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Change in homecoming tradition fosters inclusion LUKE MOLEN reporter
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Chancellor Pembrook discusses East St. Louis Center, inclusion, campus innovation at Q&A KEEGAN GAUWITZ reporter
SIUE Chancellor Randy Pembrook hosted his second Q&A of the fall 2017 semester, Monday, Sept. 11 at SIUE’s East St. Louis Center to discuss the upcoming Board of Trustees meeting, campus inclusion, innovation and the relationship between the main campus and the East St. Louis community. Pembrook began by outlining the basics of his upcoming salary proposal he will present before the Board of Trustees Wednesday, Sept. 13 and Thursday, Sept. 14. “We’ll be proposing a two percent increase, retroactive to last year, July 1, 2016-17, then another two percent for ’17-’18. So, we hope that the Board feels good about that and approves it on Thursday morning,” Pembrook said. Pembrook also said he plans to propose a practice plan for the dental program. This plan would allow the dental faculty to be more active in continuing to
work professionally, keeping their skills up so the university could retain those employees and keep the dental program strong. On the topic of diversity, Pembrook said that the Edwardsville campus has been working to organize recruiting and financial aid information in a way that diversifies the students the university draws in. Pembrook said the campus is also working closely with students from the charter high school and programs such as Upward Bound — a federally funded college prep program for middle school and high school students from low-income areas. According to Pembrook, SIUE is also bringing a sustained dialogue program to the campus, where students are encouraged to meet and discuss differences and diversity. Associate Chancellor for the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion Vanessa Brown said SIUE is beginning to live its values of inclusion as the program and enrollment have continued to change. “We’ve seen the early signs
of change by receiving the HEED Award — the 2017 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award … I think we’re moving in the right direction,” Brown said. East St. Louis Center Executive Director, Jesse Dixon, concluded the Q&A thanking Pembrook for his sincerity when he came to East St. Louis as part of Pembrook’s interview process. “One of the things that I remember was your reaction to coming down here — 15-16 months ago — and the real interest at what was down here, and really digging into the development of the East St. Louis Center,” Dixon said. Dixon continued, asking Pembrook what reflections he has on the East St. Louis Center and their role in the university — as well as the opportunities the community provides — after a year as chancellor. Pembrook said his interest in East St. Louis began with the charter high school, and the difference it is making in the lives of young people. In addition, Pembrook was drawn to the rich history of East St. Louis as it relates
to the arts. “I think we’ve followed through on some of those developments this year. I think the arts program has come along,” Pembrook said. Pembrook said he is most interested in improving East St. Louis’s relationship as a community with SIUE. Pembrook said he recently spoke with National Association for the Advancement of Colored People leader, Stan Franklin to discuss a program called ACTSO, which allows students to compete in regional and national competitions in various areas of study such as music, chemistry and entrepreneurship. Franklin said in other communities, the program provides students with mentors to help prepare them for competition. In order to strengthen the program, Pembrook said he has spoken to faculty about recruiting mentors to work on building a connection between SIUE and ACT-SO.
Student Body President Ramon DeShazer said. Student Government is working with these local communities, meeting with donors to bring the supplies to campus where they are sorting and distributing it accordingly, Massey said. The relief effort originally began to assist victims of Hurricane Harvey, but as Irma, Jose and Katia grew, the donation broadened to assistance for all four tropical storms, DeShazer said. “SIUE students can bring donations into the Student Government office [SSC 1208].
We’re accepting all donations, but monetary donations are the big ones that we’re aiming for to aid Houston. Most of the item donations will go to the storms happening in Florida,” DeShazer said. “We’re taking anything that anyone is willing to offer. No amount is too small, whether that’s a monetary donation or just donations in general. We actually have a pile started already in the office,” Student Government’s Director of External Affairs, Ethan Massey said. DeShazer said Houston is currently receiving a large number of item donations, and ef-
forts are now being made to raise money to begin rebuilding areas of the city. Currently, the list of needed items includes, but are not limited to: non-perishable food items, bottled water, lightly-used clothing and shoes of all sizes, underclothes, first-aid items, books, toiletries, baby diapers and formula, blankets and cleaning supplies. Massey said the idea for the drive originally began following a conversation he and DeShazer had after Hurricane Harvey. “He brought me into the office and brought up Texas, and I immediately knew where he was
The Kimmel Student Involvement Center has decided to alter the 60-year-old homecoming tradition of Homecoming Queen and King, having determined time for new royalty has arrived. Rather than selecting two individuals of the opposite gender for a queen and king, two candidates will be elected “Homecoming Royalty.” This change is aimed to create a more inclusive community by not limiting the selection to gender. “I feel that this change is necessary,” Student Homecoming Chair Dominique Davis said in a Kimmel Student Involvement Center press release. “Implementing the royalty court is just one of the first steps toward a welcoming and supportive environment.” The two royalty members will be announced before the start of the homecoming men’s soccer game 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7. The two candidates will be chosen from a pool of 10 potential selections, who all will be judged on three criteria: their applications, interviews and number of student body votes. Each category will account for a third of the overall score. “This update from ‘Queen and King’ to ‘Royalty’ widens the scope of opportunity for SIUE’s community to participate in Homecoming activities,” Assistant Director of Campus Life Andrea Keller said in a Kimmel Student Involvement Center press release. “Moving away from the previous process allows us to be more welcoming and uphold a more transparent, student-focused scoring method.” Applications have been available since Sept. 6 and will close on Sept. 21. Interviews will take place on Sept. 25 and 26, followed by the announcement of the final 10 candidates within the same week. Students will vote for the winners Oct. 2 and 3 on the CollegiateLink webpage.
Student government aims to assist hurricane victims KEEGAN GAUWITZ reporter
SIUE Student Government is hosting a donation drive the weeks of September 18-22 and 25-29 to collect items to relieve victims of hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Jose and Katia. Student Government is reaching out to students, faculty, staff and all surrounding communities for help. “Overall, it’s an effort between the SIUE community and surrounding communities. So far, we’ve already received donations from St. Louis, Belleville, Edwardsville and Glen Carbon,”
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going with a drive. Now, because of Irma, we decided it would be more effective to do a hurricane relief drive, rather than just focusing on Harvey,” Massey said. Pharmacy student Anna White, of Roscoe, Ill said she is happy to see student representatives reaching out to the victims and giving everyone else on campus the opportunity to help as well. “It’s cool to see the Student Senate taking action on their own accord. I think it positively represents the student body as a whole and hopefully everyone will contribute to helping the victims,” White said.
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Fresh Check Day
CHLOE RICE editor-in-chief
Students learn importance of mental health awareness ZEKE TORRES reporter
KENDRA MARTIN managing editor MIRANDA LINTZENICH lifestyles editor
MADISON O’BRIEN sports editor BRIDGET CHRISTNER opinion editor
RYAN BIERI online editor KALLI MORRIS social media editor
TAYLOR FLEIG KEEGAN GAUWITZ CORINTHIA JORDAN LUKE MOLEN ZEKE TORRES reporters
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BREANNA BOOKER TRENT STUART copy editors JOANN WEAVER graphics manager NICHOLAS AGADI advertising manager DELENA STOKES AMRI WILDER office secretaries ANGIE TROUT office manager TAMMY MERRETT program director Have a comment? Let us know! opinion@alestlelive.com The Alestle Campus Box 1167 Edwardsville, Ill. 62026-1167 Letters to the Editor Policy: The editors, staff and publishers of the Alestle believe in the free exchange of ideas, concerns and opinions and will publish as many letters as possible. Letters may be submitted at the Alestle office: Morris University Center, Room 2022 e-mail at opinion@alestlelive.com All hard copy letters should be typed and double-spaced. Letters should be no longer than 500 words. Include phone number, signature, class rank and major. We reserve the right to edit letters for grammar and content. Care will be taken to ensure that the letter’s message is not lost or altered. Letters to the editor will not be printed anonymously except under extreme circumstances. We reserve the right to reject letters.
The name Alestle is an acronym derived from the names of the three campus locations of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville: Alton, East St. Louis and Edwardsville. The Alestle is published on Thursdays in print and on Tuesdays online during the fall and spring semesters. A print edition is available every other Wednesdays during summer semesters. For more information, call 618-650-3528. For advertising, email advertising@alestlelive.com.
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The Stratton Quadrangle was filled with informational booths, for Fresh Check Day on Thursday, Sept 7. This event was sponsored through iCare which allows organizations to put on events like Fresh Check Day thanks to a 3-year federal grant, according to Kelly Gable, an associate professor in the School of Pharmacy and investigator for iCare. One of the first booths of the loop was the 9/10 booth, run by School of Pharmacy graduate student Sarah Henderson, of Glen Carbon. The 9/10 booth represents one out of every ten students contemplate suicide and the other nine students can be there as a resource, according to Henderson. Henderson believes this issue may not be getting the recognition it needs. “This is a huge deal. Mental health awareness is an underlaid issue. It is good for students to know that they can talk to others,” Henderson said. Henderson said this was her first time working at a Fresh Check Day, but said she saw a lot of success and hopes students walked away from her booth with a clear message. “Be the one to look for signs and know the resources available that can help, and that there is help out there,” Henderson said. One of the booths was for substance abuse awareness, which gave the students a chance to put on blood alcohol concentration goggles to see what it is like to be at a .08 blood alcohol level.
Gable was in charge of the booth. Gable said she hopes her booth helped students with their self-awareness. “Many people, after a night
of drinking, think they have the confidence to drive. Be responsible and be mindful of how much you have drank,” Gable said. Senior political science major Eddie Siemer, of Teutopolis,
Students register for Fresh Check Day events hosted by SIUE Thursday, Sept. 7, in the Stratton Quadrangle. The event promotes a “check-in” on the mental health of college students while providing stress-relieving activities. | Allison Gregory / The Alestle
Left, junior math major Kathryn Marlow, of Mount Vernon, and senior social work major Kourtney Cash, of Bluford, participate in a Fresh Check Day activity hosted by SIUE Thursday, Sept. 7, in the Stratton Quadrangle. | Allison Gregory / The Alestle
who was operating the booth Elephant In The Room, said he hopes students can realize they are not alone when it comes to certain issues. Elephant in the Room’s table had cards where students could write something they are uncomfortable with, in hopes students can see this and realize someone else is dealing with a similar issue. “All of us here want to bring awareness. Hopefully, students can realize that they aren’t alone and some of the issues they go through aren’t uncommon,” Siemer said. Another organization present was Delta Phi Epsilon for their philanthropy event, Be Younique. Junior business major Evelyn Chapman, of Edwardsville, said events like Fresh Check Day are what have inspired her to make her voice heard. “[Be Younique] is about promoting a healthy personality. I personally know people who have been affected by thinking they don’t, so it’s important to me to bring awareness to this subject,” Chapman said. Be Younique promotes loving yourself, where students can write things they like about themselves and embrace themselves. Chapman said their booth had a great turnout and received an average of 10 people every half hour. For more information on iCare, their upcoming events, or just to get in contact with someone, visit “ICARE SIUE” on Facebook.
ZEKE TORRES
650-3527 @ztorres_alestle ztorres@alestlelive.com
A safe space for students
Ashley Cox takes role as new confidential advisor TAYLOR FLEIG reporter
Ashley Cox has been providing support for victims at SIUE and Madison County by taking on her new role as confidential advisor. She began this role June 5. According to Cox, her duties include confidentially discussing topics such as assault, sexual harassment and stalking with clients. “I started out my career years ago doing domestic violence work in a law enforcement setting. I was stationed at the Jefferson County, Missouri Sheriff ’s Office,” Cox said. “I was paired with a detective in the agency and he would help find suspects, while I would help victims. This heightened victim accountability while helping victims.” After leaving the Sheriff ’s Department, Cox went back to school at Oakland University. After completing her Master’s degree in Experimental Psychology, she was employed by Call for Help. “Basically, Call For Help has taken over the confidential role; I am the point person for SIUE,” Cox said. “I am the options lady. Basically you can talk to me about options dealing about those issues. I don’t have to report to the
university, the police or parents. I am completely confidential, which is different from other employees at the university who have to report to the Title IX office.” Call for Help is a social service agency that has served the Metro East community for over 47 years. The Sexual Assault Victims Care Unit opened in Decem-
“I am from Edwardsville, so this is my community. This is a place where I want people to respond better to sexual assault than they did before,” Cox said. Cox is excited to come back to her roots and serve the community. Cox said she can refer people to programs and counselors, as well as help them understand court cases and police reports. Cox can also help file paperwork and go to court with clients. “I am not a counselor, I am more case management,” Cox said. “Helping people through their healing process is probably the favorite part of my job, as well as a coordinating victim services around the county.” Cox wishes for survivors to understand that there are countless options to consider when deciding what is right for them. “There are many options to assist people through their healing process and there’s no right
“I am from Edwardsville, so this is my community. This is a place where I want people to respond better to sexual assault than they did before.“ ASHLEY COX confidential advisor
ber 1977. The agency’s mission is to equip individuals to overcome crisis, trauma and hopelessness through stabilization, transitional and support programs to help them achieve their maximum potential. Call for Help is the only designated rape crisis center serving Madison, St. Clair, Randolph, Monroe and now Jersey counties.
or wrong way to do it,” Cox said. “Don’t feel pressure from friends and family to do a certain thing. Ultimately [the option you chose] is your decision and nobody elses.” SIUE is just one of the two schools in Illinois that has received a campus grant to fund this position. This grant is classified under Grants to Reduce Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence and Stalking on Campus Program and is received through the United States Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW). “A lot of counselors aren’t specifically trained in trauma and how to deal with sexual assault survivors, so it’s good to have someone specialized in that on our campus,” junior philosophy major Kat Sterman, of Columbia, said. You can reach the 24-hour Crisis Hotline at 618-397-0975. If you are interested in volunteer opportunities contact Bailey Baker at: bbaker@callforhelpinc. org.
TAYLOR FLEIG
650-3527 @tfleig_alestle tfleig@alestlelive.com
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Chancellor ready to present salary proposal in response to budget 09.12.17 A subject advised he wanted his girlfriend to leave, but she refused to leave. The officer contacted the girlfriend who departed without incident. An officer responded to a fire alarm at 412 Cougar Village. The alarm was activated by cooking. There was minor smoke, but no fire or damage. A subject reported that his girlfriend had gotten mad when he wanted to leave and slapped him in the face. Khasis A. Perry (18 years old, 156 South Main Street, Glen Carbon) was arrested for domestic battery and resisting a police officer. On Sept. 12 at 12:29 a.m., Perry was transported to the SIUE Police Department where she was booked. Perry was transported to the Madison County Jail pending arraignment before a judge.
09.11.17 An officer issued a state citation for speeding 60 mph in a 45 mph zone on South University Drive near Stadium Drive. An officer responded to a fire alarm at 528 Cougar Village. The alarm was activated due to cooking. There was no fire, smoke or damage. An officer responded to a reported scofflaw violation. The subject signed the acceptance of responsibility form. A subject reported her wallet had been stolen from her room sometime last week. A subject reported that someone had damaged his bicycle when they moved it from the Prairie Hall bike rack to Woodland Hall without his approval. An officer took possession of an Illinois license plate that had been found in the School of Pharmacy parking lot. An officer took possession of a found cell phone. An officer responded to a report of a two-vehicle traffic accident.
09.10.17 An officer stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation and issued Tonyae C. Thomas a civil citation for possession of drug paraphernalia and a state citation for no valid registration on East University Drive. An officer stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation and issued a civil citation to Florentine Selimi for possession of cannabis — less than 10 grams on North University near Hairpin Drive. A written warning for expired registration was also issued.
A subject reported that his car had been scratched while parked in the Woodland Hall parking lot. An officer issued a written warning for disobeying a stop sign at East University Drive and North University Drive.
09.09.17 A subject turned in a set of keys that were found on the dumpster at Korte Stadium. An officer issued a written warning for disobeying a stop sign at Circle Drive and Residence Drive. A subject reported that while jogging on the trail heading north from the Gardens parking lot, two males yelled for him to stop and then began following as he continued jogging. An officer checked the area for the suspects with negative results. An officer responded to a two vehicle traffic accident on Lot B. An officer responded to a fire alarm at 510 Cougar Village. The alarm was activated by cooking. There was no fire, smoke or damage. A subject found a cardboard box, which was determined to contain a software program including books and CDs. A subject turned in a set of keys that had been found in Lot 8. An SIUE student reported that he had loaned his vehicle to a friend at 3:00 p.m., and his friend had not yet returned it. While the officer was speaking with the student, the friend called and advised he was returning the vehicle. The vehicle was returned to the student undamaged.
09.08.17 A subject reported that a male suspect had pointed a handgun at her in Woodland Hall and demanded her wallet. Officers located the suspect who advised it was just a prank that was being videotaped. The firearm was found to be a BB pistol. Investigation continues. A officer stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation and issued a civil citation to Hunter J. Warrick for possession of cannabis under 10 grams on East University Drive near Highway 157. A written warning was also issued for expired registration. An officer issued a written warning for driving without lights when required on Cougar Lake Drive near Lot 4B. A state citation was issued for speeding 45 mph in a 25 mph on North University Road near Lot 10.
KEEGAN GAUWITZ reporter
SIUE Chancellor Randy Pembrook is set to present a new faculty and staff salary proposal to the SIU Board of Trustees at their meeting Thursday, Sept. 14. In a Q&A hosted by Pembrook, he said the SIUE leadership staff began developing the salary program immediately after receiving the news of the Illinois state budget passing. “It’s been three years since we had an adjustment. It’s been a challenge and I’m pleased that we’ll be able to move forward from that,” Pembrook said On Sept. 1, Pembrook sent an email to faculty and staff summarizing the terms of the salary proposal. The message to the staff thanked them for their diligent work throughout the state’s budget crisis. Pembrook said their sacrifice and dedication continues to make the university better. The outline of Pembrook’s proposal includes the request of a two percent salary increase for eligible SIUE employees, effective from July 1, 2016 for the fiscal year 2016-2017, and another two percent increase for eligible employees beginning July 1, 2017 for the fiscal year of 2017-2018. Pembrook said the salary increase would apply to employees who are not in a union, as well as union employees who have a closed contract containing a salary change clause benchmarked to non-represented salary adjustments. For employees in unions with open contracts, compensation will be part of the contract discussions. Mathematics Professor and Faculty Senate President Marcus Agustin said the proposal
Chancellor Randy Pembrook will present the salary proposal to the Board of Trustees 10 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 14 at SIUE School of Dental Medicine in Alton. | Alestle File Photo
has been thoroughly assessed by SIUE faculty, staff and student representatives. “The proposal has a lot of input from both the faculty and staff through the [University Planning and Budget Council]. Their members are appointed by the faculty senate, and staff members appointed by the staff senate, then there is also a student member. So, this is a proposal that has been vetted between the different constituency groups here at SIUE,” Agustin said. Student Body President and UPBC student representative Ramon DeShazer agreed that the proposal has been rigorously evaluated by the council and that Pembrook wasted no time beginning to outline the plan. “[Pembrook] and his leader-
ship staff have been working diligently to make sure our faculty and staff are getting these raises they deserve. I know it was the first thing on their agenda after the state budget passed,” DeShazer said. Pembrook’s email concluded by clarifying that the Board of Trustees must approve any changes before they can be implemented. Assuming the Board approves the proposed salary adjustment, Pembrook will inform the faculty and staff within two weeks, including the details about special adjustments, pay out schedules and other relevant matters.
KEEGAN GAUWITZ
650-3527 @kgauwitz_alestle kgauwitz@alestlelive.com
Student Action strives for affordable tuition TAYLOR FLEIG reporter
Student Action was started September 2016, with the goal of focusing on more affordable tuition for college students. The club supports the campaign, Tuition Free Illinois, which works toward free tuition for state colleges for residents living in the state. “When we talk about Tuition Free Illinois, we want it to be incorporated with all people that are here on legal terms and children that came into this country young,” president of Student Action and junior political science major Zack Nunn, of Granite City, said. Vice President of Student Action and senior political science major Kevin Romo, of Granite City, said even though the proposed change might not affect him directly, it is important for future college students. “I know it won’t be an effort for the people doing it right now; it’ll be very selfless and it’s not going to be paid off while we are in school,” Romo said. “But our brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews will have the pleasure of going to a tuition free college. We want the generation behind us to get education more comfortably.” According to Tuition Free Illinois, the campaign allows undocumented immigrants to receive financial aid as well. This is
similar to the original idea of Tuition Free Illinois but also guarantees that immigrant children can get free education. “I feel like this could lead kids to a better path instead of going to the streets right after high school,” Romo said. “There a lot of intelligent people out there, some just don’t have the means to go to school.” In addition, Tuition Free Illinois recognizes that the United States is one of the only major countries in the world that doesn’t provide free higher education and aims to change that. “It’s unfair because it’s almost as if kids are being punished for seeking out higher education. They’re leaving school drowning in debt. Now a college degree is as essential as a high school diploma,” Nunn said. Student Action has organized rallies, participated in local protests and lobbied in Springfield to convince legislators to sponsor Tuition Free Illinois. “Last year lobbying was one of the best things that we did. We protested here on campus and we didn’t get a lot of people out, so we didn’t seem as effective as I wanted,” Romo said. “However when we did go lobbying, having that one-on-one connection with my legislators was more effective in getting things done both in the capital and in the streets and I’m happy about the turnout.” Nunn said another accomplishment for Student Action was last year’s phone bank.
“Last year we organized a phone bank and got 33 students to call senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth to oppose Betsy Devos as Secretary of Education,” Nunn said. According to senior political science major Bryon Pierson of O’Fallon, on President Donald Trump’s inauguration, a rally was formed by Student Action to oppose the new presidency. “My favorite part was doing the inauguration rally that we did on Trump’s inauguration day,” Pierson said. Student Action is still welcoming new members that are interested in becoming a part of the organization. “Our goal for Student Action as an organization is to get more students involved, have a fundraiser, push local politician to support Tuition Free Illinois and elect politicians that will support Tuition Free Illinois,” Nunn said. The next Student Action Meeting is 5 p.m. Tuesday, September 19 in the MUC Board Room. “We want to be bringing people together around a common goal and get people to fight for something they believe in. There’s a lot of energy in people as far as politics,” Nunn said.
TAYLOR FLEIG
650-3530 @tfleig_alestle tfleig@alestlelive.com
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LIFESTYLES alestlelive.com
F L O W R A T S
SIUE alumni Tim Moore and Chris Rhein stand with band mate Max Sauer of Starwolf before their set Saturday, Sept. 9.
contact the editor: lifestyles@alestlelive.com 650-3527 thursday, 09.14.17
| Miranda Lintzenich / The Alestle
SIUE alumni on the road to reaching stardom Local band plays at LouFest, now working on a new record
MIRANDA LINTZENICH lifestyles editor Retro Space Funk is not a particularly popular genre, but the crowd at LouFest seemed to appreciate the integrative sounds. In Starwolf ’s music, you can hear influences of ‘80s new wave synthesizers mixed with modern indie sounds, not unlike what you’d hear from bands like Flaming Lips or The Shins. The band itself consists of three people — SIUE alumnus Chris Rhein, 29, of Belleville, and SIUE alumnus Tim Moore, 33, of Springfield and their friend Max Sauer, 30, of Springfield. Rhein said LouFest was a great opportunity to reach potential fans and to gain more of a following. “We are such a new band and this is a great opportunity to reach people we think we wouldn’t reach normally,” Rhein said. “We would want people to know that they should listen to us, but we want our music to speak for itself.” The biggest opportunity for Starwolf so far was playing at LouFest, second being Delmar Hall, according to Sauer. “We submitted our songs and apparently they liked them. So, here we are,” Sauer said. “We started as an ‘80s cover band, and we loved playing that music at small town bars.” Although they loved the music, they could tell the audience wanted a different sound, according to Rhein. “We could tell the audience wasn’t as into it,” Rhein said. “We didn’t get bored or anything, but it wasn’t really gratifying for the audience.”
The band decided to go a different route — Retro Space Funk. “Really it was a mix of ‘70s and ‘80s. But [making music] sort of happens naturally. We like to try a bunch of different things,” Moore said. “It stems from a love for those instruments from that time period mostly.” The band credits most of their unified sound to their chemistry. “Max and I used to have a band in high school and we would play with Chris’ band sometimes,” Moore said. “Eventually, we just made Chris play with us, and here we are,” Sauer said. Instead of pushing their music, Moore said he wants potential fans to find them and really enjoy their sound. “We want people to find us organically. Either you love [our music], like it, or hate it,” Moore said. According to Rhein, LouFest was just the beginning for Starwolf, as they have new music on the way. “We write purely for ourselves. This is really for us to enjoy,” Rhein said. “Currently, we are working on a new EP. We have a few singles on Spotify, but now we have a record in the works.” The bands upcoming gigs and music can be found at www.starwolftheband.com. MIRANDA LINTZENICH 650-3527 @mlintz_alestle mlintzenich@alestlelive.com
Left, Sauer plays keyboard during Starwolf’s set. Right, Rhein sings lead vocals and plays guitar for the crowd.
| Miranda Lintzenich / The Alestle
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SNOOP DOGG, MARIAN HILL AND WEEZER PLAY AT LOUFEST
Top Left, Brandon Bell, Rivers Cuomo and Scott Shriner, of Weezer, play together on Sunday, Sept. 10 Top Right, Samantha Gongol of Marian Hill, sings on Saturday, Sept. 9. Bottom left, The guitarist for Johnny P. plays on Saturday, Sept. 9. Bottom Right, Snoop Dogg closes LouFest day one. | Photos by Miranda Lintzenich \ The Alestle
HAPPY BIRTHDAY NAS: TOP FIVE BEST SONGS KENDRA MARTIN managing editor “Nas is like the afrocentric Asian / halfman, half amazing.” That line is from “It Ain’t Hard to Tell” on Nas’ critically acclaimed album “Illmatic” which came out when Nas was only 21 years old. Over the last two decades, Nas has continued to be an influence on hip hop music and has been an inspiration the artists that came before and after him. Nas celebrates his 44th birthday Sept. 14, and I have compiled a list of my top five favorite Nas songs, in honor of the legendary Queensbridge emcee.
‘TAKE IT IN BLOOD’
Universally speaking, many would agree that “Illmatic” is Nas’ best album, but I would argue that “It Was Written” has some of the best songs of Nas’ career — “Take It In Blood” is a prime example of that. This song exhibits Nas’ giftedness when it comes to rhyming and his pen. The internal rhyme schemes throughout the song are completely out of this world.
‘2ND CHILDHOOD’
This was the song that solidified Nas as my favorite rapper. When I first heard it, it was my ringtone for months (when ringtones were cool, of course). I was in awe of the production that DJ Premier provided, and there was no one who could rap over the beat better than Nas. It embodied the New York sound. Nas’ flow on this song is one of his absolute best. He doesn’t miss any steps as he depicts three different people in three different verses — himself, a man and woman in their 30s who are in their second childhood. It’s a song with a message that doesn’t sound preachy and that’s what I like about it.
‘PURPLE’
‘UNDYING LOVE’
Storytelling is probably my favorite part of rhyming and this song introduced me to that. “Undying Love” is like listening to a movie, it is so vivid. I could picture everything he raps in my head. Not many rappers can do that. Storytelling is an underrated skill that not many emcees have, but this song is proof Nas is one of the best at it. When it comes to great storytellers, I have to put Nas up there with Slick Rick, Biggie and Ghostface.
‘THE WORLD IS YOURS’
This is arguably the best song on “Illimatic.” Like DJ Premier, there was no better match for this Pete Rock production than Nas. It was like Nas was rapping on the finest cloud, because the flow just came so seamlessly. This song was like a prequel to “If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)” because of the inspiring message and hook, but did not feel like it was reaching for the commercial sound. It just worked. This is not only one his best songs, but one of the best hip hop songs of all time.
This is one of Nas’ most underrated songs from his compilation album, “The Lost Tapes.” Nas raps over the minimalistic production; he remains the star of the song and the production doesn’t completely take over. This song contains one of my favorite verses from him — the second verse where he depicts what he has seen growing KENDRA MARTIN 650-3527 up in Queensbridge and how similar it is to different hoods from all over the country. It was relatable and the picture he @kmartin_alestle painted was applaudable. kmartin@alestlelive.com
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Support DACA: children have the right to stay Five years ago, the Department of Homeland Security created the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program. According to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, this program allows people who came to the United States as children, who meet specific qualifications, the ability to request consideration of deferred action for a period of two years. Last week, President Donald Trump’s administration formally announced the end of the DACA program. Since then, the Department of Homeland Security has stopped processing any new applications for the program. According to Vox Media, over the years, DACA has been supported by many businesses and educational facilities, while also grabbing the attention of Democrats and even some Republicans. We at the Alestle believe DACA was a great contribution to society. If you take into consid-
eration how many people in the program have known the U.S. as their home for their entire lives, the removal of the program is not justifiable. While this is a national issue, this controversy may hit closer to home than you think. Many of the people who could be affected by this are college students, even at SIUE. This past week, Chancellor Randy Pembrook sent a letter to all university students and employees in regards to the DACA program. The email explained to students that as of January 2017, SIUE joined hundreds of university and college presidents/chancellors in signing the statement in support of the DACA program. Also according to Vox, nearly 800,000 people who have been under its protection have made lives for themselves here in the U.S. since the program was founded. To send these people
to a place that is foreign to them when they have families, established careers and receive higher education in the United States is not the foundation America was built on. “As I’ve said before, we will resolve the DACA issue with heart and compassion — but through the lawful democratic process — while at the same time ensuring that any immigration reform we adopt provides enduring benefits for the American citizens we were elected to serve. We must also have heart and compassion for unemployed, struggling and forgotten Americans,” Trump said after the announcement was made. This action enacted by Trump has left many Americans infuriated, and many people have begun to speak out. Former President Barrack Obama posted a Facebook message condemning Trump’s choice. “This is about young people who grew up in America – kids
who study in our schools, young adults who are starting careers, patriots who pledge allegiance to our flag,” Obama said. “These dreamers are Americans in their hearts, in their minds, in every single way but one: on paper.” Celebrities such as Mark Zuckerberg, Stephen Colbert, Cher and Nikki Reed have all used their used social media accounts as a platform to speak out about what they call injustice. According to Congress officials, no one’s DACA status will be revoked before it expires, and anyone’s status that expires by March 5, 2018 has one month to apply for a new two-year permit. According to Vox, nearly 300,000 people could begin to lose their status in 2018 if DACA does expire. “What makes us American is our fidelity to a set of ideals – that all of us are created equal; that all of us deserve the chance to make of our lives what we will; that all
of us share an obligation to stand up, speak out and secure our most cherished values for the next generation,” Obama said. It is ultimately up to Congress to act to preserve the program before the DACA recipients begin losing their status. As a campus and community we can continue to show endless amounts of support for those affected on our campus by speaking up for what we believe in and standing with those who are affected. We should be providing a welcoming environment for all. If you or someone you know has concerns regarding DACA or if you would like more information, Director of Undergraduate Admissions, Todd Burrell, is available to contact by phone at 618650-3705 or by email at tburrel@ siue.edu.
Pack the stands, fill the bleachers: Athletics deserves larger, dedicated student section ZEKE TORRES reporter
The Duke University Cameron Crazies, the Indiana State University Forest and the University of Florida Swamp — they may have different names, but the one thing they have in common is they are home to some of the craziest fans in college sports. As a student at SIUE, attending a game as a freshman is a scheduled event. However, many students choose not to go. For those who have attended an SIUE athletic event aside from their first night on campus, it’s easy to see that our school lacks a large, or even consistent, student section. By being part of a student
section, students not only get a chance to represent their school, but they also have the opportunity to get loud, dress up and show school pride with their fellow classmates. This could provide a unique chance to build new friendships and be social in a fun atmosphere. Apart from the obvious cheering and chanting, student sections also give students a chance to be vocal in other ways. Some can even gain leadership skills by planning themes, cheers and meeting days for a student section. Another option is that stu-
dents could also design a shirt for the student section for other students to buy. While it won’t be a huge source of income, it could bring in enough money to pay for a fan bus to travel to big away games. It is also a way for students to invest in something that could potentially benefit the university. Aside from the social aspects, student sections can provide a familiar feeling for fans. We were all in high school and, whether we played a sport or not, we likely saw the student section in action at least once. We sat there making the best of memories in school with old friends. We should be
able to create these new memories in college as well. While not all SIUE sports have had successful results, our teams deserve support through thick and thin. Not only could a better student section show support, but maybe a better playing atmosphere could give our SIUE athletics that extra push they need to have more successful seasons. A student section doesn’t guarantee that a team will win, but it is probably a rewarding feeling for an athlete to have a loud crowd to play in front of instead of an empty gymnasium. Going crazy in a set of bleach-
ers may not be everyone’s idea of fun, and some may be nervous about going and branching out. Regardless, you should go out and try something new and maybe meet your new best friend while screaming like psychos at Korte Stadium or the Vadalabene Center. Do something different, and go pack the seats of the fan section at the next SIUE game because we need a better student section. ZEKE TORRES 650-3527 @ztorres_alestle ztorres@alestlelive.com
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contact the editor: sports@alestlelive.com 650-3527 page 7
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thursday, 09.14.17
Women’s tennis serves-up a great start to the season Christine-Link takes first, two more Cougars reach finals KEEGAN GAUWITZ reporter
SIUE women’s tennis had a successful start to their fall season as two players placed within the top three at the SIUE Fall Invitational tournament Friday, Sept. 8 and Saturday, Sept. 9 at the SIUE tennis courts. The Cougar’s junior leaders Morgan Steffes and Ann Christine-Link gave SIUE their top two results of the weekend. Steffes placed second in flight A singles, falling to Cassie McKenzie of Saint Louis University 1-6, 6-2 and 10-8. Steffes said the pair knew it was going to be a tough competition. “We knew the schools that were coming, and we knew we had to be ready. I think everyone showed up and rose to the occasion. We had a girl in the finals of all three flights,” Steffes said. Christine-Link placed first in flight B singles, defeating Emily Pugachevsky of Eastern Illinois University in the finals 6-3 and 6-2. According to Christine-Link, one of her problems in recent years was getting down on herself and giving up. “[This weekend] I was focused on staying positive on every point and enjoying playing,” Christine-Link said. Sophomore Lara Tupper and freshman Raillane Kamdem participated in flight C singles for the Cougars. Tupper defeated opponents from EIU and SLU in her quarterfinal and semifinal matches, but fell to Karla Contreras of EIU in the finals, earning second place. Kamdem lost her quarterfinal matchup against Ariana Rodriguez of SLU, but battled back to win her consolation semifinal
match against Western Illinois University’s Maria Bessmertnaya. Kamdem was defeated by Wijesinghe Malini of Bradley University in the consolation final. In flight A doubles, Steffes and Tupper paired up to defeat EIU 6-4, 4-6 and 10-8 in the quarterfinals before dropping their semifinals match to SLU 6-0, 6-2. In the 3rd place match, the duo was defeated by EIU 2-6. Sophomore Callaghan Adams competed for the Cougars in flight B doubles, teaming up with Alba Salinas of SLU. The two faced WIU in the quarterfinals, losing 6-3. Adams and Salinas came back in the consolation final, winning 7-6 over Bradley. Head coach Nick Mueller said the team still has a few small areas where they can improve fotthe spring season, but was happy with the players’ overall performances. “We wanted to come out with good energy, be positive and test our players to see where they were at. I think the competition was pretty good, so I think that was a good first indicator of where we were at. The fall’s more about individual development trying to help players with their individual games,” Mueller said. The Cougars will continue their fall season Friday, October 6 and Saturday, October 7 at the Western Kentucky Invitational.
Top: Sophmore Lara Tupper prepares for the hit back as her doubles partner junior Morgan Steffes reaches back for an over the head return Friday, Sept. 8, in their win against Bradley University. I Allison Gregory / The Alestle
KEEGAN GAUWITZ
650-3527 @kgauwitz_alestle kgauwitz@alestlelive.com
Bottom: Junior Morgan Steffes streches out to make a quick return Friday, Sept. 8, in the 7-5 win against Bradeley University. I Allison Gregory / The Alestle
Women’s soccer hosts Colorado State, Missouri State Rossi shuts out Colorado State to keep tie ZEKE TORRES reporter
The women’s soccer team collected a tie and a loss at Korte Stadium against the Colorado State University Rams and the Missouri State Bears. The Rams visited first on Sept. 8, in what ended 0-0 after two overtime halves. The game was offensive as the Cougars shot the ball 18 times with 11 on target and the Rams shot 16 times with eight on target. Even without scoring in the first half, Head Coach Derek Burton said he was pleased with his team’s performance. “The first 45 tonight were
the most complete 45 minutes we erything. The team made huge er headed the ball into the back of have played all season. I really like strides tonight and now we know the net off a cross from freshman the drive our players are show- what we will have to do to get the defender Mallory Mushill. ing,” Burton said. ball in the back of the net,” Rossi SIUE held the lead until the Senior goalkeeper Juli Rossi said. Bears scored back-to-back goals had a busy game with eight saves. The Cougars were back in in the 41st and 42nd minutes to In the 85th minute Rossi made a action Sunday Sept. 10 against take a 2-1 lead into halftime. huge save after being left one-on- Missouri State and lost 5-1. When the second half opened one with a Rams striker. The Cougars began the scor- up, the Cougar offense stalled and The game slightly slowed the Rams scored in the 47th down in overtime, until Rossi “We played hard for 110 minute off a penalty kick. The made another save off of a corBears would also score in the ner kick in the 115th minute minutes and fought 62nd and 70th minute to get that saved the game and kept for everything.” the 5-1 win. the tie. SIUE had a total of six After the game, Rossi said shots with four on target. the team was happy with the JULI ROSSI After the game, Burton performance. said his team is still in the Senior Goalkeper “It always feels great to get growing process. a win, but we played outstand“It’s an inner drive within ing tonight. We played hard for ing in the 28th minute as fresh- our players to turn the page when 110 minutes and fought for ev- man forward MacKenzie Litzsing- you give up a goal and be able to
go to the next play. We’ve been struggling with that and that’s where we’ve got to get better,” Burton said. Senior forward Caroline Hoefert said losses like this will only make them better. “We play tough opponents prior to the season for a reason: it’s not about wins, it is about getting better, learning from games like these and building as a team,” Hoefert said SIUE will begin conference play at home Friday, Sept. 15, at Korte Stadium against the Belmont University Bruins.
ZEKE TORRES
650-3527 @ztorres_alestle @alestlelive.com
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