Volume 107, Issue 4
Thursday, November 8, 2018
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam
Bringing it Back to the 60’s
Car Break-ins Making a Comeback Kayley Robinson | Reporter
Left to Right: 1. The 1968 SpringHillian staff. 2. Students hanging outside the newly built dormitory, O’Leary. 3. Basketball star, Bill Hajeski, facing off against Delta State. 4. Students study in the library. 5. Students walk to and from class outside Quinlan Hall. | All photos courtesy of the 1968 editions of The Torch and The Springhillian newspapers.
Three vehicle burglaries occurred on-campus last week according to the Spring Hill College Office of Public Safety. Campus Police Chief J. Kevin Anderson said, “The thieves seem to be targeting three areas Stewartfield, the commuter parking lot behind the baseball field and Outlaw Recreation Center.” As to why the thieves are specifically targeting these areas, Anderson said, “I believe it is because of the high traffic and it is the main artery through the college.” Anderson assured that strong measures are being taken by the Office of Public Safety and the Mobile Police Department (MPD) to prevent theft and to ensure the safety of the Spring Hill community. These measures include increased patrol by campus police and MPD officers, deployment of undercover cars and camera surveillance. According to Anderson, car burglars are opportunists. “They walk by a car and see a purse, backpack or wallet, they break the window, take the article and are gone in seconds. Many times the burglars are watching for women to get out of their vehicles without their purse, so once the victim is out of sight, the burglar will quickly look inside the vehicle, and if the victim did leave their purse, it is stolen,” said Anderson. Such was the case for senior Alexa Shelton, who recently had her purse stolen from her vehicle on campus. “My purse was stolen from
under my passenger seat. It was out of sight. I believe I was being watched because it couldn’t be seen from outside of the car and they knew what door to target,” said Shelton. Shelton now takes extra precautionary measures to reduce the chance of another theft. “I always lock my car - usually more than once. I also only park my car in well-lit areas or in places I think a break-in would be hard to go unnoticed. I don’t leave valuables in my car and I get a reminder every time any of my credit cards are swiped in the event it does get stolen again,” said Shelton. Anderson’s advice much aligns with Shelton’s stated precautionary measures. “Do not leave any valuables inside the vehicle. If you must, lock them in the trunk,” said Anderson. “The burglars may be of college student age and fit in very easily. Always be on the lookout and be aware of your surroundings. If you see something or someone that is out of place or unusual, please call the Public Safety Office at once - not when you get to class or after you go to your dorm - immediately. Time is of the essence.” In the event of a vehicle burglary, Anderson advises promptly calling public safety, canceling any debit or credit cards that were stolen and refraining from touching the vehicle to preserve any evidence that might lead to the suspect. A Public Safety dispatcher can be reached 24-hours at (251) 380-4444.
The SpringHillian November 8, 2018 NEWS 2 Badgers Attend Jewish Memorial Service Grace Crapps | Contributing Writer
standing next to each other and leaning on the walls of the temple. The rabbi of the synagogue, Rabbi Steve Silberman, was the first to speak. His words, “We are overwhelmed by the amount of love…To serve and come together in community
is adding indescribable holiness which is more powerful than one person’s wickedness.” This attack weighed heavy on the hearts of everybody. He spoke passionately about how an individual’s life is more precious than everything. After his welcome, several
leaders of the community, religious and political, came forward to offer their condolences and to promote change. One of the most powerful speakers of the service was Imam Ron Ali from Mobile Masjid of Al-Islam. Ali stated, “I am crying because
a part of humanity has faced atrocity,” his words centered around the aspect of community regardless of race or religion. He ended his speech with charging the community to “take actions to make right what is going wrong.” This charge instilled hope and control in a situation which has left most feeling helplessly subjected to the evil doing of others. For the final act of the service they asked for those who were able to hold a lit candle outside and stand in silence in remembrance for those who were lost. That night in front of the synagogue hundreds of people, men, women, and children, held their candles quietly. The candles illuminated the front lawn of Ahavas Chesed Synagogue during this time of darkness.
The Student Government Association has started a conversation with administration on possibly changing the normal fiveday school week to a fourday week. While this is still in its beginning stages, president Dylan Mire said the conversation started as a “what if” idea. Mire said the start of this idea was just that, an idea. It popped into his head earlier this semester, and he had known of smaller schools that incorporate a four-day school week into their campus culture, are successful at it, and wanted to possibly bring that idea here to Spring Hill. Mire stated, “We have talked about the idea and different possibilities, risks,
pros, cons within SGA and with VP of Student Affairs and the Academic Provost. There are essentially two options that we talked about: having a day of no classes that would be set aside with an emphasis on service and internships on either a Wednesday or Friday.” There is also a question of whether or not the fourday week should only be available to upperclassmen, “since they have the greater need for internships and research shows that firstyear college students do better with going to classes than not.” Mire wants to remind everyone that this is only an idea, and there haven’t been any steps taken to write
a proposal. Academic Provost Dr. George Sims also raised many questions of interest about the four-day school week. The first being how the classes would be split between 32 hours instead of 40. The question of registration was also a concern. Students avoid registering for classes between 1:30 and 5:00 p.m., but if the four-day week comes into practice, would students be willing to change their preferences? Another question Sims raised was the expectations for faculty. What would that look like? Ultimately, all entities of the college would have to be considered in taking on the topic of the four-day school week. Sims
wanted to stress that, “At this time an idea like this is not part of the college’s planning processes.” The president just created and released a 5-year financial plan, and there is nothing in it that mentions a four-day school week.
If you’re interested in following up with the fourday school week progress, or any other SGA initiative, you can attend weekly SGA meetings on Tuesday nights at 9 in the Bedsole Conference Room upstairs in the Burke Library.
newswire.shc.edu
@shcstudentmedia
@SHC_Media
On Oct. 27, 11 people who were exercising their right to practice their religion were murdered. A man walked into the temple shouting antiSemitic slurs as he killed those worshipping Shabbat. This hate crime violates something people came to the United States specifically for: religious freedom. Three days later, a prayer vigil was held at Ahavas Chesed Synagogue. Outside and surrounding the temple’s neighborhood were lines of cars. It was clear that Mobile was there to show solidarity. The crowd was diverse containing people of different ages, races, and religions. More people than the temple anticipated showed up, which was evident from the amount of people tightly
Candle-lit vigil at Ahvas Chesed Synagogue. | Photo: Emily Buck
SGA Discusses Possibly Shortening Weeks Alyssa Miles | Reporter
SHC MEDIA TEAM:
The SpringHillian Editor:
Web Editor:
BTV Producer:
Art Director:
Advertising Manager:
BTV Director:
Kate Huete
Bailey Parrish
Emily Buck
Cecilia Von Mann
Emily Creasey Ford Lilly
Dylan Mire and Adam Schmitt. | Photo: SGA
SHC Student Media Reporters: Jordan Parker, Cassidi Sterrett, Alyssa Miles, Kayley Robinson
shcmedia@shc.edu Advisors:
Stuart Babington and Johnny Stevens
3 OPINION How the US Political Divide is Hurting Us Volume 107, Issue 4
William Robertson | Contributing Writer
“Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer, but the right answer. Let us not seek to fix the blame for the past. Let us accept our own responsibility for the future,” remarks future president John F. Kennedy during a speech in Baltimore, Maryland in 1958. Wise words from one of America’s most remembered presidents seem to have almost been completely forgotten just decades later.
Arguments and different views on political issues between Republican and Democratic voters has increased, according to Pew Research Center. “The divisions between Republicans and Democrats on fundamental political values—on government, race, immigration, national security, environmental protection, and other areas—reached record levels during Barack Obama’s presidency,” Pew’s report states. “In Donald Trump’s first year as president, these gaps have grown even larger.” In fact, 81 percent of each party (Republican and Democrat) state that they have a negative view of the other political party. The political division within
America reaches farther than just the political realm in Washington. According to Pew, Republicans would rather live in rural areas, while Democrats would rather live in urban areas. “Sixty five percent of Republicans say they would rather live in communities where houses are larger and farther apart.” Republicans also stated that they prefer “schools, stores, and restaurants that are several miles away.” Democrats said that they prefer to live “in homes that are smaller and more densely packed into neighborhoods, and stores, schools, and restaurants that are in walking distance.” These living preferences lined up directly with the results of the 2016
presidential election. According to Jocelyn Kiley, an associate director of research at Pew, “…it shows that even things that are ostensibly not about politics are still subject to political divides. That reflects a lot about the state of the American political landscape right now.” According to exit polls from the past presidential election, 59 percent of voters who lived in a city with a population greater than 50,000 people voted for Hillary Clinton. 62 percent of voters who lived in a small city or rural area voted for Donald Trump. Republican social circles and Democratic social circles do not often mingle. 67 percent of Democrats say that most
of their close friends are Democrats and 57 percent of Republicans say that they are only close friends with other Republicans. The more that American citizen’s social lives and social identities become connected with their political beliefs, the more people will feel pressured to adopt political viewpoints rather than go against the viewpoints of those that surround them. If we as Americans choose to look at politics with an open mind and choose to view political parties with respect and understanding, not only will our politics become more unified, but America as a whole will become more united.
The Importance of Traveling When You’re Young Jordan Parker | Reporter
As young adults we see the world as our oyster, however, most of us do not know what to do with that oyster. We often find ourselves confused about what is to come, wondering about our next life journey. By default, we fall back on the idea that we will get our degree, get a job, find a life partner, build a family, retire and move to our dream destination. Of course this is not the mindset that everyone holds about life, but it is the norm. One thing that people tend to set on the back burner is travel. Travel
EDITORIAL POLICY:
is often thought of as something that is far fetched and too expensive, and people craft the idea: “I will be able to travel later, right now is not really the time.” According to nbcnews. com, only 29 percent of American adults have never been abroad. So when will it be the right time to travel? NBC claims, “In a world accessible via YouTube, Google Earth, and virtual reality, many think they’ve already seen all the world has to offer.” As the young adults we are, we should take advantage of our youth and health to embark on a journey that challenges us, teaches us and immerses us. Sure, going on an aroundthe-world trip out of pocket seems fun, it is not the most ideal scenario. However, this is not your only option. There are numerous programs that
allow you to study, travel, work or volunteer abroad. While it is not free, the payback is priceless. The Association of International Educators states, “Nationally, the number of U.S. students studying abroad for credit during the 20152016 academic year grew 3.8 percent from 313,415 students to 325,339 students. This represents just over 1.6 percent of all U.S. students enrolled at institutions of higher education in the United States and about 10 percent of U.S. graduates.” Studying abroad not only allows us to explore the world, but we are exposed to the cuisine, people and culture within it. The things you learn and the experiences you gain have the ability to teach you things about the world we live in, and, more
The SpringHillian is published five times each semester from January to April. The views expressed herein do not represent the views of Spring Hill College and are not the views of the faculty, administration, staff or students. They are the views of the individual columnists.
importantly, about yourself. Whether you go abroad or stay here in the States, by traveling you are putting yourself to the test. Instead of planning a trip to Disney World, start saving for a cross-country trip or even a trip across the ocean. By making the conscious decision to flee your comfort zone, you will discover your strengths
and your weaknesses, your passions and your indifferences. Travel is not just about going to cool places, it is also about self discovery, whether that is your goal or not. Embrace the world as your oyster, because you will never get back these few more years of ultimate freedom.
Jordan Parker posing in Florence, Italy. | Photo: Facebook
SUBMISSIONS:
The SpringHillian publishes guest submissions at the discretion of the student-editor and section editors. Submissions should be less than 300 words, and editors reserve the right to edit the submissions for length and content. Original writings should be mailed or delivered to: Student-editor, The SpringHillian, Communication Arts, Spring Hill College, 4000 Dauphin Street, Mobile, AL 36608. Submissions may also be sent as emailed attachments to: shcmedia@email.shc.edu.
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The SpringHillian
AROUND THE HILL
November 8, 2018
Seniors Alyssa Miles, Brigit Reynolds, and Iriel Evans with with Father James Martin S.J. in Washington D.C. at the Ignatian Family Teach In for Justice. | Photo: Courtesy of Alyssa Miles
Badger fans cheer on the men’s soccer team to a championship victory this past weekend. | Photo: Courtesy of SHC Soccer Team
Senior Alex Anderson wins St. Jude Soldier for Tri Delta. | Photo: Courtesy of Tri Delta
TEDx speakers with student organizers of the event. | Photo: Emily Buck
Senior Lucy Hart at her event “Wishes on Wheels” for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. | Photo: Erin Schell
Volume 107, Issue 4
AROUND THE HILL
Campus Programming Board members celebrate a night together. | Photo: Courtesy of Victoria Tanner
SHC Rugby players celebrate their victory from this past weekend. | Photo: Elizabeth Kasongo
SHC Men’s soccer team celebrate their Gulf South Conference Championship victory. | Photo: Couresty of the Men’s Soccer Team
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LIFESTYLE
The SpringHillian
November 8th, 2018
1968 to 2018: 50 Years in the Making Cecilia Von Mann | Reporter In this edition of the SpringHillian, we have decided to dedicate a section of our paper to remembering the past. We look back 50 years to the year of 1968 to see how Spring Hill students compare to today’s students while living in a year that would be remembered for its tumultuous 365 days both socially and politically. The 1968 edition of The Torch, Spring Hill College’s annual yearbook, predicts the difficulties of grasping the true impact of this year and opens by saying, “A long time from now, when we look back on that year, that 1968 year, it will be hard to consolidate a kaleidoscope of events into one communicable impression.” Although this year is often romanticized by those who lived through it, this statement is not far from the truth. In 1968, Spring Hill students were concerned with many of the same things as students of today are. In the ‘68 editions of the SpringHillian, there are articles discussing the increasing price in parking tickets, reviewing the latest movie everyone is talking about like, The Graduate, the binge-drinking culture, as well as the effect of the Spring Hill “wall” on its students. There are pictures of SHC sports and greek events with tug-of-war
in the mud and cartoons complaining about the terrible caf food. Many of these subjects are stories that the 2018 SpringHillian staff has attempted to take on in the present day. Dr. Alan Shane Dillingham, a history professor at SHC who focuses his studies on the Sixties, discusses more of the political similarities between 1968 and 2018, explaining that both years are defined by “incredible political polarization” and a “hollowing out of the political center.” From issues of race to violence, it is hard to find anyone neutral on the important topics of both of these times. Much of this polarization was evident through the public’s opinions surrounding the leadership. Dillingham marks the similarities between both President Nixon and President Trump pointing to the fact that they are both considered “backlash politicians” that use strong racial rhetoric against a growing progressive movement. Despite these parallels, SHC students in the Sixties dealt with grave issues and events happening in their everyday lives. The Tet Offensive, the Vietnam war as a whole, and fearing the draft’s effect on their lives were all their concerns. These students lived
The sweethearts of the Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity. | Courtesy of the 1968 Torch Yearbook
through the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Bobby Kennedy and the Civil Rights movement. All events that altered the course of history. Spring Hill’s yearbook from 1968 closes by saying that, “So by the time you can pick up this yearbook and objectively survey the
year 1968, you will also know the outcomes of its gifts to Spring Hill College.” Today, we can see these gifts and traditions in our lives from this era. We can see the continuity over the decades and should look back to the past for guidance in the present day.
Two soccer players review the lineup before the game. | Courtesy of the 1968 Torch Yearbook
Fraternities battle in a game of tug-of-war. | Courtesy of the 1968 Torch Yearbook
Goldschmidt’s Intentionality with the Foley Center
Alyssa Miles | Reporter
The Foley Community Service Center has been around for 26 years on Spring Hill’s Campus. The Foley Center was established on campus to further the college mission to form leaders engaged in learning, faith, justice, and service for life. Erik Goldschmidt made the move to Spring Hill College as the director of the Foley Center in 2016. Before making the move to SHC, Goldschmidt worked at Boston College in the 21st Century Center serving as a consultant helping Catholic dioceses, schools and parishes with their strategic planning and renewal of their ministries. After many years of traveling and being away from his family, the position in the Foley Center opened up, and it seems to have been the perfect fit for Goldschmidt. In two short years, Goldschmidt has established a more concrete culture of commitment and integrity within the Foley Center community. He usually takes the first 6 weeks of the semester to meet one on one with students to check in with them and get their service sites settled. Goldschmidt commented that his, “favorite part of working with young people is helping them develop into what they want to become.” He said he finds God in his conversations with students as they encounter things that make them question their major, their lives and what it truly means to be authentic.
Volume 107 Issue 4
SPORTS
SHC Basketball Under New Coach
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Cassidi Sterrett | Reporter As fall sports are slowly winding down at Spring Hill College, the men’s basketball team has already begun preparing for the 20182019 season. Previously, the team had a record of 12-16, and were led under head coach Aaron Niven. New SHC basketball coach, Craig Kennedy, hopes to turn that record around. Kennedy states that, “This year’s team is different in that we lost a lot of experience from last years’ squad. We have a lot of guys who are eager to contribute and everyone will get a chance to do that. Our guys are ready to prove that they are winners on the court and not just in the classroom.” Kennedy has a lot of experience, as he has coached for over 30 years, previously coaching at Troy University. At SHC he held the status of assistant athletic director since 2015. Kennedy said, “Having coached for over 30 years I obviously have some
experience. In coaching, you can never get too high nor too low. Having been a coach at the DI level for over ten years I have been fortunate to be around some really good coaches so I have seen a lot of situations and that experience should be a benefit.” Senior Chase Shellman is excited about what coach Kennedy is bringing to the table for the Badgers. He said, “We really like what Coach Kennedy has to bring. I expect us to do very well this year. We have a lot of new weapons to go along with our older guys. It’s going to be very exciting and we are expecting a huge season.” New weapons that the Badgers have brought in are freshman guard Christian Brandt, forward David Daniels, and freshman point guards Jordan Mcillwain, and Justin Allison. Not only are there new players, but an entirely new coaching staff. Kennedy said “We have
three new coaches, myself, Johnny Williams who played football at Duke, and our GA Janard Estell who worked with Troy’s basketball team, and we are running a new system of play and new strength and conditioning program.”
The team is currently preparing for their first exhibition match coming up on November 6 against the University of New Orleans. Kennedy shares, “New Orleans will be a tough test for us.” The basketball team has high hopes for this
season and has many goals they hope to achieve. Junior, Ryan Littel said “Of course the main goal is to win the conference. But more importantly, we want to build a steady foundation for future teams since we are officially division 2.”
Coach Kennedy at practice | Photo: Cassidi Sterrett
Badgers Prep for First SIAC Championship Tournament Kayley Robinson | Reporter
The Spring Hill College volleyball team completed their regular season on Friday, Nov. 2, with a 3-0 win over Tuskegee University. The Badgers finished the regular season with a 28-3 record and are the No. 1 seed from the SIAC West with a 24-game win streak. According to the NCAA Volleyball Regional Rankings released on Oct. 31, the Badgers are ranked No. 9 in the South region. Though the Badgers have experienced much success this season, the team’s work is far from over as they are preparing for their first SIAC Championship Tournament appearance throughout this week in Birmingham, AL. At the tournament, the Badgers will face the top four teams in each division for a chance to win their first SIAC Conference title. If the Badgers are victorious at the SIAC Championship Tournament, the team will advance to compete for the NCAA Division II Championship title. “The upcoming SIAC
Championship is very important for us because it really doesn’t matter what you’ve done before...” said Head Coach Peggy Martin. “ If you don’t do well in this tournament, your season is over. For us to go into Birmingham and play well is very important for the goals that we set at the beginning of the year, which is to get into our firstNCAA Championship.” Junior setter Emmarose Neibert said, “I think Conference will be really great and that we’ll do really well. Kentucky State will be our biggest competition, but we’ve seen them before and we know what to expect. We’re all really excited because this is our first year being able to do Conference play, so we’ve had something to look forward to and a goal to reach.” In reference to finishing out the season strong, Martin said, “We need to make sure that we are taking care of all of the details. For the next couple of weeks, that’s going to be our goal
- to really finish the season strong and taking care of detail.” According to Neibert, the strong family dynamic has greatly contributed to the team’s success this season. “I think having genuine friendships and really liking the people you’re around contributes to being able to have good cohesion on the court and success,” said Neibert. “I would describe our team this season as a whole as a very committed group...” said Martin. “The goal is to be the best we can be. I don’t think any of us are happy when we go out and win a match, but we weren’t the best we could be. I think this team has that goal and they’re trying to meet that goal… and I think that’s why this team is as successful as we have been.” Live scoring for the SIAC Championship will be available throughout the tournament at theSIAC.com.
SHC Volleyball Team | Photo: Seth Laubinger
Photo: Kayley Robinson
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The SpringHillian
H I L L YE A H !
November 8, 2018
ON THE SPOT What are you thankful for?
Kameron Powell | Senior “Thankful for everyone who has come into my life in the past 5 years.”
Nora Brooks | Junior “Spring Hill.”
Luis Hernandez | Sophomore “I am so thankful for my family, my friends, and my fraternity.”
Genesis Gonzalez | Freshman “I am thankful for my amazing support system made up by my friends and family.”
COMIC OF THE WEEK
Many of you may have heard that our Gulf Coast community is hosting several celebrities this fall. With Mobile and surrounding areas becoming a popular location for movies, our city has seen its share of silver screen celebrities over the past few years. In 2014, Bruce Willis visited our area while filming his 2015 movie “Vice.” In the same year, the Port City hosted “Deadpool” star Ryan Reynolds while he was filming “Mississippi Grind.” This year, Mobile and Baldwin Counties will serve as the backdrop for two new films: “Arkansas” and “This is the Year.” “Arkansas” will tell the story of a drug deal
that goes horribly wrong. In the lead role is Liam Hemsworth. Hemsworth is playing a low-level drug runner who is working for a notorious kingpin. Who is playing this kingpin? That would be “Wedding Crashers” star Vince Vaughn. Hemsworth is known for his roles in blockbuster films such as “The Hunger Games” trilogy, but he isn’t the only fan favorite in our community right now. “Wizards of Waverly Place” star David Henrie is in town, too. Although Henrie is not acting in his current project, he still has a big part to play, because he wrote it. Our favorite wizard big brother is currently directing his original screenplay titled
“This is the Year.” The film is a coming-of-age story that follows high school students on a road trip to a popular music festival. If you’re wishing that you could be a part of that movie madness taking place, don’t worry. Locals can sign up to be extras in Henrie’s movie. While volunteers won’t be paid, they will get the chance to be on the big screen and on the set of a real feature film. All you have to do is RSVP on the film’s website to save your spot. The extras will be needed on Nov. 17 at the Battleship Memorial Park and will be part of the music festival scenes. To find out more and to RSVP, visit thisistheyearmovie.com.
Illustration from March 4, 1968 A comic representing the cafeteria food from the SpringHillian edition in 1968. This illustration was found in the archives at Spring Hill College.