August-September 15' Issue

The Xavier herald @xulaherald xulaherald.com Xavier University of Louisiana New Orleans, La. Aug. 28, 2015 - Sept. 15, 2015

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Page 2 Aug. 28, 2015 - Sept. 15, 2015

In December 2006, Michael Morton, a Florida A&M University honor student, was sentenced to two years

in prison after being convicted of hazing. Nine years later, Morton dedicates his life to speaking to students on how one choice can affect your future. Morton will speak at Dillard University’s Lawless Chapel on Sept. 24, 2015, at 7 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. Morton was a college student who had it all in 2006. He was president of the student body senate, president of the Alphi Xi Chapter of Kappa

Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., and a straight-A student majoring in industrial engineering. All of his accomplishments were erased when Morton and four of his fraternity brothers repeatedly struck Marcus Jones, a pledge, on his butt with wooden canes during a four-night, unauthorized initiation rite as a part of a long standing tradition. Severe bruising required Jones to undergo surgery. Morton and Jason Harris were both charged with felony hazing. The judge presiding over this nationally publicized case sentenced Morton and Harris to two years in prison due to their substantial role in hazing Jones; the other three fraternity brothers pleaded no-contest and were placed on probation. Following an appeal, a judge reduced

Morton’s and Harris’s conviction to a misdemeanor, and after serving 614 days in prison, they were released. “The entire experience was damaging to my future and reputation. I was unable to finish my undergraduate degree and lost all of my potential job offers,” Morton said. “In addition to these consequences, the worst of all was missing the birth of my daughter.” After his release in 2009, Morton said he returned to FAMU and completed his undergraduate studies. He then earned a master’s in industrial engineering from Rutgers University. Because of the second chance he was given, Morton said his passion is now to give back to the community and share

Hazing Sent Michael Morton to Prison; Shares His Story Sept. 24 at Dillard

his experiences with college students. “My story is not just about being punished for hazing, but it is about almost losing all of the opportunities I had due to a poor decision that I made,” Morton said. When Morton speaks at Dillard’s annual Brain Food Series on Sept. 24, he said he will let students at New Orleans HBCUs know it is important to always consider the outcome of their actions before they partake in them. The event coincides with the National Hazing Prevention week from September 21-25. Xavier and Dillard participate in the week’s activities each year, and this year Southern University-New Orleans joined the education effort. “We are educated black men and women, what W.E.B Dubois calls the ‘Talented Tenth’ and there is nothing about joining an organization that should put our lives in danger,” said Joseph Byrd, Xavier’s vice president of student activities. Dillard University President Dr. Walter Kimbrough added that the time has come for HBCUs to have a conversation about the pledging process.“The premise for hazing is simple: New people have to prove that they deserve to

belong. There is a pre-established power dynamic that says, ‘I am the established person, you are the new person, so for you to belong you must prove yourself,’” Kimbrough said. “Regardless, hazing is a non-discriminating problem and has to be stopped.’ Xavier sorority member Arkevia Hayward agrees that hazing incidents undermine the value of participating in Greek life. “As a member of Delta Sigma Theta Inc., we try our best to always have a positive role in our community,” said Hayward, who is president of the Gamma Alpha chapter and a biology/pre-med senior. “I am always disheartened when I hear of an incident within a Greek organization involving hazing.” Kimbrough said education efforts need to begin before college. “This year we wanted to expand the platform for the event by not only having a combined event with Xavier University and SUNO, but also involving local high schools. By expanding our reach, we are able to provide awareness not only to our students but to our community,” Kimbrough said.More information about this event can be found at www.dillard.edu.

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Email: [email protected]

Phone: 504.520.7474

by Morgan YatesStaff Writer

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Aug. 28, 2015 - Sept. 15, 2015 Page 3

Greetings and Salutations, Xavierites!

Welcome back to my fellow upperclassmen and welcome

home #XULA19! My name is Lacey Danielle Douglas, and I am your Miss Xavier University of Louisiana, 2015-2016! I am a graduating senior, chemistry ACS major and mathematics minor from the charming city of Slidell, La. Thank you for allowing me to represent the best university in the world. Our university is known for academic excellence and our students expect to be challenged to achieve the best in all that we do. Yet we realize that student

suggestions and ideas. Your chairs and I have been working diligently to present you with the Homecoming that YOU would like to see. Watch for more opportunities to provide your feedback and input, or email your suggestions and ideas to me at [email protected] or stop by the SGA Office located in UC 210.

Goldenly,Miss Xavier 2015-2016

Photo by: Briaunna Minor

success requires a well-rounded experience, so, in keeping with my campaign theme, this year we are “Going GOLD: Going Out to Live our Dreams.” Our events will focus on realizing the potential that we have within ourselves; we are all Golden, it’s just up to us to utilize it. The programs to expect are centered on Golden Service, Golden Unity, and Golden Excellence, which will include Motivational Monday, Women Empowerment through “Play Like a Girl,” and Developmental workshops to name a few. SAVE THE DATE: November 14-22! This year’s Homecoming 2015 will be amazing, thanks to your participation in the Homecoming Concert Survey and your other

Dr. C. Reynold Verret took over as Xavier University’s new president on July 1,

2015. The Haiti native came to Xavier from Savannah State, Georgia’s first historically black college, where he served as provost and chief academic officer. Verretearned a bachelor’s

degree in biochemistry from Colombia University and his doctorate in biochemistry from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. This is the first in an installment of interviews with Verret that The Herald will feature this semester. Xavier Herald: This is your freshman year as president of Xavier University. What can you share with the freshman class about adjusting in a new environment? Dr. Verret: I urge you to

take real joy in the pursuit of knowledge with the assurance that knowledge at the service of others is indeed a high calling. Pursue understanding in depth, not with the superficiality necessary only for the next test. We are a community of learners, who come to specialize in different disciplines. Learn from each other, challenge each other, support one another.It is important to take the next step in your academic journey, take full responsibility for your learning, and do not be passive but active learners. This calls for seeking help when needed, and challenging professors to clarify when you do not fully understand. Know that they are here for you. XH: What advice would you give students about getting a head start in their first year and to being successful at the start of their collegiate careers? Dr. Verret: Consult with your advisors and get to know the sequence of courses for your 4 or 6 year degree. Adopt disciplined study habits:1. Study for comprehension. 2. Read assignments before class; take good notes in class.3. Review your notes soon after the class (within 24 hours recommended). 4. Upon review, you may find

by Lacey DouglasContributing Writer

that some items in the notes do not make sense. Then, you should visit with the instructor after class or at the next office hour to get clarification. Remember that the faculty are there for you. XH: What do you want

students to enjoy or take away from having a college experience at Xavier and in New Orleans? Dr. Verret: The relationships you form at Xavier will persist for life. Enjoy these friendships

and build each other up. Your learning does not end at Xavier. It is a life-long practice. XH: Can you recall your freshman year of college? What would you do over again? What are you most proud of? Dr. Verret: Yes, I do recall my first year in college. I

probably would redo something. With the benefit of hindsight, I would not be the shy young man I was then. But time travel is not allowed. XH: Can you share with students what activity, place, or experience in New Orleans you are most looking forward to? Dr. Verret: The music of New Orleans is a rich and varied treasury. Check out Snug Harbor, Tipitina’s. Look forward to Jazz Fest. The

other great treasury is food, also rich and varied. There are old friendships that I look forward to renewing. XH: In the next 4 years,

when this current class graduates—the first freshmen with you as their president—what would you say to them? Dr. Verret: Stay tuned! XH: I have one quick question for a profile I am doing on one of our faculty members and needed a quick quote from you: One of our Xavier faculty members, Dr. Shearon Roberts, will be researching in Haiti within the next several months. Do you feel that it’s important for professors and students to travel to different countries for research and fieldwork opportunities? Dr. Verret: Yes, it is important for Xavier faculty and students to engage in research abroad. We are a global community. We must cultivate capacity to work, think and create across cultures and nationalities. I also note that Haiti and New Orleans are linked by history and culture. This makes her work especially relevant to this city and university. One need only look at images of the cathedral square of Cap Haitien to realize that it inspired the layout of St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square. If not abroad, this nation is a tapestry of different ways of life and traditions. There are opportunities for research throughout the 50 states and even Canada that will expand the lives and minds of our students.

Xavier University Welcomes Another ‘Freshman’:New President C. Reynold Verret

by Kendall LawsonStaff Writer

L-R: Dr. Pamela Franco and Dr. C Reynold Verret.

Councilmember LaToya Cantrell with Dr. C Reynold.

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The Xavier Herald Staff

FALL 2015Editor-in-chief: Ashlee hill

Graphic DesignNicholAs DAvisoN

lelAND JohNsoN

MereDith WilliAMs

Photographers

eric crAig AllANA BArefielD

KAleB cruMp

NAtese DocKery

MelANie JoNes

AhMeD ArsAh

Staff Writers Shemona Harvey Kendall Lawson

NicholAs DAvisoN MelANie JoNes JAzMiN steNsoN MorgAN yAtes AllANA BArefielD KAleB cruMp

Sports KAeliN MAloiD

Contributing writersWayne Matthews

David Powell

Faculty adviser: Melinda L. Shelton 504.520.5096, [email protected]

HERALD CONTACT INFORMATIONHerald office: Xavier South, 605

504.520.5096Email stories: [email protected]

Advertising: 504.520.5096

The Xavier Herald is an award-winning newspaper produced by, for and about students at Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans, La. While The Herald is housed in the Department of Mass Communication, its contents do not necessarily reflect the views of the department or Xavier University. The Herald is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press and as such adheres to the collegiate journalists’ code of ethics. The Herald staff reserves the right to

accept, edit, or refuse content. www.xulaherald.com

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Sept. 29 Oct. 13 Oct. 27 Nov. 10 Nov. 24

Aug. 28, 2015 - Sept. 15 2015 Page 5

Dorm life is undoubtedly better, if and only if, students view their living situation in a positive light. The good news is this becomes easier as upperclassman halls are newer and rules and regulations become more lenient. Lastly, if better resident life is what students are looking for, I encourage them to actively participate in community living. Life in the residence hall is truly what you make it.

“I don’t like the bathrooms in KD. Are the dorms better after freshman year?”

“As an upper-class science major, do you believe your major is harder than the non-science majors?”

#AskAnUpperclassmen by Melanie Jones

As a science major at Xavier, I do not think that my curriculum is harder than the other curriculums offered at Xavier. By surrounding myself with friends that have a different major than I, I’ve noticed that they have just as much work as I do, sometimes more. I can say that Xavier prepares a curriculum that is suited for students to excel in any field that they choose to pursue after graduation.

“As a senior, how was your overall experience at Xavier?”

My experience at Xavier University has been so transforming and life changing. I have been exposed to all of Xavier’s traditions. It has been a pleasure to have gone from a first-time student, to a volunteer, to a servant leader, to a member of homecoming court, to now being a member of the Peer Dean Planning Committee and Project Coordinator for M.A.X. I hope that I can continue to encourage my peers and future Xavierites to keep our beloved Xavier’s mission and legacy alive.

“How’s homecoming at Xavier? Most schools celebrate with a football game.”

Well since Xavier lacks a football team, it’s replaced with a basketball game. Along with the basketball game we also have other events such as the boat ride, homecoming concert, coronation, kick off, picnic, and other great activities. It’s a pretty great week.

“How’s life being an off campus student?”

It has its pros and cons. Besides bills and washing dishes, it’s really cool. You can always get away from campus when you need to. It can make you become more productive because you have more to take care of. Plus it’s always a nice feeling having your own house.

“Everyone is saying get involved. How important is it to be involved at Xavier?”

Being involved on campus gives you the opportunity to meet others and form beneficial connections. It is a chance to expand your horizons by being on committees and to get experience of real life scenarios while planning and executing events. If life on campus seems boring or is lacking something that has not been performed, being involved on campus gives you the opportunity to change or introduce a new program or idea. Being involved is one simple way to make your opinion count.

In the winter it’s not as cold as compared to when I’m at home. I’m from the DMV. Here I usually I like to wear jeans, a light sweater, and maybe a scarf since it gets really windy.

“The weather here is completely different than where I’m from. I don’t know how to dress. Especially in the winter.”

“Are the parties more at Xavier or outside of Xavier?”

The parties are more outside of Xavier. I mean, Xavier focuses more on academics but they also have some good parties here.

-Kendra Jenkins, Gold Star MemberSenior

-Rosalyn AaronSenior

-Brennan Hull “Smokey”Junior

-Jamonica JacksonMember of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Senior

-James Armstrong Commuter StudentSenior

-Jeremiah DavisResident AssistantSenior

-Cozette BoakyeJunior

RJ Daniels XU Gold Rush Basketball Senior

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S t r a i g h t O u t t a C O m p t O n r e v i e w

Aug. 14, 2015, F. Gary Gray’s Straight Outta Compton released and became one

of the summer’s top grossing movies. Straight Outta Compton is a biopic that tells the story of the rappers behind the controversial rap group N.W.A., which includes Eazy E (Eric Lynn Wright), Ice Cube (O’Shea Jackson), Dr. Dre (Andre Romelle Young), MC Ren (Lorenzo Jerald Patterson), and DJ Yella (Antoine Carraby). The name of the movie is based off their debut album together and takes place in

by Jazmin StensonStaff Writer

Compton, Calif. during the 1980s. During this time police brutality and the war on drugs was at an all time high. The movie vividly shares the stories of these young men growing up around this time having to deal with strict law enforcement and street violence at the same time. The high point of the film happens when the group makes music to escape a difficult life. While watching the film, audiences will realize that the film is culturally relevant to today’s society when it comes to police brutality. In the film, police were a constant form of conflict to the members of N.W.A. One of N.W.A’s most popular song, “F*ck the Police,” painted images in listeners’

heads of how police treated the group and their community. Fast forward almost 30 years, you will notice that the people of this country are still going through the same issues. This movie helped show the next generation that we all have the voice to tell the truth no matter where you come from. All in all, this movie was one of the best movies that premiered this year. It was unique, insightful, relevant, and real. I give this movie a 5/5 for being honest, telling a very difficult story in such a short period of time and being able to impact the younger generation who have similar problems in terms of police brutality.

Source: Straight Outta Compton’s Official Site

Travis Scott’s highly anticipated debut album ‘Rodeo’ was released on Sept. 4th, 2015 and

one of the first things you’ll notice on the track list is that he has an ensemble of talented producers, singers, and rappers for his project. A majority of the collaborators are big time names, including Justin Bieber, Kanye West, Quavo, Schoolboy Q, The Weeknd, Illangelo, Chief Keef, and Swae Lee.

It’s hard to find a single area in which Travis Scott excels — which, in today’s hip-hop culture, isn’t necessarily a bad thing. However, “Rodeo” takes a different direction than his previous projects, “Owl Pharaoh” and “Days Before Rodeo.” Scott raps, sings, harmonizes, and occasionally shouts over the loud polished instrumentals from Metro Boomin’, TM88, Mike Dean and other orchestrators of psychedelic trap. His versatility combined with his charged features, lead to his album

by Kendall LawsonStaff Writer

D A Y S A F T E R “ R O D E O ”working against him. Overall, Scott’s debut album shows ambition and potential, but Scott could use a couple more to get it right. It’s hard to predict where Travis Scott will go from here. None of the records feel like “hits” nor seem viable for radio play, whichperhaps may be his exact intention. Hopefully, if there is a tour, it will dive deeper into the concept of “Rodeo” as well as expand Scott’s artistry as a musician.

Six years after the release of her second studio album “Battlefield,” Jordin Sparks has truly

found her sound with her new studio album “Right Here, Right Now,” released on August 21, 2015. Being known for her albums that feature mainstream pop songs such as “No Air (feat. Chris Brown)” and “Tattoo,” Sparks breaks the mold and showcases her growth as a woman and artist with “Right Here, Right Now” by going for a more sultry R&B sound that includes influences of hip-hop

and pop. Enlisting 2 Chainz (“Double Tap”) and B.o.B (“Work from Home”) as features on the album, Sparks provides her audience the perfect marriage of smooth R&B vocals with hip-hop influenced sounds. Some of the album’s shining moments include the track “1000” featuring rapper J-Doe; an electric guitar driven R&B/hip-hop song that adds an extra zero to the term “Keeping it 100” in a relationship; “Casual Love” featuring reggae superstar Shaggy, a tropical tinged ballad that is sure to set fire to the reggae market and “Unhappy” featuring singer/songwriter Elijah Blake, a slow and sultry R&B ballad that discusses of the

pain of a break-up. More highlights include the ironically church organ sampled “Boyz in the Hood” and the soothing yet meaningful ballad “They Don’t Give”. The album’s true gem as showcased through the response of listeners is the track “Tell Him That I Love Him,” a mid-tempo piano driven R&B ballad that showcases both Sparks’s continual growth as a vocalist and how her sound has been influenced by R&B legends such as Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey. Overall, “Right Here, Right Now” provides the perfect transition into the artist Sparks is today to those who only recall her from her American Idol days.

by Nicholas DavisonStaff Writer

Source: Travis Scott’s

Official Site

Source: Jordin Sparks’s

Official Site

“RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW” SET TO CREATE SPARKS

A r t S & E n t E r t A i n m E n t

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Aug. 15, 2015 - Sept. 15, 2015 Page 7

by Wayne MatthewsContributing Writer

Source: The Weeknd’s

Official Site

Musical Expression is an up and coming band that’s on a mission to

change people’s lives through the music they play. The band is a result of a project that their leader, Alijah Jett, had worked towards from previous years. They have known each other for years through Xavier’s Music Department, NOCCA Performing Arts, high school connects and through playing professionally respectively with others in the city of New Orleans. It was then they decided to start playing

together. Though Musical Expression has only been a band for about a year, they have been on a stride of success from the start. They continue to play for Xavier events, Frenchman St., conventions and also playing on other campuses, including Dillard University and Loyola University. Musical Expression debuted their mixtape on Sept. 11, 2015. With a mission to spread the same love they feel together on stage, success is inevitable. “Join M.E.” is a sample for the band’s album that is currently in the works. It is a way to introduce the band to the world by giving the listeners an idea of

X a v i e r B a s e d B a n d M u s i c a l e X p r e s s i o n d r o p s M i X t a p e “ J o i n M . e . ”

A r t S & E n t E r t A i n m E n t

what their live shows are like. The mixtape is also a gift for listeners that often ask about having material that tourists can take with them to bring home and share with their cities after their shows. “Join M.E.” consists of original tunes along with remixes to some of urban music’s hottest hits. With an hip-hop, R&B, fusion and rock vibe, listeners can expect a record they can’t help but to repeat. For booking, contact 504-432-2222 and [email protected].

“Cli

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It was not long before artist The Weeknd became an immediate sensation when his music emerged on the

social media scene around 2010. With the public support of rapper Drake, the singer’s mysterious nature and lusty crooning about love affairs, drugs, and partying instantly stole the attention of many everywhere. “Beauty Behind the Madness” released on August 28, 2015 definitely proved itself worthy.

Last week it was number one on the US Billboard 200, with 412,000 unit sales, making it one of the biggest debuts in 2015. The singles being played non-stop on the radio “Can’t Feel My Face,” “Earned It” and “The Hills” have all made it to the top five charts already. The album consists of 14 tracks with features from Ed Sheeran, Lana Del Ray and others. You can find some classic The Weeknd sounds on this album as well as some new. The Weeknd is still true to his sensual and chill vibes but we

are also introduced to a more pop-like sound. Some critics are not a fan of The Weeknd’s new pop direction. Independent.com says, “this is the Weeknd’s most assured assault yet on pop stardom.”

by Shemona HarveyStaff Writer

“ T e l l Y o u r F r i e n d s ” a b o u T T h e W e e k n d

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During August 2015, the Freshmen Experience started off with a bang. Two ambitious mass communication majors, Allana Barefield from Boston, Massachusetts and Kaleb Crump from Gulfort, Mississippi, took cameras to document the students during the orientation. The events included seminars ranging from safety on campus to how to balance their academic and social life, a welcome extravaganza, a talent show and much more. Although many of the activities were formal, there were really fun activies where new freshman has a chance to meet new people and hang out. As the school year begins, The freshmen certainly have a week of unforgettable memories.

Freshman Experience

Photos by Kaleb Crump, Allana Barefield and Ahmed Arsah.

L-R Allana Barefield and Kaleb Crump photographed Freshmen students during orientation week.

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Freshman Experience

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Gold nuggets Volleyball to ‘dig’ for Gold This Season

Despite set-backs, the Gold Nuggets volleyball team plans on striking gold this season. As of Sept. 15, the Nuggets hold a 6-4 record. Before their first match Aug. 29 at the Convocation Center, the Nuggets got off to a not-so-golden start. Due to equipment and facility issues—a broken net, unavailable facilities, not being able to track down the poles in the fitness center—the Nuggets had only one week to practice before taking on Mississippi Valley at the Convocation Center. “We’ve had a couple obstacles fly in our direction,” said the Nuggets’s head coach, Hannah Lawing. The Nuggets have also had to contend with losing senior Chinedu Echebelum last season and what she brought to the team. “She was a very important senior. Without even saying much, just her intensity and her aura gave off this vibe that everyone just wanted to latch onto, and I think that that’s going

to be very hard to replace,” said Lawing. What Echebelum brought to the court would be hard to replace, but Lawing added that the current six seniors—Darian Harris; Claudia Haywood; Jodi Hill; Fransizka Pirkl; Taylor Reuther and CeCe Williams—are “starting to display” a little bit of Echebelum’s natural motivation. However, it hasn’t been all bad news for the Nuggets, who finished 20-6 overall last season and 14-0 in the Gulf Coast Atlanta Conference. Last season, the Nuggets had a team high of 65 kills (Oct. 10); 202 attacks (Oct. 1); 64 assists (Oct. 10); 15 aces (twice); 108 digs (Oct. 1); 10 blocks (Sept. 26); and a hitting percentage of .468 Oct. 27 versus Edward Waters College. This season, the Nuggets should do even better, according to Lawing, with a “bigger” presence at the net. “We are more offensively capable than last year. Not only is it intimidating but it gives us more of an efficient offense. We can see things a little bit better with a bigger presence.”

by Kaelin Maloid Staff Writer

(Back row): Jada Broussard. Jodi Hill, Aliyah Wilsoon, Ruby Hunt-Thompson, Kaelan Thompson, Patricia Young Yen, Ralitsa Hadzhistoyanova, Sarah Pitts-Grace, and Claudia Haywood. (Front row): Taylor Reuther, Cece Williams, Kayla Jones, Franziska Pirkl, and Darian Harris.

The bigger presence is a result of three newcomers to the Nuggets team—Sarah Pitts-Groce; Ruby Hunts-Thompson and Patricia Young Yen. Pitts-Groce is a true freshman from Atlanta; Hunts-Thompson is a true freshman from Illi.; and Young Yen is a transfer from Otero junior College in Utah. Lawing had this to say on Yen: “She’s very spunky and quirky and energetic and eccentric. A really great combo to the team. She’s a very explosive middle. I think she’s going to make a really big impact on the court.” As for the other two freshman, Lawing said the two six footers bring a lot of fundamental value. Both freshman are still finding their way, “as far as where their niche is on the court” and with the team.

Despite their four losses, the Nuggets have gone 2-0 in the Gulf Coast Atlantic Conference. With their new players and more practice time, the Nuggets will get back on track. The rest of the roster includes: junior Ralitsa Hadzhistoyanova

and sophomores Jada Broussard, Kayla Jones, Kaelan Temple and Aliyah Wilson. The Nuggets will be at home Sept. 19 against Tougaloo and Sept. 22 against cross-town rival Dillard Bleu Devils.

XU Volleyball player sejnds the ball across net

Haywood and Hunt-Thompson go for block.

Temple bumps ball

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AuGuST, From STArT To FiniSh For Gold Rush runner Christopher August, running started with a soccer ball. August holds a career eight top 10’s and four top 5’s in cross country. His best 5k time to date is 16:13:00 (Sept. 6, 2014) and his best 8k time to date is 28:08.15 (Oct. 26, 2013). On Aug. 28, August came in 8th out of 21 runners at the Xavier Big Easy Opener with a time of 17:03.06. On Sept. 4, August came in seventh out of 21 runners at the Southern Miss Invitational. He ran a 17:16.69 in the 5K for his eighth top ten finish. All this—and more—because he traded in soccer cleats for running shoes his senior year of high school. He started soccer at six and played every year until his junior year. At first, track and cross country were just ways for August to stay in shape for and during the season. But it all changed his senior year.

“My senior year of high school I realized how much potential I had so I decided to stop playing soccer and just focus on running,” said August. August, a junior from Houston Texas, graduated from Klein Collins in Spring, Texas. After graduating from Klein Collins, August signed to Xavier University of Louisiana. His freshman year, he posted times in the 5,000 meter such as 17:24 (9th out of 49) and 18:29.07 (16th out of 50). In the 8,000 meter, he posted times such as 28:17.5 (40th out of 101); 29:28.31 (11th out of 27); and 28:08.15 (4th out of 31) at the GCAC tournament. Even with his success, August still had to balance being a college freshman and college athlete his first year. Making the cross from high school to college is more rigorous, according to August. The practices are longer than high school, and they practice more often, too. Being a student-athlete in college requires more time commitment.

“It was hard to adjust my freshman year, but I’ve gotten the hang of it now.” And it seems he has. August did not simply sign with Xavier to participate—he also came to win. Coming in his freshman year, he set goals for himself—goals he accomplished. The first on his list? To help his team win a championship in cross country. And they did just that. His next goal was to finish top five in cross

country, and he accomplished that, too. “And then on the track side, one of my goals from last year was to win a conference championship, and I won the 5000, so that was exciting,” August added. However, August is not done winning nor setting goal. For cross country this season, he plans on going to Nationals again.

by Kaelin MaloidStaff Writer

“And on the track side, I’m trying to go to Nationals also. and also win conference championships. That’s probably the main thing to win conference championships above my individuals.”

August runs in 2014 Big Easy Opener. Photo by XULAgold

August, runner 145, starts race in Big Easy Opener. Photo by XULAgold

LSU Invitational Mississippi College/Watson Ford Invitational Red River Athletic Conference Championships NAIA National Championships

Sept. 19, 2015

Oct. 9, 2015

Nov. 6, 2015

Nov. 21.2015

Cross Country 2015 Schedule

by David Powell Staff Writer

When I first heard rumors about a fitness center being built, I was

excited yet skeptical because I did not think it would be finished before I graduated. However, over the months I was amazed how fast the building was finished. What surprised me even more was that the fitness center was furnished with brand new industrial gym equipment, especially with the addition of free weights.

Free weights are the heart of any fitness facility because they minimize the possibility of developing muscular imbalances. Often people can develop these imbalances when only using weight machines. During the grand opening, I began to see many possibilities for additions to the fitness center because there is still plenty of room to add more equipment. Ultimately, I envisioned that the fitness center will help my program XU Fitness to grow, but also this building will help facilitate more exercise programs, too.

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ExErcisE Programs Find nEw HomE in FitnEss cEntEr Ever since the grand opening, I have worked closely with the Director of Recreational Sports, Silas Steele, on ways to expand XU Fitness and other programs. Steele says, “I am very optimistic on the potential exercise programs the fitness center can

facilitate. These programs will hopefully motivate the Xavier community to participate more over time.” In addition, my advisor from the Wellness Center, Cedric Keys, has helped promote XU

Fitness from the beginning. “The fitness center will be a symbol for physical health and wellness.” In all, I am excited to see the fitness center grow and motivate the Xavier community to change their lives in a healthier way!

David Powell poses with XU Fitness class.

Xavier Community utilizes various areas of the new fitness center, including the elliptical room, the basketball court, the indoor track, and the weight room.

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Getting Ahead v. Getting Behind. Where Are You?

Wise Xavierites cannot wait until senior year or graduation to prepare for the day when that first student loan payment comes due.Your team in the Career Advancement Center is ready to help students:

• Gain valuable work experience now. Employers look for experienced graduates. • Obtain research experience required by highly-rated graduate programs. • Form a professional network.

Engage the Technology.

Visit the CAC. Speak to a professional to select a graduate program, identify the

perfect international experience, or develop awinning resume/

Gain Experience.Obtain summer research in the academic field you plan to pursue in graduate school, or an internship in the industry in which you plan to be employed.

View short informational videos from “real world” professionals currently working in the field.

Obtain deeper insight into core values and interest.Compass suggests career paths based upon who you are as an individual.

Join Gold Rush Expressto receive updates on a host of jobs, summer research, and internship opportunities.

Career Advancement Center Career Services · Graduate Placement

Center for Intercultural & International Programs St. Joseph Academic & Health Resources Center, 3rd floor

504.520.7633 [email protected] xula.edu/cac

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Xavier Makes The New York Times by Ashlee Hill

Editor-In-Chief

Xavier University made national headlines when “The New York Times Magazine”

featured Xavier on the cover of its higher education issue on Sept. 9, 2015. The 17-page spread highlights the university’s achievement in sending the largest number of African American undergraduates to medical school. Reporter Nikole Hannah-Jones wanted to focus on historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) when assigned to write this month’s feature for the magazine’s higher education issue. Hannah-Jones said she was intrigued with Xavier’s success and wanted to learn how a school with a relatively small student-body was able to sustain that record compared to larger majority institutions. “I was interested in how Xavier has been producing black doctors for decades,” Hannah-Jones said.

During a visit to New Orleans in August Dr. Norman C. Francis told her how in the 1960s, he began his mission as a new college president to address the drop in African American medical students. “I wanted someone to tell the full story of Xavier’s investment in students, and the New York Times article was the closest to it,” said Francis, who was featured prominently in “A Prescription for More Black Doctors.” The article recounts how Francis built the university’s science program from the ground up. With the help of influential professors and bridge programs such as Stress On Analytical Reasoning (SOAR), Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) scholars and ChemStar, the science program excelled by helping students before they arrived to Xavier, the article explains. “Francis is a man who had a tremendous vision and did what he did with little resources. He is a great educator who spent almost 50 years proving what blacks can really do,” Hannah-Jones told the Herald.

Francis said the coverage from The New York Times Magazine will show the country how much Xavier invests in its students. Imani Dames, a biology/pre-med major at Xavier said, she is proud that Francis’s dedication to

the university’s science programs is nationally recognized. “Dr. Francis’s legacy at Xavier is one for the books, so his word has ground in-and-of itself. Putting anything he says in The New York Times only makes

it more official,” Dames said. To read the article visit: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/13/magazine/a-prescription-for-more-black-doctors.html

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Aug. 15, 2015 - Sept. 28, 2015

(L-R) Dr. Brian Turner, Dean Joseph Byrd, Duane Cruse, Marion Bracy and Jarred Honora attended the Recovery Week #MensHealthMatters summit on September 8th. Sponsored by: HU-SAWE Planning Committee, Mass Communication Department, & Communication Studies Department. Photo by: Natese Dockery

S n a p S !

XU student enjoying the Welcome Back Picnic festivites.

XU students reuniting at the Welcome Back Picnic

The freshmen and peer deans have fun during orientation’s Wack Olympics.

New students hitting the X-U at the volleyball game.

XU volleyball player spikes ball in defender’s face.

Photos by Ahmed Arasah, Eric Craig, Natese Dockeery, and Kaelin Maloid.