News stories this week...

TSU IDs led police to suspect

Sunshine sets on TSU's identity

Campus mourns loss of biology professor

April memorial service celebrates Offem's life

CAMPUS POLICE INCIDENT REPORT

Little competition for some in SGA elections

SGA UPDATE

`What's up Doc?'

TSU IDs led police to suspect

Mark Skinner , News Editor

A Troy State University student charged with bank robbery awaits an Aug. 9 Pike County Grand Jury hearing to determine if the case against her proceeds.

A preliminary hearing April 7 for Leanora Lewis, a TSU senior, revealed more details about the case and events that led to her arrest.

Lewis is accused of holding up two tellers at gunpoint at the Park Street branch of Regions Bank on Dec. 11, 1997. Capt. Donald Brown of the Troy Police Department Investigative Division testified that the robber got $7,849. The money has not been recovered.

Lewis was picked out of a photo line up March 11 by Judy Law and Shelly King, the two bank tellers.

Law testified that she was positive Lewis was the robber.

King, the teller who was approached first by the robber, testified that she was not completely sure. She said that on a scale of one to 10, her level of confidence with regard to Lewis being the robber was an eight.

Law also asked police to let her hear the voice of Lewis, she said during the preliminary hearing. Law testified that hearing Lewis' voice made her sure that Lewis was the robber.

Law said Lewis did not have an "accent" but said there were "certain words" that the robber said that were distinct. Lewis is a native of the Bahamas.

During the hearing, it was revealed that the bank's security cameras were not working the day of the robbery and no fingerprints from the crime were found, Brown said. The robber carried a chrome plated semiautomatic pistol and wore a black, hooded raincoat or nylon jacket, black sweat pants and knit cloth gloves, Brown said.

Lewis consented to have her apartment searched, Brown said.

Brown said the weapon has not been found and the search of Lewis' apartment turned up no clothing matching that described by the tellers.

During the hearing, the tellers said that police showed them three other photo line ups between the time of the robbery and Lewis' arrest. The first set of photos came to the Troy police from the Dothan police, Brown said. The next set was made up of bank robbery suspects from other states, he said. The third set was photos from the Troy Police Department's mug shot file, he said.

The set of photos that Lewis was identified from was TSU student ID photos given to the Troy by TSU, Brown said.

During his first round of questioning, Brown said only one photo lineup was done. He was recalled to the stand and then described the four photo lineups.

Brown said police received information from two anonymous sources that led to Lewis being named as a suspect in the robbery. But when defense attorney Ronald W. Wise questioned Brown as to the reliability of the sources, Brown said he could not answer that.

Wise also questioned the tellers about artist sketches drawn right after the robbery. Two sketches were done by a police sketch artist, but the renderings were not similar, Wise said.

The robbery occurred shortly after 12:30 p.m. when the robber entered the bank, said King.

King said she was standing with Law at one of the teller windows when the robber came in. King said the robber bypassed that window and went to the open window which was King's.

King said she was standing with Law at one of the teller windows when the robber came in. King said the robber bypassed that window and went to the open window which was King's.

The robber fumbled with her jacket for a few minutes and said it was a cold day before pulling out a gun and paper bag and demanding money, King said.

Law said she told the robber "Are you serious?"

King said she gave the robber "the ones and fives" and the robber turned to leave but stopped and asked for the rest of the money from King and from Law.

Law then opened her cash drawer and activated a silent alarm.

Law said the robber then said "I ought to shoot your ass" and left the bank.

Return to the start of the News Section

Sunshine sets on TSU's identity

Whitney McHugh, Editor

A possible violation of the Alabama Sunshine Law left Identity Committee members in the dark as to whether their committee recommended to retain the name Troy State University or change it.

On Friday, April 3, the committee - 20 members - voted by secret ballot either to retain the name Troy State University or change the name. If the vote was to change the university's name, a name was to be included in the ballot.

"Based on an earlier amendment made by Mr. (Ben) Beard the vote was to be held by secret ballot and the results to be delivered to Chancellor Jack Hawkins Jr. in a sealed envelope," said Col. John Schmidt, chair of the committee.

Hawkins said he is not going to release the vote yet but may at the Board of Trustees meeting in June.

But because the committee appears to be subject to the State Open Meetings Law, it is illegal to withhold the committee's vote, said an attorney for the Alabama Press Association.

Dennis Bailey, general counsel for the APA, said that because advance notice of the committee's meetings was given and committee members are compensated for their service, he believes the committee is subject to the Open Meetings Law.

Bailey cited the Attorney General's Opinion that states taking votes by secret ballot is not allowed in meetings subject to the Open Meetings Law.

"The committee doesn't have the authority to override the law," Bailey said. "A committee vote doesn't override the Legislature."

Gordon McKerral, associate professor of journalism at TSU and Alabama Project Sunshine Director for the Society of Professional Journalists, agreed with Bailey.

"This committee clearly falls under the open meetings and records statute," McKerral said. "Its decision has significant implications for the university, financial and otherwise. I can't believe the chairs are this unfamiliar with the law.

"Beyond the legal implications, why would anyone suggest this ballot be secret when all along the administration has said that no predetermined decisions had been made and the committee's work was above board. It makes the whole process appear suspicious. This does nothing for the image of the university, what ever you want to name it."

The Tropolitan was able to contact nine committee members by deadline Wednesday, April 8. Seven of the nine voted "no," and the other two would not say.

Along with the vote on the name change, the committee voted to send a summary report of its work to the chancellor. The report contains a study conducted by Dr. Jean Laliberte, associate professor of marketing, a general cost analysis, compelling reasons to retain and change the name and the five names discussed by the committee.

Those names were Troy State University, Troy University, University of Troy, Alabama Southern University and Southern Alabama University.

During the committee meeting, a motion was also made by Dr. Jim Vickery, director of the Speech and Theatre Department, to send a resolution to retain the name Troy State University to the Chancellor. Vickery withdrew the motion after heated debate by the committee members.

"The report made clear what the committee did and what the committee thought," he said. "The resolution at least proposed reasons not to change the name. I was disappointed, and it was unfortunate that it got bogged down in procedures."

Laliberte made the motion for the committee to cast either to retain the name or change it. Three committee members opposed the motion.

The chancellor will review the findings of the Identity Committee and make his recommendation to the Board of Trustees in June.

Return to the start of the News Section

Campus mourns loss of biology professor

Matt McGehee, Staff Writer

Former Troy State University professor Dr. Donald Barras died Friday, April 3, in Dothan after a brief bout with cancer. He was 66-years-old.

He was a valued member of the university, both well-liked, and well respected by his colleagues," said Dr. Robert Pullen, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Barras joined the university in 1970 as a biology professor and pre-med adviser.

"He will be remembered particularly by pre-med students as being a great teacher who was as tough as nails," said Pullen.

When you got through with Dr. Barras, you were ready for medical school."

Pullen said Barras was more than good professor.

"He was a great man who took pride in the lives of his students," he said. "He cared for them a great deal, often kept in touch with them, going to weddings. We will very much miss his presence at Troy State University."

Barras left TSU on Sept. 1, 1997 after 27 years. He retired to his farm where he took pride in raising and showing border collies.

On a more personal note, Barras was known as much for his cooking as he was for his teaching. Pullen said many on campus will miss his hot sauce and gumbo recipes.

He will be sadly missed by students, faculty and alumni, he said.

Return to the start of the News Section

April memorial service celebrates Offem's life

Mark Skinner, News Editor

A memorial service has been scheduled for April 16 at 2:30 in Sorrell Chapel for Komommo Oju Offem.

Offem, 18, was shot once in the parking of E.T.'s, a nightclub located between Troy and Brundidge, on March 6 at 1:44 a.m.

Offem was transported to Edge Regional Medical Center after the shooting. He was later transferred to Flowers Hospital in Dothan where he died March 8.

Offem was buried in Tuskegee, Ala. in Greenwood Cemetery March 14.

A Troy resident has been charged with murder in the shooting death of Offem.

Deiallo Teron Stringer, 23, of 600 Farmer St., was originally charged with attempted murder for the shooting, but the charge was increased after Offem's death.

Stringer was released on a $75,000 bond. At his preliminary hearing on April 7, the defense was granted a continuation for the case.

The shooting remains under investigation, said Sgt. Benny Scarbrough, administrative assistant to the chief of police for the Troy Police Department.

Friends of Offem are encouraged to participate in the service.

Fliers will be placed around campus asking students who knew Offem to speak at the service, said Barbara Patterson, director of Student Involvement.

Interested students should contact Patterson,student at 670-3204 or Dr. Charlotte Davis-Lott, vice president of Student Affairs, at 670-3203.

Return to the start of the News Section

CAMPUS POLICE INCIDENT REPORT

March 11: There was a two vehicle collision in an unmarked parking lot at the Alpha Delta Pi House at 4:58 p.m. There were no injuries.

March 16: A student's backpack and United States History book were stolen from the first floor men's bathroom in the Adams Center between 10:50 a.m. and 1 p.m.

March 17: Theft of property: A book bag, check, cash, Alabama drivers license, pictures, cosmetics and a computer disc were reported stolen from Quick Copy in Wallace Hall. The theft occurred between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. on March 16.

March 18: Theft of property: A aerial photograph was reported stolen from the Library at 4 p.m. The theft occurred between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. on March 17.

March 23: Theft of property/burglary: A personal door alarm was reported stolen from a dorm room in Alumni Hall at 4:56 p.m. The theft occurred between 10 a.m. on March 20 and 4:50 p.m. on March 23.

March 30: There was a hit and run automobile accident in the New Alumni Parking Lot at 2:55 p.m. One vehicle left the scene and was not identified. There were no injuries.

March 31: Recovered property: A TSU student returned an exhibit picture that he had taken from the Library. No charges were filed by the picture's owner.

Theft of property/burglary: At 5:52 p.m. the theft of a cordless phone was reported in Alumni Hall. The theft occurred between March 18 at 10:30 a.m. and March 31 at 5:45 p.m.

April 1: There was a two vehicle accident in front of Shackelford Hall at 8:10 a.m. There were no injuries.

Theft of property: A cellular phone was reported stolen at 10:30 a.m. in McCartha Hall. The theft occurred March 31 between 11:40 a.m. and 12 p.m.

April 2: Theft of property/burglary: The theft of a university microfridge from a dorm room in Alumni Hall was reported at 3:42 p.m. The theft occurred between 1:30 p.m. on March 18 and noon on April 2.

Return to the start of the News Section

Little competition for some in SGA elections

(Editor's Note: Each of the cadidatesrunning for an executive office of the Student Government Association were asked the following questions and given an equal amount of time to respond.)

The Student Government Association elections for executive officers for the 1998-99 term are scheduled for Wednesday, April 15 in the Adams Center.

The candidate for president is Erin Johnson. Johnson is unoposed for the office of president. She will be the 1998-99 SGA president. Johnson served as an elected senator from winter quarter 1996 until Spring quarter 1997. She served as the senater floor leaders and SGA spirit director. Johnson served as SGA vice president for the 1997-98 term.

The candidates for vice president are John Browing and Bill Powell.

The candidate for secretary is Elyse Toulmin. Toulmin is upopposed for the office of SGA secretay. She will be the 1998-99 SGA secretary. Toulmin has served as an elected senator for the past year. She is currently the chair of the Academic Life Committe and the director of elections.

The candidates for clerk are Mary Beth Morris and Will West.

1) What do you consider the three most pressing issues facing TSU during the 1998-99 academic year? Why?

Browning: During the past quarter, when students became aware of (the name change) proposition, the SGA office was inundated with student opinion in opposition to the change. TSU's name has been the symbol of our growth through the past 100 years and has become known as the first choice of many Alabamians, Southerners and America as a whole as a growing respected institution of higher education.

We have a problem with retention of the most qualified teachers. I do not know if it is pay, benefits or the administration's failure to keep the best teachers, but many of our classes are being taught by faculty who are too apathetic or cannot keep energy in the classroom.

3. I think parking is still a major issue, but I believe most of the problem is from people simply not knowing where spots are available, but we do need to spread faculty parking more evenly so it doesn't fill up one specific area like many do.

Powell: First of all, the name change seems to be the capacious news on campus. I feel that people are happy with the name as Troy State University; moreover, it would be very costly to go through the process of changing the name. In addition to the name change, not having graduation ceremonies in the fall quarters of each year is a common subject that I am hearing. Many people have asked me to address this issue and I plan to do as they ask. Why not have ceremonies for the fall graduating classes? Those people deserve the gratitude just as winter, spring and summer classes receive. Finally, the semester change is a topic on my mind as well as other students minds. The issue is important for Troy State, because Troy State needs to push forward to keep up with the times and get ready for the 21st century. Converting to the semester change will be difficult, but it will benefit Troy State as a whole.

Morris:Name change, transition to semesters and retention. On first glance it may seem frivolous to have the name change first. However, if you have ever looked at research, a name often determines self-image, thus success or failure. Under the name Troy State University, our institution has a rich history of which we should all be proud. Since the founding of this university, graduates have formed a colorful tapestry of leadership throughout this state, nation and world. It is on this foundation we build, and the name Troy is indelibly etched regardless of other names we might try to impose. The next issue I will address is transition to semesters. The problem here is the fear of the unknown. I believe the SGA should take a leadership role in making this work. This transition is scary for both faculty and students alike. I believe we must promote the positive aspects and work together as a team to make it work. The last issue is retention. This is an issue at every university. The best thing the SGA can do is implement programs that make TSU a fun, exciting and interesting university to attend.

West:I feel that the most pressing issues for the upcoming academic year are the conversion from quarters to semesters, the possible name change for the university system and increasing enrollment/retention of students.

2) What do you feel is the most important issue or problem facing the SGA during the 1998-99 year and state any solutions you might suggest if elected.

Browning: The continuing relations of students trusting us to be able to solve their problems and give them more opportunities to get involved in the overwhelming "politics" and general business of the school. How eliminating the apathetic ideas of current senators who simply occupy seats for resume.Getting senators fired up for Troy State and making ourselves accessible by being present at every school related function possible.

Powell: I would have to say that voting is a very important issue facing the Student Government. Voting has been an issue in the past as well as the present. During elections a very poor amount of people vote; therefore, many great candidates will never see the office for which they are campaigning.

I feel that more people have to be informed of the upcoming elections and should have sufficient knowledge concerning the candidates from which they shall choose a representative.

Morris: I believe the most important problem facing the SGA is involvement.I believe you can get anything done you want to if you do not care who gets the credit. Everyone is unique and everyone has talents. The SGA should be a vehicle to showcase the abilities of every student at Troy State.

West: I feel the Student Government Association is here to represent the students. If a student has a problem or idea, they can approach an executive officer or senator with it and it will be addressed at the senate meeting. Also, all students are strongly encouraged to attend these meetings with their ideas and problems.

3) How are you qualified for the position you are seeking?

Browning: I have been a senator for two quarters, served as Student Life Committee Chairman and authored a resolution representing the SGA's position the name should not change. Also served as an officer of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity and planned Homecoming and Winter Formal. These activities directly correlate to the responsibilities of the Vice President.

Powell: By many years of leadership, experience and integrity, I feel that I have obtained the necessary credentials to successfully fulfill the duties of the office of Vice President.

Morris: I served on SGA in high school as Vice President, Secretary and Senator. I have served on SGA at TSU as a senator. I have also served my university as President of Alpha Lamda Delta, Captain of the J.V. Cheerleaders 96-97, and a Trojan All-Star. All of the qualifications are important but to me are not most important. I believe my most important qualification is that I believe in serving people. In leadership positions it is important to realize that the people do not serve you, you serve the people.

West: I am currently serving on senate for Alumni Hall. I possess a good understanding of the Student Government and its purpose and I have a strong desire to work hard for the students on this campus and represent them to the best of my ability.

Return to the start of the News Section

SGA UPDATE

Executive elections are April 15. Voting will be in the Adams Center. 1998-99 Executive Officer Candidates:

President

¥ Erin B. Johnson

Vice president

¥ John Browning

¥ Bill Powell

Secretary

¥ Elyse Toulmin

Clerk

¥ Mary Beth Morris

¥ Will West

Return to the start of the News Section