LRN September 2015

LRN Get plugged into

the radio 3 pg

Get ready for hickory’s first

M O N T H L Y

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

VOL. 110 — ISSUE 1

LR president

to retire

Dr. Wayne Powell to step down in Summer 2016 From Staff Reports

film festival 4 pg

A new day SEPTEMBER 2015

underway Ceremony marks the beginnings of expanded and modernized science building

By Bailey Leonard

Dr. Wayne Powell

This will be Lenoir-Rhyne University’s President, Dr. Wayne Powell final year at LR. He announced his retirement at the Sept. 2 Faculty Assembly.

“It is my intent to retire as president on Aug. 1, 2016, after almost 14 years in that position and 16 years of service to LR,” Powell said in an email following his announcement. “Years ago I made a commitment to myself that I would retire when I turned 65. That milestone is looming this year; it came sooner than expected.”

LR has made great strides under Powell’s leadership.

“Together, we have now completed our comprehensive campaign, built Grace Chapel, started the new science center, renovated all of our dorms, and begun the development of the health sciences center,” he wrote. “The campuses in Asheville and Columbia are well-established and moving forward. The enrollment and endowment are at unprecedented heights, and we have run surpluses in our budgets for 13 years.”

The Chair of LR’s Board of Trustees, Boyd George, issued a memo following Powell’s announcement.

“During (Powell’s) tenure, Lenoir-Rhyne has transitioned from a small college to a University. It has transformed from an institution relying on its past to one that will continue to grow and build on its future,” George wrote. “We as a board are also grateful to Wayne not only for his exceptional achievement, but for his wisdom, providing us ample time to identify and secure his successor.”

The process has already begun. The Board will be utilizing the firm Coleman Lew & Associates to act as the University’s search consultant and is in the process of assembling a search committee.

“The goal of the search committee will be to have a candidate identified in time to have election of the new president at the Board’s meeting in April,” George wrote. “The new president will then take office on August 1, 2016.”

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T

he first week of Lenoir-Rhyne University’s Fall 2015 semester ended on a high note when hundreds gathered to witness the official groundbreaking of LR’s newest building project.

At 11:30 a.m. on Aug. 28 students, faculty and staff, local dignitaries and members of the surrounding community converged on this campus to celebrate the beginning of a project that will double the size of the Minges Science Building.

There will be two phases during this 18month process—construction will officially begin at the end of November. It is expected to be complete in 2017.

SEE A NEW DAY, PAGE 6

What’s new at LR Campus wide projects popped up over the summer

By Cigi Sparks As students return to the Lenoir-Rhyne University campus, buildings and items on campus that have seen changes, upgrades some updates are easy to see. For new students though, these new features on LR campus aren’t as noticeable. Also, there are a few smaller projects on campus that were completed over the summer in preparation for the 2015-16 school year that probably won’t be seen by the naked eye.

So, what exactly did happen at LR over the summer? Here’s a list: • Renovation of the Cromer Center Cave: flooring, paint, equipment, furniture • Full renovation of Price Village, including addition of pavilion, fencing around the complex, sidewalk repairs • Addition of lights on the outdoor basketball court and sidewalk repair from LLC

SEE WHAT’S NEW, PAGE 6

2

NEWS

LRN MONTHLY | SEPTEMBER 2015

Lots of

new faces Record breaking year for LR’s total enrollment and first-year students

By Kendall Field

L

enoir-Rhyne University’s 2015 fall semester opened with record enrolment.

We had an all time high number of total enrolment with 2,300 students and our biggest first-year class ever with 450 brand new faces here at LR’s Hickory campus.

Many students credit the surge to the ongoing high-profile success of LR’s football team and LR’s sports teams in general.

“The spike in enrollment is not simply due to the success of the football team, obviously, but the success has gotten the LR name

out there and drawn in more students, and all of the sports have benefitted,” said senior swim team member, Abigail McRea. LR’s teams have a lot of new faces this year: Football: 60 new athletes Volleyball: 7 new athletes Men’s Soccer: 12 new athletes Women’s Soccer: 6 new athletes Swimming: 20 new athletes And the coaches are excited.

“I am really excited about our potential this year with the quality of athlete and depth we now possess,” said men’s and women’s swim team coach Paul Schiffel.

LR’s Learning

Commons From Staff Reports

Use those Bear Bucks

By Sara Jones

I

t’s important for new students to learn their new surroundings and adapt to their new college lifestyle. Nobody can live without food, so it makes sense to start there.

LR’s meal plan offers students the opportunity to enjoy their meals in a sit-down cafeteria setting, but it also lets students go out and get some offcampus sustenance as well.

Perhaps the most popular meal plan for students is the Unlimited Plus Five. This plan is for students living on campus. You will receive unlimited access into LR’s student cafeteria in the Cromer Center, five meal exchanges per week, and 100 Bear

Bucks per semester.

Meal exchanges are available at Subway, Grill works and Joes Coffee from Monday through Friday. It only offers certain items, so don’t go expecting to get a giant specialty sub As for Bear Bucks, they’re just like a debit card. Pay for your plan and go use your money.

You can spend your Bear Bucks at the P.O.D Express kiosk located in the Cromer Student Center Lobby, Joes coffee, Subway, Grill works – and new for this year: Domino’s Pizza.

Finding yourself running low on Bear Bucks? Go online and purchase more.

HELP WANTED Family with two children (6 and 2 years old) needs part-time baby-sitter !

13

$

per hour

Family located in NW Hickory -

Just 5 minutes from LR! For more information call or text (828)408-3084

L

enoir-Rhyne takes pride in making sure that the students here are getting a top-notch education and that we have every resource to accomplish success. The Lohr Learning Commons was created in 2010 and are a prime example of this. The Learning Commons are a variety of academic services provided to extend extra help to those who may need it.

These services are taught by instructors, professors, and approved students.

Don’t exist in a state of silent instruction when LR’s best and brightest are waiting to help you along the way.

The Learning Commons offers many types of resources including: • The two largest computer labs on campus • Subject-specific tutors: Peer tutors for a variety of subjects are available at no cost to the student.

• General Learning Strategies Assistance: If you’re having trouble in more than one subject, if you were successful in high school, but the challenges of college have caught you off guard the Learning Commons has a program designed to give you the academic strategies and study skills guidance that can make all the difference.

• Writing Lab: From the brainstorming phase to getting the words down on the page to that final objective once over, LR’s Writing Lab is here for you every step of the way.

• Math Lab: From the basics to upper-level courses, LR’s math tutors are there to help. There’s also a broad selection of reference materials, including solutions manuals and math software.

• Speech Lab: Maybe you’re intimidated by the idea of public speaking. Maybe you’re just having a tough time coming up with a topic or organizing your thoughts.

Whatever it is, the Speech Lab’s tutors are trained to use a combination of tech and technique to help you feel composed and look professional.

• The Alex Lee Career and Professional Development Center: From identifying your strengths and personality to locating internships and part-time work to landing a great career after graduation, LR’s pulling out all the stops to clear your path to success.

• Office for International Education: If you’ve always dreamed of learning in London, studying in Spain or cramming in Kathmandu, the Office for International Education is your first step on the journey of a lifetime.

• Community Service Office: There’s a big wide world out there and LR’s Community Service Office is the place to go if you’re ready to make a difference in the life of someone you’ve never met. Grow as a person, expand your horizons and help somebody out.

• Education Curriculum and Resource center • Meeting rooms and group study areas The Learning Commons also has vending machines, bathrooms, computers and whiteboards. It’s designed to provide anything a student might need to ensure his or her academic success.

All of these services are located on the top floor of the Carl A. Rudisill library.

OPINION

LRN MONTHLY | SEPTEMBER 2015

3

WHAT DOES THE

SGA DO FOR YOU?

GOOOOD MORNING

By Sophomore Class President Gio Rivera

I

Lenoir-Rhyne Grab the mic and light up LR’s airwaves

By Elijah Blackwell

W

hat time is it? Time to tune into 99.3 WLRZ and check LenoirRhyne University’s very own student-run radio station, The Lair.

This is college radio. We are not going to play the same six songs every hour, because we know what you want to hear and we know what you’re sick of – because we are you.

I’m the radio’s Student Director and it’s my job to fill our airwaves with content produced by and for us. Want to try your hand at a “Mike and Mike in the Morning”-style show with your sports-crazed roommates? Bring it.

Want to build a drive-time show about politics and celeb news? Come on out.

Being a radio station member comes with the freedom of choosing what you want to do and when – within limits, of course.

Station members can host a show over the

air on the radio live. What the show is about is totally up to you, the host.

Bring your buddies if you don’t want to broadcast alone.

Not a native English speaker? Air a show in your native language.

Music played can be of any genre and from any place in the world as long as there’s no cursing – we’re FCC licensed, so keep it clean.

Feel free to play tunes from the station’s stash or bring your personal music on own device such as an iPod, phone or laptop.

The Lair’s staffers control the playlist while being able to take requests. Time your show to fit your schedule – it’s up to you.

Also, the radio station provides music for various Lenoir-Rhyne events. An extra hand is always appreciated, and if you help you’ll have a front-row seat to the action.

Plus, those interested in social media or marketing are welcome to create and manage sites dedicated to WLRZ. From designing the pages to promoting events, the opportunities are limitless.

Inspired to do something I forgot to mention?

Contact me with your idea.

You don’t have to be a communication major to join. All positions can be learned easily.

Come sit in on a show and see if college radio is for you.

Contact me at Elijah.Blackwell@my.lr.edu or reach out to The Lair’s faculty advisor Dr. Jeffrey Delbert at Jeffrey.Delbert@lr.edu for more information.

BEAR IN MIND Five Tips for Cleaner Living

t is quite shocking to have had many people – my fellow peers and students at LR – ask me what SGA stands for.

So here you go: Student Government Association. And everyone who is a student here at LR is a part of this association, but only officers are voting members.

If our peers do not know what SGA stands for, then I can imagine they don’t know what we do either. Essentially, our job is to be your voice. We bring attention to the faculty and staff certain issues LR students find important and ways we can better the student life on this campus.

SGA brought us all the volleyball court, the basketball court behind LLC (along with a new net and lights). SGA helps fund Greek life and study abroad for students. SGA approves clubs and helps facilitate the discussion of issues like sexual violence.

Did you know that anyone can come to an SGA meeting?

Of course if you didn’t know that, it’s because you haven’t gone on the school’s website and read SGA’s constitution. If you haven’t, I don’t blame you.

SGA could have definitely done a better job of advertising that piece of information. But then again aren’t you responsible for informing yourself on the school that you attend?

I dislike when people in our student body that complain about things at our school but do nothing or make absolutely no effort to make our school better or fix what they don’t like. We need people who are willing to give the SGA ideas because it is YOUR school, or better yet OUR school. It is very simple, if we don’t get feedback, we can’t help you and vice versa, so help us help you.

Then again, I think we can all do a better job. As a member of the student body but also as an officer of SGA and as an SGA in general. SGA should find ways to better communicate, inform and advertise to the student body what we have done and what we plan on doing and etc.

I know I joined the SGA because I wanted to get involved with my school and I thought that I could represent and empathize with many different groups on our student body.

The minorities, the women, the athletes, the performing arts, and student living far away from home; since I am all of these. I thought that maybe, just maybe, this would benefit the student body in general since I would be able to understand everyone’s situation a bit better and help those who need it as well as bettering our lives here at LR. But, as with everything, we can’t do our elected position in the best manner possible without listening to what the student body has to say so talk to us. So speak out and be heard – your SGA wants to listen to you.

For more SGA updates join our email list by giving your preferred email to an SGA officer or Dean Katie Fisher.

Student on

THE STREET

LRN Monthly hit the streets looking for the answer to this month’s question: What do you wish you had known before you started your first year at LR this semester?

“The work load, its a lot of work for the first week.” Michelle Smith

By Kelsey Harris

A

s a new year unfolds, students are focused on exploring the campus, creating new friendships and rekindling old ones. They’re also getting used to the dreaded ring of the alarm clock. With the changes that a new year brings, it can be easy to allow our personal space to become as cluttered and messy as our adjusting minds.

This external sloppiness may not only affect good grades and exalted energy but it can also have an impact on the people that we are surrounded by, such as our roommates and hallmates.

But there are ways to eradicate the mess that lies in our physical realm, which, in turn, can translate to a cleaner, more organized state of mind.

SEE Bear in Mind, PAGE 4

“Great atmosphere, diverse people and Bear Bucks come in handy, but I wish there were more eating places on campus.” Breyana Eans “How cold the dorm rooms are – it’s freezing.” Aurora King “How much I would miss home cooked meals.” Paris Long

Breyana Eans

Aurora King

Paris Long

Michelle Smith

4

NEWS

LRN MONTHLY | SEPTEMBER 2015

Bear in Mind

LR’s Director for Student Activities Jodi Jabs took a break from her regular duties of working with students who are involved with the Campus Activities Board to take to the skies at this year’s welcome back bounce station. …

BAILEY LENONARD | LRN MONTHLY

from page 3

Tanner Shumaker, freshman, takes his personal trash out to the dumpster. KELSEY HARRIS | LRN MONTHLY

1. Be mindful.

Being mindful and considerate of your surroundings will greatly improve any untidiness.

Fritz Hall Resident Advisor Haylea Salamon, sophomore, reminds students that “[we] need to keep in mind that we all live together.” This means that student residents not only need to keep in mind how their trash affects them but how it affects and roommates or hallmates as well 2. Invest in cleaning supplies.

You would be surprised by how many students admit that they do not own any cleaning supplies. Purchasing cleaning essentials is relatively cheap, and is the first step in ensuring a spick and span area. A broom, a dustpan, and some surface wipes can go a long way.

CAB’s Fall 2015 activities include:

Sept. 21- Cork and Canvas Oct. 16 - Haunted House Nov- Aqua Massage

3. Take charge.

Personal responsibility plays a big role in keeping a space clean.

“If everyone does their part, then it will be a small job,” Salamon said.

With more information on these events and to see the full schedule visit:

https://www.facebook.com/LR.CampusActivitiesBoard Source: LR.edu

Ways to personally take charge include: • Picking up after yourself • Keeping hallways and stairways free from trash Making sure that personal trash gets taken out to the dumpster instead of tossing it in bathroom trashcans.

“Personal trash is the main problem,” said LR’s housekeeping supervisor of 10 years Karen Blevins.

4. Share responsibility.

Although personal responsibility is expected, residential students must keep in mind that, because we all live together, there is a degree of shared responsibility. Sitting down with your roommate and coming up with a cleaning schedule will guarantee better living quarters.

5. Make it a habit.

Cleaning everyday for at least five minutes will have a positive impact on your surroundings.

Tidying a mess right after it happens instead of procrastinating will also be beneficial for you and the people that you live with By following these five steps, keeping your space clean should be simple. It will also rule out any consequences, the most popular being a fine, which can arise if dorms are not properly maintained.

Even though Blevins says, “[housekeepers] are here for the students,” Salamon wants to remind residents that this is not an excuse to be untidy and we should strive to be as neat as possible.

W top 5 things to do

FIRST FOOTCANDLE

FILM FESTIVAL 25 movies to screen half a mile from LR From Staff Reports

L

ove movies, but can’t make it to Sundance this year? No worries – a festival’s coming to you.

The first ever Footcandle Film Festival is coming to Hickory from Sept. 25-27. The 11 feature films and 14 short films will be shown in the SALT Block Auditorium, which is about half a mile from LR’s campus.

Hickory’s Footcandle Film Society, a local non-profit film screening and discussion group composed of more than 550 local members, in partnership with the Hickory Museum of Art, is presenting the festival.

Filmmakers from around the world were encouraged to submit their films for consideration in the festival. Over the five-month submission period, more than 200 films were submitted, ranging from documentaries to foreign films. The Footcandle screening committee chose the best.

On Opening Night all of the selected short films (each less than 30 minutes in length) will be shown

5. Lake Hickory Lake hickory offers some of the greatest views that North Carolina has to offer and it’s the place to go for a day of wakeboarding, sun tanning or living it up college style.

4. The Carolina Theater You’ve had your three meals for the day. You’ve bought your gas and other necessities – now it’s time to see a movie.

Feel free to go across town, if you want to pawn your house, car and possibly internal organs for the price of a ticket, small popcorn and a coke. Or go to the Carolina Theater where you can upgrade your popcorn and coke AND get into the show for $10.

By Hunter Haire

followed by a reception in the Hickory Museum of Art main gallery. Later that evening, ticket holders will have a chance to view the “Late Night” selection of short films if they wish, which tend to be more edgy and intended for more mature audiences.

Feature-length films will be shown all day on Sept. 26-27. In many cases, the filmmakers will be in attendance and will be holding a short questionand-answer session following the screening of their film.

The festival ends with an Academy Awards-style ceremony and dinner to be held at Moretz Mills.

Tickets are now available to the general public for all of the events through the festival’s web site at www.footcandlefilmfestival.com. Tickets can be purchased for any of the individual film screenings throughout the weekend, the Friday opening short film screening and reception, as well as for the Sunday evening awards ceremony and dinner.

Descriptions of the films and their trailers can be found on the festival web site as well.

COLUMN

ith studying and the constant pressure of satisfying your professor’s needs, students at Lenoir-Rhyne need to replace stress with unforgettable moments. Hickory may not scream “Party City,” but there are plenty of places where you can truly have an epic time. Here are this month’s Top 5:

in Hickory

Nov. 18 - Hypnotist Nov. 30- Winter Wonderland Dec. 11- Final Flip

3. The Valley Hills Mall Hickory’s Mall may not be mega, but there are plenty of stores that will keep even dragged along boyfriends

occupied like Aeropostale, the Big Toy Superstore and Sports Fan Attic – not to mention the food court where you can go for a variety of popular American and foreign restaurants.

2. Henry River Mill Village Have you ever wanted to step into Katniss Everdeens shoes? Try going to District 12 off Interstate 40’s Exit 119 to see all the spots from the original movie, “The Hunger Games.” Take a walk and see the bakery factory, all of the old homes from the movie and even the massive dam that Katniss runs across to exit district 12.

1. LR Athletics College life wouldn’t be complete without sports. Get out of your dorm and down to the field, court, course or pool and check out your favorite sports teams live and in-person.

With as many athletes as you’ll find at LR, you’re sure to have friends who will become your favorite players to root for.

As a person who thought he didn’t like LR team events, it only took one game for me to become a diehard LR girl’s soccer fan. Show your spirit for your school and help us drown out the crowds of rivals like Carson-Newman or Catawba. Bored on a Saturday night? Come out and watch LR’s trademark brand of smash-mouth football to satisfy your cravings for some action.

NEWS

LRN MONTHLY | SEPTEMBER 2015

5

playmakers

take charge of new year Emily Kessler, sophomore, receives her discount just by showing her student ID. ...

ELIJAH BLACKWELL | LRN MONTHLY

Discount deal

on groceries

By Kelsey Harris

10% off at Viewmont Lowes Foods for LR students and faculty

By Elijah Blackwell

S

hop on Sunday with your Lenoir-Rhyne University student ID and your Lowes Rewards card at the Lowes Foods grocery and you’ll save 10 percent, or more, on your purchase.

The store, located at 260 14th Ave. NE, is a little more than a mile away, you know you’re going to want snacks and it’s not like getting a Rewards card takes much time.

“It takes about two minutes at most,” said Lowes Manager Tom Thomas, of his store at.

The discounts also apply to gasoline and can save customers up to $1 per gallon.

Emily Kessler, sophomore at LenoirRhyne, is taking advantage of the offer.

“I can get groceries cheaper,” said Kessler “who wouldn’t make the best of it?”

Parents outside of North Carolina can apply this discount online by paying for a student’s groceries with PayPal. The student then can come pick up the bags when ready.

Students can also order groceries themselves at Lowes Foods To Go on the Lowes Foods website. The groceries will be ready when you go to pick them up and a Lowes employee will load them into your vehicle.

It doesn’t stop at students. Faculty or

staff of Lenoir-Rhyne also are able to use the discount.

“I wanted to do something for LenoirRhyne,” said Thomas, “I thought the best way would be to make getting everyday needs easier.”

Thomas spent the summer thinking about how to welcome LR students back to campus and the idea of Welcome Back Bags was born.

“We had an idea to welcome back students to Lenor-Rhyne,” said Thomas “what better way to do that then with groceries?”

He contacted LR’s Director of Residence Life Jonathon Rink who helped put the plan into place.

“Thomas reached out to me,” said Rink. “The next thing you know we’re putting 400 bags of basic groceries throughout the dorms.”

Lowes Foods provided each dorm on campus with a bag of groceries and coupons.

“This is the first time this has happened,” said Rink “it definitely strengthens ties to the community.”

This 10 percent discount offer does not apply to lottery tickets or gift cards.

But it does apply to all other grocery items apply even if already on sale – and it can be used at the Lowes location at N. Center Street and 29th Ave. Drive NE.

Lowe’s Foods behind Starbucks put together 400 bags of groceries for Lenoir-Rhyne students. ...

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Auditionees getting warmed up before they try out for this semester’s Playmakers’ productions. ... KELSEY HARRIS | LRN MONTHLY

J

ittery nerves took a back seat as confident performances brightened the stage of P.E. Monroe’s auditorium for Lenoir-Rhyne’s Playmaker auditions on August 30 and 31.

Orchestrated by Assistant Professor of Theatre Joshua Yoder, Adjunct Professor Elisabeth Bokhoven and theatre students, the auditions encouraged students and members of the Hickory community to try out for roles in this semester’s productions of “Circle Mirror Transformation” by Pulitzer Prize-winner Annie Baker and “Twelfth Night”

by Shakespeare. These contrasting scripts are ones that the theatre students and faculty “fell in love with,” according to Yoder, and have no doubt that the audience will too.

Directed by energetic Bokhoven, “Circle Mirror

Transformation” will take playgoers to a classroom in New England, where five theater students bond and grow while learning how to act. This small, actor-driven drama will have on-stage seating in order to provide the audience with a more intimate setting, which is an advantage that Yoder explains as an “immediate and direct experience that you might miss if far away.” Opening night for this hyper-realistic production is October 14 in P.E. Monroe’s auditorium.

A rendition of Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” will follow Baker’s script. Directed by passionate Yoder, this twisted, crazy comedy is sure to have audience members on the edge of their seats eager to see what will happen next.

The Playmakers will bring 17th Century Illyria to the stage of LR’s Belk Centrum from November 11-15.

6

HEALTH

LRN MONTHLY | SEPTEMBER 2015

WHAT’S NEW from page 1

• Fencing around the intramural fields • Upgrade of the Cromer center lobby and other common spaces/meeting rooms, including flooring, painting, lighting, furniture, welcome center (This is Phase 1 of a two phase process – with a full renovation of the Dining Hall and other Cromer spaces slated to be done next summer.)

• Renovation of new lobby and common area flooring in Isenhour Hall • Addition of new artificial field turf at Moretz Stadium • Improvements in the Learning Commons areas and main floor of Rudisill Library • Addition of a new computer lab in Mauney Hall • Establishment of a Stock Market Financial Information Learning Lab in Mauney Hall • Creation of a new undergraduate major in Criminal Justice • Establishment of the LR “Teaching Scholars” Program • Establishment of the new “Engaged Scholars” Program • Upgrade from LAMP to Canvas as our University’s Learning Management System • First full year of LR’s “Bridges to Dreams” Dual Enrollment program for LR seniors who are looking to enroll in LR Graduate programs, and our Alumni Advantage program for LR alumni looking to attend graduate programs at LR. Additionally, LR is awaiting final provisional approval for their Physician Assistant Studies program, which should be decided in midSeptember. With approval, the university will welcome their first cohort of students in January to our new Physician Assistant Studies Center on Lenoir-Rhyne Boulevard (which is in final stages of renovation presently) — next to Hollar Mill.

A NEW DAY from page 1

Contact lens wearers report

rISKY eye care behaviors One-third of contact lens wearers sought care for potentially preventable eye problems Special to LRN Monthly

Woman inserting contact lens. Photo from Jupiterimages.

A

lmost all of the 41 million estimated contact lens wearers in the United States may be engaging in at least one behavior known to increase their risk of eye infections, according to an August 2015 report published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Nearly one-third of contact lens wearers who participated in a national survey reported going to the doctor for red or painful eyes related to wearing contact lenses.

More than 99 percent of survey respondents reported at least one risky behavior. The majority of wearers reported: • Keeping their contact lens cases for longer than recommended (82.3 percent); • “Topping off” solution in the case—adding new solution to the existing solution instead of emptying the case out fully before adding new solution (55.1 percent); or • Wearing their lenses while sleeping (50.2 percent).

Architect Scott O'Brien of Lord Aeck Sargent, Chair of the Board of Trustees’ Building and Grounds Committee Mike Hinshaw, LR Provost Dr. Larry Hall, Co-Chair of the Campaign Committee Madeline Dassow, Kimberly and Boyd George of Alex Lee, Inc. and LR President Dr. Wayne Powell took part in the official groundbreaking ceremony marking the beginning of the construction of LR’s expanded and remodeled science building, which will double the building’s size and bring cutting-edge technology to Lenoir-Rhyne University. … SARA JONES | LRN MONTHLY

The building’s new wing will be called Alex and Lee George Hall in honor of the founders of Alex Lee, Inc., which owns Lowes Food Stores, Merchant Distributors and Institution Food House.

Alex Lee’s CEO, Boyd George, is the Chair of LR’s Board of Trustees in addition to running his family’s company.

The science building has been an eagerly anticipated addition to LR in recent years.

“We have been working on making improvements all around campus, but the science building became a key component of that plan,” said Vice President of Institutional Advancement, Drew Van Horn.

Not only will the university put money into a new building, but will also put money into renovations for the current science building as well.

“Phase 1 will include renovating Minges, mainly in the second floor of the building,” Van Horn said.

Building a new facility will help with the overall appearance of the university, but it will also help to attract more students for the program.

“LR has always had a great science program and it’s very exciting that there is now a building which reflects that,” said Alumni Biology Major, Kayla Griese. “I think a new science building will make the program more competitive and encourage more students to go to LR.” Along with making it more competitive and bringing in new students, this building will also help LR’s current students.

“I was really happy and excited when I heard about the new science building,” said Sophomore Biology Major, Paula Cortezano. “Minges is very old, and I do appreciate the history part of how old it is, but it was definitely time to upgrade.”

The limited space for labs in Minges has become a very clear issue in the last few years.

“I rotate between two different classrooms for three different courses,” Cortezano said. “It is very hard to fit labs into my schedule because they aren’t offered many days throughout the week.”

Lenoir-Rhyne’s leadership recognized the need and acted to address it – a decision that will enrich the University’s offerings to its students.

Each of these behaviors has been reported in previous studies to raise the risk of eye infections by five times or more.

An online survey was administered to a sample of contact lens wearers to determine how often contact lens wearers engaged in behaviors that could put them at risk for an eye infection. CDC collaborated with the Contact Lens Assessment in Youth group, a multi-university group of researchers, to conduct the survey. A separate survey was used to estimate the number of contact lens wearers – about 41 million adults. Taken together, the survey results indicate that millions of Americans could be at risk for serious

eye infections because of poor contact lens hygiene behaviors. “ Good vision contributes to overall well-being and independence for people of all ages, so it’s important not to cut corners on healthy contact lens wear and care,” said CDC Medical Epidemiologist Jennifer Cope. “We are finding that many wearers are unclear about how to properly wear and care for contact lenses.”

To prevent eye infections, contact lens wearers should: • Wash hands with soap and water and dry them well before touching contact lenses.

• Take contacts out before sleeping, showering or swimming.

• Rub and rinse contacts in disinfecting solution each time they remove them.

• Rub and rinse the case with contact lens solution, dry with a clean tissue and store it upside down with the caps off after each use.

• Replace contact lens cases at least once every three months.

• Avoid “topping off” solution in lens case (adding fresh solution to old solution).

• Carry a backup pair of glasses in case contact lenses have to be taken out.

For more information on preventing eye infections and proper contact lens wear, please visit: www.cdc. gov/contactlenses.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Common antidepressant may change brain structure Special to LRN Monthly

Z

oloft may alter brain structures in depressed and non-depressed individuals in very different ways, according to new research at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.

The study – conducted in nonhuman primates with brain structures and functions similar to those of humans – found that the antidepressant sertraline, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) marketed as Zoloft, significantly increased the volume of one brain region in depressed subjects but decreased the volume of two brain areas in nondepressed subjects.

“These observations are important for human health because Zoloft is widely prescribed for a number of disorders other than depression,” said Carol A. Shively, Ph.D., professor of pathologycomparative medicine at Wake Forest Baptist and lead author of the study, published in the current online issue of the journal Neuropharmacology.

In the study, 41 middle-aged female monkeys were fed a diet formulated to replicate that consumed by many Americans for 18 months, during which time depressive behavior in the animals was recorded. Female monkeys were chosen for this study because depression is nearly twice as common in women as men and the use of antidepressants is most common in women ages 40 to 59.

After the 18-month pre-study phase, the monkeys were divided into two groups balanced for body weight, body mass index and depressive behavior.

For the next 18 months, 21 monkeys received sertraline in daily doses comparable to those taken by humans while a group of 20 received a placebo.

This treatment regimen is analogous to a human taking an antidepressant for approximately five years.

MRI images taken at the end of the treatment phase revealed that in depressed subjects the drug significantly increased the volume of one region of the brain, the anterior cingulate cortex, while decreasing the volume of this same region and the hippocampus in non-depressed subjects.

Both of these areas are highly interconnected with other areas of the brain; are critical in a wide array of functions including memory, learning, spatial navigation, will, motivation and emotion; and are implicated in major depressive disorder.

In humans, Shively said, volume differences in neural structures have been noted in depressed and non-depressed individuals, with the most commonly reported differences being smaller volumes of the cingulate cortex and hippocampus in depressed people. One potential mechanism through which drugs such as Zoloft can be effective as antidepressants is by promoting neuron growth and connectivity in these brain regions.

But SSRIs, including Zoloft, are prescribed for a variety of disorders besides depression, including bulimia, hot flashes, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, stroke recovery and sexual dysfunction, and there are no studies of the effects of these drugs on brain volumes in individuals not diagnosed with depression.

“The study’s findings regarding the different effects of sertraline on brain-region volumes in depressed versus non-depressed subjects are compelling,” Shively said. “But given the number of different disorders for which SSRIs are prescribed, the findings need to be investigated further in patient populations to see if these drugs produce similar effects in humans.”

Source: Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center

NEWS

LRN MONTHLY | SEPTEMBER 2015

7

Millennials Outnumber Baby Boomers and Are Far More Diverse, Census Bureau Reports Special to LRN Monthly

M

illennials, or America’s youth born between 1982 and 2000, now number 83.1 million and represent more than one quarter of the nation’s population. Their size exceeds that of the 75.4 million baby boomers, according to new U.S. Census Bureau estimates released today. Overall, millennials are more diverse than the generations that preceded them, with 44.2 percent being part of a minority race or ethnic group (that is, a group other than non-Hispanic, single-race white).

These latest population estimates examine changes among groups by age, sex, race and Hispanic origin nationally, as well as in all states and counties, between April 1, 2010, and July 1, 2014.

Even more diverse than millennials are the youngest Americans: those younger than 5 years old. In 2014, this group became majority-minority for the first time, with 50.2 percent being part of a minority race or ethnic group.

Reflecting these younger age groups, the population as a whole has become more racially and ethnically diverse in just the last decade, with the percentage minority climbing from 32.9 percent in 2004 to 37.9 percent in 2014.

Five states or equivalents were majority-minority: Hawaii (77 percent), the District of Columbia (64.2 percent), California (61.5 percent), New Mexico (61.1 percent) and Texas (56.5 percent). Among the remaining states, Nevada is the closest to crossing this threshold, with a population 48.5 percent minority.

More than 11 percent (364) of the nation’s 3,142 counties were majority-minority in 2014. Five reached this milestone during the year beginning July 1, 2013: Russell, Ala.; Newton, Ga.; Eddy, N.M.; Brazoria, Texas; and Suffolk city, Va. Other highlights from the estimates: The 65-and-older population • The nation’s 65-and-older population grew from 44.7 million in 2013 to 46.2 million in 2014. This group, which now contains the oldest four years of the baby boom generation (born between 1946 and 1964), is 21.7 percent minority, less diverse than younger age groups.

• Between 2010 and 2014, the only two counties to add more than 100,000 people 65 and older to their total populations were Los Angeles, Calif. (167,000) and Maricopa, Ariz. (103,000).

• San Juan, Colo., had the highest rate of increase in the 65-and-older population of any county between 2010 and 2014 (70.9 percent). Two other Colorado counties (San Miguel and Douglas) were also in the top five.

• Florida had the highest percentage of its population age 65 and older among states in 2014 (19.1 percent), followed by Maine (18.3 percent). Alaska had the lowest percentage (9.4 percent), followed by Utah (10.0 percent).

• Sumter, Fla., was the nation’s only majority 65and-older population county in 2014 (52.9 percent).

Chattahoochee, Ga., had the lowest percentage of its population in this age group (4.1 percent).

Some states and counties become younger • In contrast to most states, five experienced a decline in median age between July 1, 2013, and July 1, 2014: North Dakota, Hawaii, Montana, Wyoming and Iowa.

• Median age declined in 434 counties over the period, with McKenzie, N.D., leading the way (32.9 to 31.6).

• Maine experienced the largest increase in median age among states, rising from 43.9 to 44.2 over the period.

• St. Helena, La., experienced the largest rise in median age among counties or equivalents, climbing

from 40.2 to 41.3.

• There was a greater than 13-year difference between the state with the highest median age (Maine at 44.2) and that with the lowest (Utah at 30.5).

• There was a more than 42-year difference between the county with the highest median age (Sumter, Fla., at 65.9) and that with the youngest (Madison, Idaho, at 23.1). There were 74 counties where the median age was greater than 50, and 57 counties where it was less than 30.

States with more males than females (and vice versa) • There were only 10 states where males made up a majority of the population in 2014. Alaska had the highest male percentage (52.6 percent), followed by North Dakota (51.3 percent).

• The District of Columbia had the highest percentage of females of any state or equivalent (52.6 percent), followed by Delaware (51.6 percent).

Births versus deaths • All race and ethnic groups except single-race, nonHispanic whites had more births than deaths between 2013 and 2014. This group had 61,841 more deaths than births.

Hispanics • The nation’s Hispanic population totaled 55.4 million as of July 1, 2014, up by 1.2 million, or 2.1 percent, since July 1, 2013.

• California had the largest Hispanic population of any state in 2014 (15.0 million). However, Texas had the largest numeric increase within the Hispanic population since July 1, 2013 (228,000). New Mexico had the highest percentage of Hispanics at 47.7 percent.

• Los Angeles had the largest Hispanic population of any county (4.9 million) in 2014 while Harris, Texas, had the largest numeric increase since 2013 (45,000).

Starr — on the Mexican border in Texas — had the highest share of Hispanics (95.8 percent).

Blacks • The nation’s black or African-American population totaled 45.7 million as of July 1, 2014, up by 578,000, or 1.3 percent, since July 1, 2013.

• New York had the largest black or African-American population of any state or equivalent in 2014 (3.8 million); Texas had the largest numeric increase since July 1, 2013 (88,000). The District of Columbia had the highest percentage of blacks (50.6 percent), followed

by Mississippi (38.2 percent).

• Cook County, Ill. (Chicago) had the largest black or African-American population of any county in 2014 (1.3 million), and Harris, Texas, had the largest numeric increase since 2013 (21,000). Holmes, Miss., was the county with the highest percentage of blacks or African-Americans in the nation (82.5 percent).

Asians • The nation’s Asian population totaled 20.3 million as of July 1, 2014, up by 631,000, or 3.2 percent, since July 1, 2013.

• California had both the largest Asian population of any state (6.3 million) in July 2014 and the largest numeric increase of Asians since July 1, 2013 (162,000). Hawaii was the nation’s only majority-Asian state, with people of this group comprising 56.2 percent of the total population.

• Los Angeles had the largest Asian population of any county (1.7 million) in 2014 and the largest numeric increase (29,000) since 2013. Honolulu and Kauai, both in Hawaii, were the nation’s only majority-Asian counties.

American Indians and Alaska Natives • The nation’s American Indian and Alaska Native

population totaled 6.5 million as of July 1, 2014, up by 93,000, or 1.4 percent, since July 1, 2013.

• California had the largest American Indian and Alaska Native population of any state in 2014 (1.1 million) and the largest numeric increase since 2013 (13,000). Alaska had the highest percentage (19.4 percent).

• Los Angeles had the largest American Indian and Alaska Native population of any county in 2014 (235,000), and Maricopa, Ariz., the largest numeric increase (4,700) since 2013. Shannon, S.D. — on the Nebraska border and located entirely within the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation — had the highest percentage (93.4 percent).

Native Hawaiians and Other Pacific Islanders • The nation’s Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander population totaled 1.5 million as of July 1, 2014, up by 33,000, or 2.3 percent, since July 1, 2013.

• Hawaii had the largest population of Native Hawaiians and Other Pacific Islanders of any state (370,000) in 2014 and the highest percentage (26.0 percent). California had the largest numeric increase since 2013 (7,000).

• Honolulu had the largest population of Native Hawaiians and Other Pacific Islanders of any county (239,000) in 2014, and Hawaii County had the highest percentage (34.4 percent). Clark, Nev., had the largest numeric increase since 2013 (1,100).

Non-Hispanic white alone • The nation’s non-Hispanic white alone population totaled 197.9 million in 2014, up by 94,000, or 0.5 percent, since 2013.

• California had the largest non-Hispanic white alone population of any state in 2014 (14.9 million).

Texas had the largest numeric increase in this population group since 2013 (79,000). Maine had the highest percentage of the non-Hispanic white alone population (93.8 percent).

• Los Angeles had the largest non-Hispanic white alone population of any county (2.7 million) in 2014.

Maricopa, Ariz., had the largest numeric increase in this population since 2013 (23,000). Leslie, Ky., comprised the highest percentage (98.1 percent) of single-race non-Hispanic whites.

Unless otherwise specified, the statistics refer to the population who reported a race alone or in combination with one or more races. Censuses and surveys permit respondents to select more than one race; consequently, people may be one race or a combination of races. The detailed tables show statistics for the resident population by “race alone” and “race alone or in combination.” The sum of the populations for the five “race alone or in combination” groups adds to more than the total population because individuals may report more than one race.

All references to age, race, and Hispanic origin characteristics of counties apply only to counties with a 2014 population of 10,000 or more. The federal government treats Hispanic origin and race as separate and distinct concepts. In surveys and censuses, separate questions are asked on Hispanic origin and race. The question on Hispanic origin asks respondents if they are of Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin.

Starting with the 2000 Census, the question on race asked respondents to report the race or races they consider themselves to be. Hispanics may be of any race. Responses of “some other race” from the 2010 Census are modified in these estimates. This results in differences between the population for specific race categories for the modified 2010 Census population versus those in the 2010 Census data.

Source: US Census Bureau

8

SPORTS

LRN MONTHLY | SEPTEMBER 2015

Stopping a

Genny

Little

LR Com grad trusted with classified government intel

By Bailey Leonard

S

seeing both sides

Perspectives from a former player and a current coach

By Greg Baker

B

always

a bear

Student soccer standout comes back to coach

By Geo Rivera

Lenioir-Rhyne University’s Head Women’s Soccer Coach, Gary Higgins, spent four years as a standout on the LR’s mens soccer team and two years as an LR assistant before coaching in Tennessee before returning home to Hickory. ... GIIO RIVERA | LRN Monthly

COLUMN

eing a player on a sport’s team should never be taken for granted. It is a great honor no matter what the sport is. Athletes are sometimes called superheroes or “gods” for the amazing talents they possess. But not all athletes feel that way. Some feel they have no value, that they’re not contributing to their team.

This issue tends to come up when a player feels like they are being mistreated. Sometimes athletes feel that some of their teammates are in the spotlight but others aren’t getting an equal chance. In cases like these players and coaches may not see each other’s perspectives and may not understand why things are the way they are.

The main reason is because players tend to shut down and feel slighted when they think their coach is not showing them as much attention as they deserve. On the other hand, sometimes coaches do not explain clearly and calmly why some team members are getting more of playing time than others.

I have a unique perspective on the issue. Until recently I was a Lenoir-Rhyne University football player. Now I’m an assistant coach for LR’s football team.

Being on both sides of the team has helped me understand why coaches do things they do that players may not agree

once L

a bear

Professor, Dr. Lisa Harris. “She also possesses very good time management skills. Being a student-athlete helped her learn to juggle everything.”

When her former soccer teammates learned about Little’s new job they were happy for her, but they weren’t shocked.

“When I heard about Genny getting this job I wasn’t at all surprised,” said former teammate, Lauren Donovan. “Genny was a very hard worker and put her heart into anything she was doing, whether it was on the field or off the field.”

Although Little has been offered the job, she will have to go through a series of background checks before being cleared.

So far, Little has been granted an interim secret security clearance, which allows her to start training while all the other checks are being looked over, once those are completed she will begin full time.

“I had to tell them everything about my life, and they will be interviewing people during this process as well,” Little said. “By the end of my screenings they will know basically my entire life.”

As little moves forward those who mentored her during her time at LR continue to cheer her on.

“We are extremely proud of Genny, I have no doubt that she will do fabulous things in her career,” Harris said. “We are always proud of anyone in our program that can secure a position and utilize the skills that they acquired here at Lenoir-Rhyne.”

enoir-Rhyne University’s Womens Soccer coach is starting his second semester in the top job, but he’s not a new face on this campus.

His LR roots run deep. Besides being a former member of the LR Mens soccer team, he has earned both his bachelors and masters degree at LR. And he’s built a decade-long friendship with Tom Gott – the coach of the Mens Soccer Team.

Hailing from Paisley, Scotland, Gary Higgins, came to LR on a soccer scholarship. Following his graduation he signed on as a graduate assistant with Gott.

In January, Higgins was named the head coach of the Lenoir-Rhyne Women’s soccer team.

Higgins has played soccer since he was 5-years-old – that’s 22 years of soccer experience. He spent four years playing for LR and two years on semipro teams when he played for Redding United and the Knoxville Force.

He’s found success, but it wasn’t always easy.

He was a freshman in 2005 and coming to Hickory from Scotland was a culture shock. With the help of other international students on the team he made the transition. Higgins’ freshman year at LR was also Gott’s first year at the school and thus began the relationship between the two.

Gott and Higgins were teammates at

LR athletic trainers utilizing enhanced cardiac screening

By Casey Marlin LRN Contributor

W

Genny Little

he applied for an internship and they offered her a full-time job – one that would put her behind closed doors on a US military base accessing classified intelligence.

Genny Little, 22, graduated from LenoirRhyne University last spring with a degree in Public Relations with a minor in Business.

She was also a standout goalkeeper on LR’s women’s soccer team.

This summer she interviewed with military contractor Engility. By the end of the conversation, they offered her a job in biomedical communications.

She’ll be working at the Fort Detrick Army Base, in Frederick, Md. She will be working hand-in-hand with the scientists on base. Her job is to translate the scientists’ technical projects into a written form that laypeople can understand.

Her reports and press releases will be distributed to outlets throughout the base.

“The Public Relations aspect of my job is writing the press releases in a language that everyone can understand,” Little said. “I will also be creating media kits, presentations and attending conferences throughout the year.”

During her time at Lenoir-Rhyne, Little was obtained vital skills that she will now be able to put into practice in a job atmosphere.

“Genny is a very strong writer and has the ability to communicate affectively through her writing,” said Chair of Journalism and Mass Communications and Associate

silent killer

e hear sad stories every year of the seemingly healthy high school basketball player who died from heart failure in the middle of practice. We mourn the college freshman football players who died from an undiagnosed heart defect the week before taking the field in uniform for the first time.

There are, on average, 100-150 sudden cardiac deaths among American athletes annually, according to a 2012 study published by the American Heart Association.

Lenoir-Rhyne University is taking proactive steps to protect our athletes from this silent killer.

“We’ve always taken precautions when in comes to heart health, but now we ask more in-depth questions,” Assistant Athletic Trainer Chelsea Pasukinis said. “When athletes take their physicals at the beginning of the year, there is an extensive list of questions on heart related issues. Have you ever passed out from working out?

Have you ever had a heart murmur?”

Depending on the answers, there will be a follow up with university physician Dr. Hart.

“Heart issues can be serious, and we want to take large precautions to be safe,” Pasukinis said.

with. There are players who think they’re putting forth a great effort, but they need to reevaluate themselves and see if they’re producing in all obstacles, whether it’s on the field or in the classroom.

I’ve made that mistake of wanting to blame my coach because my playing time was decreasing. I had to be truly being realistic and realize that my teammate, who was in the same position, was out-working me.

Seeing through the eyes of a coach and player, I believe that both should develop a relationship with each other – even if you are not a starter. It takes effort from both parties. A coach has to let that player know why he or she maybe not getting as much playing time as they prefer. The coach should explain it in an understanding way that preserves the athlete’s positive attitude while motivating him to strive for better.

As for the players, they have to understand that coaches are only looking to do what’s best for the team because that’s the job it’s how they provide for their families.

I love being in the coach’s position because I understand the duties and what the word team really stands for.

Sometimes things may not always go your way whether you’re a player or coach, but you can’t give up, you have to find a way to lead and help your team improve to be successful.

LR. After redshirting one year due to a back injury, Higgins graduated later than Gott, who had been hired as LR’s head coach. Once Higgins graduated, Gott hired him on as a graduate assistant.

Higgins took advantage of the opportunity to learn a lot from his friend, teammate, head coach, mentor and now colleague.

During that period Higgins was also able to complete his masters degree here at LR. After that he was offered a job at Tusculum college where he served a three-year stint as an assistant coach for the mens team from 2012-2015.

Gott played a big part in getting Higgins hired for the head coach position for the Women’s team.

Gott said he was, “very keen to bringing his mate back,” and also said that “(Higgins’) qualities as a player translated well into being a good assistant.” That’s why Gott called Higgins to let him know about the job opening.

This pair of best friends then soon became colleagues when Neill McGeachy, Lenoir-Rhyne’s executive director of intercollegiate athletics, was on the search for someone with deep roots at LR as well as someone who was willing to invest time in the program, taking into consideration the bumpiness of the women’s team the past year. McGeachy and Gott both thought Higgins would be a positive asset to the already successful program of the women’s team, with five consecutive conference championships.

It’s hoped that Higgins will help stabilize and continue to grow the program.

McGeachy wanted to bring him home and Higgins wanted to come back.

Besides Higgins’ outstanding resume in coaching experience as well as his deep roots in LR. His soccer accolades set him apart from others, being an outstanding soccer player at LR he was honored with All American, All Region, All Conference and All State. And he scored the winning goal for the SAC tournament his sophomore year. He was also involved with the school, as president for the student athlete advisory board.

It is obvious LR holds a special place in Gary’s heart. He’s back to his roots as an LR Bear and the city where he met his wife.

LR’s new graduate assistant, working under Higgins, Jasmin Dutton, coming from East Tennessee State University said she is learning a lot from Higgins. She said his passion for the sport translates as a mentor and is evident out on the soccer field as a coach. Dylan Bedell, sophomore and honors student here at LR is a key player on the soccer team said she is impressed with Higgins as a Coach. According to Bedell, Higgins’ intensity and passion for the game is obvious in the way he coaches.

She appreciates the fact that he is professional and knows that she will gain more from him rather than just soccer tips and tricks, but lessons as well.