The Lyric brings in more than music

By Amelia Camurati

Over the past three years, The Lyric Theater has become home to not only some of the best live music in Oxford, but it also hosts many fundraisers for charities both in Oxford and in the tri-state area.

On Friday, Feb. 25, The Lyric will blow down the walls with electropop and raise as much money as possible for the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Mixed in with indie-chart-topping artists such as MGMT, Of Montreal, Animal Collective and Modest Mouse are fundraisers for the betterment of the local community as well as larger organizations around the country.

Tim Burkhead, head of production, has always known he wanted to work with music and loves having the chance to help the less fortunate people while bringing high-quality entertainment to small-town Oxford.

“[The Lyric] has provided a place for Oxford and the Ole Miss community to raise money for fundraisers and charitable events while still bringing entertainment at the same time,” Burkhead said.

Marion Startz, general manager of the venue, has been influential in over 50 philanthropic events and over 100 shows since The Lyric reopened in 2008.

“The Lyric has not only benefited philanthropies and organizations, but also the town of Oxford,” Startz said. “People come from all over to see our shows. When they're here, they are eating in our restaurants, booking our hotels, shopping on the Square and visiting our Ole Miss campus. The Lyric has provided thousands of dollars to organizations, charities and to [Oxford] since its reopening.”

Hyper Crush is not as well known as some of their previous performers, but the show has still sold over 75 percent of the tickets allotted.

“I’ve never heard of them before, but some of my friends said that whether I knew the songs or not, the show would be well worth it,” Sarah Hyman, sophomore political science major, said.

Hyper Crush will be playing at the Lyric tonight. Doors open at 9 p.m., and the show starts at 10 p.m.

Tickets are $15; they can be purchased at thelyricoxford.com or at the door before the show.

Students Help Put On Local Musical Production

Hairspray the Musical is the latest production happening at the Panola Playhouse. The show is running from Feb. 18 through March 4.
The local community cast is comprised of a mix from elementary students and older adults; all sharing the stage and offering a wide range of experience to put on an entertaining performance.
A handful of cast members happen to be University of Mississippi theater students as well.
One Ole Miss student, Lindsey Neyman, is a hired choreographer for the show, in addition to playing a lead role of Penny Pingleton. She is putting her time and effort into this production for more than just a paycheck.
“I could not turn down the opportunity to play Penny or get to choreograph dances for such an iconic show. This experience is a paid job…and a lot of fun,” said Neyman.
These full-time students fully understand their overtime commitment. Their roles and experience are resume builders; potentially leading to future roles in college and after graduation.
“It is extremely stressful,” said Neyman. “With a production of this size, it’s a lot of time spent at the theatre. It’s difficult to juggle homework with rehearsal time. I just have to know when I’m not on stage I need to be getting my homework done.”
Hairspray the Musical is a fast pace show. With hardly a still moment, the constant running, singing and dancing is a large undertaking for any director. Vic Henson stepped up to the challenge for this particular production.
“Directing Hairspray with this cast is truly a labor of love. Working with such a unique and talented cast has been a blast,” said Henson.
Another Ole Miss student playing a lead role is not dedicating her talent for a future under the spotlight. Elizabeth Stewart is pursuing a major in Geological Engineering and a minor in Italian. She thinks of musical theater as a wonderful hobby on the side.
“The show added to my stress during the week because I'm taking 19 hours and am involved with several on campus organizations. It was difficult to spend hours singing and dancing and have the energy to do work or study for a test,” said Stewart. “There have definitely been some late nights.”
Practicing for almost two months prior to show time, the cast feels ready for an audience.
“It's a crazy balance, but when a show is successful, it's an incredible feeling,” said Stewart.
Hairspray is a pleasure for Henson to direct. His enthusiasm for this particular musical grows with each curtain call.
“I hope the audience can share in the high energy and fun we feel with this show. It is an experience we treasure and want that to be relayed,” said Henson.
The cast is ready for an audience, and will be sad when the last curtain call comes. The hard work and time commitment will be over for now, but plenty more in the future.
“There is no better feeling then delivering a line and receiving laughter, or hearing the applause after dancers in your numbers preformed it perfectly,” said Neyman.

Oxford and UM to host 8th Blues Symposium

Oxford and UM to host 8th Blues Symposium

By Lance Ingram

February 25, 2011

At the Center for the Study of Southern Culture, the blues is a reason to celebrate. The eighth annual Blues Symposium will take place today and tomorrow.

The Blues Symposium is a gathering of scholars, writers, photographers, musicians and music industry figures to discuss and present research about the blues in Mississippi.

Mark Camarigg, co-event planner and publication manager at Living Blues Magazine, said the conference is more of an academic presentation and a forum for researchers, but there will also be live blues music.

“Because it’s the blues, it can have a broader appeal than people just interested in the music,” he said. “We also bring in musicians to play, and you don’t have to be into academia to enjoy that.”

Past themes have been “Women in the Blues,” “Africa to Mississippi,” “The Legacy of Howlin’ Wolf” and “Religion and the Blues.”

The theme for this year’s conference is “Missing Chapters in Blues History.”

Jim O’Neal, founding editor of Living Blues and the Mississippi Blues Trail Research Director, will focus on a number of interesting stories and facts he has unearthed while compiling his research for the Mississippi Blues Trail Markers.

Camarigg said they did this to coincide with an issue of Living Blues that focused on Natchez.

“In a way (Natchez) is a forgotten piece of the Mississippi blues puzzle, because folks really focus on the Delta and specifically Clarksdale or Greenville, but it’s surprising what little people know of the scene in Natchez,” Camarigg said.

“We did a whole issue on the Natchez scene and got a lot of great feedback, so we’re looking at these little untapped gems here in Mississippi, and (we want to) share these with the students and visitors.”

The event will begin tonight at Thacker Mountain Radio with musical guests the Reverend John Wilkins, Alvin Youngblood Hart and Natchez artists Gray Montgomery and YZ Ealey.

There will be a Highway 61 Radio program blues reception at Southside Art Gallery afterwards, which will feature blues photography and live music.

On Friday, the conference will shift to discussions at the J.D. Williams Library, where presentations will be made by Scott Barretta, host of Highway 61 radio program and co-founder of Living Blues, Adam Gussow, a blues harmonica player and associate professor of English and southern studies at Ole Miss. Greg Johnson, curator of the Ole Miss Blues Archive will also be presenting at the conference in the library.

The symposium will conclude with the Oxford Winter Blues Festival at 1 p.m. Saturday.

Ted Ownby, co-founder of the event, said the lectures will have unique topics such as blues tourism, something that has only appeared within recent years.

“You often hear the blues in the background, and it’s not very often in the foreground. We structure it so that what we, as researchers, can present what we feel is important,” Barretta said. “It’s definitely geared toward pushing the boundaries of blues research beyond saying the same old things over again but keeping the public conscious of what’s going on.”

Barretta will moderate a Q&A with blues musicians Gray Montgomery and YZ Ealey from Natchez Friday morning.

He said it’s really important to actually hear the blues musicians talk.

“This kind of thing has a lot of cultural repercussions because the state is broadcasting to the rest of the world ‘look at what great stuff these African-Americans created’ because this is not something Mississippi would have done 20 or 30 years ago,” Barretta said.

Camarigg said the goal of the event is to recognize emerging blues music research and the significance of the blues genre, as well as its continued impact on American culture.

“We don’t set an expectation for success according to how many people attend because sometimes they can be very small and successful as long as people are getting a lot out of it,” Ownby said.

All lectures and discussions are free to the public and no registration is required. For more information visit http://livingblues.com/blues-symposium.html.

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Alvin Youngblood Hart performs on Thacker Mountain Radio at the Lyric Theater on February 24. His performance was part of a kick off to the eighth annual Blues Symposium being held in Oxford and at the University of Mississippi.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrVmrLbgCIE

Run 4 Hope

Jennifer Gardner

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Oxford’s 2^nd annual Run 4 Hope 5k and Half-Marathon hopes more volunteers as the race on February 26 is quickly approaching. The proceeds will benefit two summer programs at Camp Hopewell provided for children living with cancer, and children with diabetes.

Estimated 800-1000 runners will show up this Saturday, so naturally the race directors are concerned with getting an adequate amount of volunteers to make sure everything runs smoothly. Run 4 Hope organizer, Melinda Valliant, said “we need at least 150-175 people to help put the event on. 200 would be best!”

Help is still needed to direct runners on the race path and beforehand when they are parking, handing out race packets, regulating the on-site registrations, helping at water stations, and committing to be a race marshal. These different responsibilities will all be equally important come race day, but volunteering as a race marshal will require more concentrated attention to one area of the race than the other positions will.

“Volunteers [race marshals] stand at the intersections and assist with traffic direction and direct runners in the appropriate direction of the course while cheering the runners on and being a contact should an emergency arise,” said Valliant.

Past runner, Rachel Wenzel, wants those considering helping during Run 4 Hope to know that the race is only made possible with the dedication of enough volunteers before, during and after the race. “All along the route there were volunteers giving out water and Gatorade, ensuring that we were going the right way on the route, and also cheering us on,” said Wenzel. “The race would not be possible unless they have the many volunteers that make this race so great from start to finish.”

Julie Anderson, unofficially named “super volunteer” after last year’s Run 4 Hope, also knows how critical every single volunteer is to the overall success of the race. “I’m in charge of getting all the timers to the mile markers. You just do whatever you need to do. It’s fun!” said Anderson.

Aside from the manual labor required from her during Run 4 Hope, Anderson also willingly offers the runners words of encouragement along the way. “Get a group of friends to stand along the course somewhere and cheer! That is a great way to be helpful! Runners need a boost!” said Anderson.

Giving up this Saturday morning to volunteer will not just help support the runners and the cause, but it will also make you feel good about giving back. “Just do it! It will be over before you know it and afterwards the day is YOURS. A great sense of accomplishment for so early in the day,” said Anderson.

Run 4 Hope needs your help and support so that Saturday can be a success for the Camp Hopewell summer programs. It’s not too late to sign up to volunteer or enter the race! For more information on volunteering or running, please visit www. Oxfordrun4hope.com

SOURCES:

Melinda Valliant, Co-Director of Race, valliant@olemiss.edu

Rachel Wenzel, past runner, rekieckh@olemiss.edu

Julie Anderson, volunteer and past runner, jkjones@olemiss.edu

UM Big Event

Maggie Coakley

Students at the University of Mississippi will make history as they join together on March 26 to show the Oxford community their appreciation through the UM Big Event.

The Big Event is an extensive, one-day community service project that will reach the Oxford/Lafayette County community and gives students the opportunity to say thanks to their college town. The idea was originally started at Texas A&M and has since spread to many colleges and universities including Virginia Tech, Oklahoma University, and University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Chelsea Caveny, co-director of marketing for the Big Event, first got involved last year when former student body president, Artair Rogers, introduced the event and decided it was something that should be brought to the Ole Miss campus.

“[Artair] realized that the message of the Big Event was something that Chancellor Jones would really support and a great way for students to give back to the city of Oxford” said Caveny. The final decision was made to bring the event to the Ole Miss campus; ASB president, Virginia Burke and Director of Community Service, Sarah Rogers started planning early as to introduce and initiate the event.

This event will be the largest community service project in the history of Ole Miss. “Our goal for student participation on March 26^th is 1,000 students. We are over half way there and I’m excited to see our final count…” said Caveny. The UM Big Event posters tell students to sign up and help make history on the Ole Miss campus as well as in the Oxford community.

Volunteers will spend the day of March 26 working in various areas of the community and will complete tasks and services that include painting, yard work, washing windows, cleaning, assisting the elderly and much more.

Clancy Piazza, a graduating senior from Jackson, Miss, plans to sign up as a volunteer for the big day. “I have loved Oxford since before I even started going to school at Ole Miss. As I am about to graduate I can’t think of a better way to show my appreciation to the community” said Piazza.

Many students are excited about the event and hope that this year is successful enough that the UM Big Event will become an annual Ole Miss event.

“The Big Event is the type of thing that people can really easily connect and relate to, and that, in combination with the support of administration and faculty, will keep the Big Event coming back” said Caveny.

Registration for the event will begin at 7:30 am on March 26^th at Union Plaza and by 2:00pm all projects around the community hope to be completed. Students can sign up as a volunteer or group leader on the Ole Miss website as well as the UM Big Event table in the Student Union.

Rebel Baseball Travels to Houston

OXFORD, MS- The Ole Miss Rebel Baseball Team (5-0, 0-0 SEC) travels to Texas this weekend to take on the University of Houston Cougars (4-0) in their first road series of the year.

Week one of regular season play gave the Rebels their first series sweep of the year against Dayton Ohio’s Wright State Raiders, as well as mid-week victories over the University of Memphis Tigers and the Arkansas State Red Wolves.

After losing Friday night starter Drew Pomeranz to the MLB draft as the no. 5 overall pick, as well as Saturday starter Aaron Barrett, there were some worries as to the strength of the Ole Miss bullpen, which is usually the team’s cornerstone. The Rebel pitching staff has allowed an average of 4.0 runs-per-game and opponents’ batting average of .294 over their first five games of the season, but has had plenty of offense to back it up: averaging 6.8 runs-per-game with four homeruns and a team batting average of .341.

Currently, Matt Snyder leads the team in batting average and Miles Hamblin, Preston Overbey, Matt Smith and Zach Kirksey are all tied for the lead in homeruns with one a piece.

The return of Smith and Snyder for their senior and junior years, respectively, was a pleasant surprise for the Rebel faithful after a 2010 campaign that left them both with batting averages of .348 and .347, respectively, and 12 homeruns each.

The NCAA’s new policy on so-called “ping-less” bats should have a positive effect on the Rebels’ season. The new bat regulation was designed by the NCAA to reduce the speed at which a ball leaves the bat as a safety measure to protect its infielders. The new bats outlaw certain composites and are a much closer approximation to the wooden bats used in Major League Baseball. The downside: slower ball speed translates to less homeruns.

But the downside may be just what the Rebels need.

According to the University of Mississippi’s Daily Mississippian, the new bats change the game from “homer-happy” to “pitcher friendly,” and could greatly benefit Bianco’s boys in the long run. The Rebels have yet to find trouble hitting homeruns and the pitching staff has yet to give up one themselves.

Knock on wood. The University of Houston Cougars are no chip shot.

Currently undefeated through four games, this season Houston is a strong player in the Conference USA title race: a conference that boasts the Rice Owls and the Southern Miss Golden Eagles.

At 4-0, Houston is off to its best start since the 1993 season. Catcher John Cannon holds a team high .545 batting average and third baseman Austin Gracey leads the team with two homeruns.

Ole Miss leads the all-time series 2-0.

Swayze Field: the home of Ole Miss Baseball.

Downtown Grill Closing

Caroline Jones

February 25, 2011

JOUR 379- Ms. Jackson

Popular Downtown Grill Closing

As of April 9^th The Downtown Grill on the Oxford square will be closing its doors, for the last time. The co-owner of Downtown Grill, Patty Lewis, also owns the popular department store on the square, Neilsons. Lewis, along with her co-owners, Brandt and George Falls, have decided to switch ownership to a local and popular chef, John Currence. Currence is planning to move one of his well-known restaurants, Boure, from its current location to the Downtown Grill space. As many people already know, John Currence is also the owner of City Grocery, Big Bad Breakfast and The Snack Bar.

The Downtown Grill has been a part of the town of Oxford for 22 years.

“I’ve had people tell me that when they think of Oxford, they think of Downtown Grill as among the top restaurants on the square. It is always difficult to get a reservation on any given weekend,” said Downtown Grill employee and Ole Miss student, Christina Bell.

“I have been working at the Grill for a long time and having to search for a new job is the last thing I want to be doing right now. With many Ole Miss student’s as well as locals constantly searching for jobs, it’s going to make finding a new one difficult,” said Downtown Grill employee, Matt Fulcher.

With the closing of the Downtown Grill, it will put approximately 30 people out of jobs, several of whom have been employed at the Grill for over 10 years. As many may know this town is small and jobs are limited. Sad to see it go, many people will be disappointed with their favorite restaurant closes. Some say it is like a piece of the town is now gone for good. Dan Bolen, Ole Miss parent, said he will be sad to see Downtown Grill close, as it was his favorite restaurant and bar to visit while in town.

“ Since my son was a freshman, I have been a frequent customer of Downtown Grill. In my mind, although the square will be the same, will always be a little bit different once the Downtown Grill is gone. Oh well, you can’t dwell forever and have to accept new beginnings,” said Bolen.

Although it is typically thought of as an upscale restaurant, it is also a bar as long as a popular venue for special events. People have had events, wedding reherseals are scheduled there beyond the closing date and now they are suddenly left without a venue.

“The selling of Downtown Grill is causing chaos for people with events scheduled there. They have had these events planned for months and are suddenly forced to reschedule last minute,” said Fulcher.

Young Life Banquet

This is a picture from an Oxford Middle School Young Life Club: The weekly meeting where volunteer leaders put on skits, games, songs and a talk for students, in order to show God's love.

Ren Turner

In spite of heavy rains and a tornado watch, over two-hundred members of the Oxford community gathered at the Oxford Conference Center last night where $30,850 was raised in support of Young Life, a ministry that reaches out to high school and middle school students.

Young Life is a national organization with one staff person in Oxford, Allen Hampton, who headed up the banquet efforts along with his wife, Reina Hampton.

“It was a lot of work,” Mr. Hampton said. “But the generosity of the community is what keeps Young Life going. We just wanted to show these people what we’ve been doing and where were going in terms of relationships in the Oxford community based upon God’s love for these students.”

The dimmed room was peppered with circular tables where people ate and listened to singer songwriter Alan Levi who came in from Hamilton, GA to help with the banquet. Levi, describing himself as a friend of Young Life, picked on an acoustic guitar and sang songs that spoke about life and God. Between songs, Levi described Young Life as a powerful ministry with an eternal mindset. “If you’re looking for a place to invest, let me suggest Young Life,” he said.

Levi brought two students from Oxford High School on stage to ask questions about their experience with Young Life. Juan Guerra, a junior, has been involved with the ministry since middle school. “Young Life has meant everything to me,” he said. “I became a Christian through it.”

Before and after Levi, Young Life committee members Ben and Robin Bolton and then Allen and Pamela Grafton thanked guest for coming and offered insight to how others can get involved. “You can jump in the boat and join us on committee, or provide a meal for leaders, or give as you feel called,” Mrs. Bolton said.

Pat Ward, Pastor of the Orchard Church in Oxford, closed the banquet with a prayer that reflected on the importance of the youth of Oxford.

Young Life in Oxford is headed by Hampton, but he relies on twenty-four college students who are volunteer leaders to meet kids on their turf and in their culture in order to form lasting friendships with them.

Jessica Burton is a senior education major at Ole Miss, the team leader of the Oxford Middle School team and has been a Young Life leader since her freshman year in college. “For me, middle school was a pivotal time where the decisions I made had a huge impact on who I would become. So that’s part of my heart for middle school girls, and I have great news for them: The God of the universe loves them.”

Burton detailed that Young Life works through several avenues. Club is a once a week meeting where leaders put on skits, sing songs, play games and talk about Jesus. Contact work is the time spent with kids building friendships with them. In the summer, leaders take students to one of the twenty-two Young Life camp locations around the country. And once back home, campaigners is a weekly bible study.

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Reese Prepares for Repeat

USA Long Jump Champion Brittney Reese is ready to defend her title this weekend at the USA Indoor Track and Field Championships in Albuquerque, NM. The long jump is scheduled for 1:15 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 27.

Reese will be competing after suffering her first loss in over a season as she was defeated by Marshevet Myers on Feb. 12 at the Tyson Invitational in Fayetteville, Ark. Myers won with a jump of 6.83 meters which stands as the fourth-best U.S. performance ever. Reese claimed the third spot at last year’s USA Indoor Championships as she jumped 6.89 meters.

The former Ole Miss Rebel continues to train with her former college coach, Joe Walker. The pair is spending this week fine tuning her jumping technique and making other necessary adjustments before the meet.


Walker is impressed with her dedication to defending her USA title and is not concerned about the recent loss.

“Brittney shows exactly what type of person she is when she competes,” said Walker. “It really just shows you how much talent and determination she has along with the type of character she has. There is no doubt in my mind she will repeat as USA Champion.”

Reese also says she is staying focused on the task at hand.

“I just take it one day at a time. My focus right now is on defending my crown at the USA Championships on Sunday. At this point, everything is coming together for me. I have had a great week of practice and am ready to get out there and compete.”

Leading up to this year’s USA Championships, Reese has put more concentration on lifting weights than in the past, and has recently undergone a weight room coaching change. Former Ole Miss Track and Field Strength and Conditioning Coach Brian Weisman left the Rebels in January after he accepted a job with the U.S. Armed Forces. Assistant Coach John Simmons has taken over her strength program.

Simmons is pleased with Reese’s progression so far this season.

“Brittney is peaking at the right time. It is a long process, but we have set her up to really break out this weekend.”

Reese, a Gulfport, Miss. native, attended Gulfport High School where she earned the 2004 Gatorade “Player of the Year” award for track and field. Reese signed with Ole Miss in 2007 to run track after transferring from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.

In 2008, Reese won the NCAA Championship in the long jump and finished fifth in the Olympics. The following year, she turned pro and won the World Outdoor Championships with a world leading jump of 23-feet 3.50 inches. Reese also captured the 2010 World Indoor Championship before repeating as USA Outdoor Champion last summer.

For more on Reese’s accomplishments, visit www.usatf.org/athletes/bios/Reese_Brittany.asp.

Oxford Art Crawl

The Yoknapatawpha Arts Council plans to start a new monthly art crawl in Oxford highlighting the private galleries, museums and community art spaces. A traditional double-decker bus will be transporting people from Southside Gallery, the Powerhouse, Gallery 130 and the University Museum on the fourth Tuesday of every month. Art crawls are popular events in most Metropolitan cities, often serving free wine and refreshments while showcasing all the local art exhibits.

“Oxford has been recognized as the new home of the arts in the south with its multitude of visual, performing and literary artists who reside there,” Wayne Andrews, director of the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council, said.

Various art groups have coordinated efforts to organize this unique event. Mary-Kathryn Milner, director of Tourism for Oxford has shared “Oxford is a hot spot for visual arts and we thought that these once a month tours would highlight the various venues in our community while showcasing the talent of our local artists.”

Traditionally the museum, gallery and exhibit spaces held separate receptions. The organizers hope that through coordinating receptions, the scale of the event will bring visitors to enjoy the openings and the nightlife in Oxford. Visitors of the monthly art crawl will be able to park in one location and enjoy a ride on the historic double-decker bus to each venue, which will be running all night. Each venue will host a reception from 7-9 p.m. Visitors will have a chance to meet with the artists, enjoy a glass of wine and walk the Oxford square.

“Our goal is to achieve consistency in the event, such as hosting it on the fourth Tuesday of every month. I realize that most people spend their Thursdays at Thacker Mountain Radio and other events on the weekends, so I thought that Tuesdays would be a good night to get people out on the town to support local businesses,” Andrews said.

With the declining economy, local businesses need as much support as possible. This event is a great way to bring the people of the community together to support local artists and businesses on the square. Additionally, this is an invaluable opportunity for students’ artwork to be shown.

“Being an art major at Ole Miss, I would love to have the opportunity for the community to see the students’ and graduate students’ work. Most of our work is featured in Gallery 130, located in Meek Hall. However, not many people are exposed to our work outside the University. This is a great chance to have outsiders and even other artists see our work,” Mary Catherine Sheats, a senior Art major from Atlanta, Ga. said.

For more information on the Oxford Art Crawl, visit www.oxfordarts.com. Below is a schedule of the upcoming exhibitions for the month of March.

Southside Gallery	Claude Wilkinson & William Gay
The Powerhouse	Words and Art Exhibit
Gallery 130	Graduate Student Exhibition
The University Museum	Gee’s Bend Quilt Exhibit & A Civil Rights Struggle Exhibit

The 2nd Annual Because of Who You Are Award

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority will present its second annual Because of Who You Are Award to two of the Lafayette-Oxford-University (LOU) community volunteers on Sunday.

“The LOU community is filled with people who go beyond the normal perimeters of their daily lives to assist others,” said Jackie Certion, graduate advisor of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority. “We wanted to select people that we know are doing things for the community, but doing it behind the scenes.”

The Because of Who You Are Award was created to honor local citizens for their unselfish acts that benefits the needs of others.

“In honor of our founders, we usually choose an educator and another civil servant,” Certion said. “We seek out people who have made an impact on the community, and seem to still remain in the background.”

The founders of Sigma Gamma Rho were school teachers and administrators. The sorority was founded in 1922, on the campus of Butler University in Indianapolis, Ind.

On Oct. 28, 1994, the Xi Zeta Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho was chartered at the University of Mississippi. The sorority currently has two members on campus and five in the local alumni chapter.

“Our organization's motto is ‘Greater Service, Greater Progress’, and community service is a major cornerstone for who were are as an organization,” Certion said.

In February 2010, the first award was given to three recipients in the LOU community. Each recipient was awarded a plaque engraved with an African Proverb that represents the sorority’s motto.

“I was really shocked because I did not know anything about the award, or that it existed and it took me totally by surprise,” said Mae Stone, a 2010 award recipient and Regional Coordinator for Operation Christmas Child. “I was pleased because Operation Christmas Child is a great organization with a worthy mission.”

Sigma Gamma Rho’s aim is to enhance the quality of life within the community. Public service, leadership development and education of youth are the hallmark of the organization’s programs and activities.

“The sorority saw the need to acknowledge people who were civically engaged,” Certion said. “The idea came about when Chancellor Jones' put emphasis on the Ole Miss community getting more involved in community service.”

On Sunday, Feb. 27, the Because of Who You Are Award will be handed out in the community at a public place. One recipient will receive the plaque during Black History Month at a local church, and the other will receive the award during an auxiliary meeting.

“I think it is a great thing that they are doing,” said Christina Draper, a Sigma Gamma Rho alumni. “I think a lot of times people do good in the community, but they may not get the publicity they should for what they do. They do give back to the community and should be recognized.”

Watch as Mae Stone tells us more about her community involvement and see her award: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3W-FCiYwsE

Hyper Crush Performers at The Lyric

Hyper Crush will perform at The Lyric tonight with all proceeds benefitting St. Jude Childrens’ Research Hospital.

Brendan Rich, known as DJ Hoodr1ch by night, is sponsoring the event. “Hyper Crush, the most popular electro-hop group out right now, just finished touring with LMFAO, The Far East Movement and Lady Gaga,” he said.

Electro-hop is a combination of electronic music and rap. Hyper Crush consists of three people: Preston Moronie on the keytar and turntables along with Holly Valentine and Donny Fontaine performing vocals.

“We have the potential to raise $17,250 for St. Jude. Without The Lyric here in Oxford and the several accommodations that it provides, bringing Hyper Crush to the Oxford area would not even be possible,” said Rich.

The renovated Lyric reopened its doors during the summer of 2008. Since then, it has had the privilege of hosting accomplished artists like the Black Crows, MGMT, Modest Mouse, Eric Church, Umphrey’s McGee and Bassnecter.

“[The Lyric] has provided a place for the Oxford/Ole Miss community to raise money for fundraisers and charitable events. Organizations and events like Hope for Africa, Kappa Alpha Fight Night, March of Dimes, Lafayette Oxford Foundation and John McCain’s post-debate party are only a few beneficial events that have happened here,” said Tim Burkhead, head of production for The Lyric.

Marion Startz, General Manager of The Lyric, said the Lyric has held at least 50 charitable events in the past two and a half years, and they are often held as frequently as once a month.

"People love going to The Lyric so having our Fight Night event there for two nights was great. We raised twenty grand just from selling tickets at the door," said Ty New, Chairman of philanthropy for Kappa Alpha.

Kappa Alpha was able to raise $80,000 overall, and 50 percent of their proceeds went to the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the rest went to local charities.

“The Lyric has not only benefited philanthropies and organizations, but also the town of Oxford,” said Startz. “People come from all over the United States to come see the shows. When they come they are renting hotels, eating in our restaurants, buying stuff on the square and visiting the Ole Miss campus. The Lyric has provided thousands and thousands of dollars to various organizations, charities and to the town of Oxford since it reopened.”

The Lyric’s large venue makes it possible for it to host the electro-hop rave on Friday night while simultaneously benefiting St. Jude Childrens’ Research Hospital.

“Come out Friday for the biggest party Oxford will see this spring where all of your money is going for a great cause,” said Rich.

Tickets to Hyper Crush are on sale now for $15. Also, they can be purchased online at www.thelyricoxford.com.

Make your plans to get your rave on with Hyper Crush tonight at the Lyric.

Study Abroad Fair

Study Abroad Fair

The UM Study Abroad Office expects more than 300 students to go abroad this year. At the Fair held on Thursday, Study Abroad introduced new programs for this summer and encouraged students to try something different.

“We are giving a whole lot more, than we were doing in previous years. Italian language program is a brand new thing. This year students can take classes in London in the Hogwarts castle, where Harry Potter movie was filmed. “said Vanessa Cook, a Study Abroad Office coordinator.

A new way of representing programs at the Fair, attracted more than 500 students.

“We want students to really get the idea of what is this all about. That’s why the professors who actually take students to foreign countries and the students who participated earlier are here. They are showing to all interested students the background of different countries.” said Vanessa Cook.

Lee Harris spent a month in Italy 3 years ago. This year he volunteered at the Fair with the UM Study Abroad office to encourage prospective students.

“My Italian teacher made me go. She was an awesome person and encouraged the whole class to go. We saw a whole Italy. I took my final exam sitting on the beach. It was a changing experience. My awareness changed. At first, I was hanging out with Americans, everything was new, and we were tourists. But by the end, I just started respecting their culture and felt I was a part of it. And also felt a need to behave myself, not as a tourist, but as someone who belonged there.”

Lee said that those who decide to go, should expect unexpected.

“You go abroad, you know that you are going to learn about other culture, but you don’t realize how much you are going to learn about your own culture and about yourself. That was what surprised me the most. “

The process of applying has started and for those students seeking financial aid, OleMiss is offering different possibilities.

“Financial aid is provided for students who don’t receive some other kind of it already. But our office is offering exchange programs for the same amount of money, as if you were staying at OleMiss. There are also scholarships than some of our departments offer to their students” Vanessa Cook said.

Caroline Grewe, a sophomore marketing major, was one of more than 500 students who came to the Fair, looking for something different in their academic future.

“I think I’m going to Greece with my roommate. Or maybe to Africa. It depends on what my major offers. I want to see how everything is run outside America. This could be a great experience, so why not give it a try?”

On-Campus Internet Access

Powers Hall, which houses the Information Technology department.

University of Mississippi officials are working to make sure the quality of on-campus Internet access is keeping up with increases in enrollment and use of wireless devices.

Periods of slow Internet service are frustrating for some students who live on campus. Stewart Fakess, 18, believes the service should be better since he pays so much in out-of-state tuition.

"I pay so much already because I'm out of state, they better give me some good Internet," said the freshman from Orlando, Fla.

Will Reynolds, a freshman from Springfield, Mo., also had negative opinions of on-campus Internet access. "Some days it will be so slow that you can't get anything done. You can't even watch YouTube videos," said Reynolds, 19.

Kathy Gates, the university's Chief Information Officer, said there are several reasons for the speed issue, including increased enrollment, increased popularity of video websites such as YouTube and Netflix and more wireless devices in use on campus.

"We're finding that many students have up to four [wireless devices], and some have more than that," said Gates.

Gates also said the addition of Campus Walk to the university network caused further strain.

Robin Miller, Deputy Chief Information Officer and Director of Technical Services, explained that network administrators are also required by law and university policy to clamp down on students that may be using the network to download illegal files.

"That could mean that we have to press down a little bit on the bandwidth of what somebody might use for a LimeWire or something like that," said Miller.

In addition, Miller cited "bandwidth hogs" as a factor in the speed issue. "Bandwidth hogs" are users that consume large amounts of bandwidth, leaving the rest of the network with less bandwidth and, in turn, slower service.

"They may know it, or they may not know it. In fact, they may not even know that something is on their device that's doing that," said Miller.

In an effort to stop bandwidth hogs, the university instituted a "fair share policy" on its wireless network, in which all users are guaranteed a certain amount of bandwidth.

To combat the speed problem, university officials are employing several solutions, such as buying more bandwidth, increasing wireless capacity on campus and shifting network traffic between residence halls and classrooms and offices.

Miller said more bandwidth is dedicated to academic buildings and online services such as Blackboard during the day; at night, the bandwidth is returned to residence halls.

To help maximize connection speed, Gates and Miller suggested using an anti-virus program and keeping it up do date to prevent viruses and spyware from slowing down the connection, and for users to contact the Helpdesk at (662) 915-5222 if they have problems with services like Blackboard.

On-Campus Internet Access

Powers Hall, which houses the Information Technology department.

University of Mississippi officials are working to make sure the quality of on-campus Internet access is keeping up with increases in enrollment and use of wireless devices.



Periods of slow Internet service are frustrating for some students who live on campus. Stewart Fakess, 18, believes the service should be better since he pays so much in out-of-state tuition.



“I pay so much already because I’m out of state, they better give me some good Internet,” said the freshman from Orlando, Fla.



Will Reynolds, a freshman from Springfield, Mo., also had negative opinions of on-campus Internet access. “Some days it will be so slow that you can’t get anything done. You can’t even watch YouTube videos,” said Reynolds, 19.



Kathy Gates, the university’s Chief Information Officer, said there are several reasons for the speed issue, including increased enrollment, increased popularity of video websites such as YouTube and Netflix and more wireless devices in use on campus.



“We’re finding that many students have up to four [wireless devices], and some have more than that,” said Gates.



Gates also said the addition of Campus Walk to the university network caused further strain.



Robin Miller, Deputy Chief Information Officer and Director of Technical Services, explained that network administrators are also required by law and university policy to clamp down on students that may be using the network to download illegal files.



“That could mean that we have to press down a little bit on the bandwidth of what somebody might use for a LimeWire or something like that,” said Miller.



In addition, Miller cited “bandwidth hogs” as a factor in the speed issue. “Bandwidth hogs” are users that consume large amounts of bandwidth, leaving the rest of the network with less bandwidth and, in turn, slower service.



“They may know it, or they may not know it. In fact, they may not even know that something is on their device that’s doing that,” said Miller.



In an effort to stop bandwidth hogs, the university instituted a “fair share policy” on its wireless network, in which all users are guaranteed a certain amount of bandwidth.



To combat the speed problem, university officials are employing several solutions, such as buying more bandwidth, increasing wireless capacity on campus and shifting network traffic between residence halls and classrooms and offices.



Miller said more bandwidth is dedicated to academic buildings and online services such as Blackboard during the day; at night, the bandwidth is returned to residence halls.



To help maximize connection speed, Gates and Miller suggested using an anti-virus program and keeping it up to date to prevent viruses and spyware from slowing down the connection, and for users to contact the Helpdesk at (662) 915-5222 if they have problems with services like Blackboard.