The SpringHillian Volume 111, Issue 1
Thursday, February 6, 2020
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam
SGA Hosts Mardi Gras Parade Ethan Mercer Reporter
Spring Hill’s SGA is planning to host a Mardi Gras Parade Feb. 15, on campus for the upcoming carnival season. Mardi Gras has been a favorite season amongst Spring Hill students and only fitting that it’s celebrated so well in the city that Mardi Gras was originated. SGA has seen the students’ energy for the carnival season and has decided to host a parade for students to partake in with the annual Mardi Gras Ball here. “We want to set the groundwork for future parades and bring back a much-loved tradition,” said SGA President Cade Dernlan. Kevin Abel, vice president of Student Affairs at SHC, said the parade is tentatively set for around 11:30 a.m. on Feb. 15. It precedes an on-campus rugby game and the Mardi Gras Ball on that same evening in Byrne Hall. Abel, in announcing the parade, said: “As part of the effort in moving Mardi Gras
Ball onto SHC’s campus, Student Government with the input and assistance of Student Involvement, will be organizing a campus Mardi Gras Parade to occur on the day of the Mardi Gras Ball. The intent is to give SHC a day-long Mardi Gras celebration as a campus community. Student Government is the primary planning organization for the parade and Campus Programming Board is the primary planning organization for Mardi Gras Ball.” Putting this parade together might be a challenge for some organizations, though. The parade is designed for clubs and organizations from campus to “rent-a-float” so they can participate in the parade and display their respective group by throwing your typical Mardi Gras style throw. But the resistance against the idea has been focused on the funding from the clubs because of such late notice. Not every club
can rent a trailer and decorate it out. Many if not all student organizations have to plan/budget ahead for events like this. So the late notice has proposed many questions. Griffin Morgan, SGA vice president, said, “They are still working on a decision to charge or not. If there is a fee, it won’t be large and we want to emphasize simplicity. No renting needs to be involved, the idea is to be in the back of a pickup truck, but if you have a trailer, more power to you.” So it should be a low-cost production, Griffin added: “We will be in touch with all the clubs and organizations in the coming days.” Another problem that has been brought to attention is the participation from prospective parade-goers. A majority of students on campus are in organizations and will likely be riding on floats. How many students, then, will be in attendance?
Photo Credit: Ethan Mercer
Dernlan and Morgan both agreed that they want to limit the number of people in the truck to either three or four so everyone else can be on the receiving end of the throws for this exciting time of year. This parade initiative for Spring Hill is not the first time the campus has seen Mardi Gras parades before dating back before the 2000s. Bringing back an old
memory of Spring Hill seems like a great idea, Dernlan said, adding: “We want to boost on-campus programming and we thought nothing was more Spring Hill than having our own parade.” With the recent decision to bring the Mardi Gras Ball back to campus, the parade is set to coincide with the fan-favorite party that Campus Programming Board hosts annually.
SHC Students Attend MLK Rally Nathan Taylor Reporter
Photo Credit: Nathan Taylor
“Wars are poor chisels for carving out peaceful tomorrows” decorated the signs of many peaceful protesters in attendance at Mobile’s annual march and rally held in honor of the civil rights activist and theologian, many affectionately abbreviated as MLK. King was born on Jan. 15, 1929 and was assassinated on April 4, 1968. His spirit and
sayings, like the quote above, live on inspiring millions of people like those in attendance on Jan. 20 at Lyons Park downtown for the rally following the march. MLK Day was made a federal holiday in 1986, however, it was not upheld by every state until 2000. The holiday was coined as “a day on, not a day off” meaning true celebration of the day is the act of devoting the down time to service for others. This is a principle that students from Spring Hill College as well as those from the University of South Alabama understand well. Many were in attendance at the event carrying protest signs, joining in festivities, and even performing
for the crowd that had gathered to remember the civil rights leader. Although some parts of the day were celebratory, for many in attendance, such as one junior political science major, Lauryn Herman, the march served as a
Photo Credit: Nathan Taylor
bittersweet reminder of all the progress still left to be made. “Even though it was supposed to be an occasion where we were uplifting and remembering Martin Luther King, it was kind of sad, especially because MLK wanted to fight for justice and
equality but we were walking through this predominantly black neighborhood, and the infrastructure was falling apart, it was poor and didn’t look like a great place to live in,” said Herman. Continued on page 7
February 6, 2020 NEWS Investiture Ceremony Set for Dr. Lee
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The SpringHillian
Megan Lear | Reporter
Spring Hill College will hold an investiture ceremony for its new president Dr. E. Joseph Lee II on Friday. Lee, who served as Interim President for a year, will be celebrated as Spring Hill’s 38th president. Before Lee took office as Interim President, Dr. Christopher Puto served as Spring Hill’s 37th president from 2015 to 2018. As part of its ongoing succession planning, the Board of Trustees announced that Puto would serve as Chair of the Spring Hill College Foundation Trust, Chair of the Board of Trustees Real Estate Task Force and Founding Director of the John J. Burke Center for the Study and Advancement of Free Enterprise. Lee was named president last
September. Lee came to Spring Hill from The Registry, a national firm providing interim leadership in higher education. “I could not help but be impressed with the enthusiasm and commitment of everyone I met during my two days on campus.” Lee said following his visit. “I have deep respect for Spring Hill’s Jesuit, Catholic mission and feel privileged to be a part of the College’s next chapter.” Lee previously held positions at several institutions including Manhattan College and University of Maine. He has an extensive background working with Jesuits and was an active member of the Jesuit Association of Student Personnel Administrators for 15 years.
“I am at home when I am on The Hill,” said Lee. “The Jesuit ideology has been an influence throughout my life. I am energized knowing I can play a major role in moving our College forward in the ever-changing landscape of higher education.” Students are welcome to attend the investiture on Feb. 7 at 11 a.m. in St. Joseph Chapel. A lunch reception will follow immediately after the ceremony in the Student Center.
Seasonal Sickness Sweeps Spring Hill Megan Lear | Reporter
The start of a new semester tends to mark the beginning of a campus-wide flu outbreak, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) predicts this year’s strain may
be worse than past seasons. After speaking with students about their diagnoses, it’s worthwhile to be mindful of viral infections other than the flu. Two weeks ago, senior Cecilia Sutton went to urgent care with flu-like symptoms – fatigue, sore throat and fever – and was treated for an upper respiratory infection. Sutton, who is still feeling the effects of her illness, notes that she’s had to take time off of school and work. “I’m currently doing my internship for the education department and I had to leave school early today because I couldn’t breathe while I was trying to teach my students.” Some students have also expressed concern for
the internet-sensationalized Wuhan coronavirus, a deadly respiratory illness dominating parts of China. The coronavirus, which has been covered extensively in the media both seriously and sarcastically, made landfall in the United States early this week with most cases secluded to the west coast. While there is currently no vaccine to prevent this specific strain, the CDC recommends practicing usual hygienic habits, like washing your hands and avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth, to reduce the likelihood of contracting or spreading any type of respiratory virus. Dr. Shannon Waters, a physician at Greater Mobile Urgent Care on Old
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Shell Road, advises students seek medical attention as soon as flu symptoms kick in to ensure a speedy recovery. “It’s a good idea to nip illnesses like the flu in the bud. Respiratory infections, also, can become dangerous if left untreated.” Dr. Waters also mentioned the benefit of a verified doctor’s note to excuse excessive absences due
SHC Student Media Reporters:
Ethan Mercer, Nathan Taylor, Megan Lear, Alexis Williams, Eleanor Grindinger, Matthew Moreno
to illness. Sutton, who was bedridden at the time of her interview, said simply, “I’ve heard that, in the United States, there’s more of a chance of you dying from the flu this year than the coronavirus. I’m happy I got my flu shot.”
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OPINION
Volume 111, Issue 1
Halftime Show Sparks Controversy
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Alexis Williams | Reporter
This past Sunday, the Super Bowl LIV Halftime show was broadcasted to millions of viewers. The exciting performance had everyone talking. In my opinion, it was one of the biggest halftime shows since Beyonce and Bruno Mars. Latin pop singers, Jennifer Lopez and Shakira, made the stage their own once again. They had a lot of surprises and twists that made their performance memorable. I can say for my-
self this was a loud and entertaining performance, the culture-driven show spoke volumes. I personally watched it when it aired and I thought it had received some backlash from the social media reactions. The lows of the performance occured when Shakira screamed into the mic, which resulted in her being taunted on social media. People also had a problem with the pole on stage. According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, “Twelve minutes of two half-naked women hip gyrating, pelvic thrusting, pole dancing and otherwise cavorting on stage is not my idea of proper entertainment for families watching a football game with their children.” The way I see it is that
poles are used as exercise tools. Plenty of stars have used exercising tools as objects for shows and concerts. In the midst of the lows, the performance had plenty of highs. I love that Lopez brought her daughter on stage to sing with her and the children’s choir. I think America’s heart dropped in that moment. The costumes were amazing and it added to their wonderful performance. Lopez lived up to her fashion icon status with the glamorous outfits she wore. Lopez and Shakira sang their classic songs which might have been the best part. Who doesn’t like a little throwback from the 90s and the 2000s? During the halftime show, people had a hit and miss with the Kobe and Gianna Bryant tribute. According to CNN entertainment, “An overhead shot of the field showed a giant cross, which lit up in purple and yellow, the colors of the Los Ange-
les Lakers for whom Bryant played for from 1996 until his retirement in 2016.” This took place during the singing of Lopez and her daughter. Some fans were very disappointed in the tribute because they didn’t get the “heartfelt” that Lopez promised. Other fans thought Bad Bunny, another Latin singer who performed with Shakira and Jennifer Lopez, who wrote the song called “6 rings” which was a tribute to Kobe Bryant, was very heartfelt.
I think the performance had some critical social media reaction but in all, it was a great entertaining performance. A halftime show for the Super Bowl should always be entertaining and I think the two pop stars fulfilled that role. We all can appreciate the cultural meaning of this show, two Latino women took the stage in Miami and dominated it and made it one of the best Super Bowl performances of all time.
Jennifer Lopez and Shakira | Photo Curtesy of Jeff Kravitz / FilMagic
Fans Express Concern for Rapper ‘Lil Wayne Nathan Taylor | Reporter
Lil Wayne released a new album to mixed reviews. Some heard the album as standard fare from the rap giant, some concerned fans see the record as a cry for help. Lil Wayne has long been a controversial figure in the music world, as well as in the eyes of the public, but nonetheless, a rap god.
EDITORIAL POLICY:
Through his music’s popularity as well as a series of legal troubles, Wayne’s name became near-ubiquitous in pop culture of the late 2000s. His rapid-fire wordplay, unusual delivery, and eccentric image have put him in the ‘top five rappers of all time’ lists of hip hop fans across the world. His newest album, “Funeral” was released on Friday, Jan.31 and most critics who have reviewed it have given the album a lukewarm response. While I don’t personally believe an album that an artist takes months or years to create should be
fully reviewed in a weekend’s time, from my first couple of listens, I overall agree. The album has some really amazing songs like the opening track, and others that simply fall flat like “Get Outta My Head”. In general, the album feels bloated at 24 tracks and could have been so much better overall if even just a few were cut. However, as a long time Lil Wayne fan, the album’s quality is not what concerns me most. What scares me most about this album is the rate at which Lil Wayne raps about hard drugs like cocaine as well as opiates such as codeine. The rapper has always spoken about drugs in his music and his career-long addiction to codeine has even caused him seizures severe enough
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.
to hospitalize him. However, with the slew of recent overdoses in the hip hop world such as the deaths of Juice WRLD and Mac Miller, many of Wayne’s fans, myself included, are begging him to try and kick the cup and toss the powder. According to drugfree.org, a nonprofit dedicated to helping end drug abuse, the abuse of prescription drugs is far too popular among teens, with “one in six admitting to using a prescription drug to alter or change their mood.” Since Lil Wayne’s audience is predominantly teenagers and young adults, the fact that he references drugs like this so frequently is concerning. With Juice WRLD dying from a mixture of codeine and prescription pain killers
SUBMISSIONS:
and Mac Miller from cocaine laced with fentanyl, rap fans are already wary of drug abuse in our stars at the moment. With Wayne releasing this album and titling it “Funeral”, then frequently referencing cocaine and codeine, the fans’ fears for Wayne’s health are understandable. With his recent marriage to Australian model La’Tecia Thomas he’s got plenty to live for, and it would be a shame to see the rap giant go before his time. Drug addiction is not something someone should be judged for, but they should seek help if they can. If you are struggling with drug abuse problems you can call 1-800-662HELP and seek care from a mental healthcare provider.
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
February 6, 2020
Students gather for MLK Day march | Nathan Taylor
Badgers baseball v. Bishop State Community College | Nathan Taylor
Seniors celebrate 100 days until graduation!
Volume 111, Issue 1
AROUND THE HILL
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New Hall resident advisors have a cookout | Alexis Williams
SHC finally gets a powerwash | Nathan Taylor
Members of Phi Mu celebrate bid night | Eleanor Grindinger
Students gear up for e-Sports | Matthew Moreno
The SpringHillian February 6, 2020 6 LIFESTYLE SHC Mardi Gras Parade Has Rich History Staff Reports
When the Spring Hill Student Government Association hosts an on-campus Mardi Gras parade on Feb. 15, it will be bringing back a tradition that reigned in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, according to longtime SHC employees familiar with the event. The parade traditionally drew large portions of the student body, as well as
dozens of residents from the neighborhoods that surround Spring Hill College. Current student and SGA member Amelia Hoffeld said that in her research, the on-campus parade dates back to 1962, although she suspects it could date back to before that year. The tradition also taps into Mobile’s rich Mardi Gras history. Though New Orleans is
most known for the festival, Mobile is said to have had the first Mardi Gras. The French are thought to have been responsible for bringing it to the “New World,” and the Spanish also influenced the vibrant culture. Cartledge Blackwell III, curator of the Mobile Carnival Association, told the SpringHillian in 2018: “Mardi Gras was first celebrated at the Fort at Colonial Mobile, which is 27 miles up the Mobile River from the present day settlement. The first recorded processions and events date not from the French epic but from the Spanish period with the Spanish Mystic Society in the 1790’s.” The holiday itself typically starts in early February, continuing until just before Easter, closing on Fat Tuesday. To some, Mardi Gras is a time for overindulgence as they prepare for the purging of Lent. Blackwell recalls, “It symbolizes a huge cultural
Photographic courtesies of Spring Hill Archives phenomenon that ties people and families together by having a good time and promoting a strong rivalry before the Lenten season.” The season represents more than the parties and parades, it represents a close-knit community for those who come out and support their peers. Make sure to be on the
lookout for an exciting video featuring archive footage next week from the Spring Hill Student Government Association.
Bid Day Decreases in Numbers
Eleanor Grindinger | Reporter A total of 86 women were signed up at the beginning of recruitment weekend. These numbers were extremely low seeing that in past three years, the total women signed up before the weekend was usually around 100. According to Bid Day results, only 59 women accepted a bid from an organization compared to the 86 women that signed up to go through the process. Spring Hill’s Greek organizations cannot quite identify why this year’s numbers were so low. However, some members have a few ideas. Grace Crapps, President of Phi Mu, explains, “I think that Spring Hill’s Greek quotas as a whole have decreased since adding a fourth organization on campus.” Crapps also suggests, “There is a higher commuter
ging, cheering and joyously crying about the new pledge classes despite the rainy weather and having the “run-out” be inside. Rain or shine, every organization got amazing new members on Sunday and are itching to share their sisterhood experience with them.
Members of SHC sororities throw what they know | Photograph by Eleanor Grindinger population in the freshman class, meaning that a lot of people are not going through recruitment.” Frannie Leonard, President of Tri Delta, says, “We were very surprised about the low number of potential new members signed up for recruitment.” Spring Hill’s Greek Life is
much different compared to past years in terms of interest and sign ups. Overall, organizations were extremely happy to get new members over the weekend and are looking forward to having a greater bond of sisterhood. All organizations have an amazing time jumping, hug-
Organizations also went to do something fun with the new members afterward, such as Delta Gamma who went roller skating or Sigma Kappa who enjoyed the company of their new sisters.
Volume 111 Issue 1
SPORTS
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Men’s Soccer Team Recieves Donations
Reporter | Mattew Moreno Spring Hill’s Men’s Soccer team looks to improve its program with support from alumni and the school community. Steve Wieczorek, head coach, has a different approach to the program. Wieczorek claims that, in the past, facilities have not been used to their full potential and motivation to improve has lacked. However, in the past few years, the soccer program has received a respectable amount of donations that has helped in taking that step forward toward improvement. Through the help of alumni, Coach Wieczorek has been able to provide GPS trackers that monitor players while they
participate in any soccer related activity. In addition, he plans on getting netting behind the soccer goals for the fall of 2020. In talking about the future with Wieczorek, he says “my main priority is putting all my effort and dedication into making Library Field a better place.” Wieczorek proceeded to say that “unfortunately in order to restore Library Field and keep it in great condition, the cost will for sure be a heavy one.” He pledges that all of the incoming money from the school’s great alumni will now proceed to Library Field as it has the potential to be a quality surface for the school’s soccer programs.
In the past, the men’s soccer team has seen plenty of success. They ended their 2017 with a record of 12-3. Following that big year of success, they continued having
a record of 17-2 in the 2018 season. They were also undefeated in the GSC regular season conference and GSC conference tournament. The badgers also appeared in
their first ever NCAA game. It is the hope that, with these donations, the Badgers will see even more success.
SHC Athletics Welcomes New Sport
Reporter | Mattew Moreno
A new team has just revealed itself for the Spring Hill Badgers, and they seem extremely motivated to make themselves known.
A junior member of the team, Carlos Salmoran, who’s been around the gaming industry for a while, is excited to start his career with the badgers. He has had a big role
in this process of bringing in the Esports team on campus. Salmoran says “I knew students were interested in gaming and had a passion for it, I wanted to create a platform for people to compete. So I created the Esports club. The school then told me they were in the works for an athletic team and everything worked out perfectly.” Some students have been socked by this new program that has now entered our Badger Athletics. Athletics Director Joe Niland is also enthusiastic about adding eSports to Badger programs. President Dr. Lee recognizes the potential this new pro-
gram has for the College. He says “This is cutting-edge. Many future students are looking beyond the classic athletics experience. Instead, they want a college that understands that their interests may be a bit different from a typical athletics program. Yet they still want to go to a college that can provide them the best possible education. That’s Spring Hill.” As time passes and things tend to get more serious, the Esports look to also compete. Competitions in gaming vary from game to game, but in team-based games, it works the same way as any team-
based sport works. Salmoran says “Teammates need to have great communication with each other to be able to push the opposing team off the point and have good chemistry, just like real sports.” Esports requires a lot of hard work and dedication just like any other sport and they look to have a successful run in their first season as a team. They look to keep on expanding and making themselves known around campus so they can expand their program to the community.
SHC Students Attend MLK Rally (Continued) The event was organized by People United to Advance the Dream, and its president Pastor David Edwards, who spoke at the event. Edwards hoped to show all who were in attendance that “Dr. King changed the laws with his beliefs, his moral integrity and justice.” in hopes that “America would look like what she says she is.” At the
rally, God’s Tribe, a student group from the University of South Alabama led the crowd in worship songs. Other performances such as one from a local rapper and another from a children’s dance group, followed the day’s theme of conquering hardship with the help of faith. The crowd’s readiness to serve was shown when
all who were left in attendance at the end of the event helped to clean up the chairs, trash and load up the sound equipment. Students from SHC are no strangers to the idea of serving others. In fact, engaging in service has been a long-standing tradition after Albert S. Foley, the sociology professor for whom
the college’s Foley Service Center is named, engaged in quite a lot of civil rights activism. According to an article written on apr.org about King and SHC’s relationship, Foley did not fear the Klu Klux Klan and refused to stay quiet about the college’s historic decision to integrate. King praised the college in his famous “Letter from the
Birmingham Jail” for being the first school in Alabama to allow black students to attend before the court’s decision in the case of Brown v. Board of Education.
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The SpringHillian
HILL YEAH!
February 6, 2020
ON THE SPOT
“What did you think about the Super Bowl half time show?”
Bruno Thomassiny Freshman “It proves that Shakira and J-Lo are queens in Miami.”
Courtney Moore Senior “I’m learning to shake like that.”
Bailey Luckett Sophomore “It proves that age doesn’t define anything.”
Edgar Reyes Sophomore “The dancing and fireworks were really good.”