Trisha Boone
Reporter
The state of Mississippi is cutting budgets across the because of a $200 million deficit, and The W is no exception.
“The later in the fiscal year you make cuts, you have fewer choices. The good news is – or the bad news is – over the last decade, with the recession, we’ve become pretty good at figuring out how to manage through these kinds of dilemmas. The last thing we want to do is impact academics or student services,” said Dr. Jim Borsig, president of the W.
Jessica Barnett
Editor
The Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning voted to amend its policy on weapons on campus at its Feb. 18 meeting in Jackson, Miss.
The amendments allow visitors with enhanced carry permits to bring registered weapons to public spaces on campus. This amendment does not allow students or faculty to bring weapons to campus.
Mallory Johnston
Features Editor
The W’s theatre department is bringing back something that has not been done in the department in many years.
This month, the department will be presenting the musical, “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” bringing the characters of the famous “Peanuts” comic strip to life.
Monica Kizer
Reporter
The Student Success Center and the Kossen Center for Teaching and Learning are sponsoring a field trip to the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tenn., on Saturday, Feb. 20.
General admission for MUW students is $10 and covers transportation and admittance to the museum. The cost for faculty and staff members to participate is $15.
This particular trip was originally planned with the Common Reading Initiative course, which required this year’s students to read Anne Moody’s autobiography, “Coming of Age in Mississippi.”
Liz Bosarge
Senior Reporter
The 2016 spring forum for the Ina E. Gordy Honors College is hosting a group of speakers whose topics will center on the theme of how to ethically deal with global issues. At each session, the presenter will offer his or her perspective on how to think more clearly and rationally regarding some of the socially significant issues affecting our world today.
Dr. Kim Whitehead, honors college interim director for The W, is responsible for setting up the year-long series. The topics for this semester are designed to raise questions about ethics and environmental responsibilities. Each session is open to students, faculty, staff and the public.
“Honors forum is for everyone. It is a great place to learn, to discuss, to debate and to ask questions,” said Whitehead.
Jessica Barnett
Online Editor
Five mock trial teams gathered in Reneau Hall on Jan. 30 for the inaugural Ody Classic.
The mock trial competition provided team members with the chance to exercise their legal skills. There were two rounds. Before each round, teams were told who they would be arguing against and whether they would be defense or prosecution. Select members were asked to act as witnesses.
Charles “LaLa” Evans met his future wife, Louise, in a café. He made $25 a week polishing shoes with his father, and when they married at age 18, he didn’t even have a ring. They worked hard in the 59 years and 11 months they spent together, whether it was Louise cleaning homes or LaLa becoming the first African-American letter carrier in Starkville, Miss. In 2011, when Louise passed away, her final words to him were “I love you.” In her memory, he showcased the many photos and videos they took over the years by turning their home into a museum called “LaLa and Louise Land.” The story captured the attention of the band, Mutemath, and the band featured LaLa in the music video for their song, “Monument.”
Mallory Johnston
Features Editor
All things change over time: laws, cars, prices, people, and even places. We tend to accept that.
But what about our social lives? It’s safe to say that, in the 21st century, social lives can be labeled as one of the most dramatically changed parts of society. Fifteen years ago, social media could easily be limited to email, texting and blogging. In the last 15 years though, social sites have become a staple of everyday life and, increasing, the search for love.
Frederick Brown
Reporter
This week marks 90 years since Carter G. Woodson first promoted the idea of Negro History Week as a chance to honor and celebrate the struggles and accomplishments of the African-American community. It would take 43 years for it to become a full month and another seven after that before the government recognized it as such. In this week’s Spectator Sound-Off, students were asked what Black History Month meant to them.
United Blood Services and The W will hold a blood drive on Feb. 16 and 17 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. in the bloodmobile at Hogarth Student Union.
Donors will receive a special T-shirt. Those wishing to give blood are strongly encouraged to make an appointment to avoid waiting. They may call or text 662-321-9988 or visit bloodhero.com, then click on “Locate a blood drive.”