Sophomore revives FVSU recycling program in dorms

Special to the Peachite

Fort Valley State University sophomore Demetrius Calloway said he is on a mission to help preserve and beautify his institution. Recently, the animal science major and self-described environmentalist helped to restore a defunct recycling program in the university's residence halls.

In addition to being tasked with placing recycling containers in all the residence halls, Calloway said his advocacy also resulted in a new title of Recycling Program Coordinator through the Student Government Association (SGA).

“I’m on a mission to beautify this campus," said Calloway, who also is an FVSU Peer Educator. "I encourage students to utilize the recycling bins around campus respectfully and in the proper manner that they were intended for."

Wallace Keese, FVSU's Dean of Students, called Calloway's efforts "timely."

"I think it is very timely and a very unique initiative that is being led by a student who is conscientious enough about campus beautification to do something not just short-term, but long term."

Keese also said Calloway's project, which focuses on the residence halls, also ties in nicely with another recycling initiative underway at FVSU that is being spearheaded by two student athletes who are focusing on the academic areas of campus.

"Those students have gone so far as to contact Peach County to ensure pickup of the recycled items each week," Keese said. "I'm thrilled to see our students be so engaged."

Calloway said the new bins in the dorms are only the first step in his “Operation Campus Clean-Up." 

 “I want students to take full responsibility and own up to their actions by reducing, if not, eliminating the littering and pollution that is done on campus," he said.

Calloway also plans to promote more responsibility on the part of his fellow students to clean up after themselves and decrease the struggles of custodians and janitors.

Students make final pitch for FVSU student leadership roles; voting ends Friday

By: Cherika Brice

(April 14, 2016) - Students recently gathered inside Fort Valley State University’s Pettigrew Center to hear their 2016-2017 candidates for the Student Government Association’s executive board and our FVSU Royal Court. Brian Byrd, director for the Office of Campus Life, started the ceremony off by congratulating the candidates for a successful campaign week and provided a reminder to students about voting policies.

Roughly 100 students welcomed the sophomore, junior and senior class candidates; as well as the SGA executive board candidates to the podium. A group of young men and women with comprising voices showed deep interest in their fellow students and strong belief in their institution.

SGA president candidate, Lawrence Malloy, grabbed the audience’s attention by shouting “Thee Fort Valley State University is the best school anywhere, anytime, and any place!”

Malloy continued to express how passionate he is about uplifting his university and making sure students are satisfied.

Mr. Fort Valley State University candidate, Kalo Olgesby, touched hearts by speaking on his first experience walking on FVSU’s campus, and witnessing the unity among the students when he was just a child.

 “At that time, I felt the energy of the campus. People were together, and we have to get back together. We have to get back to loving each other,” Olgesby said. He believes the legacy that we leave is everything that we give, and that he is a product of what the university has done and will do for others.

Miss Fort Valley State University candidate, Candice Howard began her speech by letting her fellow students know that being Miss Fort Valley State University has been a dream of hers since the day she stepped on campus soil.

“If given the opportunity, I plan to work and find solutions to the problems faced by my wildcat peers,” Howard said.

Now that the speeches have been made, elections will be taking place in the Student Amenities Building on April 14-15, between the hours of 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Other candidates offering speeches included:  

Mr. Sophomore candidates

Naron Usry

Corey Grier

Miss Junior candidate

Iyana Ellis

Miss Senior candidate:

Ke’laya Staples

SGA Assistant Secretary candidate 

Alexis Burnette

SGA Executive Secretary candidates

Angela Andrews

Takia Raines

SGA Executive Vice President candidates

Anita Ingram

Will Lewis

Mr. Fort Valley State University candidate

Kevin Mays

Miss Fort Valley State University candidates

Amber Brown

Mercedes Pleasant

Anime makes a way at FVSU

 

By. Lennon Walker

Fort Valley State University’s very first officially established Anime club is finally here on campus and they are looking for interested students to join.  

According to organizers, the club is essentially a sub-community within the school, representing all things in modern pop-culture: movies, gaming, cartoons, comics, magna, and of course, anime.

There are no requirements to join the group. However, there are $15 due per semester for members. The club meets on the 2nd floor of the campus library every Tuesday and Thursday from 7-9 p.m.

In addition to the meetings, the group also plans to host free campus-wide events every Friday. They also plan to host a university-wide gaming tournament for all interested students. A schedule of upcoming event will be posted around campus on Feb. 12.

For more details, contact Club “Keeper” Lennon Walker at the club email: animeclub.fvsu@gmail.com or contact him by phone at 404-782-8502.

 

FAST FACT: In modern reference, Anime/Magna and Cartoons/Comics have very slight differences, but are still deemed independent from one another. Each represents a separate genre of animation. Cartoons and comics are western in origin, representing more satirical content. Japanese anime and manga are western, and while not being limited to the Japanese, represent more philosophical content, mirroring reality more often than not.

Wildcat Idol

Wildcat Idol 

By

Brianna Stanley

The C.W. Pettigrew center was filled with students during Fort Valley State University’s Student Government Association’s Wildcat Idol.  The event was held Oct. 7 at 6:30 p.m.

At the beginning of the event, a video was shown introducing contestants and their different types of talents. Some contestants showcased their singing, rapping and dancing skills. 

The crowd was very responsive. Some of the contestants interacted with the crowd. Others were kicked off the stage for using inappropriate language.  When a talent was not well-received, several boos and laughter could be heard in the venue.

When asked about the event, junior FVSU student and contestant Dametri McKibben said, “It was pretty straight, I just think I could have done better.” A winner was not chosen for this event.

FVSU Hosts Graduate and Professional School Fair

FVSU Hosts Graduate and Professional School Fair

By: Valencia Murphy

 Fort Valley State University Career and Alumni Services hosted the 2015 Graduate and Professional School Fair on Wednesday, Oct. 14, from 9 a.m. until noon in the C. W. Pettigrew Center.

Graduate and professional Schools that were in attendance were FVSU's Master of Public Health and Graduate Studies, Life University (a chiropractic college), University of Georgia College of Pharmacy; College of Veterinarian Medicine; and Graduate Studies, and Mercer University School of Law.  

Representatives for each school made sure that students had contact information in case they had any questions. They also gave the students telephone numbers for coordinator for programs that they were interested in. 

Many students learned about schools they had not of heard of nor thought of attending,  but this was a  way to introduce them to different schools and what each has to offer. 

For additional details, contact the Office of Career & Alumni Services Peabody Building, Suite 101, or call (478) 825-6350.

Top five most helpful social networking sites for college students

Top Five Most Helpful Social Networking Sites for College Students

By: Brianna Stanley

We have all heard the famous saying, “It’s not what you know, but who you know." While that may be true, it is also important that people know you.  Networking is essential in college. It is important to know people within your major, as well as people outside of your department. Not only is networking essential, it is free through social media. Check out some of the most popular networking sites frequented by college students. 


1) Linkedin

Linkedin is one of the most popular social networking sites for professionals. It gives users the opportunity to find jobs through people they are connected with. College students can post links to their own personal websites or web portfolios from their user profile. Numerous employers also utilize Linkedin to hire potential candidates. Users can also see who viewed their profile as well as bookmark jobs of interest.

https://www.linkedin.com/



2) Evernote

With the ability to be used across all platforms, Evernote is the place where you can develop ideas or concepts, save notes, make to-do lists, etc; however, it is not just a productivity site. You can even chat with team members directly from Evernote using the ‘Work Chat’ feature. You can also share individual notes and notebooks with the public. Users with a premium account can allow others to edit their notes. 

https://www.evernote.com/


3) Medium

Medium is a website that gives people the opportunity to share ideas and stories. It is collaborative website. It also helps users find their audience. For example, if you enjoy writing about cuisine, your posts would link with similar posts of other users writing about  the same idea. If you just enjoy writing period, this website is perfect for you. You can log in with your Facebook or Twitter account, and start writing immediately.  

https://www.medium.com


4) Flickr

For students interested in photography, Flickr is an excellent way to showcase your portfolio. It allows other users to view and comment on photos, as well as network to collaborate on potential projects. It is also the best site for organizing, sharing and storing your photos. 

https://www.flickr.com/


5) SoundCloud

Students interested in music can utilize SoundCloud. It is the most popular social sound network where anyone can create and share music across multiple platforms. SoundCloud gives users the option to privately share sounds with close friends or publicly on social media and websites.  It can also be accessed on iPhone and Android with the official SoundCloud app. 

https://www.soundcloud.com

Leadership

Leadership

By: Quacy Hammonds

“Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.”– Dwight D. Eisenhower.

As an administrator of the DeKalb County School District for over 20 years, I’ve watched my father execute a routine of managing a school, being a husband, and raising two young boys all while coaching our youth football team in the afternoon. By no means was it easy, yet every task was met with guidance and wisdom. My dad has shared with me a lot of the knowledge he’s gained throughout his life.

Each life lesson helped me to shape my own vision of who I am and where I’ve come from. His experience as a leader started at Fort Valley State University in the ROTC program. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and graduated in 1989 from FVSU. He received some of the best leadership training in the military as an officer. He’s shown me that to be a leader you have to be able to influence others to see and believe in their vision enough to work to bring it to fruition. To be a successful leader, one must have a vision, be able to articulate the vision, motivate others to become engaged in that vision and then train them so that they are more effective at achieving that vision. As he moved on in education by stepping out of the classroom as an administrator, he’s had many experiences and opportunities to work with great individuals who have taught him to delegate, listen to his staff and seek understanding before being understood.

“Now, Son, one thing I learned early,” stretching his neck left and right, pulling to loosen his tie, “in ROTC program is ‘When in charge, take charge. Leaders lead out front!’” my father would say.

We all may not be natural born leaders. It takes a high level of courage, selflessness, and remaining humble through the success; as well as showing resilience in the midst of failures. There is no clear-cut definition to what a leader is. You must be willing to put yourself last, and the group first. A great leader is able to step up when needed, but also step back to allow others the opportunity to lead. Leadership isn’t a title, or job position; it’s apart of your character, the example you set, and the inspiration you bring into the lives of others both professionally and personally.

What happened to FVSU campus life?

What Happened to Campus Life?

By: Valencia Murphy

I can remember my freshman year of Fall 2011 when Fort Valley State University students would stay on campus for the weekend. Now it seems as though everyone goes home every weekend. 

I remember there was a time where everywhere you look you would see students hanging out somewhere on campus, whether it was under the tree in front Moore Hall or hanging out by the Wildcat Commons.  The weekends were the times where you could hang out with friends and socialize with different people. This was the time to relax and take a break from the week and some schoolwork.  

Years later, it seems as though students no longer want to stay on campus during the weekends and the question is why? 

So I went around and asked a couple of students what are some ways to encourage FVSU students, to stay on campus for the weekend. 

Ariel Brawner, an FVSU junior, said “[The campus should], have more things to do for students and have more student moral.” 

Troy Lawson, an FVSU senior, says “Have more freedom and less restrictions for the students that stay in the dorms.” 

Another student Andre Harris, an FVSU senior, said, “The café could be open longer, have more actual events, and demand the freshman to attend all the events.”  

So it seems as though the main issue for students is that there are no activities or events on the weekends. 

Now that we know some ways to fix this problem its time to take some action and plan some event or activities for the weekend and they do not have to be a huge extravagant event but something that would make students want to attend.