The Independent Voice of Southern Methodist University Since 1915

The Daily Campus

The Daily Campus

The Independent Voice of Southern Methodist University Since 1915

The Daily Campus

The Independent Voice of Southern Methodist University Since 1915

The Daily Campus

SMUs Tyreek Smith dunks as the Mustangs run up the scoreboard against Memphis in Moody Coliseum.
SMU finds new head coach for men’s basketball
Brian Richardson, Contributor • March 28, 2024
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Carpe Diem SMU

Straight Talkin’
 Carpe Diem SMU
Carpe Diem SMU

Carpe Diem SMU

And so it comes to an end, the final Straight Talkin’ of my career. There are so many things to say in so little space.

Looking back on the semester, it is difficult to pick the out the things that I would like to touch on in my final column.

First, I would like to thank those on The Daily Campus staff. My loving boss lady and the “master of disaster” Feras. They have both made my semester very interesting. While I am on The Daily Campus, topic I would like to thank Judy Babb for the last three semesters, we have definitely had a wonderful time together.

I would like to recognize a few friends for their help in inspiring the business that has become Straight Talkin.’ Last weekend two of my pals and I took off on a road trip in search of the culmination of business. We found it in a little hole in the wall in South Bend, Ind. Guys, there are not many people who get it done like us. I love you guys, and remember, don’t ever adjourn a meeting before the CEO says so.

I would like to thank the ladies of the Pi Beta Phi house for their wonderful back-to-back Pike Powder Puff championships. Ladies, you did a wonderful job and make sure to shine the plaques when necessary.

I spent a major portion of the semester trying to bring alive the spirit of this campus. I am glad to say that the students responded and brought out the best in this university. Hopefully in a few years, I can return to my alma mater and see the spirit flowing from the heart of the university.

I don’t think that the problem lies just in the student body or the win-loss record of our programs. I think that a portion also lies on the faculty. I have not brought this issue up in my several columns, but through extensive research, I found that the faculty constantly speaks poorly of our programs.

I found myself sitting in classes and listening to professors verbally abuse the athletic programs and what they represent. Shouldn’t the whole school be uniting behind the programs that help bring recognition to the school and what we, SMU, represent?

I could fill up this whole paper on the ideas that would help turn around the student body, faculty and administration’s support for our teams, but I don’t think the “master of disaster” would allow it.

I am going to leave the clean-up spot to the SMU marketing department, who has done a great job so far, and I will look to see more great things to come.

I think the athletic department as a whole is on the right track with the committment plan that they put into action earlier in the semester. If the faculty, staff and students would get on the same track, we would be right were we need to be.

The hiring of Phil Bennett will do wonders for the football program. I attended some of the spring practices and saw an immediate change in the way the football team practiced. Bennett was coaching everything that was moving on the field, and I loved it. The staff that he has assembled will take the team to new heights.

I would like to acknowledge someone who doesn’t get much press around campus, video coordinator Mike Maples. The precision that he brings to the team is irreplaceable.

Now, I would like to thank those who have made my stay here at SMU very pleasing.

To my Strategic Writing I professor who inspired me to embark on the journalistic path: Nina Flournoy, I thank you. I would also like to thank all of my professors from the corporate communications and public affairs degree program.

To my roommate of two years Michael Brown thanks for the great times at the old apartment No. 633. If I don’t see you for awhile, we shall meet in Bricktown soon. And to the better half, I love you too and would like to thank you for the memories.

To the man from Puerto Vallarta that knows only about Pepe’s Tacos and the poles on the sides of the street, say hello to junior if you see him hanging around.

Best regards, Joseph M. Medlin. P.S. Sara Ritter said she had fun too, and thanks for listening.

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