Proposed gun legislation in the Tennessee Senate has students and faculty at The University of Memphis, and on college campuses across the state, up in arms.

Bill 51, proposed by Tennessee State Sen. Stacey Campfield, whose district includes The University of Tennessee at Knoxville, would allow full-time faculty and staff at any postsecondary institu-tion in Tennessee to carry con-cealed weapons on campus.

University of Memphis pres-ident Shirley Raines released a statement yesterday afternoon expressing her opposition to the Tennessee Senate Bill 51.

“We all support the right for individuals to protect themselves, however, at The University we must look out for the welfare of everyone,” she said. “And we believe our campus is safer because of the

current laws and want them left in place.”

Allegedly sparked by a University of Tennessee Knoxville student concerned by the actions of a fellow class-

mate, the bill, if passed, would go into effect July 1, 2011 and requires those wishing to carry a handgun to take an annual, eight-hour firearm training program.

It also requires participating faculty and staff on TN cam-puses to have a handgun carry permit and for their school to keep written record of who’s carrying the weapons.

“The safety and security of our students, faculty and staff is one of our primary con-cerns, and I believe, along with

Vol. 78 No. 111

Independent Student Newspaper of The University of Memphis www.dailyhelmsman.com

Tuesday, April 19, 2011Daily

HelmsmanThe Editor-in-Chief

Scott Carroll offers up his opinion on bringing guns to The U of M

see page 3

Welcome to the Gun Show

University of Memphis audiology professor Robyn Cox has received a $1.5 million grant from the National Institute of Health to research hearing aid use with the elderly.

Cox’s research will compare how effective basic and premium features in hearing aids are for older adults.

Cox is working with U of M graduate students Jani Johnson and Jingjing Xu on the five-year study.

The goal in the study is to find out when it is profitable for an individual to purchase expensive premium hearing aids and when a lesser form of the tech-nology would be more beneficial for an individual to purchase, said Cox.

“It is wonderful that the (National Institute of Health) has chosen to contin-ue to support her pioneering research. Her success serves as an inspiration to all our faculty,” Maurice Mendel, dean of the school of communication sciences and disorders, said in a email.

Cox has taught at The University since 1977 and has been recognized in the past by The American Academy of Audiology for her research.

BY Joshua BoldenNews Reporter

Can you hear me now — for less?

Pistol-packing professors?

BY erica hortonNews Reporter

New legislation would allow UM faculty and staff guns on campus

A bill recently introduced in the Tennessee State Senate would allow full-time faculty and staff members at The U of M to carry concealed weapons on campus, a possibility that concerns many students.

After 30 years of service in the United States Navy at home and over-seas, Capt. John “Buz” Sorce bid fare-well to his students and coworkers at a retirement ceremony Friday. But given the chance to trade places with one of his midshipmen, Sorce said he would do it all over again.

“You meet a lot of great people that share common values and have great work ethics,” Sorce said. “And you make outstanding friendships.”

As the 10th Commanding Officer of the Mid-South since 2009, Sorce has been in charge of the staff and about 50 naval students at The U of M and the University of Mississippi.

Lt. Derek Hopp, U of M assistant professor of naval science, described Sorce as energetic, enthusiastic and motivating.

“He’s just been a real inspiration through his enthusiasm for the Navy

and for leading naval officers and sail-ors,” Hopp said.

Sorce’s job at The U of M is to ensure ROTC students are ready for commis-sions and to serve as junior officers in the Navy and Marine core upon graduating. But before coming to The U of M, the Memphis native traveled far past the city’s borders during his naval career.

As a Surface Warfare Officer, Sorce served on several different vessels and commanded two — the cruiser USS Cowpens in Japan and the destroyer USS Hopper in Pearl Harbor, Haw.

“I really enjoyed manning ships, taking them to sea, executing missions and visiting ports,” Sorce said. “I really liked the adventure.”

Later, he served as the Executive Assistant to the Commander in Millington, Tenn., and then Deputy of Surface Ships at the Pentagon before coming to The U of M.

Sorce also served as an action officer in the psychological warfare branch

of the Joint Staff, where he did work for mostly Latin American operations and ensured forces were within poli-cies, and served in the Navy Staff as the Surface Warfare Officer community manager where he tracked all facets of the jobs of over 5,000 people.

Sorce has received the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Meritorious Service

see Guns, page 4

Bon voyageUM Naval ROTC commanding officer retires

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Capt. John “Buz” Sorce leaves behind a legacy of excellence at The U of M as he retires from the United States Navy.

BY amBer crawfordNews Reporter

see navy, page 4

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