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THE SOUTHERNThe Student Voice of Florida Southern College since 1918

85.3 F

Lakeland

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

News
- Athletics Campus Campus Safety Coronavirus Coronavirus
  
  Rogue Coffee expands from Dubai to Lakeland
  
  January 24, 2025
  
  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.
  
  Muslim Student Association works to foster community
  
  January 24, 2025
  
  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.
  
  Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum in Lakeland artfully expands
  
  January 24, 2025
  
  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].”
  
  TikTok dead, brought back to life within a few hours
  
  January 24, 2025
  
  After 14 hours, U.S. users regained access to TikTok. Despite a law banning the app, the video-sharing app restored access to users in the country after President Trump vowed to issue an executive order on the day of his inauguration, delaying the ban. In his message published on truthsocial.com on Jan. 19, Trump pledged to bring the app back as long as the U.S. obtains 50% ownership of TikTok.
  
  Uncertain times remain as fires burn in LA
  
  January 24, 2025
  
  Eaton and Palisades wildfires weaken in Los Angeles after over a week of burning despite increasing winds. Yet, finding who or what to blame still remains up in the air. Though they have accused hikers, utility poles and arson, spokeswoman Ginger Colbrun for the LA division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives told BBC “it’s just too early” for answers.
Features
- Alumni Alumnus Faculty Lakeland MSC
  
  FSC Theatre’s rendition of Broadway classic tackles the meaning of life
  
  January 24, 2025
  
  As students are welcoming in a new year and new semester, the students in the Theatre Arts department are learning songs and memorizing lines for the upcoming spring musical. This spring Florida Southern College’s Theatre and Dance Department is presenting “Pippin.” The show, with lyrics by American musical composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz, follows the story, guided by the leading player, Pippin, a young prince, and his journey to find the real meaning and purpose of his life.
  
  Rogue Coffee expands from Dubai to Lakeland
  
  January 24, 2025
  
  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.
  
  Recent alumnae returns as a ballet instructor
  
  January 24, 2025
  
  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
  
  January 24, 2025
  
  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.
  
  2025 ACE schedule: Guide to spring semester events
  
  January 24, 2025
  
  The Haunted Rose Garden, Southern Takeover, and Cram Jam were among the most widely attended events of the Fall 2024 semester at Florida Southern College, as they occur semesterly. These traditions are hosted by the Association of Campus Entertainment (ACE), one of the biggest student organizations on campus. Assisted by FSC faculty, the leadership team of ACE puts on several events for the campus body, and they already have a plethora lined up for the spring of 2025. Marked by their unique opportunities and collaborations with other student organizations, ACE strives to make their events stand out.
Southern View
- Columns Editorial Letter to the Editor Politics Southern View
  
  The Hallmark debate: Comforting classics or corny cliches?
  
  December 8, 2024
  
  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.
  
  Is Oasis Crafting Chaos? The potential flaws of the AI-based video game
  
  December 8, 2024
  
  Released on Oct. 31, Oasis is an AI-generated game from Decart credited as being “the first real-time AI world model.” Based on user input, the game generates its environment as users play it, similar to Minecraft but powered entirely by AI. While it’s an impressive technological feat, some users' experiences have been less than spectacular, revealing potential limitations and significant challenges.
  
  Florida’s Book Ban and Its Ripple Effect on Public Education
  
  December 8, 2024
  
  Amidst controversial times, the banning of over 700 books in Florida is one of the most important topics when it comes to the future of education in the state. While it is important for there to be some limits as to what kind of content children should have access to, it is a very questionable decision made by the Florida Department of Education to outright ban pieces of literature that have been a stepping stone in the progression of writing in our country.
  
  When is it ‘too early’ to start celebrating Christmas?
  
  December 8, 2024
  
  There are two types of people in the world: the ones who put their Christmas tree up before Thanksgiving, and the ones who put it up after. Of course, there is also a third type who is way too excited about the holiday and has their tree up and Mariah Carey playing by the middle of October. Is there a happy medium?
  
  The need for boundaries between influencers and ‘stans’
  
  November 15, 2024
  
  Obsessive: the key word that separates a typical fan from a “stan.” Originating from an Eminem song of the same name, stan culture is characterized by the extreme dedication and devotion some people have towards their favorite creators.
Sports
- Baseball Basketball Cross Country eSports Golf
  
  Opinion: Say Drake, what’s your favorite halftime show?
  
  February 11, 2025
  
  I am not the biggest football fan. Never have been. But, I love the Super Bowl. It’s the perfect time to gather with friends, have an excuse to eat too many chips and salsa, and, of course, see if you’ll witness yet another legendary halftime performance. Living through many, I have clear performance favorites.
  
  Athletics’ Hurricane Milton relief efforts earn NCAA award recognition
  
  January 24, 2025
  
  FSC Athletics started out the year strong with a special recognition from the NCAA. Florida Southern College was named a finalist for the prestigious NCAA Division II Award of Excellence, an award that honors schools for their outstanding community service initiatives led by student athletes
  
  Men’s hockey senior night ends in thrilling tie against UCF
  
  January 24, 2025
  
  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
  
  January 24, 2025
  
  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.
  
  Men’s basketball drops two straight hyper-close match ups
  
  January 24, 2025
  
  The No. 8 men’s basketball team has stumbled over their last two games, going 0-2 over the stretch, tying the number of losses they had over the first 17 games of the season.
Arts & Entertainment
- Art Comedy Comics Movies Music
  
  Opinion: Say Drake, what’s your favorite halftime show?
  
  February 11, 2025
  
  I am not the biggest football fan. Never have been. But, I love the Super Bowl. It’s the perfect time to gather with friends, have an excuse to eat too many chips and salsa, and, of course, see if you’ll witness yet another legendary halftime performance. Living through many, I have clear performance favorites.
  
  FSC Theatre’s rendition of Broadway classic tackles the meaning of life
  
  January 24, 2025
  
  As students are welcoming in a new year and new semester, the students in the Theatre Arts department are learning songs and memorizing lines for the upcoming spring musical. This spring Florida Southern College’s Theatre and Dance Department is presenting “Pippin.” The show, with lyrics by American musical composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz, follows the story, guided by the leading player, Pippin, a young prince, and his journey to find the real meaning and purpose of his life.
  
  Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum in Lakeland artfully expands
  
  January 24, 2025
  
  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].”
  
  The rise of Luigi Mangione: From murder suspect to viral sensation
  
  January 24, 2025
  
  On Jan. 6, Hulu released “TMZ Investigates: Luigi Mangione: The Mind of a Killer,” after Mangione was charged with the murder of United Healthcare CEO, Brian Thompson. This is the second episode released by Hulu since Thompson’s passing in Manhattan, New York on Dec. 4, 2024.
  
  Mac Miller’s releases new album “Balloonerism”
  
  January 24, 2025
  
  Mac Miller’s estate has released his long-awaited album, “Balloonerism,” on Jan. 17, almost two months after it was teased at Camp Flog Gnaw, during Tyler, the Creator’s set. This posthumous album, which has been anticipated since its creation around 2013-2014, carries the legacy of Miller’s artistic journey.
e-Edition
- Spring 2025
- Archived Editions

Celebrating 100 years in Lakeland

THE SOUTHERNThe Student Voice of Florida Southern College

85.3 F

Lakeland

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

News
- All Athletics Campus Campus Safety Coronavirus
  
  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.
  
  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.
  
  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].”
  
  TikTok dead, brought back to life within a few hours
  
  After 14 hours, U.S. users regained access to TikTok. Despite a law banning the app, the video-sharing app restored access to users in the country after President Trump vowed to issue an executive order on the day of his inauguration, delaying the ban. In his message published on truthsocial.com on Jan. 19, Trump pledged to bring the app back as long as the U.S. obtains 50% ownership of TikTok.
  
  Uncertain times remain as fires burn in LA
  
  Eaton and Palisades wildfires weaken in Los Angeles after over a week of burning despite increasing winds. Yet, finding who or what to blame still remains up in the air. Though they have accused hikers, utility poles and arson, spokeswoman Ginger Colbrun for the LA division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives told BBC “it’s just too early” for answers.
Features
- All Alumni Alumnus Faculty Lakeland
  
  FSC Theatre’s rendition of Broadway classic tackles the meaning of life
  
  As students are welcoming in a new year and new semester, the students in the Theatre Arts department are learning songs and memorizing lines for the upcoming spring musical. This spring Florida Southern College’s Theatre and Dance Department is presenting “Pippin.” The show, with lyrics by American musical composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz, follows the story, guided by the leading player, Pippin, a young prince, and his journey to find the real meaning and purpose of his life.
  
  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.
  
  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.
  
  2025 ACE schedule: Guide to spring semester events
  
  The Haunted Rose Garden, Southern Takeover, and Cram Jam were among the most widely attended events of the Fall 2024 semester at Florida Southern College, as they occur semesterly. These traditions are hosted by the Association of Campus Entertainment (ACE), one of the biggest student organizations on campus. Assisted by FSC faculty, the leadership team of ACE puts on several events for the campus body, and they already have a plethora lined up for the spring of 2025. Marked by their unique opportunities and collaborations with other student organizations, ACE strives to make their events stand out.
Southern View
- All Columns Editorial Letter to the Editor Politics
  
  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.
  
  Is Oasis Crafting Chaos? The potential flaws of the AI-based video game
  
  Released on Oct. 31, Oasis is an AI-generated game from Decart credited as being “the first real-time AI world model.” Based on user input, the game generates its environment as users play it, similar to Minecraft but powered entirely by AI. While it’s an impressive technological feat, some users' experiences have been less than spectacular, revealing potential limitations and significant challenges.
  
  Florida’s Book Ban and Its Ripple Effect on Public Education
  
  Amidst controversial times, the banning of over 700 books in Florida is one of the most important topics when it comes to the future of education in the state. While it is important for there to be some limits as to what kind of content children should have access to, it is a very questionable decision made by the Florida Department of Education to outright ban pieces of literature that have been a stepping stone in the progression of writing in our country.
  
  When is it ‘too early’ to start celebrating Christmas?
  
  There are two types of people in the world: the ones who put their Christmas tree up before Thanksgiving, and the ones who put it up after. Of course, there is also a third type who is way too excited about the holiday and has their tree up and Mariah Carey playing by the middle of October. Is there a happy medium?
  
  The need for boundaries between influencers and ‘stans’
  
  Obsessive: the key word that separates a typical fan from a “stan.” Originating from an Eminem song of the same name, stan culture is characterized by the extreme dedication and devotion some people have towards their favorite creators.
Sports
- All Baseball Basketball Cross Country eSports
  
  Opinion: Say Drake, what’s your favorite halftime show?
  
  I am not the biggest football fan. Never have been. But, I love the Super Bowl. It’s the perfect time to gather with friends, have an excuse to eat too many chips and salsa, and, of course, see if you’ll witness yet another legendary halftime performance. Living through many, I have clear performance favorites.
  
  Athletics’ Hurricane Milton relief efforts earn NCAA award recognition
  
  FSC Athletics started out the year strong with a special recognition from the NCAA. Florida Southern College was named a finalist for the prestigious NCAA Division II Award of Excellence, an award that honors schools for their outstanding community service initiatives led by student athletes
  
  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.
  
  Men’s basketball drops two straight hyper-close match ups
  
  The No. 8 men’s basketball team has stumbled over their last two games, going 0-2 over the stretch, tying the number of losses they had over the first 17 games of the season.
Arts & Entertainment
- All Art Comedy Comics Movies
  
  Opinion: Say Drake, what’s your favorite halftime show?
  
  I am not the biggest football fan. Never have been. But, I love the Super Bowl. It’s the perfect time to gather with friends, have an excuse to eat too many chips and salsa, and, of course, see if you’ll witness yet another legendary halftime performance. Living through many, I have clear performance favorites.
  
  FSC Theatre’s rendition of Broadway classic tackles the meaning of life
  
  As students are welcoming in a new year and new semester, the students in the Theatre Arts department are learning songs and memorizing lines for the upcoming spring musical. This spring Florida Southern College’s Theatre and Dance Department is presenting “Pippin.” The show, with lyrics by American musical composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz, follows the story, guided by the leading player, Pippin, a young prince, and his journey to find the real meaning and purpose of his life.
  
  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].”
  
  The rise of Luigi Mangione: From murder suspect to viral sensation
  
  On Jan. 6, Hulu released “TMZ Investigates: Luigi Mangione: The Mind of a Killer,” after Mangione was charged with the murder of United Healthcare CEO, Brian Thompson. This is the second episode released by Hulu since Thompson’s passing in Manhattan, New York on Dec. 4, 2024.
  
  Mac Miller’s releases new album “Balloonerism”
  
  Mac Miller’s estate has released his long-awaited album, “Balloonerism,” on Jan. 17, almost two months after it was teased at Camp Flog Gnaw, during Tyler, the Creator’s set. This posthumous album, which has been anticipated since its creation around 2013-2014, carries the legacy of Miller’s artistic journey.
e-Edition
- Spring 2025
- Archived Editions

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