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eve® this \kieek ■ 3AMEC0CK The University of South Carolina_Monday, ,4/>rz7 10, 2006 Vol. 99, No. 83 • Since 1908 Jess Davis STAFF WRITER The sky dimmed, the lights turned off and the glow of hope burned brightly for all in the stadium to see. Luminarias lined Baskins Track, and in the bleachers they spelled out “hope,” a simple but powerful reminder of why hundreds spent their Friday night walking. Some walked for the promise of a future cure, some walked to support those fighting to stay alive and some walked for loved ones they had lost. “This is my way to honor him,” said Whitney Howell, a second year public relations student, of why she was at USC’s fourth annual Relay for Life. Her dad t. died in November 2004 from lung cancer. Howell raised more than $1,000 RGIRV • 6 Showcase puts USC’s best foot forward Booths give prospective students chance to see what Carolina has to offer Rshleigh Orthen THE GAMECOCK USC played host to its 19th annual Showcase on Saturday, giving prospective students, the public and alumni a chance to explore the state’s ^ flagship university. ^ Sean McDevitt, a member of the Student Advisory Board for the Carolina Alumni Association, said the Showcase gave prospective students the opportunity to see USC’s programs and what the university brings to the table. I “It definitely showcases what I we, the university, are all about,” | McDevitt said. ! Prospective students visited the i various booths, which lined the walls I of the Strom Thurmond Wellness and Fitness Center, allowing them to 1 scope out the array of majors, clubs and organizations the university ( ^provides. I 9 Kendall Nowocin, a junior at i Dorchester Academy in St. George, £ found the industrial engineering Nick Bans / THE GAMECOCK :irst year Med students Jamie Brown stands behind a row of >lastic casts of bones at USC’s howcase on Saturday. The event lisplayed much of what the Jniversity has to offer. iooth to be most intriguing. “I am interested in industrial ngineering because it is mechanical,” ■Jowocin said. “I enjoyed the nechanical robot that could hit walls nd then fix itself.” Samuela Golson, of Columbia, said she will be apprehensive when her son heads to college. “I am going to be nervous because he will be entering college at the mere age of 16,” Golson said. “I am scared mostly because girls mature a lot faster than boys but am glad that my son will still be close to home.” Ken Nowocin of Dorchester confirmed he is eager about his son’s enrollment at USC. “As a matter of fact, I want him out of the house as soon as possible,” Ken Nowocin said. “Not that I am being mean when I say that, but I think Kendall will enjoy a big school like USC. I personally like the interaction of the bigger schools. I went to the University of Illinois, and USC reminds me of it.” Booths such as the one representing University 101 enabled parents to ask questions. “I think our booth has helped parents because it allows them to ask what the exact subject matter of the program is - responsibility, academic success, study skills and the different offices and resources that are available to students,” said Erin Campbell, a U101 representative. “It is reassuring to them to know those things, especially since those are the SHOWCASE • 6 “ • Homophobia awareness in spotlight this week Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian and Straight Alliance, RHA sponsor speaker, movie night, carnival Joshua Ration ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR The Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian and Straight Alliance, along with the Residence Hall Association and SafeZone, is using speakers, a movie night and a carnival to increase homophobia awareness this week. “I think it’s a good thing to have homophobia week events out there for people who have strict viewpoints,” said first-year sports management student John McKenna, who is not gay. Shane Windmeyer will speak today at 8 p.m. in the Russell House Ballroom. Windmeyer is the editor of “Out On Fraternity Row” and will speak on homosexuality in the Greek system. The book provides personnel accounts of being gay in a fraternity. McKenna said he believes homophobia is an issue of importance at the university, but -one that is often hidden. “Not publicly, but privately, I think people have viewpoints that may be a bit critical,” McKenna said. BGLSA Vice President Brian Breitenstein said homophobia is an issue that many students don’t notice, but does occur. “I think most people would say it’s not an issue at USC, but they may not consider all aspects of homophobia,” Breitenstein said. “There are words thrown out at people and jokes made that are homophobic in nature.” There will be a showing _ of “Brokeback Mountain” on Tuesday at 6 p.m. in Gambrell 152. HOmOPHOBIR • 1 ran VUW.tmtvim.com I Katy Blalock/ THE GAMECOCK Council of Conservative Citizens member and protest organizer William Carter, left, stands with Nelson Waller at Saturday’s protest at the State House. Conservative group protests illegal aliens Jachie Alexander THE GAMECOCK A conservative South Carolina group protested amnesty for illegal immigrants Saturday outside the State House. About 20 members of the Council of Conservative Citizens (CofCC) picketed in front of the building, waving American flags and signs, despite heavy rains. Ron Daggett said he was concerned that congressional representatives were going against the American people’s wishes. “We’re concerned that our so-called representatives in Washington, D.C., are going to turn their backs on the wishes of the majority of the American people and grant amnesty for people who broke the law coming into this country,” Daggett said. William Carter, organizer for the event, said illegal immigrants undercut labor. “We oppose amnesty for 12 million people who took it upon themselves to cross the border illegally,” Carter PROTEST • >1 Viewpoints Field Cantey makes a call to pancake arms at the GMP; Lindsey Dennerlein suggests bike lanes for campus as a way to ynake pedestrian& safer. The Mix Keep it down Students get hooked on racquetball, a fast-paced swatfest that requires endurance and takes no prisoners. Sports Rainy roosters The Gamecocks took to the field Saturday in the annual Garnet and Black spring game. ■ Index Comics & Crossword.... 12 Classifieds.15 Horoscopes.12 Opinion.9 Police Report..2