The Bell Ringer

Love a Stranger challenge: Don’t forget to let a stranger love you

Sequoia Sinclair, ContributorSuicide is the second leading cause of death between ages 15 and 35, according to the CDC.College life is a time of excitement and discovery as well as higher risks of stress. These dynamics can create a sense of confusion paired with anxiety. Pressures to succeed can lead to feelings of powerlessness or crisis, increasing the risk of depression and suicide. The “Love a Stranger” challenge is used to encourage students into taking what they’ve learned and using it in practice.
April 25, 2017

April offers opportunities to stand against sexual assault

Sequoia Sinclair, ContributorApril is nationally recognized as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, or S.A.A.M. Augusta University as well as Augusta’s Rape Crisis and Sexual Assault Services (RCSAS) have worked together over the years to combat sexual violence in the community.“We as a community are going to take a stand against sexual violence,” said Ann Henry, the director of Rape Crisis and Sexual Assault Services.Two highlighted events in Augusta are the Eighth Annual Take Back the Day 5K Race and the 21st Annual Take Back the Night Rally.
April 10, 2017

Read-In presents scholar Dr. Maryemma Graham

Sequoia Sinclair, Staff WriterDr. Seretha Williams, a professor in the department of English and Foreign Languages, hosted the African-American Read-In event at Augusta University on Thursday, Feb. 23.One of the major events in honor of Black History Month, it took place in the JSAC Ballroom between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.This is the first time that the event presented keynote speaker Dr. Maryemma Graham. This was also the first themed African American Read-In event for the university. The main focus of the read-in was on African-American authors who have roots in Georgia.
March 3, 2017

AU Communication Department teams up for the production of Smokefall

Sequoia Sinclair, Staff WriterThe Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre lit up in stars. Literally.The AU Department of Communication and The Agency hosted a red carpet event on November 10, 2016, in light of Augusta University’s premiere production of Noah Haidle’s play Smokefall.Students, faculty and members of the Augusta community gathered around to take photos on the red carpet near the theatre’s entrance and were offered hors d’oeuvres and punch. There was even a contest for best dressed, which included first prize winners Amanda Hamilton and Benjamin Wallace.
January 27, 2017

Guest highlights on bioterrorism

Sequoia Sinclair, Staff WriterDr. Margaret Kosal, an associate professor in the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs at the Georgia Institute of Technology, presented the topic of bioterrorism threats on Monday, Oct. 24, at Augusta University.At 6 o’clock that evening, viewers gathered in room N-126 of Allgood Hall to listen to Dr. Kosal’s presentation titled “WMD Proliferation and Emerging Technology: Challenges to Strategic Stability and New Terrorism Threats.”Kosal stated the focus points for the presentation to the diverse audience.“Something very important to me is, what does my work mean in the broader context?” she asked. “Whether it is potentially implementable and executable for national or international level security.”
November 18, 2016

Walk is for survivors and a time of silence for those who are not

Sequoia Sinclair, Staff WriterPeople gathered at the Augusta University Teardrop for the SafeHomes Survivors’ Walk on Oct. 20 at 6:30 p.m. to show respect and to hear two individuals share their “Stories of Hope” in dealing with such issues as intimate partner violence and stalking.Executive Vice President Russell Keen spoke at the SafeHomes Survivors’ Walk.“You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only option,” said Keen.
November 18, 2016

Understanding domestic violence through the perspectives of local law enforcement

Sequoia Sinclair, Staff WriterThe domestic violence panel changes their theme each time. At this year’s panel discussion, the speakers discussed their role in law enforcement and shared their experiences in handling intimate partner violence.The “Policing Domestic Violence” panel discussion was held in room 170 of University Hall at 6 p.m. on Oct. 19.Officer Samuel Long from Grovetown Department of Public Safety explained his role.“I am the initial response to an investigation,” Long said. “I try to figure out what the underlining problem is that started the incident. Ultimately, to figure out what the best route to take is.”Long provided multiple examples during the panel discussion.“To defuse things, it may be to separate both the individuals or make an arrest. Sometimes it’s to arrest both parties,” He said. “There needs to be a sufficient, probable cause to make an arrest. Georgia has very good laws. It can be difficult at times, but that’s what I do on a day-to-day basis.”
November 18, 2016

AU honors Coming Out Day

Sequoia Sinclair, Staff WriterIn honor of National Coming Out Day, the Lambda Alliance hosted “The good, the bad and the complicated” event on Tuesday, Oct. 11, at 2:30 p.m. in the JSAC Coffeehouse.A panel of four discussed their coming out story and its impact following a short film directed by senior communications major Christine Rosenbaum.More than 80 people attended the event. Dr. Darla Linville, faculty advisor for the Lambda Alliance (or LAMBDA) said the faculty members spread word of the event to their students to encouraging them to observe.
November 18, 2016

Homo Sapiens: “A meticulous, meditated film”

Sequoia Sinclair, Staff Writer“Homo Sapiens” is a very meticulous, meditated film composed by director Nikolaus Geyrhalter. This non-conventional piece of work exposes its viewers through a series of desolate human-made structure where nature occupies its vacancy.We are encouraged to create our own narrative – void of narration or music.
November 18, 2016

AU lights up the Teardrop with Purple Lights

Sequoia Sinclair, Staff WriterThe Augusta University Teardrop lit up with purple lights on Oct. 5 at 6:30 p.m., in honor of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.Dr. Allison Foley, an associate professor in sociology, hosted the Fifth Annual Purple Light Nights with four panelists that spoke about pressing concerns in regards to intimate partner violence.While the history of the Purple Light Nights panel is usually informative, one panelist shared her survivor story. Dr. Meredith Rausch, a professor in the department of counselor education, leadership and research, discussed the conventions of emotional abuse.
November 18, 2016