The ins and outs of scholarships
Each spring, the Auburn University Office of University Scholarships awards scholarships to incoming freshmen for the next school year and general scholarships for current enrolled students.
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Each spring, the Auburn University Office of University Scholarships awards scholarships to incoming freshmen for the next school year and general scholarships for current enrolled students.
“We just came together and we realized we needed to try and make it a business and see what would happen,” Smith said.
I would say most people who were looking to attend college looked at a website’s ranking of the universities at least once.
Growing up, I was used to seeing images of American women on TV wearing itsy-bitsy shorts — which I later came to learn were called Daisy Dukes — and bikini tops. They would be walking around the city, and it was normal. I was raised as a typical African child in the ’90s. It was unheard of to see women wearing clothes that exposed too much skin. This meant nothing above the kneecaps. Women who wore garments that were too tight and too short were automatically believed to be women of the night. As I grew older, I became a little bit more daring and wore skirts that were slightly above my kneecaps, and my grandmother detested it, saying I was sending the wrong message to the public, so I stuck to jeans because wearing pants was much safer and resulted in less public criticism.I was always envious of the American women who I’d see going to the swimming pool with two-piece swimsuits that seemed to just cover areas that weren’t supposed to see the light of day. It seemed risqué, but the 13-year-old me thought, “Wow, they are basically wearing underwear out in public, and it is OK.”As times continued to change and Western cultures continued to be adopted way beyond the West, more things became acceptable; girls would wear much tighter skirts or pants.In 2010, I relocated to the United States. To say I was not ready for the difference in fashion is an understatement. I came during the peak of summer, and I saw girls wearing the mysterious Daisy Dukes. I tried to picture myself in them, but it was impossible. However, within the past five years or so, Kenyan fashion has evolved and more things have become acceptable. With this digital age, the Internet has become a staple source of information, and thus the existence of more fashion blogs all around the world. With fashion bloggers here in the United States, such as Aimee Song, or Song of Style, and ones in Kenya, such as Sharon Mundia or This Is Ess, the similarity between American fashion and Kenyan fashion has become apparent. The trends are similar in both cultures, but the designs may be different. It has become more common to see girls in shorter or tighter shorts, pants, skirts or dresses; and the idea of skinny jeans among guys is also normal in Kenya.However, it is still close to impossible to see girls wearing garments that expose too much, as this is considered disrespectful to the community and to herself. Western fashion is a lot more of “Wear what you please because it is your body,” and Kenyan fashion, and African fashion in general, is more of “Wear what you please so long as it is acceptable in public.”Being exposed to fashion across cultures has been a learning experience and taught me that it is easy for cultures to spread globally, but the original ideals of a society may take a long time to shift, if ever.Tracy Awino is a campus reporter for The Plainsman. She can be reached via email at campus@ThePlainsman.com.
Sara Rains, senior in nutrition and wellness, and Jessica Adams, senior in microbial biology, were named finalists for the Harry S. Truman Scholarship, the most competitive public service award for undergraduates in the nation, according to Paul Harris, associate professor and associate director of the University Honors College.
UPC hosted Aasif Mandvi, well-known correspondent for “The Daily Show,” at the Foy Auditorium on Monday, March 9.
Student Counseling Services offers a relaxation and stress management service known as the Zen Den and includes massage and biofeedback free of charge to students, according to Jan Miller, licensed psychologist and coordinator of the Zen Den.
It’s Saturday morning, and I couldn’t be happier that the weekend is finally here. I would love to go visit my friend who lives off campus for maybe a movie day, catch up on how our weeks went, laugh a little about our awkward college experiences, but wait. I don’t have a car and neither does she. What a bummer.
The Auburn Alumni Association recently increased its commitment to the funding of the Provost Leadership Undergraduate Scholarship, according to Steve Inabinet, coordinator of scholarship programs at the Office of Alumni Affairs.
Auburn University Parking Services proposed an increase in the cost of permits for 2014-15 to make parking on campus more efficient and safer, according to Don Andrae, parking services manager.
Sororities Compete to Raise Awareness for Heart Disease
The Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama will distribute their cookies Feb. 18 to the Kappa Delta sorority, according to Camden Owen, sophomore in nursing and vice president of community service. Cheryl Miller, Girl Scout volunteer communications and training manager, said Kappa Delta at Auburn has been a great supporter of the Girl Scouts locally and their entire council. "We are really excited that each year they like to purchase cookies, you know, to support the cookie program," Miller said. The girls are excited about selling to a group that loves and supports them each year, according to Miller. Miller said Kappa Delta members have been talking about growing the project and supporting the camp program. "The cookies they've purchased have always gone towards a particular troop," Miller said. Kappa Delta wants to expand the project by helping the Girl Scouts to go to camp, according to Miller. With the purchase of 50 cases of cookies, with 12 boxes of cookies each, enough money is generated to support the Girl Scouts, according to Miller. "There is enough money generated to send two girls to camp," Miller said. "This enables girls who are not otherwise able to go to camp to go." Owen said Kappa Delta has been working with the Girl Scouts since 1998 and it became their national philanthropy. Owen said they buy cookies from local troops in Auburn and surrounding areas. Kappa Delta buys three boxes per member for more than 240 members, and out of those boxes, each will donate one box to troops overseas. "A big KD thing is promoting confidence and a way we do that, we thought, was incorporating the Girl Scouts and promoting confidence through them because they are young girls and we want them to grow up and have confidence," Owen said. Owen said they also have other events with the Girl Scouts such as giving them tours of Auburn's campus, giving them a survival kit for college and two other educational events. Logan Jones, freshman in undeclared science and math and Girl Scout assistant, said Kappa Delta helps teach confidence to the Girl Scouts. "We work to promote confidence and it's great to see that we can do with the Girl Scouts through working with them," Jones said.
The 17 sororities in Auburn's Panhellenic council will be participating in the Pump Up Your Heart competition during the month of February, according to Paige Serzen, junior in public relations and Panhellenic health and wellness director. "[Pump Up Your Heart] began in correlation with the month of February because it's American Heart Health month, which raises awareness for cardiovascular disease," Serzen said. "We just thought it would be a great way to promote health among Panhellenic women." Lauren Cleveland, junior in accounting and Panhellenic president, said there will be friendly competition. "[Sorority members] will be taking group exercise classes at the [recreation center] and it's a fun competition where they can promote healthy exercise while competing for prizes," Cleveland said. Serzen said each time a person from a sorority goes to a group fitness class she is adding a point to her sorority's overall points. At the end of the week, the points are tallied to determine who attended the most classes. Anna Coffman, junior in sociology and Panhellenic administrative vice president said first place gets 60 points, second gets 30, and third gets 15 points. "The first place will also get a rock climbing wall party and an April party," Coffman said. Coffman said the competition started two years ago and it happens annually in February.
The department of theatre will be showing "Once Upon a Mattress," a play based on "The Princess and the Pea," at the Telfair Peet Theatre. In the story, the prince wants to get married, but his mother won't let him and no one else in the kingdom can get married until the prince does according to Matthew Scott Phillips, director of the play and department chair of the department of theater. According to Phillips, these performances are a learning experience for theater students. "A lot of what we do here is based on providing a depth of experience for our students," Phillips said. The process of choosing a play to perform is often matched with a passion of a faculty director, according to Phillips. Phillips said they have a subscription audience who attend the plays during the season, and they have to balance shows that probe deeper thought about particular issues with light-hearted shows. For example, they performed "Vinegar Tom," a feminist piece based on the witch trials in the 16th century. Phillips said the theatre department does not censor what they perform. "We choose things because we think those things either serve the students, or the plays that we choose have a message that need to be told and that we feel strongly about," Phillips said. Phillips also said the University doesn't censor the theatre department. "We haven't had any problems with the audience, and the University doesn't tell us what we can and can't produce," Phillips said. Katherine McDonald, stage manager of "Once Upon A Mattress" and senior in psychology, said working on the play has helped her be better prepared for rehearsals and sharpen her skills as a stage manager. Paula Bagley, senior in theatre and one of the lead characters, Winifred, said being a part of the play has been a dream come true for her since she dreamed of playing the role since high school. "Winifred is kind of a mess in a good way," Bagley said. "She's basically the complete opposite of what you would think of a princess, except her sincerity. She's a princess from the swamps, she's rough around the edges, clumsy, not sure how to act properly, but she's kind and has everyone's best interests in heart." Anna Caudle, senior in theatre and one of the lead characters, Queen Agravane, said being a part of the play has broadened her horizons because it is her first musical performance. Caudle said her character is complex. "She is the antagonist of the show," Caudle said. "She's very snooty, conceited and snippy and controlling and a total diva. She's a villain in a way that you hate her and love her." Caudle said being able to play an antagonist has given her a new perspective because she has been accustomed to playing sweet and innocent characters in the past. The play premiers Feb. 19 and will run until March 1.
Auburn University held its fourth annual Dance Marathon to raise awareness and money for the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals throughout the year, according to Casey Rigdon, senior in chemical engineering and AUDM media director. The event is a 12-hour long dance marathon. By the end of the night, participants had raised $238,035.14. Proceeds go to Children's Hospital at Midtown Medical Center at Columbus Regional Health, according to Rigdon. Rigdon said she has been a part of dance marathon since her freshman year and has held different positions during her involvement. "I think it's one of those things where once you get to know the kids, you never want to leave and you would do anything for them," Rigdon said. Rigdon said giving back to the community and being involved with the fundraiser is important because what the children go through can happen to just about anyone. Morgan Gamble, senior in public relations and AUDM assistant director of media, said being able to see the kids and hear their stories made her feel passionate about the cause since she began participating in her sophomore year. "Children's Miracle Network Hospital truly saved Parker's life, so to have students that are willing to give up their time and effort to support a cause means more to us than we could put into words," Crysie Grelecki, participating family member and mother of Parker Grelecki. Parker was born with hydrocephalus and had 3 pounds of fluid in his brain with 8 millimeter of brain matter at birth, according to Crysie. She said at two days old Parker was taken to the Children's Hospital and were informed by the doctors that it would be a matter of waiting to see if Parker would develop complications. Six years later, Parker is a vibrant boy who is able to see, walk and talk. Moneisha Cunningham, senior majoring in chemistry and participant of AUDM, said being a part of AUDM is about giving back to the community and making sure that families have what they need. "I think that more students just need to look outside themselves and realize that it's a greater good for somebody else and what can you do for the community and what can you do to help other people," Cunningham said on how more students can become more involved with AUDM. Gage Fenwick, sophomore in mathematics and Alpha Sigma Phi AUDM team captain, said the experience has been emotional for him because he gets to see the children and how their lives have been affected and shaped. "It's really rewarding to be helping the kids and meeting these families and being a part of something big that affects so many lives," Fenwick said.\0x200B
Marc Lamont Hill, distinguished professor of African American studies at Morehouse College, kicked off Black History month at Auburn University with his speech on "Building Community in an Hour of Chaos: Progress in the Age of Obama," according to Allen Sutton, director at the Multicultural Center. Hill said being able to expand the classroom and being able to expand his audience by his involvement with media outlets, such as CNN and FOX News, is what continues to inspire him to be an activist. "The goal is always to reach one person," Hill said. "If my classroom, my book, my segment or my show allows one person to make a different decision, the decision that might advance freedom or expand justice or produce a more humane action, then the impact has been significant to me." Sutton said one of the things that prompted him to organize Hill's visit to Auburn was the impact Hill had on him during one of his speeches. "He spoke on being a part of a community and doing things to actually make a difference within the black community," Sutton said. Hill knows how to connect what is important about doing positive things in the black community by using hip-hop and is able to communicate what the civil rights leaders did. He does it in a language that resonates with young people today, according to Sutton. Jocelyn Vickers, diversity initiatives coordinator for the Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs, said the importance of African-American history goes beyond just being a celebration for a month, rather it should be celebrated throughout the year. \0x200B
Auburn University and the University of Alabama's Theta Chi chapters are competing to raise money for United Service Organizations, according to Thomas Miller, Auburn's Theta Chi president and junior in accounting. Miller said Theta Chi's national organization formed a partnership with USO to support the troops. "We figured that we can take a rivalry and twist it into something that can be competitive and for a good cause," Miller said. Miller said the former presidents of the University of Alabama and Auburn University Theta Chi chapters met to discuss how they can improve their philanthropic efforts. They decided to form the fundraising competition. William Ball, former Auburn Theta Chi president and senior in building science, said the chapters have come together. "We all decided it would be better for us to give back to the community since our national organization has partnered with USO," Ball said. "We combined that and wanted our chapters to be better and show that they are from the great state of Alabama." Ball said the goal for both chapters is $10,000. The Auburn chapter has raised $440 since the fundraiser started Jan. 9. Those supporting Auburn should text USO TIGERS to 80888 to donate $5. The money will be charged to the person's monthly phone bill, according to Ball. Ball said Theta Chi chose to use texting as a means of donation because it was convenient and easy for everyone who had access to a phone. The idea to use texting as a means of donating originated from a Red Cross advertisement the University of Alabama's former Theta Chi president saw, according to Clayton Williams, Theta Chi president at Alabama and junior in accounting. Ball said he hopes to get in touch with a local Veterans of Foreign Wars organization to partner up with them and spread the word about the fundraiser. The Theta Chi chapter at the University of Alabama is looking into partnering up with other fraternities and sororities or have a concert to spread awareness of the fundraiser, according to Williams. The fundraiser is expected to occur every fall semester around the time of the Iron Bowl so both chapters can enjoy the Iron Bowl while also raising money, Williams said. "What is the biggest thing that happens in the state of Alabama, most likely bigger than the elections of the actual government of the state and U.S. state?" Ball said. "It's the Iron Bowl, so we figured if we could harness that competition between Auburn University and the University of Alabama and get more people from the outside, then we have a real chance of being able to make some money and give it to USO." According to Ball, the competition will last until early March.
In a college living situation, students may assume having roommates is the best -- and only -- choice. However, living alone is always an option. "If you have a roommate, you have one, and if you don't, you don't," said Nicholas Bowman, senior in mechanical engineering. "You get used to it either way." Bowman said he has experienced both living with a roommate and without one. Sharing a room with another person can lead to compromise, but also leads to more opportunities for socializing, according to Bowman. Jamie Quirk, freshman in business, said she enjoys having a roommate because it has made her more consciencious. "My roommate and I don't really keep the room messy, but [living with a roommate] definitely taught me to clean up after myself," Quirk said. Quirk said her roommate experience has been positive, and when time comes again to make a decision, she will live with a roommate again. "Living with a roommate can be good," said Joe Butts, sophomore in wireless engineering. "It just depends on the roommate." Because of different outlooks, Butts said it can be a less pleasant experience to live with a roommate. He said misunderstanding is a factor that can affect the decision to live with a roommate, especially in a shared space. Having a roommate is not a matter of liking the person, but how well the roommates are able to come to an understanding, according to Butts. Butts said he finds it easier to study and focus without a roommate. He said having his own space allows him the freedom to enjoy his alone time. Butts said he enjoys living alone and would do it again. Bowman said he doesn't see a difference between the two, but still prefers having a roommate. "In the past, every time I had a choice, I chose to live with a roommate," Bowman said.
Samia Spencer, French professor emerita, was recently inducted into the National Order of Merit. "I am honored and humbled to be recognized by the government of France for services to the French nation, its people and its language and culture," Spencer said in her acceptance speech. Spencer said her first title was as Knight in the Order of Academic Palms. Since then, she was recognized as an honorary consul and, most recently, she received her highest honor. "I have had other awards from the French government coming from the Ministry of Education, and it is a gift to recognize people in the field of education that contribute a lot," Spencer said. Spencer said she has worked with the French government since she started work at Auburn University in 1972. "I deal a lot with French teachers and, through this work, I was an honorary," Spencer said. "Most honorary consuls are French nationals, and I am not a French national, so it was a great honor." Spencer said by being able to work as an honorary consul and arrange tours for French officials, she has been able to learn more about the French government, the French culture and the state of Alabama. Viviane Koua, French lecturer at Auburn University, said Spencer is passionate about her job. "Dr. Spencer is a lady who loves what she does," Koua said. "She loves French and she loves everything about French. She likes to see a student perform and master the language." Evelyne M. Bornier, assistant professor of French, said she has known Spencer since she began teaching in Auburn approximately two and a half years ago. "Dr. Spencer has been a great colleague, and she has done a lot for the French language at Auburn, and the honor that was bestowed on her is huge and it is really going to shine some light on our program," Bornier said. Bornier said Spencer's achievement will raise awareness for the French department. Spencer will become more well-known and people's interest in her will continue to expand, according to Koua. "The award that she got will encourage people to come and learn French and also encourage a young professor like me to follow her steps because this is something that I should follow for my career and for my students," Koua said.
Don Andrae, manager of Auburn University Parking Services, said Auburn University is bringing a bike-share program to campus that will enable students to borrow a bike for free for 24 hours. Sean Flood, CEO of the GOTCHA Group, founded the program known as GOTCHA Ride, an on-campus transportation system that allows passengers to tip the driver, according to Andrae. Andrae said the Gotcha Bike is the first smart bike and has an app available for Android and iOS. The app enables Parking Services and the bike user to monitor the whereabouts of the bike and control lock and unlock functions as well. "When you download the app, it's going to ask you for who you are, some address information and then it's going to ask you for some credit card information," Andrae said. "At the end of 24 hours, if you have not returned it then there will be an amount of charge. I think, right now, they are setting it maybe $4 a day." The University will purchase 75 bikes and place them at various locations across campus. The placement of the bikes will enable Parking Services to monitor where the bikes are needed most and increase or decrease the amount of bikes in that area, according to Andrae. Jennifer Morse, communications and outreach manager for the Office of Sustainability, said the Gotcha Bike is useful for many reasons. "The Gotcha Bike is good for your personal body, it's healthier, it helps society, as well with issues of obesity," Morse said. Morse said the program is economically efficient because students are not spending their money on gas and parking permits. According to Morse, the Office of Sustainability has previously worked on a project known as War Eagle Wheels, a 2013 program that never made it past the development stages. Andrae said War Eagle Wheels was not able to give a location for the bike, so students did not know where and when the bike was in use. Andrae said the service is aimed at making commuting for students more efficient. Daniel McGee, freshman in pharmacy, said the bike will come in handy when he runs into problems with his current bike. "I know some people who haven't used their bikes because they might have been broken, so they can use it as a replacement," McGee said. Andrae said the bikes will be ready for use before the end of the year. "They are going to Germany next month to finalize plans to get the bicycles produced, and I'm hoping no later than mid-June to first of July to get us implemented for fall semester," Andrae said.