www.ksusentinel.com TUESDAY The April 8, 2008 VOLUME 43 ISSUE 23 ENTINEL OF KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY SS SERVING SINCE 1966 Money, football and smoking - big topics at SG debate CLARK BARROW STAFF WRITER As elections day draws closer, the student government held a debate for the presidential and vice- presidential candidates on April 2 in the Social Science lecture hall. The presidential candidates are Punit Patel and Victor Ward along with vice-presidential candidates Amanda Barnes and Casey Parker; each who are running mates, respectively. Voting for the student government 2008/2009 elections was held on April 7 and 8. The candidates were allowed to make opening statements, Shining star retires where they were given an opportunity to let students hear their platform and were then presented with questions by three pan- elists. The panelists included Emily Wells, from the office of Minority Student Retention Services, Kelly Blaine and Dave Dalton, student writers for the KSU Sentinel. Dr. Kerwin Swint, associate professor of political science, was moderator of the debate. Parker, who has served as an officer in student government for two years, expressed a desire to make student government the avenue students can go through for issues they have on campus. Parker said that joining student government was the first thing she did at KSU and, as a result, is very familiar with its operation. Parker, who supports bringing football to KSU, said that it would increase the value of a degree, because it would give the university a more recognizable name. She also stated that stu- dent money should not be used to pay for the cost of football, and that the university should ask alumni to support bringing Dr. Nancy King through the years: inset top-1980; inset bottom left-1981; inset bottom right-1982; far right-2008 football to KSU. Patel said that ethical and leadership experience through Maria Yanovsky | The Sentinel his involvement in school organizations is what sets him apart See DEBATE, page 2 Dr. Nancy King, vice president of Student Success and Asian studies Enrollment Services, retires after 35 years of service SHELLY MIDDELTHON and staff alike. her many years of service,” said received the extraordinary STAFF WRITER Dr. Nancy King, vice presi- Dr. Daniel S. Papp, president of honor of being crowned with minor now offered dent for Student Success and KSU. “Much of our achieve- the Shining Star award by the KATIE DWYER The program will allow She is a shining star. Her Enrollment Services and pro- ment in Student Success and Georgia State Legislature for STAFF WRITER students to understand the brilliance has illuminated the fessor of English at KSU, is re- Enrollment Services is a direct her many years of exceptionally Asian cultures and to commu- world of countless students by tiring in just a few short weeks result of Nancy’s brilliant mind, distinguished achievements. Asian countries are grow- nicate more effectively in the piercing through the darkness after 35 years of service and an dedication, and hard work.” The Shining Star award is pre- ing fast. Companies and orga- global economy. It is critical of confusion, fear, doubt and endless list of achievements and The recognition and grati- sented to outstanding University nizations are becoming more to know the various cultural apathy that often hide the road contributions. tude for her dedication and hard System of Georgia employees and more connected with norms so that you will not to success. She will be sorely “Dr. King has done wonder- work extend beyond the realm Asian countries, including offend anyone from a differ- missed with students, faculty ful things for KSU throughout of the university. King recently See STAR, page 2 major players such as China, ent background. Dr. Heeman Japan, Korea, and India. Kim, an assistant professor Multinational corporations of communication, is from are competing to expand busi- Korea and has been with the nesses and markets overseas. university since 2007. KSU holds Trailblazers Leadership Learning about new cultures “This minor will help and becoming more diverse students be more compe- will allow students to be tent communicators with the Program for disabled youth more desirable in the global Asian cultures, Multinational workforce. KSU is now of- companies want people with KELLY BLAINE fering an Asian studies minor the expertise in Asian studies STAFF WRITER that takes 15 credit hours to to join them,” Kim said. complete. The classes cover KSU has recently been BlazeSports kicked off its Trailblazers crucial areas such as Asian approved for a Confucius Youth Leadership Training Program on languages, cultures, econom- Institute that will be granted March 28 at KSU. The training program ics, history, geography, phi- an annual funding of $50,000- aims to teach young people with disabilities, losophy, arts, communication 100,000 from the Chinese ages 13 and up, leadership skills that will and politics. government. This institute help them be more successful in their educa- “This is a great way to will function as a central tion and careers down the road. become globalized and to get space for students to enhance According to the BlazeSport staff, young involved in the growing Asian their studies of the Chinese people that grow up with disabilities may not market,” said Dr. Gao, Asian culture and language. Gao develop the essential social skills necessary studies program coordinator. invites any interested KSU to secure employment down the road. Gao is from Shanghai, students to attend an upcom- “Young people that participate in sports China and has been at KSU ing Asian studies faculty were exhibiting substantial leadership quali- since 2004. She is excited brown bag business meet- ties,” said BlazeSports Executive Director for the new opportunities ing. The Asian Studies affili- Carol Mushett Johnson. “However, we this minor will provide the ated professors will meet and found that young people with disabilities students and all the global share their research among were not getting the opportunity to develop industries that will potentially each other. The meeting will leadership skills outside the sport environ- hire our students with such a be held in Willingham Hall ment. This program helps them learn to minor. room 226 at 12:30 p.m., on apply these leadership characteristics into “The classes for the minor April 22. their daily lives.” are a true representation of There is a possiblility that Trailblazers teaches vital skills such as the Asian countries, and the an Asian studies major will communication, goal setting, conflict resolu- professors from various col- eventually be offered. There tion, problem solving, self-awareness, self- leges who are teaching these are also many opportunities advocacy, self-determination, pre-vocational Photo courtesy of BlazeSprots courses are experts in the to gain credits for the Asian skills and healthy lifestyle development. Carol Mushett Johnson [left] presents a leadership certificate to Tara Wright. field,” Gao said. She has ex- studies minor through vari- The program opened with a two-day retreat perienced the culture shock ous study abroad programs on campus and will be followed by three in- relationship with Blaze Sports. In addition to the Trailblazers Leadership and diversity of the world. offered in China, Japan, India teractive workshops held once a month, with “KSU is very wheelchair-accessible and Program, BlazeSports provides sports train- She came to the U.S. in 1998 and other locations. For more a graduation ceremony June 14. the staff is extremely accommodating if ing, competitions, summer camps, leadership and understands how much information, contact Dr. Gao According to Dr. Nancy Ward, an expe- problems arise,” Ward said. “KSU provides training and recreational opportunities for intercultural training will help via email at mgao@kennesaw. rienced educator and youth development a significant piece of a bigger project that youth and adults who use wheelchairs, have students to become competi- edu or the Interdisciplinary expert, KSU has long been committed to enables these young people to pursue their a visual impairment, amputation or a neuro- tive in the global workforce. Program at 678-797-2431. leadership training and has an established vocational dreams.” logical disability such as cerebral palsy. Weekly weather Around campus In this issue What: KSU Opera Theater: “The Yeomen of the Guard” When: April 10-12, 8 p.m., April 13, 3 p.m. Where: Bailey Performance Center NEWS OP/ED WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY HIGH 72° HIGH 77° HIGH 76° GURP Socialists’ LOW 55° LOW 59° LOW 55° What: Softball v. Lipscomb 2was here 3 success When: April 11, 2 p.m. Where: Bailey Park A & L SPORTS What: Baseball v. UAB ABLE Winning SATURDAY SUNDAY MONDAY HIGH 70° HIGH 60° HIGH 61° When: April 15, 6 p.m. 5 to help 10 streak LOW 44° LOW 42° LOW 44° Where: Stillwell Stadium The Page 2 • News SENTINEL Tuesday, April 8, 2008 • STAR from front page Conference, and the esteemed Helping students reach their for their contributions, leader- honor of being a Woman of potential has always been one of ship, and achievements within Achievement by the Northwest King’s primary goals. “I think their respective universities. Georgia YWCA in 2006. the thing I have enjoyed most The honor is well deserved as An expert speaker who has about this job is that I have been King’s achievements are enough published and presented semi- in a position to help students,” to boggle the mind. Holding a nars in the fields of academic said King. “I couldn’t always B.A. in English and Psychology advising, freshman seminar wave a magic wand and fix from Mercer University and an programs, and collaborations things, but many times I could M.A. and Ph.D.