't^f- m^i 0/u,hi no^jQ, gjg^rtyciy /«/* yimm .wl o ■R REDOOEr Reuse, Recyciemania: See Paue 3 FEATURES What the hellP! It's What the Hell Gen GUILFORD'S ODDEST TRADITION BRINGS COMMUNITY TOGETHER CELEBRATION OF GEEKERY By Alex Lindberg Staff Writer From board games to video games, from the Iron Chef: College Edition competition to the Geek Auction, from bad movies to bad anime, it is no wonder that Guilford College's annual What the Hell?! Con is such a large event. Sponsored by the Yachting Club, this self- advertised geek convention offers something for anyone with an interest in science fiction, fantasy or gaming. The convention this year hosted events and shows including the fire-dancing group Flaming Faeries, a debate on "the relative awesomeness of things (con- goers) love" in the realm of geekdom and two wizard rock concerts, featuring music based on the Harry Potter series performed by the bands The Blibbering Humdingers and Hawthorne & Holly. WTHCon also reprised its classic events such as the Crapathon, or "the worst clips of crap your con organizers can find," and the Geek Auction, where bidders buy dances with "young geeks" to benefit charity. These events traditionally bring a good-sized crowd to Guilford. See "WTHCon" on Page 7 Knights from the European Medieval Arts of Arms school demonstrate their skills on the lawn in front of Duke.The EMAA Knights have been a regular feature ofWTHCon for several years. FEATURES Quest for purpose: a personal profile of Matt “Essa” White By Maxwell Taylor Guest Writer Matt “Essa” White (left), the Islamic Center's official coordinator for new Muslims, discusses the Qu'ran, Muslims in Greensboro, and the history, customs and practices of Islam. It is Friday afternoon at the Islamic Center of Greensboro and the parking lot is bustling as designated men moderate traffic. Footwear is discarded at the entrance. The Khutbah sermon is moments from beginning. Located on 16th Street, the Islamic Center is a cultural medley of devout Muslims hailing from the far reaches of the globe, with an estimated 30 nationalities represented. Many of its members immigrated from northern Africa, as well as Malaysia and Bangladesh. One man was not familiar with the teachings of Islam in his native Venezuela. Matt "Essa" White finds himself going through the preparative motions on this overcast Friday. White is a slender man with fair complexion and an alluring presence. White's precise knowledge of Muslim culture, complemented by an ability to relate to others, combine in his role as the Islamic Center's official coordinator See "White" on Page 8 NEWS Cloud IX? Athletics department begins Title IX seltstudy By Victor Lopez Staff Writer The Guilford College Athletics Department is in the process of completing a Title IX self-study that will evaluate gender equity, among other criteria that Title IX sets forth. Tom Palombo, head men's basketball coach and athletic director, told The Guilfordian that he expects the report to be completed by the close of the spring 2012 semester. The 1972 Title IX Educational Act prohibits gender discrimination in colleges and universities. A 1974 amendment extended the law to include discrimination in athletic programs. Sports Information Director and Assistant Director of Athletics David Walters told The Guilfordian that the self- study will address how compliant the athletics department is in operating under Title IX. "The self-study should address both gender equity and Title IX," said Walters. "I find it hard to believe that colleges and universities would blatantly show favoritism based on gender, but it happens." The National College Athletics Association requires division-three schools — like Guilford — to conduct self- studies every five years in order to remain NCAA-certified. Robert Malekoff, assistant professor of sports studies and department chair, will be compiling the self-study. Malekoff told The Guilfordian that gender inequity is defined by how individual athletes are received by their peers. See "Title IX" on Page 2 , WWW.GUILF0RDIAN.G0M ' L Scan here with your smartphone! Find us on: 4 Justyn Melrose