Recent Auburn graduate Michael Pfeiffer chose to attend Auburn to learn how to fly a plane. The Marietta, Ga., native earned his professional flight management degree in May and is now reaping the rewards from what he calls a “commercial flight factory.” Pfeiffer has been accepted into the University Gateway Program, a partnership between Auburn University and JetBlue Airways that allows students to land jobs with major airlines soon after college. Through this, Pfeiffer has secured work for at least the next year and hopes to eventually become a commercial pilot for Fedex or UPs. Now, however, that factory may be shutting down. With the end of pro-flight management at Auburn, future students won’t be able to follow Pfeiffer to the Gateway Program’s bevy of post-graduation jobs. However, recent statistics have shown flight programs to be a blossoming necessity in the next several years. Pfeiffer pointed to a recent study by Boeing, a multinational aerospace corporation, for a bigger reason to keep the flight program intact. According to the 2013-2032 Longterm Market outlook study, both the United states and the entire world will see a shortage of pilots and technicians within the next twenty years. “It’s because of the mandatory retirement age,” Pfeiffer said. “There’s going to be a need for pilots... I don’t think the administration understands that.” Approximately 69,000 new pilots will be needed in North America in the next 20 years, the third highest projected growth in pilot demand in the world. Globally, Boeing is predicting 460,000 pilots and 601,000 technicians will be needed during that times- pan as a large population of baby boomers slips into retirement. Should Auburn cut the professional flight program, the University will have no part in helping supply that demand. In addition, the recently opened Airbus plant in Mobile could provide an in-state option for those looking to find a job out of college, especially considering Auburn provides the only four-year accredited flight program in the state. Both Dean Bill Hardgrave and Provost Tim Boosinger were invited to fly with Pfeiffer to discuss these issues. Hardgrave never responded to the invitation, and Boosinger had to cancel his reportedly planned trip through the Auburn skies. Boosinger did not respond to any of the questions sent to him concerning his change of plans or the flight program in general. Pfeiffer is one of the lucky ones. Still, as he guided the Cessna 172 aircraft around the university that gave him his wings, he couldn’t help but feel uneasy about the program’s uncertain future. “We’ll learn a lot this summer,” Pfeiffer said.

One year ago, I met the most hated man in Auburn. I was nervous, inexperienced and had just begun my first semester as community news editor for The Plainsman. He was on trial, unhealthy and understandably miserable. Despite all of this, Harvey Updyke was nothing short of polite. We spoke for a time about a variety of topics. I learned we’re both Louisiana residents. In fact, he and his wife, Elva, have a house about 45 minutes west of my parents’. I also learned he and an unnamed accomplice did, indeed, poison the Toomer’s oak trees. Even so, we smiled, shook hands and Elva and I exchanged contact information to do a feature on Updyke in the future. None of us knew we would never speak again. None of us understood the price of being honest. Much has changed since June 19, 2012, when Updyke confessed his guilt to me during his own jury selection, and most who care know the rest of the story. I published an article detailing the confession and was subsequently subpoenaed and placed under a gag order. After Updyke’s attorney called me a liar, my name was apparently changed to “student journalist” and The Plainsman then became “Auburn’s student-run newspaper.” Under the gag order, I was defenseless. But that’s not the issue. Updyke has now served his sentence, the trees have been removed and I can now speak and write freely once more. A year removed, I will say this: I imagined the day going much differently before I spoke to Updyke. I saw Updyke for the first time earlier that day. Judge Jacob Walker read the charges against Updyke, and with each word, Updyke’s eyelids drooped lower and his breathing became more labored. After tweeting the observation and having it questioned, I went to the source. The Updykes stood by themselves outside the elevator at the Lee County Justice Center. I had left everything but my cell phone in my bag. Not wanting to miss the opportunity, I settled for texting quotes and notes to myself. Updyke confirmed that he felt ready to “pass out” all morning, and the two were more than candid about Updyke’s somewhat publicized health issues. The numbers alone were staggering: 62 pounds lost since his arrest, 18 different medications in his system and thousands of Auburn fans clamoring for him to end his days in a cell. Numerous stories portraying his mistakes had poured from the media outlets (including The Plainsman) almost daily. But part of journalism is occasionally advocating for the devil, and I wanted Auburn to know the man being demonized. The father whose daughter would no longer speak to him. The Alabama fan whose beloved university banned him from its campus, stadiums included. To me, it was only fair. The chance for a sympathetic piece passed by when his candor spread to the crime he had pleaded innocent of. When he admitted he was involved in the incident, he said that was all he would say about the matter. And yet the question came to my lips anyway as a sort of due diligence, anticipating a “no comment.” “So, what happened that night?” In this case, the former Texas state trooper was a straight shooter: “Did I do it? Yes.” Harvey and Elva watched as I took notes on my phone. Even so, we said farewell amicably and left on good terms. I had just met with the most despised man on The Plains, and I left with sympathy for the devil. Not to mention an obligation to create more mayhem in an already difficult situation. Maybe it was all an orchestrated plot to change the venue or add credibility to his insanity defense. Perhaps Updyke truly had given up. Whatever the reason, as a journalist, his confession was breaking news, immeasurably more important than any softer feature story. As an Auburn man, the destruction of the historic oaks was deserving of punitive measures. And yet, I couldn’t help but feel sorry for the man. I still do. Had I never spoken to Harvey Updyke, the biased Tiger in me would most likely still loathe him. Updyke still has an elephant’s share of lawsuits to deal with, but one year later, I can only hope he’s beginning to get his life back together.

The men’s basketball team signed Malcolm Canada, a junior college transfer from Ellsworth Community College in Iowa Wednesday, June 19. Canada originally said he would sign with Tulane University, but was unable to enroll because of academic issues. Canada is a 6-foot-3 guard, averaging 20.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.6 assists per game last season at Ellsworth Community College. He was also a third-team Junior College Athletic Association All-American. His signing comes at a good time for the Tigers after transfer point guard Jerome Seagears decided to return to Rutgers after spending less than one month on campus. Canada is originally from Austin, Texas and will have two years of eligibility left. He will be competing for playing time next season against freshman Tahj Shamsid-Deen.

Recent Auburn graduate Michael Pfeiffer chose to attend Auburn to learn how to fly a plane. The Marietta, Ga., native earned his professional flight management degree in May and is now reaping the rewards from what he calls a “commercial flight factory.” Pfeiffer has been accepted into the University Gateway Program, a partnership between Auburn University and JetBlue Airways that allows students to land jobs with major airlines soon after college. Through this, Pfeiffer has secured work for at least the next year and hopes to eventually become a commercial pilot for Fedex or UPs. Now, however, that factory may be shutting down. With the end of pro-flight management at Auburn, future students won’t be able to follow Pfeiffer to the Gateway Program’s bevy of post-graduation jobs. However, recent statistics have shown flight programs to be a blossoming necessity in the next several years. Pfeiffer pointed to a recent study by Boeing, a multinational aerospace corporation, for a bigger reason to keep the flight program intact. According to the 2013-2032 Longterm Market outlook study, both the United states and the entire world will see a shortage of pilots and technicians within the next twenty years. “It’s because of the mandatory retirement age,” Pfeiffer said. “There’s going to be a need for pilots... I don’t think the administration understands that.” Approximately 69,000 new pilots will be needed in North America in the next 20 years, the third highest projected growth in pilot demand in the world. Globally, Boeing is predicting 460,000 pilots and 601,000 technicians will be needed during that times- pan as a large population of baby boomers slips into retirement. Should Auburn cut the professional flight program, the University will have no part in helping supply that demand. In addition, the recently opened Airbus plant in Mobile could provide an in-state option for those looking to find a job out of college, especially considering Auburn provides the only four-year accredited flight program in the state. Both Dean Bill Hardgrave and Provost Tim Boosinger were invited to fly with Pfeiffer to discuss these issues. Hardgrave never responded to the invitation, and Boosinger had to cancel his reportedly planned trip through the Auburn skies. Boosinger did not respond to any of the questions sent to him concerning his change of plans or the flight program in general. Pfeiffer is one of the lucky ones. Still, as he guided the Cessna 172 aircraft around the university that gave him his wings, he couldn’t help but feel uneasy about the program’s uncertain future. “We’ll learn a lot this summer,” Pfeiffer said.

One year ago, I met the most hated man in Auburn. I was nervous, inexperienced and had just begun my first semester as community news editor for The Plainsman. He was on trial, unhealthy and understandably miserable. Despite all of this, Harvey Updyke was nothing short of polite. We spoke for a time about a variety of topics. I learned we’re both Louisiana residents. In fact, he and his wife, Elva, have a house about 45 minutes west of my parents’. I also learned he and an unnamed accomplice did, indeed, poison the Toomer’s oak trees. Even so, we smiled, shook hands and Elva and I exchanged contact information to do a feature on Updyke in the future. None of us knew we would never speak again. None of us understood the price of being honest. Much has changed since June 19, 2012, when Updyke confessed his guilt to me during his own jury selection, and most who care know the rest of the story. I published an article detailing the confession and was subsequently subpoenaed and placed under a gag order. After Updyke’s attorney called me a liar, my name was apparently changed to “student journalist” and The Plainsman then became “Auburn’s student-run newspaper.” Under the gag order, I was defenseless. But that’s not the issue. Updyke has now served his sentence, the trees have been removed and I can now speak and write freely once more. A year removed, I will say this: I imagined the day going much differently before I spoke to Updyke. I saw Updyke for the first time earlier that day. Judge Jacob Walker read the charges against Updyke, and with each word, Updyke’s eyelids drooped lower and his breathing became more labored. After tweeting the observation and having it questioned, I went to the source. The Updykes stood by themselves outside the elevator at the Lee County Justice Center. I had left everything but my cell phone in my bag. Not wanting to miss the opportunity, I settled for texting quotes and notes to myself. Updyke confirmed that he felt ready to “pass out” all morning, and the two were more than candid about Updyke’s somewhat publicized health issues. The numbers alone were staggering: 62 pounds lost since his arrest, 18 different medications in his system and thousands of Auburn fans clamoring for him to end his days in a cell. Numerous stories portraying his mistakes had poured from the media outlets (including The Plainsman) almost daily. But part of journalism is occasionally advocating for the devil, and I wanted Auburn to know the man being demonized. The father whose daughter would no longer speak to him. The Alabama fan whose beloved university banned him from its campus, stadiums included. To me, it was only fair. The chance for a sympathetic piece passed by when his candor spread to the crime he had pleaded innocent of. When he admitted he was involved in the incident, he said that was all he would say about the matter. And yet the question came to my lips anyway as a sort of due diligence, anticipating a “no comment.” “So, what happened that night?” In this case, the former Texas state trooper was a straight shooter: “Did I do it? Yes.” Harvey and Elva watched as I took notes on my phone. Even so, we said farewell amicably and left on good terms. I had just met with the most despised man on The Plains, and I left with sympathy for the devil. Not to mention an obligation to create more mayhem in an already difficult situation. Maybe it was all an orchestrated plot to change the venue or add credibility to his insanity defense. Perhaps Updyke truly had given up. Whatever the reason, as a journalist, his confession was breaking news, immeasurably more important than any softer feature story. As an Auburn man, the destruction of the historic oaks was deserving of punitive measures. And yet, I couldn’t help but feel sorry for the man. I still do. Had I never spoken to Harvey Updyke, the biased Tiger in me would most likely still loathe him. Updyke still has an elephant’s share of lawsuits to deal with, but one year later, I can only hope he’s beginning to get his life back together.

The men’s basketball team signed Malcolm Canada, a junior college transfer from Ellsworth Community College in Iowa Wednesday, June 19. Canada originally said he would sign with Tulane University, but was unable to enroll because of academic issues. Canada is a 6-foot-3 guard, averaging 20.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.6 assists per game last season at Ellsworth Community College. He was also a third-team Junior College Athletic Association All-American. His signing comes at a good time for the Tigers after transfer point guard Jerome Seagears decided to return to Rutgers after spending less than one month on campus. Canada is originally from Austin, Texas and will have two years of eligibility left. He will be competing for playing time next season against freshman Tahj Shamsid-Deen.

Recent Auburn graduate Michael Pfeiffer chose to attend Auburn to learn how to fly a plane. The Marietta, Ga., native earned his professional flight management degree in May and is now reaping the rewards from what he calls a “commercial flight factory.” Pfeiffer has been accepted into the University Gateway Program, a partnership between Auburn University and JetBlue Airways that allows students to land jobs with major airlines soon after college. Through this, Pfeiffer has secured work for at least the next year and hopes to eventually become a commercial pilot for Fedex or UPs. Now, however, that factory may be shutting down. With the end of pro-flight management at Auburn, future students won’t be able to follow Pfeiffer to the Gateway Program’s bevy of post-graduation jobs. However, recent statistics have shown flight programs to be a blossoming necessity in the next several years. Pfeiffer pointed to a recent study by Boeing, a multinational aerospace corporation, for a bigger reason to keep the flight program intact. According to the 2013-2032 Longterm Market outlook study, both the United states and the entire world will see a shortage of pilots and technicians within the next twenty years. “It’s because of the mandatory retirement age,” Pfeiffer said. “There’s going to be a need for pilots... I don’t think the administration understands that.” Approximately 69,000 new pilots will be needed in North America in the next 20 years, the third highest projected growth in pilot demand in the world. Globally, Boeing is predicting 460,000 pilots and 601,000 technicians will be needed during that times- pan as a large population of baby boomers slips into retirement. Should Auburn cut the professional flight program, the University will have no part in helping supply that demand. In addition, the recently opened Airbus plant in Mobile could provide an in-state option for those looking to find a job out of college, especially considering Auburn provides the only four-year accredited flight program in the state. Both Dean Bill Hardgrave and Provost Tim Boosinger were invited to fly with Pfeiffer to discuss these issues. Hardgrave never responded to the invitation, and Boosinger had to cancel his reportedly planned trip through the Auburn skies. Boosinger did not respond to any of the questions sent to him concerning his change of plans or the flight program in general. Pfeiffer is one of the lucky ones. Still, as he guided the Cessna 172 aircraft around the university that gave him his wings, he couldn’t help but feel uneasy about the program’s uncertain future. “We’ll learn a lot this summer,” Pfeiffer said.

One year ago, I met the most hated man in Auburn. I was nervous, inexperienced and had just begun my first semester as community news editor for The Plainsman. He was on trial, unhealthy and understandably miserable. Despite all of this, Harvey Updyke was nothing short of polite. We spoke for a time about a variety of topics. I learned we’re both Louisiana residents. In fact, he and his wife, Elva, have a house about 45 minutes west of my parents’. I also learned he and an unnamed accomplice did, indeed, poison the Toomer’s oak trees. Even so, we smiled, shook hands and Elva and I exchanged contact information to do a feature on Updyke in the future. None of us knew we would never speak again. None of us understood the price of being honest. Much has changed since June 19, 2012, when Updyke confessed his guilt to me during his own jury selection, and most who care know the rest of the story. I published an article detailing the confession and was subsequently subpoenaed and placed under a gag order. After Updyke’s attorney called me a liar, my name was apparently changed to “student journalist” and The Plainsman then became “Auburn’s student-run newspaper.” Under the gag order, I was defenseless. But that’s not the issue. Updyke has now served his sentence, the trees have been removed and I can now speak and write freely once more. A year removed, I will say this: I imagined the day going much differently before I spoke to Updyke. I saw Updyke for the first time earlier that day. Judge Jacob Walker read the charges against Updyke, and with each word, Updyke’s eyelids drooped lower and his breathing became more labored. After tweeting the observation and having it questioned, I went to the source. The Updykes stood by themselves outside the elevator at the Lee County Justice Center. I had left everything but my cell phone in my bag. Not wanting to miss the opportunity, I settled for texting quotes and notes to myself. Updyke confirmed that he felt ready to “pass out” all morning, and the two were more than candid about Updyke’s somewhat publicized health issues. The numbers alone were staggering: 62 pounds lost since his arrest, 18 different medications in his system and thousands of Auburn fans clamoring for him to end his days in a cell. Numerous stories portraying his mistakes had poured from the media outlets (including The Plainsman) almost daily. But part of journalism is occasionally advocating for the devil, and I wanted Auburn to know the man being demonized. The father whose daughter would no longer speak to him. The Alabama fan whose beloved university banned him from its campus, stadiums included. To me, it was only fair. The chance for a sympathetic piece passed by when his candor spread to the crime he had pleaded innocent of. When he admitted he was involved in the incident, he said that was all he would say about the matter. And yet the question came to my lips anyway as a sort of due diligence, anticipating a “no comment.” “So, what happened that night?” In this case, the former Texas state trooper was a straight shooter: “Did I do it? Yes.” Harvey and Elva watched as I took notes on my phone. Even so, we said farewell amicably and left on good terms. I had just met with the most despised man on The Plains, and I left with sympathy for the devil. Not to mention an obligation to create more mayhem in an already difficult situation. Maybe it was all an orchestrated plot to change the venue or add credibility to his insanity defense. Perhaps Updyke truly had given up. Whatever the reason, as a journalist, his confession was breaking news, immeasurably more important than any softer feature story. As an Auburn man, the destruction of the historic oaks was deserving of punitive measures. And yet, I couldn’t help but feel sorry for the man. I still do. Had I never spoken to Harvey Updyke, the biased Tiger in me would most likely still loathe him. Updyke still has an elephant’s share of lawsuits to deal with, but one year later, I can only hope he’s beginning to get his life back together.

The men’s basketball team signed Malcolm Canada, a junior college transfer from Ellsworth Community College in Iowa Wednesday, June 19. Canada originally said he would sign with Tulane University, but was unable to enroll because of academic issues. Canada is a 6-foot-3 guard, averaging 20.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.6 assists per game last season at Ellsworth Community College. He was also a third-team Junior College Athletic Association All-American. His signing comes at a good time for the Tigers after transfer point guard Jerome Seagears decided to return to Rutgers after spending less than one month on campus. Canada is originally from Austin, Texas and will have two years of eligibility left. He will be competing for playing time next season against freshman Tahj Shamsid-Deen.