Issue 3_TheSpringHillian_Spring23

Ad Majorem Dei

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam

Student Government Election Heads to Runoff

The 2023 Student Government Association election resulted in a runoff after the top two presidential candidates Daniel Hadley and Nate OjedaPesa failed to garner enough votes for a clear win.

According to Vice President of Academic Affairs Kevin Abel, there were a total of 442 students who cast a ballot during the March 25 election day, which was a almost 50% turnout. For a candidate to win, they must receive more than 50% of the votes.

Hadley, who is running with vice president candidate Walker Carlisle, said, “we are really thankful for all the support and getting to this point in the process. Our message to the student body is that we’ve got a lot of great ideas and experience that is going to serve

us well in this role. We’re really focused on improving facilities, advocating for diversity and inclusion, increasing transparency, simplifying the degree audit, advising the federal nursing grant. We’ve got so many big things that we’re interested in tackling.”

Ojeda-Pesa, who is running with vice presidential candidate Allie Berg, said, “this is an opportunity to talk to more students and a chance to more clearly understand the issues facing this campus. One message

my campaign would like to share with the student body is that we are committed to improving student life like the need for quality housing, dining and improved campus services. During my time as a Senator, I have consistently advocated for the needs of the student body. It is my belief that no student should have to struggle with having their basic needs met.”

Current SGA President Luly Tuñón explained why voting is important. “We want the student

body to influence and impact the inner workings of the school because this is their school. When students vote and see the names of their potential leaders, it immediately forms a type of relationship.” Tuñón hopes to see the next president and vice president strengthen their relationships with the student body by showing students that their concerns are being heard and addressed.

The runoff election will be held March 31 and the link to

the ballot will be sent to all student emails. According to Abel, the runoff election will contain the presidential and vicepresidential tickets, as well as the class senator elections.

“We hope that this will encourage a higher percentage of the student body to vote instead of holding two sepearate elections,” said Abel.

For more information on the 2023 SGA election visit SGA’s official Instagram @shcsga.

The Tale of the Two Pools SHC Doesn’t Use

Spring Hill College has two pools on campus but both are not in use due to renovations, lack of funding and storm damages.

The Outlaw Recreation Center has an indoor pool located on the ground level that is no longer in use. There is another pool called Mirror Lake Pool and is located down the gravel path of Pope Francis Way, near New Hall Residence Hall. According to Athletic Director Joe Niland, these pools used to be in use but due to certain circumstances they have not been revamped or funded.

Niland stated, “the Mirror Lake

Pool is controlled by the group City of Mobile Swim Association and they have leased it from the Mirror Lake Racquet Club. The Outlaw Recreation Center pool was expected to be reopened or repurposed but lack of funds has prevented that to occur.”

Niland said, “the pool in the Outlaw Recreation Center was in use from the opening of the recreation center in the fall of 1997 until it was closed in 2008 to become the temporary site of the cafeteria or ‘poolteria’ as it was called. The Mirror Lake Pool has been part of the tennis club and it was for members only. There was a brief time a few years ago when it was open for limited use for students, faculty and staff. A storm damaged the pool and it was closed until last year when

the CMSA leased the pool from the tennis club; CMSA paid to renovate the pool for their swim team to use.”

Sophomore Kylie Doherty has been very proactive in the idea of getting the pool up and running for students. Earlier this year, Doherty began seeking answers on why the pools were not in use. She began taking initiative when she discovered the absence of space in the Outlaw Recreation Center. Doherty said, “having a pool would benefit the students so much. It is a great way to get exercise, it would draw more students to school, and it can be a great way to socialize if we were able to have some sort of open swim.”

However, there is more than one challenge when it comes

to getting the pools reopened. Niland explained from the time the pool opened in 1997 through 2008, there were always issues with finding and funding lifeguards. Without lifeguards, the pool sat empty often. In the future, Niland hopes a plan can be developed to repurpose the recreation center pool area to an auxiliary

gym. Niland said, “the gym would be more multi-purpose for recreational use. Currently, the area is not safe for use without renovation.”

For more information on the Arthur R. Outlaw Recreation Center visit shcbadgers.com.

Peyton Horkavy Reporter

Kate Zeller Reporter

Presidential candidate Nate Ojeda-Pesa (left) and VP candidate Allie Berg (right)

Picture by Natalie Williamson

Presidential candidate Daniel Hadley (left) and VP candidate Walker Carlisle (right)

Picture by Fae Fox

Mirror Lake Pool, located by New Hall and Rec Center Picture by Kate Zeller

Hill SPEAK Provides Resources for SHC Students

Hill SPEAK has provided SHC students all the resources needed to gain knowledge about sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking.

On Spring Hill campus, Hill SPEAK is in charge of the Department of Justice along with overseeing the Office of Violence Against Women Campus Grant that SHC received in 2020. The Violence Against Women Campus Grant is awarded to colleges and universities in the United States in acknowledgment to the hardships that come along with the attempt to prevent and aim to respond accordingly. Hill SPEAK uses a multidisciplinary approach and has worked to increase the opportunities to learn about how to prevent sexual assault cases on

campus. The purpose of Hill SPEAK is in the acronym SPEAK: support, prevention, education, advocacy, know your rights. Hill SPEAK has worked to prevent violence from happening, trained bystanders on active interventions, improved professional response to survivors on campus and in the community, and served as a comprehensive care and service to survivors.”

According to Rainn.org, an American, age 12 and up, is sexually assaulted every 68 seconds bringing the average to nearly 500,000 victims of rape and sexual assault each year in the United States. Though one out of every six American women fall victim to attempted or completed sexual assault, any person man or woman can become a victim.

Hill SPEAK Student Ambassador Ashley Burroughs said, “as a student representative on the Hill SPEAK committee, a personal goal of mine was to learn more about what

resources the campus has to offer regarding mental health treatments and crisis preventions. I wanted to be able to answer any questions that students may have about seeking mental health assistance through campus and make those resources more widely known.”

According to Burroughs, it is from her understanding that the Office of Violence Against Women Campus Grant is a part of the reason Hill SPEAK was able to come back to SHC’s campus. In the occurrence of a report, Hill SPEAK has the intent to approach the scenario in a timely manner with full transparency and a trauma informed response.

Additionally, through the help of the Coordinated Community Response Team, a team of campus and community partners best educated on comprehensive prevention, student conduct, law enforcement and victim services, Hill SPEAK can fully utilize all valuable

assets available to increase student safety.

“It is important for students and administration on our campus to prioritze mental health education, and Hill SPEAK invites a call-toaction for all of us to educate ourselves on the prevalence, prevention, and resources regarding

sexual assault.

If you or someone you know is in need of assistance visit the Wellness Center located in Toolen Hall. For more information on Hill SPEAK, email program director Emilee Truitt at etruitt@shc.edu or email the Hill SPEAK department athillspeak@shc.edu.

Give Day Surpasses Original Goal by Nine Per cent

college has had on others.

On Give Day, $381,935 was raised in donations from students, alumni and staff. Give Day was successful and passed the original goal by nine percent. The original goal was $350,000, with the end total being $381,935 and over 700 donors. Alumni donated the most with a total of $344,565. Give Day was an opportunity for fellow students and staff to join in the effort.

Executive Assistant to the Provost Logan Barrett said, “it’s a great way to see how invested everyone is in the success of Spring Hill. As someone that works here, seeing other people that work here donate and support is really a positive experience.” Barrett said that it is also nice to see alumni donate, showing the impact the

A message posted on the Give Day website read “A big heartfelt ‘THANK YOU’ to our SHC Badger Family. Together, we made big things happen today. You each answered the call to give to a place near and dear to your hearts, investing in what Spring Hill College is all about the people, the place, the purpose.”

Undergraduate student Carson Reeves said, “Give Day is a good way for people from different walks of life to come together and show how much they really care for Spring Hill.”

Fellow undergraduate senior Seth Betts said, “ it is great because it’s for the future of the campus, and the people in it. We’re a small private school, so to get what we got is amazing in itself.”

Spring Hill College’s Give Day is a 24-hour concerted effort to raise funds that enhance all aspects of The Hill. Give Day is an online challenge

newswire.shc.edu

SHC MEDIA TEAM:

The SpringHillian Editor: Fae Fox

Art Director: Nate Polk

Advertising Manager: Samantha Gonzalez

where students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents and friends come together to make a difference in the lives of SHC students through the financial support of innovative programs, resources, projects, and events. There were various ways of sending a donation, including PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay, Google Pay, credit card, or bank transfer.

According to the Give Day website, funds and divisions coming in first place would have an additional $10,000 added to their day’s fundraising efforts, second place would enjoy an additional $5,000, and third place would receive a $2,500 enhancement to the day’s totals. The funds raised were placed in sections such as areas of impact and gifts in the spirit of renewal. Moreover, an anonymous donor’s $15,000 challenge gift was unlocked and added to the Renovare’: President Initiatives Fund because more than $350,000 was

@shcstudentmedia

BTV Producer: Natalie Williamson

BTV Director: Beau Reed

SHC

Give Day is an annual event that supports “the renewal and reinvigoration of SHC and its commitment to the Jesuit principle of Cura Personalis---the care and

development of the full person–mind, body and spirit.”

The campaign ended on March 22 but people can still make a gift to Spring Hill College by visiting www. givecampus.com.

shcmedia@shc.edu

Reporters: Samantha Brosseau, Ben Gerety, Samantha Gonzalez, Peyton Horkavy, John White, and Kate Zeller

Advisors: Stuart Babington and Gary Wolverton

Student enters the wellness center Picture by Peyton Horkavy

Peyton Horkavy Reporter

John White Reporter

Student browses SHC Give Day website Picture by John White raised.

The Date Spring Break Falls On is Important

recharge or decompress may not be as beneficial if spring break is not planned at the appropriate time.

burning out.”

Spring break is extremely important to help alleviate the stress of Spring Hill College students.

Spring break is a time for students to relax and get away from the hard work they have put forth during the semester. For many students, spring break is a time to decompress and recharge before the end of the semester. However, the ability to

I believe the appropriate time for spring break should be anywhere from the middle of March to the end of March. This is the perfect time for spring break because it perfectly separates the beginning of the spring semester from finals week. Finals are known to take up the last two weeks of April and if spring break is scheduled the first week of April then it puts students in this awkward time frame of getting a break but also having to prepare for finals immediately after spring break.

Sophomore, Cece Light said, “it would have been nice to have a break in March. Mardi Gras break was fun at the end of February but I didn’t really feel like I needed a break at that point. It was two weeks later where I started to realize I was

This year’s spring break is scheduled to be the week leading up to Easter. Since SHC is a Jesuit school, many students favored this. Light said, “I’m excited that this year I can have a break and Easter in the same week. I’m able to catch a break and celebrate the holiday.”

However, this year Easter does not fall until April 9. This means when students return to school after spring break, they are faced with preparation for finals. This can be very stressful for students, especially after getting out of the groove of things due to spring break.

Junior, Isabella Lorr said, “I like the idea of having spring break during Easter but it is harder to come back and be thrown into the thought of finals.”

Last year’s spring break looked a lot different. SHC spring break was merged with

Mardi Gras break which was February 28 to March 4. Easter was on April 17 and students were given Good Friday and Easter Monday off.

Sophomore Maggie Helton said, “last year’s spring break was way too early. I think we were one of the first schools to go on spring break as well. If we could have had a week off for spring and a couple days off for Easter,

that would have been perfect.” Students don’t want to be overwhelmed by the thought of finals or school. I believe that by finding the perfect week for spring break, we can eliminate stress in our students.

For more information on Spring Hill College’s academic school calendar or upcoming dates, visit www.shc.edu.

Walking on the Campus Roads is Dangerous

even walk beside the road on the dirt path.

In my experience on campus, there have been many instances where I see people in the middle of the road, especially on the Avenue of Oaks. Alexandra Gonzalez, junior, said, “the walkers seem to enjoy getting their exercise on our beautiful campus. Every day, you can see them somewhere on Spring Hill campus walking or jogging.”

Aminor issue on Spring Hill’s campus is people who make the roads of Spring Hill their personal sidewalks and walk in the middle of the road.

I understand that there are not many sidewalks on campus, but that does not defend those walking in the middle of the streets. I believe people could stay to the sides of the road and allow cars to drive normally or

EDITORIAL POLICY:

I understand people like to enjoy the freedom, beauty and immersion that the Oaks present, but when people see vehicles approaching them they remain in the lane designated for the car’s path, it forces the driver to go around them. I believe it is a consistent situation of inconsideration for the driver and the safety of people who walk around campus.

SHC Student Davion Fitzgerald said, “personally, it is annoying because the fact that a person can see my car, which

would hurt the person more than me, and they still don’t move. They are not making it safe for either of us in this situation.”

I can recall moments when I was driving to Skips Residence Hall and I had to go down a hill with a slight turn, I saw people who were walking on the street headed up or down the hill. The huge issue with this is there is a sidewalk from Toolen to Skips but people still stay on the roads, even after seeing vehicles drive in

SUBMISSIONS:

their direction.

Additionally, I remember taking a sharp turn on campus and two women were on the road. I was not going to hit them, but what if I could not react fast enough? A lot could have gone wrong, but what stuck with me was that they looked at me as if I was completely in the wrong. I felt both parties involved should take accountability for what could have been. I have learned from that moment, but I am not

sure if other drivers understand the dangers that come with driving around on campus.

In my opinion, the notion that pedestrians have the right away is in every driver’s manual but is blown out of proportion on campus. I am all for exercise, but I am also for safety, respect and consideration. Personally, I want people to stay safe and be considerate while on the roads.

The SpringHillian is published four times this semester from January to May. 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.

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: Studenteditor, 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.

Sophomore Cece Light soaking up the sun

Picture by Kate Zeller

John White Reporter

Kate Zeller Reporter

Pedestrian jogging on the Avenue of the Oaks Picture by John White

Around The Hill The SpringHillian 4 March 30, 2023

Nursing students walking in St. Joseph Chapel after the Nursing White Coat Ceremony

Picture by Kate Zeller

Softball catcher Kyleigh Smith catches a strike during a game against Miles College

Picture by Samantha Gonzalez

Sophomore Kylie Doherty playing intramural dodgeball

Picture by Kate Zeller

The beach volleyball team practices for upcoming games

Picture by John White

Members of The Motley discuss answers during trivia night in McKinneys

Picture by Samantha Brosseau

Around The Hill

Senior Mateo Rivera runs across homeplate during Tri Delta’s Softball for St. Jude event

Picture by Samantha Brosseau

Daniel Hadley speaks during SGA debate

Picture by Samantha Brosseau

Cam Copeland kicks the ball during the inauguration kickball game

Picture by Kate Zeller

Paityn Desormeaux runs towards first base during a softball doubleheader against Miles College

Picture by Peyton Horkavy

Members of the SHC basketball team eat ice cream during the inauguration volleyball game

Picture by John White

SHC Fishing Club Reels in New Members

Samantha Brosseau Reporter

Spring Hill College

junior Eric Andersen presented the idea to start a new fishing club to the Center for Student Involvement at the beginning of March 2023. The club was officially approved on March 20.

The upbringing of this fishing club began when Anderson decided he no longer wanted to go fishing on his own. He had been passionate about fishing for many years, and he knew there had to be others at SHC who share the same passion. Andersen said, “I just want to fish and I know there are other people who also want to fish. Creating this club is a way to provide people with the opportunity and resources they need to go fishing while at school.”

Anderson, the new fishing club president, began the process

of making this club official on SHC’s campus by filling out the student organization recognition application. This application required Andersen to make clear his intentions and expectations for the club. After Andersen completed the paperwork, he created a draft of the club’s constitution and bylaws. This draft was later revised with the help of Quentin Brackenridge, who proved to be a great help to Andersen throughout this process. Once Andersen had the names of five SHC students who wanted to join the club, he was able to submit all of the necessary paperwork that would determine whether or not his request was approved.

Andersen said he struggled throughout the process of completing the necessary paperwork and drafting the constitution because he would procrastinate doing the work. He had many conversations with Brackenridge to go over what would make for the perfect

constitution, but he was just looked forward to the club becoming official.

As of March 20, Andersen had 15 members ready to cast out at ponds and lakes around Mobile with SHC’s newest club. He also had plans to use local resources to plan a trip for members of the club to go fishing for shrimp later in the spring semester of 2023. Andersen said, “my expectation for this club is to have fun and get more people involved in fishing as well as making more connections for the future. I am excited to see what we can do by the end of the semester and even more excited to see what will happen to the club in the next couple of years.”

If you are interested in joining the fishing club or have any questions about it, contact eric.r.andersen@email.shc.edu. If you have any questions about starting a new club at SHC, contact csi@shc.edu.

Greenkeepers Work to Keep Campus Clean

Greenkeepers is an environmental honors society at Spring Hill College, and members of this club work toward keeping Mobile clean, starting with the SHC campus.

Members of Greenkeepers volunteered hours of their day to clean up the campus and discovered other ways to make SHC more environmentally friendly. As an incentive to join the club, Greenkeepers allows members the opportunity to earn a cord or stole to wear at graduation. To earn a chord, a member must commit anywhere from 40 to 120 hours depending on grade level. These hours can be acquired by attending meetings and completing service hours.

Although Greenkeepers may not be very well-known around campus, it is not a new club. It has been around for years but fell under the radar around the

same time that COVID-19 shut down campus in March 2020. In September 2020, SHC alumni Reese Lebbing and Lizzie Barrios re-introduced Greenkeepers and campus cleanups. The club did not receive the necessary attention at the time. Current president Joseph Studt said he still struggles with student engagement. He attributed this struggle to the fact that cleanups are often scheduled for Sunday mornings.

SHC sophomore Jack Robinson claimed that he has never heard of Greenkeepers until recently. “Greenkeepers does not seem to be widely advertised,” said Robinson. “Maybe if we could get some announcements in the cafeteria or emails to show how we can support or volunteer, that would be a good way to get it going,” said Robinson.

There are currently about 40 active members; only about six members continue to frequently participate. Studt plans to partner with SHC’s Student Government Association in the

future to increase involvement and productivity. “If we can get more people to start showing up to other events besides just cleanups, we’ll have a great turnout with the club,” said Studt.

Studt also looks forward to introducing a new compost system to the cafeteria during the 2023-2024 school year. Food waste from the cafeteria would be turned into compost, and the compost would be made into soil, which would then be put toward Studt’s next initiative of creating a campus garden.

Members of Greenkeepers hope to inspire others to work together to make SHC the campus students deserve. Studt said, “A big reason that we haven’t been doing a lot of campus cleanups this semester is because we were doing them like every other week, and it just kept getting messier and messier. So, that is something we would like students to be more aware of is making sure that trash goes into the waste receptacles and that the burden isn’t placed on

Pile of trash outside of Fairways Apartments

just certain members of the campus community that want to make this campus a more beautiful place. Let’s make this a community effort to make Spring Hill a more beautiful place”

All students at SHC are welcome to join Greenkeepers. The amount of time you

Picture by Samantha Brosseau

dedicate to the club is completely up to you.

For more information or to ask any questions regarding the club, contact joseph.p.studt@email.shc.edu or visit the Instagram page @shc. greenkeepers.

Eric Anderson casting his line at a local fishing spot

Picture by Samantha Brosseau

Samantha Brosseau Reporter

Softball Team Remains Undefeated in SIAC

Samantha Gonzalez Reporter

The Spring Hill College softball team defeated Miles College on March 25 in an SIAC doubleheader at home.

In the first game, the Lady Badgers came out on top, and swept the Golden Bears 7-1. During the second game, the Badgers remained in the lead, 13-1, allowing them to continue their success and stay undefeated in the SIAC.

When asked about Saturday’s games, Head Coach Hanna Lythberg said, “I think our pitching did a great job keeping us in both games & we did a great job of capitalizing on walks and strung a few timely hits together. I’m proud of the way the girls are playing offensive softball and how they’re playing

as one!” Freshman Emma Curry and Redshirt Junior Alexandra Ballester pitched for the Lady Badgers.

Not only did the Badgers come out with a win, but alumni

from Spring Hill College’s original softball team came to campus to celebrate the 25 anniversary of the softball team. The first pitch of the day was thrown by the former head coach Coby Mackin.

For more information visit shcbadgers.comor to find out about upcoming games and events.

Badger Baseball Defeats Kentucky State

Ben

Gerety

Reporter

The Badgers baseball team swept the Kentucky State Thorobreds in a doubleheader at Stan Galle Field, March 25, and defeated KSU 9-4 followed by a 6-0 shutout.

In game one, the Badgers had four players with multiple hits. Ethan Valdez, Bryce Anderson, Norris McClure and Gage Ragona had two hits apiece.

Ragona led the Badgers with two RBI’s. Kai St. Germaine pitched six innings with four strikeouts and one earned run. Jackson Short came in to close out the first game. Short pitched three innings with three strikeouts and two earned runs. On the basepaths Parker Serio led the Badgers with three stolen bases. The Badgers won game one with St. Germaine obtained the win and Short made the save. St. Germaine picked up his third win of the season only having two losses.

In game two, the Badgers were able to shut the Thorobreds out, having only

allowed sone hit. Evan Langston was the only Badger to pitch in game two. He pitched seven innings having only allowed one run. On top of that, Langston only had 55 pitches in seven innings of play. In terms of

batting, Seth Williams led the Badgers with two RBI’s on a two run double down the right field line. Luke Sweeney also hit a double for the Badgers knocking in one run.

The Badgers baseball team

has an overall record of 15-12 and a SIAC record of 13-4. In the SIAC conference rankings, Spring Hill College sits in third behind second place Savannah State and first place Albany State.

The Badgers are currently on

a three game winning streak. The next baseball game will be held April 1 at Stan Galle Field in a doubleheader against Lane. For more information, visit shcbadgers.com.

Lindsey Mecom on second base

Picture by Samantha Gonzalez

Seth Williams hitting the ball Picture by Kate Zeller

The Lady Badgers will travel to Memphis, Tennessee April 1 to take on LeMoyne-Owen for an SIAC conference matchup.