The Echo: The University of Central Arkansas’ Student Newspaper

New student director for I.D.E.A.L. program

CarinaAlvarez — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 05:01:54 +0000

Junior Jesse Chambliss was named as the I.D.E.A.L. student director for the 2012-2013 academic year on April 23 in the Student Government Association meeting.
I.D.E.A.L., which stands for intensive, dedication, ethics, accomplishment and leadership, is a program that began in 2001 and was founded by Anthony Turner.
As student director, Chambliss will plan and facilitate I.D.E.A.L. meetings.
Chambliss said he hopes everyone in the program has a clear focus as to what leadership is and what the program means for students.
“Retention is always something we strive to improve,” he said.
Chambliss has been a member of the I.D.E.A.L. program for two years. He became an alumni leader after graduating with the program and assisting the student director.
“I loved my experience but I knew that there was so much more I could give instead of just graduating from the program and moving on,” he said.

Lecturer speaks against natural gas drilling

CarinaAlvarez — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 05:01:54 +0000

One of Green Week’s focus for this year was the issue of fracking. Fracking is the process by which natural gas and oil are extracted from the earth’s surface using high pressure to form wells.
The gas or oil then flows freely from the well and becomes available for use.
Sam Lane, director of “Stop Arkansas Fracking” and candidate for district 67 representative, spoke on April 17 on the problems with fracking in the state.
Lane said the main reason he became involved in policing against fracking is because it is an issue that affects many people and that has affected his family almost directly.
He said fracking occurs across a five-county radius including Faulkner, Conway, Cleburne, Van Buren and White counties. Lane said there are about 4,000 natural gas wells in the state.
Lane provided statistics and information about fracking and said the wells can be built within 200 ft. of homes.
Lane said one of the agencies that regulates the fracking industry is the Oil Gas Commission, in which five out of nine commissioners own and operate natural gas and oil companies.
He mentioned the steps required to open a well which include sizing and mapping, bringing in pipelines, drilling holes in the ground and pumping millions of gallons of water, sand and other chemicals into the ground.
He said some of the problems with the fracking process are that roads are damaged and miles of pipes have to be installed, causing a disturbance to nearby people.
“We’re actually trying to [get] enough signatures to get an increase on the severance tax on the ballot this fall, which would be a tax on the natural gas these companies produce and that would go toward road repairs,” Lane said.
Dust control is another issue Lane mentioned. He said it was the distribution of drilling waste that is spread on the roads.
“I have actually seen them spray it on paved roads which indicates to me that they are doing it more for disposal other than trying to keep the dust down,” he said. “I have driven down these roads and it burns your eyes, nose and throat just to be in this area.”
Other problems that Lane associated with fracking were the noise level during the months of drilling, the contamination of water and the addition of harmful metals into the water and the fact of wells being drilled less than a mile deep.
He said the job is dangerous for employees that undergo health effects. The industry requires compression stations to be built which cause air pollution and the chemicals that are pumped into the ground are known carcinogens.
“Anywhere from 10 percent to 70 percent of the fluid that they inject into the ground comes back out from the ground,” he said. “Sometimes it is taken into a land farm. A land farm is a field where there may be cows or horses grazing and they are permitted to take a large agricultural sprinkler and sprinkle the fluid into the field, into the ground for disposal.”
Lane also said that it has been proven by multiple scientific agencies that injection wells cause earthquakes.
“We get a lot of complaints about noise, pollution, people having loss of sleep, respiratory problems, rashes, eye irritation, headaches, dizziness and nose bleeds,” Lane said.
Lane said there are no state regulations on air pollution.
His alternative for fracking is renewable energy.
“Natural gas like any other fossil foil is going to run out someday. Renewable energy is sustainable. You can put a solar panel up and have electricity for 100 or 200 years,” Lane said. “It’s a lot cleaner.”
Junior Nicole Roney, pre-veterinary Biology major, said she learned that a lot of people blame their itchy eyes and rashes to allergies but that it might be related to fracking.
“I was looking at research with the Physics department having to do with insects and how this drilling is affecting their communication with the sound waves in the ground,” Roney said.
For more information on fracking visit stoparfracking.org, where Lane has compiled over a year‘s worth of data. A documentary titled “Land of Opportunity” will be available this summer.

Newspaper inspires passion for journalism in student

Lisa Burnett — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 05:01:53 +0000

When I started working on the Echo staff, I had no idea how much this newspaper would influence my life. I had recently changed my major to journalism in my fourth year of college and didn’t know a soul in the department. Little did I know, I would find and make some of the best friends I’ve ever had.
I started writing for The Echo as a staff writer and absolutely fell in love. Although I spent most of that semester going to events and functions I had no idea UCA even offered, I had the time of my life.
I was encouraged to apply for editorial staff after just one semester as a staff writer. Though I was hesitant at first, I ended up applying and was offered the position of entertainment editor. The hesitation I had for applying for staff was the fear that I wouldn’t fit in.
After being on editorial staff for one semester, I realized there was nothing to fear at all. I found a family with The Echo. The nine people on the editorial staff couldn’t be more diverse, the nine of us had one passion that brought us all together: journalism.
After being entertainment editor for a semester, I moved up to the larger section of campus life. While I had the best assistant in the world, I thought it was time to move up, and give her a shot at the campus life section. Now, I’m writing this column as the associate editor of The Echo, and can’t believe my time is coming to an end.
Sure, people have joined and left the staff since that first semester I was with The Echo, but the atmosphere is one thing that will make my last night at The Echo so difficult. The bleak office that houses The Echo has become a place that I call home.
Along with finding a love for journalism, I’ve found a love for this staff. I know this is all so sappy, but a big part of my life is coming to an end.
As much as I’ve complained about having to write stories, lay out pages or edit stories, I’m truly going to miss it. I don’t know what my Monday nights will be like without sitting in my office having “girl talk” with Mary or hearing “that’s what she said” countless times throughout the night.
Through all of the junk food, sleepless nights and stacks of pages scattered across my desk, The Echo has helped me become the person I am today. After being a part of this newspaper for four semesters, the knowledge that I’ve gained from it is something that is truly what has prepared me for the future. Sitting in the classroom being lectured about how to interview someone, or how to write an article for a newspaper is one thing, but actually going out and doing it is what has helped me become an actual journalist.
I have The Echo to thank for helping me become confident in the fact that I can actually write a paragraph and say it’s well-written.
If I’ve interviewed you for a story, I want to say thank you. You’re the reason I’m looking forward to the future as a journalist.
If I’ve been in one of your classes, I want to say thank you. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to learn and have access to the information necessary to be successful in life.
If I’ve been on The Echo staff with you, I want to say thank you. You’re the reason I stayed on staff for so long. You’re the reason I’ve stayed a journalism major, and found a passion for it. Even though I might not have displayed it all of the time, you guys are my friends. This isn’t a goodbye; it’s just a see you later.

Track team posts 13 firsts, four school records

Lee Hogan — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 05:01:48 +0000

The men and women’s track team took full advantage of running at home, taking 13 first place finishes on Saturday at the UCA Open at the Bill Stephens Track Complex.
The team combined to break four school records, three from the women and one from the men.
Track coach Richard Martin said he was pleased with the meet and how well everyone competed.
Sophomore Erika Setzler set a school record in the 10,000 meters, finishing with a time of 39:41.46. Freshman Stephanie Simpson set a school record in the 5,000 meters with a finishing time of 18:21.57.
Sophomore Tanesha Maxwell set the school record in her 200 meters victory with a time of 24.44, and also won the 100 meters with a time of 11.87.
Junior Jasmine Ellis also won two events, the 100 meter hurdles and the javelin throw.
The women took the top 5 spots in the 100 hurdles. Ellis was followed by junior Megan Snow, sophomore Anilah Bashir, freshman Jean Black and freshman Jatoi Snell.
The women also took the top 3 spots in the 400 meter hurdles. Black won the event with a time of 1:03.68 and was followed by Snell and Bashir.
On the men’s side, sophomore Amos Gerber set a school record in the 5,000 meters with a time of 14:48.18.
The other men’s winners were senior Demarcus Harrison in the 110 meter hurdles, senior Bobby Washington in the high jump and senior Jaron Criswell in the long jump.
Assistant coach Beau Theriot said everything went well, but he expected more from some areas of the team.
“You can’t really complain though with 13 firsts,” Theriot said. “We were happy overall with the performance.”
Theriot said the men’s 4×400 relay team, which finished second, was just a little short of expectations.
“They can post a better time, but we’ll work on it and get it better,” Theriot said.
The Arkansas State meet is the final preparation for the track team before the Southland Conference Outdoor Championships.
The action starts at 8 a.m. this Saturday in Jonesboro.

Library to receive further renovations over summer

Christina Huynh — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 05:01:48 +0000

by Christina Huynh and Ari Sumpter
Staff Writers
The Torreyson Library has undergone multiple renovations this spring semester, including re-flooring the first floor and painting its walls to help meet students’ requests for a new and improved facility.
Planned library renovations include extending its hours, moving the computers toward the Starbucks entrance inside the building and putting in a light wood laminate on the first floor. Vending machines will be installed in the library’s first floor printer rooms.
Renee LeBeau-Ford, collection development librarian, said half of the library’s first floor is undergoing renovations this semester while the other half will be refurbished during the summer.
Sophomore Britney Crawley said she liked the library’s direction of its renovations.
“I feel like it will eventually make our library a more welcoming and inviting place,” Crawley said. “As of now, [the renovations] are annoying and tough to work around, but in the end, they’re trying to better the library for the students.”
Other renovations being considered are restoring the first floor bathrooms, installing a family and transgender bathroom and modifying the study rooms to be covered in whiteboard, LeBeau-Ford said.
LeBeau-Ford said the goal was to not exceed $200,000 for the library’s renovations. The renovations are funded through the $3 per credit hour fee students pay every year and are approved by the library committee, she said. The library committee is composed of nine members, with student, faculty and library representation.
The ideas for the renovations were sparked through a survey distributed to students three years ago, LeBeau-Ford said. Students requested bathroom renovations, more outlets for their electronics and more comfortable furniture in the library.
LeBeau-Ford said the first step the library’s staff made in meeting the students’ requests was retiring around 400 wooden chairs and purchasing new black roller chairs.
“I think the library renovations are a good idea,” sophomore Jay Gerard said. “They’re a step in the right direction.”
Half of the library’s first floor carpet has been stripped off and will be re-floored with the new wooden laminate the dayafter graduation, LeBeau-Ford said. The approximate cost to purchase and install the new flooring was $80,000, she said.
“Once the floor is done, we will be able to lay out the new computers and move the DVD’s back. But we haven’t been able to do any of that until the floor is done, and that’s while there’s a delay [in renovations],” LeBeau-Ford said. “The floor has been the main thorn in our side.”
LeBeau-Ford said multiple color palettes were considered for the library’s first floor, such as blue and beige with red accents. However, those colors did not fit in with the UCA color scheme. She said the approximate cost of painting the library’s first floor was $28,000.
Next semester, the Torreyson Library will establish new hours to keep the facility open for 24 hours a day, five days a week. The new library hours for the weekend will be from Sunday at 2 p.m. to Friday at 5 p.m and will retain the same hours on Saturday.
“There’s not that many people in [the library on Friday’s] with the exception of finals,” LeBeau-Ford said. “I work the desk from 3-5 p.m. on Friday’s and it’s dead in here. There are maybe two or three people that are frantically printing out something, but it takes a minimum of three to four people to keep the building open. You would have to get a whole other shift of people [to keep the building open].”
The bottom floor of the library will be the only floor open from midnight to 7 a.m. from Sunday to Friday, but the top floor will re-open in the mornings, LeBeau-Ford said.
Crawley said she liked changing the library’s hours to 24 hours a day, five days a week.
“There’s been several times where I’ve been in the library and it’s 11:45 p.m. and the person comes around telling you its time to leave. If I had two more hours, I think that would have been good,” Crawley said.
Because the library will be open for 24 hours a day, the night owl study room will be discontinued, LeBeau-Ford said. No official plans have been made toward what the night owl study room will become, but Lichenstein said the room could be possibly be used as, “additional computer space, seminar rooms and study carrels.”
LeBeau-Ford said another option for the space is for Aramark to establish a food service vendor. Crawley said she didn’t like the idea of a food service replacing the night owl study room, saying that the library already had Starbucks.
Instead, Crawley said she would like to see the night owl study room replaced as an additional computer lab with more printers for students to use. Circulation desk worker Austin Clowers said he would like to see the space transformed as a convenience store, where students could buy education supplies, such as paper and laptops.
“Some days it just doesn’t work, some days it does, sometimes it’s the computer…I know students complain about it,” LeBeau-Ford said. “We definitely will work with IT to make sure that we can improve that.”
Johnathan Glenn, an information technology chief information officer, said some primary reasons why the wireless internet is not effective in the library are because of the book stacks and a problem called loading, where too many individuals log on all at one time.

‘Picture Show’ releases to larger market than previous

Brandon Riddle — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 05:01:44 +0000

“Neon Trees” started its career “with a whisper” and are now looking to make a larger presence in the music industry with its newest album.
“Picture Show,” was released April 17 and features the alternative, new wave style of music that has come to define the band.
The album is a collection of modern synth-pop tracks that have energy and ambition, while at times seem to use tired and overused themes in today’s music trends.
It is the second album from the band. Its first, titled “Habits” was released in 2010.
“Neon Trees” was formed by Tyler Glenn and Chris Allen in 2004 in Utah. Branden Campbell and Elaine Bradley later joined the band.
Its musical style is often associated with songs from “The Killers” and “The Strokes.”
“Neon Trees” gained much of its attention from singles, including “Animal” from its first album and “Wish List” during the holiday season last year.
“Animal” was released as a single in 2010 and reached number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts.
The lead single from “Picture Show” titled “Everybody Talks” was released last year on Dec. 20 and has been featured in commercials for the Buick Verano.
Glenn, vocalist, gives the single most of its energy and carries the song.
For some, like myself, the song could show more of his skills as an artist if he toned down on the somewhat whiny voice he gives while performing.
For devoted fans of Neon Trees, the emotion Glenn puts behind the song will only help them become more in love with the newest release.
While the album does not focus as much on a message, it does provide a subtle theme, and is an upbeat collection of songs.
“Moving In The Dark” and “Everybody Talks” are two of my favorite tracks from the album. They seem edgier than other tracks and are true to the band’s style.
“Teenage Sounds” and “Hooray for Hollywood” are songs that have a great sound but lack uniqueness.
“Mad Love” seems to fall flat for me in comparison to other songs and does not have the energy to make it one of their signature songs.
“Lessons In Love” is a track that features the work of Kaskade, a DJ and record producer. It is a song about handling the complex moments of relationships and is also a track on Kaskade’s album, “Fire & Ice.”
“Still Young” is about youthfulness and keeping a relationship going.
“I Am The D.J.” is another memorable song from the album. It is an upbeat song with the message of remembering fond memories from the past.
Other songs on the album include “Hooray For Hollywood,” “Weekend,” “Trust” and “Close to You.”
Its rise to fame has been slow, but their sound is in line with many current artist who reach a wide audience through unique musical style and stage presentation.
For fans of the band’s last album, this new release will show its maturity as artists and emerging figures in the music business.
“Picture Show” has received little attention on charts and in the press, but I predict the album will be one of the most influential albums of the year.
“Neon Trees” is scheduled to perform songs from its current album May 25 at the 35th Annual Riverfest in Little Rock.

Mraz’s next album improves over singer’s last release

Lisa Burnett — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 05:01:43 +0000

Jason Mraz’s newest album “Love is a Four Letter Word,” was released on April 13, and is a perfect example of what his music is all about.
This album is a huge improvement from his last studio album, “We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things.”
Not that his previous album was bad, but his newest release takes the listener back to the music that made him famous.
Acoustic guitar riffs, feel good lyrics and amazing vocals exemplify Mraz’s ability as an artist.
The album has 12 tracks that are diverse, but have the same kind of sound. Of course, the lyrics are different, but the beats of each song seem to somewhat run together.
My favorite song on “Love is a Four Letter Word” is “The Freedom Song.” It has fun trumpet solos, and lyrics that just make you want to dance. Mraz sings: “When I feel good, I sing/And the joy it brings makes me feel good.”
The song is a bit repetitive, but it’s easy to sing along to, and it just puts the listener in a good mood.
Another standout track on this album is “Living in the Moment.” This song begins with a whistled solo, along with an acoustic guitar.
It reminds me of a song that could be listened to while just relaxing on the beach, or just in the backyard.
Mraz sings “Living in the moment/Living our life/Easy and breezy/With peace in my mind,” throughout the song. Putting these lyrics with Mraz’s soothing voice, make for an awesome song.
“Everything Is Sound (La La La)” is another song that exemplifies Mraz’s talent. With a little “la la la” chorus, who could not like this song?
The song begs to be sung along with. The end of the song is my favorite. It has an almost “raw” sound to it, with just Mraz and a few others singing harmonies along with him and his guitar.
“The World As I See It” was the first song off of the album that was pre-released in September of 2011. “I Won’t Give Up” was the first single of the album, released in January of this year.
“5/6” is another favorite of mine. It has the echo-y feel that Mraz’s “The Remedy” has. Along with jazzy piano/keyboard beats, Mraz’s voice takes a bluesy turn in this song.
The song’s title doesn’t coincide with the lyrics, but the song is great, nonetheless. Towards the end of the song, Mraz sings “be love,” which has become one of his mottos throughout his music career.
“93 Million Miles” is my least favorite song on the album. It isn’t a bad song; it just isn’t as appealing as the other songs on the album.
It seems a little cheesy at times, with lyrics saying: “240 thousand miles from the moon/we’ve come a long way to belong here/to share this view of the night, a glorious night/over the horizon into our eyes.”
Mraz wrote all of the songs on this album, except for “The Freedom Song.”

Volleyball team sponsors tournament to raise money for foundation

Marisa Hicks — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 05:01:43 +0000

The Sugar Bears volleyball team will sponsor a grass volleyball tournament for four-on-four teams to compete in different divisions to benefit the Sugar Bears on April 28.
“The Mother of All” Grass Volleyball Tournament is a benefit tournament to raise money for the UCA Volleyball Foundation for improvements to the locker rooms and other facilities at the Prince Center.
The tournament will begin at 10 a.m. at the soccer practice fields by the intramural softball fields and track and continue into the evening.
Sugar Bear Graduate Assistant Robyn Smith said this is the first, and hopefully not the last, grass volleyball tournament.
“This is the first time we have hosted a grass volleyball tournament and we hope that this will become a tradition here at UCA for students and the community to spend time together playing the exciting sport of volleyball,” Smith said.
Sugar Bear outside hitter and middle blocker sophomore Kyle Hartman said the duration of the tournament would depend on how many teams participate in the event. The tournament offers three different divisions: a men’s, a women’s and a co-ed division.
Smith said it is recommended that all teams have four to six players and that all co-ed teams must have two women on the court at all times.
“All division finalists will receive prizes that have been donated from local businesses,” Smith said.
The entry fee for each team to participate is $70 and each player will receive a tournament T-shirt.
Hartman said the tournament offers students a break from studying to enjoy themselves and play volleyball. She said she hopes the tournament will allow the Sugar Bears to create a larger fan-base on campus.
Smith said the team’s goal for the tournament is “to bring the UCA community together for a day of fun in the sun, and we hope that the participants enjoy getting to know the UCA volleyball team and staff while partaking in some friendly competition.”
She said the team does not have a goal as far as how much money the team plans to raise with the tournament.
“We do not have a fundraising goal in mind, especially with this being the first time to host the tournament,” Smith said. “We simply want to start a new tradition that we hope UCA students and the community will come to enjoy and look forward to every spring.”
Hartman said the team would be happy with whatever outcome the tournament receives April 28.
“It’s a great opportunity for students to break away from studying,” Hartman said. “Whatever we can raise will be great for the team.”
Smith said the team is currently updating the locker rooms to improve the lounge area so the players can “study and spend time together when they are not on the court or in the weight room.”
New display cases are being built to display conference academic and athletic awards the team has won since the switch to Division 1. There will also be a special display area for seniors each year, she said.
Hartman said the team would like to include bean bag chairs and a T.V. in the updated lounge area so the players can relax and study together.
Smith said she feels like the Sugar Bears deserve a comfortable space.
“We have a very close knit team this year and they deserve a space that is comfortable and inviting in which to study, prepare for games and enjoy each other’s company,” Smith said.
Hartman said the grass tournament is a great way to finalize the end of the spring semester after a 12-5 spring season.
“We had a really competitive spring season and played against some competitive teams,” she said.
Students can register their teams online at ucagrassvolley.eventbrite.com.

Professor speaks about value of networking

Lee Hogan — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 05:01:43 +0000

UCA professor Adriian Gardner spoke at a Society of Professional Journalism meeting Thursday, April 19 in Stanley Russ Hall, telling a room of aspiring journalists the importance of networking today, tomorrow and for the rest of their lives in his lecture titled, “Networking in News.”
“Networking is not important,” Gardner said. “It’s critical.”
One approach Gardner took was relating networking to an everyday newspaper.
“You get the entire newspaper, but you choose the sections you like to read and you choose the ones which are relevant to you,” he said.
Gardner said networking was something that encourages personal and professional growth.
He told a story of being in Atlanta on a trip for a journalism job he had at the time in which he not only met people in his field, but also learned where good mechanics and restaurants were, including the nearest Baskin Robbins.
“That’s networking,” he said.
Gardner said networking is one of the most important things to do in your career. He said it allows you to meet new people, create friendships, meet potential coworkers or employers and find job opportunities.
Gardner also said networking allows you to make sure you are in the right field.
“At some point you want to decide, for example if my major is biology, do I have the stomach to be a doctor or research scientist?” Gardner said.
Gardner said it is important to decide early if you are in the right career field, because you do not want to waste time. He said of all the things he had done in his career, his favorite occupation has been being a teacher. Gardner said it has been his favorite because he knows it is a fit for him and because he is able to give back to the students.
He said a labor company surveys showed 65 percent of people’s first jobs are obtained through networking.
Gardner said some people might hear that and think college is a waste of their time, but they would be wrong. He said college is the time for augmenting and sharpening skills you already have.
Greg Brown, UCA professor and advisor for News6, reiterated Gardner’s points of the importance of networking, including with fellow students.
Brown said it was important for students to take advantage of every opportunity they have.
Since the majority of the students were journalism majors, Gardner gave advice for students in that particular field, including what he called the “Three P’s of journalism,” which were a pen, pad and purpose.
“As a journalist, you need something to write down your thoughts with. You need a pad to write down your ideas names and places, and you have to have a purpose,” he said.
Gardner said writing would be an important asset no matter what career path they took.
“My editor told me a long time ago that ‘Writing will get you in the door, keep you in the door and get you out of the door,’” Gardner said. “If you are a good writer, you have a chance of being successful not only in mass communications and journalism, but in all professions.”
Not only did Gardner tell the students of the importance of networking, but he also issued a challenge for the students during their time in college.
“You are enrolled at the University of Central Arkansas, and you aspire to get a degree whatever your major is and that’s respectable,” Gardner said. “Shame on you, if you leave this institution without something.”
He said in the end, it’s not up to the teachers, but to the individual student to make the most of his or her opportunities in college.
Gardner said students should take advantage of their opportunities such as learning from their advisors, getting connected with groups on campus and learning about the media in the community.

Greeks stomp together for annual step show

Courtney Lee — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 05:01:38 +0000

The 13th annual All Greek Step Show awarded Sigma Kappa, Beta Upsilon Chi, Sigma Nu and Alpha Phi Alpha first place Thursday, April 19 in the Farris Center at 7 p.m.
Alpha Sigma Tau, Phi Lambda Chi, Phi Sigma Kappa and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated earned second place. Delta Zeta, Sigma Phi Epsilon and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated won third place overall.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated member and 2008 Greek Man of the year, Kaylon Bradford, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority member and 2011 Greek Woman of the year, Rachel Whitfield, hosted the highly anticipated show.
The judges were UCA staff members, which included Disability Support Services Coordinator Veda Charlton, Outreach and Community Services Administrative Assistant Trenie Stanley, Director of Torreyson library Art Lichtenstein, General Manager of Broadcast Services Monty Rowell, Director of Housing Stephanie McBrayer and Office Manager tabulator Teressa Bollinger.
The first group to perform was Alpha Sigma Alpha, Sigma Phi Lambda, Kappa Sigma, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated, and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated.
Their plot was about travelers visiting a jungle. The Hawaiian printed shirts and grass skirts were appropriate for their performance.
Their group didn’t have the best of luck, though. During their performance, technical difficulties halted their show, so they tried a second time.
The second time, the exact same problem occurred. After their two attempts, they were added to the end of the program to try their performance once more.
The second group consisted of Sigma Sigma Sigma Sigma, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated.
They performed a routine about superheroes and villains. Their capes and tights made the performance come alive.
The third group was a performance related to the Little Rock Nine.
Members of Sigma Kappa, Beta Upsilon Chi, Sigma Nu, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated dressed as high school students to help get their plot across to the audience.
The fourth group to perform was Delta Zeta, Sigma Phi Epsilon, and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated.
Their show was about attending the “Greek Olympics,” and they performed many steps wearing red, patriotic “USA” tank tops and camouflage pants.
“The greek community was so awesome,” sophomore Delta Zeta member Savanna Scott said. “Being able to bond with my sisters in a way that we’ve never bonded before was so great. This is what being greek is all about; Coming together and putting on a great show.”
The fourth and final group consisted of Alpha Sigma Tau, Phi Lambda Chi, Phi Sigma Kappa, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated.
They played roles in a toy store by dressing up as baby dolls, Barbies and Kens, G.I. Joes and Janes and even a Jack-in-the-Box.
After the fourth group’s performance, the first group made their final attempt and succeeded.
Senior Alpha Sigma Alpha member Jordan Huntze said, “I haven’t had this much fun in a step show before. We hung out on nights we didn’t even have step practice.”
Several awards were given to fraternities, sororities and individual greek members during the step show.
Those awards included academic excellence awards, campus involvement awards, community service awards and outstanding greek man and woman of the year.
Junior Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity member Nathaniel Alexander said,“It’s been a great experience. it’s been a long time since the Alpha’s been on the yard. We came back, everybody pulled together and worked hard.”
Alexander said he enjoyed meeting other students who were greek and participating in this year’s step show.