What’s Inside: Kimberle Haijiao Sun JaDarius Garner Kristen Fuller Johnson Recent Sophomore Freshmen Junior Graduate Hometown: Hometown: Hometown: Hometown: Clarksdale, Miss Luverne, Ala. Montgomery, Shenyang, Math major Social Work Ala. China major Social Work Sports major Management

Troy University’s Official Student Newspaper ROPOLITAN Vol. 87, Issue 16 www.TropNews.com January 16, 2014

TrojansTwo of the victims inwho survived the mourning Karli Mauldin Assistant News Editor shooting have filed a lawsuit against the club owner and the security company. As the spring semester begins, the “Our thoughts are with Ms. Johnson’s Trojan family is mourning the loss of family and friends, as well as the other four students who passed away over victims of this senseless tragedy,” said the break. Herb Reeves, Dean of Students. “Any- The incidents included two gun time there is a loss of life, it is tragic.” violence deaths and two car related One other person was murdered at deaths. the scene of the crime and six others Two football players were involved, were hospitalized. one was killed and another has been Kristen Fuller, 18, a freshman social charged with manslaughter. work major from Luverne, was shot and killed on New Year’s Day from a Haijiao Sun from Shenyang, China, a gunshot wound sustained at a party recent graduate of Troy died Dec. 21 in Crenshaw County, at a residence on due to injuries sustained in an auto- County Road 29. mobile accident on Dec. 14 close to Troy student Taylor Driggers from Gainesville, Fla. Brantley has been charged with man- Sun had graduated just eight days slaughter in connection with the incident, Joshua Thurston photo before the wreck. according to reports. It has been reported Students come together to honor those Trojans lost during the holiday Kimberle Johnson, 22, a junior social that Driggers was Fuller’s shooter. break at a vigil in front of Bibb Graves Hall yesterday. Four students passed work major from Montgomery, was fa- Driggers was signed with the Trojan away during the break, leaving a Trojan family to mourn. tally shot Dec. 28 at the Centennial Bar football team but was not slated to join and Grill in Montgomery. the team until summer 2014. JaDarius Garner, 20, a sophomore on Jan. 2. While the university held a vigil last According to AL.com and other sourc- math major from Clarksdale, Miss. and a Garner died due to injuries sustained night for the deceased, the Office of In- es, the Centennial Bar and Grill will not member of the Trojan football team, was from being struck by a vehicle on the ternational Programs is also holding a reopen due to it’s suspended liquor li- found dead on U.S. Highway 61 in Bo- highway. He was not found until a sec- memorial service for Sun today at 3:30 cense and inadequate security team. livar County, Miss. early in the morning ond car had run over him. p.m. in Bibb Graves Hall. Ex-athlete IT dept. charged in introduces killing new alert Tatiannah Clarke Staff Writer system for Dimitri Miles, 21, a football students player, was arrested and charged with the murder Zachary Winslett of 26-year-old Troy resi- Arts and dent Marquise McClendon Entertainment Editor at Trojan Crossing Apart- ments over the holiday TrojanTXT, a text break. messaging alert system According to Bruce launched last semester, W. Mathews, chief keeps students up-to-date investigator for Troy on registration dates, fi- City Police, police were nancial aid deadlines, drop called to Trojan Crossing and add dates, and billing. Apartments Sunday Dec. The Information Technol- 15 at 7:55 a.m. after shots ogy Department and Stu- were reported. dent Services sponsors As stated in the police Hannah Crews photo the program. Instructions report, McClendon was Ray Smith, professor of saxophone and jazz, conducts one of the two Spring concert bands in the can be found at http://tro- breaking into an apartment newly opened John M. Long Hall, which was built to accommodate the entire band. jan.troy.edu/help/sms, and that belonged to two of the registration page can Miles’ teammates. be found at http://hermes. Upon hearing the sounds troy.edu/#txt. of the break-in, Miles then Greg Price, the chief left his apartment and technology officer in the John M. Long Hall IT Department, said that attempted to prevent the burglary from proceeding. the program eliminates Miles then fired multiple the need for students to shots from a Glock 9mm, review calendars, websites hitting McClendon in and applications, as both his upper and lower revamped, reopened TrojanTXT ensures that extremities. McClendon students receive “brief, was unarmed at the time of Grishma Rimal is located between the dining hall and Smith Hall. direct notices” with the shooting. Staff Writer “The old building did not fit our needs. It was too pertinent information. Miles did admit that he outdated,” said Mark Walker, director of bands for the TrojanTXT is the not had purchased the firearm After a year and a half of construction and an School of Music. Walker explained that the new build- the lone text messaging from an acquaintance in expenditure of approximately $9 million, the John ing comes as a vast improvement compared to the old service available to Georgia. Maloy Long Hall has now reopened. The building, one which was not big enough nor had enough storage students. The other text Miles called the Troy designed to be the home for the music and dance area while the new hall comes with the amenities of a messaging service is the Police Department to departments, replaces the original band hall that was large band room, a band storage facility, a choir room, Troy University SOS report the shooting and built in honor of former director of bands John M. Long dance studios, soundproof practice rooms and adminis- system, which, according was seen near the scene in 1976. trative and faculty offices. to its website, “can The original structure was torn down in July 2012 to swiftly notify university See Murder Page 2 make room for the new 30,500 square foot structure that See Long page 2 constituents of a number of unexpected events, including: emergency broadcasts, alerts, weather advisories, school closings, SGA proposes recreational facility class cancellation and significant maintenance Fees charged to freshman, sophomores, juniors to assist in funding project events.” Chase Robinson Students can subscribe Student Government As- would establish a fee to be timeline is established. from the fee because they to the SOS service at sos. Copy Editor sociation meeting. collected at the same time The fee would apply will graduate before the troy.edu/subscribe.html. The resolution, spon- as tuition. to students classified as The two text messaging A resolution to begin ef- sored by Faith Mote, The fee could be put in freshmen, sophomores or facility is completed. systems do not have forts to build a new recre- chairwoman of the stu- place as soon as the fall juniors when it is estab- SGA President Cody overlapping information ational facility on campus dent welfare committee semester of 2014, but it lished. according to Price. Farrill, a senior political was introduced and put on and a junior communica- would not be formally put Current juniors and se- docket at Tuesday night’s tions major from Pelham, in place until a building niors would be exempt See Resolution page 2 See TXT page 2 THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY 51°F | 34°F 53°F | 28°F 50°F | 34°F 58°F | 36°F 64°F | 48°F 61°F | 32°F 49°F | 30°F high low high low high low high low high low high low high low News Page 2 | [email protected] January 16, 2014 TXT Department recommends eight weeks,” Price said. continued from page 1 that users consult their “During that time, eleven service provider and messages were delivered wireless plan before to distinct populations, “SOS and TrojanTXT subscribing. thereby allowing timely are two separate systems,” According to the and specific content to Price said. “SOS is for IT Department, there students.” emergency purposes are 2,402 participants For more information only.” registered for TrojanTXT or assistance with Any mobile device and 12,500 outbound the TrojanTXT alert that is able to send text messages delivered since system, users can text messages is compatible its launch this semester. TROYHELP to 69979. with the systems, but per- “The stats reveal Current TrojanTXT users message fees may apply that we have enrolled can unsubscribe from to the messages sent to approximately 10 percent the system by texting mobile devices. The IT of the total enrollment in OPTOUT to 69979.

are not finalized. Resolution The resolution must still be voted on, Troy University photo continued from page 1 Becky Lareau (second from the right) received Troy University’s Vergil and, if passed, it will go before the board Parks McKinley Award on Wednesday during the University’s annual fac- of trustees. ulty/staff holiday luncheon on the Troy Campus. science major from Panama City, Fla., It will have to go before the board pointed out that many members of the before an official estimate on the cost SGA would graduate before the facility and completion date can be . Murder can be completed. “We’re working for Farrill’s appointments of Lee Tatum to continued from page 1 the future of Troy,” Farrill said. chief justice and Hannah Louise Dungan The resolution states that the SGA to associate justice on the Supreme Court when police arrived. He would be serving students “with their were approved. was arrested when the po- finances in mind.” The fee would be The Students for Social Justice lice arrived. capped at $125, which Farrill compared constitution was passed, and the Campus “It appears McClendon to the price of a biology textbook. Carry constitution was tabled for one was in the commission of Farrill added that the fee will not be week. burglary at the time,” Dis- charged during summer semesters. It was also announced that elections trict Attorney Tom Ander- Farrill also said that current plans are for SGA vacancies will be held Jan. 29. son said. “The defendant for the facility to be built in Sartain Hall For more information about elections, confronted the deceased and completed in 2016, but these plans visit the student services office. and fired multiple shots.” McClendon was trans- ported to Troy Regional percussions,” said Matthew Bowling, Medical Center where Long a senior computer science major and he was later pronounced continued from pg. 1 member of Sound of the South from De- dead. funiak Springs, Fla. According to city po- “For the first time we have all the re- Bowling added that having a rehearsal lice, McClendon was a Dimitri Miles hearsal space – for the band, the choir space of your own is much more pro- well-known burglar in the and dance – under one roof,” Walker ductive compared to everyone practic- Troy area. said. ing in one big hall, as they had to do for Troy University Dean of his family,” Hartwell said minated as a result of the in a statement. shooting charges. “It gives us a more appropriate learn- a year and half in Stewart Hall while the Students Herbert Reeves ing environment,” Chelsea Strength, a new Long Hall was under construction. said Miles had been “im- “Dimitri Miles was a Miles was transported walk-on student-athlete to the Pike Co. Jail upon freshman music education major from “It is a 200 percent improvement from mediately suspended” Chelsea, said. “It’s huge and well de- the old space because of the windows, until the charges were on our football team who his arrest and was held on was academically ineligi- a $100,000 bail but has re- signed. Before this, whenever a band the double sprung floors, permanent settled. class met, it was in the old dining hall. marley floors, the close locker rooms, John Hartwell, Troy ble to compete in compe- cently bonded out and is tition this past season but currently home in Lafay- It’s nice to have our own facility,” the ice machine, the sound proofing University athletics direc- Strength said. and privacy, the extra mirrors, the bars tor, said that Miles had practiced as a member of ette, Ga, awaiting his trial. the scout team.” According to Matthews, According to Walker, the decision to on the wall, and the possibility of hold- been cut from the football reconstruct the entire building instead of ing small shows in it, none of which we team. Hartwell continued by further details about the saying that Miles’ associa- case are unavailable as the renovating it was based on cost. “A new had before,” said Sabrina Stone, a senior “First and foremost, facilitated building was also a necessity psychology major and member of the anytime there is a loss of tion with Troy Universi- investigation is still pend- ty’s football team and the ing. for us to maintain accreditation from the Troy Dance Repertory Ensemble from life it is a tragic event and National Association of Schools of Mu- Phoenix City. our thoughts and prayers Troy Athletic Department Miles was unavailable had been immediately ter- to comment. sic,” he said. “It does meet the needs of the new go out to the victim and In an effort to preserve the legacy of dance major, not only by giving us an- the old Long Hall, its bricks are avail- other much needed space, but also by able for acquisition in return for do- providing a completely professional Crime Log nations, proceeds of which go to the state of the art space.” School of Music. Billy Gordie, a senior music educa- Although the new structure is still tion major from Columbia, said that the Monday, Jan. 6 getting finishing touches, with final fur- building is very high-tech and inviting Criminal Mischief Third Degree nishing and interior construction still and can work as a plus for recruitment A trunk, rear bumper and passenger side door of a Honda Accord Lx were damaged going on, several rehearsals, conduct- of new students. “It shows that the uni- at 11:30 a.m. on campus. ing and music education classes have versity actually cares about the School already begun with the students tak- of Music,” he said. Wednesday, Jan. 8 ing full advantage of the availability of “People are going to be knocked out Harassment more private practice areas. when they see it,” Walker said. Incident occurred in Clements Hall at 1:39 p.m. “We finally have enough space for

Thursday, Jan. 9 Terrorist Threat Daybook Incident occurred in the Adams Administration Building room 134 at 1:39 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 10 Thursday, Jan. 16 Domestic Dispute Veteran Student Sign-in Occurred on Troy University’s campus at Trojan Village 400 at midnight. The Troy for Troops Center will hold a sign-in at a table in the food court area of the Trojan Center. Key times are between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. There are leadership op- Friday, Jan. 10 portunities available with the Student Veterans Association and SALUTE Veterans Criminal Mischief Third Degree National Honor Society. A driver’s side mirror on a 2007 Toyota Camry was damaged outside of the BCM on Collegedale at 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan 16 Fraternity Walk Throughs Tuesday, Jan. 14 Walk throughs will begin after orientation at 5 p.m. and will end after each group Theft of Property Third Degree has visited every fraternity. Fraternity Row A bag of shrimp was stolen from the Trojan Dining Hall at 5:30 p.m. Features January 16, 2014 [email protected] | Page 3 Celebrating lives of fallen Trojans Emily Jackson Alyse Nelson our momma she wanted to do social Features Editor Staff Writer work to help kids with special needs.” “I know that she would have been Recent graduate Haijiao Sun planned Kristin Fuller was loved by many on overly successful in whatever she to make the trip back to China after campus as well as elsewhere. decided to pursue,” Kiser said. studying at Troy University for six years. “Kristin personally encouraged me “She was truly a blessing and a light He told friends that he was traveling as my little sister in Distinguished to everyone that knew her, and she never back to China after his graduation. Young Women of Crenshaw County and met a stranger,” Kiser said. “It was “I asked him why he was going home entertained me and brought a smile to definitely an honor to call Kristin Fuller instead of getting a job here (in the U.S.), my face daily in our high school French my friend. Although the Trojan family and he said it was because he wanted class,” said Kelsey Kiser, a sophomore will never be the same, the Kingdom of to go home to take care of his father,” nursing major and close friend of Heaven has certainly been enriched!” Confucius Institute faculty member Sue Kristin’s for four years. Sun said. Kristin was known by most for Although Sun, his father, cousin and her bubbly and outgoing personality. aunt will not make that trip home; those Haijiao Sun “Kristin was a fun-loving person and not who knew him remember Sun as a shy at all. She always made people smile “kindhearted” and “selfless” individual. that he enjoyed playing basketball while and wasn’t afraid to tell her opinion to Sue Sun stood over a computer at her earning his degree in sports management. anyone,” sophomore Justin Fuller said podium and played the slide show that “I think he was very selfless. In the of his younger sister. the Confucius Institute would play for program, we had many activities, and She was also known for the friendliness Sun’s mother when she arrived from we had to move a lot of desks and many that she extended to everyone she met. China to celebrate the life of her son. chairs. He helped a lot. He was like a real “She would make friends with anyone,” In the slide show were dozens of man.” Justin said. photos taken during Sun’s work with the Ruo and Sun acted in short dramas that “She never met a stranger,” Kiser said Confucius Institute. Photos slid across for the program. They acted out a school of her friend’s tendency to befriend the the screen of Sun helping students, scenario with teachers and bad students. majority of the people that she met. laughing, performing in a drama, playing She laughed as she recalled that each In a display of the compassion that basketball in Wright Hall and wielding a time Sun would always choose to be the Kristin held for others, Justin Fuller Chinese dragon float. student taking a nap during class. shared his sister’s future goals. “She was At the Confucius Institute, Sun took Sue Sun spoke about Sun’s smile. She majoring in social work and the reason part in the Star Talk program that began said that this was what she thought about she chose that was David, the guy in the in July of 2013 where he worked as a when recalling his memory. dining hall that has Down syndrome. She teaching assistant helping American’s She described a time when Sun was saw him one day and started talking to learn Chinese. having his photo made for the Confucius him. She would visit with him almost That’s where he met Xian Ruo, a Institute. In the first two frames he stood every day, and she came home and told Kristin Fuller senior graduate student in Master Public there in a blank stare until she urged him Administration from Shenzhen, China. to smile. She did not expect him to smile, Ruo described Sun as “quiet,” “a good but when he did she said that it was a Emily Jackson classes. listener” and “kindhearted.” She said smile that made her feel “very warm.” Features Editor “The field of social work was a great fit for Kim,” Matney said. “I know I loved Kimberle Johnson’s life brought joy to see her smile and enthusiasm for the Emily Jackson them and then wash them. Then he would and color to friends, family and to people field in class and will miss her as well as Features Editor fold them and count them again,” he said she did not even know. the contribution she would have made to with a chuckle. “She (Kimberle) never met a stranger,” the field of social work.” The late JaDarius Garner had dreams He said that he would always see his said Duerinica Harrington a senior social According to Harrington, Kim had of combining his passions for football, brother’s face when he encountered a work major from Montgomery. “Kim plans to intern at the Veterans’ Affair math and the word of God as a coach and Ralph Lauren Polo because that was his was just someone you would want to be Hospital in Montgomery in order to work teacher in his former high school, if he “thing.” around because she was just ‘Kim’. She with rehab patients. didn’t make it to the National Football Fabian sends his thanks to the Coaching “Put your troubles in a circle with other League first. staff, the Trojan football, the professors, people’s, you’ll be glad to pick yours up His passing came to friends and family and student body along with his regards. and take it with you. It could be worse,” members as a “shock” and a “tragedy” “He (Garner) was a wonderful Kim said in a tweet on Dec. 23. during the week of Jan. 2, 2013. person,” Fabian said. Kimberle’s mother, Barbara Johnson “I am here to tell you not to mourn his In the wake of his death, his older Green of Montgomery thanks Troy and death but celebrate his life and be happy brother, Fabian Di’Angelo Garner Jr. of called it an “honor” and “privilege” to because he is with God. He as a person Clarksville, Miss., called his brother a raise Kimberle. always wanted people happy so I know man of “passion” above all else. “She loved God, others, herself and un- Fabian said those passions started with he would love to see you all smiling in derstood the importance of forgiveness the Bible and football. this trying time.” and being humble,” Green said. “Her “He could handle any football play Fabian tells readers to remember his spirit is what keeps me going to today or Bible verse you could throw at him,” brother’s favorite scripture: Philippians Fabian said “He felt that through God he 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ along with the love of a caring and com- was invincible.” who strengthens me.” passionate God, who is my comforter.” During his time at Troy, Garner played Green also spoke of her daughter’s for the Trojans and not without purpose. commitment to the Lord, passion for “He felt like it was a great opportunity social work and unconditional love for to make Troy (football) known and earn others. She also said that she is proud of everything he owned, and I feel that is Kimberle. exactly what he did,” Fabian said. Temple and Harrington laughed While playing two seasons for Troy, together as they explained Kim’s Gardener was called Sun Belt Confer- Kimberle Johnson obsession with Meek Mill, a hip hop artist ence defensive player of the week during who was signed under T.I.’s recording the week of Sept. 9, according to USA could light up a place.” label at one point in his career according Today. Ashley Temple, a junior elementary to http://www.sing365.com. Temple said Garner majored in math while at Troy education major from Montgomery, met that despite his fame, Kim would tweet at in hopes of retuning to his hometown to Johnson in the 7th grade and was her him almost everyday. become a math teacher. roommate in Troy up until her death. “So many Troy students pulled “He was the only junior in my high Kim was a junior social work major from together and kept tweeting him about school trigonometry class when I was a Montgomery. Kim’s death,” Temple said. senior.” “Wherever she went - we new we were In response to the tweets the music According to Fabian, their grandpar- going to have a good time because, ‘Kim artist changed his Instagram profile ents raised both him and JaDarius. Their is here,’” Temple said. picture to a photo of Johnson with the grandfather was a pastor in Mississippi Temple said that if she could say letters “R. I. P.” scrawled across it in red. as Fabian is today. anything about who Kim was it would “If Kim were here today she would say, Among other memorable things, be that she was just “so silly,” “always ‘See, I told you we go together. I told you Fabian mentioned Garner’s love for joking” and “just a good person over all.” he’ll be my husband,’” Harrington said. clothing. Temple said that she loved helping Green said that even despite the tragedy “He was crazy about his clothes,” people. that she has faced, she is comforted Fabian said. “When he would get ready JaDarius Garner Professor Sheryl Matney taught knowing that she now has a guardian to wash them he would fold them, count Johnson in some of her social work angel. Features Page 4 | [email protected] January 16, 2014 Trojan family gathers to light memory of lost

Caleb Hicks photo Joshua Thurston photo Joshua Thurston photo Staff Report

Students, faculty and family gathered on “We are not gathered here today to “Death reminds us of how precious life “Today we are called to remember the quad on Wednesday, Jan. 15, to hold a mourn the lives lost but to celebrate the is.” - John McCall, Troy University them but we are also called to let them candlelight vigil to say farewell to the four lives lived.” - Associate Provost Hal history professor go.” - John McCall, Troy University Troy students lost over Christmas break. Fulmer history professor Speeches were given, and a poem was “These students represent so many read before candles were lit to honor the “Oh Lord, bring about a new sense of aspects of our school - the international “Not all lessons are learned in the students and their families. healing in our brokenness.” department, athletics and just the classroom. This life lesson is one that Here are some of the inspirational words - The prayer of Pastor Elijah average student.” - SGA President you will remember forever.” spoken during the vigil: Shafer. Cody Farrill - Chancellor Jack Hawkins

Students win with language video Taylor Foxx lives. As exchange students, they created Staff Writer the video specially to bring light to the purpose of language to bring unity in the For some, learning a new language midst of cultural diversity. can be a tedious and arduous process, “Because we are the foreign students but according to a prize-winning video in Troy, we thought it would be better to created by two Troy students, it can be get more foreigners together to show this a pathway to becoming a part of global topic,” said Weixang, “We need to come community and exploring the world. together to speak together.” Weixang Lui, a junior English major The video was also an opportunity to from China, and Guanyu Zhang, a senior return back to some favorite past times. psychology major from China, created a “I always liked to make school plays video podcast during the Fall semester as in and middle and high school,” said a part of an extra credit assignment for Guanyu, “During the New Year’s Spanish 2201. This video was part of a celebration, I have directed plays to statewide contest put on by the Alabama entertain my friends. If I have time, I Caitlin Collins photos Association of Foreign Language might make a video again. It was really Teachers (AAFLT). fun.” Weixang Luo Guanyu Zhang This video, entitled “Discover the Interestingly enough, the video does Language-Troy University,” had to not incorporate any Spanish even though be only a minute-long and capture the the video was created as a part of an theme of AAFLT conference: “Discover extra-credit assignment in a Spanish Languages, Discover the World.” class. Weixang and Guanyu’s submission was “Weixang and Zhang,” said Alberich, selected by Johanna M. Alberich, assistant “are international students submitting professor of Spanish, out of several a video for a Spanish class that uses no others to represent Troy University in the statewide contest. The submissions were Spanish in it. They used all different judged over the Christmas Break and types of languages in and they pointed Weixang and Guanyu received the news out just how learning languages can open that their video had won in early January. doors to a new world.” Their submission features several Weixang and Zhang will receive a cash students standing next to the Troy prize and certificate for their video. In University’s global signpost in the main February, the award for best video will quad. Group by group, the students be presented at the Foreign Language come up and introduce themselves in Teacher Convention and be collected by their native language. The video uses Alberich. English subtitles to communicate the The video is available on YouTube theme of how learning language brings for viewing under the title “Discover people together and features 5 different the Language- Troy University.” The languages, including: Chinese, Korean, AAFLT Video Podcast Contest is held Arabic, Nepali and English. annually during the Fall semester and The topic of how language education is a part of a united effort to promote leads to discover the world struck close and advocate for the learning of foreign to home in both Weixang and Guanya’s languages in the state of Alabama. Sudoku Perspectives January 16, 2014 [email protected] | Page 5 SGA president Through loss and adversity, we discusses rec continue to be Trojans one and all Faith Karwacki by our own carelessness and will continue to be so how much you care about Staff Writer or by the hands of another. long after the public has them. We're young and at a forgotten. Most of all, I encourage center fees, point in our lives where We are a family of The Trojans have faced you to offer your time many of us don't yet have students who should the tragic loss of four to those in mourning or members of the student the worries post-graduate want nothing less than adulthood is plagued the safety and emotional otherwise affected by body over the recent future town with. well-being of our own. these tragedies. holiday break. With that in mind, I Use the buddy system Kind words and deeds It is without a doubt that encourage my fellow as often as necessary. speak loudly for the souls these losses have deeply Trojans to open your arms Tell a friend if you coping with the anguish hall meetings impacted our campus. to your fellow classmates believe they are heading of the loss of loved ones. We as young students and staff. into a potentially often overlook the Be aware that many dangerous or self- When all is said and Troy Students, textbook. possibility that our lives lives are seriously destructive situation. done, we are Trojans, one As we begin this We as the SGA have could be cut short either affected by these losses Let your peers know and all. semester with heavy worked hard at coming up hearts, I want to encourage with a fee that our entire Trojan Family to come together and 1.) Only students that remember the lives of four will be students at the fellow Trojans as they time of the opening of the have lost their lives over project will pay for and the holiday break. 2.) That it is affordable As the Alma Mater locally and when compared states, “upon the mighty to other campuses across walls of troy we meet our lifelong friends to grow the US. in knowledge, truth and This fee acts in a way strength our journey never to ensure your voices are ends.” heard and that a building “Lifelong” means more is built that we than just one as the students person’s life. “...we as the SGA feel the need It means all of are working for for, without the lives that you and need your we share even putting a large if some of us input on what strain on your live longer other ideas you wallet. than others. have to enhance Through- Their student life and out this journey semester we is always welfare at the alive in your University, with- will be having memory and out putting a large listening your daily expense on the sessions life; therefore student.” where you as their journey students can New Year’s resolutions should remain has not ended give leaders and it is up to all of us to ideas for what you would keep their journey moving realistic and challenge the individual forward; and their flame lit like to see on campus in -- within our own hearts, regards to recreation. Kelsey Vickers While I think it’s great higher standard, but are perhaps making a few minds, and memories. However, be aware we Perspectives Editor that so many people want you sure your resolutions small changes in your life Throughout the winter are in the early planning to better themselves, I aren’t a little far-fetched? will be more beneficial in break I received many stages and this project will Ah, January – a time of have a hard time taking Let’s be honest – you’re the long run than trying to questions from students take time to organize and them seriously. probably not going to lose change everything all at regarding the future of new beginnings, a new implement. semester, and if you’re Roughly 8% of people 30 or more pounds before once. my proposed recreational in the United States spring break. You might It’s a lot more likely center plan during my We will announce a like everyone else in Spring Town Hall date in the world, New Year’s actually end up keeping not even lose that much that you’ll disappoint Presidential campaign. and achieving their New resolutions. all semester. yourself if you set some The SGA is working next week’s Tropolitan, in Year’s resolution. That’s And you’re certainly ridiculous standard for You can ask nearly with the division of which provides you the op- a pretty small percentage not going to be dedicated how you think you should anyone on campus and Student Services and Ad- portunity to express your compared to how many to going to the gym at 7 live your life. I’m sure they’ll share ministration to bring new concerns on campus in a people make resolutions. a.m. every day for the Also, to those of you life to Sartain Hall and for with you an extensive list formal setting, face to face. I think one of the main next four months, much who remain resolution- the overall campus culture of things they’d like to With our Trojan problems with people not less the next year of your less, don’t let those who at Troy. change about themselves keeping their resolutions life. are trying to change We are working to get Athletics, we ask each of this semester. is that they’re simply It’s also not very likely everything about their a concrete answer on the you to continue to support. New attitude, new expecting way too much that you’re going to be lives pressure you into time line of the project Our Trojan Affinity body, lifestyle changes -- out of themselves. able to altogether stop making changes. Odds throughout this Spring Program, TAP, will begin These are just a couple of There’s absolutely eating pizza and drinking are, you’re probably just semester. to announce leaders in the the resolutions I hear the nothing wrong with beer on the weekends. as cool – or weird – as What I can say is that we most often. holding yourself to a All I’m saying is, you were last year. as the SGA are working for coming weeks- so go out you and need your input on and support your spring what other ideas you have athletic teams as there is The Trop is looking for to enhance student life still time to win! and welfare at the Univer- Thank you all for new writers! sity, without putting a large allowing me the opportuni- expense on the student. ty to serve you the student! Our proposed Student Recreation Center fee, Meetings are every priced at $125.00 per semester is less the average Go Trojans! Thursday at 5:30 in cost of a general studies Cody Farrill Wallace Hall

Editorial Policies As Troy University’s official student tions or societies, university administra- welcomed, but not all expressions are the Letters to the editor must be signed by newspaper, the Tropolitan strives to serve tion or political parties. The first copy of sole opinion of their author and do not the author, and a phone number must be student interests. The Perspectives page the Tropolitan is free to any student or reflect the beliefs of the Tropolitan. included. is an outlet for Tropolitan editors to ques- employee of Troy University. Each addi- All submissions must be word-processed tion university policies that do not benefit tional copy costs $1. Letters to the Editor and emailed to the Tropolitan by 5 p.m. Troy’s students, praise those that do and The Tropolitan welcomes letters from on Monday. All submissions may not be call attention to national and state issues Guest Columns students, faculty, staff and non-Troy af- published. that relate to students. The Tropolitan encourages students, filiated persons. Dissenting opinions and Submissions bashing groups or individ- Editorials stand as the official, corporate faculty and staff at Troy University to corrections are welcomed. uals on the basis of race, gender, age, eth- opinion of the Tropolitan. Our opinions express opinions in a guest column of The Tropolitan does not exclusively nic group, orientation or religious belief are not influenced by campus organiza- 500-700 words. Dissenting opinions are print letters favorable to the newspaper. will not be printed. The Troy University Tropolitan Editor-in-Chief Perspectives Editor Copy Editors Hannah Crews, Caleb Hicks, Troy University’s Tabitha Mixon Kelsey Vickers Laura Hutto, Jane Morrell, Brittany Jennings Chase Robinson Student Newspaper Business Manager A&E Editor Graphic Designer Whitney Butler Zach Winslett Staff Writers Carson Brown 103 Wallace Hall Ngoc Vo, Kianna Collins, Josh Troy, Alabama 36082 News Editor Features Editor Williams, Lindsey Schoewe, Web Master/Social Media Valario Johnson Emily Jackson Alyse Nelson, Megan Phillips, Joshua Thurston [email protected] Madison Griggs, Tatiannah Assistant News Editor Photo Editor Clarke, Kateryna Kunitsyna, Adviser Karli Mauldin April Irvin Amy Austin Steve Stewart www.TropNews.com Sports Editor Cartoons Photographers Jill Odom Seth Nicholson Jennifer Carlisle, Caitlin Collins, Arts & Entertainment Page 6 | [email protected] January 16, 2014 Winterfest is coming Nikki DeRidder costumes are encouraged. Staff Writer There will also be a Pie in the Face fundraiser The Troy Univer- where you can come pie sity Larping Guild the leaders and members has changed from last of the guild and potential- semester. The system ly Richard Nokes, advisor and rule book they use of the Larping Guild, for has been overhauled and, $2 or $5 for three. according to the guild leader and co-founder The Troy University Abby Smith, so has its Larping Guild’s website activity. – http://troyuniversity- “Troy University is larpin.wix.com/guild – going to see a lot of contains the guild’s rule us this semester,” said book, contact information Smith, a junior elemen- and information on the ro- tary education major from leplaying factions. Panama City Beach, Fla. The guild also has a Winterfest is just the Facebook group, which first example of that. Rebecca Armstrong photo can be found by searching “This event is basically Ben Brotzman (left) and Brandon Leard (right), members of the Larping Guild, spar in full coustume. “Troy University going to be a tournament In the wake of significant changes to their system, the Larping Guild is hosting Winterfest Jan. 22. LARPing Guild.” of sorts,” Smith said. “It is going to include many the Holy Grail, an event foam swords approved competition. The main behind Bibb Graves Hall. The Facebook group different games anyone similar to a three-legged by the guild, a bear-pit event held is a tournament It will run until 9 p.m. is closed, but members can participate in.” race in which the partners where one-on-one players style sword fight. that evening. The Larping added can communicate The particular events are tied by the wrist compete to stay in the Winterfest is on Jan. Guild will provide spare with the guild’s members include King of the Quad, and fight another group ring while fighting their 22 with an official start weapons for anyone who and view photos of their a Scavenger Hunt for using the shields and opponent and a riddle time of 2 p.m. on the quad wants to participate and outings.

Writer’s top five this season Kianna Collins to hit him. A girl named Hiyori sees him Assistant Arts & and tries to save him, and she’s success- Entertainment Editor ful, but not without losing her own life. Yato saves Hiyori by putting her soul The winter season of anime is here, back into her body, but not without a and here are the five series that should cost. Every once in a while her soul be watched. leaves her body behind, and she doesn’t is highly anticipated realize it until she sees her tail that is the because it’s by the famous director connection to her body. Shinichiro Watanabe, who worked on Nothing more can be said about the “Samurai Champloo,” “,” series without spoilers, but even though and “Kids on the Slope,” and it’s being it uses and overused genre, it’s got a lot aired in the U.S. dubbed in English. of potential. The premiere of Space Dandy aired in This airs on ’s website on the U.S. before it aired in Japan, which makes it the first anime to have premiered Sundays but not on . in English before the Japanese dub. “Hoozuki no Reitetsu,” or “Cool- It’s following the crew of the “Aloha headed Hoozuki,” is a simple slice-of- Oe,” that consists of Dandy, a human, life series that’s based in hell. Hoozuki, QT, a robot and Meow, a cat-like alien the main character, is the main problem called Betelgeusian, who travel around solver in hell, and he has many hobbies the universe to catalog new species of like raising goldfish plants. aliens. This is the primary objective of The art style is gorgeous, and the plot Aloha Oe, but the crew doesn’t do their is as simple as a slice-of-life anime can job very well. get. It airs on Toonami at 11 p.m. every This series comes on Crunchyroll Saturday, and new episodes are on every Friday. Crunchyroll every Sunday. “Hamatora” is based around a private “Tonari no Seki-kun” or “Master of investigation firm, whose members all Killing Time” is a short series based off have powers called “Minimum.” These a of the same name. The episodes tvqc.com photo powers are activated by fufilling physical are 6-8 minutes long, and that is including conditions, like putting on headphones, the opening and ending sequences. The titular character of “Space Dandy,” Dandy, brandishes two laser or blowing a bubble There are two main characters guns besides his space-faring partners Meow (right) and QT (left). There hasn’t been anything provided featured, Yokoi and Seki, who sit next the class. There are thousands of gods, but this in the plot long-term, but so far, all of to each other in class. Seki finds class This series has a new episode series hones in on Yato, a minor god who boring, so he starts elaborate projects to the separate cases that the firm takes end every Sunday that can be viewed on doesn’t have his own shrine. He takes entertain himself—things that would get up intertwining, or another outside force him into trouble. Crunchyroll. small “delivery” jobs for the low cost affects the case prompting the characters Yokoi tries to stop him, since he “Noragami,” or literally, “Stray God,” of 5 yen, equal to 5 cents, in an effort to to figure out more than what they were distracts her from class, but by the time is yet another occult series to come out save up enough to make a shrine. paid for. she gets the teacher’s attention, he’s of Japan. It shouldn’t be discredited While he’s on a job trying to find a Each of these series has its own quirks somehow cleared his desk of his project because of the genre, because it is a cat, he runs out in the middle of a road and impressive art styles that merit at and Yokoi gets in trouble for disrupting promising series. to catch it—not realizing a truck is about least a try.

1/17-23

Student Discount with ID Tickets Available@ kiosk In The Trojan Center

1:15,4:15,7:15,9:25 9:35

9:45 Sports January 16, 2014 [email protected] | Page 7 Softball strengthens offense with new players Megan Phillips Staff Writer

While spring sports like softball have been out of the minds of spectators since last year, the work never ends for the ladies of the Troy softball team, as they have been hard at work throughout the fall preparing for the upcoming 2014 season. “We have been practicing all fall and have played in a few scrimmage games,” assistant coach Beth Wade said. “We have a lot of new kids coming in, and a lot of them will be working their way into the lineup, so it is important that we work on getting them some experience here at this level.” The hard work and dedication of these Trojan ladies is made even clearer as they work around the construction of their new home field, staying in shape and on top of their game and preparing for their debut while practicing elsewhere. “We have been working hard, indoors and out,” Wade said. “We have relocated to Troy Sportsplex, and they have been really good to us. They have allowed us to use their facilities when we need to, and we really would not have been able to do this without their help.” Through these practices, the Trojan girls have been able to keep up their game and provide what they hope to be a solid team, which will provide for a great 2014 season. “We work on every aspect of the offensive game,” Wade said. “We have quick kids, and they will make plenty of slappers, but we also have some homerun power. Then, we have kids in the middle that will provide us with some gap hitting, so all in all we are pretty varied.” And that’s not the only place this offense is varied, as the lady Trojans are looking at a vast array of experience and classifications as we see true freshmen working their way into their collegiate debut as well as transfer students who are coming to Troy with some experience under their belts. The team looks to see returning stars back from injuries hoping to show up and show out. This mix of experience and stability with novices hopes to produce a new Trojan offense that will hit this season out of the park. “We would love to have students come out and support us in our new house for our season opener where we will hopefully beat up on Auburn,” Wade said. Jennifer Carlisle photo The lady Trojans will begin their season at home on their new field on Thursday, Freshman Abbie Ellison practices her swing at the Troy Sportsplex on Tuesday, Jan. 14. in preparation for the upcoming softball season Feb. 6 at 3 p.m. against the Auburn Tigers. Women’s basketball continues losing streak Kateryna Kunitsyna to gain our winning ways back,” Rigby Staff Writer said. “Each one of us looks forward to contribute for the future. But we feel a lot The Trojan women’s basketball team of urgency to get it turned around right fell, 69-52, to University of Arkansas at now, before it’s too late.” Little Rock at in Coaches and athletic department staff Little Rock, Ark. on Saturday, Jan. 4. believe in the team’s ability to succeed in Senior guard Joanna Harden led the whole season. Troy with 26 points. Harden, who set “The ladies have hit a dry spell lately,” Troy’s and the ’s said Troy University’s Director of Com- single-game records with 52 points in pliance Kit Alewine. “Their energy on the November, is currently the NCAA’s court and ability to score points quickly third-leading scorer. can easily change their momentum into Joshua Thurston photo “My achievement is pushing me to winning Trojan basketball.” Senior Joanna Harden has been named one of the watch list candidates Rigby said there is no doubt the team work harder every day,” Harden said. “It for 2014 Nancy Lieberman Award given to the nation’s top point guard. motivates me to break my record again.” needs fan support, especially in such However, the ball wasn’t bouncing times. Troy’s way at the beginning (4-11, 0-4), “We played a lot of games away, with as UALR was leading 16-4 at the second almost no fans,” Rigby said. “We hope media timeout. and trust that this week we will have “We have big problem we have this fans behind us. It really does make a season,” said head coach Chanda Rigby. difference.” “The first four minutes of the game, we The upcoming games will be held seemed to get far behind.” at Trojan Arena on Thursday, Jan. 16 According to Rigby, Troy improved against University of Louisiana at by slowing UALR but still wasn’t able Monroe and Saturday, Jan. 18 against to score well. Louisiana-Lafayette, both at 5:15 p.m. “UALR is great in defense,” Harden The admission is free for students with said. “And we started to score too late.” Troy University student’s ID. Troy struggled to catch UALR, cutting “When people cheer for you, when the lead in the second half to 32-23, but somebody ‘has your back,’ you feel could not close the gap. UALR built a more focused,” Harden said. “We need 17-point lead, and then extended it to 20 more support and energy. This message points. I have for you, Trojans: Come and cheer “We still have 16 games this season for us.”

Kateryna Kunitsyna photo Senior guard Joanna Harden scored the most, with 26 points, for the lady Trojans, but it was not enough for Troy to pull out a win against UALR while on the road. The women’s basketball team has lost seven games straight so far. The team plays ULM tonight at 5:15 p.m. in the Trojan Arena. Sports Page 8 | [email protected] January 16, 2014 Garner gone but not forgotten Jill Odom 2013 season. Sports Editor “He had a motor and he never stopped, whether he came on the field or came Only a few hours into the second day off,” junior linebacker Mark Wilson said. of the new year, Troy University lost “Same in the weight room, he was one of JaDarius Garner, student and football the first guys there and one of the last to player. leave.” According to The Dothan Eagle, JaDarius was a joyful person who was Garner was found about 42 miles south known as the voice of the locker room. of his hometown, Clarksdale, Miss. after “JaDarius was a guy that everyone being struck by two cars. The Missis- loved to be around,” Wilson said. “He sippi Highway Patrol is still investigat- was a jokester. He was a man of many ing his death. talents. He was always singing, rapping, “This is a terrible tragedy, and our making all types of noises, he did it all.” thoughts and prayers go out to JaDarius’ One of Wilson’s fondest memories family in this time of grief,” Troy head with Garner was the summer before football coach Larry Blakeney said. last when Wilson, Garner and a fellow “JaDarius was a well-respected member roommate made a rap video while just of our football team and his loss will be hanging out. felt by all of us.” Garner was commonly known for his Garner transferred from Jones County smile despite circumstances and made a Community College in Mississippi. point to challenge his teammate Roberts The 20-year-old sophomore played during practice. defensive end during the 2013 season “Every time you saw him he was and was named the Sun Belt Conference smiling, if he was having a bad day he Defensive Player of the Week on Sept. was smiling, a good day he was smiling,” 9, 2013. Roberts said. “He was always singing During the Savannah State game on too, every time I walked into the meeting Sept. 7, 2013, Garner had two sacks for room he was singing something.” a loss of 20 yards and three tackles for When Garner wasn’t playing football a loss of 22 yards. He had a total of six he was constantly visiting the library tackles, five of which were solo tackles. April Irvin photo and both Roberts and Wilson agreed “On the field he is probably one of the Sophomore defensive end JaDarius Garner sets up for a play against that Garner valued his education. He only people I know who’s ever gone 110 South Alabama on Oct. 5, 2013. He was the Sun Belt Conference was a math major and once said that he percent every rep,” sophomore defensive Defensive player of the Week in Sept. 9, 2013. Garner passed away on wanted to become a teacher back home end Tyler Roberts said. Garner played Jan. 2, 2014, in Mississippi. His cause of death has yet to be announced. to help kids get out of bad areas one math back up for Tyler Roberts during the problem at a time. Troy men’s basketball triumphs on the road Jill Odom only scored eight out of a possible 13 points. Sports Editor Senior guard Jeff Mullahey and senior forward Tevin Calhoun tied, scoring the most points for the Trojans The Trojan men’s basketball team was victorious on with 17 points apiece. the road against University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Majority of UALR’s points were scored in the paint 75-62, on Saturday, Jan. 4. but it was not enough to keep control as the lead changed Troy (7-9, 2-2) was able to use accuracy on the charity nine times during the game. They also struggled with stripe and superior rebounding to their advantage and 3-pointers only making four out of 23 attempts. racked up the points and left UALR unable to recover. “That was a terrific road win,” head coach Phil Cun- Troy’s men took a lead of 13 points in the second half ningham said. “It’s really interesting when you look at to finish out the game in Little Rock. the stats, we shot 37 percent from the field and we won The men’s basketball team will be playing tonight by 13. That doesn’t happen a lot. We knew this going at 7:30 p.m. at the Trojan Arena against University of in, that our bench had to step up, and they did.” Louisiana at Monroe and on Saturday, Jan. 18, at 7:30 The Trojans made 25 of 33 free throws while UALR p.m. against Louisiana-Lafayette at Troy as well.

Chris Davis photo Senior forward Tevin Calhoun contributed 17 points for the Trojans on Saturday, Jan. 4. He scored nine out of his 10 attempted free throws Joshua Thurston photo and scored two 3-pointers along with three Senior guard Jeff Mullahey added 17 points to Troy’s final score of 75-62 against UALR on the road. field goals. Men’s Home Basketball Women’s Home Basketball vs ULM vs ULM 1/16 7:30 p.m. 1/16 5:15 p.m. vs Louisiana-Lafayette vs Louisiana-Lafayette 1/18 7:30 p.m. 1/18 5:15 p.m. vs Arkansas State vs Arkansas State 2/1 7:30 p.m. 2/1 5:15 p.m. vs South Alabama vs South Alabama 2/6 7:30 p.m. 2/6 5:15 p.m. vs Georgia State vs Georgia State 2/15 7:30 p.m. 2/15 5:15 p.m. vs UALR vs UALR 2/27 7:00 p.m. 2/26 7:00 p.m. vs UT-Arlington vs UT-Arlington 3/6 7:00 p.m. 3/5 7:00 p.m. vs Texas State vs Texas State 3/8 7:30 p.m. 3/8 5:15 p.m.