LRN - "Welcome Back" Issue - August 2015

Stepping to the beat of a new band Marching band to be revived in the fall 2016,

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Lenoir-Rhyne University School of Journalism and Mass Communication Volume 110

Issue 1

Lenoir-Rhynean News

August 2015

Starting from the bottom A closer look at a Bear of a linebacker Tanner Robinson,

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WELCOME new & returning students start your year off right with this issue: a guide to lenoir-rhyne

INSIDE deeper purpose According to the Dean of Student Life, besides money, the No. 1 reason people leave LR is because of a lack of connection.

Getting involved helps give students a sense that they belong.

Hurdling to a gold medal Three-Time All-American Kevin Baxter has one more year to make it to the Olympics

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By Jazmine Charles Editor-in-Chief

guide for internationals

After the initial adjustment, it’s time to experience LR’s community. Here are helpful tips to know about Hickory and beyond.

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our whole life can change in 0.6 seconds.

The most important number in senior LenoirRhyne University hurdler Kevin Baxter might be 0.6. Shaving six tenths of a second off of his time in the 110-meter hurdles could be enough to land him in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. It’s been a long journey. Baxter has been running track since the seventh grade. He started running the 100-yard dash, 4 x 100yard dash relay and he participated in the long and triple jump as well. It wasn’t until his freshmen year of high school that he began to run the 110-meter hurdles for Irmo High School located in Columbia, S.C. This phenom athlete became a two-time state champion for the men’s 110-meter hurdles. His senior year he broke the school record by running a time of 14.2 seconds.

Then it was on to college.

see hurdling, page 6

secrets to success

Communication majors share tips and tricks on how to land a job in the mass media marketplace.

kevin Baxter’s accomplishments at Lenoir-Rhyne

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INDOOR TRACK: » 2-Time All-American — 60meter hurdles (2013-14/2014-15) » All-Region — 60-meter hurdles (2012-13/2013-14/2014-15) » Competed in Nationals in 60-meter hurdles — best finish: eighth (201213/2013-14/2014/15)

CONNECT WITH US follow daily news & exclusives at lrnewsonline. com. find us on twitter and Facebook for live news updates and posts. @LRNonline and facebook.com/ lrnonline ARCHIVES: http://issuu. com/therhynean

Photos by Jazmine Charles

LR senior Kevin Baxter is training hard with an eye on the Olympics. He has a full schedule with sports, academics, a fiancé, extra curriculars and olympic training.

OUTDOOR TRACK & FIELD: » All-American — 110-meter hurdles (2014) » Fastest time in the nation for all Division 2 schools with 13.81 seconds (2014) » Finished Top 30 amongst all Divisions 1, 2 and 3 with 13.81 seconds (2014) » SAC 110-meter hurdles first-place winner (2014) » All-Region (2013/2014/2015) » Nationals — finished fourth (2014) » Made it to Nationals in 2015 - place finished TBD

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Letter From the Editor

am pleased to welcome all of our new Bears to Lenoir-Rhyne University, and I am also pleased to welcome the rest of my fellow Bears back. My name is Jazmine Charles and I was the Editor-in-Chief of LRN Monthly for the 2014-2015 school year. I am excited to know that I am leaving my works behind to Bailey Leonard, the new Editor-in-Chief, and Cigi Sparks, the Layout Editor. These two ladies and their staff are

going to do an excellent job of keeping you guys up-to-date with all of the latest news around the L-R community and national Jazmine news.

Charles Each month the LRN Monthly staff will distribute issues at the first of the month in the red newspaper racks located around the campus. Don’t worry — you don’t have to pay to read one.

The other great news is that anyone, not just journalism majors, can join the newspaper staff. If you enjoy talking about fashion, then maybe a column is for you. If you love sports, you can an article every month on your favorite L-R sports news.

The newspaper staff is open to anyone, and the more creative minds the better.

You may now sign up to earn college credit for your hard work as well. The class is supervised

by Professor Richard Gould, who has been a reporter for

many local newspapers around North Carolina — including the Hickory Daily Record. The class meets on Mondays and Wednesday from 9-9:50 a.m., and is worth three credit hours.

Just remember everyone can pitch in with ideas and this staff is very helpful.

You never know, maybe writing articles for the newspaper is calling and joining the LRN Monthly staff may be the first step. I wish you all the best of luck here at L-R and as always, Go Bears!

From departing senior In with the new to arriving freshmen Words of advice for life at Lenoir-Rhyne experience and I do hope that you all at LRN Staff Writer least get the chance to experience another country, even if it is only for a s I end my fourth year at Lenoirweek. I do wish I had gotten the chance Rhyne, I am definitely ready to go. to live abroad for a semester or a year.

Anyone that knows me can tell Being immersed in another culture can that I am ready to begin working. I’ve give you the same euphoric disorientadone a lot in my time here. I’ve been SGA tion a five year old feels at Disney World. president; I’ve won a national debate Traveling abroad will take you to castles title, and I’ve won my share of academic better than Cinderella’s and let you awards. But I wish I’d done more. experience thrills greater than Splash There are many things that I feel like Mountain.

I’m leaving incomplete or things that I Go to class wish I had gotten a chance to do. I want to tell you all about some of those things Waking up at 7:45 a.m. for class can feel so that I may be able to come back for like a nightmare for a college student. homecoming and find you making the Doesn’t matter. most of your opportunities in ways that I Force yourself to go every time — rewish I would have. gardless of the class. You have an opportunity earn something that millions Travel abroad envy: a university education. If you skip a Now, I spent a month studying and class, you are unabashedly squandering exploring in Costa Rica with Dr. Schthat opportunity and indirectly rubbing ramm, so it’s not so much that I haven’t it in the face of those less fortunate than traveled abroad. That was an invaluable you. Sleep can be caught up on and fun

by Jake Fisher

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can wait an hour. You owe it to yourself to learn.

Possibly more important than actually going to class is engaging in a class. Do the assignments, pay attention, ask questions and speak up when you’re frustrated. LR is a university where curiosity is encouraged and drive is rewarded. Outside of the classroom, improve yourself with clubs, tough conversations and leadership positions. Take on a role and don’t be afraid to challenge traditions. This is your time and your four years; shape the culture and policies of the university to meet your needs and the needs of your generation.

If a new project excites you, implement it.

If a policy agitates you, challenge it. If any part of you thinks that you cannot make change, think again — you’re here because you’ve already impacted on the world.

I wish I could have gone big on all three of these things and done more in my time at Lenoir-Rhyne. I can personally attest to the rewards of my education at Lenoir-Rhyne and I implore each of you to make the most of it while you are here.

By D.J. Bolden

Special to the LRN

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RIGHT: LR sophomore Brianna Peterson knows the value of time management and uses a moment of solitude to finish up some last minute homework study in P.E. Monroe Auditorium.

Photo by D.J. Bolden

useful test hint.

Tip No. 3: Choose your major wisely.

You do not want to spend two years taking specific classes only to end up having a change of heart. That’s because changing majors means that all the classes you took in your last major will become elective credits. They’ll Tip No. 1: Get it clear. still count toward your totals, You always need to know but you’ll need to start at the what needs to get done and beginning when it comes to when it needs to get done. You completing the requirements do not want to throw this time of your brand new major. away.

Granted, as 18- and 19year-old adults you are still Tip No. 2: Always finding your niche, but you’ll go to class. want to get on track quickly.

“At Lenoir Rhyne UniverWorking through your core sity, that seems to be everyclasses first often serves as a thing,” said former LR studbest bet. Arriving on campus ent Ethan Ricci. At Lenoir, with plans to double major your professors will know because of financial incentives you, and they expect you to to prove that you have your act be in class on time to receive together will not score you any the knowledge they have to bonus points in the real world. offer. Besides, you never “If you have to decide know when your professor between double major and might want to drop a very getting involved, just get in-

volved,” said LR alum Marcus Slade. “All that classwork with no experiences will not help you once you get out of here.”

Tip No. 4: Overcome roommate conflict Some people are blessed and get a room to themselves, but most students will have a roommate for at least their first two years. Chances are you will have conflict with your roommate, and there will be things that you cannot stand about each other.

If you are having troubles with your roommate — talk to them about it. Do not let things build up to the point that you all aren’t capable of being around each other. And if you really can’t stand your roommate, get involved on campus or find a part-time job — whatever it takes to get out of your dorm room.

Tip No. 5: Get a job Do your best to get a parttime job, preferably doing something that relates to

By Jake Fisher LRN Staff Writer

Engage

Five tips to bring success aybe you’ve been on campus for a few days. Maybe you’ve gotten started with some extracurricular activities. But there are hundreds of new LR students who have never taken a class on this campus.

Well, here’s a truth: “Most people don’t think about the fact that class comes first,” said LR senior, Antonio Watts.

Here’s a quick glimpse of everything you need to know about college.

Going to college isn’t quite the same as experiencing “college life.” And college life is what many eager young scholars are ready to indulge in. These are the days every teenager dreams of. No parents. No curfews. You wake up every day with no one to tell you what to do or when to do it.

Beware! This is not always a good thing. Well it is, but the most important thing you can learn is time management.

Time is everything and it’s also the only thing we can never get back.

SGA has big plans for 2015-16 school year

your major. Most studies have found that having a job actually help you with time management too, so take this a double learning experience that puts money in your empty college pockets.

Taking heed to these few pointers will put you in a great place finically and academically as a freshman. If you can learn these disciplines early, the next three or four years should be nothing more than repetition of your great habits.

Remember that time is the essential factor to your success.

Without time management, you will not make it out of your first semester.

Nevertheless, have fun. This time away from your parents is a great time to find yourself.

Remember why you are here.

This is an expensive education, and the education is most important. Keep that in mind, and you are sure to have four of the best years of your life.

It’s a brand-new year and there’s a brand-new team in place ready to take LR to brand-new heights.

Six newly elected student leaders in LR’s Student Government Association are joining three returning officers.

Returning leaders » Bryson Smith, junior, SGA’s Chief Justice » Xavier Gill, senior, 2016 Class President » Giovanna Rivera, sophomore, 2018 Class President New leaders » Payton Moore, junior, 2017 Class President » Katelyn Vause, sophomore, SGA Treasurer » Nikki Wiseman, junior, SGA Secretary » Micah Rufsvold, senior, SGA President » Jordan Lawson, senior, SGA Vice President » Freshman class president: TBD Moore’s more than the 2017 class president. She’s also the Delta Zeta Vice President of Programs. LR has never had a student serve in both roles concurrently, but Moore is confident she can make a real impact in her new role.

“I plan to be a voice of reason between the junior class and administration,” she said.

“I want to consider all point of views.”

However, Moore Moore sees that this will not necessarily be an easy task.

“The toughest part for my position will be trying to please everyone in the junior class,” she said.

Moore also plans to enhance SGA’s Vause visibility while publicizing the events is hosts across campus.

Vause agrees with Moore’s sentiment.

“This year I would like to increase the transparency between SGA and the rest of Rufsvold the student body,” she said. “A big concern for students is where their money goes.”

Vause plans to address the transparency issues head on. She’s already planning to work with the Wiseman to post updates about SGA’s funds, funding requests and projects on social media outlets.

Incoming SGA President Rufsvold has his own ambitious plans.

“I would like to see an outdoor amphitheater/classroom/movie theater built on campus,” he said.

Rufsvold also plans to help build relationships between LR students and Hickory-area businesses with the guidance of LR’s Vice President Dr. Drew Van Horn.

CAB will continue with their SGA presence with a new CAB representative, and the Residential Advisory Council will continue with their representatives on the SGA.

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Getting involved for a deeper purpose Ministries on campus strive to build community

By Elizabeth Johnson Special to the LRN

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t’s the beginning of a new school year and organizational fairs are in full swing.

Tables are filled with pamphlets and people with smiling faces promising new and exciting experiences that won’t only be fun, but might help you build your résumé.

But why get involved?

It would be another thing on your to do list, you don’t need tons of friends, you’re super busy with class, and it really wouldn’t be that beneficial anyway, right?

Not according to Becky Sharpe, Administrative Associate for Student Life.

“People who are involved on campus feel more connected to the campus,” Sharpe said.

“Organizations are a big part of getting students connected.”

According to Katie Fisher, Dean of Student Life at LR, besides money, the No. 1 reason people leave LR is because of a lack of connection.

“Ultimately, I want to make sure students feel like they belong here,” Fisher said. “Finding a way that LR makes an impact on their life in a positive way.”

Matt Ledford, a tennis player and senior at LR, agrees wholeheartedly.

“The people who don’t get involved don’t stay,” Ledford said.

“If you want to truly enjoy your college experience where you are, you have to get involved.”

Ledford follows his own advice by being involved with Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

FCA exists to lead athletes and coaches to a knowledge and understanding of who Jesus is, what He did and how that impacts their community through the power of sports. The organization strives to teach students how to put Christ into every aspect of their lives, especially their sport, and not just leave Him for church on Sundays. It’s the bigger picture, according to Ledford.

“On campus we have seen many athletes, and non-athletes, learn why they are here, not just on a college campus, but on the grand scheme of the universe,” he said.

Jake Slagle, a senior who is involved with Campus Crusade for Christ agrees with Ledford. He believes CRU’s weekly meetings give students a place to come and get away from their college life and focus on something that is eternal.

“I got involved because I really wanted to grow in my faith with

Photos by Elizabeth Johnson

ABOVE: Jake Slagle, Stewart Sherrill, and Kourtney Conway lead worship each week at CRU’s meeting. RIGHT: FCA invited Brad Cooper, the student pastor at New Spring Church in South Carolina, to come speak to students during their Camp Night event.

Christ and grow in a bond with a community of believers as a freshmen,” Slagle said.

CRU’s purpose is to grow disciples of Jesus, and Slagle fervently tells of the impact it has had on his life. The community that CRU has provided for him has changed his life and enabled him to use and develop leadership skills through his music and Bible study. The friendships he formed and established through CRU has given him a group of accountability, a team of encouragers pushing him to follow Christ even when it’s hard.

“It has allowed me to see Christ more clearly, love Him more dearly, and follow him more nearly,” Slagle said.

Both ministries put a strong emphasis on discipleship and community within the students.

With various Bible studies being offered on campus, these two students have found community and discipleship among their peers.

Emmi Dunn, a senior soccer player who is on leadership with FCA, recognizes the struggle that freshman have first coming into college.

“It’s really hard to be a freshman in college,” Dunn said.

“You want to make friends and fit in.”

Transfer student, Lauren Hill, agrees. Hill transferred to LR for the nursing program. She described her experience of leaving her old school, where she knew most of the campus, and coming to a completely new place. It was hard to find the new connections, even at a small school.

“My first week, I didn’t venture out much,” Hill said. “But my second week, I went to CRU and FCA and that’s where I met

some of my best friends here.”

LR is a Lutheran affiliated school and there are some people on campus who are very proud of those roots. The Lutheran Student Movement is a student led organization that strives to create a safe space for students to discuss their faith and find community.

Kate Griewisch graduated in 2012 but still looks back on her days with LSM and tells stories with a smile. From Goodwill Bowling to ice cream socials, she enjoyed her community while at LR. Being the president of LSM her senior year helped sharpen her leadership skills.

“Organizing Bible study or learning how to express my faith to other members, it helped strengthen my leadership abilities and gave me confidence in my skills moving forward,” Griewisch said.

Josh Copeland is the current president of LSM and is looking to restructure the ministry. Copeland got involved with LSM his freshman year to have the connection with other people who had the same faith he did, though not necessarily the same denomination. Yes, it is the Lutheran Student Movement, but it isn’t only for Lutherans.

“We’ve had a lot of different denominations represented.

We are looking to provide a place for, not only Lutherans, but all people to gather, worship and have fellowship,” Copeland said.

Copeland says it’s an exciting time for LSM. There are resources available for retreats and service projects, and multiple churches have reached out wanting to come alongside LSM. All Copeland needs now is a core group of people willing to take on leadership roles within

When and Where?

FCA

FCA, which is not just for athletes, meets every Monday at 8:28 in McCrorie 213. Come and play games, listen to a speaker, and sometimes participate in small groups.

CRU CRU meets every Tuesday at 8:30 in the Belk Centrum.

Enjoy a time of worship and teaching with other students.

Lutheran Student Movement Contact Josh Copeland for more information for how to get involved by emailing joshua.copeland@my.lr.edu.

Bible Studies Men meet every Friday at 10 a.m. (convo hour) in the Old Weight Room.

Led by Jeremy Ellis. Ladies meet every Friday at 10 a.m. (convo hour) in the upstairs room of the K house. Led by Mrs. Karen.

the ministry to help with the restructuring taking place.

LSM has a strong service background that Copeland would like to keep. Supporting ministries in Costa Rica will be the main philanthropic project, along with short-term mission trips. CRU does outreach projects on campus throughout the year while FCA focuses their outreach efforts on the sports teams.

Once a year, all the ministries

on campus come together for Day of Faith. DoF is a giant service project that consists of cleaning up around the sorority houses, spreading mulch, trimming trees and pulling weeds.

The massive project has been successful two years in a row and the future continues to look bright.

For these students, getting involved has changed their lives.

LR has so many opportunities for students to get involved.

Hazing: The danger of any organization Greek taking hazing and its repercussions seriously

By Meaghan Liner Special to the LRN

Sororities and fraternities tend to end up in the news for on thing: hazing that got out of hand.

Lenoir-Rhyne University takes hazing very seriously and won’t even tolerate anything that can turn into something resembling hazing.

North Carolina law states, “It is unlawful for any student in attendance at any university, college, or school in this state to engage in hazing, or to aid or abet any other student in the commission of this offense.” Those who break the law are subject to being charged with a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Not sure what hazing means? It’s “any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them regardless of a person’s willingness to participate,” according to

stophazing.org.

Over the years some of LR’s sororities and fraternities have gotten into trouble with their national headquarters and the university’s administration for alleged hazing incidents. According to LR records at the university, three fraternities have been removed from campus due to incidents of this type.

Jodi Jabs, the director of student activities, has made hazing prevention a university-wide priority.

Through workshops and convocations, Jabs has provided many opportunities for students, not just Greeks, to learn about hazing prevention.

“The thing is that even the word Greek has a bad connotation now,” Jabs said. “I am trying to move away from the term Greek Life and move towards sorority and fraternity life like most other colleges.”

Movies like “Animal House” and “Neighbors” paint Greek life to be all about partying and it

North Carolina law states, “It is unlawful for any student in attendance at any university, college, or school in this state to engage in hazing, or to aid or abet any other student in the commission of this offense.” Those who break the law are subject to being charged with a Class 2 misdemeanor. affects how people view Greek organizations in reality.

“TV and movies always display the worst of the worst,” Jabs said. “When it is on “Law and Order” it is always the dead sorority girl or the drunk frat boy.

Millions of people are being judged for what one or two did that went nationwide.”

Every potential new member of a Greek organization at LR must sign a statement acknowledging the rules and stating that

that he or she knows what hazing is. Jabs is pushing for athletic teams to make their players sign the same policy at the beginning of every season.

“So much money and so many hours are put into community service, but one mistakes wipes all of that away,” Jabs said. “A lot of people just have a skewed vision of Greek life because of the media and it is really sad.”

When a hazing event occurs, the organization is taken to the university as well as the organization’s national headquarters.

The school can discipline the chapter as well as nationals, but only nationals can remove the chapter from the campus.

Jabs admitted to being harder on the fraternities because she does not want to loose the organizations. At this moment, if one fraternity is removed, the other one has to go as well. The possible addition of Theta Chi will change that rule however.

The LR hazing policy

and the North Carolina hazing policy are both on the university’s website under the tab labeled Greek Life. The policies are posted for everyone to read and understand, not just the men and women that are involved in Greek life on campus.

2015-16 LRN staff reporters Ryan Baxter Elijah Blackwell Jake Fisher sara jones Bailey Leanord

contributing writers

D.J. Bolden Kendall Field Jordan Forney Jessica Hogan Elizabeth Johnson Meaghan Liner chris shaffer

faculty advisers Dr. Lisa m. harris prof. richard gould

editorial staff jazmine charles editor-in-chief

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Photo by Ryan Baxter

2014-15’s international students became something of a fixture around Hickory — especially when they participated in an annual parade.

An international’s guide to LR Everything you need to know about Hickory and beyond It also keeps you active and gives you a much better chance to really take in the local area.

Now that you’ve officially “The bicycle is the best thing arrived at Lenoir-Rhyne, unwe (internationals) borrowed,” packed your bags and caught up business management and Braon the time difference, you can zilian exchange student Lisa Wu start experiencing the life and said. “I used it the most to go to community of LR. the supermarket, I recommend First off you’ll need to become it for any new international mobile if you’re planning to get students.” from A to B. It’s very important There is also a company that you find multiple ways to called “Greenway” which is travel around Hickory and any the local bus that runs through other cities/states you want to Hickory and the nearby towns visit. By now, you’ll have been of Conover and Newton. The introduced to the other interna- bus can take you directly from tional students and your I-pals. LR to the local Valley Hill Mall, The I-pals are there to help you Walmart and, if all goes wrong, get settled in on campus and the hospital. show you around the local area “I used the Greenway bus so don’t be afraid to speak up a few times,” business manand ask them if you need to go agement and Swiss exchange to the local Walmart for essenstudent Kevin Jungo said. “The tials or even if it’s just a drive schedules aren’t the easiest to around Hickory to get a better work with but it’s a cheap way of sense of the area. Don’t think of getting around.” yourself as a burden if you want There are a few restaurants to travel off-campus but just you should definitely visit make sure you ask your I-pal or off campus for taste of North friend in advance so they can Carolina. In downtown Hickory, plan ahead. there is a place called The StaA good way to get around is to tion, which offers some outborrow a bicycle or get together standingly good burgers and has with a group of students and more than 40 local beers on tap buy one to share. A bicycle is for you to sample. Just down the an easier and cheaper way to road from The Station is Cresget around without waiting on cent Moon, which has a very someone with a car to take you. low-key artistic vibe to it. They

By Ryan Baxter LRN Staff Writer

offer the freshest sandwiches and flatbreads in Hickory and stay open till the early hours.

You can also play darts there for free so it’s a really cool place to hang out with friends.

“Although both The Station and Crescent Moon aren’t the cheapest options in town, they are both well worth the few extra dollars,” said I-pal and senior philosophy student Micah Rufsvold. “If you want some cheaper options for off-campus restaurants, try the local Japanese restaurant Naras where you can buy plates of fresh sushi for as little as $6.50.”

As for fast-food, the all-time student favourite is a place called Cookout, which is a drivethru-only joint where you can get burgers, hotdogs, fries and BBQ. Prices start at $1. It’s practically paradise for students and with it being open until 4 a.m., you’ll never go hungry. Cookout also offers, more than 40 varieties of thick, creamy milkshakes in every flavour you can think of from peanut butter fudge to blueberry cheesecake.

“As far as cheap easy food goes; cookout is by far the most popular,” I-pal and senior biology student Amber Walser said.

“It’s never an issue if someone wants me to drive them to cookout, I’ll happily go there

anytime.”

While you’re studying at LR, there will be the times where everyone gets the week off.

Spring Break, Fall Break and extended weekends like Thanksgiving. Breaks like this give LR’s students a chance to go home and see their families. I highly recommend you use this time to explore America and go an adventure. Using a bus service called “Greyhound” can get you across multiple states for a pretty cheap price. While looking for a place to stay, it’s always cheaper to stay in a hotel/motel near an airport. Check out places like Motel 6, Super 8 and Red Roof Inn or if there’s a large group of people travelling together, look into renting a house for a week.

“I always go back to my home state of Maryland on the breaks,” said recently graduated alum Jake Fisher. “For the last couple of semesters I’ve brought international students with me though. It became a tradition and my sister Jenna is planning on continuing it.”

While you’ll be travelling to see as much of America as possible, there’s an adventure waiting in your own backyard.

North Carolina has some exciting places you need to visit.

While Hickory is a laid-back

and quiet area, the city of Charlotte (an hour to the south) is bursting with a new wave of big city culture making it the third-fasted growing city in the USA. Charlotte has its own professional baseball, football and basketball teams as well as bigger venues for music acts so there’s a lot of big crowd experiences to be had.

If you’re more into the artistic scene, Asheville (just over an hour to the west) prides itself on its performing arts, indie music scene and art galleries. Asheville is also home to the Biltmore Estate which is the largest privately owned home in the United States.

“Every fall semester, we organise a trip to the Biltmore Estate,” former Director of the International Office, Dr Duane Kirkman said. “It’s a great introduction to North Carolina for any student; American or foreign.”

Finally, while you will become friends with your fellow international students and travel around America with them, don’t be nervous to branch out and make friends with the American students. You came all this way for the American college experience so embrace everything around you with both hands and just run with it.

You’ll never regret it.

Industry Employment: You get out what you put in

By Sara Jones LRN Staff Writer

Take the right courses, do your work and you’re guaranteed to land your dream job in the field of communications.

Yeah, right.

In this industry just making the grade’s not enough. You’re going to need to develop your skills through extracurricular activities and real-world experience to land a job in the mass media marketplace.

Often students are drawn to this major because they think it’s cool or because they feel they’re good at it. But they’re missing the boat if they don’t keep an eye on reality.

“Students really need to see the big picture,” said the Chair of LR’s Department of Journalism & Communication Dr. Lisa Harris. “This is a competitive industry, where you have to stand out to be noticed. If communications is really what you want to do. Dive into it when you get here. Join extra curricular activities such as the student newspaper, LRN Monthly, or start your own radio show. Your resume isn’t going to build itself. You must work hard for what you want.”

Your job for the next four years is to market yourself.

Find out what makes you different, what makes you stand out. Because that’s what employers today are

looking for. Among all the applications they receive why should they choose you.

A great example of a student, who took what LR had to offer and made it worth her while, was former student Tiffany Fields.

Fields came to LR knowing what she wanted to do. She double-majored in journalism and broadcast communications. Her passion for writing and telling a story led to her vision of the LRN network. She turned what was originally a stand-alone student newspaper called The Rhynean, and positioned it to combine forces with LR’s radio station its TV studio and the LRN news website.

“I had a great experience,” Fields said. ”While working on the Newspaper I also filmed LR’s football games.”

Because of Fields’ drive and networking during football games she was able to land a job in the real world, at Newton’s Observer News Enterprise newspaper. She started in November of 2013 while she was still a full-time student at LR. Fields started out as a reporter going out finding stories, writing and reporting.

Within six months she was promoted to managing the newsroom.

“I am still doing everything I did before I got promoted, just with a few extra tasks,” Fields said.

“I love telling stories,”

she added. “I love the creative freedom and layout that I have. Because we are a small newspaper I get to work in all areas of the paper from reporting and writing to layout and design.”

Jobs at small newspapers come with a certain amount of creative freedom and lots of day-to-day variety in your job duties, but there aren’t usually many staffers to help shoulder the work.

And the money’s not great.

Journalism isn’t the best paying job but it’s rewarding in Fields’ eyes.

“One of the advantages you’re going to have at LR is playing time,” said LRN Monthly’s faculty advisor Richard Gould.

“At a huge state university it’s not unusual to wait until your junior or senior year to land a spot on the

newspaper’s editorial staff.

Here, a motivated freshman can rise as far as he or she has the guts to go.”

Here underclassmen can also have their own radio show, podcast, or become editor of the student-run magazine “LRUnplugged.”

And taking the time to try everything out is a great way to figure out where your strengths lie.

“If you don’t know your end destination how do you really prepare for it?”

Harris said.

Some LR grads’ stories aren’t as inspiring as Fields’.

Recent LR alum Zach Clayton is still working to find his place in the industry — preferably in the broadcasting field.

“I occasionally write for the Newton Observer,” he said.

From July until Novem-

ber 2013 he was covered NFL games. But after the season, he was back at square one searching for another job in his field.

“Going out on campus and doing things taught me a lot more than I learned in the classroom,” Clayton said. “You have to be prepared to fight for what to want in this industry.”

The mandatory practicum and internship play a big role in student success here in the program.

Before you get your first internship you must complete a practicum. Which is an on campus field experience, which will teach you what it means to be professional before they send you off into a real-world internship.

After that is done students meet with Dr. Harris and talk about where they

want to be for their internship.

“Internships are important, so shoot for the stars, shoot for something big you never know what you might get,” said LR broadcast professor Bill Richter.

Harris helps you navigate the forms and recommendations necessary for you to land a great gig.

That’s what she did for recently graduated senior broadcast and public relations double major, Jazmine Charles. Her first internship was with Turner Sports in Atlanta and she spent the spring interning with the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets.

Be prepared to get involved. Make the best of your experience on campus because, in the end, your employers will want to see proof of what you are really capable of.

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What are ‘convos’ all about?

University all have convocation requirements for full-time undergraduate students.

Convocation requirements Lenoir-Rhyne’s convocation are a topic of some dispute at. program strives to provide Some students lament the time students and convocation atthat they have to take in order to tendees with an experience that attend the required opening and reflects the mission and vision closing honors convocations as of the university and its goal to well as the other seven required “develop the whole person” and convocations throughout the to “liberate the mind and spirit.” academic year. But what many The convocation program that students don’t know is that is currently in place at LR is relaconvos serve to enhance their tively young at five years old. It education and experience at was the result of a huge revision Lenoir-Rhyne University. of the pre-existing convocation LR convocations are manprogram. Previously, there were aged, organized and developed only four categories of convocaby Leonard Geddes and Carla tions and they were all strictly Fowler. Geddes is the Associate academic and were only offered Dean of Co-Curricular Programs at the 10 o’clock convocation and Fowler is the Assistant hour on Mondays, Wednesdays, Coordinator of Student Engage- and Fridays, in Belk Centrum. ment. Both are coordinators of Students had no input whatsothe Lohr Learning Commons. ever on what variety of conAnd they’re both alums. vocations were being offered.

As a liberal arts school, by When students didn’t satisfy definition, Lenoir-Rhyne strives the convocation requirement, to impart a broad spectrum they had to complete additional of general knowledge upon its credit hours in order to gradustudents while also providing a ate. According to Geddes, these specialized degree in whatever were the biggest reasons that major the student has selected. LR redesigned the convocation Both Geddes and Fowler agree program and implemented it in that LR’s convo program reflects the fall of 2010. our identity as a liberal arts The new convocation program university. was received well by the student And LR is not unique in terms body. The new program had of its convocation requirement seven new categories that were either. Prestigious institutions broader and better reflected such as Northwestern Univerthe mission and vision of LR. It sity, Liberty University, Samallowed student organizations ford University and Belmont and groups to sponsor their

By Kendall Field Special to the LRN

Now Hiring: Work convos and make cash

By Kendall Field

The convocation program at Lenoir-Rhyne University is beneficial to the students not

Photos by Kendall Field

ABOVE: Carla Fowler, Assistant Coordinator of Student Engagement, graduated from Lenoir-Rhyne University in 1997.

RIGHT: All of the campus ministries came together and welcomed students to join them for a Service convocation and worked together to clean up the LR campus. own convocations. It broadened the times at which convocations were offered and the new categories drastically broadened what types of convocations were offered.

“The biggest change was variety,” said Fowler. “There were no choices before.”

“What many students don’t realize about convos is how valuable they are to a liberal arts education,” said Geddes. “The No. 1 skill that many studies have proven that employers are looking for is a liberal arts background, and students don’t

just academically, but also financially. For a lucky few LR students it serves as a workstudy job.

The students work under Carla Fowler as work-study employees.

Their responsibilities include passing out convocation cards to students walking into events, and to gathering convocation

realize how much more marketable that makes them.”

Sophomore Erin McCann said that she had never really known the purpose of convocations.

“I think that gradually I’ve started to grasp some of the benefits of attending convos, because I’ve had some pretty

cards from the students leaving the events.

They also assist Leonard Geddes and Carla Fowler in organizing the convocation cards to ensure that all of the attendees are given credit towards their convocation requirement.

Work-study is not necessarily the easi-

cool experiences when I went to because of the requirement that I had no previous interest in,” she said. “Oh! I went to a convo just the other day that was put on by FCA and they had a great speaker that spoke of the Glory of God in a way I’d never heard before.”

est job, especially for students scheduling around other jobs, sports teams practices, and other events.

The convocation work-study employees work mainly during convocation hour at 10 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays which conflict with very few sports teams’ practices.

Bears stepping to the beat of a new band

By Jessica Hogan Special to the LRN

What’s coming soon to LR football games? What will cause the LR community to dance to a new rhythm during halftime shows?

The Lenoir-Rhyne University Marching Band is coming in 2016 to offer instrumental music, a drumline and a great view of the 50-yard line.

“The last time LR had a marching band was in the late 1980s,” said Neil Underwood, LR’s new associate director of bands and director of marching band instrumental music education. “Then it was done away with.”

There has been a strong push from students and alumni to bring back the LR Marching Band over the past three years.

In the fall of 2014, LR juniors Kaylor Aiken and Carlos Zamora started a petition to restart the LR Marching Band.

“We weren’t sure if many LR students would sign it, but it became clear very quickly that it wasn’t just us who wanted a university marching band. It was everyone,” Aiken said.

Thinh Truong, LR junior, signed the petition and has been waiting for LR to have a marching band for years. “I am from Hickory and it’s about time for LR to have a marching band,” Truong said. “I believe it will awaken the spirit instilled in our fine Bears that have been sleeping for a while and will bring our student body together.”

The LR Marching Band will perform for the first time during the fall 2016 football season. Preparations have already begun with first auditions starting in the spring semester of 2016.

Students who sign up

for marching band will take it as a one-credit course. The marching band will include a drumline and color guard. In total, the university is expecting to have about 75 to 100 students perform.

The university is paying for uniforms and big instruments such as large percussion, sousaphones and specialty marching instruments. Students will have to provide their own smaller instruments such as trumpets and saxophones.

Underwood will be directing the band after 32 years of teaching in Lincolnton Public Schools.

He’s very enthusiastic about moving to the collegiate world of band.

“This will be a new challenge for me, but I am eager to work with college students, future music teachers and be a part of the excitement with the LR football team,” Underwood said.

He explains that his main focus will be on the band entertaining the audience. During the fall semester of 2015, he will take in the energy of the football fans and use it to pick the music the marching band will perform.

“Depending on the energy at the games, we’ll do a variety of styles from different genres,” Underwood said.

Jorelle Farmer, LR junior, cannot wait for the marching band to perform and has a special request.

“I’m fine with any of the music as long as they play the ‘Imperial March,’” Farmer said. “If they play Darth Vader’s theme song I will definitely be a fan.”

Many people are delighted about Underwood becoming the director of the marching band.

Katie Fisher, assistant provost and dean of

Photo By Jessica Hogan

Neil Underwood, Lenoir-Rhyne University’s new associate director of bands and director of marching band instrumental music education, of Lincolnton, shows a North-Lincoln High School student how to properly hold a trombone to prepare to march.

student life, is one of Underwood’s biggest supporters.

“The director is amazing,” Fisher said. “Around here he’s known as the guru of marching bands.

If anyone can pull people in, it’s him.”

Dan Kiser, LR’s dean of the college of arts and sciences and director of bands, agrees with Fisher because of Underwood’s exceptional career.

“He’s one of the most distinguished band directors in North Carolina and has been the past president of the North Carolina Band Masters Association,” Kiser said.

“He is well respected and his bands have a long history of superior ratings at festivals.”

Underwood currently directs the LR pep band ensemble that plays during football games. The pep band will transition during the fall 2015 and spring 2016 semesters

into the marching band.

New members will be added and pre-training marching band sessions will begin.

Dr. Nigrelli, LR music program coordinator, music education coordinator and professor of music, recommends that students become members of the pep band for the extra experience.

“I encourage the freshmen who are interested in marching band to join the pep band because it’s an exciting time to get involved on the ground floor,” Nigrelli said. “The 2015 freshman will definitely have an advantage because Underwood will be able to meet and evaluate them for leadership positions in the marching band, which could lead to other opportunities.”

The music program offers ensemble leadership scholarships that amount to about $2,500 per year.

Students who obtain

leadership roles such as section leaders or drum majors in the marching band can audition for these scholarships.

Scholarships are not limited to ensemble leadership roles. Musicianship scholarships will also be given to students who can fill certain positions. These scholarships are given to incoming students ahead of their arrival on campus.

LR music professor Chris Nigrelli is very happy with the university’s decision to have a marching band. He informs that the band is open to students of all majors.

“You don’t have to major in music to sign up for marching band,” Nigrelli said. “It’s a great way to hone your musical skills and get involved on campus with students who have the same interests as you.”

Kiser wants to remind students that although marching band is a lot of fun, it’s also a big commitment. “It’s going to take up a good amount of student time, but that’s the way a marching band runs,” Kiser said. “It’s like any other sport or performance art, if you are going to do it well it takes time and practice.”

Underwood loves discussing the marching band further with students who are interested and encourages them to contact him. Students can reach Underwood through his email address at neil.underwood@ lr.edu or by calling him at 828-328-7147 to set up a meeting.

Nigrelli encourages students to audition for marching band because it’s not too late to get involved. “This is just the beginning of making history for the university,” Nigrelli said.

The Outfit Says Everything Dr. Nigrelli, LR’s music program coordinator, music education coordinator and professor of music, said he’ll present LR’s marching band uniforms at this semester’s homecoming game.

The uniform is an important part of the visual entertainment for the audience. And there are different types of marching band uniforms used in performances. They range from tuxedos to matching shirts or embroidered jackets with gloves. Sometimes they even include a cape.

But don’t forget the hats.

One type of hat is called a busby, which is a domed fur hat with a colored feather. A shako is a type of hat that is cap-shaped with a small visor.

Military-style helmets are worn for certain marching bands. The Aussie style shako has a wide brim with a cascading feather.

What is seen on top of the marching band member’s head is often very elaborate. The feathers worn on helmets and shakos are called a feather plumes. These plumes were used by the military when bands signaled conditions and orders on the battlefield. Some bands will not wear plumes in order to create a more masculine feel.

Jacket colors typically reflect the university’s colors and the coats are double breasted with exaggerated shoulders. The name of the marching band is displayed on the front or back of the jacket or coat.

Hands and feet are an important visual part of the marching band.

Band members wear a pair of white or black gloves to cover the hands and shiny dress shoes or boots of the same color to match. Capes can also add flare and pull focus to the performances.

Wait – Step Where?

How a marching band steps to their music on the field during halftime can make or break the performance.

There are three main types of marching band footing techniques. The new Lenoir-Rhyne University marching band coming in 2016 will use the traditional drum core style step. This is called the glide step or roll step. A glide step is a more modern style of footing. It is when the band member brings the heel to the ground with their toe pointed up and then rolls the foot forward onto the toes before lifting the other foot. It not only gives the appearance of a smooth step and makes formations appear controlled, but the band member is able to keep their balance while playing. It also gives band members better control of the upper body for better air support.

This controlled appearance allows the band to perform different tempos with better precision and execution.

The second type of band step is the high step. The High step is an older style of footing technique. It creates a “stop action” that causes movement of the band to stop for a moment in each step. Many military and historically black college marching bands use the ankle-knee form of the high step. The ankle-knee form involves the foot being brought to the inside of the leg at the knee and brought back down.

The third type of step is a chair step.

This is a type of high step where the thighs are parallel to the ground with toes pointed down and the leg becomes elevated at a 90-degree angle.

The leg is then brought down and is repeated with the other leg. The chair step requires the most physical fitness. It takes much training for members to get this motion in sync.

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Racecars and Trombones Carlos Zamora, Lenoir-Rhyne University sophomore and director of music for children and youth at First Presbyterian Church, of Newton, tells how his love for music has led him to want to become an orchestra conductor

By Jessica Hogan Special to the LRN

For some Lenoir-Rhyne University students, spending 10 hours a week practicing music may seem like torture. This is not the case for Carlos Zamora, LR junior and director of music for children and youth at First Presbyterian Church.

Zamora is from Managua, Nicaragua. He’s the first member of his family to play an instrument.

“I owe my musical ability to the sound of a racecar I heard in fifth grade,” said Zamora.

“The band from the NewtonConover middle school came to talk to us about joining the band after we graduated from our grade,” Zamora said. “When the band director played the trombone he made a ‘racecar’ sound. When I was younger, I thought that was the coolest thing I had ever seen or heard and I was like, I have to play this instrument, so I did.”

As Zamora got older, he was an active musician in the Maiden High School Marching Band.

“The first two years of high school, I played in the band, but the last two years I was the drum major,” he said. “I loved conducting more than everything else, but sometimes people would get worried because I would step so close to the edge of the platform that they thought I was going to fall off but I never did.”

Zamora also began to sing in high school.

“After the awkward voicechanging middle school stage, I took lessons from retired opera singers while I was still involved with band,” he said. “By the time I was a senior, I just found that I could express more emotion through voice which is why I am a voice major. However, I still love the trombone and thankfully LR lets me do both.”

Zamora is currently a double major in sacred music and voice performance. He is a part of LR’s a cappella choir, college singers and chapel choir. He plays trombone for the LR wind symphony.

Zamora came to LR because of the strong sacred music program and the music scholarships he received.

Kaylor Aiken, LR junior and fellow choir member, is happy that Zamora decided to come to LR. “He is a fantastic person,” Aiken said. “I admire his work ethic, ability to help others and the fact that he is truly a jack of all trades. I am proud to call him my friend and mentor.”

Other LR students are impressed with his musicianship when conducting.

“He’s a brilliant and great conductor,” said Jalesa Norris, LR senior. “I think it’s awesome that he takes his knowledge and time out of his busy schedule to be the director for the children at First Presbyterian. The kids love it and he explains the music really well.”

Photo By Jessica Hogan

Carlos Zamora, Lenoir-Rhyne University junior, of Newton, writes and plays an original hymn for his hymnody course.

This summer, Zamora attend“I hope to pursue a master’s because I now teach children’s ed a conducting workshop at degree in orchestral conducting choirs and often demonstrate the University of South Caroso that I can become an orches- music on the trombone.” lina. It’s a selective workshop tra conductor,” Zamora said.

Zamora said. “Whenever I demthat only picks 30 students to “That is what I am working so onstrate the ‘racecar’ sounds participate. hard for, although it’s challengon the trombone, they freak out He will gain experience in ing at times, I love what I do.” exactly the way I did and I know conducting orchestras and learn Zamora always uses the same I just opened their eyes to the from the best professional con- technique when explaining mel- world of music. That to me is ductors in the country. ody to his students. “It’s funny worth it.”

Determined to make a difference Former Lenoir-Rhyne student athlete focused on achieving her dream

By Elizabeth Johnson Special to the LR

Delivering babies in Madagascar, being Lenoir-Rhyne University’s most decorated athlete and completing her first year of medical school are only three of the many accomplishments on Kate Griewisch’s long résumé.

While talking to 5-foot 4-inch Griewisch, who’s slender build and outgoing personality suit her perfectly, it can be hard to believe that this 25-year-old has already accomplished so much in her short life.

“Determined,” said Griewisch’s boyfriend, Mike Ryan. “There are a lot of words to describe Kate, but ‘determined’ surpasses them all.”

Ever since she was a little girl, Griewisch knew she wanted to be a doctor and had her eyes set on the prize. Her father, Carl, is a nurse in Boone, and he helped foster her desire to enter the medical field. Griewisch went on her first medical mission trip

Hurdling From Page 1

“I realized in high school that I had potential with the hurdles and that I could be really good at it, so I kept after it,” Baxter said.

Not only was Baxter an outstanding athlete in track, but he excelled on the football field as well. Although he had Division I offers to run track, Lenoir-Rhyne was the fit for him so he could do what he actually wanted, which was to play football and run track.

During his freshman year he was red-shirted, which gave him the opportunity to spend his first year in college training while keeping four more years of eligibility remaining. Following his redshirt year Baxter decided to devote all of his time and efforts into track.

Final year Now entering his last year of indoor and outdoor track, Baxter has expressed why this year is so important.

“I would love to run profes-

with her dad when she was in the fourth grade “That’s when she knew her calling was medicine,” Carl said.

While attending LR, Griewisch ran cross-country and track, was involved in numerous campus ministries, and excelled academically. During her senior year of college, she began to apply to medical schools. She applied exclusively to programs that would train her to become a medical doctor.

LR’s campus pastor, Andrew Weisner, began trying to introduce Griewisch to the idea of osteopathic medicine. Osteopathic medicine is different than a medical doctor, MD program. DO is a holistic approach to medicine, treating patients as a whole instead of simply treating specific symptoms.

“When she would talk about what she wanted to do, I knew a DO program perfectly encompassed her goals,” Weisner said.

Griewisch wasn’t against it, but it wasn’t on her radar either.

She got an interview for medical

BIO

» Full Name: Kate Erin Griewisch » Age: 25 » Height: 5’ 4” » Birthday: March 14 (Pi day!) » Graduated from LR in 2012 with a degree in Biology » Favorite Color: Periwinkle » Favorite Movie: Forrest Gump » Dream Vacation: New Zealand » She can play the flute. » She is a seven-time All-American in three sports. » She has always wanted to be a doctor. » Fun Fact: Her dad is a nurse by day but is deejay Dr. Fun by night. He wears funky Hawaiian shirts and Kate has never seen him without a mustache. school, but made a backup plan just in case.

vidual goals for himself, but he is a true team player. He is part of the men’s 4x100 meter dash relays. He pushes his teammates everyday to be the best — even his female track teammates.

Vertice Wilson is the women’s 100 meter hurdler and looks to Baxter as a role model on the track. “He makes me want to keep pushing and working to lower my times in the 100 meter hurdles.”

cinations to newborn babies. At the clinic, she saw the doctors practice the holistic approach to medicine and began thinking about the DO program.

“At the end of the day they would gather and sing and pray.

They finished each day like that,” Griewisch said. “I loved to be in that atmosphere.”

When her year commitment was complete, Griewisch came home and began applying to schools again; this time DO programs.

“Madagascar taught me that I’m not necessarily here in this world to serve other people but I’m here to accompany them wherever they are,” Griewisch said. “With DO medicine, I’m able to have the approach of coming along my patient.

Remembering they are whole people and they have lives outside of just a physical problem.”

Griewisch’s determination finally paid off.

She is currently enrolled in Liberty University’s Osteopathic Medicine program.

sionally, that he would love to be a sports manager or athletic director.

When you ask Kevin Baxter, what keeps motivating him on a day-to-day basis to reach his dream, he will tell you that his faith has brought him a long way and that he knows it will continue to take him to where he wants to go.

“Before every track meet and every practice, regardless of the outcome, I thank God for Priorities giving me the ability to run and Baxter concerns himself with all the glory goes to him,” Baxter more than just track. said.

He’s an exceptional student I have watched Baxter grow in the classroom, which he since freshman year as a stuAmerican, you wouldn’t think balances with his off-campus dent, person, and a hurdler and he would be as humble as he is,” part-time job and spending time let me tell you he has a promisformer track teammate Jarrod with his new fiancé. ing future.

Spears said.

“My first priority is school, His senior year is his race and Baxter has admitted that then track, and after that every- to him that gold medal means breaking the time barrier of thing else fills the gaps and falls more than just beating the 7.9 seconds for the 60-meter in to place like my relationship school record again or becomhurdles for indoor track, and and my job,” Baxter explained. ing a four time All-American, his reaching the time of 13.2 secWhen his career has finished, gold medal is a dream that he onds for the 110-meter hurdles Baxter will not leave any doubt has been working to reach for a in outdoor track would be the that he gave his all and accomlong time. ultimate accomplishments to plished many achievements at “When you want to succeed as finish his career.

L-R. Baxter has said if he doesn’t bad as you want to breathe, you Not only does Baxter set indi- get to continue running profes- will be successful,” Baxter said.

When his career has finished, Baxter will not leave any doubt that he gave his all and accomplished many achievements at L-R. Baxter has said if he doesn’t get to continue running professionally, that he would love to be a sports manager or athletic director. sionally or with a program like Adidas, but most importantly the reason I take track so seriously is to say I accomplished something, especially for my family and those who have been truly supporting me from the beginning.”

Many describe Baxter as being one of the hardest-workers they have every seen. Not only do they see his relentless perseverance, but they love his spirit.

“To be a three-time All-

Young Adults in Global Mission, or YAGM for short, is a one-year, international missions organization run by the Lutheran church. In order to apply for the program, you have to be involved in a Lutheran sponsored organization. Her involvement with the Lutheran Student Movement on LR’s campus and actively attending a Lutheran church gave her that opportunity.

“As a backup plan, I applied to YAGM,” Griewisch said “And looking back you can see God’s fingerprints and plan and design. I thought it was a backup plan, but it was only the plan for me all along.”

Griewisch didn’t get into medical school but was accepted into YAGM’s program and was placed in Madagascar for a year. She lived with a host family, taught English classes, and got involved in the community as much as possible.

In Madagascar, Griewisch had the opportunity to work in a clinic twice a week, giving vac-

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Starting from the bottom A closer look at a Bear of a linebacker by jordan forney Special to the LRN

The journey to the top of the depth chart has been long and tough for LR linebacker Tanner Robinson. It’s taken a great deal of patience and determination, but at last he’s made an impression on his coaches and teammates that have them believing in him.

Tanner Robinson, now a redshirt sophomore football player at Lenoir-Rhyne, has been around the sport of football since his Pop Warner days at the age of 10 in his hometown of Melbourne, Fla. “Those were the simple days with no worries. You just went out there and played.” said Robinson.

Robinson continued his football career into high school where he was a three-year starter for the Vierra High School Hawks. Robinson lead his high school team in sacks and defensive touchdowns and also to a 4-5 record which was their best one since the football program opened up in 2007.

However the team only tallied

a 10-26 record in the four years Robinson was there. The team went through four different coaches, which never really gave them any stability.

College coaches and recruiters were never coming and knocking down the doors of the Robinson home. Though Robinson lead his team in many different defensive categories, most of the recruiters still looked at the fact that this was a new program with not a lot of success, not to mention Robinson is considered small for the linebacker position. He’s 5’10” and 205 pounds.

There were really only two schools that were consistently recruiting Tanner. They were Mount Union, a Division Three school out of Ohio; and LenoirRhyne.

“It was a tough decision, but after my visit, I knew LenoirRhyne is where I belonged,” Robinson said. He was recruited

by Mike Houston and his staff before they moved on to coach at the Citadel in Charleston, S.C. following their run to the national championship game following the 2013 season.

“The recruiting process was

redshirted.

“There was no way I would come in and play in front of guys who had been playing that position their whole life,” Robinson said.

There are two different ways to handle being redshirted as a college athlete. One way is to pout, slack off and be upset with the coaching staff for making that decision. The other was Robinson’s method: He took the redshirt year as an opportunity to become stronger, smarter and faster.

“He just looked determined to become a better player,” said Greg Baker, a former player and now graduate assistant coach for the Bears football team.

For the past two years Robinson has spent his time on the scout team and fighting for reps on special teams.

Photo by Jordan Forney This past spring Robinson fiTanner Robinson holds onto an old football that has been close to him since nally had his chance to move up his youth. on the depth chart and he used tough and we were just glad to conventional defensive scheme. it to his full advantage. “I knew get it over with.” said Robinson’s However, when he arrived for the spring was a time to fight for father, Kelly. training camp he had been a position, especially with the Robinson was under the immoved to inside linebacker — a seniors leaving,” he said. pression that he would be play- position he had practically no Robinson is now set to be a ing “Bandit,” which is a version experience with — a shift that starter for the Bears in their of an outside linebacker in a all but guaranteed that he’d get upcoming season.

General information on the Greek organizations at LR Organization Year founded Year on campus Colors Philanthropy Symbols Current # of members Open Motto Delta Zeta............ 1902.................. 1961.......................Rose and Green.............................. Speech and Hard of Hearing . ...........................Turtle and Killarney Rose............. 27......................................N/A

and Painted Turtle Zeta Tau Alpha..... 1898.................. 1962.......................Steele Grey and Turquoise Blue..... Breast Cancer Education and Awareness.........Five Pointed Crown...................... 26......................................“Seek the Noblest” Kappa Delta......... 1897.................. 1962.......................Olive Green and Pearl White........... Prevent Child Abuse America, ..........................Nautilus Shell and the Dagger.... 31......................................“Let is strive for that which is Girl Scouts of America honorable, beautiful, and highest” Sigma Kappa....... 1874.................. 1962.......................Maroon and Lavender.................... Sigma Kappa Foundation, Inherit the Earth, ....Dove and Heart............................ 21......................................“One Heart, One Way”

Alzheimer’s Disease Research Zeta Phi Beta....... 1920.................. N/A.........................Royal Blue and White...................... N/A.....................................................................Dove............................................. 3........................................“A community-conscious,

action-oriented organization” Theta Xi............... 1864.................. 1950.......................Azure Blue and Silver..................... Habitat for Humanity International...................Unicorn........................................ 26......................................“United they serve” Pi Kappa Phi........ 1904.................. 1983.......................Royal Blue and Gold....................... Ability Experience..............................................Bell, Star, and Lamp.................... 17.......................................“Nothing shall ever tear us asunder” Omega Psi Phi..... 1911................... 2015.......................Royal Purple and Old Gold............. N/A.....................................................................Lamp............................................ 8........................................“Friendship is essential to the soul” Phi Beta Sigma... 1914................... N/A.........................Royal Blue and Pure White............. N/A.....................................................................Dove............................................. 0........................................“Culture For Service, Service

For Humanity” Information retrieved from the Greek Organizations’ official websites or from members of the organizations.

More than letters, socials and rituals

By Meaghan Liner

Tentative calendar for fall 2015 rush

Special to the LRN

When new students arrive at college, they’re excited about classes, new friends, freedom and what organizations and clubs they can join. One of the first ones that they ask about is Greek life.

Since 1961, there have been sororities and fraternities on campus, allowing hundreds of students to join and take part in the individual events that the organization has to offer. A dozen Greek organizations have resided on campus over the past 54 years.

Today LR’s Greek organizations include: » Delta Zeta » Kappa Delta » Omega Psi Phi » Phi Beta Sigma » Pi Kappa Phi » Sigma Kappa » Theta Xi » Zeta Phi Beta » Zeta Tau Alpha The newest organization (Omega Psi Phi) joined in the spring of 2015. Jabs hopes that LR can gain Theta Chi fraternity in the fall. Theta Chi was on campus until 2009 when a pair of incidents, including the death of one of its members, shuttered their doors.

The fraternities and sororities work similarly when it comes to the fundamentals. All of the organizations have a set philanthropy that has been set up since the organization began. They all go through a rush period: a week of events that allow potential new members to see and learn about the different organizations before they become part of their chosen fraternity or sorority. Sorority rush will be August 31 through September 5 and fraternity rush will be September

Date Event August 21........................... Move in day for freshmen—Greek life will be helping August 21........................... Greek Meet-n-Greet – Come and meet the brothers and sisters!

August 25-28..................... Sign-ups for Sorority Rush August 31-Sept. 4.............. Sorority Rush and Fraternity Rush Sign ups September 5...................... Sorority Bid Day Sept. 7-10........................... Fraternity Rush September 11..................... Fraternity Bid Day Further dates and times will be publicized when they are planned.

Information from the Greek presidents and Jodi Jabs.

7-11.

There will be informational meetings and meet and greets the first week of classes for anyone to become acquainted with the organizations before the allotted rush period.

Between now and the fall, the organizations are working towards their preparations for rush.

Tashia Robinette, the president of Delta Zeta sorority has had her organization preparing since last spring.

“We are very excited about formal recruitment coming up in the fall,” she said. “I am excited to continue the growth of Delta Zeta and the Greek community as a whole.”

Pi Kappa Phi president Jordan Lawson also has hopes for the fall.

“Going off of this past fall, I’m really excited,” Lawson said. “Eight men were initiated last time and we are hoping to get a good group of quality guys.”

Jabs and Lawson hope that the Theta Chi fraternity will be at LR by fall rush so that there will be more than the two fraternities to choose from.

However, once recruitment is over, the work sets in. The time after

recruitment is when the organizations work on getting their new members initiated as well as their philanthropies.

Kappa Delta president Brooke Heller is working closely with Julia Van Horn, the community service chair for Kappa Delta, to plan for next fall.

“We have our corn hole tournament coming up in October and that is our big event in the fall,” Heller said. “All of the money raised from that and our Shamrock event in the spring goes to Prevent Child Abuse America and the Children’s Advocacy and Protection Center of Catawba County.”

Lawson also has his brothers working on their philanthropy: the Ability Experience, an organization that works with people who have mental and physical disabilities.

“We have our No Boundaries Week and that is when we do our bike-athon,” Lawson said.

Aside from the rush process and charity work, the organizations are focused on their bond as a group.

Zeta Tau Alpha president Cigi Sparks has seen this happen to herself and within her sorority.

“I probably only spent

Lenoir-Rhyne’s greek societies are expanding.

40 minutes with them and I was so happy,” Sparks said.

Robinette had a similar

experience with her own sorority.

“My sisters have encouraged me to become a

photos by Kappa Delta

better person,” Robinette said. “A sorority isn’t for everyone but it doesn’t hurt to try and see what it’s like.”

8

S ports The good news Bears A look inside the football program at Lenoir Rhyne University by jordan forney Special to the LRN

The Lenoir-Rhyne University Bears are now one of the big names in all of Division 2 college football, and they plan to continue their domination. This attitude hasn’t always been a part of Lenoir-Rhyne’s football team however; it has taken an exceptional amount of hard work and dedication on and off the field to reach this point.

Lenoir-Rhyne has made its name known for winning, but most don’t know what it takes to put together a dynasty like the one that has been built at a small Lutheran University in Hickory, N.C. One of the top requirements is having the right people in the front offices. Neil McGeachy is the athletic director for the bears and has played a substantial part in putting together our football program. McGeachy is more than just an LR alum who was a multi-sport athlete in his student days, he was an athlete whose skills landed him in the Lenoir-Rhyne Sports Hall of Fame.

And he’s been here during

LR Team Keys

By Jordan Forney

Keys to Victory

Shields had plenty of experience prior to becoming the head ball coach at Lenoir-Rhyne including being an offensive coordinator at some top notch schools such as Army, Cal Poly, Eastern Oregon, and St. Mary’s.

Shields also has experience on the field. He was a quarterback at Oregon State from 1991 through 1993.

“I’ve started to enjoy football again since Coach Shields got here. He made the game fun again like it was supposed it be and knows how to interact with his players,” said Tanner Robinson, a redshirt Photo by Jordan Forney sophomore football player at LR’s coaches take every opportunity to instill the team’s Core Values into Lenoir-Rhyne. The team feels its players. comfortable around Shields but some of the football program’s championship game after the also respects his football inteltough times too — including 2013 season),” said William Gill, ligence.

1997’s winless 0-10 season. a redshirt sophomore player for Recruiting athletes is huge McGeachy also makes the de- the Bears. part of any successful football cisions in determining coaches The Bears have dealt with program and Lenoir-Rhyne and staff for the athletic teams, some issues in the past few has made it clear what type of which may have been the bigyears when it comes to coaches athletes they intend on bringing gest overlooked factor in LR’s leaving and finding other coach- into the football program. These continued football success. ing opportunities, but have players must fall into the mold “Geach has done an underfought through the adversity of the team’s “Core Values” and rated job in keeping the footand continued to put together “Core Virtues.” ball program together even a quality coaching staff. Head “The character of a player is after Houston and his staff left Coach Ian Shields leads the always more important than (following LR’s run to the D2 group of coaches for the Bears. his athletic ability. If you have a (we never cheat), Be respectful (we never steal), Be tough (no whining), Be positive (no complaining), and Be our best (no excuses).

student, and athlete I am capable of becoming.

Team Rule

(What we Believe in) The Team, The Ball, Our Style, and Our Faith.

Be where you’re supposed to be, when you’re supposed to be there, doing what you’re supposed to be doing, to the best of your ability.

Core Virtues

Mission Statement

E.M.A.B.

Be honest (we never lie), Be loyal

Determined to be the best person,

Play with perfect effort, Win the turnover battle, Win the kicking game, Win the mental game, and Win the critical situations.

Core Values

(Every Man a Bear)

Lenoir-Rhyne alum goes pro

David Richardson joins Raleigh Ultimate Frisbee team

by Jake Fisher LRN Staff Writer

A small university like LenoirRhyne is at a distinct disadvantage when it comes to producing professional athletes and pro coaches. That’s why names like Perry Fewell, Don Padgett and Aaron Wheeler are repeated throughout our halls. Now, another name can be added to that list: David Richardson.

Richardson graduated in the winter of 2013 with a degree in physics and moved to the Raleigh Area to work as a software engineer at IBM. He spent his time at Lenoir-Rhyne as a tennis player, but that’s not what has brought him to athletic stardom. Richardson plays Ultimate (also known as Ultimate Frisbee), professionally, for the Raleigh Flyers.

Among the fastest growing sports in the United States over the past few decades, Ultimate is especially popular on college campuses. The game, played with a seven players per team, an Ultimate Frisbee disc, and end zones to score, gained enough momentum to form its first professional league in 2012, the American Ultimate Disc League. The league consists of 25 teams throughout United States and Canadian cities, compensating players (small amounts for now) and attracting hundreds of fans to their matches.

Richardson’s Flyers have a 3-0 record and are power ranked at three in the most recent AUDL power rankings. Richardson primarily plays on the defensive side of the team and has been described “speeding everywhere and making defenders tire in (his) wake,” by ESPN3 Ultimate analysts. He is consistently mentioned in articles about the team and has made several “lay-out” defensive plays that have left audiences bewildered.

Richardson originally heard

submitted photo

David Richardson (center, in red) goes sky high on defense.

about Ultimate at a summer program called Duke TIP for academically advanced teens.

He was reintroduced to the sport at Lenoir-Rhyne by Spanish professor, Dr. Eric Schramm who founded the Lenoir-Rhyne “Los Osos.” Richardson said the transition between tennis to Ultimate “was difficult to get used to because of all of the running in Ultimate.” Though he only competed in a few collegiate Ultimate tournaments, he was able to gain some more experience when he moved out to Raleigh and joined the local “Cash Crop” club team. However, moving up to the AUDL was one of the biggest challenges for him.

“The field in the AUDL is a full football field so it is much bigger than a regulation USA Ultimate [college regulation] field,” Richardson said. “Pretty much everyone on the AUDL is decent at overall ultimate but some people have specialties.

Another big difference is that everyone is generally fast. Even the slower guys on our team are still pretty fast.”

With less college experience than other AUDL players, Richardson has found himself playing “catch-up” with other play-

ers on his team. Several players on his team played or currently also play for the UNC Chapel Hill “Darkside” team that made it to the collegiate national championship last year. One of those players, Jonathan Nethercutt, is currently nominated for the top collegiate Ultimate award, “The Callahan Award.”

Other players come from the local “Ring of Fire” club team, which came in third at the Club Ultimate National Championship tournament in 2014.

As their team continues to succeed, recently beating the “Charlotte Express” in a crossstate rivalry, Richardson sees a lot of promise for his team’s season.

“I am predicting that we will at least get to the semifinals of the league championship but I really want to say we will win it all,” said Richardson. “As long as we keep getting more players that feed in through the local universities, we will keep doing well throughout the years.”

Richardson has personal goals set too for his season. After shattering bones in his forearm in a pre-season combine, he has trained to get himself into Ultimate Frisbee shape.

“I am hoping to improve my handling skills so I can play on the O-line and one day become a leader for the team,” said Richardson. “It would be nice to become a star but there are so many great players on my team, I don’t know if I will become that (star).”

As far as the sport’s future itself, Richardson sees an even bigger and better future.

“In 30 years, I think the two leagues (Major League Ultimate, MLU is the other professional league) will merge and this sport will be played in stadiums, not big NFL stadiums but maybe a medium sized college stadium.

This sport has the potential to be huge because there are many big plays that happen in one game.”

great athlete with a bad attitude and no intent to help the team then you will never be able to move forward with that player.” said Greg Baker, a student graduate assistant for the Lenoir-Rhyne football team.

The coaches also do a great job of making the athlete that is on their visit feel like they are already part of the team.

“It didn’t take long for me to realize this is where I would end up signing. When I came on my visit, these coaches made me feel like I was a part of the family,” said Tyler Bray, a former player for the Lenoir Rhyne football team that was part of the first recruiting class by the new coaching staff.

The Bears also have tremendous support from alumni and fans. Without the help of that loyal group of people, a lot of things that the football team does would be almost impossible.

“We have to have the best fans in the SAC and that’s not an opinion,” said Tanner Robinson.

“If you come to an LR home game and then go anywhere else in the SAC then you’ll know what I’m talking about.”

Relentless competitor, Be passionate about the game, Be academically oriented, Be a team player, Be on a quest for continual improvement, and Have an Expectation of Excellence.

Mental, Spiritual and Physical Preparation

How we Practice

W.A.D.L.

Reflecting the “Keys to Victory”, Up tempo, Challenging, Competitively, In context, Detailed and fundamental, and Disciplined.

Set goals, Visualize, Athletic training room, Nutrition program, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Find a church home, and Talk to team chaplain.

(Win All Day Long) Be our best, Follow the success road, Do the right things right, Be all in and committed.

Freshman to the rescue

By Chris Shaffer Special to the LRN

The LR men’s basketball team is a young squad this year. Of the 16 players, eight are freshmen.

Teams thrive when players who have developed strong leadership and motivational skills over the years build unity in the locker room and on the court. This year underclassmen will have to fill that role traditionally reserved for upperclassmen. One of the freshmen who’s ready step into team leadership is Dalvon McDaniel.

“Dalvon is an extremely talented player on the court, and with our team being comprised of a lot of freshman, we need a lot of them to step up and he most definitely has the ability to be a major contributor next season,” said senior K.T. Carter.

“As Dalvon matures and gains some more playing experience, it is scary how much damage he can do in the conference once he truly realizes the potential he possesses and puts it to use.”

McDaniel is a 6-foot 6-inch redshirt freshman forward. He was born and raised in Fayetteville and attended Trinity Christian High School where he enjoyed a very successful career, especially during his senior year, where he was named team captain and average 10 points per game. While he experienced success on the court, the most important skill he came out of high school with was leadership. McDaniel believes this trait is the main reason he is prepared for the challenge of stepping up his role.

“Basketball is obviously a team sport, so you need everyone on the court and bench to be on the same page and buy into the process in order to have an outstanding season,” he said.

“This process is a challenging one and this is when you need

one or two players to emerge and not only lead vocally, but lead by example as well.”

McDaniel is a very soft-spoken, reserved person off the court, but on the court his whole demeanor changes.

“While playing between the lines there is no room for someone who won’t speak up and direct the team or call out plays loudly and intensely,” said fellow forward, Rob Noyes.

“Confidence is key for any basketball player and being confident brings out Dalvon’s vocal and demanding side.”

While McDaniel first realized his leadership potential in high school, it wasn’t until he took the court at LR playing under Coach Lentz that he actually began to believe in his skills. McDaniel spent countless hours off the court hanging around with Lentz learning everything about basketball, school and life.

“Coach Lentz was a coach who always made an effort to personally know each and every one of his players and actually take a genuine interest in their lives,” McDaniel said.

“Coach always knew the appropriate words to say to motivate me and make me legitimately believe in my skills.”

Not only has Lentz helped McDaniel on the court, but he has forced him to make positive strides academically as well. McDaniel is a psychology major who’s currently carrying a 3.8 grade point average and was listed on the SAC Commissioner’s Honor Roll in 2014.

“Getting an education has always been a priority for me, and once basketball is over, a degree will take over and let me get a great job and live comfortably,” McDaniel said.

“While it is tough to balance academics and athletics, this struggle for balance is teaching me valuable lessons.”