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(03/21/14 12:17am)
I first off want to thank Parker Van Riper for the tasteful response to my article in the Feb. 19 issue of The Cluster. From what I’ve heard, she provided one of the more gentle responses to my article, and I appreciate that. With that being said, I need to apologize for two things. First, the purpose of my article was not to offend, or to critique, but rather to inspire. I wasn’t pointing an accusatory finger, or calling anybody out, exactly. I was merely pointing out that it would be nice to see a bit more involvement between the different schools.
Second, I would like to specifically address my comments regarding the fliers and promotions. It seems apparent that I did indeed miss some fact-checking on my part. Just because I didn’t see the advertisements doesn’t mean they’re not there. I do apologize for that bit.
Overall, I hope we can all come out of this as colleagues and friends.
(02/21/14 12:51am)
Since opening in 2001, the Rosemary McCorkle Music building has become home to an excellent group of student musicians. The Townsend School of Music has been the cause of thousands of performances made in its halls, and it’s because of this that there is no questioning the excellent presence it brings to Mercer University’s campus.
Regardless of this, there seems to be some sort of separation between the music school and the rest of the University. While Mercer students are given free access to nearly all shows put on by the school, there is still very little integration between the two parties. Music students live in the music building, and non-music students have nothing to do with it.
This is a shame, especially in a society where the fine arts seems to be dying out. Any small amount of research made on Google will turn up results pointing toward that. A survey made by the National Endowment for the Arts showed that the percentage of American adults visiting some sort of fine arts event has gone down from 39.4 percent in 2002 to 34.6 percent in 2008. That’s just one survey, but there are many other reports like that.
Mercer students seem to be just as much a reflection of that drop as the rest of the nation is.
But what might the cause of that be? It could be the lack of promotion on Townsend’s part. While there is a good amount of advertising off-campus for larger events, I have never heard about an event on campus, since starting my college career. Of course the (rather happening) schedule of events is posted on Townsend’s easy-to-access website. Really, though, it isn’t a great business strategy to make your customers come looking for you, unless of course your business is a funeral home.
The School of Music really needs to put more effort toward getting students interested in the events. This could be done with fliers posted in the Connell Student Center, Tarver Library and the Breezeway. The school always posts a large amount of fliers within the music school, but branching out is the name of the game here. The Fresh Food Company has the trifolds on each of the tables. Those provide a great way to get events known and talked about amongst the students.
All of these ways are great ways to get the students to come to Townsend, but why not have Townsend come to the students? It’s not uncommon for certain groups to start flash mobs in the cafe, or to simply start performing songs or even poetry on a whim. It’s exciting, and generates a lot of interest. One could only imagine the conversations that would be made if a string quintet simply walked in and started playing Vivaldi.
A great example of the Music School coming out of its shell was during QuadWorks’ Battle of the Bands, last October. Although they weren’t officially representing Townsend, it was obvious that FTM – the winners of the competition – was composed at least partly of music majors. The crowd loved them. It was a unique performance, and one that really stood out from the rest.
It would be easy to have an outside performance. Whether it be on the North Quad, or the newly-renovated Cruz Plaza, the natural acoustics of the buildings and the trees would carry the melodies of a musical performance greatly.
Things like that generate interest. Interest generates conversation. Conversation generates more interest. If Townsend were to do something along these lines, it would leave the Mercer students yearning for more. Really, why not? Even if nothing comes of it, a performance in the Caf, or on the quad could be a lot of fun for the performers themselves.
The main point of this is to rally both sides to action. Mercer students need to get more involved in the happenings over at McCorkle. McCorkle also needs to get more involved in the happenings outside of the music building. Only good can come of it. Music is powerful, and it’s important that it be shared.
(02/06/14 9:11pm)
Valentine’s Day is an exclusive Christmas for those of us that aren’t single and lonely. The main problem with it though is that - unlike Christmas - this holiday isn’t all about that whole “It’s the thought that counts” stuff. If you mess this one up, you could very well end up in the “single and lonely” group from before.
While that does put a lot of vulnerable, freshly-single, college-aged ladies out there, I’ve decided that I should make it my job to help my fellow man out, this year. Gentlemen, here are five things to not get your significant other for Valentine’s Day.
1)Wrong Flowers
You’re probably wondering what “wrong” flowers are. That’s because you’re a dude, and there’s a good chance that you wouldn’t know a Hydrangea flower if it slapped you around with its petals. Of course, maybe some of you know how in the Victorian Era, flowers were commonly given as gifts to people as a representation of their character.
It’s common knowledge that a red rose means “love,” but if you give your beloved a bouquet containing white tulips and red roses, you’re also offering forgiveness. Saying “I’m sorry that I love you,” doesn’t exactly scream “romance.”
Check online for different flower meanings, and call a local florist to arrange something personal and special.
2) Hershey’s Kisses
Hershey’s Kisses have long been a staple of Valentine’s day, being shared around grade schools for decades. You’re probably wondering why I’ve included it on the list, and why one of the most iconic products of February 14th is something I’m saying you can’t get for your special person.
That’s because they’re too good for them.
While Hershey’s makes some excellent sweet treats, it would really mean a lot more to simply pay a little extra for Ghirardelli, or maybe some Lindor truffles. You don’t have to be a connoisseur to be able to distinguish some really good chocolate from more economical products.
3) Expensive Jewelry
If you’re a lady and you’re reading this, you probably just frowned.
Seriously, though – Valentine’s Day isn’t about the price-tag on the piece. Your gift should be special and unique. Don’t just go to any fancy jeweler and pick the shiniest bracelet you can. While the recipient probably wouldn’t have any complaints, you should try to rely on your heart, rather than your wallet.
It should be noted that you should take this with a grain of salt. Jewelry isn’t completely off the list for ideas. Just make sure it’s something special. Birthstones always go over well, and if you can get some sort of story behind the gift, then it really can be something priceless.
4) Cheap Jewelry
While the idea isn’t to just buy the biggest diamond you can, keep in mind that you might not want to just pick the cheapest thing you can find. If your Dollar Tree earrings turn her ears blue, you’re not going to hear the end of it.
5) Nothing
You have to realize that no matter how many times your partner says “Oh, don’t get me anything,” it will hurt if you don’t get them anything. This is a day devoted to your lover. This is a time for even the coldest of people to show their soft sides. Don’t mess it up.
A close friend of mine told her boyfriend many times last year that all she wanted was flowers. He didn’t get her any. It really was a shame, because she deserved so much better than that. Don’t be that guy. Even something small can mean a lot. Take a little time, and think about what makes them smile. That’s really all there is to it.
(09/13/13 3:59am)
Halfway through last semester, my mother mentioned that she had picked up a bicycle at a local Goodwill. She had gotten a good deal on it and asked me if I’d like to take it to school and use it to get from class to class.
To be honest, I wasn’t too thrilled with the idea. I had always seen people rid- ing around on bikes and thought little of it. I thought that it must be inconvenient to have to chain them up every time you wanted to leave them around. That alone seemed like it would take more time to do than to just walk the extra little bit.
Well, on the way back to Macon last month, I decided to take the bike with me. Because I was now so close, I thought it would be a good idea to bike to class every morning instead of driving my car. It only took one ride from my house to Mercer for me to regret not having a bike before now.
A bike is possibly the best thing for a college student to have, except for maybe a laptop, or pencil. I can’t recommend it highly enough. The reasons to ride are nu- merous, from things like travel time, to ex- ercise, to just plain making new friends. It really has changed a lot about me, and for the small cost that they take to maintain, it has been an entirely pleasant experience.
Obviously, there are physical benefits to riding a bike. First off, the time spent traveling is cut down significantly. I have a chain with a key lock, and it takes me maybe ten seconds to clip it on or off the bike. Once that’s done, I’m sailing away, breaking in the new sidewalks of Cruz Plaza like a middle school student in the ‘50s. It really is a lot of fun to just glide down a hill, veering around those lowly walkers, or to just take your hands off the handles and spread them like an air- plane. I’m 21, and it still makes me giddy.
Bikes also bring connections between people. While chaining your bike, there’s a chance that another biker may ride up and chain alongside you. Right there, you already have two things in common: First, you both have the similar experience of riding bikes through campus, and sec- ond, you’re in the same place, which could mean similar majors or hobbies. If they’re cute, you simply flash a grin and compli- ment their wheels. “Hey, nice bell. How about dinner Thursday?” *(The Cluster is not responsible for any hearts broken using information found in its articles.)
Although there are a lot of upsides to rid- ing a bike, there are the usual nuisances that come with it. We certainly need more ramps here on campus. I have to avoid the east part of the CSC, unless I want to carry my bike upstairs. Not too big of a deal, but it certainly makes you think about and ap- preciate handicap accessibility a little more.
Another thing to consider is that sometimes walkers walk very slowly. I’m a little shy, so for me to ring my bell at somebody or ask them to move out of the way feels very rude. It’s not rude in the least—you just have to do it properly. Ask politely with a smile, and they should let you pass. If not, just run them down. *(The Cluster does not condone all behavior suggested in its opinions section.)
Overall, riding bikes around campus has been a truly great experience. It’s been a lot of fun, and has really helped me stay in shape. My thighs are looking killer right now. If you’re worried about money, the Bear Bikes program on campus is extreme- ly affordable and takes care of all maintenance as well. Biking is something I believe every student should look into, and I hope to see you all pedaling around in the future.
(08/28/13 7:00pm)
Summer vacation is also a great opportunity to travel and take part in trips to help others. Mercer on Mission is a group that takes students around the world to work tasks in other countries. A form of studying abroad, the program offers students a look at other cultures while providing them with a unique work experience. Anthony Schmidt, a junior studying Engineering, talks to The Cluster Staff about his three-and-a-half week summer experience.
Cluster: Where did you go for Mercer on Mission?
Schmidt: I went to Uganda, specifically the Southwestern region of Uganda.
C: What did you do while you were there?
S: We had two major projects at two different schools. At the first school, we helped build a latrine, and at the second school, we helped build a well. We also had two minor projects at the second school. We updated the latrines and also updated the gutter system, which they funneled into a big barrel and used for drinking water.
C: Was there anything in particular that you learned while on your trip?
S: Well, there’s the obvious fact, that I learned about Uganda. Before this trip, I probably couldn’t have pointed it out on a map, much less told you anything about it. I got to learn a lot of stuff about Uganda, and the Ugandans. I learned about their history, and also learned about myself as well as the American way of life. We very much over-complicate stuff, but the Ugandans live a very simple life. They’re happy just to be alive every day. Whereas we are upset if, you know, our iPhone breaks or whatnot. It’s been a humbling experience. It’s really changed a lot in me. They’re very content in what they have.
C: Do you have a good story or experience to talk about?
S: There’s a lot. Maybe it’s not so much a story, but I loved interacting with the kids at the school, you know? I liked talking with them, and talking about what they’re learning, which was a lot of fun. I guess it’s just more of a high-point, working with the kids. A part of our mission was to work with the kids and to teach them about sanitation, too. We made up a song for them, and performed it for them. That was a lot of fun and they got a kick out of that. In their culture, acting out things, like theater, is actually quite big, so we kind of put on a skit with the songs.
C: Do you have any plans for next summer, yet?
S: If I don’t get an internship back home, then I will definitely think about going on another trip with Mercer on Missions – probably one of the engineering ones. I know they’ll have a Vietnam one, and I’m sure they’ll have others, too.
C: Can you tell us about a friend you met there?
S: One of the teachers, actually, when he wasn’t teaching his subjects (which were math and science), he’d come out and talk to us while we were working on the latrine. He had all sorts of questions about America. ‘How is your school set up?’ They do four quarters with breaks in between, as opposed to our two semesters. He asked about our majors. He is one of the few in his village with access to a computer, and we’re actually Facebook friends right now. He still sends me a message every once in a while, asking ‘Hey, how’s America? How’s the weather?’
C: What would you say to anybody considering Mercer on Missions?
S: Definitely apply. You can always back out later if you decide not to do it. This really only comes once in a lifetime. There’s no guarantee that I’ll be able to go on another trip next summer, or to really ever go to Uganda again. I know I talked a lot about work. It’s not all work; we had a lot of fun, too. We got to go on a drive, and go gorilla-trekking, and got to explore the towns we were in. It’s not just manual labor the whole time. You definitely have some fun too. Just be prepared for no air-conditioning.
(08/14/13 6:30pm)
It really is spectacular just how much of a difference these last six months have made to the school. From the fountains, to the renovated Porter Patch, the modifications make a striking impression on anybody who looks at them. To somebody who knows nothing about Mercer University, the new campus would make it obvious that great things are done here, and a visitor would immediately recognize this as a high-class institute that puts a strong emphasis on education and quality of life. The focus on the appearance of campus reflects a high importance of student life, and one would gather a great idea of what it's like to be a student here.
What about the image of Macon? Do the changes to the campus affect the community as a whole, or does it affect nothing further than the borders of the campus itself? Would a visitor to the town see it as a nice change to campus, or a nice change to the town itself?
Overall, schools do make up a large part of the communities around them. Whether by student involvement, or by citizen interaction with campus, schools and cities are very much linked to each other. In some places, cities are built around the schools in them. Gainesville, Florida is very well-known as a college town. It is, of course, Gator country – Home of the University of Florida. Many people all over the country know that town solely because of that school, and the town has used that knowledge to flourish; many shops and restaurants use the Gator image as a marketing technique. It is a direct impact on society, both financially, and towards the image. Does Macon boast a similar story?
In many ways, it does. When Mercer University moved to Macon, Georgia in 1871, the town was naturally much different than it is today. It was a growing town, and the campus helped to move that along. Today we see that still – one example being the Mercer Village expansion, just a few years ago. That movement alone brought a lot of business to this side of town, and offered many more reasons for non-students to be on this side of town.
While Mercer does offer its mix of activities open to the general public, the new campus will most often be barren of visitors, and will therefore remain almost exclusive to Mercer students. This is a shame because many students are going to prefer campus to Tatnall Square Park, across the street. Non-students are going to prefer Tatnall. This was similar to previous years, but with the nicer campus, there's going to be even less motivation to visit the city park, and the rift will be even more apparent.
The campus changes are a long time coming, and are extremely welcome by all. It is going to lead to a great improvement on the image of both Mercer University, and Macon itself. Like a ripple, the quality of campus is going to raise the quality of the surrounding areas and eventually the entire town. However, I just don't see a direct influence to the people of Macon. There is an invisible wall around campus in the form of train tracks and overpasses, and it really puts a damper on human interaction. People only grow when they interact with unlike-minded people, and I just don't see these offering that. Is that a bad thing? Of course not; that was not the purpose of the changes. They were meant to make campus a relaxing place for students to learn and study, and they do a wonderful job of that. We just need to remember that we have an obligation to the people around us. We are scholars, students, and good neighbors, and we can't forget that.
(04/25/13 6:27pm)
The 4th Annual Dragon Boat Festival, which took place last Sunday at Lake Tobesofkee, featured 12 teams representing various local organizations that competed against each other for first place honors.
With close to 100 spectators, each team was paired with another team and provided with a boat for the race.
Each team consisted of 15 members, making up seven pairs of rowers, and one captain.
Once lined up, the pairs of teams paddled from start to finish – a distance of about 100 yards marked off by buoys in the lake. The teams participated in two heats in the bracket and a finals round.
The Dragon Boat Festival is put on each year by the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, headed by the CEO of the Macon branch, Dianna Glymph.
The Big Brothers Big Sisters organization is a mentoring organization that provides adult mentors for youth who are at risk of juvenile delinquency or academic failure.
It offers programs based around pairing each student in the program with a mentor that acts as a stable adult figure who the child can view as a friend.
“We reach out to kids who just need that extra adult in their lives,” Glymph said. “Every child needs a caring adult in their life.”
The Dragon Boat festival is a fundraiser for the Big Brother Big Sister program, using all proceeds toward expanding the mentoring program.
“We saw something similar advertised on TV, and it looked like a lot of fun,” Glymph said. “We were looking for a unique event to bring to Macon. Not just another run or just another golf tournament. We wanted something that would get people out, and into the fresh air, and just something that would get people motivated to get outside during the spring and enjoy our resource at Lake Tobesofkee.”
Although the boat festival is fun at face value, this event offers another sort of value for the competitors, as well.
“What we found is that it has turned into a tremendous
team-building opportunity and exercise for members in our corporations. It’s really a team-building thing, as well as just helping the community,” said Glymph.
Competing against corporations such as Geico and Wells Fargo was Mercer University’s Mercer Asia team, lead by club president Mei Lin.
After hearing about the festival, members of the Mercer Asia club searched for the event online.
With little hesitation, they collected a set of rowers and signed up for the race. It was not Mercer Asia’s first time in a Dragon Boat race, as they have attended a similar event in Atlanta twice before.
At the end of the first heat, Mercer Asia placed third among the teams.
Mercer Asia’s future club leaders Raymond Ko and David Xiao have a strong desire to participate in future Dragon Boat Festivals, saying, “There’s no question about it. It’s our new tradition, and we’re sticking to it.”
(04/25/13 5:32pm)
Rob Sumowski is a Mercer Alum, who teaches at Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville, Ga. He graduated in 1989 with two BMAs in Music and Psychology. His collection of signed NASA photos and articles was on display last year in the Macon Museum of Arts and Sciences. Sumowski is now compiling a collection of World War II memorabilia that is five years in the making.
Cluster: What made you choose Mercer?
Sumowski: They had the coolest display table when they came to my high school. Everybody was real nice. They had a pretty good music department, and I was offered a scholarship. It was between here and The Citadel, believe it or not, because I went to a military school, back in Savannah. I almost went that route. Then when they offered me the music scholarship, it was great.
C: What instrument did you play?
S: I was a percussionist. I came here in ‘85, and graduated in ‘89. I was the drummer in the Mercer Big Band, and I did orchestral ensembles. I don’t know if you’re on scholarship, but usually when you are, it’s indentured servitude. So, basically, any time the music department said “You’re going to play,” you just had to do it.
C: Why did you choose your majors?
S: I came in as a business major, actually, but I’m just not a business type of guy. Music was required, but what I really wanted was a psychology degree. I did the music degree for Mercer, because that was a requirement, due to the scholarship, and that allowed me to get the psych. degree that I wanted.
C: What sorts of clubs and organizations were you a part of?
S: I was an SAE - a social fraternity. I was in Phi Mu Alpha, which was a professional music fraternity. That was fun. I played in all the bands, here and on-campus. I was a senior senator in SGA.
C: Did you do any sorts of big performances outside of Mercer’s music program, here?
S: Oh, yeah, I spent the ’90s on the road with a bunch of bands, ranging from Gypsy Train to the Go Go Girls to Kevin Kinney from Drivin’ ‘N’ Cryin’. Shawn Mullins and I did four records together with Colombia. Kristian Bush, who’s now part of a country band called Sugarland – he and I were on the road together for a little while. So, yeah, when I left here, I kind of ended up in the Atlanta acoustic scene, which was a really cool place to be in, during the ’90s.
C: Now, earlier before the interview, you mentioned the co-op. What was your favorite place to hang out on campus?
S: Yeah, we would hang out in the co-op; that was where everybody went to smoke, every day. They always had a break at 10 o’clock, for chapel hour, and nobody ever went to chapel. It was basically social hour, so we would always spend it there.
C: What was your best memory at Mercer?
S: Mercer was a great place to be in the ’80s. It was a lot more open. A lot different than it is now – a lot smaller and more laid-back. I always liked the way the professors would interact with the students. We had a good relationship with them. I remember Tom Trimble. He would throw erasers. If you weren’t paying attention, he would whip out these chalk-board erasers. One day, I got there early, and I gathered all the erasers in the entire Knight Hall, in the whole second floor. I loaded them all up with chalk dust and put them behind the student desks. I gave a signal in class and we all got up and threw erasers at him. He started throwing erasers at us, and he’s hiding behind the desk. He’s this big, verbose kind of guy. It was just this kind of stuff – the interaction with professors.
C: What is the most notable thing you learned from your time at Mercer?
S: To think for myself. I attribute that to my professors. These guys, they let us screw up. They let us get our head underwater without letting us drown. In other words, they worked with us. I wasn’t the best student in the world as an undergrad, but since then I’ve gotten three more degrees and I’m published and whatnot. In the end it all worked out.
(03/06/13 5:07pm)
Megan DeLong is the senior assistant director of the Mercer Admissions Department. She studied at Mercer from 2004 to 2008, and received her BA in business.
Cluster: What made you choose Mercer University?
DeLong: I chose Mercer because of the personal attention. I was so impressed when I came for a campus visit that a faculty member said ‘Hello,’ to me and gave me his e-mail address if I had any questions. He e-mailed me a couple weeks after that and said, “Oh, it was so nice to meet you! We exchanged contact information. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to e-mail me.” I thought that was so cool. The first time I visited campus – and this was the first campus I ever visited – I told my parents, “This is what I felt college would look like. This was exactly what I pictured.” It was the community feel, and the look of the campus. I compared everything to Mercer after that visit.
C: Why did you choose your major?
D: I started out in the School of Music, and as much as I love music and the School of Music, I didn’t want to do classical music professionally, I realized. I was also nervous about how to get a job with a music major – I didn’t want to teach music. So, I switched into the school of business because I love people and I’m really outgoing. So marketing seemed like it would be really interesting, so I switched into marketing my sophomore year.
C: What sorts of clubs and organizations were you a part of, during your time at Mercer?
D: I was a part of Mercer Singers, because I loved the music. I was in a sorority – Chi Omega. I participated with Up ‘Til Dawn.
C: You were also a part of a group called “The Red Swill,” correct?
D: Yes! Yes, I played downtown a lot. I was in a band called “The Red Swill.” We were a bluegrass band, and I performed by myself, as well. I’m a singer/songwriter still here in town. I play downtown a lot in restaurants, and some of the bars on the square, and music is kind of what I do a lot in my free time.
C: Now, everybody has their own favorite place to “hang out.” What was yours, while going to school?
D: Duncan’s Lounge, upstairs in the Connell Student Center, with the big-screen T.V. My roommate always went to bed really early, and I was a night-owl. I remember so many times it would be that I would stay up late and hang out with friends. I always joked about how I wanted to have a college life.
C: What is your best memory about Mercer?
D: Oh! Great Books 495. Dr. Cass. He was about to retire, and it was my senior year and his last semester here at Mercer. I went in on the first day. Dr. Cass came in, and he was like a little, old grandfather. He had a bow tie,and glasses, and that’s what he wore every day. He comes into class, puts his arm around my neck, yanks me out of my chair and holds a pen up to my throat and growls “This could have been a scene from The Iliad!” Everybody was like “Oh, my god, this guy is crazy.”
The class was about The Iliad, and we had just read it for the semester. He picks me up off the floor, dusts me off and holds out his hand, “Mike Cass. Hey, you alright?” “Yeah! Fine! I’m good.” And that was the first class of an amazing semester with Dr. Cass. By far the best class I took at Mercer.
C: In what ways has Mercer Changed the most in your eyes?
D: Physically, I am so impressed with the growth that the campus has experienced. When I graduated, I got a job in admissions immediately, so I got to watch it grow physically over the past five years. Mercer Village was huge to see it actually build from just this plan that we were presented with in a staff meeting from the president. To see it actually built, and to be finished was so cool, and now with Cruz Plaza, as well.
C: What is the most notable thing you’ve learned from your Mercer experience?
D: Mercer taught me how to think for myself, and how to use my brain. I was so nervous about talking, when I got to Mercer. I loved to talk, but I didn’t like to rock the boat, or to make conflict. “You have your opinions, and I have mine.” That’s still very true, but I feel like Mercer taught me how to argue and how to defend my position, and also made me evaluate why I held that position at all. Just thinking it because I “feel that way,” is absolutely fine, but there’s got to be a little bit more substance about why you believe it, and why you think what you think.
(03/06/13 4:59pm)
Local businesses may offer discounts for Mercer students
The stereotype of poor, college kids is one that holds a lot of truth. It wouldn’t be a surprise if three-quarters of all the pantries here on campus were filled with cup noodles and value packs of Cheez-Its. That’s great for snacking, of course, but in order to get something with substance while eating on a budget, one can make use of student discounts. Luckily for Mercer Students, there are a number of different venues around town that offer student discounts. On top of that, there are more services than just food. Many places offer student discounts on fun things to do around town.
Moe’s Southwest Grill
One food option that a lot of students are familiar with is Moe’s Southwest Grill on Vineville Ave. What could be better than walking into a restaurant and being greeted with a hearty “Welcome to Moe’s!” right before being greeted by the smell of hand-prepared burritos? How about getting all of that paired with a 10% discount at the cash register? Simply flash your Bear Card, and enjoy the immediate benefits of your education.
The Bear’s Den
The Bear Den on Oglethorpe St., is a cafe-style restaurant that offers an upbeat environment to enjoy a nice meal. If you’re in the area, stop by and give it a try. Again, mention that you’re a student, and ask about what sort of discounts they offer.
Acapulco
If you’re in the mood for Tex-Mex food with a bit more atmosphere, you may be interested in Acapulco, on the corner of Cherry and Third. Set in a historical Macon hotel, Acapulco has been open since 1997. At the time of this writing, they have only offered a 10% discount to students for a little over a week, and are hoping to see a lot more customers from the campus. Check it out sometime, and maybe play a free game of billiards in the lobby.
La Berry Frozen Yogurt
So, you’ve stuffed yourself full of food already from the above restaurants, and are looking to put the proverbial “cherry on top.” Be sure to check out La Berry on Forsyth Ave., and receive a 5% discount off their Fro-Yo.
Macon Grand Opera House
Why not go for dinner and a show? Keep an eye on the Macon Grand Opera House on Mulberry St. for upcoming shows. They offer quite generous student discounts on a number of different events, so stay in the loop.
Cox Capitol Theatre
If you’re an avid theater-goer, also look at the Cox Capitol Theatre on Second Street. Although they don’t have discounts for every show, many shows feature lessened prices for Bear Card holders, or will even let Mercer Students in for free.
Cherry Street Hookah
Maybe you’re looking more for a place to relax and just enjoy yourself. Cherry Street Hookah is a nice place with a good atmosphere where Mercer students can receive 10% off a number of different snacks and services.
Cherry Street Cycles
While you’re on the square, check into Cherry Street Cycles on Cherry St. Although the discounts vary depending on service and product, they are very willing to work with Mercer students. They are involved with the bike rentals here on campus, and are very in-touch with the school.
Designer Tan
Right in Mercer Village, Designer Tan is a great place to grab some rays. With various discounts for Mercer students, they’re definitely worth stopping by to see.
William Alexander Salon
Also in Mercer Village, the recently relocated William Alexander Salon is the place to go in order to get a trim, cut your nails or simply enjoy a nice massage. With a Bear Card, students can receive a variety of different discounts, including $10 off select haircuts.
Overall, students can enjoy themselves in a number of different ways, and can also support local business. Some of the listed locations see Mercer students daily, and love having them there. Go out and enjoy yourself, while still keeping at least a few dimes in your pocket for a rainy day.