The RMR - November 2011

Specializing In Diversity Since 1986

ISSUE 4, NOVEMBER 2011

Life & EntertainmentHomecoming Takeover

NEWSGreek Life: Behind The Letters

CULTURE

RODDEY McMILLAN

RECORD

Student veteran owns respon-sibility to serve country

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Letters to the editor may be e-mailed to [email protected] and must include the author’s name, telephone number, e-mail ad-dress and major or profession. The editor reserves the right to edit letters.

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Become a part of WU-ABJ and meet media professionals of all kind. For more information e-mail Jasmine Rutledge at [email protected].

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The Roddey-McMillan Record Specializing In Diversity Since 1986 P. 2 • November 2011

Antonette HuellWeb Content [email protected]

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Staff WritersKatra Cunningham

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Farewell From the Editor

Jasmine Rutledge

Jasmine Rutledge Editor-In-Chief


Culture ................................................ 4-Student veteran takes dedication beyond the classroom

News & Features ......................... 6-WU eagles still have hope for the season after homecoming loss

-NPHC organizations explain what really happens off the yard

Homecoming Takeover ...................... 10 -Was homecoming worth the wobble?

-Various alumni remember back when

-Stomp the yard: NPHC Step Show Recap

-Student talent shines through homecoming talent show

INSIDE EXCLUSIVES As I address you for the last time as Editor-In-Chief of The Roddey McMillan Record, I would simply like to say, thank you. Thanks for expressing your interest in us by picking up a new issue every month and allowing us to take you into our world. Whether you read out of spite, genuine support or just plain curiosity, I honestly appreciate you. Holding this Editor-In-Chief position was much bigger than me. The

opportunity to demonstrate my journalistic passion all while upholding such a long-standing legacy is amazing, especially when alumni and former editors reach out and express how impressed and proud they are to still have us standing and standing strong. My office is filled with old issues of The RMR. The transitions we have made are tremendous. This year, we even launched our website (TheRMR.com). Once reading through the first issue ever, I can truly say that despite the differnt look or content, our purpose and mission remains the same. Whenever leaving a position and entering a new one, one has no choice but to reminisce and think about the ups and the down and if something could have been done differently. So, do I have any regrets? Absolutely YES! I regret not starting earlier. I regret not enrolling in Winthrop on one day and joining this staff the very next. My time here was too short, but at the same time I feel as though I have served my purpose and gained what was for me. I have learned my strengths and weaknesses, developed deep relationships and learned how to selflessly want the best for my peers. After all, sitting in the student publications office until 4 O’ clock in the morning with someone creates a differently type of bond. In addition, I have had the chance to inspire others and that is most important to me. When you have a natural desire to lead, it’s a hard feeling knowing your time is up and that what happens next is out of your control. I can say that I am confident that this staff will not let me, Dr. Cynthia Roddey, attorney Sheila McMillan or the minority community of this campus down. We have a deep history to defend and purpose to fulfill. As Chelsea Brown takes this position, I have faith that both she and The RMR family (we are a family more so than a staff) will do well. The same pride that the hundreds of Alumni hold when they return each year for Homecoming, is the same pride I will forever have each time I hear the name The Roddey McMillan Record.

Peace, Love & Blessings!

Greek Life: Beyond The Letters

Pg. 7

VISIT

TheRMR.com

for more!!!


LIFESTYLE ~ FOODS ~ EVENTSCULTURE

The 11th hour of November 11, 2011 marked the 93rd anniversary of the end of World War I, a day now recognized as Vet-eran’s Day. The holi-day, formally called Armistice Day is a nation-wide holi-day in which the nation participates in various activities from memorial

ceremonies to state parades to honor all military veterans, including student veterans like junior Marissa Glover.

Glover is currently active duty in the Army National Guard.

The integrated marketing communications major enlisted in July of 2010

after coming to Win-throp as a way to help fund her col-

lege tuition, she said. She went into the Army

National Guard as Private First Class E3 since

she had college credit and did high school ROTC.

Though high school R O T C may have p r e p p e d Glover, she said she w o u l d s o o n l e a r n t h a t t h e r e was a

lot more t h a t

came with a military career. “The first three weeks of [ba-

sic training] is the hardest, but it is a life changing experience,” she said.

It was those same life chang-ing experiences that lead her to the realization that it would take her all to succeed in military.

“The military is more than just a career, but a way of life,” she said. “It is not for the faint of heart.”

However, it wouldn’t be hard for the 20-year-old to adjust to her new militaristic lifestyle. It was already in her blood.

“All of my uncles who are vet-erans influenced my decision to join the military, but my uncle who is a Vietnam Veteran more so than the rest,” Glover said.

Glover will be leaving Win-throp University after the fall se-mester to go to Fort Gordon, GA for Advanced Individual Train-ing (AIT). She will have to stay there for six months where she will begin training to become an Information Technology Special-ist.

“Information Technology Specialist is a top security clear-ance job and they need people of our skills overseas,” Glover said.

The thought of serving over-seas does not intimidate Glover. She remains prepared and ready to fulfill her duties where ever and whenever.

“If my unit receives orders to deploy I must be ready as it says so in part of the Army Soldier Creed ‘I stand ready to deploy, engage and destroy the enemies of the United States of America in close combat…’” Glover said.

In the meantime, before Glover leaves for AIT, she plans to continue honoring all the Vet-erans who have come before her. She participated in the Veterans’ Day Parade in Columbia, S.C. on the Army National Guard Float.

However, students did not have to travel away for a good celebration. This year, The Stu-dent Veterans of Winthrop Uni-versity held a special breakfast in honor of those who have dedi-cated their life to the service of this country.

Michael Widrich is the presi-dent of Student Veterans of Winthrop University said that providing a free breakfast for student veterans was his way of saying ”‘thank you.”

“That is the least we can do for the brave men and women

who have risked their lives to de-fend our freedom,” Widrich said.

“The breakfast allows all the vets to see how many of us there are, to never feel alone and that together we can help make the school more military friendly and able to take care of our spe-cial needs.”

The breakfast took place in the Richardson Ballroom and President DiGiorgio donated half the cost of the breakfast, ac-cording to Widrich.

Following the breakfast was a special Remembrance ceremony and National Roll Call at the Winthrop Amphitheater recog-nizing and honoring all men and women who have worn the uni-form of the United States Armed Forces.

The event honored casualties of Operation Enduring Free-dom and Operation Iraqi Free-dom. The synchronized reading of over 6,200 names of fallen service men and women took place at the Hardin Family Gar-den, Byrnes and Scholar’s Walk. Winthrop was part of over 100 schools in all 50 states that read the names simultaneously.

Student’s dedication goes beyond the classroomShaneequa EvansStaff Writer

Winthrop holds ceremonies in honor of Veteran’s Day

On Friday November 18th, 2011 the Psi Kappa and Kappa Alpha chapters of Omega Psi Phi will hold their Annual Founders’ Ball to celebrate the Fraternity’s 100th birthday.

For the first time ever, the brothers of Omega Psi Phi will recognize deserving Winthrop students and faculty by awarding them with their Cardinal Principal Awards.

The Cardinal Principal awards to be presented are:

- Manhood

- Scholarship

- Perseverance

- Uplift

In addition, the chapter will also name a Winthrop University Faculty Member of the Year. For more information, contact Byron Putman (803) 487-7098 or Samuel Robinson (717) 658-6341


What are you thankful for?

Donald Weston-Freshman

“I am thankful for my family and being able to get an education.”

“I am thankful for my family and having a job.”

Daven Johnson-Junior

Compiled by Antonette Huell

As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, students have much to be thankful for.

So, we want to know...

Alexandria Savage-Davis-Sophomore“I am thankful for the invention of dance and movement.”

Happy Thanksgiving The Multicultural Student Council operates as a programming board, working to provide the student community with programs and events that support a just and inclusive university. Their objective is to make

available to the Winthrop University student body opportunities for participation in activities and events that enhance their awareness of

diversity, encouraging them to learn more about themselves and others.

Catawba Indian Cultural ShowcaseNov. 17th11 AM - 12 PM Dina’s PlaceCome meet real Catawba and enjoy drumming, dancing, and storytelling from the Ca-tawba Cultural Preservation Center Cultural Event

Kwanzaa CelebrationNov. 29th 7 PMDina’s PlaceCultural Event

The brothers of Omega Psi Phi celebrate their 100th birthday by recognizing

Winthrop students and faculty

Multicultural Student Council

Upcoming Events


LOOK AT ME NOW:dr. tavita herriott

One thing both current stu-dents and alumni will always share is that deep sense of Ea-gle pride.

Former student Dr. Tavita Herriott is proof that no mat-ter how long ago it’s been since one has graduated from Win-throp, true eagles still hold dignity for their alma mater

close to their hearts.Dr. Herriott received her

bachelor’s degree in psychol-ogy from Winthrop University in 2004. Since then, she has also earned a master’s in sec-ondary school counseling and a Ph.D in education.

Dr. Herriott has experi-enced several different schools as she attended numerous uni-versities during her pursuit of higher education and now

serves as a guidance coun-selor and career specialist at Mayewood Middle School in Sumter, S.C.. However, no matter how many schools she has stepped foot on, her love for Winthrop is still the same.

The RMR: Tell us about some of your fondest Win-throp memories.

Herriott: “Open Mic at The Shack, Greek parties, basket-ball games, homecoming, sit-ting in front of West Thomson at night with friends, and eat-ing in Dinkins.”

The RMR: What are a few things you learned at Win-throp that helps you today?

Herriott: “I formed some lifelong friendships with peo-ple of all walks of life. I learned how to become a better lis-tener and helper. I think a part of our Alma Mater says it best, ‘We soar to reach the goals, we’ve set as Eagles bold and strong,’”

The RMR: Who was one of your favorite professors and why?

Herriott: “Dr. Jeff Sinn will always stand out. He was my academic advisor as well as my Stats and research instruc-

tor. He made statistics fun…he never gave up and encour-aged me to overcome my fear of math.”

The RMR: Why do you dedicate your life to helping others?

Herriott: “As I reflect on where I am in my life and the experiences that have bought me here, I have always had someone there to guide me. Children are very impression-able and need someone to guide them along this journey we call life. I am the woman I am today because someone chose to touch my life and now it is my turn to give back to so-ciety by touching the lives of others.”

The RMR: What message do you have for current Win-throp students?

Herriott: “Remember our Alma Mater and what the words truly mean. Stand strong, as you are a member of a very elite group of people. Once you are an eagle, you will always be an eagle. Be proud as well as honored to be called a Winthrop Eagle. I am and will forever be proud to be Win-throp Eagle.”

Dr. Tavita Herriott is a 2004 graduate of Winthrop University. She majored in psychology at WU and went on to receive her master’s and Ph.D. Dr. Herriott currently resides in Sumter, S.C. where she is a guidance counselor at Mayewood Middle School.

Photo courtesy of Tavita Herriott

Shamira McCrayStaff Writer

Coming Soon To...Dina’s Place

Good BurgerWednesday, November 16

8 p.m.

Rejoice and ShoutWednesday, November 30

8:00 p.m.

The HelpSaturday, December 37 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

Rise of the Planet of the ApesSaturday, November 19

7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

Movie Posters Courtesy of GoogleImages


NEWSFEATURES ~ ISSUES ~ EVENTS

An element that is sure to compliment college life is the various colors of Greek orga-nizations. Flashing everything from twirling duel colored canes and letter embedded wind-breaker jackets to stunt-filled step presentations and energized party walks, Greek life may serve as a source of entertainment for some. To those involved, these symbolizations demonstrate a meaning deeper than the aver-age eye can perceive and mind can interpret.

As fraternities and sororities represent their organizations proudly throughout the campus yard, know there is meaning to those hand signals and a real beat to those steps.

Greek organizations have existed since the early 1800s. However, it was not until 1906 that the first African-American Greek fraternity was founded and since then, several others have been introduced, according to The National Pan-Hellenic Council website.

Acknowledging the need for synchronization and mutual participation in the activities of black Greek fraternities and sororities, the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) was introduced in 1930, according to their website.

NPHC currently consists of nine national historically black Greek sororities and fraterni-ties. Of those nine, Winthrop University has seven on the yard, according the Win-throp Uni- versity Council of t h e NPHC’s web-site.

T h o u g h all Greek o r g a n i -z a t i o n s a t t e m p t to uphold strong lega-cies, each of them holds their own sense of pride, he said.

Jamal Wil-liams is the President of the Xi Phi chapter of Al-pha Phi Alpha Fraternity, In-corporated here at Winthrop Univer-sity. As a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, the senior corpo-rate finance major is also a brother to legendary civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Lu-ther King Jr. Such historical val-ues are the source of Williams’ pride.

“Our fraternity geared the

construction of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. monument in Washington, D.C.,” Williams said. “I am proud of this initia-tive that my fraternity complet-ed and to honor our brother.”

The brothers of A l p h a Phi Alpha take care of more

than just their own, however. Constantly, they strive to im-prove both the world and the campus.

“Our motto is ‘first of all, ser-vants of all, we shall transcend all’,” he said. “Community ser-vice is something that we take a lot of pride in…the primary role of our organization is service and we are always looking for opportunities to serve.”

Williams said that without serving

the commu-nity, the orga-nizations are not serving

their purpose. “All orga-

nizations in NPHC partici-

pate in various community ser-

vice efforts throughout the Rock Hill community and

surrounding areas,” he said.

In addition to reaching out to the local community,

NPHC organizations present various informative, yet cap-tivating, programs throughout the year. The programs cover topics ranging anywhere from personal safety and domestic violence to fine dining etiquette and voting rights.

Fraternities and sororities are not only expected to apply their upmost potential to their com-munity work, but to their aca-demic work as well. They have GPA obligations to maintain.

For the curious onlookers

wondering which Greeks hold the highest grade point average, Winthrop University’s NPHC website displays the grade point averages for each NPHC organi-zation on campus dating back to Fall of 2003.

Such things like GPAs, inter-active programs and commu-nity service requirements all go down behind the scenes. What people do see are the fun side of things like parties, step shows and probates.

However, Crystal McRae, President of the Mu Xi Chap-ter of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc. at Winthrop says what people observe is drastically different from what reality entails for the sisters and brothers of Greek or-ganizations.

“Before joining AKA it looked a lot prettier on the out-side, but when I became a mem-ber it’s a lot of work,” she said. “As for parties, we mostly have to work the door and do other things for it so a lot of times we can’t enjoy it like we want to.”

McRae compared being a part of the organization to work-ing.

“It’s another full-time job to be in a Greek organization,” the senior business administration major said.

Being a victim of all play and no work is only one of the ste-reotypes that sororities and fra-

Illustration by Erin Mitchell

Jasmine RutledgeEditor-In-Chief

Beyond the letters

Continued on Page 9

Black Greek sororities, fraternities address the negative stereotypes and misconceptions they are constantly bombarded with while promoting service and unity


Homecoming loss does not faint team ambition

The NBA may not be play-ing this season, but there’s no need to worry for college bas-ketball is upon us.

As teams across the nation prepare to grace the hardwood, players know the roles that they have to play. Freshmen come in hoping to make a name for themselves, while upperclass-men try to cement their legacy in their school’s history.

For the Winthrop Eagles, the motive is no different, and Homecoming was the perfect time to do just that.

During Homecoming, the campus is abuzz with activ-ity and becomes unified as a whole.

Reggie King, 20-year-old junior guard, used Homecom-ing as

a motivation for the upcoming year.

“It’s a start of a new season,” King said. “It actually feels like a college atmosphere once every-body comes together…it drives us to go out there and show that our hard work is paying off. Each game, we’re going out there to try and get a win.”

For Andre Jones, 21-year-old senior guard, this year is special, yet bittersweet, as this is his last go around as a stu-dent athlete.

“This is the last time that I know for a fact 5,000 people will be out there supporting us,” he said.

Reflecting on his time at Winthrop, Jones said that he wants to be remembered as “a good kid”.

“I kept my nose clean and stayed out of trouble, and I al-ways stayed positive,” Jones said. “I just want people to see that I was a hard worker, on and off the court.”

Jones is content with his de-cision to go play for the Eagles, and appreciates their loyalty towards him, even through his hard times.

“When I had my injury (a broken foot), other schools

dropped me and Coach Gregg Marshall (former head coach for the team) had left (for Witchita State University),” he said. “That’s when Coach Ran-dy Peele started to recruit me...he stayed with me throughout my whole ordeal...that’s why I committed to Winthrop.”

King, a business adminis-tration major, is in the middle of writing his legend for Win-throp.

“I want people to remember me as a hard worker, and some-one who always wants to win,” he said.

Overall, King and Jones love the game with every fiber of their being, but like any student athlete, there are stereotypes towards them.

“People don’t understand the hard work that we put into being a great team,” King said. “All the 6 a.m. practices two or three times a week; they just see us on the court.”

Jones debunks the stereo-types as well, but he believes that comes with the territory.

“Most players are called cocky and not book-smart, and most of us aren’t [those things],” he said.

The Eagles started off their season off with a 101-70 win against St. Andrews,

to which the team hopes to build on for the tempo of this season. Jones, a marketing major, is confident that this season will be memorable.

“We’re an exciting team to watch play this year...we feel like we’re more closely knit as a team,” he said. “Hopefully we can win the Big South title and get into the NCAA tourna-ment.”

King agrees.Unfortunately, the team fell

to the Eastern Kentucky 71-58. Jones ended up scoring 13 points on four of 13 shootings, while nabbing five rebounds and dishing out 5 assists. King did not record any minutes.

Despite the loss, King and Jones ask fans to come out and support them for the rest of the season, decked out in their gar-net and gold.

“Come out as much as pos-sible” King said. “Make us your priority, just like we make you guys ours on game day.”

J. Donovan GermanSpecial to the RMR

Through team work, determination and student support, the basket-ball teams hopes to reach higher levels.

RU

DY JEFFER

SON

/Photographer


ternities hold. “The most common one will

be that we are stuck up and con-ceited. It’s not true for all AKAs at all,” McRae said.

She did admit, however, “Sometimes we do play around with the stereotype and feed into the conceited factor for comedic relief only.”

Joshua Johnson is the Secre-tary and Director of Education for Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc. and also approaches the topic of ste-reotypes as misconceptions.

“People say that we are always to ourselves and that we are not approachable. We were not al-ways members, but we became a member at some point. That means we had to reach out to someone inside the fraternity.”

Johnson said people may be scared to join a Greek organiza-tion.

“I guess they are afraid or in-timidated. They shouldn’t feel afraid. We are always looking for other like-minded people.”

Johnson crossed in spring of 2011. Though he values his fra-ternity he also values his sense of self. He said he has witnessed people join Greek life and change personalities, but because he knows who he is he has not expe-

rienced that problem.“I think that tends to be

people who didn’t know who they were before they joined the organization. They joined to get purpose,” the junior mass communication major said.

“I am who I am without let-ters on.”

Senior Cecile Gadson, presi-dent of Xi Beta chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. at Winthrop University explained that some members don’t devel-op new personalities, but instead embrace a new sense of self.

“Who am I to say who that person really was before they became Greek?” Gadson said. “Joining an organization may have just brought out another side of that person. Delta has not changed me, but only made me a better form of myself,” the psy-chology major said.

It may be difficult to justify whether or not ‘going Greek’ transforms a person or not, but after students witnessed ‘Twit-ter rants’ from several different members of Greek Life during the NPHC Homecoming Step Show, it wouldn’t be hard for one to assume that the crossover may indeed generate a sense of ani-mosity against other organiza-tions.

However, Gadson maintains

that the competition is all friend-ly.

“There will always be compe-tition, but healthy competition because we are all striving to im-prove individual chapters. So, it is more competition against our-selves,” she said.

McRae also acknowledged Greek drama, but places it on non-Greeks.

“It’s always outside people that feed into the drama. For ex-ample, someone made a Twitter account dissing Greek organiza-tions.”

She also notes that she thinks NPHC organizations have a bet-ter relationship than they have had in the previous years, but improvement is still needed.

“…I do feel that NPHC can do a lot better with showing that we work together or be together in public,” McRare said.

Despite the petty disagree-ments and thoughtless bickering, the brothers and sisters of Greek organizations were also once on the outside looking in, but still decided to take on the lifetime commitment.

Tapping into a deeper under-standing of self, redefining defi-nitions of personal success and the creation of a unique sister or brotherhood seems to be a com-

mon ground of interest of NPHC members.

Though everyone chooses their organization of choice for their own reasons, many were attracted to their fraternity or sorority as a result of another member’s service to them.

Kenyata Adams is the Multi-cultural Student Life director at Winthrop University and mem-ber of Delta Sigma Theta said her seventh-grade teacher, who was also a Delta, influenced her.

“I hated her on the first day of class, I thought she was mean,” Adams said. “By the end of the year, she was my biggest cheer-leader and my strongest advo-cate. She genuinely cared about who I was going to be and what I was going to do,” she said.

The examples and morals set by her teacher made it apparent that Adams wanted to mirror what her teacher showed her and join the sorority.

Adams’ journey into DST was slightly more untraditional than most. She pledged in the gradu-ate chapter of Gastonia, meaning she already had a degree and had already graduated from college when she joined the sorority.

“There were many of us from a diverse set of backgrounds and schools. Many of them already

had their master’s degree. The ages ranged from 24 or 25 to the 50s.”

Adams said that the diversity of Greek organizations does not stop at age. She spoke of her Jew-ish sorority sister who is the first non-black person to pledge at Appalachian State University.

“Non-blacks are becoming more common nowadays. All NPHC organizations have had non African-Americans in them. I know a couple of white Deltas, Zetas, AKAs and Iotas,” she said.

Adams said it is natural to question when this happens, but it isn’t shunned.

“Of course some question their intent but that is normal because you are reminded of the origination of the organization,” she said. “We are historically black, but not exclusively black.”

Greeks dispel misconceptionContinued from GREEK page 7

I am who I am without letters on.

“”

RUDY JEFFERSON/Photographer

-Joshua Johnson


Kendra WickerStaff Writer

Everyone was decked out in their garnet and gold during the Homecoming pep rally. While the band played Michael Jack-son’s ‘Thriller,’ the excitement in lieu of the homecoming game rose to an all-time high.

Playing as emcee for the night, senior and former home-coming king Ray Singleton cap-tured the crowd’s attention with his inspirational songs, “If You’re Out There” by John Legend and “World’s Greatest” by R. Kelly.

After much anticipation, ev-ery fan rose to their feet as the women’s and men’s basketball teams were called to the stage.

The head coach from each team gave some inspiring words, along with a special surprise by women’s basketball coach Mar-lene Stollings, proclaiming that one lucky student would get their school textbooks for the upcom-ing semester paid on her behalf for attending the games between November 18-20.

Did the basketball teams wob-ble? Of course not. But the ladies’ team did do a fun chant right before the men came along and danced to the new dance song “Beef It Up”.

Afterwards, the Eaglelettes came and rocked the floor with Big Stuff and the pep band sup-ported the fan’s Eagle pride with the Alma Mater.

CSL President Kambrell Garvin gave a few inspiring

words to show his love of the Eagles.

Things were wrapped up with some rounds of ‘Pie Your Favor-ite Professor’ and then the stu-dent body, including members of the basketball team, went out with a bang in the Wobble com-petition.

Overall, students and faculty felt the rally was a success.

“I feel that the pep rally went very well,” Michelle Slaughter, sophomore and early childhood education major, said. “The stu-dents were engaged and excited about all the activities. It did a great job of getting everyone ex-cited about the big game!”

Ray Singleton, the host of the pep rally stressed the value of having pep rallies.

“It’s really important to have [students] get together and sup-port their classmates,” he said. “Seeing the athletes [come to-gether] was the highlight for me.”

This year’s theme, Wobble the WU, was a hit among everyone.

Assistant director of campus programming Michael Repay talked more about the coming of the theme which was inspired from Atlanta rapper V.I.C’s hit song “Wobble”.

“The committee chose some-thing based off of music because music seems to bring the [Win-throp] community closer,” he said. “The Wobble has that con-temporary sound that makes ev-eryone enjoy it.”

Students seem to agree that

the Wobble is popular across the campus.

“I love the Wobble,” said Ju-nior theater performance and spanish double-major Morgan Alber. “The pep rally was awe-some and the theme really fits in with everything that was hap-pening.”

The pep rally succeeded in getting all hopes high about not only Saturday’s game, but the rest to come.


obble RallyHomecoming pep rally puts WU students, athletes in eagle spirit


Shamira McCrayStaff Writer

Crowds of people rushed up the stairs and filed into the excitement-filled auditorium in Tillman Hall last Wednesday night as the annual talent show kicked off the homecoming week festivities.

The talent show is one of the most anticipated events of home-coming week for several Win-throp students. This year’s show was hosted by senior theater ma-jor Ray Singleton and was filled with a variety of different acts that kept the audience excited.

“The talent show is always a big hit and I really enjoyed the energy of the Winthrop com-munity tonight,” Singleton said. “Each performance brought something different and enter-taining for the crowd.”

The tone of the show was set by Singleton as he performed two songs with his band The Edge, one being the 90’s hit “I Like It” by R and B artist Sammie, which won the crowd’s approval.

Singleton has previously been a contestant of the talent show

and said being the hose was much different.

“I had so much fun,” Singleton said. “I like being on stage and in the spotlight, so hosting was much better than being a contes-tant, because I was on stage the entire show.”

The show was filled with dif-ferent types of performances ranging from tae kwon do rou-tines to salsa dancing.

Freshman Kiera Smalls, who has been singing since she was three-years-old, was the first contestant of the night to display her talent. The Columbia, S.C. native performed a gospel song which she prepared a week for. However, singing at the talent show was a bit of a change from church, where Smalls is accus-tomed to singing.

“The atmosphere is different here,” Smalls, exercise science major said. “The crowd was also a lot bigger.”

For sophomore Demetri Wil-liams, a member of Dance in Motion, performing in the talent show was very nerve-racking, yet exciting.

“We didn’t have much time to

prepare before performing, but due to the positive energy be-hind us, we had a great turnout.” Williams, mass communication major said.

Dance in Motion performed a thrilling routine to Kelly Row-land’s single “Motivation.” The routine was created in Septem-ber by Tyquan Christie, chair of Dance in Motion.

“We have been preparing for this talent show for approxi-mately two weeks,” Williams said. “Thanks to Tyquan Christie and his great choreography, we placed third.”

The Association of Ebonites’ Gospel Choir received first place honors in the talent show due to their melodious voices. Josh Ho-sea came in second place with his energetic dance moves and received a standing ovation from the audience.

Raven Gadsden, junior Eng-lish major said she enjoyed the show and this year, Josh Honea was her favorite performer.

“I usually have a good time at the show,” Gadsden said. “This year was no exception.”

Homecoming Talent Show

On the morning of the big game, many people were seen outside Winthrop’s coliseum at the tailgates.

For years, Winthrop’s Alum-ni Association (AA) has been hosting this event as a way to bring the community together.

Assistant Director of Alum-ni Relations Ryan Sheehan said AA is about forging a relation-ship with alumni.

“The Alumni Association is about building loyalty and sup-port among Winthrop’s alum-ni,” he said. “It’s about keeping the alums engaged in every-thing that is going on within the university.”

As a fellow alum himself, Sheehan says Winthrop has gone through some unique changes.

“Being a 2005 graduate, even the infrastructure has changed…the building of the West Center and the Student Center really added to the amount that students and alum-

ni can do around Winthrop.” Such changes, he believes,

have indeed created a better en-vironment for Winthrop.

“There’s a lot more support for WU now more than ever,” he said. “As a whole, we are more prideful to be eagles. Even though this is the first time that all alumni have been invited back, reunions like this have been the perfect way for us to network with one another and stay united.”

Peggy McDonald, class of 1957, said, “I love the way Win-throp has changed! I like that it’s co-ed now.”

“There’s a lot more inter-action between students and alumni now,” McDonald said. “It’s good for publicity that Winthrop has become so open with all its events, seeing how it was a private school when I was here.”

Alumni continue to come back every year to see the way their old university has pro-gressed, as well as enjoy the great BBQ and music.

Alumni Association sponsors homecoming tailgate

Kendra WickerStaff Writer




Katra CunninghamStaff Writer

Winthrop University’s National Pan-Hellenic Council held their annual Homecoming Step-Show on November 12, 2011. The event took place in By-rnes Auditorium at 8 p.m.

An anxious audience watched as their favorite fraternities and sororities went toe-to-toe in a battle against each other for the right to call themselves ‘the ones who run the yard’.

The show began with an old-school perfor-mance from Omega Psi Phi. Channeling the late 80’s and early 90’s, the ‘Que Dogs’ wooed the female audience members with L.L. Cool J’s “I need love,” but maintained their de-meanor by strolling the yard just like the true dogs they are.

Delta Sigma Theta cap-tivated the audience by taking them on a trip to their own chocolate facto-ry. Ooopa Lumpas import-ed from ‘Delta Land’ kept the audience entertained as other members of the sorority thoroughly acted out their own version of the movie.

Sent on a series of secret missions, Phi Beta Sigma

alumni kept it simple with a performance that fo-cused solely on their own body movements. With no props, these men found incisive ways to keep the audience’s attention.

The sisters of Alpha Kappa Alpha took a cre-ative approach to making sure that their presence back on the yard was ac-knowledged by all of their peers. The Nightmare on 1908 street allowed these sassy women to display a combative side of them that some may not have known they possessed. They made sure to incorporate rapper Nicki Minaj’s song ‘Did it on Them’ to express the ag-gressive yet sassy attitude of their performance.

Kappa Alpha Psi’s Nas-car-inspired performance kept the audience on their feet with their exquisite cane twirling and a stunt-filled routine.

“I really enjoyed the Kappa’s,” said Tra’shon Howard, sophomore early childhood education ma-jor. “I am happy they’re back on the yard and I fi-nally got a chance to see them in action.”

The shoulder shim-mying brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi kept up their

momentum by ending the performance with a blast from the past. Incorporat-ing R. Kelly’s sultry hit, “You Remind Me,” the men came together to form a moving jeep.

Sigma Gamma Rho gave a thrilling perfor-mance that showed audi-ence members how bad they truly are. The soror-ity channeled their inner Michael Jackson in a per-formance that did not only highlight their dancing skills, but also gave tribute to a legend.

Alpha Phi Alpha’s per-formance leveled the play-ing field with their coun-terparts by adding props that they found most im-portant, books. Dressed in all black, the Alpha men balanced their books with one hand and stepped with both strong body and mind, all while blind-folded.

The show also included an intermission with a performance from local rap group LAH Entertain-ment.

“I really liked how unique the show was this year,” said Symone Cal-houn, sophomore Psy-chology major. “Everyone took different approaches

and there was a variety of themes present. None were alike.”

At the end of the night, it became clear which or-ganizations had given the judges performances that they considered throne-worthy.

Though it was their first time back on the stage in a few years, the brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc. shimmied their way back on the yard coming in as 2nd runner up. Alpha Phi Alpha Inc.’s proof of being able to hold down the yard with their eyes closed land-ed them as 1st runner up while the sisters of Delta Sigma Theta Inc. held the golden ticket, leaving the show as the overall win-ners.

GET OFF or GET OFF THE YARDHomecoming 2011 step show recap

RU

DY JEFFER

SON

/Photographer


On November 12, the results came in and Tori McLean and Willie Meier were announced Winthrop University’s official 2011 Homecoming King and Queen.

Tori McLean, a senior graphic design major, and Willie Meier, a junior chem-istry major with a minor in Biology, both from Greenville, South Carolina had ac-complished what many others dreamed of.

McLean is not new to holding honor-ary positions on Winthrop’s campus. She is currently the President of her sorority, Chi Omega, an Orientation Leader, and a Peer Mentor.

Meier has also proven that he pos-sesses the determination necessary to be a great King. Meier, a member of Pi Kap-pa Phi Fraternity, an Orientation Leader, and a philanthropist, has made his pres-ence known on campus.

Previously best friends before the competition began, Tori and Willie bond-

ed together as a team after they found out that they had both made it to the finals.

McLean and Meier both agreed that they felt that their positions as Orienta-tion Leaders contributed a lot to them winning the titles.

“Well, we were both orientation lead-ers in 2010 and 2011. We made a lot of connections with our students as well as our fellow orientation leaders and a lot of the community as well. We were both in-volved on campus”, said McLean.

“Making those connections from Ori-

entation helped, but also cultivating those connections, and keeping in touch with all the friends that you made, and not letting them float to the waste side. You must stay connected to the campus, get involved, and keep it up,” said Meier.

McLean and Meier both stressed the importance of getting involved with the student body, building relationships with the students, and maintaining those bonds.

QKinG ueeN

Katra CunninghamStaff Writer

Willie Meier Tori McLean

Homecoming

Top: 2010 Homecoming queen Beyanca Vinson crowns new queen Tori McLean.

Bottom: 2010 Homecoming court Ray Singleton and Beyanca Young welcomes McLean and Willie Meier to royalty.

Top: President Anthony DiGiorgio congrat-ulates Willie Meier on becoming the 2011 Homecoming King.

Bottom: 2010 Homecoming King Ray Singleton passes on the reign to Meier.



BJ's Picks

Billie Jean Shaw and

The RMR presents......

We all dream of meet-ing our favorite celebrities one day, but what extremes will you take to make it happen? Recently, two fans decided that they were go-ing to do anything to catch a glimpse at their favorite rapper Lil’ Wayne.

The two circled the Louisiana rapper’s Miami home, hoping to catch him. One of the guys even went as far as saying he did not care of he was arrested; he just wanted to see him.

In an unfortunate event, Wayne came to the door and threatened the fans to leave before he “knocked his head off.”

When I hear stories like this, it scares me. To know that someone worships a human being on this earth that much gives me chills. Now, don’t get me wrong, anyone that knows me knows that I am one of Be-yonce’s biggest fans and I would love to meet her one

day. However, I will never degrade myself into stalk-ing her personal life, that’s crazy.

What people should re-alize are that these artist are humans beings just like the rest of us, with a little more cash and nice ward-robe. However, these peo-ple don’t get you in those pearly gates.

2011 Homecoming Alumni Basketball

Game


Johnathan CrusePage Layout Editor

Wow! It has only been

one semester, but I have

had a great time working

with the staff of the RMR.

The friends I’ve made and

the late nights in DIGS are

memories that I’ll take

with me for the rest of

my life.

Our Editor-in-Chief

Ms. Jasmine Rutledge

along with our Layout

Editor Mr. Johnathan

Cruse have done a great

job of leading our staff

and presenting excel-

lence.

I hope that we have

presented an informa-

tive and fun publica-

tion for you all to enjoy. I

encourage anyone reading

this to get involved with

the RMR as we continue to

develop this into one of the

best papers in the South-

east.

‘See you later’Jeremy Wynder Asst. Page Layout Editor

Man, where do I start? I began my career at Winthrop University in Fall 2007. I viv-idly remember sitting in Till-man Hall listening to some speaker explain how to be successful at Winthrop and the cliche ‘look around some people next to you will not be here next year.’ I’m pretty sure I didn’t take that speak-er serious as I knew I would finish my tenure at WU but he certainly was right about others including two of my closest friends.

As a journalism major, I knew I needed to join a pub-lication early and The Rod-dey-McMillan sparked my interest immediately.

The history of the name-sakes of this prestigious pa-per taught to me by, dedi-cated editor-in-chief, India Richardson my love from this paper became apparent early.

There have been moments when I’ve lived in the SPO

for 20 hours trying to pro-duce a paper for publication. Though I’ve had moments of frustration, my time with this paper has made me stronger.

Having plans and those plans not coming to play or going exactly how you want them is truly a humbling ex-perience. But getting a sec-ond chance is a blessing.

I’ve lost, gained and lived the most in these last 11 months but through it all I still have my memories. Memories with friends, fam-ily, The RMR, and being a Winthrop eagle. Alas, alas, I bit my final farewell 2.0.

Farewell 2.o


Homecoming Recap

VISIT

TheRMR.com

for more!!!


Documents

The RMR - November 2011