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(04/13/11 9:35pm)
The southern studies program at Mercer University is less than 10 years old, but it has established itself in the local community as well as having gained national recognition. This year, Mercer faculty and staff have planned new ways to continue to expand the program.
The southern studies program at Mercer is an intricate curriculum that examines the complex history of the U.S. South.
The concentration also offers interdisciplinary undergraduate courses that study the region of multiple perspectives, including courses in African-American studies, English, history, literature and culture.
The program has gained respect in the community due to interactive programs such as the film and lecture series the faculty holds annually. The program was developed and built around the Lamar Lectures, a lecture series held at the university each year.
After hosting the Lamar Lectures, one of the most prestigious lecture series on Southern history and culture, faculty and staff decided to put together the program due to the overwhelming interest shown by students and the local community.
Mercer was granted $216,000 from the federal government to hold an NEH institute that invited teachers from all over the United States to come to Mercer to study the history of cotton, one of Macon’s most notable products during the Civil War era.
The concentration has attracted students for multiple reasons. Senior Carl Lewis discussed how the program helped him understand and come to terms with the place in which he grew up.
“On one hand I want to be able to be proud to call the South home, and I’ve been conditioned for most of my life to glorify my mythical Southern ideals of hospitality, kinship and magnolia-scented charm,” Lewis said. “On the other hand, however, I can’t help but recognize the many problems with the place I call home, and I’ve often sought to downplay it as part of my identity out of fear of appearing responsible for its flaws.”
Students who have pursued the concentration have gone on to continue their studies at graduate levels. Mercer alumni who studied the program during their time at Mercer have practiced graduate degrees in history, English, law school, medical school and journalism.
Southern studies graduate Eva Walton, who is now pursuing a Ph. D. in history, described why she chose to study Southern history at Mercer.
“I began the Southern studies program looking for a suitable major,” Walton said. “What I found were classes that rocked my understandings of race relations, religious experience, southern history and professors whose affirmation and guidance ultimately directed me to my future career.”
Dr. David Davis, assistant professor of English, spoke about why students could benefit from taking courses offered in the concentration.
“Studying the South makes students realize the hidden pieces of their own ideology and identity, what makes them Southerners and what makes this the South,” Davis said.
Faculty are already planning new class topics for the curriculum, including courses on Civil Rights memory, with focuses on history, film and literature during the Civil War era.
(04/13/11 8:30pm)
Mercer University has produced quite a list of notable alumni throughout the years. Names such as Ferrol Sams, Griffin B. Bell and Nancy Grace have all graced the headlines in areas such as literature, politics and television.
Though these Mercer alumni have been making their way in the world for quite some time, recent graduates of the university have also made a significant impression and have held positions of high importance in our local community.
Amy Abel-Kiker, class of 2010, is proof that a Mercer education and a strong work ethic can land you a job of high importance.
Abel-Kiker is currently the Public Relations Director at Middle Georgia Ambulance in Macon, and works closely with the local community and the media on a daily basis. She is a young professional under the age of 25 and proof that there is hope for recent graduates in today’s job market.
Along with constructing informative press releases, communicating with the media and working closely with a dedicated team of dispatchers, Abel-Kiker has also planned CPR workshops and has taken the extra steps to keep the community informed about how to take action in emergency situations.
The latest event Abel-Kiker has planned for Middle Georgia Ambulance is a community health day that is not only free of charge for the public, but also a great opportunity to encourage individuals to stay active for life.
Heart disease, stroke and childhood obesity are all relevant issues that are frequently present in today’s society. Middle Georgia Ambulance has taken the extra step to provide a fun and interactive environment in Tattnall Square Park on April 17 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Abel-Kiker has even incorporated aspects of her alma mater into the workshop by inviting Mercer University’s men’s basketball team to make an appearance and conduct enjoyable basketball drills for children at the health day in order to encourage sports participation and active lifestyles.
Middle Georgia Ambulance will also have paramedics on site to offer free blood pressure and wellness checks to all adults who attend the event.
While studying at Mercer, Abel-Kiker served as the President of the Student Government Association, was an active member of Phi Mu and was one of the most recognized and respected students on campus. Her lasting impression and dazzling smile still grace the local Macon community.
Abel-Kiker is living proof that a Mercer education and a lot of hard work can help you succeed in designing a life you truly love.
“After spending four years at Mercer, I felt very prepared and incredibly excited to start my career. Macon is such an outstanding place to be a young professional and I am so thankful that I was able to stay here and start life,” Abel-Kiker said.
Abel-Kiker is married to Chris Kiker, a 2010 graduate of Mercer. She has a pet pig named Thomas and lives in the historic district.
(04/13/11 3:24pm)
Dozens of students and members of the community will march from Third Street Park to Washington Square Park to raise awareness about sexual assault. The Crisis Line and Safe House’s annual “Take Back the Night” event will take place April 14 from 7 – 9 p.m. in downtown Macon.
April is sexual assault awareness month, and Macon’s Crisis Line and Safe House is taking steps to inform the public that sexual assault and violence do exist in our community and in areas all over the country.
This empowering downtown march will include a candlelight vigil, during which survivors of sexual assaults will share their own experiences and encourage participants to take a stand against the issue.
Third Street and Cherry will mark the beginning of the march and participants will march the path to Washington Square, where the program will kick off.
This year will mark the fourth year of Take Back the Night. Survivors, participants, family and friends are determined to spread awareness and make the community aware that this is a serious issue that should not be overlooked.
Dottie Stafford, sexual assault advocacy program director for Crisis Line, explained her hopes for this year’s event and why it is so important to the community.
“The main objective of this event is to make sure that we all know that this problems exist and to let survivors know that they’re not alone,” Stafford said.
Stafford also expressed the importance of how the community’s understanding of the sexual assault problems that exist within society can ultimately make a difference and help save lives.
“It is important to know that we as a community can work towards changing the culture of sexual violence,” Stafford said.
This year, Take Back the Night will feature different groups such as the Macon Police Department, the sheriff’s office, Bibb County Victim Assistance Program, the Family Counseling Center and Mercer’s STOP program. The Clothesline Project and Post-Secret will also be on scene at this year’s event.
“There are many services available where individuals can find what they can do for help,” Stafford said.
Stafford also encouraged all Mercer students to get involved.
“We love to have student participation,” Stafford said. “We are always looking for volunteers.”
The Crisis Line and Safe House of Central Georgia is a nonprofit organization located in Macon that is funded by local, state and federal grants as well as community contributions.
Crisis Line’s goal is to provide crisis intervention, comprehensive services, support and a safe shelter for victims of violent crimes, including sexual assault and domestic violence. One of the other main objectives is to educate the community about the cycle of violence and prevention.
Programs for families and victims are offered on a daily basis through the Crisis Line.
The organization is also open for caring individuals to volunteer. Some requirements are that you must be over 18 years of age and pass a background check. Other requirements can be found at the following website: http://www.cl-sh.org/Who-can-volunteer-.html.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual violence, you can call the Crisis Hotline at 478-745-9292 to speak with someone immediately.
(03/30/11 10:24pm)
The newly installed raised crosswalks in Mercer Village still pose a danger to students despite being updated to elevate campus safety. These safety measures have not helped because problems still exist, if not more than before.
A little more than a month ago, the improved crosswalks were installed in Mercer Village as a way to slowtraffic in the area. Unfortunately, the problem still continues.
The main stretch of Mercer Village, also referred by students, faculty and employers as “the danger zone,” has seen a tremendous amount of reckless driving throughout the last six months. The highly congested area is also a hot spot for speeding and inattentive driving.
One motor vehicle law in the state of Georgia states that motorists are mandated to yield to pedestrians using a crosswalk. Students at Mercer have discussed their frustration with the confusion of not knowing the proper protocol of the crosswalk.
Junior Jordyn Stearns discussed her puzzling encounter with the crosswalk and a pedestrian.
“I almost accidentally hit someone the other day trying to cross the street,” Stearns said. “I came up to the crosswalk in my car and I waved at the pedestrian, but then the pedestrian waved back at me. I went to go but then they walked out at the same time. It was awkward and no one knew what was going on.”
Employers of Mercer Village have also seen an increase of hasty driving since the new speed bumps were installed.
Junior Lauren Light described some of the attention-grabbing driving incidents she witnessed while working at Jittery Joe’s.
“Working at Jittery Joe’s, you get to see all of the cars just completely fly over the speed bumps,” Light said. “A lot of them end up bottoming out and sparks fly everywhere.”
Light also discussed one occasion where the damage was so bad that Mercer Police had to arrive at the scene.
“One morning I came into work and there were three Mercer Police officers parked by Jittery Joe’s. I thought we had been robbed. Some lady had completely ruined her car on one of the speed bumps and it looked like her tires had also blown out.”
Students, faculty and employers are worried that the increase of reckless driving will continue to grow, especially because the area is becoming more congested.
Senior Kayleigh Irby voiced her concern by saying that she thinks the people going too fast through the area should given more blame.
“I think that the biggest help would be for students who drive through the area to realize the safety issue concerning pedestrians and drive accordingly,” Irby said. “I think Mercer has implemented safety devices but the school can only do so much. Drivers need to be aware that this will be a highly populated area, and safety starts with the driver first.”
Irby also stated that the number of safety devices wouldn’t make a difference unless reckless drivers took initiative.
“It doesn’t matter how many crosswalks or other related devices you put in if drivers aren’t careful; it’s not going to make a difference,” Irby said.
Mercer Police department encourages all students to slow down through the area in order to prevent accidents from occurring.
(03/30/11 2:56pm)
“I doubt any of you are going to be playing with mud for a living, but here I am and I love mud,” said Dr. Matthew Waters, a member of the department of biology at Valdosta State University. It was the first of many encouraging statements during the “How to take Mercer and Mud and Make a Living” lecture in the Medical School Auditorium.
Dr. Waters’ vibrant personality and enthusiastic approach to choosing a career path that truly makes you happy was clear in his words. Having attended Mercer as an undergraduate student, Water discussed his journey into discovering what his passion truly was: mud.
“I love mud,” said Waters. “I like what I do because it’s cool. It is thoroughly enjoyable.”
While studying at Mercer, Waters went from studying mathematics and Christianity to limnology and paleolimnology, a science that measures proxies to infer and reconstruct historic limnological, landscape and climate conditions. Dr. Brian Rood was the one who convinced Waters to switch his major to science.
While discussing his career, Waters offered some interesting facts about what he learned while studying at colleges including Mercer, University of Florida and University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.
“Humans are addicted to water; they love to live near it and they spend exuberant amounts of money to live by it,” said Waters. “Ninety-seven point five percent of world’s water is salt water. Point three percent is lakes and rivers.”
After coming to Mercer University to study as a Presidential Scholar, Waters quickly realized that he had a passion for discovery and taking an extra step to research the unfamiliar.
“There is an element of discovery. I encourage you: try to have some element of discovery. It keeps you going,” Waters said.
Waters offered advice that he gained at Mercer to the audience on how to succeed in school, your career and also in life.
“Learn one thing extremely well and then you can understand other things by comparison. Learn things, learn something in depth,” Waters said. “Do research and get muddy. It doesn’t have to define you, [but] it will change everything.”
Waters also discussed the importance of living a life of depth and how one should not be afraid of the hard stuff, because the harder something is, the better.
After discussing his time at Mercer, Waters even offered advice to the audience regarding graduate school and career paths. He noted that often times would be tough, but with a little faith and hard work you can do anything.
“The first thing I learned in graduate school is I’m not as smart as I thought I was. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. My master’s thesis went through 17 revisions.”
Waters concluded his presentation with one of his favorite mottos from Finding Nemo. “Just keep swimming,” said Waters.
(03/30/11 12:00pm)
Mercer University is known for keeping its student population well informed with community events. This year, Macon’s annual Cherry Blossom Festival attracted more Mercer students than ever before.
The festival featured a college night that drew large crowds to Central City Park and also featured The Dirty Sound Professors, a popular band consisting of Mercer students. Word spread rapidly around campus about the fun opportunities that this year’s Cherry Blossom Festival offered to Mercer students.
The annual event also hosted numerous events downtown and around the local community, such as a bed race competition, a local fashion show, reasonably priced helicopter tours and fun carnival rides.
Though Bear Blurbs and the Campus Life office keep students well informed about community events, many wonder if Mercer should take the steps to become even more involved with the local community.
Brandee Paullin, senior at Mercer, discussed how she thought being involved with the local community was both a fun and beneficial opportunity for students on campus.
“I wish Mercer could be more involved with the Cherry Blossom Festival. I went for the first time this year and it was a blast,” Paullin said. “I feel as though I have been involved with the local community, and College Hill Alliance has done a great job, but I hope students realize the fun opportunities in events like the Cherry Blossom Festival.”
Other students agree that a positive outlook on community could potentially increase the university’s sense of school spirit.
This year, Mercer Athletics has seen a slight increase of student involvement and hopes to see students become more involved spectators with the growing of Mercer’s student body, athletic programs and The Lofts, the latest addition to Mercer Village.
College Hill Alliance has also created many enjoyable events for students to benefit from, including the popular Third Thursday block party conveniently located within walking distance of campus.
(03/16/11 8:00pm)
Macon’s International Cherry Blossom Festival has been a local tradition for almost 30 years. The annual festivities are held every year in Central City Park and have provided fun for families in the Macon area as well as out-of-state and even international visitors.
This year, more than 300,000 Yoshino cherry trees will bloom and the festival is expected to draw record-breaking crowds. This 10-day festival will feature over 500 events, and 80 percent of them are free.
A good way to socialize, volunteer and enjoy the spirit of Macon? You do the math.
Though the pink décor and wide range of activities typically draw large crowds, many think that the festival only takes place in Central City Park. However, downtown Macon also hosts events for the annual celebration including the crowd-pleasing bed race competition.
On Saturday March 19, starting at 1:00 p.m., teams from all over the Middle Georgia area will show everyone their finest threads while racing down Cherry Street. The competition is popular with local businesses and organizations, each team developing a spectacular theme for their racing model.
This year, judges will evaluate entries based on four categories. The categories include Most Original Bed, Judges’ Choice, Funniest Bed and Fastest Bed on Cherry. The competition is lighthearted and a great way for people in the community to partake in Cherry Blossom festivities.
Last year’s bed race event produced a large crowd of more than 100 street viewers. The racecourse began at Acapulco Mexican restaurant and ended down by Martin Luther King Blvd.
Though there is an initial entry fee of $50, teams are encouraged to sign up early to secure a space to compete. To participate in the race, it is also necessary to sign up for the competition in advance.
Teams are also responsible for designing their own race units. Teams are advised to arrive at 11:30 a.m. to properly prepare for their run down Cherry Street.
One rule for the legendary race that is often hard to follow is that the bed or racing device must be under control at all times before, during and after the race. This may seem like an easy step to follow, but most racers and viewers can agree that the task is daunting.
Though the contest is commonly associated as a true-to-form bed race, mattresses are not a requirement. This event beams creativity and encourages teams to bring their sparkling ideas to life. Some teams in the past have even used materials such as wood, bicycles and objects constructed with paper-mâché.
Contestants are also encouraged to literally show off their finest threads by dressing up according to the theme of their race entry. This feature of the competition has also become an event ritual and has proven to be a massive crowd pleaser.
The International Cherry Blossom Festival has provided many fun events for the Middle Georgia Community, and students are highly encouraged to attend the pinkest party on earth. Whether it’s the prominent street parties, the parade or simply volunteering to lend a helping hand, the festival is a great way to get involved in the local community and reap the benefits of everything Macon has to offer.
(02/23/11 9:20pm)
Biking from San Francisco, Calif. to Washington D.C. may sound like a nightmare to some, but to the brothers of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, the trip is actually enjoyable.
The members of Pi Kappa Phi are known for participating in an annual journey that is truly unlike many others. Journey of Hope provides a special opportunity for brothers to spend a summer devoting time and effort toward helping people with disabilities and providing a lasting sense of hope and encouragement for others.
Pi Kappa Phi is the only national fraternity that owns and operates its own philanthropic organization, PUSH America.
Mercer’s Pi Kappa Phi chapter is proud to say that they have successfully sent at least one team member to the Journey of Hope since the mid-’90s.
This year the brothers of Pi Kappa Phi have planned to participate in the philanthropy again, and have already begun fundraising efforts for their team.
Brothers Drayton Perkins, Jake Lankford and AJ Sholly have committed themselves to raising $17,000 this summer by participating in a letter writing campaign to contact friends, family and various media outlets. They are also writing grants to various organizations to provide sponsorship.
Ninety-seven percent of all proceeds raised are used to fund their cross-country expedition.
Senior Drayton Perkins discussed why he chose to participate in the philanthropy’s “Journey of Hope” fundraiser.
“I initially signed up to participate in Journey of Hope because I wanted to be a part of a program that was larger than myself,” Perkins said.
Perkins has participated in the Journey of Hope several times. “After my first Journey of Hope experience, I had to return and do the trip again. I have participated in the trip for the past three summers and each year I have taken on a different position while always trying to reach the same goal.”
Journey of Hope allows members of Pi Kappa Phi from all areas of the country to form teams of brothers and come together for the same cause. One interesting aspect of the trip is that all lodging, meals and necessities are paid for solely by donations.
Brothers agree that though the trip is for a remarkable cause, it is not an easy task.
Perkins discussed the preparations that brothers must endure before trekking on the journey. “There is no way to really train for such a daunting trip,” Perkins said. “The best way to prepare for this particular trip is to mentally prepare. The ride is only half of the trip and the other half is the interactions we have with people with disabilities and the people we are riding for.”
Jake Lankford, another participant in this year’s trip, said, “If this journey only helps one person, then it is worth my entire effort towards it.”
Lankford will begin his trip May 30 in Seattle, Wash., where he will relearn basic first aid procedures, CPR, learn crew functions/procedures and prepare the crew vehicles. After, he will travel to San Francisco to meet Sholly for orientation.
Along with Journey of Hope, brothers of Pi Kappa Phi also participate in other projects sponsored by the philanthropy, including projects like Gear Up Florida, an 800-mile trip from Miami to Tallahassee, and Build America, a six-week team event that allows brothers to travel to six different colleges and communities to improve accessibility areas for people with disabilities.
Perkins is one of the brothers participating in Build America and is looking forward to experiencing the other side of the spectrum.
“I have already seen the cycling side of Push America and now I look forward to seeing the construction side and see my labor put to tangible use for others,” he said.
(02/23/11 9:00pm)
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Mercer's first black student, Sam Oni, reunited with his white college roommate, Don Baxter, to deliver a message of racial reconciliation at the annual Founders' Day convocation Wednesday morning in Willingham Auditorium.
The two Mercer graduates spoke to a packed crowd of students and faculty in an address titled "Healing Hands of Time," which recounted their individual experiences of Mercer's integration during the civil rights movement.
Oni, who was admitted to Mercer in 1963, said the event was an opportunity for Mercer students to understand the power of forgiveness as a way to heal the wounds of past racial injustices.
"Who am I to withhold grace from my fellow brothers and sisters?," Oni said.
SGA Senator-at-Large Jordan Locke helped organized the event. Locke called the address a "captivating" and "powerful" example of Mercer's ability to unite people from diverse backgrounds.
For more on this story, read next week's Cluster, or check back in at www.mercercluster.com for updates.
Photos by Noah Maier/The Cluster.
(02/09/11 11:49pm)
ATHENS –– The Cluster nabbed eight awards at this year’s Georgia College Press Association’s 2011 Better Newspaper Contest.
The Cluster took home four first-place awards for Best Campus Community Service in News, Sports, Layout and Design, as well as third place for Best Features Section and Best Editorial Section.
The Georgia College Press Association is an organization that honors student journalists and members of the association.
The Cluster has been a source of information for both students and faculty since 1920, the year the publication debuted. The publication’s editors and staff have been committed to reporting on issues both on and off campus.
This year, the association’s conference was held in Athens, Ga. on Feb. 5. The Cluster and its editorial staff competed against universities as large as Georgia State University and the Georgia Institute of Technology. Mercer competed in the 4-Year College Division A category.
Morgan Riley, Co-Editor in Chief, expressed her excitement for this year’s conference.
“The newspaper continues to get better each year, and it’s an amazing feeling to see everyone’s hard work awarded and recognized by the GCPA,” Riley said. “I’m incredibly proud of the newspaper staff and honored to be a part of it.”
Senior News Editor Kathleen Quinlan and junior Entertainment Editor Eric Brown took home individual GCPA awards. Quinlan earned third place in the Best Column category for her humor column “Listen Up Nerds”, while Brown took home first place for “Best Entertainment Story”.
One of the most notable awards collected was second place in the General Excellence category.
The GCPA also held officer elections at the annual conference. Liz Bibb, The Cluster's Co-Editor in Chief, was elected vice president for the upcoming year. Bibb said she was excited about being able to hold an executive position with the organization.
“Being a member of the Cluster staff is my favorite thing I have done in college. It is a passion of mine, and I am very excited to get to work with other college newspapers around the state,” Bibb said.
As Co-Editor in Chief of The Cluster, Bibb also felt ecstatic for her team. “I couldn’t be more proud of everyone on staff,” she said. “We work well as a team and our efforts have been rewarded. The plan now is to keep up the good work and hopefully return to the awards next year.”
Kayleigh Irby, Business and Advertising Manager, felt that the staff has seen a tremendous growth since last year.
“I feel that with these rewards we will be able to branch out into the local community and become a staple alongside the 11th Hour and The Telegraph," Irby said.
(02/09/11 6:45pm)
This is a sample of a Groupon discount sent to your e-mail address.
“Get it, Share it, Enjoy it.” These are the three steps needed to become a certified Groupon addict. Coupon junkies, get ready. On Monday, Jan. 24 one of the most recognized up-and-coming coupon sites known as “Groupon” became available to the city of Macon.
The business concept of Groupon is defined by the company as a deal-of-the-day website that is localized to major geographic markets in the United States, and even exists in other parts of the world, such as Mexico, Europe and South America.
Groupon has become so popular that it has already planted itself in over 150 locations in the United States. The company originally launched in November of 2008 in popular city of Chicago, Ill. and has grown rapidly ever since its debut.
The company offers one group coupon (groupon) a day in each of the markets it serves. If a certain number of people sign up for the deal of the day, then the deal becomes available for all to enjoy.
The company has gained so much recognition since its launch that it has already been offered to be purchased by Google for 5.3 billion dollars. The company declined the offer.
Macon’s Groupon has already offered numerous deals since its launch, including deals from local businesses like Ingleside Village Pizza and Amanda Jane Salon and Spa. The first Macon groupon offered $7 for $15 worth of Ingleside Village Pizza. Over 100 groupons were sold.
Though the concept of Groupon in Macon is relatively new, it has caused quite a stir in the community. While consumers have seemed to enjoy the concept thus far, businesses have expressed their positive and negative feelings about the site. Many people think the site is a great way to get name of the businesses out there, others do not agree that it is beneficial.
Mercer students are even discussing the site and how its effects could help make or break certain characteristics of our community.
Senior Carl Lewis does not like the idea of Groupon taking away from local businesses.
“As a customer of local businesses I would much rather go through the business itself than go through a third party,” said Lewis. “I would not use Groupon. It’s cool for some people, but for me if I’m giving a gift or something, I’d rather go through the business itself. I would rather not order something ahead of time and I feel that the idea is not local-centric.”
Other students have a positive feeing about using Groupon, and think that the concept will help stimulate local businesses and interest.
Sophomore Kaleigh Manson expressed her optimism about the site adding Macon to its market.
“I think a lot of students will use Groupon, especially if it offers places that students would be interested in going to, like restaurants and retail businesses.” said Manson. “I haven’t used it yet, but I think it will be a fun way to get deals.”
Senior Molly Szabo had already purchased a few groupons and thinks it is a great opportunity for both the business and the consumer.
“I have already used Groupon multiple times.” Said Szabo. “My most recent purchase was a deal for Barnes & Noble. It really seems to be a win-win for both the business and consumers.”
Groupon Macon has sold over 500 coupons since its launch just two weeks ago.