The Courier - March 22, 2017

COURIER

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THE

C O L L E G E O F D U PAG E S T U D E N T N E W S PA P E R / / 2 2 M A R C H 2 0 1 7 / / V O L U M E 5 1 – I S S U E 2 2

F E A T U R E S // P A G E S 1 0 - 1 1

TAXI DRIVER

NEWS

FEATURES

COD students elect new officers for the 2017-18 school year p4

Inside COD’s automotive technology program p9

OPINION

COD tuition freeze leaves titanic room for anxiety p14

2 // codcourier.org // 22 March 2017

COURIER

THE

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Editor-in-Chief Lucas Koprowski News Editor Kitt Fresa Features Editor Caroline Broderick Graphics Editor Joseph Molino Reporter Vandy Manyeh

INDEX NEWS

6 COD holds board meeting candidate forum

OPINION

FEATURES

9 The automotive technology program

Photographer David Jura

13 Looking at art and design with a fresh pair of eyes 14 COD tuition freeze leaves titanic room for anxiety

Social Media Manager Alizay Rizvi

Newsroom 630-942-2683 Adviser Jim Fuller fullerj103@cod.edu

The Courier is published every Wednesday when classes are in session during the fall and spring semester, except for the first and last Wednesday of each semester and the week of spring break as a public forum with content chosen by student editors. One copy free, additional copies available upon request.

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Deliver all correspondence to SSC 1220 between regular office hours or mail to the Courier, College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn, IL. 60137.

ON THE COVER

Robert De Niro as Travis Bickle on the movie, Taxi Driver Screenshot from Sony Pictures

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NEWS COD students elect new officers for the 2017-18 school year Vandy Manyeh · Reporter

Student Trustee-Elect Anthony Walker

A record 706 students participated in the just ended March 14 and 15 Student Leadership Council (SLC) elections.

This number far exceeds the 525 students who voted last year.

Anthony Walker, Safia Khan, and George Beck were elected as student trustee, president, and vice president respectively. The three ran together as a team.

Walker won with 397 votes, defeating his rival, Zain Rahman, with 277 votes. Khan received 518 votes, edging out her closest rival, Sam Tempestini,

with 111 votes, and 468 students voted for Beck, while his opponent, Marcanthony Marciel, received 206 votes.

Walker will replace Luzelena Escamilla on the board and vowed throughout his campaign to make sure students are comfortable with voicing their concerns and issues so they can be addressed efficiently. He believes he has figured out a way to have more students involved with the SLC. “By creating easy, open and convenient channels of communication it will keep COD students up

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SLC President-Elect Safia Khan

to date with what is going on in the SLC,” said Walker. “If members of the SLC display authentic and genuine support to clubs during their meetings and activities, it will increase student participation in SLC-sponsored events.”

In an interview with the Courier after the elections, Walker thanked the students who voted for him.

He reached out to his opponent and said he looks forward to working with him in the future. Still unofficial, Walker attended his first board meeting last Thursday where he was introduced by the SLC’s

President Kiley Pooler to the board of trustees and the college.

“My first board meeting was very insightful and interesting,” added Walker.

“I look forward to working and collaborating with the other members of the board.”

Via his Facebook page, Beck expressed a similar sentiment.

“I am so honored to have been elected vice president of the SLC, and I cannot begin to explain how happy I am,” said Beck.

“Thank you to my running mates Safia and Anthony for supporting me through

SLC Vice President-Elect George Beck

this whole thing, even when I was stressed and busy, and always having faith in me.”

Khan who ran against two other candidates considered her victory as one of the most exciting experiences she has encountered.

“There was competition, enthusiasm, and most importantly some of the best sportsmanship I’ve witnessed,” said Khan. “I am beyond grateful to have been a part of such a wonderful experience with the best candidates.

“All candidates did an outstanding job, and I feel

I have built bonds with each and every one of them through this experience.”

During the campaign, Khan promised to continue the council’s engagement with the administration to have a multicultural center on campus by encouraging the expansion of The Center for Diversity and Inclusion.

Walker will be inducted into office at the next regular meeting of the board of trustees. Khan and Beck will take office at the start of the Fall 2017 semester.

NEWS

College of DuPage board of trustees places a freeze on tuition for the third straight year Vandy Manyeh · Reporter

Board Members Charles Bernstien (left) and Dianne Mazzochi (right)

The board of trustees of the College of DuPage voted unanimously to place a freeze on tuition and fees for the Fall 2017 semester at its March 16 regular meeting.

Currently, residents of District 502 pay $135 dollar per credit hour, while non-residents pay $322 dollar per credit hour.

Trustees decided there is a way to use existing funds to close an expected budget gap.

Despite the vote to place a freeze on tuition, some trustees are still concerned about the imbalance in the college’s revenue sources.

Declining enrollment, the state’s budget impasse, and more money being generated from property taxes than tuition are major factors creating this imbalance.

The board cited “sound financial planning” as a corrective measure they have put into place to solve this budget problem.

Sound financial planning for the college would mean rolling over a surplus from the college’s operating fund to have a balanced budget.

“We understand that cost is a part of the bigger picture,” said Chairwoman Deanne Mazzochi. “For Fiscal Year 2015, our ending operating fund balance was $185 million. For the fiscal year 2017, our operating fund balance is projected to end at $204 million.

“So consequently, I feel very comfortable that we are in a fiscally good place where we can keep tuition frozen.”

The Student Leadership Council (SLC) headed

by President Kiley Pooler, played a pivotal behindthe-scenes role after the college considered a tuition hike at the Feb. 9 board of trustees meeting.

According to Pooler, a survey carried out by the council showed students

were against a tuition increase.

“We feel that our constituents fully understand the situation,” said Pooler.

“We talked to students in various classes, as well as non-traditional students.

And through my general conversation with students, we found out that some students feel that the raise is a good idea.

“They understand the reasons for the proposal, but a majority of students do believe that there should not be a raise on tuition. I will ask that the board keep the student body opinion in mind and do not move to increase tuition.”

The president of the College of DuPage Faculty Association (CODFA) Richard Jarman said the considered tuition increase appeared like a cup of coffee, for some it is a luxury they can scarcely afford.

“COD is in a more than enviable position com-

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pared to most educational institutions in Illinois, and that it can be considering a hike on tuition in a period of declining enrollment, whilst maintaining full staff and programs,” said Jarman.

In a response to these pleas, Trustee David Olsen thanked both the faculty and students for reaching out with additional inputs.

“We may not always agree, but this time it looks like we are all in alignment,” said Olsen.

The board then went ahead and voted 6-0 to place a freeze on tuition.

Trustee Dianne McGuire was the only trustee absent when the board rendered this “extraordinary” decision.

With this vote, the budget committee of the college has a clear outlook as to how they make projections from expected revenue to include in a draft budget to be submitted to the board for approval.

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NEWS

COD holds board meeting candidate forum Kitt Fresa · News Editor

(From left to right) Incumbent SLC President Kylie Pooler with board member candidates Alan Benett, Dan Markwell, Christine Fenn and Taso Triantafillos

The College of DuPage Adjuncts Association (CODAA) and the Student LEadership Council (SLC) hosted a forum for the candidates running for the three open positions on the COD board of trustees. Students, faculty, staff and citizens of District 502 were open to ask questions to the candidates throughout the two and a half hour event.

Question: How do you see your role as a board member?

Taso Triantafillos: I firmly believe in working as a team, so bringing up topics, engaging the com-

munity members, student body, faculty. Getting ideas of what they're expecting to see, and making sure we’re bringing it back to the table and having a discussion around that.

Christine Fenne: I see my role as a board trustee to collaborate with the other trustees as well as the faculty team, and the student team. I think that understanding what's before the board, and doing good research and reading of the themes that impact the board monthly and then having open discussion about that and understanding the entire issue before coming to a deci-

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sion. Thank you.

Dan Markwell: I see my role as being a communicator with the staff, the students, and community here at College of DuPage and working with my fellow trustees to create policies and a direction for the college that represents the desires of our community.

Alan L. Bennett: I see my role as being able to work with the President, sharing with them my experience and background in public policy, decision making and in Illinois public higher education to correct the deficiencies that the college is facing

and achieve full accreditation and fully implement the 19 recommendations.

I may say that recently I was interviewed by representatives from the full time faculty union and was very impressed with their concern and dedication for the college and they really struck me as a very positive note that the faculty members that I did meet were so concerned and dedicated to the college.

Question: What is one concrete step you will take to improve the experience of the student here at the college? Be specific.

Dan Markwell:

One

thing that I know the college has been working on that I would like to see come to fruition would be food service on the north end of campus. I would also like to see the bridge built over Lambert road, connecting the Homeland Security complex to the rest of campus.

Christine Fenne: I would like to evaluate the tools and technology that are available at the satellite campuses to make sure that the tools that they have available there are the same and equivalent to what is at the main campus.

David Jura/Courier

Taso Triantafillos: When I start thinking about the student experience I think about a couple things. One is are we getting feedback from the student body to make sure that we're thinking about what they’re actually needing, as far as tools. Are we delivering content online, are they able to take courses online, are they able to do things online that leverage technology a lot more. So being a technology person, I’d like to see a lot more technology offered up and leveraged for students. So that actually helps with the satellite locations as well for student enrollment.

F E AT U R E S Living Leadership Program hosts Safe Zone training on campus Caroline Broderick · Features Editor

(left) COD students participating at the COD Student Life Fair. (right) COD students dancing in the Student Life Lounge. (center) universal symbol for LGBTQIA safe spaces.

College of DuPage has made multiple advancements to make campus more welcoming for all types of students.

Some of these advancements include gender neutral bathrooms, Center for Diversity and Inclusion, and now, COD’s next step has been to provide Safe Zone Training for students.

The term “safe zone” defines a person or place where students from the LGBTQIA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer or Questioning, Ally) may find a safe environment. The purpose is to assist in eliminating homophobia, transphobia, and heterosexism so that all students, faculty and community members feel welcomed.

“It’s something we should be doing,” said Michelle Gallardo, student and Student Life Center employee. “It’s a step forward. The first step were the gender neutral bathrooms, and this is the next step towards a fully equal and safe campus.”

The training will occur on Wednesday, March 22

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from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in SSC 2201. An RSVP is required and available at ChapLife.cod.edu.

This Safe Zone training is in partnership with the Living Leadership Program and the Counseling Center.

Initially, Safe Zone trainings were strictly for instructors, but for the first time last semester, COD piloted the training on students involved with the Living Leadership Program.

Roughly 30 students completed the first round of training and became certified.

The feedback on the pilot was nothing but positive. Students felt so impacted by the training they asked Coordinator of Student Life Stephanie Quirk if the same program could be available to all students.

Quirk enthusiastically agreed and has been work-

ing on the training with students, COD’s Pride Alliance, and counselors.

The training is separated into two sessions,

along with a take home reflection and application assignment.

Definitions will be a

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center of the training to ensure that all community members are aware of various identities. What it means to be trans-

gender and to be queer will be explained as well as learning in depth various terms and how to use

them. Scenarios will be presented and various different ways to approach each one will be discussed.

After the first session, community members are asked to watch a movie with an LGBTQIA angle and apply their training to the characters for the next session.

Campus counselors Dana Thompson, Dennis Emano and Michael Duggan will be conducting the training, being certified in Safe Zone training themselves.

Students from Pride Alliance will be sitting in the sessions to provide live feedback and personal input on behalf of the LGBTQIA community.

“We do not want to put the burden of teaching on those we want to serve,” said Quirk. “One of the outcomes [of the training] is an inclusive community, open and supportive of

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faculty and students from all walks of life.”

Quirk, an ally herself, finds great importance in allies being involved with the training and understanding of a Safe Zone.

She finds that oftentimes those who are allies attempt to speak out for social justice on behalf of the Lesbian, Gay, Transgender, Queer and Questioning population.

“As allies, we are here to make space for those voices to come through, to be heard, and to understand their needs, not talk on behalf of them for their needs,” said Quirk.

Quirk and students already hope for the training to continue each semester.

Though they are not sure whether the Living Leadership Program will always be a home for the training, they know it will find its place somewhere on campus.

“Come in with an open mind,” said Quirk. “Anyone can come, even if they don’t know what it is. We want students to grow and leave more educated. Everyone is welcome!”

COD Courier Student Newspaper 22 March 2017 // codcourier.org // 7

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F E AT U R E S

Inside COD: The automotive technology program Vandy Manyeh · Reporter

College of DuPage has a great automotive technology program that is known for its excellent curriculum. With modern technologies to enhance students’ learning, qualified instructors teaching core-automotive technology courses, and an up-to-date lab, students are ready for the workforce once they complete any of the existing programs. Here is an interview with a student, Alisha Barner, and the automotive technology program coordinator, Thomas Robertson, on what the program has to offer:

(left) Alisha Varner under the hood of a vehicle in the TEC building. (right) Nissan vehicle in the automotive center of the TEC building.

Student’s perspective: Vandy Manyeh: Why are you pursuing a career in automotive technology?

Alisha Barner: I became exhausted of being told incorrect repair information just so I would spend money at a gentleman repair shop.

VM: What is your favorite gadget in the lab?

AB: The impact gun.

VM: What do you enjoy doing outside the lab?

ers have you faced as a woman studying automotive technology?

AB: Sometimes I feel like I have to convince the world that I am learning about cars for a reason.

I don't know everything there is to know about vehicles. So at times, I have to remind my lab partners that I have to be hands on to learn as well.

VM: What lesson have you learned during your stay here at COD?

VM: How great is the automotive technology program here at COD?

AB: The ability to be compassionate with a customer that is in tears because the last shop took advantage of them and the empathy to assure them it will never happen while they are in your shop.

AB: It is a great learning environment and a mirroring image of being in the automotive field.

VM: Do you have any advice for female students interested in automotive technology?

VM: What would you like to accomplish at the end of your studies?

AB: During your lifetime of training there will be challenges, hardship, and you will want to give up.

Yet there is a girl who needs to push through those trials and tribulations. You will be a unicorn because there aren't many of us in the industry.

We need to demand respect and take our success.

AB: Playing billiards, cooking and relaxing.

AB: I hope to be a knowledgeable technician that has only begun with the journey of becoming a great master automotive technician.

VM:

What

barri-

Coordinator’s perspective: Vandy Manyeh: Is the automotive technology center open to the public?

Thomas Robertson: No, due to insurance and for billing process reasons we are not allowed to work on cars for the general public or students. We have one class that does live repair work on “customer” cars, the customers for that class must be regular COD employees (faculty, classified staff, and administrators) because of how the billing is handled and our insurance coverage is structured.

VM: What latest technologies do you have in place for students?

TR: We have recently purchased a 2014 Chevrolet Cruze with a diesel engine, and a 2014 Nissan Altima with a CVT transmission. Our educational fleet also includes electric cars, Nissan Leaf, Chevrolet Volt, as well as several hybrid cars, Ford Escape, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, and we have a couple of cars with a technology called GDI which stands for Gasoline Direct Injection and turbocharging; both of those technologies

are being used by many manufacturers to increase fuel economy and decrease vehicle emission output.

their education, none of their “credits” from UTI would be transferable to most colleges.

VM: How affordable are your programs compared to other institutions offering automotive technology?

VM: What scholarships opportunities do you have for students studying automotive technology?

TR: Students can complete our Certificate for Master Automotive Service Technology for a total cost of $9,000 to $10,000 including tuition, books, fees, and tools; or our Associate of Applied Science (AAS) for Master Automotive Service Technology for somewhere between $12,000 and $13,000 including tuition, books, fees and tools. Both of these costs are based on an in-district student. As far as comparison to other institutions is concerned, if a student was looking at one of the other regional community college’s the overall costs would be pretty similar. If they were to attend something like UTI (Universal Technical Institute) over in Lisle, they would be looking at a tuition bill of around $40,000 dollars.

But the worst part of that to me is UTI doesn’t offer college credit. So if a student decided later on that they wanted to continue

TR: There are currently 5 different scholarships available through the COD Foundation that are specific to automotive students; there are also numerous external automotive organizations that offer scholarships of varying amounts to students pursuing an education in the automotive industry.

VM: What growth has the automotive technology program seen since it started at COD? TR: The automotive program started at COD back in the early 1970’s, from the initial shop space with a couple of bays and a handful of students. We have grown into our current 34-bay shop with four automotive, dedicated classroom lab spaces outfitted with up-to-date equipment and vehicles for the students to learn on. There are currently five full-time and eight part-time instructors that teach the 22 different

courses that are available in the program. All of the full-time instructors are Master ASE Certified, meaning they have the experience and skills to work on or teach any of the systems found on a car today.

VM: What transfer agreements do you have with a 4-year institution?

TR: We have articulation agreements with Southern Illinois University (SIU) and Ferris State University. Either one allows a student to complete their AAS degree here at COD and then transfer into the bachelor’s degree programs in Automotive Technology as a junior.

Both of those programs are heavily recruited by the major automotive manufacturers and part suppliers.

VM: Any final words?

TR: Our program is NATEF Master Accredited.

This means that we have been reviewed by an outside team and certified as having the facilities, equipment, faculty and administrative support to offer our students high quality and current training and education.

22 March 2017 // codcourier.org // 9

F E AT U R E S

Classic Movie Review: Taxi Driver Kitt Fresa · News Editor

In a city full of bright lights, a man drives in darkness. Solitude is the last thing you would expect to find in New York City.

This is the story of a man who could not take it anymore. A man who refuses to watch the scum fill the streets as people just walk on by. Travis Bickle monotonously lurks through the grimy streets of New York City in his cab to pick up the scum he despises.

It's a cycle that builds a dark anger and rage inside him which forms his psychosis. With every passenger who slides into his taxi, his anger swells and develops a broad insanity that deepens his loneliness.

In many ways Travis is just like the rest of us.

Loneliness can drive people to extremes. Isolation from life itself can be maddening. You’re alive, but not living. The absence of being is no different from death. What do you have to lose when you have never lived? Nothing. This is deeply apart of Travis, and it’s what drives him to “really go out and do something.” Distraught with the sights he sees on a daily basis, he strives to find a purpose. However, Travis is trapped in loneliness and he only has himself to confide in.

As the film begins we see Travis become the Taxi Driver. Opting for nights, “anytime, anywhere” he repeats. His demeanor and his silence portray him as somebody who has a rooted hatred. As time goes on Travis’s mind succumbs to more and more of his own insanity. His quest for a purpose festers into something psychotic and he be-

gins to commit himself to a more sinister ideology.

Travis has reached commitment. He makes a few calls and meeting is set up.

Travis meets a gun salesman in a hotel room. The salesman, dressed in a tailored brown suit displays his pistols on the hotel bed. The meeting ends and Travis buys 4 pistols and returns home to begin his training.

He begins to weaponize himself. The time for action is dawning on his horizon and he is preparing for nightfall. He prepares his weapons along with training his body.

Travis’s purpose is becoming more clear.

As he drives his taxi around the day he stumbles upon a young girl (Played by Jodie Foster) he’s seen before. He gets out a finds that she's a prostitute. Here he discovers her name is Iris. Devoid of a purpose or a plan of action, Travis volunteers himself to rescue Iris from the hell he sees her in.

Travis’s plan isn’t revealed until he acts on it.

Assassinate Palantine. The camera pans the crowd watching Palantine give his speech and Travis is revealed towards the back of the crowd. He has shaved his hair into a mohawk, he has become a psycho.

Looking on, clapping for Palantine, he watches and waits until he gets off stage. Travis rushes while reaching for his .44 but is discovered too soon and runs for it, narrowly escaping. His plan has failed but the rage, the unspent purpose remains. Night falls and Travis returns to the whorehouse where he

10 // codcourier.org // 22 March 2017

saw Iris. Insanity pours onto the screen. Travis kills everyone in his way in order to rescue Iris inside.

The ticking time bomb has exploded. It is over. Travis Bickle has succeeded.

Nobody does it better than Scorsese, De Niro, and Schrader. That last name might sound unfamiliar and it’s because he stays off the screen. Paul Schrader, the writer of Taxi Driver is very much Travis himself. While writing the script for Scorsese, the writer had been through some traumatic times.

Newly divorced from his wife, he spiraled into loneliness. Finishing the script in under a month, one could speculate the emotions of those events transformed into the emotions of Taxi Driver. Loneliness, Isolation and an inspiration from the diaries of Arthur Bremer all went into the melting pot that Schrader forged into Taxi Driver.

Scorsese said once while talking about Taxi Driver that, “the precision with which Schrader was able to create t h e

character, the feeling, the thoughts, and psychological insight of this character Travis Bickle, I just identified with him. We understood how he felt.”

Scorsese confessed that he knew, “Schrader had hit a truth with the audience.”

“There was something that touched a chord with me. I felt I could express that through the visual interpretation of the film, and utilizing the key instrument. The Voice.

The Actor.

Robert D e

Niro.”

Taxi Driver is a manifesto that's resonates with American society. As Americans we hold a certain value for heroes who rescue a person from a terrible world. We grant a license to kill because we see it as a just cause. In the classic story of

F E AT U R E S

“There is no escape.” –Travis Bickle The Searchers, a Western starring John Wayne, the same idea is played upon.

A man’s niece is captured by Coman-

ches and he doesn’t care how many he needs to kill in order to get her back.

It’s that same insanity Travis has, but because we sympathize with Travis we stick with him for awhile.

The scene where Travis looks for advice is such a key scene. It’s the point in the f i l m

SOURCE: IMdb.com

where we establish a larger sympathy for Travis, but we also see he’s staring to go insane. He tries to look for answers from “Wizard”, another taxi driver but with no avail. After admitting that “things got me down” he pauses and spills out “I just want to go out and really… really, really do something.”

“Taxi life you mean?”

Wizard says. It’s here that you realize Travis is no longer talking to Wizard, but just himself. The quandaries of his mind are too immense for any normal man to solve. This scene is also where Travis finds his purpose, he knows it’s evil but it is justice.

He is the

only one who will act when no one else will. When everyone else is just another one of them. There lies that just cause again. How far are we as an audience, willing to let him take it though? There is a charisma to Travis we hold, but when does that sympathy fade? Where do we as an audience draw the line and say we can no longer stand behind Travis’s cause?

Another to keep in mind is that Travis is a racist.

You can feel the tension as he stares at the black men across the dinner.

He drops an Alka-Seltzer tab into his water and he spaces out watching the water bubble. Travis is just that, bubbling over, tired of the things he sees, and tired of seeing the people who commit those crimes. Not even five minutes later Travis walks out with Wizard to talk and a group of black men walk by. Travis stares at the leader as he walks by and the leader stares back. The camera tracks each character and slowly zooms in and create a visible tension between the two. Later on Travis is in a convenience store when a black man walks in and begins to rob the cashier at gunpoint. Travis sneaks behind him and shoots him. There is hardly any hesitation. Travis stands over him as the man lays lifeless on ground, gun still in hand Travis pins his hand to ground with his foot. The cashier says, “he’ll handle it” and Travis leaves.

The ending shootout was originally intended for Travis’ victims to be black, but Scorsese along with

Schrader decided it would make the movie into a racist kind of film. The film is not intended to be racist, it’s only Travis’ character that is suppose to have that racist undertone.

Travis’ obsession with guns and his superfluous use of violence is another way we as Americans identify with him. That classic .44 Magnum, which spans almost the entire length of Travis’ midsection has America written all over it.

Travis’ final scene in which he kills indiscriminately is something we all find an entertaining connection to. We as Americans crave that violent entertainment, and Travis’ rampage is under our category.

It’s that classic mirror scene that is the key to it all though. “You talking to me?” he repeats to the mirror. The camera shifts from watching Travis talk to himself, to Travis talking to us. “You talking to me?” he asks again as he looks straight into the camera.

The things we see in Travis, the guns, the violence, the racism are a reflection of who we are as a society.

Travis is American Society.

As Travis’ rampage comes to a close and he recuperates there is something people often miss.

As he drives Betsy home he drives off back into the night. Driving back into darkness he quickly checks his mirror as if he saw something behind him. The dream begins again. Travis’ insanity has fueled a hatred he has deep inside him. The ticking time bomb has reset. It all begins again. Travis is not finished with the streets of New York.

22 March 2017 // codcourier.org // 11

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F E AT U R E S

TV REVIEW “ABSTRACT”

Looking at art and design with a fresh pair of eyes

NETFLIX

Joseph Molino · Graphics Editor

When we talk about art, the world is divided into people who appreciate it and people who are intimidated by it. This creates a certain type of classism – art appreciation has been given the negative connotation that it’s only for people who are talented and have been educated by its history and principles. The rift becomes even larger as piles of so-called “art snobs” make people feel humiliated and guilty for not understanding a piece of art right away.

That’s why many people in our world are kept in the dark from the grandiose experience brought by human talent and creation through design.

Netflix’s new documentary series about art is a misnomer – despite the

title “Abstract,” the show makes art accessible and approachable for everyone. The show spotlights eight creative minds who are at the height of their careers and are pioneers in their chosen fields. From illustration to architecture and photography, each episode is crafted differently, celebrating the craft of each artist on screen in unique ways.

The episodes are introspections reflecting the artists’ personalities: – Christoph Niemann’s quirky and brilliant illustrations, – Tinker Hatfield’s innovative approach with Nike shoes, – Es Devlin’s transformative stage designs, – Bjarke Ingels’ unconventional ideas on architec-

ture, – Ralph Gille’s bold and headstrong automotive designs, – Paula Scher’s boisterous and unapologetic typographies, – Platon’s ability to capture the human soul in his photographs, and – Ilse Crawford’s immaculate and tasteful interiors.

The opening sequence of the first episode alone will get you hooked right away.

The art of Christoph Niemann is presented through animation full of quirky delights. An illustration of a man riding a bicycle is drawn on a car’s window, making it look as if there’s a stick figure doing laps in the traffic as it moves with the car. The camera then cuts to the artist on his

way to his pristine workplace, echoing MTV’s highly underrated show, “Cribs.” Tasked to create a virtual reality inspired cover for the New Yorker, he then proceeds to sit on his desk, with a pencil in hand, saying “Art, to a large degree, is staring on paper."

There’s a rush of excitement every time a creator explains his thought process and his inspirations, and Abstract conveys this really well. Being an artist myself, I found that one line Christoph Niemann said resonated to my core. Even though I work digitally, a huge chunk of my time is spent star-

ing at a blank document -– be it for designing the newspaper every week or creating illustrations and paintings. I spend most of my time racking my brain for ideas to come out so that the single dot I make transforms into intricate and meaningful work.

Creative or not, you’ll find more of these intimate moments from the show that you could easily relate to. What sets this documentary apart is the willingness of the artists to let you step inside their minds, revealing their vulnerabilities and the challenges they face with each idea, sketch and

brush stroke they make.

Abstract isn’t just for artists or people who aspire to be one – it’s for everyone who wants to celebrate pure design. The show not only gives fresh insight, but it also familiarizes the viewers with the focus applied in the creation of what most of us take for granted. The documentaries help the viewer appreciate not only the art but also the artist behind the work. I highly recommend this documentary series if you’re looking for inspiration or even if you just want to take a look at the world with a fresh pair of eyes.

22 March 2017 // codcourier.org // 13

OPINION EDITORIAL

COD tuition freeze leaves titanic room for anxiety

The m o s t important factor when any student selects the College of DuPage as their school of choice is the cost of tuition. With tuition prices across the nation skyrocketing, students are stuck paying for their education at an aggressive price point. COD provides a backdoor to education by providing the highest quality instruction with the lowest possible cost.

At $135 per credit hour for in-district students, there’s truly no other school that can compete. A full-time, in-district COD student pays anywhere from $3,240 to $4,050 for

both F a l l and Spring semesters. Compare COD to the $25,000 cost of attendance at Northern Illinois University, the almost $30,000 cost of University of Illinois at Chicago and the $31,000 cost at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, it becomes blaringly clear why students choose our institution.

Cost isn’t the only factor students consider. If that

EDITORIAL BOARD EDITOR-IN-CHIEF LUCAS KOPROWSKI FEATURES EDITOR CAROLINE BRODERICK GRAPHICS EDITOR JOSEPH MOLINO PHOTOGRAPHER DAVID JURA REPORTER VANDY MANYEH SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER ALIZAY RIZVI

14 // codcourier.org // 22 March 2017

were the case, we would all be looking to Joliet Junior College ( JJC) for its in-district tuition of $125 per credit hour or any other community college in our area with a lower price tag.

COD provides university level amenities, which other community colleges like JJC don’t have the ability to offer, such as an 18-acre natural prairie for STEM students and top-notch facilities for specific career

paths like the Culinary and Hospitality Center and the Homeland Security Education Center.

Through providing these programs, COD has become a beacon of light for students’ wallets, not only in DuPage county, but across the globe as a pathway to their education. Even the $322 per-credit-hour price for out-of-district students is much better than any other public institution competing in the global market to provide an American education.

Over the past two years, the COD Board of Trustees, led by Chairwoman Deanne Mazzochi, has progressively lowered tui-

tion from $144 in-district and $331 out-of-district to $135 and $322 respectively. This drop in price has been seen by the community-at-large as a major success in cutting back costs and lowering the financial burden on both students and community members.

Last week, the board decided to freeze tuition costs and property taxes on District 502 for this upcoming fiscal year. That sounds wonderful no matter what way anyone tries to spin the story. There will be no layoffs. Students will still have access to core programs, and the school will have an operating budget $8.5 million less than last year.

The only worrisome part of this ordeal is that this budget has the expectation of the state providing no funds throughout the 2017 fiscal year. Although COD can currently handle that sort of load on their finances, schools across the state have been facing cutbacks on their programs and large layoffs at schools like Chicago State University.

COD’s operating budget usually includes about $12 million in state funding.

The school only received $3.5 million for the 2016 fiscal year. With cutbacks coming from the state, schools are expected to

take large funding hits as the turmoil in Springfield politics becomes more poisonous to the entire Illinois population.

Illinois’ budgetary issues have trickled down into everyone’s lives at COD. We must realize our school isn’t as invulnerable as our surplus may make us out to look. We can take a hit, but if this continues for too much longer then every public institution across this state will be in trouble.

If administrators ever need to increase tuition again, do not hesitate. This school is more than just a second chance for people who failed out of a fouryear institution. This is a school where ideas are met with contradiction, people are met with uncomfortable situations, and teachers are challenged to exceed expectations. This is not a home for the faint of heart. This is a school that truly challenges a person to grow and prosper.

COD is an institution that provides an education for everyone across a spectrum of different backgrounds, faiths and ideologies. It’s the definition of not only educational diversity but the American dream. We are willing to pay our fair share of the price to realize that dream.

When will our state lawmakers stand with us and do the same?

Views expressed in The Courier represent opinions of majority of editorial board. The Courier encourages all students, faculty, staff, administrators and community members to voice their opinions on all the topics concerning them both in and out of school. We encourage readers to submit a “Letter to the Editor” voicing their opinions on topics discussed in the editorial.

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22 March 2017 // codcourier.org // 15

2/6/17 1:02 PM

Cookie Thumper – Die Antwoord Genre: Rap Similar to: M.I.A., Jack Parow Die Antwoord has been in an inspirational landmark in my musical taste since I first watched their music video for “Enter the Ninja.”

Their music has slowly progressed to become more powerful and fired up in an almost trap rap format. Their ability to add humor to their music is what separates it from competitors in their field. This song is no exception to their goofy trap rap style, with an interpretation to this song only retrievable from either understanding Afrikaans or watching the music video. —Lucas

Castle on the Hill – Ed Sheeran Genre: Pop Rock, Acoustic Music Similar to: The Weeknd, Niall Horan The newly popular song in Ed Sheeran’s newest album Divide has been on the radio for the past couple of weeks now. Although most of the time popular songs like these are overplayed and get annoying, there’s something musically enchanting about Castle on the Hill. The song itself talks about the feeling of a hometown and the days that were spent during younger times. It has a peppy beat to it which makes it incredibly catchy and Ed Sheeran’s voice itself really captivates you. It’s a good song to just kind of relax to but also to listen to because of the deeper meaning behind the lyrics themselves. It truly sinks you into another lifetime. —Alizay

Cameo Lover – Kimbra Genre: Indie Pop Sounds like: Janelle Monaé, Lorde, Gotye Spring is finally here, and there’s no other way to celebrate the warmth and blossoms it brings than listening to Kimbra’s Cameo Lover. Absolutely stunning and theatrical, Cameo Lover proves the point that not all pop music is mindless. The song opens with an electrifying beat that mixes harmoniously with every jingle of the tambourine, bringing in a multitude of color from the once monotonous life brought by winter. The song climaxes to a joyous exaltation of “Open up your heart!”, as the first ray of sunshine touches your skin and fills you with warmth and a newfound happiness. ­—Joseph

OB1 – Jaqwar Ma Genre: Electronic Sounds like: LCD Soundsystem, Soulwax, Justice The indie electronic group Jaqwar Ma has shaken things up recently. With their album Howlin that came in 2013, they came out onto the scene with a unique sound that put them on the map. Their new album, Every Now and Then includes the song OB1. The sounds it rattles off are very reminiscent of LCD Soundsystem. It’s a beat that is very solid and the rest makes it into magic. OB1 thumps with a great beat and will always make for a great song to play anytime. —Joseph

Follow us on

16 // codcourier.org // 22 March 2017

@CODCourier

KNOW YOURSELF. KNOW YOUR WORLD.

REACH YOUR POTENTIAL

OPEN HOUSE April 22

To RSVP for the open house, go to elmhurst.edu/openhouse Elmhurst is coming to COD! Wednesday, April 5 Thursday, April 13 Thursday, April 20 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

2nd floor, near Starbucks

YOU BELONG HERE Elmhurst College welcomes more than 300 transfer students every year. We know what transfer students want and need—and we’re committed to your success. We’ll help you identify your goals, discover your world and reach your potential.

A TOP 10 COLLEGE Elmhurst is one of the top 10 colleges in the Midwest, according to U.S. News & World Report. We’re a great value, too. Money and Forbes magazines rank Elmhurst among top colleges for your money. Plus all transfer students receive scholarship support.

AN EASY COMMUTE Our campus is close to several major highways, and a few blocks away from the Elmhurst Metra station.

A SMOOTH TRANSITION We’ll offer you credit for work you’ve already done. We can even evaluate your credits before you apply.

FAST-TRACK OPTIONS Finish your degree on the fast track! Degree-completion programs in business administration, information technology and psychology help you reach your goals in less time.

LEARN MORE Get started on your future by contacting us today!

Office of Admission 190 Prospect Avenue Elmhurst, Illinois 60126

(630) 617-3400 admit@elmhurst.edu elmhurst.edu/transfer 22 March 2017 // codcourier.org // 17

COFFEE BREAK STR8TS

No. 332

Medium

3

6

3 4 4 3 5 2 8 4 6 5 7 7 9 6 6 5 8 7 9 8 3

4 9 6 1

7 3 3

9 2

7 8 3 4 8

You can find more help, tips and hints at www.str8ts.com

5 2 1 3 4

1 3 2 9 8 7 8 5 6 6 7

6 5 4 1 2 3

9 7 8 6 7 6 3 4 1 1 2 2 3 4

8 6 9 7 1 2 3 4 5

6 7 5 7

How to beat Str8ts – Like Sudoku, no single number can repeat in any row or column. But... rows and columns are divided by black squares into compartments. These need to be filled in with numbers that complete a ‘straight’. A straight is a set of numbers with no gaps but can be in any order, eg [4,2,3,5]. Clues in black cells remove that number as an option in that row and column, and are not part of any straight. Glance at the solution to see how ‘straights’ are formed.

Medium

2

9 4 8 3 5 1 7 6 2

9 2 4 1 3 2

8 6

2 6

9 7 8

The solutions will be published here in the next issue.

1 6 5 7 9 2 4 8 3

2 7 3 8 6 4 9 5 1

5 2 6 1 3 9 8 4 7

8 1 4 5 7 6 3 2 9

3 9 7 2 4 8 5 1 6

6 3 2 9 8 5 1 7 4

4 5 9 6 1 7 2 3 8

7 8 1 4 2 3 6 9 5

To complete Sudoku, fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 such that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely. © 2017 Syndicated Puzzles

5

5

4 1

1 5 6 8 2 9 5 4 6 7 3

3 4 4 6

4 9

6 6 1 8 9 3 6 9

2

You can find more help, tips and hints at www.str8ts.com

No. 333

Previous solution - Easy

5

7 6

8

2 3 7 9 8

3 4 2 5 3 4 6 7 6 5 8 7 6 9 1 2 5 3 1 4 2

6 7 5 7 8 9 2 5 3 1 3 1 4 1 2 3 2 7 4 8 8 6

4 6 1 2

8 9 7

How to beat Str8ts – Like Sudoku, no single number can repeat in any row or column. But... rows and columns are divided by black squares into compartments. These need to be filled in with numbers that complete a ‘straight’. A straight is a set of numbers with no gaps but can be in any order, eg [4,2,3,5]. Clues in black cells remove that number as an option in that row and column, and are not part of any straight. Glance at the solution to see how ‘straights’ are formed.

SUDOKU

No. 332

7

9 2

Previous solution - Medium

1

9

SUDOKU

4

Easy

For many strategies, hints and tips, visit www.sudokuwiki.org If you like Str8ts, Sudoku and other puzzles, check out our books, iPhone/iPad Apps and much more on our store at www.str8ts.com

Tough

4 3 7 7 5

Previous solution - Medium

6

5 7 8 9 9 6 1 4 5 7

2 1 1 3 6 7 4

9

9 8 2 6 7 5 4 3 1

3 8 5 2

The solutions will be published here in the next issue.

4 7 5 3 2 1 9 8 6

3 6 1 4 9 8 5 2 7

2 4 7 8 5 9 1 6 3

8 5 3 1 6 2 7 4 9

1 9 6 7 3 4 2 5 8

7 2 8 5 1 6 3 9 4

6 1 9 2 4 3 8 7 5

5 3 4 9 8 7 6 1 2

To complete Sudoku, fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 such that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely. © 2017 Syndicated Puzzles

4

© 2017 Syndicated Puzzles

7 6

No. 333

Previous solution - Tough

© 2017 Syndicated Puzzles

STR8TS

For many strategies, hints and tips, visit www.sudokuwiki.org If you like Str8ts, Sudoku and other puzzles, check out our books, iPhone/iPad Apps and much more on our store at www.str8ts.com

EVEN TEXTERS AND DRIVERS HATE TEXTERS AND DRIVERS. STOPTEXTSSTOPWRECKS.ORG 18 // codcourier.org // 22 March 2017

We Offer:

TRANSFER TO

NORTH CENTRAL COLLEGE

• Planning with a knowledgeable North Central transfer counselor • Smooth transfer of credit • Generous transfer academic scholarships and financial aid

Learn More! Visit North Central College Transfer Information Sessions (group setting) Upcoming dates: March 23, April 7, April 20, May 22

S.T.O.P. In

(Student Transfer Organizational Plan)

• Individual setting • Daytime, evening and Saturday options

Customized Visits • Individual setting • Weekdays For more information and to request a visit, go to northcentralcollege.edu/transfer-visit or call 630-637-5800.

North Central will be at College of DuPage on: April 5, 10-1 April 12, 10-1

April 20, 10-1 April 25, 10-1

22 March 2017 // codcourier.org // 19

F E A T U R E S // P A G E S 1 0 - 1 1

20 // codcourier.org // 22 March 2017