The SpringHillian Volume 109, Issue 1
Thursday, September 19, 2019
Ad Majorem Dei Gloria1
SGA Working for the People Reporter | Blake Flood
Spring Hill College’s Student Government Association welcomed Cade Dernlan and Griffin Morgan as President and Vice President for the 2019-2020 school year, both without prior SGA experience. This duo is open about their lack of SGA experience. In fact, they view it as a strength. SGA President Cade Dernlan said, “I think it’s very valuable for any organization to come in with a fresh perspective on things and new fervor.” Amidst a changing SGA, Dernlan and Morgan discussed a need for transparency in an organization that
the
in the past was criticized for its seclusion. The two also expressed that adjustments within SGA are necessary. Dernlan explained, “While our meetings are still structured, we want to allow more time for individuals to speak their minds.” SGA meetings are open to the student body and are every Wednesday at 9 p.m. in Yenni 206. Since their original campaign initiative fell through for the fall, the two have faced criticism. They both addressed their concern with the 20 students who left Spring Hill within the first week of last year. Mor-
gan said, “We planned to tackle this issue with a mentor program. Unfortunately, it proved extremely arduous to have a pilot running for this fall.” The initiative was to have a mentor for every freshman on campus in order to make them feel comfortable. Nevertheless, Dernlan and Morgan are making an effort with a similar and more doable initiative. They shared their confidence in their actions to proceed with a mentor program for transfer students in the upcoming Spring. This disappointment has not discouraged the organization, rather, it has been a
source for motivation. As he discussed a popular complaint amongst students, Dernlan said, “We want to make sure that the hours at McKinney’s and Einstein’s
are more tailored to students’ needs. There is certainly a need for more late night options.” MaryGrace Sullivan, Sec-
on
Hill
Students of Spring Hill College enjoy being back on campus after a long summer break. They participated in outside activities around campus.
retary of Campus Life, is devoted to improving the caf: “I have reached out to the new Caf manager, Alex Tholl, regarding some improvements I would like to see. Such improvements include: seasonal fruits at the salad bar during lunch hours like blueberries and strawberries; having a Healthy Hill week during the fall semester as well as during the Spring Semester; also, a way for athletes and students to have a quick snack from 3pm-5pm.” Dernlan said he hopes that working toward goals like this will help achieve a healthier relationship with SGA and the student body.
SHC Applies Test Optional Policy Reporter | Lauren Byrd A new policy will allow prospective Spring Hill College students to apply without standardized test scores giving current students mixed feelings about the policy. Spring Hill’s new test-optional policy was announced on Aug. 8. According to Spring Hill Colleges’ official website, the new policy gives prospective students the option to submit standardized test scores or supply additional materials in place of their test scores. Despite the absence of traditional test scores, students who choose not to provide standardized test scores will be considered for financial aid and scholarships. These students will be evaluated on academics, extracurriculars, and service. Prospective students may submit items such as personal recommendation letters and writing samples. Students like Evann Campbell, senior, are supportive of this new policy. “I think it’s fair. Some students just don’t test well,” said Campbell. The average ACT score among SHC students is between 22 and 27. Campbell explained that she took the ACT three times before she was finally happy with her score. “The stress and workload was unbearable,” Campbell said. Campbell maintained a 4.0 GPA in high school, but was unable to perform well on standardized tests. Campbell feels that students are put under immense pressure at an early age to do well on these tests.
Continued: “Test ” Page 8
The SpringHillian September 19, 2019 NEWS 2 Textbooks: Convenience Over Price? Lucia Martinez | Reporter
The textbook season has begun at Spring Hill College. Every year, students prepare for their classes by gathering school supplies and more importantly, textbooks. Books are selling quickly in the campus bookstore and many are being constantly shipped to the mailroom. Barnes and Noble manager Jason Meier shared that there have been several students coming in to purchase books. He estimated that about 60-70 percent of those students have scholarships. In fact, a brief survey conducted revealed that most students buying in the bookstore do so because of their scholarships. Sophomore Roger Baudry explained that he purchases from the bookstore because it is the most convenient.
Textbooks in SHC Bookstore | Grace Crapps On the contrary, Junior Drew Spinks said that he primarily shops on Amazon.com, because the prices are often lower than Barnes and Nobles. Spinks will only shop at the bookstore in the rare case if the price is lower than Amazon.
After asking students around campus, many are opposed to the high prices listed in the campus bookstore. Senior Makayla Rodrigue stated, “I hope they find a way to make their books cheaper.” As a result of the bookstore prices, Makayla prefers to
use Amazon Prime and is reOne may be wondering, lieved that it only takes two “Where do all these books days for her materials to argo and how many are being rive. shipped to Spring Hill ColMeier explained how the lege?” Kelli Harris, the mailbookstore does not price room supervisor shared match with third-parties. that within the past month When asked why she prefers alone there has been $1,906 to use Amazon and Chegg worth of shipments. Harris rather than any other opexplained that the staff had so many packages delivtions, Senior Amelia Bodet ered that they could barely stated, “Because I can sell walk around without tripmy books back to Amazon ping on boxes. and Chegg!” For students who don’t wish to keep their textbooks for life, many students claim that these two companies are both sensible options. If a student is looking to save more money, there is also the option of renting books. Junior Lucia Reyes shares with us that she always rents her textbooks. Reyes said, “It’s easy and Mail room | Lucia Martinez very cost effective.”
SHC Offers New Program for Badgers Jessica Winter | Reporter A unique new certificate program is in its pilot year at Spring Hill College. This opportunity allows the chance for students to earn a Certificate in Free Enterprise Studies — the John J. Burke Jr. Center for the Study and Advancement of Free Enterprise is open to all Spring Hill College degree-seeking undergraduate students. John J. Burke Jr., a graduate of Spring Hill and a good friend to President Emeritus Dr. Christopher Puto, reunited back in 2016. They came together to create something that would give students at Spring Hill a chance to gain a deeper understanding of how free enterprise works in the United States. Dr. Puto, the found-
ing director of the Center, says, "to my knowledge, there is not a similar program at any of the colleges I know, and it offers our students a strong added differential when they are competing for jobs and career success after graduation." A certificate is a shortened version of a major; it only takes 12 credits or four courses. Once completed, on your transcript you receive a notation that says you earned a Certificate in Free Enterprise Studies. The four courses consist of PHL 355: The Morality of Markets taught by Dr. Tom Metcalf, POL 389: The Foundations of Free Markets and Free Societies taught by Dr. Tom Hoffman, CFE 450:
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it is not limited to just rising juniors. Any year can apply as long as it is before the spring semester of their senior year. The only requirements sought by this program is that the student is a degree-seeking student; any majors are eligible to apply. A neat thing to note about the Certificate in Free Enterprise Studies is that the courses are set up to count towards core requirements and electives, meaning you could take on the certificate and not technically add anything to your course load. Applying to become a part of this program is as easy as contactStudent looking at program ing Dr. Puto. online | Jessica Winter Market Definition and CFE 452: Enterprise Creations, both taught Puto. This program is designed for rising juniors to take starting their fall semester and finish the spring of their senior year. However,
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SHC Student Media Reporters: Lauryn Byrd, Jose Chavarria, Blake Flood, Caroline Hunt, Carlie Jamison, Ford Lily, Lucia Martinez, Carlos Salmoran, Tara Summers, Avery Thayer,
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OPINION California Act Violates NCAA Rules
Volume 109, Issue 1
Carlie Jamison | Reporter
Student-athletes should not receive payment or bonuses, outside of scholarships, for participating in college athletics. According to a report by The Los Angeles Times, on Sept. 11, The California State Assembly passed The Pay to Play Act, which “would allow college athletes to earn money from the use of their names, images and likenesses.” This new bill would violate the NCAA’s rule that prohibits student athletes from receiving outside benefits. The NCAA sent a letter to Gov. Gavin Newsom warning
that “if the bill becomes law and California’s 58 NCAA schools are compelled to allow an unrestricted name, image and likeness scheme, it would erase the critical distinction between college and professional athletics.” As a college athlete, I believe that college athletes should not be paid to play sports. In my experience of dealing with the NCAA rules, it is made very clear that in order to maintain an amateur status and play at the collegiate level, athletes must not receive outside compensation or special treatment just for being an athlete. These athletes have agreed to play under the University’s name, not their own. While it may not be in monetary form, these athletes are compensated in other ways. Athletes in these programs are pro-
vided with nice facilities to train and compete in, as well as clothing and equipment. The athletes usually travel in comfort, stay at nicer hotels, and eat quality meals. They have access
costs. The term “student-athlete” is significant. The word student comes before athlete for a reason. A meaningful education resulting in a degree is the
to nutritionists, athletic trainers and a large staff of specialized coaches. In addition, most of the athletes that would benefit from sponsorship deals are already on a full ride. Athletes are even allowed to receive stipends as part of their scholarship to cover additional educational
main goal of college. Their sport is their passion- not their job, at least not yet. Even if these athletes do not advance to the professional level, they are leaving college debt-free, with a degree in hand.
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Carlie Jamison in the field | Jay Jamison
The Streaming Wars Have Begun Avery Lane | Reporter
College students binge their favorite shows on a regular basis and in a few months things are about to get interesting. What’s referred to as “The Streaming Wars,” is welcoming new streaming services within the next few months, such as AppleTV+, and Disney+. According to AdWeek, “Disney+ and AppleTV+ are both slated to launch this year, while HBO Max and NBCU-
EDITORIAL POLICY:
niversal’s streaming service are expected to join the fray in 2020.” AppleTV+ is joining the streaming world. According to CNBC’s reporter, Julia Boorstin, “Apple’s decision to price its streaming service at $4.99 a month undercuts both Netflix and Disney.” According to USA Today, “Disney plans to launch Disney+, in November with thousands of titles from the libraries of Disney, Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars and National Geographic, as well as material from Fox.” The bundle is expected to cost around $12.99 a month. According to AdWeek, Disney+ will become the exclusive home of Disney and Pixar titles, meaning other streaming sources like
Netflix will lose the right to show “The Princess and the Frog,” “Tarzan” and “Coco.” Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime have been preparing for this change by developing their own content. Shows like Netflix’s “Stranger Things,” Hulu’s “The Handmaid’s Tale” and Amazon Prime’s “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” have been created to combat Disney and NBC taking away their content. However, we’ll need multiple subscriptions because each streaming provider will have desirable and different content. Netflix has the majority of its audience hooked with its originals. According to AdWeek, even if Netflix loses “Friends and The Office, its two most-
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:
watched titles, it will gain have a relative who could “all 180 episodes of Seinfeld.” provide Disney+. Share the Therefore, instead of sim- different streaming chanply choosing between pro- nels by creating multiple viders, we will most likely profiles with family and purchase multiple stream- close friends. ing services. Some would say this offers more choices, others will worry about the expenses. As a college student you probably won’t have the budget to buy all of these. Maybe the best option is to “share” the services. For example, you could subscribe to AppleTV+, while you still use your parent’s Netflix ac- Laptop featuring different streamcount, maybe you ing options | Joanna Dembowski
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
September 19, 2019
Elizabeth Plasencia (left) and Lyanna Caradine enjoy lunch together in the caf. | Photo: Avery Thayer
Freshman Abigail Standish studies for Composition I in the library. | Photo: Avery Thayer
Students participating in the Alzheimer’s Walk approach the finish line. | Photo: Avery Thayer
Volume 109, Issue 1 Frannie Leonard, Katie Howell, and Hannah Stubitsch prepare for Tri-Delta’s invite party. | Photo: Caroline Weisshar
AROUND THE HILL
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The SpringHillian September 19, 2019 6 LIFESTYLE Spring Hill Welcomes Faculty From Peru Gabriella Tucker | Reporter Spring Hill College has welcomed two faculty members from Peru this semester, Dr. Cinthya Torres and Sr. Nélida Naveros-Cordova C.D.P. Dr. Torres has been a Spanish professor for one year. She was initially drawn to Mobile, AL after spending 12 years in Boston. The opportunity to develop new courses in multiple departments and the small
liberal arts Jesuit college atmosphere interested her greatly. Dr. Torres is from Lima, Peru which is not similar to Mobile at all in size but in personality. It is “easy to make community here,” according to Dr. Torres. However, the hardest thing for her has been the fact that she has to drive around. Dr. Torres explains how having a brand-new faculty
Peru’s Flag | Gabriella Tucker
member from Peru has made a “huge difference” in her experience here because it “is nice to have someone who I can relate to” through the same cities, memories, and colloquial words. Sr. Nélida agrees with this and has also found the faculty to “have been wonderful and helpful,” she received emails before her move-in with faculty willing to help her with anything she needs and she has felt welcomed here. Sr. Nélida has been in the United States for 20 years before making her way down to the south. She agreed that Mobile was similar to Lima because the southern hospitality is here as well, which is not present in the North. Sr. Nélida is currently the only woman in the theology and to be the only woman,
Sister Nelida | Gabriella Tucker a Latina, and a Sister are unique qualities she brings to the Spring Hill Community. She is very excited to give the female approach and believes that it will “enrich the theology department”. Sr. Nélida is very excited to start her time here at The Hill. Dr. Torres is involved in the ESL classes held by the Foley Center and Dwell. Dwell, a non profit organization to benefit refugees, does not feel like work to
her and she loves the sense of community. Dr. Nélida has only been in Mobile for 6 weeks but plans to go on one of the service immersion trips and be involved in Spanish Club. Sr. Nélida is also involved in the Ignatian Seminar. Mobile and Spring Hill College have been very accommodating and welcoming to these two faculty members from Peru who have a vision for the future of the students here.
International Students Transition to Mobile Jose Chavarria | Reporter
Coming from another country and culture, with another language, it’s always a big transition for all the international students here at Spring Hill College. lbert Vila, freshman, recount his experience in the United States, he is one of two students, who recounts his experience in the United States.Vila always had a passion for soccer. This passion began when he was only 2 years old. He says that he always dreamed of being a professional footballer and that he has undoubted-
ly achieved. Vila was born and raised in Lleida a province in Catalonia,Spain. Villa explains that he has seen cultural differences in the United States since arriving on Jul. 20. “The people are very different here, in Spain, we don’t greet each other. In Alabama, everyone is very friendly and polite,” said Vila. Vila always sought to lead a professional career while also pursuing professional career while also pursuing his dreams of playing soccer. In Spain, this was not a reality. Therefore, the Unite
Benni Kreamling | Jose Chavarria
Albert Vila | Jose Chavarria d States was a perfect option. Vila found the balance he was looking for, but he never imagined getting to Mobile, Ala. Four weeks ago, he began his transition. Vila seeks to mature both emotionally and professionally. He mentioned that at first, it was complicated. He did not practice the English language much. Football was his priority. Vila says that being part of the soccer group has made his transition much more pleasant since he has a good relationship with everyone. “I can say that because I have had the opportunity to travel, meet, and interact with other cultures, my
horizons and ideologies have expanded for good. For now I can say that everything is a process.” Said Albert Vila. Vila seeks to finish his professional career, where he knows that this transition is not yet over but that he is open and ready for the new challenges and opportunities that come. Benni Kremling, junior in International Business major, agrees with this.All the people who are part of the Spring Hill College community are very friendly and helpfu, he said. Kremling, who comes from Munich, Germany, also plays soccer for SHC. He mentions that his transition was hard at the
time, but thanks to the help of his teachers who have supported him at all times, this process is better. “At first I was very confused with the weather since everything here is handled with Fahrenheit degrees and not Celsius like the rest of the world,” said Kremling. Albert Vila knows that his university path is just beginning, but he hopes he will go far and is ready to get more involved in the student community. Benni Kremling, for his part, says he is ready for the next stage and to start his professional projects in the real world.
Albert Vila | Jose Chavarria
SPORTS
Volume 109, Issue 1
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Fitness Programs Sharing Community Carlie Jamison | Reporter
While fitness has followed different trends over the past couple of decades, physical fitness is not a new concept. Today, we still put on our shoes one foot at a time and listen to our favorite music, but fitness is different than it used to be. From heart rate monitors to bikes that stream live workouts, physical fitness has evolved. Some popular workout programs in this area are OrangeTheory Fitness, Peloton, CrossFit, 9Round Fitness, Pure Barre and Zumba. Workout programs are not a one-size-fits-all option. There is kickboxing, ballet, weightlifting, running, rowing, cycling, dancing and many more options to try when it comes to working out. There is a wide variety of programs offered, and technology is at the forefront of
physical fitness. It seems that, with technology, the possibilities for fitness are endless: smart watches that monitor heart rate, apps that offer workout programs and track the number of burned calories, and even online personal training programs. OrangeTheory has become a popular workout option because it combines technology and science to offer a modern workout experience. OrangeTheory utilizes a combination of running, rowing, and free weights to achieve a target heart rate for a certain amount of time to maximize the number of calories burned. A heart rate monitor is worn on the chest or wrist and the heart rate is tracked throughout the entire workout. The company, Peloton, offers a widely popular spin class that al-
lows the consumer to stream spin classes in the comfort of one’s home. Peloton promises “a worldclass indoor cycling studio experience on your own time, and in the comfort of your own home.” CNBC reported that Peloton has sold over 400,000 bikes since it started in 2012. While this is a popular exercise for adults, it is not as popular among college students because it can cost over $2,000 to buy the bike and start classes. Even though workouts are evolving, and technology is becoming more prevalent in the fitness world, all of these popular workouts follow a group-centered CrossFit coach and assistant women’s softball coach, Shea McDaniel, said that group-centered fitness is “a group of people working hard together to be the best
Workout options at SHC gym | Carlie Jamison possible versions of themselves.” McDaniel said that group-centered fitness creates “an atmosphere that is competitive, yet collaborative” and it “pushes people to go harder and longer in a workout.”
McDaniel believes that the allure of these new fitness programs is that they create “a community, and people love to be a part of something that they enjoy doing while meeting others that enjoy doing the same things.”
Volleyball Takes On Mobile Thursday Night Lucia Martinez | Reporter
Lady Badgers will take on their biggest opponent on Thursday Sept. 19 at 6:00 p.m. while Head Coach Peggy Martin approaches the NCAA record for most career wins as a collegiate head coach. Each year, the volleyball team prepares to face its toughest opponent, University of Mobile. In 2016 and 2017, the Mobile Rams defeated SHC until last year. This week, the Lady Badgers are confident and prepared to face the University of Mobile. Senior Brittany Bilotti said, “I think we have a really good chance. When we went to go play in Pensacola two weekends ago, one of the coaches said that this is the best Spring Hill team that they’ve ever seen.”
Volleyball Practice | Lucia Martinez
With ten new freshmen outnumbering the seniors, students predict it will be an interesting game to watch the teams’ new dynamic and to see how they will work together to accomplish this feat. Bilotti explained that they are still figuring out how to best fit the freshmen into the team’s line up. She said that Coach Martin does a very good job with that process. Freshman Mikayla Boyer mentioned the challenge of playing at a higher level and living up to Coach Martin’s expectations. Boyer stated, “It’s definitely making me a better player.” Peggy Martin, Head coach of court volleyball, has an ongoing history of coaching volleyball for the past 40 years. In total, Martin has over 1,300 winnings and if the Badgers win the game against the University of Mobile, the team will have made history by helping Martin become the winningest coach in NCAA history. Martin emphasized that each senior takes on a leadership role. Team captains: Cassidi Sterrett, Emmarose Neibert and Payton Gidney work together to serve as the “gel” that ensures the team is working at its fullest potential. Martin expects that in this game, Sophomore middle hitter Kassandra Fairly will carry out her exceptional offensive skills. Goal setting is not uncommon in sports teams. Martin shared that their team goal is to play the best volleyball they can play which should result in some wins and possibly championships. The main goal is to get better everyday. When asked how she feels about coming so close to the NCAA’s record of most
Volleyball Practice | Lucia Martinez
wins, Martin humbly said she is very blessed to be healthy, to have extremely good players and a lot of success. Martin shared how honored she is to be with a very special group of young women and to her, that’s more important than the number of wins. The team shared more positivity regarding the team dynamic and experience thus far. All three senior team members, Bilotti, Boyer and Neibert described the “atmosphere” amongst the team. Neibert said, “What I like most about our team is the family atmosphere.” From being a freshman to a senior, Neibert has always felt the camaraderie of the team influence her volleyball experience. Martin summarized the team in 3 words: Committed. Energetic. Diverse. As the team hosts its competitor, the Mobile Rams, make sure to stop by the Outlaw Rec Center at 6:00 p.m. to support the Lady Badgers!
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The SpringHillian
HILL YEAH!
September 19, 2019
Hammock City Opens at SHC Reporter | Carlos Salmoran
Hammock, which is advertised to hold two people, but according to USA Today, it would “be a very tight fit for two grown adults.” Another activity at Hammock City that is expected to get more traction is cornhole. Cornhole is so popular among college students that it is now an official sport on ESPN. Forbes states that the popular backyard game now has a professional league, the American Cornhole League, with this season’s prize money going up to one million dollars. Players even have a comprehensive ranking system in the new league. Practice your cornhole skills to make it to the big leagues at Hammock City in front of MoOther students including scores for admission. Acbile Hall. Amelia Nolan, junior, have cording to a survey done by
A new point of interest was built on campus this year in front of Mobile Hall. The new “Hammock City,” contains multiple poles to hang hammocks and even backyard games such as cornhole, horseshoes, and a ring toss with all of the equipment (except hammocks) stored in white boxes near their respective equipment.. Students are very divided on the Hammock City, some wanting to see it strive, and others not paying any attention to it. Senior Gavin Day says, “ I didn’t even know the pillars were supposed to be for hammocks, and I
sure wish I could see more students out here.” Junior Malloria Papadelias says,” I’m pumped for it when the weather cools down, I’m excited to go out there and not worry about having to find the perfect tree.” So far, the only traffic the Hammock City gets is the occasional hammock. Hammocks were always seen around campus before, mainly on Rydex Commons. The hammocks most popular with students are those produced by Eagle Nest Outfitters, or ENO. Their best seller is the DoubleNest
“Test” Continued some concerns about the new test-optional policy. “I worked hard to ensure I had the best possible score I could get. I studied for months in advance. I bought prep books and went to classes, as well.” Nolan feels that students choosing not to submit standardized test scores should not receive the same amount of aid and scholarships as those who do. “If I work hard to make a 31 on the ACT, someone who makes a 19 shouldn’t get the same amount of aid as I do,” said Nolan. Nolan took the ACT eight times. She first tested in the seventh grade. Admissions counselor Theresa Bertini is excited about the new policy. “Being a Jesuit school, we value being able to help students of every background. Not every student has the privilege of getting a tutor, which statistically raises scores,” stated Bertini. Inside Higher Ed reported that universities and colleges like Depauw, are no longer requiring standardized test
Inside Higher Ed, colleges that have dropped standardized test requirements have reported higher minority applicants without a decrease in graduation rates. Despite reactions from students, the test-optional policy is here to stay. The policy will begin with the Fall 2020 class. According to an official article published by Spring Hill College, President Joseph E. Lee II stated that a full evaluation of a student’s high school record, both in and out of the classroom, is the best indicator of future academic success. This policy will not be applicable in all situtations. For example, international, nursing, athletes, and students who were homeschooled will not be able to apply without a standardized test score. Test scores will also be necessary for scheduling classes.
Gavin Day lounging in Hammock City | Carlos Salmoran
Name brands right across the street!