LRN March/April 2015 by Lenoir-Rhyne University

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Volume 109

Lenoir-Rhynean News

Issue 7

March/April 2015

Lenoir-Rhyne University School of Journalism and Mass Communication

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ADM IT ONE

A NIGHT

ON THE

RED CARPET

all about

the caf

PG 8 PG 3

PG 5

LR DEBATE WINS

BACK-TO- BACK

NATIONAL

CHAMPS 2015

By Jake Fisher

LRN Staff Reporter LR’s Debate Team just brought home another national championship. That makes two in two years – the first two years of the university’s revived debate program, which had been dormant for almost 25 years. Luke Lynch and Nick Gibson dominated the National Christian College Forensic League National Tournament taking home the Novice National Championship. “It was an awesome and fun experience that taught us both a lot,” Lynch said. The NCCFL tournament was at Lakewood, Colo., a venue that required LR’s 13 debaters to make a 28-hour drive across the

country. After a day to recover from the drive, the teams split into three competition divisions: Novice, Junior, and Open. After a successful season Micah Rufsvold and Jenna Fisher were promoted into the Junior division. And Rebecca Payne and I found ourselves in our final tournament where we hoped to be able to make a strong ending to our debating careers. Lynch and Gibson had never competed together as a team, but still managed to be the first pair to qualify for the elimination rounds. The Fisher and Rufsvold team also qualified for the elimination rounds in the Junior division. But Payne and I learned that, although we ended our careers with a winning record, we hadn’t earned enough points to

PHOTO SPECIAL TO LRN

qualify for the elimination round. Both of LR’s qualifying teams pushed through the quarterfinals and semifinals to make it to the final rounds of debate in each of their divisions – and Lynch and Gibson took the title. But it wasn’t all glory. LR’s Debate Team had a hectic Spring Break this year. We had two major tournaments that week. Colorado was great, but Indianapolis was tough. The Indianapolis tournament, the Novice National Championship for Forensics, drew three of our teams. Even though all three teams showed considerable promise in the lead up to the tournament, only one team cleared the preliminary rounds to make it to the elimination rounds. “I felt like all three of our

teams did well constructing arguments while preparing for rounds,” Rufsvold said. Jenna Fisher agreed. “The tournament challenged each of us to think critically on our own because debaters are not allowed coaching-assistance at the Novice National Championship,” she said. The team left the preliminary debates with positive attitudes, but their day ended on a sour note when the team came back from dinner to find that someone had broken into the van and stolen laptops, books, and important debate materials. The loss put Fisher and Rufsvold at a disadvantage as they went into the elimination rounds. They ended the tournament with a tough loss.

LOOKING BACK Last year Payne and I won a national championship. This year Lynch and Gibson brought it home. It was an incredible experience to get to see the debate team end the year with such success. Grabbing national titles, two years in a row, the team really made an impact on me and has certainly made an impact on the debate community. Though I did not get to end my second year with another championship with Rebecca, I found myself in tears of joy at multiple points while watching my sister debate. The whole team and experience has made an invaluable impact on me and it’s really awesome to get to celebrate another championship with the team.

E d i to r i a l

What a load of

codswallop! Featuring: Snow

Ryan Baxter LRN Staff Reporter

Coming from a town next to the English seaside, snow is rare. It may appear on occasions such as a severe ice storm like in that movie “A Day After Tomorrow” or in child’s dream of a classic white Christmas before they wake up to find Santa Claus had been by but he brought a

big slice of reality where there is no snow. I did find however, from our last two snow days, that our counties do indeed have similarities. Both our cities freak out the second a snow flake hits the ground. Everyone runs down into their bunkers, the local Asda (Walmart’s English sister) is raided of its low priced bread and milk, the streets are spread with rock salt and if you’re rich enough, the laser beams from your penthouse are turned on to make sure the ice doesn’t even try to form over your guitar-shaped swimming pool. I will admit I wasn’t sure how everyone was going to react to snow. I for one, found myself excited and fearful at the same time. I was excited because everyone was telling me I would get the day off of

class, which meant 12 hours of sleep and my Netflix account getting hit harder than the “Great Recession.” I was fearful however, because I knew somebody would come up with grand scheme that could only result in a fatality worse than death. I did enjoy some American customs for when it snowed, such as all the alternative food outlets being closed down for the day. The moment I realised it was freezing outside and there was no coffee, I very much considered flying home but then also realised there was no possibility that could happen either, so I sulked with a face like Renee Zellweiger sucking a lemon and went without. I did however reach a milestone in my life, in the form of sledding. I’ve considered the

idea a few times but never had the chance. So there I was, on top of a hill, wearing 5 different layers of fashionable clothing with a sled. My friends were watching, time stood still, I took a deep breath. I then began my descent, by hitting a manhole which gave me a lift, took me off the hill and deposited me into the curb. I lay there for some lingering seconds, unsure if I had broken any bones or more importantly my pride. For the record, everything was intact; my pride was restored after a few more successful attempts at not face-planting in the icy cold ground. I was also introduced to a seasonal peasent dish in the form of snow cream. Which is snow, vanilla flavouing and sugar mixed together for a tasty and cheap treat. Nothing

WHEN IT COMES TO SEX,

BE A MAN By Ryan Baxter

LRN Staff Reporter

Sexual assault on our college campus isn’t a headline or rumor that anybody ever wants to hear. It’s a degrading, disgusting and desperate act. I’m ashamed of the way this entire situation has been handled. For what good reason would a student not be told of a possible rapist living in the dorm neighbouring theirs? You don’t have to know their name, you don’t necessarily need to be told when it happened but you should be told. Students pay thousands of dollars to be here, they deserve the right to know what’s happening on their campus and to know that when the situation has been resolved, that they are safe from anymore potential danger. Now I don’t need to remind the men on this campus to be re-

spectful and considerate of others. You all learned that in elementary school. This however, is college, and you have to recognize that you are expected to show that you can be both respectful, considerate and above all else, act like a man. If you don’t agree or like those expectations, then you’re not ready for college and you’re not ready for adulthood. So I ask the male population; where did we go wrong? The complex question has a simplistic answer; our expectations. We need to recognize that the “rules” have changed of what is acceptable and what isn’t acceptable. It’s in our culture that we like to grind with each other in a nightclub and call it dancing, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to go any further than that. There is now a very fine, social line between having fun and having immature

expectations. We all have to understand and respect that. If you see a woman getting too drunk to get home, you need to look out for her; it’s as simple as that. If you see a guy pushing a girl to go back with him when she’s in no position to make a choice, you need to step in. It’s as simple as that. If you’re drinking heavily to try and make it easier to land a one-night stand, you need to rethink your strategy on how to “pick-up women;” it’s as simple as that. You shouldn’t rely on alcohol to try and get a quick hook-up with someone. Come on, you’re better than that. Women are not to blame for this, and we better not try convincing ourselves otherwise. She never asked for it. She didn’t enjoy getting raped. It was her body and her choice that was violated, exploited, and stolen from her.

Respect all of the choices she makes, even if it results in a resounding, “no.” There’s nothing admirable about being forceful or trying to coerce women to have sex with us. Save that type of attitude for competition—and women are not a competition. SIDEBAR: Sexual Assault vs. Sexual Battery The state of North Carolina doesn’t have a law about “sexual assault” on the books. The term used by the state uses is “sexual battery.” It’s a crime – a Class A1 misdemeanour punishable by up to 150 days in jail. Here’s the law: A person is guilty of sexual battery if the person, for the purpose of sexual arousal, sexual gratification, or sexual abuse, engages in sexual contact with an-

other person: 1.By force and against the will of the other person; or 2. Who is mentally disabled, mentally incapacitated, or physically helpless, and the person performing the act knows or should reasonably know that the other person is mentally disabled, mentally incapacitated, or physically helpless. “Sexual contact” means I. Touching the sexual organ, anus, breast, groin or buttocks of any person, II. A person touching another person with their own sexual organ, anus, breast, groin or buttocks, or III. A person ejaculating, emitting, or placing semen, urine or feces upon any part of another person. – N.C.G.S. 14-27.5A.

While many different states, universities, and organizations have published definitions of consent, there is no universally agreed upon definition, rule or law establishing the parameters that make up the concept. It must first be recognized that there are components of consent that can be universalized. If you do not receive verbal consent, you are not to have sexual contact. If you are told no, and you decide to proceed as if you heard yes, then you are infringing upon that person’s fundamental human right to control what happens to his or her own body. If your partner is unable to give a response due to intoxication or any other form of restraint, you do not have consent and should not

act as if you do. Pressuring or manipulating someone into giving consent is unacceptable and will end up hurting both parties. Unfortunately, while these components of consent can be universalized, some people remain ignorant or fully choose to ignore such components, and so the concepts must be reiterated. I am not a lawyer, counselor, or anyone with enough experience to be fully confident in declaring a definition of consent. It would be ignorant and arrogant for me or anyone else to assume that I can do so. However, I can recognize that Lenoir-Rhyne University needs a working definition of consent. I can only offer a frame that one might use when thinking about

what consent means for this community. When thinking about consent, our community must remember that sexual contact (in any form) is a conversation, of sorts, between people and bodies. When having a conversation, both voices must have the opportunity to be heard. In order to maintain the right to a voice, the opportunity to use that voice must be afforded to anyone engaging in the act. The voice does not always have to be verbal; making out would be really awkward if we had to get verbal consent every time our lips part (even for a second). Body language is a voice as well. Even if a person may not voice their discomfort verbally, he or she might be expressing it

through body language. When engaging in sexual contact, we all must be fully aware of the wants and the needs of others. Furthermore, we must place these wants and needs above our own. Even in the deepest heat of the moment, if you have a moment of doubt or concern for the wants of others involved in the process, take a moment to step back, ask, and give them opportunity to express their voice. Ultimately, when we are aware of the right of everyone to a voice (verbal or physical), we will be more apt to address the calls of the voices. Keeping this in mind, we can actually begin the process of creating a concept of consent that would work for this community.

BLURRED LINES WITH CONSENT Jenna Fisher

LRN Contributing Writer Oh, yes! Consent is one of the more muddled concepts when talking about sexual violence and sexuality in general.

News

U DRIVE. U TEXT.

U PAY. FROM THE N.C. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

SOURCE: North Carolina Department of Transportation

Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx today kicked off Distracted Driving Awareness month, which began April 1, by announcing the “U Drive. U Text. U Pay.” National Distracted Driving Enforcement Campaign. State and local law enforcement agencies will aggressively ticket drivers who are texting or using their mobile devices when behind the wheel. The Secretary made the announcement in Washington, D.C., where young drivers demonstrated the dangers of distracted driving on a temporary test track. Secretary Foxx was joined by Mark Rosekind, Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). “Distracted driving kills, there is no excuse for it, and it must stop,” said Secretary Foxx. “Across the country, we’re putting distracted drivers on notice: U Drive. U Text. U Pay. Texting and driving will at least cost you the price of a ticket but it could very well cost you your life or someone else’s.” Based on fatal accident reports, NHTSA data shows that at least 3,154 people were killed in crashes involving all distracted drivers in 2013, including those who were texting and driving. NHTSA estimates that 424,000 Americans were injured in all distraction-affected crashes in 2013. Key statistical findings in NHTSA’s new Distracted Driving Traffic Safety Facts and Teen Distracted Driver fact sheet include: Ten percent of fatal crashes, 18 percent of injury crashes, and 16 percent of all motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2013 were reported as distraction-affected crashes, which are defined as any crash in which a driver was identified as distracted at the time of the crash. Ten percent of all drivers 15 to 19 years old involved in fatal crashes were reported as distracted at the time of the crashes. This age group has the largest proportion of drivers who were distracted at the time of the crash. Almost 250 Americans aged 15 to 19 were killed in distraction-affected crashes. In 2013, there were 480 non-occupants killed in distraction-affected crashes.

“Young people need to understand the dangers of texting and driving before it kills them or someone they love,” said Administrator Rosekind. “It’s up to us as parents to set the right example by never texting and driving ourselves, and by laying down the law for our young drivers: no texting behind the wheel or no keys to the car. These are driving safety lessons that young drivers will carry with them throughout their lives.” Chief David W. Ennis of the United States Naval Academy Police Department also shared his experience of ticketing drivers for distracted driving, and discussed the consequences of distracted driving crashes. Chief Ennis spoke on behalf of thousands of law enforcement personnel nationwide who are using traditional and innovative strategies to crack down on motorists who text and drive. The awareness effort is supported by a $5 million national television, radio and digital advertising campaign, which runs from April 6-15, and reminds the public of the deadly consequences of distracted driving, and the financial penalties for violating state distracted driving laws. Ads will run in English and Spanish. Forty-five states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands ban text messaging for drivers of all ages; 14 states and territories prohibit drivers of all ages from using hand-held cell phones while driving; and 38 states plus the District of Columbia ban cell phone use by novice drivers. Two states, Oklahoma and Texas, restrict school bus drivers from texting. To prevent distracted driving, motorists are urged to: • Turn off electronic devices and put them out of reach before starting to drive. • Be good role models for young drivers and set a good example. Talk with your teens about responsible driving. • Speak up when you are a passenger and your driver uses an electronic device while driving. Offer to make the call for the driver, so his or her full attention stays on the driving task. • Always wear your seat belt. Seat belts are the best defense against other unsafe drivers.

ARE YOU USING THE WRONG

BIRTH CONTROL?

Improving access and education will further reduce teen pregnancy FROM THE CENTER OF DISEASE CONTROL Teen births continue to decline in the U.S., but still more than 273,000 infants were born to teens ages 15 to 19 in 2013. Childbearing during the teen years can carry health, economic, and social costs for mothers and their children. The good news is that more teens are waiting to have sex, and of those who are sexually active, nearly 90 percent used birth control the last time they had sex. Data show that teens most often use condoms and birth control pills which, when not used consistently and correctly, are less effective for preventing pregnancy. According to this month’s Vital Signs report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, increasing access to Long-Acting Reversible Contraception is one way to further reduce teen pregnancy. LARC – intrauterine devices and implants – is the most effective type of reversible birth control. LARC is safe to use, does not require taking a pill every day or doing something every time before having sex, and, depending on the method, can be used to prevent pregnancy for three to 10 years. Less than one percent of LARC users become pregnant during the first year of use. Major professional societies, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Academy of Pediatrics, have endorsed LARC as a first-line contraceptive choice for teens. LARC by itself does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. “Health care professionals have a powerful role to play in reducing teen pregnancy. They can encourage teens not to have sex and discuss the use of IUDs and

implants as contraceptive options available to teens who choose to be sexually active,” said CDC Principal Deputy Director Ileana Arias, Ph.D. “Long-acting reversible contraception is safe for teens, easy to use, and very effective. We need to remove barriers and increase awareness, access, and availability of long-acting reversible contraception such as IUDs and implants.” The report calls attention to barriers for teens who might consider LARC, including: Many teens know very little about LARC. Some mistakenly think they cannot use LARC because of their age. Clinics also report barriers to providing LARC to teens, including: High upfront costs for supplies exist for some providers. Providers may have misplaced concerns about the safety and appropriateness of LARC for teens. Providers may lack training on insertion and removal. The reported barriers to LARC use prompted CDC and the Office of Population Affairs, both within the Department of Health and Human Services, to analyze patterns in LARC use among teens ages 15-19 seeking contraceptive services, using 2005-2013 data from the Title X National Family Planning program. This federally funded grant program supports confidential family planning and related preventive services with priority for low-income clients and teens. “The Title X National Family Planning program helps to increase teens’ access to long-acting reversible contraception,” explained Susan Moskosky, acting director of OPA. “It provides comprehensive information to teens, including advice that

SOURCE: The Center of Disease Control

avoiding sex is the most effective way to prevent pregnancy and STDs. This program also applies the latest clinical guidelines on long-acting reversible contraception and other forms of birth control, offers training to providers on intrauterine device and implant insertion and removal, and provides low- or no-cost options for birth control.” Other key findings include: Use of LARC among teens seeking birth control services increased from less than one percent to seven percent from 2005 to 2013. Use of implants, rather than IUDs, accounted for most of the increase in LARC use for both younger (ages 15-17) and older teens (ages 18-19). Use of LARC in 2013 was

highest in Colorado (26 percent) and ranged from less than one percent to 20 percent in the remaining states. “The good news is that teens are taking responsibility for their reproductive health needs,” said Lisa Romero, Dr.PH., a health scientist in CDC’s Division of Reproductive Health. “Nearly 90 percent of teens used birth control the last time they had sex, but we also know that teens using birth control do not often choose intrauterine devices and implants – the most effective types of birth control. Parents and teens are encouraged to talk with their health care professional to learn about the various types of birth control, including long-acting reversible contraception.”

May is Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month. This Vital Signs report was created to help the nation’s communities continue the dialogue about teen pregnancy and its health and social consequences for youth. Vital Signs is a CDC report that appears on the first Tuesday of the month as part of the CDC journal Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, or MMWR. The report provides the latest data and information on key health indicators. These are cancer prevention, obesity, tobacco use, motor vehicle passenger safety, prescription drug overdose, HIV/AIDS, alcohol use, health care-associated infections, cardiovascular health, teen pregnancy, and food safety.

News

PLAY FOR BOBBY Dedicating the season to a man who was a true inspiration By Bailey Leonard

LRN Staff Reporter

PHOTO SPECIAL TO LRN

LR Men’s Tennis Team member Jordon Lawson and late head coach Bobby McGee worked closely together during practices.

On Dec. 11, 2014, the men and women’s tennis teams received devastating news about their beloved Head Coach – Bobby McKee. They were told that he was battling thyroid cancer and would be going into surgery that following Monday. “This type of cancer is found in only 1 percent of people,” said Senior Tennis Player, Maggie Brown. “It’s very uncommon.” Brown found out about her coach’s condition on the way home for Christmas break. “I was flying home when I found out that he had one month to a year to live,” Brown said. “It all happened so fast.” McKee was not only the coach of both teams, but he was also the Director of the Tennis Program at Lenoir-Rhyne, and was going on his eighth season with the Bears. He passed away on the January 1, 2015. He was 58 years old. He left behind his wife, two daughters and his teams. The team’s bond has never been stronger than now. Brown, being the person who played for McKee the longest, and a senior on the team, has tried to be there for anyone who needed to talk during this difficult time. “I have tried to keep his plans alive on the team, and being there for my teammates whenever they need me,” she said. One of McKee’s biggest emphases was that he wanted the men and women’s team to become more of a family. “Bobby always wanted the girls and guys team to be closer, and Bobby has done that in the past few

weeks,” Brown said. This season the team has trained harder than they ever have before— working each day to make their coach proud. “We have kept his words of wisdom in our minds, and this season is for him,” Brown said. “We are going to play for Bobby.” Although McKee is not physically with the Bears anymore, his memories are more alive than ever. Junior tennis player, Jordan Lawson was one individual who was very close to McKee, and looked at him like a father. Since the summer of his freshman year, Lawson has gone to Lake Naomi Club in Pennsylvania to help McKee coach. “I am going to continue going to Lake Naomi and coaching in Bobby’s name,” Lawson said. “I know it’s what he would want me to do.” Another great attribute of McKee was his strong faith and love for his family. “Bobby’s faith was huge. It was something that always stood out to me,” Brown said. During these hard times, faith has helped the team tremendously, and the understanding of their new head coach, Scott Handback. “Scott knows that we are out there doing what we love for Bobby, and as he has coached us, he has also kept that in mind,” Brown said. McKee’s love for the sport had a huge impact on Lenoir-Rhyne and his legacy will last forever. “I know he is not suffering anymore and he is back on his feet playing tennis again,” Lawson said.

S.A.R.A PROGRAM MAKES WAVES By Jake Fisher

LRN Staff Reporter The Suicide, Abuse, and Rape Awareness Program (SARA) started up this school year. The program aims to promote conversation on Suicide, Abuse, Rape, and other related topics. “The goals of the program are to remind students not to ignore these issues. Additionally, we want to reinforce the access that students have to resources. Finally, we would like to build community by de-stigmatizing these topics,” said founder of LR’s SARA program, Jenna Fisher. Jenna Fisher came from a Maryland high school where every year, for nearly 10 years in a row, a student committed suicide. As draining and depressing as this can be for a community, it became very personal for Jenna when one of her close friends committed suicide during her junior year of

high school. The time dramatically changed her character and ambitions. Throughout the rest of her junior and senior years, she dedicated her time to promoting awareness of depression and suicide. SARA is a way for her to continue that mission at Lenoir-Rhyne University. The group has had several meetings this year, but their biggest event is scheduled for the last week of April through May 1. It is called the “Raise Your Voice” week. “This week has events running from Monday through Friday,” Fisher said. “Monday will focus on statistics—we will chalk up the campus and do a ringing of the bells during the lunch hours. Tuesday will be a game day with gender-norm striking activities as well as trivia—this will help break down the stigma of these topics. Wednesday will be a push for everyone to wear denim to spread

awareness of victim blaming. Thursday will focus on ‘Walk a Mile in Her Shoes.’ Friday night will be ‘Take Back the Night’ where we hope to have a yoga session, luminaries display, open mic night, and (possibly) a movie.” SARA aims to involve all communities at LR in this week. “We hope to get Greek Organizations and athletics involved with our process,” Fisher said. “Anyone is welcome!” The inclusive spirit is something that SARA seems to be carrying in other organization campaigns. Teaming up with SGA, SARA members joined several other student leaders at a conference at Elon University in February. The conference focused on sexual violence on college campuses and how private North Carolina universities are approaching the issue. Upon return from the conference, students arranged a meeting was

with LR Provost Larry Hall to discuss how Lenoir-Rhyne will approach sexual violence cases in the future. It concluded with a call for a student-led coalition to include administrators and faculty to reform sexual violence policies at Lenoir-Rhyne. Moving quickly, Jenna Fisher arranged to speak on behalf of students at the faculty assembly meeting on Wednesday, March 4. In her speech, Fisher said she “finds it very hard to seriously accept a policy about sexual violence that dances around the legal and medical terminology.” Additionally, she said that “Title IX, a federal act, will soon demand that LR revise its Sexual Misconduct Policy in order to meet federal standards. It must include bystander intervention clauses and a number of other revisions.” Fisher grasped the attention of the faculty and administrators

with several members of the faculty clapping when she said, “Rape is unacceptable. Reacting to sexual violence with inaction is unacceptable. Slut-shaming is unacceptable. The fact that Lenoir-Rhyne has space for this [expletive deleted] is unacceptable.” Calling for faculty to join in the fight she said, “Please join in making a policy that not only brings LR up to code but is also a start towards a change in culture.” Her speech was well received and several members of the faculty have asked to participate in the process. The ball is rolling on ending sexual violence on LR’s campus. Spearheaded by SARA, this mission will be advanced through the collective efforts of members of the Lenoir-Rhyne community. As Fisher said in her speech, “Students are already taking steps on the path towards change….Please walk with us.”

G ood work brings great rewards LR’s Circle K honored at annual meeting By Stephanie Huitron

LRN Contributor

PHOTO SPECIAL TO LRN

LR Circle K members attended the 54th annual Circle K district convention in February, where they were honored for thier outstanding work.

Lenoir-Rhyne’s Circle K club is doing great work and its parent organization is taking notice. Ten members of LR’s club attended Circle K’s 54th annual district convention (DCON) in Greenville, S.C. during the weekend of Feb. 20. Over the course of the weekend, several members were honored with awards for their contributions throughout the year. Thinh Truong was awarded with the distinguished Club President award, Presidential Service Award, and District Scholarship. Carolina Robles received the Presidential Service award. Eva Crowder received the Presidential Service award and LR’s whole Circle K club won the District Convention Member Mile award. Circle K International is the largest collegiate student-led service organization in the world with

more than 13,000 members in 18 nations. Circle K is part of Kiwanis International whose motto is “Live to Serve, Love to Serve.” DCON is the time when all the Circle K organizations part of the Mighty Carolina’s District come together for a weekend based on Circle K’s three tenants: service, leadership, and fellowship. This year’s service project was no-sew fleece blankets given to the children’s hospital in the area. At DCON, Circle K members attended various workshops focused on developing leadership within the clubs to build a stronger organization. The weekend also included the annual Pie Auction. At this auction, members donate money to be able to pie the club presidents, district board members and administration. This year, Thinh Truong and Rodney Cline were pied by Stephanie Huitron and Carolina Robles. All proceeds benefit the Boys and Girls Home of North Carolina.

News

BRINGING MUSIC TO THE

MILLENNIALS By Cigi Sparks

LRN Design & Layout Editor Popular regional rock group, “Atlas Road Crew” recently performed at The Crossing at Hollar Mill on April 11. The event will was completely free and was a hit within the community. Hollar Mill has made plans to continue to offer free events and concerts to the community. On May 2, the mill will host the gritty Americana band “Big Daddy Love.” The doors open at 7 p.m. and the event starts at 8 p.m. Also, on June 20, the mill will be hosting the classic rock outfit known as “The Broadcast.” Admission is free as long as a ticket is printed for the event from www.eventbright.com. The public is invited to attend. Also, on the first Wednesday of each month, The Crossing at Hollar Mill hosts wine tasting from 6 to 8 p.m. Every Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Highland Avenue Restaurant at Hollar Mill is jazz night. Also, the Habitat Birdhouse Auction, in cooperation with Habitit for Humanity, will be held at Hollar Mill. The event will be on Apil 23 from 6 to 9 p.m. and will feature the birdhouse auction as well as various types of garden art. Tickets will be $50 per person and are available for order by phone at (828)328-4663, online at habititcatawbavalley.org and in person at 1615 8th Street Drive SE. On Fridays, Highland Avenue Restaurant also sales their homemade bread to the public. Bread is available for pickup beginning at 2 p.m. and will be made available until the restaurant is sold out. For more information on events at Hollar Mill, visit www. thecrossinghickory.com or www. highlandavenuerestaurant.com.

Staff Reporters Ryan Baxter Elijah Blackwell

Bailey Leanord Jake Fisher

2014 - 2015 LRN

Faculty Advisers Dr. Lisa M. Harris Prof. Richard Gould

A special thanks to all of our contributing writers!

Editorial Staff Jazmine Charles Editor-in-Chief

Cigi Sparks

Design and Layout Editor

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News IT’S NOT THE CAF...

IT’S ARAMARK

LR students have the opportunity to speak about what they want in the cafeteria By Jazmine Charles

LRN Editor-in-Chief Food is vital. We’ve always known that, but most of us we didn’t really understand just how vital it was until we got to college and left behind the home-cooked meals we’d grown up eating. Now that we’re at college we’re facing the prospect of four years of cafeteria food and the occasional off-campus splurge. And we’ve discovered that it’s not even close to the dinners mama used to make. For about 46 percent of prospective college students the food options available at the university is a major factor when deciding which offer to take and where to go to school, according to Aramark High Education. The questions are simple and obvious: Is the food good? Does it look appetizing? Would this be served in a fine dining restaurant? Who’s the chef ? Are the employees nice? And what the heck is Aramark? Put simply, Aramark is the na-

tion’s leading provider of cafeteria services to schools, hospitals and businesses. And they’ve been serving meals at Lenoir-Rhyne University’s cafeteria for a decade. It’s a relationship that’s going strong and probably won’t change any time soon. In fact L-R plans to continue their contract with Aramark once the previous agreement is up. They feel there is no need to look for other vendors, according to Director of Food Services Jeremy McCosh, When you load up your tray in the Cromer Center’s dining hall your choices are limited to what’s being served that day. Ever wonder who’s calling the shots when it comes to LR’s menu? It’s Aramark. “The food at one university that Aramark runs, is the same at another university because we all run through the corporate menu,” McCosh said. “There may be a few slight adjustments at each school, but for the most part it is the same.” Well, if LR Head Chef Eddie

Wesson is running the show at LR why can’t he and his crew make the call when it’s time to decide what we eat? “Armark distributes packages to each school,” McCosh said. “It is easier for the distribution of food packages to be the same throughout, instead of individual orders,” Although LR dining services runs off a corporate menu, Chef Eddie and McCosh do want insight from the students. Whether it’s praise or criticism, Aramark encourages LR students to speak out. “We would even like to have a food committee, because the opinion of the students really does matter,” Chef Eddie Wesson said. “The mission is for the students to be satisfied.” The food committee is open to anyone interested in speaking for the student body regarding the food, service and overall experience of L-R’s dining hall. Chef Eddie and McCosh would like to hold food committee meetings at least once a month.

Just about every LR students has an opinion on the caf. “It seems the food can be inconsistent at times and the variety of food needs to change as well,” said Senior Collis Clark. “The employees are great and the international food is cool because it is a way to try something new, but overall we need more of a variety of food, especially in the grille station.” Kendall Field, a junior, had similar opinions. “The taste of the food has gotten better over the years, but I feel we need more options to choose from,” she said. “For example, although there is a small variety of food to choose from in the grille station, why can’t we have a healthy stations because majority of that food is fried and greasy.” “There are days I just want to be able to have grilled chicken or different types of fruit.” Although Aramark will not be able to make sweeping changes right away, McCosh and Chef Eddie say customer service is paramount.

Although this is McCosh’s first semester at L-R, he is excited about the changes being made and looks forward to working with students and the close-knit community. “On the bright side, we do have a plan to renovate the dining hall soon,” he said. “There is no set date or timeline but it is definite project that has been installed in the budget for the near future.”

Aramark provides food, facility management services and uniforms. They serve hospitals, stadiums and businesses in 22 countries. They’re also the leading food provider to schools and universities in the nation. They serve more than 600 institutions in North America. Source: Aramark at http://www.aramark.com/ default.aspx

Did you know...? Across North America, Aramark…

• Provides services to over 1,400 colleges, universities, private schools, school systems and districts. • Serves over 500 million meals annually to 5 million students at colleges, universities, and K-12 schools. • Services 2,000 healthcare facilities, collectively representing 75 million patient days annually. • Is North America’s largest employer of dieticians, with over 500 registered dieticians on staff. • Maintains of over 1 million pieces of clinical/medical equipment. • Caters to 100 million sports fans of more than 150 professional and college teams. • Serves 40 teams in the NBA, the NFL, the NHL and MLB. • Serves 7 million hot dogs at major league venues annually. • Hosted 22 million visitors last year at the 16 national and state parks it serves. • Runs the largest houseboating operation in the U.S. with 172 houseboats and 5 marinas across Lake Powell. • Serves Togwotee, the top snowmobiling destination in North America. • Serves 1 billion cups of coffee annually.

PHOTOS BY JAZMINE CHARLES

Top: LR students spend a lot of time in the cafateria – it’s where meals are eaten, coffee is served and friends are made. Above: LR cafateria workers spend a lot of time prepping the food that will be served to students that day. Three meal times are provided to students with a variety of food options.

News

2015 ALCOHOL AWARENESS MONTH some can derive modest health benefits. At the same time, alcohol-related problems – which result from drinking too much, too fast, or too often – are among the most significant public health issues in the United States and internationally. For example, an estimated 16.6 million Americans have alcohol use disorder – a medical term describing a range of mild, moderate, and severe alcohol problems. In addition, research shows that binge drinking is not uncommon among adults in the United States. Nearly one quarter of people age 18 and older report that they consumed five or more alcoholic drinks on the same occasion on at least one day in the past month. Importantly, this consumption pattern is also prevalent among adolescents ages 1217, with about 6 percent of them reporting drinking in this way. Excessive drinking affects all Americans, whether or not they drink. Alcohol problems cost the United States $224 billion in 2006, primarily from lost productivity, but also from health care and property damage costs.

EVALUATE DRINKING PATTERNS

SOURCE: The National Institute of Health

drinking habits.

FROM THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF HEALTH April is Alcohol Awareness Month, a time to learn about alcohol and the health and social problems caused by drinking too much. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) encourages the public to dedicate this month to understanding how excessive drinking can affect health and to evaluating their own

CONSEQUENCES OF DRINKING TOO MUCH

Image of a child and a statistic about alcohol Aril is Alcohol Awareness Month Many adults drink moderately and responsibly without complications, and there are indications from research that

NIAAA encourages people to evaluate their drinking habits during Alcohol Awareness Month. For women, low-risk drinking can be defined as no more than three drinks on any single day and no more than seven drinks per week. For men, it is defined as no more than four drinks on any single day and no more than 14 drinks per week. NIAAA research shows that only about 2 in 100 people who drink within these limits have an alcohol use disorder. The NIAAA website can help you with the following informational and self-assessment tools: Information on recommended drinking limits

An interactive tool for individuals to self-assess their drinking patterns and determine whether they could benefit from a change

UNDERSTANDING HOW ALCOHOL AFFECTS THE BODY Initially, people who drink may feel upbeat and excited. Soon alcohol affects inhibitions and judgment, and can lead to reckless decisions. As more alcohol is consumed, reaction time suffers and behavior becomes poorly controlled and sometimes even aggressive—possibly leading to fights and other types of violence. Continued drinking causes the slurred speech and loss of balance typically associated with a person being drunk. At higher levels, alcohol causes the drinker to become sleepy and in some cases pass out. At these levels, alcohol can also cause blackouts or periods of amnesia where a person may have been conscious, but does not remember what happened while he or she was intoxicated. In the most extreme cases, drinkers face the danger of life-threatening alcohol poisoning due to the suppression of vital life functions.

REDUCE DRINKING TO LOWER RISK FOR PROBLEMS For those who find that their drinking patterns are above the recommended limits, cutting back or quitting can have significant health benefits. People who reduce their drinking decrease their risks for injuries, liver and heart disease, depression, stroke, sexually transmitted diseases, and several types of cancers.

LEARN MORE AT: http://www.niaaa.nih.gov http://www.rethinkingdrinking.niaaa.

TOP 10 SAFETY TIPS FOR STUDENTS IN

THE NEW ACADEMIC YEAR FROM THE IACLEA

Millions of students will arrive on college and university campuses every fall and the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA) wants to make sure they stay safe. IACLEA is offering 10 safety tips to students as they begin classes for the fall semester. College and university campuses are generally safe places, but students must take sensible precautions to ensure they do not put themselves in a position to be a crime victim, said Anne Glavin, IACLEA President and Chief of Police/Director of Police Services at California State University, Northridge.

1. Make the call. Program the number of your college or university s police or public safety department into your cell phone so you have it

at your fingertips in the event of an emergency on campus. If you see a crime in progress or even something suspicious, don t hesitate, make the call.

Scott VanScoy, who is Chair of IACLEA s Campus Crime Prevention Committee, said the committee compiled the list from crime prevention tips offered by colleges and universities during student orientations and on university websites. Most of these are common-sense measures, he said. For example, don t walk alone. Students should take advantage of a university s safety escort services or walk with friends to class and especially at night, he said. Never leave your backpack, laptop or cell phone unattended, even for a minute, he said. Take your valuables with you.

Here is the complete list of top ten tips:

2. Empower yourself. Enroll in a self-defense course. If your college or university offers a sexual assault defense program

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such as R.A.D., sign up with a friend and empower yourself. These courses are designed to give you the tools that may help save your life. 3. Don t walk alone. Take advantage of your college or university s safety escort services or walk with friends or classmates. 4. Protect your property. Never leave items like your backpack, laptop or cell phone unattended-even if it s just for a minute. Make it a habit to take these valuables with you. 5. Report solicitors. Magazine subscriptions, donation requests, spa packages and earn money now schemes are some of the common methods criminals use to take your money. Avoid solicitors scams by politely saying no and immediately notifying university police. Never provide a solicitor with your personal information. 6. On the bus. Stay awake and keep your personal belongings close to you. Sit near the door or the driver and stay awake. If someone s harassing you, don t hesitate; ask the driver to let you off at a populated bus stop or a well-lit area like a gas station. 7. Grab it. Close it. Lock it. College and uni-

versity parking lots and structures are common targets for thieves. Never leave valuables in your car or items in plain view. Take items like GPS devices, removable stereo faceplates, and electronics with you. Make sure your windows are up and the doors are locked. Apply a security device or set the alarm. 8. Keep personal information private. Avoid becoming a victim of identity theft by carrying only the necessary items in your wallet or purse. Don t give personal information to solicitors. 9. Keep your dorm locked. Even if you re going next door to a friend s room, always grab your keys and lock the door. A propped open door is a perfect target for wouldbe thieves and allows them quick and easy access to your belongings. If your room has additional doors and windows, always be sure they are closed and locked as well. 10. Protect your wheels. If you ride a bike, find out if your university offers free registration. Registering your bike helps improve the likelihood of recovery if stolen. Invest in a high-quality, hardened steel U lock. For optimum security, lock both the front and frame to the bike rack.

C a mp u s

A NIGHT ON THE

RED CARPET By Jazmine Charles

LRN Editor-in-Chief Lenoir-Rhyne University students have a reason to be excited about the month of April. With only a few weeks left of class and seniors getting ready for graduation, students had the opportunity to gather as a student body once again and enjoy each other’s company during the fun-field week of Spring Fling. CAB hosted Sping Fling and the week began on Apil 13 with students having the opportunity to receive free gifts and prizes and ends on April 18 with the biggest event of the year on campus, The Red Carpet Event. Senior Stephen Amoah was the original coordinator and creator of the Red Carpet Event during the spring of 2012. Every year this event has become more well-known to students and an event that most students look forward to in the spring semester. “I thought of the idea because I didn’t like the fact that freshmen were drinking and driving, and the diversity of all students coming together to hang out was important to me,” Amoah stated. This year’s Red Carpet Event will be

Brandon Hudson

Sophomore “I like the student body coming together as a whole and enjoying each other.”

held in the Cromer Center dining hall. Unlike the years past, the Red Carpet Committee has decided to use the entire Cromer Center instead of the lobby area. The theme is Once Upon A Time, but it is not like the Disney Princesses, but more of an elegant, cocktail party environment. Kearstin Roberston, the current coordinator, wants students to know that there will be a few items that are the same like the photo booth and pre-interviews on the red carpet. Although the Red Carpet Event is fun for the student body, it is an event that helps raise money to give back to the Hickory community. When entering the event students must present their L-R ID in order to get in for free, and guests must pay $3 and proceeds will go to the Hickory Children Advocacy and Protection Center. For those students that are new to L-R, just ask anyone and they will tell you that Spring Fling and the Red Carpet Event are must haves to attend in the month of April. If you are still a bit skeptical just see what these fellow Bears had to say:

Cassidy Joyner

C.J. Cody

Joy Gremmer

Langston Williams

“I’m looking forward to becoming socialized with the community and I look forward to a week of events.”

“I enjoy the Red Carpet because everyone comes out and has fun before the semester ends.”

“That’s when the student body comes together to party and dance the night away and I even met my current sorority sisters there.”

“I attend to support my friend Stephen Amoah and it’s a chance to dress up and see friends.”

Freshman

Sophomore

Junior

Senior

Spring Fling April 13-18 Monday 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.:

Tank Top give away. Tuesday 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.:

CAB Sunglasses

Wednesday 7 p.m.:

Spring Fling Luau in Shaw Plaza

Thursday: Movie Night, Carolina Theatre Friday 8 p.m.:

Spring Fling Concert, P.E. Monroe Saturday 9:30 p.m. - 2 a.m.:

Red Carpet Event, The Cromer Center