Volume 68 Number 06WVSU Yellow Jacket

November 16, 2009First Copy Free

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Campus Newsby Sharee Campbell

Sociology department captures attention adding two new professors

Sociology Department Chair, Dr. Gail Mosby said,“I ultimately wanted someone who was experiencedas a researcher and could teach well. I was influ-enced to have Dr. Mocombe because not only was hea scholar but also a researcher. I thought he wouldbe a good union with our department.

Dr. Brewster was a good fit to the team because Iknow that he could advance this department. Both ofthem are forward in their thinking and they fit thebill of what we needed.”

Philosophy and Sociology are two of Dr. Paul C. Mocombe’s favorite sub-jects.

Mocombe earned an undergraduate in History and Ethnic Studies and a gradu-ate degree in Sociology and Comparative Studies.

He went on to earn a Doctoral degree in Comparative Studies and AppliedSociology. All of his degrees were obtained from Florida Atlantic University.

In 1999, he created the Mocombeian Curriculum for The Russell Life Skillsand Reading Foundation, Inc. to “tackle” the high illiteracy rate of inner city youthand the lack of educational resources available to them.

He explains that when doing one of his graduate researches on TheSociolinguistic Nature of Black Academic Failure in Capitalist Education: AReevaluation of “Language in the Inner City” and Its Social Function, “Act-ing White,” published in Race, Ethnicity & Education, v9 n4 p395-407 Dec 2006,he was influenced to launch the Mocombeian Foundation.

Mocombe is originally from New Jersey and is married with two sons - Isaiahand Daniel. In 2007 he established the Mocombeian Foundation with his wife.

The mission of the Foundation is, “Teaching Reading Strategically” with theoverall goal of eradicating illiteracy among inner city youth and empowering, inspir-ing and encouraging at risk youth to become critical thinkers and close the achieve-ment gap.

He has published several Reading Room Series for the Mocombeian Founda-tion. He plans to come out with another series in the near future.

Cera Maxie, who is taking his class on Urban Sociology, said, “He is a knowl-edgeable professor. He’s educated on the topics he teaches, fair on grading andnice. I recommend taking him for any field he teaches.”

Dr. Zackary Brewster is from Michigan and received his undergraduate de-gree from Grand Valley State University in Allendale, MI. He obtained his Graduatedegree from Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY. His Doctoraldegree came from North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC. All of his de-grees were in Sociology.

He is a member of the following professional associations: American Socio-

logical Association (2001- current), Mid-South Sociological Association (2001- cur-rent), Sociologist for Women in Society (2001- current) and Southern SociologicalSociety (2002- current).

His current research focuses on exploring the pervasiveness and nature of racialdiscrimination in the service sector of the United States economy. Dr. Brewster isparticularly interested in race-based discrimination in the context of full-service res-taurant establishments.

“Since joining the WVSU faculty, I have become a board member of a localnonprofit organization (Thanks Plain and Simple!), that strives to unify West Virgin-ians around the well-being of WV soldiers and veterans, in part, by designing andimplementing projects that allow veterans to provide meaningful contributions to theirhome state. State was appealing because it focuses on providing for the workingclass population. It’s small and I enjoy the personal contact with students. I am gladto be at WVSU,” said Dr. Brewster.

photos by Tiffany Davis-Thomas

Dr. Paul C. Mocombe

Dr. Zackary Brewster

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Campus News

Collegiate Support and Counseling ServicesMonday-Thursday 8:30-7:00pm

Fridays 8:30am-5:00pmblankenC@wvstateu.edu or

toledoke@wvstateu.edu

Kimesha Patterson is a Resident

Assistant (R.A.) in Dawson Hall and hasdedicated herself to numerous organi-zations at WVSU. She is being honoredfor her work with the Green Dot orga-nization on campus.

“She has been so proactive in pro-moting the Green Dot program on cam-pus. It’s nice when students take an ini-tiative and run with it,” said Kellie To-ledo of Collegiate Support and Coun-seling.

The R.A.’s in Dawson have to doa floor activity every month. Kimeshadecided to involve her floor in the GreenDot initiative.

Domestic Violence CounselorNola Willard said, “In the Yellow Jacket

Editorial by Sharee Campbell

Campus Spotlight: Student leader coordinates effort for Green Dot program

issue just released we shared the GreenDot strategy being initiated this fall semes-ter on campus in with our pieceon domestic violence. Kimesha had cometo me a few weeks ago and in part of

their resident floor events; she decidedto have the students on her floor postthe ‘green dot’ statements around cam-pus. She, along with her floor, has donea fantastic job of speaking out against

any form of violence on campus by spread-ing the word through their statements.While initiating the Green Dot, we cannotdo it alone and through Kimesha and herfellow students, our message continues tobe heard.”

Patterson said, “We took Green Dotmoments and posted them around cam-pus. A Green Dot moment is any individualact that is going bad and someone turns itaround and makes it positive. I wantpeople to know I have great ladies on myfloor and that helped in this effort. I justwanted to help Ms. Willard get the nameout there and make people more aware ofdomestic violence. I think it has been posi-tive because people are carrying the keychains and lanyards and that’s exciting be-cause the name is getting out there.”

Statistics show that around 80%of college freshmen will change theirmajor twice. West Virginia State Uni-versity has one more reason to changeyour major or transfer to this school.

The Recreation and Tourism Pro-gram is one of the newest degree pro-grams offered at WVSU and began inSpring of 2009.

Tourism is America’s no. 2 indus-try in gross receipts and can lead to awide variety of career choices.

The curriculum for this degree pro-gram has concentrations in leisure ser-

vices management; parks, recreation andinterpretive education; and tourism systemdevelopment. Students learn to analyzeand develop managerial techniques, and

Program graduates will be able toseek out careers opportunities in areas suchas Recreation Facilities Manager, ParkRanger, Naturalist, Recreation ProgramCoordinator, Special Event Coordinator,Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, Tour-ism and Recreation Planner, Tourism Ser-vice Provider, Tourism Entrepreneurs,Recreation Interpretive Specialists, and

New program intersects natural sciences with social sciencesby Brett Mannon

Outdoor Education Specialist.Those seeking to run their own na-

ture based business, such as skiing,whitewater, and camping, would benefitgreatly from this degree program.

Recreation and Tourism alsocomplements other degree seekers suchas a Criminal Justice major who is inter-ested in working for the Department ofNatural Resources or as a Park Ranger.

The newest course being offered thisyear is Sustainable Development:Theory and Management. This classcovers the approach of satisfying human

need while preserving the environment.Students in this program will find

great opportunities as Recreation andTourism continue to grow. Both workwith profit and non-profit groups andthey bring a customer base to local com-munities as well as businesses. Recre-ation and Tourism can be the image build-

conduct research.

a community. If you or someone you know are

interested in learning more about this pro-

Dr. StevenRichards126FlemingHall304-766-3003 srichards@wvstateu.edu

ing machine for

gram you can contact:

photo by Tiffany Davis-Thomas

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Campus NewsT h e 1 3 t h A n n u a l W e s t

Virginia Criminal Justice Educators’Association Conference, hosted by WestVirginia State University was held Nov.5-6, 2009. This year’s theme was ‘Re-sponding to Change in a ChangingWorld’.

F r o m t h e c r i m e s c e n einvestigation competition Thursdayevening through the research papercompetition and oral presentations onFriday, students representing many ofWest Virginia’s best college and universitycriminal justice programs gathered in arare opportunity for shared professionalcamaraderie and educational growth.

West Virginia State placed third inthe Crime Scene Competition and TinaPasquale, WVSU senior placed third inthe undergraduate paper competition.

Dr. Walter Stroupe, Chair of theCriminal Justice Department said, “Theconference was a great success with over100 participants.”

Dr. William Whyte said, “AssistantProfessor Mark Addesa should be con-gratulated for his hard work in organiz-ing this year’s event. He is a long timemember of the organization and servesas treasurer of the state-wide group.”

This conference provided criminaljustice students with several valuable ex-periences.

Accounting and Criminal Jus-tice Chairs of the departments werenotified of an opportunity for theirstudents to participate in the IRS/WVSU project. Sandy Maharaj is thecoordinator between the IRS and thetwo departments on campus.Twenty-two students applied bywriting an essay on why they thoughtthis project would be a good expe-rience for them. Twenty were se-lected and one alternate; twelve stu-dents from criminal justice and ninefrom accounting.

On Nov. 13, 2009, Special

Criminal justice majors converge for annual conferenceby Sharee Campbell

by Sharee Campbell

IRS training underway at WVSU

First, they had the chance to meetwith fellow majors from surrounding col-lege programs to discuss both the differ-ences and the commonalities in their edu-

cational experiences.Second, they faced the nerve-test-

ing oral presentation made before largemixed audiences of students and profes-

sors from other schools.Then, there was friendly competi-

tion with friends and newly met acquain-tances in the crime scene and the researchpaper competitions.

Finally, students were introduced tothe variety and complexities of the manycareers available in public service throughthe criminal justice profession.

Presenter Joshua Garcia said, “Fromthe conference, I gained more of an un-derstanding of the direction West Virginiawants to go as far as its criminal justiceviews and I presented on my subject be-cause my topic seems to be very relevantto me and my peers”.

Participant Tyesha Byrd said,“Mytopic was Treatment of Offenders:Women Who Commit Infanticide; Crimi-nals or Mentally Ill. I picked this topicbecause it is not talked about in the crimi-nal justice system. Some of the motherswho commit infanticide are really men-tally ill, others are not. I think that sometype of system needs to be put togetherto help the women who are really suffer-ing from Post Partum Depression andPsychosis, so that they get the help theyneed.”

The 14th annual conference will beheld in 2010 at WVU-Parkersburg.

Agents Jeff Goode, Karen Atkinson,Shane Dairy and Kenneth Bowie ranthe training session. Students werebriefed on the dress code for the dayof the event, what to bring and theseriousness of the accessories thatwill be used. The students will re-

ceive an inscribed T-Shirt as part ofthe program. They will learn how toproperly handle and operate weap-ons, how to debrief sources and ex-perience surveillance and other IRStechnologies.

Background information was

“I’m thrilled to be able to be a part of the IRS trainingcoming up in December! I’m very excited at the prospect oflearning the different techniques and procedures that the IRSuses in their criminal cases. I’m planning to work in forensicaccounting and this will give me an idea of what is involved.It’s going to be a lot of fun.”-Candace J. Reed

given on the criminal division of theIRS as well as what they do. This di-vision does not audit or collect; theyinvestigate. They are 100% dedi-cated to prosecuting people that vio-late tax laws.

Those selected will have the op-portunity to investigate one of threescenarios that are normal to the in-vestigative unit of the IRS, which in-clude drug money laundering and atax case in which a preparer of taxreturns was defrauding the govern-ment.

photo by Tiffany Davis-Thomas

“I think the conference went well and those in atten-dance enjoyed it. It was a learning experience for all, butespecially for those students who presented. The WVCJEAConference gives students an opportunity to experience whata professional conference is like and prepare them for thefuture. I hope that we have many more WVSU C.J. majorsparticipating in future conferences.” - Mark Addesa

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Campus NewsAssistant professor of criminal justice

Mark J. Addesa has been selected as re-cipient of the 2009 U.S Attorney’s LawEnforcement and Victim Assistance Award.

Sponsored by the US Department ofJustice, the award seeks to recognize out-standing work and contribution to the WestVirginia State Victim Assistance Academy.

On Oct. 1, 2009, Mark Addesa washonored by Charles T. Miller, a UnitedStates attorney, for the Southern Districtof West Virginia.

Other award recipients included fed-eral, state, and local law enforcement of-ficers as well as victim advocates and pro-fessionals working in the criminal justicearena.

In October 2008, Dr. TedMuilenburg led Team USA to Prague,Czech Republic to participate in theInternational Geriatric Olympic com-petition. The six athletes trained formonths to prepare for the one of akind competition and all are from lo-cal resident nursing homes. The West Virginia Geri Olympicswas founded in 1987 in associationwith eight different nursing homes. Itspurpose was to provide field work andexternal experiences for Health,Physical Education and Recreationstudents. It has since grown into aninternational event thanks to WVSU’spartnership with Charles University inPrague since 2001. Dr. Muilenburg founded the pro-gram twenty-three years ago. He cur-rently works with about twenty part-ners and hosts an Annual Geri Olym-pics at the South Charleston Commu-nity Center in April. The event hostsan average of 150 participants who areall Nursing Home Resident Athletes.Six of those athletes attended Praguelast year and they are looking to build

WVSU professor honored with prestigious justice awardby Christine Agbanzo

Mr. Addesa joined West VirginiaState University in August 1978 and

served as Chairperson for the Criminal Jus-tice Department from 1986 to 1992.

He holds a Bachelor degree inCriminal Justice from Niagara Universityand a Master degree in Police Adminis-tration from Eastern Kentucky Univer-sity.

The West Virginia State Victim As-sistance Academy was launched in Oc-tober 2008 through a three year finan-cial assistance awarded by the US De-partment of Justice to West Virginia StateUniversity. The goal of the Academy isto ensure more effective victim servicesin West Virginia by providing excellentacademic training to victim assistants. Thefirst training session was held from July,26 to July, 31 2009 at West VirginiaState University.

Geri Olympics program originatedat WVSU over 20 years agoby Brett Mannon

Contest winner!

Yellow Jacket Newspaper contest winner Frank Larnerd came in withdaughter Lucy to pick up his gift card.

another team for October 2010. The competitive events in the GeriOlympics include basketball,bowling, horseshoe throwing,beanbag tossing, marksmanship,BB shoot, clothespin stacking,candle blowing, wheelchair racing,and a triathlon. Some of these mayseem like simple tasks but withparticipants in their 60’s and up,some events become very chal-lenging. All of these events areused to promote quality of life,fitness, independence, competi-tion, and socialization.

There are several organiza-tions and classes at WVSU thatallow students to assist with theGeri Olympics in April. This is anexcellent opportunity for commu-nity service and involvement.

For more information on theGeri Olympics contact Dr.Muilenburg at htm406@aol.comand mark your calendar for April16, 2010, for the next event at theSouth Charleston CommunityCenter.

photo by Megan Gothard

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Campus News

Every Thursday throughout the semester, room 103 in the Davis Fine ArtsBuilding showcases the Faculty Lecture Series.

The Series has professors of various subjects as guest speakers. Dr. MiguelZapata of the Foreign Languages Department and Dr. Gerald Hankins, of Biology,are the event organizers.

The Lecture Series allows professors to share their interests, hard work,and research in a relaxed environment, or to practice before going on to a biggeraudience. Zapata adds, “The idea is to give professors a forum to express theirinterests and research.”

Zapata, along with Dr. Hankins, organizes the lectures at least a semesterin advance, and sends out invitations to the West Virginia State community, at leasttwice, before each lecture.

Zapata has been director for three years, and smiles when asked what helikes best about being a part of the Lecture Series. “I get to see the teachers work,more closely, and before anybody else.”

He also likes how he is continuously learning about other topics and develop-ing relationships with professors he might not otherwise get to.

However, he does wish that more people would come, despite the reason-able sized audience in attendance at Dr. Andrew Schedl’s lecture: Finding DistalEjecta Part II: Tsunamites and Submarine-Landslides.

Zapata chuckles when he thinks of students who say they have class at thesame time as the Lecture Series. It is always from 12:25 to 1:25: a time the univer-sity has designated as no class time, so events such as this could be organized.

Scheduled lists of the Faculty Lecture Series are printed in the cultural Eventspamphlet found around campus, and also on the West Virginia State University websiteunder events.

by Fallon Pierson

Professor’s show off researchat faculty lecture series

Playwright in attendance forstudent production

West Virginia State University studentsparticipated in a student project to perform athree-night production of The AfricanCompany Presents Richard III.

by Mary Casto This drama is based on real events thathappened in New York City in 1821. More than40 years before the end of slavery, The AfricanCompany produced plays in the first all-blacktheatre in America.Despite many setbacks, the African Companysurvived their tribulations and continued toinspire diverse audiences to, among manythings, upend racism.This play, written by playwright CarlyleBrown, concerns a white producer attemptingto shut down the performance of Richard IIIby the African Company because his theatregroup is putting on the same play. Fearingcompetition, the white producer influencesthe constable to arrest the actors during theirperformance.Brown, who was in attendance for the firsttwo performances, is also a director andperformer.The production was directed by SusanMarrash-Minnerly and collaborated bystudents from university courses COMM 399(Production-The African Co.) and COMM 175(Design and Lighting) and the WVSU/KVCTC Cultural Activities Committee.

WVSU sits right outside West Virginia’s capital city of Charleston, making ita convenient spot for commuters living in the city and surrounding counties. Yet,before Southridge and the ever popular Marquee Cinema, there existed a moreprimitive Charleston; one with Victorian style buildings and dirt roads.

Dr. Billy Joe Peyton gave a presentation to a room full of students andcommunity members entitled Charleston: Then and Now, as part of the weeklyFaculty Lecture Series. It is also the title of his book.

Peyton, who teaches history, was born in raised in Charleston, and haslong been a history buff. “I like studying the change overtime and how it impactspeople.” Peyton is most interested in how old building remnants can be incorpo-rated into new buildings.

He has been actively researching Charleston history for the past ten years,but had no intentions of writing a book until about two years ago, when ArcadiaPublishing approached him and offered a deal. Arcadia publishes sporting books,histories, and others in the Then and Now series.

At the lecture, Peyton showed images of the past and present Charleston,also to be incorporated in his book. There’s also some interesting trivia about thecity. For instance, Peyton mentions about how the original capitol building, whichwas a very large, and full of Victorian beauty accidentally burned in 1921. TheTriangle Park, a few feet of grass on the corner of Capitol Street, is the last rem-nants of the capital lawn.

The University of Charleston used to be called Morris Harvey College,Garnett Career Center used to be a high school, and there used to be a semi-profootball team called The Rockets. Some of those players went on to play profes-sional football.

Another interesting aspect mentioned is the history of Summers Street.Locals such as Peyton may refer to it as the “naughty” street. From the early 1900’suntil the 1980’s Summers Street was home to a gritty night life, including prostitutionand The Lyric Hotel, which showed pornographic movies. There was also a trainstation located there which fed into the energy of the nightlife.

The book features many more facts about Charleston. Peyton is also Chairof the Historic Landmark Commission and will be retiring from teaching this year.

by Fallon Pierson

History professor writesbook about Charleston

Now Hiringfor Next Semester!e-mail resume to

wvsuyj@gmail.com

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Editorial

New York City, between Hallow-een and Thanksgiving, is nationallyviewed as a time for large parades andfestivals. For runners around the world,it marks that time of year for the world’slargest marathon.

WVSU’s Dr. Billy Joe Peyton wasone of many runners who took the op-portunity to run the 40th annual NYCMarathon. His journey started with aferry ride from Manhattan to Staten Is-land where he met the starting line onVerrazano Narrows Bridge for the 26.2mile race.

“Crowds of people, spectators,and runners from all over the world werethere. There were approximately 43,000runners and 2 million spectators, saidPeyton”

“I saw all kinds of interestingpeople and costumes. There was an os-

A graduate of West Virginia StateCollege and former Yellow Jacket writer,Dr. Charles E. Smith is retiring this se-mester.

Chair of the Political Science De-partment, Gerry Beller said, “Dr. Smithhas been active in the faculty senate andhas promoted in a number of ways theidea of “faculty governance” wherebyfaculty are more directly engaged inpolicymaking. He has also had a majorrole mentoring students and encouragingthem to succeed. More than anyone Iknow, he takes special care to help stu-dents with problems, using writing work-shops in classes and even giving them hispersonal cell phone number so that theycan call him at any time that they needhim.

At the same time, he has given theuniversity a presence in a variety of com-munity activities—e.g., his prominent roleon the local and national boards of theACLU. He has been the editor of thereader for Gen Ed 200 course on raceand gender, and has worked hard tomake that course effective. His currentresearch on activism in pursuit of

Editorial by Ashley KingWVSU’s Dr. Billy Joe Peyton conquers NYC marathon

sociopolitical goals (particularly the nine-teenth century women’s movement) ismotivated in part his own personal activ-ism in the past and present on a wide rangeof issues. Dr. Smith has a very high de-gree of integrity and a passionate commit-ment to his vocation, and we have beenvery lucky to have him here. “He will beimpossible to replace.”

Todd Gunter said, “Politicallyspeaking, Dr. Chuck Smith and I are onehundred percent, complete, and total po-

lar opposites. Unfortunately for both ofus, I have never been able to keep mymouth shut, which has led to some prettyintense disagreements. I was probablyout of line more times than not but hon-estly; I think he enjoyed the fight. We may disagree politically, but Dr.Smith has always encouraged me to bepolitically active.

During the 2006 fall semester afew friends and I began the process ofstarting a College Republican Club on

WV State’s campus. We found the re-quired number of students and completedthe necessary paperwork, but had onesnag: No Republican faculty member toadvise our group. I reluctantly decidedto ask Dr. Smith, which was extremelydifficult for me given the “card carryingmember of the ACLU” sign on his door. Without hesitation Dr. Smith signed offon our group and essentially madethe College Republicans possible. He isalso a fantastic teacher and mentor”.

“When I think of commitment toeducation, my thoughts immediately turnto Dr. Chuck Smith. This institution is for-tunate to have a professor who embod-ies the concept of helping students to ful-fill their potential. Particularly, he seeksout those who need additional help buthesitant to ask for it by allowing them torealize that we’re a caring population. Icontinue to be impressed with the prideand honor he has brought to WVSU as agraduate and the fact that he consistentlyfinds opportunities for students beyondthe walls of our institution. He is theepitome of equal opportunity for all stu-dents”, said Patricia Rosebourgh.

trich suit, numerous clowns, men in dressesand tutu’s . . . and two runners with artifi-cial legs who were military veterans wholost their legs in combat. I also saw Dr.

Seuss hats and hats with antlers.” He raced through Brooklyn,

Queens, East River to the Bronx,Harlem, and Manhattan in Central Park

respectively.“The noise was deafening . . . espe-

cially in Manhattan,” Peyton said. “People were screaming and had

noise makers and cowbells. My wife andI had to yell at each other to talk.”

Peyton’s wife also participated asa runner in the NYC Marathon.

Peyton finished the marathon inapproximately five hours and received hisfinisher’s medal.

He said that the biggest challengewas not the marathon itself, but “the 18-week training schedule and the steadyincrease in mileage training every week.”

“New York City really shines dur-ing the marathon. The people were spec-tacular. Before and during the race, I toldmyself this would be my 10th and finalmarathon, but afterwards, I think I mightbe able to do one more!”

Professor Smith retiring this semesterEditorial by Sharee Campbell

photo by Tiffany Davis-Thomas

Rodney Hairston, aka Buckwheet or Wheet, is an underground mc/hip-hop artist from St. Albans, West Virginia. He has a variety of songsranging from inspirational tracks to anthems. Wheet is the owner of VilleSide Entertainment and a full-time father.

Rodney was raised by his mother and sister. As a child, he quicklydeveloped strong bonds of love for music. “I would listen to my mother’salbums more than she did,” said Wheet.

In high school, Buckwheet harnessed his love for music amongst amusical atmosphere.

Travis Bowman, aka 20-Keys, was a pre-producer in grade school alongwith Buckwheet. “Travis would pound on school desks and his chest tomake beats... I never really spit at first, just wanted to help make beats,”recalls Rodney Hairston.

Wheet started rapping in early 2000 when he put together what hedubbed a “ghetto fabulous” studio in his mother’s basement. It took himweeks to gather the equipment he needed to manage. With time, Rodneywas able learn how to improve his sound quality as well as how to utilizemore equipment.

Wheet continually promotes his records and has been known to recorda song, run it to the nearest DJ, and have it played the same night in a club.

Wheet’s first true demo was titled “Long Time Comin’” and includedtracks such as “St. Albans” and “Soldier Tribute.” Wheet has a strong fanbase at Mel’s nightclub and will be performing there this December insupport of local charities.

Ville Side Entertainmentby Pierre Williams

“Travis would pound on school desks and hischest to make beats... I never really spit at first, justwanted to help make beats,” -Rodney Hairston.

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Entertainment

The death of Michael Jacksonshocked the world earlier this year. Hedied of cardiac arrest at the age of 50,amidst planning a comeback tour of fiftyconcerts in London. Michael died lessthan a month before his sold-out show.The hundreds of hours of backstage foot-age that wasn’t expected to be so usefulin creating “This Is It” seemed to be aprofitable backup investment propelling

This is it?by Pierre Willams the film to be the highest grossing con-

cert movie in history.“This Is It” is directed by Michael

Ortega and is distributed by Colombiapictures. The film contains mostly musi-cal numbers with songs compiled fromfootage of several rehearsals. Betweensongs, Jackson is shown directing andleading his team of assistants and per-formers. Michael Jackson had beenviewed as the “King of Pop” for overthree decades. He revolutionized dancewith locks, rocks, writhes, thrusts, andclutches that left audiences in a frenzy formore.

There has been much controversythat the film had been created to makeup for concert losses and was disrespect-ful to Michael Jackson’s essence. Mostpeople seem to be in support of the film,thankful to add a few more memories ofa musical icon to their thoughts. Uponrelease, the Jackson estate will get 90%of the profit made and 10% will go toAEG Live. Now that Michael is gone, isthis really it?

Have the abilityto write?

Show us your creative side!

email submissions towvsuyj@gmail.com

orstop by room 214

located on the 2nd floor in theWilson Student Union.

yellow jacket 9

EntertainmentSince this is the month of giving

thanks, I find it only appropriate to makethis edition of Laugh About It about a fewof the things I am thankful for. First of allI am thankful for just being me. Call meself-absorbed, but I am glad I am who Iam. I love me.

I am thankful for my butt; it fills outmy jeans nicely. I am also thankful for mysarcasm and humor. I love the fact thatpeople do not know how to take me whenthey first meet me. I love to watch thelooks on people’s faces when I do some-thing off the wall. I am thankful for myeyes, my smile, and well hell, just mywhole cute face.

I am thankful for clearance sales,especially on hot shoes, and when some-

One of the latest box office raves is “Zombieland,” directed by RubenFleischer and starring Jesse Eisenberg (Columbus) and Woody Harrelson (Tallahas-see) is a horror, comedy, action, and graphic ensemble. The film jumps right into thesetting with a quick overview of solitude in the world of “Zombieland.” RubenFleischer brings an amazing adaption of the main characters coping in a world ofzombies with a goal to “enjoy the little things in life.”

The events include a cavalcade of elaborate zombie murders that would getQuentin Tarantino aroused. There is a great comedic undertone complimenting thedeath that surrounds the four-star cast. There is even a cameo of Bill Murray thatbrings such a comic relief that tears will roll down cheeks. There is a slight love plotin the film as Columbus meets Witchita (Emma Stone) supported by little sister LittleRock (Abigail Breslin).

There is an awkward growth of characters in the killer film that brings themcloser as they realize they become a family. After viewing the awesome film, I knowI will smile the next time I see a roller coaster or a Twinkie. The film is a must see andwould be great to have on DVD.

by Brittani Stowers

Laugh About It...

Zombieland is a killer filmby Pierre Williams

thing rings up even cheaper at the regis-ter, that’s an extra big thank you. I amthankful for microwave dinners and IHOPbeing open all night on Saturdays. There’snothing quite like hash browns with cheeseat 3am.

I am thankful for being a woman,mostly because I enjoy free drinks. Butstill yet, I love being female. I am thankfulfor a good supportive bra, tummy tuckuplift jeans, extra coverage foundation,crest white strips, spanx, my hair straight-ener, volumizing mascara, seamless pant-ies, hair dye, and the credit card they allgo on.

I am thankful to be alive and to bewho I am. And to have people aroundme who love me for just that.

Did you notice the ad on the backpage of our November 2nd issue? “NewCourse for Spring 2010, BA 399 En-trepreneurship”. What an outstandingopportunity for students here at WVSU.Learning how to plan, develop and imple-ment your own business ideas will improvethe chances of success for any studentspursuing their own business. The ad evenclaims that, “Students will interact withprofessionals . . .” I’m assuming that islocal business men and women. I find one very serious flaw with thisad. The photograph chosen for their addoes not adequately represent the studentshere at WVSU. I am usually the personwho hates the idea of playing the “racecard” but I find that this ad has some se-rious racial overtones. There are three Asian women, oneAsian man, one Indian man, and one whiteman who is in the middle, taller than therest, and has his arms around everyoneas if he is holding them all together. The implications of this photo seemobvious to me as well as everyone I havediscussed this with. The photo just popsout and says, ‘Asians are expected to takethis class because they are so smart, the

Think About It...by Brett Mannon

Indian guy will stereotypically open aQuickie-Mart, and the white man will bethe most successful.’ Was this intention-ally done? I doubt it but the faculty whochose this photo for their flier should havelooked for a photo that better representsthe students here at WVSU. Even bet-ter, utilize some of the outstanding ser-vices here on campus and create yourown photo. As with any higher education institu-tion, we should be encouraging all stu-dents to pursue their dreams. I believethat this ad falls short. As an HBCUschool, there is an obvious need to en-courage black students to take thesetypes of upper level courses. This adshould have included students of allraces, and all should have been shownas equals. I believe that Dr. Janet Nixdorffshould demand a renovation to the bro-chure and ad for this course. All studentsshould be represented equally, and anystudent who is interested should be en-couraged to take the class. If you have comments on any ThinkAbout It..., please send them toyjmannon@gmail.com.

WVSU Health CenterMonday-Friday8:00am-4:30pm

Phone (304) 766-3323Available to WVSU and

KVCTC studentswith current ID.

Located on the Lower Levelof the Wilson Student Union

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Editor-in-ChiefMary Casto

Design EditorMegan Gothard

Design Apprentice/PhotographerKatheryne Hawkins

Senior Copy EditorBrittani Stowers

Copy EditorKris Casdorph

Sports Editor/Copy EditorBrett Mannon

Entertainment Editor/Copy EditorPierre Williams

Campus EditorSharee Campell

Editorial EditorFallon Pierson

Faculty AdvisorDr. Robin Broughton

The Yellow Jacket - WVSU214 Wilson Student Union

Institute, WV 25112.

YJJacketStaff

Yellow

Office ContactsPhone: 766-3212

Editorial

WebmasterRay Dolin

On the Cover:WVSU Senior Art Exhibit showing in the Della Brown Taylor Gallery

until December 21st. Graduating Seniors are: Melvin Mosley, Emma Ware,Mike Tavakoli, Megan Gothard, Jon Anthony, and Cindy Shumate. Thegallery is open from 8:30 am to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Dear Yellow Jacket readers, Thank you to everyone for your input, comments and submissions. We are

happy to announce our first contest winner. Frank Larnerd is the winner of the$25.00 Jacket gift card. We will be having several more contests next semester. Allyou have to do to enter to win is submit one comment and one suggestion via e-mailto wvsuyj@gmail.com. Once a month a drawing will be held and the winner willreceive a $25. gift card to be spent in the bookstore.

We expect to have all new equipment and design software before the Springsemester begins. We are also still accepting applications for paid positions. Submityour resume and writing sample to wvsuyj@gmail.com and mention what you wouldlike to write about. Happy Holidays!

Sincerely,Mary CastoEditor-in-Chief

Questions? Comments?Criticism?

Your voice is strong.

We want your opinions on anything andeverything.

Leave questions and suggestions atwvsuyj@gmail.com

Or drop them by theYellow Jacket Office at room 214 in the

Wilson Student Union

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Around CampusFor Kenyetta Bazemore, hair is

more than just dead skin cells growingout of one’s head, or a personal assetone can buy for beauty. For Bazemore,who is majoring in recreation here atWVSU, hair is a creative endeavor. OnMon., Nov. 16, 2009, Bazemore madeher creativity come to life in the WilsonStudent Union.

The doors for her very first hair-show titled, “Hair Bounce”, opened withthe booming of today’s hottest hip-hopand R & B music through the loudspeak-ers and a crowd of over 100 enthusias-tic spectators. Admission was $1.00 foreach person. “Hair Bounce” was a profitorganization accepting donations. It wassponsored by the SGA.

When the show started, the lightswent dim and a spotlight was on KenyettaBazemore. The spectators cheeredwildly as she walked professionally in herhigh-heels and trendy attire throughout

by Ashley KingFirst annual hair show fundraiser rocks the catwalk

the stage floor modeling her latest hair-do.

When Bazemore finished her open-ing routine, she thanked everyone forcoming and supporting her and told ev-eryone that she hopes they enjoy theshow. The music, the spotlight, and thespectators’ eyes then shifted to the firstparticipant.

One by one, each participant didhis/her own catwalk routine, each witha unique up-to-date hairstyle. The lat-est fashions in clothing and make-upwere also used to make the hairstylesblossom. The participants were allWVSU students, and they each helpedBazemore tailor their individual routines.

At the end of the hair show,

Bazemore thanked everyone who helpedher make “Hair Bounce” possible.

When asked what inspired her todo hair shows, Bazemore said, “Eversince I was a little girl, I watched my momdo hair.”

Bazemore added, “When I wasabout nine, I started helping with hairshows.”

“I was only in one hair show,” saidBazemore, “it wasn’t anything like thisone. In the one I was in, I just basicallysat in a chair and let the stylist fix my hairand the spectators just walked around asthe people were getting their hair fixed.”

Bazemore received assistance forher hair show from her friends Bahiyah(hair stylist), Jessica, and Velvet (make-up artists).

Bazemore said, “It’s like a seed tome and I planted it.” She added, “Therewill be another “Hair Bounce” next year,bigger and better.”

From left to right: Bahiyah Beasley and Mae Instiful

Talana Harris, Freshman

by Sharniece WallaceOne of the biggest health concerns for college students right now is the H1N1 virus, also known as, swine flu.WVSU students react to Swine Flu

“The outbreak of this flu impactedWest Virginia severely. Working at thedaycare on campus, I saw how it affectedthe children. After seeing all of this I be-gan taking extra precautions daily afterthat.”-Cynthia Brisco

“I am not concerned with thecurrent outbreak. Panic has sprungnationwide with anti-bacterial

Jordan Clark, Junior

“The current break out ofH1N1 is a scary thing but Ifeel that everyone is over-re-acting. As long as you take theright precautions then youshould be fine.”-Tiffani Chaney

Cynthia Brisco, Senior

Craig Rodarte, Junior

Talana Harris

“So many people that I knowhave gotten H1N1 and have over-come the virus within a week. I thinkpeople should try to avoid getting it,but shouldn’t make getting it a hugedeal.”-

“Colleges and Universities aresusceptible to outbreaks and illnessbecause of the living arrangements.The H1N1 virus is proof that weneed to take our sanitation andcleanliness serious for the contin-ued health of collegestudents.”- Craig Rodarte

Tiffani Chaney, Junior

Jordan Clarkmultivitamins.”-

supplements flying off the shelves thatwill do little or nothing to protectagainst the virus. The important thingis that those who begin to feel ill shouldstay home. Prevention is the key to re-duce the risk of any illness. Prepare yourimmune system with

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The Bookstore is having a 20% off sale for the month of December. Use you20% discount on WVSU gift items, clothing, and Greek apparel and gift items.

This sale will begin on Dec. 1 and will end on Dec. 23. Show your WVSUspirit and get your WVSU apparel now. Don’t miss this opportunity to shop

for graduating seniors or to do Christmas shopping. You can also getdiploma frames at 20% off.

This sale excludes books, snacks, supplies, electronics and health andbeauty. Also excludes sale items.

Book Buyback:Book buyback will begin on Thursday, Dec. 10 inside the Bookstore. The last

day to sell back books is Dec. 18.

These are the dates and times:

Thursday-Friday, Dec. 10-11, 9:00-4:30

Sat., December 12, 9:00-12:00 noon

Monday-Friday, December 14-18, 9:00-6:00

Please bring all supplements with books- CDs, DVDs, & unused access codes.

December Sale