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(04/24/14 3:45pm)
Jordan's View:
We have seen the writing on the wall, and it's a bomb threat.
A bomb threat was once called into my middle school. The school was on an army base in Germany, so the threat was taken seriously by the military. We were removed from our classrooms and escorted to the nearby movie theater to take shelter.
The military found out who the caller was. It was a student trying to get out of class. The military took action, and his father was heavily demoted and their family was sent back to the United States.
What the military did might be construed as harsh. However, we do live in a post-9/11 society.
Nowadays, everyone seems to fear bombs exploding in public places and airplanes falling out of the sky caused by terrorizing, foreign strangers.
However, most of these claims are not realistic, in my opinion..
Nevertheless, citizens are being taught to fear these strangers as rumors of terror spread.
So when Auburn University receives a message from an anonymous source threatening the lives thousands of students, the University will have to take it seriously. Even if those in power don't believe it is substantiated, they know they would be pressured from the fears and complaints of those they serve to take action.
The University should continue to do whatever necessary to ensure the students, their families and faculty feel safe. This would involve closing the school to quell fears during a bomb threat. Students should not sit in Haley Center and pretend nothing is happening when they know there is threat of an attack.
Furthermore, the University must make timely responses to these threats.
Acknowledging their existence is the only way to prevent the spread of rumors and hysteria among the student body. This is especially necessary when these threats are made public on social media. But closing the University does not stop the threats.
The threats will end with increased enforcement for fear of being caught.
Hopefully, the $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the felon will be as far as enforcement will need to go.
____________________________________________________
Becky's View:
Auburn University has opened Pandora's box.
When I was in my junior year of high school, we had a bomb threat almost every week for a good month.
The student who made those threats was sending them in as a joke to get out of class.
The threats eventually stopped when the student turned himself in.
Although bomb threats are a serious matter and should not be taken lightly, shutting down the University for a day only made matters worse.
The University gave into fear, which is what the person who wrote the threat on the wall probably wanted.
Now that the University has reacted this way, the perpetrator, or any other student, may think writing a threat on a bathroom wall is the way to get out of a test.
The Auburn Police Division had been notified about the first threat weeks before Wednesday, April 16.
Because they were aware of the threat, they made sure to have extra police and security on campus to monitor any suspicious activity until the person who wrote the threat was caught.
Police Chief Paul Register said the police department did not think the threat was serious enough to shutdown campus for the day.
Although I don't know all the protocol about handling a threat to campus, I know giving in to the threat was not the right way to go about it.
This was not necessarily a better safe than sorry situation.
With the most recent bomb threat found in another Haley Center bathroom, it only furthers my point that these threats may continue whenever someone wants class to be cancelled.
The University did handle the Tuesday, April 22, bomb threat well because they only shutdown Haley for a few hours while they searched the building.
If the University continues to handle threats like that, then students have a better chance of finishing finals without AU Alert taking over their phones.
(04/05/14 7:36pm)
Three men stood out among the crowd at the Relay for Life event Saturday, April 5 in the Green Space.
Mr. Relay, a male student who dresses up as a woman and collects money for Relay for Life, had three contestants this year: Rock Rucker, sophomore in interdisciplinary studies, John McNeill, sophomore in aerospace engineering and Micah Gilliland, junior in environmental science.
"I've been involved in Auburn University Dance Marathon for the last two years and Relay for Life has really supported us and our cause," McNeill said. "It's really touched home with me and something I've become very passionate about, so I wanted to show them my support."
McNeill also has a personal connection to the cause.
"Both of my grandparents on my dad's side suffered from cancer within the last two years," McNeill said. "I want to raise as much money as I can and put on smile on people's faces."
Rucker said he came to the event because his girlfriend was working the event, but realized he has a deeper connection to the cause.
"My aunt passed away from cancer when I was 13 years old," Rucker said. "I figured I would be out her for her, as well as myself."
Gilliland won Mr. Relay 2013 and hopes to be the winner again this year.
"I [raised] $60 last year, so I'm hoping to do better than that," Gilliland said.
Auburn Relay for Life currently has 47 teams and 373 participants.
Katie Gordon, junior in math education, joined the event with her friends. Her team was able to raise approximately $3,000.
"I joined in support of a friend whose mom is battling cancer right now," Gordon said.
Activities including corn hole and various vendors selling candles, treats and lanterns scatter the Green Space.
The lantern ceremony to remember the loved ones who lost their lives to cancer will be at 8 p.m. on the Green Space.
Chris Brown, grassroots manager for the American Cancer Society, ACS, of cancer action, said ACS is trying to make the Auburn University event the first Can Club event in the entire state.
"If we can get Auburn University to have 40 people join or if we can have them build a team they can be an ACS Can Club team," Brown said. "We're really excited to have a college campus that is so passionate about getting involved and making sure cancer is a national priority."
(03/27/14 1:15pm)
After a close call of possible termination in 2013, the oldest continually running aviation program in the nation was reaccredited this month by the Aviation Accreditation Board International, AABI.
The AABI accreditation will hold for five years.
The program was on temporary probation because it did not have enough faculty members to teach classes and it needed a new training facility.
Blake Schuette, flight instructor and senior in marketing and management, said AABI put Auburn's program on probation to see if the University was going to take the necessary steps to fund the program.
"The students need a more efficient place to get their work and training done," Schuette said. "The fact that all of that was set up or in progress is what gave us back the accreditation."
The program was also in danger of termination because the dean of aviation passed away around the same time an aviation professor left.
"There were just a lot of things happening at one time and that kind of put us in a hole," said Nick Plagenhoef, flight instructor and senior in aviation management.
According to Jason Mohrman, Auburn aviation alumnus, the Board of Trustees approved an architect for the new training facility that will break ground within the next year.
Last year, aviation students and alumni put together multiple shock campaigns to get the University's and the state's attention about what was going on in the program.
"We got industry leaders involved and then federal and state officials," Mohrman said. "It was a great effort from the Auburn Family to rally behind this program."
Schuette said the campaigns started to see results when Robert Bentley, governor of Alabama, got involved.
"The hiring of faculty came not long after the governor became aware of the situation," Schuette said. "We currently have three faculty members right now and we're getting a couple more in the fall. They are all qualified in different ways, which makes the program even more well-rounded."
Plagenhoef said the year-long accreditation process took as long as it did because it speaks to how well AABI evaluates universities.
"It's a meticulous process," Plagenhoef said. "(AABI) went back every six months and told the University its facility at the airport wasn't good enough and that it needed to add more airplanes to its fleet."
The ABBI accreditation allows students who graduate from those accredited programs to need less flight hours before going into a career in aviation.
"It puts Auburn students at an extreme competitive advantage throughout the industry," Mohrman said.
Plagenhoef said the accreditation makes Auburn one of the top four flight schools in the nation.
"That fact makes it attractive for any high school students wanting to pursue aviation," Plagenhoef said. "The accreditation definitely makes the University more reputable."
Mohrman said the reaccreditation would not have been possible without extensive industry support.
"In less than a year, we have gone from saving the program and getting it accredited to moving forward with a multi-million dollar aviation education building," Mohrman said. "The outpouring of support has been unprecedented and the program is set for expansion and additional partnerships."
Schuette said the program's success in the future is a reflection upon upper management's interest in the aviation program.
"They will put more energy in what is important and what is on their minds," Schuette said. "[The aviation program] turns out very qualified well-rounded candidates for positions and I wouldn't want to see that go."
(03/25/14 9:00pm)
The University announced the College of Business was cyber hacked by an unidentified hacker between Oct. 21- Nov. 20, 2013.
Approximately 14,000 individuals were affected by the hacking.
The University released a statement that said it believes the hacker may have gotten access to personal information, including social security numbers, of current and former students.
At this time, the University has no evidence to identify which personal information files were accessed.
According to the statement, when the University became aware of the seriousness of the security breach, it "hired an independent, third-party computer forensics expert to assist in identifying the full extent of data potentially exposed as a result of this incident."
The FBI has been notified and is also conducting investigations.
"The people potentially affected by it have received written correspondence," said Troy Johnson, director of communications and marketing for the College of Business.
Johnson also said the people affected by the hacking were mostly alumni, so if someone has not received a letter then they were not personally affected.
The University statement said it is "offering each person affected one free year of credit monitoring and identity theft protection services with Experian."
(03/05/14 4:30pm)
Charlie's Donuts, a Florida Panhandle-based food truck, has brought it's double-sided glazed, chocolate pastries to the Plains.
Charlie Mingus started Charlie's Donuts started six years ago in Alys Beach, Fla.
After Jeff Ratcliffe, owner of Charlie's Donut truck in Auburn, retired from the banking industry after 30 years, he said he decided to buy into Charlie's Donuts because it was would be a fun way to spend his time.
"My kids went here, and one of them still does and said, 'There's nowhere to get doughnuts in Auburn,'" Ratcliffe said. "So, we thought we would talk to the school about a doughnut truck. We also supply all the doughnuts to the campus venues in the Haley Center and Lowder."
Ratcliffe said Charlie's Donuts do not even compare to Dunkin Donuts or Krispy Kreme doughnuts.
"We're absolutely better than any other doughnuts," Ratcliffe said. "We'll put anybody to the taste test. If you set our doughnuts side-by-side, our doughnuts are bigger [than Dunkin Donuts.]"
Dorcas Booker, Charlie's Donut sales associate, said Mingus' doughnuts are tasty compared to other places.
"I think it's the convenience because to get Dunkin Donuts you have to go down the road and Krispy Kreme is even farther away," Booker said. "Most places only glaze the doughnuts on one side, but we glazed them on both sides, so they're really sweet."
All of the doughnuts are made fresh everyday in Montgomery and then shipped to the food truck by 7:30 a.m.
"We make them all by hand, [and] there's nothing automated about our system," Ratcliffe said.
Charlie's Donuts offers a variety of types of doughnuts, such as creme-filled, sprinkled, chocolate glazed and plain-glazed doughnuts.
"I'm a chocoholic," Ratcliffe said. "I love anything chocolate, and we make a chocolate-colored, Holland-creme filled doughnut, and I could get a gazillion of them."
Most of the employees at the food truck are Auburn students or alumni.
"If all the employees were like the Auburn students that work here, the world would be a better place," Ratcliffe said.
Lindsey Hamrick, Charlie's Donut sales associate, said she likes the job because it's on campus.
"I eat a doughnut once a day, so that's good, but maybe not in the long run," Hamrick said. "I come here between classes, so it's nice to not have to drive to a job because it's on campus."
Hamrick said the busy hours for the truck are in the morning and right after lunch.
"It seems like everyone wants a dessert after lunch," Hamrick said.
While Hamrick and Booker do not have any customers to tend to, they said they try to keep the truck looking as neat as possible.
"We also talk a lot when there's nobody in line, and there's usually two of us working at a time," Hamrick said.
Ratcliffe said he and his business partners have found the food trucks to be successful.
"We hope this truck will stay here for many years to come and sell doughnuts to many generations of Auburn students," Ratcliffe said. "I want everyone to come try our doughnuts. If they do they'll be hooked."
(02/26/14 6:11pm)
The Avett Brothers, B.o.B. and the Neighbourhood will play at the UPC Auburn Airwaves concert April 24 at the Auburn Arena.
Madeline Moore, UPC vice president of finance, said UPC's research committee conducted surveys, asked their friends and listen to the word-of-mouth to see what bands people are interested in.
"This year we wanted to get different bands that would appeal to a large variety of the student body," Moore said. "In past years, Auburn Airwaves has stuck to a certain genre and we wanted to reach different genres, so everyone would be happy."
Tickets are available now at auburn.edu/upc.
"I'm really excited and I love all three bands," Moore said. "When I found out that this was all going to work out I was excited because I think it will reach a lot of the population. They are also bands that a lot of people will recognize."
(02/25/14 10:10pm)
Living in a college town, it's common to hear stories about your fellow students not remembering exactly how they got home last night.
Sometimes those nights involve drunk driving.
According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, in 2012 approximately 250 people died in drunk driving accidents in Alabama.
That number should be lower.
I am not saying those drunken Saturday nights, hanging out with friends and having a good time should be condemned.
I just believe there are things the University could expand on to make those wild nights safer for students and, ultimately, the Auburn community.
The Tiger Ten transits run from 10:30 p.m.-3:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.
And, yet, drink specials start at 7 p.m.
Coming from a poor college student who likes to have fun, drink specials are the only way I can afford to go out.
The problem with going to drink specials, especially for people who don't live close to downtown, is leaving your car overnight.
If the Tiger Ten transits started running at 8 p.m., lots of people would not feel like they have to drink and drive just so they don't have to pay a ticket for leaving their car parked downtown for too long the next morning.
I understand adding two extra hours to a transit driver's shift can cost the University more money, but by adding those two extra hours lives could be saved.
Also, the night transit canceled Wednesday night operations this academic year, as well.
Wednesday nights in Auburn are usually the craziest nights downtown.
Giving yourself a break in the middle of the week is sometimes exactly what keeps you from ripping all your hair out.
So with tons of people drinking downtown on Wednesday nights, I don't understand why it would make sense for the University to cancel Wednesday night operations.
In addition to extending Tiger Ten hours, it should also add at least Wednesday nights to their weekly schedule.
Yes, I understand I may be speculating because people who continuously drink and drive probably don't care about transits at all, but for people like me who worry about how they're going to get downtown and back home safely, this option could open up a lot of doors.
Adding two hours and one extra day to Tiger Ten could make Auburn a safer place to live.
(02/06/14 3:40am)
Native Indian folk music filled the Student Center Wednesday, Feb. 5.
Sam Price, junior in interdisciplinary studies, presented Sounds of India, a presentation of photos and music he studied while traveling to India during his winter break in 2013.
Price's project is called Global Icaro, which is based off of a song sung by shamans in South America, where Price wants to travel to next.
During Price's trip to India, he visited Kolkata, a busy Indian city; the Sundarbans, wetlands in rural India; Poush Mela, a Baul music festival; and Kutch Indian wetlands where he observed wildlife.
Price said he saw a diverse amount of animals while traveling, including monkeys, deer, various types of birds, crocodiles and camels.
Although Price can not pinpoint his best experience, he said he preferred the rural life to the city life.
"The transition from the chaos in Kolkata to getting out to the Sundarbans and getting to the village with the clean air was by far the best," Price said.
After Price's presentation of photos from his travels across India, he and three of his friends played two Indian songs.
"Typically my approach to Indian music has been more of a percussion standpoint, but I started out playing music on guitar and bass," Price said. "I can pick up and mess around with some string instruments."
Zach Watson, junior in mechanical engineering and music, played an original piece with a citar at the event.
"The emotions (music) puts in you are amazing," Watson said. "When you play the (instruments) you're supposed to evoke a certain mood."
Another classical Indian instrument that was played during the song was the veena, a stringed instrument.
"I love the way music makes me feel and how it takes you to another world," Rasika Ramesh, graduate student in forest and wildlife sciences.
Price said he plays with a group almost everyday.
"I live in a house with a bunch of people and we all play music," Price said "Particularly we get together with Chaitra [Gururaj] once a week and practice. We've played at the art museum with the Indian Music Ensemble."
Price said the main thing he learned during his trip to India was that nothing ever goes as planned.
"I learned to adapt to my environment, to be flexible and just know that chaotic situations are always going to arise, but having a positive mindset radiates to the others around you," Price said.
To learn more about Price's travels and future plans visit GlobalIcaro.com.
(02/05/14 11:50pm)
Doritos, sauerkraut, ketchup, bacon, chili and pickles can all be found on one hot dog, if that is whatcha want.
Although the Whatchawant hot dog stand has only been on campus for approximately two weeks, Danny Daniels, founder of Whatchawant, has been creating connections with Auburn students since the 2013 football season.
"I really got my name out there with the students, and the students would ask me every night when I would be on campus," Daniels said. "[The business grew because of] the love from my fans, and all the students have really supported me. I love the University, and I love the students."
Daniels first got the idea of starting a hot dog cart when he visited New York City with his fiance, Sade Daniels, co-owner of Whatchawant.
"I saw a couple of carts and thought it would be something cool I could bring to Auburn," Danny said. "I've always been into food and wanted to started a couple of businesses when I graduated."
Danny is only selling his 100 percent beef dogs on campus now.
"Getting back out downtown now depends on working with the city, but game days would really be the time to park it outside the bars," Danny said.
Whatchawant gets new customers to their cart everyday.
"This is my first time [eating the hot dogs], but after this first bite, I'm coming back for many more," said Chris Denson, senior in business administration.
Danny said he recommends his Whatchawant hot dogs to the every day student and person on campus, including the Tiger Transit bus drivers.
"[The food] gets you away from the norm, on the way to class or a quick transit break," Danny said. "I don't like calling them hot dogs because they're not normal hot dogs. I recommend it for faculty, staff, students and open to everyone."
Danny said he does not compare his businesses to similar hot dog restaurants.
"[My business is] me providing an experience, and I'll give you exactly what you want," Danny said. "That's why it's called Whatchawant. I want you to be as creative as possible with the condiments on my cart. You come to buy an experience, not a place to buy a certain meal. Anything you're mind comes up with I'll make it for you."
Sade said their most popular selling hot dog is a chili cheese hot dog.
"We have basically any topping you want," Sade said. "It's not a normal hot dog."
Daniels said he takes pride in selling his 100 percent beef hot dogs.
"They're something you can't buy in the store," Daniels said. "I want to sell high-quality dogs, and I make my chili fresh every morning."
Denson said he is friends with the owners and recommends Whatchawant to everyone.
"I'm definitely going to spread the word for everyone to come here," Denson said. "They're great hot dogs."
The hot dog stand may be one of many in the near future.
"We're hoping to get another cart started on the other side of campus," Sade said. "By the end of the summer, hopefully we'll have one on the other side."
Whatchawant hot dog cart is open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. next to the Student Center by the Tiger Transit stop.
"I want to let all my fans know that I love them and thank you for all their support," Daniels said. "Without the students, I wouldn't be here."
(02/05/14 3:23pm)
With the recent snowcation canceling classes for Jan. 28, 29 and 30, the University has proposed three make-up days on Saturdays starting at the end of February.
The make-up days will be Feb. 22, March 22 and April 26.
An email was sent out earlier today, Wednesday, Feb 5., stating it is up to the discretion of the professors to make up classes on those dates.
"They may decide that another option (such as restructuring scheduled class time, using electronic strategies or meeting at a different time that is acceptable to the entire class) is more appropriate," said the Auburn University email.
In 2010, classes were canceled Feb. 12 because of severe winter weather. That day of class was made up May 4 and the University gave professors the option whether to hold class on the make-up day or schedule the class meeting time for another time that suits all students in the class.
Other make-up days will be assigned if classes are canceled for more severe winter weather.
Also Early Alert Grades deadline for core classes will change to Thursday, Feb. 27 and the Mid-Semester Day, the last day to withdraw a course with a W and the deadline for students with three exams in one day to request to move a final exam, has changed to Thursday, March 6.
(01/31/14 5:47pm)
Auburn's smoke-free campus was initiated Aug. 21, 2013, but a recent reminder about electronic cigarettes being included in the ban has some students and business owners up in arms.
"I see where they're coming from because it shows the exact nature of what a cigarette is," said Nick Sherwood, managing partner at Vapor Craft. "I think with [electronic cigarettes] being banned, I believe that it removes people's chances of showing individuality. Who is anybody to say they can't do small things here or there. It's not illegal, but we're banning something that we haven't proven to be bad, and, yes it hasn't been proven to be good, but why not do the research?"
Although the use of electronic cigarettes has not been proven to be bad, the University included them in the ban because of the unknown factor. cigarettes under the policy because the harmful effects on others are not well known or studied, and because it will make it more difficult to enforce a smoke-free campus.
"The primary and driving force in the decision was the health concerns of the Auburn Family," it said.
Ryan Huddleston, senior in communication, said he originally started using electronic cigarettes because he thought they were not included in the University ban.
"[The University] has kind of turned this into smokers being pariahs and outcasts for us to run off into our little corners to go smoke," Huddleston said. "I think they just don't want the look of smoking around campus."
Sherwood has been smoking electronic cigarettes since April 2013, when he had his last cigarette.
"The biggest difference between a cigarette and an electronic cigarette is in a cigarette you absorb nicotine in your lungs," Sherwood said. "In an electronic cigarette, the nicotine is bonded to the water molecules in your mouth. Much like taking a liquid cap to taking a basic aspirin."
Although research is still being done to discover negative affects electronic cigarettes can have on a user and by-stander, Huddleston said he can breathe better since smoking less cigarettes and more electronic cigarettes.
"My overall nicotine craving is basically gone, so I'm not buying a pack a day," Huddleston said. "The initial adjustment is a little much to get started with an e-cig, but they end up paying for themselves over time compared to buying cigarettes every day."
Along with the popularity of electronic cigarettes rising, the use of marijuana in electronic cigarettes is also rising.
"[Vapor Craft] doesn't promote it," Sherwood said. "With anything that's electronic, there's always someone looking for things they shouldn't do. With laws being passed in Colorado and Washington and passing in majorly large states, it's only a matter of time before it becomes a nationwide thing. However, it's not going to stop employers from denying people who smoke."
An Auburn graduate, who would like to remain anonymous, said he has used an electronic cigarette to smoke marijuana in public two times.
"It's vaporized so there's no smoke and it's not as harsh for your lungs," the Auburn graduate said. "It's smoother and more mellow. The high you get is more of a body high instead of just a head high."
The source said students should avoid smoking marijuana through an electronic cigarette on campus because it is illegal.
"Students given the chance will still probably drink a beer on campus," Auburn graduate said. "I don't think it will be the next thing on campus, but for those of you who want to and have a way, it's just another way to recreationally enjoy it and go under radar."
Although electronic cigarettes are not allowed on campus, Sherwood said if anyone has any questions regarding electronic cigarettes to stop by Vapor Craft on North College Street anytime.
"The educational process of this is not only positive, it's also good to know," Sherwood said. "With kids and adults around it, they know not to fear it because every study so far has not proven any negative second-hand smoke affect."
(01/13/14 6:55pm)
After Sigma Chi fraternity was kicked off campus January 2014, the University's Greek life programs have continued to work to eliminate the hazing culture.
"Although no hazing policy has changed, the University does not tolerate hazing of any kind," said William Whittelsey, Interfraternity Council (IFC) president.
"The definition of hazing is pretty black and white these days, and we do our job to educate all the fraternity officers and fraternity members to tell them it's not right," Whittelsey said. "We have the Greek Leadership Summit at the beginning of every spring [and fall] semester."
Another program IFC has implemented within the last year is the Pledge Council.
"This past year we put together a council of pledge trainers," Whittelsey said. "Bringing them together bi-weekly for a round table to discuss their policies and create a little pot of ideas that will work (and) will continue to promote a pledgeship without the hazing."
In regard to allegations of Sigma Chi brothers forcing their pledges to complete long study hours, Whittelsey said the hazing involved the amount of hours forced rather than telling the pledges to study.
"We allow a fraternity to conduct a program 35-40 hours a week where members are expected to be doing activities for their pledge program," Whittelsey said.
Whittelsey said the action of hazing is not the entire issue at hand.
"It's more of the culture that exists, and that's our job to get rid of that culture where some guys think things are acceptable when they are clearly not acceptable," Whittelsey said.
Jill Moore, director of Greek Life, said there are two main causes to hazing.
"The first is culture," Moore said. "Many people see hazing activities as something that should happen to everyone and deem those things as a right of passage. The other is when someone uses a position in an organization to exert power and control over others."
Although IFC has not made any policy changes regarding hazing, Tau Kappa Epsilon has.
Tyler Kroeschell, TKE president, said the fraternity has given up hazing completely ever since the fraternity heard about Sigma Chi had been kicked off campus.
"There was an incident about three or four years ago when the hazing hotline was called on us," Kroeschell said. "We don't want to have to deal with anything like that, and we don't think it's worth it to haze."
Kroeschell said switching to this policy has caused some conflict among the TKE brothers.
"There has been animosity between different pledge classes that have been hazed by other ones," Kroeschell said. "The way we did rush in the past was we would just get as many guys as possible and through hazing we could cut the guys out we didn't want. Now, we're focusing on getting guys with the personality traits that would help benefit the fraternity."
TKE has also weighed the risks and benefits of hazing and concluded that it is not worth it.
"We think that having a no hazing policy will really strengthen our brotherhood," Kroeschell said.
Kroeschell also said he wants his fraternity to be an example for other fraternities across campus.
"We want to be proactive and have this done before it becomes a problem," Kroeschell said. "With fraternities cracking down on hazing, it's not worth it to be a fraternity with hazing."
To report a hazing incident contact the University Hazing Hotline, 334-844-4564 or email StopHazing@Auburn.edu
(11/26/13 12:00am)
People take on many roles in their lives.
Single mother of two, professor, co-director for BraveHearts, project coordinator for the social work programs in Lee County and cancer survivor are only some of the roles Angie Burque takes on everyday.
Sitting in a mountain full of BraveHearts paperwork that take up half her office in the Haley Center, Burque is no stranger to being overwhelmed by her life.
But, she takes a simple approach to her workload.
"It needs to happen," Burque said. "If I'm not doing it, will it happen? I don't have a lot of times where I have to convince myself to do something because that's what I'm here to do."
Burque started BraveHearts, an organization for teens and young adults with special needs in 2010 because she saw a hole in the need for programs for her son, Drew, who has autism.
"(BraveHearts) was to create a safe, positive place for teenagers and young adults that have moderate to severe disabilities and for that place to be there for them to express themselves and create things that are the outcomes of their efforts, as well as have social interactions," Burque said.
Burque shines like a light in a dark room in the lives of the teens at BraveHearts two times per month at the Opelika Sportsplex, where BraveHearts activities are held.
Burque said BraveHearts is fortunate enough to be able to use the space in the Opelika Sportsplex for free.
"I want a little space of the world to be a little bit better than it was for my being a part of it," Burque said. "I don't need my name attached to it. I just need and want for that little space to be a little kinder and a little more understanding and more affective interacting with a population that is awesome, but so invisible in a lot of ways."
Burque said she always had the passionate desire to help others outside of the "circle" become inside the "circle."
Starting as a cheerleader in junior high and high school, Burque was already showing her maternal instincts.
"If you were a cheerleader, you were a cheerleader for the whole school," Burque said. "I was very driven to be a good cheerleader, so I could touch and include and acknowledge all those other little subgroups in the school that may be invisible because they aren't the 'best group.'"
A few years ago, Burque gave her 18-year-old son a camera to express himself through taking photos.
Since then, Drew has been opening up his world to his mother.
"I would be able to know a little bit more about what's going on in his head," Burque said. "He's very talented. He has a really good eye for pictures."
The lit up Ferris wheel at a festival in Dothan is only one of the many pictures Drew has taken.
Drew's picture is sitting in Burque's memory box located on her bookshelf in her office.
Although the office is cluttered with paperwork and books, Burque found the picture of the Ferris wheel almost immediately as if she shows people her son's artwork everyday.
In response to Drew's photography, BraveHearts will incorporate a photo gallery at the end of each year to display the teens' artistic talents.
"We're starting a traveling photo exhibit," Burque said. "It's open to anyone who wants to come. We're hoping sometime in the next year to find another venue, like the Student Center. It's a look into their unique self."
BraveHearts is also looking to get a few iPads so the members can increase their musical range with Garage Band.
Although still living through the affects of chemotherapy treatment from earlier in 2013, Burque never speaks of her struggles in a negative way.
"That's just what life is for me," Burque said. "It's the best of the human condition for those who are capable to work for and look out for vulnerable populations and those who have a much smaller voice."
Danilea Werner, BraveHearts co-director and colleague of Burque, said it's easy to work with Burque because she's so passionate about BraveHearts.
"Her passion is contagious," Werner said. "I'm constantly amazed at how she gets everything done. When you talk about hard work and passion, you can learn about that from her."
Lee Anne Brantley, junior in social work and BraveHearts volunteer, said Burque does a phenomenal job at taking on her many roles on a daily basis.
"She has so much going on, and she contributes in so many ways to teach and provide for the less fortunate," Brantley said. "She has made an impact on the University and the community."
Burque learns lessons from her grandfather, who continued laying bricks for a living even after he lost one of his arms.
Burque said she looks at life simply.
"We can't control everything in life," Burque said. "Life is going to be difficult and some people are going to have more degrees of difficulty than others. But we can chose to try to become the best that we can in whatever circumstance that we're in."
(11/19/13 11:07pm)
Auburn's Sigma Chi's fraternity had its charter suspended Monday, Nov. 18, following hazing allegations reported by members of the community starting at the beginning of the semester.
The charter will be suspended until January 2015.
According to Michael Ciatto, grand praetor of Auburn Sigma Chi fraternity, the International Sigma Chi Fraternity has temporarily suspended the charter.
"The charter has been temporarily suspended until such time when we believe the environment at Auburn and alumni support is such that we can facilitate the restructuring of the chapter according to Sigma Chi's ideals and put it in a place of prominence on Auburn's campus," Ciatto said.
Sigma Chi has been on review by the International Fraternity since Sept. 7 after receiving hazing allegations, such as late mandatory study hours, to the Auburn Hazing Hotline and the International Sigma Chi Fraternity Hotline.
"The hope is in a about a year we can come back with strong alumni support and bring back some members that are still around and rebuild," said T.J. Harlin, president of Sigma Chi fraternity. "We've been here for 75 years and we donate thousands of dollars to Children's Miracle Network each year through our Derby Days campaign. There's a lot of good stuff that goes along with this fraternity and we're hoping in about a year we can come back stronger than ever."
Auburn University defines hazing as, "Hazing is any action taken or situation created intentionally or unintentionally whether on or off campus, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule...or other activities which are not consistent with organizational laws, ritual, or policy or the regulations and policies of the educational institution. Actions, forced or required or implied to be required, which violate federal, state, or local law, are considered hazing."
Harlin said rumors about half of their freshmen pledge class dropping at the beginning of the semester are false.
"We had about five or six guys drop," Harlin said. "When those things happen, you'll have guys drop because of financial obligations and others who figure out the organization just isn't for them. There's nobody who was ever in physical harm."
A source close to the controversy said the hazing reported was not physical or alcohol-related hazing. The source also said approximately seven or eight other fraternities have also been reported through Auburn Hazing Hotline this semester.
Ciatto said the International Fraternity has not received allegations to the Auburn Hazing Hotline or International Fraternity Hotline prior to this year.
"Any concerns that we have ever had, we have dealt with internally, including the removal of brothers when deemed necessary," Ciatto said.
Ciatto said Sigma Chi will serve as a role model for other fraternities on Auburn's campus.
"Our international leadership is 100 percent dedicated to stopping all instances of hazing, regardless of the severity [of the hazing] and as such we felt it was our responsibility to take the lead at Auburn's campus and set an example that all hazing must be dealt with swiftly," Ciatto said. "(We) hope that other fraternities would follow suit."
Harlin said the brothers of Sigma Chi who were causing the problems were dismissed from the fraternity before the charter was revoked.
"The sad thing is you have a small group of guys who can tarnish the reputation of a large group of people," Harlin said. "It's a shame that (Sigma Chi's) name is associated with that kind of behavior because the vast majority of the guys [in Sigma Chi] are the most upstanding, gentlemanly people that you'll ever meet. It's a shame that they're forced to deal with these rumors."
Amanda Clare, IFC graduate assistant, said the University has nothing to do with Sigma Chi's charter being revoked.
Sigma Chi will keep the house, but all brothers living there will have to move out by the end of December.
"We have every aspiration to return to Auburn's campus at the correct time when we can develop a sustainable chapter aligned with our values," Ciatto said.
(11/14/14 2:56pm)
While ROTC members make up a large number of students at the University, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is a branch of the military that falls under the radar at Auburn.
Jake Shaw, chief of operations for the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary University Programs and physical therapist at EAMC, said because the branches of ROTC fall under the department of defense in the U.S. government and the Coast Guard falls under the department of Homeland Security, there is no connection in that way between the two programs on campus.
The Coast Guard program at the University is an auxiliary program, which means all participation in the program is on a volunteer basis.
"It's a way for college students to be a part of the Coast Guard while they're in school," said Landon Elliot, Flotilla Commander and City of Auburn police officer. "This is great because they don't have to go away to an academy or boot camp."
Students and participants of the Coast Guard Auxiliary program are given responsibilities right away.
"They can come in and practice leadership and use leadership immediately, which is something other branches of military might not offer right off the bat," Elliot said.
The Coast Guard Auxiliary program started nationally seven years ago and was started at the University by Shaw, four years ago.
So far, members of the program have travelled to Dolphin Island, Lake Martin and Tuscaloosa, during the 2011 tornadoes, to help with active duty in those areas.
"After our training, we will be able to help if a tornado comes," said John Matechak, Auburn University deputy student leader and senior in mechanical engineering and German. "We'll be the first-responders and go out and help people if they need it. We're that part of the government and part of the community where we see a need and want to help out."
The Auburn Coast Guard Auxiliary program also helped with search and rescue, clearing roads and volunteering with the Auburn firefighters when tornados came through Auburn.
"There's a lot of hands-on experience where you can really see the impact you make," said Andy Husted, vice Flotilla commander and City of Auburn firefighter.
Elliot said some problems the program faces are not having an ocean to readily practice in.
The Coast Guard University program is open to anyone who wants to serve, and the program is always looking for more members.
"I think people looking for an organization like this to be a part of, first turn to ROTC because that's all they've ever heard of and not Coast Guard because we're not as well known," Elliot said. "This is something for people who are looking for what the ROTC can provide, but can find it in the Coast Guard University program."
Husted said the program is also for people with servant hearts who want to make a difference in their community.
"There are so many opportunities in this organization that are not military-related at all," Husted said. "You can get internships and study the effects of an oil spill because that's something the Coast Guard deals with and there are internships available all throughout the country."
Carl Fox, junior in fitness, performance and conditioning, said he hopes to continue his Coast Guard career after graduation.
"Coast Guard runs in my family," Fox said. "My dad is a chief in the Coast Guard and I really want to be a part of the Coast Guard one day, whether enlisted or officer."
Elliot reminds people interested in joining that no military service is required after graduation.
"It's really want you want to be in the Coast Guard Auxiliary is what you put into it," Elliot said.
For more information, contact Elliot through email, landon.elliot@cgauxnet.us or through phone, (334) 703-4368.
(11/01/13 5:20pm)
Leaping from edge to edge, as if flying was possible, the Auburn Parkour Club turns an afternoon on campus into a practice area for an extreme sport.
"Parkour, technically, is the art form of getting from point A to point B as quickly and efficiently as possible," said Dylan Westfall, sophomore in kinesiology and member of the club. "Instead of walking up the stairs and around the wall, you just go up and over the wall. You can always add your own flair and style."
Westfall said Auburn's campus is a great facility to practice on.
"It's not padded, but we have obstacles that you cant find anywhere else, such as the way they've built the wheelchair ramps and walls and just random structures," Westfall said.
The University allows the club to train on campus as long as no property is destroyed and no one goes on rooftops.
The Auburn Parkour Club was founded seven years ago by Cory Robinson, a former Auburn Police officer and now full-time stunt double.
The club meets new parkour trainers at jams, events where parkour enthusiasts meet others interested in parkour and go through timed obstacle course challenges.
"I really like (parkour) for the community," Jonathan Sligh, sophomore in wireless engineering and member of the club. "I wouldn't have known these people if I didn't actually go out and train. You already have that common ground, you just build on it from there."
Ibrahim Hakima, senior in aerospace engineering and member of the club, has even trained with people in China.
With leaping across buildings and walls on a daily basis, injuries are a common occurrence.
The injuries the members of the club include twisted ankles, dislocated shoulders and concussions.
"Some of the injuries can set you back, especially leg injuries," said Filipe Magalhaes, junior in industrial design and member of the club. "When I would get my ankle injuries, it would be so bad that I would have to stop for two months."
Although Magalhaes has injured himself many times while practicing parkour, he said he will never stop trying to improve.
"When I was a freshman in high school, I saw a viral video of these Russian guys that really inspired me," Magalhaes said. "Every since I saw that video, I'll go around and see a wall and run on the wall. Eventually, I wanted to take it further, so around my junior year, I started researching and found a gym close to me, and I've been going there for the past four years."
Magalhae's ultimate goal is to audition for "American Ninja Warrior," a show on the Esquire network where competitors run through a series of obstacle courses in pursuit to win the grand prize of $500,000.
Westfall said he also hopes to pursue parkour after graduation.
"I want to start my own parkour group to teach kids," Westfall said. "There are not a lot of safe facilities to train with all the concrete and grass."
Parkour gives members an excuse to work out outside the gym.
"I'm pretty athletic, so parkour actually gives me something to do instead of hitting the gym and then going home and watching TV," said Kevin Doan, undeclared freshman and member of the club.
Dimick Beesley, sophomore at Auburn High School and member of the club, started taking interest in parkour after watching "American Ninja Warrior."
"I started to watch them and (began) practicing (the moves) on my trampoline," Beesley said.
Although many know of the Auburn Parkour Club for their "Tosh.0" fame debut, Westfall sets the record straight about the trick mishap.
Westfall said the woman on the video clip is a professional parkour athlete who was just visiting from Washington D.C. for a jam at Auburn.
"People get injured all the time, that was just a freak accident," Westfall said. "She broke her jaw and sliced her cheeks. She basically curb stomped her face into the ledge."
Despite injuries, Sligh said parkour has many benefits.
"(Parkour) strives to keep you in shape," Sligh said. "You have to work to keep in shape to do the moves, and parkour helps you get over fears."
To join the club, anyone interested can post on the Auburn Parkour Facebook page.
(10/23/14 6:08pm)
Nathan McAlister's, senior in laboratory technolgy, dream was to graduate from Auburn after having several family members attend Auburn, as well as going to many football games as a child.
In December 2011, that dream had a slim chance of becoming a reality.
During the winter break of his first year at Auburn, McAlister said he felt stabbing pains in his abdomen and was rushed to the hospital.
After numerous appointments with doctors at multiple hospitals, the doctors at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital gave McAlister and his family a diagnosis.
McAlister had an arteriovenous malformation, which caused blood vessels to bleed into his spine, resulting in paralysis from his chest down.
"The whole time I was in the hospital, I couldn't sit up," McAlister said. "I could move my arms and my head, but I couldn't actually sit up in the bed."
McAlister then flew to Palo Alto, Calif., where a doctor specialized in arteriovenous malformations, practiced.
Doctors warned McAlister he may never be able to walk again.
With a single mother and three siblings, money for trips across the United States was not always readily available.
Robert Richardson, family friend of the McAlisters, created a pancake benefit at his church to raise funds for McAlister's flight to Palo Alto Hospital, as well as money for prescriptions and trips to the physical therapist.
Richardson was able to raise $1,600 for McAlister through the fundraiser.
"I just think his story is of perseverance and hard work," Richardson said. "I never heard him say anything about what happened. He wanted things to just be normal."
Within eight months of being released from the hospital after surgery in Palo Alto, McAlister was able to walk again.
"It's been a long journey, but I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel," McAlister said. "I just feel really lucky and blessed to be recovered."
McAlister said he has always been a glass-half-full type of person.
"I just look for silver linings in situations," McAlister said. "When I first got in (to the hospital) I wasn't going to feel sorry for myself. If there's a way I can get back to my normal self then I was going to do anything to get back to that."
Daniel McAlister, Nathan's brother, spent every night with Nathan throughout the month and a half period he was in the hospital.
"He's one of the strongest minded people I know," Daniel said. "At first when he was in the hospital, everybody was going crazy worrying about him and he was the calmest out of all of us."
Nathan does not take anything for granted, especially being able to bowl since returning to The Plains.
Nathan, his two brothers and Richardson would bowl every Monday night before he was diagnosed.
"Auburn is one of my favorite places on Earth," Nathan said. "Just being able to get up and go get food whenever you want to or go bowling is a great feeling."
Robertson saw Nathan throughout the stages of his illness.
"To me, when he was able to (bowl) I knew he was getting back to where he was before it happened," Richardson said.
After graduation, Nathan said he wants to pursue a medical career at the same hosptial in which he was treated.
"When I was in the hospital the whole time, when the doctors and nurses usually lose (people) with big words, I could talk to them and understand what they were talking about," Nathan said.
Nathan said his love for Auburnfootball makes him take head coach Gus Malzahn's 'new day' message to heart.
"That's how I think about my situation," Nathan said. "It's a chance for me to keep my life moving forward toward setting myself up with a career and good start on life."
(10/28/13 1:00pm)
The Student Writing Council will hold Open Write Night, Oct. 29 at 7 p.m., in Room 2227 of the Student Center.
"Basically, it's open mic night for writers," said Haley Petcher, president of the SWC and senior in English, "People write poetry and short stories and it's a really open environment. It's specifically tailored to writers and not singer/songwriters. Our group is trying to promote writing."
Petcher said the event is also a time for people to get involved in other SWC activities.
Students, professors and people of the community are welcome to attend the event.
"It's great for any creative writing majors, but I think there are lots of people who are great at writing who aren't creative writing majors and it would be great for them," said Gabby Bates, senior in English. "I would encourage people to write things specifically for this opportunity because you're not getting graded for it and you'll get lots of encouragement from the audience."
Attendees are welcome to wear Halloween-themed outfits to this particular event because of the proximity to Halloween, but costumes is not required.
Approximately 30-40 people typically attend each reading event.
There are multiple Open Write Nights throughout the semester.
"We like to spread (events) out, so if the same people want to come they can bring new material," Petcher said.
The Open Write Night is also a time for beginner readers to get acclimated to speaking in front of audiences.
"Open Write Night is the best way to build up confidence in reading out loud," Bates said. "When I started, I was intimidated and scared, but the audience is the perfect size and everyone is so encouraging and now I'm not scared at all."
Zach Welman, vice president of SWC, said he read a short story about his trip in London during the summer at the group's first event this semester.
"I was nervous at first because I have never read, but it was a small group of people I knew," Welman said. "Everyone is pretty supportive."
Petcher said the SWC is considering having more Open Write Nights in the spring if enough people are interested.
"It's good to put yourself out there and you can get really good feedback from people," Petcher said. "It's a way to support the artists and keep writing alive out there."
Welman said he recommends Open Write Night for anyone who has ever written something, but is unsure about reading.
"People who haven't had much experience, this is one of the more easy going events and it's an inviting atmosphere," Welman said.
Registration is not mandatory.
Potential readers are encouraged to email stuwrite@auburn.edu for more information.
The Student Writing Council meets Mondays at 5 p.m. in the Office of the University Writing Center on the third floor of RBD library.
(10/22/13 5:39pm)
Auburn has a larger Turkish community than one would think.
The Turkish Student Organization, TSO, will hold a dinner celebrating Turkish Republic Day Sunday, Oct. 27, in the Student Center Ballroom. All are welcome to attend.
The dinner has been going on for 13 years at the University.
More than 150 were in attendance last year.
Along with the dinner, which will be catered by a Turkish restaurant based in Atlanta, the event will also include a session where members of TSO will talk about all the places to visit in Turkey.
"The people will enjoy (learning) about what to do in Turkey," said Gokhan Ozden, former president of TSO and senior in industrial engineering. "We will also answer questions from the crowd."
Along with traditional Turkish cuisine, the event will also include live Turkish music and traditional Turkish folk dancing.
"People can't get Turkish food in Auburn, but it's at the dinner," Ozden said.
There will also be a raffle, which includes prizes, such as an Xbox 360, Android Tablet, various gift cards and Turkish items called the Evil Eyes.
"People should go to the event because they will learn more about Turkey," Ozden said. "People may have ideas about Turkey that are not what Turkey really is."
Ozden said he wants to dismiss the stereotypes people think about Turkey.
"We want people to learn about the real Turkey," Ozden said. "For example, people think all women are fully covered, so we're teaching all those kinds of things that people would be surprised about."
To RSVP to the event visit TurkishRepublicDayDinner.SplashThat.com. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the event starts at 6:30 p.m. and there is a $10 admission fee.
(10/21/13 6:25pm)
Reserve Officers Training Corps, ROTC, remember prisoners of war, POWs, and soldiers missing-in-action Monday, Oct. 21.
A member of ROTC is locked in a wooden cage on the concourse representing POWs in American history.
There is a list of all the Auburn graduates who are POWs and missing-in-action.
Three ROTC members are also pacing in front of the memorial for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Yellow ribbons are being given out to show support for POWs and the soldiers missing-in-action.
Members of ROTC also run a flag down the concourse. All three branches of ROTC come together to remember those who serve.
Robert Mort, senior in civil engineering, is a part of the remembrance and third generation air force.
"I've grown up with this stuff," Mort said. "I love doing it to keep people aware that we still have people missing in action."