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Titans Juan Mora and Leonel Sanchez wrestle for Pac-10 championship 6
What happens when men have sex on their brains and love on their lips 4
C a l i f o r n i a S t a t e U n i v e r s i t y, F u l l e r t o n
M o n d a y, F e b r u a r y 2 8 , 2 0 0 5
Daily Titan
Orange County ‘turns the tide’ Locals attend fundraiser to support tsunami victims, honor heroes By Kim Orr Daily Titan Staff
Imagine a city stricken with grief and terrorism, a city devoid of westerners and threatening death to those who dare tread on its land, a city destroyed in the wake of a 50-foot wave. This was reality for Scott McAlvany and Ira and Samuel Lippke after defying warnings and years of history to do what they saw not only as a good deed but a necessary duty. It was in their honor and with the purpose of raising money to aid the tsunami victims that the “Turn the Tide” event took place Friday at The Camp in Costa Mesa. Students and adults from Orange and Los Angeles counties crowded into the uniquely decorated center complete with a fire pit and howling wind sound effects as various artists greeted the guests with music ranging from jazz to rock. McAlvany, as well as Samuel and Ira Lippke attended the event, which highlighted the photography and documentary surrounding the three Orange County students who ventured into Banda Aceh, Indonesia, a territory historically void of westerners, to help the victims of December’s tsunami. Ira Lippke displayed his photography along the construction paper covered walls that decorated the Lodge, The Camp’s appropriately named art gallery. Ranging from photographs of surfing with children in Bali to complete destruction and death in Indonesia, friends and admirers moved slowly by each story-
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filled photograph. “A lot of this is me wrestling with this idea of when do you put down your camera and begin to help,” said Ira Lippke of his work. “So many photographers went over there just to take pictures. I just hope that they also decided to stay and help.” The event included a documentary short film by Orange Coast College directors Annie Gregory and Matthew Lundstrom that detailed the adventure taken by the three men. Moments later, the room literally fell silent as the audience was transfixed on an overhead screen, which illustrated the adventure that took the three Orange County students from the beaches of Bali to destruction in Banda Aceh to a fundraiser in Costa Mesa. McAlvany and the Lippke brothers are not typical college students. Five years ago, McAlvany traveled to Bali as part of Youth With A Mission, a Christian missionary group, to take care of and educate 25 children from poverty stricken and abusive homes. “After doing the three month program with them I really felt like this is where your faith meets action,” said McAlvany of his first experience in Bali. It was not long before McAlvany began asking friends to join him on his annual summer and later, Christmas, missions to Bali. “They all wanted to surf, so that was usually the luring point, but we all also really wanted to help these kids,” McAlvany said. It was not until Dec. 26, 2004 when a giant tsunami hit the city of Banda Aceh, Indonesia that McAlvany and his friends Samuel and Ira Lippke realized Tsunami 3
New board heads college
Oscar, meet ‘Ray’
A few of Orange County’s finest have been chosen to lead the College of Education By Nick cooper Daily Titan Staff
The Associated Press
Actor Jamie Foxx accepts the Oscar for best actor for his work in “Ray” at the 77th Academy Awards Sunday in Los Angeles. “Million Dollar Baby” took the Oscar for best picture. See full story on page 3.
Former CSUF English instructor dies at 88
Professor emeritus Sherwood Cummings greatly admired; friends, faculty and students mourn loss By Laura Peltakian Daily Titan Staff
Sherwood Cummings joined Cal State Fullerton in 1963 when there were one-third less students, fewer buildings, no parking problems and orange groves were the staple of the campus. “He is what I like to call one of the founding faculty of the school,” said Ronald Rietveld, history professor.
Cummings was an emeritus English professor and an expert on Mark Twain. He died on Feb. 4 at the age of 88. “I am not sure why he liked Mark Twain,” said Cummings’ son, Craig Cummings. “Mark Twain had a sense of humor and so did my dad.” While no one knew the exact reason for Cummings’ curiosity with Mark Twain, many understood his similarities to the distinguished author. “He looked like Mark Twain, with the white hair and the little mustache,” said Marilyn Crowley, who Cummings often called his “unofficial daughter.” Cummings wrote “Mark Twain and Science,” published in 1989, the introduction to Stephen Crane’s “The Red Badge of Courage,” and the afterward to Twain’s “Sketches New and Old.”
“Mark Twain was an area of deep interest to Cummings, especially related to the historical background and American culture of the time,” Rietveld said. “He was very interested in the world that Mark Twain lived.” Cummings was not only admired for his work on Mark Twain, but he was also for his teaching. “He was the teacher you will always remember,” Crowley said. “I never knew anyone who loved teaching as much as he did. He looked forward everyday to go to class and he stuck it out as long as he could.” Not only was he dedicated to his students and teaching, but he was also admired by other faculty. “When I came here in 1971, I was fresh out of grad sherwood
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The newly formed College of Education hopes to improve its public profile in the community and improve communications with alumni by establishing a new Advancement Board. The 11-member board held its inaugural meeting on Jan. 20 to plan ways to advance the role of the College of Education and to bring more awareness of the surrounding community to the college. “The Advancement Board helps us to better reach out to the community, to establish better relationships with our alumni and provide a richer source of funding for the projects we want to do, such as scholarships for students and research for faculty,” said Ashley Bishop, acting dean of the college. The members were chosen because of the many strengths each can bring to the board. Members also share a huge enthusiasm for education and have an active interest in the way tomorrow’s teachers are being educated, she said. The board members were chosen from the best of Orange County and beyond for what they have to offer for advancement in education, said Barbara Kilponen, a board member and Fullerton Joint Union High School District trustee. “I bring a level of knowledge and understanding, an enormous amount of enthusiasm for public education and the art of teaching,” Kilponen said. Joel Slutzky, owner of a successful technology company, has been chosen for his fundraising abilities and to bring a new understanding of how to work better with businesses. Margie Wakeham, executive director of Families Forward, a non-profit organization designed to help families in Orange County, was chosen to help establish partnerships with nonprofit organizations to better meet the needs of the community. Harold Greene, CBS 2 Los Angeles news 3
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Artist to perform despite student protest
Everything’s Zen
Association for Inter-Cultural Awareness approves guest performer with 17-1 vote By Shannon Hewkin Daily Titan Staff
In a 17-1 decision, the Association for Inter-Cultural Awareness voted Thursday afternoon to allocate $1,750 of the club’s money to Audio-Intifada and the performance of spoken word poet and activist Mark Gonzales, despite objections by the Jewish student group Hillel.
This decision is being called one of the most controversial and emotionally charged decisions that AICA has made in years, prompting many to wonder what effect the vote and the discussions will have on future meetings. “For the first time in a long time, people are actually talking about a proposal,” said Tony Ragazzo, AICA adviser and director of program support for Associated Students, Inc.. “That’s what the spirit of academic discourse is all about. AICA is about having a seat at the table and a voice in the vote.” Before AICA took a vote, Ragazzo encouraged people to ask questions and allow the assembly to decide the outcome.
The proposal to fund Audio-Intifada was initially introduced two weeks ago by student groups Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlan, Middle Eastern Student Society, and the Muslim Student Association during the AICA meeting. The vote was held off until Thursday due to Hillel’s concerns about the performance of Gonzales at Audio-Intifada. “We don’t think he promotes cultural diversity based on his past history,” Hillel member Elaine Snitzer said. Gonzales, a spoken word poet, hip-hop artist and political activist, visited Palestine AICA
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Gospel Fest 2005 celebrates African-Americans
Sistertalk-sponsored event raises scholarship money, educates public with song By Shannon Hewkin Daily Titan Staff
Erika Lara/Daily Titan
Jonathan Pedroche, a business major, plays the guitar Wednesday afternoon near the West Gallery building in the Visual Arts Center.
Radio disc jockey and host Marvell Spearman had a prediction for the people in the Titan Student Union Pavilions Saturday night. “I’m expecting God to show up tonight,” he said. “Tonight, I’m celebrating my prayers being answered.” While the outcome of Spearman’s prediction can be debated, it was undeniable that those
who came to celebrate Cal State Fullerton’s 5th annual “Gospel Fest: A Celebration of African American History Through Song” were in a celebratory mood. The clapping, dancing, singing and praising they were doing made it sound like there were hundreds more than the 50 or so who attended. In fact, the only quiet time during Gospel Fest 2005 was the time between vocal tracks ending and new ones beginning. The event, sponsored by African American women’s group Sistertalk, showcased singers, dancers, rappers, poets and speakers in a mix of both traditional gospel music, as well as music not typically associated with praising and religious worship. “It’s not about the music, it’s the words to
the music,” rapper and musician Star Ray said before his performance. “You don’t have to sing gospel songs to praise the Lord.” Star Ray went on to ignite the audience with his combination of singing, rapping and dancing. Brothers Christian and Norris Rayford, known as Zero Gravity, impressed the audience with their mix of gospel and hip-hop. Within minutes, the audience was on its feet and teenagers and parents alike were waving their hands in the air and repeating lyrics to Zero Gravity’s “It’s Like Whoa.” “My sons have been involved in church functions since they were very young,” said GOSPEL FEST
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2 Monday, February 28, 2005
News in Rief
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Feb. 28, 2005
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The African American Resource Center opens today. The grand opening ceremony will take place from noon to 2 p.m. outside the Humanities Building. The center, in room 222, will be used as a meeting place, learning center and resource repository. The center will be offering academic and cultural programs in order to create a sense of community.
Sharon threatens to halt peace process JERUSALEM - Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon threatened Sunday to freeze peace efforts if the Palestinian leadership does not crack down on militant groups after a weekend suicide bombing in Tel Aviv killed four Israelis and wounded dozens. At a Cabinet meeting, Israel decided to suspend a plan to turn control of five West Bank towns over to the Palestinians and free 400 more prisoners. Those gestures were agreed upon at a Feb. 8 summit in Egypt, where Sharon and Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas declared a truce.
Probationary workshops will be held today by the “CBE Cares About Your Success” program. Students at all academic levels are encouraged to participate. The event will clarify academic issues related to probation and also provide information to help students successfully move on beyond their probationary status. Two meetings will be held today in LH 318 at 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. The hour-long workshops are mandatory for anyone on probation in order to have their registration hold released for the Fall 2005 semester.
Nation BTK suspect may appear in court Monday WICHITA, Kan. - A man suspected in a string of 10 slayings that terrorized Wichita residents for more than three decades was being held Sunday on $10 million bond and could appear in court as early as Monday, prosecutors said. At that appearance, Dennis L. Rader, 59, would stand in front of a judge on video while prosecutors recite yet-to-be-filed criminal charges against him. Rader was a respected member of his community and served as an official at his church. Neighbors described him as anal and combative. The judge will also review Rader’s bond and set a permanent amount.
Today is the last day to add classes due to personal emergencies or specified university exceptions. A Petition for Late Addition of Classes form must be approved and submitted to the Admission and Records Service Center. Signatures from the instructor, Department Chair and the Dean are required along with a $20 fee.
State Man pleads guilty to killing girlfriend AUBURN, Calif. - A 17-year-old girl was likely choked into unconsciousness and buried alive by her boyfriend and his roommate, prosecutors said as the boyfriend pleaded guilty to her murder. Searchers spent 16 days looking for Justine Vanderschoot in 2003 before the boyfriend’s roommate, Brandon Fernandez, 22, led police to her shallow grave northeast of Auburn. Fernandez pleaded guilty to second-degree murder Thursday and faces 15 years to life in prison. Prosecutors allege Bezemer was jealous that his girlfriend had developed a friendship with another man.
Local Mobile homes might stay on state beach CRYSTAL COVE STATE PARK, Calif. - An Orange County lawmaker is opposing the eviction of residents from their beachfront mobile homes after receiving nearly $66,000 in campaign donations and loans from the tenants. Assemblyman Chuck DeVore, R-Irvine, has introduced two bills to halt the evictions of families from a Crystal Cove State Park area that the state wants to turn into a public campground. The state bought Crystal Cove from the Irvine Co. in 1979 and allowed tenants of the El Morro trailer park to remain there until this year. Residents of the park had rented homes for as little as $400 a month and in return got stunning ocean views. Devore introduced legislation six weeks after taking office that would extend the lease of 275 El Morro tenants from 10 to 30 years and would delay state plans to convert the private trailer park to public use. Critics of the proposed measures question whether they are special-interest bills designed to benefit DeVore’s financial backers. The mobile homes have been an subject of dispute periodically throughout the years since their creation. Public access to beaches is an issue that is often brought up in Orange County, where property owners sometimes engage in questionable practices to keep people off public beaches. The Irvine Co.’s intent when it sold Crystal Cove to the state was to make the property a public park, said heiress Joan Irvine Smith, a former company board member who called DeVore’s proposals “lunacy.” “ It’s time the public had the access to what belongs to them,” Smith said. “I do not believe we should have private subdivisions in public parks. They don’t belong there.” Reports compiled from The Associated Press
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Snow-capped mountains hide behind clouds beyond the Engineering Building in a view from atop of the Humanities Building. The skies are clear, for now at least.
Cop
Blotter
02/22 07:52
A report was taken by University Police regarding graffiti at the Visual Arts Building.
02/22 08:16
Police responded to reports of a suspicious person in the Nutwood Parking Structure. It was reported that a male was found masturbating in a car. Police made an arrest.
02/22 17:43
Police responded to a report of a disturbance in the Titan Student Union. A male in his late 30s early 40s was sitting in front of the big screen yelling profanities. Female students in the area told police they felt threatened. Police arrested the suspect.
02/22 18:52
There was a traffic accident at Nutwood Avenue and State College
University Police log for the week of Feb. 22-27
Boulevard that resulted in some injuries. Police assisted the people involved.
02/23 15:41
A call was made seeking medical aid to the Ruby Gerontology Center. A male was reported as feeling dizzy, weak and had lost color. Police responded with assistance.
02/23 19:00
A suspicious vehicle was reported in Lot A. Police responded to a large camper with its hazard lights on. Everything checked out OK.
02/23 19:25
Police responded to a report of a suspicious person circling sorority houses in a gold Astro van. Police were unable to locate the suspect.
02/24 04:57
A woman called police to report
a suspicious male suspect in the Nutwood Parking Structure who asked her where the fraternity houses were. After responding to the suspect that she did not know, he repeatedly asked the same question.
02/24 17:53
A call was made seeking medical aid to the Education Classroom Building. Police responded to aid a female who had fainted.
02/25 01:38
Police arrested a man at State College Boulevard and Chapman Avenue for drunk driving and for possession of brass knuckles.
02/25 10:59
Police responded to reports of suspicious activity in McCarthy Hall. It was reported that a smell of smoke was coming from the restroom. Everything checked out OK.
02/25 11:01
A report was taken of a petty theft from the TitanShops bookstore.
02/25 23:27
Police arrested a male in Parking Lot G for possession of a shotgun pistol.
02/26 15:29
Police responded to suspicious activity in the Nutwood Parking Structure. A couple in a white vehicle was reported as possibly being involved in a sexual act.
02/26 16:08
A call was made reporting a male and female arguing near the Arboetum. It was reported that the male had pushed the female and she was crying. Everything checked out OK.
Correction
In the Feb. 24 issue the Daily Titan, it was incorrectly reported that Nick Cooper wrote “Theater Department shoots for the stars.” The writer was Jickie Torres.
The “Conquest of the Pacific: Society on the Sea” exhibit opens today in the Anthropology Teaching Museum, MH 424. The exhibit, created by five students, includes items on loan from the Newport Harbor Nautical and Bowers museum. The exhibit will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Today is the last to nominate a colleague for the CSUF 20042005 Outstanding Professor Award. Nominations must be in to the Academic Senate Office, MH 143, by noon. The letter of nomination must be accompanied by evidence of achievement and the signatures of four faculty members. No one may nominate more than one candidate. The TSU Center Gallery will open an exhibit presenting artwork by Christa Mares today. The exhibit will feature sculptures that become emotionally and psychologically evocative when they are juxtaposed with unsettling and overt sexual situations. Oscar Castillo, an L.A. based artist, will display his photo documentation of Cesar Chavez in the TSU Atrium Gallery. The exhibit, opening today, is in recognition of Cesar Chavez day on March 31. Got a break between noon and 1:30 p.m.? Brush up on your vocals and head down to the TSU Underground for free karaoke in the Pub. All events are free and on campus unless otherwise indicated. If you would like to have a specific entry put in the calendar section, please send an e-mail to news@dailytitan.com.
Weather
forecast
Monday, Feb. 28 Partly Cloudy Low 49°
67°
Tuesday, March 1 Partly Cloudy Low 48°
66°
Wednesday, March 2 A.M. clouds/P.M. sun Low 51°
72°
Compiled from The Weather Channel
News Eastwood and his ‘baby’ take top Oscars Daily Titan
‘The Aviator’ takes most, winning five; Foxx takes best actor The Associated Press
LOS ANGELES – The boxing saga “Million Dollar Baby” was the Academy Awards heavyweight Sunday, claiming best picture and three other trophies, including honors for director Clint Eastwood, lead actress Hilary Swank and supporting actor Morgan Freeman. The night meant more heartbreak for Martin Scorsese. “The Aviator”
tsunami
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their help was needed elsewhere. “There was never really a point when I was scared of what we were about to do,” said McAlvany of their decision to fly to Banda Aceh to help the tsunami victims. A frightening message it was – considering the city’s foreboding history. “There have been no westerners allowed in Banda Aceh for 30 years,” Samuel Lippke said. “We were warned a lot and we never had any sort of paperwork so that kind of scared me.” Fighting warnings and refusals by Indonesian air force officials to fly the three westerners into the dangerous and virtually forbidden city, the group finally made it in. After literally writing out their own paperwork and receiving signatures from the Indonesian governor, the three were flown to the flooded city where they served as temporary doctors to a community that was almost devoid of any substantial aid. “It was weird to think that I was
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anchor, was chosen for the board for his media contacts and to work with the board on how to better use the media to get the college’s message out, Bishop said. “I know Ashley Bishop, we went to college together,” Greene said. “He knows that I have a profound interest in education and in the education that our teachers are receiving.” Former teacher Peggy Hammer brings to the board her 31 years of experience as an educator.
came away with the most Oscars – five, including the supportingactress prize for Cate Blanchett – but Scorsese lost the directing race for the fifth time. Eastwood, who at 74 became the oldest directing winner ever, noted his mother was with him when his Western “Unforgiven” won the 1992 best-picture and directing Oscar. “She’s here with me again tonight, so at 96, I’m thanking her for her genes,” Eastwood said. “I figure I’m just a kid. I’ve got a lot of stuff to do yet.” Scorsese matched the record of Oscar futility held by a handful of filmmakers such as Alfred Hitchcock
and Robert Altman, who also went 0for-5 in the directing category. Swank became a double Academy Award winner Sunday for “Million Dollar Baby,” while Jamie Foxx took lead actor for “Ray.” The wins for Freeman and Foxx made it only the second time blacks won two of the four acting prizes. “I don’t know what I did in this life to deserve all this. I’m just a girl from a trailer park who had a dream,” said Swank. Foxx won for his uncanny emulation of Ray Charles in “Ray.” As he had at earlier awards triumphs, Foxx led the Oscar audience in a rendition of the call-and-response chant from
Charles’ 1959 hit “What’d I Say.” Foxx had been a double Oscar nominee, also picked in the supporting category for the thriller “Collateral.” Playing Katharine Hepburn in “The Aviator,” Blanchett had the spirit of the Oscars’ most-honored actress on her side. “Thank you, of course, to Miss Hepburn. The longevity of her career I think is inspiring to everyone,” said Blanchett. She added thanks to “Aviator” director Scorsese, saying, “I hope my son will marry your daughter.” Unlike last year, when “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” dominated the awards as expected
working on these boys that could have been the next terrorists,” Samuel Lippke said. “I remember the last night I slept with a knife under my pillow, but I never really though of what would happen if I got captured by rebels.” For four days, through death, pain and sickness, the three studentsturned-doctors fought to save the lives of the injured tsunami victims. Several Cal State Fullerton students attended the event, giving homage to what they saw as a touching story. “Knowing that people were there to help really touches me,” said accounting major Vanessa Gao. “It makes me want to go and help as well.” With dozens of people donating money to support the fundraiser’s tsunami victim aid efforts, it was clear that the message had been heard. A tale of adventure to some and heroism to others, for Ira Lippke two memories remain. “There were two things that brought me to Indonesia,” said Ira Lippke. “One was faith and what it means to be a Christian and two was the love of adventure.”
sherwood
research assistant at the Center for Mark Twain Studies in Elmira, N.Y., and in 1989 he was honored at the 24th Annual Orange County Authors Celebration. When Cummings was not busy writing articles, reading literature or studying Mark Twain, he loved to travel. “He had a boat called ‘The Huckleberry,’” Crowley said. “He would go up every weekend to his boat even if it were just to sit in the marina.” Cummings received his bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Illinois. Then, he earned his master’s and doctorate degrees at the University of Wisconsin. Crowley said Cummings was diagnosed with cancer six weeks before he died. “I noticed a mole and immediately took him to the doctor where we soon found out that it was malignant.” Cummings died while in bed with his wife of 65 years, Crowley said. “He had a good life,” she said . “He will be missed.”
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school. Sherwood was very kind to me and introduced me to the department,” said Tom Klammer, dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. “He checked up on me and always asked if I was doing all right.” Cummings retired from teaching at CSUF after 17 years, but later regretted having done it so soon. “He retired in 1980 and a few years later the Faculty Early Retirement Program was introduced which allowed faculty to retire but to continue teaching for five years,” Klammer said. “Sherwood regretted retiring and wished he had waited so that he could have continued teaching, because once you retire you can’t take it back and teach again.” Still, Cummings continued to write articles and reviews. He even attended the quadricentennial meeting of the International Mark Twain Society where he chaired a seminar on Twain’s essays and pieces. He also spent five weeks as a
“I can sympathize with future vast amount of time spent working teachers comon the board except in the ing from the sense of supporting the I am proud to u n i v e r s i t y, ” new college said Bishop. be a part of this Hammer said. “We have people who “I am proud in essence, just because of university and to to be a part of their commitment to edube able to watch this university cation, are serving on our this college grow and to be able Advancement Board,” to watch this said Bishop. “Just being Peggy Hammer college grow.” with them is a humbling Former Teacher The memexperience. All of their bers of the individual accomplishboard serve as ments and incredible volunteers to the college. knowledge will significantly enrich They are not compensated for the the College of Education.”
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in December of 2003 and has since used his observations as fuel for his performances. His discussions of human rights, the occupation of land and economic disparity are often heated and emotional. The decision to have Gonzales perform was not a malicious one, the organizing parties of AudioIntifada said during the meeting “This in no way was meant to upset Hillel or any other club,” said Fahmi Farahat, public relations director for MESS. “We are looking forward to bringing peace and promoting tolerance.” Mark Gonzales came to last week’s AICA meeting in order to personally speak with Hillel’s members about their concerns, but Hillel was absent from the meeting. Gonzales was upset about Hillel’s absence, a feeling he expressed in an open letter to AICA that was distributed at Thursday’s meeting. The representative from MEChA said that he personally contacted Hillel president Matt Gross and let him know that Gonzales would be at the meeting, but Gross said that no Hillel members were available to attend the meeting. Snitzer said she was never told that Gonzales would be coming. “We tried to form a coalition between the clubs, but MSA and MEChA were the only ones that responded,” said Rashad Aldabragh, president of MESS. “Mark Gonzales is coming with an alternative view from that of the mainstream news media. He saw the realities of Palestine. Hillel would rather not see an event like this happen on campus.” Repeated attempts were made to contact Hillel president Matt Gross, but he didn’t respond. Before voting, Ragazzo spoke of the significance of the discussion. “Whether this passes or it doesn’t, I hope this leads us to a better scrutiny of what is happening and a better dialogue between us,” he said. “This isn’t a council of mono thought, and I hope this begins a new era in AICA about discussing programs and ideas,” he said. The proposal received 17 votes in favor of it, with Hillel voting against it, and two groups abstaining from the vote. “Most decisions we vote on don’t hit so close to home,” Farahat said. “There won’t be controversy like this again unless it gets personal like it did this time.” Audio-Intifada is scheduled to take place on March 10 in Pavilion C of the Titan Student Union from 6:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.
and flat-out front-runners took all four acting prizes, the 77th Oscars shaped up as a mixed bag, with only Foxx a virtual lock to win. “Boy, am I glad there wasn’t a fourth episode of `Lord of the Rings,’” said John Dykstra, who shared the visual-effects Oscar for “Spider-Man 2.” With no huge hits among top nominees, Oscar organizers worried that TV ratings could dwindle for the live ABC broadcast. The Oscars tend to draw their biggest audiences when blockbusters are in the mix, stoking viewer interesT. Producers of the show hoped the presence of first-time host Rock might boost ratings, partic-
ularly among younger viewers. Rock had mocked the Oscars a bit beforehand, calling awards shows “idiotic,” but he was on his best behavior in his opening monologue. Rock chided some celebrities by name and included one mild threeletter word, but his routine was fairly clean for the comedian known for a foul mouth in his standup act. “The only acting you ever see at the Oscars is when people act like they’re not mad they lost,” Rock said. Organizers also tried to spice up the show with new presentation tactics, including herding all nominees on stage at the same time, beauty-pageant style, for some awards.
Mesa Coopertiva event emphasizes student activity ‘Bienvenida’ geared toward promoting campus organizations By Mahsa Khalilifar Daily Titan Staff
Mesa Cooperativa held an event Friday night in the Titan Student Union Pavilion to attract Cal State Fullerton’s Latino students, help them network, meet other students and learn more about various organizations available to them around campus. “Bienvenida,” which means “welcome” in Spanish, is an annual CSUF event. Starting a little after 7 p.m., it brought an estimated 60 to 70 students and faculty to participate in things like a scavenger hunt and prize raffles. “I hope to inspire a couple of students to get involved,” said Micah Ornelas, a senior business major and the Mesa Cooperativa chairperson, who hosted the event. “[Tonight] is an excellent way to make connections and network.” The event began with an introduction of the participating organizations and a representative from each group gave a speech promoting their organization and their causes. Chicano/Latino groups and other recognized organizations attended and set-up tables in the Pavilion to promote their programs and introduce themselves to students unaware of them. “[We are here] for student motivation and student involvement,” said senior Marcela Ramirez, director of the EMBRACE Program, a CSUF multicultural leadership program. “There are a lot of things [happening] on campus that students don’t know about.” Ornelas also emphasized a need for involvement. “It’s a great way for students to find out about [university] organizations; it’s a great way to get them exposed,” he said. Ornelas later introduced the keynote speaker, senior Erica Lizano. Lizano, a sociology major, spoke about the
GOSPEL FEST
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Wallace Rayford, father of 16-yearold Christian and 17-year-old Norris. “They’ve been performing for about a year now. As long as they’re giving the word of God, I like it,” rayford said. Other performers included Greater Victory Divinely Touch, a female dance troupe whose ages range from 6 to 22. Clad in royal blue and silversequined dance outfits, Greater Victory performed its own mix of sign language and interpretive dance to gospel music that even got two young girls in the audience to practice their signing to each other. The audience clapped, stomped and cheered as they urged and encouraged the young performers. “That’s what was great about Gospel Fest,” said Sistertalk President Chyrel McLeod. “It wasn’t Cal State Fullerton students doing all the performing. Children stepped up and wanted to help. Maybe in a few years they’ll go to college and help out with the event.” McLeod, a public relations senior, said events like Gospel Fest are important because of the feeling of community it creates. “Many African Americans go to
hardships she has had to overcome as a member of the Latino community and said that Latinos should be ambitious and continue to reach to higher levels of education. “I was asked to speak to encourage Latinos to continue on with their education,” she said. Lizano said that if her story encourages other students and motivates them academically, then it’s worth it to share it with them. Lizano said she was just accepted to UCLA’s Social Welfare Masters program and the UCR Sociology Ph.D. Program and said she’s debating which one to attend. She said a major part of her success is being a member of the McNair Scholars, which is a program that “assists low-income first generation students or under-represented students,” get into doctorial programs. In her speech, Lizano emphasized the need to face challenges and afterward spoke to students in the audience about her experiences. “I think the most important thing is to be less fearful of challenges,” said Lizano. “The challenges we overcome make us more resilient, any non-dominant ethnic group has challenges.” After Lizano spoke, “The Paleros” dance troop from UC Irvine gave a Salsa and Meringue performance. Wearing black and white, an ethnically diverse group of male and female students danced to music to show students the artistic side of the culture. Although there were some missteps and a fall, the audience seemed to be intrigued by the effort presented to them. “I didn’t know there were so many organizations on campus for Latinos,” said junior Mayra Arguelles. “I think now I’m going to be more involved.” The night ended with a drawing for gift certificates and other prizes. Ornelas said that Mesa mostly wanted students to meet other students and to be more active in general on campus. “I’m a firm believer that the more you get involved, the better the experience you get from college,” said Ornelas. “You make a lot of good relationships along the way.” church to feel unity,” she said. “It’s a way of celebrating and remembering.” In addition to performances, Gospel Fest showcased the works of African American artists and allowed vendors to sell clothing, artwork and jewelry at tables outside the event. Proceeds from ticket and food sales, as well as 10 percent of vendors’ profits, went towards funding a book scholarship sponsored by Sistertalk. The scholarship is given each September to an African American female attending Cal State Fullerton. The recipient is chosen based on the quality of her essay and her GPA, Sistertalk adviser Rosalina Camacho said. “I’m so proud of the girls and what they’ve done with this event,” Camacho said. “Gospel Fest educates people through music and arts, and the money goes toward a great cause.” Host Spearman agreed. “We need to support one another to get through this educational system,” he said, speaking of the African American community. “I know it’s tough sometimes, but together as one we can be a strong force.”