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(01/07/15 4:20am)
A comeback was cut short in Bruce Pearl's first SEC game as head coach of Auburn (8-6, 0-1) as Vanderbilt (11-3, 1-0) held on to win 64-52 at Memorial Coliseum in Nashville.
The Tigers, down five, had a chance to make it a one-possession game when KT Harrell committed an offensive foul with 1:32 left in the game.
Riley LaChance, a freshman guard for the Commodores, put Vanderbilt back up by seven, and a turnover by Cinmeon Bowers on the Tigers' next possession ended the comeback attempt.
Poor shooting and a 23-5 run by Vanderbilt in the first half gave the Commodores a 33-19 lead at halftime, the Tigers lowest output in a half this season.
The Tigers made a run early in the second half as an Antoine Mason layup with 10:54 left in the 2nd half cut the Vanderbilt lead to five, but the Commodores responded with a 7-0 run, capped off by a LaChance three, to regain command.
Auburn struggled from the foul line, making only 9-of-18 attempts while Vanderbilt shot 20-of-25 from the charity stripe.
Mason, who scored Auburn's first six points, led the Tigers with 16 points, but struggled from the field making only five of 14 field goal attempts. Auburn shot 30 percent as a team.
Forward James Siakam led Vanderbilt with 14 points. LaChance finished with 13 points.
The Tigers return home to Auburn Arena on Saturday as they host Missouri (6-7).
(12/05/14 4:00pm)
Sometimes the answer is so crystal-clear you miss it.
Why do I bring this up? It's because, for 10 years after graduating with my first undergraduate degree, I was searching for a career that felt right, made me happy.
From 2003-13, I worked a variety of jobs in sales and marketing, never thinking to myself, "Hey, I could really do this the rest of my life."
During my spare time and, apologies to past bosses, during a lot of work time, I would write. It didn't matter the subject. I would just air out my feelings of the day.
What started as emails to a few friends became a distribution list, then a blog.
Well, actually, let's back up before that. When I was 10 years old, I tried to start a newspaper from my grandmother's family room. It was to be called The Sports Report and would be full of breaking news and hard-hitting issues, such as why Ryne Sandberg didn't attend my last birthday party and whether Rex Chapman was overrated.
I sold a subscription to some neighbors who, thankfully, never laughed in my face. I worked on this publication like the world depended on it. My readers needed the news.
This lasted for about a year. I then entered middle school and puberty set in. I put my newspaper aside for trying not to be too awkward around, well, everyone.
College came and went, and I was intent on starting and growing a career in sports marketing. Sales jobs were the way to do that.
I agreed, despite the fact I would rather cheer for that school on the other side of the state than make a cold call.
I toiled away for these years, all the time sending out 1,000-word emails about why I dislike Michael J. Fox and other nonsense. Writing these emails and blog posts were the best part of my day, and as I got better, my friends started to encourage me to pursue a journalism career.
My good friend Tom Kowalski was one of them.
A longtime sports reporter for the Detroit Lions, he would get upset at me for not dropping something I despised, for something I loved.
His words never meant as much as they did Aug. 29, 2011, when, while scrolling Twitter, I found out my good friend and mentor had died suddenly of a heart attack.
I finally made the decision to come back for a journalism degree in the fall of 2013.
What is the point of my story? Well, there are a few.
First, do what you love, because you will enjoy life a lot more.
Next, know it is never too late to drop everything and start a new career. I remember looking in the mirror last fall and seeing a 32-year-old who was miserable with his career path. I will graduate again this summer as a 34-year-old who now has a purpose in his career.
Lastly, follow your dreams. Mine was to one day work alongside Tom. I waited too long to get that chance.
Now, if you will excuse me, I have to go write a long essay on why "Saved by the Bell" was the most influential show of my lifetime.
Brian Stultz is a campus writer for The Plainsman. He can be reached at campus@theplainsman.com.
(12/02/14 7:00pm)
The next time you are walking across campus and spot a squirrel, sit down and start listening to them.
Robert Lishak, associate professor in biological sciences, is researching how squirrels communicate with each other.
"We were interested in seeing how these acoustic signals that squirrels make, make contextually significant to a predator," Lishak said. "What was the message that they were sending?"
Lishak and his students use software that turns barks into jagged lines known as spectrograms, which show the sound's duration and frequency.
"We used a series of model and live cats, and the squirrels would start relaying to the potential predators that they have been spotted," Lishak said. "The squirrels were letting the predator know that they know you are present. The cat would get up, stop stalking and then walk away."
Lishak, who is on the verge of retirement, has been teaching at Auburn since 1976, with his specialization being the study of behavior of animals along with the acoustic behaviors of animals.
Lishak graduated from Seton Hall University with honors, and went on to earn his Ph.D. in zoology at Ohio State University.
In a Q&A with The Washington Post, Lishak answered questions about his studies.
Asked if squirrels really had a language, Lishak said, "Don't think of squirrel calls as being the equivalent of our words. Instead, think of these sounds as signals that squirrels innately respond to, like you would jump if startled by someone slamming a door."
Communication during mating between two adults is also important, along with a mother with its young.
"What is interesting is how the adults communicate during mating season and how mothers communicate to their young when nursing in the nest," Lishak said.
Tooth chattering is also used as an aggressive signal, with it being a warning sign to other squirrels.
"Let's say you have a squirrel in a fountain," Lishak said. "If another squirrel approaches, he or she will determine whether or not they are the dominant one. If they are, they will start to posture and chatter their teeth as a warning sign to go away."
What if the submissive squirrel doesn't obey?
"The squirrel will stick its teeth into the other," Lishak said.
The squirrels also communicate with each other, letting others know of the location of a predator.
Stating that you can do this even in your own backyard, Lishak said the next time you see a squirrel, starting doing a rapid "kuk-kuk-kuk," and the squirrel will alert you to where the predator is located.
"Just follow their tail and it will tell you where the danger is," Lishak said.
Jordan Wampler, a senior in English literature, said he performs this trick a lot in his yard.
"I put my cat out there and make the noise," Wampler said. "The squirrel was also correct in pointing me toward my cat. It amazes me."
According to a study by Richard Bicknell of the City of Palo Alto, California, the vocalizations of a squirrel range in frequency from .01 to 10 kilohertz and can range from a chirp to a long series of barks, screams and purrs.
As far as the dominant structure in squirrels, Lishak said it goes in this order.
"Adult male, adult female, young male and then young female," Lishak said.
Students on campus were intrigued by the idea of communicating with squirrels, and some students laid out what they would ask if able to talk to squirrels around campus.
"I would ask if they could sneak into the football games and watch," said Jessica Bloom, senior in psychology, jokingly. "Actually, I would ask about their daily routines and nesting rituals."
(11/25/14 7:00pm)
Faculty members in the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences will begin placing GPS collars on black bears in the Little River Canyon National Reserve in north Alabama as part of their research on the population.
Associate professor in forestry and wildlife sciences Todd Steury said the purpose of putting GPS devices on the bears is to be able to study the bears further.
"The GPS is a part of a larger project," Steury said. "The goal is to try and understand about the black bears in Alabama."
Steury, along with Wayde Morse and Mark Smith, both associate professors in forestry and wildlife sciences, received a $529,000 grant from the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources in July for the project.
"We want to know how many black bears there are and how related they are," Steury said. "We also want to know what connectivity that they might have with other states."
The three faculty members will work with the Birmingham Zoo in their attempts to trap the bears and tag them with the devices.
According to a University press release, the project has three main components: to collect DNA and behavior information from as much of the Alabama bear populations as possible, to assess public perceptions about bears and bear management and to generate outreach materials to educate the public about living with bears.
"Getting to know the habitats they use is also a point of emphasis," Steury said. "We want to know how much time they spend near humans and using human habitats."
Steury also said the black bear was once common in Alabama, but now the population is down to two different areas--one in northern Alabama and another near Sarahland, just north of Mobile. The number of bears in northern Alabama is currently more than 26.
"There are other bears roaming the state and looking for mates," Steury said. "They are dangerous, but the risk of being injured is relatively small."
In an interview with AL.com, park ranger Larry Beane said stories of bears have been told for years.
The Little River Canyon National Preserve is located just outside of Fort Payne on top of Lookout Mountain.
The entire preserve takes up more than 13,000 acres.
The group finished a pilot project earlier this year, and because of the funding, they will be able to continue their studies.
"We have funding for four years," Steury said.
The GPS devices, which cost $2,500 each, will give the location of each bear tagged every 60 minutes and will be monitored through an online platform. The researchers will also be able to track the bears during the hibernation period as the devices have a VHS transmitter.
"We want to get as much information on the bears as we can," Steury said.
(11/14/14 4:00pm)
Racial barriers were everywhere in James Owens' life growing up, but instead of accepting them, he decided to break them down.
Owens broke the college football color barrier in the state of Alabama when he enrolled at Auburn University in 1969, becoming Auburn's first African-American scholarship player.
"God chose me as the one that could overcome," Owens said.
The movie "Quiet Courage" tells Owens' story of struggle, athletic accomplishment and courage.
"It was a great, wonderful journey," Owens said. "It didn't start off like you would have wanted, but God, being God, allowed us to get through it. There were some lonely days and scary days, but we are just thankful."
Owens was a highly recruited player out of high school, with up to 63 schools wanting him to come play for them.
He not only excelled in football, but was All State in basketball and track and field as well.
Being the first African-American football player in not only Alabama, but Mississippi, Georgia and South Carolina.
The nation watched to see how both Auburn and Owens would handle the situation.
Owens played running back for the Tigers from 1970-72, playing alongside Auburn legends Pat Sullivan and Terry Beasley.
Drafted by the New Orleans Saints, Owens was injured before the season and never played a game in the NFL.
The Fairfield, Alabama native returned home and to his job at U.S. Steel.
Thom Gossom Jr., Owens' roommate and author of "Walk On," a book about Owens' journey to integration at Auburn, is the producer of "Quiet Courage."
"The story basically speaks for itself," Gossom said. "It's a story of his courage, but courage is exhibited in a lot of different ways. The University definitely exhibited courage in signing James because they were first and they could have done like a lot of the other schools did and waited until someone else took that step."
The film features Owens' teammates and friends telling stories of his courage and kindness.
His doctor, who is also in the film, speaks of his failing heart.
In 2012, it was announced that Owens needed a new heart. He spent weeks at the University of Alabama-Birmingham hospital, but because of medical conditions, he was taken off of the heart transplant list.
Owens said he is a deeply religious man and served as a pastor for 11 years at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church in Dadeville. He said his faith has helped him during rough times.
"The first thing is to put your trust in God," Owens said. "We need to get back to serving. We need to appreciate what he has given us."
In 2012, Auburn honored Owens by awarding him the first James Owens Courage Award.
According to Auburn's website, the award will be presented annually to a current or former Auburn football player who has displayed courage in the face of adversity, distinguishing himself while contributing to the betterment of Auburn University.
Gossom said Owens is a happy person despite facing adversity.
Athletic director Jay Jacobs spoke about the award in 2012.
"James Owens is an Auburn icon and one of the most important figures in the storied history of Auburn football," Jacobs said. "It is only fitting that he is the first recipient of this new award named in his honor."
"At 18 years old, to carry that weight around, I think you are very lucky to end up whole and a person that doesn't harbor bitterness, which James doesn't," Gossom said.
(11/13/14 1:05am)
Students self-care and wellbeing might not be a top priority, but Carrie Karkoska gave some advice on how to keep a healthy balance in your life.
Speaking on Wednesday afternoon, Karkoska focused on the seven dimensions of wellbeing and how someone can improve each one.
"People like to read about this in magazines, but not have a true discussion," Karkoska said.
Karkoska spoke on the importance of sleep for college students.
"College kids are terrible at getting sleep," Karkoska said. "It is not a priority."
According to Karkoska, building a supportive social network is a major part of social wellness, with establishing and maintaining those relationships for when you face challenges.
"Misery loves miserable company," Karkoska said. "Some friends don't want to hear what is good in your life. They just want to hear the bad things."
According to Karkoska, een though one person can't make a major impact environmentally, it is important that you focus on what you can do.
"It is about identifying the small things that you can change," Karkoska said.
When it comes to emotions, Karkoska said that it isn't a bad thing to feel angry.
"Sometime it is warranted," Karkoska said. "However, screaming at someone across the room from you is rarely productive."
Introducing the S.T.O.P. procedure, Karkoska said, when in a stressful situation, to stop what you are doing, take a deep breath, observe your situation and then proceed.
"It's really hard for someone to work through their emotions when they are pushing them away," Karkoska said. "Stress is like a rocking chair: it gives you something to do but you don't go anywhere."
Karkoska also said that, while spiritual health does not necessarily have to be religious, it is more about recognizing that your life has a higher meaning.
"Your spiritual wellness is not innate," Karkoska said. "It is something you have to work for."
According to Karkoska, challenging yourself can also be healthy, and can advance your intellectual wellness.
"It is when you take on a challenge that you are going to learn the most about yourself," Karkoska said.
In closing, Karkoska spoke about achieving that balance between your career and your life.
"Establishing life balance is one of the hardest things you do," Karkoska said. "Just because you love your job doesn't mean it should be your life."
(11/07/14 1:00pm)
Breast cancer can be a horrific experience.
However, thanks to the Breast Cancer Connections support group at Auburn University, those going through this experience can find support and guidance from survivors.
As part of the Women's Resource Center Women's Initiatives, Connections meets on the third Thursday of every month.
Karla Teel, a two-time survivor and associate professor of consumer and design sciences, helped start the group in 2008.
"In 2007, we started doing the lighting at Cater Hall to bring awareness to breast cancer," Teel said.
Teel said she began talking to a group of survivors at the event.
"There were a few survivors that came, and we just stayed after and talked about how did you handle this, what doctor did you use, how are you doing now," Teel said.
After the lighting, everyone dispersed.
"I didn't see them again," Teel said. "I went away with a sense that we needed something on campus."
Teel said she went to the head of the resource center and asked if there was a support group on campus for people affected by cancer.
The monthly meetings began, and new people have continued to come with questions and look for support.
"I will get speakers to come in like the breast health navigator Colleen Alsobrook," Teel said.
Emily Myers, facilitator of the program and associate clinical professor in social work, said the group is there for anyone who might need help.
"Being a survivor, I think I can help support others and get support myself," Myers said. "I find that it helps me to help others."
Myers, who had a double mastectomy and reconstruction, also said it is important for the meetings to happen, even if only one or two people show up.
"If one person shows up, it is like they really need to be there," Myers said.
Educational sessions are also part of the group meetings.
Physicians and pharmacists often come to speak about various breast cancer topics.
According to Myers, the experiences of survivors or current breast cancer patients are key to the meetings.
"It is really a place to just share stories and information on resources like 'Where did you go for your treatment and how did you like it?'" Myers said.
Myers said survivors also share tips they used during their treatment during meetings.
"One woman came in with a whole recipe for radiation oil for burns that people get during radiation," Myers said. "I have been able to pass that on to people that I know."
According to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, groups focused on emotional support are useful for people who are comfortable expressing their feelings and fears about breast cancer in a group setting.
Myers said people reach this stage at different times in their recovery, or not at all.
For people who may not have been to a meeting, Myers said the information and support shared at the meetings is crucial.
"The emotional support and mutual aid is when you find out you are all in the same boat," Myers said.
Myers said the meetings are part lunch, part therapy.
"We just bring a brown-bag lunch or heat up our food in the microwave and we just sit there and chat and get an update on everyone or answer questions of newly diagnosed women," Teel said.
(10/24/14 8:12pm)
United States Senator Jeff Sessions and Admiral Michael S. Rogers spoke on Wednesday afternoon at the "Forum of World Affairs" at the Auburn University Hotel and Conference Center.
Rogers, an Auburn alumni, is currently head of the National Security Agency and Director of the U.S. Cyber Command.
"We have to talk to the American people about what we do and why we do it," Rogers said while speaking about the NSA. "The things I have heard about what we do over the last 15 months is flat out wrong."
The hour-long forum was moderated by Retires Lt. Gen. Ronald L. Burgess and involved questions posed by people on Twitter and by audience members.
Sessions, speaking about the Patriot Act, stated that he doesn't see it as a restriction of US citizens' rights.
"We want to protect your rights and your privacy," Sessions said.
Cyber security was a major topic, with Rogers stating that it will be an important issue for years to come.
"We live in a world that has different nations that have different views of the internet," Rogers said. "Some nations think the internet is a threat to order."
Rogers was also asked about the threat of Ebola, and whether it was a matter of national security.
"Yes, Ebola has become a national security issue," Rogers said.
When asked about the role the US is taking in trying to stop ISIS and whether or not the nation is overstepping our bounds, Rogers, unable to speak to political issues, said matter of factly, "No."
(10/27/14 12:00pm)
Mason Briles felt he had nowhere to turn for support.
Briles said he felt no one was in his situation and would understand.
He anonymously turned to Twitter to see if there was anyone out there who knew what he was going through.
He quickly found many people who have gone through the same thing he was experiencing.
Briles, junior in business, announced he was gay last month on Outsports.com. Before that, he was only known by the Twitter handle Closeted Athlete.
"I made the Twitter account because I really didn't know where to look for support," Briles said. "I thought I would put myself out there anonymously at first and see if I could find some guidance from people on the Internet."
A friendship between Cyd Zeigler, writer for Outsports and author in sexuality and sports, and Briles started to grow.
Stating in his article that "Briles seemed desperately far from coming out" when they first met, Zeigler said meeting other people who were in the same situation made a huge difference for Briles.
Briles agreed Outsports helped with the decision to publicly declare his sexuality.
"I used Outsports as my platform for quite a few reasons," Briles said. "Some of the main people who were helping me through this are athletes themselves, and they have either used Outsports or have connected to the people that run Outsports. I was connected through them to a support network as well."
A former fencer from suburban Atlanta, Briles said he wants to be a role model and guide for people who are in his situation.
"There was no one that was in my exact situation," Briles said. "Deep South, former athlete and in a fraternity. I wanted to put myself out there as the role model I never had so I could help out people who were in similar situations to me."
A brother of Alpha Sigma Phi, Briles also faced the daunting task of telling his fraternity brothers.
His statement came in the form of a letter.
"From the moment we are born, we are expected to conform to whatever norms society has for us," said the statement. "Anytime someone happens to be different, they are automatically labeled as such. While at first, these labels can seem incredibly cruel or hurtful, with time I have found these labels can do no more harm than they are allowed to do. With that being said, I am about to put a label on myself. It is a label I am happy to have and it is a label I will wear with pride. I am gay."
The reactions from his fraternity brothers, family members and friends have been encouraging.
"Everyone has reacted great," Briles said. "I've had nothing negative come of it at all. My parents love and support me, and my friends support me. A lot of friendships have gotten even closer since I came out."
Briles' friend Matthew Cook said he was surprised by the letter, but it does not change the way he looks at Briles.
"Mason is one of the nicest and hardest-working guys that I know, and I can honestly say that I am proud to be his friend and brother," Cook said. "He is one of those guys that I would trust with my life, and I would not be hesitant to help him with anything he needs help with."
As for advice for people who might be in his situation, Briles has a strong message for them.
"If you can't come out now or are questioning yourself, take your time," Briles said. "It happens for everyone at their own pace. There's no cut off. Live your life the way you want to live it and ultimately do what is best for you."
(10/19/14 12:00pm)
Karla Teel and her new husband, Donnie are jetting out to Las Vegas this week to celebrate their wedding that took place in May. The odds of them taking this trip would have been low eight years ago.
Teel, two-time graduate of Auburn University and now a professor in consumer and design sciences, was first diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2006.
"We had gone away for the weekend and that Sunday night, I felt something while performing a self-exam," Teel said. "I thought 'Well, I should definitely get this checked out.'"
The following Monday, Teel had a mammogram and ultrasound, with three technicians unable to find anything. However, the head of radiology at the Montgomery Cancer Center was there, found a trouble spot and ordered a biopsy.
"They did a core biopsy that Monday morning, called me in and said 'I'm sorry to tell you but you have breast cancer,'" Teel said.
The cancer was invasive lobular carcinoma, meaning it was found in the lobes of the breast. Doctors told Teel there was about an 80 percent chance that kind mirrors in the other breast at some point.
"I wasn't going to just wait for the other shoe to drop, so I made the decision to go ahead and have a double mastectomy," Teel said.
Already in an abusive marriage, her ex-husband was not pleased with her decision.
"This was just another thing he did not have control over," Teel said. "He had controlled me all those years."
Her parents came through with the encouragement she needed.
"We just wanted to be around and tell her we love her and be there for support," said Patricia Peacy, Teel's mother.
Unlike most breast cancer patients, doctors recommended that Teel go through chemotherapy first, and then have the mastectomy.
"Since I was having double mastectomy with reconstruction, they hoped the chemo would shrink the tumor and help save breast tissue for the reconstruction," Teel said.
Undergoing the chemotherapy in the summer of 2006, Teel quickly found out she was the type of patient that, if something could go wrong, it would go wrong.
"My fingernails and toenails rotted off, where I had to wear gloves so I wouldn't get infection," Teel said. "My hands, feet and mouth blistered so where I couldn't eat or swallow. I couldn't walk. My oncologist said I got the prize for the most complicated patient. If there was a risk, we had to be on the safe side."
The double mastectomy and reconstruction followed in September, and again there were a lot of infections. At a certain point, doctors at UAB told Teel, "You are just going to have to live with what you've got."
Teel wasn't going to take that for an answer.
"I got a couple of recommendations and went to a plastic surgeon in Montgomery," Teel said. "He immediately changed the type of implants."
From April 2006 until January 2009, Teel underwent 10 surgeries. Cancer seemed to be in the past.
(10/08/14 7:55pm)
Orange may be the color of choice on game days in Auburn, but on Wednesday, pink dominated the student center green space as the annual "ALL IN ALL PINK" program for breast cancer awareness took place.
Started four years ago by Ebony Craig, the program included speeches by breast cancer survivors, medical advice by healthcare professionals and a performance by the AU Gospel Choir.
Craig spoke of why she started the program.
"Personally, I have been affected by breast cancer through my family," Craig said. "I want other people to be aware that this can happen to them. I got my sorority [Alpha Kappa Alpha] together and wanted to do something small."
What started out as a small idea instantly grew.
"The Office of University Outreach caught wind of it and said 'let's do something bigger because we want to support your passion'," Craig said.
The Office of the Vice President for University Outreach sponsors the event in collaboration with the Office of Public Service and the Kappa Chi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Free t-shirts, pizza and drinks were passed out to guests, while medical professionals were set up under tents to give any medical advice needed.
Alexis Jackson, past-president of Alpha Kappa Alpha, spoke of the importance of the event.
"This event is to let students and people in the community know about breast cancer and the risks and preventions," Jackson said. "You can do your own research and be a self-advocate."
Jackson, a senior in biomedical sciences, spoke about the importance of self-exams, especially for students.
"One of the stigmas behind students is that it [breast cancer] can't affect us because we are entirely too young," Jackson said. "It can impact at any age."
(10/02/14 12:50am)
Representative Joe Hubbard, who is running for Attorney General, spoke to the Auburn University College Democrats on Wednesday night, stating that it is time for a change in Montgomery.
"If we don't step up, nothing is going to change," Hubbard said. "The government will continue to be ran by the same old interests group and establishments."
Hubbard, 33, said the "good ole boys" continue to tell him he is too young to make a difference.
"I haven't listened to them," Hubbard said.
Elected to the House of Representatives in 2010 at the age of 29, Hubbard was the only Democrat in the state to unseat a Republican. He will try to defeat incumbent attorney general Luther Strange in the November elections.
"We need to decide that we want to see something different in Alabama and go out and make it happen," Hubbard said. "We need to identify the change we want to see happen."
Speaking of his opponent, Hubbard said Strange did not recognize the problems of the people of Alabama.
"My opponent is more worried about the headlines than how the laws affect the people of Alabama." Hubbard said. "The job of the attorney general is to protect Alabamians."
Reed Dudley, director of outreach for Hubbard's campaign, wants someone that puts people over politics.
"I want an attorney general that is committed to Alabama," Dudley said.
Hubbard also spoke of the divide that causes conflict within the government.
"Let's not focus on what divides us," Hubbard said. "Let's talk about what we all agree on. We have more things that bring us together than that divide us."
(10/02/14 12:00pm)
It was a typical June day in 2001, when Karen Sharpless, performing a self-exam, felt a lump on her breast. The next nine months would be anything but typical.
Sharpless, 1981 Auburn graduate with a master's degree in public speaking and communication and long-time employee of the University before retirement, spoke about that day.
"I was very lucky that I found my own cancer," Karen said. "When I found it, I called my doctor in Montgomery and said, 'I am on my way over there because I have a lump.'"
A needle biopsy followed, and the doctors told Karen there was something harmful in her that needed to come out.
"They immediately scheduled me for a lumpectomy, which isn't taking your breast off, but taking the lump out," Karen said.
Through the radiation, doctors also gave good news, saying the cancer had not spread into her lymph nodes. According to the Susan G. Komen organization, which is dedicated to research of breast cancer, patients whose cancer has not spread to the lymph nodes have a much higher rate of survival.
The doctors then started chemotherapy after giving Karen some time to recover from the surgery.
After the first round of chemotherapy, the treatment hit Karen hard.
"We were in Montgomery, and there was a shop that I always went to, so I said, 'Since we are already here, might as well go there to look at some dresses,'" Karen said.
While trying on her second dress, Karen simply said, "I need to go."
"We got back on the interstate, and I was so ill," Karen said. "I wasn't expecting it to be as tough as it was."
The battle got worse, and a few hospital stays were necessary because of her low cell count, but Karen said it was friends and family who helped during this difficult time.
"The things that get you through it are the friends and family that you have," Karen said. "People are so kind-hearted. They have so much concern for you. People brought food over to the house every night. That was such a gift."
Karen said people need a gatekeeper as well.
"You need someone to be able to say to people who are wanting to visit that you might not be up to it that day," Karen said. "I was lucky to have a great friend like Debbie Shaw to help manage my care."
Shaw, colon cancer survivor, said she could relate to Karen's situation.
"I could empathize with her, being a cancer survivor myself," Shaw said. "I wanted her to know that she had a lot of support in the community and that many people loved her."
The amount of support, according to Shaw, ranged from people bringing food to going along with Karen to the hospital when she was getting treatment.
Karen has been married for 26 years to Ken Sharpless, who she describes as "wonderful and (her) rock." They have two kids; Michael, who just left the Marines after years of service; and Painter, junior in business at Auburn.
Working in different positions at Auburn from speaking to high school kids about attending Auburn to raising money as a development officer in the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, Karen was dedicated to her career.
"I think the toughest part for her was taking the time off from doing something that she loved," Painter said. "She's always worked."
At such a young age, Painter said he wasn't aware of the gravity of his mother's situation.
"My dad did a great job of shielding me from what she was going through," Painter said.
The day Karen and her friends and family were waiting for came in April 2002, when doctors said she was cancer-free.
"That is what everyone wants to hear," Karen said. "That was wonderful. It had been a long haul."
A big proponent for regular self-exams, Karen also urges women to get a yearly mammogram.
"I have a mammogram every year," Karen said. "My routine of self-exams may have helped save my life."
Karen said she now donates a lot of time to breast cancer awareness.
Now retired and working part-time at the Cary Center for the Advancement of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies, Karen said she has a message for people who are currently in her past situation.
"You don't always feel good when you are going through it, but you can do this," Karen said.
(09/19/14 1:30pm)
Students are coming together to voice their concerns about public issues in the Auburn-Opelika community and are taking action to bring positive change.
According to their website, the Tigers' Den, "seeks to promote and develop a more thoughtful and engaged student body, one that is mindful of current events and prepared to offer solutions to the issues of our time."
David Earnhardt, president of Tigers' Den, said the focus of the organization is to bring positive change to communities.
"It is a student think tank," Earnhardt said. "The idea behind it is to look into problems in the area and figuring out way to make an impact for the better."
The organization holds Student Think Tank, an event where students are encouraged to get involved in debates on public issues at the University, local and national levels.
"Whether students are looking to beef up their resume or looking to make a real difference in the community, I encourage them to join," Earnhardt said.
The lack of parking has some citizens frustrated and is an issue discussed.
"The lack of parking downtown, especially on game weekends, is miserable," said Ashley Adams, Auburn citizen who works downtown.
Members of the Tigers' Den are actively involved in research to see how they can help change the issues.
Campus activities and outreach opportunities are also available.
"It is a unique opportunity to volunteer and get involved," Earnhardt said.
The organization has taken to social media to get the word out about their efforts, starting the #WhatMattersToAU hashtag.
Using the hashtag, students and citizens of the area can tweet out their concerns and reach the Tigers' Den straight from their phone.
"We launched the What Matters to AU campaign to try and find the issues that matter in the community," Earnhardt said. "It is unique because we get some specific ideas from our members."
Citizens of Auburn, such as Adams, have taken notice of the organization's efforts.
"It is great to see students care about not only what happens at the University, but in the community as well," Adams said.
The next Student Think Tank is temporarily scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 25.
The organization is free to join and has no annual fee.
"We are just trying to find the issues that matter to our fellow citizens," Earnhardt said. "It is a great opportunity for students to get involved."
The organization can be followed on Twitter @AUTigersDen and all students are welcome to attend the think tanks.
(09/17/14 1:05am)
Members of the Auburn University Ducks Unlimited club gathered at Halftime in downtown Tuesday, Sept. 16, to discuss the goals of the organization and recruit new members.
Ducks Unlimited is the world's leader in wetlands and waterfowl conservation, and the University chapter has been at the forefront for the cause.
"Auburn is one of the three college organizations to be around since the 1980s," said Stephen Walker, regional director of Ducks Unlimited in Alabama.
Along with the recruitment party Tuesday, Sept. 16, the chapter will also hold a banquet on October 23 at the Clarion Inn & Suites University City.
Neill Payne, the University chapter president senior in chemistry, invited all that are interested to attend.
"The banquet is our biggest event right now," Payne said. "We are not just a student organization. You don't have to be enrolled in the University to participate and help out."
Payne also spoke about why he got involved with the organization.
"Growing up in south Georgia, I really liked to hunt and in order to hunt you have to have the wetlands," Payne said. "Ducks Unlimited is about preserving so future generations will have duck hunting as well."
Walker spoke of the relationship the people involved within the organization have built.
"It's a group of people that are like-minded outdoor enthusiasts," Walker said. "Most people say they come to Ducks Unlimited for the mission and stay for the people."
(09/13/14 4:00pm)
Things are different when you come back for another degree in your thirties. Trust me, I am living it.
I returned to Auburn for my second undergraduate degree last August and have seen the differences between college back then and college now.
This whole "submit your assignment via Canvas" was foreign to me. What was this Canvas they were talking about? I didn't want to ask because I didn't want to seem old.
I was once asked in class to explain to my entire class the significance of a cigar in the Bill Clinton-Monica Lewinsky case. A professor then told me I would be her go to guy for all old references.
When I state how old I am, I have experienced the gasps of my classmates. When I bring up the 1980s, I lose everyone.
Let's just say I haven't been to Skybar in a long time.
During summer classes, I noticed I was closer in age to the parents bringing their kids to Camp War Eagle than the freshmen themselves. This took a hilarious turn when an incoming freshman asked me, "Are you moving your kid into a dorm as well?"
Coming back to school at this age has its advantages, though.
I now see professors in a new light. Instead of fearing them and thinking they are there to make your life hard, I know they are doing their best to educate and prepare us for our careers. I consider a couple of professors friends now.
Class is not just something you have to attend, but a place where you can have intelligent conversation with others. Nothing excites me more than a great discussion in class.
Sometimes, though, I feel myself talking too much in class and can only imagine my classmates saying, "When will this dinosaur shut up?"
Returning at my age has also given me a chance to see that our future is not as bad as some make it out to be.
I am constantly impressed by my classmates and have learned from them. They teach me new things every day (Snapchat!) I like the fact they aren't afraid to make fun of my age (and neither are my professors).
Most of all, I am inspired by their thirst for knowledge and striving for success. The amount of extracurricular activities and the time some of my classmates contribute to Auburn are what makes this University so great. I am bewildered at times by the poise and maturity of my much younger classmates.
They inspire this old guy every day.
(09/13/14 12:00pm)
The Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine's Animal and Health Performance program has been renamed Canine Performance Sciences (CPS).
James Floyd, interim director of the program, said the new name better reflects the program's mission.
"The short version is that it is just doing a better job of describing what we do," Floyd said. "We have really concentrated on mostly detection dogs and performance. They have to be able to perform."
According to the program's website, CPS is a national leader on working animals.
Exercise can have benefits on animals' general health and their physical, physiological and psychological needs.
"The Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine has invested years of research in developing a strong and versatile detection program in the fight against terrorism," said Calvin Johnson, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, in a statement to the Universtity. "This new name reflects that work."
Right now, the program has four breeding females and averages 60 puppies a year. Floyd says their goal is for more.
"We are trying to grow the number of puppies from 60 per year to up to 200," Floyd said.
The program's research is funded by various agencies and depends on what kind of grants they receive.
"A lot of it is federal government," Floyd said. "Some of it comes from private donors."
The detection of bombs has been a focus of the program, especially since 9/11.
"A dog's nose is an excellent detection device," Floyd said. "If a dog can smell it, they can be trained to let us know they can smell it."
Terry Fischer, Auburn University's chief canine instructor, spoke about the process of finding and training a dog.
"First, you have to have a good foundation," Fischer said. "The selection process is a major component. You have to have a very focused dog."
Fischer said evaluating the dog is also a major part of knowing whether the dog will be trainable.
"You have to evaluate him on his reward," Fischer said. "What is he going to work for? When you find a dog that is environmentally sound, he can go into any environment and not be bothered whatsoever. He will do anything for that reward."
According to Fischer, imprinting, or programming, the dog comes next.
"Everyone has their own ways of imprinting a dog," Fischer said. "You have to be very concise and clear what you want the dog to learn. Dogs are very clever."
CPS has a reputation for groundbreaking research efforts in detection and understanding animal performance.
The program has a patent-pending technology named VAPOR WAKE(R).
According to its website, VAPOR WAKE(R) is a technology that trains dogs to detect explosives.
VAPOR WAKE(R) is licensed through the Auburn Research Technology Foundation for delivery by AMK9 Academy to expand its employment in defense of the nation and society.
(09/11/14 4:40pm)
UPDATE:
(09/07/14 8:00pm)
Money Magazine has ranked Auburn University the 'best college for your money' in the state of Alabama, beating out Samford University and the University of Alabama in Huntsville, among others.
The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa comes in a distant 226 spots behind Auburn.
The rankings come from factors, such as quality of education, affordability and outcomes, including mid-career earnings of alumni.
Donald Large, executive vice president and chief financial officer at Auburn, spoke about the importance of keeping tuition affordable.
"Our approach has been to meet students halfway, using internal cuts and reallocations to match the amount needed from tuition increases," Large said. "The University also benchmarks its tuition rates against those charged by similar public institution in the Southeast, with a goal of keeping tuition somewhere in the middle of this pack of elite schools."
Among SEC schools, Auburn is ranked sixth on the list. Large said students can thank the state of Alabama for the low tuition.
"Like other public universities around the country, Auburn can no longer depend on state appropriations alone to keep tuition rates low for students," Large said. "Alabama residents still receive an Auburn education at a significant discount thanks to support from the state of Alabama."
According to Money Magazine, the average annual salary of Auburn alumni within five years of graduating is $45,500, compared to $41,500 for graduates from the University of Alabama.
Auburn alumni are earning more money coming out of school, but University of Alabama students are paying close to $13,000 more for their degree.
The administration at Auburn noticed this and used these stats to advertise the University.
"Our marketing targets different groups with information we think or hope best promotes Auburn and is helpful for them to know," Large said. "I feel sure we will use the best value rating in some of our communications."
Parents of Auburn students have taken notice of the value their kids get from an Auburn education.
"Compared to other colleges that my sons looked at attending, Auburn has the best quality and price by far," said David Thrasher, father of Auburn students. "In-state tuition has been very affordable."
David Feemster of Birmingham, parent of future Auburn students, agreed.
"It is starting to get to that time where my kids are looking at different colleges," Feemster said. "We are an Auburn family and it makes it easy knowing that our kids can attend a place where they can receive a great degree at a reasonable cost."
Large said no major changes are in store for Auburn's tuition as long as certain key factors continue.
"Assuming that the state continues to support the Education Trust Fund at planned levels and distributes revenues from this fund equitably, and assuming Auburn retains its current strong performance in attracting out-of-state students, then drastic changes in Auburn's tuition are not anticipated," Large said.
(09/03/14 12:30am)
A new book co-authored by two professors in Auburn's biological science department will have people looking at Alabama's wildlife from a new perspective.
Troy Best and the late Julian Dusi used more than 70 years of personal research and the findings of more than 100 scientists and graduate students to put together "Mammals of Alabama."
"Mammals of Alabama" is a guidebook to the many different living and extinct species in Alabama.
"The book contains the information that Dr. Dusi and I have gathered over our careers," Best said.
Best's research was not limited to Alabama, however.
"We also took information from research that was conducted in different parts of the country," Best said.
Best said one of the reasons he wanted to publish the book was to inform the people of Alabama of their environment.
"It really documents part of their natural heritage," Best said. "We are one of the most diverse states in some vertebrate groups."
According to Best, this book is long overdue.
"It has been almost 100 years since a book has been done on mammals in Alabama," Best said.
Best said including interesting points and stats about different mammals was one of his goals.
"I put it together to include interesting things, like the fact armadillos have four babies," Best said.
According to Best, the book is filled with all the animal species that have been recorded in the state.
Best said he also included some new ones.
"There are a couple of records that have never been reported, such as the North American deer mouse," Best said.
John Lacoste, graduate student in biological science, is doing his thesis on the deer mouse.
"Last year, we had the first record of one species of the deer mouse in the state," Lacoste said.
Best also included animals that do not exist anymore.
"We included some species that no longer occur in the state, like the red wolf and elk," Best said.
Jackson Moses, graduate student in biological sciences, said Best brings experience and expertise to his research.
"I don't know what I would do without him," Moses said. "He is amazing at reading a draft of a research paper and turning it around in a hour or two."
Best was also awarded the 2014 Joseph Grinnell Award by the American Society of Mammalogists in recognition of his research.
"I published this book because I am interested in mammals and I want to share that interest and enthusiasm with other people," Best said.