Central Methodist University • Fayette, Mo.
Vol. 141 • No. 9
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December 11, 2013
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www.centralmethodist.edu
Central Methodist University’s difference A message from CMU President Roger Drake
In this country, we are fortunate to have a robust and vibrant system of higher education. Students can choose the type of institution in which they prefer to live, learn, and grow. At Central Methodist University, we suggest that we are unique, providing opportunities that cannot be found elsewhere in the higher education arena. During the presidential search process, the phrase, “Central Methodist University is a special place,” was a recurring theme. Again and again, the can-
didates heard about “the Central Methodist University difference.” This “difference” was explained in terms of a caring and talented faculty. It was once described as a faculty that is so caring that students cannot get lost on the CMU campus. Since arriving on campus, I have heard students describe Central in a number of favorable ways. The vast majority of those descriptions involve the embedded phrase, “a caring and talented faculty,” somewhere within the explanation.
Our students reported positive interactions with faculty far more frequently than did students at comparable institutions.
In the 2013 National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE), Central Methodist University students
Student work now on display at Ashby-Hodge Gallery
Work by students in the CMU photography and drawing classes is on display through Thursday. Among these is “Orange Crisp” (above) by James Graham and “Tin Woman” by Katelyn Witte.
gave extremely high praise for their teaching faculty. On the construct of Student-Faculty Interaction, our first-year students ranked Central’s faculty among the top 10 percent in the country. The survey does not further distinguish institutions within the top 10 percent. The information in the table shows that our students reported positive interactions with faculty far more frequently than did students at comparable institutions. The differences in the means were statistically significant at the p.<.001 level. In other words, the results from the survey were simply off the charts. Our students recognize the commitment and dedication of the Central Methodist University faculty. Because of our faculty’s willingness and ability to interact with students on a personal level, the CMU student can literally have it all. At some institutions,
students must make choices about involvement and engagement opportunities. At Central Methodist, the faculty go the extra mile to ensure that students have every opportunity to live, learn, and grow during their time on campus. In the business world, leaders often speak of sustainable, competitive advantages. What does a business do better than their competitors? What advantages does a business have that cannot easily be duplicated or reproduced? Perhaps, those are both the most essential and the most difficult questions that organizations must ask of themselves. At Central, we know where our sustainable competitive advantage lies. Our students spoke loudly in the recent survey, affirming what we already knew. A caring and talented faculty - that is the Central Methodist University difference.
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The Collegian •
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Central F lashback The Collegian
Founded in 1872, The Collegian is Missouri’s oldest college newspaper. It is published by the Central Methodist University student government and the university’s communications department in concert with the Fayette Advertiser and Democrat-Leader and is published every other Wednesday. Additional staff persons are needed in various capacities including news reporting, sports, special columns, and photography. Staffers also are needed for advertising sales and distribution. Contact the editor or advisors. The Collegian welcomes your comments and letters to the editor.
THE EXACT DATE of this Central College laboratory scene is unknown, but it’s probably from the 1930s or 1940s in what was then known as Science Hall, now T. Barry Smith Hall. From 1895 to 1963. it housed all science classes and laboratories, in addition to providing space for other academic disciplines. Following the completion of Stedman Hall of Science in 1963, the iconic campus structure was renamed T. Berry Smith Hall in honor of a longtime science faculty member who also had served briefly as Central’s president. During the 1963-64 school year, the building was reconfigured to house the social sciences. Several improvements were made to T. Berry Smith Hall last summer including new windows.
CMU students reach out to those in need With students now having completed the last week of classes and currently involved in finals week, CMU’s new vice president for development, Joshua Jacobs, has compiled this sampling of recent student efforts which have taken place to support those in our local community and beyond during this Christmas season. • Central students raised ap-
NOTE: The Collegian is dated every other Wednesday. Material intended for publication must be submitted on or before noon Friday before the Wednesday of publication (preferably earlier).
ENACTUS plans small business workshop
Second Semester publication dates are: Jan. 22, Feb. 5, Feb. 19. March 5, March 26, April 9, April 16, and April 30.
ter. Those interested can register online at www.centralmethodist. edu/buildabusiness, or call 2486250. Pre-registration is required for the event by Monday, Feb. 3. “We’re excited to be able to continue to help with small business growth in this region,” said project manager Katie Just, a CMU junior. “It’s really awesome to see the progress that last year’s businesses have accomplished,
seek contributions of food and funds to support the “Feed Fayette” program. • Delta Pi Omega, a social sorority, went trick-or-treating in Fayette for canned goods on Halloween to support the Fayette Ministerial Alliance Food Bank. • Football student-athletes and coaches assisted the Special Olympics at Davis Field earlier
• Jim Steele, Editorial Advisor jsteele@woodcreekmedia.com • Collin Brink, Faculty Advisor cbrink@centralmethodist.edu
this fall by measuring competition distances, handing out water to thirsty participants, setting up the event and assisting the athletes. • Men’s soccer studentathletes helped with Operation Christmas Child during National Collection Week sponsored by Samaritan’s Purse.
A workshop for anyone interested in starting, revising, or expanding a small business in Howard County will be held on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 7-8. CMU’s ENACTUS team, formerly known as SIFE (Students in Free Enterprise), will host the event it calls “Build-A-Business.” There is no cost to participate. The workshop is limited to the first 20 participants to regis-
proximately $2,800 and 26,793 pounds of food during a twoweek stretch, defeating Missouri Valley in the first annual “Food Fight” to support local food pantries (Missouri Valley collected approximately 9,000 pounds.). • Under the coordination of the CMU Enactus chapter, students visited homes around Fayette to sing Christmas carols and
STAFF MEMBERS: • Kaitlyn Klapperich – Editor kklapper@centralmethodist.edu • Andie Borchardt • Meredith Brick • Cameron Green • Thomas Gilson • Jamie Gisburne • Jane Gonzalez-Meyer • Alexandria Martin • Dan Mullan • Kelly Petersen • Sabrina Severson • Eileen Stacy • Tarin Stuenkel • Mitchell Swan • Sophie Wilensky
and we feel proud to have had a hand in those successes.” ENACTUS members will work alongside business professionals to assist participants through a workbook designed to organize ideas and develop a business plan. At the end of the workshop, participants will present their plan in front of a panel of business professionals. The winning group will receive a $250 prize to help in ex-
ecuting their plan. For the second year, this project is sponsored by a Wal-Mart Women’s Economic Empowerment grant. Last year, CMU’s Build-A-Business was recognized for its success in helping small businesses at ENACTUS Nationals by receiving an award given by Wal-Mart for having the third best executed project of the 75 teams who also received this grant.
This Collegian and all past issues for the 2011-2012, 2012-13, and 2013-14 school years may be found on the CMU web-site. THE COLLEGIAN 411 CMU Square Fayette, Mo. 65248
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• The Collegian December 11, 2013 • Page 3
Westboro Church protest elicits mostly derision Lawsuit alleges school district violated church-state separation
that “the district By ANDREA BORCHARDT strives to respect Collegian staff writer Last Thursday afternoon (Dec. and abide by the 5) four members of the infamous c o n s t i t u t i o n a l Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, rights of its stuKan., protested on both the CMU dents and staff campus and at Fayette High School. members. It will deThey arrived in their custom- vigorously fend against any ary fashion, toting signs promoting hate and disdain toward claim that the everyone and everything. (The district has taken church is best known for picket- actions which violate any person’s ing military funerals.) The stated reason for the group First Amendment coming here was to picket the high rights.” The four members of the school concerning a recent lawsuit church arrived in Fayette at about now pending against the Fayette school district. (Apparently the 2:30 p.m. They picketed first at decision to also picket CMU was the CMU campus and then drove to Highway 5 in front of Fayette something of an after-thought.) Based on complaints lodged High School where they held up against the district last spring by their signs until 3:05 p.m. As they a local high school student, the entered their car and left, sevAmerican Humanist Association eral people across the highway — in filing the lawsuit — alleges clapped and cheered. No doubt the Westboro people that the district is in violation of church-state separation provi- were disappointed that no local sions guaranteed by the First television stations showed up to record the picketing. Amendment to the Constitution. Earlier, in a letter published in The lawsuit claims that a weekly the Fayette Adverbefore-class morning prayer and ‘When I listened back tiser and signed by Bible study session on the conversation, the Fayette Ministerial Alliance, in the classroom of I realized there was local citizens were FHS math teacher Gwen Pope violat- nothing to write about encouraged to iged the principles of because these people nore the protest. About 30 people church-state sepahad nothing to say.’ — mostly young ration. Pope has — stood across since retired. Highway 5 watching the protesters It’s also alleged that the district is additionally at fault because of in front of the high school. Onlookannouncements on the school PA ers took pictures and occasionally system which informed students of shouted opposite views. One young woman shouted, “Why couldn’t you the prayer meetings. Filed on Nov. 20, the lawsuit hate on a warmer day?” Several law enforcement offidemands an end to teacher-sponcials were around to maintain order. sored and school-promoted classShirley Phelps-Roper, a memroom prayer sessions at Fayette ber of the church, said WBC was High School. In a statement issued by the protesting Central Methodist Unidistrict’s attorney, it is noted versity because CMU was teaching “rebellion against God.”
Other WBC members held signs that read, “Why did God destroy Sodom?” and “Divorce + remarriage = adultery.” Most of those who observed the WBC group largely dismissed the protest as “ridiculous” and “disrespectful.” Many people smiled and laughed at the protesters. I was among those observers and soon realized that the church members didn’t really care about the lawsuit, nor did they know anything about it. They were just there to spread hate. I crossed the street and approached one of the Westboro members, phone in hand, ready to ask questions. I recorded our conversation and planned to write about their cause and the reason for their being here. But when I listened back on the conversation, I realized there was nothing to write about because these people had nothing to say. Earlier, I’d learned that a sophomore at Fayette High School contacted the AHA last spring claiming that one of his teachers was unconstitutionally promoting religion in the classroom. Another complaint was filed against the former principal for promoting the prayer sessions. The student complained that Mrs. Pope told him that if he was not “good,”God would punish him. I found this claim hard to believe so I solicited opinions from some current Fayette High School students, along with former FHS student Thomas Waggoner, now a CMU freshman. He shared his opinion on the situation: “Being present at the ‘Teacher led
Andrea Borchardt, CMU senior, interviews a Westboro Baptist Church demonstrator (not in photo) while onlookers and counter-protesters stand across Highway 5. Law enforcement from the Fayette Police Department, the Howard County Sheriff’s Department and the Missouri State Highway Patrol were present. The demonstration was without incident. (Democrat-Leader photo by Kim Thompson.) prayers’ I can testify that the meetings were led by students, myself included, and often Mrs. Pope would leave the meetings before they started in order to walk down to her middle school classroom before classes began. “Mr. Darren Rapert (former FHS principal) had no affiliation with the club whatsoever, and announced the meetings as he would for any club. No encouragement or forcible language was used in these announcements. The bottom line is this: The school certainly did not force any student to attend the meetings, and the meetings were student led.” Current FHS students did not state their opinions quite so eloquently, claiming that the kid was a “liar” and “just looking for some attention.” When I asked these students how they felt about the lawsuit they expressed frus-
tration. “It could get the school in trouble and people could lose their jobs. That’s not right.” It is unfortunate that there has been such a stir caused by this lawsuit. It is encouraging to see students wanting to fight for their teachers and their school. Personally, I don’t think Fayette High School has anything to worry about. After looking over the “evidence,” I am pretty sure the case won’t even make it into a courtroom. As for the Westboro Baptist Church people coming to the campus, nothing positive really came of it. Unfortunately a group like that doesn’t really deserve the time of the day from anyone. My final thought: Let’s rally around Fayette High School and support them in this seemingly unfair lawsuit.
Candy canes reflect true meaning of Christmas By SABRINA SEVERSON Collegian staff writer Christmas is almost here, and with it comes a whole bunch of sweet holiday treats, including treats such as the famous candy cane. According to Buddy the elf, candy canes are one of the four main food groups. That being said, it would be a shame for any of us to overlook this popular confection. The first candy canes showed up nearly 350 years ago. Though they’re certainly not the newest craze, candy canes have held their own. Thousands will be picked up by eager shoppers up until Christmas Day. Technically, even after Christmas, because Dec. 26 is U.S. national candy cane day. Your traditional candy canes will have red
and white stripes and a peppermint flavor. Since the creation of these very first ones, various new flavors have been marketed. There are cherry, cinnamon, blueberry, Sweet Tarts, Jolly Rancher, and so on. Besides so many flavors to choose from, candy canes also have a variety of uses. Above all, these candies can teach a lesson. The meaning behind what makes up the appearance of a candy cane reflects the real meaning of Christmas. The color red stands for the blood of Jesus Christ that had to be shed in order to redeem fallen mankind. The white signifies purity; that man’s sins can be forgiven and washed as white as snow. The stripes are for the many lashes and suffering Christ had to go through
when he took our place in death. Lastly, the shape of the candy cane is in the likeness of a shepherd’s cane. As Christ is as a loving shepherd to his followers. Plus, flip any cane upside down, and you will have the letter “j” as in Jesus. There are a multitude of uses for a simple candy cane. You can hang them as decorations, use them in a recipe, as a teaching tool about Jesus Christ, or even just unwrap one for a sweet treat! Enjoy these fun and easy recipes involving candy canes. PEPPERMINT BARK Yield: Makes 2 ¼ pounds or one 11 by 17 inch sheet. (Continued on Page 7)
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S u s r l v a i n v i al F Week Guide How to Survive Finals Week Design by
Jamie Gisburne
By: Tarin Stuenkil Collegian staff writer
We go home for a nice weeklong break during which we celebrate Thanksgiving and relax with family and friends, forgetting about lectures, homework, and classes for a while. Then as soon as the week is over, we come back to school and realize- it’s time for finals. If you haven’t started preparing for your final projects, papers, or exams yet, you might be feeling if you’re drowning. And sometimes, even if you have gotten a good head start on your assignments, the fast approaching deadlines can be terrifying. Even if you feel like the horrificness of your worst week will swallow you alive, don’t panic. There are some steps you can take in order to ensure you get all of your work done on time. The mission is to stay calm survive college hell week we call finals. Step 1: Chill Out I know, it’s easier said than done. But you really do need to take a deep breath every once in a while. Worrying about something doesn’t change anything, just your stress levels. If you’ve waited too late to get something done, do the best that you can with the little amount of time you have left. That’s all you can do.
Another thing that might help, go see your professor. If you think there’s no way you’re going to pass a class, then there is only one thing to do in this kind of situation. Beg! Go to your professor’s office and beg till it hurts. Even try squeezing out a few tears here and there. If you’re a guy this might not bring you as much success as it will for ladies, but it’s always worth a try.
both your body and mind. Once
awake the next day to take it. The loss of sleep means the loss of focus, and if you’re like me, then you probably don’t have much to spare. Study as hard as you can, but try and hit-the-hay around 12 or so. Your brain will be nice and rested the next day so you can give that exam all you’ve got.
Step 3: Take Away Distractions
Step 2: Take A Break Every Now and Then
Even though you want your study place to be comfortable, you’re also there to get work done, not surf the webs for fun videos. If you don’t need the Internet for whatever you’re doing, turn off your wireless capability. If you don’t even need your computer, don’t even bother opening it.
If you’re thinking of pulling an all-nighter, make sure to eat. Make smart choices and choose foods that will nourish and sustain your body, not foods loaded in sugar that will provide only a temporary burst of energy.
Your brain can’t take in everything all the time. Studies show in order to really grasp information; the brain needs time to absorb what it has learned. Even though you may feel like you’re relaxing while watching television, your brain isn’t. It’s trying to keep up with the storyline, remember details and is bombarded with dozens of commercials at a time. I know this next statement may make me sound like a hippy, but sitting outside and trying to clear your mind every now and then will do you more good than you’d think. Another way to take a break and relax is to take a few minutes to take a walk or spend 30 minutes at the sports center. Move around and energize
your mind is warmed up, “ consider rewriting your notes or redoing problems,” Wells said. “Rewriting engages more of your brain than simply skimming over or reviewing the notes. The more active you are while studying, the more you’ll remember.”
Pick a study spot away from people who are going to distract you from your work. The more time you spend distracted, the less time you’re going to have to finish your assignments. Once you’re in your work zone, you will be amazed at how much you can get done. Step 4: Get Some Sleep and Eat Staying up till 4 o’clock studying for a test won’t do you much good if you can’t stay
Another thing that might help is, don’t try to do everything at once. I know it’s getting close to the end, but there still may be some time to spread all the things you have to do around. Doing a little at the time from here on out could definitely help you get it all done. Designate each of the next few days to one or two specific things you have to do and it may help to keep you from feeling overwhelmed.
By: Jane Gonzalez-Meyer Finals week is upon us! No matter how many years I’ve been in college, this time of the year always makes me nervous. Fortunately, I have developed habits that helped me succeed on my finals, and I was curious about what my peers did to survive this hectic week. On Facebook, I posted a question for my friends asking them to provide tips for Collegian readers, and without hesitation they were quick to give ideas. All of these comments are by students who are attending CMU now, or who attended in the past. Try these ideas out and maybe you’ll find a groove that works for you during finals week! Just remember, when it comes down to the test itself, relax and trust yourself to know the answers.
Follow these steps and advice and you will survive finals week. Remember, Stay Calm and Survive Finals Week
May The Force Be With You!
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The COLLEGIAN
Sports
CMU splits HAAC opener at Missouri Valley College
Central Methodist limited Missouri Valley to less than 30 percent from the field after halftime to open Heart of America Athletic Conference play with a 79-71 victory in the Burns Athletic Complex. Central Methodist (7-1, 1-0) earned only its third win at Missouri Valley (6-3, 0-1) in the last 11 seasons but its second straight thanks to dominant defense and free throw shooting. The Eagles were 23-of-28 from the line Thursday and held the Vikings to 30.2 percent (26-of-86) overall, including 29.7 percent (11-of-37) in the final 20 minutes. The Green and Black converted eight more free throws than Missouri Valley attempted (16; 10-of-16). The Eagles wasted little time building a sizeable advantage, claiming a 12-0 lead less than four minutes into the contest. Morgan Vetter drained three straight treys for Central Methodist during the stretch and finished the night 5-of-10 from behind the arc, totaling a
team-high 19 points. Missouri Valley battled back, taking its first lead, 35-34, at the 2:11 mark following two DeVaughna Jenkins free throws. The Eagles’ Jesse Ellis hit the final shot of the half with 1:26 to go, but the Vikings claimed a 3938 edge at the break. Both teams traded buckets in the second half before the Eagles retook the lead for good with 8:20 to play after two Kyra Williams’ free throws. Williams and Nakia Robinson combined on a 13-of-13 effort from the charity stripe in the triumph. Robinson tallied 15 points and was 7-of7 from the line. Williams had 14 points and was 6-of-6 from the stripe. Taylor Cornelison added nine points and six rebounds. Sammie Gathercole pulled down a team-high seven boards. Cornelison and Sammie Jo Copeland each had six rebounds. TaLaya Earls led Missouri Valley with 20 points to go along with nine rebounds. Regine
Eric McDaniel’s first career double-double highlighted an 82-68 Central Methodist victory over Missouri Baptist on Saturday afternoon, Nov. 30, in the Hampton Inn Thanksgiving Classic. McDaniel, who gave the Eagles an early 13-6 lead five minutes into the contest, posted career-highs with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Central Methodist (6-4) led by as many as nine points in the first 20 minutes and carried a 41-35 advantage at the break. John Palmer scored seven straight points and seven of the first eight for the Eagles in the second half to give him team its largest lead to that point, 49-38, with 15:39 to go. Missouri Baptist (0-8) cut the deficit to as little as five points, but the Eagles eventually stretched the margin back to 10 points, 63-53, after a Kaylim Noel jumper in the
paint with less than eight minutes to play. Central Methodist led by double digits for the final 6:13 of the affair. Melvin Tillman led the Eagles with 18 points and surpassed 1,000 career points scored; he now sits at 1,008. Tillman was named to the All-Classic team and received the Heart of America Athletic Conference Player of the Week honors on Monday. Palmer and Mitchell Farr each finished with 16. Noel added eight in the victory. Tillman, who was named to the AllClassic Team, also had eight rebounds and five assists. The Green and Black shot over 51 percent (28-of-54) from the field and made 17 free throws compared to only seven by the Spartans. Kalvin Lewis and Corey McKinney
Mecenario and Jenkins had 14 and 11 points, respectively. ******** Kaylim Noel led Central Methodist with 17 points and nine rebounds, but the Eagles dropped a 71-70 decision at Missouri Valley in the Heart of America Athletic Conference opener for both teams. After trailing Central Methodist (6-5, 0-1) by an early 5-2 score, Missouri Valley (7-2, 1-0) answered with a 21-6 run. The Vikings retook the lead at 8-5 off a Brad Hamilton three-pointer until holding a 23-11 advantage with eight minutes remaining in the first half after a Raviel Burton made field goal. Central Methodist chipped away at the Vikings’ lead, eventually cutting it to just five points at 27-22 with three minutes remaining in the half after a Noel bucket. The Vikings, however, scored nine of the final 13 points in the final moments of the half and took a 36-26 lead into halftime break.
The second half saw the Vikings built up their lead to as many as 14 points when Jim Thomas hit a three-pointer at the 18:23 mark to put them ahead 46-32. The Eagles responded, and eventually cut the deficit to just five points at 48-43 with just under 10 minutes remaining in the game. The Vikings pushed their lead back to eight points twice over the next couple of minutes, but CMU knocked the lead down to four points at 59-57 with less than four minutes to play. However, the Vikings went 5-of-6 from the free throw line in the final 30-seconds, including three free throws from Andre Scott to seal the victory. Hamilton finished with 24 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Burton finished with 16 points. John Palmer scored 13 points for the Eagles. Mitchell Farr and Eric McDaniel each had 12. Reigning conference Player of the Week Melvin Tillman recorded 10.
Tillman scores 1,000th point in win over Mo. Baptist each scored 18 for Missouri Baptist. Chris Buzzell had 16. ******** Eagles lose to Columbia College, Cougars sweep season series Fourth-ranked Columbia (Mo.) posted an 88-69 victory over Central Methodist on Friday night, Nov. 29, in their first of two games in the 2013 Hampton Inn Thanksgiving Classic. Back-to-back threes by Jeremy Nolen sparked an 11-2 run by Columbia (5-0) to begin the first half. Central Methodist (5-4) battled back to cut the deficit to two points on two occasions, with the last coming at the 13:53 mark following a Melvin Tillman jumper, but Columbia would stretch its lead back out to 12 on their way to a 42-38 halftime advantage.
The Eagles trailed by one, 42-41, to start the second half after a Tillman trey, but an 18-5 run by Columbia allowed the Cougars to cruise to their fifth straight win as they shot 56 percent over the final 20 minutes. The Cougars shot 54 percent on the night, while connecting on 9-of-24 attempts from three-point range. Derrick Dilworth led Columbia with 20 points to go along with 16 points each from Jeremy Nolen and Devin Griffin. Tillman led all scorers with 28 points on 12-of-22 shooting, including 4-of-8 from behind the arc. Mitchell Farr and John Palmer each netted 10 points. Farr had a team-high six rebounds. The Eagles connected on 10-of-20 3-pointers.
CMU’s Cris Renteria takes 62nd place at nationals Central Methodist’s Cris Renteria finished 62nd place at the 58th Annual NAIA Men’s Cross Country National Championship Nov. 23 at Rim Rock Farm in Lawrence, Kan. Tyler Meierarend placed 207th, while Brett Davis was 211th overall in the 8-kilometer race. All three sophomores were making their first appearance on the National Championship stage. Renteria, the 2013 Heart of America Athletic Conference champion, crossed the finish line in 25:34.19. Meierarend posted a time of 26:44.64. Davis recorded a finish Saturday in 26:47.08. Oklahoma City brought home the team title. The Stars, who were
ranked No. 5 nationally in the final regular-season poll, ran a combined 8-kilometer time of 2:05:11 and accumulated 77 total points to best the 32-team field. Southern Oregon, which was ranked No. 1 heading into the meet, placed second as a team — with 124 points — and ran a combined time of 2:05:18. The finish gives the Raiders back-to-back runner-up finishes at the National Championship. Cascade Collegiate Conference individual titlist and twotime Runner of the Week (Oct. 2, Oct. 30) Eric Avila led the way for Southern Oregon, outpacing the 313-runner field to earn the individual title. Avila covered the 8k course in 24:02, besting runner-up
Sam Atkin of Lewis-Clark State (Idaho) by 19 seconds. Rounding out the top five individuals were Mizael Carrera of Robert Morris (Ill.) with a time of 24:25; Andrew Reidsma of Trinity Christian (Ill.), who finished in 24:36; and Ethan Gallagher of Olivet Nazarene (Ill.), who covered the course in 24:38. Perhaps the biggest surprise of the meet was Emmanuel (Ga.), champions of the Southern States Athletic Conference, placing third with 148 points and a combined team time of 2:06:31.The finish is the highest all-time for the team, which had been ranked No. 13 in the NAIA prior to the National Championship. Rounding out the
top five teams were defending national champion St. Francis (Ill.) (157 points) and Aquinas (Mich.) (185 points). The programs were ranked No. 3 and No. 6, respectively, in the final regular-season Top 25. ******** Central Methodist’s Emily Nealley placed 139th at the 34th Annual NAIA Women’s Cross Country National Championship Nov. 23. The Eagles’ Adriana Romero finished 213th overall in the 5-kilometer race held at Rim Rock Farm. In her second National Championship appearance, Nealley posted a time of 19:29.92. Romero, (Continued on Page 7)
Central Methodist’s Cris Renteria
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Russell is first graduate of CMU-LSTC partnership Linn native and resident balances family, work & school
Zach Russell is the first to admit, the last two years haven’t been easy. Balancing the demands of family, a full-time job, and a heavy load of college classes would put a strain on anyone. When the pressures were at their peak, the Linn native and resident would remember the last words his late grandfather told him: “Don’t try. Just do.” And do he has done. Russell this month becomes the first person to earn a bachelor’s degree from the partnership between Linn State Technical College and Central Methodist University. His CMU degree is the Bachelor of Applied Science in Management. It’s been more than 11 years since Russell earned his associate’s degree in design/drafting from LSTC. He has a good job as a computer aided design (CAD) manager for the State of Missouri Office of Administration in Jefferson City, where he has worked for seven
years. He and his wife, Kristy, along with nine-year-old daughter Bella, have a good life in Linn. Yet Russell could see that the path to better positions often require a bachelor’s degree, and he definitely wants a higher level of managerial responsibilities. “I had been looking at going back (to college) for a while, and had actually checked out a couple of other colleges,” Russell said. “Then, I read in the local paper about the new agreement between LSTC and Central Methodist. “So I went to an information meeting” that CMU held on the Linn State campus, “and I met with Aimee Sage (CMU director of admission for its College of Graduate and Extended Studies), and we got the ball rolling.” The transition from LSTC to CMU was “very easy,” Russell said. The transfer of credit hours (even going back to his Linn High
School dual credit classes), all paperwork and billing, and related matters went without a hitch. “Aimee was on me if I forgot something,” he laughed. Not that there weren’t sacrifices, but the Russell family had been down this path before. Kristy went back to college a few years ago, “so we had a process” for adapting to the challenges of family, work and college. Russell also found CMU’s eight-week sessions, two classes per session, to his liking. Another challenge was the necessity of taking some coursework online. CMU does offer some classes “live” at LSTC, but there was no way to complete degree requirements without taking online classes. “After my initial fear (about online classes), I actually liked it better,” Russell said. “I could study on my own time rather than sticking to a regular schedule. It
CMU SPORTS (Continued from Page 6)
making her third appearance on the national stage, crossed the finish line with a time of 20:16.98 in her final collegiate race.
was great being able to pick my own time to study.” The convenience of his online classes was matched by the convenience of his “live” classes at LSTC. “I could come home from work, see the family, eat dinner and go to class. Plus, the small class size” – something Russell appreciated both at LSTC and from CMU – “always helps.” For Russell, being the first-ever graduate of the LSTC-CMU program means less to him than “the pride in getting my bachelor’s degree,” he said. “I set a goal of completing the program in two years, and it’s been exactly two years.” The challenges of the CMU bachelor’s degree completion program at LSTC aren’t for everyone, Russell admits. But he won’t hesitate to recommend it to others. “If anyone asks, I’ll tell them they should go for it,” Russell said. “It’s hard enough these days to find a good job without an education. I’d
tell them ‘Just call Aimee!’ “I’d tell someone, ‘If you can find the time, and if you can find the financing, you should do it,’” Russell added. It sounds like something his grandfather would have said.
No. 1-ranked British Columbia concluded its national title defense, bringing home its second-straight team title. College of Idaho, who was ranked No. 2 heading into the meet, placed second as a team for the second-straight year. Hillary Holt, 2012 NAIA National Champion and two-time (2012, 2013) Cascade Collegiate Conference individual titlist, defended her national title, outpacing the 319-runner field with a 5k time of 16:48. Runner-up Hillary Helker of Oklahoma Baptist finished in 16:58 Biola (Calif.), led by a 14th-place finish by Carrie Soholt, placed third with 174 points and a combined team time of 1:33:36. The Eagles had been ranked No. 3 in the NAIA heading into the National Championships. Lewis-Clark State (Idaho) (189 points) and Olivet Nazarene (Ill.) (196 points) round out the top five teams.
Candy Canes Tiki’s Closet Need some extra cash? Come here to sell your stuff before you go home for Christmas. We buy furniture, clothing, and household items. Tiki’s closet is located at 240 Flea Market Open 7 days a week from 11 to dark
Zach Russell
2 pounds of white chocolate, chopped into ½ inch pieces 12 large candy canes ½ teaspoon peppermint oil Step 1- Line an 11 by 17 inch baking sheet with parchment, set aside. Step 2- In the top of a double boiler, melt the white chocolate, stirring constantly. Step 3- With a chef’s knife, cut or pound candy canes into ¼ inch pieces. Step 4- Stir pieces of candy canes and peppermint oil into the melted chocolate. Remove from heat, and pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet; spread evenly. Chill until firm, 25 to 30 minutes. Break into pieces, and serve. CANDY CANE POPCORN Yield: Makes about 12 cups 1 2.8 oz. bag of microwave popcorn or about 10 cups popped 8 large candy canes
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12 ounces of chopped white chocolate or white chocolate chips Step 1- Cover a baking sheet with foil and set aside. Pop the popcorn in the microwave, then pour it into a large bowl, separating out any unpopped kernels. Step 2- Crush the candy canes until they are finely ground, and only a few larger pieces are remaining. Then place in Ziploc bag and roll over with a rolling pin until finely ground. Step 3- Melt the white chocolate in a small microwave safe bowl and stir until smooth. Add about 1/3 cup of the crushed canes to the chocolate, and stir. Step 4- Pour white chocolate over popcorn in the bowl and gently stir until coated. Scrape the popcorn onto the baking sheet and spread into an even layer to cool. Step 5- While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle remaining candy cane pieces over the top of the popcorn. Step 6- Let popcorn set at room temperature until the white chocolate is firm. Break the popcorn up into smaller pieces, then serve.
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