LIFE CENTRAL MICHIGAN
[ I N S I D E] w TRACK & FIELD: McCullough, Kulidzan ready for NCAA championships, 3 w NEWS: Marykaye Murphy remembered for friendly nature, dedication, 4 w SPECIAL OLYMPICS: Complete photo
coverage from the weekend’s activities, 6
Central Michigan University
| Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Fabiano Botanical Garden in the final phase of work, 3
[cm-life.com]
Report blames communications for university discord By Mike Nichols Managing Editor
A year of bitter discord at Central Michigan University stemmed from a failure to communicate, according to a strategic planning report written by a third-party source. CMU’s strategic planning process, launched by University President George Ross in 2011, slowed after breakdowns between the administration and faculty during contract negotia-
tions and the Academic Senate passing a “No Confidence” resolution against Ross and Provost Gary Shapiro. According to the report, dated March 26, “dysfunctions in campus constituent relationships” and “acriminous conditions” led Ross to ask John Moore, President of Penson Associates, Inc., to work as a facilitator in assessing campus relationships. “I asked Dr. Moore, who has performed similar duties with a number of universities across
the country, to offer a professional opinion based on his conversations and interactions with leadership and constituents across campus,” Ross said Tuesday. “I didn’t ask him to come to campus to agree with me or disagree with me. I wanted an honest, objective assessment. I believe he gave us that.” Moore visited CMU from February 19 to 22, interviewing approximately 40 individuals representing multiple campus constituencies including deans,
department heads, faculty, administrators and members of the Student Government Association. The report’s perceptions were included if they were mentioned more than once by more than one person, Moore wrote. “This facilitator acknowledges that his review was not an in-depth analysis of campus dynamics and that it was limited by time and scope,” Moore wrote. “This report is intended to offer insights that might be helpful in facilitating the stra-
tegic planning process and the over-all effectiveness of campus relationships and leadership.” Moore reported several contextual factors caused the “breakdown” in constituent relationships during the fall semester. A culture of nationally evolving educational standards and lack of economic funding created a context for conflict as CMU adjusted to the “new normal,” he wrote. How the campus community responds to such challenges
could either divide or unite, Moore wrote. In CMU’s case, it divided. “Faced with the reality of diminishing resources, internal constituencies often adopt zero-sum mentalities and become particularly suspicious of the process by which resources are allocated to units that they perceive to be their competitors,” he wrote. “If a particular organizational entity receives fund-
A PLANNING | 8
CMU to receive 2.2% funding hike, perhaps more from state By Catey Traylor Senior Reporter
Central Michigan University will to receive a 2.2-percent funding increase under the state budget adopted Tuesday, less than what it expected to receive earlier this year. University officials anticipated a 3.8-percent increase in February after Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder recommended a budget that included a three percent increase in funding for higher education. The $146 billion bill, passed by the House on Friday and Senate on Tuesday, includes $1.4 billion for public universities. “The 3.8-percent estimate came from the governor’s budget recommendation,” said Kathy Wilber, Vice President for Development and External Relations. “After that, both the House and Senate do their own review and make their own recommendations.” The House number was a just over four percent, Wilbur said, while Senate was around 2.7 percent for CMU. In the end, they negotiated a com-
promise of 2.2 percent. Wilbur, however, said state appropriations are not finalized yet due to a tuition restraint incentive that has been implemented, encouraging universities not to exceed a 4 percent increase in tuition rates at risk of losing funding. “The numbers released will not be our final number, because there is still $9 million that has been set aside for the tuition restraint incentive,” she said. “While CMU already announced our tuition increase, other schools are unknown. We will receive funding from the $9 million, but that won’t be decided until all tuition rates are set.” CMU announced a 1.96 percent undergraduate tuition increase in April. Although the amount of state funding to CMU is lower than the 8.2 percent projected for Saginaw Valley State University or 7.6 percent projected for the University of Michigan-Flint, Wilbur is supportive of the metrics-based system used. A FUNDING | 3
PHOTOs BY Charlotte Bodak/staff photographer
Davison resident Devin Bloss, 10, yells out of excitement during the 2012 Special Olympics Summer Games bench press weightlifting competition Friday afternoon in the Student Activity Center.
GO FOR THE GOLD Special Olympics athletes enjoy summer state games By Catey Traylor | Senior Reporter
Walker getting $140K in pay, benefits, health coverage for resigning Ross says he hopes to have spot filled by fall By Aaron McMann Editor-in-Chief
Renee Walker will receive more than $140,000 in severance pay and benefits following her resignation last week as associate vice president of Central Michigan University’s office of communications. According to the contract between Walker and CMU, obtained Wednesday by Central Michigan Life through a Freedom of Information Act request, she will receive a lump sum payment of one year’s salary, $122,570. CMU will
also pay 10 percent of her salary equivalent to 18 months’ contribution, or $18,385.50, to a TIAA-CREF or Fidelity retirement fund in her name. Both payments are to be paid no later than June 11, according to the agreement. Additionally, the university will continue to cover Walker’s health, prescription drug, dental and vision insurance premiums for 18 months through its COBRA health plan. The agreement was signed by both parties on May 23 following a 21-day review period. Walker’s resignation was announced by CMU on May 25. She remains an employee of the university through Friday. Included in the contract AWALKER| 8
Special Olympics coach Susan Moilannen talks to her trainee, Hartland resident Billy Schiltz, before competing in the men’s 50-yard backstroke in Rose Pool during the Special Olympics Summer Games Friday afternoon.
Elizabeth Viele, 2011 Inspirational Athlete of the Year, ignited the Flame of Hope during Opening Ceremonies in Kelly/Shorts Stadium Thursday, starting the 2012 State Summer Games. Honorary Chairman George Perles, former Michigan State University football coach, began the weekend with a keynote speech. “What’s important to re-
member is that a few minutes of competition gives you a lifetime of memories,” he said. “Get out there, try your best and go for the gold!” Dave Blackmer, an Eaton
County athlete, competed in the 25- and 50-yard breaststroke competitions. He has competed in the Summer Games since 1987. “The challenge keeps me coming back,” he said. “I used to compete in the softball throw and wheelchair races, but I like swimming because it works my entire body.” Hundreds of volunteers were present throughout the entire weekend, including many members of the CMU football team, former NFL player T.J. Duckett and Miss Michigan pageant winner Elizabeth Wertenberger. “My favorite thing was seeing the connections made between the volunteers and athletes who return every year,” Westland senior and SOMI volunteer Katie Kalajian said. “They really get to know each other, and look forward to reuniting every summer. It’s a great experience.” This was Kalajian’s first year as a volunteer, but she said she is coming back in the future. “It was great to see all of the
athletes and volunteers working together to have fun,” she said. “I definitely plan on helping out again next year and informing others about how they can get involved.” Many athletes sported shirts with the official oath of the Special Olympics on the back: “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” “My mind works - it’s my physical body that’s injured,” Blackmer said. “I go for the gold every time I compete, and I enjoy every second of it. People need to learn to do that.” Although he gets nervous before each competition, Blackmer said he tries to keep his overall goal in mind. “I get butterflies, but you’ll always have butterflies before something big happens,” he said. “It’s like before Tom Brady plays in another Superbowl, saying ‘Here we go again.’ But once you begin, it all goes away. You feel ready, and you keep swimming as hard as you can.” university@cm-life.com
Fourth annual Le Tour de Mount Pleasant promises to be largest yet By Sam Easter Staff Reporter
File photo/Ken Kadwell
The fourth-annual Le Tour de Mount Pleasant returns June 10 through 12.
Anyone driving through downtown Mount Pleasant can already tell it’s race week. The start/finish banner across Broadway Street is just the first step toward getting ready for the fourth annual Le Tour de Mount Pleasant, the latest installment in the Mount Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce’s local cycling event. The main event is the pro cycling race series, which includes a solo time trial staged from the Student Activity Center on Friday, a circuit-style criterium through downtown on Saturday and a 120-mile road race
through Isabella County on Sunday. Winners of individual events are recognized, and a cumulative-point total of the three events, an omnium, will be scored. Lisa Hadden, President and CEO of the MPACC, said the riders likely to race the event are high-profile. “We draw elite, pro riders,” she said. “The reason for that is we have the longest point-topoint race east of the Mississippi.” This weekend’s racing will likely draw multiple professional teams, she said, from the American Bisseau team to the French-Canadian Louis Gar-
neau, last year’s omnium champions. “It transports us to another world of high-end extreme sports,” Hadden said. Not everyone who rides the races is a professional cyclist. Ben Rollenhagen, a physical education professor at Central Michigan University, is the winner of last year’s Category 3 Road Race and the 2010 Category 3 Criterium. Rollenhagen said the criterium, in particular, is a great experience, as opposed to other races where it’s tough to get a good view. “This (race) is just surrounded by accessibility,” he said. “You literally have fans standing on
every corner of the course.” Besides cycling, this weekend offers a wide variety of events. The band The Verve Pipe will play at Island Park Thursday. Carnival rides and a flea market will also be downtown all weekend. The event has grown in popularity over its three-year tenure, from 350 registrants to 590 to 755. Currently, the race has 344 entrants with nearly a full business week to go. Hadden is optimistic about the event’s continual growth. “We’re projecting probably 900 to 1000 registrations this year,” she said. metro@cm-life.com
cm-life.com/category/news
Central Michigan Life || Wednesday, June 6, 2012 || 3
[News]
Fabiano Botanical Garden in the final phase of development By Sienna Monczunski Staff Reporter
The Fabiano Botanical Garden west of Charles V. Park Library is in its last phases of landscape renovation. Student and faculty volunteers are currently working on Phase 5, the Plants and Society garden, which will include a children’s garden. The sixth and final phase of the garden will be called ‘Landscape Demonstration’. The Fabiano Botanical Garden is privately funded, and its continuation will depend on further private donations. The new pavilion, located near the pond, is the result of a donation by Isabella Bank. “I’ve had people tell me it’s very park-like,” said Patti Travioli, manager of Fabiano Botanical Garden. “It’s a nice place to relax and get away from the stress of school and jobs.” The idea for the Fabiano Botanical Garden came when Jim Fabiano visited a similar garden at Michigan State University six years ago. He decided to help fund a garden for CMU’s campus. Travioli said she hopes the garden will be completed in at least two years, while the wait for more donations continues. Most of the students who work on the garden are biology
and environmental majors, Tavioli said. They do not receive any credit for their work, she said; they just do it for fun. “I don’t know what I would do without the students, because the gardens don’t take care of themselves,” Travioli said. Mio senior Matthew Garnett is a geology major who works for Travioli in CMU’s greenhouse and also volunteers with the garden. His interest with plants started at home in his family’s garden. Garnett performs general maintenance on the garden plants, which includes picking out weeds and dead plants and pruning shrubs. He said he enjoys working with the garden, because it allows him to get to know different plant types. “It’s a unique spot where people can see a lot of different native plants in Michigan,” Garnett said. “As the plants mature and spread out more, they look so much better.” Armada senior Pasquale Moceri enjoys sitting on a bench in perfect view of the garden while he reads. “I’ve been here a couple of times, because it’s better than all of the other spots on campus,” Moceri said. “It’s actually pretty sweet.” university@cm-life.com
Christiana Kurtz/Staff Photographer
CMU math professor John Daniels sits in front of the Fabiano Botanical Garden. The garden is privately funded and dependent on new donations. The new pavilion, located near the pond, is the result of a donation from Isabella Bank.
OBITUARY
Marykaye Murphy remembered for friendly nature, dedication to CMU By Mike Nichols Managing Editor
Marykaye Murphy, former Central Michigan University Board of Trustees assistant, passed away Saturday. Murphy, 71, worked at CMU for 43 years, serving for 40 of those years as Board of Trustees assistant. She retired in October 2011 following a battle with cancer that made it too difficult for her to work. A Mass of Christian Burial was held 9:30 a.m today. Wednesday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Condolences can be sent to charlesrlux.com.
“Especially in the last few years when her health was declining, she was the personification of grace under p r e s s u r e , ” Marykaye Murphy said Mary Jane Flanagan, executive assistant to University President George Ross. “She was really an example to all of us.” Flanagan worked for the last 10 years as Murphy’s supervisor and said she was well-liked by all. Since Murphy’s death, Flanagan has
FUNDING|
Corrections Central Michigan Life has a long-standing commitment to fair and accurate reporting. It is our policy to correct factual errors. Please e-mail news@cm-life.com. © Central Michigan Life 2012 Volume 93, Number 90
the ability to joke. Murphy’s experience of working with so many different styles of people made her flexible and friendly, Flanagan said. “She had the ability to bend like a willow,” Flanagan said. Bob Rulong, former director of external relations, worked with Murphy for 26 years. He said she had become a very good friend. “Her colleagues often said she should have run for political office, because
no matter (who) the board members were, Marykaye always got along with everyone,” he said. “Members of the board of trustees . . . thought the world of her.” Murphy was one of the most dedicated employees at CMU, Rulong said, with a work ethic second to none. Even when cancer hindered her ability to work, she fought bravely, he said. “She was a real treasure for CMU,” Rulong said. “She will be missed.” Steve Smith, director of
public relations, praised Murphy’s work and commitment to CMU, even in the face of her own illness. “It was always a priority to make sure stuff was done right, even when she was going through such personal issues,” Smith said. “She was just a great lady.” Murphy is survived by three children and 11 grandchildren. university@cm-life.com
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University funding increase
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“I think that’s a very unbiased and appropriate way to determine the allocation of state funds,” she said. “In terms of the metrics selected, each metric impacts each campus differently, but there are aspects such as a six-year graduation rate that apply equally to all universities.” During the April Board of Trustees meeting, University President George Ross said students should not
received numerous sympathy emails from former board of trustee members who spoke highly of their experience working with Murphy. “I figured out that (Murphy) worked with 50 individual board members and eight different presidents over her time at CMU,” Flanagan said. “When she retired, she took a lot of institutional knowledge with her.” In 2008, Murphy earned the Staff Excellence Award. Flanagan said Murphy was completely professional and taught her to always have
University
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worry about tuition rates increasing due to the state appropriations being lower than expected. “The state appropriation is only one-time funding,” Wilbur said. “It’s not in our base revenue, so we haven’t built programs based on additional dollars that we may or may not receive. The administration would consider how best to utilize one-time dollars, regardless what the percentage restoration is.” Until other schools determine tuition rates, the state budget is at a standstill. “We’re in a waiting game at this point,” Wilbur said. “The budget isn’t over, and won’t be over for a few months.”
Central Michigan
2.2
Eastern
2.6
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Grand Valley
4.6
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2.2
Michigan State
1.4
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Northern
5.2
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2.1
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8.2
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1.6
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4.2
U-M Flint
7.6
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0.7
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“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” – The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
| cm-life.com
Editorial Board: Aaron McMann, Editor-in-Chief | Mike Nichols, Managing Editor
EDITORIAL | Few can argue the past year has been an
ugly one for Central Michigan University Darnell Gardner Columnist
Taking out the foreign trash Editor’s Note: Detroit senior Darnell Gardner, a journalism major, is currently interning at The China Daily in Beijing. He will compose an occasional column on his experiences and impressions. “The Public Security Bureau needs to clean out the foreign trash … cut off the foreign snake heads.” Those are the words of Yang Rui, an anchor for a state-run television broadcast in China. He was responding to the Beijing municipal government launching a 100-day crackdown on “illegal” foreigners. Similar calls for the ouster of “foreign devils” and “foreign trash” echoed across the Internet in China after a video surfaced showing a British man being beaten by a Chinese man for allegedly sexually assaulting a Chinese woman. Beijing’s municipal government announced the crackdown shortly after the video surfaced but refused to acknowledge any connection between the two. Beijing’s expat community responded with suspicion, chuckles and indifference. This episode illustrates China’s conflicted, if not confused, approach to the outside world as it strides toward superpowerdom. More than three decades after Mao’s death, his distinct flavor of nationalism still seeps into the dialogue between China and the Western world. The wildly successful transformation of the Chinese economy would not have been possible without the West. China has been reliant on ideas from Western minds and the buying power of Western consumers during its ascension. China’s top communist cadres, while dismissing Western culture and values as shallow and unfit for China, clamor to send their kin to the best academic institutions the West has to offer. The streets of China’s biggest cities seem to prefer consumerism, a staple in the developed West, over nationalism. Western food, premium electronics and sharp clothing are increasingly ubiquitous here. Trendy Chinese saunter the streets wearing Gucci and Louis Vuitton, enjoy Pizza Hut so much the chain sometimes insists patrons make reservations and form massive queues outside Apple Stores whenever the latest glossy gadget is set to launch. China, it seems, has fallen prey to the soft-power allure of the nations it so frequently likes to set itself apart from. Despite this reality, nationalist rhetoric that flirts with xenophobia still finds its way into the Chinese press and propaganda machine. China, like any country, is rife with contradictions. This particular inconsistency is indicative of a failing of the Chinese press and government to accurately represent the ideals of those they serve.
Central Michigan Life Editorial Aaron McMann, Editor-in-Chief Mike Nichols, Managing Editor Mariah Prowoznik, Lead Designer Chuck Miller, Photo Editor
Advertising Becca Baiers Advertising Manager
Professional staff
F
A grand opportunity
rom kicking off the first day of the academic year with a faculty strike, to fact-finding fights, a no-confidence resolution against President George Ross and Provost Gary Shapiro coming from an Academic Senate that unconstitutionally kept student senators in the dark, the $10 million lie about the Events Center, exaggerated football attendance statistics and finally topping the year off with the ridiculously costly and overwhelmingly unpopular new website, it was quite the perfect storm. The crashing waves of this gale were braved by third-party, outsider John Moore, president of Penson Associates, Inc., who came to campus in February to serve as a facilitator to assess the “dysfunctions in campus constituent relationships.” In his strategic report, Moore writes that although many sides played a guilty role in the conflict, the main problem stemmed from an
unhealthy system of university communication. In short, the grown-ups squabble at the communication maturity level of five-year-olds. If one were to lay university communication breakdown at the foot of the person leading university communications, one would find themselves facing an empty office. The associate vice president of communications
just so happened to conveniently and swiftly resign with a fat severance pay almost exactly two months after the report was published. Renee Walker has vanished with a letter of recommendation that makes positive but dry remarks and mysteriously mentions not one nice thing about her as a co-worker or person. Sherry Knight, founder of Saline-based communications firm Knight Writers, has stepped into Walker’s shoes as interim. The contrast between them as communicators is striking. On Walker’s first day, she refused to talk to CM Life. On Knight’s first day, she came straight to the CM Life office as a friend. Ahead of Knight is the rescue mission to pick up the shattered pieces left in Walker’s wake and
MIKE NICHOLS [ILLUSTRATION COGITATION]
Samantha Hegeman Staff Reporter
Is the zombie apocalypse coming?
“I’m leaving you with that, and I’m taking this. It’s totally a fair trade.” [comments] Online comments in response to “Renee Walker to receive more than $140K in pay and benefits, 18 months of health coverage for exit”: The Truth, Thursday “It is against university policy for officials to publicly discuss an employee’s departure.” How about publicly discussing the expenditure of OUR money? I’m so tired of this condescending crap. Most plebeians would be lucky to make $140K in four years of working. That’s because the people who aren’t fed on the public dime are in a recession. You know, a recession? The economic climate where people don’t get $140K for walking off their job?
Hold on to your elitist illusions, and keep shirking accountability while you still can. It will catch up to you one way or another. This right after they send a million dollars to Ohio for a web site. CM Life should find out what kind of cronyism went into that, because I’m sure there’s several Michigan companies that Michigan taxpayers would be happier funneling their money to. Hey, the taxes on that transaction could have paid Ms. Walker’s severance! Finally, if the interim is getting paid $1500 a day, I hope she’s coughing up gold dust or something. This is the PEOPLE’S money and nobody is ENTITLED to it.”
GE, Thursday “That seems like quite a golden parachute, but unfortunately, it’s par for the course in these situations. I remember Renee being incredibly hostile to student journalist inquiries when I was at CM Life. Telling that Ross did not praise her for “external” communications.” CP426, Friday “I suppose a severance package is par for the course, but it’s still unfortunate. If high-level managers aren’t “at-will” employees, maybe they should be. And the president had to write a positive letter of recommendation? Wow.”
Rox Ann Petoskey, Production Leader Kathy Simon, Assistant Director of Student Media Neil C. Hopp, Adviser to Central Michigan Life
Central Michigan Life, the independent voice of Central Michigan University, is edited and published by students of Central Michigan University every Monday, Wednesday and Friday during the fall and spring semesters, and every Wednesday during CMU’s summer sessions. The newspaper’s online edition, cm-life.com, contains all of the material published in print, and is updated on an as-needed basis.
heal the wounds between administration and faculty. So far, Knight, fittingly true to her name, has done nothing but admirably dive headfirst into that journey. Replacing Renee Walker with Sherry Knight is one of the best moves of leadership Ross has ever given CMU. Although his decision is to be applauded, this is not over. Knight is not a magic pill that can be swallowed and make all CMU’s problems, pains and past disappear. What lies ahead is an intense, brick-by-brick, rebuilding process. And for the first time in a long time, it seems that the academic leadership of CMU is ready to begin that journey with practical applications that can make a difference. For the sake of the university, we hope it continues.
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Central Michigan Life serves the CMU and Mount Pleasant communities, and is under the jurisdiction of the independent Student Media Board of Directors. Neil C. Hopp serves as Director of Student Media at CMU and is the adviser to the newspaper. Articles and opinions do not necessarily reflect the position or opinions of Central Michigan University. Central
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I’ve never been one to believe in the zombie apocalypse. You know, when cannibalistic savages of the rotted dead eat society to pieces? Oh yeah, and spread the zombie plague. I don’t think so. Neither have I ever participated in the preparation for zombie survival: gathering items such as water, nonperishable food, medications, clothing, tools, important documents and First Aid supplies. However, my thoughts on this subject have changed. If you have watched the news lately, you know why. There was an extremely disturbing attack in Miami in which a drug-induced cannibal ate another man’s face. Take a deep breath, and let that sink in. The spread of the story has no doubt brought the event of a zombie apocalypse to question. When an officer asked the cannibalistic man to step away from the victim, he turned, growled and continued eating. Leaving no other option, the officer shot the attacker, but he kept chewing at the victim’s face. OK, so the attacker was supposedly under the influence of a synthetic drug, but what if it is just a warning – a sign that those who have been preparing are not wasting precious time on an impossible scheme of the imagination? After several more shots, the cannibal was dead and the victim in critical condition. Critical? His face was eaten by another human. I don’t think “critical” comes even close to describing his traumatic condition. What does this event have to say about our culture? Either we have a very serious drug problem on our hands, or the zombie nerds have had it right all along. Personally, I think both scenarios are terrifying, but there is only one that I can prepare for, right now. The zombie apocalypse. My list of supplies, however, is going to be a little different than the recommended necessities. First of all, I will include a light saber. Next will come the Pinchers of Peril, Super Soaker CPS 2000, Zombie Destroyer slingshot and a Virtue Bugout Solar Backpack. The collection will also include garlic, just in case Jason shows up too. There might not be much time, ladies and gentlemen. Let the preparation begin.
Photocopies of stories are 25 cents each. Digital copies of photographs published in Central Michigan Life are available upon request at specified costs. Central Michigan Life’s editorial and business offices are located at 436 Moore Hall, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859, telephone 774-3493 or 774-LIFE.
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[News]
M O V IE R E V IEW
Central Michigan Life || Wednesday, June 6, 2012 || 5
SPORTS
McCullough, Kulidzan ready for NCAA championships in Iowa By Seth Newman Staff Reporter
SWATHFANSITE.BLOGSPOT.COM
The Queen (Chris Hemsworth) and Snow White (Kristen Stewart).
“Snow White & Huntsman” leaves too many questions unanswered By Caitlin Cheevers Staff Reporter
A dark twist to the classic tale of Snow White will leave audience members wanting more. “Snow White and the Huntsman,” which came out in theaters Friday, tells the story of a young girl whose father is killed by an evil witch (Charlize Theron), who then takes over the kingdom. Snow White (Kristen Stewart) is locked in a tower for several years until her escape. The Queen hires a drunkard huntsman (Chris Hemsworth) to hunt down the girl, whose heart can make the queen immortal. While Theron and Hemsworth greatly outshine Stewart, her performance improved slightly from the lackluster acting in “Twilight.” For example, there were moments when Stewart showed a small smirk when an average person would have been grin-
ning ear-to-ear. This is an improvement from the constant grimace the actress has on her face. In addition, a casting error seemed to have been made. Throughout the movie, the mirror tells the Queen that Snow White is “the fairest of them all.” However, anyone with two eyes can see that Theron is much more attractive than Stewart. Despite the distraction of Stewart’s poor acting, the other stars and special effects were impressive. Soldiers shattered into dark obsidian-style crystal shards. A stag turned into a swarm of butterflies. Mushroom-induced hallucinations seemed life-like. And none of it looked tacky. However, the story was extremely slow-paced and moderately dull. There was a lot of potential, but very little of it was utilized. For example, some insight is given into the history of the
‘SNow White’
HHHHH w Genre: Action, Sci-Fi Queen’s fascination with beauty, but it ends up being more confusing than enlightening. This leant to the most frustrating part of the movie: countless questions were left unanswered. Moviegoers will be left hanging at the end, but not in an intelligent “Inception” style. Rather, audience members will leave wondering what happened to a large majority of the characters. I was even left wondering who seemingly important characters actually were. Emotions will be torn when the credits start rolling. Glad the movie is over, but sad that more information was left uncovered. studentlife@cm-life.com
M u s i c R E V IEW
Carrie Underwood’s “Blown Away” enjoyable, fun but needs more By Sarah Donetti Staff Reporter
Having sold 22 million singles and 14 million albums worldwide, Carrie Underwood can justifiably be called one of the biggest names in country music. Her fourth studio album, “Blown Away”, has the same lifeblood that made her previous three albums hits, making it teeter a thin line between being an enjoyable, tried-and-true formula and starting to feel just a bit stale. One can’t deny how Underwood manages to remain as catchy as ever on songs like the album’s lead single and first track, “Good Girl.” The song’s chorus showcases her vocal prowess, and will likely stay in many a country lover’s head for the start of the summer. It’s hard to deny, however, it’s lyrically and stylistically a rehash of Underwood’s 2009 single “Cowboy Casanova.” An attachment to more upbeat tempos becomes a plague to songs with good writing that
would stand out with less repetitive stylistic choices. “Blown Away” and “Two Black Cadillacs,” for example, would have been better matched with darker, slower and more moody production. This isn’t to say all of the upbeat tracks on “Blown Away” are bad or even feel reused. “Cupid’s Got A Shotgun” is fun and engaging with the addition of Brad Paisley’s guitar instrumentals. “One Way Ticket” stands out with its bright “Calypso” influence. “Do You Think About Me” has a sweet, nostalgic feel as it reflects on an old flame. All of the album’s ballads showcase Underwood’s vocal strength, though, as with the up-tempo songs, many feel like they’re what listeners have heard from Underwood and other country singers many times before. While listeners get a song like “Wine After Whiskey,” which manages to hit just the right level of bittersweet, they also get cuts like the album closer “Who Are You,” a pale imitation of Underwood’s previ-
‘Blown away’
HHHHH w Genre: Country ous “Jesus, Take the Wheel” that sounds unsure if it’s referring to God or a boyfriend. “Blown Away” isn’t a terrible album, but, in so many places, it showcases missed opportunities where songs that are merely decent or OK could have become something much greater. The album as a whole will probably be a good listen for country fans in the warm weather, but it doesn’t seem likely to stand out as one of the crowning achievements of Underwood’s career or current country music. Underwood has the vocal chops to pull off legendary country music; hopefully, she will come closer to it with future efforts. studentlife@cm-life.com
Two athletes will represent Central Michigan University Wednesday at the Track and Field National Championships in Des Moines, Iowa. Senior Ryan McCullough will represent the men in the hammer throw, and freshman Milica Kulidzan will represent the women in the javelin throw. As a senior, McCullough is excited for his career to conclude at the national championship level. “It’s everything I could really ask for,” McCullough said. “This is the way I saw myself going out at the end of my career. It’s at the highest level, and I’m extremely excited.” A week prior to the MidAmerican Conference championships, McCullough begins the processing of trying to get into peak performance. “You really try and peak for the three biggest meets of the season,” McCullough said. “You’re trying to be mentally and physically rested. You’re doing more explosive, shorter workouts.” McCullough, ranked 16 out of 23 throwers in the field, is the seventh member of CMU’s men’s throwing team since 2009 to compete in one of the national championships. He is hoping to become the fourth member to earn All-American honors and the first to earn it in the hammer throw. “It would mean a lot,” McCullough said. “I’d like to keep adding to the legacy. We’ve had a strong throwing culture here the past five years I’ve been here.” Kulidzan is the first female athlete for CMU to compete at the outdoor championships since 2007. She said she has dreamed about this moment. “It’s always been a dream ever since I came here,” Kulidzan said. “It means my hard work has paid off, and, hopefully, I keep going in the right direction.” Kulidzan competed at the Canadian Championships in her
Photo By Chuck Miller/Photo Editor
CMU freshman Milica Kulidzan is set to represent CMU track and field Wednesday at the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Des Moines, Iowa.
youth. This meet will be more nerve-wracking, she said, but she will be ready for the championship atmosphere. “I want to get a personal best again,” Kulidzan said. “I want to go out and do my best. I need to stay calm, relaxed and represent CMU.” Willie Randolph, director of track and field, said his athletes have just as much of a chance as
anyone else. “We are looking for improvements from both athletes,” Randolph said. “Considering at a national championship anything can happen, everyone is pretty much equal now. They’re ready for it.” The meet begins Wednesday and runs through Saturday. sports@cm-life.com
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6 || Wednesday, June 6, 2012 || Central Michigan Life
cm-life.com/category/news
[News]
Photos by Charlotte bodak/staff photographer
Flushing resident Austin Lindstrom, 10, smiles as he runs through a tunnel of hands made by Special Olympic volunteers after receiving his medals from various competitions in the Student Activity Center.
SPECIAL OLYMPICS Photos from last weekend’s Summer Games in Mount Pleasant
A Special Olympics participant competes in the 50-yard backstroke Friday afternoon at Rose Pool.
Niles resident and Special Olympics athlete William Lock watches the referee, waiting for the signal to serve the ball during the Special Olympics volleyball game at the SAC.
Davison resident Devin Bloss, 10, shows off his third-place medal after competing in the bench press weightlifting competition in the Student Activity Center Friday afternoon.
Bay City resident and Special Olympics athlete Matt Waibel shows off his first-place medal from competing in the 50-yard backstroke.
8 || wednesday, June 6, 2012 || Central Michigan life
PlaNNiNG| CONTINUED FROM 1
ing, it is often perceived to be at some other unit’s expense. For example, at CMU, the establishment of the College of Medicine is perceived as a strong competitor for scarce resources by some academic departments.” The fighting between the administration and the faculty during collective bargaining was “the most significant casual factor to deteriorating campus relations.” Moore stressed the escalating problem lays in how communication between all parties occurred. The Board of Trustees, Academic Senate, administration and faculty were all perceived as being unprofessional,
cm-life.com/category/news
[NEwS]
untransparent and ineffective with each other. “(Effective communication) is fundamentally about building credible and trusting relationships within the academic community. In this sense, effective communication is everyone’s responsibility,” he wrote. “Of course, the administration has a responsibility for fostering an effective communications culture at CMU, but all constituencies must commit communicating credibly with one another.” One of the perceptions found, although Moore said may not be accurate, is that Central Michigan Life was being unobjective or unfair in reporting on internal university matters and might have been inappropriately influenced by faculty members. “The President should hold
monthly meetings with the editorial staff and adviser of the student newspaper in order to enhance communications, relationships and support the efforts of the student newspaper,” he wrote. Moore ended the report offering suggestions for the Board of Trustees, Ross, academic governance and constituent relationships. The majority of his advice involved fostering better communications, most of which was directed at Ross. “There were observations that weren’t real flattering to the administration, and weren’t real flattering to a lot of folks, and things that were positive,” Ross said. “But that’s what he was told by the constituents he talked to.” university@cm-life.com
walKeR| CONTINUED FROM 1
were clauses allowing Walker to consult with an attorney prior to signing the contract and an agreement that neither party “criticize or impugn the reputation or character of either … based on any event or circumstances arising out of or related to employment with the University.” It is against university policy for officials to publicly discuss an employee’s departure. The contract also called for University President George Ross to issue Walker a positive letter of recommendation. In it, Ross touts Walker’s work to upgrade CMU’s branding, licensing and internal communications.
“She’s a highly strategic practitioner who inherently understood the need for University alignment,” he wrote. “Our ‘goto-market’ look, feel and messaging was enhanced greatly during her tenure and as a result of her leadership.” CMU will pay $10,000 in attorney fees to the law firm representing Walker, Sue Ellen Eisenberg & Associates, P.C., of Bloomfield Hills, after June 8. Ross appointed Sherry Knight, founder of Salinebased communications firm Knight Writers, interim associate vice president of communications on May 29. She is contracted to work about three days per week over the next six months for $1,500 per day. “I’ve always taken the position that when you hire an interim, you need someone who
can come in and function as if they were the permanent person,” Ross said Tuesday. “Interims shouldn’t be people who come in and sit, and nothing moves forward. I want, and continue to want, our communications function to move forward.” Ross cited several marketing initiatives among the university’s seven academic colleges and undergraduate admissions as projects Knight and the communications staff will be heavily involved in immediately. A committee will be formed in the fall to name a permanent person for the job. Ross said he hopes to have someone in place within the first few months of the fall semester. university@cm-life.com
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