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ULM Hawkeye The Hawkeye is the student newspaper for the University of Louisiana at Monroe. http://www.ulmhawkeyeonline.com

11/03/2025

Attention Warhawks! Get ready to embark on a nostalgic journey with the Chacahoula Cover Contest! This year, our theme is “Retrospect – How did the way people make and capture memories change over time?” We invite you to explore and celebrate the evolution of memory-making—from handwritten letters and vintage photographs to digital snapshots and social media moments.

Unleash your creativity as you reflect on how the art of capturing memories has transformed over the decades. Whether you’re inspired by retro charm or modern innovation, we want to see your unique perspective on the way we record our lives.

Enter for a chance to win a $100 prize! All submissions must be received by March 24 at 12 PM. For more information, please reach out via email at [email protected].

Step back in time, look forward to the future, and let your creativity shine!

07/03/2025

Hey Warhawks! 🦅

Get ready for the Chacahoula Cover Contest – Theme: Retrospect
Unleash your creativity! 👨‍🎨👩‍🎨

Follow the guidelines above and scan the QR code for full details. Submit your cover by March 24 at 12PM for a chance to win $100!!

27/02/2025

The Nepalese Student Association (NSA) hosts Shivaratri Night annually to celebrate a Hindu festival honoring Lord Shiva—Maha Shivaratri.

According to the Deccan Chronicle, people observe Shivaratri on the fourteenth day of the first half of the lunar month of Phalguna. NSA organizes events such as Shivaratri Night every year to offer students a way to engage in Nepalese tradition.

“We plan to organize such event to preserve and promote our culture,” NSA sophomore representative Deepika Baruwal said. “Besides that, the event will also act as a break from study-work for students and give them a chance to enjoy other’s company.”

Last year, NSA organized a bonfire gathering where they provided pudding as a blessing to attendees. This year’s event at the Grove will continue the tradition but aims to expand student engagement.

“We want to add more activities to make the event engaging,” Baruwal said. “There will be a musical segment where everyone will sing a song. I hope this will encourage the attendees to sing and dance to celebrate Shivaratri.”

Read more about Shivaratri Night by pressing the link below!!

✍️: Prasanna Jha
📸: Divyah Shah

https://ulmhawkeyeonline.com/35483/freestyle/nsas-shivaratri-night-returns-with-music-and-traditions/

27/02/2025

United States reps. Gwen Moore (D-WI), Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Brian Fitzpatrick(R-PA) officially declared February as “Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month” (TDVAP) in a recent resolution. The resolution seeks to raise awareness to teens, a demographic known to struggle with relationships and abuse.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), up to 19% of teenagers experience dating violence. 1 in 12 teens face abuse of any kind from a romantic partner.

Violence has four main forms: physical, verbal, emotional and s*xual. Each can apply to relationships in different ways.

Physical violence is defined as the “intentional use of physical force or power,” according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Any form of hitting, punching or kicking with the intent to harm is physical violence. Those in relationships sometimes hit or touch their partner without intent to harm—as a joke or for a reaction. The act of hitting or punching is not necessarily violent, but that depends on a previously established boundary. One person might consent with the occasional playful touch or hit, while another might feel uncomfortable with the act.

To read more of this Tory, press the link below!!

✍️: Keith Webb
📸: Dipesh Sharma

https://ulmhawkeyeonline.com/35436/news/raising-awareness-teen-dating-violence-month/

27/02/2025

It’s Student Press Freedom Day and Amir Alnajjar, Editor in Chief of The Hawkeye, and Katherine Babin, Visual Director of The Hawkeye, as well as Whitney Martin, Director of Student Publications, will be at KEDM - 90.3 FM - on the Lagniappe Morning Show at 8:30 a.m!!

Discussing the importance of student press freedom and why we should work to maintain it. Join them this morning!

26/02/2025

On Feb. 18, the ULM baseball team (4-1) braved the bitter cold and devastated the Grambling Tigers (2-2), ending the game in only seven innings with a score of 17-2. The results of this match mimic those of previous Warhawks/Tigers matchups; ULM defeated Grambling 14-1 in 2023 and 13-3 in 2024. This victory for the Warhawks also came after a successful three-game series against Eastern Illinois (11-7, 8-1, 2-6) over Valentine’s Day weekend.

The match kicked off with the Tigers benefitting from a Warhawk error and putting up an RBI double, leaving the score 0-1. The Warhawks accepted the challenge and quickly capitalized on the Tigers’ mishaps. After numerous walks, catching errors and a hit-by-pitch from the Grambling defense, the Warhawks extended the lead to 6-1 by the end of the first inning.

In the second and third innings, ULM dominated at-bat. After senior utility player Jack Clark endured a hit-by-pitch, momentum was in the hands of the Warhawks. The Warhawks then collected point after point through a set of singles and doubles, eventually rocketing the score up to 12-1.

Read more about the Warhawks’ exciting victory by pressing the link below!

✍️: Jasmine Henson
📸: Katherine Babin

https://ulmhawkeyeonline.com/35467/sports/baseball-tramples-grambling-claims-victory-in-seven-innings/

26/02/2025

Jonathan DeCou, a senior trumpet performance major and former Mr. ULM, takes every chance to get involved in the ULM music scene. As spring ends and his graduation day nears, he looks back on his growth and the moments that changed his life.

Growing up in a musical family, DeCou’s journey began early, and he was singing by the age of four. He picked up the trumpet in sixth grade, and it became his main passion. His play style mixes classical music with jazz, inspired by musical legends such as Warne Bergeron. He enjoys the excitement of jazz improvisation and the precision of orchestral music.

DeCou first thought of majoring in business at ULM, but he decided to pursue music and auditioned on trumpet for ULM’s Sound of Today band.

“ULM forced me out of my comfort zone,” DeCou said. “I tried lead trumpet in jazz band, tackled everything from Mozart to pop covers and even brushed up on piano skills.”

Despite his love for music, DeCou stated that it was not easy. He spent up to seven hours practicing pieces, wearing himself out.

Want more of Jonathan’s story? Follow the link below for the full story!!

✍️: Poojah Chapagain
📸: Joseph Savoie

https://ulmhawkeyeonline.com/35475/feature-stories/jonathan-decous-journey-through-music-with-ulm/

20/02/2025

In late January, the Office of Career and Student Development (OCSD) introduced adaptations to the guidelines relating to Registered Student Organizations (RSOs). The OCSD held a Zoom meeting for RSO officers and faculty advisors to discuss the new expectations.

One notable change from the previous system is the implementation of a new point system. The OCSD plans to evaluate RSOs with a new performance-based ranking system in which RSOs can earn one to five stars based on campus activity and engagement.

Points are assigned based on active membership, chapter community service hours, campus involvement, and community and organizational awards. Higher-ranking RSOs in the new system will gain additional benefits and funding.

Follow the link below for more of this story!

✍️: Poojah Chapagain & Nicholas Soirez
📸: Poojah Chapagain

https://ulmhawkeyeonline.com/35344/news/student-affairs-revises-guidelines-for-rsos/

20/02/2025

Baseball season kicked off with Valentine’s Day games against Eastern Illinois. Unlike last season’s start, the Warhawks (2-0, 0-0 SBC) began strong with two wins by scores of 11-7 and 8-1.

Two home runs erased a one-point deficit and gave them a seven-run lead in Game 1. Junior Jake Haggard contributed three runs with his homer in the second inning.

Though the Warhawks are off to a blazing start, the previous seasons hold little promise for their potential. Last season saw a 45.5% winning percentage, with almost no consistency against opponents.

While this leads to an unpredictable team from an outside perspective, predictions rely heavily on consistent players. Some of last season’s wins were dominant, including a 17-run victory over Alabama A&M.

However, in their losses, the team struggled to get on base and create scoring opportunities. Overall, last season’s record came out to 25-30, with an SBC score of 11-19.

The toughest opponents for the Warhawks last season were Ole Miss and Louisiana Tech. ULM went 0-3 against Louisiana Tech and 0-1 against Ole Miss. These matchups highlighted the challenges ULM faced against top-tier non-conference teams.

Read more about the Warhawk’s exciting wins! Follow the link below!!

✍️: Keith Webb & Prasanna Jha
📸: Apil KC

https://ulmhawkeyeonline.com/35376/sports/ulm-baseball-kicks-off-season-with-two-big-wins/

19/02/2025

In 1954, the Office of Student Development crowned Sarah Batton Yocom as the first Miss University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM), then called Miss Northeast Louisiana State College (NLSC). Over 70 years later, senior pre-pharmacy major Lake Carpenter strives to redefine what it means to be Miss ULM.

From the moment Miss ULM 2024 Gabrelle McLeod placed the crown on her head, Carpenter started planning her reign. Her shock at the unexpected win quickly transformed into determination.

“I really want to make sure that I make my impact on the world [and] that they remember who I was, not just as Miss ULM, but individually as Lake Carpenter,” she said.

Carpenter recognized that Miss ULM is more than a title; it is a position of power. The crown carries a legacy built on the backs of over a hundred women, both winners and competitors. Wearing a satin sash and holding a bouquet of roses, the newly crowned Miss ULM asked herself: “What can Lake Carpenter do to change Miss ULM?”

Growing up in a nontraditional family, Carpenter spent most of her childhood bouncing from house to house. Skipping birthday parties, sleeping on couches, and living out of drawers, Carpenter remembered the lingering feelings of jealousy and loneliness. While she adored her parents, the titleholder could not help the feelings that arose when she saw her classmates with traditional families: happily married parents with adorable little brothers and sisters.

“For as long as I can remember, I remember comparing my family structure to other children’s family structures, and that was something that was a big problem for me,” Carpenter said. “It’s hard. A lot of children don’t realize, and a lot of people don’t realize, how detrimental that can be on your mental health.”

Carpenter’s situation was not unique. According to Forbes’ interview with the Chosen Family Law Center, nontraditional families comprised nearly 80% of U.S. households in 2024. Nontraditional families expanded to include single parents, same-s*x families, cohabitants, blended families, and legal guardians. However, these statistics do not always translate into reality, at least in Carpenter’s case.

To read more about Miss ULM’s ties with Monroe, follow the link below!

✍️: Zoe Sissac, Senior Copy Editor
📸: Lake Carpenter

https://ulmhawkeyeonline.com/35346/feature-stories/miss-ulm-holds-familial-bonds-with-monroe/

31/01/2025

As the college football season ends, athletes have entered the transfer portal to join other teams for better opportunities.

The Warhawks experienced several player departures this season, including freshman running back Ahmad Hardy. Over 30 players do not plan to return for the 2025 season, with some veteran players exhausting their eligibility and others entering the transfer portal. Notable names missing from the upcoming roster include defensive back Car’lin Vigers, defensive lineman Earl Barquet, and quarterback General B***y.

To balance the exits, the team recruited 13 new players. Five of the recruits joined the offense, while the remaining eight strengthened the defense. The new signees come from eight states: Louisiana (1), Mississippi (3), Alabama (4), Georgia (1), Texas (1), Florida (1), Pennsylvania (1), and South Carolina (1).

“These 13 players that signed today own the mission of rebuilding this program,” ULM head coach Bryant Vincent said. “They own the mission of getting this team to the second bowl game in school history, to winning the Sun Belt West Division Conference Championship, and ultimately winning the Sun Belt Championship.”

In addition to the new players, Hindley Brigham and Kishawn McClain joined the team’s coaching staff. Brigham now serves as the running backs coach, while McClain is the wide receivers coach.

Stay up to date with the Warhawks by pressing the link below!

✍️: Prasanna Jha, Sports Editor
📸: Katherine Babin

https://ulmhawkeyeonline.com/

31/01/2025

Over winter break, ULM women’s basketball (7-11 overall; 3-4 SBC) competed in nearly a dozen games.

On Dec. 11, the Warhawks faced the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets on the road and suffered a 37-97 loss.

The Warhawks returned home and played Mississippi State on Dec. 17. The match proved to be a dogfight as ULM maintained a close score and battled Mississippi State point for point. The matchup ended with the Warhawks falling short 70-78.

The following week, the Warhawks traveled to New Orleans to participate in the Tulane Holiday Tournament on Dec. 20-21.

On Dec. 20, ULM faced the Central Arkansas Bears. The score remained tight during the first two quarters, but the Warhawks switched gears and dominated the remainder of the game. ULM defeated Central Arkansas with a final score of 65-49.

Redshirt junior guard Meloney Thames led the team with 17 points and 5 assists.

Senior forward Sakyia White took charge with 9 rebounds.

Read more about the Lady Warhawks’ season by pressing the link below!

✍️: Jasmine Henson, Sports Editor
📸: Katherine Babin

https://ulmhawkeyeonline.com/

29/01/2025

Trump inaugurated as 47th President.

Flags flew full staff on Monday, January 20, 2025, as Donald Trump entered the White House as the 47th President of the United States. Chief Justice John Roberts swore the Republican presidential elect into office alongside his running mate JD Vance.

Addressing gathered politicians and supporters, Trump reiterated the promises made during his presidential campaign.

Justin Trudeau Resigns as Canadian Prime Minister

On Jan. 6, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shared his plans to resign following the election of a new leader of the Liberal Party. Trudeau has served as the Canadian Prime Minister for ten years after the Liberal Party swept the 2015 federal elections.

In his public announcement, Trudeau thanked his supporters for the opportunity to advocate on the behalf of his fellow Canadians.

For more news you may have missed, follow the link below!!

✍️: Zoe Sissac, Senior Copy Editor
📸: Tribune Content Agency

https://ulmhawkeyeonline.com/

21/11/2024

The fall semester has been a rollercoaster of excitement, challenges and unforgettable moments. Students experienced the full spectrum of college life. From events that brought everyone together like the football games to the hard work that pushed us to our limits, this semester reminded us of what it means to be part of this community. The Warhawks did not have a shortage of neat things to do this semester.

One of the semester’s most popular events was Hawktober Fest, a lively twist on the German tradition, Oktoberfest. The event brought students together for an afternoon filled with music, games and beverages. This event provided an opportunity for students to unwind and enjoy the beginning of the fall season. Although the music was a little too loud, I enjoyed the time I spent with my friends and the different mocktails they had.

Students enjoyed a week’s worth of events during our annual Homecoming Week. The parade gathered crowds of people to shout and cheer for the student organizations that joined the march. The Homecoming Formal stood out as a night to remember. Students gathered for an evening of dancing and celebration.

Of course, who could forget our memorable game against Southern Miss which ended in a Warhawk victory.

The semester also focused on the important topic of mental health. During Mental Health Week, students took advantage of resources designed to support their well-being.

Reflect on this semester by pressing the link below!!

✍️: Mallory LeBoeuf
📸: Noah Stephan

https://ulmhawkeyeonline.com/35196/opinion/column-taking-one-last-look-at-the-fall-semester/

21/11/2024

As a freshman, I received a campuswide email asking students if they would attend an interest meeting for a new chess club. As a passionate chess player, I saw an opportunity to be an active part of a community with the same interests as me.

Around 20 people attended the meeting, and I volunteered to be the club’s secretary. For the rest of the semester, we met up and played chess every week. It was one of the best parts of my first year at ULM.

Recognized student organizations (RSOs) are the lifeblood of our university. They offer students a chance to engage in various areas of college life such as recreation, career development and religion.

Unfortunately, most RSOs do not cater to students’ different niches and hobbies.

Greek life has a vast number of fraternities and sororities, such as PIKE, Delta Sig or AKA. We also have a large variety of honorary, religious and professional organizations.

However, recreational groups engaged in a specific hobby, such as the Table Tennis Club and Phi Boota Ruta, are scarce.

Students looking for a board game, a bowling or a skating club are out of luck unless they form their own.

Students need more options when looking for a community that aligns with their interests. For that to happen, more students need to create their own.

Starting an RSO gives students the chance to be leaders, make a name for themselves and step out of their comfort zones.

Students may be intimidated by all the work that goes into creating a club. However, creating an RSO application takes less effort than one might think.

Securing a faculty advisor, a requirement for forming an RSO can be done by simply asking a professor. Plenty of faculty members will help students create an organization.

What are your thoughts, Warhawks? Read the rest of the story by pressing the link below!!

✍️: Nicholas Soirez

https://ulmhawkeyeonline.com/35100/opinion/students-want-more-variety-diverse-rsos/

20/11/2024

Throughout his presidential campaign, Donald Trump reiterated his commitment to dissolving the Department of Education (DOE) and returning its powers to state governments.

Trump explained his reasoning for the proposal in a campaign video.

“One other thing I’ll be doing very early in the administration is closing up the Department of Education in Washington D.C., and sending all education and education work and needs back to the states,” Trump said. “We want them to run the education of our children because they’ll do a much better job of it.”

Founded in 1979, the Department of Education is a cabinet department that oversees federal spending on education. The federal government divides the DOE into 17 offices, including the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and the Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA).

OCR explains its role at the DOE as “to ensure equal access to education and to promote educational excellence through vigorous enforcement of civil rights in our nation’s schools.”

The office investigates claims of discrimination based on age, disability, race, ethnicity and s*x. Title IX, which targets s*x-based discrimination in education, falls under the jurisdiction of OCR.

The FSA monitors federal student aid. Incoming and returning college students apply for federal aid using the FASFA form. According to the FSA office, 17.5 million college students apply for federal aid each year with the hopes of attending college.

Read more of this story by pressing the link below!

✍️: Keith Webb
📸: Tribune Content Agency

https://ulmhawkeyeonline.com/35205/news/trump-plans-to-cut-department-of-education/

19/11/2024

The fall season for the Warhawks’ softball team generated excitement for the spring. The 2024 season ended with a record of 31-24 and 12-12 in the Sun Belt Conference.

Coach Molly Fichtner shared her thoughts on starting a new season, mentioning challenges the team faced this fall.

“When you’re coming out from the summer, you got some cobwebs to kind of get off,” Fichtner said.

She highlighted the importance of communication and understanding between players, which Fichtner felt became “huge towards the end of the season.”

Even with these difficulties, Fichtner praised the team’s overall progress.

“I do think, as a unit in every facet, we improve from the first practice in the fall to even now,” Fichtner said.

With four players graduating in May, the team faces a bittersweet journey ahead. Despite this, Fichtner highlighted the girls’ close bond. The players leave the facility together, cook meals together and do team activities without the need for coach intervention.

One trait she spots in all her players is a passion and love for competition.

“They all want to win,” Fichtner said. “Off the field, they give to the community more than any team I’ve ever coached. That’s a huge trait in our program and it’s because of them and the alums that came before them.”

Though the team talks business on the field, they still have their fair share of relatable moments. When asked about her favorite part of the season, Fichtner mentioned a particular drill called “position appreciation.”

Press the link below for more of the Warhawk’s exciting season!!!

✍️: Keith Webb
📸: Katherine Babin

https://ulmhawkeyeonline.com/35216/sports/warhawks-prepare-for-promising-softball-season/

18/11/2024

Since her freshman year at ULM, senior speech-language pathology major Kayla Cornet contributed to the university’s several dance outlets. Now, preparing to graduate, Cornet takes time to reflect on her experience as a dancer.

Hailing from Stonewall, Louisiana, Cornet started dancing at the Power & Grace School of Performing Arts in Shreveport at the age of three.

She trained in all styles of dance, including ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, hip-hop and pointe. Despite excelling in several disciplines, she found herself drawn to lyrical dance.

“I like lyrical,” Cornet said. “I’m not the best at it but I like lyrical. That’s what I want to do. [I’ve done] tap solos these past two years, but this year I wanted to do something else.”

Cornet performed in multiple shows during her time at Power & Grace, including “The Nutcracker.” She also participated in dance competitions in Dallas and Baton Rouge.

During her freshman year at ULM, Cornet danced on the Hawkline. Though her Hawkline experience was short-lived, Cornet wanted to continue dancing.

She went on to join the ULM dance program, headed by Starla Gatson, in her junior year.

Read more of Kayla’s story by pressing the link below!

✍️: Katherine Babin
📸: Audrey Blackburn

https://ulmhawkeyeonline.com/35200/freestyle/ulm-dancer-kayla-cornet-reflects-on-her-passion/

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