SPARTAN ECHO · Norfolk State University · 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504 NEWSROOM: 757. 823. 8562 · E-Mail: spartanecho@nsu.edu

09.13.10

The voice of the Spartan communityVol. 58 Issue 2 SpartanEcho.com

In order to make Norfolk State University’s Spartan Card more user friendly, the Spartan Card Office has launched its’ Off Campus Dining Program. This program allows students to purchase food off campus using their Spartan Bucks. The program began on August 21.

Currently, the available restaurants accepting the

Spartan Card is Zero’s (Sandwich Shop), Golden City (Chinese Restaurant), Dominos and MP Island Café. More restaurants will be added periodically over the semester.

Many students are in favor of the new program. Senior nursing student Kirsten Dickerson is one of them.

“Off campus dining is one of the greatest qualities that NSU has to offer to students. I am very excited about what has been done and already in progress. It’s so awesome and I’m totally ready to use my Spartan Card at wherever it’s accepted. Thank you Spartan Card Office,” said Dickerson.

According to Spartan Card Program Manager Cary Lazarus, alcoholic beverages cannot be purchased from any restaurant because the university does not “encourage” alcohol consumption by students. Allowing students to purchase alcohol with their Spartan Cards would make NSU responsible for any proceeding incidents.

With the Spartan Bucks program’s popularity, the hope is that students have more dining facility options and participating restaurants’ business increases.

This year’s football season opener did not start like it usually does. Traditionally, the Spartans start the season at home playing their rivals the Virginia State Trojans. This year, however, the Spartans began their year on the road against Rutgers University.

The Spartans lost to Rutgers

31-0. Senior Bruce Mitchell attended the game.

“The defense did a suburb job. The offense made many mistakes especially in the red zone. After the offense wasn’t advancing the ball the defense tired out and Rutgers took over,” Mitchell said.

So why didn’t the Labor Day Classic occur this year?

On Saturday, September 4, the 75th Anniversary Run for Excellence presented by Eddie’s Chesapeake Bay Crabhouse was held at Norfolk State University (NSU). Runners and walkers from around the community joined acting president Dr. Kim Luckes, the new Dean of the School of Business, Dr. Steven Papamarcos,

and Mr. Spartan to help raise funds for scholarships for business majors that attend NSU. Owner of Eddie’s Chesapeake Bay Crabhouse, the Race Director and NSU alumna Sharon Clayton, along with four others, coordinated and organized the event.

Dr. Steven Papamarcos, who was recently named the new Dean of the School of Business, said in regards to Sharon Clayton and the Run for Excellence, “it’s

tremendous what Sharon does. She is one of our very successful graduates and now she is looking to help the next generation of NSU students.”

This is the 4th year that this event was held. Sharon Hoggard, Interim Executive Director of Communications and Marketing, stated, “The Run for Excellence has raised about $20,000 a year for scholarships.”

The 5K (3.1 miles) run/walk

started at GWC Brown Hall by Dr. Luckes at 8:45 a.m. and was open to everyone and anyone who wanted to participate and/or donate. One of the goals for this event was to “engage the community,” said Misti Goodson, Communications and Media Relations Manager.

Dr. Kim Luckes said on her attendance and the importance of

No Labor Day CLassiC?

off Campus DiNiNg program

By KeoNa pruDe

By mayreNes figuereoEcho Correspondent

the hope is that students have more dining facility options

Quame’ a. Hamlin | Spartan ecHo The young runners shined in September 4th’s Run for Excellence, finishing before most of the adult participants.

tHomaS a. WilSon| Spartan ecHo Norfolk State can no longer be called “Little State”. They’ve won the last few meetings by double digits.

Story continued on p. 5

Story continued on p. 3

The 75thAnniversary

Run for Excellence“raised about $20,000 a year for scholarships”

By DeDriC griffiNEcho Correspondent

09.13.1009.13.10

Many Americans are reminded of their civil responsibilities when recalling the opening words of the U.S. Constitution. “We the people find these truths to be self evident...” On September 17 the nation celebrates the signing of the historic document that not only shaped the future of this country but set forth an example of a true democratic government to the world’s nations.

On Monday, September 13, a week long annual celebration begins at Norfolk State University to celebrate Constitution Day. This year’s program organizers hope to bring about awareness for students and the community.

“The Constitution Day observance was created to give students and others interested in the country’s history, a sense of the real significance of this historical document. Our democracy is based on the principles outlined in the Constitution and this event helps to raise awareness about its development; creates dialogue about the foresight of the founding fathers and assist all of us in understanding how the American government operates,” said Sharon Hoggard, Interim Executive Director of Communications and Marketing.

Keeping with this year’s monumental passing of the Healthcare Affordability Act,

the Constitution Day program’s theme is “Healthcare and The U.S Constitution.”

The week will kick off in the Lyman Beecher Brooks library where staff will enlighten guests by playing DVDs about the U.S Constitution in the main lobby. Other events include the Healthy Spartan Wellness Day, discussions on obesity and prostate cancer and a voter registration drive.

Faculty, staff and the

general public will have access to the momentous program filled with emotional, vibrant readings of the preamble. According to Sharon Hoggard, Interim Executive Director of Communications and Marketing, this program is a national initiative to get students to understand the preamble. Attendees can expect a speech from NSU alumnus and renowned cardiologist Dr. Keith H. Newby. Dr. Deborah Fontaine, Executive Assistant/ Chief of Staff, will represent Dr. Kim Luckes for the recitation of the U.S preamble.

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Norfolk State University will host the Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission’s 2nd Signature Conference. The event, to be held on September 24 in the L. Douglas Wilder Performing Arts Center, is titled “Race, Slavery and the Civil War: The Tough Stuff of American History and Memory.”

Norfolk played a pivotal role during the Civil War. It was in this city that the first skirmish was fought in Virginia during the war. The Battle of Sewells Point, fought on May 18-19, 1861, took place on what is now known as the Norfolk Naval Shipyard. In this battle, no fatalities took place. Only one Confederate private was injured by a fragment.

The conference will be lead by acclaimed historian Dr. James O. Horton. Other prominent speakers include James McPherson from Princeton University, Edna Medford from Howard University and Cassandra Newby-Alexander from Norfolk State University just to name a few. Some topics to be discussed include “How, When, Where and Why Emancipation Happened,” and “African American Soldiers and the Struggle for Equality.”

the event, “You do have to lead by example … the event provides an opportunity for scholarships for the business majors and an opportunity for us to be more aware of our health. Today is a beautiful day for this event.”

One of the 67 people that participated was former NBA player and Norfolk State Alumni Bob Dandridge who, although has contributed every year, was his first time walking the race.

“NSU has always been a part of the Norfolk community and the best way to give back is financially,” said Dandridge. Dandridge played 13 years in the

NBA and was drafted in 1969 by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 4th round.

Another important figure present at the event was Senator Yvonne Miller, who comes out every year and was “excited and delighted” to see the rest of the community in support of the university.

“NSU doesn’t get enough publicity and every chance I get I make sure I mention Norfolk State. NSU grew me into a Ph.D,” said Miller. She worked at NSU for 31 years before becoming a member of the United States Senate.

In first place was Marquis Worsley, a Junior track runner from Norview High School (Norfolk). “[This] seemed like

a good opportunity to fund raise and to get ready for cross country season,” said Worsley.

Malcolm Spencer, another track athlete and a freshman from Bethel High School (Hampton), came in second place. Last but not least, Montel Mackey, a Junior from Woodrow Wilson High School (Portsmouth), a prospective NSU student who also runs track and plays basketball, came in third place. The winners of the race won bragging rights along with a bag full of prizes and trophies. The top fund raiser won prizes for their contribution. After the run, the competitors and those who donated were all treated to a Crab Feast provided by Eddie’s Chesapeake Bay Crabhouse.

JONESBORO, Ark. (AP) - The vacant Arkansas State University system president’s post has drawn two applicants. Norfolk State University Provost Y.T. Shah is one of them.

Dr. Shah serves NSU as the Chief Academic Officer (OPCAO) and provides administrative oversight for the schools, colleges and academic support resources of Norfolk State University.

ASU spokesman Tom Moore told The Jonesboro Sun that Norfolk (Va.) State University provost and chief operating officer Yatish T. Shah and Jacksonville (Ala.) State University associate vice president for academic affairs and professor Joe G. Delap have applied for the ASU presidency.

The university’s Presidential

Search Advisory Committee is to provide the system’s Board of Trustees information about candidates before it makes a final decision. Officials plan to have a new president in place by January.

The ASU Foundation, a private organization, is paying $45,000 to consultant Tom Meredith, and up to $10,000 more for other expenses, to assist in the search.

The search committee is to review the first set of applications Sept. 30.

The panel expects to begin its first round of interviews and reference checks in mid-October. A second round of interviews are to coincide with an Oct. 28 panel session, then background checks and a final decision on which candidate to recommend to trustees are to be approved by the board in November.

Information on the application process is available at presidentialsearch.asusystem.edu and applications are due by Oct. 15.

___

Information from: The Jonesboro Sun, http://www.jonesborosun.com

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press

On Tuesday Sept. 14, Norfolk State University will host its second annual Healthy Spartan Wellness Day. The Wellness Day event is part of the university’s ongoing Healthy Spartan Initiative, a campus-wide program designed to address the obesity epidemic and the decrease in physical fitness across the campus.

Healthy Spartan Wellness Day activities include 10 minute exercise stations featuring a boot camp, Tae Kwon Do, yoga, and line dancing. Vendors will also conduct health screenings, distribute educational literature, and provide nutrition tips.

The Centers for Disease and Control states, “American society has become ‘obesogenic,’

characterized by environments that promote increased food intake, nonhealthful foods, and physical inactivity.”

In spring 2005, the university developed a task force of representatives from the academic and administrative areas throughout the campus to address the obesity threat.

According to Dr. John Anderson, director of the Spartan Health Center, “NSU’s approach is based on the recognition that being overweight and having poor physical fitness are conditions of lifestyle and poor eating habits that can only be changed when an individual makes a significant and life enhancing lifestyle change.”

The Wellness Day event is free and open to students, faculty and members of neighboring

communities. Participants are encouraged to

wear comfortable shoes and clothing when participating in the Healthy Spartan Wellness Day

The event will be held from noon to 2:30 p.m. in the New Student Center. For more information about the Healthy Spartan Wellness Day, contact the Office of Communications and Marketing at (757) 823-8373.

By amiNata JaLLoh Echo Correspondent

CoNstitutioN Day observaNCe previeW

exCeLLeNCe CoNtiNueD

Nsu provost shah appLies for arKaNsas state presiDeNCy

On September 17 the nation celebrates

the signing of the historic document

CiviL War CommissioN’s 2ND sigNature CoNfereNCe previeW

By KeoNa pruDe

Quame’ a. Hamlin | Spartan ecHo Virginia District 5 Senator Yvonne B. Miller and Eddie’s Crabhouse owner Sharon Clayton, pictured after September 4th’s Run for Excellence

Continued from p. 1

By reNee mCDoNaLD Echo Correspondent

nSu provoSt Dr. SHaH

09.13.1009.13.10

The Spartan’s volleyball team begins this season under new management. Brandon Duvall replaces Jennifer Fry as the new interim head coach as Fry accepted an assistant coaching position at Washington State University.

Duvall was the assistant

coach for the Spartans for the past two seasons. Before coming to NSU he assisted Virginia Wesleyan’s volleyball program in 2006, where the ladies finished with an overall record of 19-9, and a third place finish in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference Tournament. Prior to assisting at college level programs, Duvall worked for the boy’s

volleyball team at Great Bridge High School in Chesapeake from 2003 through to 2006. They made it to both 2004 and 2005 Southeastern District regular-season title games.

The season started with the Spartan Classic tournament against other Division I opponents; Duvall believes this could help build a consistent fan base.

“This tournament is a good

way for us to get support from the student body, which we’ve never had this big on campus volleyball wise before. It’s a good opportunity for the community to come in and see what Norfolk State volleyball is all about. We are a Division I school, and it’s good for them to see good quality Division I competition.” said Duvall.

At this point in the season the coach felt that the team’s biggest strength is their defense. He described them to be more explosive and a lot quicker this year compared to the previous seasons he has witnessed. His opinion of their weakness was the ages of the players. This year there is only one senior and two juniors but in light of that he believes they have all been in good programs prior to coming to NSU and fully understand their role on the team. Duvall expects all of his players, regardless of classification to be prepared to play. “They should already be at the skill level that we need, but it’s that mentality, and speed of the game and just what it means to be competitive at this level.” Duvall said.

Regardless of the youth of the team, the team plans to improve on its 9-22 record last season and to make a splash in the MEAC.

For years, the winner of the MEAC conference always had an automatic bid in the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs. In the past couple months, there has been a belief that there could possibly be a bowl game between the winners of the SWAC against the MEAC to replace the playoff bid.

The name for the bowl game would be the Legacy Bowl. Speculation is that the game would be viewed on ESPN on December 17, 2011 and the teams would be splitting a $3 million pot. By the two conferences participating in this bowl game, it could increase national exposure. It would also renew the rivalry between the two conferences that hasn’t occurred since the Heritage Bowl ended in 1999. The problem is not every team in the MEAC wants to forgo the bid to play in this bowl game. South Carolina State is not sure about the bowl game.

On August 20, South Carolina State president George Cooper wrote a letter to MEAC commissioner Dennis Thomas. In it, he states some of his issues

and concerns with the concept of the Legacy Bowl.

“While all of these conversations [that] have taken place to gather information that may lead to a decision on a game and contract with ESPN, I am still concerned that we don’t have any more details on the terms of a contract related to the proposed December 2011 Legacy Bowl being facilitated by the MEAC Office.” Cooper said.

Also in the letter, Cooper brings up some concerns that he felt haven’t been answered yet. Among them are traveling costs for the team, cheerleaders and band, whether the conferences and schools could negotiate with potential sponsors, and if the MEAC could keep its representation on the NCAA playoff committee if it decided to take part in the Legacy Bowl.

NSU athletic director Marty Miller was asked about his view on the Legacy Bowl and decided not to comment.

Voting by the school presidents on the Legacy Bowl will occur in the spring of 2011 and the majority rule will decide what the fate of the MEAC’s playoff bid will be.

spartan sportsspartan sportsa NeW era begiNs With WaLLey at QuarterbaCK

speCuLateD LegaCy boWL for 2011

Labor Day CLassiC

By Da’moN broWN

By reNee mCDoNaLD

4 5

Volleyball SeaSon StartS With neW head CoaCh

When Chris Walley decided to come to NSU, his goal was to be the starting quarterback by the time the season started. Now that he has accomplished that task, his next goal is to lead the Spartans to a championship.

Growing up in Tallahassee, FL when Florida State football was an elite program, Walley was exposed to football at an early age but baseball was the game he preferred because he excelled on the diamond. He played shortstop and pitcher but started taking football seriously in middle school after the football coach told him he would be the quarterback.

“Football is king in Tallahassee, especially at the quarterback position, and when the coach told me I would play in the spring at quarterback, I was all in,” said Walley.

As a senior at North Florida Christian high school, Walley was first-team all-state 1A-1B and All-Big and set school records with 2,764 yards and 34 touchdowns. He was getting looked at by schools such as Alabama, Louisiana State University and his hometown favorite Florida State. His GPA however, did not meet the standards of these leading football powerhouses and he was overlooked.

“I had three coaches through high school and they didn’t really push that on me but I should’ve put that on myself. I stress to all the young guys to focus on their grades,” Walley said.

After going to Joliet Junior College for two years, Walley believes the experience has prepared him to play for NSU. The only thing that will be different according to him is playing in front of bigger crowds. Because Walley came to school in the spring, it has

given him more time to grasp the system and to form a connection with the wide receivers, running backs and linemen.

“It depends on the situation, (Jeremy) Wicker on the outside, Nigel (McCowan) with the shallow routes, Victor (Hairston) with the slants, and the running backs when the defense blitzes,” Walley said about his passing options.

Walley’s debut at NSU was against one of the top defenses in college football, Rutgers. In the game he was 11-23 with 133 yards and was sacked only once. The

team struggled to move the ball up the field and he was constantly pressured. The Spartans ultimately fell to the Scarlet Knights, 31-0.

“Their defense is a lot stronger than any we will play all season. I would have liked to complete a few more passes and I wish we could have that fumble back,” said Walley.

Walley said his goals are “Obviously to win, play smart, not have any turnovers, and to bring a championship to Norfolk State.” Time will tell if the Spartans can do that with Walley.

By DaN aDu-gyamfi

Speculations around campus assume money issues or a lack of attendance are the main reasons for the big game being discontinued, but that’s not exactly the case. According to Marty Miller, NSU’s athletic director, money and attention had absolutely nothing to do with the situation.

“Financial issues were certainly not a factor in the decision to discontinue the game this season. The bottom line is Virginia State favored a change in interest for the format involved in our previous contract for the Labor Day Classic. The Rutgers game is just an alternative game; it was either play Rutgers or have no game at all Labor Day weekend,” Miller said.

Virginia State wants to have their own home game on Labor Day weekend against a preferred

opponent. So in agreement to these terms, this will only take place every other season but the teams will still play during the regular season at a date convenient for both schools.

Miller said “We will continue to play each other every season even if not during the Labor Day Classic, instead it would be called Spartan/Trojan Classic when played during regular season.”

Miller wanted the campus to understand clearly that the NSU vs. VSU rivalry will stay intact and said “I understand the situation and why VSU wants to play at home on Labor Day weekend, but I also want everyone to understand that the Labor Day Classic will return next season at home against Virginia State University; on that note, I am uncertain to say the same about the 2012 being unsure on whether our opener will be a home or away game.”

Former Head Coach Jennifer Fry left prior to the 2010 season to accept the Assistant Coach position at Washington State.

pHotoS tHomaS a. WilSon | Spartan ecHo Interim Head Coach Brandon Duvall, seen here at the Spartans’ match against the Hampton University Pirates, replaces former Head Coach Jennifer Fry.

pHotoS tHomaS a. WilSon | Spartan ecHo The atmosphere of the Labor Day Classic rivals some of the top environments in FCS football. Some are worried moving the Classic from Labor Day will affect both attendance and excitement.

Continued from p. 1

pHotoS Bryon SummerS | Spartan ecHo Chris Walley catches a breath as he and teammates look to the sidelines between plays.

Walley looks to guide a veteran offense that has no problem gaining yards through the air.

Duvall expects all of his players,

regardless of classification to be prepared to play.

9/18/2010 – Virginia State – Norfolk, Va. 6 p.m.

9/25/2010 – Bethune-Cookman – Daytona Beach, Fla. 4 p.m.

10/9/2010 – South Carolina State – Orangeburg, S.C. 2 p.m.

10/16/2010 – Hampton – Hampton, Va. 1 p.m.

10/23/2010 – Florida A&M (Homecoming)– Norfolk, Va. 2 p.m.

10/30/2010 – Howard Washington, D.C. 1 p.m

11/6/2010 – Morgan State – Norfolk, Va. 1 p.m.

11/13/2010 – Delaware State – Norfolk, Va. 1 p.m.

11/20/2010 – Savannah State – Savannah, Ga. 2 p.m.

Remaining 2010 Schedule

09.13.1009.13.10

ACT scores in Virginia beat the national average for the fourth year, increasing a significant 0.4 points higher than the class of 2009.

Students must complete the SAT or ACT to be considered to college admissions. With the rise in test scores local universities, including NSU, may see an increase in enrollment in the following years.

According to actstudent.org, the ACT is a national college admissions examination on the core subjects English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science.

While scores have steadily increased since 2006, only 31% of test-takers meet the College Readiness Benchmark, which is a set of scores that indicate whether the student has a 50% chance of having a B or higher, or a 75% chance of having a C or higher in entry-level college courses.

The lowest percentages in each subject are African American students.

According to act.org, only 22% of high school graduates took the ACT. Carolyn Little, junior hospitality management major, believes that may have more to do with location.

“I have family in the mid-west and they took the ACT.

Here they mostly take the SAT,” said Little.

While some students take both tests, the SAT remains the dominant college-preparatory test for Virginian students according to hamptonroads.com.

“I took the ACT because I

wasn’t confident of my SAT scores,” said Brian Bolden, senior sociology major.

Other students felt pressured to take the ACT along with the SAT, like junior sociology major Ricky Johnson.

“I thought that if I didn’t

pass it [ACT], I couldn’t go to college,” said Johnson.

While both tests are to prepare high school graduates for further education, the ACT and the SAT are administered for different reasons.

“The ACT is an achievement

test, measuring what a student has learned in school. The SAT is more of an aptitude test, testing reasoning and verbal abilities,” according to actstudent.org.

To see the state-by-state test scores, visit act.org.

spartan student life spartan student life6 7

NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITYTuesday, September 28 @ 5:00 PM

New Student Center - 138-A

To celebrate the 75th anniversary of NSU and to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War, the Norfolk State University Honors College will present a free film and lecture series entitled GONE with the POPCORN: HOW CINEMA SHAPES OUR COLLECTIVE MEMORY OF THE CIVIL WAR.

Co-sponsored by the departments of Mass Communication and Journalism, History, English and Foreign Language, Interdisciplinary Studies and Student Activities, the series will cover some of America’s most famous films.

On September 9, the series began with Birth of a Nation, a 1915 film based on the American Civil War. It will wrap up on Oct. 11, with The Confederate States of America. Additionally, it will involve a combination of watching movies and dialoging with students on their reactions to each of the movies.

Dr. Page Laws, Dean of the Honors College and director of the free film and lecture series, expects a positive outcome.

“It’s important for students to see these movies [and] to understand their influence,” said Laws.

Andrew Piland, a sophomore music media major, plans on attending the film series. “I like the movie Glory and I want

to see what professors have to say about it,” Piland said.

Unlike traditional free movie screenings, this free film series will allow students to learn about historical events and share any questions, thoughts or concerns about the movies.

Laws looks forward to teaching and interacting with students who participate in the film series.

“I love to hear people talk about films,” Laws said. “I want to make sure that students are not only media literate, but media savvy.”

The series will show a total of five films over a span of five weeks. For more information on the free film series, contact the the NSU Honors College at 757-823-8208.

goNe With the popCorN

NeW faCebooK feature shares LoCatioN

By herras hoWarD Echo Correspondent

tHomaS a. WilSon | Spartan ecHo The Gone with the Popcorn film series will allow NSU students to learn about historical events.

Last month social networking giant Facebook released Facebook Places, a new feature available for its members with mobile access only in the U.S.

Places, a new default setting for all registered members, allows people to disclose their locations with people they “friend” on Facebook by the simple click of a mobile device button. In turn, members can “check in” and tag their friends at any location.

Like many other social networking tools and sites, location can be turned on or off, but only through a member’s account privacy settings.

Days after releasing Places, Facebook officials posted a banner on the account privacy page encouraging members to “Get the Facts about Places,” after millions misinterpreted the functions and capabilities of the feature.

By default, any member can be tagged or checked into a location by a Facebook friend until privacy settings are changed, which

consequently raised questions about privacy amongst the sites 500 million plus users.

Danielle Pope, a junior psychology major, wishes Facebook would have sent her a notification to let her know exactly how the privacy settings for Places worked before hand.

“I had to find out through a friend about this program,” said Pope. “I don’t agree with it being a default setting, I believe it should be a download, something like an app for the iPhone.”

Websites like FourSquare, Yelp, and Gowalla all cater to social networking connoisseurs and greenhorns alike. Allowing users to review restaurants they just left in their local neighborhoods, to keeping track of road trips and special events that they have attended is just the beginning of what users are allowed to do.

The website dedicated to Places encourages members to “share where you are” and to “connect with friends nearby”.

In an era of media and

spontaneous communication, Places will be another program that millions can access at their own discretion.

Gordon Smith, a junior music major, understands that technology has evolved, but misses the way social networking was a just a few years ago.

“Facebook used to be so private, but now it seems like everybody can see what you do,” said Smith. “I liked Facebook more when I first signed up in twelfth grade.”

Facebook has made it simple to use Places, but encourages users to carefully read the facts and questions page designed for the Places application in order to control privacy settings on tagging and checking in.

Facebook was launched in 2004 by then 19 year old Mark Zuckerburg as “thefacebook.com” and has since been declared one of the biggest websites in the world.

image courteSy FaceBook.com Facebook recently added a new feature to allow users to view the locations of friends.

On Thursday Sept. 30, the NSU Career Services Department will host the Fall 2010 Graduate Professional Fair in room 149 of the university’s New Student Center from 10:30 a.m. until 2 p.m.

The fair will be open to all students interested in furthering their education upon graduation from NSU.

Unlike the traditional fall career fair which usually hosts over 50 vendors in October, the 2010 Graduate Professional Fair is designed to host a maximum of 25 vendors.

So far, the Career Services Department has confirmed that there are thirteen registered vendors including NSU.

James Tallmadge, Assistant Director of Career Services, is optimistic about this year’s Graduate Professional Fair and is anxious to encourage as many students and vendors as possible to participate.

“A lot of the schools are basically a one-stop-shop for their entire graduate studies programs,” said Tallmadge. “We want to expose students to these schools because its for them to gather demographic information on the schools

they may want to attend after college.”

This year opportunities will be at the hands of students as institutions such as William & Mary, North Carolina A & T State University, University of Arkansas and the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine share what their graduate studies programs have to offer.

The Graduate Professional fair will also provide information on required standardized tests like the GRE, LSAT and GMAT for students who plan on matriculating to graduate school.

Tallmadge and other members of the Career Services Department dedicate time reviewing resumes with

students and helping them find their ideal career path.

“The reason they are here is because they are looking for highly qualified, minority candidates,” Tallmadge said. “They should remain proactive and ahead of the competition.”

Students and vendors can visit the website of the Career Services Department to register for the career fair.

For additional information, contact the Career Services Department at 757-823-8462 or visit www. nsu.edu.

By bethaNy CartWright Echo Correspondent

Va. aCT sCores improVe, beaTs naTional aVerage

tHomaS a. WilSon | Spartan ecHo Hampton High School students, administration, and faculty formed a committee to discuss possible improvements in the school’s environment with hopes of raising performance.

local universities, including NSU, may see an increase in

enrollment

By briaN fisher Echo Correspondent

Career services gears up for graduate professional Career fair

school spirit: trending topic on campus

“the 2010 Graduate Professional Fair

is designed to host a maximum of 25 vendors”

“The reason they are here is because they are looking for highly

qualified, minority candidates”

By JaLiza braxtoN

On Aug. 25, NSU students had the opportunity to voice their opinions and concerns about life on the campus at the first ever general assembly meeting hosted by the university’s Student Government Association.

The theme, “Trending Topics,” spun off from the popular social networking site Twitter, allowed students and members of SGA to

weigh in on campus issues such as student involvement, school spirit and everyday hassles like parking.

SGA president Juan Lascano wanted to focus mainly on ways to get more students involved in campus activities such as open mic night, pep rallies and forums that allow students to weigh in on everything from options on the dining facility menu, to what the university would like to see in a new

presidential candidate. In an effort to enhance school

spirit, this year’s SGA organized a “street team” responsible for getting the word out about events and other happenings around campus.

“One of our main goals is just to boost the spirit on campus,” Lascano said. “The street team is going great so far.”

Members of the SGA executive board encouraged students to reach

out and share any concerns, ideas, or opinions that have the potential of boosting the overall experience of students at the university.

Brian Fisher, a senior business management major, says he realizes that participating in the meeting was just a stepping stone to increasing involvement.

“It was very informative,” said Fisher. “ I know we come to express our concerns about the university,

but we also have to work with the SGA.”

Taking on one goal at a time with the help of the student body is something that Lascano and his executive board expect to do this year.

“At the end of the day when they ask ‘What did you do to make this year a success?’, I didn’t make it a success, the students made it a success,” Lascano said.

By JaLiza braxtoN

09.13.10

waiting until the last 15 minutes before meal plan is over #lessonlearned

taking MCM 450 in the spring and planning to graduate in May#lessonlearned

Buying those shoes before I bought my books for class#lessonlearned

Cramming for a final the night before#lessonlearned

not moving while greek organizations are party hopping#lessonlearned

walking to 7-Eleven after dark#lessonlearned

forgetting to submit my application for graduation#lessonlearned

not checking my tires before my road trip home last week#lessonlearned

forgetting to make that store or taking that pill#lessonlearned

– Keshara Cox

8

September 17-19, 201020th Annual Umoja FestivalEric Benét & Angie StonenTelos Wireless PavillionPortsmouth, VA

In a celebration of cultural diversity and unity, Portsmouth’s Umoja festival will feature R&B artists Eric Benét and Angie Stone. Performances by these soul singers will create a calming mood leaving you stress- free and refreshed.

Nikki Giovanni and Sister Sonia Sanchez are two of the greatest voices of the Civil Rights and Black Arts generation. As part of the 75th anniversary celebration of Norfolk State University these powerful figures spent an evening to sharing pieces of their latest books and their thoughts.

Nikki Giovanni is a writer, commentator, activist and has served as a University Distinguished Professor at Virginia Tech since 1987. Her visit to Norfolk State University

on Sept.7 was more than a memorable occasion because Giovanni has maintained a prominent place as a strong voice of the black community.

“If you let other people tell you who you are, you aren’t going to like yourself,” she said. During the discussion Giovanni was open, relaxed, blunt and even humorous when she responded to the discussion topics. Her views of today’s society were strong and emphasized the importance of self-righteousness.

“Get over the fear that someone doesn’t like you,

because they don’t” Giovanni said...followed by an approving thunderous applause.

Sanchez received the same reaction when she asked “Why would I let someone who hated me run my life?”

Author and professor Sister Sonia Sanchez is an international lecturer on black culture, peace and racial justice. Coming to Norfolk State University was just one of over 500 universities and colleges she has visited.

“The most important thing to happen in the 20th century is that black people survived,” Sister

Sonia Sanchez said. More soft spoken and mellow in comparison to her poetic counterpart, Sanchez expressed her views of progression, and not only of the black community, but all races.

“I am going to demand the best of you, the excellence of you,” she said. “You do better, you do better than your parents did.”

Giovanni and Sanchez visiting the university’s campus highlighted 75 years of excellence and many thought their words of wisdom were ideal for the celebration and the future of Norfolk State University.

November 11, 2010Waken Baken TourWiz Khalifa featuring Big K.R.I.T.The NorVaNorfolk, VA

Mr. “Taylor Gang or Die” is coming back to the NorVa to take audiences up. Khalifa’s lighthearted attitude moves anyone from an uneasy despair to carefree bliss.

October 12, 2010Bone Thugs~N~Harmony with Special GuestThe NorVaNorfolk, VA

After nine years in the rap game, the group is still making good music. Their unique lyrical style of gangsta rap mixed with R&B smoothes over any troubling feelings.

October 1, 2010I-Ternal Fire TourCapleton featuring Munga, Romaine Virgo, and Jah ThunderThe NorVaNorfolk, VA

The Jamaica native will be making his way to Norfolk for an unforgettable concert. His reggae and dancehall music is sure to uplift any spirit.

With school back in session, that means it is time to hit the books. Play time is exchanged for crunch time and fun is forfeited for focus. Yet there are still those moments when a break is more than necessary to alleviate the woes of demanding classes and student life as a whole. Luckily, this fall there are a few upcoming concerts to help ease your mind without being a total distraction.

By Keshara Cox

faLL CoNCerts

By Keshara Cox

A Night to RememberNikki Giovanni and Sonia Sanchez visit NSU for The NewLyceum Series

pHotoS Bryon SummerS|

Spartan ecHo (above) from left, Dr. Gabbin, Sonia Sanchez, and Nikki Giovanni chat about their lives and read poems from their recent works. (left) Sanchez reads from one of her many publishised books.

(above) Nikki Giovanni listens to fellow poet, Sonia Sanchez.

spartan entertainment