Downtown River Market runs from May fourth until May 25. Experience downtown Monroe with local vendors, music and food that could be compared to New Orlean’s French Market. May fourth is also Antique Alley’s spring open house. Stroll “Macklemore and Ryan Lewis” style down the Alley for some cool local finds at Mojo’s or Salt and Pepper.

Take a road trip to Caney Lake with friends to spend a day on the water.

Travel to Ruston for some peach icecream and even more downtown shopping.

Want to see that new independent flick? Shreveport has a unique independent movie theater that shows films Monroe and West Monroe usually never get. Robinson Film Center is in the heart of Shreveport’s downtown and ticket prices are affordable, around $8. The best part about this theater is the really cheap concessions.

Shreveport is also hosting a Paranormal Fest June 20-23. Drive over for ghost tours, a cemetery creep or a “spirited” pub crawl, for more information on Paranormal Fest check out downtownshreveport.com.

If there is no money in the piggy bank for road trips this summer, plan a BBQ. Invite friends over for slip ‘n slide and corn hole. Finish the night with a slightly influenced game of Catch Phrase.

Can’t make the Taylor Swift concert tour? No worries she’ll have another one next summer once her boy of the month calendar runs out. In the mean time Monroe has a great music scene no matter music preference.

Fieldhouse, Pickle Barrel and Live Oak are all close to campus and feature live music on the weekends. Get a group of friends together and support local talent.

Another idea to put on the table is creating your own kick-starter video. Now that Duck Dynasty is over for the season it is time Hawk Dynasty found its own television station. Film a reality show episode of you and your friends showcasing campus and your life at ULM. Post it to Facebook and YouTube and wait for A&E’s phone call.

At the end of the day, a vacation can be anywhere you want it to be. Summer classes are a priority and money is sometimes tight. Have fun with friends and enjoy the summer heat and sunny skies.

The appointment was announced on Thursday by ULM President Nick Bruno in a press release.

During a press conference on Friday morning, Richard said he will assist outgoing athletic director Bobby Staub with the day-to-day operations of the ULM athletic department until a new athletic director is hired.

Staub, who resigned on April 16, will take some leave time until his last day on July 1.

“I will be acting in the absence of the athletic director,” Richard said. “When [Staub’s] out, it gives us a point person for the athletic department and it gives Dr. Bruno a point person.”

Specifically, Richard identified fundraising and football season ticket sales as areas he will be focusing on.

Bruno did not attend the press conference, but said in his release that Richard was the logical choice as his schedule permits more time during the upcoming search process for a permanent athletic director.

Richard finished his 2013 recruiting class last week and cannot return to the recruiting trail for 2014 until mid July per NCAA rules.

“If it was in the middle of basketball season, I wouldn’t be up here. It’s about timing which is critical because there’s a lot to do,” Richard said.

A ULM alumnus and former basketball player, Richard said he was approached by Bruno on Tuesday about the position before taking the job on Thursday.

“I took a couple days to think about this thoroughly. As an alum, I want what’s best for this school,” Richard said.

Richard has spoken with all of ULM’s head coaches and said they are all ready to move forward.

“This is going to be an important hire for the university and the athletic department,” Richard said. “This person, whoever it may be, is going to lead us for years to come.”

The Warhawks (7-4) took four flights in a row to get the win over the Panthers (8-9). In the four position, Marcela Araya and Maria Garcia beat Alexis Elmurr and Molly Smestad 21-12, 21-13. Amy Grabiec and Michelle McNamee defeated Jansen Button and Sara Olivova 23-21, 21-18 in the two spot.

The third and fifth flights went to a third set, each decided in favor of the Warhawks. Kylie Parks and Blanca Ocana were victorious against Milani Pickering and Katelyn Rawls 17-21, 21-14, 15-9.Alannah Cullum and Iren Marinova picked up a 21-19, 21-23, 15-9 win over Karlee Kavanaugh and Alexis Townsend.

ULM’s only loss came in the one position when Tetiana Sukach and Zuzana Markova were bested by rivals Lane Carico and Katie Madewell. It was the third time this season that the two pairs faced each other, with “T & Z” winning two of the three matches.

In an exhibition flight held before match play began, Sarah Johnson and Danielle Lewis of ULM were defeated by Kaitlynn Hufstetler and Nikki Senopoulos 21-18, 21-10.

With the regular season behind them, the Warhawks turn their attention to the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) National Sand Volleyball Championship in Gulf Shores, Ala.

ULM sand volleyball qualified for the tournament as the sixth seed in just its first year of existence. The sixth seed places the Warhawks among the top three teams in the Southeast Region of the bracket.

By qualifying as a school, ULM places two pairs in the individual side of the tournament. Sukach and Markova and Grabiec and McNamee will compete for the Warhawks.

The six-team field also features top seed Pepperdine, Long Beach State, Florida State, USC and North Florida. Tournament play begins on May 3 and concludes on May 5.

Avery started working as a staff writer in the Spring of 2011. He became News Editor in the Fall of 2011 and became Editor in Chief in the Spring of 2012.

Avery has won numerous awards including second place for Journalist of the year at the Best of the South Banquet. He also received first place columnist in LPA.

Avery will graduate with a degree in Mass Communications concentrating in journalism. Avery now works full time for The News-Star.

Herrock worked as the Editor in Chief in the Spring 2013 semester. She became Freestyle Editor in the fall of 2012 but has written for The Hawkeye since Fall of 2011.

Herrock will graduate with a degree in Mass Communications concentrating in journalism.

During her career, she won first place for Arts and Entertainment writer at the Best of the South Banquet at the Southeast Journalism Conference.

Hunsucker worked as the Sports Editor for one semester but began writing for the sports section in the Fall of 2012.

He will graduate with a masters in Communication. This semester, he attended the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference in Boston. He recieved his bachelor of arts in Political Science from the University of Tennessee.

He would like you all to know that great efforts were made to take this halfway decent photo.

McDaniel has worked as Art Director for two semesters but has worked for The Hawkeye for two years.

She will graduate with a degree in Fine Arts concentrating in graphic design.

McDaniel placed in the news graphic designer category at the Best of the South Banquet at the Southeast Journalism Conference.

After graduation McDaniel plans to move to Winnsboro where she wants to promote art in her hometown community.

McIntyre started working at The Hawkeye in the Spring of 2012. She became Photo Editor in the Fall of 2012.

She will graduate with a degree in Fine Arts concentrating in photography.

During her career, she’s received an honorable mention for a news photo at LPA and first place in feature photos at the APME.

McIntyre is currently working as a photographer for The News-Star.

Morrison worked as the freestyle editor in the Spring 2013 semester but has written for The Hawkeye since the Fall of 2011.

She will graduate with a degree in Mass Communications concentrating in journalism with a minor in dance.

Morrison has performed in multiple theater productions at ULM including “Chicago.”

After graduation Morrison is moving to Dallas, Texas, to pursue a career in dance.

The walk begins and takes them over a balloon-lined bridge to Fant-Ewing coliseum.

Excitement is probably the best word to describe the atmosphere of the future graduating class of Warhawks as they gather into the old building.

Four years ago was no exception to this tradition.

The class of 2013 will officially mark the end of their college journey, ending in the same place it began. Fant-Ewing.

“I’m extremely proud of myself,” said Aaron Willet, a senior music theory and composition major.

Willet completed his degree in four years despite the fact he changed his major along the way.

“I didn’t see myself being able to handle the amount of work and the amount of stress that comes along with being a music major. I didn’t think that I would do as well as I have,” Willet said.

A number of seniors said their favorite college memory had a little something to do with the football team this year.

For Willet, it was the ULM-ARK game.

“[I remember] being about thirty minutes away from campus, watching the ULM-ARK game. When we won, I heard that everyone was partying in front of Malone stadium. I got in my car and flew back to campus to be a part of the huge celebration,” Willet said. “That was the first time the campus really felt united to me.”

College can be stressful at times but students find enjoyable moments that make it all worth their while.

Senior toxicology major Victoria Burleigh said going to the Independce Bowl will be her favorite memory she carries with her.

“I enjoyed getting to see our school succeed and football is something that I enjoy,” Burleigh said.

Exams, studying and no sleep are quite common among college students.

According to Shaleka Griffin, a senior kinesiology major, the lessons learned are by no means confined to the classroom.

“I learned a lot about life, love and friendship,” Griffin said. “I had fun in the library study rooms. I might not have gotten a lot of studying done, but I got a lot of great memories.”

Students said they learned more outside of the classroom during the past four years than they ever thought they would.

Campus organizations are one of the many ways doors are open for students that can lead them in many different directions.

“I joined the choir and it’s become basically my family away from my family. It gives me a sense of family that I otherwise wouldn’t get here,” said Allison Friloux, a senior vocal education major.

Some seniors wanted to give any incoming freshmen some “elderly” advice and wisdom.

“Patience is a virtue that I have learned. College is really stressful and it’s really easy to be hard on yourself,” Friloux said. “You have to allow yourself to be patient because college is really stressful at times.”

Griffin said freshmen should slow down and take it all in.

“Enjoy it because it goes by fast,” Griffin said.

Graduation for the class of 2013 will be in the Fant-Ewing coliseum Saturday, May 11, at 10 a.m.

Dear (insert government name):

Let me be the first to welcome you to ULM.

I’ve got to say, a contract-less athletic director working at the behest of the university president is an odd arrangement at the FBS level. But you must have really wanted the job to agree to such terms, which isn’t a bad thing.

Unfortunately, my time as a student is up, so I won’t be around to offer my congratulations in person.

What I can offer is a few suggestions that might help you get settled into the job. I’m not presumptuous enough to think I have all the answers. I understand nothing weighs down the head quite like a crown.

This isn’t any sage “Chicken Soup For The Soul” style wisdom, just a few recommendations from an alumnus that would like to see the upward trend of Warhawk athletics continue.

I’m sure you’re aware of the budget issues. There’s no way you took this job without knowing the deal. It’s not all bad news though.

Thanks to this spring’s referendum, the athletic department is eligible to receive additional funds. I’d explain it to you, but the referendum isn’t available to read anywhere. Maybe SGA can get you a copy of it.

You must have some of your own people in mind who you’d like to bring in. I can’t blame you, but at least talk to the folks who inhabit the offices around you before making any changes.

They’re good people who have all had to step out of their comfort zones and fill a variety of roles to help the department get by.

I’d also take some time to talk with your football coach. If next fall goes as planned, Todd Berry is going to have some employment options with bigger budgets, better facilities and a higher pay grade.

Berry’s given no indication that he wants to leave, but it’s in your best interest to make sure he’s happy. A little reassurance never hurt anyone.

I won’t lie to you and say getting fans to show up for gamedays on this campus is easy. It’s not. Most ULM students weren’t even born when the university was respected athletically and don’t know any better.

But if the 2012 football season proved anything, it’s that they’ll show up if they have something to cheer about. Winning, combined with the right promotional opportunities, will get people to come out.

The white-out game against Baylor was a perfect example. Given the efficiently sparse list of entertainment options around Monroe, it’s the best model going forward.

This is a tough job—easily the toughest in the FBS. Take a walk around campus and the facilities will give you an idea of how much work there is to be done.

However, there are still people out there who care about this university. Use them as a resource. It may not make your job easier, but at least you’ll have someone willing to help you along the way.

I’ll leave you with the hopeful—yet honest—words of intergalactic philosopher Han Solo, “good luck, you’re gonna need it.”

Best Wishes,

Adam Hunsucker

ULM Graduate School, Class of 2013

After falling behind 8-2, ULM scored six runs in the final two innings, but couldn’t complete the comeback.

“You’re never satisfied with a loss,” head coach Jeff Schexnaider said. “Playing from behind all game and watching our guys compete was special.”

Justin Stawychny reached base on a leadoff walk in the eighth inning. Dalton Herrington followed with a single and a double by Taylor Abdalla scored Stawychny.

“As a leadoff, you’ve got to get on somehow. That’s the main thing, just trying to get on base,” Stawychny said.

The Warhawks plated three more runs in the inning on a walk and a two-RBI single from Brandon Alexander.

South Alabama responded by scoring two more in the top of the ninth inning. Stawychny returned to the dish in the bottom of the ninth and sent a leadoff single to right field.

In familiar fashion, Herrington followed with a single of his own. Runners were at the corners with no outs, but two quick strikeouts made things look bleak for ULM.

An RBI single by Jeff Fuller made the score 10-8, and that’s how it would stay. Judd Edwards struck out with the bases loaded to end the game.

ULM scored its first run of the game on an RBI double from Abdalla in the bottom of the sixth. The Warhawks scored another run in the fourth inning.

Pitcher Andrew Richardson (0-1) got the start on the mound for the Warhawks. He began the game with a strong first inning, striking out the first two South Alabama batters of the game.

The Jaguars took a 2-0 lead in the second inning and kept their bats hot in the third with a double and a single. A two-run homer by Dustin Dalken built the South Alabama lead to 5-1.

That would be the end of the night for Richardson, who gave up five earned runs on six hits in 2.2 innings of work. Tyler Bray, Alex Dumaine and Jared Dye finished the game for ULM, surrendering five runs (three earned) on four hits combined.

ULM tagged South Alabama pitcher Jarron Cito (4-2) with five runs on eight hits in seven innings, but he was still able to pick up the win. Cito struckout eight and walked two.

ULM returns to the diamond on Tuesday, April 30, for a nonconference showdown against Southern Miss in Hattiesburg, Miss.

Before presenting the opening statement, the prey seemed unsure of herself, which boosted his confidence. She was panicking and he knew it.

Gabriel Silva, a double major in political science and finance from Barretos, Brazil, is a member of the University of Louisiana at Monroe mock trial group.

This scene took place in February during regionals when the team competed in several rounds. They competed against the University of Mississippi during the first round.

“During competition, you never know what you are going up against,” said Silva. “Every team takes a unique angle at the case.”

This was his first year as well as the whole group’s first attempt at a mock trial. Silva is also captain of the group along with Jonathan Cobb, a junior political science major.

The American Mock Trial Association was founded in 1985 .

Each year, the AMTA creates a new case problem for students to solve during a tournament, which consists of evidence, relevant laws and witness statements. The trials contain ten members, made up of attorneys, witnesses, timekeepers and alternates.

One man made this opportunity possible for the ULM Mock Trial Group–his name is Robert Noel. He is currently a criminal defense attorney in the Monroe area and has been practicing law since 1985. Noel has taught courses at ULM in constitutional law on and off since 1989.

Noel has been active with high school mock trial competition since 1991. He is a member of the AMTA.

An idea appeared in Noel’s mind: if he knew high school students that were participating in these trials at an early age, why couldn’t ULM students participate?

Although it was the ULM’s Mock Trial group’s first year in competition, Noel is very proud of his team. The team faced several disadvantages before participating in tournaments, which were starting on the case two months later than everyone else as well as with insufficient funding.

The group was invited to a competition in Indianapolis where a member of the team Brooke Mohon, a senior political science major, won best witness. They also participated in a regional competition in Jackson, Miss., where Ryan Lloyd, a sophomore English major, won best lawyer.

Noel provided most of the funds for the competition, along with local supporters in the community.

“I’m competitive and have been in this field for a long time,” said Noel. “I thoroughly enjoy it. The students are always teaching me something new and help me stay on top of my game.”

The ULM Mock Trial plans to add an additional number of students to the team next year.

“We are looking for students with the willingness to work, critical thinking skills, the ability to think on your feet and be able to analyze arguments and documents effectively,” Cobb said.

The group plans to attend four competitions instead of two next year and is seeking recruits interested in being a part of this organization.

In those seemingly normal 24 hours, 24 football field sizes of Louisiana’s land sinks into the Gulf of Mexico every hour, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. That’s right, hours. Not days, not weeks or even years, but hours.

Louisiana is rich and full of history and culture—French, Spanish, Jamaican, Choctaw, African and many more. We have parishes instead of counties and the cuisine alone is worth the price of the blistering heat and humidity. This is my home.

As much as I say I want to leave this state, I love it unconditionally. Just like the Blue Cross and Blue Shield like to say, “Louisianans are a tenacious bunch.” We have to be. Our home is slipping underneath our feet as we speak, but all we can do is keep our heads up until we drown.

New Orleans is a major port city in the U.S. With over 360,000 residents, it is arguably the biggest too. And in 2010, 8.3 million tourists visited the bayou state, according to Travel Pulse.

Billions of dollars go into Louisiana’s tourism industry, but there will be nothing left to visit if Louisiana doesn’t act fast. Being aware of Louisiana’s doomed future of disappearing is the first step in prolonging it from happening.

Gulf coast erosion is where parts of the shoreline disappear into the ocean. It is caused naturally, but also contributed by humans. I really wish that definition included oil spills but I guess that falls into the ‘human’ category.

Before Hurricane Katrina and the Deepwater Horizon (BP) oil spill, it was us. We were laying down pipes, building bridges and roads, even changing the direction of the Mississippi River.

Before, the Mississippi River naturally changed course, flooding Louisiana’s wetlands, providing it with minerals and nutrients vital for wildlife. That river fed our coast. The Mississippi River is overdue for a course change and flooding, but it would flood many cities and towns in its path to the Gulf.

We industrialized- it was necessary. But along the way, nature was put on the back burner, and it hasn’t mattered until now.

The many pipelines that lay in bayous and wetlands are killing plant and animal life native to Louisiana. Many migratory birds are dying because of the lack of shrimp and insects they feed on when they reach the coast. Author Mike Tidwell came to Louisiana and wrote “Bayou Farewell” in 2003. One scene in the book brought tears to my eyes and anger to my heart.

A cemetery in Leeville has coffins dropping into the bayou, the corpses floating out into the gulf. The coast has decreased so much that what was once land is now an underwater gravesite.  This is just one of the many cemeteries sinking into the Gulf, and one of the many tragedies Louisiana faces daily.

Coastal Protection and Restoration warns ,“If sustainability is not restored to the coastal ecosystem, land will continue to be lost at a rapid rate, and critical infrastructure will be damaged or destroyed.”

When Hurricane Katrina made landfall in 2005, the coast took a huge blow. And so did the wildlife. And so did the people. Everything and everyone in the Nation suffered, not just Louisiana.

I know as a society, we basically live off oil. Drilling will never stop. Dropping Christmas trees into Bayou Sauvage doesn’t solve the problem either. Conservation and restoration is vital for our planet.

It is looking more like when, not if, Louisiana washes away into the gulf. “Nationally, over the next 60 years, one out of every four homes within 500 feet of the shoreline will be lost to erosion, ” according to Coastal Protection and Restoration.

Those homes belong to families who have spent their lives in the gulf fishing, crabbing and shrimping. It’s in their blood- it’s all they know and it’s who they are.

Whether you are from Louisiana, another state or a country overseas, you are a Warhawk. You have walked along Bayou DeSiard and immersed yourself into Louisiana’s culture. I don’t expect you to donate money to Louisiana’s coastal conservation. I don’t expect you to even care. I just want you to be aware of this tragedy and to cherish this great state while it’s still here. I hope you are.

The past four years have gone by in a blur while at the same time dragging on.  They have been years full of adventure, boredom, excitement, disappointment, happiness and heartbreak.

When all is said and done, I think I can say I’ve made the most of my time here at ULM.  While I had a good ride, there are some graduating seniors who cannot say the same, so here’s a few “nuggets of wisdom,” some reflections on my college experience that hopefully can help you for the rest of your time here.

First of all, get involved on campus. I don’t care if it’s with a fraternity, sorority, CAB, SGA, religious organization or the Harry Potter Society, find somewhere on campus and get plugged in.

You are only going to get as much out of your college experience as you put into it.  College can be a great time to make new friends and have new experiences, but that will never happen if you sit in your dorm room and play video games by yourself all day.

Along that note, get a life and stop studying every waking hour. I know that the test you have in two weeks is important, but you will soon find there is more to life than sitting in the library every night and weekend.

Another important part of having the best time you can at here at ULM is to have school spirit.  I know that we may not be the biggest or best school in the state, but you should pride yourself on how great our school is for its size.

Go to all of the sports events, not just the football games.  Go crazy for your team, paint your face, dress up in a crazy costume and for the love of all that is good in this world, stop wearing LSU gear around campus.

You go to ULM, not LSU, so show your love to where you go, not where you wish you did.  If you love LSU that much, just go ahead and transfer.

One last thing that can make your time here at ULM is to pursue what you love.  I know your counselor at school told you what major to take that would have the best job prospects, but you need to forget that.

You may get excited for that first paycheck, but in 20 years when you’re miserable and hate going to work every day, what good is that paycheck going to do?

For the most part whatever you study in college is going to be what you do for the rest of your life, so pick something that you love and can be passionate about and then the money won’t matter.

As much as I despise with a great passion the phrase “YOLO,” it is true, you do only live once, but to end my time here at ULM I think I will resort to a quote from the poet Horace, “Carpe Diem.”

Seize the day. Make the most of every day you have here, because after four years the real world comes, knocks on your door and takes you away.