfor?"

The faculty misinterpreted the email, not realiz-ing that Crump was referring to a virtual jersey, but she isecstatic with her real David West jersey. Crump has decid-ed that Facebook is the best way for her to stay in touchwith the Oglethorpe community. She will miss manyaspects of Oglethorpe, including her involvement as thestaff advisor for the Black Student Caucus. Crump willreturn to Louisiana as the registrar at Our Lady of theLake College located in Baton Rouge. "I will be close tomy Hornets," exclaimed Crump. A farewell reception washeld for Tanya Crump Thursday, March 5, 2009, and herofficial last day of work at Oglethorpe was Friday, March6.

OOUU ssttaaffff mmeemmbbeerrss ttrraannssiittiioonn ttoo nneexxtt pphhaassee iinn lliiffeeMario Bailey moves on from Financial Aid, Tanya Crump trades Petrels for New Orleans Hornets

Matthew Claiborne, Staff Writer

Erin FarrellContributing Writer

On Monday, February 16,Oglethorpe University paired with membersfrom throughout the Brookhaven communityin order to construct the Oglethorpe-Brookhaven Community Garden.Representatives from various community insti-tutions including St. Martin’s EpiscopalSchool, Brookhaven Christian Church ,andOglethorpe Presbyterian Church, gathered toestablish and plant a community garden whosemission is nothing short of valiant. The gar-den’s prosperity will benefit the local commu-nity directly. Produce from the garden will notonly go to serve the students at Oglethorpe, butalso provide aid to the community through alocal pantry.

The goals of the garden are simple,yet their implications and impact will beimmense. The Community Garden sees todevelop the production of locally-grown andshared produce, where the fruits of labor will godirectly back to enhance the community inwhich it resides. The effect of this production

will not only provide healthy produce but revi-talize a sense of community connectivity andthe advocation of awareness regarding seem-ingly lost ecological education. Valencya

Taylor, a Hands On Atlanta AmericorpsVolunteer Project Coordinator working in theCenter for Civic Engagement, states, “Theexciting part about working in the garden is the

fact that it provides a hands-on opportunity totruly learn about growing food. As a product ofthe younger generation, I feel that many of ushave no idea of where our food really comesfrom and what it takes to get it here.” The gar-den hopes to provide first-hand understandingabout the necessary labor and attention thatgoes into agricultural production.

Oglethorpe University has played agreat part in the founding of this garden. TheUniversity donated the land for the CommunityGarden, now located behind Emerson StudentCenter. Funds for the Community Garden havebeen provided through the efforts of OglethorpePresbyterian Church and OglethorpeUniversity’s Center for Civic Engagement.Volunteers from the school and communityconstructed six beds using materials graciouslydonated by Davis Landscape, a local landscapecompany. Various crops, including several veg-etables and a garden specifically for herbs, willbe raised due to the help and planning ofDeKalb County Horticulture Manager GaryPeiffer and UGA Cooperative ExtensionCounty Agent Bobby Wilson, who both con-tributed a great amount of time and effort

OOgglleetthhoorrppee bbrreeaakkss ggrroouunndd oonn ccoommmmuunniittyy ggaarrddeenn

Photo by Jen RileyStudents and staff come together to construct a flower bed for comminity garden.

Photo by Jen RileyTanya Crumpwill return to Louisiana as the registrarat Our Lady of the Lake College in Baton Rouge.

Life in the BubbleEditors: Blaik Paris & Amanda Rowell

4 Bubble The Stormy Petrel January 30, 2009

Kristina DevegaStaff Writer

Passion is love. It’s the time and effort spentcrafting an art. It’s being able to effortlessly play a songyou love with a musical instrument. This is what sopho-more Erica Taylor does every Wednesday night for theOglethorpe Winds.

“I have wanted an ensemble ever since I arrivedat Oglethorpe,” said Dr. W. Irwin Ray, Director of MusicalActivities. There have been student led instrumentalgroups, but nothing that had longevity or potential as astudent organization. The Oglethorpe Winds recentlybecame an official student organization, and their firstrehearsal was three weeks ago in the Grenwald Room.

The plans of getting another musical organiza-tion up and running were quite difficult, especially findingthe money to fund it. In the fall of 2008, pieces seemed tofall in place for Dr. Ray and talk of a musical ensembleresurfaced. At this time, the athletics department waslooking for a bigger pep band and Dr. Ray approachedLucy Leusch of Admissions about having an ensembleand agreed that offering another musical outlet will attracta greater number of prospectives to the university. ProvostHerschler and President Schall both liked the idea and,along with Leusch and the athletics department, theyfound donors for a musical ensemble.

Students were also involved with the arrange-ment of the Winds. Last school year, there was a small fac-tion in the formation of a band, but it fell flat as the year

progressed. Freshmen Foss Baker had his doubts about

enrolling at Oglethorpe because of the lack of an instru-mental group, but he took the problem in his own handswhen he talked to Dr. Ray about having a band. With sev-eral student meetings and a gradual interest in the ensem-ble, the Oglethorpe band finally had a strong foundation tobuild off of. The Oglethorpe Winds had the authority tostart it, the funds to support it, and the students to con-struct it: the only thing that was missing was a director.

Dr. Ray found Dr. Evelyn Chang, Director of theOglethorpe Winds, through the coordinator of music edu-cation. Her credentials with music education have provento be beyond satisfactory by once being the assistant pro-fessor of instrumental music education at East CarolinaUniversity and now teaching at various schools in FultonCounty. A trumpet player at heart, she has always lovedmusic, stating, “Since I was a kid, I knew I wanted to be aband director.”

Her passion for music is shared by many studentsin the Winds. Some people were born with the ear formusic. With a mom who is a music teacher, Junior KendraBillings’ life revolved around music. “I’m a fan of basslines,” Billings jokes.

Using a bassoon borrowed from a sorority sister,Billings sits in the back of the room with the rest of thebass players. She plays because, after all the work, it’srelaxing to her. Billings also describes the Winds a veryrelaxed and informal group, “We’re all at very differentlevels, and we’re all sort of settling.” So far, rehearsals

consist of sight reading and getting reacquainted with theinstruments. This past week, they were given sheet musicto practice during the week.

“I’ve always enjoyed playing music,” said Baker.Baker’s passion in music was inherited from his father,and he has been playing since the third grade. A man ofwoodwinds, he can play the sax and the flute but hisfavorite is the clarinet. Oglethorpe Winds are looking formore members. Ownership of an instrument is not need-ed, just the desire to play. “We’re basically looking forpeople to have fun,” said Baker.

For others, their passion for music was a decisionthat influenced the rest of their lives. Taylor rememberedthat she was first introduced to a band in elementaryschool: it was at the fifth grade assembly where juniorhigh students showcase their prepubescent skills in the artof cheerleading, football, flag corps, and of course, band.The ten year old Taylor chose to be a part of a family thatdidn’t require dual-colored pom-poms, a giant flag, or acup. She started to play the clarinet and became part of afamily that seemed to have never left her, even in college.

“Band geeks love band geeks,” proclaimedTaylor: she met a group of other ex-band members at aconference in the beginning of her freshmen year of col-lege with just the sheer utterance of “clarinet.” She haswanted to play the clarinet again but hasn’t been given theopportunity until the Winds. Taylor sits in the front withfellow clarinet player Foss Baker, finally playing theinstrument that saved her from dual colored pom-poms, agigantic flag, and a cup.

OOUU WWiinnddss:: CChhiicckkeenn SSoouupp ffoorr tthhee MMuussiicc LLoovveerr’’ss SSoouull??

Full Name: Kendra Denise Billings

Position at Oglethorpe: Junior? Myposition has always been a bit unde-fined.

How did you come to Oglethorpe? I was an Atlanta homeschooler, and Ireally wanted to joint enroll at collegefor my last two years of high school.Oglethorpe was the only one thatwould let juniors in high school take12 credit hours.

Where did you grow up?I grew up in Austin, Texas, the great-est city in the world.

What is your favorite thing aboutyourself?Probably my sarcasm, though it tendsto get me in trouble some times.

What was the firstCD/tape/record you bought withyour own money?I was obsessed with Titanic, so oneSaturday I bought a tape that saidTitanic on it. It turns out, it was atape of music inspired by the movie,rather than the actual soundtrack,and I was really upset.

If you won $1,000,000, whatwould you do with it?I would buy myself a house, which Iwould graciously let my mother livein. I would also by a Baby Blue AstonMartin Vanquish. The rest of themoney would go into a well diversifiedinvestment plan of some kind. I havelittle hope it would last longer thanthat, what with the gas mileage onthe Vanquish.

What was the last movie you saw

that made you cry?Forrest Gump. I always start sobbingwhen he’s making that speech on themall in D.C., and his lady love runsinto the water screaming his name.It’s deep, man.

What’s the best thing you everbought, stole, or borrowed?When I was in elementary school Iused to steal books from my little pri-vate school’s library. One book I stoleI never returned. It’s called TheOrdinary Princess, and is the mostamazing little book.

If you could live during any his-torical event/era, which wouldyou choose and why?I would probably want to be born incolonial America. I’d get to watch thebirth of the modern “democracy,”

which would be pretty amazing in andof itself.

What would you like to beremembered for?I would like to be remembered forhelping people.

What is one item that you could-n’t life without?Flip-flops. End of story.

Name four things that you wouldtake with you to a desert island.One of those Amazon Kindle things,so that I would never run out of booksto read. It would have to have a solarcharger, of course. I would also bringa machete, a shovel, and a big ironpot.

What is the best advice you everreceived?My third grade teacher told me tostop goofing off, because God gaveme a brain, and I was leaving it inmint condition. That hit me reallyhard, and I’ll never forget the senseof shame those words left me.

What is your most prized posses-sion?Probably my car. It reluctantly getsme from point A to point B a majorityof the time. My life wouldn’t be thesame without it.

What is your favorite thing to doin your spare time?It’s a tie between playing in thewoods and reading. Ideally, I sup-pose, there would be a comfy arm-chair nestled in a sunny spot of thewoods, where I could curl up andread.

Whose face would you put on the$100 bill?I’m pretty partial to Franklin, myself,though Davy Crockett would besnazzy.

What was the first part-time jobyou ever had?I worked for Quizno’s starting when Iwas fifteen.

What’s your dream job?I would be working as a lawyer forDoctors without Borders, travelingthe world, fighting injustice. I mighthave slightly romanticized living in atent and wearing hemp.

When you pick up the latest edi-tion of The Stormy Petrel, whichsection do you turn to first?Usually the front page, though thatrequires no ‘turning,’ per se. I alsoreally like 20 Questions.

For your “one answer”, you canmake a single statement aboutanything you wish. It can be aslong or as short as you want it tobe and can address anything youhave something to say aboutadvice, politics, Oglethorpe, stu-dents, etc.

I have babysat a lot of differentlyaged kids, but the worst were eight-year-old girls. They’re petty and elit-ist, and mean just to be mean. It’sshocking when you get to college andrealize that most of your friends areexactly the same way. Everybodyshould just grow up and smell thecoffee. Life is too short to be a hater.If everybody accepted people for whothey are, we’d actually have worldpeace.

Photo by jen Riley

Interview by Amanda Rowell

Janurary 30, 2009 The Stormy Petrel Bubble 5

TThhee PPoorrtteerr BBeeeerr BBaarr:: AA FFiivvee PPooiinnttss lloovvee ssttoorryyAmanda RowellBubble Editor

Boy meets girl. Boy and girl fallin love. Boy and girl…open a pub?

It is an interesting spin on an oldclassic. But then again, so is everythingelse that comes out of The Porter BeerBar, co-owned by newlyweds MollyGunn and Chef Nick Rutherford.

The unassuming bar sits nestledamong alternative clothing stores in LittleFive Points, but Porter has become ahaven for pub-crawlers and anglophilesall over Atlanta. It boasts over two-hun-dred different types of beer, thirty ofwhich are on tap, and a menu influencedby Britain’s relatively new concept ofgastropub cooking. While most of thecrowd congregates around the thirty-footlong bar, just a few steps beyond one canfind some incredible culinary delights.

Gunn and Rutherford met whileworking at the popular Buckhead restau-rant Seegers. She was a waitress, he wasa chef; it was meant to be. Once Seegerswas no more, the couple pursued individ-ual career paths until eventually decidingto venture into the restaurant worldtogether as entrepreneurs rather than ser-vicemen. Thank god they had that strokeof genius.

Upon entering, one might thinkthe Porter is full of fireflies, but closeranalysis reveals Christmas lights in smallglass jars – one of Rutherford’s handmadecontributions to the décor. Stacks of lug-gage line the walls with a nod towards thedouble meaning of the restaurant’s name-sake, and jars and knick-knacks of allshapes and sizes mingle with large classicbeer and ale advertisements on either sideof the narrow stairway that leads up to along row of tables in the “back diningroom.”

The Porter was nearly emptywhen we arrived on a Tuesday night andit remained that way for our entire meal,

PHOTOS COURTESTY OF THE PORTER BEER BAR

though we could hear dull thud of thedoor opening and closing, notifying us ofmany comings and goings down the hallwhere the bar was located. I was temptedto sit at the aesthetically pleasing booth tothe side of the stairs with a view of thekitchen doors, but my party of six didn’tfit comfortably--a column blocked myview of one of my companions--so wecontinued up the stairs and into the diningroom. A waitress was with us within sec-onds of when we sat down and took ourdrink orders, providing information onnearly every beer from the menu uponrequest. The knowledgeable staff is oneof this restaurant’s greatest attributes--Gunn and Rutherford make sure theirwaiters know their beer. This comes inhandy because anyone unfamiliar with theparticulars of beer and ale would have ahard time navigating the ten-page list.

Gunn and Rutherford have

dubbed their brainchild a “gastropub,” arelatively new genre that describes a pub-lic house that specializes in high-qualityfoods that surpass the traditional notionsof “pub grub.” The Porter is a traditionalpub, smoky with soft lighting and theusual characters slung lazily against thebar. Only one thing is missing: the luke-warm burger and greasy fries. The mes-sage is clear: pubs are no longer onlyabout the beer. This became clear withmy first look at the menu.

As a starter, I could not pass upthe Porter’s “signature” hush puppies, andthey did not disappoint. A perfect combi-nation of crispy, deep fried outside andwarm, cheesy inside, the bacon in thisdish was the perfect touch. Though I wasa bit skeptical about the organic applesauce served as a dip, I was pleasantlysurprised to find that the flavors in itcomplemented and even enhanced thetaste of the hush puppies.

One of my guests ordered thecalamari, which unfortunately didn’tplease as much. The nontraditional addi-tions to this dish were slices of deep friedjalapeños, onions and lemons, but it real-ly didn’t include any particularly impres-sive elements. The folks at Porter seemto want to include a house-made lemonaioli with all of their seafood that in itselfwas nothing special, and a little to heavyfor the delicate calamari that it accompa-nies.

The Macaroni and Cheese appe-tizer was a bit of a disappointment aswell. The sophisticated combination ofbéchamel, asiago, and white cheddar pro-duces a beautiful dish of shell pasta thatreally tastes more like an alfredo. Theeffort is there, but poorly executed. Thisdish needs a little more creativity to be anauthentic and successful gastropub dish.

I was especially excited aboutmy main course: a Reuben sandwich thathas become a favorite of customers. Itwas perfect, and refreshingly not NewYork stacked. I say refreshingly becauseafter stuffing myself with appetizers Icould not have eaten a gigantic sandwich,and was pleased to see that I would beable to eat the entire thing and not haveto waste any of the delicious sandwich.The house-made sauerkraut was not toooverpowering and complemented theother flavors well. The dish was servedwith a hearty helping of the Porter’s spe-

cial Belgian Fries, which were crisp anddelicious with a slight herbal flavor.

The Cheeseburger was also a hit,though an attempt at homemade picklesseemed to simply produce slightly mari-nated cucumbers. Piled high with bacon,cheese, and all the usual fixings, thegigantic burger was perfectly cooked andflavorful. The burger’s bun deserves aparticular tribute: vegetables baked intothe bread offer up delicious flavor to theunsuspecting glutton.

Other entrees were not asimpressive. The homemade black beanburger was charred and dull and, as theonly vegetarian entrée offered, was adecisive disappointment. The interestingspin on a Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomatosandwich was the addition of shrimp,again served with the lemon aioli thatwas not too great the first time. Thoughcreative, the dish fell apart with the addi-tion of lemon marinade that was just tooawkward an accompaniment to the tradi-tional flavors of a BLT.

The desserts, however, deservereverent mention. I tried the AppleBeignet first, which was an unusualdelight with a thick slice of apple sur-rounded by a crunchy shell of dough, sit-ting on a bed of pecan sauce. The scoopof vanilla bean ice cream on top added adelicious coolness to the warm, freshbeignet. I was skeptical of the “BananaSplit,” which featured “spiced” bananas,shortbread, and coffee mousse, but all ofmy shyness disappeared when the wait-ress placed the beautiful dish on the tableand I just had to have some. The moussewas powerful but not out of place on theflavorful dish. First impressions can bemisleading, and this was definitely betterthan I had predicted.

Casting aside the success of eachindividual dish, it is clear that the thoughtis there. Gunn and Rutherford are bring-ing concentration, reverence, and creativi-ty back into the culinary world with theirgastropub. Whether sipping on beer ordrinking coke from an oversized masonjar, The Porter Beer Bar offers its patronsmore than just greasy accompanimentsand the communal pretzel bowl, which iswhat makes this bar/restaurant a gem inthe middle of Little Five Points.

Carly StewartOpinions Editor

I admit it: I have no great love for the library. Idon't ever need to find books for projects, the atmospheredoesn't help me study, and I don't have any tingling sensa-tions when I walk among the rows of books. By my lack-adaisical observations of the library usage of theOglethorpe student body, I have reached the conclusionthat I am about average in this sentiment. So when I heardthat the library was cutting back its hours, I didn't reallythink much of it. Given a little bit more time to considerthis change, however, I realized that maybe I should be alittle irritated.

To elaborate, I recently traipsed over to thelibrary with a friend who badly needed a particularly bor-ing computer book. After tinkling with the computer for afew seconds, the very friendly man at the circulation deskdeduced that Oglethorpe's library did not carry said boringcomputer book. However, Georgia State's did.

Without going into excruciating detail, let it suf-fice to say that I had no idea a college library could existon both sides of a street and contain books on "LibraryFour" (the fourth floor, predictably, three floors up andacross the street from where we entered). After fruitlesssearching, we went to no less than five Help Desk people(almost all of whom were unhelpful), the last of whomwent upstairs and instantly found the book we had spenttwenty minutes searching for. He made some smartasscomment when he plunked it down, too.

I thought wistfully of the Oglethorpe gentlemanwho had spent about ten minutes helping us figure outwhere we could go and written a pass so we could get thebook and answered our questions as if we were the firstpeople to ever in history to ask how ARCHE worked. Letme be the first to say that I cannot figure out any ofOglethorpe’s website, and if I had had to find something

on ARCHE by myself, I would still be searching. Now, I am aware that Oglethorpe is a very differ-

ent animal from Georgia State. They are large panthersand we are tiny birds that are set on fire for navigationalpurposes. Although Oglethorpe does lack some resourcesbecause we have about half as many students as I saw inthe Georgia State library at 6:00 p.m., and just because wehave a smaller staff and library, shouldn't mean that weshould accept that our library isn’t going to be as avail-able. After all, we’re paying a lot more that Georgia Statestudents. One of the things that I love about this place isthat you can get the librarian to talk to you for ten minutesabout ARCHE instead of getting death looks from thepeople in the long line behind you. I like that. I like thatthe library is open Sunday night for people who need to

get a jumpstart on their homework (or cram for somethingon Monday at nine.) Luckily, at Oglethorpe, you reallyonly need a couple of people to make angry sounds and beheard. And some opinions.

So mine on the subject are this: many peoplereally do use the library to study. They need to get awayfrom DVDS, computers, and cable; they are exiled or vol-untarily escaping from psychotic roommates; or they justneed a quiet place to study that doesn't smell like a damncoffee brewery. I have in fact seen all twenty of these peo-ple on my way up to the Writing Center in the evenings.

Speaking of the Writing Center, Sunday nightsees a few panicked people trying to make Monday dead-lines and irritatingly together people starting their workearly. What are we to say to the all the procrastinators andoverachievers in their hour of need? People procrastinate;people end up at the Writing Center on Sundays at seven;therefore, the Writing Center needs to be open to accomo-date these students. I hear that the 24 hour room is sup-posed to be open for the tutors, which is nice and all, butpeople whose brains are addled by writing papers tend notto retain new locations well.

Also, harking back to last year in which I had towatch an obscure international film starring DenzelWashington on laserdisc, I would like to mention that thefilms that are assigned in class are usually assigned for areason: you haven't watched them because they are not thekind of movies you instantly put at the top of your Netflixqueue. Not only will you never buy them, or pay moneyto rent them, you probably don't have a VHS or LD play-er on which to watch them if you did. So it might be niceto have the library open during the slow part of the stu-dents' weeks so we have ample time to watch obscureGerman movies like M.

I am sure that the Georgia State library will stayopen until Jesus and the cows come home. I just want mySundays back.

OpinionsEditor: Ramika Gourdine & Carly Stewart

6 Opinions The Stormy Petrel January 30, 2009

OOgglleetthhoorrppee’’ss iinnffiinniittee rreessoouurrcceess:: lliibbrraarryy hhoouurrss eeddiittiioonn

Yes, it’s almost that time again.Time for runny noses, itchy eyes andthroats, and pollen covered cars.

I don’t know if you guys havenoticed it yet, but I sure have. Allergy sea-sons become worse and worse each year. Iattribute this, in part, to climate change.Now don’t get me wrong—I’m not thedoomsday type—but something is serious-ly up. There are still a lot of people whorefuse to believe that climate changeexists, and others who believe that climatechange may be happening, but that it does-n’t pose any real threat to us. To these peo-ple, I say, “wrong.” Climate change is hap-pening, it does pose some threat to us all,and it has started to affect our daily lives.Let’s use allergies as an example.

I can remember freshman yearwhen I was only moderately bothered bypollen and only gave the occasional sneezewhen allergy season came on full force.Recently, though, I can almost instantlytell when different pollen counts are high(even when there’s not yellow residueeverywhere) and lock myself indoors onsome days because it’s not worth venturingout.

This is at least in part to climatechange. The increased temperatures asso-ciated with climate change cause increasedplant metabolism and pollen productionand are associated with fungal growth andspore release. In other words, hotter tem-peratures equal more airborne allergens,higher concentrations of pollen, and morerunny noses and headaches.

To compound this, with changesin climate also come changes in weatherthat can affect us. Most scientists agreethat climate change is causing, and willincreasingly cause, more frequent andhigher intensity severe weather eventsincluding hurricanes, tornadoes, and thun-derstorms.

Thunderstorms also exacerbateallergies. Despite the common misconcep-tion that rain settling the pollen duringallergy seasons is a good thing, the truth is,thunderstorms and rain only make thingsworse. Simply put, thunderstorms stresspollen particles causing them to swell andburst releasing smaller particles into theair. These smaller particles can go deeperinto the lungs, and are the cause ofincreased emergency room asthma attackvisits following thunderstorms.

My point is that climate changetruly can affect all of us. Allergies are justone small example, and there are manymore that can be explored. So for those ofyou who are still skeptical about whetherclimate change is or isn’t happening, orthose who think it doesn’t make a differ-ence anyway, now might be the time tostock up on Claritin, take a large dose ofhumility, and prepare for the changes tocome. Humans have effectively forced theearth’s climate to change, and now we bet-ter hope we can deal with whatever itthrows back at us.

For information on climatechange, visit www.cdc.gov/nceh/climatechange or http://www.ipcc.ch.

Janurary 30, 2009 The Stormy Petrel Opinions 7

SSttuuddeennttss ttaakkee bbaacckk NNYYUU,, OOUU ccoonnttiinnuueess qquueessttiioonnss

Ramika GourdineOpinions Editor

Some, including myself, havewritten articles for The Stormy Petrel.Some have sent e-mails directly toPresident Schall. Some have createdfacebook groups, and still others havegone to professors, asking the samequestions: What is going on with theaccreditation? Why won't anyone giveus a straight answer? If there's amoney problem, what is it and wherehas the money been going? My finalquestion is, what do we do when wearen't satisfied with the round-aboutnon-answers we receive?

As much as we'd like to thinkthat we are secluded here in our littlebubble, and therein that Oglethorpe isnot truly a part of the outside world,many of the same issues that we faceare being discussed on a larger scaleat larger universities. There are otherstudents asking the same questions,and also getting little response. At 10 p.m. on Wednesday, February18, 2009, an inquisitive group of NewYork University students went beyondasking and began to demand informa-tion as they overtook the KimmelCenter for University Life, barricad-ing themselves in one of the dininghalls in peaceful protest.

At the start of the night, sev-eral of the participants created take-backnyu.com to update those outsideabout what was going on within theprotest, inform people of theirdemands, and to drum up support fortheir cause. On the cite, the protestersdescribe themselves, saying, "A groupof student-empowering, social-jus-tice-minded rabblerousers have occu-pied the Marketplace at Kimmel andwe refuse to move until our demandsare met." And then proceeded to listtheir demands for anyone and every-one to see.

Some of these hit rather closeto home as I read them. First and fore-most they wanted financial trans-parency, making the budget andendowment public and giving studentsa voice in the investment of the

school's funds, which is decided inmeetings of the Board of Trustees.

Here, Board of Trustees meet-ings are full of secret importance, anda true honor for anyone who isextended an invitation to join.Although there are several studentswho take part in Board of Trusteemeetings, there is still a shroud thatcovers the internal, and particularlyfinancial, operations of the university.If we are as community based as wemake ourselves out to be, shouldn'tthe students have a say in and knowwhat is going on in the workings ofthat community, rather than seeing theeffects of decisions made on highwithout any notification that therewas a decision to be made? I'm notasking that students be the end all andbe all within the school's operations,or meaning to insinuate that theadministration doesn't have a betteridea of how to run a school thanundergraduate students. Instead, I amechoing the voices of Take BackNYU! in once again asking a questionor two: What is going on around here,and why is it that up until a couple ofweeks ago, no one feels the need togive us more than a canned, political-ly-correct, public relations-approvedanswer?

At the point where we readSACS reports, and thereby know theconvoluted concerns and standards tobe corrected and met, but aren't beingtold what those mean, why we aren'tmeeting them, and what is and can bedone about it, there is a seriousresource for ideas that is being leftuntapped: the student body. It's notlike this is a school like NYU wherethere are thousands of students and noway to discuss an issue with all ofthem. It's not like Dr. Schall has neversent a mass e-mail. But when those e-mails are vague, abstract and containextraneous and distracting informa-tion, they seem more for show then toinitiate a true dialogue.

While I may have some of thesame qualms as the students of TakeBack NYU!, I am also proud thatOglethorpe is doing so much better on

so many of the issues. The group'snext several demands made me proudto be a petrel.

They were, and still are,engaged in a fight for a price cap ontuition and more financial aid.Partially because of the ever increas-ing cost of attendance, NYU hasbecome infamous for their stinginesswith regard to aid packages.Oglethorpe, on the other hand, has anamazing record for the assistance theygive to students, and that lends a pow-erfully helpful hand to the diversityfound on campus. I am but one of themany students who would no be hereif it weren't for the financial assis-tance I was offered and am nowreceiving.

While Take Back NYU! isdemanding that new scholarships becreated for Palestinian students,Oglethorpe has a culturally rich inter-national population and a studentbody who is very much involved inpolitical and community activism tothe point that we need not make suchdemands on the administration. Whenwe see injustices, we garner supportand fight them out in the real worldwhere there is the most chance forchange; we don't ask for money tomake it all better within our little bub-ble.

Like many others, I am stillleft with a whole heap of questionsabout our situation. I have teeteredback and forth about my decision tosimply abandon ship and transfersomewhere else, and I've done morethan my fair share of complaining: Ithink many of us have. But for now Iwill turn my attention away from theadministration and toward the stu-dents: What would happen if westormed the dining hall? What if webarricaded ourselves inside untilsomeone was willing to negotiate onour terms? How would a universitythat praises activism to the point thatOglethorpe does handle that situa-tion? Would they send in police andsuspend all participants, like NYUdid, or would they engage in a discus-sion and turn some things around?

I don't mean to incite a riot,only to motivate thought. After all,with programs like President Schall'sfireside chats and the panel discussionon the accreditation, things are mov-ing in the right direction. Answers arenow beginning to be offered. Now it isup to each of us. Will we ask thetough questions and demand the toughanswers, or will any response do?Will we continue to be quietly con-cerned and confused, or will we takeback Oglethorpe University?

Photo by Chris AferTake Back NYU! uses sidewalks outside Kimmel Center to promote their website.

Photo by Steve and Sara EmryProtesters rally outide NYU’s Kimmel Center in support of Take Back NYU! and the students inside the occupation.

In response to NYU protest, one studentasks: When will OU demand answers?

Editors: Adam Bailey & Daniel Suddes

Arts & Entertainment8 A&E The Stormy Petrel March 13, 2009

WWhhoo wwiillll yyoouu cchhoooossee ttoo bbee ““TThhee NNeexxtt BBiigg TThhiinngg??””Liz WeberNews Editor

After a 15 minute drive down toNorth Avenue I came across a gatedparking lot and, after paying the atten-dant, started making my way down thelane toward a large warehouse-typebuilding. “QUERADE” lit up in lightsdoesn’t exactly send the message thatthe place is kept up well, but I continuedon my way, glad that I brought friendswith me, because some of the people onthe street are not ones you want to meetalone in a dark alley.

Paying and stamping your waypast one security guard is about asintimidating as airport security, but youcan’t help and think this is a rite of pas-sage as you stand in Purgatory, decidingwhere to go, Heaven or Hell.

March 7, 2009 marked theMasquerade’s Annual Battle of theBands, otherwise known as “The NextBig Thing.” The event features over 30bands of all ages, performing a 20-minute set to compete for the choicebetween a cash prize or studio hours torecord music. Entering Hell, there is alarge stone dance floor, underground ofcourse, that features a large stage setbetween side rails for viewers to watchfrom a raised platform. Others gatheredin front of the stage with only smallblack divider separating them and thebands. The cheering audience tended tobe friends and family of the band mem-bers, but there were other curious, musicloving spectators and rumored talentscouts sprinkled around the room.

The Hell band line-up featuredeclectic names including The Toe Tags,Melody of Rebellion, and Betray thePeople, whose music tended to be just asoriginal as they were. Some groupswere teens of high school age, while

others were mid-20s and still hoping tofind their big break.

To enter Heaven, you mustclimb a few flights of creaking woodenstairs up to another stone-wall loftwhere, to your left. The vaulted doorsstand open with stickers galore frompast gigs and bands. Heaven is a com-pletely different venue in itself. Most ofthe room is covered in hardwood fromfloor to ceiling. It is slightly smallerthan Hell, but for the most part the twocannot be compared.

Heaven featured most of thebands, starting at 11:00 a.m. and endedtoward midnight, so the floor was clut-tered with speakers and drums as well as

guitar picks and promotional flyers.Interesting choices of band names con-tinued with a line-up including TheDiscover Radio, Not a Pinata, TheArmchair Chronicles, and That’sUnfortunate. Toward the back, the barnot only sold drinks and food but mer-chandise as well. If a band had t-shirtsor CDs, representatives could stand atthe back and hawk their wares. Theaudience again included mostly friendsand family, but there were a few hard-core rockers who came more for thehead-banging music than the event.

The lighting and stage set-designs in both Hell and Heaven weresimple so each band could make its way

easily on and off stage for their set. Ifelt, though, that nothing could comparewith the atmosphere. The energybetween the music and the musicianswas powerful enough to draw me in.Even some in their stereotypical longhair and low-riding jeans had enoughcharisma to capture the attention of theiraudience, and most groups revved upthose who would listen and tried theirbest to rock the house. For the most parteach band featured hard rock music, or avery similar classic rock sound. Otherstried for a more punk-rock, alternativeapproach and there were a few that fea-tured a southern twang in their voicesand chords.

Most of the listeners were ofhigh school age, but that did not matterwhen it came to listening to the rawvocals and ripping guitars that eachgroup shelled out. It still amazes methat some of these kids—barely reachingpuberty—pour out so much emotion intotheir music, and though they may stillneed some work on some of their tech-niques and a few wrong notes here andthere, they risk a lot to follow a dreammost people struggle years of their livesto try and achieve.

At the end of the night I felt thatmy evening had not been wasted butenlightened. I saw the side of the musicindustry that I enjoy, the side that showshow hard many people work for whatthey believe in, and what they will do toachieve their goals.

The results today listed that Nota Pinata won first place, while The NewMarxists took second. It should be said,however, that even though these bandsmay be called the next big thing the oth-ers should not be overlooked, as they alldeserve to be heard.

AAlleexx PPrrooyyaass ggeettss ddoowwnn aanndd ddiirrttyy wwiitthh KKnnoowwiinnggDaniel Suddes A&E Editor

It’s a giant shame that if youwere to say the name Alex Proyas manywould have no clue who you are talkingabout. With only four films, Proyas hasdemonstrated that he is a master of stylecombined with some of the deepest sci-ence fiction scripts ever written. This year,Proyas will be releasing his latest film:Knowing.

In the film, a college professornamed John Koestler (Nicholas Cage)finds the contents of a time capsule at hisson’s school. One of the pieces is a letterwith seemingly random numbers on it.Koestler thinks there is more to it, espe-cially after he realizes the dates on thepaper indicate major world crises and pre-dict the end of the world.

Recently, I had the chance totalk with Proyas about his upcoming film.

Stormy Petrel: When talking aboutKnowing, you said that you moved it tomore of a sci-fi focus from fantasy. What isit about sci-fi as a genre that allows you totell the story better than fantasy? Proyas: It’s really just my own personalsort of comfort design. I grew up on sci-

ence fiction and it sort of really is part ofmy psyche creatively. And so I just feelvery comfortable working within thegenre. I just like the limitations that, youknow, the science fiction genre imposesupon me. But it’s just, you know, it’s real-ly what I think I do best and I guess I sortof stick with it. Knowing was much moreof a supernatural story when I first read thescreenplay and we’ve moved it verystrongly into the realms of science fictionnow.

Stormy Petrel: You’ve used Philip K.Dick as an inspiration for some of yourother movies, especially Dark City, and Iwas just wondering looking at the trailer itstill kind of had that Philip K. Dick over-tone. I was just wondering if you used himas an inspiration for this? Proyas: Not really, no. He’s one of theguys that I absolutely idolized when I wasmuch younger and I read, you know, sci-ence fiction voraciously. And he’s seepedin to my psyche I think and he’s sort ofsomeone that is always eternally inspira-tional to me. But there were quite a fewother science fiction authors of that sameera like [unintelligible] and Ray Bradburyand Robert Heinlein and many more who Ithink also have kind of done the same

thing for me.

Stormy Petrel: With the red camera thatyou’re using, I know you talked a little bitabout how that was a big learning curve foryou. How do you think just the red cameraspecifically and maybe just digital cinemain general is kind of changing the industry?Maybe for, you know, smaller film makers,lower budget projects, and just kind of theindustry in general. Proyas: Well, I think it’s definitely goingto give us even more playing field in termsof big and small budgets because, I mean,you know, one of the aspects of the redcamera, for example, is that it cost $50,000to purchase outright which certainly stillseems...it would seem like a lot of moneyto many younger film makers of course butcompared to the hundreds and thousandsof dollars that camera equipment has costto this point of that quality, it’s becoming avery affordable medium which his great.

Stormy Petrel: How does Nicholas Cagefit the role? What are some of his gestures,intonations, that really make his charactercome to life? Is there any specific momentthat they think that like, wow, he reallycaught my meaning? Proyas: Well Nick is I think an incredibly

versatile actor. That’s really why I’m sucha fan of his work because he’s always dif-ferent, you know. He really embraces hischaracters and runs with them, you know.And this is no different in that respect. Imean he’s created a very strong character.And it’s not about Nick Cage, it’s about thecharacter. And that’s really important Ithink. It’s an incredibly important thing fora director to know also that your leadingactor understands what you’re trying to doin terms of the movie and is a collaboratorwith you. And we’re telling a story togeth-er which I think Nick was so great at.

Stormy Petrel: Is there any specific mes-sage you want to be conveyed to the audi-ence who plotted this film? Proyas: For me the movie is a spiritualquestion on the part of Nicholas Cage’scharacter. You know, he starts off believingthat the universe is a meaningless placethat functions on the basis of randomnessand chaos and comes to realize that per-haps there is meaning to his life on earth.And that to me is, you know, a deeply spir-itual aspect of the film and that’s why I’mmaking the movie.

Knowing opens March 20, 2009.

Photo by Liz WeberDiscover Radio excites fans during the Masquerade’s “The Next Big Thing.”

March 13, 2009 The Stormy Petrel A&E 9

Daniel SuddesA&E Editor

I had to admit, the premise of The Lena Baker Story sound-ed…well, preachy. I am sure everyone remembers films shownthroughout public school about slavery, discrimination, and the CivilRights Movement. These are all important times in American histo-ry, but these films used the old “black man unfairly oppressed, whiteman evil and racist” cards. They are caricatures, not films.

Luckily, The Lena Baker Story rises above this approachand manages to give one of the best views of the time period. RalphWilcox has not created caricatures or even characters, but has creat-ed people. Wilcox does not assign blame but uses the medium to itsgreatest purpose: to make the populace think.

The film is a biopic of Lena Baker, a mother of three whoin 1945 became the only woman in Georgia executed via electricchair. The film chronicles Lena’s life from her time as a prostitute toher being hired to take care of Mr. Ernest Knight, a drunken manwho repeatedly rapes and later kidnaps later. Baker shoots Mr.Knight following one of these kidnappings and is tried for his mur-der. While in jail, Lena attempts to comfort her children and ulti-mately redeem herself from her misdeeds that led to the murder.

The most notable aspect in the film is that there are veryfew actual racists. Sure, the system is hopelessly stacked againstLena from the outset, but this is not the fault of any of the charac-ters. They appear just as helpful to Lena, offering her jobs; one char-acter even gives Lena glasses. Even the villainous Knight is not trulyevil. Dangerous? Incredibly. Abusive? Undeniably. But truly evil? Iam not sure. He represents temptation more than anything else,allowing Lena to give in to her own demons. People try to turn Lenaaway from him but, like anyone who cannot give up an addiction,Lena keeps going back.

I would also like to pause and give special accolades toMichael Rooker, the actor who plays the Randolph County Sheriff.Often sheriff characters are either incredibly dull or incredibly mali-cious, yet Rooker brings things to his role that I have not seen sinceRod Steiger’s Sheriff Bill Gillespie in the landmark In The Heat ofthe Knight. Rooker plays his role with a certain sadness and sense offutility, hating the system he works for yet powerless to do any-thing against it.

HHooppee ffoorr GGAA FFiillmm SSoocciieettyy:: TThhee LLeennaa BBaakkeerr SSttoorryy

RRaallpphh WWiillccooxx ddiissccuusssseess LLeennaaBBaakkeerr aanndd ffiillmm iinn GGeeoorrggiiaa

Photo courtesy of Allied Advertising.Tichina Arnold and Peter Coyote star as Lena Baker and Elliot Arthur in The Lena Baker Story.

Daniel SuddesA&E Editor

Talking to Ralph Wilcox, it is easy to seehis enthusiasm for his work. Wilcox has been in thebusiness for 30 years, and is looking to change hiscareer. Wilcox has been looking to expand the filmindustry into Georgia. His first film, Hope andRedemption: The Lena Baker Story, was filmed com-pletely locally. Wilcox has the opportunity to not onlyreinvent himself but also to reinvent cinema inGeorgia. I recently had the opportunity to discussWilcox’s film and his goals.

Stormy Petrel: How did you become involved inThe Lena Baker Story? What about the story inspiredyou to step behind the camera? Wilcox: It’s best to just start from the beginning. Ihave been in this business for thirty years. After allthat time, I realized that I couldn’t keep doing it any-more. You either keep doing what you are doing, oryou evolve. I went to Africa for six and a half yearsto make documentaries about the missionaries there.That was a great inspiration to me; it showed me thatwe are self servants, not self serving.

When I got back, I thought I had to start my careerall over again. The film industry was very decentral-ized. In my travels, I found an area in SouthwestGeorgia that I fell in love with. Despite enormouspressure from the locals, who all believed I must berunning from someone to settle there, I became deter-mined to bring the industry to Georgia. So, I havecommissioned a film festival to get people interestedin the area. People started taking my quest seriously.

Around this time, someone told me about LenaBaker. I was intrigued, so I bought the rights to thestory and set about getting the film made. Which Idid, and thanks to the film, people have becomemuch more interested in the area.

Stormy Petrel: Do you feel the themes discussed inthe film are still relevant to today’s society? Wilcox: Absolutely, and so far the response peoplehave had to the film has been very positive. This is a

story that has inspired people like Martin LutherKing Jr. and Obama. People tend to forget there aremany sides to an issue. It’s easy to make this a storyabout black versus white. This isn’t that: it’s a storyabout this woman. All of the characters have flaws. Itis a story about personal self inspiration. And themain issues still exist; one of the main things is thedeath penalty. We are still debating this today.

Story Petrel: Was the cast as enthusiastic about theproject? Wilcox: Everyone in the cast was completely therebecause the script literally was a story that resonatedwith them. It really made a difference; people reallywant to be involved with a project that someone ispassionate about. To be compassionate, to be help avision to become a reality, it’s all important. And theaudience has been just as enthusiastic as the actors.I’ve had people walk out of the screening crying;some simply could not move. It was like a revival,almost.

Stormy Petrel: What are your future plans to bringthe film industry to Georgia? Wilcox: Well, I have top notch directors and a lot ofinvestors chomping at the bit to get to southwestGeorgia. People think only open fields exist downthere, yet there are very progressive areas. I ampoised with at least four projects that can be shot any-where.

Stormy Petrel: You mentioned how the audiencemembers are reacting to the film. Do you think thisfilm has a long life ahead of it? Wilcox: Absolutely: Lena Baker will show up everyyear at schools and universities due to the elements Ihave discussed. We are all tied together by a singlegarment of density. If we are going to survive, if theydon’t inherit flaws that we struggle with today, theyare all still doomed. Maybe inheriting a little debtwill be more bearable as we will work together.

Hope and Redemption: The Lena Baker Story opensin Atlanta on March 13, 2009..

Of course, most of the attention will begiven to Tichina Arnold, and rightfully so. Her per-formance emphasizes the strengths of the film, main-ly because it demonstrates that Lena Baker is not per-fect. There is an emphasis that Lena is in the positionthat she is due to her own choices. Lena cries,demands change, yet constantly does nothing tochange herself until it is too late. Her final scene isperfect, showcasing her final chance at redemption.

Of course, there are moments when the filmstumbles. The last act of the movie feels hopelesslydragged out, with only one or two scenes that work.

Of course, these two scenes (Lena’s execution and afinal conversation with her children) are so powerfulthat it makes this observation almost irrelevant.However, throughout this final act, I couldn’t erasethe feeling that the film had already said all it had tosay.

Wilcox has managed to do what I wasbeginning to think had been forgotten: to make a filmabout segregation, and give it some depth. I hope Mr.Wilcox is successful in his goals to finally bring thefilm industry to Georgia. If all his films are like this,then it will not be a hard task to accomplish.

Editor: Stephanie JefcoatSports

10 Sports The Stormy Petrel March 13, 2009

OOUU wwoommeenn ddoommiinnaattee NNCCAAAA BBaasskkeettbbaallll TToouurrnnaammeennttStephanie JefcoatSports Editor

Drawing in some of the largestcrowds Dorough Fieldhouse has ever seen,the NCAA Division III Women’sBasketball Tournament turned out to be aweekend full of nail-biting, edge-of-your-seat action that brought fans to their feetand players to their knees.

Round 1Friday night, March 6, our very

own Lady Petrels faced off against theMaryville Scots and pulled out a win forOglethorpe, advancing the team to Round2 of the tournament on Saturday, wherethey faced Greensboro College. Bothnights, the OU ladies dominated thecourts, bringing home two more wins andmaking them 27-3 for the season.

The competition started tough onFriday, as the ladies battled the MaryvilleScots, visiting from Tennessee. The match-up began as a back and forth competitionof speed and strength and continued itsback and forth swing until the very lastseconds of action.

Oglethorpe presented fast andconsistent offensive and defensive presses,eventually tying the game with less thansix minutes remaining in the first half.After a few quick moves towards the bas-ket, OU took the lead with five minutes on

the clock. At one point, senior guardHannah Brooks found herself caught in aduel for the ball at center court, where shegained the upper hand when a foul wascalled on the opposing Scots player, send-ing the Maryville coach into a fit of shout-ing and arm waving on the sideline.

During the last minute of the firsthalf, OU managed to squeak ahead by fourpoints, successfully holding on to the four-point lead at the end of the first. With thestart of the second half, both teamsappeared off their initial rhythms, but eachquickly focused their attention on the

court. In the second half, the OU one-

on-one defense proved to be a strong pointin the win over Maryville. The LadyPetrels held strong and limited the scoringby Maryville, until the Scots managed totie things up with less than two minutesleft in the game.

As parents and painted studentscheered at a deafening level forOglethorpe, the Petrels moved the balltoward the goal and fed senior guard AnnaFindley a perfect pass, giving her thechance to sink a beautiful, game-winning

3-pointer with 30 seconds on the clock.Fans roared as the Lady Petrels held ontothe ball right until the final buzzer signaledthe end of a “thrilling” game, one that was“more exciting than it needed to be,”according to Dean Doyle after the conclu-sion of the Round 1 match up.

In a post-game interview,Maryville player number 23, TaraHeyboer, admitted, with tears runningdown her cheeks, that the Scots "justwanted to keep the game close." They cer-tainly succeeded as much of the game wasplayed with only a 1 or 2 point differencebetween the two teams. Despite the toughloss, Heyboer complimented Oglethorpe,commenting on how well the Lady Petrelsmoved the ball and how "they are a veryintelligent team that works well together."

The OU teamwork really showedup in the stats and points earned in theFriday night game. Senior Katie Kulavicled all scorers on the night with 19 pointsand 4 assists. Anna Findley added 17points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists and fellowsenior Biz Richmann netted 12 points andled all players with 11 rebounds. TinaGrace connected for 14 points to round outthe Petrels in double-figures.

And to what do the Lady Petrelsowe their win for the night? "A lot of itcomes down to heart and playing the fun-damentals of basketball," stated senior for-

Photos Courtesy of Taylor Glenn

Left: The Lady Petrels huddle together after their win over the Maryville Scots. Right: Senior Anna Findley drives past a Maryville defender as she goes for a lay up.

Photo Courtesy of Taylor Glenn

Members of the OU men’s basketball team donned full body paint to support the Lady Petrels.

See Basketball, p. 11

March 13, 2009 The Stormy Petrel Sports 11

OOnn yyoouurr mmaarrkk,, ggeett sseett,, GGOO!!

Score BoxMen’s Basketball: 16 – 10 Women’s Basketball: 27 – 3

Men’s Tennis: 5 – 1 Women’s Tennis: 2 – 3

Baseball: 6 – 6 (Season records up-to-date as of 3/8/09)

From Basketball P. 10

ward Biz Richmann. The ladies certainly-had quite a lot of heart on the court, provenby the close win over the Maryville Scots,final score of 68-65. Less than 24 hourslater, the women's team was on the courtagain, ready to pour all their heart andeffort into the Round 2 game of the NCAAD-III Tournament against the GreensboroCollege Pride.

Round 2The second round of NCAA tour-

nament play featured the Lady Petrelsagainst the Greensboro College Pride fromNorth Carolina on Saturday, March 7, at7:00 p.m. Similar to the game againstMaryville, Oglethorpe faced an aggressiveGreensboro defense Saturday night. Butthe OU women demonstrated theirstrength again as they gained a double digitlead within the first eight and half minutesof play.

Unfortunately for Greensboro,they were unable to recover from thedeficit created by Oglethorpe during theremainder of the game. Oglethorpe contin-ued to advance their lead over Greensborowith several successful 3 pointers andnumerous opportunities for steals andrebounds.

By the halftime mark, OU ledwith a score of 30-18. Within the first twominutes of the second half, the LadyPetrels scored 6 more points, holding dou-ble the number of points of Greensboro,with the score at 36-18.

With all of this intense action, itwas no surprise that the Oglethorpe fans,with every last seat filled, were constantlyjumping to their feet and screaming andyelling as they cheered on their favoritebasketball players. But unlike the noiseand clamor that came from the Maryvilleaudience just the night before, theGreensboro crowd sat back quietly in theirseats as their team continued to fall behindOglethorpe.

Continuing their reign of thecourts, the Lady Petrels added 14 points totheir score and by the eleven minute mark,led 50-25. Just a minute later, senior AnnaFindley made her move and did what shedoes best, sinking a 3 pointer from the left-hand corner of the court. "There you go,that's that dagger that ended it," AthleticDirector Jay Gardiner turned and com-mented as Greensboro ran down the courtfollowing Findley's 3 point shot.

You could feel the tensionexplode in the room as Greensboro foughtharder and harder against Oglethorpe scor-ing, with little success. More and more theOglethorpe players were finding them-selves trapped by two or three Greensboroplayers and unable to dribble the ball ormove anywhere. But communication wasat its peak Saturday night as the OU ladiesbacked each other up and knew exactlywhen and how to pass the ball and getanother team member out of trouble.

In spite of the pressure put onthem by the Greensboro defense, the LadyPetrels prevailed and added another W totheir season with the win in Round 2, finalscore: 67-40.

As for player stats for theSaturday night tournament match up, KatieKulavic led all scorers with 22 points, andgrabbed 7 rebounds, dished 6 assists andforced 3 steals. Fellow senior AnnaFindley scored 10 of her 14 points in thesecond half and teammate Tina Gracepoured in 12 points and grabbed 11rebounds to lead all players in that catego-ry. Petrel senior captain and floor generalHannah Brooks added 5 points and 10rebounds of her own in the runaway victo-ry for Oglethorpe.

How do the Lady Petrels feelabout the entire season as things beginwinding down for the year? Senior TinaGrace says, "It's been a good season," onethat has gone by too quickly. But the ladiescan't say goodbye to the courts just yet.

With their win over Greensboro,the Oglethorpe women's basketball teamearned a spot in the 2009 NCAATournament Sectionals. The sectionals willtake place in Florence, Kentucky, on thecampus of Thomas More College, duringMarch 13 and 14.

Friday night, the No. 5 rankedLady Petrels will face the undefeatedGeorge Fox Bruins, currently holding theNo. 3 spot. Also on Friday will be thematch up between No. 7 Thomas More andNo. 2 Hope College. The Friday night win-ners will move on to play each other onSaturday, with the winner of that game col-lecting a ticket to the Final Four inHolland, Michigan.

Good luck to our Lady Petrels inKentucky! Let's cheer them all the way tothe Final Four!

Photo by Jen RileySenior Katie Kulavic drives past aGreensboro guard.

LaDonna BarnesStaff Writer

As the weather warms up and thedays get longer, OU Track and Field pro-gresses in their season. Here’s an insiderlook on Avery Livingston, Isaac Barron,and the Petrel Track Team

Name: Avery LivingstonClass Year: JuniorHometown: LaGrange, GAEvents: 400, 800, 1500, 5K

Other Activities: Cross CountryCaptain, ODK president, Chi Omegapresident, OSA Secretary, Intern at theGeorgia State Capital, ULP program,Young Democrats.

Why do you run track? I run trackbecause it's low key and low pressure. Nostress. I have run track since my freshmanyear of college and my senior year in highschool.

What’s the best or worst part of beingon the track team? The best part of trackare the great people involved; the worst isday-long track meets.

SportsScheduleUpcoming Home Games

Women’s Tennis vs .Southeas ternFr iday, Mar . 13th, 2 p .m.

Men & Women’s Tennis vs .Miss i s s ipp i Co l lege Saturday, Mar . 14th, 10 a .m.

Men’s Basebal l vs . Centre(Doubleheader)Saturday, Mar. 14th, 5 & 8 p.m.

Men’s Basebal l vs . CentreSunday, Mar . 15th, 12 p .m.

Men’s Basebal l vs . Arcad iaWednesday, Mar . 18th, 7 p .m.

Men’s Basebal l vs . Arcad iaThursday, Mar . 19th, 7 p .m.

Men’s Basebal l vs . Bates (Doubleheader)Saturday, Mar. 21st, 2 & 5 p.m.

Men’s Basebal l vs . N. Centra l Co l lege Monday, Mar . 23rd, 7 p .m.

Men’s Basebal l vs . N. Centra l Co l legeTuesday, Mar . 24th, 7 p .m.

What is an average practice like? Anaverage practice is divided between thethrowers, jumpers, sprinters and long dis-tance runners. We all have separate prac-tices.

Name: Isaac BarronClass Year: FreshmenHometown: Morganton NCEvents: Long Jump, Triple Jump, 200,400, 800, Decathalon

Why do you run track? I run trackbecause the people involved are usuallychill and it was a good way to stay in shapefor soccer. I've been doing it since my jun-ior year in high school.

What’s the best or worst part of beingon the track team? The best part is rightafter a hard race and the worst is right inthe middle of a hard race.

What is an average practice like?Depending on the day, I either do a sprintworkout and jumping, or I will go work onpole vaulting and throwing. Or any mix ofthe four.

Believe it or not, when CoachBob Unger first started at Oglethorpe,there was no track and field team. Throughhard work and determination, be brought itback in 1990. Unger says, “The studentsmake it rewarding. Over the years, a fewhave qualified for the nationals where onlythe top 18 athletes in each event areentered. There is really nothing in track &field to compare to it. Several hundredother student-athletes never made it to thenationals, yet they earned memories thatwill stay with them forever.”OU Track andField had their first home meet on Friday,March 6 versus Chattahoochee Tech.Elizabeth Hale won the long jump, triplejump and the 200 meters. Her performanceearned her the title of “Athlete of theWeek.” The Lady Petrels won all of theirevents but two, and the men also won theirmeet. Freshman Chad Smith also prevailedin the shot put, discus, and javelin.

Coach Unger is proud of theteams’ performance. “Both squads are fair-ly young—not many seniors on eitherteam. They have a good deal of potential,and though the season is early, severalhave already done well. I was delighted tosee so many students come out to cheer ontheir classmates.”

Come out and support the PetrelTrack team at their next home meet onThursday, April 9 against ChattahoocheeTech along with Concordia College ofSelma, Alabama.

An insider’s look at OU Track and Field

Editors: Laura BraddickHindsight

12 Hindsight The Stormy Petrel March 13, 2009

Cancun CocktailCancun Cocktail

1/2 oz. Amaretto 1/2 oz. BananaLiqueur 1/2 oz. Coconut rumPineapple Juice

Pour spirits over icein a tall Collins glassthen top off withjuice and stir. Just intime for SpringBreak!

LaChe PoolContributiong Senior

College became more meaningfulto me than just getting drunk and wakingup to learn that your roommate had to dragyou from the part, so that you were able tobarf in your own room rather than on thecouch in the fraternity house. Within thewalls of Oglethorpe, I have learned to par-take in better affairseven if it meant that Iwas not going to be repaid for my time. Ihave also learned to appreciate individualsthat appear to be different from me.

I found it necessary to detachmyself from my former peers that wantedme to conform to their ignorant ways ofviewing the world. Having my own voiceand being open-minded are just some ofthe few reasons why I did not want toattend a historically black college such asClark University or Spellman College.Instead of choosing a school whereAfrican-Americans are the dominant race,I chose to attend a prestigious universitythat was populated by diverse individualsthat resembled the rest of our planet. AtOglethorpe, everyone does not look likeme, or act like they are the middle child oftwo other siblings that were all raised by asingle mother living in the suburban areaof Chicago, Illinois.

Oglethorpe really allows you tobe yourself. You do not feel pressured toconform to various social groups. This is atruly a place where every student can learnto embrace the environment and their sur-roundings to feel as their own by calling it‘home.’

During my freshmen year atOglethorpe, I was very close to five otherAfrican-American students. For various

reasons, they transferred out of OU and Iam the only student out of our clique thatwill be walking across the stage this yearto receive a bachelor’s degree. My originalsocial group from freshmen year stillmakes it a priority to meet up and hang-out. During these times, they express howproud they are of me because I managedmy time efficiently throughout my timestudying as an undergraduate student. Atthe beginning of freshman year, I was thegirl that no one knew because I was toobusy hiding in Room C4 in Dempsey hall.I began college as a hermit by secludingmyself with my novels that I had to readfor English and Core classes. There was nomore leisure reading because all of mytime was converted to reading material

that I had never even heard of before.In order to succeed, I had to learn

to manage my time between studying, par-tying, balancing two internships, fulfillingthe expectations of a work-study job, andalso meeting the requirements of a full-time student at ap r i v a t e … p r e s t i g i o u s … l i b e r a larts...accredited university! Among themillion challenges that I endured, it allbegan when I challenged myself tobecome educated in a strange environmentwhere everyone looked like aliens!

It was then that I became accus-tomed to the “Southern Hospitality” andthe southern dialect. It also became a reg-ularity to hear the amusement in people’svoice when I lamented that I was an

English major. “What the hell were youthinking?”…is the same exact phrase thatmy mother said when I told her that I wasenrolled in four literature classes…all atthe 300-level! To my luck, the English pro-fessors are very understanding and wouldallow an extra day or two because theyknew that students often became over-whelmed during certain times of the year.During mid-terms one semester, I had atotal of six papers that were due within aweek and a half. I did not request any extratime to complete my assignments but I wassurely burnt out after it was all over.

Due to my former work-study jobin Faculty Services and taking all Englishclasses, I am familiar with OU’s entireEnglish department. These are the sameeducators that upper-classmen told me tobe aware of or stay away from: the “cyni-cal” Dr. McFarland, the “witty” Dr.Brightman, the “enthusiastic” Dr. Taylor,the “dramatic” Dr. Hornback, and the“delightful” Dr. McCarthy. I became ableto embrace the English professors throughselected works that we ventured through. Ilearned more about literature as I discov-ered new things about myself from readingthe assigned works, such as Sue Miller’sLost in the Forest, John Milton’s ParadiseLost, Vladimir Nabokov’s The Defense,Medieval & Tudor Drama, and Zora NealeHurston’s Their Eyes Watching God.

Due to all my failures, all myaccomplishments, shedding a salty trail oftears and smiling until my cheeks wereweary…I have learned the true definitionof being initiated as a “Stormy Petrel.”

I hereby pledge that I will contin-ue to “Make a Life, Make a Living, Makea Difference.”

OOgglleetthhoorrppee hheellppss ssttuuddeenntt ggrrooww uupp,, ccoommee oouutt ooff sshheellll

Photo courtesy of LaChe PoolSenior LeChe Pool reflects over a paper in the comfort of home she found at OU.