Closer to the fight
49 states in 13 months
Palm Beach Atlantic University’s women ROTC students are preparing for the challenges that lie ahead.
2 PBA alums will travel through 49 states in 13 months to teach their kids about American History.
News 3
The Student Newspaper of Palm Beach Atlantic University
Volume Issue Volume 8, 8, Issue 1413
Features 4
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Lost in Transition More and more veterans are leaving the battlefield and entering the classroom. As they do, they begin to face various issues relating to readjusting to civilian life, from PTSD to depression. Palm Beach Atlantic University is home to roughly 65 student veterans. A new club, the Student Veterans of PBA, has been formed by a few of these veterans to help in the transition.
Page 2 By Chris Hernandez for the Beacon
Monday, February 13,20, 2012 Monday, February 2012
Monday, November 14, 2011
NEWS
Page 2 • February 20, 2012
versity
www.readmybeacon.com Chris Hernandez
Managing Editor Chris.thebeacon@pba.edu
John Sizemore
Executive Editor John_Sizemore@pba.edu
Duane Meeks Publisher
Editorial Staff Cash W. Lambert
News Editor Cashwlambert@gmail.com
Kayla Viaud
Features Editor Kayla_Viaud@pba.edu
Joshua Reid
Sports Editor joshuareid1221@gmail.com
Christina Cernik Photo Editor christinacernik@gmail.com
Charlotte Rakestraw
Art Director Meghan Gilmore wynne.charlotte@gmail.com Meghan_Gilmore@pba.edu
Jenny Hendriksen
Web Editor John Sizemore jlhendriksen@gmail.com John_Sizemore@pba.edu
Weekly Staff Duane Meeks
Saudia Ali Becca Stripe Gina Cipolla No part of the Beacon may be reproduced without Tyann Mullen permission. The opinions expressed in the Beacon are not necessarily those of the Palm Beach Atlantic Faith University Warren administration, staff or faculty. Victoria Vartan Meghan Gilmore Greg Halmos Molly Black Submissions: If you would like to submit a letter to the editor, a news tip, corrections, or contribute to the Beacon, email the managing editor: readmybeacon@gmail.com No part of the Beacon may be reproduced without permission. The opinions expressed in the Beacon are not necessarily those of the Palm Beach Atlantic University administration, staff or faculty.
Corrections for 2/13: See an error we did not catch? Help hold us accountable by emailing the editor of the section. Our goal is to bring you the cleanest copy possible.
V
erse of the week:
Benaiah son of Jehoiada, a valiant fighter from Kabzeel, performed great exploits. He struck down Moab’s two mightiest warriors. He also went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion. And he struck down a huge Egyptian. Although the Egyptian had a spear in his hand, Benaiah went against him with a club. He snatched the spear from the Egyptian’s hand and killed him with his own spear. Such were the exploits of Benaiah son of Jehoiada; he too was as famous as the three mighty warriors. He was held in greater honor than any of the Thirty, but he was not included among the Three. And David put him in charge of his bodyguard. -2 Samuel 23:20 NIV
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College clubs help vets readjust to civilian life A Palm Beach Atlantic University student has started a club to give veterans a voice.
logistics during his first deployment as beneficial to his transition. Logistics entailed making sure others had bullets and meals. “I had to take care of around 100 soldiers. I grew up pretty quick,” he said. To help those who are in the midst of transition, Lucas Young, a junior at PBA, has started Student Veterans of PBA. “We need a voice,” said Young, a former Marine who served as an infantryman in Iraq from 2007 to 2008. According to Young, PBA has roughly 65 student vets on its campus. Young had a different experience transitioning back to civilian life from Thompson. Though there weren’t physical difficulties, Young had
PTSD since its founder began battling it. Symptoms of PTSD include nightmares, hallucinations, reenacting experiences and violent outbursts. One of the goals of Student Veterans of PBA is to be a resource for those who have experienced PTSD and other war related difficulties. By Chris Hernandez Sheppa, who is the head of Managing Editor Veterans’ Owl at FAU, has seen how his club has become a safe place for On a wet Friday afternoon in West vets. “Sometimes one of us will jump Palm Beach Fla., he sits in his black when we hear a loud noise,” Sheppa Adidas track suit, eating doughy said. “But then we sit down and joke cafeteria pizza next to a leaking ceiling. about it because we have all had those Though this is just another average moments.” college lunch day, a year ago, Robert “Vets have a certain experience that Thompson, a senior organizational 99.9 percent of people their own age management major at Palm Beach don’t have,” said Thompson, Atlantic University, was eating who is also an officer of the pizza in a different setting: “You see them with nice cars, club. Thompson is in charge in bed at the Walter Reed but they are not going to have a of gathering all available Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. leg. They don’t realize the money resources in West Palm for the vets that join Thompson suffered two coming in needs to last a long Beach the club at PBA. concussion injuries during time.” Roger Chapman, his two tours oversees when associate professor of he was in the Army. The history at Palm Beach first, in Afghanistan, got him - Thompson Atlantic University, can transferred from the combat relate to student veterans. arms unit to logistics. The Chapman attended college other, in Iraq, was the one that sent him to Walter Reed for 14 to overcome feelings of isolation, after serving as an Army Ranger. To months, three of which were spent in shutting himself off from the world this day, he can remember the serial treatment and the rest waiting to hear for a year. “When you get back, numbers on his weapons and recite back if he would return to the armed you’re not on the same page. You feel the Ranger Creed. detached,” Young said. “PBA is fortunate to have the services. Brandon Sheppa, student veteran’s presence of these veterans,” Chapman A survey by the Pew Research Center found that 54 percent of resource assistant at Florida Atlantic injured veterans found it hard to University, shared a similar experience. “In military service, you’re always there readjust back into civilian life. “In an odd way, I was lucky for each other,” Sheppa said. “When since I was in hospital for so long,” you first come back, you are on your Thompson said. Thompson is a own.” “When people get in, they don’t native of Washington D.C. When he was admitted to Walter Reed, he was know if they are going to enjoy it,” surrounded by family and friends who Thompson said. “But they end up provided him with support through enjoying it so much, that, when they his recovery and transition from get out, it feels like something is missing.” military life to civilian life. Apart from feeling a loss of Everyone at the hospital did not have as much support as Thompson. camaraderie, many soldiers have to “Most of the people there were kids, deal with the psychological baggage like a lot of the kids in this cafeteria of traumatic experiences due to war. right now,” Thompson said surveying The Pew Research Center reports the cafeteria. “Being 26 at the time, I that 56 percent of returning vets who have suffered a traumatic experience was one of the older ones. “A lot of the kids are immature have had flashbacks or repeated vivid when they come out. They don’t know memories. A friend of Young’s developed Post how to manage the money coming Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in,” Thompson continued. “You see them with nice cars, but they are not after serving and attempted to commit going to have a leg. They don’t realize suicide. One in five soldiers returning the money coming in needs to last a from Iraq suffers from PTSD, according to Healmyptsd, a group long time.” Thompson also said working in created to spread the message of
said. “They have stories to tell, wisdom to share. They know that life is not a frivolous game, so they bring a maturity level that exceeds that of the average undergraduate. “This harmonizes with true Christianity: the New Testament teaches us to sacrifice, carry our cross, and to die to self, all of which requires a mature mental state. So, our veterans offer that kind of example. “At the same time, these veterans need the support and love and respect of the larger student body,” Chapman continued. “Both the veterans and the non-veterans have something to give, something to gain.” Young appreciates the sense of community he has found at PBA. Though he grew up in the church, Young feels that his relationship with God intensified after serving in the military. Young hopes to offer his perspectives to the club. Though the transition to civilian life has its difficulties, Thompson believes that letting go is just one step to readjusting. “It’s important to gain new experiences and keep the good stuff,” he said. “You’re slammed together with people of different races, maturities, levels. I will remember these guys for the rest of my life. Every single one. Dead or alive. Every tour. Every mission. You get to know these people. I had a great 9 ½ years.”
NEWS
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February 20, 2012 • Page 3
By Charolette Rakestraw for the Beacon
By Chris Hernandez for the Beacon
Ready to defend: Sarah Woods, left, and Vanessa Garza, are members of PBA’s ROTC program and are willing to contribute in any way possible to the U.S. Army.
Changes will put women closer to the fight Palm Beach Atlantic University’s women ROTC students are preparing for the challenges that lie ahead in war. By Meghan Gilmore Staff Writer The conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan has strained the resources of the American military; will Syria be next? As political leaders in the West speculate on military intervention in troubled Syria, one thing is for sure: If the U.S. sends troops, it won’t just be men heading into harm’s way. On Feb. 9, the Pentagon announced an additional 14,000 combatrelated jobs for female service members. Although women still won’t be able to serve in Special Forces or the infantry, the policy change opens combat unit jobs at the battalion level, which puts women closer to fighting than they have ever been before. Among the young women who could serve their country in this way are ROTC cadets at Palm Beach Atlantic University. “I’m excited for us women,” said PBA cadet and nursing student Sarah Woods. “We’re just as trained and just as prepared as the men are, so why not show that we want to fight and serve our country just as much as the men? We are just as capable.” Some feminists say the Pentagon’s announced changes don’t go far enough, but Woods believes the announcement shows increasing respect for women. She sees the changes as a testament
to the role women play in today’s wars. This will also give women more chances to rise up the military ranks. The announcement from the Pentagon was not a big surprise to those in the military circles. For Carmelo Colon, the senior military science instructor at PBA, the new rule changes and expanded role of women at the combat battalion level don’t represent a very significant change in the way the military operates. Colon said that due to the nature of modern conflict and the lack of a defined frontline, women have been involved in combat roles for the last ten years, and they have proven themselves capable and ready time and again. “Having personally served with women on the frontline, I understand that there are explicit and implicit challenges that our leaders will be faced with in dealing with the expanded roles,” said Colon. “However, our leaders are intelligent, adaptable and will figure it out and continue to get the mission accomplished.” For Woods and PBA ROTC Cadet Vanessa Garza, this means that instead of sitting behind a computer in the future, as they envisioned their role in the Army, they could be running along the hills in Syria with a Bible in their backpack and a weapon strapped to their leg. Garza is set to graduate next year. As she puts it, “God willing,” she’ll pass her ROTC course and nursing exam and join other nurses in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps. Though she could be much closer to the actual fighting than she ever anticipated, Garza reassures herself that although that gun may be there that doesn’t
mean she necessarily will have to use it. “You can’t just go kill someone,” said Garza. “They have to show you that they’re hostile and that your life is in danger. As a nurse in the military, you won’t be put in that situation most of the time. At least I don’t think so and I don’t hope so.” Woods doesn’t think she’ll be put into life or death situations where she is forced to use her weapon. But because of extensive training, if that occasion arises, she knows what she has to do. “If it came down to survival of the fittest, or what was right or what was wrong and they were attacking us, I think I would have to take that step and defend,” said Woods. The thought that she may be using bullets instead of bandages while serving her time in the army does not faze Garza. She looks to the battle to stay strong in her walk with God when in situations where her faith could cost her life. Garza said if she is stationed where Christianity is not an accepted religion, then she won’t go around saying, “Well no, you have to believe in this and you have to believe in that and this is the way it is.” But she will keep her faith strong and try to be a light to others, even if it is in a discrete, nontraditional way. “I’ll have respect for them and if it really truly offends them that I’m reading the Bible in front of them, I’m not going to cross that barrier because if we do that, then were only pushing people away that we could possible preach to,” said Garza. “So it’s more like I’ll keep that line and try to work in their life in some other way that communicates with them and that they can relate to.”
PBA mourns death of Carter By Michael Brown Contributing Writer After a nearly nine-month battle with brain cancer, Palm Beach Atlantic University baseball head coach Gary Carter passed away on Thursday, Feb. 16, 2012 at 4:10 pm. Nicknamed “The Kid” for his infectious smile and enthusiasm, Carter spent the last two plus seasons coaching baseball for the NCAA Division II Sailfish following a Hall of Fame playing career in Major League Baseball. He was 57 years old. Diagnosed with four small brain tumors in May of 2011, Carter had been receiving intense treatments of chemotherapy and other medical treatments as his type of cancer was deemed inoperable. Carter leaves behind an incredible legacy in many circles for his athletic abilities, charitable endeavors, and unyielding faith. His most recent career path led him to join his daughter and son-in-law, Kimmy and Kyle Bloemers, at Palm Beach Atlantic University where Kimmy serves the university as its head softball coach and Kyle is an assistant athletic director. Inducted into the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame in 2003 following a brilliant 19-year playing career, Carter is known as one of the greatest catchers to ever play. Spending
a majority of his career playing for the Montreal Expos and New York Mets, Carter helped lead the Mets to their only World Series Championship in 1986 as he started a two-out rally in Game Six to help propel the Mets to an improbable victory in seven games. Following his playing career Carter went into coaching and managing within the minor league ranks and independent baseball before settling in as the Sailfish head coach in October of 2009. Carter’s impact on Palm Beach County will forever be remembered as he has made it his permanent home since 1982. The founder of the Gary Carter Foundation, Carter was instrumental in raising funds and awareness for such causes as juvenile diabetes, children with Autism, and in providing education resources to local schools. Gary is survived by his wife, Sandy, to whom he was married for 35 years. The couple has three children in Christy Kearce, Kimmy Bloemers, and D.J Carter. They also have three grandchildren in C.J. Kearce, Brady Kearce, and Alyse Bloemers. Funeral arrangements are currently being made by the family with more information to be released at a later date.
By Cash W. Lambert for the Beacon
Long live the Kid: Carter instructing players in the spring of 2011. Shortly after, he was diagnosed with four brain tumors.
Page 4 • February 20, 2012
Across the USA: 49 states in 13 months
Photo Courtesy of Randy Martin for the Beacon
That Family: Parents Heidi and Randy Martin walk along with their children Kyle and Kristi. Their trip will begin June 2012.
2 PBA alums will travel through 49 states in 13 months to teach their kids about American history. By Heisy Padilla Contributing Writer A West Palm Beach family of four is planning a very unique vacation across the nation. Palm Beach Atlantic University alums Randy and Heidi Martin will be traveling more than 40,000 miles and visiting 49 states in 13 months, along with their kids Kristi and Kyle to learn and explore America’s history firsthand. Heidi came up with the idea about three years ago; she shared it with her husband,; they prayed about it and decided to go for it. “I feel that we live such a ‘regular’ life, with tunnel vision, and I want to show my kids that there is more to life than just the ‘regular’ stuff,” says Heidi. Randy says family and friends were very supportive and excited about their adventure. They sold their four-bedroom home to help cover the cost of the trip. He says he doesn’t worry about making money: you never get a year back with you family, but can always make more money. Randy and Heidi met back in 1992 and graduated in 1993. They have been married for 16 years and today both work at The King’s Academy, a private Christian school in West Palm Beach. Randy is the chief financial officer and Heidi teaches math. School administrators are supportive of the couple. The Kings Academy will allow them to resume their full-time positions upon their return. Randy believes there is too much negativity about the country right now, and not enough is being said about the good the country has
erything they have, mapping out their route, and doing research about each area. She says, “I get concerned that perhaps we will grow tired of each other. I am sure we will all have ‘our days’ but I want to offer. “We feel that we need to this trip to be a positive experience, show our children all the good in not a negative one.” the country,” Randy says. “We Randy will be working from the have great hard-working people; road about 20 hours a week while we have so many different ethniciHeidi takes time away from the job ties, people from every part of the to focus on the trip. The kids will be country.” keeping up with school by taking For Heidi, the most exciting part online classes. about the trip is seeing the country The family will take a with her husband and kids, and 400-square-foot RV and tow a “doing and seeing things we have truck on their vacation. They plan never experienced.” Heidi is hopto take both in a test vacation to the ing the time they will be spending Keys before they begin their long. together will help them grow closer. The family will be appearing on Kristi, 13, is class president at ABC affiliate Channel 25 morning show at 6:30 , every Wednesday when their trip begins in June on a segment called “Where “We feel that we need to show are they on Wednesour children all the good in day.” Their first special appearance will be on the country.” -Martin March 1, when they do their test vacation to the Keys. The family has creather school; she plays volleyball, ed a blog (www.thattripusa.com), a sings and dances. Kyle, 10, plays Facebook and Twitter page to docbasketball, and plays many musical ument their trip. They will be postinstruments including the piano, ing pictures of their favorites places drums, ukulele, and baritone horn. and things that they encounter He also acts and sings. The kids during their trip. “I hope that it will have never been home-schooled inspire them (people who follow before, so this will be a new expetheir journey) to take trips of their rience for them. Randy says Kristi own, to put family first, and to love and Kyle were concerned about God and their country,” Heidi says. leaving their friends for a year, but Randy says they hope people they will keep in contact with them look at their pictures and are invia Skype. spired to create their own dream Their first state will be Delaware trips. Heidi recommends college and their last Alaska. They plan to students who want to try an advenvisit the northern states during the ture like theirs to “start saving now, summer and the southern states researching now, taking notes now. during the winter. And perhaps, don’t buy so many During their trip, they will also things in your life that you don’t rebe spending time visiting family in ally need, one day you may have to other states. sell it all.” Heidi says so far the hardest part about the trip has been selling ev-
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FEATU
TURES
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By Kayla Viaud Features Editor Imagine this: It’s the first day of class and you reach into your pocket to pull out your schedule and the classes are Rock ‘n’ Rolling with the The Fray, Religious Studies with Tenth Avenue North and Politicizing Beyoncé. Two of those are fake course titles. “If you like it, you shoulda put a ring on it.” Who would have thought Beyoncé, the musician behind the 2008 hit song “Single Ladies” would be the topic of so much political attention. Believe it or not, she is. Kevin Allred a graduate student at Rutgers University has created a course, titled “Politicizing Beyoncé.” The class will connect Beyonce’s music with writings from female activists. Palm Beach Atlantic University is not backing away from this pop culture trend. PBA has held a class on the 1960s music group The Beatles and Harry Potter. “Taking an intellectual approach to your everyday life, that’s studying pop culture,” says Michael O’Connor, assistant professor of music, who taught the Beatles course. The course focuses on music and sociology and was a mix of popular music majors and other students. “The Beatles is as interesting as Mozart and Beethoven,” O’ Connor says. “When we look at culture we look at the activities of human beings at a particular time,” says O’Connor. “I think classes about popular icons are very important in the curriculum because it is important to study what is going on in the world around you, not just figures in the distant past,” says music education major Nicole Straussman. “How can they not be culturally relevant? Current sociological and anthropological studies rely
February 20, 2012 • Page 5
on modern figures to form the very culture we live in,” says Straussman. Pop culture classes offer a different approach in teaching students about the world in which they are living. “With pop culture, you can say ‘I can actually study something that I encounter every day,’” O’ Connor says. Pop culture courses that focus on celebrities are not an American concept. In England, at the Liverpool Hope University, students can receive a degree in the Beatles. “Europe has always been enamored of Pop culture, but I think America has had the greatest influence on their development of it,” says Lloyd Mims, dean of School of Music and Fine Arts. “That is becoming more and more true of the Pacific Rim areas now as well.” Students shouldn’t think that just because a class is named after a pop star, the class is easy. “These courses are just as challenging,” O’ Connor says of the Beatles course. “Culture is not history, although it can embrace history; culture is about humanity’s reaction to beauty, excitement, and enlightenment,” Mims says. “Culture is how humanity reacts creatively to those issues—in dance, music and visual art.” Georgetown University has a course titled, Sociology of Hip-Hop — Urban Theodicy of Jay-Z stemming from the music of Beyonce’s husband. Critics of pop culture classes believe that celebrities and pop stars are not culturally relevant for discussion in academia. O’Connor says they are “absolutely wrong.” “How can they not be culturally relevant? Current sociological and anthropological studies rely on modern figures to form the very culture we live in,” says Straussman. PBA offers a popular music major. PBA’s Popular Music major teaches students to compose songs, jingles and praise choruses. Graphic by Charlotte Rakestraw for the Beacon
Has Juliet found her Romeo?
T
wo weeks ago, you Beacon readers decided Juliet was the perfect match for Alex. Last Tuesday, as promised, the two went on their Valentine’s date. The afternoon started with a makeup and hair session from Juliet’s Oceanview ,ODP, sisters. From there, Juliet met Alex in front of ODP. Alex drove them to Celmatis where they would have their dinner. While in the car, the two discussed each others’ lives. Once on Clematis, the couple ate at Don Ramon’s Cuban Cuisine. Both were amused at photographer Tai Cornell, who documented the couple’s evening. Juliet recalls the waiter’s reaction. “I didn’t know you two were famous,” he said. After a serving of plantains, the two ate pollo a la juliana. Both discussed their favorite things before coming back to campus and parting ways. Alex could not be reached for comment regarding whether or not he would go out with Juliet again. Juliet thinks it won’t be a big deal if he didn’t, but, if he ever asked, would be open to the possibility.
Photos by Tai Cornell for the Beacon
Page 6 • February 20, 2012
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February 20, 2012 • Page 7
New P.R. major drawing interest By Gina Cipolla Staff Writer
By Becca Stripe for the Beacon
Speaking to 11,000 people: Florida Sen. Marco Rubio spoke at CPAC along with other political leaders.
Learning the conservative way at CPAC By Cash W. Lambert News Editor What started as a small political meeting of conservatives in 1973 led by Ronald Reagan has grown into a yearly conference that boasts the political heavy hitters of the year. The Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Washington D.C. spanned three days starting Feb. 9 and featured 10 speakers, including Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich, Sarah Palin, Marco Rubio and Allen West. “Every since 1973, CPAC has been the rally for conservative action,” said Palin, speaking to the 11,000 in attendance. Among those were Palm Beach Atlantic Universities College Republicans, who recorded the remarks of the politicians. Palin, along with the other politicians spoke of Reagan’s blueprint he set in order to push for a more conservative view on issues from the Republicans. “We intended to change Washington, not accommodate it,” said Gingrich, a hopeful for the Republican nomination to battle President Barack Obama for the 2012 presidency. “An example of what America can do when you unleash the American people is this,” said Gingrich. “In 44 months - in between Dec. 7 1941 and August 1945, we defeated Nazi Germany, fascist Italy and imperial Japan. When people say you can’t
control the [Mexican] border by Jan. 1, 2014, they are describing the America that can’t , the America that’s tied up in bureaucracy.” The politicians, including Gingrich, spoke on policies such as the pipeline in Canada, unemployment, and how they disagreed with Obama’s current decisions as chief executive of the United States. The College Republicans included
Jenna Steffens, Kyle McConnell, A.J. Titus, Rebekah Bouch, Becca Stripe and Emily Hardman. “At the conference, half of the people there were under the age of 25,” said PBA senior Bouch. “It’s encouraging to see other young people getting involved who want to change things.” PBA sophomore Titus agreed. “I got excitement from meeting people
By Becca Stripe for The Beacon
Field Trip: Six PBA leaders of the college Republicans visited Washington D.C. for CPAC and visited tourist hot spots, like the White House.
from other states like California and Iowa that were thoroughly excited about conservatism,” he said. According to the Center for Info and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE), the percentage of young voters has been increasing in the past three presidential elections. In 2000, 40.5 percent of the youth punched the ballots to vote for the president. In 2004, 48.5 percent voted and in 2008, 52 percent of the youth voted. PBA students have had the opportunity to see a number of political leaders locally in West Palm Beach. Romney, Santorum, and Gingrich have visited the city. “It was good seeing them in West Palm Beach,” said Bouch, “but seeing them speaking at CPAC put them in a different light. It gave us the ability to compare how each candidate felt on different issues and we were able to feel in the energy they brought in their speech.” Titus explained that Florida is a purple state, meaning it can swing either Democrat or Republican come election time, which is why the College Republicans is so involved on and off campus. “We are a very committed group of people,” he said, “that want to spread the message of our group and have a positive influence on the community.”
Obama discusses action to reduce tuition costs By Becca Stripe Staff Writer On Friday Jan. 27 president Barack Obama offered a possible plan to help lower the costs of public colleges and public universities throughout the country. The president’s plan is to increase the amount of federal money available for low-interest loans and then tie it directly to schools’ ability to reduce tuition. “You can’t assume you’ll just jack up tuition every single year,” Obama said recently during a speech to 4,000 students of the University of Michigan. “If you can’t stop tuition going up, your funding from taxpayers will go down. We should push colleges to do better; we should hold them accountable if they don’t.” According to a White House fact sheet, Obama’s proposal would reward colleges that set “responsible tuition policy,” either by “offering relatively lower
net tuition prices” or “restraining tuition growth.” Colleges would be judged on two other factors: how well they prepare graduates to get jobs and repay student loans, and their performance in enrolling and graduating low-income students. According to the United States National Center for Education Statistics for the 2009–10 academic year, annual prices for undergraduate tuition, room, and board were estimated to be $12,804 at public institutions, having raised 37 percent since the 1999–2000 academic year. “I think the president’s tuition proposal is fantastic, especially given the yearly increases in tuition being what they are,” Palm Beach Atlantic University political science major Ricky Marc said. “In the last few decades, the cost of living has gone up, whereas the median income across the board has remained virtually the same if not lower.” On Monday Feb. 6 vice president Joe Biden visited Florida State University in Tallahassee. “Colleges have to do a better job at keeping costs
down,” Biden said. Obama and Biden and their two wives did not grow up in wealthy families and had to finance themselves through schooling. “We know we would not be in the positions we are today,” Biden said, “were it not for our ability to borrow money and get scholarships.” It’s especially important to note how the action doesn’t affect PBA. PBA is a private university, and the president’s new college affordability plan will only apply to public institutions. “Given that federal funding comes from our taxes, I think it’s a blessing to have a president that speaks for us in not standing for institutions making it harder to attend school by raising tuition every year,” Marc said. “It really becomes a competition between schools because it’s more about affordability and not as much on the academics,” said PBA sophomore political science major Jenna Steffens.
Public relations has now moved from being strictly a minor to a quickly developing major that has become available for PBA students this current semester of Spring 2012. Already the new major is generating a great deal of interest. Freshman Jamie Bricker was uncertain about what to study until she talked with associate professor of communication Dr. Wes Jamison and learned that public relations had become a major. “I have always wished public relations was an option for me here so when he informed me that PBA has approved for it to be added to the catalog, I was on board right away,” said Bricker. Students in the major will immediately be involved from start to finish in helping develop a program for an external sponsor. Also, each student will begin a portfolio. The portfolio is created so that when the students apply for internships, they have already gained one of the most essential components for success: experience. For a student in the communications field who is concerned about graduating and being unable to find a job, public relations can offer increasing opportunities. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that public relations jobs are “projected to grow much faster than average.” The bureau expects entry-level jobs to be highly competitive but predicts the best opportunity for college graduates who “combine a degree in public relations, journalism, or another communications-related field with a public relations internship or other related work experience.” The National Employment Matrix projections state that PR employment in 2008 was 275,200 jobs while projections show an increase to 341,300 jobs by 2018, which is an increase of approximately 24 percent. “If there is any field that needs Christians, it’s public relations,” said Jamison. “We all know PR has had a reputation of shading or spinning the truth, but truth is very important for a corporation or organization. So Christians actually have a leg up in that what they believe coincides with the dominant theories of public relations.” An example of a project public relations students are involved in is working within a Christian program that teaches women who have children before marriage the job skills they need and helps them to get their lives back together. “The reason I chose public relations as a major is rather than study just the art of communicating, I wanted to study how I can communicate with people on a business level as well,” says Gianna Datoli. She intends to use a minor of marketing to help supplement her goal of getting the full experience from the PR field. “ I want to deal with people and companies, set up events, and really get to know the business world and the communicating world merged together.”
SPORTS
Page 8 • February 20, 2012
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Sailfish Weekly Report
Baseball, softball headline week By Joshua Reid Sports Editor
Ace of the staff: Logan Thomas is 1-0 in two starts in seven games this season for the Sailfish
By Faith Warren for the Beacon
Big man on campus Senior Logan Thomas hopes to be remembered as more than just a baseball player By Tyann Mullen Staff Writer When he’s not busy keeping up a 4.0 grade point average or participating in various campus committees such as Welcome Week, senior Logan Thomas is on the mound. Growing up in Melbourne, Fla., Thomas kept busy throughout the years playing basketball and football as he eagerly awaited his favorite season, baseball. Now, a senior and starting pitcher at Palm Beach Atlantic University, he recalls baseball always being a part of his life. “Ever since I could pick up a baseball I pretty much played,” Thomas said. “My dad loved to play and he
By Christina Cernik for the Beacon
In action: Logan Thomas throws a pitch during the game against Lynn University on opening night.
Sailfish Sports Schedule Feb. 20 to Feb. 26
passed that on to me.” Deciding where to attend college, Thomas found PBA to be a perfect fit. It provided an opportunity to not only work on his game, but to also work on his spirit. “It was a school I knew I could not only grow physically and mentally, but spiritually,” Thomas said. While at PBA, Thomas has learned to use baseball as a platform for Christ and the gospel. “In my time here it has taught me that I’m a Christian that happens to be a baseball player, not a baseball player that happens to be a Christian,” Thomas said. Majoring in mathematics with a minor in Biblical Studies, Thomas juggles his high GPA with four-hour practices every day of the week. During the fall when it’s not baseball season he participated in Welcome Week. “He is extremely good at time management, and people who are like that are generally more likely to succeed because they know how to plan,” said Clayton Kolb, director of Campus Connections. “He has a relationship with Christ and wants to glorify God, and for those reasons he will achieve anything he sets his mind to.” He looks to graduate this semester knowing that he put forth his best effort all around. “It’s a pretty big accomplishment for me to keep up with my grades while playing a sport,” Thomas said. Although baseball takes up a lot of his time, Thomas enjoys the time to spend with the team and learn more about each other. “This year we’re becoming more of a family than a team,” Thomas said. “We’re supporting each other and genuinely caring about each
Baseball
2/21, 7 p.m., Home Florida Memorial University @ Palm Beach Gardens High 2/24, 6 p.m. @ Eckerd College 2/25, noon @ Eckerd College
other.” Sailfish catcher Travis Murray is one player that noticed Thomas’ dedication. “He doesn’t let anything distract him from what he is trying to do in life, or on the mound,” Murray said. After graduation, Thomas plans to earn a master’s degree in Engineering. Although he would love to play baseball after college, Thomas is uncertain if that is in God’s plans, but he’s okay with that. “Whether it’s playing baseball, going to school, or working, I want to be where the Lord wants me,” Thomas said. Thomas believes that this is will be a good season for PBA baseball. A shot at a championship is the goal for every season, but this year it’s personal. He attributes the determination of the team this year to head coach Gary Carter. “We have a good shot to do something special this year and with what happened to Coach, we want to play
On Feb. 14 Palm Beach Atlantic University’s baseball team battled cross-town rival Northwood University in its only match of the week, winning a rout 16-6. The win brought the team’s record to 5-2 on the season. Nic Novacs received the win to improve to 2-0 on the young season. He allowed eight hits and three runs in five innings while striking out six and walking only one. Thirteen PBA players registered at least one hit in the game, including Matt Wisniewski who went 2-3 with a pair of walks and scored three runs. PBA’s next game is on Feb. 21 against Florida Memorial University at Palm Beach Gardens High School at 7 p.m. Feb. 14 also saw the men’s tennis team competing. It was the third consecutive match the Sailfish lost 0-9, this time against Lynn University. The loss dropped the team’s record to 0-3 on the early season. The team was to travel to Barry University on Feb. 17 for its fourth-
consecutive road match. On Feb. 14 the softball team won back-to-back games against Colorado Christian University, winning the first game 4-1 and the second game 9-1. Junior Mary Pippin was credited with the win in the first game, as she gave up just five hits and struck out six batters in seven innings. Senior Chris Donovan was credited with the win in game number two, as she gave up six hits and struck out one batter in six innings for her first win of the season. The Sailfish went to Huntsville, Ala. on Feb. 17 to play in the UAH Ringour Charger Childhood Tournament. The 2012 men’s lacrosse season started on Feb. 12 as they traveled to the University of Florida to take on the Gators. The Sailfish fell 7-11. Ryan Talks, Bobby Hantskes, and Colin Price each had two goals for the Sailfish, whereas Dave Schultz had the seventh goal. Up next for the Sailfish is a scrimmage on Feb. 25 against Georgia State at Memorial Field in Lake Worth. To see results of the tournament and of all the games, go to pbasailfish.com.
Photos by Christina Cernik for the Beacon
Going for the goal: Joe Ciringione (above) and Dave Shultz (below) both look for a way to score in the game against the Gators.
for him,” Thomas said.
About Logan Thomas - President of Fellowship of Christian Athletes -Named to the NCCAA All-Regional Team in 2011 -Selected as a NCCAA ScholarAthlete in 2011 -Inducted into the PBA Chapter of Chi Alpha Sigma, the Athletic/ Academic Honor Society in 2011.
Basketball
Women’s 2/21, 6 p.m., Home Flagler College Men’s 2/22, 7 p.m. @ Florida Tech 2/25, 4 p.m., Home Florida Southern College
Softball
2/23, 1 p.m. @ Lynn University 2/25, 3 p.m. @ University of Tampa
Tennis
Men’s 2/25, 1 p.m., Home Florida Southern College