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(04/22/21 4:00am)
Mercer’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives has started a weekly podcast to foster “powerful conversations about diversity at Mercer University.”
The podcast airs every Monday with new episodes covering different topics related to diversity and inclusion. Emma Kraft, a senior and intern for the Office of Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives, said the podcast is a collaborative effort between the entire intern team. Kraft has been editing, producing and hosting the podcast since its inception.
“Diversity and inclusion is hard,” Kraft said. “Typically what we’ve seen is that the people who really need to hear these things are not the ones coming to the events. We were trying to think of a way to incorporate more people, and spread awareness of the office in general.”
The office released their first episode March 2. Their repertoire ranges from conversations about women in STEM and the hypersexualization of Black women in the media to conversations about life as Asian Americans.
“The purpose of the project was to provide a voice and space for the campus community to discuss current events and hot button issues in America and around the globe,” said Ansley Booker, director of Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives. “We also wanted to use the podcast as a vehicle to educate the student body from a peer perspective.”
The podcast is student-driven, featuring students and student organizations.
“This is really about giving more people a platform than anything else,” Kraft said. “It’s not about production quality. It’s to provide a space for people to have these conversations and hope that anyone who is interested but doesn't know where to start when learning about these topics could just spend 30 minutes of their day listening to their peers talking about something that’s important to them.”
Junior mechanical engineering major Dorcelle Lotemo was featured on the ‘Women’s HIstory Month: Women in STEM’ episode.
“I really enjoyed being featured on the podcast,” Lotemo said. “I think it was a great opportunity to sit around a table with other women in different STEM majors and fields speaking on our experiences.”
Lotemo said she appreciates the work the office is doing to create a new outlet for learning.
“I believe the Office of Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives is doing a phenomenal job with their podcast. It’s a job that needs to be done because the only way one can grow is by being receptive to learning. They are tackling major issues, “ she said.
Booker said the podcast is a long-term project that they hope will inspire long-term change.
“I do see the podcast as a long-term project that could open the door for many more opportunities to not only discuss but for us to collectively seek tangible solutions on how to approach justice, equity, diversity and inclusion topics in higher education,” Booker said. “We have our slate ready to go for the fall and will work to close out the spring with a bang featuring some cool Mercer Memories and recaps of the semester.”
You can listen to new episodes every Monday on Spotify.
(04/20/21 7:34pm)
Ever since grade school, junior Ebonye Smith knew she wanted to pursue engineering. Now, Smith is a 2021 Recipient of the Goldwater Scholarship.
Smith was one of 410 college students in the country and three Mercer students to receive this year’s scholarship. The scholarship program was “designed to foster and encourage outstanding students to pursue research careers in the fields of the natural sciences, engineering, and mathematics,” according to the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation’s website.
Her interest in engineering started young, but it wasn’t until college where she understood the field.
“I didn’t really know what engineering was until I got here to Mercer,” Smith said. “But after taking my first couple of classes and doing research, I was like ‘okay, I hit the nail on the head. I didn’t know what it was but I’m glad I’m here because I enjoy it,’” she said.
Smith was first introduced to the Goldwater Scholarship at a student presentation during a high school visit to Mercer. She said she knew then that it was an accomplishment she wanted to achieve.
According to the Goldwater website, in order to qualify for eligibility, students must intend to work in research.
Smith has worked with Makhin Thitsa, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering, on research she said played a big part in making her application stand out.
“In just a couple of years in training, Ebonye has proven to be a very productive researcher,” Thitsa said. “When I found out that Ebonye had won the Goldwater scholarship, I was overjoyed because I knew how much she deserves it.”
As a student researcher in Thitsa’s lab, Smith has investigated data-driven control methodologies for transportation networks. Her work has been presented at three conferences and compiled as a journal article, which is currently under review.
“She is truly an asset in my research group,” Thitsa said.
Smith is the first Black student from Mercer University to be named as a Goldwater Scholar.
“In one of my essays, I talked about how there’s a lack of women of color and Black women in STEM,” she said. “A lot of younger Black girls don’t have a lot of role models to look up to or a lot of role models encouraging them to pursue STEM. It’s kind of nice to win something like this because now I can be a role model to little Black girls and be like, ‘hey, I’m doing this, you can do it too.’”
In the future, Smith plans to do research within the industry through a company or laboratory.
“I think there’s a difference between practicing engineering and practicing what you find in your textbook versus discovering things you would put in a textbook,” she said.
(03/04/21 5:28am)
The foundation of many cities across the world, the restaurant industry brings in billions of dollars a year. In 2020 alone, the National Restaurant Association predicted that the industry would make $899 billion. The impacts of COVID-19, however, have caused restaurants around the world to take devastating hits, greater than many other industries.
According to the National Restaurant Association, restaurant employment has decreased and $240 billion in sales have been lost. This isn’t just a national impact; the effects of COVID-19 have hit local restaurants right here in Macon.
In late 2020, downtown Macon restaurant Piedmont Brewery closed its dining room due to the growing number of COVID-19 cases. The restaurant has since reopened, but other restaurants in Macon have not been so lucky.
In late January, Stevi B’s located on Tom Hill Sr. Boulevard closed its doors for good.
Owner Ryan Tucker told The Telegraph that the COVID-19 economic climate made it difficult to stay open.
Many Mercer students who work at local restaurants are experiencing the volatile nature of the restaurant industry firsthand due to the pandemic.
Senior political science major Bryce Brandvold has worked at Ocmulgee Brewpub since November 2019. He said he sees a change in business.
“Since the pandemic started, it has been a lot more to-go business,” he said. “I would say my pay has suffered because of it because I’m compensated based off tips.”
Since the first COVID-19 lockdown in Georgia during the early summer of 2020, many Macon restaurants have reopened their dining rooms. Opening doors to the public while the pandemic continues has heightened safety concerns for some employees.
“COVID makes working a lot tougher, especially since I am constantly talking with people and touching dishes used by hundreds of people a weekend,” said freshman Joshua Lymon, a server at Margaritas Mexican Grill in Mercer Village. “I am constantly washing my hands and taking other safety precautions when I am working.”
The job comes with other struggles: getting patrons to care about COVID-19.
On July 27, Macon-Bibb County Mayor Robert Reichert vetoed the emergency ordinance that required face masks in public. Georgia is also among the states with no federal mask mandate, further contributing to the dismissive nature of many of its residents. Brandvold said the apathy towards COVID-19 has made being in service an eye-opening experience.
“There wasn’t a lot of respect for the service industry to begin with, but now with the pandemic, we’re asking for something additional: for people to respect our health as well,” he said. “We do everything we can to make sure our customers are taken care of, that’s our job pure and simple. This now includes making sure people are safe from the pandemic, and we ask that patrons try to make sure we’re safe from the pandemic too despite what they may believe about COVID.”
According to Google News, there have been over 14,000 COVID-19 cases in Macon-Bibb county alone. It is no surprise that student workers like Lymon fear job and health security.
“If someone catches COVID-19 at my job, it would be very likely that multiple people or even I might contract the disease,” Lymon said. “That not only threatens my job but also my health and the health of those around me.”
Branvold said despite the worries, restaurant workers still prioritize making sure customers are taken care of, and their health and safety are of utmost importance.
“We may not be the people that are in the hospital rooms or laboratories on the front lines, but we try to give people a sense of normalcy in these tough times, and that’s noble too,” he said.
(01/27/21 4:47pm)
Over the past year, political tensions in America have been notably high. From the civil rights protests of summer 2020, to November’s historic Presidential election, to former President Donald Trump’s fervent attempts to refuse a smooth transition of power, there’s a lot to discuss.
Most recently was the storming of the U.S. Capitol that took place Jan. 6. The riot was carried out by Trump supporters during the Congressional sessions to confirm President-elect Joe Biden as the winner of the election.
“Regardless of what the event invoked in each of us, it invoked something in all of us,” senior Jadon Murad said in his opening remarks at Monday night’s Middle Ground discussion.
Mobilize Mercer and Real Talk came together to organize Middle Ground, a “deliberative dialogue” for the Mercer community to take a deep look into what they feel following the demonstration at the Capitol. The event was held Jan. 18 in Willingham Auditorium. Masks and social distancing guidelines were enforced.
“We are here to reach a middle ground,” Murad said.
The event was inspired by a YouTube series created by the media platform Jubilee. The series consists of conversations on various topics in which the participants are divided.
The rules were simple. Real Talk coordinators Shailey Shah and Robyn Guru shared a statement related to the current state of society, and participants moved closer to or further from the auditorium aisles to express their level of agreement with the statement. Those who desired to further express why they agreed or disagreed with the statement were given one minute to state their thoughts.
Those who did not feel comfortable sharing their opinions were able to use an app called Slido, which allowed them to express their opinions openly and anonymously.
The topics discussed included the Black Lives Matter Movement, the riot at the Capitol, censoring content on social media, accessible voting and voter education.
In an Instagram post advertising the event, Mobilize Mercer said, “It is paramount that Mercerians address their concerns collectively to prevent further division; therefore, we must be open to listen and understand others to find our middle ground.”
Students, faculty and staff with varying beliefs and opinions attended to express what concerns them and what they are optimistic about.
“I'm optimistic because I see such a diverse group of people in this room,” said Ansley Booker, Mercer’s director of diversity and inclusion. “The road to reconciliation is going to be a long journey. This change starts here. Don't lose hope, don't lose optimism, continue to have faith and faith in each other.”
Sophomore Kennedy Rayford said she came out to the event because she likes being part of difficult conversations.
“I like hearing other people’s point of views,” Rayford said. “I think that this was a very successful event.”
Mobilize Mercer and Real Talk coordinators said they plan to host another Middle Ground event in the future.
“You probably don’t agree with everything that was said tonight,” junior Tessa Gebert said in her closing remarks. “But you listened respectfully, and I think that is really, really important.”
(11/07/19 5:00am)
The 2010’s: The most transformative years of our lives. We learned how to drive and graduated high school. We went to our first school dances and made our very best friends. We had our first heartbreaks and started college. We got our first iPods, our first cell phones.
The 2010’s were also transformative for music. Streaming services made all of our favorite tunes easily accessible and affordable. Indie music changed the game for pop. Artists created some of the most daring and genre-blurring music to exist.
A lot has changed in the past decade for us and for music. What has stayed constant, however, are our favorite tunes. What better way to reminisce on the end of an era than by remembering some of the best albums and songs to come out of the 2010’s? I asked for your submissions and I received them. Here is, in no particular order, your favorite music of the 2010’s.
Artists
Taylor Swift
Releases: 2010-2019
Genre: Pop
You guys like Taylor Swift. A lot. Swift has been making music since 2004 and her sound has changed dramatically, but for the sake of this article, we’ll focus on her music from this decade. Between 2010 and 2019, Swift has released five albums and is one of the best-selling musicians of all time.
Pure Heroine- Lorde
Released: 2013
Genre: Pop/electropop
Lorde’s debut album, “Pure Heroine,” sold over 129,000 copies and was one of 2014’s best-selling albums.
Melodrama- Lorde
Released: 2017
Genre: Pop/electropop
Lorde’s sophomore studio album, “Melodrama,” debuted at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200 and went on to be certified gold in the United States.
A song for every moon- Bruno Major
Released: 2017
Genre: R&B, Pop
This is Major’s debut album.
Drive Slow- Mac Ayers
Released: 2017
Genre: R&B
This is Ayers’ debut EP.
Contra- Vampire Weekend
Released: 2010
Genre: Indie Rock
“Contra” is Vampire Weekend’s second studio album and made Pitchfork’s list of 100 Best Songs of the Decade So Far in 2014.
After Laughter- Paramore
Released: 2017
Genre: Punk-pop
It’s safe to say that Paramore has made some of the best music of the decade. Their fifth album, “After Laughter,” doesn’t even scrape the surface of their iconic repertoire. “After Laughter” sold 67,000 copies and is Paramore’s third top ten album on the charts.
Songs
Countdown- Beyoncé
Released: 2011
Genre: R&B
Beyoncé’s discography as a whole is home to the decade’s most iconic music. “Countdown” is certified gold and topped a number of charts both in the United States and internationally.
Pumped Up Kicks- Foster the People
Released: 2010
Genre: Indie Pop
Despite the song’s controversy, “Pumped Up Kicks” spent eight consecutive weeks as number three on Billboard's Hot 100 and received a Grammy nomination.
Princess of China- Coldplay x Rihanna
Released: 2012
Genre: Electropop/ R&B
This iconic collaboration is a single from Coldplay’s “Mylo Xyloto.” The song topped charts in both the United States and the UK.
No Hands- Waka Flocka Flame
Released: 2010
Genre: Hip Hop
The anthem of every party of our early teens, “No Hands” had great success, making it in the top 20 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Super Bass- Nicki Minaj
Released: 2011
Genre: Pop/rap
“Super Bass” is a single from Minaj’s first studio album, “Pink Friday.” The song made it to number three on the Billboard Hot 100.
We Can’t Stop- Miley Cyrus
Released: 2013
Genre: Pop
“We Can’t Stop” tied with “Party in the USA” as Cyrus’ highest ranking single on the charts and has sold over two million copies in the United States.
In the Stars- My Brothers and I
Released: 2015
Genre: Electropop
The single “In the Stars” is from the band’s album, “Don’t Dream Alone.” The group of brothers is making a name for themselves in the alternative-indie-pop scene.
Adorn- Miguel
Released: 2012
Genre: R&B
“Adorn” reached number one on the Hot R&B and Hip-Hop Songs chart and earned the singer three Grammy nominations.
Of course, these albums and songs alone don’t fully encompass the greatness that is music from our childhood, but it sure does give us a lot to look back on and even more to look forward to.
(10/12/19 12:50am)
When people find out I’m a twin, I always get the same questions and reactions. “Oh my gosh, can you feel each other's pain? Can you read each other's minds?”
The answer is always no, of course.
As we get older, the questions have evolved into more mature versions with the same idea. “Why would you guys choose to go to different schools? Is it weird not being together anymore?”
Having a twin is no different than growing up with older or younger siblings, but all our lives we have constantly been characterized as a unit, as if our minds and souls are somehow literally connected to one another. I never mind the silly questions and the playful banter, but growing up with someone who is the same age as you, looks like you and sounds like you definitely imposes an identity crisis in one phase or another.
As you can expect, my twin sister and I did everything together when we were younger. Ballet, gymnastics, cheerleading — you name it, we did it, and we did it side by side, hand in hand. We learned how to ride bikes together, and we lost our first teeth around the same time. When she couldn’t catch on to the complexities of tying a shoe, I taught her.
Growing up, having someone to share every milestone with was very comforting. For many people, the idea of sharing every moment of your upbringing with another person seemed so crazy, almost undoable.
The rumors are false. In all actuality, we have always been very independent.
In elementary school, we were never in the same classes, which really allowed us to cultivate our social skills outside of each other. We had different friends and different experiences to share with each other after our day apart. This separation allowed us to learn and formulate our own thoughts and make our own decisions without each other’s biases.
As we got older and school got harder, clear distinctions started to take precedence in different aspects of our lives. My sister was always the better student; when she got an A, I got a B. When she received academic honors, I sat in the crowd cheering her on.
Where I lacked academically, I made up in pristine social skills. I never felt fazed by her brains, but everyone around us felt as if I should have. For the first time in our lives, I could see the stereotypes affecting our dynamic. From an outside perspective, everything was always a comparison as to who was better at this or that. Our strengths and weaknesses never stood alone but on a balance, toggling back and forth between who was the “best.”
As a young, impressionable teen, people's opinions really can have an effect on you. I don’t know what she felt, but constantly being compared by others to someone I shared such an unwavering bond with was a weird experience for me during our adolescence.
When it came time to make college decisions, going to different schools seemed to be a big deal to everyone except us. We wanted different things out of our college experiences, so it only made sense. Of course, we got the question, “Will it be weird not being with your sister anymore?” It’s funny, no one questioned my other sibling the way we were interrogated about separating our twin bond by a couple hundred miles.
We made the decision to attend different schools, and like many other aspects of our lives, at the end of the day, we always make whatever decision is best for ourselves, individually. I grew up with very loving, supportive parents who taught us the importance of the “me” not “we” mentality, the idea that we are two individuals and despite the opinions of others or even each other, we have to do what makes us happy.
I never considered growing up with a twin to be this unusual concept, but so many people do. Living through it, you never consider how unconventional it is to others. At the same time, outsiders don’t consider how their single identification of two individuals can affect the individuals being combined. Though people make these preconceived notions about the way twins have to be, my sister and I never let that get us down for too long.
I love being a twin; I love having someone who can relate to me in a way that no one can, or ever will be able to. Despite our independence, we share a bond that is unbreakable by any amount of academic achievement, distance or external opinion.
(09/26/19 4:00am)
Music Midtown is the time of year when thousands of music lovers swarm Piedmont Park in Atlanta for a weekend full of music from today’s most popular artists. This year, the festival showcased artists from all the likes — Lizzo, Panic! At the Disco, you name it, they were probably there. Here’s a recap of the good, the bad and the weird at this year’s festival.
Banks
Banks was one of the first performers of the weekend. The singer/songwriter is known for her confidence, fierce dance moves and electronic yet soulful beats. Her third album -- “III” -- was released this summer, just in time for the festival. In between songs, she expressed gratitude to the crowd for being her first festival audience in years, and her performance reaffirmed her appreciation from start to finish. Her set list included the old classics that kick started her career such as “Begging for Thread” and new hits like “Gimme.” One of my favorite things about Banks is her stage performance. Her dancing is graceful, almost aerial-like; Banks and her backup dancers never miss a beat. Her set was a great start to the festival.
Lizzo
I have to say, initially, I did not have high hopes for Lizzo’s performance. I had never truly listened to her music and the only song I was familiar with was “Truth Hurts,” the most oversung, overheard song of the year. My judgement turned out to be completely wrong. Her performance began and ended on the same note: high intensity, engaging and just plain fun. Her church-turned-pop-turned-hip hop sound entices fans from all walks of life. In between songs, her interaction with fans felt like casual conversation with your best friends. My favorite part of her performance was the running theme of girl power, self-love and confidence. The crowd loved her, and to my surprise, so did I; Lizzo was the best performer I saw all weekend. Even though I still wish the music world would pick another song other than “Truth Hurts” to ruin by constant overplay, I will definitely be listening to — and enjoying —her full discography.
Bad Suns
When I think of the music 15-year-old me would listen to, I think of Bad Suns, so it is safe to say I was extremely excited for this performance. Bad Suns is an alternative rock band whose music can be categorized with Young the Giant and Local Natives. Their fun, upbeat sound almost made me nostalgic for high school. The band mostly played music from their newest album, “Mystic Truth,” which was released in March of this year. Although I am not up to date with their new tracks, it was still an enjoyable experience. They closed the set with my all time favorite Bad Sun’s song, “Cardiac Arrest.” No one seemed to mind the unbearable heat, which is a sign of a truly phenomenal show.
Panic! At the Disco
Another band from my past, Panic! At the Disco has an iconic repertoire of music that the middle schooler inside of me could not wait to hear live. The pop rock band headlined day one of the festival. I have never seen such a large, diverse crowd. There were men in their 40’s, kids in their teens and children who were out way past their betimes. I personally haven’t listened to any of their music released post middle school, but lead singer Brandon Urie’s infectious stage presence made every song seem familiar. Unfortunately, I no longer have the vibrancy of my middle school days, so I did not have the energy to make it to the end of the hour and a half set to hear “I Write Sins not Tragedies,” but I did get to fulfill my childhood dreams while jamming out to “Nine in the Afternoon.”
Cardi B
I have to start by saying that I am not the biggest Cardi B fan. Her songs are catchy, don’t get me wrong, but I have never been one to personally seek out her music like the thousands of fans who turned out for her performance. Although I spent more time people-watching than engaging in her performance, I did find her setlist interesting; she performed many songs that she features on, but not many of her own. Cardi B pleased the crowd with songs such as “Girls Like You” and “Finesse,” but Adam Levine and Bruno Mars were nowhere to be found. Despite being relatively new to the music world, her discography is pretty vast: one album, two mixtapes and numerous singles, so I expected to hear more of her own content. I didn’t quite enjoy her solo songs, but I did enjoy the ghostly Levine and Mars cameos.
Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish was one of day two’s headliners and one of my most anticipated performances. Her setlist encompassed songs from her debut album, “When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?” and classics such as “Ocean Eyes.” It seemed like all festival goers migrated to see her perform. As her set was ending, the sun set over the park and she slowed it down by performing “When The Party’s Over.” The atmosphere during that performance was every concert-lover’s dream.
Two days of music sounds like a dream. Fun, friends and good tunes — what’s not to love? In reality, the heat is unbearable, the crowds are overwhelming and the food is overpriced. So why do people, including me, continue to attend these festivals year after year despite all we endure? There is something so special about seeing your favorite artists, live and in the flesh with thousands of sweaty, exhausted, but happy music lovers that makes the entire experience worth while.
(08/13/19 5:28pm)
When she came to Mercer her freshman year, junior Vanae Hatcher had a goal—she wanted to get a degree that would allow her to get a job helping people. Hatcher decided she would major in biology and minor in chemistry with the hopes of being a pediatrician. After her first semester, that all changed.
“It wasn’t for me,” Hatcher said. “I was looking for something that could incorporate my talent and what I really love to do.”
Hatcher said her creativity couldn’t shine as a biology major, so she decided to look into art.
“Ever since I was a little girl, I have always been interested in art,” Hatcher said.
Hatcher grew up taking art classes, from painting to sculpting. Her favorite, she said, was drawing. She took a class with art professor Hazel Caldwell to see if this was the best change for her.
Caldwell introduced her to art psychotherapy, the use of creativity to help people express themselves and their emotions through art.
“I fell in love immediately,” Hatcher said. "I learned that there are other ways to help people."
With her heart set on pursuing art psychotherapy, Hatcher decided to continue taking art classes and change her major to psychology with a minor in art. Hatcher said this will allow her to do the two things she loves most—express her creativity and help others.
After graduation, Hatcher plans to attend graduate school to get a degree in art psychotherapy. After graduate school, she wants to open up her own travel practice and bring art psychotherapy to prisons, mental institutions and other areas where people don’t have access to art psychotherapy.
“I feel like I finally found my place,” Hatcher said. “Everyone else knew what they wanted to be, knew what they wanted to do immediately. I wasn’t like that when I came to college, but now I really feel like I found my niche and can really, truly help people.”
(08/12/19 8:25pm)
When Martin Noyes was looking for his next career move, he decided to combine the two things he loves most -- theatre and Dungeons & Dragons.
Noyes will bring his two passions together as he returns to Tattnall Square Center for the Arts to present his show, “The Blessed Demon,” in August. Noyes has partnered with Mercer Theatre to bring his Dungeons & Dragons themed improv show to life.
“Actors play the main characters of the scenario,” said Scot Mann, director of theatre at Mercer University. “They have their main attributes, they know their backstory, and they find out on the fly what their objective is. Everything after that is affected by their decisions.”
This improv show is interactive. Whether you are dressed in costume or just wearing a “player” badge, anyone who wants to participate will have a chance to be included in the show.
After the show’s success last year, Mann said they had to bring it back.
“It was pretty much wildly successful,” Mann said. “When I suggested we might be able to do it again, if our students wanted to, they were unanimous.”
Senior Kimberly Gessner said her experience last year made her excited to be part of the main cast again this year.
“It was really, really cool,” Gessner said. “I usually do tech stuff, so getting to actually be on the other side and be on stage was a really fun experience.”
This year, Mercer Theatre will offer special ticket packages for devoted fans.
“We noticed the first time we did the show there were people coming back every night because they knew that there was going to be an end to the story,” Mann said.
A $50 package will give attendees access to all of the performances, or the roll of a 10-sided dice will determine the cost of your show entry that night.
Mann said the cast and crew are happy to start the year by working with Noyes again.
“He’s terrific,” Mann said. “I think one of the fascinating things about him is he just has these whole universes in his head.”
The show will take place Aug. 22-24 and Aug. 29-31 at 7:30 p.m. There will also be matinee performances Aug. 25 and Sept. 1 at 2:30 p.m.
(02/28/19 6:45pm)
Mercer University’s chapter of Delta Sigma Pi (DSP) will host Business Week, a five-day event to provide faculty and students with professional and career development, knowledge and tips.
“Business Week is an opportunity for DSP and the brothers within DSP to just showcase the way business affects the world,” said Donald Williams, president of Mercer’s chapter.
DSP is a co-ed business fraternity with 298 established chapters. Mercer’s chapter has been hosting Business Week annually for five years.
The week will consist of six different events including a business attire fashion show, a mocktail networking event and an interviewing workshop.
Williams said all students are welcome.
“Whether you are a science major, engineering major, no matter,” Williams said. “You are open to come see Business Week and just be a part of the things that we have to offer.”
Business Week Chair Eliza Miller said this week is all about helping students build for their future.
“We want everyone to make allies in the Macon community,” Miller said. “It is important to know how to network and foster relationships for future careers and we hope that Business Week provides students with the skills and ability to do so.”
Business Week will be held March 18-22.
(09/29/18 1:41am)
When you think of Atlanta, the Braves and the Falcons, Coca-Cola and the Georgia Aquarium come to mind. The true gem of this state capital, however, is its growing and ever-changing art scene.
The bustling town is located just over an hour north of Macon, perfect for a day trip with friends. Deemed the Hollywood of the South, there is so much artistry in the city that it would be impossible to see it all in just one weekend. Here are a few places to start.
The Fox Theatre:
The Fox is an event venue located in Midtown Atlanta at the center of the Fox Theatre Historic District. Its beautiful and historic architecture is a sight to see on its own, but the theatre also hosts a slew of concerts, broadway shows and private events. The next big show, School of Rock, starts Oct. 16. Tickets are on sale now, starting at $34.75 plus taxes and fees.
The High Museum:
If you have not been to The High, have you really visited Atlanta? The High Museum, located in the arts district, is iconic for its variety of unique galleries and inexpensive admissions costs. Right now at the museum you can explore sound and art at the Sonic Playground exhibit by Yuri Suzuki, or you can embrace the diversity of the art world at the Outliers and American Vanguard Art gallery.
Old Fourth Ward:
The “O4W” is one of Atlanta’s many up and coming neighborhoods. Located in a historically industrial area, the Old Fourth Ward is every hipster’s dream. The streets of this Atlanta borough are covered in whimsical and interesting graffiti art. The hub is also a great place to grab dinner and do a little shopping with your friends.
Little Five Points:
Little Five is another iconic neighborhood in Atlanta known for its funky art flare, food and fashion. You can find graffiti on every building and artists lining the streets to sell their pieces. For the music lovers, the famous Criminal Records, located in the heart of the neighborhood is a great place to search for your favorite albums.
Hodgepodge Coffee House:
To refuel your body after a long day, head over to Hodgepodge, a coffee shop-art gallery-hybrid. The coffee house is located minutes away from Little Five Points. The shop houses a gallery where local artists showcase and sell their work. It also hosts open mics, poetry slams and variety shows.
There are so many places to see and things to do when visiting Atlanta. Next time you are looking for weekend plans, take a trip to the big city and live out every art lover’s dream!
(02/22/18 5:59pm)
Academic and Advising Services (AAS) will be releasing this year’s Peer Advisor Application on Feb. 23.
The Peer Advisor (PA) program is a leadership opportunity for sophomore, junior and senior students to volunteer by assisting first-year students in their transition to college.
Peer Advisors are assigned to a group of freshmen to guide them through the fall orientation program called Bear Beginnings and co-facilitate a 1 credit hour class, UNV 101, with an advisor.
In this class, Peer Advisors conduct activities in and outside of the classroom, help freshmen register for classes and are available to answer any questions students have about college.
“PA’s offer a peer perspective and act as a friend, role model, mentor, guide and support to new students,” said Victoria Yrizarry, the graduate assistant for Academic and Advising services.
Sophomore Hinal Patel said seeing the PA’s her freshman year inspired her to apply for the program herself.
“One of the first people to talk to me was a PA,” Patel said. “I knew when I would have the chance to apply, I wanted to apply for that position.”
Patel, along with the rest of the PA team, went through a two-round application process which included a written application, video, class syllabus and an interview with the AAS team.
This year’s application is slightly different.
According to the AAS webpage, this year’s pplication process will include the written application, video interview and an interview with the office, but it will not include the lesson plan.
Patel said the application process was stressful, but the AAS team helped ease her nerves.
“Mercer really tries very hard to make the process of becoming a PA very welcoming,” Patel said.
The application is open to all current students in good academic and judicial standing.
Sophomore, junior and seniors interested in applying are encouraged to have at least a 2.75 GPA. Applicants are also required to have no outstanding conflicts or issues that could involve disciplinary action.
The AAS team is seeking a variety of different candidates regardless of their background.
“We are looking for students who reparesent our campus both in diversity and spirit,” Yrizarry said.
For students interested in applying, Yrizarry said the best advice she has is to be yourself.
“Being authentic will allow you to show us your outstanding characteristics,” she said.
Being a PA is a year-long commitment. PA’s must participate in a variety of events that are outlined on the AAS website, ranging from assisting with summer orientation sessions to helping with spring programming initiatives.
Patel said even though being a PA is a time commitment, it is well worth the dedication.
“It is the most rewarding thing that I have done as a student at Mercer University,” Patel said.
Applications will close March 12, at 11:59 p.m.
(02/09/18 2:59pm)
The 2018 Winter Olympics are here. With the opening ceremony just around the corner, the U.S. team is gearing up for the competition with some fierce competitors, old and new to the Olympic games. Here are a few athletes to watch throughout the competition.
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Shaun White: This will be snowboarder Shaun White’s fourth time competing in the Winter Olympics. After a snowboarding accident last October leaving White with a bruised lung and needing 62 stitches, it was uncertain if he would be able to compete in the upcoming games. White posted on his Instagram about the accident, saying he will be back and better than ever. Keeping his word, White qualified for this year’s games with a perfect score at the U.S. Grand Prix.
Maame Biney: This will be Maame Biney’s first time competing in the Winter Olympics. The 17-year-old speedskater recently had her time in the spotlight when a video of her 500m race at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials went viral. It was that very race that secured her spot on this year’s team. Biney will go down in history as the first African American woman to make the U.S. Olympic Speed Skating Team.
Elana Meyers Taylor: Elana Meyers Taylor is a third time Olympian competing on the U.S. Women’s Bobsled team. Meyers Taylor has a bronze and silver Olympic Medal under her belt and hopes to bring home a gold as she pilots this year’s team.
Chloe Kim: At only 17 years old, Chloe Kim is a force to be reckoned with. NBC Olympics reported that Kim has shown Olympic Team potential since she was 13 years old, but due to age limitations, was not allowed to participate. Kim is expected to be among the gold-medalists this year, which will make her the youngest American to win an Olympic medal in snowboarding.
Nathan Chen:When he was 10 years old in an interview with Andrea Joyce, Nathan Chen predicted we would be seeing him in the 2018 Winter Olympics, Los Angeles Times reported. Chen’s confidence and hard work paid off; he will be competing in his first Winter Olympics this year. It is predicted that Chen will be a strong contender for a gold medal in his first appearance at the Winter Olympics.
Tucker West: This year marks Tucker West’s second time at the Winter Olympics. The 22-year-old luger qualified for this year’s Olympics with his outstanding performance at the Lake Placid Luge World Cup in December. Although West does not have any Olympic medals yet, he has proven to be a strong contender for an award this year.
Tune in to NBC on Feb. 9 to see these promising competitors in action.
(02/01/18 11:05am)
Dot’s Forget Me Knots is a quaint boutique tucked away on Cherry Street in downtown Macon. Selling unique and classy pieces of women’s clothing, the shop has been open for over 15 years under the ownership of Macon local, Dot Ridley.
After a year at her original location in west Macon, Ridley decided that downtown Macon was the best place for her business. She has been in her current location for 14 years now.
“I saw there was growth coming to this area,” Ridley said. “We wanted to be a part of the revitalization.”
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That downtown revitalization Ridley is referring to is the ongoing project of the city of Macon and several other redevelopment firms in the area. After all the change going on around her, Ridley said she decided she was ready for another change in her business. Not a new location, but this time, a new look.
The boutique closed for nine months for major renovations and reopened this past October. Dot’s Forget Me Knots now sports a whole new style, complete with an updated interior and storefront.
Along with the store’s rejuvenation, Ridley decided to expand her business by renovating and renting the lofts located above her boutique.
“It was in the building already, we just decided to renovate them to get them going,” Ridley said.
Ridley said she is living out her dream as a storeowner and is pleased to be among those who have contributed to the downtown revitalization, including Mercer.
“Mercer has always been a nice place in our city,” Ridley said. “We are very proud of it.”
For students interested in checking out the boutique, Dot’s Forget Me Knots offers a 20 percent discount for college students in the area.
Ridley said she looks forward to continuing to be a part of downtown Macon’s revitalization.
“I just want to be in the midst of all of it,” Ridley said.
Dot’s Forget Me Knots is open Tuesday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
(09/27/17 2:18pm)
With her passion for the sport and team oriented-spirit, there is no wonder that Paige Alsten was recently named SoCon Student-Athlete of the Week.
Alsten said she is currently a junior, pursuing a major in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Business Administration.
Her dedication is not just limited to the volleyball courts. Alsten is on the 4+1 track to also get her master’s degree, she said.
Alsten grew up in Florida where she began playing volleyball in middle school. She said she attributes many of her accomplishments to her time spent playing club volleyball back home.
“I still go back in the summers, and whenever I’m home to help coach, or play, or really whatever they need,” said Alsten. “I owe so much of my success to them.”
As the season kicks into full gear, Alsten said she and her teammates are getting acclimated to a big change; a new coach. With the introduction of the new coach, Derek Schroeder, Alsten said the team is learning a lot.
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“We are all learning to adjust our game to the new style,” Alsten said.
Alsten has already made a positive impression on her new coach.
“Paige is what all coaches are looking for. She has physical talents but is also the type of athlete that will come to work everyday,” Schroeder said.
Alsten has started the season off with a bang already receiving many other honors. She has been named to the Preseason All SoCon Team, Charleston invitational all-tournament team, and awarded SoCon offensive player of the year. Alsten was also voted captain this year by her teammates.
If her talents weren’t enough, her humble outlook on her accomplishments make her the ideal teammate. Alsten said her teammates are just as deserving of the honor of SoCon Student-Athlete of the Week as she is.
“It may seem strange that I mention my teammates in an honor that is awarded to a solo player, but my success in my position as a middle blocker relies heavily on the success of my teammates,” Alsten said. “Without my teammates, half my job is impossible.”
Alsten has been a starting player for the ladies volleyball team since her freshman year and continues to prove to be a dominate, valuable player to her team.
“I’m just a hardworking player who enjoys the sport and being around others that do as well,” Alsten said.