the butler
VOL. 125 ISSUE 11
ESTABLISHED 1886
INDIANAPOLIS, IN
COLLEGIAN
THE BUTLER UNIVERSITY STUDENT NEWSPAPER | WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 10, 2010 | WWW.THEBUTLERCOLLEGIAN.COM Tomorrow’s Weather
BUTLER BALLET PG. 7
NEXT PRESIDENT PG. 5
MEN’S SOCCER PG. 9
High: 72° | Low: 45°
The search for the new Butler University president
WHO WILL BE NEXT?
?
Provost Jamie Comstock
Vice President of Student Affairs Levester Johnson
BY THE NUMBERS: BUTLER & URSINUS
BUTLER UNIVERSITY Indianapolis, IN
URSINUS COLLEGE
LOCATION, CITY
population: 807,584 POPULATION AND SIZE size: 372 sq. miles
Collegeville, PA population: 8,032 size: 1.6 sq. miles
4,512
STUDENTS ENROLLED
1,742
290 acres
CAMPUS SIZE
170 acres
$113 million
ENDOWMENT
$84 million
61 : 39
WOMEN : MEN
51 : 49
$30,558
TUITION AND FEES
$39,950
Bulldogs
MASCOT
Bears
79%
ADMITTANCE
57%
25-30
AVERAGE ACT SCORE
Reading: 520-630 Math: 540-650 Writing: 520-620
54% 60 1. Health sciences (24%) 2. Business (17%) 3. Education (9%)
Tony Hinkle: inventor of the orange basketball
RATE
(MIDDLE 50%)
AVERAGE SAT SCORE (MIDDLE 50%) NUMBER OF STUDENTS ADMITTED WITH
GPA OF 3.75 OR ABOVE
NUMBER OF MAJORS OFFERED
TOP 3 MAJORS NOTABLE FACULTY
Kurt Vonnegut: attended Butler and received an honorary degree
25-29 Reading: 570-680 Math: 570-670 Writing: 560-660
50% 28 1. Social Sciences (23%) 2. Biology (16%) 3. Parks and Recreation (10%)
Deborah Poritz: Chief Justice of New Jersey’s Supreme Court
J.D. Salinger:
NOTABLE STUDENTS
attended Ursinus for a semester before completing his education elsewhere
the spot, but Hargove said the legacy Fong has left will be a difficult one to follow. he search for a new president is “Our books were out of line,” Hargrove underway after Butler University said. “We gave him three yeras to balance the President Bobby Fong announced budget. He did it in less than a year.” on Oct. 29 that he will be leaving his position Many students and members of the Butat the end of the academic year. ler community started to wonder who will The announcement replace Fong if the was a surprise not only board decided to hire to the students at Butsomeone who already ler, but also to Butler’s holds a position at Board of Trustees. Butler University. The board, which is While some sturesponsible for the hirdents questioned if ing and firing of a presiLevester Johnson, vice dent, scrambled to meet president of student at the end of last week affairs, would fill the to discuss what would position, Johnson said happen next for Fong’s on his Facebook acempty seat when he count that he would leaves for Ursinus Colnot be “throwing his lege in Collegeville, Pa. hat into the ring.” John Hargrove, chairJohn Hargrove “I hope to add my man of the board, called CHAIR, BUTLER BOARD OF TRUSTEES two cents in on the for a conference call last decision,” Johnson Friday to discuss the desaid. “We should have tails of what is next for Butler. a great pool given the visability of the school The group of more than 30 members’ goal at this point due to [Fong’s] leadership and is to find a replacement by the end of the hard work of community members. academic year, something that may be a rela“But for now, I’ll focus on being the best tively easy task since Butler’s name has been ‘Vice President LJ’ that I can be.” in the spotlight. Another speculation about an inside-hire The job listing hasn’t been is that Provost Jamie Comstock would be a made public yet, so the job potential candidate for the position. requirements aren’t comComstock didn’t comment on the matter, pletely planned out, but but said the board hasn’t had much time to the board said it hopes work out any details. to find a candidate that “We just found out when everyone else will continue to push did, so it’s been difficult to work out any de“the Butler Way.” tails,” Comstock said. One thing, however, While the future of Butler’s presidency that the board does remains a mystery, Fong sent out an e-mail know is that Tuesday regarding concerns expressed by it doesn’t students and members of the community. w a n t “We are a family here at Butler, one of the new which I’m proud to be a part,” Fong said. president “I’m sorry that I could not confide the news to alter to the Butler family I was on the verge of acthe face cepting another appointment. But the proof Butler tocol in situations like this is that the new d r a s t i - school makes the announcement.” cally. Fong also answered the questions that “Why have been on the minds of many—why? would “I was brought to Butler 10 years ago to we want do a number of things,” Fong said. “One was to change to restore financial stability to the university. it to be like Another was to sharpen and enhance Butsomeone else?” ler’s profile. Since 2001, these things have Hargrove said been done.” in a recent inHe went on to say he is hopeful for the futerview with ture of Butler and is grateful for the backing the Indianapo- he has received. lis Star. “We “I’ve been touched by the outwant people pouring of support from the Butto be like us.” ler community over the past 10 days.” The com- Fong said. “I’m grateful for the part I played mittee will in your lives. launch a “My hope is that what has been achieved n a t i o n w i d e here will be permanent aspects of a Butler search to fill that has climbed to new heights.” BY JILL MCCARTER
T
jmccarte@butler.edu | news editor
Why would we want to change [Butler] to be like someone else? We want people to be like us.
OPINION 5 | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 7 | SPORTS 9 | PHOTOS 12
page 2 | the butler collegian
wednesday, November 10, 2010
Writer-in-residence wins $50,000 writing prize by sarah holcombe
sholcomb@butler.edu | asst. news editor
Michael Dahlie, Butler University’s Booth Tarkington Writer-in-Residence, has been named a winner of the 2010 Whiting Writers’ Award. According to the Giles Whiting Foundation website, whitingfoundation.org, the Whiting Writers’ Award was established in 1985 to support creative writing. The award is given annually to “10 emerging writers in fiction, nonfiction, poetry and plays.” The award is based off of “accomplishment and promise,” and comes with a $50,000 prize. A small group of writers, scholars and editors appointed annually choose the winners of the award. Dahlie said he worked as a freelance writer in New York for about 11 years prior to
coming to Indianapolis. His first book of literary fiction was published in 2008, but he has been publishing short stories since 1997. Dahlie said he was completely shocked when he heard he had won the award. “I was pretty happy,” he said. “It was very exciting; it’s kind of a big honor for a lot of reasons. “And it’s cool to get cash. There are not many ways to make money as a fiction writer, believe it or not—unless you’re John Grisham. So yeah, it was good news.” Dahlie said he had no idea he had even been nominated for the award. “They just call you one day out of the blue and let you know,” he said. “It’s kind of a strange call to get.” The Whiting Writers’ Award is meant to recognize a writers’ broad body
Alum donates $1 million for creative writing center First, Flanzbaum said she hopes the center provides a By the fall of 2011, Butler home for the MFA students. University will have its very “We hope to be able to ofown center for creative writ- fer people their own place ing. to be,” she said. “[MFA stuJeremy Efroymson, a dents] have been living in Butler graduate and local the English department, but supporter of the arts, has there has been no room of pledged to donate $1 million their own so to speak. [The to buy the home at 530 W. center] will be sort of a gathHampton Drive, which was ering place for them.” the University president’s Secondly, Flanzbaum said house from 1965 to 1979. she hopes it will provide a This is not the first do- stable venue for the Visitng nation the Efroymson fam- Writer’s Series. ily has made to Butler. “The Visiting Writers SeIn December of 2006 the ries was always in the same Efroymson Diversity Cen- area that we do peer tutorter was opened. This center ing,” she said. “But peer was made possible by Lori tutoring has grown, too, so Efroymson-Aguilera and the that kind of competition for Efroymson Family Fund. space will be relieved beThe Efroymson Fam- cause now peer tutoring will ily Fund was established in just be over [in the English 1998 and, according to the department] and the Visiting Central Indiana Community Writers Series events will be Foundation website, “has at the center.” awarded over $60 million in Lastly, Flanzbaum said grants to 950 effective non- she would like to see the cenprofit organizations.” ter act, as Dan Barden put it, D a n “as a porBarden, tal to the B u t l e r commuEnglish nity.” professor, Flansaid he and zbaum Jeremy a n d Efroymson Barden had talked both disfor years cussed a b o u t the opvarious portuniimproveties for ments they outreach w o u l d t h a t Hilene Flanzbaum could be like to see made in ENGLISH CHAIR, BUTLER UNIVERSITY available Indianapowith the lis. Barden said it occurred center. They said they are to him in the midst of one hoping to establish workof their conversations, that shops of all sorts—literature, Efroymson actually had the writing and editing—to be resources to make some of made open for the public. their visions come to life. Flanzbaum said the cen“It wasn’t like I was pitch- ter will make Butler, and all ing him ideas,” Barden said. it has to offer, a lot more ac“It was more like we were cessible to people. both just dreaming up things Barden agreed, and said we’d like to do.” he hopes more projects like Barden said he eventu- this one are taken up in the ally just came out and asked future, not just for writing, Efroymson if he would like but for all areas of study. He to do something for Butler’s said the center will serve as Masters of Fine Arts Cre- a place where “Butler and ative Writing program. the community can interHilene Flanzbuam, Eng- sect.” lish department chair, said “I feel like the Efroymson the MFA program is still Center for Creative Writing new, but doing extremely is only the first house that’s well so the idea to build the going to be out there in the creative writing center made community,” Barden said. sense to Efroymson. “For me, that border “He just kind of ran with between campus and the it on his own,” she said. community is really imporButler’s MFA program is tant,” he said. “I think a lot in it’s third year, and Flan- of people out there in Indiazbaum said she sees the napolis are afraid to cross it. creative writing center do- Sometimes we [at Butler] are ing three primary things to afraid to cross it, too.” strengthen the program’s al“The fact that that house ready solid foundation and is on the other side of the ensure it’s lasting longevity. border means a lot.” By sarah holcombe
sholcomb@butler.edu | asst. news editor
We hope to offer people their own place to be.
of works, awarding them for and that the character intertheir achievements in writing ested me enough that I could as a whole. write a novel based on him. “In addition to praising “I guess really I started Dahlie’s it in 2004, breadth then put it of work, aside and the Whitresumed ing Writit maybe a ers’ Award year later. also cited I sold it in one spe2006 and cifically then edited noteworit.” thy piece, As for his novel the future, “A GentleDahlie said Michael Dahlie he plans to m a n ’ s Guide to WRITER-IN-RESIDENCE, BUTLER keep writing, but Graceful that he has loved his year at Living.” “It took me about two Butler as a teacher. Ideally, he years [to write],” Dahlie said. would like to find a way to be “I actually wrote the first part both a teacher and writer. He said the award was of it as a short story, and then meaningful in multiple reput it aside. “Then I kind of decided spects, but mostly he apprethat there was enough there ciates the personal fulfill-
It’s nice when you have some sort of validation.
ment it brought him. “Sometimes you feel like you’re just kind of writing into the abyss and who knows if anyone is reading it or anyone cares, so it’s nice when you have some sort of validation that someone, somewhere read your book and thought it was really good and wanted to tell you.” Hilene Flanzbaum, English department chair, said the department received applications from people with many more published works than Dahlie, but she knew he was something special. “We had probably 120 applicants for the job,” Flanzbaum said. “But we read his book and all of our collective judgment said, ‘This is exceptional.’ “It’s better than a first novel should be.” Flanzbaum said the Whit-
ing Writers’ Award is an enormous honor, and that she is proud to have been a part of selecting Dahlie for Butler’s staff. “This is a very prestigious award given to people who they anticipate are going to be important writers,” she said. Dan Barden, English professor, said it is one of “the coolest” awards that can be won in writing, and that to understand its sheer magnitude one needs only to look at the list of past recipients. “Maybe this goes without saying, but it brings an enormous amount of prestige to the English department and to Butler University,” he said. “This is the kind of thing that doesn’t even often land on people who are teaching at Harvard, Yale or Columbia, let alone Butler. “It’s a big award.”
Butler scores a C- on green report card University ranked ninth out of 11 Indiana colleges and universities BY GRACE WALLACE
gwallace@butler.edu | asst. news editor
Congratulations Butler University. You earned a C-. On Oct. 27, the Sustainable Endowments Institute released the 2011 College Sustainability Report Card on their website, greenreportcard.org. According to the website, this is the only independent evaluation of campus and endowment sustainability activities that focuses on ecology, rather than academics, in the United States and Canada. “The Report Card is designed to identify colleges and universities that are leading by example on sustainability. The aim is to provide accessible information for schools to learn from each other’s experiences and establish more effective sustainability policies,” the website said. The 2011 College Sustainability Report Card covers colleges and universities with the 300 largest endowments as well as 22 other schools that applied for the evaluation. The evaluation is focused around nine major categories— administration, climate change and energy, food and recycling, green building, student involvement, transportation, endowment transparency, investment priorities and shareholder engagement. Of the 11 Indiana colleges and universities participating in this year’s report card, Butler ranks ninth—just above Wabash College and Purdue University North Central. According to greenreportcard.org, Butler also received a Cfor the 2010 school year. However, there were differences in individual categories over the two reports. For instance, the “Green Building” category was raised from a D to a B, while the “Administration” and “Food & Recycling” categories both dropped a letter grade. The “Student Involvement” section was awarded a B, with much credit going towards the programming of Butler’s Environmental Concerns Organization. The report card stated, “The Environmental Concerns Organization worked on a number of sustainability initiatives, including “Earth Week” programming, an end-of-year donation program, river cleanups and promoting sustainability in the dining halls. Students participate in the RecycleMania competition each year with the goal of waste reduction and recycling awareness. Butler offers eight student jobs related to sustainability.” Senior ECO President Rebecca Taylor said the organization
was pleased with the grade, although they realize there are areas for improvement. “We’re pretty happy with a B of course, but our target is always an A,” Taylor said. “Considering the amount of students involved, it really just shows how much the students want to make changes and are working towards implementing those changes. “We still have a long way to go to achieve that A.” Taylor said ECO tries to focus on one or two major issues and determine feasible solutions each year in order to create a more environmentally-friendly campus and raise student’s awareness. “Our goal this year is to focus on the ‘reduce’ part of reuse, reduce, recycle,” Taylor said. “Students, community members and Americans use way too many things and all of those things get wasted, whether its clothes, paper or plastic. We wouldn’t have to recycle these things and go through all of the energy to do it if we just used less commodities.” Taylor said the way to see overall improvement on the annual report card is to make sure the entire campus is working together and gives precedence towards a common goal. “ECO is doing everything we can to promote sustainability on campus. We need the support of SGA, other student organizations and everyone on campus who wants to be involved,” Taylor said. “If we want to make these drastic changes and really make Butler an environmentally-friendly community, we have to make it our priority.” Butler’s administration, on the other hand, was awarded a D for the 2011 College Sustainability Report Card, though it is noted on the report card that the university did not respond to any of the three administration surveys and all data was complied by individual research from the Sustainable Endowments Institute. In reference to the administration score, Taylor said the administration needed to be more proactive towards committing to being a green university. She said the cost-saving aspects should make green initiatives more attractive for Butler faculty, students and administration. “The administration is all about marketing butler as a green-minded campus,” Taylor said, “but when it comes down to it, they aren’t making as many steps as they could be. They need to carry out all of the things they are talking about implementing.”
wednesday, november 10, 2010
page 3 | the butler collegian
Students Spread a ‘Responsible Green Initiative’ by lexie beach contributing writer
Freshman orientation site earns award by amber sapp
asapp@butler.edu | staff writer
Earlier this semester, Butler’s first-year orientation website, butler.edu/orientation-programs won an award from the National Orientation Directors Association. The website was designed by Brandon VanHook, the multimedia specialist for the division of students affairs. He began working on revamping the website last May. “The most noticeable change [I made] was to add videos throughout the site, especially on the homepage,” VanHook said. “We also used videos to promote early involvement opportunities like the Ambassadors of Change program. “I also reorganized and consolidated some of the pages. The navigation was a little intimidating last year. There were a lot of things to click on. “This year we tried to group information a little differently so people could see what they wanted and click to learn more, versus being overwhelmed with too much information on a single page.” A “Get to Know BU” section was added to the site. Senior Bryce Gergely, a
PuLSE Office employee, did a lot of research to provide content for the new section. This section includes a brief history of Butler, the “Butler War Song,” fun facts about Butler and a list of campus traditions. VanHook said he believes that these changes were necessary in making the website more user-friendly and accessible to the incoming class and their families. “We had to step up communication efforts for our largest freshman class ever this year, but we also wanted to reduce our use of paper,” VanHook said. “In the past, we have used flyers and other not-so-’green’ print collateral to promote ‘Welcome Week’ programs, events and opportunities.” VanHook and his team consolidated the previous print-outs and tagged everything with the orientation site address in an effort to encourage students and families to visit the site for more information. “The orientation website was really a centralized hub for all information about ‘Welcome Week,’” VanHook said. According to the NODA website, submissions are judged on content, use of theme, style and practicality.
“Adding multimedia like video and making the site easier to navigate and more ‘user-friendly’ was really important because we want incoming students to feel comfortable at Butler,” VanHook said. “They have enough on their minds without having to stress about where to find information on a website.” Freshman Ryan Love was grateful for the information provided on the website. He said it especially helped with his transition of moving from Los Angeles, to Indianapolis. “Coming to campus from across the country, I had no idea what to expect,” Love said. “I used the freshman orientation website to find information about what to expect during ‘Welcome Week.’” The website was very accessible, Love said. He said was able to find everything he was looking for with clear headings for different topics. “The website resembles Butler perfectly in that it lays out clearly how to get involved in a variety of ways,” Love said. “[Having all that information available] definitely got me pumped for my freshman year and fully prepared me for one of the most stressful, yet exciting, weeks of my life.”
COLLEGIANs ‘ the butler
5 Things You Need to Know This Week
Is it possible to change the channel from TBS when “Conan” is on? We didn’t think so, so it makes complete sense that we would have to catch you up on the news this week. 1) Army community told to ignore ‘Arab guys with AK-47’s.’ An e-mail was sent to Army employees in Germany after the police received more than 1,000 phone calls from people worrying about individuals walking around in ‘Arabic attire’ and carrying AK-47’s. The individuals were employees of the Army conducting training. 2) Chimp rescued from lebanon and sent to Brazilian sanctuary. A 12-year-old chimpanzee was taken from a Lebanese zoo after animal rights workers discovered that the chimp was smoking cigarettes to entertain visitors. While the chimp cannot climb a tree or play with others, he can smoke up to a pack of cigarettes a day. 3) Coco on top. Conan O’ Brien’s TBS debut of “Conan” proved to be a success. The late-night host drew in 4.15 million viewers, beating out fellow 11 p.m.-ers Jay Leno, David Letterman, Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert. 4) A court orders block vote on Islamic law. A new amendment to the Oklahoma Constitution that would prohibit state courts from considering international or Islamic law when deciding cases was blocked on Monday by a federal judge. 5) BP was unprepared for Gulf oil spill. On Monday, former BP chief Tony Hayward said that the company was not prepared for the media frenzy that the oil spill caused in April. He went on to say that the company nearly faced a financial disaster, saying, “We were making it up day to day.” compiled and written by Jill McCarter
A Butler University student carries on a student-run business that could help the university take another step towards going green. Back to Earth Compost began in the spring of 2009 when senior Conner Burt created the company with partners Chris Clark and David Dolins as a part of the College of Business’ yearlong Real Business Experience class. In this sophomore-level class, students form teams, create a business idea, apply for funding from a panel of business executives and if they receive funding, start and run their real business. The company’s mission is to provide customers with the means to make environmentally-conscience decisions with ease and to promote sustainability within the greater Butler area through composting. To do this, the company provides clients with a bucket, lid and biodegradable bags to separate their organic waste throughout the week. At the end of week, Back to Earth employees collect the waste and take it to Butler where it is composted near Bulldog Park, the Butler baseball field. The resulting compost is returned to the customers in the spring as garden fertilizer. The cost is $50 a month for residential homes and $200 a month for larger organizations. The company recently turned things over to a new group of owners, led by CEO Thorn Murphy. Murphy, a junior economics and finance major, bought the business from Burt and has been busy expanding the operation and adding new customers. As the CEO, Murphy sets up appointments, tells employees what routes to go on and handles customer relations. Other students involved in the business include juniors Jordan Harris, Nick Horstman, Robert Koteff and Craig McBarnes. Burt still works for the company as a supervisor. The company currently picks up waste from 20 residential homes and one Butler sorority house, Delta Delta Delta.
They are also working on a new alliance with Union Jack’s Pub in Broad Ripple and Scotty’s Brewhouse on 96th Street. Murphy said he would love to see Greek involvement on campus increase because it would benefit both the company and the university. “If our fraternities and sororities were supplying fertilizer for campus, it would make the university look significantly greener,” Murphy said. “How many schools can say their fertilizer comes from the food they used?” Butler is continually making efforts to “go green” and Murphy said he is confident that getting involved with Back to Earth Compost would help the university achieve that goal. “Our slogan is ‘the responsible green initiative,’” Murphy said. “If we could get Butler involved with a student-run business, it’d be a win-win situation for everyone.” In October, Murphy gave a presentation on behalf of Back to Earth Compost to 400 middle and high school students at the National FFA Leadership Convention in downtown Indianapolis. The presentation focused on how small daily acts can make a difference and why composting is a good alternative to wasting food. He then put his words into action by collecting the leftovers from a peanut butter and jelly sandwich activity to add to Butler’s compost pile. Murphy says he is optimistic about the company’s future and has high hopes for an expansion. “I don’t want it to stop when I’m done,” he said. “I want someone else to take over and make it a city-wide initiative, instead of just a Butler initiative.” Murphy also thinks the company’s potential for profit is very high, if put in the right hands. “It’d be awesome if a bigger company that can put all their time into doing what I’m doing here could buy us out,” he said. “Sometimes it gets hard because I have football, schoolwork and a business to run. “The business could expand and be very profitable if that’s all the owners did.”
Newman on Newton by grace wallace
Photo by Erin Drennan
gwallace@butler.edu | asst. news editor
Bill Newman knows his Newton. Newman visited Butler University on Monday to present on chemistry and alchemy as part of the Fall 2010 Woods Lecture Series. Newman is a professor in the department of history and philosophy of science at Indiana University in Bloomington. He teaches courses on the history of matter theory and the history of early chemical technology. Newman is the general editor of “The Chymistry of Isaac Newton,” an integrated project that combines new research on Newton’s “chymistry” with an online edition of his manuscripts. Monday’s presentation covered the transmutation of metals through the use of alchemy—thought possible by many notable intellectuals in the 1700s, such as Sir Isaac Newton, Robert Boyle and George Starky. By metal transmutation, he was referring to the creation of precious metals gold and silver from common metals, such as lead and copper. “People often wonder why scientific figures believed in the transfusion of one metal to the other,” Newman said. “Two ways to look at it are from theoretical to mechanical.” Newman claimed that intellectuals in the 1700s were under the belief that copper and lead were unripe metals that could be changed to precious metals, either naturally or through laboratory environments. These beliefs arose from such observations as min-
Newman ers finding the metals silver and lead in the same general areas—leading them to believe the silver was a more progressed form of the lead. In his presentation, Newman preformed some of the experiments that provided the intellectuals from the 1700s evidence for metal transmutation. He said that individuals would perform “public transmutation,” or experiments in public, such as dipping a silver medallion into a mysterious solution in order to change the medallion into gold. Newman replicated a “public transmutation” within his presentation. He dipped a silver coin into concentrated nitric acid, which turned the coin gold by corroding the silver and creating a gold and silver alloy. He also did an experiment using copper vitriol in which the silver blade of a knife was turned to a copper color, again showing physical evidence for the proof of alchemy. “Artificial transmutation of silver into gold was wit-
nessed by the greatest thinkers of the century,” Newman said. In other words, there was physical evidence and reason to believe that alchemy could exist and this created an age of gold that fascinated thinkers such as Newton. Newman said Newton’s nephew-in-law noted in a report that Newton never truly gave up his fascination with alchemy. “If he were younger, he would have another touch at metals,” he said. Newman even made a Harry Potter reference, with the mention of the philosopher’s stone—an article thought to have the power to modify any normal metal to gold. Legendary tales surround the philosopher’s stone and its seemingly magical powers—one of the most well known tales being “The Golden Calf,” Newman said. Though Newman recognizes that alchemy and the existence of a philosopher’s stone have since been proven untrue, his point is that there was definite reason for this fascination to have arisen within even the greatest intellectuals. Junior Andrew Hiday said the presentation was interesting because Newman presented Newton in the light of alchemy, rather than the physics for which the scholar is most well known. “[Newman] presented some very interesting points and entertaining demonstrations, although his presentation style was very bland,” Hiday said. “I feel like I gained insight into parts of Isaac Newton that I did not realize before.”
page 4 | the butler collegian
wednesday, November 10, 2010
Butler personalities gain recognition through tweets by allyson dobberteen adobbert@butler.edu | staff writer
T
wo Butler University personalities were recently given top honors for tweeting. Levester Johnson, vice president of student affairs, was named one of the “25 university presidents to follow,” by bachelorsdegree.org. He was one of only two VP’s ranked on the list. The school’s live mascot, Blue II, also received an award for his tweets. Blue’s account was named one of the “Ten University Twitter Accounts Worth Learning From,” by Patrick Powers, a St. Louis social media expert. Blue’s account was the only university mascot to gain this recognition. Currently, Blue has 2,283 followers on Twitter. Johnson trails with 624 followers. Michael Kaltenmark is the man behind Blue’s Twitter account. He’s also the bulldog’s owner. “We had Blue before Twitter and it’s good to see what it’s done for his personality and his celebrity,” he said. “It’s really been fun for me,
but at the end of the day it’s really great for Butler. “The media is shifting its eyes towards Butler University, and if Blue has something to do with it, that’s great.” Kyle Johannsen, a sophomore public and corporate communications major, said that Blue’s success on Twitter gives Butler a positive image. “I think it’s pretty cool that Blue II is so well known nationally,” she said. “It shows that Butler is looking to be really involved with social media and shows great growth for
our school.” Kaltenmark decided to make a Twitter account for Blue about two years ago. “Twitter was something new,” he said. “We had already established a nice social media platform for [Blue], so he already had somewhat of a following.” Blue’s account, @ButlerBlue2, frequently features photographs of him in his day-to-day life as a mascot. The tweets are witty and lighthearted. “There is nothing magical about it, but it is unique,” Kaltenmark
said. “I like to think that Blue’s Twitter cuts through all the other information that is thrown out there.” Blue’s tweets weren’t always so popular. Kaltenmark said the tweets started out bland. “At first, it was things like ‘I’m at a basketball game,’ but then we got the hang of it and it’s grown to be what it is today,” he said. Kaltenmark said Blue’s Twitter account adds positive dialog for the Butler community to see. “Through the Twitter, you can really get the feel for the institution,” he said. “You can feel the culture and notice a certain vibe around Butler.” The Twitter account also exhibits Butler pride. “Sometimes I think my life is Butler and it shows on Blue’s Twitter account,” Kaltenmark said. “When you have the mascot, you start to bleed blue.” Johnson also uses his Twitter account to show his Butler pride. “I just love me some Butler,” he said. Johnson hopped on the Twitter train about a year and a half ago. He said he was skeptical at first, but the website has allowed him to let
students in on his daily life. “I don’t sit down and say ‘this is something good to tweet,’” Johnson said. “My life and my schedule is exactly what you’re seeing.” That schedule includes attending numerous student-run events and many leadership conferences around the nation. The website that ranked Johnson 23rd wrote that Johnson is, “a great follow, frequently tweeting about trips to conferences and meetings about higher education and college culture.” It was this college culture that originally drew Johnson to Butler, he said. Johnson said the size of Butler’s campus was something that caught his attention because it allowed him to interact with students, which was something he valued. “Twitter opened a whole new window and door into how to do that,” Johnson said. “Students feel like they know me, even if we’ve never met in person. It really helps to break down the walls between the administrator and the student. “It’s easy to be yourself on Twitter, so students get to see a different side of you.”
Professor named in top 25 business law blogs by aja cacan
acacan@butler.edu | staff writer
Butler University assistant professor of business law Mike Koehler’s blog has been named as one of the Top 25 Business Law Blogs of 2010 by LexisNexis. “It was a nice recognition,” Koehler said. His blog, FCPA Professor, deals with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act—a piece of legislation that Koehler calls “the most important U.S. law when it comes to doing business in an overseas market.” Koehler said the FCPA regulates bribery and corruption, but is about more than just the typical exchange of suitcases full of cash. “Any interaction that a company has with foreign officials will be governed by this law,” he said. Before coming to Butler two years ago, Koehler spent 10 years working as a lawyer in private practice. His interest in the FCPA came from the fact that it was a substantial part of his practice. “He is one of the best in the country at the subject,” professor of economics Bill Rieber said. The lack of information about the law is what motivated Koehler to start his blog. “I knew that there was a huge void from an academic perspective on this law,” he said. Koehler said the blog deals with a very specific, niche industry, but is nonetheless read around the world.
“The blog has brought attention to what “We think very highly of professor Koehe researches,” College of Business Dean hler. He is great in the classroom, very comChuck Williams said. mitted and enthusiastic,” Rieber said. Since publishing academic pieces usually Williams said Koehler’s great research takes some time, Koehler says the blog is a background and great work experience was useful way to stay academically involved. a perfect fit for Butler and the College of “The blog is a good way to supplement Business. my academic “We look for faculty who scholarship,” can excel in the classroom, he said. expand knowledge via pubKoehler said lished work and communicate that he often ideas in the business world to utilizes his blog influence business practice,” as a teaching Williams said. tool in the classRieber also said Koehler’s room, which is expertise provided a double helpful to the advantage for students. students’ un“He wants business studerstanding of dents not to have to go the subject. through attorneys, but also “We’re interwants to serve as inspiration ested in having to those who wish to become students unattorneys,” Rieber said. Chuck Williams derstand how Williams emphasized KoeDEAN, COLLEGE OF BUSINESS hler’s combination of academthese ideas benefit business ic work and experience as an practices,” Wilimportant contributor to his liams said. success at Butler. Koehler is a favorite among his colleagues, “We look for people who are academic who say they enjoy working with him. and also in the real world,” he said. “Mike’s well-liked and respected by his Rieber mentioned that Koehler’s presence students and colleagues,” Williams said. was one of the things that allowed Butler to Rieber said that he enjoys discussing start a new business law minor this year. sports with Koehler, who is an avid sports He said he hopes Koehler will teach core fan. classes in the future.
We look for faculty who communicate ideas in the business world.
BUSINESS Law BLOG: Mike Koehler is known for his blog about U.S. law. (Photo courtesy of Miike Koehler)
Excel school provides options 300 students into their program this year. Bess said the school was Every Butler Univerhoping to accept nearly 1,000 sity student is a high school students next year to match graduate from somewhere, the overwhelming demand. and the Excel Center in InThe students range in age, dianapolis is hoping to add from 17 to 56. more high school graduates Rent said the school was to the world. different because it offers The Excel Center opened programs such as in September this year. life coaches, a food It is a charter school that pantry and day care caters to previous dropservices to help their outs and allows them the students. opportunity to get a real “It’s about the high school degree, not whole student, not just a GED. just about school,” As a public charter she said. school, it costs students But the school does nothing. more than just proThe center is one of vide students with a two schools that Goodhigh school diploma. will Education InitiaRent said, “The tives, Inc. runs in Central Courtney Rent whole idea is not that Indiana. It is a division DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY SERVICES, students are graduatof Goodwill Industries GOODWILL INDUSTRIES ing, but that we are of Central Indiana. committed to help“The stores are what ing them with what’s everyone knows about, next.” Bess said Goodwill debut this company is doing a For the Excel Center, that lot of good,” Courtney Rent, cided to step in when the unmeans they help their stuemployement rate began to director of community serdents get through certificaescalate. vices at Goodwill Industries, tion programs and communi“We looked around and said. ty colleges post-graduation. saw the 10 percent unemScott Bess, chief operating “We’re giving them tracofficer for Goodwill Indus- ployment rate and said, as an tries of Central Indiana, said organization, that we needed tion in whatever comes that the school opened in or- to do something to change next,” Rent said. The center is hoping to der to impact the lives of stu- that,” he said. In efforts to change this graduate their first student dents and their families. Bess said that tackling the statistic, the school admitted within the next few weeks. by allyson dobberteen adobbert@butler.edu | staff writer
Shakespeare tour accepting applications to go or not to go: The group on the 2010 summer Shakespeare tour pauses to take a photo at one of the many stops on their tour. The trip includes a viewing of six Shakepeare plays. (Photo courtesy of Katie Arnt) by molly kordas
mkordas@butler.edu | staff writer
Butler University is advertising its 24th Annual Summer Shakespeare Tour as students begin to look for study abroad opportunities for the coming summer. Students will visit Stratford-upon-Avon, Bath, Oxford and London, as well as see and review six of Shakespeare’s plays. The students have an opportunity to control most of the trip themselves. About 40 percent of the trip is spent on class, while the other 60 percent is meant to be a time of discovery, exploration and cultural immersion for everyone on the trip, according to Butler English professor William Walsh. “I ask that they take charge of their time, learn
the underground system— go and do,” Walsh said. “We have a great time.” The Tour is also a great opportunity for students to see and review Shakespeare’s plays, performed in the culture in which they were written. “The plays are seen as scripts for performance, not truly realized until acted,” Walsh said. “Every performance is an interpretation of the text which means what it means for this moment of time.” The students are able to see plays as well as all of the theaters, pubs, libraries and landmarks that are a vital part of England’s rich history. “I was able to see the history of the whole world in the British museum, and seeing
the first drafts of some of my favorite novels in the British Library was just breathtaking,” junior Katie Arnt said about her experience on the 2010 summer tour. Students on the summer tour in the past have enjoyed seeing Shakespeare’s grave at Holy Trinity Church, exploring the National Gallery and the British Museum, seeing the Roman Baths and Stonehenge. “Seeing this stuff doesn’t get old, nor does my pleasure in seeing the students enjoy it all,” Walsh said. The students will spend about two weeks in England and they will receive three credit hours for their work and experience on the trip. The cost of the trip including airfare and exchange is estimated to be about $3,250.
graduation rate in Indiana was the first step to solving some of the state’s problems. “Almost every statistic that any city struggles with has a relationship to the dropout rate,” he said. “If a city’s dropout rate is high, then its crime rate is probably high as well.”
It’s about the whole student not just about the school.
wednesday, november, 10 2010
Opinion THE BUTLER COLLEGIAN
PAGE 5
the butler
COLLEGIAN
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Fall 2010 Editorial Staff Arika Herron Editor in Chief Emily Newell Print Managing Editor Hayleigh Colombo Online Managing Editor Jill McCarter Co-News Editor Tara McElmurry Co-News Editor Sarah Holcombe Asst. News Editor Grace Wallace Asst. News Editor Lexie Smith Opinion Editor Sam Hyer Asst. Opinion Editor Brian Gross Asst. Opinion Editor Dan Domsic A&E Editor Brian Wanbaugh Asst. A&E Editor Steven Peek Sports Editor Mike Ellis Asst. Sports Editor Colin Likas Asst. Sports Editor Meredith Lee Head Copy Editor Rachel Senn Photography Editor Erin Drennan Asst. Photography Editor Caroline Johnson Asst. Photography Editor Kristen Perkins Graphics Editor Lauren Fisher Advertising Manager Erin Hammeran Advertising Manager Kate Seigfried Circulation Manager Loni McKown Adviser
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OUR POINT THIS WEEK: President Fong’s decision to leave Butler is saddening, but gives us the chance to think about what we want in our next president.
Fong’s departure brings opportunity Last week, we learned that Bobby Fong would be leaving Butler University to become president of Ursinus College. Although we are sad to see Fong leave, the staff of The Butler Collegian knows that change can be a good thing, if it comes in the right way. The prospect of a new president gave us a chance to talk about what kind of person we want as the next leader of Butler. We feel that the incoming university president should focus on keeping Butler small, be personable and available to students, be forward thinking and ensure that Butler is still centered around its outstanding academics. This is especially important after the publicity and success of the men’s basketball and soccer teams. This year, Butler University welcomed its largest freshmen class in history—1,067 students. This dramatic increase in enrollment stemmed from Butler’s impressive run to the NCAA Division I Men’s National Championship game in April. While we are flattered by such publicity and widespread interest, we find it vital to keep Butler a small university. The way our campus is currently structured would not allow for freshmen classes much larger
than the current class. Other benefits of a small school include one-onone relationships with professors. Most class sizes, on average, are 20 students. This creates a personal atmosphere with plenty of room for interaction with professors and other students. Education is personalized at Butler. Most students are learning in small classrooms rather than in 200-person lecture halls like at larger universities. Butler professors are also highly accessible. With open office hours and almost-constant availability, students are afforded the best education and the personal relationships with their professors. President Fong’s support of the Amethyst Initiative represents the respect for the student body he has shown over his 10 years. The Amethyst Initiative is a collection of college presidents who promote lowering the drinking age to 18 in order to encourage responsible drinking throughout college years. The president’s involvement represents forward-thinking policy that we fear might be lost with his replacement. With the publicity Butler University has received from the success of our sports programs, the
We find it vital to keep Butler a small university.
administration might shy away from the Amethyst initiative as a possible source of controversy. Furthermore, with the successes of the men’s basketball and soccer teams, there is a certain fear that academics will not be as big of a focus of the university president. We hope whoever succeeds Fong will successfully balance the recent publicity with the longstanding tradition of academic excellence. Even though many of the qualities we list epitomize Bobby Fong’s personality, during this transition, there is an opportunity to find a president with qualities better-suited to meet the changing university. With our newfound status, Butler University needs a president that energizes the student body and represents “the Butler Way” to the community and nation. This transition for Butler University does present a good opportunity to change the perception of the administration. With a new president, the university can distance itself from controversy stemming from a libel lawsuit of spring 2009 concerning a former student. Fong’s involvement in the suit damaged his image as a champion of the undergraduate student body. We hope to have a president who can embody all these values while simultaneously not using Butler University as a stepping-stone for their career. Although we will miss Fong, we are excited to see what the new president can bring to our university.
The price of democracy by sam hyer
shyer@butler.edu | asst. opinion editor
With the amount of money spent on the past midterm elections at an estimated $4 billion, a new record has certainly been reached. This begs the question—was it worth it? I don’t think so. The smoke has settled and the results are in for most of the races in the country. With a dominating performance by Republicans, it appears as though they will have control of the House of Representatives for at least the next two years. But what about all that money? In the most expensive election cycle in history, people are beginning to wonder whether or not all that spending on advertising and refueling the RV was worth it. For years, people have speculated that the candidate with the most funding on hand will easily win the election and head to Washington. But, this past election cycle proves otherwise. In the California’s gubernatorial race, Meg Whitman spent roughly $163 million in an attempt to win the Governor’s seat. Between Oct. 1 and Oct. 16, she managed to spend $23 million. The former eBay CEO and self-made billionaire pledged to spend up to $150 million of her personal funds at the beginning of the campaign. In the Connecticut Senate race to fill Chris Dodd’s seat, World Wrestling Entertainment CEO Linda McMahon pledged to self-finance her campaign up to $50 million when she announced that she was running in September 2009. Together, Whitman and McMahon spent a combined total of roughly $200 million. Both Whitman and McMahon lost by a sizeable amount. In Arkansas, U.S. Senate incumbent Blanche Lincoln spent $11 million and was defeated by Rep. John Boozman, who only spent around $2 million. While on the campaign trail, Boozman was known as a soft-spoken individual with basic con-
servative principles. The thing that set Boozman apart from Lincoln was the fact that he stayed focused on the issues and told the voters what they wanted to hear. Lincoln focused on attacking her opponent instead of addressing important issues. In Idaho, Raul Labrador defeated Rep. Walt Minnick. According to the FEC, Labrador only spent $438,272, compared to Minnick’s $2,039,440. These are just a handful of examples of races from all over the country. This past election certainly proves one thing— you cannot buy a seat in Congress. While candidates can spend thousands of dollars to create an ad that says their opponent lied
about their military service or were accused of shady business deals, at the end of the day, people will vote for the candidate they believe in. Both Republicans and Democrats need to stay focused on the issues at hand during political campaigns instead of focusing on their opponent’s character or shortcomings. Instead of buying millions of dollars worth of advertising time to question their opponents character, they need to say what sets them apart. If they stay focused on the issues, they are likely to win the support of a strong voter base. They are also likely to save $160 million of their personal fortune.
millions spent in California: In the hotly contested gubernatorial race in California, CEO Meg Whitman spent more than $160 million of her personal fortune in an attempt to defeat Jerry Brown. Brown was victorious. (Photo courtesy MCT)
PAGE 6 | THE BUTLER COLLEGIAN
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2010
Midterm elections turn off young voters BY LEXIE SMITH
hsmith@butler.edu | opinion editor
Last Tuesday’s midterm elections were stuffed in the middle of my week of chaotic classes and homework but I still found time to cast my vote: my first one. But, the elections also signaled an alarming trend among my friends: blatant refusal to vote. This sudden outbreak of my friends deciding not to complete their civic duty is alarming and unacceptable. Young people need to get involved in the voting process because we are the ones who have to deal with the consequences of who is elected. As I logged onto Facebook, I saw status after status from my friends proudly proclaiming that they did not vote because they didn’t care for either side or that the government was just a conspiracy with only big corporation’s interests at heart, rather than the interests of the American public. This lack of voting stemmed from young Democrats being disappointed with President Obama. Looking back on his impressive campaign promising “hope” and “change” and “Yes We Can” optimism, it is easy to look at his presidency and say: what happened? Obama has not reversed all the damage from the Bush adminis-
tration, but Obama has dealt with some large issues discussed in his campaign. Overall, “Obama is the most accomplished and progressive president in decades, yet the only Americans fired up by the changes he has delivered are Republicans and Tea Partiers hellbent on reversing them,” Rolling Stone staff writer Tim Dickinson wrote. Obama’s signature and support of important bills helps all U.S. citizens but is especially pertinent to young voters. An example is student loan reform, which prevents banks and privatized lenders from occupying the middle-man position and gouging students outrageous fees for them to receive higher education. Obama has passed incredible student loan reform as well as the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which demands equal pay for equal work. This law was named after Lilly Ledbetter, an “Alabama woman who, at the end of a 19-year career as a supervisor in a tire factory, complained that she had been paid less than men,” New York Times staff writer Sheryl Gay Stolberg wrote. The changes Obama has made since the beginning of his presidency are more than other presidents have accomplished in full terms. He has provided the Department of Veterans Affairs with over
$1 million to improve the quality of healthcare for veterans. He also used an executive order to close Guantanamo Bay. However, Republicans have misconstrued these accomplishments as failures, which effectively lowers the morale among young voters. According to cbsnews.com, “The youth vote—18-to-29-year-olds— who helped catapult Obama into office makes up an estimated 9 percent of voters this year, compared to 18 percent in 2008.” A reason for this drop-off in voter turnout can be attributed to an abundance of political information and propaganda being projected at young voters on a daily basis. Voters become so bogged down with information and are distressed about what is true that they decide it would just be simpler to stay home on Election Day. This is possibly the worst decision they could make. Young voters do not have a concrete grip on the inner workings of the political sphere in Washington, D.C. These voters do not realize that political movements take time. Just because a certain piece of legislation isn’t passed immediately does not constitute the need for writing off Obama as a leader and considering him an outlandish failure. “An estimated 20.4 percent of young people voted on Nov. 2, which is about a million fewer than
in 2006 and was less than half of those who voted in the 2008 presidential election.” According to consortiumnews.com. This dramatic decrease in young voters was due partially to disappointment in Obama for not radically changing politics in Washington, D.C., but also the fact that older voters always dominate the polls during midterm elections. According to www.blogs.reuters. com, older voters show up to the polls in numbers that nearly double the youth voter turnout rate. My hope for increased youth votes isn’t gone, but it is dwindling.
My message to my friends who expressed an extreme lack of interest in voting is that voting is necessary. It’s a civic duty, not an optional activity. It is the responsibility of all American citizens to vote to protect their future and elect candidates who can offer them the best legislation when they enter into their respective offices. If young voters continue to steer clear of the polls on Election Day, our generation will be stuck as adults, belabored with the consequences of our complacent actions as young people.
VOTING IMPORTANCE: Although young voters may become discouraged by an assumed lack, they need to vote on Election Days like last Tuesday. (Photo from MCT)
The past, recent success and future of the Tea Party BY BRIAN GROSS
bgross@butler.edu I asst. opinion editor
Maybe after the success of the Tea Party in the midterm election, being a member won’t have such negative connotations. Then again, after a brutal campaign, infighting among Republicans and an uncertain future after the elections, the Tea Party Movement might be dead in the water. In 2008, things weren’t looking good for the Republican Party. After eight years of fiscally irresponsible leadership from a “compassionate conservative,” the ideals of The GOP were lost in two unpopular wars and a “war on terror” that expanded the powers of the federal government to near 1984 levels. As the campaigns of John McCain and Barack Obama geared up, the GOP had done little to rebrand, offering one of their oldest members, while the Democrats put forth a
freshman senator with no affiliation to previous administrations. The Republicans offered essentially more of the same with McCain, while the move on the part of the Democrats was ingenius: by nominating a relative unknown, they presented a candidate unassociated with the unpopular former president. And so, with a galvanized democratic base, disheartened conservatives and a young population of voters believing in “hope” and “change” in Washington, D.C., the nation swung to the left in hope of a brighter future. Two years later, Washington has continued its reckless spending and expansion of government. The 2010 midterm elections reflect the buyer’s remorse after two years of irresponsible growth of government. While Democrats still control the Senate and the presidency, the victories among the Conservative and Tea Party candidates represent the first step for Americans toward shrinking the role of government. Even though it was demonized in the
TOUGH CROWD: Protesters, generally of an older era, headed toward a Tea Party rally identify themselves with American Revolutionary attire and satirized icons from the Obama campaign. (Photo courtesy MCT)
PawPrints BY: ERIN DRENNAN
It is a shame the rallies and attendants media, the Tea Party movement succeeded in changing the political climate of the two- have been characterized as Islamiphobic, racist and homophobic, but it is the innate party system. Instead of voting for the lesser of two reaction for people on the outside of a moveevils, the call for fiscally conservative leaders ment to besmirch it in order to hide their own anxieties. offered a new option during primaries. While it is hard to hear the President of all For once, conservatives could choose between the government-growing republicans the United States, not just the blue ones, rethat had turned record surplus into record fer to people in a political movement as “teadeficit and a new crop of fiscal conservatives baggers,” a clearly derogative term, I hope it serves as example that anyone can be caught who call for cutting government spending. These fresh faces gained popularity by at- up in xenophobia derived from a new movement in American politending Tea Party raltics. lies and championing With the addition of a solution to the probthese Tea Party Conserlems of government. vatives in the House The success of the of Representatives, Tea Party Movement hopefully the media is due in large part will make the effort to to a growing belief better understand the among Americans that views of these elected the government has officials. Hopefully expanded beyond the even the President will control of the people. show respect to this The guiding philosmovement and the ophy of this push for Americans supporting small government derives from Thomas JefThomas Jefferson it. But how the rest of ferson’s advice: “Gov- THIRD PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES the country thinks, or ernment big enough to supply everything you need is big enough to rethinks, the Tea Party will be almost entirely take everything you have. The course of his- dependent on how the elected members reptory shows us that as a government grows, resent their constituents. A week after the election, it is hard to tell liberty decreases.” This maxim has been proven true by both what success these new congressmen and the Bush and Obama administrations with women will have. With a majority in the the use of wiretapping, full-body scanners House of Representatives, the republicans in airports, massive government bailouts of have two years to demonstrate their comprivate industry and the continued existence mitment to budget-cutting and governmentof the Guantanamo Bay detention facility, all shrinking. To many of the Americans who of which have expanded the role of govern- elected them, they are the defense against an ment far beyond those outlined in the Con- ever-encroaching government. If, after their promises to their districts, stitution. The Tea Party protests were the natural they proceed with spending as usual, the Tea outgrowth of voter frustration, even if they Party will be a side-note of the gullible nahave been portrayed by many in the media ture of the American people, right after the as GOP organized hate-rallies. They started “hope” and “change” campaign of Obama. But if the recently-elected congressmen in late 2007, when the first bank bailouts were being discussed by the Bush administration. and women stand by their pledge to curtail They continued into the Obama administra- government spending, I believe this movetion, protesting massive government spend- ment will be seen as a valiant effort to control the growth of the federal government. ing and feelings of underrepresentation.
Government big enough to supply everything you need is big enough to take everything away.
What are you looking for in a new Butler University President?
“Someone who will keep entrust the students with all of the same freedoms we have now.”
“Our next president should keep the small school feeling with a big school reputation.”
“It would be nice for them to be a supporter of Greek Life.”
Kevin Hansen freshman
Emily O’Neal sophomore
Noah Share sophomore
“I would like a president that will maintain the small class sizes and the size of the university.” Mike Gagliano junior
a&E
wednesday, November 10, 2010
the butler collegian
page 7
On ‘pointe’ with Butler Ballet
Seniors share lead role in ‘Nutcracker’ performance butler tradition: Seniors Aggie Schmank and Toby Lewellen rehearse for the show. (Photo by Erin Drennan) by Brian wanbaugh
W
email@butler.edu | asst. a&e editor
ith the holiday season approaching, Butler Ballet is preparing an annual tradition for the spotlight once again. “The Nutcracker,” a ballet originally choreographed by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov with a score by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky is one, if not the biggest, production the Butler Ballet puts on each year. With many students in the department this year, due to the size of the freshman class, some of the major roles of the ballet have been double-cast, including the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy. The two seniors sharing the role are seniors Kate Austin and Aggie Schmank, who have each had a passion for dancing since an early age. Austin and Schmank began dancing at about four years old, but both said those programs were anything but serious. “I did ‘creative movement,’ which is basically running around to music at age four,” Austin said. “But I started dancing seriously at about age eight.” Schmank shared a similar experience. “I started dancing at about age three or four,” Schmank said. “My mom put me in because I couldn’t sit still.” When deciding which dance school to go to, Austin knew Butler would be an excellent choice because it has one of the top five dance schools in the nation. For Schmank though, the choice was easy for another reason. “I have known professor [Marek] Cholewa and his wife, [Rosanna Cholewa], since I was eight because they put on a few ballets at my home studio,” Schmank said. “A few girls from my home studio came to Butler too, so that helped my decision.” Austin and Schmank have refined their talents with the
help of the dance faculty at Butler. “The professors get involved in your training and really want you to succeed,” Austin said. “They care about you, not only you as a dancer, but you as a person as well.” Schmank added that the department is extremely close, like “one big family.” She said, “There is healthy competition, but we’re still a very close knit community.” The hard work each puts into their dancing has materialized into both landing a share of a major role. “I became interested in ballet because of the hard work and the strive for perfection [one needs],” Austin said. “Going into the studio everyday and tweaking little things has always been interesting to me.” For Schmank, training and rehearsing has become a daily activity, as well. She said that rehearsals get to be very time consuming, especially during “theater week”—the week before a show. “You’re there late everyday and get real tired but it’s all worth it,” Schmank said. “[When you] finally perform though it’s so exciting.” Austin shares the same sentiment in regards to performing. “By far the performance is my favorite,” Austin said. “It’s hard to describe, but getting up on stage, you get a weird feeling but the body just does what it needs to do.” Though they have known each other since their freshman year, Austin and Schmank maintain healthy competition that only helps them grow as dancers. “Over the past couple of years we have shared the same parts and it’s interesting because we are such different dancers,” Austin said. “We do things differently but it only helps us grow.” After graduation, both Austin and Schmank want to take the next step and dance for a professional ballet company. Austin says she would love to work for a company that
tours Europe, but Schmank wants to stay in the country, with the Joffrey Ballet of Chicago being her ultimate goal. As for “The Nutcracker,” Austin and Schmank suggest everyone should see it. “People always say that ballets are boring and that you’ll fall asleep,” Schmank said, “But everyone should broaden their horizons a little more because [“The Nutcracker”] is really beautiful.” Performances of “The Nutcracker” will be held from Dec. 2-5 at various times at Clowes Memorial Hall.
graceful focus: Senior Kate Austin and junior Karl Watson prepare for the annual “Nutcracker” performance at Clowes. (Photo by Erin Drennan)
Musically rising from the ashes Jonathon Tyler & the Northern Lights by Megan Schipp
mschipp@butler.edu | a&e staff writer
Their mixture of old style rock with a little country and blues is what makes Jonathan Tyler & the Northern Lights an electrifying phenomenon. This real world, no studio tricks band who was recently the late night act for “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” and has rocked out while sharing the stage with musicians like AC/DC, Lynard Skynard, Kid Rock, O.A.R. and Tyler’s most memorable, ZZ Top, will be playing in Indianapolis next week. “We are from Texas and these guys [ZZ Top] are Texas legends,” Tyler said. “It was so cool to meet these guys, be able to just talk to these guys, and especially to be asked to share a stage with them.” JTNL met in their home state of Texas at age 16, making demos and playing small gigs.
rock reborn: Jonathon Tyler & the Northern Lights feature an old school blues sound reminiscent of iconic stars such as Donny Hathaway, Tom Waits, John Lee Hooker and John Hammond Jr. (Photo courtesy of Melanie Martin)
Their musical visions were soon blurred by drugs and alcohol after entering college, leading to a break up. However, the it did not last long. They reunited after experiencing personal revelations about the dangers of drugs when a close friend of Tyler’s died of an overdose. “It was one of those experiences that made every minute seem to count,” Tyler said. “You realize how short life really is.” “You can really watch your life go by if you’re just f--king around, which we were. “It helped to reiterate what we already knew; we wanted to get together and we wanted to do music.” Tyler started writing songs again, mixing his southern Texan upbringing with a less conservative style and finding motivation for his diverse sound in the abilities of other famous groups.
The Butler Arts and Entertainment Calendar 10
Bass Recital Robertson Hall 5:30 p.m.
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John Mellencamp Hinkle Fieldhouse 6:45 p.m. Butler Lyric Theatre Eidson-Duckwall Recital Hall 7:30 p.m.
Blue Man Group Clowes Memorial Hall 8 p.m. Butler Lyric Theatre Eidson-Duckwall Recital Hall 7:30 p.m.
“When I saw the White Stripes about six years ago, it made me believe you could still do blues inspired music in modern day,” Tyler said. Steering away from the mainstream, his headphones blare other inspirations off the old records of John Hammond Jr. and Tom Waits, along with soul music by Donny Hathaway, complemented by the bluesy sound of John Lee Hooker. JTNL’s newly released debut album, and hit song of the same name, “Pardon Me,” comprises all of these musical styles, creating a genre Tyler may one day call his own. The goals of the music can be found in the lyrics of the song. “The sound can open your soul, might make you feel a bit stoned,” Tyler yells. “Maybe it’s been too long since rock ‘n’ roll turned you on. Won’t you pardon me, just let
13
Blue Man Group Clowes Memorial Hall 2 p.m. & 8 p.m. Vocal Jazz Festival Reilly Room 7 p.m.
it set you free...” Tyler can be heard leading the group in guitar and vocals, alongside drummer Jordan Cain, bassist Nick Jay, guitarist Brandon Pinckard and singer Mo Brown. Whether they’re playing in an arena of thousands of fans, or for a crowd of 30, JTNL brings energy to the stage. “At the beginning of the day, you are entertaining people, but I’ve tried from the beginning to be really uninhibited and free,” Tyler wrote on the band’s Web site. “The idea is letting everything be exactly what it is—not trying to control the show, not trying to control yourself, but rather, letting yourself be out of control,” he said. “That’s what makes it great.” Fans will not be disappointed as Tyler plans to bring this same feeling to Birdy’s Bar and Grill in Indianapolis Nov. 16th.
14 Blue Man Group Clowes Memorial Hall 1 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.
15 Jonathan Lethem Reilly Room 7:30 p.m.
16 Butler Jazz Ensemble Clowes Memorial Hall 7:30 p.m.
page 8 | the butler collegian
wednesday, November 10, 2010
Jordan Jazz unites students, professionals by Emily delaney contributing writer
Jordan Jazz, the vocal jazz ensemble at Butler, will host the Indiana Vocal Jazz Fest, an annual event which brings high school students to campus to learn vocal jazz. Directed by Tim Brimmer, Jordan Jazz has invited high school students from across Indiana and the Midwest to come to campus for a two-day learning experience about the fundamentals of vocal jazz. The experience includes instruction on critical analysis, critique, performance methods and techniques, Blake Busch, Jordan Jazz officer said. To further the learning experience, each year Jordan Jazz welcomes a well-known jazz composer, arranger, conductor or performer who works with the students and shares their professional experiences with them. This year’s festival will feature worldfamous composer and arranger, Paris Rutherford. Faculty and students in the Jordan College of Fine Arts are anticipating the opportunity to work with this incredible vocal jazz musician. “His style, class and colors within every piece reveal the beautiful harmonies that many composers could only attempt to write,” Busch said. “His charts are difficult, but they’ll prove worthy in the end.” The presence of the Jordan Jazz members is also fundamental to the program, for both instructional and practical purposes. “Jordan Jazz acts as hosts to the schools and their directors, ensuring that they get to their workshops, meals and activities and making sure they’re having fun,” said Jordan Jazz officer Jackie Gredell.
Jump for jazz: This year’s Jazz Fest will feature 150 students from 13 different high schools and three colleges from across the Midwest. This social and educational experience for the jazz students allows them to showcase their talents in two collabrative concerts in Clowes Memorial Hall Nov 13. (Photo courtesy of Britt Elkins) This year’s Jazz Fest will feature 150 students from 13 different high schools and three colleges from across the Midwest. The students will arrive on campus Nov. 12 and attend an all-day workshop with Jordan Jazz members and guest instructors. That evening, participants will attend the Blue Man Group performance at Clowes Memorial Hall because, aside from learning about vocal jazz, the two-day experience is meant to be a social opportunity to forge friendships between the high school students and the members of Jordan Jazz. The relationships between participants in the Jazz Fest are truly the hallmark of the program. The high schools who apply to participate in the festival are often veterans of the program and are working to instill passion and
love for jazz music in their students, just as Brimmer and the members of Jordan Jazz are doing here on Butler’s campus. “There are so many talents that often get overlooked within schools,” Busch said. “This festival allows for these talents to evolve and develop in ways that some may never have thought possible.” Saturday, following a morning workshop, the students and their Jordan Jazz mentors will perform two collaborative concerts, one in the afternoon at Clowes and the other at 7 p.m. in the Reilly Room. “[During the concert,] the choirs get to showcase the charts they’ve been working on within their small groups and with Jordan Jazz,” Gredell said. The Butler University Jazz Ensemble will play its own section of the concert and will then join in with the high school participants
and Jordan Jazz to perform a special piece written by Rutherford, a retired Professor Emeritus in Jazz Studies at the University of North Texas. The collaboration of Butler students and the high school students promises to provide an outstanding performance, as it has in years past. Bringing students together in an educational and social experience, which is centered around a passion for jazz music, provides a unique atmosphere of appreciation for sharing knowledge of the arts. “In my opinion, the best music and art is that which can be shared with others, as well as constantly reinvented and made anew with another person’s ideas and creativity,” Busch said. “I learn more from the guests than they ever will of me.”
Sequels dominate video game releases by dan domsic
ddomsic@butler.edu | a&e editor
November boasts plenty of adventures, big guns, explosions and fun for gamers. Here are a few games that might make great Thanksgiving-break time wasters or top holiday wish lists.
road trip goes wrong : Zach Galifianikis and Robert Downey Jr. star in this road trip comedy that makes you laugh but uses typical comedy characters who make the film feel stale. (Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures)
‘Due Date’ fails to deliver by dan domsic
ddomsic@butler.edu | a&e editor
Zach Galifianakis’ character, Ethan Tremblay, in the new comedy “Due Date” is sloppy, rude, backwards and lovable. Too bad it’s impossible to love the movie. Peter Highman (Robert Downey Jr.) is a high strung architect trying to make it back to Los Angeles for the birth of his child. Before his plane is ready to take off, he has an unfortunate run-in with Ethan. They both get booted off the plane and Peter is put on a no-fly list. He has no choice but to drive across the country with Ethan. The unlikely duo encounters all sorts of problems as they drive west, all exacerbated by Peter’s nearly-uncontrollable temper and the fact that Ethan might as well be a child. Peter manages to start a fight with a paraplegic war veteran, aggravate the border patrol, punch a child and spit on a dog. He’s completely and utterly unlikable, but his dark and furious antics are great for laughs.
Ethan is a horse of a different color and, unsurprisingly, is often the catalyst for Peter’s anger. His antics include getting high while listening to Pink Floyd and driving, masturbating in the car and carrying his father’s ashes around in a coffee can. If it doesn’t sound like the movie is an hour and 40 minutes of Galifianakis’ character from “The Hangover,” it should. One difference between the two characters and their respective films is the hidden sincerity in Ethan. There is about a minute and a half that makes me wish Galifianakis would do more “real” acting. Ethan’s father just died, and there are some wonderfully genuine moments of sweet sincerity from Galifianakis. One of my favorite moments of the film involves Ethan, marijuana and Pink Floyd’s “Hey You.” Ethan is jamming out to the song and smoking (with the windows rolled up) while Peter is sleeping. Peter eventually wakes up and is out of his mind. This all sounds great, but
is it worth the $9 movie ticket? No, and for a few good reasons. First of all, if I want to watch “The Hangover,” I will watch it in the comfort of my own room. It looks like Galifianakis is going to be stuck playing the same character in mainstream film. Second, while dark and moody characters are a lot of fun, Downey’s character Peter is not. Characters like Downey’s Tony Stark from “Iron Man” have charisma to counteract their sleaziness, but Peter has none. Watching the same temper tantrums over and over again is agonizing. Third, a lot of the gimmicks are pretty predictable. Peter explains a dream he had to his wife at the beginning of the movie, in the biggest piece of obvious foreshadowing I have ever seen. Bottom line, there needs to be a little bit more finesse in the comedy. It’s great to see both of these actors getting more and more work, but what’s the point if the work is impossible to enjoy? Save the money spent on the ticket for a better holiday season movie.
Call of Duty Black Ops—New Release The vaunted first-person-shooter franchise is back with a darker installment. From the jungles of Vietnam to urban rooftops, the game is making big promises to gamers. Its story mode might be exciting, considering no game has successfully tackled the Vietnam War, and per usual, the multiplayer looks crazy. The developers have taken the customizable options from the Call of Duty Modern Warfare series and shot them up with steroids, letting players customize their characters and weapons to a gargantuan extent. Killstreaks, perks and the leveling system have been revamped and it is ready to take on the competition. Black Ops is already available on the Xbox 360, Playstation 3, PC, Nintendo Wii and Nintendo DS. Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood—Nov. 16 Fans of espionage and deadly games of cat and mouse may want to look into the new Assassin’s Creed sequel. Set in Rome, the game features new characters to back up the assassin. The trailer shows the main character gracefully walking through a crowd as his cohorts take out guards from afar. Not a fan of single player games? A multiplayer aspect has been introduced, allowing players free-reign through cities, assassinating targets while being hunted themselves. Endless opportunities for epic assassinations and marvelous multiplayer moments
abound. Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood will be released for the Xbox 360, Playstation 3 and PC. Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare—Nov. 23 Red Dead Redemption brought the western to gamers last summer and content has since been added to the almost 20-hour game. For those that do not have an Internet connection for their system, the Undead Nightmare expansion pack is being released in disc form. The game brings three sets of downloadable content, adding at least another 18 hours of play time. The expansions feature zombies, new weapons and new multiplayer content. Expect loads of multiplayer maps to fight on, and in the case of the Undead Nightmare content, tons of supernatural horrors to fight, as the main character looks for a cure for a zombie outbreak. Xbox and Playstation fans, rejoice. Disney Epic Mickey—Nov. 30 It’s been quite some time since Disney characters have gotten the video game treatment. In this game, Mickey Mouse accidentally uncovers the world in which the reject Disney characters reside—the Wasteland. He accidentally creates a monster and leaves the world not knowing the chaos he created. Mickey returns to the world of forgotten friends to correct his mistake and save the day. The environments of the game are intriguing and dark. The iconic mouse uses paint and paint thinner to change the world around him, creating platforms to climb up and deleting obstacles. There’s potential for a wonderful story in this creative title for the Nintendo Wii.
The Best Of
ndy These local spots in Indy have A&E’s stamp of approval—a new place featured each week!
Details: Downtown Comics Distance from Butler: 15-minute drive from Butler
Due date | Film Review
Specials: Hundreds of new, rare and collectable comics on sale
Starring Robert Downey Jr. and Zach Galifianakis, “Due Date” is the typical road trip comedy with two people who are always at odds with each other. Think “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” meets “The Hangover,” but not as funny. Certain parts will make you laugh but overall it is not worth the ticket price.
Why We Love This Place: Downtown Comics, located at 11 East Market St., ships comics recognizable to the casual fans of Marvel and DC, as well as the weekly reader. The store also carries toys and collectables, essential for the guy or gal that needs the Iron Man action figure to go with the movies. For the ultimate collector and enthusiast, Downtown Comics features an extensive list of full collections of various story arcs—from Batman to Hellboy—reaching years back into comic history. Just getting started? Look for graphic novels and trade paperbacks (compilations) at the store. For more information visit downtowncomics.com.
5 = perfect, 4 = outstanding, 3 = good, 2 = fair, 1 = poor
Want us to feature your favorite Indy spot? Send submissions to ddomsic@butler.edu.
wednesday, NOVEMBER 10, 2010
sports the butler collegian
page 9 OVERTIME
Allums, GW set positive example for nation by steven Peek
speek@butler.edu | sports editor
partners in crime: Senior Ben Sippola (left) and junior Matt Hedges (right) were named the league’s Players of the Year. (Photo by Rachel Senn)
no weak links: The Butler men’s soccer team, which has been ranked No. 6 nationally for the last two weeks, did not lose a game this season, thanks to deep bench play and versatile lineups. (Photo by Caroline Johnson)
Men’s soccer claims Players of the Year, right to host by billy klimczak
bklimcza@butler.edu | sports staff writer
The Butler men’s soccer team will head into the Horizon League conference tournament as the No. 1 seed and host after a tie versus Cleveland State Nov. 5. “I think for our guys and for our staff, it felt like a loss,” Butler head coach Kelly Findley said. “We were disappointed not to send our seniors out with a win. “Now we have a bit of bitter taste in our mouth, which I think is a good thing going into the conference tournament.” Findley was recently named Horizon League Coach of the Year. The Bulldogs (15-0-2, 7-0-1 HL) had a commanding 21-8 advantage in shots throughout regulation and a 7-2 advantage in shots on goal. Both teams had just one shot on goal during the two overtime periods. “I think in the end, it’s a lot easier to destroy in soccer than it is to create.” Findley said. “We knew they would come in here just trying to get a result, and a result for them was a tie.” Senior midfielder Ben Sippola, who earned the Horizon League Player of the Year honor for his performance this season, was unable to get a shot off during the match. The Vikings (8-9-1, 4-3-1 HL) decided to man-mark Sippola, which completely changed the game for the Bulldog captain. “It was almost like playing a game of basketball,” Sippola said in regards to how foreign the defensive tactic felt. Sophomore forward Julian Cardona led the Bulldogs with five total shots, including one shot on goal. Senior midfielder Kyle Pateros finished with three shots, including two on goal. But the Bulldogs’ lack of offense was countered with strong defensive play.
Senior goalkeeper Fabian Knopfler had one save on the day, while junior defenseman and Horizon League Defensive Player of the Year Matt Hedges held their line. Despite the effort demonstrated by the Bulldogs, they were unable to find the back of the net. “Scoring goals is hard to do,” Sippola said. “To set out a game plan to stop another team from playing and scoring is much easier than it is to go and attack.” At the end of the regular season, Butler is only the second team in Horizon League history and the first in Butler history to finish the regular season with an unbeaten record. Evansville University, who was in the conference until 1994, was the first to accomplish the feat when they did so in 1990. Eleven Butler seniors now enter their final stint of postseason play—Sippola, Troy Blewitt, Conner Burt, Jacob Capito, Michael Clayton, Brett Heinz, Knopfler, Dustin Mares, Pateros, Nick Powell and Matt Sall. To date, this senior class has helped Butler to a 51-13-12 record, two Horizon League championships and a berth to the NCAA Tournament. Even with that in mind, it is clear that Findley and his Bulldogs will head into this week’s Horizon League tournament, to be held Nov. 12 and 14, still hungry. “We’ve had a great regular season, but it’s all a new ballgame now,” Sippola said. “Everyone comes in with a fresh outlook. “We have to come out, let it all hang out and do whatever we have to to win.” Butler will receive a bye in the first round of the conference tournament. Friday, they will play the lowest seed to emerge from quarterfinals play. The semifinals will be played in the Butler Bowl Friday, and the finals will be played in the same location on Sunday, regardless of the teams competing.
Football falls in home finale by Colin likas
clikas@butler.edu | sports staff writer
The Butler football team held offensive juggernaut Jacksonville to just 24 points last Saturday but were unable to score enough points of their own to get a victory. Jacksonville (9-1, 7-0 PFL) came to Indianapolis having scored more than 50 points in each of its last three games, but Butler (4-6, 2-5 PFL) struggled in the red zone throughout, resulting in a 24-16 loss. “There’s no question that [the Butler defenders] played well,” Butler head coach Jeff Voris said. “They got [Jacksonville] off the field, did an outstanding job against the run and got the ball out of the quarterback’s hands.” Butler’s defensive unit was led by
sophomore linebacker Jordan Ridley, who had 12 tackles, half of a sack and a forced fumble. Sophomore defensive end Jace Tennant also had a strong game, recording 1.5 sacks. Bulldog junior linebacker Andrew Cottrell also helped out with his interception, which he returned for 16 yards. “We put up a good effort,” Ridley said. “We played them tough and expected to hold them. “We didn’t care about the numbers.” The numbers favored Butler in the early part of the contest, especially in the scoring department, when the Bulldogs quickly built a 10-0 lead by scoring on both of their first-quarter drives. The second of which was a 15-
run down: Butler’s offense struggled to make waves Saturday against co-PFL leader Jacksonville. Butler was able to score only 16 points in the game. (Photo by Caroline Johnson)
play drive that ended with a 3-yard the ball 77 yards in under three mintouchdown pass from junior quar- utes for a touchdown. terback Andrew Huck to sophomore The ensuing Jacksonville kickoff tight end Carter Walley. was fumbled by redshirt freshman But the touchdown toss to Walley wide receiver Brendan Shannon, and was Huck’s although the only of the Dolphins day. were unable H u c k to produce went 28-forany points 49 for 248 off of the yards but mistake, it threw two cost the Bullinterceptions dogs crucial later on. time. After the The lost first quartime did not Andrew Huck help Huck, ter, finishing drives was a JUNIOR QUARTERBACK, BUTLER UNIVERSITY who was problem for soon presButler. sured into Of the three Bulldog drives in the throwing an interception. second quarter, one ended in a threeWith a short field ahead, Jackand-out and the other two ended in sonville capitalized with a rushing missed field goals by junior kicker touchdown by senior running back David Lang. Rudell Small. “I’m proud of how we moved Huck threw his second intercepthe ball on both sides,” Huck said. tion of the half with less than three “We just have to work on finishing minutes remaining on a Hail Mary drives.” desperation throw. A failed onside Voris said he tipped his cap to Jack- kick recovery later on sealed Jacksonsonville for making plays but that he ville’s victory. wasn’t satisfied with Butler’s scoring. “I have to take care of the foot“We have to get seven points in- ball,” Huck said. “We can’t have [the stead of three,” he said. interceptions].” Jacksonville took advantage of The Drake Bulldogs (6-4, 5-2 PFL) the Butler second-quarter stall. Ju- will be the last regular season opponior quarterback Josh McGregor, nent for Butler. who went 23-of-35 for 263 yards and Drake nearly defeated PFL cotwo touchdowns, hit senior tight end leader Dayton last week. Chris Kuck for a 5-yard touchdown, The Butler squad hopes to give the cutting Butler’s lead to three. outgoing seniors one more victory for After a quiet third quarter, Jack- their collegiate football careers. sonville took advantage of Butler’s “We have to go back to square one mistakes and opened up a lastig . as far as preparation is concerned,” A Lang field goal gave Butler an- Voris said. “We have to try to get a other three-point lead, but the Dol- win for a team that isn’t going to be phins quickly responded by moving together next season.”
“We just have to work on finishing drives.”
T h e women’s basketball team at George Washington University, located in our nation’s capital, has a new challenge ahead of it. For the first time in the history of Division I NCAA athletics, there will be an openly transgendered athlete. Junior Kye Allums, who is biologically a female, but will eventually undergo hormone therapy to become a male, enters her third season as a guard for the Colonials with the request to be referred to by male pronouns now. Allums previously went by the first name Kay-Kay. “I decided to transition, that is, change my name and pronouns because it bothered me to hide who I am,” Allums said. “I didn’t choose to be born in this body and feel the way I do, and I’m trying to help myself and others be who they are.” Allums’ story is a _______see column page 11
on
deck
Bulldogs at home this week
Wednesday None
Thursday None
Friday Men’s Soccer vs. TBD TBD (HL Semis) Women’s Volleyball vs. Youngstown State 7 p.m.
Saturday Men’s Basketball vs. Marian 2 p.m. Women’s Volleyball vs. Cleveland State 4 p.m.
Sunday Men’s Soccer vs. TBD TBD (HL Finals)
Monday None
Tuesday None
page 10 | the butler collegian
wednesday, november 10, 2010
Panthers pummel Bulldogs for tournament title by lance rinker
lrinker@butler.edu | sports staff writer
The Butler women’s soccer team saw its season end Sunday in the championship match of the 2010 Horizon League Women’s Soccer
Tournament, falling to Milwaukee, 5-0. Panthers’ (12-6-2, 6-2 HL) junior Sarah Hagen, the Horizon League Player of the Year, scored two goals and assisted on another to spark
possession battle: Freshman defender Ali Backscheider fights a Titan for the ball. Butler defeated Detroit, 2-1. (Photo by Rachel Senn)
a huge second half for the Panthers. Hagen scored three goals during Milwaukee’s two tournament matches and was named tournament MVP for her efforts. She finished the regular season tied for third in the nation in goals scored (18) and fifth in points per game (2.10). The Panthers capitalized on a Butler mistake in the 31st minute to take the lead. Butler junior goalkeeper Olivia Walter lost her grip as she attempted to gather a ball and Milwaukee freshman Sara Stern fired the ball into the net. Up 1-0 on the Bulldogs after the break, Hagen took a pass from Stern in the 51st minute to extend the Panthers lead to two goals. Moments later, sophomore Helen Steinhauser
scored to make it 3-0, and sophomore Meghan Elvington added another to extend the Panther lead to four. Hagen sealed the victory with Milwaukee’s fifth goal in the 75th minute. The loss was the Bulldogs’ first in five matches. Butler, which started the season 2-7, won five of its final six matches to tie with Milwaukee for first place in the Horizon League for the first time since 1996. Despite her team falling just short of an automatic NCAA Tournament bid, head coach Tari St. John said she enjoyed the season. “It’s so easy to lose sight of what was accomplished during the season and during conference play,” St. John said. “What a ride. What a season. “The resilience they dem-
onstrated after non-conference and getting themselves to the final hopefully overrides the feeling they have right now.” St. John was named the 2010 Horizon League Coach of the Year after leading her Bulldogs to a first-place tie. In order to even make it to the final on Sunday, the Bulldogs first had to knock off the Detroit Titans. Butler edged Detroit, 2-1, behind goals by sophomore Claire Milam and freshman Jackie Hafele. Just before the half, Milam took a pass from Nikki Hafele and beat keeper Nora Abolins to knot the game at 1-1. The score remained deadlocked until the 83rd minute, when Jackie Hafele directed a header into the left corner to give the Bulldogs the
game-winning goal. Although they finished second in the tournament, St. John said she viewed it as a learning experience. “It was important for us to be here, to be in the championship game and get that championship experience,” St. John said. Butler will lose three players to graduation this spring—defenders Sarah Phelps and Cara Burchett and goalkeeper Olivia Walter, who recorded 68 saves and six shutouts this season. Among the returners for the Bulldogs will be Jackie Hafele and sophomore Katie Griswold, who were both named to the All-Horizon League First Team. Hafele won Horizon League Newcomer of the Year after finishing her freshman year with three goals and five assists.
Bulldogs gear up for regular season Men’s basketball breezes through second exhibition game by lance rinker
lrinker@butler.edu | sports staff writer
The Butler men’s basketball team finished exhibition play on Thursday, easily defeating the Hanover Panthers, 80-41. Junior guard Shelvin Mack led the Bulldogs in scoring with 13 points and senior forward Matt Howard contributed a double-double on 12 points and 10 rebounds to lead the team to the victory. The points came early and often for the Bulldogs. Howard put Butler on the scoreboard within the game’s first 15 seconds. From then on, the Bulldogs never trailed. Butler hit its first six shots of the contest and built a 13-3 lead. “It’s a credit to them the way they came out to play against a small college team,” Hanover head coach Jon Miller said. “I thought their energy level was really good.” In the same fashion as the first exhibition game, Butler head coach Brad Stevens played all 14 men on the roster. Howard was the only Bulldog to play more than 19 minutes. “A lot of guys got a lot of minutes and a lot of experience,” Stevens said. “There is a lot of film to teach from and that’s the goal of exhibition games.” After the Bulldogs allowed 70 points to Florida Southern in the first exhibition game, junior Ronald Nored said they needed to improve defensively. Butler did just that versus Hanover, limiting the Panthers to 20.7 percent field goal shooting and only 21 points in the first half. The Bulldogs also forced 11
turnovers throughout the game. Freshman forward Khyle Marshall came off the bench to add 11 points and six rebounds. Fellow freshman Erik Fromm scored eight. One of Butler’s largest advan-
tages in the contest came from points in the paint where the Bulldogs outscored the Panthers by a 48-12 margin. Butler’s bench also ended the game with a solid showing, out-
scoring the Hanover bench 42-22. Hanover’s roster featured many players from the central Indiana region and, despite the outcome, Hanover senior Mitchell Meyer recognized what an opportunity it
tough lay up: Butler freshman Khyle Marshall looks to make his mark on a proven Butler basketball team as he attempts a difficult scoop shot against Hanover sophomore Drake Hendricks. The Bulldogs rolled the Panthers, 80-41, Thursday night. (Photo by Erin Drennan)
was to play Butler at Hinkle Fieldhouse. “As a senior, it’s the one time I’ve played in front of a crowd like this,” Meyer said. “It’s something that I’ll cherish forever.” With a comfortable lead and the game decided, Butler’s student section added some humor to the festivities. Freshman guard Crishawn Hopkins turned 20 the day of the game. As he stood at the top of the key during a Hanover free throw, the Dawg Pound directed and sang a rendition of “Happy Birthday” for Hopkins. The Bulldogs will host the Knights of Marian this Saturday at Hinkle for their regular season opener. According to the Marian University men’s basketball Web page, the Knights are a team that rely heavily on guard play and return their top three scorers from last season—senior Jordan Tucker, junior Alex Sylvester and senior Anthony Furlin. Tucker averaged almost 16 points per game during the 200910 season. Redshirt sophomore John Lickliter, son of former Butler head coach Todd Lickliter, is joining the Knights after spending two years on the Iowa University basketball squad. Marian was winless in exhibition play, suffering losses to Notre Dame and IUPUI. In those losses, the Knights were outscored by a total of 64 points. Before the 2 p.m. home opener, Butler’s 2010 National Runner-Up banner will be unveiled.
Volleyball’s streak ends at eight matches by matt lawder
mlawder@butler.edu | sports staff writer
With senior outside hitter Susan Lester unable to play due to injury, Butler’s eight-game win streak was snapped Friday by Green Bay. The Phoenix (11-18, 7-8 HL) defeated the Bulldogs (17-9, 11-3 HL) 3-1. The loss was the team’s first Horizon League loss in Hinkle Fieldhouse in nearly two years. Butler dropped to second in the conference standings the next day when Milwaukee beat the Bulldogs, 3-1, allowing the Panthers (19-8, 14-1 HL) to clinch the Horizon League regular season title. The Bulldogs struggled offensively in both games, hitting .150 over both games and committing 53 errors. Butler was out-hit by its opponents in seven out of eight sets. “We dug ourselves into some holes,” sophomore setter Gina Vera said. “This time it was different from earlier [this season]. “We just couldn’t dig our way out.” The Bulldogs could not match Green Bay’s energy in the first set. The Phoenix committed just one er-
ror while winning the first set, 2522. “We looked completely out of sync,” head coach Sharon Clark said. “On paper, outside of our errors, we played right with them.” Butler bounced back in the second set, evening the match at one game apiece with a 25-23 win. Despite having three players with double digit kills, the Bulldogs could not stop Green Bay’s attack and lost the final two sets, 2519 and 25-23, losing the match 3-1. The loss not only broke the team’s eight-game win streak, but dropped the Bulldogs out of first place in the Horizon League standings. However, with a win the next day against the Panthers, Butler had the chance to regain the conference lead. “We had a team meeting Saturday afternoon before the game to evaluate everything and give us some focus because we could still have won home-court advantage,” Vera said. Saturday the Bulldogs hosted Milwaukee for their Samaritan Feet Rally Night. Before the game, Clark was hon-
ored for recently becoming Butler’s all-time coaching wins leader. After defeating Loyola two weekends ago for her 170th win, Clark passed former Butler coach Sharon Dingman to capture the honor. “It was a little bit of a surprise because I didn’t know they were doing it,” Clark said. “It says a lot about our program that we’re able to accomplish something like this.” Clark will have to wait until this weekend for her next win, as Milwaukee attacked the Bulldogs early and often, winning the match, 3-1. Butler won the first set, 25-23, but after that the Panthers began to hit their stride. Milwaukee recorded 96 digs, 29 more than Butler and had 10 team blocks to the Bulldogs’ seven. “Milwaukee came and they came ready to play,” Clark said. “They had more digs than they had had all year.” With Butler unable to get the ball down on the Panther court, Milwaukee won the last three sets 25-18, 25-21 and 25-19. With the win, Milwaukee clinched the top seed for the Horizon League tournament and will host the tournament on their home
court. Butler can still capture the second seed in the tournament with a win over Cleveland State this weekend. The top two seeds in the tournament receive a first round bye,
which the Bulldogs could use to help some of their injured players recover. “The bye is huge with our injury situation,” Clark said. “We need as much rest this weekend and in the tournament as we can get.”
team block: Three Bulldogs leap to block a Milwaukee kill attempt. Despite their efforts, the Panthers prevailed 3-1 at Hinkle Fieldhouse on Saturday. (Photo by Rachel Senn)
wednesday, november 10, 2010
the butler collegian | Page 11
overtime: inspiring story teaches acceptance in ncaa continued from page 9 victory in not only the realm of athletics but also in the United States. Politicians in Washington, D.C., could take a few pointers from Allums and GW’s athletic department, since it’s so close to their offices. This country was built to accommodate the needs and freedoms of various groups of people. I will be the first to say that times don’t always change as quickly as they should. Still, it is beyond promising to see NCAA athletics, and hopefully the Colonials’ fan base, embrace a concept as forward-thinking as transgendered athletes being open about their personal lives. “I was sick of feeling like I had to hide everything,” Allums said after the announcement went public. “It was getting to the point where it was affecting basketball and I couldn’t focus. I needed to say, ‘This is me,’ and I said it.” His teammates and coaches reacted positively, not making Allums an outcast. Instead, they’ve continued to embrace him as a member of the team. “I told my teammates first, and they, including my coaches, have supported me,” Allums said. “My teammates have embraced me as the big brother of the team. “They have been my family, and I love them all.” The ability of Allums’ team to accept, and not just tolerate, this significant change is a credit to the athletic program.
Women’s basketball wins regular season warm-up by billy klimczak
bklimicza@butler.edu | sports staff writer
road never traveled: Junior guard Kye Allums is the first openly transgender athlete in Division I athletics. (Photo courtesy of GW athletics) Allums is not a post-gender change athlete, but perhaps he has made that situation less of a distant dream and more of a possibility should it come to be. “Nobody chooses to feel a certain way,” Allums said. “Nobody should have the right to tell anybody that that’s not right.” That mindset inspired Allums to speak openly about his personal life and will open doors down the road for other members of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community. Allums will not be ineligible in the NCAA’s eyes because he is delaying any hormonal treatments and other medical procedures
until after college and the use of his eligibility. Hormonal therapy and the use of other drugs, even when used under the supervision of approved physicians, can often cause trouble for collegiate athletes under the NCAA’s current substance abuse policy. GW will need his threepoint shooting and leadership this season, as the Colonials have one senior and mostly sophomores on the team. Regardless, I will be keeping an eye on their program to see how Allums and his teammates fare, and to see if they dish out any additional life lessons of acceptance and friendship.
On Sunday, Butler women’s head basketball coach Beth Couture got a glimpse of the team she will be working with for the 201011 season. The Bulldogs trounced Hillsdale College 80-66 in their final exhibition game before the regular season opens this weekend. “I think with any preseason or exhibition game, its purpose is to show you what you need to work on, and I feel our game against Hillsdale did a good job of that,” Couture said. “It showed us some good things, but I definitely think it showed us some things we need to work on before Saturday.” By halftime the Bulldogs built a 43-29 lead that would withstand a late rally by Hillsdale. The surge by the Chargers reduced Butler’s lead to 19 points late in the game. The Bulldogs would answer with a 12-3 run to go up 57-42 with 10:52 left. Senior forward Brittany Bowen led the team with 18 points, 10 rebounds and three steals. Fellow senior forward Chloe Hamilton also had a strong game, posting 12 points. Junior guard Devin Brierly finished the game with 10 points, and senior guard Alyssa Pittman had nine points and four steals for the Butler squad. Butler finished with a 35-27 edge in rebounds and forced 26 turnovers. The Bulldogs shot 46 percent from the field, including a 13-for-26 effort in the first half. Aside from the strong offense demonstrated by the Bulldogs, Couture was pleased with her team’s overall effort. “The thing that impressed me throughout the game was the energy and effort,” she said. “Even though we were making mistakes, I don’t think we were ever not playing hard or getting after it.” Every Bulldog on the roster played at least eight minutes. Couture said she and the team are excited for the start of the regular season.
“I’m really looking forward to it,” Couture said. “I think our team has a lot of chemistry. “I’ve watched them work hard this past month, and they’re a fun group. “I just hope we can show that on the floor.” Senior guard Azjah Bass said she recognizes that there is work to be done, but is also looking forward to helping the Bulldogs make a deep run in the league tournament. “We know that if we do what we normally do well, we can handle any screen and any play,” Bass said. “We really just need to focus on ourselves and make sure we’re doing what we have to do.” The Bulldogs, who have been ranked second in the Horizon League this preseason, begin their regular season campaign Nov. 13 with a road contest against Bradley.
open look: Freshman Jenna Cobb takes a shot against Hillsdale on Sunday. (Photo by Rachel Senn)
the butler
COLLEGIAN Photo Contest campus
Where in the ^world is the Butler gnome? LAST WEEK’S WINNER Name: Andrew "Abe" Lincoln Gnome location: Fairbanks Center Grade: Junior Major: Computer Science, Computer Engineering Home town: Auburn Township, Ohio (near Cleveland) Why you love Butler: I love the professors here. I also love going to Butler games for free.
Photos by Rachel Senn
The first person to correctly guess the location of the Butler gnome and e-mail the answer to collegian@butler.edu will be featured in next week’s Collegian!