Issue 2_The SpringHillian_Spring2021

The SpringHillian

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam

Emotional Support Animal Relieves Homesickness

Maddie Kurcab Reporter

Spring Hill College has a strict no-pet policy with the exception of registered emotional support and service animals. For students who qualify to have a pet on-campus, it can be therapeutic.

An emotional support animal is a type of animal that provides comfort to help relieve a symptom or effect of a person’s disability. Holly Banning, director of Residence Life, stated: “If you have a disability related need for an emotional support animal, it would be approved. The process includes submitting a note from a treating physician.”

Spring Hill takes approving emotional support animals very seriously. Banning takes all the necessary steps to find out if the animal is necessary to the student’s success.

According to the Student Handbook, “Animals, with the exception of approved service and/or assistance animals, and fish in an approved tank or container, are not permitted in any College buildings. Threatening or endangering the health and/or safety of an animal is prohibited. Any animals

on campus must be leashed and under the control of the owner.”

The application process takes 30 to 60 days to be reviewed, and once approved, Residence Life meets with students and their animal to discuss the guidelines for having an animal on campus.

Toni Muzzo, a junior at Spring Hill from Chicago says being homesick has been a constant struggle for her to adjust to life here. Muzzo said her homesickness caused her mental health to become a concern. Her psychiatrist recommended that a good way to cope with her mental health struggle would be an

emotional support animal. Muzzo decided to go for it and recently got a puppy to serve as an emotional support animal. Her puppy, Georgia, is a 4-month-old yellow lab who has helped her through mental health struggles.

Muzzo says: “Georgia helps me stay motivated to get out of bed everyday. She has helped me become less homesick.” In getting an emotional support animal approved, there are many contracts needed. In signing the contracts you are taking full responsibility for any animal related issues. The contracts state that you are responsible for cleaning up after your animal, training your animal and ensuring the safety of other students on the Hill.

For any other questions on emotional support animals or how to apply for an emotional support animal you can contact reslife@shc. edu.

New Chapter for Maintenance at SHC

Sacha Ducreux Reporter

Spring Hill College welcomed Chad Wilson as the new Director of Facilities on Feb. 15.

Some buildings were already suffering major issues such as power outages and heating problems when he got here, however, Chad Wilson was never worried about his ability to get the equipment up and running again. Indeed, working with century-old buildings and piping systems does not seem to represent much of a challenge for him: “It’s kind of normal in my field of work

because you move around so much. You never know what you’re getting into until you get there. I’ve seen it before,” he said.

Anthony Hall, actuarial mathematics junior, thinks that some places on campus highly need to be fixed: “O’Leary is falling apart,” he said. Additionally, he finds it “suspicious” that this building will not host any students next year given that it was already closed for renovations during the whole 2019-2020 school year.

Wilson pointed out the general condition of Mobile Hall, which is one of his main concerns: “There are a lot of roofing and heat-

ing issues in Mobile Hall,” he said. His crew of 20 employees has already fixed some of those issues and is also currently replacing chillers in O’Leary and the library. Once those major issues are all fixed, Chad Wilson plans on improving the emergency generators system in place so the campus will “be ready to face other hurricanes,” he stated.

Built in 1927, according to SHC.edu, Mobile Hall still functions with some of its original piping. Wilson also commented on this: “A lot of it is very old brutal piping. It’s rusty and there are a lot of clogs,” he said. Nonetheless, he stays confident

in his crew’s ability to handle those and since he highlighted that “we can always upgrade,” a replacement of this piping into a more modern one is not out of the question.

Before coming to SHC, Wilson was in the U.S. Coast Guard for 30 years. He completed different missions such as ice breaking and buoy tending, but the most important part of his work had to do with civil engineering. As he was enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard, he has been stationed in many states like Virginia, Alaska and Hawaii to name a few. However, he “fell in love” with Alabama when he moved here with his

family about five years ago. After moving across the country for years, Wilson has decided to settle here, in Mobile, with his wife and his two children.

Toni Muzzo and Georgia. Photo by Maddie Kurcab

Chad Wilson. Photo by Sacha Ducreux

Give Day 2021 Calls for Badger Generosity

SHC Student Media

Spring Hill College has scheduled its annual, one-day fundraising event, Give Day, for Tuesday, March 16, beginning at 5:30 a.m.

The fundraiser for the college has in years past raised more than $230,000 for the college while engaging as many as 700 alumni, students, faculty and staff, and friends of the college. Housed on an online platform and driven by social media, the event benefits specific SHC departments and programs, as well as the college’s general fund.

Cris Smith, SHC’s director of annual giving, said of this year’s event: “Collec-

tive impact of Give Day is the key to its success and this year, we are challenging alumni and the SHC community to support students who follow their journey

into the real world.”

Smith said the theme for this year’s fundraiser is “Shine on, Spring Hill!” He explained that Spring Hill College was founded as a “torch

upon the hilltop” to light the path to discover wisdom and faith. “The image of that beacon of light has been with us since 1830 and Give Day 2021 will celebrate the generosity of alumni, students, parents and friends who encourage Spring Hill to ‘Shine On!,’” Smith said.

Smith added that SHC’s iconic cupola above the Lucey Administration Center will literally serve as a beacon on the hill on March 16 and will be lit between 7 and 10 p.m. to encourage all alumni to support their favorite division on campus. The WWII searchlight, “Big Bertha,” will be on campus to make sure that The Hill is shining.

Food trucks and special activities will take place on campus on March 16 to

remind everyone about the impact of Give Day, Smith added.

SHC’s Give Day was launched in 2015 when a pair of SHC students, Erinn Vogel and Megan St. Germain, led the campaign as part of their Senior Seminar in Communication Arts. Their first effort raised more than $66,000 for the college. Upon graduation, they left their plans to the SHC Office of Development, which since made it an annual campaign.

Since 2015, Give Day donors have made an impact of more than $1 million in support, according to the SHC Office of Advancement.

Nursing Division Earns Another#1 Ranking

Office of Marketing and Communication

Spring Hill College’s Nursing division has ranked number one in the state of Alabama for their Bachelor of Science of Nursing program.

RNCareers.org, said, “Spring Hill College ranked #1 in Alabama and is one of the best nursing schools in the nation, with an impressive average NCLEX firsttime passing rate of 96.78% for the ranking period over last three years. Out of over 1,700 schools examined, Spring Hill College nursing school ranked #77 national-

ly.” The rankings also took into consideration the number of students taking the test, the program nursing accreditation and more. RNCareers.org then compared the results against other nursing programs in Alabama to provide Spring Hill College’s top ranking.

“I am so pleased that our Division, our faculty and our students have been recognized for their hard work and commitment to the nursing profession. It’s an honor to continue to receive these state and national awards and shows that our students are being educated to become the best possible nurses,” said Kathy Sheppard, PhD, chairperson of the College’s Division of

Nursing. system.

Spring Hill College President E. Joseph Lee, II, PhD, noted, “Our Nursing Division is another example of the great value of a Spring Hill College

education and is just one of the many College programs that have garnered national recognition. We are proud of the Division’s faculty, staff and students. Their dedica-

tion will be seen and felt in the communities they serve for generations to come.”

The Spring Hill College Nursing Division has also been awarded the #1 BSN program in the state of Alabama among all four-year colleges and universities from registerednursing.org.

“This ranking also helps prove the value of the hard work of everyone in the Nursing Division and their commitment to their patients,” Sheppard commented.

Since 2015, Give Day donors have made an impact of more than $1 million in support, according to the SHC Office of Advancement.

Reporters: Andrew Jones, Caroline Landaiche, Maddie Kurcab, Summer Poole, Sacha Ducreux

The SpringHillian Editor: Olivia McNorton Art Director: Laura Delgado

Advisors: Stuart Babington and Gary Wolverton

Nursing Students Hold COVID Vaccination Cards . Photo by Maddie Kurcab

Will Washington D.C Become the 51st State?

Olivia Morrison Columnist

Washington, D.C., has been through many changes in the last month. After the Capitol riots, a fence went up around a number of federal buildings, including the Supreme Court and the Library of Congress.

COVID numbers in the area are rising and with a new president inaugurated, the citizens of D.C. have decided it is time to push for statehood. When the fence was erected days after the violence that ensued on Capitol Hill, citizens quickly denounced the idea that it would become permanent.

The fence has caused a number of problems to begin with, including; the need for emergency vehicles to find detours and import-

ant walkways to the schools downtown. The district is federal property, so there needs to be federal action to eliminate them.

Increased security is not a new concept to D.C. citizens. After the tragic event on 9/11, the west front of the Capitol was shut down to the public and metal detectors were implemented in national museums in the 1990s. The fence however, has now become a symbol for residents. It represents a physical divide between the district and the legislature implementing that D.C. citizens still have no representation in Congress.

D.C. is allowed a mayor and council due to the District of Columbia Home Act of 1973, but all legislation passed by the D.C. council must be approved by the Senate. Because of the fence, council members are unable to get laws to the Senate di-

rectly and must meet at obscure places to hand them off. If D.C. gained representation in Congress, there would be no need for unnecessary review of their laws.

As of last year, the House supported statehood for D.C., but the bill was not passed by Republicans in the Senate. Now the Democrats control the Senate, and residents are hopeful and excited to push the bill again. Joe Biden has even expressed his support of statehood for

Washington D.C.

Many oppose the statehood bill due to the small geographical size of the area. This should not matter. According to the official site advocating for D.C. statehood, the population of D.C. is at 712,000 - more than Vermont and Wyoming. It is not a matter of size, it is a concern for voting rights. D.C. is 47% Black, 4% Asian, and 11% Hispanic. This would make D.C. the only state that is

predominantly Black, which will influence Congress to push for more understanding of (and hopefully begin to take action on) the social issues that have erupted over the last year.

Being a predominantly blue area, it could be that Republicans are scared of adding extra Democratic seats to Congress. The district is full of educated citizens, and if they were allowed to be elected into federal positions, it could prompt more campaigns for different political and social reforms. Maybe congressional meetings would be productive with some new voices.

Right now, Washington, D.C., residents have no say in the federal legislature. They are quite literally experiencing taxation without representation.

Increase Concern For Eating Disorders

Summer Poole Columnist

National Eating Disorder Awareness week was held on the week of Feb. 22 through Feb. 28 all across the world.

According to the National Eating Disorder Awareness website, the goal of the week was to educate others on eating disorders and spread the message of hope. Eating Disorders have the highest mortality rate out of all the mental health disorders and the rate has increased since the beginning of COVID-19.

The Wellness Center counselors stated that some of the main causes of devel-

EDITORIAL POLICY:

oping an eating disorder are parental eating disorders, obsessive compulsive disorcder, and social media. Social media is one of the biggest influences in today’s society, and can be harmful to people who are already experiencing other risk factors. The counselors also stated that most eating disorders go commonly unnoticed. They stated, “Healthy eating habits are turned into orthorexia and now is normalized.”

COVID-19 has also played a part in the increase of eating disorders. According to the Wellness Center counselors, a lot of people have dealt with unhealthy environments at home and a loss of control ever since the pandemic started. This has led to eating disorders developing and going unnoticed.

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.

SUBMISSIONS:

This year, due to COVID-19, the Wellness Center did not host an event for National Eating Disorder Awareness week, but they do have services for eating disorders. Over exercising, skipping meals, and/or a negative relationship with food may be indications of an eating disorder.

The way I see it, eating disorders can cause more than just metal health problems, but can also cause physical health problems as well. Eating disorders are serious mental health issues that need to be taken more seriously, especially after dealing with COVID-19. National Eating Disorder Awareness week not only allows for people to get educated on the topic, but also allow for people to tell their own stories.

If you seeking support, resources or treatment for an eating disorder, the National Eating Disorders Assocation Hotline is available at (800) 931-2237.

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. Submissions may also be sent as emailed attachments to: shcmedia@email.shc.edu.

4 AROUND THE HILL

The SpringHillian

Above: Students enjoying kona snow cones after the purple dress run. Photo by Olivia Mcnorton Students posing and havving a good day in the Rydex. Photo by Olivia McNorton

Above: Students casually having a good time. Photo by Olivia McNorton

Above: Lawne Carlson junior, being festive for the purple dress run. Photo by Olivia McNorton

Above: Students line up to got some snow cones. Photo by Olivia McNorton

AROUND THE HILL

Students Throw Mardi Gras Parade on the Hill

Above: International Club participated on the Mardi Grass Parade, Fernanda Garcias and Fergus O’Rourke. Photo by Maddie Kurcab

Phi Mu Fraternity presented on the festivites on the Hill. Photo by Maddie Kurcab.

Above: Rebecca Howard, Delta Gamma. Photo by Maddie Kurcab.

Above: Tri Delta won best decorations. Betsy Blumenfeld, Grace O’Toole, Ellen Martin and Caroline Landaiche. Photo by Maddie Kurcab.

Senior Deja Thomas SGA. Photo by Maddie Kurcab.

The Cafeteria Brings “Hillbachi” to the Hill

Audrey Cox Reporter

Spring Hill College introduced a new food item for students and faculty to enjoy in the cafeteria this spring semester, and they’ve given it a clever name: “Hillbachi.”

Now being served daily, students and faculty can customize their plates to their preferences and watch the campus’s chefs prepare it right in front of them.

The cafeteria serves a variety of pizzas, soups, casserole dishes, desserts, etc. daily, and adding a customizable meal option appeals to a majority of students because they have the freedom to have it how they want it. Students are able to choose from chicken, steak, shrimp, tofu, eggs and sometimes sausage as their meat option,

and a multitude of veggies as well.

Last semester, the caf provided breakfast, lunch and dinner in to-go plates to ensure students’ safety from the COVID-19 virus. This ultimately led to trash cans overflowing, students not eating and a negative feeling about the caf food in general.

Meredith Mimnaugh,

a junior here on the hill, explains how she feels about the newest edition on the menu. “The cafe in general has upped their game, but the Hillbachi station with the big grill is like real hibachi.”

The new option has become popular amongst students all over campus. She said, “It’s good, you get to pick between rice or noodles and

add whatever vegetables you want.”

Although many students who have tried the “Hillbachi” say they love it, many others have conflicting opinions. Kate Hammond, now a senior here at Spring Hill, said, “I don’t see what the hype is all about. Every time I’ve gotten it, it’s been undercooked and drenched

in teriyaki sauce.” Some have said they were tired of expecting the same thing every day, while others haven’t given it a try at all yet.

Overall, the “Hillbachi station” has imprinted on the Student Center, and students seem to be satisfied with this new edition to the daily menu.

Caf worker fries rice on the new Hillbachi. Photo by Audrey Cox.

SHC Teams Staying the Course after SIAC Decision

Spring Hill College athletic teams are expected to experience only minimal change to their spring competition schedules, despite the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference’s decision last week to cancel league competition this spring.

SHC is a full member of the NCAA Division II and compete as a member of the SIAC in the sports of women’s and men’s basketball, women’s and men’s tennis, women’s and men’s cross country, baseball, softball, women’s court volleyball, men’s golf, and women and men’s outdoor track and field. The Badgers are an affiliate member of the Gulf South Conference (GSC) in women’s and men’s soccer and women’s golf.

Last week, the SIAC announced that because of continued concerns over the

COVID-19 virus, it was cancelling all conference scheduling and championship events for teams that compete primarily in the winter and spring athletic seasons. That includes all SHC teams with the exception of the soccer teams and women’s golf.

However, SHC Athletic Director Joe Niland clarified the SIAC decision

last week, saying it doesn’t prohibit SHC teams from playing league opponents that already appear on schedules. Rather, he said it means SIAC won’t sponsor or recognize these games as league contests. Moreover, SHC teams may also keep the games already scheduled against non-conference opponents.

The SIAC explained

this in its announcement last week: “Each SIAC institution shall retain the autonomy to independently participate in non-conference competition and honor pre-existing contractual obligations. While current SIAC fan attendance restrictions will remain in force, team activities, practice and training opportunities against competition will be determined and defined

by each member institution,” the conference announced.

As a consequence of the SIAC decision, there will be no conference championship tournaments this spring. And because of this, automatic bids to NCAA Division II tournaments will not be awarded to SIAC champions. But, as Niland points out, SHC teams may still qualify for at-large bids to NCAA

Two-Sport Athletes Balance Sports and Academics

Andrew Jones Reporter

Sophomore John Abate and Junior David Daniels have been trying to navigate both of the sports they love through the restrictions of COVID this year.

Junior, David Daniels, began his basketball career early in his life stating, “I started basketball , probably, around 5th grade and I’ve been playing it ever since.” While his basketball career began early, he was hesitant at first to run track. Daniels stated, “ I started running track my sophomore year of high school. My freshman year I wasn’t really sure whether I wanted to do it because I didn’t really like running. My mom finally convinced me, and I started to love it. I’ve been doing it ever since.” David now does the triple jump and the long

jump for the Spring Hill track team as well as play on the basketball team.

Similar to David, basketball had an almost immediate impact on him. He stated, “Basketball has always been around my family. My biological father played professional basketball and my mom was a soccer player. My brother began to fall in love with it, so I just grew up with falling in love with sports.”

The love for sports that John

had, caused him to branch out and eventually find track. John stated, “Track was my own personal decision. I fell in love with it because running and staying in shape for basketball build off each other.”

This year both John and David have had to find a way to balance their schedules throughout the current pandemic. David stated, “COVID has been terrible. It’s rough only playing a couple

games and only being able to compete in a few meets. But competition, the love for it doesn’t matter as long as I am actually able to play and compete I am cool with it.” In this time period where COVID restrictions have changed their normal routine athletes have had to look inward for their motivation. John stated, “ Everything is so limited, you don’t even have a championship, so that motivation has to come from the heart.”

Softball Players Practice their Skills. Photo by: Alexandria Rayford

Track Athletes Prepare for a Race. Photo by Matt Lash