Issue 1_The SpringHillian_Fall2022

Volume 126, Issue 1 Thursday, September 22, 2022

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam

SHC Walks Students Through Debt Forgiveness Plan

Aubrey Gaudet Reporter

A statement released by the White House announced that President Biden’s threepart plan to provide relief is expected to help low and middle-income borrowers.

President Biden proposed a new plan that outlines the Department of Education’s cancellation of up to $20,000 for some borrowers needing relief following the tension caused by the COVID pandemic.

Spring Hill College’s Assistant Director of

Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs, Kristyanne Kiner-Galish, said, “For Spring Hill College Students, this means that students who had an outstanding balance of federal loans as of June 30, 2022 will be eligible to fill out the application to determine their eligibility of relief.”

According to the Department of Education’s Office of Federal Student Aid, single borrowers who make less than $125,000 annually or $250,000 for households can receive at

least $10,000 in debt cancellation or up to $20,000 for Pell Grant recipients.

Aside from offering direct relief, the Department of Education created new income-driven repayment plans to divide monthly payments in half for undergraduate loans. According to the White House, this will aim to make the student loan system more manageable.

Spring Hill College senior Olivia Morrison gave her thoughts on loan debt relief.

“It would help me get on my feet faster. If I had loan debt forgiveness, it would help make my debt more manageable by the time I have a real job,” said Morrison.

After a borrower completes the application, they can expect relief in about four to six weeks. The application deadline is December 31, 2022, but the Office of Federal Student Aid encourages borrowers to apply before November 15 due to the fact the payment pause expires at the end of the year.

There are approximately 45 million borrowers and a cumulative total of $1.6 trillion in federal student loan debt. The White House’s statement claimed that Federal aid has not kept up with the rising costs of attendance for both public and private institutions, leaving students with no choice but to borrow.

To find out the requirements for eligibility or to apply for student loan debt relief, visit studentaid. gov.

SHC Presidential Search Narrows to Three

Spring Hill College is one step closer to announcing its 39th president. Members of the student body, faculty, and search committee have met and narrowed the field to three presidential candidates.

Committee member Dr. Tom Hoffman said, “We are very close to the end and it’s ultimately the board of

trustees who will make the final decision. Narrowing the search and selecting the best candidate of the three have proved to be a complex task. I think that all three candidates have some people who like them. They met with different groups on campus. They met with students. They met with the faculty. They met with staff. They met with the cabinet. I think those different audiences have different conclusions, so it’s a

complex process.”

Spring Hill College launched a presidential search webpage that includes updates on the search process and a downloadable Presidential Leadership Profile (PLP) listing input from the student body, search committee, and trustees. According to the PLP, the new president will be expected to “advance academic and co-curricular programming that meets the

needs and expectations of the 21st century Spring Hill College student.”

The new president will be entrusted to continue the academic excellence of the college and represent the institution’s constituencies in a meaningful way to enrich the quality of student life.

Spring Hill students stand among the first to benefit from the final selection. “I would like to see a passionate, proactive,

and ethical leader who embodies the values and mission of Spring Hill College,” said senior Scout Paulus.

The next president will succeed Dr. Joseph Lee, who announced in January that he will retire from his post in December of this year. A new leader is expected to assume the position by the end of 2022 year. The presidential search webpage is located at www.shc.edu/ presidential-search.

Sharon Nilsen Reporter

Assistant Director of the Office of Financial Aid and Veteran Affairs Kristyanne Kiner-Galish

Photo By: Aubrey Gaudet

Kristyanne Kiner-Galish shows students how to appy for loan forgiveness.

Photo By: Aubrey Gaudet

SHC Senior Raises Money to Fight Sex Trafficking

Pedal the Pacific is a nonprofit organization working to raise awareness and money for the antisex trafficking movement. This organization gathers a small group of college-aged women each summer to bike 1,800 miles in hopes of grabbing people’s attention and starting a conversation about the worldwide issue of sex trafficking.

Zoe O’Donnell Reporter

Liz White, a senior at Spring Hill, raised $126,000 with Pedal the Pacific this summer for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

For nearly two months, White biked the Pacific coast advocating for awareness alongside her 10 other teammates.

“You would be so shocked by how open and receptive people are to hearing about this issue. And it is crazy to see how easily people would step into that conversation with you once you have given them a way to get into

it,” said White.

Leading up to her big journey, White said she had doubts about if she was truly capable and qualified for it. She had a five month

training process that she described as “isolating” and was unsure if this was something for her. However, she persevered and exceeded her expectations

of her own abilities.

In addition to raising awareness for the anti-sex trafficking movement, Pedal the Pacific said, “Riders learn the power of their voices when fighting for justice, something that lasts long after their time with us is finished.”

Since returning from her bike along the Pacific coast, White says that her life has changed in more ways than she could have ever imagined. “I don’t feel held back by the idea that I can’t do something. I know I will show up and I will do my best and I will get there,” said White.

SHC Achieves High Regional Rankings & National Distinctions

Zoe O’Donnell Reporter

Spring Hill College earned high rankings, including seventh overall in regional colleges in the South, according to Best Colleges U.S. News Rankings.

Spring Hill achieved the seventh overall ranking because of a low 13:1 student to faculty ratio, a drop in tuition, high retention rates, and a top 100 ranking for social mobility.

Out of 1,500 schools, Spring Hill ranked in the top 100 for social mobility. Social mobility focuses on the advancement of economically disadvantaged students. Social mobility

is measured based on the amount of students that enroll and graduate from an institution that has been awarded a Pell Grant.

“We are very proud of this recognition,” said Rebecca Cantor, Ph.D., Provost of Spring Hill College. “It represents our dedication to providing an excellent education that is accessible and affordable for all students. But we offer so much more. Here at Spring Hill, we offer an enriching experience that changes lives and prepares those who seek more for their futures.”

Spring Hill College also ranked 12th for Best Value based on academic quality and flexible financial aid in U.S. News & World Report.

In addition to these

rankings, Spring Hill earned six distinctions by the Colleges of Distinction. For 2022-2023, Spring Hill was recognized as Best Catholic College, Best in the State of Alabama, Best Nursing

Degree, Best Business Degree, and Best Career Development Program.

“Being recognized in these areas is yet another way Spring Hill College shows our care for the

For more information on Pedal the Pacific and the anti sex trafficking movement, visit https:// www.pedalthepacific.org/ . whole person,” said Nathan Copeland, Ed.D., Vice President for Enrollment. “When you attend Spring Hill, you are more than a number. You are part of a community. Spring Hill not only focuses on offering an affordable and highly regarded education, but we also ensure the student experience and transition into life after graduation is as smooth as possible.”

For more information on these rankings and distinctions, visit www. usnews.com or www. collegesofdistinction. com.

@shcstudentmedia newswire.shc.edu

The SpringHillian Editor: Victoria Ellis

Art Director: Peri Carr

Web Editor: Codi Clemmons

Advertising Manager: Madeleine Braham

livestream.com/ springhillcollege SHC Student Media

Spring Hill Now Producer: Carson Reeves

Spring Hill Now Director: Kira Babiarz

Reporters: Val Dixon, Fae Fox, Aubrey Gaudet, Natalie Marrs, Sharon Nilsen, Zoe O’Donnell, Isabelle O’Neal, Beau Reed, Natalie Williamson

shcstudentmedia@gmail.com

Advisors:

Stuart Babington Gary Wolverton

Picture by: Zoe O’Donnell

Photo Courtesy of SHC Marketing

Picture by: Zoe O’Donnell

OPINION

Why the British Monarchy is Here to Stay after Queen’s Death

Fae Fox Columnist

Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, was announced dead at 96 years old on September 8. The queen’s death raises the question of what role the monarchy should play in Britain’s constitutional system.

The monarch and British parliament split their responsibilities over the U.K. The monarch is the head of state overseeing ceremonial duties, while the prime minister represents the legislature and judiciary. After the queen’s death, King Charles rightfully took the throne. Liz Truss, who was appointed by Queen Elizabeth II two days before

her majesty’s death, is now the U.K. prime minister.

According to YouGov, an international research data and analytics group, the approval ratings of King Charles III show only 31% of people aged 18-24 want to keep the monarchy, and 41% think there should be an elected head of state.

In 1994, Prime Minister Liz Truss said in one of her early speeches, “We do not believe that people should be born to rule.” I believe that politicians change their minds to whatever gets them elected, so this shows that Prime Minister Liz Truss did not always agree with the monarchy.

According to TIME magazine, the British government would have to elect a new head of state if

the monarchy was abolished. With that knowledge, I feel the monarchy should not be abolished because parliament and the monarch have different duties and one cannot do their job without the other.

I also believe the monarchy is a vital tradition and origin for the royal

family to learn about their ancestry. It would be like forcing someone to give up their heritage. People cannot choose what family they are born into; however, they can embrace who they are and have an opportunity to impact their country.

Moreover, the Royal

family gives back to the British people in a big way through charities and their dedication to service. Judging by the large number of British people lining the streets for the queen’s funeral, it is clear that the monarchy is still popular.

Finally, in a strange way the British people have a complex relationship with the royal family. They will say negative things about them all day but if you really threaten to abolish the monarchy, there would be a huge public outcry. In the end, I believe the Royals are here to stay.

How the BeReal App is Changing the Media Landscape

since the last report in early 2021 claimed 10,000 people used the app. The BeReal website describes itself as “a new and unique way to discover who your friends really are in their daily life.”

Isabelle O’Neal

As social media has evolved over the years, people can become unrecognizable because of filters, making it harder to know who is real and who is fake. BeReal, the social media app released in 2020, might be changing the catfish game for good.

According to Social Media Today, BeReal rose to 10 million daily active users

EDITORIAL POLICY:

Every day, you receive a notification saying, “It’s time to BeReal” then, you have two minutes to take a picture. The app is being labeled as anti-Instagram because the focus is on showing your real, unedited life instead of a filtered and hand-selected Instagram post. A study done by The Modems revealed that 71% of selfie-takers edit photos of themselves. This is not a big revelation, as many models and influencers like the Kardashians have admitted to editing their photos. Still, it reminds us of the longterm negative effects filters may have.

Among those who have not downloaded the app is SHC junior Sydney Barter.

“I just find it kind of creepy and invasive, how everyone can see what you’re doing and where you are,” said Barter. Although I agree with that statement, you do have control over who follows you and sees your pictures. When I explained the downsides of apps

The SpringHillian is published four times each semester from August until December. 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.

such as Instagram, Barter admits, “Yeah, I totally have brightened up my teeth or gotten rid of some acne in photos, but not because of hate comments, but because everyone else is doing it, so why can’t I?”

Instead, I think we should ask ourselves why everyone

SUBMISSIONS:

feels the need to edit our photos in the first place. No matter how good you may look online, no amount of makeup or expensive clothes can cover up your true self in person.

In my opinion, I think you should save yourself some time and try keeping it real on all social media platforms.

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.

Columnist

Madeleine Braham uses the BeReal application. Photo by: Codi Clemmons

Around The Hill

Members of the Divine Nine sororities during the Divine Nine Showcase Mixer on campus.

Picture by: Aubrey Gaudet

Volleyball players Mikayla Boyer and Emily Weinzapfel, prepare to receive the ball.

Picture by: Kira Babiarz

Women’s soccer player, Marta Mayoral-Montero, goes for the ball during a game against Thomas University.

Picture by: Kira Babiarz

Student Government Association President Luly Tuñón addresses students at Badger Day.

Picture by: Kira Babiarz

Members of Phi Mu compete in the tug-of-war at Watermelon Bash.

Picture By: Natalie Williamson

Around The Hill

Carson Reeves embraces Haven Nail after she scores a goal against Thomas University.

Picture By: Kira Babiarz

Nicolas Couchard at Watermelon Bash.

Photo by: Natalie Williamson

Students search for insects during Dr. Culberson’s Entomology lab.

Picture by: Dr. Don Culberson

Courtney Head talks to students about Delta Gamma at Badger Day.

Picture By: Kira Babiarz

LIFESTYLE

Mrs. Mica Brews Up Personal Connections

Natalie Williamson Reporter

One Einstein Bros. Bagel’s employee at Spring Hill College has brewed connections with students for over a decade.

For 17 years, Mrs. Mica Thomas-Stanton has not only worked at Spring Hill College, but also formed connections with many students on the Hill. As the manager of Einstein Bros. Bagels, Thomas-Stanton works to make sure students get their coffee, smoothies and bagels. “My favorite part about working at Einstein’s is seeing students grow,” said Thomas-Stanton in her black Einstein Bros. Bagels polo. “I love y’all. That’s what I really like is seeing y’all come in as babies and maturing.”

When students walk into Einstein Bros. Bagels, they are always greeted with Thomas-Stanton’s smiling face. As tears formed in

her eyes, Thomas-Stanton placed her hand over her heart and said, “My heart feels so warm to know that somebody is accepting what I’m giving out. It’s really bringing tears to my eyes. I’ve got kids of my own, so I understand y’all trying to figure out a way, and if I can help y’all in any way, I would

love to.”

Einsteins, as students call it, is known as one of the hot spots of SHC. Students file in for their everyday breakfast needs. Junior Victoria Spivey, an avid customer, said after sipping her iced coffee, “Mrs. Mica is very friendly. She cares about students a lot and you

can tell. She is interested in who you are as a person.” As for senior Adelisca LeBlanc, she agreed with Spivey, saying, “She is very sweet and friendly. The way she interacts with you is a bit more personal. She offers a more personal touch that adds to the atmosphere.”

With fall around the

corner, Einstein Bros. Bagels is serving a new pumpkin spiced brew. Thomas-Stanton voiced her thoughts on the new brew, saying it has a “strong” taste, but those who love pumpkin will enjoy it. For more information or to look at the menu, go to www. einsteinbros.com.

SHC Provost Meets Students, Talks Changes

Since being named Provost on July 1, the actions of Dr. Rebecca Cantor Ph.D. have gotten her noticed.

“I’ve really enjoyed getting to know so many of the athletes and so many students who are passionate about so many things,” Cantor said.

Despite her short time here, Cantor has engaged with students and fulfilled requests such as implementing longer library hours. She also started sending out weekly emails with campus updates to improve communication.

“One of my favorite things Dr. Cantor already started doing is consistently eating in the caf for common hour,” said SGA president Luly Tuñón. “She’s smiling, introducing herself to students, and making it

known to us that she is approachable.”

Dr. Cantor works behind the scenes to ensure Spring Hill students get the most out of their Jesuit Education. One of Dr. Cantor’s responsibilities as Provost is not just listening to faculty, but also to students.

“As Provost I oversee all

of the academic areas of the institution,” said Cantor. “All of the faculty report to me and also libraries and the registrar’s office.”

Cantor said she plans to assess the college before making any major changes to Spring Hill’s academics.

Cantor’s background includes a personal

connection with Jesuit education. She attended two Jesuit institutions, including Fairfield University and Loyola Marymount University. “It’s been a passion of mine ever since,” Cantor said.

She joined SHC from the Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, Georgia.

She has published two books and several journal articles.

To learn more about Spring Hill’s academic programs, visit https://www.shc.edu/ academics/by-degreetype/undergraduatedegrees/.

Mrs. Mica Thomas-Stanton, Einsteins manger, serving students.

Picture by: Natalie Williamson

Natalie Marrs Reporter

Photo provided by: SHC Marketing Department

Picture by: Natalie Williamson

Lady Badgers Soccer Falls to Valdosta State

The SHC women’s soccer team played against Valdosta State University at Library Field on September 18, resulting in a 0-2 defeat.

The Spring Hill College women’s soccer team took on the Blazers of Valdosta State University for their ninth game of the season.

During the first half, SHC had four shots on goal, seven saves, one corner kick and two fouls. The VSU Blazers had 12 shots on goal, two saves, two corner kicks and two fouls. The Blazers took the lead in the second minute when VSU Freshman Victoria Bahr delivered the ball in the goal. The Lady Badgers applied pressure

to VSU after their first goal, which forced them to make quick decisions on where to send the ball.

This hard pressing defense did not allow the Blazers to score again in the first half, which made the score 1-0 at

halftime. After the 15 minute break concluded, Valdosta State maintained their energy for the rest of the game . In the 87th minute, Valdosta State’s Morgan Craven made a pass to Bahr, resulting in her second goal of the match.

In the 50th minute, Spring Hill’s forward, Sophie Bailey, attempted a shot from the bottom right to get the Badgers on the scoreboard. VSU goalkeeper Emma Pruett, blocked the shot. Spring Hill’s goalkeeper, Anna Brunner, helped the Badgers by denying 10 shots on goal. SHC Redshirt Junior Sophie Bailey acquired two shots on goal. Lady Badgers Ciara Bridges and Haven Nail each had one shot on goal, following behind Bailey.

SHC women’s soccer coach, Samantha Thomsit, shared how she felt about the Lady Badgers performance on Sunday. “Our defensive shape was good,” Thomsit admitted, “but after letting in a goal in the first two minutes, that didn’t really matter afterwards.”

The Lady Badgers soccer team is currently 0-5 for home games this season and 0-1-1 for away games. The Badgers will take on Christian Brothers University on September 23 in Memphis, Tennessee.`1

For more information on upcoming games, players, or statistics on the SHC women’s soccer team, visit www.shcbadgers.com/ sports/womens-soccer.

Watermelon Bash Collects Goods & Donations for Charity

Over 15,000 canned goods were collected during Lambda Chi’s 2022 Watermelon Bash on September 17.

“We also raised over $1,000 for the scholarship fund,” Lambda Chi’s Vice President of External Affairs, Ian Hanneman, explained, “It’s a great way to bring out canned goods and really throw on a good event.”

This year, all monetary donations raised at this event went to the Caroline Lewis Memorial Scholarship Fund. All canned goods were given to Feeding the Gulf Coast for Feeding America.

Sororities and other student organizations participated in this event.

Courtney Faulkner, president of Phi Mu, was excited to participate in her fourth Watermelon Bash. “Throughout the last week, we’ve gone on trips to Walmart, raising over 9,000 cans to help Feeding the Gulf Coast,” Faulker explained.

Other students looked forward to this event for

other reasons.

“My favorite part about Watermelon Bash is competing,” Tri-Delta’s director of intramurals and activities, Michelle Lorio, said, “I’m so excited for the event. Me and all my team are so excited to compete.”

To receive points, teams created signs, shared social media posts and turned in canned goods. At the end of the event, Phi Mu placed first, Delta Gamma came in second and Tri Delta finished third. Mice Nelons took home the “Best Freshman Team” award,

and Sigma Kappa earned the “Most Spirited” award.

Lambda Chi has hosted this event since 2005 to raise money and canned goods for their philanthropy. After every event, the cans are loaded into a delivery truck and sent to their

destination where they are distributed to those in need.

For more information regarding the Watermelon Bash or to view photos from the event, visit Lambda Chi’s Instagram at instagram. com/lambdachialpha_shc/.

Natalie Williamson Reporter

Natalie Williamson Reporter

Members of the Tri Delta Sorority compete in the wheelbarrow relay event.

Picture By: Natalie Williamson

Members of the Sigma Kappa Sorority participate in the tug-of-war contest at the end of Watermelon Bash.

Picture By: Natalie Williamson

Lady Badgers playing in their match against Valdosta State on the Library Field.

Picture By: Natalie Williamson

Ceci Dip “Hammock on the Rydex”

Jimmy Garmback “Go to the beach”

Luly Tuñón “Hang out on my apartment porch”

Madison Demming “Go on a picnic in the park with my friends”

Nicolas Couchard “Go to Dauphin Island”