LRN April 2018 by Lenoir-Rhyne University

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Lenoir-Rhyne University School of Journalism and Mass Comm LENOIR-RHYNEAN NEWS

Lenoir-Rhyne University School of Journalism and Mass Communication

LENOIR-RHYNEAN NEWS

VOL. 112 — ISSUE 8

APRIL 2018

VOL. 110 — ISSUE 2

SEP

Lenoir-Rhyne University School of Journalism and Mass Communication LENOIR-RHYNEAN NEWS

VOL. 110 — ISSUE 2

SEPTEMBER 20

fES TO RETIRE LR pResident DEAD END OR TO RETIRE LR pResident TO RETIRE OPPORTUNITY? Lenoir-Rhyne University School of Journalism and Mass Communication LENOIR-RHYNEAN NEWS

VOL. 110 — ISSUE 2

SEPTEMBER 2015

SEEKING SOLUTIONS FOR HICKORY’S HOMELESS By Cindy Trehkopf | LRN Monthly Staff Writer

Some members of Hickory’s homeless population have established squatter’s camps within walking distance of LR’s campus. Sometimes the camps are well camouflaged; often they’re visible from the road. JACK WILLIAMS | LRN MONTHLY

Just 1.1 miles away from LR’s Hickory campus there is a place where poverty, hopelessness and desperation meet. The Lifehouse, a simple white house off of Lenoir Rhyne Boulevard, is one of the spots where Hickory’s homeless population tries to get through another day. On the edge of society, the homelessness situation is a problem many prefer not to see. But it is a problem of human suffering that LR and the Hickory community are working together to address. “For safety and security on campus it is important - it is important to the Hickory community and the wellbeing of all our citizens,” Dr. Frederick K. Whitt, LR’s president said. On March 5 LR’s Grace Chapel was filled with concern, hope and optimism. Almost no seat was left as the community discussion on homelessness hosted by the Hickory Police Department started. Seven community leaders presented their perspectives on the issue. This year’s count revealed that there were 310 homeless people in Hickory during the point-in-time count conducted in January. “The point-in-time count helps to identify how many homeless folks we have in our community and what their situations are,” Teena Willis of Partners Behavioral Health said. It also determines how much federal funding the county receives. “The 310 individuals that we counted were in emergency shelters and transitional housing programs.” Fifty individuals were counted as unsheltered meaning they were living in tents or abandoned vehicles. “Fifteen out of those 50 that were identified as unsheltered admitted to both mental health and substance use disorders.” The Salvation Army serves a lot of Hickory’s homeless population. Last year they had a daily average occupancy of 59, last month they were at 70, offering the homeless a bed, hygiene facilities such as showers and washing machines and two meals a day. “We are an emergency shelter. We can only

Chief Thurman Whisnant (center) of the Hickory Police Department presented a homelessness forum at LR’s Grace Chapel to allow the community the opportunity to learn about a complicated issue and its possible solutions. JACK WILLIAMS | LRN MONTHLY

offer a temporary help,” Business Manager of the Salvation Army Rob Setliff said. They served around 591 people in the last year. “It’s been very consistent for the last five years,” Setliff said. “Three hundred fifty were males, 188 were females, 53 were children under the age of 18.” Of that number, approximately 40 percent found permanent housing. The big problem is that in order to stay at the Salvation Army, the homeless have to pass a drug test and a Breathalyzer. This forces homeless folks who struggle with substance abuse and addiction to look for another place to stay. One of those places is the woods and of course the landowners are not happy with homeless encampments on their property. One of the challenges the encampments bring with them is the trash that is left for the landowners to clean up. “There are basic standards of human behavior,” Tommy Luckadoo of Adams Commercial Real Estate Services said. “We cannot tolerate vandalism.” Luckadoo himself pays around $ 4,000 a year for the waste

disposal. The Hickory Police Department is trying their best and a lot of homeless are getting charged for trespassing. “It doesn’t solve the problem,” Chief Thurman Whisnant of the Hickory Police Department said. “Law enforcement is not the answer,” Judge Burford Cherry added. “A fifth of the homeless commit a crime just so they can go to jail to have a place to stay.“ But homelessness is not just a judicial or a police problem. “It is more of a coordinated effort,” Whisnant said. He thinks that there are a lot of services for homeless people and that it’s not going to help solve the problem to offer even more. “The goal should be to help people out of homelessness, not to help them be homeless for one more day.” After each panel member presented their perspective on homelessness, it was time for the community to share their ideas and questions. One suggestion from the audience

Hickory’s homeless population has established a series of squatter’s camps across the city. The camps are said to be dangerous places packed with hazardous waste and assorted booby traps. JACK WILLIAMS | LRN MONTHLY

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was to give out bus passes to the homeless which would provide them access to resources they might need such as mental health facilities, support groups or career counseling services. “The longer they are in the system the longer they will stay there,” one of the attendees said. Another attendee proposed putting more funding in case management and outreach, so that folks with mental or substance use disorders get the right treatment and homeless learn how to help themselves. A different proposal was to form a central agency to oversee all non-profits and help them connect more effectively. Also the wish for homeless representation in the discussion was expressed by the audience. Though a lot of suggestions were made no overall solution was found and the possibility for another community forum was discussed. “This is a great community. We have a lot to build upon and we have a lot of folks that care and are willing to go that extra mile and I am happy to be part of this,” Jennie Conner of Catawba County United Way said. “It’s a multifaceted problem that requires a multifaceted response. No one bullet point will solve the problem. Law enforcement can’t solve the problem, the court system can’t solve the problem. Hopefully this is potentially the beginning and not the end,” Judge Burford Cherry said.

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NEWS

LRN MONTHLY | APRIL 2018

MORE THAN FOUR? LR’S RESPONSE TO ADDING NEW RESTAURANTS ON CAMPUS By Emily Kiziah | LRN Monthly Contributor

The smell of fresh brewed, made-to-order coffee lingers throughout Joe’s Coffee as students study and snack on the muffins and pastries the shop sells. Located right next to the Bear’s Lair in LenoirRhyne University’s Cromer Center, Joe’s Coffee serves Starbucks coffee and was named after LR’s mascot, Joe Bear. Joe’s Coffee is not the only restaurant you will find here. All our on-campus dining options are in LR’s Cromer Center, which features the cafeteria, Grille Works and Subway. Joe’s Coffee arrived two years ago. Subway made its appearance on campus three years ago, making $6,000 in the first day and $15,000 in the first week. Grill Works, according to Assistant Provost and Dean of Students, Katie Fisher, has been in the Cromer Center at least 30 years although it has undergone name changes. But is this enough restaurant diversity on campus? In conversations with students and receiving feedback from voices on campus, Student Government President Stephen Bryant shares the request he’s heard. “Students have told me they would like more options,” Bryant said. “The two restaurants that have been repeatedly brought up to me are Domino’s and Chick-fil-A.” All restaurant locations on campus are made by contract negotiations through Aramark, the campus dining services. Fisher said she can give input to Aramark, but ultimately it is their decision to add a location on campus. Hesitant about Chick-fil-A, Fisher said she is unsure if that is the best match for LR due to a location already close to campus in Viewmont. She also knows that Chick-fil-a is one of the more expensive groups to bring to campus. Fisher said conversations have taken place about converting existing restaurants or creating restaurants using space on campus. A possible option is to relocate Joe’s Coffee into the library. It’s not there currently due to the building structure, electricity and water sources. Additionally, it would require extensive renovating and restructuring of offices. Fisher said that LR may get to that point one day and thinks it will be a benefit because then options will be available on both sides of campus. “The library has got to have something in terms of a restaurant,” Fisher said confidently.

Based on his experience and seeing the size of LR’s campus, he knows it will be a process to make this addition. He said that the addition of a new restaurant will be difficult due to the lack of space, but it will be a benefit because it will expand the current menu. “If we were to start it today, it would be three to four years for one restaurant,” Langley said. “It’s a joint venture for us [Aramark] and the university, but we would be more than happy to work with LR to find a suitable option.”

STUDENT ON THE STREET WHAT RESTAURANTS DO YOU WANT TO SEE ON CAMPUS?

Veronica Flores prepares customer orders in Joe's Coffee at Lenoir-Rhyne University on the afternoon of Feb. 22. EMILY KIZIAH | LRN MONTHLY

“Food brings people in and if the library had a dining option, then it would attract students and encourage them to use more of the resources available.” The possibility of relocating or expanding the number of restaurant options available depends heavily on student enrollment. “In five to six years I can see something happening,” Fisher said. “Our enrollment will slowly continue to grow. If we keep growing, then we will have the ability to do more.” In 2011, LR had plans to break ground for an $8 million building that would include a coffee shop, grocery and convenience store. It was set to be located next to the commuter lot close to where the current sand volleyball courts are. However, the enrollment for undergraduates at the time was not enough, and Fisher said to spend that kind of outlay was a risk. Fisher sees no concern in expanding the Bear’s Lair. The atrium top would be removed, and the ramp would be renovated, but LR has the land to make this change. Campus chef, Frank Langley, has had previous experience in helping college campuses, like Wake Forest and Campbell University, install more restaurants.

“A Steak ‘n Shake on campus would be nice,” Sweat said. “That is a restaurant that Hickory doesn’t have.” DAKOTAH SWEAT

“I love Burger King’s fries,” Brown said. “This is also an option that is not near campus.” ANTHONY BROWN

“I think McDonald’s on campus would be good for students,” Crawford said. “It’s quick service and cheap.” CALEB CRAWFORD

“I would like to see more breakfast options on campus,” Poindexter said. “The cafeteria always has the same options.” JESSICA POINDEXTER

“I want to see a Salsarita’s or a Moe’s simply because we don’t have any Tex-Mex food,” Bobbett said. “I know people that drive off campus to specifically go to those restaurants.” LEAH BOBBETT

BEHIND THE SCENES INVESTIGATION OF HEATING AND COOLING IN THE RHYNE BUILDING By Dylan Bedell | LRN Monthly Contributor

each classroom are operated and controlled individually, equipped with a thermostat to adjust the temperature. “It’s annoying that the thermostats don’t do anything either,” Fischer said. “If you try to fix the heat, nothing happens. Same thing with the cold.” Pitts has to field numerous phone calls from teachers and hear complaints from students about the temperature. They’re usually demanding immediate results. He recognizes the frustration of teachers and students over the fluctuating temperatures in the building, but an immediate response isn’t possible due to the time table. The solution isn’t as simple as twiddling the thermostat or flipping a switch in the break room. With the two pipe HVAC systems, if maintenance wants to switch from hot to cold, workers have to cut off the pumps and draining lines, then complete a conversion between the pumps. According to Pitts, this process takes about half a day to complete, and another day or so to feel the effects. Those thermostats in classrooms can’t make that drastic shift in temperature and only work to control slight changes in heat or chill depending on which pipe is on. For

LRN MONTHLY | APRIL 2018

SPREAD THE WORD

FACULTY AND A STUDENT-LED ORGANIZATION HELP BRING AWARENESS TO SEXUAL ASSAULT ON CAMPUS By Ashley Hinson | LRN Monthly Contributor

There were 10 reports of sexual assault on and off campus in 2016, eight more than the year prior. Consent is at the heart of these situations, which is why Lenoir-Rhyne students and faculty hold many events year-round to help spread awareness of this issue and tips to help prevent it from happening. “We make all incoming students, undergraduate and graduate, do the campus clarity module the summer before they begin classes,” LR’s Dean of Students Katie Fisher said. “It is a two-hour module that brings awareness to sexual assault, consent and alcohol use on campus.” Every year LR has a sexual assault awareness week and this year it will take place from April 3-6 in the Cromer lobby. “We will have a table set up every day that week where we will give out sexual assault literature,” Floyd said. “We will also have a survivor’s event where students on campus will share their stories with others.” Students can talk to counselors as well as LR’s Campus Pastor Andrew Weisner and maintain full confidentiality. “Our goal is make students and victims of sexual assault see that it is not their fault,” Fisher

said. “This happens on campus more than we would like, but it’s different for everyone.” Floyd is planning to hold LRs first self-defense class specifically for sexual assault during sexual awareness week. “It should be open to men and women,” Floyd said. “And there will be other opportunities to participate in the class throughout the rest of the year.” The student organization SARA, which stands for Suicide Abuse and Rape Awareness, has also implemented its own strategies in providing awareness by starting a student-operated hotline. “We started the hotline this year and students actually answer the phone calls through their own cell phones,” President of SARA Diana Nava said. “We will also be holding a therapeutic stress hike in the spring at Bakers Mountain. Students are welcome to bring their friends with them.” Nava has already done many things to help this organization spread awareness of sexual assault and suicide, including floating balloon confessions last fall and and they held an event where students tied different colored balloons to their backpacks to help support those struggling with issues like suicide, abuse

and sexual assault. “I think we do a pretty good job at spreading awareness of sexual assault,” Floyd said. “But there is always more than can be done. I think the most important thing is communication about consent, not only on how to get it, but how to give it.”

LR students have signed a pledge to recognize sexual assault awareness and they've promised to help prevent it. ASHLEY HINSON | LRN MONTHLY

ALLEGED ON-CAMPUS SEXUAL ASSAULT SPARKS LAWSUIT

CLAIMS AGAINST LR INCLUDE ACCUSATIONS OF GROSS NEGLIGENCE, VIOLATION OF FEDERAL TITLE IX REQUIREMENTS AND BREACH OF CONTRACT From Staff Reports

“Zaxby’s is cheap and delicious,” Maddox said. “When I use my 20 percent off student discount it is really affordable.” KAYNMON MADDOX

TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL?

At Lenoir-Rhyne, the majority of classes are taught in the Rhyne building, which is historically reported to have unpredictable temperature changes by both students and professors. Students and teachers are never satisfied with the perfect condition to study and learn in their environment with consistent complaints of the rooms being too hot or too cold. Freshman Rachel Fischer said, “It can be so uncomfortable in the rooms, I can’t even focus on my class. All I think about is getting up and leaving because I’m so distracted.” Whether its frigid shivering temperatures or extreme heat that makes her drip with sweat, Fischer explained she can barely focus on her teacher or the material, because of how restless she is in class. LR’s Director of Facility Management Otis Pitts described the not so easy process of changing the overall temperature in the Rhyne building. When the Rhyne building was built in 1927, it was built with thick brick walls and heavy insulation that holds heat, which contributes to the issue. According to Pitts, the Rhyne building operates on an HVAC two pipe system, running either heat or cool air. The units installed in

NEWS

example, if the AC pipe is connected, the thermostat can manipulate varying degrees of chill, but can’t kick on the heat if set to 75 degrees on the thermostat. To ensure the efficiency and productivity of LR’s campus, the heating or cooling pump is chosen based on the average temperatures of North Carolina weather. “We’ve had the chiller cut off in Rhyne since November, maybe even late October,” Pitts said. “We judge it based on the weather, either air conditioning or heat.” The maintenance team has developed a rough outline of the typical temperature based on season, but Pitts also monitors the weather closely on a weekly basis for any drastic North Carolinian shifts in temperature. “If we have a situation in winter when its 30 degrees one week then suddenly in the 70 degree range for a day,” Pitts said. “The only thing we can do is cut off both pumps.” This allows for the building to reflect the temperature outside. If the shift in temperature is going to linger for a longer period of time, Pitts makes the decision to hustle over to Rhyne with his crew and make the change. He understands there’s no real way to please every single person due to

personal preference, but his goal is to try. The maintenance team is just as frustrated when they can’t really do anything about the complaint. Most of Pitts’ staff have been working with him at LR for 17-20 years. “We are here as a service to the campus,” Pitts said. “If my guys have a problem they can’t solve, it bothers them to no end until they can find a way to fix it and make it better.” In cases where a more serious issues arises, Pitts hires outside vendors to correct complicated technical problems, which can range from heating and cooling to plumbing to electrical. However, most problems are dealt with in house as quickly and efficiently as possible, according to Pitts. Fischer and other students have questioned the age of the systems in Rhyne and equivocate old broken faulty units as the problem. “There’s no problem with our heating and cooling systems,” Pitts said. “It is what it is based on the HVAC system. Actually, all the units on the first floor of Rhyne were installed new in 2016.” Pitts hopes to replace the upper level units of Rhyne as well within the near future.

Lenoir-Rhyne University is being sued. The claim was filed by a woman using the pseudonym “Jane Doe” who states that she was raped on LR’s campus and that the university mishandled the incident. What follows is a summary of the lawsuit. The following claims have not been established as fact. That is what the trial will establish – what is fact, and what is not. A key claim in the suit is that LR knew Doe’s attacker was dangerous before she was attacked – that the man who attacked her had “sexually assaulted other students before the night in question.” The claim further states that LR “failed to take actions to remove (the accused) from its on-campus housing. In addition, LRU failed to provide its students with any warning whatsoever as to the dangers that were posed to them by (the accused).” The plaintiff claims that LR did not do enough to protect her or any of its other students from “a serial and repeat sexual offender,” and that this failure “constitutes a reckless disregard for the safety and rights of others.” The assault occurred, “in the early morning hours of January 15, 2015,” according to the claim filed by Doe’s lawyer. The plaintiff alleges that on the night she was celebrating her birthday with her friends she was assaulted by an LR athlete who was also the freshman class president. The plaintiff alleged that the attack took place in the defendant’s dorm room in LR’s Morgan Hall dormitory where they both lived. The victim and the accused knew each other. They were both athletes on LR’s track team. The claim states that Doe “...stumbles into her friend’s dormitory room. Visibly in pain, she states ‘it hurts, it hurts.’” The Hickory Police Department learned of the incident from officials at Frye Regional Hospital where Doe “sought medical treatment for her injuries, including continued excessive bleeding.” She was released from the hospital, but according to the complaint “she had to return the following Friday because of continued bleeding from her uterus.” While LR conducted a student disciplinary proceeding against the accused student he was

academic performance and stopped allowing her to participate in sports. The plaintiff maintains that she lost her scholarship as a further consequence of the alleged assault and the university’s failure to act. “Jane Doe” has requested a jury trial. In response to the lawsuit Lenoir-Rhyne University has issued a press release stating that student safety is its top priority, but it does not comment on pending litigation.

ADVICE FROM LR’S

TOP: Both "Jane Doe" (the plaintiff in the lawsuit against Lenoir-Rhyne) and the man her lawsuit accuses of raping her were scholarship athletes on LR's track team. BOTTOM: Both "Jane Doe" (the plaintiff in the lawsuit against Lenoir-Rhyne) and the man her lawsuit accuses of raping her lived in LR's Morgan Hall dorm. They lived on separate floors. LRN MONTHLY FILE PHOTOS

“permitted to remain in student housing in close proximity to” Doe. The university ruled against him and decided to expel him for a year. The defendant appealed the school’s decision. During the appeal process he kept going to class. He kept playing sports. And he kept living in Morgan. The lawsuit accuses him and his friends of taunting and attempting to intimidate Doe. LR concluded the appeals process and maintained its original decision. The accused was forced to leave LR’s campus. He was not criminally charged although the alleged assault was reported to law enforcement. The lawsuit states that even after the defendant was gone from LR Doe continued to spiral. The plaintiff states in her complaint that, “Because LRU refused to provide plaintiff with reasonable accommodation, her grades suffered.” In December 2015, LRU suspended Ms. Doe for her

DEAN OF STUDENTS

The university’s Dean of Students Dr. Katie Fisher could not address the ongoing lawsuit, but she did urge any students who have been the victim of sexual assault to talk to someone. Students can reach out to members of LR’s faculty and staff. If a victim reports a sexual assault to LR’s faculty or staff, the employee is required to report the incident to LR’s Title IX coordinator Dawn Floyd. If a victim does not wish to have the assault reported to Floyd he or she can speak to LR’s Campus Pastor Andrew Weisner or LR’s Cornerstone counselors about the incident. She added that no matter who the victim decides to talk to about a sexual assault, it is up to the victim to decide whether to report an incident to the police. “Students do not have to report to the police, although LR does offer to call the police and get them involved. LR honors the integrity of the student,” Fisher explained. She added that LR is working to improve and react appropriately. “LR tries to get better at everything we do, raising the awareness about the situation is big. LR has tried to improve awareness,” Fisher said. “LR has done its best to learn where mistakes can be made.”

LENOIR-RHYNE’S CORNERSTONE STUDENT SUPPORT & WELLNESS CENTER

LR’s Cornerstone Student Support and Wellness Center houses counseling, disability and student health services. It’s located on Eighth Avenue behind Fritz-Conrad and beside LR’s sorority houses. The Cornerstone House provides services to support the bodies, minds and emotional well-being of LRU students. All students are eligible to use the services within the Cornerstone House for no fees or costs. Cornerstone’s Hours: Mon.-Fri.: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Cornerstone’s Student Health Hours: Mon.-Thurs.: 8 a.m.-Noon; 1-5 p.m. and Fri. from 8 a.m.-Noon

For more information contact Cornerstone Administrative Assistant Kylie Hutchinson at 828.328.7959 or by email at kylie.hutchinson@lr.edu. Or contact Cornerstone Administrative Assistant Al'Shawnda Williams at 828.328.7959 or by email at alshawnda. williams@lr.edu. Source: LR.edu

PHOTOJOURNALISM

LRN MONTHLY | APRIL 2018

CAUGHT IN THE ACT

PHOTOJOURNALISM

LRN MONTHLY | APRIL 2018

LR PHOTOJOURNALISTS’ IMAGES CHRONICLE THE SPRING 2018 SEMESTER Lenoir-Rhyne University’s Photojournalism students have spent the spring semester telling visual stories about LR and beyond. They captured

national news when the Rev. Billy Graham’s motorcade passed through North Carolina following the faith leader’s death. They captured

action, beauty and joy. They captured LR. Photojournalism is listed as COM 212, and it’s being offered next semester in Fall 2018 Members of the Hickory community gather around the Drowning Creek Volunteer Fire Department truck on the Hildebran-Henry River bridge over I-40 at exit 119 to pay their respects as Rev. Billy Graham's motorcade makes its way to Charlotte on Feb. 24. Photo by EMILY KIZAH

The cast members of "Godspell," produced by the Lenoir-Rhyne Playmakers, practice during their dress rehearsal. Photo by KELSY PITTS

Cindy Trehkopf practices yoga in her room in LR's LLC. Photo by DANA POPP

Alex Reynolds faces off against Belmont Abbey during LR’s 3-19 loss on Feb. 24. Photo by NADINE OBERMEIER

Senior goalie Ryan Crompton clears the ball after a save during the LR lacrosse game at Moretz Stadium on Feb. 24 against Colorado Mesa. The Bears lost the close game by a score of 12-13. Photo by EMILY KIZIAH

Zachary Pulliam plays Ultimate in LR's Shuford Gym. Photo by DANA POPP

Jordan Young practices her hula hoop outside of LR's LLC on a Tuesday evening. Photo by CINDY TREHKOPF

Emily Kessler shows off one of the two trout she caught while fly fishing in Bristol, Tenn. Photo by ASHLEY MACINTYRE

OPINION

LRN MONTHLY | APRIL 2018

MAKING THE BEST OF THE CAF

A LITTLE CREATIVITY CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE DURING YOUR DAILY DIP INTO THE DINING HALL

FASHION

LRN MONTHLY | APRIL 2018

FASHION WEEK HITS HICKORY By Ashley MacIntyre | LRN Monthly Contributor

By Richard Hall | LRN Monthly Staff Writer

We all know that the Lenoir-Rhyne University Dining Hall (better known as “The Caf”) isn’t always our first choice dinner destination, but when you’re a broke college student, you have to figure out how to make things work. Maybe you’re getting bored. Maybe you’re tired of seeing the same old choices day after day. There is an answer: Knowing how to make combinations and substitutions can make your eating experience a whole lot better. You’ve figured out how to survive – now it’s time to thrive. “Caf food is all about what you make it,” LR sophomore Jay Wiley said. “You have to go in there with the right mindset. Like (you do when) it’s late night and you’re starving with nothing already made and you have to cook up something.” Breakfast is easy, right? I know we’re in the South, but there’s a limit to how many plates of

biscuits and gravy some of us can handle. On the other hand, the grits, bacon and sausage patties are a good choice. You always can get the eggs, grits and your choice of meat, preferably bacon – because this is America – and make you a decent breakfast bowl. Combine all three together (four if you opt for double meat) then add some butter and cheese, and you can have yourself a decent breakfast. Finish it up with some orange juice on the side. Don’t want a heavy breakfast? Maybe you’re looking for something light, but all you see is a sea of bottom-tier cereals: Rice Krispies, Golden Grahams, Honey Bunches of whatever – you know what I’m talking about. Here’s your solution: Try a yogurt and fruit combo. It’s a healthy choice that tastes good as well – and you can eat it on the run if you’re late to class. Another choice for breakfast is a made-to-order omelet. Maybe they take a little longer, but they’re always good no matter what. Lunch can be tricky, but if you go at the right time you can get some fresh pasta with cheese sauce. We know Fridays means fish blanketed with lemon slices. Me – I like to go with a salad for lunch, unless I’m starving and need to make grab my version of a classic Krabby Patty-style burger. First grab a hamburger patty (just remember to let all the grease drain off back into the pan it soaks in), then add lettuce, pickles and cheese. Put some ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise and BBQ sauce on it and you have yourself a pretty respectable

burger. Not a burger fan? A plate of tofu is a must try. Dinner is where champions are made. The goal is to get something that won’t leave you hungry 30 minutes after you leave. And you don’t want to eat the exact same thing you ate for lunch. Chicken patties were a daily treat back in my freshman and sophomore years. Now I’m a senior and it seems like they may come around once every two weeks. But it’s worth the wait! “When they have the chicken patties, I slice them up into little chicken nuggets,” LR junior Demarius Hampton said. “I then get some hot sauce and BBQ sauce and marinate the chicken patties into that, then dip the chicken nuggets into ranch.” Follow Hampton’s advice and you’ll have a plate of boneless Buffalo wings on your hands – without having to make a trip to your local sports bar. I’ve tried Demarius’ chicken bites a few times and they are definitely a game changer. Don’t forget, even if the food is bland, a splash of ranch with raise it to a new level. After four years of Caf meals, I’ve learned how to make the best of it – until I can get that meal exchange from Subway or Grille works later that night. The truth is, Caf food really is what you make it; complain about it all you want, but it’s not going to change. You must find things you like and make them work for you.

New York’s Fashion Week may be over, but the vogue fashions worn by models strutting down Manhattan’s catwalks are already making their way to Lenoir-Rhyne. Yes, we are college students, and we may not be flush with cash, but there’s no reason to ignore the chance we get every day to look our best. Take some time to look around and you may just be pleasantly surprised. From off-the-cuff to dressing to impress, LR students are quickly catching onto the latest trends.

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HICKORY’S WILDEST FOODS WHY YOU SHOULD TRY LOCAL HOLE-IN-A-WALL RESTAURANTS

“I just don’t know where to eat tonight.” We’ve all thought it before, especially if you’re like me. I don’t like to waste money, so if I’m going to go out to eat and spend $8 on a meal, it better be good, memorable and not something I could make in five minutes at home. You can call me a food snob, and that’s okay because this food snob is satisfied in Hickory. There are at least 180 restaurants in Hickory, according to Google Maps. Many of them are chain restaurants like McDonalds, Olive Garden and Five Guys, with thousands of locations scattered across the world. “Five Guys is the best burger restaurant in town,” LR student Tiffanie Nichols said. She explains that

they have “tasty cheeseburgers,” “the best fries” and “awesome milkshakes.” But you can find these restaurants anywhere. Hickory also has smaller chain restaurants like BurgerFi, Hickory Tavern and Mellow Mushroom. “I feel like Mellow Mushroom is very adventurous,” LR student Brandon Harp said. “They don’t even have pepperoni pizza. It’s all artisan pizza with fresh-made dough.” These are good options, and my mouth waters simply at the thought of BurgerFi’s Breakfast All Day Burger, which is an angus cheeseburger laid over bacon and hash browns, covered with grilled onions and ketchup and topped by a fried egg and maple syrup. However, these restaurants are not what makes Hickory unique. Pastor Adam Ashoff, who recently moved back to Los Angeles after five years in Hickory, misses the local places. “Hatch was the best,” he said. “They have something special going on there.” If you like to experiment with sandwiches, Hatch is for you. Throughout the Fall, Hatch’s owners Colin Makin and Zach Harkins offered a Thanksgiving sandwich, complete with smoked turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, and throughout the year, you can enjoy similarly adventurous sandwiches and sides. If you like carbs, Hot Potato recently opened

in Downtown Hickory. Choose from five different types of fries and baked potatoes, and then you can add on grilled or fried chicken, spicy peppers and melted cheese. Whatever you want to put together, you can give it a try. “It’s unique and the perfect thing after a long, stressful week of school,” LR student Mallory Taylor said. “(I’d recommend) the chicken and waffles fries. It combines sweet and salty, which I love.” Maybe sandwiches and potatoes aren’t for you, but if you like burgers and Asian food, House of Nom Nom sits across the road from the AMC Theater. The owner Mark Vang has put his own spin on Asian fusion. “We knew what kind of food we wanted to make, and then we figured, let’s just put it on a burger,” he said. “Of course, we also have more traditional burgers and regular Hmong food, like Pho and teriyaki chicken.” There are the restaurants that make Hickory different, and through their originality and quality, they have become my favorite places to eat. So, next time you’re wondering where to eat, think twice about giving those hole-in-a-wall local places a try because you never know what you could be missing out on.

GREAT RESTAURANTS IN HICKORY OLDE HICKORY TAP ROOM IS THE PLACE TO GO

By Harrison Elam | LRN Monthly Contributor

Looking for that independent restaurant in town, with a pub-style like atmosphere that serves great food? Well, take it from me, Olde Hickory Tap Room is the place for you. I did the research myself! When I got there on a Monday night, around 8 p.m. the place was packed. But that didn’t mean the service was slow or I got ignored- on the contrary, the service couldn’t be quick enough to get me a booth or table. They made the

experience more valuable, as I was never left with an empty drink glass, or just stuck waiting around for my food. The entrées and appetizers served at Olde Hickory Tap Room are fantastic and not too pricy. Prices of appetizers range from four to ten dollars. Prices of entrées range from six to twenty dollars. They serve anything from wings, pub chips and signature pizzas to chicken, steak, burgers, sandwiches, ribs, and much more. I chose the fried chicken tenders and the Cajun shrimp; I was impressed. The meals were nicely presented, not just thrown on the plate and rushed to the customer. The chicken tenders were extremely crispy and well-sized. I must have received over a half a pound of strips. The all-white-meat inside was soft and tender. In addition, you are served two cups of honey mustard, from their own recipe, which made the chicken tenders taste great. I was not shortened with the Cajun shrimp either. Twenty skewered shrimps that were grilled and had a great spicy seasoning over them. The shrimp were juicy and had a tangy sauce to go along with them.

Walking into this restaurant, I knew it was going to be a great experience, and I was proven right in my time being there. I receive a good vibe that it was going to be a fun time overall, from the bar area on the left side of the restaurant, and the booths and tables on the right side. The restaurant included bar taps of old- time beers, and old posters all over the walls that made for a creative theme of the place as well. It’s nice to have a tap-room restaurant that serves delicious food that is near Lenoir-Rhyne University. “I am in my last year at Lenoir-Rhyne, and I have eaten at Olde Hickory Tap Room countless times just from how good it is,” LR student Tyler Evans said. “It’s not a far drive at all from campus, that when I am looking to go out to eat, it’s always an option.” I give Olde Hickory Tap Room four out of five stars. I will be going back again soon. Olde Hickory Tap Room is located in Downtown Hickory, at 222 Union Square NW Street.

 CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: LR senior Emily Kessler has been quick to catch on to the surplice style and dramatic little dolman-sleeved top. LR sophomore Mitchell Linklater, of Canada, knows how to dress down while dressing up in a cable-knit tee and gelled Bed Head hairstyle. LR senior Ines Fluek rocks a mixed blue jean denim on black denim look. LR sophomore Jackie Rossetti takes the distressed look to a whole new level by styling with ripped boyfriend jeans and a torn light sweater while posing candidly with Frances Williams, also a sophomore at LR.

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LR junior Tyler Martin maintains professionalism while combining athleisure with sophistication in a black lululemon workout polo and brown Chelsea boots. Photos by ASHLEY MACINTYRE

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KILLING IT WITH STYLE ON THE JOB LR CAREER CENTER HOSTS 10TH ANNUAL FASHION SHOW By Ashley MacIntyre | LRN Monthly Contributor

Have no idea what to wear to an upcoming job interview? Say no more. The Alex Lee Career and Professional Development Center will be hosting a business inspired fashion show to answer all of your professional attire questions. The event will take place in Belk Centrum on April 13 at 10 a.m. The concept is to create a posh sophisticated learning environment to display a variety of male and female clothes that are both trendy and accepted in the work place. The fashion show will primarily showcase professional clothing sponsored by Dilliards, along with a small collection of pieces designed by one of LR’s very own students, LR freshman Saidah Hardwick. “When I first heard about the fashion show being put on at LR I was super excited,” Hardwick said. “I love anything relating to fashion, styling and designing so getting to play a part in this is awesome.” In addition to being a unique learning opportunity, LR students will also receive

professional development convocation credit. “We are really looking forward to the fashion show this year,” intern for the Career and Professional Development Center at Lenoir-Rhyne Holly Abdelaziz said. “We have been doing a lot of planning for this event over in the career center and hope for a great turnout.” As in previous years, the fashion show will showcase multiple different scenarios one should experience when new to the job scene, as well as clothing that is appropriate for each situation. “Something new that we are hoping to incorporate with the fashion show,” LR’s Director of Career and Professional Development Katie Wohlman said, “is to set up vendor tables outside of Belk on the day of the show, allowing for any students of LR interested in designing or creating to showcase their own work.” The format of the show isn’t the typical fashion show set-up. Spoiler alert: With a total of eight models and eight outfits, each model will display what not to wear to anything business related first. After that they will walk out again wearing what

one should be wearing to a business related event. “We are taking a new approach at our outfit planning this year as well,” Wohlman said. “A lot of our outfit inspiration is coming from Pinterest so that way we are on top of our trends.” This event will be the 10th one to be showcased at LR.

If You Go

By Kyle Cerrito | LRN Monthly Contributor

What:

Career Center Fashion Show

When:

April 13, 2018 from 10-10:50 a.m.

Where:

Belk Centrum

Bonus:

Convocation Credit – Professional Development

8 WHY BE A TWO-SPORT LRN MONTHLY | APRIL 2018

SPORTS ATHLETE AT LR?

HOW ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIPS PLAY A KEY ROLE IN D2 By Harrison Elam | LRN Monthly Contributor

Ronnie Clifton is an athlete at Lenoir-Rhyne. After a long muggy day of football practice he sits down and takes his smelly gear off. He replaces his cleats with another pair - it’s time for track practice. The day isn’t nearly over. Many football players at LR are two-sport athletes and have the passion to dedicate themselves to the track and field team during the spring season. However, there is a reason these athletes pursue both sports. Before arriving at LR, many twosport athletes are usually offered a scholarship to participate in both sports. The offers can be generous, but misconceptions abound. Many of LR’s non-athletes wrongly believe that every single member of LR’s football has a full scholarship that pays for tuition, room, and board and everything else. Well that is not always true at the NCAA Division 2 level. Like most D2 programs, LR has about 30 full-ride scholarships to offer the entire 100+ member football team. To keep things as

fair as possible, the school has a routine way to distribute the money throughout the team. “For example, when applying to school here at LR, every kid gets an academic scholarship,” LR football coach Cameron Clark said. “Now the amount they receive all depends on their overall GPA in high school, or wherever they transferred from.” It’s not just academics that help contribute to part of the student athletes’ scholarship package. “So, let’s say if an athlete we are recruiting has pretty good grades in high school, and he earns around $10,000 for academics,” Clark said. “It’s around $49,000 to go here for a year all together. From there, what we try do it is knock the cost down to go here as much as possible before we give any athletic money. So, then the scholarship package could then consist of different grants from the school, financial aid or need based money. Then we look to see how much athletic scholarship money to give them.” So, some of the football players still might have some money to pay

to attend LR after their scholarship package is finalized. However, for some of them, the scholarship package is not quite finalized if they have the athletic ability for another sport such as track and field. “Well with having the offer to play football at LR was nice already,” LR two-sport athlete Anthony Brown said. “But the chance to run track again and earn some scholarship money in that also was great to hear. It was a chance to continue what I normally did in high school. Football is a physically demanding sport, and to get away to track is kind of relaxing and a way to still be competitive and chase championships.” The scholarship money that is offered to the two-sport athletes is not the only reason to continue the sport, but it is enough to attract attention. “The extra money was an eye opener, but that will only get you so far,” LR two-sport athlete Ronnie Clifton said. “Just getting the opportunity to compete in the off season is a big one. It gives you something else to focus on. Other

goals to keep up with and try to win in.”

LR football player and track athlete, Ronnie Clifton, can’t seem to decide which sport to practice at the moment. HARRISON ELAM | LRN MONTHLY

THE VISION FOR LR’S TENNIS PROGRAM COURTS ON CAMPUS AND THE BENEFITS IT CAN HAVE FOR THE FUTURE PROGRAM By Brooke Redmond | LRN Monthly Contributor

Have you ever wondered why there are no tennis courts on LR’s campus anymore? There were courts on campus back in the late 80s and early 90s where the McCrorie Center stands today. They were removed in 2000 when the McCrorie Center was built. LR’s former Athletic Director, Neill McGeachy, began to improve the quantity of athletic programs at LR and the tennis program was reinstated in 2007 (according to the history of LR as presented in “A Fair Star Rises”). Now that LR has a tennis team again, many are looking forward to the day when we have our own courts again too. “We want to be a nationally contending tennis program so, at some point, courts on campus will be a necessary piece of that puzzle,” LR’s Head Tennis Coach Tom Rees said. “We are currently waiting on the campus master plan to be completed, which is still to be determined along with the location.” Currently the LR tennis team is using the tennis courts at the Hickory YMCA. “The YMCA has been a big step up from Hickory High School where we have played in previous years,” sophomore LR tennis player William Hewitt, of New Zealand, said. “The

YMCA has six tennis courts; more space and the wind is a lot better compared to Hickory High because there were no trees around and it was very flat with a lot of wind.” For a team that is ambitious and wanting to grow, “It’s crucial for LR to have its own tennis courts on campus,” Hewitt said. “There is not one particular reason

LR sophomore Paul Lentz, of Ratingen, Germany, practicing at Hickory's YMCA in February. BROOKE REDMOND | LRN MONTHLY

the courts haven’t arrived yet,” Rees said. “Since Coach (Bobby) McKee passed away (on Jan. 1, 2015) there has been some instability in the program with a few coaching changes, but we are back on an upward track now.” In the past couple of years LR has gotten both a new University President and a new Athletic Director. Today change is in the air, but it might take some time to get new tennis courts built. By not having courts on campus it takes time out of each player’s schedule to get to the courts. “Since we are a team that is basically all internationals we don't have many cars, so we walk a lot to the courts, which is about a 20-minute walk there,” sophomore LR tennis player William Hewitt, of New Zealand said. “So, 40 minutes in total, which is a large amount of time.” The 2017 LR tennis program finished eighth place in the South Atlantic Conference last year and this was the first time in history. “Tennis is a growing sport on campus due to us being a much better team than we have been in the past,” LR sophomore tennis player Paul Lenz, of Germany, said. “Also, due to the fact we support so

many teams on campus, people want to give back to us by supporting.” The inconvenience of trying to get to the YMCA makes it more challenging for the tennis team to have a good crowd for home matches. Hewitt says there’s a solution. “By having courts on campus, a lot more people would be more apt to come out and support the tennis team,” he said. Lenz agrees. “Overall, it will provide a lot more opportunities for the tennis program,” he said. “Support will increase for the team, which in all likelihood will improve confidence and results.” And having an on-campus home court advantage could help the team improve in other areas as well. “We could train a lot more on our own time,” LR junior tennis player Emily Murchland, of New Zealand, LR tennis player said. “Which is a lot tougher when you don’t have a car and have a long walk to the Hickory YMCA.” Neither LR University’s President Dr. Fred Whitt nor its Athletic Director Kim Pate were available to comment on this story.

THE BEST OF THE BEARS ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT INTRODUCES THE INAUGURAL BEARS CHOICE AWARDS By Richard Hall | LRN Monthly Staff Writer

Who is LR’s comeback player of the year? What was the game of the year? Play of the year? Who is LR’s Scholar Athlete of the year? The answers to these questions and more will be revealed on May 2 at LR’s first-ever Bear’s Choice Awards. ESPN has the ESPYS; we have the BCAs. The BCAs will take place at P.E. Monroe at 7 p.m. on May 2. It’s a red carpet event and will feature clips throughout the year that teams have submitted. The videos you will see are lip syncs, coach impersonations or team crossovers where players from one sport try out other sports. “With the new leadership in athletics, they want to do more fun events and show appreciation for the athletes. This is a great chance to do that while getting dressed up, laugh at moments, and recollect on memories from the year,” William Tyner, the sports information & video/

digital strategy graduate assistant, said. “It’s an opportunity to celebrate friends and teammates accomplishments while being a perfect way to end the athletic schedule and 2017-18 school year.” Tyner, along with softball coach Shena Hollar, have helped the SAAC come up with ideas for the BCAs, including the award ideas, the format and how the award show will carry on. “The SAAC has done a tremendous job this year with the Make-A-Wish foundation and just being present at athletic events supporting each other,” Tyner said. The BCAs will be hosted by senior Christina Walker and sophomore Anthony Brown. “It’s something not only me but my class wanted. It’s exciting to know that I not only can be behind the scenes of the show but I get to be the face of it,” Walker said. “I just hope it goes well and that

everyone enjoys it.” The awards that will be presented include: 1. Biggest upset win or best comeback win 2. Game of the year 3. Play of the Year 4. Breakthrough/Comeback Player of the year (male/female) 5. Newcomer Athlete of the year (male/female) 6. Team Community Service award 7. Bears Supporting Bears 8. Rufus Moretz Scholar Athlete of year (male/female) 9. Wayne B. Powell Scholar-Athlete Award 10. Lead the Charge 11. Supportive Faculty 12. Neill Mcgeachy award LR’s coaches make the nominations and the SAAC and LR’s administration vote on the winners.