Pi Kappa Phi dinner pushes for America

by KELLI FONTENOT and TAYLOR GRAVES

Published March 11, 2009 in The Current Sauce

At one of a dozen tables in the Friedman Student Union Ballroom Tuesday night, junior journalism major Cody Bourque leaned over his plate of lasagna to turn on his iPhone without using his hands.

The rest of the people at his table chuckled as they watched him repeatedly hit the touch screen with the tip of his nose.

"I'm updating Twitter," he said.

Across the table, another diner - who was blindfolded - said, "I feel so left out of this joke."

A few people chuckled, but a long pause followed as everyone realized the depth of his comment.

While the statement was offered in jest, it illustrated the alienation that people with disabilities encounter on a daily basis. Bourque explained that his work with such people and their families has inspired him to support Push America.

At Pi Kappa Phi fraternity's benefit banquet for Push America Tuesday night, three people at each table received a colored poker chip. Each color represented a different disability that the person was expected to portray for the rest of the evening. The rest of the people at the table were instructed to help their friends.

'Assassins' trust no one

by KELLI FONTENOT

Published March 11, 2009 in The Current Sauce

The parking lot adjacent to the Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) building was left sparsely populated Monday morning, when it is normally difficult to find a space.

This curious change was due in part to the strategies of several students who are taking part in the second annual "CAPA Assassins" game.

"This is a really great way to meet people because you're trying to find somebody you don't know, or you're looking for someone who doesn't know you," senior liberal arts major Joshua Nuss said.

Nuss, the treasurer of Phi Mu Alpha fraternity, is monitoring the game this year.

Students win at SAB Price is Right"

by KELLI FONTENOT

Published March 4, 2009 in The Current Sauce

The Student Activities Board showed students a glimpse of the ever-fluctuating economy last night with "The Price Is Right," an event modeled after the beloved television show.

SAB Secretary and Treasurer Eddie Higginbotham took command of the microphone at Tuesday's event, channeling the enthusiasm and charisma of a classic game show host. Higginbotham, a junior health and exercise science major, said he thought of Bob Barker while he was in the spotlight.

Graf guides team through game of basketball, game of life

by KELLI FONTENOT
Published Feb. 11, 2009 in The Current Sauce

Jennifer Graf, Lady Demons basketball head coach, said she could only think of one thing she dislikes about coaching basketball.

"It's absolutely beautiful outside in July, and we have to sit in a gym that's about 40 degrees," she said. "I swear, it's freezing cold in there."

Whether she's relaxing on Sibley Lake or attempting to wakeboard, Graf definitely prefers being outside on sunny days.

Seeking refuge from Tuesday's rain in her office in Prather Coliseum, Graf said most of her outdoor adventures take place during the summer because she spends most of her time during the rest of the year focusing on work.

Graf, 30, is now in her fifth season as head coach for the Lady Demons.

LOB pageant winner poised for next competition

by KELLI FONTENOT
Published Feb. 11, 2009 in The Current Sauce

Brittany Pippin, a freshman psychology major, said she never expected to win the title of Miss Northwestern Lady of the Bracelet.

"When they called my name, I just couldn't believe it," she said. "I still don't think it has really set in yet. It's such an honor."

Mandi Ridgdell, the 2008 Lady of the Bracelet, crowned Pippin Saturday at the 2009 LOB pageant in A. A. Fredericks auditorium. Pippin will receive a full scholarship to Northwestern State and will represent the university at the Miss Louisiana pageant in Monroe this spring.

SGA bill deemed unconstitutional

by KELLI FONTENOT
Published Feb. 4, 2009 in The Current Sauce
After weeks of deliberation, the NSU Supreme Court voted Tuesday that the lowering of executive board scholarships was unconstitutional.

A section of the Student Government Association constitution - Article 4, section 4, letter B - was deemed invalid and will remain as such until students have the opportunity to vote on the status of the executive board scholarships in the spring.

NSU Supreme Court Chief Justice Kyle Domangue and Justice Austin Jesmore headed up the hearing. Jesmore explained that the bylaw clearly violates Article 9, Section 1, part D of the constitution, which states that a two-thirds vote is required for all bills except those concerning the media board and the executive board scholarship.

Ladies prepare for Bracelet battle

by KELLI FONTENOT
Published Feb. 4, 2009 by The Current Sauce

Five of the 10 Lady of the Bracelet pageant contestants met on a Thursday night to make plans for the hectic rehearsal schedule, discuss pageant rules and regulations, and of course, practice answering interview questions.

"What is your favorite book and why?" was one classic.

"I actually really did like Dante's 'Inferno,' but I don't think that will go over really well," junior liberal arts major Shanice Major said.

Sitting around a table in the Student Activities Board office, the contestants laughed and chimed in with some of their beloved titles.

"Somebody's going to say 'Twilight,' I just know it," freshman hospitality, management and tourism major Melanie Kay said.

"I'm in love with Edward Cullen," freshman Brittany Pippin joked. "I would marry him."

"OK, ladies," said Julia Anderson, the pageant coordinator, a patient reminder that they should be concentrating on the work at hand. She announced the dates and times of upcoming rehearsals and committee meetings as the girls pulled out their cell phones.

In jeans and sweatshirts, the girls didn't appear to be organizing a pageant. They were just hanging out, giggling, joking around.

But the contestants have a hand in preparing for - and even publicizing - the event. At the committee meeting, they made lists of locations for posters and attached stickers to gold wrapped mints to promote the event. The girls also composed their talent introductions and folded up T-shirts to sell as promotion for the pageant and Children's Miracle Network.