Volume 42, Issue 4

Macon State College’s Award-Winnning Student Newspaper

September 27, 2010maconstatement.com

STATEMENTn acon MThe

By Amiya Gaston Staff Writer

Career Services will be having mock interviews on Sept. 30.

As of press time there were still several openings and the deadline for the interview is Sept. 28. Students will receive the requirements for the mock interview when they sign up.

“These requirements are not just tips but what they need to prepare for the mock interview,” said the Director of Career Services Marcella Diaz.

According to Diaz, the requirements are that a student must dress in business attire.

Students should also bring a resume and review the resume skills at the Career Services website, http://www.maconstate.edu/careercenter/. If you need help on a resume or you do not have one, students can go to the same website.

Diaz said that on the day of the mock interview, Career Services will create an interview scenario. The student would be applying for a job at the school. Before the students have their interviews each student must research facts about the school, such as the President’s Welcome and the Mission Statement. Students can refer to the school website for help.

Mock interview offers practice

See page 8

Norma Jean PerkinsEditor in Chief

Of the 6,000 plus students enrolled at Macon State, only 17 took the time to cast votes.

According to Assistant Dean of Students and SGA Adviser Michael Stewart, only 13 of the 17 votes were valid. Four votes were disqualified. Stewart said “the disqualifications resulted for the following reasons - one for no name or student identification number; two for the wrong student identification number; and, one for no identification number.”

The voter turnout was approximately .0028 percent of the overall student body.

The following is the list of

elected senators, by school they represent and votes received:

School of Arts and Sciences: Matthew Felty – 5 Camesha Fuller – 2 Summer Leverett – 9 Indya Tisdol – 2

School of Business: Amanda Pfannkuche – 9

School of Education: Kiamber Simmons – 8

School of Nursing: Eboni Spann – 8

There were no write in votes.Voters were asked what issues, if

any, would you like your Student

Government Association to address in the coming year? There were eight responses:

1. Better communication between organizations and media about upcoming events and current issues.

2. Parking.3. Shuttles and visitor parking

passes for College Station apartments.

4. Outreach opportunities, more involvement with other organizations.

5. Parking, especially in front of the gym. Too many staff and faculty parking spots not used during the day.

6. The issue of Learning Support students are outcasts in high end organizations and

residency life just because they are labeled as a LS student.

7. 13 of 17 voters (80 percent) responded that they would be interested in attending “town hall” type meeting sponsored by SGA.

8. Nine of 17 voters (60 percent) responded that they would like to be contacted to learn how to become an active part of SGA.

The new senators will be sworn in at the next SGA meeting set for Monday, Sept. 27 at 3 p.m. in the Foundation Board room (room 133) in the cafeteria in the Student Life Center.

All students are welcome to attend the meetings to observe how their SGA functions.

Macon State student arrested on campusBy Norma Jean PerkinsEditor in Chief

On Sept. 13 at 9 a.m. the Southeastern Regional Fugitive Task Force arrested Shawn Maurice Taylor at the Learning Support building.

Shawn Douglas, Macon State chief of police said, “I was contacted by the Southeastern Regional Fugitive Task Force on Friday, Sept. 10 requesting cooperation in the arrest of a Macon State student.” After confirmation of Taylor being enrolled at Macon State, Douglas coordinated the arrest to coincide with Taylor’s class schedule.

The result of Douglas’ coordination caused the least disruption on the campus. Douglas said, “I prefer to

work on a low key basis.” This low-key method resulted in largest majority of Macon State students being unaware the event even occurred.

The warrant for Taylor’s arrest accuses him of “participation in street gang activity.” According to the warrant Taylor is accused of intending “to cause malice murder

and felony murder” and that he did “perform a substantial act which constituted a step towards the commission of felony murder. . .” The charges stem from an incident that occurred on July 18 within the city limits of Macon.”

According to Bibb County Sheriff’s Public Information Officer, Sgt. Sean DeFoe, public information officer, Taylor is still incarcerated in the Bibb County Law Enforcement Center at press time, bond was denied by Judge Cedric Leslie.

Jami Gaudet, City of Macon public information officer said Taylor has had “16 arrests dating back to January 1990.” Gaudet said the police department’s excellent investigative work gave them the information they needed to locate Taylor.

17 voters participate in the election for Macon State SGA senators

Mock interviewscontinued on page 3

Shawn Maurice Taylor

Staff Reports

On Sept. 24, Dr. David A. Bell sent the following letter to the Macon State community announcing his retirement:

Dear Campus Community: Earlier this morning at the

Academic Council meeting I announced my intention to complete my term as president of Macon State, effective June

30, 2011, the end of the current academic year.

With Macon State’s prog-ress in academic programs and campus development, and with the momentum we have generated this year to improve student success, I will be ready to return to the study of philos-ophy, and perhaps to teaching.

MSC President Bell announces retirement

Photo Courtesy News Bureau

Bell Retiringcontinued on page 7

The Macon Statement maconstatement.com September 27, 20102

Editor-in-Chief: Norma Jean PerkinsManaging Editor: Summer LeverettCopy Editor: Marian G. BrewerPhoto Editor: Kimberly Waddelton

Layout Editor: Chris Gray Webmaster: Harry UnderwoodStaff Writer: Carrie GinestStaff Writer: Tishka Davis

Staff Writer: Devereaux LindseyStaff Writer: Amiya Gaston Staff Photographer: Sarah Walker

e-mail us at statement@maconstate.edu

staff478-757-3605 Fax 478-757-2626 OFFice: SLC-120 www.maconstatement.com

LeTTerS PoLicy: The editor of the Macon Statement will try to print all letters received. Letters should be, at maximum, 250 to 300 words long. The writer must include: full name, professional title if a Macon State employee or Georgia resident, or year and major if a student. An address and phone number are required with all letters sent, but this personal information will not be published. The

student newspaper reserves the right to edit letters for style, possible libel, or length. The newspaper will not, under any circumstance, withhold names. Please address all correspondence to Letter to the Editor at editor@maconstatement.com. Where current events are concerned, priority will be given to those letters written by students, faculty, and staff of Macon State College.

DiScLaiMer: The Macon Statement is the registered student newspaper of Macon State College and is published biweekly (Mondays) during fall and spring semesters. Opinions and ideas expressed in The Macon Statement are those of the individual artists, authors, and student editors, and are not those of Macon State College, its Board of Regents, the student body, or the advertisers. The Macon Statement is paid for, in part, through student activity fees.

&editORials OpiniOns

A modest proposal, but I am serious about it! Scorpions!Dear Macon Statement: I have submitted “Scorpions”

as the mascot of choice about a month ago. I have realized that it is taking very long to choose a new mascot and it is something that I take much pride in, a mascot, as I put a lot of heart in the school I attend.

I spent the four years of my life prior to coming to Macon State at Westside High School as a Seminole. These years were spectacular for me and my classmates as we were able to get behind the mascot as a Seminole; we were proud to be Seminoles and our war cry showed nothing less.

Stepping into the world of college and Macon State just a little over a year ago, I was appalled to witness the lack of school optimistity (Yes, I did just make that word up, but I believe it goes extremely well in this context).

This deficiency in love for one’s school upsets me and it also makes me feel awkward when I tell people that I greatly enjoy going to Macon State, only to

get laughed at. I hope this doesn’t sound ridiculous to the reader because I’m telling this ‘as is.’

I realized soon into my freshman year that the only way to figure out the mascot was to enter the bookstore and search for

the one shirt that might display the name: “mustangs.”

This upset me beyond belief, I then understood why no one has pride for this Macon State; the mascot, the visible symbol and representation of the student body is a horse that no one knows about or cares about! Why should those who go to Macon State not transfer to UGA where they can be proud Bulldogs?

So many times I get asked the question, “What is the mascot at Macon State?” Simply, I shouldn’t have to answer because they should already know. Macon State is a ridiculously excellent school, but we are stuck in this “community college” shadow. I am tired to being known as that guy who furthered his education by going to a community college in his hometown.

Macon State should be respected like I respect it. If we expect to grow, we have to prepare for it. Who wants to spend four years at a school with no spirit, and no mascot? I believe most people that go to MSC are stuck like convicts in a prison and they would rather be somewhere else; transferring is not far on the mind of a Macon State student, make note of that.

Let it be known that I still do love my school as I love my country - God Bless America – But why do I? I’m not exactly sure, maybe my high school

experience was just so grand that it has overflowed and that’s why my first year at MSC was good.

Whatever it was, I am now itching for more, and it is odd that I sit back and say, “I’m proud to be at Macon State!” There is a solution to this. A procedure, non-painful and delightful, replacing the current mascot of Mustangs with Scorpions.

Now this is where my argument may seem biased, but that is because I have been pondering of the topic for well over a month now. When I was awakened to the email saying that they were holding a “pick a new mascot” competition, I was startled, excited, and relieved; but most of all I didn’t even think of the money prize- this is about redeeming our school, my school.

I thought about different mascots for over a week before I submitted my choice, Scorpions.

Macon State Scorpions. Doesn’t that just sound great? Ahhh! This is something I can get behind. “I am proud to be a Macon State Scorpion!” I can easily say that and it is fun to say.

So, why Scorpions? This to me seems like a rhetorical question because the facts are so elementary but amazing. One: the alliteration; it sounds great and we need to be a school that sounds like they care about how they sound. Two: the BA-factor; we all have to be tired to being

apart of a school that is known as wimpy; Scorpions is beefy, tough, and dangerous. Three: the marketability; who doesn’t want a shirt with a Scorpion on it? Not to mention that the first two letters in Scorpions is the final two initials in ‘MSC’, I bet some really freaky awesome designs can be generated out of that. Macon State Scorpions.

I must point out to perils of choosing another foul mascot. I have heard the other nominations for future mascots: geese, tornados, etc. WHO WANTS TO BE A GOOSE? Not me, and that would be a disgrace to the incredible school to make ‘geese’ the mascot. To name the mascot after the water foul that inhabit our pond is just stupid.

It is impossible to be ‘proud as a MSC tornado.’ That sounds absolutely ridiculous, and I will never utter those words from my mouth. Let’s not name the mascot after a natural disaster that crippled the campus; to do that would be like thanking the tornado for its destruction of one of the most gorgeous wooded areas of any college campus in the entire world. Lets do something good. Lets do something smart. I plan on doing that at Macon State College as a Macon State Scorpion.

Thank you for your time, Mitchel Wachtel

Macon State Student

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E-mail us your thoughts to us statement@maconstate.edu

Check out our website at www.maconstatement.com

The Macon Statement maconstatement.com September 27, 2010 3On caMpus

By Carrie GinestStaff Writer

Five full weeks of classes have passed, and some students have found parking citations on their windshield.

According to Chief of Police, Shawn Douglas, the first week and a half, the officers were more lenient in order to help students and faculty learn the new policies.

Parking illegally is not the only reason individuals can receive a ticket on campus. “One of the biggest citations is for people backing in or pulling through,” said Douglas.

Now it is time to enforce the rules. Those rules are posted on the public safety website and students can also pick up a hard copy at the Public Safety office.

Every student has the

right to appeal a parking citation. Policy states, “if a person believes a citation has been issued unfairly, the citation may be appealed. Appeals…must be made within seven calendar days from the date the ticket is issued.”

According to Douglas, mistakes do happen and they are willing to work with violators to solve the

problem. “Appeals are based on their own merit,” said Douglas.

If someone wants to appeal a citation, they should first log onto Banner Web then click on personal information and then on BOSSCARS.

When in BOSSCARS click on outstanding citations and a record of the citation for your

vehicle will be displayed. In the box, you will type the reason you believe the citation is a mistake. Then click submit.

After submission, check back in 24-48 hours to find the results of your appeal. If approved, there will be no fine. If not approved, the violator will need to pay the fine in the business office either in the Administration building or Student Life Center, or at the academic office in Warner Robins.

Should a person forget to pay their fine, a hold will be placed on their record until the fine is taken care of.

Vehicles with three or more unpaid citations face the risk of being booted, or towed at the owner’s expense.

According to Douglas, the new system allows the

police

to track the citations.Go to the Macon State

website and look under the Student Life tab, to find Public Safety. By clicking on Public Safety students and staff can find all the answers to common parking policy questions.

If someone has suggestions on how to make the policy better, let the police department know.

“We’re always willing to listen to a better way of doing things. Just because it’s the policy doesn’t mean it is in concrete. And that next year we might look at it again and say ‘this didn’t work or this could be done better’. We are always listening to input from the students. And the SGA does a really good job at representing the student body and letting us know what the feedback is,” said Douglas.

Five weeks in and....parking citations already?

By: Amiya Gaston Staff Writer

The Career Expo is coming to Macon State Oct. 29, from 10 p.m. to 12 p.m. in room 211 of the Professional Science building.

“There were not a lot of people that came last year, but we are hoping there are more coming this year,” said Director of Career Services, Marcella Diaz.

There is no admissions cost for the expo. According to the event details on the Macon State website,

students must dress business casual and have a resume. Students can prepare for the expo by going to Career Services or attending the Career Expo Workshop on Oct. 13, 3 p.m. in the Learning Support Auditorium.

If you have any questions visit Career Services, located on the second floor of Student Life Center in room 230. Walk-in: Monday through Tuesday 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Wednesday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Thursday 2:30-5:30 p.m.

Health Services, Human Services, and Nursing Career Expo is coming “The students will be interviewed

by a mixture of volunteer MSC faculty, staff and local employers who will be conducting the mock interviews,” said Diaz. Students should check in 15 minutes early before their interview meeting. After their interview is over, students should check in with Career Services.

Student Mock interviews will be held at the Career Services from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information, visit Career Services on the second floor of the Student Life building in room 230. Walk-in: Monday through Tuesday 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Wednesday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Thursday 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Photo by Norma Jean PerkinsPolice offices are located in the Sciences Annex building.

Health Services, Human Services, and Nursing You are invited by Career Services to the

2010 Professional Career Expo

Benefits

Wednesday , October 13th, 2010 3-5 pm Learning Support - LS Auditorium

Information Session for Career Expo Learn the Ability to market yourself

How to dress for success

How to gain knowledge of employers

How to Build your Professional resume

Employment and internships!

Information on Career paths!

Face to face Networking!

Prepare for tomorrow today!

Student Requirements

Have the Ability to Market Yourself! Dress for Success! Have Knowledge of Employers! Have a Professional Resume!

Friday , October 29th, 2010, 10-12 Noon Professional Science Center

Employer list will be available October 19th, 2010 on The website: http://tiny.cc/24s5p

Mock interviews continued from front page

The Macon Statement maconstatement.com September 27, 20104 FeatuRe

Construction continues at Macon State for new bridge and lake expansionBy Tishka DavisStaff Writer

Macon State is expanding the pond and building a new bridge at the Macon campus - causing a significant portion of the lake to be blocked off.

Director of Plant Operations, David S. Sims, said, “A lot has been clarified in concerns with the construction projects taking place here on MSC’s campus.

Apart from the lake expansion we also have the major construction project which is a new building expansion taking place just beyond the Student Life Center.”

Sims went on to explain how both of these projects go hand in hand with each other. “More buildings will create more run off which occurs when soil is infiltrated to full capacity by excess water from rain,” said Sims.

In other words, the increase of buildings is causing the campus to be more vulnerable to flooding. The pond, which is being used as a sort of drainage to prevent such a rise in water level, must be expanded in order to increase water storage capacity.

Sims mentioned the flood that took place in Georgia in 1994. Many may remember this dangerous flood where 18 people lost their lives. This made

officials consider preventions for similar incidents. Therefore, as a precaution method, it is now a statewide regulation to conduct watershed projects in order to control the disposal of surface water.

The entire construction project is funded by the state as a part of the Teacher Education Project. The expansion of the lake and new bridge is scheduled for completion by spring of 2011.

Residence Life keeps Macon State Students active

Photo by Sarah WalkerMichelle Edge (right) signs in at Resident’s Life Center for Karaoke Night as Keigan Evans, Residence Life coordinator looks on.

Photo by Sarah WalkerThe girls choose their seats next to the pool as they wait for the singing to begin. Names (from left to right) Nicole Dowdell, , Amber Shirley, and Michelle Edge

Photo by Sarah Walker(left to right) Michelle Edge, Kiamber Ralph, Lauren Janae, and Latoria Tory Phillips wait their turns to put on a show.

Construction on the lake expansion and new bridge began Sept. 15 as the trees fall and Lake Knee-deep is now Lake Waist-high. Staff Photos by Norma Jean Perkins

The Macon Statement maconstatement.com September 27, 2010 5FeatuRe

Photo by Sarah WalkerJames Hagler and Chris Summerlin strategize for the upcoming flag football game.

Photo by Sarah Walker(left) Latoria Tory Phillips waits for her team to get it together. (right) No tackling necessary as Josh Bryant and others fall to the ground.

Photo by Sarah WalkerThe red team have the game in the bag, it’s just a matter of running out the clock now..

Photo by Sarah WalkerJosh Bryant scores an untouchable touchdown!

Photo by Sarah WalkerMarianne Dixon and Neil Bagaoisan take small breaks for water so they won’t get dehydrated.

Getting ready for Flag Football playoffs

New Tennis Club at Macon State begins practices for matches

Photo by Sarah WalkerThe sun hits the courts just right as players gather for practice.

The Macon Statement maconstatement.com September 27, 20106 On caMpus

By Harry UnderwoodWebmaster

This fall semester, the Department of Mathematics and Computer Sciences began a series of major changes to its structure.

One change was moving the department’s faculty offices from the part of the third floor in the Jones Building currently occupied by faculty of the Department of Natural Sciences, to room 312 at the eastern end of the hall, formerly occupied by the faculty of another department.

The move reflects part of a series of changes to the wider School of Arts and Sciences which have also resulted in such reforms as the replacement of the Humanities department with two new departments.

“Before 2 years ago, the school was subdivided into a series of divisions - Division of Mathematics, Division of Humanities, etc. - and then we experienced a restructuring in which divisions were transformed into schools and departments,” said Barry Monk, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Sciences. “I guess that we’re still in the process of that gradual restructuring.”

The progress of that gradual restructuring is also evident on the Macon State website, with some pages still referring to the Natural Science and Mathematics department which was formally divided into the separate Mathematics and Computer Science and Natural Sciences and Engineering departments in 2008.

The move to a separate dedicated portion of the Jones building further formalizes that separation, as the two departments shared the same office block around Jones Building room 357

until the beginning of the 2010-2011 school year.

Another change, currently in discussion within faculty and administration circles, is the ending of the associate degree program in computer science and the spinning-away of the program, in a baccalaureate exclusive format, to the School of Information Technology.

“I feel that once the School of IT assumes responsibility for the Computer Science Baccalaureate program, they will be better equipped in hiring actual

computer scientists as teachers and faculty members,” said Monk, whose department consists entirely of mathematics teachers and, as of September 2010, no dedicated teachers of computer science.

To Alex Koohang, Ph.D., dean of the School of IT, this planned assumption over a new portfolio of curricula coincides with the IT School’s own intended axing of the associates degree program in information technology.

“Employers no longer desire prospects who just have an associate degree,” said Koohang while speaking at the inaugural Association of Information Technology Students meeting on Sept. 16 in response to a question regarding both the assumption of the computer science degree program and the axing of the associate degree. “Those no longer suffice for getting you into the door. Employers now demand prospects who are better trained in Information Technology than before.”

The new offices of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Sciences are located in Jones Building, room 312.

Monk can be reached by email at barry.monk@maconstate.edu.

Change of structure in the Department of Mathematics

Student Life presents the annual International Food FestivalSummer LeverettManaging Editor

Every year the Office of Student Life hosts an International Food Festival; this year’s highlight will be Spanish cuisine.

Traditionally, the International Food Festival has showcased a variety of foods from several countries. This year is different because the focus is on one country rather than many. The Director of Student Life, Dee Lindsey, says that the focus on Spain will allow for a more detailed understanding of their particular culture.

“The Annual International Food Festival will be a

conjunction between the Office of Student Life and the Study Abroad program,” said Lindsey. Spain was chosen because it is one of the countries visited by students in the Study Abroad program.

According to Lindsey the purpose of the festival is to increase the awareness of different cultures and to emphasize the significance of the Study Abroad program. The Study Abroad program is an initiative from the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia.

The Study Abroad program allows students the opportunity to visit a foreign country while earning college credit. The opportunity is intended to give

students a better understanding of the country or countries they visit.

To learn more about the Study Abroad program visit www.maconstate.edu/academics/studyabroad or contact David Biek, Ph.D. by email at david.biek@maconstate.edu.

The Annual International Food Festival will be held on the Warner Robins campus Oct. 5 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Oak Hall patio. The festival will also be on the Macon campus Oct. 6 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the lobby of the Student Life Center.

The Annual International Food Festival is funded by student activities fee.

By Devereaux Lindsey Staff Writer

Among the many student organizations that Macon State has to offer, a new one begins to make headway.

Student Life Program Coordinator, Milton Johnson,

advises the Campus Activities Board (CAB). Johnson hopes that the board will be an organization for the students, by the students.

“The events brought to you by Student Life are almost like the events at Disney World, a lot goes on behind the scenes that no one knows about. With CAB, students get to bring a special level of

quality to those events,” said Johnson.

While all student organizations may provide an opportunity for growth and development, CAB gives members hands-on experience with event planning and management. Johnson is molding his new members to be guides and consultants for fellow

students. With time and dedication,

he wants to see CAB students organize and craft their own activities. Johnson invites any students interested to join CAB.

To get involved, contact Johnson at: milton.johnson@maconstate.edu.

A brand new Campus Activity Board comes to Macon State College

Photo by Harry UnderwoodDr. Barry Monk, chairperson of the Department of Mathematics, stands outside the Math Department’s main office in room 312 of Jones building.

The Macon Statement maconstatement.com September 27, 2010 7cOMMunity

By Carrie GinestStaff Writer

The Georgia Poetry Circuit brings poet and veteran, Brian Turner, to Macon State on Nov.11.

Turner will read his poetry, answer questions and talk to students. The bookstore will be selling his books after the readings, so don’t forget to get your copy and get it signed.

Macon State will host Turner on both campuses: Warner Robins in the Walker Auditorium at 2 p.m. and Macon in Jones 102 at 5 p.m.

Turner served in the army for seven years, stationed in places such as Iraq and Bosnia-

Herze-govina, and

his poetry reflects his military experience.

He has won numerous awards for his debut book of poems, Here, Bullet, in 2005. His second

book of poetry, Phantom Noise, was released in the spring of 2010.

The Georgia Poetry Circuit includes other schools such as UGA, Columbus, Valdosta, Mercer, and more.

Macon State has been part of the circuit for at least five years now and is able to participate in because of the funds they receive from the Artist and Lecture committee as well as the support from Student Life.

Sharon Colley, PhD represents Macon State for the circuit. According to Colley, participating

in the circuit allows Macon State students a chance to see bigger names at the college than they could if the school did not participate.

Other poets on the poetry circuit this school year include Cleopatra Mathis on Jan. 25 and Rick Campbell on March 31.

Colley said, “it is a good opportunity for students to get to hear excellent poets read their own work. Even if you’re not a poetry fan, hearing a poet read from their own work adds to the appreciation and understanding of it.”

Veterans Day kicks off the Georgia Poetry Circuit for Macon State

Domestic Violence Conference will be held on campus Oct. 5Staff Reports

Macon State will be hosting the fourth annual Crisis Line and Safe House: Domestic Violence is Everyone’s Business seminar in the Learning Support Auditorium on Oct. 5, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with registration 8-8:50 a.m.

Ruth Hagemann, a counselor at the Macon State College Counseling Center has co-hosted with Crisis Line and Safe House for the past year.

“Domestic Violence is very relevant to the college age population,” said Hagemann.

When asked about what students can gain from this conference Hagemann said, “this is an issue that touches all age groups and socioeconomic statuses. Students should be

aware of domestic violence so that they can maintain healthy relationships.”

According to the “Domestic Violence is Everyone’s Business” brochure, some of the topics that will be discussed are cyber bullying, domestic violence and homelessness, domestic violence in the workplace and many others.

As shown in the brochure, “67 percent of parents were not aware their teen was asked to engage in sexual acts via e-mail, IM, or text when they didn’t want to.’ The warning signs of cyber bullying, digital abuse and sexting are also listed on the brochure.

For more information about the conference, contact the Counseling Center at 478-471-2985.

By Jayson ThomasMSC-TV

Macon State College will be presenting a pro wrestling match Sept. 30 from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.in the Macon State gymnasium.

This event will include three matches, with the main event being our hometown heroes Director of Recreation and Wellness James Hagler and Director of Residence Life Chris Summerlin teaming up to form the Rec & Rez Express vs. B.F.F.

The doors open at 7 p.m. All Macon State students get in free with their student identification. Admission for the general public is $3. Concessions will also be sold.

For more information, call 478-757-3620.

Pro wrestling coming toMacon State Sept. 30

Brian Turner

We have much to do this year, and I do not want us to be distracted from our work of teaching and learning. My focus, and that of the college, will remain on efforts to im-prove student success, efforts that are underway this fall. They include a new freshman-year-experience (“FYE”) program, a re-structuring of learning support programs, and the college’s first on-campus housing facility, Col-lege Station.

Our students today are bet-ter than ever, and our team of faculty, staff, and administrators is more than capable of serving

our students and serving them well. The college’s prospects for continued success are strong.

In May, Macon State College will award its 3,000th bachelor’s degree since attaining four-year status in 1997, and I will be completing my 14th year as president. The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia soon will begin the pro-cess of identifying a successor, aiming to have that person ready to take office on July 1.

In the meantime, I will con-tinue to work with all of you to make this College the best resource it can be to our students and to Central Georgia.

David A. Bell, PresidentMacon State College

Bell Retires continued from front page

The Macon Statement maconstatement.com September 27, 20108 Miscellany

Staff Reports

The annual, official state-sponsored Georgia National Fair, Oct. 7-17, is a family event celebrating the best of Georgia.

The Fair is a “sense-ational” experience. See it. Smell it. Taste it. Feel it. Hear it. Livestock. Food. Exhibits. Midway rides. Concerts.

For 21 years, the Georgia National Fair has made great strides to promote the state’s heritage, people, and agriculture. The Fair offers a safe and clean, family-oriented environment. The Fair is well known for its comprehensive youth and home and fine arts exhibits.

The Georgia National Schoolhouse attracts pre-K through high school students from throughout the state to tour the educational and livestock displays. Midday at the Fair is a special recognition of Fair activities of interest to senior citizens, including free entertainment scheduled in the afternoon.

The Georgia National Fair appeals to everyone with its livestock and horse shows, competitive exhibits, food, midway rides and games, commercial vendors, major concerts, street entertainers, family entertainment, circus, and nightly fireworks.

The Georgia National Fair has been designated a “Top 50 Fair” by Amusement Business magazine and www.carnivalwarehouse.com.

Since its beginning in 1990, the

Georgia National Fair has won 82 awards from the International Association of Fairs and Expositions for its livestock and horse events, competitive exhibits, and communications programs. The Fair has been designated a Southeast Tourism Society “Top 20 Event for October” 13 times (1991, 1996, 1997, 2000-2007, 2009, 2010). The Fair has received one “Special Events Directory and Events Business News Top 200 Event” award (1997). The Fair was designated one of Southern Living magazine’s “Our Best 202 Things About the South First-Prize Fair” (2002).

There are many new, and free, events to enjoy at the Georgia National Fair this year some of

which include:

DUE WEST (October 13 – 17)

Due West is heading East to the Georgia National Fair! Their new single “I Get That All The Time” has been featured on GAC’s Top 20 Countdown. Their sincere songwriting and tight harmonies always leaving their audiences wanting more! Don’t miss this up and coming country act, as they rock the stage playing originals, and crowd favorites alike!

AUSSIE KINGDOM (Show Times: Oct. 7 –

5:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. Oct. 8-10 – 12 noon, 5:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m.

Are you ready to take a magical journey through the Australian outback? Then welcome to Aussie Kingdom! Featuring several different species of marsupials (pouched animals), you’ll see kangaroos, wallabies, walleroos and other native Australian wildlife including birds such as the kookaburra and rainbow lorikeet. These are animals that you only hear and read about, but never dreamed that you would be able to touch and hold! Aussie Kingdom offers this opportunity of a lifetime with educational and entertaining stage shows each day, along with an ongoing display of the animals throughout the day.

LIQUID BLUE (October 13 – 17)

Having performed in over 100 countries, and on seven continents, Liquid Blue is the Guinness World Record holder for the “Worlds Most Traveled Band”! Primarily rooted in “dance music” the band performs a wide variety of genres and styles. Referred to as “The Hottest, Hippest Band in America,” their spectacular show features extensive, all-original choreography, unprecedented youthful energy, thoughtful lyrics and danceable beats. Liquid Blue’s music will move your body and your mind!

Gate Admission (free parking)Daily Adult: $8; free

same day reentry with hand stamp. Children: 10 and under free with paying adult. Advance Gate Pass: $7.00* 2-Day Fair Pass: $12.00* 3-Day Pass: $20.00* Season Pass: $50 for 11 days (includes Sneak-a-Peek)* Group: $7 each, minimum 20 people Senior Citizen: $7 (60 years and older) Senior Citizen’s Group: $6 each, minimum 10 seniors (60 years and older) Wheelchairs $10 regular & $15 oversized Strollers $7 Wagons $10 small & $12 large Elec. Scooters $25/ 4hrs $40/ 8hrs & $50 (all day)

They will be open at the West, North & East gates at 8:00am daily.

Fair Hours October 7 – gates open 3 p.m.–10 p.m. October 8 - 17 – Gates open 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Time for 21st Georgia National Fair – “What a Ride”

Photo by Georgia National Fair