The First Amendment reads: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” � Within the past year especially, Americans have taken advantage of ...

 The No.1 Valdosta State Blazer softball team is very capable of winning a national championship as long as they remember to keep their “eye on the prize.”  A familiar phrase said by senior ace Alanna Hadley was used to describe her team trying to achieve their ultimate goal.  The regular season is over and the post-season begins with the 2012 ...

H.R. 4170 is a bill that, if passed, will forgive student loan debt for millions of hardworking Americans through a 10/10 program.  Representative Hansen Clarke of Michigan introduced H.R. 4170, the Student Loan Forgiveness Act of 2012, in the House of Representatives on March 8.  “This bill provides that if a student loan borrower makes payments equal to 10-percent of ...

On Wednesday night the Hunger Awareness Dinner was held to shed light on the issue of hunger and food waste around the community.  Speakers from various organizations such as: LAMP, Student Action Council, Haven, Peanut Butter and Jesus, Blazer Pantry and Hungry at Home were present to speak against the negative issue of hunger.  The event began as tables were ...

 As world leaders struggle to understanding rising gas prices, the VSU student population is heavily impacted by costs.   The rollercoaster ride associated with gas prices began its ascendancy prior to April of 2009.  At the onset, the price per gallon was close to $2 per gallon.  However, a peak of $4 per gallon, on average nationally, hit the pumps two ...

 On Wednesday, the ladies of Sigma Alpha Iota hosted their very first Rose Awards event to honor the music department.   “In the past we’ve done faculty appreciation and our whole purpose is to further the advancement of music. It’s a good way to honor faculty,” President of Sigma Alpha Iota, Mary Sheeley, said.  The event was a celebration of ...

 VSU has chosen to participate with the Slut Walk Valdosta today on the Palms Quad beginning at 5 p.m. for Sexual Assault Awareness month  The Slut Walk will proceed around the campus, and end at the starting point where there will be tables set up with information.  There will be speakers present at the event from the police department and ...

 Despite increased availability of electronic reading applications and devices, library circulation numbers are still on the rise at Odum Library. � When asked how many books have been checked out this year compared to previous years, Interim Librarian Dr. Alan Bernstein said, “As many as ever.”  “I know it bucks the system right now for most academic institutions but the ...

 VSU will say goodbye to Dr. Louis Levy, interim president, as it will welcome a new president soon.   “I’ll miss it,” Dr. Levy said, referring to his position. “I’ll miss the people, but I’m very pleased with the new leadership.”  Dr. Levy has been interim president since last July.  He felt honored when he was asked to temporarily fill ...

 For the most part, it was a good day to be a part of the United Leaders ticket, scoring three of the four executive seats up for grabs in this year’s SGA elections.   Sophomore Ryan Baerwalde beat out junior Junior Jackson in the race for president, scoring 65.2-percent of the vote.  Understandably, Baerwalde was thrilled about winning the seat. ...