May 2012 www.therhynean.wordpress.com Volume 106 - Issue 8

By: Sarah MagnessCopy Editor

Belk Centrum was built in 1982, and has not been updated since its debut on campus. For the first time in 30 years, Belk will receive a fairly major renovation this summer. Lenoir-Rhyne received a Cannon Grant to help remodel the space after graduation, a project that will hopefully be finished before students return to campus in the fall. While the project is still in the early stages of planning, decisions are being made quickly, so that once school ends, the project can start immediately.

Peter Kendell, Vice President of Administration and Finance applied for the grant, and the Cannon Foundation funded it through the office of Institutional Advancement & Church Relations. The Cannon Foundation, located in Newton, NC, awards grants to independent liberal arts colleges in the Piedmont and Western regions of the state.

This project is being steered by a committee that includes Director of Conferences and Events Janet Matthews, Auditorium Manager and Technical Director Scott Woodard, Director of Facilities Management Otis Pitts, Artistic Director for L-R Playmakers Mia Self, and Kendall. The needs of the space were assessed from various viewpoints, from Theater to Conferences & Events, Admissions, and Maintenance, to ensure that the renovations are beneficial to the University as a whole.

What all will be changed in the space? According to Otis Pitts, Director of Facilities Management, the old seating, carpet, stage curtains and moveable walls will be replaced, the stationary walls

L-R to Renovate Belk Centrum This Summer

Page 7

Third Time’s a CharmL-R Softball Takes Tournament Title Again

Photo Credit: Phil Robinson, SportsfotosLenoir-Rhyne defeated Anderson, 4-3, on April 22 to win the 2012 Food Lion South Atlantic Conference Tournament at Red Edmonds Field on the campus of Tusculum in Greeneville, Tenn.

and stage will be patched, painted and upgraded, there will be some upgrades to the HVAC controls, a new dimmer system will be installed, which will allow for more lighting and additional power sources, and there will also be a new center aisle added.

“I’ve been here 18 years, and it has not been touched in all the time I have been here. What you see is when it was built. That’s it,” said Pitts.

The challenge will be working around the summer conferences and events that use the Centrum space. “It will be real tricky how we do this. We will be in and out of the Centrum all summer between conferences and events taking place in there,” said Pitts.

Scott Woodard added, “We are working with a number of contractors, and are hoping to get the bulk of the upgrades finished by the end of the summer.   We have worked closely with Conferences and Events, as well as many departments on campus to block off enough time to perform the upgrades that are needed.”

These improvements will most definitely have a positive impact on campus. “The big things that affect [the theater department] are mostly things that will be invisible to the audience. We will have additional power available to us, so we can continue to add lighting instruments and do better theatrical lighting in the space,” Self explained.

“This upgrade will provide a gigantic and much needed boost to one of the most heavily used areas on campus,” said Woodard.

If everything goes according to the plans that are currently being laid out, a newly upgraded Belk Centrum will greet students upon their return to campus.

The Lenoir-Rhyne softball team is a force to be reckoned with. These ladies have shown great teamwork, composure and determination all season, en route to a top spot in the SAC conference late season. The Bears were on a three-game winning streak at the close of the season after a 5-1 loss to Brevard on April 6. More importantly, the team is peaking when it matters most.

The Bears came away with a sweep of conference opponent,

Editorial Commentary By: Calvin Caldwell

Staff Writer

Tusculum and were confident going into their game against Lincoln Memorial. Senior pitcher Dawon Millwood was a huge contributor, throwing a no-hitter in the first game of the series. Millwood holds the university all-time records in shutouts and wins.

Senior catcher Sarah Atkins, a former All-American, was named Conference Player of the Week after her performances at bat all week. Atkins now leads the team with 10 homeruns. She also holds the L-R record for RBIs.

The Bears finished the

season with a sweep of LMU. Consistency has been the name of the game for the Bears all season long. The Bears were ranked in the top 25, and third in the region at the season’s end.

The momentum continued into the conference tournament where the team won four straight games en route to their third straight conference title. The Bears previously defeated Mars Hill, Tusculum, and Anderson to take the title in convincing fashion. Millwood was largely responsible for the team’s success, thus she was

named the SAC Tournament MVP. Sophomore shortstop Jody Mizelle, freshman outfielder Brittany Coursen, and sophomore third basemen Haily Jarman were named to the All-Conference, All-Tournament squad for their efforts as well.

The Bears are currently ranked number15 in Division II and third in the latest Southeast Region Poll. The Bears hold a (46-11) record and await their destiny for the national tournament April 30.

Since the conference tournament is over the ladies

look forward to bigger things. “We all want to be able to

say that we played in the World Series,” said Millwood. “We know what the ultimate goal is, but we are taking it one game at a time.”

With the senior leadership of veteran players like Millwood and Atkins, the Bears look to be in great shape. They have always stood toe-to-toe with everyone in the conference, so there’s no reason to believe that they won’t take the title. The Bears will need as much fan support as they can get to finish out the season.

SOURCE for Enlightenment

Photo Credit: Susan YinglingSenior Samantha Harris discusses her presentation on the “Ins and Outs of Perfect Shuffles” with fellow SOURCE presenter, Senior Martin Guyer.

By Susan YinglingRhynean Faculty Adviser

Fifteen minutes time can seem like an eternity if one is waiting, say perhaps for a slow computer to boot-up. But 15 minutes can also zoom by in a flash.

That’s how it must have felt to Lenoir-Rhyne students who presented at the fourth annual Symposium on University Research and Creative Expression, held Tuesday, April 24. SOURCE students were allotted a mere 15 minutes to present their research on topics that were as diverse as they were specific.

From the study of beach erosion in the British Virgin Islands to an attempt to identify a relationship between successful aging and a purpose in life, students delivered presentations and posters that showcased their intellectual research.

Provost Dr. Larry Hall first initiated the idea for the event four years ago, not only for students to present traditional research, but also so they could showcase creative expression in their research methods. He proposed the symposium because his previous institution, Belmont University (Nashville, TN), had experienced such great success with their undergraduate research program, BURS

(Belmont Undergraduate Research Symposium). Hall served as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Belmont from 2001-2007 before accepting the provost’s position at Lenoir-Rhyne.

“I find that undergraduate research provides a transformative experience for students,” said Hall. “This has the greatest potential to make the largest impact educationally.”

This year’s symposium was launched by keynote speaker Dr. Jasmine Goodnow of Ferrum College who spoke on research as a journey of discovery. Accompanied by Ferrum College alumnus Mallory Taylor the pair shared their research experiences, which Goodnow conducted abroad (namely in Kenya) and Taylor conducted on the Appalachian Trail. Their research suggests that a significant positive relationship exists between liminality (threshold) and self-discovery. Goodnow tied her own insightful journeys into that of the researcher, saying that conducting research is in itself a journey of discovery that leads to a pinnacle of enlightenment.

“When you reach that summit, there is nothing more humbling or magnificent,” said Goodnow.

The keynote address included a variety of personal

anecdotes and photo illustrations of Goodnow’s travels. Her travel journeys and research served as inspirational to both SOURCE participants and attendees like freshman biology student, Jesse Duncan.

“I liked all of her examples,” said Duncan. “Her pictures and descriptions go beyond text to show how differently we all perceive life.”

The keynote speech was followed by a brief luncheon after which audience members selected from a diverse menu of presentations that gave an overview of student-conducted research projects.

Among the presentations were the Honors Program participants, who competed in a Thesis Competition for the award of “Best All-Around Thesis.” The theses were judged for the presence of the following criteria: quality of scholarship, clarity of presentation and the student’s depth of understanding of the work. Students delivered a short summary of their theses to their audience.

Andres Camacho earned “Best All-Around Thesis” and $250 for “Behavioral Response of Subterranean Termite Reticulitermes virginicus to Accoustical Vibrations.”

Second place and $150 was awarded to Kendayl Waugh’s

Photo Credit: Susan YinglingJasmine Goodnow rests following her keynote speech to SOURCE students.

See SOURCE, pg 7

2011-2012 Rhynean Staff

Editor - in - ChiefHeather Sackett

Assistant EditorJamie Frye

Managing EditorKimberly Caporale

Layout & Design EditorKate Coleman

Copy EditorsSarah MagnessOlivia Lowman

Kelsey Smith

Online Editor/Photographer

Tiffany Fields

Staff Writersfor this Issue

Danielle BongiornoCalvin Caldwell

Katelyn CrawfordAllison FloydJimmy Hilton

Hannah JohnsonGustav Meyners

EditorialsCalvin CaldwellOlivia LowmanHeather Sackett

Editorial CartoonCorron Boston

Faculty Advisers

Dr. Lisa M. Harris

Professor Susan Yingling

The RhyneanLenoir-Rhyne University

Campus Box 7215Hickory, NC 28603

(828) 328 - 7176Harrisl@lr.edu

Rhynean@my.lr.edu

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Editorials2 Campus News 3

By: Heather SackettEditor-in-Chief

My time at L-R and as Editor-in-Chief of The Rhynean is quickly coming to an end that is bittersweet.

I entered Lenoir-Rhyne three years ago as a young, inexperienced writer

with no direction until I blindly took my first step to become involved on campus by joining The Rhynean as a staff writer. I m m e d i a t e l y , I became fully immersed into n e w s w r i t i n g and my interest in writing grew immensely. As

a rookie writer, I was overwhelmed with the opportunities that the media provided me with from the wide range of topics I could cover to the diverse group of people I could interact with. Each issue of The Rhynean brought me a new topic, new target audience and new experience.

Originally, I thought The Rhynean would just be another academic experience I could add to my resume, but

The Rhynean in RetrospectMy Experience as Editor of the Campus Paper

it turned into something much bigger – a personal learning experience that allowed me to discover the more adult me. As I wrote each month, I quickly transformed from a novice, beginning writer to a more polished, skilled writer with the help from fellow staff writers and editors. The Rhynean taught me a range of professional, as well as personal skills.

Professionally, writing for a student newspaper as a staff writer and editor taught me to appreciate tight deadlines. Working on tight deadlines taught me to give 100 percent effort at all times to produce a polished, written piece. I learned important AP style guidelines that could be applied across all media writing platforms. More importantly, I learned to be diligent and take full responsibility for each assignment in order to contact all the appropriate sources and cover all story angles. Lastly, I learned to pay attention to every detail and understand the importance of listening in order to grasp every learning opportunity and to get the full story.

Personally, The Rhynean taught me one of the most important concepts I have learned to date – to step outside my comfort zone. I learned to break out of my skin and talk to complete strangers to gather information for articles. As a result, I became a well spoken, confident

individual. In addition, I learned valuable teamwork and leadership skills. I learned to collaborate with peers to exchange ideas to present information properly. Moreover, I learned to lead by example through my writing by turning polished articles in by deadline. In turn, I used my writing as an example to teach others proper format to improve their writing.

Joining The Rhynean staff was one of the best decisions I have made during my college career. The organization awarded me more opportunities than I originally intended from improving my writing and building my portfolio to attending professional conferences and allowing me to improve personally and professionally. I would like to thank Dr. Harris and Mrs. Yingling for their dedicated service to the paper and personal guidance they have given to me over the last three years. In addition, I would like to thank my fellow editors and staff writers for their involvement and contributions to the paper each month – it could not be done without each of your help.

Last but not least, congratulations to next year’s Rhynean editorial staff:

Editor-in-Chief: Jamie FryeAssistant & Online Editor: Tiffany FieldsDesign Editor: Kate ColemanCopy Editors: Kourtney Pope and

Kelsey Smith

By: Alyssa CarlsonStaff Writer

In a little less than two weeks, we will be approaching the stage as undergraduate students and walking away from it as graduated young adults. This is both an exciting and scary time for all of us.

While this year has been stressful, I hope that you took some time for yourself. Pretty soon it won’t be acceptable to go to a meeting or class in your sweats or to wake up after 1 p.m. on a Thursday because that

Goodbye and Good LuckGiving the Seniors One Last Farewell

Wednesday night at Sundries turned into an early morning. And let’s not forget about those late night Cook Out runs that became recurring events during our college career. These are the little things that we have taken for granted for the past few years, and soon we will miss them.

While having fun, hopefully you were also diligent in organizing your future plans. College years are known for partying, crazy sleep schedules, and all night study sessions, but it is still important that you focused on the main goal. I have faith that you explored your post-graduation options and took the time to gain experience in your chosen field. Remember that your teachers and advisors have worked in the real world and they are full of good advice. For those who served as mentors to you,

take the time to show your appreciation. Send them a quick thank you note to let them know that you appreciate what they did for you. I also suggest you stay in contact with them after you leave; networking is key and will make the difference in your career.

I hope that the advice I have given you has opened your eyes and helped you throughout your last year of undergraduate studies. Maybe right now you are not sure what is next, or maybe you are discouraged by the distressed job market. Maybe you think you should continue your education or maybe you want to do something that has nothing to do with your education here at L-R. Whether you are moving on to a career, going to graduate school, or traveling the world, I wish you the best of luck.

One Down, Three to Go By: Tiffany Fields

Online Editor/ Photographer

We’ve survived our freshman year and hopefully learned a little something along the way. Next year holds an array of new challenges and excitement. There’s no more getting lost looking for your classes, unless they’re in Rhyne

of course. T h e r e ’ s no more FYE class, which isn’t a heartbreaker for most of us. And there are no more f r e s h m a n dorms, which is cause

enough for celebration. Since orientation weekend in August,

we’ve learned a lot about working hard, making friends, and college life in general. Some of us have realized that we aren’t on the right track with our majors, some of us still haven’t picked a

major and some of us are right where we belong.

Whether you’re sticking around to take summer courses or taking a break and heading home, fall semester is going to be here before you know it.

Over the summer, we can’t completely forget about school, since there are a few things we need to take care of. It’s our first summer break in college, so it’s going to be easy to slack off on getting ready for next year, but here are a few things to remember while having fun in the sun.

1) File your FAFSA. If you haven’t already taken care of this, you’re behind. FAFSA is an annual thing, so you better get used to it.

2) Know where you’re living. If you plan on staying on campus, I hope you’ve taken care of those arrangements. It’s a good idea to know how to get to your room or unit before move-in day next year.

3) Be familiar with your schedule. Knowing when and where you have to be will make that first day of classes so much easier.

A Year in Review: Visiting Writersinto P.E. Monroe to hear an inspiring talk from Wes Moore, author of The Other Wes Moore. His charismatic personality, handsome face, and powerful words made him a local favorite. Moore was followed by the lovely Natasha Trethewey. If you do not remember her readings, her memorization capabilities would have left you speechless, as she confidently recited her pieces while the Belk Centrum lights flickered on and off like a haunted mansion. A memorable night, nonetheless.

Visiting Writer-In-Residence, Isaac Anderson, and Southern novelist, Judy Goldman, were a hard duo to forget. The two very different authors took the stage on the basis of their love for words to create an enjoyable night of readings.

Dr. Jennifer Heller,

Assistant Professor of English, Chair of the School of Arts and Letters, and frequent attendee of the Writers Series events, commented on her most memorable experience from the 2011-12 season.

“I was deeply moved by listening to visiting writer Isaac Anderson read his creative nonfiction with such intensity that I could see the branches of the trees in the backyard of his childhood home from a child’s perspective and feel the complexity of nostalgia as an adult looking back on childhood memories.”

While you may not have seen Lynne Cherry, her presence in this community was felt. Thousands of elementary school students learned the importance of environmental activism and skipped onto L-R’s campus for the Little Read.

Rising Hope, Chance to FlyTherapeutic Riding Facility Helps People in Need

Photo Credit: Sam TallmanRising Hope is helping disabled kids and troubled children and adults use horses. They are always looking for volunteers.

Photo Credit: AP ImagesThis warehouse space in Shelby, N.C. was used for reaping scenes in “The Hunger Games” movie. The movie was filmed entirely in North Carolina.

By: Jamie Frye,Assistant Editor-in-Chief

Upon students’ return in the fall semester of 2012, Lenoir-Rhyne University will be opening its doors to a revival of a vital part of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication—the Lenoir-Rhyne Debate Team.

Cade Hamilton, current Assistant Director of the Debate Team at Kansas State University, has been hired to spearhead this revival. Hamilton’s experience is very broad. According to the Kansas State University website, Hamilton holds his Masters Degree in Communication from Wichita State University, where he was a coach for two years. He has also won several national debate awards for himself as well as the for institutions at which he has served over the years.

“I have been involved in some facet for 13 years, whether as a competitor, a judge, or a coach,” said Hamilton. “The last three years have been spent at Kansas State University. We won the Cross-Examination Debate Association’s national tournament last year for the third time in school history and 20 years after the last national championship.”

At Kansas State, Hamilton also won the Assistant Director of Debate award and the whole team won the Squad of the Year award in 2009-2010. Hamilton’s own former coach and current Director of Debate at Kansas State, Justin Green, will be moving with Hamilton to serve nearby Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem as its Director of Debate.

Hamilton’s plans for set up of the team are broad-based. When asked about what he expects for the structure, Hamilton responded with a defined plan of action for the team and its recruitment tactics.

“I would like to create two organizations in a sense,” said Hamilton. “One side to be focused on competitive travel and winning debate tournaments, and the other to be more about exercising public debate and helping students tackle both local and global issues that they are interested in.”

One of Hamilton’s primary goals is to meet every student on campus at L-R. “I want to share my personal passion with as many students as possible. I will start with my own classes and, if allowed, talk with as many other classes as possible,” said Hamilton.

He plans to accomplish this goal by setting up presentations for the organizations, and conduct visits to local high schools to utilize the importance of debate and the weight of L-R’s debate team in their college decision.

“It is my sincere belief that if students knew all the benefits of participating and competing in college debate, there would be an overwhelming demand for more debate organizations across the country,” said Hamilton.

Hamilton sees the first year of the L-R debate team’s existence as a building year. Foregoing traveling to competitions and tournaments, he will focus on preparing students’ interest in public debates both at L-R and in the community. Debate and forensics events will be a great point of emphasis for the L-R team, especially where student interest exists. Specifically, the initial push will be to create interest in policy and parliamentary debate—Hamilton’s background specialty and interest. The team will ultimately reflect the needs and interests of the L-R student body.

Hamilton welcomes students from all walks of life to join the team. His only requirement? “[T]hat each student sincerely care about making the world a better place,” said Hamilton.

Hamilton says that it is an honor to work with a bunch of fantastic students who have a sheer passion and drive to make the world a better place.

“Debate can and will better prepare those adults to do just that, one community at a time,” said Hamilton.

L-R’s New Debate Team

By: Jimmy Hilton Staff Writer

The L-R Kappa Delta sorority hosted its second annual Shamrock Dance-A-Thon on April 21, raising proceeds and awareness for the Prevent Child Abuse America philanthropy. Registration began at 10 a.m. with the event starting at 11 a.m. Open to the entire Hickory community, the 2012 event drew many participants, ranging from children to seniors. The Dance-A-Thon raised a total of $872.39 which reflects the hard work and dedication of the entire L-R Community.

Following the success of

the 2011 Zumba-Thon, Kappa Delta prides itself in their ability to transform a former walk-a-thon into a thriving dance event that has drawn the attention of hundreds throughout the L-R and surrounding communities. Senior Alyssa Carlson organized the event and notes the increase in participation since making the change.

“We have seen a 100 percent increase in attendance from the 2010 walk-a-thon,” said Carlson. “I built it up from an event that very few people knew about to something that students and community members are asking about. I have been lucky to have

A Program on the Rise

Shamrock Dance-a-Thon

By: Kate ColemanLayout & Design Editor

There is a little patch of heaven about 20 minutes from the campus of Lenoir-Rhyne University. Here, miracles are an everyday occurrence. People of all ages are replacing their disabilities and sicknesses for their love of horses. This place is called Rising Hope, and that is exactly what owner Gail Wartner is doing: rising hope.

Gail Wartner has always loved horses, so when she read an ad in her newspaper about therapeutic riding, while living in Kentucky, she knew it was her calling to open a riding stable of her own someday.

When Wartner and her husband moved to North Carolina, they wasted no time in building a facility where they could help people with disabilities and sicknesses.

Today, Rising Hope is over 50 volunteer members strong. The couple helps a total of 25 kids become stronger, both mentally and physically. Wartner is not in the business to make money, but only to do God’s work. All therapy sessions are free of charge, which gives parents a break from the medical bills and stress.

Therapeutic riding helps

people with disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and many others. Just riding a horse while doing simple, but fun exercises, helps children gain balance, strength, and posture.

“We have had kids who have come here in a wheelchair and by the end of the season, they are running back to their cars,” said Gail Wartner, owner of

Rising Hope.Rising Hope does not exist

merely to help kids physically, but to help them emotionally, mentally, and socially as well.

“When the kids are on the horses, there is no disability. We are all equals,” said Wartner. “They are free.”

Each training session starts out with coming into the barn and naming at least three parts

of the horse. Horsemanship, along with riding, is a big part of each lesson. The kids help with brushing and putting the saddle and bridle on the horse. Each child has a specific saddle to ride in, whether it’s a therapy saddle or a regular Western saddle. The student then puts on their riding helmet and gets on the horse.

There are many exercises that the kids do for each training lesson. Everything from throwing rings onto cones, to answering questions are part of each therapy session.

“[The lessons] help them emotionally, physically, and socially,” said Wartner.

Four-year-old Alex Hudson is one of many special children who gets a chance to come and ride at Rising Hope. Hudson described to his mother what it felt like to ride.

“It’s like I can fly,” Hudson said.

Rising Hope is not only for the disabled, but for others as well. They have two other groups that are known as Hoofs for Hospice and Horses for Heroes. Hoofs for Hospice is for children or teenagers that have had to go through losing a loved one. At Rising

4) Buy books. There’s a nice element on the bookstore’s website that tells you what books you need for what classes, if you haven’t found that already. Whether you’re buying from the school bookstore, Amazon.com, or the Lenoir-Rhyne Student Yard Sale on Facebook, you should have your books before classes start. It’ll save you a lot of headaches.

5) Get money. Make sure everything is good to go with your financial aid and scholarships. You may want to schedule a meeting with someone in Financial Aid before leaving for break.

August is fast on its way and this year will start off a little differently than last year. We won’t be guided in with orientation activities. Instead we’ll be doing the guiding. Instead of wandering around campus looking lost, we’ll be directing the incoming freshmen. As we emerge into the world of upperclassmen, we need to remember what it’s like to be at the bottom of the totem pole. It will be that time before we know it, so we should strive to make next year’s freshmen feel as welcome as possible.

By: Katelyn CrawfordStaff Writer

People of all ages, from all different backgrounds came out to watch the new movie, and support their favorite District Tributes in the Seventy-Fourth Annual Hunger Games. According to The Week magazine online, the opening weekend for the movie resulted in $155 million, the highest ever for a non-sequel movie. For a book that has only been out for four years, that is a significant amount.

It did not hurt that there were major names in the movie, such as Lenny Kravitz, Isabelle Fuhrman, Stanley Tucci, Jennifer Lawrence, Woody Harrelson and Elizabeth Banks. These stars helped bring audiences to the movie that were not fans of the book prior to the premier.

The first 20 to 30 minutes of the movie focused on the events leading up to the Games themselves. It showed how the contestants or ‘Tributes’ from each of the 12 parts or ‘Districts’ of what used to be known as North America, now Panem, were chosen to represent their district. It then showed their journey to the Capitol and their preparation for the Games.

Once the 24 Tributes had entered the arena, they had to wait on a platform for 60 seconds. During that countdown, whether you had read the books or not, every single person in the audience knew that by the time that counter reached zero a bloodbath would occur. Children ages 12 to 18 had to fight to the death in this arena and at that moment, you, as an audience member, were about to witness it.

The movie makers did a great job of making things suitable for young audiences. Yes, there was blood, and yes there was a lot of killing, but you never once saw a weapon hit someone. You saw the weapon move, you saw the blood fly, you saw the person fall, but never once did you see the physical contact of the weapon to the body.

Hunger Games

Hunger, from pg 2By: Olivia LowmanCopy Editor

For such a bustling building, one would imagine that it could also be considered a safe place for people to gather. Unfortunately, ‘safe’ may not be the best adjective to describe P.E. Monroe. P.E. Monroe Auditorium can be seen as a central point on campus for students and staff alike at Lenoir-Rhyne University.

From the opening convocation in August to the final gathering of students and staff in May, P.E. Monroe witnesses each member of the L-R community walk through the doors at least twice a year. In addition to students and staff, members of the community are able to utilize P.E. Monroe and the auditorium seats thousands of people annually as they watch theatrical performances, enjoy musical concerts and gather for professional speaking engagements.

As it stands, P.E. Monroe is lacking many modern attributes that most take for granted as standard parts of buildings, such as the auditorium. For example, in no room throughout P.E. Monroe can one find a smoke detector or fire alarm. In the event that a fire was to break out in the building, there is no technology

Safety Concerns Rise Up at LRUavailable to alert students or staff, not to mention the fire department.

According to Director of Security Norris Yoder, L-R isn’t violating any laws, either. P.E. Monroe is able to remain outdated due to grandfather clauses that allow a building to remain up to date with the codes that were established at the time of construction.

“P.E. Monroe is grandfathered in,” said Yoder. “Until it’s decided that there will be renovations, [L-R] is doing everything they have to do in order to keep the building up to standard.”

So what happens if a fire were to actually break out in P.E. Monroe? Yoder nervously jokes that when you see smoke, you call the fire department. Unfortunately, there is little more that can be done for immediate response in regards to an emergency. Yoder says that security makes several trips around campus each night to observe each building, but other than that, it’s a complex issue with no real solution.

In the event of a fire during the operating hours, Yoder says that staff members of P.E. Monroe are given instruction and access to bullhorns and flashlights to aid in evacuating the building and reaching safety. However, according to Communications Professor Lisa Harris, whose office is located on

the second floor of P.E. Monroe, there has been no instruction or information regarding access to these life-saving materials.

With safety being an obvious issue at L-R, especially inside P.E. Monroe Auditorium, one must ask the question of what can be done to fix the pressing issues. Vice President for Administration & Finance Peter Kendall understands the concern for safety in P.E. Monroe and says that money is allocated specifically for causes such as fire safety each year. This money has to be used in a way that best serves the campus and community of L-R, and P.E. Monroe will be an expensive project that is on the radar of officials at the university.

It seems that plans are in motion to update P.E. Monroe Auditorium in the near future. In the meantime, however, students and faculty are at risk each time they enter the auditorium. No, it isn’t the type of risk that should make one fearful of sitting through the final convocation of the year (required by all to attend), but it is a type of risk that should make one cautious as they take their seat. Being aware of your surroundings is a proactive way to stay safe inside any building, and P.E. Monroe is no exception.

Photo Credit: Tracy TolbertL-R: Molly Haynes, Cristin Owens, Natalie Tolbert, Sandra Kitchen, Alyssa Locke, Kaitlyn BurtonKappa Delta sisters prepare to dance the day away in the 2nd annual Kappa Delta Shamrock Prevent Child Abuse event on April 21.

See Shamrock, pg 7

By: Tiffany FieldsOnline Editor

The communications program at L-R is growing fast. Students have witnessed some of the work produced, like The Rhynean and LRTV, but most don’t really know what it takes to make it all happen. Some of L-R’s broadcast majors are utilizing their skills to show just what the communications program has to offer.

Nick Sugzda, a senior, has worked in the TV studio for several years. He, along with practicum students Allison Floyd, Jimmy Hilton, and Tiffany Fields are working hard to produce a video for prospective majors.

“It takes some time to get all of the shots and edit something that looks appealing together,” Sugzda said. “Overall I would say I have spent about six to seven hours on the project with about 10 more left for a really good product.” The video team hauls equipment all around campus to get the shots looking just right.

The video is set up to give prospective majors

Photo Credit: Tiffany FieldsJimmy Hilton films Allison Floyd as she reads a broadcast news script from the news anchor desk.

and students in general a behind-the-scenes view of the communications program. Students who work with 99.3 WLRZ The Lair, LRTV, and The Rhynean tell what it’s like to get hands-on experience as early as freshman year.

“The point is to update the current video on the webpage and to show incoming students how they can get involved

with the School of Journalism and Mass Communications (SJMC),” said TV Studio Manager Brandon Pope. “One of the great things about L-R is that we offer students experience their first year. The world of media is currently growing and it’s a very exciting time in our field,” Pope said.

At other schools, large and small, students’ freshman

and sometimes sophomore years are spent solely on core curriculum, so they won’t touch a camera or make front-page news during that time. The Lenoir-Rhyne Journalism and Mass Communication program encourages students to “jump right in” and become involved with as many organizations as possible. As soon as L-R students set foot campus they have the opportunity to shoot a news package or host a radio show, an opportunity unlike any other.

“Within our program we provide our majors unique hands-on experiences from as early as first semester freshman year,” stated SJMC Chair Dr. Lisa Harris. “Through course projects, practicums, internships, and working with our various campus media outlets [radio, TV, newspaper], our majors have great opportunities to add a lot to their skill sets and portfolios, which better prepares them for their future professional careers.”

See Visiting Writers, pg 6

Expectation Reality

See Hunger, pg 3

Within the Games, the number of Tributes alive dwindled as time went on. Starting with twenty-four, they had reached just twelve after the first night of fighting.

Many audience members who had not read the books had one major question weighing on their minds, ‘why do people want to watch children kill each other’? The majority of people who had read the books will respond with, ‘read the books and you will understand’. It is not a great response, but it is the clearest way to convey the message that the movie did not show the entire story that the books told. This sort of thing happens almost every single time a book is made into a movie. Ask any Twilight, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, The Golden Compass, or any other book-turned-movie fan and they will have a similar response: the book was better than the movie.

Movies cannot hold the entire story without being

longer than anyone wants to sit and watch, they cannot hold all the information that is given in the books. The producers, writers and directors have to decide what is the most important information that will be interesting and entertaining to audiences, and with that information they create their movies. With a total of over $302 million in sales, The Hunger Games movie seems like it is going to be one hard movie to top.

Having read the books first myself, I will admit that I agree with most other Hunger Games book fans who saw the movie; the book was better. But, I feel that they did a great job with this movie, and that is it probably one of the best interpretations I’ve ever seen of a book as a movie. Would I recommend this movie to others? Of course, but I would advise you read the books as well, even if it is after you’ve watched the movie. So, happy Hunger Games, and may the odds be ever in your favor.

Photo Credit: AMS, Tara MurphyThe final visiting writer, Alexander McCall Smith, shows his enthusiasm when sharing No 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency, the book that launched his best-selling series, with the L-R com-munity.

By: Danielle BongiornoStaff Writer

Whether you are a current student, recent graduate, or seasoned alum, you hold specific memories from college that differentiate one year from the next. Rarely is one the same, and rarely do you forget the great ones. Hopefully, the Visiting Writers Series hosted a year of authors that created a distinct impression in your memory bank; one filled with excitement, laughter, a few tears, and above all an enjoyable experience.

Each writer left a fingerprint on this campus, and on the hearts and minds of its listeners. There are a few highlighted memories that stand out above the rest.

The year started off with a bang as hundreds of local residents and students piled

See Hope, pg 7

by C

orro

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ston

The

Fun

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one

2012-2013

SGA ResultsSGA Officers

PresidentRosa Reyes

Vice PresidentJoshua Mackey

SecretaryHaley Rawlinson

TreasurerSamantha Simpson

Chief JusticeClifton Garmon

Class Officers

Senior Class President Raveen Smith

Junior Class PresidentMolly Leonard

Sophomore Class President

Darius Tre’ Woods

Congratulations!

See Program, onlinewww.therhynean.wordpress.com

4 2011-2012 Timeline 5

2011-2012: A Year in Review...

August 2011

Greenway Transit Partners with LRU giving students free rides around Hickory.

New Jumbotron is given to L-R and placed in the Moretz Stadium for the football games. Now students and fans are able to see instant replays and see videos on the big screen.

A Cappella celebrates 75 years of service on Lenoir-Rhyne’s campus.

Wes Moore, author of The Other Wes Moore, is the first author in this year’s Visiting Writing Series.

Jack Hanna visits Lenoir-Rhyne University and puts on a show that both educates and entertains the campus and community alike.

Ratio Christi, a group for helping Christians know the facts of their religion, is established on campus. A new saxo-

phone statue is dedicated by Irwin

Belk in front of the Mauney Music

building.

Campus ministry celebrates 50 years on Lenoir-Rhyne’s campus

New chapel designs and implementation committee is created.

The Lenoir-Rhyne University A Cappella Choir, College Singers, Brass Ensemble and Handbell Ensemble presents “Christmas at L-R” concert event.

Lenoir-Rhyne University art students exhibit their

work at the Old Rock School Gallery in Valdese.

Volunteer efforts of the Catawba Valley Astronomy Club help refurbish the telescope in the observatory on top of Minges Hall.

50th Anniversary of Kappa Delta and Zeta Tau Alpha Sororities.

The Lenoir-Rhyne University Playmakers performs The Threepenny Opera.

L-R’s Steelman Visiting Scientist Lecture features Martin Jones, professor of mathematics and director of the statistics program at the College of Charleston.

New Emergency Alert System RAVE is created. This system alerts students in emergencies.

Lenoir-Rhyne holds its annual “The Little Read” event for youngsters and the community.

LRU and LTSS sign a merger agreement that states by July 1st, the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary will officially join forces with L-R.

Lenoir-Rhyne University gets SACS accreditation approval

The first an-nual celebration of Academic Achievement

The Visiting Writer Series at L-R concludes the 2011-2012 season with “An Evening with Alexander McCall Smith.”

L-R holds its fourth annual Symposium on University Re-search and Creative Expression.

The 2011-2012 Concert Band performed in celebration of its ninetieth season.

Pulitzer Prize-winning

poet Natasha Trethewey visits LRU.

Lenoir-Rhyne celebrates

Homecoming inviting friends,

family,alumni, and the com-

munity.

September 2011 October 2011 November 2011

New LRU Asheville graduate campus is established.

December 2011 January 2012 February 2012 March 2012 April 2012

New Online Payroll System is established.

Lenoir-Rhyne 2011 South Atlantic Conference Champs

L-R Softball Wins its Third Straight League Tournament Title

The Lenoir-Rhyne University Playmakers present the world premiere of In the Garden by Amina S. McIntyre.

Mike Hogewood, Fox Sports South Sports Broadcaster speaks on how to make communications a lifelong career.

Sports & Campus News6 7National & Campus News

Editorial Commentary By: Calvin Caldwell

Staff Writer

The Lenoir Rhyne Men’s Lacrosse season has come to an end with a final record of 5-10 and a 2-6 conference record. Even though the scoreboard didn’t always favor the Bears, many of the players saw many positives in the season.

There is much reason for optimism considering that the Bears only had three seniors on the roster. The Bears began getting hot at the end of the season when they were on a three game winning streak against Florida Tech, Rollins and Coker. They have nowhere

Spirits Remain High Despite Disappointing Season

By: Kaitlyn BurtonStaff Writer

Lacrosse is a new sport, not only to the south, but Lenoir-Rhyne as well. It’s a sport that is competitive and has a little bit of each type of sport combined. Lacrosse, a lot like football, soccer, and basketball, is a strategic game and is known as the ‘fastest game on two feet’. The Lenoir-Rhyne Men’s lacrosse program has only been on campus for two years and is already making a difference, both on campus and nationally.

“My grandmother passed away from breast cancer when I was in middle school, so it was really tough for me to understand breast cancer as a whole and why it happened,” said freshman midfielder Zachary Willow.

On March 30, the Men’s Lacrosse team was victorious not only for beating Florida Tech 17-9, but for raising over

history by hosting the first breast cancer awareness game in all of Division 2 men’s lacrosse.

“I think it’s awesome that I got to honor my grandmother and all those living with breast cancer [by playing] in the first

Tough Guys Think PinkMen’s LAX Makes D2 History

$400 to go towards a cure for breast cancer. Friends and family of the players bought t-shirts, wore pink, and made signs to help support the program and the cure.

The Lenoir-Rhyne Men’s lacrosse team has made

Photo Credit: Kaitlyn BurtonThe Lenoir-Rhyne Men’s Lacrosse Team wore pink to support the cure for breast cancer on March 30 and raised over four-hundred dollars to go to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

A M orning’s M assacreAmerican Soldier Kills Sixteen Afghan Citizens

By: Gustav MeynersStaff Writer

As L-R is continually trying to expand the student body each year, enrollment and retention are key factors that contribute to overall growth.

Enrollment is the total number of students at a university. This includes every student, both graduate

L-R Focuses on Student Retention

By: Kelsey SmithCopy Editor

It was a morning marked by fear, screams and bloodshed. Gunshots pierced the darkness. Innocent lives were lost. Families were torn apart. It was a morning that these Afghan families will never forget.

At approximately 3:00 in the morning, local time, Staff Sergeant Robert Bales, 38, allegedly left his base located in the Panjway district of Kandahar in Afghanistan, walked to nearby villages and opened fire on Afghan civilian homes. Sixteen have been reported dead, nine of those children. Bales then turned himself in to the U.S. Military officials after the killings.

“I saw that all 11 of my relatives were killed, including my children and grandchildren,” said Haji Samad, an elder of the Najeeban Village who had left his home a day earlier.

Shortly after the September 11 attacks in 2001, Bales enlisted in the U.S. Army. After already serving three tours in Iraq, he was deployed to Afghanistan in December 2011. Bales went through multiple medical issues while in the service, including brain injury

after a roadside bomb attack and another that led to part of his foot being removed. It was also reported the day of the shooting that he and two other U.S. soldiers were drinking even though military rules ban alcohol from combat zones.

An American official told the New York Times, “When it all comes out, it will be a combination of stress, alcohol and domestic issues – he just snapped.”

“This incident is tragic and shocking and does not represent the exceptional

character of our military and the respect that the United States has for the people of Afghanistan,” said President Barack Obama in regards to the shooting.

The Taliban has since vowed revenge against the U.S. An emailed message to the media from the Taliban promised to “take revenge from the invaders and the savage murderers for every single martyr.”

Since the accidental burning of the Koran by U.S. soldiers in February, anti-

Photo Credit: AP PhotosAn Afghan boy prays over the grave of one of the sixteen victims killed in a shooting rampage in Afghanistan, Saturday, March 24, 2012.

Photo Credit: Allison FloydMembers of Team Delta Zeta stay strong into the late hours of the night in order to raise money for The Cure.

American feelings have been strong among the Afghan people. As the violence continues, U.S. officials are reworking an exit strategy of troops from Afghanistan.

“These killings only serve to reinforce the mindset that the whole war is broken and there’s little we can do about it beyond trying to cut our losses and leave,” said a security expert with the American Security Project.

However, Senator John McCain reminds Americans to remember where the war originated - that is, from the September 11 massacre.

“If Afghanistan dissolved into a situation where the Taliban were to be able to take over or a chaotic situation, it could easily return to an Al Qaeda base for attacks on the United States of America,” said McCain. “This is still our goal, as it was the day we went in.”

While the details of this war on terror and when the end will come are seemingly unclear and always changing, one thing remains steadfast - all human life is of value. Remember these Afghan families as they mourn the deaths of their loved ones. Remember America’s soldiers who fight for this country’s rights and safety every day.

By: Hannah Johnson Staff Writer

Lenoir-Rhyne University is on the rise in more ways than not. L-R will be undergoing two major projects to expand the campus. The projects will be added once the funds have been met for what is needed. A chapel and new science building will soon be added.

L-R will be getting a chapel centrally located in campus. Lenoir-Rhyne was founded in 1891 as a faith centered institution to gain education through religious principles and Christian values.

“Lenoir-Rhyne is a university on the rise. We are growing and expanding by adding new programs and increasing our enrolment. Compared to other institutions that are also growing, we are not moving away from our commitments to our church and to our spiritual education, but trying to grow by enhancing the spiritual opportunities for our students. We will be constructing a chapel right in the center of campus. It is something people of L-R have dreamed about for 50 years” said, president Dr. Wayne Powell.

“A chapel on this campus will definitely impact my ministry but more importantly also impact the faculty, staff, and students. The presence of the chapel will be a symbol to all who we are at L-R as a college, and a university of the church,” said, Pastor Weisner.

The latest improvement L-R has seen is the addition to the Mcrorie Center, the renovated Mauney Shafer, and the infamous Martin Luther statue. Another addition that will soon be on this campus is the new Minges Science building.

The new design for the science complex calls for a 35,000 square foot addition housing state-of-the-art laboratories and classrooms for biology, chemistry, zoology, anatomy and physiology, botany, ecology and conservation, physics, and genetics.

“What this facility does for the actual educational experience is phenomenal. We will now have access to a facility that is state-of-the-art. This also allows the faculty to grow as scholars and teachers. Students will be able to work together in small groups, in new labs, and new classrooms. This will be a new educational experience that is immensely better because of the improved facilities,” said, Provost Larry Hall.

As a university, Lenoir-Rhyne’s three goals with rising up are to provide the latest and highest quality educational experience to Lenoir-Rhyne students, allow the development of additional programs and foster increased enrollment growth, and to promote economic development in Hickory, Catawba County and the Carolinas.

Expansionon the Rise

to go but up this upcoming season. In the midst of a seemingly dismal season there are many players that thrived individually.

“We really cut back on the freshman mistakes and were able to hang with the top teams in our conference,” said Billy Schmitt, D-pole. “We added lots of depth that which allowed us to stay with teams late in the game.”

One major positive move forward for the Bears was that their top three scorers were freshman. These players were Miles Britton, Ned Kaish and John Remsen. Sophomore Sam Ashton was next with 19 goals, respectively.

Many players on the team feel as though the team as a whole is a work in progress and they see a bright future in mind. There were more positives than one might expect that were taken away from this season.

“We really came together [to finish] out the season like a band of brothers,” said sophomore mid-fielder Corron Boston.

The lacrosse team will put in even more work and add more talent this offseason. With the depth and confidence the team has built this year, the men’s lacrosse team should put an exciting product on the field next spring.

Writers, from pg 3

Hope from pg 3

Hope, they are able to release their emotions while riding the horses, so as to learn how to deal with their hardships with a better attitude.

Horses for Heroes is the newest group to the stable. This program enables veterans, who have a hard time releasing their feelings about the horrors of war, to get the pain and hurt off of their chests and onto the horses.

“We all have baggage. We all find healing out here,” said Wartner.

The volunteers become a family as they all work toward a common goal.

“My walk with God is so much closer because of this. My family is out here too,” said Sandy Sharoll, volunteer coordinator for Rising Hope.

Rising Hope is open from April to November, leaving November through March closed due to the cold winter months. The facility is now looking to raise money for an indoor arena so that the therapy sessions can continue throughout the whole year, as many kids regress over the off-season.

“The fall turned into winter, and we had to stop our weekly sessions,” said Deborah Hudson, Alex’s mother. “Without the therapy, Alex began to have regressions in the new skills that he had learned.”

Rising Hope is always looking for volunteers. If interested in working, Gail Warnter urges people to call (828)-638-0879. This therapeutic riding facility will remain a place for kids and adults alike to join together to do God’s work through horses.

“Children who might never have known what it felt like to walk have been given a chance to fly thanks to Rising Hope,” said Deborah Hudson.

By: Allison FloydStaff Writer

The American Cancer Society (ACS) sponsors many different events throughout the year in order to raise awareness and support for those fighting cancer. This year was no different on the L-R campus where the Relay for Life was held.

This year sophomore Amber Longhi spearheaded the Relay For Life event. “The planning for Relay For Life was definitely a lot more than I expected and with only four weeks, it was hard to get it publicized and get a huge group of people to come,” said Longhi. “I had a lot of help from the philanthropy chairs in the sororities on campus along with Brittany Crump, a graduate student here at L-R.”

Relay For Life is a 12 hour walk held on the practice football field that started at 6:00 p.m. and was completed by 6:00 a.m. Participants form teams that walk during the night. There must be at lease one team member walking at all times. “I signed up to walk for an hour at three in the morning,” said junior Amber Miller who walked for team Delta Zeta. “It was tough staying up that late, but it was definitely worth the cause!”

The walk symbolizes much more than any other race for the cure. At Relay For Life, the journey of each cancer patient is taken in to account. “The walking that takes place is supposed to symbolize the fight of a cancer patient:  we

start as the sun  goes  down--just as when the patient finds out they have cancer, around 1 a.m. - 2 a.m. we get tired and want to stop--just like when the patient has been undergoing  chemo, and as the sun comes back up--the patient sees a new day and

a new hope,” explains Longhi. Each team prior to the

event sets a goal or how much money they want to raise during the weeks leading up to the event. Organizations, sororities and fraternities from L-R put teams together to help raise money

outside of their individual philanthropies.

“Even though we usually focus on other charities and causes, helping to fight cancer feels great,” said Delta Zeta member Nicki Rae Walker.

Teams also strive to raise money the day of the event. Teams this year sold food and drinks, homemade jewelry, and even redneck wine glasses. Along with all the tables selling items there were a jumping pit, giant slide and rock climbing wall for people to enjoy.

“We had a number of different events  including a  BWW (Buffalo Wild Wings) hot wings eating contest and Mr. Relay, (where the guys dress up as girls and raise money to win)” said Longhi.

Relay For Life is held each April. Relay is a great event for students to come together and fight for something very meaningful, life.

“Relay For Life is more than just a fund-raising event. This event helps to show that we are taking strides towards the cure for cancer, but also for awareness and remembrance,” reflected Longhi. “Relay For Life is such a great event and I hope that we can get even more people to come out next year!”

By: Kimberly CaporaleManaging Editor

When Lisa Domm Shoch ‘95 became a mother, the writing bug bit her. However, it was the strength of another mother that pushed her to write her first children’s book.

While watching a friend care for her child suffering from a brain tumor, Shoch said she was inspired to write. Her first book, entitled “For You, My Child, I Prayed” came not long after.

“I have long dreamed of writing a book,” Shoch said. “Really, I always thought I would write a novel.”

The novel will have to wait. Shoch focused on creating a story about trusting one’s faith. She found inspiration in her own faith and with her children. Through prayer and the support for her friend, Shoch began to see they were the same. Like most mothers,

they prayed for their children. Shoch wrote her first book

within 48 hours. In it the reader follows a woman who hopes of becoming a mother. She prays God will bless her with a child. Once the child is born she continues to pray for them throughout their childhood. The book continues with prayers about college and other milestones.

“It’s a love letter from a mother to her children,” Shoch said. “(It’s) sharing how much she has loved and prayed for them over the years.”

Shoch’s creativity did not stop with just writing the book. While looking for an illustrator, she realized she could illustrate the book herself. This was another journey Shoch describes as “(a) learning curve that God guided me through every step of the way.”

Before devoting her life to becoming a mother, Shoch was a self-employed event planner. Now she is a stay-at-home mom, which allows her time to share her creative side with her children, Paisley, 5 Colby, 4 and Whitley, 1.

For more information about “For You, My Child, I Prayed,” go to www.paisleyandpolkadotpress.com , or you can find it on Amazon.com.

Graduation Events Announced*Master’s Degree Hooding & Commencement, Thursday, May 10 at 7:00pm @ P.E. Monroe Auditorium

*Nurses’ Special Ceremony on Friday May 11, 10:00-11:00 a.m. @ St. Andrews Lutheran Church

*Lunch Buffet on Friday May 11, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. @ Cromer Dining Hall

*Baccalaureate Service on Friday May 11, 3:00 p.m. @ P.E. Monroe Auditorium

*Reception for Graduates and Families on Friday, May 11, 4:30-6:00 p.m. @ the President’s House (740 4th Street NE)

*Bachelor’s Degree Commencement on Friday, May 11, 8:00 p.m. @ Moretz Stadium (P.E. Monroe Auditorium if it rains)

*Graduation Reception, outside on the open lawn area next to the main gate (if it rains if will be located in the Cromer Center Lobby)

By: Kaitlyn BurtonStaff Writer

Now is the time when seniors begin to stress about convocation credit hours. They also make sure that they have enough credit hours to graduate and ensure that they will pass their classes.

President Powell’s office staff is busy too, ensuring that back-up plans are in place in case of inclement weather.

“We have issued rain tickets per [bachelor’s] graduate, we have remote viewing areas around campus so there family members can view it live, like the Belk Centrum, Cromer Center, we will have screens. “ said Administrative Associate Sherry Erikson. Erikson went on to outline a list of graduation events, listed below.

Reverend Andrew Weisner has selected Nicole Conrad to assist him during the baccalaureate service.

“The Baccalaureate is a ceremony where we will be worshiping, and we will be thanking God for the time we have together,” said Pastor Weisner, “There will be a guest speaker at the baccalaureate, the Reverend Scott Homesley, father of graduating senior Elisa Homesley. Pastor Homesley was selected to speak at the Baccalaureate

because he loves L-R, he is an outstanding pastor, he is an L-R grad, his daughter will soon be an L-R grad, and he is on the L-R board of trustees. These reasons are specifically in order. They’re obvious to anyone who knows him and takes a moment to think about it.”

Preparations for Lenoir-Rhyne’s graduation ceremony continue to be made. According to Erikson, Ronald Deal, of Hickory, NC, will receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters award. Also, The Reverend Kirk Bridgers, of Atlanta, Georgia, will receive an honorary Doctor of Divinity award. Professor William “Bill” Mauney, Newton NC, will receive a posthumous Trustee Award, which will be accepted by his wife Elaine.

The revelation of the class valedictorian and salutatorian is being kept until the last moment. According to Dean Katie Fisher that contest is too close to call. “That announcement won’t be made until all final exams are taken and the last grades are submitted,” Fisher said.

As of press time the keynote speaker for the graduation ceremony as well as the student speakers were undecided. All ceremonies will be open to the community.

“Quality of Life in Cancer Patients in a Life Transitions Program at a Palliative Care Facility.”

Daniel Bullins with “Portrait of an Enigma: Dramatic Collapse in Doug Wright’s I Am My Own Wife,” and Michelle Sherrill, with “The Antibacterial Effect of Minced Garlic (Allium sativum) Extract on Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis” tied for the 3rd place award and $100.

“We had a lot of deserving competitors,” said Assistant Professor Joshua Ring, director of L-R’s Honors Academy. “It was very difficult to distill them down to a first, second and third place. We appreciate their participation in this event, and it was clear that they all put hard work and thought into their theses.”

For a list of SOURCE participants and project titles, visit http://student.lr.edu/convocation/event/creative-development-and-expression/837

ever Division 2 men’s lacrosse game. I will definitely be sharing that with my children and grandchildren,” said Willow.

Most of the team, in some way, has been affected by breast cancer—whether it

is via friends or relatives. The team wore pink socks, shoelaces, tape, and shooting both before and during the game to support the cause.

“I’m glad I could be a part of something so great, to play the sport I love and to support such a good cause,” said sophomore defenseman Sean McAuley. “I felt honored to play for the Bears, not only just on that day, but always.”

Of the money that was earned by selling lacrosse breast cancer awareness t-shirts, half went back to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The men raised over 700 dollars on the $10 t-shirts, which are still being sold.

“I think it’s good for our guys to have awareness, it was a great event and a great opportunity to raise some money for a good cause. Anytime our guys can do something to help someone or something out, it’s good for our team,” said Greg Paradine, head coach.

Photo Credit: Phil Robinson, SportsfotosEven though the men’s lacrosse team ended the season with a final record of 5-10, players remain positive about next season.

Relay for Life Participants Fight for The Cure

and undergraduate, at L-R. Retention has two different meanings. Retention can be a First Year Cohort, which measures the number of freshman that come back to L-R for their sophomore year. This number is reported every year. Retention also is defined as the total number of students that return every year. L-R doesn’t report this, but uses it as well.

“Essentially, retention is how many students come back every year,” said Stacey Brackett, the Director of Enrollment Services at L-R.

In 2009, the First Year Cohort was 68.45 percent,

meaning that percentage of freshman that year returned the next year. And in 2010, the First Year Cohort was 65.01 percent, meaning that retention decreased since 2009.

“However, one year does not make a trend,” said Brackett about the lower retention rate. “Enrollment has still gone up.”

Brackett blames retention on the economy and said most students leave L-R to go to state schools because they can’t afford L-R.

How does the retention rate drop for a year, yet L-R still have a higher enrollment? The

First Year Cohort only shows the retention of freshman. Transfer students adding to the enrollment make up for the loss of other students.

In 2006, the university began to focus their efforts on retention. In that year the retention rate was 69.89 percent. To raise this rate the university developed the Learning Commons. The Learning Commons are located on the second floor of the Rudisil library, and includes the math, writing and speech labs. The implementation of this area in the library has helped improve retention, which has

risen from 2006 to 2009.An additional step in

improving retention has been ensuring students an advising period every semester. This has provided students with time to sit down one-on-one with their advisor.

“There is no quick fix,” said Brackett about retention rates. “If the rate does go down next year, the university may have to re-evaluate what is being done. However, there is no certainty that it will go down. Once the new semester begins in the fall, L-R will know if this past year has been a fluke, or if student retention does need readdressing.

SOURCE from pg. 1

Shamrock from pg 3the help and support of my Kappa Delta sisters throughout the whole process.”

Sophomore Moriah Walker has enjoyed the transition from walking to dancing, and is excited about the amount of money raised during the fundraiser.

“I [always] look forward to the event,” said Walker. “Dancing while raising money for our philanthropy [is exciting].”

During the event, participants danced during two 45-minute sessions packed with aerobic activity, hip-hop and Latin dance moves. A raffle offered a chance for attendees to win prizes and L-R students had the opportunity to receive convocation credit as well as points towards the Bears On The Move program. At the end of the event, however, all that mattered was the awareness distributed to the community to combat child abuse.

“I am very passionate about [preventing child abuse] and I am glad that I can be a part of something that helps our local community,” said Carlson. Of the $872.39 raised, 80 percent of the proceeds are given to the Children’s Advocacy and Protection Center of Catawba County, which is a local affiliate of Prevent Child Abuse America. The other 20 percent of the proceeds have been donated to Kappa Delta Foundation Children in Need Fund.

For more information about how to prevent child abuse, or to donate to the Prevent Child Abuse American philanthropy, contact a Kappa Delta or visit http://www.preventchildabuse.org/index.shtml.

*Olivia Lowman contributed to this article.

L-R Alumnus Fulfills Dream On the Rise, from pg 3

Sugzda agrees. He has really seen growth since his first video production class. “I have seen an improvement in students. [Overall], they have more dedication,” he said. “It’s the students [who] really need to get things running efficiently.”

Student opportunities like these have stimulated a growing interest in L-R’s communication program, which is a trend that Harris feels will endure.

“There continues to be tremendous growth within the field of communication, especially in the areas of social media, which is extremely exciting for our majors,” said Harris.

Students can connect with LRTV, The Rhynean, and The Lair on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. The current project will be posted on the SMJC section of the Lenoir-Rhyne Website.

For more information on the communication program, various SMJC majors, or any of the campus media outlets contact Dr. Lisa Harris at harrisl@lr.edu or (328) 328-7176.

Hannah Johnson contributed

The final author of the Series will leave a lasting impression on this great year, without a doubt. Alexander McCall Smith is best known for his international best-selling series No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency, but his influence extends far beyond a single series. He is a respected expert on medical law and bioethics, along with founder and member of The Really Terrible Orchestra. This world-traveling fiction writer has found sources of inspiration from places as unique as apartheid-ridden South Africa. The Wall Street Journal recited praise by claiming his “tapestry of extraordinary nuance and richness” in his multiple pieces of work.

The fun does not stop there. The 2012-2013 Visiting Writers Series will be starting off with a hit. On September 6, North Carolina Novelist, Nicholas Sparks, will be the first writer on campus for next years’ season. A full house of ladies is expected to be in attendance for arguably the most popular North Carolina writer the Series has ever hosted. Rumor has it, groups of Nicholas Sparks female fans will be

camping outside P.E. Monroe to make sure they get seats.

Maybe a similar sight to the Cameron Indoor Crazies camping out with tents before a big Duke game? Along with Nicholas Sparks, the Series will be visited by Nicholas Carr, Marie Howe, John Burnham Schwartz, Sandra Beasley (the Visiting Writer-In-Residence), Philip Schultz, and author of The Little Read, Cynthia Lord.

While the authors bring something to look forward to for next year, series Director, Rand Brandes, explains why the Series involvement in other activities will also make it a year to anticipate.

“We are excited about the Disability Symposium because of the opportunity to partner with several other programs on campus.”

These programs include Disability Services, Deaf and Hard of Hearing, the School of Education, Occupational Services, Athletics Department, Theater, and Music, among many others. The 2012-13 Visiting Writers Series carries an aura of excitement as it looks to spread its influence on campus and provide another memorable year of writers.

Campus News8

By: Sarah MagnessCopy Editor

Just Art, a performance art piece, was performed at the Hickory Museum of Art Wednesday, April 18-Friday, April 20. Directed by Mia Self, the piece was a collaboration of the creative efforts of students Katelyn Crawford, Cody Watson, Rachael Welty, Hannah Highsmith Cloninger and Tony Chambers. These five students created performance “exhibits” in various spaces throughout the museum, in which the question “What is art?” was explored.

According to director Mia Self, Just Art came to be out of a lack of theater space for a final production piece. All the theaters on campus were being used for other events. Self approached Lisa Swinson from the Hickory Museum of Art about possibly working on a piece in the museum. Swinson agreed to the partnership, and Just Art was created out of conversations on the topic of art and what is considered art.

“We decided that intellectually coming up with a definition of “art” was not helpful. Instead, we explored the act of creation and how to frame that experience in a performance setting,” Self explained.

In the Hickory Museum of Art, groups were taken by a docent around various gallery spaces, to experience different performances. Tours occurred every 30 minutes. There were three performance experiences on the first floor, a main performance piece on the second floor that had three different viewing angles, and then an additional three performance experiences on the third floor.

“Just Art is not so much text-based as it is inspired by the works of art installed at the museum,” said Self.

Creating a performance art piece was a positive experience for the actors.

“Just Art”Playmakers Discover New Forms of Expression

According to Junior Rachael Welty, “it’s important to create something original.   Several in the cast will be graduating soon, and this is a way for them to shine creatively one last time at L-R.   I think the larger goal here is for people to think outside of their own realities for a little while; maybe they’ll see the world a little differently. This has definitely

been an enjoyable experience for me.   It’s required a lot of self-reflection as well as collaborative efforts.   I think I’ve learned a lot about my peers and what art can be.”

Senior Katelyn Crawford adds, “I feel I’ve been able to explore the creativity inside me and let it play on the outside. It’s been interesting to watch my fellow castmates and their

processes through the course of rehearsals. We’ve put a lot into the question “What is art?” and hearing each others’ responses has been very enlightening.”

“Performance art is the poetry of theater performance,” Self explained.

Most performance art is bodily related, non-linear, and non-narrative, unless

the piece comes from a highly personal perspective. This is the first performance art piece done at L-R in four years. The last piece was Collage in 4 Dimensions, performed with Black Mountain College. With students’ interest in exploring other means of performance, it appears to be an area the theater department is willing to explore in the future as well.

By: Kimberly CaporaleManaging Editor

Most students think of the library as a quiet place to study their lives away, especially during midterms and finals. The Carl A. Rudisill Library at Lenoir-Rhyne University has a different feel to it that many students may not realize.

Rita Johnson, Director of Library Services, joined the staff this fall. When she came to campus for her interview, the people she interviewed with kept mentioning “changes” and “transitioning.” Those who already worked in the library wanted to see something new, a fresh perspective.

Johnson planned to spend her first year looking at why things were being done the way they were. She didn’t want to come in and change everything without reason. She wanted to take her time to get to know the facility, her coworkers and the students the library wants to serve.

In the fall semester, the Learning Commons, located on the second floor of the library, started a study hall program. It took off extremely well, better than anyone had anticipated. There wasn’t enough seating in the Learning Commons for all students who were attending and the noise level was increased simply because of the numbers.

A group of library employees began going through the library, room by room and discovered that many rooms were under-utilized. If the rooms were re-purposed, students would be able to use them for learning, working and

Zones Have Impact in LibraryPaintings Provide View of Campus, Enhance Library

studying purposes. “Students need and want

to work collaboratively, so we needed an area for them to do that,” Johnson said. “We discovered, after counting each hour, that the Colloquium room, which was being used as the quiet study, wasn’t seeing many students in there. We thought it would be the perfect place for students to gather and work on projects together.”

The lower level of the

library, which hasn’t been used in a few years, would make a great study area for students, but it was poorly lit and the paint was peeling off the walls. It wasn’t an area that students would want to study independently, but it would provide them with a quiet environment.

“The library staff worked together in maintenance to get the space ready for the spring semester,” Johnson said. “We

had the space painted, changed out the lights, removed the clutter of furniture, added plants and found furniture that was available to us to create a seating area.”

The only downside to the new quiet room is the location, in the basement. There are no windows for students to look out while studying. The library has planned a fix for that as well.

Sarah Magness, a graduate

student at L-R, is creating paintings that will look like windows to enhance the quiet study. The study will feature paintings that will look out onto separate areas of campus. Each painting will feature its location in a different season.

“I started by standing in the basement and figuring out which walls looked out on what campus scenes. I asked, “If I cut a hole in this wall and actually made a window, what would I see?” I have 3-foot by 4-foot canvases and have figured out what to paint on each canvas so that they can be spaced evenly on the walls and it still be a cohesive scene,” Magness said. “Once the scene is painted, I am going to go back and paint a window frame on each. The window frames look like the large arched windows in the Quiet Room. I am going to make them as realistic as I can, with wood-grain and scroll-work,” she added.

The quiet room of the library isn’t the only area receiving renovations in the library. The computers located on the main floor have been lowered so students are comfortable while looking information up. The turnstile when entering the library has been removed to provide a wider entrance way. Different rooms, when not reserved, are open for students to use.

“It is our goal to provide better services for the students. We want to provide them with more learning opportunities. To accomplish this we have to provide a comfortable space where students can come and study,” said Johnson. “We want students to succeed.”

By Tiffany FieldsOnline Editor/ Photographer

On Wednesday, March 8 a North Carolina high school spirit rock was vandalized. The student responsible was suspended. Thursday morning as students entered the parking lot, they took pictures of the vulgar image painted on the rock and posted them to Facebook. These students were also suspended. Hearing the news, other students began to post statuses and comments relating to the incident. By Thursday night nearly 100 students had been suspended based on their Facebook conversations, and the number was still growing.

After several complaints from both students and parents, the school board held an emergency meeting on Mar 10. Officials determined that the punishments were not coherent with school policy, which states that students and faculty cannot interact on social networking sites, and therefore revoked.

Five years ago the idea of a school having a Facebook account was unheard of, much less a social media policy. Most schools, high school and college alike, either have in place or are drafting policies that address social network use in and outside of school hours.

Social media isn’t a new

concept, but it is being used in new ways every day. Despite the term “social,” sites like Facebook and Twitter go beyond the realm of personal use and are being utilized by school officials, organizations, businesses, and potential employers.

Students, like those suspended for their comments, are realizing the hard way to be careful what they post. Organizations like the Teaching Fellows monitor posts by their participants to keep a positive image for the group. Pictures of “partying”, legal or underage, are not tolerated by these types of student organizations.

It’s not just student organizations who choose not to tolerate this behavior. Potential employers don’t look too highly on it either.

“When you’re applying for jobs, stay away from adding pictures or status updates with drinking,” said Social Media Specialist Alexandra Guzik. Guzik is currently working for Spindustry, a web design and strategy company. “Obviously if you’re of age you’re going to go out, but you should keep that off your profile when you’re applying at least.”

Guzik handles a lot of applications for the company, and always checks out hopeful hires’ profiles. A job candidate came across her desk recently

with all of the credentials and experience to be great for the job.

“She was very well established and the company she had worked for before was very well known, so she had done well for herself,” Guzik said. After a quick Google search, Guzik and her colleagues found an array of social media profiles on the candidate.

“She had no privacy settings on her pages and had very inappropriate things on there,” Guzik said. “She did not get the job because of that.”

Social media use has exploded in recent years and is a part of daily life, especially on L-R’s campus.

“I use Facebook every day, multiple times a day,” said student Kristin Souther. Souther is about to graduate and has chosen to take a proactive approach to keeping her social media image positive.

“Being an education major and being in the spotlight as much as I am with my work I’m very, very conscious of what my students see,” she said. “I don’t want people, especially potential employers to see an educator as a “party girl,” because that’s just not the case regardless of a drink in my hand or going out dancing

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Beyond SocialHow Social Media Can Affect You

Photo Credit: Sarah MagnessSarah Magness paints a scene of the Rhyne Building to enhance the Quiet Room of the library.

Photo Credit: Sarah MagnessHannah Highsmith Cloninger, Rachael Welty and Katelyn Crawford perform “Community Topography, Phrase 1.”

Photo Credit: Sarah MagnessHannah Highsmith Cloninger, Rachel Welty, Tony Chambers, Cody Watson and Katelyn Crawford perform “Community Topography, Phrase 2.”

Photo Credit: Sarah MagnessHannah Highsmith Cloninger performs her rendition of “Gnash.”