The Decree since 1960 “of, by, and for the Wesleyan community.” April 2, 2010 N o r t h C a r o l i n a W e s l e ya n C o l l e g e , R o c k y M o u n t, N o r t h C a r o l i n a 2 7 8 0 4 Musical ‘Children of Eden’ Showcases Wesleyan Talent Trey Drake earned the USA South MVP award for his sterling play as he led the Bishops to a regular season title and a chance at the tournament championship. Presenting the award was USA South Commissioner Rita Wiggs. And last week, the senior guard was named second team All-American and first team All-South. See related story on page 3. SI Photo Tuition & Fees to Exceed $30K for NCWC Education By Jarad Brown Decree Editor NCWC students have heard the talk of “Wesleyan becoming America’s next great college.” Now as a new academic year approaches, those same students will hear the cost of being “great.” Wesleyan plans an increase in tuition of 5.6 percent, pushing the cost from $21,780 to $23,000. Room rates will increase 2.99 percent and board will rise 3.02 percent. The total cost will rise 5.1 percent to a grand total of $30,914 per year, according to President James Gray. “I would have liked very much to report no increases in costs for our students and their families,” Gray said. “But we believe strongly that our investments in the future will speed us on our way to being that kind of educational leader that we all aspire to be.” The increase comes at a time of high employment. The U.S. Department of Labor reported that as of February the unemployment rate was at a steady 9.7 percent, which breaks down to 14.9 million Americans without jobs. The same department reported that North Carolina ranked as the state with the ninth highest unemployment rate (11.1 percent). This means finding an extra $1,220 for tuition alone might not be possible for all NCWC students and their families. “People are already struggling to pay their bills at home,” sophomore Justin Lowe said. “An increase in tuition is only going to push students deeper in debt with loans. I mean, we have to start paying that back six months after graduation, so we’re starting off in a hole.” Junior Mike Young agreed that the price increase comes at a tough time. “I’m not going to struggle personally, but I know plenty of people who will,” he said, adding, “I hope we at least get better food out of the deal.” Despite reaching the $30,000 mark, the overall 5.1 cost increase is the smallest in the past six years. In contrast to older, more well-established colleges and universities, it’s harder for Wesleyan to dip into its endowment to pay for operating expenses, not to mention financial aid. Its endowment was about $8.6 million as of February, Gray said. “We are on our way to reaching our potential as America’s next great college,” Gray said. “Unfortunately, a college education gets more costly each year. It is our duty—and my personal commitment—to provide greater value in return for that increase.” President Gray included a laundry list of explanations for the increase, ranging from escalating costs in food and electricity to enhanced security on campus and the provision of a larger admissions staff. Among other benefits, students will soon see more programs and a larger staff in student affairs, a new director of residence life as well as more scholarship money for both new and current students. The college hopes to continue making improvements to the campus and residence halls as well. “I know it is challenging for our students and their families to provide for a top-quality education that Wesleyan provides,” Gray said. “I want to emphasize that we believe we are enhancing both the academics and campus environments—giving our students clear benefits from the increases.” Included in the overall cost increase is a $50-per-semester student activities fee, to be given directly to student services. With the fee, nearly $40,000 is expected to be available. While President Gray wasn’t able to completely define how the money would be spent he did state “let me stress that it will all be used to provide a more meaningful and enjoyable campus life.” Despite the benefits, some worry that the higher costs will hurt Wesleyan in luring new students to campus. While this is a valid concern, a peek into the cost of competing schools should ease minds. Greensboro College already charges more than $30,000 per year for students, and according to its official website, an expected 5.7 percent increase will be put into effect for the 2010-2011 school year. Likewise Methodist is raising its price tag. Vice President for Enrollment Services Rick Lowe said that MU expects an increase above five percent. It currently includes charges to students such as a $300 activities fee. “We have done a thorough study of our costs versus other schools with whom we compete for students,” Gray said. “I’m pleased to say that we are just a small amount above the average in both the cost of matriculating at Wesleyan and the increases from last year.” Gray dismissed speculation that Wesleyan’s price hike is connected to recent problems in the financial aid office. See FEES on pg 2 by Bristy Parker Decree Staff Writer “What’s that glowing on top of the tree hill?” was the question that Eve asked in the play “Children of Eden,” Wesleyan’s spring musical. Directed by Melvin Tunstall III, the two-hour play gave us a version of the book of Genesis in the Bible. It ran March 8-10 in Minges Auditorium and drew an estimated audience of 150 to each performance. Eve’s curiosity was the theme of act one of the play. In act one, the Wesleyan Players portrayed the story of Adam and Eve. In the beginning, a chorus of talented storytellers describes the beginning of the world. Father (God), played by Tunstall, then comes on stage and declares, "Let there be…." as he builds the world based on his dream. He creates Adam and Eve and the perfect Garden of Eden for them. Eve (Sara Bergland) is like any curious child who inquires about many things. When she asks “What's that glowing tree on top of the hill?”, Father explains to them about the tree of knowledge and that they must never eat the fruit. As Adam and Eve persist on asking why not, Father redirects their attention by asking them to name the animals. The next day, Eve discovers the tree of knowledge, which becomes illuminated. She sings, "The Spark of Creation," which was a contemporary song about the spark of creativity and exploration. By the applause, it was clear the audience loved her performance. For the following number, "In Pursuit of Excellence," Brittany Richardson plays a conniving snake and tells Eve to go ahead and eat the fruit to obtain knowledge that Students Headed in All Directions for Break By John Kostet Decree Staff Writer March Break, Spring Recession, Study Week and even Reading Week are all various names for what most of us refer to as Spring Break. But usually spring break includes anything but reading, as students tend to leave campus and head south for beaches and parties. “The best part of my break was to be SGA Elections Set for April 5-7 By Melanie Rhodes Decree Staff Writer A new voter registration process has been implemented as SGA gears up for the election of the 2010-11 president and executive board April 5-7. Begun March 15, voter registration will continue until Friday, April 2. Students may register in the cafeteria from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 5 to 7 p.m., in the Hartness Student Center via sign-up sheet, or by e-mailing SGA Vice President Juliana Richardson at jr148954@my.ncwc.edu. Two-term President Jacob Strickland believes that implementing the voting registration process will “help the students become more informed politically.” As vice president, Richardson is overseeing the voting registration process. She agrees that it will “provide students with a real-world process, will help cut down on random voting, will simplify the voting process.” Samantha House agrees that voting registration is good idea. “I like the idea of registering to vote through e-mail because of the easy access and it’s not too complicated,” she said. SGA is enforcing existing eligibility rules for candidates in each of the three open positions––president, vice president and treasurer. In order to run for office, a student must have held voting rights she says God is trying to keep from her and Adam. The forbidden “apples,” played by Rozelius Lousius and Hilary Daniel, shared a sassy performance along with Richardson. Their “Vegas” style costumes complemented the act. When Father finds out that Eve has disobeyed him by eating the fruit, she is exiled. Adam (BJ Collins) must choose between staying in the garden and leaving with Eve. His "A World Without You” was a beautiful, emotional song, which received a lot of applause and gave the audience a sense of warmth. A while after they are kicked out of the garden, the storytellers sing about Adam and Eve's barren new environment in "The Wasteland." Eve gives birth to two sons, Cain and Abel, played by Benjamin Kruk and Anthony Battle. As the boys grow older, they shadow their parents’ actions and become curious about their own lives. Cain wants to prove that they are not the only people in the world and indicates that he wants to be a part of a larger family. Abel tries to get him to stay and be obedient, but Cain kills him with a rock during their brawl––an outstanding scene between Battle and Kruk. Cain runs away as Father appears before him, and curses him in the song, "The Mark of Cain." In this act, Dionne Luckett and Greg Spence belted out awesome solo performances. During the song, "Children of Eden," Eve talks with Father, and sings of coming back to the garden. She asks her family "not to blame us, we were just human," referring to her being exiled from the garden with Adam and the impact of one generation's experience on their descendents. Act two, the story of Noah and the flood, begins with the storytellers sing- and maintained regular attendance at the biweekly meetings during the previous year. The secretary position is open to all students. For each of the four positions, candidates must maintain a 3.0 GPA and meet other criteria for their particular position. As the election approaches, students identified qualities that they would like to see in the SGA President. House said that she would like a president that has the “ability to lead, provide guidance and take initiative. The president should set a good example, be understanding and fair to all clubs and individuals.” It’s important, she added, that SGA continue to “build connections and relationships with every student organization.” Terrance Johnson said that the next president should be a strong communicator. “I would like to see a President who has good communication skills and is willing to listen to the student body,” he said. Jaren Wilcox hopes that the new SGA administration will provide more student activities on campus, adding that the next president should be “honest and trustworthy.” The election will take place in the school cafeteria and the new president and executive board will be announced two days later, on April 9. away from the dorms and enjoy a new environment, full of palm trees,” said Anton Hysen who spent his break with friends in Panama City, Fla. “I had an awesome time at the beach, meeting new people from all over U.S.” Florida has for decades been one of the classic spring break destinations for college students and this year’s break was certainly not an exception as many of the Wesleyan students hit the road down south. Kristin Seidel and her boyfriend Florian Schmedes flew down to Miami and South Beach to enjoy the sun a couple of days. “The weather was amazing during the day with temperatures around 70 Fahrenheit,” Seidel said. Seidel also said it was hard not to be impressed by Ocean Drive, which is a popular street known for its surrounding design. “I loved walking there during the nights, as the streets were filled with all kinds of lights and music,” she said. Chynna Laws went down to Fort Walton Beach, Fla. to both see her stepsisters and spend time on the beach with her roommate, Tiara Joyner, and her husband. “I had a great time even though it was a bit chilly,” Laws said, noting temperatures around the 60s. The weather seems to play a major role when the students choose their destination, and it certainly did for Manuel Lomba and Jorge Ventura who took no risk of rain, flying down to Guatemala to stay ten days at fellow student Victor Wong’s house. Lomba said they enjoyed the weather every day, lying on the beach. But during the nights it was all about partying. “There were some incredible See BREAK on pg 2 ing about who begat who thousands of years later, in the song, “Generations.” They follow the line of Adam to Noah and his three sons Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Cainen Hannah and Crystal Marable accompany this scene with great solo acts. Father wants Noah (Matthew De Abrew), to quickly finish building the ark, so he can flood the world and destroy the race of Cain. As the flood is coming, youngest son Japheth (Battle) is on a deadline to find a wife to bring on the ark to be saved. Japheth tries to bring his true love, Yonah the servant girl (Rachel Radford) to the table. But she has the mark of Cain and this causes an uproar. Japeth becomes angry and storms off while the animals are being boarded on the ark. Noah apologizes to Yonah for not being able to take her with them. In the song, “Stranger in the Rain,” Yonah expresses how she is used to being an outcast. Radford’s emotional performance was so natural and she really put her heart into the song. Japeth comes alongside her and reassures her they will be together and plans on hiding her in the ark. This dramatic scene was complemented by the song, “In Whatever Time,” because they did not know how long they were going to live. As the rain comes and floods the land for forty days and forty nights, the downpour still continues, which created a food shortage and a life-threatening situation. Yonah wonders if she is the reason the rains have not ceased and sends a dove to find land during the song, "Sailor of the Skies." When Shem (Andrew Herring) and Ham (Kruk) find Yonah, an altercation breaks out between Japeth and Ham, imitating the Adam and Cain struggle of act one. But this time, the murder is stopped by Yonah standing in the way. Mama Noah (Nicole Louisius) tells Noah that Father no longer speaks to him. She advises him to be the father now and make his own choices, which is reflected in the song, "The Hardest Part of Love." Noah calls everyone together to perform a ceremony. He makes the choice of marrying Yonah and Japeth. The dove returns with an olive branch and in the upbeat song, "Ain't It Good,” Mama Noah, joined by the others, celebrates their hope for dry land and new life. The scene was outstanding, highlighted by the soulful voice of Louisius. The audience was so involved, clapping to the beat. Tunstall did a remarkable job with the choreography, costumes, stage and musical direction. Roger Drake, associate professor of theatre, was in charge of the creative production design. The lighting, done by Kimla Brandt, and sound, done by Jamie Anderson and Melinda Batchelor, were excellent. The Wesleyan community gathered to remember senior Adam Larue, following his unexpected death in Rocky Mount during spring break. See story page 4. Decree file photo 2 April 2, 2010 North Carolina Wesleyan College, Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27804 NEWS & OPINION Viewpoint: Wesleyan Needs Comprehensive Recycling Plan By Meghan Herd Decree Staff Writer On a daily basis, one can find stacks of paper piled up in the computer labs and numerous empty bottles in the trash cans. If there was recycling at Wesleyan, it would not only cut down on the waste but it would create a more environmentally friendly and more pleasant looking campus. Many Wesleyan students and employees admit that they don’t recycle nor do they feel that the lack of a recycling program is a problem. Freshman Amber Molock stated that she never thought about the idea of having a recycling program on campus. Molock typically throws all her papers in the garbage can. “I don’t even think about what I’m throwing away or how much paper I’m wasting,” she said. Assignments and old tests are just a few items that senior Cliff Edmundson throws in the garbage. He added that he has never recycled when living at home and as a result he feels there is no need to do so here. “I don’t recycle and never have,” he said. “It’s just not something my family has ever done.” Not all students feel the same way as Molock and Edmundson about recycling. Senior Carmera Thomas is aware of the problem. At one point she took the initiative to recycle, but then stopped after it became too onerous. “A few years ago,” she related, “I even kept recyclable items under my bed until I could take them to the recycling center, because I hated to put them in the trash. Finally my roommate told me that it was starting to get too overbearing. And it was an inconvenience to go to the recycling center because it was hard to find time. It got to be too much, so I had to stop. It became easier just to throw recyclables in the garbage can that was right in the hallway of my residence hall.” As of today Wesleyan College has taken only modest steps toward a comprehensive recycling program. A survey of campus facilities revealed the following: There is a Waste Industries paper recycling bin in Braswell office services, one in the library, and one in the admissions building. Last week a new can recycling receptacle was spotted along the sidewalk behind Braswell. But staff reported no paper bins in the Bellemonte House, college store, Hartness Center, IS building, student affairs office and Taylor Center. Campus-wide there are six residence halls, each of which lacks recycling bins, accounting for much of the waste. The problem is especially severe at the end of the semester when students get rid of a lot of paper. Instead of being recycled, it goes straight into the garbage. “Every semester I get rid of old notes, tests and papers that I just don’t need anymore,” Thomas said. “I feel so bad throwing it all away.” Resident Assistant Desmond Joyner has witnessed the excessive amount of wasted paper and bottles that go in the garbage. “During my rounds, especially in the evenings, I see a lot of paper waste in the garbage,” he said. “That waste could be easily recycled if there was a separate recycling bin available.” Although there is talk about making this campus more environmentally-friendly, not enough has been done about recycling. One positive step has been that President James Gray recently created a committee whose focus is to develop a working recycling plan. According to President Gray, the committee consists of two faculty members, one staff member and one student. He said the committee has been in contact with Steve Raper from the City of Rocky Mount to help establish the college’s program. John Williamson, the student representative on the new committee, expressed his goals for the college. Not only would he like to bring recycling to campus, but Williamson wants to reduce the college’s carbon footprint by expanding into more “green” programs. Dr. Erica Kosal, another committee member, underscored the importance of recycling and the plan to make our campus more environmentally friendly. Noting that certain steps should be taken, Dr. Kosal said that there need to be bins campus-wide to make it more convenient for the Wesleyan community to dispose of their paper and plastic bottles as well as other recyclable materials such as glass and cardboard. “We need to make it easy to recycle,” she emphasized. Dr. Kosal noted that with this recycling program must come education. “I think an education campaign could go a long way,” she said, “and putting up flyers with ‘facts’ on what we’re doing compared to other colleges would be helpful. I think if people were better educated in general, they would be more inclined to invest” in a coordinated program. Sophomore Quentin Pittman agrees that there is a lack of education about recycling on campus. “I see a lot of waste, especially when it comes to people printing paper,” he said. “I think that the real problem is that no one cares or even realizes what they are doing to the environment.” On other college campuses of a similar size, like Greensboro College and Meredith College, there are recycling programs. Meredith recently adopted its program, educating students about what and what not to recycle and where the recycling bins are located. And at Greensboro, a student-led recycling program educates and informs the student body about the recycling containers and recyclable items. Many members of the Wesleyan community now do their own recycling. The Decree since 1960 “of, by, and for the Wesleyan community.” Editor s ta f f Cartoonist Jarad Brown Lorenzo Whitley Staff Photographers Joyce Collins James Randolph Raishael Tanner Claudricia Thomas Lorenzo Whitley Staff Writers Special Contributors Senior Staff Writers Jacqie Flynn, Amanda Frimpong, Leila Heinonen, Meghan Herd, Rodney Holley, Lorane Johnson, John Kostet, Alyson Matarazzo, Ashley Meadows, Josh Meeks, Bristy Parker, Kathleen Penrod, Melanie Rhodes, Juliana Richardson, Makeda Rose, Gregory Spence, Jacob Strickland, Jesse Tamez Joshua Cain Matthew Esterline Richie Fender Grace Wallace Faculty Advisor Dr. William Grattan 171 Braswell • Phone: 985-5336 Email: WJGrattan@ncwc.edu The Decree office is on the first floor of the Hartness Center. Copyright Policy Submissions The Decree holds the copyright of every article and graphic for one-time and future publication at the discretion of the editorial board. Submission implies agreement with this policy. To suggest an article, or submit an opinion piece or letter to the editor, send an email attachment (Microsoft Word) to: WJGrattan@ncwc.edu. Note that the Decree staff checks all submissions for accuracy and edits in accordance with acceptable grammar and punctuation as well as AP Style. Editorial Statement Commentary/opinion and letters to the editor represent the individual author’s views, and not necessarily those of North Carolina Wesleyan College, the Decree staff or the Decree advisor. Corrections The Decree corrects mistakes of substance. If you would like to request a correction, send an email to WJGrattan@ncwc.edu, or call 985-5336 Deborah White, a housekeeping supervisor, acknowledged that she and her staff often empty office and hallway trash cans that contain both garbage as well as recyclable items such as paper and plastic bottles. But she said that many staff and faculty now separate their trash, using boxes and other improvised containers to store recyclables. During her seven years here, White said she has noticed an increase in the number of faculty and staff who recycle on their own. “I personally will take paper boxes and put paper in the larger recycling bin” in office services, she said, but stated that her staff is not trained to separate trash or take paper to the office services bin. Staff and faculty must dispose of their own bottles and cans. Noting that she had seen a growing amount of wasted paper in the Pearsall computer labs, White said that she placed a crude box in each lab and labeled them “Recycling,” in the hopes that “students would respond.” A recent inspection indicated that many students do drop paper into the boxes, but that many others leave paper in the printer, among other places. Other members of the community have done their part to help in the effort. Dr. Jeff Perry, director of the NCWC Writing Center, is one who believes the Wesleyan community needs to look into the paperless movement. “Paper has been eliminated in my classes and the writing lab. Unless a student brings in a hard copy, we do everything online,” he said, noting that educational documents and other materials can be found on the center’s website. Likewise Jessie Warren, director of NCWC Internships & Career Services, has made use of digital technology in an effort to limit printing and save paper. “All of the job postings are available solely online rather than on a printed bulletin board,” she said, adding that flyers and materials are printed in small quantities to avoid waste. When she does print out paper, she tries to reuse it. “I keep a box full of papers with outdated content, so that I can re-use the backsides,” she said. Both President Gray and the members of the recycling committee expressed eagerness to start a formal program on campus, but feel that there is a lot of work still to be done. “If we do have this program, it will take a lot of work to get people involved.” He added that the effort will need an education component and the support of student organizations like the Science Cub. “And we’ll need time.” According to Dr. Kosal, for years Wesleyan has tried unsuccessfully to initiate recycling programs on campus, By Jarad Brown Decree Editor The sun gleams in through the window and reflects off the five-inch piece of metal that reads “Integrity, Vigilance, Helpfulness.” That piece of metal engraved with those words is the badge worn by all officers of the security staff at NCWC. Head of campus security Jack Crociata agreed to speak to The Decree about recent legal issues on campus as well as actions taken by Wesleyan’s administration to combat crime. Most students have heard about the arrests that occurred in Petteway residence hall on March 17, though the details of the incident had only been speculated upon. Two students were discovered in their dorm room with an undisclosed quantity of marijuana being dried underneath heat lamps, Crociata said. Upon further inspection of the room, an additional two bags of marijuana were found along with measuring scales, a stem grinder and plastic bags. The amount of marijuana confiscated was determined to be enough for a major felony charge, Crociata said. Crociata noted that security came upon the illegal narcotic while executing a building search, upon request of the resident director, for a stolen television. According to Crociata, both students were expelled from NCWC, charged with possession with intent to distribute, arrested, and released on bail. They currently await a trial date, he said. Little known to most students is the fact that three weeks prior to the Petteway incident, a single student was caught smoking cannabis outside of Nash residence hall. An extended search of the student’s room turned up marijuana seeds as well as additional amounts of marijuana, Crociata said. Crociata related that the student, already expelled from Wesleyan, was convicted in a court of law and given a sentence of probation. The quick response times and swift decision to expel students involved in drug possession came as part of an effort by Dean of Students Randy Williams and campus security to “crack down” on law breakers. This is a direct response to the break-ins and vandalism that was rampant on campus during fall semester. “The security force has been beefed up with several additional officers,” Crociata said. “More officers allowed for more cruising of campus, especially late at night. Now you hardly hear of a case of vandalism, much less a break-in.” Crociata also noted that a majority of the fall’s theft cases were a direct result of students leaving doors unlocked. Because of this, Williams commenced a check of all dorms and any room that was found to be unlocked and unattended was given a fine. Another change made due to the fall’s crime spree included the placement of security cameras in Petteway residence hall, a measure that has paid off already. In a television theft incident in Petteway, the culprit was caught due to the security cameras, Crociata said. Petteway Pot Bust Made, Camera Catches Thief FEES from pg 1 “Late last fall we discovered fraud being perpetrated by our director of financial aid and we immediately notified both the federal and state financial aid agencies,” the president said. “We believe the fraud was not perpetrated by anyone else at Wesleyan and that not one student lost a dime of scholarship money that he or she deserved.” The college launched an immediate investigation and due to its findings terminated the director. A national search was commenced to fill the position, and according to President Gray “the new director will be visible on campus within weeks.” While Wesleyan’s goal for the future is becoming “America’s next great college” and a price increase is, according to Gray, a necessity toward that goal, some students are still concerned about the hike. “I’m already struggling to have the money to be here now,” junior Ashley Meadows said. “It would really suck to get to my senior year here and not be able to afford it anymore.” See CRIME on pg 4 but there have always been obstacles in the way. “Recycling has been an issue for many years,” she said. “I am very optimistic that this time will be our time.” President Gray and others agree that as Wesleyan continues to beautify its campus, we must keep in mind that this includes recycling. “My hope is that people will get on board,” he said. “And I hope that people remember that every great school has a great-looking campus.” BREAK from pg 1 parties with gorgeous girls everywhere. You know, those Latino girls with beautiful green eyes,” Lomba said with a smile. But Lomba also ensured they experienced the more cultivated side of Guatemala, as they visited the Tikal National Park with historical Tikal Temples built during the Pre-Columbian Maya Civilization. Emelie Lundgren said she had a bit less cultivated week, as she rested her tennis racquet to get a taste of the spring break n Panama City. “All and all, it was quite expensive,” she said. “But since I was so eager to experience an American spring break it was definitely worth it.” Lundgren and a few other Wesleyan students, including Bradley Myles, booked their hotel through StudentCity. com, an agency which helps millions of college students to organize their trips every year. “I think Student City charged way more than needed,” Myles said, as he had heard of other students paying only half the amount for the same hotel. Panama City is one of the main resorts for many of the student agencies and every year the city turns into a spring break paradise. “I felt like the whole city was built for students, such a good atmosphere,” Lundgren said. “With hotels, clubs and bars full of students ready to have a good time, it was hard not to have fun.” Even though Myles felt deceived, he admits he had a good time. “Well, from what I remember I had a blast,” he said. But Myles promises he will not repeat his mistake next year, as he intends to do the planning and booking by himself. “Next year I will try to go outside the country somewhere and definitely not use StudentCity.com,” he said. Junior Bioh went home to Manassas, Va.. to see his friends before he and his girlfriend traveled to Myrtle Beach. “We stayed at a nice hotel right on the beach with a wonderful view,” Bioh said. “The best thing was to just relax and play some soccer in the sand.” But spring break does not necessarily have to be all about beaches and parties. Some students just relaxed from schoolwork, while others took the chance to earn extra money. Barbara DeRatt worked some hours at Craft Technologies. “And I finally got the chance to run all those errands I had put off for so long,” she said. There were also a lot of students who took the opportunity to go home and catch up with their friends and family, especially students from out of state that cannot go home that often. Heather Freudenberg flew home to see her family in New York. “I finally got to see my niece and nephew who I haven’t seen in a long time,” she said. Another student who went home to see his family was Tyler Murray of Greensboro. Since Murray has been busy during the basketball season, the opportunities to go home have been limited. “I hadn’t seen my family since Christmas, and then only for a week. So I appreciated the time,” he said. As most of the students left Rocky Mount, many athletes stayed in the area. Among them was softball player Kacie Brandes, whose team won games against York College and Old Westbury College. “I’m so glad we won our two opening games,” Brandes said. Dane Anderson, a member of the Wesleyan golf team, prepared for upcoming tournaments by playing a few rounds with his brother in Raleigh. “I beat my brother pretty bad, so it was a good break,” Anderson said. April 2, 2010 North Carolina Wesleyan College, Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27804 SPORTS 3 Brackett Transitions to One Sport By Bristy Parker Decree Staff Writer Freshman Emelie Lundgren has led the Bishops women to an improved record (3-1) so far in 2010. The men’s team has been dominant, winning seven of its first eight, including a thrilling 5-4 win over #7 Williams College. Look for more tennis coverage in the next Decree. SI Photo. “It couldn’t have worked out any better. Coaching two sports for almost 20 years, I just think it was a situation where they wanted to split my position and it worked out for everybody,” said softball coach John Brackett, as he discussed the switch from coaching two sports to one and shared his thoughts about this season, his players and ambitions. Brackett had been coaching women’s basketball and softball, but with his recent switch to just softball, he explained that he is still the same coach, with the same style. He indicated that coaching two sports had been difficult for one person, with recruitment and other responsibilities. “It’s good to put all your energy into one sport and put everything you have into your players, recruiting and upkeep of the field,” Brackett said. Although he enjoyed coaching two sports, Brackett was glad to turn Men’s Hoops Team Upset after Regular Season USA South Title By Decree Sports Staff The Wesleyan men’s basketball team did not qualify for the NCAA Division III playoffs following its loss to host Christopher Newport University in the USA South tournament finals in late February. The loss, 67-63, ended an 11-game win streak by the Bishops, who had earned the top seeding in the tournament by seizing the regular season title with an 11-1 record. After an opening-round bye, Wesleyan vanquished the fourth seed, Averett, 90-70, in the semi-finals. CNU was the only conference team to beat the Bishops in the regular season, winning 89-79 on January 13 in Newport News. Last year the Bishops were 4-8 in the conference and lost in the tournament’s first round to Shenandoah. NCWC’s 16-10 over all record represents an improvement of two wins over 2009. The conference championship marked the final game for the team’s three leading scorers: league MVP Trey Drake (19.2 ppg, 114 assists, 44 steals), Jarmel Arrington 14.2 ppg) and Lamont Stokes (12.0 ppg). Other graduating seniors include Alphonzo Frazier (6 ppg, 5.2 rbg), Ivan Butler and Tyler Murray. John Thompson, the 2010 USA South Conference Coach of the Year, Lax Team Gets First Victory LaGrange, GA––Sarah Matulich scored six goals to lead the Bishops to 9-8 victory over LaGrange College on March 15, earning second-year Coach Ramona Walters her first career win. In the first half the Bishops built a 4-2 lead before the Panthers mounted a comeback, scoring three unanswered goals in the final ten minutes. LaGrange upped its lead to 6-4 just 35 seconds into the second half before goals by Matulich and Alyssa Balzano tied the score at 6-6. The Panthers' Crystal Colvin scored the second of her three goals in the 34th minute to give LaGrange a 7-6 advantage, but it was then that Matulich took control, reeling off three straight goals for the Bishops, who held on for the win behind goalkeeper Sacejewia Evans, who made five saves in the match en route to her first win. The Bishops then lost their next two matches, 24-5 to Centenary College, and 12-3 to Lancaster Bible College. Their conference record stands at 1-3 while their overall mark is 1-7. Matulich, a native of western New York and a defender on the soccer team, has paced the offense through the first half of the season, tallying 17 goals—an average of more than two per match––on 38 shots. Lauren Young is second on the team in goals with 7. Overall team defense has been a problem for Wesleyan as, through the first eight matches, it has yield 132 goals, or more than 16 per contest. (Article courtesy of Sports Information) looked back on a successful season and to the future in a recent email interview with The Decree: Q. Think back to the end of the CNU game: what was running through your mind? What were you feeling? A. I thought we were playing pretty well. We were simply struggling to make shots. Our shot selection was good. I really felt we would knock a couple down to help us pull it out, but it just did not happen. Spring is Baseball By Josh Meeks Decree Sports Writer Spring is a symbol of starting over again. The trees and flowers come back to life as the birds fly back from a long journey to the south. And around America, there’s the crack of the bat, the smell of freshly cut grass, and the irresistible urge to eat sunflower seeds. Yes, spring means it’s time for baseball. In spring, every team is given a clean slate and feels a sense of optimism for the coming season. Even the Washington Nationals have shown pep in their step. Early-season chatter has focused on rookie right-handed pitcher Stephen Strasburg, seen as the savior for baseball in Washington as the team seeks its first winning season since the move from Montreal in 2005. The Nationals hope to combine Strasburg with an improved John Lannan to create a solid 1-2 punch at the top of the rotation. All-Star Ryan Zimmerman (3B) provides power in the Nats lineup. You cannot talk about baseball, though, without talking about the reigning World Series Champion New York Yankees, who have continued to add to their roster. With an already stacked lineup boasting A-Rod, Teixeira and Jeter, the Yankees traded for Curtis Granderson to roam centerfield. Granderson can get on base and hit for power, but will be seen more as a defensive upgrade for the weak-armed Johnny Damon. The Yankees added Javier Vasquez to bolster an already strong pitching rotation with C.C. Sabathia, Andy Petitte and AJ Burnett. Joba Chamberlain and Phil Hughes will fight for the final spot in the rotation as the other will set up the great closer Mariano Rivera. Look for the Yankees to continue to dominate the American League on a quest for their 28th World Series title. This season’s dark horses have to be the Seattle Mariners and the Cincinnati Reds. Both teams are looking to stop the monopoly the Angels and Cardinals have had on their respective divisions. They seem to be going about it the same way: through pitching. The Mariners now have the best top of the rotation in the majors after adding Cliff Lee from the Phillies to team with King Felix. With a healthy Erick Bedard and leadership See SPRING on pg 4 Q. What was the atmosphere like during the game? Did it feel like an away game? A. I thought the atmosphere was great. It was a tournament championship atmosphere. Q. What made the difference? A. As I said, we just could not make shots. We shot 35% from the field and were 7-13 at the foul line. And CNU also played a fine game. Q. After you got a little distance from the final game, what was your reaction to both the CNU game and the season as a whole? A. Great disappointment after the loss, of course. The season comes to an abrupt ending, we do not continue on into the NCAA Tournament, and most importantly, it was the last time I was going to coach six tremendous guys, our senior class. Q. What was the high point of last season? What will you remember about this season 10 years down the road? A. The high point was winning the USA South Championship. What I will remember, always, about this team and this season, is the hard work and dedication, the belief and commitment, the obstacles we overcame and the outstanding way that Wesleyan was represented. Q. Congrats on the coaching award, but I imagine you’d trade it, and Trey Drake would trade his MVP, for a trip to the NCAAs. What was needed (recordwise) to qualify as an at-large team? A. We probably needed 19-20 wins at a minimum to get an at-large berth. And yes we would trade all the individual accolades to get there. Q. You’re losing a nice bunch of seniors. Characterize the specific challenges you face in replacing them and fielding a competitive team next year. A. Every team every year is different. You lose some seniors, you add new ones and the personality, dynamics, skills, and strengths of your team change. Clearly, we lose some outstanding players, but they are also outstanding people. We have a huge task in front of us to fill the void left by our seniors. The good news is that we have nine very fine players returning. We have five players, Alex Murray, Matt Dougherty, Justin Griffith, Devin Nichols, and Domarius Thomas, who all started multiple games for us this year. Now we must add some important pieces to our puzzle through recruiting. Q. What’s your philosophy in recruiting? Do you look for best available player or do look for particular positions to fill certain holes. A. Both. Our basic philosophy is to look for the best players we can recruit, who are also good students and good people. We will always look at a player who has the ability to help us get better, but we also must look to fill positions that become open. Q. Why should Bishops fans be optimistic about next year’s team? A. I believe our fans should always be optimistic. We have a program that is solid and represents the college and our fans in a first-class manner. We have the nine returnees and, what I believe will be, a very good recruiting class, that together will be a new but exciting team for them to follow. basketball over to one of his former players, Artina Trader. Coach Brackett is a former athlete at Wesleyan, having played basketball for four years. After his playing career, he still followed NCWC’s athletics program. When the women’s basketball coach position opened, he expressed interest and felt fortunate to get the job at a young age with little experience. Conveying his positive outlook for the current softball season, he noted that the team is stocked with veteran infielders and pitchers, who helped lead the Bishops to a “tremendous run” and a third-place finish in the conference tournament after earning a low tournament seeding in 2009. “We have a lot of experience from last year, and we’ve showed some good mental toughness at times,” he said. “I think our leadership has been strong.” Most changes have taken place in the outfield, where sophomore Carla Pridgen is a key returner. Jessica Poindexter, an infielder, may be shifted to strengthen the outfield. “She’s a very versatile player and a natural athlete,” Brackett said, adding that he’s excited about his new catcher, freshman Tony Richardson. Mindful that competition will be tough in the USA South Conference, he cited Christopher Newport as the pre-season favororite, and “and deservedly so.” But the competition will not scare away the Bishops. “You’ve got to come to play every day. Anybody can knock off anybody,” the coach said. Through March 23, the Bishops sported a 10-7 overall record, 3-3 in the conference. “We play in a very strong conference, so any win is a big win,” Brackett said. “If you’re winning conference games, that’s going to give you a lot of confidence. If you lose a couple, you have to bounce back, and I feel our team has done that pretty well.” The coach has been pleased so far with all phases of his team’s game—pitching, defense and hitting. Ashley Driver (4 wins, 2.98 ERA) and Kacie Brandes (6, 3.20) have anchored the pitching staff, while the team’s balanced offense has been led by Brittany Nichols (.458 avg., 2 homers, 18 RBIs) and Meredith Mills (.306, 2, 15). Although the season is going well, Brackett said, there is still room for improvement. “We need to do a little better job when he have runners in scoring position. We have left too many on base.” Brackett hopes that improved play will allow his team to earn a higher seeding and a higher finish in the tournament. Baseball Team Seeks Consistency, Stronger D By Decree Sports Staff Update: The Bishops edged Lynchburg College, 9-8, on March 24, before dropping one to Tufts, 11-4, the next afternoon. And last weekend the team split a pair with Methodist. The Wesleyan baseball team swept two games from Greensboro on the road March 19-20, as it sought consistency in the wake of 1-6 spring break road trip. The Bishops took the Saturday game against The Pride, 16-9, and completed the sweep on Sunday with a 5-2 win in 11 innings. Sunday’s victory raised the team’s USA South Conference record to 4-2 and its overall mark to 10-12. NCWC’s Zach Alexander was the offensive catalyst in the two-game set, as he went 7 for 11, bashing two homers and driving in 10 runs. The junior first baseman raised his team-leading average to .347 and RBI total to 20, a rate of almost one per game. Other RBI leaders include Justin Rahm (19), Brian Allen (16), JJ Allen (15) and Patrick Laffin (14). The Greensboro wins represented the second two-game sweep in conference action for the Bishops, who beat top-ranked Shenandoah (now 15-4 overall) at home in late February by scores of 4-2 and 11-7. Together with earlier wins against Emory and Cortland State, the Shenandoah sweep had given the Bishops a four-game streak and a 5-3 record through February. Then came the seven-game trip to Florida and Georgia during the first week of March. Facing tough competition, the Bishops lost the first six contests before defeating Ohio’s Dennison University in the final game of the Piedmont College Tournament. “We were really confident after beating Shenandoah,” said JJ Allen, a freshman right-fielder, “and had high hopes for the Florida trip. We knew we were facing some good competition so we had to play well to beat them. We put too much pressure on ourselves to make every play possible and win the game in one swing of the bat.” During the week, the team yielded 60 runs over seven games. It scored 20 runs in the first six games, before exploding for 11 against Dennison. Laffin blamed fatigue and a sudden case of shaky confidence for the team’s poor performance during the road trip. Right after the second SU game, he noted, the Bishops drove 13 hours to Florida, where it lost to John Carroll the next day. “We lost against a bad team, and everyone was really down,” Laffin said. “It was a huge blow to our confidence” to lose to inferior team. It “stuck with us the whole road trip.” Both Laffin and Allen said shoddy defense has hurt the team. “It struggled a bit in Florida and Georgia,” Laffin acknowledged. Allen said that team needs to make more of the routine plays, noting that errors in the field, combined with a lack of timely hitting, were costly during the road trip. “We handed a lot of games away with errors,” he said, pointing out that the team has tried different combinations in the middle infield. “It seems like the middle of the infield is cursed.” Through the first 22 games, the Bishops racked up 55 errors for a team fielding percentage of .934, .24 less than in 2009. Rahm, a junior middle infielder, has committed 17 errors, one year after he made only 12 in 44 games. Allen said that defense will be a key to the team’s success in the second half. “If we can cut down on the errors, hit the ball and throw strikes, there’s not a game on our schedule that we can’t win,” he said. “If we play bad, there’s not a game on the schedule we can’t lose.” Since returning from spring break, the team’s play has continued to be inconsistent. In the first game back, Wesleyan beat Albertus Magnus, 8-5, but dropped two to Christopher Newport, 12-8 and 9-4. “CNU happened to be the better team both days. But when we face them again in the conference tournament, the results will be different,” said Laffin, who underscored the difficulty of winning on the road in the ultra-competitive USA South. The Bishops then split two home contests, a 13-4 drubbing of Arcadia and an 8-4 loss to Virginian Wesleyan before the sweep in Greensboro. In trying to pinpoint a cause for the team’s inconsistency, Laffin noted injuries to one of the team’s top pitchers, Justin Diener, and centerfield Daniel Moore, “the team’s best contact hitter.” And he suggested that the relative youthfulness of the Bishops may be a contributing factor. In the VWU game, for example, the Bishops started four freshmen (JJ Allen, Jake Alexander, Tyler Clark, plus pitcher Jimmy Martin) and three sophomores (SS Mark Buchanan, LF Zach Moore and DH Laffin). The only senior was CF Joel Creef. Other seniors include John Child and Greg Viggiani. By contrast, last year’s team was led by 10 seniors, who, Laffin pointed out, had been to the College World Series in 2006. That experience helped the Bishops rebound from a 4-10 start last season. With the two wins at Greensboro and plenty of baseball still to play, the team remains upbeat about its chances of repeating as conference champs. “I’m really confident that we can repeat,” Allen said. “Our conference is one of the best in the nation so that means teams beat up on each other. If we start playing to our potential, we can win the conference.” Laffin agreed. “Unlike other sports, Baseball is a long season with many games,” he said. “It’s important to keep that in perspective when, as a team, you aren’t playing well. Baseball is a marathon, not a sprint, and it’s all about how you’re playing as a team at the end of the season rather than the beginning.” Laffin added that the road trip and other early-season struggles may, in the end, prove beneficial to the team. “It forced us to stick together and pull for each other,” he said. “To be a championship team, you need to battle through the ups and downs of the season while staying together and staying positive.” 4 North Carolina Wesleyan College, Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27804 CAMPUS LIFE NCWC Community Remembers John Adam Larue (1989-2010) By Jacqie Flynn Decree Staff Writer Adam Larue was a well-known figure around the North Carolina Wesleyan College campus and in the community. Many called him friend, classmate, student; and many will miss him terribly. If you were one of the lucky ones who knew Adam, it is impossible to walk around campus and not notice his absence from the school. Quite a few Wesleyan students and staff attended his funeral but many were unable to go to that service. A memorial service was held for him in Russell Chapel March 9 after students came back from spring break. More than 100 attended the service held in Adam’s honor. The Voices of Triumph honored Adam at the beginning of the ceremony with a song called “Always in Your Heart.” One of the lyrics says: “sad you’re gone but not forgotten, you’re still here with me, you’re in my heart…” The song managed to bring tears to the eyes of many in the assembled group. Then students Juliana Richardson and John Williamson were invited up to lead prayers, and Theresa Hurley led in a recitation of Psalm 23. The main speaker was Reverend Barry Drum. When Reverend Drum came to the podium, he put a post-it note on the front, showing a dash. For all of us, he said, there will eventually be a dash between two sets of numbers. The dash signifies not just the time one spent on Earth, but holds “all your accomplishments from the first set of numbers to the second,” he said. Though short, Adam’s life was filled with wonderful achievements, said Reverend Drum, who noted that Adam was described as a genius, whose sense of humor often brought a smile to the faces of friends and acquaintances. Reverend Drum summed it well when he stated that “Adam was a bright, special young man.” During the course of the service, the gathered crowd was told about planting a tree in front of the local Habitat for Humanity store, in memory of a young man who dedicated much of his time to that community organization. That ceremony will be on April 10, and will be followed by a day of volunteer service in Adam’s memory. President Gray announced that Adam, an honors student who was supposed to graduate in May, will still receive his business degree, posthumously. Students Reflect during Black History Month By Rodney Holley Decree Staff Write Black History month has come and gone, allowing African-American students to reflect on their history. Multiple student organizations held events throughout February as a way to highlight African-American history. Programs ranged from “Black History Bingo Night,” sponsored by the Black Student Association on February 2, to a one-man dramatic performance sponsored by AKA sorority on February 4. Titled “And then We came to Memphis,” it focused on the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Among the other events was “Who Am I?” on February 8. It consisted of two five-member teams, one male, one female. Based on a description offered by a team, the audience was given one minute to identify an African American historical figure. On February 17, BSA and the Sociology Club led a presentation on the origins of Black History Month, which, according to BSA President Chardae Smallwood began as “Black History Week.” The program featured NCWC’s Gospel Choir and the musical group Chivalry while other performers recited poetry, danced or sung. Between individual performances, the event organizers offered a “Did you know?” fact related to black history Students took pride in recognizing the month. “Black history month means that as African Americans, we have a whole month to ourselves to celebrate and teach others about the legacies of those who put forth their lives to give the next generation a better chance at life,” said Destiny Pinckney. Lorenzo Whitley said that the month offers a chance to celebrate the accomplishments of African Americans. “And it reminds me of the struggles that African Americans have had to overcome,” he said. Anthony Tyus agreed with Whitley. “Black history month is a chance to reflect on the past tragedies of African Americans and serves as motivation for me to be successful as a black male.” Eddie Arrington said that the month “gives me a chance to learn about the lesser known people and facts that aren’t highly publicized.” Gregory Spence exclaimed that the month is overwhelming. “But in a positive way because it reminds you of the good that African Americans have done not only with civil rights, but in the field of entertainment,” said Spence, a Wesleyan student thespian, citing the actors Don Cheadle and Will Smith as examples. SPRING from pg 3 from future Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr., the Mariners may unseat the Angels. The Reds feature a bunch of young guns on the mound. Edison Volquez is healthy and looks to return to All-Star form, Homer Bailey was 6-1 with a 1.70 ERA over the last six weeks of the season and then there’s defector Aroldis Chapman. The 6’4’’ Cuban’s fastball has been clocked at 102 mph and he’s said to have the best slider from the left side since Randy Johnson. But will he maintain arm stamina and control over the long season? One of the biggest question marks is in Queens. Last year the Mets were expected to be among the World Series favorites, but then suffered through a 70-92 season, even without their usual September collapse. Many expect the team not to contend in the NL East, but once Carlos Beltran and Jose Reyes become healthy, David Wright finds his power, and newly added Jason Bay becomes comfortable at Citi Field, the Mets may reach the playoffs. The 2010 season is looking to be one of the best in recent memory, with many storylines for fans to follow. Will Roy Holliday dominate the National League? Will Mark McGwire save face as the hitting coach in St. Louis? And will the Red Sox slow down the force that is the Bronx Bombers? With all the changes and expectations, I am almost giddy for Opening Day. There are uncertainties throughout the league, but at last it’s time to play ball. April 2, 2010 When Reverend Drum opened the floor for comments from the audience, Leslie Veach praised him and ended with “I feel so blessed to have known him.” A Personal Memory By Jade Johnson The last few weeks have been so difficult for those of us that were fortunate enough to be able to call John Adam Larue “friend.” I can’t exactly remember the first time I met Adam, but I’m positive that he must have greeted me with the same wide grin and kind heart that he always displayed. Adam and I had several classes together but we got to know each other best when we worked for the 21st Century After-school Program at a local elementary school. After our classes each afternoon, we would make the trek to downtown Rocky Mount to begin our tutoring sessions. The greatest memories I have of those times were when the kids would have recess. Adam, Brad Wolford and I would be playing our hearts out on the basketball court, and a lot of the time we would let the kids stay out a little longer, just so WE could play! Since Adam’s passing, I often find myself smiling at the thought of his laugh or the little inside jokes our group of friends would share. I only had the opportunity to be in his presence for a few years, but I can say that I was truly honored and blessed to have such a remarkable person in my life. Mims Galley will exhibit “Ann Harwell: Visionary Quilts” (pictured) from March 26-April 25. Beginning April 8, the Civic Gallery will show drawings by Wesleyan senior Edgar Zaldivar. Film Review: ‘Alice in Wonderland’ tions her dream state versus her conscious Alyson Matarazzo Decree Staff Writer Directed by Tim Burton. Cast: Mia Wasikowska (Alice), Johnny Depp (The Mad Hatter), Anne Hathaway (White Queen), Helena Bonham Carter (Red Queen), Matt Lucas (TweedleDee/TweedleDum) and Alan Rickman (Blue Caterpillar) In this new Tim Burton film, “Alice in Wonderland 3-D,” Alice is all grown up. Instead of having a little girl fall down the rabbit hole, the movie shows Alice returning to Wonderland, or Underland as it is called in this version, as an adult and the White Queen’s reluctant champion. As a little girl Alice was haunted by a recurring nightmare and feared she was losing her mind. Her father, a brilliant businessman, comforted her. She grew into a woman with a serious habit of questioning the status quo. But was the nightmare really a nightmare? Or, was it in fact a reality that was turned into a dream? While in Wonderland, Alice ques- Dorm Room Selection To Take Place April 20 By Decree Staff The Office of Residence Life will conduct the room-selection process on April 20 in the Hartness Center. Next year will see the integration of more upper-class male students in Petteway Hall, which has predominantly been a freshmen residence. It will stay an all-male hall. “Most of our halls are already integrated among classes,” said Randy Williams, vice president for student affairs. “Next year will just be a more intentional approach to assist freshmen in becoming acclimated to Wesleyan quicker. This model will create stronger bonds among the classes and cultivate a stronger sense of campus community.” The new arrangement comes in the wake of a fall semester when Petteway experienced a rash of mischief, including a series of false fire alarms. Other residence halls will remain co-ed, except for Edgecombe, which will house only females, with a mix of first-year and upper-class women. Room selection numbers will be based on a formula that weighs credit hours earned and a student’s GPA, according to Deborah Drye, assistant director of residence life. So, in general, students have got a better chance of securing a desired room if they’ve maintained a high GPA and earned a high number of credit hours. Drye reminds students that they must be registered for fall classes in order to participate in the room-selection process. “Late registrations will result in assignments made on a space-available basis after all new students have been accommodated,” she said. On April 5, housing applications will be sent to the campus mailbox of students, Students participated in a recent yoga class organized by the Psychology Club. Photo by C. Thomas who must indicate their intent to live on campus by submitting the paperwork to their RA or RD by April 12 at 5 p.m. Between April 17-19, students will receive their room selection number and instructions on when to appear at the Hartness Center on the 20th. Upcoming Activities April 5 —Mix-tape Monday featuring the Cash Cube. How much can you grab in 20 seconds? Enjoy music and win lots of fabulous prizes. 1-5 p.m., Hartness Patio. Sponsored by CAB. April 7 —Spring Fashion Show. Time TBA, Minges Auditorium. Sponsored by V.O.B. April 8 —SGA meeting, open to student body. Note: All student organizations must send a representative. 8 p.m., school cafeteria. April 9 —Wesleyan Cinemas––“The Spy Next Door,” 8 p.m., Powers Recital Hall. Sponsored by CAB. April 12 —Mix-tape Monday. Music, fun, and Build a Bear. 1-5 p.m., Hartness Patio. Sponsored by CAB. April 14 —Powderpuff Football Championship. 5 p.m., Edgecombe Field. Sponsored by the Office of Student Activities & Intramural Sports. —Ice Cream Social & S’Mores Night. 7 p.m., Hartness Patio. Sponsored by Psychology Club. April 15 —LipSync Competition. 7 p.m. Hartness Center. Sponsored by CAB. April 16 —“Red Light Special” Spring Formal: Food, drinks, gifts, and dancing. $5 for singles; $7 for couples. 9 p.m., Garner Lobby, Dunn Center. Sponsored by CAB, Spectrum Club, and FAA. April 17 —Road Trippin’ to Virginia Beach. Enjoy a day at the beach with your friends. Sign up in the Office of Student Activities beginning on April 5. The trip is free, but seats are limited. —Midnight Lounge: Enjoy an upscale late night of fun, games, music, food, and mocktails. A game night with a twist. Admission is free. 10 p.m.-1 a.m., Hartness Center. Sponsored by CAB. April 19 —Mixtape Monday featuring Wax Hands. Make a wax mold of your hand using any shape and color combination. 1-5 p.m., Hartness Patio. Sponsored by CAB. —Awards Banquet. 6 p.m., Garner Lobby. Sponsored by the Office of Student Activities. April 21 —Spades Tournament. 7 p.m. Hartness. Sponsored by CAB. CRIME from pg 2 Security had an idea of which student committed the crime and used the video footage to prove their suspicions true. The student and an accomplice were both expelled, Crociata said. Incidents such as that are why Crociata is an advocate for even more security cameras on campus. “Anything to make students, especially females, feel safer in their own dorms,” he said. Crociata said that security has continued to investigate the bookstore theft case from last fall, noting recent developments. He said one student has been expelled for involvement and three more will soon go before the college judicial board to face charges. “It was really just good police work,” Crociata said. “Randy Williams and security worked closely together, tracking tips until we found what and who we needed.” Another recent case involved a small fire in the Hartness Center on January state of mind. She follows the White Rabbit into the hole and while he and other “Underland” creatures watch, they wonder if this is the right Alice that White Rabbit brought back. Even though the White Rabbit said he was almost certain she was the right one, even Alice didn’t remember being there when she was younger. She was told that it was a dream all her life so she stood there and denied the reality of this with all her heart. When she was a little girl, her father told her that, to wake from a dream, all she had to do was pinch herself. So, she pinched herself but was unable to awake from this dream. They take her to the blue caterpillar, who has the magic scroll which tells of past and future events. In this scroll it is said that Alice will face off with the Jabberwocky—a powerful dragon-like creature who is controlled by the Red Queen. Alice again denies this reality and tells them that this is just her imagination running off in her dream. There is a creature that is sent to capture the White Rabbit and TweedleDee and TweedleDum. As they run for their lives, Alice is on her own, only to meet up with the Cheshire Cat who said he could lead the way to the Mad Hatter, but only that and nothing else. The Mad Hatter sees Alice and is thrilled to have her back. He and Alice have a sibling-like bond. When the Mad Hatter is kidnapped by the Red Queen’s cohorts, Alice goes into the castle and poses as a made-up person, “Um” from Umbridge. Alice, or should we say Um, sits next to the Red Queen as she brings out TweedleDee and TweedleDum. The Red Queen sees them and says, “I love my fat boys. Entertain us.” Later that night, Alice searches for the sword that was taken from the White Queen which will help defeat the Jabberwocky. This fast-paced movie was filled with imagination. The make-up and costumes were amazing and well thought out. The set was darkly colorful. Burton has a knack for doing movies with dark comedy and compelling characters and this was not a let down. I enjoyed the adult Alice having to find her way back to herself throughout the movie and in the end standing for what she believes in and not conforming to what others think she should do. This is a comedy for all ages. Kids and adults alike should enjoy the drama which is brought on screen by these characters. Four stars for the cast and its director. This movie is a laugh riot if you actually listen to the dialogue. 11. In describing the incident, Crociata said that a pair of officers making their routine building checks encountered three students running from the Hartness Center. Upon entry, the officers discovered that a banner had been set on fire. The officers put out the fire and then apprehended the students. Crociata reported that all three students were sent in front of the campus judicial board and received punishment, though that punishment was not disclosed. “I really have to commend Randy,” Crociata said. “He’s kept his finger on the pulse. He’s even ridden with security as late as 3 a.m. just to see what we’re up against.” Crociata expressed the hope that students hearing about the punishment given to law-breakers will help deter future crimes on campus. “I’m doing the best I can,” Crociata said. “I feel the rest of the staff does the same. We’re here to be friendly and helpful, but at the same time firm.”