Top Stories
Muslim Student Association works to foster community
The Muslim Student Association (MSA) at FSC was born out of a need for community and representation. Co-leaders Nida Anwar (president) and Ghita Diani (vice-president) have worked to establish a welcoming environment for Muslim students while educating the broader campus community about Islam.
When both Anwar and Diani first arrived at FSC, they found it challenging to connect with other Muslim students. Recognizing the gap, the MSA’s mission became clear: to create a safe, inclusive space for Muslims to practice their faith and build community.
Recent alumnae returns as a ballet instructor
This academic year, Florida Southern College welcomes a familiar face to its faculty, Olivia McCartney, a 2022 graduate of the college’s Dance Performance and Choreography program. McCartney aspire to bring a blend of empathy, experience, and enthusiasm to her students, grounded in her recent experiences both as a student and a professional dancer.
Muslim Student Association works to foster community
The Muslim Student Association (MSA) at FSC was born out of a need for community and representation. Co-leaders Nida Anwar (president) and Ghita Diani (vice-president) have worked to establish a welcoming environment for Muslim students while educating the broader campus community about Islam.
When both Anwar and Diani first arrived at FSC, they found it challenging to connect with other Muslim students. Recognizing the gap, the MSA’s mission became clear: to create a safe, inclusive space for Muslims to practice their faith and build community.
Opinion
The Hallmark debate: Comforting classics or corny cliches?
Few genres spark as much debate as “Hallmark” movies. Some viewers eagerly await the time for movies with small-town charm and holiday cheer, while others can’t stomach another minute of predictable romances. To explore the great “Hallmark” divide, two perspectives are put in place: the individual who adores these films and the other who dreads them.
Rogue Coffee expands from Dubai to Lakeland
Every morning, Saed Alaraj commutes from his house in Tampa to Rogue Coffee in Lakeland. Opening the door to a cozy setting with couches, a menu full of specialty drinks right over the bar, Alaraj makes his way to the back corner of the shop that is full of stacked coffee beans right from Brazil.
From farm to cup, Rogue Coffee sells premium coffee beans as a wholesaler to coffee shops in Lakeland such as Foxtail and Latitude, and Alaraj explains that the coffee community is all about giving everyone the best coffee beans.
News
Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum in Lakeland artfully expands
Florida Southern is entering an exciting new chapter based on growth and transformation, with the most notable being the expansion of the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Arts (ABG). Formerly the Polk Art Museum, the building has recently received a new name, benefactor and makeover. Set to open its doors to the public on Jan. 18, the 14,000 square foot expansion comes after nearly 30 years of planning and fundraising.
“This is a really exciting moment for our entire community, academic and beyond,” said Dr. Alexander Rich, the executive director and chief curator of the AGB. “We are developing an innovative, intentional, academic and community space that I can’t wait for our whole community [to see].”
Rogue Coffee expands from Dubai to Lakeland
Every morning, Saed Alaraj commutes from his house in Tampa to Rogue Coffee in Lakeland. Opening the door to a cozy setting with couches, a menu full of specialty drinks right over the bar, Alaraj makes his way to the back corner of the shop that is full of stacked coffee beans right from Brazil.
From farm to cup, Rogue Coffee sells premium coffee beans as a wholesaler to coffee shops in Lakeland such as Foxtail and Latitude, and Alaraj explains that the coffee community is all about giving everyone the best coffee beans.
“Witness For the Prosecution” set to premiere at Buckner Theater
The classic play, “Witness For the Prosecution” by Agatha Christie will run on April 5 through April 14 at Buckner Theater. Directed by Paul Bawek, the play will be shown on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m., and Sunday’s matinee at 2:30 p.m. on both weekends.
Arts & Entertainment
Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum in Lakeland artfully expands
Florida Southern is entering an exciting new chapter based on growth and transformation, with the most notable being the expansion of the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Arts (ABG). Formerly the Polk Art Museum, the building has recently received a new name, benefactor and makeover. Set to open its doors to the public on Jan. 18, the 14,000 square foot expansion comes after nearly 30 years of planning and fundraising.
“This is a really exciting moment for our entire community, academic and beyond,” said Dr. Alexander Rich, the executive director and chief curator of the AGB. “We are developing an innovative, intentional, academic and community space that I can’t wait for our whole community [to see].”
Curiosity inspires junior to audition for leading role
Despite the hurdles of performing in a play that tackles such controversial topics, Campbell’s representation of Wendla showcased her talents and abilities to display the complexities of a deeply emotional character. As she continues her journey in theater, Campbell’s passion and dedication to her roles influences her to leave a lasting impact on her audience.
A college trio’s journey through the Lakeland music scene
Seniors Johnny Horwood, Chris Horwood and Hannah Noll have taken their original music to the stage at local Lakeland venues.
The Horwood twins first started working with Noll when J. Horwood was asked by his producer’s brother to find an opener for his band. She was the first person that came to mind.
Sports
Men’s hockey senior night ends in thrilling tie against UCF
Florida Southern hockey senior night took place on Jan. 16, with pre-game celebration and brawls on the menu for the night.
After four losses, women’s basketball shoots for wins
The women’s basketball team has had an eventful new year with five Sunshine State Conference matchups over the last few weeks. During the stretch the Mocs started off 0-4, with the last three losses all being decided by two possessions, but have now found their first win of 2025 with their win over Saint Leo Jan. 18.
