Athens State University Student Newspaper the.athenian@athens.eduSeptember 2010

Photo from InternetRiders in the Sky will be headlining this year’s Fiddlers Convention. The Group is set to perform Friday evening on the FoundersHall stage.

Riders in the Sky: Bringing Good Beef to Hungry People at the 44thAnnual Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers ConventionMaggie ThomasEditor

Maybe you’re like me and you canremember waking up every Saturdaymorning to watch Riders in the Sky on TV.Perhaps you first heard Riders in the Skyon the Toy Story 2 soundtrack. It’s possiblethat you’ve been listening to these guys forthe past twenty years. Alas, it is evenpossible that you have yet to discover themusical stylings of Riders in the Sky. If thatlast statement applies to you (and even if itdoesn’t), you have the perfect opportunityto take in the Riders’ cowboy sounds atthis year’s Fiddlers Convention!

Yes, Riders in the Sky will beheadlining the 44th annual Tennessee ValleyOld Time Fiddlers Convention at AthensState University. The group is scheduled toperform on the Founders Hall stage, Fridayevening, October 1.

Now, for those of you who maynot be familiar, Riders in the Sky are what

one would call a “classic cowboyquartet.” For the past thirty yearsRiders in the Sky have been writingand performing the kind of music thatwas made popular by artists such asthe Sons of the Pioneers, Gene Autry,and Roy Rogers. While they havemanaged to remain true to theintegrity of Western music, they havemade their own mark on the genreby incorporating their own legendaryhumor and Western wit in theirshows.

Riders in the Sky are madeup of four cowboy characters:Ranger Doug, Joey, Woody Paul, andToo Slim. Each musician brings hisown style and accomplishments to thetable. Guitarist Ranger Doug, dubbedGovernor of the Great State ofRhythm, sings lead and baritone

vocals. Accordionist Joey, aka theCowPolka King, has recorded witheveryone from Roy Rogers to U2, andis also the Riders’ producer. Woody Paul,King of the Cowboy Fiddlers, sings leadand tenor vocals. Finally, upright bassistToo Slim brings forth superb bass playalong with comic genius, and accordingto their website, has inspired thousandsto “whack out tunes on their faces.”

Riders in the Sky’s music andcomedy is sure to delight all who are inattendance. Whether you think you’retoo young, too old, or think you don’t evenlike Western music, you have got it allwrong! Come on out to this year’sFiddlers Convention and have a listen toRiders in the Sky. You will find that thisgroup truly is exceptional, and they aresure to make your Fiddlers experience amemorable one.

Athens StateUniversity Preparesfor On-Site SACSVisitDr. Jackie SmithGuest Writer

If you are on campus duringOctober 27, 28, and 29, chances are youwill get to meet some very specialvisitors. ASU will be hosting an on-siteReaffirmation Committee from theCommission on Colleges with theSouthern Association of Colleges andSchools. The University is pursuingreaffirmation of accreditation as part ofa ten-year cycle. Part of that processincludes the Quality Enhancement Planentitled Building Success ThroughWriting! You have probably seen thesigns and banners around campus. Thisproject is aimed at providing our studentswith the tools, skills, and confidence tobe stronger writers. You can access theQEP and other reaffirmation documentsat http://www.athens.edu/visitors/sacs.php. As a student, you may wonder whatall the fuss is about. What does thisreaffirmation have to do with me? Well,everything! Reaffirming ouraccreditation ensures the value of theeducation you earn at ASU. It providescredibility to your diploma. It is aguarantee to you that ASU is focusedon providing you a supportive and qualitylearning environment. Over the years,higher education has witnessed a shiftin values. “Institutions have beenencouraged by regional accreditingCommissions and others to shift from afocus on ‘delivering quality instruction’to ‘designing a climate most conductiveto student learning.’ All agree that atrue learning-centered institution thinksfirst about what students need to learn,then organizes itself in ways designedto bring this about most effectively”(CRAC, 2004, p. 7). Successful

Please see SACS page 6

From the Editors: Welcome to Fiddlers Convention 2010 First, we would like to welcome youback to our campus. We are excited aboutbeing able to keep you informed and up todate on all campus organizations andactivities this year! As you may havenoticed, The Athenian has a new staff. I,Maggie Thomas, am the new editor, andKara Faulk and Erin Minor are the newassistant editors. In this special edition of The Athenianyou will find everything you wanted to knowabout the Fiddlers Convention, including a

brief history, rules and regulations,admission, and a list of vendors. Youwill also find an exclusive insert onthe Quality Enhancement Plan. Thisinsert contains information aboutAthens State University’s pursuit ofreaffirmation and accreditation, andfurther explains important facts aboutthe Quality Enhancement Plan. We hope to continue to delivercampus news to the student body inan exciting and enlightening manner.

If you have any suggestions for us atThe Athenian, please feel free to callus or e-mail us. This is a student-orientedpaper—we are here for you! We hopeyou enjoy this special edition of TheAthenian and can’t wait to see you atthis year’s Fiddlers Convention!

Maggie Thomas, EditorKara Faulk, Assistant EditorErin Minor, Assistant Editor

The Athenian

The Athenian welcomes lettersand columns from students, staff, fac-ulty, administration and alumni. All sub-missions are subject to approval of theeditorial board and advisor. Submis-sions must be accompanied by aname, address and phone number. Theeditorial board reserves the right to editsubmissions for brevity, style, clarityand liability.

Submissions should focus on theissues rather than personalities. Proofof identification may be required.Submissions must be limited to 300-400 words, and may be delivered viamail, e-mail, or in person.

Views expressed in this publica-tion do not necessarily reflect those ofthe Athens State University Adminis-tration, faculty, or the student body atlarge.

Address correspondence or adver-tising inquiries to:

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The AthenianAttn: Editor

P.O. Box 235Athens, AL 35611.(256) 233-8238

the.athenian@athens.edu

EditorMaggie Thomas

Assitant EditorsKara FaulkErin Minor

Staff WriterMelissa Dutton

Guest Writers/PhotographersDanielle Dutcher

Guy McClureDr. Jackie SmithStanley Webster

AdvisorTena Bullington

The Athenian is published withfunds from the Athens State Univer-sity Student Activities fund and ad-vertising revenue. It is distributed freeof charge to members of the faculty,staff, and student body.

The staff of The Athenian fol-lows the Associated Collegiate Press,Model Code of Ethics for CollegiateJournalists. The Athenian office islocated in the Sandridge Student Cen-ter, Room 215.

Admission Costs

Friday Only

Saturday Only

Both Days

$8.00

$10.00

$15.00

Friday: Gates open at 8 a.m.Saturday: Gates open at 7:30 a.m.

*Children under 12 admitted free withparents

Registration Information

Friday: Begins at Noon

Saturday: 7:45 a.m.--8:30 a.m. for Finger-Picking and Beginning Fiddlers 8:00 a.m. for all others

*Registration will close 30 minutes prior to beginning of each category competition.

What to Expect

Fiddlers 4-1-1

The Tennessee Valley Old-Time Fiddlers Convention is well-known throughoutLimestone County and the City of Athens. For those of you who have never attendedthe Convention and those who still do not know what to expect, we are going to fill youin! The events begin Friday at noon and will be held outside, so do not forget to bringyour lawn chair. The contest ends around 10:00 p.m. Friday night and will reconveneon Saturday at 8:30 a.m. Competitions are held throughout the day. The main competitiontakes place on the Founders Green, but vendors and food will be set up all overcampus. The food is prepared so that you can enjoy the full day and never have toleave the campus. Parking and capacity is limited, so an early start is best. No refundswill be given. In the event of rain, the contest will be moved to the Athens StateGymnasium. All competitors will be given a free entry into one category of the competitionwith the purchase of an admission ticket. Travelers, there will be free camping, butthere are no hook-ups. For musicians participating in the audience, bring your instrumentsalong. There are always jam sessions going on throughout the audience!

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Fiddlers 4-1-1Listing of Events and Prizes

Friday Night:Beginning at 7 p.m.

Harmonica FinalsMandolin FinalsBluegrass Banjo FinalsDobro FinalsDulcimer FinalsOld Time Singing Finals

Saturday Morning:Beginning at 8:30 a.m.

Beginning Fiddler (10 & Under Finals)Beginning Fiddler (11-15)Guitar Finger Pick FinalsSenior FiddlerOld Time Banjo FinalsClassic Old-Time FiddlerGuitar Flat Pick FinalsBluegrass BandJunior FiddlerOld Time BandBuck Dancing

Saturday Night:Finals Beginning at 6 p.m.

Beginning Fiddler (11-15)Senior FiddlerClassic Old-Time FiddlerBluegrass BandJunior FiddlerOld Time BandBuck Dancing (15 & Under)Buck Dancing (16 & Over)Fiddle-Off/Junior & Senior Fiddle Winners

1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th

$100 $75 $50 $25 $10$100 $75 $50 $25 $10$100 $75 $50 $25 $10$100 $75 $50 $25 $10$100 $75 $50 $25 $10$100 $75 $50 $25 $10

$100 $75 $50 $25 $10$300 $200 $100 $75 $50$100 $75 $50 $25 $10$500 $350 $250 $100 $75$100 $75 $50 $25 $10$500 $350 $250 $100 $75$100 $75 $50 $25 $10$750 $500 $300 $200 $100$500 $350 $250 $100 $75$750 $500 $300 $200 $100$100 $75 $50 $25 $10

Meet The Judges

The Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention always calls for judges from all ages, states, and backgrounds. This variety bringsfairness to the competition and spice to the event. This year, judges will be traveling from Indiana, Tennessee, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio,and various cities throughout Alabama. Each judge will surely bring an individual style and listening ear to the Tennessee Valley Old TimeFiddlers Convention.

Sharon Bounds of Northport, Alabama is a Champion Fiddler and is the daughter and granddaughter of Old Time Master Fiddlers.She began playing the instrument at age eleven and will certainly bring expertise to this year’s competition. Larry Williams of Muscle Shoals,Alabama is a wealth of knowledge in all areas of Old Time music. Not only has he performed for years, but he has also been instructingbeginners for years as well. Jake Landers, of Muscle Shoals, is a legend for Old Time Fiddler audiences. He began playing at age eight andperformed as one of Bill Monroe’s Bluegrass Boys. He began writing music as a teenager, including songs like the well known, “Walk Softly on

Please see Judges page 10

Fiddlers 4-1-1

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Heath Chittam, RPh

Chandler Willingham, RPh

Garry Boggus, RPh

The Annual Tennesse Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention: Then and Now

Erin MinorAssistant Editor

It’s a big deal. For those of uswho have grown up in or around Athens,we don’t think much about The Old TimeFiddler’s Convention. I challenge youto “google it” just to see all theinformation that comes up. It truly is amajor event. Thousands of peopleattend, hundreds of people participate inthe music competition, and hundredsmore have arts and crafts booths. Thebeauty of it is nothing has really changedsince 1967. The opportunity to writeabout Fiddler’s is amazing just becauseof the plethora of information. However,I would like to focus on how this fiddlin’contest has been a constant for ourcommunity. Go back with me to 1967. TheVietnam War was becoming increasinglyunpopular, the first Boeing 737 takesflight, Ronald Regan takes office,

Motorola releases affordable colortelevisions, People in Glass Houseswas published, Bonnie and Clyde hitthe box office, and “All You Need isLove” by The Beatles was taking overthe radio. The country was in turmoilover war and civil rights, yet the worldwas still spinning.

Here in Alabama in 1967 thefirst woman governor, Lurlene Wallace,was elected and tragically died of cancerthat same year. A Supreme CourtDecision determined that interracialmarriages were now legal in the stateof Alabama. The popular band TheDoors made “Alabama Song” popular.Many of the problems that the countryfaced, Alabama shared as well.

Enter Old Time Fiddler’sConvention, where a few folks fromAlabama and Tennessee decided to

have a fiddling contest. The winnerwouldn’t win much other than glory. Oldtime bluegrass was being showcasedright here at Athens State University. Ittook this little convention less thantwenty years to grow into a pretty bigdeal. By 1987, twenty-nine states andthree countries were represented on thiscampus. Everyone was here to play thefiddle, harmonica, banjo etc. for the prizemoney and take the title of “winner.” Itwas always a friendly atmosphere fromthe beginning and despite fears that thelarger the crowd grew the moreaggressive the folks would become neveractually became a problem. In everyarticle that you read, you will find thatthe convention made everyone feelwelcome. Often times you will readabout musicians gathering together tolearn from one another.

Today, the United States is in twowars, the first African American, BarackObama, has been elected president, HDtelevisions are everywhere, the big boxoffice hit is Avatar, and (depending onyour musical taste) either Taylor Swiftor Lil’ Wayne is on the radio all the time.Still, The Old Time Fiddler’s Conventionis about bluegrass music, good food, andneighbors teaching neighbors.

A lot has changed over the pastforty plus years, but every October youcan count on the Old Time Fiddler’sconvention to take you back to thesimple things in life. It doesn’t matterhow old you are, what color your skinis, or how talented you are—everyoneis welcome. The fiddler’s conventionbrings people together and reminds usthat in this changing world, some thingsalways will stay the same.

Photo Courtesy of Guy McClure Photo Courtesy of Guy McClure

Fiddlers 4-1-1

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Two pair oftickets availableto the first two

students with thecorrect answer.

Michael Douglas reprises his roleas what character in the film Wall

Street: Money Never Sleeps?

A History of the Tennesse Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention at Athens State University

Kara FaulkAssistant Editor

Limestone County has always beendeeply rooted in traditional old time music.The Tennessee Valley Old Time FiddlersConvention began in hopes to continuethat tradition and has been successful indoing so for over forty years. The ideafor the convention began in the Elk Riverhome of Sam McCracken, master old-time fiddler. After the rise of radio, lossof interest in live music lead many artiststo put their instruments away. In the mid1960’s, however, Mike Wallis, EdChristopher, Bob Holland, Bill Harrison,and Sam McCracken took theirinstruments off the shelves and began toplay again. Soon after, discussion began,and the gentleman decided that theywould host a small gathering for fiddlersin the area to collaborate and compete.The first event was held at the PleasantPoint schoolhouse in 1966, but the crowdwas much too large for the courtyard. InFebruary of 1967, the group moved theshowcase to the West LimestoneGymnasium, sure that this would be morethan enough space. With word-of-mouthadvertisement, the gymnasium waspacked and several listeners were turnedaway for lack of room. It was obviousthat growing interest in old-time fiddlemusic demanded a larger venue.

The convention was moved toAthens State in 1967 when officialsapproached Mr. Ewell Smith, the

Assistant Business Manager, in a searchfor a larger spot. Hundreds of peoplepacked in the Athens State Gymnasiumanxious to hear the fiddlers compete forthe title, but even this site would not holdthe crowd. In 1978, Mr. Smith was putin charge of the convention; he movedthe event outside, though he was advisedagainst it. The plan seemed to work outas the convention is still held on theAthens State Campus grounds. Severaltraditions developed through the years;one of the most missed is the annual anvilshoot that announced the beginning ofthe first event on November 4, 1967.When the convention began, BillHarrison began the Saturday showcasewith a 9:00 AM anvil shoot. Eventuallyhis grandson continued the tradition.Unfortunately, this tradition was put torest in 1995. Mr. Smith notes that over the yearsthe convention has managed to stay trueto its roots. Very little has changed sincethe first convention, but many thingshave been added to the showcase,including a Classic competition and aBeginner’s Competition. A diverse groupof top-notch judges are invited to assistin the competition. Performers andlisteners come from all over to join.Guests have been recorded from thirty-three different states and three differentcountries. Over a hundred arts and

crafts vendors display their talent eachyear at the convention. Food is preparedto last throughout the day so that listenersnever have to leave the campus. Anunfortunate change will, however, takeplace this year after the loss of LeoMudd. Mudd has been the Buck-dancingMC for over twenty-five years and willbe greatly missed.

The first net proceeds totaled$52. All proceeds held at the Athens Satecampus have been given to scholarshipfunds and even helped in the constructionof the library. The event is always heldon the first full weekend of October.Even this was planned with a purpose.The Steering Committee researched fallweather of previous years and evendecades finding the first weekend ofOctober to be most ideal. This event hasbecome synonymous with fall in theAthens area. Several celebrities like RoyAcuff, Vassar Clemmons, and JohnHartsfield made this possible. Smithwitnessed Hartsfield sporting aTennessee Valley Old Time FiddlersConvention hat on the hit television show,“Hee Haw.” Acuff sent his fiddler to theconvention and advertised on the GrandOle Opry as well. Several rising starshave competed and performed at theevent including: Buddy Spiker, MikeSnider, Ramona Jones, and JakeLanders, writer of “Walk Softly on This

Heart of Mine” and resident of Florence,Alabama.

Smith says that his favorite partof the convention is the impromptu jamsessions that take place in the crowdand all of the people involved.Community support is overwhelmingand over three-hundred locals help tomake the event possible. The TennesseeValley Old Time Fiddlers Conventionnewsletter is now a published magazinefor all fiddlers and is called “The Devil’sBox.” The event has been givenrecognition by Discover America, Inc.as one of the top twenty Octoberevents. The city of Athens has beengiven the opportunity to watch this eventflourish and now host over 15,000 old-time traditional music lovers. Mr. EwellSmith has missed only one Fiddler’sConvention since it was moved toAthens State and has definitely helpedmake the event what it is today asAssistant Business Manager, Dean ofFinancial Affairs, and now SteeringCommittee member. He claims to enjoycountry music but says that his love forfiddle music has grown over time. Now,he is happy to be able to “sit back andjust enjoy it.” He retired in 2000 and nowworks under the direction of thecommittee leader, Rick Mould, whoworks hard to continue the traditions ofthe Fiddlers Convention.

6

Campus News

reaccreditation for ASU means that weput you, the student, first in everythingwe do.

The last time the institutioncompleted this process was in 1999;many things have changed since then.Faces have changed and the Universityis under the leadership of a newpresident. This president has set theUniversity on a new course through thedevelopment of the Vision 2020 plan.The institution has made huge strides inmeeting student demand throughdistance learning opportunities.Enrollment has grown each year andstudents are taking advantage of newprograms of study. Even the physicalface of the University has changedthrough an aggressive renovation planthat has unified the appearance ofcampus facilities while providing leadingedge instructional technology. However,while sometimes newer is better, it doesnot always apply to everything. Thehistory of ASU is one of its strengthsand this is not lost on those who gatheron her storied campus grounds to work,teach, study, visit, or even wed! Thestrong sense of family and small-town

appeal is still alive and well – this wehope never changes. The SACS Commission onColleges operates under the philosophyof self-regulation and believes that“accreditation is best accomplishedthrough a voluntary association ofeducational institutions” (Principles ofAccreditation, 2010, p.2). Memberinstitutions are accountable to eachother and the reaccreditation processrelies on the tenets of integrity and trust.ASU believes strongly in the value ofthe SACS peer-review process andlooks forward to the input andcomments from the Commission. Thisprocess has provided ASU theopportunity to self-evaluate how wellit accomplishes its mission and goals.While it can be tedious and sometimeseven overwhelming, the institution and,more importantly the students it serves,will be the ultimate beneficiaries. So, if you happen upon one ofthese on-site visitors during the lastweek of October, just treat them likeone of the family and show themaround. Let them see why AthensState University was voted one of the“2010 Great Colleges to Work For” byThe Chronicle of Higher Education andthank them for what they are doing tomake it even better!

SACSContinued from page 1

Courtesy Photo

ASU recently enrolled Nepali students, from left, Ashish Shrestha, BeniMalla, Shabnam Shrestha, and Subin Shrestha.

Athens State University Welcomes International Students to their Incoming Class

Guy McClureGuest Writer

The traditional student body atAthens State University is comprisedmostly of undergraduates from the NorthAlabama / Southern Tennessee area,with an occasional student from as faraway as Atlanta or Mobile. But thissemester brings four students who areoriginally from Nepal to the Athenscampus. They are four of teninternational students currently studyingat Athens State.

The Nepali students in AthensState’s College of Business - AashishShrestha, Beni Malla, Subin Shrestha andShabnam Shrestha (all unrelated) - havefound each other and are sharing campuslife and adapting to the Tennessee Valley.

“I had lived in the area a fewyears ago before moving to New Jersey,”

states Aashish. “I loved it so much Idecided to return and attend AthensState.”

Nepal, a land-locked country inSouth Asia, is home to the HimalayaMountains and is a country of highlydiverse and rich geography, culture, andreligions. Three of the four studentsmoved from Nepal to the TennesseeValley just a few weeks ago.

Although three of the studentsshare the last name of Shrestha, theyare not related. “The surname Shresthain Nepal is equivalent to Smith inAmerica,” states Aashish. “It is acoincidence, but not unheard of to hearthe name many times in a group.”

All four students expect tograduate in 2012 with degrees in eitherAccounting or Management.

Photo from InternetLive United member tutoring young student.

Student United Way: A New Organization thatChallenges Students to “Walk the Walk”

Erin MinorAssistant Editor

I had the chance to sit down andtalk with Dr. Mark Durm, a professorof psychology here at Athens State. Hewas asked by Ms. Kaye McFarlen, thelocal United Way director to establish astudent United Way organization on ourcampus, and he gladly accepted. I amtruly excited about this opportunity andhope that I can get just a few of youreaders interested as well. StudentUnited Way is a branch of United Way.I am sure you have seen thecommercials, or heard NFL player’stalking about it. If you are anything likeme, you have thought to yourself, “Iwould like to get involved in that,” but itjust seems like too big a goal for onesingle person. Well, here is our chance.The student branch of United Way is astudent lead organization who has theopportunity to work together to make ourcommunity a better place.

Now, I have heard several ofmy fellow classmates say they wishthere were more student activitiesoffered on campus, but when someoneannounces organizations in which wecan be involved we are quick to say, “I’mtoo busy,” or make some other excuse.This is our chance! Let’s stop makingexcuses and start getting involved.

United Way improves lives bymobilizing the caring powers ofcommunities around the world toadvance the common good. Theorganization has three major goals theyhope to have accomplished by 2018:Improve education, financial stability, andpromote healthy lives. Stated on theorganization’s website,www.liveunited.org, “Our goals areambitious, but with your help, and byutilizing our core strengths – a nationalnetwork, committed partners and public

engagement capacity – we can achievethem.”

Here on our campus, Dr. Durmhas great ideas to better our community.Some of these ideas include: “Stuff thebus,” where we can gather donatedschool supplies for children; food drives,disaster relief, and much more. There isalso a wonderful opportunity for studentsto enroll in “Alternative Spring Break”and receive financial assistance for trips.There will always be something for usto do if we make the commitment.

Right now, Dr. Durm needs tosee if there is student interest in anorganization like this. If you areinterested please contact him. Shoot himan email: mark.durm@athens.edu. Callhim, leave a message and he will returnyour call: 256-233-6501. The sooner wecontact him the sooner we can get towork!

On a personal note, I have sucha desire to see this campus lead the wayfor our community. It is NOT naïve tothink you can change the world, but wehave to start small. If we can get tenpeople who are willing to work, weWILL make a difference on campus andin Athens. Imagine how much we canaccomplish with 50 or even 100 studentsworking to do the right thing. Please joinme in serving our community!

Editor’s Note: Student Live Unitedmeets every other Thursday at 10:30in Dr. Mark Durm’s office, which islocated in Founders Hall, room 227.The next scheduled meeting isSeptember 30. Everyone isencouraged to attend.

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Campus NewsPhi Theta Kappa Alumni Association: An Opportunity to Enhance Your College Experience

Danielle DutcherGuest Writer

The Phi Theta Kappa AlumniAssociation at Athens State Universityoffers students an incredible opportunityto become involved not only with theUniversity but within the community aswell. Many new members were recentlyinducted in the spring induction ceremonyand have experienced firsthand howrewarding it can be to volunteer your timeto help others. Phi Theta Kapparepresents scholarship, leadership, serviceand fellowship. All four qualities aredemonstrated through activities and events

with local chapters at junior colleges,as well as events in the community. Students are encouraged to join andwill find the experience of workingwith this group very rewarding. Beinga part of Phi Theta Kappa is a greatway to network with other studentsand to make contacts within your fieldof study. Upcoming events include aleadership conference at BirminghamSouthern College, and a trip to theInternational Phi Theta KappaConvention in Seattle coming up inApril. If you would like to join, contactKim Lafevor atKim.Lafevor@athens.edu.

Photo Courtesy of Phi Theta Kappa

Above: New members of Phi Theta Kappa at the spring induction

Fiddlers Convention

Photos Courtesy of Guy McClure

These photos represent only a little of what is offered each year at the Fiddlers Convention. People of all ages have the opportunity to enjoy thesights and sounds of the buck dancing competitions, the bluegrass band competitions, and the jam sessions that pop up all over campus.

8

Columns

Campus EventsOctober

1 Annual Fiddlers Convention4 Class President Qualification Begins7 ASU Breakfast Club20 ASU Fall Career Fair; Voting for Class President Begins21 Concert Lecture with Lauri Hickson-Smith28 SGA Halloween Carnival; Concert Lecture with Trout Fishing inAmerica29 Crowning of Founders Queen

November

1 Online Registration for Spring Begins4 ASU Breakfast Club16 Concert Lecture with Jerry Ellis

Career Counseling CornerYou can’t fix stupid

Mr. Larry KeenumCareer Counseling Center

Information for this column camefrom Julianne Pepitone’s column in theJuly 24, 2009 issue ofCNNMoney.com

“Math is at the crux of who getspaid,” said Ed Koc, director of researchat National Association of Colleges andEmployers (NACE). “If you have mathskills, you are an extremely valuableasset. We don’t generate enough peoplelike that in this country.” “The tech fields are driving salariesand offers, and the top students are faringquite well,” said Emanuel Contomanoliswho runs the Rochester Institute ofTechnology. Engineering diplomas account fortwelve of the fifteen top paying majors. Energy is the key. Petroleumengineering was by far the highest-paying degree, with a starting offer of$83,121. Graduates with these degreesgenerally find work locating oil and gasreservoirs, or in developing ways to bringthese resources to the Earth’s surface. Of course not every student with amath-based degree scored a fat

paycheck. Contomanolis noted that“average” students are feeling the pinchof fewer job offers. Still, math-baseddegrees have an advantage in a toughjob market. Three non-engineering math-basedfields offer high entry level pay –Computer Science majors that specializein programming and software - $61,407,Actuarial Science - $56,320,Construction Management - $53,199. There are far fewer peoplegraduating with math-based majors,compared to their liberal artscounterparts, which is why math peopleare paid a premium. Graduates in fieldsof Behavioral Science can expect$29,000, whereas English, ForeignLanguage, Communications, Business,and Education graduates can expect$35,000. It’s a supply and demand issue. Veryfew grads offer math skills. Those whodo offer the necessary math skills arerewarded. Since 1776 three truths have heldtrue in America: (1) You can’t be toopretty. (2) You can’t have too muchmoney. (3) You can’t know too muchmath. Get to work on your math skills and

get the job of your dreams. You say, Ithink I’ll pick another major; math is toohard. DUH, Math + GPA = Money. Do you want to put together amoney-making major at Athens State?This is it: use our Liberal Studies optionand do this: MA 308 Discrete Math; MA331 Applied Statistics and Probability;MA 401 Complex Analysis; MA 421Differential Equations; MA 423Numerical Analysis; MA 428 PartialDifferential Equations; MA 445Mathematical Modeling and Simulation;MA 450 Advanced Calculus I; MA 451Advanced Calculus II; MA 452 RealAnalysis; LSM 301 Introduction toLogistics & Supply Chain Management;LSM 320 Logistics and Transportation;LSM 330 Logistics & Supply ChainManagement in the Global Environment;LSM 353 Project Management; LSM400 Logistics & Supply ChainManagement Systems; LSM 401Logistics & Supply Chain Models; LSM410 Logistics & Supply Chain Strategy;ACM 394 Introduction to Acquisition &Contract Management; ACM 395Acquisition & Contract ManagementPricing; ACM 396 Acquisition &Contract Management Administration;ACM 397 Acquisition & Contract

Management Negotiations; ACM 398Government Contract Law; ESM 300Enterprise Systems & BusinessProcesses; ESM 320 Human CapitalManagement Systems; ESM 330Financial Management Systems; ESM340 Customer Relationship ManagementSystems; ESM 410 Business IntelligenceSystems. That’s 81 hours of the best coursesyou can take at Athens State to prepareyou for the job market. You throw up a3.80+ in this curriculum and the “worldis at your feet”. Redstone Arsenal is ourlargest employer in north Alabama andmost of you want “a government job”.Government jobs require 24 hours in aspecific discipline. With this degree youhave covered two disciplines, Math andBusiness. Go ahead, make all A’s, andwatch the employers come calling. Sayit’s too many hours. Say it’s too hard.It’s supposed to be hard. That’s whatseparates you from the field. If you couldlearn a language spoken by a NATOcountry in your spare time, you wouldreally be a prospect. Just like the Fram oil filtercommercial says, pay now or pay later– YOUR CHOICE. ASU is here toprovide. Do you want to take the plunge?

Read The Athenian

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216 Market Street * Athens, Alabama 35611

1. Who will be headlining this year’sFiddlers Convention?

2. In what year was the FiddlersConvention moved to ASU?

3. By 1987, how many states andcountries were represented at

Fiddlers?4. Who is the sponsor of Student United

Way?

One Gift Card Up for Grabs!

First Student withCorrect Answers Wins aFree Gas Gift Card from

Jiffy Mart!

Chad Davis, ODHeather Moon, OD

9

Campus NewsThese Ten Studying Habits are Guaranteed to Help You Improve Your Grades this SemesterMelissa DuttonStaff Writer

These tips are sure to help you improveyour grades! Just remember to figureout what works best for you!

1)Get a day planner.

2)Read your syllabi carefully.*If test dates are given, plot them onyour monthly calendar.

3) If the syllabus details whichchapters will be on each test,determine how many chapters youshould read each week.*Allow yourself one week betweenreading the last chapter and the test date.

4) Once you have test datesmarked, plot study dates for those

tests. I recommend studying for up tothree days prior to the exam.*For example, if your exam is on aTuesday, study on the precedingSaturday, Sunday, and Monday,etc.

5) Within the first week of class,read the first assigned chapter andtime yourself to properly allocatetime for future reading assignments.*Remember that some chapters arelonger than others, so give yourselfplenty of time to read.

6) Use index cards for keyworddefinitions and study guidequestions. Cards make studying mucheasier; you can remove cards as youlearn them and focus on the remainder.*If no study guide is given, focus on yourlecture notes when preparing for exams.Use a highlighter to emphasize the main

points of the lecuture or make flashcardsof the lecture information.

7) Go to class! Some professorsinclude attendance in the grading scaleor as extra credit. Even if they don’t,attending class is beneficial.*Many exams are 50% plus based onlecture. In missing class, you may missimportant information.*If a class is primarily textbook-based,lectures can help better explain the text.

8) Take accurate and legible notesduring class. I recommend typing thosenotes in an outline format the same dayto increase your chances ofremembering points that you forgot towrite. Typing notes also means you havereviewed the material twice prior tostudying for exams.*Include details to help you remember

the lecture, like examples the professorgives.*Use a tape recorder if possible andreview the tapes when typing notes.

9) If a paper is required, get startedon it early in the term. You shouldschedule time to work on each of yourpapers in your daily planner.*Use the OWL Purdue website for APAand MLA formatting help. Also use theASU writing center; it’s a great resourcefor students.*Once you’ve finished your paper, waita day before proofreading.

10) Find what works for you. Thereare many learning styles. While thetechniques I’ve outlined have helped meand others to earn above average grades,they may not guarantee such marks foreveryone.

Photos from Internet

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Fiddlers 4-1-1General Rules and Regualtions

General Regulations:1. Contest rules and regulations may be amended depending on the situation and events at hand during the convention.2. The judges’ decision will be final.3. The judges will not be permitted to enter or play in any contest category.4. No electrical instruments or drums will be permitted in any category.5. No contestant will be permitted to register for any category after the registration for that category has closed. After registrationand before the event starts, all contestants will draw for position at the staging area behind Founders Hall. NO exceptions will bemade.6. Contestants must be present and in proper drawn position for entry on to the stage when name is called for the staging area.Late arrivals or no-shows will be eliminated from the event. Allowances may be made for broken strings and other happeningsjudged to be beyond the control of the contestant(s).7. In the interest of fairness to each contestant, a time limit of 2 1/2 minutes per tune is allowed.8. Contestants must have instruments tuned and ready to play when called to stage. Tuning on stage may result in loss of points.9. Judges will NOT be allowed to advise contestants in their selection of tune to be played.

General Category Rules:1. Contestants in the Dulcimer, Guitar, Harmonica, Mandolin, Dobro, Bluegrass Banjo, Old Time Banjo, Old Time Singing andBeginning Fiddler (ages 10 & under) will perform one tune (song). First through fifth place winners will be selected.2. Contestants in the Classic Old Time, Junior and Senior Fiddler categories will play two tunes in both the eliminations and thefinals. Beginning Fiddlers (ages 11-15) will play one tune (a breakdown) in the eliminations and two tunes (a breakdown and atune of choice) in the finals.

a. Five finalists will be selected in each category.b. The contestant may have a maximum of two accompanists, to include any combination of a guitar, a banjo, or a bassfiddle.c. Classic Old Time Fiddler will play two tunes, a breakdown and a tune of choice (i.e. polka, march, schottische, rag,reel, waltz). Beginning fiddlers will play a breakdown in the eliminations and a breakdown and a tune of choice in thefinals.d. The Junior and Senior Fiddler will play a waltz and either a breakdown, or another traditional fiddle piece (such as areel, a hornpipe, a jig, or a schottische) during the eliminations, finals, and fiddle-off.

3. Old Time String Bands and Bluegrass Bands will perform one tune in the eliminations and two tunes in the finals. A band andindividual band members may enter only ONE band category, i.e., Bluegrass or Old Time, but not both. The tunes may be eithervocal or instrumental. Band members and instruments played must be the same in the eliminations and the finals (no substitutionsallowed).

This Heart of Mine.” He served as the Judge Coordinator for years and continues his work as a returning Fiddlers Convention judge.Susie Coleman will be traveling from Pegram, Tennessee and was raised on Old Time traditional music, listening to the sounds of her father playing

the accordion and her family singing in harmony. She now teaches music at the Musical Heritage Center in Pegram and writes articles for local newspapers,lending her musical knowledge and ear. Boyd Deering will also be coming from Tennessee. He resides in Lafayette and is an award-winning Nashvilleacoustic musician. Fred Duggin, of Nashville, is a flat top guitar player from way back. His musical style has been featured on the Grand Ole Opry and theNashville Now television show. He has placed in the National Flatpick Guitar Championships and now owns Songcity Studios. Jack Horner is atraditional fiddle player who puts great detail into Old Time music, often competing in Nashville contests. He will be traveling from Brentwood, Tennesseeand will certainly add a talented and refined ear to the judging.

From Millwood, Eric Payton will be traveling to offer a Kentucky perspective to the judging. Kenny Cardin will be traveling from Charlestown,Indiana and is a well-respected banjo player in his area. He has been referred to as the “best-kept secret” of Indiana. Tony Rothrock will also be travelingfrom Indiana. He resides in Winslow where he builds and repairs musical instruments. Brett and Pan Riggs will be coming from Chapel Hill, North Carolinaand will bring a banjo/guitar combination to the table. They judge and compete in conventions all over North Carolina. Kenny Sidle is traveling the farthestfrom Newark, Ohio. He was raised in a family full of fiddlers that encouraged him to pick up the instrument. He is sure glad that he did now that heperforms regularly at square dances and country music events in his area. He has won countless fiddle competitions and has placed in the top ten of theGrand Masters Fiddle Championship in Nashville, Tennessee.

Meet The Judges

Continued from page 3

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Fiddlers 4-1-1List of Vendors

Health & Physical EducationClub:Papa Johns Pizza, soft drinks,coffee, candy bars, and popcorn

Kappa Delta Pi:Kettle Corn, water, sodas

Athenian Ambassadors:Red Road Traders-blueberry,apple, peach, cranberry cobblers,sugar free cobblers, ice cream, a-la-mode

University Club:AJ’s Catfish-Fillet, french fries,hushpuppies, slaw, chickentenders, drink

Wesley Fellowship:Hickory Barn-pork chopsandwiches, chips, BBQ sundaes,milos tea

Health & Science Club:Philly cheese steak sandwiches,fries, chicken fingers, and beanstew

Health & Physical Education

Club:Bojangles chicken, tea

Bass Fishing Club:Deanos’-BBQ ham sandwiches,chips, soft drinks, water

Alumni:Funnel cakes with toppings, porkskins, lemonade, apple sundays

Sons of the Conf. Vets.(Foundation):BBQ sandwich, BBQ chicken,BBQ plates

Alumni Coke Trailer:Cokes, water, coffee, popcorn, dillpickles, and roasted peanuts

Math & Computer ScienceClub (MACS):BBQ rib sandwiches, drinks, chips,cider, coffee, and candy

Bookstore:Soda, Candy, Clothing

Accounting Club:Smoking Box-Smoked pork butt,

smoked chicken, shaved ice, andsodas

Dip-N-Dog Deli (Foundation):Specialty hot dogs, drinks

Pre-Law Society:Suzanne’s Bakery-desserts, cakes,and cookies

Sigma Tau Delta:Cattlemen’s-rib eye sandwiches

Delta Mu Delta:Chuck Wagon-BBQ sandwiches,nachos, wings, bologna biscuits

Phi Theta Kappa:Nestle Toll House-cookies, brownies,ice cream, coffee, hot cocoa;Chick-Fil-A

Art Club:Chuck Wagon-BBQ pork, stuffedpotatoes, ribs, pig on a twig, softdrinks

Alumni - Optimist Club:Hamburgers, hotdogs, funnel cakes,fudge puppies, popcorn, soda, and

water

Athens H.S. Baseball(Foundation):Hamburgers, hot dogs, anddrinks

Dreyfus:Shaved ice

Athenian Newspaper:Nanny’s Lemonade-2 stands

Alumni Tent:Clothing, roasted peanuts,Alumni memberships,beverages, ring and TVraffles

Cafeteria:chicken tenders, french fries,chicken salad, breakfastfoods/sausage biscuit, beansand cornbread, and icecream

Coffee Shop:Specialty coffees, drinks,and pastries

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SGASGA meets every Tuesday at 12:30 in the Sandridge Student Center, Room 217

Photo by Stanley WebsterSGA Officers for 2010-2011. From left to right: KayLa Miller, Secretary; Brittany Johnson, President;Dixie Smith, Vice President; Ashley Lacy, Treasurer.

SGA Cookout

Photos by Stanley WebsterTop left: Just some of the clubs that set up booths at the recent SGA Cookout. Top right: Students and faculty alike enjoyed the food served at the cookout.Bottom left: Penny Roberts, Jim Hutto, Necedah Henderson, Felicia Mucci, and Dr. George Williams made time to grab a hot dog. Bottom right: Everyonefrom the students to the faculty had a great time at the cookout!

Student Government Association is open to any student who is currently enrolled at Athens State University. Fill out an application today and getinvolved in Student Activities sponsored events! Upcoming events include: the Leadership Retreat on October 15th; the Halloween Carnival onOct. 28th; the Kiddy Carnival on Oct. 30th; the Blood Drive on November 3rd; and the first annual Thanksgiving Feast on Nov. 16th.