By Ashley Jones Arts & Entertainment Editor   After attending homecoming events such as the pep rally, casino night, or the big football game, The Spectator figured out students, and faculty might crave a bite off campus – so we’ve compiled a list of local restaurants worth checking out.  First on the list is Vito’s Pizzeria, this local pizzeria serves ...

By: Staff Writer Samaria Johnson  As the holiday season approaches, Blazer Fest has brought students together to celebrate the holiday spirit, an afternoon of arts and crafts, and conversation. From Polaroid decorating fun to nostalgic carnival style fun, they even offered something heartfelt for everyone who stopped by.   One of the heartfelt stations was hosted by Omega Phi Beta sorority member Jasmine Jaimes, who led students to create holiday ...

By spectator staff  With President Richard Carvajal stepping down and Dr. William R. Crowe preparing to take charge as our new president to come spring semester, VSU is entering an important moment of change.   As a campus community, we should think about what kind of leadership VSU needs most at this moment.  At The Spectator, we strongly believe the next president should bring energy, transparency, and a true commitment ...

By Winter Dube | Campus Life Reporter  VALDOSTA, Ga. — On Friday, Nov. 21, the Honors Student Association (HSA) filled the house with warm lights, holiday music, and community for its fourth annual Lighting of the House Celebration to continue a tradition that started decades ago by former Valdosta State University President, Hugh C. Bailey, who served for 23 years starting in 1978, with his wife Joan.   HSA President Jillian Abarca, a double major in music general and marketing, said ...

Written by: Megan Callahan: Spectator Staff Writer  “Wicked” has been a household name in the Broadway industry for 22 years now and has been named the fourth of the longest-running shows in Broadway theatre History.  So, when the director, Jon M. Chu, decided to take this Broadway musical to the big screen, people were both very excited yet skeptical to see if this project would be taken in the right direction.  After seeing the first “Wicked” movie, finding out how Chu took his time ...

By: Ibec Francis  In the ever-evolving world of campus life, fashion serves as both a means of self-expression and a powerful way to stand out amidst a bustling environment filled with diverse individuals. Each day, students have the opportunity to showcase their creativity and unique identities through their clothing, whether they’re attending classes, hanging out with friends, or participating in ...

Written by: Adam Peachey, Staff Writer Japanese people want to preserve their own culture, and rightfully so. But in defense of this culture, is xenophobism the solution? Some of my international friends have been cussed out in bars for lack of Japanese skills. Some of my friends and I have been denied service at restaurants, regardless of language proficiency. People ...

Written by Ashley Jones, Arts & Entertainment Editor  The moment you step into Gud Coffee Company, you’re transported into a tranquil and visually pleasing environment. This cafe is the perfect place for students or faculty members looking for a morning refresher or a quick lunch off campus but not too far from campus.   Located in Downtown Valdosta, the cafe rests ...

By: Dionte Daniel, Spectator Staff Writer  VALDOSTA, Ga. — A late fourth-quarter comeback was not enough for the VSU Lady Blazers on Wednesday night, as they lost 74–71 to Georgia Southwestern in The Complex.  VSU (2–1) came into the night undefeated but found themselves out of sync for much of the middle two quarters. The Lady Blazers were outscored 16–12 ...

By: Austin Sellars – Spectator Staff Writer  VALDOSTA, Ga – The Valdosta State Lady Blazers volleyball team came up short against Christian Brothers University in the first round of the playoffs at the Complex on Tuesday night, falling 3-0 in just three sets.   The Lady Buccaneers won the first set 25-22, the second set 28-26, and the final set 25-17. ...

Usually, when someone tells you about sororities and fraternities, they inform you that you will have a lifelong bond between your brothers and sisters.  Is that really true or is that what they tell you to join them.  But you can’t just want to be a part of Greek Life to get in; you must have credentials. To be accepted into a sorority, you need a minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher   However, while in it you have to have 60 hours of volunteer work under your belt.    You also must go ...