Joslyn Hicks

Joslyn Hicks ‘29 is a Journalism major at Mercer University. She is excited for her first year as a staff writer for The Cluster. In her free time, you can find her reading a book or singing along to Taylor Swift songs.

News

Mercer hosts Climb to Remember event in rememberance of 9/11

By Joslyn Hicks | September 13

Mercer’s Service and Civic Engagement office hosted its first Climb to Remember on Friday, Sept. 11. This remembrance honored first responders on the 25th anniversary of 9/11. Students and staff were invited to climb the University Center steps to pay tribute by simulating what first responders endured as they rescued people from the World Trade Center, said Margaret Rooyakkers, Assistant Director of Service and Civic Engagement at Mercer.

Local News

Second Sunday concert attracts community for songs and a sunset

By Joslyn Hicks | April 16

Bragg Jam hosted its second of three Second Sunday events featuring The Via Vicary Band on Coleman Hill on Sunday, April 12. “Second Sunday is one of the free events for our community,” Bragg Jam president, Olivia Walter said.

Arts & Culture

New albums are flooding the music industry. Capricorn Studios explains why.

By Joslyn Hicks | February 18

Major record labels and top artists have flooded fans with new music and tour announcements since the start of the year as the industry begins its first big push. The efforts are part of labels’ strategic rollouts of timing releases, marketing and tours which are highly planned to gain momentum before the year is underway.

Sports

Women's lacrosse to open season Friday against Virginia Tech

By Joslyn Hicks | February 5

Mercer women’s lacrosse opens its season at home against Virginia Tech on Friday, Feb. 6 at 3 p.m.

Sports

Men's lacrosse faces off against Hampton to open 2026 season

By Joslyn Hicks | January 27

Men’s lacrosse begins its 2026 season against Hampton University in the season opener at home at 11 a.m on Saturday, Jan. 31. The Bears have faced the Pirates in two consecutive seasons and have won both times, outscoring their opponent by a combined 43-8.

Arts & Culture

Violinist McDuffie, R.E.M.'s Mills perform concerto in Grand Opera House

By Joslyn Hicks | November 23

The Macon-Mercer Symphony Orchestra partnered with Mike Mills and Robert McDuffie to perform their concerto of six songs called “Concerto for Violin, Rock Band and String Orchestra” on Nov. 17, 2025.

Campus News

Weldon and Lowery crowned 2025 Homecoming royalty on Saturday

By Gabriel Kopp and Joslyn Hicks | November 15

Mercer University crowned Nathan Weldon ‘26 and Callie Lowery ‘26 as Homecoming king and queen at halftime of Mercer’s final home game of the regular season on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025. Mercer alumni, students and fans from all over came to celebrate Homecoming and cheer on the Bears as they faced the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Sports

Leading by example: Michael Bloom directs marching band into future

By Joslyn Hicks | October 27

“Approachable, passionate and dedicated,” were the three words that trumpet player Drew McElroy ‘25 used to describe Michael Bloom ‘25. “I think the biggest thing with Michael is just work ethic. He just doesn’t stop, he just goes,” Director of Athletic Bands Nathan Gay said.

Arts & Culture

Behind the curtain: A breakdown of five tracks from ‘The Life of a Showgirl’

By Joslyn Hicks | October 17

Taylor Swift released her twelfth album, “The Life of a Showgirl” earlier this month, which has garnered mixed reviews since its highly anticipated debut on Oct. 3. Swift’s lyricism and style in the album are much more upbeat than in her recent albums. However, fans may not understand the storylines ...

Local News

GABBA Fest honors Allman Brothers over weekend

By Joslyn Hicks | October 1

Allman Brothers Band super fans gathered at the Georgia Allman Brothers Band Association (GABBA) festival, which hosted events around Macon over the weekend to celebrate the legacy which the band created and the community it fostered through its music. It is especially present in Macon, the town where ...